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P.O. Box 436Ironton, MO 63650

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Strike up the band and set off the fireworks! July in all it's glory is bursting across the sky.

The sound of the band playing America the Beautiful, the sizzle and pop of fireworks and a

snow cone slowly melting in your hand, life does not get any better!

This month in Welcome Home magazine rediscover your heritage and remember all the

brave explorers, patriots, pioneers and military heroes that make this country possible today.

Follow America's fascinating history through two of it's greatest early citizens: George

Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Learn how to safely set off fireworks and how to wow

your neighbors with the best party on the block! Last but not least, discover a different kind of

tea party: Boston Style!

Please enjoy this issue of the magazine!

Have a inspiring July, and as always, Welcome Home!

compliments of

Dan Buck

Visit My Site

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573-546-5546 · 573-315-8730

P.O. Box 436Ironton, MO 63650

Table of Contents

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not

intended to solicit other brokers’ listings. If you are currently working

with another broker, please disregard this information.

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 part icular purpose l ies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu or bing.com unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for Random Fact information and aid. Cover Photo

Welcome Home!

4 Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.

5 How To Safely Handle Fireworks Don’t feel like losing a hand? Check this out!

6 How To Host A 4th of July Block Party How to have literally the best party on the block!

8 In The Kitchen. Patriotic Goodies: Fourth of July Rice Krispy Treats

9 Health and Wellness.Paddle Boarding - Get fit while enjoying the water.

10 Benjamin Franklin - The Ideal American Inventor, patriot and Founding Father.

12 The Boston Tea Party Not your average colonial gathering.

16 American Flag - Standing Proud What the flag means to Americans.

18 George Washington - The Best President? A brief history of the great man.

20 Products To Love! Hot trends and technological wonders of tomorrow.

22 City Spotlight Boston, MA - Visit the harbor that hosted the infamous Tea Party.

24 DIY Project - July Kid friendly fun - 4th of July Chalk

25 Businesses That Make A Difference Target, giving back to the community.

Mini S’Mores

Recipe and Design

Directions:1. Preheat broiler. Using a serrated knife, cut each graham

cracker square into 4 1 1/4-inch squares. 2. Place half of the squares on a baking sheet and top each

with a 2 tiny marshmallows. 3. Broil 3 inches from the heat for just a few seconds until

the marshmallows start to brown. 4. Remove and quickly top with remaining graham cracker

squares. 5. Dip in melted chocolate, place on a plate or waxed paper,

and sprinkle with red, white, and blue nonpareils. 6. Serve immediately or let stand until chocolate sets. Mini

s'mores can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.

BHG JULY 2014

Ingredients

• 4 graham cracker squares• 16 tiny marshmallows• 1 1/2 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate,

melted*• 1 teaspoon red, white and blue nonpareils or

sprinkles

Instructions:1. Cut a star shape stencil from a piece of cardboard. For more variety cut several star stencils in different sizes

2. Lay the stencil on the lawn and spray the grass lightly with water.

3. Leave the stencil in place, and use a flour sifter to fill the shape with flour.

4. Remove the stencil and repeat.

TIP: Focus the stars near the entrance to your yard for a dramatic welcome.

• Large grass area• Spray bottle filled with water• Scissors• Cardboard• All Purpose Flour• Flour Sifter

Starry Night Decorations

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.com

What You Need:

How To Safely Handle Fireworks

When using fireworks, it is essential that you use them in a safe and secure manner. In the following paragraphs, we will throw some light on the safety measures that you should adopt when using fireworks. Remember, a legitimate adult should always watch over children when handling fireworks, and fireworks should not be left unattended at places where minors can access them.

Here are some of the best suggestions on handling the fireworks safely

Ask the shop owner if his products meet all the safety criteriaWhen shopping for fireworks, it is crucial that you ask the shop owner if they are selling products that are safe and meet the safety criteria set by your community. Additionally, it is a good idea to check the business license of the individual that you are buying fireworks from. It has often been seen that in many regions people have set up firework shops and sold home-made fireworks. Most of these products are prohibited by law and are very hazardous for your health.

Store the fireworks properlyAfter you have purchased the fireworks, it is necessary that you store them appropriately until use. They must not to be stored in moist places. You must store fireworks in a place that has limited contact with heat and fire. This will likely reduce the chance of the explosives getting ignited on their own and causing injuries. You should also avoid keeping them in places where pets have access.

