Saturday 9: The Star Spangled Banner

... because Thursday was the 4th of July and we're still celebrating!

Unfamiliar with this Whitney's rendition? Hear it here.

1) Whitney Houston originally performed this in front of over 73,000 at the 1991 Super Bowl. What's the biggest crowd you have ever been in?  A Christian youth thing on the mall in Washington, D.C. There were close to 100,000 people at that.

2) Whitney's version of The National Anthem was released 10 years later, after 9/11, and the proceeds went to support New York's first responders. It was her last Top Ten single. What's your favorite Whitney Houston song?  I never really listened to her so I guess I'd choose the one you still hear everywhere...I Will Always Love You.

3) Whitney's friends recall she loved lavender -- both the color and the scent. What's your favorite color? What's your favorite scent?  I seem to be leaning toward blue and purple these days for color. As for scent, I love the smell of fresh, ripe, just-picked Concord grapes.

4) Whitney had a sweet tooth and loved Fruity Pebbles. If you reached for a snack right now, would it be sweet or salty?  Right now...probably sweet, though I usually prefer something salty. In a perfect world I'd have both together, like watermelon with salt, or salted caramel chocolates, or chocolate covered pretzels.

5) Whitney's grave marker bears the words, "I Will Always Love You," so clearly her family is proud of her best-selling recording. How would you like to be remembered?  For doing what I could to make life better for others.

6) Going back to 1991, when this recording was first popular, consumers who had a cell phones likely had flip phones. Technology has come a long way, hasn't it? What did you most recently use your cell phone for? (Calling, texting, looking something up, taking a photo, posting on your blog or social media ...)  Most recently? A phone call, but I used it for ALL of those things today.

7) In 1777, Colonists celebrated July 4 with the firing of cannons and muskets, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. What did your neighborhood to to celebrate the 4th of July?  My neighborhood didn't do anything. My town had a big parade, a carnival, concerts in the park, a car show, a Miss Fourth of July contest, a 5K run, and fireworks. Also, my county has one of the top 100 arts festivals in the country over the 4th of July weekend every year.

8) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run on July 4. Do you know anyone who is serving in the military this 4th of July?  No. All of our family and friends are now out of the military.

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will/did you dine on to celebrate the 4th of July?  We had hamburgers and hotdogs cooked on the grill, pasta salad, potato salad, and watermelon.

Thanks to Crazy Sam for the music and questions!

You can play along here.