Letters of Note presents the Tiger Oil Memos. Thank goodness someone had the foresight to save them.

From the offices of the now-defunct but at one time Houston-based Tiger Oil Company come a total of 22 enormously entertaining memos; all sent by, or on behalf of, the firm's incredibly amusing, painfully tactless, and seemingly constantly angry CEO – Edward 'Tiger Mike' Davis – to his staff. Little is known about the man himself (some background can be gleaned here ) and in 1980 his company filed for bankruptcy, however some years ago his inter-office communications thankfully appeared online for all to see.

Highlights (via):

"On days when you have to work, and you think you should be off, you wear slouchy dress attire. That will not occur in the future. You will wear proper dress attire to work always. Also, all employees should have the proper attitude to coincide with proper dress, especially on those days when you're working and think you should be off."

"Idle conversation and gossip in this office among employees will result in immediate termination. Don't talk about other people and other things in this office. DO YOUR JOB AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!"

"Do not speak to me when you see me. If I want to speak to you, I will do so. I want to save my throat. I don't want to ruin it by saying hello to all of you sons-of-bitches."

"Per Edward Mike Davis' orders, there will be no more birthday celebrations, birthday cakes, levity, or celebrations of any kind within the office."