Are your kids playing with American Toys made in China?

Do you remember playing with building log sets when you were a kid? A few simple wooden pieces constructed into imaginative forts, cabins, barns or play spaces for small wooden figures. These toys are founded on American history, teaching kids about Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. However, there is only one building log set toy manufacturer left in the USA.

The Original Lincoln Logs Building Sets is probably the most recognizable brand. The company began manufacturing log sets in 1916 and are now sold through K’NEX a largely American manufacturer. These log sets are now manufactured in China. Their log sets sell within a range that includes $25 for a basic set – $40 for a 200 piece set.

Slinky also makes a building log set called Ideal Timeless Toys. Another much loved brand of kids toys choosing to manufacture in China. Their log sets sell within a range that includes $25 for a 114 piece set – $54 for a 300 piece sets.

Roy Toy Manufacturing 100% Made in the USA
Roy Toy was established in the mid 1930’s by Roy K. Dennison, one of the earliest pioneers in the wooden toy industry. Roy realized that there was an intriguing love for wooden construction sets by both children and parents. Roy Toy still hand cuts their sets from pine logs and stains them with a non-toxic dye. Their log sets sell within the range of $20 for 120 piece set - $50 for 250 piece sets.

Earth friendly, all natural, non toxic, sustainable foresting practices, not to mention…
100% MADE IN THE USA?!!

It’s a dream for parents, kids, and Americans. Did you notice that it’s incredibly affordable?

I know you’re excited. You might need the link: www.roytoy.com

Celebrating July 2nd

Why we have gathered to celebrate the 2nd of July.

Well it’s not Independence Day if it isn’t the 4th of July. Right? We have become accustomed to honoring the 4th with celebration, fireworks, and a good healthy dose of patriotism. But what many American don’t realize is that July 2nd was the day that was supposed to go down in history. After all the 2nd is the day that our forefathers voted for independence. On July 2nd, 1776 the Second Continental Congress voted to approve our resolution of independence. The Declaration of Independence was fleshed out and then approved on July 4th. Historians even debate whether the declaration was even signed before August. On July 3rd, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail,

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

On July 2nd, 2011 The Made in the USA Foundation will be celebrating our nations independence with our Made in the USA Hall of Fame event. This awards dinner is in honor of hard working American manufacturers who have helped our country stay independent for hundreds of years. July 2nd is a day to celebrate the Made in the USA holiday.

China investment in 'American Made'

“For better or worse, China and the U.S. have created one of the deepest and most significant commercial engagements in global history.”

– Dominic Ng

We’ve figured out whom to blame for our economic strife. China. It’s just easier to think that China has stolen our jobs, bastardized labor law standards and are standing the way of our economic recovery.

A recent article in The Future of US China Trade makes a different claim.

The article states that China firms are now realizing the potential of the US market. They’ve noticed our desire to make manufacturing more prominent in America. Now that US real estate is less expensive and opportunity is on the rise more and more China businesses are investing in the American workforce.

And they’ve got proof. Already China-owned, American-made businesses are employing thousands of workers in the US- with plans to create hundreds of thousands more.

So what does this mean? The ‘Made in the USA’ movement is working. Our viral, personal, and business campaigning is having an effect! The premise is simple: the more we create demand for ‘Made USA’ products, the more incentive we create for foreign investment.

Read the Full Article Here

Imported from...

In case you missed it, check out Chrysler's Superbowl ad!

Two Thumbs Up, Chrysler!

Food For American Thought...

This evening, as I skimmed the Hollywood Edition of Vanity Fair, I stumbled upon the 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair Poll. There, on page 110 of the March 2011 issue, I found the following question:

“How often do you check labels of items you are about to purchase to see if you are buying American Products?”  

According to the poll, 39 percent check sometimes, 25 percent always check, 20 percent hardly ever check and 15 percent never check.

For the 15 percent of you that don’t check, I pose the following question. How much time does it take to look at a label? 

Who Loves to Shop?

This is no surprise to my regular readers, I love to shop. Lucky for me, the new Made in the USA Foundation website has a "Shopping" link.

Check it out:

http://www.madeusafdn.org/shopusa.html

P.S.- There is even a "Food & Produce" Section.

Beer and Football

The Superbowl is this weekend. Personally, I am a Ravens fan, so I won’t be celebrating. For the rest of the world, I found a list of Domestic Beers for you to enjoy while watching the big game.  The Top Ten Domestic Beers (According to Melanie Winterwolf) are:

1.     Bud Light.

2.     Natural Ice

3.     Pabst Blue Ribbon

4.     Rolling Rock

5.     Michelob Ultra

6.     Miller High Life

7.     Coors Light

8.     Bud Light Lime

9.     Busch Beer

10. Michelob Honey Lager

For the full article, click follow this link here. 

Cheers!