How cool it must be!

Last weekend, The Cute One – as Will Ferrell referred to Paul McCartney – was the final guest of the season on Saturday Night Live. During his monologue, Will listed some of Paul's most popular compositions and included "Coming Up," saying it was his personal favorite. During the show, Paul did the customary two songs that SNL guests do. Then, in a third number song performed over the credits, Will got to sing "Coming Up" alongside Paul and was so into it! It was a joy to watch. 

 

Then last night, Stephen Colbert got to interview one final guest on The Late Show. That honor went to Paul McCartney because, well of course it did. First of all, the show originated from The Ed Sullivan Theater, where the Beatles made history with their first appearance in 1964. Who better than Macca to turn out the lights? Paul is the likely the most recognized/respected musician in the world right now and this was an important moment in media and The First Amendment.* And his song, "Hello Goodbye" was perfect for the occasion. Stephen sang alongside him.

Watching these two performances I was acutely aware that Sir Paul is an artist who knows he's on his final lap. In a matter of weeks, he will be 84 years old. While I enjoy his newest song, "Days We Left Behind" is a poignant ballad sung by an old man with a reedy voice.

So right now I'm reminded how much he means to so many people. I've loved him so much for so long that I forget he's not just mine. Stephen Colbert wanted him for the biggest moment of his career. Will Ferrell just wanted to be around him. I recall the women, strangers, I sat with during this November 2025 concert here at the United Center. Their mother, with a walker, sat on the aisle seat. Then there were her two daughters, then me. Their mom – like Paul she was born in 1942 – has "given up" and they thought it might inspire her to see Paul, still vibrant and still performing, at 84.

There were 23,500 people at the United Center with us that night in November. It was just the last of 19 stops. Everyone who goes to see him now has their own personal reason for being there, and it felt important to each of us.

It must be enormously cool to have meant this much to this many people for so long. I hope he feels it.

*Though in a funny bit, Paul is seen as pinch-hitting for the only guest who could possibly top him, Pope Leo.

How nice it must be

Today I wore my 2025 Paul McCartney tour t-shirt. Two different women – one in her 30s, the other in her 50s – asked me if I saw "him" last time "he" was in town. 

I thought it must be great to be Paul McCartney. He was in Chicago four months ago, yet both of these women had been aware of his concert appearances.  They both seemed certain these had been memorable shows.

He has earned a high level of notoriety and good will. I hope he knows it and enjoys it.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: With or Without You (1987) 

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

 

1) "With or Without You" is about the pain of love. What song reminds you of an old romance? Is it about the joy of love or the pain? Lately this one has been going through my mind. I love the tension between sound of it – very upbeat – and the melancholy message. Our hearts get broken, but we get on with it. 

 

 

 

 

 

2) U2 lead singer Bono has admitted that, when the group recorded this song in the 1980s, he was wrestling with his real-life commitment issues. He was trying to resolve the responsibilities of being a husband with the demands of his career. He worked it through, and decades later both his marriage and his career are still going strong. Do you feel you have been more successful in your personal or professional relationships? Ha! My career, no question.

 

3) Bono credits his wife Ali with helping him through a tough period of writer's block, saying she put the pen in his hand each morning. What time of day finds you the most energized, productive or creative? Whenever I should be doing housework.

 

4) Bono likes to pedal around town when he's not onstage. What do you do for exercise? Yoga.

 

5) Bono is U2's lead singer, backed by three very talented bandmates: The Edge, Larry Mullen, Jr., and Adam Clayton. Bruce Springsteen is a big fan of U2's concert performances. If Saturday 9 were to bestow upon you a free ticket to any see any band or performer live, who would you choose? I just saw Sir Paul in November. It would be hard to top that.

 

6) U2 got together 50 years ago, when they were school boys in Dublin. Have you ever visited Ireland? If not, would you like to go? I've never been but were I to go to Europe, I'd plan to stop there.

