Hey,
A couple of infrastructure changes. From now on, we will post the news on the Free side of the Bikernet Iron Curtain for one week each week. We will also do the same with selected articles before slipping them into Bandit’s Cantina archives for our esteemed members.
We need members, but I want the largest readership to check the news. We also need to inform the largest possible audience of the issues facing motorcycling and of happenings on Bikernet. So, what the fuck, I’m giving it a shot.
Let’s hit the news. It’s going to be a good one:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
MAJOR LEGISLATIVE ALERT–Landmark bill legalizing marijuana at the federal level passes House committee
The House Judiciary Committee passed a bill on Wednesday that could decriminalize marijuana use at the federal level, giving states more room to craft unique regulations.
The “Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019” — also called the MORE Act — could officially remove cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances, expunge federal marijuana convictions and arrests, and approve allocation of resources for communities affected by the war on drugs, according to the bill’s text.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and co-sponsored by more than 50 lawmakers, passed 24-10 in the committee on Wednesday.
It would also establish an organization — called the Cannabis Justice Office — to introduce a 5% sales tax on cannabis sales in states where it remains legal, according to the bill.
“These steps are long overdue. For far too long, we have treated marijuana as a criminal justice problem instead of a matter of personal choice and public health,” Nadler, the committee’s chairman, said during bill markup. “Federal action on this issue would follow growing recognition in the states that the status quo is unacceptable.”
Nadler added, “Despite the federal government’s continuing criminalization of marijuana, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis.”
The landmark bill marks the first time a congressional committee has passed a bill in favor of legalizing marijuana at the federal level. It will still need to pass the full House before moving to the Senate – where it’s likely to stall.
The MORE Act would remove marijuana as a Schedule I substance, a category that also features other drugs, such as heroin, LSD, ecstasy and peyote.
“States have led the way — and continue to lead the way — but our federal laws have not kept pace with the obvious need for change,” Nadler said in a statement. “We need to catch up because of public support and because it is the right thing to do.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden has spoken out in favor of decriminalizing marijuana and expunging criminal records for possession charges, but like Nadler, thinks each state should decide whether or not to legalize it.
Biden’s lukewarm approach to marijuana has put him at odds with other 2020 Democratic presidential contenders, such as Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who have each supported sweeping legislation to reform how the criminal justice system deals with the drug.
THE TEXAS HANDLEBAR REPLACEMENT ISSUE--Biltwell, yes but not plug & play handlebars. I eventually plan on running the wires through the bars, but not today! But at least I did replace the soldering gun when I was getting the Shovelhead running.
Is the Dyna I’m not ready to get old, kinda bike? I’d love to have the Road Glide back, as it was time for cams and a suspension upgrade. I pushed that bike and prior to December 7th, probably more than I should have. I still want an FXR though. I want to build this in black of course.
Some more red pill, blue pill stuff! Laura Dern of course, I saw 2 or 3 commercials with her yesterday for the actors studio, never mentioned her name to Robin, didn’t acknowledge the commercials in any way. And now she just happens to appear in my Instagram search.
Not the first time either one day I’m standing in the back yard, Tomball is in the flight path for Intercontinental Airport. I looked up and an Air Emeritus plane is flying over, says so on the bottom. I don’t say a word, continue walking to the barn and guess what’s on my Instagram feed! Maybe now that I know Laurence Fishburne is in my future? Yours too now?
Bike still doesn’t run, there are 9-18 gage wires on the throttle side and they ain’t going through them bars! Can only make it about 3/4 of the way down and I just learned yesterday they sell a dimpled version of this bar!! I could have ridden it this weekend, now I got to deal with the bars and get my VetsAid images sorted and posted for All Access Music News. One of Brad Paisley so far, not bad for 600mm.
I did at least clean the wires up, J&P Cycles has been off-line for two weeks, I just thought it was 3 days, just haven’t felt the soldering vibe yet. Last wire picture until back together. Still need to add turn signals on the back. I got a run, stop, turn type to add some light to the back for the daily commute.
Forgot the image of the damaged wire, that happened on the way out. I was pulling it back out and it just stopped! The drilled bars would be fine with just an on/off, turn signal and brake light.
Probably not tonight ‘cause I’m beat, but tomorrow I’m going to put the old bars back on until I can get these Biltwells with the dimples. Really just wanted a plug & play option, we just had an amazing weekend!
–RFR
THINKING ABOUT XMAS—Scott Jacobs has a cool line of tin signs.
–Olivia
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— What’s the difference between hungry and horny? Where you stick the cucumber.
What do you call a cheap circumcision? A rip-off!
What do you do when your cat’s dead? Play with the neighbor’s pussy instead.
–from Rogue
MORE WILD LEGISLATIVE NEWS–‘Free the Nipple’ movement: Women can now legally go topless in 6 states–Women in six U.S. states are now effectively allowed to be topless in public, according to a new ruling by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The decision stems from a multiyear legal battle in Fort Collins, Colo., where a city ordinance forbidding women from going shirtless in public has now officially been ruled unconstitutional.
It’s an outcome that affects more than just one town. Since the 10th Circuit encompasses six states — Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma — the decision means it is now illegal for any town in those states to create a law forbidding public toplessness.
What started as a small-scale fight has turned into a major win for the ‘Free the Nipple’ movement, a global gender equality campaign that emphasizes women’s rights to choose how they display their bodies.
