Saturday 9 (x2)

(Link in meme-roll)

Hold On (1990)

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

 

1) This song gives encouragement to someone who is enduring heartache. Have you more recently given support, or received it?

There's been a lot of receiving of late. It's not a place I'm very comfortable living in. 

2) "Hold On" is featured prominently in the 2011 movie Bridesmaids. It's an anthem for the friends in the film and they love to sing it together. Is there a song that reminds you of good times with a good friend?

One that reminds me of college, and one specific college friend, is "Safety Dance." It's a terminally silly song, with great memories around concerts and campus radio sets, that makes me smile every damn time I hear it. 

3) The video for this song finds Wilson Phillips outdoors on a snowy mountainside and then on a sandy beach. What's the view outside your window?

Cloudy skies, green trees and the eave of the house next door is all I can see from my recliner. 

4) The mountain segments were filmed in California's San Gabriel Mountains. The girls were flown to the set by helicopter. Have you ever been in a helicopter?

I would LOVE to have a long helicopter ride around some scenic area just for the experience. The only person I know of close to me who's been in a helicopter is Beast and that was Flight for Life. This is NOT how I wish to travel!

5) The members of Wilson Phillips are authentic "California Girls." Wendy and Carnie Wilson's father is Brian Wilson, who wrote the Beach Boys hit[s]. Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, who sang "California Dreamin'." Have you been to California? If yes, where did you visit?

I've been to Cali several times, mostly to cities--San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles--but I loved the ocean in each of those areas. 

6) Another generation of the Wilson family has entered the music business. Carnie's daughter/Brian Wilson's granddaughter, Lola Bonfiglio, participated in the current season of American Idol. Has a family member followed you in your chosen profession?

Heh. I followed my sister into Library Science. My niece followed me into it. We all (have) had good long careers in a field that is wholly worthwhile and rewarding (when it isn't wholly frustrating and infuriating).

7) In 1990, when this song was popular, satellite radio was in its infancy and streaming was unheard of. Our cars gave us a choice of AM/FM and maybe CD player/tape deck. When you're driving and a favorite song comes on, are you more likely to sing along if you're alone? Or don't you care if anyone hears you?

I rarely listen to music in the car anymore. I have a ginormous backlog of podcast episodes I'm trying to get through. I do talk back to them regularly, and sometimes pause the whole thing to argue about something, but not when/where people can see me. If I do have music on I sing along rather mindlessly, whether or not others are around. I don't care if anyone else hears or sees me. I don't mind being the crazy old lady in town. 

8) Also in 1990, actor Alan Hale Jr. died. He was "the skipper" on Gilligan's Island. Without looking it up, can you name the other six castaways? (If not the actors, then their characters.)

Gilligan, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann. I don't know all the actors' names, but man I loved that show as a kid. 

9) Random question: What superhero would you like to have as your best friend?

Deadpool seems fun, if rather dangerous, to hang out with. [I don't see most superhero movies, so that's all I can come up with...]

Too Shy (1983)

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

1) This song laments vulnerability and self-consciousness in a social settings. Are you often "too shy?" Or are social gatherings easy for you?

I am terminally shy, but adept at snapping on my Public Mask in a flash and smiling and schmoozing through a (short) party or meeting. Also, I'm unable to abide silence in social settings so I talk too much.  

2) In the lyrics, a girl self-censors, telling herself, "hush hush." Have you more recently shushed someone, or were you shushed?

As a librarian.... ha ha ha. I get shushed by patrons more than I shush them. Then again, most of my public service work is in the children's room, so it's pretty loud in there. I did get shushed yesterday at work by a little girl who wanted us to whisper about the snake puppet she said had bitten her, and which then bit me. 😀 

3) Band member Nick Beggs recalls that they called themselves Kajagoogoo because it sounded like something that would make a baby laugh. It is fun to say. Can you think of another word that you just enjoy saying?

"Shenanigans."  Also, "boooolllshiiiitttt." 

4) This was the only US hit for the British band, earning Kajagoogoo the title "One Hit Wonder." Can you think of another artist or band who had one really popular song and then just kind of disappeared?

Well, I seem to be calling out "Safety Dance" a lot this week, so I'll hit them up again.

