Monday, July 13, 2009

July 2009 Update

So, this update is one with personal interest (see #1 below), but it is also one that continues to show the amazing things our friends are doing around the world. The blood, sweat and tears that all of you are putting forth is awesome and continues to be inspiring. As friends of these friends, keep supporting them and passing along a good word to others – viral marketing begins by first sharing these updates with others. For each of you that have started a business at some point in your life, you know that friends and family members are the first ones you look to for support. Continue to help each other and do good things each and every day! All the best.

1. CATHERINE RAACK PHOTOGRAPHY – (
http://www.catraackphoto.com/) – Catherine, of course, is my beautiful wife…and now, business partner. She has turned a hobby of hers for many years into a business and we are so excited. She has a great way of capturing life’s moments. Her passion as a mother, as a Labor & Delivery Nurse and as a photographer comes out in her work. Take a look at her website and contact her if you have questions or if you are interested in her photography services. Keep checking the “What’s New” page of her website for current promotions!

2. GAEA GEAR – (
http:// www.gaeagear.com/) – we met Paul and Karen Hoffmann during the VIP AYSO soccer season last Fall. They recently launched a new business called, Gaea Gear. Gaea Gear is an amazing new children’s clothing company for children with special needs, with an initial focus on clothing for children with Autism. What does that mean? Well, often children, particularly those with Autism, have trouble with clothing. Many have sensory challenges that make fabrics uncomfortable and irritating. Also, clothes with fasteners such as buttons and snaps can cause lots of frustration. And as kids with special needs get older (i.e. past the age of 2 or 3), there are very few clothing options that address their needs (that aren’t institutional looking). So, the Gaea Gear clothing line looks to overcome these challenges. Check out their website for more information and to order some great stuff.

3. PILATES PLUS PASADENA – (
http://www.pilatespluspasadena.com/) – Amy Sowers is a good friend from grad-school and she has recently opened up her second Pilates studio. Congrats Amy! Her first was, Pilates Plus Montrose (http://www.pilatesplusmontrose.com/) and was one of the original “Friends Doing Good Things” updates. Check out her websites and contact the studios if you are interested in taking some classes.

4. LIZZYS BUSY BABY – (
www.lizzysbusybaby.com) – Joe Almeida is a long-time friend from Sony Pictures. He and his wife, Liz, started a company of organic and eco friendly baby products. For those who are parents (or know people who have kids) this is a great concept. They not only offer quality baby products and organic clothing, but they are famous for their “emergency baby kits" – the exact stuff you need when “problems arise” when you’re out in public (e.g., extra diapers, wipes, etc.) – and it’s environmentally safe! Take a look and put your order in today for yourself or as gifts.

5. MY AMI – (
http://www.amientertainmentsolutions.com/My_Ami_Preview.html) – Louis Fahrberger and I met at USC – when we were Resident Advisors together. He and his wife, Bea, created a pretty interesting portable entertainment device for kids. Kids love (need) to be entertained, especially when they are in line at a supermarket or shopping center. Their product is sure to help! Take a look and connect with them if you are interested in more information.

6. BOOK: LIVING WELL IN A NURSING HOME: EVERYTHING YOU AND YOUR FOLKS NEED TO KNOW – (
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Well-Nursing-Home-Everything/dp/0897934601/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244403450&sr=8-1) – Lynn Dickinson has been a friend for many years, since our days at USC. She’s an amazing person, wonderful supporter of “Friends” stuff and a great writer. This book is very well written and something many people must consider at some point in their lives. Check it out and get educated on a very important topic!
“While life in a nursing home is rarely considered a first choice, at times it's the best choice. Still, the decision to put a loved one in a home is incredibly difficult. Nursing homes are a reality that touch many lives, but they are usually associated with negative media and fear-based thinking. This book concentrates on the positive aspects of nursing homes and offers strategies for identifying the best facilities. Among the topics covered are how to recognize signs that a family member needs extra support, determining whether in-home care is a viable option, the different types of long-term care, working and communicating with the staff, and preparing for the end of life – to help make all stages of these life transitions easier for everyone involved.”

7. GROUNDWORK OPPORTUNITIES (GO) – (
http://www.groundworkopportunities.org) – this amazing non-profit was profiled in our October 2008 update. Well, this is one fundraising effort that deserves some mention – the team at GO is currently climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! Check out this link (http://www.groundworkopportunities.org/kilimanjaro/) and donate to this worthy cause. All the donations raised go to disadvantaged communities in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

8. GREEN ALLY – (
http://bit.ly/greenally) – George Lu is a friend from Herbalife. He and his cousin have launched an Amazon storefront selling blooming teas and totes. I have to say, from personal experience while in Shanghai, I enjoyed several cups of blooming jasmine tea – how the flower unfolds with the hot water is pretty amazing and a very different experience for those who haven’t tried it before.
“Being green is not easy, but we emphasize progress, not perfection. So we're committed to taking one step at a time to introduce simple, healthy, green changes to your environment and ours. Please browse our product line of jasmine teas and reusable totes, and don't hesitate to let us know what else you'd like to see on these pages. The world needs you to be a fellow green ally.”