10 best American National Anthem performances

October 29, 2009

After the feedback from the Top 10 military movies blog; I thought what other fun things could we rank…the National Anthem! Words that we hear at almost every sporting event, but how close do you listen? The words are inspirational and have amazing staying power to past the test of time. I have been told it is one of the most difficult songs to sing, but I think these people did it the best.

1. Marvin Gaye – How do you take an iconic song, respect it yet place your own touch on it? You let Marvin Gaye sing it! The soft beat and smooth voice are perfection in my opinion. 1983 NBA All-Star game, do you remember anything else about this game – no.

2. Jimi Hendrix – He does not sing the Star Spangled Banner, but this is probably the most well known rendition in American today. Understanding some of the underlining symbolism may turn some off, but from an artistic standpoint – wow.

3. Whitney Houston – During the 1991 Superbowl, one of the high points for patriotism during the Gulf War, aside from a chilling version of the National Anthem by Houston, notice the number of American Flags and patriotic signs in the crowd.

4. Brian McKnight – MLB All-Star game. Classic Brian McKnight – light and flawless.

5. Christina Aguilera – Does anyone have stronger vocals than her? Simple and crisp. She has performed the National Anthem several times, but I think this is her best performance at the 2005 NHL Penguins/Bruins game.

6. Beyonce – Pretty good, not what I expectd from her, but still top 10 material.

7. Jennifer Hudson – 2009 Superbowl. After a personal tragedy, Hudson with a heart full of emotion lets out a strong performance.

8. Josh Groban – One of the best pure voices alive. Strong, fluent World Series take.

9. Carrie Underwood – Nice, clean performance. Does not give me the goose bumps like others do. I really like her voice I would venture to guess she will climb the charts with future showings.

10. 7 year old boy – I could not identify the name of the child. I have a 9 year old who does not have all the words down. This is a 7 year old hitting it – cute to watch his nervous movements, but he still hits it.

I am sure I missed some great performances and you will not totally agree with my Top 10. Please let me know your top 10…

Steve A. Cates

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Thank you to Carrot-Top Employees…

October 29, 2009
Carrot-Top Industries, Inc.

Nobody knows more about FLAGS than we do.

With the global economy in disarray and many American companies closing or filing bankruptcy, this year has posed unique challenges for Carrot-Top Industries as it did for most American businesses. I personally am proud of our team, from the newest employee to our 25+ year veterans, from front line employees to upper management for coming together as a team and laying the foundation for what appears to be years of rapid growth. We have been very fortunate to not only survive, but gain significant market share this year by offering only top quality products starting with our Beacon and Patriarch US flags all the way down to the Waterhog entrance mats. Combine our carefully designed or selected products from our merchandising department with our industry leading customer care poised with product information, white glove service and attention to detail. From customer care to distribution where our warehouse team has handled more orders and shipping options to make sure our vast inventory is shipped quickly and accurately to you the customer.

In additional to designing our catalogs and web sites our expert graphic artist are available directly to our customers to make sure your custom orders are exactly what you need for your application. Not to be left out is our finance team who carefully works with our customers to offer credit terms and unmatched supplier payment. In 2009 after initial testing we were fortunate to launch two new companies Industry Basics and Mats Unlimited to support our customers growing needs.

This may seem like a shameless marketing push, but it is a heartfelt public THANK YOU to our team for their efforts this year.

Wanda R.                                                          Melissa

Torina                                                                Jennifer

Krista                                                                 Brandy

Milly                                                                   Zandy

Niesha                                                               Sanchez

Kelly                                                                  Joe

Matt V.                                                             Wanda B.

Christina                                                         Kim

Pat                                                                     Tiffany

Chrissy                                                             Matt G.

Liz                                                                     Nicki

Jenni                                                                Eric

Melvin                                                              Molly

Izzy                                                                   Charles

Tamer Katie

Dwight

Thank you all for allowing me to be apart of this great team!

Steve A. Cates

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American Flags should be MADE IN THE USA!

October 7, 2009
Carrot-Top.com Made in USA logo

Carrot-Top.com Made in USA logo

I have seen many of my fellow flag dealers resort to offering quality (or sometimes not quality) American flags made in China or any other host of countries. I see the public relations spin that the value and price make it affordable for schools, veterans and cities under budgetary constraints. The simple fact of the matter is that most of these dealers are opportunist, who have either entered the market or gained market share following September 11, 2001. The spirit, emotion and understanding of the true meaning of the American flag is lost.

