Other Cool Zazzle Stores: Designs & Photography by JC Thomas

Designs & Photography by JC Thomas is a Zazzle store out of North Carolina that has the advantage of having great photographic and illustration images from JC. Many different products adorn the site. Go take a look.

5 Groovin' Doug E. Shirts Designs

I've got more designs at the Doug E. Shirts store, but these 5 I'm really, really groovin' on right now. All of them can be found on multiple products; most are customizable:

1.

The Left Hand

2.

Montreal Flower Show 2007

3.

American Dream

4.

W.S.P.L.

5.

I'm Gonna Be Famous!

Do you like?

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: blackspanielgallery

The blackspanielgallery at Zazzle was started to complement the coin business that the owner ran and has grown to incorporate New Orleans themed items and inspirational items. Many of the items are beautiful (see the drinking vessel above!). Take a trip to the gallery today.

New Design! Montreal Flower Show 2007 at Doug E. Shirts on Zazzle

In 2007, my girlfriend and I went to the Montreal Jazz Festival in Quebec. We had some time to do some sightseeing and found out that there was an outdoor exhibition in various places in the city; the subject was flowers and design. I took a picture of this scene and thought I'd like to use it in some manner in the future. Well, the future is now!

This is the newest design at Doug E. Shirts and it's on Speck Cases, greeting cards, cups and posters. Let me know what you think either at the Doug E. Shirts Zazzle store, this blog or Twitter. And comments are appreciated! Thanks in advance.


See more personalized gifts from Zazzle.

Krista Tippett: Reconnecting with compassion | Video on TED.com

Krista Tippett: Reconnecting with compassion | Video on TED.com

I listen to Krista Tippett's show "Being" via iTunes podcast. It's a show that features intelligent discussions of all things spiritual. How people live out their beliefs has always been very interesting to me. I try to live out my faith in a positive manner and try to reach hearts with humour and positivity.

Krista makes a point in the video that we, as a culture, have gotten as far as we can with the idea of tolerance of others and intolerance of injustice. Now is the time to add compassion to our understanding of others. Within the framework of love, compassion takes us from neutral to positive.

Restaurant Review: Romano's Macaroni Grill, South Portland, Maine

For Valentine's Day, my girlfriend and I went to Romano's Macaroni Grill in South Portland, Maine. Because it was Valentine's Day, I made sure to make a reservation. Because it was that day, I took what I could get, which was 5:45 PM.

We got to the restaurant and was seated promptly. Our waitress was a great gal by the name of Karen; she made us feel comfortable. The restaurant itself had an Italian restaurant decor. The lighting was adequate but it may have made the interior seem a little worn.

We ordered one of the specialty drinks - the Venetian Lemonade. It was tasty and not strong. Bread was brought to the table to dip in the peppered olive oil; once again, tasty! Because it was Valentine's Day, my girlfriend received a complementary rose. Nice touch.

We both ordered the "Make Your Own Pasta Bowl" option. It was priced at $9.99 before adding meat or salad. It came out very quickly and was delicious (I wish I had asked them to go easy on the pasta). We also both got a desert (they have a lot of choices). It was fresh and sweet, just how I like it!

Overall, a great night that ended up just over $50. We were almost comatose from the carbs. From this visit, I would definitely recommend this Macaroni Grill location.

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: Lashed To The Mast

Welcome to the lunacy and political-themed Zazzle store of Lashed To The Mast. Run by myassaboy (I'm assuming from someplace in Florida), political statements and fantasy ramblings can be found on shirts and bumper stickers. Go visit the store and leave a comment!

The Doug E. Shirts Show - Zazzle Product Open #1

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: Scream'n Jenny

Scream'n Jenny's Zazzle store (out of Arizona) is full of designs like the one above! Simple and clean images that transmit ideas with an ultra-pop sensibility. Visit the store and the related sites:

• Scream'n Jimmy
• Grace Visions
• Monster Visions

New Design! The Hand (Right or Left)

The Right Hand Mousepad

The Left Hand Baby Tee

The Hand design. You can choose the Right or the Left. Maybe it's for when you're busy or lazy and you want to say, "Hi!" Or it's you letting some know to keep your personal space boundaries. Or maybe you just want to let people know which hand you use more often. You've got the upper hand when you have this design on one of these products!

Yeah, it's my hand. But it can be yours as well!

Look for a personalized gift at Zazzle.

