Chotchkes/Charms

[Bigshankhank]

Anyone carry or keep a good luck talisman or chotchke (sp? my yiddish is not so good)? I'm not talking about OCD stuff you absolutely have to carry with you at all times, just little thingsyou take along, maybe a keychain fob or something tucked in your wallet, or even more motorcycle-specific something hanging from the bike, or in your cage. I ask because it seems like more and more I keep seeing people talking about "gremlin bells" and other silly hoakum and I think to myself, "WTF?" Apparently the local MSF schools here in Houston will give you a gremlin bell if you attain a certain score in your riding test. On a local riders forum several people have brought them with them to traffic court as if they will somehow convince the judge of their skilz. When I checkeded it this morning, they are arranging a gremlin bell exchange and I just thought what a bunch of bullshit it is. To my mind, the charm is really only significant to its user/wearer, handing it off to another doesn't transfer its voodoo.

They come and they go for me, from stuffing a golf ball beneath the headrest of my car in college to carrying the "last dollar bill in the world" currently. I realize that the device itself is as useful as Christianity, but it does provide, if nothing else, a conversation starter. But the concept of going to buy a good luck charm from some gypsy bike nite tent seems to me about as valid as the Elf on the Shelf. To my recollection, from reading mythology of various cultures, that legitimate (as much as they really can be) talismans are pretty random crap, only imbued with power by an owner for some reason possibly unknown even to themselves. Horseshoes, the golden fleece, coins, rabbits feet, etc.

I dunno, its early and I don't need to burn pre-coffee brain cells on stuff like this.

[Zim]

You are absolutely right. Get caffeine, quickly!

According to the website gremlinbells.com,

Now, once you get a bell on your scoot – it wards off these attacks from the little gremlins, not allowing any more to get onto your bike. If you already have some gremlins riding with you, they will get trapped in the hollow of the bell, and the constant ringing will drive them insane – causing them to lose their grip and fall to the roadway.

Do you have the protection of a gremlin bell? If you buy a gremlin bell of your own, the power works. If you receive the gremlin bell as a gift – the powerful magic of the bell is doubled. Do you have a friend who does not have a gremlin bell yet? Why not be the person to give them one, they'll thank you! The bell, and a good preventive maintenance program by the bike's owner, will help eliminate the gremlins.

I've seen better chain emails, except they don't usually encourage you to buy something.

[Pattio]

According to the website gremlinbells.com,

The bell, and a good preventive maintenance program by the bike's owner, will help eliminate the gremlins.

Reminds me of my childhood, when a commercial would show a bowl of sugar-encrusted cereal alongside fresh fruit, orange juice, and toast, and the voice would say "Could be a part of this nutritious breakfast!"

[Rabbit_Fighter]

Do they give Gremlin Bells to students who got high scores or low? Seems like the ones who barely passed should get them.

I used to have a little Vishnu keychain that a friend bought me in Cambodia. I stuck in on my keychain and after awhile became a little bit superstitious about keeping it on there. Then Vishnu broke out of the chain and was lost. After that happened, I crashed and died.

[Bigshankhank]

After that happened, I crashed and died.

And came back as Lo Pan, if one were to put faith in your avatar.
Nice, now go find yourself a green eyed asian girl.

I think the bells go to the high scoring students as a reward. I had never heard of it before, and when someone pointed out that they brought it with them to traffic court to prove what an excellent rider they were I had to question what a judge would actually think of it, which ultimately started me on this chain of useless thought.

[SSCAM]

My first motorcycle was a 1986 Honda XR100. I let Mean Chuck take it into the fields/woods near where we lived and when he brought it back, the shifter was broken. He was gracious enough to take it to school and weld it up in the metal shop. I got rid of the bike in 1998, but I still keep the shifter in the glove box of whatever Jeep I own. I'm not really sure why.

[xtian]

no.
motorcycle the finality not is
motorcycle merely medium to achieve action of riding
motorcycle tool to bend space and time and overcome your own limitations as a mortal
riding more important than medium
spirit by object cannot be beaten.

[Zim]

I got rid of the bike in 1998, but I still keep the shifter in the glove box of whatever Jeep I own. I'm not really sure why.

Because you're superstitious? Sentimental? Prone to irrational behavior? No. You are prepared for when you happen upon a stricken, shifter-less XR100! A forward thinker, I think.

As far as bedazzling a bike with evil-chasing charms, do Bike Nutz count? I mean really, gaudy gonads hanging and swinging about must scare some gremlins away, right?

[Jaeger]

I have a little hamsa thing with the Traveller's Prayer on it (in Hebrew) that I picked up some time back. Figured it couldn't hurt, and the little keychain is neat. Otherwise, the only talismans I have are reflective tape to be more visible.

no.
motorcycle the finality not is
motorcycle merely medium to achieve action of riding
motorcycle tool to bend space and time and overcome your own limitations as a mortal
riding more important than medium
spirit by object cannot be beaten.

OK, WaffleFucker, is this a translation issue or have you been sniffing glue again?

