Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Lady Liberty (2018)
... because it's 4th of July weekend.

Hear Barbra Streisand sing it here.

1) This song is a Valentine to the Statue of Liberty. Have you ever visited Lady Liberty? I have seen it in person but it was closed for repairs the day I visited. 

 

2) When you combine the lady herself and her pedestal, she stands 22 stories high. What's the tallest building you've ever been in? I worked in Sears Tower (110 stories) and the AON Building (83 floors). While the views are breathtaking – and made boring meetings more endurable – the tourists really got on my nerves. I'm afraid when I was working, I was not a very welcoming hostess to those visiting Chicago.

 

3) Her crown represents universal liberty with seven spikes for the seven seas. Without looking it up, can you name the seven seas? Nope.

 

4) The song was written by Desmond Child, a Cuban-American from Gainesville, home of the University of Florida. In 1965, a team of UF scientists invented Gatorade. Do you have any Gatorade in your home right now? Nope.

5) While best known for his work with KISS, Bon Jovi and Cher, Desmond Child was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the Muppets 2003 holiday special. This morning, as we enjoy summer, what's the first Christmas carol that pops into your head? "White Christmas." 

6) Desmond wrote this song specifically for Barbra Streisand. Watching her record it was a dream come true and he found himself standing very close to her as she sang. When he asked if he was "hovering," she suggested it might be better if he gave her a little more space. Does it bother you when someone stands very close or reads over your shoulder? This question reminds me of my mom. While it doesn't bother me, it made her CRAZY to have anyone read over her shoulder.

7) Fireworks were introduced to celebrate the 4th because they represent the "rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air." When did you most recently sing "The Star Spangled Banner?" I never sing it. I only move my lips. I am desperately embarrassed by my singing voice. (But yes, of course I know the lyrics.)

8) John Adams predicted the 4th would be observed with "pomp and parades." Does your community have a parade in honor of the day? Yes. I was invited to march in it to help publicize our upcoming library book sale. I declined. I'm a fat old lady with bad knees and it was a humid 92º at parade time.

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will/did you dine on this 4th of July? I had a steak, potato salad and a green salad.