The Fort Collins law received its first blow in February, when the 10th Circuit originally deemed its anti-topless law unconstitutional. The court’s ruling determined the law was based on “negative stereotypes depicting women’s breasts, but not men’s breasts, as sex objects.”
In its decision, the court also pointed to nearby cities such as Denver and Boulder, both of which allow women to be topless in public. Neither of those towns had women “parading in front of elementary schools or swimming topless in the public pool,” as Fort Collins officials had argued was a risk.
After that defeat, however, the city still had the option to appeal the law or take its issue to the Supreme Court. Fort Collins finally decided against that earlier this month, though, stating it had given up on fighting the law it spent more than $300,000 trying to protect.
“We made a huge impact way beyond Fort Collins, and we were just trying to start a conversation,” Brit Hoagland, one of the plaintiffs in the original lawsuit, said of the victory. “And that conversation reached to so many more people. It’s a miraculous achievement I didn’t think I would see in my lifetime let alone so soon.”
Andy McNulty, the attorney who argued on Hoagland’s behalf, said it was obvious to him that laws like the one in Fort Collins should be considered unconstitutional.
–Dillion Thompson
Yahoo News
A MEMBER OF THE H-D FAMILY PASSES–John A. Davidson
March 28, 1935 – November 11, 2019
John died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 11th at the age of 84.
He was born March 28, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI to Ruth Godfrey Davidson and William H. Davidson. He was married to Karen Christiansen in 1966. They had two daughters, Amy (Unitan) and Carrie (Wood).
John graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1953. He went on to play football and earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lawrence College in Appleton, WI.
After college he proudly served in the US Army stationed in Fort Lee, VA and Fort Lewis in WA state. After his service he returned to Milwaukee to work for Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company.
John joined the Harley-Davidson Motor Company at the age of 25 in the dealer relations department. He went on to a distinguished 22-year career with Harley-Davidson. John held leadership roles in marketing and sales before being elected as chairman of the board and president of the Motor Company from 1973 to 1979. He was involved in the product development planning for the Evolution V-Twin engine, a legacy that propelled Harley-Davidson forward beyond John’s time with the company. He retired in 1981 from the company.
He continued his family’s lifelong commitment to the Milwaukee community through his tireless passion of Ducks Unlimited and the Davidson Harley Charitable Fund for many years. Behind John’s leadership the fund supported many area youth activities including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.
He was an avid outdoorsman with many fishing and hunting trips to Canada and all over the country but never missing an opening day at Mud Lake in Fort Atkinson. His love of nature started as a youth at Red Arrow Camp with his brother and later annual family gatherings at the Outpost at Lake Tomahawk. He spent many sunny September afternoons listening to the Badgers and Packers from the duck blind.
One of his greatest joys later in life was spent with his family and grandchildren. From dance recitals, hockey games, Eagle Scout ceremonies, the latest lacrosse score update, he was eternally supportive of his grandchildren and teaching them the value of kindness, humility, strong character and moral compass. Maybe his most special time was the annual trip to northern Wisconsin with the whole family to fish, boat and relax in the beauty of the outdoors.
John is survived by his devoted daughters Carrie (Bob Wood) Alexandria, VA and Amy (Mike Unitan) Cottage Grove, WI who are heartbroken by his loss. Beloved grandchildren Katie, Jack, Olivia Wood and Rachel and Max Unitan. Brother William G. and Nancy S. Davidson. Niece and nephews Karen, Bill and Michael Davidson; Kevin, Karen and Lisa Cwayna and David, Josh and Katie Christiansen.
John was preceded in death by wife Karen J. (Chrissie) Davidson as well as his parents William H. and Ruth Davidson.
The funeral visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, November 18, 2019, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. An additional visitation will follow the next day on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM with military honors to follow at the same location. A private family burial will immediately follow.
John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at ProHealth Care and Waukesha Memorial Hospital who provided exceptional care for John for many years, as well as a thank you to the staff and caregivers at AngelsGrace Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Waukesha Memorial Cardiovascular Center.
Checks can be sent to ProHealth Heart and Vascular Care, 725 American Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53188 – in honor of John A. Davidson.
OH Yeah,
He is the first one I met years ago when Gary Winn from the AMA set up a meeting for all of us to meet in Bowling Green KY to discuss how Harley could help Motorcycle Rights.
After the meeting I took him to his first motorcycle drag race and introduced him to some of the Harley guys racing, he actually set up something with them to get new engine cases when they blew up an engine.
He later went to their golf card division but made sure he introduced me to Willie G and a bunch of the engineers while in Daytona for Bike Week before the move. I was doing stuff with Paisano and ABATE at the time..
–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
Don’t Let Media Whitewash Climategate! Read Chapter excerpt revealing the truth behind scandal 10 years later—Read Chapter excerpt from The Politically Incorrect Guide to Climate Change by Marc Morano:
UN IPCC exposed as “the best science that politics and activism could manufacture.”
Morano: “The Climategate scandal revealed that the UN IPCC was simply a lobbying organization portraying itself as a science panel. If the UN failed to find carbon dioxide was a problem, it would no longer have a reason to continue studying it—or to be in charge of offering ‘solutions’…
The leading UN IPCC scientists were caught red-handed artificially manufacturing the “scientific consensus” for the global warming narrative. Their own words betrayed that they were acting like political partisans, not scientists—crafting a predetermined message rather than following the evidence. Climategate exposed the work product of the IPCC as the best science that politics and activism could manufacture.”
