Stop! In The Name of Love

Time for Saturday 9.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love Saturday 9.  It's music.  I love music.  In this case if A=C and B=C then A+B=Love  Or, stated differently, Stop! In the Name of Love!

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

1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their long gloves and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?  Wow, that's almost too painful to think of.  I think the last time I wore gloves was in the 8th grade to my 8th grade dance. The last time I was in a dress was likely 2012 when my father-in-law's induction into the Birdville Athletic Hall of Fame.  I'm not a fan of getting duded up.  Although, not too terribly long ago I wore a flannel over a long sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans and warm, fuzzy boots and one of my children asked me why I was all dressed up.  Clearly, I need to get out more.  And by "out" I mean, out of yoga pants.  If jeans is considered "dressed up," I may need to have my chick card revoked.

2) With a record 12 #1 hits, the Supremes remain America's best-selling vocal group. This must have been hard for Betty McGlown, the fourth Supreme, who left the group before they recorded their first song. Can you think of an opportunity you missed? No. Who wants to focus on regret?  I don't like to look to the past because it's not like I can go back to do anything about it.  I'm not going there.  Keep pressing forward.

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3) When "the girls" (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Flo Ballard) first started hanging around Motown, founder Berry Gordy was reluctant to let them record. After all, they were still in high school. They refused to give up and eventually convinced him to let them add hand claps and finally back up vocals to recordings by other Motown artists. Tell us about a time when your persistence paid off.  I'll tell ya when it happens.  My life is a work in progress at present.  Socially.  Physically.  Emotionally.  Mentally.  Plus, a teenager who is about to drive.  

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4) 50 years after its release, "Stop! In the Name of Love" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the lyrics?  I know, "Stop... in the name of love.  Before you break my heart, think it oooooooooover."  That's about the extent of it.  I guess that would be a resounding no.  

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5) There's a children's playground named in Diana Ross' honor within New York's Central Park. It includes swings, slides, rope bridges and a fountain. When you played in the park, what did you run to first?  The swings... to swing as high as you could with your feet in the air and you could just feel like you were flying.... lean your head back and be free and then.... JUMP!  

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6) Diana stumbled in her high heels and broke her ankle as she left the stage after a November 2012 concert. What do you have on your feet right now?  Fuzzy slippers.  Told ya. I'm a professional slacker!

7) Ever the trooper, she honored her commitment to perform at a White House-sponsored Christmas concert just weeks later, even though her leg was still in a cast. Tell us about a time when you "played hurt."  I have an autoimmune disease that has more side effects that have been both completely humbling and excruciatingly painful. I don't play hurt.  I hurt. Some days my joints in my elbows are so painful, I can't rest my arms on the armrest of my car and just bending my fingers to grasp something feels impossible.  Constant migraines have also been something I've learned to push through not because I'm a bad ass but because I have to.  It sucks.  Life goes on.  Some days, I run out of spoons.  Most, I try to press through.  Crohn's.  It is what it is.  Improvise, adapt and move on.

8) Young Diana Ross was a good student and a tough competitor who made her school's swim team. Are you a good swimmer?  I can dog paddle.  I never actually quite grasped the breathing pattern required to do power swimming.  Nor have I ever had the desire TO learn.  I'm not a fan of being in a swim suit, my Casparian skin may blind those in close proximity.  If I had blonde hair, I'd be Elsa!

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9) Diana's older sister, Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, was the first African American woman to be appointed dean of an American medical school. Decades ago, Barbara juggled post-graduate studies and raising small children. Are you good at multi-tasking?  I could easily hold a PhD in multitasking.  I am Batman bitches!



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Marshmallow World

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!  Saturday 9: Marshmallow World (1963)  Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. This song likens fluffy clouds to marshmallows. What does the sky look like where you are today?  What sky?  There is nothing but clouds and they sure don't look marshmallow-y.  It looks like London fog!

2. The lyrics refer to snowballs. Have you ever been in a snowball fight?  Absolutely.  I love the snow!

3. Chionophobia is fear of snow. What phobias do you have?  I have a fear of.... well, I'm not sure I'm actually AFRAID of anything to be honest. 

