Working Class Hero

“When they’ve tortured and scared you for 20 odd years

Then they expect you to pick a career

When you can’t really function you’re so full of fear

A working class hero is something to be.”

  “Working Class Hero,” John Lennon

Blues Cruise has another gig on December 14.  I suggested that Dave learn Green Day’s version of “Working Class Hero.”  He could start it by himself and have the band join him after the first couple verses.  He likes the song and may learn it.  Billie Joe Armstrong altered Lennon’s lyrics slightly, throwing in a couple “F bombs.”  My heroes are working class rank-and-file activists, including Fred Gabouri, Al Samter, and Jim Balanoff, mentioned in “Steelworkers Fight Back” (Steel Shavings, volume 30).

Dave had the flu Thursday and Phil was at the Detroit Lions game with Miranda, Anthony, and Tori, so there were just six us for Toni’s Thanksgiving ham dinner.  Angie and the kids came, as did Anne Balay, taking a break from editing “Steel Closets.”  Phil reported that they had a blast.  Prior to the game, Phil used charm and diplomatic skill to get the four of them in the tunnel; as the players ran through, most, including Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson, slapped their hands.   A spectacular halftime show featured Kid Rock and George Clinton.  The game went into overtime after Houston scored despite their running back being clearly down.  Even though all TDs are automatically reviewed, there’s an idiotic rule that if a coach throws a challenge flag, it’s a 15-yard penalty and negates the review. 

On the limo ride back to Grand Rapids, Phil told stories about his teen years, including a time when he, Dave, Jimmy Satkoski, and I entered a lip sync contest as the Ramones performing “Cretin Rock.”  The other groups – representing Michael Jackson, Prince, and Sister Sledge -  were more polished but stayed on too long until their routines were boring while “Cretin Hop” was over in less than two minutes.  Our prize was a black and white TV which we had in the fireplace room for the next 20 years until the digital age rendered it obsolete.

A gunman shot Hector “Macho” Camacho in Puerto Rico, leaving him brain dead.  Winner of 79 fights, he defeated such boxing greats as Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray Mancini, and Roberto Duran.  Known for flamboyant ring attire, including sequined loincloths, he wore his hair short with a trademark spit curl in front.  One writer called him the Liberace of the ring.

Work is complete on the Route 49 overpass at Vale Park Road in Valparaiso, the intersection where Robin Hass Birky lost her life when a trucker ran a red light.  Instead of a cloverleaf, INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) opted for a bridge and roundabouts at each end.

 “The Girl” is a mediocre HBO movie about Alfred Hitchcock lusting after his blond “Birds” star Tippi Hedren.  Another film about the director, “Hitchcock,” is currently in theaters and stars Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, and Scarlett Johansson.

Back from Indy, the Hagelbergs had us over for soup and salad and then bridge.  Dick’s business partner George McGuan, a huge Notre Dame fan, flew to Los Angeles for the game with USC, which they won to remain undefeated and secure a spot in the national championship game.

Phil’s family arrived for the weekend, and we also had James and Becca overnight since Angie came down with the flu.  We taught Miranda’s boyfriend Derrick the dice games Shooters and Perudo, and he won a game of each.  He also looked on as Phil won both Amun Re and Acquire.  Despite the weather turning cold, the football got tossed around, a Thanksgiving tradition.  I seem to have avoided the flu germs but have come down with cold symptoms

The next to last “Boardwalk Empire” was bloody.  Nucky’s loyal servant is shot and in his delirium quotes lines from Rudyard Kipling’s “If,” which begins “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.”  Just when Nucky seems doomed Al Capone arrives on the scene from Chicago.

Shirley O’Rourke’s family sent a card expressing appreciation for attending her wake and being with them in their “time of sorrow.”  Wonder whether Kathy is still in Hobart or if a sister sent it.

Media whore John McCain won’t let up in his criticism of UN ambassador Susan Rice for statements she made on Sunday morning news shows shortly after the attack against the Benghazi consulate, calling her unqualified to be Secretary of State.  This from a man who graduated at the bottom of his West Point class.  Obama was probably planning on nominating Massachusetts senator John Kerry to that post, but this might cause him to dig in his heels. 

Seven people were shot in Gary over the weekend, one fatally.  Several were innocent bystanders.   Unfortunately the mayor and city council have no power to enact gun control legislation.