T-shirts battle over landfill issue in Arcadia Hills, NY

This has to be a first for me.  Supporters and those against the recent efforts to bring a solid waste management facility to Arcadia Hills, NY have donned T-shirts.  Supporters were dressed in yellow T-shirts "We support Arcadia Hills" and those against "No landfill" had white T-shirts.  Meeting at the Newark High School to discuss the matter, I'm sure it was a wondrous cavalcade of T-shirts.

The issue of a landfill is not the subject here.  Its the matter of using T-shirt to send a message and show solidarity.  Much like cheering and applause denotes support, so too do the number of T-shirts.  Its a psychological issue.  If, say, the number of yellow (supporting) T-shirts outnumbered the white (against) T-shirts by 2:1, then it indicates the majority want the item or service.  Does that make the minority position any less valid?  It may prompt even more action on the minority showing to do more to make their point here and accepted.

Should those who attend be forced to wear a colored T-shirt either for or against?  Imagine having to wear a red t-shirt with the slogan, "I don't care.  I just want to know the decision."

Point here is, if you want your message to be heard and seen, wear a T-shirt with your cause clearly stated.

We Say Gay T-shirts celebrate legislative victory

The Tennessee Equality Project is selling T-shirts with the slogan 'We Say Gay' to celebrate a legislative victory as Senator Stacey Campbell's infamous 'Don't Say Gay' bill failed to pass, again, at the end of the legislative session on friday.  For years Campbell has been diligently working to get some version of the 'Don't Say Gay' bill passed which would stop educators from discussion homosexuality in grades kindergarden through eighth grade.

There is change sweeping the nation over the past couple years with the view on homosexuality becoming more and more accepted. See Stephen Colbert's humorous dissection of the story as an indicator that being anti-gay becoming a joke.

http://www.advocate.com/comedy/2013/02/08/watch-stephen-colbert-dissects-dont-say-gay-legislator

Usually, we see T-shirts sold to raise funds for a nonprofit organization. We also see T-shirts being worn to raise awareness of issues and subjects. But, its only in sports that we see T-shirts worn to celebrate the winning of something. The successful completion of something, like the recent NCAA basketball championship. Or, the Superbowl. But, this T-shirt to celebrate victory at a legislative is a rare item. It raises awareness of an issue, in that the issue was overcome.

What are other legislative victories you feel warrant a celebratory T-shirt?

Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night at EKU

The Clothesline Project was in Powell Plaza at Eastern Kentucky University April 23, 2013 where more than 100 people gathered to participate in the 10th annual Take Back the Night rally and march to raise awareness of sexual and domestic abuse.  

EKU students wrote personal notes, slogans and stories on the colored T-shirts to raise awareness.  The event was so successful it had to be extended.  Its good that awareness is being raised, but its also sad that we still have that many cases of abuse, sometimes resulting on death.  

'Break the silence, end the violence.'

G Wear offers tank top to help West, Texas families effected by explosion

G Wear, the eco-friendly fashion line is offering T-shirts for sale, donating 100% of the proceeds to the families of the terrible fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas (Club Central Texas).  Over-shadowed by the terrible Boston marathon bombings, the massive explosion in West, Texas has not seen as much attention.  Some companies and business have stepped up to help the families effected by the explosion, but more would be appreciated.

G Wear does philanthropic work throughout the year, but being a Texas-based company, they wanted to do something for the families effected in West, Texas.  The "West TX" tank top (not really a T-shirt like we usually cover here in this blog) is stitched here in the USA, made from recycled fabrics.  Each tank top can be customized when purchased, making each tank unique.  

Do good things.

Watertown Police release T-shirt to celebrate capture of terrorists

Watertown Police Department is working with a local business to produce a celebratory T-shirt to commemorate the elimination and capture of the Boston marathon bombing terrorists.  The T-shirt is navy blue, and they have replaced 'Boston' with 'Watertown' to the slogan of 'Watertown Strong'.  Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to foundation, which has yet to be created.  (Watertown Patch)

The Boston marathon bombings were, and still are, an emotional subject.  There have been many T-shirts created with proceeds going to a few common organization, such as The One Fund.  But, this Watertown T-shirt being offered to an organization which has yet to be created, and with no understanding of who is helps does sit well with me.  If someone found the time to coordinate the efforts of Watertown Police Department, TR Miller Company, Three Twins Productions, San Mar, NEW Clothing and Wired Blue to make the T-shirt available, surely the foundation (I'm assuming / expecting) will be a nonprofit organization with a goal to help those hurt by the bombings.

Do good things, but have a little more information when you press conference your intent to sell a T-shirt.

