Back in 2003 was the television hey-day for motorcycle fans. Discovery Channel was the place for gearheads to get their fix with shows like Monster Garage, Biker Build-Off and American Chopper. As we all know American Chopper was a reality show chronicling the life of the Teutuls and Orange County Choppers. In the beginning the novelty of the show was how crazy it was to see Paul Sr. & Jr.’s on air bickering, while Mikey offered up the crazy comic relief. Oh yeah, and there were some of the visionary custom bikes dreamed up by Paul Jr.

Paul Teutul Sr. of OCC

The arguments between Senior and Junior were funny and fodder for watercooler discussions. The bikes were interesting and watching the process of building those bikes intriguing. And there was Vinnie, Paulie’s right hand man who was often caught in the middle of the fights when all he wanted to do was build bikes. And Cody, who was taken under the OCC wing until he and Vinnie jumped ship to form V-Force Customs.

Speaking for myself, I probably watched the first two seasons until the show began to get formulaic. There was more focus on the crazy rantings between Paul and Paulie and less on the bikes, which then only became theme bikes for various corporations. Oh and the occasional yuk yuk’s from Mikey, who couldn’t build bikes and couldn’t ride them for a while either. As their bank accounts grew fat so did the ego’s. That’s when I jumped ship. And it seemed that I wasn’t the only one. The backlash began as the arguments became boring, the show switched channels, Paul Jr. left the company and Mikey ended up in rehab. And now Paul Sr. is suing Junior for control over the OCC empire. Yikes.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Even if it’s about 3 years too late. The series finale will air on TLC Thursday, February 11th at 9 PM. Somehow I don’t predict a happy ending. What do you think?

During this year’s 69th Annual Daytona Bike Week, hundreds of female motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson Motor Company are banding together to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and their efforts to find a cure for neuromuscular disease.  On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, the MDA and the Motor Company will host the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride.

MDA and the Motor Company will host the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women's Ride

The Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride will feature hundreds of female motorcyclists who’ll ride through the streets of Daytona celebrating their freedom and passion for the sport, as well as supporting the important work of the MDA.  All of the ride participants will be encouraged to secure pledges and donations from their friends and families to support MDA Summer Camp programs across the country.  The first 500 eligible riders will receive a 2010 MDA pin, Women’s Ride flag and riders who raise $600 will receive a one-of-a kind charm.  Also, the top three fundraisers will receive a Harley-Davidson jacket.  Last year’s ride raised more than $65,000 for MDA Summer Camps.

Ride staging will take place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. near Gate 70 of the Daytona International Speedway.  The ride will depart at 10 a.m. and continue to Riverfront Park on Beach Street.  Female riders of any brand of motorcycle interested in participating in the ride, or those interested in pledging support for the riders can go to www.mdarides.org.

In addition to the Women’s Ride, the Motor Company is also hosting a women’s area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street throughout Bike Week. Experienced women riders or those just looking for information on how to get started can learn more about the sport by participating in bike lift seminars and getting information about learning to ride. They’ll also be able to enter a raffle to win a new Pink Label Collection item from Harley-Davidson MotorClothes®.

HD's Women's Pink Label Layering Tank

For more information and to register for the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride, visit mdarides.org.  To learn more about Harley-Davidson and women riders, visit harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.

Since then, the steampunk movement has become it’s own subculture, popular among goths, punks, cybergoths, rivetheads, gamers, and geeks. It has influenced fashion, art, books and movies and there was even a steampunk cruise on Sydney Harbor for those who dress up wearing cool goggles and their neo-Victorian best.

a fine example of steampunk fashion (from the LiveJournal Steampunk community)

So, what is steampunk?

The literal definition of steampunk is: a genre of science fiction set in Victorian times when steam was the main source of machine power. But the original idea of steampunk came from scientific, fantasy novels written by H.G Wells and Jules Vern. A facet of steampunk culture is comprised of modifying a modern object (computers, ipods, guitars & amps, etc.) using materials like old cogs & gears, rivets, polished brass, iron, and wood.

Movies like Hellboy and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen incorporate a lot  of the steampunk aesthetic.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Capt. Nemo's car from LXG

Steampunk motorcycles

OK, now on to the good stuff.

Some of the motorcycles highlighted here may not necessarily been created with steampunk specifically in mind, but the end result of the design can easily fall into the category.

The Whirlygig Emoto is a steam-electric hybrid motorcycle that actually doesn’t “go” using steam, it’s propelled by propane and batteries. You can read my original post about it and even watch video of it in action!

Whirlygig Emoto

Dave Geertsen’s metal sculpture on wheels. There are more photos of his creation at bentwheel.com.

Dave Geertsen's steampunk creation

Choi Minsoo’s steampunk motorcycle is a hybrid motorcycle powered by gasoline and electricity, and the big box on the bike probably holds the batteries.

Choi Minsoo’s steampunk motorcycle

Newstalgia Wheel created this steampunk-styled chopper.

Newstalgia Wheel's retro meets modern, steampunk chopper

Confederate Motor Company’s Hellcat Combat and P120 Fighter.

Confederate Motor Company's Hellcat Custom

Confederate Motor Company's P120 Fighter

Concept bike RK Chain from RK Concepts

RK Chain from RK Concepts

Victory Motorcycles concept bike, the Victory CORE.

Victory CORE concept

Bike builder Chicara Nagata hand-crafts every element on these bikes that he can, except for the antique drivetrains he uses. There are almost 500 parts on each bike and fabricating each part and assembling it can take Nagata up to 7,500 hours per bike, which cost a cool million each.

Chicara Art Classic 1

Chicara Art Classic 2

Chicara Art Classic 3

Chicara Art Classic 4

Are you drooling yet? I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a spare million for one of Chicara’s bikes (although I wish I did!).

More, more, more Steampunk

So do you think Steampunk is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen, or you just don’t get it and you want to learn more? Here are some great sites to peruse and discover more:

Steampunk Workshop: for all things steampunk
Boing Boing: the geekier side of steampunk
Steampunk Fashion Flickr group: this is how the kids do it

Related posts:
Steampunk motorcycles
Video Thursday: Steampunk motorbike

While the current hockey season may not be the Bruins best, the Boston Bruins Foundation, in collaboration with Dirico Motorcycles (formerly Red Wing Motorcycles), presents a truly one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle.

one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle

Dirico Motorcycles is the merged talents of music innovator Steven Tyler and master inventor Mark Dirico.  They have joined creative forces to build this custom Dirico motorcycle which embodies the celebrated history of the Boston Bruins.  The motorcycle will feature custom Bruins themed paintwork, authentic signatures from Steven Tyler, and the signatures of the following sixteen prominent current and former Bruins players:

• Zdeno Chara
• Cam Neely
• Johnny Bucyk
• Ray Bourque
• Milt Schmidt
• Terry O’Reilly
• Gerry Cheevers
• Phil Esposito
• Rick Middleton
• Brad Park
• Tim Thomas
• Patrice Bergeron
• Marc Savard
• Milan Lucic
• Derek Sanderson
• Ken Hodge

signatures of prominent current & former Bruins players

These attributes make this bike a priceless collectible (estimated value of this prize is $33,000.00) which any lucky participating Bruins fan has the opportunity to win and call their own.

The motorcycle will be raffled of during the course of the season, beginning on January 2, 2010 and ending on April 11, 2010 at midnight. Proceeds generated by the raffle will support the Boston Bruins Foundation, where you can purchase raffle tickets.

Contestants (guys and girls) must submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 10, 2010.

Submissions will be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls and Carlisle Events. Once the final 4 are chosen, the public will then be allowed to vote online at garage-girls.com for who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover.

schwag from Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover 2009

Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover 2009

Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. (Accessories for his or her motorcycle as well). Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 to collect their prizes.

For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit Garage-Girls.com or CarlisleEvents.com.

*Please note: Rippin-Kitten.com is in no way affiliated with the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover. We’re just passing along the message. If you have any questions, please head over to Garage-Girls.com.

Despite the countless motorcycles still in hibernation in garages across the country, the countdown has officially commenced.

Now only over six months out, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has already begun preparations for the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2010. The epicenter and purveyor of the ultimate Sturgis experience; the Legendary Buffalo Chip has once again set out to provide rally-goers an array of entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities and a myriad of raucous memories.

By bikers and for bikers, The Legendary Buffalo Chip has consistently proven itself as the best party in Sturgis. Synonymous with providing patrons a world-renowned assortment of musical acts, this year’s lineup is sure to deliver. Locked, loaded and ready to grace the Chip’s infamous main amphitheatre stage is rock and roll luminary, ZZ Top. That little ol’ band from Texas is sure to deliver the familiar and intricate riffs that landed them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in the hearts of fans the world over. The notoriously bearded blues-rock power trio will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary next year and is looking forward to ringing in this musical achievement with a rowdy crowd of Chipsters.

Another musical powerhouse booked for this year’s festivities is hard-hitting American rock band, Disturbed. Since the band’s inception in 1996 they have sold over 11 million albums worldwide, making them one of the largest grossing rock bands in recent years. They have also released three consecutive studio albums that have debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

An additional can’t-miss attraction at this year’s Sturgis Rally Week is Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit. An internationally renowned exhibition showcasing the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling, Motorcycles as Art has become the token exhibition of the annual Sturgis Rally. The exhibit curated by legendary motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter, has been successfully captivating rally-goers for the past decade and has effectively touched on a variety of relevant and significant themes within the motorcycle community.

Last year’s 2009 exhibit entitled “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” inspired thousands of enthusiasts to come out and witness for themselves an array of revered images and sacred memorabilia central to the biker culture. Quickly becoming the most eagerly anticipated exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with an unforgettable experience.  This year’s theme soon to be announced, is guaranteed to follow in the rich and unforgettable Motorcycles as Art tradition.

The Third Annual Legends Ride has also been confirmed for Sturgis Rally Week 2010. The Legends Ride is your ticket to join celebrities, world-class bike builders and over 500 riders on a stunning, 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, SD to the Legendary Buffalo Chip. All proceeds from the ride benefit two local Black Hills charities including the Black Hills Children’s Home and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Within the past two years, the Legends Ride has quickly become the premier charity-celebrity ride of the motorcycling community and has raised nearly $100,000 for local charities. The ride is scheduled for Monday, August 9 with details still being worked out.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip offers visitors the ultimate Sturgis experience- there’s really no reason to go anywhere else. The countdown has officially begun so visit buffalochip.com now to secure your reservation for Sturgis 2010. Join ZZ Top, Disturbed, Michael Lichter and thousands of rowdy bikers at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for Sturgis Rally Week 2010 and join in the celebration. It’s going to be a wild ride!

Recently I learned that I have yet another reason to be glad that I voted for Scott Brown: he rides a motorcycle, a Victory at that. Senator “Beefcake” (we’ve all seen the Cosmo centerfold that he was in 20+ yrs. ago) may be the bain of MA democrats and causing Washington  to back pedal in a major way, but I just want to gather some of my fellow biker buddies and go for a long ride with him leading the way!

Senator elect Scott Brown a.k.a Senator "Beefcake"

Senator-elect Scott Brown & his Victory (photo lifted from bostonbiker.com)

Sure, our senior senator John Kerry, also rides a bike. He used to ride BMWs until he ran for president in 2004, when he made the switch to Harley-Davidson to appear like a True American. But somehow I just don’t get the impression that Kerry would be as cool to hang out with. I guess I still have a bad taste in my mouth from his presidential campaign run.

John Kerry going for a spin on an HD

Undoubtedly, two senators have differing opinions when it comes to politics, but I bet they can share a story or two about a past time that we can all get behind. I wonder if having two motorcycle riders for senators will help federal motorcycle rights legislation…

So what do we already know? We know that season three will be back in September and that Kurt Sutter is already back in the writing room. And that he has offered “Coco” a guest spot on the show, which would be surreal but awesome!

I’ve casually scraped my news reader and perused the usual spoilerish sites that would have some juicy morsels to share. I’m not claiming that I am the end all, be all source of SoA news, but here’s a lil sumpthin’ sumpthin’:

From EpisodeInfo:

In an interview conducted with NJ.com, [Kurt] Sutter said that in the 3rd season he wants “to take them into a world that is outside their own, where they don’t have any control, where they are subject to other people’s laws and beliefs and parameters, where they aren’t quite the big fish in the small pond.”

Sons of Anarchy Season 3 Character Spoilers (Buddy TV):

Chief Unser: According to TV Guide, Unser will step down from his post next season, consequently leaving Hale as Deputy Chief. Series creator Kurt Sutter hints that Hale will be put on a tight spot on Sons of Anarchy season 3 and is forced to make tough decisions just as Unser did in the past.

“Unser came to understand… that you have to create relationships with these gangs and turn the other way sometimes and set parameters,” Sutter explained. “You can’t go by the letter of the law or you’re f—-d. Hale [will] have to learn those lessons and how much he’s willing to bend.”

Jax: Losing baby Abel will definitely affect Jax and his relationship with Tara on Sons of Anarchy Season 3. Series creator Kurt Sutter says he wants to “explore what happens to a couple when they’re faced with a tragedy like that….To be honest with you, I don’t know where it’s going to go. Does Tara blame herself? Does Tara blame Jax? Does Jax blame Tara? But that will be a very real dynamic in their relationship.”

Sons of Anarchy episode 2.3 "Fix"

From E! Online:
Kurt Sutter just headed back into the writers’ room and would only tell us this of season three: “I have a baby to find, and that’s all I know.” As for Gemma’s future as an outlaw, Katey Sagal doesn’t seem too worried. “I don’t think it will alter the family bond, but there are so many things that have to be addressed,” she explains. “Gemma obviously doesn’t know what’s happened to her grandson, and she’ll probably go insane when she finds out. I wouldn’t put anything past her. I’m sure she’ll take care of business.”

Kurt Sutter

If you got the scoop on some info, spoilers or news about Season three, leave a comment and share with the rest of the class. I will post updates as I stumble across them.

What do you do in January when it’s too wet or chilly to ride your motorcycle? How about heading out for a night of motorcycle related literature and photography? Christina Shook and Ed Milich will be touring motorcycle destinations in San Francisco and northern California beginning January 26 2010 to promote their recently released motorcycle books: Milich’s “Wrenched: Man and Machine” and Shook’s “Chicks on Bikes“. Milich recently completed a 10-day West Coast book tour in December of 2009 with Mark Gardiner (Roadracer X, Classic Bike), author of Riding Man. Shook shared the Werkstatt SF tour stop with Gardiner and Milich, and the idea for January’s “Wrenched Words and Chick Pics” Tour was born.

Christina Shook is a San Francisco East Bay based professional photographer. “Chicks On Bikes“, Shook’s first book, compiles her photographs of and writings on female motorcyclists drawn largely from the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population of female riders. The book depicts female racers, commuters, cruisers, and mechanics in their natural environments from San Fransicso’s streets to dirt bike trails, to the racetrack. The hard bound “Chicks On Bikes” is 154 pages and is $24.99 from chicksonbike.us.

Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook

Wrenched: Man and Machine by Ed Milich

Ed Milich is a Los Angeles based writer and contributor to Motorcyclist Magazine, Café Racer Magazine Sports Car Market Magazine, a national roadracing champion (WSMC, AHRMA), proprietor of motorcycle websites Guzzitech.com, Ducpower.com, and Motobastard.com and a professional Mechanical Engineer. “Wrenched, Man and Machine“, the first book from the Los Angeles based Milich, documents his motorcycle racing, wrenching and riding experiences in largely unrhymed free verse. In March of 2009, Milich debuted “Wrenched” at the Daytona International Speedway Bike Week Vintage Races where he punctuated the book release by winning four out of four races. *Wrenched, Man and Machine* is 142 pages and is $15 postpaid at wrenchedbook.com.

If you live in the N. California area I highly recommend you go see these guys and show them your support!

Hot Leathers is doing its part to assist in ongoing emergency relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.

On January 12, a series of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7.3 devastated Haiti.

Hot Leathers will donate $1 from every web order placed now through February 14 to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief and Development Fund. This donation will support the ongoing emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.

Visit them on the web at hotleathers.com to not only browse their remarkable selection of quality motorcycle apparel and accessories but to also make a difference in Haiti.

Thank you for your support.

That being said, if you know of some other kooky, concept-type motorcycles: share with the group!

Predator Motorcycle

Predator motorcycle

Are you a tough guy that likes intimidating people just by passing close to them along the highway? Then, this awesome and scary skull-covered design is just the right one for you! The Predator motorcycle was made as a commission, by Pitstop Motors, a custom bike shop in New Jersey. (Link)

Jaguar Motorcycle

Jaguar concept bike

This cool Jaguar “leaper” cat logo concept bike was created by Barend Massow Hemmes of Massow Concept Cycles along with Polar cycles of Doncaster UK. Professional computer illustrators and even a sculptor contributed to get this truly unique final result. (Link)

World’s Tallest Rideable Motorcycle

Biggest rideable motorcycle

Do good things come in small packages? Not in this case! This massive motorcycle was built by Greg Dunham and is 6,500 pound heavy, 15 feet tall and 20 feet long. The huge design has entered the Guinness World Records, as the world’s tallest rideable motorcycle. It took 3 years to have it finished and its price is $300,000.

Suzuki Biplane (Motorcycle)

Suzuki Biplane concept motorcycle

This futuristic Biplane concept motorcycle was presented in 2007 by Suzuki in Tokyo. Due to the awesome aircraft-inspired design the rider is supposed to have the same feeling as being in an open-canopied biplane. (Link)

World’s Biggest Single-Cylinder Motorcycle

Biggest single cylinder motor on a motorcycle

This outrageous motorcycle was built by Franz Langer, a retired German engineer who had his name written in the Guinness Book of Records for building the biggest single cylinder motor on a motorcycle. (Link)

Flying Motorcycle

Flying motorcycle

If you are a thrill seeker, you will love this one! A flying bike called the Super Sky Cycle, created by former test pilot Larry Neal of Boyd. This original machine can go as fast as 70 mph in the air and 60 mph on the road. The price? About $ 25,000! (Link)

F15 Fighter Jet Motorcycle

Fighter jet motorcycle

This oddity is actually an Honda Goldwing motorcycle that has been modified to look like a mini F15 Fighter Jet! Who would have thought?

Uno Motorcycle

Uno cycle

Wait a minute… isn’t one of the wheels supposed to be in front of the other? Not when we talk about The Uno. This orange and grey colored machine made its first appearance in the 2008 NationalMotorcycle Show in Toronto. It was invented by 18-year-old Ben J. Poss Gulak, who also gave the unique motorcycle certain interesting features, like running on electricity and being controlled by body language. (Link)

World’s First Motorcycle

This one’s really a collection piece. The First Motorcycle was created in 1885 in Stuttgart, Germany. It was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. The invention was also the first petroleum-powered vehicle. (Link)

Electric Motorcycle

OCC's electric motorcycle

Take a look at The Smart Chopper, an awesome electric motorcycle presented a few months ago by Siemens. It is charged in 5 hours when plugged into any 110-volt socket but this could be reduced to even one hour when plugged into a higher-voltage station, according to Siemens.The Smart Chopper has a countrywide tour scheduled for next year, in order to promote sustainable and green technology. (Link)

Shoe Motorcycle

Marshall's shoe motorcycle

Now, this is an original one! The orange shoe motorcycle was spotted by Dale Murray around Chicago downtown. The unusual machine was promoting a shoe sale at Marshalls. (Link)

Cartoon Motorcycle

Rat Fink "cartoon" motorcycle

Are you the kind of person that wants all the attention on you? Well, you would love a ride on this one! This crazy cartoon-inspired motorcycle took part in a Motorcycle Rally. The event, that gathers motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world, presents the weirdest of motorbike designs once a year in Sturgis, South Dakota. (Link)

Press release:

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse’s Biker Fusion party is sure to be the hottest event in Daytona during Bike Week 2010. The event will be held on Thursday, March 4 and will benefit Soldiers’ Angels, an organization committed to increasing the morale of deployed troops, assisting in getting soldiers home safe and healthy and comforting soldiers wounded in action. The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse and motorcycle industry elite have once again teamed up for the third installment of Biker Fusion. Last year’s event raised more than $24,000 to provide backpack care packages for Black Hawk Medevac Units. An opportunity for enthusiasts to rub elbows with motorcycle builders and industry elite, this year’s event will consist of a live auction, bikini contest, a number of great bikes from an impressive line-up of builders, and an opportunity to give back to those who are serving us overseas.

Special Ops veteran, Romy

wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy, will be presented with the Lefty Brothers Special Ops Sidehack

A special highlight of the night’s festivities this year will include a presentation of the Lefty Brothers Special Ops Sidehack built specifically for wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy. The Post 911 Foundation and biker community assisted in raising money to build the Sidehack and the Special Forces Motorcycle Club will be in attendance to support fellow comrade, Romy and award him the custom-built ride. Bike builders Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods, Paul Wideman of Bare Knuckles Choppers and Izzy of Left Brothers will also be featuring bikes throughout the week at Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse.

"ROMY" by Lefty Bros. Cycles

Exceptional motorcycle builders along with key media figures and motorcycle icons will be making appearances to chat with guests and show their support for our troops. The Biker Fusion event is by invitation only but the general public can buy entrance for just $50, which will benefit Soldier’s Angels. The Third Annual Biker Fusion Event is sure to be a good time with a purpose.

Related post: Biketoberfest 2009 in Daytona

IMS attendees and motorcycle enthusiasts across the country have been visiting the booth in droves in order to catch a glimpse of this year’s impressive 50-foot trailer and two new bikes including Flo’s Flyer, the Progressive Custom Bike built by Sucker Punch Sally’s and named after perky Progressive spokeswoman, Flo. In addition consumers can register to win a Progressive custom bike built by Sucker Punch Sally’s. Not even halfway through this year’s tour, Sucker Punch Sally’s is reporting a huge increase in participation and customer response due to the booth’s lounge atmosphere where bikers can relax, enjoy the bikes and learn more about Sucker Punch Sally’s and Progressive Insurance.

Sucker Punch Sally's owner Christian Clayton with SPS giveaway bike

Progressive custom bike built by Sucker Punch Sally's

The weekend of January 8-10 the IMS Show Tour was in Greenville, SC where the booth boasted another impressive showing. The IMS Tour’s remaining destinations include: Washington DC, Jan. 15-17; New York, NY Jan. 22-24; Cleveland, OH Jan. 29-31; Minneapolis, MN Feb. 5-7; Chicago, IL Feb. 19-21 and a final stop Daytona, FL March 3-6 during Daytona Bike Week.

If you’re in the area make sure to drop by the IMS Show Tour and visit the Sucker Punch Sally’s and Progressive booth. As always the booth will be staffed by SPS and Progressive representatives who are ready to answer all of your old school chopper questions as well as insurance inquiries. The IMS Show Tour’s next destination is Washington DC, the weekend of January 15-17. To get a peak Flo’s Flyer and the wide array of bikes that SPS has available, all of which include genuine SPS style visit suckerpunchsallys.com.

Related post: Sucker Punch Sally’s continues partnership with Progressive Insurance

The holidays are over and now we’re launched head first into the long stretch of winter where we get cabin fever and our claustrophobia starts to make our brains get a little crazy. We start to get antsy. We daydream about doing something crazy. Then boom: the next thing we know we’re doing something a bit spontaneous and a little irrational. We’ve just made a large purchase. Like, say, a brand new motorcycle! Sure we loved our old ride. It was perfectly fantastic on those hot summer days. But in the dead of winter we just need something to perk us up and get us through until spring.

