Move/Build this

By the underwhelming volume of new posts it is safe to assume that I'm A) busy as hell or B) have about as much going on in my life as Ed Orgeron/Ted Roof. It's a little bit of both. I'm slammed at work and that, is a good thing. Being busy means job security and I know something about not having job security. But away from work I'm finding myself with plenty of time, I'm just not using the time effectively or in an exciting manner.

Over the weekend, I made a minor repair to the the garage door. It was a quick fix and nothing fancy but I felt great afterwards. The fact that the garage door is still working and dare I say working better, is a great feeling. I like building and fixing things, but the only way to gain experience is for things to break or be asked to build something. Odyssey has asked me to build some props for their upcoming season but I haven't been given the particulars yet. But I can say, I'm beyond excited to build something that will be a part of a musical performance.

Other future home improvement projects include another part of the garage door to fix and a back wash tank to install on the water heater. Unfortunately, I'm going to need some ideas/guidance on how to accomplish those projects.

Finally, the 2007 Sauve Relocation Project kicked off tonight with an overwhelming thud. Yup, looking for a new place to put our stuff. I'm making a concerted effort to make this an efficient process. So if it doesn't meet the minimum parameters on paper, I'm not wasting my time looking at it. Time is so not of the essence that I'm positive that on January 1st, 2008; the 2007 Sauve Relocation Project will be renamed the 2008 Sauve Relocation Project.

Maybe it helps them aim

Multiple reports out of Bobby Dodd Stadium have the Georgia Tech Athletic Association placing discs in the urinals that read "Piss on them Dawgs" or "Piss on Georgia". While I find that funny on a 6th grade level, I also find it classless, tacky and rude. I don't think any member of the SEC would ever do anything as classless as this. And just like that, my hatred for all things Tech grows to a new level.

Then there's Tennessee. While I'd like to see the team from the East win the SECGG, I'm not giving UT a chance against LSU. They are already a day of rest and preparation behind and LSU's last game, while a loss, it didn't take four overtimes. UT is going to be exhausted and will be lucky to find the Dome. Plus, I hate any team that wears orange. But Blutarsky sums it up best.

"By the way, sincere congratulations to the Tennessee Volunteers for winning the East with Georgia and going to the SECCG by virtue of the tiebreaker. When you beat Vanderbilt and Kentucky in back to back weeks because they can’t hit game-winning field goals, it’s pretty much a message that you’re destined to go."

I'm not bitter that the the Vols are going to the title game, they won the games they needed to. But I don't think they're the strongest team in the East. Luckiest? Yes. Best? No.

I'm still rubbing away the alcohol induced cobwebs of yesterday, but just so we're clear.

What's the good word?

Seven.

As in 7 in a row!

Of course the last time we won seven in a row, Tech went on a mini-run of their own winning the next three. But that's a worry for next year. I'm thrilled with the turn around of our football team and right now it's great to be a Georgia Bulldog.


SFW

31-17

7 in a row.

How sweet it is!!!

Just said in my house

"Remember, I was dusting off your shako and then I put it on."

This should be, but is not, a euphemism for something.

How you know your parents are reading this.

Over Thanksgiving dinner last night, I came to the realization I have been unwilling to accept. Everyone in my family reads my blog. Yup. Mom too. I have been convincing myself that they knew about the blog but certainly did not take time out of their day to read it. And if they did read it, they most certainly choose not to acknowledge it. Last night it was acknowledged. Just like the Pope and the Holocaust.

At the end of dinner which was delicious; Mom asked us to go around the table and name one thing we were thankful for. Yes, this is my family and I love them all dearly, but this is the stuff we do on holidays. Being the eldest, and to Mom's right, and because I didn't want to wait for it to get to me, I jumped in with two feet, beat everyone to the punch and said; "Family". Awwww.......

It went around the table and ended with Mom where she said; "I am thankful for this country, where there is freedom of religion and a Governor that will pray for rain on the capitol steps."

I HAVE to give her style points for that.

There was quasi-uncomfortable laughter and someone else changed the subject.

Of course this comes on the heels of a few weeks ago when she told me over that phone that she knew; "ALL OF HER CHILDREN WERE GOING TO HEAVEN BECAUSE THEY HAD JESUS IN THEIR HEARTS." She didn't yell it, but there was a noticeable change in her tone when she got to that part.

So here's the official acceptance of my impending doom. Welcome Mom and Dad! Glad you're here; just remember, Christ said not to judge others and to turn the other cheek. But I thank you for not following the Old Testament too closely or, I have a feeling I would have been stoned in public a long time ago.

I'm shootin' bullets.

A nice article about the best conference in college football. Complete with stats.

