Tuesday, March 31, 2009
New England Style Hot Dogs
The Crown Jewel of the New England culinary compendium is without question the New England Style Hot Dog (caps warranted). For those of you unfortunate enough to be born and reside outside of New England, you simply have not lived a full life until you have had a properly prepared NE Hot Dog (often referred to as a "Frank"). A properly prepared NE frank begins with a proper foundation, in this case the NE Hot Dog Roll (pictured below) and available in fine stores everywhere. Acceptable results cannot be achieved with the gastronomical apostasy that is the rounded "bun". Said roll should then be buttered on the outside and then cooked on a griddle in the manner of a grilled cheese, until crispy as pictured (right). The second crucial ingredient is a "Natural Casing" (don't ask) hot dog, easily identified by it's characteristic "snap" when biting into the cooked hot dog. For god's sake cook the dog in the butter left over from the roll, this is a crucial step and is required to achieve the all important "fond" prized by epicures the world around. The cooked dog, should then be placed in the bun, gently so as to avoid bruising. Properly prepared it should be topped with diced onion and mustard (relish optional). For bonus points it is ideally served in an open ended paper hot dog cozy to preserve it's delicate texture.
Radiology ART
Pictures of various things in CT machines : Radiology Art
Edward Steichen
Justifiably famous for his iconic work like "The Flatiron", Steichen 1879 - 1973 was incredibly prolific. I suppose because photographic technology was rapidly evolving early in his career, there is alot of variability in his early pictures. It's rare in my opinion to find a modern day artist who's work is so consistently excellent in so many styles. I was going to pick one of his more famous photo's like "Pond- Moonlight" which sold recently for 2.9 Million. But then I saw the photo below called "The Blue Sky". The photo is of Dana Desboro Glover a young actress, in 1923, the year she and Steichen were married. There is so much raw affection in the way it's composed. I guess today it would be considered trite or cliche, but I find it touching. Here are a few links if you want to see & learn more.
Larger Flatiron
A nice assortment
Some of the earliest color photos
Larger Flatiron
A nice assortment
Some of the earliest color photos
Porsche 550 Spyder Replica's
The 1950's Porsche 550 Spyder was Porsche's first sportscar purpose built for racing. Though underpowered compared to the competition, the car's light weight allowed it to frequently outperform the competition and gave Porsche it's first overall win in 1956. The Spyder is extremely small (1 foot shorter than a Miata!) and low to the ground a fact which allowed a driver to drive under a railroad crossing gate during a race. The Spyder is also infamous as being the car James Dean was driving when he was killed. In the 1980's Greg Beck started building high quality custom replica's of the 550 and it remains an extremely popular "kit car". The beautiful car above is a replica from Thunder Ranch built and photographed by Aaron Aslanian. The kit cars generally perform well, hitting 60mph between 5-6 seconds with a souped up VW Beetle motor. Personally I would love to have one of these, just for the hell of it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
1970's Nescafe Globe Mug
The VW Thing
Also known as the Trekker in Britain, the Safari in Mexico and the Type 181, The Thing was imported to the U.S. starting in 1972, and though popular was taken off the market in 1975. Because the Thing was classified as a passenger car ,rather than a light truck like the Jeep, it had to meet much stricter new safety rules than was possible with it's utilitarian, outdoor ready interior. Still it must have made an impression in those two years because they are among the most popular classic VW's around. Originally conceived to meet the needs of the German Military for a cheap, rugged and reliable utility vehicle in the vein of the original KubelWagen, VW realized that it would also be popular with the outdoor lifestyle folks (Jeeps were extremely popular around this time) and customers in emerging markets which needed a more rugged vehicle. VW had a hit on their hands and the car was sold into the the 80's both to military organizations and the public. I wish VW would issue a remake based on the Toureg running gear but with a true Thing like styling and simplicity.
