Friday 5 (x3)

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What color is your parachute? (June 20)

1. Which job on a film crew would you most like to do, and which would you be best suited for?

None of the jobs sounds like anything much I'd like to do, but the closest are in the post-production areas or something like negative cutter or compositor.     

2. Which job on a hotel staff would you most like to do, and which would you be best suited for? 

I wouldn't mind working the front desk, but I would absolutely not do well with asshole guests. Everything else sounds like hell on earth.

3. Which job in a hospital would you most like to do, and which would you be best suited for?

  Probably pharmacist or some sort of tech.

4. Which job on a cruise ship would you most like to do, and which would you be best suited for? 

I don't see a single thing. Maybe purser. I would NOT want to deal with members of the public on one of these and I don't have any interest in programming.

5. Which job on a fashion magazine would you most like to do, and which would you be best suited for?

Sub-editor. Otherwise, I'd be drunk and angry all the time. Most of these jobs sound simply awful.

Saturday 9

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I'll Be Loving You (Forever) – 1989

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

 

1) A Greek philosopher said, "There is nothing permanent except change." The New Kids on the Block sang, "I'll be loving you forever." Who do you think is right? Or can both be right?

Not to be super-deep but the way you love someone changes over time. Or else it dies. The way I love Sparky now, for instance, is entirely different from the semi-panicked tiger-mom style parenting I did when she was a baby-baby.

2) In this week's song, New Kids lead singer Jordan Knight sings that he can't take a broken heart. What advice would you give someone struggling through the end of a romance?

Be sad. But there's no need to wallow. Try to find some kind of silver lining ("hey, at least I don't have to put up with their annoying dog anymore!"), remind yourself that you are enough and there's plenty to do whether or not you have a 'date' for events. Just go on.

3) Jordan was invited to join the New Kids on the Block by his friend, Donnie Wahlberg. Has a friend ever gotten you a job? 

Yes, my current job was 'assigned' to me by a good friend when she retired. She's also the one that 'told' the director at the time to hire me. 😜

4) Donnie began his show business career as a singer/rapper. Now he's probably better known as an actor, appearing for 14 seasons on a popular police show. Can you name it?

Nope. I'm not a fan of his. 

5) Much of the video for this song was filmed in the gymnasium of Xavier High School in New York City. When is the last time you were in a high school gym?

Wow. I think that would be Sparky's high school graduation 13 years ago, and I'm not at all mad about that!

6) The video also shows the boys enjoying pizza. What toppings are on your dream pizza?

Canadian bacon (or regular bacon in a pinch), mushrooms, onions, maybe sausage, with red sauce.
Or chicken and spinach, with white sauce.

7) The band is back together! The New Kids on the Block will be appearing this summer at the Park MGM in Las Vegas. Do you have any concert plans this year?

Absolutely not. My concert-going days are far in the rear-view mirror, except for very small venues. 

8) In 1989, when this song was popular, Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was born. He recently won the prestigious Masters Tournament. Tell us about a competition you won. (Yes, your third grade spelling bee counts.)

I won a poster contest in junior high school that was an opinion cartoon about the American Revolution. I won a 30-cent coupon for the Tastee-Freez across from the school. I never used it.

9) Random question – On which game show would you do better: Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune?

 I would probably WIN more on WoF, but I hate that show so much. I'd like to say I'd do well on Jeopardy but I haven't watched in awhile, so I'm kind of out of the groove.

Friday 5

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Big game 

With apologies in advance. 

1. What item in your house recently ceased (or is likely soon to cease) Operation?

I just replaced my water heater in December. All the appliances in the house are in the red zone: fridge, washer, dryer, stove...

2. If someone were to poker ’round in your refrigerator, what item might he or she have questions about?

"Where is your actual, yknow, food?"

3. What’s in your backPac, Man? 

The only real backpack in the house is Beast's and I think it's empty. I cleaned it out awhile ago.

4. When did you last run into an old Flame? 

Literally never. ... OHHH, wait, this wasn't a flame but a guy that I knew in college that ... was a good kisser. We met up at our 20th reunion. It was a weird conversation.

5. With what object are you frequently playing Hide-and-Seek?

My phone. But actually, almost everything that I touch ends up hiding out at some point. I'm hopeless.

Saturday 9

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Thank U, Next (2018) 

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

1) In this song, Ariana Grande thanks her former boyfriends for what they taught her about love, life, patience and pain. Do you believe you have learned more from your successes, or your mistakes? 

Sadly, I seem to only learn from hard times, i.e. mistakes. Right now I'm facing a complete personality overhaul so I don't lose my job.

2) One of the young men mentioned in the song is Pete Davidson, a cast member of Saturday Night Live. SNL has been on for more than 45 years now. Who is your all-time favorite cast member? 

Gilda. Though Kate McKinnon is pretty amazing.

3) Thinking of funny people ... As you can see from the video, Ariana performed "Thank U, Next" on Ellen Degeneres' talk show. Ellen makes people laugh every afternoon. Who in your life can you always count on to make you laugh or smile? 

I got a call Thursday from a friend/acquaintance who knew I needed to buck up. He almost always makes me smile and he did it again on one of my worst days in awhile. I am so fortunate to have so many friends like this. If it's not an actual person, "The Dollop" podcast often makes me cry with hilarity.

4) It looks like Ariana Grande's personal romantic saga will have a happy ending because at Christmastime, she announced her engagement. Do you know anyone who is getting married in 2021? 

Nope. That is, I don't know if I know anyone getting married this year.

5) Ariana loves Harry Potter and named her dogs Snape, Lily and Sirius Black after characters in the J.K. Rowling books. Are you a Harry Potter fan? 

I like the stories.

6) She loves board games, especially Monopoly. Sam isn't crazy about Monopoly because it takes so long. How about you? Are you a Monopoly fan? 

Not really, and for the same reason as Sam.

7) In 2018, the year this song was released, Toys R Us closed all its stores and went out of business. Who received the last toy you purchased? What was it? 

Beast got a mini-sock-monkey for Christmas from me. Oh, and a light/memory game, which I haven't actually seen in his hands yet.

8) Also in 2018, Aretha Franklin died. What's your favorite Aretha song? 

Any song Aretha sang was tremendous. "Chain of Fools" is a favorite, but honestly...ANYthing.

