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Motorcyclism Road To s Mindfulnes PAGE • 15
15 YEARS LATER, WE STILL REMEMBER! PAGE PAGE•• 10 5
HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS 10 PAGE • 11
E T T I F A L ” G W A D D A O CHRIS “R
L E E T S F O D U T S
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Motorcyclism Road To ss fulne MindPAGE • 15
15 YEARS LATER, WE STILL ! REMEMBER 5 PAGE •• 10 PAGE
HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS
11 PAGE • 10
FITTE D DAWG” LA CHRIS “ROA
EL STUD OF STE
Cover Credits Chris “Road Dawg” Lafitte
15 years later, We Still Remember!
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Stud of Steel
Photography by Stacy “Snoopy” Conly
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PART 1
Articles & Photography contributed by: Chris “Road Dawg” Lafitte Stacy “Snoopy” Conly Tony “Arson” Arsbon Katherine Potter Chris Gibbany JaroslawGibas Candy Chand
OF A SERIES
Publisher/Sales Manager Constance “Ladybug” Drew Round Rock, TX 512-337-6747 ladybug@southernsteelmagazine.com Online Promotions Gina Davis Tatum, NM 505-250-5238 gina@southernsteelmagazine.com Dustin Rushing Round Rock, TX 512-337-6747 dustin@southernsteelmagazine.com
Copyright 2016. Southern Steel Bikes~N~Rods is published by Barefoot Marketer, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine content or graphics may be reproduced without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility and not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issues as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own, and do not necessarily represent the policy of Barefoot Marketer LLC. The Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. www.southernsteelmagazine.com
Hold on Tight to Your Dreams
If I said you aren’t crazy it’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Motorcyclism: Road To Mindfulness
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September/October • 2016
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Publisher’s Note
F
olks, welcome to our September/October issue of Southern Steel Bikes~n~Rods magazine! Due to my move to New Mexico and an extended illness, we are getting this issue out as best we can. Hope that you enjoy the articles we have culled together to keep the Southern Steel name out there where it belongs! Chris “Road Dawg” Lafitte of Northern Louisiana graces our 2nd Anniversary cover this month, as well as being our Stud of Steel. September was a month of remembrance for 9/11 and we included an article submitted by Tony Arsbon of Hobbs New Mexico. We included articles about Dreams, PTSD and a book review submitted by Candy Chan of Arizona. We hope you enjoy the quality articles that we continue to bring you. Hard to believe it has been two years since the magazine came to life! We appreciate your continued support and look forward to bringing you more articles and news in the years to come! Kickstands up and motors revved!
Constance “Ladybug” Drew Publisher
ladybug@southernsteelmagazine.com
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Southern Thunder
Story and photos by: Tony “Arson” Arsbon, President Archangels, Christian Motorcycle Fellowship
F
or 14 years in a small town in southeast New Mexico September 11th has been a sad day. Every September on the anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks bikers from all around the area come together in a Ride to Remember and a night to honor Police and Fire personnel who have “Gone Home”! They gather as the sun sets and then they ride. The thunder of bikes rolls through the small community of Hobbs New Mexico as they roll through town and arrive at the 9/11 Memorial on Jack Gomez Blvd. Two friends, a Firefighter and a Police Officer have come together to lead this ride year after year. Tony “Arson” Arsbon a retired Firefighter and Jeffrey Walker a retired Police Officer and
9/11/2001 – 9/11/2016
15 years later, We Still Remember!
