Doug's Couch

Northern Illinois Boat Show

2011-03-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

This last weekend was the Northern Illinois Boat Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds and the couch was ready to GO! Friday night we snuck it in the back door of the place. Once it got inside, it became part of the party!

FOTF had O-Bombs flowing so the couch naturally flocked to that area.

The couch spent the rest of the weekend at the BK Boat n Sleds booth and got a lot of attention and recognition from forum folks.

I even got the head of the Fox Lake Fireworks committee, Noreen, to join me on the couch for the official picture.

The boat show may be the only place that really offsets the oddness of the couch. Surrounded by hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of boats, the couch really looks out of place. I was very careful not to leave any plaid rub burns on any fiberglass as I left the place.

Heartland Blood Drive

2011-03-03T05:15:00.000-08:00

There is a first time for everything and I have gotten to experience a lot of the "first times" with the couch. This is one of those times. I met up with the Young Professionals of Mchenry yesterday for a Heartland Blood Center Blood Drive. This was my first time giving blood and, like many others, I am not the best around it.

I had a little war going on inside me. I was nervous, but I was also fighting that nervousness and I thought that I was winning. Until someone walked in and said "Nervous?". I asked if I looked nervous and the whole room agreed that I did. When a room of people tell you you look nervous, your nervous.

I got in the bus and found my station and the nerves continued. I was cracking jokes the whole time so that kept me busy. All in all, it was not as bad as I built it up to be in my head. The staff at Heartland was great and made everyone feel very comfortable..... maybe a little TOO comfortable. I ended up missing the picture on the couch due to the free cookies and juice. "I think I need some more cookies."

To make matters worse, I lost the picture of the couch at the drive while I was uploading it here..... Time to donate more BLOOD!

V.I.P Facebook List

2011-02-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

If you are a fan on the Couch's Facebook Page, then you should already know about the V.I.P. list. This is a list of people that shared, tagged, and spread the word about the Couch. This list started about 5 days ago and already has grown to 9 people so far. It isn't many, but it is a start. Why be on the V.I.P list? What's in it for you?

Well first off, you get your name on the couch. Now, the couch isn't huge so, this list is going to start filling in fast. If having your name on the couch was not cool enough for you, then wait till you see this part. As a V.I.P., you get to kick any NON-V.I.P. off the couch so you can relax on it. That's right, if someone says..."I don't see your name on it, Jerk" after you tell them they are sitting in your spot. You can tell them to lift the cushion and BAM.....there is your name. Now there are a couple ways to get on the Couch V.I.P list.

First, you can tag the couch in your status on Facebook. To do this, type '@' in your status and a drop down menu will appear. Immediately after the @ start typing Doug's Couch. You should see 'Doug's Couch' pop up in the list. Click on it and it will appear in the status bar. You can type whatever you like before or after it. This will also appear on the Couch Facebook page, so I will see this style post and add you to the list!

Another way you can add yourself to the list is to share the Facebook Page. To do this, cut and paste the web address onto your FB page, or scroll down the Couch page to the last line on the Right hand side. It should say 'share'. If you do share the link and I don't see it, please post on the Couch page so I know to add you to the V.I.P List.

Thanks to everyone that has check into the blog, Facebook, Twitter, and in real life. The couch is all about having fun and seeing where it goes. The more we spread the word, the larger it can get and the more fun we can have!

Join me on Facebook!

Blizzard of 2011

2011-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

The couch usually makes trips to different locations and events, but this time things were different. This time, the blog post came to the COUCH, in the form of 3 feet of snow! That's right, the couch got a picture with Blizzila...aka Snowpocolyps, Snowtorious B.I.G., Tsnownami, Snowprah, or whatever name you will remember it by. This was an epic one so I could not miss the opportunity to get the couch out there.

This picture was taken at Bk Boat n Sleds' shop in Lakemoor, IL. As you can see in the background, the snow is about 3-4 feet deep. The couch is sitting on about 18 inches of snow. This picture happened so quickly that the couch didn't even know what was happening. It was all warm and sheltered in the shop and the next minute it was tossed out into the Blizzard of 2011.

Join me on Facebook!

Also check out how to be a V.I.P Couch Fan and kick other people off the couch!

New Year, New Couch, New Memories

2011-01-31T21:10:00.001-08:00

Introducing the 2011 Couch !!

They say "history repeats it's self" and that is true in regards to Doug's Couch. Just like the original DC, this couch came to me. After the retirement of the Couch was announced, I started to get emails and comments about people missing the couch. Then I started missing having a couch around myself. I started looking on craigslist and I put a few feelers out there for a couch that could handle the life of Doug's Couch. There was no couch that really fit the bill.
Then Patricia spoke up.

Patricia knew of a couch that was sitting alone in a house in Fox Lake. A couch that had been left to fend for it's self. A couch that was once a part of someones everyday life, but now was in solitude. It was time for that to change. THIS was the couch that was destined to meet more people than it has in it's entire life. THIS was the couch that was going to be famous one day. THIS is the couch that was tired of sitting alone in a cold house.

This is Doug's Couch!

P.S. I have owned the couch for less than 4 hours and it has been dropped from 6 feet in the air, a leg broke off, it has been stepped on, and it ripped a little. I have also pulled a matchbox car, a broken PallMall and a McDonald's toy out of it's undercarriage. This is gonna be a good year.

Join me on Facebook.

"Barking for Boobs" and a Couch for Cleavage

2010-05-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

This post is a long time over due... The couch was out at the 2nd annual Bark for a Cure Dog Walk. I was invited out by Michelle of the Pink Angels. The event was a great success! They had a ton of people and dogs come out for the 5k walk. The couch played a part of the event too. For a small donation, you could get your picture taken on the couch. It didn't take long for the couch to go to the dogs again. The last time I had an event with Camp Bow Wow, we had about 4 dogs on the couch... this event took the record with 9 dogs on the couch at once!

This event was a GREAT time!

Couch for Cleavage!!

2010-05-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

Breast Cancer is definitely something to bark about!

Show your support in the fight against breast cancer by participating in the 2nd annual Bark for a Cure Dog Walk event on May 15, 2010 from 8:30am to 12pm. Take a leisurely stroll with your "best friend" at Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, IL and then enjoy more doggy fun including: bobbing for hotdogs, nail trims, vendors and more!

Registration is $25 ($5 for the second dog) by May 5, 2010 (extended from April 30). Go to www.Tiny.cc/BarkforaCure to download registration forms. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to help fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

Questions can be directed to Michelle at Michey14@yahoo.com or call 815-474-4556.

Key's Martial Arts Academy

2010-04-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

The couch made a stop out in Mchenry, IL to see some of the Team members going to Nationals from Key's Martial Arts Academy. You could feel the talent in the room with these kids. If you doubted that there was some serious skills here, all you had to do was look at the trophy collection (there were two that were taller than I was)...this place doesn't mess around. Key's has a bunch of different classes for all ages. When I was there I saw little kids kicking and punching away and by the time I left, there were older folks coming in for Aikido (it sounded like I may get hurt so I skiddadled) lol.

I heard some stories and saw some videos online about the students here at Key's. There is a respect that these kids have that most kids these days do not have. It was refreshing to see that. In return, they gain respect from others. One of the passions that the members of Key's Martial Arts share is the stopping of Bullying in schools. After seeing these kids in action... I wouldn't want to mess with them.

With the issues that I have had with the new couch, I may be interested in checking out thier self defense classes so the couch can't take advantage of me anymore..

"YOUR NOT THE BOSS OF ME COUCH!"

P.A.D.S. of Mchenry Sleep Out

2010-04-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

I met up with a group that I belong to, the Young Professionals of Mchenry, for a benefit for Homelessness Awareness. The event was hosted by PADS of Mchenry and was held in Crystal lake. Participants at the event raised donations and then slept outside in make shift shelters, tents, or in the elements for the experience of being homeless.

The couch got some attention right away. We brought it through the parking lot and hopped the curb then BLEW a wheel off the back of it. I half assed attached the wheels on this one and they didn't last 300 feet! Luckly, the couch was able to limp over to the event area. Once there, it didn't take long for people to come over and see what the deal was. As ussual, randoms had to sit on the couch...it is just that inviting! One guy just shook my hand and said "nice couch". It was very random.

