Some time ago I revealed my secret that I am a bit of a flag fancier. It was this covert hobby that led to question three in the series of questions that I threw out into the abyss a couple of months ago.
The questions were simple:
Now it's time to tally the results!
Well, there were no clear winners or indeed losers, just a list of favourites and not so favourites. In terms of favourites, we had a couple of people nominate the flag of the United Kingdom, the illustrious Union Jack. Other popular picks were the standards of Israel, China, Botswana, Kenya and Italy. The now-defunct Soviet flag (a favourite of mine, I will admit), also secured a vote, as did the city of Denver, Colorado.
But really, like the endless parade of dull karaoke shows that grace our TV sets these days, the real action can be found in the shockers. I was glad that someone supported my embarrassment over the Australian flag. Lacking in inspiration, and dominated by another – albeit decent – flag, it is laziness personified. I’d support changing it, only my fear would be the same idiots that voted in Advance Australia Fair would pick some green and canary yellow monstrosity with a cartoon kangaroo on it. I'll stick with dull over monstrously ugly, thank you.
Another that stood out was Rwanda’s previous flag (apparently they figured that all of those brutal killings somewhat tainted the brand, so they upped and changed it. Go figure). It does appear that upon deciding on their colours, the bright folks in charge of the committee realised that actually, Guinea already uses that flag! After a couple more meetings, it seems that the solution was found: put a bloody great ‘R’ on it (for ‘Rwanda’, you see?) No word on why Guinea didn’t respond with a ‘G’.
The other standouts for me include the Microsoft Paint (circa 1994) gem of the Northern Mariana Islands. No relation to the (more famous), Spagetti Mariana Island, this little baby would be a treat for kids to colour in. They probably couldn't do a worse job, anyway.
Eagle eye spotter and Itsy Bitsy enthusiast USelaine of Willits, California (gateway to the redwoods; heart of Mendocino; and home of Seabiscuit!) nominated the flag of the now defunct Benin Kingdom. Reminiscint of the old C64 game Barbarian, the Benin Kingdom flag harks back to a time of more simple pleasures, where the uncomplicated act of decapitation seemed a natural fit for a national flag. Good times.
Don't worry, when I get a moment, I shall get a moment and revisit the final two questions, concerning two of my favourite topics: stars of the silver screen, and meat. Until then, anyone that hasn't answered any of the questions and would like to contribute can find all of the links in this post!
The questions were simple:
- Do you have a favourite flag?
- Is there a flag that makes you blush at the blatancy of its fashion faux pars?
Now it's time to tally the results!
Well, there were no clear winners or indeed losers, just a list of favourites and not so favourites. In terms of favourites, we had a couple of people nominate the flag of the United Kingdom, the illustrious Union Jack. Other popular picks were the standards of Israel, China, Botswana, Kenya and Italy. The now-defunct Soviet flag (a favourite of mine, I will admit), also secured a vote, as did the city of Denver, Colorado.
But really, like the endless parade of dull karaoke shows that grace our TV sets these days, the real action can be found in the shockers. I was glad that someone supported my embarrassment over the Australian flag. Lacking in inspiration, and dominated by another – albeit decent – flag, it is laziness personified. I’d support changing it, only my fear would be the same idiots that voted in Advance Australia Fair would pick some green and canary yellow monstrosity with a cartoon kangaroo on it. I'll stick with dull over monstrously ugly, thank you.
Another that stood out was Rwanda’s previous flag (apparently they figured that all of those brutal killings somewhat tainted the brand, so they upped and changed it. Go figure). It does appear that upon deciding on their colours, the bright folks in charge of the committee realised that actually, Guinea already uses that flag! After a couple more meetings, it seems that the solution was found: put a bloody great ‘R’ on it (for ‘Rwanda’, you see?) No word on why Guinea didn’t respond with a ‘G’.
The other standouts for me include the Microsoft Paint (circa 1994) gem of the Northern Mariana Islands. No relation to the (more famous), Spagetti Mariana Island, this little baby would be a treat for kids to colour in. They probably couldn't do a worse job, anyway.
Eagle eye spotter and Itsy Bitsy enthusiast USelaine of Willits, California (gateway to the redwoods; heart of Mendocino; and home of Seabiscuit!) nominated the flag of the now defunct Benin Kingdom. Reminiscint of the old C64 game Barbarian, the Benin Kingdom flag harks back to a time of more simple pleasures, where the uncomplicated act of decapitation seemed a natural fit for a national flag. Good times.
Don't worry, when I get a moment, I shall get a moment and revisit the final two questions, concerning two of my favourite topics: stars of the silver screen, and meat. Until then, anyone that hasn't answered any of the questions and would like to contribute can find all of the links in this post!
Comments
May I point you, if you ever see it, to Switzerlands soccer top circa 1994, a national flag as top, with a sloping cross?
Miles, I have addressed your concern today. I remember the Swiss gear from Euro '96, but can't remember '94.
Jim, as did I.
USelaine, I have felt like the fellow on the left at many points this week.