Merry Christmas from the Claes Family

Merry Christmas 2013 from the Claes4.

Below you will find some photos from our Christmas Adventure this season... in Kyle & Buda, Texas.

We saw a lot of Santas.. :)

Also here's the track listing of our 2013 Claes4 Christmas CD.

Each year we choose 15-20 of our favorite tunes from the past year... burn them onto a CD and hand them out to friends and family in hopes of helping them discover some of the great music this area (and the world) has. For the first time... we've gone digital. So, if you'd like these tunes... click here - link. It will take you to the Dropbox where these tracks reside. 

Just do me a favor. If you like these artists... seek them out. Find them in 2014 and attend a show, buy a CD and shake their hand. The links go to their Facebook page.

The 2013 Claes4 Christmas Album

1. Starts With Me - Tim Timmons
2. Hold Us Together - Matt Maher
3. Together - Steven Curtis Chapman
4. Richest Poor People - Brandon Rhyder
5. A Life That’s Good - Nashville Cast
6. I Need To Love You - George Ducas
7. We Made The Spirits Move - Tina Wilkins
8. Rain All Night - Walt Wilkins
9. Overnight Success - Zane William...s
10. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Slaid Cleaves
11. Soul - Jack Burton
12. Down to the Station - OMAR and the Howlers FB
13. Can You Handle It - ROXY ROCA
14. Ba Da Ba - Full Service
15. O Holy Night - Rick Springfield
16. Mi Gloria - Julian L. Fernandez
17. In Control Of Just One Soul - Omarr Awake
18. Same Love (w/Mary Lambert) - Macklemore And Ryan Lewis

Download here ---> Merry Christmas

At Tree Lighting in Kyle.

At Buda Trail of Lights

At Kyle Performing Arts Center "Night Before Christmas"

With my personal Santa... Realtor Bruce King (Keller Williams Realty)

Family Photo @ Night Before Christmas

Kyle, Texas Tree

The Claes4 Christmas Tree. Flying Pig FTW

Seven Funnies To Come Out of the Phil Robertson/Duck Dynasty Fiasco on Twitter

7.

 

https://twitter.com/the_millertimes/status/414023818827423744/photo/1

 6.

It's time for all of us to sit down and have a talk about free spe
— Dennis Miller Show (@DennisDMZ) December 19, 2013

5.

Outraged about Phil Robertson's prejudice views, but not the NSA spying? 

— Kim Acheson (@KimAcheson) December 20, 2013

4.

A&E so offended by Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson that they're continuing marathon airings http://t.co/48RZjCgAVm
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) December 19, 2013

3.

Phil, you miserable bitch. #QuackQuack #DuckDynasty
— Gay Duck Dynasty (@GayDuckDynasty) December 19, 2013

2.

Man, if this duck dynasty guy wanted to make homophobic slurs without consequence he should just become a republican politician #humor #joke
— Winston Miller (@itiswinston) December 20, 2013

1.

Simply Charming Mo's - 2nd Annual Party Results/photos

The Simply Charming Mo's of Kyle Texas want to thank you for making the 2nd Annual Simply Charming Movember Fundraiser  at Milt's Pit BBQ in Kyle, Texas such a fun success. We raised a lot of awareness and $756.41 in cash (via donations and silent auction) for the cause.

Here are some photos from the night. You can see more here - link
If you'd like to donate to the team, there's still time.

Visit: http://moteam.co/the-simply-charming-mo-s

2nd year MoBros Greg Walters & Sean Claes

The 2013 Simply Charming Mo's: (L-R) Paul Mojica, Jenni Johnson, Brad Johnson, Sean Claes, Marty Foye,
Meesh Seigwalt, Jeff Davis, Jodie Claes, Juan Guerra, and Greg Walters

Piqued Jacks

Mo Supporters!

