Today was my last day at work. The financial holding company I worked for has been purchased (pending stockholder approval) by a significantly larger regional bank, i.e. $175B > $2B. And with the probability that I would be laid-off in the all too near future being roughly greater than or equal to 100%, I thought it would be wise that I take my leave while it's still my decision. So starting January 14th I will be moving on to hopefully greater things as a software engineer for a small web development / internet marketing startup in northeast Georgia. They provide consulting to companies in the Atlanta area interested in a comprehensive internet marketing strategy, through identity development and (re?)branding, data-driven web applications, and search engine optimization. Who knew that there were awesome tech companies to work for in the boondocks? And even though I'm excited about this change in my life, I can't help but look back on this past year and feel a bit melancholy about the fact that I'm leaving some good friends behind. Despite the occasional nonsense of working in a corporate Information Technology department, 2007 was a great year. Random and unrelated thoughts -- Bioshock is one of the finest games ever made, and I can't believe I'm playing it on a 360 controller. Geometry Wars is still (!?!) devouring my life. Blade Runner: The Final Cut is fantastic in HD! Bluray is not a superior format to HDDVD. Neither is superior to IPHD content, if only the bandwidth were there for most of the US. But anyone that would suggest market competition is harmful to the consumer is an idiot. Happy New Year. Cheers!