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5 Biggest Motorcyclist Myths and the Truth Behind Them – Let’s Clear the Air

Melissa Cameron — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:19:58 +0000

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, or know of someone who is, then you are probably well aware of the stereotyping that goes along with the bike. However, if you are just looking into riding, or your loved one is, then you might want to know the truth behind it all.

Motorcycle riders have had to fight stereotyping for years, unfairly actually. I know several people who ride, and I would like to clear the air about a few of them.

Perhaps you know of someone who is thinking about buying a motorcycle, and you want to learn more about what you have been hearing. Read on, to ease your mind about some of these myths.

Myth #1 – Bad to the Bone

The old George Thoroughgood song comes to mind when I think of the most prominent misconception about bikers. There seems to be a feeling among a few that because you ride a motorcycle, especially in large groups, that you must belong to a seedy motorcycle gang.

While there are a scattered few who might fall into that category, the majority of riders are everyday people, like you and I. They come from all walks of life ranging from the assembly line worker to the CEO of a large corporation. I even knew a pastor of a church who loves to ride his motorcycle.

Myth #2 – They Wear Black Leather to Look Cool

Black leather in the motorcycle community is rampant, yes. But, there is a reason for it, other than it looks amazing.

The main reason riders wear leather motorcycle jackets, gloves, boots, and pants, is for protection. It’s the best material available to protect a rider from the pavement, if they happen to meet it unexpectedly.

Also, black is the most common color for leather. Sure they make other colors, but black is universal and common even for non-riders.

So, the next time you see a rider in all black leather, know that it’s mainly for protection, which is why you will notice it even on warm days.

Myth #3 – Bikers are Destructive

For some reason, bikers get a bad reputation of being destructive with property. Perhaps it’s what people see in the movies, or have seen reports on the news about a scattered few who have been in scrapes with the law.

However, I remember overhearing a conversation with someone who owns a hotel in a popular spring break area. Someone asked them if they dread biker week, and the response was enlightening. They had said they would much rather have bikers stay with them, then any other spring break group that comes down.

Their reasoning is because they realize that if they have a nice motorcycle, they usually know how to take care of valued property. They added that they have never had any issues with bikers in the years they have owned their hotel.

As I stated earlier, I know several bikers, and tend to agree with this hotel owner.

Myth #4 – Bikers are Anti-Social

This one can be true, and can be false at the same time. Just like any group of people, you will find various personalities among them. Some might be a loner, while others are very social.

In fact, there are several bikers who rally together for good causes, and go on ‘runs’ for benefits. They do this in packs, not alone. The next time you see a large group of bikes going down the road, it just might be to help cure a disease, or to raise money for a family who is struggling.

So, while they may ride alone at times, they are just like any other group, with many differences between them.

Myth #5 – Bikers are Broke

This is not true, on the whole that is. Sure, some bikers might be struggling financially, but it’s certainly not a given. Quite often a motorcycle is a biker’s second vehicle.

It may be an inexpensive form of transportation, but that doesn’t mean it’s the reason they are riding. Most bikers ride because they love to, and no other reason. In all actuality, if it’s a second vehicle, that probably means another insurance bill, loan payment, and the cost of maintenance as well.

In addition to the cost of the bike, there’s the equipment, such as:

Helmet
Gloves
Saddle bags
Boots
Leather jacket
Heated motorbike jackets

These are all costly items to have and maintain. So, as a hobby, or second vehicle, I wouldn’t consider a motorcycle as a poor man’s ride.

In Closing

I hope I have been able to shake some of these common myths about motorcyclists. What it comes down to, is that they are no different than any other group of people. In most every group, you will see a wide variety of personalities and lifestyles.

About the Author:

Melissa Cameron has written numerous articles offering money saving tips and valuable advice on various topics. She loves surfing the Internet, looking for deals and learning new things. Melissa currently resides in Texas with her husband and 2 children and she has just discovered Twitter.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents of motorcycle riders.

Image courtesy of ocadotony via Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.

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Parenting Link Roundup

Amy LeForge — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:25:19 +0000

Welcome to the January 28, 2012 edition of parenting link roundup. Sue Waters presents 10 Frightening Facts About Teen Drivers posted at Hope cannot change the world posted at Weekly Psyche.

Paul Taylor presents 10 Signs the Sitter Should Fire the Family posted at Babysitting Jobs, saying, “Good babysitters are tough to find and many times a family is forced to fire the sitter who isn’t doing a good job. However, the tables could be turned and the situation may arise where the sitter is forced to fire the family.”

Debbie Denard presents 10 Reasons Our Kids are Not Nearly as Tough as We Used to Be posted at Nanny, saying, “I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard an adult say, we didn’t do that when we were a kid and we lived to tell about it. It does seem that we have become a society of over protective parents.”

