My main thought on 'what's in a name" was what would the message to the world be if we changed the name to "The Welcoming Golf" versus what does the name America imply today?
To add a layer of complication… down here in Argentina they get very upset that folks in the US call themselves Americans, because they posit that everyone in North and South America are Americans. So from their logic, it would actually be a more inclusive name of the region…
I read with interest Monday's Mailbag about renaming countries, regions, cities, etc. An old novelty song dating from 1953 by "The Four Lads" came to mind called "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" which I think is humorous. Perhaps you will too. Don't know if you've ever heard it before? Anyway, that was the height of the Big Band era in the U.S., and there were several vocal groups (such as the "Four Lads") that were popular and had hits back in that day. This particular song cracked the Top Ten. I just thought it was cool that an old pop song would fit in with your theme. Having visited Istanbul several times in the 2010-11 time frame, I always appreciated that great city (the Hagia Sophia - at that time at least - was magnificent) and when I listen to this tune it brings a smile. Hope you like it! Regards, Dave Hooker (Arizona) https://youtu.be/Wcze7EGorOk?si=IYliiqIRitMTEPBM
Everyone is familiar with the term "Lost in translation". Scholars of all types argue over what something means. George Lamsa translated the Bible from ancient Aramaic to English with extensive footnotes as to what was meant in Assyrian culture because where he lived in rural Syria things have not changed much over time. Jesus did not say "Why have you forsaken me" but"For this I am here". I think people born and raised in Greece could give deeper meaning to the Classics than Oxford dons.
My main thought on 'what's in a name" was what would the message to the world be if we changed the name to "The Welcoming Golf" versus what does the name America imply today?
To add a layer of complication… down here in Argentina they get very upset that folks in the US call themselves Americans, because they posit that everyone in North and South America are Americans. So from their logic, it would actually be a more inclusive name of the region…
Is it a distraction or a disruption? Excellent question! And the answer will certainly depend on who you ask.
Hello Anya,
I read with interest Monday's Mailbag about renaming countries, regions, cities, etc. An old novelty song dating from 1953 by "The Four Lads" came to mind called "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" which I think is humorous. Perhaps you will too. Don't know if you've ever heard it before? Anyway, that was the height of the Big Band era in the U.S., and there were several vocal groups (such as the "Four Lads") that were popular and had hits back in that day. This particular song cracked the Top Ten. I just thought it was cool that an old pop song would fit in with your theme. Having visited Istanbul several times in the 2010-11 time frame, I always appreciated that great city (the Hagia Sophia - at that time at least - was magnificent) and when I listen to this tune it brings a smile. Hope you like it! Regards, Dave Hooker (Arizona) https://youtu.be/Wcze7EGorOk?si=IYliiqIRitMTEPBM
It’s actually an all favorite in this household! Both the original Big band version and the later remake. Even dear daughters know all the words ;-)
Very cool! ("Even old New York was once New Amsterdam...")
Everyone is familiar with the term "Lost in translation". Scholars of all types argue over what something means. George Lamsa translated the Bible from ancient Aramaic to English with extensive footnotes as to what was meant in Assyrian culture because where he lived in rural Syria things have not changed much over time. Jesus did not say "Why have you forsaken me" but"For this I am here". I think people born and raised in Greece could give deeper meaning to the Classics than Oxford dons.