OFF THE WIRE
If you want to warm your Heart, please take the time to see this video.
This was about one (1) month ago and unless you were listening to FOX, you have never heard a word about it. He might not have been your favorite but look how he is so caring GOD BLESS HIM!!!.
This is a Commander in Chief!
Click your mouse here: July 4 2011
I'd just bet ya never saw this on any news report!
God Bless America
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sad news from New Orleans
OFF THE WIRE
Sad news from New Orleans
It seems that every couple of days
New Orleans loses one of its treasured
ENTREPRENEURS .
Lets get the players straight before
we go on with this.
LARMONDO "FLAIR" ALLEN
His Companion: Kawanner Armstrong
His Sons : Christian Allen
Kwan Allen
Larmondo Allen, Jr.
His Daughters: Deidra Allen
Larmenshell Allen
Lamonshea Allen
Larmomdriel Allen
Larmerja Allen
Korevell Allen
AT AGE 25 -
He had 9 Children.
(Could Kawanner Armstrong Possibly Be The Mother Of All Of His Kids?)
His Father: Burnell Thompson
His Mother: Esther Allen
His Stepfather: Bruce Gordy
His Brothers: Burnell Thompson
Edgar Thompson
Wil Willis
Danta Edwards
Reshe Edwards
Mattnell Allen
Burnell Allen
Lester Allen
His Sisters: Shannail Craig
Lekiksha Thompson
Gwendolyn Carter
Jessica Willis
Katina Gordy
Grandparents: Delors Allen
J.C. Allen
Anna Laura Thompson
Will Thompson
So, lets see now....
His Father, Burnell Thompson, fathered his brothers Burnell, Edgar and his sister Lekiksha.
His Stepfather, Bruce Gordy, fathered his Sister Katina.
His Mother, Esther Allen, must have been unwed when she gave birth to: Larmondo, Mattnell, Burnell and Lester.
We don't know who fathered Wil Willis and Jessica Willis, or Dante and Reshe Edwards.
Lets hope sisters Shannail Craig and Gwendolyn Carter are married.
GOT THE ABOVE ALL STRAIGHT?
********************
NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY
He was 25 and had 3 sons and 6 daughters.
NINE welfare recipients collecting $1500 each.....
That equals $13,500 a month !!! Now add Food Stamps,
Free medical, Free school lunches, on and on and on AND ON.
Do the math... that's $162,000 +++ a year.
Anyone out there, sittin' on their butt while reading
this e-mail, making that kind of money doing nothing?
Now that, to me, is a real Entrepreneur.
(AND BECAUSE OF THEIR FATHER’S DEATH, ALL OF THE KIDS WILL COLLECT
SOCIAL SECURITY UNTIL THEY ARE 18)
And people wonder what is wrong with our country!
Government out of money???
We have become a nation of dumb people. The smartest are sitting home having kids and collecting our hard earned tax dollars. Irresponsible behavior pays in the UNITED STATES.
No wonder this Country is going BANKRUPT !!!!
Sad news from New Orleans
It seems that every couple of days
New Orleans loses one of its treasured
ENTREPRENEURS .
Lets get the players straight before
we go on with this.
LARMONDO "FLAIR" ALLEN
His Companion: Kawanner Armstrong
His Sons : Christian Allen
Kwan Allen
Larmondo Allen, Jr.
His Daughters: Deidra Allen
Larmenshell Allen
Lamonshea Allen
Larmomdriel Allen
Larmerja Allen
Korevell Allen
AT AGE 25 -
He had 9 Children.
(Could Kawanner Armstrong Possibly Be The Mother Of All Of His Kids?)
His Father: Burnell Thompson
His Mother: Esther Allen
His Stepfather: Bruce Gordy
His Brothers: Burnell Thompson
Edgar Thompson
Wil Willis
Danta Edwards
Reshe Edwards
Mattnell Allen
Burnell Allen
Lester Allen
His Sisters: Shannail Craig
Lekiksha Thompson
Gwendolyn Carter
Jessica Willis
Katina Gordy
Grandparents: Delors Allen
J.C. Allen
Anna Laura Thompson
Will Thompson
So, lets see now....
His Father, Burnell Thompson, fathered his brothers Burnell, Edgar and his sister Lekiksha.
His Stepfather, Bruce Gordy, fathered his Sister Katina.
His Mother, Esther Allen, must have been unwed when she gave birth to: Larmondo, Mattnell, Burnell and Lester.
We don't know who fathered Wil Willis and Jessica Willis, or Dante and Reshe Edwards.
Lets hope sisters Shannail Craig and Gwendolyn Carter are married.
GOT THE ABOVE ALL STRAIGHT?
********************
NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY
He was 25 and had 3 sons and 6 daughters.
NINE welfare recipients collecting $1500 each.....
That equals $13,500 a month !!! Now add Food Stamps,
Free medical, Free school lunches, on and on and on AND ON.
Do the math... that's $162,000 +++ a year.
Anyone out there, sittin' on their butt while reading
this e-mail, making that kind of money doing nothing?
Now that, to me, is a real Entrepreneur.
(AND BECAUSE OF THEIR FATHER’S DEATH, ALL OF THE KIDS WILL COLLECT
SOCIAL SECURITY UNTIL THEY ARE 18)
And people wonder what is wrong with our country!
Government out of money???
We have become a nation of dumb people. The smartest are sitting home having kids and collecting our hard earned tax dollars. Irresponsible behavior pays in the UNITED STATES.
No wonder this Country is going BANKRUPT !!!!
Debut EP RELEASE!
Frank Palangi
Queensbury, NY
Rock / Modern Rock / Acoustic
Play Songs » Share Songs » Visit Profile »
THE EP is released!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HZ2K8I/ref=dm_att_alb3
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/frank-palangi-ep/id457038135
check out here or Itunes/CD baby and more!
I'm very excited about this released. It took a year and half of hard work to get this done between mult-trips to Nashville and back. Thank you all for your support over this process and there is more great things to come!
Frank headed in to the studio 2010/2011 with veteran record producer Rogers Masson to record his debut EP. The sessions were held in music center of the world, Nashville, TN at Soundstage Studios. Frank has written, performed, and co-produced this material which brings out the talented young man to a wider audience. Rogers secured the Grammy nominated rock band Day of Fire and former Full Devil Jacket to backup Frank in the studio. Rogers says, “This is the baddest rhythm section in the land, and along with the vocal guidance of singer Josh Brown, Frank’s songs are going to turn out amazing.”
ROCK ON!
The Frank Palangi Store
Gray Womens T-Shirt
Merchandise
$16.99
view this item » Gery Anvil Men's T-shirt
Merchandise
$16.99
view this item »
MUSIC STORES
iTunes Amazon Mp3 CD Baby Soundclick Zazzle Bizmo
PRESS
"Interview with Musician Frank Palangi" Bruce Moore, Pure Grain Audio.com
"Frank Palangi EP review from Melodic.net" Kaj Roth, Melodic.net
"Frank Palangi Set To Release His Debut Offering “Frank Palangi EP”" Sera Roadnight, M T PRESS (Mi2n.com)
UPCOMING SHOWS
Irish PubGlens Falls, NYThu Sep 08 1109:00 PM
St. Edwards Chruch (Music Fest)Clifton Park, NYSun Sep 11 1112:00 PM
Foresters ClubGloversville, NYSat Sep 17 1111:00 AMTickets
> See More / Details
LINKS
ReverbNation Artist Website other other Facebook
WIDGETS
Music Player (Pro) Video Player Widget (Pro) Show Schedule Widget (Pro) Press Widget (Pro) Fan Collector (Pro) Exclusive Downloads (Pro) TuneWidget Store Grab Box
Queensbury, NY
Rock / Modern Rock / Acoustic
Play Songs » Share Songs » Visit Profile »
THE EP is released!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HZ2K8I/ref=dm_att_alb3
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/frank-palangi-ep/id457038135
check out here or Itunes/CD baby and more!
I'm very excited about this released. It took a year and half of hard work to get this done between mult-trips to Nashville and back. Thank you all for your support over this process and there is more great things to come!
Frank headed in to the studio 2010/2011 with veteran record producer Rogers Masson to record his debut EP. The sessions were held in music center of the world, Nashville, TN at Soundstage Studios. Frank has written, performed, and co-produced this material which brings out the talented young man to a wider audience. Rogers secured the Grammy nominated rock band Day of Fire and former Full Devil Jacket to backup Frank in the studio. Rogers says, “This is the baddest rhythm section in the land, and along with the vocal guidance of singer Josh Brown, Frank’s songs are going to turn out amazing.”
ROCK ON!
The Frank Palangi Store
Gray Womens T-Shirt
Merchandise
$16.99
view this item » Gery Anvil Men's T-shirt
Merchandise
$16.99
view this item »
MUSIC STORES
iTunes Amazon Mp3 CD Baby Soundclick Zazzle Bizmo
PRESS
"Interview with Musician Frank Palangi" Bruce Moore, Pure Grain Audio.com
"Frank Palangi EP review from Melodic.net" Kaj Roth, Melodic.net
"Frank Palangi Set To Release His Debut Offering “Frank Palangi EP”" Sera Roadnight, M T PRESS (Mi2n.com)
UPCOMING SHOWS
Irish PubGlens Falls, NYThu Sep 08 1109:00 PM
St. Edwards Chruch (Music Fest)Clifton Park, NYSun Sep 11 1112:00 PM
Foresters ClubGloversville, NYSat Sep 17 1111:00 AMTickets
> See More / Details
LINKS
ReverbNation Artist Website other other Facebook
WIDGETS
Music Player (Pro) Video Player Widget (Pro) Show Schedule Widget (Pro) Press Widget (Pro) Fan Collector (Pro) Exclusive Downloads (Pro) TuneWidget Store Grab Box
RIP Nick Bean
OFF THE WIRE
From
Ms. T.N.T. has sent you a message on WORLD OF SOUL MOTORCYCLE COMMUNITY
Subject: RIP Nick Bean
------------
Just got some of the worst news ever today. A very good friend of our family was killed Friday night 8/26/11 while riding his motorcycle on 88E near the Winfield exit with two of his friends. Nick Bean crashed his bike into the back of a patrol car. Apparently a police unit wanted to pull them over so they cut in-front of Nick and slammed on the brakes instead of pulling behind with the red and blues flashing. With no time for him to stop, Nick struck the rear of the patrol car throwing him from his bike onto 88E ending in his premature death. Nick was left lying on 88E for everyone to see from roughly 9:30pm-1:30am this morning. He was left on the road for so long that all his loved ones seen him lying there breathless. NOT THE POLICE but Pedestrians had to block traffic themselves at first so that Nick was not ran over until more units arrived. All the time the officer that caused the crash sat in his car doing NOTHING! His wife Erica tried to run to his side but the police aggressively tackled her to the ground before reaching her husband and the father of her child. THIS IS NOT RIGHT! Anyone who had the honor of knowing Nick will tell you he was the most HONORABLE, LOYAL, CARING, FUNNIEST person you would ever meet! And for someone so precious to so many lives did not deserve the disrespect he received in his death! This will not be covered up, which seems as though could be happening on the police side. Usually an accident of this magnitude is on the news immediately. Why is that not the case? Why cant i find any reports on it? Justice must be served!!! PLEASE RE-POST AND SUPPORT US IN THE FIGHT OF GETTING JUSTICE FOR OR LOST FRIEND!
To Erica: I love you and am so sorry for the loss of your soul mate, you two were truly a couple and family to admire! We are hear for you and anything you or Lyric need, its yours!
To Lyric: Im sorry your daddy wont see you grow and miss the special times in your life. Be proud of your PaPa for he was a great man and touched a lot of hearts. He will be your angel from above from now till you meet again.
To Matthew "Knu York" Phipps, Wes Bean Ramos and all the RPM family: I am sorry for the loss of your brother! He will always be missed and NEVER forgotten!
To everyone else this is effecting: There is a force growing inside of us full of hurt, uncertainty, rage and mixed emotions. Just think of the time that Nick made you laugh, smile or just greeted you with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Smile up to him now that he will be smiling down on us. BE STRONG! WE WILL ALL PULL THROUGH THIS TOGETHER!
R.I.P. NICK "BEAN" LINTON
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!
R.I.P. MY FRIEND!
FUCKING SHAME, AGAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOWING THERE FUCKED UP.........
From
Ms. T.N.T. has sent you a message on WORLD OF SOUL MOTORCYCLE COMMUNITY
Subject: RIP Nick Bean
------------
Just got some of the worst news ever today. A very good friend of our family was killed Friday night 8/26/11 while riding his motorcycle on 88E near the Winfield exit with two of his friends. Nick Bean crashed his bike into the back of a patrol car. Apparently a police unit wanted to pull them over so they cut in-front of Nick and slammed on the brakes instead of pulling behind with the red and blues flashing. With no time for him to stop, Nick struck the rear of the patrol car throwing him from his bike onto 88E ending in his premature death. Nick was left lying on 88E for everyone to see from roughly 9:30pm-1:30am this morning. He was left on the road for so long that all his loved ones seen him lying there breathless. NOT THE POLICE but Pedestrians had to block traffic themselves at first so that Nick was not ran over until more units arrived. All the time the officer that caused the crash sat in his car doing NOTHING! His wife Erica tried to run to his side but the police aggressively tackled her to the ground before reaching her husband and the father of her child. THIS IS NOT RIGHT! Anyone who had the honor of knowing Nick will tell you he was the most HONORABLE, LOYAL, CARING, FUNNIEST person you would ever meet! And for someone so precious to so many lives did not deserve the disrespect he received in his death! This will not be covered up, which seems as though could be happening on the police side. Usually an accident of this magnitude is on the news immediately. Why is that not the case? Why cant i find any reports on it? Justice must be served!!! PLEASE RE-POST AND SUPPORT US IN THE FIGHT OF GETTING JUSTICE FOR OR LOST FRIEND!
To Erica: I love you and am so sorry for the loss of your soul mate, you two were truly a couple and family to admire! We are hear for you and anything you or Lyric need, its yours!
To Lyric: Im sorry your daddy wont see you grow and miss the special times in your life. Be proud of your PaPa for he was a great man and touched a lot of hearts. He will be your angel from above from now till you meet again.
To Matthew "Knu York" Phipps, Wes Bean Ramos and all the RPM family: I am sorry for the loss of your brother! He will always be missed and NEVER forgotten!
To everyone else this is effecting: There is a force growing inside of us full of hurt, uncertainty, rage and mixed emotions. Just think of the time that Nick made you laugh, smile or just greeted you with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Smile up to him now that he will be smiling down on us. BE STRONG! WE WILL ALL PULL THROUGH THIS TOGETHER!
R.I.P. NICK "BEAN" LINTON
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!
R.I.P. MY FRIEND!
FUCKING SHAME, AGAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOWING THERE FUCKED UP.........