 
7) In 1987, the year this song was popular, Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her most famous line was, "Snap out of it!" Without looking it up, can you name the movie that made her an Oscar winner? Moonstruck

 

8) Also in 1987, the first Starbucks opened. What's your standard Starbucks order? I don't drink coffee. I'll have hot chocolate, to be sociable with friends when we stop, or maybe just a bottle of water.

 

9) Random question – Which self-help book would you be more likely to pick up, the one designed to improve your body or your mind? Don't mean to sound contrary, but neither. I tried self-help books a while ago and found they didn't help me much. No judgement if you're into them, but I have found more success and contentment with therapy, prayer and introspection.

 

 

Saturday 9

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? These two.

 

 

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. I'm tempted to dial back because current events can leave me feeling hopeless. But I'm haunted by something my friend John said: In Berlin before the War, they didn't know they were living in Berlin before the War. That reminds me that it's my duty as an adult and a citizen to know what's going on and to do what I can when I can.

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? Vanity Fair and the AARP magazine.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum? Yes. Some days we had music, other days we had art. 

 

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? Well, it's credited to Lennon-McCartney, but I'm pretty sure it was all Paul.

 

 

 

 

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 Cardinals! As a Cub fan, that's the only possible answer.

 

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? I remember when Sears stores were preeminent, but now they're all but gone.

 

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 try. I'm not altogether successful, but I try.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now? I'm wearing a gold nightshirt. It was a gift to me from my dear friend Henry.

 

 

 

Paul Got Back

Sir Paul came to Chicago for my birthday. It was a magic night and I'm so glad it happened, and that it happened at the United Center. Known as The House that Michael Built, the United Center replaced The Chicago Stadium back in the mid-1990s, when the Bulls were repeating and three-peating and MJ consistently proved that he was the best there ever was and the best there ever will be. 

The Chicago Stadium once stood right across the street from where The United Center is now, and it's where I first saw Paul McCartney and Wings during 1976's Wings Across America tour. That old barn is gone now, demolished. But Paul and I are still here.

Almost 50 years ago, I was a still in my teens, living in my parents' house. I was a secretary for Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Sears Tower.  My parents are gone. Sears – where I made the quantum leap from clerical/time-card employee to copywriter – is gone. The Sears Tower is now known as The Willis Tower. But Paul and I are still here.

Here's the SunTimes review

Of course, Paul and I go ever further back than the bicentennial summer. February 1964, I fell in love with him as he sang "All My Loving" on The Ed Sullivan Show. My mother recalled me saying, "He's so pretty it hurts." Those eyes, that voice! He was this six-year-old girl's perfect image of a romantic troubadour. He remains that today.

Paul played to 23,500 people, and I bet just about every one of us felt an emotional connection to him. I was sitting next to a woman of my age who brought her 80-something mother to the concert because the older woman was "giving up." Mom was moving less, going out less. The daughter (a mere 65!) hoped that seeing 83-year-old Paul perform for three hours without a break would inspire her mother to become more active and engage more with the world. In turn, she oohed and aahed over a photo of my darling little grandniece Violet wearing her Yellow Submarine bib. I was sitting in front of two twenty-something girls (sisters, perhaps?) dancing around in crop tops that revealed impossibly toned tummies. I thought, "I had a tummy like that once as I danced to these very songs."

At the end of the concert, Paul and his bandmates came out waving four flags: The stars and stripes, the Union Jack, the Illinois state flag, and the Rainbow Pride flag. At a time when it's become suddenly and regrettably fashionable to advocate taking civil rights away from gay Americans, I appreciated Paul using his influence for good.

It must be wonderful to be Paul McCartney. To bring all that music, all those memories, all that iconography, all that love wherever you go. 

As long as he's willing to keep performing in Chicago, I'll be here. Enchanted. 

