Friday, March 11, 2011

From Tsunami's & Earthquakes to Motorcycle Only laws - what is affecting your world today?

We as humans tend to get involved, become engaged when things affect us. Until they hit close to home, things like Cancer Research, ALS, MS, Progeria - they don't come to mind too often. But when you know someone affected by those illnesses, the story changes.

The same is true of natural disasters. We tend to feel for those affected and depending on the news coverage, we might donate, but then we might not. We will if we know people who live in the disaster stricken zone, we might if the images are powerful enough be moved to get involved. But unless there is a personal connection we tend to shy away from involvement. Look at the differences in support in India and Australia over flooding compared to the help given Haiti...lives were affected in all of these natural disasters but Haiti received far more attention and help that the other two did.

(My heart and prayers go out to the latest victims of Mother Nature's wrath - Japan and all who will be affected by the after shocks and Tsunami's the quake is triggering.)

There are those who react to situations with a "There but for the grace of God go I  attitude" and pitch in. There are those who donate money, because it gives them a way to be involved when they have nothing else to offer besides prayers and then there are those who - perhaps because they themselves have little to share possession wise or monetarily - whose lives are busy eking out an existence for themselves do little beyond give it a fleeting thought and prayer.

Our motorcycle community is absolutely no different. We participate in runs and rallies for causes that are important to us and there are a plethora of causes that need and deserve supporting! We donate and work with in our community and we do so based on what affects us. What is important to us as individuals. 

Right now a lot of focus and attention is being paid to what's happening in Georgia with the motorcycle only checkpoints. Our rights are either under siege or being supported depending on the state or province you are living in and the political climates in your regions. 

Edmonton AB and many areas around the world are dealing with Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaws.
Some states are repealing helmet laws, some are amending them. 
Some states allow you to split lanes and yet others allow you to treat a red as a stop sign. Some communities hate us, some love us and some have no real opinion about us and that variety of attitudes towards us stems partially from our own local riding communities and the volunteers who work tirelessly to lobby for our causes or the lack of volunteers to do the job. 

The attitudes are affect by HOW we ride our bikes and how WE conduct ourselves as a collective.

If you aren't happy with what is affecting you, you have two options:
Do nothing but whine, snivel or complain and rail against the "Man" and let someone else shoulder the load.

Do something to affect change - join a group, write a letter, meet with policy makers - donate funds or items to auction to raise funds - whatever that looks like for you. A heavy burden is easily carried when many hands help - so it is with defending our communities, their rights, their people and their causes...when many hands help it takes less effort and less time on each persons behalf....think of that next time something you read, see or hear affects you.

One person CAN change the world - if not on a global scale at least on a microscopic level.
Like always - I love it when you wade in on the topic of the day - I always learn so much from the exchanges!

Remember I mentioned the RevZilla Scholarship contest the other day? Well they have something else going on too... Every Month they are giving away gear - that's right every month one lucky person who signs on their site up has the opportunity to win great gear - this month the top prize is ...a TPG Ranier Jacket & Pants - over $800 in value! 
Second prize is $100 worth of gift certificates. That's Pretty sweet if you ask me!

Speaking of contests - if you haven't checked out our calendar contest - may I suggest you do. There are some fantastic photos of both the men and the ladies! (http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/contests/2012-calendar-contest)

We begin accepting photos for the February Page of the Calendars next Thursday, but warning - unlike RevZilla, we are giving away NO prizes to be involved in our contest - only the satisfaction of knowing that when the calendars are made and sold you will be supporting some great causes! $10 from every calendar will go to the Breast Cancer Conga or the Chrome Cowgirls and $10 from the men's calendar will go to the CMTA Injured Riders Fund or to support Veteran's Causes - you will be able to choose when you order your calendars in October!

Have a fabulous Friday...a wonderful weekend - talk to you all again on Monday!



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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Unfair Advantages

I have been producing the Busted Knuckle Chronicles since 2003. I have offered the paper ON LINE since 2004 -could I qualify for any of the Government Grants or loans? NOPE.
Why? My paper was FREE in print at bike shops and was free on line (it's now $17.50 a year to pay for the electronic mailings), had paid subscriptions in print but because I had more free subscriptions than I had paid ones and because I was NOT charging at least $1 per copy - I didn't qualify for the publications mailing grants.

When I made the decision to go on line ONLY because of the recession, I didn't qualify because I was already on line. Now my competitors who were never on line in any meaningful way are getting grants out the wazoo. Canadian Biker has gotten almost $60K dollars, Mojo got almost $20K and while they have had web sites, there has been little by way of content on them. ( http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-business/303-businessindustry-news-canada/9674-how-the-canadian-government-a-motorcycle-industry-are-crushing-online-publishers )

Now these people are all good people - I know them all well. When the Tories decided to what thy did with the grants - they saw an opportunity and took it. I would do the same so my issue is NOT with them but it sure is with our government. Because mine is a grassroots publication - a by the people for the people sort of thing - I don't qualify for many of the grants, subsidies or loans that are out there.

