Random Acts of Adventure
Lessons For An Optimist - Where Your Packages Come From
July 13, 2009
It was truly a pleasure last week when I was once again reminded of the special nature of our not-for-profit partner, Search in Chicago. This is an amazing organization that provides beautiful homes, quality life training and experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. They are also our partners that co-created Planet Access and Search for Adventure, the pick and pack operation that ships all of our product that then in turn funds an adventure travel and vacation program for these same adults.I could spend a few paragraphs on all they do with these programs but probably best to provide the link for you to read for yourself.
That said, I had a chance to tour their latest masterpiece … a 36,000 square foot life experience and arts center. This facility really epitomizes what Search is about – taking the practical needs of their members and satisfying those needs in ways that far exceed any possible expectation. Instead of generic classrooms in a sterile facility, they designed a magical New Orleans streetscape to provide a dynamic and real world environment in which their population can be truly inspired. Classrooms were more like workshops and as you walked through this beautiful facility, you quickly understand the point … you were a guest in a vibrant community.
Keep an eye out for gallery openings and possibly a t-shirt program promoting the terrific art coming out of their new arts studio (like the image above) and arrange for a tour if you find yourselves in the western suburbs of Chicago!
DIY Beer Cap Magnets
July 9, 2009
Needing something to do with your time? Feeling at a loss for how to attach that crazy photo you took at last Friday’s BBQ to your fridge? Just have a “thing” for bottle caps? Well, you’re in the right place. Check out this super simple and cool project on one of our favorite DIY sites. Plus, did you know that bottle caps and smaller pieces metal and plastic can’t be recycled? So … the name of the game is to reuse in a creative and innovative way!
Make your own bottle cap magnets.
Grant For Change
July 7, 2009
Today Nau, our sister brand, is very excited to announce the launch of the annual Grant for Change. It is a grant of $10,000 to an individual or group working to bring positive change to their community. This year’s $10,000 grant will highlight the efforts of people who move in the spirit of the Nau Collective: athletes who are challenging assumptions about what it means to move through the world; artists, designers or other creatives who are moved to design better solutions to the world’s greatest problems; and, activists who are seeding positive change in their communities, and moving others to do the same. Whether it is a photojournalist creating awareness on climate change through visual storytelling or a designer prompting behavioral change towards sustainable living, Nau wants to hear how global citizens are making a difference. Positive change is at the core of Nau’s business philosophy, and it affects every decision, from product design to marketing partnerships. By acting both as a community organizer and a platform, Nau believes the Grant for Change can help support individuals, industries and the economy intelligently and sustainably. Working to be an agent for positive change and inspiring others has never been more important than during these challenging economic times.
For details about the grant, the nomination process and to view the current crop of nominees, simply go to www.nau.com.
Please help us spread the word by becoming a friend of G4C and sending this announcement to everyone you know.
Lessons For An Optimist - Shades of Good
July 6, 2009
It is nearly impossible to go a day without being reminded of the economic hardships being played out around the world these days. Spending the 4th of July weekend up in Northern Michigan on a beautiful lake with friends, unplugged from the daily news and digital media was just what the doctor ordered. A respite from the gloom and doom and an opportunity to again, find some always needed time to reflect.But after just 24 hours of lounging lakeside and making my first of several trips to the country store for homemade ice cream, two things became very clear.
First, times are really tough and people here, as much as anywhere else in our country, have felt the real pain of the economic meltdown with much of their livelihoods depending on the Detroit automakers and tourism. The number of homes, boats, cars and other belongings for sale along every roadside tells the story all too well.
The second, we will get through this tough time and bounce back stronger for it. The resilience, the optimism and genuine belief that good news is just around the corner made itself into every mom and pop store conversation and BBQ debate. These folks are resilient and I believe reflect the heart of what has made our country great. They are still making the most of what they have, taking time to enjoy the summer sun and beautiful blue lake water and will be damned if they are going to wallow in their personal misfortune.
There are some better and some worse years up here but from what I could tell this weekend, they are all shades of good.
Capture the Moment
July 6, 2009
Our friend Kris Holm, a world champ on the unicycle and insanely cool/nice fellow, is running a photography contest. It’s called “Capture the Moment” and is for all of you that either ride or admire those one-wheeled machines. We thought we’d toss it out to you guys to join in on and enjoy and maybe even win!
A Message For Independence
July 4, 2009
Gordon sent this out to our companies (Horny Toad and Nau) on Thursday before the holiday break. I thought it was a great sentiment that you would enjoy on this, our day of independence. A good reminder to keep things at heart and to be grateful for the gifts of voice we have.
The Scarcity of Heroes
When I was a kid, I loved watching movies about heroes. Whether it was George Washington, Jackie Robinson, Thomas More or pretty much any character played by Jimmy Stewart, I was drawn to people who stood up for what was right even in the face of great criticism, opposition or persecution. As a result, I assumed the world was full of heroes, and I wanted to be like them some day.
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Oh Canada!
July 1, 2009
With all the talk about the 4th of July occupying the hearts and minds of citizens of the good ol’ U.S. of A., it’s easy to forget our northern sisters and brothers. That’s right folks, Canada! They too celebrate their proverbial birthday in July, and ironically only three days ahead of us … what are the odds?Canada Day (Fête du Canada) is on July 1st of every year and is often thought of as Canada’s birthday. In 1867 the enactment of the Britich North America Act, which united Canada into a single country, marking the beginning of a beautiful life as a great country.
I for one will be celebrating this fine day with a Molson beer, maple syrup, grilled salmon all while clad in my Carhart overalls. Happy birthday Canada!
If you are looking for a an outfit for your Canada Day party, check this out. Hilarious.
Duzer Does America - Part 1
June 30, 2009
Aaaand he’s off! Ryan Van Duzer, a friend of ours, is taking a three-speed (count ‘em 1… 2 … 3) across America. This lovely bike was supplied by our favorite beer company, New Belguim – yay beer!
A week ago he started in Oceanside California and is biking all the way to Washington DC clad in Horny Toad duds to raise money for a non profit called Community Cycles in Boulder Colorado. Why? Well, Duzer is powered by an endless supply of optimism – and a goofy whirly gig – to change the world for the better. He bikes to inspire others to get out of their cars. He bikes because he loves it. He bikes because girls love riding on the handlebars. Chicks dig bikes – and clothes that you’ve been in for days on end.
You can follow Duzer's adventure's here on Fun Hunting or on his page Duzer Across America.
Check out his first three days here. He’s a one-man crew. Go Duzer GO!
National 40-oz. Day
June 29, 2009
Some may think they are “trashy,” others may think they are “excessive,” but we just think they are hilarious. They’re a 40-oz. bottle of beer – mainly containing beer that you would never normally drink for fear you may lose your sense of taste or smell or both! The upsides: 40-oz. of beer, buying bulk saves the planet, cheap and leaves you with a little extra to memorialize your homies with. We’re not the only ones out there that think this giant bottle of beer is something worth giving thanks to. A brilliant group of folks in the Chicago area are having a week of celebratory events all surrounding this bottom-shelf treat. So, if you happen to be in the old town of the Toads – join in the fun and pour a sip on the old Toad concrete for us. Heck, even if you aren’t in Chicago, enjoy a big tall frosty one anyway – ‘cuz why not?
Chris Pierce Bows To The King
June 18, 2009
Our friend Chris Pierce made a recent appearance at the House of Blues opening for the king of blues himself, B.B. King! Chris is a truly special person, warm and always genuine and sincere – but he also brings down the house with his pipes. That guy can sing! Hear it for yourself.
Crusade Against the Mundane
