Saturday 9

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It All Depends On You (1959)

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

1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad?

I'm ok. I don't feel great today, but mood stabilizers are fully engaged, so no tears and no maniacal laughter or shouting.

2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget?

I pay the bills and buy what I need to get by. Everything else is gravy. I just don't like to spend money.

3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded "It All Depends on You," it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125?

Bold of you to expect society not to implode in the next 100 years... 
I'd guess the religious books will continue on: Torah/Talmud, Christian scriptures, Qu'ran, Bhagavad Gita. They've made it this far after all.

4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it?

First permanent full-time job was when I was 24. I worked full-time during summers in college, and part-time pretty much starting at 16 till 24. That job was my first job as a librarian. It was 1988 and I was stoked to be earning a cool $20,000/year. 

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key?

Low key. It's going to be a rough one this year. Possibly permanently going forward. No Beasty to celebrate joint Birthday Week for the first time in 40+ years.

6) Madame Tussaud's has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they're creepy?

I think they are creepy, thought I've never visited one in person.

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear – if any – do you have on right now?

Naked feet! I can't stand stuff on my feet anymore; incipient neuropathy is weird.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What's your ideal?

It fully depends on how far away I'm going and how much I'm spending on travel. If I'm going to the Big City nearby, a few days is plenty. If I'm going over an ocean, book me for a few weeks please. 

9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies? 

Of those two options, I'd rather watch (some) old sitcoms. Movies do not interest me much.

Friday 5

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Why deny the obvious?

1. What has you feelin’ groovy? 

Not much. It's raining. I bailed on work partway through the last two days (the floor is tilting, like vertigo) and I'm not enjoying much. 

2. Where do you often stop when you are homeward bound?

Most of the time I just want to be at home ASAP. Sometimes I stop at DQ--it's around the corner at work--but otherwise, I'm full-speed to the house.

3. When were you most recently awake far too late in the evening?

I was awakened Weds or Thurs in the wee hours (1:45) by 20 minutes of fireworks popping off--no bangs, just "pop pop pop" for awhile. I was wide awake before they finally stopped. I hate those people so much.

4. Where might you go to hear the sound of silence?

Space. It sounds lovely. [I spent the morning with about 25 children who were mostly fine but there were definitely chaotic moments.]

5. What proves you are still crazy after all these years?

The fact that I still keep going to work after 37 years (minus a couple I spent with Sparky when she was a baby). I'm tiiiiired.

Friday 5

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Intense intents in tents

1. When have you recently been the ringmaster?

I feel like I'm often juggling at least 10 plates and 3 rings at work. The life of a middle manager....

2. When have you recently walked a highwire?

I'm currently kind of stranded in the middle of walking across a deep metaphorical (emotional) chasm on a very narrow path, trying not to freak out and remind myself that if I got to the middle I can get to the other side.

3. When have you recently been an acrobat?

I spent almost half my work hours this week in the children's department, which I don't hate at all, but I canNOT do my actual work in there during Summer Reading. So, I didn't get a lot of forward progress done in getting new books out to the shelves. It's past time to get the new children's librarian on board and we still have another week to go! 

4. When have you recently been a lion tamer?

I am a terrible lion tamer. If this were my job, the lions would bite off my head in 3 seconds and the act would be over. This is why I'm relegated to children rather than dealing with adults, i.e. potential lions.

5. When have you recently been the strongman or strongwoman?

Isn't this where I say this is my full-time life, and has been for the past 8-ish years? I'm tired. Can someone else please be in charge of everything for me for a few weeks?

All of this is to say that, unfortunately, this IS my circus and these ARE my monkeys. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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Volume 600

1. My very first edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge was published on November 10, 2010 (linked here if you're curious). Tell us something about your life from that era. 

Well, now that I've reread the post closest to that date from my previous blog--not the meme-blog--it looks like I was in mid Sandwich-Generation with a teen in the house and a father-in-law at the hospital for the day. I was negotiating Thanksgiving plans and frankly pissed with Katharine and Marie. Looking back, I wasn't being as bitchy as I felt then, just setting boundaries. The email I quoted that I sent to them could have been summed up by, "I've already planned for Thanksgiving at my house. If you can't make it over here, I'll be sorry not to see you." I think I remember caving in to their wishes, God help me!
Also, by the way, I hadn't found Wednesday Hodgepodge yet in 2010.

2. What's a song you love that relates to time in some way? 

The only thing that comes to mind at the mo is "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. It made me cry in the 80s. It would probably make me cry if I listened to it today.

3. May is nearly upon us. When did you last need to yell 'MAY DAY-MAY DAY!!'? 

Yesterday? At my therapist? Right before she whipped out her "note from the doctor" paperwork and informed me that I'm off work till Saturday. I'm ok with that. Frankly, I am fully ready to hand over complete control of my life to anyone else. Not permanently, just for a month or so.

4. How do you feel about food trucks? Is this a dining experience you enjoy?  Do you have a favorite What's something you've ordered from a food truck? 

I don't go anywhere there are crowds of people, so food trucks have never made my list of places to eat. I eat at the Fair, but otherwise I eat at drive-thrus or sit-down places only.

5. We're bidding farewell to April...what are three adjectives you might use to describe the month you're leaving behind. 

Frantic, flaky, funereal.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

As noted above I'm on forced 'vacation' from work for a few days after admitting to the doc that I'm not doing well. I honestly could not possible care less about anything going on at work (my idiot boss and a freaky public masterbating vlogger haven't even creased my brain at all--whatever, guys, just keep me out of it) despite needing to do evaluations for my folks and all the other BS that goes on there. If I could just go in and catalog for 8 straight hours a day for a week, I would be the happiest Cat on the planet.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961)

Song #1: "When You're Smiling." What made you smile this week?

I'm listening to "The Dollop" live in Chicago from last March, which is making me laugh  right now about taking the el to Cleveland.

Song #2: "Almost Like Being in Love." We've all had many crushes, but love is rare. How many times have you fallen in love?

I've fallen in love romantically only a couple of times, but I've fallen in love with every single baby I've ever met. That's a lot.

