The Straight Dope 02/23/2007

The Straight Dope -- By Cecil Adams
http://www.straightdope.com

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THE STRAIGHT DOPE 02/23/2007

Dear Cecil:

Everyone is familiar with the song that goes, "There's a place in France
where the naked ladies dance." What's the origin of this mysterious song
and its seemingly Egyptian melody? --Martin C. Arno, via e-mail

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Cecil replies:

Egyptian, you say? Not a chance. Middle Eastern at least? We can't rule
it out, but the evidence is thin. Try midwestern--specifically, Chicago
circa 1893. We're not sure who the composer was, but we do know the
pivotal figure in drawing attention to this unforgettable tune (which,
admit it, is running through your head right now). It wasn't some eunuch
in a caliph's court, but rather a California impresario (and later New
York congressman) named Sol Bloom.

Bloom was in charge of entertaining the rustics at the 1893 World's
Columbian Exposition. His assignment: set up an amusement park outside
the main fairgrounds as a counterpoint to the more highbrow offerings
inside. Located on a tree-lined venue known as Midway Plaisance, what
became known as the Midway was a huge success   the sideshow portion of
state fairs and such has been called a midway ever since. Bloom
contributed one of the biggest attractions himself, namely a traveling
Algerian village he'd acquired the rights to that had been first shown
at the Paris Exposition of 1889. The village was a hit mainly because it
featured belly dancers, previously unknown in the U.S.

Wishing to see the novel art form at close hand, the Press Club of
Chicago invited Bloom to bring some belly dancers over for a private
showing. . .

For more, see:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/070223.html

STAFF REPORT

Dear Straight Dope:

Why in radio parlance do they say "roger"? I've asked U.S. Air Force
maintenance personnel who know everything about radio from FM to
satellites but not the history of "roger." Could you please enlighten
me?--shakytom

In Star Wars: Episode I   The Phantom Menace, why does the droid army,
when given an order or message, say: "Roger, Roger"?--Otto Bonilla

SDSTAFF Robin replies:

Pilots and other military types say "roger" to acknowledge receipt of a
message or instructions. "Roger" at one time was the phonetic
designation for the letter R, which in turn stood for "received." Why
not just say "received"? From a safety perspective, it makes sense to
use standardized language, particularly when dealing with international
operations. An American pilot may not understand German, but they both
understand aviation terminology. The International Civil Aviation
Organization oversees this standardization and disseminates it
accordingly.

The use of "roger" isn't all that old. . . 

For more, see: 
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mroger.htm

STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC - 06/17/1988

Dear Cecil: 

Why does Queen Elizabeth carry a purse, and what could she possibly have
in it? I took an informal poll at work and got these results:  3 people
said she carried carfare.  2 people said she carried identification.  5
people said she carried makeup.  1 person said she carried nothing at
all; it was like a security blanket. I hope you can help. - -Jimmy
Perez, Santa Barbara, California  

Dear Jimmy:  

Maybe I never told you this, but years ago Elizabeth and I used to double
date (she loved Roller Derby). The subject of purses, unfortunately,
never came up. Now, of course, she won't give me the time of day, the 
snob. No problem, sez I, I'll just call up the embassy in D.C., the better
to save on the transatlantic tolls. You've heard about the fabled British
sense of humor? It's a fraud. Total noncooperation. Look, bub, I tell this
sniffy lackey, here in America we believe in freedom of information. But
still no dice. 

For more, see:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_318.html

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