The Real Pat Blair

In case you were wondering, on February 18, 1815, the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent was proclaimed. This brought an end to the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. While the United States was a sovereign nation, losing the war of 1812 would have brought an early end to the young republic. This victory, therefore, could be considered almost as important to our independence as winning the Revolutionary War. Kinda like Cinco de Mayo is for the Mexicans.
But if someone asked you about February 18th, you’d have no idea.
This is why, on May 5th, you must join me for Cinco de Moustache!

Next time you’re in Mexico, ask a citizen to tell you about Cinco de Mayo. They will, of course, look at you like you are an idiot. It’s like asking an American about February 18th (as a side note, I will give 1800(ish) points to someone that can tell me the significance of that reference). Cinco de Mayo, you see, is a holiday celebrated almost exclusively by people of Mexican heritage living in the United States. What then, you might ask, is the significance?
On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army fended off an attack by Emperor Napoleon III and the newly founded French Foreign Legion. While out-warring the French is as heroic as out-arm-wrestling a toddler, it should be noted that the Mexican force was under-equipped and only half as large as the French army.
The US, at this time in 1862, was waist-deep in the civil war. The French, ever on the wrong side of things, had been providing supplies and aide to the Confederates. The Mexican victory help stem the tide of help from the French, thus helping the United States become the country we all know and love today.
So how can Americans celebrate this great holiday? Simple: beginning immediately, cease using razors. When May 5th comes, shave nearly all of your face, leaving untouched the area above the lip. Then you, too, can be part of the celebration of unity known as Cinco de Moustache.
Who’s with me?

Look closely - there’s no ring there, but you can *almost* see it.

For those that haven’t heard, The Rock, a Christian student group at Iowa State University is trying to raise funds to buy a building. One of the ways that we are raising money is by having a garage sale.
I am using the opportunity to unload a bunch of stuff that I no longer want/need. Some of it (clothes) is pretty good stuff. A lot of it is crap. However, I once thought it wasn’t, and some kid out there somewhere needs a bunch of cardboard ‘Jesus’ bookmarks.
The find of the day (so far): a vintage Pepsi ‘Gotta Have It’ card:

Sadly, the wallet in which I found this card is in much better shape than the wallet currently in my back pocket. Only one of the wallets, though, is molded to the correct shape, so that’s the one that I will continue carry.

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Update - the 2nd best find of the day is an old Cub Scouts ribbon. Read what it says. No wonder kids are turning in to weenies.

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Last update - find number 3 - my State of Nebraska refund from the year 1995. I was due $2, so I filed for it and made them send me a check.

I was cantankerous even as a youngster.

Because I pay a lot of bills, I go through a lot of checks. Not only is it an additional tax for the responsible, I will probably get audited.
I am in the process of ordering new checks. I was going to get some ridiculous theme checks (think Harley Davidson), but, since I need to at least appear to be a responsible adult, I think I’m going to go with these instead.