If this perfectly describes what you’re going through then Harley-Davidson has an incentive that might give you that extra push you need to dump open your wallet. They just launched a new program called the Competitive Bike Exchange. Dealers will accept competitive bikes and provide $500 over the trade-in value toward the purchase of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson's Competitive Bike Exchange website

The website not only has some drool-inducing photography of the many different models, but also has a fun lil quiz that you can take to find the right Harley-Davidson that fits your personality. It’s kind of a cool thing for anyone who is having trouble figuring out what model will work for them. I took the quiz and got 5 different bikes for my soul: Wide Glide, Fat Boy, Street Bob, Softail Deluxe and the Crossbones. Pretty accurate for me, I’ve always said I wouldn’t mind a Fat Boy if I ever went the H-D route…

Anyway, even if you’re not in the market for a new bike, let alone an H-D, it’s still fun to peruse the site and waste a few fun minutes taking the quiz. And if you’re in the shopping kind of mood this will provide some good incentive.

"Chicks Rule" trailer

The tour officially kicked off during the 2009 Toys in the Sun Run with featured guests the Motor Maids, Leslie Kay of Leslie Kay’s Insurance and Jeffrey Phipps of Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles. The Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour is a traveling display of what is available for women motorcycle riders, from clothing and parts to motorcycles styled with the woman rider in mind. The tour will feature Athena “Chickie” Ransom and her unique hand-crafted custom motorcycles as well as featured special guest appearances by an array of other unique women in the motorcycle industry.

Athena "Chickie" Ransom

Formulated specifically for women, it also gives men an opportunity to see “the other side” of a culture commonly associated with males. Validating the concept that women riders are more than just a “chick on the back” within the motorcycle industry, the tour also provides a forum for ladies to express her likes and dislikes in a setting that is not full of skulls, iron crosses and spikes.

The tour will include 12 national event stops throughout 2010 including the Heavy Hitters, Daytona Bike Week, New Orleans Bike Week, Sturgis Rally, and coming to an end at the 2010 South Florida Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run. Look for the Vagabond set up at rallies near you.

For more info check out: vagabondchoppers.com and chicksruleandboysdrool.com

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I like to be reflective of the year gone by. Since I made a top 10 list of the most viewed posts of 2009 I thought I’d make a list of my 10 personal favorites:

• Adeline and Augusta Van Buren: notable women motorcyclists : this post was not only extremely interesting to research but it was equally gratifying to write about these two amazing women.
• Sayonara, Myrtle Beach : this post is not necessarily a favorite, but was big news in the MC world and sadly marks the end of the historical rally in Myrtle Beach.
• When is a custom motorcycle not a custom? : the world”factory custom” motorcycles are explored and debated.
• Women’s only motorcycles: pandering or genius marketing? : probably my most controversial post of last year. Opinionated? Yes. But it sure stirred the pot!
• A punk icon joins Sons of Anarchy : Henry Rollins. Sons of Anarchy. ‘Nuff said.
• Book review: Chicks on Bikes : I feel the need to pimp this book out as much as possible. Christina Shook created a book that’s a perfect mix of words and great photos about…well, chicks on bikes of course. If you don’t have this book in your library, you really should buy it. (Plus, Christina is a great person in real life!)
• Rescue Ink exclusive interview unleashed : my interview with the bad boys of pet rescue.
• I want your skulls. I need your skulls. : OK, so like every other red-blooded woman out there, I like jewelry. I’m like a fish, if it’s shiny then I’m drawn to it. And if you’re a biker who likes quality silver jewelry and you like skulls, then Nino925 is your man. Ooh…shiny…
• Rippin-Kitten gets a makeover! : this is self-explanatory but after 2 years of the same old-looking website, Rippin-Kitten got a facelift!
• Sons of Anarchy season 2 finale: this post wraps up the last of 13 amazing episodes of Sons of Anarchy and I found out that Kurt Sutter actually read this post when he sent me a tweet saying I could lick his brain anytime. Think he ever saw the movie, Misery?

If you have a favorite Rippin-Kitten post tell me what it is!

Here’s to wishing everyone a happy New Year and thanks to you guys for hanging with Rippin-Kitten.com this year. It’s been a stellar year for the site and am looking forward to making next year an even better one!

I tend to get sentimental at the end of the year and I like to reflect back to see how things played out. Looking at the top posts for 2009, it’s pretty obvious that a little television show called Sons of Anarchy exploded not only on the biker subculture, but on the mainstream culture as well.

Twitter was another thing that blew up this year. I made a ton of great new friends that I converse with frequently and built up a substantial list of followers. So thank you guys for that. A highlight was getting the notification: Kurt Sutter is now following you on Twitter. Hell yeah!

So let’s take a look back at the most trafficked posts of this year!

Top 10 posts of 2009

• Sons of Anarchy season 2 update
• More info about Sons of Anarchy season 2
• A punk icon joins Sons of Anarchy
• So you want an old skool rally?
• Myrtle Beach rally now moving to NC
• Women’s only motorcycles: pandering or genius marketing?
• Billy Lane sentenced to six years
• Harley Davidson contributes to HBO’s True Blood campaign
• HD at Sturgis 2009: New models, events and more
• Sons of Anarchy update: 9.02.09

Next up: my personal top ten posts of 2009!

Hot Leathers Hot Off the Press: Leading Screen Printer Receives Accolades and Announces Partnership with Bandana Manufacturer

Hot Leathers, one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers and the predominant leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories, is continually proving itself as a world-class printer, designer and provider of premier motorcycle apparel and accessories. Hot Leathers was recently honored with the Specialty Graphic Image Association (SGIA) Golden Image Award during the 2009 SGIA Expo in New Orleans, October 7-9.

“I’m very proud of the Hot Leathers team,” said Andy George, of Hot Leathers. “Our work was compared to the best in the world and we came out on top. That’s quite an accomplishment!” More than 90 companies from around the world entered the specialty imaging competition, submitting nearly 450 entries in 43 product categories.

“The quality of work this year was exceptional. Judges in virtually every category told me the entries were so good that choosing winners was a real challenge,” said Johnny Shell, SGIA’s Vice President of Technical Services.  Shell added that the Golden Image is a technical competition, excluding aesthetic issues from the judging process. Prints are judged on the level of difficulty and the quality of execution.

“Winning the Gold Award for Finished Garments on Lights puts Hot Leathers among the top specialty printers in the world in terms of quality and capability. The ability to consistently print such high quality products indicates that Hot Leathers is expert at controlling the many variables involved in specialty printing,” Shell went on to say.

In addition to their recent accolades, Hot Leathers’ award-winning and constantly evolving array of designs can now be seen within a whole new market of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world. Carolina Manufacturing, the largest bandana company in the U.S., recently licensed six new Hot Leathers graphics to be added to their 2010 bandana line.

Hot Leathers banadana design

Designing and creating everything from t-shirts and caps to bandanas and patches, the artistic and innovative minds at Hot Leathers produced six bold and eye-catching bandana motifs for Carolina Manufacturing that will be sold to bikers and bandana-wearers throughout the world. Carolina Manufacturing is constantly introducing new and attractive designs for their bandanas and sought the creative genius synonymous with Hot Leathers.

“The designs that were picked up by Carolina Manufacturing are representative of the caliber of designs and products that we create,” explains Andy George, Retail Operations Manager for Hot Leathers. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the largest domestic bandana manufacturer in the U.S.”

Hot Leathers is the leader in motorcycle apparel. They have supplied high quality products to the biker market for over 25 years. By traveling to every major motorcycle event in the country, selling wholesale to fine retailers and distributors across the globe, and selling on their website found at  hotleathers.com, they continually establish their position as the number one source of apparel and accessories for bikers everywhere.

To see Hot Leathers’ award winning line of motorcycle apparel and accessories including t-shirts, hats, and other products for men, women and children visit hotleathers.com.

Hot Leathers Gearing up for the Summer: Official Merchandiser of Laconia Motorcycle Week

Hot Leathers has already begun warming up their engines in preparation for their 2010 rally schedule. Topping their long list of rally destinations is LACONIA, NH where the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories is proud to announce that they will be a presenting sponsor and official Merchandiser for the 2010 Laconia Motorcycle Week.

This year’s 87th Laconia Motorcycle Week, to be held June 12-20, is a high-octane, action-packed nine days of motorcycle revelry and the perfect opportunity for rally-goers to choose from a significant selection of Hot Leather’s premier merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other products for men, women and children.

Hot Leathers will also design the official 2010 Laconia Motorcycle Week logo which will offer customers a significant selection of specialty-printed, quality Laconia Rally merchandise. Known for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers is proud to showcase its quality products at the Lobster Pound and at several locations up and down Lakeside Avenue. This summer’s rally will be Hot Leathers 25th year in attendance at Laconia Motorcycle Week, which has boasted nearly 400,000 visitors in previous years. Hot Leathers has become a staple at the yearly celebration and is proud to offer patrons the opportunity to purchase quality and price-conscious motorcycle apparel and accessories to commemorate this legendary event.

“We’re very excited to be back at Laconia this summer and to be the official merchandiser for the event,” explains Hot Leathers’ retailer operations manager, Andy George. “Laconia is always a fantastic time and we can’t wait!” Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. The company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Hot Leathers is constantly on the road
showcasing its merchandise at a number of rallies and events across the country. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.

Check out hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse
their diverse and original merchandise.

Episode 2.13 “Na Trioblóidí”

Na Trioblóidí means “the Troubles” in Gaelic.

As SAMCRO attempts to rid Charming of Ethan Zobelle and The League permanently, familiar faces present new challenges.

“Adjust and adapt, just like we always do.” – Ethan Zobelle

Sons of Anarchy season finale: Na Trioblóidí

The good:

• the blatant foreshadowing of the rats feeding on the dead crow in the opening shot. Genius.
• Zobelle’s not only a scum bag, he’s an FBI rat. Did you love his MC motorcade as he’s released from jail?
• Unser feeding info to Weston and the motivation behind it. Conversely, Hale’s confession to Weston is equally as gratifying, even though he still tries to land on the right side of the law.
• the (literal) Mexican stand-off on Main St.
• Otto’s revenge
• The surprisingly sad send-off of AJ Weston.
• Warm fuzzies between Jax & Clay over the bloodshed
• The Bitch is Back: Agent Stahl unleashes a major shit storm. In her defense I’d shoot anyone who punched me in the ovaries, too.
• Even though Stahl is setting her up to take the fall, I like the interchange between her and Gemma
• the highway scene where they go after cowardly Zobelle
• RIP Half-Sack. (Saw that coming last week with all the talk of patching him in). Poor kid.
• “I need you.”
• Zobelle…got away? Inconceivable!
• Gemma’s on the lamb with Wayne Unser. Classic.
• Abel’s abduction.

The not-so good:

• After all the time that has gone by it seems weird that that Gemma would pick this moment to go after Polly. But I do love her gun-toting stance as she walks through the door, aims the gun and juts her hip out to one side. So badass.
• Tara’s paralyzed inaction when Cameron shows up at the house. WTF?? She’s not a damsel in distress (as was clearly defined last week). When Cameron stuck Sack with the knife, you’d think she would have done something to stop him (especially since the gun was not in his hand). You know if it was Gemma in that situation, Cameron would’ve been castrated before he even knew what hit him. And letting Cameron take Abel? Oh HELL NO!

Holy mother of all cliffhangers! I should have known better than to expect the season to be wrapped up in a neat little package, but a silly part of me wanted that gratifying television cliche to come to fruition. But this is Kurt Sutter’s show and he isn’t about to give us a neat and tidy season finale. In fact, it was pretty fricking messy all around.

I wanted the League folks to get what they deserved. Let’s face it, Weston: not a nice guy. Polly: not a nice girl. But the bathroom scene with Weston was ugly enough without the addition of his kid being present. Weston was a total shitbag, but a shitbag that, in his own twisted way, loved his brainwashed, anti-semetic kids. And as for Polly, I wasn’t sad to see her go, but I wish it wasn’t at Gemma’s expense. I know…it sets up a lot for season 3.

The final few minutes of the show takes us from long-festering, hell-bent revenge to a heart-crushing kidnapping. Normally, a kidnapping event is a fairly innocuous plot device done a million times over. But the fact that the abductee in this situation is a teacup human mere months old that is as helpless as helpless can get, is what makes it so much more impactful.

Seeing little Abel, legitimately crying as he’s placed on the boat by a vengeful stranger, got me where it counts. Tears! Tears in my eyes, people! This essentially thrusts SAMCRO head-long into a crisis they’re completely inadequate to deal with. Guns, drugs, porn…no problem. But this? No way.

At the end they totally have a what the fuck just happened to us? look on their faces. They look like they just got donkey-punched in the balls. Without Gemma there to help them cope and devise a plan, you gotta wonder what they’re going to do. And we have to wait a whole year to find out!

Ratings:
The finale was cable’s #1 program for the night, with 4.33 million total viewers and 2.99 million adults 18 to 49, according to Nielsen Media Research. The episode was the most-watched ever for “Sons,” surpassing its Season Two premiere, which drew 4.29 million total viewers.

The finale was also the top-rated show on television in the 10 p.m. time period among men 18 to 49, or 1.92 million, and men 18 to 34, or 1.09 million, beating all three broadcast networks.

FX, Fox 21 and 20th placed this ad in all the trades

And as everyone probably knows by now, the network has ordered 13 episodes for the show’s third season, which is scheduled to begin in September 2010 (yippee!!). Also Kurt Sutter reached a deal on a two-year extension to continue his services as showrunner/writer on the show. The cast of regulars are also set to return next season.

I could go on and on about this show but I’ll refrain.  I would like to sincerely thank Kurt Sutter for writing a tremendous season and creating a show, about bikers no less, that makes me feel a little smarter while watching typically brain-numbing tv. It makes me want to crack open his skull and lick his brain. Which probably sounds icky, but the sentiment is sincere.

Instead, I’ll keep following him on Twitter until he gets bored with me and count down the days until September 2010.

Read my other episode reviews of season 2:

Episode 1: Albification
Episode 2: Small Tears
Episode 3: Fix
Episode 4: Eureka
Episode 5: Smite
Episode 6: Falx Cerebi
Episode 7: Gilead
Episode 8: Potlatch
Episode 9: Fa Guan
Episode 10: Balm
Episode 11: Service
Episode 12: The Culling

The entire SAMCRO family goes on lockdown inside the clubhouse as Jax and Clay prepare to battle The League.  A.J. Weston learns the truth about Ethan Zobelle’s business dealings in Charming. Applying what she has learned from Gemma, Tara ensures her position at St. Thomas Hospital.

“I get it now. God wants me to be a fierce mother. That’s my path.” – Gemma

The good:

• Pulling up the gates & manning battle stations at the SAMCRO fortress. You can see the strength in Clay as he speaks to everyone and understand why he’s the club leader.
• the club giving Half-Sack some props and potential patch-in. Ah, foreshadowing…
• how easy it was for AJ Weston to be turned against Zobelle. “We’re here to educate, not provoke.” Weston’s one crazy mofo!
• Chucky’s back with the truth of what happened to Cara Cara
• the high ICK factor of Zobelle confronting Polly of her “afternoon delight” with Edmund. And WHAT was up with that kiss he planted on her?? *shudder*
• more pressure on an already ticking bomb when Weston’s kids get repo’d
• I love the scene of Tara & Gemma discussing God and their paths in life.
• Jimmy O’s ruthlessness
• dead rats. Coulda been you, Chibs!
• Gemma’s influence rubbing off on Tara. She finally standing up for herself! Love the exclamation point at the end of the encounter when she pulls the gun out of her bag. Awesomeness.
• GEMMA! Seriously. I love her. Especially when she calls Chuck “Stumpy.” (oh and it looks like “Porn Girl” Lilah has been accepted into the family)
• Love the old skool rumble and how the alliance with the Asians and the OneNiners plays out. Henry Rollins brings a lot to the table with vitriolic Weston this episode. He’s not generally known for his acting abilities, but you gotta give him props here.
• That last intense scene inside the cigar shop. Clay’s understandable brutality towards Polly & Zobelle, Hale’s panicked uncertainty, Unser’s straddling of the fine line here and SAMCRO gets jipped as Zobelle takes the easy way out, getting himself and his daughter arrested. You want to hit him with a cast iron skillet when you see the smug look on his face as he’s led past Clay.
• The overall amazing use of music in this episode. Talk about evoking emotions. Wow.

The not-so good:

• This is the last we see of Titus Welliver’s Jimmy O this season
• only ONE episode left!

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings:
Surprisingly the numbers were down slightly this week, according to TV by the Numbers. It was still the number one cable show with adults 18-49 for the night.

Articles:
SoA at salon.com

Next week:
Episode 2.13 “Na Triobliodi”
It’s here! The 90 minute Season 2 finale! The second season ends with SAMCRO trying to get rid of Ethan Zobelle and his cohorts once and for all.

Chibs makes a secret deal with Agent Stahl in order to protect his wife and daughter. Opie learns the true circumstances that led to Donna’s death and seeks both revenge and reconciliation.

“The outlaw had mercy.” -Opie

Sons of Anarchy season 2 episode 11 "Service"

The subtitle to this episode should have been True Confessions of the Sons of Anarchy. Wow. Everyone has laid their cards out on the table this week and things have now gotten verrrry interesting.

The good:

• Gemma’s gamble pays off and the Jax/Clay rift is closed and sealed tightly. I got the warm fuzzies seeing Clay holding Abel while they discussed killing their enemies…
• Tara’s diarrhea-of-the mouth string of openess to Jax. I actually had to giggle at her moment of craziness.
• the sticky groping make-out scene with Tig & Gemma that says so much without saying anything at all. Tig needs to feel something other than guilt, Gemma needs to know that someone still desires her after she convinced herself that Clay will reject her since she was violated.
• Tig’s inevitable guilt-consumed moment of spilling the beans. I wanted Opie to beat on him a little more, not take off after the blame was placed on Agent Stahl. But if he didn’t go after her he’d never have found out about Chibs’ deal
• I love how all the various plot points are beginning to come together, like when Jax realizes that Zobelle is in bed with the Mayans and the implications of that partnership.
• Opie’s confrontation with Stahl had me on the edge of my seat, especially when he handed her the empty magazine. Whoa. Ally Walker’s performance was great in this scene.
• Gemma’s flirtation with religion boils down to the poignant conversation she has with the priest, which I would say directly impacts the scene she shares with Chibs later on. In fact, this episode it’s reiterated that she is *the* female epicenter of the club.
• the “Guy-Love” scene with Opie and Jax. So glad to see them getting along again.
• Ryan Hurst. Good lord he is great.
• Clay, in a sense, is starting to “get it.” Finally.

The not-so good:

• I kind of expected Jimmy O. to be more full of piss & vinegar during the chat with Clay. Perhaps this is a quiet facet of the character.
• As much as I love how Opie handled everything with thought and quiet rage, didn’t you just want to see him go bat shit ballistic on everyone? But of course, that would be too obvious of a reaction for this show, right?

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings:
Update: TV by the Numbers says: Tuesday night’s Sons of Anarchy tied The Jay Leno Show with a 1.9 adults 18-49 rating and beat ABC’s the forgotten (1.8).   Tuesdays are Jay Leno’s best ratings  of the week, too (so yeah, SOA’s 18-49 numbers beat the Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday airings of The Jay Leno Show).

Follow SutterInk on Twitter
This is a carry over from last week, but deserves to be repeated. If you’re on Twitter, a fan of the show and not following Kurt Sutter, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. He’s not only a direct line to the show itself, but he’s also candid, frank, brutally honest and still somewhat approachable (if you’re respectful and not a babbling idiot). He’s looking to build his Twitter followers, since there’s no official Twitter account for SoA.

There’s even some incentive: “loving the power of twitter. no SOA twitter account, so help me grow Sutterink. want 5213 followers by the finale. signed scripts for number(s) 3666, 4069, 5213.“

As of today’s post he is up to 4059 followers, so start following @sutterink and you could win a signed script!

Sons of Anarchy: Most Shocking Moments
TV Without Pity has posted a photo gallery of them.

Interviews
Katey Sagal, mother of Anarchy
Katey Sagal, mother of Sons of Anarchy
Arkin digs into role on Sons of Anarchy
Kurt Sutter: Celebrity Podcast Interview with the “Sons of Anarchy” creator

Next week:
Episode 2.12 “The Culling”
The entire SAMCRO family goes on lockdown inside the clubhouse as Jax and Clay prepare to battle The League.   A.J. Weston learns the truth about Ethan Zobelle’s business dealings in Charming.  Applying what she has learned from Gemma, Tara ensures her position at St. Thomas Hospital.

Press release:

A match made in motorcycle heaven

Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers have teamed up to become the number one purveyors of coolness. Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories and Fuller Hot Rods, the home of award-winning hot rod and motorcycle builder and designer, Bryan Fuller, have partnered to create a full line of clothing and accessories sure to top any biker’s wish list.

Working overtime, the creative minds at Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers have melded their individual fields of expertise and have joined forces to create a line of clothing that embodies Fuller’s motorcycle savvy and Hot Leathers’ unbeatable design and selection.

Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers Create Clothing Line

Fuller Hot Rods, the inspiration for this new line of apparel, has been building innovative and award-winning machines for over five years. Fuller’s mastery and prowess in bike-building has set him apart from other builders. He is has currently the co-host of the oldest “how-to” car show on SPEED, “Two Guys Garage” and caught the eye of Hot Leathers, who is always on the look out for design inspiration.

“I’ve been looking to expand my existing apparel line and am stoked to have partnered with Hot Leathers,” says Fuller. “They have been an industry standard for years. They have provided me with great designs that I know everybody is going to love.”

In addition, Hot Leathers who is known for their unbeatable selection of motorcycle merchandise for over 25 years, has earned its place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. If you love the bold and original merchandise that has become synonymous with Hot Leathers, you’ll love the all-new designs available through their new line of Fuller clothing and accessories.

“We’ve been looking to partner with a bike builder who shares our tastes and passion,” explains Hot Leathers’ retail operations manager, Andy George. “Bryan is the perfect fit and our type of guy. We’re thrilled with the new line and you will be too.”

For a superior product, innovative designs and huge selection, check out the new Fuller Hot Rod line of apparel and accessories available exclusively through Hot Leathers available online January 1, 2010

An extra-long episode billed as a 90 minute show is really about 54 minutes of content. If you don’t like extra commercial breaks then you might want to consider watching the next 90 minute episode (season finale) from your TiVo or DVR.

Agent Stahl takes notice at the handsome profits SAMCRO is reaping from the repo business. Meanwhile, the Jax-Clay standoff forces Gemma to make a difficult decision.

“This is just a detour on a very long road.” -Jax

Opie in episode 2.10 "Balm"

The good:

• Piney makes a poignant return
• Chibs giving the ATF a heart-attack when he confronts Edmund about the guns and HELLO TITUS, I mean, Jimmy O!
• I am liking Agent Stahl this season for her cheeky yet no bullshit approach
• learning the amount of damage that Jimmy O has caused in Chibs’ life (not to mention how diabolical he truly is when talking about Chibs’ daughter. Ewww.) “We both know he’s the devil.”
• the scene where Jax & Gemma discuss him going Nomad is so amazing. As my Twitter friend, @robdale tweeted to me: “one of the most subtle SOA scenes is when Gemma asks Jax if he was going to tell her about going Nomad. She tells him to sit down. He goes into her office and sits down and removes his hat. Suddenly, he is just a boy talking to his mom.”
• brass and fungi
• Chibs’ limits pushed beyond his control
• when Jax apologizes to Clay for assuming he was responsible for the fire at Caracara, Clay is less than responsive. It’s a juxtaposition of the prior scene with Gemma: she’s Jax’s loving mother who will do what it takes to keep him around. Clay is the evil step-dad that wants to remove a giant obstacle, which at this point is Jax.
  
• “It’s cowarm!“
• the minute Gemma says to Unser “you need to protect the club” we know exactly what she plans to do. And it made me squirm in my seat.
• Opie’s coming out of the death spiral he was in, even if it’s a result of getting involved with a coke-head porn star. Think it’ll last?
  
