Didn't get what you wanted for the holidays?

Update: We've extended this sale until January 9!

Didn't get what you wanted for the holidays? Get it now during our post-holiday blowout sale. Here's the deal:

$5 off Sweatshirts, Tracksuits, and Hoodies Coupon Code: BIG5

$4 off Greeting Cards Coupon Code: BIG4

$2 off Oval Ornaments and Round Ornaments Coupon Code: BIG2

Hurry sale ends January 4.

Fact Checking for the Washington Post

At the end of this article in today's Washington Post, Robert I. Artisst, Sr is identified as an ANC Commissioner, which he is not. We're such sticklers for detail.

Wizards' Winning Streak Ends

Yep, the Wizards lost a close match to the Suns tonight. During most of the game, the warriors of the MCI Center were able to keep up with their opponent despite lower than usual production from starters Arenas and Jamison.

Let's hope Washington can beat the Heat on Friday.

Three game winning streak!

Tonight's win against the Lakers was the third in a row for the Wizards. Washington did a good job of capitalizing on Laker turnovers.

Two more wins 'til .500.

Another Exciting Ending for the Wizards

Were we the only ones who thought our hearts would stop when Steve Nash got the ball with 0.8 seconds left in the game? His miss was a lucky break for Washington who got the win and now heads home after a five game road trip.

Go Wizards!

Post-holiday Blowout Sale

Our post-holiday blowout sale runs December 28 to January 4.

$5 off
Sweatshirts, Tracksuits, and Hoodies (includes Kid Sweatshirts, Raglan Hoodies, and Jr Hoodies)
Coupon Code: BIG5

$4 off
Greeting Cards and Wall Calendars Coupon Code: BIG4

$2 off
Ornaments (Round and Oval) Coupon Code: BIG2


It's all at Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts.

A Few Choice Words and Skid has Wizards Growing Restless in Wednesday's Washington Post sports section both are about what wrong with the Wizards. The former attributes the wiz kids' troubles to a curse and the latter to a lack of on-court chemistry.

Truly there's no one thing that accounts for the Wizards 10-14 season (they won tonight!). We all expected great things after last year's season and winning a playoff series. Then the team teased us by starting this season 5-1. But this season's Wizards aren't last season's. We don't have Hughes, Dixon, and Blake. Post writer Ivan Carter is on to something by focusing of the need for the team to develop some on-court chemistry. And to Kornheiser, some of us just aren't buying the curse theory.

DC DPW Reminds Us to Recycle our "Holiday Cheer"

From the DC Department of Public Works:

Gift wrapping paper, holiday catalogues, gift boxes, and greeting cards are all recyclable.

(Washington, DC) The holiday season* offers many opportunities to recycle, above and beyond the usual paper, plastic, glass, and metal, according to the District Department of Public Works (DPW), Office of Recycling. Rather than trashing those piles of gift boxes, tags, wrapping paper, and wrapping paper rolls, put those items directly into your recycling cart or bin. Don’t forget that all those gift catalogues, holiday cards and shopping lists are recyclable too when you’re finished with them. For more recycling information, call (202) 645-8245.

Get great gifts in time for the holidays

Shop now to get gifts in time for the holidays. Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts has 2-day shipping for the price of ground through December 19. Here's a peak at some of our most popular items.

Ward 5 Holiday Party

Councilmember Vincent Orange is hosting the Ward 5 Holiday Party on Friday, December 16 from 6pm to 10pm at St. Francis Hall 1340 Quincy Street NE. Rsvp (202) 724-8028.

At last -- a W for our Washington Wizards

Even without the injured Gilbert Arenas, the Wizards won tonight 94-74 against the Nets. Jarvis Hayes, who's struggled this season, had a spectacular night with 19 points. And the bench came through with great production.

Look out LA! Go Wizards!

Another Skid for the Wiz Kids

Yeah, we know our Washington Wizards are on a 3 game skid. It's sad and we don't want to talk about it.

Get Unique Gifts Saturday at Artists Holiday Market

Come by the Artists Holiday Market. No, we won't be selling there, but come out support other artists.

Artist Holiday Market
Saturday, December 10
11am to 6pm
No admission fee
St Francis Hall (at the Franciscan Monastery)
1340 Quincy Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017

What's cooking in DC kitchens?

Today the Washington Post asked for your favorite neighborhood carry-outs. In a town of time-starved professionals like DC, it's easy to see why carry-out is popular. But even the busiest among us cook at home sometime. When you have time to make a home-cooked meal, what's on the menu? When we take time to make a home cooked meal, it's often roast chicken or chili.

Don't keep your culinary accomplishments secret. Tell us what's cooking in DC's kitchens. Bonus points if you include a recipe.

DCist.com is looking for Puliter Prize Winning Story

The folks over at DCist.com are looking for the story that could win them the new Pultizer Prize for online journalism. We suggest that DCist report on the DC government giving a sweetheart deal to a major corporation that relocates one of its franchises to DC but demands that DC taxpapers foot the bill for the corporation's new facility. Oh, right...We'll keep pondering...

48 hour Blowout Sale

We're having a 48 hour Blowout Sale Wednesday and Thursday at Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts (www.bestdcgifts.com). Use these coupon codes:

HOL5 for $5 off $20
HOL10 for $10 off $40
HOL25 for $25 off $100

Happy Holidays!

