Tuesday Turbo Boost

Climb On!

Back To The Old Grind!

Not My Victrola: Lee Morse

We haven't listened to Lee Morse for quite a while, and she was masterful in making the switch to electric microphones during the mid-1920's,  "I Like Pie, I Like Cake" is a fun one.

Our Era Of War Began 100 Years Ago...

Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were murdered on this date, 100 years ago.  The Great War began a month later, and this world hasn't had much rest from fighting since.  We'll be posting a few poems, and songs as a reminder of the tragedy of what is now known as World War I, at least until it all becomes too depressing.

Don Marquis, the Illinois author and newspaper writer posted a very good thought in his writings by archy:

"the league...incidentally i wonder why europe of today
                    is always referred to by highbrow writers
                    as post war europe
                    they seem to think that the war
                    which started in nineteen fourteen
                    is over with whereas there have been
                    merely a few brief truces
                    that war is merely worrying through
                    its first half century
                    and will only cease permanently
                    when a generation comes along
                    which has forgotten all the old feuds
                                                archy the cockroach"

This was written during the 1920's so we can forgive Mr. Marquis for missing by at least half....

E. L. Doctorow, in the novel Ragtime wrote just a few words at the beginning and end of his book that have stuck in my head.  Here they are, beginning at the end of Ragtime, and then going back to Chapter One:

 "Houdini realized he was now raised to his assigned height...He was upside down over Broadway, the year was 1914, and the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was reported to have been assassinated.  It was at this moment that an image composed itself in Houdini's mind.  The image was of a small boy looking at himself in the shiny brass headlamp of an automobile...(previously)...The little boy had followed the magician to the street and now stood at the front of the Pope-Toledo gazing at the distorted macrocephalic image of himself in the shiny brass fitting of the headlight.  Houdini thought the boy comely, fair like his mother, and tow-headed, but a little soft-looking.  He leaned over the side door.  Goodbye, Sonny, he said holding out his hand.  Warn the Duke, the little boy said."

Weekend Steam: Mostly New, 6 HP Russell Engine

I read about this little beauty in Engineers and Engines Magazine.  This was a discarded, worn out engine that had been scavenged for parts by steam hobbyists for years, when the old boy you see operating bought it and began restoring it.  Most of the parts you see are new.  The boiler, the rear wheels, the crosshead guide, and most other parts were lovingly re-created by the owner and his wife.  If you like this sort of thing you really should subscribe to one or more antique engine publications.  I started reading the Iron Men Album in 1965, and that created a lifetime hobby.  Anyhow, watch this little cutey go!

Ninety Trips Around The Sun...

...Today she's starting 91!  Happy Birthday, Pattie Ann!

"there is no hope for the world unless politicians of all sorts are completely abolished", Don Marquis

Aftermath

Have you forgotten yet?
For the world's events have rumbled on since those gagged days,
Like traffic checked while at the crossing of city-ways:
And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flow
Like clouds in the lit heaven of life; and you're a man reprieved to go,
Taking your peaceful share of Time, with joy to spare.
But the past is just the same-and War's a bloody game...
Have you forgotten yet?...
Look down, and swear by the slain of the War that you'll never forget.

Do you remember the dark months you held the sector at Mametz -
The nights you watched and wired and dug and piled sandbags on parapets?
Do you remember the rats; and the stench
of corpses rotting in front of the front-line trench -
And dawn coming, dirty-white, and chill with a hopeless rain?
Do you ever stop and ask, "Is it all going to happen again?"

Do you remember the hour of din before the attack -
And the anger, the blind compassion that seized and shook you then
As you peered at the doomed and haggard faces of your men?
Do you remember the stretcher-cases lurching back
With dying eyes and lolling heads - those ashen-grey
Masks of the lads who once were keen and kind and gay?

Have you fotgotten yet?...
Look up, and swear by the green of the spring that you'll never forget.

Siegfried Sassoon, 1919

Crankin' It Up: The 100th Anniversary Of An Era Passing...

