Local nonprofit teaches youth skills for tech jobs
Beatrice Elizalde had given up her honor-student status four years ago to offer emotional support to her mother, who had just become a caregiver to Elizalde's maternal grandmother. Elizalde wanted to make enough money to return to college to get her bachelor's degree when she spotted an ad with the enticing question, "Do you want to get paid to learn?" She didn't realize she was walking into a life-changing experience at i.c. stars, a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to teaching promising young people to become community leaders and technologically skilled professionals.

Dad on crusade to warn of flat-screen TV dangers
Sandra Guy: Joe Judt will never forget the day three years ago when his son, Max, now 6, barely escaped with his life after the family's 37-inch flat-screen TV nearly tipped over on top of him. Max had opened a drawer to look for DVDs inside a 32-inch-high wooden chest on which the TV stood. The motion sent the TV wobbling. The number of children killed or injured by falling furniture -- primarily TV sets -- has increased in recent years.

Local Web site an affordable portal to adventure
Michelle Grim was so excited by the $38 deal she found for an hourlong facial on Chicago discount site YouSwoop .com, she has become a daily visitor. "I feel like I want to get that deal," said Grim, a physician's assistant and South Loop resident. Grim was one of the early users of the Web site, which launched Dec. 15, and was chosen at random as a winner of the day. Now Grim is encouraging her friends to swoop down on deals for a local wine bar and cafe so they can all enjoy a discounted night on the town.

Shoe designer uses Internet to grow business footprint
Sandra Guy: Diana Vanover never thought she would be proud of her size 11 feet. Vanover let go of her inhibitions last year after she discovered fashionable yet comfortable large-size women's shoes designed by Kathryn Kerrigan of Libertyville, who stands 6 feet tall and wears a size 11. Vanover said she could have bought 100 pairs of shoes the day she tried on Kerrigan's styles, but instead purchased three pairs.

Chicago Wow Bao? An app for that

Wow Bao, a Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise restaurant concept specializing in "bao," steamed Asian buns, launched a mobile ordering application Friday on the Apple app store.

Kathryn Kerrigan's tips for buying shoes online

1. Find discounts at online retailers by visiting sites like retailmenot.com or performing an online search of a company plus "coupon code."

Playboy designs $15,000 retro loveseat
Looking for a $15,000 loveseat with Hugh Hefner’s name on it? As part of Playboy Clubs’ 50th anniversary, the Chicago-based Playboy is partnering with “Mad Men” actor and designer Bryan Batt to offer 50 “limited edition” loveseats, each to be hand-signed by Hugh Hefner.

Sears names Haworth to head of retail service

Sears Holdings Corp. has named former Wal-Mart executive James Haworth head of its retail services business.