Month: December 2023

“Heritage”
December 31. 2023

Minus the disc brakes and radiator this is what motorcycles looked like when I started riding. When I was a kid I rode my buddy’s Trident, a beautiful machine. Likewise, my roommate’s Norton Commando. But I didn’t really appreciate those bikes at the time. I do now. And I’m grateful to my parents for providing me an opportunity to celebrate, and cherish, Heritage. It’s defined by some as “It’s about who you are and where you have come from…” I would add, “and profoundly influences where you are going.” Triumph has a slogan, “For The Ride.” I like that. I wish everyone a nice, safe, ride into the New Year. Kickstands up!

Idiom: “The Leaving”

Idiom, this iteration, is Ken Newton on Blunt Instruments and Your Humble Narrator doing the Shouting and Pointing.

“Fencing”
December 30, 2023

You know I just had to go around it.

Locale: Silver Lake Park, NYC

Black Flag – I’m Not A Machine: youtu.be/eDBe0zLd7KM?si=LZxApoa5HzKBRvvQ

“NY Jets”
December 29, 2023

J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets – rebuilding since 1969!

Locale: Silver Lake Park, NYC

“Morgennebel”
December 28, 2023

When the shadow play begins
I’ll be watching through the night
‘Till I find myself again
— John Kay

Locale: Silver Lake, NYC

Steppenwolf – Foggy Mental Breakdown:
youtu.be/wx_ZFtx_2Wc?si=18yIAg_zGAgLbyqE

“ERECTOR”
December 27, 2023

When I was a kid I had an Erector Set (marketed as ERECTOR). Now that I’m all grown up I have a GoPro.

An Erector Set Ferris Wheel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3SbgHM738c

“Ring Ring”
December 26, 2023

Ring ring, my telephone’s talking
Pick it up or just go on sleeping?
I know it’s you with a personal update
I’m not interested in your latest project
Ring ring, my telephone’s screaming
Pick it up, you won’t stop until you reach me…
— Roddy Frantz

Urban Verbs:
youtu.be/efbafNdOsw4?si=0KNpB9k28NGunC4k

“Altfather Christmas”
December 25, 2023

Father Christmas, give us some money
We got no time for your silly toys
We’ll beat you up if you don’t hand it over
We want your bread so don’t make us annoyed
Give all the toys to the little rich boys
— Ray Davies, offering social commentary.

Meanwhile, back in the states:
Al Lambert (family friend): “Are you an Altfather?”
Me: “Yes.”
Al: “I married into it myself.”

Wishing everyone peace and joy on this day and all that follow!
— Thomas “Altfather Christmas” Good

Kinks – Father Christmas: youtu.be/fPPCPqDINEk?si=cO12Db_8pUihPEOE

“Jump On It”
December 24, 2023

Growing up in the very WASP Midwest, Christmas Eve was no big deal. Maybe I’d sneak a peek under the tree but Christmas Day was the thing. On Staten Island my Italian friends really celebrate Christmas Eve. So to all who celebrate (including my friend Jörg Meijer who, like me, is a devout Ecumenical in search of a party): Frohe Weinachten and Feliz Navidad! (Vielen Dank Guido!)

I remember Christmas 1976 for one thing in particular. Under the tree was the new Montrose album, “Jump On It”, released in September of that year. It had an album cover that is memorable for its sheer sexist stupidity, rivaling Spinal Tap’s “Smell The Glove.” The woman’s crotch, in bright red panties (designed by Hipgnosis, the people who did Pink Floyd’s albums) infuriated Ronnie Montrose and his bandmates. The title song was not about sex, it was about striking while the iron’s hot. I kinda liked the cover because Honda red always appealed to me – and the music was great. Despite being a lifelong Sammy Hagar fan I loved Bob James’ vocals. Jump On It remains my favourite Montrose effort. So hey, whatever you choose to do in 2024, do it with abandon!

Jump On It: youtu.be/jZCo1u3QQ8s?si=Q0GCOwSmwTW0ksOJ

“Dos Hombres”
December 23, 2023

Here’s a shot of two of my mates who met each other for the first time yesterday. Cal, aka Rasputin O., on the left is a retired Jolly Roger (FDNY Engine 255 / Ladder 157) and Mitch on the right is an active duty member of FDNY Engine Company 156.

Mitch, doing his Charlie Sheen impression here, said of Raspee: “He seems pretty normal.”
Raspee: “Hahahahahahahaha!’