Your feng shui is off

So this worm is set to bite your Windows computer tomorrow and steal all ur datums. Be proactive and vigilant and protect your computer in 3 steps:

1. Install and run once a day AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition.
2. Install and run once a day Ad-Aware.
3. Make sure your computer has the latest Windows updates.

There is hardly a better and simpler regimen than the steps above for protecting your computer from viruses, worms, malware, spyware, and hacking. No BitDefender. Throw Norton out the Window. McAfee ain't worth its trouble.

Do steps 1, 2 and 3, and you're good to go!

Here are some quick tips for locking your bike:

• Lock each wheel to an immoveable object or the bike frame. See photo below.
  
• Lock the frame to an immoveable object - preferably a bike rack, or parking meter. Avoid sign posts (they can be more easily removed from the ground) and scaffolding (they are private property).
  
• Use a U-lock that uses a flat key and unlocks from the middle of the lock bar - do not use a U-lock with a cylindrical key or one that unlocks from the end of the lock bar.
  
• Use two different types of locks; for example, use a cable or chain that has a padlock, and use a normal U-lock. Different tools will be need to defeat each lock - that's kind of a lie: a grinder can cut through almost anything, but a grinder prefers U-lock bars because they are steady, whereas the links in a chain will be tougher for the grinder operator to grasp.
  
• Remove your seatpost or lock it to the bike (via cable or locking bolt).
  

How to NOT lock your bike

Other tips:

• Do not leave your bike in any single location for more than 7 days. The city can and will remove it.
  
• If your bike is "picked" for parts, take it home it immediately. Chicago has a lot of bike shops so go buy the new part and ride it home. Or call a friend with a car. The city can and will remove it.
  
• Ride in a straight line. Everyone loves predictability and riding a bike shouldn't be any different.
  
• Use a headlight and taillight. These come to your advantage to prevent people from hitting you and when someone hits you, it comes to your advantage again if you choose the sue the offender.
  
• Use hand signals. Let motorists and other bicyclists know where you're going. Predictability again.
  
• Report harassment. Let the police know of areas that are becoming less safe for bicyclists.
  
• Report reckless driving.
  
• Carry pepper spray.
  

Read the brochure, Safe Bicycling in Chicago, for more helpful information.

It seems to be quite popular today to complain about the decline of good customer service at a variety of service businesses (mainly food and retail stores come to mind).

Here are Steve's tips to receive better service from the service employee:

-Start the interaction with a "hi" or "hello."
-Don't be in a rush. This is your fault.
-Stay calm throughout the entire interaction. If you're not getting results, you can escalate your complaint or concern to a more qualified person, but please do not escalate your voice.
-Don't use $50 or $100 bills unless your total purchase is half of the ball (pay for $25+ with a $50, pay for $50+ with a $100).
-Say thank you at the end of the interaction.
-If you're not getting results, do not make personal accusations. It's rude to start with "you" as in "You need..." or "You did..." Suggestions are much more likely to keep someone's attention on what you want (like, "Can you...?" or "I thought...").
-Do not call the employee names. Use the employee's real name.
-Do not EXPECT something for free. If you think you deserve something for free, or if something for free would satisfy you and end the interaction on a positive note, you must ask for that something for free, or mention how it would satisfy you and end the interaction on a positive note.

How to start a "complaint:"

State your situation/complaint in very simple terms.

"I received the wrong item."
"I was overcharged."
"I received the wrong change."
"I don't like what I received."

There is no need for this:

"That person gave me the wrong taco."
"You guys ripped me off."
"I need like 4 more dollars from you."
"This coffee is horrible, I want a new one."

After you state your situation in simple terms, ask the employee if they can fix/rectify the situation complaint for you.

"Can you fix this for me?"

It's quite simple.

Now, the employee can give you such a simple straight answer quite quickly. Either he/she can fix it or he/she can't. If he/she says he/she cannot fix the situation, ask the employee who can.

--------
The employee is a person too, has feelings and emotional states just like yourself. And when it comes down to it, feels no responsibility for you. I say that because if you berate a person so much, they will do nothing to help you.

I have $75 in cash sitting next to me. Most of it is from tips. I never ask Salina for my tips; I just wait until she gives them to me. The rest is from cash I took out of the ATM for no reason except to have cash to pay for the train; $40 definitely covers the train...and then some.

I need a place to live! Didn't you get the message? Find a place for me yet?

I want to see this place at Milwaukee and Ashland (in Wicker Park, $450, with three roommates). It's a great location because it's 2 blocks away from the Blue Line, which I need to get to work and school. ARG!