Obama uncle held in Mass. by immigration officials
OFF THE WIRE
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — President Barack Obama's uncle was stopped on suspicion of drunken driving, told police he planned to arrange bail through the White House and was being held without bail on an immigration detainer, authorities said Monday.
Onyango Obama was arrested last week in Framingham, about 20 miles west of Boston, after police said he made a rolling stop through a stop sign and nearly caused a cruiser to strike his sport utility vehicle.
Police said that after being booked at the police station, Obama was asked whether he wanted to make a telephone call to arrange for bail.
"I think I will call the White House," he stated, according to a police report filed in Framingham District Court.
Police said Obama, who's originally from Kenya and is the half-brother of the president's late father, pleaded not guilty Friday and was being held without bail on a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a court document, ICE said he had an earlier deportation or removal order.
His immigration status couldn't immediately be confirmed, but such orders are generally reserved for people living in the country illegally.
An immigration detainer, used by ICE to identify people in jail or prison who could be deported, is a request to another law enforcement agency to notify ICE before releasing the person from custody so ICE can arrange to take over custody.
A spokesman for ICE declined to comment on Obama's immigration case, and the White House had no comment.
Obama, 67, was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.
Michael Rogers, a spokesman for Cleveland immigration attorney Margaret Wong, said Wong will represent Obama. He confirmed that Obama is the half-brother of the president's father and the brother of another relative, Zeituni Onyango, of Boston.
Onyango made headlines last year when she won the right to stay in the United States after an earlier deportation order. She came to the U.S. from Kenya in 2000 and was denied asylum by an immigration judge in 2004.
She stayed in the country illegally and was granted asylum last year by a judge who found she could be a target in Kenya not only for those who oppose the United States and the president but also for members of the Kenyan government.
Frmingham police said Obama was arrested Wednesday after he failed to stop completely at a stop sign and a police officer had to quickly apply his brakes to avoid hitting Obama's SUV.
Officer Val Krishtal said in a written report that Obama slurred his speech and became argumentative after he was told that he was being stopped because he had failed to fully stop and yield to traffic.
"I explained to him that I narrowly avoided striking his vehicle, and he told me that he did not hear my tires screeching so I was not being accurate," Krishtal said in the report.
Obama originally told Krishtal he had nothing to drink but later said he had had two beers, Krishtal wrote in the report.
Krishtal said Obama failed several sobriety tests and blew a reading of 0.14 percent on a blood-alcohol breath test, which is above the state's legal driving limit of 0.08 percent.
The president's administration announced this month that it would allow many illegal immigrants facing deportation the chance to stay in the U.S. and apply for work permits and would focus on removing convicted criminals and people who might be national security or public safety threats.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/29/ap/business/main20098885.shtml
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — President Barack Obama's uncle was stopped on suspicion of drunken driving, told police he planned to arrange bail through the White House and was being held without bail on an immigration detainer, authorities said Monday.
Onyango Obama was arrested last week in Framingham, about 20 miles west of Boston, after police said he made a rolling stop through a stop sign and nearly caused a cruiser to strike his sport utility vehicle.
Police said that after being booked at the police station, Obama was asked whether he wanted to make a telephone call to arrange for bail.
"I think I will call the White House," he stated, according to a police report filed in Framingham District Court.
Police said Obama, who's originally from Kenya and is the half-brother of the president's late father, pleaded not guilty Friday and was being held without bail on a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a court document, ICE said he had an earlier deportation or removal order.
His immigration status couldn't immediately be confirmed, but such orders are generally reserved for people living in the country illegally.
An immigration detainer, used by ICE to identify people in jail or prison who could be deported, is a request to another law enforcement agency to notify ICE before releasing the person from custody so ICE can arrange to take over custody.
A spokesman for ICE declined to comment on Obama's immigration case, and the White House had no comment.
Obama, 67, was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.
Michael Rogers, a spokesman for Cleveland immigration attorney Margaret Wong, said Wong will represent Obama. He confirmed that Obama is the half-brother of the president's father and the brother of another relative, Zeituni Onyango, of Boston.
Onyango made headlines last year when she won the right to stay in the United States after an earlier deportation order. She came to the U.S. from Kenya in 2000 and was denied asylum by an immigration judge in 2004.
She stayed in the country illegally and was granted asylum last year by a judge who found she could be a target in Kenya not only for those who oppose the United States and the president but also for members of the Kenyan government.
Frmingham police said Obama was arrested Wednesday after he failed to stop completely at a stop sign and a police officer had to quickly apply his brakes to avoid hitting Obama's SUV.
Officer Val Krishtal said in a written report that Obama slurred his speech and became argumentative after he was told that he was being stopped because he had failed to fully stop and yield to traffic.
"I explained to him that I narrowly avoided striking his vehicle, and he told me that he did not hear my tires screeching so I was not being accurate," Krishtal said in the report.
Obama originally told Krishtal he had nothing to drink but later said he had had two beers, Krishtal wrote in the report.
Krishtal said Obama failed several sobriety tests and blew a reading of 0.14 percent on a blood-alcohol breath test, which is above the state's legal driving limit of 0.08 percent.
The president's administration announced this month that it would allow many illegal immigrants facing deportation the chance to stay in the U.S. and apply for work permits and would focus on removing convicted criminals and people who might be national security or public safety threats.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/29/ap/business/main20098885.shtml
Vladimir Putin rides a Harley Davidson with a biker gxxg in Russia
OFF THE WIRE
The Russian Prime Minister rides with members of the "Night Wolves" biker gxxg on board a three-wheeled Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Vladimir Putin rode through the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk as part of the bikers annual festival on Monday.
Clad in black and riding a three-wheeler made by iconic American motorbike manafacturers Harley Davidson, the former president appeared at ease amongst the bikers.
His appearance at the festival in Novorossiysk, which helps to commemorate the city's resistance to German invaders during the Second World War, came as current Russian president Dmitriy Medvedev called parliamentary elections in the country for December. The vote will precede a Presidential poll in March 2012.
The motorcycle festival is the latest in a series of macho appearances that have earned Mr Putin the nickname "alpha-dog" in US diplomatic cables, only last week he was filmed stripping to the waist for a medical check-up on a shoulder he reportedly injured whilst working out.
Video:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8730799/Vladimir-Putin-rides-a-Harley-Davidson-with-a-biker-gang-in-Russia.html
The Russian Prime Minister rides with members of the "Night Wolves" biker gxxg on board a three-wheeled Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Vladimir Putin rode through the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk as part of the bikers annual festival on Monday.
Clad in black and riding a three-wheeler made by iconic American motorbike manafacturers Harley Davidson, the former president appeared at ease amongst the bikers.
His appearance at the festival in Novorossiysk, which helps to commemorate the city's resistance to German invaders during the Second World War, came as current Russian president Dmitriy Medvedev called parliamentary elections in the country for December. The vote will precede a Presidential poll in March 2012.
The motorcycle festival is the latest in a series of macho appearances that have earned Mr Putin the nickname "alpha-dog" in US diplomatic cables, only last week he was filmed stripping to the waist for a medical check-up on a shoulder he reportedly injured whilst working out.
Video:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8730799/Vladimir-Putin-rides-a-Harley-Davidson-with-a-biker-gang-in-Russia.html
FLORIDA - Charlie Brechtel defends Rogue
OFF THE WIRE
Charlie Brechtel defends Rogue!
just posted the following on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2rkbedSvfI
It starts off with some news and then at 5 minuets and 30 seconds into the show he starts talking about me and what is going on with ABATE of Florida
Try and get as many people as you can to see this.
Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com
Charlie Brechtel defends Rogue!
just posted the following on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2rkbedSvfI
It starts off with some news and then at 5 minuets and 30 seconds into the show he starts talking about me and what is going on with ABATE of Florida
Try and get as many people as you can to see this.
Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com
CA: Checkpoints Bakersfield FYI~
OFF THE WIRE
http://www.kget.com/news/local/story/Police-increasing-patrols-for-motorcycle-safety/RX4_l1VbbEuiwfu4iXpnNw.csp
Police increasing patrols for motorcycle safety
Video
Published: 8/29 4:29 pm Share Updated: 8/29 4:36 pmWayne Gallagher has been riding motorcycles all his life. He says the years of thrills have been mixed with the sadness of saying goodbye. "I've buried my fair share of friends."
Reckless driving, either from motorcyclists or others on the road has caused motorcycle fatalities to go up 175% in California since 2001. Bakersfield Police Sergeant Melvin Johnson says that didn't have to happen. "We believe it's preventable obviously it comes down to the motorcyclists abilities and to everyone sharing the road and obeying the rules of the road."
But according to Gallagher that rarely happens. He says he gets cut off or nearly hit dozens of times daily. In 2006, a reckless driver nearly cost him his life. "I had a guy turn left in front of me took me out woke up in he middle of the street with a helicopter in front of me and I was in the hospital for a week and rehab for 18 weeks it was tough," says Gallagher.
Bakersfield Police have been encouraging motorcycle safety by cracking down on reckless or negligent driving behavior. Gallagher is glad about BPD's campaign, but says it's only a matter of time until another driver loses their life. "It's going to cost somebody some day. I don't think people realize that there's no such thing as a fender bender of a motorcycle there will be blood."
http://www.bakersfield.com/blogs/breaking_news/x254542869/Motorcycle-safety-and-DUI-patrol-leads-to-30-citations
Motorcycle safety and DUI patrol leads to 30 citations
The Bakersfield Police Department cited 30 out of 39 drivers and motorcyclists stopped Sunday during a citywide Motorcycle Safety/DUI Saturation Patrol, a department release said.
The patrol took place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and targeted motorcycle riders and motorists who displayed possible impairment or violated rules of the road that tend to lead to collisions with motorcyclists, the release said.
Drivers and riders were cited for violations which inlcuded not wearing a proper helmet, speeding, running red lights and using a cell phone while driving, the release said.
According to the release, none of those cited during the patrol displayed symptoms of impairment.
http://www.kget.com/news/local/story/Police-increasing-patrols-for-motorcycle-safety/RX4_l1VbbEuiwfu4iXpnNw.csp
Police increasing patrols for motorcycle safety
Video
Published: 8/29 4:29 pm Share Updated: 8/29 4:36 pmWayne Gallagher has been riding motorcycles all his life. He says the years of thrills have been mixed with the sadness of saying goodbye. "I've buried my fair share of friends."
Reckless driving, either from motorcyclists or others on the road has caused motorcycle fatalities to go up 175% in California since 2001. Bakersfield Police Sergeant Melvin Johnson says that didn't have to happen. "We believe it's preventable obviously it comes down to the motorcyclists abilities and to everyone sharing the road and obeying the rules of the road."
But according to Gallagher that rarely happens. He says he gets cut off or nearly hit dozens of times daily. In 2006, a reckless driver nearly cost him his life. "I had a guy turn left in front of me took me out woke up in he middle of the street with a helicopter in front of me and I was in the hospital for a week and rehab for 18 weeks it was tough," says Gallagher.
Bakersfield Police have been encouraging motorcycle safety by cracking down on reckless or negligent driving behavior. Gallagher is glad about BPD's campaign, but says it's only a matter of time until another driver loses their life. "It's going to cost somebody some day. I don't think people realize that there's no such thing as a fender bender of a motorcycle there will be blood."
http://www.bakersfield.com/blogs/breaking_news/x254542869/Motorcycle-safety-and-DUI-patrol-leads-to-30-citations
Motorcycle safety and DUI patrol leads to 30 citations
The Bakersfield Police Department cited 30 out of 39 drivers and motorcyclists stopped Sunday during a citywide Motorcycle Safety/DUI Saturation Patrol, a department release said.
The patrol took place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and targeted motorcycle riders and motorists who displayed possible impairment or violated rules of the road that tend to lead to collisions with motorcyclists, the release said.
Drivers and riders were cited for violations which inlcuded not wearing a proper helmet, speeding, running red lights and using a cell phone while driving, the release said.
According to the release, none of those cited during the patrol displayed symptoms of impairment.
ILLINOIS: Quinn changes language in motorcycle bill
OFF THE WIRE
http://www.sj-r.com/state/x1698393066/Quinn-changes-language-in-motorcycle-bill
Quinn changes language in motorcycle bill
By CHRIS WETTERICH THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Posted Aug 29, 2011 @ 11:00 PM
Motorcyclists and others who get stuck at a red light controlled by a sensor that doesn’t detect their presence would have to wait two minutes before proceeding through the light, under changes Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed to a bill legislators sent him in May.
The version of House Bill 2860 passed by the House and Senate would have allowed motorcyclists to run red lights “after a reasonable period of time” if traffic sensors didn’t detect them at intersections. The governor’s office believes that it would essentially allow bikers to treat a red light as a stop sign.
In his amendatory veto message, Quinn said the bill “endangers our motorists, and its interpretation could vary from individual to individual and county to county.”
"The 'reasonable period of time' language contained in House Bill 2860 is too subjective and will result in confusion amonst law enforcement, the judiciary, and motorcycle operators," Quinn wrote. "By establishing a specific period of time, motorcycle operators will know definitively how long they must be stopped efore proceeding through an intersection. Similar laws enacted in other states established a specified time."
Quinn’s proposed changes, if approved, also would not allow bikers to disobey signs that bar them from making right or left turns on red, and a motorcyclist would still have to yield to oncoming traffic.
The Illinois State Police testified against the bill in May. It does not apply to the city of Chicago. Eleven other states have similar laws.
Back in May, a lobbyist for ABATE, a motorcyclist advocacy group, testified that bikers sometimes get stuck at a red light timed to change to green only when sensors implanted on the road detect a vehicle. Some motorcycles and bicycles weigh too little to trigger the sensors, he said.
The bill’s sponsors, Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and Rep. Daniel Beiser, D-Alton, did not return calls seeking comment on Monday.
http://www.sj-r.com/state/x1698393066/Quinn-changes-language-in-motorcycle-bill
Quinn changes language in motorcycle bill
By CHRIS WETTERICH THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Posted Aug 29, 2011 @ 11:00 PM
Motorcyclists and others who get stuck at a red light controlled by a sensor that doesn’t detect their presence would have to wait two minutes before proceeding through the light, under changes Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed to a bill legislators sent him in May.
The version of House Bill 2860 passed by the House and Senate would have allowed motorcyclists to run red lights “after a reasonable period of time” if traffic sensors didn’t detect them at intersections. The governor’s office believes that it would essentially allow bikers to treat a red light as a stop sign.
In his amendatory veto message, Quinn said the bill “endangers our motorists, and its interpretation could vary from individual to individual and county to county.”
"The 'reasonable period of time' language contained in House Bill 2860 is too subjective and will result in confusion amonst law enforcement, the judiciary, and motorcycle operators," Quinn wrote. "By establishing a specific period of time, motorcycle operators will know definitively how long they must be stopped efore proceeding through an intersection. Similar laws enacted in other states established a specified time."
Quinn’s proposed changes, if approved, also would not allow bikers to disobey signs that bar them from making right or left turns on red, and a motorcyclist would still have to yield to oncoming traffic.