Morano: “When the scandal broke, the global warming establishment—led by the UN, academia, and the media—immediately went into move-along-nothing-to see-here mode. There were several high-profile “investigations” of Climategate that were obviously designed simply to restore credibility to the UN and climate scientists The global warming industry investigated itself and exonerated itself.”
Rex Murphy of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation summed it up: Climategate “pulls back the curtain on a scene of pettiness, turf protection, manipulation, defiance of freedom of information, lost or destroyed data and attempts to blacklist critics or skeptics of the global warming cause.” Murphy added, “Science has gone to bed with advocacy and both have had a very good time.”
Clive Crook, writing for the Atlantic: “The Penn State inquiry exonerating Michael Mann—the paleoclimatologist who came up with ‘the hockey stick’—would be difficult to parody. Three of four allegations are dismissed out of hand at the outset: the inquiry announces that, for ‘lack of credible evidence’, it will not even investigate them…. You think I exaggerate?…In short, the case for the prosecution is never heard. Mann is asked if the allegations (well, one of them) are true, and says no.”
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK-– 2017 Harley-Davidson® FLSTN – Softail® Deluxe for $14,995.00
SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8093022
2017 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN
There may not be another more classically styled motorcycle from The Motor Company than the 2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe. With deep-valanced fenders, whitewall tires, a prominent saddle, triple headlights, tombstone taillight, and lots of chrome, the Softail Deluxe is many people’s idea of exactly what a motorcycle should look like. In spite of its unabashedly retro look, the Softail Deluxe has modern standard features, including the High Output Twin Cam 103B motor, ABS, and cruise control.
The over/under shotgun exhaust sounds as good as the Softail Classic looks, and it is truly an wonderful motorcycle to ride.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl paint sparkles in the light, is fairly unique and like new! Chrome console with a leather strap. Quick detachable windshield, chrome bars with a toolbag, mirrors, Nacelle, hi-reflective headlamp / passing lamps, blinkers, fork shroud, polished lower legs, on laced chrome rims with chrome hub and whitewall tires.
Screamin’ Eagle chrome exhaust and ABS anti-lock braking system. Wide solo seat with pillion, passenger handles, floorboards, passenger pegs, and luggage rack. Chrome engine covers including black accent 103 air cover, cam with black accent H-D logo, trans cover with ‘six speed’, and ‘103’ derby cover. Chrome chain guard, vivid black swing arm, black drive sprocket with polished rim, and a tombstone tailight. Whitewalls are almost new and crying for miles, very sweet Deluxe with a great price!!!
LATEST FROM LOWBROW— “Most of art is trying to fix mistakes you’ve made along the way of creating a painting.”
Chris Galley and his wife Jo are good friends of ours. We started running into them years ago at various chopper events, and still do, as they are avid motorcyclists.
In fact, Chris just got back a couple days ago from a motorcycle trip a in Nepal with Mikey here at Lowbrow and a dozen more of our motorcycle friends from around the USA.
I would imagine the trip gave him plenty of inspiration for his artwork, and at least one or two glimpses into the void, which should also be beneficial…
Chris created the cover art for the new Weirdo vol. 8 that just came out. Pick one up or get one free with any order over $150. We hope you enjoy the article and his artwork!
–Tyler
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON OF THE DAY–rhapsodic
adjective [rap-sod-ik]
extravagantly enthusiastic; ecstatic.
How is rhapsodic used?
When I mentioned the Betty Crocker book to David Kamp … it didn’t seem to inspire the rhapsodic response I was hoping for.
SADIE STEIN, “BETTY CROCKER AND THE JOYS OF CHILDREN’S COOKBOOKS,” THE NEW YORKER, JANUARY 5, 2018
… he can now tell you about the rhapsodic joy of a perfect day out at his home break with his boys as well as the spiritual fulfillment he felt from chasing waves around the planet as a surf bohemian inspired by Jack Kerouac.
JAY CASPIAN KANG, “WRITING WAVES,” NEW YORK TIMES, JULY 22, 2015
What is the origin of rhapsodic?
Not everyone may get “extravagantly enthusiastic or ecstatic” about word origins, but they are key to understanding the development of the word rhapsodic. Rhapsodic is an adjective form of rhapsody, which historically refers to an epic poem, or part of such a poem, such as a book of Homer’s Iliad, that can be recited at onetime. Rhapsody ultimately derives from Greek rhapsoidía “recital of epic poetry.”
Such recitals tended to be done with intense expression and feeling, leading to the English sense of rhapsodic. In music, a rhapsody is “an instrumental composition irregular in form and suggestive of improvisation,” such as George Gershwin’s trulyrhapsodic 1924 opus, Rhapsody in Blue. Rhapsodic entered English in the mid-1700s.
–from Dictionary.com
[page break]
5-BALL RACING RAMPING UP—We are getting there with new Girls stuff, more vest, Bandit’s Bedrolls and lower prices. Hang On!
–Bandit
READ THE FULL STORY ABOUT REBUILDING THE NUMBER 7 STREAMLINER–Denis Manning and crew prepare the BUB 7 streamliner for a run at Lake Gairdner 2018.
The svelte shape of the BUB 7 streamliner was inspired by the Coho salmon. “Fish know more than we do,” says Denis Manning.
The carbon-kevlar monocoque chassis of the BUB 7 streamliner held up remarkably well in the 363-mph crash.
