saturday 9

Blame It On The Bossa Nova

1) This week's song tells the story of a girl who found love at a dance. Share a happy memory from a party, prom or dance you attended. we used to have live bands at our school dances--so we got to know local rockers--lots of "Free Bird" was played

2) This record was a big hit for Eydie Gorme, which surprised her. When she first heard the song, she disliked it and had to be convinced to record it. Tell us about a pleasant surprise you had recently. on Valentine's Day, the principal had a school-wide Bingo game that was much more fun than we expected.  My students bought into it and had a great time.

3) "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" is about love at first sight on the dance floor. Eydie's husband Steve Lawrence maintained he fell in love with her the first time he heard her sing. Have you ever felt a sudden, powerful attraction to someone? If yes, did you act on it? I saw my college boyfriend walking down the street and proclaimed to my friends that I would date him--I had no idea who he was or how I would meet him but we lasted for a few years

4) While this was a solo success for Eydie, she was also known for recording and performing with Steve Lawrence. He was just 22 and she was 29 when they married. Eydie admitted she was self-conscious about the difference in their ages. Do you think age matters in a romantic relationship? this is a tricky question--so I'll go with it depending on age.  Like if one of them is 24 and the other is 16, that is problematic but if we're talking about grown adults, then it's not really a problem.  My own philosophy is to not date people who don't have the same cultural reference points

5) Eydie was fluent in Spanish, which enabled her to pay for her classes at City College by working as an interpreter. Tell us about one of your early jobs. when I was in 8th grade I started being a nanny over the summers for a particular family.  I loved it.  

6) In 1963, when this song was popular, The Rambler was Motor Trend's car of the year. It was a 9-passenger station wagon, perfect for families. What do you remember about your childhood family car? no one wore seatbelts and there were benches in the back of the station wagon 

7) Also in 1963, President Kennedy made a state trip to Ireland. Have you visited the land of your ancestors? I have been to Ireland and France but have yet to visit Germany--and Ireland is the home of my heart

8) The pilot for Gilligan's Island was filmed in 1963. Were you a fan of the show? absolutely!  I had a crush on The Professor

9) Random question: Crunchy, smooth or organic peanut butter? organic or natural smooth