Nakamichi Cassette Decks
Cassette tapes where at the apogee of their popularity around the time I was in High
School. The bane of the cassette was "hiss", that incredibly distracting high frequency
noise present during playback. Attempts to rid the tape of hiss and thus gain market
share lead to a technological arms race amongst manufacturers of the day. Predictably,
this lead to a byzantine array of competing technologies and standards. We had "Chrome"
(Cr02) , "Metal", TDK "Avylin"(my favorite) tapes, various incarnations of Dolby noise
reduction and of course increasingly costly and sophisticated tape decks. The most
sophisticated decks where made by Nakamichi. As black and high tech as a stealth
fighter, and costing nearly as much, these decks were THE ones to have. I can vividly
remember going to the local stereo store (remember those?) and seeing the model
below on display. I think my head exploded when the sales guy demonstrated the flip
mechanism pictured in this ad. It seems like a simple thing, but it was soo damn cool.
I swear to god we would go into the store regularly just to hit the reverse button to
see the tape door open, the tape spin around, close and resume playback. Even today
these tape decks are collectors items with a huge fanboy following and numerous
discussion forums.
School. The bane of the cassette was "hiss", that incredibly distracting high frequency
noise present during playback. Attempts to rid the tape of hiss and thus gain market
share lead to a technological arms race amongst manufacturers of the day. Predictably,
this lead to a byzantine array of competing technologies and standards. We had "Chrome"
(Cr02) , "Metal", TDK "Avylin"(my favorite) tapes, various incarnations of Dolby noise
reduction and of course increasingly costly and sophisticated tape decks. The most
sophisticated decks where made by Nakamichi. As black and high tech as a stealth
fighter, and costing nearly as much, these decks were THE ones to have. I can vividly
remember going to the local stereo store (remember those?) and seeing the model
below on display. I think my head exploded when the sales guy demonstrated the flip
mechanism pictured in this ad. It seems like a simple thing, but it was soo damn cool.
I swear to god we would go into the store regularly just to hit the reverse button to
see the tape door open, the tape spin around, close and resume playback. Even today
these tape decks are collectors items with a huge fanboy following and numerous
discussion forums.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Tomcar & The Scorpion 4x4
This rugged little unit is called the "Tomcar". Designed to be lightweight, flexible, simple and rugged, it is sold in Military/Commercial and Civilian models. One aspect of the design that is interesting and somewhat unusual is the low center of gravity for stability. Comes in 2 seater, 4 seater and pickup configuration. The Tomcar is a nice alternative to a custom built 4x4 for pretty extreme off roading.
More at www.tomcar.com
More at www.tomcar.com
This is a relatively new diesel version of the supremely capable Scorpion 4x4. The Scorpion is designed to navigate extreme terrain and it's heritage is from Rock crawling vehicles. The articulation has to be seen to be believed.
Check it out @ http://www.scorpion4x4.com
Check it out @ http://www.scorpion4x4.com
Banana Buggies AKA Amphibious ATV
Readers of a certain age will no doubt recognize these vehicles as the default "futuristic" vehicle of 1970's TV shows, and perhaps most famously as the Banana Buggies from "Banana Splits". Still being churned out with 6 or 8 wheels and actually capable of movement in the water (albeit slowly) these are a fun & quirky alternative to those 4 wheeled motorcycle style ATV's.
As an added (non AIG style) bonus, check out the video of the epic Banana Splits Buggy Race Below.
For More.....ARGO ATV's
As an added (non AIG style) bonus, check out the video of the epic Banana Splits Buggy Race Below.
For More.....ARGO ATV's
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wartsila Sulzer RTA96-C - The Worlds Largest Diesel
USCG 47 Motor Life Boat
USCG 47 Motor Life Boat
The Coast Guard commissioned the 47 foot MLB to replace the venerable 44 foot MLB which had been in service since the 60's. The last 44 is scheduled to be decommissioned in May of this year. The 47 footer is made of aluminum rather than steel, and is capable of around 30mph. Like the 44 it is self righting, self bailing and the engines will remain running during a rollover. What must be a welcome improvement, the vessel incorporates both and enclosed helm and an exposed bridge for better visibility. Check out the video on the right to see what the boat and crew are capable of. [埋込みオブジェクト:http://www.youtube.com/v/Y3HdMe4zOx4&hl=en&fs=1]
The Coast Guard commissioned the 47 foot MLB to replace the venerable 44 foot MLB which had been in service since the 60's. The last 44 is scheduled to be decommissioned in May of this year. The 47 footer is made of aluminum rather than steel, and is capable of around 30mph. Like the 44 it is self righting, self bailing and the engines will remain running during a rollover. What must be a welcome improvement, the vessel incorporates both and enclosed helm and an exposed bridge for better visibility. Check out the video on the right to see what the boat and crew are capable of. [埋込みオブジェクト:http://www.youtube.com/v/Y3HdMe4zOx4&hl=en&fs=1]
Friday, March 27, 2009
F-14 Tomcat Supersonic Fly By
The water vapor in the air neatly and clearly show the shockwaves producing the Sonic Boom. Well worth the look.
