Saturday 9: Magic (1980)

Saturday 9: Magic (1980)

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

1) This 1980 video depicts Olivia Newton-John as a performer in small club. For the past few years, she's been performing regularly at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

No, I'm not much of a gambler, but I'd like to go and see a show or two and all those fabulous hotels and their attractions.  Oh, and the pawn shop where they film Pawn Stars. That is a must see for me.

2) Many tourists who want to get away from the glitz of Vegas travel less than 20 miles to visit Red Rock Canyon. This national park is known for its hiking trails, which provide a view of the desert flora and red rock peaks. Tell us about a time you were impressed by natural beauty.

I'm always pretty impressed by nature, but I'd have to say I was absolutely blown away the first time I went to the Navajo Nation, the Navajo reservation that covers parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.  The desert Southwest is a beautiful place.

3) One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Las Vegas is Andiamo Italian Steak House. When you order a steak, how do you request it be cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done?

I used to like it rare, but then came all the horror stories of why not to eat it that way.  These days I order medium and that usually means it's still fairly pink inside.  I loathe anything beyond that...cooks all the flavor and tenderness out.

4) Olivia Newton-John's father was an officer in MI5, the UK's secret service. Sam's most recent encounter with the law didn't have much drama or intrigue: she asked a cop for directions to the highway. Tell us about the last time you spoke to an officer of the law.

In the school district I work for, the local police have made it a point to be a visible presence at the schools during the morning drop offs and again in the afternoons for dismissal.  I say "hi" or a few words to them all the time.

5) ONJ was awarded the OBE -- Order of the British Empire -- by Queen Elizabeth in honor of her contributions to the arts. Here's your opportunity to boast. What is something you've done lately that you received praise for?

I can't say that I've really done anything big like that in recent memory.  I get kudos from parents all the time for my driving skills in bad weather (getting their kids to school or home safely) since we seem to be blessed to often have to drive during whiteouts or flooding (dealt with both just this week!).

6) A breast cancer survivor, Olivia helped found a cancer center in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

My daughter's trip there the summer before her senior year of high school.  She had the chance to go for three weeks with People to People.  We scrimped and fundraised to be able to pay the $8000 cost.  She went but not happily.  She spent most of her time obsessing about being away from her stupid boyfriend...who broke up with her by phone on her flight back.  She really regrets that now and wishes she'd given the trip her all.  Hindsight, huh?

7) "Magic" was one of the top-selling records of 1980. Also that year, Post-It notes debuted. Do you enjoy shopping for office supplies, or do you consider it a chore?

I don't use that many "office supplies" but I love wandering the aisles looking at all that paper and pens and folders and organizing items and....  Yep, I guess I enjoy it.

8) In 1980, the NASA space probe returned the first photos of Saturn back to earth. Do you believe intelligent life forms from other planets are  trying to learn more about us?

I believe it's possible.  The universe is a big place.

9) Random question: Are you more confident in your looks or your intelligence?

Definitely my intelligence.  I think it's always been that way for me except for the brief period of my college years when everything seemed to finally click and I was the belle of the ball.


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