I just spent $57 taxpayer dollars. The census worker arrived!

Our front door was open, so there was no ignoring her.

Census worker: I’m from the census blah blah need to ask a few questions?
The Inconvenience: Three.
CW: *eyebrow raise* Did you live here on April 1st?
TI: Yep.
CW: Can I get your names?
Me: No.
TI: Three people live here. That’s all you’re getting.
CW: How about ages? They use that information for like, uh… *uncertain pause*
Me: No. We’re not answering any more questions. Goodbye.
CW: *annoyed sigh* Okay.

I’ll note that at no time were we threatened with (or informed of, depending how you look at it) fines for not answering.

I’ll also note that The Sister and Grumple live next door in our duplex, did not answer any more questions than we did, and the census worker did NOT go to their door. I’m going to guess she’ll be back later. Government efficiency at it’s finest!

Maybe she left easily because the “Come back with a warrant.” doormat gave away our inclinations.

I don’t watch much TV, at all. I’m even behind on the last few episodes of South Park.

However, The Inconvenience and approximately 35,237 other amigos are loving Justified. I’ve seen part of one episode and wasn’t particularly awed, but TI insists that was the worst episode thus far, so I’m going to start at the beginning and give it a shot.

I’m going to have a hard time seeing Walton Goggins as anyone other than Shane Vendrell, that backstabbing little bastard, I can tell you that much.

Anything else going on in TV land that I really need to get onboard with, Dear Readers? Actually, it doesn’t even have to be current… just recommend your pick for The Best Damn TV Series Ever. (Don’t bother saying Firefly, since that’s my pick and we have just about worn out the DVDs.)

All my one-question-answering friends are getting census worker visits. Where’s mine? :(

A like-minded friend responded to his visit by opening the door, declaring “THREE PEOPLE!” and slamming the door. I might do the same.

Or, I might wax eloquent about throwing the Japanese in internment camps, or about Census workers raping residents, or people posing as Census workers to commit home invasions.

Hmmm. On second thought, maybe I just won’t answer the door for a stranger.

If only the Founders had been more clear about the purpose of the census, you know. I mean – enumeration can have so many possible meanings!

Errr… nevermind.

Also: Saw someone I don’t know open carrying in Wal-Mart today. Good work, random OC guy.

Well, isn’t that just for the win. :)

I just picked up some Mongolian BBQ for dinner.

My fortune cookie had a normal fortune on one side. This was on the other:

Are we serious? They’ve infiltrated fortune cookies?!

I’ve been trying to think of something eloquent to say about Andrew Heringer and the Andrew Heringer Band. I don’t know why I’m at such a loss for words. Maybe it’s because I’m used to writing about more abstract topics, and this one is near and dear to my heart. So, excuse me if I’m about to gush.

Andrew was one of my best friends in high school, is one of the few people from that era of my life who I still talk to today, and – though we don’t talk nearly enough – is still one of my favorite people in the world. He’s probably the most talented person I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Above and beyond raw talent, he’s incredibly hard-working and savvy. He was never just the kid playing guitar in his mom’s garage and imagining someone would hand him a record contract. I am incredibly proud of him for pursuing what he loves, and doing it with such imagination and passion. Everything Andrew has achieved, he’s worked his ass off for, and that’s why I wanted to say something here beyond just reposting a link.

In an effort to expose more people to their music while releasing their newest album, the Andrew Heringer Band has come up with a Kickstarter.com plan. They’re looking to cover their recording and production costs, so they can release a free version of their newest album, as well as a deluxe (longer) version. You can chip in anywhere from $1+, and starting at $10 can get a (digital) download of the deluxe album. At $20 you can get a signed hard copy. There are even better perks moving up from there, but I mention those two levels specifically because – hey – that’s what you’d pay for a digital album on iTunes or a CD, anyway. Why not do it and help an indie artist with a creative venture?

While I was in California, I got the chance to see Andrew perform as part of another project with his (also insanely talented and beautiful) girlfriend, Marlana Sheetz: Dawson and Marie. Something that still strikes me, after all these years, is how genuine his ability really is. Andrew is not someone who sounds good after post-production, but makes you cringe in concert. He’s the real deal – vocally, instrumentally (he can play just about anything you put in his hands), lyrically. He’s a friggin’ nice guy, too.

I don’t bleg for myself, much, so you better believe I really, really love a friend to do it for them. Check ‘em out, for me? :)

P.S. If you want bonus good Karma, re-post or pass along a link, would you?