Miss and Mr. Movember Kyle - Jodie Claes & Paul Mojica

Lucas Cook Trio

Our Silent Auction

2nd Annual Simply Charming Mo Show - 11/23 - Milt's Pit BBQ

My Movember group, The Simply Charming Mo's of Kyle, Texas are having a benefit concert / Manly Silent Auction this Saturday (11/23) at Milt's Pit BBQ in Kyle, Texas.
See you there?

Info on show:
Movember Benefit / Silent Auction - 2nd Annual Simply Charming Mo Show
Saturday, Movember 23, 2013
MILT'S PIT BBQ
208 W Center Street
Kyle, Texas 78640

Music:
7:00 - 8:30 - Piqued Jacks - Rock/Funk from ITALY
9:00 - 11:00p - Lucas Cook - Funktry from Austin


Can't make it but want to donate? You can donate online at HTTP://MOTEAM.CO/THE-SIMPLY-CHARMING-MO-S

Men's health issues thank you. 

Open Letter to Senator Wendy Davis

(I sent this directly to her via http://www.davis.senate.state.tx.us. I thought I'd post here as well.)


An Open Letter To Senator Wendy Davis




Image from http://wendydavisforsenate.com


Dear Senator Davis,

I realize you will have a few thousand (conservatively) e-mails today so I won't expect to hear back from you... but I really wanted to thank you for standing, literally, for the right of all who were silenced on the subject of SB5.

I don't really pay close attention to politics. In fact, I didn't know who you were when I woke up yesterday...but the world knows now.

I am a husband and a father of two daughters.

In school my kids have learned a lot about bullying.. They have learned a lot about standing up for thier own rights.. They have learned a lot about standing for the silent.

They have done their best to be advocates for the things they believe in and stand up for those who are unable or unwilling to do so for themselves. They are 9 and 6... and know more about being strong than I did at 30.

Learning about something and having a real life example are two drastically different things. You are a real-life example of a hero who championed a cause for the people who were shut out of the system and silenced.

People can post a Facebook photo... update a status... write a blog... and make comments all day long, but at the end of the day, YOU were the person standing up there and YOU are the reason this bill was stopped. I know you realize you were being held up (figuratively) by thousands and you did an amazing job. Thank you.

I don't live in your district, but I hope someday I'll be able to vote for you in a Texas election.

Thank you for your service to our state and country.

Birthday Benefit Bash - Turning 40 w/ a Cause!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY SHOW, Y'ALL!

Audiolight, Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers and Jenny Hollub Sandoval to play Benefit show 2/9/13 at Milt’s Pit BBQ in Kyle, Texas

I'm turning 40. So, what does the owner of an entertainment magazine do to celebrate such a milestone? Throw a free show, of course. Not just a free show, but a show to benefit a worthy cause – the Jeff Henderson Scholarship for Journalism Excellence.

On February 9, 2013 from 6p-11p the world is invited to Milt’s Pit BBQ in Kyle, Texas for an evening of fantastic BBQ, phenomenal music and just plain celebration.

Here's a link to the Facebook Invite - Link

Hear me talk about myself, INsite, life in general and this party on Kyle Life’s Podcast - Link

FREE LIVE MUSIC!

6:30-8:00: Jenny Hollub Sandoval

singer/songwriter

 (Kyle, TX)



8:30-9:45: Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers (Austin, TX)

Hip-Hop/Jazz/R&B/Rock all wrapped into one

10:00-11:00: Audiolight (Austin, TX)



Rock



What: Sean Claes’ 40th Birthday Party Where: Milt's Pit BBQ (208 W Center, Kyle, Texas)
When: Saturday, February 9, 2013 6p-11p

Benefit: Jeff Henderson Scholarship for Journalism Excellence

 Cost: Nothing. Please donate to the scholarship and tip the band.