Read the whole tamale by Jean Turner right here: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14552&id=14552
On April 20th ten of the world’s greatest bike builders thundered into Laughlin, Nevada. For 72 hours in a secret desert shop they worked non-stop to create BBO X, a one-off 124 cubic inch, rigid, right side drive, black and chrome, spear-like chopper. Then they presented it to Hugh King, producer of Discovery’s Great Biker Build Off. The geniuses who came together to make this awesome steed were Arlen Ness, Cory Ness, Russell Mitchell, Eddie Trotta, Mitch Bergeron, Kendall Johnson, Matt Hotch, Joe Martin, Chica and Hank Young.
The 104-inch chopper is currently in the Keith R. “Bandit” Ball collection but is about to be shipped to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum for display.
It’s being shipped by HaulBikes.com out of Milwaukee and was scheduled by Shipping Masters in Scottsdale, AZ.
–Bandit
NEW FROM JIMS MACHINE— New “On Bike” Valve Spring Compressor For Milwaukee-Eight
No. 5835
When changing valve springs for performance upgrades, or simply replacing a leaking valve seal, it is necessary for the technician to completely remove the cylinder head from the engine. This adds unnecessary time and expense. For $265, you can now use this revolutionary and creative new tool that JIMS has developed, which eliminates this step completely.
This patent pending “on bike” valve spring compressor kit for Milwaukee Eight engines, works with the cylinder head installed on the motor. Simply remove the rocker box covers and rocker arms, and install this unique compressor on the rocker arm shaft. Once the cylinder is filled with compressed air, the technician can easily rotate the tool and compress the top collar of the valve spring exposing the keepers to remove the top collar, valve spring, and seal.
This patent pending tool dramatically saves time for any technician working on Milwaukee Eight performance upgrades or service work.
NEWS FROM THE NMA— California Court Upholds Warrantless GoPro Seizure
California Court of Appeal upholds taking the GoPro from a car involved in an accident.
California cops may grab your dashcam video without first obtaining a warrant under a state Court of Appeal ruling published last week. A three-judge panel considered the case of motorist Robert Kien Tran, 39, who was driving his Volkswagen Golf on Palomar Mountain Road on November 6, 2016. This twisty route in San Diego County is a favorite for motorcyclists and car enthusiasts, so Tran had GoPro cameras recording his ascent from both the front and rear of the Golf.
Motorcyclist Pablo Vargas was headed down the mountain road in the other direction when the Golf lost control and drifted over the double yellow line into his lane. Vargas was hit, suffering near-fatal injuries requiring an airlift to a trauma center. Although the motorcyclist survived, he lost the use of his left arm.
A witness to the incident noticed that Tran removed the cameras from his car after the accident. California Highway Patrol Sergeant Brad Palmer responded to the scene and asked Tran whether he had those cameras. Tran said he had one in his backpack.
“I needed to get that dashboard camera because it had evidence, and I was concerned with the little SD cards that could be in it,” Officer Palmer testified. “It could be destroyed by putting your fingers in your pockets. It could be chucked. It could be stepped on.”
The officer asked Tran to take out the camera, but Tran hesitated and asked if he had the authority to take it. The officer threatened him with a charge of obstruction if he refused. Officer Palmer took the cameras, but he gave it to another officer and said to obtain a warrant before viewing the footage. That warrant was issued three days later.
Tran challenged the warrantless seizure of his camera as a Fourth Amendment violation, claiming there were no exigent circumstances nor even probable cause of a crime that would require the immediate taking of his property. The Court of Appeal strongly disagreed.
“Based on the evidence proffered at the suppression hearing, it appears that Tran was traveling too fast in his car when he came to a sharp right turn, drifted into oncoming traffic, and struck a motorcycle traveling the opposite direction,” Justice Richard D. Huffman wrote for the appellate panel. “We struggle to contemplate how this evidence would not lead Palmer to believe Tran had driven recklessly.”
The court pointed out that a seizure is less intrusive than a search, citing cases in which containers were seized from a crime scene but not opened until after a warrant is issued.
“Here the data from Tran’s dashboard camera was not viewed or downloaded until after a warrant was obtained,” Judge Huffman wrote. “Moreover, Tran had possession of the camera, and Palmer expressed concern that he could destroy the camera or the SD card from the camera… Palmer’s experience with high-performance vehicles containing dashboard cameras was that the drivers use the cameras to record their driving.”
The appellate court found that taking the camera was justified to preserve the potential evidence. Tran was sentenced in his previous trial to thirty days in jail for reckless driving.
TESLA TROUBLES AGAIN–Tesla is in hot water, once again. This time, the electric car company is being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over potential battery defects that allegedly cause its vehicles to suddenly burst into flames.
In an Oct. 24 letter to Tesla’s Deputy General Counsel Al Prescott, the NHTSA said it is launching an investigation into certain battery-management system software updates in Tesla’s Model S and Model X vehicles (model years 2012 through 2019) and is requesting an extensive variety of supporting information to assist in its investigation. The alleged defects in question, according to the NHTSA’s letter, concern “high-voltage battery fires that are not related to collision or impact damage to the battery pack.”
The NHTSA initiated the investigation following a letter the agency received in September from Edward Chen, an attorney representing a plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California related to the software updates. The letter alerted the NHTSA to a recent set of software updates Tesla initiated allegedly due to “the alarming number of car fires that have occurred worldwide,” the letter stated.
Among the information being requested by the NHTSA includes the model, model year, and number of subject vehicles manufactured by Tesla in the United States, as well as any consumer complaints, field reports, any related damage reports, third-party arbitration proceedings where Tesla was a party, or lawsuits (both pending and closed) in which Tesla was a defendant.