Song #3: "This Can't Be Love." This Rodgers and Hart song was introduced in the play, The Boys from Syracuse. Syracuse is the county seat of Onondaga County, NY. What county do you hail from?

I was born in Denver County, because the hospital was literally a block from the city boundary.

Song #4: "Do It Again." What's something you'd do again, if only you had the time or money? (A book you'd like to reread, a recipe or pattern you'd like to make again, a vacation destination you'd like to revisit, etc.)

I would love to go back to Russia, this time in the summer or fall, but that is not likely to happen. Too bad; St. Petersburg is lovely.

Song #5: "You Go to My Head." Judy forgets the lyrics, but gamely keeps going. Tell us about a recent moment when you chose to keep going, no matter what.

Every day, every minute. Today was a great example of being very intentional about not driving into a tree on the way back from the nursing home.

Song #6: "Alone Together." Is anyone there with you as you answer these questions, or are you alone?

It's me, the Dollop guys, and any vermin who have moved in for the winter.

Song #7: "Who Cares?" This song was written by brothers George and Ira Gershwin. They had a lesser known brother, stockbroker Arthur. Are you more creative and artistic, like George and Ira? Or more analytical and methodical, like Arthur?

I lean toward Arthur, but part of my job is to think creatively, so... I do that too.

Song #8: "Puttin' on the Ritz." Judy sings that The Ritz is the place in New York "where fashion sits." If we wanted to see everyone "all gussied up" in your town, where would we go?

How in God's green hell would I know? It is not likely to be the library, Dollar General, or the nursing home, where I hang out! :)

Song #9: "How Long Has This Been Going On?" Judy sings about discovering how glorious romance can be. Have you made any new discoveries lately? It doesn't have to be as groundbreaking as Judy's. A new podcast or a faster route to work counts, too.

I just found a new true-crime-slash-comedy podcast called Martinis & Murder yesterday. So far it's good. Also Go Fact Yourself! which is a fun quiz-show podcast. And I'm currently in the middle of one of the Charley Davidson books about to read The Good Chapter. (If you've read her series, you know which chapter I mean...ahem).

Hodgepodge Questions

(Link in meme-roll)
Volume 342

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

I get up and walk around if I need immediate brainpower. If it's a long-term thing, I do other things and try not to work on it too much consciously.

2. What's under your bed?

Just dust. There might be socks, but I doubt it; it's clean but dusty.

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?

Sweet potatoes are right out. I'm not a huge fan of margaritas, so I guess it's chili for me.

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?

Forms. With due dates that are glaring in my face. I'm in serious panic mode.

5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?

Sleep, a brisk walk, music, mindless internet, getting a project done.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been away from work for a week. Tomorrow will be my return day. I'm not looking forward to seeing my desk when I arrive....

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Jump (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) David Lee Roth does a lot of jumping in this video. He credits his flashy moves to his study with marital artist Benny Urquidez. Have you ever tried karate, judo, or jiu-jitzu?

No, but I've been considering finding a tai ch'i class.

2) Dave claims to be fluent in Spanish. Say something "en español."

Entonces, David, si realmente hablas español, ¿Por qué eres tan necio?

3) Dave appeared as himself in an episode of The Sopranos, playing poker with Tony Soprano. Are you a good poker player?

I'm better than you'd expect.

4) Though known for his prowess on the guitar, Eddie Van Halen wrote the opening of this song at the keyboard when he was still new to the synthesizer. When do you recently venture outside your comfort zone? Was it a success?

Every damned day lately. I'm just trying to keep my balance at this point. At least no drunks hugged and kissed me this week at work....

5) Eddie's older brother Alex is the Van Halen drummer and his son, Wolfie, began touring with the band in 2007. Have you ever worked with a family member?

I used to work for my dad once in awhile. I went to work once with Mom and answered phones when most of the office couldn't get to work and they were closed.

6) Van Halen's first man[a]ger was Marshall Berle. Mr. Berle's uncle was Milton Berle. Does the name Milton Berle mean anything to you?

Mostly because of Happy Days and watching talk shows when I was a wee tot.

7) In 1984, when this song was popular, AT&T/Bell Telephone was broken up into 24 separate companies. Today, who is your phone provider?

My cell is Sprint; my landline is Frontier Communications.

8) Also in 1984, Michael Jackson was severely burned while filming a Pepsi commercial. Would we find any Pepsi in your kitchen right now?

Actually, no. Aldi's only sells Coke products. Beast normally only drinks diet Pepsi, but I haven't bought any specifically and on purpose since September.

9) Random question: Have you ever been so angry that you kicked or hit an inanimate object?

Well, yeah. I stopped that when it hurt my toes and did nothing to the inanimate object. Now I just hang my head down and cry; it's about as useful and less painful. Usually.

*This song was, for a few weeks, the 7:00 a.m. wakeup song when I was in college. It never failed to get me AND my roommate moving if only to fling the clock radio across the room to shut it off! 😁

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
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?"

Friday 5

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Consumption

1. What is your paper towel consumption like?

   I'm trying to remember the last time I tore one off the roll at home. It's been awhile. Beast uses 'em far more often than I do. Mostly I use them to clean various small things that would ruin a dishcloth, i.e. polishing the copper cooking pots. I do use them at work to dry my hands when I wash up.

2. What condiment do you use most often?

   We've been eating a lot of brats lately; the mustard's been getting a workout.

3. What is your sticky note consumption like?

   I'm so cheap that it actually pains me to "waste" these, so I'm pretty careful. On the other hand, I leave processing notes at work in books or things that need extra labeling or something I notice while I'm cataloging. And shopping lists are often on sticky notes. That way they don't fall out of my phone case on the way into the store.

4. What’s your coin jar setup?

   I, personally, don't have a coin jar. All my money is in my wallet. Beast leaves change all over the bloody house. Periodically, I do a sweep and put everything in one spot for Noisy Can Offering day at church. The "spot" is actually a drawer in a plastic set of drawers for odds and ends in the kitchen.

5. What’s something you’ve purchased recently that was lower in price than usual?

   I can't think of anything. I buy everything at the lowest price I can find.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
9 to 5 (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song begins with the clacking of a typewriter. Did you ever learn to touch type -- beginning with your fingers on "the home row" -- or do you hunt and peck?