 9) Random question: Are you more likely to shed a tear at a wedding or during a movie?

Both? The vows always make me mushy inside, and there is almost always some pathos that forces me to cry in a movie.

Friday 5

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Games People Play

1. How good are you at word games, and what’s a word game you really enjoy?

   I love word games! I do at least one crossword a day.

2. How good are you at trivia games, and what’s your strongest category?

   Heh, I'm good enough that literally NONE of my (non-librarian) friends will play against me. 😢

3. How good are you at spot-the-difference or what’s-wrong-with-this-picture games?

   I'm ok at them. Certainly not nearly as good as with trivia though!

4. How good are you at memory games, and have you ever played Simon?

   I have played it and I'm not good at it at all. I can only get up to about 5 or 6 before I start to have trouble.

5. What’s your favorite party game of all time?

   I'm kind of loving Cards Against Humanity, though if I'm playing with kids, Apples to Apples is probably better.

Saturday 9

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Piano (2013)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) As she sings, Ariana muses about the songs she could compose on her piano. Do you play the piano?

I can pick out a tune, yes. I used to be able to properly play.

2) She compares love songs, saying there are sad ones about how hard love is, and happy ones that make you want to dance. What's your favorite love song? Is it sad or happy?

My favorite love song is silly and not at all romantic, and serious.

3) Ariana's mother always told her that they took her name from Princess Oriana in the 1988 movie Felix the Cat. Who is your favorite cartoon character?

Timon? I dunno. There aren't a lot of good female characters.

4) Ariana's favorite board game is Monopoly. What's your favorite board game?

Life. No really: Life.

5) She relaxes by baking. When you feel keyed up, what do you do to relax?

Sleep. OK, I read myself to sleep.

6) She is a huge Florida Panthers fan, even though once, as a little girl, she got hit by a puck. Now that the NHL season is underway, how's your favorite team doing?

Uhm. I literally watch less than one hockey game a year, averaged over my lifetime.

7) In 2013, when this song was popular, the NHL reached an agreement with the players union and averted a strike. Have you ever belonged to a union?

Nope. Never felt the need, except for a few brief periods under hideous bosses.

8) Also in 2013, Pauline Philips died. Ms. Philips was better known to millions of readers as "Dear Abby." At its height, her advice column appeared in 1,400 newspapers across the country. Do you still read a printed copy of your newspaper?

Nope. Well, I mean, I read the weekly because their website isn't great.

9) If you could get the answer to one question about your future, what would that one question be?

"How long, Oh Lord?"

Saturday 9 x 4

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Monster Mash (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

1) In your younger days, did you ever trick or treat while dressed as a monster or ghoul?

I don't think so. I don't remember most of my costumes, but I can't see my parents doing anything scarier with me than basic black-hatted witch.

2) Do you enjoy being frightened by celluloid boys-gone-bad, like Michael Myers (Halloween) or Jason (Friday the 13th)?

Not at all. Have not seen any of these movies, ever.

3) When you were a kid, did you ever TP a neighbor's house or indulge in any other Halloween acts of vandalism? (Don't worry, the statute of limitations is up.)

Absolutely not.

4) Will you be attending any Halloween parties this year? If so, will you dress up?

Oops, uh, no. I wasn't home at all on Halloween: worked 7 a.m to 6 p.m., met my sponsor for dinner, then went to a meeting, arrived back home around 9:30.

5) Can you see any Halloween decorations as you answer these 9 questions?

Nope. Then again, next week is Thanksgiving, so I wouldn't be likely to see much at this point, even if I could see outside.

6) While Halloween is most popular in the United States and Canada, and isn't really celebrated at all in Japan or South Korea. How would you explain our Halloween customs to a visitor from another land?

Kids run around in costume begging for candy. It's a bit weird.

7) "Monster Mash" is one of Halloween's most played songs. Are you happy to hear it every year? Or does it set your teeth on edge?

I actually never heard it this year.

8) This week's featured artist, Bobby "Boris" Pickett, started as a stand-up comedian who incorporated his imitations of Boris Karlof and Bela Lugosi into his act. Can you impersonate anyone?

I don't think so.

9) Dick Clark was an impossibly young looking 33 in this week's featured clip. Are you often told you look good for your age?

Well, last week someone asked if Beast is my son. He's literally 6 days younger than me. Yeah, that was a suuuper-good day.

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Suddenly I See (2005)Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a tribute to Patti Smith, the rocker who inspired KT Tunstall. What woman who has inspired you?

My mom and grandmothers. Gloria Steinem. Margaret Sanger. Sandra Day O'Connor. People from my church(es).

2) In this video, you can see a turntable and an LP. When is the last time you played a record?

Oh boy. Decades. I mean, our stereo is set up and ready to go, but it's too much hassle to get out the records themselves. Oh. Wait. I played a 78 on our Crosley to put it onto a CD for work last year.

3) Growing up, Ms. Tunstall seldom sang at home because her father is severely hearing impaired and music interfered with his sensitive hearing aid. Do you, or does anyone in your family, wear a hearing aid?

My dad did. No one here does now though. The day is probably coming.

4) In high school, she got experience performing on street corners. Have you ever tipped a street musician?

Ayup.

5) When this song was popular, Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 to North America. Are you into gaming?

Not really. Sparky very happily presented something on our Skype call today, "See what I just got?!" It's a game. "It's the NEW Pokemon game; it just came out." Oh.

6) In 2005, Prince Charles married his long-time love, Camilla Parker Bowles. At the time of their wedding, 73% of Brits said they disapproved of her. Today, her popularity has increased somewhat and her disapproval has dropped to 55%. Do you know anyone who married someone you didn't like? Did their spouse grow on you with time?

Yes. And no.

7) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was popular in theaters. Who is your favorite "Harry Potter" character?

Hermione of course!! ...though I have a soft spot for Ron, too.

8) In 2005, YouTube was introduced by three young men who met while working at PayPal. What's the last thing you paid for using PayPal?

I have never used PayPal. That's rather shocking, I guess.

9) Random Question: After a long, exhausting day of travel, you check into a motel. The room is not at all to your liking. It's next to the ice machine, so you can hear cubes dropping noisily into metal buckets. Your view is of the parking lot. The bathtowels and thin and tiny. In short, you feel like you're being ripped off. Do you grab your bag, turn on your heel and check out, hoping there are better accommodations nearby? Or do you say, "What the hell, it's only one night," and climb into bed?

