Lorice French's
Lorice French Office: 480-987-9016 Office: -www.americanassociatesaz.com
Dear Friends,
Strike up the band and fire up the grill, it's July! Burgers, hot dogs and lime-aid are the fare of this month and sure the tickle everyone's taste bud. So grab a lawn chair and find yourself a prime watching spot for the the U.S.A.'s birthday celebration! This month in Welcome Home magazine discover the do's and don'ts of a 4th of July cookouts. Learn the fascinating history behind out nation's largest resting place for our fallen soldiers: Arlington National Cemetery. Take a peek at the beautiful, colorful quilted wonders that tell the story of America's pioneering past. And last but not least, learn the perfect way to put on a fireworks display that your neighborhood will never forget Please enjoy this issue of the magazine! Have a explosive July, and as always, Welcome Home!
Lorice French www.americanassociatesaz.com
480-987-9016 --
Welcome Home! Table of Contents 4
Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.
5
Shine Up Your Patriotism -
6-7
8 - 11
Properly illuminating your American Flag.
Do’s and Don’ts for a 4th Of July Cookout. Have your best 4th of July gathering ever.
FIREWORKS!
The 6 essentials you need to know for hosting your own show.
Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not intended to solicit other brokersʼ listings. If you are currently working with another broker, please disregard this information. All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for Random Fact information and aid.
Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor 12 - 15
A Lesson In History A Visit to Arlington National Cemetary.
16 - 17 The Origin of Quilt Names Discover this beautiful piecework part of American History.
18 - 19
Food They Will Love Make the kids a special part of the Fourth of July this year!
20 - 21 Products To Love! Hot trends, technological wonders of tomorrow and so much more! 22 City Spotlight Washington, DC. So much more than the National Mall! 23 Businesses That Make A Difference Target, lending a helping hand to make a better life possible.
The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/ or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose lies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.
Recipe and Design Star Bubble Wands
Sparkling Cherry Limeaid
Send airy bubbles afloat on summer breezes with these star-spangled bubble wands. Yield: Makes about 8 cups Total: 10 Minutes Ingredients • • • • • • •
1 lime, cut into wedges Margarita salt 1 (12-oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 3 1/2 cups cold water 1/2 cup liquid from jarred red maraschino cherries 2 cups sparkling water Garnishes: lime slices, maraschino cherries
Preparation: 1. Rub rims of 8 chilled glasses with lime wedges, and dip rims in salt to coat, if desired. 2. Stir together limeade concentrate and 3 1/2 cups cold water; add liquid from maraschino cherries. 3. Fill prepared glasses with ice. Pour limeade mixture into glasses, filling each two-thirds full; add sparkling water to fill. Note: We tested with San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Southern Living JULY 2012
What You Need: • • • • •
Star-shape cookie cutter 40-inch piece of 20-gauge wire Wire cutters Electric drill Spray paint in desired color
Instructions: 1. Fold a 40-inch piece of wire in half. Starting at one point of the star, bend the wire around the cookie cutter to form the star outline. When the wire meets, twist to secure. 2. Straighten the ends of the wire and trim them with wire cutters to make them an even length. 3. Insert the trimmed ends into the chuck on an electric drill and tighten the chuck. Hold the wire taut and rotate the drill until the wire is twisted to the desired tightness. 4. Loosen the chuck and remove the wire. Trim the ends again. 5. Carefully remove the star from the cookie cutter. Spray-paint the star. Let the paint dry. Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.com
Shine Up Your Patriotism Illuminate Your American Flag American flag lights bring out the patriotic spirit that resides within all of us. Many residents these days have a profound sense of patriotic duty to display their heritage colors for all to see. These dark days have brought war, death, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. This has led to an invigorated sense of moral renewal in our society, and the American flag lies at the center point of this theme. More homeowners are purchasing American flags than ever before to display their inner pride and bring forth a sense of security in an unstable world. Having the proper type of light fixtures for your flag will bring out the color and detail of “Old Glory” after the sun goes down. There is a variety of illumination products that will assist every American in his or her quest for patriotic utopianism, and fit perfectly into your patriotic theme. The residential landscape lighting professionals can help you select the right product for your job and answer any question you may have pertaining to installation and lighting technique. Every American flag should have beautiful lights to