• Tig & Halfsack’s very different experiences on the “serious fungi”
• I have no words that could do justice to the final scene of Gemma’s confession to Jax & Clay. The acting is so unbelievable in the most subtle way possible: through their eyes. Tara’s silent encouragement. Clay’s realization of the suffering his wife has been going through. Jax’s hurt and anger that someone could defile his mother so completely.

  The stillness of the scene is what makes it so powerful. You can feel the tension in the room and the stunned silence of everyone when Gemma drops this bomb on them. That they didn’t react in what could have been formulaic television drama makes it so much more powerful (sure Jax has that one outburst slamming his hand on the table, but let’s cut him some slack. He’s had an incredibly shitty day that just got an assload worse).

  I guarantee there wasn’t a dry eye in anyone’s house after Jax gets up and takes his mother’s hands in his own.

  And the irony is that this one act that Zoebelle thought would tear SAMCRO apart will actually have the opposite effect. If Gemma had told them straight out right after it happened, the outcome might have been what Zobelle was counting on. We’ll never know. She kept it secret for so long to maintain the club’s stability. By picking the moment before it almost fell apart irrevocably would hopefully bring Jax & Clay back together. It was a big gamble on her part and when Jax grabs his patches on his way out of the door, it looks like it’s going to pay off.

The not-so good:

• We still don’t know whether Chucky or Darby died in the fire at Caracara. I’m assuming this info will be revealed in the near future.
• Poor Tara, despite doing right by her man and the club, she still gets cornholed at the hospital by being put on suspension
• Abel. It’s a nitpicky thing but we all know that kids take up a lot more time than this kid does. He must sleep a lot. And spend a lot of time with the nanny.
• Only 3 episodes left of the season!

The interesting:

• For a second time, Jax is referred to as the “Prince”-this time by Agent Stahl.
• Does Gemma really think that John Teller committed suicide or does she know that he was murdered by Clay?
• Opie twice makes reference to Clay as Jax’s “father”. At first I thought that he was so wrapped up in his own familiar turmoil that he was trying to imprint it on everyone else, but in watching it again it occurred to me that he’s trying to use the father/son bond (as loose as it is) to remind Clay & Jax of the basic nature of their relationship. This reminder, on top of the anvil that Gemma dropped on them at the end of the episode, helps build the bridge that closes the rift between them.
• Good GOD if Katey Sagal doesn’t get some sort of Emmy nod it will be a crime! The show itself has already been overlooked for a People’s Choice Award…
• I think Charlie Hunnam needs a nod for his performance as well. Katey Sagal is so good as Gemma that she can overshadow others easily. In “Balm” Charlie has takes Jax and boils him down to what he really is: a scared kid. He looks to his elders for advice all episode long. He finds some solid advice from Gemma and Bobby. But twice he’d gone to the only father figure he has looking for acceptance, and twice he was shot down. Clearly the decision to go Nomad was not something he truly wanted to do, evident by the dejected look on Jax’s face after the vote is unanimous for him to go. He had hoped that the club would fight for him to stay. And then of course there’s that final scene…whew! Nice job.

Sons of anarchy news

I’m keeping the news aspect light this week since my observations of the episode were so lengthy.

Ratings
TV by the Numbers reports that the 90 minute episode averaged 3.38 million viewers, making it basic cable’s most watched show in primetime with adults 18-49. Compared to its season one average, Sons has shown an increase of 64% in total viewers.

Follow SutterInk on Twitter

If you’re on Twitter, are a fan of the show and not following Kurt Sutter, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. He’s not only a direct line to the show itself, but he’s also candid, frank, brutally honest and still somewhat approachable (if you’re respectful and not a babbling idiot). He’s looking to build his Twitter followers, since there’s no official Twitter account for SoA.

There’s even some incentive: “loving the power of twitter. no SOA twitter account, so help me grow Sutterink. want 5213 followers by the finale. signed scripts for number(s) 3666, 4069, 5213.“

He’s roughly got 3600 followers at the moment, so start following @sutterink and you could win a signed script!

What he has to say about “Balm“:
“Glad people dug balm. Knew I wanted to play out that reveal and have gemma use it to help heal. So proud o my cast and my beautiful wife.”

“To all you fucking whining about the commercials last night-90 minute ep is a seven act structure. More act breaks, more ads. It ain’t hbo.“

See? Brutally honest and frank.

Next week:
Episode 2.11 “Service”
Chibs makes a secret deal with Agent Stahl in order to protect his wife and daughter. Opie learns the true circumstances that led to Donna’s death and seeks both revenge and reconciliation.

Whoa!

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we’ve put together a number of different ways for us all to salute men and women who serve our country.

HD declares November "Military Appreciattion Month"

A special section of the Harley-Davidson web site

http://www.harley-davidson.com/thankyou – allows visitors to salute active and retired military members on electronic postcards featuring H-D motorcycles and fellow rider and U.S. military supporter Marisa Miller. Watch the behind the scenes video from the recent photo shoot.

Free schwag

Participating H-D dealerships have free military-themed posters, postcards, and calendars featuring Marisa Miller (calendars available only to those with a military I.D.). While you’re there, don’t forget to sign the H-D flag that will be sent to troops overseas.

Contest

The “Harley Salutes the Military Contest,” created in partnership with Maxim magazine, gives active or retired personnel the chance to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle of their choice – delivered personally by Marisa. The winner will also receive Rider’s Edge training and four tickets to attend the Jan. 2, 2010, Ultimate
Fighting Championship event in Las Vegas. Visit http://www.maxim.com/salutes to enter and get exclusive downloads.

Press release:

Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Heats Up in Preparation for 2009 Toys in the Sun Run

Start this year’s holiday season off with a bang by attending the 11th Annual Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson Bikers Bash benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. Bike enthusiasts from across the country will converge on Fort Lauderdale for the most happening motorcycle event in the Southeast on December 3-6. Weekend festivities will kick off Friday evening, December 4 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for the Bikers Bash VIP event and will culminate at the South Florida President’s Council 22nd Annual Christmas Toys in the Sun Run-the world’s largest motorcycle parade.

11th annual Toys in the Sun Run

Biker Bash festivities begin Friday, December 4 with a police-escorted ride from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to the Admirals club Marine Academy and then along beautiful A1A to the Quarterdeck Restaurant on Las Olas. The kick-off party at the Quarterdeck will include lunch, cocktails and VIP motorcycle parking.

The Bikers Bash celebration will commence at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ballroom. Hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the 11th Annual Bikers Bash is the premier VIP motorcycle event of South Florida. This year’s event will include dinner, live entertainment and a Charity Auction all to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. This year’s event will feature the musical styling of the Jake and Elwood Blues Revue- the #1 Blues Brothers act in the world and the only Blues Brothers act sanctioned by the Belushi estate and Dan Aykroyd. This high energy show will surely be one that you won’t soon forget.

Also performing will be the Purrfect Angelz. This elite show troupe of talented women includes dancers, singers, fire twirlers, aerial artists and acrobats and are top in talent and beauty. You won’t want to miss this stunning and sexy performance.

Attendees will also have the chance to see a number of great bikes from an impressive line-up of builders. Industry giants Paul Yaffe, Eddie Trotta with Lorenzo Lamas, Rick Fairless, and Athena Ransom will have motorcycles on display at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse as the last stop for 2009. Also featured will be the last bike that the late Jerry Graves built before his death.

Dave Perewitz

The highlight of this year’s Biker Bash VIP event includes a drawing for a FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide donated by Bruce Rossmeyer Harley Davidson. Tickets are $20/piece or 6 for $100 with all proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County.

The weekend culminates early Sunday morning for the 22nd Annual SFPC Christmas Toys in the Sun Run. Touted to be the world’s longest motorcycle parade, the ride will be held Sunday, December 6, with all proceeds going to benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. Riders will meet at the Aero Toy Store for a continental breakfast then line up for a Bikers Bash police-escort to the Pompano Race Track in Pompano Beach where tens of thousands of riders will gather for the parade ending at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida.

The event cost is $10 and one unwrapped toy per person. Those arriving at Markham Park without a toy will be charged an additional $10 entry fee. However, riders will be able to purchase toys at Markham Park before entering the event. No preregistration is required unless you wish to be a VIP rider. Bikers Bash VIP’s will assist in leading the world’s largest motorcycle parade along Interstate highways I-95 to I-595 to Markham Park where the festivities of the day will take place. A VIP catered tent will provide home-base for Bikers Bash participants to park and enjoy the catered lunch, concert, vendors, bike show and much more.

Join in this year’s Biker Bash festivities to include a myriad of police-escorted rides to some of the area’s hottest spots, great food, open bars, live music and casino fun as motorcyclists celebrate their passion for riding while helping the children of Southern Florida.

Fa Guan: Chinese for “The Judge”

When SAMCRO’s adult-film business becomes a hindrance to the club, Clay seizes the opportunity to revive the gun-running cartel. As Jax and Clay continue to clash over club activities, their relationship reaches a new level of antagonism.

“I’m going Nomad.” -Jax

episode 2.09 "Fa Guan"

The good:

• the short, yet completely devastating opening scene of Jax visiting a physically (and now mentally) broken Otto. Kurt Sutter may be a fantastic writer, but in this scene also a fantastic actor with all of the subtleties conveyed. He’s in jail for the club, his wife died because of the club and while the club is all he has left, he wants nothing to do with the club. Extra twist of the knife in the heart seeing the wheelchair in the foreground as Jax walks away. Ugh!
• maybe its just me, but the fact that Bobby made banana bread is really awesome
• Clay’s complete contempt for Jax & the porn biz (it’s “dirty”-really Clay? Running guns and killing people is tolerable though)
• Zobelle still trying to muscle Hale into working together and Hale’s surprising reaction of going to Clay to handle the problem. Wonder how Hale is going to justify jumping into bed with the club further down the line and maintain his integrity. Or will he end up just like Unser?
• Tig’s position with Clay is (ironically) threatened by Opie, who we see teetering on & almost going beyond the point of no return. The scene at the judge’s house was intense to say the least.
• Chibs & Tara working the hospital system
• Darby gets his come-uppance
• the return of the homeless girl from last season, who seems to be an enlightening guide to Jax and Gemma
• another instance of Gemma looking for peace in church
• god bless Charlie Hunnam’s derriere!

The not-so good:

• being reminded that Unser is an ill man and the fragile mortality of this great character
• I’m stuck at the casting road block of Mitch Pileggi as that sleaze-bag Darby. I still see him as A.D. Skinner on “X-Files.” I guess now it doesn’t really matter!
• Did Chucky make it out of the fire? If not, I don’t accept that…

And a few observations that amuse me: I think this is the first episode that we actually hear Jax referred to as the “Little Prince.”

Holy sexcapades: you gotta love how far Kurt Sutter pushes network television with all of the sex scenes in this episode. It makes me wonder what this show would be like if it were on a cable network…

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings:
TV By the Numbers says last night with a 1.8 adults 18-49  rating (same as last week) and 3.5 million viewers (up a touch from last week). It will again be the #1 scripted drama on cable this week.

Monsters & Critics sent a letter to John Landgraf, the president of FX, asking where the order is for Season 3. Read: “John, where’s the beef?”

How does Charlie Hunnam feel about being naked on the show? E!Online asked him:
“I’m very glad that I made the choice to have the back patch tattooed on me. Me and Opie (Ryan Hurst) both have it. I’m very glad, because it’s always exciting to see that piece of artwork, because otherwise it would just be me standing there, totally gratuitous.” (We’ll take it.)”

gratuitous nekkidness!

The fighting Irish
As we already know, SoA have a tie in with the IRA when it comes with gun-running and we learned that some even more high-profile members are coming stateside. Last week we met Fiona, who is Chibs’ (ex?) wife and one of the few women who scares Gemma. She is 3rd generation IRA and the woman behind the ominous, Jimmy O (played by the fantastic Titus Welliver), whom we’ll have the pleasure of meeting next week.

Ask Ausellio: You must tell me when Gemma tells SAMCRO what happened to her on Sons of Anarchy! —Cindy
Ausiello: …the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth comes out in the Nov. 10 episode.

Speaking of next week: a 90-minute episode!
Episode 2.10: “Balm”
Agent Stahl takes notice at the handsome profits SAMCRO is reaping from the repo business. Meanwhile, the Jax-Clay standoff forces Gemma to make a difficult decision.

Potlatch: A leader holds a feast for friends and family in their home. The main purpose is the re-distribution and reciprocity of wealth.

With an already-dwindling gun supply in question, SAMCRO takes extreme measures to procure weapons for a customer. The revenge that is sought following a theft at Caracara Studios puts one diva at risk. Tara’s professional and personal lives begin to collide.

“Change won’t happen quick, or without blood, but it’ll happen. It has to.” -Jax

Sons of Anarchy "Potlatch"

The good:

• Nutical!
• the Pandora’s box that opened with the break-in at Caracara
• Chucky’s back, sans 8 digits (“I accept that“)
• The “Irish bitch” is back, we meet Mrs. Chibs
• This time around, Tom Arnold is wonderfully sleazy as George Caruso
• Walking into a Mayan ambush at LaRoy’s
• tension within the ranks of the League
• Tara’s worlds in a power struggle
• Zobelle’s logic in supplying guns to the Mayans
• the rift within SAMCRO gets just that much wider

The not-so good:

• Ah, Luanne…we hardly knew ye
• only 5 episodes left this season!
  

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings:
TV by the Numbers reports that SoA is a hit with adults in the 18-49 and the 18-34 age bracket, being the only scripted drama in both top ten lists of shows.

File this under my own personal excitement: apparently another “Deadwood” alumni (and recently of Lost, playing Jacob’s enemy), Titus Welliver, will be joining SoA for a few episodes. The other alumn is, of course, Dayton Callie who plays Chief Unser.

Titus Welliver & Dayton Callie from HBO's now defunct "Deadwood"

I have to give a shout-out to Michael Ornstein, who plays Chucky and is a fellow MA resident. From Boston.com:

Here’s a good reason to watch the FX biker show “Sons of Anarchy’’ tonight – one of the show’s guest stars is one of our own, a resident of the Barnstable village of Cotuit. Actor Michael Ornstein, who moved with his family to the Cape a few years ago, appears in the show for the second season in a row as Chuck Marstein, an accountant with an unusual sexual issue. “It’s a very unique tick,’’ Ornstein explains with a giggle. “It’s a big problem.’’ Ornstein, 46, tells us he’ll play Marstein in four episodes this season. The work on “Sons’’ has had him traveling between the Cape and Los Angeles, but he says he’ll be home in the Bay State to watch the show tonight. “Maybe my kids can stay up a little late to watch,’’ he joked.

When you recognize quality but don’t watch it: SOA vs NCIS: sadly this kind of logic is why some really great shows are no longer on the air

The Watcher voted SoA’s theme song one of the best on tv: “This Life” from “Sons of Anarchy” – Curtis Stigers is better known as a jazz saxophonist and vocalist, but he does a great impression of an old-fashioned blues singer here. The song is a perfect fit for the show, but it stands on its own, too.

SoA theme song voted one of the best on tv today

The big buzz of the week past is how SoA beat out (actually, I believe the adjective I saw used was “crushed“) Jay Leno in the 10 o’clock time slot for Tuesday night . Seems like lots of folks in “the industry” are shocked by this fact, although I can’t really figure out why. Kurt Sutter sounds off as to why it ain’t Jay’s fault on his blog at SutterInk.

Women's Sons Of Anarchy 'SAMCRO' T-shirt

And if you want to show off your love for the show, there is now official Sons of Anarchy merchandise for sale. The official store has t-shirts, pint and shot glasses, hats and much more to choose from.

Next week:
Episode 2.9 “Fa Guan”

When SAMCRO’s adult-film business becomes a hindrance to the club, Clay seizes the opportunity to revive the gun-running cartel. As Jax and Clay continue to clash over club activities, their relationship reaches a new level of antagonism.

I got your biker chick right here...

But read for yourself:

The Basics of Biker Chick Fashion

Part of being a motorcycle owner means induction into a select society. And as is the case with any culture, there are a few wardrobe requirements that set its members off from the rest of society. Female bikers have a lot of versatility when it comes to their wardrobe, but some basics never change. Here are some simple steps to help you look the part and master the art of biker chick fashion.

First, remember that you can never go wrong with, or have enough, leather. Long hailed as the hallmark of any motoring outfit, leather pulls double duty in that it keeps you safe on the road and helps you look your biker best. Buy pieces such as a vest, boots, belt, a pair of tight pants, and most importantly, a jacket. The traditional color is black, but feel free to branch out to a little red or hot pink here and there.

If possible, get yourself inked. A tattoo–or three–shows your tough biker side. Popular options more biker chicks include classic pin-up girls, thorny roses, and sword impaled hearts. Tattoos are not just for men, and the themes you can choose from are endless.

Next, wear dark sunglasses. Like leather clothes, sunglasses not only make you look cool, but they are also functional. Shades protect you from the sun, wind, and bugs, and they help preserve your eye makeup.

Another important aspect of biker chick fashion is the hair. If you aren’t already blonde, bleach your hair and hold it back with an American flag bandanna. Keep your hairstyle simple, but something that looks good when you take off your helmet. Keeping a comb and hairspray in your saddle bag ensures a quick fix when the helmet comes off.

And finally, accessorize your look with silver jewelry, leather wristcuffs, a big belt buckle and red fingernail polish.

Once you have these basics down, you are ready to move on to making a biker fashion of your own!

Debunking the stereotype, one article at a time

I will say the article started off ok: it’s true that some of the basic fashions we, as bikers, wear are out of necessity to protect ourselves. Leather, no matter what color it is, is a staple to keep us warm in cool weather and to protect our skin if we happen to dump our bikes. It just also happens to have it’s place as being “fashionable” in some circles.

But as I read on, I could feel my lip begin to curl into a snarl of distaste.

Tattoos are deeply entwined in biker culture, but “classic pin-up girls, thorny roses, and sword impaled hearts“…um, really? If she had actually done some homework to familiarize herself with tattooing as an art form, she wouldn’t be so dismissive about what bikers (and non-bikers) adorn their bodies with. Sure, some people will go into a tattoo shop and pick something off of the wall, but the majority of people take their tattoos very seriously and put a lot of thought, money and effort into what they get inked on their bodies.

Sunglasses are worn for basic eye protection. Sun, bugs, wind burn and road grime are all hazards the eyes can be exposed to while riding. Wrap around glasses provide even more protection then regular design glasses. They also just happen to “look cool.” And I know from experience that sunglasses don’t do crap to preserve eye makeup. If you wear makeup while riding, waterproof makeup holds up better than regular.

Apparently I didn’t get the memo that all biker chicks should bleach their hair out blonde and wear American flag ‘do-rags. Did you guys? How come we aren’t riding around together in packs of bleach-blondness, wearing lots of silver jewelry with our red fingertips? PUH-LEEZE.

Maybe this was intended to be a fluff piece for her to show of her writing skills. If her goal is to be a fashion writer for some junky magazine, obviously doing the work to get the real facts about the topic is not important. But for those of us who are so deeply passionate about our culture, it’s hard not to take articles like this personally.

Bikers are drawn to skulls. More specifically, bikers are drawn to skull jewelry. This is why I’d like to call your attention to the talents of Nino925.

Nino925 was established in 1989 by designer/owner Frank Zubieta and specializes in superior, handcrafted custom jewelry. Nino has a commanding presence in the biker world and is being worn by celebrities, movers and shakers in the music industry and celebrity bike builders. The Nino925 brand has also become a fixture at biker events across the country. You may have even seen some him featured in motorcycle magazines like Easyriders and V-Twin.

I’ve been collecting skull rings since I was a teenager. These are the kind of rings that I would have dreamed of owning to adorn my fat little fingers! They are the kind of rings that any quality collector would want to have.

And more than just rings, there is a nice selection of heavy, sterling bracelets to choose from as well.

Oh, let’s not forget about the pendants and necklaces…

If skulls aren’t your thing, don’t fret: Nino925 has a few non-skull designs with a flair of rockabilly/tattoo design influence.

I first heard of Nino925 from my friend, ArtBiker, who has not only been a longtime supporter and collector, but recently commissioned a custom piece based on his own logo design. Even from the photo alone you can see the quality of this piece.

Custom designed ring for ArtBiker by Nino925

For more information on Nino925 (or if you’re interested in shopping his online catalog), visit www.Nino925.com.

Follow Nino925 on Twitter: @nino925

Related posts:

• Ami James jewelry company launches new web site
• BadAss Jewelry
• Tidbits from the Web: Voodoo King Designs

From the Scriptures, “Gilead” means hill of testimony or mound of witness, a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, situated in the present-day Kingdom of Jordan.

“You know, this club needs a healing, brother. And you’ve got to be the one to deliver it.” -Bobby to Jax

The boys are locked up in the slammer with no friends to watch their backs. Opie’s up to his elbows holding down the Teller-Morrow fort, trying to fulfill Clay’s requests & on top of it, his own kids. Gemma struggles to find solace while doing whatever she can to get her boys out of jail. Everyone is trying to make sense of it all and find some inner peace.  **Spoilers ahead**

Jax in episode 7 "Gilead"

Clay in his prison duds

The good:

• the vulnerability of SAMCRO in jail
• Helloooo Agent Stahl
• the Zobelle/IRA connection: guns
• Juice’s comical “romantic” endeavors
• Gemma calling in the favor on Elliott Oswald & the really sweet interaction with his daughter, a rape survivor
  
• Opie stepping up to the plate for the club
  
• Tara calling Lyla “porn girl” (it made me snicker)
  
• Agent Stahl’s tactics putting a bigger rift between Clay & Jax, leading to the inevitable blow-out
  
• the palpable tension and parting of ways when the guys get home, leaving Gemma & Tara perplexed
  

The not-so good:

• Juice getting shivved for his troubles
• Plan backfired and Sheriff Trammel getting popped.
  

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings:
TV by the Numbers reports that last week while Sons of Anarchy didn’t make the weekly cable top 40 by viewers (it was 49th, 3.312 million) it was the number three show with adults 18-49 on cable, trailing only ESPN’s Monday Night Football, and TBS’ coverage of game one of the NLCS between the Phillies and the Dodgers.

Sons of Anarchy was the only scripted show in the 18-49 top 10 last week and was also the only scripted non-animated show with adults 18-34 last week, coming in 8th.

Charlie Hunnam on Carson Daly
Kurt Sutter posted this video interview on his site last week. Somewhere in the swirling voids of my mind I knew that Charlie was English, but hearing him speak normally threw me off a little!

And speaking of…here’s an eyeful of man candy featuring young Mr. Hunnam for you ladies! Aww…so cute!

Next week:
Episode 2.8 “Potlatch”

Zobelle’s business dealings with SAMCRO rivals exacerbate divisions in the club, which is already riven by the Jax-Clay split. And complicating matters further, Georgie Caruso’s (Tom Arnold) thugs attack Luanne’s studio. Meanwhile, Clay comes to an agreement with Elliott Oswald; and Chibs’ estranged wife shows up at his hospital bedside. Tara’s professional and personal lives begin to collide.

As a sucker for interesting and fun graphic design, I couldn’t help but to get drawn in when I saw the helmets from the french company, Ruby Helmets (or Les Atelier Ruby as they are officially known). Sleek and unique are the words that come to mind when I perused through the collections, which creator Jérôme Coste describes are “inspired by Steve McQueen, science fiction, mechanical beauties and Tokyo biker gangs.”

All Ruby helmets are made of carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass and all of the screws are made from aluminum & titanium, guaranteeing strength while being lightweight. All helmets have a red inner lining that is padded with foam of different densities and the outer layer is made of claret-colored lambskin. And inside is a little bonus: the presence of your potential guardian angel, Lady Ruby. Each helmet comes in a traditional, protective red box. According to them, their helmets are DOT approved.

