ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology's Vexi-Bits

Vexi-bits are a proud tradition at every NAVA meeting, likewise the 24th International Congress of Vexillology was no exception. Vexi-bits are small presentations centered on flags, they are mostly fun fact trivia items or miscellaneous anecdotes. Vexi-bits can basically be about anything - even flag 'stealing' squirrels.

The Vexi-bits for ICV #24 took place in the open dining hall of Embassy Suites Alexandria, the forlorn Capital of the United States from 1790-1847,
The following vexi-bits are in no particular order:


Vexi-bit #1: Geoff Parsons - talked a wee bit about the UK flag, and maybe regular Brits will be able to fly the Union Flag without legal mumbo-jumbo. We learned about what they do at The Flag Institute. The UK Flag Institute does not yet have a royal charter but one may be coming soon. Nonetheless the UK Flag Institute continues to act as the leading flag recorder for the United Kingdom.



Vexi-bit #2: Marcus Schmoger spoke again about the arms and flag of San Marino. FYI, San Marino is a nation inside of Italy. Usually a nation is on the border with another or at least has a coast line. But San Marino is like Lesotho in South Africa.




Vexi-bit #3: Arthur Etchells talked about his vast collection of military flags for Czech, Austria and other Northern European countires.





Vexi-bit #4: Annie Platoff - more info on conspiracy theorists about US flag on the moon . Platoff said the flags for the Apollo missions varied. The Apollo 11 and 12 US flags were 3' x 5' and the flags for Apollo 13 thru 16 flags were 2.5' x 4' and the Apollo 17 flag was 3.5' x 6.6.'






Vexi-bit #5: Phillip Rault - spoke again about the deaths of flying the Confederate Flag at the Monaco Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia; other Confederate flags; and Irish starry plow flag. He also showed of his own flag for the of Brittany Liberation. It has a Celtic Sun with nine rays. The colours are black, orange and white in horizontal tri-bar form - black on the bottom, orange in the middle, and white up top. The middle orange bar is thinnest while the upper white bar is thickest.



Vexi-bit #6: Tony Burton - Showed us a comprehensive survey about flags of Australia. And showed us a Islamic War-Prayer Flag: white Arabic Calligraphy on black and the another that was black Arabic on a white background.






Vexi-bit #7: Chris Bedwell - Presented the city flag of Phoenix, Arizona. If is composed a North American bald eagle facing the fly with wings spread on top of a rather large yellow sun with many short red rays.





Vexi-bit #8: Peter Hans Van den Muijzenberg - Jacks and flags of Europe.







Vexi-bit #9: Bill Trinkle - gave airtime about the wonderful and virtual Bear Flag Museum. Spoke about native sons of the Golden West - who celebrated the 50 anniversary as a state in 1900. This group made extra effort to promote their flag. Showed us the California Democratic Convention flag of 1984 which fused the Dem Donkey in Cali-style. Trinkle also showed us a flag of Marin County - a horizontal tri-bar from the bottom up of blue, red, and orange. It has a double swallow tail, in the center is a white shape of the county, and by the fly are the letter M on orange, C on red, and F on blue near the fly. Ted Kaye suggested that it may not be the flag and rather represent the Marin County Fair.




Vexi-bit #10: Jim Farrigan III - Made a joke that - "sacred cows make the best hamburgers." He told the story of a printing error for the California State flag with blue bears. We were told about the origin of the California Blue Bear flags. It started out as a mistake, but were all sold as novelties. He knew the Democrats were going to loose the 1984 election because the CA democratic party wanted to rent a presidential flag instead of purchasing one.



Vexi-bit #11: Roman Klimes - spoke a wee bit about European Flags.





Vexi-bit #12: A bit about NY State flags


Vexi-bit #13: Ted Kaye - Enlightened us about the on goings of the Portland Flag Association. It has about 20-25 members with an average of 12 persons showing up for each meeting. This truly unique "Oregon-ization" has become the leading voice in Portland for effective flag design. Kaye also showed us the first semi-official vexillological 'Flag Police Padge.' In the center was a coloured version of the official state seal of Oregon.




