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Project Completion

This morning, I put the finishing touches on my ‘interview project‘ I’ve been working on. I hesitated to actually hit ‘send’ on the email for about an hour, as I was sure I forgot something.

Actually, this was probably a good thing since I forgot to validate all of the code for w3c compliance. There were about a dozen errors. Of course, nothing major that affects the display of the page, but just little things, alt tags on images and being sure to close tags. But, once I got those cleared up I swallowed hard and sent it off.

I wasn’t so much relieved as I was nervous that I still forgot something. But, since I had sent it, at least I could stop working on it.

I was pretty tired this afternoon as I have spent much of the week running on caffeine and adrenalin. But, then I heard back from Mike, the guy I interviewed with:

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Crazy Busy

CSSFor the past week, I have been absolutely up to my ass in web development. Literally morning, noon and night.

See, I needed to get some pictures posted for AJsAngels.org from their recent summer fundraising events. I got a little ambitious and tried a new CSS photo gallery thing that worked pretty well, until I got around to testing IE 6 and lower. Then it crapped out. While I was trying to get that fixed, I got another little request that would take precedence.

When I interviewed with Wirestone last week, they told me that I would send me a .psd file (Photoshop) that I would need to work on. Okay… I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I would figure it out soon enough.

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Interview Follow Up

I just got done with my Wirestone interview. I can tell you one thing. If I thought I wanted to work there before… now, I know I want to work there. The guy I interviewed with was very cool. We spent a lot of time talking about the company, what they do, and more importantly their teams and culture. We spent a lot of time talking about me. They put a lot of value on finding a right fit for the team, and I totally respect that. Having worked with sticks-in-the-mud, I know nothing can destroy morale quite like a bad team member. I guess they know, as I do, that the tech stuff can be learned. I botched a few technical questions, but I hope he could tell I’m competent.

Perhaps it was during the discussion of computer gaming that sealed it for me. They’re young, they’re technical, they’re like me.

This place pretty much sounds like everything that HP is not.  All I kept thinking about was the old Coach Hawk saying, “Bigger isn’t necessarily better…. Better is Better.”

But, I’m not putting the cart before the horse. He said he’s got a couple more interviews this week. He’s also sending me a doc to work on to show what I can do. So, I’ve still got more to do. Do I feel confident? Sure… I’m a positive guy. But I’m prepared for anything.

He also said there would be an interview or two more as well, provided I make it.

Keep the good thoughts coming. I appreciate them all!

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Interview

Well gang, I finally heard back from Wirestone.  They want to bring me in for an interview tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 9:00am.

A little background, I saw this ad posted to Craigslist and my eyes almost popped out of my head.  It was something I’m qualified to do with the company I would like to work for.  Perfect combination, eh?

So, I submitted my resume’ and cover letter.  I had been in touch with them a few times, but finally heard back yesterday that the hiring manager wanted to meet me.

Anyway, if you got the time, send a few good vibes my way tomorrow, say 9ish.

Wish me luck.

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Poor Micron

The big news around here in Idaho is the potential layoffs at Micron, one one of the largest employers in the valley. The Idaho Statesman has been writing articles all week about how the employees are nervous and how to survive layoffs and to find a new job, on and on.

Screw Micron and their weenie employees.

Now, I know some people that work at Micron and I’m not trying to say anything bad about them. But Micron employees don’t know anything about a shitty work environment.

Hewlett Packard, where I work, has been having layoffs… er… excuse me… Work Force Reductions (or WFR) for the past 7 years. I started 8 years ago when we were fat and happy. We were growing. Then Carly Fiorina took over and drove us straight into the shithouse. I think I have survived probably a dozen rounds of WFR, at least. Absolutely no one in the HP Services are safe. They even had one round of WFR that was only managers. NO ONE is safe.

Of the people I worked with in my first year, I would say that 90% are now gone. But, HP in their infinite wisdom spaces out those WFRs as to not really make the news. The downside of this approach, however, is that it never stops hanging over your head.  Ever.  You think that its fun to work with your head permanently cemented on the chopping block?  Lemme tell you, not particularly. On my current web team which I have been on since it was created 7 years ago, we started with 4 people. The first one was let go maybe 4 years ago. Another was gone a year and a half ago. Leaving two of us… and as of 2 weeks ago, I am now the only remaining member.

As you can probably imagine, the morale around that place has been just stellar for YEARS. Every single person that I’ve talked to does not expect to be at HP for their career. Most are amazed, as I am, that we’re even still there. Everyone has lost close friends to the WFR process. Nobody knows when another round of WFRs will come or who will be hit. All anyone knows is that it is going to happen again. All this does is foster a very poor environment. Some people still try to care about the company, but HP does everything they can to beat that out of you. To be perfectly honest, those who are WFRed are more relieved than anything. At least they can finally stop thinking and worrying about it.

I wish I could work somewhere where I would feel valued as an employee. That would be a wonderful change of pace.

