Hey,
This is a strange overcast on the coast, Sunday. I’m slightly hung-over. I have a drinking code. First, never mix your drinks. If you’re drinking beer, stick with it. Don’t mix in Jager, or Rum. I messed with the code last night. We hit the Los Angeles boat parade circuit, on Zack’s Boston Whaler. He owns the Chowder Barge in a marina near us.
We had dinner and beer on his fish and chips Barge, then slipped, with a couple of girls, onto his 90hp Evinrude powered skiff, for an undercover reconnaissance of the LA Boat Xmas parade. The girls brought another six-pack of beer and a couple of bottles of wine. We putted over to a series of party boats, climbed aboard, investigated the boats and the broads, then slipped back onto his big dinghy and followed the brightly lit and adorned gang of yachts deeper into the harbor.
All went well until a snitch on the Santa boat called the cops on us, “They don’t have a number,” the squealing captain shouted to the harbor patrol, “they can’t be in the parade.”
We had one unceremonious anchor light, which we pointed to. “It’s the north star,” Zack said as the harbor patrol kindly judged our non-xmas decoration status and asked us to leave.
“I’ve been kicked out of better parties,” Zack said and gunned the whaler, and we peeled out.
Never a dull moment.
I’ll fill you in on the outcome in my ending. This is going to be a thought-provoking Sunday News. I fired the Factory racer on Friday, just as it started to rain. WTF, I finally get it running right and it rains. Let’s hit the news:
QUICK, ENTER YOUR BIKE IN THE LONG BEACH IMS, ULTIMATE BUILDER SHOW AND WIN BIG–Check out the awards. Bikernet is entering two bikes, one built by Bandit and one by the Lucky Devil, Kent Weeks, from Houston, Texas. All the winners will be invited to the AMD finals in Sturgis. Bikernet will set up a booth and Bandit will be signing books. Be there, Be There, Be There.
Freestyle class award wins $3000 plus a go-pro camera from Star Motorcycles
Modified Harley first place takes $3000 plus a race tuners from Harley-Davidson
Performance Custom Class winner wins $1000 plus go-pro
Entry paid to Sturgis World Championships.
Don’t miss the show in Long Beach, December 17-19.
REMINDER: SET DVRs TO TRAVEL CHANNEL FOR A WILD RIDE–
The Travel Channel describes Sturgis: The Wild Ride as “a never-before-seen look at the remarkable transformation of a sleepy town of 6,000 into the Mecca of motorcycles.” The producers spent a lot of time and energy out at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during the 2010 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The show airs Sunday at 7 pm and 10 pm EST and again on Thursday at 7 and 10 pm EST. Don’t miss it!
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY STUDENTS STUDY THE DEFINITION OF HAPPINESS– I think this definition is key. I don’t get why they feel a definition is necessary. Happiness is a joyous state of mind, but different to virtually every mind. To one it’s making money, to another it’s getting laid, to another it’s making a deal, to another it’s breaking a deal or screwing someone, to another it’s killing, to another it’s watching a flower grow. That’s why we have the right to pursue happiness written into the constitution, because happiness can’t be defined. Besides, it changes even in the individual from decade to decade. As a young man, it could be winning a race, in the next decade it could be business success or romance, and in yet another decade it could mean creative freedom, friends, or solace.
–Ming Da Merciless
Bikernet philosopher
I believe that Happiness ultimately is arrived from taking responsibility- just like they used to believe in the good old days.
And if one believes there is a “Judge” and takes responsibility for their actions, Happiness is not far!
So I see these points intrically intertwined.
Ahh– we shall be solving the worlds problems!
Dr. Hamster
BEARDED LADY MOTORCYCLE FREAK SHOW– July 24, noon to six, Bring Out Your Freaks!
Smell the cracker jacks, hear the grind organ… it’s back!! Prepare yourself for the 5th EVER Bearded Lady. This year we’re bringing back the carnival. Enjoy live bands all day and night, welcome back le Cirque Rouge Burlesque, eat and drink ’til you’re fat, and oogle at the cigarette girls as they pass you by. As always pay a $10 entry per bike for the motorcycle contest and don’t leave ’til you’ve stocked up on swag. Motorcycles and rods welcome, as there’s plenty of parking. Pull up yer pantyhose, lace up yer boots and join us for the best year yet.
