Saturday, August 17, 2019

check out this 1940s racing Vittoria Margherita! chain tensioner, derailer, and whatever these are. I posted stills, but see the video past the link


This system has rod-controlled arms on the chainstay which are moving the chain when the rider backpedals. It is simple and easy and certainly much better then the alternative of getting off the bike then removing, flipping and replacing the rear wheel. The system is reliable and the tension wheel leaves just enough ground clearance, an important consideration in an era of bad roads. Unlike more fragile gear changing systems which were on the market in the 1930s and 1940s, the Vittoria still worked when clogged with the clay of the road.






http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Vittoria_derailleurs.html
https://www.facebook.com/diaspedalando/videos/314100809298868
https://www.steel-vintage.com/taurea-vittoria-margherita-1940s-road-bike-detail
http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Cambio_Vittoria_Margherita_-_leaflet_scan_3.html

the Suanders Rose Princess flying boat

Farming is at the end of one generation, and possibly the beginning of another.... if the cost of farming hasn't shot past the amount a family needs to get by, it soon will.



The average age of the U.S. farmer is 60.

Half of America's farmland is going to change hands in the next 12 years.

20% of our food is imported.

This is the story of young people who are stepping up.

https://www.leaveitbetter.com/farmers-for-america/
https://dailytimewaster.blogspot.com/2017/10/from-mike-rowes-fb-page-got-call-last.html

I guess people fall asleep riding motorbikes too

Friday, August 16, 2019

A couple of construction projects in time lapse to watch while you enjoy some coffee and donuts





A flight delay started a little friendly competition when a ground control agent tried to entertain the people stuck waiting for their plane to take off with rock paper scissors. When the worker lost, his expressive way of showing defeat was hilarious



Some people have the rare ability to get along with almost anyone they encounter in life.

Brianna Kolbe and Robert Meadows of Dania Beach, Florida boarded a recent Spirit Airlines flight in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and rather than simply sitting back in his seat, Meadows began a competitive game of rock-paper-scissors with an airport worker at Atlantic City International Airport

Since Kolbe posted the tweet on Sunday it's received more than 1.5 million likes. After the tweet went viral, the couple was able to identify and connect with the employee online.

"They’re already talking about a rematch," Kolbe told Time.

https://twitter.com/robPapersciss0r/status/1160954614474317825
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/viral/plane-passenger-beat-ground-control-at-rock-paper-scissors/vi-AAFUhJ3
https://mashable.com/article/tarmac-worker-spirit-airlines-passenger-rock-paper-scissors/

it's not that he's a firefighting jet aircraft pilot, and flies really well, and drops on target... it's what he did after the drop. He knew he could make it over the ridge. Ballsy move

huh

1st, turn down your volume, then press play. Kids yelling loudly while stealing luggage from a tour bus in Paris



if they had planned this a bit better, one kid would open the hatch, another would crawl in, then push or kick luggage out

https://darkdraggon.tumblr.com/

John Wayne, on the set of Big Jake, 1970... have you taken a close look at the motorcycle?


there is a odd plate and tube on the rear fender, and in front of the engine, and some thing bolted onto the the top of the front forks


but what's written on the gas tank under the word Honda?  Something about who donated the motorcycle, or what shop worked on it?


http://histolines.com/timeline_event.php?eventId=763046

The Mil V-12 “Homer”, the largest helicopter in the world and holder of four aviation world records

new banners





been a while since I've seen some good Jeep memes

it's only when you live in a city that you need to lock your car

for some great coverage of Bonneville






https://www.facebook.com/ky.michaelson and scroll down and you'll find lots of galleries. 

back in March, a 6 yr old was watching the news about the flooding in Nebraska... and he decided to raise money to buy a bridge to help the victims. He ended up collecting $285.28 – more than enough to buy a bridge, which he estimated would cost about $60


His mom sent the money to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund. Though obviously his collection was not enough to buy a bridge, word of this struck a chord with a Virginia farmer and scrap yard owner who happened to have a 43-foot, 22-ton steel bridge the Virginia Department of Transportation had disposed of. He called the disaster relief fund, which contacted the Coleridge Nebraska county commissioner who gladly accepted.

