Vexi-tension 2010

The small town of King, North Carolina has become the focal point of a vexillological controversy. Tension has erupted over the flying of the generic Christian Flag. A vigil since September 22, 2010 has arisen to protect the 'Christian Flag.'

The ACLU, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and resident of King, North Carolina filed a complaint to get it removed from a veterans memorial.

Ironically the flying of the cross on a flag was also controversial during the New England Colonial Period in the 1600s. Extreme religious 'Christian' leaders saw the cross as a symbol of the 'dreadful' pope. Thus it was removed from the New England flag and worship with crosses was banned for fear of papist influences.

However, I agree with persons on and sponsoring the flag vigil. The Christian Flag of North Carolina should be protected and flown.

Flag of Lousiana

If it is not allowed to fly, it sets a dangerous precedent. Several US State flags already have Christian symbolism on them. Louisiana has a pelican, which is a heraldic symbol of Christianity. Also the pelican is shedding its breast with three droplets of blood which reflects the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Likewise the State flag of Maryland has two red crosses which is clearly linked to the Christianity. Utah has a beehive upon it, which is a religious symbol of Mormonism.

Flags of Utah & Maryland

Also The flag of Hawaii has the Christian emblems of St. George, St. Patrick, and St. Andrew?

Finally the flags of New York and New Jersey feature the Pagan Goddess Liberity, Justice, and Ceres?

Lean More About this Story at NPR
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130736989

The Siamese Burmese & Shan Flag of Myanmar

Flag of Burma since today
October 21, 2010

Myanmar or rather Burma has officially adopted a new flag that aligns with the Shan State, which is within Burma itself. The Shan people of Burma look like Thai People and are linguistic cousins. The Shan Lanuguage is more like Thai or Laotian than it is Burmese.


Flag of the Shan State within Burma

The Shan people are the second largest ethnic group in Burma. Perhaps the national flag was changed to placate the Shan Ethnic Group?

NAVA 44 Flag

Flag of NAVA 44

The 44th North American Vexillological Association's meeting was held in Los Angeles. The NAVA 44 Flag was deeply reflective of the flag of this most popular of US Cities - LA.

Official Flag of Los Angeles

The LA City flag was hoisted at the 1980 Moscow Olympics at the closing ceremony since the US was absent. The US did not attend because of issues related to the War in Afghanistan.

If the Soviets really wanted to rock the boat they could have hoisted the California State Flag. It has a red star and a bear facing left. Also Imperial Russia had planted a colony in California just north of San Francisco from 1812 to 1842 - Fort Ross.

California's State flag echos the
typical design of a Soviet Era flag

Before California became the 31st state, it was a part of Mexico and before the Mexico it was mostly under Spanish Control. But when the Napoleon stepped on Spain, the Russians coincidentally set up a colony in 1812, and the famous Russian composer, Tchaikovsky would write a memorable musical score about the War of 1812.

Other NAVA 44 flag proposals

Watch LA Flag fly at 1980 Moscow Olympics

Reservation

South Park's Anti-New Jersey Flag

Stan's Dad waving the Anti-New Jersey Flag.

Of the many many flags created in 2010, this one was born out of the minds of two immensely popular artists: Matt Stone of Texas and Trey Parker of Colorado. On Comedy Central, South Park has become a mainstay of pop culture uniting Generations X + Y + I = 13 year hit run.

You can think of this show of being a modern day version of the classic Punch & Judy show. Way before animation, TV, and the Internet, puppet glove shows were considered adult entertainment. Back then, old Punch and Judy animators would lampoon famous people and joke about the politics of the day. Essential characters were the Devil and the whore 'Punch Polly' (Cartman's Mom). But by about 1881, Punch & Judy shows were kid oriented and lost a lot of the rough and tumble raunchiness.

Young Stags & Does from NJ

Randy Marsh's waving of the flag mocks Jersey Shore reality shown on MTV. On a background of white is written in all capital letters, "NEW JERSEY." On top on the NEW is scribbled with red ink, "NO." Stan's father is not necessarily saying "NO" to New Jersey but is against the Marky Mark party culture inspired and documented by MTV's, "Jersey Shore."

Jersey Shore on MTV

Jersey Shore is noted for it's Jersey style Italian-American culture. New Jersey has a large percentage of Italian Heritage significantly above the national average.

