Rev. Jesse Jackson, 03/13/12

Civil rights activist

We can't simply tell a young generation that the American Dream is a nightmare for them. We can't have a prosperous economy if the middle class is sinking. We will not long be a democracy if the wealthiest pocket the rewards and check out of building the nation.

Father Alberto Cutie, 03/12/12

Episcopal Priest, author of the New York Times bestselling DILEMMA: A Priest's Struggle with Faith and Love

I am convinced that when Lent moves from just "giving up" or fasting to "feasting" on good habits, the transformation can be truly amazing!

Mark Hostetler, 03/13/12

Professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, University of Florida

You should not rely on a certificate as the sole indicator of how green your community is -- rely more on your "on-the-ground" analysis. Here are some things to look for.

Edward Wyckoff Williams, 03/12/12

Columnist and Political Analyst

The nation has entered a twilight zone where 'elite' and 'elitism' only have subjective meaning. It's an alternate universe in which Mitt Romney can admit he's "not concerned about the very poor" and his wife can claim she doesn't consider herself "wealthy." All this during a time of record unemployment.

Ellen Kanner, 03/12/12

syndicated columnist, the Edgy Veggie

This is a sweet time for maple growers -- or it should be. It's sugaring time, when the trees are tapped and the sap is boiled to make maple syrup and maple sugar candy. It takes 40 gallons of sap to boil down to one gallon of syrup, so every drop counts.

Jose Suarez, 03/09/12

Director of Communications at 1Miami

The Miami Marlins President David Samson has caught a lot of flak for calling Miami politicians stupid. But heck, maybe his words did have some credence.

Nezar Hamze, 03/13/12

Executive Director, Council on American Islamic Relations - South Florida

The most frequent question I get asked by my fellow Americans is to explain how Muslims believe in God. "Who or what is Allah?" they ask.

Josephine Nabukenya, 03/10/12

Ambassador, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

When you're a kid, a lot of times you feel alone. That feeling is multiplied when you grow up with HIV. But then you find someone who has been through what you've been through, and it makes you feel better.

Jamarah Abdullah Amani, 03/12/12

Co-director, Mobile Midwives

It baffles me that we, as a society, allow the horrific practice of shackling to continue without more outrage.

John Farr, 03/12/12

Editor, bestmoviesbyfarr.com

For social gatherings at home built around screening movies, outstanding rock documentaries and concert films are virtually guaranteed crowd pleasers, particularly if your home theater set-up includes a quality sound system.

Roger Stone, 03/08/12

Political consultant

My week in Southern Cal convinced me that a candidate for president who favors a woman's right to choose and gay marriage equality, and at the same time supports deep cuts in spending, has a unique opportunity to impact the presidential race.

Rachel Bloom, 03/08/12

Advocacy and Policy Strategist, ACLU

Two months into the state legislative session, not a single welfare drug testing bill has passed into law. In fact, in state after state these bills are dying, in part due to the high costs of implementing such laws.

Eleni Gage, 03/09/12

There seems to be something primal, maybe instinctive, that makes us want to dress up this time of year. Is it the longer days making us feel frisky? Or do we just need a little taste of good times to get us through the spiritually serious times to come?

Suzanne Aaronson, 03/09/12

Whatsworthit.com Founder & Publisher

Very different from the Arizona and Berkshire locations, this Canyon Ranch is an a la carte proposition, smack on the beach midway between South Beach and Bal Harbour shopping mall.