I see words and names differently than most people and this article is an example of how my mind sometimes makes connections associated with words and names. These are things I’ve thought of when encountering the names of cities, countries, and organizations over the years. Some of these thoughts are from as far back as elementary school.
Also, the play on words expressed here does not represent any inherent judgement or bias to the culture or history of any named location.
Geographical Names
Islamabad – Is Islam so bad they named a city Islamabad?
No, it isn’t.
Russia – Do they rush through life in Russia?
Israel – Is Israel really real? … It Israel!
Iran – ‘And Iran, Iran so far away, I just ran, Iran all night and day, I couldn’t get away.’
New Guinea – Since there’s a New Guinea is there an Old or Original Guinea?
Yes. It’s located in Africa.
Do guinea pigs come from Guinea or New Guinea?
Nope. They’re from South America[1].
Brussels – Do brussels sprouts come from Brussels?
Yes, they do… sort of[2].
Canada – Can you get a can of pecan pie filling in Canada?
Idaho – I wanna go to Idaho, cuz I-da-ho!
Budapest – Buddha is such a pest in Budapest.
Turkey – Do they eat turkey in Turkey?
Not often because turkey has to be imported, and meat is already expensive in that country.
Tropic of Cancer – Does living in the Tropic of Cancer make you more likely to get cancer[3]?
Caribbean – I would like to thank the producers of the Carib bean. It’s the only way I learned how to spell “Caribbean”.
Sargent, Texas – PRIVATE! You sorry excuse for a human being! DROP AND GIVE ME 40!!!
Security, Texas – Is this where all security guards live or go to retire?
Is it truly secure in Security, Texas?
Not necessarily. According to Crimegrade.com, half the town has a B-rating and the other half scored C[4].
Dickinson – I know we’re into accepting all types of people nowadays, but you don’t have to name a city to advertise your son’s sexuality. I’m sure everyone knows.
Coincidentally, Dickinson, Texas tried to get a city flag approved this week. Option “C” sort of pairs nicely with my Dick-in-son story[5]…
Organization Names
Texas A&M – Why do so many cars have bumper stickers advertising the use of an ATM 🏧 in Texas[6]?
Met Life – Get Met, it pays… to introduce yourself and advance your career.
Mars – Has the candy company, Mars, ever donated money to fund a mission to the planet Mars?
I asked in July of 2021 and followed up this year, but the company never responded[7].
IBM – IBM, U BM, everyone BMs at some point.
***
As evidence shows, I tend to see words and names differently than most people. This article isn’t the sum of such thoughts I have when encountering names and words. Local events (in Dickinson) made it important to post “Fun with Names”, so that part will be relevant.
Expect to find similar articles in the future.
I’d like to announce that I’m continuing my “Practical Survivalist” series and hope you’ll enjoy the new additions.
[1] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Guinea pig. Retrieved from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_pig
[2] Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (n.d.). Brussels Sprout. Wisconsin, United States of America. Retrieved from https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/pdf/fact-sheet-brussels-sprout.pdf
[3] Tropic of Cancer: I specifically remember asking my 2nd or 3rd grade teacher this.
[4] Crimegrade. (n.d). The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in 77328, TX: Crime Maps and Statistics. Retrieved from Crimegrade: https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-77328/
[5] Dickinson, Texas: In respect to Dickinson, Texas, according to the local evening news station, ABC 13, the city has a strong Italian heritage. This is why all proposed flag options look similar to the Flag of Italy.
[6] A&M: I just learned the “A&M” meant Agricultural and Mechanical back in the 1800s, but now the abbreviation doesn’t carry any inherent meaning except to pay respect to the institution’s history.
Texas A&M University (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from Texas A&M University: https://www.tamu.edu/about/faq.html#:~:text=Corps%20of%20Cadets%3F-,What%20does%20%22A%26M%22%20stand%20for%3F,or%20%22A%26M%22%20for%20short.
[7] Mars 4 Mars: Their website indicates they make contributions to nonprofits in areas the company operates. The most prominent donation is when it committed 26 million to Covid-19 Response.
Mars, Incorporated. (2020, April 3). Mars Commits $26M to Communities in COVID-19 Response. Retrieved from Mars: https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases/Mars-commits-donation-to-communities-in-covid19-response
Edwords wOrcs 