12.25.2008

12.13.2008

Thanks again to Ajay Chawla and Warrior Sports, who for the third year invited us to the Toast for Tykes. A great charity event held at the Townsend in Birmingham, MI.

Toast for Tykes is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, emotionally and physically, through continuous support of pediatric causes across the State of Michigan. Toast for Tykes strives to allow children, despite medical conditions, the same opportunities every child deserves.

12.9.2008

Spend this New Year's Eve at your local brewery. OR, just look at the awesome new posters I created for them...

12.5.2008

WARRIOR SPORTS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA. Held at the Royal Oak Music Theater, this years party certainly outdid the previous few. Great food, great drinks, GREAT people, great entertainment, the MEGA 80's rocked the venue in only a way Detroit's best 80's cover band can. And free stuff.

11.24.2008

The MOtown MOfia has done its part.  We have endured envious stares from almost every man that we see.  We have endured women from all over the Metro Detroit shamelessly throwing themselves at our feet.  We have felt the humiliation of parents grabbing the hands of their children and running from us.  Why?  To help kick Prostate Cancers butt!

Because of your generosity, we have raised ALMOST $5000 to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.  We thank all of you that have donated from the bottom of our mustaches.

Thanks to everyone who attended our MOvember Extravaganza. We appreciate the great turnout and of course, your support. Special thanks to the staff at the Oak City Grille, and Hugh Whitaker for spinning the tunes. THANK YOU to local companies, Boyne Country Sports, Moosejaw, Warrior Sports, SnoLoha, The Royal Oak Brewery who generously donated all of the free stuff we gave away. As well as donations by corporate sponsors Norelco and Canadian Club.

11.11.2008

There have been doubters, people have snickered, some even asked if it was possible.

Y'all asked for it, so here it is. Ten days into MOvember, and my 'stache is looking strong.

Having a mustache is liberating. It is good-looking, has a great build, and exudes confidence. And, it is for a GREAT cause. So please, DONATE.

11.1.2008

There is nothing like a good mustache to give a little oomph to a fundraiser is there? A 'stache says so much, It's part macho, part fashion statement and part personal hygiene problem. They come in every shape and size. It's clear that mustaches have stood the test of time and we owe them nothing less than a MOnth of their own. Especially for a good cause.

During MOvember (the month formerly known as November) I'm growing a Mustache. That's right I'm bringing the Mo back because I'm passionate about tackling men's health issues and being proactive in the fight against prostate cancer.

What is MOvember? Read on –

This whole thing is a fundraiser to raise awareness of and raise money to fight prostate cancer and my teams needs help.  We are called The MOtown MOfia and we are four guys strong, committed to growing the most bad-ass mustaches that each of us has ever grown. 

To donate to my Mo you can either:

1. Click this link https://www.movember.com/us/donate/donate-details.php?action=sponsorlink&rego=1502851&country=us and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account, or
2. Write a check payable to the ‘Prostate Cancer Foundation', referencing my Registration Number 1502851 and mailing it to:

                                           Prostate Cancer Foundation 
                                           Attn: Movember
                                           1250 Fourth St
                                           Santa Monica, CA, 90401

10.30.2008

Winter in coming, and the local brewery wants you to know it. Here are two new ads for the Royal Oak Brewery and Detroit Beer Co., look for them in next months Michigan Beer Guide.

10.18-19.2008

Today started with some tailgating and a 45-7 beat down of the Michigan State University Spartans. By the time the first 15 minutes were over, Ohio State led 21-0 and freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor had inflicted four jaw-dropping plays on the Spartans. Burmeister, myself and all of the the Buckeyes who made the trip had a BLAST at Spartan Stadium on this absolutely perfect, sunny, autumn day. Thanks to all of the Spartan fans for their hospitality (except for you "red guy", you know who you are).

Next it was off to one of Detroit's hidden gems, the Cadieux Cafe...

