Dear Zazz: I have noticed a disturbing trend at public events:Singers feel they have the right to do what they want with theNational Anthem.
At this year's Super Bowl, Natalie Cole took artistic license tomake the Star Spangled Banner a synthesized song of her own choosing.This was televised worldwide, so now the world thinks that's how thesong goes.
It's a privilege to sing our country's anthem. Why can't these"big stars" sing it the way it was written?
It really is a shock when you think you'll hear the originalanthem and instead hear something that some hotshot thought was cool,but wasn't.
ANGRY MEMBER OF
THE SILENT MAJORITY
Dear Angry: Louis Armstrong once said, "Never play a thing thesame way twice."
That's how some of the best artists approach their work.
As long as the national anthem is delivered respectfully, Ithink it's fine for artists to give their own interpretations of it.Since we've all heard the traditional version so often - and a lot ofus don't think it's the best anthem our nation could have, anyway -it's nice to hear singers approach it creatively.
Besides, it's a song about freedom. It's fitting that singersshould feel free to sing it in their own style.
Dear Zazz: I can't keep this bottled up any longer. Mygirlfriend and I went out for dinner and ordered a good bottle ofwine. When the waitress brought the bottle, she poured it for me,and asked me to taste it.
My girlfriend brought up a good point. Why are men always askedto test the wine? It's the '90s!
The waitress said that whoever orders the wine is asked totaste-test it.
Well, we've never seen a woman asked to be the tester. (And bythe way, my girlfriend paid for dinner.) Please uncork this mystery.IN THE CELLAR
Dear In: Nancy Light of the Wine Institute says that this issuehas long been discussed at wine industry forums.
Yes, these days, the rule is: Whoever orders the wine is askedto taste it.
However, waiters, waitresses and wine stewards often make themistake of just giving the man the wine list. That's why servers arenow encouraged, before handing over the wine list, to ask, "Who willbe ordering and tasting the wine tonight?"
Also, Light suggests that interested women be more assertive andask to see wine lists. And if a server makes the mistake ofapproaching only the man, correct him or her.
It wasn't that long ago that general restaurant etiquetterequired a man to order the meal for his female companion. Ourculture has dumped that idea. Wine chauvinism needs to go, too.
Dear Zazz: Regarding your column on tipping.
I work as a clown at children's parties. I get the same tipafter every party: "You did a wonderful job for the children!"
It's OK, though. I don't believe in tipping. I personally tiponly waiters and waitresses - and they've got to be good!
Get, real, Zazz. It's the '90s! No one tips anymore. A CLOWN
Dear Clown: You're the second letter-writer today to tell mewhich decade we're in.
In any case, tipping is still a part of the economics of oursociety, and millions of Americans depend on tips for a good portionof their income.
I hired Barney the Dinosaur for my 2-year-old's birthday party.He sang his heart out, sweated like a pig and hugged everyone - evenme. He deserved a tip, and I was happy to give it to him.
Maybe in your neighborhood tipping went out in the '80s. Butthere are many places where a good clown will still get a good tip.
Write Zazz, Box 3455, Chicago 60654. Or fax your questions orcomments to: (312) 661-0375.
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