#harley davidson job reviews

[harleyjobs9]

Rev Up Your Career: Exciting Harley-Davidson Dealer Job Opportunities!

Looking for exciting job opportunities in the motorcycle industry? Consider joining the Harley-Davidson family! Here are a few popular job roles you can find at Harley dealerships:

Sales Associate: If you have a passion for motorcycles and enjoy working with people, becoming a sales associate at a Harley dealership could be a great fit. You'll assist customers in finding the perfect bike, accessories, and merchandise while providing exceptional customer service.

Service Technician: As a Harley-Davidson service technician, you'll work on motorcycles, diagnosing issues, performing repairs and maintenance, and ensuring customers' bikes are in top shape. This role requires technical expertise and a strong understanding of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Parts Specialist: Harley-Davidson enthusiasts love to personalize and upgrade their bikes. As a parts specialist, you'll assist customers in selecting the right components, accessories, and apparel to enhance their riding experience. Good knowledge of the Harley-Davidson product line is essential for success in this role.

Motorcycle Detailer: Attention to detail is key in this role, as you'll be responsible for making sure motorcycles are clean and showroom-ready. From washing and polishing to detailing the chrome and inspecting for any imperfections, a motorcycle detailer plays an important part in creating a positive customer experience.

When it comes to working for Harley-Davidson, employee reviews vary based on individual experiences. Some common positive aspects mentioned include:

Passionate Community: Working with fellow Harley enthusiasts can create a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for motorcycles.

Iconic Brand: Being part of an iconic brand like Harley-Davidson can be exciting and fulfilling, allowing employees to contribute to the legacy and heritage of the company.

Career Development: Harley-Davidson offers various training programs and opportunities for career growth within the company, enabling employees to develop their skills and advance their careers.

As with any workplace, there can also be challenges and negative aspects depending on personal preferences and experiences. It's important to research specific job roles and read reviews from current or former employees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the work environment at different Harley-Davidson dealerships.

Remember to check job listings on the official Harley-Davidson website or connect with local dealerships to explore current job openings and requirements. Good luck with your job search and potential future at Harley-Davidson!

[books-in-a-storm]

Snowflake Book Review’s

Title: Rebel Guardians MC #4 Smokey & Bandit

Author: Liberty Parker

Pages: 212

Snowflake Rating:❄❄❄❄(4/5)

Synopsis:

Hannah Nelson has been running for a long, long time. Getting out of the dysfunctional household she was raised in, she knows if she doesn’t get out of the small-town she was living in, she’ll always be branded with the same brush her parents and siblings are...white trash, no-account, good-for-nothing pieces of filth. But Hannah has dreams of being an artist. Whatever she touches, she makes beautiful. Determined to make a new life for herself, she takes her kitten, Duckie, packs up her four-door SUV and leaves. When she arrives in Corinth, low on money and out of options, she takes to parking in the back lot of the RGMC Truck Stop. It’s close to the interstate and she has hopes of getting a job, maybe in town somewhere.

Harley “Smokey” Richards and Davidson “Bandit” Richards are twin brothers who are bound by blood, and their oath, to the Rebel Guardians MC. Smokey is a Texas Ranger for the state’s national park in the next town while Bandit handles the IT work for the RGMC as well as on a contract basis for several local firms. They grew up with two dads and one mom so that lifestyle has always appealed to them, but they’ve never found the right woman to claim as theirs.

When Hannah winds up in Corinth, she draws the attention of the two men in an unexpected way. Can they break through her fear of the past? Will she allow herself to love both of them?

[pashterlengkap]

Coors is the latest company to end DEI initiatives & cut some LGBTQ+ ties

Molson Coors, the beverage company behind numerous beer and adult drink brands, is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employee trainings and also ending its participation with the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) which ranks companies based on corporate equality measures for LGBTQ+ individuals. Before doing so, Molson Coors had a perfect score of 100 points. The company is also eliminating supplier diversity quotas because they can be “complicated and influenced by factors outside of [the company’s] control,” CNBC Business reported, according to an internal memo sent on Wednesday and obtained by the news outlet. The company’s policy changes occurred amid a recent trend of several other large U.S. companies — like Lowes, Jack Daniels, John Deere, and Harley Davidson — ending their own DEI and LGBTQ+-inclusive commitments. Related Abandoning LGBTQ+ diversity hurts the bottom line, according to new HRC survey Major brands are dropping their commitments to diversity and HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. So HRC is hitting back, with data. “We are ensuring our executive incentives are tied to business performance and do not include aspirational representation goals beginning next year,” company executives wrote in the memo. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Coors Light has sponsored Pride events, supported its LGBTQ+ employees, and marketed to LGBTQ+ consumers. In past years, Molson Coors has raised money for LGBTQ+-focused organizations through its “Tap Into Change” program. Meanwhile, the HRC has hit back at the companies ending their DEI policies. An HRC statement accused the companies of “abandoning their values and backtracking from commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).” The HRC pointed to survey data saying that 80% of LGBTQ+ individuals would boycott a company that slashed their DEI initiatives. The “new data confirms that companies like Molson Coors, Ford, and others that abandon their values and backtrack from commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion risk losing both top employee talent and consumer dollars,” Orlando Gonzales, Senior Vice President of Programs, Research, and Training at the HRC, wrote in an emailed statement. A spokesperson from Molson Coors said in an email to LGBTQ Nation, “In March, our [human resources] team began rolling out the next steps of our culture journey, centered on an evolution from our work focused on DEI to a broader view in which all our employees know they are welcome. The driving force behind this shift was the understanding that when all our people know they are welcome, they are more engaged, motivated and committed to our company’s collective success. Since then, we have reviewed all our policies and practices to ensure our work is aligned with this renewed focus.” The spokesperson said that a team is auditing the charitable giving program to ensure funds are focused on “supporting our hometown communities and our core business goals, such as alcohol responsibility, disaster relief efforts, and promoting access to higher education and job training for positions in our industry.” Despite cutting DEI programs, the statement from Molson Coors added, “We will continue to welcome everyone at our bar…. In the polarized world in which we are living, let’s ensure that we stay united as a team as well. Respect each other, take care of each other and work together to ensure the best beers in the world are backed by the best culture in the world.” Predictably, conservative “activist” and COVID scammer Robby Starbuck has once again declared victory for the policy change. “4 years ago Coors was giving $1,000,000 to the HRC. Today Coors wants no association with them. Our movement is creating change on a massive scale. Sanity is making a comeback,” he wrote on X. In late June, the Tractor Supply Co. was also… http://dlvr.it/TCtYTJ

[barrykrichmond]

Harley Sportster XL1200L: A Comprehensive Review

The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200L, often recognized for its iconic design and powerful performance, is a standout model in the Sportster lineup. Launched as part of Harley's extensive range of motorcycles, the XL1200L embodies the brand's commitment to blending classic aesthetics with modern technology.

In this article, we'll delve into what makes the Sportster XL1200L a beloved choice among riders, exploring its features, performance, and overall appeal.

Design and Aesthetics

The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200L, also known as the 1200 Low, showcases a timeless design that pays homage to Harley's rich heritage. Its low-slung profile, combined with a classic bobber-inspired look, appeals to both seasoned riders and newcomers alike.

The XL1200L features a distinctive peanut-shaped fuel tank, minimalist fenders, and an elegant chrome finish that enhances its vintage charm.

The bike's ergonomics are designed for comfort, with a lower seat height that accommodates a wide range of riders. The handlebar positioning and forward-mounted footpegs contribute to a relaxed riding posture, making it ideal for both city commuting and long-distance cruising.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Sportster XL1200L is powered by Harley's renowned Evolution V-Twin engine. This 1200cc powerhouse delivers robust performance and a distinctive Harley rumble. With its air-cooled design, the engine provides a balance of power and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and exhilarating ride.

The XL1200L boasts a 5-speed transmission that allows for seamless gear shifts, whether you're navigating urban traffic or hitting the open road. The bike's suspension system, featuring a front telescopic fork and rear twin shocks, offers a comfortable ride while maintaining stability and control.

Technology and Features

While retaining its classic look, the Sportster XL1200L incorporates modern technology to enhance the riding experience. The bike comes equipped with an electronic fuel injection system, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Additionally, the inclusion of a reliable braking system with dual front discs and a rear drum provides confidence-inspiring stopping power.

The XL1200L also features a comprehensive instrumentation panel that includes a speedometer, fuel gauge, and indicator lights. This user-friendly display keeps riders informed of crucial information without detracting from the bike's vintage aesthetic.

Customization and Aftermarket Options

One of the key attractions of the Sportster XL1200L is its customization potential. Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories that allow riders to personalize their bikes according to their preferences.

From custom exhaust systems to unique paint jobs and performance upgrades, the XL1200L can be tailored to reflect each rider's individuality.

Riding Experience

Riding the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200L is an experience that captures the essence of motorcycling. Its smooth acceleration, responsive handling, and iconic sound create a sense of connection between rider and machine.

Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling winding roads, the XL1200L delivers a thrilling and engaging ride.