Ridiculously in the following episode of South Park the people of Colorado form an alliance with Al Queda to stop the 'Jersey Threat,' with rather harsh humour.

Here Stan's Dad has a map showing Swank NJ Beach culture spreading across America

To Watch old Episodes of South Park
Click Here: www.southparkstudios.com/

To Watch Old Episodes of the Jersey Shore
Click Here: www.mtv.com/shows/jersey_shore/season_2/series.jhtml

The Original Stripes Booth of Punch & Judy Shows

South Park's Anti-New Jersey Flag

Click Here to see NJ's Flag Partner NY!

Columbus Day Part II

Under Construction


Columbus, Georgia and Columbus, Ohio

Columbus Day

Flag of Columbus, Ohio

Happy Columbus Day Observed 2010!

This holiday had its ups and downs. On the 400th Anniversary on October 12, 1892 the United States was finally old enough be aware and organize it as a holiday. The nation was more that 100 years old, 104 to be exact. The free press and government recognized Christopher Columbus' accidental journey as an essential turning point in US and World History. Perhaps the most memorable result of this 400th anniversary was the creation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Frances Bellamy.

Several hundred years after the passing of Christopher Columbus several US cities were destined to bear his name. The largest and most renowned is Columbus, Ohio. Columbus, OH is one of the few cities to have an official flag.

The second largest city named after America's discoverer is in Georgia. Columbus, Georgia is a thriving mid sized city on the border of Alabama. Interesting historical fact about Columbus, GA is that it was an key industrial center during the Civil War. It is where the last grand battle between the US and Confederate forces took place, after the surrender of General Lee and the assassination Lincoln, April 16, 1865. There is some debate as the totally last battle of Civil War, but without a doubt, Columbus Georgia was the last battle fought in the Original 13.

The city motto: "What Progress has Preserved"
is a cute contradiction. It's balanced opposite
could be: "The Progress of Preservation"

Interesting trivia about this 'last of civil war battles' was that the inventor of Coke, John Stith Pemberton was injured. Perhaps it's something about southern heat, thus Coke in summer is oh so sweet! Pepsi Cola was also invented in a southern state - North Carola - while Texas gave us Dr. Pepper! Essentially soda pop was created in the US Sun Belt to quench thirst on those hot hot summer days up north, or all year round in the Deep South. Soda Pop is essentially a beverage of the forlorn Confederacy!


The interesting vexillological situation is that both state flags have stars and stripes that most closely reflect the pattern of the US Federal Flag.

This Internet banner was taken from the official Columbus, GA gov website
www.columbusga.com/

to visit the official Columbus, OH gov website: click here
ci.columbus.oh.us/

Flag of Eurasia

The flag of Eurasia contains the EU pattern of stars but they are held in the canton area and are white, unlike the EU flag which has them centered and yellow.  Additionally a green and red stripe appear along the bottom with a white fimbration around the green area.

Taiwan & Bruma & Myanmar & China

Flag of Taiwan

In the Canton is a solar disc with 12 rays

The Sun reflects the power of Day

There is a delicate balance in East Asia, where the ancient scars of the Cold War fester on beyond the shores of Pusan/Busan. The acrimonious-abortion like political issues rest firmly tied to the nations of Taiwan and Myanmar. Their flags are vexillologically similar. Just as Israeli and Palestinian issues embroil West Asia, in East Asia, mainland China and Burma rest at the tipping point in between chaos and peace.

Only a certain percentage of nations recognize 'free market' China, aka Taiwan. The US used to recognize it as the real China, but then things went awry in the 1970s and the US flip flopped and decided to pull the carpet out from Taiwan and instead, warmed up to Communist China. Basically the US was taking advantage of a Russian-Chinese spat. It worked.

Myanmar used to be called Burma, which used to be a part of India when it was in the British Empire. Myanmar made a big splash in American Consciousness when Pepsi Co tried to open business in the 1990s, but a well executed anti-Myanmar protest blocked this corporation's right to free trade with a rather draconian nation.

As of now Taiwan and Myanmar remain in the semi-nation category like Puerto Rico, Palestine, and Greenland. At least Greenlanders will always have the comfort of knowing Santa Clause will protect them from evil and jerks wads, so long are they are nice and don't pout.

