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    The difference between "Duh!" and "D’oh!" (It got around to me...) - revised

    Bob Balaban  January 31 2009 08:19:31 AM
    Greetings Geeks!

    Here's the difference: "Duh" is a shorthand label that means "that was obvious".
                                              "D'oh!" tends to mean either "that was stupid", or "that sure was a surprise!"

    In a surprising (to me) phone call from my manager at Binary Tree on Thursday (29th), I was informed that I was to be laid off from the company.

    Yesterday (30th) was my last day of employment at Binary Tree.

    Because of the current economic climate, I've decided to pursue contracting opportunities for a while. I was able to re-create Looseleaf Software online (love that Internet!), but no web site yet (some things take longer than others). Got some nibbles already, I'm hopeful this will work out well.

    Thanks to everyone who has already sent me messages of support, I really appreciate it.

    Stay warm, it's COLD out there!
    Follow me on Twitter @LooseleafLLC
    Comments

    1Kitty Elsmore  02/01/2009 6:40:59 AM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    Sorry to hear that Bob. I'm sure you'll get what you want in no time. Kitty xxx

    2Weaz  02/02/2009 4:47:16 PM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    Perhaps you shouldn't flip off ANYBODY, even an ex-president that you don't respect, at ANY business function. At that time and at that place, you were representing your employer. I'm sure they were not thrilled with you, and rightly so, for such a childish stupid and disrespectful display.

    3Bob Balaban  02/02/2009 6:48:34 PM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    @2 - You are, of course, entitled to your opinion (and I mine). Are you suggesting that perhaps I lost my job because of that incident? Interesting idea, but no, that is not the case. Also, I will simply say that some issues (and some events) transcend the simple "professionalism" that ignores political, economic and social reality, in favor of narrow focus on making money. I went with the moment, and I am not sorry, whatever the consequences.

    4Gordon Inkson  02/03/2009 7:55:02 PM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    Sorry to hear you've lost a job that you always sounded like you enjoyed. However, with your talents and resume you will doubtless find an exciting new challenge in no-time flat.

    Selfishly (as a Domino Dev) I'm hoping you return to Lotus for that rebuild of the Domino Web Engine. However, I suspect a 3rd stint at IBM would just be a bit too much to bear.

    I wasn't at Lotusphere but from his previous entry it doesn't sound to me like Bob's LS stunt was at all disrespectful (to anyone) or was even overtly political - it just celebrated the inauguration of the first black President by saying that particular myth had been proven false.

    And as Bob says that's clearly not why he's lost his position. There's thousands all over the world losing their jobs right now, alas.

    5Richard Hogan  02/04/2009 8:49:07 PM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    Bob, nice meeting you at ILUG2008. Sorry to hear about the job but it's, unfortunately, a sign of the current times. Best wishes and I hope things go great for you.

    6Einar Ellingsen  02/05/2009 7:26:27 AM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    Sorry to hear that news Bob!

    I am sure you will be able to make yourself new and inspiring business in short time.

    I will dig in my closet and find that old Looseleaf T-shirt and start wearing it on a regular basis.

    - Because it goes to 11 ;-)

    Remember you told me that you used to ask this analyst friend of yours what the number was?

    After attending this year's Lotusphere and Notes' 20th anniversary I am more sure than ever that that number is higher than ever before :-D

    I wish you the best luck in reestablishishing Looseleaf!

    Best regards

    Einar

    PS! I attended the Mythbuster session and enjoyed it very much :-)

    7 Bob Balaban  02/06/2009 1:49:37 AM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    @4 - Thanks for the good wishes, Gordon. I seriously doubt that another round of employement is in my future, though. :-)

    @5 - Thanks Richard!

    @6 - Einar! I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation, but I am sorry that you didn't come up and say hello. Please do next time!

    If you need another Looseleaf t-shirt, let me know.

    I do remember "the number", that fellow is Barry Jacobson, who I have not seen in many years. I believe he has changed careers, though, so for him, the number is now Zero. :-) I hope that is not also true for the rest of us.

    8Ounnas  03/25/2009 9:54:28 AM  The difference between Duh! and D’oh! (It got around to me...) - revised

    In a way I am sad to hear about you have been laid off ; but on the other hand I am glad to see that you could consider some new challenge :) We are hiring in Florida.

    Take care

    Samir