Recent content by patrick409

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    Recent graduate looking for advice

    I wouldn't worry about wasting peoples time. Most companies with openings end up screening tons of candidates. It's just part of their job. The only person who loses is you if you don't put yourself out there. As for benefits, most mid-large sized companies will have very similar packages. At...
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    Recent graduate looking for advice

    The entry level salaries at mid/smaller size companies may be more competitive than you think. Apply for jobs with them and find out. At worst you're getting some interview experience. You will also get a much better feel for the market prices in general. Not everyone can(or wants) to work for...
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    Recent graduate looking for advice

    Does UW have career counseling/recruitment resources you can use? Usually larger companies that hire entry level positions for their analyst level programs will post those openings at various schools' career websites. That's how I (and pretty much all my undergrad classmates) got my first job...
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    Foodies in Chicago: what's new, what's still worth checking out?

    The last time I was at Publican for brunch they had a pork schnitzel BLT of sorts. An entire table of strangers stared at me as I ate it. It was delicious. I think they only have brunch on Sundays though. If you like celebrity chefs, you can try Frontera Grill. If you're going to be in the...
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    Foodies in Chicago: what's new, what's still worth checking out?

    Try Franks 'n Dawgs for hot dogs if you don't want to trek out to doug's. Their truffle fries and fried pickles are excellent as well. For burgers I really like Lockdown and Bad Apple. Edit: If you like ramen definitely try out the spicy garlic miso ramen at Wasabi near Logan Sq. Publican...
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    Favorite B/W eReader?

    The light is always on, but at the lowest brightness setting you can barely tell it's on. If you're in daylight the screen will look like any other non-lit ereader if you turn the brightness down.
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    Favorite B/W eReader?

    Agree on the light. I have a Kindle Paperwhite and the light is a HUGE plus. Definitely pick a reader with a built in light.
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    Best $200 Android 4.x for StraightTalk?

    If you can wait for the Nexus 4, I think it's worth it. I managed to get an 8gb Nexus 4 in the initial release and I've been loving it. The experience is extremely fast and lag free. 8gb of storage is kinda low, but I don't play games on it and I tend to rotate my music so space hasn't been a...
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    1 Month with my new car. I love this thing. :)

    Awesome! I bought a 2012 base Black GTI this past April. I actually wanted the shadow blue but they didn't have any base models in stock anywhere nearby, so I settled for black instead of waiting. I still get a smile on my face whenever I go for a drive. Did you get 6MT or the DSG?
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    Take the job offer or no?

    Hmm in that case I think you should talk to the hiring manager and see if he'll allow you to start with your class in Jan, but take the 4 weeks off anyways. Otherwise I will vote for declining the job and taking the trip for the following reasons. 1) You like your current job. They like you...
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    Take the job offer or no?

    Is the trip all or nothing? I.e if you talk to the manager/starting manager maybe you can negotiate where you only take a 2 week trip instead of 4 weeks? That way you get to join your friends for at least part of the trip. Personally I think these huge multi week trips are an experience of a...
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    school me on buying an apartment

    I haven't looked into agents yet, but the condo I'm looking at was constructed in 2009 and I'd be buying a new unoccupied apartment directly from the realty company. Do you still recommend getting an agent? Or would talking directly to the realty company be more advantageous to me?
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    school me on buying an apartment

    I had to google Mello Roos. This seems to be a California thing? I don't think Illinois does something similar, so I only have to worry about property taxes (around 1.5% for the apt I'm looking at). HOA - Depends on the building I guess, but I'll use one specific condo I'm looking at for my...
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    school me on buying an apartment

    Hi ATOT, I'm planning on buying a condo early next year (prob Apr/May). Anyone bought recently and would like to share their experiences? School me on what I should know? Some facts: - location is Chicago (specifically somewhere in the Loop for the Chicagoans) - 2BR apartment in a high rise...
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    Anyone ever eat at the Heart Attack Grill?

    Ate at the one by Vegas. Food wasn't that great. The hostess/waitresses all wore sexy nurse outfits though.