Vexi-bit #14: Amy Langston - the youngest speaker and vexillologist at the ICV 24. She spoke about how she became interested in flags. She became aware of this congress though Wikipedia, and decided to attend. She like many vexilloligist recalled an interest in flags tracing back to the flag section in an Almanc that was foundational to her interest in flags.










Vexi-bit #15: Jelena Borošak-Marijanović - We saw a Croatian warship flag. It features the famous Croatian Checker Coat of Arms with two crossed golden anchors in the background.






Vexi-bit #16: Nick Artimovich - Exposed his methodology of getting old retired flags from the US State Department - that included old Afghanistan and old Finland flags.







Vexi-bit#17: Clyde Simpson - He added a discussion of science/chemistry with vexillology. Simpson also noted that it being his first ICV and enjoyed everyones warmth and friendliness.





Vexi-bit #18: Marlene Little - She showed us a South Korean Flag handbag that she got through her local church when visitors from South Korea came to visit. It is a combination of vexillology and fashion. The red and blue symbol is based upon the ancient Chinese philosophy of Daoism - which heeds a strong call for balance.





Vexi-bit #19: - A new UK Union flag was presented - including the Welsh Cross of St. David and Red Cross for Ulster. Virtual-Imaginary vexillology got a boost with presentation of imaginary Kingdom of Aefira. The flags of Aefira followed in format the official flag of the UK.














Vexi-bit #20: William Ang - Retro-60s/70s electronic vexi-art was shown. The US pyramid with flashing lights dazzled our eyes.





Vexi-bit #21: He told us to write on the heading any important places where you may fly a flag. We also saw a mini-model in proportion of the original Star Spangle Banner from the War of 1812.




Vexi-bit #22: Colin Simpson - He spoke about noticing flags while on a cruse in Alaska.



Vexi-bit #23: John Hartvigsen - a great talk about flag making with jokes and weird but true stories.



Vexi-bit #24: Ron Strachan from Australia spoke and showed us a colourful and design for the flag of Tiwi Island.










Vexi-bit #24: Christopher Maddish - I spoke about my flag proposals for the bodies of water on earth and flags for moons and any other heavenly body in our solar system.

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ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 3

On the third day attendees of the 24th International Congress of Vexillology lived up to its proper name and convened in Washington DC, instead of Alexandria, Virginia.

Vexillologists were given a behind the scenes look at some of some of Smithsonian's priceless collection of flags. The grand hi-light of the tour was a look at official Star Spangled Banner from the second Anglo-American War of 1812.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology General Assembly

The International Congress of Vexillology formally met today in the north lodge room at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

It was my first time to attend as an official delegate representing the hosting group of the Chesapeake Bay Flag Association.

ICV 24 Voting Card

1. A vexillological association was the nation of Georgia was formally admitted.
2. The 2013, 25th ICV Congress in the Netherlands was further confirmed.
3. The 2015, 26th ICV Congress in Australia was further confirmed.
4. The 2017, 27th ICV Congress was up for debate. The Untied Kingdom was offered up as a venue but the matter. But the matter was not settled and to be decided at a later date.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 17th Presentation by Suzanne Thomassen-Kraussg, USA

Day 2 - Speaker #18
USA - Columbia, the Washington District


The seventeenth presentation was given by Suzanne Thomassen-Krauss and was entitled Discoveries Made while Preserving the Star-Spangled Banner. Thomassen-Kraus works at the Smithsonian and works to conserve textiles of all sorts - including flags. She gave us general picture on the conservation on the conservation of the Star Spangled Banner.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 16th Presentation by Anne M. Platoff, USA

Day 2 - Speaker #8 & #18
second time speaking
USA - Kansas

The sixteenth presentation was also the second presentation given by Anne M. Platoff and was entitled Six Flags over Luna: The Role of Flags in Moon Landing Conspiracy Theories.