The Cadieux Cafe is proud to be the only home of Featherbowling in the United States. The game is rarely played in Belgium, and visitors from the old country are often astonished to see the game preserved as it is here. Featherbowling is a game played with wooden balls shaped like wheels of cheese. The balls are rolled down a dirt or synthetic alley towards a feather sticking out of the dirt at the other end. The object of the game is to get the ball as close to the feather as possible. Teams take turns rolling 12 balls (6 for each team) and may knock their opponent's balls out of the way, similar to Bocce. The team with balls closest to the feather at the end of the round wins 1 point per ball. The game is over when one team scores 10 points.

Featherbowling might be my new favorite sport. The $2 all day everyday PBR's don't hurt either.

On Sunday it was off to my good buddy Rob's, so the Burmeisters could pick up their brand new handmade Ski Adirondack Chairs...

In addition to managing Boyne Country Sports, Rob has turned to carpentry to fill his already busy schedule. Rob's ski furniture is custom-crafted using recycled skis. Each piece has some history attached to it; slight blemishes or defects that add character. Rob has literally hundreds of skis to work with. Perfect for a backyard, patio, basement, garage, or wherever you may entertain your guests. If you’re interested in owning your very own custom built Ski Bar (pictured above), Ski Adirondack Chair, or Bench, or if you would like to buy a set of instructions and a kit to build your own chair, contact Rob Turmell. Or feel free to contact me as well and I can get in touch with Rob.

10.18.2008

Another big event, another poster designed by yours truly,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! The Detroit Beer Co...

10.11.2008

THE WIFFLE IS NOW! What a perfect sunny, 75* day, and phenomenal turnout for the greatest single event in the history of history...

The Unvitational is a 2 v 2 wiffle ball free-for-all. One teammate pitches and the other one plays in the field. Pitchers switch each inning and there is no relief pitchers. Pitchers must hit the strike zone and team batting alternates. You don't have to run the bases, the ghost men do it for you, they are younger and faster than you are. Teams are chosen by blind draw, I played with a chicken (seriously). And it was a double elimination tournament, which means EIGHT hours of wiffle madness.

A great time was had by all.

10.3.2008

CONGRATULATIONS Josh and Caroline...

Who were married this evening at the Botanical Gardens on Belle Isle, and had a beautiful reception at the Casino Building. A great time with great food (Chicago style hot dogs at midnight, are you kidding!?), great people, and great music provided by Laith Al Saadi.

In addition to playing at my wedding, Laith has been a staple of the Detroit music scene for most of his adult life. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI, this talented 30 year old began singing at age 4 and began playing guitar at 13. Since 2000, Laith Al-Saadi has enjoyed growing success as the Detroit area's premier singer and guitarist. Working relentlessly around town, Al-Saadi generally can be found playing at least 5 nights a week. This determination has led to recent opening slots for artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Leon Russell, Robben Ford, Johnny Winter, Hubert Sumlin, Olu Dara, Ten Years After, Mountain, The Yardbirds and - most notably- BB King at the House of Blues in Chicago (June 8th, 2006). In 2006, Al-Saadi was crowned "King of the Blues" for the Northern Region of the United States by Guitar Center. This makes him one of the top 4 Blues guitarists in the Country.

Simply put, he is awesome, has a new album out, and can be found on mySpace.

9.28.2008

The last time I saw Weezer was 14 years ago. Does that make me sound old?

Weezer was good... over the top stage production, matching outfits, Rivers' mustache was pretty awesome, and they shocked me when they played a a few from "Pinkerton". Not too different from the show I saw in 1995. However, I completely disagree with allowing Tom DeLonge (of Blink 182 fame) to sing "The Sweater Song"... urgh.

But it was opening act TOKYO POLICE CLUB that I went to see. Even in the Palace they sounded great. Not bad for four friends who learned to play during senior year in high school, later naming themselves for a nonsensical lyric from the song that would become track one on their first EP, which would in turn sell over 30,000 copies, garner accolades from Entertainment Weekly ("We can hardly wait for the full length” A-), Rolling Stone ("If only all young guitar bands were smart enough to rock out this fast, banging out seven first-rate mod-punk party starters in barely more than sixteen minutes"), Interview, Blender, Nylon and The New York Times among others.

