Burn Rubber G-Shock

Even as i type this i have on my own (Wallo inspired) G-Shock.
My favorite retail location Burn Rubber i releasing their own custom G-Shock this week April 18th, if you happen to be in the Michigan area you should stop through and cop one....affirmative, they will go fast. The ticket on this tantalizing timepiece is $175, that's American currency. Im doing this as a courtesy because im a generous man, i want everyone to experience the things i see.






Burn Rubber
202 W.4th St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
248 543 3000

Shots Fired!

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen flew down to Costa Rica to say vows and "i do's" a few days ago but the bigger story is that shots were fired. The shots allegedly came from someone in Brady's security team aimed at members of the paparazzi.

However I have to secretly admit that i had a slightly positive feeling towards this fiasco. I abhor the paps, at least the untamed and intruding ones, the civil ones don't bother me (is that an oxymoron). I will also say that i am most grateful that nobody was killed and or injured, so from my perspective this was the best case scenario: Shooting on foreign soil, and everyone escapes with no charges, no injuries, and point made. The disoriented USA refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem to be resolved (im aware this took place outside the States). I try not to slay dead horses, but what do you think Princess Diana thinks of the paps. People often relay to me that the paparazzi is a lot worse in other countries, and i take their word for it, but i must say we are working on getting there.

As intelligent as U.S. lawmakers are they appear to be naive or uninterested in reconstructing some laws or creating new ones altogether to protect those who constantly receive the ambush of light flashes and zooming lenses. The government apparently finds time to investigate steroids and the like which really hasn't hurt anyone. The argument of a "public figure" doesn't really resonate with me, it indicates that because your work or your image pleases many people then you have to share your life. People need to show restraint, and adults need to take responsibility. Additionally i suppose the most egregious portion of this story is that there is a huge demand and or market for these pictures that the paps generate.

I think the sly Tom Brady told his "life protectors" to go ahead and take a shot, but don't shoot em for real. I ain't necessarily mad at you.

Reparations on the Way

Go ahead, you can laugh...I came across this flyer at the GAS STATION, and thought to myself what is the world coming too. If the much heralded and empathetic U.S.A. (cough, cough) was really giving out reparations then i guarantee you would not be buzzing in through a 313 number. So whomever created this flyer needs to be a little wittier with their master plan.

The part that startled me the most was the usage of "Afro" on this solicitation. Do people still use that word? In the heart of Detroit, a city which is probably 95 percent (speculation) I can assure you that none of us say "Afro", therefore I am led to believe this was done by an outsider. You are probably grasping the realization that i thought this was absurd on so many levels. Additionally, if the Obama administration or even the former was really giving out reparations would it really be exclusively on a concrete post at the gas station, no commercials, radio or tv huh? Things like this really tar my feathers, because there is clearly intent to run a scam on people who are essentially your neighbors.

People who exert effort into futile and deceitful efforts will obviously never learn that they could do so much more if they put that effort into something positive or an endeavor with some sustainability that would keep them from obtaining an inmate number. I could only shake my head, when will we get it together.

Be GREAT Today!

Alright here is the setup, these are both old and the songs have matured into the retirement home, but these are actually a couple of videos i have watch consistently with much affection for quite a while. Above are a couple of astronomical music producers, but that is not necessarily the point. It's the ZEAL, the FERVOR, and the PASSION. One of the things that i have learned, and it correlates for the blog, it doesn't matter what your profession is if you approach it with the respect and passion it deserves you will excel.

-As I bring you deeper into my brain- I've shared with some of my closer confidants my affinity for Kanye's work ethic and habit. Regardless of feelings towards him, good, bad, or indifferent he really goes to work with a concentrated focus and an astonishing energy reserve. He initiated the release of his first album, because he was working so hard and the public couldn't help but take notice, Rocafella hadn't even planned on putting him out yet, this is after he scratched and clawed to get signed. That's what it takes to be great! It doesn't matter what you do, we have all seen professionals across the board who may not be exceptionally gifted in their field but their determination and passion boost them ahead of the competition. When i sit down (i usually don't stand and write) and write I have two goals: 1. To inform the audience in an efficient manner, 2. To become the greatest writer alive. I've talked about this before but people learn differently so I was compelled to use yet another example post. Look at my man Pharrell, compare his body language with the girl he is essentially writing the song for. Actually if you hear the finished song [Natasha Ramos "Midnight Hour"] she doesn't do it justice, she doesn't exude the passion. Its even obvious in the studio session here, Pharrell's whole body is captivated by the song, his legs are tapping, head swaying, arms waving, and mouth talking. In contrast she has a little head nod but thats really it. The passion you pour into your work is evident whether you realize it or not. You could be selling paint at Sherwin-Williams and give customers the most remarkable shopping experience in the world or you could just do it as a job and achieve average results. The point is give yourself whole-heartedly to whatever your passion is and I GUARANTEE that you will excel.

