7.04.2020

saturday 9







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.)  Today I entered a book giveaway on GoodReads and I hope I win!

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? I knew the states but not the capitols

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? directly across the street, there is a flag on display at the federal building 24/7

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it? it was so long ago, I don't remember it--but yes, I have seen it

5) In that film, Cagney portrayed George M. Cohan, the composer of this week's song. In 1940, Cohan was honored by with 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? I have a soft spot for America The Beautiful and This Land Is Your Land

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? yes and yes

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. Milk about Harvey Milk--I knew nothing of his story and Sean Penn was brilliant

8) As a teen, Cagney juggled high school with a variety of jobs, including bell hop 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?  well, to a degree.... some of my students don't know how to juggle their work and school lives and it seems no one (parents) aren't teaching them how to set boundaries

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? I've been called that but I prefer to think that I march to the beat of my own drum

5 comments:

The Gal Herself said...

Sometimes Harvey Milk's story is reduced to a cynical punchline when people rag on our justice system: "The Twinkie Defense." Which is sad, because his real story was really compelling.

CountryDew said...

I think we're the 60s chicks on the Sat 9 list! I hope you win your book on Goodreads. Happy 4th.

songbird's crazy world said...

I have to put Milk on my list

Elizabeth "Libby" Day said...

Trust you will have a great Independence Day

Stacy said...

Never heard of Milk. I'll have to check it out. I'm sure the lack of boundaries can be quite frustrating to you at times.