How to See More of Branson Missouri, America’s Entertainment Capital

Guptha — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:29:59 +0000

Located in the middle of the Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri, is the Midwest’s answer to Las Vegas and New York. Often billed as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” Branson is a town with tremendous entertainment and star power. From live music to comedy shows to the legendary Silver Dollar City theme park, Branson has a something for everyone in the family. Here is how to get the most out of your time and money on your trip.

Steps

Visit the Branson Chamber of Commerce to get an idea of the activites you and your family might enjoy doing. Here you will find not only a complete list of shows, but also any festivals and events that might be going on, places to eat and shop and even a trip planner.
Book your hotel. While the Chamber of Commerce has complete list of hotel accommodations in the area, also try Priceline to compare hotel rates and find your best deal.
Reasearch early. Find out what attractions, shows, etc. you want to go to, and figure out when they are the least busy. This will save you time in lines, buying tickets, etc.

Tips

If you’re traveling with little kids, Silver Dollar City, the 76 Music Hall, the Dixie Stampede, and the Ripley’s Odditorium are good attractions that will be fun for both you and the kids.
Many restaurants and motels in Branson have large racks of brochures. Be sure to pick these up, because many of them contain valuable information, and some of them even have maps and coupons.
If you’re traveling with teenagers, they’ll probably enjoy the arcade in the 76 Music Hall and the Ripley’s Odditorium.

How to Fold the Flag of the United States of America

Guptha — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:28:29 +0000

Many people incorrectly fold the flag of the United States of America. After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, reserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. To show respect, citizens of the United States of America fold the flag a special way, outlined below.

Steps

Hold the flag waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.
Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars (The Union), holding the bottom and top edges securely.
Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.
Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.
Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.
Continue the triangular folding for the entire flag.
When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

Tips

Always display the flag with the blue union field up. Never display the flag upside down, except as a distress signal.
Always carry the flag aloft and free. Never carry it horizontally.
Always dispose of a flag properly, preferably by burning it.
The U.S. flag takes precedence over all other flags when flown within the United States. It should be raised first and lowered last. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag if flown at the same height.
Other national flags should not be smaller nor flown lower than the American flag when displayed together. If it is not possible to display two or more national flags at the same height, then it is not proper to display them together at all.
If one flag is at half-staff in morning, other flags flown with it should be at half-staff. First raise the flags to their peak, then lower to half-staff.
The U.S. flag is raised first and lowered last.
A salute (hand over heart for those not in uniform) should be rendered when the flag is raised, lowered, or carried by on parade; when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited; and when the national anthem is played (unless the flag is not present).
If the flag is displayed at night, it should be illuminated.
In a public gathering (lecture hall, church, etc.), the U.S. flag should be to the right of the speakers when on the stage or podium, to the right of the audience when not on the podium or on the wall behind speaker.
Do not display the flag if it is raining, or if there is a thunderstorm, etc.
Watch how the military, police, fire department, or Boy Scouts fold the flag. They have all been trained to fold it properly.