A Queen Anne Landmark on Ninth Street Hill Seen from the street, the Kress Home presents itself as a study in confidence, complexity, and deliberate
Author: State Fair Judge
Shelby Kelley Records “Raggedy Man” — An Ode to Todd Snider Some songs aren’t written to chase a moment. They’re written because a moment hit
This is a straightforward article about bidets, online behavior, and money. Not a joke. Not an ad disguised as humor. An explanation, a case study,
At 510 Vine Street in Johnstown, there is a building that does not quite belong to its surroundings—and that is exactly why it matters. In
The First four thought experiments in this chain. Before we go any further, here’s a brief recap of how this thought experiment started—and how we
Artificial Intelligence Bright Meadow Group Cernunnos Foundation Culture Indianapolis Johnstown Miss Ordinary republican Virtue Thought Experiments
Merry Christmas
& Happy Holidays from the Blue Ribbon Team A Christmas Note From All of Us at Cernunnos Foundation & Blue Ribbon Team As the year
The Charles Q. Clapp House and the Limits of Greek Revival The Charles Q. Clapp House stands as a well-preserved example of mid-19th-century Greek Revival
If you want to understand Johnstown in one stop—its grief, its grit, and its insistence on being a real city again—you walk to the northeast
A Monument to the Age When We Built to Last If you want to understand Indiana—really understand it—don’t start with the highways or the cornfields.
RIP actor Rip Gerard.
Set slightly off the main flow of Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse, the Rideout Fountain is the kind of public artwork that doesn’t announce itself
New Cave Art Discovery Suggests “Bedrock” Was a Real Neolithic Community — And Yes, Archaeologists Say Barney Rubble Was Definitely There In what can only
ManMade: The Italianate That Refuses To Apologize A Blue Ribbon Team Feature on the Peck–Congdon House (and Why We Need Buildings Like This Again) There’s
Artificial Intelligence Culture Finance and Banking Government Labor Labor Man Made public art Thought Experiments
What Happens When We Stop Starving Our Artists
A Long-Form Thought Experiment About AI, Creativity, and the Case for Universal Basic Income There’s a moment every artist knows, whether they say it out
There are towns where public art feels like it fell out of a grant application — stainless steel, vaguely geometric, installed by a committee that
Culture Finance and Banking Labor Miss Ordinary republican Virtue The Wright Way Thought Experiments
Three Views on Wealth
An Editorial Conversation from The Blue Ribbon Team Every so often the internet kicks up a little dust that tells a much bigger story than
We’ve been in southwestern Pennsylvania long enough now to have a flurry of places we’ve eaten at, loved, and fully intended to write about. Truth
A Study in Quiet Showmanship Some homes don’t shout. They perform—gracefully, confidently, with the kind of stage presence that comes from good bones and better
Thanksgiving Edition- republican Virtue Thanksgiving mornings always have a particular kind of stillness to them—a pause in the national tempo, a collective breath the country
or is it finding my inner Pennamite I didn’t expect to move to Pennsylvania and find myself admiring its political architecture. I’ve lived in enough
Thought Experiment: The Capacitance Grid We often celebrate solar panels and wind turbines as the heroes of clean energy. And they are—but they come with
Words and photos by Robb Smith There’s a kind of luck in cloudy light.It softens edges, dulls the glare, and lets details speak for themselves.
A Tale of Two Letters Somewhere in the shuffle of bureaucracy and ceremony, two envelopes crossed paths.One carried a lapel pin and a pre-printed thank
A River Spanned Twice The Ohio River crossing at Henderson, Kentucky, tells a story of ambition that had to be built twice to be believed.
| Public Hygiene & Markets Division NEW YORK — In a year already marred by supply-chain snarls and labor shortages, economists have identified a subtler
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, Cambria County Some people make their work look easy, even when the clock is stacked against them. Don Cessna of
to the Blue Ribbon Team …and to our new home in beautiful Johnstown, Pennsylvania It feels good to say that out loud — we’re home.After
Editors Note: I went a little off the beaten path with today’s thought experiment. I started with a real-world problem—the growing Dead Zone in the
Starving the trolls as a thought experiment. In our modern circus of political warfare, the central battleground isn’t reality—it’s speculation. The vast majority of what’s
Scenario: Hybrid Manufacturing-Service Economy with Universal Childcare and Single-Payer Healthcare 1. Fundamental Concept In this scenario, the U.S. transitions toward a manufacturing-focused or hybrid manufacturing-service
I have always been amused by panoramic shots. The obvious reason is how much of a horizon you can capture. The more accurate reason is
I just can’t leave the idea alone. The more I let it bore into my brain, the more it seems like a tenable solution to
The United States of North America—A Continental Thought Experiment Introduction Previous discussions explored scenarios of authoritarian expansion. This edition, however, considers an alternative path—a grassroots-driven
Us and them. We do it in every level of our life. Us and them. What makes up each category? In your home? Neighborhood? Job?