Avoid lighting multiple fireworks at one timeIdeally, you should designate one person to handle the lighting of fireworks. You should also avoid lighting multiple fireworks at one time. Before igniting the fireworks, it is important that you read each of the labels on the package.

Have a water hose and a fire extinguisher nearbyAdditionally, it is important to have a water hose or bucket and a fire extinguisher nearby to prevent any minor accidents from getting devastating. Seeing

that it's important that you light the fireworks in a place that is away from the population, it is necessary to have a first aid kit close by. Bringing a cellphone along with you is also recommended. Only adults must light and handle fireworks. Designate an area for children to sit and enjoy the fireworks.

Never touch a used firework until it is coolAfter the firework has blown, it is important that you do not touch it until you are totally sure that it is cool. Once you have established this, you might run water over it and dispose appropriately.

Never reignite dud fireworksIf you light a firework and it fails to do what it supposed to do, do not try and light it again. Such pieces of faulty fireworks should be dumped immediately. Wanting to do anything else with a dud can cause significant injury.

Read the caution label carefullyRead the labels carefully and adhere to directions. All fireworks should carry a caution label talking about necessary security precautions.

By no means use fireworks indoorsMake sure that the spectators are at a significant distance away before lighting the fireworks. Never throw these fireworks at any person. Doing this might cause irreparable damage to vital organs.

Light fireworks on a level surfaceOnly light fireworks on a level surface out of the house. Make sure that the place doesn't have dried up leaves and other inflammable materials.

ConclusionIt is necessary to ensure that the fireworks you are buying are allowed in your locality. Several types of fireworks are illegal because they have brought on serious injuries, destruction, and in many cases death in the past. While it might be tempting to use these kinds of fireworks, it is far from being prudent and could result in serious injury.

Written by Daniel, courtesy of Articlesbase.com

The Fourth of July is, for many people across the country, the quintessential summer holiday. It's a great time to gather around with family, take the day off work, and spend it enjoying each other's company. It's traditional to grill or BBQ, perhaps to invite your neighbors, and to watch fireworks as night falls. This year, instead of the small gatherings you may have done in years past, try expanding your reach and coordinating a block party.

Start By Figuring Out Location If you live in the suburbs on the end of a quiet street, you're a good candidate for a complete block party. Close off the street (with permission from your neighbors, of course) and host the

celebration right in the street. A cul de sac is ideal for this purpose because of the wide expanse of pavement available and the easy logistics of blocking off access. However you end up working things out, you shouldn't have to pay for access or to rent a particular area. Renting presents a lot of problems; it's best to just avoid it and host it in a backyard, a park, or at the end of the block. 

Next, Focus On FoodOnce you know where you're going to have it, you need to figure out how you're going to feed the people that attend. Considering that it's a 4th of July party, you'll almost certainly need to have hot dogs and hamburgers. These are just so

How To Host A 4th of July Block Party

Written by Jeremy P. Standfords. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

standard for the Independence Day BBQ that they're unavoidable. However, depending on the number of people that you're expecting, you can also expand that menu quite a bit. Running it potluck can be a good way to get everyone involved and asking them to RSVP with the dish they're bringing is a good plan for tracking everyone and getting a basic head count. Just be sure that you never rely purely on potluck. Always provide at least the hot dogs and hamburgers yourself. 

Add Some Fun This is the most exciting part of the planning process. Part of making a great party is planning fun events. You can ask the community to pitch

in and do something like a water slide rental. Portland, Oregon is among the most temperate regions in the US during the summer, but it's still very refreshing and fun to get a water slide. If you'd prefer not to have the mess that can come with wet kids, you might still want to look at inflatable rentals. Portland and other big cities around the country have a number of different rental companies that you can choose from. 

Spread The WordDon't forget this part! Post signs around the neighborhood. Set up flyers. Post at schools. Make sure that everyone knows, otherwise you're going to be wasting a lot of effort, a lot of food, and a lot of fun. 

Directions:1. Gather your supplies and divide

the rice krispies and marshmallows in three for the three layers (2 cups rice krispies and about 2 cups marshmallows).

2. I like to microwave my marshmallows because it’s easier. I stick them in a microwave safe bowl along with the margarine (1 TB) for a few minutes or until they start to get big and almost touch the top of the microwave. Take them out, stir well and add the food coloring (I added almost 1/4 – 1/3 tube of the gel food coloring which is a lot I know but made the colors pretty and bright). Then add the 2 cups of Rice Krispies and stir well. Press into well greased 9×9 (a 9×13 works but makes thinner treats). I wanted mine more thick so I used a 9×9 (8×8 would work as well).

