Author: illnoise

Well, the war is on. As a blogger, I guess I should say something about it. I don’t know why my opinion would matter to anyone, but it will make me feel better if I write this all out:
Continue reading “The obligatory war rant”

Roger Brown’s new site, Scooterpatcharchive.com, catalogs his large collection scooter club and rally patches. In addition to the archive itself, it features reviews of and links to patch manufacturers, a monthly raffle, and more. Roger is seeking more patch donations and is hoping to exhibit the collection at rallies and events.

Grace has slightly different priorities than the average rally-goer. Here’s her perspective on the weekend.
Continue reading “Grace’s Vegas Rally review”

Look out for Remey in Las Vegas, she’ll be selling Project: Porkchop t-shirts, including this one. It will look better on you.

In the Czech Republic, scooter and motorcycle sales are up 8% this year, in part thanks to Prague-based Kentoya Motors, who manufactures a full line of mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles as cheap as $800. Kentoya started manufacturing in 2002 and is already the top selling brand in the Republic.

Call me uncultured, (despite my BFA) but scooters keep popping up in art, and I don’t get it. “On the first floor, you find the single altar-like sculpture by Mark Handforth, candles dripping rippling waves of wax over an overturned Vespa in Vespa Fountain.“ There’s no photo, but apparently Mark got bored with his previous scultpure, called simply “Vespa” (another view) and turned it on its side. Magnifique!”

Ryetronics’ second annual Cold Weather Challenge came to an end yesterday, with some impressive results. R.J. Neumieister took first place with a 11.8-mile ride at -14*F in Platteville, Wisconsin. With the huge amounts of snow and ice this year, it took a sidecar Helix to win it.

1. R. J. Neumeister: 11.8 mi@-14F, 2000 Honda Helix (w/sidecar), Platteville, WI.
2. Chad Schaefer: 18.1mi@-8F, Junk Vespa, Chicago, IL.
3. Paul Steinmeyer: 11.4mi@-8F, Kymco ZX-50, Colchester, CT.
4. Andrew S. Baca: 10.5mi@-6F, 1963 Lambretta Li150, ME.
5. Duane Hillebrand: 15mi@-4F, 2003 Stella, Chicago, IL.

We’ve found out a little more about the Coach Vespas since last week. The “Hampton Stripe” model was featured in the New York Times (thanks to Grace, who comments “It makes me want to stab myself with a really expensive cheese knife.”) and one of our inside sources tells us that Coach Eyewear made nine promotional scooters, to be sold for charity, then Coach’s PR department told every publication on earth they were for sale at your local Vespa dealer. Panicked dealers asking PiaggioUSA for details were told that no plans are underway for mass production. Which is probably for the best, because Antonio on the Pontadera production line was getting really worried about painting engine cases pink.

The Glasgow Daily Record reported Friday that Beckham called for a stunt double rather than being towed on a mod Vespa for a new Adidas commercial. Becks’ Real Madrid teammates Zidane and Raul were more than happy to do the stunt themselves.

It’s National Pig Day and Brookfield Zoo’s celebration includes “the National Pig Day Parade, pig cards, bookmarks, pig noses and paper hand puppets, and ‘Pigopolis,’ an animated video about a city of pigs who learn to become conservation conscious.” I’m not sure if they cook ’em up at the end of the day, but I kinda doubt it. Also in bacon news, Grateful Palate has named bacon “Product of the Year.” So kick back with a Bacontini and celebrate. I should have today off anyway, it’s Kasimir S. Pulaski Day. Thanks for the links, Ryan and Durso, no pun intended.

If you like music and live in Chicago (or not, they webcast!), please cough up a few bucks to WLUW. Their pledge drive ends tonight and they have some cool gifts. This afternoon: Steven in the Evenin’ reuinion show 2-6pm featuring an interview with Frank Black. Later tonight, Slacky J’s reggae show is the Friday night 2SB soundtrack.

From Rich: Better than Dub Selector

From Sean: Twilight Singers on KCRW.

From Mykrrr: Make your own Bush Speech.

From Lu$: Find the cheapest gas
and Italjet Dragster.com.
Man, I’m busy lately. The G4’s still down, sorry music fans.

Vina and I actually rode last night, out to Superdawg. Thanks to Chad for documenting this rare occurrence. Ryan: did you guys paint the Sprint or something? It looks good!” Us: “Uh, no.”

We’re having a few technical difficulties at team 2sb (who knew OSX Panther doesn’t support older stock G4 video cards?) so we might be slow on posts for a couple days. We’ll tally the votes in the music poll over the weekend, so there’s still time to vote.

OK, they haven’t announced their bikes yet, but Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman are riding from
New York to London, the long way. A TV series and book will be created along the way. Thanks to Lu$ for the link.