Saturday 9: I'll Get By

Saturday 9: I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You) – 1944

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

1) "I'll Get By" was very popular song in the 1940s, and we're taking a look at the recording by Dick Haymes and Harry James because it got the most airplay. Can you think of another song that has been recorded by more than one artist?

A. Just My Imagination, which recorded by The Temptations and The Rolling Stones.

2) In this week's song, vocalist Dick Haymes sings that he won't complain about the rain. Do you have any complaints about the weather this morning?

A. We are having a bright, bright, sunshiny day. However, we are in a drought and really need rain. 

3) Dick was briefly married to movie queen Rita Hayworth. Known as The Love Goddess and The Strawberry Blonde, Rita was famous for her magnificent mane. She dyed her dark brown hair red to get attention and it worked. Have you ever experimented with a different color? If yes, were you happy with the results?

A. I used to put highlights in my hair, but that was 30 years ago. I soon developed an allergy to the highlight stuff, and my hair is just now it's natural mix of brown and white.

4) Dick was the lead vocalist of the Harry James orchestra. Like Dick, Harry had a movie star wife. Betty Grable was famous for her legs. Her bathing suit poster inspired hosiery manufacturers to single out her perfectly proportioned thighs, calves and ankles. Betty herself joked, "I'm a star for two reasons, and I'm standing on them."  What do you think is your best (physical) trait?

A. Everyone tells me I have nice skin. Even the dermatologist I saw recently said I have nice skin. So I guess I'll go with my skin.

5) Betty's weren't the only legs that fascinated Harry. He was known for his stable of thoroughbred racehorses. Have you ever been to the races?

A. I have never been to a horse race. I have been to NASCAR races, though. That was a lot of horsepower, just not the natural kind.

6) Teenaged Harry played trumpet with The Beaumont High School Royal Purple Band. Did you belong to groups or clubs while you were in high school?

A. I was a member of the high school band, the forensics team (for a short while), and a member of the National Honor Society.

7) In addition to "I'll Get By," Judy Garland's "Trolley Song" topped the charts in 1944. When did you most recently take public transportation?

A. I don't know when I last took public transportation. I think we took a tour bus around Asheville when we were there in the early 2000s, but I'm not sure if a tour bus counts as public transportation.

8) Also in 1944, Diana Ross was born. First with the Supremes, then as a solo artist, she has sold more than 100 million records, making her one of America's most successful female singers. Who is your all-time favorite "girl singer?"

A. I will have to go with Melissa Etheridge, since I recently saw her in concert and she gave me a hug. I like other female singers, such as Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Chrissy Hynde, etc., but none of them have given me a hug.

9) Random question – Last week we asked about the garage. Let's turn our attention to the glove compartment (aka glove box). What have you got in there?

A. I have my registration, the manuals for the vehicle, and a couple of surgical masks left over from the pandemic.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Good

Saturday 9: Good (1995)

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

1) This song begins with a guy realizing he's home alone. Do you enjoy being all by yourself?

A. I do like being by myself. I also like being unplugged and away from my phone. 

2) He watches the sun throwing shadows on the floor. Which room in your home lets in the most sun?

A. In the morning, the kitchen receives the most sun. In the afternoons, the bedroom receives the most sun.

3) He sings that he may write a letter to his ex. If you were inspired to send someone a handwritten message, do you have stationery or notecards on hand? What about first-class postage stamps?

A. I have notecards and stamps on hand. But I generally type letters because my handwriting is atrocious.

4) This week's band, Better Than Ezra, got their start in Baton Rouge. All the members attended LSU and played their first gig at Murphy's, a bar near campus. When you were in your early 20's, where did you and your friends go to socialize?

A. I was married in my early 20s. We went to friends' houses and occasionally to dance halls, but I think we had stopped that by the time I was 22. When you're focusing on work, going to college, and trying to save up to build a house so you can try to have children, the fun just falls away.

5) While the band refuses to disclose the origin of their name, many assume the "Ezra" they refer to is poet Ezra Pound. Do you often read poetry?

A. I read poetry about once a month. I read the poems in The Atlantic and others that cross my path.

6) In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you wish you could undo.