illuminate its glory, during the evening hours! No resident is required to have lights to display their American flag. The rules and regulations are completely optional and do not come with penalties, because all of us reside in a free country. However, out of respect for others, residents should adhere to these rules regardless of their personal agenda or bias. If homeowners want to display their American flag 24 hours a day, then they should have the proper type of nighttime fixtures to accommodate their needs. Flags should be “properly illuminated” by a direct light source or be located in an area, where local lighting does the job. It would be difficult for drivers or passerbyʼs to share your patriotic display of affection, if they cannot see “Old Glory” flapping under the dim moonlight. Product choice is never a problem. There are many selections of flag lights from several top-notch manufacturers, who design their product with intelligent craftsmanship. The flagpole light kits are the perfect choice for up lighting single or multiple fixtures. These durable items use 175-watt metal halide bulbs to work their magic. Residents can illuminate their American flagpoles ranging in height from 15-30 feet and give their outdoor landscape a gorgeous touch of radiant beauty throughout the evening hours. There also are other patriotic light fixtures that will blend perfectly into your American theme. The offer goes from colorful animated fixtures that come in the shape of the American flag. These whimsical mini lights are energy efficient and will enhance the look and feel of your USA theme. Users will benefit from the use of LED (light emitting diode) fixtures around their property. The holiday illuminations fixtures produce less heat than traditional light bulbs and will help save on those escalating energy bills, especially during the summer months. More and more people are displaying the American flag as a symbol of freedom, strength, and unity. These trying times we live in have tested our patience and our ultimate resolve. Our nationʼs symbol of freedom has brought us closer together in our fight for freedom and continues to be an everlasting tribute to peace and stability. The true beauty of the American flag is brought out with wonderful illumination products. The landscape light fixture kits will give “Old Glory” a brilliant shine for all to enjoy during the evening hours.
Written by Kimberly Quang, courtesy of Isnare.com
Do’s and Don’ts for a 4th of July Cookout With the Fourth of July around the corner and cookout season beckoning, you could be planning the allAmerican backyard grilling event this year. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned pro at the cookout, here are some handy Dos and Don’ts to help make your Fourth of July celebration a success!
enough space? A deck of cards or a Frisbee to toss around works just as well.
DO plan your event beforehand. Make a guest list, send out invites, plan the menu, shop for supplies, and prepare the activities for the event.
DO make it a potluck if pressured for time. Remember, guests love to bring food to a celebration.
DO get into the patriotic mood and set up red, blue, and white decorations. They could be simple – just some lights, or red, blue, and white napkins and other table decorations. If you enjoy craft, you could make an entire range of Fourth of July decorations ahead of time. DO put up the flag. DO have plenty of things for your guests to do. Have a game set up: badminton, volleyball, or baseball. Not
DO play music in keeping with the theme. Make a CD with a mix of country and rock versions of patriotic songs.
DO make the hot dog if you are planning the typical Fourth of July cookout. Homemade works just as well as store-brought. DO have plenty of other food to grill, such as fresh vegetables (it’s summer, after all), corn on the cob, chicken, steaks, or bratwursts. DO have at least a couple of beverages, one alcoholic and another non-alcoholic for your guests. Have plenty of water.
DO provide choices for your vegetarian guests. You can get veggie burgers or soy dogs at your grocery store.
DON’T drink too much alcohol. You need to be in control till the very end.
DO keep perishables cold. Keep the cold salads in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It also helps to keep cold food on smaller containers on ice to maintain temperatures and keep bacteria out.
When transporting meats and poultry to the cookout site, make sure they are cooked completely. It is never advisable to carry partially cooked meats and poultry in coolers. Partially cooked meat does not reach temperatures necessary to kill bacteria, and these bacteria will only grow and spread to other food in the cooler. Either cook the meat completely and chill it before putting it in the cooler, or carry uncooked meat that can be grilled right away.
DO serve watermelon – it’s red! Do have plenty of sunscreen and a first-aid kit handy. DON’T keep raw and cooked food on the same plates or utensils. Avoid cross-contamination at all costs. DON’T run out of grilling fuel or ice. DON’T leave kids unsupervised around the pool or around fireworks.
