While I could not attend the Rumsey's annual NYE party in East Hills,I did send over some homemade sweets that I am sure have Mark and Joleen laughing.I think of them as cupcakes with a hyper-local touch. Besides, anarchists really hate us for our sense of humor. Fight Anarchists with Cupcakes! Word!
Happy New Year Urban Dwellers!
In 2011 I am setting the bar high and with the hopes each will prevail.
I hope as you plan your days you will think more and more each year about what your legacy will be.
We all won't leave buildings that are adorned with our names but our city is changed by our action (or inaction.)
As Bjork said, "It's in our hands."
Best of wishes to all this holiday season.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards mankind.
The acting was tight but the camp factor high.... Very very high.
Thanks to all who were a part of this night. I will be posting a more in depth response later today.
I am off to the Wealthy Theatre to work with Joe Anderson on the final bits and pieces of our new comedy program called the RearView Review. It is a FREE show. 
Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Show Starts at 6:15 PM
After Party is at The Meanwhile Bar just down the street and then everyone is heading to Billy's for the Tribute Show with our very own Juliet Bennett Rylah.
This is the best night to be out on the town.
See you there!
I have to believe between my network and yours, we can find at least one of these in this town. Pls RT as well. I need to find one fast. Thanks in advance.
Thanks, David Morgenstern for sharing this one.
from Dianna's email,
A good friend of the Michigan tourism industry, Joe Breidenstein, always said that there’s no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothes! In remembrance of that wise man, here are some great Made in Michigan wearables to help keep you warm on these beautifully blustery winter days (and nights).
· The Original Stormy Kromer –Made in the Upper Peninsula for more than 100 years, these rugged caps are warm and Northwoods-stylish! www.stormykromer.com
· The Original Red Flannels – First established in Cedar Springs in 1936, this woman-owned, home-based business has the market on drop-seaters! www.redflannels.com
· The Peapack Mitten Store – These one of a kind mittens (handcrafted in the Mitten state, Grand Rapids specifically) are made with 100% recycled wool. https://peapackmittens.com
· Ugg Huggerz – Made in Oakland County, these boot wraps come in a variety of styles to help dress up shearling-style boots, like UGG®, www.ugghuggerz.com
· Wolverine Worldwide – Widely known as the Rockford manufacturer of HushPuppies, Track ‘ Trail, CAT and Pategonia footwear, you’ll also find a wide selection of slippers and outdoor apparel. www.wolverineworldwide.com
· Hooked on Felt – Crafted by “The Accidental Felter” in Plainwell, this line includes hats, scarves, mittens, wraps and so much more.www.hookedonfelt.blogspot.com.
· Zeilinger Wool Company – Based in Frankenmuth, they process your fiber into warm, cozy socks. www.zwool.com
· Marr Haven Lamb Wool Farm – Warm up your toes with sheepskin shoeliners, made of genuine sheepskin with a very dense wool to fit in the bottom of your shoe, slipper or boot. http://marrhaven.com
· Lake Superior Woolen Company – Sustain a Michigan family farm and keep warm, with these hand-crafted virgin wool blankets and mattress pads. www.lswoolen.com
· Outdoor Adventures - Northern Michigan's only down factory outlet featuring down comforters, down pillows, featherbeds, duvet covers, down throws and more. www.downoutlet.com
Not every site is working so you may have to return later. I really love the Lake Superior Woolen Company's blankets but am bummed the one I want is sold out. Maybe Santa already purchased it for me?
Tommy Allen for TanglefootStudio.com - a Michigan gallery cooperative in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Image below is from the Lswoolen.com site and features the colorful blanket I love so much. Can you guess what color it is? (wink)
Having survived the awful '80s culture wars and the incredibly stupid silence on AIDS by Washington, Frank Rich has crafted an editorial in the New York Times that unfortunately reports that for all of our perceived progress, those battles that I thought were in the past are not.
This piece is essential reading if you are concerned over the mess at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. It is very informative and explains a lot of the players as it outlines the mess created around this important exhibition.
The bonus is sometimes the studio presents beauty in unexpected places by looking up, around and sometimes out.
Also they sport organic frames made from pressed sunflower seed.
Must see before it is sold out. All one of a kind.
Tanglefoot. Today.
As we enter a season of generosity and gift giving, please consider a donation to our local Red Project - an organization making a real difference in the lives of those impact by this disease. Quick Donation Link: http://bit.ly/hkxZaH
If you wish to go global with your gift, there are groups out there who would be great choices including (red). LINK: http://www.joinred.com
I'm looking forward to a better tomorrow.
alway, tommy
I had a wonderful birthday and cannot remember a time where I had that much fun. The Saz is one of my favorite places to land in our city and always feel at home. (maybe too at home given my impromptu Michael Jackson "Beat It" dance.)
Collectors of Pfleghaar's art may recall that about 20 years ago he did a small series of paintings created from his time spent in France.
These few but now classic pieces produced on that last trip have become some of his most sought after works by collectors and galleries.
Now we enter a new time period with new tools at our disposal as artists and the results truly do benefit the artist and the collector.
Please consider this exciting Austrian project and the opportunities that await him.
Cheers!
Tommy
...when as RapidGrowth's Lifestyle Editor I will be hosting the Lithuanian Tree at the Meijer Gardens's Holiday Tree Gala right next to Irish tree hosted by GR Social Dirary's Laura Caprara.
All that straw, alcohol and flash bulbs could be a combustable situation for sure.
Come for the world class fun, but most of all show up to see if my twelve Lithuanian apostles are made up of GR's finest firemen.
Event Link: http://www.meijergardens.org/calendar/event.php?id=111
I always feel a bit blue when I reach the last of my fresh produce that I've grown in my backyard.
Over the last 10 years I've grown plenty of produce but never potatoes. This is the first year and I already know I will be adding more to the garden come springtime.
Ketchup is at the ready for these babies when they are done roasting.
I am emceeing a fun fashion event at Eve on December 15 and it will be hot.
So hot the models will have to strip down to their undies. (It's for a good cause so no worries.)
The fashion will include lines from aussieBum, Baskit and Rufskin but there are talks to bring even more exclusive lines to the event.
Details on the swag gift basket is to be announced soon as well.
As to what I am wearing or not wearing...well, that depends on my emergency lypo from Plastic Surgery Associates of GR. @PSAGR.
Don't wait, this is a limited seating fund & temperature raising event and advance tickets are selling on line.
See you on the runway!
Photo Caption: This is not a retouched photo of the Patriot Hip in Japan Red.
And while the study is in progress, it will be interesting which shops will begin plans to make downtown GR their new home before the final report is delivered.
Prime storefronts are there for those who don't wait. Wait too long and you might end up with an off the beaten path location. Lots of others have taken the plunge, so what is your company waiting for... a burnig bush? Trust me, it's happening in Downtown GR.
Congrats to the DDA for sponsoring this study.
Cheers!
Tommy Allen
LINK: http://is.gd/hXbRO
Also, Jeff Hill is on deck at the Dog Story Theatre VIP improv tonight.
See you there, Cha Cha.
Thanks for the cool flowers and booze.
