Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Stand by Me

1) "Stand by Me" is one of the songs John Lennon did at his last public performance back in 1975. First recorded by Ben E. King, "Stand by Me" was also covered by Mickey Gilley and Otis Redding, among others. Can you think of another song that has been recorded and then re-recorded by someone else?

Well, yeah, quite a few actually. EVERY DAMN CHRISTMAS SONG, for instance. How many versions of "White Christmas" are there, do you thing?? I've heard a lot of 60s girl group songs covered by all and sundry, also lots of gospel, and U2's "One" is a perennial too.

2) The lyrics say, "Whenever you're in trouble, you can stand by me." Tell us about someone you know you can count on.

I have a large pool of very good friends, on whom I've been leaning A LOT in the last 8 weeks or so. And probably for awhile longer than that. One of the blessings in my life is that I recognize that there are plenty of people "standing by" me.

3) While "Stand by Me" was solo Lennon, John is best known as one of the Beatles. Which group do you listen to more often -- The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

The Beatles. I'm not a Stones fan. They intrigue me, but their music isn't that big of a draw for me.

4) Lennon liked to tell how, when he and Paul McCartney were teens, Paul's father used to discourage friendship between the boys. Paul ignored his dad's advice and the result is the most successful songwriting partnership of the 20th century. Tell us about a piece of advice you're glad you ignored.

"With that History major, you should be a teacher." Uhm, yeah, no. If I could be left alone to teach the kids, then I'd probably reconsider, but I grew up with teachers in the family and knew from a very early age that there's far more interference from administration and idiot parents than I would care to deal with.

5) John loved cats. When he was a teenager, he first met his favorite, a stray he named Tich, in the snow and gave the cat a safe, lifelong home. John was very proud that Tich lived to be 20 years old. Tell us about a pet who has a place in your heart.

Don't they all? I loved our last dog though. She was spectacularly awesome: kind-hearted, gentle, funny, smart, loving, inexhaustable, a big fraidy-cat, and extremely sheddy. She was the best.

6) John unsuccessfully tried hypnosis in his quest to stop smoking. Have you ever been hypnotized?

No. I know someone whose being treated for depression with something weirdly similar to this, along the lines of EMDR.

7) John has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. What Hall of Fame would like to see yourself in?

Is there a Meme-Answering Hall of Fame? Yeah, that one. I'd probably already be in the Procrastinator's Hall of Fame, but I keep 'forgetting' to send in the application.

8) John had a passion for slot cars and raced them on an elaborate track in his game room. What games or toys do you still enjoy?

I enjoy cards, solitaire up to poker and sheepshead--Gawd, I haven't played that in probably six years!!--with detours into random weird kids' games like War, Crazy 8s, Beat Your Neighbors, and Egyptian Rat Screw.

9) John wrote about his jealous streak. What personality trait of yours do you wish you could change?

I speak without thinking ALL the time. I hate it. It's ridiculous the number of times this week--hell, the last 24 hours--I should have had duct tape over my mouth. Maybe I should just start speaking Ubby Dubby instead of English.....[everyone under 35 or 40 will be googling that, I expect]