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 This episode is Part 1 of the Chicago recap. Find Part 1 in episode 70 last week.

Word of the Episode: Porta Potty

• Definition: A portable, temporary toilet facility.
• Etymology:
  • “Porta Potty” comes from portable potty, but its popularization is linked to a brand name, much like Kleenex.
  • “Potty” derives from “pot” (as in chamber pot) with the diminutive suffix “-y/-ie.”
• In other cultures, “toilet” is the more common term; in ASL, “toilet” is used rather than “potty.”

Chicago Trip Recap – Part 2

Ancient History Museum Visit

• Officially: Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum (near University of Chicago).
• Focus: Mainly Middle Eastern antiquities with artifacts, statues, and ancient texts.
• One child loved it; others were grumpy from heat/walking.
• Entry is donation-based, allowing the family to re-enter.
• Highlights for the hosts:
  • Ancient writings about everyday life.
  • “Ancient book” made of stone tablets fascinated their child.
• Kids got silly over anatomically accurate figurines—signs of entering adolescence.

Navy Pier & Surroundings

• Rode the Centennial Wheel (Ferris wheel with skyline & Lake Michigan views) — some enjoyed it, others (especially the mom) were anxious about heights.
• Lunch at Giordano’s (deep-dish Chicago pizza) — appreciated but all preferred New York–style.
• Enjoyed Ohio Street Beach — cold water, skyline views; a highlight for dad.
• Nearby Polk Brothers Park splash pad — big hit with the kids.

Millennium Park

• Visited Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) — initially dad wasn’t enthused, but it became one of the top highlights.
• Bought ice cream treats.
• Stopped at Crown Fountain — large artistic waterfall display, but less fun for play than Polk Brothers splash pad.

Plans Cut Short

• Intended to visit Chicago Bulls stadium and Leaning Tower of Niles, but:
  • Bulls shop/museum was closed.
  • Heavy traffic (possibly from an accident) made it impossible to head north without risking missing their flight.
• Chose instead to head toward Midway Airport, with a couple quick pit stops.

Return Flight – A Possible Mid-Air Close Call

• Dinner at the airport.
• Mom reports seeing a helicopter very close beneath the plane’s wing mid-flight and believes the pilot may have adjusted course to avoid it. Passengers nearby noticed too; dad and other kids were unaware.
• Landed safely, retrieved their car, and drove home just after midnight.

Takeaways

• This episode used conversational, humorous storytelling that ties small linguistic explorations to lived experiences.
• The trip was a packed, whirlwind adventure completed in under 24 hours.
• Hosts invite listeners to share thoughts—especially about Chicago pizza recommendations—and whether the itinerary was truly “flabbergasting.”

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 This episode is part 1 of the Chicago recap; it will continue in the next episode, including the promised description of the "Taj Mahal of porta potties" and covering the remaining tourist adventures.

Word of the Episode: Flabbergast

• The hosts dive into the word "flabbergast," inspired by previous use when describing the "Coldplay incident." They share their own definitions (astonished, shocked to the point of near speechlessness) before consulting official sources.
• Definition: To surprise greatly; astonish.
• Etymology:
  • The origin is uncertain.
  • "Gast" is an archaic English word meaning "to frighten" or "scare," possibly related to "aghast."
  • "Flabber" is less clear; could relate to "flabby," "flap" (suggesting trembling in shock), or possibly a Scottish word meaning "to boast" or "be worn out."
  • First known print use was in 1772, already being noted then as a "new and unsophisticated word."
• The hosts note "flabbergast" is mostly used today in hyperbolic or ironic contexts.

Family One-Day Chicago Adventure

• The hosts recount a whirlwind one-day trip to Chicago with their kids, undertaken partly because of a special airline deal ($30 round-trip tickets) and partly because they wanted to do something more "exotic" for spring break.
• Travel details:
  • Wake up at 2:45 a.m., depart local airport at 5:15 a.m.
  • Fly to Chicago Midway (first time for at least one host), found it less hectic than O'Hare.
  • Rented a car for convenience (especially helpful with kids and car seats), and to store items during sightseeing.
• Early mishap: One child got flustered at airport security for keeping hands in pockets, but TSA staff were polite and helpful.
• Breakfast: Stopped at a diner where the hosts were "flabbergasted" by the high cost of milk ($16 for four small milks), enforcing a water-only rule for the rest of the trip.
• First Attractions:
  • Garden of the Phoenix: A Japanese garden in early morning; enjoyed the peaceful start, puzzled by a nearby unusual building (discovered to be the Obama Presidential Center, under construction).
  • Ancient History Museum: Located near the University of Chicago. The family accidentally walked about a mile extra due to a GPS routing error through the campus in the heat, resulting in some grumpy kids and a restroom emergency. Kind construction workers directed them to public temporary bathrooms.

