Brand New Key

At least it’s not snow. TimeOut photo from Google Images:

RIP Woodstock generation singer/songwriter Melanie Safka, 76. Born in Astoria Queens, her heritage was Ukrainian/Italian. Her first public appearance was on radio at four. She performed at a Jersey coffee house as a teen. While studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, she began singing in the folk clubs of Greenwich Village and signed her initial recording contract. At first her music was popular only in Europe, where she performed on TV. Lay Down, backed with Candles in the Rain, inspired by her participation at the legendary festival, released in 1970, was a worldwide hit, peaking at #6 on the Billboard singles chart. It led to invitations to festivals in Canada and Europe. In late 1971 she released her biggest success, Brand New Key, aka The Roller Skate Song. It hit #1, selling more than three million copies, and has since been used in movies and TV shows. She had several other singles that cracked the Top 100. She released 28 studio albums, 13 live albums, 14 compilations, two soundtracks and 59 singles. She was married from 1968 until her husband’s death in 2010. She was a mom of three. Awesome, Madam. Thank you. Facts from Wiki, photo from GI:

Headline from nypost.com: “‘Good chance’ another arctic blast happens in February, polar vortex expert says.” Wow, that’s really going out on a limb. It might get cold in February — who knew?

I don’t know what to think about a Palestinian state, but to believe it would end the violence is naive.

Headline from foxnews.com: “Trump shuns donors who want to switch from Haley; ‘barred’ from MAGA community.” A politician turning down money — wow!… Why are donors still giving Haley millions when the only chance she has will come if the courts knock DT out? How ‘bout donating it to Wounded Warriors or Toys for Tots or other charities?

4th quarter GDP came in at a solid 3.3%. Will it or inflation sway voters?

Not sure how I feel about this one, from FN: “California bill would mandate all new cars have device to ‘automatically limit’ speed to 10 mph over limit.” Government involvement usually makes things worse.

The floating book shop was rained out. Another story idea has come to me. I finished the first draft. It’s only a bit more than two pages. The ending came out of nowhere, surprising me. It’s risqué, not explicit, and I’m wondering if I should cut it. The rest is about memory, recalling three forms of word play, one vulgar.

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