UP North Rider - Bash 2010

2011-05-04T14:25:00.003-04:00

Here we are again…busy busy busy…
By Brenda Lawson

There are certain musicians I look forward to working with and one of them is Pat Travers and his band. We just finished two shows with Pat Travers (www.PatTravers.com) and it was so much fun; not just because it was two nights of great music from our band and then Pat’s band, but because they are just great and fun people. They look forward to performing for their fans as much as we do, and when you get a group together like that, the shows are electrifying! If you ever have an opportunity to catch a Pat Travers show, it is well worth it. Tell ’em Brenda sent ya.

As many of you know, Dan is donating a Fender guitar to be raffled off at the 2011 Porcupine Press Bash. This guitar will go on the road with us and be autographed throughout 2011. Pat Travers and Gary Hoey (www.GaryHoey.com) are the first to honor us with this. Each month I will update you on the guitar travels and who has signed it next. Our tour is just beginning and I’m looking forward to the musicians we will run into along the way that will help us support the veterans! We thank Pat Travers, Kirk McKim, Rod O’Quinn and Gary Hoey for their signatures. Amazing musicians.

We finished a fun weekend at the Northeast Motorcycle Expo. Bike shows are always interesting. I love to see people’s creative minds and what they come up with. The artistry is amazing. Also, it never ceases to amaze who Dan doesn’t know. Everywhere we go, he knows someone. So it wasn’t too much of a surprise when he knew the midget wrestlers of “Half Pint Brawlers”. These guys were hardcore! You’ve gotta love your job when you let someone staple a dollar bill to your face every night. Nice guys, funny, and full of staple marks!
It also wouldn’t be a national bike event without the token model. She was about the size of my Barbies when I was a little girl but with a chest the size of two watermelons. She seemed very nice but I couldn’t help but wonder if she was a stomach sleeper. Like someone’s grandma once said “work with what the good Lord gave ya”…maybe He was tired when He was dishin’ out the “goods” on my creation day.

We had a full week of shows in Daytona for Bike Week at Pub 44 in New Smyrna. Such a great place. Pub 44 in New Smyrna was rocking! Such great crowds and fun and “interesting” people including the man who was dubbed “the leprechaun” who is still waiting for his 15 million dollars, he says various artists in the music industry owe him. Apparently, most of the stuff on the radio are his rhythms! Who knew! He could have been the spokesperson for a whiskey company – he never seemed to be without one. And kudos to the woman who walked around with her chest painted in 40 degree evening weather because mine would have frozen and fallen off. Bike Bash night was CRAZY…we hung out with our friend, Master Bike Builder, Lee Wimmer as we watched them blow up an old motorcycle. I leaned over and said, “Lee, this must break your heart, you build them and they blow them up.” He smiled and said “this is cool”. That’s boys for ya!

We also stopped by to see our friend and your friend Johnny Lange of Strip Club Choppers. Johnny always has the coolest area, music, chairs, his clothing line and accessories. It’s just like an outdoor VIP area of your favorite club. I love my Strip Club Choppers shirt its the best shirt I have! If you haven’t visited his website then check out www.StripClubChoppers.com. Johnny has generously donated a Strip Club Choppers guitar strap to go with the guitar to be raffled for the support of the veterans. Thank you Johnny! The guitar now has a kick-ass strap! Now that’s rock ‘n’ roll baby!

We also performed at the Blue Grotto for our good friends of the IMBBA (International Master Bike Builders Association). You are all in for a big treat at the 2011 Bash because Jeff Starke (CEO of IMBBA) will be at the Bash! If you are into bikes, building, or understanding the dynamics of bike building – you will learn a lot from him. He will also be bringing bikes and the builders with the IMBBA that are unbelievable works of art. If you are a bike builder (even if you just like to tinker) he’s a great person to talk to on bike building. Jeff is also a Navy veteran and one of our favorite people.
That’s the update from our little travels. We are at the Legendary Buffalo Chip this year for Sturgis Bike Week. Check out their website at www.BuffaloChip.com, Johnny Lange will be there also. Great concert line up and working on adding to our guitar signatures for the Bash in August! You can also follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/danlawsonband.

Be well and thank you for your friendships. Photos courtesy of Brenda Lawson

Dave 'Letterfly' at Daytona

2011-03-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

BIKERS KNOW THAT CHARITY IS ALWAYS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ECONOMY

2011-02-22T08:33:00.002-05:00

As we are all acutely aware it’s a tough economy for everyone however those who depend on the kindness and generosity of others feel the pinch even more. Although the SCC Tour wasn’t on the road very much from November to February we didn’t allow that to freeze over the spirit of bikers giving back to the community. During these frigid months SCC was fortunate to be involved in three charity events.

Rider Now magazine asked us to participate in a food drive for a church in Ocala Florida. Val, the magazine editor, donated a bunch of food and we donated clothing and parts to be auctioned off as well as participating in a photo shoot that graced the cover of the magazine.

The second charitable event was unplanned, two police officers were killed in St Petersburg Florida in January and when Johnny worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice years ago (who would have guessed that one) he worked closely with this department. The Full Throttle Bike Builders Invitational in Clearwater Florida turned into an informal fundraiser for those fallen officers and the biker community rallied on the spur of the moment to raise almost 70k!

The third charity that caught our attention was for a one-year-old girl named Victoria with acute leukemia. My friend Aaron Blowout Morrow, the stereo typical big bad ass biker, and we mean big, took pledges for every pound he could lose, this just might cue cancer altogether, way to go Aaron. You can fin additional info at Victoriasvoyage.com.

I guess the bottom line is no matter how tough the biker community may seem on the outside, we have a heart the size of a V-twin on the inside. It has been said about our culture that we are the first to support a good cause and the first to step up and protect our country. It’s 100% true. Even though times are tough and many of us can’t afford to donate monetarily we can give our time through volunteering, product donations or even weight loss, go figure, hey A+ for creativity. The weather is clearing; the sun is starting to shine on the open road and the 2011riding season is upon us. Come by and see us from March 4^th to the 13^th in Daytona at the Hang Dawg Saloon right across from the Iron Horse Saloon on US1. And for you guys planning your year in advance here are some other events we will be at so far: Thunder in the Hill Country, Bandera Texas, March 31- April 3 and the Carts, Bikers and Babes Rally, April 8-10, in Somerville Texas. For additional info visit www.stripclubchoppers.com

“On The Road With Johnny & Jay”

2011-01-20T11:47:00.000-05:00

WE NEED YOUR HELP

The 2011 tour season has arrived and we need your help. We are beginning our fourth year writing “On The Road With Johnny & Jay”. The article started as an annual summary, grew into quarterly and now a monthly series. We know you read it because we receive positive and negative feedback. So now is your opportunity to get in the mix. What would you like us to write about? Stories and reports from rallies, industry trends, hot chicks, the bar scene, you decide and we’ll dig through our memory banks, what’s left of them and come up with the article. You can send your suggestions and pics to info@stripclubchoppers.com and if we choose your topic we’ll give you a shout out and post you and you photos on our brand new web site. It’s all about the brotherhood of bikers so jump right in and let us know what gets the gears turnin.