Capt. Fagan passed just two years ago of cancer and Donna passed this August also of cancer
They come together to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters and 60 Police Officers who gave their all in 2001 at the trade center www.southernsteelmagazine.com
retired National Guardsmen roll into the memorial with over 200 bikers and many area citizens. They come together to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters and 60 Police Officers who gave their all in 2001 at the trade center. But it does not stop there; they honor local fallen firefighters, medics, police officers and bikers who have passed
each year. This year they will also recognize those still fighting, some 850 firefighters and workers that have been diagnosed or passed away from cancer related to rescue efforts. This year’s local ride dedication is to Donna Fagan, the daughter of Hobbs Fire Department Capt. Jerry Fagan. Capt. Fagan passed just two years ago of cancer and Donna passed this August also of cancer. Donna was a City of Hobbs Parks and Recreation employee responsible for the upkeep of the memorial from its dedication day until her retirement. This year will also honor the Police Officers of Dallas and Baton Rouge killed in the line of duty. For 14 years these riders have turned out to remember those heroes of 9/11/01 and to show their support of those still fighting! Rain or Shine, Wet or Dry, We Ride for those gone home before us and those still fighting! September/October • 2016
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In the News
F
olks don’t like to have someone around who knows more than they do.” ---Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird Too bad for George Christie. His delusional memoir might be halfbelievable, if there weren’t so many people alivewho actually know the truth. Starting with Sonny Barger… Sonny is undoubtedly an iconic figure, a founding member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, considered by millions to be a man of legendary status. Enter George Christie and hisobsessive decades of jealousy. So, it’s no surprise that as follow-up to Christie’s History Channel debut, George has written a book. And just last week,I scored a pre-released review copy of that memoir, (It pays to know folks in the publishing industry). The very next morning, I headed to the Barger Ranch, so I could spend the day hanging out, and, in preparation for this article, reading the manuscript. Grasping the inevitable: I brought a bottle of wine. As I settled in on their patio, I opened the book and poured myself a glass. Areally big one. Hey, I’m an Italian girl. I have incredible childhood memories wearing galoshes--while stomping grapes from my grandpa’s vineyard--to make homemade wine. And from the time I was knee high, I was allowed a small glass with dinner. Don’t judge me, people. It’s a cultural thing. But, for all these years, my claim to fame has always been: I’ve never been drunk. Never. That is, until I read George Christie’s pre-released memoir. As I foraged through the chapters, I was compelled to pour glass after 6
September/October • 2016
Exile on Front Street:
My Life as a Hells Angel and Beyond [ A Slightly Drunk Book Review ]
Reality Check:The most accurate part of George’s entire memoir was his recollection of Sonny’s wife, Zorana, as an attractiveblonde. Z, who Iconsider a good friend, is just that and more.
glass. And while I didn’t get officially sloshed (hence my never-been-drunk record still holds) I do have to admit: I got just a bit tipsy. Let me make this perfectly clear: I’m not talking about falling down intoxicated, just drunkenough-to-get-throughGeorge-Christies-creepybook, intoxicated. Fair Disclosure: One might think I’m predisposed to dislike George’s memoir, because I’ve been close friends with Sonny for over 30 years. However, the truth is: Sonny and I often disagree. About a lot of things. However, he’s a strong individual, one profoundly able to accept our differences, without being compelled to control my thoughts. And let me assure you: we’re as different as night and day. While Sonny attends club meetings, he refers to as “church,” I attend a more traditional version of church— the kind where I show up with a Bible and sing about Jesus. Yet, despite our contrasts, I knowSonny as a man of honor and a person Ican trust totell me the truth, even when that truth is not always what I want to hear. Lastly, anyone who knows me is keenly aware: I’m a strong-willed individual, fully capable of thinking for myself, doing extensive research, and coming to my own conclusions. The bottom line is: As fair as I tried to be, George’s story just doesn’t add up. And here’s why: The Blah, Blah, Blah Public-