9.20.2008

CONGRATULATIONS Brian and Robin Nowak...

Brian and I have been friends for almost 7 years.
And though Brian and I remember very little of what happened over those years...

I am here to tell you what many of you already know.
Brian is the best friend a person could have.
He was the best man in my wedding.
He IS one of the most unique people you will EVER meet.

Brian and I lived together, and worked together.
We went to hockey games, and concerts.

We had annual events...
Like taking bottles back.

KRAZY DAZE at Boyne was our favorite holiday,
and I will never forget (or fully remember) Brian's Broke Back Birthday Bash.

It was February 2006 Brian moved to Traverse City, and soon after met Dr. Robin Roth.

In Robin, Brian has found his match... And more.
She is smart, she is funny, and she is beautiful.
Robin is a great woman.
She deserves a great husband.
Brian DO NOT screw this up.

I am SO very happy for my two friends.
I wish them all of the best in annoying one another for the rest of their lives.

NA ZDROWIE!

9.19.2008

This logo was created for a Fundraiser Hockey Game To Help Support The Michigan Sled Dogs

The Michigan Sled Dogs consists of twelve male athletes and one female athlete with a variety of disabilities including: amputees, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries. The teammates range in age from fourteen to their mid-forties. Coached by five volunteer coaches who work diligently to help each athlete attain their full potential.

Thanks to Warrior Sports who provided equipment, Dee's Sports provided jerseys, and the Troy Sports Center provided the ice time.

9.10.2008

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! The Royal Oak Brewery...

8.22.2008

CONGRATULATIONS! Michael and Nikki Burmeister...

Kelly and I had a great time in good 'ol Columbus. THANKS!

8.2.2008

CONGRATULATIONS! Terese and Michael Urban...

What and absolutely PERFECT day in Frankfort, MI.

6.28.2008

CONGRATULATIONS! Rod and Jessie...

If you didn't know Rod is the Purveyor & Explorer of the Snoloha Lifestyle. If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for? Go buy some of my great new designs.

Also, StartupNation is holding their Home-Based 100 competition again. Snoloha was the 2007 “Most Slacker-Friendly” winner, and have entered the contest again for the same category. If you’d like to vote for Snoloha (Rod would appreciate it), simply visit Startup Nation.

7.18.2008

Royal Oak Brewery, Summer Concert Series kicks off tonight...

6.24.2008

To drink from Lord Stanley's Cup...

Thanks to Chris and Jenna for having us to a great, GREAT party.

6.21.2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA JACKIE!

SUMMER SOLSTICE at the Royal Oak Brewery...

6.10.2008

Royal Oak Brewery billboard...

6.2-8.2008

AH! St. Thomas and St. John...
Thank you for a NECESSARY five nights and days of relaxation.

PHOTO, coming soon.

6.1.2008

GAME 5
2008 Stanley Cup Finals
Detroit Red Wings 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 4
Incredible, incredible game.

Thank you "Johnny on the Spot" for the tickets.

5.31.2008

IT'S OFFICIAL. I am a happily married man. THANK YOU to EVERYONE who attended making tonight the greatest night, ever. Kelly and I had an incredible time, and judging from how y'all looked the next morning, you did too. Everyone's presence and presents, everything was overwhelming. We love you, thank you.

Thank you Laith for rocking out 'til two. Great, great show.
Thank you Detroit Red Wings for winning, I'll see you Monday.

5.11.2008

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMMA!

5.10.2008

BACHELOR BADNESS.
Thanks (I think) to all who attended. Yikes.

5.9.2008

HOLY SHIT! I'm 30.
Thank you to EVERYONE who surprised me at the Tiger's game tonight. Thank you Kelly for organizing all of the shenanigans behind my back, and for the sweet pins. Tiger's beat the Yankee's, and I had an absolute blast.

4.8.2008

The Black Keys at the Royal Oak Music Theater...

The stripped-down dirty sound is raw and thrilling live with thrashing drums and gritty, riff heavy guitars. The duo from Akron, OH take a minimalist approach to filling big rooms with even bigger, badder, bluesier, beautiful noise.

...just quite simply brilliant.