Guardian Lady Ruby

The Ruby red box

There are currently two different featured styles in the Ruby Helmet collection:

The Pavillion

The Pavillion is an open faced helmet of retro design and also the flagship model of Ruby Helmets.

Pavillion by Ruby Helmets

Pavillion's many styles

Pavillion styles and colors

The Belvedere

The Belvedere’s design is based on the Pavillion, but has the option of incorporating a full face visor, giving it a retro-futuristic style.

Belvedere by Ruby Helmets

Belvedere's different styles

These definitely fall into the “luxury” category (if one exists for helmets) as they will hit you in the wallet for upwards to $1000 USD.

The designer in me appreciates the visual appeal and general “coolness” of these helmets. In theory, if someone had the right style bike, this helmet would be a great compliment to it. However, the realistic biker in me knows that if a “typical” biker saw someone wearing one of these helmets, they would think they were a hipster wannabe and would probably kick that person’s butt!

I dunno, what do you think?

You can find more information about Ruby Helmets at http://ateliersruby.com and if you want to create an original design on one check out http://boutiqueruby.com.

Falx Cerebri: n.
The scythe-shaped fold of dura mater in the longitudinal fissure between the two cerebral hemispheres.

“I got a bad feeling we’ll be walking right into a trap.”- Jax

A fortuitous quote in the first 5 minutes of the show. This episode’s title is representative of the conflicting leadership styles of Clay & Jax: Clay’s hellbent, emotive retaliation efforts vs. Jax’s strategic, overly-thought out plan. This time around, Clay wins out and sends the club out on a duck hunt for Zobelle & Weston. **Spoilers ahead**

episode 6: Falx Cerebi

The cop & the criminal

The good (and SO much of it!):

• Chibs is ok
• The Hale/Jax connection
• Tara’s look of realization as to why someone planted the car bomb
• Radioactive pee
• Seeing more of Polly Zobelle this week and realizing the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
• Weston’s brain-washed kids
• Could I love Gemma any more? Taking Tara under her wing, the hatbox collection (and the toy surprises inside!) and shooting up Trampy McTramp’s car
• Hale blackmailing Polly
• The well-planned ambush of SAMCRO

The not-so good:

• We’re just about half-way through the season!

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings:
TV by the Numbers reports that ratings stayed flat from last week (3.763 million) but up with adults 18-49, completely beating the pants off of ABC’s “The Forgotten.”

Kurt Sutter tweeted about the overall numbers for Season 2: “Sons of Anarchy season 2 avg. 3.7 million P2+ and 2.6 million A18-49, gains of +68% and +77% vs. season 1. Very impressive.”

**Spoilers**

E!Online is reporting that someone on the show is gonna get whacked in episode 8, “Potlatch”:

Brace yourselves, Samcro fans, because in an upcoming episode of FX’s ultragritty family drama Sons of Anarchy, someone close to the club gets dead. Majorly dead. Blood and brain matter dead. And when you learn who it is, your heart is going to break a little. So is it Chibs (Tommy Flanagan), who just took a car bomb to the head…or could there be someone else on the chopping block?…The good news is the death ain’t Chibs. The bad news is that it’s somebody else about whom the club cares deeply.

A lot of people are guessing that perhaps the unfortunate soul is Unser, but according to E!Online’s Spoiler Chat: We don’t want to give away the farm too early, but here’s another big hint: If you guessed a man in uniform, you guessed wrong.
Uh oh.

Next week:
Episode 2.7 “Gilead”
Since The League has SAMCRO members behind bars, the club must make new alliances in prison to survive. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agent Stahl uses this imprisonment to test Jax and Clay’s relationship.

Kurt Sutter tweeted yesterday: “next week’s ep 7, gilead, probably my favorite of the season. clearly “oz” was my favorite show. i think fontana is a genius. i aspire…”

Top 10 Semi-Finalists Selected for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation “Ride On! Write On!” Contest. Public Vote Will Determine Winning MSF Slogan­.

The MSF “Ride On! Write On!” slogan contest.

After reviewing over 550 submissions to its Ride On! Write On! contest, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has selected the top 10 semi-finalist slogans. The public is invited to vote online at msf-usa.org to determine the winning slogan. Votes will be accepted until 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Standard Time) on October 15, 2009. One vote per person. See website for details.

Top Ten Semi-Finalist Slogans

1. Real Divas Ride Smart

2. New Rider, New Skills, New Confidence, New Friends, New Woman

3. A good foundation isn’t just for your face

4. Save a marriage, let a professional teach you to ride. MSF saving marriages since 1973.

5. Mom taught me about life … MSF taught me about riding

6. Your curves look better when trained. Take an MSF class!

7. Unleash your Inner Biker Chic! Take A MSF Course Today!

8. Women on motorcycles are positive female “roll” models. Strike a pose!

9. MSF RiderCourse, a women’s ignition to confidence, independence and inspiration

10. Female motorcycling – The essence of independence! Learn how at www.msf-usa.org

Please vote here at the MSF website, not on Rippin-Kitten.com!

The goal of the contest is to generate a slogan that will be used primarily for women’s shirts, as well as other items the MSF may choose to make available for sale.

The top three winners will receive gift certificate prizes from Whitehorse Gear: 1st Place is $599, 2nd Place is $400 and 3rd Place is $300. Winners will be announced on or after October 16, 2009. Rules and restrictions apply. See the MSF website for details.

I, like the rest of the world, use Twitter quite a bit. So, if you’re one for instant gratification, then follow me to get the latest info and ramblings from! If you’re not familiar with Twitter, well isn’t now as good a time as any to do so?

Rippin-Kitten Facebook page

If you’re on Facebook be sure to find me and if you’re not on there yet, sign-up and check out my page!

SPS to build two new giveaway bikes including “Flo’s Flyer,” SPS’s submission to Artistry in Iron

Sucker Punch Sally’s, the premier old school motorcycle builder known for producing the best stripped-down bobbers and choppers, is continuing its partnership with Progressive Insurance, the country’s number-one motorcycle insurer.

Highlights of last year’s partnership included building two Progressive Insurance bikes; designing a co-branded giveaway t-shirt; designing a 28-foot trailer featuring both Progressive and SPS; and appearing together at all 11 IMS Cycle World Motorcycle Shows. Sucker Punch Sally’s owner Christian Clayton also appeared in a print ad with Flo from the Progressive commercials.

Next year will feature an even bigger, 50-foot trailer showcasing the Sucker Punch style and Progressive. The trailer, along with two new giveaway bikes, will be the centerpiece of the Progressive Insurance booth at the 11 IMS shows across the country. While the booth will be twice as big as last year’s, it will still have a lounge atmosphere where bikers can relax, enjoy the bikes, and learn about SPS and Progressive.

Flo’s Flyer, one of the Progressive custom bikes built by Sucker Punch Sally’s, will be featured wherever Sucker Punch Sally’s is set up. A one-off boardtrack style motorcycle that’s completely hand made at SPS’s Arizona headquarters, Flo’s Flyer will be SPS’s submission to Artistry in Iron.

Flo’s Flyer

Flo’s Flyer, one of the Progressive custom bikes built by Sucker Punch Sally’s

“We have a great partnership with Progressive Insurance and are excited about continuing and expanding our role with the #1 motorcycle insurer in the U.S.A.” said Christian Clayton, owner of Sucker Punch Sally’s.

Founded in 2002, Sucker Punch Sally’s continues to stay true to their traditional biker values by providing the best stripped-down bobbers and choppers at the most reasonable prices. The old school no-nonsense style of bikes that started Sucker Punch Sally’s are the bikes they still build today, only now with the convenience of modern manufacturing practices. The Traditional and the 66 Bobber both received industry awards in 2007 and are the two models that the company was founded on. They have the capacity to build 100 bikes a month at their manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, Ariz., including the widely anticipated Swinger. Their model line has been built up to six different models, with the additions of the stealthy Slim and the retro-styled Hot Rod. Sucker Punch Sally’s continuously growing dealer network throughout the U.S. showcases the wide variety of bikes they have available, all of which exude SPS style.

Learn more about Sucker Punch Sally’s at suckerpunchsallys.com

“These guys…they’re monied and connected: both sides of the law.”

SAMCRO finally realizes how big of a threat the League is to them, not that they were being subtle about it. I don’t know how you guys felt while watching, but there were a lot of “holy shit” moments for me for sure. **Spoilers ahead!**

more headbutting between Clay & Jax

The MC is clearly divided between the two men.

The good:

• The League’s tenacious ferocity towards SAMCRO
• Poor Otto…
• Tara’s ride: SWEET
• Learning that the blond girl who lured Gemma is Zobelle’s daughter
• Gemma reading an excerpt of John Teller’s book
• Unser divulging to Hale what happened to Gemma
• Jax letting Tara read The Life and Death of SAMCRO
• The explosive end

The no-so good:

• OPIE! I miss the Opie we knew last season. I know the evolution of his character is serving a purpose, but…

Sons of anarchy news

Ratings for last week’s episode “Eureka”
In last week’s update I mentioned that this episode was the second highest in ratings after the season premier. TV by the Numbers reports that SoA averaged 3.76 million viewers (up in viewers from the previous week’s 3.49 million for “Fix”). The show is beating FX’s other shows Damages and Rescue Me by a fairly wide margin. So, keep watching everyone!!

Full episode list for season 2:
Episode 1: “Albification”
Episode 2: “Small Tears”
Episode 3: “Fix”
Episode 4: “Eureka”
Episode 5: “Smite”
Episode 6: “Falx Cerebri”
Episode 7: “Gilead”
Episode 8: “Potlatch”
Episode 9: “Fa Guan”
Episode 10: “Balm”
Episode 11: “Service”
Episode 12: “The Culling”
Episode 13: “Na Trioblóidí”

Kurt Sutter attends Sonny’s 71st
Over the weekend Kurt Sutter attended Sonny Barger’s 71st birthday party and received permission to write a blog entry about it. Really interesting peek into a world I will never know.

A while back, I got wind that Sonny was a fan of Sons. My initial response was relief. Perhaps the same relief David Chase [creator of the Sopranos] felt when he got a gift basket instead of a dead fish from his Italian brethren.

My husband had met Sonny Barger a few years ago when he photographed a portrait of him at a bike rally. Knowing how things typically work around Mr. Barger, I feel comfortable in saying that Kurt Sutter is blessed to be welcomed into that circle with open arms.

Read the entire post over at SutterInk

IESB.com visited the SOA set and has not one, not two, but THREE great interviews to read:
Ryan Hurst (Opie), Theo Rossi (Juice), Kim Coates (Tig) and Mark Boone Junior (Bobby)
William Lucking (Piney)
Tommy Flanagan (Chibs)

Special Effects
From last week’s episode, the crew smashed thru a ratty motel to liberate Tig from the bounty hunters. Here’s a little tidbit of that event from behind the scenes. From the FX SOA production blog: “they got to build AND destroy one of the many sets you see in the show. It is oddly satisfying – so I’m told – to build something only to crash a flatbed truck right into it.”

I was sure satisfied while I was watching it…

And something to ponder: why are SO MANY people offended by the fact that Jax wears WHITE sneakers?
The amount of comments that fly around about the stupid sneakers is stunning to me. In fact, it has resulted as one of my highest commented posts on this site, and I have also seen it happen on other sites as well. I don’t get it!

Next week:
Episode 2.6 “Falx Cerebri”
After the explosion, retaliation is a go as the tension between Jax and Clay begins to boil over. Despite best efforts, the rift between Jax and Opie widens as Clay further embraces him. Jax works with an unlikely partner in a last ditch effort to protect the club.

Rescue Ink receives a tip about a man allegedly mistreating his young dog. The guys drop by unexpectedly and find the man’s puppy living in a basement in deplorable conditions. The team is contacted by New York Animal Care and Control about an unusual case. Rescue Ink comes face to face with a school of illegally-owned flesh-eating piranhas.

Rescue Ink investigates a home where two dogs are chained up and basically ignored. The older dog, a Rottweiler, is suffering from exposure and malnutrition. One Rescue Ink member bonds with the Rottie – but will the dog pull through and learn to trust people again?

Find out tonight at 10pm on the National Geographic Channel.

Related posts:

• Rescue Ink exclusive interview unleashed
• Rescue Ink: an in-your-face-approach to animal welfare
• Rippin’ news
• this fall: Rescue Ink “Unleashed” will air on NatGeo

“If you come across something that don’t make you miserable, enjoy it.”

Dayton Callie as Wane Unser

Last night we were drawn deeper in the turmoil swirling around the members of (and those touched by) SAMCRO. Clay’s arthritis is getting worse, he & Jax are butting heads more and more, Tara’s life is almost becoming divided by her relationship with Jax (doctor vs. “old lady”), Gemma’s torment, Unser’s struggle with doing the right thing, Opie’s drifting allegiance and then there’s Tig (“Assault and indecent exposure inside a livestock transport”)…

The good (and a LOT of it):

• Tara’s epiphany
• Gemma pulling the gun
• Clay vs. Jax
• seeing Unser’s strengths for a change while trying to take care of Gemma
• the rescue (gotta love Piney!)
• seeing the Oregon chapter of SoA
• the humanization of AJ Weston
• the chilling exchange between Clay & Jax

The bad (not a whole lot!):

• Gemma’s weakness once again exposed: her compassion for the parent/child bond (and this is bad mainly for the sheer frustration of it all). I really wanted to see her put one in the back of Weston’s head!

Sons of Anarchy: Eureka

Did anyone out there watch the HBO show “Deadwood”? Is it me or do you also have a hard time distinguishing Dayton Callie’s Wayne Unser from his character Charlie Utter? I think I have a brain wire crossed somewhere…

Sons of Anarchy news

It’s a been a pretty slow news week around here.

Ratings
Eureka was the 2nd highest in ratings after the season premier. Beat networks in 18-49 men.  Nice job!

Kurt Sutter’s request to The Boss falls through.
There was a particular Bruce Springsteen song that he wanted to use for the season finale of the show but the Boss’ legal team kept swatting him down.

Kurt Sutter

From Sutter’s blog:

So some of you have been aware of my tweets about the Springsteen song I wanted for the finale. I won’t mention the song, suffice to say it’s one of Bruce’s more obscure rockers.

Because of the accelerated pace of our production schedule we were initially declined. Bruce is on tour and they needed a bigger window to get his approval. Someone at FX has a direct line to his manager so we were able to cut through to someone who can make a decision. I made that call yesterday. Here’s the problem, Bruce does not allow commercial covers of his songs. Part of our musical signature on Sons is to use obscure songs from little known bands and to do covers of classic 60’s and 70’s tunes. Partly because the costs for masters of iconic music is astronomical. To get the master cover from Sony for the Bruce song I wanted would have been upwards of $75,000 for one use. That’s my music budget for three shows.

So alas, we won’t be using the Bruce song in the finale. But what’s been true for the tenure of SOA holds firm in this situation as well. We didn’t get the song because there is a better choice out there.

Special Effects
Here’s a behind the scene look at how they crafted last week’s explosion of the house meth lab.

Next week:
Episode 2.5 “Smite”
While Jax and Clay lock horns (and line up support) over how to deal with Zobelle, Tara finds herself ensnared in Gemma’s emotional struggle in the aftermath of her attack. Meanwhile, SAMCRO gets help from an unlikely source.

Harley-Davidson  just released a new video featuring the 2010 models, with music by Rocco DeLuca and the Burden (I don’t know who they are but the song isn’t half bad). You watch it here or their YouTube channel.

It’s a free country

Also, they’re giving enthusiasts a chance to raise their voice on riding and living free. Visit http://www.h-d.com/freecountry to make your statement and see nearly 6,000 others. Using your message and an image of a 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle of your choice, you can create a custom banner ad that can then be shared on social media sites and turned into a wallpaper.

This is a cool way to get H-D enthusiasts engaged not only with the brand, but with the new line of 2010’s. Here’s my banner! Isn’t it inspiring?

By now there have been countless articles and blog posts written about Rescue Ink, but in case you haven’t been introduced to them, they are a group of tattooed, biker-types who were all friends that banded together to form they’re own animal rescue group.

Because they are not affiliated with any other organizations they do not get any kind of state funding, therefore they rely heavily on donations (and many times end up reaching into their own pockets). They answer only to themselves and because of that they are not tied to any kind of bureaucratic policy. Basically, when they show up to deal with a situation, they get results by any means necessary (within the law, of course). And chances are they don’t need to show up again.

With the whirlwind of a media blitz for Rescue Ink that happened last week, I had the pleasure of being able to interview Joe Panz, Big Ant and G.

Joe Panz from Rescue Ink

[RK]: I assume people make some snap judgments about you guys as being scary biker dudes.  I’m wondering, what is their reaction when they find out that you rescue animals?

J. Panz:  We are scary guys; we just rescue animals. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Right, Ant?

Big Ant:  Yeah, that’s right.  We’re tough guys and we’re showing that tough guys can do a good thing.

G : Our image works.  It does the job; it gets the job done.

J. Panz:  Listen, when we show up at your house, we give you a moment of pause. We make you think. You don’t know who brought us there, you just know we’re there and you know we’re there for a reason.  The reason is there’s a problem with you and an animal.  So you’re going to listen to us and you don’t want us to come back.  You’ll never know who called us, so you’ll know somebody’s always watching.

Big Ant: After we fix the situation, I might say, we usually never get invited back for some reason.

G:  After we educate them, right?

J. Panz:  Yeah, we never had to show up for a second time, not yet. But we do check up.

[RK]: Obviously Rescue Ink relies heavily on donations from the public, and the motorcycle community as a whole is known for being very generous and supporting a lot of these different causes.  Have you guys ever tapped the community for fund-raising, like in the form of a bike raffle or benefit rides?

Big Ant:  We have our own. We try to do fundraisers on our own.

J. Panz : We try to do fundraisers as much as possible but I tell you the truth, lately we’ve been going to everybody’s fundraisers, raising everybody [else] money and neglecting ourselves. That’s why we’re trying to send newsletters out now and telling everybody exactly what we’re doing trying to raise money for specific animals that need help and medical attention right away. We’ve just been running ourselves ragged trying to help everybody because right now with the economic times being the way they are, everybody’s crying for help. We’re just spread very, very thin trying to help everybody out. Quite frankly, we hope the TV show promotes awareness and people will start to donate so we could do more for the communities, and more for the animals and more for the other rescue groups.

[RK]: It makes me wonder now that you guys have your own television show, whether this national exposure will encourage the biker community to step up and organize some rides to help you out.

Big Ant: Yeah, I’m very well known in the biker community so I get a lot of feedback that everybody’s behind us.  Like Joe was saying, the money’s tough but we do have good backing and hopefully it just gets better.

G:  The thing is now we’re the ones that get called on to help and now the helpers need help. So we hope that everybody will go to our donation page and help donate, and help us so we can help others. We don’t want to stop here. We’ve got a long way to go.

J. Panz: There’s a lot of animals out there and a lot of people that need help. No shortage of that.

Big Ant from Rescue Ink

[RK]: Does it surprise you when people you show up to help turn violent on you when you’re just there trying to do the right thing (like in the 1st episode-the guy who was shooting feral cats with a pellet gun)?

J. Panz: You can’t fix stupid. People react however they’re gonna react. We negotiated with the guy but he decided to do something else when we left. We came back and we tried to help him out and tried to do the right thing, and he didn’t want to do it.  So we let it be known to him that if he continues this course of action, we’re gonna have a problem and it’s gonna escalate real quick.

Big Ant: We gotta feeling that every time he picks up a pellet gun, he probably has us in mind.

J. Panz: Yeah, I just want to say the thing that sets us apart from other rescue groups, anybody can take an animal out of an abusive situation.  The person abusing an animal could just get another animal.  What we do is we address the problem at its source.  We talk to the person abusing the animal. They’ll go from an animal, which can’t defend himself, and can’t talk and lives in the moment. What we do is we nip it at the source.

Big Ant: That’s why we stop it where it starts.

[RK]: So because of that approach, do you feel like your organization is more effective than say other rescue organizations?

J. Panz: We do whatever is necessary. We don’t leave a note on your door. We don’t give you a ticket.

G: We don’t go through the red tape.

Big Ant: We don’t sit and just talk about it. We go and do it.

[RK]: I’m sure you guys have seen a lot of really horrible situations on the calls that you’ve gone out on, and I’m wondering if there’s any particular situation that has stuck in you head over all this time that you could share.

Big Ant: The worst was the 180 cats, right? Yeah, we had a house with 180 cats and we had to actually catch every cat to get them spayed, neutered, and that one pretty much still sticks in me.

[This is the case that I heard of earlier this year that enlighteded me to the existence of Rescue Ink. Read the original post here.]

J. Panz: It’s still going. It’s an ongoing thing. I think there’s like 40 cats left and we’re down to adopting them out.

Big Ant: But we were at one point, if we’re doing adoption events every weekend, we got them out.  With that case, these people called all the rescue groups and as soon as they heard 180, they hung up on them and said, “Well get back to you.”  That’s the difference with us again.  They called us.  We showed up at their door.  They were surprised.  They were like, “I can’t believe that you’re here.”

J. Panz: And we didn’t have the money. We didn’t know how we were gonna do it; we just did it.  We still owe people money probably. I don’t want to talk about it. It was a Cat-tastrophy!

G from Rescue Ink

[RK]:  I assume this is your full time job that’s going on, rescuing the animals. How are you guys supporting your families?

J. Panz : [It's]…very, very difficult.

Big Ant: Yeah, we’re trying to do our work as much as we can, but if something comes in, we’ve gotta go. That’s it.  Money, yeah, we need the money and everything but suffering and suffering has to stop. You know?

[RK]: You guys are actually still trying to juggle your jobs and rescuing?

J. Panz: Well it’s not really juggling anymore; it’s trying to pick it up from off the floor.

G: Trying not to lose it.

J. Panz: Yeah, which we’re all struggling. We’re all struggling. You know what the problem is? Everybody sees a TV show and everybody sees this and they think we’ve got millions of dollars. That’s not the case. It’s not the case at all. We struggle with every single time we go out on a rescue. We struggle; you’ll see it on the TV show.

We get money to pool out of our pocket to get gas. We pool our money to eat. We go to rescue some horses and we’ve got to come up with $500, but you know, who’s got $20? Who’s got $7? Who’s got $100? We come up with the money and then we’re like, “I can’t believe we just spent our gas money. How are we gonna get home?”

Big Ant: And believe me, we write a lot of IOUs.

J. Panz: Yeah, we write them on ice cubes, on nothing that sticks! [laughs] No, we pay all our bills. You’ve got to give us time and we pay everybody.

Big Ant: Yeah, in time we’ll catch up but with donations, it would make it a lot easier. We could go into the situation a lot happier, and then we could go do what we’ve gotta do and not worry about the money. Let’s worry about the animal.

J. Panz: Yeah, you know what it is? Every single time there’s a phone call, every single time there’s an e-mail, there’s money attached to it.  When a rescuer calls and says, “Listen, there’s an abusive situation over here.  A guy let the dog out. He ran across the street. He got hit by a car and the dog’s been crying for three weeks now and the guy’s telling us get the hell out of here. He says he doesn’t have the money to fix the dog and he’s not letting anybody else help him, and this, that, and the other thing.”

We have to go in there and talk to this guy and get the dog out of there and get him medical attention.  That’s gonna cost $1,500 to $2,000. We find ourselves putting out an e-mail blast to try to raise the money and we’re already gone on the rescue. We don’t wait for it; we’re just hoping it comes. Then by the time we get back, we’re like, “Okay, how much are we in the hole now?”

The other rescue groups, they do whatever they can too.  They say, “Thank you.”  We say, “You’re welcome.”  But the plain, simple fact is we’re not a city organization.  We don’t get funding from the city.  We get funding from no one.  We get donations, that’s it.  This is what people have to realize.