LOCATION:
331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
DR. NUTTBOY’S IRELAND 2011 TOUR–Those who want to visit creepy grave yards will get their fill. Those who want to experience churches and chathedrals will get their holy dose. There will be plenty of pub time, slurpping down the evil dark stuff, Guinness.
For those who want to ‘shop til they drop,’, I’ll show them all the pricey shops they can handle. We can even check out the Harley Davison shop (even tho the guy who runs it is a sullen prick). I want to make this a tour that everyone enjoys. I even know where the best gay bars are if anyone wants to dip their thing in something green and kinky. If you know anyone who is vaguely interested, let me convice them that this will be a unique experience. We’ll be staying in one of the most posh and exclusive areas in Ireland- Malahide. I’ve attached a more detailed flyer about our tour. Thanks for your help.
–Ladd
Tentative Tour Schedule… Lunches are at participant’s expense
Sunday 11:15AM – Arrive Dublin Airport and transfer by Private Coach to Malahide, meet families. Meet at Malahide Pub?
Monday 9AM meet at Dart Station to Tara Station (transportation to station?), Orientation, followed by guided city bus tour of Dublin, Lunch- Duke’s Pub or Fitzsimmons Pub Walking tour of City Center south of Liffey, Temple Bar. 17:00 Return to Families. Meet at Malahide pub- Oscar Taylor’s or Smith’s Public House.
Tuesday 9AM Meet at DART Station to Tara Station. Book of Kells, Trinity College,
Lunch- Walking tour of O’Connell Street, GPO, Henry St., Moore St.,
(St Aueden’s & Christchurch- maybe?) Musical Pub Crawl (transportation to and from?)
Wednesday 9AM Meet at Coach Tour to Wicklow, visiting Glendalough, Lunch- ? Powerscourt Gardens, Avoca Handweavers / Ballykisangel
Thursday 10 AM Dart to Tara. Visit Old Jameson Distillery, Tour of the Four Courts, Lunch- St. Mary’s Abbey. Play at the Abbey Theatre (transportation to and from?)
Friday 10 AM Dart to Tara. Tour Dublin Castle. Walking tour of Grafton Street, St Stephen’s Green, Lunch- Visit National Gallery. (tour of Bank of Ireland/Old Parliament- maybe?) Malahide Pub Night?
Saturday Tour of National Museum. Lunch- ? Farmers’ Market
Sunday Free Day
Monday Walking tour of Malahide Castle, Lunch- ? Howth, Tour Casino Marino
Tuesday Visit Glasnevin Cemetary, Lunch-? Guinness Storehouse. Play at Gate Theatre (transportation to and from?)
Wednesday 9AM Meet at ? Coach Tour to Boyne Valley with Visits to Knowth, Lunch- ? Monasterboice & Hill of Tara
Thursday Visit Writer’s Museum, Hugh Lane Gallery. Lunch- ? Literary Pub Crawl
Friday Walking tour of St Michan’s Church, Kilmainham Gaol, Lunch- ? Musuem of Modern Art
Saturday Going home party in Brazen Head Pub and O’Shea’s Pub (transportation to and from?)
Sunday Free Day
Monday Coach will pick up group at 05h00 for transfer to Airport
RENEGADE CLOSING THEIR DOORS–All Remaining Inventory will be sold to the highest bidder! Fixtures, Signs, Displays, Equipment, Biker Memorabilia and a few great bikes!!!
Everything will be sold by December 11th to the highest bidders or at the low “Buy It Now” price on each Bike or Fixture.
Still lots of parts, apparel and custom accessories slashed just in time for Christmas shopping!
Biker T-Shirts 3 For $10 and Hundreds to choose from!
www.RenegadeCycles.com
We will be open Saturday the 4th & 11th from 10-5 selling off what’s left.
All parts & apparel on FINAL LIQUIDATION…
Biker T-Shirts 3 For $10!!!
Motorcycle Displays, Rare Signage, Cool Stuff!!!
Still loads of custom parts & accessories, below Dealer Cost!
View Instock Motorcycle Inventory
BIKERNET HISTORY CLASS STORY NUMBER ONE– Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed “Easy Eddie.” He was Capone’s lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.
To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.
Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.
And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn’t give his son; he couldn’t pass on a good name or a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al “Scarface” Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.
Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine. The poem read:
“The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still.”
STORY NUMBER TWO
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O’Hare.
He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.
Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber’s blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.
Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor.
A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
So, the next time you find yourself at O’Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It’s located between Terminals 1 and 2.
SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?
Butch O’Hare was “Easy Eddie’s” son.
–from Pablo
BIKERNET OFFICIAL STOCKBROKER REVEALS HIS TRUCK PROJECT, SEARCHES FOR UL– I dont think I ever sent you pictures of the truck I’ve been working on with my buddy Josh. It a 38 Ford with a crazy chop and old school straight 6 set up like it just ran flat out at bonneville in the late ’50s. Let me know what you think.
Let me know if you run across a UL flathead 80 basket case.
–Matt
BIKERNET INTERNAL INVESTIGATION–Marco is passing by Bandit’s shop on his way to the Cantina one day when, through a gap in the door, he sees Bandit doing a slow and sensual striptease in front of an old green John Deere tractor.
Buttocks clenched, Bandit performs a slow pirouette, and gently slides off first the right strap of his overalls, followed by the left. He then hunches his shoulders forward and in a classic striptease move, lets his overalls fall down to his hips, revealing a torn and frayed plaid shirt . Then, grabbing both sides of his shirt, he rips it apart to reveal his stained t-shirt underneath. With a final flourish, he tears the t-shirt from his body, and hurls his Bikernet baseball cap onto a pile of old motorcycle parts.
Having seen enough, Marco rushes in and says,”What the hell are you doing, Bandit?”
“Jeez, Marco, ya scared the crap outta me!” says an obviously embarrassed Bandit. “But me’n the ol’ lady been havin’ trouble lately in the bedroom department, and the therapist suggested I do something sexy to a tractor.”
–Bruce S.
URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ENGLAND– 5th December “Circulars” No To Bike Parking Tax Ride-Out postponed for 2 weeks.
“Whilst this will be of great disappointment to the more nuttier elements of our community, due to the adverse weather conditions & the resultant treacherous road conditions, the NTPBT Head of Marshalling, Pepsi Johal has declared that this Sunday’s demo ride-out from Ace Cafe London cannot safely be marshalled, and thus it has been postponed until Sunday 19th December 2010, allowing us to incorporate it as our Xmas get-together.
Arrival at Ace Cafe London on Sunday 19th December will be an hour later at 9am for an 11.30am departure. The afternoon arrival back at the cafe will also be an hour later.
For more details, please visit www.notobikeparkingtax.com home page & forum
–Warren Djanogly
Chairman”
SUNDAY NUTTY PRODUCT– so I dump my bike over onto the saddlebag that carry’s my case full of straps and gadgets that I have to unpack and install on my bike,as gas is pouring out onto my hot engine I am burning my hand trying to hook up the straps and adjust them. After five minutes of pissed off adrenaline rush I crank my bike high one thread at a time high enough to stand it up and pack away my gas soaked nylons back into my saddlebag. who comes up with this shit and how many did they sell??
http://www.uprightmfg.com/
— from John Covington
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SOCIAL STUDIES, Old Chinese proverb– Confucius say,”If you are in a book store and cannot find the book for which you search, you are obviously in the…..
DR. PHIL COMES TO THE CANTINA– I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace. Dr Phil proclaimed, “The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished.”
So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn’t finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Valium prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some
Doritos, and a box of chocolates, and a half bottle of scotch.
You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now.
Pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace.
–Irving Marsh
BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN NEWS NETWORK CHIEF ANNOUNCEMENT– Unlike so of my fellow Australians I am proud to fly our Australian Flag (and have always) upon my house – sunset tonight in Melbourne, Australia with our flag fluttering!!!
–Ray Russell
SUCKER PUNCH SALLY AND 5-BALL RACER, VALERIE THOMPSON, STEP UP TO HELP PHOENIX ECONOMY– Open Letter From a Concerned Citizen to Phoenix Mayor Prompts Creative Action By Several Arizona Businesses to Aid Arizona Economy
Valerie Thompson Racing, Sucker Punch Sally’s Custom Bikes, Biker Babes and Beyond, and Bikers Defense team up to sponsor “The BAD Economy Buster Bling Bike Hunt™”
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) December 4, 2010
In the midst of an unprecedented economic downturn, four Arizona business owners are partnering together to offer a fun, positive and profitable idea for helping the ailing local economy.
