Quigs’ Corner

Like many companies around the US, the one for which I work has been trimming employees, closing sites and generally consolidating operations.  A ‘Resource Action’, a fancy name for what it really is: a layoff, reduction in force, or firing, was taken near the end of January, allowing those affected 30 days to find a new position internally.  Today was the end of the 30 days, and today was the day my inbox was filled with numerous farewell notes. 

I’m not sure how many people were let go in total.  Internet estimates were as many as 16,000 worldwide just for my company.  This is more than the population of the last town I lived in.  This, along with so many other companies, further contributes to the million plus talented, educated, economic sustaining citizens of this nation.

Reading my email today was not a walk down memory lane, but instead a day of pity, sadness and ire for the people that had given 100% for many, many years are no longer employed, and I’m afraid will remain in this state much longer than they deserve. 

I only hope that our new President is able to deliver on his promises of last night’s speech, and we, as a nation, are able to do what’s necessary to pull out of it.  I’m worried though, that it’s going to get worse before it gets better. 

So, there are all kinds of things going around about privacy on Facebook - rightfully so since they said that they were going to take all the content on the site as theirs.  I think most of the comments posted are pretty pedestrian, though I’ve found some useful links my friends have posted, both for personal and work use.  Photos though, I have an issue with FB taking ownership of these.  I’ve read that FB is the #1 photo sharing site in the world.  I believe this; many of my friends have several photos on their sites - friends, family, vacations, random shots…I have done the same thing.  I have a serious problem with FB staking claime of my property - in this case any pictures I’ve posted.  After much public outcry, the powers that be at FB have back-pedaled and are re-working their T&Cs.  

The whole social networking area is a new frontier…college kids have used these site for a while and honestly, most of the pictures I saw were of partying groups of kids doing things that they will hope won’t turn up when their kids are being disciplined for misbehaving when they are teens.  As more and more people join, many of them ‘adults’, these sites will be forced to play by big boy rules, not seat of the pants ‘kid’ rules. 

I’m interested in seeing how the FB thing works out - if anything, there is now lots of tips on protecting your privacy, and manage your account safely.  

The big black dog went and got her teeth cleaned yesterday.  For those that don’t know how this is done, the vet knocks her out (so she doesn’t get bit, I’m sure!) and then does the task of getting those chompers cleaned.  The clinic called when she was done, and all was good.  Always good news when anesthesia is involved. 

When I picked her up, she was still a little dazed - ok, alot dazed.  As the night went on, the poor thing was falling over when she would sit up, stare into space and then finally slept really, really well. 

Her teeth are beautiful - probably because she doesn’t drink coffee and red wine, and it seems her breath is even better!  She’s more stable this morning and couldn’t wait to get her breakfast. 

I noticed yesterday that my light timers are coming on a little too early - for the second time since the beginning of January. This morning, I went around and changed the time they started by 15 minutes later.  Now, 15 minutes isn’t a very long time, but it means our days are that much longer and we’re that much closer to spring!  Here’s to warmer temps and longer days.  

One of Mr. Q’s vendors was generous enough to share tickets with us to last night’s Celtic vs. Mavs basketball game at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in Dallas.  We’ve been lucky to be able to use these seats before, and appreciate the entertainment that Mark Cuban and the staff at the AAC provide.  The seats themselves in are the ‘Platinum’ section which means a separate entrance, parking pass for a very close garage, servers available to bring food & drink to your seat and really nice bathrooms.  The bathroom thing may not seem like a big deal, but have you been to the restrooms at any of these big arenas?  Some of their facilities are just plain nasty - Ranger’s stadium is an excellent example.  Or Fenway Park.  I could go on, but I think you get my point. 

Anyway, these seats, as you can imagine, are not cheap.  But, the people sitting around us?  Well, they either recieved their tickets as a gift or their parents never taught them manners (or both?).  Take the guy sitting next to Mr Q that looked like a younger, more smart-assier Owen Wilson (not sure that’s possible, but trust me, it was), that kept picking his nose. I’m NOT kidding!!!  I swear, EVERY time I looked in LQ’s direction, his neighbor was digging for treasure.  I even thought I saw him eat the rsults at one point!  Holy snot-rocket Batman, do 20-somethings really do this shit!?  AND, do they actually get a second date? 

Oh wait,it gets better…though the Celtics didn’t play their best game last night, they came from behind (as many as 13 points) to win the game in the last minute or so.  A real nail biter.  You should have seen and heard The Nose-picker.  First, when the Mavs were winning he was yelling at the refs for nearly every call they made.  Some of his complaints were justified, some were not.  Whatever.  Then, as the Mavs began to lose their lead, he started yelling at the fans that were cheering for the Celts!  ‘Why don’t you go to Boston?’  ‘Shut up!’ ’Sit down!’ (such orignal stuff, huh?)  OMG I couldn’t believe this dude.  When it became evident that Boston was going to win, he threw his water bottle (after his many beers and cocktails he’d already consumed during the night) into his seat and stormed off, pouting!  Grow up man, it’s a freaking game!  I was really secretly hoping he would have challenged my team loyalties, so I could get in his face.  It would have brought me so much satisfaction to see him taken away in matching braclets courtesy of DPD.  Oh well…maybe next time? 

Anyway, we had a good time, watching the WORLD CHAMPION BOSTON CELTICS beat little ‘ol Dallas.  We got home late, got up for work early and have been dragging ass all day.  But, it was worth it! 

Before you say anything about my not posting here let me explain….well, I can’t.  I’ve been ignoring Quigs’ Corner because I’ve been distracted by another site, Facebook.  It’s true, I’ve strayed.  It’s easy to use, and I put quick updates in it - alot.  I feel like I’m connected ‘cuz my friends comment or post their thoughts too.  It’s fun, and I’ve been in put back in touch with long-lost friends. But, I can’t rant there.  Nor can I say what I may want to really, really say.  I was reminded of that when I read my friend’s blog today that I miss having my own space and place to ramble - FB only allows you so much space, like a NYC apartment.  So, I’m back, and forgive me in advance if I get lazy again and forget to return from time to time, but you’re my first, and you never forget your first.