Saturday 9: Up the Ladder to the Roof (1970)

 

Up the Ladder to the Roof

Saturday 9: Up the Ladder to the Roof (1970)

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

 

1) Many people are uncomfortable with ladders. Some feel unsteady on the steps, others have a fear of heights. Then there's the superstition that warns against walking under ladders. Are you afraid of ladders?  not really.  I am not comfortable climbing very high anymore, I am not as strong as I was, but I was on a (small) ladder today in my classroom.

 

2) In this song, the Supremes advise us to go up the ladder to the roof to be closer to Heaven. While poetic, that's not really why most homeowners climb onto the roof. They're more likely replacing shingles or cleaning the gutters. Have you ever been on the roof of your building?  I have not been on the roof of my house.  Karl has to go up there sometimes though.

 

3) The record was the Supremes first and biggest hit without Diana Ross. When Jean Terrell replaced Diana as lead singer, the two ladies appeared together at a press event to launch this new iteration of the Supremes. Have you ever met your replacement at a job, or perhaps the person you replaced?  When I left my preschool special education job, I knew the gal that replaced me at the preschool I worked at.  She had been working at another location.  She came in on the last day of school while I still had my families there.

 

4) Mary Wilson was a member of the group when it was formed in 1959 and stayed through 1977, when the Supremes officially disbanded. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American stays at a job 3.9 years. Looking over your job history, how long did you typically stick with an employer?  I probably have an average of about 10 years.  I was at the previously mentioned preschool for 10 years and I have been at my current school for 11 years.  I hope to finish my career there also. 

 

5) The third Supreme performing on this record was Cindy Birdsong. After the group broke up for good, Cindy finished nursing school and practiced at UCLA Medical Center. When did you last interact with a nurse or nurse practitioner?  My doctors are all MD's and they have practitioners, but they always see me themselves.  I have seen their practitioners, but it has been years ago.  I was with my mom one time she was sick and had to see a practitioner because her doctor was so booked.  That was about 3 years ago.  I guess the answer is years.

 
6) In 1970, when this song was popular, TV shows about doctors like Marcus Welby, MD and Medical Center ranked high in the Nielsen ratings. Medical shows are still popular today, with Grey's Anatomy entering its 22nd season and The Pitt earning critical accolades. Do you have a favorite TV doctor?  I love to watch doctor shows.  I like Watson, Doc and I just started watching Best Medicine.  I think there are more I watch, I am just tired and they are not coming to me.  I don't think I have a favorite; I enjoy them all for different reasons.

 

7) Also in 1970, when this song was popular, audiences were lining up to see the movie Love Story. Without looking it up, complete the film's most famous line:  "Love means you never have to say your sorry."  (something like that).  I always say I am sorry when I am wrong.  I think it is the right thing to do and shows respect to the other person.  Especially because I love them.

 

8) Slumberchums™ were all the rage among pre-teens in 1970. These sleeping bags had attached pillow "heads" that made it look like you slipping into sleep inside a plush bear. When did you most recently sleep in a sleeping bag?  I was a kid and it was in my house when family came to visit and took my bed.  I am not a camper.

 

9) Random question: Did you take a multivitamin this morning? If yes, did you swallow it or chew it?  I take my multi vitamin at night when my stomach is more full.  I swallow it.