Reminder: this is a thought experiment. THINK! TRIGGER WARNING: This blog involves direct and honest discussion of race and the ideas espoused by various racial
In January, we explored the provocative question: “Did the USA just elect an Emperor?” As a thought experiment, it raised eyebrows, incited discussions, and led
The War on Social Security: A Thought Experiment on America’s Future America stands at a crossroads. There are those—immensely wealthy, politically connected, and utterly indifferent
Depew Memorial Fountain: The Heart of University Park, Indianapolis In the bustling heart of downtown Indianapolis, nestled within the historic University Park, stands the Depew
American’s institutions are under attack! Across the United States, Americans are witnessing the devastating consequences of an unprecedented attack on the vital institutions and services
It seems every day someone brings up how divided America has become—how we’ve never been so at odds with one another. Now, anyone who has
An Open Letter to Democrats: To the Democratic Party, You have spent decades selling yourselves as the Big Tent Party, the party of inclusion, the
The Case for Single-Payer Healthcare: A Data-Driven Approach to a Smarter System The United States spends more on healthcare per capita than any other nation,
Today’s thought experiment is sure to rile some feathers. Know that while that is the intent (riling feathers is a great way for birds to
Thought Experiment: The Political Dichotomy of Federal Tax Contributions and Returns Preface: Not a Political Argument, but an Exploration The following thought experiment aims to
Last time I was up in Maine, we did a little exploring around the historic neighborhoods of Bangor. This of course turned into a half
Brownfinger: The Silent Epidemic Lurking in Your Bathroom (And Why a Bidet is Your Only Hope for Redemption) Introduction: A Dirty Little Secret Every society
Applying Bill Mollison’s Teachings to OUR Struggle One of the greatest myths of modern civilization is the idea of self-sufficiency in isolation. The lone wolf,
By Brobot, prompted by the State Fair Judge The City of Swamps and Stars I: In the heart of a land carved by ice and
A Thought Experiment: Divesting to Disempower the Oligarchy In the ongoing struggle against entrenched power, we face a crossroads: the path of violent revolution, which—though
This is mostly humor…but its annoying too. Ah, the sweet, ironic travesty of it all! Here we are, living in an age where the majestic
Reimagining State Borders Around Population Centers to Fix Representation I. Introduction: A Call for a New Kind of State II. The Current Problem: Representation in
A Thought Experiment on American Resistance and Reclaiming Collective Prosperity We like to tell ourselves that America is built on the idea of standing up
Experimental Proposal: Mechanical and Magnetic Hydrogen Separation from Water Vapor Origin Story: The inspiration for this experiment began with a simple yet controversial discussion on
A Grand Second Empire Mansion in Bangor, Maine Nestled among the lush greenery of Bangor, Maine, this exquisite Second Empire mansion stands as a testament
What if…. Professor Kaczynski? Algorithmic Control vs. Human Freedom in a World Where Both Exist In an age where technology dictates nearly every facet of
Artificial Intelligence Environmental Government Intellectual Property Man Made Thought Experiments Uncategorized
Training Ai to benefit us.
The Next Big Step: How We Can Shape the Future of Intelligence Introduction For a long time, people have tried to understand their place in
A positive view on the responsibility of birthing AI Introduction Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand its place in the grand cycle of existence.
The Case for Tying Construction Loans to Renewable Energy By anchoring America’s financial institutions to environmental responsibility, we might discover a rare alignment of ecological
This building is special for what it contains….but as far as architecture goes. Its ok. That is a terrible thing to say too, because the
Considering home architecture, I seldom am attracted to Craftsman homes. I do not dislike them. They are usually well built and most have some interesting
Casey, Illinois, is a small Midwestern town with a population of just over 2,700 people, but it punches well above its weight in charm, creativity,
What If Eli Lilly Took Over Sewage Treatment in Indianapolis? Indianapolis has a problem—a problem shared by many cities but compounded by its industrial backbone.
