Drag racing New Year?

HangoverFest 2007
Monday, January 1st, 2007, Cordova Dragway Park

HangoverFest 2007

Gates Open – 10:00am
Racing Underway – 11:00am
Race or Watch only $10
Trophy Class $20
$1 Bloody Mary’s (for those not in competition and 21 and over)
Free Asprin at the gate plus a special door prize (while they last)
Concession open in the heated “Interstate Batteries Cafe”

This year’s event will continue the New Year’s Day tradition of Drag Racing with a new twist. One of the most popular online magazines, Dragracingonline.com will sponsor the event. Trophies will be given to those who are out of the ordinary at Cordova on New Years Day. The special awards called DRAGRACINGONLINE.COM “HANGOVERFEST” WACKY AWARDS will be distributed for the following categories:

Worst Appearing Vehicle, Best Appearing Vehicle, Quickest Motorcycle, Quickest Open Bodied Vehicle, Oddest Vehicle (Hearse, Company vehicles, Semi, Bus, Etc) and the Oldest Driver Award.

“Jeff Burk from Drag Racing Online called and said they wanted to be involved in the HangoverFest and do something for the participants” said Track Operator Scott Gardner. Their on-line magazine is awesome and we appreciate that they care about people just having a good time” continued Gardner.

Gates open at 10 AM on Monday, January 1, 2007 for the HangoverFest with racing underway at 11 AM. “We normally race no matter how cold it is” said CDP’s Tazz Hines. “Maybe we will get lucky and temperatures will be higher than freezing.”

———Addendum————-

Looks like rain or shine we won’t be there this year. I had a trial run at a friend’s place and the posi’s making some noise around 100 mph. Don’t think it’s anything serious, but I don’t want to chance having to get towed back from Cordova. There’s always next year.

Gone

Saddam is dead. Go here for the story. He has been executed. Makes me think if that’s how our death penalty worked we’d have fewer jerks running around killing people.

Gangs in our state

Here’s one more post about gangs. This one will tell us what we’re up against.

The following is a list of gangs known to be active in Iowa, including prison gangs. That is followed by a detailed list of gangs active in Iowa and Illinois.

From the Gangs Or Us website, Gangs in the United States

Iowa

Black Gangster Disciples, Black P Stones, Crips, El Rukns, Four Corner Hustlers, Gangster Disciples, Insane Vice Lords, Ku Klux Klan, Latin Kings, Skinheads, Vice Lords
Gangs in Prison- Arizona Aryan Brotherhood, Aryan Brotherhood, Black Gangster Disciples, Crips, Dirty White Boys, Latin Kings, Vice Lords.

From the MILNET website; Hispanic Gangs 3/17/2005-

Some of the gangs listed are involved in our area; they are-

Abbr-Norte
Full Name- La Nuestra Famila
Description- Established in 1960s at Soledad Prison, to protect inmates from the Mexican Mafia, a prison gang of mostly southern Californians. As the original members were released from prison, they began recruiting members into their street gangs. Due to the rivalry with the Mexican Mafia, there may be a link to or this is just another name for Nuestra Familia or the Norteños States with major activity-California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina

Abbr-LK
Full Name- Latin Kings The Almighty Latin Kings (and Queens)
Description- Puerta Rican Immigrants, formed in 1940s. Today is one of the largest latino gangs and is found in most major cities of the states listed, coast to coast, north and south. Today the population is mostly Mexican, however, the spectrum includes Spanish, Caribbean, Latvian, Italian, Portuguese, or South American. 1980’s, Felix Millet and Nelson Millan, two inmates in the Connecticut prison system, created the Almighty Latin King Nation of Connecticut. In 1986, Luis Felipe, calling himself King Blood, took the Connecticut King Manifesto and added a few of his own writings and prayers. He formed the Almighty Latin King Nation of New York State at the Collins Correctional Institution. He was serving a lengthy sentence for attempting to kill his live-in girlfriend. Within a few years, the Latin Kings spread through the New York State Prison system and onto the streets. New York City, by the early 1990’s had several hundred members which grew into the thousands throughout New York State and nearby New Jersey by the mid 1990’s. Today the group has a wide latino population, and retains a high percentage of illegal immigrants. The actual numbers of illegals is not known, however, due to sanctuary policies in many of the cities in which they prey.
States with major activity- Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin

