Saturday Nine: Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (1971)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the song here.

1. The lyrics tell us Paul believes it's going to rain. How's the weather where you are today? It was actually quite cool today, I think a high of maybe 18°C, partly cloudy. Actually a pretty perfect spring day. A reprieve from the gross heat we had for the whole week.
   
   
2. Paul sings that he is sorry because he hasn't "done a bloody thing all day." What do you hope to accomplish this weekend? Well, I'm working tonight until midnight, but then tomorrow, I hope to take a long walk (honestly, I really need the movement and the fresh air, especially now that I'm working from home), play The Sims 4, and then get pizza for dinner.
   
   
3. He also references butter pie, which is made primarily with potatoes (with onions and, of course, butter). That dish is not popular on this side of the Atlantic. Last time you had potatoes, how were they prepared (baked, mashed, hash browned, French fried...)? Well, I did have steamed sweet potatoes a few days ago at dinner, but if we're talking like, regular potatoes, I had French fries from McDonald's two weeks ago.
   
   
4. Linda McCartney is credited as co-writer and performer on this recording. Paul and Linda were partners in real life, too; married 29 years, they raised four children together. They often said they tried never to spend more than a few hours apart. Do you enjoy a lot of togetherness, or do you value your personal time? Has your experience with COVID-19 and quarantine changed how you feel about this? I value my personal time. I mean, I do miss going out to eat with my friends, but... I still value my personal time.
   
   
5. Paul and Linda came from very different backgrounds. His family was lower middle class, lived in Liverpool's public housing and received government aid. She grew up in affluent Scarsdale, the daughter of a wealthy theatrical attorney. Do you think it's more important for a couple to share a common background, or to share common interests? When it really comes down to it, I'd say common background.
   
   
6. Paul is known for his work ethic. At age 78, he's still making music and performing live. What's your favourite Paul McCartney song? I don't have one. I listened to a ton of The Beatles growing up, but never his solo stuff.
   
   
7. In 1971, when this song was a hit, Bobby Fischer was the world's most famous and highest-rated chess player. Do you play chess? Not in the last two decades. I know how to play chess, but I'm just not good at it.
   
   
8. England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971. The occasion was commemorated by a formal portrait, taken by celebrated fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you? I think my dad took a photo of me on Chinese New Year.
   
   
9. Random question: Do you find it more satisfying to work with your hands, or your head? Hands. 

Saturday Nine: Always Remember Us This Way (2018)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the song here.

1. In this song, Lady Gaga sings about the Arizona sky and California gold. Have you visited many of our Western states? I've been to California and Nevada.
   
   
2. She sings that she's overwhelmed and can't find the words to express herself. Do you find it easier to share your feelings verbally or in writing? Verbally, because I need intonation.
   
   
3. Her real name is Stefani Germanotta. She took her stage name from the Queen song, "Radio Gaga." Do you have a favourite Queen song? "We Will Rock You," 'cause it's like, the ultimate pump-up song.
   
   
4. Her dad is Joe Germanotta, president of GuestWifi, a company that enables hotels and restaurants to offer high-speed wifi to their customers. Do you consider yourself tech savvy? Yeah, I think so.
   
   
5. Early in her career, Lady Gaga performed songs for a children's audio book called The Portal in the Park. Tell us about the last book you finished — did you listen to an audiobook, or read a download to an electronic device, or a bound book with pages? E-book.
   
   
6. She prefers dogs to cats and tea to coffee. Do you agree with her? I prefer dogs to cats, but coffee to tea.
   
   
7. Back in 2015, she appeared at the Academy Awards, performing a medley to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music. The movie's star, Julie Andrews, graciously came onstage to thank Gaga for her show-stopping performance. Whom did you most recently thank? I think my mom?
   
   
8. In 2018, when this song was first released, retailer Toys R Us closed all its stores and went out of business. What's the last toy you purchased? The BT21 Universtar Vol. 3 Collectible Figures.
   
   
9. Random question: How has social media made your life better? I found BTS through social media (namely YouTube) so even though there is so much toxicity/negativity/cancel culture on social media now, I will still be forever grateful.

Saturday Nine: I'll Always Love My Mama (1973)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the song here.

1. This week's featured artists, The Intruders, sing that they don't know how their mama made it through the week without ever getting a good night's sleep. How did you sleep last night? Went to bed at 5:00AM. Woke up at 10:00AM because my body is used to getting about five hours of sleep. Realized it's the weekend. Went back to bed. Woke up at noon. (I am really, really going to regret this on Monday.) So, in conclusion: my sleep was alright. I just wish my body would allow me to sleep eight hours straight through.
   
   
2. The Intruders performed this song on Soul Train, a syndicated show that ran for more than 3 decades. What show do you try never to miss? Run BTS!, which is the only show that I've watched with regularity for the past few years. Now, granted, it's only released online so even though it airs on Tuesdays, I can play it whenever I want. But still, I'm always diligent about watching it on the day it gets released.
   
   
3. On Soul Train, the Intruders wore solid black shirts beneath their brightly coloured jackets. Black, white, khaki, navy and grey are considered neutral colours, because they go with everything. If we were to check your closet, which would we find you wear most often: black, white, khaki, navy or grey? Black. Which takes up about 98% of my entire wardrobe.
   
   
4. Especially for Mother's Day: Access Hollywood named Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch TV's #1 mom. Who is your favourite TV mom? Lorelai Gilmore, always and forever.
   
   
5. Mother Winters always gave Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share? Drinking lemon honey tea and gargling with salt water for sore throats, plain congee for upset stomach or food poisoning.
   
   
6. Sam's mother always tips 15% in restaurants. Sam has worked in food service and is more judgmental, tipping between 10% and 25%, depending on the quality of the service. What's your tipping policy? Are you more like Sam or her mother? How do you handle tips for carry out or delivery during this COVID-19 crisis? I'm more like Sam, but I very rarely tip as low as 10%, unless it's at restaurants where I know the tips go to the house and not to the servers (e.g. many Chinese restaurants). I usually tip anywhere from 15% to 20% depending on service. I usually tip 20% to a delivery person during COVID.
   
   
7. When the tip of her shoelace becomes frayed, Sam's mother snips off the end and then paints the tip with clear nail polish. Good as new! Sam thinks that's crazy because you can just buy new laces for less than $2. Are you more frugal like mother or spendthrift like daughter? I have always been a spendthrift, but in this case, it's less about the cost, and more about the convenience. If something takes a couple minutes to repair, then I'd rather just do that than spend the time and energy to go out to buy whatever it is that needs to be replaced. So what it really comes down to is, just how lazy am I feeling?
   