Depends on how tired I am and if the bathroom is clean. If I'm beat...I'll probably just crash and then leave a rude note online. If the bathroom is scummy though, I'm definitely out. Dirty bathroom, buggy bed, bye-bye.

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Get Down Tonight (1975)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Tonight, KC has three things on his "to-do" list: do a little dance, make a little love and get down. Tell us three things you'd like to accomplish this weekend.

Update the checkbook and balance it. Take a bath. Make a list of all the calls and errands I need to do Monday.

2) This week's song is considered emblematic of disco, a genre that had as many detractors as fans. Is there a kind of music you simply cannot stand?

I don't like experimental weirdness that is clearly just pompous self-aggrandizement.

3) Before becoming a musician, KC, aka Harry Casey, worked in a record store. In those days, record stores were very popular. Peaches, Coconuts, Sam Goody and Tower Records are four store chains that once dotted the landscape but now are gone. Today, if you wanted to purchase a CD, where would you turn?

Amazon.

4) One of his duties at the record store was unloading the big corrugated shippers filled with LPs. What's the heaviest thing you've lifted lately?

I've been humping stuff in and out of various medical facilities pretty much daily--this last one, I'm bringing in clothes and schlepping them back home to wash every day. Thank God our water is free.

5) KC is proud that he's lived his entire life in Miami-Dade County. Do you expect to change your address in the next year or so?

It is eminently possible if Beast can't figure out stairs but is otherwise able to come home.

6) In 1975, the year this song was popular, former Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, never to be seen again. Many theories flourish about what may have happened to him. Is there a famous criminal case that has a hold on your attention?

I've been addicted to Jack the Ripper since sophomore/junior year of high school. I've done two term papers on him and that era/place in history.

7) Jaws was the most popular movie of 1975. Are you afraid of sharks?

Not particularly. I can't swim, so....

8) Actress Angelina Jolie was born in 1975. People magazine once named her "most beautiful." Who is the most beautiful woman you can think of?

That I know personally? I work with a couple of striking women. I can't think of anyone I think who stops traffic or anything...

9) Random question: A wizard offers you a choice -- would you like your life to stay as it is right now (in terms of your health, your career, your relationships and your finances) for the next 5 years, or would you like to take a chance that the future will be brighter?

Oh, hell, the future has to be better than the present! Right?

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Son of a Preacher Man (1968)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin, who turned it down. What's the most recent thing that you said "no" to?

Helping Beast in the bathroom this afternoon. This is what the nurses are paid for. Most of the rest of the stuff that goes on there, I'm willing to help with. Not that, though.

2) Two years later, Aretha recorded "Son of a Preacher Man." What's something you changed your mind about?

I've been doing a lot of back-and-forth about Beast coming home.

3) This song tells the tale of Billy Ray, a young man who could be very persuasive. If we wanted to change your mind about something, would you be more easily swayed by an emotional argument, or with verifiable facts?

I would be unlikely to be swayed by someone trying to change my mind at all. I don't do well with being told what to do.

4) If you ordered a "Son of a Preacher Man" in a bar, you'd get a cocktail made with peppermint schnapps, gin and lemonade. When did you last have lemonade? Was it just lemonade, or was it spiked with alcohol?

Good gawd that sounds AWFUL! I can't even think of a time I've had lemonade in the past 6 months. It's not really my thing, but it would have been just lemonade.

5) Dusty had a thing for maps. She admired them artistically and enjoyed using them to take long car trips. Do you use printed maps? Or do you rely on technology, like GPS or Google Maps?

I almost exclusively use the GPS in my car, and look at Google Maps ahead of time.

6) As a girl, she attended convent school. There, one of the nuns discouraged Dusty from performing, telling her that if she would do better to be a mother or a librarian. When you were growing up, did the adults in your world encourage your dreams?

Nope. Which is ridiculous, actually, considering that I come from a long line of women who worked for pay.

7) That nun inspired Dusty's first major act of rebellion. In an attempt to make herself look less like a future librarian or housewife, she bleached her hair platinum blonde. In school, were you much of a rebel? Or did you conform to the expectations adults had of you?

Oh, I was quiet and relatively well-behaved in school. But remember those striking-looking women? One of them has several tats, wears 6" heels and short skirts, dyes her hair in random colorful streaks....and is a librarian. So, hey nun, fuck right off.

8) Early in her career, Dusty provided the entertainment at a family summer camp. She appeared on the bill with a clown, a fire-eater and a hypnotist. Have you ever been hypnotized?

Nope. Hell to the no, not in public for sure!!

9) Random question: Have you ever played matchmaker to your friends? If yes, did your efforts lead to romance?

I have, to spectacularly zero effect. Setting up two non-communicative people is just stupid.

Friday 5

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Payday

1. From whom did you receive your first real paycheck?

   My hometown library was my first actual check, as opposed to the cash I got for babysitting.

2. Among board games involving the exchange of money, which have you enjoyed most?

   I actually can't play Payday--I get really angry and turn into Terrible Loser. So, I'll go with Life.

3. PayDay is the name of a candy bar consisting of salted peanuts rolled in caramel surrounding a firm, nougat-like center. How does it sound to you if you haven’t tried it, and how do you like it if you have? Is there a similar candy bar you like better?

   It's surprisingly good. It always looked shady to me--nuts and sugar??--but once I gave in and tried it once, I was pleased. Don't know why it confused me so much: my dad spent a lot of time making (and eating) peanut-brittle, which tastes nothing like Paydays, by the way.

4. When did you last do something nice for yourself just because it was pay day?

   Years. I have money in the bank, so I don't have to wait till I get paid to buy most things. Yes, I do know how fortunate I am.

5. What person with the surname Day are you most familiar with?

   Dorothy Day, I guess.

* For the last question, I wanted to ask which member of the Partridge Family is your favorite, but I have a feeling that’s a question only I want to expound upon (Laurie, of course!), so I’ll just leave it here in case anyone is led to respond.

Well, this is just as easy for me: Keith of course! Though I always really liked Mom, too. If you liked Shirley Jones in that show, or in Oklahoma! DO NOT read her recent autobiography!