Star 105.5 FM was at the event also. The morning guy, Joe Cicero, came over and was pretty excited about the couch. He and Ryan Wild, the night guy, were at the event for the night. It was cool to talk Joe for a while and he even posted pictures on the 105.5 site!

After the event at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake, our group headed out to Mchenry where we would be sleeping for the night. Kari, owner of Camp Bow Wow Mchenry, offered her front yard as a sleeping ground for us.

We had a few people sleep in boxes, one person on a flat box, a tent, and a guy on a couch. It was a nice mix. Luckly, years ago I purchased a sleeping bag that was rated for 30 degree weather. When the low that night hit 33, I was tucked in nice and tight. I slept pretty well concidering I was on a couch outside and about 40 feet from a busy road. There was also a gas station across the street that lit the night up pretty well.

The sleep out was a good time. Our group raised about $700 and we really bonded that night. The couch got some nice attention too. It was an interesting experience and it really made me appreciate what I have.

Out With the Old and In With the New

2010-03-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

This is the last post for the 2009 couch and the first post of the 2010 couch. The 2009 couch had some great memories to it. I am sure we all have our favorites. My favs of 2009 was The Thirsty Troll Fest and New Glarus Brewery. The year went very quickly and there were some great milestones!

Well I thought a lot about how to get rid of the 2009 couch, and I settled on letting it go quietly. It made it's way to the big living room in the sky via a pseudo viking funeral. I took it to Grayslake Landfill in a junk boat.

This is the LAST picture of 2009 Couch

Now on to the MONSTER couch of 2010. This is a vintage couch from right here in Crystal Lake. I found it on Craigslist and met Diane at her home to pick it up. She had no idea what was in store for her favorite couch. She had some great memories on it and now it will have many many more added to it's history.

The new couch is a lot heavier and about 1 & 1/2 feet LONGER than the '09 couch. It BARELY fits in the back of the truck and may require another set of swivel casters in the center. This one is gonna be more of a 'chore' to haul around, but it will be well worth it. Not only is it a traveling couch...it is HUGE and will be one of the largest couches that most people have seen.

"2010 is gonna be HUGE!"

PADS Sleep Out April 17th

2010-03-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

I was at the Young Professionals of Mchenry meeting last week and we were discussing volunteering options. PADS of Mchenry (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) came up. They are having a "sleep out" event in April to raise donations and awareness to help homeless individuals. As soon as I heard of the event, I knew it was something that I had to be a part of.

I would like to experience the feeling of being homeless as much as I can for the night. I know that it will be more of a physical experience than anything, because I know that I am fortunate enough to be returning to my home the next morning. I will be trying my best to forget that for the night. I am going to try to really get into the situation of being homeless and forget everything I have, for the night.

The only "luxuries" I plan on having for the night is the www.DougsCouch.com couch, my BlackBerry, and a camcorder. I have chosen to bring the BlackBerry and camcorder to document the experience and to connect with my Twitter and Facebook through the night. I would like to allow people to see what I see through the night. I am not planning on sleeping in a tent or inside. I will be on the couch in the elements. I plan to bring a sleeping bag and a tarp. That's it.

I have set a reasonable donation goal of $250. I think that is attainable and I also have a feeling we can gain raise MORE than that! I do not have much to donate and I am not asking you to donate much either. If you have a few bucks to donate, that would be great. If you have more to donate, that's awesome! I will be keeping everyone posted on where I will be spending the night April 17th.... until then, lets raise some CASH!

Donate Here!

Pleas share this with your freinds also...

Northern Illinois Boat Show

2010-03-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Northern Illinois Boat Show March 4th - 7th

The couch made it out the the Lake County Fairgrounds Friday night for the 1st Annual Northern Illinois Boat Show. The show was held in the new fairgrounds building and the place was PACKED with boats. Chicago Searay, Munson Marine, King's Island, Great Lake Yacht Sales, Chicago Mastercraft, were some of the leading dealers in the area that brought over 35 different makes of boats to the show. The cool thing about it was that all the boats on dysplay were geared towards the local boating community. There wasn't anything that was uncalled for on the chain o lakes There was everything from Bayliner to Hustler, and Regal to Lund. There was plenty of boats that has some real "wow" features to them too.

There were a bunch of service companies set up too. Audiosmith had the new Clear Internet Service on display, Ravewaves Detailing had some great show specials, Bottoms Up had his Jersey Skiff on display, and Road Rage Design had their wrapped Kayot...wow is it sharp.

Friday night was Fun on The Fox.com night. Craig Munson, one of the organizers of the event, was kind enough to let me roll the couch right through the front door. Once in, the couch had a front row seat at the FOTF booth. Mike Deron, one of the webmasters for FOTF, made the couch right at home by lining up O-Bombs on the table in front of it.

Once the O-Bombs started, it didn't take long for the FOTF'ers to start up the antics!

Word that the couch was there spread pretty smoothly and it got a lot of attention. Most of that attention was from the Fun on The Fox crew. A bunch of them joined me for the signature "Couch Picture"

I am so glad the couch was able to get into the show. The only trouble we had was physically getting it through the front doors. It didn't FIT! With the help of my freind Bill, we tipped it on it's side and slid it through. On the way out, I had one of the fairground personel pop the center pole out.

Last but not least is Kyle. He snagged a pic on the couch before anyone else at the show!

The coolest part of the couch is SHARING. Twitter it, Facebook it, email it, scratch it into the bathroom wall... the more who know, the farther we go!

The Tribune Local Artcle

2010-03-04T04:37:00.000-08:00

The Tribune Local Article was posted on their site a couple days ago! It is already up to 500+ views, so that's great! A lot of people are being introduced to the couch and a lot of them are probably thinking, "WTF?" That's what I love about the couch; you can not understand it, but still like it. It's a COUCH! Who doesn't like a nice comfy couch? And why keep your couch hidden and alone in your home? I wanna get out there and see the world, but I am too lazy to get up...lol

For all of you that have been waiting for the first published article of the couch, here it is.

I was also interviewed by Freakin Genius Marketing in September of 2009...check it out!

Please share on your FaceBook, email, or Twitter!

Chicago Tribune Interview

2010-02-26T04:34:00.000-08:00

Michelle Stoffel, a reporter and editor Chicago Tribune's TribLocal, came out the the BK shop last Wednesday for an interview. She had caught a couch update on Twitter and followed the story all the way back to the couch site. Obviously, I was more than excited to have her come out for the story.

She asked the whole back story of the couch and it was great for me to have to think back that far. The couch has been to some fun events and the stories that come with it are halarious. I was happy to run the history and the timeline again and really get a feel for how far the couch has come. The whole idea of the couch was to just see what happens and let the path unravel as we go...and it has gotten us this far. Who knows whats next!

I will keep everyone posted on when the article is released, and I will post it on the site.
And as always, please share this on your Facebook and Twitter... Word of mouth has been huge so I thank you for all the help!

Matco Truck

2010-02-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

I have been working on getting the couch onto the Matco truck for about 6 months now. "Matco Tom" was a little leery at first after seeing what happen during our visit to camp bow wow. He also said that it would not fit, and the truck was never clean enough for a photo. I honestly gave up on it. I never thought that it was going to happen.

Well all the stars aligned last friday. The couch entered the Matco truck. It was a very tight squeeze, but history was made. Anyone can take a picture of a couch NEXT to a Matco truck, but we have to go bigger than that!

This HAS to be the first time any couch has been INSIDE any Matco truck and it happened right here on DougsCouch.com!

Don't go away just yet.... here is the video from the event.
Don't forget to share!

Worldwind Motorsports

2010-02-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

The first stop of the 2010 season was at Worldwind Motorsports in Antioch. We stopped in to see owner Mike (center) and mechanic Rich yesterday. The couch has been in the truck for the last week and has been snowed on and thawed so it was a little moist. I dont think Mike and Rich cared much, they were pretty stoked it was there. While I was there, I should have had Mike get under the seat of the couch and give her the once over....make sure she is all up to par for the new season. I think it will be ok..lol

Worldwind is a full service powersport shop that repairs everything from snowmobiles to watercraft. If it's broke, the guys at Worldwind can fix it.

