Hey,
I want everyone to have a magnificent holiday season. This news column says it all from romance, to the freedom fight, to the need for truth.
It says the holiday spirit, from gift giving, to warm and family joy. What could be better.
Let’s hit it:
Click for all the info...
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including:
Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
UNDER SIEGE WARNING-- Huge network of Chinese fake accounts set up to disrupt, US and India 2024 polls exposed
In a recent quarterly threat report released by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, it was revealed that Meta has successfully dismantled a large network of over 4,700 fake accounts originating from China. These accounts, pretending to be Americans and Indians, were actively involved in disseminating misleading information on divisive topics related to US politics and US-China relations as well as Indian politics.
While Meta did not explicitly tie the profiles to Chinese officials in Beijing, the company expressed concerns about the surge in such networks originating from China, especially with the approaching 2024 US elections. According to Meta, China now ranks as the third-largest geographical source of such deceptive networks, trailing behind Russia and Iran.
The deceptive Chinese network, as outlined in the report, engaged in a variety of topics such as abortion, culture war issues, and aid to Ukraine. The accounts utilized profile pictures and names stolen from legitimate users worldwide, sharing and liking each other’s posts. Notably, some of the content appeared to be directly copied from X, formerly Twitter.
In addition to the large Chinese network, Meta also uncovered two smaller networks—one from China focusing on India and Tibet, and another from Russia posting primarily in English about the invasion of Ukraine and promoting Telegram channels.
In a notable development, Meta highlighted that the US government ceased sharing information about foreign influence networks with the company in July, following a federal ruling related to a First Amendment legal case. This decision is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, contributing to the broader debate about the collaboration between the US government and tech companies and its potential impact on the free speech of social media users.
READ FULL ARTICLE AT
https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/under-siege-huge-network-of-chinese-fake-accounts-set-up-to-disrupt-india-us-2024-polls-exposed/ar-AA1kWTk9
--Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet.com™
POSSIBLE BOOK GIFT FROM VELOCE PUBLISHING--
Pontiac Firebird The Auto-Biography
— New 4th Edition — by Marc Cranswick
A new, enlarged and updated fourth edition of THE Firebird book – now available WORLDWIDE!
Updated and enlarged fourth edition of Marc Cranswick’s complete model history of General Motors' upmarket F-body variant. Featuring a new foreword – and five new sections – written by legendary Firebird designer John Schinella, plus 128 new photos and 24 extra pages, Cranswick brings the Firebird legend to life in even more glorious detail.
Over a 40-year period the Pontiac Firebird earned a unique place amongst speedy American domestic cars, and what began as just another contender in the pony car race, ended up a true American classic. The Firebird’s tale is a reflection of the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era: V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s, and even a Super Duty four banger. If there’s a performance avenue to be explored, then the Firebird has been there.
Popular in the sales charts, the Firebird has also been high profile both in television and movies, cementing its legendary status in pop culture and beyond. From the go-faster 1960s, gas mileage- and pollution-controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s, the Firebird was always there. This is its story.
Close attention is paid to both regular models and high level variants such as Formula and Trans Am, and an appendix featuring model highlights from the Firebird’s 35 year span details the specifications and statistics covering sixteen notable models, from the 19671/2 Firebird 400 Coupé, to the 1999 30th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am Convertible. Revealing all aspects of the Firebird story, from social, to economic and beyond, Cranswick shows how Pontiac made the Firebird unique.
Enlarged and updated fourth edition of the definitive Firebird book
Foreword and five new sections by Firebird designer John Schinella
Features 128 new images and 24 additional pages
Tells the 'twin origins' of the Firebird story – performance and style
Charts model development and appeal over its lifetime
Detailed model and variant descriptions throughout
Stunning photography, plus reproductions of advertising and marketing literature
Appendices cover model highlights, Firebird clubs, and resources for specific models
PRICE: £35 UK • $50 USA • $65 CAN
SKU V5804 FORMAT Hardback • 25x20.7cm • 232 pages • 400 pictures
ISBN 9781787118041 UPC 636847018047
DAV HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS— NEW CAREGIVERS PROGRAM
DAV is excited to announce the launch of its latest innovation – the DAV Caregivers Support program. The program allows veteran caregivers to access online resources and risk screening to better understand their role as a caregiver.
