As I write this I am reminded of a poster that was popular in the 1970s. In it a bird of prey, talons extended, about to pounce on a mouse. The mouse stands on its hind legs looking up at the bird with its middle finger raised. You might say I am the mouse in this story. I’d like to take a little pause today to acknowledge September 17, 2009. It has been six months to the day since I was laid off my job of 30 years. My thirtieth anniversary was on March 6. They threw a 30-year luncheon for me on March 13. By the end of the day on March 19 I had been released back into the wild. But don’t cry for me Argentina. I had fun those last two weeks. My boss, the man who gave me my notice, couldn’t talk to me or look me in the eye so all communication was by email. He asked if, considering the circumstances, I wanted a celebration of my 30 years. I told him a luncheon would be fine. Besides, the irony appealed to me. I imagined he would give me my certificate and 30-year pin at the luncheon. The speech would go something like this; “Congratulations Mark for 30 years of loyal and valuable service….now get the hell out!” It turned out to be a lovely event although somewhat awkward for him. Of course I broke every rule I could. I taped all my awards, certificates and acknowledgments to a wall of my office and photographed the image you see below. Note the message at the bottom - + 30 years = 0. Bringing a camera to the office is an offense punishable with suspension. On the last day I had lunch as usual at my desk but instead of my diet soda I brought a Heineken. I left the empty on the desk. During my last year I had occasion to meet two of the men who look for violations of company policy. They are a particularly nasty bunch. On my last day I sent a picture of a painting to the meanest one with the following message attached: Hello John: Recently I came across a 15th century Renaissance painting by Neroccio de’ Landi, circa 1490. As you can see it contains a picture of the naked Christ child. Would corporate policy consider this kiddie porn? Just asking. By the way, now that you have downloaded the image to your computer, don’t forget to turn yourself in. All the best. Childish? Oh you betcha. But like I said, I had fun. And you know what? It turns out I’m ok with it because now I get to do what I should have been doing these last 30 years which is photography. And I get to meet all of you. And you are a much better bunch than most of the people I worked with over the last 30 years.