[RK]: At least your money is actually going to help animals and it’s not towards an advertising budget that sends direct mail pieces to people who are just going to throw them away.  I hate when I get those in the mail.

J. Panz: One guy came in and goes, “What are you gonna do?  I’ll sue you.” We’re that guy’s nightmare. Sue me?  Go ahead, go ahead, sue me.  That’s why it doesn’t matter. We’re there to take care of a situation by any means necessary, within the means of the law. I have to keep on throwing that in there because the lawyer will get mad at me if I don’t. It’s the way things are. You don’t send a boy scout after a bad guy.  We never said we were angels.  We’re just there to help and we’re on your side.

G: By us showing how much we’re struggling, we’re telling other people that no matter what situation you’re in, somebody’s out there worse off than you and that’s what we do. We know we’re all struggling but we make sure we make the rescues.  We make sure we go try to save a pet’s life or an animal’s life.

J. Panz: And people too.

J. Panz: There’s a lot of times we go into a situation where there’s abuse, but the abuse isn’t really the fault of the owner due to the fact that they don’t have enough money to feed the animal. They don’t have enough money to feed themselves. Remember that old woman?

Big Ant: We went to her house and the dog bowl was full. The cat’s dish was full. She actually had a couple of rabbits. Everybody was fine. We were like, “This is fine. I don’t know what’s going on.”  The refrigerator happened to open and there’s nothing in there. We went through her cabinets. She had nothing to eat so she was feeding the animals, but she had nothing to eat.

So of course, what’s the next thing we have to do?  We all pool as much as we had in our pockets and went to the store and we had to get this lady food. We said, “What did you eat today?”  She said, “I ate some cereal this morning.”  We help everybody and everything that needs help.

[RK]: Okay so I have a totally silly question for our last question.  I have a lot of girlfriends now that are seriously crushing on all of you guys and I’m wondering, are you going to appreciate all of that additional female attention?

J. Panz: Well, it’s always appreciated, the female attention.

G: We got a couple chick magnets on our team.

J. Panz: The only person you’ve got to watch out for is G.  Everybody gravitates towards G.

G: Yeah, okay.

Big Ant:  All I’ve got is bill collectors and stalkers after me.  That’s all I have.

J. Panz: It’s nice to have people appreciate you.

Big Ant: That’s right.

Rescue Ink airs Friday nights at 10pm on the National Geographic Channel. The official Rescue Ink website (which just got a shiny new make-over) can be found at rescueink.org (where you can make donations online) and you can follow them on Twitter @rescueink or get updates from the National Geographic Channel @NatGeoChannel.

Related posts:
Rescue Ink: an in-your-face-approach to animal welfare
Rippin’ news
this fall: Rescue Ink “Unleashed” will air on NatGeo

Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Announces Events for Biketoberfest 2009

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will return to the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street in Daytona [Biketoberfest is from October 15th-October 18th]. The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse is also going to be a part of the brand new Irongate Biker Bar located right next to the Doghouse, be sure to stop by and see the newest addition to Main Street Daytona. In keeping with The Doghouses’ reputation as “the place to party in Daytona,” this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse line-up will feature some of the industry’s best custom bikes, builders, and special events.

Bikertoberfest 2009

In addition the Doghouse main stage will feature live music from bikers favorite southern rock bands Rebel Son and DB Bryant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Friday and Saturday night will also feature, the Betty Bangs bikini contest. Sure to be a crowd favorite, Betty Bangs brings a crew of the hottest models from South Beach and adorns them with her limited edition bikinis. Prepare to be BANGED by Betty and her crew of stunning South Beach models!

Friday night will be a Military Tribute for active duty service members and veterans. You can also party at the Doghouse with Phil Pitzer and Sheree Wilson from the movie “Easyriders The Ride Back” along with their bikes. Biketoberfest at the
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse wouldn’t be complete without bike builders and their bikes. Industry giants Dave Perewitz and Eddie Trotta along with relative new-comers Lefty Brother Cycles will all have motorcycles on display at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse.

With over 30 years experience building and customizing bikes, Dave Perewitz is truly an industry legend and leader. His custom-fabricated motorcycles are a delicate blend of engineering, design, power, performance and beauty. A self-taught designer, mechanic, painter and fabricator Perewitz’s creations have been featured on a number of magazine covers and television programs. He has also built for an array of celebrities including Hulk Hogan and Tony Stewart.

Custom bike builder, Eddie Trotta has been designing and building custom motorcycles for over 30 years and in so has created the Thunder Cycle Design Legacy. He has quickly become one of the planet’s pre-eminent custom motorcycle designers. His personal touch, imagination and craftsmanship have awarded Trotta a long list of honors including V-Twin Magazines’ Bike Builder of the Year and the Biker Picaso Award at the Discovery Channel’s Ultimate Chop Awards Show. He is currently working with Lorenzo Lamas to produce a limited number of custom motorcycles unlike any ther production custom out there.

Founded in 2005, Lefty Brothers Cycles has taken the motorcycle industry by storm. Izzy and his crew, all active duty military soldiers, are passionate about creating unique rides that ride as good as they look. Lefty Brothers Cycles have established a presence in the industry by producing quality custom one off bikes and their one of a kind creations have been featured in several national magazines.

"ROMY" by Lefty Bros. Cycles

[Additional information that I wanted to share about this bike from the Lefty Bros. Cycles website: "This bike is being dedicated to a very very dear friend. A friend who has always been considered "family"...Romulo was shot in the neck while in a gunfight  fighting the war on terrorism. The gunshot caused severe damage to his vertebrate. Romulo is now facing another fight. A fight to regain the use of his body!"]

“Biketoberfest is always a great time because it’s a chance to get a little more sun before Winter sets in,” said Carrie Repp, event coordinator for the Roadhouse and owner of R&R Promotions. “This year with Rebel Son playing every night, the hot girls of the Betty Banged Bikini contest and the three great builders we have on display it’s sure to be perfect place to fill up on fun before Winter.”

“Nobody likes seeing Mommy and Daddy fight.”

Sons of Anarchy episode 2.3 "Fix"

Last night’s episode was a definite set-up to further some drama and tensions for what we will see as the season progresses. Gemma’s ordeal is clearly taking a toll, not only on her, but also on her marriage. Clay is about as understanding as Clay can be…but a man has needs, as we can clearly toward the end of the episode. Tara & Jax: are they doomed lovebirds? How much can she take of seeing the world that he lives in? (And is it only me or do these two totally lack onscreen chemistry? I feel like every scene is forced.) Ethan Zobelle continues to be a meddlesome meddler and, of course, got Deputy Hale eating out of his hand.

The good:

• Bobby singing “Hava Nagila” as Elvis
• Gemma mentoring Tara about the ways of the club & how to keep her man
• The mounting strain between Gemma & Clay, resulting in a smashed window
• Opie’s blatant disregard for self-preservation
• More of Charlie Hunnam’s butt!
• Tara’s expression when she & Jax were “caught” in the act

The not-so good:

• Mr. Rollins was absent this week

Sons of Anarchy news

Ratings:
Well it would appear that there was a 19% slippage for the second week, which is a little more than one usually likes to see after a premiere, although it was seen by 3.7 million viewers, 3 million of which were adults 18-49. Among total viewers, the show held up slightly better, dropping 14%. Those are still great numbers for FX and remember, the premiere was up 95% over last year.

TV Squad recently visited the set of SoA during some final writing sessions for the second season. While they didn’t learn anything telling, they do hint that the show so closely follows Shakespeare’s Hamlet that each season will almost mirror each act of the play. Now although I’m a little rusty on my Shakespeare (although I did love it in high school), I’m pretty sure that I remember the final act of Hamlet being a blood bath. They don’t call them tragedies for nuthin’.

Monsters & Critics has a refreshing interview with supporting actor Kim Coates, who plays Tig, the resident psycho and loyal follower of Clay. When asked about how season two was shaping up for “Sons of Anarchy,” and especially Tig, Coates noted his conversation with Kurt Sutter.

“Kurt pulled me aside before we started shooting,” Kim said. “He told me that it was going to be a funny year for him, that he had kind of lost his ‘mojo’ and was in a bad place over the thing with Donna.”

Initially, you know, (Ron) Perlman and I were late cast additions to the series, and the shaping of Tig was a process, I had to trust Kurt that, well, I am very careful with my bad boys, and I wanted to strike the right balance of humor with his tough as nails attitude, he’s a psychopath!  A lot of the stuff he does is sick, but interesting to watch.  But I wanted Tig to also have heart, but the Donna thing of course was wrong on so many levels, and Tig this season really has a hard time with it…he’s lost his way a little.”

Season 2 finale is in the can!
The filming of the final episode of SoA wrapped this week and Kurt Sutter is now in post-production. Some of his tweets (@sutterink) from this week are very telling of how things went and a hint of the carnage we’ll likely see in the finale:

another huge day. lots of gunplay and blood. 8:37 AM Sep 14th

day 5 of 8 (9?). HUGE fucking episode. who wrote this monster? i’m shooting pretty damn efficiently and still dropping scenes everyday. 8:32 AM Sep 15th

i directed the finale last year, but this one is way more proactive. a 90 minute indi-thriller. every scene is pretty much an action beat. 9:56 AM Sep 17th

day 8 of 9. starting late, finishing later. it’s gonna be a very bloody day. in front and behind the cameras. 12:06 PM Sep 18th

last day of shooting. good morning. on sked. just wrapped HR for the season. 1:14 PM Sep 21st

been trying to get use rights for a springsteen song for the finale. keep getting shot down by their legal team. need a line to bruce. about 12:30 PM Sept 23

post 212. the script is not a fucking blueprint. every word serves a specific purpose. dropping lines and adlibs drives me fucking nuts. 9:50 PM Sept 23

Here’s a peek into next week:
Episode 2.4 “Eureka”
When SAMCRO heads north to Eureka on a “charity” club run, they find more than just bike trouble when they cross state lines. The need to act fast causes the tension between Clay and Jax to rise. And with Samcro out of Charming, Gemma’s left in a tight position with The League.

Lucky Winner Receives Sucker Punch Sally’s Custom Motorcycle in CAO Cigar La Traviata Debut Giveaway

Scottsdale, ARIZ (September 17, 2009) The CAO La Traviata custom bike, fashioned by renowned bike builder, Sucker Punch Sally’s in conjunction with CAO Cigars, was awarded to one lucky cigar distributor at the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers’ Association Convention and International Trade Show held August 8-12 in New Orleans, LA.

CAO Cigars, one of the foremost premium cigar companies in the world partnered with old-school custom bike builder, Sucker Punch Sally’s to create and give away a one-of-a-kind CAO custom bike to commemorate the unveiling of their new La Traviata brand of cigars.

In order to qualify for the giveaway, retailers had to order a certain amount of cigars from CAO. A little over 100 CAO Retailers were in the final drawing held at the 77th Annual IPCPR Trade Show heralded as the most important event of the year for tobacconists. The winner was selected and the bike was recently awarded to Denis Reed, owner of Pars and Cigars of Des Moines, IA.

Winner of Sucker Punch Sally's CAO La Traviata custom motorcycle

“I’m amazed and thrilled that I won!” exclaimed Reed after winning the custom bike.
“It’s such an honor. Thank you so much to CAO and Sucker Punch Sally’s for making this possible. I can’t wait to get out there and ride it now!”

“The bike that we constructed for the La Traviata brand unveiling was shockingly good,” says Sucker Punch Sally’s owner, Christian Clatyon. “We had a lot of fun building the bike and working with CAO It turned out great.”

Created to commemorate the debut of CAO’s La Traviata brand of cigars, the bike giveaway was only available to cigar retailers. CAO La Traviata is a full-bodied, full-flavored cigar that combines an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with a Cameroon binder and incorporates two different ligero filler tobaccos from the Pueblo Nuevo farm in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

“The modernized old school aesthetic of the Sucker Punch style is a perfect match for our approach toward making cigars,” commented CAO Senior Vice President of Marketing Mike Conder.

“We really wanted to reward our retailers with a fully custom motorcycle. CAO is very fortunate to work with such a number of prestigious retailers throughout the country. This is our way of saying thank you.” Explains CAO Director is Lifestyle Marketing, Jon Huber.

Founded in 2002, Sucker Punch Sally’s continues to stay true to their traditional biker values by providing the best stripped-down bobbers and choppers at the most reasonable prices. The old school no-nonsense style of bikes that started Sucker Punch Sally’s are the bikes they still build today, only now with the convenience of modern manufacturing practices. The Traditional and the 66 Bobber both received industry awards in 2007 and are the two models that the company was founded on. They have the capacity to build 100 bikes a month at their manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, Ariz., including the widely anticipated Swinger. Their model line has been built up to six different models, with the additions of the stealthy Slim and the retro-styled Hot Rod. Sucker Punch Sally’s continuously growing dealer network throughout the U.S. showcases the wide variety of bikes they have available, all of which exude SPS style.

You can find out more about Sucker Punch Sally’s at www.suckerpunchsallys.com or http://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolChoppers or http://www.myspace.com/suckerpunchsallyschoppers

Related post:
Sucker Punch Sally’s partners with CAO cigar manufacturer for custom build

Anti-monkey Butt Powder

2 lucky people won a 6 oz. bottle of Anti Monkey Butt Powder!
@jules792000
@micahatc

4 people will win a sample size of AMBP powder (.18 oz) and a sticker!
@unclejerry
@cshookup
@emielli
katfromchitown

Thanks to everyone for participating!

“Unraveling the matriarch will destabilize them. They’re all little boys who need a strong mommy.”

A lot of Twitter feedback from last’s episode was that it was “boring.” I disagree. The thing that everyone has to keep in mind with Sons of Anarchy is that the writing is very sophisticated (despite the subject matter) and there’s more happening in the show then following a group of lawless, badly-behaved bikers. There’s a lot of stuff going on that you have to pay full attention to, a lot of it very subtle, and if you don’t you can get a bit lost.

Gemma stole the show in episode 2 "Small Tears"

Cultural Learnings wrote a fantastic post about last night’s show. It’s more than a typical episode recap. I highly recommend giving it a read. Do not read it if you didn’t see the episode as it would SPOIL your viewing.

See? I said SPOIL as in, possible SPOILERS ahead!

Highlights:

• One word: Gemma. I don’t think I have to say anything more.
• Seeing show creator, Kurt Sutter back as jailbound Otto
• the uncomfortable scene of Tig & Opie being “pals”-made my skin crawl
• great Sopranos reference

Lowlights:

• Crashing that sweet Cadillac
• Tom Arnold. He’s sleazy, but not sleazy enough as a porn mogul

Sons of Anarchy news

The season premier sets a ratings record:
The second season premiere of Sons of Anarchy on FX debuted to a series high Sept. 8.  Anarchy drew 4.29 million total viewers, including 3.03 million P18-49. The program grew 95% over its series premiere in the key 18-49 demo, the largest increase ever for the second season premiere of an FX series.

Screen Rant has some tid bits to share about the show

• When SoA premiered, it drew in 1.5 million viewers, despite going up against a Sarah Palin speech.  These numbers were the highest since Rescue Me premiere for the network.
• Clay (Ron Perlman) is based on King Claudius & Jax on Hamlet. It’s not quite Hamlet, but it would seem to be the guiding force of inspiration for the series.
• Before Sons of Anarchy, Ron Perlman had never been on a motorcycle.

Monsters & Critics interviewed Henry Rollins recently. Here’s an excerpt describing his physical transformation for the role of AJ Weston.

M&C: Your physical transformation is noted…you had a more lithe, yoga lean physique that you previously shared was due to a more vegan diet you adopted the past ten years.  Tell me what your training and changes entailed when you signed on for this role?

Henry Rollins: I was asked if I could put on some more muscle for the part. I upped the daily caloric intake and lifting poundage. Hopefully I got the size they were looking for. I don’t train like that anymore, it’s hard on the frame and I don’t really need the mass.

M&C: At the TCA’s, you shared that the cast and crew were exceedingly kind and talented.  Whose performances within this series have impressed you the most, and which particular scenes were the hardest for you to shoot personally in this complex second season?

Henry Rollins:  I think that all of the cast are very talented. Charlie Hunnam and Ryan Hurst stand out in my mind as being exceptionally impressive. The hardest scene for me was the assault scene in episode one. It was very important to the plot, but it was a relief when it was behind me.

It was not an enjoyable experience.

Rollins at the premiere for SoA

M&C: Will your character have more curt power struggle exchanges or face-offs with Darby, the reigning Charming supremacist?

Henry Rollins: Darby and Weston don’t like each other and it’s a small town, so there may be some future friction, you never know.

M&C: The tattoos you have, which are yours, and which are transfers applied by the makeup department?  The one on your lower neck, what does it symbolize?

Henry Rollins: Only one tattoo is applied to me for the part.

It’s the life rune at the base of my neck. Here’s an explanation: http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/groups_national_alliance.asp.

M&C: How long do we get the pleasure of AJ Weston this season, will he remain in Charming until season three?

Henry Rollins: The lifespan of AJ Weston is not in my hands.

E! Online
I have to link to this article at E! Online because I just love the title: What the hell just happened on Sons of Anarchy?!

Charlie Hunnam promises a major showdown between Clay and Jax
TV Guide reveals their take on season 2 and bits of an interview with Charlie Hunnam:
“There’s going to have to be a reckoning at some point, and Jax tries to do it in a way that’s the least damaging to the club,” Hunnam says. “But it builds and it builds and it builds to this violent confrontation. It’s a pretty hairy sequence, but I think it’s worth the wait.”

Isn’t it great to have something to look forward to every week?

http://www.ridewiththe40.org

Over the weekend I was wondering how that ride turned out. I was excited today when I found this article from the San Diego Source:

Fight 93 victims remembered in San Francisco
By JASON DEAREN, The Associated Press
Friday, September 11, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — About a dozen Harley-Davidson motorcycles ridden by relatives and friends of United Flight 93 passengers and crew members roared into San Francisco International Airport on Friday, ending an eight-day journey that mirrored the doomed plane’s intended path.

The 40 people on Flight 93 died on Sept. 11, 2001, after the aircraft crashed in a western Pennsylvania field after being commandeered by terrorists. They were hailed as heroes in tributes for their bravery in confronting the hijackers.

The motorcyclists, led by Ken and Dale Nacke, whose brother Louis “Joey” Nacke was on the plane, left Newark Liberty International Airport on Sept. 3. They pulled into San Francisco just after 11 a.m. Friday, the same time the plane was supposed to have arrived eight years ago.
Jack Grandcolas watched quietly as the motorcycles rumbled in. His three-months pregnant wife, Lauren Catuzzi-Grandcolas, was on Flight 93.

She had called him from the plane after the hijackers took control, leaving a message on his answering machine that there was a problem. It was the last time he heard her voice.

“This is an inspiration to me,” he said, his voice quivering. “The symbolism of this, it finishes the trip Louis and my wife Lauren never got to finish.”

The gruff-looking bikers dismounted their “hogs” and immediately hugged, tearing up as the engines were turned off.

“We made it,” said Ken Nacke, wearing a black leather vest and a doo-rag. “The flight of 40 are home.”

The motorcycles were tailed by a U-Haul truck carrying a replica of the makeshift memorial that sprung up near the crash site in Shanksville, Pa. The memorial was a plain, wooden fence adorned with signed T-shirts, hardhats, plaques and written notes.

The ride also raised money for construction of the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville. The $58 million memorial is scheduled to open on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Linda White, Louis Nacke’s cousin, stood near the mini-memorial with tears in her eyes, her head covered in an “Easyriders” doo-rag.

White rode on the back of her husband David White’s motorcycle on the last leg of the trip, and was overwhelmed with emotion as they pulled into their final stop.

“I was overcome with the feeling of the 40 people as we came in. They were giving us a big thumbs up for this and a thank you for finishing the journey,” she said.

I actually teared up while reading this article and I’m glad they saw support from others during the ride. The Ride with the 40 website also posted this update:

The ride concluded when the core riders, accompanied by a group of local riders, reached the Western Terminus of the Lincoln Hiway in San Fransisco, CA. The total distance from Newark International Airport to the Western Terminus of the Lincoln Hiway is 3,250.7 miles. Special thanks to all those who showed their support throughout the Journey.

Stay tuned for more updates including pictures, videos, and information on T-Shirts.

I shall do that. Again, if you’re interested in making a donation to the memorial you can do so on the website.

Jesse ain't got time for bike buildin' no more!

Now it looks like Mr. James is expanding his empire by introducing a new line of heavy-duty industrial workgear that is available in a Wal-Mart near you. He revealed today via Twitter that he has ditched and donated all of his Dickies for his new line of workgear.

been wearing dickies for 25 years! Didnt think I would ever change…http://jessejamesworkwear.com

The New JJIWW Industry pants Rule. More Comfortable!, Deeper pockets, Bigger belt loops and thicker material.Not wearing anything else!

Well that’s that! I just clear’d my closet and gave 37 pairs of Dickies to the LB homeless shelter.

Well if that’s not a testament to the quality of the product then I don’t know what is! (kidding)

Jesse James Industrial Work Wear

Hell, I’m just a girl who doesn’t even wear workgear (but I like men who do!) but now you can go to your local Wal-Mart or check what they’re offering online (there’s even some positive reviews to read) to see for yourself. The prices looks very reasonable and if the clothing is as durable as claimed, then it sounds like a viable option over those over-priced-but-cool Dickies.

http://www.national911memorial.org

]]> http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2009/09/11/eight-years-later/feed/ 1 http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2009/09/09/anti-monkey-butt-powder-review-giveaway/ http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2009/09/09/anti-monkey-butt-powder-review-giveaway/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:54:00 +0000 Lizzie http://www.rippin-kitten.com/?p=1950

Anti Monkey Butt Powder

Where do I even begin? The silly, smile inducing name? The adorably whimsical monkey? The benefits of of a powder that could be used on your butt…among other areas of your body? How did I get involved discussing personal hygiene on a motorcycle blog?

About Anti Monkey Butt Powder

Here’s the official spin:

AMBP is a new product, invented by motocross athletes, designed to treat friction and irritation that can result from excess sweat. Excessive sweat from running can cause irritation, also known as “monkey butt”. Unlike other powders, AMBP has calamine and talc which gives it a cooling sensation instead of the burning that you might get from other products.

OK. I think we can all agree that “monkey-butt” is not something as motorcycle riders that we want to experience but probably have one time or another, especially during long road trips.

Does this look familiar to anyone?

But it is also useful for things other than gag gifts like: sweaty feet, chafing, diaper rash, razor burn and basic bed or saddle sores.

My thoughts of Anti Monkey Butt Powder

I don’t use powder a whole lot but I used this during the few hot summer days we had. I have a really sensitive nose when it comes to certain scents and this powder has a really flowery smell (and not that of monkey-butt, thankfully) that caught in my throat upon initial use. But you’re not really going to be sticking your nose in those areas that are vulnerable to getting sweaty or chafed.

AMBP biker monkey

It definitely helped keep certain areas dry and after some time out in the hot weather it helped cool those areas off. I also made my husband try it out and he thought it “wasn’t bad”-a glowing review coming from a guy’s perspective!

AMBP contains calamine powder and talc, two essential ingredients in keeping skin dry and less irritated. As far as powders go, this is definitely a valid option for anyone to use (despite the snicker-inducing name). Especially for those with a sense of humor who don’t want a boring powder in their medicine cabinet!

Check out antimonkeybutt.com for more product information, testimonials and stuff to buy!
They’re also on Twitter: @antimonkeybutt

Anti Monkey Butt Giveaway!

Now you can enter to win some Anti-Monkey Butt powder for yourself!

Anti Monkey Butt powder & sticker giveaway!