Platoff a former employee of NASA refuted the claims of groups that believe that the US faked the US moon landing, with special focus on flag pictures.

For her wonderful presentation Platoff would win the award for best American Presentation by the ICV Congress Board.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 15th Presentation by Ales Brozek, Czech

Day 2 - Speaker #17
Czech

The fifteenth presentation was given by Ales Brozek and was entitled Did the United States Influence the Czechoslovak National Flag?

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 14th Presentation by Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg, Netherlands

Day 2 - Speaker #16
NETHERLANDS

The fourteenth presentation was given be Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg and was entitled On a Scale of 1 to 10.

Muijzenberg from Friesland gave us a splendid presentation about the methodology of judging a flag for its effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 10. Ten being judged and excellent flag and one being a judged a horrible flag.


The K Scale was shows where a flag receives points from 0-2 on five aspects.
1. Simple
2.Meaning
3. 2-3 Colours
4. No letters, no seals
5. Distinctive or related

Huijzenberg notes that some criteria are subjective, does not address meaning, and is limited by its base list. There is need to globally validate the criteria.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 13th Presentation by Lee L. Harold, USA

Day 2 - Speaker #15
USA - Minnesota

The thirteenth presentation was given by Lee L. Herold and was entitled Why Flags? Searching for an Essence of Flag.

Herold began his presentation with thoughtful quote from Tolstoy about political dissent. He went on in a deliciously poetic and cerebral prose on the deeper meaning of flags and what they have to offer.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 12th Presentation by Scot Guenter, USA

Day 2 - Speaker #14
USA - California

The twelfth presentation was given by Scot Guenter and was entitled The Rise and Fall of Worldface: Social Networking, Stereotyping, and the Power of Flags.

Dr. Guenter gave a humorous belly aching presentation of the short history of World Face and its use of flags. World Face was parody site in a similar manner to Unencyclopedia is to Wikipedia. In this case World Face is only open to specific nation states. The humor stems from the classical formula of the juxtaposition of tweets and posts that mimic the international tensions between nations. This personalization of nations as virtual face book people has resulted in political bickers.

Basically it face book became an online virtual computer doll program where nations were mocked rather acutely and successful in a Face Book format. The playful use of a copy cat face book modeled the trappings of a website.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 11th Presentation by Marcus E.V. Schmoger, Germany

Day 2 - Speaker #13
GERMANY

The eleventh presentation was given by Marcus E.V. Schmoger and was entitled Political Party Flags of San Marino.

Schomoger gave us a vivid account about the story behind the Arms of San Marino and its use by political parties in San Marino, a little known micro-nation within Italy. The pattern is similar to Croatia with socialist and communist parties using traditionally red, and now white. But the common theme irrespective of party affiliation is the use of the three towers that can be found on the national coat of arms for San Marino.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 10th Presentation by Zeljk Heimer, Croatia

Day 2 - Speaker #12
CROATIA

The tenth presentation was given by Zeljko Heimer and was entitled National Identity in the Political Party Flag in Croatia.



Heimer gave us an over view of the various political flags within Croatian Politics. Heimer was greeted to wide range of applause as he just recently learned that he was no longer a Captain in Croatian Army but rather a Major. Heimer began the presentation by telling us that the political field and climate of Croatia is similar to the general temperature of Europe. Meaning the span of political parties is similar in France, Denmark and Croatia that has socialist to conservative christian parties.

Since the colours of the Croatian flag are red, white, and blue in a similar tone to flag of the Netherlands, most political parties have adopted those colours. It is a light generalization to note that the colours also represent the various ethnics within Croatia. Red is associated with Croatians, white with Bosnians, and blue for Serbs. Also yellow is often associated with social liberal parties.

Left leaning parties used to have red in their flags but nowadays white is the preferred colour of choice. Blue flags are traditionally left leaning as well but with a Christian overtone.

Another Generalization about the Croation

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 2 - 9th Presentation by Jelena Borosak-Marijanovic, Croatia

Day 2 - Speaker #11

CROATIA

The ninth presentation was given Jelena Borosak-Marijanovic and was entitled Sokol Flags: The Symbols of the Croatian Sokol Movement up to 1914.