This was just placed on my heart to share with the readership. Whatever you do, go be the best "x" in the world. Don't' be afraid to be GREAT!

How Much Out the Door?

The money pool is looking a bit turbid; but we all want to go swimming , right? I was reading a quick synopsis on AOL (I stole this picture from them too) about potential taxes that could be instituted to generate revenue for government bodies. The list was relatively peculiar and certainly questionable. Before we reach full disclosure here, I'll mention the considerations vary by state and generally only apply to a specific location.

One category was dubbed the "sin" taxes, which apply to items such as cigarettes and alcohol, raising the price of America's favorite past times--smoke breaks and happy hour. New York (who else) is looking at an 18% tax on non-diet soda. The governor of WI. is talking an additional 75 cent on each pack of cigarettes, luckily smoking isn't my vice. In the "non-sin" taxes category we have MA. saddling the folks with a 19 cent gas tax just to make it feel like old times again. Additionally those who like to panic at the disco, keep their love locked down, or die hard are looking at a tax for all entertainment downloaded (movies, music, games). More than a dozen states have already embraced this tax and they speculate that more are on the way. There are many more but i will spare you the trepidation until they become a reality.

Are the citizens not buying enough of the taxed items that have always been sufficient? There is an outside chance that i may need to reform my logic, so banish me back to my place if so, however as I understand it most states were previously operating at a deficit with no chance of reaching a surplus anyhow therefore i do not understand what is so different now. Is it because all of the money that was used to run cities and states was borrowed and now the borrowing tree has withered away? The taxes that i mentioned are not necessity items and i thank them for logic on that, but the concept of one more economic punch to the gut for man-kind just rubs me tummy the wrong way. So don't panic quite yet, I just wanted you to know, and "knowing is half the battle"-GI JOE.

The Weave Retreat

Alright readership, i apologize, I was supposed to do this video a couple of weeks ago but life impedes and progress recedes. This is a store i was led to, not for my own exploits of course, i was merely a submissive passenger. What i found was astonishing (or at least to me it was) so i made a video. I've entitled this, The Weave Retreat.

As you examine the video of course you can see the wigs on the molded heads, also along the ENTIRE wall was weave packets. The variety was stifling. Its funny because the building's exterior does not prepare you for the interior, you think it might be some weave in there but nothing like this. This is like the secret headquarters, one of my friends told me the weave industry is a lot like the drug industry (that's a different post though). The synthetic hair industry apparently rakes in quite the dollars, additionally most of that hair cost a lot more than a person with my logic would pay.

Perhaps i am old-fashioned and i will also preface by saying i have never been a woman, but if you just take care of what you have won't you be alright? Ladies I'm going to need you to chime in on this one. To my understanding there are so many ways that women damage their hair with heat, color/ph balance (my twin taught me that, don't judge me), and general lack of maintenance; maybe there should be classes on hair care. I understand that some people have thin hair, some full, some long, and some short but i reiterate isn't it all about taking care of what you do have. Along with that i was just discussing with a friend the other day how women generally place an inordinate amount of their value on their looks/appearance. Important yes, but there is no moderation in that thought process. When does a women cross over into the valuable category because of something else like abilities or their wisdom, almost like a grandmother (maybe that's the threshold). Excuse my pensive moment. Please don't contort the point, i think weave is cool in some instances but there is no reason they should be selling this much hair, at some point it becomes excessive, right?

I'm going to close this with a line from one of my favorite emcees, Common; "In a area where it's more weaves and less dreds, kinda scary amongst theives and bass heads".

My Joe Budden Interview

Hey 'Sofa this is going to be quick, I recently did a phone interview with gold selling artist Joe Budden and i think everyone should check it out. Most people are familiar with him from his song a while back entitled "Pump it Up". He has a new album Padded Room coming out Feb. 24th and i was fortunate enough to get a few questions in. Anyone who knows me is aware that he is one of my favorite artist, period. I did it for my other job Hypetrak.com. Click Joe Budden to listen to it. You can also go back through my blog and search Joe Budden to get familiar on him if you feel inclined.

