January 2021 – Page 7

American Flag History

Every flag has a history of its own and if one delves deep, a fascinating story comes to light. The American flag is no exception.

Nobody knows for sure who first designed the Stars and Stripes, though there are some commonly accepted stories about the origin of the flag. According to one school of thought, Congressman Francis Hopkinson was the man who designed the flag, but some historians believe that Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, was the one who designed the American flag.

It was not till June 24, 1912, that the proportions of the American national flag came to be prescribed. As a result, flags made before this year show different patterns of the stars and unusual proportions. But mostly, stars were placed in a straight row and had proportions more or less similar to the ones now accepted.

Several acts have determined the evolution of the American national flag. According to the First Flag Act, passed in 1777, it was established that the American national flag would comprise thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen white stars against a blue background. In January 1794, it had 15 stars and 15 stripes. In 1818, the flag had 13 stripes and one star for each state. In 1912, President Taft decreed that the stars should be arranged in six horizontal rows of eight each. He also came up with new proportions of the flag. In January 1959, President Eisenhower decided that the stars should be arranged in seven rows of seven stars each, horizontally and vertically. And in August 1959, Eisenhower again made changes – this time, he said that the stars should be in nine rows horizontally and 11 rows vertically. As of today, the flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes.

American Film Schools

American film schools have a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when there was little chance to get film education. The only option to gain knowledge was to go to Hollywood at a young age and work along with people in the industry. By the 1970s, many major universities began to offer classes in film technology. Over the years, many film schools have opened with numerous educational programs that provide actual industry experience along with education.

American film schools are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). The schools are commonly departments of universities, divisions of colleges or separate schools. There are some privately owned film schools as well that are not connected to American universities. Most of the schools provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs and some have graduate programs only. Various techniques involved in movie making, including film production, film theory and screen writing are taught. Hands-on practical knowledge and intern programs are included as part of studies.

Some schools are considered top in the nation. New York Film Academy, Los Angeles Film School, USA Film School, San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking, and FSU Film School are among them. These schools are located in prime areas of cities including New York and Los Angeles, and provide better education and have good infrastructure. But studying in these schools is quite expensive.

Founded in 1929, The University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television is the oldest film school in the nation. Some \ other good schools are the American Film Institute (AFI), California Institute of the Arts, Columbia University School of the Arts, The North Carolina School of the Arts, and the schools at New York University (NYU), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Texas at Austin.

American Classic Car Insurance

The number of people involved in classic car collection is on the rise. This has made insurance companies realize that these unique and extraordinary cars need special insurance. One may insure a classic car with a regular insurance company, but may not receive the best offer that way. Hence, it is preferable to approach companies that specialize in classic car insurance since they offer a better coverage and a more nominal charge.

American Collectors’ Insurance has been America’s premiere supplier of classic car insurance ever since 1976. Various insurance policies underwrite different kinds of collector cars, including classic cars, antique cars, classic motorcycles, street rods and antique fire trucks. American classic car insurance companies follow certain specific guidelines that enable a car to qualify as a classic.

These specifications could include age of the motor vehicle depending on the state one resides in. In certain states, a classic collector car must be at least 15 years of age. To avail insurance, one may not be allowed to drive the classic car for more than 2,500 miles every year. One may be required to keep the classic vehicle in a garage and possess a clean driving record with at least 10 years of driving experience.

In America, a classic car owner may avail of an “Agreed Value Coverage”, which covers the full insured worth of a classic car. This involves agreement by both parties, i.e., insurer and the insured on the value of a classic car, which is written in the policy. In the event of a mishap, wherein a car is considered totaled, the company pays a previously agreed amount for the car.

In most cases, the price of classic car insurance is less than what one anticipates. This is attributed to the fact that a few American insurance companies have placed certain restrictions on cars that are insured. While deciding on an insurance policy, classic car insurance is much better than regular car insurance for a classified car. The owner must consider acquiring a quote from a business that specializes in classic car insurance in order to save a lot of money and also have the best security for their investment and collectible.

American Demographics

Considering the vastness of the topic of American demographics, it is convenient to limit discussions on the subject to the demographic field of American population. American demographics give in-depth estimates of all the major trends of the nation, as well as the regions of the country.

These demographic reports, as already mentioned, cover all the statistical data of the nation’s economy, social customs, religion, ethnicity, race, market, consumption modes, food habits, clothing, homes, population, mortality and fertility rates, and other such records. These reports are based on a given time period. According to the recent demographic report, the population of the United States is 288,368,698, and this report is based on the estimation of the Census Bureau.

