Daddy, when I grow up...

Simple communication, stimulates imagination.

C'MON up

Motorsports was in my blood for a good 7yrs. of my life. Designing/building and showcasing award winning Japanese performance and show cars was quite the hobby. So it was exciting to hear of this collaboration where street fashion retail king meets motorsport phenom NASCAR.

Coming from my hometown Norfolk, our favorite urban goods boutique Commonwealth, has partnered up with Riley-D’Hondt Motorsports (RDM) #91 Toyota Camry driven by Marc Goossens. This is an exciting sponsorship (NASCAR) for Co-Founder and Creative Director Omar Quiambao and the Commonwealth crew. Streetwear game upped a notch cause this is definitely on another level and we're looking forward to even more surprises. Congratulations to Commonwealth.

Read the article here.

Nigo's Empire

Inside A Bathing Ape. I still remember copping my very first pair of Bapestas back in 2002. Amazing to see where the brand has grown to be today.

Fresh dude! Lloyd Simpleson

Go make yourself one.

Speak ya clout

My main man Rocknswift is known for his poetic skills. I caught this latest line drop and felt I should share with you all. Great stuff! Enjoi.

And with a sigh, 'goodbye' became the whisper
and she was gone with the last sound.
With it my breath and composure
fell to my feet and regret became my companion
of what should have and what wasn't said.
I begged for her affection with other words,
many words and many laughs.
I poured onto her my promises with tenderness
of winter comforts and spring kisses.
My mind and heart flew to her on heaven's pace.
Quickly now I saw her embrace without taking a second breath.
And in the hour we floated, she confessed that I was hers.
Precious became that touch and forever became that warmth.
And in so many words I gave her my life,
and hid everything from her, granting allegiance and weakness
at her feet, forgetting her before cause I was her after.
And with a sigh, 'hello' became 'I love you' before the name
and 'I need you' followed the 'how are you'.
And with every verb and phrase that followed I explained
of what could have and what should have been.
And before I knew it, 'goodbye' became the whisper
and she was gone with the last sound...

You are cordially invited

Join me this Friday, as I will be one of the many Apple nerds partaking in the release of the iPhone! Meet me in line at the Sisk Road AT&T store. Early arrival suggested. Ha!

Choreograph the steps to success

Reminiscing back to 1993 during my dance days, I vividly recall a dance crew out of Oakland/Richmond area called the Housin' Authority. These guys were on the next level hip-hop dance movement at the time. Dance moves and choreography that were well thought of and executed. Innovative and inspirational to say the least. Fast forward 1999, I see the 2 Samoan brothers of the crew Tone and Richmond Talauega dancing with TLC during the MTV Video Music Awards and, since then, continuing to lace every music video that streamed the tube. Today Chris Brown premiers his latest video "Wall to Wall" with the masterful choreography of Rich and Tone. Thanks to their sister Emi for plugging me in! Blessings girlfriend! Catch their style and enjoi the video here.

Friday Mixdown

Happy Friday! Get the creative juices flowing by tuning into the Live Mix Show with the Cerritos All Stars. Straight buttuh baybee!

Vibin' with Amel Larrieux

A night out with Amel Larrieux. What can I say, her music is incredible...since the days of Groove Theory. Saturday night at Yoshi's in Oakland. Uncle Al's got the hooks!

Knot ties 2 creatives

Congratulations to our good friends Mike and Lauren. Monterey in September will be beautiful. 2008 that is.

Land + Living

I have a love for architecture, interiors and clean simple design. Land + Living covered the Greenfield residence which took part in the CABoom 4, an independent design show held yearly. Great photos and coverage.

From Land + Living: "The Greenfield Residence is a house designed by the (mostly) Icelandic firm Minarc-Architects, and the principals of the firm live in it with their two infant children. The house is situated in a classical 'temple on the mount' position, quite a few feet above the semi-suburban streetscape of Mar Vista. We took a couple of pictures from the street, then walked straight into the security guard who had the pleasure of informing us that no photography was allowed. DISASTER! We had been looking forward to this impeccably designed green residence, and now we cannot share the pics with our readers?! Oy vey.

