Layoff Lunch
 

My firm did layoffs last week. It sucks long and hard. One associate I am extremely fond of was affected. I have never been at a firm that did layoffs before but it strikes me that a goodbye lunch (with partners in attendance) for a laid-off associate would be not only awkward, but kind of weird. Amirite? I just got an invite (from the partner in charge of the group) for a goodbye lunch for an associate I like a lot. I imagine the lunch is just going to be a big downer. I kind of feel obliged to go, but also very weird about it.

If PLF gives me a yellow card for this post, I am going to jump through the internet all the way to Minnesota and pinch him. Hard.

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

We haven't had layoffs, but usually when people around here leave (whether completely voluntary or not) folks are pretty gracious so that a last meal isn't all that horrible. I think the partnership tends to see departing people are potential future clients. But dinner is preferable as alochol always helps for these things.

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

This is why my firm emphasized drinking over eating. It's much less of a downer when the laid-off one is getting hammered and making out with random now-former colleagues.

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

Can't one drink at lunch?

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

One can, and I certainly would if I was the one leaving, but others are probably less likely too. At least around here.

ETA: Which reminds me of the tragedy that was the farewell meal for a friend who left the firm. This guy was the summer associate from his class most known to enjoy a few spirited beverages, and a bit of a nonconformist. Yet the fact that he was also very smart, motivated and a good associate led him to come into the high regard of the least popular junior partner, who took it upon himself to arrange a dry, awkward and early (have to beat the rush) going away lunch. Lament for the many glasses of firm-sponsored 20 year old single malt that were left unconsumed.

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

I would imagine some way for the departing guy to say goodbye would be nice for him. Everywhere else you see a guy get shown the door with fifteen minutes to clear out his desk.

I'm sure those people would like the opportunity to have a bit more dignified farewell. Although having the partners that made the decision there would be weird.

Re: Quantum of Solace - Spoiler Alert
 

Speaking of watches, mine finally crapped out. It wasn't anything fancy, but I liked it. So, I'm in the market. I need something that I can beat the hell out of. At least 200 meters of water resistance. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. I want to swim anywhere (salt or fresh) and not worry about it. I don't need a Rolex or something fancy like that. Just something that can take lots of abuse.

The jeweler was telling me that this Tissot (after showing me the TAGs) will last me my whole life:

http://www.jomashop.com/tissot-t17-1-586-52.html

Any recommendations? I don't want to spend more than $1k.

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

At my firm, if work people go out to lunch, there is almost always at least a beer or two consumed.

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

No kidding. In that situation, I'm ordering from the top of the wine list. Plus Beluga caviar (just two portions), lobster thermador, a steak sandwich and a steak sandwich.

Re: Quantum of Solace - Spoiler Alert
 

I didn't say Mr. White (if he's the guy who was in Bond's trunk) fucked up the back story. And I'm all for his slippery ass being the face of the mysterious Quantum.

I disagree. Other Bond films have implied that he is the way he is because of a woman. This Bond film spent a lot of time on whether Vesper did or did not betray him. And even though Bond says and acts like he doesn't care and wasn't out for vengeance (and that he never left M), I think we all know better. He loved Vesper. He found out she loved him and was trying to protect him, not betray him. But now he has nothing but the job. Maybe he's got that anger in him from losing everything. Who knows?

Anyway, you're right about one thing. Enough of this shit.

TM

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

Not the porterhouse for two?

Re: Layoff Lunch
 

I split a bottle of red last Thursday at lunch with a quasi-client (a board member of a non-profit I rep pro bono, npi), an 01 Fontanafredda Barolo. It was good.

I try not to talk to anyone in my office, so the odds are good that a little alcohol on the breath will go unnoticed.

Re: madagascar 2
 

I am very old. I had no idea what any of this refers to until I saw that video.
I feel like Lather.

Re: Quantum of Solace - Spoiler Alert
 

Sorry to continue this, but isn't Bond the way he is because he allowed himself to feel love once, and his wife (Diana Rigg) was shot and died in his arms? And he cried, which killed his (George Lazenby's) career as an actor, and his ability to love ever again? So he's cold as ice now.

Re: Quantum of Solace - Spoiler Alert
 

Hamilton has a few similar watches that are a couple hundred more and will probably perfomr better than the Tissot over the long haul. That being said, in the lower-price market, Tissot is a fine watch.