Daytona is right around the corner so shake off those cold winter blues and stop by and see us from March 4^th to the 13^th at the Hang Dawg Saloon across from theIron Horse on US 1. Also be on the look out for our third rig this year, Strip Club Choppers West, now we can get to all of the shows that conflict with our regular stops, cause we hate to say no when it comes to doin a rally. So if there’s an event you would like to see us attend let the promoter know, or, once again, shoot us an e-mail and we’ll do our best to get out there no matter how big or small. Wooo Whoo here comes riding season SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!!!! For additional articles or info visit www.stripclubchoppers.com

The Dan Lawson Band, the Official Band for the Porcupine Press Publications, Plays the Official Song of the BASH

2010-12-16T08:13:00.000-05:00

Behind the Band TV

“Princess of the Pole” Contest

2010-12-09T14:01:00.001-05:00

Strip Club Choppers announces the addition of the "Princess of the Pole" contest for the 2011 roadhouse tour

Promoters and event coordinators that are tired of the same old bikini and Wet-T Shirt contests can now participate in the exercise craze that is sweeping the nation.

Strip Club Choppers will organize, promote and implement an amateur pole-dancing contest. The contest will feature female show attendees dancing with crowd applause deciding on the finalists who then will participate in a dance off on two side-by-side dance poles. The winner will receive a combination of cash and prizes provided by SCC the promoter and sponsors. The contest will be held on Saturday nights between the opening and headlining bands.

For additional info contact Strip Club Choppers at: info@stripclubchoppers.com or 714-465-7103

Hold on Tight until June 2011 for our NEW e-magazine release

2010-11-18T18:29:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to tease you all with the prototype cover design for a new on-line magazine that will be coming out starting in June 2011. Our mascot "Duke" is seen here on the cover lifting a brew to get the party kicked off. As we get more along with the development of the magazine between now and release time, we will be tossing up some sample pages to help wet the appetite and quench the thirst of those wanting to know more about what the hell we are doing.

Learned a Lot and Connected with some Very Important People in the Biker World

2010-10-06T14:52:00.001-04:00

We have just returned from the Las Vegas BikeFest 2010 and learned a lot from many big names in the Biker World. Interest seemed to be high about our Porcupine BASH 2011 event and connections were made that will surely result in our event growing next year. We mentioned ahead of this posting about the Biker Strong Man Contest and we will plan on adding something like that for 2011 as well as a Biker Rodeo set of events. This was their 10th year and our next one will only be the 2nd, but we will be catching up fast on great things happening besides just music.

As big a show as it was, music was not a major part of the event. There was a large tent set up out in the parking lot of the convention center building where bands played off and on, but I didn't catch any major band names. The biggest part of the show was the over 200 and vendors set up inside and outside the main building and the super custom bikes on display.

We will have all the details in our next issue, along with many great photos and high lights.

Somebody Had to Do It . . . So Robin and I went to the Las Vegas 10th Annual Bike Fest

2010-10-02T14:26:00.001-04:00

Somebody had to see how the Big Guys put on the Bike Fest 2010 in Las Vegas. We hoped to learn a lot and bring back ideas back to make our 2nd Annual Porcupine BASH even better next year. We know we had a good event for our first ever, but there is always room for making it better. First thing we saw that was new for us was the "World's Strongest Biker Competition" This was really a super event and you had to really be super strong to even try this event. It had three timed parts; the first event involved pulling a Trike with a couple on it, by using two pulling straps. Then each competitor had to carry ten bike tires, five in each arm, for the length of the course and that is easier said than done. But the next part of the event truly divided the men from the boy. Over the same course, you were timed, totting a full beer keg, half way, then exchanging it with another full keg and dash to the finish line. All this effort for the chance win $300.

We will be covering is whole trip in detail in the "UP North Rider" pages of the November / December issue, so don't miss it.

Porcupine BASH 2010 is over and we are starting on 2011 event

2010-09-13T17:56:00.000-04:00

The saying that it is not over until the fat lady sings, means for us that she must have sung her song, because this 2010 BASH event is over and done with. From those that attended, the reports were that it was an excellent event and we were encouraged to do it again. That we will and preparations are already underway for the Porcupine BASH 2011.

We have reserved the Rock River Township Park, also known as the Alger County Fair Grounds by many, for the last weekend in August 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2011. We had added the Thursday ahead of the weekend because many wanted to get here early for camp sites at the event grounds and that evening there is a big Pig Roast and many fun activities at the near by school grounds.

There was only one problem with the 2010 BASH event, there just was not a good crowd. Due to that, we did not came near to covering the cost of the event, but being the first year, we are still willing to try it again for 2011 and hope that those that came, will spread the word, return next year and bring more people with them. Having the Hog Rally on Escanaba on the same weekend surely put a dent in our crowd and that will not be there next year.

One thing we are not looking to do, is cut corners or cheapen the event in any way. Our headliner band - The Dan Lawson Band - from Cape Cod, Mass., was signed up for next year as well. We think they will keep coming, year after year, to see this event grow, as long as we can keep paying them. It is our understanding that almost all the vendors we had are planning to return next year as well. We are looking to make a few changes, but these are mostly in adding more things, rather than cutting back. The Strip Club Choppers will again add our event for there 2011 Road Tour right after the Sturgis Bike Rally. We understand The Dan Lawson Band will be coming our way after Sturgis also. Big efforts are being made to bring even more this way. Plans are underway for a whole new biker rodeo as part of next years BASH as well.

The Captain and Robin are going out to Las Vegas the end of this month to check out their rally and bike building contest going on. We hope to be able to incorporate something along that line for the 2011 BASH as well.

We still have some 2010 BASH T-shirts left, sizes 1X and 2X. Call (906) 439-5111 during normal working hours or leave a message and we will get back to you. They can also still be ordered on-line here also. It is not to early to sign up for vendor space as well for next year. The new list of vendors for nest year will be listed on this site starting next month and then we all can watch the list grow.

9/11 Memorial Ride Enjoys Good Weather on Cross-Country Trip

2010-09-10T12:22:00.002-04:00

State College, Pa. -- 10 September 2010 -- AccuWeather.com reports members of Ride With the 40 had to look beyond their local forecast for their motorcycle trip and are working with AccuWeather to get the weather information they need.

Ride With the 40 hit the road from Newark, N.J. on Sept. 2 with the idea of arriving in San Francisco on Sept. 11.

Their goal is simple: to complete the journey of Flight 93 that ended in Shanksville, Pa. when 40 passengers and crew members fought back to thwart the efforts of terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.

Ride With the 40 is a true grassroots movement and spokesman Stuart Shapiro said the ride was begun by family members of those who died on Flight 93.

"They were disappointed that there was so much politicking and so many delays in getting a memorial for Flight 93 off the ground in Pennsylvania," he said.

So Ride With the 40 made its first cross-country journey in 2009, raising almost $125,000 for the memorial in Pennsylvania.

Along the way, Shapiro said the riders were "talking to people, meeting people in each city, just garnering awareness for the memorial."

Shapiro said the inaugural ride was such a success that "what we're doing this year is keeping that idea alive by making the ride again."

According to Shapiro, one goal of this year's ride is to use social networking to make the ride a larger experience.

"Our goal is to make the ride bigger and to allow everybody to join in, no matter where they are," he said.

AccuWeather.com has been providing daily forecasts for the ride and Shapiro said, "The weather's almost been perfect."

"It's usually been pretty sunny, we get pretty lucky. We've had a lot of really windy days, which is a little tough on bikes, they get pushed over... they get pushed around a lot. Nebraska was really windy," Shapiro said. "Other than that it's usually been sunny, it's been warm during the day, crisp and wonderful at night."

Friday, the riders will complete the ninth leg of their journey - from Reno, Nev. to Union City, Calif.

AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity said in terms of weather, rain was not an issue, but the wind the riders faced in places like Nebraska was as if they were being blown around by passing trucks.

