Harvey, I like the name. Gives the shop special character too. I also had fun wearing the tee shirt in Las Vegas where the hotel concierge asked me if they had made the reservation for me there.
Customers come first at Ken's shop.
Mike Schmidt Millington, New Jersey Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 19, 2009, at 8:01 AM, Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net> wrote:
> I'm not sure I have Ken's email address, I've used the most recent
> one I found. Ken has a beautiful collection, one to be proud of.
>
> But somehow, I feel uncomfortable about the name Ken has chosen for
> his shop and collection, and thought I'd finally try to share that
> with him. So, please forward this if the address above is wrong.
> And because this is tangentially related to our topic domain, let's
> not get into a long discussion on the list.
>
> "brothel" just has too many unpleasant connotations in my mind to be
> used humorously. Too much history of exploitation and servitude. I
> can't imagine, for example, naming a shop "Greg's Gulag". or
> "Harvey's Harem for Bikes."
>
> More important to me, it just doesn't describe my relationship to my
> vintage bikes. My bikes are not just "rented" for a short time, but
> long-term relationships. I've had several bikes three decades or
> more. Each is cherished for its ride and for what it speaks about
> some specific aspect of the hobby. The '38 Paramount was launch year
> for a great product, and the JC Higgins/Sears with original Campag
> stuff duplicates my first 10-speed. The Serotta was the last of the
> lugged production bikes. Each has a story that means something to me.
>
> There are other approaches and attitudes, but I think all of us on
> the list invest time and money out of love, not need.
>
> I'm not a prude, and I've shared my stock of the risque. If Ken's
> building was a brothel way back when, I'd probably put up a plaque
> on its history if it were mine. But, I have a sense of how my wife
> would feel if I suggested visiting the shop by that name. I'd have
> to do some explaining. And her seven sisters? I think the same.
>
> just my thought this holiday season.
>
> harvey sachs
> mcLean va