Author: illnoise

Vespa Superbrand

Marketing trade magazine Brand Republic reports that Vespa was awarded second place in the “Cool Motors” division of Superbrand’s annual “Cool Brandleaders” list. Audi topped the list. “Cool Brandleader” appears to be marketing code for “overhyped, overpriced, overrated trendy stuff,” because the list also includes David and Posh Beckham, Usher, Stella Artois, Keira Knightly, Diesel, and Puma. In fact, David Beckham’s on the list twice. In other news, the Honda Ruckus was not included in the 2004 Superbrand Cool Brandleader poll.

Chicago looks to crack down on motorcycle hijinx

With 2003 Illinois motorcycle fatalities up 47% since 2002 (now the sixth-highest number (143) of deaths in the nation), and several well-publicized motorcycle accidents (1, 2, 3, for example, not to mention the “205 MPH” asshat and Indian Larry) in the last week or so, Alderman Edward Burke has proposed a city-wide helmet law. Mayor Daley has already come out in support of the law, and suggests extending it to bicycles and inline skaters. (Skateboarders and roller disco skaters are apparently exempt.) Stories appeared today in the Tribune (reg. req, so screw them), the Sun-Times, and
WLS, as well as a special report on Channel 5 Monday night called “Night Riders.” While 2sb would never be caught without a helmet, and can’t believe anyone would, we nevertheless thank all you asshole showoffs and shitty drivers for likely making it mandatory. A helmet law is no solution, it’s like putting pillows along the side of the road, the real solution is mandatory rider instruction, stricter licensing, and insanely high fines for anyone caught riding illegally.