One of the earliest modern educational movements for scouting and physical fitness originated with the Czech Nation in the early 1860s. In the modern age, this effort to recruit youth with mental and physical challenges allowed communities to build foundations for political causes. Eventually the Sokol movement evolved into pan-Slav movement.

In a similar vein, in the United States of America - youth are indoctrinated with sports as a fundamental aspect of nationality and critical component of national pride. At the moment, men's football is the alpha-golden chalice of optimus prime vocations.

Jalena - her slide that reads
'The First Croation Pan-Sokol "slet" in Zagreb, Croatia (1906)'

The association with Croatian national pride and gymnastics was not an outspoken motivation of the Sokol Movement, however the marriage of sport and national or civic pride is an ancient theme that goes back to ancient Greece.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 8th Presentation by Donald T. Healy, USA

Day 1 - Speaker #10
USA - Arizona

The final presentation for the day was given by Donald T. Healy and entitled San Diego's Indian Tribal Flags.

Donald T. Healy at the Speakers Podium

Healy showed us a spectacular collection of Native American Flags. We were informed that San Diego County has the most Native American reservations out of all the counties in the United States - 18. Subsequently we were witness to a vast collection of Native American flags.

An interesting note was that the La Jolla Band flag was overseen by President Grant.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 7th Presentation by David B. Martucci, USA

Day 1 - Speaker #9
USA - Maine

Martucci at the Podium

The ninth presentation was given David B. Martucci and was entitled The Standards of the Manhattoes, Pavonia, and Hell-Gate.

Martucci's lecture revealed the symbols and icons used in the early part of New York's history, before it was called New York. Most of the American colonies were planted on top of Native American lands, but New York was doubly planted on top of Dutch Culture. The lecture focused on the seals and standards of the Hudson Bay when it was under Dutch control. Martucci first presented a general sketch of Peter Stuyvesant the last Dutch leader of New Amsterdam, before its reformation in to New York.


We were shown the original seals of the Hudson Region when it was called and spelled 'Nieuw Amsterdam.' There was also a discrepancy between the official seal that was adopted and the one that was actually used. The official seal has the lion supporters with beaver facing right, but the seal that was used had neither lions and beavers was facing the opposite direction.





Matucci showed us the standard of the Men used at the Battle of Manhattoes. It featured a beaver pointed towards the corner of the upper hoist. The term Manhattoes refers to the area where the Hudson emptied into New York Bay or rather Nieuw Amsterdam Bay.





Also featured was the standard of the Vassals of Ancient Pavonia, that featured a an oyster shell. Pavonia was the first European settlement on the west side of the Hudson in what is now Hudson County, New Jersey. Perhaps it can be seen as one of the earliest flags of New Jersey heritage?

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 6th Presentation by Annie Platoff, USA

Day 1 - Speaker #8
USA - Kansas


The eighth presentation was a short or rather over sized vexi-bit given by Annie Platoff and entitled Digital Library.

Platoff described the effort to index all materials related to Vexillology at one source. She actively encouraged all vexillologists to participate.

Platoff explaining the
purpose of an index

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 5th Presentation by Arthus Etchells III, USA

Day 1 - Speaker #7
USA - Pennsylvania

The fifth presentation was given by Arthur Etchels III and was entitled Foreign Influences on the Development of Russian Military Flags.

Current Banner of the Armed
Forces of the Russian Federation

Etchels gave us an overview in the selection process of Russian military colours. He showed us that at design of flags in each era were influenced by the collective designs within Europe. At times Russian military flags followed the style of Prussia, Germany, England, and even France.


Although Soviet Union is gone the Russian Army has preserved the colour red in it modern Army flag because reds assocation with victorious Red mostly Russian Army.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 4th Presenation by John M. Hartvigsen, USA

Day 1 - Speaker #6
USA - Utah

Corrected Utah State flag with a
white shield and sensibly placed dates

The fourth presentation was given by John M. Hartvigsen and was entitled Utah's Adoption of Two Legislative Measures Affecting the Utah State Flag.