We're a 3.5 point favorite with an o/u of 46, not that you can put a whole lot of stock in the Vegas pundits this year (see also:UGA vs. UT, UGA vs. USC and UGA vs. UF). I'd take the over. But, you won't see me bet on the game. I am going to take a stab at a prediction. UGA will blow out Tech. Or Tech will win a close one. Other possible outcomes include; Tech blows out Georgia, Georgia wins a squeaker, or overtime.

I'm ready for turkey and green bean casserole. I had sausage stuffing yesterday, it was delicious. (UPDATED: Just got the recipe. One roll of Jimmy Dean hot sausage and one box of Stovetop Stuffing. When it is time to "fluff" the stuffing (per the directions) stir in the cooked and well drained sausage.)

I'm mostly finished with holiday shopping.

I'm not planning on buying anything, but I'm stupidly excited for Friday's online sale at apple.com

Home now. The office closed at 2. I took a nap. It was also delicious.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope its spent with people you like.

Go Dawgs! Beat NATS!

Look at this

Auburn Blackout Photos

Kentucky Weekend Photos

Sigh......

This explains, a hell of a lot.

I'll be out back muttering to myself, walking in circles, and chewing my hair, if I had any.

Co-SEC East Champs. Color me surprised, impressed, and very happy.

But now there's the N.A.T.S. For the first time, I am working in a hostile environment. Of my co-workers that watch, and follow college football, probably 75% of them are Techies. (I've found two other Georgia fans in the entire building and our staff is much larger than you think.) When I discovered this, I was stunned not only how outnumbered I was but also how much they hate, Really hate UGA.

Example.
Four weeks ago. My office.

RS: Hey Bill, are you a Tech....

Bill: TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!! You're not one of them are you?!?! (Nose twitching and eyes squinting as if trying to see through my non-existent red and black wearing soul.)

This is just one example. I've been on the receiving end of a shit stick all season from Techies. I would remind them of the recent UGA domination has had on them but it's as if they have no memory.

In the past I have said that Techies are simply annoying. They like to talk but at the end of the day they are simply a nuisance. My opinion has changed. I hate Tech. I hate them all. Every last one of them. Except for Chan Gailey. He's done almost as much for Georgia football as Coach Richt has.

Don't do this

Repeatedly call me "Hon".

Rain on this

"Does the God that Sonny Perdue believes in have to be informed about the drought? Doesn't he know? Or have the important people not appealed to him yet?"
-Ed Buckner, treasurer for the Atlanta Freethought Society on ajc.com.

I'm fine with people praying in public. It's their right. It's also my right to have a government separate from the people praying in public. It is not OK that our elected officials lead a religious gathering on government property. Is the only recourse to vote against the Republicans? That only leaves the Democrats and they want to solve the world's problems by taking more of my money. This is a great example of being placed between a rock and having an oak tree in my ass.

Why is this so hard for our elected officials to understand?

Church and State

Separate.

Not together.

Separate.

Like Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston.

Jumpy post

I've already started mourning the end of football season and by football season I mean college. I didn't watch the Colts/Patriots game and I didn't even know who won until two days ago. I just don't care about professional football. But Georgia; we only have one home game left. ONE GAME!?!?!? The season just started. Do you know what happens at the end of the season? Christmas. Followed by New Years. Followed by me turning 32. I just turned 30. What the fuck? Why is time moving so fast? Stop it!

The Blackout was certainly something to behold. This might sound reaching, but it was as if I was seeing the stadium for the first time. Certain things, both good and bad, became more noticeable than normal against the sea of black. But the fans and the team bought into the Blackout and I guess that was the important part. This was the loudest I can remember hearing the stadium since probably Tennessee 2000 but it might be the loudest I've ever heard it. It was definitely something, but I'm glad the drama of the "will they or won't they wear the black jerseys" is over.

I've not apologized for my opinions of the football team from earlier in the season, because I feel that the opinion expressed at the time was correct (see also losses to Tennessee and South Carolina). But I am certainly stunned of the progress our football team. I'm no pundit, but from what I can see, the team has improved throughout the season. I don't think Fulmer or Spurrier would want to face the current Bulldog squad. I hope we build on this in the off season.

Think I'm pissed?

• Don't show up for rehearsal.
• Fail to respond to the reminder email.
  
• Don't answer your phone when we call you.
• Let all of us down.

And you wonder why we haven't offered you other gigs?

I have tried several times to write a professional email to send to the head of Cobb County Public Safety, the Chief of Police, and all of the Cobb County Commissioners, but I'm still so fucking pissed off that each email quickly deteriorates into a vulgar filled assault questioning their existence why they are still allowed to hold their jobs.

If you're not a local, you might not know that yesterday a man walked into a bank and passed a note to the teller demanding money. He left with a bag of money and a GPS tracker that the teller discreetly placed in the bag. Following the GPS signal the police, in all of their collective wisdom, decided the best way to capture this man was to shut down Interstate 75 south at the start of rush hour. It took less than 30 minutes for traffic to become snarled in every direction; north and south on 75, east and west on 285 and every the side streets became parking lots.

