Politics

There is a three-word question that every parent of a child in diapers is forced to ask repeatedly, no matter how awkward the situation: "Did. You. Poop?" Why can't 2-year-olds be trusted to fill us in when they go? Or be honest about their diaper-statuses when asked? Why must we have to turn them around and do an actual check every time? These are mysteries for the ages, and perfect fodder for episode four of the incredibly viral series "Convos With My 2-Year-Old" -- "The Check." Watch it above and don't miss the first three videos about playtime, bedtime and cookie time.More...

Untitled (Street Performances) Concept Sketch, Broad Museum InterventionArchival Pigment Print, Mason LineMore...

After losing the Hispanic vote by a whopping 44 points last November, the Republican National Committee (RNC) commissioned an autopsy report to examine what went wrong, a much-needed effort that NCLR applauded. The report noted that "the key problem is that the Republican Party's message offends too many people unnecessarily" and that "it's imperative that the RNC changes how to engage with Hispanic communities." So let's check in to see how the Republican-led House of Representatives is doing on this important new front in the electoral battle.Two weeks ago, the House passed an amendment to withhold funding for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary but long-overdue relief to the nation's "DREAMers," young people who were brought to the U.S. through no decision of their own and know no other country as home. The amendment was authored by outspoken anti-immigrant Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) who, among other things, has likened immigrants to breeding dogs.More...

Who knew Aishwarya Rai was a horse lover?The stunning Bollywood actress mingled with the British elite (and their hangers-on) on day one of the Royal Ascot in England on Tuesday.More...

What is a summer song? This question used to haunt me in my younger years. As I have reached the wise, mature age of 17, I have gained a deeper understanding of what a "summer song" really is. It's more than just being about beaches or the sun; it's even more than just being released during this season. Summer songs are fun, light, feel-good songs that make you wanna have a good time!As someone who has always had a passion for music (and who equally enjoys having a good time), I have always had a special place for songs that make you feel instantly happy. I'm the luckiest girl in the world because my job consists of constantly being around feel-good songs (I LOVE working on Austin & Ally), and I'm even luckier because I had the opportunity to co-write one of those songs for an upcoming episode on June 23 ("Finally Me"). Does it air in the summer? Yes. Is it a feel-good song? You better believe it! Does that mean it's a summer song? That's for you to decide. Meanwhile, here's a list of my top 10 favorite songs of the summer!More...

Foto: Anne Hathaway en los Premios Oscar 2011.More...

The election of Hassan Rowhani as Iran's next president presents the United States and the Western world with a historic opportunity. In the same way Richard Nixon may have been the only American statesman of his era to have the credibility with the left and the right to negotiate with Communist China, Rowhani maybe just the right Iranian politician at this time in history.While the candidates for Iran's presidency are vetted by an unelected clerical body, there appears little doubt that Rowhani's election was the overwhelming choice of the Iranian people. There were no foreign election monitors allowed in Iran, however, enough credible news sources have been reporting for weeks that Rowhani's campaign had been gaining momentum and has the support of the reform movement. His rallies were reminiscent of those of Mir Hossein Moussavi four years ago, with images of young men and women cheering him on as he spoke about granting them greater freedom and charting a new, less confrontational course in Iran's relations with the outside world.More...

Thirty-year-old Manal's baby was born in Beirut two months ago. Manal says that she has never thought that her first baby would be born as a refugee; that he would not get to hear as he is growing up how much joy his birth brought to his large, extended family; that he would not have a stable home, growing up surrounded by love and security.Manal and her baby are Syrian refugees in Lebanon.More...

When we first got a look at Mark and Linda Heister's La Porte, I.N., Georgian-style mansion on Crain's Chicago Business, we could immediately tell that the owners had an eye for detail. And after learning that they had been in the fashion business for 35 years, their stylish ways made a lot of sense.The couple acquired the 1923 home in 2006 -- by accident. After coming across the stately 7,000-square-foot abode while scouting for antiques (their favorite pastime) Linda said "we were goners" and immediately purchased it. What instantly attracted them was the ability to formally entertain many people, something they could not do in their Chicago-area home. Their stunning dining room alone seats 16 at gorgeous mirror-topped tables.More...

This was first published in The Wise Latina Club.Before November's election, I travelled the country, in part with the non-partisan voter mobilization non-profit Project Vote, meeting Latino voters, including Hispanic evangelicals in a West Cleveland neighborhood that doesn't normally see outsiders unless a crime has been committed.More...