So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Then And Now: Chevy Monte Carlo

By Gabriel

The Chevy Monte Carlo was Chevrolets answer to customers who wanted a sporty, stylish and comfortable car. Chevy Monte Carlo was introduced as an upscale rear-drive V8 coupe in competition to Ford Thunderbird. Evolving over decades and winning NASCAR race events, the Chevy Monte Carlo models have been a treat to customers.

These models evolved a great deal over the decades since the 1970s through 2007 according to customer tastes. With the Chevy Monte Carlo models traversing six generations, Chevrolets offer to customers has been optimal fuel efficiency and luxury.

All these models are two-door luxury coupes, sedans and Sports models. The Chevy Monte Carlo reigned as a popular rear-drive sports coupe till 1988 until its return in 1995. Chevy Monte Carlo made a successful come back in 1995. All models Chevy Monte Carlo follow the style of the contemporary mid-sized sedans along with Sports editions.

In 1969, designers Elliot M. Estes and Dave Holls of Chevrolet initially designed the Monte Carlo based on the Cadillac Eldorado. They made changes by adding new front-end sheet metal, rear fenders, etc. In the 1980s the Chevy Monte Carlo had a restyled body with a smoother profile based on GMs mid-size formal coupes. Chevrolets Super Sport model in introduced in 1984 was very popular with racing teams after having won several races, gaining public acclaim as well.

In 1995, it was replaced by a Lumina and a coupe changing over to a V6 engine with a carryover front-wheel-drive platform, changing from the rear-drive sport coupe in 1988. The new coupe had a W-body chassis and became the first front-wheel-drive Monte Carlo model.

The current coupe debuted in 2000. They follow the style of the Impala sedan. These vehicles also follow styles from designs of the old Monte Carlo models and GM Motorsports. Some distinct features are stylized wheel flares and rear bumpers with vertically oriented tail lamps. Moreover, the Chevy Monte Carlo models newly sported the Knight badge with a full gage cluster.

The Chevy Monte Carlo has several pace car editions including trim level editions of LS, LT, and SS. The SS uses a 3.4 L OHV V6 engine. The 2006 Monte Carlo (and Impala sedan) has a 3.5 L V6 base engine with 210 horsepower. There were few changes to the interior design.

However, growing and evolving through generations, the Chevy Monte Carlos future remains a question after its production was ceased at the Oshawa Car Assembly Plant #1 in June 2007. General Motors made a formal announcement of stopping production and has not confirmed any future plans of commencing production. There are several factors that are likely to influence Chevy Monte Carlos revival, some of them being the sales of the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, GMs economic position in the current financial crisis of 2008, and the proposed changes to the CAF standard.

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JD's Place, Proving the world wrong about Bikers

By LJ James

I have heard many say over the years, That you can not have a biker friendly bar and have all Types of bikers hanging out Together! It has been said that 1% MC's, Military MC's, Fire MC's, Law MC's,Sport Bike MC's, Outlaw MC's, AMA Clubs, MRO's, Independent Riders and everyone else can not get together and have a few drinks without there being problems!

I have heard many say there would be nothing but fights and problems at a bar like this and no one would want to go to there! I had always believed it was nothing but a Bunch of Bull Sh#t!

Well for around two years now Michelle and Anthony the owners of JDs Place 1005B Fulton Street (Rte 109) Farmingdale on Long Island in NY have proved that Bikers from all corners of the Motorcycle world can come together have a few drinks and get along!

They have proved that given a place where all are welcome that not only can everyone get along, But that these Bikers can come together and accomplish many great things for their Community! The Long Island Bikers and MC Members who hang out together at JD's have worked together and supported each other while hosting Charity events at JD's Place to help many of the less fortunate on Long Island! These Bikers have also come together and crossed barriers to be there for each other in both good times and bad! JD's Place may be a small Long Island biker bar, but when it comes to helping to change the whole biker world, It is huge!

To those out there that think they know about Bikers, Please keep telling us what we are not Capable of doing and we will be more then happy to keep proving you wrong!!!

If you want to "Have a Good Time On Rt 109" check out JDSPLCE.com

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

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Fine Tuning Sewing Machine Bobbin Tensions

By Donna Trumble

If you sew, you know. Sewing machine tensions frequently mess up, even on the finest sewing machines. The key is awareness of what makes the tensions work or mess up. Once you gain insight to the operation of tensions, you will greatly reduce your frustrations.

Tension is the amount of drag or resistance on the thread as it moves through the sewing machine. When the tension on top and on bottom are balanced properly, the threads will join in the middle of the fabric with no excess thread on top or the bottom of the fabric.