...E.L. Doctorow in the novel Ragtime opines that the era of Ragtime basically ended with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914.  It would be hard to argue against that.  Everything changed when the Great War began, and we have had turmoil ever since.  These two sides are good examples of entertainment before the war.

Dropping A School Marm

School marms have a well deserved reputation for being dangerous trees to cut.  They tend to break apart, or go in directions you don't want, so when you have the honors of tackling one, you walk around and assess it from a few different angles.  This one turned out to be easy.
 
The sapwood on this tree was rotted and falling off, but the heartwood was solid all the way through.  The base was tall and the two halves appeared to be well attached.  The aiming was done by finding the spot where both stems lay in the same plane.  Luckily, there was hardly any side lean at that spot. The tree was pretty well balanced fore and aft, and I didn't know if it would go by itself, so I set wedges before cutting it loose.  The hinge was made 2" thick all the way across, so there was plenty of strength to hold the tree in place until I tipped it.

Melding Old Iron; A Neat Idea

Say you have an old WD45 with no engine, and a gas engine with no cart to move it around.  That's what this looks like to me.  This is a pretty cool way to get more enjoyment from your old gas engine.

One Little Field, Two Big Machines, Done In An Hour

It's no fun getting behind big boys like these, but it's not as bad as meeting them.  They were just moving a short way and were just about ready to turn into the wheat field on the right when I shot this photo.  Here is a little of the action.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Holy Cow, the collectors are coming out of the woodwork for this one.  Even if you can't afford to bid you should go look, and be amazed.  100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the Light Foundation.  Click Here to bid,(snort). This highly desirable rifle will sell mid-day, Wednesday, June 25, 2014.

$3125

Tuesday Turbo Boost

Run Those Coffee Beans For Monday Morning...

Back To The Old Grind!

Summer; and Time For Family Reunions

One little corner of our extended family is faithful about reuniting every year, and that happened today.  It was glorious, with sadness, smiles, fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  Here are some of the photos from today.

The Giant City lodge serves meals family style, just what a group like ours needs.

The lodge was built in the 1930's and is kept up-to-date for vacationers, hunters, and others who enjoy a rustic environment.

 Dan did the group photo honors.

I had to move into the shade so my forehead wouldn't blow the camera...

 ...and then it was off to a private cemetery where only a couple families have loved ones.  Susan began documenting immediately.

But, we had serious business.

We had folks from Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Florida, New Mexico, and Austria...

 ...becuase we were burying a loved one who was a husband, father, grandfather, and Marine.

It was a day that will be remembered.

Not My Victrola: Let's Make It A Double!

How scandalous is Pettin' In The Park?  The artist didn't sign it, and that says a lot!  This is a very nice Fox-Trot, and the tune will stick in your head.  Learn the words and you can shock Grandma!

Not My Victrola: Highways Are Happy Ways, Harry Reser

Harry Reser's Rounders - Highways Are Happy Ways by kspm0220s

Weekend Steam: Cab Ride On The Grand Canyon 4960

Crankin' It Up: A Pity To Waste It and March From The Fortune Teller

Today we wind up the seven inch discs we have been sharing.  A Pity To Waste It sounds a bit too fast at 78 RPM, and I may work with that one and see if the sound quality improves.  The March sounds about right, and is pretty good for being more than a century old.

Hudson, 1954 Hornet...

...The things I see when I am out in the timber.... It's why I always carry a camera.

One Show Ends, And Another Begins

 The basswood is just about done blooming, and the heavenly fragrance is gone.  The honeybees just about carried it off this year, but now they are moving on to other flowers.  Bumblebees and other insects are still feeding on the last nectar and pollen.

The day lilies are blooming now, and this show will last for a while.  This view is constantly changing, with each flower lasting only one day.  You have to carry a camera every time you go for a garden walk.

What To Post?

So many photos, so many video segments, so many thoughts.  Sometimes I feel like a..

There aren't enough hours in the day.  Lots of projects are kicking around in my head, but work and lawnmowing interfere.  We have more chainsaw vids and photos, lots of engine photos, and important historical things on our minds.  TBS doesn't have the time or inclination to be wordy, but we do enjoy posting for our small band of readers.  I went to the Brunswick tonight, and before I had the camera on the tripod, before I turned on the lights, Brat was on the phonograph purring.  Fans make it all worthwhile.