Margusity said the weather should be beautiful for the Flight 93 memorial service on Saturday.

Union City is the site of the first Flight 93 memorial in the country and will host a memorial service at noon on Saturday.

After the service, Shapiro said they will "head on over to San Francisco airport to complete the journey."

By Kirstie Hettinga, writer for AccuWeather.com

Porcupine BASH Preview Peak on Poster Design

2010-09-02T17:48:00.002-04:00

No rest for the weary, just keep on working to prepare for the 2011 event. The first BASH was a good test run that was put together in less than five months. We learned a lot and now that we have our feet wet, we are going to use the whole year to improve on what we learned. We are already booking bands and equipment and planning needed changes to make it even a better event. Only thing missing this year was a good crowd of people, but we will keep building and they will come.

Honoring Fallen Vets

2010-09-02T11:03:00.002-04:00

It's Over for 2010 - Now Working on 2011

2010-08-30T17:26:00.003-04:00

The Park is quiet - not a sound,

every last thing is in the trash.

My pants are on the ground,

it is all over now - the first BASH.

The plan for next year has been found,

my whole body breaking out in a rash.

Next Last Week-end in August will soon be around,

plenty of time to save up some cash,

plan now to be Porcupine BASH Bound.

Finding A Place To Crash

2010-08-24T10:47:00.003-04:00

If you are trying to party all weekend with no place to crash, we have great news for you.

There are many places where you can lay that body down for a nap or all night long. Depending what you are looking for, we have plenty of options.

Starting with the Big Motel chains, the choices are large in the Munising area. Pools, Saunas and on-site bars are all there to pick from.

If you would rather be out in the Hiawatha National Forest with cabins or rooms, the list is super. In this group, the area businesses that are sponsors of the Porcupine BASH still have room for you, but space is limited so don’t wait too long.

The Camel Riders has some nice cabins available, your hosts are Frank and Sonia Ott and they have a setting on a Lake with a restaurant to die for. This place is in the forest away from the event about 30 miles, but its a super ride through the National Forest to get there. Call (906) 573-2319

About 17 miles in the National Forest you will find the White Fawn Lodge. These are furnished cabins with 2-4 bedrooms. They have lake front and woods locations, White Fawn Lodge is located next to the Forest Glen General Store. Call (906) 573-2999.

A little closer to the event at 13 miles is The Buckhorn Lodge and Motel. On site restaurant & lounge all on a lake in the National Forest. Call at (906) 387-3559

At 12 miles from the event, is the Timber Ridge Lodge where you can truly enjoy nature at it’s best in beautifully built suites on Hovey Lake in the forest. Call: (906) 387-3790

Now, if it’s a nice campground you are looking for in this same 12 mile area from the event, is the Otter Lake Campground. Wooded sites, electric, showers, water available and a pump out. Call Campground Office: (906) 387-4648 or Reservations: (906) 553-4921

Last, are the true rustic camp sites right at the Event grounds. $20.00 for the whole weekend on a first come, first serve basis. ~ Just show up at the event and come into the Gate marked “Motorcycles and Camping”.

STURGIS TURNS 70 & Now to a new baby, the Porcupine BASH

2010-08-20T20:25:00.003-04:00

By - Johnny & Jay

THE GRAND DADDY OF RALLIES IS ALIVE AND WELL. The annual Sturgis rally promised to be big and it exceeded expectation. Estimates put attendance at 600,000 and from what we experienced that was accurate. The weather was great and the vendors were busy. This might not be an indicator of an economic recovery but it’s for sure that bikers are sick of sitting home and being afraid to enjoy the life style we all love. It’s never been about money. Enough bad news from CNN all you need is some gas and a tent. The bars, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds and concerts were all rockin.

Kid Rock, Bob Dylan , ZZ Topp, Ozzy Osbourne, STP and Guns and Roses jammed their greatest hits to crowds in excess of 20,000, at several points in the show everybody fired up their bikes at once… Ahh that sweet sound mixed with smell of gasoline and smoke from campfires, the perfect combination’

The Strip Club Choppers Roadhouse was located at the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the party never stopped, The Chip, as it is affectionately referred to, is the essence ofSturgis itself, camping, bars, concerts, food, girls, vendors etc., encompasses the true biker life style. Hat’s off to Rod “Woody” Woodruff and his daughter Toni for making it the place to be! We were so blown away by this venue that we signed a five-year deal to appear there.

Many people cannot afford to attend multiple rallies, so if you can only get to one a year make it Sturgis. Oh yeah and the riding is as good as it gets with, Mount Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse, the Badlands, Custer State Park and more are only a few hours away.

As always visit us at www.stripclubchoppers.com and come see us at: The Porcupine BASH in Chatham Michigan on August 27th to the 29th, The Freeport Blues Festival in Freeport Texas on September 3^rd to the 5^th, The Texas Rally September 9^th to the 12^th in Somerville Texas, The Lake Of The Ozark’s Bike Fest in Missouri from September 16^th to the 19^th and the Thunder Beach Rally in Panama City Florida from September 30^th to October 3^rd.

BASH Weekend Pass $40 - Day Pass $20

2010-08-19T13:25:00.002-04:00

Final Order on BASH event T-Shirts has been Placed

2010-08-12T13:01:00.002-04:00

We could not wait any longer and had to give the T-Shirt printer our final order for sizes for the BASH 2010 T-Shirts. Based on their ten days processing time and to allow for shipping, we had to make the hard guess as to what sizes would sell best at the event. We won't know how wrong or right we guessed until after the event.

Here is what we ordered, to have on hand at the event as well as pre-orders before the event; Large, X-Large and XX-Large. We decided not to go with small or medium because we had not pre-orders in those sizes. The order was also limited to 45 shirts in each of those sizes and when they are gone, that will be it. Then we will start designing the 2011 Porcupine BASH shirt and start taking orders for those when we have the final design.

If you want to make sure you get a shirt for this year, you can still order on-line here or call in to (906) 439-5111.

Honor to Veterans Right to the End

2010-08-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

The Latest Issue Has Started to be Delivered

2010-08-03T14:20:00.003-04:00

Issue number Eight for this year has entered the mail system on August 2nd from Greenville, near Grand Rapids, in Michigan. A special drop off of issues for subscribers in the U.P. and the Northern part of the lower peninsula will be placed in the Gaylord Postal Center on Wednesday August 4th. The never ending store delivery cycle started on Monday August 2nd, heading into the lower part of Michigan. Both Robin and Jeremy make about 50 stops a day, and keep that pace up until the whole newsstand areas are delivered. That takes just about four weeks, even if it rains, snows or whatever they run into out there. It is a toss up what is worse, deer or city drivers and snow or baking heat. If you see our pickup trucks while they are off on their runs, wave or say hello, that always makes them smile.

Next months issue will be delayed a week from going to the printer to allow for full coverage of our Porcupine BASH 2010 Birthday Party and "Saluting Our Military" weekend event, here in Chatham, located in the central U.P. So instead of the normal four weeks between printing, the next issue will have a five week span, then back to the normal four weeks.

Final preparations are being made and the park had a good test run with the holding of the Alger County Fair last weekend. The weather was great and a good crowd showed up and Captain Mike worked in the kitchen helping serve a steady flow of chicken dinner eaters, from eleven until almost four o'clock. It was a good work out for the BASH party yet to come, the last weekend in August.

