NorthStar Flags

Have you ever wondered how the diplomatic corps manage to stick car flags into their vehicles? Not only are these car flags installed within short notice, but also flags cling to their vehicles even at speeds of over 100mph.

Of course we cannot expect our diplomats to drill holes on their cars every time they are requested to don car flags, it will be too demanding, besides cars will be riddled with bolts and screw holes. Since car flags are installed only for the duration of the motorcade and later removed, the use of bolts and nuts to hold the flag will be time consuming and at the same time mar the glossy finish of the car surface.

The most practical solution will be to use chemical based adhesives, but then again it leaves a residue that could not be cleaned and at the same time affect the car finish. Some enterprising flag makers use flags with a pole that is provided with a vacuum attachment. This form of attachment is only effective for some time, because even if it provides perfect adhesion to the surface, the vacuum adhesion loses its grip after some time. For our cars that are constructed of aluminum or reinforced plastic and even carbon, this seems to be the only way.

But for cars that are made of steel, then a magnetically adhesive car flagpole is the answer. You can actually stick you car flag anywhere so long as the surface is of steel and your problem of a reliable adhesion is solved.

Europe being soccer crazy, each individual who goes to games are always equipped with car flags. They cannot go without the car flags waving in front or at the back of their cars, thus a magnetically adhesive car flag has been devised for the purpose.

Have you ever wondered how the diplomatic corps manage to stick car flags into their vehicles? Not only are these car flags installed within short notice, but also flags cling to their vehicles even at speeds of over 100mph.

Of course we cannot expect our diplomats to drill holes on their cars every time they are requested to don car flags, it will be too demanding, besides cars will be riddled with bolts and screw holes. Since car flags are installed only for the duration of the motorcade and later removed, the use of bolts and nuts to hold the flag will be time consuming and at the same time mar the glossy finish of the car surface.

The most practical solution will be to use chemical based adhesives, but then again it leaves a residue that could not be cleaned and at the same time affect the car finish. Some enterprising flag makers use flags with a pole that is provided with a vacuum attachment. This form of attachment is only effective for some time, because even if it provides perfect adhesion to the surface, the vacuum adhesion loses its grip after some time. For our cars that are constructed of aluminum or reinforced plastic and even carbon, this seems to be the only way.

But for cars that are made of steel, then a magnetically adhesive car flagpole is the answer. You can actually stick you car flag anywhere so long as the surface is of steel and your problem of a reliable adhesion is solved.

Europe being soccer crazy, each individual who goes to games are always equipped with car flags. They cannot go without the car flags waving in front or at the back of their cars, thus a magnetically adhesive car flag has been devised for the purpose.

I recently read an article of a student in the United Kingdom where he was ordered to take out the flag displayed because it smacks of racists undertones. There were other precedents where individuals were ordered by the police to do the same act. Since when does showing a patriotic symbol as being racist in context? Probably the persons involved were just showing patriotic zeal and not something else.

UK is like the USA where migrants gather in search of better opportunities and with it several cultures naturally co-exist. But certainly displaying a host country’s flag is only patriotic and not as otherwise claimed.

In the US, the display of flags is not limited to public and government buildings, but private individuals themselves have it on their residences, their offices and in gatherings. The passion for these flag is very evident in the populace. We never consider displaying a host country’s flag as a crime, nor does a migrant’s country’s flag as such.

We respect each migrant passion for his culture. Take the case of the Latinos in the US, they are free to display whatever forms of cultural symbols, speak their local dialect so long as it does not violate local statutes.

The Chinese, the Japanese, the Arabs and other expatriates now permanent residents in the USA have their different cultures showcased in different cultural presentations, yet we allow them simply because freedom of expression is guaranteed by our constitution.

We tolerate our migrants display of veneration to their emblems, why not us Americans, go ahead then display our flag, no law has been legislated to prohibit one from doing his patriotic duty.

I recently read an article of a student in the United Kingdom where he was ordered to take out the flag displayed because it smacks of racists undertones. There were other precedents where individuals were ordered by the police to do the same act. Since when does showing a patriotic symbol as being racist in context? Probably the persons involved were just showing patriotic zeal and not something else.

UK is like the USA where migrants gather in search of better opportunities and with it several cultures naturally co-exist. But certainly displaying a host country’s flag is only patriotic and not as otherwise claimed.

