2012-07-31
2012-07-30
Urban Spelunk: The Quester Wreck (Episode 3)
Return expedition to the wreck of the Quester I submarine to attempt to drain the main hull of water and oil.
The Quester I is a 45-foot submarine built by Jerry Bianco, a shipyard worker in Brooklyn, NY in 1967. Using salvaged metal, Bianco built the submarine in order to raise the wreck of the passenger ship SS Andrea Doria. It was painted yellow since that color paint was the cheapest available to Bianco, and is known colloquially as the Yellow Submarine; but a connection to the Beatles' song of the same name can not be verified. The submarine was launched unsuccessfully in 1970 when it tipped sideways (listed,) became stuck in the mud, and could not be relaunched. After that financial backing dried up and the salvage mission could not continue. In 1981 bad weather broke the sub free of its moorings and marooned it in the mud in Coney Island Creek where it remains abandoned and in ruin to this day.
The hull appears to be flooded with sea water and, in places, a layer of oil; perhaps hydraulic. The water makes the hull impassable (without diving equipment) so in order to get in to take a look we are attempting, over the course of several visits, to drain the hull to the point where we can enter and investigate with simple snorkel equipment.
Previous episode: http://saomsdangledthreads.blogspot.com/2012/05/urban-spelunk-quester-wreck-episode-2.html.
The Quester I is a 45-foot submarine built by Jerry Bianco, a shipyard worker in Brooklyn, NY in 1967. Using salvaged metal, Bianco built the submarine in order to raise the wreck of the passenger ship SS Andrea Doria. It was painted yellow since that color paint was the cheapest available to Bianco, and is known colloquially as the Yellow Submarine; but a connection to the Beatles' song of the same name can not be verified. The submarine was launched unsuccessfully in 1970 when it tipped sideways (listed,) became stuck in the mud, and could not be relaunched. After that financial backing dried up and the salvage mission could not continue. In 1981 bad weather broke the sub free of its moorings and marooned it in the mud in Coney Island Creek where it remains abandoned and in ruin to this day.
The hull appears to be flooded with sea water and, in places, a layer of oil; perhaps hydraulic. The water makes the hull impassable (without diving equipment) so in order to get in to take a look we are attempting, over the course of several visits, to drain the hull to the point where we can enter and investigate with simple snorkel equipment.
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| Shortcut to launch point |
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| New propulsion system |
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| Intrepid crab |
Previous episode: http://saomsdangledthreads.blogspot.com/2012/05/urban-spelunk-quester-wreck-episode-2.html.
2012-07-24
2012-07-20
Ze Feuer Fellowes' Follies - Primer
Ze Feuer Fellowes' Follies is a series of thematic satirical contests and exhibitions--very similar in concept to the Chap Olympiad in the UK. They may be thought of as games that evoke the Jazz- and Guilded Ages, as interpreted by Monty Python, and curated by fanboys of the late great Alan Z. Feuer. They consist variously of satirical or whimsical open challenges, exhibitions, and activities framed as sporting events, for participants dressed and/or acting fancifully.
Typically the Follies are conducted at (or adjunct to) the Jazz-Age Lawn Party of New York City, held on Governor's Island over 2 weekends each summer, but may occur independently if the opportunity arises.
Many of the contests are ongoing throughout the day. They are designed so that they can be conducted independently and disparately, and will be evaluated from their resulting social media trace. I.e. competitors can do their thing on their own time, even their own place, then post photos (or photos will be posted on their behalf.) The (self-selected) judges will then determine "winners" based on the criteria chosen in committee. Competitions can also be conducted head-to-head in the fray if they so happen.
EVENTS:
Explanation of Ze Feuer Fellowes: http://saomsdangledthreads.blogspot.com/2012/07/ze-feuer-fellowes-primer.html
Typically the Follies are conducted at (or adjunct to) the Jazz-Age Lawn Party of New York City, held on Governor's Island over 2 weekends each summer, but may occur independently if the opportunity arises.
Many of the contests are ongoing throughout the day. They are designed so that they can be conducted independently and disparately, and will be evaluated from their resulting social media trace. I.e. competitors can do their thing on their own time, even their own place, then post photos (or photos will be posted on their behalf.) The (self-selected) judges will then determine "winners" based on the criteria chosen in committee. Competitions can also be conducted head-to-head in the fray if they so happen.
EVENTS:
- Dressage. An exhibition of sartorial superbness (or caricature)
- NAEPDS Ballerball. A competition of picnicking prowess
- The Hef / Marilyn. A demonstration of social gregariousness
- The Pick-Up Line. A challenge of strength, endurance, and virility
- Fellowes' Fauxlo: The sport of kings... for peasants
- Betting on the Phonies: (In development)
Explanation of Ze Feuer Fellowes: http://saomsdangledthreads.blogspot.com/2012/07/ze-feuer-fellowes-primer.html
2012-07-19
Ze Feuer Fellowes - Primer
Ze Feuer Fellowes is a group of enthusiasts of sartorial and behavioral eccentricity, with a flair for the antiquated, or classic archetypes of the wealthy, refined, and connected. The group is named after the late Alan Z. Feuer, a fellow of non-privileged origins who, in spite of his actual means and heritage, adopted the customs, manners, and appearances of the social elite of New York City of the late 20th Century; and some might say epitomized and extended them... like a boss! Taking cue from his example Ze Feuer Fellowes' M.O. is to appear and act similarly for the general humor, subversity, and plain aesthetics of it. Eccentricity without the economics, if you will.
In spite of the name and appearances, Ze Feuer Fellowes does not preclude women. Any lady who dresses and acts the part and self-identifies is by definition Ze Feuer Fellowe.
In spite of the name and appearances, Ze Feuer Fellowes does not preclude women. Any lady who dresses and acts the part and self-identifies is by definition Ze Feuer Fellowe.
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