Abbr-NF
Full Name Norteños Northerners
Description- Organized in Folsom Prison in 1968, later became a loose organization of north and south memberships — i.e if you lied north of Bakersfield you were a northerner and when you went to prison you would join the northern prison gang, if you lived south of Bakersfield you were a Sureno, a southerner and that would be the prison gang you joined when you went to prison. Notice the inevitability of going to prison, these are not garden clubs. The Nortenos associate themselves with the number 14 (the letter N is the 14th letter), 4 dots in a tattoo, and will invariably call themselves a family (“Nuestra Familia” or La Nuestra Familia). Today the group has a wide latino population, and retains a high percentage of illegal immigrants. The actual numbers of illegals is not known, however, due to sanctuary policies in many of the cities in which they prey.
States with major activity- Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington

Abbr-MM
Full Name- Sureños Southerners – Also known as the Mexican Mafia.
Description-Formed by Rodolpho Cadena and Joe Morgan in the correctional facility at Tracy, California. They prison gang became the most powerful in the prison system and as members were released from prison they began to recruit in their home locals. When prisoners who were members of the Mexican Mafia were released they formed the Surenos gangs on the outside. Chief Rivals are the La Nuestra Familia (Northern Familes). Today the street gangs “graduate” to prison and become members of the Mexican Mafia. The Surenos control much of the illegal prison activities in the prison systems of nearly every state in the union. The members may be found wearing a MM tattoo or SUR for Surenos. They also may refer to other chapters as being part of Le Eme (The M). In the last few decades, conflicts with Black prison gangs has led to a loose alliance (for mutual protection) with such unusual partner as the Aryan Brotherhood a white supremacist prison gang and domestic terror group.
States of major activity- Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington

People nation

People
Some gang names: Bloods, Kings, Counts, Vice Lords, TMV’s, TMC’s.
They dress to the right.
Symbol: Pitchfork turned down, also, a 5 point star which stands for love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.
Predominant colors: red, black and white.
Latin Kings use a 3 point crown which is usually black and gold, or just black.
They are called Slobs by Folk.
When tagging they always cross out the “C’s” (for “crip”) and X out the “O’s” (for rolling).
The structure of the beads are as follows:
They are red, white and black.
All red beads mean simply: gangster.
Multicolor beads alternating six of each means your moving up in rank.
Multicolor beads means that you have killed someone.
Red and black beads mean your a Vice Chief.
Black and white beads mean your a Chief or retired.
The Vice Lords use the colors of black and white.
Counts and Kings are from the same sect, but they are rivals. This is unusual since they are from the same sect.
Dealing with gang members; this is taken from the website listed below. It is at the bottom of the webpage and quoted as written.
How to treat a gangster? Treat them with kindness and respect and they will treat you the same way. It is all about respect. If you have a problem with them, you will accomplish more by talking nice to them and trying to get them to see your position than by being rude, disrespectful, or intimidating.
Remember that the “Real Gangsters” do have standards they live by. Their code of ethics are: Never mess with small children, old people, religious people, or innocent people. It is the “scavengers or wannabes” that act without remorse or guidelines in most cases. I have found that for that reason, the hardcore gangsters are willing to work with people like myself to get these scavengers out of the gang life. They have a tendency to cause more trouble and attention than they are worth.
Gang activity is more rampant in cities that have highway access; thus making it easier to escape from the police after committing a crime; etc.
no gangs

————————————–
Addendum-

Since we’ve gotten some comments that some information in this post is wrong, we thought we’d post some of the comments here. Although we try to research these things closely, some
commenters feel that the information is wrong. These comments have been edited for space, but are in the comments in their entirety.

joe commented- kings and latin counts hate each other.

