iamshack

QUOTE (raBBit @ Feb 15, 2016 -> 08:39 AM) I worked at a corporate restaurant when Obamacare went into effect and the restaurant would offer insurance/benefits to anyone who averaged over 30 hours per week. We had a strong base of servers/bartenders who worked in the service industry as a career or were single moms. When Obamacare went in effect, corporate's new policy was that only five employees (other than management) in front of house and back of house could receive benefits. Most of our best servers left. We went from having a group of people who worked at the restaurant for multiple years and called the place home to having our staff become a revolving door of college students, temporary jobs and a lesser quality of service industry lifers. I went from being the young kid and who would be one of the weaker links on a Saturday night to being a certified trainer in a matter of months. It's really never been the same. Not saying it doesn't suck, but don't you think this is part of the transition period for the price we have to pay to insure many who were uninsurable before? Is there really any way around this?

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 05:19 PM) The source post included this quote. When you you a phrase like that, it infers that they have a lot more money free to spend. I would like to know how much that amount is, and how they know it. With a statement like that, it is a fair question. I didn't bring it up, he did. But I am curious to what extent he knows the finances of the White Sox to call $120 million, a "token amount". Are you really curious, or are you more interested in trying to embarrass the poster?

QUOTE (farmteam @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 04:14 PM) Alright, I'll bite. Why do you support Hillary? My general thoughts are that my values line up more with Sanders than Clinton (particularly when it comes to hawkishness). However, I'm not sure how realistic his policies really are. Seems to have his head in the clouds a bit. I also have a negative gut reaction to Hillary because I don't want another Clinton (or Bush). Maybe that's dumb, but it's my gut reaction nonetheless. As of right now, I'd probably go Sanders in a primary and Hillary or 3rd party in the general. FWIW, the issues most important to me are infrastructure improvements and education. And, more recently, improving/changing the relationship of police departments and the citizens they serve. You're not worthy! I agree in re: infrastructure. Interesting point about the police. I support Bernie as well, but share some of your concerns. Not a fan of Hilary at all, but not sure what I will do if she wins the primary.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 11:21 AM) Just went back and watched all of these. 2000 was great but I'll take last night over it. The 80's ones don't hold up at all imo. Oh young man...

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 10:19 AM) Rewatched the 2000 contest and while last night was amazing, 2000 was unreal. If Gordon and LaVine return next year, add a few more people like Super Mario and it might dethrone it. Uh...'85? '87? '88?

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 09:43 AM) You're just old. I figured.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 08:59 AM) Nobody that makes all of his decisions based on religion has "it". Kasich is the only chance that the Republicans have at winning the general in my opinion. Not saying I agree with his points of view, but when he speaks, he seems to do so much more convincingly than a guy like Carson, for instance. I don't think the "it" factor is a measure of substance, but more so style.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 08:38 AM) haha. That's fine. I'll be 33 in August. This is certainly not "my generation." But i'm sorry. Athletically, what these kids do today dwarfs past generations. I don't know if there's steroids or something in the food/water or whatever. But it's not even close. Well, part of it is they've had the benefit of having Jordan and Wilkins and Dr J and Vince Carter come before them. They've grown up practicing dunks that Jordan and Wilkins popularized 30 years ago. I'm sure the next generation will see what went on last night and practice those dunks and find ways to improve on them.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 08:33 AM) So are you saying that Lavine/Gordon's dunks were more impressive/better but Jordan's "artistry", not the actual dunks themselves, sets him apart? I'm kinda confused. Me personally, I don't give a s*** about artistry in this case. Gordon was practically sitting down mid-air with his head at the damn rim and went under his legs. I'm sorry. No amount of "artistry" measures up to that. If that's your thing, yeah, hard to argue. Me, I'll take Dr J and Mike. Maybe I'm just old.

This SNKRS app is going to be the end of me

QUOTE (MEANS @ Feb 12, 2016 -> 08:01 AM) A little late but last week the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled their new logo and I designed it. It was a very crazy and surreal week to say the least. Probably my biggest accomplishment as a designer although the two locker room graphics for the last 2 Blackhawks Stanley Cup wins come pretty close too. Wow! What an opportunity and accomplishment! Congrats!

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 08:10 AM) Not sure what this means. But I saw at least 4 dunks last night that were better than any of Jordan's best dunks. Well if you are voting strictly on athleticism, it's hard to say these guys aren't topping those dunks of their predecessors. But if you go back and watch Jordan's dunks, he displays a level of artistry or style about most of his classic dunks that these guys don't have. Watch Jordan's last dunk in the '88 contest. Watch it in slo-mo and notice the subtle position of his feet, how he pumps his arm, etc. On his dunks from the side, he elevates and hangs, he'll rock the ball in his arm, etc. It's not just this explosion where he's merely trying to pull off an athletic feat...he's doing it with a style and artistry and these guys just don't match, IMHO.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 12:27 AM) Good debate tonight. Kasisch seemed most presidential IMO. Donald was on rinse, repeat with his insults and generalities about how everybody loves him. Cruz and Rubio? Like my criticism of Hillary, they just don't have "it." Jeb is dopey. I really like Carson. He's a more sane version of Trump. Outsider who wants to save the economy but won't insult people. It will be amusing to see Donald vs. Hillary. He's going to go on the attack, blasting her mercilessly. I think Cruz absolutely has "it." He's just a complete asshole. I think Carson would be better than some people give him credit for, but debating and speaking on the fly is not a strong suit. If I had to choose one, I'd choose Kasich as well.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Feb 14, 2016 -> 07:06 AM) LaVine had this guilty look on his face after he won. He even knew Gordon should've won (or at least should've tied). Next year's contest: Gordon Lavine Who cares Who cares So I went back and watched Lavine and Gordon's dunks. Incredible athleticism. I'll stick with Jordan's artistry though.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop!

