Steff

I can't stand his trotting ass, but this start is nothing new. Every year it's the same turtle start and it's the same threads calling for him to be traded. Come July there won't be enough chap stick to go around.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Apr 14, 2008 -> 10:04 PM) Oh, he is a great guy and was great with the fans. But in the clubhouse, he was erratic. If he was going good, he'd be fine. But if he was doing bad, he wouldn't be so fine. I think I recall a time when he said all he cared about was hitting home runs, and nothing else. I'd love to see that article. I'd also love to see a teammate saying something negative about him. Even Paul apologized for his stupid ass comments about his "fake" ankle injury. Frank was a s*** to one person, and that person deserved it.

Call group sales. 312-674-5330. They already have a teachers game so maybe they can join that event.

Awesome name and a nice head of hair to go along with it. Congrats!

I had to go over to Good Sam in DG for some tests yesterday afternoon and I ended up talking with 2 of the families who had been injured in that mess. One was a girl who was shot in the eye. And another is a male who has so many pellets from the buck shot in him they aren't sure if he'll make it due to massive infection. Despite their issues they are extremely upbeat and stronger than I would have ever expected given their situation. So very sad and inspiring at the same time.

QUOTE(almagest @ Feb 15, 2008 -> 11:50 PM) PS3 and some games. Possibly a Wii if I have enough left over. Or, I'll be smart and put it away for a down payment on a place. ...Nah. Not sure if you spoke with RockRaines about this yet, but you are SEVERELY underpaid. Software Engineers coming out of college are making close to 60k/year at this point. I'd highly suggest looking in Chicago, Naperville, and/or Schaumburg. What's your area of expertise? He lives in Rockford so I don't think our area would be a feesable employment option.

QUOTE(retro1983hat @ Feb 14, 2008 -> 01:34 PM) Here is my situation: Been working for the same company for 10 years. Plenty of vacation time. Not the greatest insurance and other benefits, but not a bad place to work. My wife is pregnant and I have the flexibility to leave to go with her to the doctor whenever I need to. I was just offered a job with a much bigger corporation. The pay is essentially the same. Health insurance, tuition reimbursement and other benefits are much, much better. Being new, I wouldn't have the flexibility or vacation time to take off when I might need to. Basically, I want the new job, but would like a bit more money. What is the best way to negotiate this without seeming too pushy or arrogant? The flexibility when the baby arrives will be worth 10x whatever raise you will get to relocate, IMO. Is it realistic to have a casual meeting with your current boss and ask for a bump in pay?

QUOTE(Iwritecode @ Feb 13, 2008 -> 11:57 AM) I just did my taxes last night and I'm actually getting more back than what I paid in. In 12 years I have never, ever seen that happen. If I were you I would have it looked over before submitting them to ensure no delay in processing your refund, if it's correct.

QUOTE(iamshack @ Feb 12, 2008 -> 10:37 PM) I find it interesting that 33% say they buy "upscale designer jeans," and yet only 11% say they pay over $75. If you care to, you can find a $100 pair of jeans for $30 at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. From what I hear it's hit or miss when they have them in stock, but when they do they have great deals.

QUOTE(Rex Hudler @ Feb 12, 2008 -> 06:42 PM) Steff, I am the same way. I am pretty good with my money, but if I were getting back an additional $25-$50 a week, it would get spent. Besides the amount of interest you would actually gain on that money is minimal at best. As you mentioned with charitable contributions, deductions can vary year to year. I don't have the same business deductions nor mortgage interest each year. I could guess, but the net amount in interest to me nowhere near outweighs the benefits of getting a lump sum later. Granted I am single and am not getting $10k refunds. I certainly understand the concept, but the reality of most people taking that money and putting it away and never dipping into it is not great. I figure if I can live within the means I have now and get a lump sum back, then that is the best scenario for me, regardless of what the financial gurus say is best for me. Pfftt... and they say women have no will power.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Feb 12, 2008 -> 01:41 PM) I prefer getting the large check back instead of bits and pieces throughout the year. I use it generally better when its a lump sum in the spring/now. So why not alter your deductions, have the extra amount direct deposited into an interst baring savings account that you never even see and then withdraw from in February?

