Local Billboard Protests Rose Bowl

This is kinda funny, unless you're an MSU fan. As an act of protest, someone rented a billboard near downtown Grand Rapids right off US-131. The billboard itself was actually put together pretty nicely, which tells me someone knew what they were doing when they designed, produced, and purchased the expensive outdoor ad space. They certainly do have a case, though. I don't understand how a team that beat the other team head-to-head would not earn a Rose Bowl birth. Then again, the BCS system hardly makes any sense as it is. Oh well, at least it's a decent looking billboard. Go Sparty!

Back in Michigan: Joe Buys Concert Recap

Joe Buys was back in Michigan to visit for the holidays, but he also wanted to give a special gift to friends and family. Last night, he put on a concert for his hometown Ionians. To help put on a great show, he brought with him, DJ Wells P, from Los Angeles, to spin on the 1's and 2's. Speaking for everyone, it was an amazing time; A great way to close out 2010.








THANK YOU to all who came out last night and supported Joe, myself, and our vision. Afterwards, Joe and I stayed up late into the night discussing the impact you and your friends have on us. Our goal is to impact you, but in turn, you always end up having a bigger impact on us. Truly, there is a solid mission behind our hard work, and last night was just one example of such. Our overall aim is to inspire and better each other while we are blessed enough to be on this earth - and you never disappoint us. Always, DREAM IMPOSSIBLE!

Lupe Fiasco's "Show Goes On" Music Video

Lupe Fiasco just released this new music video from his up-coming "Lasers" album that is said to come out in March. Lupe's journey from the streets of Chicago to becoming a leader in the music industry is used very well in his songs to inspire others to maximize their abilities to achieve their dreams. His mantra seems to fit very well in the 'Dream Impossible' family. Maybe one day, he just might be a part of this family...?

Through the Moon: Joe Buys Concert

Reminder: Joe Buys is back in Michigan for a limited time and will be putting on a show tomorrow night in his hometown of Ionia. Tickets will be available at the door, along with other goodies available from yours truly. I'll see you there!

Going Home for Christmas

There's nothing better than going home for Christmas. This year, we had our family's first Christmas 'up north' in Charlevoix. My favorite part of the holiday (other than giving and getting presents, of course) is our Christmas morning breakfast that we always enjoy in between opening stockings and exchanging gifts. Let us know your favorite Christmas tradition: www.facebook.com/TWAYcollection.






This is what my sisters do (you can tell we need some babies in our family):

Black Scale Wingtip Shoes

I want these:

Black Scale is a clothing brand based out of San Francisco. Their brand has a bit of a Da Vinci code-like appeal to it. Here, they give us a preview of their new Wingtip Sneaker Collection. They feature a suede and leather on the upper, as well as wingtip accents and a side-panel zipper.

"The vision is waiting for the time set when it is to be carried out. It longs for fulfillment and can't fail to come true. If it seems slow, just wait for it because it will certainly happen and not be late."
- Habakkuk 2:3

New Office, New Remodel - Day 2

The first 'To-Do item' for Day 2 of the office remodel was to clear off the boarded-up windows to let some light shine into the space. We then had to recruit a special helper to hang drywall in the entry way. She had the honor of hanging the first piece. Then...well...she let us do the rest.

Think You Have Too Many Shoes?

Think you have too many shoes? I thought I did, but then I saw a video about this guy, Jordan Geller. His sneaker collection is simply called, The ShoeZeum. Here's his story:

"Ten years ago I started selling shoes on eBay when I stumbled upon a bunch of vintage Nikes at a local swap meet. I emptied out my checking account (a whopping $300) and bought as many pairs as I could afford. I rushed home to my one-bedroom-apartment and listed the shoes on eBay. Week after week, I went back to the swap meet and bought more Nikes. Eventually, the swap meet vendor disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again. So I had to figure out where I was going to get my inventory of Nikes from. Over the years, I have bought and sold hundreds of thousands of Nike Shoes. My business grew from a one-bedroom-apartment, into a two-bedroom-apartment, into a storage locker, into eight storage lockers, and eventually into the warehouse where I am presently. I decided that the best use of my giant warehouse and my profits that I have worked so hard for, was to build the most comprehensive collection of Nike shoes and put them on display for the world to enjoy. So one by one, I built this amazing collection. All of the shoes are in my size (11-12). All of the shoes are deadstock with their original boxes. And all of the shoes have been professionally shrink wrapped for their protection. The shoes have been placed on display with toys and props that are meant to bring the collection to life. The shoes were mainly purchased on eBay and Flightclub, as well as at Footlocker, Sportie LA, Niketown, and Nike Outlets all across the United States. The toys and props were all purchased at the same swap meet where my business got started."

New Office, New Remodel - Day 1

What you see is exactly what we got: 1,200 square feet of 100-year old empty industrial space. The building used to be an Art Van Furniture factory years and years ago. The industrial campus of 2-3 factory buildings have been pretty much empty for the past 20 years except for a few different offices of a photographer, small upholstery company, furniture design firm, martial art gym, sculpture artist, and a pottery artist. There is a lot of potential for the space, and we are working to get it operational by the first week of 2011. I'll keep those interested updated with pictures as the space progresses.

Maestro Knows, Featuring Benny Gold

I've been fans of both Levi Maestro and Benny Gold for the past couple of years and have followed their careers since then. I have much respect for Levi for his ability to start his own company with nothing more than himself, a camera, and an unwavering passion. Benny is one of the industry's best graphic designers. His entire business started with stickers. Literally, it started with a few stickers of airplane gliders. Naturally, it was a given that I needed to post this video featuring the two as a source of inspiration for myself, and of course, for you as well.

4D Experience - Ralph Lauren

This absolutely blows my mind. 4D?! We're not talking about 3D movies or flat screens, we are talking about 4D! I don't think that's ever been done - at least not in this way.

"In celebration of 10 years of digital innovation, RalphLauren.com presents the ultimate fusion of art, fashion & technology in a visual feast for the 5 senses. Watch as the London flagship at 1 New Bond Street disappears before your eyes and is then transformed into a series of objects and images rendered in 3-dimensional space." -RLTV

This "behind the scenes" video interested me even more. Call me a nerd, but I love seeing HOW things like this develop from idea to reality. Technology is amazing and beyond my comprehension sometimes...

FREE Shirt on the 1st

Welcome to the December edition of "FREE Shirt on the 1st." This month's contest is taking place right now, at this very second, on our Facebook page. All you have to do is comment on the question, "What would you like to GIVE this Christmas?" The best answer (comment) received before 11:59PM will be this month's winner of the free shirt. Submit your answer to win HERE.

Family Thanksgiving - Annual Pistons Game

My Thanksgiving was spent with family and plenty of home-cooked food. Despite the tough times we are all facing, our family still had plenty to be thankful for this year.

We made our annual trip to a Pistons game the day after Turkey Day. This year we were able to get great tickets and access not because of me and my connections at the Palace, but because of my litter sister. Aubrey is interning for the Pistons this semester. She drives three hours each way from Grand Rapids to Detroit almost every weekend. Kudos for her hard work - making a brother proud!