Brad Neese: Living Large in Oklahoma

Time Out

Brad — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:20:16 +0000

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.

The Garth Years

Brad — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:22:25 +0000

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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The GNR years

Brad — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:11:57 +0000

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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Happy Birthday, Bro’!

Brad — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:19:24 +0000

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!

The McCain Solution

Brad — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:06:34 +0000

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

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‘This is my American Prayer’

Brad — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:11:28 +0000

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Lyrics:

This is my American Prayer
This is my American Prayer

This is the time to finish what you started
And this is no time to dream
This is the room
We can turn off the dark tonight
Maybe then we might see

American Prayer
American Prayer

And this is the ground
That keeps our feet from getting wet
And this is the sky over our head
And what you see depends on where you stand
And how you jump will tell you where you’re gonna land

American Prayer
American Prayer

My oh my
Couldn’t get much higher
Lets not kick out the darkness
Make the light brighter

And these are the hands
What are we gonna build with them?
This is the church you can’t see
Give me your tired, your poor and huddled masses
You know they’re yearning to breathe free
This is my American Prayer
American Prayer
American Prayer

When you get to the top of the mountain
Will you tell me what you see
If you get to the top of the mountain
Remember me

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LIST OF GUESTS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

Dave Stewart
Forest Whitaker
Amy Keys
Macy Gray
Jason Alexander
Colbie Caillat
Whoopi Goldberg
Joss Stone
Buju Banton
Ann Marie Calhoun
Barry Manilow
Linda Perry
Cyndi Lauper
Sergio Mendes
Herbie Hancock
Mike Bradford
Margaret Cho
Cindy Gomez
Speech
Joan Baez
Daedelus
Pamela Anderson
Peter & Gordon
Sierra Swan
Nadirah X
Perez Hilton

FRIDAY FUNNIES

Brad — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:11:33 +0000

Isn’t it time for some chocolate?

Brad — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:22:44 +0000

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.

How many homes do you own? ‘1-2-3-4…’

Brad — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:22:48 +0000

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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.O.U.S.A. live event in OKC

Brad — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:44:42 +0000

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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