Saturday 9 -- Mahler: Symphony No. 8

 

Mahler: Symphony No. 8

Saturday 9 -- Mahler: Symphony No. 8 (1968)

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

1) Mahler's No. 8 is sometimes referred to as "Symphony of a Thousand" because it was scored for a large orchestra and choral force. Do you often listen to classical music?  Not as often as I would like to.  There used to be a radio station that played it here and I listened, but there is not one now.  I need to find a station on an app or something.  Classical music is so beautiful and relaxing.  You can almost see the story it is telling.

2) This piece has solos for each of the main vocal ranges: soprano, alto, tenor, bass. Do you know which range your voice is in?  alto

3) Historians tell us Mahler kept fit by swimming and riding his bike along the Alpine trails. What's your favorite form of exercise?  I like to walk and lift weights.  I haven't done either since covid.

4) Mahler could be difficult to work with because when it came to his music, he was a stickler over even the most minor details and wouldn't give an inch. Would you rather work as part of a team or on your own?  I used to like to work by myself, but I am definitely a team person now.  I love listening to other ideas and putting together a good plan.

5) This week's featured artist, Leonard Bernstein, said his father didn't want him to pursue music. Instead the elder Bernstein wanted his son to either join the family business (a beauty supply company) or become a rabbi. Did your family try to influence your choice of career?  no

6) Bernstein's best-known work is West Side Story. Without looking it up, can you name a song from this beloved Broadway classic?  I Feel Pretty

7) Born in Lawrence, MA, Bernstein "went home" when he performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA. Tanglewood has played host to a variety of musical artists. In 2022, Ringo Starr, Bonnie Raitt, and James Taylor all performed there (with James Taylor scheduled to return this summer, as well). What's the first concert you ever attended?  The Beach Boys

8) In 1968, when Bernstein released this album, a sitcom called Mayberry R.F.D. premiered. It was a spin off of the highly successful Andy Griffith Show, which ran from 1960 to 1968 and is still broadcast and streamed today. Were you an Andy Griffith Show fan?  YES!  Loved it.  

9) Random question: When people ask for your advice, what do they usually ask you about?  questions about education and how to teach things.   Also, teachers handle a lot of behaviors that children exhibit.  Sometimes that can be difficult to get right.  I get asked strategies to try to handle student behavior also.

Sunday Stealing- Birthday Meme (Bev's 80th Birthday!)

 

Birthday Meme

After 80, every year without a headstone

is a milestone!

To celebrate my birthday (Today), here are some questions

 related to age:

Also, check out the "gift" that Ned put together for me. 

I am overwhelmed.

https://padlet.com/exactly12/happy-80th-birthday-to-bev

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Click below to visit Bev's padlet birthday party from Ned or

use link above!

Go Wish Bev a Happy Birthday!

Happy 80th, Birthday, Bev!!!

1. What is the best thing about your birthday?

I enjoy the birthday wishes.  I hear from friends that I do not hear from every day.

2. What is your favorite thing to do for your birthday?

Maybe go out to eat.  The kids make a big deal out of my birthday at school and that is fun.

3. What’s one thing you learned in the past year?  patience

4. What do you wish for in the next year?  better days at school

5. What’s the best thing about turning a year older?
another year wiser?

6. What was the most fun thing you did in the last year?

Karl and I went to Silver Dollar City where Josh works for a fun evening.

7. If you could understand any animal, which would it be?
My dog.  I would love to be able to communicate with dogs.

8. What is something that used to be hard, but is now easy?

teaching

9. If you could only keep one thing in your room, what would it be?
My bed

10. Which person makes you laugh the most? Why?
Lately, our dog Meisha.  She is always doing something silly.

11. If you could go back in time, when and where would you go?

I would go back to about my 30th birthday in 2000.  Josh was 2 years old, my mom and dad 

are still healthy.  My Grandparents were still living.  I was still thin.

12. If you were to bury a secret treasure, where would you bury it?

In my backyard.

13. What is your favorite memory?

Josh as a little kid.  Every memory.  Disney World was fun memories.

14. How have you helped others lately?

helping with planning for the move at school.

15. If you had to repeat a day over & over, how you'd want it to go?

Saturday 9: Saturday Night's Alright

 

Saturday Night's Alright

Saturday 9: Saturday Night's Alright (1973)

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

 

1) In this song, Elton John tells us it's 7:00 PM on Saturday evening and he's ready to rock with his friends. What will you be doing at 7:00 this evening?  Saturday evening I will probably be watching tv.  Maybe a Hallmark movie or watching something I have DVR'd over the week.  Possibly reading.

 

2) His sister is ready to party, too. The lyrics tell us she looks cute with "a handful of grease in her hair." What haircare products would we find in your bathroom right now?  My naturally curly hair requires a lot of products to keep it from looking frizzy.  I have some argon oil, curl cream, styling gel, freeze spray and hair spray.