4. In 2004, Canadian school children raised money for charity by setting a new world record: the most snow angels made in 24-hour period. Have you ever participated in a fundraising stunt?  Not that I'm aware of.

5. When marshmallows were first introduced, they were used for medicinal purposes. Specifically to soothe sore throats. What do you take when your throat is bothering you?  I take out my Young Living Essential Oils and my local honey.  On a teaspoon, I put 1 drop of Thieves, 1 drop of orange, 1 drop of lemon, I drop of peppermint, and 1 drop of frankincense.  I cover that completely with local honey... stir just a bit with a toothpick to incorporate the oils better and swallow.  Cough suppressant, opens nasal passages and soothes sore throats.

6. Marshmallows are an important ingredient in the Rice Krispies Treat recipe. If you were asked to prepare something for a bake sale, what would you make?  I would bake my Paradise Bakery Copycat Sugar Cookie recipe... it was given on my Instagram account a couple of days ago.  They're THE BOMB!

7. Darlene played Danny Glover's wife in the Lethal Weapon movies. Do you enjoy action movies?  Absolutely!

8. Darlene's father advised her to always, "shoot for the stars." Share some good advice you've received.  My mom has had a few doozies.... hands me a quarter and says, "Keep this between your knees, use it to call home if you need me to come get you."  

9. Will you be returning/have you returned any holiday gifts?  Returning, no.  Unless the two flannels Andy got me don't fit, but I haven't tried them on yet. I'm a little "chesty" so it's hard to buy a shirt for me that fits.... hate the boobage.  Ain't afraid to admit it.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Paint It Black (1966)


Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it here.


1) This song was chosen because yesterday was Black Friday, the traditional day of sales. Have you begun your Christmas shopping?  Usually, it's done.  This year, I haven't even started.  

2) Are there any Thanksgiving leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  Absolutely!  I'm going to make a lot of fun dishes to use up the leftovers!  Scalloped potatoes with ham and bacon.  Shepherd's pie to use up the mashed potatoes.  I'm fairly certain the stuffing has already been consumed.  Turkey will be made into turkey pot pie.

3) AAA says Thanksgiving is a big travel weekend. Did you venture far from home for your holiday dinner?  I ventured from the bedroom the kitchen to the laundry room.

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4) Keith Richards likes France but, alas, the French authorities haven't always been fond of him and his criminal record. Have you ever been to France?  No, but it is on my bucket list.  I promise not to do this, however.

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5) Mick Jagger jokes that, to be polite to fellow hotel guests, he always finishes trashing his room by 10:00 PM. What kind of hotel/motel guest are you? Are you rockstar rambunctious, or are you quiet? Are you neat? Have you stolen any towels, bathrobes, etc.?  I'm quiet.  Although, a group of six of us staying at The Gaylord Texan were asked by Rick Springfield's entourage to "keep it down" when we were all hyped up on Diet Coke after his concert.

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6) Mick Jagger got his financial savvy as a student at the London School of Economics. Are you good with money?  Yes.  

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7) In the early 1990s, a then little-known actress named Angelina Jolie appeared in a Rolling Stones video ("Anybody Seen My Baby?"). Name an Angelina Jolie movie.  Malificent.  It's sitting unopened on my desk.  I can't wait to watch it.

8) In the early 1960s, the Stones nearly avoided tragedy when their tour bus skidded off a bridge. Tell us about a near miss you're thankful for.  I was involved in not one but two near collisions in one evening.  I was traveling one direction on a 7 lane road (three lanes north, three lanes south and one turning lane).  I was in the far left-hand lane traveling south.  There was a car behind me DRIVING in the turning lane going south as well.  There was a car going north pulling INTO the turning lane (they were about to have a head-on colision.  Instead of EITHER driver turning back into their respective flows of traffic, the guy driving north pulls DIRECTLY into MY LANE about to cause a head-on collision with ME...then into the lane NEXT to me (two lanes into the opposite flow of traffic) and then back to the middle turning lane.  Same night, driving back from Target, I nearly get t-boned on the same stretch of road by some jack-ass pulling out of a strip mall trying to beat traffic.  He sped across three lanes of traffic, through the center turn lane and nearly hit me.

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After I got home safely, I refused to leave again.

