War of 1812 - or rather World War Negative One?

One can argue the American Revolution of 1776 as being a 'Civil War' but the War of 1812 was not. However the War of 1812 can be thought of as a 'pre-world war' or WW -1.

The War of 1812 in a global point of view was simply another theater of the Napoleonic Wars. Like WWI and WWII the United States was 'late' for WW-1, since it started in 1803.

Ireland, Cross of St. Patrick - Scotland, Cross of St. Andrew - England, Cross of St. George

The flag of the United States was 'stripus maximus' with 15 stripes. After this war the US flag would revert to only ever having 13 stripes. The flag of the UK was in its modern form with a new element since the American Revolution. During the American Revolution the UK Union Flag was based on two crosses - St. George and St. Andrew. But during the War of 1812 the Union Jack was composed of a trinity of three crosses. In 1801 the cross of St. Patrick was added which is quartered into four small thin parts around the corners.


The United States was an ally to France. But since 1803 the British and French 'drafted' several other nations. These nations like the United States often switched sides. It can also be painted as another French and Indian War. However most of the Indians were on the side of the UK, and the US was an ally to the French.

The world wide war battles were fought all over the globe in Asia, India, Africa, and North America. Navies also fought in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans, Great Lakes and the Mediterranean Sea.

Nations involved in WW -1 (War of 1812/Napoleonic Wars)

1803-1815

1. Poland (Duchy of Warsaw)
2. Italy (Sicily, Tuscany, Sardinia, Naples)
3. Switzerland
4. Netherlands (Nassau, Holland)
5. Spain (bitterly divided)
6. Denmark
7. Turkey (Ottoman Empire)
8. Sweden
9. Germany (Rhine, Brunswick, Hanover)
10. Prussia (wiped off the map after WWII)
11. Russia
12. Persia
13. Austria
14. Vatican
15. Portugal
16. Montenegro
17. Countless Unrecognized Native American Nations

Death the High Cost of Living - 1993 the flags and vexilloids

Notice Flag of Cameroon on soccer player - minus the yellow star
Death the High Cost of Living - 1993

Death the High Cost of Living was published in April 1993. Written by Neil Gaiman and drawn by Christopher Bachalo and Mark Buckingham. In this 'alternative' comic - Death manifests as a human for one day to experience life.

However the image of a graven skull with scythe is replaced and shattered with a hypnotically cute woman.

This paradigm shift of an attractive Death comes from the belief at the end of life - Death appears as a woman whose rich beauty pulls your soul out of your body.

This enchanting and nice version of Death runs into a high school student on the verge of suicide. She is also nefariously pursued by others who dabble in to magic.

Orange Pennant Steamers in the background
Death - Comic Book by Niel Gaiman

Somehow the universe condenses Death into a real girl who recently lost her entire family due to a psychopath.

This not so comical comic book focused on death had the paradoxical effect of causing readers to embrace life.

It is a rich, original story told by an experienced English Storyteller and drawn with a soulful authenticity by a Canadian Artist - Neil Gaiman and Christopher Bachalo respectively.


US flag waving
Death - the High Cost of Living










Notice Yin Yang symbol on surf board in the corner
Sexton says it all - in an communal public address for
everyone who was positively effected by Gaiman back in 1992-1993



















*blogpost #1001

Flags in Coraline 2009 - Hanging around in Ashland, Oregon

Shakespeare Fesitival
Coraline 2009

Truly moving art with a witty and well acted cast. It sparkles with a harp and smells of toasted talent. It has hidden morals yet sings with eye catching refinement.

This film should have won an academy award.



The story takes place in February
sometime in the 20-ohs/via primitive cell phones

Finally a stop animation film that can be watched every mid-February. The setting could be mid-November as well, but this sign gives away when the story takes place in the most subtle of ways.





Pink Palace with Sign
Notice tiny Russian Imperial Flag

A pink American Gingerbread House - a far cry from the McMansion. Just as every ounce of a gingerbread house is meticulously and lovingly put together - so too was this film. A lot of sweat-ful joy went into this production. It is a first class artisan film. As American Ginger Houses ooze of love so to does this film.

A Masterpiece of Art & Acting, worthy of a Shakespeare Cameo!

Flags in the moive Coraline 2009, The Russian-American Circus in the Attick

Russian Imperial Arms Flag - top apartment
Coraline 2009











A circus in the attic
Coraline 2009










Cotton Candy Cannons with Flag
Coraline 2009










Mouse Flags for the Jumping Mouse Circus
Coraline 2009











The "B" Flag is for Bobinsky
Coraline 2009

Flag Day 2012 - the original red, white and blue

The Franklin & Adams Flag Flag of the United States - October 9, 1778

The genesis of the American flag is something of a great mystery. Things were happening and all kinds of 'rebel' flags went a flying. It's interesting to note Benjamin Franklin and John Adams' description of the US flag to a foreign dignitary.


The letter describes the "flag of the United States of America" and is dated to October 9, 1778.

(Dear King of the Two Sicilies)

"it is with pleasure that we acquaint Your Excellency that the flag of the United States of America consists of 13 stripes, alternately red, white, and blue; a small square in the upper angle, next to the flag staff, is a blue field, with 13 white stars, denoting a new Constellation. Some of the States have vessels of war distinct from those of the United States...but the Flag of the United States, ordained by Congress, is the 13 stripes and 13 stars above described."
(Signed)
"B. Franklin"
"John Adams"

So there you have it, the man now on the 100 dollar bill - describing the US flag with blue stripes - more than a year after the red and white only striped, congressional resolution of June 14, 1777.

The holiday we celebrate today is dedicated to the original patriots in the memory of a red and white only striped flag. But the truth is - many men in the army, marines, navy and other patriots most likely served, fought, and died under a red, white, and blue striped national banner.

Perhaps October 9th will become the blue striped flag day? Where we fly any recorded US flags that had blue stripes?

Note that congress may have made red and white official, but maintaining a coherent consistent flag pattern was at the bottom of the list of critical 'things to do.'

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were professional and astute minds who would not have made an intentional mistake or over look important details. Also note there are lots of other recordings, descriptions and paintings of US flags with blue stripes:

1. Fort Stanwyk, August 1777
2. Fort Mifflin, October 1777
3. Captured HMS Serapis October 5, 17794. Arthur Lee letter on September 20, 1778
5. Surrender at Yorktown 1781 by John Trumbull (painted 1787)

any many more...