3) He sings that by Saturday, he's had it with the aggravation and discipline of the past week and now he's ready to cut loose. How did last week treat you?  It was ok.  We have started taking things off the walls in the classroom and Monday we will start packing up things that are going to storage and things we are taking, but not using right now.  The week was fine.  I am feeling the stress though.

4) This Saturday night finds Elton and his friends "packed pretty tight" in their bar of choice. Agoraphobics have a hard time feeling safe in busy, crowded places. How about you? Are you comfortable in a crowd?  I am not a fan of crowds.  I can handle them at church and school, but to choose to be in a big crowd, I will probably pass.  I can do baseball games.  It depends on what I am willing to do I guess.

5) The lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, Elton's frequent collaborator. Bernie ranks this near the top of his favorite Elton John records. What's your favorite?   I can't pick.  I think Elton John is one of the most talented performers there is.  I love so many of his songs.  I can't pick a favorite.

6) Elton has turned his bad eyesight into a hobby, claiming that over the years he has purchased well over 200,000 pairs of glasses. Do you wear glasses? If so, how many prescription pairs do you own?  yes, I wear glasses.  I have 2 pairs of bifocals and 3-4 pairs of reading glasses.  Sometimes I think I can read better with readers than my bifocals.  I also found some sunglasses on Amazon that have my far away prescription so I can wear sunglasses without paying a lot of money.  Thank-you Amazon.

 

7) Elton once had to cancel an international tour because of an emergency appendectomy. Do you still have your appendix?  Yes, I do.

 

8) In 1973, when this song was popular, M*A*S*H was at the top of the ratings. Who is your favorite M*A*S*H character?  I did not watch MASH, I was young when it was on and I have never watched re-runs.  I would probably enjoy them.

9) Random question: Who is the wisest person you know?  My dad when he was living.  Ya know...Josh is very wise.  He is impressive to listen to.  I will say him...if you are new here, that is my son.

Tuesday 4- Valentine's Day

 

Valentine's Day

 Hi and welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.    

Happy Valentine's Day!    

$24 billion dollars are spent on Valentines Day gifts!  145 million cards are sent out and the average spent on gifts is $197.50 per person.

1. As a kid did you exchange Valentines at school with the other children?  Yes, I had a red and white polka dot box with pink hearts on each side of the box with my name on them.  

2. Do you have special traditions for the day or does it pass on without much hoopla? no traditions.  Sometimes we will go out to eat.

3 Today is the number one top day for flower and candy gifts.  The only other holidays that approach it are Christmas and Chanukah.  Do you ever receive candy, jewelry or flowers for the day?  Which is your favorite?  The kids at school typically give me chocolate and Karl gives me flowers.  He got me pink roses this year.

4. Zoos and  Pet rescues will name cockroaches or unpleasant animals after your ex and issue you a certificate.  They will even write your ex's name in cat litter for you.   What do you think of this "tradition"?  I think that is a waste of time.  I don't think of my ex's.

Sunday Stealing- 7 Layer Meme

 

7 Layer Meme

7 Layer Meme

 

LAYER 1: Tell us your...

* Eye color:   Green

* Hair color:  Dark Brown

* Height:  5' 4"

* Righty or lefty: righty

LAYER 2: What's...

* Your heritage:  I am adopted, so not sure

* The shoes you wore today:  Saucony tennis shoes

* Your weakness: hate trying new things

* Your fears:  public speaking, losing loved ones

* Your perfect pizza: canadian bacon and hamburger thick crust

* Goals you’d like to achieve:  make it through the school year in the combined

class I will be teaching in with 34 kids ages 3-5 years old.  It will not be easy.

* Your first waking thoughts: what do I need to do today

* Your best physical feature:  eyes, smile

* Your most missed memory: memories with family that has passed dad, grandparents

also memories of Josh when he was really little.

LAYER 3: Do you...

* Smoke:  no

* Cuss:  when I am really stressed or angry

* Sing:  love to sing

* Do you think you’ve been in love: yes

* Did you go to college: yes

* Liked high school: yes

* Believe in yourself:  yes

* Think you’re attractive:  not anymore

* Think you’re a health freak: no

* Like thunderstorms: yes

* Play an instrument: no

LAYER 4: In the past month have you…

* Drunk alcohol: no

* Smoked:  no

* Done a drug: no

* Made out: private

* Gone on a date: no

* Gone to the mall:  no

* Eaten an entire box of Oreos: no

* Eaten sushi: no

* Been on stage: no

* Been dumped: no

* Gone skating: no

* Gone skinny dipping: no

LAYER 5: Have you ever…

* Played a game that required removal of clothing:  yes

* Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: yes

* Been caught “doing something”: no

* Been called a tease: yes

* Gotten beaten up: no

LAYER 6:

* Age you did get/hope to be married: I got married at 27

* How do you want to die: in my sleep

* What did you want to be when you grew up: in the medical field (research)

* What country would you most like to visit:   all of Europe, all of the countries

LAYER 7: Now tell...

