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Showing results for tags 'bill'.
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wanted to thank all the folks that came to our meet. even though it rained you all made our weekend. the ride to herman yesterday and having you all over for barbeque made the whole thing worthwhile, and like i told alot of folks it got my butt in gear to get some much needed work done around here. linda and i had a great time being with all of you. really had a great group of people here. we love ya'all. bill and linda :clap2:
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i guess alot of folks are already heading this way for the meet everyone be carefull and have a safe trip. i think we are all ready for you. not to late to just fall in and come on. i think we have plenty of food. bill and linda.
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NEW MEXICO VET TUITION: Military veterans and their families will be able to save a little money on college tuition or to attend a vocational school in the New Mexico, even if they don't live in the state. Senate Bill 136, which establishes in-state tuition rates for veterans, regardless of where they live, will go into effect on 1 AUG 09 just in time for the start of the 2010 school year. The legislation was approved by both the state Senate and House of Representatives by a combined vote of 104-0. For a copy of the bill refer to http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site557/2009/0421/20090421_111709_0422SB136.pdf. "Gov. Bill Richardson said, “I'm proud of this tremendous bipartisan effort from our state legislators. Signing this bill into law is a way of thanking our veterans for their service to our country, and thanking their families for their sacrifice when sending a spouse or parent to war." Raymond Harper, a retired Army veteran, said the new law will have an effect on soldiers' decisions of where they will retire. "A lot of active duty soldiers will probably consider something like this when they decide to get out," said Harper, who now lives in Oklahoma City, but was stationed for two years at White Sands Missile Range. "I left (New Mexico) because I was from Oklahoma and that's where I had to go to qualify for in-state tuition. I liked being in New Mexico and would've stayed there. But I knew I was going to go to college after I got out of the Army, and I would have had to then go through all that stuff of establishing residency in New Mexico to get their tuition." Any veteran of the U.S. armed forces will be able to pay the same tuition as people who have established residency in New Mexico. Tuition rates for in-state residents are notably less than what people who live outside of the state would pay. Tuition rates vary among state universities and trade schools. There are more than 100 certified institutions across the state where veterans will be able to use their federal G.I. education benefit. "This is a win-win situation," said state Veterans Affairs Secretary John Garcia. "Veterans and their dependents can attend our fine educational institutions, and the state can be the beneficiary of a G.I. benefit which could be worth up to $30,000 apiece, depending on where they choose to attend." Ray Seva, spokesman for the state Department of Veteran Affairs, said the intent of the bill was to help make New Mexico become a destination state for veterans who want to pursue higher education. There are about 180,000 veterans living in New Mexico of which 30,000 served in Iraq or Afghanistan. [source: Silver City Sun-News Steve Ramirez article 22 Apr 09 ++] RESERVE GI BILL Update 09: The Senate voted 31 MAR in favor of more GI Bill education benefits for National Guard and Reserve members — but that doesn’t mean benefits will increase. By voice vote and with no substantive debate, the Senate approved an amendment to the 2010 budget resolution that adds reserve education benefits to a list of other possible pay increases for service members, veterans and survivors that might be funded by a proposed deficit-neutral reserve fund. The budget plan, S. Con. Res. 13, also says that expanded benefits for disabled veterans in rural areas, as well as concurrent receipt of full military and veterans benefits for disabled retirees and the survivors of people who die of service-related causes, could be covered by the reserve fund. The catch is that the reserve fund does not exist, and there is no guarantee it would be created. Instead, its creation is proposed as a way to keep open the possibility of benefit improvements even when there is no money set aside for them in the Senate’s version of the 2010 budget. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), chief sponsor of the GI Bill amendment, said she is trying to find a way to reset monthly education benefits for Guard and Reserve members because the value, compared to GI Bill benefits for active-duty members, has eroded since 1984, while reservists’ role in military operations has greatly expanded. “Selected Reserve GI Bill benefit rates are simply not reflective of the critical role Guard members and reservists play in today’s military,” she said, noting reserve benefits have increased just 3% a year since the 2001 terrorist attacks. In 1984, when the Montgomery GI Bill was established as the post-Cold War veterans’ benefits plan, Guard and Reserve members received monthly benefits that were 48% of the active-duty rate. Today, Guard and Reserve members using the Montgomery GI Bill receive a maximum monthly benefit of $329, about 25% of the $1,321 a month paid to those with three or more years of active service. The disparity will soon become larger, with active-duty members and veterans of active duty due to get a big boost 1 AUG when the Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect. The new GI Bill promises to cover full tuition plus offer stipends for living expenses and books that should fully cover the cost of attending a four-year public college or university at in-state rates. Guard and Reserve members are covered by the new program if they have been mobilized for 90 days or more since the 2001 terrorists’ attacks, but benefits are prorated based on the amount of service. Full benefits are available only for those who have three or more years of service, or were forced to leave the military because of a service-connected disability, if they are full-time students. Reduced benefits for the Guard and Reserve “sends a very poor message,” Lincoln said. “The rising price of higher education increases, the interest rates on student loans, and the limited earnings ability of those with only high school credentials make educational benefits a primary means of investing in our future,” Lincoln said. “We want to encourage our Selected Reservists to really take advantage of educational opportunities to further their positions in the Guard and Reserve and to ... further their positions in business, in industry and where they are going to be working in our communities.” By getting the amendment approved, Lincoln may have the chance to offer an amendment later this year to other veterans or defense legislation to increase GI Bill payments and be able to say there is money available to cover the costs if the Senate Budget Committee creates a reserve fund with money that is not spent on other benefits. [source: NavyTimes rick Maze article 1 Apr 09 ++] GULF WAR SYNDROME Update 08: A new study of veterans of the 1991 Gulf War suggests that exposure to neurotoxins such as anti-nerve agent pills, insect repellent and Sarin caused neurological changes to the brain. However, brain imaging shows those changes appear to differ depending on what and how much each person was exposed to. The changes also correspond to different sets of symptoms. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southern Methodist University, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dallas performed digital brain scans on 21 chronically ill Gulf War veterans from the same Naval Reserve construction battalion, all of whom had symptoms of “Gulf War syndrome.” According to a study published in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging Journal, previous studies defined three categories of symptoms associated with Gulf War veterans. The three complexes suggest "an overall syndrome with variants," according to the researchers. But they also found the variants depended on what the vets had been exposed to: • Complex 1: mild cognitive problems, such as distractibility, forgetfulness, feeling depressed, and excessive daytime sleepiness. [Associated with troops who had worn flea collars to ward off sand fleas]. • Complex 2: a more debilitating state with confusion and a gross lack of muscle coordination. [Associated with low-level Sarin exposure and anti-nerve agent pills]. • Complex 3: continuous joint and muscle aching. [Associated with insect repellent and anti-nerve agent pills]. In new study, researchers wanted to see how brain blood flow in the veterans changed if they were exposed to a cholinesterase-inhibiting chemical. All the Gulf War exposures (insect repellent, anti-nerve agent pills (pyridostigmine) and Sarin) are such cholinesterase-inhibiting chemicals, and the researchers wanted to see if the previous exposure permanently damaged the way the brain works. Previous studies also had found that some people are genetically less able to process such chemicals out of their bodies, which could explain why some troops exposed to the same chemicals have no symptoms. Research has shown that vets exposed to Sarin gas had a lower volume of white matter than people who had not been exposed, and that their fine motor skills were comparable to someone 10 years older than the exposed veterans. The new study, which the researchers were quick to point out was small, included 11 men with Complex 2 symptoms, five with Complex 1 symptoms, and five with Complex 3 symptoms. For the study, they injected each veteran with saline solution through an IV, then performed a digital brain scan to check cerebral blood flow. Two days later, they used an IV to send 2 milligrams of physostigmine, another cholinesterase-inhibiting chemical, into their