3. Do this for all 3 layers starting with the blue, then white (which is just regular and requires no food coloring) and then red. Pat down all layers really well using wax paper.

4. Let set for a bit, then cut, serve and enjoy!

Supplies:- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal - 1 package marshmallows - 3 TB margarine or butter - Food coloring (red and blue – I like Betty Crocker Gel Food Colors because the colors are brighter)

Courtesy of lilluna.com

In The Kitchen

Health & Wellness

A paddle board can give you joy of maintaining an active life style while having a lot of fun. The use of the paddle board has grown in popularity over the last years, and it may be said that this is an alternative way of surfing and maybe an easier one. The paddle board was used at first as the first step towards learning how to surf, but over time it became a sport itself. The stand-up paddle board gives you the possibility to enjoy the view of the water and unlike the surfboard it can be used in still waters; so you can go with it in rivers and lakes and you will be able to have a lot of fun. If you are a beginner and you want to buy a paddle board you should try to find some information on the subject at first and afterwards go on with the purchase. Although it’s easier than surfing, a paddle board has its tricks as well. You might find at hand surfing the internet; here you will find information as well as offers to buy a paddle board. If you choose to go to a surfing store to buy one you might be troubled by the fact that stores have a restricted number of models and design, so it might take a while until you find what you want; thus wasting a lot of time and energy. On the other hand, the internet will provide numerous sites that will offer you all sorts of paddle boards. You will find all shapes and sizes and designs; all you need is patience to find the right one. If you are looking for a paddle board on the internet you will spend less time searching for a design that suites your style. The numerous sites offer all sort of designs, shapes and lengths for paddle boards and you will be able to find one that you like in a shorter period of time. Also most sites offer delivery service and you will get the board you wanted just by moving a finger and the whole transaction can take place in less than five days. The other great thing that internet web-sites provide is a detailed description of each paddle board they have for sale. This will help you make up your mind a lot easier, just by reading the information the site provides. Specialized sites that sell surfing equipment have also a very smart construction of their site, giving you to surf and find fast what you need. Also most surfing web-sites sell all the equipment that you might need if you are determined you want to start paddle-boarding and you will get everything from one place. Paddle-boarding is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy water and nature and have fun. If all this excites you and you are willing to give it a try, you will need a few items that will help you, starting with the paddle board so choose wisely and enjoy.

Written by Gilles Sabas. Courtesy of Isnare.com

Paddle Boarding

We all heard a lot about "American dream", but never seen its personification within the human. That human did exist, we even know how he looked like, because his face is always looking upon us for the decades from the US 100 dollar bill. Meet Benjamin Franklin – politician, scientist, writer, philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.Benjamin was born on 17th of January, 1706 in Boston. He became the 10th and the youngest son of the tallow chandler, a maker of candles and soap, who had 17 children. The young boy studied at school only for two years, and since he became 10 – he was earning for his life at the candle works, then printing house. When he got 17, Benjamin went to Philadelphia without a coin in his pocket; there he was employed at the printing house. Some time passed and Benjamin became the master of the printing business, and even improved some equipment there. During his leisure time Benjamin self-educated himself on many topics like ancient and modern languages, philosophy, physics, and literature.

At 1729 Benjamin started to publish "The Pennsylvania Gazette" which soon became the most popular publication in Northern America. It was Franklin's idea to create the Public library that could be visited by anybody. First of these libraries in English colonies were opened in 1731. The same year Benjamin Franklin was accepted to the freemasons at the St. John's Craft in Philadelphia, three years later he already was the Great Master of the Great Craft. He was getting more and more worried about the future of English colonies, about their freedom and development prospects. Franklin started to publish his opinions not just in newspapers, but in "Poor Richard's Almanac" also, which made him popular.

Shortly people started to consider his opinion – he became very respectable person. That's how Franklin became politician, in 1737 he was chosen as the secretary of the Pennsylvania Assembly, in 1753 he was appointed as the general postmaster of North American colonies. During his staying at this post he cardinally reformed post service, and for the long time it was the most advanced in the world.

