...I've heard it said by many, that when the snot turns green, and the cough starts sounding like a ball peen hammer over a hollowed out length of hickory, then it's time to give up the ghost and seek an expert opinion.

Apparently the good Lord doesn't understand the fact that my schedule is not cooperative in sharing my time with the plague. Regardless, this vulgar bug has rendered me useless for the past ten days and counting.

While buried under several layers upon the recliner, I burped out a strangled cough that caused the dogs to rush the front window, thinking the town Sheriff was in hot pursuit of the neighborhood thug, and had just flipped on the siren.

In any sense, this evil virus is the sole reason for not only my temporary absence, but my failure to announce the winners of the "Charming Endeavor" book tour. The names have been selected, but the ambition's been stagnant, to which I apologize.

That post will be forthcoming...and will be a blast, trust me on that ;)

In the meantime, for those of you who have been enjoying Simon Cowell's latest and greatest sing off, entitled "The X-Factor," then you've no doubt experienced the lyrics performed by a thirty-something grundge icon, by the name of Josh Krajcik.

(Time to brace yourself for the WOW factor...) Not only does he originate from central Ohio, which just happens to be where I'm currently residing, but Josh's father is one of the lead sales managers at my day job. He's every bit as loud as his son, while not as gifted with singing vocals...but is nonetheless a pal of mine.

So as I attempt to recover from my current state of infested affairs, take a moment and listen to Josh as he attempts the impossible...a modern day story of rags to riches.

And if you like what you've heard...snatch up that phone and send him a vote ;)

Thanks for reading...

El