Wizards get back to 500

Our Washington Wizards got a W last night against the Toronto Raptors in overtime. At 8-8, the Wiz kids are at 500 for the season. It's nice that Jarvis Hayes was able to make a big contribution after a disappointing performance in the last game.

Go Wizards!

Free Shipping on orders over $50

Free shipping on orders over $50 ends tomorrow Tuesday December 6. Use Coupon code FreeShip at Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts.

Wizards drop one at home

It was a hard fought game but the Wizards lost at home last night to the Bucks. By now, we've all seen the opponent's game winning shot at the buzzer. It was sadly reminiscent of Washington's lost to Detroit at home in December 2004 when Chauncey Billups put up a game winning shot with less than a second on the clock.

Judge Expedites DC Property Tax Lawsuit

Today the Washington Examiner reported a story that adds to the week's news about the alleged financial misdeeds of the District government. On Wednesday a class action lawsuit that claims the city deliberately over-assessed over 45,000 DC homeowners (in 2002) has been moved forward by a DC Superior Court judge. Despite the judge finding the property tax assessments in question "arbitrary and capricious", the city plans to appeal. If you're wondering if your home is in the class, the judge also ordered that all affected homeowners be notified.

Go Wizards!

Washington Wizards won tonight.

We're listening to the post-game show on the radio. As can almost be expected now, someone called in to player-hate on Jared Jeffries. The caller asked those same tired questions, "Why is this guy a starter? What does he contribute?" Here's your answer player-hater: Jeffries brings some D to a team that sorely needs it. He blocks shots and gets steals. He understands his team won't win by just trying to outscore the opponent. There have to be some stops on the other end of the court.

5,000 Hits!

We've reached 5,000 hits on our shop this week. Thanks to all of you who've visited and shopped.

MPD's Holiday Safety Tips

MPD has posted Winter Holiday Safety Tips. Take a look and be safe this holiday season.

Wizards' losing streak is OVER!

Woo-eeee!!!!!! The losing streak is over!

Our Washington Wizards won last night in double overtime 120-114 on the road. They served the Detroit Pistons with their 2nd loss for the season.

How they'd do it? They played great defense, including coming up with 36 defensive rebounds. They had amazing production from the bench. Butler had 27 points, making key free throws in the 2nd OT. Atkins scored 20 before fouling out in the 4th. And they had a little help from the opposing team who missed a couple of critical shots.

Go Wizards! DC is cheering for you.

Five Game Slide

Our Washington Wizards have dropped 5 in a row. Ouch. Tonight's game is against Detroit, probably the most difficult team to beat in the league right now. The whiz kids' chances to end their losing streak aren't looking good.

What happened to our Washington Wizards?

Last season our Washington Wizards dazzled us. Winning the first playoff series for the franchise in decades.

At the start of the season, it looked like they had picked up where they left off. But now despite a smokin' offense, the wiz kids have dropped 4 in a row. That makes us sad. We hope the Wizards will focus on defense, defense, defense because we're saving up for our playoff tickets.

What do you think the future holds for our hometown basketball team? When will we get the next W?

Welcome DC Bloggers

We were surprised to see we got a mention on DC Blogs yesterday.
Welcome DC Blog readers and visit again soon.

Free Shipping on orders over $50

Avoid mall-mania this holiday season!

Sit back and shop our popular designs on hot items including apparel, mugs, and stickers as well many exciting new buttons and magnets! VisitBest of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts and give an original gift to everyone on your list.

Shopping at Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts is easy and hassle-free with a guarantee that includes 30-Day 100% Money Back on all returns.

If you buy over $50 in goodies, Super Saver Shipping is FREE! Coupon code is FREESHIP. Hurry offer expires December 6, 2005.

Shop now and be done with your holiday shopping early!

DC Commuter Tax? Yes!

Vehement opposition to the a DC commuter tax both amazes and puzzles. DC residents deserve the same rights as other American citizens. If the city leaders of any other city in this country wanted to impose a commuter tax, they could do so. The District should be no different.

As the capital city, DC has expenses and funding challenges that other cities don’t face. DC can't collect property tax on the vast holdings of the federal government here. Nor does DC receive property tax from many of the nonprofits located here because DC is the nation's capital. DC has higher security costs because of its status as the capital. And those are just a few examples. For those who oppose the commuter tax, how would they propose that DC fund its additional costs related to its unique status as the nation's capital.

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ANC 5A07 Meeting

Commissioner William Boston held ANC 5A07's monthly meeting tonight. Unlike the rambunctious meetings we had over the summer during the historic preservation controversy, the session was uneventful.

Dee Smith from Councilmember Vincent Orange's office was present and took notes on the community's concerns. That seemed a bit unusual as I cannot recall having seen her at previous 5A07 meetings. Ms. Smith seemed genuinely interested and available to help residents. When she addressed the residents, she mentioned that the councilmember has an e-newsletter. (Who knew?) Someone asked why it isn't posted to the Brookland yahoo group. Ms. Smith handed the questioner her notebook to record the group's e-mail address.