Conclusion

The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200L stands as a testament to Harley-Davidson's ability to blend classic style with modern performance. Its distinctive design, powerful engine, and customizable options make it a standout choice for riders seeking a blend of tradition and innovation.

With its comfortable ride and iconic appeal, the XL1200L continues to be a cherished model in the Sportster lineup, embodying the spirit of Harley-Davidson in every mile.

[the-firebird69]

2009 Johnny Pag Motorcycles Review - American-designed, made in China

Well we didn't know it was a woman's bike it's designed for smaller people but it was made by the wicked witch of the North that's what we used to call her it was Carol AK Mary and she turns out to be very powerful and opposes the empire and it's somewhere over the fleet and she's in the tomb we didn't know they were that powerful and it said a lot of stuff we've had a lot of stuff and now we're getting beat up but it's by the empire and we see why and it's terrible and these people were really dangerous and this sucks. These bikes are really nice and the 300 is perfect it has actual power you can go and sleep fast it could actually go fast and you can slow down and stuff it doesn't weigh a ton and it gets us around really nice cuz we're light we can actually handle the bike and drive it very well these Harley as we look stupid on and a friend says almost everybody does is people like will pierce is it a big bike and couldn't handle it either is laughing because it's true he's way up there I could touch his feet on the ground on him big dirt bike and still a huge pain in the ass instead of gravity is way up there and center of gravity is way way up there and his smile and says that's one problem the other is it's jacked up and it's way too high this suspension was too high and he lowered it and it was our friend who suggested it and it worked it says crazy I'm huge he's the biggest person we've ever seen the tallest and he couldn't do it and I'll tell you what this Harley Davidson's way far too much so it's a great motorcycle and it was less than the foreign jobs those things get heavy too and this nonsense the frames are crap and they're not designed for it but we drove these everywhere the one that's like the swasters very nice that one's really cool for doing just about anything go to work your back it's just this little jaunt I tell you that's a nice bike and he he had one like it when he was little as a Kawasaki 90 and says it's just a lot of fun you can get on it and drive down the road to your friend's house and you don't have to do all this fuss and mess and it's kind of like the scooter if it's not so you're going there in style and you can go on the highway I mean it's really like having a stealth bike it weighed less and it went fast enough they got the job done now it's struggling and don't have any bike like this

Trump

We saw them doing this and we bought a bunch and they appreciate it they sort of stop selling them and said they're not sending them for some reason and we heardr and it's not you it's a Chinese motif. And it really is it sucks you can't do anything with it you can't make so many of you know just stalls out she's asking me a question he says on this bike and you can get one of these and find out where you can get the parts and just duplicate the parts kind of or come close and it says what will you not be able to get answer the tag but aftermarket takes are available so let's take care of the fender you can get aftermarket and Harley parts are much harder to come by. There's no junkyard with tons of Harleys in it. Yeah we have to find out that kind of stuff for them. So I see what you're saying he says 90% of the parts are probably available and then just now tank and stuff that we can get those and then it's down to the frame it seems to be the tough part but we have found several manufacturers the only problem is all these parts are made in China no it's like 30% but there's alternatives you can still wise up and they won't sell you the stuff we found a few suppliers elsewhere and we're looking at this not very serious but we just made the list and I went through it the other day I don't know if any of these suppliers are still making stuff they're Midwestern companies and we evacuated so I don't think they'd be making them and he says you have to talk to the people who are making it cuz they can make the stuff I said wow that's an idea and they can make it in LA they can come up with all the forms and everything even though I'm going to bike that we have off of it I figured out something if they didn't bring the stuff or if I worked fast enough it might be able to get the stuff from the factories so I want to try that I'm going to get on the phone right now

Alicia

Okay so you think we can use it and I think we're girls now but she does and you should see how that goes no it's my project but really it'll work that way and I plan to come gobble it up and s*** it out probably

Trump

We didn't like him doing this French thing and that we don't like him using your name and he says I don't want to do so my name I do not want him using my name in any way he's not allowed to and he gets penalized and we saw him get angry but that's good so we're pressuring the guy when he's in there look it says what's it for then he just sits her and says it and all sudden we heard him getting mad at you and he says hey why do that and I'll sudden he got stalked on the road now but people following him around bothering you at the end of the day put some costume down and says it's kind of stupid but I like doing it cuz people showing respect and stuff like that interested more otherwise they treat him like a dog but moving on to other stuff but this guy has spent he spent he can't trust him near anything. So we need them out and we're going to work for it now

Thor Freya

Olympus

[ijustwant2ride]

Motorcycle Book Review: Ride Free by Willie G. Davidson

“Ride Free” is a memoir by Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of one of the founders of Harley-Davidson. The book is a personal history of Harley-Davidson and a man who poured his life force into it. It is more than an autobiography, as it also provides ins

“Ride Free” is a memoir by Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of one of the founders of Harley-Davidson. The book is a personal history of Harley-Davidson and a man who poured his life force into it. It is more than an autobiography, as it also provides insight into the company’s history, told from Davidson’s unique perspective. He does a wonderful job recounting his memories of family and events…

[stephanieinge]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Vintage Harley Davidson Black Leather Biker Jacket Size 42.

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Psycho Analysis: Suicide Squad Team A

(WARNING! This analysis contains SPOILERS! Seriously, as soon as you click that read more, you’re gonna be smacked with SPOILERS! Don’t say I didn’t give you ample warning this time!)

The world’s in danger yet again, and Amanda Waller is in need of some expendable forces to take on some dirty jobs in the name of preserving peace. Last time she did this, it seems like she hired the wrong people. Nice guy Will Smith Deadshot? Bland, boring Killer Croc? El Diablo, who became attached to a bunch of reprobates after spending a couple hours with them? The only one who was useful in that squad was Katana. She had their backs, could cut all of them in half with one sword stroke just like mowing the lawn, and her sword traps the souls of its victims. Unfortunately, she was decidedly not expendable, so what is a girlboss like Waller to do?

Easy: Assemble a brand new squad of criminals to do the dirty work. Harley and Boomerang are the only ones she brought back, because let’s be real, they’re the only ones we give a damn about. Filling out the rest of the squad are the stoic, craggy crackshot Savant; the handsome, German spear-thrower Javelin; the alien warrior Mongal; the frothing, psychotic animal Weasel; the confident and all-powerful TDK; and Blackguard, who is literally just a guy. Together, this team gets deployed to Corto Maltese to do what no one else can do, and with skills like theirs, they are absolutely unstoppable!

They all fucking die before the opening credits.

Motivation/Goals: Considering the goal of the squad is to shave time off their prison sentences by going on the mission, it’s ostensibly the reason every single one of these goons accepted the job. Savant and Weasel are pretty well established in this regard; we get to focus on Savant for much of the opening, so we can get a sense of him, and Weasel is stated to have murdered no less than 27 children. So, yeah, they need to do this mission.

The rest, though? Who knows! Why are Mongal, Javelin, and TDK in prison? How did they even get an alien like Mongal? What did they do to land in the position they’d need to go on a suicide mission? Why doesn’t this movie have flashy, intrusive cards explaining everything to us in a throwaway gag in a montage?!

Blackguard, at least, has some other motivation. He sold out the entire squad to the military of Corto Maltese, which is why they’re ambushed. Now, there’s actually some ambiguity here: Did he do this of his own volition, and was this a complete surprise, or is it, as it is heavily implied, all part of Waller’s plan and she let this happen as a diversion for the other team to get in unnoticed?

Honestly, though, it doesn’t matter what their goals are. They’re all dead within five minutes of the movie starting, with one exception.

Performance: So, the reason these guys are even worth talking about is because, despite their minuscule screentime, all of their actors manage to cram in enough humor and characterization that they’re all pretty fun and likable. Michael Rooker is as stony and stoic as ever as Savant (until he hilariously isn’t), Flula Borg’s Javelin is really sweet and charming in his interactions with Harley, and Pete Davidson’s Blackguard is just amazingly douchey and pathetic. Special mention goes to Nathan Fillion’s TDK, who has an utterly endearing and unwavering faith in his astoundingly crappy ability to… detach his arms. It’s honestly kind of beautiful. Then there’s Weasel as portrayed by Sean Gunn, who is just a hilarious crackhead of an animal man.

Final Fate: Literally every single one of them die horribly thanks to Blackguard’s betrayal. He’s the first to go, because as soon as he walks out saying “Hey guys, it’s me, the one who contacted you!” he literally has his face blasted clean off. The rest go soon after. Mongal, in one of the most astounding moments of idiocy I’ve ever seen, leaps on a helicopter despite Rick Flag telling her specifically not to. Her weight and strength send it careening out of control, which leads to it shredding Captain Boomerang to bits before exploding, burning her alive as she painfully screams and writhes in agony. TDK gets his arms shot into Swiss cheese, leading to him bleeding out since even detached they still are part of him. Javelin is also shot, but gets a dying moment with Harley where he passes her Checkov’s Javelin. Finally, after witnessing all of this carnage, Savant completely loses his shit and tries to swim away, leading to Waller blowing his head up.

