By Bob Sirott, FOX 32 News at Nine Co-Anchor - bio
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
One more thing, about March Madness. I'm proud to say I never participate in those NCAA pools. Partly because I always lose and partly because all that bracketing is too complicated--especially when you're trying to figure out your income taxes this time of year.
It's estimated that 3 million employees spend one to three hours watching games and checking scores instead of working. According to one survey, 16 percent of workers expect to spend five hours or more following the tournament.
Every spring we get the stories about college basketball causing millions of dollars in lost productivity at the office. That's ridiculous, and always seemed a little far-fetched to me, and now most of the experts agree, saying March Madness can actually create team-spirit and bonding at work.
One poll of more than a thousand managers found one in five people felt activities tied to the playoffs boost morale, compared to only 4 percent who viewed them negatively.
The head of one large employee placement service told Forbes Magazine companies should encourage the betting breaks because people who spend time on non-work tasks will most likely finish their assignments by staying late.
I'm going home now. The rest of the employees at the station might be here a while.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:17:17 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:40 GMT
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:46:15 GMT
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:19:16 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
Monday, April 22 2013 11:09 PM EDT2013-04-23 03:09:41 GMT
Over the weekend, the Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller "Oblivion" was number one at the box office. But the movie I'm talking about wasn't even in the top ten.
Over the weekend, the Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller "Oblivion" was number one at the box office. But the movie I'm talking about wasn't even in the top ten.