2010 Couch Season Has Begun

2010-02-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

The couch has had it's time off and now it is time to get this thing back out on the streets. There are a lot of events going on this season and I am super excited to see where the couch goes.

I need YOUR help! If you have a cool event, or if you can get the couch into an odd location, please email me at Dougscouch@gmail.com.

Here comes 2010!

First Snow for the Couch!

2009-12-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

The first snowstorm of the year came through today and my family and I took full advantage of the packing snow. What better way to start the winter season than to build a SNOWMAN! We got one going and once it was all together it was about 6' 4". I mentioned something about hooligan coming out at night and my 4 year old little girl started saying, "I hope the hooligans don't hurt the snowman."

We made a lazy snowman that did not feel like standing all night.....so we rolled out the couch. 'Frosty' chilled on the couch for about an hour before he "fell asleep" or passed out, depending on who you ask. I have heard that snowmen like to get sauced.

Before the snowman took his tumble, we were able to snag a pic of him for the blog. He said that he would be back some day to chill with us again. He by far was the coolest person to sit on the couch. He wasn't the friendliest guy though...he gave my daughter and I the cold shoulder.

2009-12-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Bk Boat n Sleds.com had their 1st annual snowmobile and swap show this past weekend. The couch was the the only piece of living room furniture in attendance. The weather was perfect so the couch hung outside all day.

The couch was right in the heart of things! Quite a few folks took a sec to hang on the couch and a few of them spent some serious time relaxing. I tried making some deals with the couch but no one was open to a swap. I tried trading it for a ladder, but DougsLadder.com just doesn't have the same ring to it.

After the crowd thinned and the camera's were put away....we had some fun with the couch. I had it all loaded in the truck with out it's strap and decided to perfect the "auto unload" feature. I tossed the truck in reverse and hit the breaks.... the couch dropped right out but the cap of the truck stopped it from unloading it's self completely. There was that split second when the couch hit the top of the cap that I thought to myself..."this isn't a good idea"...but it was too late.

Twitter

2009-11-23T06:55:00.000-08:00

The couch has gotten a new tattoo. I added the twitter tag to the side of it to get some more attention out on the streets. The "honk for couch" gets some real attention so I figured I would add to it. I will also be adding the Facebook tag to it too. The more attention the better with this baby!

If you are using Twitter, come join myself and the couch. It is more of a live feed of whats up! If you are not on Twitter, you can catch the latest on the upper left corner of the blog, there are pictures and tweets.

White Star Auction, Bronson Michigan

2009-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

The couch made the trek out to Bronson, Michigan this last weekend. It went with BK Boat n Sleds to the White Star Snowmobile Auction. I placed the couch on the open 4 place sled trailer for the ride out there. It was dark, but you still could not miss this thing in traffic coming through Chicago area.

It also got some time on the side of the Indiana toll road. We stopped to check lights and the make sure the couch was all in one piece.

The couch was not going to be alone for the ride home either. We picked up 2 sleds in the auction so the couch had to move to the front of the trailer. We came back through Chicago during the day on Saturday so, even though the couch was pinched in front of the sleds, other drivers still gave a "honk" when they saw it. We got about 5 honks in traffic that day.

The couch spent the rest of the weekend at the BK shop still on the trailer with the sleds. It will be back in it's usual spot in the back of my truck on Monday, where the adventure will continue!

Chicago Underground Social Media Society

2009-11-22T04:46:00.000-08:00

This past week I got word that there was a social marketing meeting going on at the Hilton Double Tree in Downers Grove, IL. I learned of this event via Facebook and decided to check it out and learn something new. Of course, I brought the couch just in case.

Now... keep in mind that the couch has had dogs on it, a troll sat on it, it hit a stop sign, rolled through a campsite, has been by NUMEROUS bonfires, has had people sleep/pass out on it, has been on a car lift, has been stood on, has been towed beind a car, has had beer, vodka, Jack Daniels, Rum, and juice spilled on it, has been rained on and has been sat on by TONS of people. What I am getting at is that it has been around this past year and is showing it's age. That being said....

This is the REAR LOBBY of the Hilton DoubleTree.

I scoped out the path of the couch from the parking lot to the room that the meeting was in. The path consisted of passing through the lobby above, down a hall past the gift shop, then around the corner behind the main lobby and check in and into the bar/restraunt area. As cool as it would have been to wheel the couch right in there... I didn't feel like making that kind of scene that night.

I opted for a true couch picture in the parking lot! This is what the couch is all about. It isn't a "nice" couch because it doesn't have to be a nice couch. It doesn't fit in and it gets attention. It belongs in the parking lot hanging out of the back of a pick up truck...lol

You may also recognize my buddy Lubo from the camping visit and the Thirsty Troll Brew Fest.

I had a great time at the Underground meeting and will be back for next month's meeting. You will see some new ideas that I have thanks to speaker Ramon Deleon of Dominos.

SnowmobileCalendar.com

2009-11-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

I met up with the gang from SnowmobileCalendar.com while at the swap last weekend. Bill and Amanda have a great niche going. They run a well known sled calendar that is all submitted photo's from YOU! I have run into them at a few swaps and Facebook...I actually went to Highschool with Amanda. It is so wild that we have crossed paths again in the snowmobile world.

I got a tip that the couch was up for the March 2011 picture. I have a feeling that it may have been a bunk one though. Maybe if I put some skis on it and laid out all sexy-like. Nah, no one wants to see that...

It's too bad that there isn't an audience for CouchCalendar.com
.....or is there?

Racine Extreme Grass Drags

2009-11-18T18:50:00.001-08:00

I took the couch out to the Racing Extreme Grass drags and swap last weekend. The couch has been out of the mix for a while. This was a great place to throw it back into the mix. There was a lot of people that recognized the couch from JohnDee.com and iBangDitches.com. There were even a couple folks that took pictures with the couch. It was a great time. I wanted to get Troy with Racing Extreme on the couch but he was all over the place that day. Maybe next year I will have a 800 liquid cooled liberty motor in the couch and I can enter the 800 open class for the drags. Smoke some Arctic Cats...lol

This was the spot that BK had at the event. The couch had a front row spot for the races. There was no missing it, that's for sure.

Avid sledder and Walla-Pa-Looza MC, Mike Betts, plopped down on the couch with his cigar.

The couch also got a temporary tattoo from the local Amsoil dealer.

Coming up next....
SnowmobileCalendar.com

FOTF Halloween Party

2009-10-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

The "Dead End" Halloween party occurred this past weekend. I had 3 parties to be at that night so I made a tough decision. I left the couch at the Halloween party....unattended. This is the first time that I have "lent" the couch out for a party. It was left in the hands of the 'FOTF' members, but when you give a bunch of drunk people a famous rolling piece of furniture and tell them you will be back on Monday to pick it up.....you never know what is going to happen.

I dropped it off Friday night and there were all ready party goers 'pre-gaming' it. The warehouse the party was held at was decorated awesome! They had a video wall, severed heads, kegs, and a ton of cobwebs. It was so creepy looking.

The party was all ages up till about 9 pm. I ripped some of these pictures from the internet so we could see some of the celebs that sat on the couch that night. Here we have Mario and Luigi hanging out before the show.

There were witches.

Ninjas.

And others....

It was about 1 am when I got the text message that the couch was at the top of the hill... The next morning I got the news that there was damage and the pictures started to surface.

The couch has hit a stop sign. The board that the swivel wheels are mounted to came off. I knew that this was going to happen at some point. This was the weakest part of the the couch. I also envisioned the couch speeding down a grassy hill, that board coming off and the feet of the couch catching the ground....at that point the couch would either kart wheel, or the front side of it would rip off. Luckily, neither of those scenarios played out. I will be picking the couch up from it's wild weekend away tomorrow so we can see what damage has been done. The couch is a trooper, so I think it will be ok.

Blooper Reel

2009-10-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

As a lot of you know, Bk Boat n Sleds has brought you a new website called iBangDitches.com. The site was created to support Bk's snowmobile season and advertise their used parts. The couch was in the shop for the shooting and played a special role. DougsCouch.com, another Bk creation, would like to present to you the blooper reel from the new commercial, 'I Bang Ditches'.