5) Though fame was fleeting here, Kajagoogoo remained popular in England. Lead singer Limahl recalls the adulation as "overwhelming," and he was shocked when he stepped on stage in Cornwall to see row after row of fans wearing their hair like he did. Have you ever handed a photo to a stylist and said, "Make my hair look like this?"

I don't think I've done precisely this, but I did have a "Lady Di" haircut as a late teen, and I'm sure I've said other things to hairdressers over the years about hairstyles I thought would work with my hair. 

6) In 1983, when this song was popular, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to make spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a Mac or PC? Laptop, phone or tablet?

I'm on a Lenovo laptop. I've never used a Mac except when strictly necessary, and phones/tablets have too small of a keyboard for me to properly type.

7) 1983 saw Abbey Road Studios open their doors for the first time for public tours. During the first two months, 22,000 tickets were sold to fans who wanted to see where the Beatles made their magic. What's the last ticket you purchased?

I can honestly say that I haven't purchased tickets for ANYthing in years. Maybe parking in a hospital lot, but honestly even then I think it was just a pass-through not an actual ticket.  

8) Also in 1983, McDonald's introduced Chicken McNuggets. When was chicken most recently on the menu at your home? How was it prepared?

At home? I have a container of rotisserie chicken shreds I nosh on for dinner once in awhile. I had chicken strips from some fastfood place this week for lunch, maybe even McDonalds. I eat a lot of chicken. Or peanut butter. Those are my main protein sources. 

9) Random question: Have you ever forgotten where you left your car in a parking lot?

I forgot which lot I parked in AT WORK on Wednesday this week! This isn't an uncommon occurrence. I'm the flakiest person on staff, hands-down. 

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Boat Drinks (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Jimmy Buffett is singing about his bandmates watching hockey in a sports bar. Since it's Super Bowl weekend, our first question is: In cold weather, which sport to you watch most: football, hockey, or basketball?

Normally, it would be football, but this year has sucked for all my teams and I hate the Patriots so much. So glad the Olympics start soon.

2) Jimmy sings it's just 20º outside. How high will the mercury reach where you are today?

I am sure we never broke freezing. It's just the pits. I hate this time of year.

3) "Boat drinks" are mixed drinks designed to enhance the enjoyment of a boat ride or time on the beach. Popular boat drinks include The Tequila Sunrise, Cuba Libre, and Mimosa. When did you last sip an alcoholic beverage? Was it a boat drink?

I love all three of those drinks--not together, one at a time. I had some vodka earlier this week. I don't think 7UP and vodka is a boat drink.

4) Jimmy met his wife, Jane, in Key West at a bar called The Chart Room. Have you ever been to Key West?

Nope. I'm fairly certain I would die on that bridge; things like that scare the living shit out of me.

5) Have you ever met anyone worth knowing at a bar?

Well, I mean...yeah.

6) While Keith Richard and Paul McCartney have made cameo appearances in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Jimmy Buffet has not. Producers have asked him, but he's always had to decline because of his touring schedule. Have you seen any of the Pirates/Jack Sparrow movies?

I've seen the first two. Maybe parts of the third? I dunno; the second one pretty much jumped the shark. The first was merely ok.

7) When Jimmy gave the commencement address at the University of Miami, he showed up in flip-flops. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?

True flip-flops: zero. Sandals: probably at least 6 pair.

8) Jimmy has his own station on Sirius Radio. Do you subscribe to Sirius?

I do. I'm cancelling soon however. I have Spotify for $10/month. WTF am I paying $150+ for to Sirius??

9) Random question: What trend or fad from your youth do you hope never makes a comeback?

Combs in everyone's back pocket. Do you know how many people's pants were ruined by standing up too fast back in the day??

Saturday 9 x2

(Link in meme-roll)
My Church (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who loves singing along with her car radio. Is that something you enjoy?

Uh, yeah. I'm kind of scary, actually.

2) The video begins with Maren Morris finishing her cigarette before getting behind the wheel. Do you allow smoking in your car?

I'm not sure I know anyone who smokes. Generally, though, no. No smoking in my car.

3) In this song, Maren admits she's lied. What's the last fib you told?

"I'm fine."

4) She mentions having her radio on the FM dial. Are you loyal to a single radio station? Or do you spin the dial?

I'm a spinner, and for at least the end of this cycle, I have access to Sirius XM. More channels; still nothing to listen to.