A Phoenix resident recently wrote an open letter to her fellow citizens and Mayor Phil Gordon saying: “Dear Friends, enough is enough! Phoenix is like every city across this nation – we are facing a crisis and we need leaders to work together to find solutions. This is no time to blame the city for our financial crisis.”
The passion of the letter sparked an idea that inspired four small businesses to collaborate on a statewide promotional cross-marketing program that aims to help Arizona merchants by increasing consumer traffic into their shops.
Valerie Thompson Racing, Sucker Punch Sally’s, Biker Babes and Beyond and Bikers Defense announce today “The BAD Economy Buster Bling Bike Hunt™.” It is open to all merchants in Arizona as well as “wannabe” custom bike owners – in time for the holiday buying season and for three months thereafter.
The hunt for the keys to a custom bike manufactured by Sucker Punch Sally’s of Scottsdale, Arizona begins February 1, 2011 as clues to the whereabouts of the bike, worth approximately $35K, become available weekly through participating merchants. Selling opportunities to merchants opened December 1st. A new clue will be issued every week at the retail locations of these participating merchants. People can go to any of the locations to pick up a clue access ID to view the weekly video clue by registering on the contest’s website. Participating merchants should see increased foot traffic through their stores, restaurants, and establishments.
Mid-way through the event in March an important free clue will be issued to participating media for distribution to their audiences. Persons hunting for the custom bike keys will need ALL clues to be successful in finding the keys to the bike.
“Participating merchants stand to make increased in-store sales due to the additional foot traffic it will promote,” says Valerie Thompson.
Christian Clayton, CEO of Sucker Punch Sally’s, says, “We have fantastic plans for this bike. The general model I can talk about but the many extras will be revealed when the keys are actually found and all the details will be released. We are really excited to build this machine and participate in the event.”
Participating partners will be given the opportunity to host a “Search Party” promotional event (at their own expense) during the nine weeks of clue distributions, featuring an appearance by Valerie Thompson of Valerie Thompson Racing, to increase visibility for the store while also increasing foot traffic.
Citizen journalist photos and stories will be encouraged and sent out weekly to participating media to update the public and let them in on some of the fun. Valerie Thompson will be making celebrity appearances by appointment at store locations who wish to host a bike hunt party where people can exchange information about their attempts to find the bike, thus narrowing possibilities.
Biker Babes and Beyond will be furnishing full riding apparel to the person who finds the keys first and earns the bike.
Representatives from the “Bad Economy Buster Bling Bike Hunt” will be canvassing the State of Arizona making clues available for the hunt to all participating merchants beginning in early December through January 30, 2011 – two days before the hunt begins.
Campaign Partner Information:
Valerie Thompson Racing: 2X World Land Speed Motorcycle Drag Racer
http://www.valeriethompsonracing.com
Biker Babes and Beyond, LLC: Retail Franchise Clothing store in Cottonwood, AZ
http://www.bikerbabesandbeyond.com
Sucker Punch Sally’s: Custom Bike Manufacturer, Scottsdale, AZ http://www.suckerpunchsallys.com
Bikers Defense: A complete line of vitamin and skin care products committed to enhancing the biker lifestyle through proper and natural supplementation.
For additional information, please contact Wendy Roberts, Director of Public Relations at Orca Communications, at wendy(at)orcapr(dot)com or (480)346-4004.
BIKERNET ELIXIR OF LIFE ADDITION:What is Matcha Tea?– Matcha – literally, “powdered tea” – is a special type of green tea: a precious, jewel-green powder that is whisked with hot water in a bowl to make a frothy beverage of the same name. Preparation of matcha is the focus of the Japanese tea ceremony and has a long association with Zen. Matcha is the only form of tea in which the whole leaf is consumed, and because it is made from top-quality leaves that are treated with great care, it delivers more of the healthful elements of green tea than other forms. A unique, beautiful and richly flavorful drink, matcha gives most people a feeling of well-being. In addition, the simple ritual of preparing it is both enjoyable and meditative.
