I woke up this morning with a not quite right feeling, and was unable to shake it all day. I have a stiff neck, and am a bit on the grumpy side. Paul is of course dealing with this very well, and took a nice long walk with me after work. However, as I was perusing my email, I realized that UIM had forwarded this bit of info to me right after my trip to Six Flags, and I wanted to share it! Here is the reason behind the flags. (and only a geek would want to know...)From www.straightdope.com :

1. France. Robert Cavelier, Lord de La Salle, established a colony at Matagorda Bay on the gulf coast in 1685. This was a bit of a fiasco--by 1688 everyone, including La Salle, had been killed or captured. But Bob had been authorized by Louis XIV of France, and one presumes he brought a flag with him.
2. Spain. Spain had established effective control over Texas by the early 1700s with its HQ in San Antonio.
3. Mexico. Mexico, including Texas, became independent of Spain in 1821.
4. Republic of Texas. Texans declared independence in 1836. Alamo, Sam Houston, etc.
5. United States of America. Annexed in 1845.
6. Confederate States of America. Seceded from U.S. in 1861. Unfortunate events ensued. Readmitted in 1869.

Personal notes: Al- I am REALLY HAPPY to hear you are going back to school!!!!!!!!! And you know how I feel about the rest.
Tempest and Purge, if you are reading this, go back to the pool and enjoy your vacation;-)