Sunday Afternoon Links: The Vintage Selling Speed Edition

Posted on February 5, 2012 by steve

Found this very interesting story discussing vintage motorcycle advertisement @ the very cool web site The Vintagent:

The first motorcycle race started when the second motorcycle was built. And the first motorcycle advertisement was placed immediately post-finish, crowing the winner’s superiority. Motorcycle ads have a natural ‘hook’ in the lure of Speed, although manufacturers have had mixed feelings about selling what riders really wanted, deep down in their speed-demon souls. From the first days of the 20th Century, builders and buyers of motorcycles have played a complex dance around the subject of Speed, with the Industry anxious to spread a message of respectability and docility for their noisy, horse-scaring moto-bicycles, keeping a low profile about the exhilaration of pulling the throttle lever all the way back.

Be sure to visit The Vintagent for more pic’s and to read the rest of the interesting article.

Now, on to the links…

theCL: ‘For the Good of the Party’
ChrisWy: My Weekly Obama Jobs Report, the Illusion of Falling Unemployment edition
TBA: Spineless Jellyfish of the Month: The Susan G. Komen Foundation
The Eye: Godwin Rule
SJ: Palin’s Right

CH2.0: Solyndra down the tubes?
Bunker: Supreme Ginsburg trashes U.S. Constitution in Egypt
Gator: When you lie down with dogs…
Spellchek: Did Panetta gaffe? Did we win the Afghanistan war? Is the leaked NATO report wrong?
LaS: Barry’s Park Police cleaned up after Barry’s Bolshevik Brigade on the Square.

MTTM: It’s Official- Indiana Is a Right-to-Work State
‘Bot: America at a Crossroads
PR: O-Man The Destroyer
Pundette: Santelli:-Shrinkage, shrinkage
RR: Rudy Giuliani- I’m a Pro-Choice Moderate Republican and Romney Gives Me Pause (VIDEO)

TMGGB: About This Climate Change Myth
TCotS: The Spot-On Quote Of The Week…
Wade: AT&T Letter
WWTFT: With Apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Zilla: If You Want to Troll Me, You Will Have to Pay

Sunday Morning Links: The Fictitious Beverage Edition

Posted on January 29, 2012 by steve

I found these imaginative designs for fictional beverages at justinvg’s photostream.

Romulan Ale. Too cool.

Now, on to the links…

Bunker: Romney says “I hope we’re ultimately able to eliminate some of the differences, and repeal the bad and keep the good.”
CH2.0: Decoding the Leftist Narrative
CP: The State Of Our Disunion
The Eye: See What Google Thinks It Knows About You
TBA has a nice weekend round up.

LAS: My First Demotivational Poster
MTTM: Michigan Served As Valuable Lesson Against Government Economic Efforts
Moonbattery: Tantrums on the Tarmac
Political Realities: The Buffett Rule and Paying a “Fair Share”
Pundette: “The Obama administration has earned its totalitarian cred anew”

RR: Fred Thompson Endorses Newt Gingrich (VIDEO)
Spellchek asks a great question: “Who is killing more Americans, Iran or Mexico?”
SJ: How will history judge this generation if we let our republic slip away?
TMGGB: Elderly Florida Woman Emulates Hero, John Wayne
theCL on the “Kim Kardashian of the GOP”
Gator: So, why don’t Democrats believe in science?

Roug: A Job Is A Job Is A Job
WWTFT: Three Years Into an Obama Nation
ChrisWy: Friday Fratricide
FCBZ: Rick Santorum’s Young, Special Needs Daughter Isabella Has Been Hospitalized
The Pup: Illinois Democrats Pass Discriminatory Law Against Those Who Need Drain Cleaner

Sunday Morning Links: The “Tooth Picks, Bug Eaters, Pukes and Suckers” Edition

Posted on January 22, 2012 by steve

click for larger version

This is so cool. Via Strange Maps @ Big Think.

The map’s link to Sus domesticus [1] is via the company that produced it: H.W. Hill & Co. This Decatur, Illinois outfit were the sole manufacturers of Hill’s hog ringers, Hill’s triangular rings, calf and cow weaners, stock markers &c. On the map, we see one pig per state or territory, each with one of H.W. Hill’s trademarked triangles through its nose.

But that is as far as product placement goes. Even though it was printed in [H.W. Hill’s] own advertising department, the map is a deft example of oblique advertising – a clear-cut case of 19th-century viral marketing.

For its main attraction were not H.W. Hill’s markers, weaners and rings. It was mailed out – for five one-cent stamps – as a tableau entitled: “Nicknames of the States”. It’s always interesting, and perhaps a little titillating, to see what names you’re being called by others, and to know how to return the mockery [2]. And it helps that all involved are portrayed as that most unloved of domestic animals, the pig.