Hartvigsen gave us a birds eye view on the long process upon his discovery that the Utah State had been incorrectly designed 89 years. Hartvigsen made his discovery when he found the original spreadsheet on the Utah State flag back in 1985. Hartvigsen then made several attempts to relay his discovery to the public and state legislators - to no avail. Hartvigsen would have to wait 25 years until his discovery had an effect.

Due to the 100th anniversary of the official adoption of Utah State flag, interest in the flag rekindled. Subsequently Hartvigsen was able to reassert the correct design of the Utah State flag - and strike vexi-gold by playing a role in changing a state flag.

Additionally the first governors flag was created in 1903. It was later adopted as the state flag on March 9, 1911. It was later 'lost' for some time but rediscovered in in 2010, coincidentally one year before the 100th year of its official adoption in 1911.

It seems original error occurred in 1922 when a flag manufacture misplaced the position of 1847. From about 1922 unto 2010 the state flag of Utah was based on a 'flag mutation.' Hartvigsen discovered this mistake in 1985, but nobody cared until 25 years later.

In the end Hartvigsen said that, "Vexillology is a patient pursuit. "

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 3rd Presenation by Geoff Parsons & Michael Faul, UK

Day 1 - Speakers 4 & 5
UNITED KINGDOM



The third presentation was another duo shared between Geoff Parsons & Michael Faul. The title of their presentation was British Royal Standards 1199-Present.

The presentation was a grand overview of Coat of Arms held by British Royalty. Starting from William I (1066-1087) unto today, including the banners for the Duke of Cambridge Prince William of Whales and Prince Henry of Wales. Flags of other Royal Family members were also included.

Afterwards I asked Parsons if they had yet designed a flag or mark of cadence for a would be great-grandson or great-granddaughter of the queen. Reason being it is quite possible that Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge could soon become a father while Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still on the throne. Parsons informed that such a topic has yet to be discussed.

UK Banner Short

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 2nd Presentation by Gwen Spicer & Alexandra Deutsch, USA

Day 1 - Speakers #2 & #3
USA - New York & Maryland

Gwen Spicer & Alexandra Deutsch

The second presentation was a duo - Gwen Spicer & Alexandra Deutsch. The title of their presentation was The Treatment of the 4th Regiment U.S.C.T. Civil War Flag. Spicer is an expert in flag restoration.

The presenatation began with a quote from Fredrick Douglas and acknowledged the excitement in US Civil War flags due to the 150th anniversary.

The talk focused on the preservation of flags saved and carried by an African American - Christian Fleetwood 1840-1914. Fleetwood received the medal of honor for his actions. Fleetwood "Seized the colors, after 2 color bearers had been shot down, and bore the nobly though the fight."

Christian Fleetwood

Christian Fleetwood was educated as a free black in Baltimore during the Civil War Era. Baltimore had the largest 'free' African American population at this time. Fleetwood attained the highest rank for 'colored' troops as a Sergeant Major.

It was also explained that the white portion of older flags is often in the poor condition because of the extensive chemical treatment to get a solid white colour. The preservation process was extensively discussed.

ICV 24 - International Congress of Vexillology, Day 1 - 1st Presentation by Dale Grimes Jr. USA

Day 1 - Speaker #1
USA - Maryland

Last month the 24th International Congress of Vexillology was held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. On the first day, August 1 there were eight lectures.

The first speaker was Dale Grimes, Jr. who primary occupation is teaching math. His presentation was entitled Two Famous American Flags.

Grimes selected two flags from American history that are perhaps the most well remembered. One was flown during the War of 1812 and the other during WWII.

The first flag of national fame was the 15 stars and 15 striped Star Spangled Banner which flew over Ft. McHenry when the British Invaded Maryland and Washington DC. This story associated with this flag lead to the creation of National Anthem. He also detailed the overlooked battle of North Point that took place on September 12, 1814.

