Saturday 9: Promises, Promises

Promises, Promises

Saturday 9: Promises, Promises (1983)

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

1) In this week's song, Naked Eyes lead singer Pete Byrne admits he believed his girl's promises, right from the start, but now he knows he should have been more careful with his heart. Do you consider yourself more trusting or skeptical?  Skeptical

 

2) He looks back on when he and his girl laughed like kids. When did you recently literally laugh out loud (opposed to keystroking LOL)?  I laugh out loud every day at school.  Yesterday at naptime a boy was making weird faces with his eyes closed like he was sleeping.  Today at naptime a girl was acting like she was a dog dreaming...you know how their little feet run...yep, she was doing that with her arms and legs.

 

3) He accuses her of not being able to finish what she starts. How about you? Do you finish what you start, or can you think of projects that you're unlikely to ever complete?  I mostly finish everything I start.

 

4) Naked Eyes was a British New Wave band who had four Top 40 singles, including "Promises, Promises." They never toured 40 years ago because it was difficult to recreate their synthesizer-driven sound onstage. Is there a band or singer you would have liked to have seen perform live, but never did?  Not really.  I am not a huge concert person.

 

5) While "Promises, Promises" is about an untrustworthy lover, Peter Byrne says he and bandmate/cowriter Rob Fisher worked well together because they knew they could trust one another professionally. By sharing honest assessments of creative ideas, they knew Naked Eyes would never put out "rubbish." If you want an honest opinion on something important, where do you turn?  I trust myself, but if I am really struggling with something at work, I will ask my Principal or our curriculum coach.  If it is something small my assistant will talk it out with me.

6) Madonna was a Naked Eyes fan. Are you a Madonna fan?  I was when she was popular.  I have groups that I will always love, I like Madonna, but not like a favorite.

7) In 1983, when this song was on the radio, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to build spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a PC or a Mac? Laptop or desktop? Android or iPhone? Laptop

 

8) Also in 1983, America West Airlines took off for the first time, taking passengers from Las Vegas to Phoenix. Where did you go on your first flight? What about your most recent flight?  I have never flown.

9) Random question -- Finish this statement: If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone to school to be a teacher when I was young.  I originally went for social work, but quickly decided that was not for me.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Topics and Conversation

 

Topics and Conversation

1. What subjects do you find you enjoy most in conversations?  I enjoy talking about book suggestions and favorite beauty supplies.

2. What topics do you try to avoid with friends or with family or even with strangers?  politics

3. What topics are difficult for you to talk about? Would you like that to change?  talking about death and sickness.  I would love to be able to have comforting words to say that actually sound genuine.

4. What topics really can get you going for good or for bad?  Things happening right now at school with the building and combining of the two biggest classes gets me going.  I have the largest pre-K class and they had me combine with another one.

Saturday 9: I Won't Be the One to Let Go

 

Saturday 9: I Won't Be the One to Let Go (2002)

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

1) Barbra Streisand begins by singing about dreams and wishes. What are you wishing for this morning?  Just a nice relaxing and peaceful day.

2) Barry Manilow sings that "anytime you need me, you'll know where I am." If a friend needs you, what's the best way to reach you (text, phone call, email, knock on the front door ...)?  text.  I will respond to a text quickly.  I tend to not answer my phone unless it is family.  I would get an email possibly if it came across my phone.  I do not always answer my door either.  It is always best to text me and let me know your plan.  That way I will be ready and I can respond.

 

3) Both of this week's artists are from Brooklyn. In addition to Barry and Barbra, Brooklyn is home to Coney Island, where America's first roller coaster debuted in 1884. Do you enjoy amusement park rides? If yes, do you have a favorite?  I do enjoy smaller amusement park rides.  My very favorite ride is the one where Josh works at Silver Dollar City.  It is called Fire in the Hole.  It is a "dark ride" which is a roller coaster that is inside and in the dark.  I LOVE it!  I loved the big coasters that go upside down when I was young, but I will stick to the smaller ones now.

4) Barbra and her husband, actor James Brolin, have lived in the same Malibu home for more than 25 years. How long have you been in your current residence? Do you think you'll be moving anytime soon?  25 years.  We have no plans to move at this time.

