OK. It all started in e-mail. Sorcha and I were discussing how to award high-flying, flag-festooning knickers to a thread or a post. An good-humored alternative, slightly mnore expressive, to the frowny face or smiley face emoticons.... in wordless comment.

Sorcha came up with one that worked in e-mail, but it indicated clean drawers. I thought we should have it both ways and wondered how to indicate indeterminate schmutz..

So:

    

  ^
   *
   | ___
   |/    |
   |  (#)(#)
   |
   |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  ##  

... would be a set of dirty knickers flown to express good-humored disapproval... indicating, as it were, dirty knickers awarded.

And this:

    

  ^
   *
   | ___
   |/    |
   |  ( )( )
   |
   |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  ##   

... would indicate squeaky-clean knickers flown in approval... granted, as it were, in salute.

Sure hope they turned out right, and that Sorcha agrees with my description of the way they came to be!

Your turn, bes/bud!

~S~