Tips for Motorcycle Safety By James Pastman

Individuals often judge the inherent dangers of an action through comparison to motorcycle riding. When people on motorcycles ride within their skill levels, exercise necessary caution, and make good decisions, they drastically reduce the risk involved with this exciting activity. One of the best ways that riders can prevent accidents is to conduct a quick once over of the bike before hitting the road. This check should ensure that all lights and signals operate correctly, and that the machine has adequate fuel and oil. Riders should also verify mirror placement and look for any obvious signs of damage. In reality, this sort of cursory glance takes only a few moments and may save the individual’s life. When riding a new motorcycle, people should always examine the engine, cables, and chain. Those who have not ridden in a while may want to look into nearby training courses, if only to brush up on their skills. Also, many insurance agencies offer discounts for graduates of such programs.

Too often, riders get hurt because they have not invested in proper gear or chose not to wear it for some reason. With a high-quality helmet, a durable leather jacket, non-slip gloves, and protective boots, bikers dramatically reduce the chance of an accident and increase their chances of walking away in the event of one. Riders should choose helmets with a Department of Transportation label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards. In the world of motorcycles, those who have been riding for a long time understand the importance of investing in the right gear. Also, individuals should never ride in the rain or in other conditions without the proper equipment to handle the elements.

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While out on the road, motorcyclists can lower their risk by riding intelligently and respecting the limits of both themselves and their bikes. Riders should avoid tailing other vehicles or coming too close to any obstacle on the road. Motorcyclists must anticipate the actions of other drivers and constantly prepare for the unexpected. Safe riding means ensuring that other drivers can always see the motorcyclist. To that extent, riders should use their headlights and turn signals. Also, motorcyclists must understand how to brake properly in different situations.

 

About the Author

A resident of Chicago, Illinois, James Pastman has worked in the music industry for more than three decades as a composer, music director, and concert pianist. He also oversees a small hedge fund, Rhombus Capital Management, LP. Outside of work, James Pastman supports a number of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity International and the American Red Cross. He enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and riding motorcycles.

A Brief Overview of John Mehegan’s Career in Jazz

By James Pastman

As a jazz musician, I strive to optimally hone my playing skills by practicing and gigging as often as possible. Additionally, I devote a great deal of time and energy toward expanding my knowledge of music theory through research and reading. Of the multitude of texts I have delved into over the years, John Mehegan’s books on jazz stand apart as especially informative and helpful. The author of a comprehensive series of instructional tomes, Mehegan also shared his love and understanding of jazz as an educator and writer for a number of acclaimed jazz-centric publications.

Prior to his death in April 1984, Mehegan maintained a commendably full schedule working as a critic and reviewer for Downbeat magazine, among others, also offering an insightful perspective of his chosen art form via lectures on basic and advanced jazz theory, as well as improvisation techniques. John Mehegan embarked on his career as a professional jazz musician in the late 1930s, playing small shows across the state of Massachusetts. After relocating to New York City in 1941, Mehegan soon landed a recording deal with Savoy Records, a label that supported a vast array of talented artists in their journey to stardom.

In 1945, Mehegan laid down four tracks at Savoy’s studio, moving on to accept a position as a professor at Juilliard, a world-famous school of performing arts. Throughout the 1950s, Mehegan played and wrote with drive and passion, recording a total of four albums for Savoy from 1954-1956. Garnering accolades for his accomplishments as a piano soloist, Mehegan teamed up with Eddie Costa, another pianist, and Vinnie Burke, forming a cohesive trio for the mid-1950s Savoy sessions.

In 1959, John Mehegan partnered with trumpet player Kenny Dorham to record for a label named Request, leaving the United States later that year to tour in South Africa. Mehegan’s experience on this international tour was problematic, however, as he was unduly criticized for “fraternizing” with black musicians. Like most jazzmen of the day, Mehegan opted to focus on his art alone, ignoring any bigotry he encountered. Mehegan undertook his last recording session in 1960.

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