The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to reflect on whether their itinerary was "flabbergasting" and to interact with the show.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Theme & Word of the Episode:

• The episode focuses on the word "oldie," exploring its definition, history, and how its meaning has shifted over time, especially in the context of music.

Origin and Evolution:

• "Oldie" combines "old" with the suffix "-ie," recorded first in 1874 to describe an old person.
• By the 1940s, it expanded to refer to old tunes or films.
• In the 1960s, as radio became widespread, stations began using "oldies" to describe music from earlier decades (primarily the 1950s and 1960s).

Phrase "Oldie but a Goodie":

• Credited to LA DJ Art Laboe, coined in 1958, originally for compilation albums of recent (not very old) rock and roll records.

Changing Definitions:

• There’s no set time threshold, but "oldie" generally refers to music at least 20–30 years old.
• Songs and media from the 1980s and 1990s are now also considered "oldies" as time passes.

Personal Reflections:

• The hosts discuss how songs meaningful for them or their parents are now seen as oldies. They reference wedding songs by Def Leppard (1987) and others, joking about how music from their own youth is now sometimes called oldies.

Cultural References and Remakes:

• Discussion of "The Wonder Years" (originally aired 1988–1993), and its reboot, and similar generational TV shows like "That '70s Show" (1998) and "That '90s Show."
• They observe how today, shows and music quickly become "oldies" and reflect on generational cycles of nostalgia.

Modern Attention Spans:

• The hosts comment on how viewing habits have changed, with many preferring shorter content or binge-watching series, affecting the longevity and classic status of media.

"Classic" vs. "Oldie":

• Parallels are drawn to cars, which in many US states are "antique" at 25 years, comparing this to the shifting perception of oldies in music.

On Creating Classics:

• They debate whether creators know when they’re making a classic, concluding it's usually not possible.
• Reference is made to "The Office" cast being unaware during production of the show’s future iconic status.

Ending Note:

• The episode wraps up with encouragement to listeners and the hope that perhaps their own podcast will one day be considered a classic or oldie.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Special behind the scenes bonus episode:

• The hosts discuss how to represent a rewind sound (onomatopoeia). They debate whether to cut out a portion of the recording or continue, and ultimately decide to keep the candid moment because it's funny, then agree to continue from where they left off.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 The hosts continue their discussion on the word "onomatopoeia," elaborating on its definition (words that imitate sounds, like "splash" or "ping") and etymology (from Greek meaning "name making"), and exploring examples of onomatopoeia, especially in animal and bird names. They highlight how different languages create onomatopoeia differently (e.g., a duck’s sound is “quack” in English, “coin” in French, “gaga” in Japanese), and discuss how language, words, and their meanings evolve over time and across cultures.

The episode shifts focus to a recent viral incident involving a “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert. A couple (later revealed as high-ranking executives from the same company) reacted suspiciously while being filmed, leading to public speculation and memes due to perceived infidelity. The hosts discuss the likely consequences for those involved, touch on the ethics of infidelity and privacy, and even joke about possible conspiracy theories around the story’s virality detracting attention from serious news.

They also reflect on why certain viral stories captivate the public, the impact on bystanders caught up in viral moments, and the tendency for internet sleuths to doxx people. In a lighter segment, they compare the generational experience of music by calculating the equivalent of Coldplay to bands of their parents’ era (like The Beatles or The Animals).

The episode ends by reinforcing their main message—language and culture are always evolving, and it’s through honest conversation that we gain understanding. The hosts invite listener participation for future topics and close with a lighthearted note about “oldies” music and generational change.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 The Word of the Episode: "Bloop"

• "Bloop" Origins and Mysteries: The episode opens with a discussion about the word "bloop," notable in the hosts' family for its mysterious oceanic association. The "bloop" refers to an ultra-low-frequency underwater sound detected in 1997 by two hydrophones 5,000 miles apart. It initially fueled speculation about an unknown sea creature, fueled by the interests of one of the hosts' children.
• Scientific Explanation: Despite myths about sea monsters, the scientific consensus is that the "bloop" sound was caused by underwater seismic activity or icebergs colliding, specifically identified as an "ice quake." Similar sounds were recorded again in 2005, confirming the natural (not creature-based) origins.
• Artistic Renderings: The episode touches on how artistic renditions, not scientific evidence, have shaped internet images of the bloop as a gigantic aquatic creature, usually with a large mouth.

Sound, Science, and Comparison

• Sound Transmission:
  • Sound travels much faster in water (about 1,480 m/s) than in air (about 343 m/s), because water's higher density allows quick transmission of vibrations.
  • In space, where there are no molecules to transfer vibrations, sound cannot travel at all.