Grimes holding up a 48 stared US Navy Flag

The second flag of conspicuous fame was the flown over Iwo Jima during the Pacific Campaign of WWII. This flag has 13 stripes and 48 stars. It was raised while the fighting raged on February 23, 1945. The photo of this flag raising had become a lasting icon of this conflict.

Grimes also introduced the Grimes' Remnant Indicator Formula - R.I.F.

X/Y

X= A flag's current dimensions (hoist length x fly length)
Y= A flags original dimensions (hoist length x fly length)

Grimes' notes on the
flag makers shorthand

Grimes also noted that many flags from WWII were made on Mayer Island, which was also the 1st Pacific Naval Base for the United States. During the WWII, Mayer Island had over 46,000 employees. If you ever see a letters 'MI' printed along hoist edge it most likely referring to Mayer Island in California and not Michigan.

Kerguelen Islands Flag Proposal

Proposed Flag of the Kerguelen

Hidden between the Indian and Antarctic Ocean lies the lonesome, quiet, and rainy Kerguelen Islands. Out of all the lands awoken to Europe, this land was of the few to be truly discovered.

America, Africa, Asia, and Australia have been home to mankind for thousands of years before the modern 'Age of Exploration.' But Kerguelen is a unique find found by France. It was found during a February Summer in 1772 under the guidance of Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Teremac. Coincidentally Kerguelen was discovered two months before the 'discovery' of Easter Island.

Portrait of Yves-Joseph
TRUE DISCOVERER OF A NEW WORLD

Captain Cook, Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Leif Ericson, and William Janszoon did not discover any new lands or continents. Rather they permanently awoke European Civilization to these lands.* However a Breton from France can truly claim to have discovered a 'New World' during the Age of Exploration.


Although Yves was a French national he was ethnically a Breton. The Bretons were of the earliest inhabitants to the British Isles - who lived there before the arrival of Rome and Anglo-Saxons tribes. The Bretons are a apart of the Six Celtic Nations- that includes Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. Coincidentally the latitude of the Kerguelen Islands is at a converse latitude of Brittany - 49 degrees north to 49 degrees south.


The proposed flag for Kerguelen employs three colours - black, white, and orange. It is a tri-colour in honor of France. Instead of red, orange is used to denote a Celtic connectivity to Ireland. Furthermore orange is considered by some a hue of red - linking it back to France. The black bar by the hoist is reflective of Brittany, as is the central white bar with the black animal fur symbol. It is the fur of an ermine, which is a key symbol tied to Brittany. The colours reflect the aboriginal bi-pedal birds that colonized this land long before mankind could read or write - the penguins.


Due to Kerguelen's remoteness and lack of light pollution - it is an astronomical wonderland and biological reserve. But like Australia and the Galapagos the introduction of non-native species has been detrimental to many native plants and species.

*Lief Ericson did not permanently awake European Civilization to the 'Americas,' rather Christopher Columbus permanently awoke Europe to the Americas. The Vikings gave up on their 'American' colonies and forgot all about it, until some time after 1492.

Flag of Easter Island & Greenland or rather Rapa Nui & Kalaallit Nunaat

Flag of Kalaallit Nunaat

Greenland is a part of Denmark
"SUN" like icon

There are two famous semi-autonomous 'nations' that strike similar colours from opposite ends of the earth on rival oceans. Alone in the South Eastern Pacific is the famous isle of Easter Island, and on the edges of the North Western Atlantic is the grand and vast isle of Greenland.

Both islands have recruited the colours red and white to symbolize their identity. The flag of Kalaallit Nunaat retains the national colours of Denmark - red and white. It is basically an off centered disc that has a counter charge on itself with the background. This design is intuitively reflective of the extreme solar shift between winter and summer. Much of Greenland has a single winter night that lasts three months while a single summer day can last three months. Greenland is home of the famous Midnight Sun in June and in the winter the High Noon Midday Moon.