Ruger's Auction To Benefite The Light Foundation

Ruger's offering this week is very popular, and I can't even get a bid in edgewise.  If you are really determined to have this rare .32 H & R Magnum Single-Six Bisley revolver, take a deep breath and check your bank balance before you bid.  Skeeter Skelton had kind words for the .32 H & R Mag when it was introduced, but popularity never took off the way it should have.  You can't buy a new one like this today, so if you want one, Click Over to Ruger's GunBroker page and knuckle down.  100% of the proceeds from this auction will go to benefit the Light Foundation.

$1401

Tuesday Turbo Boost

Another week and the days will be getting shorter....

If You Can't Be Handsome,

Be Handy!

Back To The Old Grind!

OK, Not My Victrola...

Not My...

Victrola  Stereo!

Weekend Steam: Southern Indiana Antique Machinery Show

Andy Gline has his Huber on the sawmill again this year at the Evansville show.  We were entertained by stack talk and the whistle as we strolled around looking at gas engines.  The show continues Sunday, and the weather is ideal, so head to Evansville first thing in the morning.


Evansville is celebrating a century since Hercules engines began production, and the number of Hercules-built engines on the grounds today was quite impressive. There were more 12 HP Hercs in town than at any time in the past. Hercules built five at a time, and they didn't build that size unless there was an order. I think I counted twelve of the big 12 Horse models today, and several of them were running.

Crankin' It Up

 We are reaching the end of the seven inch discs worth sharing.  Brat has been very patient with me as I played thse old timers, and he will be glad to get back to some good dancing records.  One more Friday with a couple of these old ones, and we will go back to some 1920's music.

A Barn...

 

..Stood Here.  Walked a quarter section of timber today, and found the old homesite; also the trash pile, and the old horse drawn wagon, and a Hudson.  You can tell this was a barn by the hay rail draped over the foundation stones.  There is a manure spreader standing next to it, so this was a busy farm at one time.  I shouldn't get blue when I find places like this, but I do.  More photos will come in another post.  I love Hudsons.  Brat, and a couple of very old 7" discs are uploading to YT now, and I will post him in the morning. It's been a long day, David aka TBS.

SIAM SHOW! THIS WEEKEND! BE THERE!

The annual steam and gas engine show at Evansville begins Friday, and goes through Sunday. I hope to be there for a while on Saturday to shoot some new video for our blog followers.



Hercules (and Economy) engines were built in Evansville, so expect to see a good lineup of both.



Go Here for the location.

Always Passing It On

 While we cut trees the other day, a chainsaw newbie was with us, so everything we did became a lesson.  She didn't know what was coming...

Crank it up, and start cutting!  Aim completed, and a clean open face-cut was made.

  That first bore-cut is an unreal experience.  Use your knees to push that saw. One steering correction and she had it done successfully,

and punched it from the other side with no problem.  She already has her knee behind her hand for power.

On target; on the ground...

...and cleaning up without rocking the saw.

Here is one of our problem trees.  It had a split, lots of dead wood, and plenty of rot.  Don't let a successful drop make you think you're good.  Size them up and know where they want to fall, and where you need to be in order to be safe.  Trees like this one are anxious to get down, and they don't care if you are under them.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Ruger let one of these Race Rifles out of the safe about a year ago, and a very lucky person bought it away from sleeping firearm fans.  This one is generating considerable interest, but if you gotta have one of these, you better place your bid.  This fine rifle will sell mid-day, Wednesday, June 11, 2014.  100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the Light Foundation.

32 Bids, $1330!

Hazard Reduction

I just had a very enjoyable day dropping hazard trees with friends.  Most of them were completely dead, and rotten limbs and widow makers hung over our heads all day. Every drop went as planned, and nobody got hurt. Here's the first one:

Tuesday Turbo Boost

The Weekend's Over....

...and I'm back home.  My high school class had our 45th year reunion, and I had a great time while Susan held down the fort in Southern Illinois.




Monday morning it will be...

