Althouse: A photograph taken for a very specific reason.

August 28, 2010

A photograph taken for a very specific reason.

107 comments:

jungatheart said...: Because you can still make out what has been painted over?; 8/28/10, 2:59 PM
T J Sawyer said...: I feel a Western Union post coming on!

I have a collection of interesting wiring posts from places around the world. Might have to start another blog for those.; 8/28/10, 3:04 PM
rhhardin said...: It's a red sea mural after the sea closes in on the Egyptians.; 8/28/10, 3:12 PM
Trooper York said...: You are apart from Meade and you are thinking about pipe for some reason?; 8/28/10, 3:23 PM
rhhardin said...: "And it fell upon them like a wave which, swollen by the storm-winds beneath the lowering clouds, bursts furiously over a hurrying ship. And the ship is all lost in foam, and the terrifying blast roars in the sail, and the souls of the crew are seized with a fearful shuddering, for barely can they slip out from under the clutch of death" (Homer, trans. T.S.Dorsch)

That was the next day.; 8/28/10, 3:25 PM
AST said...: This reminds me of a story about a class where the teacher tells the student to describe something and makes him keep at it for weeks, until he learns to really observe.

It would be interesting to paint a picture of this wall just for the various ways it differs from what we think we see until we examine it closely.

Either that, or it has something to do with tits.; 8/28/10, 3:31 PM
Ignorance is Bliss said...: It's a chameleon compute mouse.; 8/28/10, 3:34 PM
Pastafarian said...: A terminal box for a telegraph. I'm not sure what the specific reason for the photo is; is this the last one in operation?

But two thoughts:

As far as I can tell, Western Union's only reason for continued existence is cash transfers used for nefarious purposes.

And:

There's something very sad about seeing the decrepit ruins of older technology. I'm faced with looking at it every day in our shop, ancient radio gear and test equipment. I can't help but think about the lives spent developing that technology, that now lies in a heap. It's like walking past a mausoleum -- but it's more personal than that. There's a little part of that person's creativity and personality, their soul (if an atheist can be so crass as to use that word) in that piece of discarded equipment.

Reminders of our own impending obsolescence and death. That's some cheerful stuff. You know what? I'm going to mix up some Patron margeritas. Althouse, you're contributing to my alcoholism.; 8/28/10, 3:40 PM
BJM said...: You're thinking about going tankless?; 8/28/10, 3:40 PM
Palladian said...: It's one of those Japanese things. You know, pointlessly retained moribund technology? What do people call those?; 8/28/10, 3:44 PM
Pastafarian said...: Palladian -- we call it "the screw machine department".; 8/28/10, 3:49 PM
Opus One Media said...: Riddle solved.

The next picture on flicker is of a biker scene. The box is a GTE phone box..not western union.

if you google GTE - Indiana you get GTE_Indianpolis. http://www.assfaultjunkies.com/member.php?594-GTE_Indiana&s=4c956a006d9e8639ad6be7dd3d8c1a85

So my hunch is that that she and meade talked to someone, admiring a bike perhaps, the webpage was disclosed, ann found a terminal box and she posted his url.

ta daaaa; 8/28/10, 4:03 PM
Ralph L said...: Code violation?; 8/28/10, 4:06 PM
Palladian said...: Thomasson!; 8/28/10, 4:06 PM
Peter Hoh said...: For a desktop image.; 8/28/10, 4:11 PM
chickelit said...: It used to go around a door?

spuren noch

wv = tushees (LOL); 8/28/10, 4:11 PM
Chip Ahoy said...: To show to the paint store guy at home. Similar to people using cell phones to photograph labels on wine bottle.; 8/28/10, 4:41 PM
jungatheart said...: For Althouse to conduct a Rorschact test?; 8/28/10, 4:48 PM
Opus One Media said...: you all give it up. I got it right earlier...and to add to it, the building in question is not far from the photo that was on the front page of the Indianapolis Star - the next one in her flicker album...in fact I think it is the next corner building south of the suites hotel, east facing facade.

just a hunch. google earth is only so accurate or resolved.; 8/28/10, 4:57 PM
jungatheart said...: 'It's one of those Japanese things. You know, pointlessly retained moribund technology? What do people call those?'