A. In 2000, I was offered the position of editor of The Fincastle Herald, but my mother was dying of pancreatic cancer, so I turned the job down because I didn't think I would have the time to devote to it. I would probably still be editor of the paper if I had taken the job. Maybe.

7) Also in 1995, Phoebe Buffay first performed "Smelly Cat." Do you recall what show she sang on?

A. I have absolutely no idea.

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

A. I don't have a baseball team that I follow.

9) Random question: What's in your garage, besides your car (lawn tools, holiday decorations, old paint cans, etc.)?

A. We have a nice variety of things. A chest freezer, a dehumidifier, shelves full of bug spray, paint, plant food, oil, cleaning fluid, tools, gloves, clothes for feeding cattle, old newspaper clippings, extra trash bags, bottled water, distilled water, a small heater, a Dyson vacuum, etc.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Drive My Car

Saturday 9: Drive My Car (1965)

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

 

1) Who would you allow, without hesitation, to drive your car?

A. My husband, family members, friends. Anyone I know, really. 

 

2) When you're riding in the backseat, do you use your seatbelt?

A. I don't ride in the backseat. I get carsick. 

 

3) In this song, a young girl tells her boyfriend she wants to be a movie star. What were your aspirations when you were in your late teens/early 20's? Did you realize them?

A. I wanted to be a writer, and that's what I did. I also wanted to be a musician, and in my teens, I played in a band, so I guess I did that too.

 

4) The song was reportedly inspired in part by the relationship between popular British singer Cilla Black and her future husband. Cilla wanted him on the record label's payroll, so he became her road manager and driver. Have you ever worked for, or with, someone with whom you were romantically involved?

A. No.

 

5) Although this Beatles song is credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was written mostly by Paul. He recalls showing up at John Lennon's house with the tune ready to go, and lyrics they both agreed were "crap." John gave Paul the car theme, and he took it from there. When has someone recently helped you out of a jam?

A. I can't think of anything recent.

 

6) Paul also handles the lead vocals. When you hear a Beatles record, can you tell which band member is singing lead?

A. Not always, but I can tell it's the Beatles.

7) When it was first released, this record got a lot of attention for the intricate guitar work by Paul and George Harrison. It's got a lot of percussion on it, too, including cowbell and tambourine. Have you ever played either cowbell or tambourine? (Do you think it sounds like fun?)

A. I have played both at one point or another. They're rather boring instruments, frankly.

8) Lava lamps were already popular in England but they weren't introduced to the United States until 1965. Today Walmart carries more than 20 different lava lamps. Have you ever owned one?

A. I think I had one when I was a teenager, but to be honest I'm not sure. I might have just admired them in the window of Spencer's. (Anybody remember Spencer's?)

 

9) Random question: Do you have a recurring dream?

A. I used to have a recurring dream about a bathtub full of blood, but thankfully I no longer have that.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Leather and Lace

Saturday 9: Leather and Lace (1981)

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

1) As you answer these questions, are you wearing leather, lace, or both?

A. I have on Minnetonka moccasins that I use for house shoes that I suppose are of some kind of leather. It says it's a leather upper with faux fur in the shoe.

2) This song is a duet between members of two superstar groups – Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and Don Henley of The Eagles. Which band do you listen to more often, Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles?

A. I think Alexa tends to play more Fleetwood Mac, but I have both on my playlist.

 

3) In this duet, "lace" tells us she is stronger than we know and "leather" admits that sometimes he's vulnerable. Do either side of this lyrical equation apply to you? Do you think you're either tougher than people realize, or more sensitive than they know?

A. I think I am both tougher and more sensitive than people give me credit for. Many people think they know me, but they really don't.

 

4) Both Stevie and Don are born Westerners. Stevie spent her early childhood in Arizona and Don was born in Texas and stayed there through college. Today Stevie has two homes – one in Pacific Palisades and another in Phoenix – while Don has a beautiful home in Dallas. Do you feel rooted where you are? Or can you see yourself moving to another city or state in the future?

A. I have lived in the same house since 1987. I don't see myself going anywhere any time soon.

 

5) Stevie and Don were romantically involved in the 1970s, but after they broke up they remained friendly. Not only did they record this song in 1981, but they also went on tour together in 2005. Have you recently heard from an ex?

