http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy and don't come back. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:21:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en A bit of 4th of July revelry has brought up discussions of both the best and the worst that this small town has to offer.  While Mount Vernon is a safe, small town with a relatively low cost of living, it lacks some basics that people of greater... worldliness... regard ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/07/i-thought-it-was-the-4th-of-july/ Some many years ago, there was a contest to design the logo for Palladium Books' website.  I submitted an entry that I cooked up, and didn't win.  At least, I didn't win the initial contest.  I apparently got runner-up, because my logo appeared on the site less than a year ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/06/kowabunga-dudes/ It's kind of amazing how much unemployment has ruined my creativity.  I used to be this overflowing font of imagination, but in the last year, I've barely painted, not really thought up any ideas for stories or games, and haven't actually sat down to play RPGs with my friends at ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/06/the-banana-peels-are-properly-placed/ This last weekend, I managed to sell out of nearly all my products at the Farmers Market on the Square in Mount Vernon.  It was a good experience and I look forward to trying it out again, when we get back from vacation. Today, I have kind of petered out on ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/06/the-heat/ Last week, I received another email from DHS regarding the job in NYC: Good afternoon, You have been tentatively selected for an FCIP Adjudications Officer position, GS-1801-09, salary of $50,285.00 with the New York, NY Office (NYC). Would you please reply to me by 06/02/08 with either your acceptance or declination of this ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/06/third-street/ Just when I think my job prospects are bottoming out, I get a letter from the human resources people regarding the fed job: Mr. Diroll, You have been tentatively selected for the position of Adjudications Officer, GS-1801-09 in New York City, NY.  You were found qualified for this grade level ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/05/but-then-again/ I'm glad that everyone liked the Morcheeba/Biz Markie lyrics.  Go out and multiply. The federal job I applied for has been abolished.  They have simply done away with the title, and created another position, which is the exact same job, with a different name.  I have to re-apply for this job. I'm ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/05/26/ (God, I love this song... B-b-biz mar... I'm the drunk dance rocka that don't drink vodka Never sang a song called "Frere Jacques" Rap-rhyme schoola Pole Position Rula In seventh grade I had a teacha named Mr. Doola I'm very unique and you will agree-a One in a million like Mohammed and Aaliyah An over-acheiva Have more stunts than Carl Seaver Ain't no other like B-I-Z M-A-R-K-I ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/05/in-the-hands-of-the-gods/ I think I'm done whining about the tax holiday nonsense.  I just wish it didn't get so much exposure.  If it's a bad idea, the news outlets should have some experts on, talking about how bad it is.  Instead, they just say that McCain and Clinton want the holiday, and ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/05/more-politics/ The idea of a 'tax holiday,' giving relief from the $0.18/gallon federal tax on gasoline is not getting great press.  CNN conducted a poll on its website--highly scientific, I know--showing that 73% of those voting think that the plan is simply political pandering.  PANDERING.  I have to applaud the vocabulary ... http://www.carlyandandy.com/andy/2008/05/happy-holidays-part-2-the-seven-percent-solution/