DO charge your cameras ahead of time. DO put a trash can or a recycle bin on the patio, Clean up the fireworks debris too. Above all, DO have a wonderful Fourth of July! Written by Cherrie Rasmussen. Courtesy of Isnare.com
Fireworks
The 6 Things You Must Know To Put On Your Own Show Putting on your own fireworks show can be a dazzling, albeit dangerous undertaking and knowing about the effects as well as the dangers of the different types of fireworks is vital. Before you start, it is essential to call your fire station and local police and find out which fireworks are legal and which are not. The six most important factors in putting on your own fireworks show include: Selecting a site that is appropriate: Take into consideration the firing area, the fallout area and the spectator area. Select an open area that is away from hospitals and other buildings and make sure the ground is level and there is no dry brush or grass around the display area. Also make sure there is plenty of space around the display area where aerial fireworks can safely fall back on without causing any damage or harm. The spectator area should be at an appropriately safe distance.
Choosing the right combination of fireworks: If you have an adequately safe space, go all out and create a brilliant pyrotechnics show with an assortment of aerial fireworks including rockets, finned missiles, roman candles, helicopters, multi-shot repeaters and reload-able shells kits. You have to limit your choices if you have a smaller space. Safety: Protect yourself by wearing clothes that are resistant to fire as well as a good pair of safety goggles. It is vital that there should be some source of water nearby, whether it is a water hose or several gallons of water in containers. Setting up the display: Make all preparations during daylight hours. Place the fireworks with smaller ones in front and the large, high flying ones at the back and further away from the spectator area.
Firing the display: Before starting up the display confirm the direction of the wind and make sure that the fallout area is still downwind and spectator area is still upwind. If the wind direction has changed, you will have to change the position of the fireworks and how they are fired. Have two people handling the display – one for the ground fireworks and the other handling the aerial display. This will reduce the gaps in the display and enhance the continuity. Cleaning up after the show: Inspect the whole after the show and make sure there are no smoldering embers left anywhere. Bag up all used fireworks including those that did not light and dispose of them safely. Leaving firework litter around could be highly dangerous. Fireworks Safety Along with common sense, it is extremely important to read all warnings and cautions and treat fireworks with respect. While they can result in a brilliant display, they can also cause a lot of damage if used indiscriminately. Make sure all local laws regarding lighting of fireworks are obeyed. Throwing fireworks from automobiles or lighting them indoors can lead to dangerous situations and accidents. Lighting multiple devices indiscriminately can be equally dangerous. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when lighting fireworks or putting on a fireworks show: Never use illegal explosives or fireworks meant to be handled by professionals only. If fireworks are illegal in your area, donʟt break the law, especially if they have been banned for reasons such as drought conditions. Light all fireworks only outdoors in open spaces making sure there are no vehicles or other combustible items around. Do not light fireworks in areas that are surrounded by dry brush or grass as even a spark can start off a full-blown fire. Do not alter the fireworks in any way or combine them in an indiscriminate manner. Use them as intended to avoid dangerous situations. Light fireworks only when you are sober. Alcohol and fireworks is a dangerous combination. Never allow children to play with fireworks unattended or unsupervised. Wear good safety goggles when lighting fireworks and wear clothes that are flame-retardant. It is important that there should be a source of water nearby. A water hose with a steady and unlimited supply is the best, but if that is unavailable then ensure you have plenty of water available in several containers. Never carry fireworks in your pockets or give them to children to carry around. Never light up a dud immediately. Give it some time to die out completely before approaching.
Written by Gabriel Adams. Courtesy of Isnare.com Photograph's by Jayson Kingsbeer
A Lesson In History A Visit To Alrington National Cemetary
For the four million people who visit Arlington National Cemetery every year, the reasons for making the trip vary. Some might see it as simply a chance to walk among headstones that chronicle the cost of war in very personal terms. Others remember and honor the nation's fallen war heroes. And there are the personal "last farewells" that occur during funeral services for a family member or friend.
Arlington National Cemetery has been operational since May 1864, with recent funerals averaging 27 per workday, some from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, others from burials of aging World War II veterans and others. Renovations of the Display Room and the development of some 40 acres of land are among the recent activities to have taken place at Arlington National Cemetery. If Arlington House seems out of place among more than 250,000 military graves, standing on a Virginia hillside and rising above the Potomac River as it overlooks the nation's capital, it may be because the estate was not intended to be a national cemetery. In fact, Arlington House was built by George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of United States President George Washington, and was originally intended be called Mount Washington, a memorial to Custis始 adopted father. Eventually, however, it was given the name of the Custis family ancestral estate in the Virginia tidewater area. The estate was designed by George Hadfield, who had helped construct the U.S. Capitol. It would take Custis 16 years to complete the Greek revival design. The first building to be created was the north wing, which was completed in 1802 and served as Custis' home. Part of it was also used to store George Washington memorabilia, including portraits, personal papers, and clothes. Even after the south wing was finished in 1804, Arlington House was no more than a set of detached buildings. With the completion of the central section in 1818, the house stretched 140 feet from the north to the south wing. Facilities in the central section included a dining room and sitting room, a large hall and a parlor. One of the most recognizable of the section's features is the eight columns of the exterior portico, each 5 feet in diameter at the base.