--Jaeger

[xtian]

it's supposed to sound asian kung fu master. this and I skipped dinner and run out of vodka

[Jaeger]

it's supposed to sound asian kung fu master. this and I skipped dinner and run out FOR vodka

Fixed.

--Jaeger

[motorpsycho67]

As an athiest, I place no value on baubles, chotchkes or trinkets. I leave superstitions to the dumbos out there...

[Sisyphus]

You mean like this?

[Rench]

I do have a bell on Christina. See how we'll that's gone...

I think belief in something becomes a mirror. By believing in it, and having it with you, you are now believing in yourself.

Though I do own a legitimate Voodoo Sex Charm, which I cling to like its the One Ring. Will tell tale for the low low price of a pitcher of Lite.

-Rench

[happycommuter]

I carry a St. Benedict's medal. Per that Tru Calling show:

Many people believe it’ll ensure that no harm will come to the body or soul who possess it... And I like to think that its kept me safe ever since

[kitkat]

I think belief in something becomes a mirror. By believing in it, and having it with you, you are now believing in yourself.

-Rench

Brilliant! Best and most rational justification for superstition ever.

One of the biggest psychological challenges we humans have lies in confronting the unknown, the very definition of the future. IMHO, every little bit of whatever that provides any perceived aid to strength/stability/resolve in going forward, placebo or not, is entirely rational within an individual psychological context.

[motorpsycho67]

I think belief in something becomes a mirror. By believing in it, and having it with you, you are now believing in yourself.

-Rench

Brilliant! Best and most rational justification for superstition ever.

One of the biggest psychological challenges we humans have lies in confronting the unknown, the very definition of the future. IMHO, every little bit of whatever that provides any perceived aid to strength/stability/resolve in going forward, placebo or not, is entirely rational within an individual psychological context.

Same premise that makes religion work. If you believe in it enough, it becomes real to you.

[Jaeger]

I think belief in something becomes a mirror. By believing in it, and having it with you, you are now believing in yourself.

-Rench

Brilliant! Best and most rational justification for superstition ever.

Damn straight. Well said, Rench. (And KitKat, for that matter. )

My own justification is much less civilized: fuggit, whatever might improve my chances so long as it doesn't get in the way.

Besides, in all honesty, I'd kind've like there to be a little magic in the world, even though I'm pretty goddamn sure there isn't. I have more than enough cynicism in my life, and were I only to listen to those voices I'd have suck-started my Glock years ago. No, thanks. My delusions keep me sane.

This is why I just can't jump on the hardcore "religion is evil" bandwagon. I wouldn't for one moment deny the awful things that have been done in the name of religion, including the intellectual/spiritual crippling of lots of folks. 'Nuff said. Then again, I know plenty of smart folks who seem to reconcile their faiths not only with a "nothing" like me, but are successful in things like neurosurgery, biochemistry, astrophysics, and rocket science (literally). I don't begrudge them their faiths as it doesn't get in my way, and they usually seem the happier and more stable for their belief in whatever. (My personal opinion is that some "whatevers" are more/less likely to get in the way. I'm sure y'all can guess what several of them are.)

I wouldn't take it from them. I wish I was as sure about The Great Unknown as they are, other than my suspicion that it's just a lightswitch. *click*

I cannot deny the value of having that little spark of hope/magic lodged somewhere in my head. Call it luck, fate, the moon... I don't fucking know, and I don't claim to. More importantly, it doesn't really fucking matter. That's sort've the point of magic, right?

Whatever gets you through the night...

--Jaeger

[stiles]

Yeah, no. Customer wasted himself on his brand-new 1198, dead instantly after hitting a minivan at an intersection doing 70+ on city streets. That little bell didn't do shit for him - just like the one he had on his last 848 didn't teach him anything after he totalled that bike shortly after buying it.

Worthless, and every time I see one I'm reminded of this dead 25 year old guy and me having to explain in detail to his family why neither one of his bikes were worth anything (they were both insured for liability only and bought with inheritance money from his dad, who died the year before, to add to this poor family's suffering).

[Pattio]

I don't have much personal superstition about 'things', like tchotchkes and bells, having an effect on outcomes in our physical world. I do, however, have a deep fascination and love for 'things' that relate to people, tell stories about people, or serve as reflection points for the connections that we, as physical beings, have with the larger world. I love customization and individualization in motorcycles, regardless of the fact that I most often display this interest with mocking and teasing. I don't really need to agree with someone that the medallion on their keychain or the bell on their axle has a real effect in the world, any more than I need to agree that they must (must!) remove those ugly turn signals or tape their headers or apply a layer of decals to a bike to somehow escape the awful curse of factory originality. I am fascinated by the traces that we, and by we I mean the intangible souls that make each of us unique and free actors in the universe, etch around us and leave behind us in the physical 'things' we make, carry, modify, or preserve. I'm fascinated by the things that people do in the course of being people.