If you have not seen the new commercial, check it out at www.iBangDitches.com!

Bk Boat n Sleds

2009-10-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

I brought the couch into the BK shop yesterday for a little check up. I filled the tires, 30 psi at 200lbs, and it is back to rolling smoothly. We also were suprised that the couch hasn't split in half yet. We have had HUNDREDS of lbs on it at a time, and with the lift on it....there is no longer center support. I hope I get it on camera when it folds in half like a taco.

While the couch was in, it was used in a brainstorming session for Bk Boat n Sleds's new commercial, "Ditch Bangers". The commercial has gone into final editing and should be released soon. DougsCouch.com will hold the "Outtakes and Deleted Scenes Video" when it is released. Bk also just purchased, IBangDitches.com. It will be a collection of stories from ditch bangers. Shirts are also available.

While the couch was in the shop, it caught a lot of time on the webcam. A few customers got to see the couch in action too.

Pecatonica Snow Show

2009-10-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Tri County Trail Alliance had there Snow Show out at the Winnebago Fairgrounds this past weekend and the couch was able to make it with the BK team. BK was set up in the dealer hall surrounded by local dealers that brought NEW showroom snowmobiles and products. I was nervous at first about bring the couch out. It was a little intimidating. Then I thought about it and the couch gives us that 'normal' funny guys appeal. I rolled it out and it just did what it do....got attention!

My little girl was with me so I let her be the photographer on this shoot. She brought a ton of stuff to keep her occupied so the BK space looked more like a garage sale than anything.

Again, we got a ton of people mentioning the saw the couch on JohnDee.com. Another funny note was this was not the only couch at the event. I was walking through the swap meet section and some one had a flowered loveseat in the back of there enclosed trailer. I ment to get a pic but never got back out there.

If you would like to read more about what BK did at this event, please check out thier blog.

Bk Blog

You can also become a fan of the COUCH and BK BOAT N SLEDS on Facebook!

The "Suby" Hero Car

2009-10-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today I stopped by Northwest Performance to see the "Suby" Hero car. Ian, the owner of N.W.P., shared the couch and the story of the car with me today.

The car belongs to Private First Class Adam Trost. Adam's 2004 Subaru STi arrived at N.W.P while he was on duty in Iraq. It was in need of a new turbo and a few other parts. While the "Suby" was at N.W.P, Ian got word that someting had happened in Iraq. Adam had been shot, nearly point blank, in the chest during a sweep of an abandoned building. If it were not for his vest and the force of the shot knocking him out, he would have been dead. As a battle insued over him, Adam lied on the floor unconscious...he awoke in the transport vehicle shaken, but alive!

Ian and others have now found a way to say thank you to a solider that nearly lost his life for his country and all of us here. A "Suby" Hero fund has been created to make this STi everything Adam wanted it to be and more! Enough money has been raised to get a new Turbo and a few other parts. N.W.P. is donating all of the service work and all the parts at cost. Every dime that is raised is going into this STi.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so by sending a check to:

Suby Hero Campaign
NorthWest Performance
27992 W. Rt.120 Unit 34
Lakemoor, IL 60051

OR

Suby Hero Campaign
Harris Bank
1712 N. Richmond Rd.
McHenry, IL 60050

If paypal is easier for ya, you can send a donation to
ian@nw-performance.com

Boone County Sled Show

2009-10-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

I went with the Bk Boat n Sleds team out to the 16th Annual Prairie Riders Snowmobile Club's Snowmobile Show in Belvidere, Il. This is a show that is getting bigger and bigger every year. We opted to use this event as a marketing venue and went strictly with what we do best....ADVERTISING! We handed out about 150 koozies with flyers.

Not only did BK get a lot of recognition, the couch had some attention too. There is a snowmobile site that I keep updated about the couch, Johndee.com, that has really helped in spreading the word about the couch. I had about 4 people walk by that said, "Thats that couch from JohnDee!". It was pretty cool to actually see people that have seen the site on line.

Thanks to eveyone that stopped by our booth at the Boone County show and I also want to give a shout out to all the JohnDee Fans! BRRRRAAAAAP!

NIU Tailgating

2009-10-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

I met up with some friends this weekend (all fellow NIU Alumns) for NIU Homecoming Tailgating. We have made it a yearly get together for the group. I had big plans for the couch that weekend, but the weather had other plans. We got there early so I was going to wait for a nice crowd to get some attention for the couch.

While the lot filled in, we started ripping into the food. I took the BK trailer grill out that day too so we had plenty of space for grillin. As usual, we made TOO much food and I ate it all...lol.

We got a lot of compliments on our set up. I wish I had these tailgating tools in College, I would have had a totaly different experience!

Once again, I can't keep the ladies off the couch. What more do you need; women, food, and a couch.

This is when the plan got foiled. Just when there was a large enough crowd to start rolling the couch from tailgater to tailgater....the ski opened up and the wind started whiping. I am glad that we just came for the fun part and were not going into the game!

Harpo Studios

2009-09-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

The couch made it's first trip into Chicago today. It went with the guys from Bk Boat n Sleds to Amanda Hein Photography for a photo shoot. While we waited for Amanda, we made the 4 block walk over to Harpo Studios, home of the Oprah Winfrey Show.

We walked the couch right down the sidewalk and barely got any attention. It wasn't a crowded part of the city, but we did see a lot of people on the walk. Don't get me wrong, we heard the website muttered a couple times and people looked.....but it is a very different response than what you get in the burbs.

Once we got to Harpo, I parked it right under the sign like true tourist. I also noticed how many security cameras are around the Harpo Studios. With that much surveillance and an eight foot couch rolling around the parameter, someone HAD to have seen it on the inside. I got the shot that we headed over for and there wasn't any suprises this time. Maybe someday Oprah will sit on the couch, but until then, the sign will do.

"Freaking Genius Marketing" Interview

2009-09-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Lori Gertz of Freaking Genius Marketing about the couch. FGM is a marketing firm that caught word of the couch and LOVED IT! Lori asked if I was available for an interview and I could not pass THAT up....so I said yes. We haven't met yet so we will have to wait on a couch pic, but the interview is up on their blog. Please take a second to check it out. I am very excited and hopeful about the exposure that this interview will do for the couch! This is the first interview that I have had about the couch too, so that's exciting. Those of you that have followed us from the begininng can probably see the growth.

We have come from a picture of me in front of Bk Boat n Sleds' Lakemoor, Il location, to an interview about marketing. This is gonna be a wild ride! Sit down, pull the computer close and see what happens.... "Life is Better on A Couch"

Thank you to everyone that reads the blog and follows the links!

The Interview with Freakin Genius Marketing

Worlds Largest Corn Maze

2009-09-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

The couch made the trip out to Spring Grove, Illinois to visit the Worlds Largest Corn Maze at Richardson Farm. The corn maze is a local hit! Every year since 2001, the Richardson's plot out a maze in 28 acres of corn. And each year the maze is different and more detailed than the year before. It certainly takes more planning and skills than I could ever give. If I created a corn maze, it would be more of a corn hallway than anything...lol.

As always, the couch got taken over by randoms. We barely got past the front gate when a few girls jumped on the couch. They went for a short couch ride down a little hill and then it spun on them. That was the end of that..lol

We met a few of the Richardson's while we were there, including one of the owners; Wendy Richardson. We met her at one of the campfires late that night. I was celebrating my 30th birthday and was not in the clearest state of mind at that moment.... I may have to "remeet" her before the season ends.

Thanks Richardson Farm for allowing us to come out and hang. It is always a good time and we will se ya next year!

I also want to thank the girls for loading the couch. Again, I was not in any state to be in control of the couch.

Camping in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin

2009-09-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

The couch made its way up into Wisconsin for a camping trip with the crew. We stayed at Blue Mounds State Park. This was the 2nd camping trip this year that the couch has been to. This time was different though. The couch had a date!

This was a little love seat that was brought by the Lubovich's this past weekend. It was found in their alley (and will probably be returned there).

I taught my daughter a life lesson on the couch this weekend. She learned to never be the first one to fall asleep.