The meeting for all of ANC 5A is 7PM tomorrow Wed. November 16 at Thurgood Marshall in Fort Lincoln. Development in that community is on the agenda.

Totally off-topic: the NBA's most attractive player

Ok, we're totally off-topic today. This weekend we're watching NBA basketball and the conversation turns to who is the NBA's most attractive player. To the DC T-shirt Lady's surprise, everyone else agreed that Allen Iverson deserved the title. Someone even said if we were to ask most women, they'd agree it's AI hands down. Do you agree? If you don't, tell us your pick.

New! We have ornaments, magnets and buttons

We now have peace ornaments, magnets and buttons.

An Official Fruit for DC?

According to The Washington Post, council chair Linda Cropp wants DC to have an official fruit. She's asked school children to come up with suggestions. Apparently, her stipulations are "apple" is already taken by NYC and it can't be a council member. The latter took away our recommendation. Oh well.

What do you think DC's official fruit should be? Let us know.

White Flight

Lonnie, who posts comments to the In Shaw Blog, is a like a muse. Here's another quote from Lonnie followed by some commentary by yours truly.

"How come when poorer black residents have to leave a neighborhood it's called "being pushed out" while when richer white residents have to leave a neighborhood it's called "white flight"? Certainly the riots of the late 60s and resulting poverty pushed out richer, white residents. It wasn't fair; they were forced out."

Historically in DC, the original white flight was associated with the desegregation of schools. The 1954 desegregation of DC's schools far pre-dated the riots. The whites who fled DC to avoid sending their children to integrated schools were not forced out. They chose to go.

Gentrification

Okay, the quote is from a comment posted today on the In Shaw Blog.
"If you're forced out, you just have to deal. There're plenty of affordable areas just a couple of miles away anyway. What's the problem with that?"

There are lots of problems with that. First, affordable areas aren't always "just a couple of miles away". The individual or family that's forced out may end up a good distance from their original home. Second, residents who are forced out aren't just leaving their home. They're leaving everything that makes up the fabric of that community: from the friends and neighbors they socialized with to the schools, classmates, and teachers their children cared about. Finally, the community loses whatever the residents contributed. Things that newer residents may or may not provide.

Yes, neighborhoods change. It's part of the cycle that cities go through. City dwellers have to accept that part of urban living. These changes usually bring both good and bad. When the people who kept the community going during less prosperous times are priced out, that's definitely bad.

Looking for Washington's Beautiful People

Washingtonian Magazine continues to smash the myth that Washington has a shortage of Beautiful People. Click here to help the mag find those great-looking guys and gals.

Enhance your own good looks. Wear our gear.

Holiday Sale

Holiday Sale

$2 off Ornaments, Greeting Cards, and Wall Calendars

Coupon Code: Holiday2

Sale Date: November 1 - November 14

We have a holiday goodies, peace gifts and more.

Good Job DCFD!

We love it when residents have praise for DC government agencies. Contrary to the implications of other media, the entire District bureaucracy is not dysfunctional. Here's what Stacey of the Adams Morgan Yahoo Group had to say about DC Fire Department.

This morning we had an emergency situation in our building involving smoke in our buildings' electrical room. Luckily, we caught the smoking circuits before any serious damage occurred. No residents suffered any injuries. I just wanted to thank the DC Fire Department for their prompt and professional response to the situation. They arrived in less than 5 minutes from the time we placed a call on 911. DCFD also contacted PEPCO for us and waited for PEPCO to show up to inspect the circuits. Thank you DCFD!

Check out our smokin' hot designs today.

Welcome Washington Post online readers

We didn't know our link to an article in yesterday's Post would get us linked from their site to ours. But we welcome you new readers all the same and invite you to visit often. This blog is ranges from random musings on DC to what's happening in our gift shop.

Thanks for stopping by.

Madness has taken over DC's real estate market

An article Wednesday's Post describes the extreme methods that twenty-somethings are taking to buy homes in DC. We're talking about interest-only and/or balloon mortgages, borrowing against retirement accounts, and misleading lenders. These buyers are betting on the price of their homes increasing and being able to sell before the mortgage becomes unmanageable. However, what they're doing is buying at the top of the market. It's the opposite of 'buy low, sell high'. Incredible.

If you're not over-mortgaged, check out our shop.

Sale! Fall Sale Ends Today October 25

Fall Sale! Last Day!
Coupon Code: Fall2

$2 off on Long Sleeve T, Jr Hoodie, Women’s Raglan, Baseball Jerseys, Hooded Sweatshirts, Sweatshirts

Dates: Oct 11 – 25

Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts

Brookland Festival

A big thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth at the Brookland Festival. It was nice meeting some of you in person. Hopefully, the weather will be better next year and we'll meet even more of you.

If you didn't make it to the festival today, visit us online.

Brookland Festival Today

The Brookland Festival is on for today. Come by our table on 12th Street NE between Otis and Newton.

See you there.

If you can't make it, visit us at www.bestdcgifts.com.

Q: Summer's over. What's there to buy at Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts now?

A: Hoodies, sweatshirts, baseball jerseys, long sleeve t-shirts and more. Click here for more.

Safety Tips from One of DC's Finest - Final Edition

Here's our final edition of our safety series by Officer K. A. Sodimu of PSA 401 and the Takoma DC Yahoo Group. And for Washington Cube, see tip "b" for the officer's opinion of "packing heat".