[埋込みオブジェクト:http://www.youtube.com/v/7tWwQE4HqE8&hl=en&fs=1]
[埋込みオブジェクト:http://www.youtube.com/v/7tWwQE4HqE8&hl=en&fs=1]
The Leavitt-Riedler Pumping Engine - Chestnut Hill MA
The Leavitt-Riedler Pumping Engine (1894) is a historic steam engine and has been declared a national landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the coal-fired engine was designed by noted engineer Erasmus Darwin Leavitt, Jr. (1836-1916) of Cambridge, Massachusetts, built by N.F. Palmer Jr. & Co. and the Quintard Iron Works, New York, and installed in 1894 as Engine No. 3 of the Chestnut Hill Station to pump water for the Boston Water Works Corporation. At its normal speed of 50 revolutions per minute, it pumped 20,000,000 gallons in 24 hours. The engine itself is of an unusual triple expansion, three-crank rocker design, with pistons 13.7, 24.375, and 39 inches in diameter and 6 foot stroke. Each rocker is connected both to a crankshaft with 15-foot flywheel and to a large pump's plunger rod.
The engine was removed from service in 1928 but remains in its original location and will soon be the centerpiece of the Waterworks Museum along with three other period steam engines.
The engine was removed from service in 1928 but remains in its original location and will soon be the centerpiece of the Waterworks Museum along with three other period steam engines.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Crazy 'bout a Mercury
In this day and age it seems crazy to put this outsized medallion on a product as pedestrian as an outboard motor. But this is how they used to roll. I rather like this Cylon like facia, to me it shows real pride in the product. Seems out of place now, and I am not sure that speaks well of us.
Proteus WAM-V by Marine Advanced Research: AKA - "The Spiderboat"
Directly from their website: Marine Advanced Research
WHAT IS A WAM-V™?
The WAM-V™ -Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel- is a new class of watercraft based on a patented technology that delivers a radically new seagoing experience. These ultralight flexible catamarans are modularly designed to allow for a variety of applications and to fit the requirements of specific users, missions or projects.
Wave Adaptive
Unlike conventional boats, the hulls of a WAM-V™ conform to the surface of the water. A WAM-V does not push, slap or pierce the waves. She utilizes flexibility to adapt her structure and shape to the water surface. Instead of forcing the water to conform to the hull, she gives and adjusts; she “dances” with the waves.
A superstructure is flexibly connected to specially designed pontoons by several components that actually move in relation to one another. A WAM-V™ has springs, shock absorbers and ball joint to articulate the vessel and mitigate stresses to structure, payload and crew. Two engine pods, containing the propulsion and ancillary systems, are fastened to the hulls with special hinges that keep the propellers in the water at all times.
WHAT IS A WAM-V™?
The WAM-V™ -Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel- is a new class of watercraft based on a patented technology that delivers a radically new seagoing experience. These ultralight flexible catamarans are modularly designed to allow for a variety of applications and to fit the requirements of specific users, missions or projects.
Wave Adaptive
Unlike conventional boats, the hulls of a WAM-V™ conform to the surface of the water. A WAM-V does not push, slap or pierce the waves. She utilizes flexibility to adapt her structure and shape to the water surface. Instead of forcing the water to conform to the hull, she gives and adjusts; she “dances” with the waves.