For matcha, unlike most other forms of green tea, farmers cover the plants with heavy shade cloth for three weeks prior to harvest in May. This causes the new shoots to develop larger, thinner leaves with better flavor and texture. Harvesting is by hand, and only the youngest, smallest leaves are selected for the best quality matcha. Farmers steam the leaves briefly to stop any fermentation, then dry them and pack them in bales for cold storage. Aging deepens the flavor of the tea, which becomes optimum after six months.
Health Benefits of Matcha
In addition to providing trace minerals and vitamins (A, B-complex, C, E, and K), matcha is rich in catechin polyphenols – compounds with high antioxidant activity. These compounds offer protection against many kinds of cancer, help prevent cardiovascular disease and slow the aging process. They also reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood, stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce high blood pressure and enhance the resistance of the body to many toxins. The most important polyphenol in matcha is EGCG (epigallo-catechin gallate), which is the subject of many medical studies. Matcha has a significant amount of dietary fiber and practically no calories.
–Andrew Weil, M.D.
www.DRWEIL.com
BIKERNET SECURITY ALERT– 809 Area Code
We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code The woman said ‘Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you- get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.’ Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809. We did not respond. Then this week, we received the following e-mail:
Do Not DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284, AND 876
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON’T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809
This one is being distributed all over the US …. This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call.
They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.
If you call from the U.S., you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute.
Or, you’ll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic … The charges afterward can become a real nightmare. That’s because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You’ll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.
–from Joe Teresi
HOLIDAY Stress Relief in 4 Steps, Part 1: Breathing
Consider these during this holiday season, and pass them along to family and friends!
Looking for a simple, healthy way to help you get through the day? Try breathing exercises – a natural and effective way to reduce stress, maintain focus and feel energized. Exhaling completely is a useful practice that is especially easy to learn – it can promote deeper breathing and better health. Give it a try: Simply take a deep breath, let it out effortlessly and then squeeze out a little more.
Doing this regularly will help build up the muscles between your ribs, and your exhalations will soon become deeper and longer. Start by performing this exhalation exercise consciously, and before long it will become a healthy, unconscious habit.
Don’t miss next Week’s Tip, where we discuss flower remedies for stress relief.
–Dr. Weil
WWW.Drweil.com
HUSQVARNA REORGANIZES & REINVIGORATES BRAND FOR 2011–
Personnel & Product Pumped Up!
December 3 – Corona, CA – There are exciting changes in store for the Husqvarna brand in 2011. “We are happy to announce changes that will position Husqvarna North America to serve the U.S. off-road market like never before,” says National Marketing Manager Corey Eastman. “New management has been brought on board to help better serve our dealers needs, as well as expanded staffing to allow greater focus on key customer service and marketing functions.”
These changes come in conjunction with a new headquarters located in Southern California, as well as revolutionary new products. “We are committed to re-establishing Husqvarna as a leading off-road motorcycle brand in the United States,” adds Eastman. “New people, new attitude and new product should help alleviate some of the old concerns!”
STAFFING NEWS:
Husqvarna is quite literally doubling the size of its staff, allowing the company to react more quickly. “We will be able to play a more active role in the marketing and selling of motorcycles by keeping the Husqvarna brand top of mind among off-road motorcycle enthusiasts,” explains Husqvarna Motorcycles NA president Kris Odwarka. “The job of not only meeting, but hopefully exceeding your needs is being taken on by a new management team.”
THE NEW LOCATION
Husqvarna North America’s new corporate headquarters are located in Corona California. The goal in this move is to allow sales, aftersales and marketing activities to be located closer to the majority of the companies that serve the off-road industry, the media that reports on the industry and a healthy portion of consumers who participate in it. Additionally this will allow for more hands-on product development specific to the American market – making for even better motorcycles moving forward.
THE NEW ATTITUDE
The new Husqvarna is far more than just another attempt to reposition this historic brand. The investment and commitment are very real and a very clear sign that Husqvarna is committed to becoming a leading off-road motorcycle brand. “We aim to make the Husqvarna ownership experience more inclusive,” concludes Corey. “We are excited to get to work building the Husqvarna brand of the future. Please join us for an amazing ride!”
Does a New Life Form Mean God Is Dead?– The discovery of what is apparently an entirely new form of life — a bacteria based on toxic arsenic rather than phosphorus, one of the six building blocks of all life on Earth — has set the scientific world abuzz, prompting White House inquiries to NASA and threatening to upend longstanding beliefs about biology.
