Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. We've all heard it and probably had varying levels of success with its implementation. It's difficult not to go too negative and always assume that the worst will ensue, and it can be equally hard to not feel ready if problems actually arise.

Some companies offer radical departures from standard office life. Do these radical workplaces always deliver an exceptional product?

Most of us will never be able to afford a Picasso or a Pollack. Then there are those collectors who think they've captured a masterpiece, only to learn they've been hoodwinked. 

Editor's Note: Today we kick off a new series that will delve into the issues that dominate the place where we spend most of our time-the office. We're calling it Workplace Wednesdays.We've all seen it at work.

AMC's drama Mad Men is in full swing and while I'd love to share my detailed thoughts on this season, I'm only one episode in (well, two episodes since the premiere was a double-header).

Picture this. It's a Monday night, you've had a long day at work but you need to pick up a few things before you head home. Where do you go? In the days of multi-purpose retailers aiming to be everything to everyone, we may be visiting our local department stores less frequently.

We Chicagoans like to maintain our friendly rivalry with New Yorkers, but "Second City"? Hardly. Chicago regularly tops the list for dining destinations, and who can forget our friendly, Midwestern charm? But, New York does have us beat in at least one category-annual visitors.