The ones I do qualify for are grants to help pay wages but when you can't find anyone to hire, the grant is useless.

I know that our publication is well read and well received by many, I know that with hard work, dedication and perseverance that the Busted Knuckle Chronicles will always be around in one form or another but man - I sure wished that just once I could get a shot in the arm, a break and I know many other small on line publishers that feel the same way.

Haper Gov't are you listening - do you even care?  And who do we vote for in the upcoming Federal Election - cause there will be one, I am sure of that... The Liberals? NOT ON MY LIFE. Jack Layton - you know - I think it might be time to give the man a shot - he surely can't be much worse than the other options...or can he.

Your opinions would be really appreciated because as a small business person - I need some help and guidance on who to vote for.

There is a TON of very  interesting news on tap today so head on over to www.beltdrivebetty.com to check it out .

An Update on the Calendar Contests -

We appear to be having a problem with the voting -Apparently we are having isolated browser issues so while the web mistress talks to the component developer - we are going to give her an hour or so to get it fixed - (some people can vote and others can't)..Since you can only vote ONCE PER DAY it's not a biggie but to make it fair...- we are going to start the voting at 10 AM MST - Patience folks - always hiccups at the beginning of anything...Sorry

 Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

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Wednesday, March 09, 2011

The Tragedy and the Life of Leslie "Cricket" Lee

The abused, the forgotten and the helpless have lost a champion of epic proportions.
Cricket who was recently honored by the Kentucky Legislature for her work, a woman who was working towards the ending of violence met with a violent death by stabbing. 

Cricket founded the now national child abuse prevention and awareness movement, the Katelynn Stinnett Memorial Ride, after bonding with the Kentucky toddler, who died at age 2 of brutal child abuse. She was the founder of the Borrowed Angels Charity Riders, she worked for veterans and needy families - her work made a difference, her life touched thousands and now she is gone.

My prayers go out to her family, her friends, her sisters of the wind, the victims she worked for, the causes she championed. 

Our world lost a bright light that will now look down upon us and she will guide and mentor those of us who held the same values and sense of community that she did...guide us girl - our world is a sadder place with out you, so guide us and show us all how to keep your good works moving forward....let's keep that light shining bright...

How has motorcycling and it's community affected your life? Has it made you a better person? Has it impacted your life in a positive way? Are you between 16 and 21 and heading to college - RevZilla wants to know YOUR story and by sharing your story - you could win $1,000 Scholarship!  It's an easy contest to enter and who knows, you might just win yourself $1,000 in cold hard cash....good luck to those who enter.... (http://www.revzilla.com/college-scholarship-contest)

Speaking of contests, the Irwin Tools One Million Dollar contest is going to wrap up after 250 smaller contests....6 professionals have a shot at the top prize!
"IRWIN Tools is excited to host these talented competitors at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge World Finals," said Curt Rahilly, VP of Marketing for IRWIN Tools. "At IRWIN, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of professional tradesmen. These trade professionals make a real difference in their communities each and every day because of the work they do. Our competition is a celebration of their contributions and talent."   The winner will be "crowned" March 20th! Good luck to final six competitors!

As always there is a ton of news on tap over at www.beltdrivebetty.com and I invite you to skip on over to see what's happening that might affect you and your world.

Our January Men and Women of Riding 2012 Calendar contest has some fabulous entries - we accept entries for the January Month competitions until 5pm Alberta time and Voting begins at 8 am Alberta Time....tomorrow and runs until next Wednesday, then we heat things up for the February competitions - 13 in all to create a pair of charity calendars.... come find out what it's all about: www.beltdrivebetty.com

Have a FANATASTIC Hump day folks...

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Monday, March 07, 2011

When does Freedom of Speech go too far?

Westboro Church has made headlines around the world with their "God Hates America, God Hates Soldiers" campaigns of hatred and defilement. The US Supreme Court upheld their right to spew hatred. And that has me puzzled.

The KKK is viewed as an extremist hate group in the US, men like Ernst Zundel have been prosecuted for spewing hate literature that could incite hatred against an identifiable group" and for being a threat to national security here in Canada.

So why is a "Church" allowed to spew hatred towards the defenders of "Freedom"?
I do not understand the mentality - in light of the wars that the US is in - the hatred being spewed by the members of the Westboro "Church" smacks of the hatred shown to Vietnam Vets....of that spewed towards Holocaust survivors, of that spewed against Blacks.