Flag of Myanmar
There are 14 stars in circle
Stars reflect the power of Night

October is Libra Month

Libra is the astrological sign of the scales, and scales appear on several US Flags. The most prominent display of Libra's icon is upon the state flag of New York.
Coincidentally New York's

'fraternal twin' New Jersey has a city that just as well utilizes the proverbial scales of justice: New Jersey's largest city, Newark. In fact both flags have the same Goddesses in the supporter position.

City vs. State
Flag of Newark City & Flag of New York State

Close Up

In New Jersey Justice is sitting and has her sword pointed into the ground, but in New York Justice is standing blindfolded and the sword is pointing up

H
U
D
S
O
N

lll

Lady Liberty is on the left in both flags, both holding liberty poles with liberty hats on top. On New York State's flag she is erect and facing forward. On Newark, New Jersey's flag she is leaning on a fag of sticks with an olive branch resting under her left armpit.

Hard Rock Cafe Flag

Business are important entities that fly flags. One famous restaurant flag is the Hard Rock Cafe Flag.

It has five different colours. The most dominant is tan-brown which forms the main background. A yellow disc in the center. Hard Rock is written in 50s style print with CAFE below all in white capital letters. Fourthly there is recessive white rectangle centered in the middle, and a white fringe around the yellow disc with a slightly larger black circle. Finally black is used to fringe the CAFE letters, as fringe around the disc, and in the TM (Trade Mark).

The "Perry Black Burger"
Matthew Perry's Ships were
Black and what is remembered
by most Japanese Upon their
coerced opening in 1859 by USA

I have been to the Hard Rock Cafe in Yokohama, Japan. I was there on the 150th anniversary opening of Japan by the USA. In honor of this Grand Opening of a Japan's business to the West by the US, the Hard Rock Cafe in Yokohama offered the Black Perry Burger with black bread. I think it was pumpernickel? It was tasty. If I remember correctly it had Swiss Cheese and mushrooms.

It felt good and a little strange to spread love and rock n' roll by eating a pumper nickle black burger in honor of Matthew Perry's historic visit to Japan in 1859.




jonesing for some rock and roll noise while you eat? www.hardrock.com


Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia

Capture the Flag? Politically Speaking

The Naval Delta or
Letter "D" Flag

On the Philly weekend edition of the METRO Sept 17-19, 2010, an opinion by Tom Foreman, a political voice of CNN, wrote an article called, "Capture the Party Flag." Using a metaphor from a classic military game, Foreman essentially said that the Tea Party hi-jacked the invisible 'Change Flag' from Obama.

Go to www.ac360.com
to get the full story

According to Foreman the Tea Party is waving the 'Change Flag.' Thus any political group out of power will naturally wave the "Change-Delta" flag to unseat the power that is. I suppose the Delta flag is essentially a subversive flag?

Sometimes change is good, sometimes change is bad. No matter what when political power changes, it will immediately be good for some and bad for others. But in my opinion, everything always changes, for the better in the long run, "from a certain point of view," as Obiwan once said.

The Sorority Delta Delta Delta using the Delta Flag Colours in their Key Chain

you can visit the home of the triple Ds at www.tridelta.org/Home

Contrary to using the Iconic Greek Letter of Change "Delta"
Delta is not necessarily an advocate of Change

"Fly with Spare Change on Delta"
www.Delta.com

US-Okinawa Flag 1952-1972

One more thing.... a military guidon version of the delta flag was used by the Occupational Authority of Okinawa. After WWII Okinawa remained under US control for 20 more years from 1952-1972. It seemed that Okinawa was going to remain a part of the US. They even switched which side cars were to drive on, the dominant right side. Change was certainly in the air in both Japan and the US during the US-Okinawa Delta Flag period.

Autum Equinox

The balance between day and night!

Patriot Day USA

In between Delaware and Philadelphia, one of the most important battles of the US Revolution took place on September 11, 1777. The battle of Brandywine, along the Brandywine Creek. General Washington lost this battle and it opened the door for Loyalist occupation of the nation's original capital, Philadelphia.

Brandywine Creek Flag
September 11, 1777

America's future was in peril, if the British would have been more aggressive, Washington could have been captured. Washington's opponent was an old ally turned new enemy. Previously Washington fought alongside General Howe for King and Country during the 'French and Indian Wars.'