A superstructure is flexibly connected to specially designed pontoons by several components that actually move in relation to one another. A WAM-V™ has springs, shock absorbers and ball joint to articulate the vessel and mitigate stresses to structure, payload and crew. Two engine pods, containing the propulsion and ancillary systems, are fastened to the hulls with special hinges that keep the propellers in the water at all times.
The Alnwick Garden Tree House
Caterham 7 Superlight
The Caterham 7 traces it's roots directly to the 1957 Lotus 7, and like the Lotus it is also offered in kit form. Not merely small, the 7 is lilliputian in comparison to a modern performance car. Lotus' founder Colin Chapman was a fanatic for making cars as lightweight as possible and is quoted as saying "Adding power makes you faster in the straights, subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere". True to this maxim, the Caterham weights in at a paltry 1200 pounds. Even when powered with relatively modest 4 cyl Ford engines, the Caterham is devastatingly quick and punches far above it's weight at the track. The car pictured is a Caterham 7 CSR powered by a 260hp Cosworth tuned Ford, the CSR can hit 60mph in 3.1 seconds. How much does "adding lightness" (another Chapman quote) pay off? Well, this puny little car based on a 1957 design has the same power to weight ratio as the fastest production car in the world, the 1 Million Dollar, 987hp, 200 + mph, 16 Cylinder Bugatti Veyron. The Diminutive 7 is banned from SCCA racing for being to fast (really) and is capable of running with true supercars. Okay, comfortable, roomy and practical went out the door with the weight, but if you are looking for the most bang for your buck, this is it, just ask folks like Steve Tyler from Aerosmith and Jay Leno, both are Caterham owners. Follow the link after the photo for a video of a 7 racing a Ducati motorcycle. For more info : Caterham USA
Modular PreFab Bathrooms
Though this particular manufacturer specializes in student housing and hotels, there are many other firms selling similar products. Pre wired and plumbed, they come apart to fit through a standard door. They come in myriad configurations and colors and range from spartan to fancy. From what I can gather, these bathroom pods are most popular in Britain. Seems like a good alternative for anyone setting up an accessory apartment, cabin, pre-fab unit or mother in law apartment, or anything where convenience or durability is paramount.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
PowerHouse Power POD Pre-Fab
Here is another great option for a guest room or vacation cabin/camp cabin. The PowerHouse Power POD comes on one flatbed and purportedly sets up in a day. Designed for either efficient on-grid power or off grid, the Power POD has a pretty compelling feature list starting with passive and active solar for heat, hot water and electricity, Radiant floor heat, high efficiency windows and insulation, highly efficient lighting and rainwater collection for a cistern. There are a few other models other than the butterfly roof pictured and PowerHouse also makes full sized prefabs. Best of all they are located right here in MA, so transport would be relatively inexpensive in N.E.
More Info HERE PowerHouse
More Info HERE PowerHouse
1963 Lincoln Continental
To me the early 60's (61-65) Lincoln Continentals are the absolute epitome of cool. Though the convertible is the most sought after incarnation of the Continental, I actually prefer the hard top. The aspect of this design that seperates this car from it's contemporaries is something that is surprisingly rare in automative design, and that is restraint. The Continentals that followed this generation were larded with ever increasing styling "improvements" (read: Gewgaws), like vynal roofs, opera windows, fake spare tire trunk bumps and hidden headlights. By 1970, the magic was long gone. I don't know why most manufacturers can never understand when they have captured lightning in a bottle with a car design It took BMW 40 years to piss away their design legacy, Ford did it in 8 or 9. The only American car that I can think of that has remained relatively consistent to it's design heritage is the Jeep (and even that had an awkward affair with square headlights.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Googie Architecture
Googie Architecture - Named for a long gone coffee shop, Googie Architecture is possibly the easiest architectural genre to recognize, once you see one good example - you know exactly what it is.. The building pictured below is the Cooper Theater, which was demolished to make way for a Barnes and Noble of all things. At the time of it's opening the Cooper had the worlds largest screen.