You may be wondering what happened to Weasel. He appears to drown as soon as the Squad deploys, because despite being actually smart in this movie, Waller forgot to make sure everyone on the Squad could swim. Thankfully, this lovable child-murdering crackhead rodent was just sleeping, and wakes up in the first credit scene.

Best Scene: Obviously, it’s their one and only scene. It’s a magnificent slaughter that puts the X-Force scene from Deadpool 2 to shame.

Final Thoughts & Score: I’ve gotta hand it to James Gunn. Even though these losers are only onscreen for a few minutes, they all get to cram a lot of charm and personality into that time, to the point it’s actually kind of sad seeing them all die. It’s a beautiful mix of comedy and tragedy. Since their screentime is so limited, though, I’m mostly going to be grading them on style, performance, and so on rather than on villainy like normal. They are all bad guys, as they don’t really get a chance to redeem themselves like the other Squad, so I’m still counting them as villains, which means they could potentially score above an 8 (which is the highest score I’m willing to give heel-face turn villains, because they end up being better as characters in general than as villains).

I’m also not going to talk about Boomerang (I’ll talk about him when I review the original Squad) or Harley (because she not only lives, but deserves her own solo Psycho Analysis). Now here we go, from best to worst:

TDK

If you thought anyone but TDK would get top marks, you’re sadly mistaken. Seeing Nathan Fillion proudly wield the insanely lame power to detach his arms to lightly tap soldiers on the head and gently grab their guns is a sight I never knew I needed to see until this movie. The fact he just seems so darn proud about this power that he doesn’t even bother to use in any way that would be remotely useful is honestly really endearing. Frankly, the sheer fact they adapted Arms-Fall-Off Boy in any way is enough for me to give him a 10/10.

Weasel

Weasel is just disgustingly delightful. He’s just a horrible, nasty, ugly little bastard… But he’s kind of adorable? He clearly has no idea where he is at any given time and is just so goddamn freaky that I can’t help but love him. The fact that, despite being a character who in the comics is noteworthy only for dying on his first mission with the Squad, he manages to survive the entire movie is pretty impressive. Hopefully he comes back in the future, but either way he gets an 8/10 from me.

Javelin

Honestly, aside from Boomerang, his death stung the most. He’s just so cute and charming, and he doesn’t even get to fling his javelin at anyone! Thankfully, he passes it on to Harley, and boy does she ever get to use it! He’s so cute, I have to give him an 8/10. I just wish we got more of him.

Savant

Savant is just an absolutely hilarious bait-and-switch. We follow him through the prologue, with everything seeming to point to him as our main character and the Squad leader. He’s stoic, he’s cranky, and he has impeccable aim… and then we get to the beach and he just freaks the hell out and starts screaming and crying and running away like a little bitch. Seeing Michael Rooker act like he’s shitting his pants after playing a badass like Yondu is just the sort of hilarious subversiveness that James Gunn loves to do when you let him loose. The fact that he looks like, to paraphrase the TVTropes YMMV page for the movie, a “cyberpunk Tommy Wiseau” is the icing on this 7/10 cake.

Blackguard

I was prepared to hate this guy just based on how lame Pete Davidson’s costume was, and you know what? I do hate him. But I love to hate him. He’s just an utterly pathetic scoundrel and a coward, true to his name. The fact he is the first to die, as just about everyone predicted, and is killed absolutely gruesomely makes any annoyance he could provide moot, and his freeakout over being seated next to Weasel on the plane is actually kind of funny. I was originally going to give him a 6, but you know what? He can have a low 7/10. He’s like the only member of this particular Squad to actually do anything evil, so I gotta give him props for that.

Mongal

Let me make this perfectly clear: I do not blame James Gunn or actress Mayling Ng. I’m not actually mad at either of them for what they chose to do, because it is ultimately hilarious and sad. It suited the narrative of the film, and I’m not actually, genuinely mad.

With all that out of the way, Mongal is one hell of a stupid cunt. It is one thing to cause your own death with your stupidity, it is something else entirely to cause the death of a beloved character with your poorly planned attack. The fact she didn’t take into account how her weight and strength would effect an airborne helicopter makes one wonder if she is really supposed to be based on a character who can take on Superman and live to tell about it.

Let’s compare her to two similar characters to really show how bad she is. Like Blackguard, she is directly responsible for a death on the beach, Blackguard being responsible for everyone by selling them out and leading them into an ambush (and yes, I’m including him as well), and Mongal killing Boomerang with the chopper. The difference is, Blackguard’s betrayal was deliberate, he meant to sell the team out, he was actively doing something evil there, while Mongal killed Boomerang out of sheer idiocy.

Now, let’s compare her to Zeitgeist from the similar bloody massacre that occurred during X-Force’s deployment in Deadpool 2. Like Mongal, he accidentally kills a teammate. The difference is, in the case of Zeitgeist, he only accidentally melted Peter, it was a freak accident, and ultimately it does get undone by the end. Meanwhile, Mongal made a conscious, stupid decision and ended up killing her squadmate with her own idiocy. She sucks, hardcore. I don’t do this lightly, but I’m giving her a 1/10. Villains just don’t get much stupider than her.

I will giver her this, though: the makeup work on her is good. She’s lowkey kinda hot if I’m being honest. But being hot and having good makeup does not a good villain make.

[aion-rsa]

The Suicide Squad: Who Lives and Who Dies

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This article contains major The Suicide Squad spoilers. We have a spoiler free review here.

Five years ago, Will Smith uttered the instantly meme-able line, “So that’s it, huh, we’re the patsies, we’re some kind of Suicide Squad.” Yet by the end of that 2016 film, barely anyone in that squad was put six feet under. How times have changed.

For the entire rollout of his pseudo-sequel/reboot, writer-director James Gunn has insisted he had carte blanche to kill off any character in his The Suicide Squad roster. While we may remain skeptical if Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and a few others were really that expendable to Warner Bros., Gunn’s finished film speaks to just how much freedom he was allotted in slaughtering potentially valuable DC IP. Major characters from the first film, and a slew of new ones Gunn personally introduced, were pushing up daisies before the movie’s opening title card. And the bodycount only grew from there.

So if you had trouble keeping up with who died, and in what gnarly and grotesque fashion, we’re here to offer a handy dandy list of which members of the Suicide Squad walked away from Corto Maltese, and which were carried away in bags.

Blackguard

Dies

You can’t help but wonder if Gunn intentionally cast Pete Davidson as the first Squad member to get put down. With the exception of a fakeout (more on that in a bit), the mildly divisive SNL alumni goes out in gruesome fashion when he reveals on a Corto Maltese beachhead that he somehow communicated with the local military that a U.S. operation would be landing there. He thinks this will get him in good with the new government. Instead it gets him obliterated by a hail of bullets. All that time in prison and Blackguard never learned what happens to snitches…

Javelin

Dies

Flula Borg’s Javelin cut an amusing figure, as if he wandered in from some low-rent 1970s superhero television series. Even his accent was absurdly disarming, as Harley quickly noticed. Alas, it was not meant to be since Javelin was blasted fast on the beach, barely having a moment to entrust Dr. Quinzel with his trusty weapon.

Mongal

Dies

Let it not go unsaid that Mayling Ng’s Mongal made an epic introduction and exit when she took down several choppers all by herself. Unfortunately, she didn’t really think about a personal strategy as she rode one helicopter all the way down into its fiery ‘splosion.

Captain Boomerang

Dies

The first really major death of the film came when Captain Boomerang, Jai Courtney’s holdover from the 2016 movie, also bit the big one from the same fiery blast that took Mongal. At least he and Harley got to share a few laughs beforehand. We guess this puts an end to any chance of him  showing up in The Flash movie!

T.D.K.

Dies

Okay, as soon as you realized the secret superpower of Nathan Fillion’s character was something as lame as “detachable” limbs, you also knew he was dead meat, right? This character is so lame that Gunn doesn’t even show the Corto Maltese military putting him out of his misery. They just snicker as he writhes in pain, feeling how his detached arms have been shot to ribbons. Bad day to be a Browncoat.

Savant

Dies

Michael Rooker is the actor James Gunn casts when he wants to give a character an epic death scene. It took two movies for that to prove true in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, but Rooker’s Savant doesn’t even make it to the end of the opening credits here… well not all of him. The blood and brain splatter created by the bomb Amanda Waller detonated in this coward’s skull spells a lovely “The Suicide Squad” lettering across the waves. And hey, at least Rooker got to rock those epic blonde locks!

The Thinker

Dies

Once you heard that Peter Capaldi was playing an evil supervillain who was also in league with the Suicide Squad’s enemies, you knew there was no way Thinker was walking away from this movie, right? Nonetheless, Gunn goes hard with the doc’s death scene when a liberated Starro the Conqueror gets revenge for 30 years of captivity by ripping his captor’s arms off and then turning him into a red smear across glass. Ouch.

Col. Rick Flag

Dies

This one hurt. Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag was one of the better and even underrated elements from 2016’s Suicide Squad, and he got a chance to shine a lot brighter here. From small things like his total war buddies vibe with Harley to showing a backbone when he realizes Waller’s nefarious cover-up game, Flag came out as a real leader this time up to bat. Sadly, he then got Cena’d to death.