White House News

In a recent announcement out of the White House President Obama has set forth restrictions on executives pay from companies that are receiving TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) money. The ceiling is set at $500k, companies that have previously negotiated such as Citibank and Bank of America will not be regulated by that rule, as it was not in the terms of their agreement, but from henceforth any other company probing for assistance will. The ceiling will only exist until they repay the government funding. Additional guidelines should ensue next week.

Obama says "This is America. We don't disparage wealth. We don't begrudge anybody for achieving success," Obama said. "But what gets people upset - and rightfully so - are executives being rewarded for failure. Especially when those rewards are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers."

Some business owners cited that this may discourage others from taking post at troubling companies and could prevent them from hiring successful and exceptional leadership. Also, "compensation experts in the private sector have warned that intrusions into the internal decisions of financial institutions could discourage participation in the rescue program and slow down the financial sector's recovery. They also argue that it could set a precedent for government regulation that undermines performance-based pay." I don't think that this would impede the recovery, i think it would coerce institutions to do more diligent candidate searches and seek quality individuals, keeping in mind that this will not always be the cap, just until their government loan is repaid. I would rebuttal that there is plenty of opportunity out there along with individuals willing to command the work load.

Obama's staff member addressed resistance inquiries and stated these are special circumstances and the government does not plan on extending the limitations beyond this circumstance. I do not know how the firms were rationalizing their disdainful argument when they are looking to be subsidized by TARP, taxpayers, and federal money. One executive of a firm out of Chicago said "500k is a very tight limit", i think i would have to agree with that assessment but you could lose everything without this assistance. The article also states there was lamenting on Capitol Hill for lower compensation of 400k which is what the president makes (you didn't know that did you!).

Also the number of executives ballooned from 5 to 20, who would face reduced bonuses and incentives if they are found to have knowingly provided inaccurate information related to company financial statements or performance measurements.

With everything there is an exception, so here is the black swan: generally healthy companies looking for TARP money will be allowed to waive the 500k limit with full public disclosure and a nonbinding shareholder vote, essentially all those holding premium stock (which can be bought by anyone) would have a say on the salary. I do not see why a "generally healthy" company would be looking for assistance money but maybe i don't have all the details.

I, myself am attempting to do a better job of staying abreast of the happenings in the political arena, hopefully you are as well.

The Sharky

The regulars know how much we like cool things on the 'Sofa. I thought this was the coolest thing in the world when i saw it, so im sharing, im not even stingy like that. The Sharky "tea infuser" by Pablo Matteoda is meant to extract certain properties from soluble ingredient such as tea leaves, herbs, or fruit by soaking it in water until it gets saturated.

I used to drink tea sparsely but i might have to drink it with more regularity. I want to sit down with jaws in my cup, to make my hydration process much more riveting. This is the creativity i look for on a day to day basis and i get excited when individuals bring their creativity out to court my creativity. I haven't found a merchant to purchase this from nor have i discovered a price but when i do i will supply an update for our dear friend of the 'Sofa, Sharky.

I Had to Do It!

This is going to be one of my few self motivating post. I was recently in Atlanta at a store entitled Wish. They had the illest shoe collection in the western hemishpere. Those who live in fashion priviledged areas such as Atlanta, LA, or NY may scoff at this post but im an ardent seeker of quality and variety and i do not get much of that in the "D", so "what choo want me to do, im sorry!". Who am I kidding nobody in LA reads or NY reads this blog!

The unique thing about a lot of the aforementioned places is that they have a good selection of independent boutiques and shops which creates diversity, individuality, and identity. When you live in a big city and they only utilize big business it creates redundancy, and it really doesn't promote the spirit of entrepreneurship. Also when you have other budding designers they are afforded an avenue to get out their pieces or collections and it makes a beneficial scenario for everyone involved. There are positives to larger business, such as jobs and familiarity but you need to mix it up with a little friendly competition. As far as a tourist is concerned they are not looking to come into town and visit a Macy's because every state contains one already, nothing new the same things, give them something fresh, native, and indegenious.

So back to my shoe zeal, you can't even see all the shoes they had in here but you can extrapolate from what i've displayed. I was just a little excited; they had a bevy of shoes and i assume they must own a top tier account with most of the brands. Nonetheless i hope you found something of quality amongst my excitement. Oh and they are killing everybody with the name embedded in the concrete like "we own this spot". Life is about the details.