splash
Jim Belushi is the master of his machine
Yes, I am on my third marriage. But I’ve learned a lot of things during those marriages to make this one work; I’ve learned lessons from mistakes. If you don’t, you’re an idiot. When I met my wife Jennifer, I couldn’t wait to exercise what …
David DeJesus makes the most of his time in the spotlight
Playing in the Major Leagues has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so you can imagine my excitement at being drafted by the New York Mets in 1997 straight out of high school. At that time, however, I felt I was …
After losing her brother, then her sister, Monica Pedersen learned the value of support
January is often a month full of hope and goal-setting for the year ahead. Unfortunately, for many, it painfully marks the start of another year without a loved one. I know this experience well; on Jan. 6, 1987, I lost my twin brother Michael to …
Jon Harris discusses pal Al Roker’s triumph over his struggle with the scale
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing broadcaster, author and producer Al Roker for more than 20 years and I’m blessed to call him my “brother.”
By now, most people know about Al’s lifelong struggle with his weight. But what many don’t know is that the …
Justine Fedak teaches her daughter to beat bullies at their own game
Before I had a child, I was unaware of just how cruel children can be to one another. And I’m not just talking about bullies that intimidate with brutal force — I’m talking about those that use words to try to dismantle a peer’s psyche. …
Nina Chantele has an unexpected awakening in the eternal city
Three weeks before my birthday, I decided to do something impulsive: celebrate it in Rome. I’ve always wanted to go overseas, and ever since I turned 30 I’ve been taking birthday trips as a chance to reflect on the year that has passed and create …
Bill Kurtis gives a lesson on the origins of America’s gun culture
In the search for answers to the problem of guns in America, we would be wise to consider the years 1870 to 1885 when young drovers terrorized the cowtowns of the West. We’re led to believe by the media — dime novels and wild West …
Bela Gandhi urges women to reconsider their requirements
Most of my date coaching clients come to our first session with a dating checklist — a list of desires they want in their mates. I love lists; they’re a great way to focus your search. But having coached hundreds of singles nationwide, what I’ve …
Mark Tebbe gets giddy about this year’s Consumer Electronics Show
Tonight, Las Vegas becomes the center of the geek universe for me and other hardcore technology fanatics at the kickoff of the Consumer Electronics Show. And fortunately, what happens this week in Vegas — at least at CES — won’t stay in Vegas. At CES, …
Jim Karas’ (healthy) guide to dinner parties
It happens all the time at parties, dinners, restaurants, you name it. I walk in and see a few clients, friends and people who might not even know me (but do know what I do for a living) and there’s a collective groan. I can …
Julie Latsko is counting down the days to ‘Downton Abbey’
The wait is almost over, my fellow “Downton Abbey” fanatics: Season 3 will begin on Jan. 6, 2013, via our local PBS station. The Brits didn’t have to wait as long as we did because the show premiered there in September to a record audience. …
Kevin Boehm on Chicago’s curious vocabulary
‘The Mother------ With a Hat” recently began previews at Steppenwolf, and because of its proximity to two of my restaurants (and the fact that the show, which stars Jimmy Smits, runs through March 3), I will be using that word a lot. It’s never been …
Mayor Rahm Emanuel explains his position on gun control legislation
During my two decades in national politics, there has been a commonly held belief that sensible gun policies are the third rail of politics. Many of our elected leaders simply hide behind this empty mantra to avoid an honest discussion about an issue that ends …
Dr. Ian K. Smith adds a little uncertainty to the menu
I remember the conversation so vividly. I was sitting in my editor’s manuscript-strewn office when I delivered the news. “I’m not going to write any more diet books,” I proclaimed defiantly. “I’ve said all that I have to say about weight loss.” I had already …
Rita Canning puts a spotlight on the courage of abused women
Nearly a third of all Americans know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend or girlfriend. Studies report that before they seek help for the first time, women typically are abused 35 times. Illinois’ most recent report states that in …
Joakim Noah explains why he’s dismantling a signature move
When I make a big play or score or hit a jump shot, I blaze my guns. What started out as an inside joke with one of my teammates during practice somehow became one of my signature moves. People called it controversial or even irresponsible …