Preventing Assaults
Assaults are basically fights carried out with or without a weapon at home or in a public space, between strangers, (frequently) among friends, acquaintances, or loved ones. The most serious assaults are known as "aggravated assaults," "assaults with a deadly weapon," or "assaults with intent to kill." Less serious offenses are called "simple assaults." In many cases, simple assaults turn into more serious assaults or even homicides, if the initial argument or fight is not scaled back or resolved quickly. While some assaults are unavoidable, use the following tips to make sure simple arguments do not turn violent or deadly: a.. If you are involved in a heated argument that appears to be turning violent, walk away. If you stay and fight "to prove something," you will only demonstrate poor judgment in almost every instance.
b.. Never carry a firearm, knife, or other illegal weapon. A weapon will definitely escalate the situation, and it could ultimately be used to harm innocent people or yourself.
c.. Avoid excessive drinking, or if you have been drinking, recognize its impact on your judgment. Alcohol is a contributing factor in many assaults.
d.. If you see an assault in progress, dial 9-1-1 immediately to alert the police. Do not jump into the fray, unless it is a last resort to prevent more serious injury.

Thanks again to Officer Sodimu for these tips. Be safe everyone and check out our shop.

Next post: It's all about the gear.

More ATM Safety Tips

Here are more ATM safety tips posted by MPD's Yvonne Smith to the Brookland Yahoo Group.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs) have revolutionized the personal banking industry, providing unprecedented ease and convenience. But they have also created new opportunities for thieves and robbers. Here are some tips to keepyou and your money secure while banking at ATMs.

• Make sure you have memorized your personal identification number (PIN).Never write it down on your ATM card or keep it with the card. Never tell anyone your code or let them enter your code for you.
• Do not give out information about your PIN over the telephone-banks will never request such information.
• Try to use machines you are familiar with, and use terminals located inbanks rather than independent terminals.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look around before conducting a transaction. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
• If you must use an ATM after hours, make sure it's well lighted.
• Use your body as a shield when making a transaction at the ATM.
• Never walk away from an ATM with cash still in hand. If you are going to count your money, do so at the ATM. Then take the time to put your money awaybefore leaving.
• When making an ATM transaction from your car, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes and ears open, and keep car doors locked.
• Report any lost or stolen cards as soon as you discover they're missing.
• Check your receipts against your monthly statements to guard against ATM fraud.
• Tear up your ATM receipts when you no longer need them.
• According to DC Law, panhandling within 10 feet of any ATM is illegal. If you witness this, please call the MPDC's non-emergency number, 311.

You know the deal, but here's the disclaimer Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts is not affiliated with MPD.

Next time: a response to Washington Cube's suggestion to "pack heat".

Safety Tips from One of DC's Finest - Part 5

Officer K A Sodimu posted these tips to the Takoma DC Yahoo Group.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Safety Tips
a.. Try to use machines you are familiar with, and try to use terminals located in banks rather than independent terminals. b.. Be aware of your surroundings. Look around before conducting a transaction. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
c.. If you must use an ATM after hours, make sure it's well-lit. d.. Never walk away from an ATM with cash still in hand. If you are going to count your money, do so at the ATM.
e.. When making an ATM transaction from your car, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes and ears open, and keep car doors locked.

The Metropolitan Police Department isn't affiliated with Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts.

Safety Tips from One of DC's Finest - Part 4

Here's more from Officer Sodimu's post to the Takoma DC Yahoo Group.
Safety in Your Vehicle
The crime of "carjacking" - which is stealing a car by force - captures headlines across the country. Statistically speaking, however, your chances of being a victim of carjacking are very slim, and taking preventive measures can reduce that risk even more.
a.. If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is definitely worth more than a car.
b.. Get away from the area as quickly as possible. c.. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like-sex, race, age, hair and eye color, special features, clothes.
d.. Report the crime immediately to the police.

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Safety Tips from One of DC's Finest - Part 3

Here's more valuable information from Officer Sodimu as posted to the Takoma DC Yahoo Group.

If Someone Tries to Rob You
a.. Don't resist. Give up your property-don't give up your life. b.. Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.
Self defense measures are most effective when applied as preventive steps-avoiding the crime in the first place.
These measures include running away, hiding, screaming, and raising an alarm-remember, more people will respond to someone yelling "Fire" than they will to "Help!"

Disclaimer: The Metropolitan Police Department is not affiliated with Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts.

Safety Tips from One of DC's Finest - Part 2

More safety tips from OFFICER K A SODIMU's message to the Takoma DC Yahoo Group.

Basic Street Smarts
a.. Wherever you are-on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway-stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
b.. Send the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going.
c.. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
d.. Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. e.. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.

MPD can't support this site, but you can. Visit our shop.

Safety Tips from One of DC's Finest - Part 1

These tips were posted to the Takoma DC Yahoo Group by Officer Sodimu of PSA 401

Personal Safety Tips on the Street
a.. If possible, don't walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can-there is always safety in numbers.
b.. Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
c.. Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
d.. Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places. e.. If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
f.. Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
g.. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don't burden yourself with too many packages or items. h.. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don't turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
i.. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. j.. Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Metropolitan Police Department at 3-1-1. Or, if it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
k.. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public.