Notes on Milt’s Pit BBQ:

1. Milt’s is a cash-only establishment

2. Milt’s is located 208 W Center Street in Kyle, Texas (directions)

3. The stage at Milt’s is outside, with dining inside.

4. Beer and wine are available for purchase, otherwise BYOB

5. Free parking on the square in Kyle.

The Tie-in - Sean Claes and Jeff Henderson (written in 3rd person):



Jeff Henderson



Sean Claes is a 1999 graduate of Southwest Texas State University where he spent 4 years working with and for Jeff Henderson. Claes credits Henderson for a large part of the shaping of his journalistic career and counts "El Jefe" as a good friend.

Professionally, Claes has done a few things with his journalism degree. he's the owner of Austin's INsite Magazine, and has been a creative copywriter for an advertising agency, a Communications Specialist, and is currently in charge of communications for one of the Global Learning and Development groups within Dell.

"There is not a week that goes by that I don't think about Jeff, hanging out on the front porch of Old Main talking, judging UIL with him and hearing bad jokes and good advice," Claes said.

As Claes reaches the landmark of 40 years old, he wanted to party with a purpose, so he contacted Fred Stewart with the Texas Intercollegiate Press Assoication and asked if he could make "The Jeff Henderson Scholarship for Journalism Excellence" the benificiery of the evening. And so it became a benefit.



The Bathroom Rules

The Bathroom Rules

By Sean Claes

I’m sure this has been written before, but this is my take on the Rules of the Bathroom. If you are a man out there, you probably know these rules. If you don’t know these rules, you could be one of the examples, or you just haven’t learned. I am talking, of course, about bathroom etiquette.

As long as man has been alive, man has had to eliminate waste from the body. I’m pretty sure Cro-Magnon men Unga and Bunga came up with these rules, and we have only adjusted them to meet our needs in the ever changing and improving world of the toilet. Without further lollygagging, here are some simple rules to follow when you have to “do your business” in a public restroom.

1. The “One Urinal” Rule
If you walk in and a guy is already standing at a urinal, leave an empty urinal between yourself and him if possible. If it is only a double urinal, use an empty stall. If there is no way to leave an empty stall, see rule #3.

2. The “Stare at the Tile” Rule
If you are stuck next to someone else at the urinal, do not make eye contact with this person. NEVER make eye contact. Stare blankly at the tile on the wall and try to form shapes and animals in the pattern. If you find a shape or animal don’t tell anyone about it, men don’t talk about this.

3. The “Don’t Talk” Rule
A bathroom is a place to do your business and get out. It is not a place to find out about your coworkers day. In office situations, the people higher on the totem pole seem to have the hardest time following this rule. You see...talking usually entails eye contact and eye contact breaks rule #3. Besides, do you really want to talk about the project you’re working on while you’re holding your member?

4. The “Flush it You Freak” Rule
ALWAYS flush. I used to work with a man who urinated day-glow yellow. It really freaked me out. His urine looked like a highlighter. I’d never know this if he had flushed. Of course that’s just the urinal. The toilet is a whole other thing. Who thinks that after taking a stinky dump people would want to see it for generations to come? Your body has rejected this stuff; don’t share it with me at 9:00a.m. when I am on the road and stop for coffee and to use the restroom! Use your foot to flush if need be. That’s what most people do.

5. The “One Person At A Time” Rule
No matter how much you have to release today’s chili special from your bowels, don’t take up a stall if there is someone in the next stall doing the same. Find a different bathroom where you can be alone while making your new creation.

6. The “Joke” Rule
While you are passing people walking in and out of the bathroom, it is perfectly fine to share a one-liner - as long as nobody in this conversation is actively using the restroom. Phrases like: “Careful- That water is cold” or “Hope everything comes out OK” are acceptable if you know the person.

7. The “Fart” Rule
The men’s bathroom is a place for men. Men fart in front of each other. It is acceptable to let a “pffft” out when standing at the urinal. If you are using the bathroom and the person two urinals down (rule #1) poots, ignore it. Men do not make a big deal out of a fart - at least not unless you’re peeing with friends. Friends usually make a “Damn, dude, what’d you eat?” comment, which is also acceptable behavior.

