Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

 

Ja-Da

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

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

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious?  I like to listen to music, prayer makes me feel better too.  Sometimes if I am really bad stressed, I take a nap.  I also take deep breaths.

 

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events?  yes, and on the weekends, I will only watch my shows from the week and Hallmark movies.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now?  Yes, they are Missouri Conservationist magazines with animals and plants and I take them to school for the kids to cut up and make pictures with.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum?  Yes, I was in choir and I am not sure what grade I was in, but we played tonettes and did a concert.  I bet that was awful.

 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team?  I don't really have a favorite song.

 

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind?  The arch, but also the St. Louis Cardinals.

 

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared?  Geez, back in the 80's we had all kinds of brands everything thought they needed.  I don't think many of those are around anymore.  Z Cavaricci?  I had two other picks on here, but deleted them, but I guess they are still around...I had Kangaroo tennis shoes and OP (Ocean Pacific).  I never shop, so I do not know what is around anymore.

 

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables?  I have never heard of Meatless Monday.  I do not cut out meat, but I try to eat a balanced diet.  Karl's family has cows, so we get our meat that way.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now?  I am wearing a school shirt, the one I have on was a gift from my principal.  It was her gift to the staff two years ago.  She got us a giant tote last year.