Liberty Media, Fonda and me.
Well, today is my Birthday and I'm still waiting for my card from John Malone of Liberty Media. I felt sure that I would have received it by now.
Actually, Mr. Malone is a friend of sorts of my parents and is the brother of my parents friends wife, Judy. Confusing isn't it. My father was wishing me birthday wishes tonight and informed me that John Malone is also a Pisces as am I. So, my father asked why haven't I made my first Billion yet. I'm still wondering about that too.
We talked for well over an hour and he, my father, was telling me what a down to earth person Mr. Malone truly is as is his wife and family. Me I've never met the man myself but my parents like him so he can't be the Darth Vader he's made out to be in the business world.
Someone else famous and well off shares my Pisces and same birthday as myself. That would be Peter Fonda.
Why is all this related? Well, Mr Malone owns part of Prime Media. Mr Fonda starred in my favorite Motorcycle Movie. You know the one... Easy Rider. Not to forget we are all Pisces. We are all famous in our own circles except my circle is much smaller. Never the less, I do still have some fans who still remember me from my motorcycle media days and every now and again I still get an email about it. Lastly, none of us put on airs about how much money we have but in my case...I don't have much to brag about anyway.
So I'll just sit here and keep waiting for Fonda to deliver my new Harley that Mr. Malone is sending for my birthday present. I could be in for a long wait. A very long wait.
Although, I did get some very nice presents from my wife and son. I feel like a Billionaire tonight. Look out Max Payne cause here I come.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Harley Davidson Workers On Strike.
Press Release
Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Harley-Davidson Updates Shipment Guidance Due to StrikeThursday February 8, 9:23 am ET
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following six non-production days related to a strike at its largest assembly plant, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG - News) announced today that motorcycle shipments for the first quarter of the year will not meet previously established guidance. First quarter 2007 shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles had been expected to be between 82,000 and 84,000 units.
At this time, the Company is not providing motorcycle shipment guidance for the first quarter, nor is it prepared to predict whether the strike will have an effect on full year financial guidance.
Approximately 2,800 unionized employees who are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 175 are currently on strike at the Company's facility in York, Pa. The Harley- Davidson employees in York primarily manufacture and assemble Touring and Softail model motorcycles.
As a result of the strike, the Company has reduced production of engines and transmissions at its facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis. and injection- molded and other components in Tomahawk, Wis. Layoffs could begin as soon as the week of February 12th for some employees. The initial layoffs will be voluntary; involuntary layoffs will be implemented as necessary.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.
The Company intends that statements relating to guidance in this release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release.
Certain risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The duration of the work stoppage at the York, PA facility is one factor that could affect actual results. The Company's ability to meet targets and expectations also depends upon, among other factors, the factors that the Company identified in its January 18, 2007 press release announcing 2006 results. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Press Release
Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Harley-Davidson Updates Shipment Guidance Due to StrikeThursday February 8, 9:23 am ET
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following six non-production days related to a strike at its largest assembly plant, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG - News) announced today that motorcycle shipments for the first quarter of the year will not meet previously established guidance. First quarter 2007 shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles had been expected to be between 82,000 and 84,000 units.
At this time, the Company is not providing motorcycle shipment guidance for the first quarter, nor is it prepared to predict whether the strike will have an effect on full year financial guidance.
Approximately 2,800 unionized employees who are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 175 are currently on strike at the Company's facility in York, Pa. The Harley- Davidson employees in York primarily manufacture and assemble Touring and Softail model motorcycles.
As a result of the strike, the Company has reduced production of engines and transmissions at its facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis. and injection- molded and other components in Tomahawk, Wis. Layoffs could begin as soon as the week of February 12th for some employees. The initial layoffs will be voluntary; involuntary layoffs will be implemented as necessary.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.
The Company intends that statements relating to guidance in this release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release.
Certain risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The duration of the work stoppage at the York, PA facility is one factor that could affect actual results. The Company's ability to meet targets and expectations also depends upon, among other factors, the factors that the Company identified in its January 18, 2007 press release announcing 2006 results. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Understanding the meaning of the flag draped coffin.
For Patriot Guard Riders and anyone else who may attend the funeral of one of our veterans. We often see the ceremonial folding of the flag at military funerals but most do not know the true meaning and depth of this time honored tradition.
Here is how to understand what the flag draped coffin really means.
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding theUnited States of America
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His devine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United! States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, withLiberty
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death , that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold! repr esents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of "Liberty
(Below is an excerpt about the story of Taps played at funerals. Some of you may wish to visit the Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe, Virginia.)