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: Sports Spectacular

I definitely liked this hi-top sneaker from the Sports Spectaculars Zazzle Store. Lot's of sports related items with unique designs. When your not at my store, give this one a visit. Or check out their sister store, Sports and More.

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: Clareville

The Clareville store is out of Sydney, Australia. Not only are there some mind blowing designs (I love the iPhone cover above) but the profits from the store go to the Queensland (Australia) floods relief appeal. Please check out the store and tell her I sent you!

The Artwise Shirts and Stuff Daily

Get your news!

Through paper.li and Twitter (actually, the @DougEShirts Twitter Feed) comes The Artwise Shirts and Stuff Daily. It's my Twitter feed of visual artists and t-shirt designers and Zazzle store owners and related connections. The paper.li service takes your Twitter feeds (or soon: Facebook!) or groups or even a search and publishes them in a daily or weekly newspaper format. Then, you can share it with your group on Twitter, Facebook or your blog. People can also subscribe to it. It's pretty cool and, I must say, it's refreshing to view the tweets in this manner.

If you want to follow me on Twitter, click here.

Books I'm Reading: Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0: 1,001 Unconventional Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Landing Your Dream Job

I've started to read Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0: 1,001 Unconventional Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Landing Your Dream Job by Jay Conrad Levinson and David E. Perry. The image in the post has an affiliate link. I'm one of the millions who is looking for full-time employment that is worthwhile and meaningful both career-wise and financially. I'm betting that Guerrilla Marketing may have some insights I can apply to marketing my Zazzle store, Doug E. Shirts.

The beginning of the book states what everyone kind of knows already - things have changed! The workplace and the path to getting a job has never been more difficult. The difference so far is that Jay/David (I don't know who's voice is writing though I think it's Jay) tell us what what industries are soon to be history and the one's that are growing. I do think that the American public has yet to come to grips that some of the lost jobs are never coming back (at least to this country). We've inadvertently priced ourselves out of the game and big business (who despite recent rulings, is not human or tied to a location) has looked elsewhere to find cheap labor. The other thing they do to to dump payroll is to fire old, hire young and dump the job duties on those who remain.

The writing seems to be crisp and interesting. I'll update you as I read more!

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: Simo's World (Autism)

Arthur and his mom run this Zazzle Store out of Florida. The designs Arthur uses are cool and whimsical. It makes me smile.

What you wouldn't get by looking just at the artwork is that Arthur is a teenager who is autistic. The store is dedicated to Arthur to promote his art. Please take a moment or two and visit Simo's World!

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: saytoons

saytoons's Store at Zazzle

Saytoons hails from Chicago, Illinois and is not only a great Zazzle store owner, but a professional illustrator and cartoonist. As a kid, he met the legendary Grass Green (cartoonist/comic book artist) and he was sold on being a cartoonist. You can see his skills reflected in his artistic products. I like everything in his store; I particularly like his skateboards.

Check out his store and tell him I sent you!

Music: Urgin by Doug E. Shirts

  Urgin by DougEShirts

One of the tracks I created when I was playing around with Acid Studio. The tracks are created with music/sound loops.


This is music or sequential sounds created by me using the Sony ACID Music Studio 6.0. I have played guitar, roto-toms, oboe and guitar; however, I do not claim to be a professional musician whatsoever.


All tunes are downloadable and are registered using the Creative Commons Licensing. Feel free to use the music as long as you attribute me as the maker. Check out the links below to understand more about the rules of the game.


Creative Commons License --

This music free to share under a Creative

Commons Music Sharing License.

Join To Participate Mesh Hats from Zazzle.com

Join To Participate Mesh Hats from Zazzle.com

Get the wear that's sweeping the nation! Let everyone know that they "must join to participate." You decide what it means.


Create a personalized gift at Zazzle.

Other Cool Zazzle Stores: fch_agora

Flora is a Zazzle store owner operating out of Athens, Greece. She has some really artistic and beautiful designs that are all her original drawings and illustrations. Check out her store here.

Portland, Maine Case For The Ipad from Zazzle.com

Portland, Maine Case For The Ipad from Zazzle.com

A moose, Portland's skyline, and a fact about the city. Does it get any better?

I created this design when I first moved to Portland, Maine. I liked the idea of combining images of what many people think of when they think of Maine with the current skyline view. Portland is Maine's largest city and you can find out more information here. 

Doug E. Shirts on Squidoo Lens

I'm on Squidoo!