On top you can see the thread go through the various guides. It then goes through a tension assembly and the take up lever. Finally, it is threaded through the needle. To adjust, turn the tension knob right to tighten or left to loosen.

The bobbin tension is not quite as obvious. In fact, you may not even be fully aware of it. In the early days of the sewing machine, it used what was called a shuttle. It was a long case with a pointed end and and open end to slid the bobbin into. Modern sewing machine use bobbins and bobbin carriers that are generally more rounded. You machine may have a top loading, front loading, or a side loading bobbin.

Basically, all the bobbin tension systems work alike. The bobbin goes into the bobbin carrier or holder. Thread wound on the bobbin, is pulled under a tension spring. Eventually, the thread is drawn up through the hole in the needle plate.

First, always use the proper bobbin for your sewing machine. This is vital. The bobbins often look very much alike, but their subtle differences can make the difference between smooth sewing and junk sewing.

Then, take a look at your bobbin. You should see thread evenly wound on the bobbin without any puckers, loops, or bumps on the edge of the winding. If the thread is not properly wound, pull it off and wind it correctly. Never use a poorly wound bobbin.

Next, follow the sewing machine manual exactly or have a professional sewing machine technician show you how to put the bobbin and its carrier into position. Failure to correctly insert the carrier or bobbin, will result in frustration. As you insert the bobbin, trail the thread under the tension spring according to the manufacturers instructions.

Thread the bobbin tension which looks like a small piece of metal on the outside of the carrier. Your sewing machine manual or sewing machine technician can should you if you need help. Draw the thread back under the spring.

A tiny screw holds the tension spring in place. Turning this screw to the right will tighten the lower tension. Turning it to the left will loosen the bobbin tension. (Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey).

Fifth, some bobbin carriers are built into the machine or fasten in place to receive the bobbin. Other bobbin carriers are made as bobbin cases which detach from the machine to receive the bobbin and then are reinserted after loading the bobbin.

Test the tension on removable carriers. Insert the bobbin, and train the thread back under the tension spring. Draw the thread through the carrier and make sure it flows smoothly with a gentle pull. Hold the thread and let the carrier and bobbin drop. If it falls quickly, tighten the tension screw. If it dangles, give it a little bounce. It should drop an inch or so. If it does not, loosen the tension screw.

Drop in bobbins can be tested using the gentle draw test we used with the detachable carriers. Remember, the thread should flow smoothly through the bobbin tension with a gently pull. If it is too hard, loosen the adjusting screw. If you do not feel drag, make sure there is not lint under the tension spring and tighten.

Always be on the lookout for anything that might interfere with proper operation of the thread flow. Rough spots, burrs, lint, and dirt can cause big problems. Fix problems before you get frustrated. The bobbin tension should not have to be reset unless you significantly change the size or type of thread you are using.

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The Corporate Takeover of the Motorcycle Club World

By LJ James

The Corporate Takeover of the Motorcycle Club World

Everyone who has been reading any of what I have been writing over the past few years, Knows I fight for Bikers Rights , Safety and Unity. In the past few months my big concern has been the new Biker Movies and TV shows coming out like "Hell Ride" and "Sons of Anarchy" I knew these shows would have people wanting to join Motorcycle Clubs for all the wrong reasons! One thing I know will happen is many people will go out and put patches on there backs and think they are now a Motorcycle Club and start acting the way they saw the Clubs in the Movies act. As I have stated in other articles, most Clubs for many years have been working for the betterment and unity of the Motorcycle Club world. Most Motorcycle Club's want to put the Hollywood Biker Gang image way behind them. They want to focus on the Brotherhood that is the heart of all Motorcycle Clubs.

Most Clubs make good money selling their Support Shirts and gear. Over the past few years I have seen many large chain department stores selling T-shirts that are Dangerously Close to the Colors/Patches of Some of the worlds Major Clubs. It does not take much for one to assume these Stores know what they are doing and they just do not care about the people who buy these shirts or any of us in the biker world, All they care about is the cash flow! When Motorcycle Clubs contact these stores about copyright infringement the response from most if not all of these companies to the clubs is one of you don't count or matter! When I see a person who knows nothing about the biker world wearing one of these shirts I understand that person just does not know better, But when I see a person who is a biker wearing one of these shirts I let him know "He is selling us all out " There are too many who use the excuse they are only weekend warriors! I understand cash runs the world so these companies are going to try to skate the line by changing these shirts just enough so they can't be sued under copyright laws and all the wannabe bikers will buy these shirts and wear them! In my opinion it is a total slap in the face to every biker out there!