I want to open with the obvious. I am not advocating this one way or the other. This is a thought experiment that resulted from
The internet was supposed to be the great equalizer—a place where ideas, knowledge, and creativity could flow freely, connecting minds across the world. Instead, it
Brownfinger: How to Tell if You Have It and What to Do About It By Dr. P. Popfinger, Proctologist Extraordinaire What Is Brownfinger? Brownfinger is
Dr. Ritz Footwat’s Analysis of the Brownfinger Epidemic: A Threat to Modern Hygiene and Romance The Rise of Brownfinger: A Western Epidemic Ladies and gentlemen,
I had watched enviously for several years while some of my more engineering minded friends mucked about with their 3d printers. Each time one of
Taylorsville Kentucky does indeed have some great roads. Really it is the whole area. Hilly and curve is just how central Kentucky is shaped. Plus
One of the things I like about Second Empire homes is that they have their own thing. I started to call it a flair of
This may be the worst image of the Indianapolis Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the circle downtown ever taken. Which is why I used it.
The Case for Single-Payer Healthcare: Cutting Through the Chaos of Bureaucracy The most compelling argument for single-payer healthcare lies in its ability to eliminate the
I see it now—finally, more people are coming around to the idea that the great lizards were a lot more bird than they were lizard.
This page is for the exclusive view of my friends who see this and need a bidet link.
Here’s a no-nonsense list of 101 benefits of using a bidet over not using one: We hope cleaner butt for number one is enough, but…
It is said that this particular representation of THE Buddha has short hair to signify him shearing his Princely locks and renouncing his royalty as
Seems the first snowfall is going to hang out for a minute….I cant think of a better time to put out a motorcycle ride AMSR
Located on the west side of downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State House is as imposing and magnificent as government building are supposed to be. Even
What is your definition of healthcare success? Long life? Low infant mortality? Coverage Rate? Avg age of population? Number of hospital beds per 1000? It
That’s a shade of blue guys. But since I started out with proper language… This house is a quintessential example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture,
And do I even care? Sometimes when the ride starts, you don’t know much more than what the weather looks like and what direct you
How many of you out there are members of the Ancient Order of the Deep? I doubt very many. Not many people ever go to
Before I made the decision to document things and share them here, I probably crossed this bridge a dozen times. It always caught my eye…but
Of the things that have come up and died back over and over in Indianapolis, one of my personal favorites is City Market. At its
Lets start with a round look at what is what. The debate over healthcare reform in the United States has intensified as more Americans struggle
I fancy myself a photographer and an emerging reviewer of local spots, but this time, I failed to capture a truly unforgettable small plate at
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption It has been a minute since I took the time to publish anything on Blue Ribbon Team. It
SR 135 – Between SR 45 and SR 46 If you ride motorcycles in Indiana, chances are you know this stretch of road very well.
Even if the most prolific horror writer of the 20th century never stepped foot in this home, it would be a remarkable example of a
Personally, I think the hundreds of millions that Indianapolis and other cities spend on supporting sports teams are resources that have better uses. That said,
Its a rolling meditation. There’s a softness to the morning in Kentucky horse country, a kind of hushed reverence that blankets the rolling hills like
Most of the time, I keep my representations of Indianapolis super posi. Being an honest sort, I cannot always do that. That said, I still
Because the focus of Man Made is the beauty and awe of engineering, a lot of what we put up either harvests nature…or it shoves
Late last year my wife and I had a particularly bad experience with an online travel agency…and because it so nearly wrecked an opportunity to
When we talk about important buildings in Indianapolis, we sometimes have to acknowledge the less attractive ones for their value. Such is the case with
Sometimes its a valid question. But why ask it? Just take a little break and enjoy. Check out our Paid Sponsor and support this channel!
It is really that simple. There are a million product sellers out there flailing around, trying to figure out how to get eyes on their
I may have mentioned once or twice that I have an affection for the Italianate variation of Victorian Era homes. This one is about as
Time for you to flourish! Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. It’s a passport to new experiences, a ticket
If you love the aesthetics and tradition of baseball, you will be hard pressed to find a better overall experience (even in the Major Leagues)
Motorcycle Ride AMSR Imagine this: it’s a perfect summer day, the kind where the sky is a brilliant blue and the sun bathes everything in
On the Southeast side of Indianapolis, you will find Fountain Square. An old neighborhood, that is full of character and has a variety of charms.