This situation is akin to Grant and Lee who were once allies in the Mexican American War, but later become mortal enemies during the Civil War. But instead of it being North vs. South, one can frame the US Revolution as a proverbial battle of East vs. West. Washington fighting for the West, since he was born on the west side of the Atlantic, and Howe representing the East since he was born on the east side of the Atlantic. Howe was an experienced colonial war veteran who helped destroy the French North American Empire.

Interestingly the Brandywine Flag and Foster Flag are two flags of similar design. The more famous flag is the Battle of Brandywine Flag. According to tradition this flag was flown on September 11, 1777 by the Pennsylvania 7th Regiment under captain Robert Wilson. The battle of Brandywine was one of the largest engagements of the Rebellious West and Loyalist East. Perhaps a reason Brandywine is often overlooked is because the pro UK-Unionists were the victors. Ironically Washington's September 11th defeat was good for his men and nation. The consequence was a permanent forging of the American Spirit unto diamond like resolve. The bitter winter at Valley Forge was a curse as much as it was a blessing.

Forster "First Blood" Flag
April 19, 1775

Another flag of similar mark to the Brandywine flag is the Forster Flag. This flag is originally thought to be a UK regimental flag modified and turned in to a US flag. The story is, on the first day of blood shed between colonials and British troops April 19, 1775 a British flag was captured and turned into a rebel US flag.

Form April 19,1775 until June 14, 1777 there was no official flag, so a variety of flags fluttered for the revolutionary cause.


Eleven years ago in 1999 the US Post Office issued a commorative US Flag set

You can Visit the Battle Brandywine Creek Museum

You can visit the Brandywine Visitor's Center Here

First Friday Doylestown, PA

Under Construction

The Virgo Islands and Monserrat

Flag of the UK Virgin Islands
In the Eastern Caribbean

September is Virgo month, so in honor of the cosmic Virgin of the night sky, who is ironically not visible during September, here are two Virgo like flags. The first flag belongs to the UK Virgin Islands. They are right next to the US Virgin Islands but with a British flare.

Amazingly there is another British Island in the Caribbean next to the Virgin Islands that also has a woman on the badge, Montserrat. These astoudingly beautiful tropical islands are similar yet different. It's like the difference between Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The Women of the Caribbean Looking Eye to Eye

The woman on the British Virgin "Virgo" Islands is wearing a white dress on a green background and coincidentally the woman of Montserrat is wearing a green dress. The girls are holding several items: a cross, harp, and lamp. The cross and lamps are Christian symbols. The Cross is an obvious symbol but the lamp is a wee bit obscure. Back in the late 1400s Cristofolo Colon gave the Virgin Islands its name, since there were so many, in honor of St. Ursula.

The story of St. Ursula is rather interesting. St. Ursula was a Roman-British Princess, who lived long before the creation of England proper. One version of her story is that after surviving a deadly sea storm and visiting the Pope she went on a pilgrimage with 300 to 11,000 other virgins. While crossing by Cologne her mass of virgins were attacked and killed by the Pagan Huns. This all took place sometime between the 3rd and 4th century. There is a deep grain of truth to this story, but as this story was retold it may have been embellished.

Flag of Montserrat
in the Western Caribbean

The British used to love this story when they were still tied to the Catholic Church, since a Roman-British Princess was involved. Coincidentally the harp on Montserrat is reflective of Ireland where the last bastion of 'British Catholics' still celebrate St. Ursula's day at mass on October 21.


10 Sec Clip of Video I made last year about UK Islands

Pineapple Welcome Flag

Who lives at the bottom of the sea in a proverbial welcome mat for all to see?

Sponge Bob Square Pants!!!!!

Bob is an enchanting animated yellow coral sponge known by Gen-X, Gen-Y, and Gen-I. Nationally and internationally children and young adults are familiar with arguably Nicktoon's biggest superstar "Sponge Bob Square Pants."

He is a total square, like a nerd, whose innocent fun loving attitude is perpetually that of an elementary school kid, but the show is also spiced with adult oriented themes. Certainly, children who grew up on the show will be able to enjoy this cartoon on a different level in adulthood.