8. The “Cough” Rule
Many people don’t use the toilet in public. I used to be like that, until I took a class where my professor made great sense. “Everybody does it, so don’t hold it in” was the gist of it. After that class my gastro-intestinal being has been much better. Now the simple rule is: let someone who is new to the bathroom know you’re in there. Give a cough - a simple “ahem” - to alert the new bathroom guest of your existence.

9. The “Hand Wash” Rule:
You were taught this as a kid. Wash your hands.

That reminds me of a joke. Three guys, A University of Texas grad, Texas State University grad and a Baylor grad all had to use the restroom at the same time. After the Baylor guy was done he washed his hands and said, “I went to Baylor, they taught us about all of the bacteria that is present in urine.” The UT grad finished next while washing his hands up the elbows he said, “I went to the University of Texas, while there I learned of the fast moving nature of the contaminants of urine.” While the two others dried their hands the aggie finished, zipped up and stared out the door. When at the door he said “I went to Texas State University, we don’t pee on ourselves.”

You should still wash them, but I always liked that joke.

10. The “No Noises” Rule:
When you are standing at the urinal or in the toilet do not make any oooh or aah noises. Be silent. A healthy exhale is acceptable, but no noises. You are not there for fun or to enjoy yourself. You are there to expel the demons from your body. Do so and move on.

As I stated before, most men already know these rules, so treat this as a review. If not, you now know more than you’ve ever wanted to know about the men’s room. Congratulations.

Note: I originally published this as a "Note From The Cubicle" in 2002 - link

Simply Charming Movember Fundraiser - Kyle, Texas

FREE BEER + FREE LIVE MUSIC

Did I get your attention?

We've decided to put the FUN in fundraising by hosting a Movember Fundraiser!

Live music by Austin, Texas' The Warhorses.

Silent Auction with several MANLY items.

Information about men's health.

What: MOVEMBER FUNDRAISER
Where: Milt's Pit BBQ in Kyle, Texas (directions)
When: Movember 24, 2012 - 6p-10p
Cost: FREE (It's a fundraiser)
Dress: Clothes... mustache optional (there's one below)

And yes... it's a BYOB event and there will be free beer while it lasts.

Who are we?
We are the Simply Charming Mo's of Kyle, Texas (Sean Claes, Bradford Johnson, Joshua Legare and Gregory Walters) and we've donated our faces to charity in Movember (the mustache growing month that is formerly known as November).

We are raising money and awareness for men's health issues because, face it, guys don't like talking about things like testicular cancer, prostate exams, depression, and doctor's visits. We don't like going to the doctor. We don't like to admit it when we don't feel good, and that might just be one of the reasons that many times we don't go to the doctor until it's too late and what may have been a preventable thing (if caught early) may result in a serious illness.



We thought the best way to do this was with a big 'ol free come-as-you-are party smack dab in the middle of Kyle, Texas. So... Milt's BBQ (newly located at 208 W. Center... on The Square) will host. It's going to be A LOT of fun... and who knows... you may learn a thing or two.

Meet your hosts:
Here's what we looked like on Movember 1.

Come to Milt's on Saturday, Movember 24 to see how we look now. It's MOtastic.

Again, it's free to attend, but we hope you bring some money to donate... as this IS a FUNdraiser.



In case you need a mustache, here's one for you. You're welcome.



12 Songs With Tuesday In The Name

Tuesday is the “forgotten day” as it’s not church day… not the typical first day of the work week, it’s not a day that signifies the work week is half over (and humping), it’s not the “hey, start the party because tomorrow is Friday” day, nobody Thanks God It’s Tuesday like Friday… and Hey it’s no Saturday.


But.. every day has it’s songs. So… here are a few songs that mention Tuesday.
Click the song name to go to a video on YouTube.