The NHTSA also indicated it’s seeking to interview all past and present officers and employees who were “involved in any way” with the:
Tesla has until Nov. 28 to produce the information being requested by the NHTSA. Under the Vehicle Safety Act, failure to respond to such information requests carries a civil penalty of up to $22,329 per day, with a maximum of $111.6 million for a related series of violations.
Other troubles
Tesla did not mention the NHTSA investigation in its latest quarterly report, dated Oct. 29, only broadly stating it “receive[s] requests for information from regulators and governmental authorities, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, the [Securities and Exchange Commission], the Department of Justice and various state, federal and international agencies. We routinely cooperate with such regulatory and governmental requests.”
In September 2018, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Tesla for online comments made by CEO Elon Musk about possibly taking the publicly traded company private. The Commission, citing a lack of evidence that any such deal was a reality, sued the company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on charges the online tweet misled investors.
On Oct. 16, 2018, U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan approved the resulting settlement. Without admitting or denying any of the SEC’s allegations, Tesla and Musk agreed to each pay a civil penalty of $20 million.
In its latest quarterly filing, Tesla said the SEC has issued subpoenas in connection with Musk’s prior statement that he was considering taking Tesla private and concerning “certain projections that we made for Model 3 production rates during 2017 and other public statements relating to Model 3 production.” Additionally, Tesla disclosed, the Justice Department has also asked the company to voluntarily provide the agency with information about each of these matters and is investigating.
Aside from the settlement, as amended, with the SEC relating to Musk’s statement about taking Tesla private, “there have not been any developments in these matters that we deem to be material,” Tesla stated in its quarterly report, “and, to our knowledge, no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred.”
Jaclyn Jaeger is an editor with Compliance Week and has written on a wide variety of topics, including ethics and compliance, risk management, legal, enforcement, technology, and more.
–from Compliance Week.com
ASCOT HOLIDAYS— Season’s Greetings! Since 2019 is coming to a close and a new year is just around the corner, the Ascot team would love to thank our devoted fans and friends with a discount code to apply on our website.
Please use promo code: FASTAGGIE to receive 15% off your next order. We’re also gearing up with additional black Friday deals that shouldn’t be missed!
We’re happy to announce big things are coming to Ascot! Firstly, we’re revamping our website for a user-friendly experience to shop for all your Ascot products. The Ascot team is also hitting the pavement and coming out to more of your favorite events. Make sure to look for those checkered flags and the Ascot colors at your next moto hang out!
Give us the feedback rather than blowbacks!
We would love to hear what you think! Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed.
Send emails to gamo@ascotmotorsports.com We’re here to stay up to date and keep the legacy going! Don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for the latest updates in events and promo codes.
FROM THE GEARHEAD DIARIES— Maybe we of the old school riders should help with promotional shows that maybe in place or not, such as ones like, “Then Came Bronson” and “Easy Rider.”
As a young person that is what triggered me to go and ride. If we get more shows, or motorcycle travel and mystery then maybe it will also trigger a desire in new riders.
Hey you are a writer, just got to find that production sponsor. Harley and Indian should get together on this one. Just a thought.
–Gearhead
Last year I sent my books to the Clint Eastwood crew, and this year I reached out to Keanu Reeves, but supposedly he’s in love. We are making progress.—Bandit
THE BEER LOVERS BLESSING–Two pints of beer is better for pain relief than paracetamol, says research
Beer lovers rejoice! Here’s a piece of good news for all those people who love alcohol. The next time you have a severe headache, gulp down 2 pints of beer instead of taking over-the-counter medicines.
According to a new study, drinking two pints of beer provides better relief than consuming paracetamol by 25%. Yes, you read that right.
Researchers from the University of Greenwich conducted a total of 18 studies on more than 400 people and found that consuming two pints of beer could decrease pain by up to 25%.
The researchers said, “Findings suggest that alcohol is an effective analgesic that delivers clinically-relevant reductions in ratings of pain intensity, which could explain alcohol misuse in those with persistent pain, despite its potential consequences for long-term health.”
Drinking beer in moderate quantity serves two purposes, firstly it elevates the blood alcohol level by 0.08 percent and secondly, it gives your body the threshold to bear the pain by lowering the intensity of pain.
Dr. Trevor Thompson, who led the study at London’s Greenwich University, added “We have found strong evidence that alcohol is an effective painkiller. It can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol.”
The conclusion stands true that drinking beer is more effective than taking over-the-counter painkillers but beer has several other side effects and hence you should always follow doctor’s advice.
–Ujjwal Dey
International News Editor
Bikernet™ News Bureau, India
wayfarer@bikernet.com
AMERICAN BIKER’S FALL BASH— Never disappointing, always fun, better every year! Come on out and listen to Old 52 Band, have a slice of Brick Oven pizza or Danny Middleton’s famous BBQ with a cold beer. Then to top it off, try a cigar from Southern Smoked Cigars or a fantastic helicopter ride!
VETERANS ALERT–Alabama Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Urges a Navy Veteran Anywhere in Alabama with Mesothelioma to Call for Direct Access to Attorney Erik Karst of Karst von Oiste-Don’t Gamble on Compensation
“As the Alabama Mesothelioma Victims Center would like to discuss at 800-714-0303, “US Navy Veterans make up about one-third of all people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year.”— Alabama Mesothelioma Victims Center
The Alabama Mesothelioma Victims Center is urging a US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma in Alabama or their family members to call them anytime at 800-714-0303 for direct access to Attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste. The group has endorsed the law firm of Karst von Oiste and their founding partner Erik Karst because these remarkable attorneys are responsible for over a billion dollars in financial compensation for people with mesothelioma or asbestos exposure illnesses-and they know what they are doing.