Oh, I'm totally schooled in typing. I learned on an IBM Selectric, but I was typing at home on my dad's work typewriter before I properly knew how. I still touch type, rarely look at the keyboard except for numbers...I have finally gotten better at them after 35 years, but I still have to check.

2) Much of the video for this song revolves around the office coffee room. Are you enjoying a beverage as you answer these 9 questions?

I just finished a can of Diet Coke. Yes, life is hard here: I'm drinking Coke instead of Dr. Pepper.

3) This week's artist, Dolly Parton, loves telling the story of how she once lost a Dolly Parton lookalike contest. What contest or sweepstakes have you entered lately?

Not a one. I don't really like this sort of thing, and I guess there's a time element to it as well.

4) Dolly is one smart blonde. Early in her career she set up a company so she could retain the publishing rights for all her songs. Two alone -- "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You" -- made her a multi-millionaire because they have been recorded so many times. Do you have a good head for business?

Well, I'm not an idiot, but I'm no Dolly. She is amazing.

5) Dolly is a crusader for childhood literacy and her organization, Dolly's Imagination Library, has donated more than 10 million books all over the country. What's the last book you read?

I finished The Child Thursday. I'm working on The Painted Queen now, rather slowly since this is the last of the my all-time favorite mystery series. I'm sad.

6) This weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?

Apparently, I do. Or, at least, I snort. I have a CPAP.

7) Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. How many different employers have you had?

Well, post-babysitting days, I think at least 10 places have paid me for work. Since one of those was a temp job, there were probably a dozen work locations just for that one job. And of course, this doesn't count all the places I've volunteered over the years. Kind of shocking, really.

8) Will you be attending a Labor Day picnic or barbecue?

Nope. Beast'll probably cook brats one day this weekend, but we're not going anywhere. Our 'going somewhere' time is pretty limited by his various disabilities.

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the new school year. When she was a kid, Samantha was crazy for her brand new box of 96 Crayola Crayons. It even had a sharpener in the back! What do you remember about preparing to go back to school? If you're a parent with school-age kids, are they ready?

New clothes! New clothes! New clothes! Man, I missed that when adulthood hit: no pre-selected shopping reasons, no pre-set vacation time, no new supplies every year. Adulthood bites. Sparky buys his own stuff now, for the most part, now that he's (gulp) 24 and no longer in school anyway.

Sunday Stealing

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Something different

1. What is a normal thing that took you an embarrassingly long time to learn?

How to pump gas? I was terrified till I was in my thirties of looking stupid at the pump because I didn't know what I was doing. ...because, yeah, the guys inside have time to watch people pumping gas?? smh

2. In what ways are you old-fashioned?

I believe in people doing things for themselves to the extent that they are able and in community to improve culture. I believe in love. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt, but not being stupid. I believe in telling the truth, even if sometimes that hurts.

3. What is the best sandwich you've ever eaten? Where did you get it? What made it so delicious?

I suspect the best sandwich I ever had was something made at home and carried up a hiking path to the point where I was super-hungry and ready to eat. I have no memory of this mythic sandwich, but that tends to be when I enjoy food the most: after lots of sweat, outside, great view, good friends nearby.

4. What are you currently not bragging about that you should totally brag about?

We started a MASSIVE reorganization at work on August 1. It has gone in unexpected directions already, and I see that continuing to happen. I haven't lost my shit once yet. This is seriously amazing. Also, the finished product will be awesome, eventually. Give me a decade and it will be completely done!

5. What food have you never tasted and are most interested in trying?

I'd like to try more varieties of Indian and middle-eastern foods.

6. What history facts were you surprised to learn because it was never covered in school?

I never learned about the Sand Creek Massacre despite growing up less than 200 miles from where it happened.

7. What is something that you waited entirely too long to start or stop doing? What made you say "Why did I wait so long?"

It has taken me most of my life to really stop internalizing the opinions of people I don't know or care about. Why do they get to spend so much time in my head in place of people who love me??

8. What socially expected thing do you hate doing the most? What thing about polite society really grinds your gears?

I really hate hypocrisy.

9. What is something about your city that I should know if I'm going to visit? What is the hidden "must see" that you always tell friends and visitors to not miss

Well, there was a very popular movie filmed here in the early 90s that has become a bit of a "thing" to celebrate every year. There's a tour of sites from the movie and other slightly random things. I can do the tour in my sleep at this point.

10. What do you miss most about childhood?

The endless days, and waking up every morning to do it again only different.

11. What "fact" did you learn in school that is not true or no longer true?

...that the President always deserves respect.

12. What's your favorite piece of useless trivia?

I know SO MUCH useless trivia!! From the location of several dozen topics in Dewey Decimal to jersey numbers of football players from the 70s to how to make a white sauce in the kitchen to airport codes for a lot of cities. Really, it's ridiculous that no one will play Trivial Pursuit with me........!!

13. What's your best go to homemade "lazy" meal

Easiest hot food is spaghetti and a salad. The one I like the most is mac n cheese and sausage. However, I'm having a bagel sandwich with two kinds of cheese for lunch and I do that a LOT!

14. What's the title of this current chapter in your life?

"Surgeons and Pain Control for Beast"

15. What is a habit or practice that you learned from your childhood that you didn't realize was "weird" until you were an adult?

Apparently, shouting through the house isn't done by every family. Like, yelling up the stairs for someone--Beast's family apparently didn't do that. Who knew?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
... because Joy recommended it
[and if you don't know this song, shame on you and Google it yourself!]

1) The Beatles recorded this after they had taken a three-month hiatus from working together as a band. Do you find you're sharp after taking time off? Or does it take you a while to get back into the swing of things in your day-to-day life?

It takes awhile to get in the groove, BUT my mind is sharper. At least briefly. ;-)

2) During those three months off, John Lennon made a movie called How I Won the War. What's the last movie you watched? Did you view it at a theater, on TV, or from a device like a computer or tablet?

I'm trying to remember the last movie we saw at the theater. I remember sitting there, but I really need to write this stuff down. ... Beast saves ticket stubs, and he says it was Wonder Woman. Which was good!! I have some weird brain-thing that just refuses to "save" movie titles.