The Illinois State Police testified against the bill in May. It does not apply to the city of Chicago. Eleven other states have similar laws.
Back in May, a lobbyist for ABATE, a motorcyclist advocacy group, testified that bikers sometimes get stuck at a red light timed to change to green only when sensors implanted on the road detect a vehicle. Some motorcycles and bicycles weigh too little to trigger the sensors, he said.
The bill’s sponsors, Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and Rep. Daniel Beiser, D-Alton, did not return calls seeking comment on Monday.
Jay Allen Breaks Another Land Speed Record With Help From Friend Wink Eller…
OFF THE WIRE
by
Fresh from hosting a very successful Sturgis Rally 2011 at the downtown Original Broken Spoke, Jay Allen arrived at Bonneville Speed Week supercharged to break another Land Speed Record with the support of good friend and mentor, Wink Eller. After three passes, Allen claimed a new record average with 186.465 and a new Land Speed Record in the APS-PG-3000 class. Jay’s Bonneville bike is powered by an S&S 124” consumer motor with Rob Schopf B-2 heads, which is the smallest motor in the class. It also features a Baker drivetrain 5 speed transmission. “I get up to 180 – 190mph no problem with these components that are right out of the crate,” tells Jay. “Now, that’s a testament to the kind of quality product these tried and true American manufacturers produce. Thanks to S&S and Baker I can live my dreams out here on the Flats!”
Wink ultimately was unable to ride his own bike due to an injury, but, boy, did he try. Eager to kill it on the salt, the mastermind fabricator forgot to factor in that his flesh wound would be pressed up against the frame and then assaulted by the wicked vibrations of top speed. The pain was so intense that Wink almost passed out and this was not acceptable to the legendary racer. So, the pair wondered if he may be able to fit Jay’s bike. Success…
Wink soared up to 190 mph on Jay’s bike then was hit by a side wind and the bike went through the two mile marker flag. The impact shattered the windshield and impregnated the fabric of the mile marker flag into his helmet. But his need for speed kept him slicing onward to finish the mile. Unfortunately, the clock didn’t catch him coming into the mile. With windshield repaired, Wink went back out and made a 185 pass on a 184 record. The next day, he ran for the backup pass but was unable to set the record due to bad weather. Ah! Foiled! Denied a record by Mother Nature!
Afterwards, it was Jay’s turn to switch it up. He took four passes with Wink Eller’s bike which he claimed was “A monster, a beautiful work of art.” However, due to an electrical issue, Wink had to take the bike back to his shop and now it’s fixed and screamin’ ready for the Bubs Speed Trials.
by
Fresh from hosting a very successful Sturgis Rally 2011 at the downtown Original Broken Spoke, Jay Allen arrived at Bonneville Speed Week supercharged to break another Land Speed Record with the support of good friend and mentor, Wink Eller. After three passes, Allen claimed a new record average with 186.465 and a new Land Speed Record in the APS-PG-3000 class. Jay’s Bonneville bike is powered by an S&S 124” consumer motor with Rob Schopf B-2 heads, which is the smallest motor in the class. It also features a Baker drivetrain 5 speed transmission. “I get up to 180 – 190mph no problem with these components that are right out of the crate,” tells Jay. “Now, that’s a testament to the kind of quality product these tried and true American manufacturers produce. Thanks to S&S and Baker I can live my dreams out here on the Flats!”
Wink ultimately was unable to ride his own bike due to an injury, but, boy, did he try. Eager to kill it on the salt, the mastermind fabricator forgot to factor in that his flesh wound would be pressed up against the frame and then assaulted by the wicked vibrations of top speed. The pain was so intense that Wink almost passed out and this was not acceptable to the legendary racer. So, the pair wondered if he may be able to fit Jay’s bike. Success…Wink soared up to 190 mph on Jay’s bike then was hit by a side wind and the bike went through the two mile marker flag. The impact shattered the windshield and impregnated the fabric of the mile marker flag into his helmet. But his need for speed kept him slicing onward to finish the mile. Unfortunately, the clock didn’t catch him coming into the mile. With windshield repaired, Wink went back out and made a 185 pass on a 184 record. The next day, he ran for the backup pass but was unable to set the record due to bad weather. Ah! Foiled! Denied a record by Mother Nature!
Afterwards, it was Jay’s turn to switch it up. He took four passes with Wink Eller’s bike which he claimed was “A monster, a beautiful work of art.” However, due to an electrical issue, Wink had to take the bike back to his shop and now it’s fixed and screamin’ ready for the Bubs Speed Trials.
President Obama's uncle DUI hits cop car!
OFF THE WIRE
Breaking News
Photo by AP/Framingham Police
Local Coverage
Obama’s uncle arrested in Framingham on OUI charge
By Dave Wedge
An illegal immigrant from Kenya busted for drunken driving after nearly striking a cop car in Framingham is the uncle of President Obama,...
Obama’s uncle arrested in Framingham on drunken driving charge
By Dave Wedge
Monday, August 29, 2011 - Updated 7 minutes ago
+ Recent Articles + Email + Bio
Boston Herald Chief Enterprise Reporter
Wedge is the Herald's Chief Enterprise Reporter and writes Sunday's "Pols & Politics" column. He also covers music for "The Edge" entertainment section.
An illegal immigrant from Kenya busted for drunken driving after nearly striking a cop car in Framingham is the uncle of President Obama, the Herald has learned.
Obama Onyango told cops he wanted to “call the White House” after he was nabbed for OUI Aug. 24 after nearly plowing his SUV into a police cruiser. He was arraigned Thursday and was ordered held without bail because he was wanted on a federal immigration warrant, officials said.
Mike Rogers, a spokesman for Cleveland immigration attorney Margaret Wong, who is representing Onyango, confirmed that the 67-year-old is the president’s uncle. Wong is the same lawyer who represented the president’s aunt, Zeituni Onyango, in her fight to win asylum last year.
Reached at her apartment in a South Boston public housing complex today, Zeituni Onyango said of her brother’s arrest: “Why don’t you go to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washingon, D.C. and ask your president? Not me.” She then hung up on a reporter.
The White House also did not respond to a request for comment.
Zeituni and Obama Onyango are brother and sister, Rogers told the Herald today.
The two are the children of the president’s grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama, and his third wife, Sarah, according to the London Times.
Breaking News
Photo by AP/Framingham Police
Local Coverage
Obama’s uncle arrested in Framingham on OUI charge
By Dave Wedge
An illegal immigrant from Kenya busted for drunken driving after nearly striking a cop car in Framingham is the uncle of President Obama,...
Obama’s uncle arrested in Framingham on drunken driving charge
By Dave Wedge
Monday, August 29, 2011 - Updated 7 minutes ago
+ Recent Articles + Email + Bio
Boston Herald Chief Enterprise Reporter
Wedge is the Herald's Chief Enterprise Reporter and writes Sunday's "Pols & Politics" column. He also covers music for "The Edge" entertainment section.
An illegal immigrant from Kenya busted for drunken driving after nearly striking a cop car in Framingham is the uncle of President Obama, the Herald has learned.
Obama Onyango told cops he wanted to “call the White House” after he was nabbed for OUI Aug. 24 after nearly plowing his SUV into a police cruiser. He was arraigned Thursday and was ordered held without bail because he was wanted on a federal immigration warrant, officials said.
Mike Rogers, a spokesman for Cleveland immigration attorney Margaret Wong, who is representing Onyango, confirmed that the 67-year-old is the president’s uncle. Wong is the same lawyer who represented the president’s aunt, Zeituni Onyango, in her fight to win asylum last year.
Reached at her apartment in a South Boston public housing complex today, Zeituni Onyango said of her brother’s arrest: “Why don’t you go to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washingon, D.C. and ask your president? Not me.” She then hung up on a reporter.
The White House also did not respond to a request for comment.
Zeituni and Obama Onyango are brother and sister, Rogers told the Herald today.
The two are the children of the president’s grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama, and his third wife, Sarah, according to the London Times.
He Answered Duty's Call ... Salute Him on 9/11
Dear Philip,
Meet a Hero: Wounded in Iraq
Philip, you have been a great friend to combat-wounded heroes in the past 10 years of war.
Will you honor 9/11 — and heroes like Michael — with your Patriot Day gift of $25, $50, $100 or more now?
After the towers fell in the terror attacks on 9/11/01, Michael Dinkel dropped all other plans. He chose to answer duty’s call.
He fought for you and me in Iraq. He gave his leg for our country!
That’s the kind of sacrifice you salute each time you choose to help heroes through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Michael was wounded while coming to the aid of troops hit by a roadside bomb. Insurgents had planted a second bomb in the path they thought a rescue team might take. They were right …
A violent blast destroyed Michael’s right leg, broke his back, mangled his face, and knocked out four of his teeth!
But because you chose to be there through your fervent support of the leader in service to disabled veterans, Michael isn’t looking back.
Still, heroes returning from war today face big obstacles:
Bureaucratic errors and delays
Unemployment, hunger and homelessness
Depression and staggering suicide rates
Michael feels no self-pity, no regrets. He’s just grateful for your help.
Through the DAV, you cut through the red tape and demand that heroes get the help they need to move on with their lives.
Ten years ago we became a nation at war. Help show heroes like Michael that we appreciate their sacrifices as you make your Patriot Day Gift of $25 … $50 … $100 or more now!
Keeping Patriots Alive in Our Hearts!
Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant
Disabled American VeteransDISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
OUR MISSION:
Since its founding more than 90 years ago, Disabled American Veterans has been dedicated to a single purpose: Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans and Their Families.
P.O. Box 14301 | Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
Please thank a disabled veteran for their sacrifice and service!
Meet a Hero: Wounded in Iraq
Philip, you have been a great friend to combat-wounded heroes in the past 10 years of war.
Will you honor 9/11 — and heroes like Michael — with your Patriot Day gift of $25, $50, $100 or more now?
After the towers fell in the terror attacks on 9/11/01, Michael Dinkel dropped all other plans. He chose to answer duty’s call.
He fought for you and me in Iraq. He gave his leg for our country!
That’s the kind of sacrifice you salute each time you choose to help heroes through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Michael was wounded while coming to the aid of troops hit by a roadside bomb. Insurgents had planted a second bomb in the path they thought a rescue team might take. They were right …
A violent blast destroyed Michael’s right leg, broke his back, mangled his face, and knocked out four of his teeth!
But because you chose to be there through your fervent support of the leader in service to disabled veterans, Michael isn’t looking back.
Still, heroes returning from war today face big obstacles:
Bureaucratic errors and delays
Unemployment, hunger and homelessness
Depression and staggering suicide rates
Michael feels no self-pity, no regrets. He’s just grateful for your help.
Through the DAV, you cut through the red tape and demand that heroes get the help they need to move on with their lives.
Ten years ago we became a nation at war. Help show heroes like Michael that we appreciate their sacrifices as you make your Patriot Day Gift of $25 … $50 … $100 or more now!
Keeping Patriots Alive in Our Hearts!
Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant
Disabled American VeteransDISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
OUR MISSION:
Since its founding more than 90 years ago, Disabled American Veterans has been dedicated to a single purpose: Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans and Their Families.
P.O. Box 14301 | Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
Please thank a disabled veteran for their sacrifice and service!
CANADA - Hamilton wrestler ‘Johnny K-9’ a member of B.C. gang
OFF THE WIRE
A former pro wrestler from Hamilton is a member of a gang now linked to the slaying of B.C. gxxg leader Jonathan Bacon earlier this month.
Ion Croitoru, 47, who wrestled professionally under the name “Johnny K-9,” is a member of the United Nations criminal gang, according to police in British Columbia.
Bacon, 30, was gunned down on Aug. 14, 2011, outside a Kelowna, B.C., resort. Four others with him were wounded, including a woman who was paralyzed.
No one has yet been charged in his death.
Croitoru was already in custody for a plot to kill Bacon and his two brothers between Jan. 1, 2008 and Feb. 17, 2009.
On Monday, Amir Eghtesad, 29, also a member of the United Nations gang, appeared in a Vancouver court charged with conspiracy to kill Bacon, his brothers and their gang associates.
Police say the Bacons form the core of a gang heavily involved in drugs and guns trafficking. He and his youngest brother, Jamie, had survived previous assassination attempts.
Croitoru is also awaiting trial for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Jonathan Barber, 24, and the attempted murder of Vicky King. On May 9, 2008, Barber was driving a car believed to be owned by a gang leader when he was killed in Burnaby, B.C. King, then 17, was shot in the car she was driving behind her boyfriend, police said.
And in June 2006, Croitoru walked free from a Hamilton courtroom after the Crown’s case in a marathon double murder collapsed.
Croitoru, former president of the Hamilton chapter of the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club, had been charged with the execution-style slaying of Ancaster criminal lawyer Lynn Gilbank and her husband Fred in their home in 1998.
The Gilbanks murders remain unsolved.
Hamilton hitman Ken Murdock told the Star last year that he was offered a contract from a Hamilton mob family to kill Croitoru but didn’t carry it out.
Murdock was convicted of the Niagara Region contract killings of mobsters Johnny (Pops) Papalia and Carmen Barillaro in 1997.
Croitoru was kicked out of the Satan’s Choice club for undisclosed reasons before they folded into the larger Hells Angels club in 2000.
http://www.thestar.com/mobile/NEWS/article/1046565
A former pro wrestler from Hamilton is a member of a gang now linked to the slaying of B.C. gxxg leader Jonathan Bacon earlier this month.
Ion Croitoru, 47, who wrestled professionally under the name “Johnny K-9,” is a member of the United Nations criminal gang, according to police in British Columbia.
Bacon, 30, was gunned down on Aug. 14, 2011, outside a Kelowna, B.C., resort. Four others with him were wounded, including a woman who was paralyzed.
No one has yet been charged in his death.
Croitoru was already in custody for a plot to kill Bacon and his two brothers between Jan. 1, 2008 and Feb. 17, 2009.
On Monday, Amir Eghtesad, 29, also a member of the United Nations gang, appeared in a Vancouver court charged with conspiracy to kill Bacon, his brothers and their gang associates.
Police say the Bacons form the core of a gang heavily involved in drugs and guns trafficking. He and his youngest brother, Jamie, had survived previous assassination attempts.
Croitoru is also awaiting trial for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Jonathan Barber, 24, and the attempted murder of Vicky King. On May 9, 2008, Barber was driving a car believed to be owned by a gang leader when he was killed in Burnaby, B.C. King, then 17, was shot in the car she was driving behind her boyfriend, police said.
And in June 2006, Croitoru walked free from a Hamilton courtroom after the Crown’s case in a marathon double murder collapsed.
Croitoru, former president of the Hamilton chapter of the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club, had been charged with the execution-style slaying of Ancaster criminal lawyer Lynn Gilbank and her husband Fred in their home in 1998.
The Gilbanks murders remain unsolved.
Hamilton hitman Ken Murdock told the Star last year that he was offered a contract from a Hamilton mob family to kill Croitoru but didn’t carry it out.