These remarkable lawyers do not need to buy Internet ads-and they are a much better option that a ‘free’ book, kit or overnight package related to mesothelioma. www.karstvonoiste.com/
As the Alabama Mesothelioma Victims Center would like to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303, “US Navy Veterans make up about one-third of all people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year.
For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health’s web site related to this rare form of cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma.
Michael Thomas
Alabama Mesothelioma Victims Center
+1 800-714-0303
[page break]
JOIN BANDIT’S CANTINA—It’s cheap. It’s packed full of interesting and motivational content, projects, rides, you name it. We’re not trying to get on TV, we did that. We’re not trying to make a movie. I’ll leave that to the experts.
We just love women, the freedom to build anything we want and the freedom to ride forever. What could be better.
I’m working on Cantina Episode number 88 right now. Tons of content is archived every week.
–Bandit
FIRST DEADWOOD PROJECT— Here’s a project for you.
–Frogman
WORLDWIDE MOTORCYCLE SALES PROJECTED TO INCREASE–
The annual global demand for motorcycles, including electrically-powered machines, was forecast by market researcher Freedonia Group to expand 4.4% per annum through 2022 to 121.5 million units, when industry revenues were projected to reach $120 billion ($10.8 billion in the US). The Asia/Pacific region, which predominantly utilizes small and inexpensive motorcycles, will continue to dominate demand, representing 84% of all units sold in 2016.
E-bikes will account for the overwhelming majority of new electric product demand, as they continue to capture market share from conventional motorcycles and bicycles. Both developed and industrialized nations are expected to register strong growth as the availability of reliable electric models increases. The lower upfront and operating costs and environmental credentials of these machines – compared to ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycles – also enhances their appeal.
Governments around the world at both the national and local levels will continue to support the transition toward e-bikes through subsidies and tax breaks, ride-sharing programs, and additional investment in the public charging infrastructure.
About a dozen countries and about 20 cities around the world have proposed banning the future sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels within the next two decades, including India, China (the largest auto market globally), Japan (the third largest auto market globally), South Korea, Taiwan, the EU auto market nations of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal, as well as Costa Rica in Central America.
–Bill Bish
NCOM
Read Bill’s NewsBytes on Bikernet Now.–Bandit
KEEPING THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN AT ALL HOURS— Why isn’t there a pregnant Barbie doll? Ken came in another box.
How is life like toilet paper? You’re either on a roll or taking shit from someone.
What goes in hard and dry, but comes out soft and wet? Gum!
What’s the process of applying for a job at Hooters? They just give you a bra and say, “Here, fill this out.”
–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
BLOCKBUSTER POLITICAL NEWS— The Biden/Kerry/Obama Timeline Involving China, Ukraine, Etc.
These are some of the connecting of the dots the far-left media doesn’t want you to know about. The dirty globalist dealings that have come at the expense of the United States and its citizens as perpetrated by (primarily) Democrats and leftist Republicans in D.C., has been going on for a very long time.
In this particular case, it directly involves Joe Biden, John Kerry, and Barack Obama.
Check it out. Save it (just in case) and share it with as many others as possible. Also, pray that there are still those in Washington D.C. who will give such criminal acts the scrutiny and justice they so truly deserve.
2009
Hunter Biden (son of Vice President Joe Biden) and Chris Heinz (stepson of Secretary of State John Kerry) create Rosemont Capital, an international investment firm with the help of Devon Archer, a businessman and close friend of Heinz. Rosemont would eventually expand and adding two branches, Rosemont Realty and Rosemont Seneca Partners.
2013
After months of tough talks with China. Biden & Kerry back down on the South China Sea Dispute. At which point China immediately ramps up activity on the disputed territories mostly with military bases being constructed.
12 days later the bank of China creates an investment fund with Rosemont Seneca, a branch of Hunter Biden and Chris Heinz’s Rosemont Capital. The fund name was Bohai Harvest Rosemont more commonly known as BHR.
China also allows Rosemont to set up shop in the shanghai zone..which means Rosemont would actually be allowed to take Chinese government money and actually invest it outside of China..even in the US. Making Rosemont the only western company in the world with that power.
Within 2 weeks the BHR fund secured $1.5 billion dollars.
2014
What doesn’t make headline news is a state-backed Chinese company under the name of Gemini purchases 75% of Rosemont’s Realty branch for $75 million. Just a few months later, Gemini invests $34 million into a Rosemont fund.
Hunter Biden is discharged from the US navy for cocaine usage.
White House records show Joe Biden holds a meeting in the White House with Devon Archer.
Devon Archer opens a foreign limited liability company under the name Rosemont Seneca Bohai LLC, using a Ft. Lauderdale address.
Less than a week later Devon Archer joins the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian natural gas company.
2 weeks later Hunter Biden joins Archer as a board member of Burisma. Coincidentally this is around the same time Senator Edward Markey along with 3 other senators write Obama a letter asking for increased aid in Ukraine.
“We should leverage the full resources and expertise of the U.S. government to assist Ukraine in improving its energy efficiency, increasing its domestic production, and reforming its energy markets,” wrote Markey, who has also proposed legislation with about $40 million in additional aide for Ukranian energy development.
