Happy New Year 1-18-08
If I could get the whole 2008 date thing right that would be awesome. Well, it's another year. In just a few short days, I will be 1 year older and 1 year wiser. The building at 541 North is coming along, but as you can see from previous blog posts that we have changed the opening date 3 times. This is through no fault of our own. There's a little hang up if you own commercial property on a main drag...it's called "Permits". With 6 guys on the job, this building has proven to be a challenge to say the least. We've been shut down 3 times this month. Thanks American Disabilities Act.

As you can clearly see, the site has undergone some major changes. Since I am no longer a freelance web designer, but a full fledged design studio, I figured I'd change my look. I have included the new prices for the shop as well as my consulting and learning fees. We are also gearing up for PS3 and Xbox360 competitions in the back of the store after hours. We have had an amazing response to our dream. We can't wait to see how far this goes

Construction, Construction, Construction... 12-14-07
well, it's December again. Happy holidays to all! This blog thing has become a once every 4 months thing. 2008 will be different. I plan to let you all know what's going on all the time. WIth the new store opening in Millvale at 541 North Ave. on January 31st, 2008, there are sure to be some events that will be blog-worthy. I am so happy and grateful for Pittsburgh and all the wonderful things that have come with living here. Now, my dream to open my own computer learning center is here. After only 1 year in Pittsburgh we have done over 20 real estate deals and over 2 dozen web projects. 2008 will be awesome! God bless all of you and have a great holiday, whatever you do.

We have a building! 8-7-07
Our first building in Pittsburgh. Awesome. Thanks to everyone for their support. The new home of Van Media and Wealth Warrior learning (Formerly ABC Investment Club of Pittsburgh). Looking forward to the future.

CJ Van Design becomes Van Media on Sept 1 2007. 7-12-07
Been a long time since updates. Thanks to all my new clients and the old ones for that matter. I appreciate all the business and opportunity to help you or your business grow. 2007 has been a fast year. We have just completed a rehab in Lawrenceville with the Steelcityhouses crew and are about to start work on a 4plex. We have done a half dozen deals so far this year and we have been happy with the pace of real estate acquisition. We have also bought our first commercial space in Pittsburgh and will be opening a design and Learning center to the public on the 1st of Sept at which time we will become VAN MEDIA INC. It's been a long time coming and now we have what we came to Pittsburgh for...a place to build our roots. We are reaping what we sow and we have been truly blessed. My clothing company (la-enemy.com) has been a great source of joy to me in 2007 and I have persued that angle of my life pretty heavily this spring and summer. With the realease of 3 new designs on July 14th in Millvale at the Mr. Small's skatepark, we will have 6 designs. We just finished the model shoot in Pgh and are getting ready for a Sept. shoot in toronto. In the new line, I am reaching out to not just skaters, but hip hoppers, rock people and urban kids. People here are great and so is everything else. I would not rather be anywhere else in the world. Pittsburgh is great.

Where's the Frickin' Snow? 1-4-07
Happy New Year everyone!!!
2007 is going to be sooooo amazingly awesome. The year has already started out great for us. After a trip to Daytona, then Toronto in the later parts of December, Stace and I spent New Year's in Columbus. It was a total blast! We have already closed on the land in Nevada, 2 houses here in Pgh. and we're only into the 4th day of the month. By the way, where is all the snow. I thought Pittsburgh was supposed to be cold. It's been like 55 degrees every day here. Florida-schmorida.

November to Remember 11-24-06
Well, it's almost Christmas again. It is cold as hell here in Pgh. It's ok. getting used to the cold is easy.

2 Updates, 1 Month? 10-18-06
My new clothing line is out. Los Angeles is my Enemy. Also, my book "Cracking the code to internet millions", is about to be released this month. It is an amazingly strong book in terms of developing your business for the web. Halloween is coming! We are having a party at our house on the 31st from 7 pm till whenever. Please contact us if you would like to attend. We are currently working mostly with investors here in PGH. We have a glut of affordable, owner finance deals for multi unit income earning property at http://www.steelcityhouses.com.
This wknd, we went to Ligonier days, it was fun Grandpa. Wish the whole family could have been there. Talk soon.

Steeler Country 10-8-06
If you live in Pittsburgh, you'd better have a Steelers jersey, especially on Sunday. I swear, you've never seen a town with so much support for their team. It is totally awesome. This is a great town and a great place to live. Florida-schmorida. Anyhoo...Los Angeles Is My Enemy is on the brink of explosion. I have been working on new designs and acquiring members. My plan is to build a really great skate/snowboard team by the early part of next spring. I want to become the next Powell Peralta or something like that. The new t-shirts will be available on thursday and the new site will be up as soon as I can get my kids to do some tricks for me. Real estate is busy as always. As for web design, I have been doing more consulting in Pittsburgh than building. Consulting pays better, but I miss the website building part of this career. So if anyone needs a site done, just call me and I'll be happy to crack my knuckles and create something to blow you away. I am so ready for the next flash project or next video project. They are so fun and that is what I really find myself liking more and more.

