Forget Iowa...

I just cast my ballot for the Presidential Primary today...

Gotta love No Reason absentee balloting!

I got really fired up!

Because I got a brand new closet organizer system for the new addition to our house. We're getting a walk in closet. So yesterday we made the pilgrimage to Atlanta to spend a day at IKEA. Also, we got all kinds of cool lighting solutions, cabinets for the bathroom, and lots of other fun things. We enjoyed the food, and were able to successfully transport our stuff back home.

I hope to re-fire up the blogging activity soon, with some little anecdotes and asides. Hopefully you will see them in the not-to-distant future.

In the meantime, be good and remeber that YGSR.

I think I am right...

Fred Thompson is Wes Clarking...

The Way I See It

From my cup of coffee at Starbucks...

TWISI #266

"Once, when excavating the house of a medieval sailor on the coast of the Red Sea in Egypt, I found a still-preserved reed mat in front of a door. Under the doormat was a wooden key with the name of the owner painted on it. It was an extraordinary sense of connection with the last person to walk out of that building 700 years ago."

-- Fred Hiebert Archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow.

We made it...

Inventory is over with, as is the walk through from "on high." It's been a busy few weeks out here in Lake Woebegone, and I am looking forward to Thursday and Saturday (my two days off this week).

Enjoying

Enjoying the works of David Sedaris...

he's a very funny writer.

International City Wins Little League World Series

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=other/news/AON4098997.htm

A shoutout to these kids, as they got everyone in Middle GA to care about something other than football, for a change.

and life barrels on like a runaway train
where the passengers change they don't change anything
you get off someone else can get on
and "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, it's time"

Ben Folds

Macon's Next Great, Last, Hope?

David Cousino (R), canididate for mayor...

"The average voter may look at Cousino's plans for the city and conclude one of three things: He's unconventional, but brilliant; he's a little wacky; or he's hopelessly quixotic.

Cousino's grand plan for Macon involves working with the Muscogee Creek Nation to return land in the city and Bibb County that previously belonged to the tribe when white settlers moved here nearly 200 years ago.

"Everything that was traditionally their property - they want what's rightfully theirs," said Cousino, who said he has no Creek ancestry in his family. "They have so many qualities they would bring to this area. They have open boundaries. It would bring togetherness. People would want to see what's going on with Indian culture in this area. It would be phenomenal."

Cousino wants to dissolve the city charter so his strategy can work."

http://www.macon.com/198/story/94954.html

I got the last Harry Potter book.

Time in: 1155pm
Time out: 1209am

Savings: 40% off cover price, with card.

New Links

I have added a few links on the right hand side for sites that I actually visit. I also added a stock ticker since I just got a restricted stock award and I want ot keep up with my affluence.

Rain!!

we're finally getting some!

Such a Dearth of Blogging Lately

True that I have not been on here a lot lately...

a few things on the radar:

I went to synagogue today with my boss. He attends a Messianic Congregation, and I hadn't been to one since high school with one of my friends. It was basically like a pentecostal service with the exception that there is a pastor figure (the rabbi). The music was very well done and heavy on the emotional side.

Also, later on I went to see Live Free or Die Hard with my wife. It was a great movie. Of course, that has to do with the fact that we are big time Die Hard I fans (we watch it every Christmas Eve). A lot of over-the-top explosions, stale jokes, and action that made that such a fun series. Bruce Willis is a great actor!

I've been taking Green Source vitamins a lot lately. They seem to give me some more energy, or maybe it is just suggestion.

Hit Eddie Bauer today and got some more 30% off the clearance price items. I decided on a green polo, in honor of Live Earth.

Miller has a new lime and salt flavored beer (a rip off of Corona) that is pretty good. We also have been selling a lot of Michelob Cactus Lime (they also came out with a Pomegranate Rasberry beer that has been popular) which I have not tried yet. Of course, Corona is now actually made in the US, but our store's private label brand is imported from Guatamala. Speaking of which, they also came out with Coronitas (Corona in a smaller bottle).

Rick Goddard is in the race for the US House, hoping to square off against Jim Marshall. He is a very famous local celebrity here in the International City, but I'm not sure how famous he is in surrounding counties. It will be a difficult race for him if Mac Collins decides to run for the House again, setting up a primary race against the retired Major General. Of course, a lot of local people here are hoping that Mac runs against Saxby Chambliss because Chambliss is "so liberal" on the "amnesty" bill. By the way, that issue plays really well down here... I'm hoping Mac doesn't run at all, and I've already commited vehicle space and some discretionary funds for Rick. EDIMGIAFAD!