Benjamin Franklin - The Ideal American

In 1743 Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society, and in 1751 – Academy of Philadelphia, which was reorganized into the University of Pennsylvania. It was Franklin, who in 1754 offered the plan to unite English colonies, which was though rejected by the colonies themselves. After the war for independence he was participating actively in preparation of Declaration of Independence and signed it in 1776. He was amongst the ones who participated in development of symbolic of the Great Seal of The United.

At the same time Franklin carried on extensive economic research, which initiated the beginning of labor theory of value. Moreover he didn't put an end to the study of essential sciences. He invented lightning rod, which helped during the storms, he invented the theory of storm winds (northeasters) and participated in the studies of Gulfstream. His research in the electricity received international acknowledgement. Last years of his life, Benjamin Franklin devoted to his work on Constitution of the United States and struggle against slavery in all its forms. Few days before his death he signed the famous petition against slavery. And not long before that he received a letter from George Washington, where he expressed the attitude of all the Americans to the Founding Father of United States:"… If to be venerated for benevolence, if to be admired for talents, if to be esteemed for patriotism, if to be beloved for philanthropy can gratify the human mind, you must have the pleasing consolation to know that you have not lived in vain; and I flatter myself that it will not be ranked among the least grateful occurrences of your life to be assured that so long as I retain my Memory, you will be thought on with respect, veneration and affection by Dear Sir Your sincere friend and Obedient Humble Servant, G. Washington"

Franklin's JournalThey often say that people like Franklin were born under the lucky star. Indeed it is easier to explain the impetuous spiritual growth of human by prophesy or some fortunate foresight, than discern behind the outer successes laborious and continuous task. But we are fortunate: When Franklin was at the age of 79 – he wrote his autobiography, that clarifies the true motives of his successes. Here are some quotations out of it:"It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other. But I soon found I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I had imagined. While my care was employed in

guarding against one fault, I was often surprised by another; habit took the advantage of inattention; inclination was sometimes too strong for reason. I concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was our interest to be completely virtuous was not sufficient to prevent our slipping, and that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct. For this purpose I therefore contrived the following method.

In the various enumerations of the moral virtues I met in my reading, I found the catalogue more or less numerous, as different writers included more or fewer ideas under the same name. Temperance, for example, was by some confined to eating and drinking, while by others it was extended to mean the moderating every other pleasure, appetite, inclination, or passion, bodily or mental, even to our avarice and ambition. I proposed to myself, for the sake of clearness, to use rather more names, with fewer ideas annexed to each, than a few names with more ideas; and I included under thirteen names of virtues all that at that time occurred to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which fully expressed the extent I gave to its meaning.

These names of virtues, with their precepts were:1. Temperance – Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.2. Silence – Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.3. Order – Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.4. Resolution – Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.5. Frugality – Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself, i.e., waste nothing.6. Industry – Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.7. Sincerity – Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.8. Justice – Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.9. Moderation – Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.10. Cleanliness – Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.11. Tranquillity – Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.12. Chastity – Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.13. Humility – Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Written by Stanislav Kaliyev. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

Not Your Average Colonial Social Gathering

The Boston Tea Party

So much so in fact that it makes my online advertising for the Tea Store a little challenging; the word tea is used in so many other contexts now, that in and of itself it is not as relevant to a Tea store as a political party. That notwithstanding, this week I thought I would take a few minutes to give you a brief version of the original Tea Party, and how it came to help create this country.

In 1763, the British had just achieved victory in the French and Indian War, a war incidentally fought in the New World. That victory however had come with a price and King George III and the British Government needed a way to recoup some of the costs of that victory. Additionally, they also were looking for ways to ‘rein in' the local colonial governments who had become more and more independent as the war went on.

To accomplish these dual goals, Britain enacted a series of actions. The Stamp Act, in 1765 created a tax on all printed materials in the colonies by requiring the use of stamped paper produced in London. Not a big hit with the colonists and it was repealed in 1766.

The Declaratory Act followed in 1767 with Parliament basically asserting that it could pass any law it saw fit with regards to the Colonies. This also did not sit well with the colonists such as Sam Adams and Patrick Henry.

Also in 1767, the Townshend Acts were passed, allowing the taxation of the colonies by Britain, among other laws. Resistance to this Act prompted the British Army to station troops in Boston in 1768 to enforce the Act. Ultimately this led to the Boston Massacre, where 5 colonists were killed in

The phrase ‘Tea Party" has gotten a lot of press over the last few years.

riots with soldiers who discharged their weapons. During their trial, the soldiers were represented by patriot and future president John Adams, who represented them to insure a fair trial. Ironically most of the Townshend Act was repealed shortly after the Boston Massacre.