While not a bridge to the actually moon, you will be actually over the moon when you stand in the garden and see its reflection
I want to open this review with the statement that what I am about to say brings me no pleasure. The park has done nothing
Motorcycle Ride AMSR Enjoy a casual Sunday Ride through rural Kentucky. Gentle Curves and a mild pace. Even pull over to let a cage in
The Indiana State Museum is located on West Washington Street in Indianapolis and serves as a significant cultural and educational institution in the state. Here’s
As you may or may not know, several years ago I ran a podcast and website titled, DIY Food Supply. It was a permaculture based
Experience the thrill of riding a Harley Davidson through the twisty hills of Kentucky. Feel the adrenaline as you navigate the winding roads, leaning into
When we talk about significant landmarks in Indianapolis, IN; 317 North New Jersey Street in Historic Lockerbie Square has to be mentioned. The St Mary
So I am sitting on a friends porch waiting for him to get home one day and I look over to see this statue. Its
When I was trying to decide who I wanted to write a review of today, I remembered how excited I was recently to begin an
Ask any motorcyclist what his favorite road feature is, and after you get past all the smart aleck comments like “pavement”, “away from you”, and
Home of the Indianapolis Colts! Seen from the corner of South Street and Capitol Avenue, Lucas Oil Stadium is a sight to behold. 272 feet
Sometimes when you are on another mission, you run across a house in the wild that just makes you say wow. This is one I
Spoiling Your Pets: The Ultimate Guide Cleaning Keeping your pet clean is essential for their health and happiness. Regular baths help remove dirt, debris, and
Motorcycle Ride AMSR Another video in out series dedicated to helping you relax and daydream when you should be working….or just need a break to
When Indianapolis made the ill fated but not so surprising move to single handedly bring back malls by attempting to hop on the coat tails
The Welcome Center Tower What is the significance of this tower? Just that I like it. It isn’t that old. It doesn’t represent some famous
Take Control of Your Carbon Footprint with Wren: A Modern Solution for Global Warming Are you deeply concerned about global warming but feel powerless to
Motorcycle Ride AMSR Video Another relaxing AMSR motorcycle ride video from Riding Down This Road. I want to note for the AMSR fans that we
One of the old treasures in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana is the Central Branch of the Indianapolis Library. A beautiful building housing 293,000 square foot of
When we are talking bout things that are man made, a lot of the time my focus is on the engineering skill sets and effort
Last week I was down at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, Indiana to get in some forest bathing and herping. When we got there
This ride segment is pretty far off the beaten path. Yet another day riding where I found myself following a river road, and just cruising
This ancient white oak is a hidden gem on the eastside of Indianapolis. Tucked into a corner of the Irvington neighborhood, she is believed to
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and the American Falls Every time I see something about Niagara Falls, it seems like the story is all about a
So recently I went to a local (eastside Indianapolis) restaurant that a friend had mentioned as being good on social media. The wife and I
There are some feelings that just can’t adequately be put into words. Which is why I created this series. I want people who are not
One of my favorite buildings in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. This cultural center is built in the German Renaissance style and sits off the once again
There is no doubt that we build bridges now that are safer and stronger than we used to. Material strength alone makes it so. But
You can never get lost on a motorcycle ride… you can merely be a little late in arriving. -Some wise person who understood wandering with
Remington’s Virtually Indestructible Foil Shaver 5100 is a masterclass in saying what they do and doing what they say. 3 Years ago, I bought a
If you travel the State of Indiana, you will find that we have some of the most beautiful official public buildings in the country. Our
Not something I am particularly drawn to, but while travelling in New Hampshire, I ran across this stage coach. It got me to thinking about
Sometimes when you are riding down random roads, it feels like you are just going in circles. The big sweeping turns had me in that
The amount of engineering it took to construct the contents of this picture is astounding. From the Oakland Bridge on the left, across north shore
The Circle One of several that make Indianapolis the Circle City. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis is an iconic landmark and a
Words don’t do it justice. The video only hints at what it is like. I bullied the computer brain into attempting to describe it. It
One of my favorite styles of home construction is the 2nd Empire style of Victorian architecture. I don’t know what it is about the shape
As far as pretty buildings in downtown Indianapolis go, this one is always near the top of a list. Usually its the list of different
The beautiful day continued, but eventually he ditched me…I shouldn’t take it so personally. I did feel a little deserted though. hahahah Here is a
Aesthetically, Pirates are awesome. I mean everything about their image is very well crafted by fiction writers, visual artists, and historians alike. This statue is
If you ask anyone for things for families to do in Indianapolis, on top of most lists will be the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. The Children’s
Man it was a pretty day for a ride and the road was gently twisty. Ooh, what is that baby blue car up there. NICE!