LONG quiz for true nerds

I Am A: True Neutral Human Wizard (6th Level)

Ability Scores:
Strength- 9
Dexterity- 10
Constitution- 10
Intelligence- 16
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 13

Alignment:
True Neutral A true neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. He doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most true neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil after all, he would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, he's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way. Some true neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the long run. True neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you act naturally, without prejudice or compulsion. However, true neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it represents apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.

Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.

Class:
Wizards are arcane spellcasters who depend on intensive study to create their magic. To wizards, magic is not a talent but a difficult, rewarding art. When they are prepared for battle, wizards can use their spells to devastating effect. When caught by surprise, they are vulnerable. The wizard's strength is her spells, everything else is secondary. She learns new spells as she experiments and grows in experience, and she can also learn them from other wizards. In addition, over time a wizard learns to manipulate her spells so they go farther, work better, or are improved in some other way. A wizard can call a familiar- a small, magical, animal companion that serves her. With a high Intelligence, wizards are capable of casting very high levels of spells.

Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?, courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)

I'm super-glad not to be evil. Generally this makes me happy, to be honest.

Sunday Stealing

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Around the House

Bedroom: what’s your sleep schedule?

I sleep whenever I can. I'm usually in bed by 9 or 10 and reading or puzzling for awhile. Wake-up time varies between 5:30 and 7:30 depending on the day--although yesterday I slept past noon!!--and I try to get a nap on weekends. Not yesterday, though.

Kitchen: favorite comfort food?

Sweets. I'm not fussy, but I'm also on the verge of being told to totally cut them out.

Washroom: showers or baths? bubbles? bath bombs?

My daily schedule involves a shower upon waking up most mornings, but I like to get a bath periodically just because they are relaxing and I can shave my legs easier. And I use either bubbles or bath salts, whatever I grab first.

Closet: sum up your style in a few words.

"Is it comfortable? Does it have pockets?"

Parlor: favorite party or board game?

I really do like the game of Life. And I've loved every single game I've played of Cards Against Humanity, including the one we played at a staff meeting at work. THAT was super-eye-opening.

Living room: what do you like to do with your family?

Talk. We're heavily into talking, mostly over each other, all at the same time, and getting irritated because no one is listening. Otherwise, we do well wherever you put us, to be honest. We're nothing if not adaptable.* Oh, and we like to eat.

Dining room: favorite special occasion food?

I make a good Thanksgiving spread.

Garden: favorite tree? flower?

My favorite tree...hmm, either aspen or blue spruce, I guess. My favorite flower is heirloom roses, the kind that smell.

Attic: what’s one thing you have a sentimental attachment to and you will never throw away?

I would assume the obvious wedding ring answer, but otherwise there are just too many "favorite things" and while I would hate to do it, I know it's quite likely I will have to do so someday.

Library: favorite book genre?

Mysteries. I used to turn up my nose at romances, but I'm about to start on a tear of those having had just about enough bad news on my plate for far too long.

Office: if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

The one I have is pretty damned excellent!

Guest room: have you been to a sleepover? if so, when was your first? do you like them?

I'm female: of course I had slumber parties as a child and teen. My first? I was probably 10 or so, but don't remember details. They were just part of weekends and vacations and so forth, a 'thing' that has continued well into my adulthood. My last one was at Amy's over a year ago; I spent the weekend at her house. Lovely!

Foyer: do you like small gatherings, large parties, or one-on-one meetings?

I hate large crowds. Smaller groups or one-on-one is far preferred.

Pantry: favorite meal to make?

Mac n cheese, I guess. I really don't enjoy cooking that much.

Laundry: favorite and least favorite chore?

I don't mind cleaning bathrooms or doing dishes or general cleanup, but I absolutely LOATHE floors! Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming--I hate it all. And guess what's on my schedule today? Yep, all three.

Garage: favorite mode of transportation? favorite car?

I love riding trains. I'm not a train nut, but there's something about going slow enough to see people's backyards and farm fields but fast enough to move along and NOT have to do the driving.... I'm acutely envious that Beast gets to take the commuter train into the Big City on Wednesday without me. Closer to home, I'd love a Jeep Cherokee, but my Ford Edge is fine too.

Panic room: what was the most nerve-wracking experience you’ve had?

Parenting. You don't know for sure you've done things right until at least 20 years after the fact.

Powder room: do you wear makeup? if so, what one item can’t you live without? what’s your favorite look?

The only "make up" I wear is Chapstick. I can't have stuff around my eyes because of allergies, and my rosacea means putting stuff on my cheeks and nose is just begging for a giant breakout. Also, I'm lazy, and usually don't want to take the time to futz in the morning.

__________
*The first is more true of my extended family of origin, and much less true of Beast and Sparky and me. The latter part is all of us.

Friday 5

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Let’s Get Physical

1. How confidently could you turn a cartwheel right now?

   I've never been able to cartwheel even when young and in-shape. Now, being neither, there's no way I wouldn't end up in the hospital.

2. How (physically) flexible are you?

   I've also never been particularly flexible. My toes are pretty far from my fingers, and getting further with each passing day.

3. How are your Frisbee-throwing skills?

   FINALLY something I'm good at! I haven't thrown a frisbee in eons but I expect my muscle-memory would get it aloft and flying. I've been frisbeeing since I was 6 or so.

4. Which carnival game do you have the best shot at winning?

   Anything that has an element of chance over "skill." That water-gun thing is do-able too.

5. How good are you at toss-the-paper-in-the-wastebasket?

   I'm generally pretty bad at it--I miss the trash can at work regularly, and it's literally RIGHT UNDER MY RIGHT HAND! However, I'm killer at tossing an empty can or bottle into the recycling bin in the garage, so that's some compensation.

Friday 5

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Mornings Are for Coffee and Contemplation
In honor of Barb somehow getting an Emmy nomination (look it up if you don’t know and you’re curious), five questions.

1. Why are waffles better than pancakes?

   They are not. Pancakes are better. They absorb more syrup. Waffles are too crispy.

2. What’s something you remember about being 11?

   I spent five weeks of that summer at my sister Ellen's house while my parents visited my other sister Jean in England (first trip overseas). It was an excellent summer. I read several Travis McGee books and most of the Hardy Boys, some Nancy Drew and played with my oldest nephew a lot. He turned two while I was there.