She caught on pretty quick.

It wasn't long after I unloaded the couch that I found there was a nice slope in the campsite. I gave it a go and almost bulldozed our tent over about a half hour after setting it up. I would have been in big trouble if that happened, so I waited till Sunday to take these vids.....

It was a blast up there that weekend. This was the same weekend we went to Thirsty Troll..... If you haven't seen that post, check it out below!

Thirsty Troll Brew Festival

2009-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

This was by far the best event that the couch has been to. Thanks to Melissa Theisen, DougsCouch.com was allowed into the 7th Annual Thirsty Troll Brewfest in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. The fest consisted of about 30 different brewery's and over 100 different beers.

From the moment the couch entered the gates, it was attracting attention. Installing the casters on the couch was the best desicion ever. We pushed the couch around the tent and through the crowd twice in the 4 hours the fest was open. There were 10 of us that attended the brewfest with the couch and we all made it through the fest standing.....barely.

Right off the bat, we met Jorgen, the Thirsty Troll and gave him a break on the couch. He is a quite dude, but man can he drink!

This may have been the most receptive crowd for the couch too. Given, it is a beer fest so everyone is laid back and having a good time.....an 8 foot couch on air casters kinda fits right in. We had a ton of folks jumping onto the couch for a pic. I was even personally welcomed to Mt. Horeb by one of the chairmen of the chamber of commerce. The coolest thing I think I have seen is people hitting the website from thier phone as they look at the couch. It is always cool to see the reaction to the couch.

Here are a few of the randoms from Brewfest....

We also got to meet the celtic band, "The Pints" while we were there. On our trip around the tent, we got to talking with thier "muscle" and equipment guy, Ox. They are a really energetic band that delivers some awesome traditional celtic music.

I have said it before, the couch is a big hit with the ladies. Here are a group of ladies that may have had too much fun at the fest and were thankful that the couch was there to catch them on the way down....

The worst part of the Thirsty Troll Brew Fest, was loading the couch back on the mini van after 4 hours of 'all the beer you could drink'. Once the couch was all strapped in, it was safe. Thanks to my wife, we had a designated driver to get us back to the campsite so we could party some more!

On behalf of the whole Couch Team, I want to thank the crowd, the Thirsty Troll Brew Fest Committee and all the Breweries for making our trip to Mount Horeb a BLAST!

See ya in 2010.

Here are some of the Brewers that were at the fest
Ale Asylum Brewery, Esser's Best, Flying Dog, Goose Island, Magic Hat, Potosi Brewing Company, Pyramid Breweries, Stone Cellar, Tyranena Brewing Company, Blu Creek Capital Brewery, Great Dane Brewery, The Grumpy Troll, Lake Louie, Leinenkugel, O'so Brewing Company, Purple Feet Wines, Sand Creek

And our friends at New Glarus were chosen as the crowd favorite this year!

Young Professionals of Mchenry

2009-09-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

The couch made it out the the Young Professionals, a subgroup of the Mchenry Chamber of Commerce for professionals under 40. This is a great group to be a apart of. As you can see, we have quite the mix...bankers, insurance agents, mechanics and lawyers. It doesn't matter what your profession is, we can all learn something from our peers.

The couch is really getting some attention now too. I was excited to see it on the AGENDA for the meeting at the YP's!

The best part of this shoot was when Joel Zarnstorff, a banker from Midwest Bank, helped load the couch into the truck dressed in a suit! It may have been the most "professional" handling of the couch to date. Nice work Joel.

The YP meets at the Firewood lounge in Mchenry once a month. They are always looking for new members, so if you are looking to network with other professionals in the area, feel free to check them out!

Dream Real Estate

2009-08-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

I stopped in to see the team at Dream Real Estate in McHenry, IL. I met with owner Shawn Strach and his assistant Katie at Shawns home office. It was an early meeting so we opted for donuts rather than crackin' beers on the couch.

Shawn has been selling houses and light commercial bulidings for about 7 years now. He really knows the biz and knows what it takes to get you into your dream home!

Shawn, I am looking for a place on the lakes with plenty of couch space!

Shawn is also the newest sponsor of the site. If you are looking for a home in Northern Illinois, make Dream Real Estate your first and last call!

DMI Contractors

2009-08-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

DMI Contractors have been a HUGE help at Bk Boat n Sleds this week. With a 800 square foot loft on the plate, BK was a little overwhelmed. Bill Deacon, owner of DMI, and his son Cole took the reins and guided us through the project. With over 15 years in the biz, Bill knew exactly what to do start to finish. He really made a large project a breeze! The new loft will open a lot of floor space for us too. Now I may be able to sneak the couch into the shop. I may also have to start DougsTv.com and DougsBeerFridge.com..... Hhhmmmmm.... I may have to call Bill about an employee lounge up in the loft now.

If you need any type of remodel, new construction or improvement around your home or business, call Bill at 847-980-6150.

Megan's 30th Birthday

2009-08-10T19:40:00.001-07:00

The couch was at another private party this weekend. Megan Cook's celebrated her 30th B-Day and, at the request of he Mom, the couch was in attendance. It was a scorcher of a day but the breeze was perfect. I almost took a nap, but there was family members that I didn't know so I didn't want to be the guy that brought a couch AND fell asleep on it like some homeless dude.

The kids had a blast on the couch too. As soon as it rolled out, they ran from the pool to the couch to get some 'cushion jumping' in. The sprinkler was going to and the couch got doused a couple times. It wasn't too bad, I should have given the kids some soap and they could have played car wash, pretending the couch was a 1986 Family Truckster.

After the sun went down but before the couch was loaded....it was time for the big kids to play. This was a trial run of the couch rolling on the streets. I got a little taste, and I like it!

"Not a Party" Party

2009-08-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a very exclusive gathering with some great friends. A friend of mine, Charlie Wilberg and his wife Karen, have the self proclaimed "Best View on the Chain" in their backyard. It is breath taking. A handful of people were invited to this posh location for a "It's not a Party so Don't Call it a Party" Party. Not only was the couch welcomed, it was treated as a V.I.C again with a front row parking space.

Mike, from Bk Boat n Sleds.com, and I maneuvered the couch through the landscaped trail to the back yard. Once there, the couch was treated to a lush grassy area that overlooked The Best View on the Chain.

Since this was such an exclusive event. It could not last all night. Once the sun set and the bats started to fly, the party was closed. It was a quality gathering with a very nice mix of friends. I'm not saying, I'm just sayin....it was a great party!

DougsCouch.com @ Walla-Pa-Looza

2009-08-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Walla-Pa-Looza event occurred Saturday night and they brought in a ton of people! As you know, Bk Boat n sleds.com had Doug's Couch there as the V.I.P section of the concert seating. While in the V.I.P section, you were waited on along with the best seat in the house to enjoy some great music. The Wallace family and all the volunteers did a great job.

While at the event, I met a few couch fans and a lot of people asking about the couch. I also got a few people that refused to look at it anymore...lol I get that a lot. Those that get the couch, get it; those that don't, don't. There were plenty of pictures of the couch also.

There was a little drizzle before the concert so the couch had to go undercover. As ugly as it is, it still needs a raincoat when it rains!

A special guest, my Mom!

Director of the event, Craig Wallace even found some time to take a break on the couch.

Lead singer of the band Blush even gave a little interaction with the couch.

Towards the end of the concert, all the volunteers joined me on the couch for a photo!

Just in case you don't believe me that the couch is in there.....

See, there it is!

Here is one of the Couch Fans I met this weekend, we will see more of her soon!

Thanks for having me Walla Pa Looza!

Leaked Video of "The Couch"

2009-08-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

There is a video that was taken on Friday night at about 3 am. The people involved in this act will remain unnamed and the location will be kept secret. The video hit the internet earlier Sunday morning. The quality of the clip and the lighting are poor and it may be hard to determine with is happening at times. Please do not try this at home....

What you just saw was the couch tied to the back of an SUV and pulled though a remote location. It was about a 20 minute ride at slow speeds. The couch did tap a few trees and almost feel in a creek, but the 4 riders were able to somewhat control the situation. It was a great time and the couch is actually a very smooth ride!