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Feb 12, 2008 -> 10:19 AM) Its the closest thing to a savings account most of my family will ever have! Them and (my guess) 90% of the rest of the country.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Feb 12, 2008 -> 10:18 AM) This year, I should take my own advice. I'm getting a FAT refund check, but it's because of all the credits I get for education and child care, even after doing the cafeteria plan for child care. For 2008, I won't be so "lucky", now that Mrs. Kap is back home. We adjusted nicely even though I have been home since August. We get something back every year, mainly because our charitable deductions vary from year to year, but it's not like the thousands some of the folks who's taxes I do get. It's crazy. I see these folks struggle all year long then rejoyce at a $10K refund. They don't understand that that's $800 more a month they could have during the year to make their lives more easy.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Feb 8, 2008 -> 05:14 PM) I didnt even know there were still jeans out there that were less than 75 bucks, at least not in chicago. And its not about high school thinking you are cool or not, if you go someplace nice to eat, or a social gathering, its generally known that you should at least dress up a little, and with jeans its not your acid washed wranglers. I buy generally Lucky, express, Mavi etc, nothing like the 300 dollar sevens people buy, but good, reliable jeans. Many of these are acceptable to wear with a nice shirt or jacket to a restaurant. Not sure if you venture out that way, but Lucky just opened a store at the Prime Outlets in Aurora. I haven't been there yet, but Jim's daughter did and bought a few pairs from $44 to $80.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Feb 12, 2008 -> 10:04 AM) BTW, it is ALWAYS best to owe a teeny, tiny amount to the IRS, because that means you are maximizing your own money. I wish I had a nickel for every person who's taxes I've done over the years that says "hu???" when I tell them this. They act like their refund is a gift from the g'ment. And these are not stupid people.. (well, most of them aren't). They just refuse to manage a savings account on their own despite the fact that the g'ment doesn't pay interest.

QUOTE(Rex Hudler @ Feb 8, 2008 -> 09:52 PM) Follow the rules and whistleblowing is never an issue. And that's the bottom line. Potential employers who know you are still currently employed are well aware that you likely can not communicate with them until after normal business hours. It's commonplace these days. Using a current job's resources to secure another job is grounds for immediate termination. When you accept that employee handbook at the start of your employment you agree that the company owns your email and anything you send or receive via it. Stupid on the part of the employee. I would terminate them per violation of company policy.

QUOTE(Soxpranos @ Feb 7, 2008 -> 09:50 PM) If he does decide to call it a career, so be it. His choice , his life. Didn't McKay do the same thing (leave to follow his religious beliefs)?

http://www.cnbc.com/id/23057002

QUOTE(The Critic @ Feb 4, 2008 -> 09:54 AM) Yeah, Harlem-Irving is in Norridge, but everything I'm seeing online says this is Harlem-Irving, too. Weird. I've only see that HIP eff up on the Fox site. This is Harlem and 191st St. The strip mall is called Brookside, iirc.

QUOTE(Jenks Heat @ Feb 3, 2008 -> 03:05 PM) You know something that is really messed up. In that exact situation above you are responsible for any damage done by the vehicle after it is stolen and your insurance company will not cover it. If someone disagrees please do so as I have been lead ot beleive this is true. Then you might have an insurance carrier problem. Nationwide and Allstate specifically state in their policies that if your vehicle is stolen, and you have a police report to that fact, you are not responsible for any damages or crimes commited. I have no idea of the others, but I can't imagine it wouldn't be the same. Just like when your credit card is stolen and you are not responsible for the charges.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Feb 3, 2008 -> 12:53 AM) True...but isn't there some sort of juvy cell or something for kids? Either way, you are right, it is going to come down to the parents to give em hell and they clearly need some sort of lashing considering they are showing zero remorse what-so-ever. Sure is. And it's like big people jail where you get 16 chances, 34 years of probation, and 91,856,00 hours of community service before being sent there for non-violent crimes.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Feb 3, 2008 -> 12:40 AM) Those girls should have at least spent a night in some sort of cell. Minors, so that would never happen. Even if they are charged, it's off their record within the year. Hopefully the parents make their senior year miserable (no car, no prom, etc). That's the only punishment they'll understand.

QUOTE(SoxPride56 @ Feb 2, 2008 -> 11:11 PM) I live in Tinley as well... I hope everything is ok for you guys! I NEVER thought anything like this would ever happen in Tinley Park. Unreal isn't it? Though it's more likely to happen at Harlem-Irving Plaza than in Tinley Park. Is there anything that Fox News doesn't f*** up? The two malls are 30+ miles apart. for the families of the victims. So very sad.

QUOTE(LVSoxFan @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 11:36 AM) Which day is the KW/Ozzie/Hawk question-fest? I'm assuming Swisher will be onstage as well. That's what I want to be at. I believe it's on the Saturday, yes? In the past players have not been there for that one. It's usually 6pm on Friday, 1pm on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday.

QUOTE(kyyle23 @ Jan 8, 2008 -> 01:29 PM) At least she cannot hurt the little ones for the time being. Her little children never even crossed my mind as being in danger. The innocent folks walking across the parking lot to Starbucks are the ones in danger.