OK, here’s the deal:

2 lucky people will win a 6 oz. bottle of Anti Monkey Butt Powder
4 people will win a sample size of AMBP powder (.18 oz) and a sticker!

How to enter:

• Leave a comment on this post –OR–
  
• Twitter: if you have an account, tweet “I wanna win some Anti Monkey Butt from @rippinkitten” (make sure you use @rippinkitten so I know you’re entered, otherwise you won’t be eligible)!

Winners will be chosen randomly midnight September 15th, 2009 and contacted by me on September 16th.  There’s no limit on how many times you can enter over the next week. Any entries submitted in ways other than described above will not be accepted. Prize must be claimed by September 18th or a second drawing will be held.

Here’s to your butt!

What can I say about last night’s episode? Whoo doggy! And there was an unscheduled full moon last night: helloooo Charlie Hunnam bum shot!

gratuitous nekkidness!

To be honest I had higher expectations for the season premier. First of all, there were way too many commercials for my liking and I thought the “horrible event” was a bit…cliché (but I think maybe I have more of a Teflon coating than most viewers). However, I do expect the show to escalate over the season, much like it did last season, and I think we’re all in for some good storytelling. 

Highlights:

• Katey Segal still great as Gemma. And how many black, lacy shirts do you think that woman has in her wardrobe? Amazing.
• Rollins, Rollins, Rollins! He brought amazing coldness to his character. And unlike the majority of the SoA cast, those tattoos are real, kids!
• The title for last night’s episode was “Albification” which by definition means: the act or process of making white.

What did you guys think of it?

Sons of Anarchy news: warning some SPOILERS ahead

EW says aside from Katey Segal’s Emmy-worthy performance as Gemma, there are 5 things to watch for in Season 2:

1. The arrival of recurring guest stars Adam Arkin and Henry Rollins. They play white separatists determined to do whatever it takes to get the club to stop selling guns to gangs. “It’s no mystery how that’s gonna unfold ultimately,” Hunnam says. “It’s gonna be bloody.”

2. A brutal final few moments of the season premiere. Something happens to Gemma that will make you want to punch someone and/or your TV. Just know it serves a storytelling purpose. “There’s a slow build in the resentment between Clay and Jax that comes to a head in the middle of the season in a very explosive and violent manner, and we needed something that huge to bring us back together. The event is concealed from the vast majority of the club until Gemma realizes that she needs to pull the trigger and finally reveal this awful thing that happened to her in an attempt to unify us,” Hunnam says. “I think it was a very smart thing that [creator Kurt Sutter, Sagal's real-life husband] has done actually. I totally agree that it could potentially put people off a little bit because it is just so horrifying, but if you stay put through the course of the season, there’s a really nice payoff at the end.”

3. Jax getting the club involved in the porn business. Big Otto’s wife Luann runs into trouble keeping her porn studio afloat, and Jax brings the club in as a partner to bail her out. In addition to affording an opportunity for much-needed levity, it gives Sutter a chance to fulfill Hunnam’s one request for season 2: That Jax play a much bigger role in the day-to-day mechanics of the club. “Through the course of the first season, Jax was very reluctant to engage in a lot of the business of the club, mainly running guns, which is something I always liked that he was against. But I also felt like Jax is a gangster, and gangsters like to make money. He needs to prove that if he was the president of the club, he’d be a strong leader, bring in some money, and do a better job than Clay.”

4. Jax’s son, Abel, being a quiet baby. Drea de Matteo, who played Abel’s mother, Wendy, is headed to Wisteria Lane, which means Jax is now a full-time father. “Which is fun, but boy, it’s kind of hard working with babies,” Hunnam says. “It’s all adorable and very sweet when they’re cooing and inquisitive and playing with my beard and grabbing my hair. They stay at that level for a couple of minutes, and then they get bored and start crying and we have to bring in a rubber baby. We’ve just opted for Abel sleeping a lot.”

5. Two shower scenes! Jax is committed to making his relationship with Tara (Mad Men’s Maggie Siff) work, though their ongoing issues ruin what could’ve been a romantic shower scene in the season premiere. But, Hunnam promises, “the second shower scene later in the season is a little more hot and steamy.” The actor doesn’t have a problem with nudity. “I had such a baptism of fire since my first job was [the UK] Queer as Folk, and I had to be 18-years-old, fully naked, and engaging in pretty graphic sex scenes with another man,” he says. “After that, anything that Sons of Anarchy can throw at me is pretty much a cakewalk. I’d still say the baby is more difficult.”

Katey Segal & Ron Perlman as "Jemma and Clay"

Ron Perlman has been making the rounds with two similar sounding but different enough interviews, one at Pop Culture Zoo and one at IESB.com. I liked hearing his take on the show and of his character, Clay. Oh, and it would seems he’s finally put some decent time in the saddle and gotten a little better with his riding skills!

Chicago Tribune thinks SoA has definitely upped it’s game this season.

“The pacing is better, the plotting is tighter and the supporting cast is full of gems.”

TV Gal from Zap2It falls into the camp that is too squeamish to watch SoA:

“I’ve watched the second season premiere and the show simply isn’t for me. But I can appreciate why so many of you enjoy it and I’ll continue to check in on it as the second season progresses.”

She should just stick to Vampire Diaries and So You Think You Can Dance. This show is way out of her league.

Clay & Jax, Sons of Anarchy Season 2

*Tweet tweet*

Kurt Sutter is on Twitter (at least for the time being until he deletes his account “’cause i will feel frivolous and shameful“): @sutterink
Katey Segal is also on the tweets as well: @kateysegal

SoA Party in a Box giveaway is still happening!
The FX network is encouraging fans to throw Sons of Anarchy viewing parties and are having a Party In a Box giveaway! All you have to do is register and the first 100 fans to register will get an exclusive Sons of Anarchy Party-in-a-Box with branded party gear including SOA shot glass, banner, tattoos and more.

Kurt Sutter, Ron Perlman, Katey Segal & Charlie Hunnam

So I’m gonna ask the readers of my blog to help spread the word. Sons of Anarchy season two, premiers in one week — Tuesday, September 8th, 10pm on FX. I know in this digital age of DVRs, streaming downloads and iTunes, destination television is a dying event. But that number next Tuesday is an important number for the network and studio. All that advertising, marketing and promotional material you have seen around your town and on your TVs is pointed at that one night. A high number serves them in terms of advertisers and overall perception of the show. I couldn’t have asked for a better campaign and marketing strategy. FX has done an amazing job. I’d love to see all that hard work pay off for them and the show.

My request is good old fashioned “word-of-mouth”. Tell your friends, family, co-workers about the SOA premier next Tuesday. Help me get bodies in front of the tube. And if you know someone with a Nielsen box, I’ll personally call them and invite them to watch. I’m not kidding, send me their number and I’ll call them. I feel confident that the first episode of the new season will not disappoint

I want to thank you in advance for your loyalty and support. I am constantly blown away by the enthusiasm and devotion of the SOA fans. I’ve never seen anything like it.

I love this show and I love its fans.

I know I’ll be watching it in real-time! Will you?

Who or what is Lobo?

Lobo is an blue-skinned, red-eyed, cigar-chomping alien who is an interstellar mercenary and bounty hunter. He is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by DC Comics. In the 1990s, he was popularized in Lobo: The Last Czarnian by writer Alan Grant, with artwork by the amazing Simon Bisley.

Lobo is the MAN!

The success of that series led to many more including  Lobocop (a RoboCop parody); Blazing Chain of Love (in which he is sent on a job to a harem); Paramilitary Christmas Special (in which he is contracted by the Easter Bunny to assassinate Santa Claus which became a short film that was done back in 2002.); Infanticide (where he kills his daughter and all of his other bastard offspring that she has gathered to try to kill him); Convention Special (a send-up of comic book conventions); and Unamerican Gladiators (in which Lobo takes part in a deadly televised game show). Lobo also starred in his own title for 64 issues, from 1993 to 1999.

The Lobo Paramilitary Christmas special

Lobo was meant to serve as a parody of violent heroes such as Wolverine and the Punisher, with his stories featuring a nihilistic streak tinged with dark comedy and  excessive violence and was one of the comic world’s most popular characters.

Lobo: the movie

Bringing Lobo to the big screen has been in Hollywood development limbo for years. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Lock Stock & 2 Smoking Barrels) is set to take on the Main Man in a feature film. A script is written and allegedly is set to begin production early next year.

According to Variety, Lobo will be  a seven-foot tall, blue-skinned, indestructible and heavily muscled anti-hero who drives a pimped out motorcycle, and lands on Earth in search of four fugitives who are bent on wreaking havoc. Lobo teams with a small town teen-aged girl to stop the creatures.

They are going for a fraggin’ PG-13 rating. (Ha, yeah…good luck with that fellas!) I have to wonder if these guys have ever read a Lobo comic? Lobo is an extremely violent (yet hilarious) character and I can’t help but to wonder if he will translate well at all to the big screen. To saddle him with a teen-aged girl sidekick is completely out of character. Next thing you know he’ll be carrying around a lil fuzzy kitten in his pocket…oh wait, that’s HellBoy!

Well, never say never. We’ll just have to see how this one plays out.

There’s no doubt that there’s a lot of anticipation for next week to get here already so we can delve back into the brutal world of Charming and into the tumultuous clubhouse of SAMCRO. I know that for me, personally, I’ve probably forgotten how heavy & violent the show really is and I’m getting myself geared up for the culture shock of being thrust back into that world again.

Sons of Anarchy back on next week!

Thar be spoilers, Captain!

If you don’t want to know anything about season 2 events, stop reading now!

What will be be seeing in season 2?

Season 2 picks up where the first season left off. SAMCRO is in turmoil, they still have the ATF buzzing around their noses and the gun running biz is all but extinct. Jax & Clay are now in the midst of a Mexican standoff and that leaves the club divided.

If you’re a fan of Opie, like I am, you’ll be glad to know that he’s sticking around this season, full of appropriate drama and dedicated to Clay, which I’m sure will put a strain on his friendship with Jax.

SoA: Opie wallpaper

It’s been alluded to that there are other chapters of Sons of Anarchy in other areas of the country, and we’ll see SAMCRO team up with SoA Oregon to team up for some crime.

SAMCRO will also dabble in the porn biz this season. They will help Otto’s old lady, Luann, run her adult movie business. This will lead to a series of half-nude girls hanging around to entertain the fellas. According to E! News, one of the characters, a seemingly sweet single mom, will make a move on Opie; while another aggressive actress wants Jax  for herself. Tara doesn’t like that very much, naturally, and you will love what she does about it.

Oh, and apparently we won’t be seeing any of Wendy, played by Drea DeMatteo this season. I don’t think I’ll miss her much.

While the Mayans were SAMCRO’s enemies last season, this season they take on the Aryan Brotherhood (led by Adam Arkin & Henry Rollins) who want to destroy pulverize SAMCRO by any means necessary. And they’ll go to any extreme to do so. Let’s face it, the Sons of Anarchy are not good guys, but these guys are worse.

Sons of Anarchy

And what about that “horrifying event”?

There’s no other information other than it’s “Horrifying. Terrifying. Stomach-turning.” YIKES.

Enter for a chance to win a 2009 Harley Davidson FXD Dyna Superglide
visit: fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/bikegiveaway

Enter for a chance to win a Sons of Anarchy gear pack giveaway
visit: fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/gearpackgiveaway

SoA Party in a Box giveaway!
The FX network is encouraging fans to throw Sons of Anarchy viewing parties and are having a Party In a Box giveaway! All you have to do is register and the first 100 fans to register will get an exclusive Sons of Anarchy Party-in-a-Box with branded party gear including SOA shot glass, banner, tattoos and more.

Until next week!

Well, if you’d like to travel a little lighter here’s an interesting product for you: Biker Rain Chaps. If you don’t want to pack a full set of rain gear, but want to keep your legs dry when it’s wet and drizzly outside, then this could be a good solution for you.

Biker Rain Chaps

They are made of nylon, fully waterproofed and are lined inside to ensure that your legs will stay dry. The seams are reinforced and also sealed appropriately to keep water out. And what’s great is that they roll up into a really small package, taking up less room in your saddlebag.

Biker Rain Chaps bundled up.

If you’re wearing jeans, then all you have to do is slip them onto your legs, slip the velco strap through your belt or belt loop and you’re good to go. They are not flimsy to the touch, but I do wonder how easily they would tear if you happened to get snagged on something sharp or if they would melt if they come in contact with a hot pipe (I didn’t run into either problem when I tested them out).

slip the strap through your belt

I know for me, there’s nothing worse than riding with wet or damp jeans that stick to your legs. Biker Rain Chaps are great for keeping your legs dry on light rainy days or conditions where the roads are wet and you might get sprayed while riding (but if you’re going to be riding in full storm conditions, your normal heavy duty rain gear will probably be better!). And the best part is that they’re only $19.99 with lots of sizes available! *Thumbs up!*

Biker Rain Chaps are only 19.99!

Right now Biker Rain Chaps is running a sweepstakes where you can win a free pair! Head on over to http://www.bikerrainchaps.com/app/sweepstakes and register to be entered to win. Drawing date will be held on October 1st!

Follow Biker Rain Chaps for updates on Twitter: @bikerrainchaps

When you hear the phrase “chicks on a bike” it might conjure up one of two images: a dolled up, half-nekkid girl with butt floss & fake boobs draped across some guys motorcycle -or- a real, independent woman riding her own.

Christina Shook thankfully delves into the diverse world of the latter, using her photography to punctuate the alluring stories of the featured women riders in her book.

Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook

Chicks on Bikes is the first book to visually chronicle the culture and lifestyle of real women motorcyclists. The photos and stories range from sassy young racer girls, wind-roughened seniors, leather-clad outlaws, chic corporate climbers, grease-covered mechanics to motorcycle fashion designers.

Women love to hear or read stories about female riders, especially if they don’t ride their own (yet). There is a lot of respect and inspiration (and maybe a little bit of envy mixed in) that motivates non-riding women, giving them that “if she can do it, I can do it” attitude.

"These women redefine what is beautiful."

Chicks on Bikes captures an intimacy that a lot of other books tend to miss the mark on. It’s a collection of stories as varied as the women who tell them, daring to dig a little deeper into the subject that most are unwilling to touch. Women riders are people, not just an idea or a great hook for marketing.

I enjoyed reading about all of the women, seeing some familiar faces along with some new ones. I was touched when reading about Samantha Morgan and Melinda Moore, chuckled while reading about Zan Sterling’s tale of outriding a desert thunderstorm and amused by the overall kookiness of Max Mosher’s style.

It’s the right balance of words and quality photos, in addition to the passion, attitudes, freedom, misnomers, truths and independence of women riding motorcycles, that keep you wanting to turn the pages and dream of being more like them.

Chicks on Bikes words and pix by Christina Shook

Chicks on Bikes words and pix by Christina Shook, $24.95
Order a signed copy online: chicksonbikes.us/order.html

Learn more at chicksonbikes.us

Read Christina Shook’s blog: cshook.wordpress.com

Follow Christina on Twitter @cshookup

Here’s Christina talking about women motorcyclists and her book Chicks on Bikes. I wish her the all the success in the world with the book, it’s great!

The countdown is ON for the season 2 premier episode “Albification.”

Sons of Anarchy season 1 is now on DVD.

Catch up on the first season so you don’t get left in the dust when season 2 begins! Many critics still refer to SoA as “the Sopranos on 2 wheels”-which I think is a lazy way to describe the show. I very much believe it’s majorly influenced by Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” over anything else.
Read Express Night Out’s review and Icon Vs. Icon chose season 1 on dvd as it’s Pick of the Week.

Katie Segal on her character & the upcoming events of the season

Katey Segal at the FX Screening of Sons Of Anarchy

I really like her. I like that she’s flawed but she doesn’t think that she is. She’s survived a lot, and people like that tend to live in a lot of denial. She knows how to get through life in her way, and she doesn’t question it. It’s just, “This is how it is.” For instance, I don’t think Gemma’s ever been to therapy. She’s not that girl. What you see is what you get.

Something very dark happens. The club is going to go through some turmoil — when you live an outlaw lifestyle, that’s the risk you take. As my husband says, this season is all about loyalties. Henry Rollins and Adam Arkin are on the show this year, and they … well, I don’t want to say too much, but they’re not really good guys.

Adam Arkin & Henry Rollins talk shop

Adam Arkin on FX's Sons of Anarchy

Henry Rollins on FX's Sons of Anarchy

By now we all now that Adam Arkin and Henry Rollins are joining the cast to stir the pot in Charming. Arkin insists his character, Ethan Zobelle, is a White separatist, not a supremacist. Henry Rollins describes his character, AJ Weston as a “knucklehead”.

“Being an American who is very aware of race, I’ve been around those knuckleheads for many, many years,” Henry explained. “In the music world they come to your shows, it’s awful. I’ve heard the rationale, I can’t support it but it’s interesting to hear it and wonder how insane these people are.”

FX’s Sons of Anarchy Season 2 Premiere Screening

The screening for season 2 took place at the Paramount theater on Monday night in Hollywood, CA. View all the red carpet arrival photos!

Kurt Sutter, Katey Segal & Charlie Hunnam at the SoA premier (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America)

Throw your own Sons of Anarchy viewing party

The FX network is encouraging us to throw Sons of Anarchy viewing parties and to help the cause they are having a Party In a Box giveaway! All you have to do is register and the first 100 fans to register will get an exclusive Sons of Anarchy Party-in-a-Box with branded party gear including SOA shot glass, banner, tattoos and more.

Until next week!

K&G Cycles and DHL Partner to Offer Customers Complete Online Shopping Experience

The site that boasts over 100,000 motorcycle parts available online, K&G Cycles, your one-stop motorcycle parts specialist is offering customers one more reason to purchase their motorcycle parts at kandgcycles.com. K&G is now pleased to offer shipping through DHL. Through special arrangements with the world’s premier global delivery networks, customers will be able to ship their merchandise effortlessly to anywhere in the world.

K&G Cycles

K&G Cycles is synonymous for providing customers state-of-the-art online motorcycle parts shopping. With over 900 categories of parts from over 200 manufacturers and 5 major motorcycle parts wholesalers, K&G Cycles guarantees that you will find exactly what you need for your project. K&G has changed the face of online motorcycle part sales and has brought a new kind of shopping experience to this growing marketplace. They have revolutionized the market once again, and now also guarantee door-to-door shipment to anywhere in the world.

In order to better serve international visitors, K&G is offering customers new, low rates at about half of what you would expect to pay with the #1 international shipping company on the planet. Synonymous for providing customers with the greatest variety of parts for the best price, K&G is now able to better cater to customers worldwide.  New lines are being added daily and the widest selection of American and foreign-made motorcycle parts are ready for shipment anywhere in the world.

K&G welcomes all international customers and is looking forward to serving all of their customer’s needs regardless of geography or location. Check out kandgcycles.com and see what they can do for you.

If you need a refresher or want to do an SoA crash course to catch up before season 2 begins, season 1 was released on DVD today! Seriously, if you’ve never seen the show before and are interested in watching it you really should watch season 1 because season 2 expects everyone to know what is going on.

additional SoA desktop wallpapers available at fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa

From this point forward is a spoiler zone.

Consider yourself warned! On to the juicy stuff:

More about the “horrifying” event that occurs in the premiere

Something worse and more distressing than the castration or the blowtorch tattoo removal in season one is going to happen at the end of the first episode. If you can bear to watch, it will certainly make you think and wonder what will happen next.

I do know that this event includes newest bad guy, Henry Rollins. In a recent interview he was asked how difficult filming that particular scene was and his reply was:

It was a little much. It was tough to shoot, for all of us — the whole crew and all the actors involved. It was not cool. It was part of the story and we had to do it, but it was a huge relief when they said, “Okay, we’ve got it. That’s all we need.”

Henry Rollins on his character

I’m an awful man, named AJ Weston. He’s a neo-Nazi, white separatist, white supremacist type. He has no redeeming social qualities, except that he likes his kids. Past that, he’s incorrigible and awful. My boss is even more awful because he’s a Machiavellian character, played by Adam Arkin, who is brilliant. I’m a bad guy that does bad things, and my enemy is the Sons of Anarchy. And, they hate me too, believe me.

Opie fans rejoice

Ryan Hurst will be back this season as Opie, despite the fact that his character’s wife was assassinated last season, which surprisingly makes Opie’s commitment to SAMCRO even stronger. “Opie is a guy who needs a task,” series creator Kurt Sutter says. Opie’s task will find him getting even closer to Clay, which will most definitely have an impact on Jax’s emotional arc this season.

Enter the SoA bike giveaway

Go to fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/bikegiveaway to enter for a chance to win a 2009 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Superglide!

And while you’re there don’t forget to enter the Sons of Anarchy gear pack giveaway!

As of August 17, you can head on over to fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/gearpackgiveaway to register for the giveaway where five winners will win the prize package, which includes:

• Tour Master Nylon Cruiser III-Large Sissybar Bag- a heavy duty, weather-resistant bag with nylon construction and a hinged lid providing storage space and easy access.
• Gift Certificate for a case of AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil- a high performance engine, and primary chaincase lubricant.
• Gift Certificate for S&S Single Bore Tuned Induction Kit- kit features two forward facing, tuned length induction tracts and dual air filters to increase both horsepower and torque.
• Bobster® Gunner- eyewear that converts from sunglasses to goggles with lenses that darken in the sun.
• Find It Now Security System- an anti-theft tracking device that will ALERT, LOCATE, and RECOVER your ride if it is moved or tampered with.
• Vega XTS Naked Half Helmet- featuring aggressive cutaway styling and exceptional fit with a plush, super absorbent interior.
• Iron Horse Magazine- subscription to the #1 motorcycle magazine for the motorcycle enthusiast.
• ZANheadgear® Neodanna -Bandanna with neoprene face mask to ensure full coverage of the face and neck.
• ZANheadgear® Flydanna®- Head wrap with a tail and ties; perfect under a helmet.
• Sons of Anarchy Reaper T-shirt

Everyone is definitely anticipating the return of SoA. Even though the first season started out a little slow, I have a feeling that all of the media buzz and critical acclaim will pull in a ton more viewers for season 2, which is very much the same phenomenon that happened to season 2 of HBO’s True Blood.

Until next week!

Well, I’m happy to report that I finally joined the year 2009 and Rippin-Kitten now has a page. If you’re also on Facebook be sure to find me and if you’re not on there yet, sign-up and check out my page!

Yes, it’s different than what you’re used to seeing, but after 2+ years of blogging and 300 posts, Rippin-Kitten is finally getting a new coat of paint. It’s been in the works for a while, with the goal to make the site cleaner, easier to read & to navigate and a little faster to load (even in a blog it’s all about speed, right?).

So, what’s changed?

Well, you’ll see that all of the content hasn’t changed, we organized things a little better, put a new wrapper on it and added a Twitter feed. We have a few other ideas in mind, but we want to make sure the changes we’ve made all work properly before we do anything else.

Hints?

Umm, not just yet. But you guys will be the first to know when something new and exciting is about to go down!

Thanks!

As always, I thank all of you who take the time to read what I have to say, for leaving engaging comments and for all the support.

I would also like to thank my wonderful husband (and personal web developer, official photographer, major contributor and riding buddy) for doing kick-ass work in getting this new design up and running and looking exactly the way I wanted it (ie: putting up with my sh*t)!

Billy Lane by Forrest Frazier

I try not to delve too much into other peoples misfortunes but the facts are quite clear. Lane, 39, faced up to nine years in prison after a judge in June OK’d a plea deal in which prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of DUI manslaughter due to a Sept. 4, 2006, crash that left fellow biker Gerald Morelock dead.

Police said Lane’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he crossed a double-yellow line to speed at 68 mph past three cars on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach. He crashed his Dodge pickup head on into 56-year-old Morelock’s small Yamaha motorcycle.