Tina Marconi presents How to Know When to Stop Wiping Your Child’s Butt | Babysitters posted at Babysitters, saying, “We’ve heard it our whole lives. Moms everywhere will tell us, mothers never stop being mothers. Long after their children have all grown up, their mission remains. For these steadfastly eternal maternal guardians, we endeavor to share the secret to knowing when their job is done. One job in particular, actually. Here we shall explain how to know when it’s time to stop wiping your child’s butt.”

Patricia Oaklief presents You Make Me So Mad – Part One: When Anger at Your Child is Over the Top | Amigram (Free Online Announcements) Blog posted at Amigram (Free Online Announcements) Blog, saying, “This is a two-part article. Sources, which include child development experts and parents who have struggled with this issue, as well as books parents liked, are listed at the end of each post. All parents get angry. this post helps to tell the difference when anger is over the top. Part 2 gives tips for managing the anger.”

Lisa Belkin presents The 10 Best Countries for Maternity Care posted at Medical Billing and Coding Certification, saying, “In a perfect world, maternity care would be at a similarly excellent level for all moms and babies around the world, but the fact is that some countries just seem to do better than others.”

Kathy Simmons presents 10 Reasons Why Kids Love to Play Candyland posted at Nanny Services, saying, “Candyland is probably the simplest board game that exists. It is made for very young children, and as long as it has been around, young children have been enjoying the fun it provides”

Donna Cullen presents 10 Ways to Find Out If Your Love Wants Kids posted at Top Dating Sites, saying, “Even the happiest couples can run into a serious roadblock when one person wants children and the other doesn’t, but broaching the subject can be sticky. Opening the discussion too soon can make your partner feel like they’re being rushed into very serious commitments, but avoiding the topic for too long can lead to disappointment.”

Barbara Williams presents 10 Signs a Parent is Upset with You posted at Find A Babysitter, saying, “Working as a nanny can be a rewarding and fulfilling job for people who love children. However, getting along with the parents can sometimes be a challenge.”

Madison Miller presents Top 10 Myths that Dupe College Freshman posted at Online Degree.net, saying, “When gearing up for freshman year of college, students and their parents are bombarded with all kinds of “myths” and “tips” about school. Here are some of the most common myths that fool freshman. With this helpful advice, you and/or your child will have piece of mind knowing they won’t be fooled by this bad advice!”

Sara Dawkins presents 7 Home Remedies for a Kid with a Belly Ache posted at NannyPro.com, saying, “Kids have belly aches for all kinds of reasons and not all of them have to do with illness. Sometimes stress or anxiety is to blame. Finding out the basic cause of the discomfort can help in deciding which remedy you want to use.”

Nancy Parker presents 10 Ways to Tell a Child You are Sorry posted at eNannySource, saying, “Communication and trust are the hallmarks of a strong relationship; and, with all due respect to Erich Segal, that means knowing when to say you’re sorry. Sometimes knowing how to say it is even more difficult, especially when it comes to our children.”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of parenting link roundup using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who don’t want to read the entire Internet on their own.

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Purex and Jockey Team Up to Make Sportswear Comfortable

Amy LeForge — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:21:22 +0000

Be sure to check out the end of the post for a special offer from Jockey and Purex!

Did you know that fabric softeners can contain oil which should not be used on performance sportswear and underwear? I had no idea! It turns out that oil can prevent the wicking process, which reduces the effectiveness of the garments.

Jockey has teamed up with Purex and as a result, I got a sports bra and bottle of the new Purex Crystals fabric softener to try out. Jockey sent me their Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra. The fabric is moisture wicking with breathable mesh panels and soft bottom band for comfortable support. There’s also a convenient key pocket right there in the middle, but I’m not so sure I’d ever use that feature. For one thing, I have a bunch of keys on my ring, and for another the idea of a cold piece of metal against my skin sounds…uncomfortable. But that’s me. I don’t like cold.

The bra was very comfortable, although I did struggle a little to get into it. And wow was it ever supportive! EVERYthing stayed completely in place during the workout, if you know what I mean. In addition, I didn’t have to keep adjusting straps while I was on the elliptical machine. As promised, the fabric stayed cool and comfortable for the entire workout. However. Getting out of the bra was very difficult and I was briefly concerned that I’d have to gnaw my way out of it. In hindsight, they may have sent me a size too small.

It wasn’t so tight that I couldn’t breathe, but getting it over my shoulders was difficult and wrestling my way out of it a bit scary. If you buy one for the first time, I’d recommend getting help at the store to be sure you have the right size.

Jockey’s Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra is machine washable AND dryable, which is another plus in my book. In a house of 6, I’m not always the one doing the wash and it’s nice to not have to worry about a garment getting ruined accidentally by a ‘helper’.

