Small Jumbo Popcorn Chicken

I've explored one inconsistency of the English language before (see "What?") and there are many others (you can object to an object, a farmer can produce produce, a dump can refuse refuse, etc). But, if we were to ignore the fact that words mean many different things, there are still accepted ironies that make the English language so confusing. 

Just the other day, I was watching a YouTube ad for Sonic Drive-In, and they were advertising a deal that included "small jumbo popcorn chicken." Say what?? 

So, I scoured the internet and racked my brain to come up with a small but interesting collection of English ironies and oxymorons that we totally take for granted. Good grief! Take your time to read.

We've all most likely heard the example of jumbo shrimp, but why is it that eggplant has no egg, hamburger has no ham, and pineapple is not pine, nor apple?

But, it's not just in the culinary world where nothing makes sense. Math majors talk of a constant variable, even odds, and random order, education majors become student teachers, and music majors make live recordings in front of a small crowd. 

Have you ever been to the museum to see the permanent loans, the authentic models, and the lost discoveries? 

You are a walking oxymoron if you're wearing baggy tights and plastic glasses. But, if that's your only choice, just act natural. Don't be passive aggressive. 

What's an original copy? Is bad luck good? And where am I if I'm in a virtual reality? 

Quicksand is slow and boxing rings are squares. Our noses run and our feet smell. 

Maybe you've heard all these before and this blog is old news, but (this is just my unbiased opinion) I think this was seriously funny and an awfully good post. 

"June in January" and "The Intrepid Fox"

Jazz titles are strange and varied. When "Is You Is, or Is You Ain't (Ma Baby)?" is a generally recognizable tune, you know you're in deep. I mean, you could write two letters from a man to his wife using song titles from The Real Book and not have to use that many other words. Speaking of, let's try it!

Letter One

"Ruby, My Dear,"

I think I've gone crazy. "What Was" once a suspicion is now "Confirmation." I was walking down "Broadway" "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and then "Out of Nowhere," "Standing On the Corner" I see "Captain Marvel" ("Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"). It scared the "Heebie Jeebies" out of me, so I "Take the 'A' Train" up to the "Upper Manhattan Medical Group" to get me checked out. "For All We Know," it could be serious "For Heaven's Sake." But "They Didn't Believe Me!" I'm thinking, "What Am I Here For" then? "Beautiful Love," "I Could Write a Book" about "How Insensitive" they were. Except two: "A Man and A Woman." Here's a picture. The "Man in the Green Shirt" is "Miss Ann"'s husband. And "Have You Met Miss Jones?" "Wait Till You See Her." She's like the "Reincarnation of a Lovebird." 

Following my visit to the "Upper Manhattan Medical Group," I went home to enjoy some "Solitude." I had some "Black Coffee" and a "Swedish Pastry" in the "Blue Room" to try to get some "Peace" of mind. Did it work? "Yes and No." I still hear "Whispering" in my head. "Call Me Irresponsible," but I think a vacation would be "So Nice." I just "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." Maybe I could go to "The Green Mountains" or we could spend "April in Paris." I'd even be "Dancing on the Ceiling" to spend one "Afternoon in Paris!" "I Love Paris"... "I Mean You"... "I Love You." I am making plans already. "C'est is Bon (It's So Good)!"

"I Can't Give You Anything But Love,"

-Your "Sweet Henry"

"P.S. I Love You"

Letter Two (after receiving a reply from Ruby)

"Dearly Beloved,"

"Well, Alright, Okay, You Win." I received your letter "Very Early" "Yesterday," and "There'll Be Some Changes Made" to our vacation plans. We'll spend "Autumn in New York" and "Look to the Sky" to see the "Autumn Leaves" as they "Fall." We'll go to Paris "Some Other Spring." "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You?" 

As for Miss Jones, "Well, You Needn't" worry, so "Tame Thy Pen." You are "My One and Only Love," so "Speak No Evil" of her. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

I'll pick you up "Come Sunday" "'Round Midnight" from "Grand Central" Station (platform "Four"). But, before that, you have "Just One More Chance" to change your mind. "It's Easy to Remember" last year, "Skating in Central Park" "Sometime Ago," but "Woodyn' you" like some variety? We could do some "Stuff" away from New York. "Call Me" and let me know. 

"I Love You For Sentimental Reasons,"

-Your "Sweet Henry"

Well, that was something! And there were so many titles I didn't include! All of the titles in italics and quotes are, in fact, jazz titles in The Real Book and are classics from some of the greats. Give them a listen!

The Next Chapter

Graduation is often looked at as the closing of one chapter and the start of another and, in many ways, that is true. However, after spending a summer still living in my own home, hanging out with my same friends, and getting to see my family every day, I don't think this summer was the start of a new chapter. Rather, it was more like the final sentences of the previous chapter where all the readers favorite characters say their final piece before their role in the story slightly changes.

Now. Now is the time where the page turns to reveal the next chapter. Only small pieces of the plot have been revealed in this new chapter, but I will keep reading, and there is One who is making sure whatever happens works ultimately for my good because of His love for me. Yes, it hurts to leave what I have grown up with: the only house I have ever lived in, my friends, and my family. But, I am so excited to go to TCU and carve my path there! 