From Wikipedia:
Googie architecture (also known as populuxe or doo-wop) is a form of Novelty architecture and a subdivision of Futurist architecture, influenced by car culture and the Space Age and Atomic Age. Features of Googie include upswept roofs, curvaceous, geometric shapes, and bold use of glass, steel and neon. Googie was also characterized by space-age designs that depict motion, such as boomerangs, flying saucers,atoms, parabolas, and free-form designs such as "soft" parallelograms and the ubiquitous artist's-palette motif. These stylistic conventions reflected American society's emphasis on futuristic designs and fascination with Space Age themes. As with the art deco style of the 1930s, Googie became undervalued as time passed, and many buildings built in this style have been destroyed.
From Wikipedia:
Googie architecture (also known as populuxe or doo-wop) is a form of Novelty architecture and a subdivision of Futurist architecture, influenced by car culture and the Space Age and Atomic Age. Features of Googie include upswept roofs, curvaceous, geometric shapes, and bold use of glass, steel and neon. Googie was also characterized by space-age designs that depict motion, such as boomerangs, flying saucers,atoms, parabolas, and free-form designs such as "soft" parallelograms and the ubiquitous artist's-palette motif. These stylistic conventions reflected American society's emphasis on futuristic designs and fascination with Space Age themes. As with the art deco style of the 1930s, Googie became undervalued as time passed, and many buildings built in this style have been destroyed.
BMW C1 Scooter
This scooter has been around for a while now in Europe and has enjoyed some success there. The design attempts to combine some of the benefits of a closed vehicle in a scooter form factor. Besides the seatbelt, the C1 also sports a metal cage surrounding the driver to provide protection in the event of a collision. BMW went to great lengths to enhance the safety to the point where the driver would not be required to wear a helmet
Goofball Vehicle(s) of the Day - Bonus Edition
1924 Armstead Snow Motors and Bonus Russian ZIL Screw Drive Tundra Cruiser
[埋込みオブジェクト:http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2638558&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1]
Armstead Snow Motors from Seeking Michigan on Vimeo. [埋込みオブジェクト:http://www.youtube.com/v/1uynmApjhWI&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]
Armstead Snow Motors from Seeking Michigan on Vimeo. [埋込みオブジェクト:http://www.youtube.com/v/1uynmApjhWI&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]
Jail House Modern and Sing-Sing Chic
If your bathroom needs that little bit of lockup luxury, the Neo Metro combi might be just the thing your looking for. Or if you prefer the real deal, Bradley Plumbing makes basically the same item, but industrial strength. What makes a toilet industrial strength? Well the seat of the Bradley toilet sink combo can withstand a weight of 5,000 pounds. If you prefer a locker room vibe, Bradley also makes those multi head column showers and the always popular 5 person handwashing basin - same one we all used in elementary school, half round, foot operated. if you need a reminder, this is what I am talking about -->
More @ http://www.bradleycorp.com/index.jsp
More @ http://www.bradleycorp.com/index.jsp
Monday, March 23, 2009
Green Building Material of the Day - Compressed Straw SIP (Structural Insulated Panel)
As you may or may not know, people other than the Three Little Pigs have been building houses out of straw for years. Traditional wattle and daub has been used for at least 6,000 years, and of course thatched roofing is very common, and more recently (Late 1800's onwards) with the advent of the hay baler, straw has been used in the form of stacked bales as load bearing exterior walls. Due to lack of available timber, this building method was especially popular in Nebraska and other Midwest states. More recently however modern manufacturing techniques have allowed the development of straw panels made by heating and compressing straw (often without binders) into a thick dense material similar to partical board or MDF. It turns out that straw is a very flexible product that can be formed into many different products, ranging from Drywall and Particle Board substitutes to thick exterior load bearing walls with pre-formed electrical conduits. Not to be confused with hay, straw is the stalk of grain crops such as wheat and rice. Generally straw is either plowed under the soil or burned after the harvest. Straw is resistant to fungus, rot, fire and vermin. Unlike timber it can be regenerated in 6 months rather than decades. Compressed straw has been used for a long time in Britain and the houses have performed well over the years.
For more Info
See:
Straw the Next Great Building Material (Building Green)
For more Info
See:
Straw the Next Great Building Material (Building Green)
Pub Evacuated After Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch Scare
Pub evacuated after Monty Python prop mistaken for grenade
Bomb disposal teams were called in and buildings evacuated after workmen mistook a Monty Python film prop for a hand grenade.