5) Maren was inspired to write this song while on a long car trip from Nashville to Los Angeles. When do you get your best ideas? (In the shower, behind the wheel, over lunch with friends ...)

When I'm asleep, I guess. Assuming I get good sleep, everything looks more do-able in the morning.

6) She performed this song on Saturday Night Live last year. The host that week was John Cenna Cena. Do you follow professional wrestling?

Oh hell no!

7) In 2016, when this song was popular, Alex Rodriguez played his final Major League Baseball game. He has embarked on a second career as a broadcaster. Would you be comfortable on camera?

Not without a ton of rehearsal. I can barely speak coherently without cameras these days.

8) A 2016 study revealed that 43% of Americans own mutual funds, many in their 401(k)s and IRAs. Are you involved in the stock market?

I'm part of that 43%, and Beast has always taken care of that. Yet another steep learning curve I'm looking at in the next months.

9) Random question: You have something awkward and embarrassing that you simply must tell a pal. You know your friend will not be happy with the news. Would you prefer to deliver it by email, in a phone call, or face to face?

Face to face. I hate stuff like this, but it's better to get it done than let it fester.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Silent Night (1957)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) How well do you know "Silent Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Elvis?

I know the whole thing pretty much by heart. 54 Christmases of hearing it more than once will do that that.

2) The Christmas with Elvis album hit the stores in October 1957. Were you already preparing for Christmas back in October?

Nope. I'm not really even preparing for Christmas now. There's not really a Christmas for me this year.

3) Clearly Elvis liked a flocked white Christmas tree. Is your tree flocked, aluminum or pine green? Real or artificial? Or do you skip the whole tree thing altogether?

My tree is fake, green, and in its box in the closet.

4) Back in the late 1950s, Elvis left his hair its natural brown color. In the 1960s he began having it dyed black. Do you have a salon appointment scheduled between now and year end?

I haven't had a haircut since sometime in September. I probably should get in and do that. One more thing I "should" do....

5) Have you ever peeked, looking for a Christmas gift you know is hidden for you somewhere in the house?

Nope.

6) Which do you prefer, candy canes or gingerbread?

I can't really eat hard candy anymore--it hurts my teeth--and I'm not a huge fan of gingerbread. Throw me some home-made fudge, though, and I'll love you forever.

7) Is anyone receiving a home made or do-it-yourself gift from you this year?

Hah. No.

8) Do you wrap holiday gifts in paper, or do you take the gift bag route?

There will be a tiny bit of wrapping with paper to do before Christmas Day for my great-nephews nearby, but otherwise, I think Sparky's getting his stuff in the shipping box in which it arrived.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Look, this year I would really like everyone to find someone who needs a hug, a shoulder on which to cry, and ear with which to listen, or something of the sort. Take the time to do that every day till Christmas. It's free, and God knows we all need someone to recognize our hurts and humanity.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Take My Breath Away (1996)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) When were you last breathless?

Probably the last time I did anything strenuous. I can't remember.

2) This is the love theme from Top Gun, and the romance was between a pilot and his instructor. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?

Oh yeah, for sure, starting in about 6th grade.

3) The pilots in Top Gun all had cool nicknames -- including Maverick, Goose, Merlin, Cougar and Stinger. Give yourself a cool pilot name.

Well, let's see: playing off "Goose"--How about "Duck."

4) The actress who played the instructor, Kelly McGillis, owns Kelly's Caribbean Bar/Grill and Brewery in Key West. It's known for its cheese and beer dip appetizer, served with warm pretzels. What's one of your favorite between meal snacks?

I'm not overly fussy; I've been trying to stick to somewhat healthy stuff like applesauce and almonds, but...not very successfully.

5) The group who recorded this week's song is called Berlin, but they're really from Southern California. Have you ever been to Berlin? How about Southern California?

I have not been to Berlin. I would like to visit some of the historical sites there, but I'm not sure when that's on the agenda at this point. I've been to SoCal several times. There's a lot to see. I'd happily force myself to live in or near San Diego. Beautiful city.

6) Lead singer Terri Nunn has a weekly radio show, Unbound on KCSN. How often do you listen to the radio? Do you tune in for music, comedy, news or talk?

