It's "tonic" in my native Massachusetts and in parts of New Hampshire, but "soda" in Maine. Up here in the Pine Tree State, a tonic is an old-fashioned spring remedy. I think that's the case in Vermont as well.

From a newcomer to the Board: I've long been curious as to why streams are called "creeks" in some parts of the Northeast and "brooks" in others. There seems to be no consistency as to the usages. It's "creek" in New York, "brook" in most of New England, and e...