"Two Wheel Thunder" - Strip Club Choppers add BASH 2010 to Their Tour

2010-07-24T14:59:00.005-04:00

On their way out of Sturgis, "Two Wheel Thunder" - star Johnny Lange has now added the Porcupine BASH 2010 "Saluting Our Military" motorcycle rally to their tour and bringing their special show with them. The Strip Club Choppers Roadhouse and the SCC "pole" bikes are included in the tour package coming to Alger County, the last weekend in August. Check them out at: www.stripclubchoppers.com

National Gold Star Family Registry

2010-07-22T14:29:00.002-04:00

Families United has launched the first National Gold Star Family Registry. This public, online platform is the first, comprehensive record of fallen heroes and family network ever developed. Whether they gave their life in WWII, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq or Afghanistan or another conflict, the registry is a place to ensure their memory will live on. (www.GoldStarFamilyRegistry.com)

“Up to this point, there has not been one place where all heroes who gave their lives can be found either in print or online,” said Families United’s Executive Director Brian Wise. “ There has not been a national registry or public database that serves as a perpetual memorial to all those who paid the ultimate price for this nation. The aim of the registry is to create the first “virtual memorial,” ensuring that Americans from all over the country can learn about the heroic sacrifice of service members firsthand and allow their families to connect.”

The National Gold Star Family Registry is not just a searchable database of the fallen, but a new community of America’s Gold Star Families. Family members have the opportunity to create a tribute page for their hero as well as their own online profile as part of a private Gold Star network. The registry provides them with new avenues to communicate, support one another and most of all, honor the fallen. As the registry grows, Families United will add new functions that will further develop the largest online community of Gold Star Family members ever created, helping families support each other across the years and miles.

Amy Dozier, Gold Star Wife from Durham, NC, said "This registry means so much to me. It's a chance for me to create memories with my little girl. Most importantly, it's a way for families to come together to support each other in the grieving process, while remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.”

“We can never repay the debt of honor that our fallen heroes gave to the cause of freedom,” said Wise. “However, with National Gold Star Registry, we can ensure that their effort and bravery will be acknowledged for years to come.”

About the author: Brian Wise is the Executive Director of Families United, www.FamiliesUnitedUSA.org ,the nation’s largest military family support organization, celebrating America’s fallen Heroes from WWII, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan and other conflicts. . Brian works on behalf of military families in honor of his friends the first two brothers, LCPL Jared Hubbard, and US Army CPL Nathan Hubbard who that were killed fighting for our Freedom in Iraq. His credentials as a former Network News Producer for ABC News, Fox News Channel and CBS News and in the national security policy world allows him to be an effective voice for the interests and values of America’s military families.

USMC TRAINING A Must see video

2010-07-21T09:21:00.001-04:00

Now at 29 Palms; the actors (upwards of 900 at a time, some are Afgan Americans, use to have Iraqi Americans) we have the training IED's, all the simulated wounds that you saw (yes we have actors that have ambutated limbs to portray injured Marines) the simulated RPG's, etc. It is extrememly real. We have a couple of MOUT towns in full use ( about 300 buildings) and then the large scale MOUT under construction. It'll be over 1200 buildings when done - it's a small town - bigger than 29 Palms, complete with a multi-story urban core, hospital district, stadium district, diplomatic district, etc, etc - all the elements of a real mid sized town, capable of handling regiment training. It's 75% complete and parts of it are already in use. Almost all of these training assets are procured through Marine Corps System Command's Program Manager for Training System (PM-TRASYS)

A Sad Day for America and the Marine Corps—LtCol Chessani Retires

2010-07-20T13:10:00.001-04:00

ANN ARBOR, MI – He defended our Nation for over twenty-three years . . . often away from his wife and children . . . so that we could be home safely with ours. All patriotic Americans owe a debt of gratitude to this American hero.

After a protracted four and a half year legal ordeal over the “Haditha massacre” - a massacre that never happened - LtCol Jeffrey Chessani completed his final day of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps last Friday, July 16, 2010. Thus ended the promising career of one of America’s most effective combat leaders in Iraq—a political scapegoat to appease the anti-war press and politicians.

LtCol Chessani served three combat tours in Iraq as well as serving in the First Persian Gulf War and in Panama, receiving numerous awards and honors. At the time of the Haditha incident, he was commander of the 3rd Battalion (“The Thundering Third”), 1st Marines—one of the most decorated units in the history of the Marine Corps.

This loyal Marine officer faced criminal charges as a result of a legitimate combat action taken by four of his Marines after being ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq, on November 19, 2005. He cared deeply about the young Marines entrusted to his command, and refused to “throw them under the bus” to save his own career.

On November 19, 2005, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a Marine convoy was rolling through Haditha, Iraq — a terrorist stronghold. Suddenly, a roadside bomb went off, destroying a Marine Humvee, killing one Marine and seriously injuring two others.

The Marines immediately received fire from the ambushing insurgents, who were shooting from nearby civilian-occupied homes. A four-man fire team responded as trained: they cleared several houses occupied by the armed insurgents, and in the ensuing room-by-room, house-by-house gun battle, it was reported eight enemy were killed.

Tragically 15 civilians also died. In urban combat, where insurgents purposefully use civilians as human shields, civilian casualties are tragic, but not uncommon. In fact, sometimes the insurgents themselves kill civilians to achieve a propaganda victory by blaming the Americans.

LtCol Chessani immediately reported the deaths of the 15 civilian Iraqis to his superiors. Upon hearing of the 15 civilian deaths, not one of LtCol Chessani’s superiors ─ including top generals ─ considered it unusual. Not one ordered a further investigation. In fact, they commended him for a job well done.

However, several months later, a known Al Qaeda propaganda operative instigated an inflammatory Time magazine news article written by reporter Tim McGirk – later proven to be false – accusing the Marines of massacring innocent civilians.

Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha, a leading anti-war critic, saw his opportunity and jumped in. Murtha was head of the House military appropriations subcommittee –a position with significant power over the military. He echoed theTime magazine story.

Murtha appeared on several major television networks and publicly accused the young enlisted Marines of “cold blooded” murder and Marine officers of a “cover-up.” He blamed it all on the stress of being in Iraq too long. Incredibly, these accusations were made even before the investigation was completed.

Murtha was the same person caught on tape negotiating bribes with Arab Sheiks during the FBI’s 1980 Abscam investigation – he was an un-indicted co-conspirator in that case.

The trumped-up charge: failing to properly report and investigate the November 19, 2005 incident. The Government did everything it could to convict LtCol Chessani. It spent millions of taxpayer dollars, employed over 65 Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents ─ the largest investigation in that agency’s history ─ and granted immunity to scores of witnesses, all in their attempt to make Jeffrey and the “Haditha Marines” political scapegoats.

Lt. Colonel Paul Ware, USMC, an Investigating Officer who heard testimony in several cases involving the charged enlisted Marines, blasted the credibility of the government witnesses and expressed concern that the allegations were nothing but a tactic “to erode public support of the Marine Corps and mission in Iraq.” He went on to say:

“Even more dangerous is the potential that a Marine may hesitate at the critical moment when facing the enemy . . . ”

Retired General Thomas McInerney, former Joint Force Commander and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, called the prosecutions of the Haditha Marines “despicable.” He warned:

“We cannot fight a war like that . . . We’re not taking care of our people.”

