The Marine Corps was a whole new world for me----not only did I discover the joy of folding, ironing and starching underwear into neat little 6"x6" squares, but I learned what those loose threads on garments are called.

In a fine bit of old school bigotry, they're called . . . Irish pennants.

Now, as a double threat (Scots AND Irish blood), I was able to laugh it off . . . but Ron's thread reminded me.