Hell's Angel The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the HAMC

Well I finished Sonny's version of the story. A much better read than Hunter Thompson's book. While the guy did have a rap sheet a mile long I felt like I learned a lot about his life and the story of the Hell's Angels. The last paragraph of the book brought tears to my eyes...My thoughts overpowered the roar of two hundred Harleys gunning through the Alps. I know I've paid a terrible price for my freedom. I've learned the hard way that to understand my heart is to understand the evil that lurks inside. I can't hide behind religious traditions and superficial heroes. It's impossible to be delivered away from man's constant inhumanity to man. As a warrior, you've got to know pain and sadness alongside joy and solitude. It is to those who long to ride - forever free - that I write these words...and the Angels shall be Kings! Wow...that's some deep writing. I think these men where a misunderstood group. People were too afraid to let them have their freedom and had to mess with them every chance that they could. The Hell's Angels are a brotherhood of some badass mfers but the true Hell's Angels stuck by their brothers at any cost. If you are a lover of the freedom you feel riding a motorcycle you should definitely read this book. I've just started Freedom Credos from the Road by Sonny Barger.

Hell's Angels: Hunter Thompson vs Sonny Barger

I finally finished Hell's Angels by Hunter Thompson. It was really a very boring account of the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. I felt that Hunter Thompson used the Angels to get a story to write his book. He really didn't tell any of the real stories about the club. He didn't really even go into great depth on any of the things that really happened while he was with them. It was like he was afraid of them and in the end turned on them. I've started reading Hell's Angel The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. So far I'm enjoying this book so much more and I look forward to getting a different prospective on the Angels than I did with the Hunter Thompson book. I'm fascinated with motorcycle clubs as a whole. I really feel that in the 60's if the police and the government would have just left the Angels alone there would have been far less problems. By the police and government making such a big deal out of the Angels I feel that it fueled how they acted. I'm not saying that the Hell's Angels were a group of stand up guys but I do feel like they were given a bum rap just because of how they decided to live their lives. I watched Easy Rider the other day, there is a scene in the movie where it is implied that regular people are afraid of the freedom that they see motorcycle riders having. I think that is true. General people just don't get the freedom and never will. I look forward to Sonny Barger's side of the Hell's Angels story. I better get to reading!

Check out these websites

WomenRidersNow.com
IronCowgirls.com
devildollsmc.org
oneshottattoo.com
choppersinc.com
godfatherschopshop.com

Madden at Outback

John Madden was spotted at Outback Steakhouse in West Des Moines on Monday, February 6th.

Rob Zombie

Ok...I can't believe it's true but I'm going to see Rob Zombie on April 13th at the Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines. I've loved this guys music forever but I'm not sure how well I'm going to do with a mosh pit and goth kids. I'm sure it will be a very interesting experience and one that I will not soon forget. I'm just interested in hearing the opening act Bullets for my Valentine or something odd like that. Might have to check them out on rhapsody before the show. Stay tuned to hear about this experience. Seriously though...I can't wait. Rob Zombie! WOW!!

Innocent Little Angel

I've been following the story of 10 year old Jetseta Gage since she went missing on March 24th of 2005 and one day later her body was found in an abandoned mobile home near Cedar Rapids. Roger Bentley was arrested for her abduction, rape and murder. He has been standing trial in Davenport this week. I read the testimony of what he did to this innocent little angel and it just breaks my heart. That poor little girl. I can't even imagine the terror and pain she went through the last hours of her life. Roger Bentley deserves more than a life sentence in prison. He deserves to be tortured for the rest of his life. What a sick bastard!!! He and his brother, who also molested this little girl, ripped her innocents away forever. And then because of some sick twisted perversion Roger Bentley took her away from her home, raped and murdered her. The thing that makes me even more sick is the fact that Jetseta's mother dated James Bentley, Roger's brother, after knowing the man was a sex offender. She let these two men into her home around her daughter after knowing these two men preyed upon little girls. And when they show Jetseta's mother crying it enrages me. I realize she is sad that her daughter was taken away from her so brutally but she should have considered the consequences of letting known sex offenders into her life. What I don't understand is why women let such scum into their lives just so they can have some love. Don't the needs of your child come first?? That is why you have children. To love them, provide for them and make their lives rich and help them grow. Not bring some sick fucking perverts into your home with the chance that they might molest your daughter. Ok...I'm done ranting. It just sickons me to no end and my heart breaks for this little girl. Next week Jetseta will finally be able to rest in peace when her rapist and murderer goes to prison for the rest of his life. May this little angel be in heaven with the other little angels where no one can hurt them ever again.

