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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Communication is one of the most dynamic systems in our world. Over time, it has improved to overcome the most apparent obstacle to getting the message across: distance. This was how people started using flags. People came up with a system of using different signs and symbols on a cloth and different ways to wave the cloth around in order to send signals. Nowadays, our way of communicating using flags is more complicated than before and therefore, has more uses.
People use flags to get a certain message across. Custom flags serve to deliver specific messages that are unique to every situation. These flags can be used for a multitude of purposes. Airport ground crew can use them to direct aircraft to certain runways. At the same time, they can be used by military scouts to signal the main force. This is because the flags are imprinted with different symbols. These symbols have different meanings attached to them and therefore can be understood differently depending on how they were used. Moreover, these flags can be waved in different ways that may also mean different things.
You can also use custom flags any way you want. You can bring some along for adventuring purposes, you can use them to attract attention to your shop, and you can even use them to communicate over distances well beyond earshot but within visible range. These are effective tools for communication as they make it possible for people to immediately recognize flags the moment they see them.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Colourful street banners polish the streets on special holidays and create an amusing and festive impression. They also help to feel the ambience of pleasure, attracting tourists to come back and participate in the festivities. They add color to the activities or events of general public interest. Thus, they help businesses to grow as they entice tourists. Banners also promote business atmosphere in the society by upholding cheerful community.
Using colourful street banners can be a big savings to promote your business especially during these festivities. Most of the big companies in the locality supply banners for free advertising to spark the event. Taking full advantage of this money saving way of advertising, they usually hang street banners weeks before the great occasion making their business names appeal more unforgettable, leaving marks to the market. These are numerous opportunities to gain visibility of your company and exposing your name and logo to the potential thousands of customers in the area.
Street banners also reflect customary functions of the localities in the community. The design typically reflects the traditions and customs of the local people. Predominantly the local regime which holds the event would say publicly that the theme is based on the historic origin of the place.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Canada, a favorite place to live and study is a country of Northern America and the second largest country in the whole world. It joined in a federation together with three colonies of Britain, on 1867, in order to make a partly independent state consisting of four provinces. Since then, it has grown from four provinces to ten provinces and three territories with an increasing autonomy from the United Kingdom.
Canada has been using the Canadian Red Ensign flag unofficially since 1890s, which was only made official during 1945. During the 1960s, a very controversial issue regarding the new national flag for Canada was raised. For the longest time, parliamentary debate happened and after that, another argument happened regarding the design of the flag. Finally, in 1964, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson appointed a committee to make a final decision of the new National Flag of Canada. The flag is in red with a white square in its center designed with an 11-pointed red maple leaf. The Canadian flag was changed on 1965, marking the first time a national flag had been formally used in Canada.
Today, Canada is one of the most economically successful societies in the world, considered as one of the world's highly developed countries. The federal government does not only support but also cooperates to ensure the development of this country in all aspects of life.
by: The Flagman
Monday, October 26, 2009
Many of us are awfully guilty about impulse spending. This financial 'illness' is more common among women, though. However, no matter how hard it is to resist temptation, we can still get over it. See which tips are good enough for you and use them to ditch impulse spending for good and drop it like you were discarding an old street banner.
Have a Goal in Mind
Invest in big things, like a vacation, a new laptop, a house or a car. The next time that you want to buy something out of whim, ask yourself if you'd rather buy the small thing or add it on to your big investment. Usually, the big investments win, because they are long-term goals. Having a goal is one of the best ways to discipline oneself.
Appropriate well
When you get your salary, group your money together and appropriate them well. If you can, store them in different parts of your wallet or in differently colored envelopes. This way, you will paint a clear direction of where your money should go. This is also a neat way to know if you sincerely have money to spare for little luxuries. THEN you can impulse-shop less often.
Learn to Wait
To determine if you need something or truly want it, try waiting for a while before you make the purchase. A lot of people say that one week is healthy but perhaps five days will do. Who knows, your desired product might be on sale, or you don't want it really and you realize that you just wanted to buy it because it was on sale.
So next time the new merchandise on the rack sport their own racing flags to your closet, take a quick step back and review these three things.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, October 22, 2009
There are a lot of times in our lives when we simply didn't know where our careers are going. Perhaps, we wanted to quit a job we're in because we don't find meaning in it anymore. Perhaps we realized that the people in the industry we're working at are nothing but greedy crocodiles. Perhaps money in the business isn't coming around well, nor coming around on time. Or worse, we simply want to go back to college to do everything over. Wow, isn't that very exhausting? Just thinking about it stresses us out. We cannot simply change careers as often as we want to. They're not like world flags on constant revolution. But, like those world flags and stage flags, we eventually have to settle down to one design.