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: The Lady in Red (1986)

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

 

1) Is red a color you often wear? No. I was a redhead for decades and avoided reds and yellows. I am slowly allowing red and pink back into my closet. Yellow still leaves me looking a bit sickly.

 

2) In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves. Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor? The Beatles "Twist and Shout."

 

3) Chris says he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform. Tell us about a memorable concert going experience. I'm making another concert memory on Monday when I see Paul McCartney! I just found out that my friend Mindy and her husband are going, too, and sitting in the same section as I am, just six rows behind me. The United Center seats 23,500 – what are the odds that Mindy would just happen to be sitting so close?

 

But to answer the question at hand: I've seen Sir Paul at Lollapalloza, Soldier Field, the late Chicago Stadium and Wrigley Field. All were outstanding, but my favorite would be have to be Wrigley. Not only is that ballpark one of baseball's great cathedrals and the home of my Chicago Cubs, Paul's timing was exquisite. I was in the midst of a cancer scare, awaiting major surgery so organs could be biopsied. I was terrified. At this moment, my knight arrived! It meant the world to me. PS Everything was benign, thank God.

 

From August 2011

4) Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom. Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina. Do you have any of those attributes? I write and speak well. Which is not to say I would make a good diplomat. I think I'd be terrible at it.

 

5) Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland. Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel. What's the last hotel you stayed in? The Holiday Inn near the Grand Rapids Airport. It was my second stay there and I can see it becoming something of a home-away-from for me as it is so convenient to my niece, her husband and their new baby. My niece has graciously invited to stay at their home but I'm comfortable at the Holiday Inn. She's a working mom with a new baby! She doesn't need to get her home ready for guests. I just want to sit, talk to her and her husband, and look at that adorable baby. I'm just as happy to sleep at the Holiday Inn.

 

6) Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000. If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it? My fantasy would be to move into a small apartment on a short-term lease and then, while my condo is empty, renovate it. I need new floors and that's so hard to do when I'm living in here with all my furniture and other stuff. If there's money left over, I would pay down my mortgage. That would free up cash every month for me to do good.

 

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan. Have you been to New York City? Yes, but not for decades. I should go back. I found New York exhilerating.

 
8) Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died. Are you a hockey fan? I used to be, but not anymore. I appreciate baseball so much more.

 

9) Random question – You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip. Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator: Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, or William, Prince of Wales? First of all, I don't drive so I'd need my William to drive. I don't want Willie Nelson driving. He's 92 years old. I adore Bill Murray – he cracks me up and we're both Cub fans. But I'm afraid over a long trip I'd learn we aren't just naturally besties and that would make me sad. So I shall choose Prince William. I'd love to hear about his life and besides, he'd have a protection officer in the car behind us, so we wouldn't have to worry about getting lost or running out of gas.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday to me, Part 1

My early birthday gift from Sir Paul arrived today! Turns out I am an Emerald VIP for his upcoming concert at the United Center. I'll be honest: when I was finally admitted into the Ticketmaster "room" to purchase my ticket, I clicked "best available" and all I focused on was completing the transaction before the timer hit 00:00. I really didn't care what "best available" got me. 

As an Emerald VIP, I get a box of swag!

 

That's a lanyard with a VIP pass, a "cross body belt bag" (aka a fanny pack you wear across the chest) and my favorite – a Paul McCartney wristwatch. The black/white cat on the floor on the left is Roy Hobbs. While I was squealing over the tour merchandise, he was plotting against the black/pink mouse toy on the floor on the right. 

Is this worth what I paid for the ticket? Nah. But then, I can't possibly put dollar value on seeing Sir Paul end his world tour in Chicago just days after my birthday – and from the 11th row of section 101! He's 83 years old now, I'll be 68. I don't know how much longer we'll keep meeting like this. I'm going to savor it.

 

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: It All Depends On You (1959)

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

1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad? Happy. Or, I suppose, it would be more precise to borrow from the sailors and say I'm on an even keel.