3. What experience do you have with role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons?

   I've played a few times. Beast was into more than I was. Sparky plays regularly with his crew, probably at least monthly; I suspect that in college it was more like weekly.

4. How do you feel about carnival rides that make you go upside-down?

   I'm fine with upside-down. I'm definitively NOT OK with spinning!

5. You’ve seen Matthew Modine in more films than you realize (which he famously admitted during his opening monologue when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 1988) (filmography here). Which have you seen, and which was the best?

   This is shocking in light of that statement, but I've literally seen NOTHING he's been in. Which explains why he doesn't even look reasonably familiar to me.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Won't Last a Day without You (1972)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.*

1) This song makes reference to rainbows. Have you seen one lately?

It hasn't been sunny around here during rain lately. No rainbows. Just a lot of water falling down. OTOH, several gay friends post rainbows regularly on Facebook, so....

2) When Sam heard this song, it occurred to her that she wouldn't last a day without a game of online Yahtzee. What little commonplace pleasure reliably brightens your day?

I have my crosswords and Nook games at bedtime that soothe me into restfulness.

3) Richard Carpenter was emphatic that his group's name was "Carpenters," NO "the." Whenever he hears the group referred to as "The Carpenters," it gets on his nerves. What little commonplace annoyance reliably sets you off?

"Jew-ler-ee" is not a word. Neither are "Lye-ber-ree", "N(y)oo-ku-lur" or "Ho-made." That last one is at least mildly amusing.

4) Karen Carpenter said she drank iced tea all day long. What beverage do you think you'll have with your next meal?

Diet Dr. Pepper. I suppose you could count the big handful of raw walnuts as lunch, and I'm currently drinking DDP.

5) "I Won't Last a Day without You" was written by Oscar-winning composer Paul Williams. He also tried his hand at acting, most notably appearing with Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit. Back in the 1970s, the three movies in the Smokey series were very popular. Have you seen any of them?

Uh, yeah, hello! I was on the young end of the prime demographic for watching Burt Reynolds in his heyday. I've always thought he and Sally (Field) were the perfect couple. ...sigh

6) This song was recorded in 1973 by Diana Ross. Now in her 70s, Miss Ross is still going strong with a busy calendar of appearances in 2017. What's your favorite Diana Ross song?

I've been hearing "I'm Coming Out" quite regularly lately on Spotify (see footnote below), but my favorite is "MacArthur Park" just because it's so freakin' over-the-top and melodramatic! I worry about that cake being out in the rain...

7) In 1972, the year this song was popular, the United States and the United Kingdom joined forces and launched the Copernicus satellite. Today it's remembered for the discovery of long-period pulsars. Crazy Sam got bored writing this question. Do you enjoy reading about science?

Not astronomy. Beast is the Science Stud in my house, though I enjoy some biology/physiology stuff. Chemistry, physics, astronomy....yaaaaawwnnnnnn! My niece is an astrophysicist and even SHE doesn't work in her field!

8) Before Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz was American's premier Olympic swimmer. In 1972 he won seven Gold Medals. After making millions in endorsements and TV appearances, he settled into a career as a realtor in Los Angeles. Are you contemplating a change in residence any time soon? If you move, will you be consulting a realtor?

Mark Spitz is a realtor!? (hey, there's another word that is on my list of peeves: it's "ree-uhl-tor" not "ree-luh-tur"!) OK, the thought of moving makes me physically ill, but I think we need to start being realistic. Beast struggles up our stairs, and there are a lot of them--7 to get to the main floor from outside, 15 to the 2nd floor bedrooms, another 7 down to the basement--and I worry that I'm going to find him dead at the bottom one day after a fall. He, of course, wants to stay put here. And before we really consider moving, we need to repaint and replace some floors. And then we'll call one of the many realtors we know, yes.

9) Random question: Which of these is completely, 100% UNTRUE of you -- boring, lazy or stupid?

I'm not 100% stupid. I have my blonde moments (my hair is going from dark brown to gray, so I'm getting closer to blonde these days anyway!), but I'm far lazier and more boring than I am stupid.

_____________
*Yet again, I heard this song this past week. We have to stop listening to the same Spotify, Sam!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Disappearing Questions

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

We saw "La La Land" last weekend. We were underwhelmed, to say the least. No clue why it's getting accolades--except that it's a movie about how wonderful Hollywood is. But it's not that good.

2. What book are you reading?

Blotto Twinks And The Riddle Of The Sphinx, by Simon Brett; Where the Shadows Lie, by Michael Ridpath; The Oxford Book of English Detective Stories, (ed. by Patricia Craig); Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets, by Svetlana Alexievich.

3. Favorite board game?

Trivial Pursuit. Or Life.

4. Favorite magazine?

Ms.

5. Favorite smells?

Pine. "Clean." Vanilla.

6. Favorite sounds?

Giggling. Hymns. Wind.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

Pain. Pain in those I love is actually THE worst.

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

It's a toss-up between "Can I snooze?", "What am I wearing today?" and "What stupid shit did SCROTUS to overnight?"

9. Favorite fast food place?

KFC, Arby's. and Taco Bell. Our TB has been closed since before Halloween. Just reopened at the end of last week. I can't WAIT to drive-thru this week!!).

10. Future child’s name?

There are no children in my future, except grandchildren. And I don't get to name those.

11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?

"...spend more and still complain about being poor."

12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I do. Elsie my library cat.

13. Storms – cool or scary?

It's a matter of scale, is it not? I don't mind some thunder-bangers, but I'm not a fan of tornado weather.

14. Favorite drink?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Mixed-drink? Stoli & tonic with a lime twist.

15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?

"....travel much more often!"

16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

Yes. Well, more on cooked broccoli than raw, I guess.

17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I'd like a nice electric blue, to be honest.

18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?

Suburban Denver, suburban Milwaukee, and ex-urban Where-I-Live-Now.

19. Favorite sports to watch?

Football. Gymnastics.

20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

I like Bud. He's funny, classy (usually, lol), smart, and interesting. And likes music.

21. What’s under your bed?

Dust, used Kleenex, electrical cords ... mostly dust.

