Saturday 9: Joanna

Thanks goes out to Crazy Sam for the music and questions. Enjoy the meme? Play along here.

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

1) The subject of this week's song, Joanna, is described as someone who never lets you down and can always be counted upon. Who in your life is like that? To some degree I'd have to say everyone in my inner circle is like that. I mean, who wants friends who aren't there for you. We all let someone down now and then, but if you are consistently that kind of friend, you probably aren't going to last long in my life unless there is a very good reason for it.

2) Kool and the Gang vocalist James "J. T." Taylor sings that he will do his best to do what's right for her. Reflect on the last week. What did you devote special effort to?  Resting, getting well, and seeing a doctor in person. It's finally working, too. The virus that has owned me for the last two weeks is beginning to let up and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not sure I'll actually be ready for it, but I told my boss that I will return to work on Monday.

3) This video was filmed at the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst, NJ. Still open 40 years later, the Colonial is known for their Boom Boom Shrimp, aka fried shrimp in sweet chili sauce. Think of your favorite local restaurant. What menu item would recommend?  The zucchini fries. They are coated, deep-fried, zucchini straws. Dipped in ranch dressing they are my Kryptonite. For an actual meal I'd recommend either the burgers, the hot turkey sandwich (with fries and everything smothered in gravy), or the lasagna. All are excellent.  

4) Kool and the Gang's biggest hit was 1980's "Celebration," which is popular today with disc jockeys at wedding receptions. Are you likely to get up and dance at a wedding reception? Or would we find you enjoying the party from your seat?  If I have someone to dance with I'll be on the dance floor.

5) Kool and the Gang are proud of their NJ roots. Group founder Robert Bell was given the nickname "Kool" by his Jersey City friends because he was so "laid back." Do you think your friends would describe you as "laid back?"  Yes. Most everyone comments on my calmness and go with the flow-ness.

6) One of the Jersey City's biggest employers is Evergreen, a transportation and shipping company with offices in Evertrust Plaza, a high-rise near the waterfront. What is the tallest building you've ever been in? Were you there for business, or to enjoy the view?  I've been in a few high-rises in Pittsburgh, but never more than a few floors up. I've been to the top of the Skylon Tower at Niagara Falls, Ontario and the top of the Washington Monument, but do those count as buildings?

7) In 1983, when "Joanna" topped the charts, Vanessa Williams became the first African American to be crowned Miss America. Today, Miss America is still among the most popular televised pageants, along with Miss World and Miss Universe. Do you watch beauty pageants?  Growing up it was a big deal in my family. We'd all watch and pick our "winner" then track the votes and see who won bragging rights. I probably haven't watched any of the pageants since the early 90's. Tim's not into that and it's no fun on my own.

8) Also in 1983, superstars Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson joined forces for the #1 song, "Say, Say, Say." Each man began his career as part of a group but went on to have success on his own. Can you think of anyone else who started out in band or group but also scored as a solo artist?  Lionel Ritchie, Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Darius Rucker, and Vince Gill to name a few.

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten bread sticks or carrot sticks?  Bread sticks. I love bread sticks, especially if they're garlic ones.

I really am beginning to feel better after nearly two weeks of being home with a nasty virus. It wasn't covid, flu, or rsv. I can't tell you what it was. There are two schools of thought about it. One is that since I got it right on the heels of having covid, it hit me harder. The second is that it is another big nasty that's floating around. I don't pretend to know the answer, but I've heard several other people from all over the blogosphere/Facebook worlds describe having the same symptoms and duration. All I can say is stay healthy out there. This one is no fun.

On a happier note, the new furniture got delivered today. I promised a picture, but please ignore any mess you see....a month of me being down sick hasn't done anything good for the house.