saturday 9

Up on the Roof

1) JT sings that, when the world gets him down, he goes up on the roof to find peace. When you're "feeling tired and beat," what do you do to cheer yourself up? noodle around on the internet, take goofy selfies

2) He sings that, at night, the stars put on a show for free. Are you economizing, or sticking to a budget? I am trying to live within my means

3) In addition to recording this song for his album, Flag, James Taylor surprised the song's composer, and his good friend, Carole King by performing it the night she received her Kennedy Center Honor (see link above). Tell us about a good turn a friend has done for you recently. I've been rather sick this week and a couple close friends have been checking in

4) James Taylor and Carole King have been good friends for decades, but they have never been romantically involved. Do you have platonic friends of the opposite sex? yes, I have several

5) James was born in the Boston hospital where his father worked as a resident physician. Are there any doctors or nurses in your family? no medical doctors

6) When James was young, his family moved to Chapel Hill, NC. James has vivid memories of how beautiful the area was in all four seasons. What's your favorite time of year? either the lush green of summer or the radiant fall

7) In 1979, when this recording was popular, ESPN launched. Do you often watch that cable sports channel? to be honest, I don't think I have ever tuned to that channel on purpose

8) Also in 1979, the Voyager spacecraft sent photos back to earth that revealed Jupiter's rings. Without looking it up, can you name all the planets in our solar system? I can--because I know the song--and I still count Pluto!

9) Random question: Our Saturday 9 Wizards give you a choice -- you can be 20 years old and gorgeous, 30 years old and brilliant, or 40 years old and rich. Which do you choose? Hello 40 and rich!