I have said a few times in the weeks where goodbyes were commonplace that I don't really know how to say goodbye, but I believe that is okay. I am grateful for the many ways to keep in touch with people and I know, no matter how connected I become with new people or new places, this will always be my first home and I know I will love returning here when I am able. 

On Tuesday, August 16th, I leave. I have been so blessed in this life so far and I have no doubts that God will keep pouring out his love on me. I hope to keep Untitled Thoughts updated with posts, but I cannot say for sure what the future holds. Thanks for reading and until next time, farewell. 

Check out my YouTube channel! Along with this goodbye, I posted my farewell on my YouTube page with an original song entitled "Departure".

Never Tell Me the Odds

If you have ever watched the classic George Lucas film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, there is little doubt that the title of this blog drew your attention. The famously quoted five word phrase is often seen as yet another example of Han Solo's cockiness, but I strive to live my life by it. 

First of all, I must clarify that I do not see Han Solo as a role model. He is an excellently crafted character in the Star Wars universe, a (mostly) loyal friend, a rebel hero, and arguably the best pilot in the galaxy, but he is also a smuggler, a liar, a braggart, and an overall selfish person. In many ways, Solo is possibly the most human character of the original Star Wars trilogy. When faced with trials he is torn between helping himself and helping his friends. When faced with a chance to be the hero, he tries to show off, but, as seen in his older years, he eventually had to reckon with some of his mistakes. He is torn between good and evil in a mostly non-dramatic, human way. As a result, the things he says are not too worthy of being life quotes, but if Solo is this balanced character, there must be some gem in what he says.

"Never tell me the odds" seems to be one of Solo's life principles. Exemplified in the movie Solo, he made the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, proving wrong the long held record indicating it couldn't be done that quickly. While I do believe it is good to listen to wise council and avoid anything foolish, I also believe that "never tell me the odds" is a good way to live.

At a freshman summer event for college, they presented a number of statistics. They were meant to give us comfort--to show that we wouldn't be alone if we felt or didn't feel a certain way, or did or didn't do a certain thing, because we wouldn't be alone. I left feeling less comforted. For some of the stats, I was in the majority, but for others, I wasn't. Did I have to go through depression in college or drink underage because the majority of college freshman in the United States do? I didn't think so. But, I wanted to be like the majority of college freshman who made a lasting friendship in their first month. I wanted to pick and choose my own path regardless of the odds. 

Odds do not take everything into account. Your family, your friends, and/or your most trusted supporters know you better. I have been brought up believing and learning the difference between right and wrong. In scenarios I find myself lost, I return again to the council of those who know me the best and can point me in the right direction. 

Life does not always follow the odds. The odds, in my opinion, should not influence one's decision making (apart from niche situations like the decision to not spend your life's savings on lottery tickets because the odds are heavily stacked against you). Han Solo made it out of the asteroid field even though the odds would have him dead. I strive to beat the "bad" odds, follow the "good" odds, but mostly, never know the odds enough to give my informed decisions a second thought.

Check out my podcast! The trailer and first two episodes of "[Prompted] Improvised" are now available on Spotify.

What?

The English language is confusing, plain and simple. Words mean not what they mean from one context to another. What? Exactly.

The word "what" is a four letter word of Germanic origin, first coined c.1300. Without adding any prefixes or suffixes, "what" is a pronoun (interrogative and personal), an adjective, a conjunction, an exclamation, and a name (he plays second). Could you imagine learning English for the first time and trying to figure out the meaning of "what" only to discover nine definitions and eleven common phrases in the Oxford English Dictionary? It would be confusing beyond belief (this coming from the guy who took Ancient Greek where there's a word that means both "apple" and "sheep" depending on the context)!

Given the versatility of the word "what" and my gravitation toward writing blogs titled with exclamations (See: You're Welcome!, I'm Extremely Sorry!, and Bless You!), I couldn't resist the opportunity to have a little bit of fun with "what."

William: Hey, man! What's up?

Walter: What'd you say?

William: I just asked what's up.

Walter: Well, I had somewhat of a lousy day. I got called into the bosses office.

William: What for? 

Walter: What does it matter?

William: What?! Man, we're friends! I want to help.

Walter: Yeah... whatever. He fired me, okay?

William: Ah, man. What a way to end the week. And with what little time you had before retirement, too.

Walter: It is what it is, but what really hurt was the fact that he didn't even seem that sad about it. 

William: So what? Maybe he was having a rough day, too. Remember what a fan he was of your work earlier this year? This decision to fire you probably came from the higher-ups.

Walter: No, no. At our company, the boss decides what's what. 

William: What about corporate? Surely they could've made the call.

Walter: What if they did? I still got fired. What's more, with the job market being what it is, I won't be able to find a new job for a while.

William: I'll tell you what-- I've been in the mood to try that new steak restaurant in town and what you need is to have something brighten your day, what with this news and all. What say we go there for dinner?

