Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres recieved the highest U.S. award for achievement in comedy on Monday, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. How awesome is that? This award is a really big deal and I must admitt, she deserves every bit of it! She just seems sincere in all that she does and goes in with a passion without caring about the preconcieved notions people have about her. She's different, a good kind of diffenet of coarse. Ellen was admired for being one of the first female comic whose unique talk show has helped establish the format for daytime television in recent years. I wish her many more achievements to come.

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Apart of an effort to reduce the Target Corp. company's debt will consist of  the company  selling the entire share of its consumer credit card business to TD Bank Group. It has been reported that the company has been in search of a buyer for almost two years.The deal now means that TD Bank will have control over regulatory compliance and risk management policies meaning they will make decisions about which applications will be accepted and what interest rates, if any will customers be charged with. Those who have the  Target's Red Card credit card will not be affected by the new deal. The deal sounds harmeless. The Chicago Tribune reported that "Target says it plans to use 90 percent of the net proceeds to reduce the company's debt; it aims to use the remaining funds to repurchase its stock over time."

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Local Airport to many Chicagoans is set to recieve less intrusive body scanners. Just in time for the holiday season, O'Hare will get new body scanners that will help better detect threats under clothing and speed up the lines at security checkpoints.  The new scanners will display a generic outline of each passenger rather than specific body images which has caused much controversy in the past.  At least 29 of the new millimeter wave body-imaging devices are expected at O'Hare, replacing all of the current larger backscatter advanced image technology X-ray machines. I think these new scanners are a good idea. Midway Airport is set to recieve new scanners next year.

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Here is a video of movie mogul Tyler Perry talking with CNN about his childhood. You've gotta love him, talented and honest. It's always good to dish things out no matter who you are, we all need to vent at some time or another. Tyler Perry is also starring in the new film 'Alex Cross'.

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Here is a short clip of the very intense and informative final presidential debate last night. Both candidates attacked foreign and domestic policy from different viewpoints while the world watched. For 90 minutes President Obama and Mitt Romney touched on world issues, criticized one another's plans, and brought up claims that required fact-checking. Overall the debate went along smoothly and each of the candidates recieved a fair chance to voice their opinions. With the election two weeks away, the candidates still have some convincing to do for those undecided voters.

Early voting for Illinois started yesterday and Cook County voters definitely showed up. These early voters actually set a new record. A new record number of ballots were cast for first day of early voting in Illinois.  Over 13,00o Cook County residents voted early  yesterday.  Voters  will be allowed to cast their ballot at any of the 51 early voting sites. Monday through Saturday the sites are open from 9 a.m. t0 5 p.m. The early voting period in Illinois runs from October 22nd through November 3rd. Early voting is a good way to avoid long lines at assigned voting sites on the actual day of the election.  Anyone who is registered to vote can vote early. A government-issued ID is required. Are you voting early? 

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As the month of October ends do not forget that Breast Cancer affects women and men year-round! Breast cancer is a tumor that usually develops in the breast tissue, primarily in the milk ducts or glands.  It is important to give yourself monthly breast examinations  and yearly mammograms. Remember, Breast Cancer can be highly curable if detected in it's early stages. Below is a clip of actress Gabrielle Union sharing her personal experience with her friend that was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  

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Parents and children can now be on the look out for Disney's new Latina princess. Princess Sofia will make her grand debut on the Disney Channel November 18th in the TV movie, Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess. I think this is really cool. Disney finds a way to do it everytime! The film and series is designed for children ages 2-7. Disney Junior says that "Sofia is a relatable peer-to-peer princess who is experiencing many of the same social situations as young viewers at home - learning how to fit in, making new friends and conquering new skills.” What do you all think of this?

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The Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting the 5th Annual 3Arts Award Show! The award recognizes "women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities working in the performing, teaching and visual arts.”  This year jazz singer Dee Alexander is one of the ten recipients. The 3Arts organization presents each honoree with $15,000 without restrictions. Including tonight's presenations the 3Arts organization will have given more than $1 million to over 100 Chicago artists during the past five years!

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