Here is a little remix from the artist YELLE. Crazy beats, crazy style...business as usual.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Tribute to my friend Sean:
I was able to make it up to Seattle last weekend and hang with some of the best friends a guy could have. One of these friends presented me with a book called Remembering the Future(or Remember, coincidence my mind has been failing me as of late!) Chapter 11 is a short essay by my friend Sean. The article is very articulate, intelligent and well thought out. In a nutshell it talks about the consumerism of Project(RED). Simply put, a way to buy items such as; iPods, clothing, shoes, computers, and have a portion of the proceeds fight Aids in Africa.
I have known Sean for 10 years now. I would say over the past 7 years he has taken up writing. He has been a featured columnist on www.theotherjournal.com and has now added to his accolades being printed in a book. What an honor. He has accomplished all of this while maintaining three jobs, being a husband and raising a baby girl. Living your dream does not mean letting life idly pass you by. Sean encompasses that. It is hard work, but for him it is business as usual.
My hat is off to you my friend.
I have known Sean for 10 years now. I would say over the past 7 years he has taken up writing. He has been a featured columnist on www.theotherjournal.com and has now added to his accolades being printed in a book. What an honor. He has accomplished all of this while maintaining three jobs, being a husband and raising a baby girl. Living your dream does not mean letting life idly pass you by. Sean encompasses that. It is hard work, but for him it is business as usual.
My hat is off to you my friend.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
And all the horseman knew her.
My Great Uncle Ralph has an amazing sense of humor. I promise you that if you were around him for 10 minutes you would think he is the funniest man you had ever met. He also leads a fairly amazing life. At 82 he still goes on canoe/fishing trips with his nephews, takes an annual trip to Hawaii and Poland to teach kids English and work with their Lutheran camps. I hope to be like that when I am 82 instead of sitting in a worn out lazy boy watching my net worth plummet like fireman and his pole. Do they even have those things anymore?
But this article is not about him and his jokes it is actually about horse manure and a newspaper article from the early 1900’s that my buddy’s grandpa gave him. I did not get to read the article, but it went something like this:
"The average home is a one horse home. With the growing population in the country and the average size of the American family increasing we are going to see that average increase to a 2 horse household. This is alarming. Where are we going to get all these horses from? How are we going to breed them fast enough? But more importantly, with more horses the amount manure goes up exponentially and that cannot be good for the cities or the environment."
Are you kidding me? This world is in a crazy cycle. 100 years ago we were worried about horse crap now we are worried about cars, their exhaust systems and how they affect the environment. This leads me to believe that nothing will change 100 years from now. Right now we are trying to develop these new cars like the Prius’ that are battery and gas. They get great gas mileage, but we haven’t figured out how to dispose of the batteries yet…those are more toxic than a gas vehicles entire life of puking exhaust on this earth. Where is the balance in that?
My associate and I are in process of picking out a shirt manufacturer that is 1) environmentally friendly and 2) doesn’t abuse their workers. I think I have found the place, but I am afraid that 10 years from now that super green company wasn’t so super green, it was more like a sloppy pea green. I guess I should not worry about that and just go with what is advanced today. The cycle continues and that is for sure business as usual.
But this article is not about him and his jokes it is actually about horse manure and a newspaper article from the early 1900’s that my buddy’s grandpa gave him. I did not get to read the article, but it went something like this:
"The average home is a one horse home. With the growing population in the country and the average size of the American family increasing we are going to see that average increase to a 2 horse household. This is alarming. Where are we going to get all these horses from? How are we going to breed them fast enough? But more importantly, with more horses the amount manure goes up exponentially and that cannot be good for the cities or the environment."
Are you kidding me? This world is in a crazy cycle. 100 years ago we were worried about horse crap now we are worried about cars, their exhaust systems and how they affect the environment. This leads me to believe that nothing will change 100 years from now. Right now we are trying to develop these new cars like the Prius’ that are battery and gas. They get great gas mileage, but we haven’t figured out how to dispose of the batteries yet…those are more toxic than a gas vehicles entire life of puking exhaust on this earth. Where is the balance in that?
