Saturday 9: You Make Me Feel Brand New

Let's kick off the first weekend of 2019 with a brand new Saturday 9!

Saturday 9: You Make Me Feel Brand New (1974)

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

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2019!

1) As 2019 kicks off, what are your hopes for the brand new year?

I hope to stay in remission, first and foremost! After that, I have my usual hopes - more juggling, more writing, more Zentangling.

2) Just because an item isn't brand new doesn't mean it isn't valuable. Have you scored any fabulous finds at a second hand store or website?

We found a great vinyl record store in Doylestown, where we have picked up some of our favorite record albums from our sordid youths. It's a good thing it's about a forty-five minute drive or we'd be broke.

3) This song is sung by The Stylistics, a group from Philadelphia. Have you ever been to Philly?

Of course! My first visit to Philly was when I was nine or so. Pop had business in the city, so Mom took me and my little sister to see the sights: Independence Hall, Betsy Ross's house, the Liberty Bell, and so on. It was fun! Now that we live 20 miles west of the City of Brotherly Love, I'd really like to go into Center City more often. Alas, it's a pain to get there and park.

4) This song was co-written by Thom Bell, a Philadelphia-based musician/producer who was born in Kingston, Jamaica. The average daily temp in Kingston in January is 87º. Do you have plans to get away this winter and go somewhere warm?

We have plans to get away this winter, but we're going to Green Bay, Wisconsin for Weetacon. I doubt that it will be very warm!

5) The Stylistics took their choreography very seriously. As you can see from the video, they even carefully synchronized their hand movements. Do you use your hands much when you talk?

I'm a moderate hand talker, I guess.

6) The lyrics tell us that the singer is grateful for a friend who will walk with him along a path that "sometimes bends." Looking back on 2018, tell us about a time that life's path took a bend you didn't quite expect.

I didn't expect that chemotherapy would turn my veins into uncooked spaghetti.

7) In 1974, when this song was popular, Chicago's Sears Tower opened and was for years the world's tallest building. Its elevators can carry you to the 103rd floor in approximately a minute. When were you last on an elevator?

About a half-hour ago, when I went to get the mail.

8) Also in 1974, the 55 mph speed limit was imposed nationwide. When you drive, are you careful to stay within the speed limit? Or do you have a led <sic> foot?

I'm pretty good at staying within the speed limit. It's pretty easy with a tiny car that doesn't really like going fast.

9) Random question -- It's time to pose for your Saturday 9 yearbook picture. Will you show us your right profile, your left profile, or will you look directly into the camera?

Directly into the camera! I ain't afraid!