While you were busy learning more than you ever thought you would about Egyptian politics, defending your $3 billion or so investment or showing that you’ve clearly learned nothing from the likes of Brett Favre, Kwame Kilpatrick, Mark Foley, etc., here’s what was happening in the world of workforce management this week…

• There’s a Reason Party City Doesn’t Have an Aisle for This Some companies have taken to throwing farewell parties for laid off employees, but the practice is getting some criticism from career experts who say it’s insensitive. (ABC News)
• The 21^st Century’s Answer to “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You…” “Ultimately, winning the future is not just about what the government can do to help you succeed. It’s about what you can do to help America succeed,” Obama told American businesses on Monday, urging them to tape into their reserves and invest in hiring. (New York Times)
• Jobs Defies the Old “There Are No Good Work at Home Opportunities” Stereotype The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple CEO Steve Jobs has stayed very much involved in the company’s business initiatives since taking medical leave three weeks ago and working from home. (WSJ)
• Bosses Who are Sensitive to Employees’ Facebook Comments May Be SOL The “landmark case” highlighting workers’ rights regarding social media has been settled.  The company with whom the NLRB filed a complaint for firing a worker after she posted negative remarks about her boss on Facebook has agreed to revamp its rules to ensure they don’t restrict workers’ rights. (WSJ)  
• Smokers Need Not Apply More hospitals and medical businesses in many states are adopting strict policies that make smoking a reason to turn away job applicants, saying they want to increase worker productivity, reduce health care costs and encourage healthier living. (New York Times)
• Technically Speaking to Qualified Applicants Proves Difficult While companies have slowly begun to hire again overall, finding qualified talent for technical positions still eludes many employers today. (BARRON’S) And finally…
• Ah, Memories…MSN brings us on a trip down traumatic memory lane with its slideshow showcasing some of the most controversial stories of workers getting fired in recent history.  (MSN)