Retro chic?; 8/28/10, 4:58 PM
Rose said...: Documenting unreinforced brick masonry in case of an earthquake.; 8/28/10, 5:04 PM
Jason (the commenter) said...: Althouse doesn't want to forget where she parked her car.; 8/28/10, 5:11 PM
jungatheart said...: Ooops, sorry, Palladian, I just saw your Thomosson Althouse link. I'd never heard the concept of bricking something over, etc., named before.; 8/28/10, 5:15 PM
Automatic_Wing said...: You decided to test your lens for pincushion distortion. Perhaps to see if Popular Photography's measurements are truly accurate.; 8/28/10, 5:29 PM
Trooper York said...: Your junction box is brick red?; 8/28/10, 5:31 PM
former law student said...: Things went wrong today
Bad news came my way
I woke up to find
That I had blew my mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJMwxucTJyo; 8/28/10, 5:59 PM
former law student said...: You were at the Union Terminal and this is a Western Union Terminal Box? Am I getting warm?; 8/28/10, 6:12 PM
rhhardin said...: Telegraph, telephone, or tell a woman.; 8/28/10, 6:14 PM
AST said...: So there used to be a telephone booth here?; 8/28/10, 6:37 PM
AST said...: Is that wall in the photo on on the cover of the newspaper?; 8/28/10, 6:42 PM
Elliott A said...: Is the wall a photo mural of bricks? It would be unusual to have glass bricks (more modern) on a building with real bricks that old. (IMHO); 8/28/10, 6:50 PM
Opus One Media said...: AST said...
Is that wall in the photo on on the cover of the newspaper?"

that's what i think/thought. if you google the hotel in the indy-star picture there is a red brick building down at the corner and the east facade looks like it might have those windows...there is another 2 blocks further but I can't make out any detail.; 8/28/10, 7:12 PM
former law student said...: which newspaper? which picture?

I went to the indystar website, and it looks like somebody threw up. No way can you find such a picture on the page.; 8/28/10, 7:26 PM
MayBee said...: For your album cover.; 8/28/10, 7:39 PM
MayBee said...: You are going to make your home address numbers out of funky photographs. This will be the number 7.; 8/28/10, 7:41 PM
Freeman Hunt said...: Because the darker parts of the wall look like a man with lobster claws for hands?; 8/28/10, 7:42 PM
HT said...: I think Jason's got the simplest funniest suggestion so far. It's got to be correct.; 8/28/10, 7:46 PM
Unknown said...: It's how Meade is going to climb up to the third floor loft to slip inside and crack the safe that has those pictures.; 8/28/10, 8:16 PM
Opus One Media said...: fsl...click on the picture that is associated with the thread. it will take you to Ann's flicker account. the picture that she posts next is of the Indy-star in a newspaper bontainer/dispenser...the cover of that has harley's in the picture. if you google the "GTE" which is what is on the side of the wall on the cover of the phone connector and indianapolis you getGTE_Indianpolis. http://www.assfaultjunkies.com/member.php?594-GTE_Indiana&s=4c956a006d9e8639ad6be7dd3d8c1a85

It makes perfect sense that Meade and Ann talked to a biker who gave them that URL and Ann took a picture of the GTE box (on the red wall)...because that is the guy's handle.

for the 3rd time (this is the 3rd time i've solved this riddle and posted what i think is the answer); 8/28/10, 8:51 PM
former law student said...: I missed the earlier hdhouse post. After going to googlemaps he must be correct -- the picture is of the side wall of Krieg Religious Goods, down Meridian from the Star's photograph POV, and there is a parking lot across the alley.; 8/28/10, 8:52 PM
former law student said...: Sorry, not hdhouse, (sorry hd) but Jason was correct.; 8/28/10, 8:54 PM
Anonymous said...: The picture illustrates the pure evil of shaved women. Exactly how, I can't say, but that's definitely my belief.

Peter; 8/28/10, 8:55 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8/28/10, 9:02 PM
ChasMartel said...: Hey IronRails, did you mean shaved or well manicured?

A fine distinction for sure, but one that's vitally important to those who know the difference.; 8/28/10, 9:03 PM
former law student said...: AA -- If it's Saturday it must be Indianapolis.; 8/28/10, 9:03 PM
Anonymous said...: In Cincinnati this may be considered art.; 8/28/10, 9:05 PM
Anonymous said...: FLS said...
If it's Saturday it must be Indianapolis.

In that case maybe it's just a wall, an old wall fitted with a modern convenience. Plus an odd shade of lipstick to hide its past sins.; 8/28/10, 9:10 PM
Freeman Hunt said...: This photo is racist. It is not of MLK, and didn't you know he gave an incredibly important speech some years ago on this day? Really, you shouldn't even be driving. Disgusting, but expected from the wingnuts of Meadehouse. You may as well have joined the Klan.

Heh. See, that's charity in action. Now certain trolls can relax and enjoy the evening. Their work is done.