Sorry folks, maybe it's just me but truly, the Supreme Court in the US seems to have lost sight of it's job.

Hatred - Hate Crimes - Hate Literature - Bullying - all of these things are wrong, morally and legally so why is a "Church" being allowed to spew hatred? I thought that extremism was what many of the wars that are being fought, are about, standing against extremism.
I thought that morals and values were regarded in the US by it's government and it's court system as fundamentals of law. It appears to me however that that is not the case. Nor is common sense or common decency.

For this "Church" to be allowed to incite hatred against an identifiable group - the military men and women who have paid the ultimate price for OUR FREEDOMS, for them to be allowed to teach children such awful, horrible things, shocks and dismays me.
I remember an interview many years ago of a 4 year old child of a white supremacist and the shocking hatred that that child spewed. What has happened to our society? What has happened to the fundamentals of this country called the US of A?

This "Church" has been allowed to spew anti Semitic rhetoric, anti Gay rhetoric, members  have been arrested for invasion of privacy and for assault among other things. They have burned the Canadian Flag to protest Gay Marriage, the have burned the US Flag and while it may not be illegal to do so it is the supreme insult.

From Wikipedia:
On September 24, 2009, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of Westboro Baptist Church and reversed the lower court's award. It found their picket near the funeral is protected speech because it involves "matters of public concern, including the issues of homosexuals in the military, the sex-abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, and the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens", and did not violate the privacy of the service member's family.[96] On March 30, 2010, the appeals court ordered Albert Snyder to pay the church's court costs of over $16,000, a move that Snyder's attorney's referred to as "adding insult to injury".[97] The decision has led to nationwide support for Snyder, with over 3,000 promises for donations to help offset the cost; Political commentator Bill O'Reilly offered to pay the entire amount of the costs on March 30.[98][99] The American Legion has also raised $17,000 to help pay Snyder's court costs.[100]

On March 8, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Snyder v. Phelps, (Docket No. 09-751, March 8, 2010).[101] On May 28, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, joined by 42 other Senators, filed an amicus brief in support of Snyder with the Supreme Court. On June 1, Kansas Attorney General Stephen Six filed a separate brief supporting Snyder. This brief was joined by the Attorneys General of 47 other states and the District of Columbia, with Maine and Virginia being the two exceptions.[102][103]

In an 8–1 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Phelps on March 2, 2011.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion stating: "What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous."[104] Justice Samuel Alito, the lone dissenter, said Snyder wanted only to "bury his son in peace". Instead, Alito said, the protesters "brutally attacked" Matthew Snyder to attract public attention. "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case," he said.

I agree with Justice SamueI Alito and I feel that the Supreme Court of the US of A has let the citizens of the USA and the world down with their recent ruling. The Patriot Guard are heroes in my humble opinion and I pray that they have the strength and support they need to keep protecting the rights of the men and women who have served their country and their right to be buried with dignity. End Quote

What say you?

There is a lot of other news around the world that affects the riding community - to find out what's going on visit www.beltdrivebetty.com

Join our hunt for the Motorcycle Men and the Real Lady Riders of 2012!
We are hosting a calendar competition - no prizes - just bragging rights and supporting some great causes - come visit us at www.beltdrivebetty.com to find out what it is all about!

Have a great Monday people.

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Thursday, March 03, 2011

Feeling helpless...dealing with imminent death

This is a very personal subject. Death, having to say good bye.

My husband's best friend Dave was airlifted to the U of A in Edmonton from Dawson Creek about 12 days ago. He was unconscious and actually died three times on the way.

While I headed to Red Deer and the bike show and then in to Edmonton to see the old boy in the hospital, Mark headed to Dave's in BC and helped to secure his home and possessions and ensure that bills and mortgage could be paid on time to protect Dave's credit and possessions.  Mark is a worrier and frets over anything that affects his friends or family. He is compassionate and loving and very generous of heart. Don't get me wrong - he also has an iron wall that can come down - it very seldom happens, but when it does it is terrifying.

We got the call last night that every one dreads - the same one I dealt with last June when my brother was diagnosed terminal with lung cancer. Dave's condition had worsened - the doctors after running numerous tests finally figured out what was causing Dave's poor health and decline. He has esophageal cancer. The family is having an open house at the U of A for friends to come say good bye to Dave. On Sunday they will pull him off of life support.

Needless to say my husband was busy making phone calls to friends to let them know what's going on. The iron curtain has fallen and I seem helpless to be able to get through it. I know it will lift again and am working really hard to allow him to grieve in his own way.

