The Beast

There's no need to get the Ozzie plan or season tickets anymore, at least for college students. I can go to a game when I want without committing prior to that game. I'm not surprised that you got upper deck Cubs tickets since they are still out there and will be out there (overpriced scalper and team tickets) when it is close to the game. Last year I went with a friend to the game Zambrano s*** a brick at and we paid $100 each for tickets behind the plate. A bit overpriced, but it just proves that there are tickets and that you don't need to order one of the plans to get seats you would actually want. The same goes for the Yankees series...although I would rather watch the Cubs/Sox game and Yankees/Sox game at a bar instead of paying a premium to watch the Sox and a s***ty team like the Cubs play.

Thanks for the commentary about the MBA - do you guys think it would be worth my while at least taking the GMAT while I am in school mode? Then maybe I could work and go back within five years (assuming that is how long scores are good for)? Or would that hurt me in the end if I chose to go into something that was more GRE related? I've heard it is more of an intelligence test as opposed to content so that is why I asked now, since I still have study skills.

I wrote admissions counselors to ask about their daily job at universities and I got a helpful, lengthy response back from Northern that indicated they had an opening. I wrote a carefully constructed reply back to them last Saturday and didn't get a response yet. I'm thinking about calling and leaving a voicemail with the woman I have been emailing back and forth with to see if I can come in on spring break and learn more about the job opening...or at least to see where I should forward my resume/cover letter. Outside of that, my current school is wanting me to be a graduate assistant for sports information, while paying for the MBA. I would gladly go through with the assistantship if there were different programs available, but it appears that the MOL/MBA is the only thing that they'll pay for. I am a bit concerned that when I would get out of that program I would be a newly aged 25 year old without any work experience except for all that I did in undergrad and the potential graduate. So I was thinking of taking the GMAT and seeing if I could get in...and see how my work experience could get me into university work later on, since I have no interest in Deere or going international with the MBA degree. I also look at it from the social standpoint - most of my friends will be graduating and there's about 3,000 other kids that go here...about 400 grad students, most of who are probably not on campus. So I'm fairly certain for as social as I am (I can be real social), that it might be difficult to connect with the younger "kids."

This may need its own thread, but it related to the gym and dieting. I'm at about 200 pounds which isn't that bad considering I'm about 6'2'' and weighed in around 185 when I went away my freshman year. I work out about five times a week, but with the winter being the way that it is I have been running for only 20-30 minutes after I lift and am taking it easy in the weight room. I'm a novice when it comes to the weight room and I honestly need someone to just come up with a plan for me. St. Ambrose has a crappy weight room but it will have to do till May when I graduate. All that I am trying to do is tighten up the ass a bit, tone up the legs, maintain the current abs that I have/strengthen them a little and work on tone in my biceps...perhaps strengthen my back and triceps. What I'm doing in the weight room is as follows: Lat pulldown (10, 8, 6 reps - 105, 120, 130 pounds) Bench press (10, 8, 6 reps - 120, 130, 140 pounds) Pushups (20 before exhausted) Some odd weight machine that appears to strengthen deltoids (ranging 120 - 140 pounds at 10, 8 6 reps) 3 sets of planks (30 seconds each - I don't know what will reduce the shaking when I do them but I can complete them.) There's the seated row that I could do and also a tricep rope that I could do to strengthen that section. Cardio activity for 30 minutes following weights - random hill generator on the bike, average level on the oliptical (weak ass machine or I'm doing it wrong) or running on a treadmill for 30 minutes (the treadmills are facing against the wall without TVs, so I have to read and use music to keep myself motivated). I don't know who could show me how to do the dead lift or make sure I'm honest with squats (as most of my friends quit when it comes to lifting commitments) but I want to do them correctly and still be able to do cardio - is it best to just alternate days so that I can do so? I'm also trying to eat better but I've already done my research on that and am going to eradicate some of the s*** that I eat from my pantry along with kicking out some crap from my diet. If there's any further information that you need, please let me know. I want to do what is best for my body at this age.

Any time someone does something to drop the weight - is it really necessary for any exercises, and if so, why? Grunters, heavy breathers, big sweaty guys who don't rerack and leave the weights in random places on the floor.

The incorrect usage of to/two/too, your/you're and there/their/they're.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 22, 2011 -> 11:31 AM) Jose Valentin live right now! What is he up to these days?

I definitely think there is a huge chance of a Seattle victory tomorrow as much as I don't want that to happen.

