The Union Jack

Have you also been wondering why the british flag is called "Union Jack"? Or why it looks like it does? Here are the answers:

The Union Jack how we know it got it's looks in 1801 when the Union of Great Britain and Ireland was formed. All in all it practicaly unites three national flags. The red cross on white background of St. George which still is the flag of England and the white altire on blue background also known as St. Andrews cross that still is the flag of Scotland already formed the first union flag beginning from 1606. Later on in 1801 the the red saltire (x-shaped cross) on white background of St. Patricks flag that used to be the flag of the Island of Ireland joined the other two.

The name Union Jack first came up in 1674. Before that the word "Jack" was used to refere to the maritime bow flag. After 1627 this usually was a small version of the union flag. So while it officially was called "his Majesty's Jack" people started calling it simply "the Union Jack".

Movember

Since today my brother in law arrived at home looking like an '80ies film star I started researching on the phenomenon "Movember". This is the period of time formerly known as "November" during which men all over the world at least try to grow a moustache. They don't do it just for fun, but to raise money and awareness for prostata cancer and other serious men deseases. This man with the moustaches can be called Mo Bros and the women supporting them Mo Sistas. Some of them really celebrate the "Movember" really big. For example by throwing a Movember-Party by the end of "Movember" or crowning a Miss and a Mister Movember. All this had it's orrigin in 2003 in Australia and since that the idea of the "Movember" has conquered the world.
Happy moustache-growing! :-)