Polka-Dot Man

Dies

You did it, Polka-Dot Man, you proved your simultaneously dippy and creepy superpowers could make you a real superhero! Even your Norma Bates-like mama would be proud. Too bad Starro then stepped on you immediately afterward. Yay?

Starro

Dies

The big guy had his giant eye poked out by Harley and then an army of rats swarm into the hole that made and chew up his insides. Honestly, you feel bad for the kaiju in the end. Like King Kong, he didn’t ask to be brought here. Who knew we could get the sniffles for a rampaging monster with mind-control powers?

Harley Quinn

Lives

Come on, did you think they’d kill off Harley? Pfft, Robbie’s performance is way too good for that.

Bloodsport

Lives

Given his world-weary stoicism, I thought going in that Idris Elba’s Bloodsport was too noble for Gunn’s twisted vision. How nice it is to be proven wrong. Elba’s supervillain marksman reveals there’s a heart of gold beneath that gruff exterior, and it’s still beating when the credits come around.

Ratcatcher II

Lives

James Gunn once told us that Daniela Melchior’s Ratcatcher was the heart of the movie with a presence “like somebody from the French New Wave.” And he wasn’t blowing smoke about the actor or the character. Despite being introduced as an easygoing millennial, Ratcatcher turns out to be the most sympathetic Squad member and proves her generation gets the job done by unleashing an armada of rats on Starro.

King Shark

Lives

Thank God. Nobody better hurt our precious man-eating Nanaue. Go ahead, King, have another nom-nom. You earned it!

Sol Soria

Lives

Sol Soria gets to be el presidente in Corto Maltese now. I guess that’s a fair enough trade with the knowledge that the people who put her there also fed her buddies head first to a land shark.

Amanda Waller

Lives

Some characters are too evil to die. Amanda Waller is still stewing back in D.C. by the end of The Suicide Squad, and she’s likely scheming of a way to murder all of her current underlings too.

Weasel

Lives

The first fakeout of the movie is the fate of Weasel. Despite seemingly being the first character to seemingly die off—in a really hilarious fashion when Waller and company realize they didn’t check to see if Weasel could swim—it turns out he didn’t drown. There’s another reason right there for why Savant deserved to have his head go boom. Pity the children of Corto Maltese.

Peacemaker

Lives

Even though Peacemaker got an epic death scene where Bloodsport won a quickdraw showdown, some actors are just too big of a deal to kill. Thus the end credits scene reveals that Peacemaker survived his bullet wound to the neck and is still breathing on a hospital ventilator. Nonetheless, Bloodsport taught him a valuable lesson: It’s not the size of your bullets but how you use them.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

The post The Suicide Squad: Who Lives and Who Dies appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/37odQFK

[harleyjobs9]

Beyond Employment: The Harley-Davidson Lifestyle at Work

Harley-Davidson, the epitome of American motorcycles, has long captivated the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond the allure of its gleaming chrome and powerful engines lies a company deeply committed to its employees, fostering a culture of passion, innovation, and camaraderie. If you're seeking a career that ignites your spirit and allows you to make a meaningful contribution, Harley-Davidson invites you to explore its diverse range of opportunities.

A Diverse Range of Opportunities

Harley-Davidson's career landscape is as boundless as the open road itself. From engineering and manufacturing to marketing and sales, the company provides a plethora of avenues to pursue your passion and expertise. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding talent, Harley-Davidson offers a platform to grow, learn, and excel.

Engineering and Manufacturing: At the heart of Harley-Davidson lies a team of engineers and manufacturing experts dedicated to crafting motorcycles that embody the spirit of freedom. From designing cutting-edge engines to overseeing production processes, these individuals are instrumental in shaping the legendary Harley-Davidson experience.

Marketing and Sales: Harley-Davidson's success is deeply intertwined with its ability to connect with its passionate customer base. Marketing and sales professionals play a pivotal role in crafting compelling brand narratives, expanding market reach, and nurturing customer relationships.

Retail and Customer Service: The Harley-Davidson dealership experience is an integral part of the brand's identity. Retail and customer service professionals are the frontline ambassadors, ensuring that every customer interaction is nothing short of exceptional.

Finance and Administration: Behind the scenes, a talented team of finance and administrative professionals ensures the smooth operation of Harley-Davidson's global business. From managing financial resources to providing strategic support, these individuals are the backbone of the company.

Unveiling the Harley-Davidson Culture

Harley-Davidson is not merely a place of work; it's a culture, a lifestyle, a shared passion for motorcycles and the open road. Employees are encouraged to embrace their individuality and contribute their unique perspectives, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Harley-Davidson's commitment to diversity and inclusion is unwavering, ensuring that every individual feels valued and respected. The company's initiatives extend beyond the workplace, actively engaging in community outreach and social responsibility programs.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ques:- What are the qualifications for Harley Davidson jobs?

The qualifications for Harley-Davidson jobs vary depending on the specific position, but in general, the company seeks individuals with the following qualities:

Passion for motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson brand: This is essential for any candidate who wants to be successful at Harley-Davidson. The company is looking for people who are genuinely passionate about motorcycles and who share the company's values of freedom, innovation, and individuality.

Strong work ethic: Harley-Davidson is a fast-paced and demanding environment, so the company needs employees who are willing to go the extra mile. Candidates should be able to work independently and as part of a team, and they should be able to meet deadlines and handle pressure.

Commitment to excellence: Harley-Davidson is known for its high-quality products and services, so the company demands the same level of excellence from its employees. Candidates should be detail-oriented and committed to doing things the right way, even when no one is watching.

Ques:- What is the application process for Harley-Davidson jobs?

The application process for Harley-Davidson jobs typically involves the following steps:

Review open positions: Begin by exploring the Harley-Davidson Careers website to identify open positions that align with your qualifications and interests.

Create an account: If you haven't already, create an account on the Harley-Davidson Careers website. This will allow you to save your progress and track your applications.

Complete the online application: Once you've found a position that interests you, carefully review the job description and ensure you meet the qualifications. Proceed to complete the online application, providing accurate and up-to-date information about your education, experience, and skills.

Upload your resume and cover letter: Attach your resume and a compelling cover letter to your application. Your resume should clearly highlight your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments, while your cover letter should tailor your expertise to the specific position and demonstrate your passion for Harley-Davidson.

Submit the application: Once you've completed all required fields and attached your documents, review your application thoroughly for any errors or omissions. Upon confirmation, submit your application and wait for further instructions.

Phone screening: If your application is shortlisted, you may receive a phone screening from a Harley-Davidson recruiter. This initial conversation will focus on your background, experience, and interest in the position.

In-person interview: Upon successful completion of the phone screening, you may be invited for an in-person interview. This interview will provide a more in-depth assessment of your skills, experience, and cultural fit with Harley-Davidson.

Skills assessments or group exercises: In some cases, candidates may be required to complete skills assessments or participate in group exercises to further evaluate their abilities and suitability for the position.

Background check: If you are selected for the position, Harley-Davidson will conduct a background check to verify your employment history, education, and any relevant certifications.

Job offer: Upon successful completion of the background check, you will receive a formal job offer from Harley-Davidson. The offer will outline the position details, compensation package, and start date.

Acceptance and onboarding: Once you accept the job offer, you will begin the onboarding process, which includes completing necessary paperwork, attending orientation sessions, and receiving training specific to your role.

Ques:- What are the benefits of working at Harley-Davidson?

Harley-Davidson offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, encompassing a variety of aspects to support their well-being and career development. Here's an overview of the key benefits:

Compensation and Financial Wellness:

Competitive Compensation: Harley-Davidson offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience and qualifications, ensuring that employees are fairly compensated for their contributions.

Performance-Based Bonuses: Employees have the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses, recognizing their achievements and contributions to the company's success.

401(k) Savings Plan: Harley-Davidson sponsors a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions, enabling employees to plan for their financial future and secure a comfortable retirement.

Employee Discounts: Employees enjoy exclusive discounts on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, accessories, and merchandise, allowing them to experience the brand they represent at preferential rates.

Health and Wellness Benefits:

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Harley-Davidson provides comprehensive health insurance plans for employees and their families, covering a wide range of medical expenses, preventive care, and hospitalization.

Dental and Vision Insurance: Employees also have access to dental and vision insurance plans, ensuring their oral and eye health is well-maintained.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax money to cover eligible healthcare expenses, reducing their taxable income and saving them money.

Wellness Programs: Harley-Davidson promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering wellness programs that encourage physical fitness, stress management, and overall well-being.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility:

Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees receive generous PTO, including vacation time, sick leave, and paid holidays, allowing them to take time off to rest, recharge, and pursue personal interests.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Harley-Davidson offers flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting options and flexible work schedules, enabling employees to manage their work-life balance effectively.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP provides confidential counseling and support services to employees and their families, addressing personal and professional challenges that may impact their well-being.

Career Development and Growth Opportunities:

Training and Development Programs: Harley-Davidson invests in employee training and development programs, providing opportunities for employees to enhance their skills, knowledge, and grow professionally within the company.