Evidence of what our nation lost by the unjust prosecution of LtCol Chessani, can be garnered from a few excerpts from his official Combat Fitness Report, a required annual evaluation of a Marine officer’s performance prepared by his superiors. It covered the period of September 2005 to February 2006 ─ which included the date of the Haditha incident:

• “Leads Marines from front in every operation. Demonstrates moral courage every day. Doesn’t hesitate to report bad news fast or contest unrealistic plans/poor concepts. Despite the complexity and size of his AO [area of operations], he always maintains a calm, cool demeanor.”
• “Always seeks advantage over complex, diverse insurgent enemy. Truly one of the finer thinkers in this COIN environment.”
• “One of the top 3” infantry/cavalry battalion commanders “of 13 who have served with RCT –2 [the regiment] during OIF. A superb leader, who knows his men, knows the enemy, knows his business. Doesn’t attract a lot of fanfare; just gets the job done to an exceedingly high standard.”
• “Long ball hitter; recommend selection for promotion to Colonel and TLS [Top Level School].”

The Reviewing Officer, Major General Huck added his comments: “Top notch officer with outstanding potential. Promote and select for TLS [Top Level School]. Post TLS slate for Regimental command and subsequent joint tour. Unlimited potential and value to the Marine Corps. Capable of the most challenging assignments.”

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and detailed military lawyers, LtCol Jon Shelburne, USMC, and Capt Jeffery King, USMC, successfully defended LtCol Chessani throughout his prosecution. The criminal charges against Chessani were dismissed on the grounds of Unlawful Command Influence. The government lost its appeals of that dismissal.

Not giving up its quest for a scapegoat, the government then convened a Board of Inquiry to determine allegations of misconduct. On December 11, 2009, the Board of Inquiry ruled that LtCol Chessani was not guilty of misconduct, but stated he must retire without loss of rank. And on June 25, 2010, the Secretary of Navy announced his acceptance of the military Board of Inquiry findings.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at

www.thomasmore.org.

BASH - 2010 Salutes This Army Veteran

2010-07-18T09:39:00.000-04:00

Take a ride to Chatham and see our 3 BASH event banners

2010-07-12T20:43:00.005-04:00

No matter how you come through Chatham, there is a BASH 2010 Banner staring you in the face. Now if bikers would just come and ride through town, now until show time, the last weekend in August, the town folks would get used to the noise. They would also see that bikers just love riding around and having a good time.

Our list of vendors is growing and it seems we will be able to handle all their needs. Those needing 220 volt electric had us going for a bit, but we have that under control now. At this point, it looks like we will be having to run a generator behind the big stage, since all the amps require 3 phase. We found what they are calling a whisper generator from Midway Rentals that will handle that. One of the goals, if we get a big enough turn out, we will be able to afford to have the power company hook us up with 3 phase for next year.

With the verbal response we of had so far of people saying they are coming, it sure looks like we will be looking at an Annual event. God knows we are doing everything we can to make this first year a smash hit. We have wrapped up our sponsors needed for the 48 TV spots on CBS - Green Bay 3 & 5 and now we are working on the group of spots for ABC 10 in Marquette. A lot of people have told me they have heard our radio spots on the Radio Results Network stations as well.

First Class Texas Style Liberty Bell Salute

2010-07-11T10:01:00.000-04:00

First of Five BASH 2010 Banners In Place

2010-07-10T18:34:00.006-04:00

Friday night, when the only business in Chatham was still open, the Village Pub, the Midnight Banner Erectors found the best place in town for Banner #1. This location is right on the corner of Michigan State Highway #94, as it turns through town and passes where the main event will be held, about 1000 yards down the road. If you don't turn at this corner, you are on you way directly into the Hiawatha National Forest on HO#1. The official name is the Rock River Township Park, but most everybody calls it the Alger County Fair Grounds. I guess a good reason for that, is the first main building says, "Home of the Alger County Fair." . . . da!

This years County Fair will be held a month before our BASH 2010 event and we will have ample time to get everything ready. Met with the Lions Club this morning and everything appears to be under control for their bar permit and the electric sets ups we need for vendors. Everybody seems to ask the same question; "How many people should we plan for when ordering supplies?" If I could answer that question, I should sign up for the "Do You Want To Be A Millionaire" Television show. It is for that very reason that it would be so helpful if those planning to come, would get advanced passes and save money at the same time. You can order on line right here or call our office, weekdays from 8 to 4:30 eastern time, at (906) 439-5111. Our chicks in the office will be excited to help you out.

So besides asking You All to Come to the BASH 2010 "Saluting Our Military," please help us by letting us know you are coming.

2010-07-09T10:37:00.000-04:00

The Reason Behind the BASH-2010 - Sempre Fi!

2010-07-05T11:02:00.002-04:00

3000 vets on motorcycles from across the USA paraded in D.C. the Sunday before Memorial Day, while a solitary, saluting Marine greeted them out on Constitution Avenue... the Marine stood at salute for 3 straight hours, while the parade of roaring bikes kept on coming.... it is held in remembrance of those who've fallen in the military.... the event (or the group) is called Rolling Thunder... George Bush used to meet these bikers before they paraded... the camera is on the Marine a lot... watch his struggles with his emotions, and his struggles with holding that salute... the way he salutes is very touching... his head lowered, his eyes down, in reverence for the fallen... it got to be overwhelming for him...

click on this link to see the video
YouTube - Rolling Thunder 2010 - A Soldier's Vigil

Vets Fought For You - Now We Work For Them

2010-06-29T09:50:00.003-04:00

The video below pretty much sums up one of the major reasons we are have the "BASH - 2010 Saluting Our Military." If we had decided to make a video to promote this event, we don't think we could have made one any better than this one. We know it sums up one of the reasons, and only one however. There are other reasons as well, namely to help address the needs of veterans, who find themselves all but forgotten, in VA Homes and Hospitals. We hope with this event to be able to supply many of the vets needs, from basic bathroom needs, to the need to be remembered as well. They answered the call when we needed them and now we hope we can answer their needs as they are called out.

BASH - 2010 "Saluting Our Military" UPdate

2010-06-27T12:53:00.009-04:00

If you have never been to Alger County Michigan, then there is no better time to come than the last weekend of August. Besides the biggest weekend long music show this county has ever seen, there is sites and scenes that are all within a 20 mile area. . . Casino, Boat Tours, Sport Fishing, many Water Falls, and many routes to ride and wonders to see.

Radio spots will soon be playing on radio stations in Michigan and Wisconsin, spreading the word of this big event. 24 TV spots at being scheduled for a few weeks prior to the event and the Radio Results Network will be offering the last of the lower priced advanced passes at the U.P. State Fair at their booth. After that, the advanced sale of Weekend and Single Day passes will end. Big savings are offered now here on our BASH Page, on the web site, 24/7, or orders can be handled by phone by calling (906) 439-5111. Our office is open from 8 to 4:30 eastern time, week days. While your at it, check out the event T Shirt, where on the web site before the event, they can be ordered in just about any size. After the advanced sale period, there will be shirts available at the event, but sizes will be very limited. Placing an advanced order is the really best way to make sure you are getting what you want and we won't run out.

Event goers will not have to live on beer and wine coolers alone, and will be at standard area bar prices (cheap by most areas) and offered by the area Lions Clubs. There will be excellent food as well; Big Moe's BBQ and Papa Murphy's Pizza have already staked out their spots. Our own Chef Dennis who is featured monthly in the "Just Shut UP & Eat" section of our print magazine will be on hand to create special treats to feast on. Also our own Chef Riley will be on hand for a special Pancake breakfast. We have heard that the Moose Lodge in Munising is planning a special Fish Fry for the Friday Evening of the BASH. It is still early yet, but many more exciting things are in the works.

One of the biggest problems at this time, is to be able to plan on how many people to expect for this new event. That is why it is so important that those wanting to come, and take advantage of the money savings, by ordering passes in advance. We are asked almost every day, just how many people should the suppliers plan for. We can only get a good guess of what will be needed, by everyone that can, helping us by ordering passes in advance.