9) In 1966, when this week's song was popular, CBS telecast How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the first time. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss story?  The Lorax.  I'm a tree hugger, what can I say!?  

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Join in the weekly fun at Saturday 9

The Main Event

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: The Main Event (1979)

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

1) This is the theme from a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of boxing. Sam admits she's not crazy about boxing. What about you? Do you enjoy boxing, martial arts or wrestling?  I'm not real crazy about anything that is based around one human trying to pummel another.  Boxing... makes me sad.  Tyson ruined that for everyone because... ya know... if you're getting beaten, just bite an ear!  MMA is just beastly.  Wrestling... you're kidding, right?  You see, I grew up in the era of the VonErich clan.  And I know THAT was real (insert eye roll).  Even the non-cheese-laden wrestling bores me, however.  

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2) If you went to a dance club on a Saturday night in 1979 or 1980, you might well have danced to this. What are your plans for this Saturday night?  Sleep.  I'm truly exciting.

3) Gilda Radner was one of the original Saturday Night Live performers and in 1979, she parlayed her TV popularity into her own one-woman show on Broadway. Who is your alltime favorite SNL cast member?  Yee gads I hate choosing favorites!  I'm from an era of FANTASTIC actors on SNL.  The crap they come up with now -- I can't even watch. You can't put Steve Martin, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Eddie Murphy, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Billy Crystal, Bill Murray, Al Franken.... I mean.... they're comedy GOLD.  I will admit that I love Jimmy Fallon.  I love Will Ferrell in Elf.  Chris Rock and Chris Farley... David Spade... Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey were okay... but I just love the SNL cast of yonder year.  I don't even know any of the cast members now so they don't count.

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And who couldn't laugh at this?  Source

4) Sally Little and Nancy Lopez were at the top of the LPGA in 1979. Do you golf?  I'll drive a cart but no, I find no enjoyment in taking a long narrow stick and trying to accuratly whack a ball the size a jumbo Gobstopper into a hole 10,000 miles away and being excited about that... in any way shape or form whatsoever.

5) The movie The Main Event co-starred Ryan O'Neal. He is better known for Love Story, and saying the line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." When did you last apologize?  I apologized to Benji tonight for not having a washcloth ready for him to blot his eyes as I poured water upon his head so that I could wash the shampoo out.  Such a bad mom.  

6) O'Neal got his big break on the nighttime soap opera, Peyton Place. He played Rodney Harrington, the handsome golden boy that all the girls dreamed of dating. Tell us about your big high school crush.  My big high school crush turned into my big high school boyfriend.  I say "big" because the dude was like over 6'3"tall.  I'm a mere 5'2" with shoes on.  He ultimately met his future bride after we broke up and they're happily together after all these years!  It's so cool to see things play out that way.

7) In researching this week's Saturday 9, Sam discovered that The Main Event is a popular name for sports bars all across the country. Do you enjoy sitting at the bar or do you look for a booth or table?  I would prefer sitting at the bar where you can engage in conversation with people.  I feel more shut off sitting at a booth.

8) The Mane Event was the salon Sam went to for years. She switched when it got too hard to get Saturday appointments. As a consumer, what's more important to you -- convenience or price?  Yes.  I'll definitely pay more for convenience, but there is a price threshold that I"m not willing to level up.

9) More than 50 years after her first million-selling album, Streisand recently had a #1 hit with her current CD, Partners. What's the last song you bought/downloaded?  I downloaded a song by Blake Shelton called Doin' What She Likes.

All About That Bass

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

1) This song is body positive. In that spirit: What physical feature would you never change, no matter what?  My eyes.  I do like my eyes.

 

2) The lyrics mention how often the media uses Photoshop to present a more ideal female form. Is Photoshop on your computer? If so, do you know how to use it?  I utilize Photoshop Elements to enhance my photographs.  Therefore, I HAVE Photoshopped images before but it's never been more than to desaturate colors, remove a blemish or change tinting.  I have never utilized them to alter a person's appearance... say, like...this... this COULDN'T be Photoshopped, right?  