Tuition Reimbursement: Employees can pursue further education by taking advantage of tuition reimbursement programs, helping them expand their expertise and advance their careers.

Mentorship and Coaching: Harley-Davidson fosters a culture of mentorship and coaching, connecting experienced employees with newer colleagues to provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities.

Internal Promotions: Harley-Davidson encourages internal promotions, recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate their potential and contribute to the company's growth.

Ques:- How can I stay informed about job openings at Harley-Davidson?

Here are some effective ways to stay informed about job openings at Harley-Davidson:

Regularly check the Harley-Davidson Careers website: The Harley-Davidson Careers website is the primary source of information about open positions. It provides a comprehensive list of available jobs, allowing you to search by keyword, location, and department.

Create a job alert: Sign up for job alerts on the Harley-Davidson Careers website. This will notify you via email whenever new positions matching your criteria are posted.

Follow Harley-Davidson on social media: Follow Harley-Davidson on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. They often share announcements about job openings and career opportunities on their social media channels.

Network with Harley-Davidson employees: Connect with Harley-Davidson employees on LinkedIn or through professional networking events. They may have insights into upcoming job openings and can provide valuable advice on the application process.

Attend industry events: Attend industry events and conferences where Harley-Davidson may be present. These events provide an opportunity to meet with Harley-Davidson representatives and learn about potential job openings.

Meet with a Harley-Davidson recruiter: Contact a Harley-Davidson recruiter to discuss your career interests and qualifications. Recruiters can provide you with personalized information about open positions and guide you through the application process.

Utilize job search engines: Use popular job search engines like Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder to search for Harley-Davidson job openings. These websites often aggregate job postings from various sources, including the Harley-Davidson Careers website.

Set up Google Alerts: Create Google Alerts for keywords related to Harley-Davidson jobs, such as "Harley-Davidson jobs," "Harley-Davidson careers," or "Harley-Davidson openings." This will send you email notifications whenever new web pages or articles containing these keywords are published.

Check local job boards: If you're interested in Harley-Davidson positions in a specific location, check local job boards and classifieds. Harley-Davidson often advertises local openings through these channels.

Stay connected with Harley-Davidson: Engage with Harley-Davidson on social media, attend their events, and follow their news and announcements. This will keep you informed about the company's growth and potential job opportunities.

Summary

Harley-Davidson is a dream destination for individuals seeking a career that ignites their passion and allows them to make a lasting impact on an iconic brand. With a diverse range of opportunities, a thriving culture, and a commitment to employee growth, Harley-Davidson invites you to embark on an exhilarating journey and discover the possibilities that await.

[lahoreherald]

The magnificent vintage-inspired Harley-Davidson electric bikes will be available later this year

Serial 1, the electric bike business that Harley-Davidson announced over a year ago, will offer a “limited” number of the beautiful, vintage-inspired bikes that the firm had previously described as a “styling exercise,” according to the company.

The S1 Mosh/Tribute is a tribute to “Serial Number One,”. The moniker given to Harley-first Davidson’s known motorbike, which has produced in 1903 and known as “Serial Number One”. In the final product, the design features of the original prototype, such as the white tyres, leather saddle and handgrips and sleek black frame with gold lettering, have carried over from the prototype.

Even though it has a glossy black paint job and honey-colored leather embellishments. The bike is virtually identical to the Mosh/Cty model from Serial 1. It shares many of the same characteristics as the S1 Mosh/Cty, including a Gates Carbon Drive belt, a Brose mid-drive motor. It also includes TRP hydraulic disc brakes, cables and wiring that are internally routed, and integrated lights. Harley Davidson Electric Bikes are also available in black.

The white-toned Schwalbe Super Moto-X tyres, as well as the leather saddle and matching leather grips. Which have both handcrafted by Brooks England, are unique to the Serial 1 motorcycle. When Harley-Davidson refused to announce whether or not it would put the prototype into production back in October 2020, many potential buyers have dissatisfied. This news is sure to please many of those consumers. The fact that the firm is leaning on its motorcycle origins by focusing on unique one-offs. And limited runs is also a sign that the company is attempting to establish a brand identity. What is proving to be an extremely crowded and competitive sector.

BASED ON MOTORCYCLE ORIGIN, THE COMPANY FOCUSES ON EXCLUSIVES AND ONE-OFFS

The firm announced last month that it will auction off a series of special, one-of-a-kind e-bikes under the 1-OFF series brand name. With the Mosh/Chopper, which has inspired by the Schwinn Sting-Ray, serving as the inaugural offering in the series. (The winning offer was $14,200, which, wow, is quite the sum.) At the time, the firm stated that, similar to the motorcycle industry, customization and personalization. They will play a significant part in how Serial 1 thinks about the sorts of e-bikes it creates in its future products.

As product manager Aaron Frank said in a statement, the S1 Mosh will act as a “springboard to start our S1 Series”. Which will see even more unique and highly-desirable Serial 1 eBike variants in the future.

Harley-Davidson has stated that it will only produce 650 units. And half of those being available for purchase in the United States. And the other half being accessible in Europe. Customers who interested can place a pre-order on the firm’s website starting today. And deliveries have scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the company.

Read Also:

WhatsApp will soon Launch Feature of Converting Images into Stickers

Amazon Banned 600 Chinese Brands Permanently over Review Fraud

Published in Lahore Herald #lahoreherald #breakingnews #breaking

[franklinclarkj]

Foodsaver fm1510 Food Preservation Review

Product description:

I originally had the hand held version, and it still works well, but it doesn't have the suction power that the counter top version has. Just a warning to people with sensitive hearing. The counter top model is loud. Not Harley Davidson loud, but it makes the hand held model sound like it's whispering. 

I have a small galley style kitchen with FoodSaver fm1510 food storage, so if counter space is a problem, you may need to determine which device to use the most and what you want at the counter all the time.

Get review:

I received this yesterday and just tried it out today. I didn't have any food to put in the container, so it was empty. I like that I don't have to stand there holding it down while it does the job. It was easy to use, and it turns off when it's done.I use the counter top version several times a day and more than any other appliance I have, so it stays on the counter.Used for the first time to freeze local fresh Asparagus. 

Takes getting used to, but so worth every penny. Looking forward to preparing so many veggies from our garden..If you have leftovers, cut up veggies, or fruit, you want them to last much much longer? Then you need this in your kitchen. It is so easy to use and food stays so fresh much much longer.

Love that I can keep the cut cheese and fruit fresh after cutting is worth it even if I get a little used to it. Seal every time. The only downside is, if Amazon sells this device, FoodSaver no longer offers it. I like the FoodSaver fm1510 food storage device. It’s easier to use than my standard FoodSaver vacuum sealer and small enough to hold on my counter. It works great in reusable vacuum bags and various food saver containers.Product model:

Brand:  FOODSAVER.

Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.63 x 8.66 x 10.9 inches.

Item Weight:  2.8 Pounds.

Power Source:  Corded Electric.

Wattage:  Corded Electric.

Update:

This was a gift for someone special.I have this foodsaver unit and it's just right.

If you want to know about this product, please Click Here...

[barrykrichmond]

Harley Sportster Roadster: A Comprehensive Review

The Harley Sportster Roadster stands as a symbol of raw power and timeless design in the world of motorcycles. As part of Harley-Davidson's renowned Sportster line, the Roadster variant offers a unique blend of performance, style, and comfort.

This article delves into the features, performance, and overall appeal of the Harley Sportster Roadster, providing a comprehensive review for enthusiasts and potential buyers.

Design and Aesthetics

The Harley Sportster Roadster is immediately recognizable thanks to its distinctive, aggressive styling. The bike's minimalist design is characterized by its compact, muscular frame, and classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic.

The Roadster features a sleek, angular fuel tank, a solo seat with a retro vibe, and a robust front fork that exudes strength. The bike's blacked-out finishes and bold lines give it a modern edge while retaining the classic Harley-Davidson charm.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Harley Sportster Roadster lies a 1200cc Evolution V-Twin engine. This powerful engine delivers an impressive 73 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a thrilling ride.

The Roadster is engineered for both city cruising and open-road adventures, thanks to its responsive throttle and smooth acceleration. The bike's performance is further enhanced by its lightweight design, which contributes to nimble handling and agility.

Suspension and Handling

One of the standout features of the Sportster Roadster is its suspension system. The bike is equipped with front and rear suspension components designed for enhanced comfort and stability.

The dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear provide reliable stopping power, ensuring safety and control. The Roadster's suspension setup, combined with its low center of gravity, offers a balanced and confident ride, whether navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway.

Comfort and Ergonomics

While the Harley Sportster Roadster is designed with performance in mind, it doesn't compromise on comfort. The solo seat, though minimalist, is ergonomically designed to provide support during long rides.

The bike's handlebars and footpegs are positioned to offer a natural riding posture, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall comfort. For riders seeking additional comfort, aftermarket options are available, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences.

Technology and Features

The Harley Sportster Roadster incorporates modern technology to complement its classic design. The bike features a digital speedometer and odometer, providing essential riding information at a glance. Additionally, the Roadster comes with a range of standard features, including LED lighting for improved visibility and a robust electrical system to support various accessories.