3) Paul McCartney and George Harrison both used their time off to make new and different music. Paul composed instrumentals for a movie soundtrack while George studied sitar with Ravi Shankar. Ringo Starr spent those three months with his wife and their two little boys. If you had three months to spend doing anything you wanted, and money was no object, would you try something new (like Paul and George) or just kick back and relax (like Ringo)?

I'm revising my opinion of Ringo because of this info. However, for myself, I expect it would be a combination of hanging out with friends and family, and working on something new and different.

4) Paul recalls what fun it was to dress up in Edwardian-era costumes for the album cover. When did you last attend a costume party? What did you wear?

I don't really do costume, or "fancy dress" as it's known in England.

5) Paul says he came up with the name "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" when Beatle friend Mal Evans told him about this great San Francisco band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. Paul hadn't heard their music yet, but he loved the sound of their six-word band name. Soon everyone would hear of Big Brother. Do you know who Big Brother's famous lead singer was?

Yes I do and I listened to some of her tunes yesterday at work. Love her, miss her.

6) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band appeared on the Billboard charts for 175 weeks. Is this album in your collection?

Yup. Of course. I think it's a requirement to own this if you're at all serious about music.

7) The Beatles are among the top-selling artists of all time in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Would you like to visit Africa?

Yes. Perhaps not those two countries, or at least not ONLY those two countries....

8) 50 years ago, when Sgt. Pepper was first released, the average price for gas was 33¢/gallon. When did you last fill up your gas tank? Do you remember how much it cost?

I paid $2.39 last night when I was driving on fumes after work.

9) Random question: Are most of your married friends happily married?

Those who are married...I would say it's probably 70/30 with happiness on the upper end. I mean, I have a lot of friends in support groups whose marriages sound rocky, but I'm only getting a particular slant, but that's balanced by the people at church who have been married since the Mammoth Era and I don't see that changing.

Saturday 9 x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Lazy Bones (1975)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a guy who'd rather nap than do his chores. Are there things you should be doing right now, instead of hanging around the blogosphere, answering these questions?

Of course. There's ALWAYS something I should be doing. Today's list includes handwashing some dishes, excavating the counters in the kitchen, general vacuuming (pick a floor, any floor)... So I'm blogging.

2) This song mentions a lazy afternoon of fishing. When did you last go fishing?

Sparky was 8. I know because he and his dad caught a fish (ok, it was a minuscule perch that was too small to keep). That was in 2001, at Moosehead Lake.

3) The lyrics catch our hero sleeping in both the sun and the shade. Do you have a nice, shady place to nap on your front lawn? Or would we catch you lying in the sun?

We have shade in the front yard, but the ground there isn't as comfy as the grass in the backyard, where there are no trees.

4) This week's featured artist, Leon Redbone, is a difficult man to nail down. Over the years he's claimed to be born in Ontario, and Philadelphia, and even Cyprus. Tell us about a time you got caught in a fib.

Well, there was the time I called someone an 'asshole' in an email to a mutual friend...and then, much later in the convo, I sent the whole email string to the first person. He's not an asshole, but there was some stupid behavior on display at the moment...oh boy.

5) Mr. Redbone has said that taking himself too seriously would be "the gentle kiss of death." What's something that you always take seriously and just can't joke about?

I wish I could say that I have never told, or laughed at, an off-color or shady joke, but everything I start to type I think of something ridiculous I've said or heard. Sometimes it's pretty black humor, but that is how I cope with life most of the time. I mean, my topics were Child Abuse, Racism, Sexism, Donald Trump....but every one of those topics I can think of absurdities that are just nuts and laughable. Not, "isn't it funny that we hit this kid" funny, but seriously, you really thought no one would notice your KID had DISAPPEARED* from your house?? WTF you fucking moron.

6) He has retired from public life, and that includes his Facebook page, which is no longer available. What did you last post to your Facebook page?

Just before I started on this.

7) Leon always wore dark glasses when he performed. Do your sunglasses have gray, green, brown or rose colored lenses?

They are black, but they're also the kind the change from regular glasses to dark in the sun.

8) Recently Dick Van Dyke performed this song at a charity benefit, aided by his a capella quartet, The Vantastix. Last year, at age 90, he campaigned for Bernie Sanders. So Mr. Van Dyke is certainly not a "lazy bones." Who's the most active, energetic person in your life?

There's a woman at my church who is coming up on 80 who is more physically vigorous than pretty much anyone I know, of ANY age. She is astounding. I would have guessed she was closer to 60 at most--only because of her gray hair and some general wrinkliness--but in conversation over the winter she mentioned that her husband was turning 80 (which is equally hard to believe) this year and she's not far behind. They own an apple orchard so they work, physically, every day. Amazing.

9) Random question: You're at dinner with friends and someone begins a very long joke with, "Stop me if you've heard this before." You have heard it, many times before. Do you stop him? Or do you just sit through it again?

Depends on the person. And the joke. If it's a rude joke, like beyond the pale for other hearers, I'll stop them. If it's just a tired old stupid story, I'll probably sit through it again. I've been doing that my whole entire life, after all. Sometimes it sucks being the youngest....

_____
*Local dude moved to a new house with his family, minus one pre-teen daughter. Somehow police got involved back in the old neighborhood--not sure if new residents in home called or what--and the authorities found remains in the garage, which had been there at least several weeks (into months' time). Dude's full of excuses about what could have possibly happened. Same dude told people earlier, prior to moving, that he was going to "get rid" of the girl into fostering or adoption or "whatever." Seriously? I have to laugh to think that someone is THIS STUPID! If I don't laugh, I'm going to want to slit my wrists over the fact that I'm breathing the same air as people like this.


C Is for Cookie
Don't blame Sam. Harriet requested Cookie Monster.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artist, Cookie Monster says his favorite TV show is Monsterpiece Theater. What show do you try never to miss?

We DVR Deadliest Catch, all the NCIS shows and a few things that Beast watches without me (Bill Maher, car shows). I may see about getting Graham Norton on the schedule. I need some silliness.

2) Though he goes by Cookie Monster professionally, he is still called Sid by his family. When will you next get together with your relatives?

