Still Here

Okay so what is 15 months among friends? It has been that long since there was a post here - not that it matters since no one but me reads this blog anyway.

To catch up - the evil empire decided my job was no longer needed since they decided to close down the premier testing facility in the United States. I was offered the opportunity to find another job within at&t or to accept their separtion offer. After thinking for at the most a half of a second I chose the separation package. And since I was somewhat critical to the facility I was offered a separation extension to help close down the BTAC. This extension worked in my favor since I was able to take my separation package in 2008 instead of 2007 with a great savings in taxes. Talk about eating your cake and having it too!

So now I am retired - somewhat. I'm teaching at UAB more and teaching a class that I've never taught before. I had forgotten how time-consuming that class preparation could be. My two day a week job turned into a four day a week job. However I am much happer than if I had stayed at at&t. My mind is being forced to work again because I am teaching things I haven't seen in 20 - 30 years. And as most teachers know the secret to teaching is being able to teach something to yourself and then you can teach it to others. And the biggest surprise of all is that I once again have a desire to learn. I have also learned things from the students especially those who are a little older.

Image my ignorance that I had no idea there was a novel called "Atlas Shrugged". I also had no idea there were Stamp microprocessors that are available to the average person. I had forgotten what z-transforms are and why anyone cared about them. And on the down side I had forgotten that some students just want the easy way to a degree and will work hard to get that easy way - such a waste of time and energy.

The best side of retirement is that I have more time to spend with my Grandchildren. I get to babysit my youngest one at least two days a week. Babies are truly God's miracles. I get to go to tot ball games and watch 3 and 4 year old kids try to catch and hit a ball. I am home when my wife comes home instead of dragging in at a later time. I can take her to work and pick her up so that she won't get wet in the rain.

Retirement - I would highly recommend it.

The new at&t - the old BellSouth

One man's opinion of the at&t assimilation of BellSouth - BellSouth dithered and dallied, so good riddance to its memory

Let's make no mistake here - there was no merger. BellSouth was bought lock, stock, and barrel by the "new" at&t. And as always happens - to the victor goes the spoils. All of this means that thousands of employees are now wondering if they still have jobs, how their benefits are going to be changed, if their retirment planning is still valid, and for some (like me) what is at&t willing to pay to get rid of employees. Most of the BellSouth officers have already taken their golden parachutes and jumped from the plane. This week one that was going to stay decided it was time to jump. Makes one wonder what turned his stomach.

Everyone saw this day coming. For years now, BellSouth has looked around to make sure they were in step with SBC. We didn't want to do anything that was too far out of line. The formation of Cingular was just the tipoff to the rest of the world.

So be it - we are now the new at&t. We will be assimilated into the collective. Resistance is futile.

One Of Those Drives To Work

First off let me say that I hate driving in rush hour traffic so I usually don't. But this morning was one of those days when I didn't have a choice. What is it about people which makes them think they can drive 80 miles per hour with only two car lengths separating their car from the car in front of them. And heaven help you if you get in their way - no matter which lane you are in.

However this morning wasn't so bad after all. I turned on my XM radio to Deep Tracks and got in one of those grooves that I wished could go on and on. First it was Delaney and Bonnie with a cut from their Home album - Just Plain Beautiful. Next came Traffic with You Can All Join In. Then it was Boz Scaggs with a really Bluesy cut. All of this was topped off by an Electric Flag cut.

Yea I know it doesn't sound like much but for a few minutes there was no traffic (no pun intended), I was 25 years old again and the day was just plain beautiful. I actually hated getting to work and having to get out of my truck. I think I could have stayed there for hours.

The Best Lawmakers That Money Can Buy

For the last few (many?) years I've come to believe that here in the USA we have the best lawmakers that money can buy.

Here is an example Washington Tries Its Best To Kill Internet Radio

Why does the RIAA think it can hold on to yesterday's world forever? And why does it just take campaign donations(?) to buy the support of our lawmakers? If you take time to think about it, our Congress is a perfect example of inbreeding and all of the problems that occur when this happens.

Term limits anyone??

All About Me

I will be posting whatever is of interest to me at the time of the posting. Fell free to tell me what you think (Keep it clean please).