MPD is not affiliated with Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts and as such does not endorse this web site.

Praise for DC's DMV

A DC resident praises the city's Department of Motor Vehicles. And no we're not making this up.

From Honora of the Cleveland Park Yahoo Group:
The Subject: Pleasant DMV Experience (seriously)
I had a great experience at the DMV office at Brentwood Square today - the address is 1223 Brentwood Road, NE - across the street from Home Depot. The DMV has a separate building in a small shopping center - located about 2 blocks south of Rhode Island Avenue. If you're traveling from Cleveland Park heading east on RI Avenue, 13th street is on the left and Brentwood Street is on the right - turn right - the DMV building is a few blocks down on the left (Depot is on the right). I arrived at 9:30 this morning (the office opens at 10 AM Mon. - Fri.) - brought a good book and had a nice wait outside the building. I parked right next to the building (a few spaces are dedicated to DMV customers - otherwise, park on neighboring streets). There was a short line - about 15 people in front of me. There was a separate line for people waiting to take their driving test. Anyway, I got to the info desk at 10:15 and they assigned my number (I requested a copy of my title) - my number was called before I had completed the request form - I was out the door at 10:20. Sure beats the wait at C Street... It took longer for me to find a faucet at Home Depot. Plus, it's a nice atmosphere - the employees were courteous and professional and there were fresh flowers at each desk. ~ honora

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My friend's project to help sick children

Ok, this is off-topic. My friend Danita is working on a project to uplift the spirits of chronically-ill children. She’s collecting teddy bears from every state for the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, which services St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. If you’re not familiar with St. Jude, it is internationally known for treating children with the most difficult cases of cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. The hospital is not able to accept toys, but the Ronald McDonald house can. The teddy bears give these children a little piece of home when they’re away from familiar surroundings.

Here’s how you can help. If you travel to any of the states below between now and the end of the year, please pick up a teddy bear that has the name on the state on it. If you have a new bear for the project, please leave a comment on this blog. The goal is to complete this project by January 2006. Thanks.

States needed
New Hampshire
Vermont
Michigan
Ohio
Virginia
Nebraska
Indiana
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
South Dakota
North Dakota
Wyoming
Idaho
Mississippi
Okalahoma
New Mexico

Heard on the forums

Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts brings you 'Heard on the Forums', excerpts from online message boards throughout the city.

Ward 2 health forum includes free health screenings
From the Dupont Forum the DC Department of Health announces
Subject: DC DOH Health Disparities Town Hall Meeting Saturday, October 1, 2 005
On Saturday October 1, 2005 from 10am - 2pm at the Kennedy Recreation Center located at 1401 7th Street NW please join the DC Department of Health in an important discussion of African American health at their Ward Two town hall meeting "Health Disparities & the African American Community". DOH has launched a series of 8 Ward town hall meetings to Focus on Health Disparities in the African American Community. The Ward Two town hall meeting will include a health fair. There will be free health screenings such as lead poisoning, blood pressure, glucose,vision, HIV, dental and height/weight. There also will be valuable information regarding maternal and child health, health insurance, WIC, childcare, substance abuse, nutrition, child safety, sanitation, HIV/AIDS and much more. Food and refreshments will be served. For any other information, or to download a flyer please visitwww.doh.dc.gov <http://www.doh.dc.gov/> or contact the DC Department of Health at (202) 671-5000.

Neighbor provides local movie theatre update
From the Cleveland Park Yahoo Group Judy writes:
Subject: Penguins to leave The Uptown soon
I hope many of you saw the wonderful movie March of the Penguins, and you saw it at our neighborhood theatre, the Uptown. I saw the movie from Uptown's balcony which was a real threat to see the strutting penguins, the penguin eggs, the landscape, just everything about the movie on the theatre's huge screen. The manager said the last day for the movie at the Uptown will be next Thursday, September 29th. The next movie is Oliver Twist. Judy Hubbard Saul

Praise for a City Councilmember

DC elected officials hear the condemnation of their constituents much more often than their praise. From the Adams Morgan Yahoo Group here’s a ward one resident who appreciates her councilmember’s work.

Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 15:02:13 -0400
Subjet: thanks for serving the community's best interests, Councilmember Graham!
I just wanted to thank you, Councilmember Graham, for taking bold steps to alleviate parking problems and reduce pollution in our neighborhood. Setting aside parking spaces for shared cars respects the fact that we don't all need to own cars, and that choosing to own a car is often unnecessary and an undue burden on our neighbors. Truly, car share programs help reduce parking hassles by diminishing the number of us who own cars. At the same time, it reduces pollution by minimizing unnecessary car trips. There will always be naysayers in the face of progress, but we must press on nevertheless. Thank you for helping to make our community a better place to live by moving forward in the face of adversity to do the right thing.
Julie Eisenhardt

From the DC t-shirt lady, check our shop.

Summer Blowout Sale Ends Wednesday Sept 21

CP Summer Blowout Sale

Summer Blowout Sale starts Sept 14 and ends Sept 21.
$2 off Baby Doll Tee, Jr. Raglan, Jr. Tank Top, Women's Cap Sleeve Tee, and Women's Tank
Coupon code: Breeze2

Get your DC neighborhood gear today.