Red Hot Inkers participate in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5-mile walk

Red Hot Inkers participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5-mile walk by joining with the Chemo Courage Crusaders on April 28, 2013 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Our 'Crusaders' group comprised of three contestants from the Miss America's Outstanding Teen New Mexico pageant (reigning title holder for New Mexico Natalie Benson, Miss Route 66 Feliz Romero and Miss Rio Rancho Gabrielle Torres, and one contestant from Miss America New Mexico pageant; Catherine Compton.

It was beautiful weather for a walk.  Overall, the event was great.  They raised $258,825.39.  And for much of the walk, it was shoulder-to-shoulder walkers.  I don't know the exact count, but I'd estimate many thousands of people participated.

No, you cannot support the US troops with a T-shirt

Cejai Taylor was sent home from Mahaffey Middle School for wearing a T-shirt which violated the schools dress code.  Emblazoned with the slogan "Support Our Troops".  What's wrong with that, one might ask, and how does it violate dress code.  School officials noted the shirt does not have a collar.  That can be argued from a T-shirt perspective, but according to the dress code for the school;

"Pullover polo style or dress shirts/blouses with short or long sleeves with a collar are to be worn." 

The dress code also indicates the following;

"No sleeveless, see-through materials, excessively tight or revealing clothing, or logos over two square inches (except authorized school logos) are allowed."

On two counts, the T-shirt in question does conflict with the dress code.  Its not that Taylor did anything wrong, other than wear a T-shirt which supports her dad who is currently deployed, and wear the T-shirt in a school at Fort Campbell, KY.

Again, Taylor didn't wear an offensive T-shirt or something to raise the hackles of school officials.  Its school policy to have students wear under-stated and boring clothing.  The focus should be on learning, not how cool of a wardrobe you have.  I understand that, it just makes for good publicity when a student is sent home for supporting her father who is in the military.  Its an unfortunate conflict.  If the school allows Taylor to wear her T-shirt where do they stop students from wearing T-shirts with logos and slogans.  Eventually, you encounter that breaking point where the perception and definition of offensive varies between people.  So, no logos, no slogans.

Be proud of your father and military Taylor.  You can't do it at school.  As we've seen time and time again, verbalizing support of the troops will be tolerated, but wearing the same slogan on a T-shirt.  That'll trigger a response nearly every time.

Boston Strong Chick T-shirts appear at Oklahoma City marathon

In memory of the victims of the Boston marathon bombing, a group of women at the Oklahoma City, OK marathon on 04/28/2013 will be wearing a blue T-shirt with the slogan "Boston Strong Chick".  The T-shirt is designed by Debbie Vinyard, founder of Happy First which is an apparel line of clothing for strong women.  

Vinyard will be selling the T-shirts for $30 each, and donating $5 for each T-shirt to The One Fund created by Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and Boston mayor Tom Menino.  The funds has apparently raised more than $26 million in donations.  Vinyard hopes to add to that dollar value.

She's having good success with her T-shirt as its not just for the Oklahoma City marathon.  This can be worn at any marathon, any event.  Vinyard expects she'll have to do another print run to keep up with demand.  (KJRH)

Admittedly, Vinyard is not donating all proceeds like other organizations, but unlike them, Vinyard has created a sustainable model where she she can continue to sell the T-shirts where the organizations donating all proceeds are only doing short runs.  Good job.

Do good things.

Believe in Boston T-Shirts raise $50,000 for The One Fund

Chris Wrenn of Sully's Brand T-shirts has created his own design of a T-shirt to raise funds for The One Fund which helps those hurt by the Boston Marathon bombings.  As of April 26, 2013, he's sold over 3,000 T-shirts, raising over $50,000.

Thats' really good, but wait, there's more.  Wrenn has another company called Bridge Nine Records where he supports punk rocks bands, and is selling four additional T-shirt designs in association with the groups.  To date, they've sold over 1,000 T-shirts.  Proceeds from those T-shirts will be donated to The One Fund, in addition to the $50,000 he's already raised. (Salem News)

Wrenn certainly has the market share to raise funds quickly through T-shirt sales.  Other music groups could take a lesson from the groups under Wrenn's banner by selling T-shirts to raise funds for The One Fund.  I know some are, but I'd like to see more.

Do good things.

More Boston Strong T-shirts

Corporate Image Apparel and UMass Dartmouth graphics arts student, Colby Dumont, have joined forces to offer another Boston Strong T-shirt to the potpourri of T-shirts being offered with the intent of raising funds for The One Fund.  Both had been wanting to help those hurt by the Boston Marathon bombings, and this seemed a good fit.