A. I have not heard from an ex in about 45 years.

6) Stevie admits a lifelong passion for Animal Crackers, those little cookies shaped like tigers, bears and elephants. Is your go-to snack sweet, like Stevie's, or is it salty?

A. I am afraid I have a bad sweet tooth, with a particular affinity for chocolate.

7) Don likes Velveeta on his burgers. Describe your ideal cheeseburger.

A. My ideal cheeseburger is a nice bun without seeds on it, a decent sized but not overly large hamburger patty, thick American cheese (like it used to be before the pandemic, not those anemic things they sell now as cheese), a piece of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a little mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup.

8) In 1981, when this song was popular, both Maserati and Mercedes Benz introduced luxury convertibles. Have you ever owned a convertible? Would a convertible be practical for your lifestyle?

A. I have never owned a convertible. I don't even use the moon roof on my Camry, so I don't think I would like a convertible. I'm not one for having pollen blown in my face while I drive.

 

9) Random question: What are you most looking forward to this week?

A. I am looking forward to seeing a dermatologist this week. Because I am in my 60s now and that is what you look forward to! Although I am also hoping maybe the bobcat will come around again. It was very cool to see that.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Easter Parade

Saturday 9: Easter Parade

Revised and revived from the archives

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

1) This song is best known from the 1948 movie of the same name, but it was originally written for a 1933 Broadway play called As Thousands Cheer. In the play, a young man reads about the parade in a New York newspaper and decides to go and show his lady love off to parade goers. What's the most recent parade you attended?

A. I haven't been to a parade in at least 15 years. I used to have to go them all the time to take photos for the newspaper, so I am paraded out.

2) On Broadway, the song was performed by Clifton Webb. He'd had a busy stage career, appearing in musicals as well as plays by Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, but when he was in his mid-50s, he was considered too old to be a leading man. Broadway offers stopped coming. He was unexpectedly cast by Otto Preminger for the film noir Laura and a new career was born. He worked steadily in Hollywood for 20 years and earned three Oscar nominations. Tell us about a time you were grateful your life took an unanticipated turn.

A. I can't think of anything.

3) Today he's fondly remembered by the students at UCLA who have benefited from The Clifton Webb Scholarship of the Arts. If you could give an endowment to a school or charity, what would you like it to be used for?

A. I would give one to my alma mater to be used for women who want to go to college after they're beyond the traditional age one goes to such institutions. 

 

4) The biggest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy, measured 34 feet tall and weighed a staggering 15,000 lbs. Do you think it's possible to have too much chocolate?

A. I'm sure that it's possible to have too much of anything, including chocolate.

  

5) After chocolate, the top-selling Easter candy is Peeps Marshmallow Chicks. They're so popular that they were once the subject of a Jeopardy clue. Do you often watch Jeopardy?

A. I haven't watched Jeopardy! since Alex Trebek died. I tried to but I could not get into the new hosts and it just wasn't the same.

6) Jellybeans are also popular this time of year. In a 2024 poll, jellybean fans responded that black licorice is their favorite flavor. It's Crazy Sam's least favorite. How about you? What jellybean flavor is at the top of your list, and which is at the bottom?

A. I don't care for jellybeans at all, but the black licorice would be the one I would leave.

7) We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween?

A. I have no idea.

 

8) According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are doing more of their holiday shopping this year at discount "dollar stores" than at department stores like Target and Walmart. Do you often make trips to the "dollar store?" If yes, what do you usually pick up there?

A. I only go to a dollar store occasionally, and that's usually for something like birthday wrapping paper.

 

9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated?

A. I feel refreshed when I splash cold water on my face.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Indian Lake

Saturday 9: Indian Lake (1968)

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

1) In this song, a family gets on a bus and heads off on vacation. Think about the last trip you took. Did you travel by car, bus, train, boat, or plane?

A. The last trip I took was by car.

2) Once they get to Indian Lake, they swim, have a picnic and go canoeing. Are you looking forward to any of these activities this summer?

A. I am not looking forward to any of those activities this summer. 

3) "Indian Lake" became familiar to TV audiences because it was used in commercials for the Dodge Charger. In the 1960s, most households didn't have remote controls to enable viewers to mute or skip commercials. Today, we do. When a commercial comes on, do you watch or do you turn down the sound or, if possible, fast forward past it?

