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Friday, May 30, 2008
The NBA season is almost nearing its end, as the playoffs are just starting. Who the eventual winner that will represent both the east and the west is still anybody's guess. But the competition had now become so intense and the game is so heated up that supporters of their favorite team had made known their preferences and expects them to be in the finals. Many argue that they expect a championship for their team, no less. Aside from the mini flags that are waved during games, the more die-hard followers are now sporting car flags as well. And every time cars meet, they honk signifying that they are one and together in this endeavor. This season becomes a renewal of long lost acquaintances, of brotherhood as can be gleamed from conversation made in bars, restaurants, and diners about the impending games and prophesying about whom the eventual winner will be. Yes, this has become a time to unite and urge the local ball club to scale the limits of their endurance and ability. Yes, we have become a sports crazy nation, and the way we show our support to our teams is really phenomenal. We not only spend for tickets to the games venues, we also buy car flags to adorn our vehicles and mini flags to bring during the sporting event. Maybe we are just a competitive lot, and to show our enthusiasm we do things out of the ordinary. What about you, what team are you hooting for? Do your share buy your car flags or some other materials that will show your involvement to this noble cause.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, May 29, 2008
In one of my trips to Southeast Asia, I came across a Muslim wedding fest. The reception venue was just a few meters from the highway, but the place teemed with wedding guests and well-wishers. What is so remarkable about the fest is the presence of a very colorful central tent and the spacing of blank flutter flags of various hues that dot the area. The sight becomes spectacular when these flutter flags sways with the breeze, it creates an optical sensation that is only possible with these types of ornaments. So, I thought this could really be effective as an advertising medium. Particularly when you're opening up a new used car sales business or perhaps a new diner with a large space, flutter flags could entice consumers in. Next time I'm opening a new branch, I will definitely use this form of showing-off to prospective clients. But, to my surprise some enterprising businessmen had already been doing this form of advertising and it has really been a big boost to their sales. And as the importance of these flags gather momentum, a lot of people not only businesses have adapted this medium as well. These new generation flutter flags are not only colorful but durable as well with the logo and product specifically printed over it. From afar, the movement of these colored flags catches your attention and when you're near particularly when you're driving, the message stares back at you. So, in a way it reminds you to come back for your next engine tune-up or maybe for your house cleaning kits. Smart.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Every once in a while, as glaringly reported in the Internet are news specifying the arrival of a foreign head of state. And their entry to the United States is met with mixed emotions, particularly from expatriates of said countries. The United States as host country does that everything are in order, from banquets to state dinners and even the placement of country flags at decent intervals along the entourage route. This should foster closer ties, that the timed agenda is met and that trade deals are exchanged pleasantly. The host country could do no more but to make the stay of the dignitary as safe, comfortable and trouble free as much as possible. That is what state visit is all about, to showcase the hospitality of the host country and to make the dignitaries brief stay memorable. For expatriates who feel that their country is being faithfully served by their head of state, numerous sizes of their country flags are waved signifying their intention for a warm welcome with rapport and good will. It is an occasion to flaunt their country's flag and inform other nations of its existence and importance. It becomes an occasion where fellow expatriates can group together and be united for the sake of the visiting head of state. And in whatever form, expatriates can print anything across their own country flag and wave it accordingly to put their message across. The presence of a country flag draped across walls brings warmth to the head of state, a feeling that he has not put his countrymen down, that the trip could be deemed successful with the accolade shown by a country,s migrant populace.
by: The Flagman
Monday, May 26, 2008
Have you ever been to hugely Spanish towns during their annual fiestas? Well, it is a treat that we must not miss even just once in a lifetime. This really is a cultural representation of Spanish traditions handed down from generations to generations. You see each town has its own patron saint and they celebrate its feast day once annually. It is during this annual event that people celebrate it with gusto, from beautiful dancing senoritas to free food and lots of grape wine. How do you know that a fiesta is fast approaching? Fiesta organizers see to it that they tap proper sponsors to the annual event. A company for example will donate all the mini flags intended for a whole street. Instead of using mini poles, these mini flags are mounted directly on nylon cords and each assembly is attached to cross the street, the more of these are placed across the more festive the atmosphere will be. To put more emphasis on organization, one street is represented by one sponsor the reason is of course to avoid competition and the jumble of multiple colors. Most companies have their corporate colors, so assigning them one whole street, would showcase their company and product. One street may have yellow as the color tint, the next street maybe red or probably blue, this again will depend on what company and the selection of colors used. When all of these are in place, the whole locality teems with a lot of mini flags ushering in the annual fest of their patron saint. Well, for flag manufacturers this annual event is a gargantuan opportunity to be able to supply even a portion of the thousands of mini flags that will visually dazzle visitors as it cavorts with the local inhabitants. During fiestas there is no distinction between a local and a visitor, everybody seems to be friends and share both food and drinks.
