I actually bought a CD. Not a download. An actual CD. Remember those? They are those round disks that have a surface printed with the album name and artist, usually with some kind of nifty design. (Not drawn by multicolored sharpies either!)

I paid $20. $20.54 with tax more accurately.

And who, pray tell, warranted such a frivilous expenditure?

Armin van Buuren. The new record: Imagine. I haven't listened to all of it yet, but so far, it's incredible. Simply amazing. This isn't one of those Tiesto-esque mix CDs mind you. This is a pure artist album. AvB collaborated with a few notable names such as Jennifer Rene, Cathy Burton and DJ Shah to create a record that's listenable as an album, rather than simply a collection of dancefloor singles.

Anyway, Happy 4th everyone. I am celebrating the 4th very simply: watching the entire HBO John Adams miniseries while alone in my hotel suite. Later, I suppose I'll head down to a cool motorcycle bar here in Overland Park called Fuel. They'll have free hot dogs and apple pie later this evening and there's going to be a massive fireworks celebration around here as well.

It's a pretty lonely day, but what shall I do for want of my favorite associate? That which is always done; endure, prosper and hope for the day when Independence day is celebrated, not alone, but with that one of whom makes the gift of freedom worth celebrating.

There are shackles upon my heart that can't easily be lifted. The chains that bind me are the same chains that ignite the fire of my very being.

Imagine life. Imagine love. Imagine syncronicity happening all over again. It is the imagination that fuels the future.

Happy 4th of July!