This report covers the period through July 2002. American demographics, when it provides such data, also help us to acquire other key information and the status of various developments. One can extract other data by simply implementing various statistical tools. For example, from the above population report of the United States, one can draw the general rate of increase until July 2002 from a particular point of time.

In this case, one can conclude that there is a sharp rise in population by 2.47% simply by getting back to the data of July 2000 which showed the population to be 281,421,906.

The ten most populous cities in America, according to the 2000 census, are:

1. New York City, New York 8,017,078

2. Los Angeles, California 3,703,930

3. Chicago, Illinois 2,895,444

4. Houston, Texas 1,958,258

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1,513,684

6. Phoenix, Arizona 1,325,715

7. San Diego, California 1,228,196

8. Dallas, Texas 1,190,334

9. San Antonio, Texas 1,154,897

10. San Jose, California 945,000

American Bulldogs

American bulldog trace their origins back to English bulldogs. They are generally considered to be very good pets.

The American bulldog is larger than its English counterpart. It is a particularly athletic and agile specimen. It is very strong and of sound temperament. It has an intelligent, alert, no-nonsense look about it. It is more sturdy and stocky than an English bulldog and has heavier bones. American bulldogs sometimes exhibit aggressiveness towards other dogs and aloofness towards humans.

American bulldogs have relatively larger heads and are broader than their counterparts. They also have fewer wrinkles than English and French bulldogs. Their tails are set low, thick at base and tapering to a point. Their gait reflects their agility and power, giving the impression of a creature about to spring.

American bulldogs are gritty and very devoted companions. They are a hardy and athletic species. They are very tenacious, but they respond well to children and are very good companions. They are very heroic and are known to have performed acts of great bravery. They are very loyal to their owners and love to go hunting. They are great chasers and love to go after smaller animals.

As with other bulldogs, American bulldogs also do not need any special regimen for maintenance. All one needs to do is brush the coat with a firm bristle brush or rubber mitt. American bulldogs should not be exposed to water unnecessarily, and they should be bathed only when necessary. While American bulldogs are very healthy and strong, they sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia.

All in all, American bulldogs make an ideal pet and are widely recommended for people of all ages.

Am I Depressed

Do you find it hard to concentrate on your job? Are you experiencing sleeping disorder? Do you worry too much? Have you become irritable? Do you get emotional or upset for no specific reason? Then you may be going through depression. Depression is a tough phase in anyone’s life. However, depression can be treated. If you consult a doctor in time, you can relieve the affects of depression through proper counseling. Sometimes, doctors will prescribe medication. If you follow the medication and treatment properly, it will also help to eliminate depression.

In order to determine whether or not you are depressed, you have to realize that we all have good days and bad days. It is when the bad days don’t go away that the possibility of depression is likely. Many believe that a chemical imbalance triggers depression. This imbalance is responsible for sending messages to the brain. Chemicals known as neurotransmitters are responsible for passing messages to and from the brain. If the neurotransmitter levels are too low, messages are not being transmitted correctly and depression occurs. Symptoms include feeling sad and crying a lot, always tired, extremely anxious, low self-esteem and loss of sex drive.

Millions of people suffer from depression, and women are more likely to suffer than men. However, depression affects everyone on some level. If you think you might be depressed, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a trained professional. Depression can be treated with counseling and sometimes medication. Whatever the treatment, the benefits far outweigh the negative effects of living with depression.

Aluminum Welding

Welding metalwork pieces such as those made from aluminum is relatively easy as it melts at a much lower temperature and does not crack after solidifying. Aluminum welding is done according to the type of aluminum used such as commercial grade aluminum having 99 percent purity, non-heat treatable alloys containing small amounts of manganese (Mn) or magnesium (Mg), and heat treatable alloys containing copper, silicon, zinc, or magnesium.

Work pieces made from these types of aluminum are easier to weld whereas aluminum work pieces containing copper or lead additives are difficult to weld and often lead to cracking while welding.

Aluminum welding methods include MIG and TIG welding, apart from conventional techniques such as gas, plasma, resistance welding, and welding with covered electrodes. The TIG technique is used when there is a need for good surface finishes and when welding from one side is not accessible, such as when welding pipes, and when repairing castings. The MIG technique is better suited for welding thicker aluminum work pieces at a faster rate and for achieving long, continuous welds. This technique has a lower heat input, which results in less distortion in the welding zone.