by: The Flagman
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The United States, being a free country and the bastion of democracy naturally will have diplomatic relation with almost all countries around the globe. As such, these countries have embassies and consular offices on states where the concentrations of their inhabitants are located. The Chinese for examples, have their Chinatown, the Philippines have their Filipino community and the Spanish speaking countries have their Latino communities. Out of these migrant groupings, these are served by different consular charge d' affairs to see to it that each is accorded fair treatment in cases of disputes or violation of local laws and structures serving as havens for these groups are identified by the distinct country flag that adorn the flagpoles. So, imagine how many countries have diplomatic ties with the United States, and the amount of business that flag manufacturers have to serve even a segment of this need. To supply the requirement would really be mind boggling, because you cannot expect each country to come up and bring with them their own home made flag and pole. As each country depend solely on local flag manufacturers, a lot of their flag requirements will have to be handled meticulously. Care should be followed and graphic artists must exert double effort to be able to duplicate properly each country's symbol, so as not to insult their own sensibilities. And in the production process, each color scheme must be followed to the most likeable variation so the outcome would really be a vibrant replica of the original. Only we at NorthStar Flags and Poles can guarantee such demand and could even offer more, we thrive by that commitment.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ever been to a casino? If you are the adventurous type, chances are that you have probably played at one of its tables. The lights in the casino dazzles playing enthusiasts, but what makes it special to players are the gaming tables. Yes, it attracts patrons and enjoys the game of chance, particularly on a well-contoured gaming table and the visually entertaining poker felts. How are gaming tables made? Except for the unique design, gaming tables look ordinary when left bare. But once it is clad and finished off with the most appropriate gaming suede, then the table metamorphose into what is the most important fixture in a casino. But this is not solely intended for the casino, we as individuals can order the same type of gaming table to spice up our weekends as we play poker with our friends on tables specially laden with poker felts . The material used for this type of application is the gaming suede, the best and most durable substrate in the market today. Actually the material starts out white, then your special graphic design images are heat set into one side using UV resistant inks. The system automatically transforms the material into your specified design and color; the result is the most attractive poker table probably within your neighborhood. It will surely give your weekend furlough, playing poker with friends a new dimension. To the ordinary folks, a casino gaming table looks really expensive. But like the saying goes, looks can be deceiving it is really the most appropriate adjective to describe it. And based on this premise casinos have attracted minions of patrons to its doors.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
In a crowded area where all kinds of businesses exists, I can't help but feel annoyed and consider it a waste of time if I cannot locate a particular shop. That's why I always make it a point to call the shop or store and ask for directions and landmarks that would quickly pinpoint the area. But then sometimes, I still end up going on a roller coaster ride because I oftentimes miss the marker, but now with the popularity of message flags, banners and streamers, I can head to the store with ease and convenience. What are message flags ? These are prepared signs printed with one to four words such as trucks, used cars, rent a car, welcome, Grand opening and discount prizes. These are very helpful signs because people can easily see from afar since words are normally printed in big and bold letters, likewise these bear striped colors that would certainly attract onlookers. Other than being a sign it can be used as an advertising medium as well as a decoration in your shop because of the colorful material used. Besides it can be hanged and posted on the walls so you do not have to provide extra space for it. Having message flags is also practical because certainly you are assured that it will be sturdy and durable because the materials used are not only reliable and dependable but can also last a lifetime.