Walla-Pa-Looza.org

2009-07-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Once again, I am happy to help spread the word about Walla-Pa-Looza this weekend. I met with founder Craig Wallace and his childhood friend Mike Betts for one final push for the huge event. Believe it or not, we got through this video in pretty much one take. The video says it all. This is a great event that will bring so many people together to help one cause.

I am very excited for Saturday and I can't wait to see the crowd that comes out to show thier support. I want to meet everyone out there too so make sure you stop by the couch and say hello. I will have a handful of shirts for sale and I will be happy to sign them!

Walla-Pa-Looza, August 1st at the Johnsburg Community Club from 2-11pm

Sarah and Steve's Backyard Party

2009-07-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

PARTY, COUCH STYLE

My wife and I were invited out to a friends' backyard party Saturday night. It was a "come as your favorite sports team" party, so Sara was the Ref...lol. This is Sarah and her pet guest, Buster the pug. Buster was the first dog to 'mark' the edge of the couch. Luckly, I think the new casters got the apron of the couch up high enough were this lil guy didn't make a party foul.

You may remember Sara's husband Steve from the Chicken Chug Challenge. We joked about a rematch, but no one stepped up.... There will be an official rematch with Matt and I. We will also be introducing a new contender.....

Here is the first pic of my wife and I on the couch. I want to thank her for putting up with all these dim witted ideas of mine....

Guinness Book of World Records

2009-07-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, from the FaceBook Fan Page, I joked around about taking the couch off a jump. Well, I took it a step further and contacted Guinness Book of World Records. At first I thought that it would be funny to submit it and didn't think much of it as I started filling out the info. But, as I was filling in the details they were asking about my, "Longest Distance Jumped on a Non-Powered Couch", I realized that this was actually a serious submission.

I had to agree to the terms of the agreement, state what media will be invited to the event, my sponsors, and how it will be measured. It was becoming a real deal..lol I sent the submission and got my reference number and everything...

Here is the Agreement with Guinness:

The Record Attempt:
We have an 8 foot couch, featured at www.DougsCouch.com that has pneumatic casters on it. Our own, Douglas Hein, will attempt the longest Couch jump on this couch. This distance will be measured from the end of the ramp to the closest point the couch touches when it lands. The same way an Olympic Long Jump is measured. It is not motorized. This will be performed on a closed track with medics on location.

The Formal Agreement:
This Agreement dated 18/7/2009

In relation to the record attempt ("Record Attempt") of: Longest Distance Jumped by a Non Powered Couch.

Between

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS LTD (hereafter referred to as “GWR”/”us”/”we”), Company Number 00541295, of 3rd Floor, 184-192 Drummond Street, London, NW1 3HP UK and “you”

Mr Doug Hein
27992 rt 120
unit 27
lakemoor
il
United States

** The exact title of the record is subject to change and GWR may offer you a valid alternative record if your suggestion is not acceptable.

Until you read and accept all sections of this Agreement, GWR in no way encourages, authorises or permits any Record Attempt to be carried out and we will have absolutely no connection with or authorise any Record Attempt carried out before such acknowledgement.

Thank you for submitting a record application.

We will be in touch with you within two working days to confirm that your claim is being processed.

Please note that your record application has not been approved. Do not undertake any record attempt prior to Guinness World Records confirming that your application has been successful.

There is no further information required at this point.

I received this letter about 3 days later.....

Claim ID: 271563
Membership Number: 239219

Dear Mr Doug Hein,

Thank you for sending us the details of your recent record attempt for 'Longest Distance Jumped by a Non Powered Couch.'. We are afraid to say that we are unable to accept this as a Guinness World Record.

We receive over 60,000 enquiries a year from which only a small proportion are approved by our experienced researchers to establish new categories. These are not 'made up' to suit an individual proposal, but rather 'evolve' as a result of international competition in a field, which naturally accommodates superlatives of the sort that we are interested in. We think you will appreciate that we are bound to favour those that reflect the greatest interest.

Guinness World Records has absolute discretion as to which Guinness World Record applications are accepted and our decision is final. Guinness World Records may at its discretion and for whatever reason identify some records as either no longer monitored by Guinness World Records or no longer viable.

As your record application has not been accepted, Guinness World Records is in no way associated with the activity relating to your record proposal and we in no way endorse this activity. If you choose to proceed with this activity then this is will be of your own volition and at your own risk.

Once again thank you for your interest in Guinness World Records.

Yours sincerely,

Aleksandr Vypirailenko
Records Management Team

So, I guess Guinness isn't ready for the couch just yet. Someday we will get it in the record books, so I guess we don't need to rush it. Oh, and for those of you who have been watching on the Facebook Fan page, the couch has been repaired!

AudioSmith

2009-07-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

I stopped in to see Bill Lytle, owner, of AudioSmith in Fox lake today. Bill and his crew are very knowledgeable about anything and everything having to do with home and vehicle audio and VISUAL! If you are on the water much, you may know Bill from the 'Tune Toon'. You can't miss it out on the lakes.

I should see if I can get the couch pimped out with a system and some flat screens in the arm rests. Of course, then I would need Bill to install an alarm and a remote start so the couch can come around the corner like Kit from Nightrider..... Maybe I will just stick to stock...lol

If you need ANYTHING for your home or vehicle audio/visual system call Bill at 847-973-9300

If you can't tell from the pic, AudioSmith also deals in Cricket and Sprint phones.

Couch Gets a Lift

2009-07-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come. I have installed the new (well, new to me) 8 inch pneumatic casters. I bought the set of 4 of them on eBay for $45 shipped. They are used and were removed from a commercial TV cart that was used at a Church....so, as Mike said, they are Holy Rollers.

I got the 2x6's for free at Home Depot. They were just scrap from larger pieces that were cut for customers. Paul at the Crystal Lake Home Depot hooked me up with 2 perfect pieces. I didn't realize till I got home that one of the pieces had a statement on it. Apparently someone doesn't care for someone named, "Floyd". Sorry Floyd.

So I got the casters mounted and they are really sturdy. The couch may also need to be reinforced. It has a twist to it when it comes in and out of the truck, but I think the casters will help with that. I won't have to wiggle it so much over the cap from tailgate to bed.

So now the couch sits about 4 inches taller than it did yesterday. It also moves like a cloud! You can push it around with one hand.

Well that's it. That is the new look of the couch. It can no longer be entered into the Stock class....I officially own a Modified couch. I wanna see if I can get it into the Guinness Book of World Records with the longest non motorized couch ride.... Oh yeah, Floyd Sux!

Walla-Pa-Looza, "Raisin Cash for Cancer"

2009-07-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

August 1st 2-11pm

Johnsburg Community Club

This was the first installment of what is going to be my most favorite Couch visit yet. This is the pre-game for Craig Wallace's, 'Walla-Pa-Looza - Raisin Cash for Cancer' concert! I met Craig and his right hand man Mike Betts today at the Johnsburg Community Club. I have known Mike for a while, but this was my first time meeting Craig. We all clicked right away. Craig told me the story of Walla-Pa-Looza and how it started as a small bash in his backyard. The idea grew and the word spread so he had to move the event to the Community Club. Craig walked me around the grounds and pointed out where everything was going to be come concert day....WOW, will it be an event!

For a $5 donation, you get into the grounds to see crafters, listen to 4 bands, let the kids bounce and get tattooed, eat and drink.....and the best part...help a charity. This is going to be the coolest charity event to hit the Mchenry County area. Don't miss it!

Here is a secret heads up for all you DougsCouch.com fans, the couch will be front row at the concert. For a small donation, you will be able to cross the rope and SIT on the couch and enjoy a few songs! All procedes go to the American Cancer Society.

The bands that will be there are Blush, Peter and the Versatiles, Danny and the Devils, and Always Frantic.

$5 gets you in and the event runs 2-11pm on August 1st.

Profound Hound

2009-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

While at the Fox Lake 4th of July Parade, Cpt. Strip'n'Ship took my place on the couch with Profound Hound. Lisa, owner of Profound Hound Inc. has the newest pet sitting service in Fox Lake. She watches all types of pets. I was thinking of having her check in on the couch once a day. Maybe let it out for some fresh air once in a while.... Profound hound walks and watches your pets in YOUR home. You can contact Lisa at 847.779.0603.