I listen to Sirius XM if I have the radio on, but that's rare. I mostly listen to audiobooks or silence or Spotify.

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, PeeWee's Playhouse premiered. While ostensibly for children, PeeWee Herman's show had many, many adult viewers. Do you watch still watch any kid's shows?

I don't these days, no. I watched so many when Sparky was little that I think I'm covered until the appearance of any grandchildren.

8) Robert Pattinson, the actor who played Edward the vampire in the Twilight series, was born in 1986. Have you read the Twilight books? Seen the movies?

I read the first book. OMG so much drama and stupidity and poor writing!

9) Random question: In an alternate universe, which of these professions would you like to find yourself in -- United States senator, Ivy League professor, or [e]minent psychiatrist?

Probably a prof, though not likely in the Ivy League.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
These Boots Were Made for Walkin' (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song/video, Ms. Sinatra's boots make a serious fashion statement. Do you choose footwear for comfort or fashion?

I try to balance the two things. I am kind of a shoe whore, though, so I've bought far too many pairs of shoes for how they look and found them impossible to wear. Increasingly, I'm buying comfy first, looks second.

2) This is by far the biggest hit of Nancy Sinatra's career, which includes 6 top ten hits. Can you name another?

She had other songs? Other hits? I'm off to Google, because honestly I thought this was her only song.

3) Nancy recorded it on Reprise Records, which was founded by her father, Frank. Did your parents give you a leg up in your chosen career?

Hah! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Not a one of us got that. Or took that, in my brother's case.

4) Professionally Nancy has been involved in espionage, singing the theme to a James Bond movie and appearing in an episode of The Man from UNCLE. Do you enjoy spy/secret agent stories?

I do, but only up to a point. If there's a car chase involved, I'll meet you in the lobby. :-)

5) Nancy maintains the official Sinatra family website, which includes a link to the site of Mia Farrow. Ms. Farrow was, briefly, Nancy's stepmother, and obviously they are still on good terms. Do you have a big, extended family?

I do. I think if we all got together, the crowd would total 30 today, though my nephew is due to get married in 3-4 months. Eight of those 30 are under 10 years old.

6) Nancy's music -- and posters -- were very popular with the troops during the Vietnam War. Nancy continues to return their loyalty and affection with her efforts on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Here's your chance to promote a cause that's near and dear to your heart. What charity gets your support?

Kids. Are. Important. That's all. Find a way to support them.

7) Nancy hosts a Sirius radio show devoted to her father's music. Do you have a subscription to a satellite radio or podcast network?

Beast pays for Sirius for him, and got me a hookup for my car too. I pay for Spotify Premium so I have stuff to listen to at work that I can program.

8) Nancy has said that she and her sister Tina had a more comfortable relationship with their famous father than their late brother, Frank, Jr., did. Do you think it's easier for mothers to get along with their sons, while fathers have an easier time with their daughters?

I think there's far less competition between opposite sex parents as a rule, but I think that if everyone behaves like grownups, it all works out when the kids are adults.

9) Random question: Tonight's dinner is on us. Would you prefer to eat at a casual restaurant with exceptional food, or an exclusive restaurant with so-so food but a celebrity clientele?

The former. I couldn't care less who is at the tables around me.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Extra Medium

1. What forms of media consumption do you pay for?

   We have DirecTV and we pay a local web provider for wifi. Oh, and Beast pays for SiriusXM for his car and office.

2. When did you last read a physical newspaper?

   Earlier this week. Our local weekly paper is easier to read in physical format than online.

3. What percentage of your television consumption is watched live as it’s broadcast, versus on-demand, via recording, or some other stored or streamed medium?

   I'd say about half. I tend to come home from work--when Beast is traveling--and turn on the TV and pause it while I make dinner, then watch what's been "taped" so I can ffw through the ads. Gawd how I hate ads!

4. What’s been the big local story in your area this week?

   Our most recently-elected city council member was cleared of the DUI he was charged with the week before the election. His job? He owns a deli and a bar in town. Whatta guy.

5. What is the most recent thing you regretted clicking?

   There was a quiz a friend on Facebook posted...which was completely idiotic.

glove slap, I don't take crap! glove slap, shut your big yap!

(Found at Amy's--who also gave it the title)

Can you do any accents other than your own?