I kid, I kid.; 8/28/10, 9:33 PM
former law student said...: Freeman -- wouldn't you expect people who named themselves after the patriot rebels who dumped tea into Boston Harbor, and who carry the Don't Tread on Me flag of New Hampshire to be intimately familiar with American history?

And wouldn't you expect that if you choose the symbolic site of the National Mall -- freighted with historical resonances -- for your rally, that your choice of place and date might already resonate with other Americans?

For future reference, Beck should check a site like this:
http://www.brainyhistory.com/link/index.html; 8/28/10, 10:10 PM
Freeman Hunt said...: FLS, just a point of fact, it wasn't a Tea Party rally. Lots of crossover attenders, sure. But I've been to plenty of Tea Party rallies, and this was no Tea Party rally.

As for your point, so what? This rally was in no way at odds with King's speech. What's the problem?; 8/28/10, 10:27 PM
Peano said...: A photograph posted for a very specific reason.; 8/28/10, 10:28 PM
Fen said...: intimately familiar with American history?

Oh please. Nobody cared what day he gave the speech. Its only an issue because you guys want it to be. All of a sudden, the day is sacrosanct.

wouldn't you expect that if you choose the symbolic site of the National Mall -- freighted with historical resonances -- for your rally, that your choice of place and date might already resonate with other Americans?

No, but then I dont regard blacks as an uncivilized tribe of sub-humans who will riot at the slightest offense.

The Left is still trying to stir up racial bullshit by November. Its all they've got.; 8/28/10, 10:31 PM
David said...: It was routed around something? What? Why?; 8/28/10, 10:36 PM
GMay said...: I long for a time when the left could manufacture better bullshit.; 8/28/10, 10:44 PM
former law student said...: This rally was in no way at odds with King's speech.

True. In fact, isn't Glenn Beck the logical person to take up Dr. King's mantle? I think I heard Beck's already been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.; 8/28/10, 10:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey IronRails, did you mean shaved or well manicured?
A fine distinction for sure, but one that's vitally important to those who know the difference.

Manicuring is as dead as the dinosaurs. Almost all women today are completely, totally, absolutely hairless.
Factoid: now that hair removal is universal, the next new thing among women is to bleach the brownish skin surrounding the Tradesmen's Entrance.

Peter; 8/28/10, 10:53 PM
Ralph L said...: Meade wants to paint your bricks, but you're afraid the color will end up uneven.; 8/28/10, 10:54 PM
Bender said...: Thanks FLS.

On E. Chesapeake at S. Meridian. I didn't realize that it was at ground-level. Here I was looking for something a couple floors up.; 8/28/10, 10:59 PM
AST said...: OK, I downloaded the photo at its original resolution and the box says "W.U.Tel.CO" not GTE, so T J seems to be first and closest so far. Not having loitered here as long as some, the more ignorant I, I didn't know what T J meant about "Western Union post coming on." Does Ann post about Western Union, or does TJ?

I "binged" Althouse Western Union and got one link she posted here to a thumbsucker, I mean a feature article, in the NYTimes about the history of telegrams.

Another linked to this post: http://althouse.blogspot.com/2009/08/amazon-wtf.html
about Tuscan Whole Milk on Amazon and the customer images which included cow udders (tits), so I claim partial credit.

Another post from June 10, 2008 is about

The other "hits" were to stories in the Times which mentioned Western Union and had some kind of transient ad to an op-ed in which "Ann Althouse and Byron York debate whether misogyny is to blame for ..." No joy.

I followed the link to GTE-Indiana at assfault junkies, but I couldn't see how that tied into the blank wall with the pipe on it leading to a Western Union box which may be a "Thomasson."

In sum, I still don't know what any of this has to do with the original photo. That's the last time I drink Five Hour Energy on a Saturday, unless I'm driving.; 8/28/10, 11:02 PM
AST said...: Sorry about the poor editing above. The line "Another post from June 10, 2008 is about" should have been deleted.; 8/28/10, 11:06 PM
Ann Althouse said...: Chip got it. It's the color we want to paint the house.; 8/28/10, 11:16 PM
Freeman Hunt said...: Which color? The light part or the lobster man part?; 8/28/10, 11:42 PM
garage mahal said...: Trooper was right.; 8/28/10, 11:48 PM
Fen said...: FLS: wouldn't you expect that if you choose the symbolic site of the National Mall for your rally, that your choice of place and date might already resonate with other Americans?

Here's the thing: if the date and place is so important, how is it that it was available for Beck to use?

