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Friday, January 22, 2021

Saturday 9 - Why Did I Choose You?


Why Did I Choose You?

Saturday 9: Why Did I Choose You? (1965)

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

1) In this song, Barbra Streisand reassures her lover that, if she had it all to do again, she would still choose him. Tell us about a decision you've made that you never, ever regretted.  Deciding to go back to school to get my teaching certificate.  My original degree is Sociology/Psychology.  I was going to do social work originally and was offered a position working for the department of mental health, but at the same time I was offered a teaching position and they would pay  me teacher salary as long as I was in school. I decided that teaching would give me a closer schedule to Josh.  I would have been driving a lot for social work.
 
2) The music was composed by Michael Leonard, who studied classical music at Julliard and the Handel Conservatory of Music in Munich. Do you often listen to classical music?  no, but only because there are no stations here that play classical.  There used to be and I listened then.

3) The lyrics were written by Herbert Martin. He taught music in the NYC public school system and during the summer worked in summer stock. That's how he met and began collaborating with Michael Leonard. Tell us how you met someone important in your life.  I met my husband at church.  We were singing in the church choir and we had mutual friends.  We all would go out to eat after church and after a bit Karl asked me out.
 
4) Ms. Streisand was a very good student, graduating fourth in her class at Erasmus Hall High School when she was only 16. One of Barbra's classmates was Neil Diamond. Do you have a favorite Neil Diamond song?  I love Neil Diamond,  but I am going to say Sweet Caroline because I have a former student that would sing that song and had all of the class singing it.  It has great memories attached to it.

5) While she didn't go on to college, she continued her education by attending two different acting schools simultaneously. Did you enjoy being a student?  Yes and I would still love being a student, but it is so expensive.
 
6) Barbra and her first husband, Elliott Gould, shared a New York apartment over a 5th Avenue restaurant called Oscar's Salt of the Sea. Elliott originated the role of Trapper John in the movie M*A*S*H. On TV, the role of Trapper was played by Wayne Rogers. Can you think of another role that's been played by more than one actor?  Magnum P.I.

7) Oscar's Salt of the Sea has ties to Sesame Street. Jim Henson loved their food and was amused by how inhospitable the owner, Oscar, could be. That's how Oscar the Grouch got his name. Which is your favorite Muppet? Elmo.

8) Back to Barbra ... She is a successful recording artist (nominated for 45 Grammy awards, winning 8) and an Oscar-winning actress, but she's suffered career disappointments, too. In 2010, she read the book Hidden Figures and tried to buy the rights so she could direct the film version. She lost out to fellow Brooklynite, director Theodore Melfi. In 2016, his movie of Hidden Figures was released. Did you see the movie or read the book?  I saw the movie.  It is excellent.

9) Random question: Your best friend takes up painting and proudly presents her first framed work to you. You think it's atrocious. Would you hang it in your home anyway?  I probably would and I would probably love it because it was from and by my friend.  I doubt I would think anything from a friend was atrocious.



15 comments:

  1. Wonderful answers. Do you and your hubby still sing in the choir? Just wondering. My hubby was singing in a college age youth group called "Good News" when we started dating. I went to see him sing and took my mother along, and she was so impressed with him that she told me if he ever asked me to marry him I'd better say yes! We'd only known each other 3 weeks. LOL. We were engaged about 4 months later and married in 10 months. LOL. I guess she was right...we've been married 51 years now. Oh, if I ever paint a picture I will send it to you! LOL. Enjoyed this. I bet you are a great teacher and you also would have been a wonderful counselor...which goes right along with teaching...

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    1. We actually stopped singing in the choir when Josh was born and we just never made it back. By the time we had more time to go sing in the choir again, they had done away with the church choir and just have a worship team that sings.

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  2. I feel the same way you do about #9. The thing of it is: my friend thought to share it with me! Why hurt her feelings?

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    1. exactly and I am so soft hearted. I would never hurt anyone. I think you are the same way. ♥

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  3. I love Miss Piggy and Animal, grin. Wishing you a beautiful day friend. smiles

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    1. I was just sticking with Sesame Street. I love the Muppets too.

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  4. How awesome that you and your hubby met at church! I don't think I know any couples who got together that way, but what a great foundation to have. Sweet Caroline is a great sing-a-long song and I also chose it for the great memories associated with it. Have a blessed weekend, Lori!

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  5. Most states allow senior citizens to take classes for free. I was thinking about doing that with a photography class.

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  6. I'm teaching more Psychology/Sociology courses this semester than US History. Funny how that works out some semesters. I never in a million years thought I would teach Psych/Soc but I love it.

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    1. This school year is so weird. It has really pushed us to be so much more flexible.

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  7. I enjoyed your post, Lori. It has been fun reading about how people met their spouse. Wishing you a good weekend, dear friend!

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