Murdock was convicted of the Niagara Region contract killings of mobsters Johnny (Pops) Papalia and Carmen Barillaro in 1997.
Croitoru was kicked out of the Satan’s Choice club for undisclosed reasons before they folded into the larger Hells Angels club in 2000.
http://www.thestar.com/mobile/NEWS/article/1046565
Illusion Motorsports " Premiere motorcycle customizing shop of Orange County California
0FF THE WIRE
Let Rusty, or T-rod know you saw it here!!
Thank You,
Screwdriver
We offer 80-114 cubic inch engines in raw bright, polished or black powdercoated finishes. 24,000 or 2 year warranty!
All certified motors come complete with 42mm Mikuni carb, airbox, intake, ignition, coil, conforming stickers, and charcoal cannister with instructions on installation.
Illusion Motorsports
" Premiere motorcycle customizing shop of Orange County California "
Illusion Motorsports The place to go to in the Orange County area when you want your bike pimped out. A one stop shop that does it all for a fair price and in a timely manner.
One of the cleanest and best organized shops anywhere.
As an EPA/CARB certified motorcycle manufacturer we can build or sell you a bike that is legal in California or all 50 states. Need financing? No problem, if you qualify.
Business hours 8-5 Mon-Fri. Pick-up and delivery available.
* PARTS * FABRICATION * PAINT * ELECTRICAL * TUNE UPS * SERVICE on custom and OEM motorcycles * CUSTOMIZING * NEW OR USED MOTORCYCLES * COLLISION REPAIR
714-894-1942 office
714-894-1922 fax
714-262-2370 alternate
14726 goldenwest Street #F Westminster, Ca. 92683
illusionoc@gmail.com
email
Let Rusty, or T-rod know you saw it here!!
Thank You,
Screwdriver
We offer 80-114 cubic inch engines in raw bright, polished or black powdercoated finishes. 24,000 or 2 year warranty! All certified motors come complete with 42mm Mikuni carb, airbox, intake, ignition, coil, conforming stickers, and charcoal cannister with instructions on installation.
Illusion Motorsports
" Premiere motorcycle customizing shop of Orange County California "
Illusion Motorsports The place to go to in the Orange County area when you want your bike pimped out. A one stop shop that does it all for a fair price and in a timely manner.
One of the cleanest and best organized shops anywhere.
As an EPA/CARB certified motorcycle manufacturer we can build or sell you a bike that is legal in California or all 50 states. Need financing? No problem, if you qualify.
Business hours 8-5 Mon-Fri. Pick-up and delivery available.
* PARTS * FABRICATION * PAINT * ELECTRICAL * TUNE UPS * SERVICE on custom and OEM motorcycles * CUSTOMIZING * NEW OR USED MOTORCYCLES * COLLISION REPAIR
714-894-1942 office
714-894-1922 fax
714-262-2370 alternate
14726 goldenwest Street #F Westminster, Ca. 92683
illusionoc@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Diamond Posse Dog Naming Contest to end August 31st..... have you voted yet? If you've already assisted us.... THANK YOU!
Hi everyone:
With our Veterans Fundraiser with Diamond Posse (http://diamondposse/us/) coming down to the wire, and my leaving the first week of September for Kansas City MO., I was wondering if I could impose and ask you to support my efforts one last time.
If you can make the "Send off Party" Saturday September 3rd, at Boston Harley in Everett that'd be awesome (flyer below)... if not...I'm not asking for much! Only $5.00~ if you can spare it! (If you can spare more, that'd be great!)
The Diamond Posse's dog naming contest ends TOMORROW August 31st.... and I'm hoping that those of you who haven't yet donated to the cause would go to the website and cast a vote to the tune of $5.00 for the name LUCKY!
If the name LUCKY isn't your choice, won't you cast a vote for any name that you feel is appropriate? I chose LUCKY, because it rolls off the tongue easy, it was the name of my very first dog growing up, and he protected us children from harm and from strangers, was the best companion ever, and had nine lives!
My thought for choosing the name LUCKY is that any veteran who's going to be the recipient of this dog is sure going to be LUCKY.
I'd be honored if you'd support my (and our) efforts to continue to raise monies for our NEADS Dog.
The contest ends on August 31st. If you have donated already... THANK YOU!!! :*)
Here's the website to cast your vote.
I would be so honored if you'd support this small request in my efforts to provide a disabled combat veteran a service dog.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my friends and supporting my efforts to aid veterans! :*)
With much love and respect,
Gypsy -Betsy
special picture -- Donn Lavigne
Friends, here is the address & info for Donn Lavigne's (Donn's picture
attached)
PLEASE do NOT SEND Flowers.
Donn's son will be charged a disposal for each flower order.
August 31, Wednesday from 3pm till 5pm. Closed Casket.
Ferrara Mortuary
351 N. Hewes, Orange CA. 92869
After 5pm, folks can ride Chapman out to the canyon, Donn's roadside marker.
attached)
PLEASE do NOT SEND Flowers.
Donn's son will be charged a disposal for each flower order.
August 31, Wednesday from 3pm till 5pm. Closed Casket.
Ferrara Mortuary
351 N. Hewes, Orange CA. 92869
N.H.'s motorcycle noise bill misunderstood
OFF THE WIRE
www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110828-OPINION-108280330
N.H.'s motorcycle noise bill misunderstood
Letter to the Editor By N.H. Rep. Michele Peckham August 28, 2011 2:00 AM I am responding to misconceptions concerning the motorcycle noise law I have proposed.
A review of current federal and state law is first necessary. Under federal law, all motorcycles sold in America are required to be equipped with factory-installed mufflers that are compliant with Environmental Protection Agency exhaust regulations. Thus, every bike coming off today's showroom floor is EPA compliant at 80 to 84 decibels. In contrast, New Hampshire law allows riders to replace their factory-installed mufflers with those that emit noise levels up to 106 decibels. If a bike is suspected of violating N.H. law, it requires three police officers to measure the decibel level with costly equipment.
The new legislation will save police time and money in enforcement. The bill affects only motorcycles and aftermarket equipment manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013. If the legislation passes, only one police officer will be required to determine compliance. Initially, the officer will check the bike's registration to determine its manufacture date. If a bike was manufactured after Jan. 1, 2011, the bike must be equipped with the original factory-installed muffler or a replacement muffler which is EPA compliant. All EPA compliant mufflers are embossed with a statement indicating compliance. An officer can visually check to see if the muffler has the embossed statement. If the statement is on the underside of the muffler, as it often is, a mirror held to the underside of the muffler will allow an officer to see the statement.
Bikes registered to nonresidents or manufactured before Jan. 1, 2013, will be exempt from the new law. Over time, pre-2013 bikes will come into compliance as mufflers that need to be replaced because of normal wear and tear are replaced with mufflers that are EPA compliant. No person with a pre-2013 bike will be forced to purchase a new muffler upon passage of the proposed law.
Recent rhetoric that the delayed effective date of 2013 is of no value to dealers because their inventory "will soon too be illegal" misses the point that the bill exempts aftermarket equipment manufactured before 2013. That equipment is grandfathered and will not be illegal. Dealers will sell their inventory. Bikers who want louder mufflers will snap up pre-2013 mufflers because that equipment will no longer be available.
Another misconception is that out-of-state riders will avoid New Hampshire and our state will lose money. Since the law does not affect out-of-state motorcycles, police will have no jurisdiction to issue a noise fine. Further, most of our border states have motorcycle noise laws akin to the proposed legislation (Maine, 92 decibels; Massachusetts, 82 to 86 decibels; Connecticut, 82 to 84 decibels; Delaware, 82 to 84 decibels), thus out-of-state motorcycles are likely to be equipped with mufflers that are less offensive than those allowed in New Hampshire. I see no reason why an out-of-state rider will shun New Hampshire.
People have also alleged that the issue of motorcycle noise is "not real," but is a problem created by a few "bad apples" who have added straight pipes or mufflers above 106 decibels to their bikes. This argument is a "red herring." The problem is so bad that North Hampton adopted a noise ordinance directed solely at motorcycles. Rye and New Castle are also considering ordinances. If noise were not an issue, why are dealerships engaging in noise awareness promotions or towns conducting noise checkpoints? Changes to current law have been proposed three times since 2006, and each time the Transportation Committee has voted to kill the bill. As justification, the committee has pointed to issues that this bill adequately resolves. The committee has also stated the 106 decibel level is not a problem. Actually, it is the heart of the problem. To illustrate the absurdity of the committee's position, one need only understand how loud 106 decibels is. It is equal to the sound emitted by a Boeing 707 or DC-8 aircraft at one nautical mile (6,080 feet) before landing. It is also louder than a jet fly-over at 1,000 feet above ground (103 decibels); a jet take-off (at 305 meters); the use of an outboard motor or a jackhammer. Even a Bell J-2A helicopter hovering at 100 feet is not as loud (100 decibels) as some of the motorcycles on our streets!
A review of the laws of those states with motorcycle noise emission laws reveals the startling fact that no other state has a noise emission law as loud as that allowed in New Hampshire. In short, current law is unacceptable, it is difficult to enforce and allows for obnoxious noise levels that make life unbearable for non-riders. I implore upon my fellow legislators to consider the interests of everyone in New Hampshire, and not just motorcycle riders and dealers.
Michelle Peckham, R-North Hampton, represents House of Representatives District 13.
www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110828-OPINION-108280330
N.H.'s motorcycle noise bill misunderstood
Letter to the Editor By N.H. Rep. Michele Peckham August 28, 2011 2:00 AM I am responding to misconceptions concerning the motorcycle noise law I have proposed.
A review of current federal and state law is first necessary. Under federal law, all motorcycles sold in America are required to be equipped with factory-installed mufflers that are compliant with Environmental Protection Agency exhaust regulations. Thus, every bike coming off today's showroom floor is EPA compliant at 80 to 84 decibels. In contrast, New Hampshire law allows riders to replace their factory-installed mufflers with those that emit noise levels up to 106 decibels. If a bike is suspected of violating N.H. law, it requires three police officers to measure the decibel level with costly equipment.
The new legislation will save police time and money in enforcement. The bill affects only motorcycles and aftermarket equipment manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013. If the legislation passes, only one police officer will be required to determine compliance. Initially, the officer will check the bike's registration to determine its manufacture date. If a bike was manufactured after Jan. 1, 2011, the bike must be equipped with the original factory-installed muffler or a replacement muffler which is EPA compliant. All EPA compliant mufflers are embossed with a statement indicating compliance. An officer can visually check to see if the muffler has the embossed statement. If the statement is on the underside of the muffler, as it often is, a mirror held to the underside of the muffler will allow an officer to see the statement.
Bikes registered to nonresidents or manufactured before Jan. 1, 2013, will be exempt from the new law. Over time, pre-2013 bikes will come into compliance as mufflers that need to be replaced because of normal wear and tear are replaced with mufflers that are EPA compliant. No person with a pre-2013 bike will be forced to purchase a new muffler upon passage of the proposed law.
Recent rhetoric that the delayed effective date of 2013 is of no value to dealers because their inventory "will soon too be illegal" misses the point that the bill exempts aftermarket equipment manufactured before 2013. That equipment is grandfathered and will not be illegal. Dealers will sell their inventory. Bikers who want louder mufflers will snap up pre-2013 mufflers because that equipment will no longer be available.
Another misconception is that out-of-state riders will avoid New Hampshire and our state will lose money. Since the law does not affect out-of-state motorcycles, police will have no jurisdiction to issue a noise fine. Further, most of our border states have motorcycle noise laws akin to the proposed legislation (Maine, 92 decibels; Massachusetts, 82 to 86 decibels; Connecticut, 82 to 84 decibels; Delaware, 82 to 84 decibels), thus out-of-state motorcycles are likely to be equipped with mufflers that are less offensive than those allowed in New Hampshire. I see no reason why an out-of-state rider will shun New Hampshire.
People have also alleged that the issue of motorcycle noise is "not real," but is a problem created by a few "bad apples" who have added straight pipes or mufflers above 106 decibels to their bikes. This argument is a "red herring." The problem is so bad that North Hampton adopted a noise ordinance directed solely at motorcycles. Rye and New Castle are also considering ordinances. If noise were not an issue, why are dealerships engaging in noise awareness promotions or towns conducting noise checkpoints? Changes to current law have been proposed three times since 2006, and each time the Transportation Committee has voted to kill the bill. As justification, the committee has pointed to issues that this bill adequately resolves. The committee has also stated the 106 decibel level is not a problem. Actually, it is the heart of the problem. To illustrate the absurdity of the committee's position, one need only understand how loud 106 decibels is. It is equal to the sound emitted by a Boeing 707 or DC-8 aircraft at one nautical mile (6,080 feet) before landing. It is also louder than a jet fly-over at 1,000 feet above ground (103 decibels); a jet take-off (at 305 meters); the use of an outboard motor or a jackhammer. Even a Bell J-2A helicopter hovering at 100 feet is not as loud (100 decibels) as some of the motorcycles on our streets!
A review of the laws of those states with motorcycle noise emission laws reveals the startling fact that no other state has a noise emission law as loud as that allowed in New Hampshire. In short, current law is unacceptable, it is difficult to enforce and allows for obnoxious noise levels that make life unbearable for non-riders. I implore upon my fellow legislators to consider the interests of everyone in New Hampshire, and not just motorcycle riders and dealers.
Michelle Peckham, R-North Hampton, represents House of Representatives District 13.
FLY YOUR FLAG on 9/11
OFF THE WIRE
We received a requst to pass on this info.....It would be a beautiful sight to see every neighborhood bathed in red, white, and blue....on September 11th .Flags flying on every home and street corner.....Those of us that can fly the colors on our bikes, would certainly add to the attraction.
We received a requst to pass on this info.....It would be a beautiful sight to see every neighborhood bathed in red, white, and blue....on September 11th .Flags flying on every home and street corner.....Those of us that can fly the colors on our bikes, would certainly add to the attraction.
Indiana - Feds: 100 percent pure meth in gang case(w/video
OFF THE WIRE
Amanda Jarrett
wthitv.com
Amanda Jarrett
wthitv.com
Indiana - INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - A group connected to the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club is indicted on federal charges. The four month-long federal investigation is the largest drug-related gang takedown by federal prosecutors in Indiana since 2002.
In 2002 the Diablo Motorcycle Gang in Terre Haute was busted for bringing in pounds of meth each month to Terre Haute.
They were a multi-million dollar drug ring.
While federal officials say the Sons of Silence operation was on a smaller scale, the meth was more dangerous.
Authorities said the group was involved in meth trafficking, money laundering, firearm offenses and stolen motorcycles.
They said this bust shows just how dangerous meth trafficking has become.
Federal officials said the meth they've seized from the group was nearly 100 percent pure.
In 2002 the Diablo Motorcycle Gang in Terre Haute was busted for bringing in pounds of meth each month to Terre Haute.
They were a multi-million dollar drug ring.