ity Pitch: Oddly enough, the publisher referred to George as Yin to Sonny’s Yang. Seriously? While, the two men are clearly opposites, unlike the metaphoric Yin and Yang, they are certainly not equals. George Christie will never be Sonny Barger’s equivalent. Not in intellect. Not in loyalty. Not in reputation. And certainly not in honor. Delusionary Statements: To give the author an air of false power, George, in all his bravado, actually crowned himself the former “International Spokesman for the Club.” A claim that is ludicrous, at best. General Lack of Logic: Throughout the manuscript, George implies he was the unofficial peacemaker for the Hells Angel’s Motorcycle Club. In example after example, he paints himself with almost messianic imagery-- riding in to save the day, offering goodwill for all mankind. Yet, records show: this is the same individual who was indicted, and pled out, to the fire-bombing of a competitor’s tattoo parlor. Way to keep the peace, George. Motives: George’s book appears little more than an attempt to benefit financially from his former club’s status. Christie’s often claimed that Sonny did the same, when he wrote his memoir years ago. However, there’s a huge difference: Sonny Barger remains a solid member in good standing. And while he shared his life story, he also received permission from the
club, and paid them a royalty, for the use of their name and logo. George, on the other hand, is an ex member, in bad standing, who has not received permission for any of his club related projects. In addition, Christie continues to profit from the club’s name and reputation. These are huge problems for the book’s credibility. Reality Check:The most accurate part of George’s entire memoir was his recollection of Sonny’s wife, Zorana, as an attractiveblonde. Z, who Iconsider a good friend, is just that and more. However, that’s about the extent of the book’s apparent authenticity.Christie goes on to imply that,years ago, his former employee, Zorana, cost his tattoo business a tax auditwhich led to more federal investigations,ultimately getting him arrested and held on a million dollar bond. Throughout the manuscript, George comes across as a man utterly incapable of taking personal responsibility. The reality is: that attractiveblonde was not the one signing the paychecks that caused the audit—because they were actually signed by the owner of the company-none other than George himself. In addition, he omitted an important fact: Zorana also went to jail, and was, in turn, held on a million dollar bond. I know, George. Minor details, right? First Documentary Attempt: Nick Mead’s a British film www.southernsteelmagazine.com
In the News maker, living in Southern California. A couple years ago, he directed, produced and promoted adocumentary about Christie, before he sensed George’s credibility was unraveling. Once Nick--who is a principledman-- caught wind that Georgemight not be who he claimed to be,Meadcancelled the movie. This was a film in which Nick invested close to $100,000 of his personal time and money. Meadinitially had doubts about George’s story when, despite his best efforts,he couldn’t get a straight answer to the simplest question.Then, there was the ticket sale money that Nick suspected never made its way to the intended charity. Ultimately, Mead realized the club had not offeredits blessing on the film, as George had previouslyinsisted was the case. So, whenNick Mead put the documentary on ice,George Christie—who was yearning for fame and fortune--was furious. In the book, Christiesuggests Nick terminated the movie,because the club intimidated him away from the project. Nick’s assured me that just wasn’t the case. He said the club members were always perfect gentleman, and that the only intimidation he ever received was from Christie’s lawyer (who also happens to be George’s daughter) when she threatened to sue him if he didn’t turn over the rights to the film. As for Sonny and Nick’s scary meeting? I was actually hanging out at the Barger Ranch when Mead drove from Southern California to Arizona to gain a better understanding of the truth. I even cooked dinner (A delicious Almond Encrusted Halibut.Feel free to message www.southernsteelmagazine.com
I was so stunned by this admission, that I poured another glass of wine, and read the paragraph out-loud. Sonny calmly stood up from the table and led the conversation in a different direction.