That's all for now...

Optimism and Strength -- The American Spirit

When you hit upon a winning attitude, shout it out in big, block, letters.

Cemetery Sign

This was at the cemetery on Memorial day.

Moel Joughon Quote of the Day

"Great Americans celebrate their birthdays at Waffle House."

Photo from Indiana

"Can't Go West, Can't Go East..."

"I'm stuck in Indianapolis, with a fuel pump that's deceased..." -- The Bottle Rockets, Indianapolis


Well, let's hope not actually. But I'm on my way to IN for the wedding. By the way, thanks to Knepper, Noble, and Schwartzy for the phone calls. I'm sorry that I'm a terrible person and haven't gotten back to you. Let's be in touch.




~Karl

Your Mom

The Photo

I'm a driver, I'm a winner. Things are gonna change, I can feel it...

New Glasses

Well, I finally broke down and got some new eye glasses. I had been without them for about a year now. I went with the chunky black frame look (nerd-chic), which I like, but am still a little insecure about. Maybe I'll put up a photo.

Great American

You Are 66% American

Most times you are proud to be an American. Though sometimes the good ole US of A makes you cringe Still, you know there's no place better suited to be your home. You love your freedom and no one's going to take it away from you!

How American Are You?

No Clapping, but Some Recognition

Virtually everyone who reads this blog knows that I am mired in a sense of negativity, self-doubt, and angst, which I reflect back onto the world.

Every now and then there are little moments of triumph, and I got a little one this week. Turned out that my company was wanting to move me around to a different location. Well, my boss caught wind of it and vehemently objected because of the quality of work that I had been doing and getting started.

He's not the most people oriented person in the world, so it actually seemed like a confirmation of sorts.

Call it a blip on the radar...

before the whole thing goes down in flames?

In Search of the Recognition Clap...

Happy Easter, everyone. I hope that you're having a wonderful Sunday. I actually got the day off, an oddity for any Holiday. I downloaded Carbon Leaf's 5 Alive album, which is basically a 20 song compilation of live performances.

As I'm sitting here listening to them, I am reflecting on how unique it is to be a professional musician... why, in my job, when I start to do something, I never get any recognition applause. Think about it... when is the last time you did something and people started clapping because they recognized what was coming next? Imagine being a white collar guy and you're about to change the toner or paper in the copier. A few people stand around, and as you start reaching for the supplies they start cheering you on because they recognize the action... wouldn't that make work a better place?

It's all about the recognition clap.

Reflections on the End of The Season

I was going to follow Drunkenpiper's lead and put up a post about the Season of Lent, but then it reminded me that I needed to go get a load of clothes out of the dryer...

Movie Facts of the Day

Elizabethtown would have been a much better movie had they ended it at the part where Freebird was performed.

Happy Feet is an environmentalist propaganda tool, not that I mind so much.

I didn't get to watch Blood Diamond before it went back.

The Prestige was interesting, kinda creepy in the last scene.

You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament

Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace. You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions. You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected. It is difficult to offend you. You can remain composed and unemotional. You are a great friend and lover. You don't demand much of others. While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well. At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything. You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams. You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?

Factoids of the Week

I hired a gentleman born in 1930, today.
I have 10 more pounds to lose to get to my target weight.
Allen's Stone Baked Pizza is awesome.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Edwards and Tony Snow.
I am elected as a delegate to the State Party Convention this year.
I really wish Menu Foods hadn't caused so much trouble for us.
I got a Cherry Tree Sprig yesterday.
I did not get a big black horse.
No, no. It wasn't the one for me.
John Tesh's Intelligence for Your Life is a good source for obvious truths.

click this link

What it is, bro.

Basically, Prison Break is never going to end.

Karl A. Kilgore and Associates Comdemns Drunkenpiper Blog

Karl A. Kilgore and Associates today condemned the originators of the Drunkenpiper Blog for their lack of posts since August. "What promised to be an exciting voyage into the frontiers of Kilt-Clad-Bloggers has turned out to be an immense disappointment," said Karl Kilgore.

The internationally focused blog has featured snapshots of life in Spain, thoughts on the Church, pictures of the Non-Kilt-Adorned Girlfriend of the Drunkenpiper himself, and an exciting St. Patty's Day Message -- for 2006.

"Such lackluster blogging ought to be outlawed," added I,Sardonicus "it is a blight on the digital landscape. This blog would -- in the real world -- be a prime example of a zoning ordinance violation, with massive fees for allowing the structure to fall into such a state of disrepair."

