The Washington Business Journal's 40 Under 40, which "recognizes the Washington region's brightest young business leaders based on demonstrated business success over the past 12 to 18 months," was just announced.  I'm honored to be one of this year's honorees.

As part of the program, they had us fill out a questionnaire, take part in a video conversation, and pose for pictures.  You can check out my responses and more info on the award here: Micha Weinblatt's 40 Under 40 Award.

As you can tell, i'm wearing our Tans and hot tubs T-shirt, but what you can't see is the shirt i'm swinging over my shoulder.  That shirt is an original favorite of mine, our Rachel's Bat Mitzvah t-shirt.

Anyways, thanks for the support and for making Crooked Monkey what it is.

I overnighted myself the Guys Fist Pump T-shirt and the Tans & Hot Tubs & Fist pumps & house music & Blowouts & Hair Gel & Poofs v neck shirt, because I had to have them. Usually I can wait for our new shirts; but not these.

Here's why: Last night I attended a fashion event in Washington DC for Luke's Wings. The event was fantastic and money was raised for a great cause. The location reminded me of our Warehouse Party.

Anyways, I was wearing the Tans&Hot; Tubs& Fist Pumps& House Music& Blowouts& Hair Gel& Poofs V neck shirt. I've never been photographed so much before in my life. I felt like Paris Hilton. I empathize with her a little bit now. Paris, if your reading this, me and you, were not so different. Next time you're in DC, hit me up.

Needless to say, you probably need one of our Guido List t-shirts or The Fist Pump T-shirts.

DC bloggers and trendsetters Ebong Eka, Kate Michael, and Pamela Sorensen have a bi-weekly webisode called "The district Dish." They feature individuals with interesting stories/businesses/charities/lives.

This week they decided to interview yours truly. I was honored to be asked to be on the show. Kate Michael writes and produces K street Kate, Pamela Sorensen writes and produces Pamelas Punch and Ebong Eka owns a men's fashion line called Mi Chiamo Eka.

Great group of people. I discussed t-shirts, the origins of Crooked Monkey, where we get inspiration and celebrities wearing our t-shirts.

Michael Wilbon was filmed that same day--so I got to meet him. He's a real real nice guy and very interesting to talk to. He's got a few more views for his edition of The District Dish than I do, so go watch my edition so we can beat him out.

Crooked Monkey was established in 2005. In May, it will celebrate its 4 year anniversary. We've accomplished a lot in our short history--featured in magazines, picked up by department stores and trendy boutiques, and put a smile on over 120,000 happy customers. And now, finally, we can add, "receiving an oversized check (a la Happy Gilmore) to our list of accolades."

Starting in 2006, Kevin Plank (the founder and CEO of Under Armour) has hosted an annual business competition for the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland, called the Cupid's Cup. In its first year, Crooked Monkey was nominated for the award and finished as a runner up in the competition. This year, Crooked Monkey could not compete for the award because our annual sales volume exceeded the upper limit.

Luckily BB&T; launched the BB&T; invitational--which features companies connected with the University of Maryland. It allows us to showcase our businesses, and invites students, alumn and other entrepreneurs to get a taste for each company. The attendees then vote for their favorite company and the winner is announced at the Cupid's Cup, in front of the entire Under Armour Executive team. There was stiff competition from a list of other strong, thriving entrepreneurs. But in the end our Funny t-shirts were a fan favorite and we took home the prize money and an oversized check!

Than you to: Kevin Plank, Asher Espstein (from the Dingman Center) and BB&T;.