saturday 9: It All Depends On You

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1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad?

As a general way of life, happy. Lately, sad. I’m worn down by the current state of this country.

2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget?

For the most part. Especially in light of tariffs.

3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded “It All Depends on You,” it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125?

The Valdemar saga by Mercedes Lackey. It began in 1987 with a trilogy and still continues with scores of series and standalones and stories. I’ve been reading and rereading it since the beginning, and I think the basic tenants of good versus evil will always hold up. At least, I hope so.

4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it?

The summer between my junior and senior year of high school. I worked at McDonald’s.

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key?

My birthday is in a month. No blowout. Just low key.

6) Madame Tussaud’s has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they’re creepy?

They give me the heebie jeebies. Too uncanny valley for me.

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear – if any – do you have on right now?

I’m weird. I hate socks. The only thing on my legs at the moment is my yoga pants.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What’s your ideal?

Depends on where I’m going. If it’s a place with lots to see and do, two weeks. Otherwise, 4-7 days. That being said, I don’t think I’ve taken that kind of vacation in years.

9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies?

Probably new movies. There’s a lot of sitcoms I liked back in a day, but some of them? I don’t think they’d hold up today.