BE PART OF A LARGER TEAM AND MISSION
More than a million veterans have joined DAV — for a million different reasons. Join now before fees increase in 2024!
JOINDAV.ORG
"All veterans should be members, most helpful." -- Bandit
Click to Join!--House of Representatives Votes to Defend Internal Combustion Engines
Wednesday, the U.S. House Of Representatives passed H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 (CARS Act). The CARS Act is a bill designed to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from instituting emission standards that force manufacturers to produce more electric vehicles, thus limiting consumer choice.
The final vote on the bill was 221 to 197. 216 Republicans and 5 Democrats supported the bill, authored by Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, the co-chairman of the House Motorcycle Caucus.
After his introduction of the CARS Act, Representative Walberg said, “The Administration cannot continue to create regulations that limit consumer choice, hamper mobility, make vehicles more expensive for families, and cede America’s auto leadership and jobs to China.”
H.R. 4468 is the second bill in 2023, passed by the U.S. House, that pushes back against the attack on internal combustion engines. In September, the House passed H.R.1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. That bill limited individual states from making their own rules on emissions. Recently, California and like-minded states have been using a federal exemption to pass laws that would constrain the sale of internal combustion engines. H.R. 1435 would put a stop to that exemption.
The passage of the CARS Act shows that some members of Congress are concerned about the rush to eliminate the internal combustion engine. Thank you to all the members of the House who voted to protect consumer choice!
Both bills now await action by the U.S. Senate. If you have not already, click on both links below to support the Senate bills that aim to protect your right to choose the type of engine you want.
S. 3094 - Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023
S. 2090 - Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act
Advertisement
PANHEAD OF THE WEEK—
A 1949 Panhead by Bobber FL motorcycles.
--Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
Sign up for email alerts. It's free and easy and we will never hit you up for anything.
What the hell Gov?--Wyoming Governor Backs Out of Debate
On November 10, 30 members of the Wyoming legislature and the secretary of state sent a letter to Republican Governor Mark Gordon. In it, they challenged the governor, "joined by our allies, the scientists of the CO2 Coalition", to debate his proposal to turn the Cowboy State "carbon negative."
The governor initially accepted the challenge but on November 21, reneged on his agreement, formally backing out of what would have been a landmark event.
Come on Gov. You can handle it...
Our press release issued after the governor's withdrawal can be reviewed here and my commentary about his refusal here: Gordon Was Standing Tall in the Saddle Until He Backed Down.
--CO2 Coalition
Order Greg's book and learn the facts. Click on the image.
This is one of those rare customs...--New issue 96. (And some seasonal discounts!)
Scotty Dettwiler makes some beautifully fabricated parts and motorcycles under his shop's moniker 'Junior's Hand Made'. This '78 Shovelhead chopper was hand-built from the frame upwards and won a couple of awards at last summer's Born Free show. And it's on the cover of our new issue 96.
If you're still looking for a cool gift for the biker in your life, or want to treat yourself this Christmas, don't forget our 2024 calendars are still available – and check out some of the discounted items in our collectibles cupboard!
THANK YOU for your support over the years. Season's greetings to you all – we wish you a prosperous and peaceful 2024!
BEWARE THE MASK--Higher Incidence of COVID-19 Found Among Consistent Mask-Wearers: Study
Some mask wearers were found to have up to 40 percent higher incidence of infection, contradicting earlier studies and opposing the narrative of mask mandates.
People who wore protective masks were found to be more likely to contract COVID-19 infections than those who didn't, according to a recent Norwegian study.
The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection on Nov. 13, analyzed mask use among 3,209 individuals from Norway. Researchers followed them for 17 days, and then asked the participants about their use of masks. The team found that there was a higher incidence of testing positive for COVID-19 among people who used masks more frequently.
Among individuals who “never or almost never” wore masks, 8.6 percent tested positive. That rose to 15 percent among participants who “sometimes” used masks, and to 15.1 percent among those who “almost always or always” wore them.
--Epoch Times
QUOTE OF THE WEEK--
"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given the chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life." --Bette Davis
from Epoch Times
Click for the answers.
I spoke to Berry Wardlaw this morning. We are working out something to get the Assalt Weapan “World’s Fastest Panhead” on the salt once more.
