Bruce (brblog)

I blog, you got a problem with that?

I am an Architect by training, an amateur Genealogist by desire, a wannabe Internet Marketing Guru by golly (I hope someday), married and a father of three boys (eeks!) and a generally well rounded guy. Usually, pretty handy; I can design something and then actually build it myself (except for cars, I am not much of a mechanic).

I grew up in a small town [to quote Garrison Keillor] “where all the women are strong, the men are good looking and the children are above average.” I love my small town but left almost as soon as I could and migrated to the city, cause that is what small town boys do. I go back for visits.

Sometimes my Hub Pages are dedicated to humorous blogging, unless you don't think it's funny - in which case I am a serious blogger 24/7.

I hope to write a funny blog every once and a while but I will also been posting in other categories I enjoy; like Architecture, Family History (Genealogy), Internet Marketing, other stuff and - maybe even about my kids - yikes!

Thanks for reading . . . I'd like to hear from you.

In the Spotlight

Using "Shapes" in Your Word Document

Shapes will help you create professional looking documents right Microsoft Word. Create party invitations, customized stationary, certificates of achievement and other Continue »

In the Spotlight

Anubis, Algonquin Longhouse, Lake Pepin and Other Crazy School Projects

When it comes to school projects, we go a little crazy at our house. But what do you expect from an Architect father . . .

In the Spotlight

About My Dad

Talking about your Dad is usually not a hard thing to do, unless it is at his funeral. But that may be the most important time you will every talk about him.

In the Spotlight

Last One Out of the Basement Turn off the Lights - Please!

WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE TURN OFF THE LIGHTS! There is a war raging in my house, it is a battle over electricity. A battle I intend to win.

In the Spotlight

Whip out a Website - Fast!

Needing to create a professional presence on the web, I created a portfolio website using free blogging software, in just a few hours.

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  9
  Web Page & Web Site Development

  Whip out a Website - Fast!

  4 years ago

  Needing to create a professional presence on the web, I created a portfolio website using free blogging software, in just a few hours.

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  0
  Graphic Art & Design

  Using "Shapes" in Your Word Document

  14 months ago

  Shapes will help you create professional looking documents right Microsoft Word. Create party invitations, customized stationary, certificates of achievement and other fancy documents. You can also use Shapes to annotate maps, photos and diagrams. This is the third installment in a series of...

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  10
  Architecture

  Proving "Green" in Construction

  4 years ago

  Building construction can be carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. I saw it in action on a recently completed project.

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  2
  letterpile.com

  Armistisce Day - A Veteran Remembered

  3 years ago

  On this Veteran's Day, I will take a moment to remember one man who died in that "Great War." My Great Uncle, Ralph Elliot Holcomb.

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  7
  Graphic Art & Design

  Spice up Your Word Document With Smartart

  14 months ago

  With SmartArt, anyone can add professional looking graphic elements to their presentation without leaving Microsoft Word. These elements are great for lists, process diagrams, hierarchy charts and other “relationship” graphics. This is the second installment in a series of tutorials on the graphic...

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  2
  letterpile.com

  Last One Out of the Basement Turn off the Lights - Please!

  14 months ago

  WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE TURN OFF THE LIGHTS! There is a war raging in my house, it is a battle over electricity. A battle I intend to win.

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  4
  Kids

  Anubis, Algonquin Longhouse, Lake Pepin and Other Crazy School Projects

  4 years ago

  When it comes to school projects, we go a little crazy at our house. But what do you expect from an Architect father . . .

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  9
  Graphic Art & Design

  Using Word Text Boxes Effectively

  14 months ago

  Text boxes may contain the written word, but they are really graphic tools. Used properly, they can add polish and professionalism to any written presentation.

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  7
  North America Political & Social Issues

  For Republicans, the Sky is Falling - Again?

  14 months ago

  Do you mind, I am out "Taking Back the Country" again and by the way, did I mention that the sky is falling . .

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  2
  Genealogy, Family History & Family Trees

  In Pursuit of New Discoveries - the Genealogist never tires

  12 years ago

  A genealogy quest never ends. Our appetite for information about the past is great. An obsession drives us forward. We seek out new discoveries and when they are made, it is truly delightful.

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  10
  Family and Parenting

  About My Dad

  4 years ago

  Talking about your Dad is usually not a hard thing to do, unless it is at his funeral. But that may be the most important time you will every talk about him.

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  0
  Photos & Videos

  Laona Steam Train - Photo Album

  14 months ago

  The lumberjack steam train and logging camp at Laona, Wisconsin is a family fun excursion into the world of trains, logging and forestry. We were there a few years ago and after looking at the photos, I decided to share. Hope you enjoy.

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  11
  Graphic Art & Design

  Word as a Graphic Tool?

  14 months ago

  I have been using Microsoft Word to create both simple and complicated graphic elements. It can be a powerful tool that is relatively user friendly for anyone who is already familiar with the more common word processing parts of the program. Take a look at some of the things you can do..

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  2
  Genealogy, Family History & Family Trees

  Tribute to the Genealogist

  4 years ago

  An Ode to the Genealogist written in 1881 is a fitting tribute to those who uncover family histories.

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  2
  Architecture

  Green Roof On My Mind

  4 years ago

  A segment on the radio got me thinking about a green roof installation one year later and green roofs in general.

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  4
  How to Write

  Key Elements to Good Blog Content

  4 years ago

  What are some key elements to good blog content? Here is my take on the subject.

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  2
  How to Write

  Writing Good Blog Content

  4 years ago

  Everyone wants to write good content and it should be the top priority for any blogger. There is a lot of help and advice available out there.

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  2
  Genealogy, Family History & Family Trees

  The Genealogy Quest Continues

  12 years ago

  A few years back I started on a genealogy quest. It turned into a wonderful process with layers of information revealing itself over time. Heavy reliance on the internet has made the search possible and lead to many discoveries. Now, with some recent breakthroughs, it is time to reflect.

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  6
  Architecture

  The Once Art of Architectural Drawing

  4 years ago

  I lament the lost art of Architecture - the act of drafting and drawing by hand - in this computer age.

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  4
  Comedy

  A Wiener by any other name

  11 years ago

  What do Anthony Weiner and the Hot Dog have in common. They are both funny! But don't tell that to the Wiener's of Vienna.

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  2
  Comedy

  Taco Slander at Taco Town

  11 years ago

  Some people think Taco Town is a funny late-night skit. How dare them slander a great and delicious idea!

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  10
  Comedy

  Holy Crap My Blog Stinks

  4 years ago

  Holy Crap! it turns out my blog stinks. I thought I would make a lot of money online but now I realize my blog is crap!