systems. Robert Haley, lead researcher on the study, wrote that they expected the brain activity of the exposed veterans to respond differently to the chemical than a control group of civilians did, and they were correct. But they were surprised that the veterans’ brains responded differently to the saline, as well as to the physostigmine, based on which symptom complex they fell into. They differed significantly on baseline blood flow after the saline, with the Complex 2 group having significantly less than the control group. But after the injection of physostigmine, both the Complex 1 and 3 groups had a slight reduction in blood flow in some regions of the brain, while the Complex 2 group had an increase. There were differences in the areas of the deep brain where the researchers saw reductions of blood flow based on which group they were looking at. The findings seem consistent with the “impaired cognition, attention deficits, reduced intellectual functioning, audiovestibular dysfunction and emotional changes” in Complex 1 and 2 veterans, versus the “primary pain and sensory dysfunction” of Complex 3 veterans, the study states. The Complex 2 patterns were similar to those found in Alzheimer’s disease, but were obviously not the same because of the pattern of the symptoms, they wrote. “Our findings further suggest that milder-symptom Complexes 1 and 3 involve different neuropathologic mechanisms from those underlying the more severe-symptom Complex 2,” the study states. “This condition might be appropriately referred to as an encephalopathy — a term for any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure.” They said the brain scans could provide an “objective diagnostic test” for war-related chronic encephalopathic illnesses. [source: ArmyTimes Kelly Kennedy article 1 Apr 09 ++]
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Well, here is a story, with a happy ending, that took 9 months to occur. Last July, Charlie (dragerman) and myself were talking about ordering some parts and accessories for our bikes. We talked about using South Seattle Sports, but we decided on Motor Sports Super Center http://www.motorsportssupercenter.com/ from Alabama. Their prices were very similar to South Seattle. And they had good shipping rates too! So we put together an order for the 2 of us which consisted of Billet Brake Pedal Cover (Me) Billet Shift Peg Covers (Me) 2 Billet Oil filler caps (Both) Tri-bar headlight (Charlie) Billet Carb Covers (Charlie) Billet License frame (Charlie) Front Fender Trim rail (Charlie) 2 Chrome rear brake fluid res covers (Both) Billet Choke knob cover (Charlie) Well we also decided to ask Bongobob if he would take delivery of our parts, and we would go and visit him to collect them to save on international shippin and taxes and duty. (if any of our members work for Canada Customs or CRA please disregard this entire post ) So anyways, they charged my credit card immediately and shipped off the parts that they had in stock. We got everything except my shift peg covers & the carb covers. Which were back ordered. All the parts arrived in short order and Charlie went off to visit Bob, and brought back his and my parts. This was JULY of '08!!! Well, a month or so came and went, but no parts. So I called and spoke to Bill at Motor Sports Super Center (see website addy above) and he apologized for the delay and said he would try to find out what was going on. So a few weeks later I called Bill back, being a bit peeved this was taking so long. I was going to ask for my money back, and I would get my parts elsewhere. Talked to Bill again, and he apologized, and looked up the parts again. The back order date was going to be September. He offered me my money back, without me even asking. I guess we could wait a bit longer. That Bill guy sounded honest (I think it was his southern accent, reminded me of Enos from the Dukes of Hazzard) I called Charlie and told him what was going on. Charlie was ok with the wait, since nowhere else had the parts in stock either Well, September came and went, with no shift peg covers, or carb covers. I was getting a bit worried now, so I figured that I better call again, and get a refund for the parts. I talked to Bill again, and he took another look for the part. He told me that the new ship date was going to be October, but if I didn't want to wait, he would gladly refund my money. He just sounded so darn apologetic, I started to feel bad for buggin the poor guy. I told him I would hold off, and would get them in October. Jump ahead to October - No parts. This really was beginning to annoy me. I mean what kind of business takes 4 months to deliver parts? It was ridiculous, and totally unacceptable. I wanted my money back. So I called Bill at Motor Sports Super Center (website above) and demanded to know what the hell was going on with Charlie's carb covers and my shift peg covers! He apologized again and checked into the situation, Yamaha had again pushed back the delivery date to November! I was not going to stand for this. But something about the way that Bill wanted to refund my money made me pause..