 

2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget? I try. I'm not always successful, but I try.

 

3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded "It All Depends on You," it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125? As long as kids continue to play with Barbie dolls, I bet the Barbie movie will endure. I get such a kick out of Ryan Gosling's performance. He's Kenough! 

 

 

 

4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it? At 17 I got a job as a secretary (this was before "administrative assistants").

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key? This year, Paul McCartney is coming to Chicago to celebrate me. I think that qualifies as a blow out. 😉

 

6) Madame Tussaud's has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they're creepy? I think they're creepy, and I enjoy them anyway.

7)  In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear – if any – do you have on right now? I'm barefoot.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What's your ideal? I think 4 or 5 nights away is perfect. 

 

9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies? Classic sitcoms.

 

 

 

I'm in!

 

Paul McCartney will be ending his North American tour in Chicago on November 24 and 25. My birthday is November 22. I take this as a sign from the universe that I must be in attendance for one of those shows. 

There was a lot of stress involved in getting me a ticket yesterday. But – spoiler alert – I'm in.

Days ago I requested a pre-sale code for each night, which arrived on my phone at 9:00 AM yesterday. I logged in with one on my laptop and the other on my phone. The pre-sale started at 10:00 and here's the message I got on my laptop. The one on my phone said I was 37000+ in line. I was not hopeful. The United Center has a capacity of less than 25,000 for concerts.

 

The ticket prices – which hadn't been announced before Tuesday – ranged from $40.60 to (gulp!) $4,135.90. For 50 minutes, I watched the queue number tick down oh-so slowly. I did yoga stretches as my eyes darted from phone to laptop and back again. I listened to Paul songs and wondered how I was going to pay for my ticket in the unlikely event I got one. I looked at the pad of lined paper on my coffee table that has an overview of my finances. I have a "slush fund" that I started back in March, seeded with money from my tax refund. 

My "slush fund" is different from my "household fund," which is money I have earmarked for sudden home expenses (like a broken window or a new refrigerator). It's not my "emergency fund," which is a 120-day CD and saved for unexpected taxes or a medical bill for me or the cats. I had unspecified plans for the "slush fund," adding $10 to it here or there, working toward hazy dreams of a someday kitchen remodel. 

On Tuesday morning, my "slush fund" had $815. Right now? $27.46.

Both my phone and my laptop let me in to the sale at the same time. I don't understand how that happened. I was so very far back. I can only imagine that many other fans had their credit cards rejected or choked when they saw the price of the seats that were left. I had an advantage. I only want one seat.

I opted for "best available" on both screens. Under $1,000 for two reasons: I didn't want ground floor in front of the stage because I'm too short to see anything and because, well, I don't have it. 

I got section 101, lower level, left of stage. 24 hours later, seats in my section are selling for $2,500+ each on Vivid Seats. 

I forget how popular Paul McCartney is. I have loved him since I was 6 years old, the same way I love blue skies and a cat's purr. It's basic and consistent and forever. It never occurs to me that other people love him, too. So the ticket demand and the price did surprise me.

But I am going. He is 83 and I am 67. I am aware that time is running short. My knight will be here for my birthday, and I will be there to see him. 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Since U Been Gone (2005)

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

 

1) In this song, Kelly Clarkson is dissatisfied with her relationship and she's moving on. What's something you've moved on from lately? It could be anything from a romance to the laundry detergent you've been using for years. I've moved on from Trader Joe's. I don't have a car and walk everywhere, and somehow it doesn't seem worth the extra couple blocks when Target is closer. 

 

2) She sings that she can now breathe. Studies have shown that July can be a good month for allergy sufferers because trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. How are your eyes, ears, nose and throat this morning? No complaints.

