7.03.2021

saturday 9

 




The National Anthem

1) An early handwritten manuscript of "The Star Spangled Banner" (complete with scratch outs) is preserved at the Maryland Historical Society. Today, much of what we write is preserved in The Cloud. Do you often write down your thoughts with pen or pencil? Or do you do everything on your laptop, pad or phone? Personally I do a lot of thought writing with pen; professionally I do a lot on my laptop
 
2) It's well-known that the lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key. Not so well known is John Stafford Smith, the British composer who gave us the music. He is buried in England's Gloucester Cathedral, under both the US and UK flags. Where is the nearest United States flag waving near you right now? directly across the street
 
3) This week's video features Lady Gaga singing The National Anthem before the 2016 Super Bowl. She also performed it at President Biden's Inauguration last January. When is the last time you sang it? I sang along at graduation on June 13th
 
4) Our second and third Presidents, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, 1826. OK, it's your turn. Share a Presidential fact. Thomas Jefferson was such an insecure public speaker that he wrote all of his messages to Congress to avoid speaking in front of the assembly
 
5) John Hancock said his signature on the Declaration of Independence was intentionally large so King George could see it without his glasses. Do you need glasses to read? yes

6) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run on July 4. Will you be toasting the United States with an adult beverage this weekend? no, I don't drink alcohol because of medication I take 
 
7) Since this year, July 4th falls on a Sunday, banks and post offices will be closed on Monday. Thanks to email and ATMs, Sam doesn't find this a hardship. How about you? Do you find it inconvenient to go an extra day without regular USPS delivery or access to a teller at the bank? not anymore
 
8) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July? nothing particular
 
9) The 4th of July is a highlight of the summer season. Have you yet suffered the traditional warm weather maladies: sunburn or bug bites? I got a nasty sunburn at the graduation I attended on June 13th--the sunblock worked on my arms but not on my face

7 comments:

Diana_CT said...

#9 Ouch,,, sunburn on the face is painful! Because I have thin hair on top of my head I have to watch out and wear a hat.

The Gal Herself said...

Once, when I toured Colonial Williamsburg, they told us TJ believed his voice was high pitched and rose when he was impassioned. Now they didn't say it WAS, they said he BELIEVED it was. So I wonder if he really was squeaky, or if this is something he did to himself. Even Presidents have insecurities.

Songbird said...

Jefferson was a great writer, not a great speaker. I like your answers

Lori said...

Oh I hate sunburn. Loved your answers! Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

https://lorisbusylife.blogspot.com/

Bev Sykes said...

fascinating about Thomas Jefferson. I definitely would never have considered him "shy" in any way!

Stacy said...

I love that about Jefferson! I would have done it, too, if I thought I could. I have to admit I never would have suspected that of him.

CountryDew said...

Sorry about the sunburn. They're no fun! Cool fact about Jefferson. I don't think that's one they told us when we toured Monticello!