22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Sure. Maybe I'd screw up less. Or differently. But I probably wouldn't have my memories to remind me of what worked.

23. Morning person, or night owl?

I prefer mornings overall.

24. Over easy, or sunny side up?

Over easy.

25. Favorite place to relax?

Up in the mountains in a meadow. Me and the sky and grass and sun.

26. Favorite pie?

Cherry? Banana-cream? Really, I just like pie.

27. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Birthday cake. Peppermint. Bubble gum. Or just plain vanilla with butterscotch topping.

28. Of all the people who play, how many of the posts do you usually read?

Depends how buried in other things I am. I'm unlikely to get very far today.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Hold On to the Knight
On this date in 1996, IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer beat Garry Kasparov in a game of chess for the first time. This week’s questions are in honor of that amazing feat.

1. When and how did you learn to play chess?

   I learned the basics so that I could teach my son when he was 5 or 6, so I was in my 30s. I haven't played much sice then; I'm not much of a strategy competition person.

2. How is your chess game?

   Hah. I think the fact that I started getting beat regularly by a 6-year-old pretty much answers that, eh?

3. When did you last find yourself in a stalemate?

   Oh this is a daily occurrence at work. I'm becoming a master work-arounder.

4. A gambit is a chess opening in which a player sacrifices a piece in hopes of gaining an advantageous position. What was one of your recent, real-world gambits?

   I've had to learn to keep almost all my opinions on the DL at work so that I can eventually get the boss to Do the Right Thing by making him think it was all his idea to start with. I hate this game.

5. Which piece on the chessboard is most like you, and why?

   Oh I am, of course, the queen. (ha ha ha ha)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Some Guys Have All the Luck (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Do you consider yourself lucky?

Oh for sure! No doubt. I should be dead a few times over--the fact that I'm not is, if not luck, a miracle.

2) When did you last risk money in a game of chance (lottery, raffle ticket, slot machine, etc.)? How did you do?

I don't play the lottery. I don't play slots around here. When I'm in Vegas, I through some money away, but never more than $100 or so. I only do raffles to support the cause the raffle is raising money for.

3) There's a major football game this weekend. Will you be watching? Do you have any money riding on the outcome?

No money on it, but I'm really hoping Atlanta can whup those Pats. I'll be watching the ads.

4) The composer of this song, Jeff Fortgang, is an interesting guy who's had two disparate careers: first pop musician, then Yale-educated clinical psychologist. It's possible that many of the patients who see him for help with anxiety or depression have no idea that he wrote this song. What's something your coworkers (or, if you're not working, casual friends) would be surprised to know about you?

I've worked with several of the same people for over 21 years. I'm not real sure there's anything that would be surprising to them. At this point, perhaps the mere fact that I used to be skinny (and I was VERY skinny as a kid).

5) Similarly, fans are often surprised to learn that this week's featured artist, Rod Stewart, is a history buff who loves reading about WWII. Is there a period of time or historic event that has captured your interest?

I have read an awful lot (pun intended) about the Holocaust, both the 'mechanics' of it and the human cost of it.
I've also read a lot of stuff about 'the historical Jesus' and the very early years of people believing he was ... something.

6) Rod met his current wife as the result of a dare. Penny Lancaster, then in her 20s, spotted the decades-older celebrity in a bar and only approached him because her friends bet her she didn't have the guts to talk to him. Are you, like Penny, vulnerable to peer pressure? Can your friends talk you into doing things you might not otherwise do?

I'm vulnerable to dares like this, though less-so than when I was young. However, I'm also really stubborn and if I don't want to do something I can be a total "party pooper." If it doesn't fit in my ethos (or if I just don't wanna for whatever reason, tbh), I'm not going to be dared into it!

7) Rod vividly recalls being 11 years old and going to see Little Richard perform in a film comedy called The Girl Can't Help It. When you were a kid, did you enjoy going to the movies? What do you recall seeing?

We didn't go to movies too often. I can only think of about 5 that I saw: "Tora, Tora, Tora!" (I thought it was a bullfighting movie--uh, no), "Paint Your Wagon", "The Apple Dumpling Gang", "Herbie the Love Bug", "The Lady and the Tramp".... There may have been more, but I sure doubt it.

8) The lyrics tell of when Rod's car overheats and he calls a friend, who doesn't come through. Tell us about a time recently when you were there and helped a buddy out.

Uhm. I do this often enough that it's not really memorable. Sorry. I don't keep score on this. The only thing I can think of is that a coworker nearly passed out at lunch Thursday, and a couple of us sat her down and fussed over her till she felt ok--and extracted a promise to get to the doctor ASAP.

9) The lyrics mention that "some guys do nothing but complain." Who do you know who is like that? Do you have a friend, relative or coworker who just always seems to find fault?

OMG. One of my former coworkers was the WORST! Just awful. I feel kind of bad because we have been told that since retiring, she has developed serious dementia, so now we're all wondering if the earlier behavior was a cover. It was, however, a nightmare to deal with day to day.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Very Forceful Questions

1. Do you have/have you had any pets?

When I was a wee tot, we had a parakeet named Peppy who lived in a cage in the dining room. I barely remember Peppy, so I was probably under 6 when he died. When I was 10, I started coming home to an empty house after school, so my parents got a dog to "protect" me. Tippi was also fabulously patient--till he got old--and willing to dress up in my clothes and bark like a crazy rabid dog whenever the doorbell rang. We had to have him put down when I was about 24 because he had started biting people when they touched him. My 2-year-old nephew was spending a lot of time with Grandpa & Grandma and there were little kids next door--plus the little doggy had horrible arthritis and was blind as well. That was a rough day. We had finches for awhile after we got married, which was fun but when they had babies, and then more babies, it got massively out of control. Then when we bought our first house, Beast and I hit the pound and picked out our little angel-dog Shady. OK, she was a Shepherd-lab-something mutt, but she really was the most adorable, loving, kind-hearted, joyful dog I've ever known. Also a little fraidy-cat, but that's ok. It was about 5 years later when I finally had to face reality: I'm allergic to dogs. By then, we also had a child who loved that puppy, so she stayed and I sniffled. We went on vacation when she was about 14 and she stayed with a friend/coworker--where she died! OMG this is not a good plan, people. Coworker couldn't reach us for like 10 hours, when Sparky found out he imploded, and it sorta killed the remaining vacation. OK, so no more dogs because Mom sux, but Sparky got two guinea pigs that Christmas and we've had succeeding guineas since then. We're on our last one now. Poor little guy--I don't see him lasting much past winter. Then we're done. No more pets. Except pet rocks. Although, honestly, if I end up alone in the future, I will be getting a little rat-dog of some kind.