Neither Hunter nor Devon had any experience in the energy sector field. Records obtained show Hunter Biden was being paid north of $50,0000 a month by Burisma. (clearly because of his high-ranking political collections – namely his father and the Obama White House.)
Meanwhile back in China, a company named AVIC (aviation industry corporation of China) has been secretly stealing US technologies related to F-35 stealth fighter jets.
AVIC also teams up with a fund known as BHR, the same BHR fund that is owned by Biden and Kerry’s sons and had secured $1.5 billion from the Chinese government. (we’re talking major national security issues here.)
Burisma makes a $3.4 million dollar payment to Rosemont Seneca Bohaii LLC.
2015
AVIC buys 51% of a technology known as Henniges. Biden and Kerry’s BHR fund purchases the remaining 49%.
Henniges was an anti-vibration technology considered a dual-use because it’s used in on critically important military equipment like the F-35.
This technology was on the restricted commerce list so it would require the approval from the committee of foreign investments of the united states for it to be released. The person responsible for that decision? John Kerry, the Secretary of State, and the stepfather of Chris Heinz who’s BHR fund bought 49%. (talk about a conflict of interest! Sadly, this had become that status quo within the Obama administration.)
The Kerry State Department approved the deal the same year.
BHR then teams up with a Beijing company this time to buy 100% of a rare earth material called molybdenum. Four years earlier, the US had filed a complaint to the world trade organization charging Beijing with attempting to control the worlds rare-earth minerals. The WTO ruled in the US’s favor.
Back in Ukraine, Burisma makes another $3.4 million payment to Rosemont Seneca Bohaii, LLC..sparking a potential corruption probe into the natural gas company, which 2 years earlier had placed Hunter Biden and Devon Archer as board members after Joe Biden used $1 Billion of US money under the guise of boosting Ukraine’s gas and economic industries.
2016
A high-profile Ukrainian prosecutor by the name of Shokin launches a relentless corruption probe into Burisma and almost instantly started feeling pressure from the Ukranian president to not pursue any further in the investigation of Burisma.
“On several occasions, President Poroshenko asked me to have a look at the case against Burisma and consider the possibility of winding down the investigative actions in respect of this company but I refused to close this investigation,” Shokin would later claim in reports recently obtained by the hill.
So, despite Shokin’s best efforts and unwillingness to pursue justice, as he got closer to bringing Hunter Biden in for questioning regarding the $3.4 million, so did the pressure from Ukranian officials who were in constant contact with Vice President Joe Biden.
A withdrawal is made from Rosemont Seneca Bohaii’s account on March 7th and it’s the last activity ever recorded.
Days later, Biden threatens Ukraine to end the investigation or he would cancel $1 billion in US loan guarantees.
A video has since surfaced in 2018 of him bragging about the blackmailing of Ukraine with US Taxpayer money to have Shokin terminated.
“I said, ‘You’re not getting the billion.’ I’m going to be leaving here in, I think it was about six hours. I looked at them and said: ‘I’m leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money,” Biden recalled telling Poroshenko.
But Biden Actually flew Poroshenko to Washington for a ‘working lunch’.
The investigation into Burisma was abruptly ended.
2017
Devon Archer is arrested with two other men for conspiracy to commit securities fraud that totaled more than $60 million.
2018
A jury finds Devon Archer guilty of conspiracy to commit security fraud but U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams (a 2012 Obama appointee) overturns the jury’s decision.
She upheld the convictions of the other two men who, unlike Archer, were not as politically and personally connected to the Bidens.
AND, she is also the wife of one of the staff who served on Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel investigation. (yeah, go ahead and read that one again.)
God bless whoever took the time to put all of the above together.
–from Andy, Lynn, Wanda Weber and Lowell
MORE ELECTRIC RESEARCH–This is my favorite part of the story.
The LiveWire motorcycle is powered by a 15.5 kWh high-voltage battery (or RESS; rechargeable energy storage system) composed of lithium-ion cells, positioned in the center of the motorcycle and surrounded by the motorcycle’s cast-aluminum frame.
RESS, more H-D lingo. It’s a friggin’ battery!
–Paul Aiken
Owner
Aeromach USA, LLC
800-990-9392 orders
704-599-1333 office
www.aeromach.net
www.highwayhawk.us
www.linkedin.com/in/paulaiken
Highway Hawk is a product of Motolux
Hi,
What if the battery goes bad?—Bandit
SPEAKING OF ELECTRIC–Electric vehicles won’t be mainstream, says Honda CEO
Commenting about Honda’s electrification strategy, Honda CEO said the brand will focus on petrol-electric hybrids, not BEVs, through 2030.
Electric vehicles won’t be mainstream, despite the push from the governments and the auto manufacturers across the world towards e-mobility, claims a media report quoting Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo.
The report further quotes Hachigo saying, “The hurdles to battery electric vehicles and complete autonomous driving are still quite high.”
Commenting about Honda’s electrification strategy, he said the brand will focus on petrol-electric hybrids, not BEVs, through 2030. Also, he said Honda will prioritize incremental advances that offer real-world safety at affordable prices, instead of fancy functions and pricy lidar systems, claims the report.
Honda aims to be more realistic instead of competing with rivals brands when it comes to electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.
Hachigo further said, “I do not believe there will be a dramatic increase in demand for battery vehicles, and I believe this situation is true globally. There are issues with infrastructure and hardware.”
He also added, “There are different regulations in different countries, and we have to abide by them. So, it’s a must to continue R&D. But I don’t believe it will become mainstream anytime soon.”