me for the recipe).But if there was any intimidation going on that night, film or otherwise, I certainly missed it with all the laughter, cheerful conversation and pleasantry. Vietnam: The 1 percenter culture is filled with highly patriotic individuals, manyof whom are veterans. In an odd reversal of “know your audience” philosophy, Christie’s memoir discusses his tactics to evade active duty, ultimately grantinghim a discharge from the Marine Reserves, before he could be deployed overseas.And in the book:George appearsrather proud of the fact thathe managed to pull it off. I was so stunned by this admission, that I poured another glass of wine, and read the paragraph out-loud. Sonny calmly stood up from the table and led the conversation in a different direction. Then, beaming with honor, hetold me a story:“You know, Candy. Whatever the reasons for Vietnam, the reality is: we were there. I’ve always supported our troops. In fact, a Richmond Hells Angel-who was so influenced by my respect for our military’s men and women--enlisted at the height of the VietnamWar. Unfortunately, just 4 days before coming home, he was killed in action. In contrast to George’s cowardice, thatAngel was a true hero.” Mysteries in a Supernatural Time Warp: The book unveils another story about amemberwho was visiting the United States. Christie claims the individual told him thatwhen he went to Sonny for vital assistance,he was turned away, because helping the Angel offered no personal benefit. That’s just not the Sonny I know. He’s a man with a good heart, who I can’t imagine treating anyone, let alonea club brother,the way George
described. So, I did a bit of checking. Not only does thisAngel claim the incidentnever happened, Sonny was actually in prison at the time of the member’sinternational visit. Unfortunately for George, to make this story credible, it would have required Sonny to break out of an Arizona federal penitentiary, discard his prison garbs, steal a bike, ride like the wind to Oakland, just in time to meet this man, heartlessly turn him away, then return to the penbefore the guards missed him for morning roll call. Do you understand why at this point in the book, I was compelled to pour myself yet another glass of wine? Out-Bad Verses Casual Retirement: Christie continues to claim he simply retired from the club because it no longer fit his lifestyle. Then, afterward, he implies, Sonny pressured the charter to change his status to Out Bad: No Contact. (A form of dishonorable discharge). Sonny claims that just isn’t the case. And to validate his point, I’ve read a historic letter to Christie, written by a club member. In it, the Angel told George that he believed he’d been debriefing to law enforcement, in order to save his own skin. The member made it clear that since Christie couldn’t be trusted, he should resign from the club. Shortly after that letter arrived (a message, George claims in the book he received, but never read), Christie walked into the Ventura club house and offered up his resignation for “personal” reasons. According to the book, four days later, his charter informed Christie he’d beenvoted Out Bad: No Contact. In retrospect,a wise decision-especially after the sus-
picion he’d sold members out, to save his own legal skin,began to glow in the dark. Additional clarity arrived whenGeorge--who was facing the rest of his natural life in prison-- miraculously had his sentence reduced to just a year in a minimum security correctional facility. While the manuscript depicts members shocked and saddened over George’s decision, an individual from Ventura remembers things quite differently: “Candy, I can tell you, I was there the day George resigned, and I was happy to see him leave. He was like a cancer in the room.” To this day: George’s version of his resignation, as well as blaming Sonny for his Out Bad status, significantly differs from his former brothers. And reality. Sonny has publicly offered Christie a lie detector challenge. People are still waiting, George… So, there you go: I could continue with this review, but why? In essence: the inconsistencies, apparent fabrications, blatant jealousies, and attempts to create an aura of self-importance were so prevalent in George Christie’s self-serving memoir that for the first time in my life, with glass in hand, I actually teetered away from a table. So please, save yourself: Don’t waste your time ormoney on this book. The amount of wine required-- to make Christie’s story appear even remotely believable-will put you under for days. Fair Warning.