   
8. Mother Winters loves how french vanilla smells and burns her Yankee Candles all year around. Do you use scented candles or air fresheners? Air fresheners. They're cheaper and refillable, and I don't have to remember to put them out. I do love candles, but sometimes I forget that I've lit one, and that can be kinda dangerous...
   
   
9. Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favourite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds? Chocolate with almonds. I really don't like plain chocolate. It's why I like KitKats or Coffee Crisp. They're like, 30% chocolate and 70% wafer.

Saturday Nine: Little Things (1964)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the song here.

1. In this song, Bobby Goldsboro celebrates the "little things" that delight him, like seeing his girl smile. What are some little every day things that reliably lighten your mood? Coffee, cigarettes, a BTS tweet, BTS songs.
   
   
2. Bobby is a lifelong sports fan. While in high school, he came to terms with physical limitations — slender build, slow speed — that would prevent him from having a career as a professional athlete. That's when he turned his attention to music. Given your choice, would you rather make your living in music or sports? Explain your decision. Music. I spent a lot of my childhood and teenage years studying and playing music (piano for about six years, violin for about ten), not to mention listening to a plethora of music so at least I have some knowledge about it. But I have never been good at sports. Nor am I interested in it.
   
   
3. Shortly before "Little Things" was released, Bobby toured England for two weeks, backing up Roy Orbison. They opened for The Beatles. Bobby fondly recalls spending time with Paul McCartney, teaching him how to imitate the croak of an Alabama tree frog. Are you good at imitations (human or otherwise)? Not particularly. I don't try often, but any time that I have has not been successful.
   
   
4. Back in the States, Goldsboro (again with Orbison) opened for the Rolling Stones in New York. Which band did you listen to more recently, the Stones or the Beatles? The Beatles. I grew up in a Beatles household. But I also just don't like the Stones. There are many covers of the Stones that I like (especially "Wild Horses" by The Sundays), but I never end up liking the original. I just don't like Mick Jagger's voice.
   
   
5. Bobby worked on projects with Burt Reynolds, doing the music for the movie Gator and the TV show Evening Shade. Burt said it was not only Bobby's musical ability but also his wit that made him fun to work with. What qualities do you value in a coworker? Productive, efficient, responsible, kind, and funny.
   
   
6. These days, Bobby spends more time painting than performing music. He regularly donates his artwork to be auctioned off for charity. Have you ever tried your hand at painting? Yeah, of course. Art was my best subject from elementary school to high school. I specialized in painting and photography. It was actually my interest in painting that got me to study makeup art and make a career out of it for over a decade.
   
   
7. In 1964, when this song was on the radio, women spent more on styling gels and sprays than they do today. Are you having a good hair day? Or has the pandemic made dealing with your hair something of an adventure? I am not having a particularly good hair day because I left my hair to air dry yesterday (I may have fallen asleep in my computer chair) so it looks rather flat and limp today. But it's also Saturday and I'm staying at home anyway, so I don't really care. Plus, I wear my hair up everyday, anyway.
   
   
8. Nationally and internationally, one of 1964's biggest news stories was the marriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The bride wore a yellow dress and white and yellow flowers in her hair. The groom was decked out in a sedate dark suit with a red tie and a yellow boutonniere. What did you wear the last time you got really dressed up? Black fitted tuxedo-style blazer, black tuxedo-style leggings, black pumps. I did, however, wear a red printed silk top underneath the blazer for some colour (it was an Indian wedding, and I felt like wearing all black would be just a little too inappropriate), and I did a full-on glam makeup and hair.
   
   
9. Random question: Imagine you're stranded on a desert island with a complete stranger. Would you prefer your one and only companion be a man or a woman? Well, I think a man would provide different insight and skills, which might be helpful when in combination with mine, and may also provide some interesting events and conversations on a deserted island. But a woman would be more empathetic and understanding, especially during that time of the month (like, how could we make pads with things we can find on this island?). So at the end of the day... I don't care. Gender only plays so much into my preference of a desert island partner. There are far more important things like intelligence, humour, knowledge, and handiness. And, you know, general personality. If you're insufferable, you're insufferable. 

Saturday Nine: I Don't Care (2019)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the song here.

1. This song begins with Ed Sheeran admitting he's not enjoying the party he's at. What's something you have to do this weekend, but don't want to do? Go to bed before 3:00AM. This might be weird to some people, but it's because Bang Bang Con is this weekend (it's the concert-at-home series that BTS is doing on their YouTube channel) and it starts at noon KST — for me, that's 11:00PM EST and it goes on until around 9:00AM. When I was nocturnal, this schedule was perfect. But because I'm back at work and need to get up at 5:30AM everyday, staying up to watch the entirety of Bang Bang Con would totally fuck up my sleep schedule.
   
   
2. Justin Bieber sings about trying to have a conversation at a party. Have you seen any of your social gatherings cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Well, my friend Viv's bridal shower (which was scheduled in April) was cancelled and her wedding (which was scheduled in May) has been postponed to next January. And, of course, the BTS Map of the Soul Tour has been postponed indefinitely. They did state that it will be re-scheduled and all tickets/seats/packages will be honoured for the new dates, but everything is still up in the air. Plus, Jin is supposed to start his military service next year so if this tour is pushed back until 2021, we don't know if the South Korean government will make an exception for Jin to enlist at a later time or if BTS will end up doing the tour at all (because I don't foresee them touring without all seven members).
   
   
3. Both Ed and Justin conclude that this party — and everything else — is okay because they're with the ones they love. Who in your life always makes you feel comfortable and content? My friends. And BTS.
   
   
4. Ed and Justin have both appeared on The Simpsons. Are you a Simpsons fan? Sure? I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan, but I used to watch it a lot when I was a kid and I've never not liked it...
   
   
5. Speaking of animation, Ed Sheeran has said that he'd love to do a Disney soundtrack, like Elton John's Lion King. Do you have a favourite Disney movie? No. There's too many of them. Especially if you take into account Pixar movies as well.
   
   
6. Justin Bieber is fluent in French, and Ed says he knows enough to get by. Say something to us in French. Je veux manger plus de pizza.
   
   
7. Justin can solve a Rubik's Cube in less than two minutes. Are you good at puzzles? I'm not terrible at them, but they're definitely not my forte. And I can't remember the last time I touched a Rubik's Cube let alone solve one.
   