A. I thought commercials were the signal to get up and go to the ladies room. And some shows won't let you fast forward through commercials anymore when you're streaming.

4) The Cowsills were a family singing group who had four Top 10 hits between 1967 and 1969. The brothers were self-taught musicians who enjoyed playing at church and school events. When their father, Bud Cowsill, became their manager, he insisted his wife Barbara and their youngest, Susan, join the band. He wanted the Cowsills to become "a latter-day Von Trapp family." Without looking it up, do you know who the Von Trapps were?

A. The Von Trapps were the Austrian family immortalized in the movie The Sound of Music.

5) The Cowsills were the inspiration for the sitcom The Partridge Family. It ran for four seasons and the fictional Partridges had three Top 10 hits, were nominated for a Grammy and made David Cassidy a star. Are you familiar with The Partridge Family?

A. I am quite familiar with The Partridge Family. I thought David Cassidy was quite handsome, and I wished I were as subtly beautiful as Susan Dey.

6) The Cowsills starred in an advertising campaign for the American Dairy Association. On TV and in magazine ads they proclaimed that "Milk is the lift that lasts." Decades later, oldest brother Bill recalled that he seldom drank milk. How about you? Do you often drink milk?

A. I am allergic to milk, so I do not drink it.

7) While Bud Cowsill engineered the family band's success, he also contributed to their demise. The Cowsills were scheduled to appear 10 times on the influential Ed Sullivan Show but were fired after the second because Bud was too confrontational backstage. He also had a reputation for being abrasive with record company executives and concert promoters, and this affected the band's ability to find work. Do you have a hard time biting your tongue or controlling your temper?

A. I can have a temper sometimes. I try not to but am not always successful.

8) In 1968, when this song was popular, Leonard Bernstein released his award-winning recording of Mahler: Symphony No. 8. Do you enjoy classical music?

A. I like to listen to classical music sometimes.

9) Random question – Here we are in March. If you made any New Year's resolutions, have you kept them?

A. I did not make any New Year's resolutions.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: London Town

Saturday 9: London Town (1978)

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

1) Have you ever visited London?

A. Only in my dreams. Oh, wait, the plane I was on when I went to Spain landed in Heathrow, and we had to switch planes to get to Spain. So, I guess I have been there. Sort of.

2) In this song, Paul sings of encountering a London street musician playing the flute. Are there street musicians in your town?

A. I do not know of any street musicians where I live, since I live in a rural area. There may be some in the nearest city, but I've never seen them in the news.

3) It's raining as he wanders around London. How is the weather where you are today?

A. Today is warm and partly cloudy.

4) "London Town" is one of a handful of songs credited to Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, his bandmate in Wings from 1971 to 1981. They became fast friends in the mid-60s when Denny was with The Moody Blues, the band who opened for The Beatles on their final UK concert tour. Paul has acknowledged Denny's outstanding vocals and guitar playing, as well as his humor and generosity. Share the good qualities of one of your close friends.

A. One of my close friends is a terrific artist and she enjoys sharing her talent with others.

5) Wings broke up in 1981 when Paul decided he was weary of touring. His kids were in school, his Beatle bandmate John Lennon had been murdered, and he simply felt more comfortable staying put and working in the studio, rather than performing live. Denny believed this would mean his role, and his financial compensation, would diminish so he quit Wings. Tell us about why you left one of your jobs.

A. I left one of my jobs because of stress. Actually, except for my career as a freelance writer and one where I didn't get a raise that I thought I should have gotten, stress is the reason I left all of my jobs.

6) Linda McCartney also wrote and performed with Wings. In addition to music, she is known for her photography and cookbooks. Of these three – music, photography and cooking – which do you enjoy most?

A. I enjoy music and photography. I am not a cook.

7) Paul's first car was a 1964 Aston Martin DB5. He selected it himself before The Beatles went off on their first world tour and it was waiting for him when he got home to London. He drove it when he shouldn't have, as he didn't get his license until spring of 1965. When did you get your driver's license?

