Sue-

I had a student named Gyasi (which I think would be pronounced in a similar way) and he was male.

Does anyone know if Jiasi is a female or male name.

Using Google Image Search is a good trick. Most of the matches are male - the female ones seem to have Jiasi as a last name.

Hec, if I had those psionic powers that I rightly should have, there would be several heads exploding at your ex-firm right now.

Honestly, though? They're going to reap the wind because they'll be screwed without you to keep things running. Living well is really going to be your revenge.

It hardly seems like firing grounds. WTF?

Well, exactly. It was more that the LA Boss wanted to remake our department, and when my ex-boss and ex-coworker left she only needed to get rid of me to complete the project. Also worth noting that in the last ten months, I went four months without an immediate supervisor (so my coworker and I were covering that position) and another four months without a coworker (so I was covering his position as well as mine). This could have contributed to the lack of consistency.

OMG, I cannot stop sneezing and blowing my nose. It is super-gorgeous outside, so I'm hoping it's allergies.

Also, I wish I could hang out outside, but I have GOT to get crackalacking on my stupid thesis. Bah.

Is "The Manhole" bar still around? (in Boystown.)

Yup. Not to mention CockTails, The Closet, Man's Country, Jackhammer, Manhandler Saloon, Big Chicks, and, rounding it out, The Gay Town Tavern.

Give'em points for subtlety, if nothing else.

Go shrift, go!! I'd talk to whoever seems easier first.

I feel like I should tell them both at the same time, and yet, really don't want to try chivvying them into Big Boss's office this morning.

I'll go smoke, and then try to track down the wily Big Boss, who doesn't seem to be in his office right now.

Thanks guys. (ETA: Jiasi is female.)

David, that's just crazy.

I can't even believe Hec's employers can do that! I always thought you had to have written warnings and counselings and such before you were fired (unless your position was eliminated).

Also, I can't find ita's link for the Hello Kitty's kitty jump drive-- does anyone remember where it was?

I'm guessing California, like New York, is an at-will employment state. As long as they aren't firing you for being black (female, etc. -- in a protected class), they don't have to give a reason at all.