When you switch careers, be sure that you know what you're after. And also, think long-term. The more time that you spend in an industry, the more ammo you have in building a very good name. So if all the jobs you've been in are simply short-term, then that's just like throwing some meaningless time investments everywhere. It's understandable to have short term jobs when you are fresh from college, and still settling with the professional life. However, if all your experiences do not surpass a year, then this would not look good on your professional life, nor on your resume the next time you pass it on to another potential employer.
To make things short, make up your mind, early, before the warning flags show up.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I have never seen an actual car racing competition before. In fact, I thought they were even too tacky and they're just made for boys with egos as big as their cars but hearts as small as the space between the road and their chassis. When I watch such races at the TV, I am tempted to finally visit the race track near us but then again, I've always thought that they weren't worth my time.
Finally, last week, I went there just for fun because my friend invited me. Boy, it was fun! Indeed there was something exciting about speed and actually getting so close to it! I saw some Mounted auto racing flags in different colors! Then there were convenient food everywhere! There was food being sold by the people who simply walked around, and even the food was very nostalgic. They sold hotdogs, burgers and other forms of chips, which reminded me of the days when I was still young and could eat anything I want!
Then my friend told me that he recently bet for one car. Oh, so that's what makes everything more exciting, the gambling! No, it wasn't legal but boy, it was fun! The excitement that you get from winning something without and having some sort of participation in the speed-filled game is enough to tempt you to come back everytime a big race competition is coming around the corner.
Because it was my first time, we decided to take home some miniature flags as souvenirs. Am I coming back next week? You bet I will!
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
As we all know, there are only two kinds of company offerings: products and services. Products are differentiated according to their qualities and their features. If one product is better than the other, it is so because the better one has more features, ease in usage, etc. However, how do you differentiate a better service from the other? The secret to great service is people management. First, as a leader, you have to make sure that you treat your subordinates well. Majority of how your people will deliver your services to your customers will be reflections of how you treat them in the office or even outside. Establish ethical rules in the office and treat everyone like family. This way, you will motivate them to become better workers and they will always wear a smile on their face. Move as a team. Always remind yourself that you're a team. To deliver really outstanding service is to get the people (it's not just one person) who will be responsible for the service become accountable for each other. They have to realize that delivering the service is a team effort and therefore they should all work just as hard to give the best service possible to the customers. This is especially true if you're doing customized things. For example, you are making custom flags, you have to constantly talk to your client how they want their flags to look like after you touch you the blank flags. Then when it's done, since you havecommunicated well and your team treated this customer right, they will leave with smiles on their faces and good things to say about your company.
by: The Flagman
If you go back to the sixties and the seventies, most teachers tell my female classmates that they shouldn't worry much about getting good education or should not aspire in highflying careers such as being attorneys or doctors because women need not strive that hard for money. After all, their husbands will take care of them. The advice never worked anyway. As more and more women explore previously made dominated jobs and more and more households today have women as the breadwinners.
Okay, don't wave the pride flags out now women. The men might be envious. The thing is, last 2007, 25.9 % of wives all across America are already earning more than their husbands. This glaring percentage is a 17.8% increase from twenty years ago. Also, with the recent recession (which, by the way, did not provide attention flags for us to be prepared for) a whooping 7 million men had lost their jobs. The jobs which remained are those which belong to the healthcare industry and the education industry, which kept a lot women employed.
Indeed, times have changed. In fact, there are 30% more women who land to jobs faster than men right after graduation. This is not surprising, after all, there have always been more women to finish school than men. We won't be surprised if someday, tables will eventually turn and women will lead the workforce globally.
So, are you ready to report to a female boss? If you're not, start doing so. Because if it still affects your ego, you'll just be part of the unemployed bunch along with the males!
by: The Flagman
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A lot of us may think that piracy in the corporate world is stealthy and evil. But there's a lot of fun into it too! And hey, we're not talking about piracy of video CDs or literary material, we mean piracy of people who are doing so good in their fields that other companies offer them drool-worthy salaries and benefits just so they'd cross over the fence. Had this happened to you also?
If this had happened to you then you must be mighty lucky and unlucky at the same time. Piracy will give you enemies, because once you turn down an attractive offer, they will sour grape and tell you you're arrogant or something. Also, if you accept the offer, you will be labeled as greedy and a traitor. This is especially true if the company you're from has trade secrets which are entrusted to you. So before they put up all the danger flags in your career, guard yourself. This may seem like fighting for your name but it's also a very good time to think about what kind of career you really want.
First, decide what you want to be perhaps five or ten years from now. Base your initial decision to it. After that, weigh the pros and cons. Put them into writing if you can. Next, talk to a mentor or somebody you trust, and somebody whose opinion matters. Ask for advice and don't be defensive if they try to criticize you for thinking or acting a certain way.