George Washington Parke Custis married Mary Lee Fitzhugh in 1804 and they lived in Arlington House for the rest of their lives. They were buried together on the property. On June 30, 1831, Custis' only child, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, married her childhood friend and distant cousin, Robert E. Lee. Between 1841 and 1857, Lee was away from Arlington House for several extended periods, serving in the Mexican war under General Winfield Scott, and as superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After his father-in-law died in 1857, Lee returned to Arlington to join his family and to serve as executor of the estate. Under the terms of her father's will, Mary Anna Custis Lee was given the right to inhabit and control the house for the rest of her life. Custis' will also stipulated that upon Mary Anna's death, full title would pass to her
eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee. Robert E. Lee and his wife, Mary Anna, lived at Arlington House until 1861, when Virginia ratified an alliance with the Confederacy and seceded from the Union. Lee deeply regretted the loss of his home at Arlington, although he continued to feel responsible for the estate. He was said to have earnestly hoped that the slaves who were left behind would be educated and freed, according to the provisions of George Washington Parke Custis' will. The property was confiscated by the federal government when property taxes levied against Arlington estate were not paid in person by Mrs. Lee. The property was offered for public sale Jan. 11, 1864, and was purchased by a tax commissioner for "government use, for war, military, charitable and educational purposes." Arlington National Cemetery was established after Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, who commanded the garrison at Arlington House, appropriated the grounds June 15, 1864, for use as a military cemetery. His intention was to render the house uninhabitable should the Lee family ever attempt to return. Among the first monuments to Union dead was a stone and masonry burial vault in the rose garden that contained the remains of 1,800 Bull Run casualties. After the Civil War, the oldest son of Robert E. Lee, George Washington Custis Lee argued in court that the land had been illegally confiscated and that he was the legal owner. In December 1882, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, returned the property. On March 3, 1883, Congress purchased the property from Lee for $150,000. It became a military reservation. Today, Arlington National Cemetery, steeped in history, remains a place worthy of a visit during student group travel to the Washington, D.C., area. Written by Dave Knapp. Article courtesy of Isnare.com. Photographs courtesy of sxc.hu. and Peter MacKay.
The Origin of Quilt Names Did you ever wonder how quilt blocks are named? As you look through a book with hundreds of quilt blocks, several interesting things pop up. You may discover quilt blocks with a different design while having the same name. Likewise, you will find quilt blocks that look the same yet have different names. How did this happen? And what is the inspiration for naming quilt blocks in the first place? A look at history and understanding life in the early years of America are particularly useful to answer these questions. Since early Americans were driven from England to gain religious freedom, they continued to be very religiously minded in the New World. All day Sunday was spent at church for both religion and social time. The morning and afternoon sermons were divided by an hour-long lunch break where families would share the events of the week while enjoying the peaceful meal. Many quilts and quilt blocks reflected that religious devotion. “World Without End," a quilt made during the Revolutionary time period, is a name lifted from the Book of Common Prayer. It was, and still is, a phrase familiar in every church. It's also interesting to see the range in complexity of making quilt blocks and quilts. The "Star of Bethlehem," "Jacob's Ladder" and "Job's Tears" represent quilts and blocks and were more studied designs. While the "Star and Cross" and "King David's Crown" were simpler and very popular for bed quilts. In addition, early Americans were also very politically minded. Even though women couldn't vote, they were acutely aware of the importance of the politics of the day. While originally the political efforts were directed toward economic freedom and relief from onerous taxes, later the politics shifted toward political freedom as well. After a century of local government, Americans were politically astute, and were dedicated to developing the machinery of a republic that would survive. And the political conversations extended into the quilt blocks created during that time, enabling quilters to express opinions developed as they listened to the arguments of the day. Even naming a quilt block stirred controversy. A block named "Whig Rose" and "Democrat Rose" created a debate as to which was the correct name - a debate not settled, maybe even today. Politics and quilts continue to intertwine with "The Little Giant" being named after Stephen A. Douglas (from the Civil War era), the "Free Trade Block" (which has relevance today), "Fifty-four Forty or Fight" (from the early 1800s fight between the US and Canada over territory in the northwest territory) and "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" (a campaign slogan during the Harrison presidential election in 1840).
