Saturday 9: Angie Baby (1974)

 

Angie Baby

Saturday 9: Angie Baby (1974)

Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

 

1) This week's song is a spooky one about a young man who breaks into the bedroom of a troubled girl named Angie. Their encounter doesn't go well and he's never seen again. Though there's been gossip, no one knows for sure what happened to him. Does your town have any scary legends that have been passed down through the decades?  no, it is a sleepy little quiet town.  I love it.

 

2) Songwriter Alan O'Day said he drew upon aspects of his own childhood to come up with "Angie Baby." He was an only child who often stayed home sick from school, with only Top 40 radio for company. What do you recall when you think about sick days as a kid?  Watching tv (The Price is Right with Bob Barker) and sleeping.  I remember I was sick a lot and had to go to the doctor all of the time and get shots before I had my tonsils and adenoids out.

 

3) Helen Reddy said she enjoyed hearing what her fans thought happened in "Angie Baby." Can you think of another song that is open to interpretation?  Not right now, I am so tired from Halloween week at school that I can't think.

 

4) When Helen and her husband/manager Jeff Wald heard "Angie Baby" the first time, they immediately agreed she should record it. She went into the studio that afternoon and in less than 10 days, disc jockeys were playing it and "Angie Baby" became an international hit. When were you glad you acted on impulse?  This has happened a few times, but I am blank.

 

Questions inspired by Halloween .... 

5) Though best known as a recording artist, Helen Reddy also acted on occasion and appeared as a singing nun in Airport 1975. A nun's habit is a popular Halloween costume. Will you/did you dress up this year?  The Early Childhood team dressed as M&M's..my room/team were brown M&M's.  I also had a pumpkin headband on.  The kids loved it.

6) In 2024, more Americans than ever dressed their dogs up for Halloween. Have you ever taken your pup with you trick-or-treating?  YES!  The first year we had Mandy, Josh was in 2nd grade or so.  They were both pumpkins and Mandy hated it.  I have a picture somewhere.  We just walked her around our neighborhood as Josh did trick-or-treating.

7) According to the Guinness Book of Records, the award for highest number of jack-o-lanterns in one place went to Keene, NH, where in 2013 there were 30,581. Did you carve a pumpkin for Halloween this year?  no, I meant to carve one for the kids at school, but I did cut them open and let the kids put their hands in there.  They loved that.

 

8) In years gone by, the Irish celebrated Halloween not with pumpkins but by carving turnips, potatoes and beets. Are any of those foods in your kitchen right now? potatoes and maybe pickled beets. 
 

9) Some Elvis fans insist his ghost hovers in the trees over Graceland. Have you ever seen a ghost?  no

 

Tuesday 4 Meme- Weathering the Storm

 

                                                            Weathering the Storm

It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  After Toni passed into Paradise, I wanted to keep her memory and her meme alive. 

When thunder and lightning happen, cats, dogs, squirrels like to be in a small, safe , enclosure. Inside animals will hide under beds, outside they are appreciative of a box or little house to hide in. People are no different it seems.

1. Do storms frighten you or make you cautious?  I am only scared if we have tornadoes.  I will have the news on or be watching my phone app radar.  I am used to storms, so if it is just a regular storm, I am not scared.

2. What is the worst weather you can remember?  I cannot remember what year, but we had training tornadoes, so we would have one right after the other and this went on for hours.  I was a basket case after that night.

3.Are you in a personal storm right now and do you need our prayers to help you through it?  I think many bloggers are prayer warriors indeed.  I am praying for my mom.  She had a stroke in

January, and she will never be the same again.  She has lost a lot of memories and some 

vision.  She does seem to be doing well though.  I pray that she can stay healthy during

the cold and flu season and I pray that she would not get any UTI's which make her even

more confused.

4.  What is the best advice you can give to others about weathering storms of any kind.  Go to

God in prayer.  He can help you get through.