The bike's simplicity in technology is part of its appeal, focusing on the core elements of the riding experience.

Customization and Aftermarket Options

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is the ability to personalize it. The Sportster Roadster is no exception, with a wide array of aftermarket parts and accessories available.

From custom exhaust systems and seat options to unique paint jobs and performance upgrades, riders can tailor the Roadster to reflect their individual style and preferences.

Conclusion

The Harley Sportster Roadster is a testament to Harley-Davidson's commitment to delivering a high-performance motorcycle with classic styling. Its powerful engine, agile handling, and striking design make it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

Whether you're an experienced rider or new to the world of motorcycles, the Sportster Roadster offers an exhilarating and satisfying riding experience. As always, prospective buyers are encouraged to test ride and explore customization options to ensure the bike meets their specific needs and desires.

[smokeybrand]

Smokey band Movie Reviews: Wowza

The Suicide Squad is the best film DC has made since The Dark Knight. That’s it. That’s the review. If you want to know why i can say that with unassailable confidence, you can continue reading but from this point on, i am literally just going to gush about this f*cking thing like a straight up school girl.  It’s that good and you should go watch it right now. This is about to be a love letter to the best film I've seen all year, mostly because i haven’t seen any A24 flicks, but this thing is a fantastic consolation for that glaring disappointment.

The Inspired

The writing in this movie is easily the best the DCEU has to offer. I say that knowing there are some people who believe BvS is f*cking Shakespeare and MoS is Hemingway. They’re not. They’re both dogsh*t. The Suicide Squad absolutely is everything the neckbeard fanboys want those films to be. I marvel at how well the events blend, how organically the character interact, how real they feel in a movie with a giant kaiju space starfish as the driving conflict for the plot. It’s f*cking inspired and lays solid ground work for very exceptional aspect of this movie going forward. Your film starts on the page and James Gunn understands that sh*t very well.

The emotion in this movie is palpable. I literally teared up toward the end. That’s rare for me because I'm kind of an emotionless monster but that line, “I’m a superhero!” f*cking gut checked me. Gunn has done that to me three times. “WE are Groot.” "He may have been your father, boy. But he wasn't your daddy." It wasn’t Pete swinging in after the “On your left.” in Endgame but it was close. Dude is too good at that sh*t and it’s weird that Marvel is willing to let him go. They better lock that dude the f*ck up!

Chemistry is everything for an ensemble like this and this cast definitely has that. I bought their interactions without having to suspend my disbelief, not like in other, lesser SKWAD films. I particularly like the relationship between Ratcatcher II and Bloodsport. That sh*t was sweet and brought a legitimate smile to my face.

I mentioned how well this film was written but, aside from the brilliant plot that made all of these misfit killers relevant, the character work really goes a long way to selling this narrative. Like, you absolutely fall in love with Polka Dot Man by the end of this thing. They made Peacemaker an irredeemable bastard. Like, do you know how well you have to develop a character played by John f*cking Cena, for people to hate him? He’s the White people version of The Rock! That’s near impossible but they definitely pull it off. It’s like Gunn watched the first SKWAD, saw what they did with El Diablo and just decided to do that. And when i say “do that’, i mean actually write these f*cking characters as people instead of stereotypes and tropes.

The Great

This is an ensemble film, which means it lives and dies by it’s cast. Well, this motherf*cker is living mas! Not a single character was miscast in this. Not a one. From the supporting characters like Alice Braga’s Sol Soria and Peter Capaldi’s Thinker, to the expendable distraction SKWAD. Loved seeing Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang again and i even like Pete Davidson’s Blackguard. I can’t stand Pete Davidson. This cast is MCU levels of excellent but, of course, there are standouts.

Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag does the best work of his career. This dude almost always sucks in the roles he takes on but I'm starting to think that’s because of the direction he’s given because dude kills it as Flag in this. I genuinely liked him this time around. He felt like a real person and not some caricature of whatever the generic US Marine is supposed to be.

Margot Robbie is the live action Harley Quinn. She embodies this character like Ledger did Joker and RDJ did Stark. It’s that good and this version of Harley is easily the best. She feels complete, like she’s finally the Harls in the comics and i love it. This Harleen is who the character should have been from the jump but a lot of that was on Margot. She had to grow into the character, develop her ability because the first time she donned that Puddin’ necklace was rough. She’s come a long way and so has Harley.

I touched on this before but John Cena’s Peacemaker is a f*cking bastard. This casting genius because of the message behind the movie. I’ll get into that later but casting the most All-America motherf*cker to play the villain in a film about US involvement in Sovereign Foreign nations? And for Cena to literally play up his Patriot shtick only to turn out to be an allegory for the sordid reality of America? Bro, this sh*t got over. Cena is outstanding as Peacemaker. This cat really does have the chops to be a movie star. Looking forward to this show they gave him, for sure.

Polka-Dot Man is arguably the best character in this entire film. I love what Gunn wrote for him and absolutely adore how David Dastmalchian gave the character life. He had the best arc in the entire film and i really enjoyed his journey. When he got his moment, i teared up a little bit. Dude deserved that. Dude earned that. For me to have such a visceral reaction to that scene is testament to how well  Dastmalchian did his job!

Listen, i love Idris Elba. I do. Cat has all of the swagger. He’s easily as charismatic as Obama and i dig that. However, he just plays Idris Elba. Like, his Bloodsport is literally just John Luther but, you know, murder prone. That’s not a bad thing, it definitely works, but, if I'm being honest, as a character, he’s the weakest of the lot but that’s how good everyone is in this. Idris f*cking Elba is the weakest character in this cast! What?? It’s not even like he’s bad or anything, he just plays the same dude over and over.

And now we get to my favorite character in this flick, Ratcatcher II. Listen, i have no idea who the f*ck Daniela Melchior is, but she is the absolute heart of this film, the moral compass of this team, and she never shirks away from that challenge. She has outstanding chemistry with Elba and the relationship between their two characters is the sweetest sh*t I've seen in a long time. It reminded me a lot of Logan and Laura. Melchior, if he chooses, can have a great career in Hollywood because she’s a real talent.

The Good

The plot to this thing makes sense. It’s not something as intricate as The Dark Knight but it’s head-and-shoulders better than anything the DCEU has produced and objectively sh*ts on the SKWAD that came before it. Destabilizing a small Latin American nation feels more like something Waller would have theses assholes do, rather than trying to kill a f*cking god with boomerangs and bullets. This movie is everything the first SWKAD attempt wants to be.

The violence and gore in this is ramped up to a eleven. There is a lot of grotesque sh*t in this thing and it starts the second Blackguard gets his face blown off. Like, his entire f*cking face. You see ALL of that sh*t and SO much more. Like, it gets grimy and i appreciated that. A SKWAD film needs that blood. This is a team of remorseless killers. We, as the audience, need to feel that and this flick delivers.

James Gunn can direct his ass off. When they announced he was going to be in charge of this film way back when, i knew it was going to be legit. When they announced t was a hard R, i needed it in my life. We’re talking Guardians with murder. Were talking the quintessential James Gunn vision and what a vision it is. Not only did he direct the f*ck out of this movie, but he wrote it, too! Mans has the only writing credit on this production. This is all him! It’s wild seeing the difference between directors on display. Gunn delivered a film that one could argue is the best of the year while Zack Snyder made f*cking Army of the Dead. The discrepancy between the quality of these two films is why i hate Snyder so much and have all of the love for Gunn.

The imagery in this thing is f*cking top tier. There are shot that are legitimate art It's a weird juxtaposition considering how bloody some of these scenes get but, f*ck, is it gorgeous!

I have to mention the editing. I usually don’t bother because it’s always adequate and, admittedly, it feels only slightly better in this film but it’s competent. It’s better than the first and you really feel that sh*t. Like, i watched the movie in preparation for this one and, oh my god, the difference in an actual team of professional film editors really cut a great film. Who’ have thought letting a f*cking trailer house construct your movie that it would end up feeling like a ton of trailers strung together and be bad?

This movie is overtly political. It has a lot to say about the influence of the US abroad. It doesn’t shy away from the realities of our international policy and really hammers home the reality of what the United States is, rather than the way we portray ourselves to be. This culminates in a struggle between Flag and Peacemaker; Both soldiers to the core but on opposite ends of the American ideal. It’s actually really brilliant and, if you aren’t paying attention, will go over your head. This is how you instill your politics into a film. This is how you execute ideals in a narrative. Gunn has a lot to say and he says it in the loudest way, but with the quietest voice.

The Okay

The only beef i can see people having with this is the exposition dumps. There are a few but they kind of stall the overall flow. I didn’t mind them too much because, by the time we get to them, the film has built up so much good will by being just fantastic.

The Verdict

I f*cking loved this movie, dude. Look how long this list of dope sh*t is. I literally itemized all of the reasons why this flick is so great. I can’t articulate it and more clear. I told you at the very beginning, literally the first thing i wrote, that The Suicide Squad is the best film in the DCEU and i mean that sh*t. Grace Randolph is a f*cking hack. Don’t listen to her incredibly bias opinion. Just f*cking go watch it and decide for yourself! It’s in theaters right now and on HBO max for free.