Shouldn't it have already been booked?; 8/28/10, 11:52 PM
jungatheart said...: 'Black Conservatives Voice Support for Glenn Beck Rally'

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/08/27/black-conservatives-voice-support-for-glenn-beck-rally/; 8/29/10, 12:29 AM
Penny said...: "Chip got it. It's the color we want to paint the house."

It's also a complimentary color to Blogger's logo, your post headings, and to the hues in your current Althouse photograph.

It seems Althouse is entering her "orange period".

This should be juicy!; 8/29/10, 12:44 AM
chickelit said...: Garage wrote: Trooper was right.

Blogfather wasn't right, he was prescient.; 8/29/10, 12:44 AM
Chip Ahoy said...: Woo hoo.; 8/29/10, 12:46 AM
JAL said...: fls - much as I have some issues with Glenn Beck, I have listened to him enough and scanned through one of his books enough to confidently speculate that he knows more American history than you do.

Besides -- he has the right to have a rally on the Mall any time it's legal. Right?

And you're accusing him of being what ... insensitive?

I am laughing my way to bed.; 8/29/10, 12:46 AM
former law student said...: Freeman's sudden diversion of the thread indicated she wanted to talk, so I accommodated her.

I do think Beck is being a tad bit disingenuous -- but that is certainly his right.; 8/29/10, 1:07 AM
former law student said...: Hey, "Diaper Dave" Vitter won renomination. Good job, Republicans: look beyond your man's sexploits.; 8/29/10, 1:16 AM
Penny said...: "Blogfather wasn't right, he was prescient."

Hm? Not so sure about that, El Pollo, but I would love to hear why you think that?; 8/29/10, 1:40 AM
Penny said...: And while you're thinking about that?
I'll be over there >>> hugging Peano's boxer's trainer.; 8/29/10, 1:53 AM
reader_iam said...: Brick House

How could someone not have gotten there first (after the color)?; 8/29/10, 1:54 AM
GMay said...: "Good job, Republicans: look beyond your man's sexploits."

Learning from the Democrats apparently.

(God you're so bad at this); 8/29/10, 1:55 AM
Penny said...: Excellent suggestion, but hold your horses, reader!

I'm thick as a brick!; 8/29/10, 2:25 AM
Bartender Cabbie said...: It is Long John Holmes. Look close and you will see.; 8/29/10, 3:38 AM
KCFleming said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8/29/10, 7:28 AM
KCFleming said...: Remember, reader, all in all you're just another...; 8/29/10, 7:29 AM
gregwithtwogs said...: I find it interesting that Chip was the one who correctly guessed the idea of the paint Chip.; 8/29/10, 7:56 AM
lemondog said...: To show to the paint store guy at home. Similar to people using cell phones to photograph labels on wine bottle.

Chip got it. It's the color we want to paint the house.

Paint chips in action; 8/29/10, 8:01 AM
AllenS said...: Wait a minute. You mean to tell me that HDHouse's guess was incorrect?; 8/29/10, 8:30 AM
Jason (the commenter) said...: Funny how there is a whole rainbow of colors with which to paint your house and people almost always choose white, gray, or something that looks like dirt or mud.; 8/29/10, 8:34 AM
KCFleming said...: Jason, that's mostly because (1) most of the rainbow is really hideous when spread wide on an entire house, and (2) colors are expensive.; 8/29/10, 9:01 AM
ricpic said...: That color is nice but it needs some cool contrasting notes. I'd suggest forest green trim around the windows.; 8/29/10, 9:14 AM
former law student said...: Learning from the Democrats apparently.

Huh? Which whoremonger did the Dems re-elect once his scandal broke? Elliott Spitzer had the grace to resign.

No, I'm thinking the GOP is breaking new ground here.; 8/29/10, 9:30 AM
former law student said...: and people almost always choose white, gray, or something that looks like dirt or mud.

Midwestern people do. San Francisco neighborhoods look like rainbow sherbet.; 8/29/10, 9:32 AM
AllenS said...: You know, if you painted your house that color, and then painted the trim and doors white, it might look like Badgers colors. You UofW Professor, you.; 8/29/10, 10:03 AM
GMay said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8/29/10, 10:04 AM
GMay said...: You got me FLS. Spitzer certainly showed more grace than Republican Bill Clinton after he was caught whoremongering.

Oh, wait wait wait, I know one that meets both your criteria of re-election after the scandal and whoremongering. Barney Frank.

Do I get a prize?

(Really fls, quit while you're way behind); 8/29/10, 10:05 AM
former law student said...: Barney Frank paid for sex? I don't remember reading that.

Hey, look what Google found when I typed in "whoremonger":

http://lefteyeonthemedia.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/vitter-david-ad-02.jpg; 8/29/10, 10:11 AM
GMay said...: God FLS, it's called a hole. Stop digging.