The new album Attack & Release is out now, so, go get it.

4.8.2008

Tapes n' Tapes at the Magic Stick...

While Tapes n' Tapes was great, and you should really go get their new album Walk it Off, it was Austin, TX trio White Denim that absolutely tore the roof of of the old Magic Stick. Sounds like its happened before...

"Repeatedly sited as one of Austin's best up-and-coming bands, White Denim pulls the rug out from under headliners with its show stopping energy and propulsive kineticism."
The Onion
-Volume 43, Issue 17, April 26th, 2007

4.8.2008

1-7, phew... that's better.

CONGRATULATIONS! SUSU on the release of their first music video, "Sawtooth". Six months in the making, well worth the wait.

Check out more SUSU, on mySpace.

4.8.2008

0-7?

4.6.2008

0-6?

4.5.2008

Our wedding invite is complete (finally)...

Mailed out today.

3.31.2008

OPENING DAY! The smell of the ballpark just puts a smile on my face. I'm like a little kid. But it was an great spring day to be in the Motor City.

A valiant extra innings effort by my Tiger's as they were defeated by the young, talented, and pesky Royals(?).

3.25.2008

2nd Place!
1st Annual Chili Cookoff at the Royal Oak Brewery.

3.18.2008

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY PAPA!

3.17.2008

St. Patrick's Day at the Royal Oak Brewery

3.16.2008

Kelly's shower... WOW! Thanks to everyone for your generosity.

3.10.2008

ISLANDS!

The INCREDIBLY talented, over the top, pop phenoms finally made it to Detroit, ahem, Pontiac, at the unusually nice, newly renovated, CroFoot Theater. Blew me away. Check them out, HERE.

3.2.2008

Kendra Sproule (1986-2008)...

Kendra participated in Special Olympics as a member of both the gymnastics and poly-hockey teams. She most recently won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in snow-shoeing. She loved to dance, especially at the Cedar Polka Fest. She was a blast to hang out with on Lake Leelanau, and she left us far too young. We'll miss you.

2.21-25.2008

A few days in sunny Florida never hurt anyone. Sitting on a beach drinking a few Yuengling's with Brian and Robin, fantastic. Lounging by the pool, reading Stephen Colbert's "I am America and so can You", and Steve Martin's "Born Standing Up" made for a great, relaxing trip.

2.22.2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUV'IN CUP!

2.14.2008

Happy Valentine's Day Darlin', lets go bowling in our sweet, sweet new Head Bang'in Billy Goats Jerseys!

Happy 64th Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa

1.19.2008

Knowing that Detroit is generally considered a third world country within the borders of the United States, we don't take anything for granted. That's why it's a pleasant surprise whenever someone thinks we're important enough for something like early adoption of Google Street View. Now you can see the same great sites of Detroit that I frequent often. Maybe someday soon they will add the Heidelberg Project...

Street View is a fantastic application, and I'm really impressed with the extent Detroit is documented so far. Check it out.

1.17.2008

New! Royal Oak Brewery posters for your viewing pleasure...

1.12.2008

My deepest sympathy to Nancy, Terese, Tim, and the rest of the Chmielewski family...

Dave Chmielewski (1950-2008) and I seated by a fire at his farm in Frankfort, MI. He will be missed.

1.5.2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

1.1.2008

Non stop action and excitement packed 2007 from start to finish, making it one of the most unbelievable, head spinning years ever.

I started 2007 by traveling to China, then to Jamaica in March, and British Columbia (which is absolutely beautiful) in July. I am engaged to be married since September, and I purchased a house in November.

In between I watched Justin Verlander throw a no hitter from my seats at Comerica Park, dominated some hockey with my Swamp Donkey teammates, saw a ton of great concerts, including Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in Toronto, and gained a bunch of new clients for which to utilize my design skills.

I am still a designer for WARRIOR SPORTS, but have since moved to the Warrior Woodshed, our very own advanced product development office.

Thank you for your time in reviewing my site. If you have any comments, I'd love to hear them.

Sincerely,

Joseph Gabry

© 2008 Joseph Gabry