A. I got my driver's license when I was 16. 

8) Speaking of driver's licenses ... Last year someone bought one of Paul's expired driver's licenses at auction for $20,000. When you get a new license, passport, or state issued ID, what do you do with the old one?

A. Given the way things are today, they would be a trail of documentation that I have existed and been a citizen for 62 years. I probably should have kept them. 

9) Random question – Which do you have more of: dirty dishes in the sink or dirty clothes in the hamper?

A. Clothes in the hamper.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Four-Leaf Clover

Saturday 9: I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover (2001)

Selected in honor of St. Patrick's Day. 

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

1) This is one of the songs included in Willie Nelson's Rainbow Connection album. He named it after his daughter Amy's favorite song when she was a little girl. She'd been asking him to record "The Rainbow Connection" for 20 years and finally, in 2001, he came through for her. Think of something you had to wait for. Was it worth the wait?

A. I knew two months after we met that I would marry my then-boyfriend, but it took him another seven months to come around and propose. He was definitely worth the wait!

2) Willie can trace his family tree back to the Revolutionary War. Are you interested in genealogy?

A. I can trace my family tree back to the Revolutionary War, too. I have always had an interest in genealogy but it's something I hope to pick up again at some point.

3) Today Willie is legendary performer, but as a child, he was very uncomfortable in front of crowds. He recalled that during his school days, reciting in front of his class made him so uncomfortable he suffered nose bleeds. When did you most recently have a bloody nose?

A. I don't generally get a bloody nose. I can't recall when I last had one.

4) During the 1990s, Willie had problems with the IRS. His management team set up illegal tax shelters, and he ended up owing millions in back taxes and penalties. This year's IRS filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Will you be early, on time, or will you need an extension?

A. I have my taxes for 2025 taken care of.

5) In "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover," Willie sings about appreciating something he has previously overlooked. Is there anything positive in your life you feel you may take for granted? 

A. I'm sure there are lots of things. Think about it: I have a roof over my head, food, a little extra spending money if I want to buy a book or something. I have electricity and water. I have a man who loves me. What else could a woman want, really?

6) Four leaf clovers and shamrocks are considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm?

A. I do not have a lucky charm.

7) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?

A. I generally don't, but I will be going out that day so I will see if I can find something for the occasion. I don't want to get pinched.

8) According to Irish folklore, if you catch a leprechaun, he must either give you his pot o' gold or grant you three wishes. Would you choose the gold or the wishes?

A. I think I'd take the three wishes. With one, you could wish for gold if that's what you want. Although as fairy tales and legends generally point out, it is important to be careful what you wish for and how you word the wish.

   

9) Traditional Irish stew is made with mutton or lamb, though here in the US beef is also very popular. What's your favorite soup/stew?

A. I'm afraid I'm a very boring soup eater. I just like chicken soup.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Linger

Saturday 9: Linger (1993)

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

1) In this song, Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries sings that her lover has her wrapped around his finger. Do you feel that anyone has you wrapped around their finger?

A. Not particularly, no. I know people who have tried but I am an independent sort. Yes, I have been married for 42 years, but it's a mutual sort of marriage.

2) This was one of the first songs Delores and Noel Hogan wrote together. They performed it often live and perfected it before going into the studio to record it approximately two years later. Because they had polished the performance and arrangement, it's not a surprise that it was the biggest hit off their debut album. Tell us about a time when your preparation paid off.

A. I worked hard to create a non-credit class for the community college about journaling. It seemed to go over well. 

3) The Cranberries believed the moody black-and-white video (linked above) playing on MTV contributed to the song's popularity. MTV and VH1 were highly influential when they showed music videos and interviews 24/7 during the 1980s and 1990s. Do you recall watching music videos on MTV and/or VH1?

A. I was partial to VH1, they played songs that were more to my liking, but yes, I remember when they actually played music videos. That was before youtube and the Internet.

4) The Cranberries were founded by brothers Noel and Mike Hogan in their hometown in Limerick, Ireland. The River Shannon runs through Limerick. Do you live near a river? 

A. I live near a pond and a creek. The closest rivers are the James River and the Roanoke River.

5) Fergal Lawler soon joined the brothers and became the Cranberries drummer. Today he says he enjoys listening to his early work with the group because, "Songs are like a snapshot in time." Do you often flip through photo albums and look at snapshots?