2. Do you play video games? If so, do you have a favorite video game series?

Not really. I used to love playing The Sims and Sim Civilization, but I can't operate the controllers on video games to make those games work if I'm not using a computer keyboard. And the new PC versions don't work right either.

3. Any unpopular opinions on anything?

Heh. Well, considering I got yelled at Monday by a patron with a program beef (I have nothing to do with programming), called an ambulance 3 hours after that for a patron who was struggling to breathe, and then had to deal with full-bore Crazy in all its various incarnations for the rest of the week, topped off by a call to the police today to help us eject one of the Crazies (who turned it into a totally horse-and-pony show by refusing to cooperate and having to be practically dragged out)...I don't really care if I'm popular in my opinions. I'm just trying to survive each day with my dignity and sanity intact.
But I do hate Trump if that counts.

4. Do you have a favorite gem? If yes, has anyone ever bought you jewelry with that gem?

I have several sapphires, which I like: two rings, some earrings, and at least one necklace.

5. Favorite story genres?

I really like mysteries and good thrillers that aren't all car chases and technology.

6. What was once a secret that you can now share? (The original question was "What kind of fruit do you hate" which is type of question that I think "who cares?" so I just change them.)

I'm married to a wonderful man who is struggling with alcoholism.

7. Do you like reading?

Uh, yeah, a bit ...?

8. What time is it for you now[;] what are you usually doing at this time of the day?

It's currently 6:10 p.m. During the week I'm just leaving work. Weekends are variable. Right now we're watching our DVR'd Packer game. I expect the actual life game is pretty close to over, so I've turned off Facebook.

9. What character on TV or in film is most similar to you? You can go with looks or personality. Or you can make a quip and go to the next question.

Sandra Bullock's character in "Miss Congeniality." (I wish)

He's a featured player!

10. What's something weird you wanna do? It cannot be weirder than Mr. Watermelonhead.

Is taking classes at a seminary weird? Kinda? If not, then going on an archaeological dig?

11. Have you ever accomplished a New Years Resolution?

Nope. I haven't made one in decades, either.

12. Is there any music artist you look up to?

I have a great deal of respect for Bruce Springsteen, and not just for his career either. I think he's a genuinely good person with some personal demons.

13. Are you allergic to anything? If yes, what?

As mentioned above, dogs. Also, and worse, cats. Pine trees, some grasses, corn pollen. Nothing too tragic. Unless I live in the middle of the world's Corn Belt with 76 cats. [I don't have cats at least, but I do live in the middle of a lot of cornfields.]

14. When was the last time you took a swim? Who else was with you?

I don't swim. I do make sure that if I'm near deep water, there is someone nearby who CAN swim.

15. Would you rather have the ability to sleep for as long as you want, or have the ability to never have to sleep?

Nope, I'll be hibernating all winter, given even the slightest encouragement. I love sleep!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Here-to-Serve 16 Questions

1. Which is worse? Being gossiped about or being lied to?

I work with mostly women. I hate to be sexist, but gossip is EV'rywhere there. I'm pretty much over it, have been for years, but I really hate being lied to. That's been a peeve of mine since high school when my bestiest friend--with whom I'd been friends for a decade at that point--suddenly began to spout ridiculous lies about everything imaginable. Her parents were going through a rough patch, had separated, and I thought at the time the lying was a reaction to that. I still think so, but anyway, the lying drove me nuts. It was just pointless: dates she didn't go on, guys she hooked up with (that she did not, and no, I didn't ask the guys--I knew), prizes she won, diseases she'd been diagnosed with.... She eventually stopped, but I should've paid closer attention: she let me down over and over since then, a couple of times were just enormously hurtful things.
Wow. OK, moving on with my life now. :)

2. What is your favorite "Starbucks" drink? Or if you have better taste, Dunkin’Donuts?

I don't drink coffee in any version, I don't like hot chocolate, and frankly I'd rather have a bottle of pop over high-priced tea.

3. Name an embarrassing moment (Make it good).

Hmm. There are SO MANY from which to choose... I've been reliving that awesome moment in 4th grade lately, when we were playing some tag game in gym class and I ran full-tilt into the side of the school (which was home base) because I was watching behind me to see if I was going to get tagged. Bam, knee first into bricks. I'm pretty sure I bounced. I know the gym teacher had at least two other kids walk me to the nurse's office. I think I probably whacked my head too, but I don't remember that, just all the blood on my leg and the resulting scar. And the total mortification of being such a klutz. A young (teenaged) friend of mine attempted a major league move in gym class last week that ended up with his nose meeting at full tilt. He had to have surgery Friday.

4. Is it hard for you to ask some to forgive you when you have wronged them?

Yes. The worse the behavior the harder to ask.

4. Who do you wish you could meet?

I'm really hoping that once the Obamas get back to my neck of the woods, I have an opportunity to meet Michelle. Or at least perhaps hear her speak live.

5. Best food comes from which country?

Whichever one you're in at the time. Fresh is truly best.

6. Do you like small talk, or deep conversations?

Both have their place in day-to-day life. I probably lean toward preferring deep conversations, but I'm easy.

7. Who do you most want to encourage this year?

Those feeling unwelcome in the U.S. these days.

8. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?

All the advice I listen to involves words like "detachment," "compartmentalization," "let go, let God," or "checking in." All good advice, and mostly stuff I listen to and try to put into practice.

9. How often do you get real sick?

"Real" sick? Not very often, thank goodness.

10. Are you a person who has a whole lot of acquaintances, or just a few very close friends?

Yep.

11. If you could cure a disease, or heal a sickness, which one would you choose?

I would happy to knock Parkinson's Disease right off the list of Horrifying Things That the Body Does.

12. What was your favorite book of 2016?

I've read some great books this year. The best non-fiction was Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nina Bolz-Weber. Best fiction...is harder...but I'll go with The Home for Wayward Clocks, by Kathie Giorgio.

