Off topic, but I've noticed this a few days ago and considered commenting on it then. This post reminded me.

HoH - you use the colloquialism "pop" in reference to what most of the country refers to as "soda." Was it a common term where you grew up? I only ask because it is a term common to the regional dialect in the Pittsburgh area, and I've generally received strange responses to my use of the term in the presence of people from outside the area.

Sorry for the off-topic. Just a random observation.