I can do Western (because, family) and generic "Southern" and Midland English. And I guess I could do Mexican if I wanted, but I don't.

Do you have a strong local accent?

I'm sure I do, and I hate it. I can actually feel my vocal cords lengthening whenever I go back to Colorado, and I stop talking like I have to say ALL THE WORDS in three minutes. Through my nose.

If evil-doers invaded your country would you rush to the battle-lines to defend the motherland, or hide in a box?

I'm pretty sure that the evil-doers are already here, and I feel thoroughly ill-equipped to deal with them. I'll be in my box if you need me.

What's your favourite flower?

Garden roses, with scent. Climbing ones, preferably still on the vine.

Have you ever given blood?

I used to give regularly, have probably done a couple of gallons over time. I don't think they'll have me anymore now though.

Could you ever be a medical guinea pig?

Absolutely, if it meant helping find a cure for something that's killing me. If I'm going to die anyway, experiment away--and make sure I have good pain meds! My sister had experimental brain surgery to explore some possibilities inre PD and MSA. And when she died, she sent her brain back to the university where she had the surgery so they could see...whatever they needed to see.

What's your favourite radio station?

KIMN, ca. 1980. Barring that, I will listen to Sirius, or NPR, or if I need to know about local traffic, the local station. The latter is what wakes me up in the morning--which gets me out of bed very fast.

Have you ever slapped someone in public?

Hmm, I don't think so. I only really remember one slap in my history and it was inside with just the two of us. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Have you ever drawn on a sleeping or inebriated person?

I have not. This has never seemed remotely amusing to me.

Can you roll your R's?

Rrrruffles have rrrridges. Yes. I have a theory that this is something you have to learn to do while fairly young. If you don't, it is really awfully close to impossible to learn later. And if you take Spanish as a teenager, and haven't learned this skill, the class is much harder than in needs to be.

Rebound relationships: good or bad?

Immediate-rebounds seem to rarely work out, not that I've seen anyway. But they can be fun!

Would you ever sign a prenuptial agreement?

I have no interest in ever getting married again, so no. If I did somehow lose my mind enough to re-up, I would do a pre-nup.

Is your bellybutton an innie or outie?

All innie. Outies gross me out a little; nothing personal if you're an outie.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Welcome to My Nightmare (1975)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Tell us about a bad dream you've had.

Most of the unpleasant dreams I have lately are full of Extremely Irritating Things from real life: patrons too stupid to be alive and mean on top of it, traffic jams, piles of complicated work that I want to do but keep getting interrupted.
This morning I woke up from a dream about going to church--except, in the way of dreams, it was nowhere I've ever actually worshipped--where I had to use the bathroom, but the wall to the room disappeared as I was sitting, and a new adult Sunday School person showed up and started preaching at us so Beast and I tried to explain that the class was more of a "sharing with each other" situation because none of the other people wanted to talk to him at all. It sounds like an annoying dream, but the dream was actually really pretty lovely, full of people and places and situations that were calming. Except for that bathroom wall part. ;-)

2) Sam is not crazy about spiders. What frightens you, or gives you "the creeps?"

I'm watching "Dirty Jobs" this morning. Mike is dealing with hagfish. They're pretty gross. Earwigs, though--man, they freak me the fuck up. {{shudder}}

3) This week's featured artist, Alice Cooper, has always liked to dress up. Performing as Alice, he wears garish eye makeup. In his first group, he and his bandmates dressed as the Beatles. Will you be wearing a costume this weekend?

Nope. I went to work dressed as a librarian, complete with glasses and cardigan. Today, I'm still in my jammies.

4) Alice says his makeup was inspired by Bette Davis in his favorite horror movie, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? This Halloween weekend, will you seek out horror movies and scary TV shows, or will you avoid them?

We watched RHPS on Logo last night. Not horror, except in that it's SO BAD. And no, we didn't throw toast.

5) Born Vincent Furnier, Alice used to tell reporters that he and his band got the name Alice Cooper from a Oujia board. Have you ever tried a Oujia board?

Yes. Ridiculous but fun for 14-year-old girls on sleepovers.

6) Alice and his band (also called Alice Cooper) were discovered by music manager Shep Gordon while playing in Venice, California. Have you ever visited Venice, California or Venice, Italy?

