When I made my muffins yesterday, I realized I had absolutely no idea what canola oil was made from. Canola nuts? So I googled it and lo and behold canola oil is cultivated from rapeseed. Rapeseed! Wow, could that possibly be the worst name for a plant ever? Can you imagine having to market rapeseed?
This reminds me of an RV dealer here in the Midwest who advertises a lot on TV. His name – Tom Raper. Dude, if my last name were Raper I’d change it faster than if it were Hitler. Could there be a worse last name? Tom Defecator, Tom Pedophile, maybe? There was a teacher at my high school named Mrs. Finger. We always had a good giggle when her name was mentioned on the PA system.
On the positive side, the canola field looks quite lovely. It’s a shame about the name. BTW, the word Canola comes from the fact that it was bred in Canada to have a lower acid level. Canola stands for “Canadian oil, low acid.”
Kirsten says
October 25, 2005 at 3:23 amIt’s known as “oilseed rape” here, which is even worse. And the fields (at least the ones around here, in central Scotland) are actually a much more day-glo yellow. Really bright. Sunglasses time.
Smellie is a not-unusual surname in Scotland; I think that’s pretty bad.
Jennifer says
October 25, 2005 at 11:27 amOh my God! Tom Raper – yes! I remember him!!! I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and we used to get his ads. I remember aerial shots of rows upon rows of RVs – and the name of course. I always had the same thought – change your name or don’t use it in your business’ name! I enjoy reading your blog, by the way. Your swirling photos are terribly cool.
PastaQueen says
October 25, 2005 at 11:50 amHey, I lived in Louisville for 8 years! We probably saw the same ads. I suppose the one advantage with the that name is that it really sticks in your mind, if only for all the wrong reasons. I will never forget Tom Raper RVs.
Jennifer says
October 25, 2005 at 4:18 pmHey – I lived in L’ville for exactly 8 years too! 1980 – 1988. Nice place.
scfrogprincess says
December 23, 2008 at 4:09 pmA little off topic, but along the same lines.. have you ever spaced out the word therapist? The Rapist.. that just freaks me out!