While federal officials say the Sons of Silence operation was on a smaller scale, the meth was more dangerous.
Authorities said the group was involved in meth trafficking, money laundering, firearm offenses and stolen motorcycles.
They said this bust shows just how dangerous meth trafficking has become.
Federal officials said the meth they've seized from the group was nearly 100 percent pure.
California - Hells Angels suspected in kidnapping, beatings in El Cajon
OFF THE WIRE
latimesblogs.latimes.com
Four members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang are being sought by San Diego law enforcement on suspicion of taking part in the kidnapping and savage beating of another club member and a club associate in 2007 and 2010.
The four suspects are all heavily tattooed, including the DAGO tattoo indicating that they are part of the club's San Diego chapter, authorities said.
Five other members of the Hells Angels have already been arraigned and are set for trial in the beatings. The beatings, which took place in El Cajon, involved the theft of the victims' motorcycles, authorities said.
Law enforcement officials believe the four may be attempting to flee the country and link up with Hells Angels chapters in Mexico or elsewhere in Latin America.
Wanted are: David Dabbs, 41; Dustin Harroun, 30; Stephen Sanders, 42, and Troy Scholder, 30.
Shine a Spotlight on the Chopper Crash
OFF THE WIRE
- Jim O'Neill
“If J.T. had known he was going to be shot down when going to the aid of others, he would have went anyway.”—From Boe Nankivel’s eulogy for Navy SEAL Jon Tumlinson Link
Now that the dust has settled a bit around the downing of the Chinook helicopter earlier this month in Afghanistan, and the resultant tragic loss of life, it is time to reevaluate what we know.
The initial reports on the incident, as reported by both the “Navy Times,” and the “Army Times,” used Associated Press (AP) reports (quoted verbatim) as their source.Leaving aside the issue of the leftist slant of the various wire services for the moment, the AP reports have some interesting nuggets of information. Link
Among other things, the reports state that “wreckage of the craft was strewn across the crash site,” and that the helicopter was brought down by one or more rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers. Link
Reuters wire service observed that “Coalition officials have effectively ruled out that the helicopter was brought down by anything more sophisticated than an RPG launcher.”Link
Reuters also stated that “What is not known for sure now is whether the helicopter caught fire or exploded, or whether it fell from any considerable height. Officials acknowledge that the destruction was devastating, something supported by the fact it took about four days to gather all of the wreckage and remains. “Whether it was a fire or if it exploded, it was catastrophic….’”
Hmm—“devastating” and “catastrophic” results from RPGs not known for their effectiveness in bringing down Chinook helicopters—curious.The same Reuters report notes that “While it is not unusual for rocket-propelled grenades—normally an anti-tank weapon—to hit helicopters, it is extremely rare for them to actually bring one down.”
The “Army Times” reports that until the downing of the Chinook on August 6, there had been only one reported hit on a chopper by an RPG this year—which resulted in injuries only, no deaths, and certainly no devastating and catastrophic results. Odd, don’t you think?
The “Army Times” reports that until the downing of the Chinook on August 6, there had been only one reported hit on a chopper by an RPG this year—which resulted in injuries only, no deaths, and certainly no devastating and catastrophic results. Odd, don’t you think?
Something else that has received little press or attention is the fact that there were seven Afghan soldiers and a translator on board the helicopter at the time it went down.With all due respect to the Afghan’s service and loss, I believe that it is worth looking into their presence on board the chopper. Link
To give credit where it’s due, the significance of their presence was brought to my attention via a video made by Pastor James David Manning.I have nothing to say about the various scenarios put out on the Internet involving a plot to murder the SEALs on board the chopper.I do, however, have something to say about the fact that there were Afghan troops on that helicopter. Link Link Link
It is no news that the “friendly” Islamic allies that we have are less than ideal as far as allies go.Exhibit A: the seven CIA officers and contractors killed by a “loyal” Muslim ally in Afghanistan a year-and-a-half ago.Exhibit B: the Wikileaks documents regarding the collusion between the Pakistan government and the Taliban.Exhibit C: the grossly corrupt nature of the Afghanistan government.There are a lot more “exhibits,” but those will suffice for now. Link Link Link
Combining allies of questionable loyalty with SEALs and other SOCOM personnel is like mixing lead slugs in with gold coins—potentially explosive lead slugs at that.Did no one think of the possibility that one or more of the Afghans might be a suicide bomber?That they were placing some of America’s most valuable military assets in unnecessary jeopardy by essentially “locking them in a room” with Afghan Muslims?
Whose plan was this?Who felt that such an arrangement was a swell idea?Is it simply the result of monumental stupidity, or something more nefarious?Who vetted the Afghan troops?Were they vetted?Is combining Afghan forces with large numbers of highly trained, hard to replace SEALs SOP?If so, why?I am not saying that a suicide bomber was definitely the cause of the explosion, but it is certainly a possibility is it not?
War is, of course, insane, but the war in Afghanistan is more insane than usual (which is saying something).For example, apparently the Marines are now under orders not to fart in the field, lest they offend any Muslims (I kid you not). Link
Nonetheless, even given the crazy ROEs, untrustworthy “allies,” and rampant Afghan corruption, it seems especially stupid, if not criminally negligent, to put a large contingent of SEALs in such close proximity to a purportedly “friendly,” but nevertheless suspect, squad of Muslim troops and a translator, while we are involved in a war against Muslims known for their propensity for suicide bombings.
Several folks have called for a Congressional investigation of the August 6th tragedy.I concur—this whole thing doesn’t pass the smell test.A spotlight should be lit on the whole affair.Trustworthy and patriotic representatives are few and far between in our treasonous and corrupt Congress, so pickings are slim as to who might have the courage, experience, and wherewithal to undertake such an investigation. Link
Darrell Issa (R-CA) has his hands full with “Fast and Furious,” but perhaps Rep. Peter King (R-NY) might pick up the gauntlet.Granted, he too has his hands full (investigating Islamic terrorism), but he has expressed interest in probing the movie that Obama and Kate Bigelow have been working on about the bin Laden raid in Pakistan.Seeing as both events involve SEAL Team Six, perhaps Rep. King can be convinced to broaden his probe to include the tragedy in Afghanistan. Link
In any event, Congress should be looking into dishing out some jail time (dished out by those who will not soon be looking at some jail time themselves) to certain loudmouthed government employees who outed SEAL Six in the first place. Link
Laus Deo.
Jim O’Neill (constitutionalwrites.com) proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1974 in both UDT-21 (Underwater Demolition Team) and SEAL Team Two. A member of MENSA, he worked as a commercial diver in the waters off Scotland, India, and the United States. In 1998 while attending the University of South Florida as a journalism student, O’Neill won “First Place” in the “Carol Burnett/University of Hawaii AEJMC Research in Journalism Ethics Award.” The annual contest was set up by Carol Burnett with the money she won from successfully suing the National Enquirer for libel.
Jim can be reached at: mailto:lausdeo.jim@gmail.com?bccLetters@canadafreepress.com
- Jim O'Neill
Hmm -- "devastating" and "catastrophic" results from RPGs not known for their effectiveness in bringing down Chinook helicopters -- curious..........
“I guess we are all going slowly through the completion of our tour of duty, i.e. death.I look at death as a new adventure with a don’t sweat it attitude.Any footprints you may have accidentally made will be washed away with the next wave.Life is loaned to you—live it, love it, for the joy of what you love, and whom you love.Leave your ego, status, and possessions hanging on the world’s quarterdeck, because you are going out with what you came here with….” - LCDR Roy “First SEAL” Boehm (1924-2008) Link Link“If J.T. had known he was going to be shot down when going to the aid of others, he would have went anyway.”—From Boe Nankivel’s eulogy for Navy SEAL Jon Tumlinson Link
Now that the dust has settled a bit around the downing of the Chinook helicopter earlier this month in Afghanistan, and the resultant tragic loss of life, it is time to reevaluate what we know.
The initial reports on the incident, as reported by both the “Navy Times,” and the “Army Times,” used Associated Press (AP) reports (quoted verbatim) as their source.Leaving aside the issue of the leftist slant of the various wire services for the moment, the AP reports have some interesting nuggets of information. Link
Among other things, the reports state that “wreckage of the craft was strewn across the crash site,” and that the helicopter was brought down by one or more rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers. Link
Reuters wire service observed that “Coalition officials have effectively ruled out that the helicopter was brought down by anything more sophisticated than an RPG launcher.”Link
Reuters also stated that “What is not known for sure now is whether the helicopter caught fire or exploded, or whether it fell from any considerable height. Officials acknowledge that the destruction was devastating, something supported by the fact it took about four days to gather all of the wreckage and remains. “Whether it was a fire or if it exploded, it was catastrophic….’”
Hmm—“devastating” and “catastrophic” results from RPGs not known for their effectiveness in bringing down Chinook helicopters—curious.The same Reuters report notes that “While it is not unusual for rocket-propelled grenades—normally an anti-tank weapon—to hit helicopters, it is extremely rare for them to actually bring one down.”
The “Army Times” reports that until the downing of the Chinook on August 6, there had been only one reported hit on a chopper by an RPG this year—which resulted in injuries only, no deaths, and certainly no devastating and catastrophic results. Odd, don’t you think?
The “Army Times” reports that until the downing of the Chinook on August 6, there had been only one reported hit on a chopper by an RPG this year—which resulted in injuries only, no deaths, and certainly no devastating and catastrophic results. Odd, don’t you think?
Something else that has received little press or attention is the fact that there were seven Afghan soldiers and a translator on board the helicopter at the time it went down.With all due respect to the Afghan’s service and loss, I believe that it is worth looking into their presence on board the chopper. Link
To give credit where it’s due, the significance of their presence was brought to my attention via a video made by Pastor James David Manning.I have nothing to say about the various scenarios put out on the Internet involving a plot to murder the SEALs on board the chopper.I do, however, have something to say about the fact that there were Afghan troops on that helicopter. Link Link Link
It is no news that the “friendly” Islamic allies that we have are less than ideal as far as allies go.Exhibit A: the seven CIA officers and contractors killed by a “loyal” Muslim ally in Afghanistan a year-and-a-half ago.Exhibit B: the Wikileaks documents regarding the collusion between the Pakistan government and the Taliban.Exhibit C: the grossly corrupt nature of the Afghanistan government.There are a lot more “exhibits,” but those will suffice for now. Link Link Link
Combining allies of questionable loyalty with SEALs and other SOCOM personnel is like mixing lead slugs in with gold coins—potentially explosive lead slugs at that.Did no one think of the possibility that one or more of the Afghans might be a suicide bomber?That they were placing some of America’s most valuable military assets in unnecessary jeopardy by essentially “locking them in a room” with Afghan Muslims?
Whose plan was this?Who felt that such an arrangement was a swell idea?Is it simply the result of monumental stupidity, or something more nefarious?Who vetted the Afghan troops?Were they vetted?Is combining Afghan forces with large numbers of highly trained, hard to replace SEALs SOP?If so, why?I am not saying that a suicide bomber was definitely the cause of the explosion, but it is certainly a possibility is it not?
War is, of course, insane, but the war in Afghanistan is more insane than usual (which is saying something).For example, apparently the Marines are now under orders not to fart in the field, lest they offend any Muslims (I kid you not). Link
Nonetheless, even given the crazy ROEs, untrustworthy “allies,” and rampant Afghan corruption, it seems especially stupid, if not criminally negligent, to put a large contingent of SEALs in such close proximity to a purportedly “friendly,” but nevertheless suspect, squad of Muslim troops and a translator, while we are involved in a war against Muslims known for their propensity for suicide bombings.
Several folks have called for a Congressional investigation of the August 6th tragedy.I concur—this whole thing doesn’t pass the smell test.A spotlight should be lit on the whole affair.Trustworthy and patriotic representatives are few and far between in our treasonous and corrupt Congress, so pickings are slim as to who might have the courage, experience, and wherewithal to undertake such an investigation. Link
Darrell Issa (R-CA) has his hands full with “Fast and Furious,” but perhaps Rep. Peter King (R-NY) might pick up the gauntlet.Granted, he too has his hands full (investigating Islamic terrorism), but he has expressed interest in probing the movie that Obama and Kate Bigelow have been working on about the bin Laden raid in Pakistan.Seeing as both events involve SEAL Team Six, perhaps Rep. King can be convinced to broaden his probe to include the tragedy in Afghanistan. Link
In any event, Congress should be looking into dishing out some jail time (dished out by those who will not soon be looking at some jail time themselves) to certain loudmouthed government employees who outed SEAL Six in the first place. Link
Laus Deo.
Jim O’Neill (constitutionalwrites.com) proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1974 in both UDT-21 (Underwater Demolition Team) and SEAL Team Two. A member of MENSA, he worked as a commercial diver in the waters off Scotland, India, and the United States. In 1998 while attending the University of South Florida as a journalism student, O’Neill won “First Place” in the “Carol Burnett/University of Hawaii AEJMC Research in Journalism Ethics Award.” The annual contest was set up by Carol Burnett with the money she won from successfully suing the National Enquirer for libel.
Jim can be reached at: mailto:lausdeo.jim@gmail.com?bccLetters@canadafreepress.com
Kentucky: Federal Court Allows Suit Against Cop Who Rammed Motorcyclist
OFF THE WIRE
KIlled for speeding seems ecessive
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/35/3569.asp
The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on Monday allowed a lawsuit to proceed against a police officer who rammed and killed a motorcyclist who did not stop to receive a speeding ticket. Thomas Brian Germany, 26, was riding his 2004 black Harley Davidson on March 22, 2008 at midnight when he passed by a Scottsville Police officer on Highway 31E. The officer claimed he clocked Germany at 70 MPH in a 55 zone.
When Germany did not stop, a five-minute pursuit ensued with speeds never exceeding 60 MPH and the only other alleged traffic infraction involved running a red light. Allen County Deputy Danny Davis had heard what was happening on his police radio and took the lead after Germany left the city limits. Germany turned into an empty field. Forensic evidence shows Davis intentionally rammed Germany, and his 2008 Ford Crown Vic patrol car ran over and crushed the fallen biker.
Germany's relatives, including his minor son, sued Davis for excessive use of force, claiming, among other things, that Davis had smoked marijuana before the pursuit. A Kentucky State Police conducted an investigation at the scene confirmed some questionable conduct may have been involved.
"While speaking with Deputy Davis, I began to fill out the blood kit," Trooper Chad Smith wrote in his incident report. "Deputy Davis then asked if the blood kit was for him, in which I replied yes. Deputy Davis then stated 'I am not going to pass that.' Deputy Davis stated he has been going through a hard time and has 'done some things he shouldn't have.'"
The three-judge appellate panel was asked to decide whether Davis deserved immunity from prosecution for his actions in enforcing the law that night. The 2007 Supreme Court case Scott v. Harris authorized the use of lethal force in certain high-speed chases.