 

3) Kelly complains that their romance reminds her of a "stupid love song." Let's be more positive: what love song do you associate with positive memories? This is the song I first recall hearing Paul McCartney sing on The Ed Sullivan Show, back when I was 6 years old. It's the moment I fell in love with him. I saw him perform it live in concert at Wrigley Field in 2011. He's coming back to Chicago this fall – just in time for my birthday! – and I hope to be in the audience when he sings it live once again.

 

 

 

 

4) While Kelly's first love is music, she's established herself as a TV personality. In addition to her daytime talk show, she's been a judge on The Voice and hosted an awards show. Have you ever been on TV? Oh, this feels so long ago now! I was at a downtown hotel (The Congress?) on November 3, 1992, with a crowd of other Clinton campaign volunteers, awaiting the election results. This was before BIG flat screen TVs. Instead there were several sets positioned around the conference room and I was sitting on the floor, looking up at one, as Bill gave his acceptance speech live from Little Rock. A local station (channel 7?) captured the moment and used it as part of a news story about how much younger Bill's campaign workers and voters were than Bush's. I was 35 at the time and didn't feel all that young (but hey! I could still easily sit on the floor and bounce back up) but there I was in the front row. I didn't see it, of course. I was still downtown partying. But my mom did and was quite proud. 

5) She has confessed a weakness for Doritos. Would we find salty snacks in your kitchen right now? No. But that's just because I have finished them all.

 

6) Kelly has found her weight the source of public debate. Are you like Kelly, whose weight fluctuates? Or does it stay stable? I was thin until I had my hysterectomy at 54. Then I rapidly gained a ton of weight and have never taken it off.

 

7) In 2005, when this song was popular, a motorist made news in Texas when he was ticketed for driving over 200 mph in a 75 mph zone. Have you ever been pulled over by the police? I have a vague recollection of being in a car that was pulled over back in the 1980s. The memory is hazy because I was pretty drunk but the driver was not. He was not ticketed for whatever it was and was very glad that I kept my mouth shut for once while he was talking to the officer.

 
8) Also in 2005, Tom Cruise had a pop culture moment when he famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this? Oprah.

 

9) Random question: Tell us about a photo you wish you'd taken, but didn't. Over the 4th of July weekend I got together with my friends Patty and Bob. I wish one of us had thought to snap a picture.

 

Sunday Stealing

What Would You Say At This Moment to:

1) Someone you have hurt? I will try to do better.

2) Someone who has hurt you? I forgive you.

3) Your favorite teacher from grade school? Thank you for creating an atmosphere where it felt safe to get it wrong.

4) Your most hated teacher from high school? I didn't hate her, but she was kind of a waste of space. I would tell her that she missed an opportunity with me. I really wanted to learn, but she discouraged my questions and stuck to the cookie cutter lesson plan.

5) Your best friend from college? I didn't attend college long enough to make any friends.

6) Your favorite recording artist? Happy 83rd birthday! 

Born 6/18/42

7) Your favorite author? William Goldman, you are not forgotten. When his name came onscreen at this year's TCM Film Festival, he was applauded. (He wrote the screenplay for Misery.)

8) Your first boss? You didn't have to be such a martinet, you know.

9) Your first love? I hope you're happy.

10) Your true love? Why haven't we met?

 

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Drive to You (2006)

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

1) In this song, Jewel sings that she can't sleep and is staring at the ceiling. Did you fall asleep easily last night? Yes. But only because I gave in and ran the window a/c unit all night. I hate doing that, especially in mid-September! But it's still 85º+ during the day and my building is brick, plus my bedroom windows face west, so it gets so damn hot in the afternoon and without the a/c it just doesn't cool off enough to be conducive to comfortable sleeping.

2) She concludes that the only thing to do is drive to her lover's side. Last time you got behind the wheel, where were you headed? I wasn't behind the wheel, but my last car ride was a Lyft home after a trip to the vet (for Connie's prescription cat food) and the grocery store (for my grub).

3) Jewel grew up in Alaska. Have you ever visited our largest state? Nope. I'd like to, though. Whenever I consider a cruise, it's always one to Alaska.