QUOTE (MHizzle85 @ Jan 12, 2011 -> 10:43 PM) I've done this a few seasons. I don't find it much of a ripoff, but this is due to the fact that I'll end up selling the tickets to games against big draws (Cubs, NYY, Bos, etc.) for a pretty good profit & I've even used the money to buy better seats for the same games. How much have you made off Cubs vs. Sox seats? My friends think they'll get $150-$200 each for seats out in left field. I don't know any person stupid enough to pay that.

Good speech. He didn't slam that psycho Palin for her remarks, took away the focus from the killer, and delivered a powerful message. Too bad none of you will encourage in better discourse with each other. Oh well. Politics, like the seemingly useless war in Iraq to "protect us" is a battlefield.

What is everyone's thoughts on the White Sox Ozzie 13 game package? From my family's experience, it was not worth it. Even though we got the games we wanted, most of the "good games" were in the upper deck. More importantly, what would you guys pay for section 158 row 12 seats against the Cubs, purchased for $76.00? My friend and his buddy are thinking that they will get $150 to $200 each for those seats...I said that if they included the parking pass they would be lucky to get $115 or $120. EDIT: This is a Monday game.

Why can't we focus to the news at hand instead of making this about some political thing that doesn't really exist?

Per Yahoo!: Giffords breathing on her own after attack.

Jared Loughner, may you burn in hell. Hope you get life in prison followed up by the death penalty in your later years. Let's hope the police find the other person that acted with him. Gabrielle Giffords, hope you make it and live to tell your story.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Jan 8, 2011 -> 04:02 PM) That's why you have spring training, guys will battle it out for that last reliever spot. Right but based off statistics and scouting reports, can any of those guys be good enough to contend for a spot? And also, when is Peavy set to return?

If he is done, is this the accurate 25-man roster? Buehrle Peavy-DL Jackson Floyd Danks Sale Bullpen: Crain, Infante, Pena, Santos, Thornton, Ohman Konerko, Beckham, Ramirez, Vizquel, Pierzynski, Pierre, Rios, Quentin, Dunn Bench: Castro, Teahen, Morel, Lillibridge, De Aza/Viciedo Would Dolsi or another reliever be good enough to make the team?

Went to my first Hawks game ever and got a bobble head doll in the process. Pretty cool stuff. Sat in section 103 for free so I can't complain. They didn't handle the puck well tonight and the only period that they played well in was the second period.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 4, 2011 -> 09:41 AM) Seconded, and you will have to take an entry level job at first, because people want to know you can actually do a job. I have a psych degree with focus on child development. Right out of school I took a job as a ski instructor and needed money so I could move. I took an entry level b**** job at CDW where I made a blistering 23k salary. I move up, changed jobs twice and now I am still here, selling technology and making alot more money at this age than I thought was possible. I think alot of people are reluctant to just take a job because you dont think you would be doing it long term. My point is that you never know. I thoughts sales and especially entry level sales was something that was terrible and that I wasnt interested in whatsoever, well 7 years later I am still in the industry and thriving. If I want to move over and start my own business I believe now I have the skills to be able to run my own shop since I have basically been doing it for years. Take the plunge and work your ass off and you will open up doors, you just need to step through that first one. I wouldn't mind going to work up at a resort up north just so I could hide out and make some money while the economy gets better. My question to anyone on this board is, can anyone do sales? What makes someone good at it? What traits makes you successful in it? Do you actually like your job or do you like that you excel at something to bring in a return? Just a bit curious because as someone who doesn't believe he could do it, I would like to know a bit more about it before I close the door.

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jan 4, 2011 -> 02:06 AM) I'll be receiving a degree in Broadcasting this December with an emphasis in Broadcast News. It's a lot more specific than most degrees, but certainly a field in which you don't really have a shot unless you have some sort of degree in communication or the likes. It's also a consistently competitive field. I'd ultimately like to be a play by play guy one day but I know it's going to be ridiculously hard. The unpredictability is the hardest thing for me to deal with, personally. I have no idea what I'll be doing after I graduate, and its only about 11 months away. It's scary. Through internships I've done and talking to people in the industry, there's really only one thing that you can do, and this applies to any job market really: make yourself an asset. When I finished my internship last summer and was told I was one of the better interns they've had from one person and called a go-to-guy by another person, it gave me a ton of confidence. When I looked at schools I found that the comm department was the most interesting, particularly in terms of television programs...but then I discovered how competitive it was and needed to shy away since I wasn't a competitive person. As long as you are willing to move all over the place, you should be fine. Maybe your skill set could land you a sports information gig somewhere - I know Dave Juday's brother Kevin was a Broadcast Communications major at North Central College and now is the SID at Elmhurst College. Beef up the linkedin resume and start applying - the fact that you are a go-to person, or have been described as one, makes you have some sort of confidence in what you're doing so that's good. Good luck.