This first sounding of Taps at a military funeral is commemorated in a stained glass window at The Chapel of the Centurion (The Old Post Chapel) at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The window, made by R. Geissler of New York and based on a painting by Sidney King, was dedicated in 1958 and shows a bugler and a flag at half staff. In that picture a drummer boy stands beside the bugler. The grandson of that drummer boy purchased Berkeley Plantation where Harrisons Landing is located. The site where Taps was born is also commemorated. In this case, by a monument located on the grounds of Berkeley Plantation. This monument to Taps was erected by the Virginia American Legion and dedicated on July 4, 1969. The site is also rich in history, for the Harrisons of Berkeley Plantation included Benjamin Harrison and William Henry Harrison, both presidents of the United States as well as Benjamin Harrison (father and Great grandfather of future presidents), a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
It must be pointed out that other stories of the origin of Taps exist. A popular one is that of a Northern boy who was killed fighting for the south. His father, Robert Ellicombe a Captain in the Union Army, came upon his son's body on the battlefield and found the notes to Taps in a pocket of the dead boy's Confederate uniform. When Union General Daniel Sickles heard the story, he had the notes sounded at the boy's funeral. There is no evidence to back up the story or the existence of Captain Ellicombe. As with many other customs, this solemn tradition continues today. Although Butterfield merely revised an earlier bugle call, his role in producing those 24 notes gives him a place in the history of music as well as the history of war.
As soon as Taps was sounded that night in July 1862, words were put with the music. The first were, "Go To Sleep, Go to Sleep." As the years went on many more versions were created.
There are no official words to the music but here are some of the more popular verses:
Day is done, gone the sun,From the hills, from the lake,From the sky.All is well, safely rest,God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,May the soldier or sailor,God keep.On the land or the deep,Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,When the day, And the nightNeed thee so?All is well. Speedeth allTo their rest.
Fades the light; And afarGoeth day, And the starsShineth bright,Fare thee well; Day has gone,Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,'Neath the sky,As we go, This we know,God is nigh.
Jari A. Villanueva, jvmusic@erols.com is a bugler and bugle Historian
This excerpt was obtained from www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html
For Patriot Guard Riders and anyone else who may attend the funeral of one of our veterans. We often see the ceremonial folding of the flag at military funerals but most do not know the true meaning and depth of this time honored tradition.
Here is how to understand what the flag draped coffin really means.
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His devine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United! States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death , that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold! repr esents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of "
(Below is an excerpt about the story of Taps played at funerals. Some of you may wish to visit the Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe, Virginia.)
This first sounding of Taps at a military funeral is commemorated in a stained glass window at The Chapel of the Centurion (The Old Post Chapel) at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The window, made by R. Geissler of New York and based on a painting by Sidney King, was dedicated in 1958 and shows a bugler and a flag at half staff. In that picture a drummer boy stands beside the bugler. The grandson of that drummer boy purchased Berkeley Plantation where Harrisons Landing is located. The site where Taps was born is also commemorated. In this case, by a monument located on the grounds of Berkeley Plantation. This monument to Taps was erected by the Virginia American Legion and dedicated on July 4, 1969. The site is also rich in history, for the Harrisons of Berkeley Plantation included Benjamin Harrison and William Henry Harrison, both presidents of the United States as well as Benjamin Harrison (father and Great grandfather of future presidents), a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
It must be pointed out that other stories of the origin of Taps exist. A popular one is that of a Northern boy who was killed fighting for the south. His father, Robert Ellicombe a Captain in the Union Army, came upon his son's body on the battlefield and found the notes to Taps in a pocket of the dead boy's Confederate uniform. When Union General Daniel Sickles heard the story, he had the notes sounded at the boy's funeral. There is no evidence to back up the story or the existence of Captain Ellicombe. As with many other customs, this solemn tradition continues today. Although Butterfield merely revised an earlier bugle call, his role in producing those 24 notes gives him a place in the history of music as well as the history of war.
As soon as Taps was sounded that night in July 1862, words were put with the music. The first were, "Go To Sleep, Go to Sleep." As the years went on many more versions were created.
There are no official words to the music but here are some of the more popular verses:
Day is done, gone the sun,From the hills, from the lake,From the sky.All is well, safely rest,God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,May the soldier or sailor,God keep.On the land or the deep,Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,When the day, And the nightNeed thee so?All is well. Speedeth allTo their rest.
Fades the light; And afarGoeth day, And the starsShineth bright,Fare thee well; Day has gone,Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,'Neath the sky,As we go, This we know,God is nigh.
Jari A. Villanueva, jvmusic@erols.com is a bugler and bugle Historian
This excerpt was obtained from www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Motorcycle Camping.
I'm sitting here after compiling a list of motorcycle friendly camping and lodging facilities and decided I'd ask if any readers can send me more places. If you would, send them to my email twowheeltraveler@gmail.com with the name, contact information, website ( if any), and which state they are located. In the email reference put in "Mcycle camping" otherwise it might be deleted as spam.
Don't worry if you think someone else may have sent information on a facility as it may not be the case. It might be easiest if you search out your own state and one or two near you.
Happy trails.
I'm sitting here after compiling a list of motorcycle friendly camping and lodging facilities and decided I'd ask if any readers can send me more places. If you would, send them to my email twowheeltraveler@gmail.com with the name, contact information, website ( if any), and which state they are located. In the email reference put in "Mcycle camping" otherwise it might be deleted as spam.
Don't worry if you think someone else may have sent information on a facility as it may not be the case. It might be easiest if you search out your own state and one or two near you.
Happy trails.
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