Today Billy’s lawyer plead his case focusing on the positive aspects of Billy’s life and the public service he has done with children, the military, and local organizations. He emphasized the good that Billy can do and has done and his ability to reach out to the younger generation.

Billy spoke to the judge taking responsibility for his actions and got quite emotional regarding the killing of Gerry Morelock. He was surrounded by other bike builders and notable members of the motorcycle business. The support for him from his peers as-well-as the members of Mr. Morelock’s family with whom he has built up a relationship was truly touching. However, in the end the fact remained that one man lost his life because of the lapse of judgment of another man.

I understand that other people have been in similar situations. A few months ago I lost a relative who was riding his motorcycle because someone ran him over. These tragedies hit our community all too often. Please keep this in mind next time you are in your cage and are driving distracted (read: drunk, on the cell, yelling at your kids, texting) and try to be more aware of cagers, or other potential hazards when you are on your bike.

I don’t want to hear about you being in jail or winding up dead, you are all to important to me.

I rode into Boston and when I came out from my appointment, I found that the Boston Police left me a little note. Not the dreaded orange kind where I end up owing them money kind of note. This was something new and interesting.

Pipe down please

PIPE DOWN PLEASE

Be considerate of the neighborhood where you are operating your motorcycle. Loud exhaust pipes become a quality of life and a noise issue. We need your cooperation.

There is a Massachusetts Law under Chapter 40 Section 22 for Excessive Noise, an EPA Federal Law that requires the labeling of exhaust pipes and a City of Boston Ordinance on Altered Exhaust Systems. Please operate your motorcycle within the confines of the law. Boston Police Officers will enforce the law when you have altered exhaust pipes or caused excessive noise from your exhaust pipes. Be courteous and obey the law. It’s much nicer to be quieter.

Boston Police Department

Now if I look beyond the total pandering copy of this sickly sweet “we hate you” note Boston’s well documented prejudice of bikers shows through.

There have been rumblings of this evil $300.00 Boston City Ordnance among riders here in Massachusetts. Basically, it’s illegal. This Ordinance goes well beyond pulling you over if your bike is stupid loud. This specific ordinance requires that a Motorcycle Exhaust must carry an EPA stamp which is visible to a parking or police officer who can issue a citation if they don’t see the EPA stamp – violation is subject to a $300 fine.  Citations can be issued whether the vehicle is in operation or parked on a street in the City of Boston.

So now Boston wants my  pipes to have some sort of stamp on them visible to a parking nazi, yet the State of MA says that I must have heat shields on my bike. How can you have both?  Also, just because an exhaust pipe has a stamp doesn’t mean it falls within the 105db limit in MA.

If we allow fascist dictators like Mayor “Mumbles” Menino, of Boston, or any local officials to concoct asinine laws directing their prejudice against us, they will legislate our past time of motorcycling completely out of existence. We must take a stand against this tyranny.

I first heard of and wrote about Rescue Ink back in January this year and they have been on my radar ever since. Rescue Ink are reformed “bad guys” who love animals and have dedicated their lives to rescuing them from abuse.  They also take the time to educate bad pet owners, no matter what it takes.

Rescue Ink "Unleashed" premieres on the Nat Geo Channel Sept. 25th

Last year the NY Times wrote an article (a really great read and I highly recommend viewing the slideshow that accompanies the article) about them and caught the eye of National Geographic, who approached them to chronicle their animal saving adventures.

Tattoos and kittens: a photo from the NY Times slideshow

I am jazzed to see them get the recognition they deserve. You can’t deny that the juxtaposition of scary looking dudes saving cute lil fuzzies, while “educating” the rotten, neglectful pet owners isn’t a great cocktail for good tv!

Coming to an abuser near you!

Rescue Ink is always looking for donations to help their cause. You can donate at their official website and can also find more info on their myspace page.

Related post: Rescue Ink: an ‘in-your-face approach’ to animal welfare

This week we’ve got a little inside scoop about the over all story arc:

According to Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam, friends tell him that FX’s headbanging outlaw motorcycle club series was the talk of the annual Sturgis Rally in South Dakota. Here’s some inside info on SOA from the cast and producers at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California (with additional info  gathered from a variety of sources including sutterink.com, the SOA myspace page and variety.com):

• Kurt Sutter has more or less a seven-season plan in mind for Sons of Anarchy, assuming that the largess of FX allows him to go on that long.
• The events of the season premiere will send one character on an unexpected spiritual journey.
• Per Kurt Sutter, Opie (Ryan Hurst) is ”a guy who needs a task,” and he’ll actually recommit himself to Clay this season, which plays into Jax’s arc this season.
• Maggie Siff revealed that high school acquaintances/friends Opie and Tara finally share a scene this season.
• Ron Perlman has finally mastered motorcycle riding and during one episode, which is largely set on the road, he was able to be in every single shot.
• Big Otto (the imprisoned club member played by Kurt Sutter) will appear several times this season.
• Tara and Gemma (Katey Sagal) will be drawing closer this season, but oddly enough, Jax and Gemma haven’t had many scenes together this season.
• Regarding the new white supremacist separatist character, Adam Arkin declares he is the “conceptual artist” in charge of violence; Henry Rollins does the actual skull crushing. Rollins promises that punches will not be pulled—you will see the aggression onscreen, live and bloody.
• Rollins says that his character’s, A.J. Weston, only redeeming quality is that he loves his children.
• Tom Arnold will be showing up in some sort of recurring role.
• There is a “horrible event” that happens to one of the crew on the season premiere. Jennifer Godwin, over at E-online wondered if it would turn away fans. It’ll rock folks a bit, in a good way, but if they stick around, they’ll see that it wasn’t gratuitous and that it indeed fuels the emotional engine of the season.
• Jax fans should be more than happy to see a buck-nekkid Charlie Hunnam in a shower scene toward the end of the season-two premiere, with his character sporting a new tattoo with the name of another character on the show.
• Sons of Anarchy season two premieres Sept. 8 at 10 p.m. on FX.

photo by D. Craig Harris (follow him on Twitter @d_craig_harris)

Until next week!

More than 350 bikes and 500 riders from around the world converged on Deadwood, SD on Monday, August 3 to take part in the Second Annual Legends Ride hosted by the Legendary Buffalo Chip. A record-breaking $61,600 was raised to benefit a number of Black Hills Charities including the Black Hills Children’s Home and the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Museum. Just under $40,000 was raised at last year’s inaugural Legends Ride.

Legends Ride 2009

“We are thrilled with the charity riders showed this year. The Legends Ride has once again proved itself a worthy event that brings world-class entertainment to riders and needed dollars to charities,” said Rod Woodruff, president of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. “We will be back bigger and better in 2010.” The Black Hills Children’s Home, recipient of a portion of the monies raised offers a safe haven for children ages 4-13, many of whom are victims of severe abuse or neglect.

“Money raised during this year’s Legends Ride will help the Children’s Home continue long into the future… to provide love, safety, and a second chance at many of the things most of us take for granted: Warm meals, bike rides, story time, creative arts and interaction with caring adults,” said Darla Crown, development officer for Children’s Home Society. “We are incredibly grateful to be co-recipients of such a significant donation – it’s truly a testament to the tremendous goodwill and generosity found in the hearts of the motorcycle industry and its enthusiasts.”

Signaling the official start to the 2009 Sturgis Rally, riders each contributed $150 to participate in the star-studded and scenic 50-mile expedition from the Historic Black Hills town to the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Participants were treated to meet-and-greets with the world’s top industry aficionados and bike builders before departing and enjoyed a private reception, auction and concerts by Lita Ford and Toby Keith once they arrived at the Chip.

Genevieve Schmitt, Steven Tyler (um...before he fell offstage?) and Betsy Huelskamp

Celebrities that participated in the ride included Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Lorenzo Lamas and the cast of Easy Riders II. Industry enthusiast and supporter, John Paul DeJoria, of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron Spirits Company made a surprise $10,000 matching donation to the Legends Ride Charities. He also donated the restored 1938 Indian with sidecar that he and wife, Eloise, traveled on during the Legends Ride to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.

Meghan McCain, daughter of Sen. John McCain, and a host of world-class bike builders including Corey Ness, Paul Yaffe, Sugarbear and cigar aficionados were also part of the 2009 ride. Sponsors for this year’s ride include: Biker Incite, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Dirico Motorcycles, The City of Deadwood, the Deadwood Tobacco Company, Ethanol Fuel Producers, First Western Bank, Interstate Batteries, the Lucky Nugget Gaming Hall, Metzeler, Neugebauer’s Fine Jewelery, Progressive Insurance, Sucker Punch Sally’s, South Dakota Pork Producers Council, Taser, the Silverado-Franklin Hotel and Gaming Complex, and Victory Motorcycles.

Coming into the home stretch. Writing 211, prepping 210, filming 209, editing 207, mixing 206.

This is that time of year where the story road gets very narrow. All the narratives start to intertwine and come to a head. It’s been a tough season for all our characters — emotionally and physically. I think it will be very satisfying for the loyal fans and hopefully intriguing enough to attract new viewers. The finale (which might be 90 minutes) will be pure BLOODY fun.

The premier episode, Albification, went out to critics. I’m already hearing buzz about the “horrifying event” that happens to one of the crew. Jennifer Godwin, over at E-online wondered if it would turn away fans. I’d say it’ll rock folks a bit, in a good way, but if they stick around, they’ll see that it wasn’t gratuitous and that it indeed fuels the emotional engine of the season.

FX has their TCA panel this week — Television Critics Association. Charlie, Ron, Katey, Maggie, Henry Rollins, Adam Arkin and myself will do a Q & A for critics about the upcoming season. Then critics will get the next four episodes to review.

I have to say, getting reviewed is such a mind-fuck. I try to stay detached — not take the bad ones personal, not be over-satisfied with the good ones — but man, it’s difficult. Not sure how others handle it, but I hate the fact that I’m deeply impacted by the opinions of others. Some of it is human nature, some of it is my emotional immaturity. The truth is there are so many variables that dictate the tone of a review, that only an idiot would take them to heart.

So here I sit, the idiot. Let the mind-fucking begin. More to come.

Poor Kurt. It must not be easy to east shit and play nice in that kind of area day after day to do what you love.

Here’s a whole bunch of promotional photos of the cast. Seeing Rollins in there makes me giddy!

The following are just a few of the things they have going on:

The Harley-Davidson Road Tour

Now being held outside Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, you can check out demo the new 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as new Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes merchandise. Also featured will be a H.O.G. members-only pin stop, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Bike Raffle, Free Bike Wash, Black Hills H-D Road Tour Store, Beer Garden with entertainment and more.

Harley-Davidson Women’s Day

Being held on Sunday, August 2nd, this day-long event will feature special seminars that include how to customize their motorcycle for fit, function and style; healthy eating tips while out on the road; and best practices for conducting a pre-ride safety check.

Harley-Davidson Ride In Show

Now being held on THURSDAY, Aug. 6, stop by this event to check out all that Sturgis has to offer when it comes to customization. Or feel free to enter your own customized ride and you could win some cool cash.

For a complete listing of Harley-Davidson events at Sturgis 2009,  visit harley-davidson.com/sturgis.

They’ll be covering the event on their Facebook and Twitter pages, so check back next week for photos and video. They will also accepting photos from anyone at Sturgis –you can upload your photos to http://flickr.com/groups/sturgis2009 and they’ll post appropriate photos on the H-D Facebook page.

Burnouts are King Friday Night at the Legendary Buffalo Chip

Friday night is burnout night at the Chip and you won’t want to miss this one. The Legendary Buffalo Chip is holding its Second Annual Baker Burnout Drags Competition, followed by an audience participation group burnout on Friday, August 7 during the Sturgis Rally. The competition is a raw execution of power, precision and skill is guaranteed to get your motor running.

The high octane, tournament-style Baker Burnout Drags Competition brought to you by Baker Drivetrain and the Legendary Buffalo Chip will come to a head during Friday night’s entertainment line-up. Between world-renowned artists Red and Buckcherry, twelve of the world’s top custom bike builders will engage in a fearless and gritty drag race competition. You’ll be able to watch as the builders pair off and race head to head in pursuit of the Baker Burnout Drags Champion Title.

Immediately following the Buckcherry concert at the Chip one lucky attendee will also have the opportunity to win a Sucker Punch Sally’s motorcycle courtesy of the Sucker Punch Sally’s and American Cycle Magazine the Legendary Buffalo Chip. The excitement then continues with the Buffalo Chip Group Burnout. Chipsters gathered from all over the world will be able to engage in adrenalin-pumping, rubber-burning burnout bliss. This year’s group burnout is sure to be a crowd-pleaser flaunting up to 100 bikes. The steel bridge along the Kinison Playground will be transformed into burnout central as bikes will be set 10 feet in the air and prepped for huge number of bikes smoking their rear tires.

The climax of this year’s group burnout will highlight a 1938 Indian Chief with sidecar, ridden and restored by prominent industry daredevil and foremost authority on Indian Motorcycles, Mike “Kiwi” Tomas. Kiwi Mike is the owner of Kiwi Indian and the leading authority on the restoration of old Indians. Originally from New Zealand, Kiwi Mike learned the tools of the trade early on. In 1988 he started Kiwi Indian in California and has become the dominant force in Indian parts and restoration.

The striking 1938 Indian Chief that Kiwi Mike will be riding was specifically chosen for this event to commemorate the year in which the Sturgis Rally first blazed onto the motorcycle scene. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe a 1938 Indian complete a burnout. This historic bike still has plenty of kick and will be a treat to watch as Kiwi Mike performs a number of bold maneuvers including two wheel stunts and circular burnouts. Owned by John Paul DiJoria, the Indian Chief will be placed on loan for exhibition to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame where it will be memorialized by enthusiasts for years to come.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in the Buffalo Chip group burnout. There will be T.V. cameras and numerous photographers documenting the spectacle in an attempt to capture the raw essence of the burnout. This footage will be provided to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum for inclusion in the exhibit to pay homage to the event, which will undoubtedly be emblazoned in the memories of those who witness it.

Everybody loves a great burnout. Back and bigger than ever you won’t want to miss this year’s spectacle!

Hot Leathers to Feature Multiple Vendor Locations at Sturgis Bike Week

Hot Leathers will be represented to the fullest at Sturgis Bike Week this year. The industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories is proud to feature ten locations in and around Sturgis during Bike Week this year. Rally-goers will be able to choose from the Hot Leathers permanent location on Main Street Sturgis in addition to a number strategically located spots including several out at the Legendary Buffalo Chip; the famed Sturgis hot spot.

Customers will be able to purchase from a significant selection of specialty-printed Sturgis Rally merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other miscellaneous products for men, women, and children. Known for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers is proud to showcase its quality products at a number of locations at Bike Week. Wherever you find yourself at Sturgis, a Hot Leathers location is sure to be nearby.

Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. The company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Hot Leathers is constantly on the road, showcasing its merchandise at a number of rallies and events across the country.

Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford. Go to hotleathers.com for your printable coupon worth $10 off a purchase of $50 or more redeemable at any one of its Sturgis locations.

From their site:
The year is 2019. A nebulous apocalyptic event, occurring in 2008, has left Yankee Stadium and its partially constructed twin stadium in a state of disrepair. NYC of 2019 is owned by future motorcycle gangs, fighting turf wars throughout the boroughs. The biggest battle yet is on the field of the old Yankee Stadium, with hundreds of participants, both human and animal, waging a surreal and bloody thunderdome-style motorcycle battle for survival. All the bikes and combatants have all come to this place from various points in history and from the future…Joining forces in order to fight a more serious threat. It makes very little sense we know, but it looks awesome on a t-shirt!

#1: The Battle of Yankee Stadiums

For anyone who likes to collect rare and original t-shirts, this would definitely be a series for any avid collector. Sure, the shirts cost $125 each (they are more than happy to tell you why they cost so much) but for your money you get “lots of fun, excitement, and wearing pleasures. Inside each box, contains one fully printed awesome cool t-shirt, a DETH KILLERS 2000 collectable poster to hang on your wall, and a set of trading cards, which are best used for your non-trading pleasures.“

And according to them, you also get “quality original American ideas, PERHAPS AMERICA’S LAST GREATEST RESOURCE.” Ha, they are modest aren’t they?

I’m not entirely sure if these guys are a bunch of stoners who thought a line of over-priced, yet extremely artistic set of tees, would be their ticket to success or if they really think they’re just that fricking cool. However, I can’t help but admire them for launching a venture that is not only ambitious, but creatively innovative.

Oh and, keep your eye out for D.K.M.C-DETH KILLERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB. No, I’m not kidding.

It gives a little hint to what we can expect this upcoming season. Looks like lots of trouble for SAMCRO and even more trouble (deservedly so) for Clay. And there’s even a glimpse of Mr. Rollins (as a cop, perhaps?) in there, too!

Click on the image to view the trailer!

]]> http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2009/07/24/sons-of-anarchy-season-2-trailer/feed/ 4 http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2009/07/23/im-batman/ http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2009/07/23/im-batman/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:12:25 +0000 Lizzie http://www.rippin-kitten.com/?p=1686 Ever dream that you were the Dark Avenger? Want to be that broody, mysterious guy who saves Gotham from insane, criminal masterminds? And let’s not forget about all the ladies hanging all over you…

Or maybe you just think the Batmobile and Bat Cycle are mother-frickin’ COOL.  It’s all about the gadgets and the gear, right? Admit it, at one time or another you’ve been watching one of the latest Batman flicks and thought to yourself: I want one of those…

Well, you may never get the “Bat Pod” from The Dark Knight, but soon you can own some replica gear and pretend that you do!

The Bat Pod from The Dark Knight movie

Universal Design Replicas will be offering Batman’s motorcycle gear to purchase. Soon you will be able to get the motorcycle jacket, gloves, pants and boots that Batman wore in The Dark Knight! Here are some details:

• Strong Cordura Mesh Base with Heavy-duty 4 way stretch Spandex inserts.
• Removable CE Approved Body Armor in both Jacket and Pants
• Highly detailed, removable lightweight interior lining.
• Form Molded Leather and Kevlar Armor Sections.
• Made from Quality Tanned Cow Hides

The Officially Licensed Replica (by Universal Designs) motorcycle gear from The Dark Knight.

I’m not so sure what I would think if I saw someone wearing this getup in a real life situation, but if it’s your dream to be dark and brooding while riding around your inner “Gotham”, well this gear will get you one step closer.

"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

Harley-Davidson is bringing back its Ride Free Guarantee. Specifically, Harley-Davidson will guarantee the value of its legendary Sportster motorcycles by backing their trade-in value.

Riders who purchase a new 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle at a participating H-D dealership between July 1 and August 31, 2009, will receive the value equal to the original MSRP when they trade in for a new Harley-Davidson Big Twin or V-Rod motorcycle within one year of the purchase date.

All of the details about the Ride Free Guarantee are available at http://www.h-d.com/ridefree.

Much to my increased dismay and frustration, my site has been targeted by hackers on multiple occasions recently. They’ve been finding some kind of loop hole in security and injecting malicious code, which makes Google shut my site down. It’s happened a couple of times previously, but this week it happened quite a few times.

I’ll be doing a bit of “housecleaning” behind the scenes over the next few days. I want to thank everyone for being patient with this inconvenience (and for the supportive notes via Twitter!) while I get things up to snuff.

International Women & Motorcycling Conference

The weekend will be packed with tours, shopping, hands-on demos and of course seminars, which will be given by veteran female riders sharing their experiences. Some of those seminars include:

• Preparing for the Ride: Packing/Gear/Apparel
• Dealer Interaction
• Inspirational Seminars
• Making your bike fit you

The cost is $165 if you pre-register online and $185 if you wait to register on site. If you’re interested in taking part of this unique event be sure to save your space soon, as online registration ends on August 3rd! For more information about the event visit: womenandmotorcycling.com.

One lucky winner will take home more than just fond memories from this year’s Sturgis Rally. The Legendary Buffalo Chip, in conjunction with American Cycle and American Bagger magazines, will be giving away a custom Sucker Punch Sally’s old-school motorcycle built especially for 2009 rally goers.

win this custom bike from SPS at the Legendary Buffalo Chip

In addition to offering bikers first-class camping accommodations and an impressive entertainment line-up, the Legendary Buffalo Chip is adding yet another rally event to solidify is reputation as the “Best Party Anywhere.” The Chip has asked Sucker Punch Sally’s, the true manufacturers of “Old School,” to build a custom motorcycle that will be given away Friday, August 7, 2009 after the Chip’s headliner concert Buckcherry.

This Sucker Punch Sally’s custom “Slim” will feature a 115-inch Revtech engine from Custom Chrome, a belt drive from BDL and a handmade, tooled leather seat from Lock Baker at Eastern Fabrication. The bike will sport a Steel Visions one-off paint job as well as quality parts from top manufacturers like Westbury Hotrods, Hawg Halters Inc. and Lyndall Racing Brakes. The winner of this retro-styled, race-inspired motorcycle will also receive a custom painted helmet from Biltwell, Inc. and a 6-month Progressive Insurance policy courtesy of the Chip.

“We’re excited to add this extra rally reward to our 2009 event line-up,” said Rod Woodruff, owner of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. “This motorcycle will feature custom work from some of the biggest names in the bike industry, and we can’t wait to watch the lucky winner lay down rubber on his or her new ride.”

To get a firsthand look at the bike, follow the build page-by-page in the upcoming issues of American Cycle magazine or online at Sucker Punch Sally’s. Registration for the ultimate Sturgis Motorcycle Rally bike giveaway is free, and those interested can register online or by mail. For the official rules and more information about the giveaway, visit buffalochip.com and click on “Free Motorcycle” under the events section.

Press release:

Record breaking crowds, sizzling entertainment and thousands of dollars raised for local charities marked Laconia Bike Week 2009 at The Lobster Pound. Visitors from across the globe converged on The Lobster Pound and the newly remodeled Laconia Roadhouse for the 86th Annual Laconia Bike Week.

The Roadhouse, a 15,000 square foot entertainment complex together with its recent 7000 square foot full service restaurant addition complete with a roof deck bar and dining area, was at the center of the action and saw as many as 40,000 visitors during the nine day event. Blues Legend, James Montgomery packed the complex along with the Tom Dixon Country Band every night.

The Lobster Pound

Wild Turkey girls

Visitors enjoyed a number of giveaways from sponsor Wild Turkey and their famous Turkey Girls. All State Insurance also set up shop complete with models and famous custom bike builder, Dave Perewitz. The crowd-pleasing Jack 94 Rum Custom Bike Build Off boasted four custom bike builders who built four choppers from scratch while competing for a grand prize of $5000. The entertainment culminated with Una and her motorcycle dare devil show. Complete with mid-air flips and twirls, at one point her assistant hung from the bottom of the bike while 60 feet in the air.

Bike Week also boasted a jump in philanthropic activity this year, raising over $10,000 for the Have A Heart Children’s Cancer Fund. USA Lock and Load also raised $2,500 for Operation Home Front with funds going to assist veterans returning from combat with Russ from Wild Turkey getting the crowd to dig into their pockets and buy raffle tickets.

The 86th Anniversary of Laconia Bike Week proved itself true to its roots. Nine days of food, incredible entertainment and custom choppers confirmed that Laconia Bike Week is well-deserving as one of the longest lasting and largest events of its kind. Ultimately leaving visitors counting down the days to next years’ festivities.

The Weirs Beach Lobster Pound property was originally the site of one of the first Howard Johnsons in the country. A fire destroyed the Howard Johnson and Gandy Dancer Saloon 37 years ago. The Lobster Pound was then built and is in its 36th year of operation, The Lobster Pound has been a participant in the Laconia Rally for 27 years. The property was purchased from Lou Gaynor and Harvey Chernin by the Ray family three years ago. Major improvements were made when the Ray family purchased the property including a new 7000 square foot restaurant, an improved 15,000 square foot Roadhouse entertainment complex and becoming a corporate sponsor of the Laconia Race and Rally Association.