5) Barry Manilow once lived in luxurious Bel Air. His neighbors were former President and Mrs. Reagan. At first he thought it would be great to have the Reagans nearby but quickly changed his mind because he disliked the Secret Service helicopters flying overhead. Tell us about one of your neighbors. (No pressure; we don't expect to hear about historic figures.)  One of my neighbors is Suzy.  She is the sweetest lady.  She mowed our lawn when Karl and I first got married and still mows lawns in the summer.  She has dogs she takes for walks and several years ago she started walking several miles (like 10 a day) and lost a lot of weight.   She is a cook at the local elementary school here and is just the nicest person you would ever want to meet.

 

6) As a teenager, Barbra worked as a switchboard operator. Her job consisted of connecting calls by inserting phone plugs into the appropriate jacks. As telephoning became automated, these jobs were phased out and by 1983, the switchboard operator was obsolete. Can you think of another occupation that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore?  Does anyone have a milk man anymore?  My Papa (my mom's dad) was a milk man when he was young.  My dad was a typing teacher.  That doesn't exist anymore either.  They teach keyboarding at school, but the librarian teaches it, and the kids start keyboarding in elementary school.  When I worked at the elementary school, the librarian was one of my dad's former students.  She is still there.

7) Loyal Fanilows can subscribe to ManilowTV. For $9.95/month, fans can watch exclusive content, like interviews and concert performances. Do you more often watch live broadcast TV or streamed content? streamed content

8) In 2002, the year this recording was released, the Sears Wish Book offered seven different collectible Barbies. According to Mattel, the doll's manufacturer, there are more than 100,000 Barbie collectors all over the world. Do you collect anything?  not really

9) Random question: Are you exclusively an online/ATM bank customer, or do you often go into the branch and interact with a teller? online/ ATM

Tuesday 4 Meme- Music, Music, Music

 

Music, Music, Music

 How are you doing?  It's great to have you back here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday4.  

 Music is something most people truly enjoy but some find it annoying at times.   Some listen at home, some in cars, and music is played in restaurants, shops, you name it, music provides a background for many activities.

1.What kind of music appeals to you?  What kind  can you do without?  

I like 80's music and I can do without rap.

2.Do you consider music an  important part of life?    Why or why not?  I do consider it important.  It can change my mood so quickly and I really need that sometimes.  I like to listen to 80's music and it is amazing how a song can transport you back to a certain time in your life....80's would be high school and college.  It instantly makes me feel young and makes me think about my high school and college friends.

3 What's on the radio as you drive or what is on at home and do you find music in restaurants and shops soothing or off putting?   We have stations that are 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond.  It was a few years ago...about the time I turned 50 that I stopped liking the current music.  It just sounds bad to me...I am sure it is my age.

4. Would you tell us some of your favorite songs and singers please?  I have so many songs and groups I love.  I like Depeche Mode, The Cars, Bon Jovi, Queen, Pet Shop Boys...gosh...really, I love a lot of music.  I enjoy musicals, old country, southern gospel, rock and roll, classical.   I LOVE music.

Saturday 9: Danny's Song

Saturday 9: Danny's Song (1972)

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

1) In this song, Anne Murray sings that she thinks she's going to have a son. Is anyone in your life expecting a baby?  No one is coming to mind.

2) Back in the 1970s, when this song was popular, parents had to wait until their baby was born to know the gender. Today moms and dads can learn within the first few months whether they're expecting a son or daughter. Do you prefer it this way? Or would you rather not know in advance if you are welcoming a boy or girl into your family?  I wanted to know as soon as possible so I could start buying things for him.

 

3) Anne is so popular in her native Canada that her face graced commemorative postage stamps. What's the last piece of mail you affixed a stamp to and mailed?  It was a Christmas card.

4) She began taking voice lessons at 15. She was so serious about it she took a 50-minute bus ride each way to her classes. What extracurricular activities captured your attention when you were in high school?  choir and cheerleading.

 

5) She studied physical education at the University of New Brunswick and upon graduation taught PE for a year. Did you enjoy gym class?  no, we had to have one P.E. credit in high school.  I decided to take it my freshman year and get it over with.  It turned out that there were a lot of my friends in that class and we had fun playing the games with each other.  It turned out well.  I liked to do gymnastics, so that was my favorite thing in P.E.  I also enjoyed floor hockey.  I had way more fun than I thought I would.  I did enjoy it, but did not look forward to it at first.  Story of my life.