Affiliation to certain companies will help you rise in your field as an individual but your performance will really speak for everything. They will speak louder than street banners which fakely congratulate a leader for something she or he has claimed to accomplish.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Imagine this: warning signs that could warn us of impending danger and pain.
What if through the course of our lives we see signs and images of what could happen? What if we could see warning signs that could save us from pain, danger and maybe death? What if there were signals like flags to tell us what is going to happen to a person important to us? Will the world be a better place or will life seem predictable, dull and colorless?
We often hear people say the words 'if only'. They are words filled with regret and pain. If death had a warning sign like a caution racing flag when a man is about to die, would people care? For those who love, this would give them time and sadness. Time to say and do things they haven't done in a lifetime and sadness to know that the person is dying. In the time of death, a black blank flag will appear like the way racing flag leaves track. It is same as saying a person will leave the tracks of life. If you would look at it, it only brings much more pain and sadness. It makes life colorless and sad.
In terms of love and relationships, the whole idea of having warning signs sucks! It takes away the thrill, the drama and the euphoria of being in love. Knowing the outcome and spoiling yourself at first is good but when you get used to it, everything seems to move in a manner you see everyday. Boring, tiring and lonesome.
The higher being created life like a box of chocolates. The greatest ingredient is surprise, the sweetest part is happiness and the bitter part is death. Although these things cannot be foretold, they make life colorful and happy.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
When we are already three months behind our mortgage payments, we tend to panic and then we jump onto dangerous decisions. The thing is, mortgage payment delinquency is always a bad thing, and if this happens to you, you are risking your home over foreclosure. Danger flags, eh?
So what do you do?
Here's what: you can go for
a. loan modification b. short selling c. refinancing.
Of these three, financial experts say that loan modification is the best choice.
First, short selling requires that you sell your home for a smaller amount and then you're given a lump sum. This sum may or may not be able to pay off your entire mortgage (usually it cannot) but it would hurt your credit score a lot. Now that's problematic.
Second, refinancing is applying for a new loan, with an entirely new set of interest rates, a principal, and and a new set of deadlines. The bad thing here is that you will not have any say in the new arrangements, unlike loan modifications.
Loan modifications, on the other hand, is the process of readjusting your loan to make it more affordable for you. This is done through an agreement between you and your lender. Meaning, you will have a say on how the new arrangements will go. Not too bad, right? The only important thing for you here is to be religious on the payments as it is lighter now! And you can spend all day knitting custom table banners or whatever it is that you think is fun and worry-free.
by: The Flagman
Monday, October 12, 2009
We might have heard of Girls Gone Wild and lots of stories about sex, alcohol and rock and roll, in any order. Along the side, we have seen certain groupies, what they're like, and the lives that they lead. A lot of people say that not all groupies are illiterates, or simply nymphomaniacs. There are also groupies who have high regard for art and music and this passion has crossed over to obsessions over a band or a certain musician.
It's easy to spot them in a crowd. They're the ones who have twirler flags in jumpy colors, which represent the insignia or the name of the band that they idolize. They're the ones who distribute miniature flags to the audience to show their dedication to the band. Sometimes, they even use state flags as a solidarity instrument when their band goes to tours outside the state or country.
In exchange for this amazing dedication, they are often offered backstage passes by the band because the band had already known them for following them around. And sometimes, they follow the band around because the band lets them do it! They are, sometimes, given the opportunity to tour with them.
Most of us may find such behavior deplorable, as groupies are known to sleep with the members of the band and even take hits or illegal drugs with them. However, these women find empowerment in what they do and they think it's the most worthwhile thing to spend their time on.
What do you think?
by: The Flagman
Thursday, October 8, 2009
We all know that a when you're going out to party, the goal there is to steal the spotlight and to induce only two kinds of stares: jealousy or attraction. This is why, in every night- out session, you have to look your best. One of the things that will define you most is the dress you wear during the night.
Usually, when we go out to party, we visit a frequented place which is filled with people we don't know. After all, one of the goals of partying is also to meet new interesting people and be a different self than the one during the day. The dress you wear will define you during that night. If you're wearing a little black dress with interesting accessories, you will be remembered as classy and stylish. If you're wearing something bright, like a pastel-hued cocktail dress, you will be remembered as chic. If you're wearing something bizarre like a dress that has a huge print of the Queen of Spades card or the Brazil flag, then you'll be remembered as someone edgy and adventurous.
Likewise, what you will be wearing is also a great conversation starter at a party. And it's like an ID most of the time, so wear something unique. If somebody sends drinks over and tells the waiter it's 'for the girl in the black dress' the waiter might give it to the wrong girl so be seen better! If you've got nothing but the good ol' LBD (little black dress) then wear your hair in a unique way, or have a purse that is so stylish it looks like it has its own custom twirler flags or sport bold jewellery.