For us, the map holds one extra appeal: in the almost 130 years since its publication, the nickname landscape has shifted somewhat. A few have remained popular, but many have fallen into disuse. Curiously, next to the sobriquets that are insults or compliments, a few are merely descriptive, and some states and territories don’t even get one. Somehow, that feels like the worst option.

Included in this post, are close ups of the more interesting areas taken from a high res version of the map downloaded from the Library of Congress.

On to the links…

CH2.0: The reports of Mitt Romney’s “inevitability” have been greatly exaggerated.
The Eye: Rightward Ho an Electoral No? Edition
TBA (formally GTBTBA) has a new look and the same great content: What do they mean by ‘choice’?
LaS: Recess? Don’t Talk About Recess!
WyBlog: Pipeline Dreams Busted By Green Schemes

MTTM: Rep Walberg Responds To Administration’s Rejection Of Keystone Pipeline
Moonbattery: Gear Up for Maximal Mudslinging
LD Jackson: Democrats Want a Reasonable Profits Board for Gas and Oil Companies
FCBZ: Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho… Obama Shuts Down Disney World to Talk to 150 Special Invitees about Tourism
RR: Newt Gingrich “The Establishment is Right to Be Worried About a Gingrich Nomination”

Pundette: Call off the coronation
Zilla: Quick Resister Update
SJ: Newt Gingrich- Once again the left is trying to manipulate the right
Spellchek: U.S. seeks to expand its role as global cop
TMGGB: Ron Paul’s concession speech sounded more like a clarion call to the American people than a concession speech
theCL: Ron Paul — The Spirit of 76!

Gator: *VIDEO* The Newtster Delivers Victory Speech Following South Carolina Primary Blowout
The Other: Why is Romney doing such a lousy job defending his record at Bain Capital?
Republican Mother: Not a Dime’s Worth of Difference
Wade: The Defence of Fort McHenry
WWTFT: Michigan – A Canadian State

Hmmm….

Sunday Morning Links: The Fast Food Ad vs. Reality Edition

Posted on January 15, 2012 by steve

This is so true. Via Visual News:

[I]t’s a frequent occurrence that the product looks far different than the picture boldly on display. Comments about food being run over by fork-lifts are often overheard, while people fork over their hard earned cash for things that hardly resemble food. What Dario helps us with, is the laughable juxtaposition often missed: that of what we are told we are getting, viewed next to what we actually receive.

For his series “Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality,” Dario carefully photographs many of the most popular fast food items, and places them next to their beautiful ad counterpart. What really gets me, is that he has taken the time to pick the best angle to capture the reality from… and it’s far from pretty.

I would add that, although Red Lobster is not a fast food restaurant, they would be on my list of worst offenders.

Be sure to visit the site to read about and see the rest of the offenders.

Now, on to the links…

RR: Miller Time on New Hampshire, Romney, Newt, Bain, Snoop, and TEBOW!
Bunker: Cass Sunstein behind monitoring of websites
LaS: LAS 2011 Review & 2012 Preview (Part 4 of 4)
theCL: Rick Santorum’s Conservative Delusions
SJ: The Kentucky Contrast & Mr. Thomas Massie

CH2.0: Does Freedom of Religion Constitute Bullying? Some in Tennessee Think so
FCBZ has pictures (and recipes) that are an antidote to the fast food nastiness posted here.
The Eye: Romney Rah Rah Edition
GTBTBA: Is the Glock America’s Handgun?
Moonbattery: Socialism Is a SNAP

Spellchek: The “New Great Game” of natural resources control is U.S. foreign policy unless Ron Paul wins.
Gator: My issues with sweater vests, and other things a man should never have anything to do with
Wade: The Religion Wars – Win Some, Lose Some
WWTFT: Have We Elected an Autocrat….. (I would say yes, we have)
WyBlog: SCOTUS rules 9-0 for religious liberty

Zilla: Flames, Fevers, Furnaces, and Other Fun Stuff
Pundette: Stephanopoulos’s debate bet with Diane Sawyer
TMGGB: So Easy, A Gameshow Host Can Do It
PR: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz On The Lack Of Civility In Congress
Proof: Quote du jour

Sunday Morning Links: The Sneaking Into A Russian Rocket Factory Edition

Posted on January 8, 2012 by steve

Sometimes I’m still amazed how the internet works. One web site I follow, but rarely (if ever) post / link to is Above Top Secret. Occasionally I’ll peruse the site. It is interesting, but I’m not really into conspiracies. That being said, I found these pictures and they really caught my eye.