QUOTE (J.Reedfan8 @ Jan 4, 2011 -> 01:39 AM) So I'm going to assume Andrew was part of the punk ass kids from high school Ross? Not really, though he could wipe that smile off his face whenever he saw me. I can't remember if he hung out with some of the people I was talking about. No need to get me a punching bag either, I just wanted to comment on this thread since I had the chance.

Sixth grade bullies, some kids that were assholes through middle school, some punk ass kids from high school, (some of all of these grades never did anything with their lives so screw 'em), my ex's male best friend, my ex's boyfriend, some of the kids who tried to force religion on me, or shared their views on abortion with me and tried to say I was wrong...Add a crap ton of republicans, news anchors, politicians, and athletes to that and you are set. Also want to kick an engineering student's ass too, along with steroid pumpin' kids I knew who were jerks in frats...glad I played dirty in intramurals! Oh and I forgot about the defensive coordinator from high school football my sophomore year. That guy had no dick.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jan 3, 2011 -> 07:18 AM) So, its hard to sift through all the layers of self-contradictory statements here (you chose a business degree, you want to write for a living, but you don't want to work in business). But I do want to point out one thing... Do you really think Enterprise doesn't, on any given day, do a whole heck of a lot of written communication? You don't think you'll get more than a good opportunity for that in that environment? Also, stop focusing on your major. Unless your undergrad was in Engineering or a few other very narrow disciplines, for the most part, it doesn't matter what field you got your degree in. Just having the degree at all is the key. Hell my degree (undergrad) was in Political Science... my first "real" job out of college was in law enforcement... then I ended up in financial technology, which is where I have spent the past 12 years. Got an MBA a few years back, once I was well-settled into a career. See here is the thing about having a college degree. You say you want it to be about giving you marketable skills. Thing is... it does. Just maybe not the ones you are thinking of. The key elements in pretty much any job in business are things like maturity, communication skills, the ability to learn and adapt quickly, work ethic, and dynamic thinking. Four years of college is meant to give you exactly that, and here's the real killer - part of getting those skills includes the partying, the extra-curriculars, the sports, the friends... all the non-school stuff. Going off to school and learning to function on your own in all of that is a key part of what college gives you. Of course, no one in these colleges, or your high school counselor, will tell you this. But it is unmitigated fact. What specific skills you learn from a specific class are only a part of the reasoning for requiring a degree for a job. When the time came to choose another university and an area of study, I decided that business administration was the most practical. I had worked at the college radio station, lost passion for the work that I was doing, figured that the broadcast communications/print journalism field was both dried up and competitive and really I just wanted to learn something different after "working in media" at my high school. I don't necessarily want to write for a living either, but would gladly be a PR guy because there is no required degree for entry into that profession. All of my work experience is in communications and so I feel that if I can write or use social media, I could be a hot commodity to an organization's PR department. And even though I majored in business, I discovered that though I got high grades in all of my classes, most of them weren't that exciting. If I had more time, I would have gotten another major in PR, so that is why I'm considering a part-time job or working before I go back to school post graduation near the suburbs. I understand the soft skills gained from going to school, but I know that my oral communication isn't the best. I'm not too socially inept, but I am not the sales type who would go up to random people at a party, I would rather stick with a small group and bulls*** that way. Written communication...I dominate. Spoken, not so much. But I understand your point and thanks for your story about your career path.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 1, 2011 -> 05:26 PM) If money means s*** to you, why bother with a degree? Because I would like to do something with my life, and it seems as though (according to society standards!) you need a piece of paper to do what you want or live the way you want to live. All I'm saying is that the career that I enter doesn't have to be absolutely lucrative. It just has to be in the grey area where it is possible to make a living and take care of yourself and family along with fulfilling what you deem as being tolerable or even happy with in your work.