Camaro

My junior year of high school my dad bought me a 1980 Chevy Camaro. I was so proud of that car. I would make up things that I had to go and do just so I could drive it. On Friday and Saturday nights I'd be on University Avenue in Cedar Falls, IA driving back and forth. There was a route that everyone would drive. Down Uni into Waterloo...drive through the Hardee's parking lot and back up Uni to Black Hawk Village. Back and forth all night long, checking out boys with my girlfriends, parking and talking to boys with my girlfriends, racing boys in their cars with my girlfriends. It was a blast!! The reason I started thinking about my Camaro wasn't because I'm going through a crisis and missing my youth...ha ha...but because the other day, on my way to work, there was a girl driving next to me going to Johnston High School. She was driving a 90's Camaro and I thought that was so cool. Made me wonder if she takes it downtown to Grand Ave with her girlfriends and made me wonder if they have the same kind of fun that my girlfriends and I used to have "Cruising the Strip"! I hope that she does because that is one tradition that I hope never dies. "Cruising Uni" was so much fun. Oh and that missing my youth comment...sometimes I do miss the things that were fun back then. But really the things that I'm doing now are just as great!

Listening to Old Records

Tonight we pulled out the old records and turntable. They sounded so good. Made me miss the old days a little. Boston, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zepplin, G & R and even Moon Unit Zappa singing Valley Girl. It was great. It made me appreciate music again. Lately I've been listening to Country because there just hasn't been any really good new Rock and Roll bands. It will be a sad day when Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Kiss and the Stones pass on. There just isn't any music like that being made today. We have Kanye West, Eminem, Diddy, and the Strokes now. That music may sound good to the youth but it's just not what I call good. Yes, I'll admit I'm getting older and I'm probably a little stuck in the good old days. When I do listen to music other than Country I'm drawn to Tracey Bonham, Cowboy Junkies, Melissa Ferrick and Ani DiFranco. They actually know how to write a song and the lyrics actually say something. It's funny because I still find myself calling a groups new CD their new record. I bet most of the kids growing up now have never even listened to a record especially since you can download anything you want into your IPod. It's incredible how things progress. Soon record stores will be a distant memory and I'm sure eventually CDs will no longer exist.

No Problem

I've decided to accept the fact that Generation Y says "No Problem" instead of "You're welcome". It used to bug me and I felt it was rude but I've come to realize they actually are saying "You're welcome" in their own way.

Two more what the F*%k moments

First what the F moment was New Years Day. We went to Daytona's with a couple we are friends with. On the way there I spotted the usual panhandlers on the corner of Merle Hay and I 80. So we are having lunch and talking at Daytona's. I start watching this guy playing the lottery slot machine games...I'm like...that is one of the panhandlers that was standing on the corner of Merle Hay and I 80 begging for money. WHAT THE F???? Yet another reason why you shouldn't give those fools money!!

Second what the F moment. I was driving home the other day and I pulled up next to this car. In the passenger seat was a woman holding a 2 or 3 yr old child in her lap. Where is a police officer when you need one? Isn't that illegal...um...YES!!! Get a car seat.

People seriously blow my mind daily. WOW!

Sex and the City Junkie

I'm officially a Sex and the City Junkie. I received the 6 season box set for Christmas and I can't stop watching it even though I've already seen every episode. Pathetic yes...but you know what?? I don't care! :)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! It's a beautiful day here in Des Moines, IA. Wish that we didn't need to have new brakes put on the Harley because we'd be out on it today! Our party last night was so much fun. Lots of food and plenty of libation! I'm so thankful that I have such a great group of friends and that my sister and her husband could join us to.

