Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Happy Flag Day!


Flag Etiquette

How do you know what you don't know? It is summertime and we will have the opportunity to fly Old Glory to show our patriotism. Here's how to do it correctly:

Fun Facts:
The flag should never be flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most A
merican Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.


Displaying t
he Flag Outdoors
When the fl
ag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

Raising
and Lowering the Flag The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

Displayi
ng the Flag Indoors
When on
display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

Parad
ing and Saluting the Flag
When
carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The S
alute
To s
alute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pl
edge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The p
ledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

The Fl
ag in Mourning
To pl
ace the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Maverick Fan For Life

National Champions!
Many Dallasites loose interest and turn our backs when our teams are not winning. But the owner of the Maverick's Basketball Team, Mark Cuban started a saying, "Maverick's Fan For Life" meaning we - (The Mav's Nation) root for the Mav's through the good times and bad - forever. He sets the example by always being there cheering them on to the very end, every year, every game of the season.
Last night was our night! The Dallas Maverick's won the NBA Championship and did it with class - so proud and excited to be a MFFL.
Mark Cuban allowed Mr. & Mrs. Carter (founding owners) to accept the Championship trophy.
MFFL
xoJoy

Friday, June 10, 2011

It's National Iced-Tea Day

Tea-Time Manners
 
It's National Ice-Tea Day!
While iced tea is common place for Texans and Southerner's, (especially sweet tea!) it is important to know how to navigate Tea-Time.
Remember - to call it by it's proper name - Iced Tea (not Ice Tea) Yes, their is a d on the end ...
Oh, and if you order at Starbuck :
Short is the smallest(8 oz) but you'll probably only get this size if you ask for it by name; anyone asking for a "small" will get a Tall, which is the smallest size for which the prices are actually on the menu. Only hot drinks can be served in the Short size. Tall is 12 oz. This is what you'll get if you ask for a "small" drink. Grande is 16 oz. This is the "medium"size.  Venti    20 oz. hot, 24 oz. cold. For some reason the iced Venti cups hold four more ounces; for this reason, Venti espresso drinks have an extra shot of espresso in them, and cost a few cents more than their hot equivalents. 
What about tea-party's? (no not THE Tea Party - no political statement are on the agenda today)
First we must know tea terminology – there are various types of teas parties:

 
Afternoon Tea is served in the U.S. typically between the afternoon hours of three o’clock and five o’clock. A variety of teas are served along with three distinct courses – first, finger sandwiches are eaten, scones are next, and finally the sweet treat of pastries. In addition, afternoon tea is sometimes called “low tea” because it is served at low tables placed beside armchairs.

 Afternoon tea has been around for many centuries, but became popular in the 1840’s by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who suffered hunger pains during the long afternoons between lunch and the late evening meal. It became the “it “ thing to do and eventually turned into a social affair among the English aristocracy.

 
High Tea - remember the biggest faux pas is to refer to afternoon tea as “high tea.” (You will be looked down upon as a novice tea drinker) Often times the term “high tea” is misused by people who want tea-time to sound more refined. Note to self: “high tea” is a hearty, simple, sit-down meal that the Industrial Revolution workers of the 19th century originated. The workers came home in the late afternoon from the fields, factories, and mines starved after a long and hard day of work. Traditionally the high tea meal was served in the late afternoon. It was set-up family style with tea to drink and meat to eat, now known as a supper buffet.

 
Royal Tea is a choice of tea and a four-course menu of finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, desserts and a glass of champagne or sherry. The addition of the glass of champagne or sherry is the distinction of “royal tea.”

 
Light Tea is a lighter version of afternoon tea. The menu excludes the fingers sandwiches but includes scones, sweets, and of course a variety of teas.

 There are various ways to serve the food at a tea. A savvy host knows an easy and elegant way to present each course is on a tiered stand. The first course eaten is from the bottom tier and we work our way up.
 
·       The first tier (bottom) is reserved for the finger sandwiches.
·       The second tier (middle) holds the scones.
·       The third tier (top) is for the small pasties, tarts and other bite-size sweet desserts.

 There are several
“nevers” to remember:
 
·       Never fill your cup to the rim – it will only spill onto the saucer creating a dilemma.
·       Never stir so others can hear it.  Do not allow the teaspoon to touch the sides of the cup. Quietly stir in a little figure-eight motion and place the spoon on the front-side of your cup.
·       Never cradle the cup with your fingers.
·       Never swirl the tea around in the cup as if it were a wine glass.
·       Never-ever bounce the tea bag up and down in your cup to help the steeping process.
·       Never drain a tea bag by winding the string around a spoon.
·       Never place your empty cup, saucer and plate back on the tea table when you leave. The tea table is the display for the tea and food and should remain beautiful through the tea time.

 There are also several “always” we should adhere to at tea-time:
 
·       Always keep your tea cup and saucer close together, do not separate more than 12 inches apart. For example: if you are sitting on a sofa and lean back – pick up your saucer too, or if your stand up, do not leave the saucer sitting on the table.
·       Always hold your saucer (with the teacup) in the palm of your hand at waist level and sip. (a silent sip!)
·       Always request the tea bag be placed in the teapot first and the hot water added.
·       Always pour tea in your cup first in order to judge the strength before adding lemon, sugar or milk.
·       Always use lemon slices in your cup, instead of wedges.
·       The handle of the spoon and the handle of the cup point to 4 o’clock.
·       Always take your spoon out of your cup after stirring, then place your spoon in front of your cup
·       Always request a saucer to hold the used tea bag, sugar wrappers or any disposables used.
·       Always write your host a thank-you note after the tea party.

  Hosting a tea in your home is a special way to entertain friends or even hold a business meeting. There is much to know about “tea-time” and this information will prepare you in advance and provide you the confidence needed to navigate the tea table.

 
Oh yes, and remember one more thing ... Do not raise your pinky finger up when holding a tea cup. It will guarantee you a place in the tea drinkers “hall of shame!”
 

Happy Weekend my friends - take time to smell the roses, hug your family, and drink iced tea.
xoJoy