One thing that remained in force from the Townshend Act was the duty on Tea. This was kept so that Britain could assert its ‘right to tax the Americans." In 1773, this was reinforced by the Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company the right to sell Tea directly to the colonies at a reduced rate, ostensibly to reduce smuggling, but to also assert the right to taxation. Ironically the passage of the Tea Act would have lowered the tax on Tea, making it cheaper, but the underlying issue, taxation without representation, still rankled the colonists.

In late November, 1773, the Dartmouth, arrived in Boston Harbor with its load of Tea. A meeting was called and thousands of people showed up and passed a resolution urging the Captain to leave port without collecting the duty. They also assigned twenty five men to watch the ship and prevent the cargo from being unloaded. Thomas Hutchinson, the British Royal Governor of Massachusetts, and a British loyalist, refused to allow the ship to leave with payment of the duty.

On December 16, two more ships, the Eleanor and the Beaver anchored in Boston Harbor with their loads of Tea. This day was also the deadline for the Dartmouth to unload its cargo and pay the duty

or get its cargo confiscated by British Customs. It is interesting to note here that the three ships involved were in fact American ships; only the Tea was British.

A crowd of thousands again gathered at the Old South Meeting House in Boston to protest the duty and determine a course of action. Upon getting word that Governor Hutchinson had again refused to let the ships leave, Sam Adams announced "This meeting can do nothing further to save the country." At this point, people poured out of the meeting and headed to Boston Harbor. That evening a group of 60 or so men, some vaguely disguised as Indians boarded the ships and over the next 3 hours dumped all 342 chests of Tea into Boston Harbor. History indicates that is was not a raucous group of hoodlums who destroyed the Tea, but patriotic men who had been pushed to the limits of their patience; The crowd was not an unruly mob intent solely on destruction, but a group of reserved and restrained citizens of America witness to a sober and solemn event. "All things," wrote John Adams to James Warren, "were conducted with great order, decency, and perfect submission to government."

The aftermath of course was increased attempts at control by the British; more acts of independence from the colonists and ultimately the Revolutionary War. The name "Boston Tea Party" did not appear in print until 1834 according to historians, being referred to as ‘the destruction of the tea' in most cases. Since that time, the Boston Tea Party has become a symbol of a citizen's right to stand up to the government; a call for the voice of the people to be heard and heeded, or the citizens will create a government that will.

Written by Matthew A. Graham. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com.

The American flag is a symbol of freedom and sacrifice for United States citizens.

American Flag - Standing Proud

Although we typically picture cloth versions of this national emblem, it can be anything that the observer acknowledges. Therefore, a Christmas tree adorned in red, white, and blue could be considered an American flag. Examples can be made from any material or placed on any object. The tragic events of September 11th resurrected a since of patriotism within the United States. The result has been a desire to display the American flag in front of homes, office buildings, and everywhere possible.

The historic tale of Betsy Ross painstakingly sewing the first American flag is widely known. However, many of the details of that extraordinary event, along with the circumstances leading up to it have been overlooked. To begin with, the colonies had adopted several flags as a representation of their new American beliefs. The "Don't Tread on Me" version incorporated red and white stripes with a snake across it. A popular option used by George Washington, which signified the unification of the colonies, was similar to the British emblem. Washington raised this particular version at Prospect Hill. The Loyalists misinterpreted the emblem as a sign of defeat.

The confusion that ensued prompted General George Washington, Colonel George Ross, and Robert Morris, along with other key members of the Congressional Committee, to enlist the aid of Mrs. Ross. At the time Betsy Ross was running an upholstery business. She had completed several assignments for General Washington, and he was familiar with her work, as well as being a personal friend. They provided her with a crude drawing of the appointed American flag and commissioned her to complete the work. She began the assignment in early May and completed the job in late May or early June.

The American flag was raised on July 4, 1776 to commemorate the birth of a new nation. Independence Day offers all United States citizens an opportunity to remember the hardships that our forefathers endured to gain our freedom. The American flag has been an inspiration to citizens of the United States, since its inception. Francis Scott Key composed our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, after his relief at seeing the American flag flying at dawn following a brutal battle, during the War of 1812. The symbolic raising of this national symbol has marked other moments in United States history. Soldier's lifted the "Colors" to signify victory and determination after the Battle of Iwo Jima; in the same way, the first astronauts to walk on the moon placed "Old Glory" within its powdery surface.