I'm not big into resolutions but I'm going to make a few. I need to get in shape and drop some pounds and this is the year that I'm going to do that and stick to it. This is also the year that I'm going to do the things that I keep saying that I'm going to do. I've been wanting to take pictures of roadside memorials and do research on who the people were. I'm going to do that this year. I'm going to try and do a documentary on bikers in Des Moines. Hopefully I can find bikers that want to tell their stories on why they love to ride and any interesting rides they have been on, rally experiences, etc. I'm also going to do more art work. I love being creative and I just need to let it flow.

Wishing everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year! Happy 2006!!

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! I'm at my parent's tonight in Denver, IA. I think Christmas changes for you when you get older. For me it's not about the presents anymore. I really don't need anything, I buy everything that I really want already. To me it's about spending time with my family. That's the best gift of all. I would have to say the most memorable Christmas for me was the year that I told my sister that Santa was really Mom and Dad. I felt bad for making her cry. That was also the year that her and I got our play kitchen. That was the best gift ever and we played with it for hours...actually years. Another Christmas we got Shaun Cassidy amps with microphones. Wow that was cool. My dad just recently tried to sell them on E-Bay but no one must remember Shaun Cassidy because they didn't get any bids. Poor Shaun!

Well...ho ho ho to you. May Santa bring you everything that you wish for tonight while you are sleeping tight. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Pan Handlers

Driving down Merle Hay Road to the mall I see the pan handlers standing at the I-80 off ramp. It's about 12 degrees out and the thought comes into my head...Why would someone stand out in the freezing cold like this. How come they are so dedicated to standing here day in and day out? I seriously just don't get it. Wouldn't it be more enjoyable to get a job? Maybe they don't because they are mentally ill or have a drug problem but I still just don't get it. Maybe someday I should stop and ask since it baffles my mind everytime I drive by and see them standing there. Maybe it's because they make a lot of money standing on the corner begging for change or a couple dollars here and there. I still just don't get it. I used to feel bad and think I should give them something until a few years ago. I had some pop cans in my car and figured I'd give them to the homeless man that stood on the corner every day on my way home from work. I rolled down my window and handed them to him. I figured he would take them over to the grocery store and redeem them for change. I felt good about helping him out. The next day on my way home at the corner where he usually stood were those pop cans lying in the median. That was the last time that I ever felt sad for the pan handlers and the last time I tried to help them that way. I do have to say there is one pan handler that always makes me laugh. He holds a sign that says I'm being honest here, I just need a beer. I have to give him credit, at least he's telling everyone the truth. He's owned up to the fact that he's possibly an alcoholic and he just needs a drink. I'm sure there will be some people that read my blog that think I'm totally heartless and that I should help the less fortunate and guess what I do. I donated money to Hurricane Katrina, I serve meals at the Youth Homeless shelter, I put money in the Salvation Army kettles, I buy less fortunate children presents at Christmas, I have tutored children to help them with their reading skills...the list is endless. I do have a heart and I do help those in need but I do not feel sorry for driving by the pan handlers begging for change. That is their choice on how they are going to make their way in the world. I chose to work and I work very hard and no one is giving me any handouts because I guess I just don't need them.

Support Our Troops

Another Iowa soldier dies in Iraq. Spc. Gregory Tull died November 25th, 2005. He was 20 years old. I did not know Spc. Tull but my heart still aches. The hope I have is that all of the deaths of our soldiers are not in vain. The hope I have is that what they are doing in Iraq is helping.

God Bless Our U.S. Troops and their families who sacrifice so much for our freedom and the freedom of others.

Oh Christmas Tree

Ok...what is going on with this whole Christmas tradition bashing stuff that I've been hearing on TV and reading in the papers? Seriously, if I want to call my tree a "Christmas" tree that's what I'm going to call it. Sorry if I offend but that is what it has always been to me and I'm not changing tradition because groups of people are offended by the word "Christmas". What has happened to our traditions. They are disappearing right and left just because we have to be so politically correct. I'm done! What is this world coming to? It's falling apart. Someone please explain all of this madness to me and quick. I realize not everyone celebrates Christmas but just because not everyone does why do the people who do have to change? I don't expect people to change their traditions with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, etc.... I'm not asking people to change the name of the Menorah, Dreidel, the Kinara, Mkeka, Mazao, Kikombe cha umoja, Mishumaa saba, or the Zawadi so why is everyone so up in arms about the "Christmas" tree?? I just think there are more constructive things to be worrying about than if people want to call their tree a Christmas tree!! We need to be thinking about homeless children, the troops, our families....