Cpt .Strip'n'Ship of the S.S. Junkboat

2009-07-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Bk Boat n sleds.com invited the couch to join them for the Fox lake 4th of July Parade. Their mascot, Cpt. Strip'n'Ship of the S.S. Junkboat took over the couch duties for the parade route. The couch got a prime spot right on the back of Bk's trailer. It really got some nice attention! You could hear people saying, "There's Doug's Couch," and "Nice Couch!" A lot of stickers got handed out and the word is definatly spreading.

While at the parade, we ran into some of our sponsors! We say Brandon from RaveWaves, Angel from "Say What?", and Lisa from Profound Hound. The parade was a blast and thank you to everyone that got us there!

The Bronze Effect

2009-07-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Jesse, Jennifer and Amber joined me on the couch out front of The Bronze Effect in Fox Lake today. Pam and her two daughters, Jesse and Jennifer have had the salon for about 2 years now. I should have checked to see how big the beds were... I had been out on the boat all weekend, but the couch could use some color. It is looking a little pale from hiding in the trailer a lot.

This summer would be a great time to hit the salon, seeing that we have only seen the sun for about 5 days so far. You can also control your tan and not have to worry about odd tan lines!

You don't want to end up like Matt!

If you want to get a nice even, sexy tan, (not like Matt's), give the girls at The Bronze Effect a Call at 847.973.2452. If you decide to do the DougsCouch.com tan, please send us a pic!

A first happened today too. The girls found a marker hidden in between the cushions so we decided it was a good idea to sign it! The first date and signature is now on the couch..lol

"Cluck, Cluck, Chug!"

2009-07-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Bk Boat n Sleds.com and DougsCouch.com came together to host the first Official Chicken Chug Challenge. The challenge starts with 1 can of Campbells Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup. The first one to chug the entire can, no water, wins!

Here is Matt Greenenwald, Steve Renje, and myself in the Challenge in Wisconsin this past weekend. This was my third time chugging so I had some practice. I ended up winning with a time of about 12 seconds. The only downside of winning, is that I am going to have to do it again when challenged. I am ready for a rematch at any time guys!

New Glarus Brewing Co.

2009-06-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is the whole gang that made the trip out to the New Glarus Brewing Co. in New Glarus, Wisconsin. We visited the new Hilltop location and were really in awe. The ride up to the brewery is spectacular enough, but once you round the corner into the parking lot, it is truly heaven. The building is massive and very elegant. It has such a laid back fun feeling right off the bat.

We did the tasting and then went for the self guided tour. The new brewery is set up specifically for welcoming visitors in to see the process. You really felt welcomed and special. Everyone was so friendly and the beers were the best! The dancing man and stone soup were my favorite.

We were able to get Scott Noll out on the couch for a quick pic too! He had no idea what he was in for. He honestly thought we wanted him to TAKE the picture for us, not be the focus of it. He was such a great sport. He is also the first person to sit so close to me.....lol

If you have never been to the New Glarus Brewery, you gotta go check it out. Thanks again to everyone at the brewery and especially Scott for making the trip worth while!

Camping in Blanchardville, Wi

2009-06-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Bk Boat n Sleds.com gang took the couch camping this weekend. It was loaded up with all the other gear and was hauled out to Yellowstone Lake State Park in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. There were twenty of us that made the trip out for 4 days of antics and fun.

The couch spent most of it's time around the campfire. It made the folding camping chairs look so flimsy and uninviting that the couch was rarely vacant. The group site was right at a corner location, so the couch got some real looks and attention.

We also hauled the couch down to the beach for the day. It didn't get as many looks as I though it would. Apparently, Wisconsin folks see couches at the beach all the time. Matt, on the left side of the couch in the picture below, really did a number on himself in the sun. I will set honor him with a separate blog later.

The couch did attract the attention of the Park Rangers. It was about an hour after quite time and the party was no where near stopping. The park Rangers appeared with a "Park Ranger" and the group didn't skip a beat. We all laughed a little too hard because we knew that this moment was coming and we had used the, "Park Ranger" line all weekend so far.

The deal was we could take this picture as long as we didn't have any complaints from the neighbors. That conversation was broken up by loud laughter and cheering from our neighboring campsite, so we knew that wasn't going to be a problem. The Ranger also asked if the couch was going to go to jail with me....I responded..."Can it? That would be a great picture!"

Check in for tomorrows post of the Bk group's trip to the New Glarus Brewery and the infamous Chicken Chug Competition!

Rock Solid Buliders

2009-06-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

I experienced another first with Anna and Butch, owners of Rock Solid Builders in Mchenry. They work from their house, so I was invited to hang out in their home for a while. We had some beers while the kids watched I Carly..lol I got to see some new composite decking material too!

Rock Solid Builders specializes in, and is the largest deck builder in Mchenry that uses, Trex. It is pretty cool stuff! It looks just likes stained or painted wood....but it is almost maintenance free. Sounds perfect for lazy folks like me! The deck in the picture is the first composite deck Rock Solid built so that's pretty cool.

Oh yeah, Anna will hate that I said this, but her two year old was pretty ticked that we moved him and his Little Tikes car in order to get the couch pic. He refused to join us too...I think he was protesting lol

Anna and Butch can be contacted at 815- 363- 7133

Mchenry Chamber Maids

2009-06-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

I stopped in to say hello to the helpful ladies at the Mchenry Area Chamber of Commerce today. They were in the middle of Fiesta Days preparation, but they took a few moments to join me on the sidewalk for a picture. Kay, Jane, Kathy, and Bonnie have been very helpful in connecting Bk Boat n Sleds with other local businesses and the community.

If you have a business in the Mchenry area or are interested in supporting businesses in the area, please visit www.MchenryChamber.com

Thanks Ladies!

The Couch Gets a Wash

2009-06-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

After being in and out of the truck like a Hobo, the couch finally got a good scrubbing. The couch has been through a lot over the last couple weeks. In those experiences, the couch took a little more from them than expected. It has had 3 drinks spilt on it, numerous dogs on it, it sat outside one night, and shared the truck bed with firewood for one trip. The comments started coming too....

Over the last few trips, I have heard, "the couch smells like a locker room", "looking a little ragged". and "you need a plastic granny cover". I am meeting with the ladies of the Mchenry County Chamber of Commerce tomorrow, and I wanted it to smell all nice for them, so it got a good cleaning tonight.

Woolite Oxy Deep really got the job done!

First Customer from Doug's Couch

2009-06-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

Well it is official! Matt Greenenwald is the first one to go over to "Say What? Screen Printing & Embroidery", to buy his DougsCouch.com gear. He even switched it up and got some girly pink shirts for his lady friends. Also notice his custom embroidered hat. Pretty slick Matt, thanks for the support!

I gotta get myself one of these hats!

The couch really attracts the ladies, so we need to have something special for them to sport too...

You gotta meet up with Angel so she can give you a killer deal on some custom gear.

She is at 28 N. Rt. 12, Fox Lake, IL (across from Ray Chevrolet)

Fathers Day

2009-06-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well the couch made a special trip over to my parents house for Father's Day. Here is the pic of my dad and I. Cole also found a comfy spot in the middle. Maybe he heard how comfortable it was from the Camp Bow Wow hounds.... Not the first dog and probably not the last.

We had a great turn out poolside.

The couch is slowly taking on a personality of it's own. It sat poolside and caught some sun. Couple nights ago it got some lovin' at the bar. Like many people, it gets judged at first sight, but it usually makes friends quickly!

Stow-Away

2009-06-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

It looks like I need to get a bodyguard for the couch now. I was working in the Bk Boat n Sleds shop, when I noticed Pete was missing. I needed a hand with something so I went looking for him, he is 17 so his brain wanders sometimes. I didn't take me too long to find him.

Pete gets the first solo pic on the couch. I figured if he had climbed in there, he earned it. Getting him back off of it was the bigger challenge.

First Celebrity Shot

2009-06-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to welcome you to the first Celebrity Sighting at DougsCouch.com. I feel like Perez Hilton on this one, minus the gay and the gossip....which leaves me with chubby and lonely....so never mind that comparison. Lets get back on track.