LCA Stonez commented- Bloods are not part of the people nation, and they had no involvement in forming the 5 nation (people nation). The crips are not folk nation. And that the 5 nation has between 30-50 different gangs most with different colors. Basically- 5 nation bangs (has indentifiers) on the left, bloods on the right.

dc commented- I am a member of the insane mafia vicelords. The vicelords are an orginization formed in the 50s, and the crips and bloods were the 60s. They had nothing to do with our orginization. We also prefer to be called an orginization, not a gangs. And to the person above
there are not 30 to 50 gangs in our nation. Dc Cain

tj commented- first off kings and vice lords do get along. kings and lords usually click up to fight the sixers also known as the two six and blood are with 5 nation. Bloods are not in the peoples at all.

Before we did this post we check with 6 different websites of good reputation on the subject, and talked to the local gang unit in our police department. All agreed this information was correct at the time of posting, to the best of their knowledge. Due to some of the comments we will look into this again and perhaps do another post.

So, if we can come up with information that most agree with, we’ll do a new post with the new information. If we can’t get enough verification, we’ll hold off on the post until such time as we can.

Folks

Folks

Gang names: Crips, Cobras, Folks Incorporated, Black Gangsters Disciples, Young Guns.
They dress to the left.
Pitchfork turned up.
6 point star: stands for love, unity, money, loyalty, wisdom, and understanding.
B.G. Kings were the first Folk gang. They were black. It originated in a Chicago prison.
Predominant colors: Blue, green and black.
The Cobras use a diamond.
The folk symbol is the Insane Heart: The horn for the voice of their tribe, the heart for the heart of their nation and the wing is for the rise of their people.
They are called “Crabs” by the People sect.
Crips always cross out the “B’s” when tagging: “B” standing for “blood”.
Black is for Black Gangster Disciples and Young Guns.
Blue is for Crip, Cash Flo, and Folks Incorporated.
The beads are as follows:
All blue means gangster.
Multicolor alternating every six, means moving up in rank.
Multicolor (blue, white and black) means a regular soldier: the only way to get them is to kill someone.
Blue & black: vice chief
All black: retired or chief.

Gangs and Grafitti

I figured I’d do a series on graffiti and gangs. It should be about three posts long. This one will be a primer on grafitti, the next on will be about the folk nation, and the last about the people nation; and how to talk to them if you need to.

At lease 400,000 youths are currently in gangs
nationwide. (FBI)
Violent street gangs are active in 94 percent of all medium and large sized cities in America.
(Journal of American Medical Association)
Many of these cities have up to 40 different gangs.
(The American Street Gang)

One of the first indications that gangs are being formed in your
community is the appearance of graffiti!

To most people, graffiti represents thoughtless vandalism and childish pranks. To gang members, graffiti is a marking of territorial boundaries and serves as a warning or challenge to a rival gang. Graffiti is the underground newspaper of gangs. It can point out which gangs are fighting with each other, immortalize deceased gang members and honor leaders within each gang.

Graffiti is typically found on the rear of buildings and gradually moves toward the front as gang activity increases. It is imperative that graffiti be reported to your local law enforcement agency and removed immediately.

________________________________________________________

HOW TO READ GANG GRAFFITI
Names: Gang names are usually abbreviated to two or three letters, but may include the affiliation of the gang written out (Crip, Blood, Surenos/SUR, Folk, etc.), as well as slogans, such as “Brown Pride.”

Nicknames: The nicknames of gang members are frequently included within the graffiti, often in a roll-call list or placa. These names may be simple, and typically are descriptions of the appearance or personality of individual gang members: Green Eyes, Casper, Smiley,
Goofy, or other similar names.

Territory: The area claimed by the gang, including directional locators (east side), street names, city names, and telephone area codes.

Threats and Challenges: Often graffiti threatens or challenges rival gangs. A gang may “X” out or cross out the graffiti of a rival gang or gang member, or write “187” (homicide) next to it.
A gang member may also write “killer” in conjunction with a rival gang’s name or abbreviate it with the initial of the gang and the letter K (i.e., B/K).