Sunday Stealing: Four 5's

 

Sunday Stealing: Four 5's

Four 5's

FIVE things on my to-do list:

1.  clean house

2.  laundry

3.  catch up on my tv shows

4.  get some rest

5.  food shopping

 

FIVE snacks I enjoy:

1.  crackers

2.  fruit

3.  chips

4.  cookies

5.  trail mix

FIVE places I have lived:

1.  Reeds Spring, MO

2.  Joplin, MO

3.  Kansas City, KS

4.  Springfield, MO

5.  Highlandville, MO

 

FIVE jobs I have held:

1.  Teacher

2.  Paraprofessional (teachers aide)

3.  Staff in group homes and independent living homes.

4.  grocery store cashier

5.  Mc Donald's

Saturday 9: Do You Know the Way to San Jose (1968)

 

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

Saturday 9: Do You Know the Way to San Jose (1968)

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

 

1) In this song, someone moves to Los Angeles looking for "fame and fortune" but ends up with a job "pumping gas." Today, the majority of service stations are self serve, so very few people pump gas for a living. Can you think of another job that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore?  It might just be here, but milkman.  My Grandpa on my mom's side was a milkman when he was very young.

 

2) The San Jose travel bureau advertises "300 days of sunshine" every year. How is the weather where you are today?  rainy, but we need it.

 

3) Lyricist Hal David became fond of San Jose when he was stationed there while in the Navy. Tell us about a place you visited that you have affection for.  I loved every minute when we visited Orange Beach, Alabama.  I loved watching the dolphins jumping in the morning out in the ocean, relaxing on the beach, getting a great tan, going to see the Blue Angels and the Pensacola light house.  There were just so many things we got to see and do. It was fun.

  

4) Composer Burt Bacharach grew up and worked primarily in New York until his marriage to actress Angie Dickinson. She had to live in Los Angeles for her career, so he relocated and remained a Californian for the rest of his life. Where do you feel most at home? (It doesn't have to be a city. It could be your favorite chair.)  I honestly feel most at home in my hometown and where I work in Reeds Spring.  I know a lot of people there.  I live in a town called Highlandville, but I do not feel much a part of this community since I started working in Reeds Spring.  I do love being at my house though.  It is kind of nice to be able to get away from where you work.  I guess home is just where your family is.

5) Dionne Warwick thinks this week's song is "dumb." She won her first Grammy for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and, decades later, still sings it in concert, but she has not changed her opinion of the song. What is something everyone else seems to like but you just don't get?  coffee, I love the smell of it but hate the taste.  I am not a big hot drink person.

 

6) Now in her 80s, with more than 60 years in show business, Dionne still enjoys performing. She told a reporter that she loves looking out into the audience and seeing an arm go around a shoulder, or a couple begin holding hands, when they hear her sing "their song." What song reminds you of a special romance?  Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard.

 .

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, The Doris Day Show premiered. The show was, initially, a surprise to its star. Her manager/husband died suddenly without telling her he had committed her to a weekly sitcom. She was not pleased but honored the contract. Think of the last time you were surprised. Was it a happy or sad surprise?  Happy!  My friend that retired a few years ago came to visit a few weeks ago, she came to the school for a visit.  She moved to Colorado, so I do not see her anymore.  She was in town for a Jeep thing.

 
8) According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby names of 1968 were Lisa and Michael. Are there any Lisas or Michaels in your life?  Wow, I used to have both, but now I don't think I do anymore.

 

9) Random question: What are you looking forward to this week?  The kids' costumes for our Halloween parade and Fall festival.

Saturday 9: Into the Groove (1985)

 

Into the Groove

Saturday 9: Into the Groove (1985) 

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

 

1) Madonna begins this song by telling us, "I'm waiting." What's something you're waiting for today?  Earlier today I was just waiting for the school day to end.  I am so tired.

 

2) She sings that dancing gives her a feeling so good she hopes it will never end. What reliably lifts your spirits?  Josh (my son).