Rippin' it

Those of you that grew up riding BMX in the mid to late 80's know of the PK Ripper. The classic PK Ripper recently emerged as a special edition by collaborative efforts of SE Racing and DC Shoes. Check out some of the photos from the DC x PK Ripper Launch Party. Super fresh flava!

Ella Ella Eh Eh Eh

Jay-Z + Rihanna + Chris Brown = a great remix to Umbrella ella ella eh eh eh... glass slippers and all for my cinderella ella ella eh eh eh...

Played 896 times.

A new road ahead

From Kobe Bryant - KB24:

When you love something as much as I love the Lakers its hard to even imagine thinking about being elsewhere. But, the ONE THING I will never sacrifice when it comes to basketball is WINNING. That is plain and simply what it's all about. It's in my DNA. It's what pushes me to work as hard as I do. It's my daily passion and pursuit...

Read the rest of his statement here.

My album's complete

With Complete My Album, you have up to six months after first downloading a song from an eligible album to purchase the remainder of the album at a reduced price. From now until June 26, you can complete any eligible album that you purchased one or more songs from, no matter when you purchased it.

Fathersince03

Where God guides. God provides. It's been a little over 4yrs now since my 2 precious blessings have entered my life. I started to reminisce about the first few years of parenthood and how it has molded me to be who I am today. After having my second child and going through some motions, that could have been life altering, I grew even stronger on solid ground as a parent. I love parenthood. I love being a father. It's a great title to have. Chloe and Levi left an imprint on my heart this Father's Day as they do all other days.

Yeah, can I get a...

Starbucks. I see their sign and automatically I'm driven to get in line for an extra hot white mocha. I'm lured in to pay $3.70 for a Grande. Multiply that by 2 a day (plus a kid's size hot chocolate) at 4-5 times a week! No print ads nor have they ever aired a TV commercial for their stores, but the brand is strong. From their stores design savvy environment to their committed role in environmental leadership, they've nailed down the cool factor within the coffee industry. Every successful brand demands a certain value and customers that willingly pay the price without even thinking about it. Is it the coffee or the cup?

Bloq Party

Method's product line is soaring at an alarming rate. I'm a fan of their Bloq body wash and other essentials mainly due to it's container design. (YES, those that know me well know about my packaging fetish). As per usual; naturally derived, no parabens, no animal by-products, and smells good.

Sneak Freaks

A brilliant ad campaign from Sneaker Freaker Magazine. Issue 10 out soon.

I Heartchata

Hot summer days mean trips to the taco shop for an ice cold, refreshing cup of Horchata. My summer time favorite. This however came as a surprise.

Innovation Kitchen

Tinker Hatfield oversees special design projects at Nike, including those that fall outside of the regular product design structure and formal design reviews. Renowned designer of many of Nike's most popular and innovative sneaker designs, including the Air Jordan III's, the Air Max, the Air Trainer, and the Air Hurachi's. Tinker has served as creative director for all LeBron James projects, designs shoes for Kobe Bryant and Lance Armstrong, and mentors young designers at Nike. Enjoi this inspirational interview of Tinker and the story of the Air Max 1. Freshness!

KATC with Stizzaple

From Kix and the City. Another great interview with Jeff Staple.

There is no denying the profound effect that the recent boom in sneaker culture has had on the Culture itself, and, the businesses that it helps fuel. What was once considered a small and "underground" subculture, Sneaker Culture has grown exponentially within the past year, garnering attention from not only thousands of new sneaker enthusiasts, but also, the greater populous. Following in the footsteps of Hip-Hop, Sneaker Culture is in effect, crossing over.

In this KATC Video Feature: A Penny for Your Thoughts with Jeff Staple, Maze sits down with Jeff Staple, a devout and passionate OG sneaker connoisseur and the founder of STAPLE Design and The Reed Space, as well as, an internationally recognized designer and consultant, to discuss his feelings regarding the recent boom in sneaker culture from the perspective of an OG, and, an international businessman.

Peep the video.

