Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Marshmallow World (1963)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. This song likens fluffy clouds to marshmallows. What does the sky look like where you are today?

It's dark now, but it was partly cloudy in the morning and then got cloudier over the course of the afternoon. I think. I was at work most of the day, so I could be wrong.

2. The lyrics refer to snowballs. Have you ever been in a snowball fight?

Yes. I lost.

3. Chionophobia is fear of snow. What phobias do you have?

I'm not a fan of large crowds.

4. In 2004, Canadian school children raised money for charity by setting a new world record: the most snow angels made in 24-hour period. Have you ever participated in a fundraising stunt?

Nope, but that one sounds sort of fun.

5. When marshmallows were first introduced, they were used for medicinal purposes. Specifically to soothe sore throats. What do you take when your throat is bothering you?

Tylenol. Or stronger.

6. Marshmallows are an important ingredient in the Rice Krispies Treat recipe. If you were asked to prepare something for a bake sale, what would you make?

Bar cookies of some kind.

7. Darlene played Danny Glover's wife in the Lethal Weapon movies. Do you enjoy action movies?

I loved those movies. So silly. Generally, action movies that take themselves very seriously I do not like.

8. Darlene's father advised her to always, "shoot for the stars." Share some good advice you've received.

"Don't pick up snakes."

9. Will you be returning/have you returned any holiday gifts?

Nope. It's all good.

Kentucky Rain (1970)
Next Thursday, the 8th, would be Elvis' 80th birthday, so we're celebrating The King. Here is this week's song.

1. In this song, Elvis hitchhikes across Kentucky. Have you ever hitched a ride?

Hell no!!

2. Elvis received his first guitar for his 11th birthday, even though he'd asked his parents for a bicycle. As an adult, how often do you ride a bike?

Not in ten years. Too hilly around here.

3. When Elvis was a child, his family was very poor, often living in rooming houses or public housing. His classmates teased him for being "trashy," which left him shy. Were you more shy or outgoing as a kid?

Shy. Totally shy. Even with friends I was shy.

4. While in high school, Elvis mowed neighbors' lawns with a push mower and a sickle. According to The Home Depot, one of today's most popular mowers is a gas-powered Cub Cadet with a self-mulching feature. Tell us about your lawn mower.

This is somewhat of a sore subject. We have gas walk-behind, and a gas rider that hasn't been functional for two summers now, but Beast won't just replace the damn thing!

5. In the 1950s, Frank Sinatra dismissed Elvis as, "deplorable." Yet by the time of Elvis' death, he had revised his opinion and said, "Elvis was the embodiment of the whole American culture." Tell us about something or someone you changed your mind about.

I'm watching football right now, so I'm going with the fact that I used to like the Seahawks.

6. After Elvis was discharged from the Army, his first performance was on a Sinatra TV special, sponsored by Timex. Do you wear a watch?

Nope.

7. Coinciding with Elvis' 80th birthday, there will be an auction of Presley-related memorabilia at his home in Graceland. One item up for bid is a plush toy he gave to an Army buddy's wife in 1958 for the baby she was expecting. Do you know anyone who is looking forward to a baby in 2015?

Yes, one of my nieces, Marguerite, is pregnant again, due in June.

8. None of the items being sold at the Graceland auction actually belonged to Elvis at the time of his death. Everything left to daughter Lisa Marie remains in her possession. Do you have something you cherish that was given to you by a close relative?

Loads of things. My mom's turquoise ring, for one.

9. The US Postal service sold more than 500 million of the Elvis commemorative stamp. According to the Census Bureau, that was two stamps each for every man, woman and child in the United States. When is the last time you visited the post office?

The last time I went inside the building was probably 3-4 months ago, but I was only checking our mailbox. I haven't stood in line there for a very long time.

Dancing with Myself (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is one of Billy Idol's biggest hits. Can you name another?

"White Wedding" among others.

2) When is the last time you danced around your home?

Probably when I made dinner last week. I tend to get a little goofy while stirring.

3) In this song, Billy says he dances with his own reflection. Is there a mirror in the room you're in right now?

Not as such, just a lot of glass (pictures, clocks, etc.).

4) Dancing with Myself is also the name of Billy Idol's 2014 autobiography. Let's say you're going to write your life story. What do you title it?

I have no idea.

5) This month, Billy resumes his 2014-15 concert tour in New Orleans. Have you ever been to Louisiana?

Yes. Yes I have. Once while in utero, once on our way to East Texas, and once on a mission trip. It's hot there. All the time, apparently.

6) In 1980, when "Dancing with Myself" was first popular, VHS players were all the rage. Do you still have yours?

Yup. Right next to the DVD player. I think we used it last month too to watch "Scrooged."

7) In 1980, The Love Boat was getting good ratings. Have you ever taken a cruise?

Not yet.

8) Sally Field won her first Oscar in 1980 for the movie Norma Rae. Five years later she won a second Oscar for Places in the Heart and delivered one of the most quoted acceptance speeches in Academy history. Do you remember what she said?

"You like me! You really like me!" [Look ma, no Google!]

9) In 1980, People magazine named Stephen King one of the most intriguing people of the year because he had two big paperback bestsellers -- The Dead Zone and The Shining. Do you have a favorite Stephen King book?

I loved his book of advice about writing. And his collection of short stories Just after Sunset was really good.