I also tested out Purex Crystals fabric softener. I received a small sample last year at BlissDom, but hadn’t tried using them. I hadn’t understood the oil thing, so just kept on using my usual softener. Now I know to use the crystals for athletic wear and underwear in particular.

The crystals go right into the washing machine with your clothes, not into your usual dispenser. We got a large bottle of the Tropical Splash scent, and the smaller bottle I got last year was the Lavender Blossom scent. I prefer the lavender, but I’d like to try the blue Fresh Spring Water before making a final decision. When you get the wet clothes out of the washer, the smell is super strong. I was a little concerned, but by the time the clothes were dry they smelled very nice without being overwhelming.

Purex Crystals fabric softener did a good job of softening the laundry and managed to keep static cling to a minimum with everything but loads containing polar fleece items. I also noticed a bit of static on loads that were dried longer. The amount of lint produced by the dryer was lower than my usual softener produces. So overall I’m very pleased with the product and plan to pick up a bottle the next time I’m at the store.

In case you haven’t clicked yet, you can get a 20% off coupon on your Jockey purchase just by clicking the Sports Bra link. And! Come back tomorrow to enter to win a super prize from Purex and Jockey!

Earnest Parenting: helping parents wash their sportswear safely.

FCC Disclosure: Jockey and Purex provided free samples of their products so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own. Especially the part about gnawing off the bra.

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Parenting Link Blog Carnival, December 2011

Amy LeForge — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:03:38 +0000

Good Saturday, heroes! Today is the last Saturday of the month and we’re trying a new blog carnival here at Earnest Parenting. There are so many parenting resources on the web that it’s hard to keep track. This new Parenting Link Blog Carnival aims to collect some of those gems and present here to you. Enjoy!

Welcome to the December 30, 2011 edition of parenting link roundup. Toni presents Step out of your comfort zone to grow his world posted at Wifely Steps.

Yosef presents Smokey Chipotle 15 Bean Veggie Burgers posted at This American Bite, saying, “When I am cooking, I make sure my almost-two year old can eat the dish we’re planning to enjoy. He eats a dairy-free diet, and we have never fed him processed food. He loved these burgers, and they will be a regular in my kitchen!”

Maureen Denard presents 10 Ways to Deal with a Child Biting Your Child posted at Find A Nanny, saying, “Biting is usually a cry for help from a child. For whatever reason, that child doesn’t feel like they have any other way to ask for what they need so they bite out of frustration.”

Sara Dawkins presents 10 Reasons Why Hiring a Nanny Pays For Itself posted at NannyPro.com, saying, “For some, the word “nanny” is associated with wealth. The truth is, there are many wonderful and qualified nannies in the workforce today whose salary is less than that of a traditional daycare’s fees.”

Abby Nelson presents 10 Challenges for the Nanny of a Non-working Mother posted at Nanny Classifieds, saying, “Working mothers aren’t the only ones who hire nannies to do in home childcare. There are an amazing number of mothers who are not earning an income, in or outside of the home, who still employ nannies for childcare.”

Jessica Jackson presents 10 Reasons Why Farmers’ Markets are Better than Supermarkets posted at Summer Nanny Jobs, saying, “Summer and fall are a time when farmers’ markets are operating in most cities and towns. A good farmers’ market makes for better shopping experiences, and usually better eating for your family.”

Suzanne Cullen presents 10 Reasons Kids Shouldn’t Drink Coffee posted at aupair, saying, “Adult coffee drinkers are most likely already familiar with the potential side effects of its consumption, particularly the caffeinated variety.”

Sandra McAubre presents 10 Steps to Hiring the Perfect Nanny posted at Hire a Nanny, saying, “Hiring the perfect nanny doesn’t need to be as daunting as it may appear at first. For one thing, “perfect” is relative; no two families will define their ideal candidate in exactly the same way.”

Jane Jasko presents 6 Important Things to Know About Basal Body Temperature posted at Ovualtion Symptoms.

Roxanne Porter presents 10 Reasons Robots Make Terrible Nannies posted at Nanny Jobs, saying, “Maybe I’ve been watching too many reruns of The Jetsons, but the idea of using robots more in our daily lives just made sense. Weren’t we supposed to be the Jetsons by now? At least that’s what I always figured back when the show was new.”

Jennifer Saksa presents Put A Time Limit On Kids’ Computer Use posted at NCH Software Blog, saying, “Verity’s Parental Controls allowing parents to set time limits on computer usage by the day of the week, time of day and more.”

Molly Cunningham presents Why Didn’t I Get Invited Mommy? posted at Live-In Nanny, saying, “This question is one that I hope you never get asked. It is truly heart breaking to see a little of the innocence of your child erode before your very eyes. As a parent you can’t or you shouldn’t be blunt about this answer, especially if your child is young.”