But some say the announcement also signals an end to religious faith, or at least the beginning of the end, because it implies that life can spring forth unexpectedly on Earth or even on other planets, and in unexpected forms — developments that seem to run counter to literal readings of biblical creation accounts.
“The polite thing to say is that discoveries such as this don’t really impeach the credibility of established religion, but in truth of course they really do,” David Niose, president of the American Humanist Association (AHA), a leading secularist organization, said of this week’s revelations about the microbes discovered in Lake Mono in California.
“The fact that life can spring forth in this way from nature, taken in context with what else we’ve learned in recent centuries about space and time, surely makes it less plausible that the human animal is the specially favored creation of all-powerful, all-knowing divinity,” Niose said.
Another shot in the Wars of Science and Religion?
Maybe not.
Given the success of the group’s Creation Museum, which drew its millionth visitor last spring, it’d be wise not to bet against the Ark.
David Gibson
Politicsdaily
A CHILD’S LOGIC — HOW ADULTS CAN LIVE AND LEARN !!!!!–
TEACHER: IF I GAVE YOU 2 CATS, AND ANOTHER 2 CATS AND ANOTHER 2, how many will you have?
Johnny: Seven, Sir.
Teacher: No, listen carefully. If I gave you 2 cats, and another 2 cats and another 2, how many will you have?
Johnny: Seven.
Teacher: Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you 2 apples, and another 2 apples and another 2, how many will you have?
Johnny: Six.
Teacher: Good. Now if I gave you 2 cats, and another 2 cats and another 2, how many will you have?
Johnny: Seven!!!
Very angry Teacher: Where the hell do you get seven from?!?!?
Very angry Johnny: Because I’ve already got a fuckin’ cat at home!!!
–from Rik Savenko
BIKERNET HEALTH ALERT– Subject: Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Article, click here to read what the Brew Dude wrote:
http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm
BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN NETWORK CHIEF REPORTS ON THE GREAT VICTORIAN RIDE HE STARTED–Today my dear friend Kez finished the “Great Victorian Bike Ride” and had one amazing experience!
She was not aware of the fact that the event was my idea and in conjunction with sponsors Radio 3MP and Bata Shoes I promoted the first event May 2nd 1982.
Some five thousand participated with the then Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Frasier starting the event. I actually built a bike for the Prime Minister.
World cycling champion who I sponsored at that time Danny Clark also participated.
Little did I know that the event would grow to the world’s largest recreational bicycle event.
Great memories
–Ramon
BIKERNET INSURANCE WEEKEND ALERT: Looking Out For Insurance Fraud
We get to review a lot of insurance claims in our business and we must say, fraudsters seem to be getting more creative every day. Insurance fraud can take many forms from one simply making a false claim to the repair shop manager deciding to pad his repair estimate in order to receive more money from the insurance company.
The problem with insurance fraud is that it increases premiums for everybody. Reality is, fraudulent claims account for a significant portion of all claims received by insurers, and cost billions of dollars annually. And guess what, insurance fraud is not just committed by organized crime rings. Unfortunately, some normally honest people also commit fraud thinking that “its only a little white lie” and/or “its only against the rich insurance company.” They ‘fudge” their values a bit when they apply for insurance or when they make a claim. They may not even think it’s insurance fraud. “Heck, I’ve paid my premiums for years with no claims, so now it’s my turn.”
Insurance Fraud Defined
Insurance fraud is any act committed with the intent to fraudulently obtain payment from an insurance company. The chief motive behind insurance fraud is to financially profit. The most common form of insurance fraud involves policyholders exaggerating otherwise legitimate claims. The Insurance Information Institute reports that insurance fraud accounts for 10% or $30 billion of property and liability losses in the U.S. Vehicle insurance fraud is a big target. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 21% to 36% of auto-related insurance claims contain elements of suspected fraud. On the health care side, it is estimated that as much as $115 billion (10% of all healthcare billings) are fraudulent.
What Is Not Insurance Fraud
Good faith disagreements about a claim between a policyholder and an insurance company is not considered an attempt to fraud. It’s is simply a negotiation about the insurance contract provisions. A decision by an insurance company to decline your insurance application, or to not renew your policy is not considered fraud. It is simply their business decision to not accept you as a client.