Numbers: Gangs often use numbers as part of their name (18th Street), or area codes to identify where the gang is located. The numbers 13 and 14 are very common in Hispanic gang graffiti, and the letters 5 or 6 may be found in Chicago-style graffiti.

Symbols: Some gangs use a common symbol to identify their affiliation. Examples of this includes 5-pointed stars (People Nation), 6-pointed stars (Folks Nation), and others.

Gang Related Websites:
Gangs Or Us
Street Gang Dynamics
Parents guide to gangs

REMEMBER THE 4 R’S OF GRAFFITI
1-Read – Read the graffiti to determine the gang(s) involved. If you are unable to interpret what is observed, find someone who can. Frequently, a great deal of intelligence can be gathered, such as the nicknames or monikers of gang members, warnings, threats to other gangs, availability of drugs, pending gang wars, and more.

2-Report -Educators, parents and other concerned citizens should report found graffiti to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Law enforcement or corrections personnel should report the existence of graffiti to the departments gang intelligence unit.

3-Record – Use a still or video camera to record the graffiti for possible later use. If graffiti continues to appear after removal, the photographic record may serve as a history of the efforts made to combat the problem.

4-Remove – Remove ALL graffiti as soon as possible after it is discovered. When removing graffiti, paint the entire wall, post, sign, etc. on which the graffiti is found. Studies have shown that “spot” painting to blot out the graffiti is not as effective for the permanent discouragement of graffiti as is covering the entire subject area.

Hot Rod Merry Christmas

Have a Hot Rod Merry Christmas!

‘Twas the night before Christmas and out in the garage,

There wasn’t a trace of a Ford, a Chevy, or a Dodge.

The presents were wrapped and the lights were all lit,

so I figured I’d mess with the ole hot rod a bit.

I popped the release and I lifted the hood,

When a deep voice behind me said “looks pretty good.”

Well, as you can imagine, I turned mighty quick,

and there, by the workbench, stood good ole Saint Nick!

We stood there a bit, not too sure what to say,

and then he said “don’t suppose that you’d trade for my sleigh?”

I said “no way, Santa” and started to grin,

“but if you’ve got the time we could go for a spin!”

His round little mouth all tied up like a bow

turned into a smile and he said “Hey, let’s go!!”

So as not to disturb all the neighbors’ retreat.

We pushed the ole hot rod quietly into the street.

Then taking our places to drift down the hill,

I turned on the key and I let the clutch spill.

The sound that erupted took him by surprise,

but he liked it a lot, by the look in his eyes.

With the rear tires a’ crying and side pipes a glow,

we headed on out where all the cruisers go.

And Santa’s grin widened approaching his ears,

with every shift up as I went through the gears.

Then he yelled, “Can’t recall when I’ve felt so alive!”

So I backed off the gas and said “you wanna drive?”

Ole Santa was stunned when I gave him the keys,

when he walked past the headlights he shook at the knees!

Then the engine exploded with side exhaust sound!

Santa let out the clutch and the tires shook the ground!

Power shift into second, again into third!

I sat there just watching, at loss for a word.

Then I heard him exclaim as we blasted from sight,

“Merry Christmas to all, it’s very good night!

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happ…

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I’ll be busy tomorrow so I’m going to post a poem from a Marine followed by the story behind the poem.

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone,
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owned their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon ’round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one laying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
“Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the night’s chill.

The true story of the poem is that while a Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th &I, Washington, DC, under Camandant P.X. Kelly and the Battalionn Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.

He’s coming

Santa’s getting ready, everybody’s rushing around with last minute errands, and I’m seeing a lot more smiles lately. Post if you want, get your running done, and keep the shiney side up.

Worthless facts

Here’s some ideas for topics of conversation if the Christmas party gets boring.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time television were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.

Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters.

Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better.

City with the most Rolls Royce’s per capita: Hong Kong

State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska

Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%

Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

Barbie’s measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33

Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400

Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000.

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.