 
"Ruby Tuesday" – The Rolling Stones
"Tuesday Morning" – The Pogues
“Love You Till Tuesday" – David Bowie
“Tuesday’s Gone” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Tuesday Afternoon” – Moody Blues
"On Tuesday" - Men Without Hats
"Super Tuesday" - Vic Chesnutt
"Barely Out Of Tuesday" - Counting Crows
"Tuesday Night" - Adam Hood
"Church On Tuesday" - Stone Temple Pilots
"Sweet Tuesday Morning"  Badfinger 
"Tuesday Heartbreak" - Stevie Wonder
Do you know of any more?
Any obscure ones? Maybe a local band? Post them below.

Its Been A Long Road

Two Friends.
Two Roads Coming Together Throughout Our Lives.

NOTE: Written for a contest to try and make our roads cross yet again. Vote Here (A Facebook contest via Spirit 105.9) to help it happen. Voting ends 10/5/12. 


By Sean Claes


Trevor On Stage at Backwoods Bash.

 We were just kids in church, laughing during the sermons, singing “Amazing Grace” off-key and learning about the love of God, attending Boy Scouts together where his dad was an Assistant Scoutmaster when Trevor’s family decided to move to Tulsa. I didn’t understand why then… I was just 10 or so. Later I found out his father wanted to better their lives so he went to law school at Oral Roberts University (He just retired from his successful practice this year). For a 10 year old with a good friend, it marked the end. Long distance friendships hardly ever work out no matter how much you try. This was about 1985, before cell phones and Facebook so Tulsa, Oklahoma really was a world away from our home in Laredo, Texas - Especially for a pre-teen kid like me.

Anyhow, Trevor moved away… somehow we kept in touch over the years. I was 15 when I got to travel to Tulsa to visit. He was 17 when he came to Laredo for a stay. After high-school he’d go to Drake University in Iowa and serve in the military. After high-school I worked at the local newspaper and transferred to Southwest Texas State University. We kept in touch throughout the 1990s, but not close – a few phone calls, a visit or two.

During Christmas 2003 his little brother was killed. I’ll spare the details. I’ll just say a 22 year-old kid that was well on his way to becoming a great man was in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

In the phone calls that followed, we rekindled the friendship. Over grief, over memories, over laughter, and over time we discovered that we chose a similar path in life. We were both professionals who chose the love of music as a main outlet. In our off-time he was promoting and producing music and I was an entertainment writer.



Matt Jostes, Trevor Lane, Damien Hartzel
and Sean Claes - at BWB 1.



So, when one day in 2004 it wasn’t that big of a surprise when Trevor called me and said he wanted to throw a benefit festival and he wanted to know if I could help. Not a show… a festival. An annual event to raise money for the foundation that was created in memory of his brother, the Make A Difference Foundation, and share the love of independent music, those who are out there making a difference for themselves.

The Backwoods Bash was born five years ago. The first year it happened… barely. One of my old bosses used to say, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” I said “The only reason to have a First Ever is to have a Second Annual.” BUT, the music is what brought us together. This past year Backwoods Bash celebrated its 5th Anniversary. Due to financial reasons I’ve not been able to attend the last 3 years.



Trevor (center) and Sean (right) pose
at BWB 2008



When we do get together (which seems to happen about twice a decade), or when we talk on the phone, it’s like not a day has passed. We are both married and have children. Our parents are retiring, and we now find ourselves pushing 40. We’ve graduated from laughing in the pews to being active members of our churches. We’ve been through a lot in our lives, and together as friends.



I just made it through a major life change and he is about to have some serious surgery and perhaps enter into a life change of his own. We both have the love of Christ and we remind each other of this every time we talk.

 

I would love to have the opportunity to give him and his wife the gift of Spirit Fest… and bring them to Austin from Tulsa, Oklahoma. We’ve been friends for 30 years, and it would be great to be able to just sit back and enjoy music, friends, love, and laughter together.



Thanks for reading. De Colores.

NOTE: Written for a contest to try and make our roads cross yet again. Vote Here (A Facebook contest via Spirit 105.9) to help it happen. Voting ends 10/5/12. 





Trevor, Matt, and Sean end of
BWB Day 2 in 2008 (last time I saw Trev).