* Name a person you could trust with your life: My husband Karl

* Name a favorite CD that you own:   The Cars

* Number of piercings: 5 in my ears (3 in one and 2 in the other, but I no longer wear earrings

* Number of tattoos: none

* Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper:  I am not sure, I was in 

the newspaper some when I was in school for different things and when I got married

and had a baby.

* Name a past experience that you regret: :  being mean in school, I was not a bully, but

I said some means things a few times.

Saturday 9: My Funny Valentine

 

My Funny Valentine

 Saturday 9: My Funny Valentine (1953)

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

1) In this song, Frank sings that his lover is his favorite work of art. Tell us about a piece of artwork you can see from where you're sitting now. (Yes, that crayon drawing by your 5-year-old nephew counts.)  I am in my living room and have this on my wall.  I went through a phase where I loved metal art so much.  I still do, so that is why I still have it hanging up.  I think I found this one at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  I like to shop at Ross for house decor also.

2) He asks her to not change her hair. When will you next find yourself in the stylist's chair?  I have an appointment for March 15th which is during my Spring Break for a cut and color.

3) Sinatra is often photographed in hats because he began losing his hair while in his 30s. He wore "a rug" for TV, concert and film appearances but really didn't like it, considering the toupee merely part of his work attire. What do you wear when you wish to appear professional?  I wear nice clothes and shoes, make-up and I do my hair.

4) Sinatra is best known for his singing and won an Oscar for his acting. But not many people know he liked to paint until he widow sold his paintings at auction. Do you have a secret talent?  If I do it is a secret from me...hahaha.

 

5) As a kid, he was a paperboy in his hometown of Hoboken, NJ.  Tell us about one of your early jobs.  My favorite job as a young person was my grocery store jobs.  I loved being a cashier.  I had a big group of friends at those jobs, I worked at 3 different grocery stores over the years.  I loved the customers and the people I worked with very much.  We had so much fun.

  
This is the last Saturday  9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday. 

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for Tuesday?  Nothing planned yet, we are working on our Superbowl menu.  Go Chiefs!

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear?  Karl

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent?  I bought Valentine's Day cards for the kids from myself and my assistant Debbie.  We made them heart shaped crayons and made candy bags too.  I got Karl and Josh chocolate candies for Valentine's Day.

  
9) Sweethearts, those candy hearts with sayings like "BE MINE" stamped on them, began as throat lozenges. Are you fan of these little candies?  Love them!

Saturday 9: Beautiful

Beautiful

Saturday 9: Beautiful (2005)

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

 

1) In this song, Moby sings about a self-involved couple who believes others are fascinated by their glamorous lives. Tell us about the most interesting couple you know.  No one is really coming to mind.

 

2) This song was inspired by the proliferation of reality shows, where celebrities share their lives on camera. Does the idea of becoming rich and famous in exchange for letting a film crew into your home appeal to you?  no, I like my privacy.

3) "Beautiful" appears in the soundtrack of the movie The Devil Wears Prada, starring Meryl Streep. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance, which is no surprise because she has more Oscar nominations than any other actor or actress. Do you have a favorite Meryl Streep movie?  I am not a huge fan, but I liked Julie and Julia.

4) Moby has openly discussed how Christ has influenced his life and art. Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual? If yes, how do your beliefs impact your daily life?  I am religious.  I think my beliefs impact my life a lot.  I am always praying about the day and that things go well.  I am especially asking God for wisdom and direction in a move we are making at the preschool.  The construction team is ready to work on the hall we are in, so we are being moved to the intermediate school.  I will be sharing a classroom with the other pre-k teacher...which means 34 kids 4–5-year-olds.  We are both stressed.  We are both praying all goes well and that the building is ready for us to move into next school year.  I don't think any of us want to get a room ready and then have to move a month later...which is what they are telling us will happen right now.  School starts in August, and they are saying the building will be done in September.  If you pray, pray God has His hand in this.

5) His real name is Richard Melville Hall. His parents began calling him "Moby" almost immediately because they felt "Richard Melville Hall" sounded too big for a baby. When did you most recently hold a baby?  It was last year in the infant room at school.  I was in there helping out.  You would think I would be in there more, but I am in my classroom all of the time.

6) He began shaving his head when he was in his 30s. It was at the request of a girlfriend, who said she liked bald men. Would you change your appearance to please your lover?  It depends, if it were something small I might, but for the most part..no.

7) Moby's house was once owned by Marlon Brando and was later rented to The Beatles. What do you know about the previous residents of your home?  My sister-in-law and her husband lived in our house before us.

 

8) In 2005, when "Beautiful" was released, actress Ruth Warrick died. She began her career in radio, made her film debut in Citizen Kane, and she was best known as matriarch Phoebe Tyler on All My Children, a role she played for 35 years. What's the longest you stayed at the same job?  Probably about 10 years.  I am hoping to retire where I am at now, so that will be 15-16 years there when I retire.  

9) Random question: Without looking, do you know how much money is in your checking account right now?  no, I don't.  Karl takes care of that and will tell me when we are getting low on funds.  I have a basic idea of how much we have, but not exactly.