Karl A. Kilgore and Associates recommends the following ideas as conversation starters for the Drunkenpiper:

1. A new series detailing his recent conversion to Scientology.
2. General updates on his life.
3. Insights from his upcoming book "Now that I've Learned to Live With Jimson, I Can Handle Any Form of Torture."
4. How to violate international visa and passport laws.
5. Recent weddings I've attended.
6. No, I wasn't abducted by Aliens.

Karl Kilgore and Associates Quick Poll

Does sarcasm ever get you in trouble?

Movie Review

I recently watched the James Bond movie, Casino Royale. For those of you who haven't watched it, I'll give you a brief synopsis:

"Talented undercover operative James Bond (AKA 007) is given a top secret mission, the completion of which involves intrigue, romance, the use of high-tech equipment, and a tuxedo. As the movie unfolds, you are caught up in a whirlwind of excitement as 007 battles with the forces of evil in a daring manner. Who will emerge victorious?"

Basically, I liked the camera work a lot more on this one as it had a more "realistic" feel to it. It gave James a very gritty edge that was lacking some in other films. Other than that, just insert standard boilerplate.

More From the "Thoughts..." Series

A moral quandary: Thunderbird guards against phishing, so everytime I get an email from Hillary Clinton's email list, it makes me click on "not a scam" before opening it. So, should I click it?

A speed record: I dined this past weekend with Seremy Jewell, and even though I got there at least 30 minutes after him, we still were able to leave at the same time.

Thankfulness: I just got a letter in the mail from Rudy thanking me for my support of his campaign. It's true... you just don't care how much people know until you know how much they care.

Cherry Blossom: Macon kicks off its Cherry Blossom Festival tomorrow. This is probably the most famous one, as the one in Washington is a cheap rip off.

The Gatekeeper of Opportunity II: The Journey Home

Today's Top Interviews:

Interview 1: "Well, I'm really interested in getting a job because I am a hardworking, dedicated, and loyal employee... I served time for dealing marijuana, but it was marijuana, not any really bad stuff. I also had to go back for breaking my probation."

Interview 2: "So I see here where you were charged with forgery...?"
"Yes, would that disqualify me from working here?"
"Well, not necessarily..."
She applied to be a cashier.

Interview 3: "Tell me about yourself"
Response?
The widest eyes of incredulity you have ever seen.

The Long Arm of the Law

Today, I sent someone to jail.

It's one of those aspects of the job where you never know what is going to happen that day. And by the end, I had caught one of my accounting room people stealing $400 from the company. We called the Sheriff's Office, and they lead her out -- complete with jewelry.

A satisfying day.

Matrimony Now!

or, "The Plural for Schwartz is Schwartz"

The wedding is over. The Marriage has begun. Groomsmen Joughon and Kilgore did an outstanding job of doing what they do best -- standing there and doing nothing.

It was a fun weekend, and a good wedding.

May the Schwartz be With You All.

Mad Props...

This was in today's newtspaper.

"Prinnie-Mack Coffee Co. at 100 Hospital Drive in Warner Robins has been awarded the Golden Cup by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, according to a news release from the coffee shop. The award was given to only 65 coffee shops nationwide in 2006, the release stated, and went to only two in Georgia. The awards are based on "extensive laboratory testing" by the association, the release said."

Ann Coulter

It is becoming very easy to distance myself from the Conservative Movement. I was reading the blogosphere where Ann Coulter made her usual splash at CPAC, this time by crossing the line in comments about John Edwards.

Yogi Tea Saying of the Night

"True Understanding is Found Through Compassion." A message brought to you by Yogi Tea.

Happy President's Day!

Today my shift ended with a teenage girl coming up to me crying, "I just threw up in the breakroom," and indeed she had. So I grabbed a mop and floor sanitizer and cleaned up the mess.

And that's probably what it's like to be President.

The Gatekeeper of Opportunity...

...someone, change the locks!

One of the great things about my job is that I get to interview kids applying for their first job ever. Which is usually a courtesy clerk or cashier. It's fun to talk to them, they're usually a little bit nervous, and shy. A lot of them don't have any previous job history, so it's neat to find out what they're all about and give them a chance.

Yesterday, I interviewed a 16 year old kid who applied to be a courtesy clerk. He came in and told me that he makes good grades, is on the debate team in high school, and is in the ROTC program at school. An unusual combination for an applicant. I told him I'd give him a shot to see how it works out, even though I knew a lot of people similar to him in college...