by: The Flagman
While I was still in college, I met a friend who had a tremendous liking to souvenir banners. This is apparent because his room was practically covered up with a collage of different university banners not just locally but all around the globe. Aside from his friends and relatives abroad who continuously send him new banners, he had chat mates in the Internet that he could exchange banners with. His passion for the collection of these banners could not be explained, but it made him happy and fulfilled. One time when I visited his room, I saw the jumble of banners some comes from Harvard University, one also from George Washington University, one from Tokyo, the other one from the UK and Australia, there was also one from Singapore. These banners are juxtaposed with local university banners and the ensuing result is a harmony of color shades, a kaleidoscope of contrasting tints, a manifestation of a person's unlimited potential when totally harnessed. Even today decades after, my friend still continues to collect such banners . Though he does not have time to communicate with his friends, most of his collections are personally handpicked from his travels abroad in line with his work. This has become his hobby, a dream that he started in school but he could not let go. Some collectors may have the desire that lasts for a few years and wane in the end, but my friend has made banner collection a lifetime goal. There are other items that are also gems for collectors, like coins for example though quite expensive, some collects dolls, others Japanese dolls, while most prefer stamps. So, do you have a collection of things that are in a sense unique?
by: The Flagman
Sunday, May 18, 2008
At night, hotel buildings sport a different aura because of the design of lights that seem to magnify the aesthetic quality of the building. One cannot help but take a second look every time we pass by hotel buildings because of its magnetic ambience that tend to invite us to enter and check out the facilities and amenities available. Of course as expected we would be treated with utmost care and attention once we are inside the premises because this is one way of ensuring that we would want to come back when needed. Also we would be given several options on the room we wish to take and the amenities that we need; and the whole package together with special offers and discounts. But before we get further into hotel promotions, we might as well ask how a person is lured into coming inside hotels during the day. There are no lights; the building and the appearance of the hotel solely depend on the natural sunlight. Well, some hotels maintain beautiful and carefully landscaped gardens where vegetation are grown abundantly; others set-up streamers and banners that would surely attract customers; and several put up flagpoles in front of the buildings. Normally the flags raised are the country flag, organizational flag and hotel flag. Hotel flags typically have simple designs and the diagram imprinted is either the hotel logo or seal. It is but important that a hotel flag be raised because people from afar would look at it as beacon, particularly those new tourists or visitors to the area.
by: The Flagman
Friday, May 16, 2008
Perhaps most of our fun-filled and memorable moments happened in our college years. We became more independent because our parents already allowed us to decide on bigger issues in our lives such as choosing our course and college to attend to. We got to live in apartments and dormitories where we can freely move and interact with other people We get to hang out with friends in bars and house parties organized by the school or organization. And we earned extra money because of doing part time jobs in restaurants and shops nearby. But what makes college life more exciting is the experience of hooting for your own school during ball games such as baseball and basketball. All students in the school seem to go beyond boundaries to express their enthusiasm and pride for their team. Cheerleaders display neck-breaking stunts and dazzling dances; while the band plays encouraging beats and together with college jingles and inspiring songs performed by the crowd, literally to boost the confidence of the players. And college flags are frantically waved to show the competing team that the players are not alone in the pursuit of winning the game. Even after college, the alumni still take pride in their school because of the sheer joy, experience and pleasure that they had while in the campus. Some buy college paraphernalia such as cups, pens, sweatshirts and jackets; others put car flags to show onlookers that they came from this particular school and that they are proud of it; several even purchase custom College flags and set it up on flagpoles.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Modern flagpoles sport also state of the art accessories. Start with the finial and the truck, these are all forged products made from lightweight, strong and durable metal alloys. This is important because these are added ornaments at the top of the pole and these should never malfunction or perhaps corrode or it will affect the up and down travel of the flag. You cannot expect your maintenance crews to climb the pole or ask the local fire department to use their hydraulic lifts every time your pole needs repair. Also recent designs of flagpoles use the rope (halyard) and cable system that are coiled around a pulley that is maintenance free, an assurance that the assembly will never be a problem. Unlike the old system that uses ropes made of Manila hemp and nylon cords that easily deteriorates and snaps when exposed to the weather, the halyard system is a hundred times better. The lower end of the pole is also provided with metal cleats (mostly bronze) to serve as an accessory where the excess length of the rope is wrapped to hold the flag assembly in place. Not all poles are firmly planted on the ground some are attached to building walls as ornaments to the structure and must therefore have the same durable quality accessories to really last. Since these poles are added only to adorn, they must be provided with wall brackets that are either screwed or bolted to steel frames or concrete walls to keep them in place even during erratic wind conditions. You can always contact us, the NorthStar Flag and Poles for we have all the accessories needed to complement your flags and poles. Just call and we'll help out in anyway.