Michael Bialas, 08/06/12

Entertainment and Sports Journalist

After four songs, Los Lobos spokesman Cesar Rosas, who had the unenviable task of zapping some energy into the crowd, said, "Can y'all breathe all right?... I need some tequila."

Steven Cohen, 08/06/12

Executive Director, Columbia University's Earth Institute

While broad, global issues such as climate change are ignored by national governments and international organizations, a wide range of sustainability issues have entered our political agenda and are being acted on by local governments.

Gary Hart, 08/04/12

President, Hart International, Ltd.

There is a constant chorus respecting the freedom of speech. Little is heard respecting the right to remain silent. But many more Americans remain silent than speak, for more reasons than we can count. All of which are fine, except silence conveys assent.

Matthew Appelbaum, 08/01/12

Mayor of Boulder

Boulder's focus on the total package is working because we're not just a job, or just a nice place to live. We're a diverse community focused on business retention, a culture of innovation that attracts entrepreneurs and pushing the envelope.

Liz Joynt Sandberg, 08/07/12

Dance and performance artist

Well hello there! My name is Liz and I'm making it up as I go. To a certain extent, I think we'll all admit that this is true of ourselves. But this truth -- that we're basically winging it -- becomes especially pronounced when we become parents.

Mike Krause, 08/07/12

VP of Operations, Independence Institute

Denver is recovering some housing value, and property tax revenue will rise along with the housing market. But the mayor's new money grab could jeopardize an already shaky local economy.

Daniel Gross, 07/31/12

President, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence

We want solutions that will save lives. We are willing to put aside our political differences to find them. We know we are better than this. Now we must hold our elected officials accountable to show that they are too.

Donna Solomon, DVM, 08/02/12

Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center of Chicago

Indoor cats are not disease-free. Just like in humans, cats can get sick for a number of reasons. Infectious diseases are dramatically reduced if you keep your pet inside but not eliminated completely.

Tristine Skyler, 08/03/12

Freelance writer

If the story of our country were a movie, we have established the villain: our ineffective gun laws. If our story were a movie, the hero -- reluctant or not -- would accept his calling by the end of act one.

Connie Lawn, 08/03/12

Skiing White House Reporter

When I asked White House Press Secretary, "What city does this Administration consider to be the Capital of Israel?" many of my colleagues laughed nervously and Jay tried to move on. But the incident appeared on a number of sites within hours.

Eric Michael Johnson, 07/31/12

Writer and academic

The hope is that if we can isolate the factor that pushes some people to murder their fellow citizens, perhaps we can alter our social environment and reduce the likelihood that these terrible acts will be repeated in the future. The only problem is, which one could it be?

Bob Semro, 08/03/12

Policy analyst, Bell Policy Center

Insurance coverage both improves and saves lives. We may argue over numbers, but the benefits for people are undeniable. The decision of Colorado, or any other state, cannot and should not be based upon dollars and cents alone.

Nicole Glass, 08/07/12

Freelance Journalist

Just hours after each of the heartbreaking shootings, Holmes and Page were on their way to becoming common household names. While locked behind bars, they become notorious Twitter superstars, dominating news feeds and television debates.

Ira Chernus, 08/06/12

Blogger at MythicAmerica.us

This reminds me of the nuclear war scenarios that were popular in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Of course the Soviets start it. Rockets fly and there is mass devastation on both sides.

David Thielen, 08/06/12

Founder, Windward Studios

It's a shame that a good idea, well-funded and very needed, was turned into a total waste by poor decisions each step of the way.

Tom Macy, 08/02/12

Head bartender, Clover Club

In the summer there is no better supplement to rest and relaxation than a cocktail. But, sometimes making a proper cocktail can eat into the time you're trying to savor. I am here to tell you that you can have your cocktail and drink it too.

John Buffalo Mailer, 07/29/12

Playwright, Actor, Journalist, Producer

In times of national fear and existential questions, we need to open up our hearts and minds and really start listening to each other about the world we want to live in, and how to make that world our reality.