Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Colors of the Wind (1995)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 30 years ago, "Colors of the Wind" is from the Disney hit, Pocahontas. Have you seen it? Nope.

2) This song celebrates the glories of nature. Have you spent much time outdoors this summer? If yes, what have you enjoyed doing? I usually enjoy taking long walks in the sunshine, but not this year. Too many days that were 90º or higher in the afternoon. That's just too much heat for this old gal.

3) Lyricist Stephen Schwartz said he was inspired by the works of Chief Seattle, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Who is your favorite author? William Goldman, best known his novel and screenplay for The Princess Bride. I also loved Nora Ephron.

4) This week's artist, Vanessa Williams, came to national attention as Miss America 1984. In the talent competition she sang "Happy Days Are Here Again." Over the years, contestants have sung, recited original poetry, danced, twirled batons, performed gymnastics and demonstrated martial arts. Which of your talents would wow the judges? Ha! I suppose if forced to, I could effectively perform a monologue. But I truly cannot imagine what would land me in this situation.

5) Her family tree includes William A. Fields, who served in the Tennessee House of Representatives in the late 19th century. Are you interested in genealogy? Nope.

6) Vanessa supports the non-profit Dress for Success, which helps unemployed and underemployed women prepare with career coaching, networking and professional attire. Have you ever gone into a job interview found yourself unprepared? Or, if you prefer, tell us about an interview you confidently aced. I knew I had my current job at the card shop before I even interviewed. The store manager was that impressed by the letter I wrote, promoting myself the way I'd sold countless other products during 40+ years in advertising. I may not have had experience as a counter girl, but I know how to write sales copy. It's a skill that came in handy when I wanted this job.

Let's look at the summer of 1995.

7) 1995's best-selling new car was the Ford Taurus. That summer, dealers were promoting a 6.9% APR loan or $1,500 cash back with purchase. This summer, drivers with good credit might get a better deal because the average APR for new car loans is a little lower. Do you keep your eye on fluctuating interest rates? Not closely. I'm aware that our President wants the Fed to do his bidding and understand how dangerous that would be. But, since I'm not looking for a mortgage or an auto loan, I'm not up on the APRs.

8) English yachtswoman Lisa Clayton made history by sailing solo around the world. It took her 10 months. Would you be comfortable spending months and months alone? Yes. Probably too comfortable.

9) Legendary New York Yankee Mickey Mantle died in 1995. How is your baseball team doing this season? Oh, it's been like two seasons. Before the All-Star break, my Cubs were unstoppable! Since the break, we've slipped to second place. I knew in April we weren't a World Series team, but was seduced by false hope. Now the bats are cold and they have to grind for each run. Oh well, if being a Cub fan were easy, everyone would be one.