So, you wussy Micron people who are scared for your jobs, I don’t wanna hear it. Get back to me when you have been looking at layoffs which could come at any time for 7 straight years. Then, I might feel a little sympathy for you. Until then, shut it.

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Where the hell have I been?

Actually, nowhere. I suppose I could say I’ve been lazy, but that wouldn’t be accurate. More like I just haven’t felt the strong urge to update this damn thing. But, since I had better update you folks, here goes.

The biggest news is that the new computer is built and up and running. I suppose that is where I’ve been spending the lions share of my spare time. It took me most of the day (Tuesday the 1st) to build the thing, install windows, and get back all of my software. I enjoy that sort of thing, but it is still a pain in the ass sometimes. I guess I’m more of a computer “user” type than one who love tinkering with the guts. I like things to work, and get frustrated when they don’t.

Anyway, I installed the new Windows Vista Home Ultimate, and so far I like it. The only software I haven’t been able to get working on it is my VPN software to log into work from home. Bit of a bummer, but I can try to find a compatible client here at work. Hardware wise, this thing is a monster. I put a lot of horses in there, and you can really tell. It screams. It might be sad that I get so excited about such things, but what can ya do?? I may detail out my build more in the future. Keep your eyes peeled.

The weather is finally getting nice. I’ve been itching to get out on the golf course. I guess I had better get my clubs out of storage and hit the driving range. I played a total of 13 holes last season, so I’m sure I’m rusty as hell. George did say he got his clubs extended and is getting some lessons… we’ll see if I can get him out on the links. Been a long time… I miss it.

I have actually had work to do at work lately. Go figure! It’s nice to not have to kill time, and actually be productive.

MeHad an eye doc appointment last week, and everything is golden. Still only need glasses for computer type work, and even then, that is more just for comfort sake. I’m not one of those who sit and stare at the screen for hours. I’m way to easily distracted for that sort of thing, so I spend a lot of time exercising my eyes by looking around and focusing on far and near stuff. As a plus, Mom seems to think I look smarter in glasses… not sure if that means I look dumber without glasses.

Had a dentist appointment too. That was interesting. No cavities, but I’m gonna need a crown. I never knew what the purpose of those was, but according to the dentist, we all have cracks in our teeth. The only way to determine whether those cracks are becoming a problem is symptoms. And, my bottom right molar (number 31 I believe) is quite sensitive to pressure. Hurts, frankly. So, the clamp a metal head on the tooth to keep that bad boy from flexing. Hopefully, I don’t get taken to the cleaners on that one. Ugh. Win some, lose some.

One thing I just have to bitch about real quick. There is a radio ad here for Lee Reed Jewelers. Anyone from Boise knows these horrible things with Larry Reed basically chastising guys for not not loving their wives enough to get them bigger diamonds. That pisses me off enough as it is. But, one thing I heard on the latest commercial almost made me drive off the road when I heard it. He says something to the effect that diamonds are “one of the rarest gems on earth” (he was comparing this to moms). WTF!? Are you kidding!? Diamonds are made of carbon. Coal. They seriously litter the earth. Millions of them. I mean, they use them in industrial equipment for pete’s sake! It makes me sad that people actually believe this.

Allow me to burst a bubble for those who think that a diamond is inherently valuable… Guess what. Its not. “But they’re expensive” you might retort. Well, you’re correct. But the reason they are is simple. It is called a world wide monopoly by the DeBeers company and a terrific marketing campaign beginning in the early 20th century. Enlisting advertising, Hollywood and various other means, they successfully connected the universal feeling of “love” to the one product they control. Thus, if you don’t buy diamonds, you don’t truly love someone. Grrrrr…. To maintain their position, they either shut down, or buy any competing diamond dealers. Thus, they can set prices as high as they like, and the saps who have been brainwashed into believing the HAVE to have a diamond keep on buying.

Can you tell this pisses me off? Perhaps it has something to do with my having purchased an overpriced engagement ring once and not really get the return on my investment I was looking for. But its not just me. Google “diamond monopoly” or you could read this: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/198202/diamond

Personally, I like gems that are actually rare. Rubies, sapphires, and especially emeralds. But I’m a man, so what do I know?

Ok, thats all for now. I do have a few ‘feature’ style posts coming. I have a few things I have been thinking about writing about and they should be along in a few days.

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Meetings make you dumber

Its true. And science has finally proven it.

Of course, to anyone who has ever worked in an corporate environment knows this already based on their own experience. If there is anything more dreadful than staring at a staff meeting scheduled for the next 2 hours, I don’t know what it is.

According to this article, group think can cloud alternative solutions. When an option gets brought up in a meeting, that option is usually discussed. The more times that option is said aloud, the harder it is to remember other options. Not to mention the fact that some people, like myself, are disinclined to speak up during big meetings no matter how good our ideas might be. Damn introversion.

