Let’s Talk: I’ve upgraded my blog software and installed yet another plugin to control spam. I’ve enabled comments again in the hope that we can all chat with each other without having to wade through endless ads for v1@gra. So far it’s deleted five spam comments so I’m encouraged.

New Coat Of Paint: The site template that I’ve been using works with the new version of WordPress (the software running this blog) but it’s not optimized for the latest version and it hasn’t been updated since 2009. So I’m trying out a spiffy new theme that’s at least been written with the latest version of WordPress in mind. There are a lot of things I like about it, I’m still trying to figure out how to make the left column a little more narrow so it’s more readable. I’ll keep tweaking it as my time allows, let me know what you think in the comments section.

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I start my new job tomorrow. It will be the first time I’ve worked full-time for a paycheck since 1993. I’ve spent several posts dealing with this sea change in my life and you’re all probably sick of hearing about it by now. Since this has obviously been much on my mind lately I’ll finish up with one more post about the nature of employment. And then I’ll shut up about it.

Leonard Nimoy “Proud Mary” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Everybody wants to be a professional singer. Kim Kardashian apparently has a song out and she has no discernible talent. Occasionally you get somebody like Frank Sinatra who has gifts in multiple fields like acting and singing. Most of the time you’re reminded why singing is that person’s second (or third) career.

I have no idea who thought it would be a good idea to release a record of Mister Spock singing. His voice is terribly thin and he sounds just plain silly when he tries to sound like John Fogerty singing about how those big wheels keep on toinin’. As much as I try to suspend disbelief I just can’t imagine Mr. Nimoy working on the river.

Sparks “Sixteen Tons” (Tennessee Ernie Ford)
This is my very favorite take on this song. It’s very spare and it packs a huge emotional wallop of anger and despair. Hopefully my new job won’t leave me with an attitude like this.

The Meat Purveyors “Working On A Building” (Traditional)
Here’s somebody who’s much happier to be working. It’s all about the motivation.

Karoshi Lovers “Birth School Work Death” (The Godfathers)
Speaking of bad attitudes. Remember the nihilists from The Big Lebowski? They were posers. The Godfathers are the real deal.

David Bowie “Friday On My Mind” (The Easybeats)
I’ve talked to several people over the years who absolutely despise Bowie’s Pinups album. I think it’s quite charming. He’s having a great time singing songs that he clearly loves. And he puts his own spin on every one of them.

This is one of the all time great clock punching songs. It expresses so well the motivation that gets so many people through another week of soul-crushing work.