Dave Wheaton

My wife recently posted a photo of her grandparents on Facebook. It was taken at their surprise 50th anniversary party, and she typed the message,
"My mamaw and papaw! Aren't they cute? 50 years together!! How do people do it??".
What a great question.

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When I was born, society hadn't even dreamed about how important computers would be in our everyday lives. But in less than twenty years, they have become something that most of us can't live without. At the same time, there are several things that have disappeared from existence in that same time frame. For instance, VHS tapes. How about toys in cereal boxes? And when is the last time you made a collect call? These are just a few examples. This makes me think and wonder what part of our everyday lives will no longer be around in 20 years. I've compiled a list of my Top 5. Let me know if you disagree, or if I missed any.

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If there were ever a rock and roll story that could be told over and over, it's that of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Finally, tour manager Ron Eckerman has written what could be the most in-depth book about Skynyrd and the players in the band. Eckerman's new book, 'Turn It Up!: Love, Life and Death, Southern Rock Style' uncovers details about the band that lived the rock and roll dream and defined rock and roll tragedy.

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Music fans, fellow songwriters and critics alike tend to agree that Ryan Bingham is deserving of a spot on the short list of the best singer/songwriters of this generation. And the Oscar and Golden Globe Award-winning troubadour is back at it with his 4th studio offering, 'Tomorrowland', a CD that does not disappoint.

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Dates for the 31st annual George Strait Team Roping Classic have been announced. According to George’s website, the 2013 event will take place on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the San Antonio Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas. The GSTRC is the largest open roping event in America with over $700,000 in cash and prizes available to the participants. Last year, 545 teams from all over the country competed for the 2012 championship title and grand prize.

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I don’t usually pay close attention to what other guys are wearing, but the other day I couldn't help but notice the footwear on my coworker, Chaz. He happened to be sporting a pair of checkered Vans. You may remember it as the shoe that Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) used to thump himself in the head in the 1982 classic film “Fast Times At Ridgemont High”. Now, 30 years later, Chaz is sporting them on Casual Friday at the office.

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When I was in school, we always had an end of the year ceremony at which awards were given to students for various achievements. It was a big deal if you won an award, and something that could really instill a sense of pride and self-esteem in a kid.

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Aaron Watson is a real guy. Every time you hear him talk, you know you're going to get a straight story from him. This no-nonsense, independent, and hard-working approach to his music has won over fans in the blue collar southwest. The man known as the 'Honky Tonk Kid' is on top of the Texas music world, and shows no signs of giving up his foothold with the release of his eleventh CD, 'Real Good Time'.

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Clayton Gardner is all Texan. He's a native of Houston, and now based out of College Station. While attending college at A&M, this Aggie picked up a guitar for the first time and taught himself to play. Needless to say, Gardner got a late start on the Texas music scene, but you would hardly know it by listening to his EP, 'Here to Stay'.

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My wife Brenda came across a new way to clear out our "yard sale" pile in the garage, and do a little shopping for herself, without leaving the house. Abilenee Swap Meet is the name, but I call it Brenda's new addiction.

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If you have always wanted to take a crack at singing or want to share a song you've written, Southern Nights Dancehall's 'Open Mic Night' gives that chance. Hosted by Abilene-based singer/songwriter Brenda Kay, everyone from budding singers and songwriters to seasoned musicians are welcome to bring a guitar, take the stage and share their music. The purpose of the night is to have lots of fun, with a relaxed, low-stress atmosphere.

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If you were asked to name a popular New Year's resolution, what would you come up with? Lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, get out of debt, and so on. These are all great ideas, and most everyone has resolved to do at least one of these at some point in their lives. For many years, I resolved to simply 'make the next year better than the previous'. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn't. I suppose I should have made more specific points as I raised my champagne glass on January 1st. This year, I've decided to get more proactive with my resolutions, and look for a way to change my life that is attainable, complete with a game plan. I've come up with 5 suggestions that you can steal, too. Here goes.

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