Friday, September 02, 2022

Saturday 9

Blue Collar Man (1978)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this week's song, we hear a job equated with security. Tell us something that gives you a sense of security. Money. I know that sounds shallow, but it's true. I've had big dental bills lately and am looking at a home improvement project this month and I've been able to make these incremental bills without touching my emergency fund. I'm grateful. Besides, this answer gives me a chance to listen to this again. One of John's best vocals.
 
 
 
2) Lead singer Tommy Shaw hopes someone will make him an offer he can't refuse. That's a reference to a famous movie quote. Without looking it up, can you name the film? The Godfather, one of the greatest movies ever.

3) Shaw recalls that this song was inspired by a friend of his, a blue collar worker who had been laid off and was frustrated by the process of job hunting. His friend wanted to work, not fill out forms and job applications and wait days for a response! Do you quickly become impatient? Depends on who I'm dealing with. If you have fur, I am endlessly patient. If you walk upright and have no tail, you'll find me less so.

4) The name "Styx" wasn't the top choice of anyone in the band. As founding member Denis DeYoung recalled, "It was the only name none of us hated." Tell us about a recent compromise you made (which TV show to watch, toppings on your pizza, etc.). Working with Jamie on Friday morning. He and I agree on very little philosophically. But he is so enthusiastic and has such integrity that I'm always happy to meet him halfway.

5) Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. How many different employers have you had? Ten. It's a good thing this will be my last job, since I am now out of fingers.

6) The first Waffle House was opened on Labor Day, 1955. What's your preference: waffles or pancakes? Waffles.
 
7) Labor Day mattress sales are a big business. Experts tells us we can expect to spend $1,000 for a good-quality queen-sized mattress. Will you be buying a new one -- or perhaps making another big ticket purchase for your home -- before year end? I'm having my living room window frame repaired later this month. It's about $750, I'm not unhappy. I didn't know repairing the frame was possible, and I was afraid I'd need new windows.

8) Will you be attending a Labor Day picnic or barbecue? Nope. I suppose I could reach out to Nancy and her husband, Paul, but I don't feel like it. I've been stressed at work and would like some solitary time. I'm kinda looking forward to sleeping a lot, going for long walks, and watching a lot of baseball.

9) Labor Day is the unofficial start of fall. Have you had any pumpkin spice yet? Not yet.
 

 

How lovely to be him

This morning I woke up to find my internet was out. No ethernet, no wifi, and back-to-back Zoom meetings beginning at 10:00. I either had to get the get service restored or get to the coffee shop and hope it was quiet enough to hold my meetings there.

I realize I sounded very stressed while talking to the Comcast/Xfinity IT specialist. I kept apologizing to him -- "I'm upset, but I'm not upset with you" -- but I needed him to let me know if he could get me back online right away. Otherwise I've got to move.

The tech told me his name was Jordan. I suspect he was in India. I could hear a roomful of his similarly accented coworkers. He asked if he could put me on "a quick hold" while he tried something. Then he proceeded to work while I could still hear him. This shook my confidence. It he couldn't figure out the hold button on his phone, how could he restore my internet?

As he was clacking away he began to sing to himself. "Yesterday, all my troubles seem so far away ..." 

Suddenly I felt better. A Beatle person could come to rescue!

Then I thought of Sir Paul. A kid halfway around the world knew all the words to a song he likely introduced before the kid's were born. How cool for him. It must be wonderful to have created something so lasting, and with such universality and reach.