It's in the mail

So let me get this straight. Two UPS packages mailed in Yemen, addressed to synagogues in Chicago were found to contain bombs. I can just see the scene at the UPS counter in Yemen.

"Yes, sure, we've got some good friends in Chicago, and here's a couple treats for them. Hehe"
"They sure love our delicious surprises. Hehe"

And no one thought this was suspicious?

How about this for a plan? No more packages allowed from Yemen to the U.S. Why do we bother trying to be fair to people? Let's keep it simple, your countryman sent us a bomb, so you may not send us anything ever again. And by the way, don't be applying for any visas either. There will be no American visa issued to anyone from Yemen ever again.

I don't think we'll be missing out on much.

Corporate Culture

Been a while but here goes anyway. Sitting in at the IT employee monthly meeting today I heard that no matter who is chosen for the new CEO, they will be committed to preserving the culture.

Is that right? No one ever mentions what the culture actually is, but it's supposed to be something precious. Let me think.

• All white managers, although some women are allowed.
• Black, Filipino, and Gay low paid workers.
• Massive amounts of manual paper pushing.
  

I guess that sums it up. With one addition perhaps, lots of the low paid workers are massively obese. From hours sitting in front of a computer doing what every other industry has long ago automated. BTW, this is a health care company.

I sent a nice email to the HR guy today regarding the 401K plan. I guess we are supposed to praise the master that we have one but it actually sucks. For example, one fund I looked at in our plan had 1.7% annual expenses. A similar plan from Vanguard had 0.17% annual expenses. Let's see how this turns out. I'm afraid that not being the obedient slave might not be a good career move. But who cares? This business (health care) needs a major kick in the butt and if I can give my little bit then good for me.