This type of patriotism waned in the late 20th century, but was brought back after tragedy gripped our nation on September 11, 2001. American flags are becoming a hot commodity and displaying "Old Glory" should be conducted with dignity. After that horrific day, citizens rose up and began displaying "Old Glory" throughout the land. A desire to perpetuate this newfound pride meant individuals wanted to keep the display up 24 hours a day. In order to maintain respect, the Colors must be properly illuminated.

Our country has seen dark days within its history and recent past, however the undying resolve of its citizens continues to surprise its foes. The American flag stands for the strength and commitment that is within all the country's citizens.

Written by Kimberly Quang. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

GEORGE WASHINGTONTHE BEST PRESIDENT?

George Washington was the first president of the United States and is considered one of the best.

George Washington is a much-admired person in many respects. As the first president of the United States, he set the course upon which the current three-branch system of federal government is based. George Washington is perhaps the one person who can most claim the title of Founding Father.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia. He was the son of well off plantation owner and spent his you in relative comfort. During his youth, the British Empire ruled the 13 colonies. Despite what you might assume, he

was hardly a revolutionary and his stated goal was to become an officer in the British Army! Obviously, that goal never came to fruition.

As George Washington grew into adulthood, he became an expert surveyor of land. He worked in what was then called the American West and purchased vast tracts of land with other family members. He eventually owned over 56 thousand acres.

In 1752, George Washington joined the Virginia militia. He quickly became an officer and played a pivotal part in the French and Indian War. The French had moved into the Ohio Valley, which aggravated the British to no end. Washington was given the task of telling the French to leave the territory. When they refused, Washington suggested a fort be built and his superiors agreed.

As the fort was being built, Washington was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given the task of defending it. Leading 159 men, he was victorious in minor skirmishes. Instead of being promoted to an officer position in the British Army, he was told no colonial could attain the position. Bitter, Washington resigned and the French turned the tide.

Desperate to turn the tide, the British Governor of Virginia reinstated George Washington by appointing him Commander of all the Colonial forces. Within three years, the French were defeated and Washington was famous. He married Martha Curtis in 1959, but they never had any children.

By the 1760s, George Washington had retired from the military and entered politics. He was a member of the Virginia legislature and a major critic of the British. In 1770, Washington began advocating forceful resistance to British rule.

In 1775, the colonies formed a Continental Congress to address the conflict with the British. George Washington was elected Commander of all colonial forces. War had already broken out in Massachusetts. Washington and his troops soon joined and the British were defeated in Boston in 1776. By summer, however, the British has sent more troops and defeated the colonial forces on numerous occasions.

Facing total defeat and a lack of money, George Washington did an amazing thing. He rallied his rag tag colonial forces and paid their wages out of his own finances. By late December of 1776, the colonial forces were starting to turn the tide against the British. After more victories in 1777, the French offered their support. It took a few years to arrive, but Washington was eventually able to completely defeat the British. In 1781, the British surrendered much of the east coast. In 1783, a treaty was signed granting the colonies their independence.

On February 4, 1789, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States of America with John Adams as vice president. As the first president, he put in place many precedents and traditions including: 1. Being referred to as Mr. President. 2. Refused to be declared King. 3. The creation of an inaugural event and ball. 4. Swearing on a bible when taking the oath of president. 5. Moving the capital to Washington, D.C. 6. Agreeing to the passage of the Bill of Rights. 7. Proclaimed the neutrality of the United States in all international conflicts.

In 1792, President Washington ran for re-election and was unopposed. He left office in March 1797. On December 14, 1799, he died of pneumonia on his Virginia plantation.

Written by Richard Monk. Courtesy of Isnare.com,

Products To Love In July

Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. With a breadth and depth matched by no other one volume biography of George Washington, this crisply paced narrative carries the reader through his adventurous early years, his heroic exploits with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, his presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and his magnificent performance as America's first president. In this groundbreaking work, based on massive research, Chernow shatters forever the stereotype of George Washington as a stolid, unemotional figure and brings to vivid life a dashing, passionate man of fiery opinions and many moods. Please click here for more information.

"The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that it stands for was written by their lives.The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history." Woodrow Wilson This Deluxe Edition 3 ft X 5 ft American Flag is made of 210D heavy duty nylon with raised embroidered stars, double stitched stripes and 4 stitches on the end to prevent fraying.The two brass hosting grommets are sewn into a double layered edge to prevent ripping. Each color strip is individually sewn to the next and color fast.This flag will withstand seasons of wind, rain and sun. Please click here for more information.