The interesting vexillological-flag coincidence is that the "PINEAPPLE FLAG" reflects Mr. Pants, Bob Square's attitude.... "WELCOME." If you didn't know, places that fly the pineapple flag are basically saying come on in! We want you to visit!

Everyone is Welcome at Bob's!

When a business flies the flag, it's sending out a signal that all are welcome to visit here, argh matie! And if your business happens to sell crab cakes - "Crabby Patties" - be sure to fly this flag!

Bobby's house is for everyone to enjoy, and it's made out of the universal symbol for welcome....a pineapple!

Below is an edited version of this Nicktoon. This intro is cute and clever. It basically invites all kids (and adults) to watch and enjoy. It doesn't matter your ethnic, religion, or language....Mr. Square-Pants will welcome you all!


A video combining Sponge Bob theme with the Pineapple Flag


You can visit Sponge Bob's Website Here at Nickelodeon
http://spongebob.nick.com/

The Yin & Yang of Pepsi & Coke

Coke is the Bigger Established

US Cola Company, it looks
kinda' like Japan's Flag?

Yin and Yang may be a foreign concept for American people over the age of 50, perhaps the best way older Americans can relate this contradictory concept of balance, harmony, tension, and rivalry is to think of the Korean War. If you ever study the Korean War, it is dynamically like Yin-Yang energy flow.

The circular icon on the Korean Flag is essentially the Yin-Yang symbol, minus the contradictory dots. This symbol originally came from China. It is the icon for the philosophy-religion of Taoism.


The Yin-Yang symbol. A Korean War Veteran told me his troop called it the 'meatball' and the US Gov didn't bother to explain what it meant or what it was other than that it was the South Korean Flag.

Simply put the Yin-Yang symbol is a reflection of the inherent dichotomy to any idea, choice, or stance one must take, " To do or not to do." Do you buy Coke or Pepsi? Sure there are other choices out there, but restaurants who want to get 'corporate game' must choose a side 'Do we serve Coke or Pepsi?' Otherwise you'll just stay in the minor leagues with RC Cola and Shasta.

In 1992 Crystal Pepsi
tripped people out, did you save your
Crystal Pepsi Bottles?

Back in the 80s and 90s the logo of Pepsi looked a lot like the flag of South Korea. Pepsi's icon caused media stir in South Korea and was subsequently changed. Coincidentally the colours of Coke mirror the flag of Japan.

Korea and Japan are natural rivals just as much as Coke and Pepsi are rivals. Do you want to drive a Hyundai or Honda? If your are a minor league baseball player and want to play baseball in Asia you can choose to play in the pro-Korean or pro-Japanese league. Are you a recent college grad and want to expereince East Asia by teaching English in relatively safe, modern, well paying, non-communist, non Muslim nation? You must choose Japan or Korea.

In 1985 Coke switched the flavors
with New Coke, it made most Coke Drinkers mad,
but in the end it caused mad profits as via risky marketing tool

If you are having trouble wrapping your head around the Yin-Yang symbol just think of the natural and spontaneous rivalry and dynamic between Coke and Pepsi.

Both Coke and Pepsi are in the same market, as they are consumed in a similar fashion. Coke and Pepsi compete at fast food joints, movie theaters, and sports events (at home or at the stadium). People who drink cola can be choosy to non-choosy. I call the extreme Coke or Pepsi consumers Cokanistas and Contra-Pepsinistas. Basically these people will flip out and refuse to drink the opposing cola if it served at a party or restaurant. On the other end there are non-aligned cola drinkers who really can't tell the difference or just don't care and drink whatever. Most people don't care but because of cola-extremists, restaurants must always confirm if Coke or Pepsi is okay when you ask for cola. I ask for the 'house-cola' or sometimes say, I'll have the 'Cokerpepsi.'


Personally I like them both. However my taste buds prefer Diet Pepsi over Diet Coke, but I wouldn't throw a hissy fit if a restaurant serves Diet Coke, I'd just drink it with a smile like Bill Cosby.

Pepsi is the relatively newer upstart
US Cola Company that provides 'choice'

Pepsi Changed Logo in 2008

because it looked to much like Korean Flag Symbol

Classic Commercials featuring 80s Super Stars Bill Cosby and Van Halen stomping for New Coke and Crystal Pepsi.

In the Cosmic Contest for Cola Consumers the corporate universe is dominated by two factions: Coke and Pepsi.