Expanding the Word: "Bloop" in Baseball and Entertainment

• Other Definitions:
  • In baseball, a "bloop" means a softly hit fly ball that lands between the infielders and outfielders—usually scoring a base hit.
  • "Blooper" commonly refers to mistakes made during filming, such as actors laughing at errors during TV shows. The term originated from a radio sound in the 1920s—machines "blooping" or emitting howling noises, which then became associated with amusing on-set errors.
• Etymology:
  • All uses connect back to sound: each is an example of onomatopoeia—words mimicking the sounds they describe, like "cuckoo" or "sizzle."
  • The hosts humorously struggle pronouncing "onomatopoeia," noting it may come up as a future episode topic.

Second Segment: Tree Troubles and Home Maintenance

• Recent Storm & Tree Damage: After a brief but intense storm, two large trees on the hosts' property fell but luckily missed damaging the house, septic tank, and playhouse. Cleanup and firewood preparation consumed approximately 30+ hours over multiple days.
• Fire Experience: Burning the felled trees generated intense heat, leading to a discussion about fire temperatures (campfires can reach over 2,000°F in the core).
• Tree Health Lessons:
  • Tree inspections revealed most other trees are healthy, with a couple exceptions that will be monitored into the future.
  • The hosts learned about the importance of observing rot location and consulting professional arborists after some decay was discovered only after the trees fell.
• Tree Care Tips:
  • Avoid damaging tree roots or bark while mowing or trimming, as such injuries heal slowly and can lead to decay.
  • Use a thin layer of mulch to protect roots from accidental damage, though this can entail more manual weeding since chemicals could harm the trees.

Closing Thoughts

• The episode wraps up by encouraging listeners to learn local tree care, appreciate experts like arborists, and to engage with language and nature out of both necessity and curiosity.
• Finally, the hosts reflect on their learning journey—bloop sounds, science facts, tree survival, and the joy (and challenge) of home upkeep and word etymologies.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Episode 66 of "I Hate Talking" shifts to a more lighthearted tone after two serious episodes, focusing on the word "Rochambeau," which is another name for the game rock-paper-scissors. The hosts discuss the debated origins of the term. One popular but incorrect urban legend claims that a French general named Rochambeau used the game to make battlefield decisions during the American Revolutionary War. However, the World Rock Paper Scissors Association debunks this, stating the term’s true origin is unclear but likely unrelated to the general.

The game itself originated in China, possibly as early as the Han dynasty (206 BC), and later spread to Japan and other Asian countries. The Japanese term for the game is "Jan Ken Pon." The earliest known written usage of "Rochambeau" in the U.S. appears in a 1936 book from Oakland, California, where it was spelled "Roshambeau," matching the French spelling.

Originally, the game used "cloth" instead of "paper" as one of the elements, with the hand signal for cloth being a flat palm. The reason for the shift from cloth to paper is uncertain, though some theories suggest it was due to the prevalence of paper as a modern material or its symbolic use in decision-making in ancient China.

The hosts also mention a child’s alternative version of the game using fire, plant, and water, and discuss the ancient origins of scissors, confirming that all three items (rock, paper/cloth, scissors) existed thousands of years ago.

They touch on statistical strategies for winning at rock-paper-scissors, referencing a Mark Rober video that suggests players tend to follow a predictable pattern (rock, then paper, then scissors), which can be exploited in subsequent rounds. However, they note that as more people learn these strategies, their effectiveness diminishes.

The episode ends with a reminder to listeners to share their own thoughts on the etymology of "Rochambeau" and to enjoy experimenting with the strategies discussed.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Episode 65 of "I Hate Talking" centers on the word "cogitate" and continues the discussion about parallel play.

• The hosts introduce and explore the word "cogitate," which means to think deeply about something, tracing its Latin roots and comparing it with "meditate." They note that while both words involve deep thought, "cogitate" implies active, problem-focused thinking, whereas "meditate" often connotes relaxation or contemplation without a specific goal.
• The hosts discuss how "meditate" is more commonly used in modern English, while "cogitate" is rare and might be misunderstood if used in conversation. They highlight the nuanced differences between these terms, rooted in their Latin origins, and suggest that "cogitate" might be a more precise word in some contexts.
• They reference their experiences with meditation apps and how some people (including their children) find guided meditation challenging because it encourages specific thoughts rather than mental relaxation—highlighting the difference between the two concepts.
• The conversation shifts to biblical usage, examining whether scriptural references to "meditate" might be closer in meaning to "cogitate," especially in passages encouraging focused reflection. They look at Greek and Hebrew roots and note that biblical "meditation" often means to ponder or contemplate deeply.

• Returning to parallel play, the hosts reflect on their ongoing debate. One host, despite being sick, shares two conclusions after "cogitating" on the topic:
  • Strict parallel play means being in the same space but doing completely separate activities, with no interaction—even brief conversation breaks the definition.
  • Time-bounded parallel play might suit both their needs better: agreeing to a set period to do separate activities together, after which they can interact or move on. This structure could help balance their differing preferences.
• The co-host acknowledges being a people pleaser, which makes relaxing during parallel play difficult, as she feels responsible for others' comfort and happiness.