They closed 75 two hours looking for a man that didn't insinuate or show a firearm, bomb, or any item that could have caused harm. Overkill much?

This was an egregious abuse of power. There is an obviously lack of checks and balances within the good ol boy and incestuous Cobb County Government if the Police can detain tens of thousand of people searching for a non-violent criminal.

Last night I went to the 2nd beer tasting hosted by Tony at Muss and Turner's.

Because of the debacle that is the Cobb County Police Department; I walked in at the start time of 6:30 despite leaving East Cobb at 5:45. Tony introduced me to Garrett Vonk, a friend of his in attendance. The list of "wow, it's a really small world after all batman" connections is worth jotting down.

His wife works with GG.
His high school drum major was Tuffy Simmons.
His high school band director was Alan.
His brother-in-law is another friend from college and current UGA Grad Assistant, Chester Phillips.

The beer tastings, by the way, have been great. I've come away each week learning something. There is only one more hosted by Tony and space is limited so do it now.


By the way, I am over all of the "black-out" hype surrounding tomorrow's game. I'm going to wear black because I believe that if the team beats Florida, I'll do whatever they want. But the constant media about whether or not the team is going to wear black jerseys has escalated to a ridiculous level. I don't care if they do or don't wear black jersey's. I care if they win. That's it. End of fucking list.

Damn it

Rusty beat me to it.

Market this

This started out as a report on the Falcons game and ended up somewhere far far away.

I went to the Falcons game this past Sunday. We got the tickets before the season and before anyone knew the team was going to suck and the Vick debacle happened. Based on this past weekend's experience, I won't be going to another anytime soon. We got a steal on the tickets from a Falcons employee and free parking to boot. But the rest of the game day experience will keep ME from going to a live NFL game for a long time.

The food was tremendously overpriced. I got a hot dog and nachos and GG got a small pizza. Add on a water and a Diet Coke, we ended up spending close to $40. I understand that you can charge whatever you want to when the demand is high and the options are limited, but just because you can financially rape someone, doesn't mean you should.

The turnout. There might have been 3000 tickets still for sale, but if I had to guess; the dome was maybe only 70% full. If you can't sell out every home game, then you're prices are too high.

Then there is the marketing. Every possible moment in time was covered. Each timeout, the end of each quarter, pre-game, post-game and half time all had commercials and PA announcements for a soft drink to wash down that tasty fast food combo while sitting in your truck that was built tough with the loan from your favorite neighborhood bank. The scoreboards and ribbon banners around the stadium were playing and were covered in sponsorship dollars, not to mention each tunnel banner having a sponsor and the banners above the 300 sections.

Many of you have heard me bitch ITRW about the marketing that is slowly and consistently creeping its way into Sanford Stadium. I'm thrilled to report that the Dome is still ahead of Sanford Stadium in number of ads, banners, commercials, products placed and companies represented. But the bad news is that Sanford Stadium doesn't have far to go to match it and I'm starting to dislike Damon Evans because of this.

I am prideful that the UGAA operates not only in the black, but what level of marketing in the stadium is going too far? And at what cost to the collegiate game day experience? Where is the line that the UGAA doesn't cross? They're starting to play commercials on the huge jumbotron and blared through PA during the game as Brett pointed out. And according to the scoreboard, the Redcoat Band is sponsored by Coke at the half. I'm fairly certain the band program hasn't seen one dime of this money. The Athletic Association has the right to sell its own soul, but they shouldn't be in the business of selling souls it doesn't own.

Where does the selling of each piece of each piece of a college game stop?

This morning I concluded my product testing of the Nokia n75 and AT&T's new tabbed menu. I turned in the phone and was handed my first check. Then I walked down the hall and took a seat with 10 other people in a room with one way glass and PZM microphones attached to the ceiling (as if we wouldn't notice).

We talked as a group about the good and the bad (mostly bad) for about an hour and a half. After which I walked back to the reception desk and was handed another check. All in all I was given two hundred and seventy-five American dollars in exchange for using a different phone for two weeks, filling out three short surveys and talking with a group of people for 90 minutes. A pretty killer arrangement even if the phone and new tab-style menu are pieces of crap.

Friday night I went to Publix to buy a six pack of beer and some other items for the weekend. The checkout person (a black 18-22 year old woman) scanned my beer first and didn't ask to see my ID. She finished scanning the 8 items and told me my total. Holding out my ID I asked: "Don't you need to see this?"

She slightly cocked her head to the side and said with a hint of a chuckle; "No."

And that is when and why I started cutting myself.


I learned a few things over the weekend.

1) Sausage biscuits that are made by cooking a sausage in a frying pan and placing it in a biscuit that was cooked in the oven is far better than any other sausage biscuit.

2) Member's Only jackets are back in style. I've never owned one and I'm not starting now.

3) Under the right conditions, I can become very very talkative.