School Stationery

The first week of September is here. For millions of children around the world, it means it’s time to get their nose out of the swim mask to put it back in their books. Of course for many children this “nose switch” came by already since August. But whether early or late, the fun pool or beach days are now bygones.

Now along with books, supplies, and loads of other items you will need for the new school year, do not forget the much needed back-to-school stationery. Rule 1 (or perhaps the only 1 that matters) with school items is that you should identify ALL of them. Will it prevent some of them from being lost or misplaced? Probably not (as parents of school children very well know). But the idea of course is that by having your identification clearly placed on your school items, you increase the odds of having it returned to you if they’re ever found.

While you can use a simple permanent marker to identify your items (on some items it may be the only thing you can use), you can also use personalized stickers or labels. These cane save you the time and hassle of writing your contact information many times over while bringing an extra original and unique touch to your items. And for the older kids migrating to college, don’t forget to send your new contacts to your relatives and friends.

Thus for those getting their back to school stationery now, here is a short suggestion list on some handy back to school stationery to have (some items are for parents too):

• Personalized stickers or labels (preferably for flat surfaced items like books, binders, notebooks, etc)
• Personalized Pads (for all purpose notes or letters)
• Personalized (Moving to College) Postcards (for the older kids moving away from home)

One can find many personalized stationery services to print any of the above. Alternatively, one can also always print them by her/himself with the proper software, hardware, and blank stationery supplies. We have a few suggestion and tips for that too. But that’s for another article.

And now get going on your new homework.

Country Flag Colors

Did you know that the CIA (US Government) World Factoid currently list 271 different flags of the worlds? That is a lot of distinctive colors. So if you are into buying or printing patriotic address labels, the world is your market as there are so many patriotic themes and colors to choose from.

Among all the flags of the worlds it should be noted that not all are for individual countries (for example the flag for the European Union). Also countries with outside territories have different set of rules about what colors are used to represent said territories. While the good “Old Glory” is displayed in many unincorporated overseas US territories, the UK has chosen distinctive flags (variations of the UK flag ) on its own territories. And when it comes to display one’s flag, one will find that each country probably has its own set of rules about it (here are some links about US flag and Canadian flag etiquettes).

One rule I think will be universal for all countries (or their territories) is while there can be a special holidays (e.g. Independence Day, or Flag Day, etc.) specially dedicated to their flag, any citizen can choose to display her/his patriotic flag every day. Country Pride has no set schedule.

Awareness Ribbons Meanings

Ribbons Every Where!

You probably have seen them. These ribbons that seem to pop up every where: ribbon shaped pink magnets on cars, ribbon shaped pins with puzzle patterns on shirts, yellow ribbon shaped key holders, etc. What do all these ribbons mean, you ask? In truth, they have dozens of different meanings. And this is because each ribbon color tone and/or pattern represents a special cause. Sporting them on anything from cars, clothes, to stationery, etc. is one way to raise awareness about these causes, hence the term Awareness Ribbons.

Breast Cancer Awareness Label
Autism Puzzle Ribbon Awareness Label

So How Many Ribbon Types Are They?

Wikipedia lists well over 50 ribbons types along with the name of the cause they represent. And if you think 50 is a lot, Wikipedia clarifies that this list is incomplete. Some of these ribbons (like the Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon, the Autism Puzzle Ribbon, the Yellow Support-Our-Troop Ribbon, or the Red AIDS Ribbon) have become iconic and probably among the most recognizable. Some ribbons come with variations. For example the Support-our Troop-Ribbon sometimes comes in Yellow or in Army/Fatigue patterns. And in many cases there are also colors that represent different types of causes. For example that same Yellow Ribbon is also sported for Missing Person/Children, and for certain types of cancer. The Black Ribbon symbolizes among other things Mourning, Anti-Terrorism, and Melanoma. Confusing? Yes, it can be at times. But I think it’s Ok. It’s for a good cause.