A. I do not flip through photo albums, but I do like to read the archives of newspapers.

6) Dolores O'Riordan showed up for her Cranberries audition dressed casually in a black tracksuit with her own Casio electronic keyboard tucked under her arm. The Hogans were impressed not only by her vocals but her no-nonsense, "let's get to work" attitude. Share a memory from one of your job interviews.

A. I was on my way to a job interview when I wrecked the car. I called and asked if I could come another day, because, well, car smashed. I also had a bad contusion on my knee. Of course, the office was up a flight of stairs that I could barely climb because my knee was so swollen, so I hobbled in there and knew immediately I wouldn't get the job, there was all of this, "Aww, look, she's limping to make it look good," kind of talk going on around me. I don't know why I bothered.

7) In 1993, when "Linger" was released, The Nanny premiered on CBS. It's remembered today for its catchy theme song, which tells the story of "the nanny named Fran." Can you recall the lyrics to theme of one of your favorite shows?

A. Here's the story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, like their mother, the youngest one in curls. Here's a story, of a man named Brady, who bringing up three boys of his own. They were four men living all together, but they were all alone. Until one day when the lady met this fellow, and they knew that it was much more than a hunch. That this group, must somehow form a family, and that's the way we all became the Brady Bunch.

8) In 1993, gas was $1.11/gallon. Could your vehicle use a fill-up right now?

A. No, I am one of those people who top off the tank when it gets below a quarter full.

9) Random question: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A. I have no idea.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Farewell Amanda

Saturday 9: Farewell, Amanda (1949)

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

 

1) The record begins with a long instrumental interlude, and when the lyrics kick in at about the 1:00 mark, they bid Amanda "farewell, adios, addio, adieu." Of course, you recognize "farewell" as English. Without looking it up, can you identify the other languages? 

A. Spanish, Italian, and French.

 

2) Can you say "goodbye" in a language not represented in question #1?

A. Nyet.

3) The lyrics reference a night full of stars. When did you last take a moment to check out the night sky?

A. It hasn't been that long ago. I like looking at the night sky. 

 

4) This song was written for Adam's Rib, a comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The movie is about husband-and-wife lawyers who square off against one another in court. Have you ever served on a jury?

A. I have been called to serve, but once the lawyers found out I was a journalist, I was immediately sent on my way. Apparently, they don't want writers on juries.

 

5) "Farewell, Amanda" was composed by Noel Coward. Though best known as a playwright, he also wrote more than a thousand songs and was a director and an actor. His epitaph reads, "A talent to amuse." How would you like to be remembered?

A. I don't think I will be remembered at all, but perhaps something along the line of "She did her best."

 

6) There's even a book of Noel Coward paintings. It was published after his death, in part because Coward considered himself only an amateur painter. When did you last pick up a paintbrush?

A. I can't remember when I picked up a paintbrush to paint a picture, but we last painted the interior of the house about 10 years ago.

 

7) In 1949, when audiences first heard "Farewell, Amanda," Americans began playing Clue. What's the last board game you played?

A. Scrabble.

 

8) The best-selling novel of 1949 was Point of No Return by John P. Marquand. Tell us about the last book you finished.

A. The last book I finished was The Medici Manuscript, by C. J. Arthur. I think it is characterized as a romantasy. It is set in post-WWI England and is about an assistant librarian who may or may not be a "magician," as this book calls people with specific special powers. It's very literary, focusing on mysteries that involve books, so far. This is the second in a series. 

 

9) Random question: Growing up, did you share a bedroom?

A. Not that I recall, no.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: Valentine

Saturday 9: Won't You Be My Valentine? (1961)

 

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

 

1) Dore Alpert sings that while he considered asking others to be his Valentine, he's sure that this is the girl he wants to love "forever more." What do you think is the secret of a long-lasting romantic relationship?

A. Be friends first. If you are friends, then you can weather the storms.

2) Dore is better known as Herb Alpert. He used the name "Dore" early in his career because he thought it was more befitting a teen idol than "Herb." Who made you swoon when you were a teenager?