The latest aluminum welding technique involves the use of pulse arc welding combined with MIG that give much better results as compared to conventional methods. This technique gives better control of the molten pool in the case of thin material, makes the arc more stable, reduces spatters, and mitigates the risk of welding imperfections.

Welders need to take a few precautions while welding aluminum work pieces as the higher melting point of oxide that forms on its surface, when mixed into the molten pool, can cause welding defects. The surface of work pieces that are to be welded need to be scraped or brushed clean using stainless steel wire brush immediately before welding.

Aluminum Pool Fences

Pool fences are a necessity. They serve as a safety measure for all private and public pools, where the risk of young children wandering into the pool area is high. Certain strict regulations have to be adhered to when constructing pool fences. These regulations vary according to where you live, so it is a good idea to know the regulations before you install your pool fencing.

Aluminum fences make good pool fences mainly because of their durability. These fences will be able to tolerate wet seasons without needing regular repairs or expensive maintenance. They also do not rust. Aluminum fences can also allow people to look in. This is extremely useful in cases where a child wanders into a fenced-in area. Aluminum fences that come with pool gates are best, the safety latch, hinges and screws make it easy to have a proper gate to access the pool. Many safety codes require the installation of self-closing and self-latching gates.

Aluminum pool fences are also available in do-it-yourself versions which allow you to install the fence whenever and wherever you need it. This will come in handy if you are planning to have a get-together around the pool, or anywhere else.

Apart from its safety features, aluminum fences for pools are a good idea since they can be obtained at a low cost, but in attractive colors and designs. This will create a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for your pool parties, which will be a fun activity for the children and a relaxing break for the adults.

Aluminum Mini Blinds

Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a window treatment. They remain durable and easy to maintain regardless of humidity. Hence, aluminum blinds have remained a popular choice among shoppers.

They are available in a wide array of colors and are normally available in micro, mini, and other slat sizes up to 2 inches. Quality of aluminum window blinds can be measured by the thickness or gauge of the aluminum, with larger gauges being better and/or more durable.

Aluminum mini blinds provide a low cost and durable solution to your window dressing problem. Slats are available in 6-, 8-, or 9-gauge aluminum. The higher gauge of the aluminum slat the more durable the slat. Aluminum blinds are easy to clean and maintain. The 1-inch aluminum slats are more stylish and sophisticated with textures ranging from a luxurious pearl finish to the richness of suede.

Aluminum blinds come in 1/2-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch sized slats, with as many as 100 colors, including metallic, hammered, brushed, and a soft suede finish. The two-inch slats provide better sun control, and are less intrusive to the view outside.

Aluminum blinds are the most inexpensive way to put up blinds in your home or apartment. These are frequently called mini blinds because the slats are so narrow. Mini blinds are perfect if you are on a budget and need privacy. Duotone mini blinds allow you to select a color of your choice for the front side of the blinds with a neutral color facing the street.

Vertical blinds add height to a room and are perfect for a large picture window or a sliding door. Vertical blinds can have relatively wider slats in order to fill the larger space. When you select vertical blinds look for soft textures that complement your furniture.

Aluminum Laptop Cases

A laptop is a very delicate instrument that has to be taken care of when traveling, and this is the reason people use laptop cases. One of the sturdier laptop cases is the aluminum laptop case. In fact, it is often considered a Fort Knox for your portable computer. Actually, a few years ago, owning an aluminum laptop case was quite difficult, as there were not many cases in production. However, nowadays the cost has shrunk drastically, while its availability has increased tenfold. So many people are opting for aluminum laptop cases.

An aluminum case is of course made of aluminum, sometimes with extruded aluminum frames. Most of the aluminum laptop cases come with grey ABS plastic pads on their bottoms to keep them from scratching desks. The handle of an aluminum laptop case is sturdy, with a comfortable molded plastic grip and a removable shoulder strap. For the safety of the laptop, the aluminum laptop cases usually have one or two combination locks. The inside of an aluminum laptop case has a lining with mesh and vinyl leather-look trim, some padded divider panels to separate the laptop from accessories, and also lots of pockets to hold necessary cables and discs. To keep the laptop fitted snugly into the aluminum laptop case, the bottom of the case has totally customizable Velcro-adjustable dividers.

The advantage of using an aluminum laptop case is that it gets reduced shipping costs in the event of shipping of the laptop. It is easy to handle in all weather, as it is both water- and dust-resistant. There is little risk of the laptop getting damaged if the aluminum laptop case falls. Aluminum laptop cases are recyclable, and are thus beneficial to the environment.