It has become so infrequent that I update this site, maybe I am too busy with other endeavors, maybe I have lost my way with this site, I am not sure. One thing I do know is that I have good ideas and millions can profit from my ideas. So...I have written my first book. It's called "Winning the Web War". It is a practical guide to do's and don'ts of creating a website. This is a fun, upbeat education on how to make millions on the web with your product. It will be in production In early November of 2006. I am very proud of this work and I can't wait to see the positive impact it has on entrepreneurs that want to start their own web business. Drop me a line anytime friends.

CJ

Forgot about blogging 7-24-06
Hey everyone! I know it has been a long time since i posted to this part of the site. In fact, I have hardly been on the cjvandesign site lately. I have been working on cjvan.com and adesignteam. I am currently writing a book called "Winning the web war". It is a practical guide of do's and don'ts for web business. I am terribly excited about completing and releasing it to the world this summer.

July 4th was awesome, we had Nyles come down from T.O. for 4 days. We tried to set him up with Stephanie (not sure if it worked, the jury is still deliberating I guess). We had a big party and everyone from the block showed up; Michelle and Mel, Eric and Shenoah, Matt, Jonah, Mel's friends and some people that I just never got to meet. We have really just been enjoying life here in PGH. The people are really nice and they like to go out and do stuff. A big change from Florida. Also, there is plenty of real estate. We stay pretty busy all day and sometimes all night.

While computers are still a big facet of my life, I feel myself slipping back into real estate investing every day. It is such a rush at times and such a crush at other times. Up and down.

As for computers getting put on the backburner (you'll see WG), I have no plans on slowing down with my design and consulting business. On the contrary, I plan on expanding to add training and personal development in the coming months of 2006.

We're here in the PGH. 5-10-06
aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Busy.

New # in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
1 412 415 3659

New Address:
155 North South Drive
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
15237

A New Day is dawning. 4-11-06
Pittsburgh here we come. there's no stopping us now. We are like a freight train, unstoppable. We have packed our things, sold some and rented some of our properties in Florida, rented the truck and on the 22nd of this month, we will become Pittsburgers. Hooray. CJ Van Design will become Van Media based In Pittsburgh and Toronto. I will still maintain my relationship with all of my Florida clients as I will be holding and using some of my real estate in the winter and through various parts of the year. Life is great. 2006 is a year filled with potential and love and opportunity and POWER. Special thanks To Marshall Sylver, Harv Eker, Mark Victor Hansen and Bob Allen, Bob Circosta, Jeff Schnitter, Fred "Dusty" Tingley and the rest of the EMI group and the MMP group. Being part of your groups has propelled us into the future and the future is so bright I might have to wear shades. We are on track to handle 20 new top firms for web presence this year and purchase 20 more homes in and around the Pittsburgh area, a carwash and a laundramat. Not to mention our biggest goal, to build our resort. Exciting stuff for us. Stay tuned, the next update will be coming from Pitts.

It's Been a Long Time 3-20-06
Back from Texas and feeling great. We are just a few weeks away from our move to the downtown Pittsburgh area. Lots of work to do to get rid of or rent our last properties. Everything is coming along just fine. As for the web stuff...extremely busy working with God's Love Ministry, creating their new identity, logo, website, album covers....etc. Freebuddha.com is up, ifyousell.com is up, allsports is up, millionairereality.com is almost finished. Looking forward to working with Adam Sternberg of nakedassets.com as well as some of the other EMI proteges in the future.

"The Iceman" 1-15-06
On Jauary 7th, 2005 Barry "The Iceman" Nicholson left this earth. He was 38, Left behind were his children, his friends and his mother and sisters who loved him very much. Barry was my friend, a friend that would drop anything just to help you move or pick you up in the rain if you were stuck. He was an amazing drummer with whom I had the opportunity to play with in 2 different bands. Not to mention, he was the one of the best ice and tiki carvers that has ever lived. he was world renowned. Always smiling, that is how I will remember "Blue-Barry". You left us too soon bro. I love you and I can't wait to rock out with you again in heaven. I miss you. Godspeed.

