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Tub-surround project may surround you with options May 26, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I want to change the look of my bathroom by putting in a new "tub surround." I want to avoid ripping out the ceramic tile if possible. Are there special panels that I can glue or attach to my present tile wall?
Has Urlacher really closed the door for good? May 24, 2013 12:00 AM
Brian Urlacher says he's ready to move on in life, but Mike North thinks Urlacher’s NFL career might still have some legs if the right team and offer comes knocking. He acknowledges Urlacher’s last contract was deserved and believes the Bears made the right call.
Medicaid not getting the scrutiny it needs May 24, 2013 12:00 AM
Guest columnist Tom Cross, Illinois House Republican leader: We need to be aggressive in both enacting and implementing reforms to our Medicaid program. Being lax has led our state to massive shortfalls and raises serious questions about the fiscal stability of the program.
Medicaid not getting the scrutiny it needs May 24, 2013 12:00 AM
Guest columnist Tom Cross, Illinois House Republican leader: We need to be aggressive in both enacting and implementing reforms to our Medicaid program. Being lax has led our state to massive shortfalls and raises serious questions about the fiscal stability of the program.
Retirement plan different from savings plan May 22, 2013 12:00 AM
Guest Columnist Louis W. Kosiba: The current effort in the Illinois General Assembly to “reform” the state-funded pension systems is not really about pensions. It’s really about the state budget, and where the state of Illinois wishes to spend your tax dollars.
Forget Kobe vs. MJ, now it’s Kobe vs. Duncan May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
Since Michael Jordan is in a class by himself, Mike North believes the real debate exists between Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. If Duncan wins another ring, can he be ranked up there ahead of Kobe? Maybe so.
Rose’s lack of mental toughness huge disappointment May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Mike North questions Derrick Rose’s mental toughness. He recalls some of the tough pro athletes over the years and sees Rose lacking in this quality. He wonders who approved his pregame warmups, which just made the fans question things even more. What D-Rose will we get next year?
Cellar-dwelling baseball teams unacceptable May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
With both Chicago baseball teams in last place, Mike North is already longing for Bears' season to begin. Until then, fans will have to be content with the Bulls and Blackhawks meeting their needs. North also looks back at about Sergio Garcia's $1.5-million meltdown in The Players Championship.
Nekritz: Time to do the right thing over the easy thing May 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Guest Columnist Elaine Nekritz: We cannot stay on this path, and that is why SB 1 is so important. It will save us more than $1 billion in our immediate pension payment, cut about $30 billion off our massive unfunded debt of nearly $100 billion and, over the next 30 years, reduce more than $150 billion off what we pay for pensions.
Morrison: We must rethink old ideas about retirement May 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Guest columnist Tom Morrison: With state Rep. Jeanne Ives, I've introduced House Bill 3303 that provides a clear path to modernize our pension systems by moving to a defined contribution plan. Private and public entities have embraced these plans because they are sustainable and better guarantee retirement security for all.
Klickna: Coalition plan is fair, effective, constitutional May 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Guest columnist Cinda Klickna: Even SB 1's backers don't claim it will survive a court challenge. Their reaction is, "Let's find out." That irresponsible approach to public policy caused the mess that Illinois is dealing with now. We have to be smart and pass constitutional bills.
Electronic toilet features may bowl you over May 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I'm remodeling my bathroom and plan on installing a new toilet. My question: Do they make a toilet with bidet features?
Noah shows Bulls he’s the ultimate leader May 7, 2013 12:00 AM
Joakim Noah's performance in Game 7 against the Brooklyn Nets ranks him high on the list as a terrific leader for the Chicago Bulls. Mike North wasn't thrilled when the Bulls selected Noah in the 2007 NBA draft, but North has changed his mind completely on this one.
Ask the plumber: New kitchen sparks ‘Battle of the Bowls’ May 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We're going to remodel our outdated kitchen and plan to install a cast-iron kitchen sink. I want a single-bowl sink that will be open and large for me to work in. My husband wants a double-bowl sink. He says it will be better for the garbage disposer and, later on, for resale value. Can you help us solve this disagreement?
Knicks wake up the sleeping CelticsMay 3, 2013 12:00 AM
The New York Knicks made a colossal blunder when they woke up the Boston Celtics. Mike North predicts the Knicks will lose the series now, and he blames J.R. Smith and the Knicks for their decision to taunt the Celtics by wearing all-black clothing before Game 5 as the turning point in the first-round NBA playoff series.
As pension debate heats up more, forum was timely start May 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Columnist Jim Slusher:The panelists and the audience at our recent forum on pensions proved it is possible to have a civil and engaging conversation about the topic. In any well-functioning democracy, that's a start.
One night at the ballpark a hit for these White Sox fansApr 30, 2013 12:00 AM
Mike North gives a recap of what the winners of his contest thought about their experience at the White Sox game last Thursday. Daily Herald readers Jim Bowe, Mark Baumbach and Debbie Kaminski share their thoughts.
Caffeine can be safe if you don’t overdo it Apr 29, 2013 12:00 AM
Caffeine. Is it good or bad? We get this question all the time, but the answer really depends on your current state of health. A cup in the morning makes you feel more alert while satisfying the physical dependence you may acquire from drinking it daily. Most experts agree that a daily cup or two of coffee or tea is considered safe. Caffeine may not be suited for everyone though.
Supreme Court saves our privacy; media sleeps Apr 29, 2013 12:00 AM
Columnist Nat Hentoff: I'd feared that the Fourth Amendment's protection of our personal privacy had nearly vanished. But on April 17, a majority of the Supreme Court, ruling in Missouri v. McNeely, remembered a fundamental liberty
Laundry rooms are moving up in the world Apr 28, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. To my wife's amazement, I'm moving our laundry station from the basement and building a laundry room in the area that used to be an open mudroom. Since this room is going to be in the living area, I want to make it fancy with built-in countertops. Can you give me any ideas on what type of laundry sink I should use?