I have not. Well, not that I know of--we may have been near Venice Beach when I was in LA 35 years ago. Maybe the trip this winter, we'll swing past. I hear it's pretty awesome. The nearest I've been to Venice, Italy is Florence (or the Venetian casino in Vegas). Someday....

7) In 1970s England, a morality campaigner named Mary Whitehouse persuaded the BBC to ban Alice Cooper. The ensuing publicity resulted in such a bump in record sales that Alice sent Ms. Whitehouse flowers. Do you believe in censorship? Or should adults be able to choose to see/hear whatever they wish?

I'm a librarian. I do not believe in censorship. I buy all kinds of stuff that's potentially offensive. I think adults should be able to choose their own poison.
Also, I find it terminally amusing that all the people who want to censor Alice Cooper on religious grounds seem to be unaware that he's a Christian.

8) Today Alice has a popular syndicated radio show, Nights with Alice Cooper. Listeners all over the United States, Germany, Denmark, New Zealand, and the UK hear him introduced as, "a man for whom even Dr. Phil has no cure." Do you watch Dr. Phil?

Hell to the no! My sister has a thing for him, but I find him really grating.

9) Did you get many trick or treaters this year? What candy did you give them?

It was a pretty slow night due to cold and serious wind. We have over half the candy we bought sitting here:

This, plus another giant bag of Fun Mix, we have left

I'll be bagging most of it up for Operation Christmas Child today and/or tomorrow. We're packing boxes in two weeks.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
That's Why God Made The Radio

1. The Beach Boys are back together (everyone alive--Dennis and Carl have passed-- including Brian) for the first time in 25 years. It's their 50th Anniversary tour. Their new single is called, "That's Why God made the Radio." Did radio play a huge part of your growing up years?

ABSOLUTELY! It was on--my crappy clock radio, c. 1975--virtually all the time I was in my room. Eventually I inherited my brother's stereo (approx. 1979, it was at least 5 years old) and listened to slightly better-quality sounds at that point. But all about the radio: Casey Kasem, Dr. Demento, the local oldies station (old-time radio shows, a la "The Shadow" and music from that era)....yeah. Sigh. Radio nowadays just sucks.

2. What is something that you are disappointed about right now?

I'm disappointed in the weather. It's too cold to be almost-May.

3. What are you really anticipating right now?

Beast's surgery. We both just want it over with in hopes that the pain and numbness/tingling of the legs goes away.

4. When was the last time you watched your favorite movie? What is it?

I haven't watched "Heathers" in years. I'm kind of afraid I might not like it anymore, it's been so long.

5. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be?

Nope, not likely: too many conditions that I'd want in the whole process.

6. Who was the last person you hung up on?

I don't hang up on people. I might set the phone down and walk away, and I might not pick it up to start with, but I don't hang up first.

7. Does it bother you when meme makers separate questions that could've been combined?

Meh. That's the least of my worries in the meme-verse.

8. What is the first animal you would run to see if you went to the zoo?

We usually stop by the penguins and then the apes and monkeys. I'd prefer to see the wolves first, but they aren't by the entrance.

9. What is the food you always buy at the grocery store that you can't live without?

Is Dr. Pepper a food? If not, then bread and/or bagels. Or possibly cheese. My grocery list ALWAYS has those three things on it, regardless of what else is needed.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Would you ever take a bouquet of flowers from a funeral or cemetery and give it to someone else?

Uhm, no. Mostly out of fear of being caught. But there is a fairly obvious difference between funeral flowers and "give to someone else" flowers, too, so unless the someone else was grieving, it would be a pretty big fail.

2) What didn't you get the first time through?

Patience. I've had to stand in the Patience Line multiple times just to get my fair share. Which doesn't seem right...or does it?

3) Would you rather be ugly and marry a good looking person or be good looking and marry an ugly person?

