#napierville

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“ONE DEAD, FOUR INJURED,” Montreal Star. June 26, 1931. Page 3. ---- Omer Bourret, (lower left) above was killed, his wife (lower right), received severe facial injuries, his son Omerille (centre) received a dislocated shoulder, his daughter Marie (upper right) received injuries, and a friend Albert Nault (upper left) was hurt, when a car driven by Omer Bourret turned over in a ditch near Napierville last night. The party. was on its way to visit friends in Rhode Island.

[sctvita1988]

Enter the Grunt (G.I. Joe)

Welcome to Napierville, Illinois Robert (Grunt) Graves from G.I. Joe Classified in Toby’s Home! Robert (Grunt) Graves

[adrenalineguide]

Saying Farewell to One of Racing’s Greats

By Michael Hozjan  

On Easter Saturday race track owners, race team owners, racers, race fans and almost everyone associated in the racing community got together in Cornwall Ontario to bid a fond farewell to one of racing’s greatest.

Above:Race teams brought their cars out in memory of the king of announcing

He didn’t own a race team, he didn’t own a racecar nor track, he never even raced himself, but Brian Mulligan will be missed by thousands on both sides of the Canada/US border. Brian you see, was a track announcer. Let me correct that he was THE track announcer. Mr. Mulligan (he’d probably hate me for calling him Mister – he was that kind of down-to-earth guy) started his announcing career in the mid sixties at the now defunct - turned airport -Cedar Dragway, just west of Montreal, he moved on to Napierville, south of Montreal in 1966. In no time at all, his friendly persona and his ability to announce in English and French quickly wielded him into other racing disciplines. 

Brian’s voice soon echoed throughout Canada and the United States. In 1970 when Sanair International opened, Brian was the obvious choice for owner Jacques Guertin. A year later when Guertin snagged the NHRA to host a Canadian event, Brian was “ The Voice of the Grand Nationals”.  The NHRA must have liked what they heard as in 1972 he was asked to announce the Winter Nationals in Pomona, California. That was just the beginning, he’d go on to the Gatornationals in Gainesville Florida, as well as drag races in Columbus, Ohio, and Syracuse New, York.  

Above: Two drag racing icons, Brian shares a laugh with Linda Vaughn, Miss Hurst at the inaugural Canadian Drag Racing Reunion. Brian was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2016

Back home he was also a reporter for CTV’s Montreal station, CFCF, bringing stock car racing into our living rooms.

Not one to hibernate, in winter snowmobile races beckoned him and he became as popular in that segment as he was in automobiles. In summer when he wasn’t barking out at car races, he’d be covering motorcycle races and boat races, including the inaugural Long Sault Regatta.

Above: One of the hazards of announcing in the cold

I met Brian when I was 17, not at a racetrack but at Action Motorsports, a speed shop in Montreal’s Rosemount district. His friendly demeanor went above and beyond that of a simple salesman, he made you feel like the whole store relied on you.

It would be a couple of years later while I attended my first drag race at Sanair International that I swore I recognized the voice coming over the loudspeakers. In later years, with his multitude of pages on drivers’ statistics, he would be instrumental in helping me with my articles in racing magazines and newspapers.

Above: Brian was at home whether on an oval or drag strip

When I was asked to run Montreal’s most popular cruise night I knew I needed and needed a charismatic, bilingual emcee, Brian Mulligan was a no brainer and he didn’t mind the 100 km commute once a week.

Above: Doing what he did best, this time at a Montreal Cruise Night

His heart was as big as it can get as he supported several charities, volunteering his time to fundraising and helping the community.

He suffered a brain tumor in 2011, something that would be fatal to the average person, yet Brian bounced bag to the surprise and chagrin of his doctors, and so over the last few years he’s been announcing at tracks close to home, including Cornwall Raceway and Mohawk International Raceway in Hogansburg New York, across the river from his hometown.

Above: Never to be taken too seriously, Brian was always smiling

Brian didn’t take life to seriously, always smiling and hamming it up whenever the occasion arose. Like donning a red ball on his nose in the middle of announcing. His heart was as big as it can get, always ready to support a charity and volunteer his time to fundraising and helping the community.

Over the years Brian was inducted into multiple sports and motorsports Halls of Fame.

Above and below: Just two of the dozens of awards Brian received 

On March 1st 2023 Brian moved on to announce the races in heaven, having succumbed to Alzheimers. He’s survived by his wife Huguette, brother Richard, and two sons Daniel and Patrick. 

Above: The Mulligan name continues in racing circles with Brian’s son Patrick

Patrick continues in the family racing tradition marketing racing fuel, promoting and consulting races, teams and drivers alike, and like his father is always smiling.  