At Carrot-Top Industries the American Flag is not a product of doing business it is a dedication to what it stands for, those who have fought for it and those who protect it. It is a symbol of unity, freedoms and what is possible with the power of people. We look for the opportunity to educate people about the flag’s history, symbolism and standards. Now you could make the argument that any display of the American flag shows support or as I stated before that the costs drive customers to imported American flags. I say if you believe that you really miss the point behind the flag. Only an American making the flag can give the flag the respect, appreciation and dedication that each flag deserves – this is not just any other product.

I personally have not heard of a school, veteran or city that called, emailed or faxed and asked us if we have imported American flags because they want to fly the flag, but do not have the budget. To the contrary we often receive very vocal calls, emails and faxes demanding that our flags are made in the USA. Let’s clear the air about costs, our 3’x5’ Nylon American flag is $24.80 each, after searching the price range for a 3’x5’ Imported Polyester American Flag online (the imported polyester material is comparable to the US made nylon) the price is around $16.95. Even the better quality imported flags do not have four stitch fly ends and embroidered stars, however strictly on price is it really worth $7.85 every six months to a year not to buy American?

I know we are in one of if not the worse economic situation of our lifetime and that the world has become a global marketplace, but when you purchase an American flag really think about what it means to you and the others who have served it. We hang the flag as a symbol over places like Iwo Jima and the World Trade Center, pledge allegiance to the flag, and honor fallen soldier’s caskets and families with the flag.

To be fair we do carry a very few imported flags, though never American, state, POW or official military flags. I would also like to add we always look for American sources first and clearly label imported products in our catalog and on our web site.

Share with me what the American flag means and symbolizes to you and if you feel that it should be Made in the USA – scates@carrot-top.com.

Thank you,

Steve A. Cates

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Top 10 American Military Movies

September 29, 2009

I was at home with flu like symptoms this week and sort of a ritual for me is to watch Black Hawk Down when I am home sick. This is for multiple reasons 1) My wife can’t handle the movie it is too intense and she has two bothers in the service, so the emotions of what those kids go through is too close to the heart 2) it inspires me to see what our military handles when in harms way and makes me feel bad for being home sick 3) it is a really good movie. Well this week, it dawned on me we come in contact with many service men and women, their spouses, families through our Virtual Wall of Honor, social media, charities and various other projects. So I started thinking what are the best American military movies of all time and what would other service members think? Here is my top 10; keep in mind these are actually movies I have seen…

The Civil War by Ken Burns

The Civil War by Ken Burns

1. The Civil War by Ken Burns: Ok, I know tough to rank a documentary as #1, but this is really a fascinating film. The commentary of Shelby Foote and George Will, the voices of Sam Waterston and Morgan Freeman give life to history. The insights and stories of the conflict between North and South not in the text books are intriguing. This is a long film (5 DVD’s) and should be watched in phases, though I have watched it at least 4 times.
Black Hawk Down

Black Hawk Down

2. Black Hawk Down: I think it is because it is a film about a military action during my time and that I related to; others may not rate this movie this high. This movie is non-stop walk through the events in Somalia in the 1990’s – the action just does not stop it will drain you to watch. No man left behind – strength of the Rangers. Don’t miss the extras with a Frontline show about the actual events on the disc.
Tour of Duty

Tour of Duty

3. Tour of Duty: Ok, I am cheating a little, because this is a three year TV series available on DVD. I can’t remember much about the show, so you may ask why is it so high. The answer my father who is a retired CWO3 and toured in Vietnam said this show was authentic down to the “33” beer bottles. Who am I to disagree with my father?
The Patriot

The Patriot

4. The Patriot: Mel Gibson before everyone turned on him for some unfortunate comments, and a young Heath Ledger. This was a good movie and story line of how the revolution impacted the colonies and the methods that changed war.
Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan

5. Saving Private Ryan: Starring Tom Hanks this movie takes a look at World War II and the search for a soldier. This soldier was the last male of his family as his brothers had been killed on the same day in World War II. A tradition to secure the future of the nation and individual families called for the last surviving male to come out of harms way. The reading of a letter written by Abraham Lincoln sent to a family in a similar situation is stirring.
Gettysburg

