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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - Jack of the Wonkatania

The Wonkatania with Jack
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 1971

The jack of the HMS Wonkatania is a blue swallowtail flag with a letter W. The letter W is white and in a matching font of the Willy Wonka chocolate factory corporation.







Wonka and guests arriving at the destination

The flag of the HMS Wonkatania does not flutter. It is made of a stiff material to appear as if it is blowing in the wind.












Flags in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 1971

Notice German flag upon the entrance way
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 1971

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is an epic movie about raising children the right way. It shows that children are often a reflection of their parents. Starring Gene Wilder it is a film for kids and adults. It entertains with a positive hopeful message. The original story originated from a WWII Ace Fighter Pilot, who also wrote James and the Giant Peach.


UK and US flag
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 1971

The Chocolate Factory is located in the UK. Strange as it seems Willy Wonka and Charlie are Americans in England, likewise there are many British in America as well.






Mike Teavee from the USA
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 1971

The big mouth know it all bully is played by Mike Teavee from the United States. He is spoiled rotten and is not afraid to push adults around. Mike picked up his pushy disrespectful unscrupulous, I know how to put you in a box attitude from his ninny whinny parents.




Violet from the USA
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 1971

Violet is a negative stereotype American girl with a big ego Lucy-complex who does what she wants when she wants. She has no respect for authority. Her behaviors originate from her push over and slick and greedy parents who always let her have her way, and has little respect for others.




Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 1971

Augustus is a German boy who is a glutton allowed to consume and get everything he wants. His parents allow or enable him that he harms his own body. Not really a bad kid, but he is a kid without limits.




US flag with Charlie
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 1971

The hard luck case, unspoiled and gives respect to his elders. But Charlie, like all children is prone to make mistakes. However his heartfelt humble respect for honesty saves the day. He is the rare poor American kid living in England.





Friday, June 29, 2012

Alaska and Nevada - Fraternal Matching Flags

Flag of Alaska

The 'flag twin' of Alaska is Nevada. Their simple designs and rich blue backgrounds unite these bucolic semi-alien wonderlands of America. Both flags feature stars in their corners - Nevada with a single white star in the upper hoist while Alaska has a yellow star in the upper fly. Alaska has eight stars while Nevada only has one - echoing the motto of 'Out of One, Many.'

The corner stars of the these flags reflect that ever so enchanting notion of of 'Silver and Gold.' These two elements were epic in shaping the initial culture of both states with the Comstock Lode silver find in Virginia, City Nevada and Klondike Gold Rush with Alaska.

Both states are tied to the West Coast via the Pacific Watershed. Alaska and Nevada are heirs to big and wide open spaces, everyone knows that Alaska is the biggest state in the union but did you know that Nevada holds the title as the largest internal state? Alaska is the largest state with an international border, while Nevada is king of the states without an international border.

Flag of Nevada

Of cultural symmetry linking these expansive and quite dangerous environments are the Iditarod and Pony Express. Both were basically one time deals that have become epic footnotes in American History. The Iditarod was a one state show for Alaska and it eventually turned into a state holiday. However the tale of the Pony Express involved several states but arguably the most difficult part of the journey was though the lonely dry expanse in Nevada, ask any trucker who must drive though this state into or out of California, "Hey Trucker can you imagine crossing Nevada on horseback without ac or cold drinks in the middle of summer?"

Both states have their modern cities with creature comforts that supports modern cyber-civilization. There are hard working heaters in Alaska just as their are always on air conditioners in Nevada. But both states are home to grizzly gun men and strong bush women who know how kill, skin, and eat a moose or rabbit. Likewise both states have wild and virgin expanses that only trained nature lovers should venture into.

Technologically both states are power plants or virtual mitochondria for our communal American Dream. What I mean is, that the Hoover Dam and Alaskan Pipeline were amazing instruments of technology in their time, and quite frankly still are. Both of these man made or rather woman willed wonders are often featured in movies. However they are often overlooked by ordinary Americans who live far far away. Although these states don't get much to do attention during federal elections, due to the low electoral college vote, they are important understated power players.