Maybe some manager one of you work for will see this and you can eliminate one meeting from your normal week. If so, I hope its mine!

I am reminded of one of my favorite things… Demotivators. Everyone has seen those uplifting posters with a chipper saying and a picture of a soaring eagle or something. These are the exact opposite. And they speak the truth. You can find more of them at Despair.com

meetings
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Shortest day of the year

Hi Everyone… just a reminder that today is the shortest day of the year. It’s all downhill from here! I’ve always felt you should celebrate strange days (like today). Maybe stay in and watch a movie. While on the summer solstice, you can go out golfing or something. I don’t know, I’m weird like that.

We’ve just gotten a decent snowfall here and there is a chance that some of it might still be around on Christmas. I can’t remember the last white Christmas we had. It’s so very exciting…

Also, today is my last day of work until the 3rd of January. Merry Christmas to me, indeed. Of course, I have to use my vacation days (really… if I don’t use vacation, I won’t be paid. Office is closed and no one is working). But either way, I’ll get to lay around in my underwear and watch bowl games all week. Until I leave for Phoenix and the Fiesta Bowl! More about that (obviously) coming later.

If I don’t post again before Christmas, let me wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas one last time!

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CableOne Comes Through

Well, they pulled it off. The impossible. Boise State v. Wyoming is now going to be on digital cable. What an amazing turn of events. I was resigned to not seeing the game at all and living with the radio call.
The good thing is that CableOne is not going to increase rates just for adding this one channel. If I had to pay more per month to watch one game, when the other 364 days of the year this channel will be showing the Colorado State diving team or something, I might be less enthusiastic.

So, the party is at my apartment. Get there early, cause there sure ain’t much seating. There ain’t much food either… ok… NO food… so if you want something, bring it with, plus a little something for the host, huh?

In other news, someone is walking around the office today whistling ‘Jingle Bells’. If I find them, I will strangle them to death with my bare hands. There is no other option.

Speaking of my office, it is actually quiet in here today. See, that large open staging area I’ve mentioned in past posts (where they’ve alternately stored crap and had product faires) has been holding all of the printers being moved in and moved out of the entire site. They have been doing this big printer roll out program latetly, taking all of the personal printers off peoples’ desks and replacing them with the big multi-function laserjets a couple for each team. Well, guess where they were storing all of said printers… 20 feet from my cube.

Well, this week, they had piles and piles of personal printers. Then, for some reason, they removed the walls surrounding their operation which knocked down a little of the noise. From my cube door, I could see clear across the expanse of printers, as well as hear every conversation, every crash, every scrape, everything. My personal favorite was the guy who was pulling the toner cartridges from the printers and literally tossing them into a big container. Just a lovely amout of noise, to which this guy was oblivious that less than 5 yards away were people actually trying to do office business. It was so bad, I had to eject at 10am and spend the day working from home.

Fortunately, today, all is gone. No printers. No workers. No distractions. It’s nice. Of course, a guy came by my cube asking if we had wireless network connection in the building because his team is moving in. I ask him what team that was, and he said it was the PET team (whatever the hell that means) but then threw in this little gem, “Hope you’re prepared, its going to be noisy.”

Oh goody… I can’t wait.

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Car Update

Finally got a hold of the last honest mechanic in the valley. He can’t get me in until Friday morning. *sigh* What can ya do? Yes, for the record I’m still driving the damn thing. Roll the dice. Go for the gusto. No guts no glory. Damn the torpedeoes. Etc. Etc.

I’ll just carry extra coolant and a oven mitt. What’s life without a little gambling, right?

Hopefully, it will just be a leaky hose or something. But, I really can’t complain. The car is 10 years old (only 91k miles though) and has pretty much been bullet proof for the 7 years I’ve owned it. *knock on wood*

Site update… I’ve had renewed problems with the database. I’ve lost posts and comments when they for some reason re-restored my site from backup about 48 hours after they did it before. Anyway, I think it has re-solidified. No guarantees, but we’ll see what happens.

More football tomorrow. According to USAToday, BSU is favored by 8. I don’t know if I’d agree with that. Seems a little high. But then again, I would be supremely pleased with another 40 point blow out.

My team here at work is having a potluck tomorrow. Actually, the whole call center is (even though we aren’t even in the same building as the call center anymore, we’re doing it too). They’re calling it a ‘Tailgate Potluck’ for the BSU/OSU game. They’re encouraging everyone to wear their blue and orange, giving out prizes and crap like that. I can say with all sincerity that I have no doubt that I am the biggest bronco fan on our team. Just because I don’t paint my face or wear an orange fright wig doesn’t mean I’m not passionate about it. On the other hand, part of me just hates potlucks. I don’t know why.

Site update… I realize I haven’t written a “feature” piece in a while. Mostly been riding on the everyday minutiae of my rather boring life. That will change. I have a couple of ideas I want to get done.

So keep checking back. There will be more to read, I promise.