I have no idea. Thanksgiving for sure. We might see the locals (Katherine, Alan and the boys) this summer. I'm not planning more than about a week at a time--at most!!--these days.

3) Now for the cookie questions! Where do you weigh in on this age-old controversy: Is a brownie a cookie or a cake?

Cake. Never really thought about it, but I make them in a cake pan. On the other hand, given any way of doing so, I make cookies in cake pans too. SO much faster!

4) Fig Newtons contain no cholesterol. Do you read nutrition labels before eating snacks? Or does knowing the truth about your favorite sweets ruin your enjoyment?

Everything I think tastes good is bad for me at this point. Except almonds and walnuts and fruit.

5) Biscotti are designed for dipping into drinks. Do you like to dunk your cookies?

Yuck.

6) Do you prefer cookies made with milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips? Or are you a rebel who prefers butterscotch chips?

I love love love butterscotch cookies! I'm ok with whatever chocolate is used, though I'm not a giant fan of them, though they are yummy right out of the oven.

7) Bill Murray once said, "Raisin cookies that look like chocolate chip cookies are the main reason I have trust issues." Do you like raisin cookies?

I LOVE oatmeal-raisin cookies! My mom's were the best ever. ...sigh

8) Nabisco still sells animal-shaped cookies in a red box that looks like a train car labeled, "Barnum's Animals." However Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus gave their last-ever performance on May 21, 2017. Have you ever been to the circus?

I've been twice to Ringling Brothers, once to the Moscow Circus and I think I was at a couple small traveling circuses in my life. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the American circuses for various reasons, but the bears in Moscow were amazing.

9) Have you ever received a memorable fortune in a fortune cookie?

Not that I recall. I keep some of them for awhile, but they haven't been life-changing. However, in the midst of answering these questions, we were talking about dinner and the subject of Chinese takeout was raised (by Beast). Maybe tonight's the night I'll get that killer fortune, eh?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Tide Is High (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song was originally performed in 1966 by a Jamaican band called The Paragons. Jamaica is the most popular vacation destination in the Caribbean. What's your ideal vacation? (Relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in a new city, skiing the slopes, spending time with family, etc.)

Some combination of all of this, though these days, sitting on a sidewalk chair and watching people is a lovely way to spend time.

2) In this song, Debbie Harry sings that she's not the kind of girl who gives up easily. How about you? Do you hang on stubbornly? Or do you know when to say "when?"

I'm a little stubborn, but I'm slowly learning my limits.

3) Blondie is a group that took it's name from the lead singer's most identifiable characteristic, her hair. If your band was named after your hair, what would it be called?

Graying-Brown. I don't think we're going to get much play.

4) Before her career as a singer took off, Debbie supported herself as a waitress. She even served drinks while wearing bunny ears and tail at The Playboy Club. Have you ever worked in food service?

Extremely briefly, a very long time ago. It's hard work, and not for me at all.

5) Debbie points to David Bowie as a major influence on her music and career. What's your favorite Bowie song?

Hmmm....I'm not a big fan of Bowie's music. Maybe "Money" I guess.

6) In 1980, when this song was popular, the best selling issue of Rolling Stone featured Robert Redford on the cover. Who is your all-time favorite actor?

I like Sandra Bullock.

7) In 1980, Ted Turner revolutionized how we watch TV when he introduced CNN. Do you have any subscriptions services in addition to cable -- like Hulu, Amazon Prime or Netflix?

Nope.

8) John Lennon was murdered in 1980. Today there's a specially landscaped section of Central Park called Strawberry Fields in his honor. If you had a day to spend in New York, what would you want to see?

Central Park would probably take at least a week to explore. And Ellis Island. And Broadway. Otherwise, I've no reason whatsoever to go to NYC. Beast would probably want to hit the 9/11 memorial site too.

9) We're going shopping! Which do you need to add to your wardrobe: underwear, shoes or a swimsuit?

I never wear swimsuits, and I'm set for undies for now. So, oh darn oh shucks, we get to go shoe-shopping!! I love shoes.....!

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Over/Under

1. What’s a film you consider overrated, and what’s a related or similar film you consider underrated?

I went to see "La La Land" in the theater over the winter. It was cute, with a lot of great music, but as a movie? Not the greatest I saw last year. "Hidden Figures", however, was amazingly good even though I didn't understand a word of the science/math stuff!

2. What’s overrated about the area in which you live, and what’s underrated about it?

   What is over-rated is how friendly people are (not so much until you are 'known' in town). Under-rated... I would say that we take for granted the good roads and transportation options, and the amazing hospitals in the general vicinity.

3. Whose talent or skill is overrated, and whose is underrated?

   I think we can probably agree now that Trump has over-promised and overrates himself on what he can/will deliver as POTUS. All the people actually trying to get good work done on any given day in D.C. are underrated, and it's criminal.

4. What item in the supermarket is overrated, and what’s underrated?

   Yogurt is overrated! OMG, the smell of the yogurt being eaten around me every day in the workroom at work! Yuck. Fresh walnuts are underrated. I just rediscovered them. Delish.

5. What’s utterly terrific except for one or two things?

   Cheese. There's very little cheese I don't like, though I'm not a huge fan of runny stuff (like brie).

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Place for Pumpkin Questions

1. If "happiness" was the global currency, what kind of work would make you a gazillionaire?

My current job would probably have me be rolling in dough. I really do enjoy myself at work, and love my job. Except, when, you know, politics happens.

2. Would you break the law to save someone you loved? And, if so, how far would you be willing to take it?

Depends on the law. If it's a stupid law, or a morally wrong one, I wouldn't really have compunction about sacrificing it before a loved one. I would, of course, always pick someone I like to survive in a head-to-head battle over someone I didn't know/like.

3. Is it possible to really know the truth without questioning it first?

Not about most things. We really aren't born "knowing things" too often. And the stuff we are is pounded out of us well before we turn 5.

4. Do you remember that one time . . . oh, about 5 years ago or so . . . when you were really, really upset? Does it really matter now? If not now, then when?

Five years ago I was pretty much mad and panicky about everything. And yeah, it was a tempest in a teapot for the most part. Why? What have you heard?

5. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

In some areas, yes. Pretty much anything that causes children to suffer is evil. Cancer is evil. Some things are much harder to determine. Should Hitler have been assassinated in the 30s before he could inflict the war and the Holocaust on people?

6. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I've reached the happy age where the confluence of tiredness and lack of caring have put a stop to anything that's likely to get me in trouble. I really don't care if I'm judged. I'm going to be judged regardless of what I do.

7. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

I would prefer to never have to do any housework ever again. Otherwise, I'm in a good place.

8. Would you rather be an anxious genius, or a tranquil fool?

Right now, Tranquil Fool sounds like a very peaceful way to die.

9. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

My job is very much about the former; that's where the payoff is. However, over the last 3 or so years, I've really become far more interested in doing the latter. The real payoff is there, but it's approximately 800 times harder.

10. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

I definitely feel like my age today. Lovely spring day means hello allergies and sore eyes. And the fact that I had two cookies with dinner has made me queasy. Two cookies = too much sugar?? WTF....oh well.

Saturday 9 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Too Fat Polka (1947)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Have you ever danced the polka?

Yes I have! It's a thing at most WI weddings, and we've been to a few of those.

2) The centerpiece of a traditional Polish polka band is the accordion. The accordion is a substantial instrument. Have you ever tried to play it?

Nope. It has never held even the slightest attraction for me.

3) The plump lady of this song cannot fit into the singer's car. How many passengers does your car comfortably seat?

There are 5 seatbelts. I think all five people would be ok for a medium-length ride.

4) Would you like to lose a few pounds?

Of course. More than a few too (as I sit here eating brownies for breakfast).

5) In the long ago 1940s, this song was considered amusing. Do you think it's still funny today?

Not even slightly. I actually had to turn it off before it even got halfway through.

6) Arthur Godfrey, who recorded this song, was a popular radio and TV host from the 1930s to the 1970s. Before this week's Saturday 9, had you ever heard of him?

Yes, of course. People used to think my dad looked like him back in the day. [no, he didn't, but they both had red hair....entirely different shades of red, but people are kinda dumb] I used to like him. His rating rather slipped with this song, however. Ugh.

7) One of his more popular radio shows was Talent Scouts. A 1940s-50s version of American Idol, this show gave previously unknown singers their first national exposure. Godfrey could point with pride to having helped discover Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline, but he made a mistake by rejecting Elvis Presley. Tell us about something you'd do differently if you could get a "do over."

... Look, I'm 53. I have a kid, and a husband. I have friends and family and a job. There isn't one single part of my life that doesn't cry for do-overs, sometimes daily. SO MANY places I could have made better decisions!

8) In 1953, Godfrey made news by having one of the nation's very first hip replacements. Have you ever been/would you be part of a clinical trial, either for a new drug or a new medical procedure?

I would if it meant the chance to extend my life or decrease pain. I'm beginning to think I should research some trials on back/neck/shoulder surgery for Beast. He is really in rough shape.

9) RANDOM QUESTION: You and a friend are shopping. She tries on an expensive sweater and enthusiastically asks what you think. You think it looks awful. Do you tell her the truth?

Yes. Though I might hedge it by saying it doesn't look well-made or it's too pricey or something. Unless she asked specifically, "How do I look, really?" I can't lie that baldly.

Work from Home (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who doesn't get to see her lover often enough because he's on the night shift. Have you ever worked nights?

Not over-nights, no. When I started at my current workplace, I worked 6-9 three nights a week, which gave Beast and me about 15 minutes crossover, at most, from his return from work and my departure. Then, when he started to commute by train for 3 hours a day (round-trip), it was a "trade the kid at the train station" period, and he'd be asleep when I got home at 9:15. I also worked occasional Sundays and alternate Saturdays during this time so it was a little dicey seeing each other.

2) She promises that if he takes the day off, she'll make it feel like a vacation. Have you traveled anywhere fun so far this year? Do you have any leisure trips planned for 2017?3) The ladies of Fifth Harmony are enthusiastic supporters of the Girl Scouts, rewarding troops who excel in fundraising activities with free concerts. The Scouts' best-known fundraiser is their cookie sale. What's your favorite cookie (Girl Scout or otherwise)?

I love the Samoas. And I really like the vanilla Oreos (or knockoffs).

4) Fifth Harmony also participated in Goodwill's Fall Haul campaign. They encouraged high school students donate as many items as possible to Goodwill, and the winning school got a free concert. When did you last take gently-used items to a resale organization?

I took a carton and some bags of old clothes to a local place last fall, and then went shopping since it turned out to be half-price day. They give a coupon to everyone who donates, so I really hit the jackpot.

5) Do you ever shop second-hand or thrift stores?

More and more. I need to get some new spring/summer tops.

6) Fifth Harmony member Normani Kordei competes on Dancing with the Stars this season. Would you do better on DWTS or The Voice? In other words, are you a better singer or dancer?

I have never had a single dance lesson, but I have sung in choirs and elsewhere, so I'd probably do better on latter show. But I would never do either!

7) In February 2016, when this song was first released, The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl and Spotlight won the Best Picture Oscar. Can you recall who won the 2017 Super Bowl and Best Picture Oscar, just two months ago?

Stupid Pats, and NOT La-La Land. :)

8) 2016's most popular TV show was Game of Thrones. Are you a fan?

Nope. Not even of the books. Epic fantasy is not my thing at all!

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What's the subject line of the newest message in your email spam folder?

I have an interesting mix of church-related (not MY church though) stuff and shopping stuff and a pen!s-enlargement ad. The top tagline is "Coming Soon to an Indie Theater Near You" though, which is extremely random. I literally NEVER check anything here, unless I'm bored and looking for a giggle.

I also keep a folder of stuff that came to be instead of someone else. I have that kind of an email, that people screw up regularly. The most recent one there is tagged "Confirmed singers for Gig on 3/23" (discussion about a music service at church--not mine--including this priceless part, cut/pasted: "ladies, long floor link black gowns, stockings, or Knee high's, closed in shoes with pearls"). THAT is mighty specific!

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Quarters

1. The first quarter of 2017 is now behind us. How has it been?

   LONG!! Holy crap, this year is just creeping by. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of living with an invalid, having a crazy-child running our country, and worrying about everything....it's wiping me out.