QUOTE (mr_genius @ Jan 1, 2011 -> 03:19 PM) you have a business degree and need some work experience. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a business, thus fits your field of study. Start building your resume and put in a couple years and move on or move up the ladder at Enterprise. Just because I have a business degree, doesn't mean I want to go into business. I should have a communications degree because I can write pretty easily and would do better doing technical writing, speech writing or something PR related. This is why I mentioned getting a master's degree at DePaul in Public Relations. Basically, I realized the major that I was best suited for too late in college. QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 1, 2011 -> 01:46 PM) Get off your high horse. Clearly you are pretty ignorant given the fact that Enterprise has been ranked many times over as one of the better places to intern and move your way up and is considered a good place to work in college and even after college you are given a lot of opportunities to shine and run the show. I think the best advice is you need to quit crying and whining about things and putting down a ton of people every time you post because you have no idea what the real world is like. The real world is hard, it ain't easy, and you know how you make it in the real world, you combine smarts with a can do attitude and you bust your ass. If you have it, over time you'll rise to whatever point necessary. Sure a little luck plays into the equation, but take a smart enough person with a college degree and a work ethic and they'll go far. Interning in what though? I have researched and all I read is sales, sales and sales. I'm seeing nothing on the communications end at all. Where in the hell are those positions as they have to be advertised somewhere? Who am I putting down? I'm just outlining what I don't think I would be successful at. QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 1, 2011 -> 01:50 PM) Let me tell you one thing, you don't even know what goes on in any of those professions by and large, I pretty much guarantee it. Why don't you quit micromanaging everything to death and change your mind every 10 minutes and instead do something. And outside of having a degree to help establish you, your undergrad doesn't give you the skills necessary to become a millionaire or make 6 figures, etc. It just shows employers that you are capable of going through and accomplishing things. After that, most of what you learn that relates to your profession you learn in the field. What professions am I not aware of? I took the courses and didn't care for them, so I doubt I would like the work that goes on in the real world. I am doing something - researching careers, going to career counseling and most importantly, trying to sell to my parents that I think I'm best at communicating through writing and that by working part-time and going back to school closer to home (DePaul or whatever), I will be in better shape since I'll have something to bring to the table. Without that education, I don't think I will know as much in terms of how to write for different organizations and if I can compete with freshly minted communications grads. I don't give a rats ass about six figures or becoming a millionaire. Money means s*** to me, what would motivate me is doing something that I don't hate for the rest of my life and still allow me to support a family or at the very least live independently. And that's perfect because the field I'm considering is one where you won't get paid much. QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 1, 2011 -> 01:36 PM) Take the best opportunity you can find through either blind luck or networking, and start moving your career forward. Work hard and apply yourself, and you'll find that you'll end up somewhere in general that you'd like to be. The key is getting your foot in the door somewhere and working your way up through hard work and application of your skills and personality. Key words that you mentioned. Blind luck, networking, skills and personality. That is what I was trying to convey to the message board by trying to get into something that would mesh with my personality and skills, which will take blind luck and networking. I'm not entitled, just like any other college graduate to anything, other than being given an opportunity to do something with themselves so that they can live a life they wanted. Otherwise, if we're living something we hate and never reach our dreams (whatever it may be, career, marriage, family, etc.), then seriously, what is our reason for living?

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 1, 2011 -> 01:00 PM) Seriously, Ross, this sort of "woe is me" attitude is exactly what will land you in a job you feel you are vastly overqualified for. Once you get out into the real world a bit more, you'll find that your degree is a lot less important to what field you eventually get into than your ability to communicate well, with confidence, your ability and desire to learn new things, your willingness to work well and get along well with other team members, and your effort in getting the task at hand done efficiently and correctly. And if you do have to start out at the bottom of the totem pole, their is nothing wrong with that. The adage "the cream rises to the top" is usually true when it comes to good companies, and if you do your best and apply yourself, you'll get a lot further in your career than constantly second guessing your degree choice or college choice, or b****ing about having to take a position that you feel is below you. The "woe is me" attitude stems from the fact that I don't know where I fit in an organization. I'm more of a written communications guy than spoken anything. The reason I didn't choose marketing is that I couldn't do sales (which is all I see out there for entry level jobs - they could fire me when I don't make the numbers since I know I couldn't cold call). The reason I didn't chose accounting or finance is because those bore me to tears. Administration/Management was pretty general so that made sense, but unfortunately none of what I've looked at in terms of requirements for communications jobs wants a business degree. So I either shot myself in the foot or I made a genius move - I don't know that yet. This is why I really just feel the need to sit down with people in different fields (comm, university work, etc) and see what further education that I need so that I have a path to go towards. Certainly not many of you can see this, but I do my best and apply myself, as the GPA indicates, along with recommendations from professors. And it should be noted that several twentysomethings who are about to graduate have the exact same problem as I do in thinking, "What did four years of higher education do and where can I go since I don't have one of the hot degrees?"