Hey Stacey,

Good point about the Richman/Kristal connection! Both were sort of transitional Old World/Modern World figures, even if Richman was the dorkier of the two and Kristal ultimately the rich man (baddle biddle biddle bum). It’s sort of a paradigm of the early punks in general. All those kids born after the Holocaust were raised in its shadow, yet ready to move on. They REALLY didn’t want to be associated with Germany, Poland, Hungary etc anymore – what were those but killing fields by then anyway? Still, even if they weren’t fully conscious of it at the time, they respected the substance of Jewish culture (cleverness before strength, social justice before might, comic books and diners before librettos and opera houses). If you’re around on Sunday, November 18, I’ll be in Ann Arbor appearing at the Jewish Book Festival there and will be very happy to hear more of your comments and sign your book. After all, promoting “Heebie-Jeebies at CBGB’s” by going on the road (clever, huh?) kind of sucks unless I see people who get what I’m saying. Also, kudos to you for planning to check out Gold’s work – it’s something every Jewcy should do (so that they shouldn’t feel guilty, you see.)

sb