Open Thread - Thurs 22 Jan 2026 - A Couple of Memories
A Couple of Memories
It's been a hard couple of weeks for me. My mother has finally stepped up to reality, such as it is, and I have become the co-guardian and co-conservator for my severely autistic sister. Last week we did a bunch of financial stuff, and I'm now my sister's trustee and in charge of the savings account (someday her inheritance) which holds the funds that we hope will pay for my sister's housing and care in the future. Tuesday we saw a counselor about finding a new home for my sister. She's lived with my parents all her life, but my Dad has died and, sadly, Mom is getting close to that too. Anyway, all of that has brought up a lot memories of sis', some of them fun and some not so fun (ever had your sister break the windshield on your first car, about two weeks after getting it, when she aggressively hit her head against it when frustrated? (there is a reason she now always sits in the back seat of whatever vehicle she is in)), and those brought up other memories.
Not my sister, but Mozzie, MY first dog - fuzzy, soft, pointy ears, curly tail, loud voice - closely related to Finnish Spitz (he's a Samoyed). Yep, my kinda dog! He was rejected by his first owners, even though they named him Mozart, because he was too loud. He was adopted by me when I was about 14 and became my beloved Mozzie.
For instance, a long time ago, in a galaxy very near to here (ok, it was this galaxy) I fell in 'love' with glam rock / glam metal. At first, I was only like, 9-10 years old. Was introduced by my cousins because my parents wouldn't let me listen to that. Then I got old enough to set radio stations myself and I was into KISS. Dang! Those were the days; staying up way past bed time reading a book (probably a naval adventure story, a history from WWII, or a romance novel) with a flash light under my covers, my radio playing 'softly'; waiting to hear my sister (who's room was across the hall from mine) make a noise when my mom came by to check on her. First it was my sister that got checked, then me, every night. So I'd hear the noise, immediately turn off the radio, turn off and hide the flashlight and pretend to be asleep when my Mom cracked open my door to check on me. She'd look for an instant, then shut the door and leave... My dog, Mozart (Mozzie), completely approved and would help me fake being asleep. I swear, he did! And yea, Mom probably knew I was reading and listening to radio but she never said and never got mad!
So here's some memory music!
Get It On - Bang A Gong, T. Rex in 1971, and yes, that's Elton John playing piano with them!
Rock and Roll All Night, KISS, 50+ (1975) years ago! Dang, I was really 'into' Ace Frehley. RIP Space Ace!
After watching a few of these videos of glam rock, I realize why I liked it beyond it being good music. Long, fuzzy fur, loud voices... like Mozzie and Reyna, Jaska and Nikko!
Here's the open thread! What's up, whatcha doing? Reading? Thinking? Listening to? Remember, everything is interesting if you dive deep enough, so tell us about where you're diving!
Comments
Happy Thursday!
Hope the coming huge storm across the midwest, east coast, and more doesn't affect anyone too badly. Here, it's cold, but no moisture. Our snowpack is only 42% or so of normal. The local winter lake, isn't. Weird.
Anyway, let us know what's up! Did you like glam rock? Which bands??? And what else is going on!?
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Hey, good morning
(I know you don't do mornings)
Sounds like you are traversing a rough patch
lately. I hope you get thru it OK.
A general strike is on for tomorrow across the country with about 120 cities participating.
It will be easy for me to observe due to my mostly retired position. Stop ICE cold.
“I think we will have tens of thousands of workers in the street in the Twin Cities,” says CWA Local 7520 President Keiran Knutson, one of the leaders of the Minneapolis General Strike.
Zionism is a social disease
This would appear
to be real.
https://x.com/GenoVeno73/status/2014242577055154545
https://x.com/OrinKerr/status/2014137205715837421
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Well, yeah
That is obvious and has been for quite awhile.
They are operating above the laws. It is a wake-up call
for the rest of our country to recognize the tyranny which
this "immigration" force has evolved to. Assuming no one
has rights besides themselves (the rule of force) has been
developing for months. This is SS playbook 101.
Observing and contemplating consequences has become
weak tea. Action is necessary. Therefore the general strike.