[freewheelen]

1 YEAR REVIEW: 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider (Sofia)

Whenever I read or watch motorcycle reviews, I can’t help but notice a heavy reliance on spec sheets. And I get it, approaching a subjective review of a product with an objective data set certainly helps set the playing field for all competing models. However, this post isn’t about the latest electric naked bike that just hit the market or the revamped scrambler that is being hyped as “game-changing”. This post is about my daily rider.

With that in mind, I could dwell on the dual-bending valve Showa forks, or my high-flow S&S air cleaner, or the 102 ft lbs of torque that the Milwaukee 8 engine produces. But bragging about your bike’s specs is like plastering a “Proud Parent of an Honor Student” on your bumper or boasting about how attractive your significant other is. They’re used to favorably reflect on you, not reflect how that person - or in this case, motorcycle - makes you feel. Sure, your girlfriend could be model material but if she treats you like shit, why does her “hotness” matter, right?

So I’m not going to take that approach in this review. Instead of flooding you with figures on compression rates, length of suspension travel, or lean angle**, I’m going to explain how all of those things contribute to the feeling she gives me. 

**Please see the stock spec sheet here (if it interests you)

I purchased my Low Rider in April of 2018. I had to trade in my Sportster Iron 883 - which was heartbreaking for me at the time (see the story here) - but it was well worth the sacrifice. From the moment I rolled her off the lot, I knew I made the right decision. 

She handled better than the Sporty. She accelerated WAY faster than the 883. And most importantly, she braked lightyears beyond the Iron.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: 

I don’t want to know if it’s better than a Sportster, I want to know whether it’s a good purchase.

But I think it’s important for me to establish the bike I originally owned and how that shaped my assessment of the FXLR, and the first place I noticed an improvement was in the suspension. 

The combination of Showa forks up front and the monoshock out back puts Harley’s past suspension offerings to shame. For 650 lbs., the bike feels responsive and surprisingly nimble. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the bike dives into corners and I’ve definitely put that feature to use. But the fork not only allows you to attack the twisties, but it also does a great job of keeping the rubber to the road. The wheel hop of the Sportster: eliminated. If you’re debating whether you should buy a new Softail, I could easily make a case with the upgraded forks alone, but that’s just the front suspension, you still have the brilliant monoshock in the rear. 

While the fork provides improved handling, the rear suspension grants a new level of comfort. Those potholes no longer send shocks through my spine. Those railroad tracks no longer make my teeth click. Those road irregularities no longer buck my girlfriend off the seat. And if there’s any barometer of rear suspension performance, it’s your old lady’s ass...and mine loves the FXLR. But comfort isn’t the best feature of the monoshock, the stability it provides is. I’ve hit 120 mph twice on the Low Rider thus far, and the stability of the bike never faltered. The speed wobbles of the Dyna: eliminated. Are you noticing a theme here yet?

But don’t get me wrong, the suspension isn’t perfect. There’s no adjustability in the front and the rear doesn’t give you dampening or rebound settings. Also, you have to remove the seat to adjust the monoshock. Unless you’re planning on carrying a flathead screwdriver on you, I wouldn’t set my heart on changing the preload on the fly. 

Now, I should note that I plan on upgrading to Ohlin’s suspension (front & rear) in the future, but the stock setup would be sufficient for 90% of those looking for a Harley. 

Ultimately, the OEM suspension makes me feel grateful. Grateful for the safety it provides. Grateful for the responsiveness it adds to such a massive bike. Grateful that I get comfort and performance right out of the box!

Which leads me directly to the heart of the Low Rider, the Milwaukee 8 motor.

It shakes less. It runs cooler. It pulls harder (through all 6 gears). Compared to the Twin Cams I’ve ridden, the M8 outshines them in every way. To be honest, you’ll probably need to regulate your own speed if you buy a new Softail because they’re most comfortable at 85-90 mph. Every time I ride on the highway, I hit 100 mph at least once (unintended and intended). There have been many times where I unconsciously hit 70 mph on surface streets! 

On the flipside, the M8 is very particular when it comes to modifications. My tuner/mechanic has told me that finding the right configuration of parts is crucial to any performance upgrades you install on the new mill. Luckily, I had some guidance, but if you’re considering customizing your Milwaukee 8, I suggest consulting a professional - or at the very least read some forum boards - before you slap on any old exhaust or fuel manager. 

On the note of fuel management, if you want to maintain the maximum range (200+ miles per tank), leave the engine in stock form. After my numerous mods, I’m lucky if I can squeak out 150 miles between fill-ups. I’d be lying if I said I regret sacrificing those additional 50 miles per tank - because Sofia absolutely rips - but it’s something you should weigh before buying or upgrading an M8.

 If I had to express how the engine makes me feel, I’d say it makes me feel spoiled. Spoiled by all that torque. Spoiled that she pulls through all 6 gears. Spoiled that I get the power of a Harley without all the shaking or heat.

Now, we’ve been dwelling on speed up to this point, but if you’re planning on going fast, you have to be able to stop as well...

When it comes to the brakes, I have to caveat that I ride my Low Rider harder than most Harleys are intended. I currently need new rotors, pads, lines (braided), and a master cylinder rebuild because I’ve run the brakes into the ground. 

Though the front end is only outfitted with a single disc, the bite of the 4-piston calipers really help to slow down the 650 lbs. of the Low Rider. While the front brake lever loses feel over time - due to the rubber brake lines - it easily retains the forceful braking of those 4-pot calipers. However, the same can’t be said of the rear caliper, which lacks any responsiveness and is downright mushy. 

Most riders say that the front brakes provide 70% of your stopping power while the rear covers the remaining 30%. On the FXLR, that ratio is more like 90/10. But in the end, you’re riding a Harley, and Harleys have never been known for their braking components. Now, that’s by no means an excuse, but if you’ve ridden a Harley before, your expectations are already set appropriately. If not, good luck! 

With the vague feel of the rear pedal and the diminished responsiveness of the front lever over time, I’d say that the brakes make the bike feel sketchy. But hey, you’re riding a chopper, baby! Sketchiness is part of the package.

In the end, if I had to do it all over again, I would buy the Low Rider every time. The bike outperforms every Harley I’ve ever ridden and it’s one of the most aesthetically versatile platforms under HD. You can go Club Style, Bobber, Chopper. Hell, I’ve even seen Scrambler and Cafe Racer M8 Softails. It’s for that reason, that I didn’t cover the design of the Low Rider. I think my bike is the perfect example of the FXLR being a blank canvas for you to customize yourself. 

Now the only question left is: when are you upgrading?

[vael]

2019 Annual Review

Each year, I look back at the previous year’s annual review and note that things didn’t go as planned. For some reason I am always surprised, but this time it’s a little painful, too. From 2018′s Annual Review:

“2019 outlook? Sunny! I hope it will be my best year yet.“

Oh, Vael. You built your house, you moved to the promised land. But your year did not go as planned. You are not even close to the zen you craved.

It has been a wild year. This will run long. All I can do is stick to the format and hope my memory and average writing skill will do the year justice. So, as usual, we start with the positive.

What went well this year?

We like our house. We do. The builder was no good, resulting in some warped walls and a lot of headache getting them to finish everything properly, but the layout is very suitable for us. My office is exactly what I needed, our TV room has just the right space for us. We finally have a respectable kitchen. Since I’m living and working in the house 24 hours a day, it’s important to have a comfortable space.

Game development. For the past five years, I’ve put in some serious work. A lot of it was within my game engine, GAM3, and tinydark’s gaming network, The Orbium. While I put in a lot of work, not much came in the way of actual games produced. I finally rallied in 2018 and put out Bean Grower. It was designed to be a supplemental game, not a main driver, so it will not bring in sustainable income. I went on to think that I should open GAM3 up to other developers, license the engine out and collect a share of what they make.

I resolved to refactor GAM3: a word which means to rewrite and modernize many parts of it so that it’s easier to work in, and for it to present better. I would come to realize this desire to share GAM3 was due to a lack of confidence in myself to produce something great, and financially sustainable. Around the time I was realizing that multiplayer was the answer, I discovered Marosia.

Then we moved, I took on contract work, and things generally slowed for me for a few months, eking out what development I could. I played Marosia throughout and in August, it died. I wrote a teardown for it. The stars had aligned: though I had a lot of prelim work to be done, I would make a successor to Marosia. I managed to hype a few people in the community with a demo of GAM3 and I spent the next few months coding a chat prototype and generally organizing myself, and finally mid-November began the refactoring. It would end there, but just this morning (seriously) we learned Marosia was coming back. I had a momentary freakout but it’s ultimately a good thing for my own game.

I haven’t been more excited for a project in a long time. I never thought I’d be so excited to create a standard fantasy world, but it’s a ton of fun, with intricacies I never considered. The game’s design lends itself to a sustainable monetization model: I’m thinking $3/mo for quality-of-life upgrades, with a discount for buying in bulk. I would have paid double for Marosia, so I think this is fair. (6 months of die2nite is currently priced at $69, 6 months of Hattrick is $90!) And most important of all, I can do it ethically, with a game that truly means something to people.