They hope to sell 1,000 T-shirts and raise $17,000 for The One Fund.  As of April 26, 2013 they have sold 75 T-shirts.  The shirts sell for $20 with $17 of that going to The One Fund.  If you'd like to buy one of the T-shirts and support their efforts to help, you can buy a T-shirt at the link below.

http://ciaretail.com/ciaretail/Sport_Grey-Boston_Strong_Charity_Tee-by-Gildan/SKU-00760_Sport_Grey_BOSTON-STRONG-T/241797-2569007?A=LoggedOut

Do good things.

'Boston Strong' T-shirts - Update

In a previous blog entry we covered the story of two Emerson college students, Nick Reynolds and Chris Dobens, who created the 'Boston Strong' T-shirts and were donating the proceeds to The One Fund which helps those hurt by the Boston Marathon bombings.  

The two students were hoping to raise $1,500, but as April 25, 2013, they have raised $566,000. (Emerson College)

WOW!  That's great!

I hope we can learn something here.  In the face of great tragedy, the spirit of the community can be healed and united under a single banner.  I know many groups and individuals are designing and selling Boston Strong related T-shirts, but most are donating their proceeds to The One Fund.  We should all take the power of motivation from these two students as they… do good things.

Clothesline of T-shirts shown on University of Iowa campus

In the closing week of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, A Clothesline of T-shirts was displayed on the University of Iowa campus to drawn attention to the cause.  As in all Clothesline displays, the T-shirts represent victims of domestic or sexual assault, some, unfortunately, which result in homicide.  

Hundreds of T-shirts hung from clothes lines as part of the Rape Victim Advocacy Program's Clothesline Project, which is a national effort.  Their message was clear; no victim is the same and no age is shielded. (Iowa City Patch)

Of all the causes for which T-shirts are used to raised attention to, The Clothesline Project is one of the more painful to recognize.  Some of the Clothesline displays can show hundreds of T-shirts, each a victim of a sexual or domestic crime.  Its disturbing to see so many.

Do good things.

  

We Are Newtwown 12.14.12 T-shirts still available

Big Y Stores no longer offer the "We Are Newtwon 12.14.12" T-shirts for sale, but you can still purchase them at http://wearenewtown.org/.  Big Y Stores sold 2,810 of the T-shirts for $20 each, with proceeds going to the Newtwon scholarship fund.  That's $56,200.  Excellent.

The Newtwon scholarship fund was created in honor of the olives lost during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.  It will raise fund for Newtown students wanting to pursue a career in in education or teaching. (Super Market News)

I suspect other groups have donated money to this fund, but good to see a local store offer these T-shirts at the register when people are checking out, and donate the proceeds to the fund.

Do good things.

Jamie Nation T-shirts released to support Hahn family

In response to the terrible stabbing and subsequent death of Jamie Hahn, a 29 year-old Democratic campaign strategist, who died on 04/24/2013, a Raleigh, NC online company is partnering with a screen printer (Raleigh Screen Print) to print and sell T-shirts.  They will have two designs; 'Raleigh Nation' and 'Jamie Nation'.  Funds raised from the selling of T-shirts will go to the Hahn family. (News 14 Carolina)

I agree with Ralieghiscool co-founder, Will Hardison, that these T-shirts are a small, but generous action taken to help the Hahn family.  This is a great thing.  This is a perfect example that you do not need a world changing event to step forward and help.  It can be a local effort to help one person, or one family.  These acts of kindness should be more common in our society.

Do good things.

Cashing in on Nelson Mandela with T-shirts

News: Cashing in on Nelson Mandela with T-shirts 

Nelson Mandela is second only to Coca-Cola in terms of being a world recognized brand.  As a frail 94 year-old, Mandela is recovering from a lung infection in his Johannesburg home, South Africa is airing the reality show "Being Mandela" which is seen as a horrific defamation to the character of Nelson Mandela.  And, more importantly, some of his children and extended family are racing about offer all manner of products and services bearing the name of Nelson Mandela to cash in on his respected name.

In addition to a T-shirt with his image and the slogan "Long Walk To Freedom", there is a wine being offered, boxing matches, the above mentioned reality show and many more.  It has degraded to such a point that that some of his children filing lawsuits to gain control of financials of Mandela.

T-shirts can say a lot about the person wearing it; their likes, beliefs, but this is a case where we have to interrogate who is offering the T-shirt.  The motive here is purely money.  Monetary gain with maximum profit and minimal effort.  Who doesn't like those odds, but at what costs?  Aside from being a walking canvas to display great art, T-shirts in our current age have become synonymous with making a strong statement, and helping people in need.  