In the US, the display of flags is not limited to public and government buildings, but private individuals themselves have it on their residences, their offices and in gatherings. The passion for these flag is very evident in the populace. We never consider displaying a host country’s flag as a crime, nor does a migrant’s country’s flag as such.

We respect each migrant passion for his culture. Take the case of the Latinos in the US, they are free to display whatever forms of cultural symbols, speak their local dialect so long as it does not violate local statutes.

The Chinese, the Japanese, the Arabs and other expatriates now permanent residents in the USA have their different cultures showcased in different cultural presentations, yet we allow them simply because freedom of expression is guaranteed by our constitution.

We tolerate our migrants display of veneration to their emblems, why not us Americans, go ahead then display our flag, no law has been legislated to prohibit one from doing his patriotic duty.

Los Angeles is seriously considering its bid to host the 2016 Olympic games for the third time, that is if the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) will allow it. Actually the toss-up is a choice between Los Angeles and Chicago. Thus, the city found to have the most amenities for the games will be given the green light to host the summer spectacle.

The scheduled visit of the USOC to Los Angeles has been greeted with Olympic street pole banners that lined the Sunset Boulevard on the north strip of the UCLA campus. Many who saw the exhibit of street pole banners are one in the opinion that it really is worth it. Some were dismayed that they failed to visit Sunset Blvd on the week the Olympic banners have been on the street. This is reminiscent of the banner show in 1984.

What were the USOC looking for? Of course they were very critical on the sports venues; the housing facilities that will be home to the participants; the hotels and other amenities for the guests and tourists that will flock to the city; the traffic condition so movement of guests and participants will not be hampered and the crime rate of the city. These are all to be considered in order for a city to successfully stage a gathering of this magnitude.

What will be L.A.’s main setback? As in any dense urban center, traffic will be the sword of Damocles hanging over L.A.’s bid. However the rejuvenation of the city’s thoroughfares had been ongoing, particularly 405 and 5 that is now being widened to ease traffic congestion. Three new rail lines are to be added that will double our transit option in 2016.

L.A. should be ready in 2016.

Los Angeles is seriously considering its bid to host the 2016 Olympic games for the third time, that is if the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) will allow it. Actually the toss-up is a choice between Los Angeles and Chicago. Thus, the city found to have the most amenities for the games will be given the green light to host the summer spectacle.

The scheduled visit of the USOC to Los Angeles has been greeted with Olympic street pole banners that lined the Sunset Boulevard on the north strip of the UCLA campus. Many who saw the exhibit of street pole banners are one in the opinion that it really is worth it. Some were dismayed that they failed to visit Sunset Blvd on the week the Olympic banners have been on the street. This is reminiscent of the banner show in 1984.

What were the USOC looking for? Of course they were very critical on the sports venues; the housing facilities that will be home to the participants; the hotels and other amenities for the guests and tourists that will flock to the city; the traffic condition so movement of guests and participants will not be hampered and the crime rate of the city. These are all to be considered in order for a city to successfully stage a gathering of this magnitude.

What will be L.A.’s main setback? As in any dense urban center, traffic will be the sword of Damocles hanging over L.A.’s bid. However the rejuvenation of the city’s thoroughfares had been ongoing, particularly 405 and 5 that is now being widened to ease traffic congestion. Three new rail lines are to be added that will double our transit option in 2016.

L.A. should be ready in 2016.

Do you know that Canada despite its stature as a nation only had a symbol etched into the Canadian consciousness only on February 15, 1965, that makes it 43 years old today? Yes, it may be hard to decipher why, but that is the truth. The first sighting of the Canadian flag was made on the appointed day, the red and white maple leaf made its rise into history as it flew over Parliament Hill, and everyday henceforth.

Why and how was the flag developed? The flag has transformed all barriers and united Canada today, but 43 years ago it caused a rift between families, the various ethnic groups and even the political parties. Credit should go to Judge John Matheson, a liberal Member of Parliament who headed the committee that eventually drafted the flag design in 1964. The Prime Minister then Lester B. Pearson favored the design involving three red maple leaf with three vertical blue stripes on either side.

