I approached the reception desk at the large, Chicago-based technology firm, paper bag in hand. The receptionist greeted me warmly. “May I help you, sir?” “Yes. Are you currently hiring?” “We are indeed. Would you like to fill out an application?” “First, I’d like to learn about benefits,” I said. “Well, I can’t speak for…
I recently took a business trip to Poznan, Poland, a city renowned for having the world’s longest street names. If you don’t believe me, please visit the historic Poznan Town Hall district. Simply head south on Aleje Marcinkowskiego and hang a left on Paderewskiego. When you hit Wroclawska, you’ve arrived. I have always prided myself…
My daughter sat on her bed, awash in a sea of glossy college brochures filled with photos of smiling sorority girls, strapping football players and freshmen chemistry students who, judging by their joyful expressions, had just cured the Ebola virus. “Made a decision yet?” I asked. “This is so hard,” she said. “Choosing a college…
By now the iPhone 6, named for the six mile line of customers waiting to purchase it, has hit Apple stores around the country. And, as with previous versions, I am watching from the sidelines, unwilling to convert until someone confirms the presence of the only feature that I feel matters on a new phone.…
I am tired of having my heart broken online. That is not the statement of a jilted Match.com individual, for I have never explored Internet dating and therefore don’t know what it’s like to be dumped mid-chat or have a potential relationship snuffed out because the object of my cyber-affection unexpectedly logged off. (I don’t…
Does anybody in Alaska own a video camera? How about a video-equipped cell phone? Anyone? Anyone? I ask only because it’s been weeks and I have yet to see visual evidence of the alleged Palin family party brawl that occurred earlier this month. To all Alaska residents who attended that party, why didn’t anybody record…
I slowly dialed the FBI field office in Chicago and listened to the numerous voice prompts. Not sure what to press, I eventually chose ‘3’ since I am a media representative. A female agent answered. “Who would I speak to if, uh, compromising material was stolen from my phone?” I asked. “Let me check with…
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once uttered the phrase, “The best defense is a good offense.” I plan to turn those words into action the next time I fly coach class. By now everybody is familiar with the escalating brouhaha over personal space when flying. The skies seemed reasonably friendly until August 24, aboard United…
As the summer winds down and my stomach thanks me for my generosity during three months of barbecues, graduation parties and neighborhood festivals, I am still proud of myself for shunning a food group that has burst into the culinary world and refuses to leave. Portmanteau food. Quick English lesson: A portmanteau is two words…
WRITER’S NOTE: This column was written after a summer spent traveling the country and watching random morning news shows. The writer vows never to do that again. “Rise and shine. This is The Morning News Zoo. I’m Barry O’Brien.” “And I’m co-anchor Teri Sullivan.” “We’ve got Gerry in the weather center…” “Oooh, today’s going to…