2. How has this past quarter of your life been surprisingly good?

   Uhm. It really hasn't been. It's a nice night, birds are singing, I'm watching Emergency on TV (not the 70s drama, this is a reality show from Canada). It's kind of fun listening to the accents.

3. When did you last drop quarters into a vending machine?

   I can't even remember. We have coin kiosks at work for making copies (etc.) so I use--and definitely HEAR--them all the time.

4. How do you feel about your state’s twenty-five-cent coin? If you’re not in the U.S., which of the coins do you think is especially striking?

   I had to Google it since I haven't paid the slightest attention to all of the hullabaloo about them. It's got the state's Favorite Son on it, the skyline for our biggest city, and some farm buildings. Whee.

5. Google’s corporate headquarters is called the Googleplex. What would be a good name for the corporate headquarters of your life?

   Messy, dusty, untidy, chaotic. Sorry, I don't have any creative way of phrasing that.

Gimme One Reason

1. What makes you unreasonably irritated?

   Stupidity. Man, everyone was irritating me today: other drivers, a couple of regular patrons that are incredibly needy (and stupid), office staff at the doctor's office.... It was just an irritating day.

2. What are you unreasonably particular about?

   Having facts to support a point of view. If you just "believe" it, that's fine, but it doesn't mean the rest of us have to "believe" it on your say-so. Bring me some data, or go to hell. [Though, to be honest, I don't think this is at all unreasonable....]

3. What’s something that’s unreasonably complicated?

   Disability sign-up. Beast's application was submitted 3 months ago. It's still "pending."

4. What are the best reasons for working in your field?

   I get to do something I think is important to society--literacy, reading, exploring, fact-finding, providing access to all of the above--and get paid a decent wage for it. I work with great people, and every day is different.

5. What are some good reasons for the most recent silly purchase you made?

   I was hungry for something sweet, watching Beast eat his M&Ms. So I went and bought junk food. I suck.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Along Alone Again, Naturally (1971)
Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. Friday was St. Patrick's Day, March 17th! Did you celebrate with green beer or a green milkshake?

Hell no. I did have Irish Soda Bread, brought to work by a coworker. I don't add green to food that shouldn't have it, though.

2. Did you remember to wear green?

I did. Of course; too many childhood pinchings to dare to forget green on St. Pat's.

3. What color do you look best in?

I have a purple sweater that I got at a resale shop last fall that someone told me this week is a good shade for me. I try to avoid red, since I tend to have a bad case of red-face even without it. And I think I do OK with teal/turquoise.

4. This week's featured artist, Gilbert O'Sullivan, was born in Waterford, Ireland. Waterford is famous for Waterford Crystal. Do you have glassware that you save for special occasions?

We have two full (glass-front) cupboards full of glassware we basically never use: beer mugs, martini glasses, luncheon dishes. I just can't get rid of them.

5. This week's featured song includes the line, "To think that only yesterday I was cheerful, bright and gay." How were you feeling yesterday?

Yesterday was ok. I got a fair amount of work done, attended to some great tunes while reorganizing the worms and spiders sections of our Dewey books. (That was probably meaningless--Dewey has updated most of the animal sections, so I'm working through the 'corrections' in our books--someday maybe I'll fix the collection itself....)

6. It begins with reference to a wedding that didn't quite come off because the bride left the groom at the altar. When were you most recently at church? Was it for a holiday service, a regularly scheduled service, a special event (a wedding or baptism)?

I teach Sunday School, so I'm there every Sunday, including last week. I'll be there tomorrow as well. I'm the Donut Lady.

7. In 1971, when this song was popular, Malibu Barbie was a big seller for Mattel. This doll had a perpetual tan. For a human to achieve this, a tanning bed or self tanner is usually required. Have you used either method to give yourself a tan?

Nope. I've got that northern European white skin with freckles and when hit by sun it mostly just burns, peels, and goes back to white-with-maybe-two-more-freckles. I've probably given myself enough sun damage from tanning with baby oil as a teenager. I don't need more. Also, self-tanning (spray) is ORANGE! Ick.

8. In March, 1971, James Taylor appeared on the cover of TIME magazine. What's your favorite James Taylor song?

"You've Got a Friend"

9. Random Question: What word or phrase do you hear yourself saying too often?

"Actually" (ack-shul-lee) or "derp." I swear a lot too, though.

Saturday 9 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Johnny Angel (1962)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, a girl sings that she'd rather spend a quiet evening at home than go out on a date. How about you? Do you enjoy quiet time? Or do you prefer keeping a busy calendar?

I would always prefer to stay home, which doesn't preclude a busy calendar by any means. I seriously feel like I have no time for anything much fun lately. Exhibit A: being 3 weekends behind on all the memes!

2) She dreams of how her life with Johnny would be. What did you most recently daydream about?

Being in the mountains far away from adulthood and winter.

3) Shelley never considered herself a singer and is more comfortable acting. A costar on The Donna Reed Show, she was pressured to make this record by the show's producer, who wanted extra exposure for the show by having this song on the radio. Tell us about a time you ventured outside your comfort zone.

I went to the Soviet Union on a dare in college. I was terrified the the whole flight overseas--I'd been overseas, it was the destination--but I can't tell you how glad I am now that I forced myself.

4) Elvis said she was his favorite leading lady, and she appeared with him in three films. What qualities do you appreciate in a coworker?

Humor, hard work / attention to detail, kindness.

5) She met her close friend and fellow teen star Annette Funicello when they were 12 and attended the same Catechism class. What do you recall from your middle-school years?

Being embarrassed every day about ridiculous things. I do remember my math teacher making me keep my hand up in the air for like 10 minutes after I colored the whole palm black with a Magic Marker. The other sort of timely thing is that I had a crush on a guy named Larry when I was in 8th grade (he was a year ahead). I am friends on Facebook with him--really barely acquaintances IRL--and he posted for the first time in months today. Because he just got released from jail. So ... dodged a bullet there maybe?

6) After The Donna Reed Show, Shelly went on to a recurring role on One Day at a Time and was twice nominated for an Emmy for her work on Coach. Her husband is Mike Farrell, who played BJ on M*A*S*H. Which of those four sitcoms would you enjoy binge watching?

