The Entertainer (The Theme from The Sting) 1973
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.
Chosen in memory of Robert Redford: Aug. 18, 1936 - Sept. 16, 2025
1) The Sting marked the second teaming of Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The two enjoyed almost 40 years of friendship. One passion they shared was sports cars. Newman raced Porsches professionally and Redford was deft behind the wheel of a classic Karmann Ghia convertible. Think about one of your longest friendships. What did you two first bond over? My oldest friend and I have been obsessed Beatlemaniacs together since we first saw The Lads on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was 1964, and we were in first grade.
2) During their first movie together – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – Redford was late so often that Newman joked they should change the title to, "Waiting for Lefty." Do you have a friend who is perpetually tardy? Or are you that friend? I suppose I am that friend, although I'm never more than 5-10 minutes late. It feels later and more consequential to me because I took public transportation all the time before I retired, and trains will and do leave without you if you're late.
1) The Sting marked the second teaming of Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The two enjoyed almost 40 years of friendship. One passion they shared was sports cars. Newman raced Porsches professionally and Redford was deft behind the wheel of a classic Karmann Ghia convertible. Think about one of your longest friendships. What did you two first bond over? My oldest friend and I have been obsessed Beatlemaniacs together since we first saw The Lads on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was 1964, and we were in first grade.
2) During their first movie together – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – Redford was late so often that Newman joked they should change the title to, "Waiting for Lefty." Do you have a friend who is perpetually tardy? Or are you that friend? I suppose I am that friend, although I'm never more than 5-10 minutes late. It feels later and more consequential to me because I took public transportation all the time before I retired, and trains will and do leave without you if you're late.
3)
Back in 1936, when Redford was born, baseball's Hall of Fame opened in
Cooperstown. Coincidentally, two members of his high school class of 1954 are
represented in the Hall: Redford, with memorabilia from his
baseball film, The Natural, and his teammate on the Van Nuys Wolves, Don
Drysdale. "Big D" was inducted for his stellar Dodger pitching career. Have
you recently spoken to, or corresponded with, one of your high school
classmates? Earlier this summer I had dinner with Joan. We went to high school together (gulp!) 50 years ago.
4) Redford admitted he had a few run ins with law enforcement during his teen years. He specifically recalled being picked up for breaking into the neighbors' back yard and swimming in their pool. Were you a mischievous kid? Not much.
4) Redford admitted he had a few run ins with law enforcement during his teen years. He specifically recalled being picked up for breaking into the neighbors' back yard and swimming in their pool. Were you a mischievous kid? Not much.
5) Redford went on to CU Boulder. He confessed to being a distracted student and only lasted a year and a half. While not good in class, he was popular with his coworkers at his after school job, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms at a restaurant called The Sink. The restaurant is still thriving, and Redford returned whenever he was in Boulder. He wore a Sink t-shirt during a national press conference in 2018 and when asked what The Sink was, he was happy to plug his former employer. Do you often wear graphic tees, decorated with a favorite band, restaurant logo, team mascot, vacation destination, etc.? That's pretty much all I wear if I'm not working. Right now I'm wearing a Leathernecks shirt from WIU, purchased when my nephew was a student.
6) When he was a struggling New York actor, he and his wife lost their first child to crib death. Redford told AARP magazine that he blamed himself, and said it's a wound that never healed. Tell us about a time you felt guilty but shouldn't have. My oldest friend relocated to Los Angeles and it's been a disaster. I kinda foresaw this and tried to dissuade her, but at a certain point, I just put my concerns aside and helped her prepare her home for sale. After she got out there, as things began to slide downhill fast, I thought I should have been more forceful in stopping her from going. Or at least I shouldn't have facilitated her move. I know now that wasn't my place. She's an adult. It was her choice. I did what I could but now all I can do is love her.
7) Legendary costume designer Edith Head said she liked putting Redford in hats because they balanced his strong, square jaw. Do you take your figure flaws into consideration when you choose your clothes? I don't tuck blouses in because I am trying to camouflage my expansive behind.
8) Forever fit, Redford credited his physique on exercise and genes, not diet. He said, "Healthy food is good for the conscience, but Oreos taste a helluva lot better." What's the last cookie, candy or treat you indulged in? Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies. They were delicious.
9) Random question: Do you prefer to bathe or shower first thing in the morning, after work, or before bed? In the morning.