When I read stories about Nelson Mandela's children fighting over his money and cashing in on name, or brand, if you will, for the sake of maximum cash value before he dies is troubling to say the least.  If the party involved with offering the T-shirt with Mandel's image on it were to donate a percentage to a charity then we'd see this in an entirely different light.  The stain of bickering children over vaults of money can't be erased, but we'd see the desire to put those funds, which were prostituted from Mandela's image were going to a good cause.  

But, instead, all we see is greed.  Pure, primal, greed.  I can dream though.  I can have hope that those lusting over the fortunes of Mandela will see that good things come to those who give.  Give, and you shall receive.

Let them hear me quote one more time; Do good things.

Super Junior donated 2,000 T-shirts to Sao Paulo, Brazil

What?  You've never heard of Super Junior?  Super Junior is a boy band from South Korea, established in 2005, and became an international band in 2009 with their hit "Sorry, Sorry".  In 2013 they finally got a chance to perform for their Brazilian fan base in Brazil as part of their 'Super Show 5' tour.

As part of their attendance and performance at the Sao Paulo Creditcard Hall, Super Junior met at the Sao Paulo Renaissance Hotel where they donated 2,000 T-shirts to the Sao Paulo government and the Red Cross to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean immigration into Brazil.  Super Junior wanted to do something special and hopes this small present is used for a good purpose.

Well done, SJ.

Where is the line between Free Speech and Offensive T-shirts?

In this blog we've coverage numerous good deeds done through T-shirts.  We've even covered cases where people in positions of power seek to crush the expressions of a few because they felt the T-shirt was 'offensive' or could spark something more troublesome.

Here, I'd like to dig a little deeper into the subject of suppressing T-shirt designs.  I'm not referring to cases where public opinion dictates how a company conducts business through T-shirts.  A recent example of that is Nike removing their 'Boston Massacre' T-shirts from sale.  A common theme in Boston used in the past as a rallying cry.  But, with the recent Boston Marathon bombings, the populace is still rightfully raw about the subject.  I predict the pain will pass, and Boston will re-adopt the 'Boston Massacre' slogan and a rallying cry.  Maybe not for anti-bad guy reasons, but for sports, as it once was used.

The most common cases of suppression of free speech through T-shirts which supposedly contain offensive material, which is argued as our First Amendment right, occur in our public schools here in the USA.  And, most commonly, I see junior high school students being at the forefront of this conflict between self-expression and suppression of that expression.  The other, and more disturbing case of suppression, occurs from city officials declaring they know what's best for the city by imposing laws on what constitutes an offensive T-shirt.

Before we can question the right to suppress offensive T-shirt designs, we first have to define the terms.

What is an offensive T-shirt design?

If we're looking into the public school realm, offensive leans to sensitive subject matter in relation to the Gay issue.  Or, racial issues.  In the case of race, its usually someone showing support of their own heritage or showing respect for another.  Those are usually shut down rather quickly, as the school does not want to risk any racial-induced riots or fights.  I can understand.  In my youth, in my latter years of high school, we had an infusion of Vietnamese kids come into our school.  Mind you, we weren't that long removed from the Vietnam war, er, conflict.  TV and movies were still showing Vietnam as the bad guys.  We had a few kids band together with T-shirts with crudely written hate messages with unfortunate racial slurs towards the Vietnamese.  Things came to a head when a big fight broke out near the buses at the end of the school day.  It was got really scary there until the fight was stopped by teachers and school officials.  

The Gay issue in public schools is very unique.  I think for as long as there has been public school, there have been anti-gay statements made within the schools.  The word 'fag' was so over-used that it became this ubiquitous term used to denote anyone who was stupid, dumb or dorky.  If someone wasn't liked, for whatever reason, they were labelled a fag.  I don't mean homosexual in nature, just in a general dumb-ass nature.  With that in mind, kids today are incredibly savvy when it comes to proclaiming their beliefs via a T-shirt in response to the Gay issue.  As an 8th grader recently showed last month, wearing a message that indicated she didn't approve of Gays was challenged by a school board.  They felt it was hate speech, but the ACLU stepped in and forced the school to change its position on the grounds that the student's beliefs said that being Gay was not correct.  Not acceptable.  It was evil.  Wrong.  Her T-shirt made that point.  She was not claiming hatred or acts of violence against Gays, only that she didn't approve of being Gay.  There's your First Amendment right working as designed.  Even if the message sets your blood on fire, its the student's right to make that declaration.  Its your beliefs versus the other person's beliefs.  Its only positions of power that can suppress the beliefs of one in favor of another.

If we're talking about city officials, the word offensive usually has a sexual origin to it.  Its these people in positions of power who will create laws to force one agenda over another.  In recent memory, city officials in southern Florida towns have taken upon themselves to decry the abomination of sexually oriented T-shirts, and force retailers to position these T-shirts into newly created 'adult' areas for 18 yeas and older for viewing.