   
8. In 2019, the year this song was popular, 20 new governors took office. Tell us something about the governor of your state (or commonwealth)? Listen, I barely pay attention to Canadian politics, so you can be damn sure I don't know anything about it on a provincial level. Although a quick Google search has told me that the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario is someone named Elizabeth Dowdeswell. But I'm pretty sure her position is not the same thing as a governor in the U.S.
   
   
9. Random question: Did you more recently give a compliment, or receive one? I think both? It was during a phone conversation with a client at work yesterday, and I know compliments were exchanged.

Saturday Nine: The Easter Bunny Bop (2015)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the song here.

1. This song encourages little ones to celebrate Easter by doing a little dance. Do you feel like dancing this morning? Not particularly, but I never feel like dancing in the morning.
   
   
2. Everyone in this video is wearing bunny ears. Target, Amazon and other retailers sell bunny ear headbands sized for adults and priced at about $5. Will you be wearing bunny ears, or perhaps a more conventional chapeau, this weekend? Or, because of the coronavirus, will your Easter attire be the same as any other day? I've never celebrated Easter a day in my life, so my attire will be the same as any other day while staying at home: BTS tee and sweatpants. On that note, though, I am wearing a BT21 shirt so I am wearing something with a bunny on it.
   
   
3. This week's featured artists, The Bounce Patrol Kids, are a children's entertainment juggernaut: CDs, DVDs, downloads, and t-shirts. Additionally, they often update their YouTube channel because they want children the world over to have access to their upbeat, energetic songs for free. Besides the Bounce Patrol, what's the last YouTube video you watched?  Rhett & Link's latest vlog 'cause they're fucking hilarious.
   
   
   
4. According to Forbes magazine, the average American household spends $20.66 on candy each Easter. Will you be consuming candy this weekend? Nah, I very rarely eat candy.
   
   
5. The biggest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy, measured 34 feet tall and weighed a staggering 15,000 lbs. Do you thinks it's possible to have too much chocolate? Yes. Especially if it's plain milk chocolate. Barf. On the other hand, give me a Coffee Crisp or a Kit Kat (or any other wafer-based chocolate snack), and I can eat quite a few. But I still have a hard limit with sweets, especially chocolate-based ones. It starts to make me feel nauseous.
   
   
6. After chocolate, the top-selling Easter candy is Peeps Marshmallow Chicks. They're so popular that, in 2018, they were the subject of a Jeopardy clue. Do you often watch Jeopardy? No, I can't even remember the last time I watched Jeopardy. But I did watch a clip of an episode of Jeopardy on Twitter sometime last year because BTS was the answer to one of the questions. (In case you're wondering, the subject was the American Music Awards, and it was something like, "This South Korean boy band made their American television debut on the American Music Awards in 2017 with their song, 'DNA.'")
   
   
7. Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. In a 2019 poll, jelly bean fans responded that Jelly Belly Buttered Popcorn is their favourite flavour. Sam is crazy about cherry. Do you have a favourite? Ew, I think Buttered Popcorn and Cherry are some of my least favourite flavours. It's been years since I've had jelly beans, but I remember quite enjoying Jelly Belly's Toasted Marshmallow. I also liked Juicy Pear and Peach.
   
   
8. We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween? Definitely Halloween. Discounted Coffee Crisps and Kit Kats for the win!
   
   
9. Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated? BTS, a cigarette, and a cup of coffee.

Saturday Nine: Could've Been (1987)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the orchestra here.

1. This wistful song is about a love affair that ended. What song reminds you of a long-ago love? "Walking With a Ghost" by Tegan and Sara. Actually, the lyrical content of the song has nothing to do with why it reminds me of my first boyfriend. I just listened to their So Jealous album a lot during that period of time (around 2004 to 2006?). To the point where my ex and his friends (who all liked hip hop) ended up being able to sing along to the majority of these songs any time they were in my car (which was a lot). It was actually pretty funny seeing these "tough guys" wearing baggy clothes and chains singing along to Tegan and Sara.
   
   
   
2. It was written by Lois Blaisch, a singer-songwriter who performs at clubs around Los Angeles and has sung outdoors at Disneyland. Would you prefer to attend a concert indoors, or outside under the stars? I guess it depends on the weather... I'd say indoors for the most part, but after seeing BTS perform twice at MetLife Stadium last year, I'm gonna say a stadium with the roof open. Get the best of both worlds.
   
   
3. This week's featured artist, Tiffany, appeared on the TV talent show Star Search when she was just 14. She came in second. Though she was disappointed, she admits she learned from it. She studied the singer who won and says it made her a better performer. Can you recall a time when you weathered a tough time and came through stronger? When I moved out with my ex when I was 20. I was young and stupid and naive, and I had no help from my parents and had to work two jobs, but the experience made me more mature, more independent, and able to make better life decisions.
   
   
4. Early in her career, she toured Alaska, opening for country legend George Jones. Have you ever visited our 49th state? No. I don't have any real interest, either.
   
   
5. Tiffany provided the voice of Judy Jetson in 1990's Jetsons: The Movie. Which cartoon did you enjoy more: the space-age Jetsons or the pre-historic Flintstones? I enjoyed the Jetsons more, but I think I watched more episodes of the Flintstones.
   
   
6. In 2007, she appeared on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club and lost 28 lbs. Are you making an effort to stay fit during this stay-at-home period? Not particularly, though I probably should. Then again, I returned to work last week, so I am getting a bit more movement (and eating a lot less) than I did when I was in quarantine.
   
   
7. In 1987, when this song was popular, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What's your favourite Aretha song? "Respect," obviously. But my runner-ups are "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and "I Say a Little Prayer for You."
   
   
8. Also in 1987, third-generation race car driver Marco Andretti was born. Are you a race fan? Not particularly, but you know who could get me to be one? BTS.
   
   
   
9. Random question: Do you find it easy to sit still, or are you fidgety? Depends on my mood and how much coffee I've had, but I generally find it easy to sit still.

Saturday Nine: Everybody's Somebody's Fool (1960)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the orchestra here.

1. Next Wednesday is April Fool's Day. Do you have any pranks planned? Do you expect to fall victim to any April Fool's Day mischief? No and no. Firstly, I never take part in pranks, nor do I know anyone that does. Secondly, we're in a pandemic.
   
   
2. When she was a kid, Crazy Sam would fool her mom by putting bubble wrap under the bath map so there would be a POP! when her mother stepped on it. When you encounter bubble wrap, do you always indulge in a pop or two? Weirdly enough, I don't, even though I do love a good bubble wrap popping session. It's just that when I encounter bubble wrap these days, it's because I've received a package (usually of BTS merch) and I'm too focused on getting to the goods to stop and pop bubble wrap.
   
