Smoke invaded the air by ignoring the clouded sky and by just a simple puff it challenged resistance. Tobacco is this generation’s leader and unfortunately, it’s the next. It is a personal ad; the supervisor of death.

When Ayona was exposed to R&B sensations such as Mariah Carey and Tina Turner, her love for singing began at the age of five. Her passion led to more than just singing in the shower but bigger and better accomplishments later in her life, such as opening up for rapper Soulja Boy and singer Lloyd in 2008 and working with Keith Harris, the drummer for Black Eyed Peas.

Every time I think that she can’t top her last book—she does. Sophie Kinsella’s latest novel, Twenties Girl, is  brilliant, well-crafted and absolutely hilarious.

Addiction is a serious problem and can range from online activities to not being able to control one’s drinking. Some questions you may have are answered here by Vanessa E. Ford (pictured to the left), a Chicago-based independently licensed clinical social worker who specializes in psychotherapy and addiction.

Thanks to Helen Gebregiorgis for inspiration.

You always hear about women being harassed on the train or bus at random times on random days. Your grandmother always tells you to carry pepper spray, and not take night classes. And you know to be aware of your surroundings, but you always think, no matter where you are, as long you’re in public and if there are people around, you’ll be safe. You think.

My first semester as a freshman at Columbia College Chicago was coming to an end, and a few of my close friends urged me to join a social networking site called Facebook. But just as I refused to join MySpace in high school, I refused to join Facebook.

Michael Jackson is known to be one of the most successful entertainers in the music industry, with numerous number one singles, albums and unforgettable music videos like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” The King of Pop has made quite an impression on his fans all around the world. And now, the pop icon is calling it quits after he performs a series of 50 concerts in London. The 50-year-old singer hasn’t been on tour for years.  His fans are bewildered, excited and sad. It’s been reported that Jackson’s main reason for conducting these final concerts, which will take place this summer, is to get out of debt. Or is it?

Once upon a green time, stay-at-home mother of three, Terri Lawlor Kolodziej and her youngest daughter, Karli, sat down to watch the Discovery Channel. It was a show about global warming, and over the sad demise of these cute, adorable polar bears, Karli begin to cry her eyes out.

The original definition of cheating is no more unscrupulous behavior but is quickly being replaced by a standing status of magnetism after school special. It’s a battle that continues to twists emotions upside down in relationships that establish songs like “Before He Cheats,” by Carrie Underwood to “What If a Woman” by Joe.

Dear catcalled victims,

Below 30 degrees in Chicago makes you want to stay home, curl up in bed, read a good book, drink some hot chocolate and maybe catch a rerun of Sex and the City.