My associate and I are in process of picking out a shirt manufacturer that is 1) environmentally friendly and 2) doesn’t abuse their workers. I think I have found the place, but I am afraid that 10 years from now that super green company wasn’t so super green, it was more like a sloppy pea green. I guess I should not worry about that and just go with what is advanced today. The cycle continues and that is for sure business as usual.
Do Work.
First off let me say I have been in lala land for the past couple of weeks. Lots on the mind and lots going on at work. “Do work.” This has probably become my favorite phrase over the past couple of years. What is most funny about it is that it took over my life because of a MTV series called Rob and Big. If you haven’t seen it, watch it. You may think I am an idiot for watching it, but one of my favorite things to do in life is laugh and that show helps me experience laughter every time I turn it on. Let me correct that, one of my favorite things in life is to watch my wife laugh and she laughs super hard at Rob and Big.
Do work. In my business I spend a lot of time talking to people about their jobs and their goals, aspirations and dreams. I would have to say that 80% of these people see themselves doing something different over the course of their lives. They are extremely unhappy to wake up not stoked to “do work.” I get emails from friends during the week and it may go like this, “It’s Tuesday, 2 down 3 to go.” Why do people feel this way? Why do people pick jobs to go to everyday that they count down to the weekend? I totally understand the need to eat, have a roof and if you went to college pay off the millions you now owe.
I guess the point I am trying to make is that you may go to work day in day out and hate it. You may even think it’s just life and you are living the hand you are dealt. I want to encourage you to not go on as if it is business as usual. There is ample opportunity in this country that we live…ample. It may take 15% more energy and drive, but do work and go find your next adventure and figure out a way to love what you do.
Wow. I didn’t meant this to be a self help article, but it kind of turned out that way. If anything look up Rob and Big and laugh hard. Peace.
Do work. In my business I spend a lot of time talking to people about their jobs and their goals, aspirations and dreams. I would have to say that 80% of these people see themselves doing something different over the course of their lives. They are extremely unhappy to wake up not stoked to “do work.” I get emails from friends during the week and it may go like this, “It’s Tuesday, 2 down 3 to go.” Why do people feel this way? Why do people pick jobs to go to everyday that they count down to the weekend? I totally understand the need to eat, have a roof and if you went to college pay off the millions you now owe.
I guess the point I am trying to make is that you may go to work day in day out and hate it. You may even think it’s just life and you are living the hand you are dealt. I want to encourage you to not go on as if it is business as usual. There is ample opportunity in this country that we live…ample. It may take 15% more energy and drive, but do work and go find your next adventure and figure out a way to love what you do.
Wow. I didn’t meant this to be a self help article, but it kind of turned out that way. If anything look up Rob and Big and laugh hard. Peace.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Ignorance is bliss:
I was chatting with an attorney last week who was getting ready to take a trip Italy with his wife. He banked at Vancouver’s downtown Washington Mutual. To prepare for his trip he decided he needed to head to the bank to get some cash to exchange to Euro’s. As he made his way to the teller he noticed that she was very uneasy. He handed her withdraw slip which asked for $2,000. He asked that it would be in large bills and explained his trip to Italy. The young teller made an awkward smile and leaned across to the attorney and whispered to him that they only had a total of $4,000 cash on hand…and it was in small bills. The downtown WaMu had $4,000 cash on hand! He looked behind him at the line of 5 people looking to make withdrawals or cash checks and then proceeded to look back at the teller. He asked her if he took this money would they get their money and she responded with, “probably not.”
What an interesting time we are living in right now. I understand WaMu is gone now, but people amaze me. My sister works at a jewelry store and the boss’ daughter freaked out last week about WaMu and went and pulled all her money out…about $800 worth! People amaze me. This money is insured! If the bank goes under you still get your money! But in the mad media panic and hysteria we often do some crazy ass things, like pull $800 out of your checking account because your local billion dollar bank is on the chopping blocks. Billion dollar banks going under and 777.68 point loss in the market is strictly business as usual.
What an interesting time we are living in right now. I understand WaMu is gone now, but people amaze me. My sister works at a jewelry store and the boss’ daughter freaked out last week about WaMu and went and pulled all her money out…about $800 worth! People amaze me. This money is insured! If the bank goes under you still get your money! But in the mad media panic and hysteria we often do some crazy ass things, like pull $800 out of your checking account because your local billion dollar bank is on the chopping blocks. Billion dollar banks going under and 777.68 point loss in the market is strictly business as usual.