The trades and occupations of the time also offered inspiration for quilt names. "The Anvil," "The Churn Dash," "The Carpenter's Wheel," and "The Water Mill" were a common part of women's everyday lives. "The Reel" was a block that represented the once universal occupation of women - spinning. The Reel was used to wind thread onto skeins. Outdoor life provided more inspiration for quilt block names. Take, for example, "Flying Bats." Bats were once very common, and without screens in open windows, bats would be attracted to the light inside houses. Once inside, they were blinded by the light of the lamps, and the bats flapped and banged against walls and the ceiling while women ducked and screamed and small boys made a game of chasing them.
With nothing but candles and oil lamps for light, the pioneers relied on the natural light of day for most of their activities. Industrious folk rose early and were able to witness the glory of every sunrise. It wasn't too unusual that "Rising Sun" quilts would be created. Maybe the contrast represented the difference in the level of energy of a quilter between the early morning rising and the end of the day, having completed a full day's work.
There are two different methods of making this intricate pattern, both reserved for expert quilt makers. In sharp contrast, quilt blocks representing the setting sun are much simpler. A Block like "Setting Sun," known also as "Indian Summer" required some skill, since it includes triangles on a curve, yet was not as difficult as the Rising Sun.
Many designs were specific to their community of origin. And as they migrated away from their community of origin, their form changed. Since there were no printed patterns at the time, duplication of the design depended on copying the pattern by looking at an existing quilt, remembering the design having seen it previously, or understanding a verbal description of the quilt block. Any of these methods could result in the proportions of the shapes within the block changing, therefore changing the overall look of the quilt; and a new block design with the same name was created, even though the quilter may have thought she was duplicating the quilt block exactly. What will the inspiration for the quilt block you design be?
Author Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 26 years who shares her quilting experiences with children and senior citizens alike. Penny hosts http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com and provides information for beginner quilters. Also thanks to a great many talented quilters for photos.
FOOD THEY WILL LOVE!
Fourth Of July
marks the high point of summer but sometimes kids get
left out of the party because there's only grownup food around. Here are a few food ideas that are sure to please your little ones. Children love bite size snacks they can carry with them. Just about every child loves macaroni and cheese. You can make it special and portable by hollowing out a small dinner roll and stuffing it with mac and cheese. They won't even need a spoon. Stuff cherry tomatoes with a mixture of one cup of cottage cheese mixed with one quarter cup of parmesan cheese. Fill a plastic disposable container large enough to serve the stuffed tomatoes, half full of water, then freeze at least overnight.
At party time serve the tomatoes on the lid of the container placed on the ice. For a variation stuff the tomatoes with chicken salad or tuna salad. Chicken wings are fun and easy. Cut a chicken wing in three pieces. Bake the wings at 350 degrees until done. Serve at room temperature with dipping sauces. Mix equal parts honey, lime juice and mustard for a tangy dip. Or try equal party ketchup and brown sugar for a BBQ like sauce. Each child gets their own little cup of dipping sauce. Miniature hotdogs and buns are always a hit. Buy the little franks and refrigerator biscuits. Cut the biscuits in half. Place one little frank in the center and roll up. Bake as package directs. Grill baby burgers and place in a cut dinner roll, top with a slice of tomato, a lettuce leaf, and favorite condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard.. Salad to go. Wash endive leaves. Fill the broad end with a teaspoon of your kid's favorite prepared salad. Wash butter lettuce leaves, selecting the smaller more pliable leaves. Spread out the lettuce leaf and put a tablespoon of salad on the end nearest you. Roll the leaf forward covering the salad. Tuck the ends of the leave under as if you were rolling up a burrito. Lightly fill celery stalk with cream cheese. Press dried cranberries or raisins into the cheese. Cut into child bite sized pieces. For a change use flavored cream cheese. Child sized pizzas. Use refrigerator biscuits. Lightly flour a board. Roll each biscuit flat doubling the size of the biscuit. Place biscuits on cookie sheets. Spread with a teaspoon of tomato sauce, pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce. An alternative is to use a slice of fresh tomato. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake as package directs. A veggie platter and dip can be made special by using baby vegetables. Carrots, summer squash, patty pan squash, string beans, both yellow and green should be blanched by immersing in boiling water for one minute and then in immediately in an ice bath. Add snap pea pods, grape tomatoes, both red and yellow, and boiled baby potatoes. Mini tacos are fun and easy. Use the corn chips that are made for dipping and have a bowl shape. Fill with a teaspoon of cooked taco meat, a bit of refried beans and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese just melts. Usually the challenge with kids and desserts is to stop the kids from only eating the sweet stuff. Here are a few suggestions to carry the mini theme forward. Use small cookies like vanilla snaps or mini chocolate chips cookies. Place a tablespoon of ice cream on the flat side of one cookie and cover with the flat side of another cookie to make a sandwich then freeze in a plastic container. Use a medium size sugar cookie, about a 3 inch diameter. Frost with vanilla pudding and top with slices of fresh strawberries for a mini strawberry tartlet. Make different varieties: Use chocolate pudding and raspberries, lemon pudding and fresh blueberries. Children will love you for making them feel special at your Fourth of July party.