4) She once performed at the Sydney Opera House, which is more than 7,300 miles away from Anchorage. There are no direct commercial flights between those two cities. Given your choice, would you rather spend less on travel but have to change flights, or spend more and fly non-stop to your destination? I'll pay extra to fly non-stop, thank you.

5) Actor Sean Penn developed a crush on Jewel after seeing her perform on TV and attended many of her concerts during her 1995 tour. What's the best concert you ever saw? Sir Paul at Wrigley Field.

6) She married Ty Murray, a successful rodeo cowboy. Have you ever attended a rodeo? I believe I did when I was a very little girl, but I recall little about it.

7) In 2006, the year "Drive to You" was released, Al Lewis died. He was best known as Grandpa on The Munsters. It's time for you to declare where you stand on this issue: do you prefer The Munsters of The Addams Family?

The only correct answer

8) 2006 was a very good one for tennis pro Roger Federer. He reached the finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments, and won three. What's the last game you won? (Yes, Wordle counts.) I lost at online canasta to a bot, which was quite humbling.

9) Random question: Using one word, how would you describe 2024 so far? Painful. Both emotionally and physically. But, to invoke Sir Paul, I have to admit it's getting better.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: People (1964)

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

1) In this song, Barbra Streisand sings that pride can get in the way of happy relationships. Have you found that to be true? Yes.

2) The photo on the record sleeve was taken on Chicago's Oak Street Beach, as Barbra watches the sun rise over Lake Michigan. Have you been to the beach yet this summer? No, and I have no plans to. While, as Barbra showed us, Chicago has lovely beaches, I prefer the Riverwalk. It's a nice little oasis amid all the office buildings (and no sand).

3) Barbra performed "People" more than 1,350 times when she played Fanny Brice onstage in Funny Girl. She also did it in her Oscar-winning turn as Fanny in the film version. She performed it in her first TV special back in 1964 and in at least 510 concerts since. That's a lot of "People!" Can you think of another performer who has/had a song that is so identified with them you can't imagine seeing them in concert without hearing it? I'll go with this one, though he doesn't do it in concert anymore. At 80+, he says his voice can't do it justice anymore.

4) Barbra got her first pet, a poodle named Sadie, as a gift from the Funny Girl behind-the-scenes crew when she was 23 years old and she's had dogs in her life ever since. Did you have pets when you were growing up? Yes. Of course. My mother was a big animal lover, and I inherited my Ellie Mae Clampett tendencies from her.

5) Barbra has always taken her Jewish faith seriously, beginning with her days at the Yeshiva of Brooklyn. 70 years later, her old school is still there. How about your grammar school? Does it still stand? Yes. The building itself is 66 years old and recently went through a remodel. My sister works there now as a lunch mom.

6) She tried marijuana a couple times but didn't like it and the only alcohol she drinks is the occasional beer with her Chinese food. Are you like Barbra and generally abstain? Or do you enjoy pot and/or alcohol? I limit myself to three drinks/week, and have never, ever smoked pot. (I just cannot stand the thought of holding smoke in my lungs and letting it out through my nose like a dragon. Ick!)

7) Barbra's favorite lunch is a bowl of Campbell's condensed tomato soup. If we were to peek into your pantry, would we find any canned soup? Yes, but not tomato. I hate tomato soup! I've got clam chowder and chicken noodle in my cabinet right now.

8) In 1964, when this song was popular, hats were, too. The Sears Spring/Summer catalog devoted six pages to ladies hats and two pages to mens. Are hats part of your wardrobe? Nope.

9) Random question: Which of your personality traits has gotten you in the most trouble? My big mouth.

 

 

Thursday Thirteen #364

  

13 popular Paul McCartney songs. June 18 was Sir Paul's 82nd birthday, and I'm celebrating by listing his biggest hits, according to Spotify.