   
3. While we're using this song to celebrate April Fool's Day, it was written about another subject entirely: heartbreak. The lyrics tell us that at some point, we each get our hearts broken by someone who doesn't love us as much as we love them. Do you think that's true? Yes.
   
   
4. In 1962, this week's featured Connie Francis published a book aimed at teens called For Every Young Heart. It addressed topics like going steady and schoolwork vs. social life. Do you ever read advice columns or self-help books? No. The only advice I read is online, and only when I'm actively seeking it. Like, "What's the best way to pop a whitehead on your nose?" Or like, "When should I get tested for COVID-19?"
   
   
5. Connie Francis can play the accordion. Sam has never met anyone adept at this complicated instrument — not even in her high school band. What about you? Do you play the accordion, or do you know anyone who can? No.
   
   
6. In 1960, when this record was popular, Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird was published. Have you read it? Yes, for Grade 6 English class.
   
   
7. Also in 1960, one of Life magazine's best-selling issues had Sophia Loren on the cover. At that time, she was an international film star and considered one of the world's most beautiful women. Who do you consider one of 2020's most beautiful women? Charlize Theron. She's been my pick for 20 years, and still reigns supreme in my books.
   
   
8. A 1960 issue of Vogue acknowledged how expensive it had become to maintain a fashionable wardrobe and asked, "If you were to buy only one thing, what would it be?" If it's good enough for Vogue, it's good enough for Saturday 9: If you could purchase only one new article of clothing for spring 2020, what would you buy? A black leather jacket.
   
   
9. Random question: When someone makes you really angry, are you more likely to respond with stony silence or a big noise? I only yell when I'm really annoyed. When I'm truly angry, I am quiet as fuck and that is when you should be really, really scared of me.

Saturday Nine: Ludwig Von Beethoven: Complete Symphonies (2019)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can listen to the orchestra here.

1. Beethoven is one of classical music's best known composers. Do you often listen to classical music? I don't listen to a lot of straight-up classical music these days, but I do love a lot of songs that use classical instruments in their production. Two of my favourites that I go back to all the time are "Lux Aeterna" from Requiem for a Dream and "Comptine d'un autre été: L'Après-Midi" from Amélie.
   
    
   
2. Though a musical genius, Beethoven never learned to multiply or divide. When faced with a simple arithmetic problem, do you do it in your head? Or do you rely on the calculator in your phone or on your computer? I usually do it in my head, depending on how simple it is, like basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with single or double digits. For example, figuring out how much a product/service is after tax or discount, or how much to tip at a restaurant. Anything more difficult than that, I usually have to use a calculator.
   
   
3. Beethoven bathed often, which was considered "quirky" for a man of his time. (Understandable, since you had the heat the water, haul it to the tub, and then empty the tub bucket by bucket when you were done.) Do you bathe in the morning or in the evening? I take showers at night.
   
   
4. Adam Fischer conducts the Danish Chamber Orchestra for this 5-disc set. He began his musical career young, when he sang in the children's choir of Budapest's National Opera House. Have you ever sung in a choir or chorus? I sang in choir in elementary school.
   
   
5. Mr. Fischer was awarded the Gold Medal of Arts from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Tell us about a prize or award you have received. (Yes, that ribbon you earned for penmanship in second grade counts.) I won the Art Award at my Grade 6 graduation. (I went to a K-12 school, so graduation was in Grade 6, not Grade 8.)
   
   
6. The Danish Chamber Orchestra is beloved in Demark. When, in 2014, the Danish Broadcasting Company announced it would no longer fund the Orchestra, citizens began a crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $1,000,000 to keep the music playing. Have you ever contributed to a crowdfunding platform, like GoFundMe, Kickstarter or FundRazr? No. I do, however, contribute money to many BTS fan-run campaigns, like the banner projects for the tour dates I'm attending (at every BTS concert, there is a segment called ARMY TIME, during which every person in the audience holds up a banner that has a supportive message for BTS — these banners are always funded by the fans), or Canadian advertisment projects for promoting their albums (for example, billboards or subway/bus stop ads across cities in Canada).
   
   
7. The Orchestra's "home" is the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen. Where were you when you last heard music played live? Rebel in Toronto last July for the CHVRCHES concert.
   
   
8. In 2019, when this boxed set was released, China became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon. Are you fascinated by stories about space? Sure. I don't go out of my way to look for stories about space, but I'm always interested when I hear about them.
   
   
9. Random question: Tell us about your week. These are extraordinary times, and it might feel good to share. Well, I felt a sore throat when I woke up on Wednesday. Went into work because I thought it was just from smoking too much. But it persisted. I told my manager in the afternoon. She told me to go home early and not to come in the next day, and she'd open a case with HR (I assume regarding whether I get paid or not because I'm technically on probation period). Chatted with her on the phone on Thursday, updated her on any symptoms (which so far has just been the sore throat). She asked me some questions for HR, and then told me to stay at home until she notifies me further. So I've just been in quarantine since then. Been catching up on sleep and biding time by watching K-dramas, random YouTube videos, and BTS content like Run BTS!. 

Saturday Nine: On the Radio (1979)

This week's Saturday Nine:

I haven't done one of these in over a year, so I thought I'd bring it back.

You can hear this week's song here.

1. The action begins when a letter falls out of the pocket of a brown overcoat. What colour is your coat? Black. Every single one of my coats is black, from my down parka to my cashmere wool trench.
   
   
2. The lyrics ask if it "kinda strikes you sad when you hear our song." We don't want to be sad this Saturday, so we're asking what song makes you happy. Jin's solo song, "Moon," from BTS' Map of the Soul: 7. It's his love song to ARMY, and it's just so pure and poppy. Immediately puts me in a good mood.
   
   
   
3. Right before this song hit the charts, Donna Summer hit the cover of Newsweek. Are there any magazines in your home now? If yes, who is on the cover? Any magazine that I keep at home has BTS on the cover. Quite frankly, the only reason I even buy a magazine is because BTS is on the cover.
   
   
4. Donna wrote the lyrics to this song, while producer Giorgio Moroder wrote the tune. Moroder is known as "the father of disco." Is disco a genre you enjoy? Not regularly, but I can definitely get down to some Bee Gees or some ABBA.
   
   
5. This song got additional airplay throughout the 1980s because the game show The Price Is Right played it every time a contestant won a stereo. Today, the most popular audio equipment sold at Best Buy is a sound bar to improve the quality of TV audio. Have you added a sound bar or sound system to your TV? Yep.
   