I have entered my store and info at djskagnetti's Squidoo lens page called "8 Zazzle Store Promotion Ideas to Help You Sell MORE STUFF and Build Up an Empire! :P." I'm hoping it does. Check it out, please.

I also have my own first lens for - you guessed it - Doug E. Shirts @ Zazzle. I've just started it and you can see it here.

Right Now Was The Future Shirt from Zazzle.com

Right Now Was The Future Shirt from Zazzle.com

A reminder to yourself and others to make "right now" count! Watch in fascination as people get what you're saying. Available in shirts, key chains and mugs.

I always like paradoxes and irony. It must be because of my love of time-travel stories in comics. As I get older, I realize more and more how little time we have in this place. Knowing that we're constantly living in our realized futures puts the pressure live our lives in the NOW.

Gay Pride Profile Postage Stamp from Zazzle.com

Gay Pride Profile Postage Stamp from Zazzle.com

A subtle, original image that shows to those who know that you support diversity and/or are part of the "diverse" crowd. This design is also available on shirts, stickers, magnets and aprons!

Class of 2011 - Unstoppable Tee Shirts from Zazzle.com

Class of 2011 - Unstoppable Tee Shirts from Zazzle.com

On the Doug E. Shirts FB Page, Chiefcliff had an idea for a tee shirt:

"How about a T-shirt, or lanyard, to hand out as rewards for high-school age scholar-athletes (you know, the kids who maintain a high GPA while earning a letter)?"

I thought it was a great idea! So I thought about it and came up with this design that now available at the Doug E. Shirts store @ Zazzle.com:

So, what do you think? Did I come up with something good? Please leave comments here or at the store.

The Class of 2011 is our future! With their achievements in both scholarship and sports, they will be UNSTOPPABLE! Get a shirt for your Graduate. Or better yet, get them for the entire class! Available on many different styles of tees.

Jake Shimabukuro plays "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Video on TED.com

Jake Shimabukuro plays "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Video on TED.com

Happiness is a warm uke.

I Love You! Card from Zazzle.com

I Love You! Card from Zazzle.com

Order by 2/2 to insure it will get to you on time!

Love is love. A card is only a snapshot of your current emotion and desire. Use this card to express your feelings. This one will work best with flowers or a ring or a nice dinner.

SK8 Crimes T-shirt from Zazzle.com

SK8 Crimes T-shirt from Zazzle.com

This one is for those skate-boardin' ladies out there. Please check it out!

O'Portland T-shirts from Zazzle.com

O'Portland T-shirts from Zazzle.com

Follow Your Bliss:

Laddies and Lassies of Portland! Show your love of the ol' Irish with this stylish design on the black tee from Doug E. Shirts! Follow your bliss and have it for your very own.

By the way, there are many Portlands in the USA; use it for yours. Saint Patrick's Day is coming up soon...

interbeing shirt from Zazzle.com

interbeing shirt from Zazzle.com

Everything is a part of creation. Remind people of the interconnections of life - Interbeing.

Interbeing is a modern term that describes the interconnectedness of everything. For example, the flower above can not be unless there is soil, sun, rain/water and time. We ourselves are not just ourselves but connected to many things; this makes us who we are.

Confused? I was at first as well. Check out these sites to learn more:

- 2.2 Interbeing

- CHAPTER 13: THICH NHAT HANH

O'Portland Neck Ties from Zazzle.com

O'Portland Neck Ties from Zazzle.com

Follow Your Bliss:

Laddies and Lassies of Portland! Show your love of the ol' Irish with this stylish design on a beautiful neck tie from Doug E. Shirts! Follow your bliss and have it for your very own.

By the way, there are many Portlands in the USA; use it for yours. Saint Patrick's Day is coming up soon...

Thanks! Card from Zazzle.com

Thanks! Card from Zazzle.com

Sending a simple thanks really can make someone's day. Go ahead - do it. You know you want to...

I am notoriously bad when it comes to sending thank-you notes. I say or email my thanks, but in many circles that's like saying thanks under one's breath. I made these so I can be more motivated to thank people properly. If you buy some, let me know your address and I'll send one to you.

guitar collage shirt from Zazzle.com

guitar collage shirt from Zazzle.com

Never say that I can't shill for a fellow Zazzle designer. Leetpete commented on my post about the Peace Out tee and invited me to check out his Zazzle store. I liked what I saw. The Guitar Collage shirt stood out to me and I just had to write about it. It's great!