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3) She also sings about Mattel's Barbie doll. According to Toys R Us, this year's best-selling doll is not Barbie but Disney's Elsa. Have you seen Frozen?  Funny story.  I hadn't seen a single frame of Frozen before this weekend.  Yes, I even went to DISNEYWORLD without having been exposed to the Frozen frenzy.  However, Benji spent Friday night with his Mimi and he saw it and professed that he must have it so I picked him up on Saturday and we made our way to Target... and bought Frozen.  It has probably been played at the house 4-5 times already.  So, have I seen the ENTIRE movie Frozen? Nope.  I have, however, seen about 5 minutes worth.  And I'm ready to sucker punch a bitch if I hear that Let It Go song one more time.  

4) In the video, Meghan dances merrily around her twin bed with its pink head/footboard. Describe your bed to us.  I sleep in a king sized four poster bed with a a somewhat elaborately carved 5' tall headboard and hand carved bed posts.  I like that the posts that are attached to the footboard are able to be changed out so that they're either really tall (like the ones near the headboard) or much shorter.  It seems when the tall ones are affixed, the boys think they're to climb on.  Nothing good can come of that.

5) Ms. Trainor began writing songs when she was 11. Would you find it easier to write lyrics or music?  Lyrics... most definitely.

6) Meghan recently performed "All About that Bass" on the CMAs with country star Miranda Lambert. Who is your favorite country singer?  Ya know.... I don't play favorites.  I love country music... Dierks Bentley, Don Williams, Billy Currington, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Dwight Yokum... I could go on for hours, but you get the point.  I will have to say, however, they don't call him "King George" for nothing!  Still drool worthy....

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7) In September, Meghan had to cancel several concerts because of throat trouble. Are you battling a cold, cough or sore throat this morning?  Nope.  It's JUST "cold."

8) Meghan was born in Nantucket, MA. "Nantucket" is an Algonquian name that means, "faraway island." How did your town get its name/what does it mean?  I live in Keller which, I was told, is German and means "cellerman."  I frankly don't care enough to look it up to determine the validity of what I was told so that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

9) According to the National Weather Service, between rain and snow, winter brings Nantucket the most precipitation it sees all year. How is the weather where you are today?  It's 37 degrees in Keller.  It snowed last night.  This is odd for November.  It wasn't three weeks ago we were in the mid 80s.  Can't handle 50 degree temperate fluctuations in such a short time span and expect people to acclimate.  

Want to join in next Saturday?  Hop on over to Saturday 9.  They'll post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. They hate rules. They love memes, however, link up to Saturday 9!

I Gotta Feeling

Today's Saturday 9 is all about The Black Eyed Peas!  Yay!  

1) What would make tonight a good, good night?  Sleep.  Uninterrupted sleep without backaches, stress, panic-inducing dreams, no night sweats, no stomach aches... just good solid, restful sleep.  I want to sleep like a tranquilized animal!  Passed out and sleeping HARD!

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2) In the song, he sings that he's got money and wants to "spend it up." How much cash is in your wallet right now?  None.  I gave it all to my kids for lunch money this week.

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3) The lyrics include "mazel tov," which means good luck or congratulations. What other Hebrew/Yiddish phrases do you know?  None.  I am neither Hebrew nor Yiddish so why would I?

4) The colorfully named Black Eyed Peas include Fergie (born Stacey Ferguson) and will.i.am (William Adams) and Taboo (Jaime Gomez). If you could choose a stage name, what would it be?  Batman.

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5) This song was crazy popular in Canada, debuting at #2 on the charts. Have you ever visited our neighbor to the north?  No, I can't say that I have although I really want to.  I mean, who WOULDN'T want to see sights like this.

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6) When's the last time you laughed really hard?  I try to laugh every day... and having three kids and three dogs -- there is no shortage of belly laugh inducing comedic relief.  I have to include this... see this ADORABLE little boy in the photo below?  I've included the source but it's NOT the TRUE source of the image.  How do I know that?  This my friend Amy's son.  Yes, I KNOW the source of this photo....but people have taken this photo and "made" it theirs... so while that's the source for the CAPTION, this is NOT their image to stake claim to!  This is Tommy.  Isn't he adorable!?

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7) Who received the last text you sent?  My son, Josh.  He got grounded for being a slob.

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8) Which sounds like more fun -- skiing or skating?  Skiing.

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9) Thinking of sports, are you looking forward to The Super Bowl?  Sure.  Not that I really will be upset either way...but I will root for my Broncos!