   
6. Moroder has won two Academy Awards for Best Song. The first was for "Flashdance... What a Feeling" from Flashdance and the second was for "Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun. Do you have a favourite movie soundtrack? Romeo + Juliet. It's been my favourite movie soundtrack since 1996. Runner-ups include Cruel Intentions, Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, Sucker Punch, Donnie Darko, Garden State, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1, Veronica Mars, and Twilight.
   
   
7. He grew up in Ortsei, Italy. Located in Northern Italy, the Ortsei economy is fueled by tourists who ski in winter, hike in summer, and shop for woodcarvings all year around. Do out-of-towners find their way to your hometown more often in summer or winter? I would say summer, especially since the CNE is open in the last two weeks of August and the Toronto International Film Festival is in early September. In the winter, I find more people go to Whistler or Banff or Tremblant for winter sports rather than Toronto.
   
   
8. Kourtney Kardashian was born in 1979, the year this record was a hit. Keeping Up with the Kardashians has been on since 2007. Have you ever seen it? I have never watched a single episode of anything the Kardashians/Jenners have been on.
   
   
9. Random question — When getting dressed in the morning, what's the second item of clothing you put on? A short-sleeved tee. (Always short-sleeved, even in the winter, because I take my blood pressure in the morning.)

Saturday Nine: My Favorite Things (2018)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. This week's artist, Jennie Abrahamson, is very happy living in Stockholm, but she refers to Paris as "a flirt." She enjoys her time there so much she always wants to return. Is there a place you've visited that tugs at your heart and imagination, tempting you to return? Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, and New York City. I've visited each of these cities at least twice before (I've been to NYC at least 20 times), but there's something about each one that makes me want to visit again and again.
   
   
2. Jennie has said her music has been heavily influenced by 80s pop, which was popular in her early teen years. Are your favourite songs the ones you listened to when you were growing up? I would say with the exception of BTS, 80% of all the other music I listen to is from my the '90s and early 2000s. So, yes.
   
   
3. "My Favorite Things" is from The Sound of Music. Crazy Sam's high school claim to fame was playing Sister Margaretta in the senior class production. Though not a big part, her performance lives on because relatives love embarrassing her with pictures of her in an especially unflattering nun's habit. Who took an embarrassing photo of you? What were you doing? While I think all photos taken of me are embarrassing (I loathe being in photos), I think the worst ones are from when I was in Grade 5 and 6. I had braces, the ugliest round glasses you have ever seen (these are not the hipster, oversized kind you see nowadays, but truly the worst kind that was somewhere in between Harry Potter and John Lennon, and let me tell you, they are not flattering on a round face), and mild acne. There are a handful of photos from this time, usually from family gatherings with my cousins and taken by one of the aunts. I want to burn every single one of them, but my mom won't let me.
   
   
4. The lyrics celebrate "brown paper packages tied up in strings." What was in the last box you received in the mail? The last package I received was from Sephora, the contents of which I posted about here.
   
   
5. It mentions doorbells and sleighbells. What's the most recent bell or alarm that you heard? As I'm reading this question, it's occurred to me that I don't hear bells or alarms that often. (Like, I set my alarm clock every day, but my ring tone isn't actually a bell or anything remotely close to it. It's currently set to Jimin's "Promise," so I have something lovely and soothing to wake up to.) I guess I hear other people's phones receiving text messages, which is usually set to a sort of bell sound for notification.
   
   
6. This song has nice things to say about cold weather, specifically snowflakes and mittens. What do you like about winter? Winter sales, Chinese New Year, and the fact that it's not sweltering hot. I don't actually love winter, but I will always prefer the cold to the heat.
   
   
7. Dog bites and bee stings are singled out as things that can leave us feeling sad. What's most recently given you the blues? I think winter in general. The short daylight hours, ridiculously cold temperatures (I'm okay with 0°C to like, -5°C, but when it gets colder than that, it's somewhat torturous), driving in snow/ice/slush, people being miserable in general... It's called winter blues for a reason.
   
   
8. In 2018, when this song was released, Roger Federer won the Australian Open. Are you good with a racket? Dear god, no.
   
   
9. Random question — Your local zoo announced the hatching of three snowy owlets. All males. You won the honour of naming them. Go ahead. Obviously, I'd name them Hedwig, Hagrid, and Harry.

Saturday Nine: '65 Love Affair

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. The first line of this song is, "I was a car hop." Car hops used to take orders and bring diners food to eat in their cars. Today, the drive through lane has pretty much replaced car hops. Think about the last time you went to a fast food restaurant. Did you order at the counter or at the drive through window? At the counter. I'm not a huge fan of drive-throughs, so I don't use them often.
   
   
2. Mr. Davis sings that his girlfriend was "bad with her pom-poms." Presumably she was a cheerleader. Share one of your school's cheers. I do not remember a single one. Seriously. High school was 15 years ago and I was very anti-school spirit, so I couldn't even tell you a single line of one. In university, I didn't attend a single school function so I don't think I've even heard the school cheer.
   
   
3. The lyrics tell us he believes that if he could go back in time, his girl would still be his. If you could travel back in time to your high school years, what would you enjoy doing again? What would you do differently? I'd enjoy 35mm photography again. Digital photography was gaining more and more popularity so I pretty much stopped using 35mm right after high school (also because developing film was just too expensive). Things I would do differently, though? I'd be nicer. I'd be more social. I'd get involved in school activities more. I'd take my SATs to apply to American universities. I'd try to be less of an angsty emo kid.
   
   
4. During his performing days, Paul Davis sported a full beard and flowing hair. We're using that to check your powers of observation and recollection. Think of the last man you spoke to. Who was he? Describe his hair, and tell us whether he was clean shaven.  Last dude I saw was our server at Good Catch Boil House. His hair was black and tousled with maybe gel or wax, but still looked neat. He was clean shaven. (To be fair, he's also Asian, most likely Chinese, so he probably doesn't even try to grow a beard.)
   
   
5. Paul Davis was born in Meridian, MS, and that's where he returned to when he went into semi-retirement in 1982. Meridian's biggest employer is the Naval Air Station in Meridian. Do you know anyone who is currently in, or employed by, the military? Hmm... G-Dragon? But a non-celebrity that I actually know in real life? No.
   
   
6. He was a pool player and a golfer. Which sport are you better at? LOL! Let's just say I'm equally good at both sports.
   
   
7. Sadly, he died in 2008, on the day after his 60th birthday. His best friend remembers him as "a homebody," who enjoyed staying up long into the night with his friends, playing and listening to music. Describe your perfect way to spend an evening. Go out for dinner, go back home and watch a couple episodes of a K-drama, then find a good place to grab dessert, and then go back home and watch something BTS-related (maybe Burn the Stage or one of their concert DVDs or even binging on Run BTS! episodes), and then go to bed.
   