13. What was one of your biggest accomplishments in 2016?

Surviving. Growing, even.

14. If you could be guaranteed a spot on the reality show "Survivor", would you go?

Not even on a guarantee of BILLION-dollar prize.

15. Which is worse? Shopping for Jeans or a bathing suit?

I don't own, and probably will never again own, a swimsuit, so the default answer has to be jeans. But they aren't that big of a deal to shop for, because (again) I'm not fussy.

16. How old was your oldest living relative (still living or in the past)? [editor's note: I haven't got a clue as to what this question means either. That's why it's perfect...]

Both of my grandmothers lived well into their 90s. If that's even close to a coherent interpretation of this question.

And a Merry Question #4 to all!

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Wish List Meme, part two

26.) Favorite kids name?

Right outta the gate I go pedantic: the name of my favorite kid? or my favorite name for a person (all of whom start as children)? Where's the apostrophe supposed to be???
So, my favorite name is Josephine.
My favorite kid is (naturally) Sparky, although he's 23 so I'm stretching a bit. If I exclude "former kids" and only go with current ones....seriously this is hard. There are a lot of contenders in my life. I think I have to go with my coworker's son Ian, or maybe play family-favorites and go with my great-nephew J. I've always connected to Ian's thought processes and general persona; J. is just a tough little kid, and while I'm terribly glad I'm not his mom, he totally has my heart because he's a miracle baby with serious spunk.

27.) Do you speak any other languages?

I can make myself understood in Spanish, given a forgiving Spanish-speaker with whom to deal. I can speak some pidgin Italian and Greek, and I used to have some pidgin Russian too. I can read some French and German.

28.) Do you use Twitter?

Not very often.

29.) Do you go onto YouTube?

I watch videos that others tell me about. I don't watch "shows."

30.) Do you play Angry Birds?

Nope.

31.) Do you like Angry Birds?

Well, I don't hate them or anything, but I never really understood the attraction of the whole thing.

32.) Do you like Hello Kitty?

Not particularly, but again, it's not as if I hate them.

33.) Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

All the damn time!

34.) Who would you like to see in concert?

Do I have to be in the crowd, or can I be in a box? If there's a box available, I'd see almost anyone. Bleacher seats? Nope; I'll stay home.

35.) Can you swim well?

I have come to hate this fucking question. No, goddammit, I can't swim at all!! Stop bloody ASKING!

36.) Ever won a contest?

Yup.

37.) Ever won a giveaway?

Yup. I have a couple of books on the way from GoodReads right now, in fact.

38.) Do you get a full 8 hours of sleep every night?

Only if I stayed in bed for 12 hours would that happen lately. My recent pattern is sleep for an hour, wake up and read for awhile, sleep for another hour or two, wake up and read for awhile, sleep the rest of the night (or repeat the earlier pattern once more at 4). It's ridiculous.

39.) What tea do you like?

Hot, strong, black tea.

40.) What coffee do you like?

I don't like coffee. Blech.

41.) Do you shop at Walmart?

Not very often, not if I have other options.

42.) Do you shop at Target?

I love Target, but there isn't one near us anymore.

43.) What do you order at Second Cup?

Looks like it's a Italian soda for me. However, I don't think we have any nearby; the website is a bit borked right now so I can't tell for sure.

44.)

...is missing

45.) Do you like homemade meals?

Yup. Well, I mean, I like food, and homemade is fine.

46.) Do you like homemade baked goods?

Helz yeah!

47.) Do you shop online?

I do.

48.) Name 3 stores online stores you would like to shop at:

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and my local indie bookstore.

49.) What holiday don't you like?

I'm not a huge fan of July 4th just because everyone around here goes completely bonkers and buys scads of fireworkswhich are illegal in this state!! For good reason: people are dumb.

50.) What do you eat more of when you're sick?

Soup.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
If I Knew You Were Comin' (1950)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is performed by a woman who is positively tickled to have unexpected company. How do you feel when people drop by unannounced?

Depends on who they are and how long they stay. I don't mind people stopping by for a visit, but I'd be less calm if someone pulled up and expected to stay a week.

2) She is clearly proud of her skills in the kitchen. Do you enjoy baking? Cooking?

I love baking. I know how to cook and once I'm actually making food, I enjoy it. But the deciding what to make and the shopping and so forth is a nightmare. I don't bake much anymore because I'm the only one who eats what I make...

3) Reference is made to hiring a band. Tell us the last time you were at an event with live music.

My nephew's wedding included a band comprised of his dad, the bride's best friend and a couple other friend. They were quite good, especially knowing they'd not played together ever...until an hour before the reception.

4) After making recordings in the early 1950s, Eileen Barton appeared on daytime TV in the early 1960s -- including a game show called Video Village. Let's say we're all headed to a TV game show taping this morning. Would you volunteer to appear as a contestant? Or would you rather just stay in the audience?

Doesn't it really depend on the show? I'd probably play, though. I'm a bit of a games junkie.

5) In 1961, Ms. Barton got married in Juarez, Mexico. What's the longest distance you've ever traveled to attend a wedding?

I've been to all three of my sister Jean's kids' weddings in England; one in Leeds, one in Leicester, and one in Bristol. I'm not going to both with the mileage, but suffice to say that we combined the first two with longer vacations around England (the first one) and in Italy (the second one). You can read all about the first two here. I didn't keep a journal with this last one.

6) In 1950, when this song was popular, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup. Are you looking forward to the upcoming NHL season?

I couldn't possibly care less about hockey.

7) 1950 also marks the first time anyone in the United States paid by credit card. Do you pay with a credit card to get rewards? If yes, what rewards are you accumulating (points, cash back, airline miles)?

We use a card that gets us miles on United. That's really the only credit card we have.

8) In 1950, an athlete named Florence Chadwick swam the English Channel. Are you a good swimmer?

Nope. I'm not even a passable swimming. I'm good at sinking.

9) Random question: Think about the last "white lie" you told. Was it to spare someone's feelings, or to make your day go more smoothly?

I'm sure it was at work, something about not knowing something some patron was telling me about in great detail, or something being "no problem" when of course, it was a hassle. And it would be for both reasons; why make people feel shitty about something for no reason except to stroke my ego?