Voter fatigue?

Are DC voters already tired of the early mayoral campaigns? One voter voices her concern on the inshaw.com/blog.

At 9/19/2005 10:55 AM, Denise said...
"Cropp had kids canvassing in Cardozo and Columbia Heights yesterday afternoon, with lit left on every door. Then this morning someone was handing out her fliers at the Columbia Heights metro entrance. Can this level of effort really be maintained for the next year? For the sake of everyone's sanity I hope not."

Until next time, the dc t-shirt lady says, remember to support this site.

Heard on the forums

Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts brings you another edition of our occasional series, "Heard on the Forums". Here's what people are talking about on neighborhood message forums.

Attention Mayoral Campaigns
From Laura of the Brookland Yahoo Group
Subject: Mayoral Candidates
One of my goals for the next year is to do some volunteer work for a mayoral candidate. I've been looking over websites, etc., of candidates but would really like a little more before deciding who to support. I don't expect the candidates to sit down with me, and definitely don't want to start a campaign on the listserv, but am hoping supporters of candidates would be able to give me a little more personal view over a cup of coffee (I'll buy). If you are familiar with any of the candidates and willing to give an hour of your time, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!

Helping those in need
From Margaret of the Cleveland Park Yahoo Group
Subject: donations
Several people have asked for lists of places that accept donations, both clothing and furniture. So here goes, not an exhaustive list but a start: These groups work with low income and homeless families :
* Community Family Life Services, 347-0511, will pick up large contributions of clothing and furniture and other household items. Or you can take items to their office at 305 C Street NW.
* Bread for the City will not pick up at this point but will accept gently used clothing and household items at their clothing "store" at 7th and P NW, 1525 7th street NW..
* Hope and a Home and the Manna Community Development Corporation,both based in Shaw, sometimes can use furniture and other household items for their families, who are moving from homelessness into transitional and then permanent housing. They are moving offices, so I don't have the best phone number, at the moment.
Goodwill and Salvation Army sometimes pick up , but only for large quantities, and both have drop off sites throughout the metro area, mostly in the suburbs. Value Village used to come through the neighborhood regularly, calling to see if anyone had donations. They have been less reliable, but you can check with them, through the National Children'scenter. Hope this is helpful.

Say it aint so
From Christopher of the East of the River Yahoo Group
Subject: The Big Chair is no longer there...
So where did it go? Did it take a long overdue vacation? Is it the latest victim of gentrification? Or did it find a nice single family lot in Charles County? Seriously, there is a sign there that says, "I will return", but if anyone knows where it actually went, I'd be interested to know.

Get your DC neighborhood t-shirt at our shop today.

Neighborhoods we serve

At Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts, we have t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and baseball jerseys for these neighborhoods:

• Adams Morgan
• Brightwood
• Brookland
• Burleith
• Cleveland Park
• Columbia Heights
• Dupont Circle
• Eckington
• Foxhall
• Foggy Bottom
• Glover Park
• Hillcrest
• Logan Circle
• Michigan Park
• Mount Pleasant
• Petworth
• Shaw
• Shepherd Park
• Stanton Park
• Takoma
• Tenleytown
• Truxton Circle

Visit our shop today.

Helping Hurricane Katrina Survivors - Part 2

Back on September 3, we suggested via this blog that people who wanted to donate clothes to hurricane Katrina survivors should reconsider. As an alternative, our advice to those well-intentioned souls was to sell the clothing in a yard sale and donate the proceeds to the hurricane relief effort.

We're happy to report a family is doing just that. (We can't take credit, since we don't know the family.) Here's a copy of their post from the Brookland Yahoo Group:
"Hi folks, my 5 and 9 year old girls have decided to help the victims of Katrina by hosting a yard and lemonade sale. Please stop by and pick up stuff for your little kids, clothing, books and lemonade.... AND LEMONADE! All proceeds will go to help pregnant victims of Katrina with thebarefootdoctorsacademy. This academy helps send midwives to the area to helpwith birthsand pre and postnatal issues.

Saturday, September 24th 12-3pm 1531 Otis St, NE
Thanks, Heidi"

Bravo Heidi and family! May many support your worthy effort.

The Mayoral Race: Yard Signs

Yard signs for the mayor's race are sprouting across DC. What's interesting is while the Fenty campaign has its signs primarily in private yards, the preponderance of Orange campaign signs are in public spaces. In fairness to that campaign, we've spotted 3 Orange signs on private property. All of them were in Ward 5, the area Mr. Orange represents on the City Council. We won't make much mention of the Think Cropp signs, since they were not posted by the council chair's campaign, but by a political action committee.

Foggy Bottom is the newest Best of Washington DC Community

We're happy to welcome Foggy Bottom to Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts. Here's a sample on what you'll see when you visit your Foggy Bottom store today.

Click Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts for DC neighborhood shirts and more.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Shop now open

Cafepress, the affiliate of Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts has opened the Hurricane Katrina Relief Shop. All profits from the shop will be donated to Americares and the ASPCA for the benefit of the survivors. Please spread the word about this relief effort.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Shop Url: http://www.cafepress.com/communitycares/

Back to School Sale ends Tuesday

2 Days Left!!
Back to School Sale
Ends Tuesday, September 6
Take $5 off orders of $50 or more
Use code: B2Sale
Shop today at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc

Helping Hurricane Katrina Survivors

Yesterday DC sent 10 buses to Louisiana to bring Hurricane Katrina refugees back to DC. They'll stay temporarily at the DC Armory.

