TIL, flag edition

[kradeelav]

one of the many weird little things i've learned about being in the ex-/k/ server is the concept of "flag cones" (for when a general country flag is displayed on a pole but has a suspiciously conical shape). some are less "fake looking" than others; but for a particularly fake-looking example, see this reddit post. generally this depends if the flag is straight up painted on, or if there's more like a conical mannequin shape underneath where a real flag is draped over (aljazeera screenshot example).

once when you've seen one you can't *not* notice them everywhere in news screenshots/NATO briefings, etc, lol. sometimes it makes for a fun drinking game to spot when you need something other than The News

there's technically similarly adjacent things called "flag spreaders" that are another step closer to how flags authentically drape but i don't see those as much in big news screenshots.

Comments

[karel]

this is hilarious, had no idea this was a thing, but I think much like learning to see compression artifacts in jpegs... I will now be seeing these everywhere XD

also, tell me why I'm considering, immediately, kinky uses for a flag spreader...so far none in the realm of practicality, probably to the benefit of everyone in the ncd au XDD

what marvelous information, thank you for this

[kradeelav]

isn't it fun! :D they're somewhat common even in slightly older historical images and it's neat comparing the different styles of countries/organization (eg, NATO, Turkey, Canada).... some flag cones have slightly distorted flags with larger color bars so it looks better (eg Canada i think).

also LMAO flag spreader.... 100% i hadn't thought of that but that AU really would be perfect for it :3c Mark appropriating logistics for nefarious uses weheheh

[ellerean]

I never considered the flag cone before... now I will never unsee it, thanks Krad :D

[kradeelav]

haha, delighted to hear :D it's those kinds of fun life whimsy learning moments that's fun.

[karel]

struck by the urge to now just watch CSPAN to look for the things XDD

it really is the rule 34 in my brain, I legitimately haven't the faintest what the act or position would be XD just "there must be a kinky use for this"