I'm going to step out on this subject with common sense and declare these suppression of rights, to display in store and sell these so-called offensive T-shirts, a very poor choice for two core reasons.

First, once the offensive T-shirt is legally viewed by an adult, and purchased by an adult, said adult can wear the T-shirt in public, in direct and unhindered view of children (gasp - oh the horrors).  We're talking about the same T-shirt which could see the store owner fined (substantially) for displaying it in their store in direct, unhindered view of children.  That reason alone shows a desire to punish the store owner for daring to even sell the T-shirt.  I'm sure city officials would love to fine and jail anyone wearing an offensive T-shirt in public, but they are at least smart enough to know when they are overtly trampling the First Amendment and common basic civil rights.

Second, with the curious, and unnatural aversion to sexually oriented T-shirts, why is not the same attention drawn to violent themed T-shirts.  Its my position that violence is much more corrosive to our youth than sex.  Have you actually seen some of the cartoons today's youth watch?  Try making it through just one episode of Sponge Bob Square Pants without cringing in view of the exaggerated violence.  One only has to dial the time machine back a few ears to the Power Rangers.  In its zenith of popularity, children were wearing clothes, had lunch boxes and all manner of merchandise of their heroes.  I personally witnessed children mock beating the shit out of each in their desire to replay those wildly violent battles they saw on Saturday morning cartoons.  

I find it truly mind boggling that people are more accepting of allowing our youth frequent and unhindered access to violence, but fall to near seizure mode when considering how to explain the world of sexually oriented material to a child.  I'm not calling into question the violence consumed by children, as I grew up watching the Roadrunner cartoons and I consider myself a respectable and stable person.  I'm no one special in that department though.  In the USA entertainment culture, it is incredibly difficult to to navigate life without seeing some level of violence in entertainment.  I hope that's not an argument for suppressing sexually oriented T-shirts.

So, what have we learned?  Have we defined what offensive means?  No, because offensive is subjective.  Offensive is defined by those in positions of power.  As a king may dictate laws of the land, edicts are established, based on the those currently in power, to suppress views and beliefs of others.  In some cases, those rules are in place to maintain a sense of peace, but in most cases its to further a personal agenda which is believed to be for the betterment of society.  

In closing, let me try a definition of offensive.  I believe any T-shirt with imagery or slogans which promote Fraud, Force or Coercion towards another person is offensive.  Those acts are morally and legally wrong, too, but to wear a T-shirt which promotes that is offensive.  That said, I don't consider "Cereal Killer" an offensive T-shirt.  Its punny.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

'God Bless West' T-shirts show spirit of the town

The town of West, Texas is still recovering from the fertilizer plant explosion which occurred last week, leaving 14 people killed and more than 160 injured.  Throughout the town, resident attended church last sunday wearing T-shirt with the slogan 'God Bless West', as a show of spirit and faith they will overcome this tragedy. (Los Angeles Times)

My sympathies go out to the people and community of West, Texas.  I know they are hurting and suffering right now.  Be strong, and continue to use the T-shirts to show one another that you can and will stand strong.

Be well.

Haters will Hate the free market for selling Boston Strong T-shirts

Nothing makes a popular story, except those doing good deeds, than bashing those who dare to make a dollar.  In these raw times in the post-Boston Marathon bombings, words like "Entrepreneur" are spat to the sidewalk with terrible distaste.  Why the hate? Its easy to twist the feelings and cheaply play upon the emotions of others and make it seem like there's a feeding of tragic incidents, but all these T-shirts being created and printed are making money.  Some more than others.  And, if they are not making money, its for a limited time only only.  Why?  Because its costs money to print T-shirts.  Ignoring the actual cost of the garments themselves, inks, solvents, cleansers, packing, shipping materials, there's the labor.  Screen printers would go out of business within a month if they had to play to the childish tantrums of those spitting the word "Entrepreneur".  

In an article I saw, the company Chowdaheadz was being demonized by implying they were taking advantage of the Boston Bombings by offers T-shirts.  If one were to take even a casual glance at their site, they'd see Chowdaheadz is donating 20% of each T-shirt sold to The One Fund.  Yes, the same fund that the big named companies and campaigns with more headline news time like Adidas donate to.

So, to all those who are critical of all "Entrepreneurs" for selling Boston Strong T-shirts, change your diaper and put the pacifier back in your mouth.  When you can come to the plate with a real news story of people doing good deeds, stay quiet and allow enterprising individuals and companies make a dollar and help those truly in need.

Remember, before you start pointing an accusing finger at others, how much money have you raised for The One Fund?

