I have come across some saddening news. Apparently the word ‘Pabo’ in Korean means ‘FOOL’. And those Koreans are right about everything! So this Pabo character that I found is a real clown… seriously, click that link above and see his little hat, blue hair, and completely over-sized bowling shoes! Here’s a quick copy paste from the site:

• Pabo began clowning in the Republic of Korea in the early 1980’s while stationed at Osan Air Base.
• Due assingments in the US Air Force, he has appeared mainly in Japan and Korea.
• While stationed in Japan, he was a member of the Kanto Clown Club at Yokota Air Base, and served as club President for several years.
• After retiring from the air force in 1993 he set up shop in Leavenworth, KS.
• After settling in Leavenworth, he joined the Abdallah Shrine Clowns, and has served as the Unit Director, President and Vice-President.
• Pabo is a member of the International Shrine Clown Association

Sure, I guess he sounds like a good guy… but I had much higher hopes for my nickname.

• • CAUTION: History of Jason Lesson * *
    It has been a family legend that our last name use to be Pawlawski (pronounced: pabv-labv-ski) and this name was changed when my Great-grandparents on my Dad’s side came across the pond from Poland. ( My mom’s side? Well we’ll just leave it at the note that I am 50% hillbilly :-) )
    So on a family vacation to New York City, we visit Ellis Island for the usual touristy tour and such. They have these stations where you can view the old ship records and find certain names. We searched all over for Pawlawski, but to no avail. On trying Pawlak, we found them. You know those moments in your life that are chilling, like the past is staring you straight in the face? Well this was one of them.
    This isn’t to say the name used to be Pawlawski, my grandfather still swears on it, but we can’t find proof. The guide said that people when getting to Ellis island would sometimes write a new last name… or it is possible that their name was misspelled/misread. All extremely intriguing and interesting if you ask me.

St. Paddy’s day is coming up… I leave you with a few favorite St. Paddy’s Day Toasts:

May we live to one-hundred… with an extra year to repent!

I drink to your health when I’m with you,
I drink to your health when I’m alone,
I drink to your health so often,
I’m starting to worry about my own

May God bring good health to your enemies enemies

May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

I, however, will give a toast for Pabo, the Clown… may he go on terrifying little children for many years to come.