Written by Dee Powers. Courtesy of Isnare.com,
Products To Love In July The one thing that you must have once you get your new kitchen pulled together is one of the Paula Deen Cookware Sets. I LOVE IT!! While I admit to being an admirer of that beautiful Southern lady, I would not recommend a pot I hated, no matter how sweet the designing chef. But Paula honey, you scored a culinary home-run with this set! They cook evenly, are pretty enough to display proudly, and best yet, the handles stay cool much longer than most pots and pans. I have made everything from chicken tacos to Elvis始 favorite (grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches) in with this set and I can honestly say that even as picky as I am, I始m very, very pleased! Please click here for more information.
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Reviewed by Rural Jungle Testing
Want a cooler that really does it始s job? The new Tundra series from Yeti Coolers has every feature that one could desire from a cooler, plus it始s certified bear resistant! Honestly! How cool is that? It comes in sizes ranging from 35 qt to a whopping 250 qt and in two colors - white and desert tan. Please visit www.yeticoolers.com for more information.
Energy Independence! Proper illumination for your Flag gets easier. This solar-powered light replaces the typical power-greedy incandescent spotlight needed to display your Flag during night hours. Produces bright, pure-white light for showcasing contrasting colors of red, white and blue to their fullest. And power is produced for free, courtesy of the sun, with no wiring necessary. High-quality solar collectors recharge battery power even on cloudy days, 2 Bright, energyefficient LED bulbs provide 5 years of continuous burn time, Up to 12 hours of illumination on a full charge, Push button on / off on solar panel, Weatherresistant die-cast aluminum housing, Please click here for more information.
Products To Love In July
Mosquitos are the bane of any nighttime summer event, send them packing with the Citronella by the Hour candle. Elegant and effective this genius candle can be set to burn for exactly the amount of time you need without any waste! It provides up to 80 hours of pest free fun. Please visit www.target.com for more information.
This is the ultimate patriotic room decorating kit! Each kit includes:2 Foil Swirls,36", 2 Foil Swirls, 24", 2 String Decorations,4ft, 2 String Decorations, 3ft, 2 Star Cutouts,15", 2 Flag Cutouts, 12", 1 Hat Cutout, 5 3/4", 2 Garlands, 10ft x 5", 2 Garlands, 10ft x 15",50ft String for Hanging Please click here for more information.
Tired of wimpy, flimsy camp chairs? Have we got a solution for you! The MaXXDaddy Monster is about the coolest chair we have ever seen! 2 cup holders, 2 layers of quilted padding, a magazine holder, adjustable and removable head and foot rest, a carry case and last but not least, it始s guaranteed to hold up to 800 lbs! Please visit www.koolestproducts.com for more information.