Today my neighbor asked me where to take clothes for the hurricane victims. I repeated what city administrator Robert Bobb said Friday on WAMU's DC Politics Hour. He said DC is not yet ready for citizens to start bringing donations of clothes to the Armory.

However, I had a suggestion for her and for everyone who's planning to donate things to the Katrina survivors. And please read the entire idea before deciding that I've lost it. Instead of donating things to the Hurricane Survivors, try selling your things. Then donate the cash to an organization that's helping the survivors. So everyone clear out those closets, and empty those basements. Then have a yard sale, or get on E-bay and raise some cash to help this cause.

Here's a Red Cross Article about clothing donations.

New feature: Heard on the forums

Today we're introducing an occasional feature to this blog, "Heard on the Forums". We're going to report to you a sample of what people are talking about DC's various online forums.

From tenleytown@yahoogroups.com, there's speculation on the race for city council chair.
"Jon" wrote:
--As many may have heard today, Linda Cropp has finally announced that she was running for mayor by an email her campaign staff fired off to all the news media. Coucilwoman Kathy Patterson earlier told all the news media that if Ms. Cropp officially runs for Mayor that she would vacate her seat on the council and officially run for Chair of the city council. Ms. Patterson is out of town but will be back Friday. Let's see if she carries through and battles it out with Jack Evans and Jim Graham for the coveted title of CHAIR!--

And praise for the District government in the Cleveland Park Yahoo Group, Leonid wrote:
--As many of us, including myself, sometimes complain about one or the other side of DC government, I want to mention a very good experience(and not the first one I have!) with consumer protection part of DC government. Early this year, I was a recipient a fraudulent job done by CaseDesign handymen. Written and phone complaints to Case manager making clear that the fraud committed were not responded at all. However, few weeks after I complained to DC Department of Consumer and RegulatoryAffairs, I got a check for full refund from Case.--

Quotes from online forums do not represent an endorsement of Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts and are provided for informational purposes only.

For more of what our neighbors are talking about, click the link to that forum. And please remember to visit www.cafepress.com/bestofdc and buy a shirt.

Until next time...

What are those new links? Tell us about your site

We've added some new links to this blog. Here's what you'll find when you click. Check these sites out.

In Shaw Blog (http://www.inshaw.com/blog/): thoughts on the changes in the Shaw neighborhood
Frozen Tropics Blog (http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/): musings about the Trinidad neighborhood
DC Watch (http://www.dcwatch.com/): on-line magazine covering local city politics in Washington, DC
dcist (www.dcist.com): dcist is a website about Washington, DC

Do you have a DC neighborhood blog? Tell us about your site in the comments section.

And while you're checking out the links, remember to visit www.cafepress.com/bestofdc and buy a shirt.

Up to Five

Five, count 'em 5, candidates are running for the mayor of DC now. If you've been following the race you'll know former utility executive Marie Johns and Councilmembers Adrian Fenty and Vincent Orange already had announced their intentions to run for mayor. Now joining the race are Council Chair Linda Cropp, a veteran of DC politics by any yardstick, and Michael Brown, who has a famous daddy (who we're declining to identify).

Previously we asked if anyone else thought more than a year prior to the election is too early to be campaigning. Apparently we weren't the only ones with that thought since the same question was addressed in yesterday's issue of themail on DCwatch.com. Gary Imhoff is spot on with his observation that only we "political junkies" have been paying attention to the race and everyone else will wait until about a month before the primary to tune in.

Ok, political junkies, what do you think of these 5 candidates? Do the candidates with little name recognition have a chance?

After sharing your thoughts in the comments section, please visit www.cafepress.com/bestofdc and buy a shirt.

Until next time.

Q: What's happening at Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts?

A: A lot.

We've listened your comments and revamped the site. Now we bring you a site that's easier to navigate, features more DC communities, and has a greater selection of designs. Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts welcomes the communities of Dupont Circle, Eckington, Foxhall, Glover Park, Logan Circle, and Petworth.

Check out the site, see other new products and buy a shirt at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc.

How an Office Worker became a T-shirt Peddler Too

Once upon a time I started a new job. One thing that my new employer wanted was company t-shirts. We even had a meeting in which we talked about creating company merchandise. Post-meeting, a co-worker e-mailed around the link to PETA's cafepress shop as an example of what we might do.

That e-mail lit the light bulb in my head. If my employer could sell merchandise on-line with practically no upfront costs, why couldn't I? Since I couldn't come up with a reason not to do it, I started thinking about what would be on the shirts.

In the streets, I noticed people wore lots of location tees: Atlanta, Brooklyn, Harlem, Georgetown... Wait Georgetown? Not Georgetown University, just Georgetown, as in the neighborhood in Washington DC. So I thought, other DC neighborhoods should have t-shirts. And that's how I came up with t-shirts that feature the names of neighborhoods in my little hometown, Washington DC. Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts was born.