Talkarias

Very seldom do I get a chance to have lunch with my sister Lorraine during the week since she works half an hour away from the city. Today, however, she worked at her company's Modesto branch so we made arrangements to meet for lunch. Our destination, San Jose Taqueria. By far one of our favorite Mexican joints in town. We both enjoyed our usual two carne asada taco plates, beans, and rice while conversing about our day at the office, family matters, and the joy our children bring to our lives. A best friend she is. I'm looking forward to our next lunch date...maybe next week sis?

FIDDA DIDDA DAMMM!!!

Fabolous is quite the emcee. DefJam camp released his well anticipated album "From Nothin' to Somethin'" today. Tracks featuring; Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, Akon, T-Pain, Swizz Beats, Lloyd, Rhianna, Pusha-T, and Lil' Mo. Download now.

My Monkey Butt

This is what jump starts my day at the office. Nothing better.

Roll Right Rover

I've been contemplating for a while now and I think a decision has been made to part ways with my lovely HiluxSurf. However, I'll be leaving the Japan look and feel for the Euro based vehicles. Is this the right decision? Hmm. Do I go naturally aspirated or a supercharged 390hp 4.2-liter V8? Hmm. Decisions, decisions.

DJ Kaos X Nike Air Max 1's

Legendary German DJ/Streetwear Connoisseur DJ Kaos recently collaborated with Nike iD to create a limited collection pack. Only 20 packs made and most are already going to media and industry friends. Each package is equipped with a pair of DJ Kaos designed Air Max 1 Studio iD’s, a messenger bag, a mix CD and a collectible poster. Check out DJ Kaos’ latest interview at Being Hunted.

Serious Pleasure

Take your pleasure seriously like me. It's the Herman Miller Serious Sale at DWR.

Have Balance

It's the re-release of the New Balance 320's. These colorways were made exclusively for the event, “NB Presents Shake! 320 Night”, which was held June 8th in Tokyo, Japan. Not sure if these will hit shelves but are definitely hot. NB collab'ed with DQM, Crooked Tongues, and GreyOne x Dez Einswell for this event pack.

Crack[ed]Berry

My BB has been an essential tool in the way I live and operate but with only 18 days, 1 hour and 30 seconds left the iPhone will be handling my day to day grind. The crackedberry 8700 will be stored away with my collection of mobile devices that I've accumulated over the past 10 years. Watch the countdown and click here to get an iPhone now.

Simplicity Wins Me

Apple's website received a face lift today and debuted some new apps such as their web browser Safari now available for the PC folks. At Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference today, Steve Jobs showed off several new features in Leopard, the forthcoming release of Mac OS X, including a new, clean look for the desktop and Finder. Cool Hunting has a nice post on Leopard. Per their site: "At Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference today, Steve Jobs showed off several new features in Leopard, the forthcoming release of Mac OS X, including a new, clean look for the desktop and Finder. Taking its design cues from recent versions of iTunes, Leopard is focused on keeping files on your Mac neat and accessible. 'Stacks,' a new automated organizing system, groups recently downloaded files and current projects into menus which spring from the three-dimensional dock, keeping your desktop free from clutter.

An Arcenal ya can't mess with!

I caught Mark on the IM for a quick minute and remembered he was leaving off to Japan sometime this week. Mr. Arcenal has some serious projects underway with Hiroshi Fujiwara, Nike, G-Shock, along with the anticipated Fatlace retail/design studio. Stay tuned for more exciting info upon his arrival.

Summer Brings!

We've got a lot planned for this summer and we've kicked it off by enjoying a nice day at the park with a picnic. Summer brings fun. My kids bring joy.

Power Up

I'm not shy about my Apple affinity. This week, with cheers from the design studio, they announced a set of crispy new Macbook Pros with the Santa Rosa chipset. Faster speeds and better graphics stay at the forefront of a graphic designers mind. Now with the latest Adobe Creative Suite and these Macbooks, the imagination can keep growing and quickly become reality.

From Apple's Press Release: "With Intel Core 2 Duo performance, more memory and state-of-the-art graphics, this MacBook Pro is a portable powerhouse for creative and professional users," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Apple's notebooks have always led the industry in innovation with features like built-in 802.11 and the MagSafe Power Adapter, and now the industry's first 15-inch LED-backlit display is another step toward completely eliminating mercury from our displays." Don't forget to check out the new Apple iPhone commercials after the jump as well. June 29 is going to be a great day.