The bands are contracted, the massive stage, lighting and sound systems locked in. Vendors are signing up and motels are starting to book rooms. This is one of those times that waiting to the last minute, is really not a good idea. The best way you can help make this event a smash success is making your plans early and getting set up.

The area health department has already been by our office and checking to see if we have all our ducks in a row. So far, we are A-OK and working hard to keep it that way. So many things depend on knowing how many people are expected to come. As a start we have ordered a dozen Porta Potties for the main event site, but up to two weeks in advance we can order more if needed. We will be setting the stage up Thursday in the home plate area of the baseball field. The Lions are considering two service bars, one in Left field and another in Right field. In deep Center field will be the path to the Porta Potties and hand washing stand.

Our area near the event for free camping, has turned into big question mark as well. Even in the U.P. we have to follow state laws regarding camp sites and pay fees per the amount of sites. We have to mark out actual sites and provide Porta Potties based on the amount of sites. All this is well and good, but we have to know how many people to set sites up for and what type of camping they need; tent, trailer, bus, etc. Again, please let us know that you are coming and what your needs are, by either sending me an e-mail to, mike@upmag.net or calling in at (906) 439-5111 as soon as you can. This is really important. Also if you want to stay at a motel, then don't wait too long because there are only so many.

Our August print issue will have a complete map of the area, showing where all the action is taking place. We will include the sites of interest as well as recommended ride routes. There will be many routes on paved roads through National Forests and National Lakeshore Parks. If you are not a subscriber and you want just that issue mailed to you, we will send you that issue First Class, when we get it from the printer, for just $6.00. Just call (906) 439-5111 and get on the list.

Well, that is about it for now, but please keep checking back for further UPdates as we learn more. There are many things we have been made privy to, that are really exciting, but it is our policy to not beat the drum about something until it is 100% locked it. One last thing, I came upon a web site today that explains the photo above and worth checking out . . .

http://www.lifeisaroad.com/images/valkcrash/

CBS TV affiliate WJMN Channel 3 New Sponsor

2010-06-16T12:15:00.003-04:00

We have just received an e-mail here at the BASH-2010 headquarters that we thought should be passed along to our followers. . .

"WJMN would be happy to be the exclusive television sponsor for BASH 2010. We will produce a :30 spot and air it a minimum of 25 times in the weeks before the event. . . . Also, we can put up to four sponsor logos (not counting WJMN) on the spot. Please send me those logos as soon you can."

So here we are, going on TV with the BASH 2010, but now we got to find four other sponsors to help us get to the next step. We need to buy any other spots that we need to be on their sister station WFRV-TV Channel 5 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Our goal will be to be able to get on the Packer pre-season games and maybe the Coach's Show.

HINT: We are looking for the other four sponsors to help us do that. Stay tuned and we will soon be finding out how much it would cost to pull this off.

Latest Vendor to Sign UP for the BASH

2010-06-10T13:11:00.003-04:00

We are happy to report that another vendor has joined the fast growing list of companies wanting to be part of the BASH-2010 "Saluting Our Military" event. Eating in good style will not be a problem as we now have an excellent pizza place signed up and this fits in nicely with Big Moe's BBQ and soon to be announced other fine food operations.

Papa Murphy's Pizza will be available, hot and ready to eat right on the event grounds and available for take-out as well. There is much more exciting things coming up soon to be announced, so keep checking this site for the latest up dates. Also mark that calendar now for the last weekend in August with BASH-2010 and start getting ready.

NOT many Sardines in One Metal Can

2010-05-22T11:24:00.003-04:00

Truth can still be stranger than fiction and I have proof to present, to prove this statement still holds water. Actually it involves a metal can that stays mostly underwater. Like another sayings about a fish out of water, a submarine is most vulnerable when it is out of the water as well.

I speak from experience, since I served on submarines for almost six years. My last submarine of three, was the USS Scorpion SSN589 with a home port of Norfolk, Va., but it was rarely there, but most often under the water poking around the Atlantic Ocean and beyond.

Now to get a can opener and see why I said earlier that truth is stranger than fiction. With the top peeled back, we can now see inside the submarine, to see it has about a hundred man crew and of these, three men served as the cooks and bakers for the crew. They provided excellent meals every four hours, seven days a week, often for three months at a time. I was one of those who had the honor to serve these men the best meals we were able to make.

I left what we called "The Boat" in 1964 to get on with my life in other pursuits. As it has turned out, "The Boat" has come back into my life again this year. First in the form of a newly written book called "Scorpion Down," published after forty years of research by the author, now proving that the Russians sank the Scorpion in 1968 causing the loss of life of all hands at sea and how our government, as well as the Russians, covered it all up. At the end of the book is a list of all the crew members. On that list is the father of one of the members of the band called "Red, White and Blues," that will be playing at our "Saluting Our Military - BASH 2010" on the last day of the three day event, Sunday August 29th.

My Lady Robin and I were trying to pick a band for that last day because the other bands are going up to the Veterans Home in Marquette that day, to put on a special show for everybody there. We were trying to pick from three groups that all looked very promising.

One band however leaped out based on the bio info we got from them. The Red, White and Blues Band has an active National Guard member, a Vietnam veteran and the member of the band that contacted us, had never seen his father who was killed serving on a submarine, when he was just two months old. Chills ran up our spines, because this had to be the Scorpion, based on the time frame. YES, we were told, and I asked if he knew what his father did for his duty on the submarine. When he responded that his dad was a cook, Robin and I were both unable to speak for a minute.

If I have to tell you which of the three bands we picked, then you do not understand the depth of camaraderie. Then again, maybe you have never been packed in a metal can with a bunch of guys that after a month can smell like sardines. For us, it became a no brainer . . .

"Semper Ride" -A fast paced, action packed film containing an overall responsible riding theme, instructional material, and mentoring

2010-05-17T09:39:00.001-04:00

NOW FOR A BAND THAT MISSED THE CUT

2010-05-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

We feel it is also important to share with you all, one of the bands that just missed being asked to play at our "Saluting our Military" weekend event. As we can guess at this time, they might only have made an impression with one song, but it is sure to be a classic. The title speaks for its self, "Take My Drunk Ass Home" and as the name implies, only time will tell, if it might have been a theme song for the event. One thing is for sure, if this band had been allowed to play at the BASH 2010, then the Michigan's motorcycle helmet law should be mandatory for event goers. You will see what we mean with their Hit Song Video . . .

LAST BAND SIGNED FOR THE BASH 2010

2010-05-03T20:16:00.000-04:00

Somebody always has to be last, and the band that was picked last for the BASH 2010 will make the Sunday noon to 4 pm spot honorable as they close the show. They call themselves "Red, White & Blues" and they will be coming to us after an impressive list of engagements earlier this summer. May 22 & 23 they will be playing in Green Bay Wisconsin at the Packer's Lambeau field in an event for veterans called "LZ Lambeau."

June 5th they take the stage at the Hitch N Post in Aurora, Wisconsin, then follow that up with the Blaney Park Rendezvous in the U.P. of Michigan on June 18th, before rushing back to Crivitz,Wisconsin to play at the Caldron Fall Bar & Grill. Florence, Wisconsin has them for the Longrider's Motor Cycle Club "Spring Fling" before heading over to Rhinelander on July 3rd at Rocky's Roadhouse. July 17th they come to Kingsford, Michigan again for the UP Hog Wild BBQ and Music Jam and that night they race back to Crivitz, Wisconsin to the Caldron Falls Bar & Grill. August 11, they do the "Bands at Badger" in Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

So they should be pretty well warmed up when they get to our BASH 2010 "Saluting Our Military" event the last weekend in August. Here is what we know about the band members:

Russ "Fingers" Fennick has played bass in several hard rock & metal bands. Russ has traded the black leather and spandex for buckskin and camo, but still won't cut his hair. Now he's back to the roots of all rock and roll holding the bottom end down playing the blues.