Treating Y'all Like You're a Joughon...

I was just looking over my Itunes list and noticed that in the last 6 songs I downloaded that 3 of them are in the "pop" genre. Which, if any of you know me very well, is unexpected.

The list includes:

Dancing Queen, Abba
Golden Years, David Bowie
Poinciana, The Four Freshmen
Crazy, Gnarls Barkley
Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, KT Tunstall
Suddenly I See, KT Tunstall

I normally don't share my musical indulgences with anyone other than my Joughon, but I thought I'd open up a little bit.

As for Autumn, she seems to be enjoying Kung Fu Fighting, YMCA, Struggle (by Ringside), and Vertigo (U2).

McCain's Exploratory Committee...

I got an email from John McCain's exploratory committee today with this offer:

We are offering a John McCain 2008 fleece with your contribution of $200 or more in response to this email. You can be among the first to prepare for the cold weather during next winter's primaries and, with this fleece, show your commitment to John McCain at the same time.

Well, just hold onto your money and just cast a vote for John. That way you're sure to get fleeced for free.

Karl A. Kilgore and Associates Lauds Matrimonially Inclined

Karl A. Kilgore and Associates congratulates two couples on their impending matrimony, Faith and Matt, and Abigial and Matt. The former couple recently released the details of their ceremony in a movie-themed web site. The second couple's news broke on Ceil's blog this past week.

Karl Kilgore predicted that these would be highly successful endeavours, "Judging by the choice the Brides-to-Be made regarding the names of their future husbands, there is virtually no way this could go wrong. It just matches the trend of all persons named Matt being awesome, empirically speaking."

More Thoughts

A lot of people think that Barack Obama is not ready to be President, but he really has the potential to be the best Chief Executive since David Palmer.

Speaking of which, Hillary is in now. She might be the best feminine candidate since John Edwards.

And there are lot of other contenders, like John McCain, whom I can't talk about due to free speech restrictions regarding campaigns.

Should be an interesting year...

The problem isn't merely that I see life as a joke, it's more that I see life as a pun, you know? And it's someone else's pun, so that makes it the worst joke possible. Like life itself.

-- Musings of Karl A. Kilgore

Top Bushisms...

This was in an email from CNN...

Language observers nominated the entries and then ranked them, aided by the Global Language Monitor's predictive-quantities indicator, an algorithm that tracks words and phrases in the print and electronic media and on the Internet. Here they are:

1. "I'm the Decider." "I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense." April 18, in response to a question from CNN's Ed Henry.
2. "I use The Google," in reference to the popular search engine. October 24th. Interview with Maria Bartiromo of CNBC.
3. "It was not always certain that the U.S. and America would have a close relationship." June 29.
4. "I've got an ek-a-lec-tic reading list." August 29 interview with NBC's Brian Williams.
5. "The only way we can win is to leave before the job is done." Nov. 24 (Greely, Colo.)
6. "Stay the course." On numerous occasions.
7. "When the final history is written on Iraq, it will look just like a comma." Sept. 24. Interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.
8. "The Congress was right to renew the Terrorist Act." In reference to the Patriot Act. Sept. 7 (Washington)
9. "I want to be a war president; no president wants to be a war president." Oct. 26. (Des Moines)
10. "The fiscal year that ended on February the 30th." The government fiscal year ends Sept. 30; Oct. 11 (Washington)

Quick Book Recommendation

I listened to John Grisham's book, Bleachers on audio book and really liked it. It has nothing to do with legal thrillers, it is just a story about a small town with a passion for football (much like the International City or Friday Night Lights), and a legendary coach who is dying. As he is dying, some ex-players keep vigil at the old playing field and remember old stories about their glory days.

I got mine from the Cracker Barrell audio book program... check it out some time.

The Year is New

This morning at 12:00am, I saw the big peach drop in Atlanta symbolizing that a new year was upon us. We watched a movie last night called Little Miss Sunshine, which was pretty entertaining.

I bought some Pringles Selects, Cheese Straws, and Gardettos to munch on while we waited for the old year to die. The Pringles Selects are new rice crisps put out by the esteemed chip company, and they are great! Highly recommend them. The Cheese Straws were by Geraldines, and I chose to try them because they use the term bodacious to describe their product. These came from the Deli-Bakery side of the store. Gardettos I am not really into, but my wife loves them.

At some point today I'll eat the perfunctory Black EyePeas and Greens.

Karl