Key themes:

• The subtle but important distinction between "cogitate" and "meditate."
• The challenges of practicing parallel play as adults, especially when personalities and expectations differ.
• The value of clear definitions and boundaries—both for language and for shared activities like parallel play.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 The hosts discuss the concept of "parallel play," ultimately choosing it over other potential topics like "predictive programming" or "apse" for this episode.

Definition and Origins:

• Parallel play originally describes a stage in child development where children play side by side without direct interaction, as a precursor to cooperative play.
• The term is now also applied to adults: it refers to people engaging in separate activities in the same physical space, such as one reading while the other watches TV, without direct interaction.

Hosts’ Perspectives:

• One host dislikes parallel play as an adult, finding it awkward and distracting—preferring either to be alone or to engage directly with others. The uncertainty about whether to interact makes it hard to focus on their own activity.
• The other host enjoys parallel play, appreciating the shared presence and sense of companionship it offers, even without direct interaction. They see value in simply being together in the same space.

Technology and Presence:

• The conversation highlights how technology (like earbuds or books) can make someone less "present" in a shared space, leading to missed cues for interaction and potential frustration.
• Interruptions, especially for parents, can disrupt the "flow state" and make solo activities difficult, reinforcing the desire for either full solitude or direct interaction.

Parallel Play in Adult Relationships:

• Parallel play can offer comfort, reduce social pressure, and support individual interests while maintaining a sense of connection.
• It can be especially beneficial for those who find constant socializing draining (often introverts), as it combines personal space with shared presence.

Examples and Boundaries:

• Activities like editing a podcast together, reading while a partner watches TV, or doing separate hobbies in the same room are cited as examples.
• Watching a TV show or attending a concert together can blur the lines: if there’s little interaction, it fits parallel play; if there’s shared reaction or conversation, it becomes more interactive.
• The hosts debate the physical boundaries of parallel play, suggesting it requires being within the same room or close proximity (about 20 feet), though the benefit is subjective.

Personality Differences:

• The hosts acknowledge their differing needs: one values direct, interactive engagement, while the other finds comfort in shared presence without constant interaction.
• They note that these differences reflect broader personality traits and needs for connection, solitude, or companionship, and that understanding these can strengthen relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Parallel play in adulthood is about being together without the pressure to interact, offering a balance between connection and autonomy.
• Its value depends on individual preferences and personality types—some find it comforting, others find it pointless or uncomfortable.
• Recognizing and respecting these differences can enhance mutual understanding in relationships.

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Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Example #1: Person Standing Over Edge of A Cliff Seen In Background of One Photo but Not Another.

Example #2: My family member went on a hike – but someone (or something) else showed up in her photo.

The Pareidolia episode:

• Pareidolia is the tendency to perceive familiar patterns, especially faces, in random or ambiguous images and objects.
• Common examples include seeing faces in clouds, rock formations, or everyday items like breakfast foods.

Etymology and Origins

• The term derives from Greek roots: "para" meaning "beyond" and "eidolon" meaning "image," so it literally means "beyond image".
• Unlike many Greek-derived words, "pareidolia" entered English via German, not directly from Greek through Latin.

Usage and Cultural Context

• The concept has existed for a long time, but the term "pareidolia" has seen a sharp increase in English usage since around the year 2000.
• Its rise in popularity may be linked to increased cultural interest in mysticism, unexplained phenomena, and the broader acceptance of discussing pattern recognition in psychology and social media.

Typical Examples

• Seeing religious figures in natural or manufactured surfaces (e.g., the Virgin Mary in a rock or toast).
• Identifying animals or faces in clouds, wallpaper patterns, or rock formations.
• The phenomenon is generally restricted to naturally occurring or random patterns, not intentional human-made images like Mount Rushmore.

Psychological and Social Aspects

• Pareidolia is explained as the brain's tendency to seek out familiar patterns, especially faces, as a survival mechanism.
• The effect can spark debates, especially when images appear to show ghostly figures or unexplained presences in photos, leading to discussions about whether these are genuine phenomena or simply cases of pareidolia.

Modern Relevance

• The term is now frequently used in online discussions, particularly on social media and forums like Reddit, to explain mysterious or ambiguous images.
• Advances in technology, such as AI and image manipulation, have made it even more important to distinguish between genuine images and those altered or interpreted through pareidolia.

Notable Anecdotes

• Personal stories, such as seeing faces in wallpaper as a child, illustrate that while the term is relatively new in English, the experience of pareidolia is universal and longstanding.
• Viral internet cases often center around photos where viewers are divided between believing in a supernatural presence and attributing the image to pareidolia.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.