Saturday 9: The Star Spangled Banner

Memorial Day is a federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

The Star Spangled Banner, as sung by Whitney Houston.

From the archives 

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? (We are grateful and want to hear about it.)

~ Nope, I'm not, my oldest and youngest brother are, and my dad was. I don't know anybody who is active now.

2) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

~ I love grilled hot dogs, potato salad, Mexicali chip dip, watermelon

3) Let's celebrate the Memorial Day holiday with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

~ Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream, preferably on a cone, so yum!

4) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you rode a bike?

~ When I was maybe about 12, 39 years ago!

5) Or went hiking? 

~ Can't remember ever going on a true hike

6) Or rode a horse?

~ Never rode a horse

7) Or toasted a marshmallow? 

~ I never roasted one on a campfire, the only toasted marsmallows I ever had I roasted on my oven's pilot fire growing up

8) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on? 

~ Yes, my air conditioner

9) Crazy Sam needs your help: What song or a performer would you like to see featured in a Saturday 9 this summer?You'll begin seeing your suggestions as Saturday 9 themes in mid-Jun

~ Jimmy Buffet, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Jan & Dean

~~ Saturday 9

Saturday 9: LIttle Red Corvette

From the archives.
In memory of Prince (1958-2016)

1) The subject of this song is frankly sexual. Do you blush easily?

~ No, I use to a little, but with showing soooooo much in TV and movies this day, it's commonplace

2) Prince was his real first name (Prince Rogers, to be exact). Growing up, his relatives called him "Skipper." Do you have any nicknames within your family?

~ Nope

3) Prince said he was "obsessed" with Mozart and read whatever he can find about the composer. What's the last book you read?

~ It's been so long,  I really don't know!

4) Between Prince and The Beach Boys, the Corvette is a much sung-about car. Tell us about your vehicle.

~ Cream-colored 2005 PT Cruiser convertible.

5) In the 1980s, when Prince was popular, MTV could turn a song into a hit. In 2016, where do you hear new music?

~ I've basically been hearing ALL the music that I hear on Spotify.

6) In 1982, when "Little Red Corvette" ruled the airwaves, Braniff Airways shocked the travel industry and threw passengers into chaos by declaring bankruptcy. When did you last fly? Did your trip go smoothly?

~ Last flew in 2007, to Austin, Texas, a good friend's wedding. It went great! I was alone and loved my last row window seat!

7) 1982 is also the year Disney opened Epcot. Have you ever been to a Disney park?

~ Nope, none of them. I would love to though!

8) 1982 is the year Cheers premiered. The sitcom was set in a bar where "everybody knows your name." Tell us about your favorite local bar or restaurant.

~ Mexican Fiesta, I LOVE that place, love it so much I threw my own birthday party there last year! ...And will again this year!

9) The 1980s were considered a highpoint in professional tennis, with Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe dominating the sport. Do you play tennis?

~ Nope, never have

Saturday 9: Kiss from a Rose (1996)

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

1) This song is from the movie, Batman Forever. The movie Batman v. Superman will be out later this month. In that matchup, who do you support -- The Caped Crusader or The Man of Steel?

~ Wow, why would these two have to be dueling each other? I thought they were both always good guys! Between these two I would choose Superman, but I would have to watch and see how the stories unfold first

2) "Rose" became a popular name in the 19th century, when parents also began naming their daughters "Iris," "Violet," "Daisy" and "Lily." Do you know anyone who has a flower name?

~ I know a Rose, a sweet lady I use to work with

3) This week's artist, Seal, has something to fall back on. At his parents' insistence, before he pursued music he got an associate degree in architecture from a small college in Westminster. What's the last grade you completed?

~ I completed my Associates Degree, with honors!

4) Seal wrote this song back in the 1980s but didn't really like it very much. His producer discovered it when they were looking for material to complete Seal's second album and the result was several Grammys. Tell us about a time when something turned out better than you thought it would.

~ Every time I ask my transportation to dialysis if they can swing through the Tim Horton drive thru so I can get a breakfast on my way in, they really don't have to be so sweet but I love it when they are!

5) Ex-wife Heidi Klum is not the only model in Seal's life. He also dated Tyra Banks. Can you name another famous model?

~ Christie Brinkley, Twiggy, Elle Macpherson

6) Seal is currently involved with yet another model, Australian Erica Packer. Between them they have seven children. How many siblings do you have, and are you the oldest, youngest, or in the middle?

~ There are five children in my family, I have three older brothers and one younger sister

7) Seal's birthday was back on February 19. Let's think about your birthday. If you could have any type of cake you wanted, what would you request?

~Chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting, crushed nuts on the side, and decorated for Halloween (my birthday is October 27)

8) In 1996, when this song was popular, Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents in a crime and trial that dominated the news in Los Angeles. What are people in your town talking about?

~ The presidential election coming up

9) Random question: There's an old saying, "Like nails on a blackboard." Sam can't recall ever hearing nails on a blackboard, but she knows she hates the sound of a dripping faucet. What sound bothers you the most?

~ The sound of uncontrollable sobbing, abuse to animals, people speaking rudely, my alarm clock when i don't want to wake up

~~ Saturday 9