Isn't December Always Crazy? 12-16-05
Back from the Anniv. cruise. Back from another Pitts. journey. Christmas is just around the corner and life is wonderful. I wish everyone a happy holiday, whatever you may celebrate. Thanks to all the people that have made 2005 the best year so far.
Youw!
The Pittsburger? 10-26-05
It's the wierdest sandwich I have ever eaten. Steak with coleslaw, french fries, mayo and tomato on a bun? Wierd but good. As for the city, very pretty. With all the lovely real estate and the great people, lots of opportunity. Steelcity...the new home of van-advertising.com? Fingers crossed. Go Steelers, go.

Back In the Fold. 9-11-05
Back from my vac. to NY, DC, Minn., T.O. and Pitts. Great time had by all! Thanks to everyone who has emailed me about my site and the ADT project. Jesse Ross, I am still waiting for you to get in my camp! f you have not noticed already, I have decided to release my cjvan version 5 a little early. It's probably not what you'd expect to see on the first page of a designers website, but hey I'm the new breed of designer, the one that does not just design, but make money doing it for others. V5 is different, but it has a new purpose. Gone is all the crazy flash and the large file size graphics, gone is the secret area with all the old renditions of this site, gone is the bio pics page and the old login page. I think scaling it down and offering a pop up interface is what people want, fast, easy and understandable. I hope I have given you that. Home

L.A.I.M.E. 8-08-05
Well, I did it...for all the naysayers who said "nay", Los Angeles Is My Enemy is a reality. After 3 long years of trying to bring this idea to life...Website and order info coming in September 2005.

ADesignTeam is online, sort of
Well, the promo page is up, the website is almost done, work, work, work...Leaving Aug. 12th... We will be in New York for the Pow Wow, Toronto and Minneapolis for "Design Your Website Like a Pro..." marketing campaign and back here to Fl. on the 1st of September .

Clients: Please be advised that I will be working on the road and will be available 24/7 just like always.

Director or Flash 8-04-05
Thanks to Walter Wimberly for helping with the decision making process of flash or director based multimedia. I think we have our answer now Walt. You are a true Director master!

Still Taking Clients 7-28-05
Contrary to popular belief, I am still taking clients and have not deviated from what I really am, a Daytona Beach graphic/web designer. Please feel free to contact me for your website needs @ cj@cjvandesign.com (386) 334 5550.

Thanks!
On a lighter note, we will be attending the 10,000 drum Native American festival in New York from the 19th-22nd of August. We will be hosting a booth with hundreds of items taken directly from Native Sisters and affiliates. We will also be meeting with investors and promotional organizations in Minneapolis and Toronto regarding the release of "Design Your Website Like A Pro and $ell it in Less Than A Day". This is a very exciting time for me and my colleagues that have worked so hard to make the dream a reality. I would especially like to thank Warren Galloway for his dedication and promptness. Thanks G. I would also like to thank Don Montague (All Sports Photogrpahy) for his fantastic visual contribution to the project. You are a wonderful photogrpaher Don! Thanks for the stocks. Thanks to all the members of ADesignTeam, I could not have done this without you great people on my side. Who says that nice guys finish last?

ADesignTeam.com and "Design Your Website LIke A Pro..." 7-27-05
For those of you interested in the web designer package "Design Your Website Like A Pro and $ell it in Less Than A Day", the pre-release and website will open on Sunday July 31st at 6pm. The promo packs will be shipped shortly thereafter (all 100 pre-orders have been filled) The official release date for both sides of the package have been slated to be released Oct. 31st 2005 (barring any legal concerns). Pre-Order info will be available in early September. Thanks for visiting us and we'll see you soon. Visit us at ADesignteam.com

New Artwork Coming soon 7-9-05
Look out for new fine art by Nyles Pitt. Coming August 2005.

Here We Grow Again 7-2-05
Special Thanks to Aimee Maynard for her video expertise and Stacy Van for her fine art contributions. The feedback has been enormously positive regarding our latest work as well as the Adesignteam concept. Please feel free to contact me regarding projects any time at 386 334 5550 or email me at cj@cjvandesign.com . I have added a whole new section to the "Web" menu; I have now included "Banners" and have updated the audio section to reflect some of the new sound samples I have been working on for the upcoming Adesignteam package release. Thanks for all the support. The summer looks bright.

It's a Womderful life! 6-10-05
Life is great isn't it? Thanks to all of you who have sent positive messages about the work we have been doing at cjvan.com and adesignteam. The first of the live tutorials will be online JULY 31st, 2005. They will include "fireworks mx 2004, Flash mx 2004 and swift 3d. These snippets will be free of charge to anyone who wants to learn more about how to design their website like a pro. I also want to say thanks to Bob Zboch for all the great positive, marketing ideas and strategies. Visit some of the latest e-commerce sales sites we have been working on: empress-tree.com , fast-growing-trees.com . fast-growing-tree.com , paulowniasupply.com .