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Every phase of our glorious history has been represented by a symbolic historical flag , from George Washington's efforts to win the war for independence to the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and to the succeeding events that shaped the future of the United States. We have developed into a very idealistic nation, proud of our rich heritage and the seat of democracy around the world where freedom and the desire to be free are foremost in our agenda. There was no official American flag yet at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, since it was only the Grand Union flag that serves as emblem then, but it served as the basis for the design and evolution of the national tricolor. And in June 14, 1777 a new design was formulated, with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars representing the original states that formed the union. This particular design was passed in Congress, but the flag was revised to have 20 stars, since additional states had joined the union. To simplify matters, the resolution included a provision that the stars will be increased should new states join the union accordingly. Thus from the original thirteen stars, the American flag had included 50 stars with the official entry of Hawaii into the Union in the sixties. Overall, the American flag changed designs 26 times, with only the number of stars affected depending on the number of states added to the union. But what is significant though, is that the 13 stripes had been retained in honor of the original members of the union. In the meantime, the American flag has remained unchanged for the last 50 years. Could there be additional stars that will be added to the flag in the future?
by: The Flagman
Lets accept the fact that not everybody will be able to go to college and for those who were lucky enough, the experience is worth it. College education shapes your future, what and who you will be is rightfully equated to your educational attainment. That's why parents break their backs, so to speak to send their children to college to give them the kind of life that they deserve. Children who are given the opportunity should do all what is necessary to succeed and never squander the once in a lifetime chance to be really somebody. Of course college is not just a stroll in the park, nor is it a vacation that one must do, but it is training not only on academics but character building as well. All the various disciplines in college molds students to be proficient in all phases in life whether on the course they are taking but also to guide them to become really deserving professionals. An apt description because graduates will be the leaders and they should have the qualities that will truly make them good ones. Out of this experience, particularly the long hours spent in the library for research, maybe sojourn to the laboratory in the wee hours of the morning just to finish some experiments, and also endless nights to complete a term paper makes college life a very memorable experience. You meet challenges every step of the way and when you graduate you treasure such memories and become better alumni's as well. And because of it you are proud to be one and show it heartily by having your college flags displayed at strategic places, in your office, your living room, maybe your bedrooms and have some as souvenirs to your friends and associates. You should be proud of your alma mater, display your college flag.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Blank flags come in different colors depending on what it is intended for. Some hues are obviously suggestive of an individuals moods and probably social prestige – black connotes mourning, while white is for purity, blue is for royalty, red they say is for bravery and several other colors that define each group or individuals preference. When blank flags are mounted on walls, on street poles, on turrets and to beautify structures it affects onlookers, whether it strikes them as gaiety or others may see them as just plain ornaments. In some research that I have read, certain colors are avoided in cells, because it tends to make inmates more aggressive when enclosed in this particular hue. Why does doctors use green when doing surgical procedures? Is there a connection with a doctor's ability to perform well when surrounded by the color green? Or it just used simply to reduce the contrast and gore look when blood clings to their surgical garments. Still there are other odd uses of colors that we may fail to put meaning to, but be that as it may it has survived the test of time and we just have to accept it. Blank flags are primarily devised as attention getters, particularly if they are placed in arrays they act as objects dancing endlessly when subjected to a gentle breeze, a composition of aesthetic perfection. They also become effective advertising medium is trade fairs, during important school functions and in all other gatherings of whatever significance. Don't be left behind order your customized blank flags now and enjoy the festive atmosphere that it brings.
