Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

ROUNDUP

DOWN: To rapper Kanye West, for ripping off our man Evel Knievel. In a recent video, West calls

himself Evel “Kanyevel” and wears a getup just like the legendary jumper used throughout his career. So the real Knievel sued. From the suit, about the “suit”: “Evel Knievel’s famous jumpsuit...is inherently distinctive, enjoys secondary meaning, is recognized both in the United States and worldwide as being associated with Evel Knievel.” Monetary damages sought were unspecified.

UP: To Harley-Davidson, for doing its part to fight the trade imbalance with China. The Motor Company recently established the Beijing Chapter of the Harley Owners Group, with actor and H-D owner Ge You (You who?) appointed the Honorary Chairman at a ceremony held at the foot of the Great Wall.

It is the first H.O.G. Chapter in mainland China.

UP: To James Gandolfini, better known as mob boss Tony Soprano of “The Sopranos” TV show, for helping to raise more than $500,000 for Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida. The Camp enriches the lives of children who suffer from chronic or life-threatening illnesses by offering them fun, memorable, safe and medically sound camping experiences. Highlight of the annual fund-raiser is the Ride for Children, which starts at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Ormond Beach,

Florida, and ends at Camp Boggy Creek. Harley-mounted Gandolfini lead more than 1200 bikers on the 12th-annual 50-mile ride this past October. Since the Camp’s founding in 1994, more than 27,000 chronically ill children and their family members have enjoyed the magic of the Boggy Creek experience, all at no cost.