Of geographical significance is both states sit in the cross hairs of Africa, Asia, and Europe. What does this mean? Well for Nevada a portion is parallel to Europe, while its southern regions are parallel to Africa. So depending on which part of Nevada you're in you can call it African or European like weather. As for being like Asia - Nevada is similar in stance to Afghanistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Thus the wild grizzly gun men of Nevada would feel at home in these areas.

Now for Alaska it's obviously not at any latitude of Africa, but when you look at it's longitudinal coordinates it lines up with the Africa-Europe-Asia overlap with the Middle East. Juneau is like Moscow, that if you travel due north or south past the poles you will cross over Asia, Africa, and Europe. Note most of the United States is aligned with Asia when you travel due north or south past the poles. And geographically speaking the most western islands of Alaska are a part of the Asian Continent - but don't tell this to fundamentalist geographer.

So what does this mean? Interesting geography and an alignment of providence between these two states of similar flags, I suppose. Basically if you are praying to the Holy Land in Jerusalem or Mecca you can pray east or west if you are in Nevada, and north or south if you are in Alaska.

Thus people in Christochina, Alaska are over the pole due north or south of Israel, likewise in the town of Eagle, Alaska all mosques should face due north.Coincidentally both states have 'outlaw' reputations.

Gambling, concubine work, and smoking cannabis are ancient activities that are partially kosher or rather halal between these two states. Do it in the wrong place and the police will throw you in jail, but do it in the right place, right time, and right way and the police will protect you.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Flags of Somewhere in Time - 1980

It was 100 years ago that Richard Collier was able to travel back to 1912 to find love. He used the power of his mind rather than relying on machines and gadgets. The first and perhaps the best time travel drama of the 20th century.

Somewhere in Time 1980
Richard Collier in front of the Grand Hotel

This was the plot to Somewhere in Time 1980 that starred Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

Somewhere in Time was filmed on an island resort in the Great Lakes - Lake Superior to be exact. The power of this film made it a cult-classic, whereby fans hold conventions every autumn at the film's primary location.

In the pictures above you can see the US flag and a yellow flag of the Grand Hotel with its name written on it in red cursive.


Richard with antagonist - the Manger Mr. Robinson
Somewhere in Time 1980

The plot line of this movie was elegantly recycled in James Cameroon's 1997 version of the Titanic. Coincidentally both story lines take place 100 years ago in 1912. And both films were love stories.

It illustrates the timeless dimension of love whether it be a century or fifteen years ago - even now in 2012. Love is love as it will be in 2112.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Eurorica the Subcontinent - a.k.a. Greenland

Flag of Eurorica
the Subcontinent Greenland

Since Greenland is so large - some geographers believe that it fits the definition of a continent. If not a full member, it qualifies as a subcontinent like India or the Middle East.

The flag of Eurorica takes elements of Scandinavia, America, and Quebec. The cross is of Scandinavian design like Norway, Sweden and Finland. The stars stem from the several American nations that use stars in their flags like the USA, Panama, Cuba and Venezuela.

Blue directly matches in colour with Quebec's Flag. Orange and white was chosen to match the color scheme of the Antarctica Flag designed by Whitney Smith.

The core of this subcontinent is Greenland. Geographically speaking Iceland and many of the 'Canadian North Indies'- Ellesmere Island, Devon Island, and Axel Heiberg Island. Part of Svalbard would be classified purely as a part of Eurorica too - Prins Karls Forland, Nordaustlandet, Kivtoya, and Kong Karls Land. Even a small portion of Russia's Franz Josef Land is a part of the 'Dwarf Continent' of Eurorica - Alexandra Land.


















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Narwal Photo Credit http://animalsspecies.blogspot.com/2011/03/narwhal-whale.html

Monday, June 25, 2012

Flags in a Christmas Story 1983 - it's time for Christmas in June!

Parade Flags - A Christmas Story 1983

Merry Christmas! I know it's June, but since it's the 'Twenty Fifth' of June, a little Christmas Cheer wouldn't hurt anyone?

Christmas in June make more sense since its fairly warm in the Holy Land. FYI Israel is at the same latitude of Louisiana - just about.