Hammer Time:
I had the privilege of having dinner with my two great sister’s last Friday. Actually, we spent the day together going antique shopping and enjoying the beautiful September weather we are having. That evening after having some wine we decided to go out for some overpriced-not-really-but-kinda ice cream. On our way to the cold treat store I witnessed something quite new wandering the streets of Portland. We were on a super busy street, I believe it was NW Everett and 10th, and walking ahead of us about half a block was a guy who looked fairly drunk. He looked like he should be in an emo band; untucked black and red plaid shirt, black skinny jeans and black trucker hat…oh and black glasses, the kind Buddy Holly would wear.
As we continued to follow him he neared a post office box. He then made a poor attempt at looking around and crammed himself between the wall of a furniture store and this post office box. I instantly knew exactly what was up. Time to release some of that alcohol in his system…then all of a sudden he looked up and saw my sisters and I walking towards him. He proceeded to maneuver around a little bit to make it look he was taking it easy and leaning on the damn thing. As we neared him he stared at me, smiled and gave me a head nod, as if he was saying, “what up son?” A freaking head nod and all I could hear was him peeing. We quickly past, but that image will be with me forever. My sisters somehow caught up in the conversation missed 90% of what happened, but I was quick to point out the left over stream of urine still on the ground as we made our way home. So here’s to Mr. Emo pee in public. Welcome to Amsterdam.
As we continued to follow him he neared a post office box. He then made a poor attempt at looking around and crammed himself between the wall of a furniture store and this post office box. I instantly knew exactly what was up. Time to release some of that alcohol in his system…then all of a sudden he looked up and saw my sisters and I walking towards him. He proceeded to maneuver around a little bit to make it look he was taking it easy and leaning on the damn thing. As we neared him he stared at me, smiled and gave me a head nod, as if he was saying, “what up son?” A freaking head nod and all I could hear was him peeing. We quickly past, but that image will be with me forever. My sisters somehow caught up in the conversation missed 90% of what happened, but I was quick to point out the left over stream of urine still on the ground as we made our way home. So here’s to Mr. Emo pee in public. Welcome to Amsterdam.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Dedicated to our first comment.
Chris,
Thanks for the comment. A close friend and I made our way to the coast for a surf session bright and early this morning. These rays of sunshine were the highlight of our trip, and little did I know I would have our first comment when we returned from our epic adventure. I hope you find success as well and enjoy this picture that we apparently took for you! Look to have first product in next couple of months. As for our quick trip to the coast, the waves were crashing too hard and too fast. Business as usual.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Good job to America’s top paid CEOs
Running companies into the ground while being paid millions a year seems to be business as usual to these top dogs in the financial industry. It all began with the Enron problems and has swiftly moved onto AIG, Washington Mutual, Lehman Brothers, etc. Isn’t it amazing how the extreme search for profit has compromised some of the largest companies in America? I am not against companies being profitable. I love the fact that anyone can start a business and find success. That is a beautiful thing about this country that we live in.
Here is the problem. These guys run their companies into the ground and upon being fired get a huge check and a home in the Bahamas. I think there needs to be consequences for their actions…not benefits. Here is a perfect example of how bad it can be. CEO of a large financial institution took the companies mortgage lending into a horrible direction, where anyone could get a loan and that loan was generally for a lot more than what the home owner could afford. A majority of these loans granted were 3-5 year arms. Meaning after 3-5 years they would have a new interest rate the next year. You would buy an arm because interest was lower and you could purchase that dream home. The problem is that 3 years later your mortgage payment could double.
And here we are with that CEO walking away with a check for $20+ million and slap on the back. The company will be lucky to be around in 4 months. He should have to put that $20 million bonus towards those loans that are falling apart, and then find out how jail feels. Nothing is safe, but here we the people experience business as usual.