He feels regret for not going to Edmonton to see Dave while he was conscious - doesn't know if he wants to go to see him now or to simply remember him as he was - apparently this very slight man is down to 80 pounds. Mark is torn. He and Dave had a holiday to Vancouver Island on the bikes planned for this riding season.

They will still go on holiday together but this time one won't come back. Dave's deepest desire is to have his ashes scattered at his mom's grave. So Mark and Dave's brother Scott are taking the trip together on bikes to do just that.

My  heart aches - Dave is my friend too and I feel rather helpless right now - I know what lies ahead and I am powerless to stop the hurt my husband is feeling - he's inconsolable - all I can do is be patient, give him whatever support he'll allow and let him grieve.

Love is a deep emotion - it brings with it immense highs and terrible lows - today is one of those terrible moments...God Speed Dave, be out of pain, know you are loved - it's OK to let go....We'll be OK.

I remember saying those words to my Dad, my Grandpa, my uncle and my brother...having to say good bye, giving them permission to let go...it a hard thing to do when all you want to do is beg them to stay, don't leave me....and yet - it is what we must do.

I love my family - the blood kind and the wind kind. 
As I said, love is a deep emotion and right now I feel very fierce and protective and yet helpless.

Today I really need you to know that no matter when we disagree - family we will always be and I do love you all in my own way.

Have a loving day today in honour of all those who are no longer with us and those whose departure is imminent.


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Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Here we go again Alberta!

So - in spite of the fact that the first motorcycle noise tickets being thrown out of court (appeals pending apparently) Bragg Creek has decided to craft a noise bylaw - motorcycles being the main reason.

I suggest to anyone riding in the Bragg Creek area that they be careful - careful not to be in too large of a group, careful with that throttle hand - it is after all the rude and inconsiderate that have put this stupidity on the rest of us.

For the respectful rider I say - when you see someone being a self absorbed boob, your duty is to either inform them they are being selfish or to make sure that they are the one getting the ticket.

It is always the one who needs for others to notice them that ruins it for the rest - the old adage - one rotten apple spoils the barrel is very appropriate here.

This riding season - let's shock the heck out of those who want to see us corralled and hog tied...
Let's use respect with that throttle hand - in old folks home zones, hospital zones, residential areas and business districts - a little respect with that throttle hand will go a long way to repairing the relationship between riders and non riders...I'm just saying...

Like always - I welcome your comments and the discussions on the topics of the day! Join the conversation on Facebook, in our forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com or right here in this blog!

In other news:

The Justice for All Rally in Surrey BC- the one regarding Cpl Monte Robinson is being held on March 9th.

In Quebec, the former home of Hells Angel Mom Boucher is now a restaurant.



In Regent North Dakota, plans for the world's largest motorcycle sculpture are under way

In Minnesota, ABATE recently lobbied at the state Capitol to protect the rights and safety of all motorcyclists.

Have a great Wednesday everyone!


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Tuesday, March 01, 2011

I really wonder...what is going on.

There has been a whole ton in the news about the various OMC's around the world.
In Australia the Bandidos patched over to the Hells Angels - one of the largest defections in Australia's history and the police services are nervous.

Then in Seattle, the Mongols have been recruiting and that has authorities nervous.

Biker Bill was arrested for recording a police officer during a traffic stop.

The motorcycle only check points coming soon in Georgia - in time for Daytona Bike week have riders upset.

The OMC's have been in the news feeds steady and these motorcycle only check points have been in the feeds a lot too, so what pray tell is going on out there?

Tons of news about the various trials around the globe from Montreal to Nanaimo and right across the US and Australia.







I wonder what is going on out there - it seems that not a day goes by without all of this high profile reporting on the OMC's. When I see what happened to Biker Bill and I hear about theses motorcycle only check points, I truly wonder if all of this "Stuff" is related or what....Your thoughts on this situation would be deeply appreciated.

There's a ton of other news out there today - visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to get your fill!

Thursday is the last day to vote on your favourite machine in the Beat the PMS Blues on Line Show 'n' Shine.   You do not have to be a member of our web site to vote - but we sure would love to earn you as a member!

We are hosting a couple of calendar contests - one called the Men of Motorcycling 2012 - we want a wee bit of beef cake for our Gal Caves...tank tops, wife beaters - wear em - we want to see your pipes! 

The other is the Real Lady's of Riding 2012....wear what you would when you ride!
We will have the submissions start on Thursday at noon AB time - in all there will be 13 contests - one for each month of the calendar - the same thing for the guys calendar - 13 contests - one for each month of the calendar.

Become a fan of Belt Drive Betty & The Busted Knuckle on Facebook for the information!
Look on the events link!

Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone - stay warm...I got a ton of book keeping and data entry work to do today and the witch I work for won't let me off the hook!



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