T w e n t y S i d e d

I’ve had a couple of musical ideas filed away to talk about, one for quite a while. But it didn’t tip over the edge until earlier today, when I saw something that ground my gears a bit. So I have three things to mention, one of which is a bit of a rant. That was the thing from earlier today. Although, as an introduction, I will tell you about the word “Cromarty.” I knew this word exclusively from Cromartie High School, the English title of the manga and anime Sakigake!! Kuromati Koko. Or literally translated “Forging valiantly ahead! Cromarty High School!” The use of “ie” instead of a “y” seems to be derived purely from common practice, rather than author’s prerogative. “Kuromati” is a Japanese phonetic pronunciation of “Cromarty,” a Scottish word that is likely derived from combining the Gaelic words “crom,” “ard,” and “bati” meaning respectively “crooked,” “heights,” and “bay.” Given the nature of the manga story, “crooked” is certainly applicable in multiple senses. What led to this odyssey was the newest Rex’s Hangar video about the “Cromarty,” the Short Brothers first flying boat, which of course led to all the other Short Brothers flying boats, especially in WWII and the 1950’s. Some still claim the Short Brothers manufactured the first “production airplane” in 1909, despite the Wright Brothers having entered into contracts to produce airplanes based on their Flyer III in 1908. (The argument is valid because the airplane produced to be sold under those contracts was the Wright Model B, which became available in 1910. But likewise the first “production” Short is claimed by some to be either their No. 2 or No. 3, both of which were “ordered” by someone else in quantities of ONE EACH; in 1909 and 1910. It’s also worth noting, I think; that the Short designs were based on the Wright’s Flyer.

Continue reading ⟩⟩ “Some Musical Observations”

Paige Francis He/him

You know how this works. I did this before. Relevant background information: I think the Double Whopper (WITHOUT cheese, because I don’t like Burger King’s cheese) is the best fast-food burger, followed by the Impossible Whopper and the regular Whopper. And I’ll generally give Burger King higher marks for burgers and related items than other locations. Not on principle; just because I genuinely like them better. Except the cheese, or anything that heavily uses their cheese. It’s disgusting, IMO. Also, I don’t like their chicken fries. That’s a breaded chicken nugget in the shape of a french fry, if you didn’t know. Either the breading is AWFUL, or they use different chicken. Most likely it’s a completely different product that’s heated up, but I don’t know that. I have *accidentally* received chicken fries when I got the wrong order (and left the establishment before I checked…(*always* check your bag, even if it holds up the line. I understand that can be really hard for some people. Heck, *I* have moved forward and got out of the way before checking sometimes.) I took ONE bite, spit it out, and threw the chicken fries away. They stank, too. They *always* stink to me.

Continue reading ⟩⟩ “Fast Food Burgers (and other things) What I Have Tried Recently”

Paige Francis He/him