As part of our “You Said It” Op-Ed series, we invite contributors to submit their opinion pieces. The views reflected in these pieces may not be our own. Have a submission? Contact us here. In addition to our day jobs, we have morphed into chefs, homeschool teachers, psychologists for our sad seniors, and cheerful event […]
Last year on the Saturday before Easter, Robert King, a 20-year automotive sales professional, decided to take the scenic route home from work. He had finished a busy day selling cars and was looking forward to getting home. “I remember the day so clearly. It was a beautiful, sunny evening and I hopped on Lake […]
During my years as a public school teacher, I observed firsthand the policies and practices that intentionally deny students the social safety net required to thrive: living in food deserts, health issues due to lack of insurance, and the experience of being over-policed and under-protected. On my worst days I’d think: Just burn it all down. […]
It wasn’t the most cheerful breakfast conversation, but it was an important one. “Mom,” one of my three kids asked while slathering jam on my latest attempt at sourdough bread. “What would happen to us if both you and Dad get COVID?” I assured my kids that we’ll probably be fine. Besides, we have a […]
The hedonic treadmill is the theory that we all return to our baseline level of happiness, both after wonderful experiences and also after devastating ones. The global pandemic of COVID-19 is a devastating experience. For many of us, it has been accompanied by additional stressors as well as unimaginable losses. Each person experiences it in their own […]
I’m a recovering addict who has now been sober for more than a decade. I grew up in a household where both of my parents struggled with addiction. I know what it’s like to hit rock bottom having served my first prison sentence at age 20. But, more importantly, I know what it takes to […]
“What makes you different?” This is a question that nine-year-old Rosie Quinn, whose bubbly and chipper voice espouses much wisdom for her young age, asks when first meeting someone that might be curious about her bald head. Rosie was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, alopecia, at two years old. This occurs when the immune system […]
By now you know the drill: we’re stuck indoors, working from home and grasping onto anything that sparks joy. But at least the sun is shining, there is good news on the horizon and we have five ways for you to support local, and stay sane. Here is what we are digging this week. Saving […]
The coronavirus pandemic, no doubt, has triggered all sorts of emotions over the last two months. Even those who aren’t prone to crying may feel the tears trickle down their cheeks, a result of the sadness that comes with constant news of death and hospitalization rates. Or, maybe it’s the viral videos of balcony singalongs […]
If you’ve eaten at a restaurant designed by Chicago-based Siren Betty Design, you remember it. The firm’s principal designer and founder, Nicole Alexander, has made full-throttle, go-big-or-go-home impact a hallmark of her hospitality projects. “I tend toward a sort of lived-in maximalism — lots of layers, textures and colors, a sprinkling of vintage, and one-of-a-kind […]