So the owner of Wise Services and Recycling got in touch with Read Transportation and Logistics of Culpepper Virginia, and they split the cost of sending the bridge 1,200 miles to Nebraska.

The bridge arrived 30 hours later on May 28 in Nebraska.

https://www.equipmentworld.com/fundraiser-by-6-year-old-boy-sends-va-bridge-to-flooded-neb/

Did you hear that there had been a plan to get a high speed train from LA to Las Vegas? Well, there is also one to make a high speed train go from Las Vegas to Victorville - if the state of Nevada will go along with some tax cuts for the work and infrastructure

but they had meetings about it a couple months ago, and Nevada said hell no.

So, the project simply stays an idea until the company that is planning to privately fund it returns to the state capitol when a new group of politicians gets elected.

Seems no elected official is in a real hurry for high speed rail. California simply can't afford it. Nevada won't give a tax abatement for it.

The real issue is that California also won't widen interstate 15 from Victorville to the Nevada border. It's 185 miles, if I read correctly, and that's probably a billion dollars if they do it this year, double that every other year to keep up with inflation and higher fuel costs for all the construction equipment

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/road-warrior/lack-of-nevada-tax-breaks-for-high-speed-rail-line-hurts-project-1677964/

3 years, 1 billion dollars, 63 lane miles of concrete and asphalt paving, 29 new bridges and 22 miles of carpool lanes. That was Project Neon, in Las Vegas.

Well, now for something a little different... John Wayne on a motorcycle - something he sure as hell wasn't known for


the car’s shape and grille badge is painted in the early 1950s, so, what was the artist basing it on?

The Duke’s not going to catch that truck anytime soon unless he's riding an Indian, because he has his pistol in his right hand firing at it... and since most bikes have the acceleration on the right,  you better shoot left handed if you're going to chase someone on a Harley

https://geordiebiker.com/2019/08/04/marion-morrison/

random thought... why don't rail road crossings make the trains stop, with a gate, until the cars are through, then pivot the gates to where the trains get the open way, and the gates block the cars?

enough of the traffic getting a gate that pivots up and down, instead, a gate that is always down, and pivots to allow only one form of traffic through. Either the train, or the cars, but not both, and this would prevent vehicles from getting hit by trains.

Just an idea. Not really thought out much farther than, "that oughta do" and with zero interest in what the stupid things would cost, or how they'd be operated, etc etc

A 1983 Pontiac Firebird was stolen in 1989, and just now located when a pipe broke that supplies water to Mirror Lake, about 30 miles north west of Atlanta. The lake level lowered enough to see the roof


Neighbors in the Mirror Lakes Estates subdivision first spotted the car after a pipe to the dam burst and the water level dropped.

"We had a mud hole and then all of a sudden a car appeared. it was buried in the mud, barely visible," said Mahaffey.

Neighbors said this isn't the first car that was found in Mirror Lake. They said in June, when there was another malfunction of the pipe to the dam and the lake levels were low, they spotted a different car. A neighbor shared photos of that car. It's a black Trans Am.


http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/stolen-car-found-in-cobb-county-lake-30-years-later#/
https://www.facebook.com/CobbCountyPoliceDepartment/posts/2440400159408661
https://jalopnik.com/homeowners-association-finds-stolen-mud-filled-1983-pon-1837283708
https://news.yahoo.com/1983-pontiac-firebird-found-lake-030305079.html

Howard Hughes’ GarWood racer

“We have a huge drug abuse problem in the trucking industry, and should actually purge an estimated 300,000 commercial drivers to clean it up,” said Trucking Alliance Managing Director Lane Kidd

Based on what the Trucking Alliance asserted is a “statistically valid sample” of 3.5 million commercial drivers, the survey projects with a 99 percent confidence level and less than 1 percent margin of error that 301,000 truck drivers currently on the road would fail or refuse a hair analysis.