   

   

OKC artist raising funds for Boston bombing victims through T-shirt sales

Ashley Griffith, an Oklahoma City artist, and a Red Cross volunteer during the OCK bombing in 1995 felt compelled to do something in response to the Boston bombings.  She created a design for a friend to wear at the OCK memorial when someone indicated she should create more for those who wanted to remember the Boston bombing victims.  So, she posted the design on her Facebook page and ordered 20 T-shirts.  She was soon overwhelmed with orders and turned to a local screen printer for help, who donated their services.  Together, they have printed 500 T-shirts.  $15 of the $20 for the T-shirts will be donated to the Limbs For Life organization to help all 13 victims who lost a limb in the bombings. (News 9 Oklahoma)

In case you thought enough T-shirts for the Boston bombing victims were already in circulation, this shows there is room to do good deeds and help those people injured by the tragedy.

Do good things.

Orangutan at zoo steals T-shirt

The video in the below link is an orangutan at a zoo.  It starts with, presumably, one of the zoo patrons having gotten too close to the cage of the orangutan and its grabbed his T-shirt.  Struggling to break free, the patron eventually decides to give up the T-shirt, allowing the orangutan to parade around the cage to the laughter and cheers of the audience.  The orangutan almost gets the T-shirt put on correctly.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqcPqVdyXxE

Chik-fil-A challenges 'Eat More Kale" T-shirt slogan

It seems if Chik-fil-A isn't in the news with curious or bad press, they're doing something wrong.  Anyone remember  when Chik-fil-A threw their hat into the Gay issue back in July 2012?  Well, they're at it again.  This time, commanding Bo Muller-Moore to stop printing T-shirts with the slogan "Eat More Kale."  According to Chik-fil-A, the slogan is too close to the slogan they use; "Eat Mor Chickin'."

To combat this attack by Chik-fil-A, Muller-Moore has filed for a trademark for "Eat More Kale", but preliminary indications are that he won't get it.  He's been given six months to appeal the decision.  He hasn't decided if he'll appeal, but for now, business has been good and he's garnered a fan base, along with Vermont governor, who hope he pulls off an upset against Chik-fil-A. (Newser)

There must be more to this story than the slogan.  Until it was revealed that Chik-fil-A felt the slogan conflicts with theirs, I didn't make any such association between the Kale slogan and Chik-fil-A's, who's slogan suffers from poor spelling.

Power to the underdog.

Pinterest - Things to make with T-shirts

Things to make with T-shirts

Here we have another selection of projects one can do with only (or new) T-shirts by Laura Sloan.  I've seen some of the projects listed in the link below, but most are new to me.  A couple bleaching projects look very fascinating.  I like the pink T-shirt with the horse.  This Pinterest page contains many projects beyond the trendy stuff we've seen previously.  Here, we have rugs, baby bibs, head bands and a good selection of skirts and blouses.

https://pinterest.com/laurarsloan/things-to-make-with-t-shirts/

If you are crafty and have access to lots of T-shirts, repurpose them and convert them into useable items.  

Would projects look the most interesting to you?

   
  

Mmmm Baconfest Chicago 2013 T-shirts are yummy

For those who enjoy bacon, did you miss out on the festivities of Baconfest 2013 in Chicago this last Saturday?  Shame.  I know I missed out.  That's ok.  There are still the T-shirts.  The image below represents just a sampling of the bacon-themed T-shirts walking around.

All these themed T-shirts clearly state how people can come together and express their love of something.  In this case, its bacon, but it could be chocolate, or coffee, or beer or a sports team.  The power of the T-shirt, allowing people to relate to their friends and family they proudly attended an event, and if possible, will mostly like go again, next year.

Enjoy.

Tulip Time looking for snarky T-shirt design for 2013

Last year (2012) in Holland the hot weather reduced the festival's main attraction of tulips to stems.  In response to that, Tulip Time created T-shirts and buttons which read "Stem Fest 2012".  They asked visitors to come back to Holland twice, once for the tulips and again for Tulip Time.

The response was successful and now Tulip Time wanted to build upon that success, so they created a T-shirt design contest for 2013.  Tulip Time Marketing and Group Sales manager Susan Zalnis said "People are looking for something a little snarky."  (Holland Sentinel)

Chosen from a review jury of 78 entries, the following people were chosen.  Congratulation everyone.

1st - Hope College student Joey Carty.

2nd - Tattoo artist Tony Putt.

3rd - Code Blue employee David Fleming.

T-shirts are a great way for people to express their love of art, and to help continue the success and popularity of a festival or gathering.