Do Leetpete and I a favor and check out his Zazzle store by clicking here.

Buffalo Avenue Books: The Reviews Are Trickling In!

Buffalo Avenue Books: The Reviews Are Trickling In!: "Two Tales of Atlantis received a nice notice over on Examiner.com. Much thanks to reviewer Robert Sodaro! "

The e-book is written by Paul Kupperberg, who has written and edited at DC Comics (Arion, Lord of Atlantis; Checkmate and Vigilante to name a few) as well as edited at the World Weekly News. I had the great opportunity to get to know him when I helped at A Timeless Journey in Stamford, Connecticut.

Not only does he have a new book but he's currently at Archie Comics involved with a super-popular series that shows Archie married(!). One storyline has him married to Veronica; the other has him married to Betty. You can hear an interview with Paul here about that comic as well as other things.

Peace Out! T-Shirt from Zazzle.com

Peace Out! T-Shirt from Zazzle.com

Spread the peace outwards from you with this design.

This was one of my first designs when I had started my own screen printing shop. It was one of the more popular designs. I always liked this one for it's simplicity and message. As always, I'd love to get your opinion on the design.

#whatsfordinner t shirts from Zazzle.com

#whatsfordinner t shirts from Zazzle.com

Taking a cue from the popular Twitter hash-tag group, this design spins the discussion to the spiritual pursuit of feeding the hungry. The verse from Isaiah 58:10 starts, "Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble." We can raise the awareness that while some of us have the good fortune to have choices, others struggle to come up with an answer to "What's for dinner?"

Just When You Thought Taking a Plane Wasn't Risky Enough...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

My friend Christine Negroni, who has an excellent blog called Flying Lessons recently shook up the aviation world again with her recent post about laser light and planes. She's in the video and a link to her post can be found here. It's a truly fascinating article. To me, it speaks to the larger issues of responsibility and the lack of boundaries when it comes to access to technology.

I'm Gonna Be FAMOUS Keychain from Zazzle.com

I'm Gonna Be FAMOUS Keychain from Zazzle.com

Here's a design I've previously used for tees and stuff on Zazzle's new Premium Keychain. They are running a contest and I thought I'd enter. If you hit the link, you can view it and comment. Or you can comment here.

Feed The Hungry Shirt from Zazzle.com

Feed The Hungry Shirt from Zazzle.com

Shirts for creating awareness of hunger in our world. What did you have for dinner last night? The back has the verse from Isaiah 58:10 that starts, "Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble." This shirt would be great for a group that's running a hunger-thon or an hunger awareness campaign.

I originally came up with this when, like a lot of people, I could not recall what I had for dinner the previous night. I thought of the fact that I was so blessed to to take dinner for granted when many people in the world can't. But I was also troubled that people go hungry on a regular basis around the world (including the USA). Hopefully, together we can all do our part to ease hunger and suffering in the world.

Birthday Love Card from Zazzle.com

Birthday Love Card from Zazzle.com

Here's the newest item that's sweeping the nation! Birthday Love cards, bags, aprons and mugs are great. You can even "Customize It" to make it personal! Do you have a special friend that has a birthday on Valentine's Day? This card is the one for them! Also on shirts, aprons and more.

Is There Too Much History for Today's Students?

I wonder if we need to rethink how we teach history in today's school systems?

I am an African-American/black male in a wonderful relationship with a Caucasian/white woman. She has two sons from a previous marriage. The oldest in in high school. We live in a very predominately Caucasian community.

The discussion had started when I was telling how I was disheartened by some the comments for this story. Some of the commenters declared the NAACP a "Black Supremacist Group." In the ensuing discussion, it was becoming clear that there was a division of thought in our home; whereas I thought that the NAACP was still a relevant, worthwhile non-profit advocacy group, the rest of my family was feeling that the group was impeding equality by it's very existence.

After that shock to my system, I started thinking. I really don't need to have everyone agree with me. But I did wonder if the schools in this area were teaching the historical basis for the NAACP. And then I wondered if the schools had time to teach that as there's about 30 years more of history since I was in high school.

At what point do certain historical moments get lost or get demoted for the sake of relevancy? What about regional and cultural variances? Does this predominately Caucasian community value Black history more than French-American (or any other culture for that matter)? I wonder about this because it's my belief that if the full history of the NAACP was taught to non-Black students they would understand why the group is still relevant. My fear is that there's no time in school to adequately cover this or other historical moments that would prevent someone to making snap judgements.