Zionism is a social disease
Good point.
Agreed. That is about the only knob that We The People can twist without significantly increasing our odds of getting dead, in this brave new post-Constitution world. I'm on board with that, and hope that it can be taken national.
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Gah!
Well, it's more proof of how they are operating like the SS did, not that we needed any to know this. Just, Gah.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I can't join the strike because I am unemployed
but I led a bunch of them as a labor leader.
I really appreciate the impetus to take action rather than continue to sputter indignantly.
Way too much sputtering for Trump Part Deux. Not enough effort.
I cried when I wrote this song. Sue me if I play too long.
Glad for the strike
I will be looking around my small town, to see what's happening. Hope your weekend is good!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Dedicated to Macron
another imperialist poser
or
Zionism is a social disease
Hah...appropriate dedication...
Used to love that song, 'Sunglasses at Night'. Now, so many years later, I thought for a second I saw Macron in the video! Of course, he would have been a baby then, right?
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good luck, Sima. Fortunately, I have never had to
deal with Autism. I saw your OT and horned right in on the music.
Yes, I am a lifelong music maniac. As far as Glam Rock goes, I wasn't much into KISS, but I loved Marc Bolan and TRex.
This isn't Glam Rock, but I figured it was appropriate considering the current Reign of Maggot Brained and Ghouls in DC. Take good care and stay safe! Rec'd!!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Lifelong music maniac?
Me too! Great music in that video, thanks for linking to it! Memories are coming back in spades
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good morning Sima, sorry about all the stress and bad times.
Wasn't much into glam rock. I was, in fact, largely oblivious to it. I listened to a variety of other things and also, to some extent, nothing at all. By the time I developed an awareness of it long after the fact, I pretty much avoided it in favor of other sub-genres and specific groups and artists though Queen might count as glam. It didn't help that Chris Strachwitz, founder of Arhoolie Records has a regular show on KPFA, plus baroque during commute hours and, of course, The Dead, etc.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Can you explain to me what
glam rock is? I've no idea, honestly.
Understand genres such as folk, blues, heavy metal,
rock and roll, country, blue grass, pop, soul, R &B, psychedelic
and other assorted themes. But glam rock?
For whatever reason, can not filter this concept into a tangible
grouping. Lyle Lovett is a good example. His music expands
normal categorization by expanding beyond set borders.
It is all 'just' music after all.
Zionism is a social disease
Glam rock
was characterized by extravagant costuming (New York Dolls), makeup (Kiss), and massively teased hair for days (damned near anyone with commercial success in the 80s, but good examples are Whitesnake and Ratt). Shoot, even David Bowie went glam for a good long while.
The music
sometimesoften suffered to maximize the stage show for glam rock performances. It was a rare glam band that could consistently deliver both good music and also the over-the-top bombast that was glam...Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Oh, so that explains it
Thought musicians played music.
Performers performed.
Assume glam is shorthand for glamorous.
If your music is less than appealing the paint
comes out. It is difficult to make the connection
since I use my ears to appreciate music.
Not my eyes. The eyes have a different purpose.
Guess it is one of those MTV things? After my time.
Thanks for clarifying.
Zionism is a social disease
There's no question
that MTV contributed mightily to the whole glam-rock thing. MTV defined the parameters of "marketability" for a whole generation of musicians who wanted to make a living at the art in that era, for better or worse. So, if you wanted to make money, it was pretty much a requirement that you break out the war paint and feathers (and hair spray). Your A&R man had the checkbook: you went where he told you to go.
There were a lot of good musicians and good songwiters who decided not to get on the glam bus- but then many certainly found their ways to make stupid amounts of money significantly limited. As Jimmy Buffett famously said,
And then he went and did things his own way. Many tried, but few succeeded...
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
@usefewersyllables Glam was simply a
Glam was simply a shortened version of glamorous. Glitter was another word for it. It was indicative of the 1980s as appearance counted as much or even more than talent. MTV was a huge part of Glam Rock. As Sima points out, KISS was probably the most successful and popular Glam Rock band.
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Heh.