 

3) As a school girl in Michigan, Madonna was a good student but could be disruptive. Classmates recall her doing cartwheels in the halls between classes. Can you do a cartwheel?  I used to be able to.  I was in cheer and I was a tumbler.  I think I would break my body if I did that now.

 

4) It's not surprising that a girl from the Detroit area would love cars. Madonna's car collection is valued at more than $2 million. The one she seems to drive most often is a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Insurance industry data tells us Americans typically keep their cars for 8 years. How long have you had your current vehicle? 8 months

 

5) She has referred to Nancy Sinatra as one of her idols, saying "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and its accompanying video impressed her when she was a little girl. What pop song brings back memories from your childhood?  Take on Me by A-ha makes me think of watching MTV as a kid (1985).  So many songs from the 80's take me back to high school.

 

6) Madonna suffers from brontophobia, or the fear of thunder and lightening. Are you afraid of storms?  no, but when they have tornados, I get a little anxious if they are coming toward us.  We are supposed to have storms on Saturday with possible tornados.

 

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, the Titanic wreckage was discovered. There have been at least a dozen movies about that ill-fated ship. Have you seen any of them?  I saw the one with Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (1997).

 
8) Also in 1985, Bruce Willis became a star with a hit show about a detective agency. Can you name it? (Extra non-existent points if you can recall the agency's name.)  Was it Moonlighting?  I never saw that show.  We only had the antenna stations, and I bet that channel did not come in very well.  I lived far away from the bigger city that had the antenna tower.

 

9) Random question: Describe your perfect ice cream sundae.  I like the turtle sundae with hot fudge and caramel, nuts and whipped cream.  

Sunday Stealing Tunes In

 

Sunday Stealing Tunes In

Tune In

1. Name a TV show you've seen every episode of.  Heartland and Outlander

2. On which device do you do most of your viewing (television, tablet, computer, 

phone)? television

3. Name an actor/actress who would make you less likely to watch a show.

I am not sure.  If it sounds interesting to me, I would give it a try.

4. When you were a kid, what show did you love?  Dallas

5. What show do you recommend everyone watch?  Heartland and Outlander

6. What show do your friends like, but you don't?  Abbott Elementary

7. When you watch TV, do you also busy yourself with something else

 (jigsaw puzzle, folding laundry, etc.)?  not really, I might check my phone though.

8. Do you eat a meal or snack while watching TV?  sometimes

9. What's your preferred genre (comedy, drama, reality, etc.)? comedy or drama.

10. Do you prefer mini series (shows that tell their stories in a pre-determined 

number of episodes) or shows that come back season after season? 

I like all kinds of shows.

Saturday 9: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

 

Mambo No. 5

Saturday 9: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

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

 

1) Lou Bega namechecks a lot of women in this song. Is there an Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Mary, or Jessica in your life? I think between friends and parents from school, I know one of each.

 

2) Can you think of a song that includes your first name?  I was not aware of any, but I did google it and there are a couple.  

 

3) Lou sings that flirting is like a sport. Do you enjoy flirting?  I did when I was young.

 

4) While Lou Bega's recording became a big hit worldwide, it enjoyed great popularity, where it was used during televised cricket matches. Do you know anything about the game of cricket?  no

 

5) When Lou was riding high with "Mambo No. 5," Cher invited him to open for her on her 1999-2000 tour. Cher has more than 50 hit records, two television series, a Broadway show and an Oscar under her belt. Can you think of another performer who has succeeded in so many areas of entertainment?  Elton John.

 

6) Lou turned 50 in April of this year. Are you soon celebrating a big birthday (one that ends in a 0 or 5)?  I turned 55 last month.

 

7) In 1999, when "Mambo No. 5" was on the radio, the movie American Pie premiered and was so popular it inspired three sequels. Have you seen any of the American Pie films?  no

 
8) Also in 1999, Walmart opened its first store in the UK. Do you often shop at Walmart?  we go there for food and house supplies and beauty supplies.  I hate Walmart.  I loved it when I was younger, but too many people.  I am cranky as I age.