More from telegraph.co.uk
Bomb disposal teams were called in and buildings evacuated after workmen mistook a Monty Python film prop for a hand grenade.
More from telegraph.co.uk
Bruce Schneier's Solitaire - Secure Encrypted Communications Using a Deck of Cards
I just finished reading Neal Stephenson's Novel Cryptonomicon. In the book, two characters in prison use a deck of cards to encrypt their written communications. Well, it turns out that it's actually a real encryption technique invented by Cryptologist Bruce Schneier for the book, but it is also intended to provide serious security in actual field use, check it out, it's a pretty cool concept. Here is the overview from Scneier's Website: http://www.schneier.com/solitaire.html
"In Neal Stephenson's novel Cryptonomicon, the character Enoch Root describes a cryptosystem code-named "Pontifex" to another character named Randy Waterhouse, and later reveals that the steps of the algorithm are intended to be carried out using a deck of playing cards. These two characters go on to exchange several encrypted messages using this system. The system is called "Solitaire" (in the novel, "Pontifex" is a code name intended to temporarily conceal the fact that it employs a deck of cards) and I designed it to allow field agents to communicate securely without having to rely on electronics or having to carry incriminating tools. An agent might be in a situation where he just does not have access to a computer, or may be prosecuted if he has tools for secret communication. But a deck of cards...what harm is that?
Solitaire gets its security from the inherent randomness in a shuffled deck of cards. By manipulating this deck, a communicant can create a string of "random" letters that he then combines with his message. Of course Solitaire can be simulated on a computer, but it is designed to be implemented by hand.
Solitaire may be low-tech, but its security is intended to be high-tech. I designed Solitaire to be secure even against the most well-funded military adversaries with the biggest computers and the smartest cryptanalysts. Of course, there is no guarantee that someone won't find a clever attack against Solitaire (watch this space for updates), but the algorithm is certainly better than any other pencil-and-paper cipher I've ever seen.
It's not fast, though. It can take an evening to encrypt or decrypt a reasonably long message. In David Kahn's book Kahn on Codes, he describes a real pencil-and-paper cipher used by a Soviet spy. Both the Soviet algorithm and Solitaire take about the same amount of time to encrypt a message: most of an evening"
Oddball Engine of the Day - The Napier Deltic Diesel
Designed and produced by the British company D. Napier and Sons in the years following WWII. It was designed to replace the gasoline engines then used in PT Boats. Compact & lightwieght, (1/5 of a contemporary diesel) the Deltic was an ideal design for high speed marine use and had considerable success in that application. Napier Deltics also saw some limited use as a locomotive engine. Because of it's compact dimensions and subsequently low magnetic signature, it is still being used to power British minesweepers.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Six Wheeled Tyrrell P34 Formula 1 Car
I remember seeing this car on "Wide World of Sports" as a kid, in fact to this day, when I see this car I swear I can hear Jackie Stewart's voice. Designed by Derek Gardiner in 1975, the theory behind the six wheels is pretty simple, braking and aerodynamics. The ten inch front tires punch through the air much easier than a single pair of larger tires, and four fronts should offer more grip for better braking and handling. Indeed, the car scored a one two finish at the Swedish Grand Prix, and posted good results it's first season. Unfortunately, because nobody else was using these unique tires, development suffered and Tyrrell was forced to use uncompetitive tires which limited the cars success's. In historic racing against it's contemporaries however it has been vindicated, having achieved excellent results. To me as a kid, such an exotic looking car festooned with the huge words ELF, could not have been cooler. I suspect I am not alone as the f34 is one of the most popular vintage racing cars around, and always gets an enthusiastic response.
Fun extra, Jackie Stewart Testing the P34 back in the day, very cool footage, check out Jackie's hot 70's lady
Linky Link Link
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Porsche 959 - Change the Rules !
