Kickstart goes to Stumptown Comics fest!

I'd never been to a comic fest before, so I didn't know what to expect. Would there be masked avengers or caped cusaders walking the halls of the Doubletree? No such luck. The most memorable sight, by far, was a man walking around with a boom box, wearing a spinner mask. His tire rim mask actually spun around as he walked by.

There were so many great artists in attendance and I was inspired by each and every one of them. Too bad I can't draw. While I was there, some of the inkers were kind enough to do some quick scooter sketches for me. As soon as I get around to scanning them, I'll be sure to post a few each entry.

The above sketch was drawn by Patrick Devine
He and the other half of Steampunk Squid, Paul Rogers can be found at:
www.steampunksquid.com

What in the Sam Hill?

Coming back from Bacchus Raucous, Miles, Holly, Maryann and I stopped at Sam Hill's Stonehenge. Mr. Hill built this replica as a tribute to WWI soldiers who lost their lives.

Hill was misinformed that the original Stonehenge had been used as a sacrificial site. He built the replica to remind us that "humanity is still being sacrificed to the god of war".

Maryann waiting to be sacrified

Bacchus Raucous V

Last weekend I was in Richland, Washington for Bacchus Raucous V. It's one of my favorite scooter rallies and the Tri-city scooterists always show us a good time.


With beautiful scenery and lots of wineries, it almost feels like you are in Tuscany. Well, maybe if you squint and have a glass of red.


Frank Easterly, owner of Barnard Griffin Winery and ex-scooterist


Maryann was happy to know that Christ the King Sausage Fest was also going on that weekend.


Thanks Tri-cities, see ya next year!

Go Green Vespa Video Challenge

Make a video and win a Vespa!
Check it out.
Karen G




PIAGGIO GROUP SPONSORS USER-GENERATED VIDEO CONTEST; VESPA SCOOTERS TO BE AWARDED

Vespa Scooter Fans Invited to Create Original Videos Touting Vespanomics Message

WHAT: Scooter riders and enthusiasts can show their devotion for the Vespa scooter and brand by creating original video content for the “Go Green Vespa Video Challenge.” Contestants could win one of three Vespa scooters and other branded merchandise!

PRIZES: - Grand Prize winner receives a Vespa GTS

- Second Place winner receives an LX150

- Third Place winner receives an LX50

- Vespa apparel will be provided to multiple runners-up and registered users of the contest site during a weekly, random drawing

WHEN: Submissions will be accepted from August 20 through October 15, 2007.

The contest winner will be announced on October 23, 2007.

WHERE: Details can be found at www.VespaUSA.com/GoGreenChallenge

WHY: Who better to carry the message about Vespanomics than Vespa scooter enthusiasts who already know or want to know the positive benefits that scootering can have on the environment and their personal lives? The contest requires incorporating some principles of Vespanomics and uploading the video to the Vespa USA web site.

Piaggio Group will conduct a two-month contest in which scooter owners and fans of Vespa can develop and submit creative videos that promote the Vespanomics message: how Vespas curb global warming, reduce oil consumption and decrease traffic congestion while making an iconic style statement.

Finalists and the grand prize winner will be determined by a Piaggio Group panel based on user ratings, ability to address key Vespanomics principles, as well as creativity and originality. Following the contest, the winner’s and finalists’ videos will be posted to YouTubeTM for viewing.

Super Mod

Coming soon to Kickstart #7: An interview with famed comic book illustrator and ex-MOD, Dave Gibbons. It was a pleasure chatting with "Dashing" Dave.