(Deron painted this piece, which hangs in my bedroom. He is also the one on the left. My brother and grandpa Caleb are also hidden in the picture.)

Deron Cohen, whom I’ve known for 30 years, is having a birthday today.
He has been an inspiration, confidant, and friend for more adventures than I can count.
We went to elementary, Jr. High & High school together.
He was the only person I kept in close contact with in College.
I went to my first Rave with Deron in 1991.
We went to our first Burning man together 10 years ago, and have camped together every year since.
We were dubbed “a couple of Good Time Players” one night a decade ago by a homeless man…and I don’t think a better description exist.
Happy Birthday, D!!! A Good Time Player if ever there was one.
Love you, brother!
Deron’s Art | Deron’s Myspace

And a very funny video of my Brother, Me, and Deron talking like guys talk. (NSFW)

“How did you get the name Halcyon?”

“How do you deal with criticism?”

*The page I read from is here.

As always, the crowd was great. A good mix of veterans and enthusiastic newcomers.

In this clip, I read a quote from the Dalai Lama and try to draw connections between his words and the aims of Hugnation. Basically focussing on how similar we are, instead of our differences:

I mention politics *slightly* then we get into a r a m b l i n g, love-filled hug:

Looking forward to some hugs and smiles today at 1pm in the Hug Lounge!

See you there!! (or catch the archive, later)

Here is a clip from last week’s show where I talked about my connecton to Martin Luther King Jr.

I just ordered these from contagiousgraphics.com:

I can’t wait to put one on my car!

If you’d like a sticker, send a self addressed stamped envelope to
Hug Nation
PO Box 254
Solana Beach CA 92075

My nephew (17 months) LOVES motorcycles and bicycles. “Vroom-vroom!” he says.
So it is no surprise that when he was given his very own bike helmet, he never wanted to take it off.

Last month, while cruising tidepools, I saw an octopus dart under a rock. For some reason, I was drawn to it and put my hand near the opening of it’s cave. he GRABBED HOLD of my arms with far more strength than I expected. I now feel a special bond with my octo-family.

Here’s the video of my Octo-encounter:

you will rarely see me as happy as I am in this picture:

I made a “What is HugNation?” vid for QuantumShift.tv…I’m pleased with how it came out!

Before teh hug I talked about:
- MLK Jr Day and Grandpa’s connection.
- deal with someone who pops in to the lounge and says “YOU’RE GAY!”
- talk about eating in a fancy resteraunt

The Hug