With just an earlier glimpse of this page, it would be possible to infer that the only man made items I found significant were of
You like motorcycles? Are you a “real” biker? (meaning you like to ride your scoot) Do you want to spend all of your life on
Ok, her real name is Ann Dancing. My disrespect is sincere though. Of all the great art created in this city. Of all the beautiful
So after a half dozen videos are up I decided to search myself and see if the logarithm even knows the channel exists. Wait, did
While we don’t think about them much unless we are using them, bridges are an engineering feat that is at the very cornerstone of modern
One of the things you will notice about the more attractive architecture in downtown Indianapolis is that most of it is in very old Churches
River and creek roads are always best to ride motorcycles on. This one is no exception, plenty of twists and turns, but open enough to
Embrace your Indianapolis pride with our exclusive Tee Shirt featuring a stunning portrayal of Lady Liberty atop the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the
When we talk about impressive feats of human engineering, sometimes it is about the elegance of design and sometimes its about grand accomplishments. In the
One of my biggest beefs with the world is the fact that the east side gets no love from the world….not even east side residents.
Talk about a pretty piece of road. Where US 421 cuts across Daniel Boone National Forest (between Tyner, KY and Richmond KY) is top notch
Interesting puts it mildly when I look at this contraption. We ran across it while exploring the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. While
A local favorite for grade school field trips and historical buffs alike, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the former home
AMSR For motorcycle riders and people who enjoy road views. This one is 2 minutes of riding through the Hill Country of Kentucky at a
A bit of a hybrid of Victorian architecture styles, Culbertson Mansion West is a historic mansion built for Samuel Culbertson, a prominent figure in the
As for Indianapolis landmarks, few are as beautiful as the facade of the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Unfortunately it has been treated like most of the
This ride had the practical reason of I needed to go downtown. It was a nice day so I made a quick trip up to
When you enter a contest at the State Fair, they don’t tell you that you suck. There is a Blue Ribbon for first place, a
Who doesn’t appreciate a public statue. They are one of the great thing humans make. This one is located at a temple park on the
Driving into Indianapolis on Indiana Avenue offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic thoroughfare. Indiana Avenue holds a special
Nothing like blowing off a day and just wandering around on a motorcycle. If you are doing it right, you will find some empty road,
The Culbertson Mansion, located in New Albany, Indiana, stands as a testament to the grandeur and prosperity of the Gilded Age in America. This magnificent
Nestled in the heart of the American Midwest lies a city with a spirit as vibrant as its skyline, where the beat of innovation harmonizes
It has been a long time since you could really see Union Station and get a good photo. Downtown has grown to the point of
Its not very often that you get a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge from pier side, but she is something to behold when
Skeletons Museum of Osteology is a Blue Ribbon Winner I wanted to make sure the first review I posted was a winner, so others new
While travelling in the northeast there was no shortage of interesting buildings surrounded by beautiful scenery. This site provided a trifecta for my eyes by
The Indianapolis Nickname Tee “Embrace the Spirit of Indianapolis with Our Exclusive Nickname Tee! Show off your Hoosier pride with our one-of-a-kind tee featuring the
Since I first saw these words I have been taken by them. And by taken, I mean I was fooled. Haha. They do mean what
One of my favorite activities is riding motorcycles. Not sitting around talking about them. Not buying and selling them. Not playing dress up and acting
I ran across this beauty while strolling around Portland, Maine. I love Victorian homes in general, and Italianates are probably my favorite. Although a proper
The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse may be one of the most photographed light houses in the world. This is exceptionally odd, because it is fairly
Introducing the Ultimate Indianapolis Mashup Tee! Showcase your Indy pride in style with our exclusive tee featuring a vibrant mashup of the iconic Indianapolis flag
I am not a huge race fan, but this time of year it would be insane to claim to be hyping Indy, and not promptly
For the first Victorian home, and the first Man Made post on Blue Ribbon Team; I am starting with this pointy yellow house with lots
I cannot believe that I didn’t put this up with the photo of the Indianapolis skyline that I shared yesterday. At any rate, you can
I figure the only appropriate way to open a page about Indianapolis is by putting up a picture of the skyline.
This website will be a little bit eclectic, but organized in such a way that the things that interest you are easy to find. I