Designed to compete in the infamous Group B rally class, the Porsche 959 redefined the rules for Supercars. Computer control of the advanced 4wd system and adjustable suspension along with an Aluminum/Kevlar and Nomex body and a sequentially turbocharged 2.8 litre boxer engine allowed the 959 to sprint to 60 in a 3.5 seconds and continue to a top speed of 195mph. The 959's Ferrari contemporary the f40 boasted similar performance to the 959, what was remarkable about the 959 was that it was it's level of civility. The 959 was the first modern high performance supercar that didn't drive like slightly disguised race car. It was not cramped, hot, temperamental or treacherous in bad weather. It was for all intents and purposes a semi practical super car. 300 some odd 959's were produced, none were imported into the U.S by Porsche. So desirable was the 959, that Bill Gates imported a 959 in 1987 only to have it held by Seattle customs for 13 years until he and others got a loophole put into law allowing "Show and Display" import exceptions.
Dead Brand of the Day - Studebaker Avanti Bonus TRIVIA Edition:
The Studebaker Avanti debut to great enthusiasm in 1962 during the last throes of Studebaker as a kind of hail mary pass. Lengthy production delays resulted in the evaporation of much of the initial enthusiasm and in any case the writing was on the wall for Studebaker. In the end, only a bit more than 4,000 of the futuristically styled Avantis were sold when the company ceased production of the model in 1964, two years before Studebaker closed for good. One would think that would be the end for the Avanti, however the tooling, molds and part of the factory was bought by two South Bend car Dealers and subsequently many other entreprenuers who tried to make a go of the Avanti. Possibly the last chapter in the star crossed Avanti occurred in 2006 when the most recent owner was arrested by the FBI, but I wouldn't count on it. So, why the Coast Guard logo? Well, the Avanti got it's futuristic design through the work of designer Raymond Loewy, a legendary designer who's work includes; The Coast Guard logo, Hoover Logo, Air Force One's livery, the Exxon logo, the Shell logo, and the interiors of the Air France Concords.
Friday, March 20, 2009
1980's BMX Montage
Unicat - Your Camper for the Zombie Apocalypse
Install a couple of gunports or a minigun turret and you'll be the shiznit of Barter Town
Mercedes-Benz 300sl Gullwing
Introduced in 1954 at the suggestion of Max Hoffman, an American Mercedes distributor, the 300SL was a landmark car and continues to be one 0f the most desireable sports cars today, regularly fetching nearly 500,000ドル at auction. Although it was largely based on a production Mercedes sedan, the engine and performance were anything but ordinary. The 3 litre (183cid) straight 6 engine put out 212hp and marked the first use of direct, diesel style fuel injection-which is only now becoming common in production cars. The powerfull engine, light weight and good aerodynamics of the 300sl allowed it to reach 160mph which was truly astounding in 1955. Prohibitively expensive, rare, costly to maintain, cramped and impracticle, I think James May of Top Gear got it exactly right when named it the worlds first "supercar". To see May test drive a 300sl, follow this link: James May on the 300sl
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Trivia of the Day - Scuttlebutt
"Scuttlebutt" was actually the ancestor of office "water cooler gossip". On sailing ships, water for the crew was dolled out from a barrel with a hole or tap in it (a "Butt" being a barrel of around 120 gals and a "Scuttle" was a hole). Just as with the water cooler, it was a logical place to exchange gossip with your coworkers. The scuttlebutt pictured is from the USS Constitution which is naturally the oldest commissioned United States Navy Warship. In Fact water fountains are still called scuttlebutts aboard Navy ships to this day.
You Can Thank Me Later
You Can Thank Me Later
Cave of the Giant Crystals - Mexico
At first I thought they had found the fortress of solitude, but it seems I was mistaken, this is a cavern full of huge Chrystals recently discovered during mining operations,
I can only surmize that Godzilla's eggs are in the next cave over.
Read more about it here http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/11/crystal-giants/shea-text
Swedish Pettersson Boat Illustration
C.G. Pettersson was a prolific Swedish boat designer, the narrow beam and high fordeck back to the windshield is a visual trademark of his designs. This is an illustration done from original blueprints by Bo Zolland of Vizualtech, more can be found on his blog http://newsblogg.viztech.se/
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)