[jpitha]

I tell you, there isn’t anything quite like the smell of a burnt out drive regulator. I should know, the Medicine Hat - the ship I work with - breaks them pretty often. I swear they don’t go more than 5 or 6 wormhole links without breaking one, and then it’s all done until I can find another. I told them to stop setting the resonance so high, but they swear that we get .005% better accuracy. At least, that's what I think they said, their accent is unintelligible.

Luckily, a fresh drive regulator is pretty easy to find all over this great galaxy of ours. Some are even for sale, but what fun is that? I am a staunch anti-capitalist, so I do everything I can to avoid the exchange of currency where the authorities can see.

The last time one went kaput I was over that AI colony, Spruces. Nice folks there, very welcoming. Not much use for Maple Products - my standard stock in trade - though, so I was a little put out. That is, until I learned that a few of the older AIs had a powerfully dark hunger. A hunger that could only be satisfied by someone coming from the original Great White North.

They were curlers.

Now me? I can slide a mean rock when the mood strikes me, but these days I don’t have much of a cause to put on the old curling shoes and dig my broom out of the back closet, but I carry them with me just in case.

Regardless, they wanted to curl and I needed a drive regulator, so a deal was struck. We’d play 4 ends, and when I won, I’d get a regulator. If I lost, I’d still get a regulator, but I’d also have to bring them some antique curling stones. The best ones were made in Scotland, but they’re long gone. I still know a rec center in Napierville that has some and won’t even miss them so long as someone causes a large enough distraction.

They went first, and wouldn't you know it, they were very good. Like, good enough to be sponsored by a beer company good. The first end, they scored 3 points. 3! On the second, I found my footing and was able to get 2 points. In the third, I swear they were doing some kind of eldritch trigonometry, because they were not only able to knock all my stones out, but they got 2 points additionally!

The 4th end never happened though, because I saw which way the wind was blowing, I signaled the Hat, and they dutifully set up a distraction, flying overhead and spewing oily black smoke and singing My Heart Will Go On as loud as they could. When everyone ran outside to see what the commotion was, I grabbed the regulator and booked it outside. The Hat saw me, scooped me up and we were gone. I had it installed and we linked out of there before the authorities could catch up, but it was a close thing.

I think I'll still stop by Napierville though. Now that I know there's a market for curling in the galaxy, there is some money to be made.

[jules-has-notes]

collaboration spotlight — We Are Not the Same Person by Danny Gonzalez & Drew Gooden

It's pretty undeniable that many prominent YouTubers in the 2010s were reasonably attractive white guys. As their ranks grew, it could be difficult to distinguish between them. This video may or may not be helpful on that front, but it is definitely entertaining.

Details:

title: We Are Not the Same Person

performers: Danny Gonzalez & Drew Gooden

written & arranged by: Danny Gonzalez & Drew Gooden

music video produced by: PattyCake Productions

release date: 17 May 2019

My favorite bits:

Danny "posting" his video by putting the SD card in the microwave

breaking the fourth wall with the light stand gag

continuing each other's thoughts until they start speaking in unison

the nearly identical couple's photos during ♫ "similar wives" ♫

Danny describing his slightly darker hair as hazel in order to justify rhyming it with ♫ "Look at our nasals." ♫ 👃

Drew flat out singing ♫ "And I am Danny." ♫ on the third iteration

♫ "Dreaming of a day when you die in a fire and I get all your subscribers." ♫ "…what?" 😟

the abrupt ending to the song

enjoying the shiny jackets Tony made for them

"It's a fire hazard. Especially if the person in your lap is on fire."

all the behind-the-scenes clips (Can you spot Layne?)

the additional outro portion of the song

Trivia:

The isolated music video is available on Danny's second channel. The comments for both versions are full of additional jokes about confusing the guys for each other and other white guy YouTubers.

In addition to the song portion of this video, PattyCake also produced video content that was used on the tour, and helped with the costuming.

Tony and Layne got to see their contributions in action during the first night of the tour in Napierville, IL.

backstage at the We Are Two Different People tour

[indoorverticalfarmingnews]

Quebec Agri-Businesses Receive Federal Funding for Clean Technology Adoption

During a visit to Napierville, Quebec, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced federal support for four new projects to promote clean technology adoption by agri-businesses in the province. The initiatives, backed by an investment of up to $2.7 million under the Adoption Stream of the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program, are designed to…

[aryburn-trains]

Napierville Junction Railway Train 9, The Montreal Ltd.. near Napierville, Que. on September 1, 1968 by Marty Bernard Via Flickr: A Roger Puta Photograph

[renton-holmes]

#96

[architonicag]