This question reminds me of this song:

I think that THINKing the other person is more attractive actually keeps people humble, though.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

Testing. One. Testing [tap tap] Is this thing on? Actually, it reminds me of my college radio days. I used to have a great time doing radio shows. But I don't think I could do them anymore. I'm way Not-Hip, and the DJ's run the shows mostly from their own iPods nowadays.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Wait, wait don't tell me! I wish I could schedule that show into my life more consistently.
2. I hope this New Year's Eve is a little different.
3. In addition, I hope I can get in and out of the grocery store tomorrow quickly.
4. I know it's weird, but this is the way we do it here!
5. At the end of the year, I like to say goodbye, don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. The last few years have suuuuuuuuuuuucked.
6. The end of the world (or lack thereof, actually) is one of the things I'm looking forward to in 2012.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include the aforementioned grocery shopping, meal-planning, and (sigh) talking to Katherine, and Sunday, I want to try to enjoy seeing my family! We'll see how that last part goes.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Last DJ

1. Who was [your] favorite DJ and what radio station did you listen to as a kid?

I listened mostly to KHOW and KIMN, with forays into heavier rock on KBPI as I got older. The only DJ I remember by name was Steve Kelley (though, yeah, I had to go here to find his last name) because of his stunts. Unless Dr. Demento counts?

2. What has been the weirdest thing you have worn in public?

Uhm? "Weird" is not really a look I'm going for in public (or, really, anywhere else). I guess it would be the Halloween costume I wore all day at work c. 1990: torn up (flea market) dress, leggings, fake blood, dirt, makeup, and leaves in my hair. I was a zombie.

3. What was the best part of last weekend?

The fact that the funerals were over. And Sparky was home for 4 days.

4. What was the most effective punishment for you as a kid?

Threatening to spank me usually worked. At school, being called out in front of people was the one thing I feared; I craved lack of attention from my peers.

5. Would you lie to your significant other to not hurt their feelings?

Depends on the topic. I probably have done so over minor things like whether they look "fine" or not, but not over anything like "Do you think I have a drug problem?" If asked (IF) I would be honest.

6. We're taking you order for breakfast. What would you like?

Bagel with cream cheese and a couple of slices of bacon.

7. Do you celebrate Halloween? If yes, do tell. If no, why not?

We pass out candy during Trick or Treat hours. Maybe this year we'll actually have jack-o-lanterns again (last year we had a massive fail). And p'raps we'll have The Aimster over for the weekend?

8. Do you hand out candy to the neighborhood kids?

Uhm, yeah. No tracts, no "health food"--just handfuls of candy. Yup yup yup.

9. What's the favorite age you've been, so far?

I am partial to 8. I don't remember being a neurotic mess at that age. Yet.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
What a Fool Believes
(Oh, dear God how I hated this song when it was popular!!!)

1. What celebrity do you think is the MOST foolish?

Well, let's start with Sarah Palin...

2. What are 5 things you don't care about?

Playing mind games, swimming, shopping, fashion, bodybuilding/ers (although I have two bodybuilder friends).

3. What 'issue' do you think your opinion is so right about that you end up trying to sway others to your point of view?

Being kind to others.

4. What personality do you like to listen to on the radio?

I . Do . Not. I don't like anyone on the radio, and I don't listen to the radio very often at all.

5. What culture are you fascinated by?

Those in this country are constantly interesting, and often amusing.

6. You are alone with your lover's diary. What do you do?

Flip through it briefly, and then quickly put it out of sight so I won't be tempted again.

7. What frustrates you?

Nearly everything in life. Mostly myself, though.

8. Do you remember the first time you were on the internet? What did you do first?

I was on Prodigy from for 4 or 5 years around 1990, then (briefly) on AOL. My early years involved a lot of ST:TNG message boards on Prodigy. On the internet, I think I started out stalking people I'd lost touch with. ;-)

9. What was the biggest fight you have ever had with someone?

Oh, for heaven's sake! Most of my relationships don't revolve around fights, and they have never ended that way. The most physical was Jeri & me fighting on the playground in 4th or 5th grade. Verbal jousting started before I can remember.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Have you ever been on the radio?

I used to do a radio show in college, so I was on the air at least 2 hours a week during the school year. Senior year I was co-managing the station with a friend and covering all the shows people bailed on, so it was more like 10 hours on the air each week.

2) What is your favorite fairy tale?

Kinda not a huge fairy tale fan, but I "got" The Emperor's New Clothes the first time through and integrated it as a life lesson from that point forward.

3) [lazy today] What about your least favorite fairy tale?

Anything involving "happily ever after" fails for me.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

I would love to see this in person. I would love to collect Easter eggs, but the realist in me says that I already have too many random things lying around the house. But they are pretty, no?