A. When I was a teenager, I liked (I'm pretty sure I don't swoon) Keith Patridge on the Partridge Family, aka David Cassidy, and Davy Jones of the Monkees. I also liked Erik Estrada from CHIPS.

 

3) Herb found he was a better trumpeter than singer. Between 1962 and 1969, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, had 12 consecutive gold albums. They were so popular that in 1966, they sold more records than Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Of those artists (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones), which is your favorite?

A. The Rolling Stones and The Beatles are basically a tie.

4) He found his greatest success as an executive. Herb and partner Jerry Moss founded A&M Records and signed an array of talented artists including Cheech and Chong, The Carpenters, and Cat Stevens. Herb was happy to step away from performing and run the record label. Are you comfortable in front of an audience or crowd? Or would you prefer to be behind the scenes?

A. I prefer to be behind the scenes.

5) Karen admitted that when The Carpenters were first signed by A&M, she had a crush on Herb and liked his aftershave lotion. Do you usually wear a fragrance?

A. I am fragrance free all the time, as is my husband. I'm allergic to the smell of everything. Even new shoes. Everything has to sit out in the garage to off gas before we bring it in the house.

This is our Valentine's Day Saturday 9 and so this morning we shall focus on the holiday. 

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for February 14?

A. I think we might have hot dogs.

7) Thames River Cruises offers special dinner cruises for Valentine's Day that give lovers a view of London. Some cruises offer live jazz, others classical music. Which would you prefer: jazz or classical?

A. Classical music.

 

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent?

A. I sent out sympathy cards a while back.

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

A. Irises.

_______________

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. 

Saturday 9: So Young

Saturday 9: You Make Me Feel So Young (1956)

 

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

1) This morning, do you feel younger or older than your years?

A. I think I just feel my age.

 

2) In this song, Frank Sinatra tells us that every time he sees his lover's grin, he's happy. What's something you can reliably count on to lift your spirits?

A. Disco music. I know it gets a bad rap, but it is hard to sit still when disco is playing.

 

3) The lyrics mention hide-and-seek. What games did you play when you were young? 

A. The usual. Hide-and-seek, jacks, Monopoly, tag, dodge ball, etc.

4) Frank Sinatra was a fan of Campbell's chicken and rice soup, believing it helped his throat feel better after an evening of performing. Is Campbell's soup in your kitchen right now?

A. Yes, of course it is.

 

5) Frank's favorite dessert was a slice of lemon ricotta torte. He believed every meal should include "a final flourish." Do you more often indulge in or skip dessert?

A. I do both and I don't keep track, so I have no idea whether I indulge more often or skip dessert more often.

 

6) At Sinatra's home in Palm Springs, CA, you'd find a less sophisticated dessert. He always kept Entenmann's Crumb Cake on hand for his young granddaughters. Share a memory of your grandparents. 

A. My grandmother on my mother's side kept a "rag bag" in the bottom of the hall closet. We'd pull old sheets, towels, etc., out of there and play with them. Those old pieces of cloth became capes while we were superheroes, tents, blankets, - whatever we needed. My grandfather was a gruffly kind man who worked really hard, but he would pay us all a quarter each to mow the yard. Then we'd troop up to the Orange Market for a soda, a candy bar, and a comic book - all for 25 cents. 

 

7) In 1956, when this song was popular, Frank was tooling around Southern California in a blue Continental Mark II. That model was known for its interior of hand-stitched imported Scottish leather. 70 years later, Scottish leather is still used in luxury cars because it's both soft and durable and the production methods minimize environmental impact. If you could splurge on something right now, what would it be? A luxury car, jewelry, travel, clothes, something else? (No responsible answers allowed!)

A. I would travel, but I'd want to take an entourage with me. Someone to pack, make the reservations, ensure I get on the plane or train, do my hair, pick out my clothes, whatever. I mean, if I'm going to splurge, I may as well do it up like Madonna, right?

 

8) Also in 1956, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Forbidden Planet were popular at the box office. Do you have a favorite sci-fi movie?

A. I will go with a Star Wars movie, although I'm also torn between a Star Trek one.

 

9) Random question: What were you doing three hours ago?

A. I was eating a bowl of Cheerios.

_______________

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.