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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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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?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!
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.
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.