"Here, Germany posed no immediate threat to anyone as he rode his motorcycle across an empty field in the middle of the night in rural Kentucky," Judge Raymond M. Kethledge wrote for the majority. "That fact, among others, renders this case patently distinguishable from Scott v. Harris in which Harris had led the police on a 'Hollywood-style car chase of the most frightening sort, placing police officers and innocent bystanders alike at great risk of serious injury.' The chase here was a sleeper by comparison."
The appellate court found that Germany's constitutional rights were violated and that it was up to a jury to decide whether the actions of Davis that night were intentional.
KIlled for speeding seems ecessive
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/35/3569.asp
The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on Monday allowed a lawsuit to proceed against a police officer who rammed and killed a motorcyclist who did not stop to receive a speeding ticket. Thomas Brian Germany, 26, was riding his 2004 black Harley Davidson on March 22, 2008 at midnight when he passed by a Scottsville Police officer on Highway 31E. The officer claimed he clocked Germany at 70 MPH in a 55 zone.
When Germany did not stop, a five-minute pursuit ensued with speeds never exceeding 60 MPH and the only other alleged traffic infraction involved running a red light. Allen County Deputy Danny Davis had heard what was happening on his police radio and took the lead after Germany left the city limits. Germany turned into an empty field. Forensic evidence shows Davis intentionally rammed Germany, and his 2008 Ford Crown Vic patrol car ran over and crushed the fallen biker.
Germany's relatives, including his minor son, sued Davis for excessive use of force, claiming, among other things, that Davis had smoked marijuana before the pursuit. A Kentucky State Police conducted an investigation at the scene confirmed some questionable conduct may have been involved.
"While speaking with Deputy Davis, I began to fill out the blood kit," Trooper Chad Smith wrote in his incident report. "Deputy Davis then asked if the blood kit was for him, in which I replied yes. Deputy Davis then stated 'I am not going to pass that.' Deputy Davis stated he has been going through a hard time and has 'done some things he shouldn't have.'"
The three-judge appellate panel was asked to decide whether Davis deserved immunity from prosecution for his actions in enforcing the law that night. The 2007 Supreme Court case Scott v. Harris authorized the use of lethal force in certain high-speed chases.
"Here, Germany posed no immediate threat to anyone as he rode his motorcycle across an empty field in the middle of the night in rural Kentucky," Judge Raymond M. Kethledge wrote for the majority. "That fact, among others, renders this case patently distinguishable from Scott v. Harris in which Harris had led the police on a 'Hollywood-style car chase of the most frightening sort, placing police officers and innocent bystanders alike at great risk of serious injury.' The chase here was a sleeper by comparison."
The appellate court found that Germany's constitutional rights were violated and that it was up to a jury to decide whether the actions of Davis that night were intentional.
AUSTRALIA - Bikie gangs 'planning fightback over laws'
OFF THE WIRE
Bikie gangs, including Hells Angels, Bandidos and the Comancheros, have been meeting in secret to plan a fightback against new laws and police raids in Victoria.
The Herald Sun says the coalition of bikie gangs are hoping to recruit law-abiding clubs such as the God Squad and Vietnam Veterans to lend it legitimacy.
Finks bikie club enforcer Mick MacPherson is touted to become the official spokesman for the newly created United Motorcycle Council Victoria (UMCV), which will represent most of the 28 motorcycle clubs across the state.
The newspaper says Mr MacPherson and members from other clubs are meeting fortnightly and reporting to other bikies around the nation.
LOCAL 6 "E-MAIL BLAST" !
ABATE LOCAL 6 “E-MAIL BLAST”
NEWS AND DATES FOR MEMBERS
AND ASSOCIATES
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 ABATE Local 6 Holds their regular monthly meeting in Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, San Diego, at NOON. Do you know what’s new in the motorcycle world ? C’mon down !
If it is seriously raining on the Sunday of the Local 6 regular meeting… and you are already out and about…. The meeting will be held AT 12 NOON at the Arizona Café , 1925 Bacon St. in Ocean Beach just this side of Newport Av. They serve a good breakfast on weekends.
-------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 ABATE Local 6 Holds their regular monthly meeting in Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, San Diego, at NOON.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 ABATE LOCAL 11 (North County) holds their monthly meeting at the Oakvale Country Store at Lake Wholford , in Escondido. 11:00 AM.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 Motorcycle Swap Meet
at Sweetwater Harley, National City 9 AM.
SEPTEMBER 16, 17, 18, ABATE GOLDEN STATE RENDEZVOUS. ` Frandy Campground, Kernville, CA.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18 CUSTOM BAGGER CONTEST, Sweetwater Harley Davidson, for free entry call Jim at 619 / 477 – 4477. free food.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24 AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS 255 POKER RUN REG: 9:00 – 10:30 American Legion Post 255 35 E. 18th ST National City, CA (619) 259 - 6490
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd ABATE Local 6 Holds their regular monthly meeting at Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, San Diego, at NOON.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 7 American Legion WOUNDED WARRIOR RIDE
From Days Inn, Hotel Circle, San Diego 0830 to Balboa Naval Hospital.
Must fill out waiver on-line plus additional info. operationwoundedwarrior.org .
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9th ABATE LOCAL 11 (North County) holds their monthly meeting at the Oakvale Country Store at Lake Wholford , in Escondido. 11:00 AM.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9th ABATE LOCAL 27 Poker Run, Riverside, CA info at (951) 377-5772
SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 “RIDE FOR KIDS” Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Mira Costa College, Cardiff, CA www.pbtus.org/rideforkids.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6 MEMORIAL RIDE FOR BARRY & CAROL
Meet at Mt Soledad 1 pm.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6 MEMORIAL LUNCHEON for Local 6 members Barry & Carol Sandberg. 2 PM. Following the Local 6 monthly meeting at NOON.
----------------------------------------------------------
ARE THERE ANY OTHER FUTURE EVENTS THAT ANYONE KNOWS OF ?
NEWS AND DATES FOR MEMBERS
AND ASSOCIATES
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 ABATE Local 6 Holds their regular monthly meeting in Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, San Diego, at NOON. Do you know what’s new in the motorcycle world ? C’mon down !
If it is seriously raining on the Sunday of the Local 6 regular meeting… and you are already out and about…. The meeting will be held AT 12 NOON at the Arizona Café , 1925 Bacon St. in Ocean Beach just this side of Newport Av. They serve a good breakfast on weekends.
-------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 ABATE Local 6 Holds their regular monthly meeting in Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, San Diego, at NOON.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 ABATE LOCAL 11 (North County) holds their monthly meeting at the Oakvale Country Store at Lake Wholford , in Escondido. 11:00 AM.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 Motorcycle Swap Meet
at Sweetwater Harley, National City 9 AM.
SEPTEMBER 16, 17, 18, ABATE GOLDEN STATE RENDEZVOUS. ` Frandy Campground, Kernville, CA.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18 CUSTOM BAGGER CONTEST, Sweetwater Harley Davidson, for free entry call Jim at 619 / 477 – 4477. free food.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24 AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS 255 POKER RUN REG: 9:00 – 10:30 American Legion Post 255 35 E. 18th ST National City, CA (619) 259 - 6490
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd ABATE Local 6 Holds their regular monthly meeting at Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, San Diego, at NOON.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 7 American Legion WOUNDED WARRIOR RIDE
From Days Inn, Hotel Circle, San Diego 0830 to Balboa Naval Hospital.
Must fill out waiver on-line plus additional info. operationwoundedwarrior.org .
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9th ABATE LOCAL 11 (North County) holds their monthly meeting at the Oakvale Country Store at Lake Wholford , in Escondido. 11:00 AM.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9th ABATE LOCAL 27 Poker Run, Riverside, CA info at (951) 377-5772
SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 “RIDE FOR KIDS” Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Mira Costa College, Cardiff, CA www.pbtus.org/rideforkids.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6 MEMORIAL RIDE FOR BARRY & CAROL
Meet at Mt Soledad 1 pm.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6 MEMORIAL LUNCHEON for Local 6 members Barry & Carol Sandberg. 2 PM. Following the Local 6 monthly meeting at NOON.
----------------------------------------------------------
ARE THERE ANY OTHER FUTURE EVENTS THAT ANYONE KNOWS OF ?
8 indictments follow Sons of Silence probe
OFF THE WIRE
A federal investigation centered on Indianapolis' Sons of Silence motorcycle club has resulted in indictments against eight men, authorities announced Saturday.
The charges involve methamphetamine trafficking, money laundering and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said at a news conference Saturday, adding that the investigation continues, and more charges are expected.
The principal indictment in the case charges that Gary Baker, Indianapolis, obtained methamphetamine in Michigan and distributed it through two members of the motorcycle club identified as James E. Taylor Jr. and Jackie Craft as well as Stephen Davis Jr., identified as a member of the Vigilantes motorcycle club.
The indictment also charges that Baker's son, James R. Baker, "transported drug proceeds from Indianapolis to Michigan to pay Gary Baker's source for the methamphetamine."
Another Sons of Silence member, Joseph Woolsey, was charged with firearms offenses, as was a seventh man, Aaron Byers, who was also charged with money laundering.
An eighth man, identified only as a Sons of Silence member, is charged in a separate sealed indictment with methamphetamine trafficking. Hogsett said he has not been apprehended.
Hogsett said the charges followed a four-month investigation by an FBI task force and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, and execution of a search warrant at the Sons of Silence clubhouse on the Near Westside earlier this month.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110827/NEWS/110827005/8-charged-probe-motorcycle-club?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com
A federal investigation centered on Indianapolis' Sons of Silence motorcycle club has resulted in indictments against eight men, authorities announced Saturday.
The charges involve methamphetamine trafficking, money laundering and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said at a news conference Saturday, adding that the investigation continues, and more charges are expected.
The principal indictment in the case charges that Gary Baker, Indianapolis, obtained methamphetamine in Michigan and distributed it through two members of the motorcycle club identified as James E. Taylor Jr. and Jackie Craft as well as Stephen Davis Jr., identified as a member of the Vigilantes motorcycle club.
The indictment also charges that Baker's son, James R. Baker, "transported drug proceeds from Indianapolis to Michigan to pay Gary Baker's source for the methamphetamine."
Another Sons of Silence member, Joseph Woolsey, was charged with firearms offenses, as was a seventh man, Aaron Byers, who was also charged with money laundering.
An eighth man, identified only as a Sons of Silence member, is charged in a separate sealed indictment with methamphetamine trafficking. Hogsett said he has not been apprehended.
Hogsett said the charges followed a four-month investigation by an FBI task force and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, and execution of a search warrant at the Sons of Silence clubhouse on the Near Westside earlier this month.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110827/NEWS/110827005/8-charged-probe-motorcycle-club?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com
CANADA - Former police lawyer taken off Hells Angels case
OFF THE WIRE
'Real possibility of mischief ... and prejudice,' judge notes
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has removed a defence lawyer from an extortion case linked to the Hells Angels because the lawyer used to work with the B.C. police unit that targeted organized crime.
In a judgment last week, Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick removed Jennifer McCormick as counsel for Rajinder Singh Sandhu, who is charged with various offences relating to an alleged extortion in Nanaimo. The judge noted "the real possibility of mischief and also the risk of prejudice."
In the past, McCormick had acted as in-house counsel for the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. (OCA), a policing and law enforcement unit established under the Police Act that was later made part of the federal organized crime unit.
It had been argued that her work with the OCA may have made her privy to insider information that could jeopardize the trial.
Also charged in the 2010 extortion case, dubbed Project E-Pulpit, were Frederick Widdifield, Jeffrey Benvin and Robbie Lajeunesse.
Widdifiel d is a high-ranking member of the motorcycle club's Nanaimo chapter and has served as a spokesman for the group.
It is alleged the extortion "was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization, namely the Nanaimo Chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club," according to court documents.
From January 2001 to December 2003, the OCA conducted Project Halo, an investigation into the "participation of members of the Hells Angels in the production and/or distribution of marijuana, cocaine and hashish," according to the documents.
One of the members was Widdifield.
In a July hearing, crown counsel argued McCormick's link to Project Halo created a conflict with respect to her representation of Sandhu in Project E-Pulpit.
awoo©vancouversun.com
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Former+police+lawyer+taken+Hells+Angels+case/5321687/story.html#ixzz1WQ9855G3
'Real possibility of mischief ... and prejudice,' judge notes
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has removed a defence lawyer from an extortion case linked to the Hells Angels because the lawyer used to work with the B.C. police unit that targeted organized crime.
In a judgment last week, Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick removed Jennifer McCormick as counsel for Rajinder Singh Sandhu, who is charged with various offences relating to an alleged extortion in Nanaimo. The judge noted "the real possibility of mischief and also the risk of prejudice."
In the past, McCormick had acted as in-house counsel for the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. (OCA), a policing and law enforcement unit established under the Police Act that was later made part of the federal organized crime unit.
It had been argued that her work with the OCA may have made her privy to insider information that could jeopardize the trial.
Also charged in the 2010 extortion case, dubbed Project E-Pulpit, were Frederick Widdifield, Jeffrey Benvin and Robbie Lajeunesse.
Widdifiel d is a high-ranking member of the motorcycle club's Nanaimo chapter and has served as a spokesman for the group.
It is alleged the extortion "was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization, namely the Nanaimo Chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club," according to court documents.
From January 2001 to December 2003, the OCA conducted Project Halo, an investigation into the "participation of members of the Hells Angels in the production and/or distribution of marijuana, cocaine and hashish," according to the documents.
One of the members was Widdifield.
In a July hearing, crown counsel argued McCormick's link to Project Halo created a conflict with respect to her representation of Sandhu in Project E-Pulpit.
awoo©vancouversun.com
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Former+police+lawyer+taken+Hells+Angels+case/5321687/story.html#ixzz1WQ9855G3
Sheriff: Facebook Boast Leads to Arrest
OFF THE WIRE
People need to realise that that LEO's will use anything and everything against us.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/29/sheriff-facebook-boast-leads-to-arrest/?test=latestnews
YAKIMA, Wash. – A suspected reckless motorcycle rider has discovered the law's long arm now reaches into cyberspace.
The Yakima County Sheriff's office says they tracked the 19-year-old man down via Facebook.
Deputy Chris Gray says early Monday in a release that the incident began when a man on a motorcycle outran pursuing deputies late last week near Moxee, just east of Yakima.
Authorities later noticed a Facebook posting by a man boasting about eluding officers, as well as a photo on the page of a motorcycle similar to the one they sought.
Gray says that when the suspect was rousted at 4 a.m. Saturday by deputies with both a search warrant and a printout of the page, he acknowledged he was the rider.
The man, whose name was not released, has been charged with reckless driving and other infractions.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/29/sheriff-facebook-boast-leads-to-arrest/#ixzz1WQVFhq6d
People need to realise that that LEO's will use anything and everything against us.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/29/sheriff-facebook-boast-leads-to-arrest/?test=latestnews
YAKIMA, Wash. – A suspected reckless motorcycle rider has discovered the law's long arm now reaches into cyberspace.
The Yakima County Sheriff's office says they tracked the 19-year-old man down via Facebook.