Walter: Well, I have to get home. I have to clean up, tell my wife the bad news, and what not. 

William: Alright, how about I meet you there? See you, what, about 6:00?

Walter: I don't know... what's the price tag for a plate at one of those places? 

William: Don't worry about it. My treat. Do what you need to do at home and then meet me there. Remember what fun it was when we used to go out every night? Remember that little BBQ restaurant?

Walter: Yeah, what a place. And then we'd go over to your house and watch some sitcom or movie or what have you.

William: So, what of tonight?

Walter: Ah, what the heck. Sure.

William: Man! Yes! Are you pumped, or what?

Walter: Yeah. Just send me what restaurant and I'll meet you there.

Happy Global Beatles Day

In 2015, Kanye West released "Only One" ft. Paul McCartney, and later that year, Kanye teamed up with the British Legend again along with Rihanna to release "FourFiveSeconds."

Despite the Beatles being the best-selling band in history as of 2009 and Paul McCartney's own success giving him a net worth of $1.2 billion, a few tweets from Kanye fans revealed that not everyone has heard of the multi-billionaire Brit. 

Tweets read "Who is this Paul McCartney? He boutta blow up thanks to Kanye!!!" and "this is why I love Kanye for shining light on unknown artists" and "I don't know who Paul McCartney is, but Kanye is going to give this man a career w/ this new song!"

Now, I personally am not a fan of Kanye's music, but I know some who may put him as their favorite artist. But, to be so engrossed in one artist, I believe, is not the way to enjoy music. 

Yes, I have my favorites, but I am happy to let my horizons expand. For example, I love listening to a cappella music (PTX, Home Free, VoicePlay), but I make a point of also listening to the original songs by the artists that these groups covered. This is just one way I expand my musical horizons. Another way is taking recommendations from my friends and embracing their music tastes.

But, as today is Global Beatles Day, I must return to the artists in question: Paul McCartney and the Beatles. I believe EVERYONE should listen to the Beatles. I believe EVERYONE should be familiar with their most famous songs at the very least.

As a society, many believe we have reached a point artistically where everything we do is just a mixture, an imitation, or simply a call back to the past. If this is true, then we must seek to know the musical past to better understand the musical present. The Beatles were arguably the greatest of their time and Paul McCartney was much of the musical genius behind their songs. No one should wonder who he is and everyone should understand that we have much to owe to the Beatles for their music.

Check out my cover of "Here Comes the Sun" over on my YouTube Channel! 

A Real Friday

February 25th was a great day. No, it was not just a day. It was a historic moment in my life. Not only was it a turning point in my existence, but it was a Friday. A real Friday.

By most people's calendars, there were 39 Fridays from the end of May, 2021 to February 25th, 2022. By my calendar only one of those was a Friday. The others were just days--false Fridays in a Friday-less week. No, my calendar is not broken; it just determines the days differently. 

You know how, during a long summer break, you kind of lose track of what day it is. The weekdays feel like weekends, Mondays aren't so bad anymore, and you only know time is progressing because you go to church each Sunday? That happens to me on those long breaks, too. It's usually a good feeling: the feeling of going through life without worrying about a schedule. 

I started to lose track of days during the school week, too. But, inevitably, something throughout my busy day would remind me of the difference between a Monday and a Wednesday (like what extracurriculars I did that day, for example) and I always knew when the weekends were. The way I knew it was a Friday, however, was unique to all the other days. There was pizza.

My friend Miguel got hot lunch on Fridays and that was the day that the school catered pizza and pasta from Streets of New York. He got the pizza. In my freshman year, I realized that seeing Miguel sitting at our lunch table with his pizza was when I remembered or realized again that it was Friday. And who doesn't love a Friday? One week, I sat down and said to him, "Miguel, I'm always glad when I see you with pizza, because that means it's Friday." And that was it. Those words became weekly tradition and by my sophomore year, any Friday Miguel's pizza was not there, the day felt incomplete and not truly a Friday. Then, COVID...

The pandemic took Fridays from my life. No school. No lunch with Miguel. No pizza. When we returned to campus in my junior year, Miguel didn't get hot lunch on Fridays. True, the quality of the pizza had diminished significantly, but I was still disappointed. I had lost my Friday. What is a week without a Friday? It is like a day without the sun, a flower without water, or a shoe without a sock. Second Thursdays were in abundance and so that one true Friday near the end of my junior year was exponentially significant and memorable.

Senior year continued the trend of Friday-less weeks, until February 25th. Absence had made my heart grow fonder and any true Friday had become so special to me. Miguel knew. He brought pizza on my birthday to make my birthday the first real Friday in nearly a year. 

It was like magic, like the moment when spring returned to the winter-desolated Narnia. The thoughtfulness of a good friend reinvigorated tradition and Fridays returned. That was just the start of my joy, however. On that real Friday, not only did I turn 18, but I received a full-tuition scholarship to my dream school (Texas Christian University). I am still beyond happiness and excitement. It just goes to show you what can happen on a Friday.