   
8. The publishing rights to "'65 Love Affair," as well as Paul Davis' bigger hits ("Cool Night" and "I Go Crazy"), are owned by another Paul — Paul McCartney. Sir Paul's MPL Publishing Company has made him a very rich man, and Paul says that's because he chose to invest in music, something he loves. What about you? If you were to invest in a business or industry you love, which would you choose? I'd invest in BigHit if it becomes public. Just with BTS alone, they've made more profit in both 2017 and 2018 than any of the "Big 3" companies (SM, JYP, YG) that have dozens of artists each. If they go through with an IPO, BigHit could reach a value of more than 780 billion won (about $690 million USD).
   
   
9. Random question — You're at a party and one of your host's best friends is a real egghead who tries to draw you into a conversation about paradigmatic counter existentialism. Would you: a) just listen politely while letting your mind wander; b) admit you don't know what the hell he's talking about; c) explain why you personally feel that the counter existential paradigm just adds unnecessary complexity to the individual's search for meaning? Yikes. I'd pick b) and then get the fuck away from that pseudo-intellectual.

Saturday Nine: I Forgot to Remember to Forget

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. Elvis sings that he thinks about this girl all the time. What person or topic is on your mind this Saturday? Park Jimin and his tattoo.
   
   
2. He wants to forget the day he met his girl, but simply can't. Think about someone very important in your life. Did you know right away that they were going to be influential? No, I did not think when I first watched BTS' music video for "Blood Sweat & Tears" a few years ago that I would become as obsessive with them as I am now.
   
   
3. What was the first concert you ever attended? Hanson at the Molson Amphitheatre in 1998.
   
   
4. Where did you get your first piercing? (Not only where on your body, but who did the deed and where did they do it?) My first piercings were my earlobes, and I got them done at Caryl Baker Visage when I was 10 by who I assume is a certified ear piercer.
   
   
5. What's the name of the bank where you had your first checking account? Royal Bank of Canada. It's actually still the account I use to this day.
   
   
6. Tell us about your first bicycle. It was my brother's old bike. It was a beach cruiser style in a cerulean blue.
   
   
7. Who received the first text you ever sent? Probably my dad. Texting wasn't popular when I got my first cell phone (it was 1999), but the only person who I ever contacted with that cell phone was my dad, so I can only assume he received my first text.
   
   
8. What had you been drinking when you suffered your first hangover? I've never had a hangover, but I had been drinking copious amounts of beer when I suffered from my first black out.
   
   
9. Whose was the first wedding you ever attended? My oldest cousin, Jackson, to his wife, Jenny. I was maybe 6 or 7. (He's 24 years older than me.)

Saturday Nine: We Need a Little Christmas (2006)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. At the beginning of this recording, Daffy says he hopes all his friends remember his size, style and favourite colour. What piece of clothing would you like to add to your wardrobe? I would like my BT21 x Anti Social Social Club hoodies to be shipped so they can finally be added to my wardrobe.
   
   
2. His friends are late for Daffy's holiday soiree. Think about the last get together you attended. Were you early, late or right on time? I don't really do big get-togethers, but the last time I had a get-together was on Wednesday with Ronsee and Chelsea, and I was coming in from work so I was a few minutes early. I find that I'm only really late when I'm driving from my house.
   
   
3. It hasn't a snowed a single flurry where Daffy is. Have you had to shovel yet? No; we've had snow, but it hasn't been a significant amount that would require shovelling.
   
   
4. Daffy sings that he's looking forward to fruitcake. How about you? Are you a fruitcake fan? Not particularly, but most of my family seems to love it. I'll eat some if it's handed to me, but I'll never ask for it.
   
   
5. Daffy is an American Black Duck. Their usual diet doesn't generally include fruitcake. These ducks more commonly dine on seeds, foliage and bugs. What was your most recent meal? Malay laksa noodle soup from Deer Garden.
   
   
6. The only Christmas card Sam has received so far this year is from her insurance agent. She never sees her agent socially. In fact, she doesn't think she's seen him at all in 2018. Have you received many cards this year? If so, were they from people you feel close to? I received two birthday cards last month, and yes, one was from my friend/manager Sam, and the other was from my friend Chelsea. As for Christmas cards, I'm not expecting any. I might receive a couple from colleagues, but my family and friends outside of work don't normally exchange Christmas cards.
   
   
7. When do you start holiday shopping: Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Halloween? I don't really do much holiday shopping, at least for gifts. I'll get something for my Secret Santa at work, maybe Ronsee and Chelsea, but no one else, really. And I'll probably do that sometime next week, so... the week before Christmas. My brother and I are planning on getting a basic laptop for my mom as well, but my brother's going to be in charge of that and I just have to send him money, so I don't have to worry about it.
   
   
8. Sam was recently driven crazy by kids running through store aisles wearing elf hats with bells. Do you have any apparel that makes noise? God, no. See, it's one thing for kids to be wearing annoying shit like that, but adults have no reason whatsoever.
   
   
9. This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you. Love Myself by BTS and UNICEF, which raises funds to help protect and support child and teen victims of domestic, school violence, and sexual assault around the world. 

Saturday Nine: I'm Gonna Put Some Glue 'Round the Christmas Tree (So Santa Will Stick Around All Year) (1954)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. This week's featured songstress, Peggy King, sings that she'd like to extend the Christmas season all year. How about you? Do you wish the season was longer? Shorter? Or do you think things are fine as they are? Shorter. I don't particularly find the joy of this time of year, but that could also be because I don't celebrate Christmas. People get more frantic and impatient and rude in general, and there's more pressure to buy things and get things done before the year ends, etc. The only thing I don't mind this time of year is the sales. As long as I can everything online so I don't have to deal with those aforementioned people.
   
   
2. She specifically mentions toys. Have you purchased/will you purchase any toys as holiday gifts this year? I may have just ordered all eight of the BT21 standing winter dolls. And all seven of the BT21 x Royche "monitor figures" (a.k.a. toys), so... yes, to myself.
   
   
3. Search for "glue" on The Home Depot's website and you'll get more than 3,000 results. There's heavy-duty adhesives, all-purpose glue, clear epoxy, wood glue, and more. Do you currently have glue in your home? If yes, how many kinds? Three: Krazy Glue, Shoe Goo, and spirit gum.
   