Jay “Ernie” Olivares has kept his kids awake while practicing the drums for their whole lives. Now that they’ve grown up and moved out, he keeps us in time by pounding them skins. Really though, Jay has been playing drums since his high school days in Los Angeles in 1964 and played in bands in the Los Angeles music scene, as well as scoring a hit single with The Prophets of Doom out of Escanaba in the late sixties.

Rick "Sugar White" Bailey arrived in the U.P. by driving all the way up from Mississippi on a John Deere tractor and one tank of gas! Rick lives the blues. Rick is an accomplished harp player and singer. Rick draws from life’s experiences and really expresses it in his voice. Rick is a member of the Memphis Blues Foundation and was a judge at the IBC Blues challenge.

Jay "JJ Blues" Davis started the local blues rock band Lone Wolf with his brother Harley in 1997. Since then Jay has played in several local bands, namely SPLIT ROCK with Russ Fennick. Jay plays Fender Stratocasters and is really devoted to the tone and style they present. Inspired by the likes of Hendrix, Trower, Clapton, John Mayer, and other "electric blues" sounds. Jay really hits his groove with the darker side of the music, the drive up and the volume on "11". Jay has a "green book" full of tunes, and enjoys writing and playing blues rock tunes. The original songs performed by the band have been written by Jay.

"Piano Man" Dan Germic started playing guitar as child, 8 or 9 years old. He took lessons for only a few months, then heard the Booker T. classic Green Onions. As the powerful Hammond B3 sound echoed through his tiny transistor radio, he knew then he had to play the organ. Dan talked his parents into trading in his guitar and buy an organ. In his teenage years he listened to the likes of Jon Lord (Deep Purple) and Ray Manzarek (Doors). Growing up in the U.P. he didn't get a chance to hear much classic blues on the radio. It wasn't until his teenage years that he realized that all the bands he really liked, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Foghat, and Eric Clapton, were really just reworking old blues tunes. Then he was was hooked on the real blues. Dan has played with rock/country bands in the Iron River area for several years.

Old Trick in a Big Way

2010-04-28T17:15:00.000-04:00

Often as not, bikers don't need things to be over fancy. We have all seen, and I am sure many have tried, pulling the table cloth out from under a table, set for dinner. I admit that I have tried this, but I will leave it up to you to decide if I was able to do the trick or not. But what we see in this video takes this trick to a whole new level. I would not try this at home, even with adult supervision or even with dishes you got from the GoodWill Store. It reminds me of a card game called 52 pick up I tried to teach my little sister.

With Summer on the way - GET READY

2010-04-28T08:45:00.000-04:00

Summer is right around the corner and if you are thinking of coming to our BASH, the last weekend in August, then it is time to start learning new tricks that could be very helpful at the BASH. Here is a good one we learned from our friend Red Green, who by the way is a friend on our Facebook. What a guy. He rates right up there with Toivo and Eino.

When the Music Stopped...

2010-04-26T17:54:00.000-04:00

(For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters,

the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.)

This is written from a Chaplain in Iraq :

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here in Iraq, 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.

But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier continued to stand at attention.

Suddenly,there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins LSA Anaconda is at the

Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad.

I'm Still Runnin

2010-04-19T18:44:00.000-04:00

I am happy to announce that I just got my paws on the latest CD by Willie Nash called "I'm Still Runnin." I popped it into my Bose player and let the music fill the room. It sure was not hard on the ears and I found my self beating to the music and I am not a big Country fan at all. Willie will take the stage Friday Evening at the BASH and I am sure he will have everybody swaying with his songs. There a nine songs on the CD and I enjoyed all of them and I'm going to download them with my computer, to get them on my I-Phone. He must have learned something down there in Nashville and we are really glad he is going to be sharing his talent with us on August 27th.

The action on stage will be starting at noon on Friday with the posting of the colors on the stage by the Forgotten Eagles and then it will be non-stop action past the mid-night hour. This is the type of event to bring along your own chair, since we will be setting up the stage over home plate at the Fair Ground ball diamond. To play in the infield, you will need to get there early, but the view from the outfield will be great as well. We are not ready to announce it yet, but we understand that we are planning something very special for the people in the outfield, that will put them in the front of the action at times as well.

By this weekend, on our website page for the BASH at www.upmag.net we will have the advanced sales for passes and event T shirts, up and running. Our next monthly print magazine goes in the mail next week and will soon be arriving to stores in northern Michigan and Wisconsin. The new issue has the T- Shirt design as the cover. Please understand that my Lady Robin, and son Jeremy spearhead the newsstand delivery in both states and it takes all month to reach all the stores. We look at it like those that paint the Big Mac bridge, as soon as they are done, it is time to start all over again.

If you will be looking for motels or camp grounds, your best bet is to contact the fine folks at the Chamber and tell them the BASH sent you over. They are putting together information on everything around and can guide you in the right direction. There number is: (906) 387-2138 or e-mail at: ccarberry@jamadots.com They also have a web site at: www.algercounty.org

Near the fair grounds there have been arrangements made for those that want free camping but about as rustic as you can get. hey, but the price is right. The area used to be a golf driving range and they promised the grass will be cut and you are welcome to pick out a spot. We plan to spot some Porta Johns there if we hear people want to use this area. Please call us at the PPP office at (906) 439-5111 or e-mail me at: mike@upmag.net is this type of camping fits your needs and we can make plans for you. Other than that, there are many great camp grounds in the area and the Chamber can help you with that.

Based on what feedback we are getting so far, this looks like it is going to be a fun filled weekend up here in God's Country. Sure hope you all can come up and join us, we only have one 21st Birthday and we have been waiting a long time for this to happen. Next year we will just be older and maybe even wiser, but I would not bet on it. There is talk already about next years BASH.

FOOD - Fit for a King & Queen

2010-04-09T13:41:00.000-04:00

Big Moe’s BBQ

We are excited to report that besides the best music we could get for the weekend BASH, we are now proud to announce we have the top winner in the food department. We are proud to host at the BASH, the 2009 BBQ Champ. 2005 State Champ for Best Ribs & Peoples Choice Kalamazoo. 2004: State Champ Chicken & Best Ribs. 2003 State Champs and Peoples Choice for Pork & Chicken. 2002: State Champ for Ribs & Baked Beans & Peoples Choice Award. 2001: State Champ Chicken, Ribs & Peoples Choice Award and Sponsors Choice. 2000: State Champ Pork.

Menu: Pork Ribs, Pork Tips, Pulled Pork, Chips, Pulled Chicken, Hot Dogs, Red Beans & Rice, Ribbon Fries, Bake Beans, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Soda and Water.

Don't Go NAKED - Order Event T Shirts NOW!

2010-04-07T17:23:00.000-04:00

The latest in Event Fashion is now ready for orders to be taken. Be the first on your block to get one. The Full Color design commands the back of the Hanes preshrunk Black pocket T shirt. On pre-event ordering, the shirts are available in sizes from S to XXXL and at a savings of $10 from the price the shirts will be at the event. Also sizes will be very limited at that time. Minimum order on these shirts for us is 144 shirts, so as soon as we have that amount the first order will go in. By calling our office from 8 am to 4:30 pm eastern time, weekdays at 906-439-5111 we will be ready to handle your order. Also at that time we will start taking advanced weekend and day pass orders that will save considerable amount of money. The whole event includes bands from noon Friday until midnight plus and the same on Saturday, Sunday wraps up with music from noon until 4 pm.