 

9) Random question – Have you recently fallen asleep somewhere other than your bed? If yes, where did you doze off?  Sometimes I doze off in my chair in the evening.

Tuesday 4 Meme- October Reading

 

October Reading

 Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of  our friend Toni Taddeo..

Most people love to read.  It opens other world's to us.  Autumn weather is often conducive to reading as weather can be chillier and rainy. Cozying up with a book can be a lovely way to spend some time.

1. How do you relax in the evening after dinner?  I watch YouTube videos or news.
2. Do you read in bed? What kind of books do you read?  no, I read in my living room.  I do not read to relax right before bed.  It is typically part of my day.
   
3. Do you have a list of books you look forward to reading?  I have a list on Goodreads.
4. What is the best book you've ever read and why?  Or.. how about the worst book you feel you wasted time reading?  This isn't the best book I ever read, I read a lot of good books..but it did make a difference in my life.  It is a teacher book called Teach Happier This School Year.  It made me focus more on me and my family.  Teachers put everything into our jobs, we want to...but this book make you change little things.  Let yourself eat out, do things with your family.  Even just once a month, get out and forget about your job for a while.  Then at school it talks about how to give a small gift to a teacher friend to help them have a good day.  Being a teacher is stressful, but we love it and love those kids.  I think this book helped me be a better teacher.  You have to take care of yourself first.  Also, The Anxious Generation book explained why kids are acting the way they are.  If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.  It explains the affects of social media, internet, video games...what they are doing to kids.

Sunday Stealing Looks Back on September

 

Sunday Stealing Looks Back on September

In the Past Month Meme

During September, did you ...

1. Drink alcohol?  no

2. Try a new recipe?  no

3. Go shopping with friends? yes

4. Eat an entire box of cookies by yourself? no

5. Dye your hair?  no, but I have an appointment coming soon.

Saturday 9: That's So True (2024)

 

That's So True

Saturday 9: That's So True (2024)

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

 
1) In this song, Gracie Abrams can't stop thinking about her ex. Who is on your mind this morning?  Always my mom.  I went to see her last night.  She was about the same, a little more confused than normal, but it was getting late in the day.  I had to visit after work.

 

2) She wonders if she should warn his new girl about him. Think of the last time someone offered you advice. Did you take it?  It would probably have been something about behavior at work, so yes, I would have taken their advice.  I will try anything within reason.

3) She concludes her old boyfriend wasn't worthy of her love and attention, and now sees him as "just another dude." What is something you regret spending time on? (It doesn't have to be a romance.)  Maybe social media.  It is a time suck and a waste of time.

 

4) On July 31, Gracie Abrams performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago. More than 100,000 attended the first day of the outdoor festival. It was sunny and 79º. Describe your perfect day (weatherwise).  Maybe more like 60's, sunny with low humidity.  I like to take a long recess when it is like that.

 

5) Gracie's father is J.J. Abrams, perhaps best known for directing the 2009 Star Trek movie and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Would you rather watch Star Trek or Star Wars?  neither really, but I will say Star Wars.

6) She is very much a 21st century artist in that she doesn't rely on radio to introduce her music to her fans, often sharing demos on TikTok. Do you watch, or create content for, TikTok?  I try to stay off there.

7) In 2024, when "That's So True" was released, Madonna set a record. Her free concert in Brazil drew the largest audience (1.6 million) ever. What's your favorite Madonna song?  Material Girl is kind of fun.

8) Also in 2024, former President Jimmy Carter died. In addition to his work in politics and philanthropy, Mr. Carter wrote more than 30 books. Who wrote the last book you finished? Carley Fortune- One Golden Summer-very good book.

9) Random question: What sound stresses you out? the phone ringing, I always think something has gone wrong with my mom.