   
4. What's the last thing you used glue for? I used Shoe Goo on my old ankle boots to re-attach the front part of the sole.
   
   
5. This week's featured artist, Peggy King, was a TV staple in the 1950s. With her perpetually upbeat persona, she was known as "Pretty, Perky Peggy King." Do you consider yourself upbeat, aka "perky?" Definitely not. And neither would anyone else.
   
   
6. Ms. King got her start singing radio jingles for Hunt's tomato sauce. Prepared tomato sauce, properly stored, can safely be kept in the refrigerator for days. Do you have any leftovers in your refrigerator right now? Surprisingly, no. I ate it all.
   
   
7. Her biggest movie role was in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Do you watch scary movies and shows all year around? Only at Halloween? Or not at all? Not at all.
   
   
8. In 1954, the year this record was released, President Eisenhower dedicated the Marine Corps. Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside of Washington, D.C. If you were to play tourist in our nation's capital, what site would you be certain to visit? Probably the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. But I've actually been to Washington, D.C. We went to see Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. To be honest, I have no real interest in going back, especially with the current U.S. president in office.
   
   
9. Random question: Which of these common household items would you miss most if it suddenly went on the fritz — your bedside lamp or your hair dryer? My hair dryer. It is a necessity in my life because I wash my hair every night and I cannot sleep with wet hair. Like, it would be way more of an inconvenience to me if my hair dryer broke versus my bedside lamp.

Saturday Nine: Black Magic Woman (1970)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. Black is this week's signature colour because Friday, November 23, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains? Yeah, I got a bottle of Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray for $19.50 from $39 and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dream Glow Kit for $35.40 from $59 at Sephora; I got 25% off my Function of Beauty eucalyptus mint shampoo and conditioner (which, on top of looking cute in my shower and smelling great, has actually made a noticeable difference in the texture and look of my hair, so I've decided to make an official subscription that will deliver my shampoo and conditioner every six months); and I got a new TNA Larsen Parka from Aritzia, not because it was a particularly good deal (it was only 10% off), but because I cannot for the life of me find my old parka and I needed to replace it (Canadian winters are no joke so down jackets are kind of essential, but I also don't want to spend upwards of $600 on Canada Goose or Mackage or Moose Knuckles).
   
   
2. On busy shopping days, carts often litter parking lots. After loading your items into your car, are you careful to return your shopping cart to the store or the designated cart receptacle? Yes. It is a pet peeve of mine when people leave their carts in the lot, especially if it's just in the middle where there are parked cars. It's so inconsiderate.
   
   
3. Who on your gift list is hardest to buy for? Probably my mom... who I always end up taking out for dinner in lieu of getting a gift. This is for all occasions that celebrate my mother, including her birthday, Mother's Day, and Christmas.
   
   
4. Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include enjoying leftovers or watching a game? No. It's not Thanksgiving here, anyway. And even if it was, there wouldn't be leftovers because I don't do Thanksgiving at home. You would also never catch me watching a game.
   
   
5. Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is an annual event. It began in 1924 as a local event in New York. Today it's nationally televised. Did you watch it? No. Again, not American, so it's not Thanksgiving and we don't have a Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Also, even if we did, I'm not one to watch a parade on TV. If I had any interest in a parade, I'd just attend it.
   
   
6. What did you give thanks for on Thanksgiving 2018? My job, my team, my friends, my mom, BTS, and being able to see BTS in concert twice this year.
   
   
7. At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives, and forks didn't become popular until the 18th century. Think about your Thanksgiving place setting. Did you have both a salad and a dinner fork? I celebrated Thanksgiving at Swiss Chalet this year, so... no.
   
   
8. Pies are a popular Thanksgiving dessert. What kind of pie did you enjoy? Or did you have ice cream? Or did you skip dessert? On Thanksgiving in October, I had apple pie because Swiss Chalet ran out of both pumpkin and pecan pie (which is basically a fucking crime on Thanksgiving, and they should've known that and ordered more). I mean, don't get me wrong, I love apple pie, but Thanksgiving is the day to have pumpkin pie, you know?
   
   
9. This week's featured band, Santana, was named for its founder, Carlos Santana. He was born in Mexico. When at a Mexican restaurant, what do you usually order? Tacos. I know they're basic, but there's just so many varieties that they always satisfy my Mexican food cravings. 

Saturday Nine: The Middle (2018)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. This song is about compromise. When did you recently give in a little and meet someone halfway? Today. I was working on the December schedule and it's black-out period, but I understand that people have lives outside of work and need certain times off, especially during the holidays, so I compromise with my staff to do what's best for them and for the business.
   
   
2. She sings that the floors are wet. Are there any floors in your home that could use a good scrub today? If you answered "yes," will those floors get cleaned this weekend? Not a scrub, but definitely a good vacuum, which I just did.
   
   
3. She also sings that the cabinets are bare. What's currently on your shopping list? Pumpernickel bread, ciabatta buns, margarine, cream cheese, dijon mustard, salami, Havarti cheese, grapes, blueberries, orange juice, ginger ale, Poppables, Korean ramyeon cups... Yeah, I need groceries.
   
   
4. You may be familiar with this song from Target's TV commercials. Do you often shop at Target? No. They don't exist in Canada anymore. But I do shop at Wal-Mart once a month. I shop more online than I do in store, though.
   
   
5. The lead vocal is handled by Maren Morris, a Grammy winner for "My Church," which is all about singing with the car radio. What's the last song you sang along with? "Waste It on Me" by Steve Aoki featuring BTS.
   
   
6. This past April, Maren married singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd and they have performed onstage together. Who is the last person you sang along with? Some of the girls at work. "Oops!... I Did It Again" by Britney Spears came on. We had to.
   
   
7. This song was composed by brothers Kyle and Michael Trewartha. With their bleached hair and sunglasses, they look like a pair of surfer dudes — which they are, having grown up in Huntington Beach, CA. Is there a body of water near your hometown? Lake Ontario.
   
   
8. January 2018, when this song debuted, we had a total lunar eclipse. When things like that happen in the sky, do you go out of your way to watch? No. But if it's convenient, I'll take a look-see.
   
   
9. Random question — They say we're all young at heart. In what way can you be childlike? Um, my love, devotion, and obsession to a Korean boy band that can be described as more intense and more manic than I have ever loved anything before. It's not necessarily childlike, but it's teen-like, for sure. Did I mention I'm turning 32 next week? Young at heart, indeed.

Saturday Nine: Alfred Hitchcock Presents Theme (1955)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. The Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, was born in England. Name another pop culture contribution England has made. The Beatles, Harry Potter, James Bond, Queen, David Bowie, Spice Girls... There are too many.
   