The following is on Berry’s Facebook page,
“This morning I had the great pleasure of speaking on the phone with the Big Boss. He said to me, ‘"Berry, come get the Assalt Weapon and get your butt back to Bonneville. Oh, and Berry. Don't come back without another record".’
No pressure. I will be hawking my wares for race funds. T-shirts, caps, etc. SPONSORSHIPS GREATLY APPRECIATED!! Videos soon to follow. Vroooom!!
We have some plans for next year and I will contact him about getting involved in covering this and whatever else I can do to help.
--Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
HARLEY MUSEUM HOLIDAYS—With photos from the Black Bear Brand from Sam Burns.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is a hub of holiday fun this month
Breakfast with Santa, a NYE party at MOTOR and special offers – including free admission for Milwaukee County residents – make this a December to remember.
There’s no place like the Harley-Davidson Museum for the holidays. The campus is lit and is ready for the arrival of St. Nick for Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 10 & 17). The shelves at the Harley-Davidson Shop and the H-D Factory Outlet are packed with goodies for those who made the “nice list” (and maybe even those who’ve been a little bit naughty).
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant has a sleigh full of fun holiday specials – including a Hawaiian-themed New Year’s Eve bash – to keep you in a jolly mood (did someone mention the Rum Rum Rudolph cocktail?). And there’s even a new custom bike on display that’s recently been unwrapped.
But in the spirit that it’s often better to give than receive, the H-D Museum is looking to provide a holiday gift for our amazing neighbors, friends and family who have supported H-D for more than a century and made this summer’s inaugural Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival a roaring success.
Join us on New Year’s Eve (12/31/2023) when all Milwaukee County residents will receive free admission to the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum.* The orange-carpet treatment extends over to the Harley-Davidson Shop where your purchase of $25 or more includes a free hat (while supplies last) and on to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant where county residents can score free Clock Shadow Creamery Cheese Curds with the purchase of a beverage, too (one per table). Does it get any more Milwaukee than that?!
If you’re looking to pay it forward this season, consider donating one of life’s most precious gifts on Dec. 12 when the H-D Museum partners with Versiti for a holiday blood drive. All attempting donors will receive a ticket for free admission to the H-D Museum along with a coupon for 10% off in the H-D Shop, a free ice cream sundae at MOTOR as well as a Versiti 2024 calendar (while supplies last).
Finally, don’t forget: We want you to be a part of the H-D Museum’s 15th Anniversary celebration. It’s your last chance to score a four-pack of general-admission tickets online for use on the 15th of this month (12/15/2023) for only $15! These four-packs are on-sale now and advance online purchases are required to visit on the 15th of December. Same-day purchases are allowed.
Visit
H-DMuseum.com for details. It's the perfect time to check out the recently opened special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” and see custom builds and art fresh from the show floor.
Please take note of holiday and seasonal hours:
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Please also note that aside from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant (which will remain open seven days a week) and private events hosted by 1903® Events, the H-D Museum™ campus will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February of 2024.
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 10 & 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa tradition! Bring the kids down to the Harley-Davidson Museum for a special MOTOR breakfast with Santa! In this annual tradition, parents and children get the opportunity of a lifetime as they saddle up next to Santa on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Our full brunch menu will be available.
Space for the event is limited and reservations are required.
Call (414) 287-2778 to make a reservation.
BONUS! Brunch guests will receive a ticket voucher for free Museum General Admission for children (ages 0-17) following your meal with Santa. Plan ahead and make a day of it! (One adult ticket purchase required.)
Group bookings are available for 2-50 guests. Call 414-287-2799 or email
groups@h-dmuseum.com for reservations. Check out the tour calendar for public tour availability, too.
MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” (on display now)
The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show and adjoining Flat Out Friday races are a bright spot in the dead of cold, Wisconsin winters. The show has amassed an army of followers and fans that give the weekend its signature style: People are the heart of the show; the bikes are the social lubrication. The Harley-Davidson Museum’s special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together,” focuses on the builders, the racers and the fans that gather over a bike or a brew.
A riot of bikes await you: outrageous custom bikes, lovingly restored vintage machines and one as rare as hen’s teeth – 1929 FHAC with FLXI Sidecar Factory Racer. Don’t come alone; bring your crew. That’s what Mama Tried is about, after all.
“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine.