The amazing thing about the internet is the ability to follow the links and find out more about the pictures. Gizmodo linked to the pictures with an accompanying write up.

And yet, she found nobody. No guards, no security. Nothing. Just a few CCTV cameras here and there in rooms packed with huge machinery.

While some of these zones look decrepit and abandoned, the factory is active. In fact, the government is really pissed off about Lana’s adventure. The authorities have sent her letters saying that her situation will get “much worse” if she keeps posting photos from the factory.

But Lana doesn’t seem to give a damn about it. She posted the letters on her site, which makes me want to go to Moscow, become her friend and party hard for a whole week. This girl is cooler and more badass than I will ever be.

The Gizmodo post also includes a link to the photographers own web page. Her page is in Russian, but most web browsers will now translate languages, but it includes a link to the company that owns the site.

And, to follow the trail, it all took about 10 mins. Now, on to the links:

Great minds think alike: Spellchek has more pics from the Russian rocket factory. He also has a post discussing the U.S. shifting undeclared wars to the Asia-Pacific region.
WWTFT: Addendum to Confronting Terror
Bunker: E.E.O.C warns business ‘be careful in requiring a H.S. Diploma’
GTBTBA: I Think I’m Excited…
SJ: No difference between Mitt Romney and President Obama

CH 2.0: An Interesting SOPA Video
The Eye: Palmetto State Primary Edition
LAS: 2011 Review & 2012 Preview (Part 3 of 4)
MTTM: Before you all get too excited
‘Bot: “just had to stop to take a picture of this wonderful juxtaposition.”

As if we needed any further proof: Proof Positive That Chris Matthews Is Insane.
Pundette: Culture of death update
TMGGB: Overview of the NH debate 1/7/12
theCL: Gloom, Doom, and Optimism
Gator: A Musical Tribute To Saturday’s NFL Wildcard Losers… And yes, Gator picks Detroit Rock City. I would’ve gone with Motor City Madhouse.

Wade: Treason in Desperation
WyBlog: Forget voting rights, Illinois makes you show photo ID to buy drain cleaner
FCBZ: Where is the #OWS outrage? Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren Demolishes $12.3 Million Mansion in Florida (video)
Republican Mom: Wall Street and FDR (Chapter 5)
So, what has a guy got to do to get a Zilla award? You know, maybe a mention in the Best Weekly Round-up of Fellow Bloggers’ Blog Post category? Oh well, maybe next year…

Sunday Night Links: The 1950′s Auto Design Edition

Posted on January 1, 2012 by steve

January 1st, 2012… Only 310 days until Election day.

I found these great 1950′s posters @ Vintagraph.com

Now, on to the links.

Sentry Journal : The Best of “The Plain Truth” 2011 & my New Year’s resolution
The Eye: A New Year is Upon Us
Gator: You might be a Redneck if……
theCL: theCL Report (December 30, 2011)
CH2.0: Occupod Roundup

GTBTBA: I’m Not a Conservative
Spellchek: Need a job? How about SEIU Home Care? Must be qualified in civil disobedience
Bunker: Reagan’s call to duty
LAS: 2011 Review & 2012 Preview
MTTM: Agenda 21 Explained In Another Way

Moonbattery: Glitter-bombed
RR: What’s Going on With Ann Coulter?
Republican Mom: An interesting application of Google Trends
Wade: Republicans and Ron Paul Supporters Not Immune To Kool-Aid
WWTFT: The Founders on Power

WyBlog: Meet the new year, same as the old year
FCBZ: Violent NY Occupiers on New Year’s Eve
Proof: On New Year’s Resolutions
CP: Happy Reset,,,If We can ?
This is a few days old, but here is an update from Jim @ CoF: Feliz Navidad y Prospera Año Nuevo

Wednesday Night Links: The Ugly 80′s Sweater Edition

Posted on December 21, 2011 by steve

These are bad. Via GoRetro:

Let me collect my thoughts–it’s pretty obvious that that is indeed a banana on the sweater, so you don’t need to actually knit the word into the pattern. The nerd wearing it, however, is obviously confused, which is why he’s holding up a pineapple. And what’s up with the frog vest–does he want women to think that if they kiss him, he’ll turn into a prince? Who the hell wears a sweater vest without a shirt underneath anyways? Maybe the piano man below knows the answer…I’m not sure why there are tassels attached to the sweater; makes it even uglier.

On to the links….

Bunker: Candidate Match-O-Matic
SJ Has a blog-o-versery!
Political Realities: Boehner Faces Revolt In The House Over Payroll Tax Cut
WWTFT: If You Thought Nationalized Health Care Was Bad …
theCL: The Death of American Freedom with Sofia Vergara
CH2.0: What Happens When a Site Calls the Left on it’s Lies?