(insert pause here) and I thought of the best thing to do, and then it hit me! I knew exactly what to do! I ordered some more parts! Yeah! That will teach him to mess with me!! I put in an order for some brake pads for Charlie and I, and a set of chrome master cylinder covers for me! Bill offered to use the carb cover credit against the new order, but I figured just bill me the whole thing, and I will wait for the carb covers. I mean, it has been 4 months, what will another month be? So our brake pads arrived and my shift peg covers and master cylinder covers. But no carb covers. The winter came, and we put our bikes away for the winter. December, January, February & March all came and went, with no sign of Charlie's carb covers. I called Bill about once a month, just to check on the progress, (I think he started to recognize my voice on the phone) and it seemed that every month Yamaha kept pushing the date back. And everytime he freely offered his apologies, and my money back. It seems that the manufacturer would not make any more parts, without a huge minimum order, I guess Yamaha had to get enough orders to actually go ahead and make them. Yesterday, I thought I would give Bill a call, and find out when Yamaha had pushed the delivery date back to this time. I got Bill on the line, and he was such a happy guy! He had literally just gotten back to the store, from dropping off the carb covers with USPS. He gave me my tracking number!! I was a bit stunned at first, I don't know if I really believed that this day would come! And to make this even better, Bill shipped the parts directly to me, at no extra charge, just to try and make up for the delay, and inconvenience. That is how you can make a customer wait 9 months for a part, and still get him to reccommend your store. The delays were unavoidable, but it was the service from Motor Sports Super Center. I certainly would say, that I can recommend them. If you are in a rush for your parts, I would give Bill a call (1 (888) 880-2277 )though, rather than order though the website, just to be sure he has things in stock. Tell him Sonny from Canada sent you! I think I might have to start calling Bill just to see how he is doing now! LOL!
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wanted to thank raymond and his brother for coming up to the arkansas cushman meet yesterday. you two made my day. and i really mean that. hope to see your brother at my meet in may. bill
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just went on highspeed again. yahoo now i can give you all lots of crap real fast. :clap2: snarley bill
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here it is. why is'nt the state people live in listed with their city under location, i notice most just have a city. then you have to go to their profile to find out where their from. sure would make things easier if states were listed. bill
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I know the rules on Politics but this relates to Motorcycles!! The General Assembly of North Carolina has a bill in the works and it looks like it made to the first reading!!! [House Bill 920, Motorcycles-No Passengers Under Age 16] I don't live in North Carolina, but I have been transporting My son (now age 12) for the last 4 years on the back of our 650 V-Star & as of last year the Royal Star Venture to get him to karate class and to school events and anything else. As soon as he could reach the foot pegs he started riding with me. I like to know just what they plan on doing when someone from out state comes into North Carolina with their kid on the back of a motorcycle? Are they going to make them detour all the way around the state and what if my destination is inside the state? I have the Constitutional Right to Travel and what is legal for me to do in my home state go's with me as I go over state lines.
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just incase anyone needs another excuse to buy a new bike the sales tax will be deductable on your 2009 return it was a last minute addition to the stimulus bill there are restrictions that I'm looking into and will add to this post when I get them from my accountant:dancefool:
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I got new insurance on my bike today. There was a 10% discount if you were a member of group or club. There were about 20-30 to choose from but no VentureRiders.org. Not even an option to write in on that wasn't in the list. Now I'm curious what makes one group better than another? Venturers.org, (for example), was in the list. They have about 5701 registered users. We have 6840 members here. Is it because we don't collect dues or have to pay fees to be members or something like that? Thanks, Bill
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Well the trade has been completed. Trouble is its raining now, co we can't even ride. Oh well. Bill made it, but Mike got rained in. Later
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my riding season is officially open . just got another raise. going to cut my gas bill by 60%. happy day.