by: The Flagman
There was a time when the mention of the flag means only our National Flag, people look at it in awe inspired on end by the glorious history that shrouds it. But as the use of flags continues in popularity several other flags were developed to satisfy each individual or organizations need. Then even with the types of flags skyrocketing in number, marketing personnel have found a new niche for such – advertising using a new generation of marketing flags. With this outbreak in popularity, marketing flags are found in almost all major urban centers in a cacophony of shapes and colors. If we are opening a shop, how then can we be competitive? Attention flags are the answer. What then are attention flags? These are nylon flags made out of two or three bright colors, whether rectangular or triangular in shape that will stand out in a sea of other advertising flags. It does not have a message printed on it but its mere presence give onlookers the extra perception of what it is and would give them the interest to explore some more. The result then, is they come to your doorstep really hyped as to what you have – maybe a new product or striking out as a new diner. What makes an attention flag interesting is that it comes in various sizes depending on the area it plies, but one thing is certain that once it is mounted correctly and strategically it becomes a really effective advertising medium. So, don't wait any longer order several now and watch your business grow.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Aside from the official version of the flags used during special occasions, the Air Force still has a lot of different types used by the different departments. As each officer is elevated in rank, he is accorded due recognition for a flag type is devised for the purpose. For example if your rank is a Brigadier General, then you have a brigadier general flag usually made out in a dull bluish hue and framed by a yellow-gold fringe with a single star at the center. The same is true with a Major General, for it has two stars, while for the Lieutenant General Flag, 3 stars is likewise seen on the flag. Also a four star flag is made for the General, the same in context with the other types, but has four stars printed, patched or even embroidered on it. But nothing beats the military flag for the General of the Air Force Command, for aside from the five stars, the blue color tint is evidently copied after the shade of the official United States Flag. But what is really symbolic for the Air Force is the POW/MIA (prisoner of war - missing in action) flag. It is designed of mourning black, with a white forlorn image of a comrade in arms bowed head in silhouette, with a caption "you are not forgotten" a fitting tribute to the men and women who might have perished or been captured by enemy combatants in the line of duty. This has become an enduring emblem second only in rank to the National Flag. This symbolic flag was created in 1971, and its historic rise to fame has been unprecedented in the entire history of the United States.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
One of the more pronounced rewards in travels are the few minor surprises that meets you as you enter a new territory. It could be a well manicured landscape, a really appealing building or meet some new people along the way. In one of my sojourn to the Midwest, as I took a cab from the airport to my hotel, I noticed that boulevards to the central business district are all the same, features that becomes dull once you've been to different places. But for a new traveler these are all impressive. Then the cab took a right turn and there it was the most enchanting surprise I had in my life. What I saw was an array of flutter or feather flags placed at intervals along both sides of the street. I asked the cab driver to slowdown, since they seem lightweight and as the breeze touches it, it sways and dances in unison reminding me of the simple yet elegant variation in a swan lake repertoire. Only that this time, what unfolds is a synthetic composition made of canvas and with a slogan written across it. These are simple pleasures in life, that even though how preoccupied we are in life there will always be moments where we pause and appreciate the simple things that surprises us. In my case this was a series of flutter of feather flags that was placed in an isolated strip of highway but has blended serenely with the dense vegetation. I may sound boring and eccentric, but that's how I describe the beautiful composition of flutter flags that for a fleeting moment held me spellbound.
by: The Flagman
The latest craze in advertising medium is the street pole banner, but these are confined to smaller neighborhoods rather than national in scope. But if you are a giant company your ad will be on national TV, and street banners will just be a small segment in your ad campaign and aimed primarily at certain localities. This is just to inform valued clients that they are now available at local outlets. In a way large companies use street pole banners in order for their presence to be felt and enjoy continued patronage from their more loyal consumers. But how do we design a banner that will fit a permanent structure like a street pole? Street poles are designed to be different from each other depending on each locality's need. It could be designed with serrated vertical surfaces; or maybe designed plain; some are tapered with the larger diameter at the lower end if they are conical in shape; some may even add some scroll like ornaments at intervals to add to its more refined Victorian motif. You name it, and all these imperfections you are likely to meet if you are in the pole banner business. Most street pole banners had been designed to be displayed vertically with the top and bottom usually provided with sturdy fiberglass poles, the purpose being the hold the banner in a position that its messages are legible to the onlookers. But these are not just ordinary fabrics because banners exposed in the streets are subjected to howling winds, night and day, on weeks or maybe months on end. These had to be strong enough to resist the elements and not crumple or be ripped from its moorings to the pole during strong winds. To be sure that your street pole banners stays, visit the NorthStar Flags and Poles, for they have perfected the art and guarantees that your ad investments are fully protected.
by: The Flagman
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