[Bigshankhank]

I don't have much personal superstition about 'things', like tchotchkes and bells, having an effect on outcomes in our physical world. I do, however, have a deep fascination and love for 'things' that relate to people, tell stories about people, or serve as reflection points for the connections that we, as physical beings, have with the larger world. I love customization and individualization in motorcycles, regardless of the fact that I most often display this interest with mocking and teasing. I don't really need to agree with someone that the medallion on their keychain or the bell on their axle has a real effect in the world, any more than I need to agree that they must (must!) remove those ugly turn signals or tape their headers or apply a layer of decals to a bike to somehow escape the awful curse of factory originality. I am fascinated by the traces that we, and by we I mean the intangible souls that make each of us unique and free actors in the universe, etch around us and leave behind us in the physical 'things' we make, carry, modify, or preserve. I'm fascinated by the things that people do in the course of being people.

You have a beautiful soul...

[Jaeger]

I am fascinated by the traces that we, and by we I mean the intangible souls that make each of us unique and free actors in the universe, etch around us and leave behind us in the physical 'things' we make, carry, modify, or preserve. I'm fascinated by the things that people do in the course of being people.

Yes.



--Jaeger

[piccini9]

I used to have a black ribbon on my nighthawk. You know, like one of those magnetic, "I support some cause" thingS?
Found it lying in the road, and whatever had been printed on it was rubbed off, so it was just black. It became my nihilist ribbon, signifying nothing, and reminding me of meaninglessness.
I think I need another one.

[Bigshankhank]

I used to have a black ribbon on my nighthawk. You know, like one of those magnetic, "I support some cause" thingS?
Found it lying in the road, and whatever had been printed on it was rubbed off, so it was just black. It became my nihilist ribbon, signifying nothing, and reminding me of meaninglessness.
I think I need another one.

I am reminded of the scene in Conan the Barbarian when the priestess asks him what he sees in the meditation pool, and he replies "Uh, Infinity"

[Mk3]

OK, WaffleFucker, is this a translation issue or have you been sniffing glue again?

UTMC is now my good luck charm. for reasons I'll leave off the boards for now (pending legal actions) I haven't laughed in three days. my stomach now hurts from it. Thanks Jaeger, I needed that

[Bo_9]

it's supposed to sound asian kung fu master. this and I skipped dinner and run out of vodka

No excuse for that...

[mtne]

Charms that do things, nah. But I do occasionally leave something where it happened to end up, be it a parking receipt, feather picked up or a scratch. Or things with keys to I.D. them as mine or which vehicle. But the Chotchke/Charm idea to me is a reminder or remembrance. It could be something from a day, good or bad. A parking stub from a good concert left on a dash, the leftover bits of something that lunched a motor reminding you to use your torque wrench, a symbol of an idea.... whatever.



And I can still just see half of the picture......... oh well. I still like pink

[JoJoLesh]

MTNE- is the monkey and AA prayer coin one in the same piece?
Yes a carry some sort of charm, more things that remind me of the journey. I don't always have them, but mostly I do, and I do miss them if I am caught without them. I have nothing against the whole bell thing. I'd mount one if it was given to me by someone, and I cared to think about that person.

[mtne]

Yeah, it's one of my bike key chains. The monkey is from thailand (good trip), and the coin is from my 2nd anniversary (also important to remember), the Vanson tag came with the jacket and isn't all that common.

[red]

I think belief in something becomes a mirror. By believing in it, and having it with you, you are now believing in yourself.

-Rench

Brilliant! Best and most rational justification for superstition ever.

Damn straight. Well said, Rench. (And KitKat, for that matter. )

My own justification is much less civilized: fuggit, whatever might improve my chances so long as it doesn't get in the way.

Besides, in all honesty, I'd kind've like there to be a little magic in the world, even though I'm pretty goddamn sure there isn't. I have more than enough cynicism in my life, and were I only to listen to those voices I'd have suck-started my Glock years ago. No, thanks. My delusions keep me sane.

This is why I just can't jump on the hardcore "religion is evil" bandwagon. I wouldn't for one moment deny the awful things that have been done in the name of religion, including the intellectual/spiritual crippling of lots of folks. 'Nuff said. Then again, I know plenty of smart folks who seem to reconcile their faiths not only with a "nothing" like me, but are successful in things like neurosurgery, biochemistry, astrophysics, and rocket science (literally). I don't begrudge them their faiths as it doesn't get in my way, and they usually seem the happier and more stable for their belief in whatever. (My personal opinion is that some "whatevers" are more/less likely to get in the way. I'm sure y'all can guess what several of them are.)

I wouldn't take it from them. I wish I was as sure about The Great Unknown as they are, other than my suspicion that it's just a lightswitch. *click*

I cannot deny the value of having that little spark of hope/magic lodged somewhere in my head. Call it luck, fate, the moon... I don't fucking know, and I don't claim to. More importantly, it doesn't really fucking matter. That's sort've the point of magic, right?

Whatever gets you through the night...

--Jaeger

+1

I don't have any charms or good luck bits but I won't push my bikes into the garage, I always ride them in (unless they are broken). Even if it's a few feet.