(There's a gushingly apologetic piece from an unabashedly liberal magazine for ya Tiger)

Oh hey, I noticed you wouldn't touch my Clinton remark. Wise decision despite your daily displays of stupidity.; 8/29/10, 10:23 AM
chickelit said...: Chip got it. It's the color we want to paint the house.

That's color of roof tiles out here. So if you also then color your roof white or adobe (like Sec. of Energy wants you to do), you'll be a real contrarian.

None of this still explains why the conduit is kinked like that.; 8/29/10, 10:56 AM
chickelit said...: @Penny:

Most older homes in Wisconsin have those outdoor electric boxes. So if Althouse recreates her own "Red House over yonder" she'll have to paint her junction box that color too.

Hence the prescience.

Were you thinking otherwise?; 8/29/10, 10:59 AM
lemondog said...: This is kinda the same color

The white trim helps cool it down.

....or maybe purple trim; 8/29/10, 11:11 AM
Peano said...: "Chip got it. It's the color we want to paint the house."

Post a shot of the house and we can color it in Photoshop.; 8/29/10, 11:14 AM
jungatheart said...: 'None of this still explains why the conduit is kinked like that.'

Maybe the box needed to be placed thus for its use inside the building, and the end of the wire had to be placed thus to meet a main wire, or maybe I don't know what the hell I'm talking about.; 8/29/10, 11:44 AM
AST said...: So Western Union has nothing to do with anything.

I'll never trust you guys again. : )

Never over think the question. That was always my problem in law school.; 8/29/10, 1:16 PM
lemondog said...: Post a shot of the house and we can color it in Photoshop.

Heh, heh, heh.

Maybe the box needed to be placed thus for its use inside the building, and the end of the wire had to be placed thus to meet a main wire, or maybe I don't know what the hell I'm talking about.

You are probably correct. It appears to be an old building and who knows what kind of interior renovations have taken place requiring all sorts of technological contortions to accommodate the current occupant.

Turn of the 20th century commercial/residential building across the way has a multitude of vertical and horizontal wiring coming out from all sorts of opening and running into a conduit box.

Hard to imagine it is not in code violation.; 8/29/10, 1:41 PM
former law student said...: Oh hey, I noticed you wouldn't touch my Clinton remark.

I was quite certain Clinton never paid for sex, so why rub your error in? A whoremonger is one who consorts with whores.; 8/29/10, 2:34 PM
jungatheart said...: 'You are probably correct. It appears to be an old building and who knows what kind of interior renovations have taken place requiring all sorts of technological contortions to accommodate the current occupant.'

There's still something to be said about a door being removed, but I can't really see a break in the brick pattern, but there does seem to be excess mortar aroung part of the top edge and right side (where the door might have been.

This is so funny how we are all discussing this in depth. It was when Chip said paint sample that I said this is like a Rorhschact test. How we see it indicates our personalities, to a degree.; 8/29/10, 4:52 PM
Trooper York said...: "This is so funny how we are all discussing this in depth. It was when Chip said paint sample that I said this is like a Rorhschact test. How we see it indicates our personalities, to a degree."

Exactamundo!

That's why I knew you were going to paint your Junction Box in your natural Red.; 8/29/10, 5:24 PM
Trooper York said...: Of course you could just piss off ironrailsironweights. Just sayn'; 8/29/10, 5:25 PM
From Inwood said...: So much depends on the Red Wire standing beside the White Chick; 8/29/10, 6:51 PM
GMay said...: fls said: "I was quite certain Clinton never paid for sex, so why rub your error in? A whoremonger is one who consorts with whores."

Oh right, bangin' the hired help is more "graceful". My bad.

No comment on Barney Frank? Don't wanna rub that one in either?

So I'll go back to my original comment that apparently didn't sink in - looks like Vitter was taking lessons from Democrats.

Keep tryin' fls.; 8/29/10, 10:22 PM
bagoh20 said...: ", pointlessly retained moribund technology? What do people call those?"

Elections.; 8/29/10, 10:34 PM
Largo said...: "This reminds me of a story about a class where the teacher tells the student to describe something and makes him keep at it for weeks, until he learns to really observe."

AST,

Perhaps your story is from Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintanance? To help his student overcome her writing block, he directs her focus to to a building, a side of the building, and eventually the bottom left brick in that side of the building: "write on that, then move on to the next brick." (Or something like that -- my memory is sketchy)

Supposing that you read it there, I'd love to hear what you thought of the book. I did read Lila years later, but it did not impress me as much.; 8/30/10, 6:30 AM