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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.