Well as if those shirts where not bad enough I was recently informed of a jean company who has come out with T-shirts that are Motorcycle Club Member T-shirts of Fictional Motorcycle Clubs ! Go to the websites emoda.com/item.asp?prodid=129470 and emoda.com/item.asp?prodid=129464 to see these shirts. Anyone from the new rider to the old time Club Member who saw a person wearing one of these shirts could easily think that person is a member of a real Motorcycle Club . These Shirts are made by some rich corporation who probably does not care what they are doing ! The shirts go for around $52-$65 ! For $20 you can go out and buy a real Motorcycle Clubs Support shirt and Support the Biker World. The final insult to all in the Biker world is on the left sleeve there is a Diamond, this leads me to believe that the Manufacturers of these shirts knows at least a little bit about what they are doing. From the pictures I can not see if it says 1% inside the Diamond, But even if it does not it can be mistaken for one. The 1% Diamond is supposed to mean you are part of an elite Motorcycle Club the best of the best, and if you are wearing the shirt of a fictional Motorcycle Club that you paid $60 for, Well then you do not even rank as high as a wannabe Biker in my Book!

Motorcycle Clubs do not all always get along, But we all have always taken great pride in what we are and what we stand for! The true Bikers are the ones who know what "Freedom" really is! We are the ones who feel it for the rest of the world every time one of our rights gets taken away. The mass population walks around with their head up their ass not caring about the things they are no longer aloud to do!

My one concern about posting this is that more people will be exposed to these shirts and buy them and wear them! If you respect anything about the Biker world not only will you not buy these shirts you will speak out and let those who make these shirts know you think this is an insult! When you are at a store and you see a biker looking shirt that looks like the patch of a Motorcycle Club you will speak out, Even if its a club you are not a fan of, It is still an insult to all Clubs and all true Bikers! I remember hearing as a child that all Bikers where "Brothers in the wind" No matter what they ride. I always figured that even if you did not like your Brother you would always fight along side him when he was under attack! I feel this is an attack on all of us at the very heart of what we are ! So I ask those out there that came before for me, what they think and what do we do next ?

I am Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

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Affordable Motor Car Insurance In Hawaii -- Steps

By Chimezirim Odimba

There are a number of things you must bear in mind if you desire tobe given the very best Hawaii motor car insurance rate plus service. Any quote that does not include a mixture of both great service and adequate coverage, isn't quite worth it. Following are a number of things to take care are good enough before you pay for the policy.

1. Make sure the insurance company you ultimately choose is licensed to carry auto insurance in Hawaii or wherever else if you're not in Hawaii. It's important to find out how legitimate they are, their reputation and, lastly, their standing. Check what institutions like Moody's Investor Services, BBB, Standard & Poor's Insurance Rating Services and others have as their rating for such an insurance company.

2. Ask those around you about their insurers. What was the quality of service they used previously and what is their experience with their current agent or insurance company? You can ask to be referred to their agent if you're happy with their testimonials.

I must emphasize, though, that you should avoid going with just one person's suggestion. It's possible they might not have shopped extensively themselves. Endeavor to get quotes from all the agents you were referred to. Have some time with each of them, see their response, and who has the best price. This is quite effective but at the same time very time-consuming.

3. You can save much by visiting not less than 5 quotes sites. If you do this, you'll get the lowest quotes available because five sites will return up to 25 quotes altogether.

4. While shopping for cheap motor car insurance in Hawaii it's very important that you don't become carried away by just the lowest quote. What you need isn't necessarily the cheapest quote but the quote that represents the best value for its price. ..If the cheapest price offers all that is important to you, then go for it. Howbeit, if you are required to pay little more for adequate coverage, then pay more.

Some very cheap quotes may be so because the insurer has omitted a few features. Such cheap auto insurance offers won't be a good deal due to the fact that you're not getting the right coverage for you.

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How Valentine's Day Became a Tradition

By Joanne Michaels

We all know that February has long been a month of romance when candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. However, the true history of Valentine's Day -- and the saint for whom the day is named --is surrounded with legends and remains a mystery.

Who was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?

One story suggests that the good Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served during the third century in Rome in the days of Claudius II. One of Valentine's responsibilities was to perform marriages.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Because of this, Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason for this was that married Roman men did not want to leave their wives and families. So, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome.