Want to join in the fun?  Link up at Saturday 9.

I Will Always Love You

It's time for my absolute most favorite meme of the week!  Saturday 9.

Saturday 9: I Will Always Love You

1) The Bodyguard is the best-selling movie soundtrack ever and this is the song most often associated with Whitney Houston. Is it on your iPod/mp3 player?  Nope, I can't say that it is.  I did Google the songlist.  Here it is:  

1. I Will Always Love You
2. I Have Nothing
3. I'm Every Woman
4. Run To You
5. Queen of the Night
6. Jesus Loves Me
7. Even If My Heart Would Break
8. Someday (I'm Coming Back)
9. It's Gonna Be A Lovely Day
10. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
11. Waiting For You
12. Trust In Me
13. Theme from "The Bodyguard"

For the record, I really liked THIS Whitney:

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And, not THIS Whitney:

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So, yeah I have to say again.  No.  And ... yeah... never.

2) In the movie, Rachel (Whitney) sings "I Will Always Love You" after she realizes she can never see Frank (Kevin Costner) again. What song reminds you of a past love? 







3) Despite the movie's and the song's overwhelming popularity, Whitney Houston was awarded a Razzie Award as the worst actress of 1992. What's the most recent criticism you received?  You'll probably laugh.. it's that I'm too hard on myself and that I need to cut myself some slack because I hold myself to a ridiculous standard that can't be maintained.  Yeah.... bleh.  

It's kind of like Mr. Incredible saying, "What could happen to us?  We're Superheroes!"  And... then he gets sued.  

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4) On the bright side, share the last compliment you received.  Well, as much as I'd love to tell you, I honestly can't remember receiving one anytime soon.  I'm okay with that.  I'd rather receive none than my life to be filled with asshats filling my head full of fluff that wasn't true.  Besides, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.  Right?  

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5) In the 1980s, when Whitney first burst onto the scene, a trendy woman wore big hair, big bows and big shoulder pads. Can you think of anything you wore that was fashionable at the time, but looking back, makes you cringe? (An embarrassing photo to accompany your answer would be nice!)  I love you, but not enough to wade through boxes of photos!  LOL  I would probably have to say acid washed jeans were a nightmare... I had big 80s hair (who didn't).  Haha... I did a Google search for "big 80s hair" and I would just encourage you to do the same.  It's a great laugh! 

6) When this song was popular, cell phones were uncommon and Facebook was unheard of. Which has had a bigger impact on your life -- smart phones or social networking?  You know me, I refuse to choose. Social networking has kept me in touch (the easy way) with friends I've had since elementary school and beyond.  However, smart phones have kept me productive when I would usually just have ridiculous amounts of downtime.  I do see the need, however, to be intentional and completely unplug on a more frequent basis.  However, one USES a smartphone to ENGAGE in social media ergo, the to are not mutually exclusive entities but also one in the same!  Yay me!  I don't HAVE to choose.

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7) Whitney's marriage to Bobby Brown left many people shaking their heads. Whitney and Bobby's daughter recently married the young man who was raised as her brother. Have you ever been in a relationship your friends/family didn't approve of?  WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY?  She married the man who was raised as HER BROTHER???? OH GOOD LORD where do they live??? KENTUCKY?  Okay, I looked it up... that's just gross....but whatever... I will never even attempt to understand those Hollywood types.

Wait, what were you asking?  Of course...hasn't everyone dated someone whom your parents considered (even just a teensie bit) unsavory?  That's part of being a stupid teenager.  

8) Whitney Houston's grave marker reads, "I Will Always Love You," so obviously her family is very proud of the success of this recording. How would you like to be remembered?  A mother that loved her children with every fiber of her being but didn't do everything for them... who equipped them to be successful, humble, peaceful men... and who loves Boston Terriers... and scrapbooking... and can type REALLY fast... and is... RIPPED...not SHREDDED like Dana Linn Bailey, but... bikini model quality!  HA!

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9) Whitney was born in Newark, the largest city in New Jersey. It's a major air, rail and shipping hub, and it's in the Eastern Time zone. Have you ever been to Newark ... or any town in New Jersey?  I have.  It smelled.  

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