In the end, the preferred design of the Conservatives – the British flavored Red Ensign which also served as the flag under which the Canadian soldiers fought during the second World War, was finally adapted as the official national emblem. Despite furious debate on the issue of flag design, the motion was passed on December 15, 1964 and subsequently approved by the Queen and the Maple Leaf was finally hoisted over Parliament Hill.

True to its purpose the flag united the people of Canada, it flew over the graves of soldiers who gave their lives in World War II and it makes you feel proud as a citizen and humbled over the experience of having the symbol in our midst.

Do you know that Canada despite its stature as a nation only had a symbol etched into the Canadian consciousness only on February 15, 1965, that makes it 43 years old today? Yes, it may be hard to decipher why, but that is the truth. The first sighting of the Canadian flag was made on the appointed day, the red and white maple leaf made its rise into history as it flew over Parliament Hill, and everyday henceforth.

Why and how was the flag developed? The flag has transformed all barriers and united Canada today, but 43 years ago it caused a rift between families, the various ethnic groups and even the political parties. Credit should go to Judge John Matheson, a liberal Member of Parliament who headed the committee that eventually drafted the flag design in 1964. The Prime Minister then Lester B. Pearson favored the design involving three red maple leaf with three vertical blue stripes on either side.

In the end, the preferred design of the Conservatives – the British flavored Red Ensign which also served as the flag under which the Canadian soldiers fought during the second World War, was finally adapted as the official national emblem. Despite furious debate on the issue of flag design, the motion was passed on December 15, 1964 and subsequently approved by the Queen and the Maple Leaf was finally hoisted over Parliament Hill.

True to its purpose the flag united the people of Canada, it flew over the graves of soldiers who gave their lives in World War II and it makes you feel proud as a citizen and humbled over the experience of having the symbol in our midst.

I am amused to see different cultural shows staged by different expatriate communities around the United States of America. Rightfully so, because almost all nationalities around the globe have made the USA their second home, but has continued to practice their native customs and traditions despite being in a foreign land.

Take the case of the Latinos in America, they have been in the mainstream society for quite some time, but their native Spanish language have continued to proliferate. To the point that when you are in a pre-dominantly Spanish settlement you feel as if you are in a foreign country. They talk in Spanish, their establishment are adorned with their country flag thereby giving the place local color and ambience.

Also try dining in a Chinese restaurant, probably in the heart of the Chinese community and you will have difficulty threshing out what food to order because everybody talks in their native mandarin language. You must always bring with you a guide that knows the Chinese culture in order for you to enjoy the meals served.

Just the other day I saw in local TV a presentation staged by the Filipino community on the streets of New York City. All the participants are in their native costumes dancing to the tune of pre-dominantly Filipino cultural music. The atmosphere was festive because of the large Philippine flag that was auspiciously displayed during the show. Most of the spectators sport mini Philippine flag as they listen to the artists performing on the makeshift stage. I understand that the affair was made to coincide with the Philippine Independence Day celebration.

Still there are others who have made their presence felt, particularly the Japanese who have been our economic partners for over five decades.

I am amused to see different cultural shows staged by different expatriate communities around the United States of America. Rightfully so, because almost all nationalities around the globe have made the USA their second home, but has continued to practice their native customs and traditions despite being in a foreign land.

Take the case of the Latinos in America, they have been in the mainstream society for quite some time, but their native Spanish language have continued to proliferate. To the point that when you are in a pre-dominantly Spanish settlement you feel as if you are in a foreign country. They talk in Spanish, their establishment are adorned with their country flag thereby giving the place local color and ambience.

Also try dining in a Chinese restaurant, probably in the heart of the Chinese community and you will have difficulty threshing out what food to order because everybody talks in their native mandarin language. You must always bring with you a guide that knows the Chinese culture in order for you to enjoy the meals served.

Just the other day I saw in local TV a presentation staged by the Filipino community on the streets of New York City. All the participants are in their native costumes dancing to the tune of pre-dominantly Filipino cultural music. The atmosphere was festive because of the large Philippine flag that was auspiciously displayed during the show. Most of the spectators sport mini Philippine flag as they listen to the artists performing on the makeshift stage. I understand that the affair was made to coincide with the Philippine Independence Day celebration.

Still there are others who have made their presence felt, particularly the Japanese who have been our economic partners for over five decades.