Saturday 9: Colors of the Wind

Saturday 9: Colors of the Wind (1995)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 30 years ago, "Colors of the Wind" is from the Disney hit, Pocahontas. Have you seen it?

A. I have not seen this movie. I seriously doubt Disney does the real Pocahontas much justice, though, given the way it generally rewrites myths and fairy tales.

2) This song celebrates the glories of nature. Have you spent much time outdoors this summer? If yes, what have you enjoyed doing?

A. I have not been outdoors much this summer. It has either been 100 degrees or raining, without much in between. When I have been outdoors, it has been to look at my garden, which is pathetic and is now mostly dead thanks to too much rain, too little sun, and too much heat.

3) Lyricist Stephen Schwartz said he was inspired by the works of Chief Seattle, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Who is your favorite author?

A. I don't have a favorite author. I like a lot of authors. Sometimes I get on a kick, and I read everything I can by an author, then I move on. I've read all of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books, and Sue Grafton's Alphabet mystery books with Kinsey Millhone, and I've read fantasy books by numerous authors, including Tolkien, Rowling, Bujold, Goodkind, etc. I've read romances, gothics, nonfiction, classics, and more just this year. I read everything. 

4) This week's artist, Vanessa Williams, came to national attention as Miss America 1984. In the talent competition she sang "Happy Days Are Here Again." Over the years, contestants have sung, recited original poetry, danced, twirled batons, performed gymnastics and demonstrated martial arts. Which of 

your talents would wow the judges?

A. I could play the guitar, but I doubt it would do much "wowing." I'm not that good at it. Maybe I should recite a piece of original poetry?

5) Her family tree includes William A. Fields, who served in the Tennessee House of Representatives in the late 19th century. Are you interested in genealogy?

A. I have traced parts of my family history, and that of my husband, back beyond the Revolutionary War. I have an ancestor who fought in that war and others who fought in the losing side of the Civil War.

6) Vanessa supports the non-profit Dress for Success, which helps unemployed and underemployed women prepare with career coaching, networking and professional attire. Have you ever gone into a job interview found yourself unprepared? Or, if you prefer, tell us about an interview you confidently aced.

A. I don't know that I've ever been fully prepared for an interview. There is always some question that throws me.

 
Let's look at the summer of 1995.

7) 1995's best-selling new car was the Ford Taurus. That summer, dealers were promoting a 6.9% APR loan or $1,500 cash back with purchase. This summer, drivers with good credit might get a better deal because the average APR for new car loans is a little lower. Do you keep your eye on fluctuating interest rates?

A. I do not watch interest rates at the moment as I am not anticipating a purchase. I had a 1989 Ford Taurus that I loved, by the way. Great car. The 1999 model was not a great car, and we traded it in for another Taurus within a year. That car also had the same problem, and we ultimately ended up with a 2003 Toyota Camry because I refused to buy another Ford.

8) English yachtswoman Lisa Clayton made history by sailing solo around the world. It took her 10 months. Would you be comfortable spending months and months alone?

A. I imagine I could handle it, if there were things to do and books to read.

9) Legendary New York Yankee Mickey Mantle died in 1995. How is your baseball team doing this season?

A. I don't have a baseball team.

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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.