CANDY CHAND is a writer living in Cave Creek, AZ. She’s been interviewed on Fox & Friends, PBS and NPR. Message, and follow, her on Facebook @ Candy Chand-Writer September/October • 2016
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Stud of Steel
Steel Stud ofris Ch Lafitte wg” “Road Da ossier Louisiana
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September/October • 2016
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Stud of Steel
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September/October • 2016
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Dreams AD IN S T E W I T H N G AYI G O F P L D D R E A M IN R , T HE S AN D O L L M IN G A M O O C IN G O F BE S D R E A M K E S DU I WA FR O M I L E O B S H I WA A R D W EL Z A H OD OF IN G M B U IL D A R S C
Story& photo provided by: Chris Gibbany Arkansas
M
y name is Chris and I am an addict- addicted to hot rods and Harleys. When I was a kid I collected miniature motorcycles and Hot Wheels. Instead of playing with dolls and dreaming of becoming a mother, I was dreaming I was Bo from Dukes of Hazard while 10 September/October • 2016
HOLD ON TIGHT While in college, I purchased a black 1978 LT Camaro. I kept that car 15 years and on the rear spoiler I had “Back in Black” spelled out in vinyl letters
building model cars. One of my favorite Christmas gifts during the program exchange in grade school was several Hot Wheels of my favorite varietyCorvettes and Camaros (which I still have to this day). All of the other years I had been disappointed as the parents always bought “girl” gifts but that
year my parents told the boy’s mother that I wanted CARS and she came through! My brother and I were offered a candy bar a day or the money equivalent from our parents. I always took the money; he always took the candy. I saved all of this money, plus had yard sales of my gently
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In college, 1st bike I bought Yamaha DT enduro
During my second year of college I purchased another Camaro, this time a blue 1978 Z/28, a car I kept 23 years
www.southernsteelmagazine.com
worn clothing and used toys and started a savings account when I was six years old. As I got older I recycled aluminum cans and picked up copper which also added to my bank account. Very little of my own money went into “toys”, just the Hot Wheels and motorcycle collection. I
never got my ears pierced as I knew that earrings would cost money. Even though I was an honor student in high school, I only received a $10 denim purse from my parents as a gift when I graduated. I had to buy my own graduation announcements and anything else that I wanted, so suffice to say,
OF A SERIES
TO YOUR DREAMS
PART 1
Very little of my own money went into “toys”, just the Hot Wheels and motorcycle collection
I only sent out about 10 announcements and only purchased a few senior pictures. I learned to ride a motorcycle when I was 16 but I didn’t learn to drive until I got to college. I went to college on full scholarships and also worked full time. While CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE
September/October • 2016 11
Dreams
with 1981 Ironhead and 1956 Panhead
Best of Chris and panhead
in college I took my lunch every day in a reusable lunch sack that I had gotten free while all of my friends were enjoying eating out at the local Dairy Queen or McDonald’s. While in college, I purchased a black 1978 LT Camaro. I kept that car 12 September/October • 2016
I learned to ride a motorcycle when I was 16 but I didn’t learn to drive until I got to college
15 years and on the rear spoiler I had “Back in Black” spelled out in vinyl letters. During my second year of college I purchased another Camaro, this time a blue 1978 Z/28, a car I kept 23 years. Even though I loved my “Back in Black” car, this new purchase
was going to be a car that I built into my dream car. I eventually ended up putting “Mean Streak” on the back of the blue Camaro, both references to AC/DC songs that I loved. The very next year I had spotted a yellow 1978 Camaro that said “Wild www.southernsteelmagazine.com
Dreams
Doing a burnout
Child� on the back spoiler and was fixing to buy it when my other love kicked in and I purchased my first motorcycle, a Yamaha DT enduro. All of these were purchased and paid for in cash by money that I had been putting into my savings account. www.southernsteelmagazine.com
September/October • 2016 13
Veteran’s Honor brain in the current moment.Neurokinesis does not require you to tell your story and go back into the pain. This is an Intervention and not counselling or therapy. It in no way negatively impacts your military benefits or status. As a Prolympian client, you are taught the Hand Technique so you can clearyour own secrets. Clear your own shame. Clear your own anxiety. You can begin the journey back to being a better version of you. To living strong and having a purpose. Prolympian sees the household as the client.