CP: As we come to the end of Ronald Reagan’s Centennial Year,,,
CS: Nation’s Oldest Military Services Celebrates 375 Years
The Eye: The Self-Fulfilling Prophhecy of Rick Perry’s Strong Ad
GTBTBA: Deja Vu
FCBZ: Krauthammer Rewind Begs the Question… Is the ‘Fourth-Best President in History’ Now ‘Napoleonic’ in His Arrogance?

Moonbattery: United Nations Attacks Santa Claus (“If you’re making a donation, you might want to think of an outfit closer to home, like the Salvation Army. Countermoonbats don’t do UNICEF.”)
MTTM: New Unemployment Numbers: Michigan Families Continue to Suffer Because of Obama-Stabenow Economic Failures
Spellchek: It’s time for a Jeffersonian rebellion
WyBlog: Winnowing Wednesday Wombats, the Voter ID laws are constitutional edition
Gator: Gingrich’s Past, Our Future

Republican Mom: When Narratives Collide
Wade: A Clear and Present Evil
Zilla: Conservative Bloggers – the Chopped Liver of the Right
RR: Top Five Viral Sports Videos of 2011?
LAS: A simple table explaining where we stand

Sunday Morning Links: The Santa Gets Schooled Edition

Posted on December 11, 2011 by steve

I found these great vintage Santa photos (via RivetHead) taken when Christmas was Christmas and not the nebulous and vapid ‘holiday’ nonsense being pushed today.

Keeping with this theme, Dave @ Moonbattery has summed up the Liberal War on Christmas concisely:

Every year liberals move the battle lines in their War on Christmas. It has already reached the point that acknowledging a holiday that 95% of Americans celebrate feels like a faux pas. Graham wonders,

Why go to so much trouble to ruin other people’s fun? If you really are so fouled up inside that you can’t find joy in Christmas, why not simply ignore it?

Here’s why: the rawest essence of liberalism is coercion. Every other principle can go out the window if it has too, but the coercion will remain because a liberal by definition is someone who worships it. That’s why coercion is their solution to every problem, and why the motto “live and let live” will never be applied by liberals to those they oppose.

RR: Irans Shows Off Downed RQ-170 Sentinel Stealth Drone; Fully Intact; Electronic Cyber Warfare Ambush?
Bunker: Osawatomie Kansas, Obama and the Weather Underground
CH2.0: A Defense of Capitalism and Free Markets
CS: Pearl Harbor 70th Anniversary

The Eye: Red State/Blue State Rehash
GTBTBA: Army vs. Navy
LaS: Sounds Like a Threat To Me
MTTM: Newt Gingrich Exclusive Photo
SJ: Teddy Roosevelt the original “Nanny Stater”

Spellchek: Seger and the Boss! Live at MSG! (I know the NJ contingent will like this)
TCotS: Newt Destructa Est!
theCL: The Peacemaker (Militarization of American Police)
Gator: Best comments of the debate last night? Newt Gingrich is not the problem, Obama is
Republican Mom: Newt Tried to Install Internal Passports on Us in 1998 – Guess Who Stopped Him?

Wade: A Letter to Obama
WWTFT: Before There Was TV
WyBlog: Rick Perry’s pro-Christmas TV ad is not “anti-gay”
Zilla: Savagelanche!

Good News: An upbeate and positive update from Jim from Conservatives on Fire regarding his eyesight.

Sunday Morning Links: The “Rat Cafe” Edition

Posted on December 4, 2011 by steve

These motorcycles combine two things I think are really cool, Rat Rods and Cafe Racers, into one: “Rat Cafe’s”

Via Bike EXIF:

Dutra’s bike is a 1975 GL1000, with a flat-four 999 cc motor. It had been faithful to its former owner for 35 years, and although it was time to move the bike on, the original owner didn’t want to see it scrapped. He wanted it to go to someone who could completely transform the machine, giving it a new and unexpected lease of life. That person ended up being Paul Dutra of Back Alley Motorcycles in Ontario, Canada.
When Dutra arrived to collect the Gold Wing, it was sporting a Vetter fairing and a full set of Krauser luggage. “It was all decked out with fog lights and extra brake lights,” Dutra recalls. “He had taken very good care of the bike, and had spare oil filters and plugs. He even gave me a period-correct Honda sync gauge in its original box. I managed to take the bags and fairing off, then lowered the forks through the trees and stuffed it all into a very short Dodge Caravan.”

This is one cool bike…