Here are three official season 2 Sons of Anarchy promos to scratch the itch you guys might be having right about now. We can expect new episodes for season two to begin 09-08-09! Click on the photos to watch the videos.

Promo 1: Jax vs. Clay

Promo 2: Harley 360

Promo 3: Jax 360

Finding inspiring things to post about has been downright impossible when all I want to do is sack out on the sofa and watch crime shows all day long. Then it occurred to me. Cake. Cake would make me happy.

With recent television shows like Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss, the mainstream populace has been exposed to the possibilities of incredibly designed and executed confectionery delights. And it’s shows like this that make everyone realize they don’t have to settle on a boring sheet cake with over-sugary flowers to mark a special occasion. More and more people are feeling the creativity when it comes to their birthday | wedding | groom’s cakes.

I recently found some awesome example of cake artistry when I came across these Star Trek cakes and this Nightmare Before Christmas cake, which got me wondering if I could find some good examples of motorcycle cakes.

And so I say, these cakes give a new meaning to “Eat my dust!” (**groan**)

These are only a few photos of some really fun motorcycle themed cakes. Do you have an example of a cool motorcycle themed cake? Share with the rest of the class!

If you’d like some stickers for your helmet, or whatever else you like to stick stickers to, just email me or direct message me through Twitter with your mailing address and I’ll send some out to you (U.S. requests only plz)!

Here’s what I’ve got:

1"x3" is perfect for your helmet

4.25″x1.37″ size sticker

3 1/2" diameter sticker

Four.

So that morning, my man and I waffled about whether or not we should go (ok, it was really me that was waffling. He was going to go regardless) and headed on up. The weather was so sucky, that even though we went up rather early in the morning and planned to make a day of it, we had to cut the time in half to avoid riding in too much rain.

About half way there I realized that I forgot my camera (*sigh*), so he was nice enough to let me use some of his.

Laconia 2009 Bike Week pins

I think I need a helmet like this!

me! Perusing all the vendors.

Sadly, I do not have a shirt like this one.

*chuckle*

These seemed very popular this year.

For additional POV’s of Laconia 2009, I highly suggest reading Joker’s blog over at the Harley-Davidson Mystique and for a different perspective (and additional photos), Mr. Forrest Frazier’s recently launched blog at FFPhoto.com.

Boston Bruins Foundation Bike Team: 2nd Annual Boston Bruins Rally for a Cure sponsored by Manchester Harley-Davidson

On Sunday, July 26, join the Boston Bruins for the 2nd Annual Boston Bruins Rally For A Cure sponsored by Manchester Harley-Davidson.

The motorcycle rally ride starts at Nashua Harley-Davidson in Merrimack, NH and ends at Manchester Harley-Davidson in Manchester, NH. Upon the completion of the ride, riders will gather at Manchester Harley-Davidson for an afternoon BBQ, live entertainment, the chance to mingle with Bruins Alumni, as well as win Bruins tickets and autographed memorabilia.

All net proceeds to benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation PMC Bike Team, which benefits the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

• Date: Sunday, July 26
• Registration: 9:00 AM
• Departs: 11:00 AM
• Cost: One rider (operator) costs $30, while an additional passenger costs $20.

If you’re interested, you can sign up at the official site for the Boston Bruins.

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Here’s what the promotions company has to say:
You’re a hotshot – you’re a maverick renegade, speeding through life to hell and back at up to 30 mph straight, 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.

Sure you’re having the time of your life; you’re young, ripe and so very supple – so you need highly styled head protection which comes in a fully branded shoulder bag in printed canvas of course.

Mowie is an advanced utility headwear with interchangeable visor, padded stitched ergonomic neck support, trademark Mohican crest, and truly exceptional robustness.

And it’s as hygienic as you are too! With hygienically treated, ultimate-comfort padding and a leather neck-roll made from fully removable for washing, parts can be replaced or cleaned with ease.

The micro-lock retention system allows quick and easy fastening/unfastening of the buckle to adjust to comfort.

The outer shell, in High Resistant Thermoplastic resin and 2 different sizes, allows the perfect fit no matter how big your head.

Plus the helmet is easily stored inside the space under the saddle of the majority of scooters on the market, and, coupled with drop down, clear, anti-scratch polycarbonate aviator visor (which offers 100% protection against UV rays) you’ll look like the top 1% of dogfighters on the planet no
matter how clumsy you ride, and that’s an empty promise we can keep.

Designed by the Diesel Creative Team, headed by Creative Director Wilbert Das, the unisex helmet is available in sizes XS to XL in the following colours: mat White, mat Black, mat Green and mat Bronze [RK: what, no pink??].

The helmet will be available at an average price of $250 in Diesel stores across the United States starting in the fall of 2009.

In keeping with its reputation as the “Best Party Anywhere,” the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s 2009 event line-up is sure to rock the Sturgis Rally. The Chip’s variety of musical acts combined with its hot bartenders and special events “by bikers, for bikers” will provide rally goers with the ultimate Sturgis experience.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip features four stages of music and this year’s genres range from country and counter-culture comedy to free-spirited, American rock and blues metal. The daily music headliners include:

• Friday, July 31 – Mark Farner, Peter Rivera, Mike Pinera and Jerry Corbetta
• Saturday, August 1 – Chuck Berry “The Father of Rock and Roll”
• Sunday, August 2 – Rock legends George Thorogood and the Destroyers and Creedence Clearwater Revisited
• Monday, August 3 – Country musician Toby Keith and rocker Lita Ford
• Tuesday, August 4 – Arena rocker Billy Squier and counter-culture comedians Cheech & Chong
• Wednesday, August 5 – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Aerosmith and blues-based southern rock band Saving Abel
• Thursday, August 6 – Hard rock bands Tesla and Hinder
• Friday, August 7 – Modern rockers Buckcherry and RED
• Saturday, August 8 – Classic Rock Legends The Guess Who

In addition to its live music line-up, this year the Legendary Buffalo Chip is proud to host Michael Lichter’s 9th annual Motorcycles as Art exhibit. As the new home of the renowned Lichter exhibit, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has constructed “The Lichter Exhibition Hall,” a 7,000-square-foot facility specifically designed as a gallery to showcase art and motorcycle exhibits. This year’s Motorcycles as Art theme is “Rebel Rousers – Motorcycle Icons that Inspired us to Ride,” and will be open Saturday, August 1 through Friday, August 7, 2009. Admission is free to the public.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will also host the second annual Legends Ride. This charity event offers bikers the perfect opportunity to jumpstart their rally experiences as they join celebrities, world-class bike builders, cigar aficionados and other special guests on a stunning 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, South Dakota to the Legendary Buffalo Chip for the Legends Ride finale. Tickets are $150 per person and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to benefit the Black Hills Children’s Home Society and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

Also part of the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s event schedule is the “Pink and Proud” ride. The ride will take place Friday August 7th with registration taking place at 11:30 a.m. Rider contribution is $115 and all contributions will go to support two foundations that work to enhance breast cancer awareness, research and education. In
addition to the ride, the “Pink and Proud” festivities will include an auction of Keep A Breast plaster casts made and beautified by prominent women in the motorcycle industry. Auction proceeds will support the Keep A Breast Foundation.

Sucker Punch Sally’s, The Legendary Buffalo Chip and American Cycle Magazine have all partnered to have a free bike giveaway on Friday night, that’s right it is free just visit www.buffalochip.com to register for this one of kind custom Sucker Punch Sally’s. Sturgis Bike Week has teamed up with Steven Tyler’s Dirico Motorcycles to raffle off a custom Dirico Motorcycle after the Aerosmith concert on Wednesday night.

Burnouts are always a huge part of any motorcycle rally and this year at the chip they will host the second annual Baker Burnout contest as well as the World Record Burnout attempt, led by a 1937 Indian motorcycle with side car. Details can be found at buffalochip.com.

So whether it’s great music, fine art, giving back or just having a great time that interests you, make sure your Sturgis Rally 2009 plans include a stop at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. For more information on the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s event schedule, please visit buffalochip.com.

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It’s simple, just ride – ride to work, at lunch, around the block, or even take the whole day off to ride. Many will be using their return trip from CLUB H.O.G. OKC for their contribution. Non-H.O.G. members can join now, just in time for the event.

Participants worldwide can log on to http://members.hog.com to record their miles, read the blog, submit their photos, explore others’ photos, and more. Those who can’t ride can watch the progress of others with a virtual odometer which will be updated throughout the day on harley-davidson.com and hog.com.

I’m immediately turned off by the headline because it actually does say “SORRY FELLAS, THIS GARAGE IS FOR LADIES ONLY.” Blergh.

So I read through all of the information of the where’s and when’s of the event and it’s “intimidation-free zone” and there’s something else that’s bothering me about the email that I can’t quite pin down.

I show the email to my husband and he immediately reacts negatively, pointing to the photograph used in the email:

Yep. That would be what was bothering me.

Sure, our New England weather is typically true to form and is as unpredictable as ever during this week, 90 degree temperatures one day or cold and rainy the next. Actually, inevitably is almost always rains one of the weekends! But that’s part of the fun!

This year the Broken Spoke Saloon in Laconia is stepping up their game a little bit with an East Coast vs. West Coast biker build-off between Paul Cox and Chica (which should be really interesting) and  Boston’s very own, multi-singer-kick-ass band, Bang Camaro, will be rocking everyone’s world the very first night.

So, who’s going this year? Sound off!

An all-star roster of celebrities, world-class bike builders, cigar aficionados and artists have signed on to participate in the second annual Legends Ride to benefit Black Hills charities. Special Guests in the 2009 Legends Ride, which will be held Monday, August 3rd to kick off the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, include Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, and a host of the nation’s top bike builders, including Roger Bourget, Christian Clayton, Brain Klock, Michael Prugh and Paul Yaffe.

Aerosmith will be performing live at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, Wednesday August 5th and according to Dirico Motorcycles publicist, Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler and Dirico Motorcycles USA will take part in the 50-mile escorted Legends Ride that will take participants from historic Deadwood, S.D., through the Black Hills, and will finish at the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis.

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Confirmed for 2009 Legends Ride

“The Black Hills have long been known as rider’s paradise, and the Legends Ride takes it one step further. You start in a town that’s infamous – Deadwood – ride through some of the nation’s best territory, and finish in the granddaddy of all motorcycle dreams – Sturgis and the Legendary Buffalo Chip; and you benefit charities,” said Rod Woodruff of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. “Every participant in this year’s Legends Ride is going to be talking about this very special event for the rest of their lives.”

The Legends Ride is hosted by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. The Legends Ride is a fundraiser for the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Last year’s event raised nearly $40,000 for charity.

Registration for the 2009 event is open, and tickets are going fast. They can be purchased at www.legendsride.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The 2009 Legends Ride is a $150 contribution, 100% of which goes to the charities. Contributing riders not only get to enjoy the ride but also a special souvenir gift pack, special parking privileges in Deadwood and the Legendary Buffalo Chip, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities, food and drinks at an invite only reception scheduled to be recorded for broadcast in a network television series and, to top off the experience, concert performances by rocker Lita Ford and country music superstar Toby Keith. The Legends Ride reception will be highlighted by a live auction featuring “The Deadwood Special,” a unique custom motorcycle built by Kyle Shorey of Shadetree Fabrications and a pinstriping demonstration by Buck Wild.

The 2009 ride begins at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex on Deadwood’s Main Street. Other stops in Deadwood include the Deadwood Tobacco Company, where riders can enjoy a stogie with the Stars of Cigars including Christian Eiroa, Jonathan Drew, Nish Patel and many other of world’s top cigar aficionados. The Lucky Nugget Gambling Hall will showcase the works of the
motorcycle industry’s and Black Hills’ top artists including Michael Lichter, David Uhl, Eric Herrmann, Rede Ballard and Kristi Goodell as part of the Buffalo Chip’s 2009 Essential Artists of the Black Hills Rally.

The Legends Ride would not be possible without the generous support of Anheuser Busch, Inc. Coca-Cola Bottling Co., the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, Dirico Motorcycles USA, First Western Bank, Interstate Batteries, Metzeler Motorcycle Tires, Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, the South Dakota Pork Producers, Sucker Punch Sally’s and Taser International.

In the thick of it. Just started shooting episode 204. I’m writing episode 206 and 207 and editing 201 and 202. Love my job, even when it’s crushing me. Here are some non-spoiler pics. I have my PA, John snapping away on set, so hopefully I’ll update more frequently.

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HBO partnered with marketers for an ad campaign promoting the second season premier of its series “True Blood.” Agency Digital Kitchen created ads for fake products targeting vampires from real brands like Ecko Unlimited, Geico, Gillette, Harley-Davidson, MINI and Monster.com. The ads maintain the brands’ logos and creative style while featuring made-up vampire-themed copy and products.

"Outrun the sun"

I am a big fan of the show and think the idea of the fake ads is kind of fun and playful. I can’t wait for the new season to start on Sunday, June 14th!

See more of the fake ads and the original article at Creativity Online.

Ride with the 40 is being led by Kenny Nacke, a Baltimore police officer and the brother of Louis Joseph Nacke II, one of the passengers on board Flight 93. He and four other Harley-Davidson riders will complete the journey of Flight 93 by departing on September 3rd from Newark International Airport, where the plane departed, and arriving in San Francisco on September 11th at the flight’s scheduled arrival time.

Riders across the country are invited to join them for a leg of the route, sponsor a mile or more of the route at the symbolic suggestion of $93/mile, or just spread the word to friends and family.

I think this is really cool and the word needs to get out. It deserves as much support as the motorcycle community can possibly give. If you’re interested in donating and staying up on the latest news, make sure to visit http://www.ridewiththe40.org.

The signature old-school styling of custom motorcycle manufacturer Sucker Punch Sally’s (SPS) has once again caught the eye of motorcycle industry outsiders. SPS announced it will team up with premium cigar manufacturer CAO to produce a one-off bike that will make its way into one lucky winner’s garage.

SPS’s CAO-inspired custom will feature the quality craftsmanship, modern components and old-school aesthetic SPS is known for while incorporating details unique to the CAO brand. Named “Lady Liberty,” this bobber-style swinger will carry the mantra “Free To Ride–Free To Smoke” and will be hand-painted by SPS’s renowned in-house artist Sara Ray inspired by the CAO Cigar brand.

“CAO is the top of the line when it comes to cigar manufacturers, and their product creation process is very similar to ours,” said SPS President Christian Clayton. “They understand that the smallest details truly make a product, and we’re excited to see these ideals come to life in the Lady Liberty build.”

SPS and CAO fans will soon be able to watch the build in progress online or see the bike in person as it makes its way across the United States throughout the latter part of 2009. The bike will be on display at 100 retail tobacconists and numerous bike rallies before it is given away to a randomly selected winner during a party at the CAO headquarters in Spring 2010.

Sucker Punch Sally’s is a custom motorcycle manufacturer specializing in old school, stripped-down motorcycles. Heading into 2009, their Swinger was selected at production custom of the year by Cycle Source Magazine, they also received awards for their ‘66 Bobber and Traditional Bobber. All of these facts solidify SPS’s position at the top of the production motorcycle market. Recently Sucker Punch Sally’s is the official motorcycle of Progressive Insurance and has also made alliances with Fender Guitars and The Legendary Buffalo Chip. Their bikes have been featured in all the top motorcycle magazines. Sucker Punch Sally’s is the place to go if you’re looking for a totally custom, old school chopper, or just a reasonably priced production bike. Look for a dealer near you or for more information, visit Sucker Punch Sally’s on the Web at www.suckerpunchsallys.com or call them at (480) 778-9500.

CAO International, Inc. is the producer of one of the country’s top lines of premium cigars. Founded by Cano A. Ozgener in Nashville as a labor of love 41 years ago, today CAO products can be found on every continent in the world with the exception of Antarctica. CAO produces 11 cigar lines that have all been rated ‘90′ (“OUTSTANDING”) or above by Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider. For more information on CAO, please visit www.caointernational.com

Jesse was there in person for the finale, had a minor verbal exchange with Dennis Rodman about being an alcoholic and threw his hat in Annie Duke’s corner.

Someone in Jesse’s camp posted this picture on MySpace and I couldn’t resist sharing this pic of Jesse and Trump throwing up the horns.

Trump and the Dead Man

It was fun while it lasted and I’ll have to endure a few empty weeks without my Jesse James fix until “Jesse James is a Dead Man” hits Spike at the end of the month. But until then, I just found this info on Spike.com:

On Tuesday May 12th at 8 ET/ 5 PT Spike.com gets taken over by Jesse James as he attempts an impossible stunt, live for the world to see. Jesse will ride a high-powered “Nitro Bike” which can reach a speed of over 200 MPH down a runway. Sounds easy right? Well, this motorcycle will be strapped with two military-grade bazookas on each side and at the end of the runway will be a brick wall. The challenge: ride the bike down the runway, fire both bazookas, and safely continue through the disintegrated wall. Will Jesse survive or will he be a Dead Man? Tune in to Deadman.Spike.com to find out.

The goal is to collect at least 10,000 photos by Friday, May 15th. Once a photo is submitted, you’ll get an email to confirm its receipt. From there you’ll be able to review and locate your photo in the mosaic. I’m definitely going to do it so I can play the HD version of “Where’s Waldo?”.

William Shatner has had a major resurgence in the past few years thanks to those great Priceline commercials and a good run on Boston Legal. But, of course, with a reboot of the  Star Trek franchise in theaters this week, die hards will always remember him lovingly as the OG Captain Kirk.

Here is a great story where The Shat reminiscences about his younger days joy riding on his neighbor’s “borrowed” motorcycle.

“What do you do with your life after you’ve done it all?

How about end it.”

And here’s an interview with Jesse to get us hyped up for the show:

I’m not big into stunt/daredevil shows, but I will check the show out for sure. I hope Celebrity Apprentice is over by then!

The Legendary Buffalo Chip Announces Theme of 9th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibition presented by Michael Lichter

The theme of Michael Lichter’s 9th annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibition during the Sturgis Rally this year will focus on history and motorcycle icons. The exhibit will be presented at the new Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of The Legendary Buffalo Chip. Although there are many “iconic” symbols that have defined motorcycle culture, this year’s exhibition entitled “Rebel Rousers – Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” will remind Sturgis rally-goers what motorcycle icons may have fueled their passion for ride through a stunning review of world-class motorcycles, art and movie memorabilia.

Rollie Free

While the word “icon” has come to mean “someone or something widely and uncritically admired” and is often used synonymously for “fame,” “renown” or “legend” in our celebrity-driven culture, this exhibition will attempt to recapture some of the original sense of the word “icon” as it refers to symbols and revered images. On display will be motorcycles, from Captain America and Billy bike to Dave Mann’s Ghostrider, and memorable images like Rollie Free flying down the salt, as well as posters and stills from films like The Wild One, On Any Sunday and Easy Rider. All of the objects in the show have in some way become sacred to bikers. They have inspired — and will continue to inspire — the devotion of enthusiasts. In addition to looking back, the exhibit will look at contemporary images and bikes that may be considered iconic to future generations of bikers, such as films from Biker Boyz to The Worlds Fastest Indian, and motorcycles like Jesse James’ “Camel Bike” and Indian Larry’s “Wild Child” BBO bike.

Easy Rider poster

The Legendary Buffalo Chip has built “The Lichter Exhibition Hall” which is a 7,000-square-foot facility designed to showcase art and motorcycle exhibits like this year’s “Rebel Rousers,” as well as future shows by Michael Lichter. The exhibition will be open to the public Saturday, August 1st through Friday, August 7, 2009, and admission is free. To see more about this year’s exhibition and Lichter’s past exhibits, visit www.motorcyclesasart.com

“Rebel Rousers – Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” would not be possible without the generous support of the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, N.C., and many industry and private collectors. Conceptual help came from Professor Steven Alford, Professor Suzanne Ferriss and Dave Nichols. Presenting sponsors for this year’s exhibit include, Interstate Batteries, Metzeler Tires, Progressive Insurance, and Spectro Oil.

Now celebrating its 28th consecutive year as “The Best Party Anywhere,” The Legendary Buffalo Chip is the Sturgis Rally’s best-known hot spot. Since 1982, the Chip has become internationally famous for the performances on its 4 stages, hotbartenders and special events presented “by bikers, for bikers.” The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been featured on one 13-episode television series and five television specials, some of which remain in current broadcast rotation. Its 2009 schedule of events includes its 9-day concert series (free to campers) featuring favorites like Aerosmith, Toby Keith, Cheech and Chong, Hinder, Tesla, George Thorogood and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Captain America shot by Lichter

Michael Lichter began photographing custom bikes and the biker lifestyle after merging passions for photography and Harleys in 1977. In the years since, Easyriders Magazine and their sister publications have published over 900-articles with his photography. Michael continues to supply imagery for clients as diverse as Nikon Cameras, Rolling Stone magazine, Indian Motorcycles, S&S Cycle, Baker Drivetrain, Wiley X sunglasses and more than 20-motorcycle magazines internationally. Since 2001 he has exhibited his limited edition archive prints in galleries across America and abroad and is now finishing work on his 10th book.

Deep South Choppers introduces its first model as a manufacturer – the “DSC Shocker”.

You can catch the guys at Deep South, May 7th–9th in New Orleans, LA for Bike Week New Orleans, as The Easy Rider V-Twin Bike show makes it down south to the big Easy. No other city possesses the diversity andwealth of activities, scenery and pleasures in such a convenient location as New Orleans. Plus, it will sure to be the biggest party New Orleans has seen since Mardi Gras! Visit www.bikeweekneworleans.com for all the event details.

Deep South Choppers, in conjunction with the legendary Broken Spoke Saloon is teaming up for the National Unveiling of the DSC SHOCKER.

The National unveiling of the “DSC SHOCKER” will take place at the Broken Spoke Saloon – May 8th @ 7:30

About Deep South Choppers

Deep South Choppers started building custom motorcycles in 2004, and have been established among the leading bike builders in the country. With ongoing print and media attention, and the accumulation of satisfied customers, Gary Rutherford (a personal friend of Bert Baker owner of Baker Transmission) approached Dennis and Brad to build a custom show-bike that would highlight the new Baker Torque Box Transmission. This custom build for Gary named the Red Alligator, has received national media attention and has been on display in the Baker Transmission booth at many national bike shows. But even though DSC had a great business following as leading custom bike builders, the guys at DSC always had the dream of manufacturing and promoting their own brand and official line of motorcycles. Now in 2009, the first official DSC line (the DSC SHOCKER) the bobber with a twist, is on the ground and rolling. The SHOCKER is available in two models, High Voltage and Low Voltage.

DSC SHOCKER

Deep South Choppers introduces its first model as a manufacture – the “DSC Shocker”. For the builders and owners of DSC, this is where old school, meets new school.

The “DSC Shocker”, is a bobber with a twist. The rear of this DSC bobber has Carrera racing shocks. This provides the customer with a comfortable ride while not having to surrender the ultimate old school appeal. The “DSC SHOCKER” is available in two models. The High Voltage, which features mini ape hanger bars and the Low Voltage, which feature hot-rod drag bars.

DSC Shocker

Both models are manufactured with proprietary parts from DSC. The frame, bars, battery box, fuel tank and license plate bracket are all exclusive designs of Deep South Choppers. In addition, Dennis and Brad Mannino also chose high quality components such as a Harley Davision 80 inch engine for reliability and durability in conjunction with a Baker 5 speed transmission.

The “DSC Shocker” is making its mark in the Bobber class of motorcycles. DSC Customers receive a high quality custom production bike at a sensible price.. Low Voltage MSRP $ 19,900 – High Voltage MSRP $ 20,500. Deep South Choppers is currently taking orders for the “DSC SHOCKER”.