   
2. This week's song is recognized as the theme to Hitchcock's long-running TV show, but "Funeral March for a Marionnette" is a classic piece written for piano in the late 1870s by Charles Gounod. Do you often listen to classical music? Not often, but I do appreciate it.
   
   
3. Janet Leigh's shower scene in Hitchcock's Psycho is considered one of the scariest sequences ever filmed. What's the most frightening movie you've ever seen? I'm not a fan of horror movies so I haven't watched a lot of them, and it might not be considered that frightening anymore, but the original It scared the fucking shit out of me when I was 11 and it continued to haunt me for like, a year after that. (Seriously, I had to sleep on a mattress set right next to my mom for like, six months.)
   
   
4. Hitchcock admitted that he "never trusted birds," and he took that fear and turned it into the movie, The Birds. Is there a member of the animal kingdom that just gives you "the creeps"? Insects in general. They literally creep.
   
   
5. Halloween will soon be upon us. Will you carve a jack o' lantern this year? No. I never do.
   
   
6. What candy will trick-or-treaters get at your house? None, I live in a gated community so we don't get trick-or-treaters.
   
   
7. When you went trick-or-treating, did you prefer fantasy costumes (like a storybook character) or scary ones (like a monster)? Neither. I was a cat every single year because I already had the ears and all my mom had to do was draw a nose and whiskers on my face with a black eyeliner pencil.
   
   
8. Which candy was your favourite? Which one were you disappointed to find in your trick-or-treat bag? Favourite was Coffee Crisp (and still is to this day). I was always disappointed to find black liquorice and boxes of raisins. (Like, what kind of douche bag do you to have to be to give out fucking raisins to trick-or-treaters?)
   
   
9. Which do you find scarier — cemeteries or haunted houses? Haunted houses. I will not step foot in one, that's for damn sure. I don't fuck with that shit.

Saturday Nine: Teenage Dream (2010)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. Much of the video for this week's song takes place in a convertible and on the beach. How's the weather where you are? Would you be comfortable riding around with the top down today? It is extremely sunny and way too hot — high of 29°C, but about 35°C with humidex. Honestly, I wouldn't be comfortable riding around in a convertible in this weather. I'd feel like I was being cooked alive. What happened to the glorious fall-like weather of last week?
   
   
2. This video was filmed all around Katy Perry's hometown of Santa Barbara. Amtrak runs through Santa Barbara via The Pacific Surfliner. Tell us about a memorable train trip. I think the last time I took a train (not a subway) was in 2004. I went with a couple friends to Montreal for our high school grad trip because we didn't feel like going to Cancun with the rest of the seniors. We took the train there because none of us had cars yet. That having been said, I don't remember a damn thing about the train ride, so it definitely wasn't memorable.
   
   
3. Katy sings that her boyfriend thinks she's funny, even when she gets the punchline wrong. Do you think you're a better joke-teller or audience? Audience. I can be funny in a sarcastic, cynical way, but not in a joke-telling way.
   
   
4. Her "teenage dream" lover is shown working out with a heavy bag. When is the last time you visited a gym? Ummm... I think 2005? I had gotten a gym membership to Bally Total Fitness (now defunct) with my cousin and our friend to take yoga classes. I went to three classes and realized I hate yoga.
   
   
5. Katy changes her hair a lot. She's gone from long black hair to cropped blonde hair with stops at red, green and purple. Today, are you having a good hair day? Not particularly. But I did spontaneously chop off about four inches of hair yesterday at 2:00AM in my bathroom because my hair was getting way too long (like, down to my butt) and it was driving me nuts.
   
   
6. Katy thinks dimples are "irresistible" and can't help poking a finger when a dimpled friend smiles. Do you have dimples? No. I just have fat cheeks.
   
   
7. Two of Katy's fragrances (Meow and Purr) are sold in cat-shaped bottles. Are you wearing a scent as you answer these questions? Fresh Sugar Lychee.
   
   
8. Katy's favorite dessert is ice cream (specifically Cold Stone Creamery's Birthday Cake Remix). What's the last dessert you ate? A Cinnabon on Monday.
   
   
9. Random question: How often do you change your bedsheets? Once a month if I'm not lazy. (It's one of the reasons I shower before going to bed rather than in the morning.) I change my pillow cases every week, though.

Saturday Nine: Gotta Travel On (1959)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. In this song, the Billy Grammer sings that "summer's almost gone, winter's coming on." When you look out your window, do you see any evidence that the seasons are changing? Well, the sun is setting earlier now, but that's pretty much it. No falling leaves or colour changes yet.
   
   
2. He admits he has laid around and played around for too long. Do you consider lazy days to be wasted days? Not at all, I consider them days well spent. I work hard 40 hours a week. Don't I deserve to be lazy on my days off?
   
   
3. Billy relaxed by fishing. Tell us about a visit you made to a pier, or a ride you took on a boat, this past year. (Bonus points if you went fishing!) So far, none. I didn't go to the cottage this summer and it's getting too late in the year to go, so it's unlikely I'll get near a pier or ride a boat in 2018.
   
   
4. Born in 1925, Mr. Grammer was the eldest of 13 children. He and his wife Ruth were childless. What do you think is the ideal size for a family? Personally, I don't want children, so for myself, I'd say my ideal family size is three: me, my partner, and a dog.
   
   
5. This song was very popular on juke boxes back in 1959. When were you last in a bar or restaurant that had a juke box? Did you play it? I can't recall the last time I was ever in the same room as a juke box.
   
   
6. In 1959, movie tickets zoomed up in price to $1.00 and Ben Hur was the big blockbuster. What's the last movie you saw in a theatre? Do you remember how much the ticket cost? The last movie I watched in a theatre was Crazy Rich Asians about three weeks ago. I went on a Tuesday, which are half-price movies at Cineplex, so my ticket was $8.09 after tax.
   
   
7. Huckleberry Hound was a hit with the younger audience in 1959. What cartoon did you enjoy as a kid? The Powerpuff Girls and Sailor Moon were probably my favourites, but I also really loved Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, and Arthur. Oooh, and Daria. Man, there were some great cartoons in the '90s.
   
   
8. In 1959, continuing dramas (soap operas) were still broadcast each day on the radio. When you turn on the radio, do you listen for talk, news, or music? I don't listen to the radio, but if I did, it'd be for music.
   
   
9. Random question — Which competition would you rather judge: The Pillsbury Bake Off, The Miss America Pageant, or Dancing with the Stars? The Pillsbury Bake Off. No question.