City Spotlight
Washington, DC As the nationʼs capital, Washington D.C. is certainly not lacking of museums, monuments, exhibits, historic landmarks and a fantastic potpourri of cuisine and nightlife. The District of Columbia is vibrant and alive with thousands of college students, passionate non-profits and swarms of local and international government employees. Get a taste of this unique social climate when you book your airfare to Washington DC through one of the regionʼs major airports: Dulles International Airport (Virginia), Ronald Reagan International (Virginia), and Baltimore/Washington International (Maryland). The city itself coexists as both the District of Columbia and the city of Washington. When the city was established, it was planned specifically to serve the United States as seat of government. A dispute arose between Virginia and Maryland as to which state would be home to the nationʼs capital. Thus, the decision was made to establish Washington DC as an independent, non-state entity. What is most interesting about the city is its inhabitants are rule by the United States Congress, which has ultimate authority over DC and resulting in less government representation for residents than they would enjoy in a state. The National Mall… but Thatʼs Not All! Although you will never find yourself short of things to do or see in Washington DC, there are several must visits in the District. A tour of the Capitol Building is a fascinating way to see the several stages of democracy as they emerged over the course of the nationʼs history. The building itself was partially burned, along with the rest of the city, in 1814 by British forces and inside you can still see the remains of the old dome and the surrounding new, taller dome. You can also view the first
Supreme Court, then housed inside the Capitol. This tour is most exciting because the building is an active part of todayʼs government, full of congressional interns, staffers and Congressmen. Take a walk on the wilder side of Washington DCʼs Rock Creek Park and visit the famous National Zoo, which is home to Americaʼs famous pandas. Washington DC also offers the very popular Spy Museum, which covers the history of intelligence, espionage and code breaking in the United States and worldwide. The world renowned Smithsonian Institution is the most famous collection of museums and galleries, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the recently added National Museum of the American Indian. From the Smithsonian collection you will have the best view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument at either ends of the grassy Mall. The Bounty Beyond Washington DC Many of Washington DCʼs attractions are beyond the limits of the District. Once you book your airfare to Washington DC on cFares, plan to explore the outlying areas like Arlington National Cemetery, just across the Potomac in Virginia. Take a bike ride from there down the scenic green waterside of George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon, the home and plantation of the nationʼs first president, George Washington. Washington DC is also surrounded by several National Parks and recreation areas, including Shenandoah National Park and Anacostia National Park. Find your airfare to Washington DC today and experience the heart and soul of Americaʼs traditions, culture and democratic institutions. Written by Elyse Morgan, courtesy of Isnare.com Photograph courtesy of Sara Moses.
Businesses That Make A Difference
Target Corporation is consistently ranked as one of the most philanthropic companies in the US. It
ranked #11 in Fortune Magazine's "Top 20 Most Admired Companies" for 2007, largely in part to the donation efforts of the company as a whole. Target donates around 5 percent of its pre-tax operating profit; it gives over $3 million a week to the communities in which it operates. It also gives a percentage of charges from its Target Visa to schools designated by the cardholders. To date, Target has given over $150 million to schools across the United States through this program.
During disasters, Target has been a major benefactor for relief efforts.
Further evidence of Target's philanthropy can be found in the Target House complex in Memphis, Tennessee, a long-term housing solution for families of patients at the city's St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The corporation led the way with more than $27 million in donations, which made available 96 fully furnished apartments for families needing to stay at St. Jude over 90 days.
Target provided monetary and product donations during the September 11 attacks; it also donated money for relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami in South Asia and donated $1.5 million (U.S.) to the American Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It also allowed its store properties in the affected area to be used as command centers for relief organizations. It also donated supplies such as water and bug spray. Check out www.target.com to find out more.
Random Facts
This month's random fact enlightens us on a favored 4th subject: Fireworks!
Fireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. Fireworks take many forms to produce the four primary effects: noise, light, smoke, and floating materials (confetti for example). They may be designed to burn with flames and sparks of many colors, typically red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and silver. Displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many cultural and religious celebrations.
The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, where they were invented. The fireworks were used to accompany many festivities. It is a part of the culture of China and had its origin there, eventually it spread to other cultures and societies. Important events and festivities such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival were and still are times when fireworks are guaranteed sights. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world.
Fireworks are generally classified as to where they perform, either as a ground or aerial firework. In the latter case they may provide their own propulsion (skyrocket) or be shot into the air by a mortar (aerial shell). The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube or casing filled with the combustible material, often pyrotechnic stars. A number of these tubes or cases are often combined so as to make, when kindled, a great variety of sparkling shapes, often variously colored. A smaller version of the sky rocket for consumer use is known as the festival ball in the United States. Ground fireworks, although less popular than aerial ones, create a stunning exhibition.
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