Web development. I’ve learned quite a bit this year! I am so grateful for svelte. I liked but never loved React.js. It always felt ponderous to me. I have no doubt The Orbium’s refactoring would have taken me half the time it did if I were learning svelte vs. React, simply because React is so much more convoluted than svelte, and all in the name of uglier syntax. Svelte seamlessly integrates style and functionality into UI components, which means that if I’m working with a button that clicks to open a modal, everything I need for that button is in that one file.

Due to my contract work (with Harley Davidson, I can reveal) I also got some experience with Symfony and other modern development practices in PHP. PHP doesn’t really excite me these days, loathing having to produce views with it, but it is at least comfy.

My job. “Yeah, yeah.” I got a raise, most of which was contributed to getting Eve and my son onto my badass healthcare plan. We’re developing like it’s 2012, which is frustrating and makes even simple tasks take forever, but I can’t complain about the pay nor the stability of the company and my position there. I also work mostly remotely.

What didn’t go so well?

2019 was dominated by the bad. Eve’s not putting out an Annual Review, but our pain is shared.

The move. 11 months after the contract was signed, our builder was finally ready to let us move in. The house was not finished, just livable. So we rushed out of Rhode Island. We packed my car with everything we could fit, even removing the spare tire, but we got almost all of it. Me, Eve, our son, and our two cats.

At around 7:30 PM, we were driving on a dark highway when we were struck by a muffler that had fallen out from the truck in front of us. It destroyed the front-end, spilling radiator fluid onto the road. I had no idea what was going on, but it so happened that a mechanic had broken down right near us and was able to help. The engine barely carried us to the nearest motel, and I was in shock. I carried all our stuff to our second-floor room, it was even lightly raining. And I was defeated. Eve reports she had never seen me so bad. I had no idea how long we’d be in this ghetto-ass motel, what it would cost us during this time of great financial need, and mostly: I was just miserable. We could have died. If it had hit one of our tires, we could have spun out at 70+ MPH. All I wanted to do was get to our house the next day, and here we were.

I won’t detail the rest here, but I do want to thank my friends for their support and appreciate the good fortune that we got through this time.

We got to the house at 11PM on a Sunday; I still appreciate our builder taking the time to show us around so late. And... it was not at all what we were expecting. We had no driveway, and it had rained. We were tracking in some mud but that didn’t even matter because the entire house had to be cleaned. There was dirt all over the floors, they’d forgotten I didn’t want a chandelier over the dining room table, and the feeling was that we’d gone through Hell (and austure financial practices) to get here and this was it. So much wasn’t done. We knew that, but we didn’t think we’d be sweeping and wetting the floor with paper towel just to have a place to put our stuff. Shoutout to my friend Cody for setting us up with a supply drop.

We spent a lot of time buying furniture, aided by our rental SUV, all the while worrying about our newly purchased things sitting around the house without our protection as workers came in and out. I had to go back to Virginia to pick up the car and through exhaustion, caffeine, stupidity, and anxiety, managed to go 88 MPH and get myself a ticket: a misdemeanor, even. I spent the entire day picking up that damn car (5 hours up and down) and returned home in the worse state I’d ever felt. I was emotionally, mentally, and physically depleted.

But there was no stopping for me: I took on contract work and I had to get it done just to stay afloat. And then we got a fucking dog.

The dog. At some point in 2018 we determined that our son could use a companion and that a dog really completes the family. Leading up to the move, we put a down payment on a rough collie: the “Lassie” breed. They usually run around $800 and we got her for $500. I was a fan of the breed and Eve had done research that proves it’s a great breed. (it is) Even after the accident, we thought we should pay the rest for her and bring some joy into our life.

We named her Esme, and getting a dog was definitely one of the worst macro decisions I’ve made for the family yet. I couldn’t last more than a month with her. It was my decision to get rid of her, which made my wife and son sad but we were getting so little out of the experience. The cats beat her up, she was afraid of everything, and all she wanted to do was run around but we kept her cooped up in the house because we had no fence. I hated that there was still a dog smell, and I hated that it farted during Game of Thrones. It was over when we went grocery shopping and came back to a poop-filled crate, which the circumstances of the night dictated I must clean.

Young Living. Eve was supposed to sell essential oils for some side money. We knew it wasn’t going to be big money, unless she got lucky or turned out to be a natural-born saleswoman, but it was something to do and we believe in the products. I really trust in Young Living and I personally have seen the benefits of their oils and products.

So she went to the YL convention in Utah to learn to sell and, hey, have some fun. She returned feeling even less confident: they’d changed some numbers, and the truth that we always knew was that the market’s highly saturated. There are memes trivializing the effects of oils and there’s no denying the company’s an MLM. A lot of the big earners made their sales early on. Coinciding with the bad feels of Autumn, we decided to put the oil dream aside and focus on mental and physical health.

Eve mental/physical health. The muffler changed a lot for us. It morphed what should have been a very happy time in our lives into a very stressful one. Eve felt fatigued and broken down, and I wasn’t much better off. One day before her planned back-to-action, pick ourselves up and get ready to enjoy Summer, she sprained and tore a ligament in her ankle while coming down the stairs. We hoped it was just a sprain and did everything we could to avoid going to the doctor, but a week later she hadn’t gotten better and so began the PT and bullshit regimen. Our plans of hiking the blue ridge mountains were crushed.

But she recovered, and I shit you not, the very day before she planned to return to action, it was Father’s Day. She was making me my special breakfast and was using a hand-blender to blend pumpkin french toast mix when she went to clean some gunk out of the blender with her finger. It was a split-second decision to help make breakfast faster. Her finger twitched, caught the irresponsibly sensitive power button and tore her finger up. Immediately took her to Urgent Care and then the Emergency Room. $3,000 and some luck later, she kept her finger, but has permanently lost some feeling in it.

That was a bad time for us. I was overworked, she was miserable, and yet she still managed to get to Utah to learn how to sell. To salvage our year. In Autumn, all the anxiety, stress, and the damage from her upbringing finally culminated and she broke. 

Her physical health tanked in tandem with her mental. She suffered frequent menstrual issues and her EDS (a joint disorder) flaring up. It is hard to detail all the pain and frustration, and it really is beyond the scope of what needs to be said. My wife is depressed, prone to feeling overwhelmed, and I’m happy to say that we are getting her professional help soon.

What’s remarkable is that I can’t recall a period of time that she didn’t try her best to recover. Every month, most weeks, she would constantly express that the next day or month was her time. She’s done it for this month and 2020 as well. And I don’t think she’s lazy or unmotivated. She is just defeated and I am a poor comforter. Honestly, I am just shit at helping people if the solution isn’t “well just force yourself to do the thing.” That’s how I get through my problems and it doesn’t work for everyone, not even always myself. Still she is strong. I think writing this out has helped me remember that.

Relationship with my son. I had hoped my increased efficiency and happiness would improve our relationship. I planned for more structure: things like “once we’re upstairs for bedtime rituals, no going back down.” Each night I make a point to spend a minimum of 30 focused minutes with him. But I have only succeeded in making our relationship worse. I don’t think he needs professional help, but there is something within him, from when he was three years old, that just prevents him from being a hard worker. Respect is important to me and I don’t respect him. He is a frustrated child, often not understanding the world, often forgetting things he was supposed to do. I’m not doing a good job of helping.

I think I could have done better, but there were simply too many fronts to fight.

Mental performance. I haven’t gotten any better from last year. I am still not as sharp as 2017-Vael. It is a matter of stress and lifestyle.

What did I learn?

How to be a homeowner! Generally how to manage a home. I got my tools, all cute with my little leaf blower.

SLOWWWW DOWWWWN. The outside of the house needs some work. We need to extend our driveway, clear an acre, and put up a fence. I could take a loan out to do this and be fine, but I could also just slow down. Take a deep breath. Enjoy what we have for the Summer. It sucks I won’t be able to use that acre for farming, but I think I have a good place to plant a single apple tree this year. And hey, less mowing.

A shit ton of web development.

Probably became more cynical. But I think The Good Place has helped remind me to be a good person.

To just accept Eve needs help. And that I really suck at helping her.

Future Outlook

All that bad stuff that happened? Pfft. Shitty year. 2020′s here, it’s a brand new decade. I’ve got a cool game I want to make, we’re gonna get Eve some help, and...

Get pregnant! Yeah! Right now we definitely aren’t ready for kids. We need to use our new health insurance to make a bunch of appointments, recover  financially, mentally, physically. But we very badly want more children. I feel it all the time. I have begun to suspect that genetics do matter, and I wonder if Abel’s laziness mirrors his biological father’s laziness. My dad loved to work and I do too. It might be possible to pass these traits on.

Better office. I need to get some furniture and improve my work environment.

Vacation! We desperately need a vacation. We’re going to Disney this year, either May or June.

Zen Vael. I will attempt to be “the person I want to be” as detailed last year. My soft goal for this is March 15th, as I set last year. I will undoubtedly fail that date. There is no way I’m wrangling my sleep and attitude in the next two months, but surely by the end of the year?

Thanks for reading.

Vael