‘Happiness by Design’ author offers insights
Is there a formula for being happy? According to Paul Dolan, professor of behavioral science at the London School of Economics and Political Science, we need to start doing more...
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‘Birdology’ helps kids discover amazing world of birds
Regardless of the season, there's always something to learn in the world of bird-watching. "You never know what you're going to see," said Monica Russo, a birding enthusiast since the...
’30 Lessons for Loving’ taps into wisdom of elderly
When it comes to getting advice from the elderly, gerontologist Karl Pillemer has done his research. As professor of human development at Cornell University, he created The Legacy Project in...
Online infidelity: Identifying, and dealing with, cyber affairs
I was co-hosting a company-sponsored discussion last fall, open to the public, about coping with divorce. A member of the audience shared with the group that he had discovered his...
La Casa Norte’s Sol Flores fights poverty, homelessness in Chicago
Having a sunny disposition is almost a birthright for Sol Flores, executive director of La Casa Norte, a nonprofit organization based in Humboldt Park that serves homeless youths and families....
Feed the Dream founder Sandy Haggart works to end hunger in Guatemala
Most people would be slowing down at age 71, but not Sandy Haggart. "The hardest part is trying not to work too hard (because) then I feel like I'm out...
How to make room in your life for new friendships
I was out to dinner recently with two new friends, and somewhere between the appetizers and the main course, I suddenly felt a wave of guilt. While I love spending...
Surviving the date when loved ones play matchmaker
So you're single and your loved ones want to set you up. Sometimes these dates are magic, sometimes just the opposite. Here are some tips when your friends and family...
Beating the holiday blues for a brighter, happier season
It's supposed to be the season to be jolly — but not everyone feels like celebrating this time of year. "It's normal (for some people) to be sad around the...
10 things I learned playing a reporter on ‘Chicago Fire’
I was recently cast to play a reporter for an episode of the NBC drama "Chicago Fire." My scene was with actor David Eigenberg, who plays firefighter Christopher Herrmann on...