Deputy Chris Gray says early Monday in a release that the incident began when a man on a motorcycle outran pursuing deputies late last week near Moxee, just east of Yakima.
Authorities later noticed a Facebook posting by a man boasting about eluding officers, as well as a photo on the page of a motorcycle similar to the one they sought.
Gray says that when the suspect was rousted at 4 a.m. Saturday by deputies with both a search warrant and a printout of the page, he acknowledged he was the rider.
The man, whose name was not released, has been charged with reckless driving and other infractions.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/29/sheriff-facebook-boast-leads-to-arrest/#ixzz1WQVFhq6d
AUSTRALIA - Bikie gxxgs secretly planning to fight crackdown
OFF THE WIRE
BY: Anthony Dowsley
Source: heraldsun.com.au
OUTLAW bikie gxxgs have been meeting secretly to plan a fightback against new laws and police raids.Finks enforcer Mick MacPherson, whose luxury Eureka Tower apartment was raided by police last Friday, is touted to become the official spokesman for the United Motorcycle Council Victoria (UMCV).
It will represent most of the 28 motorcycle clubs across the state.
Notorious bikie gxxgs including Hells Angels, Bandidos, Comancheros and Rebels are on the council.
Police sources say it is seeking legitimacy by recruiting law-abiding clubs such as the God Squad and Vietnam Veterans.
The Herald Sun can reveal MacPherson and members from other clubs are meeting fortnightly and reporting to other bikies around the nation.
At its last meeting at a Brighton hotel, members of the newly formed UMCV abused and threatened staff and police had to be called.
At a court hearing on Friday, MacPherson was given bail by a magistrate after he was arrested during raids on the Finks' Port Melbourne clubhouse and his rented luxury 38th floor apartment with panoramic views across the city.
Police executing the search warrant allegedly discovered gun paraphernalia and also found MacPherson was suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Australian Federal Police, assisted by the Echo Taskforce, are investigating MacPherson over a 1.1kg stash of cocaine that entered the country in August.
It was seized from air freight, which arrived in Sydney about the same time as MacPherson was shot in the stomach and turned up at a Victorian hospital.
MacPherson refused to co-operate with investigators about his gunshot wound.
The martial arts expert was said to be annoyed the shooting had interrupted his "ultimate fighting matches".
MacPherson arrived in Melbourne last month from Adelaide after a battle with the South Australian Government over anti-bikie laws.
He was placed on a control order as part of that state's crackdown, but was instrumental in having the laws scrapped in a legal row that reached the High Court.
Victoria did not introduce anti-association laws, which were considered unconstitutional.
But the State Government is working towards a suite of laws to clamp down on outlaw motorcycle clubs involved in organised crime.
Premier Ted Baillieu campaigned for tougher laws at the last election to deter bikie clubs from setting up in Victoria, declaring the state had become a haven for bikies fleeing other states.
Queensland's UMC spokesman Russell "Camel" Wattie said the Victorian council was preparing to fight for their "rights".
"Yes that's right, they're established and meeting fortnightly," he said.
"They're talking about issues down there to fight Ted Baillieu's hard line.
"They are noticing an increase in police attention.
" We need to be prepared ... as soon as the government makes a move."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/bikie-gangs-secretly-planning-to-fight-crackdown/story-fn7x8me2-1226124884429
Harley-Davidson keeps tight rein on production
OFF THE WIRE
://www.chron.com/news/article/Harley-Davidson-keeps-tight-rein-on-production-2144096.php
Harley-Davidson keeps tight rein on production
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson Inc. is putting a tight rein on production of its motorcycles to keep inventories lean for dealerships that might have a tough time selling in a difficult economy.
A survey of Harley dealerships by Robert W. Baird & Co. showed an unprecedented response, according to analyst Craig Kennison.
Nearly 60 percent of Harley dealerships said inventories were too low, Kennison said.
"Just one dealer told us inventory was too high," Kennison wrote in the survey.
Harley doesn't want to flood the market with bikes that might not sell and wants to protect the value of the brand. Several dealerships, of 50 surveyed nationwide, reported lost sales because buyers were looking for models that were out of stock. But, Kennison said that's a healthy dynamic for a premium brand.
Milwaukee-area Harley dealers say they're generally satisfied with bike inventories, although some 2012 models are sold out and must be ordered from the factory or other dealerships.
"We have to trade bikes (with other dealers) more than we ever did in the past because it's impossible for us to have every model in every color," said Chaz Hastings, owner of Milwaukee Harley-Davidson.
The dealerships that Baird surveyed sold about 10 percent more motorcycles in recent weeks compared with the same period a year earlier. The survey also showed most dealers liked the 2012 model lineup.
"Dealers seemed pleased with color selections and the elimination of slow-turning models, but a few want something more revolutionary, like a smaller bike," Kennison said.
The lineup includes a Dyna Switchback with detachable saddle bags. It has been popular with riders wanting something lighter and smaller than an 880-pound touring bike, said Richard Kummer, vice president of Route 43 Harley-Davidson in Sheboygan.
"We have lots of women wanting to see the Switchback and sit on it. And we have older riders trading in big touring bikes," Kummer said.
To increase showroom traffic, some dealerships have added more special events and entertainment, according to the Journal Sentinel
://www.chron.com/news/article/Harley-Davidson-keeps-tight-rein-on-production-2144096.php
Harley-Davidson keeps tight rein on production
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson Inc. is putting a tight rein on production of its motorcycles to keep inventories lean for dealerships that might have a tough time selling in a difficult economy.
A survey of Harley dealerships by Robert W. Baird & Co. showed an unprecedented response, according to analyst Craig Kennison.
Nearly 60 percent of Harley dealerships said inventories were too low, Kennison said.
"Just one dealer told us inventory was too high," Kennison wrote in the survey.
Harley doesn't want to flood the market with bikes that might not sell and wants to protect the value of the brand. Several dealerships, of 50 surveyed nationwide, reported lost sales because buyers were looking for models that were out of stock. But, Kennison said that's a healthy dynamic for a premium brand.
Milwaukee-area Harley dealers say they're generally satisfied with bike inventories, although some 2012 models are sold out and must be ordered from the factory or other dealerships.
"We have to trade bikes (with other dealers) more than we ever did in the past because it's impossible for us to have every model in every color," said Chaz Hastings, owner of Milwaukee Harley-Davidson.
The dealerships that Baird surveyed sold about 10 percent more motorcycles in recent weeks compared with the same period a year earlier. The survey also showed most dealers liked the 2012 model lineup.
"Dealers seemed pleased with color selections and the elimination of slow-turning models, but a few want something more revolutionary, like a smaller bike," Kennison said.
The lineup includes a Dyna Switchback with detachable saddle bags. It has been popular with riders wanting something lighter and smaller than an 880-pound touring bike, said Richard Kummer, vice president of Route 43 Harley-Davidson in Sheboygan.
"We have lots of women wanting to see the Switchback and sit on it. And we have older riders trading in big touring bikes," Kummer said.
To increase showroom traffic, some dealerships have added more special events and entertainment, according to the Journal Sentinel
Monday, August 29, 2011
CA - AB 529 SPEED LIMIT
OFF THE WIRE
Press release
California: Bill allowing lower speed limits inches forward
State Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Silver Lake) bill allowing cities to lower speed limits is expected to get its third reading soon in the Senate, after which the measure will go up for a vote. The bill passed unanimously in the Assembly.
I have looked over this bill, AB 529 by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, and it appears that even if it passes, this will cause no grief for us, as it seems the bill is only talking about the possible change of one or two MPH in some areas. Would you like to check it out ?
go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html
Press release
California: Bill allowing lower speed limits inches forward
State Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Silver Lake) bill allowing cities to lower speed limits is expected to get its third reading soon in the Senate, after which the measure will go up for a vote. The bill passed unanimously in the Assembly.
I have looked over this bill, AB 529 by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, and it appears that even if it passes, this will cause no grief for us, as it seems the bill is only talking about the possible change of one or two MPH in some areas. Would you like to check it out ?
go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html
WORCESTER ATTORNEY MICHAEL ANGELINI & JUDGE PETER AGNES’S CORRUPTION SWIRL PLACE HURRICANE IRENE’S SWIRL COMPARABLE TO BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES ON A B-DAY CAKE
OFF THE WIRE
August 28th, 2011
By Hermis
JUDGE PETER AGNES HAD PREVIOUSLY APPLIED THREE(3) TIMES FOR A POSITION ON THE MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT. EACH TIME HE WAS DENIED. IN TOTAL, PETER AGNES HAS APPLIED 5 TIMES FOR POSITIONS THAT REQUIRED THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL–EACH TIME HE HAS BEEN DENIED.
PETEY BOY WENT BEFORE A NEW GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24, 2011, A GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL MANY BELIEVE IS LARGELY MADE UP OF STAUNCH DEMOCRATS LOYAL TO THE POLITICAL MACHINE THAT HELPED THEM GET THEIR CUSHY STATE HOUSE JOBS AND WILL RESPOND TO THEIR MASTER’S WITH THE ALL TOO FAMILIAR DEMOCRATIC RUBBER STAMP.
THIS TIME AROUND SOME BIG GUNS WERE ASSEMBLED TO ASSIT “HIS HONOR” WITH HIS OBSESSIVE DESIRE TO RULE THE MASSES FROM HIGHER OFFICE AND TO PUSH HIS NOMINATION DOWN THE THROATS OF THE UNSUSPECTING CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
TO SANCTION THE ELEVATION OF A SUSPECT, AND UNQUALIFIED, JUDGE TO THE UPPER ECHELONS OF STATE POWER.
SOME OF THE LARGE CALIBER WEAPONRY COMPILED TO “CONVINCE” THE LARGELY DEMOCRAT RUBBER STAMPERS ON THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL (THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE BODY WHICH IS ENTRUSTED TO APPROVE ONLY THE BEST QUALIFIED, UN-REPROACHABLE, AND CREDIBLY SOUND NOMINEES/APPLICANTS TO SIT ON THE STATE’S COURTS) INCLUDED WORCESTER DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOE EARLY–JUDGE JOHN McCANN–A LOCAL LAW SCHOOL PRESIDENT(WHERE PETEY BOY TEACHES)–TERRENCE KENNEDY WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL (VOMITED UNCONTROLLABLY ABOUT HIS PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NOMINEE WHICH, IN KENNEDY’S OWN WORDS HAS SPANNED MOST HIS LIFE. FROM LAW SCHOOL, WORKING IN THE D.A.’s OFFICE TOGETHER, AND TEACHING AT THE LAW SCHOOL).
THEY EVEN DRAGGED IN LEON KATCHADORIAN, A LOW LEVEL COURT OFFICER TO TESTIFY FOR PETER AGNES. THE NOMINEE PRIOR GOVERNOR’S COUNCILS DEEMED UNQUALIFIED FOR ELEVATION TO HIGHER JUDICIAL PROMINENCE.
SHOULDN’T TERRENCE KENNEDY’S POSITION ON THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL AND YELLING FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP ABOUT HIS PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP WITH THE NOMINEE BE SEEN AS THE BLARING CONFLICT OF INTEREST IT PRESENTS?
HOW CAN THIS NOMINATION HEARING BE PASSED OFF AS A FAIR, IMPARTIAL, EQUITABLE HEARING?
A FAIR AND IMPARTIAL HEARING/PROCESS IS EXPECTED BY, AND DUE, THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS. THE RULES OF COMMON DECENCY & FAIRNESS, SAFEGUARDS AGAINST IMPROPRIETIES AND CORRUPTION AT EVERY LEVEL OF ITS GOVERNMENT IS A MUST FOR THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS AND NOT THE SHAMEFUL & OBVIOUS ATTEMPT BY SOME OF THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCILORS TO RAM PETER AGNES’S POLITICAL NOMINATION DOWN THE ALREADY ABUSED THROATS OF THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS.
WHAT A SHAMEFUL AND DESPICABLE DISPLAY OF ARROGANCE AND ENTITLEMENT DISPLAYED BY GOVERNOR’S COUNCILOR KENNEDY!
THE PEOPLE OF MASSACHUSETTS HAVE ENDURED ENOUGH OF THIS TYPE OF “IN YOUR FACE–LIKE IT OR NOT” POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS/NOMINATIONS/STATE HIRES AND DESERVE, AND DEMAND, THE RESPECT AND LEVEL OF UN-REPROACHABLE SERVITUDE FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS WHICH ARE BOUND BY OATH TO RENDER THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
THE NOMINATION OF JUDGE PETER AGNES FOR THE POSITION OF JUSTICE OF THE APPEALS COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS MUST BE DENIED BY THIS GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL, (IF THEY ARE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, AND TO SHOW THEY ARE INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY WORTHY THE LEVEL OF RESPECT THE COUNCIL HAS ENJOYED TRADITIONALLY), AS WERE HIS PRIOR ATTEMPTS FOR JUDICIAL ELEVATION BY THE PREVIOUS (AND PERHAPS MORE INTELLIGENT/OPEN/HONEST) GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL.
TESTIMONY AT THE HEARING FROM TWO SEPARATE PARTIES MADE IT CLEAR THAT JUDGE AGNES IS UNQUALIFIED FOR THE STATE APPEALS COURT. AS ONE OF THE OPPOSING PARTIES TO AGNES’S NOMINATION PUT IT: THE STATE APPEALS COURT CORRECTS THE MISTAKES OF LOWER LEVEL COURTS, PETER AGNES SHOULD STAY WHERE HE IS. THE APPEALS COURT CAN CORRECT HIS MISTAKES.
MR. & MRS. SIEGEL OF WORCESTER OFFERED TESTIMONY THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE IN THE ROOM, THEIR TESTIMONY SOUNDED LIKE A SCRENE PLAY FOR A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE COMPLETE WITH CORRUPTION, MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN REAL ESTATE AND CASH BEING ILLEGALLY FINESSED FROM ITS RIGHTFUL OWNER(S) BY ATTORNEY MICHAEL ANGELINI WHO IS A HEAD HONCHO AT THE LAW FIRM OF BOWDITCH & DEWEY. THE NOMINEE PETER AGNES PLAYED AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE SIEGEL’S NIGHTMARE.
SINCE THE SIEGEL’S TESTIMONY IS BACKED BY LEGAL DOCUMENTS, IT COULD VERY WELL MAKE FOR A BLOCK BUSTER HOLLYWOOD MOVIE!!
BEING A FRIEND/SERVANT/DISCIPLE/ TO MICHAEL ANGELINI AND HIS CREW AT THE LAW FIRM OF BOWDITCH & DEWEY DOES NOT QUALIFY ANYONE FOR A POSITION ON THE MASSACHUSETTS APPEALS COURT.
BUT IT CERTAINLY QUALIFIES PETER AGNES TO SHARE A FEDERAL PRISON CELL WITH ANGELINI AND COMPANY!