I don't really like binging--I get bored after a couple of shows because really they're all the same (with some notable exceptions). Having said that, I'd sit through a few hours of ODAAT or MASH any time!

7) In 1962, the year this song was popular, is also the year Jack Nicklaus began his successful pro golf career. Do you enjoy playing golf? Watching it on TV?

We watch golf, because Beast loves it. I wouldn't ever choose it for myself. I think I'd enjoy playing golf if I were any good, but I'm too competitive to deal with all the randomness and luck of the game.

TWO Random Questions (especially for Harriet):
8) A 2013 study said most Americans will have 12 romantic relationships in their lifetime. Does this mean you've had more or less than your share?

Less. Although how does one define a "romantic relationship" anyway?

9) It's closing time at the mall and you find yourself accidentally locked in a toy store. You call the police and they say someone will be there in about half an hour to rescue you. While you wait, will you play with any toys? (If so, which ones?)

Of course, but seriously: a half hour? Why call? I'll just play all night, sleep with some of the teddies, play with the Lego and board games, and hang out in the bathroom around opening time till it's safe to leave. I promise; I wouldn't even steal anything!!

****************

I'll Be There (1992)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Mariah pledges to "have faith in all you do." Have you recently given someone support or a pep talk?

I do this regularly at work: "You can do this; it's not as hard as it sounds." is a common refrain with people online for the first time. Yes, there are still people who don't 'do' computers! Coworkers, same, though the topic is usually more along the lines of "stand up for yourself!" since I work with a lot of people like me who are terminally co-dependent. And of course Beast needs lots of validation post-surgery; he can't use his left arm for much, and his back is still FUBAR, as is his shoulder. He feels like a drain on resources (his view, not mine), but he's really doing pretty well considering the level of pain he's experiencing all day.

2) Mariah was at the center of a controversy in Times Square on New Year's Eve when she had audio problems and claimed she could not perform. Times Square is at the busy intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. If we went to the busy intersection nearest your home, what would we find? (A store? A church? McDonald's?)

The nearest actually busy intersection to my house is just 2 farm fields, a house and a horse farm. The busiest intersection in the city where I work is probably the one with Walgreen's, McD's, a gas station and a strip mall on the corners.

3) Her nickname in high school was Mirage because she cut school so often. Did you ever play hookey?

I can literally remember every single time I ditched out of school. Both were in college.

4) Mariah doesn't apologize for spoiling her dogs, who have been known to travel by limo. Do you know anyone who treats his/her pets like people?

I try to assume that all my pet-loving friends are perfectly normal. But there is one friend that I'm pretty sure is clinically insane about her dog. ;-)

5) Mariah has something to fall back on. She studied cosmetology and worked as a hair sweeper in a salon. When you get your hair cut, do you socialize with the stylist?

A "hair sweeper" is an actual job title? Wow, I have skills I had no idea I had! My hair person is a friend, so yeah. She and I have been discussing for years life as wives of alcoholics. Her husband died--at 45ish--last year from that. Mine is still around, so far.

6) When married to her first husband, Mariah went vegetarian. Tell us about last night's dinner. Would it qualify as a vegetarian meal?

Nope. I had leftover KFC chicken and biscuits.

7) This week's song was introduced by The Jackson 5. Think of your favorite Michael Jackson song. Did he record it solo or with his brothers?

My favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror" so alone. However, I also really enjoy "ABC" with the whole gang.

8) In 1992, when this song was popular, The Mall of America opened. Located in Minnesota, it's the biggest mall in the nation, with more than 400 stores. Think about the last thing you purchased. Were you shopping out of necessity, or for fun?

Necessity at Aldi's Thursday after work. I don't shop for fun. {{shudder}} Unless you count Amazon Subscribe and Save which I did this morning, but again that was things like laundry detergent and toilet paper.

9) Have you ever shoplifted? (Don't worry. We won't tell.)

Yes, but the statute of limitations has expired at least 5 times since then.

****************

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

1) This 1980 video depicts Olivia Newton-John as a performer in small club. For the past few years, she's been performing regularly at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

Yes. I actually love that place because it's just full of Teh Weeeirrrrd! I go for the "show" along the sidewalks of the Strip. It's free and way more entertaining the anything in a theater!

2) Many tourists who want to get away from the glitz of Vegas travel less than 20 miles to visit Red Rock Canyon. This national park is known for its hiking trails, which provide a view of the desert flora and red rock peaks. Tell us about a time you were impressed by natural beauty.

And I love this place most of all. We try to get there every time we are in Vegas because it reminds me so much of home. If I could live anywhere, that would be on the top 10 list. To answer the actual question: I find nature beautiful in small and large ways almost daily.

3) One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Las Vegas is Andiamo Italian Steak House. When you order a steak, how do you request it be cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done?

Medium to medium-rare.

4) Olivia Newton-John's father was an officer in MI5, the UK's secret service. Sam's most recent encounter with the law didn't have much drama or intrigue: she asked a cop for directions to the highway. Tell us about the last time you spoke to an officer of the law.5) ONJ was awarded the OBE -- Order of the British Empire -- by Queen Elizabeth in honor of her contributions to the arts. Here's your opportunity to boast. What is something you've done lately that you received praise for?

I've had a lot of people, including Beast, tell me they don't know how I deal with "home life" right now over the past year or so. Is that praise? I don't really live for praise, though it's nice when it happens.

6) A breast cancer survivor, Olivia helped found a cancer center in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

Kangaroos. I haven't ever been there, so what can I say in my defense?

7) "Magic" was one of the top-selling records of 1980. Also that year, Post-It notes debuted. Do you enjoy shopping for office supplies, or do you consider it a chore?

OMG--I have am a totally office-supply whore! Pens! Paper! Calendars! It's an out-of-body experience for me in those stores.

8) In 1980, the NASA space probe returned the first photos of Saturn back to earth. Do you believe intelligent life forms from other planets are trying to learn more about us?

I think there is intelligent life besides us in the universe. I don't think they have the slightest interest in us.

9) Random question: Are you more confident in your looks or your intelligence?

Intelligence.