I’m gonna take a break from blogging for the next couple of weeks. Next week, I’m flying to Las Vegas for a convention. Consequently, I’m trying to cram as much work as possible into this week to get projects completed before I am out-of-the office all but one day next week. So, as you might imagine, it’s a little crazy at work this week with longer-than-normal hours which leaves me creatively spent.

So rather than just force it, since this is supposed to be a hobby after all, I’m gonna just suspend blogging for the next couple of weeks and hopefully come back recharged and maybe a few fun Vegas stories.

As I mentioned in my last post, my brother had several very distinct life phases centered around styles of music, the two most notable being the headbanger phase and the boot scootin’ phase. The latter emerged during his freshman year in college when we both lived in the same dorm hall at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. My brother spent time out at one of the very popular Tumbleweeds bar and dance hall where there was nothing but country music and a lot of boot scootin’ and line dancing.

One of his early favorite country singers was a OSU alum, Garth Brooks. And one of Garth’s most popular songs was this very catchy tune…

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I don’t know of many people who have gone through such distinct phases in life as my brother, especially in high school and college. His two most notable phases were is headbanger phase and his boot-scootin’ phase. His favorite music group, as I recall, during his latter high school career was Guns N’ Roses. So, in honor of his birthday, here’s one of their greatest songs…

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Today is my brother Brian’s birthday! And since procrastination kept me from getting a card mailed in time, this birthday wish is the least I could do. (Sorry, bro’!)

Brian is more than a brother to me. He’s one of very best friends and one of my favorite people. He has helped me grow tremendously as a person. He’s one of the smartest people I know and helped challenge me to a deeper, more complete understanding of the world around me. We have had many a profound conversation that can sometimes make the head hurt. We also laugh a lot together.

Some of my favorite memories in life, especially growing up, are with him. He has made my life more interesting and more complete and definitely more entertaining.

Unfortunately, I don’t get to spend as much time with him as I wish I could. He lives an eight-hour-drive away in Houston. We are able to see each other (in person) a couple of times a year at most. But we do talk on the phone regularly, and when the opportunity allows, chat via webcam.

So, in honor of my brother, I dedicate this day to him. This one’s for you, my friend!

Stranahan says, “John McCain can turn the economy around…he’s done it before!”

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Lyrics: … continue

This handy dandy clock will tell you so.

Chocolate’s yummy, innit? So why deny your love for the scrumptious stuff when you can celebrate it with the whimsically daft Chococlock. This stylish retro-modern timepiece is a bit like a cuckoo clock but when its shutters open, on the hour every hour, it delivers a scrumptious chocolate treat to the tune of the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’. You then have 30 seconds to retrieve your reward before the clock snatches it back. Loo break? Forget it.

The clock even has a cheat button for those who just can’t wait…

For the weak-willed amongst you the Chococlock features a naughty but nice cheat button that will deliver a treat whenever you press it. Yes, that does rather defeat the whole ‘good things come to those who wait’ ethos, but don’t worry, we won’t tell.

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Can you really be in touch with the average American if you don’t even know how many homes you own? I can easily count how many I own — ONE!

I’m heading to see the I.O.U.S.A. live in-theater event this evening at Tinseltown Theater.

As gasoline, food and health care costs continue to rise, Americans are looking for solutions to the ever-growing financial challenges being faced today and in the future. I.O.U.S.A.: Live with Warren Buffett, Pete Peterson & Dave Walker addresses these challenges while offering solutions in a one-night-only, exclusive in-theatre event on Thursday, August 21st. Theatres across America will become community town halls as five of the nation’s most notable financial leaders and policy experts engage in a 45-minute LIVE panel discussion following the viewing of the acclaimed documentary “I.O.U.S.A.”

If you missed it previously on this blog, here’s the trailer for the documentary.

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