Saturday 9

SATURDAY 9: God Bless America 

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? I'm a midwesterner, surrounded by prairies. When I used to travel to downstate Illinois to visit my client, I would look out onto vistas of soybeans.

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? Brownie, Junior and Cadette. 

3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? Yes.

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you? My stock answer to this was Carrie Fisher. Now I'll say Jamie Lee Curtis because we are exactly the same age.

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? Nothing major, which is fabulous because I've been battling Achilles tendonitis. To not have anything special bothering me is a delight.

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? I thought I was, but I guess not. I was just at the dermatologist this past week and he spotted rosacea on my nose.

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? Just ice water. Maybe Coke.

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? No, knock wood.

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? I'm going with hamburgers this year.