Ok...I got that off my chest...I'm going to go put up my Christmas Tree now.(next someone will want to ban the colors red and green during the holidays...just you wait!) I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa or just a plain old Happy Holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Each of us has so many things to be thankful for.

Jane 360

Tonight I attended an art show called Jane 360. An eclectic group of female artists joined together to show their work to the art enthusiasts of Des Moines. The inaugural exhibit, See Jane Make Art, was held in the former Northwestern Hotel, located in the East Village. There was a wide range of creations including photography, printmaking, paintings, and mixed media. It was great to see a show made up of only female artists. The paintings of Larassa Kabel and Steph Van Dorn were out of this world. Both of these women have such extreme talent. If I had 1/10 of their talent I would be happy. I could stand and look at their pieces for hours. Kathy Tran's mixed media pieces also excited me. My favorite piece was Madonna and Cat, carved out of wood and then painted, this cartoonistic piece made me smile. The piece that really blew me away though was by Brooke Howard. On the front of an old medicine cabinet was a self portrait of Brooke wrapped in a white sheet, standing in an old porcelain tub, looking out the window. When you opened the door to the cabinet there was a shrine of all kinds of wonderful finds...Religious figures, skulls, poems, pictures of family members...it was amazing. I look forward to their next show and I hope that this adds fire to the art scene in Des Moines. Art is so important and we need to embrace all of this talent and support it. Kudos to Jane 360 for doing an all female show and sharing their amazing talent with Des Moines.

Ode to the Old Dirty Biker

Whenever I'm at bike night I always catch myself watching the Old Dirty Bikers. Their worn look draws me in. I'm always wondering what their story is. What kinds of experiences they've had riding the highways on their bikes. Most of them don't ride the fancy, shiny Harley Davidson...most of their bikes have character, the bike is as worn as it's rider. I went to the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA on Friday and there was the coolest looking worn out Harley there. I stood their for a long time looking at it, wondering what the rider must have looked like. How many miles this old biker and his bike must have ridden. There was even a Christmas ornament on it. At the museum there was also the Hall of Fame room. There was a Hall of Famer who has since passed on to the other side whose story drew me in. His name was Allen Calvin La Fortune. A Harley was the only form of transportation that Allen ever owned. He used his bike to haul his boat, a camper, and a trailer. He had rode a million miles by 1998. Allen's last ride was 6 days before his death in August 2002. Allen was a true 1%er. Some people just don't get motorcycles and what it is like to ride but I know the Old Dirty Bikers do. If you are a true 1%er and you read my blog, leave me a story. I'd love to hear about your adventures on the open road.

Here is a poem that I found written by an Old Dirty Biker, I really liked it and hopefully you will too:

As the southern sun makes its fall, the darkness of night starts to call.
Sweat beads thick around his head, a mind full of heartache, a heart full of dread needing something to unscramble lifes tangled web.
Out in the darkness a steel horse sits, poised and ready to calm lifes fits.
A touch of a button, a twist of a grip
breaking the silence 88 inches rip, slicing the night with one eye lit.
As cold wind blows and the white lines roll from his head lifes troubles seem to flow and for a brief moment it's touched his soul.
As the western moon makes its fall the steel horse sits back in its stall.
Live to ride, ride to live as one may recall but for those who do
they know this is all.

Really Bad Movie

Really bad movies suck you in and keep you watching them thinking that it has to get better at some point. I watched probably the worst movie I've ever seen tonight. It was called Dance with Me with Jennifer Beals and Campbell Scott. While there were some semi erotic dance scenes in the movie, I just kept asking myself why I was wasting time on this flick. But I did and I'm here to tell you not to waste your time unless you have time to waste. It was probably as bad, if not worse than Eyes Wide Shut.