Ctrl Alt Design offers Boston Love T-shirts

To show their love of the city of Boston, and their passion to help the victims of the bombings, the design company Ctrl Atl Design created a T-shirt design to reflect that love and passion.  Robert McElaney - Ctrl Alt Design's creative director had the idea for the design while in response to the pain and confusion.  For a limited time only, will sell their 'Boston Love" T-shirt on their website, donating 100% of all proceeds to The One Fund.  As of 5 PM, April 21, they had sold 267 T-shirts, raising about $2,400.  (Metro)

Individuals and companies continue to popup with new designs in response to the Boston Marathon bombings, donating funds and charities that help the victims.  Of all the T-shirts I've seen so far, I like this one the best.

What design have you seen that you liked the best?

Do good things.

Boston Strong - Wrong City to Mess With T-shirts raise funds for victims

In Portland, Maine, a local man, Tyler Lamoureux, is using the rallying cry 'Boston Strong' slogan and adding to it 'Wrong City to Mess With'.  The response has been excellent. raising $115,000 for the bombing victims.  Money raised goes to the Greg Hill Fund, an organization that gives the money directly to the families.  Lamoureux says he'll keep printing the T-shirts as long as their is demand. (WCSH)

If I've seen one constant fact among those who create T-shirts to support the Boston bombing victims, is they underestimate the support of people.  That's wonderful.  We should all note that money will not bring back loved ones lost during the blasts, or erase the wounds suffered, but it will help with the medical costs.  Anything that can be done, is greatly appreciated.

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Wrapping Jane in Our Love - Quilt made from Irish dancing team T-shirts

One of the youngest victims of the Boston narration bombings is Jane Richard.  She is only six years old and lost a leg in one of the blasts.  It was revealed that Jane has started Irish dance.  This, combined with loosing her leg inspired Bree and Trish Johnson of Milwaukee to create a Facebook page "Wrapping Jane in Our Love".  They are asking for Irish dance school teams to donate a T-shirt with their school name on it, and the Johnsons would create a quilt. (HLM)

The response has been phenomenal.  So far, they have received nearly 400 T-shirts from around the world.  I suspect they'll be doing more than a single quilt.  If you wish to contribute to this outpouring of love, contact Bree of Trish through their Facebook page.

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Nike's 'Boston Massacre' T-shirt pulled from store

With so many good T-shirts to help the victims of the Boston bombings, we have Nike pulling the biggest bonehead move is quite some time.  Their 'Boston Massacre' design features blood splatter across the name 'Boston'.  The insensitivity is beyond recognition.  

The garments were identified when Eric Stangel, an executive producer and write for the David Letterman show, tweeted an image of the shirt.  In response to Eric tweet, representative from Nike, Heidi Burgett, responded they taking the T-shirts down, again.  They were removed earlier, but somehow kept getting put back on the racks. (Daily Mail)

As disgusted as many people over the T-shirt, the phrase 'Boston Massacre' has a history.  Originally used to describe an attack by the british army in 1770 which left five civilians and six injured.  The phrase was later adopted by baseball fans in a series between the Red Sox and the Yankees in 1978 when the Yankees overcame 14 game deficit to equal Boston's record.  This required a one-game playoff which the Yankees won, who then moved on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers and win the World Series.

History aside, I think its too early, or many not at all, to offer such a T-shirt, even if it was not meant in support of the bombing victims.  

More Restore the Shore baby T-shirts raise funds for Hometown Heroes

Dr. Jessica Wood from Manasquan Pediatrics is also contributing to the Hometown Heroes organization by selling her own version of the "Restore the Shore" design, just intended for babies and young children with ones and t-shirts.  Wood's design displays the existing Restore the Shore design, but with a bandage around the middle of the state.  All proceeds from the $10 T-shirts will go to  Hometown heroes to help people in the Monmouth and Ocean Counties recover from Hurricane Sandy. (94.3 The Point)

Those of us who have never felt the destructive power of a natural event like Hurricane Sandy, can't imagine the long road to recovery.  When people like Jessica Wood step forward to raise funds that help everyone in the community, that act is blessed beyond words.    Excellent work.

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Boston Bruins wear 'Boston Strong' T-shirts for Bruins-Penguins game

The fans, staff and players of the Boston Bruins wore the NHL stylized 'Boston Strong' T-shirts before their game with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Additionally, the Penguins head coach, Dan Bylsma, and some of the team players also wore the 'Boston Strong' T-shirts.  All proceeds from the T-shirts are going to The One Fund which helps victims of the Boston bombings. (NESN)

Classy move by the Penguins to wear the T-shirt as well during the media presume availability.  Based on many T-shirt vendors I've seen, they are all coming together and donating to The One Fund.  