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anybody hear from rick lately ? he emailed me when he came back about my seats sent him & email back about doing them & havn't heard anything He is usallly good about replies .hope everything Ok Bill
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hey cindy, i know your out there. not used to all the quite. you okay? check in and let us know. bill
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i was just thinking, i think i deserve an award. this has been one rough road to hoe, being a nice guy, not living up to my name, (snarley bill), being non political, not being offended by wing , crotchrocket jokes, and all the other thinks that really po me. worse than quitting smoking. what does everyone think. haven't i really been good lately? surely you all have noticed. it's the new mr. bill. :clap2::rotf: be nice it is valentines day
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What year did Yamaha start using clear lens on their signal lamps? My 2001 RSV has the amber color & I want to change them out to clear. Thanks for any info you can give. Bill
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okay buddy, i know your lurking. post something so we know your okay. you were here yesterday according to my detective work. so let us know whats new. bill
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wow.......i must say Missouri is impressive when it comes to turn around time on taxes.... I always do our taxes and I filed them tuesday night.....i file electronically and do direct deposit..... both returns were approved by mid day wednesday and ...we already got our refund from the state in the bank this morning !!! Federal should be here by the end of next week. Fastest its ever happened. The best news is......we are getting enough back this year from both state and federal to pay off a bunch of stuff..........and cover that dang bill for the van fix:yikes: which will help our finances tremendously!!! all we will have left is the bike payment and the mortgage ( of course) This is all great for us since the economy is so unstable, especially if you are working for an automaker and dealing with layoffs here and there. For once I can honestly say.............THINGS ARE LOOKING UP !!!!
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well luckily it wasnt the head gasket...........but a rocker arm. Guy said he had never seen one do this...dont ask me what it did...dale could explain still gonne be a high bill........and the battery keeps needing jumped now.....so replace that too a grand will prolly do it..........funny thing is we only owe a grand on it..... Should have it back by the end of the week......will be nice to have my transportation back.....!!!
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time to check in on our special thread and get back to work. see you there bill
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I am looking at 2 headsets the J&M H58154 of/ff and the IMC HSG35u/HSG15. Both inexpensive headsets. One for 3/4 and one for full face helmet. I do limited 2-up but its nice to have when I do. They are both about the same price so was wondering if any one has an opinion either way on which to get. Thanks. Bill
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hey dooder, rosebud ,and any one else in the area, are you coming to probass on jan 24. maybe we can make this a record off season meet and eat. hope to see you there. bill
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well looks like we made it through another year. we had some downs, lost some members, some of the members hit some hard times, others had some very unfortionate events take place, but we have weathered the storm. why? because we are a group of great caring people. you will probably never ever find another group as close knit as the venture riders are. when don put this together he did something exactly right. i doubt if he thought it would turn out to be what it is. thanks don. i just hate to hear people say they are leaving the group because they bought a harley or some other off the wall bike like my lowly gold wing. it just does'nt matter.thats not what this group is about. we are friends and will always be here for each other. we have a great year of many of events coming up and i wish i could make all of them. someday i am dreaming of being like la pryor, a real free spirit. linda, and i hope to see you all down the road next year. happy new year to all of you. your good buddy bill
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i had several events take place that are going to make this a long time coming, great up coming year for linda and me. we hope everyone else has a great 2009, and a very "Merry Christmas". linda and bill predock. aka. mr. & mrs. snarley bill
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hey mike, if your listening in, drop in and let us know how your doing. it may take awhile to remember, but i never forget a friend. i know your lurking. bill