However, Saint Valentine was not happy with Claudius's decree, so, because Valentine continued to marry young couples even after Claudius forbade it, he was killed (beheaded, actually) by the cruel Emperor. The date of his execution is believed to be February 14, 270 A.D.

But that's not the end of the St. Valentine legend. It is also said while Valentine was in jail awaiting execution, he was sent little notes and flowers from the children whom he had helped when they were sick. This also may have been one of the reasons why he sent a farewell note to the jailers' daughter. The message was signed, "Love from your Valentine". Perhaps this is why we send Valentines gifts today.

Some people believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated on that day in February to remember the anniversary of Valentine's death.

Although no one knows the true Valentine's Day history, we do recognize February 14 as the date for exchanging symbols of love, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. We celebrate the day by sending simple gifts such as flowers, chocolates, cards, and poems focused on love. Thus, the legend of St. Valentine continues.

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Getting the Perfect First Tattoo

By Pat Johnson

When you are deciding to get your first tattoo there are many things you need to be aware of. You want to ensure that you are looking out for your health and safety as well as making sure that you select something that you will be happy with for the rest of your life. By taking time in the planning process you can be sure that you are not subjected to any unwelcome surprises down the road.

Where to get your first tattoo done is an obvious, but no less important consideration. Many opt to get it done in their neighborhood or home town, while others will have it done while they are traveling so that they can commemorate the experience. Which ever you choose, be sure to make certain that the establishment is clean and sterile.

You also want to check out the qualifications of the individual artist who is going to work on your ink. How long has he been in business and does he have a portfolio of satisfied clients. If you have a friend who can give you a personal referral then you can be assured that you will be dealing with someone who comes highly recommended.

Some tattoo parlors will offer a guarantee. While this is not the case across the board it is valuable to check into none the less. That way you will know that if you are not pleased with the outcome for any reason then you can go back to them to have it fixed to your full satisfaction.

Prices can be pretty high for tattoos, especially the larger ones. You should do a little comparative shopping to get a feel for the market in your area. Don't choose a parlor just because it costs the least amount. Often a higher priced shop can charge those prices because their work is superior.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. You can often gauge the type of service you will get later on by how the reply to you at this stage. If they take their time to answer you completely and make you feel comfortable then you have found a winner.

If you heed the tips I have provided above then there is no reason why your first tattoo experience can't be a positive and rewarding one.

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The Marvelous Social Impact of Chocolate Gifts

By Fredrick Simmons

Chocolate has always been a great gift to give somebody. The chocolate industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. There are so many unusual types of chocolate and so many reasons to offer someone a chocolate gift that it is a industry that just keeps getting larger every year.

There are quite a few different types of chocolate. There is dark chocolates, milk chocolate, fair chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate are just a few. Many people have a preferred chocolate. Each maker of chocolate gifts has their own unique formula for the way they make chocolates and this makes each brand of chocolate flavor a little diverse.

Chocolate Truffles are a great gift to give for just about any occasion or no occasion at all. People love to acquire chocolate gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays or just because. Special occasions or events are also great times to give the gift of chocolates. Baby showers, a move up at work, or just to tell a friend that you are thinking about them are big reasons to give chocolate handouts.

You can buy chocolate gifts just about anywhere including grocery stores, gas stations, malls or convenient stores. Stores that sell only chocolates have the biggest variety to choose from and you might even find a particular store that carries the particular type of chocolate truffle that you like or you recognize your friend likes. This makes choosing chocolates present a little easier because there is such a large variety and you might end up finding amazing new that you like.

Chocolate Truffles make great gifts for anyone at anytime. There are a mixture of packages that chocolate gifts come in so you should be able to find one ideal for the event or friend you are trying to purchase something for. The present of chocolates is a gift that people love to accept. Have fun searching for the ideal chocolate for your buddy and don't forget to get some for yourself!

For individuals of you who like chocolate truffles, there are quite a few different kinds to choose from. You can purchase chocolate truffles in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or if you aren't certain which kind of truffle your cherished one or friend might like, you can constantly get a box of mixed chocolate truffles.

Purchasing a chocolate gift for someone is fun and you can get really creative with the things that you select. You can get someone a box of milk chocolate truffles. You can obtain someone a heart filled with assorted filled chocolates and you can even get someone a good old basic chocolate bar.

People adore to get chocolate gifts for just in relation to any occasion or even if there isn't an occasion. Chocolates are a great treat to show somebody that you are thinking in relation to them. Go pick out your chocolate gifts now and show somebody how special you think they are.

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If You Are Unable To Be There But Want To Show You Love Them Then Send -