QUOTE (Iwritecode @ Feb 12, 2016 -> 01:28 PM) So my wife has been working as a retail cashier at a gas station for about 10 years now. For most of it she has been on 3rd shift with her core hours being 10P - 6A. We've made it work over the years and she's put up with it but recently she's become increasingly unhappy with her shift. She'd much rather work days like a "normal" person but they've always refused to move her. The only thing she likes is the fact that she gets 40 hours every week and weekends off. The problem is that since Obamacare came into affect, the store no longer hires full-time employees. She and one other girl are grandfathered in as full-time. The only other full-time positions are management. So if she switched to days, they would have to get 2 people to cover her current hours. The manager insists that she would have to go to part-time, lose her weekends off and all her vacation time. That not only seems wrong but something that shouldn't even be legal. You'd think having more seniority than every other person in the store besides the manager would mean something. I probably make enough to cover 99% of our bills. Her paycheck mostly covers our "fun" stuff like bowling and camping in the summer. Her plan is to be out in some way shape or form in the next 5 years, which is when our youngest will graduate HS. I'm not sure what options we have though. AFAIK, most retail places aren't hiring for full-time hours anymore. What I would think right off the bat is maybe grocery stores would hire full time? Don't limit her options to just retail though. I'm certain she is capable of all kinds of other full-time employment.

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Feb 11, 2016 -> 07:09 PM) Does anyone have any experience in owning a home with private well and private septic sewer. I will be buying my first house with my soon to be wife in the upcoming months and so far the property we have liked the most is private well/sewer and neither of us have had any experience dealing with that. Some help on the plus/minuses would help, it's in the Chicagoland area and on a half acre lot for whatever that's worth. I am on a private well, however, the private well is not on my property, if that makes sense. The home you are looking for has a private well located on it?

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Feb 11, 2016 -> 10:02 AM) after remodeling that gorgeous kitchen, you are ready to pack up? you crazy There are always other kitchens...appreciate the compliment though!...the specter of remodeling 3 bathrooms, a master bedroom, closets, etc...it is imposing. We'll see...I'm realizing I thought we made a lot of money until I started seeing what new houses cost.

QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Feb 11, 2016 -> 08:59 AM) s*** 400 is just college for some people. I call bulls***.

Going Green: What it means to be powered by 100% renewable energy A good blog about how many major corporations, particularly tech companies, are attempting to become 100% carbon neutral. My employer is currently working with companies like Apple, Ebay and even municipalities to structure new deals like these for those that are interested.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Feb 11, 2016 -> 08:03 AM) Sold that one in the beginning of January, moved into our new one a couple of weeks ago. Just ordered a bunch of flooring for upstairs--the projects will never, ever stop. I know...my wife and I are debating whether we want to throw in the towel and get something new or put the $ into our existing home. I think if I had any faith in the school district here I would be willing to stay, but I don't.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Feb 11, 2016 -> 06:26 AM) We did a full gut of our shared master bath in our old house ourselves. Pretty standard layout so nothing fancy, but we did a full tile surround around a glass block window in the shower. Since I was doing the work myself, I spent a lot of time reading up on the best techniques, materials and tools at places like the John Bridge forums. I ended up putting in a Hydroban membrane for water sealing behind the shower. If you're going with a full tile shower stall or anything like that, something to consider. There's a similar product called Red Guard that's supposed to be good, too, and they both have pre-made shower pans you tile right over with the proper slope and water sealing properties. Think about where you might possibility want additional outlets since you're going to have everything torn down to studs. This includes in adjacent rooms. Always 100x easier to run wire and cabling when there's no drywall to worry about. edit: here's a picture of how it turned out Nice work, SS! What is your house sitch currently, btw?

Holy crap does it cost a lot to renovate an older home.

QUOTE (whitesoxjr27 @ Feb 8, 2016 -> 05:03 PM) Super attractive. He wants to be a model. And you're cool with just being his fling?

QUOTE (raBBit @ Feb 8, 2016 -> 04:37 PM) I don't know if I would describe them as mean as hell. They just have relationships that aren't constrained or formulated around religious principles from thousands of years ago. They also don't have the state (in most states) forming a racket to bleed them out financially to create an industry. Well, I am obviously stereotyping a bit...and maybe it's just because there are two men in the equation , but most gay men I've talked to have admitted how ruthless some of them can be towards one another.