However, everything will start and might end with your party dress. So make sure it's worth looking at…twice.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
With the effects of technology on mankind, people are addicted to one thing: upgrading. People nowadays are not contented of whatever phone, car or computer they have. They always needed something better, faster, more efficient, whatever. These things don't come cheap, but a lot of people are willing to shell out wads of cash just to get the latest thing.
Well, the question is: is it worth it?
This question is really hard to answer. Yes, even if it's waving like a manic warning flag in front of you. Most of us know that the need to own the latest gadget is not really the only thing that matters. But it's the actual feeling of such.
When we have the latest gadget, we feel superior. Actually, updating and upgrading means power. Note that in most women's circles, whoever has the juiciest and latest gossip is the most powerful woman in the room. Also, whoever has the latest Facebook application is talked about in school. Who has the latest fashion must-haves is the queen of high school.
Because of this power, the need to upgrade is coveted. It doesn't matter if the latest news was a revision of the Benin flag or a new American president has been elected or that the tallest person alive has finally married. The thing is, whoever has the latest juice wins.
I think the major cause of such pressure to upgrade is man's complex that makes him not contented whatever he has on his hand. There's always something better, more beautiful, more efficient, more expensive. And at the end of the day, whoever has more, has power.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
One morning, I just saw via my YM or Yahoo Messenger address list that one of my friends made a hate mail to a leading telecommunications company in our country. He used it as a status message. Then I talked to him and asked him what the problem was. He said that since that morning, he didn't have any form of service on his cell phone. No signal, no messages, no calls, nothing. Then he went on about how he was very phone dependent and that all he couldn't work because of that mishap. He just spent the rest of the day fuming.
When we talked, I also talked to him about how dependent I was on my phones (not just one, but two!) and how I conduct business through these phones. If I left one phone at home, I'd come back to fetch it, even if I'm already standing in front of my office's flagpole. When I'm without just one of my phones, I feel like a set of blank flags, just waiting for the next best thing to come.
I knew this wasn't necessarily a good thing. After all, cell phones are mere THINGS, and they will always have tendencies to break down and fail you. Remember the time when you needed to pass a paper and your printer broke down the night before? Yes, that's what I'm talking about. The thing is, we can't depend everything on technology and we should start detaching ourselves away from it.
Yes, no matter how hard it may seem.
by: The Flagman
Monday, October 5, 2009
There are a lot of international laws which are strictly upheld in every country. One of the examples for such laws is the International Declaration of Human Rights. Such rights were agreed upon by a league of nations (now presently called the United Nations) and since then, anyone who violated such laws where put to jail and was internationally frowned upon.
Lately, more and more laws which concern safety and business have been agreed upon by the United Nations. However, we all know that not all of these laws are really monitored and not everyone who was guilty was punished. So, are the laws nothing but merely political yapping? See, even if the 189 Member Complete UN Set flag continues to stand proudly in some parts of the world, if we are not keeping our promises to each other, a lot of political turmoil will eventually ensue.
All over the world, we know of cases of child labor, prostitution, domestic violence and even smuggling of illegal goods. A lot of complaints have been filed already. However, the world is turning a blind eye upon such phenomena because other politicians are behind such crimes, or, simply, they think they have other more important things to pay their concerns to. Therefore, such internationally agreed laws are nothing but positive messages to the international community, blatant promises, which fail to be upheld. I am praying that a world leader will come forward to start keeping the promises strictly before more danger flags in humanity come forth.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, October 1, 2009
We know of these days. Days when there are just a lot of things to do at work and we don't know which one to do first. Then when we decide to begin, we just feel so tired of it all and we're debating whether to go home and feign illness or simply to pretend we're working and then just wait for time-off.
During these days, our productivity levels simply shut down and we are left procrastinating, hating our jobs and distracting ourselves with other things. The thing is, we're bound to experience such days at least once or twice a month. This is okay for people who hold positions with jobs that can easily be passed on, delegated or postponed. But for people who are quota based, or those who hold crucial positions for making crucial decisions, they don't have the luxury of procrastination.
So whether your job is printing custom table banners or hosting parties or SEO writing, and when the procrastination bug bites you, here are a few ways to cope:
1. Distract yourself AFTER. Do your work first, and then you can read e-books all afternoon or ask nicely for an early off-time from your boss and say you've finished what is due.
2. Caffeinate. If coffee is not your thing, you can drink tea, Coke or even down an apple. Everything contains a generous amount of caffeine and it will keep you alert for you to finish your work.
3. Take a short walk. If your office is a little too crowded. The quick change of environment is good for you. Take a quick walk outside, even if it's a quick visit to the nearest convenience store. Fill your eyes with new things to see, even those yummy looking corporate logo flags of Burger king and Pizza Hut. It changes your outlook. Yes, even for a day only.
by: The Flagman
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