The Bottom Line
Measuring insurance fraud is an elusive target at the best of times. Insurance companies and most states have set up enforcement departments which investigate all parties involved in a suspected fraud. Industry and government work together to ensure the public is protected from economic loss and distress by actively investigating and arresting those who commit insurance fraud. The bottom-line is this:
1. Read your insurance policy to make sure you know exactly what you are entitled to.
2. Get your claim facts right and on paper. This will make any claim dispute clearer and easier to settle.
3. Make sure you have a professional insurance agent by your side to help you navigate the claims process.
4. Contact Bikernet Insurance anytime for assistance. We are here to help.
Happy Holidays,
The Team at Bikernet Insurance
Call anytime: 888-467-8703
For fastest response email: clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
CA 0G67810 – Serving 20 states.
Credit: Article adapted from the quality writings of freelance writer, Rob Fleming. Rob is a writer for hire and can be reached at www.rlfleming.com
BIKER CASTING CALL-TWO CULINARY ROAD WARRIORS WANTED!– The producers of Dancing With The Stars, Skating With The Stars, Top Gear and What Not To Wear are currently casting an on-the-road adventure series, highlighting American culture and history through its’ food.
We are looking for two road warriors who share a love for eating, an enthusiasm for badass motorcycles and most importantly, a passion for food! Together, you’ll discover America’s Heartland and all of its traditions while digging right in with the locals tasting slices of life!
If you know your food as well as the history and process behind it, look like you mean business on the outside, but have the good ole boy quality inside and love riding your motorcycles, you could be our guys!
Ideally, we’re searching for two long-time buddies who have a funny banter while sharing a passion for food and the open road. BUT, if you are an individual who fits the description above, that works too.
If interested, please send the following info:
Name, City, Contact Info, a few recent photos of yourself (include both close up and full length and show us your bike!), a brief bio and tell us why you’d be right for this!
CONTACT:
Meg 310.405.8259
WOW, INCREDIBLE SUNDAY–So, I drank a couple of beers, then the wine, and when we successfully reached the Bikernet Headquarters, I had a Jack on the rocks. I should have had a cup of Green tea. But, WTF, it’s all good and we had a helluva night crusing the harbor. Next week we meet with the city on our grant effort to refurbish the exterior or our building. This afternoon Dr. Hamster is riding over, and we will test ride the 5-Ball Factory Racer, with the new S&S cams, pushrods, Compu-Fire ignition all around the new BlackHawk cone and BlackHawk’s recommendations. Keep your fingers crossed.
Now get this: A Connecticut man, who was convicted of killing a 14-year-old boy on a bicycle by mowing him down at 80 mph, is suing the kid’s parents, ’cause the boy wasn’t wearing a helmet. He’s accusing the parents of contributory negligence. On top of that, in The Week magazine, it’s reported that the Oklahoma City has refused to host a franchise of the Lingerie Football League.
Life is nuts. Where our population is out of control and China is trying to deal with population growth, Russia is going in the other direction. They are offering citizens a plot of land if they will have a third child, and they will help them build another home or a new home, since their population has slipped.
Next week and new Girl of Bikernet may surface from Johnny. I’ll work on my 5-Ball Racer tech, Rogue is working on a dresser reverse gear installation with Trish from Baker. I’m about to launch Buckshot’s custom motorcycle report from SEMA, and we are about to publish the 25th chapter of Chance’s World Run. I’m going to meet with members of the industry regarding our aftermarket council next week. The SEMA effort doesn’t look good. I still think it’s a terrific avenue for our industry to reach out of the box, from a marketing standpoint, but SEMA ‘s focus is primarily on their show in Vegas. They have no interest in motorcyclists rights, so we are considering other options. I will bring you a report at the end of next week.
I reached my goal of starting chapter 20 of my 1%er book by the end of November, and need to roll on the final chunk of the book, so the first draft is completed by the end of the year. We are working on our goals for 2011 and will bring you an update as the holidays come screeching to a halt. Hang on!
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
P.S. This afternoon I need to start on my IMS show booth display with our 1926 Peashooter. We still have some spare tickets for the Long Beach Show, the Minneapolis, and the Washington D.C. shows. Just drop me a line with your address and we will send you a couple of tickets and a Bikernet sticker. Send it to Bandit@bikernet.com.