Here is the problem. These guys run their companies into the ground and upon being fired get a huge check and a home in the Bahamas. I think there needs to be consequences for their actions…not benefits. Here is a perfect example of how bad it can be. CEO of a large financial institution took the companies mortgage lending into a horrible direction, where anyone could get a loan and that loan was generally for a lot more than what the home owner could afford. A majority of these loans granted were 3-5 year arms. Meaning after 3-5 years they would have a new interest rate the next year. You would buy an arm because interest was lower and you could purchase that dream home. The problem is that 3 years later your mortgage payment could double.
And here we are with that CEO walking away with a check for $20+ million and slap on the back. The company will be lucky to be around in 4 months. He should have to put that $20 million bonus towards those loans that are falling apart, and then find out how jail feels. Nothing is safe, but here we the people experience business as usual.
Bail this…
I read an article today where Warren Buffett is dumping $5 billion into Goldman Sachs. Read that again…$5 billion. I think this may be some spare change that he found between the cushions in his leather couch at home. By making this investment he is guaranteed to make millions and possibly even a couple of billion. I have read many times that Warren is a very shrewd individual. I could care less, he has a company that has a stock that is trading for over $100k/share and has the means to write massive checks. Hell of an example of how the rich get richer. In a nation where the average American saves -2%; that’s right it is a negative, maybe we should take note and buy less crap that we can’t afford anyway. Saving -2% is just business as usual. We are living way above our means.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if America’s richest came together and bailed out these companies that are in such financial trouble? As it stands right now, when the government steps in we the people are on the hook. It will be our tax dollars that will be raised to pay off these massive bailout plans. Not to say we should or should not be doing this, but Mr. Buffett thinks it’s a great idea to bail out these wrecked companies. I have a ton of college debt, maybe Warren can help me out!
Business as usual.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if America’s richest came together and bailed out these companies that are in such financial trouble? As it stands right now, when the government steps in we the people are on the hook. It will be our tax dollars that will be raised to pay off these massive bailout plans. Not to say we should or should not be doing this, but Mr. Buffett thinks it’s a great idea to bail out these wrecked companies. I have a ton of college debt, maybe Warren can help me out!
Business as usual.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
genesis
About 8 months ago I was roused from bed at 2am with an idea. Perhaps it was more of a concept of sorts, but what jumped into my mind was the phrase "Business as Usual." I had been going through a little bought in life, you know those times when the weight of it all seems to get you down? There was no money in the bank, no food in the fridge and my wife and I were trying to figure this thing called life out. Here is where business as usual came in.
I had been watching the news and Obama had just raised a record amount of money in a week. It was just business as usual to him. I looked at my bank account and 10 overdraft charges stared back. I think I was personally paying someone's salary, and to the bank it was just business as usual. My friend was told by his girl that she just wants to be friends. Business as usual.
This phrase became a life lesson to me at the time. Whether it is bad or good I don't quite know. But one thing is for sure, I have been given a passion to create a clothing company that makes light of these things of life that are business as usual. Whether you are landing kickflip backside tails or knocking out teeth on a rail, life makes it clear that it is all business as usual.
The goal is to make this a common phrase that people use everyday… a kind of mantra if you will. The other goal, to back that up with quality made goods that will inspire you to put a smile back on your face and tough it out.
I am starting this company with a good friend of mine who is an amazing designer and my sister who will help promote the business and the mentality.
For now, till we have our first shirt or sticker, please feel free to send us stories where you have experienced the phrase, "business as usual."
Get ready for us.
I had been watching the news and Obama had just raised a record amount of money in a week. It was just business as usual to him. I looked at my bank account and 10 overdraft charges stared back. I think I was personally paying someone's salary, and to the bank it was just business as usual. My friend was told by his girl that she just wants to be friends. Business as usual.
This phrase became a life lesson to me at the time. Whether it is bad or good I don't quite know. But one thing is for sure, I have been given a passion to create a clothing company that makes light of these things of life that are business as usual. Whether you are landing kickflip backside tails or knocking out teeth on a rail, life makes it clear that it is all business as usual.
The goal is to make this a common phrase that people use everyday… a kind of mantra if you will. The other goal, to back that up with quality made goods that will inspire you to put a smile back on your face and tough it out.
For now, till we have our first shirt or sticker, please feel free to send us stories where you have experienced the phrase, "business as usual."
Get ready for us.
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