Back To The Old Grind!

Not My Victrola: Too Much Fun

Once very popular in stage plays and Chautaqua tents, the villain, the maiden, and the masculine hero are memorialized in this classic.

175 years...175 Tractors

My hometown of Washington, Iowa is celebrating 175 years, and this week they have many activities going on.  One of the best in my book was a drive-in of 175 tractors that toured the town and then parked on the square.  175 is too many to put in one video.  I only shot half of it, and I clipped over half of that out when I assembled this video.  My picks are the M Farmall with the Jimmy Diesel, and the farm fresh tractors at the end that would benefit from being polished with a sand rock.

...And, While We Are On The Subject Of Heroism...

...take the time to watch this video.  There were giants in the world back then.

And Even More Heroes

Susan's father never told much, just a little, of his time in the Pacific. When I asked about this photo, he would say, "We had Indians in our outfit."...Nothing More. Well, O.T. laid phone wire. Those men talked through wires he put on the battlefield, and he came home alive. God Bless Them. The last one of the Code Talkers has passed on, so this photo came to mind today. The men he spoke of only briefly are on the lower right of the photo. O.T is fifth from the end of the back row. They fought together on Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo.

Weekend Steam: Eleven Channel Crossings During The Invasion!

This video is several years old, and I hope that the volunteers interviewed are still with us.

Crankin' It Up, Even More Victrola

A dear friend has donated this Victrola, music cabinet, and a very nice collection of records to our music room, and we continue this week with a couple of Red Label Victors that are more than 100 years old.  Never fear, Brat will be back with his Brunswick.

My Eyeglasses? I Wear Faceplant 500's!*

I've been juggling various reading glasses for several years as I transitioned from mild middle-age-eyes to cataracts in both eyes.  My vision has gone from 20-15 at age 45, to 20-60, and I finally broke down and bought prescription tri-focals.  There's a whole lot that the doctor doesn't tell you when he sets you up with these.

I've been using low power readers for driving and walking; stronger ones for reading and working on the computer.  The upper part of the tri-focals take the place of my low power readers, and give clear vision in both eyes.  The lower part of the lenses do the closeup work.  It took just a few days to train my head how to bob and weave for the right effect, or so I thought.

While trekking through a woods, seeing clear as a bell on my compass target, I was suddenly on my face in the leaves.  I had tripped over fence wire that was about 3" above the leaf litter.  I hadn't seen it at all.  I hit hard enough that blood spurted out of several places in my recently healed hand.  A week later, I walked off a culvert and did another nose dive into a ditch.

The lower peripheral vision in these glasses is a blur, and you don't notice that when you are looking ahead.   The doctor didn't warn me about this, but he did tell me to put them on and not to be switching back to reading glasses.  That advice is out the window, and I've gone back to readers for hiking.  The other thing the doctor didn't talk about is the way these glasses can induce motion sickness.  As I work from one side of my computer, to the screen, and then to the other side for my printer-scanner, the various focal lengths in these lenses provide an out-of-focus, swimming effect that will make you nauseous. 

I have noticed, but never thought about older folks walking with their heads turned down.  When you see that in the future you will know that that person has busted their face into the sidewalk because he/she was looking ahead through tri-focals as they walked.  Why don't these glasses come with a warning label, and why aren't the doctors prescribing them warning their patients? 

* Faceplant, what they do to you.  *500, what they cost.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Ruger's auction this week is a 1988 Blackhawk Convertible in .357 Magnum/9mm.  It was sent out for photography, returned, and stored away in Ruger's vault.  It sells mid-day, Wednesday, June 4, 2014, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Light Foundation.  Click Over to read the entire description, and to place your best bid.

$1325.07!

May e-Postal Scores Are Up At Smallest Conservative

Click over to The Smallest Conservative to check all the scores.  I blew my last shot and it cost 100 points.  Well, that's the way it goes. 

The June contest is up at Engineering Johnson.  Click over for your target and the rules.

Tuesday Turbo Boost

Are You Ready...

...to make little ones out of big ones?



Back To The Old Grind!


PS:  Someone find this guy and give him a tripod!