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7-year old of Mateo's Litter Critters honored for cleaning up York City, PA

As part of Earth Week, mayor Kim Bracey or York City, PA, honored Mateo Maldonado, 7, for coordinating a volunteer initiate called "Mateo's Litter Critters."  On March 10, Mateo collected 47 bags of trash from just one area of the city.  Mateo appeared before his fellow students, got a hug from the mayor and a certificate for his community service.  Mateo and his fellow students were all wearing their "Mateo's Litter Critters" T-shirts.  On the front is the slogan, "Every Drop Counts." (York Dispatch)

Great things can come from small packages.  Mateo is a perfect example of that.  He has another clean up event scheduled on May 18th.  I hope others will become are of this and seek to help him.  The recognition by the mayor is a great act.  That recognition will have a profound positive influence on Mateo's life.

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$186,000 raised by T-shirt campaign of 'Boston Strong' for victims

Nicholas Reynolds, one of two Emerson College students has an update on a T-shirt campaign to raise funds for the Boston bombing victims by donating funds to The One Fund.  This is the same fund Adidas is contributing to, as well.  

As of 04/19/2013, they have sold 11,000 T-shirts and raised $186,000 for the charity.  The local screen printer Reynolds is working with commuted to donating 100% of the proceeds, up to 1,500 shirts.  The screen printer didn't expect to sell that many.  They were shocked when the orders kept coming in. (Milwaukee Mag)

Surprised to see 11,000 T-shirts sold?  That's great news.  That shows incredible support.  It warms my heart to see people come together and donate funds like, to a fund for the victims, which was coordinated by college students and local screen printer.

Do good things.

Student arrested, suspended for wearing Pro-Second amendment T-shirt

Jared Marcum, an 8th grader at Logan Middle School in West Virginia, has been arrested, suspended, and faces charges for wearing a NRA (National Rifle Association) T-shirt with an image of a firearm (AR-style) on it, plus the slogan "Protect Your Rights".  Jared wore the T-shirt thinking there wouldn't be a problem.  Why would there be, he included. (WOWK-TV)

Logan Middle School’s policy regarding dress states:

"A student will not dress or groom in a manner that disrupts the educational process or is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of others. A student will not dress in a manner that is distractive or indecent, to the extent that it interferes with the teaching and learning process, including wearing any apparel that displays or promotes any drug-, alcohol- or tobacco-related product that is prohibited in school buildings, on school grounds, in school-leased or owned vehicles, and at all school-affiliated functions."

With that said, Jared got into an argument with a teacher over the T-shirt which resulted in Jared getting arrested on the grounds that he was "disrupting the educational process."  A weak position, at best, by the teacher and school.  Abusing power to enforce an agenda in response to an emotional issue - gun control.  

My suggestion to Jared and his father, call the ACLU.  About a month ago they worked with a middle schooler which allowed her to wear an anti-gay T-shirt.  It wasn't considered hate speech, but considered a message based upon her religious beliefs.

The power of a T-shirt can be no stronger than within the confines of a public school system.  Students, teacher, parents, school boards and the community are all tested when a student dares to stand up against the normalization of the kids and expresses themselves in a peaceful manner.

Was the school justified in arresting and suspending the student?  

Red Hot Chili Peppers pose in iGiveiLive T-shirts

Members of the group Red Hot Chili Peppers and Olympic diver (Tom Daley) are showing their support and raising awareness of an organ donor campaign which started at the Torbay hospital in the UK, by wearing T-shirts with the iGiveiLive campaign slogan.

Having these musicians pose in the T-shirts on social media has been great for the hospital.  The hospital notes that while they've seen a 50% increase in donors since 2008, there are still 3 people a day who die because they aren't enough organs available. (Herald Express - South Devon)

I like when celebrities can make a positive difference wen using social media.

Do good things.

Adidas raising funds for One Fund with limited edition T-shirts

Adidas, an official sponsor of the Boston Marathon, is offering a limited edition T-shirt with 100% of proceeds going to the One Fund Boston organization which was setup by Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to support hose affected by the Boston bombings.  

No word yet on how much they've raised, but its great see Adidas step up like this and make this offer.

Do good things.

Dropkick Murphys raise $100,000 for Boston Marathon victims

I light of recent negative press of people selling T-shirts to make a quick buck on the Boston bombing tragedy, we have the Dropkick Murphys selling custom made T-shirts with all proceeds going to the Boston Marathon victims.  This is especially positive news as the band hails from Quincy, Massachusetts.  Local band supports local city. 

The band was seeking $65,000 in reorders as a target.  They got to the target in just 15 hours after the T-shirts were posted on their official webpage.  T-shirts officially go on sale April 30th. No telling just how much funds they'll raise.

Good job Murphys.

Do good things.