the *NEW* tdc: online shop and a new look!
Welcome to the new look of The Design Conservative!
The year is young and already things are getting interesting in the world of Palin and politics! Not only are we in the midst of another exciting CPAC conference in Washington, DC, but I decided that my conservative wardrobe needed some updating (more on that below…).
As a result, it seems unlikely that things will slow down anytime soon, so I concluded that there was no time like the present to do a little website revamp! What’s new, you ask? Well, here’s a recap:
GETTING SOCIAL
While the old layout was fine and dandy, it didn’t incorporate some of the extras that seem to add to the social aspect of blogging. This new design is a bit more flexible in that regard. Thus, not only have I added a Twitter thread in the sidebar, but now you can check out some of the other Tumblr blogs I follow. You’ll note that some are political, others are simply tallies of personal interests. In either case, it’s nice to be able to share what others are up to.
CONSERVATIVE FRIENDS AND RESOURCES
Another shortcoming of the previous layout was the inability to add pages to the site. You’ll see that, now, I’ve added a couple of new pages in the title bar. The “Shop” tab is described in more detail below. However, the “Resources” tab links to a page that highlights the blogs of some of the best Conservative commentary and news out there.
Admittedly, the use of a page format is a slightly different approach than the “blogroll” in the sidebar of many other sites. Though these lists are handy, I often find it difficult to scroll through the sites and I typically don’t know what each is all about without clicking through. So, I thought I’d experiment with adding a few of my favorite resources - for various reasons - to a separate page. I may be fighting convention with this tactic, but I hope you will find it useful and easy to navigate.
The “Shop” tab, on the other hand, has to do with a fun new project that brings together my interest in politics and my profession in design…
AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE
Over the last couple of years, as my Conservative views have become more and more solidified, I’ve found it utterly frustrating that so many people in *real* (not online) life are unwilling or unable to express what they believe or listen to what I believe in when it comes to politics.
The United States’ republic was born of debate and discussion and the sharing of disparate views. So, I decided: if my social circle was uncomfortable broaching the subject of politics verbally, perhaps they would be more receptive to reading my thoughts on my t-shirt.
In an attempt to facilitate political conversation in so-called polite company I wanted to start a line of apparel and (eventually) artwork that communicated the values of Conservatism through classic, modern design.
Thus was born a new brand: DC Threads.
In the interest of free speech and showing the world that it’s actually ok to have a conversation about our political views, I hope you’ll check out the site and share it with your friends. And, of course, for the Palinistas among you, there’s a special design, just for you.
A NEW BEGINNING
I hope you enjoy the new look and layout of the site. If you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to share your thoughts! Note: If something is annoying or odd, I may or may not be able to fix it, so don’t get your hopes up… :)
Thanks for visiting and, most importantly, thank you for staying involved and informed!
- tdc
Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In my mind, the quote above gets to the essence of what the Civil Rights Movement was about and it provides a lesson that is as relevant today as it was during Dr. King’s lifetime.
Martin Luther King Day is celebrated in the United States for many reasons - to recognize the impact of one preacher’s life on the history of our country, to acknowledge the great achievement of all those who fought for civil rights, to recognize the power of a non-violent social movement grounded in God-given human rights…
One of the fundamental lessons illustrated by the Civil Rights Movement and, specifically, this quote is that it is not enough for each of us to pursue our own achievements, always focusing inward on our own lives and struggles.
Rather, one of the most generous acts that any of us can offer is to build up the people around us - doing our part to create an environment that motivates and encourages others to keep moving forward toward the the fullness of who they “ought to be.”
In our families, among friends, in the workplace (and, yes, even online), each of us has ample opportunity to make an impact in the life of another person and, potentially, future generations.
On this holiday, I remember Dr. King not only for his work in Civil Rights, but also for his example of an extraordinary life. A life that was lived - every day - to lift the gaze of an entire society toward the infinite possibilities that exist in the heart of every human being, regardless of circumstance.
Happy Martin Luther King Day to all of you!
- tdc
happy mother’s day and betty white is awesome!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the fab maternals out there! You practice your craft with all the grace, expertise, and humor that Betty White illustrated on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live - Thank you mamas and thank you, Ms. White!!
- tdc
america’s finest: happy birthday track palin!
Dear Track,
First, I hope you don’t mind that tdc is a few hours late in sending you birthday greetings. As you know, your little bro’, Trig, just celebrated the big “oh-two” a couple of days ago, and I was a bit unprepared to offer more witticisms and whatnots again so soon. Those two things don’t always come easily to tdc. In fact, some might say they don’t come at all. Hm. Anyway…
I was going to write a long, drawn-out post, as is my wont on these occasions. I was planning to extol your virtues, praise you for your service to our country (thank you, by the way), and tell you that, from afar anyway, you seem like a great 21 year-old guy that any of us would be proud to know.
But, all of that seems unnecessary.
You appear to do just fine hanging out in the background, deftly avoiding all the fanfare and excessive attention. Your parents speak of you fondly (and humorously), and it’s pretty clear that your siblings love and appreciate their big brother. What more does a guy need, really?
With that in mind, I’ll cut to the chase with this one and simply say: Thank you for proving to be one of America’s finest, Track Palin - Happy 21st Birthday!
- tdc