“We have a huge drug abuse problem in the trucking industry, and should actually purge an estimated 300,000 commercial drivers to clean it up,” said Trucking Alliance Managing Director Lane Kidd in a statement. “No wonder truck accidents are on the rise.”

The results of the survey were recently submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as to the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Highway Subcommittee before its June hearing on the state of the trucking industry.

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/carrier-drug-survey-reveals-need-to-purge-300000-drivers

these guys put on a really good show, and they have one incredible backyard playground, cause I can't imagine this is a public downhill park

looks like Friday to me... but I may be wrong. Lets go get a beer and double check?

Thursday, August 15, 2019

a fun to read Craigslist ad for this lawnmower


For sale: one early 80’s Craftsman riding lawn mower with an 11 horse power engine and 30″ mowing deck. Bottom line, this beast is a sick ride! In fact, I’d even say it’s the El Camino of yard whips. Just take a look at those sweet ass rims. So dope they look rented.

Is it fast? Ever heard of old school 3 on the tree? Well, this whip’s got 8 on the hip. That’s right, 8 screamin’ gears of merciless speed! Need to mow that $h!t Richard Petty style? No problem. Snappin’ necks and mowin’ decks, homie…

Just look at this beast. It even has the original factory pin striping. This NASCAR style speed demon will look quick just sitting in your driveway. Neighbors be like “SMH with envy.” Don’t dare put this baby in the shed. She deserves the garage. #nooneputsbabyinthecorner

Does it run, you ask? HELLS YEAH! Like a pack of Kenyans on crystal meth! This bad boy just got a carburetor rebuild, new seals all the way around and a brand new battery installed. Turns over quicker than your prom date. And you don’t even need to buy it wine coolers.

Don’t get me started on the mowing deck! 30 full inches of precision slicin’ and dicin’. Cuts better than Edward Scissor Hands and Lorena Bobbit in a knife fight. And this blade runner has 8 cutting heights! Go full Brazilian with a 1 inch cut, or bring your field of dreams up to 8 inches, 1970’s style; your choice. All I’m sayin’ is this mo-fo fades a lawn better than a set of hair clippers at Fantastic Sams.

But can I mow with it at night, you ask? Who hasn’t awoken at O’dark:30 to mow their lawn black ops style? No problem with this night rider. It has a fully functioning head light, Michael. #Getyerdarkon

Pretty sure this man-ride is the luxury model. It’s equipped with a plush pleather spring ride seat for those Brokeback yards, 10 inch Kung Fu grip steering wheel and rubberized foot pads. Ain’t no footloose goin’ on up in here. Safety first!

You: So how much is this Kentucky bluegrass love machine?
Me: Just $500.°°.
You: Wait, what?
Me: That’s right, you heard me, only $500 greenbacks.
The world: How is that possible?
Me: my family and I have enjoyed using this cutting-deck of dope-ness since it’s immaculate inception back in the 80’s. Can you say one owner? Yup!

It’s time this black pearl set sail and find another crew to roll with. It’s faded many lawns in its day and is looking for the greener grass on your side of the fence.

Don’t wait to call or you’ll be tellin’ stories about the one that got away for the rest of your life, or call me now and become the lawn jockey you always dreamed to be.

No texts, please. I need to hear your voice and know that this family pet is going to a 100% full blooded american. #Merica

https://bangshift.com/bangshiftxl/this-hilarious-craigslist-ad-is-the-best-listing-for-a-riding-lawnmower-ever-pure-genuis/
https://gentlemint.com/tack/277412/

20-year-old Samantha was overwhelmed, from taking care of her five younger siblings for 3 years. She's been keeping them clothed, fed and going to school every day - all without the help of a car.


 she resolved to keep her family, now ages five to 17, together after both Rodriquez's mother and father died from cancer in the past five years.