6) Every spring and summer, Anne's fans travel to Nova Scotia and The Anne Murray Centre. There they can see exhibits and memorabilia from her long career, including her Grammy Awards and gold records. If we were to display memorabilia reflecting the highlights of your life, what items should we include?  Maybe my diplomas with pictures of graduations.  Prom, some college pictures.  pictures of my wedding and later when Josh was born.  Pictures from my teaching jobs.  Me with my classes.  Then special pictures of me with my family.  I like pictures.

 

7) In 1972, the year this record was popular, Popeyes opened their first chicken restaurant. Today there are more than 3700 locations in 30 countries. Is chicken on the menu at your house this week?  I met an online friend this past week.  I have known her online for over 20 years.  I met her when Josh was first born.  She and her husband are traveling across the U.S. in a motor home.  They are from Idaho and they came into Missouri early this week and I was able to meet up with her and her husband for dinner one night.  Her name is Kat and I always wanted to meet her, I just never thought it would happen this side of heaven.  I am so glad it did.  Pictures of this would go in my highlights from #6.  This is us.  I am in the red on the right and Kat is in black and white on the left.  I had chicken at our dinner (so yes to the actual question).  Karl and Josh went also and her husband Steve.  They were the nicest people ever.

8) Also in 1972, latch hook rug kits were all the rage. With pre-cut yarn, a latch hook, and a printed pattern, "hookers" could make wall hangings, pillow covers, and throw rugs. Are you into arts and crafts?  I love them, but I have never learned to do them very well.

9) Random question: If you were offered the position of mayor of your town, would you take it?  no

Saturday 9: Easter Parade

Saturday 9: Easter Parade

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

1) This song is best known from the 1948 movie of the same name, but it was originally written for a 1933 Broadway play called As Thousands Cheer. In the play, a young man reads about the parade in a New York  newspaper and decides to go and show his lady love off to parade goers. What's the most recent parade you attended?  It was the Christmas parade at the town I live in.  It goes right by my house.

2) On Broadway, the song was performed by Clifton Webb. He'd had a busy stage career, appearing in musicals as well as plays by Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, but when he was in his mid-50s, he was considered too old to be a leading man. Broadway offers stopped coming. He was unexpectedly cast by Otto Preminger for the film noir Laura and a new career was born. He worked steadily in Hollywood for 20 years and earned three Oscar nominations. Tell us about a time you were grateful your life took an unanticipated turn.  I have told this story, but the time my old job wanted me to travel to a different school to teach at.  I ended up quitting.  I was not expecting that at the end of the year.  The best thing was that I changed jobs and I am so much happier.

3) Today he's fondly remembered by the students at UCLA who have benefited from The Clifton Webb Scholarship of the Arts. If you could give an endowment to a school or charity, what would you like it to be used for?  Ok, so we are currently under construction at work updating our school and adding new classrooms.  If I were to give an endowment, it would be to fund some pre-K classrooms so parents would not have to pay for preschool.  That way more kids would able to attend preschool and be ready for kindergarten.  I would also add some funding for half day options so parents could have the option to send their kids full or half day.

 

4) According to Forbes magazine, the average American household will spend upwards of $150 on Easter dinner, candy, and decorations this weekend. Do holidays strain your budget?  not really.  We do not go crazy.

5) The biggest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy, measured 34 feet tall and weighed a staggering 15,000 lbs. Do you think it's possible to have too much chocolate?  Oh yes!  I love chocolate and have to be careful, or I will make myself sick.
  

6) After chocolate, the top-selling Easter candy is Peeps Marshmallow Chicks. They're so popular that they were once the subject of a Jeopardy clue. Do you often watch Jeopardy?  no

7) Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. In a 2020 poll, jelly bean fans responded that cinnamon is their favorite flavor. Do you have a favorite?  I do not think I have a favorite.  I love Jelly Bellies and I enjoy most of the flavors including cinnamon.
 
8) We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween?  Halloween

 9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated?  a nice long shower and a good night's sleep.