Saturday 9: Ja-Da

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious?

A. Valium.

 

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes, so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24-hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events?

A. I have not read a full edition of the local daily newspaper for several months now. We switched to digital and I don't like it. I read stories from there that relate to my county, but I do not read it cover to cover like I used to. Current events are more like throwing up in a trash can these days than actually learning something helpful, so I think a break occasionally is good for your health. You can't vomit news all of the time.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now?

A. I have The Atlantic, Reader's Digest, Farm Journal, Drovers Magazine, and Consumer Reports.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum?

A. We had a lovely music teacher named Mrs. Tingler who came once a week to give us music lessons. She taught us several songs that I still remember, like Senor Don Gato the Cat and Goodbye Ol' Paint. She also brought along different types of instruments, like tambourines, triangles, harmonicas, etc., for kids to try out. Once she received permission to take Ann and I to other schools so I could play flute while Ann sang. Ann and I ended up the Top 40 cover band that I was in during high school. She was the singer and I played guitar. Not all the long ago, I came across Mrs. Tingler on Facebook, and she seemed to remember me. And not long after that, I saw her obituary in the newspaper. God bless the Mrs. Tinglers of the world.

 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team?

A. I don't know that I have a favorite song, but I will say that I am a big fan of Fleetwood Mac and I generally lean towards the songs that Stevie Nicks wrote, especially the strange ones like Rhiannon and Sara. 

 

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind?

A. Missouri. The big golden arch thing.

 

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared?

A. Pearl Drops Toothpaste. Clearasil. Rainbow Bread (that might've been a local thing). Valley Dale meats. 

 

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables?

A. At the moment, I am supposed to be eating more protein. Apparently, I do not eat enough of that, especially in the mornings.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now?

A. I have on a pink Fire-EMS shirt that was a special edition T-shirt put out for women's breast cancer. It says "Fired up for a cure" on the back. My husband purchased several of them when that went around the firehouse, and I wear them a lot.

 

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I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.