91. Things Burbank Notices

Here’s what Burbank wrote in his journal tonight after some investigation online.

Turkey is called turkey because it is the sweetest meat. It reminded early settlers of Turkish Delights. Originally, turkeys were called turkishes, short for Turkish Delight birds, but it evolved into turkies, and eventually into what we know today as turkeys. Before anyone had managed to catch one of these birds and cook it, they were lumped in with wild peacock. However, they knew there would have to be a name change once tasted because peacocks taste dry and rubbery, so if you invited your inlaws over for some lovely peacock, they would be very displeased. Instead of having to explain, “No, the good kind of peacock! The one that tastes like Turkish Delight!” they just changed the name of the better tasting bird.

Isn’t it strange the way that we see no distinction between things unless we name them differently? Words truly do make up the universe. Which is why I’m a writer. I create the universe!