I met up with Award Winning News Director for WXLC and WKRS, Mr. Tim Vander Tuuk. Although he will deny his celebrity status, he is the biggest celeb to sit on the couch to date. I tried having him sign my boob, but that's when he walked away.....

1000 Views!

2009-06-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

We just passed 1,000 views today! I never thought that there would be so much interest in the couch so fast. It was 2 weeks ago that I started this goofy site and 1,000+ unique visitors have seen the couch since. And don't think that we are staying local here. Yes, most hits are from Illinois, but there have been visitors from 33 other states and 13 other countries. Yes, we are global!

I do not get many emails though..... I would LOVE to hear some feedback on the site and what the couch is up to. Please talk to me!! lol I want to hear how you found us, where your from and what ya think!

Thanks to everyone that has visited and has made this such a fun site! Please pass a long the link to your office, family, friends, and strangers! I have stickers too that I am more than happy to send you if you get me an address to send them to.

Thanks everyone,
Doug

Moe-B-Dicks North Shore Pub

2009-06-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

So the couch is spending more and more time in the truck as it travels around. I am too lazy to take it in and out in between visits. That means it gets a lot of face time when on the road. My buddy Jeremy and I have started hitting a local neighborhood bar called Moe-B-Dick's in Crystal Lake and, this time, the couch was in the truck.

As soon as we pulled up, I was asked about the couch. I told the story and hit the bar. About an hour later, Katie (girl on the right in the first picture) went out the the truck and went to the website via her phone to see what the deal was. That's about the time I got pointed out as the "Couch Guy".

They told me to bring it around back so I did!

If you have not noticed yet, this is the first time I am not sitting in my side of the couch. If the ladies say, "Sit in the Middle", you sit in the middle.

So far this is the second time that we have gotten 4 people on the couch. The last time might have been 3 1/2 with Matt, Myself, Joe, and his little girl....but technically it was 4. That seems to be the number to beat.

I love the people over at Moe-B-Dicks. It is a great crowd and a great bar! I can't wait to go back... I wonder if I have to bring the couch EVERY time now....

Amanda Hein Photography

2009-06-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Met up with Amanda Hein (my little sister) on Monday this week. She is a photographer and is booked solid on the summer weekends so she called a Monday boating day on the corporate cruiser. You don't need to twist my arm too far to take the day off for a boat ride, that's for sure. She came to the couch, but I still have to try and get the couch into her downtown studio.

Amanda Hein has had her picture featured in numerous magazines and is a respected photographer in the Chicagoland Area. If you have an event that you would like to remember for ever, call Amanda at 312-480-9949.

Say What?

2009-06-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

Say WHAT?

I met up with new site sponsor "Say What?" Screen Printing and Embroidery in Fox Lake, IL. Angel and her son are a blast to be around. This was my first time meeting Angel and she makes you feel like her best friend when your in her shop. I met some of her customers/friends and ropped one into taking this shot. That is route 12 in the background!

Angel is also the sole provider of DougsCouch.com T shirts! I was a little early when I met her so I got to see the first shirts being made.

Here is the final product. The first 10 sponsors lucked out and went down in history with their names on the back of these shirts.

Angel is really helping spread the name of the site and offering these shirts CHEAP! Just stop in and say hello and get one of these shirts for $7. Call here at 847-973-9511 or stop into her Fox Lake location located at 28 N rt 12, Fox Lake.

Rustic Harbor in Mchenry

2009-06-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am a boater. So when I am not working, toting the couch around, or hanging at home, I am out at Rustic Harbor. This past weekend I was able to snag a pic with the owner, Joe Kijak III (far left). Also in the picture is Mobile Mechanic, and good friend, Matt Greenenwald (center).

There is always something going on at Rustic Harbor so you will be seeing a lot more of the couch there.

RaveWaves Detailing in Fox Lake, IL

2009-06-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

I stopped in at RaveWaves boat detail, a sponsor of the site, and met Trey and Helene. I met, owner, Brandon Schwab when they were over in the Lakemoor location and have had them detail one of my boats. They have a very cool shop now over at 716 E Grand ave in Fox Lake.

Trey and Helene were both in the pic so we went with the timer shot. As ussual, something random happens. This time, we had a car come through the lot and we were left with this....

Then I forgot to set the timer and caught this one...

Then we got it right.

Trey and Helene were also the first ones to STAND on the couch. I don't tell people how to get on the couch. I let them express themselves on the couch...lol The couch is pretty deep like that. RaveWaves can handle any size vehicle in any condition. They can be reached at 888-575-5556

Camp Bow Wow in Mchenry

2009-06-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

The couch made the short trip down rt 120 to Camp Bow Wow in Mchenry. Owners Kari and Jason went all out for the arrival of the couch. They had the website plastered on their blog, they sent out a newsletter to their mailing list and even had fliers at the camp office! The group of dogs that were there for the photo shoot were quite a mix. They say working with animals is tough and I got to experience that first hand. There was so much going on, we didn't know what to shoot!

This big guy sat on my lap for most of the shoot. I remember Kari saying something along the lines of, "Let this one come to you and warm up to ya first." Next thing I know a 100 lbs Rott is sitting in my lap. There was also a little white dog that hid behind the couch the whole time.

We spent about an hour messing around with the poochies and taking video and pictures. This was by far the funnest photo shoot! It was such a random experience. If your dog needs a break from you or needs some bonding with other dogs, call Kari at 815-385-PAWS (7297).

Northwest Performance

2009-06-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

I visited another sponsor today. Northwest Performance in Lakemoor, Il is owned and operated by Ian Roesner. It was obvious where we were going to put the couch in this photo shoot. It was certainly the first time that something like this was raised on the lift. It was an odd sight to see the couch slowly raise while you heard the clunk of the saftey catch on the lift. Here are a couple "behind the scenes" pictures at N.W.P.

Now that the couch has been in the presence of supped up Civics and tuned imports, I think it is ready to hit the road again. As I pulled it out of Northwest Performance, it seemed to scrape across the floor faster...I think it gained some Horsepower. Ian can be contacted at 815-276-2292.

A Message from Doug

2009-06-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that is stopping in to check this goofy blog out. I have already gotten a lot of great emails so keep them coming! If you have any suggestions, connections, or pictures of the couch, please contact me via any of the methods listed on the right. This is just as much fun for me as it is for you, so lets keep it going.

Also feel free to comment on any of these posts.

Sign Appeal

2009-06-04T15:33:00.001-07:00

I think this is the best picture yet! Jim Busch, owner of Sign Appeal, was the first person to sit in on a pic with me. This is also the most "public" sighting of the couch. In order for this picture to be taken, Mike Missak of Bk Boat n Sleds.com, stood on the yellow line of Grand Avenue in Fox Lake. The looks that you get when sitting on a couch in front of a storefront are a BLAST! You can contact Jim at 847-587-4300.

2009-06-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

The next stop after TK was Lighthouse Marina in Fox Lake, IL. I tried to get Todd or Dick Cherniak to sit in with me but they chickened out. Todd has been a friend of mine and BK Boats for quite some time. This is the closest the couch has gotten to the water, but I don't think it will be long before it is out floating. Todd can be reached at 847-587-0611.

TK Collision Works

2009-06-04T15:26:00.001-07:00

TK Collision works is located in Lakemoor, Il. Torrey Fiorovante, the owner, let me drop the couch just outside the paint booth. I tried getting inside, but the years of dust and whatnot on the couch would reek havoc on the ventalation system. So, becuase I didn't have $40,000 on me, I agreed to sit outside the booth. Torrey can be reached at 815-385-0670.

Mini Sponsor Tour

2009-06-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Couch hit the road today and took a mini sponsor tour. I wasn't able to hit ALL the sponsors, but I did get a lot. In one run I hit TK Collision, Lighthouse Marina (new sponsor), and Sign Appeal. The couch got a lot of road time too!

Bk Boat n Sleds in Lakemoor, IL

2009-06-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is the first official picture of the new couch. Bk Boat n Sleds.com is the primary sponsor, so I felt the first picture should be at their doorstep. This is myself and the couch out front of Bk's Lakemoor, IL location.