My employer still hasn't figured out what it wants to put on its company t-shirts.

The end (of the beginning)

Please visit www.cafepress.com/bestofdc and buy a shirt.

August in Washington

It's often said that during August nothing happens in Washington. The heat and humidity are oppressive. Congress is in recess. The president is on vacation. But don't believe everything that's said. While those federal pols may be on break and the weather may approach unbearable, local politics has kept going through the summer.

Although the primary election for the office of Mayor of the District of Columbia is scheduled for September 2006, the campaign season has already begun. Council members Adrian Fenty and Vincent Orange as well as former utility executive Marie Johns have announced their candidacies.

While it's exciting to have all of this buzz about the mayor's race, has the process started too early? Does the timing matter? You're invited to share your opinion about the timing, the candidates, or any other aspect of the mayoral race in the comments section.

And after you've had your say, please visit www.cafepress.com/bestofdc and buy a shirt.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Back to School sale

$5 off orders over $50

Use Coupon code: B2SALE

at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc

Now through 9/6/2005

An Animal Rights Question

An animal rights discussion on a t-shirt blog? What's up with that? Here's what:

The other day someone said shirts for dogs are cruel...What do you think? As sellers of dog t-shirts at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc, we want to know. Please let us know through a comment on this blog.

Thanks in advance.

What is Inspire Tees?

Q: What is Inspire Tees?

A: Inspire Tees (www.cafepress.com/inspiretees) is a new online shop that provides T-shirts with (Positive) Attitude. Inspire Tees, a sister site of Best of Washington, DC T-shirts and Gifts, carries t-shirts that display uplifting messages of hope, joy, love and other positive thoughts. Visit today at www.cafepress.com/inspiretees.

New: Adams Morgan Kids Baseball Jersey

Read all about it! Get your kid the Adams Morgan Kids Baseball Jersey. It comes in child sizes small through large. This shirt can be yours at www.cafepress.com/bestodc.

More Shameless Promotion: LSBlogs.com

LS Blogs.com is the directory and search engine for bloggers. It includes free submission for blogs, blog hosts, tools and related sites. Search for "washington dc t-shirts" and see who comes up:).

Breaking news: Adams Morgan is a Best of Washington, DC Community

What better way to welcome Adams Morgan to Best of Washington, DC T-shirts and Gifts than with this cute fury friend? Get your Adams Morgan teddy bear now at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc.

New Service: Request your Neighborhood

Here's the situation, you visited www.cafepress.com/bestofdc, and you didn't see your neighborhood on a shirt. Don't despair, we'll put your community on a shirt if you e-mail us at bestofwashingtondc@yahoo.com. And yes, we'll even do neighborhoods that are outside of Washington, DC.

You'll be representing your community in no time.

Shameless plugs for BlogSearchEngine.com & StatCounter.com

BlogSearchEngine.com listed us in its directory the day after we submitted the site to them. Bravo. Their link is at the bottom of this page.

StatCounter.com is tracking hits to this blog for free. Their link is also at the bottom of the page.

Why focus on Washington DC neighborhoods?

Q: Why focus on Washington DC neighborhoods?
A: Because I live here and it's the best place on earth.

Seriously, I started Best of Washington, DC T-shirts and Gifts because many people regard Washington as the nation's capital and seem oblivious that is the hometown to thousands of people like me who grew up here. Put another way Washington DC is more than monuments and politicians, it's my hometown.

Next time: A little help from our friends

Celebrate Brookland Women's T-shirt

Celebrate Brookland Women's T-shirt

You'll be pretty in pink in the Celebrate Brookland Women's T-shirt. Get one today at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc.

Next time: Why Washington DC neighborhoods?

Fort Lincoln Men's Ringer T

Fort Lincoln Men's Ringer T

Fort Lincoln is a modern DC neighborhood with a civil war past. Celebrate the community and history with the Fort Lincoln Men's Ringer T. The "rings" come in your choice of black, blue, or orange. Available now at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc in sizes small through extra-large.

Next Post: Pretty in Pink

Brookland Tot Shirt

Featuring a toy motif that's sure to delight, the Brookland Tot Shirt is available in sizes 6 months to 4T at www.cafepress.com/bestofdc.


Coming up: What's a grown-up to wear?

Brookland Onesie

Best of Washington, DC T-shirts and Gifts (www.cafepress.com/bestofdc) sells gifts for the entire family. This is our Brookland onesie. It's available in sizes from 6 months to 2T. We also carry baby bibs with the same design.

Next time: More tot gear

Featured Community: Brookland

Brookland is like a small town within the big city. Tree-lined streets, yards alive with the sounds of songbirds and the blooms of flowers, and neighbors who know each other are just some of the great things about this community. There's even a "main street" that has shops and places to eat.

Brookland is sometimes called "Little Rome" because of the many Catholic institutions located in or near the neighborhood, including the Catholic University of America, Trinity University, and the Franciscan Monastery.

Next time: Brookland T-shirts and gifts

Welcome to a blog about a new business that celebrates the neighborhoods of Washington, DC. It's an online shop (www.cafepress.com/bestofdc) where people can buy DC neighborhood T-shirts and gifts. We've started with 2 communities, with more to come.

next post: learn about Brookland