I'm thinking that history is becoming more subjective every day. And that soon, very soon, information that my generation takes for granted will be a sidebar in a history book (if it's in there at all).

The I Have a Dream Speech - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net

The I Have a Dream Speech - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net

As we reflect on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., I think about the idea of living life without fear. Living my life knowing what a gift it is and not wasting it. Realizing I own nothing and my life should reflect how I treat others and not how I profit from others. Everything I do should contain something that makes us better people. Living my life in a positively, hopefully and fearlessly.

Watch more free documentaries

Elevator Rider Types: The Waiter

This person is usually someone who a) is claustrophobic, b) is overweight, c) has personal space issues and/or d) is fearful of riding elevators in general. The Waiter sees a near-full elevator and freaks out. They decide to take the next one, providing they won't be in stuffed elevator.

In rare occurrences, they will opt to take the stairs rather than stand with the huddled masses. This is preferable to the experience of rubbing against shoulders (or other body parts), backpacks, seeing-eye dogs or germ-covered people. The last is particularly true during the various cold and flu seasons.

A variation of this type is the Hopper. This rider will get on a packed elevator as to not look unsociable but will silently panic and get off on the next floor. He or she will perhaps give some lame excuse ("Oh my! I think I may have left my phone in the car.") and take their chances with the next ride.

W.S.P.L. COFFEE MUG from Zazzle.com

W.S.P.L. COFFEE MUG from Zazzle.com

This design is great for groups going on a mission trip.

I've gone on mission trips to Maine and New Orleans as well as volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. I can testify that all four phrases are applicable!

Let me know what you think and leave a comment here or at the Doug E. Shirts site. Thanks in advance!

I Love You! Card from Zazzle.com

I Love You! Card from Zazzle.com

Love is love. A card is only a snapshot of your current emotion and desire. Use this card to express your feelings. This one will work best with flowers or a ring or a nice dinner. Valentine's Day is coming up soon; buy a box of cards if your heart can't settle on one person.

President Obama: Memorial in Arizona

I thought the President gave a a very uplifting message in Arizona at the memorial. I just wanted to share this as it definitely moved me. It was the kind of speech (it wasn't a eulogy, right?) that I think we all need to hear just about now.

Men's Diversity Lo-Top Keds by dougeshirts Design your own shoes at zazzle.com

Men's Diversity Lo-Top Keds by dougeshirts
Design your own shoes at zazzle.com

Traditional African-American colors for all Keds Men's lo-top lovers no matter what color you are. Live life funky! This is my first sneaker design and I think it's pretty cool if I do say so myself. I'm looking to create 11 more designs for 2011. I'm very excited. About this.

O'Portland T-shirt from Zazzle.com

O'Portland T-shirt from Zazzle.com

It's never too early to plan for Saint Patrick's Day! Well, maybe this may be a wee to early, but I figured I'd clue you in to the O'Portland design I have at the Doug E Shirts site at Zazzle (associate link). This design is on a bunch of products. Here's an example:

I created the design when I first moved to Portland, Maine. But I discovered that there's about 16 Portlands in the United States. So this design can work in a lot of places! Please check it out and let me know what you think...

Portland, Maine's Largest City bag from Zazzle.com

Portland, Maine's Largest City bag from Zazzle.com

When I moved to Maine, I first lived in Portland. It's a really cool place that faces the a lot of the same problems as other small cities in the Northeast. I was surprised that, with a population of almost 63,000 (as of 2007), Portland is Maine's largest city.

Thus the beginning of this design that incorporates one view of Portland's skyline against what a lot of people think of when they think of Maine - a moose.

This design is available on the bag, white tees and aprons. Please take a peek and let me know what you think.

Elevator Blogs: The Elevator Preservation Blog

The Elevator Preservation Blog, started in May 2009, is a great blog for elevator historians and enthusiasts. This is from their About Us page:

"The Elevator Preservation Blog is a unique website that’s dedicated to sharing with you photographs, pictures and information relating to old elevator equipment. The authors who write here have a great passion for old elevators and a passion for preserving the interior looks and features to the time the building/elevator was first constructed."

It's a blog that is run by volunteers (they are always looking for more!) and they hope to provide information that will aid in the repair and preservation of these wonders of the past.