Here is our super great price break down:

Weekend Pass $40.00 (After advance sale period - $50.00)

Day Pass $25.00 (after advance sale period - $30.00)

Event T Shirt $25.00 ( if you want it mailed rather than pick up at event add $7.50 for P&H - MI Residents add 6% sales Tax. ) *at the event these T Shirts will be $35.00 + sales tax.

Order forms will be included in the next issue of UP Magazine and order forms will be on our web site soon. Credit Cards and Checks can be used for advanced sales. At the Gate - Passes will be cash only.

Kimmy Cruz at Arizona Bike Week

2010-04-06T08:49:00.000-04:00

The gal we have been bragging about that will be coming to our 21st Birthday BASH, Kimmy Cruz, along with the Chop Shop Girls, appears to be shooting up Arizona Bike Week right now.

Mark Bradshaw, owner of the Hideaway Grill and an Arizona native, has been in the bar and restaurant business for over 20 years. After riding his Harley to Cave Creek for years, he fell in love with the little town and decided to move there about 17 years ago. He knew Cave Creek was where he wanted to open up his own place. In the fall of 1998 Mark did just that, he opened up his dream bar, The Hideaway Grill, a place where bikers would have a place to ride out of the big city to have a few drinks and grab some grub.

You will find the "almost famous" Kimmy Cruz tending bar at The Hideaway from open-to-close during Arizona Bike Week!

More - Salute to our Military

2010-04-05T17:38:00.000-04:00

The North Country Band

When you have already signed up four great bands for the weekend BASH 2010, it meant that you had better follow through and get a super stage, lighting and sound system. So we did, now The North Country Band - from the Eastern U.P., Donny Hartman - from the Detroit area, Willie Nash from Nashville and The Dan Lawson Band from Cape Cod, MA., will have the best stage and setup we could find for them. Wanderlust Light & Sound from Elk Rapids, MI will be professionally handling that whole operation.

We are also very glad to report the Sgt. Rick Duerson with the Radio Results Network out of Escanaba reports that their group of Radio stations will act as our Sponsoring Radio connection for the Salute to our Veterans event. These are: Magic 97FM, Kool 105.5FM, WCMM 102.5FM, WCHT 600AM, and Cruisin WTIQ 1490AM.

Salute to Our Military

2010-04-02T19:21:00.000-04:00

The excitement of planning this 21st Birthday Bash has been intense from the onset but now it feels like we just broke open the Big Pinata. Besides being our 21st Birthday for the Porcupine Press Publication with the focus being to honor vets and active military, we settled on the theme, "Salute to Our Military" and reached out and found the best band we could to headline this weekend event. Dan Lawson's history in music speaks for its self but many don't know why he is about excited as we are, that his band will be playing at the Bash, It is the mix of a biker event and a support to the military that will bring him to play, since he himself is a Disabled American Veteran. We have known Dan for years and when we contacted him about our event he could not wait to jump onboard.

MEET DAN LAWSON

Growing up in a small Maryland town at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Dan was always around great family musicians, his Uncle Roy Parks was guitarist with Country Music Great "Tex Ritter" that's where he got the "calling." Dan does not just play guitar, his guitar tells a story of passion and soul! Dan's music is a vast mix of Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Funk. He allows the music to speak for itself! Dan is also a frequent performer at all the Major Blues Festivals through out North America such as The Ottawa Blues Festival and the Mont-Tremblant Blues Festival in Montreal Canada. Dan also has performed at "The Legendry Buffalo Chip" in Sturgis, South Dakota with the likes of, Kid Rock, Joe Walsh, Lynyard Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Blue Oyster Cult, and Alice Cooper, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Toby Keith, and Papa Roach. The Dan lawson Band is always a crowd favorite during Sturgis and Daytona Bike Weeks. Dan also performed the National Anthem for former Presidential candidate John McCain.

From an early age the heart of the blues was embedded in Dan. At the age of 16 and with tremendous talent, Dan would sneak into clubs in order to perform with Boston Blues greats such as James Montgomery and Weepin Willie to name a few. He has shared the stage with rock legands such as Mark Farner, John Mayall, Mark Mendoza of Twisted Sister, Matt "Guitar" Murphy formerly of the Blues Brothers, Mike "Tunes" Antunes of the Beaver Brown Band, Chris "Whipper" Layton of "Double Trouble", The 4 Tops, Jr. Walker's All-Stars, The Contours, Bad Company, Styx, R.E.O. Speedwagon, Charlie Farren, Danny Klien of the J. Geils band, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Rick Derringer, John Waite, Jack Blades, Vanilla Fudge, Blue Oyster Cult, Molly Hatchett, John Cafferty, Edgar Winters, Eddie Money, ZZ Top, .38 Special, John Kay, Steppenwolf and Rodger, Charlie, mack and brain of Foghat.

Snow melted and we found the Fair Grounds

2010-04-01T19:25:00.000-04:00

This Saturday will be our first walk through at the Alger County Fair Grounds to get a handle on what we have to work with and see what we will have to get. We also warned Char and Lila at the Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development that we expect a lot of people will be coming for the Porcupine Press 21st Birthday Bash. They are preparing information packets on area camp sites and motels as well as attractions in the area. One of the nicest camping places right on the bay is called City of Munising Tourist Park Campground. If your planning on coming to the Bash and you want a super camp site, then you better give them a call at 906-387-2095 because they say they fill up fast. www.munisingtouristpark.com There are many other nice camp sites on inland lakes as well. There will be limited camping spots at or around the Fair Ground as well.

Besides the scenic ride just to get here for the Bash, there are near by spots of area entertainment as well. Christmas Casino, Pictured Rocks Boat Tour, Charter Fishing, many Water Falls and a lot more. There is no better time than right now to mark your calendar for the last weekend in August to take in all the best the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has to offer and help us party down for our 21st birthday and raise some money for veterans. Our band line up for the weekend is still pending so we are not ready to throw out and names yet. The vendor list keeps growing and bike builders are making their plans to be here.

Area Lions Club members will be hosting our beer tent, so the most important stuff is being taken care of. Oh ya, the girls at the top, those are the Chop Shop Girls who we contacted at the Daytona Bike Week and are coming to do a Bike Washing and will be doing a Kimmy Cruz Chop Shop Fashion Show.

Vendors sign on for Bash

2010-03-19T12:17:00.000-04:00

The list is starting to come together of Vendors signing up for the BIG BASH. Many have stated they plan on attending but information I pass on here on the blog will only relate to confirmed spaces. First completed form and check came in from Horse'n Around Tack Shop from Harrison, MI. They took four spaces to set up their two big tents that will feature; Western hats, ballcaps, decals, jewelry, pocket knives, wind chimes, wallets, leather belts, belt buckles, horse tack, toys, blankets and more. Whitney's Bloody Mary Mix from Marquette, MI is onboard for a vendor spot and her bloody mary mix along with Belvedere Vodka will be the Special Event Drink.

On another note, Kimmy Cruz has informed us that she will not be attending the Bash alone. Along with Kimmy will be The Chop Shop Girls, pictured above and they will be doing Bike Washing and a special Kimmy Cruz's own Fashion Show. There are many more things pending that we will be posting as soon as we have things confirmed.