Last December, the Orange County Sheriff's Department's aviation unit learned of Rodriguez's unusual family and how they were sticking together through tough times. The officers invited the kids for a visit. Then they gave her a car, a Nissan Versa.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/10/health/woman-raising-five-siblings-sheriffs-car-trnd/index.html

This is the first cool thing I've found police doing in quite a while, so, compliments! standing applause actually

how do you remind the employees that the planes they just built have problems? Use their parking lot to have a daily reminder that their best work resulted in a plane that can't fly

Here's your chance to own a GMC pickup, 1 of 3 purchased new in 1967 for Presley's Circle G Ranch


Elvis's father Vernon sold this and the other 2 GMC pickups back to the dealership in 1969, 2 years after they were bought new.

https://www.agweb.com/blog/elvis-presleys-gmc-pickup-sale-auction  via  https://gentlemint.com/tack/277578/

1969 Hawker Jet painted by Mario Figueroa Jr., to create the the art installation featuring his signature bright and colorful designs with nuggets of Houston history.

there was a comedian naming the streets in Porter's Lake, Nova Scotia


this that and the other streets... interesting. Not quite the belly laugh I think the person issuing the names was hoping for

http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.com/2019/08/do-you-live-on-this-street-or-that.html

Arvid Svendsen decided that the term muscle car was getting ignored, and used for too many other things, so he made a short list of car descriptions and their definitions that most everyone can agree with

Definition of muscle car:
 Intermediate domestic with big inches (383 and up)—GTO, SS396, 4-4-2, 427 Fairlane, Road Runner, Rebel Machine

Everything else:
Factory hot rod: Fullsize, big motor—Z11 Impala, Pontiac Super Duty Catalina, 1963-1/2 427 Galaxie, 1956 Chrysler 300B with 354 Hemi, 1966 Impala SS427

Junior supercar: Intermediate with high-perf small-block—Olds W-31, 1971 350 Heavy Chevy Chevelle, 1973 Rallye Charger 340

Ponycars: K-code 1965 Mustang, Camaro SS350, Barracuda Formula S 340, Javelin 343

Trans-Am cars: Z/28, Boss 302, AAR ’Cuda

Big-Block ponycars: COPO Camaro, 428 Mach 1, Hemi ’Cuda

Small-block screamer compacts: 1966 Nova L79, 1965 Comet Cyclone K-code 289, Duster 340

Big-inch compacts: 1969 L78 396/375 Nova, 1969 390 SC/Rambler, 1969 M-code 440 Dart

Factory sleeper: 1966 Coronet Hemi four-door

Package race cars: 1968 Hemi Barracuda BO29, 1968 Hemi Dart RO23

Two-seater cool car: AMX

Two-seater kit car (hated): Corvette, Cobra

Arvid Svendsen
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/readers-speak-out-what-makes-a-good-car-show-and-what-exactly-is-a-muscle-car/

the guys at Graveyard Cars were given a Hellephant, so they're shoving it in a 58 Fury for 2019 SEMA


1000hp, 950 ft lbs, a 6 speed auto, 8.75 with 3.55s

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/greetings-grave-cunningham-mad/

RB freeze plugs, when installing, use some Permatex Form-A-Gasket on them to help prevent leaks. Don’t use common silicone sealant, because it will dry up and push out the freeze plugs.

if you can choose which cam shaft to get, get one with 3 mounting bolts for the timing gear, instead of a single.

 

We both know which one can ruin your day when a single bolt comes undone.

There's a damn good reason that the 440 6 pack and Hemi got the triple bolt design, and the other mopar big blocks only got a single bolt. 

I've never seen anyone wrap insulation around the carb fuel bowls before, but I think it might be something to consider soon... if the summer temps keep setting new high temp records (Last month was the hottest ever recorded in 137 years)

in 1931 this girl got to drive her little truck around town, in some city in Europe?

something I've never noticed before, GTO cornering lights