–Ujjwal Dey
International Editor
Bikernet™ News Bureau, India
wayfarer@bikernet.com
BIKERNET PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT–
Your SUV Did Not Cause the California Wildfires
By Steve Goreham
Originally published in Washington Examiner.
California nears the end of another disastrous wildfire season. Governor Newsom and others blame human-caused climate change for California fire destruction. But causes for the destructiveness of these fires appear to be dominated by other factors, not emissions from power plants or sport utility vehicles.
Data from the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection shows 2019 to be another year of fire disaster. As of November 3, more than 6,000 California fires burned almost 200,000 acres, destroyed 730 structures and claimed three lives. The Kincade fire in Sonoma County north of San Francisco did the most damage, burning over 77,000 acres to date. As of November 3, this fire was 80 percent contained with the direct cause unknown.
But fire damage in 2019 so far pales in comparison to the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Both years suffered more than 1.5 million acres burned and more than 10,000 structures destroyed. Ninety-three people lost their lives in the 2018 fires.
Regarding the cause of the wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “If anyone is wondering if climate change is real, come to California.” CNN headlines warned, “How the climate crisis is fueling wildfires and changing life in the Golden State.” CBS News announced that “Experts see a direct line between California wildfires and climate change.”
Governor Newsom also blames Pacific Gas & Electric for “years of neglect” in maintaining power lines and towers and keeping them free of brush. PG&E is a utility serving 16 million people in northern and central California.
Power lines can certainly ignite falling or wind-blown tree branches. PG&E filed for bankruptcy last January due to an estimated $30 billion in liability claims from fires caused by its equipment in 2018 and 2017. In order to reduce fire risk, this year the company implemented a program of “safety outages,” shutting off electricity during periods of high winds to prevent fires.
On October 9, PG&E shut down power to more than 500,000 people in north California between Redding and Sacramento. On October 26, the company halted power to more than 1.3 million people in Marin County north of San Francisco, during a fierce windstorm. That same day, farther north in Lake County, a half million residents lost power, an outage that would last as long as five days.
During a period of near-freezing temperatures, Lake County residents had no light and no electricity for appliances. Spoiled food, silent cell phones, dead water pumps, and intermittent internet service disrupted daily life. Californians couldn’t plan their day without the assurance that electricity would be available.
Damage from California wildfires is rising. Ten of the top 20 most damaging fires in state history, in terms of structures destroyed, burned during the last 10 years.
But can global warming be the cause of this destructive fire increase? The world’s leading temperature data from NASA, NOAA, and East Anglia University in the United Kingdom show a global surface temperature rise of only one degree Celsius over the last 135 years, since 1880. It’s unlikely that a few tenths of a degree rise in California over the last few decades caused the destructiveness of these fires.
While many cite human-caused climate change, evidence shows forest management issues to be more important. California has always had dry winds and fire issues. But fire suppression, declining forest harvests, and insect damage appear to be the dominant causes for increased fire destruction.
The Little Hoover Commission report of 2018 pointed out that a century of forest fire suppression in California produced “disastrous results.” Fire suppression generated crowded forests choked with tinder-dry brush and worsened conditions for insect damage and disease. The report described “frequent low-intensity fire” as a “critical component for California’s forest ecosystems.”
In part due to strong opposition from environmental groups, the California forestry industry has been in decline for more than three decades. California harvested only 1.6 million board-feet of timber in 2018, down 30 percent from 2000 and down 65 percent from the late 1980s. Declining forest harvests added fuel to recent destructive fires.
Insect damage is also a major factor. Forest overcrowding due to fire suppression created ideal conditions for bark beetle infestation of California’s conifers. Millions of trees now die each year from overcrowding, drought, and the bark beetle. The US Forest Service estimated in 2018 that California had 147 million dead trees, most dying since 2010.
Because of poor forest management techniques, California forests are packed with fuel and ripe for continued destructive combustion. Rather, improved forest management is the solution to reducing the damage that wildfires cause.
Steve Goreham is a speaker on the environment, business, and public policy and author of the book Outside the Green Box: Rethinking Sustainable Development.
COMING AUGUST 2020…
The 80th Anniversary of the
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
COMING BLACK FRIDAY…
A Multiple Headliner Announcement
From the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Hoping your favorite band makes it into the lineup?
SEND YOUR BAND REQUEST!
Securing bands for The Best Party Anywhere is no easy feat. Sometimes it can take an entire year before all the variables fall into place. But the process always starts by listening to requests from fans like you! See some of the bands others have requested and leave your suggestions in the comments section.
READ ABOUT
& REQUEST BANDS!
Can’t wait to see the announcement?
PASS PRESALE HAS ALREADY STARTED!
PRE-SALE PRICES END
CYBER MONDAY
DECEMBER 2 @ 5 P.M. MST.
I KNOW, TOO MUCH POLITICAL BULLSHIT—I believe in fighting for freedom. We are actually living in the best of times. And yet the control freaks can’t stop. They want zero, but zero means zero freedoms.
We need to kick back and have fun, fix the infrastructure for a growing population and shift the TSA folks to a more positive vocation, so we can have fun flying once more.
I’m working with the tileman on a couple of projects. He rode his Dyna to Vegas to cover Bikefest action and fell in love with the Golden Nugget steak house.
Hang on for his report. We are working on a Joker Machine tech and several other articles. It’s never dull around here.
Ride fast and free forever!
–Bandit
