Spotted in Lake Como

Kickin' it with Talley

The Talleys aboard their Piaggio X9


He's the man behind the scenes quietly toiling away at Kick's layout; the Tonto to my Lone Ranger. Together, Steve Talley and I make up Team Kickstart. Steve is a pretty unassuming man and I felt it was high time I cast the spotlight on my friend.

So, Mr. Talley, I am going to ask you some questions and you can answer accordingly.

Karen: Do you have any aliases?
Steve: My wife has several for me, but I'm not publishing them.
Karen: Fare enough, Talley Man.

K: What turns you on?
S: Scooters, curling, bocce, history

K: Any turn offs?
S: Vehicles with studded tires; drivers who don't use turn signals

K: What was your first scooter?
S: Piaggio X9

K: Tell me a little known fact about yourself.
S: I rode submarines in the navy.
K: Well, anchors away! I never knew that. Here's another little know Talley tidbit: He's a semi-retired technical writer and was published in the New York Times!

K: OK, finish these sentences (When I'm on my scooter... Kickstart is... Curling and bocce are... Karen G is.... If I had a monkey...)
S: When I'm on my scooter, I'm enjoying the trip.
Kickstart is fun to work on.
Curling and bocce are non-contact sports where men and women of all ages compete equally.
Karen G is the generative force behind Kickstart.
If I had a monkey, I'd trade it for a bullmastiff.

Well, there you have it. Steve is quite the renaissance man and Kickstart wouldn't be half as fun without him!

If you'd like to find out more about curling and bocce in Portland,
click here:
Curling
Bocce

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.