Tina Marconi presents 5 Reasons Why CPR Training is Important for Sitters | Babysitters posted at Babysitters, saying, “You may think that CPR training is not important for a babysitter, who is only going to be taking care of kids for a few hours at a time. This is far from the truth. CPR training is very important for babysitters to have, no matter how infrequent their babysitting jobs and how short the time is that they are in care of the children.”

Hannah Anderson presents 10 Top Questions a Nanny Needs to Ask About Her Living Quarters posted at Full Time Nanny, saying, “Nannies are sometimes surprised at what their families provide as living quarters for them. Usually, it is a pleasant surprise. Families generally do their best to make their nannies as comfortable as possible.”

oilhand99 presents How to Prepare for a Winter Storm or Blizzard posted at Trees Full of Money, saying, “Don’t let an impending winter blizzard or snow storm jeopardize your family’s safety, security and comfort this winter! This article describes many helpful tips and strategies to ease the burden a violent winter storm (or other impending emergency) can have on your family.”

Paul Taylor presents 10 Safe Items to Use for Teething Babies posted at Babysitting Jobs, saying, “Any parent knows that teething babies can be really cranky. The sore, swollen gums are a source of anywhere from mild to severe discomfort and can last for weeks or months.”

Nancy Parker presents 10 Safe Uses of Alcohols for Kids posted at eNannySource, saying, “Many parents are concerned about exposing their children to alcohol and carefully monitor products they come in contact with. What most people don’t realize is that there are many different forms of alcohol that are used in common household items and even food.”

Joe Morgan presents 5 Bad Habits About Money Kids Learn From Their Parents. posted at Simple Debt-Free Finance, saying, “We teach our kids many lessons in life, and they are not always intentional. Here are 5 bad habits parents teach their children about money. Maybe we would all be less inclined to pass these habits on if we were aware of them in the first place. ”

Lindsay Samuels presents 10 Reasons You Should Run a Background Check on Yourself posted at Nanny Background Check, saying, “Most people live in blissful ignorance of what kind of information is available to anyone who wants to run a background check on them.”

Tony Howarth presents Choking Children – your biggest fear? « My CPR posted at My CPR, saying, “First in a series of posts regarding this topic. Covers signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention. The last post has an eBook covering all the information (and it’s free) for people to download.”

Steven Chang presents Is Soy Milk Better For Your Child? posted at Gagazine: Parenting Advice & Pregnancy Tips.

Rick Schiano presents Love Your Children posted at Ricks Victory Blog.

Kathy Simmons presents 10 Biggest Nanny News Stories of 2011 posted at Nanny Services, saying, “The holiday season and year’s end is a natural time for reflection. As we scan through our files, it seems to us that 2011 was a fairly busy year for nanny news.”

Debbie Denard presents 9 Most Common Household Poisons posted at Nanny, saying, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional poisoning results in almost 82 deaths per day in the United States, and an additional 1,941 emergency room visits.”

Fred Lee presents How to Avoid Unnecessarily Medicating Your Kids to Get Some Holiday Peace posted at Parenting Squad.

MaryLou Walston presents 10 Pitfalls of Getting a Loan from a Relative | PersonalLoans.org posted at Personal Loans, saying, “Have you ever been in a position where cash is so tight that you need a loan to keep yourself afloat? You will probably be in such a place one day even if you have not been there already. When you do get there, you may be strongly tempted to borrow money from a relative because you think your family will offer generous loan terms. However, you should think twice before asking a relative for a loan. In fact, there are ten major pitfalls when it comes to getting a loan from a relative.”

Melissa Rothstein presents Debunking the Myths about Special Education Costs posted at Comments on: Is there a future with a career in Mathematics?, saying, “A large majority of Americans hold false beliefs about the true cost of educating children with disabilities, despite numerous statistics and studies that debunk the myths. Perpetuated by media reports and opponents of the federal act, naysayers deride the Congressional legislation as a drain on precious educational resources.”

Andy Hayes presents Children and Passport Information | eTourism Insight posted at eTourism Insight, saying, “Planning on traveling abroad with a child? Get the facts on the travel documentation you need.”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of parenting link roundup using our carnival submission form.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who want the best of the web.

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Attorneys Needed to Study Child Abduction

Amy LeForge — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:54:28 +0000

The big news story locally this past weekend was that of a 2 year old girl who disappeared along with her father. After the Amber Alert went out, the father and his car were found, but not the little girl. He’s in custody, she’s not. Family is on the news begging for clues and help. It’s an awful situation all around.

According to the I CARE Foundation, as many as 100,000 American children can be internationally kidnapped and taken abroad in the next ten years. That’s a scary big number. Many of those children will be taken by a parent who is estranged from an American spouse.

The I CARE Foundation’s primary mission is to conduct research in the area of child abduction, publish their findings, and use those findings to educate people about this issue. In addition, they plan to pursue new child abduction prevention laws.

If you’re qualified to help in this effort, please contact I CARE for more information.

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