HEAR “HERMIS LIVE!”-WORCESTER EDITION-COMMENTARY ON PETER AGNES’S NOMINATION HEARING HERE.
August 28th, 2011
Michael Angelini/Bowditch & Dewey
MICHAEL ANGELINI CO-CONSPIRATOR JUDGE PETER AGNES-FAR RIGHT
ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24, 2011 ATTORNEY MICHAEL ANGELINI’S FRIEND AND DISCIPLE, JUDGE PETER AGNES APPEARED BEFORE THE MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL FOR A HEARING ON HIS NOMINATION BY GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK TO BECOME A STATE APPEALS COURT JUSTICE. JUDGE PETER AGNES HAD PREVIOUSLY APPLIED THREE(3) TIMES FOR A POSITION ON THE MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT. EACH TIME HE WAS DENIED. IN TOTAL, PETER AGNES HAS APPLIED 5 TIMES FOR POSITIONS THAT REQUIRED THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL–EACH TIME HE HAS BEEN DENIED.
PETEY BOY WENT BEFORE A NEW GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24, 2011, A GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL MANY BELIEVE IS LARGELY MADE UP OF STAUNCH DEMOCRATS LOYAL TO THE POLITICAL MACHINE THAT HELPED THEM GET THEIR CUSHY STATE HOUSE JOBS AND WILL RESPOND TO THEIR MASTER’S WITH THE ALL TOO FAMILIAR DEMOCRATIC RUBBER STAMP.
THIS TIME AROUND SOME BIG GUNS WERE ASSEMBLED TO ASSIT “HIS HONOR” WITH HIS OBSESSIVE DESIRE TO RULE THE MASSES FROM HIGHER OFFICE AND TO PUSH HIS NOMINATION DOWN THE THROATS OF THE UNSUSPECTING CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
TO SANCTION THE ELEVATION OF A SUSPECT, AND UNQUALIFIED, JUDGE TO THE UPPER ECHELONS OF STATE POWER.
SOME OF THE LARGE CALIBER WEAPONRY COMPILED TO “CONVINCE” THE LARGELY DEMOCRAT RUBBER STAMPERS ON THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL (THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE BODY WHICH IS ENTRUSTED TO APPROVE ONLY THE BEST QUALIFIED, UN-REPROACHABLE, AND CREDIBLY SOUND NOMINEES/APPLICANTS TO SIT ON THE STATE’S COURTS) INCLUDED WORCESTER DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOE EARLY–JUDGE JOHN McCANN–A LOCAL LAW SCHOOL PRESIDENT(WHERE PETEY BOY TEACHES)–TERRENCE KENNEDY WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL (VOMITED UNCONTROLLABLY ABOUT HIS PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NOMINEE WHICH, IN KENNEDY’S OWN WORDS HAS SPANNED MOST HIS LIFE. FROM LAW SCHOOL, WORKING IN THE D.A.’s OFFICE TOGETHER, AND TEACHING AT THE LAW SCHOOL).
THEY EVEN DRAGGED IN LEON KATCHADORIAN, A LOW LEVEL COURT OFFICER TO TESTIFY FOR PETER AGNES. THE NOMINEE PRIOR GOVERNOR’S COUNCILS DEEMED UNQUALIFIED FOR ELEVATION TO HIGHER JUDICIAL PROMINENCE.
SHOULDN’T TERRENCE KENNEDY’S POSITION ON THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL AND YELLING FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP ABOUT HIS PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP WITH THE NOMINEE BE SEEN AS THE BLARING CONFLICT OF INTEREST IT PRESENTS?
HOW CAN THIS NOMINATION HEARING BE PASSED OFF AS A FAIR, IMPARTIAL, EQUITABLE HEARING?
A FAIR AND IMPARTIAL HEARING/PROCESS IS EXPECTED BY, AND DUE, THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS. THE RULES OF COMMON DECENCY & FAIRNESS, SAFEGUARDS AGAINST IMPROPRIETIES AND CORRUPTION AT EVERY LEVEL OF ITS GOVERNMENT IS A MUST FOR THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS AND NOT THE SHAMEFUL & OBVIOUS ATTEMPT BY SOME OF THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCILORS TO RAM PETER AGNES’S POLITICAL NOMINATION DOWN THE ALREADY ABUSED THROATS OF THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS.
WHAT A SHAMEFUL AND DESPICABLE DISPLAY OF ARROGANCE AND ENTITLEMENT DISPLAYED BY GOVERNOR’S COUNCILOR KENNEDY!
THE PEOPLE OF MASSACHUSETTS HAVE ENDURED ENOUGH OF THIS TYPE OF “IN YOUR FACE–LIKE IT OR NOT” POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS/NOMINATIONS/STATE HIRES AND DESERVE, AND DEMAND, THE RESPECT AND LEVEL OF UN-REPROACHABLE SERVITUDE FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS WHICH ARE BOUND BY OATH TO RENDER THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
THE NOMINATION OF JUDGE PETER AGNES FOR THE POSITION OF JUSTICE OF THE APPEALS COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS MUST BE DENIED BY THIS GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL, (IF THEY ARE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, AND TO SHOW THEY ARE INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY WORTHY THE LEVEL OF RESPECT THE COUNCIL HAS ENJOYED TRADITIONALLY), AS WERE HIS PRIOR ATTEMPTS FOR JUDICIAL ELEVATION BY THE PREVIOUS (AND PERHAPS MORE INTELLIGENT/OPEN/HONEST) GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL.
TESTIMONY AT THE HEARING FROM TWO SEPARATE PARTIES MADE IT CLEAR THAT JUDGE AGNES IS UNQUALIFIED FOR THE STATE APPEALS COURT. AS ONE OF THE OPPOSING PARTIES TO AGNES’S NOMINATION PUT IT: THE STATE APPEALS COURT CORRECTS THE MISTAKES OF LOWER LEVEL COURTS, PETER AGNES SHOULD STAY WHERE HE IS. THE APPEALS COURT CAN CORRECT HIS MISTAKES.
MR. & MRS. SIEGEL OF WORCESTER OFFERED TESTIMONY THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE IN THE ROOM, THEIR TESTIMONY SOUNDED LIKE A SCRENE PLAY FOR A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE COMPLETE WITH CORRUPTION, MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN REAL ESTATE AND CASH BEING ILLEGALLY FINESSED FROM ITS RIGHTFUL OWNER(S) BY ATTORNEY MICHAEL ANGELINI WHO IS A HEAD HONCHO AT THE LAW FIRM OF BOWDITCH & DEWEY. THE NOMINEE PETER AGNES PLAYED AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE SIEGEL’S NIGHTMARE.
SINCE THE SIEGEL’S TESTIMONY IS BACKED BY LEGAL DOCUMENTS, IT COULD VERY WELL MAKE FOR A BLOCK BUSTER HOLLYWOOD MOVIE!!
BEING A FRIEND/SERVANT/DISCIPLE/ TO MICHAEL ANGELINI AND HIS CREW AT THE LAW FIRM OF BOWDITCH & DEWEY DOES NOT QUALIFY ANYONE FOR A POSITION ON THE MASSACHUSETTS APPEALS COURT.
BUT IT CERTAINLY QUALIFIES PETER AGNES TO SHARE A FEDERAL PRISON CELL WITH ANGELINI AND COMPANY!
HEAR “HERMIS LIVE!”-WORCESTER EDITION-COMMENTARY ON PETER AGNES’S NOMINATION HEARING HERE.
Remembering Barry & Carol....
There will be a Memorial Luncheon on Sunday November 6, at 2PM following the ABATE local 6 monthly meeting........In memory of Local 6 Members Barry & Carol Sandberg who were taken from us two years ago. This Memorial luncheon will be held at American Legion Post 460 located at 7815 Armour St, Kearny Mesa, San Diego.
There is now a Facebook Event for this, please let us know if you can attend.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211092885614328#!/event.php?eid=211092885614328
The flyer is also attached.
Help spread the word . . . invite all your friends!!
There is now a Facebook Event for this, please let us know if you can attend.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211092885614328#!/event.php?eid=211092885614328
The flyer is also attached.
Help spread the word . . . invite all your friends!!
The great American bike finally gets chance to compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
XR1200 in front of a trio of other riders during practice for the AMA Pro Road Racing series motorcycle race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.
INDIANAPOLIS — A deep, bellowing engine sound reverberated throughout Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday -- a sign that the great American bike was finally back at the great American track after 102 years.
The last time a Harley was on the track during a race weekend was 1909.
“I love it, the whole aura of coming into this place,” said Jason DiSalvo, a 27-year-old motorcycle racer from New York state. “I was here last year (Moto2), but coming here on an American motorcycle is really cool.”
Really different, too. The last time a non-NASCAR American-made engine was used at the famed Brickyard was 2005.
But the Harleys are kicking off a whole new American revolution at Indy.
Next year, Chevrolet returns to the IndyCar Series. All three races scheduled for next year’s NASCAR weekend -- Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Grand-Am -- will use American engines, too. And depending on how this weekend’s two AMA XR1200 races play out, and whether speedway and MotoGP officials can reach a deal to come back in 2012, the most distinctive sound in motorsports could be back on next year’s undercard.
Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus thinks it’s a perfect combination.
“We recognize that we’re in the heartland of the United States and it’s a great American brand, so we’re happy to have them,” he said after the first practice session. “It’s a great brand, a popular brand and an important brand.”
The Harley race replaces last year’s U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union event, which ended in tragedy when 13-year-old Peter Lenz was killed in an accident with a 12-year-old rider. All the competitors in the Harley races are older than those two riders, though Belskus insists that’s not why the change was made.
Rather, it was a business decision.
With more than 1 million people belonging to the official Harley Owners Group, HOG, and one of the nation’s most loyal fan bases, Harley-Davidson has the power to give American motorcycle racing a huge boost.
Area dealerships have already lined up to sponsor riders ranging from Shawn Higbee of Milwaukee, where the motorcycle manufacturer is based, to Northern Ireland’s Jeremy McWilliams.
How much of an impact might the American brand have this weekend? The ticket line for Friday’s practice sessions snaked from the speedway’s administration all the way to the street.
“It was so long, I told our people I was going to go out there and start taking orders,” Belskus joked. He said sales for Saturday’s MotoGP qualifications and Sunday’s race should mirror last year’s.
It’s not just fans who are excited. DiSalvo didn’t hesitate to accept the offer from Chase McFarland’s team to hop on a bike this weekend, even though he has never raced on a Harley. And when the 47-year-old McWilliams found a sponsor for this race, he couldn’t wait to get to town.
“It’s a bit of a dream come true,” McWilliams said after testing in Indy last week. “I’ve never been to the Brickyard, as you call it, and it’s lovely to be here. I’m pretty blown away by the size of the place. It’s a pretty good layout, and I’m really enjoying the fast sections.”
The first Harley race on the 2.621-mile, 16-turn road course will be held Saturday afternoon. The second is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, after the day’s three other races finish.
There are plenty of storylines, too.
Besides DiSalvo making his Harley debut and McWilliams’ trying to become the next big Northern Irish winner on American soil, Michigan’s Chris Fillmore will try to maintain his points lead as he chases his fourth win of the season and California’s Shelina Moreda, of California, is expected to become the first woman to compete on a motorcycle in Indianapolis.
No woman has ever won a race at Indy. England’s Pippa Mann is the only woman to win an Indy pole.
“It’s huge, really,” she said. “I can’t believe how many fans are hear for practice and qualifying, but I’m not trying not to focus on that because if I do, it would be pretty overwhelming.”
The most significant part of the weekend: Exposure for the riders and a series that is only its second year.
“It’s really cool to be on this stage and all the spectators that are going to be there,” Fillmore said. “Everybody wins from this.”
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The last time a Harley was on the track during a race weekend was 1909.
“I love it, the whole aura of coming into this place,” said Jason DiSalvo, a 27-year-old motorcycle racer from New York state. “I was here last year (Moto2), but coming here on an American motorcycle is really cool.”
Really different, too. The last time a non-NASCAR American-made engine was used at the famed Brickyard was 2005.
But the Harleys are kicking off a whole new American revolution at Indy.
Next year, Chevrolet returns to the IndyCar Series. All three races scheduled for next year’s NASCAR weekend -- Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Grand-Am -- will use American engines, too. And depending on how this weekend’s two AMA XR1200 races play out, and whether speedway and MotoGP officials can reach a deal to come back in 2012, the most distinctive sound in motorsports could be back on next year’s undercard.
Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus thinks it’s a perfect combination.
“We recognize that we’re in the heartland of the United States and it’s a great American brand, so we’re happy to have them,” he said after the first practice session. “It’s a great brand, a popular brand and an important brand.”
The Harley race replaces last year’s U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union event, which ended in tragedy when 13-year-old Peter Lenz was killed in an accident with a 12-year-old rider. All the competitors in the Harley races are older than those two riders, though Belskus insists that’s not why the change was made.
Rather, it was a business decision.
With more than 1 million people belonging to the official Harley Owners Group, HOG, and one of the nation’s most loyal fan bases, Harley-Davidson has the power to give American motorcycle racing a huge boost.
Area dealerships have already lined up to sponsor riders ranging from Shawn Higbee of Milwaukee, where the motorcycle manufacturer is based, to Northern Ireland’s Jeremy McWilliams.
How much of an impact might the American brand have this weekend? The ticket line for Friday’s practice sessions snaked from the speedway’s administration all the way to the street.
“It was so long, I told our people I was going to go out there and start taking orders,” Belskus joked. He said sales for Saturday’s MotoGP qualifications and Sunday’s race should mirror last year’s.
It’s not just fans who are excited. DiSalvo didn’t hesitate to accept the offer from Chase McFarland’s team to hop on a bike this weekend, even though he has never raced on a Harley. And when the 47-year-old McWilliams found a sponsor for this race, he couldn’t wait to get to town.
“It’s a bit of a dream come true,” McWilliams said after testing in Indy last week. “I’ve never been to the Brickyard, as you call it, and it’s lovely to be here. I’m pretty blown away by the size of the place. It’s a pretty good layout, and I’m really enjoying the fast sections.”
The first Harley race on the 2.621-mile, 16-turn road course will be held Saturday afternoon. The second is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, after the day’s three other races finish.
There are plenty of storylines, too.
Besides DiSalvo making his Harley debut and McWilliams’ trying to become the next big Northern Irish winner on American soil, Michigan’s Chris Fillmore will try to maintain his points lead as he chases his fourth win of the season and California’s Shelina Moreda, of California, is expected to become the first woman to compete on a motorcycle in Indianapolis.
No woman has ever won a race at Indy. England’s Pippa Mann is the only woman to win an Indy pole.
“It’s huge, really,” she said. “I can’t believe how many fans are hear for practice and qualifying, but I’m not trying not to focus on that because if I do, it would be pretty overwhelming.”
The most significant part of the weekend: Exposure for the riders and a series that is only its second year.
“It’s really cool to be on this stage and all the spectators that are going to be there,” Fillmore said. “Everybody wins from this.”
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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