Saturday, September 26, 2015

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Take a Letter, Maria (1969)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, R. B. Greaves gets a shock when he gets home from work. When is the last time you were surprised? Was it a happy or sad surprise?
Well, finding out on Wednesday that my name hit the watchdog list where I was slandered and lied about by people who have made life hell for a library about 60 miles from here...that was a surprise. Probably shouldn't have been; this crew is batshit nuts.
2) Mr. Greaves sings that he didn't get home until "about a half past ten." That's a very long workday. No wonder his wife felt neglected! Have you ever had trouble maintaining balance between homelife and career?
I have that problem quite a lot, yes. And I have spent many years not getting home till (nearly) 10. Then again, that's because I was working the closing shift, so yeah.
3) According to the song, "Maria" is a secretary. Have you ever worked in an office?
Yes. And yuck. And this song is so indicative of an era I'm glad is gone...
4) In today's office, R.B. Greaves wouldn't ask Maria to "take a letter." Instead, he'd keystroke his own email to his wife and cc his lawyer before hitting, "send." Think of another phrase, like "take a letter," that we seldom hear anymore because of technology.
"Typewriter eraser." No, kids this is not white-out.
5) "Maria" is mentioned in many songs ("Maria" from West Side Story, "Maria, Shut Up and Kiss Me" by Willie Nelson, "How Do Solve a Problem like Maria?" ...) but Crazy Sam discovered few, if any, "Samantha" songs. Does your first name figure prominently in any lyrics?
It does not. My first name is rather unusual. A name very similar to mine has a few however, none of which I'm going to detail, but they include songs by Frank Sinatra, Bat for Lashes, Billy Joel, and Flogging Molly. Quite the mix.
6) 1969 was the year that Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon. Do you believe in life on other planets?
I don't not believe it's possible, but I have no proof either way.
7) In 1969, the Beatles performed publicly for the last time as a band, on the roof of Abbey Road studios. When did you last climb up onto your roof?
That would be never. Our roofs are steep, probably a good 40 degrees. There's no reason for me to be there, and it would be stupidly dangerous.
8) Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries sold at a brisk pace at Christmastime in 1969. Were you a fan of these books? If not, tell us about a book you remember enjoying when you were young.
I loved loved those books! I also liked The Bobbsey Twins (same syndicate that did ND and HB). And Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. And, of course, the Little House books.
9) Random question: Do you consider yourself old fashioned?
In some ways, maybe. Mostly, though, no.

4 sweet-talkers :

The Gal Herself said...

Around 2000, all my niece wanted was a typewriter eraser -- a pink disc with a black brush. Her Depression era American Girl doll had one and she wanted one, too. It was sooo hard to find 15 years ago but eventually I prevailed. I bet now finding one would be impossible.

CountryDew said...

Do they still make white-out?

Kwizgiver said...

#1 makes my stomach knot. Hang tough!

I am Harriet said...

WHAT!?!? A watchdog list? Who has time for that stuff?????

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