Just a quick update. I handed in my retirement papers last Thursday, May 29, 2003. On Monday, I got called for a job interview to work under my current boss's boss. New title, senority reverts to zero, 1.1 percent less pay, more hours, less autonomy. He's a very decent guy, and through his secretary I kindly thanked him. It isn't too late to withdraw my papers, but I decided to go with my gut instinct. So my thank you was really a "No, thank you." So be it.

A lot of people I have worked with over the years are scrambling. Some have moved up, but that means taking so-called management jobs which provide no security and no union benefits. Some have moved from supervisory into administrative jobs like the one they called me for. Some accept the fact that they'll revert to their former positions, if they had former positions. Some will actually be laid off. And some, like me, will just throw in the towel.

Anyway, it's time for me to turn my attention to other matters, like the upcoming Third Annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash at CB's 313 Gallery in New York City. The date is Sunday, July 13, 2003, the time is 7 to 9 PM, and the cover charge is only $5. For that price you can stay all night and hear other acts as well. CB's is located at 313 Bowery, between East 1st and East 2nd Streets in the NOHO/East Village section of Lower Manhattan.

Be there and make this retiree happy!

--- Steve