The finest grade black tea. Premium high-grown black tea flavored with tropical oranges and exotic spices. Enjoy anytime served hot or iced! Contains 24 string and tag tea bags. We develop all of our prized teas by starting with only the finest teas from China, India or Sri Lanka. We then blend each tea with only the purest ingredients available along with the most delicate of processing techniques to create what we believe to be the perfect cup of tea. Please click here for more information.

Products To Love In July

Celebrate your Independence! Airblown-Patriotic Uncle Sam Inflatable Yard decor. UL listed. Self inflates in seconds Lights up stakes and tethers included. Measures 72" x 36" x 30" Perfect for any July 4th festivities! Please click here for more information.

So much great wisdom from the past. This is a great quote from Benjamin Franklin about wine and beer. Obviously they're good for you. Pick one up for a friend; a wine, a beer, and this shirt.Our tagless, ultra-soft premium cotton light t-shirt offers comfort, durability, and less shrinkage. With a wide range of size choices from Small to 4XL. This light t-shirt is not only fashionable with jeans or pants, but also is perfect for lounging around in your sweats or pajamas. 100% preshrunk cotton. Please click here for more information.

One of the biggest box office hits of all time delivers the ultimate encounter when mysterious and powerful aliens launch an all-out invasion against the human race. The spectacle begins when massive spaceships appear in Earth's skies. But wonder turns to terror as the ships blast destructive beams of fire down on cities all over the planet. Now the world's only hope lies with a determined band of survivors, uniting for one last strike against the invaders - before it's the end of all mankind. Please click here for more information.

City Spotlight

Boston, MA

Written by Hannah Rollmaker Courtesy of Isnare.com

Located in the state of Massachusetts, Boston has been one of the oldest and most important American cities in the history of the young nation. Unofficially deemed the “capital of New England”, Boston and its greater metropolitan region are home to over eight million people. From its world famous Red Sox baseball team to its undisputed importance in American History (Boston was the home of such notable figures as Paul Revere and Samuel Adams), no city in the world is quite like Boston. The trademark Boston accent, a bit nasally with a heavy emphasis on the “ah” sound, is known internationally for better or worse. The city’s reputation for crafting some of the finest baked beans on Earth is also well known and “Boston Baked Beans” are now a selling point as well as a wildly successful name for a candy made up of sugar coated peanuts.

Because of Boston’s location on the Boston Harbor and its surrounding area, the city is particularly when compared to other nearby locations. All of Boston is contained within less than ninety square miles and, when adding the high population, Boston is one of the most densely populated cities in all of America. Despite this, millions of people visit Boston each year to take in the incredible amount of historical sites located in this glorious city. The famed public park known as “Boston Common”, for instance, is the oldest one in the entire country and it regularly draws a crowd of gawking sightseers from around the world. The Old John Hancock Building is another famous destination, with its well-known weather beacon consistently gleaming in the sky telling citizens the current weather conditions. Whenever this historic landmark is flashing, the citizens know that a Boston Red Sox game has been rained out. At a time like this, many Bostonians seek refuge in the many world class pubs and bars strewn throughout the city.

Though there are countless landmarks that attract people from all over the world, Boston’s greatest buildings and monuments have to do with American History primarily. Boston was around even before the United States was a nation and it was the center of the greatest struggles during the tumultuous time before the Revolutionary War. The famed Boston Tea Party, for instance, happened right in the harbor after Bostonians snuck aboard a British ship and dumped out all the tea as a rebellion against the unfair tax practices of the U.K. The Boston Massacre also of course took place within the city and this famous “shot heard ‘round the world” was the catalyst for the future independence of this burgeoning nation. Memorials can still be found in Boston detailing events like the Massacre, the famed Battle of Lexington and Concord, and the Siege of Boston, just to name a few. It isn’t only American history buffs that will be enthralled with Boston, however. Whether you come to visit the famed “Green Monster” known throughout Major League Baseball or the unrivaled Franklin Park Zoo, you can be sure that a visit to Boston will provide you with countless hours of amusement, enjoyment, and unadulterated pleasure.

DYI Project - July4th of July Chalk

Courtesy of projectalicia.com

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.

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.

During disasters, Target has been a major benefactor for relief efforts.

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.

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