Christmas Flag - A Christmas Story 1983

This film is one of those precious timeless gems that was made for little yet had the deepest of impacts.






Getting your tongue stuck to a flag pole
A Christmas Story 1983

Raphie here got his tongue stuck on the flag pole! Hey kids never ever do this!









US Flag in the Clasroom
A Christmas Story 1983

Jeepers would you look at that a chalk board! How quaint.







US flag outside of the class room
notice the neat rows of the 48 starred US flag






Top Gun, Vexilloids & Patches on Leather Jacket of US Naval Aviator Lieut. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell

Back of Maverick's Aviator Jacket
Top Gun 1986

The flags on the large central patch are - the United States, United Nations, Japan, and Taiwan.










Left side of Maverick's Leather Jacket
Top Gun 1986

Here Maverick shakes his hand with Mike "Viper" the teacher. As he does the port side of his leather jacket is visible. Always remember that Portugal is on the left-port side of Europe.








Front side of Jacket
Top Gun 1986

Notice the flag of patch of Texas on his left shoulder. In 1986 the threat of nuclear war palatable in the media. In the US Navy, the top gun vehicle was the F-14 Tomcat, before the age of covert drone planes. In a quantum stretch you can think of a fighter jet as being simply a flying gun. It's a real fancy gun with wings and can do all kinds of tricks.




Right side by Airport
Top Gun 1986

Here Maverick played by Tom Cruise sits on a motorcycle by the military landing strip for fighter jets. The right-starboard side of his jacket is visible. Remember to reach for the star-board stars with your right hand like a right wing patriotic American - otherwise you'll be a left wing cosmonaut.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Flags in Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

United Hospital Flag
Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

Before Sex in the City, Friends, and Animal House there was Breakfast at Tiffany's. This move was made on the eve the 60s revolution. It featured racy themes, open relationships, and the humorous high life of socialite bohemians.



Flags & NYC Central Park Pennants 1961
Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

The early part of the 60s were very much like the stiff 50s. Subsequently pennants of all sorts were popular items. By 1971 pennants became stale items of sale. Maybe someday they will return to their former glory in the 2050s?




Cross Checker Flag Logo
Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

Love though the ages is still love. Here our male lead Paul the writer is getting out of Checker Flag logo taxi. Checker flags are popular flags in all automotive sports - and as logos for taxis all across America and the World.



Shoplifting at the 5 & 10
Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

Shoplifting is a serious crime but in the movie the audience finds its self rooting for the dishonest side to win. In the background is a US flag on a bag-lunch box.





Holly in front of Tiffany's by flag of the USA
Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961

Tiffany's Jewlery Co. in NYC no doubt became an American Institution after the making of this movie. Here Holly Golightly is getting home at dawn after a night of the high life with the big wigs of NYC. Note the social norm of 1961 was socially nothing like 1969. But this movie was the start of things to come.





The essence of the movie captured in a song


Hey Gen X - you remember ?

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Other flags and Vexilloids in Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985

Decorative pennants in Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985




US Flag in Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985

US Flag on Pee-wee's house
Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985


Tour de France Flags in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

Notice the flag of France along the utility line
Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985


Flag of Texas in Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985

Flag of Texas on a bus
Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985

In Pee-wee's first feature film he heads to Alamo in Texas to find his bicycle as foretold by a fortune teller. Here Pee-wee is hiding behind a bus with the flag of Texas painted on it.







Bicycle Handle Bar Streamers - from Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985
notice the simplest of childhood vexilloids the
bicycle handlebar streamers


Pee-Wee's Big Adventure came to life in 1985 and it features many kinds of vexilloids. Of vexillological note are the bicycle streamers of his beloved bicycle. Bicycle handlebar streamers are popular on children's bicycles, usually until the tween age.





Pee-wee's Big Adventure 1985
notice the varied colours of the streamers

This film is essential cult classic for American male tweens in their first year of middle or junior high school. Paul Rubens plays as Pee-wee Herman, a grown up man who refuses to grow up. Pee-wee is something like Spongebob but more zany and without a side kick.




