Saturday 9...

Thanks to Sam for today's questions!  You can join in HERE!

Happy 4th of July!

You're a Grand, Old Flag

Unfamiliar with James Cagney's 1942 version of this song? Hear it here.

1) The flag we currently fly, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was designed by a high school student. When Alaska and Hawaii were added, President Eisenhower invited Americans to submit designs for how best to incorporate the two new states. Ike chose 17-year-old Robert G. Heft's submission from more than 1500 entries. Tell us about a contest you entered and won. (Or really hoped to win.)  I won "honorable mention" in an art show once for a collage I did.  I was in high school and the art show was county-wide for all ages. I don't have the artwork or the "award" anymore, or a picture of the collage but it was based on a song by a local band that we girls were crazy about.

2) The government also has another of Mr. Heft's designs waiting: one that incorporates a 51st star if another state is added. When you were in school, did you memorize the states and their capitals?  Yes, we had to do that and I also had to memorize the 88 counties and county seats in Ohio.  Don't test me now!!

3) Six American flags have been planted on the surface of the moon. Those are undoubtedly the flags farthest from you this morning. Where is an American flag flying near you today?  About 10 feet from our front door, in front of our house!

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it?  Yes, and I love that movie!

5) In that film, Cagney portrayed George M. Cohan, the composer of this week's song. In 1940, Cohan was honored by a Congressional Gold Medal. In presenting him with the award, President Roosevelt specifically thanked Cohan for "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "Over There." What's your favorite patriotic song?  Many of them, including our National Anthem, cause tears and goosebumps but "I'm Proud To Be An American" is one of the best.

6) Though a performer his entire life, Cohan disliked listening to recordings of his own voice. How about you? Do you like your singing and/or speaking voice?  I don't sing well anymore and I am not a comfortable public speaker so I guess my answer is no.

7) James Cagney won the Oscar for Best Actor his performance as George M. Cohan. Also nominated that year was Gary Cooper, who portrayed Lou Gehrig in Pride of the Yankees. Tell us about another movie about a great American.   How about the several women heroes in Hidden Figures.

8) As a teen, Cagney juggled high school with a variety of jobs, including bellhop and delivery boy, and gave all his earnings to his family. Looking back, Cagney was grateful that he had to begin work early, saying, "I feel sorry for the kid who has too cushy a time of it. Suddenly he has to come face-to-face with the realities of life without his mama and papa to do his thinking for him." Do you agree?  Yes, indeed.  I had my first summer job (babysitting) when I was 13.  I worked every summer after that either babysitting or (at 16) dipping ice cream for two summers and then cleaning rooms at a motel. I'm glad and think I have always had a good work ethic because I learned early.

9) Cagney had a rebellious streak. His boss, studio head Jack Warner, nicknamed Cagney, "The Professional Againster." Cagney joked that he enjoyed earning the title. What about you? Are you rebellious?  Nope.  Not rebellious. I'm a first-born with all the baggage that goes with being the good girl and living up to what I thought I was supposed to be.

Thanks for dropping by today!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!