Flag of Rapa Nui
Easter Island is a part of Chile
"MOON" like icon

At another end of the earth the colours of Rapa Nui echo of red and white. The background is white, and the crescent shaped emblem is a type of jewelry usually worn by women that is based upon the native canoe of Easter Islanders. This flag was formally adopted on May 6, 2006. Twenty one years earlier the flag of Greenland was adopted on June 21, 1985.

Example of a Rapa Nui Canoe Pendant

The histories of Easter Island and Greenland and long and vast, but their unbroken modern period of written history begins at about the same time. On July 3, 1721 the Norwegian Hans Egede landed on Greenland to reestablish a 300 year old land claim. Less than a year later on Eastern Sunday April 5, 1722 the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen awoke the world to Easter Island while Rapa Nui was awoken to the greater world around themselves.

Greenland Children with flag

However neither the Dutch nor Norwegian were to hold a permanent claim to these ancient isles of extremes. Before the 1800s the nationhood of Greenland and Easter Island was not certain. In the end Denmark and Chile were entrusted to guard over these pearls of the Pacific and Atlantic. Easter Island was annexed by Chile on September 9, 1888, and Greenland's attachment to Denmark was sealed in the 1814 treaty of Kiel.

Easter Islanders in protest with flags

US interest in these islands started only after WWII. Greenland was occupied by USA during WWII when Denmark fell to Nazi Germany. In 1946 Greenland flirted with US to become a proverbial 51st state, for 100 million dollars. But Denmark refused, but the Danes allowed the US to establish Thule Air Base as a part of AFSC - short for Air Force Space Command. Coincidentally Easter Island was graced by the space age in the 1980s. Easter Island became an emergency Space Shuttle Landing site.

The Inuit and Rapa Nui people are ancient cousins on a world that is a world a part. They have both left memorable marks on these islands and our world. They have enchanting stories to tell. No doubt their story of survival before the modern era is an epic chapter our communal heritage and history that all nations can understand.

As we come face to face with resource limited world, perhaps these islands can teach us a thing or two.

Two world famous stone monoliths
The Moai of Easter Island and Inuksuk of Greenaland

Cruithne Flag - Asteroid 3753

Flag of Cruithne

Earth's part-time moon

It's an asteroid? Moon? Dwarf Planet? Moonernoid? Huh? Maybe a Dwarf Planet-Moon/Asteroid!?

None of the above... they call it Cruithne part moon, part asteroid or something like that.

Cruithne was discovered on October 10, 1986 by a Scotsman - Duncan Waldron. It's a tiny part-time moon that visits every autumn. It's the moon that wanted to be a both a planet and a moon. You could call it a 'Dwarf Plamoon' or 'Moonet.'

Scientifically its designation is 3753 Cruithne. It comes close to earth every November.

The colours of this flag are orange, green, blue, black and white. The basic pattern was modeled after the Scottish flag in honor of its discoverer. The orange and green colours are a reflection of its name. The Cruithne were an ancient people who lived in Ireland.

Astrological Symbol for Cruinthne

This symbol is based on the Ogham Alphabet. It was popular in Ireland and Scotland during the rise of the Cruinthne people 400-700 AD. It is pronounced 'oi' and also means gold.

There is a crescent moon in the upper triangle to denote Cruithne's status as a part time moon that visits Earth in between Halloween and Thanksgiving. It's about five miles wide, small but big enough for a space station. Somebody from earth will probably visit it by 2040. Certainly by the year 2111 people will be living on Cruithne.

As what to call it, my favorite is 'Moonernoid.'

Idealized View from Cruithne on Thanksgiving or Halloween
THE MOONERNOID?
































Watch the Singlet Master Rich Hall Discuss this ''singlet" Moon on the BBC

2002 AA29, Earth's Shadow Moon - Avalon

Flag of Avalon
Asteroid-Moon minor planet 2002 AA29

In 2002 we discovered an asteroid in sync with the Earth. And nine years later, it still does not have a name! I propose the name Avalon, which was also a fictional planet in DC Comics.