Close up of the bicycle vexilloid -
"handlebar streamers
"

Close up of bicycle handle bar streams - usually made of plastic, string, or some kind of strong paper like material. They can vary in shape, number and color. Sometimes they are specific for gender - for instance pink is reserved as a bicycle streamer. Other times they can be patriotic - as is the case with a red, white and blue streamers.

Friday, June 22, 2012

American-Mexican State Heritage Flags

The following flags are American-Mexican State Heritage Flags, created in honor of their Mexican Heritage. The south western states were once a part of Mexico. So these flags can be flown over the part of the state that was once a part Mexico - thus all of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and most of Texas. But only a small portion of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma were a part of Mexico.


Utah-Mexican American Heritage Flag
The Utaxico Flag

The beehive has been replaced with a prickly pear cactus. And a Mexican Flag has replaced the US flag on the right and the back ground is green. Believe it or not Bringham Young emigrated to Mexico before it became a part of the United States.





Oklahoma-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Oklameximaho Flag

The Oklameximaho Flag is based upon the original state flag of Oklahoma but instead of the number 46 it is written in Spanish - and coincidentally the Mexican-American War started in 1846.







Wyoming-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Wyomexming Flag

The Wyomexming flag has colours fit to the national colours of Mexico. On the smallest south western corner of Wyoming was a part of Mexico.









Kansas-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Kansaxamexis Flag

The sunflower has been replaced with a poinsetta - which originates from Mexico. Merry Christmas, oops! I meant to say... iFeliz Navidad!







Texas-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Mexatexas Flag

The Mexatexas Flag just has a different colour pattern. The colours are similar to pan-African colours on purpose as well - since some of the first illegal immigrants into Texas were African Slaves brought over by the USA. When Mexico invited Americans from the Southwest to colonize way before the Mexican-American War, Mexico told them that they were not supposed to bring their slaves - but many a rich Southerner and few a Northerner did so illegally, in total contempt for Mexican Law.


New Mexico-Mexican Heritage Flag
The New Xameximico Flag

The New Xemeximico Flag just has colours of Mexico with a larger Zia Pueblo cross.









Colorado-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Colomexirado Flag

The Colomexirado flag has colours found on the Mexican Flag.









Arizona-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Arizexica Flag

The colours of the Mexican National flag are imprinted and combined with the design of Arizona's flag.








Nevada-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Nevexada Flag


More Colours of Mexico, coincidentlaly most of the state flags in Mexico have white backgrounds.








California-Mexican Heritage Flag
The Mexilfornia Flag

The changes are: the wings of the Mexican Eagle are combined with the California Bear and the red star has been changed to green. Also the flag is explained in black. The fanciful animal is known as a "Grizzly Beagle."







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photo credits
Wikipedia
Poinsettia Source
http://scrapbooking.about.com/od/freepatterns/ig/Winter-Paper-Piecing-Patterns/Poinsettia-Sample.htm

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Flag in Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984

Notice Chinese Advertisement Flags
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Doom 1984 is the second film starring Harrison Ford as a dashing and charming archaeologist - Dr. Jones.

This film centers on Asia, starting in China and ending in India. In the opening action sequence a race occurs though Shanghai.


Banners with Chinese Writing
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984


The first recorded flags made from a fabric originate to China. Flags often have writing and elegant borders. The borders of flags are often zig zaggy or serrated.




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If you can translate Chinese into English, please post it here



Wednesday, June 20, 2012

US Flag and Banners in Some Kind of Wonderful 1987

Harlequin Play Announcement
Some Kind of Wonderful 1987

Some Kind of Wonderful starred Eric Stoltz as an artistic outsider who learns about love and following his heart. Social status usually becomes an obnoxious factor in high school - and this movie takes on these issues head on.




US Flag arm patch on leather jacket
Some Kind of Wonderful 1987


A US flag can be seen in the background as an arm patch on a leather jacket. Some Kind of Wonderful was directed by John Hughes. All during the 1980s Uncle Hughes provided many outsider high school students a ray of hope, when most kids are caught up in ego-games, bulling, and bullshit status labels.