1. 45 Seconds.

2. Wonderful Christmastime. 

3. Band on the Run.

4. Live and Let Die. 

5. Maybe I'm Amazed.

6. The Girl Is Mine.

7. Jet.

8. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.

9. Another Day.

10. Junk.

11. Hope of Deliverance.

12. 1985. 

13. No More Lonely Nights.

I admit some of these wouldn't have made my list of 13 fave raves, but I'm glad that at 82 Sir Paul is still reaching a wide audience. In fact, he just announced another European tour. Long may he reign!

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Got My Mind Set On You (1987)

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

 

1) In this song, George Harrison tells us he's willing to devote his money, patience and time to his girlfriend. Of those three things, which can you most easily spare? These days, my time. I'm on a fixed income now, so I'm being more careful with my money. Unfortunately, I can be very impatient.

 

2) This song had long been a favorite of George's. He first heard it in 1963 when visiting his sister in United States. He couldn't get the tune out of his mind and bought the record by James Ray. Do you have an earworm -- a song that, once you hear it, keeps repeating in your head? "I take once daily Jardiance at each day's start ..."

I do not have diabetes and have never had to consider medication to lower my blood sugar. I have no opinion on whether it works or not. I just know I dance around the kitchen singing about the little pill with a big story to tell.

 

3) Months later, in February 1964, the Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. 73 million viewers saw them, and an astonishing 45.3% of the TV sets in America were tuned in to the show. In addition to the Beatles, Ed Sullivan used his show to introduce Elvis, The Rolling Stones and The Jackson 5. The Ed Sullivan Show ran for 23 years and reruns are now shown in syndication. Have you ever seen it? Oh, yes! My mother loved to tell the story of little me in front of the TV that night in 1964 when the Beatles appeared. She recalled that when Paul McCartney came on, I said, "He's so pretty, it hurts to look." I still feel that way.

Sigh

4) While most of the best loved and most recognized Beatles songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it was George who penned "Something." Frank Sinatra called that song "the greatest love song of the last 50 years." What's your favorite love song? I don't know why, exactly, but this is the first one that popped into my head as I came upon this question. I guess maybe because I love that first line: I spent a lifetime looking for you.

5) This praise represented a big change for Frank, who predicted in 1964 that the Beatles would be "of no lasting importance." Tell us about something you have changed your mind about. Conspiracy theorists. I used to believe they were dumb, silly and dangerous. After reading more about this phenomenon, I think they're gullible because they likely feel isolated, confused or vulnerable. These baseless theories help them cope with a world they feel is changing too fast or just doesn't make sense to them. So if someone extolls QAnon, is convinced the Clintons kill their enemies or swears Dr. Fauci lined his pockets with every Remdesivir/Paxlovid prescription, I'll try to find pity in my heart for them. (But they're still dangerous.)

6) Tom Petty, who went on to have more than 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, credits George Harrison as a major influence on his music. Tell us about someone who influenced your professional life. Ed was my first really good boss. He didn't tell me what to do, he explained  why I was doing what I was doing. He made it more about the end result -- making a sale -- than about my ego as an advertising writer. 

7) In 1987, when George's recording of "I Got My Mind Set on You" was popular, a squirrel unexpectedly made headlines. The furry fellow closed down the Nasdaq Stock Exchange when he chewed through a phone line. Do you often see squirrels where you live? All the time.

 

8) Also in 1987, third generation race car driver Marco Andretti was born. Naturally the skills required by a race car driver are unique. For example, while we know he can control a car at upwards of 230 mph at Indy, we have no idea if Marco Andretti is good at parallel parking in front of the local post office. How about you? Do you struggle with parallel parking? I was a terrible driver. Parallel parking was just another thing I was awful at.

9) Random question: When you woke up this morning, were you ready to face the day? Or do you wish you could have rolled over and snoozed a little longer? I usually wish I could snooze a little longer.