Gettysburg

6. Gettysburg: Again like Black Hawk Down some of the characters inspire you with their bravery and actions in the face of death. I am not a big fan of Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee, but the movie is good for people interested in history.
Flags of Our Fathers

Flags of Our Fathers

7. Flags of our Fathers: Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring among others Ryan Phillippe. This is a slow movie and a little hard to get into, not the action of the other movies on the list. It does take an interesting look at the men behind the image of the American Flag flying over Iwo Jima and how that fame impacted their life.
Patton

Patton

8. Patton: George C. Scott’s standout role as Patton and look inside the general and into World War II. Though I have not seen the movie in some time, I instantly remember two scenes – the first is when Patton slaps a soldier I a hospital for suffering from bad nerves in the midst of soldiers physically hurt in combat and the other was him on an ancient battle field and thinking he had been there before. The Army may never see a personality like Patton again.
Men of Honor

Men of Honor

9. Men of Honor: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Robert De Niro and Charlize Theron in a movie about the first African American driver in the military. The courage of this individual is amazing, probably a story that would be buried in history if not for this movie.
Top Gun

Top Gun

10. Top Gun: Ok maybe stretching it as a military movie, but one of the best movies of all time centered on a Navy pilot should make the list right? Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis (what happened to her) star in this movie. Don’t think I have to explain more everybody has seen this movie!!

I am sure you will not totally agree with my top 10; what would you change or what movies did I miss? Email me at scates@carrot-top.com.

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Remembering 9/11

September 15, 2009

9-11 American FlagThis past week I am sure many people reflected upon the events of 9/11 as did I. September 11, 2001 was the tragic event of my generation much as Pearl Harbor was for my grandparents and the Kennedy assignation was for my parents. This weekend I recounted my whereabouts, I was a stock broker with Edward Jones at the time, working out of my house. Unfortunately the company had several people and many friends in the World Trade Center that day. I remember the shock with the first plane’s impact, the horror of the second plane hitting and the fear as the Pentagon was struck and disbelief as a plane crashed in Pennsylvania. I recall thinking of my son and the world he would grow up in and how it was now different from mine. Then I remember the American flag placed over the rubble by firefighters that once was the Twin Towers and a since of pride and unity replaced fear.

Now you may really be wondering why this post is on the “executive section” of Carrot-Top Industries blog? The answer is simple, I have great pride in the products we offer and the emotions they invoke. I remember interviewing and thinking wow American flags, that is cool – I can have a lot of pride in the product I am marketing! The years have gone by and that emotion has not changed, it is cool to offer American flags to people who have their own story and sentiment as to why the flag is important to them.

I have gained a ton of knowledge about flag etiquette, flag facts and American flag facts. This exposure has only increased my appreciation for the meaning of the American flag, respect for what it represents and again the emotion that it creates. I am very fortunate to work in a place that allows me to hear customers share their stories and experiences with the American flag, which is a constant reminder of what the flag does for people.

Being the son of a retired Army CW3 and being interested in history, 9/11 was not my first exposure to American pride. However as a defining time of my generation it did and does shape my emotions and meaning of the American flag.

Steve A. Cates

Carrot-Top Industries, Inc.

VP of Multi-Channel Marketing

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NIFDA Show in Charlotte

September 15, 2009

NIFDAMy first experience at the NIFDA annual meeting and it was nice to meet and discuss the industry with competitors and vendors. Though I could only attend one day it was a busy and informative day. There were two sessions focusing on digital printing and the presenters were very knowledgeable of not only the flag industry, but of textile and print application as a whole. This was very helpful as we are always looking for ways to push our products to new limits to offer customers better quality.

Eco friendly products were also a topic of conversation. Our owner is a “green” person and always has been, so it was nice to hear the flag industry looking to explore more environmentally friendly flag products. This concept is still developing as the types and forms of eco friendly products and options continue to take shape. We should have a high quality recycled U.S. flag on the market next year. After the U.S. flag other flags are sure to follow.

Look forward to next year’s show.

Steve A. Cates

Carrot-Top Industries, Inc.

VP of Multi-Channel Marketing

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