and then you have two people impacting children who get Floating PTSD. Like a rock thrown in a lake the impact ripples out and touches many. The United Nations has declared that violence in the home and community has become the largest threat to humanity. As a society we are not surviving our silence,
This is an Intervention and not counselling or therapy. It in no way negatively impacts your military benefits or status
If I said you aren’t crazy it’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Author: Katherine Potter, Community Engagement Liaison and Coach
M
y name is Katherine Potter, I’m the Community Engagement Liaison and a Coach with Prolympian International Inc. How many times have you looked in the mirror and said to yourself I feel crazy? I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to function. I don’t know how to live my life anymore. I don’t know how to be in a relationship with people. I’m angry, sad and depressed and I’d rather implode, than hurt those I care about. What if there was a way for you to turn this around and choose to LIVE again. To SMILE 14 September/October • 2016
WHAT WOULD YOUR REACTION BE?
again and to feel JOY again and to BELONG and CONNECT again. Keep reading, this isn’t a fantasy. Science is telling us that PTSD is NOT a mental illness. PTSD is a survival choice for the brain. Nanotechnology science is changing the medical view of PTSD.It has shown that the brain is pro-actively obsessing over perfecting survival skills by replaying the event to ensure future survival “if” the event occurs again. An infinite loop of tragedy played over and over and over again. Prolympian International’s Neurokinesis Intervention Hand Technique,has been proven to rapidly act on the neurons and neuroglia to actually change the
What if there was a way for you to turn this around and choose to LIVE again
It’s widely acknowledged and the saddest part of all of this, that honorable people doing the right thing, came home and brought PTSD into their family. We know that the Primary PTSD person in turn impacts their spouse creating Secondary PTSD
generations of people wounded,walking around wounding others. Choose today to become a part of a solution. YOU DESERVE THE HELP, you have NOT been FORGOTTEN. Contact Prolympian International Inc. PTSD1@prolympiancoaching.com
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In the News
MOTORCYCLISM AND MINDFULNESS - IS THERE ANY RELATION BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM?
MOTORCYCLISM Road To Mindfulness J
arosław Gibas, author of the recently published English version of ‘Motorcyclism. Road To Mindfulness’ proves that this combination is surprisingly amazing. The book is addressed to both motorcyclists and people not interested in motorcycling at all. The former will discover the relations between motorcyclism and mindfulness as the book uses the metaphor of motorcycle to help them understand many ideas from the area of sociology, psychology, mystique of Zen and Tao philosophy. The latter should look at the book as the easily understandable guidebook to the topics related to mindfulwww.southernsteelmagazine.com
The book consists of eleven chapters with each of them having similar narrative structure Contact the author at: jarek@gibas.com.pl, tel: +48 664 768 464
ness: presence, lack of judgement or working with our ego. The capable metaphor of motorcycle is being used to make the language of the book more attractive. The book consists of eleven chapters with each of them having similar narrative structure. It starts with the story based on the dialogues between two archetypical motorcyclists. Old biker (the archetype of Master) shares his knowledge and experience with young biker (the archetype of Disciple).Then the story takes us to the monastery where the monks are discussing each of the bikers’ conversations (metaarchetype of Disciple) with the Master of their Order resolving their doubts (meta-archetype of Master). This is followed by the essential content of the
chapter being the author’s subjective interpretation of the knowledge presented in the chapter. Printed version has been published by ‘Sensus’ in Poland in April 2016. Recently the English version of ‘Motorcyclism. Road To Mindfulness’ has been published and is already available in Amazon bookshop: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LFUF46I
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JarosławGibas – sociologist, former journalist and columnist, currently working as a teacher. Author of several books about personal development, spiritual and emotional intelligence and transpersonal psychology. Among his books are bestsell-
ers like ‘Life. Next Level. Transpersonal Coaching’ and the guide for bikers titled ‘Motorcycling In Your Forties. Instead Of A Love Affair’. More information at: https://pl.wikipedia. org/wiki/Jarosław_Gibas
JAROSŁAW GIBAS teacher www.jaroslawgibas.com Name: JaroslawGibas Url: jaroslawgibas.com E-mail: jarek@gibas.com.pl September/October • 2016 15