Calling Good Designers 5-30-05
Adesignteam would like to announce our new additions to the team, Warren Galloway, Nyles Pitt and Chad Wren.

In Full Swing 5-11-05
I really keep meaning to turn this into a real weblog, right now, it's kinda just me spouting off. Thanks to everyone who has visited the site and sent feedback via email. I like getting to know what the world thinks.

Adesignteam.com 4-5-05
It's coming...The web's only all encompassing design site.
web design
Print design
Audio Design
Video Design
Corporate Identity
Interior design
..........................and more

Updating 3-1-05
It's been a long time since updates, but better late than never. The past few months have been very fruitful. I have enjoyed greatly working with some of the best people, companies and advertising agencies in the whole state. Thanks for the opportunity folks. I am excited about doing more freelance work for you and your clients. Employers take note: I am still available for work...so holler at me if you need a professional, likeable person to get the job done for you!

Employers take note 11-7-04 updated 11-27-04
Please feel free to view both my personal portfolio as well as the new corporate css pages that I have put on the site and see what I can do for you! Pieces include: Flash mx2004, Photoshop cs, Indesign cs layout, and Illustrator cs designs. I will be adding new banners this week. If you are in the market for a stylish, hip and current Macintosh osx/Windows xp based web designer/graphic/layout artist that knows CSS, Javascript and Dhtml, I am your guy! Thanks for stopping by. contact me or comment via email here.

Site Updates 11-3-04
Based upon the opinion of my peers, I have chosen to take this site in a different direction. Starting Mid Nov., this site will become a corporate package site with only streamline and corporate designs for employers and clients. You will be able to locate the Blog and other personal stuff at another one of my personal websites. Thanks to everyone who has supported cjvandesign.com.

Bringing back the old 11-1-04
Well, hope everyone had a happy hallow's eve. Now it's back to business. A few new whims have come to mind since I re-released the Matthew Sweet flash site for employers to see what I can do for them. I will be putting up the head of state Quicktime enhanced site for viewing later this week

Congratulations are in order 10-28-04
Congrats to Kara and Mike Schroeder on their October wedding. We wish you all the luck in the world. WELCOME TO OUR WONDERFUL FAMILY MIKEY... click here to get the pictures click here to get the second set Matthew Sweet flashsite up Employers Check out the original Sweet flash site from 2003. I will release the newer one once I lick the whole bandwidth issue! see the flash site now! Next on the agenda In the coming weeks we will be working on a few new personal sites: insultyourfriends.com and insultcard.com...thnx for the idea Ron!

George W. Bush 10-12-04 Guess who's coming to Daytona Beach on Saturday???
The W!, he will be here for a speech at 12:30pm, be there, we will be! Tickets are free, but going fast. Contact the RNC at 665 Beville Rd. Vote, Vote, Vote! 10-11-04 It's time for everyone to get their vote on! Visit electapresident.com to vote for the best candidate to run our country.

Back to work 10-1-04
Well, back to work and working fast and furiously to finish a bunch of websites. Looking forward to the weeks ahead when we will be launching FLORIDATSHIRT.COM, GUCCILIKE.COM, THEPLYWOODSTATE.COM and re-launching Nativesisters.com, Electapresident.com and millionairereality.com. Lots of work, not to mention Ameriplan. Sleep is an expensive commodity these days. Jesse Ross Good luck to my man Jesse Ross, good luck in Minneapolis buddy. You'll do great.

Jeanne is coming! 9-24-04
Hold on friends because we are about to get hit again on the East coast of Florida. How much more can we take? Good luck and I'm sure we'll have no power for a week again, so updates will be suspended until power resumes next week, however, all orders for web design, print and flash will be filled and work completed. Until then...see you soon! Ameriplanfamily.com The website is finally up. See what savings they offer. Go there now

Audio and the video? 9-21-04
Well, I was thinking about bringing back the audio and video section of cjvan.com V1. I have about 5 or six videos done in Premiere and Final Cut Pro, but they are huge, so I am thinking about putting some 30 sec excerpts up so I can expose my video and audio editing/creation talents. As for the audio, I will be putting some of my recordings up with some art and pics very soon, maybe next week or so. The site needs a little noise! So much to do, so little time.

Toronto Life Baby 9-1-04
Big shouts to Aaron and his "Chexican" and N.P. for helping us forget about our house caving in. Funhaus was off the handle. The Velvet was out of control. I'll see you all again real soon. Get down here soon. Props for my peoples.

Thanks for viewing the appended blog

All likeness, images and text property of Carl C. VanSluytman aka Carl Van Sluytman, Carl Van-Sluytman, cj van, cjvan, cj vansluytman, cj van-sluytman. copyright 2004. All distribution or representation is strictly prohibited without written consent