Saturday 9: Why Did I Choose You?

 

 

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love to answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions!

Saturday 9: Why Did I Choose You? (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

* Readers, if you would like to see the other posts on this topic, Go HERE

 
1) In this song, Barbra Streisand reassures her lover that, if she had it all to do again, she would still choose him. Tell us about a decision you've made that you never, ever regretted.
I've never regretted my choice of husband or my marriage.  My own mother's choice to stay was stupid, but I've never had a regret about my choice or my marriage.

2) The music was composed by Michael Leonard, who studied classical music at Julliard and the Handel Conservatory of Music in Munich. Do you often listen to classical music?
I used to listen to our local FM Classical station all the time.  I've  quit listening to most music because I can't play the stereo.  A dog's ears are too sensitive to have music up loud around them, so when we got Jasper, and now with Wolfie, I just quit listening to any music on a stereo.  I still listen to Classical music on the kindle.

3) The lyrics were written by Herbert Martin. He taught music in the NYC public school system and during the summer worked in summer stock. That's how he met and began collaborating with Michael Leonard. Tell us how you met someone important in your life.
We met at a neighbor's party.  He was a co-worker of the neighbor and I was the baby sitter.  It was kismet.  He is the most important man I've ever met.  Up until that time, the most important person was my Humanities teacher.  He also taught Western Civilization.  He was a true Mentor, and I'll always be grateful to him for the time he took with me to save my sanity.

4) Ms. Streisand was a very good student, graduating fourth in her class at Erasmus Hall High School when she was only 16. One of Barbra's classmates was Neil Diamond. Do you have a favorite Neil Diamond song?  Yes, Brooklyn Roads.  

Ever since I read the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I've been in love with the place. 

 

 

5) While she didn't go on to college, she continued her education by attending two different acting schools simultaneously. Did you enjoy being a student?  I did.  What I didn't enjoy was the prejudice that was rife in both grade school and my high school.  California school administrations have a lot to answer for.  Facing that "wall" in high school cost many people, myself and even including Joan Baez, far too much.  After I read her account of what she faced, I realized that it wasn't my imagination.  That's not to say that I didn't have any wonderful teachers.  I did..
 
6) Barbra and her first husband, Elliott Gould, shared a New York apartment over a 5th Avenue restaurant called Oscar's Salt of the Sea. Elliott originated the role of Trapper John in the movie M*A*S*H. On TV, the role of Trapper was played by Wayne Rogers. Can you think of another role that's been played by more than one actor?  Sorry, I really haven't a clue on this.  Maybe when I see other people's posts.... Aha! Moments will ensue! 

 

7) Oscar's Salt of the Sea has ties to Sesame Street. Jim Henson loved their food and was amused by how inhospitable the owner, Oscar, could be. That's how Oscar the Grouch got his name. Which is your favorite Muppet?  Animal!  He has my heart forrrrr EVER!!!

 

This is from Muppet Stuff

 8) Back to Barbra ... She is a successful recording artist (nominated for 45 Grammy awards, winning 8) and an Oscar-winning actress, but she's suffered career disappointments, too. In 2010, she read the book Hidden Figures and tried to buy the rights so she could direct the film version. She lost out to fellow Brooklynite, director Theodore Melfi. In 2016, his movie of Hidden Figures was released. Did you see the movie or read the book? I've read the book,  and I've watched the movie, twice.  What an amazing, and true, story! 

9) Random question: Your best friend takes up painting and proudly presents her first framed work to you. You think it's atrocious. Would you hang it in your home anyway?  

I absolutely would.  I tend to be sort of "Judgie" about paintings but I've seen some really terrible stuff hanging in Guggenheim and other galleries so why on EARTH break a friend's heart? 

 

Thank you so much, Sam, for this great MEME every Saturday.  It's a pleasure to participate.