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Toyota gave me a week to test drive the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE.  To say the least, it was quite the experience to have with a vehicle. I posted a week long, on going saga, documenting many aspects of the RAV4 from the average Joe experience.

Toyota was gracious enough to say "Thank You" to me in the form of inviting me to a Houston Rockets NBA game.  Houston has been on a hot streak, and has yet to lose in December. The Rockets looked to keep the streak going by toppling the Sacramento Kings.  Toyota did not just want me to experience the game, but wanted me to experience the game on another level.  I was given a parking pass and a ticket to the Toyota suite.

I was super excited about this opportunity, so I showed up early and got a look and feel of the Toyota Center.  I was shocked to see that a fan was out there waiting for them to open the doors in order for him to get his Rocket time in!  The door opening was several hours away, and he had been there, so you know that is true fandom.  He told me that this game was his birthday gift.

Soon after, hours passed and it was time to get in the suite.  This nicely laid out place in the Toyota Center was fully catered for meat eaters, plant eaters and the omnivorous around us.  They also had a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for us.  The seats used to watch the game were comfy recliners where you could watch a huge jumbo-tron to watch the game action, or just looked down at the floor action, or just alternate between both choices.

Several Toyota executives also made the journey to personally give kudos to myself and some others.  They were as professional as they were polite.  It truly was a pleasure to interact with them.  Some of the Houston Rockets cheerleaders even took pictures with us.

After plenty of foods and drinks, it was quite clear that we would leave on a high note because The Rockets made quick work of The Kings, Houston took their foot off the gas and still beat Sacramento by over 30 points!

Toyota did a phenomenal job ensuring that the reviewers of their vehicles had an unforgettable experience.  I thank Toyota for feeling I was worthy of such a journey.

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With such a thrilling end to Game 2 between The Golden State Warriors VS The Houston Rockets, you know excitement and anticipation is engulfing the city! Clutch City mounted a huge comeback that was 1 turnover away from snatching a victory,  and possibly the soul of the competition, on the road.

Game 3 is in Houston and everyone is talking basketball.  Merchandise can't stay on the shelves.  Red Nation is ready!

Here are some live looks into the madness:

Los Angeles Lakers fan chimes in:

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Red Nation has been crazy with anticipation with the Game 7 matchup between the Clippers and Rockets.

Special Edition Houston Rockets Nike

(www.PlaytimeCares.com) - The Houston Rockets are the best team in the hardest conference and division in professional basketball.

How can I make such a claim?  EVERY team in their division made the playoffs this year.  Every team...not a few...EVERY!!!  Every team has over a .500 winning percentage for the season as well. 

To add to their great play this year, they also have the player that should be the NBA's League MVP for the 2014 - 2015 basketball season.   That player is James Harden.  If you have been keeping up with my previous post about the league MVP, you will get the entire rundown of my logic of why Harden is the logical choice. 





You should know that the City of Houston, and the Metropolitan community, are in full force supporting the Rockets domination of the Dallas Mavericks.  It should be noted, that Houston and Dallas love a friendly competition in all sports, and all levels of playing of those sports!  If you do not believe me, just Google "Texas football" and comment back what  you research unfolds.

Video:

I decided to take my sports and foodie reporting self to the local Academy Sports and Outdoors
to see how strong the Rockets buzz was via merchandise in the store.  Not surprisingly, not too much Rocket merchandise left, and with every win, they say more merchandise is flying off the shelves.  When asked if they have any Mavericks or Spurs gear, an emphatic "NO" was given!  Texas has state love, but right now, we are only cheering on the Rockets! They actually only have 1 more pair of special edition Rockets Nike in a size 8, but I am sure by the time you read this, that pair was already purchased!

IF, like myself, situations do not afford you the opportunity to see game 5 live in the Toyota Center, as they wrap up the instate rivalry and series, then you have options all throughout Houston to catch the game in fabulous fan fare!  I know that Hooters on Katy Freeway, in Katy, TX is a great stopping point.  You know that you can rely on them to give you great service and their famous wings, but they will have the game on full blast.  They will have 16+ TVs playing the game at the same time inside, with 3 TVs outside playing the game, and they will also give MILITARY PERSONNEL a 20% discount on their meal.

Where will you watch the Rockets wrap up this series?