Indeed it will. The iPhone drops the same day. Crack[ed]berry, goodbye.

Clean Kicks

If you're a sneaker fan like me, you don't want to miss this. Jason Markk released a new accessory for sneaker enthusiast - the ultimate sneaker cleaner. I know many of you like to buy shoes and keep them on the shelf, but I wear mine anywhere and everywhere. You might even catch me fishing a local farm pond in my favorite Nikes. It's nice to have a reliable cleaner that will extend the life of our kicks. Jason Markk's sneaker cleaner is quality.

In addition to cleaning, I wanted to give the branding some kudos! The typography matched with simple application makes the packaging stand out. Think of Method Brand products. JM has a similar effect. There's nothing like good design. Be sure to check out Jason's Premium Sneaker Solution.

Postopolis Blog Exhibit

PSFK points us toward Postopolis - a blog exhibition at the Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York. It ended June 2, but from the photos it looks like it was an interesting event. As PSFK notes - it's always cool to see blogs get physical.

The Storefront's website has a nice description of the event: "Postopolis! was a five-day event of near-continuous conversation about architecture, urbanism, landscape, and design. Four bloggers, from four different cities, hosted a series of live discussions, interviews, slideshows, panels, talks, and other presentations, and fused the informal energy and interdisciplinary approach of the architectural blogosphere with the immediacy of face to face interaction."

Check out the story here.

My Space Reflected

A re-design in the works? Possibly? Reflection eternal.

Reason. Season. Lifetime.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season!

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Value of Your Minute?

It is time to build an authentic, meaningful brand that has integrity, that is accountable, and that embodies your values and convictions. Personal branding is about adding value. Thus, I would like to close with this thought: What is the value of your minute? Recently, I listened to a speaker who discussed the value of a minute:

• Halle Berry makes $30 a minute.
• Tiger Woods makes $175 a minute.
• Steven Spielberg makes $675 a minute.
• Bill Gates makes $6,750 a minute ($112.50/second, $4Million/day.)

This list of well known people have invested time to become who they are and to increase their value. It's time for you to create value. Remember that you will become more of whatever you invest your time in which directly impacts your value. Life is a series of moments. Those moments make up minutes. These minutes convert to value. What is the value of your minute?

Witness. Lebron+Nike

I am a witness. Watching Lebron James put on a scoring display as he hit 48 points, the last 25 points, and 29 out of the last 30 points on the Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It got me to thinking about the branding of athletes, but not just any athlete, Nike athletes. Six of the top ten highest paid athletes are Nike athletes: Tiger Woods, Michael Vick, Michael Jordan (who no longer plays basketball), Kobe Bryant, and Lance Armstrong. The power of a brand or the athlete? Anyways, congrats to Lebron and company for making it to the first NBA finals in the Cavaliers franchise history.

A Soul's Direction

Musiq Soulchild - "Teachme"
I can't deny that Musiq has been one of the most influential neo-soul artists that have seranaded my ear drums. It has been his music (all albums) that I've learned to realize the short comings a man can encounter in a loving relationship. And the same delivery that opened my eyes that there is that one person who will become an entity to your life's progression and growth emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Music and Musiq just does that to you. Enjoi this video and cop his new album. You will be satistfied.

Neo Soul-mates

Neo Soul-matesJoss Stone ft. Common - "Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now"
I caught the video premier last night on VH1 Soul and admit this is one of my favorite Common collab's in a while. Delivery and lyrics...listen up. "Right NOW let's stay in the present. Can't worry about tomorrow cause TODAY is a blessin'" Simply beautiful. Beautifully stated.

Wreckin' Shop 24/7

My daily workflow could not have been more complete without iTunes. Our good friend DJ Wreck and his crew, the Cerritos All Stars, are mixing it live nonstop 24/7 on the web. This is by far the illest live hip-hop and R&B mix show on iTunes. Period. Expect a rotation from Big Daddy Kane to Danity Kane. Do not sleep on this! Tune into iTunes Radio>Hip-Hop/Rap>Cerritos All Stars Live Mix Show and prepare yourself for the head knod factor. Guaranteed freshness.