This 'minor planet' crosses the line in between a moon and asteroid, like Cruinthne. However Cruinthne is more asteroid like than Avalon-2002 AA29.



Avalon orbits the sun in the same cosmic groove with Earth, in a 95 year 'horseshoe' orbit on the sun. Thus it qualifies in some regard as a moon, rather than an asteroid.

Avalon is in effect a non-conformist independent minded moon that 'follows' Earth on its own good time. If it were a conformist moon, like the regular moon, it'd be a kin to the dwarf moons of Mars - Phobos and Deimos.

Astrological Symbol for
Avalon 2002 AA29




The flag of Avalon 2002 AA29 is basic tri-bar with a thinner middle bar. The background tri-bar colours are pink by the hoist, black by the fly, and yellow in the center. In the middle is the name Avalon spelled with Roman, Greek and Russian Letters. These letters were chosen because of their symmetrical axis along the up-down stoke.




In order the letters and their 'home' alphabets

A - Greek A
V - Roman V
A - Roman A
^ -Greek L
O - Roman
H - Russian N

The spaces within the letters are coloured in a rainbow reflective of the harmonious hopes of Alavon.








Orbit of Avalon 2002 AA29 Video

Squirrel Makes a nest out of the American Flag

It was reported today that a squirrel 'stole' some American flags from an Ohio police memorial to make a nest.

Right on squirrely!

Humans have been stealing the homes of squirrels so it's payback time.

"Vengeance is for the nut lovers!"



















Squirrels sure do love FREEDOM

Flag of 2010 SO16, Aristotle Shen Dao - Earth's Sadow Moon II

Flag of Aristotle Shen Dao

Shadow Moon of Earth 2010 SO16

Recently discovered, 2010 SO16 is another moon-like hybrid asteroid that follows in the cosmic groove of Earth. However it shadows Earth in a 'horseshoe' orbit, that lasts about 350 years.

We think Aristotle Shen Dao 2010 SO16 is about 350 meters, which means it may be three and half football or soccer fields wide. This makes it prime real estate for a space station. Because of its super slow orbit around the sun, we pass by once a year in nearly the same place. It's another 'shadow moon' like Avalon 2002 AA29, but much larger.

Aristotle

It was discovered the Wide-field Infared Survey Explorer and its properties were figured out by David J. Asher and Christou Apostolos at the Armagh Observatory in Ireland.

The colours of the flag include black, white, and a sea-green. Green was chosen in honor Ireland and the Armagh Observatory. The black and white image represents a theoretical crossing of an asteroid through the moon during a lunar eclipse.

The white crescent moon on the flag has two shadows - one made by earth and one made by an asteroid. This gives it a counter charge quality - or rather a yin and yang essence.

This is reflective of its name which combines two sages from the Ancient West and East - Aristotle and Shen Dao. Its 350 long year long trip around the Sun honors in a synchronous manner when Aristotle and Shen Dao expressed their academic brilliance around 350 BC.

Shen Dao?

In 350 BC Aristotle argued that the earth may be spherical due to the shadow effect on the moon during a lunar eclipse. Aristotle also show cased a type of logical reasoning in his Organon. At nearly the same time the philosopher - Shen Dao - published his ideas that blended Legalism and Daoism.




Theoretical Crossing of Earth, Moon and Arsitotle Shen Dao

Legalism is a will based on a strict fundamentalist point of view - enforcing the rules no matter what - like a very very very strict religious orthodox school. However Daoism can be best summed up in Western Civilization by the fictional philosophies of Master Yoda and Obi-Wan. Or rather 'It's best ride with current of the ocean instead of trying to control it.'



Astrological Symbol for
Aristotle Shen Dao

It's based on the earth symbol. The horseshoe orbit is reflected by the upside down "omega" and is a reflection of Greek culture, while the cross is a stylized Chinese symbol for earth - with a much shorter base.

Perhaps we could call it a Shamoon? (Shadow-Moon)

Youtube Video Explaining
2010 s016 Aristotle Shen Dao