I wonder if there was an intersection of what I call "radio music" and "not glam" - Clapton and related groups, Mayall and related groups, Butterfield and related groups, Santana, War, Los Lobos, the Dead, Canned Heat, Led Zepplin, the Who, ZZ Top, etc.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Are you suggesting
.
wearing a torn T-shirt on stage
is not glamorous?
With no make-up?
Oh noes!
Apparently this a 'style' of music.
Feed me mellow unglamorous music anyday.
Zionism is a social disease
@QMS Glam is basically short
Glam is basically short for Glamour.
Here's the wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glam_rock
Its mostly understood as a precursor to Punk rock. There is a lot of overlap. It in large part evolved from the NYC nightlife scene. The New York Dolls being kind of the first big band to go fully drag in performance attire in the US.
In Britain, of course Bowie was first, then TRex/Marc Bolan, then Slade, the Sweet and a whole range of other acts in the late 60s to early 80s. Mick Jagger for instance, took on an effeminate persona in many performances.
I think that Glam-Metal of the 80s and beyond is distinctly different, although it is all on a continuum with lots overlap. But Glam-Metal mostly refers to Hollywood/ Sunset Strip, CA bands like Poison, Warrant, Motley Crue, GnR.
That is helpful to understand the genre
am familiar with Bowie somewhat
mostly from his earlier stuff
Thought it a bit weird, but everything was at that time.
Zionism is a social disease
@QMS Andy Warhol cast a
Andy Warhol cast a huge influence over the emergence of Glam as a genre as well. The most notable of course was the juggernaut of influence that was The Velvet Underground, which of course launched Lou Reed into his iconoclastic legacy. Lou's songs personalizing so many "taboo" themes really was a sea-change of lyrical subject matter. Warhol's factory movies were landmark as well, many of his "Superstars" were LGBTQ and very camp.
Do remember VU
Was always confused as to why Lou Reed had
two different versions during that era. Now it
makes sense. Thanks for the enlightenment!
Zionism is a social disease
@QMS Hey QMS,love
Hey QMS,love your music links and comments. Speaking of VU, Warhol and Glam, how about this nugget?
Lou Reed called this great LP Transformer. Was he prescient or what?
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
A good nugget indeed
Thanks for that arrangement. Brings me back.
.
Somewhere in the 70's.
Zionism is a social disease
Yep!
Go Bowie! For some reason, I never got into his music so much. Not sure why. I guess I liked KISS's make up more
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I gotta admit
I didn't know it was glam rock when I was young. It was just something fun to listen to, which my parents didn't completely approve of. Went from that to punk and then goth. And I am still a goth, even if I'm over 60!
I tend to like all kinds of music, including classical, folk, country, western, celtic... yea. Music!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
One of the former members on this site
which I have been in contact with
does a music program in Louisville
This is todays broadcast with Keb Moe
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xZNE-LFdG5mFyBXWlysQ-N9ky4B7w4N/view
Zionism is a social disease
@QMS Love Keb Mo' and have a
Love Keb Mo' and have a CD by him.
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Good afternoon, sima!!
Sorry to hear your family news. However, that you have facilities to house your sister and to provide for her care is simply unheard of in Texas. Primary care giving is done by families or else. A friend in law school left for the Hill Country, decided to go into public school administration, and became a high school principal, never even took the bar exam. He has one child, an autistic daughter. He and his wife say their goal in life is to outlive their child. Without them, she is all alone.
Nothing is cooler than a loud mouthed dog, at least the ones that hush up when requested.
Glam rock was happening at the time the only music I listened to was classical. I like some of the tunes, but by the time I heard them for the first time, they were oldies classics.
Thanks for the OT, chica!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Each county here has homes...
Most are not state or county run and there's a long waiting list to get into any of them, usually. If my mom were to pass away before my sister moved into a care home, my sister would be sent to the local hospital, and drugged, until a place for her was found. Still, it's better than nothing. I would hate to be where there was no support at all. I don't understand what the powers that be think people can do. As a sister, am I really responsible for my 60 year old sister? Really? I'm sorry for your friend. My parents, also, thought they would outlive my sister. But they have given her great care all her life. And so it goes... hope you have a good weekend, chica!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so