From Launching 3's to Launching T's

I haven't had the opportunity to blog in close to a month- not that I haven't had plenty to speak on, time permitting. I definitely wanted to check in with a post in support of a friend and fellow Hamptonian, who hipped me to a new clothing line that was developed by a former University of Michigan basketball player. But this is not your typical clothing line.

David Merritt, 23, has launched an emerging apparel company "built to challenge the youth on a socially conscious platform". The former captain of the Michigan basketball team is the brainpower behind the company I Miss You, Inc-- and the IMU Brand, which states that its mission is spreading happiness while giving back and appreciating those experiences and people who make us who we are. His marketing approach is equally as unique, as he has taken to creating weekly video blogs (via Youtube) to share his journey and valuable experiences. He is also utilizing the Facebook and Twitter networking sites as tools to directly reach the youth which lead to over 30,000 viewers tuning into to the the official video launch of the IMU campaign, entitled It's About Time, featuring Steve Breaston of the Arizona Cardinals.

Kudos to this young man! As many hurdles as one may come across delving into the world of fashion, it's a beautiful thing to see that there is a positive message targeted at the youth on a level that they can grasp. I can't help but root for this line, and I want to send a very special thanks to Ms. Brooke Ellis for bringing me up to speed! For additional information, check out his website http://www.imutheinsideout.com/ or follow IMU on twitter @IMUTheInsideOut and become a fan of IMU at facebook.com/TheIMUBrand.

"Our shirts are an outside representation of inside beliefs, inside feelings, inside values - so it's from the inside out. We're just not selling a shirt. This is a challenge." - David Merritt

-LT

US, China Vow Closer Ties

Courtesy of Reuters

CNN's Black In America 2 (Part 1)

I hope everyone had an opportunity to watch Soledad O'Brien's report "Black In America 2". I thought that as a whole it was very well put together and I found it to be inspirational. I remember that after the first installment, a few people voiced their dissapointments and it appears as though there was a very conscious effort to delve a little deeper into the "Black experience"- depicting the broad economical and social diversity among us as well as some of the challenges that African Americans face in this country. That is not always acknowledged or recognized. I think it was important that the stereotypes of African Americans were addressed, and they were. They were also dispelled in the piece. O'Brien also addressed to inner conflicts among blacks who struggle and those who are more affluent. I'm interested as to what everybody thought of the report, but I'm will set aside some time this evening to watch part 2 of the series. I'm looking forward to it!

Kanye's Louis Vuitton Kicks Have Already Sold Out

Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In case you were wondering/trying to get your hands on Kanye's LV sneakers, you won't be able to get them anytime soon! If you are hard pressed, you can sign up for for the "wish list" in case some become available. The Mr. Hudson costs $840, while the Jasper goes for $990 to $1,140 And the Don goes for $870 to $960.

VA Tech Assailant's Mental Records Lost

I read this article and found it very interesting. The mental records of Virginia Tech shooter Seung- Hui Cho were found- or rather turned in. This poses the question, could the senseless killings have been avoided if Cho had received the proper psychological attention from university counseling? Read

LeBron James: "The King"? Or Phil Knight's Pawn?

I just took a gander at the footage of "The King" getting served up at his basketball camp. Yes, the same footage that mysteriously vanished into thin air after Nike pulled the "yoink...and swipe!" (to quote Bart Simpson). When I first heard of this, I thought to blog on it- but then I said "who cares?". Now that I have actually seen the video- although the kid did catch a vicious two handed bang on LBJ- I still could care less!


If you don't know, an Xavier University hooper, Jordan Crawford posterized LeBron James in what has since become known as Dunkgate. After LeBron was dunked on, he went to a Nike exec (that was present at the camp) and in turn all footage of the dunk was confiscated by all witnesses with cameras. I wonder if he took their licenses too. It wasn't until TMZ leaked the video footage that it was seen by anyone outside of those present at the camp.


I have seen several interviews with the Jordan Crawford kid, and in all of them he has downplayed the dunk. My personal thoughts are that if anybody plays in that many games- that often- you are bound to be on the receiving end at times. Courtney Lee (Orlando Magic) flushed one on LeBron this past season, and I personally witnessed Nick Young (Washington Wizards) put one down on your highness. Aftershocks were felt in Oregon in Phil Knight's office.

Props to Keyshawn

Props to former NFL'er Keyshawn Johnson for his new interior design show, "Keyshawn Tackles Design". It's good to see professional athletes transition into entreprenuers in lucrative businesses. Supposedly he has handled the task of interior decorating at his properties and has a knack for it. That's pretty dope! Check it out on Saturdays at 12pm on A&E.

LT