To suit in while standing out is the challenge raised at the new headquarters Lareau insurance office. Settling in a rural area without aesthetic qualities, the project aims to inspire the beauty and encourage this industrial area to change by hosting more projects sensitive to design. | Maurice Martel Photo by @adrienwilliamsphotos See more in our Bio! . . . . . #architonic #mauricemartel #adrienwilliams #architecture #design #facadedesign #exterior #exteriordesign #building #buildingdesign #polycarbonate #glass #mirror #architecturaldesign #archstagram #instahome #instadesign #designs #contemporaryarchitecture #instarchitects #modernarchitecture #architects #designinspiration #office #officedesign #Napierville #Canada (at Napierville, Quebec)

[sysauart]

My first #waspspider , seen in #napierville #quebec . Body of spider about 2-3 cm long. Huge for Quebec... enjoy! More at https://flic.kr/p/2h4NcEQ https://www.instagram.com/p/B1j830Pp7ia/?igshid=1019cn6t7qdid

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"L'agriculture à l'honneur," La Presse. June 19, 1933. Page 11. ---- Notre photo du haut représente quelques personnalités marquantes qui assistaient samedi à la grande fête agricole du collège commercial et agricole de S.-Rémi de Napierville. On remarque dans le groupe: l'hon. Adelard Godbout, ministre de l'Agriculture de la province de Québec; M. Philippe Roy, directeur des services; R. P. Joseph Latour, supérieur provincial des Cleres de S.-Viateur; R. F. J. Lemieux, c.a.v... directeur du collège de S-Rémi. On remarque aussi: MM. Vincent Dupuis, député fédéral; J.-E. Charbonneau, député provincial; Arthur Lamarre, agronome; David Retté, professeur d'agriculture au collège de S.-Rémi: l'abbé S.-A. Majeau, curé de S.- Rémi; l'abbé E. Ferland, curé de S.-Mathieu; l'abbé J. Chevalier, curé de S.-Michel; l'abbé E. Desmarais, curé de S.-Edouard de Naplerville; Dr J.-A. Viau, maire du village; Hector Sainte-Marie, maire de la paroisse: H. Houle, président de la commission des écoles; le notaire P. Coupal, secrétaire de la municipalité; Hereule Riendeau, président diocésain de PU.C.C. de Montréal-sud: Arthur Lanetit, maire de Laprairie: J.-O. Demers, maire de S.-Isidore: Ernest Blouin, maire de S.-Michel-Archange, etc. Dans la photo du bas, une partie de la foule qui se pressait aux abords de la grande salle du collège commercial et agricole de S.-Rémi afin d'entendre les nombreux orateurs traiter de sujets concernant tout particulièrement les agriculteurs. (Clichés la "Presse")

[humanismtoday]

Some Fringe Anti Gay Bigots in the state of Illinois show how much they absolutely hate anyone who is gay. It’s pathetic, really, how bigoted they are in fact.

Good thing people of IL reject their Hate

Link:  https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2019/08/17/christian-group-il-lgbtq-history-law-will-promote-deviant-sexual-proclivities-2/

[adrenalineguide]

In Memoriam: Steve Szabad - Hot Rodder (1934-2021)

We lost a great car enthusiast a few days ago. Steve Szabad was a hot rodder’s hot rodder. Steve was one of the founding members of Montreal’s Piston Poppers Rod & Custom Car Club. The Piston Poppers introduced Montrealers to the annual indoor car show idea back in 1961. A few years later they repeated the idea in Quebec City. A show that still runs to this day, albeit under new ownership as of late. The Montreal show also served as the base formula for indoor hot rod shows across the U.S.A. and Canada for years to come

Above: Steve far right and the Piston Poppers 

Above: The 1964 Edition of  the Montreal Autosport ShowStreet .

That wasn’t enough for the club; they got into drag racing and were highly instrumental to the success of Napierville Raceway, Sanair International and Pont Rouge. Szabad was always there to give a helping hand and worked the Christmas tree at Sanair and Nape.

I didn’t know him long, but I heard of him and about him for years even before I met him. Steve left Montreal and moved to a farm near Alexandria Ontario in the mid seventies where he could enjoy his other passion, flying and had a landing strip cut out on his farm for his 1940 Piper J4A and his fellow aviation enthusiasts who were always invited for a cup of coffee.  That’s where I met him, at the local weekly cruise night. He was a member of the host club, the Alexandria based Eazy Cruisers Street Club.

Above: A few of the members of the Eazy Cruisers that helped in making Steve’s dream a reality.

Some called him a crusty old coot for his straight shooting opinionated character – but he was loved by all. That love became clear three years ago when the Eazy Cruisers got together and helped Steve finish his ’30 Model A that had been sitting dormant for decades.

Above: Steve never forgot the Piston Poppers and proudly displayed their plate in the Model A

Steve is survived by his sisters Linda and Helen

We know you’re up there building hot rods, organizing car shows and flagging races. Rest in Peace Dear Friend.

[beaumediacom]

ACTIVITÉS À NAPIERVILLE

La piste d'accélération Napierville Dragway vous invite tout au long de l'été 2024. Au coeur des attractions touristiques de la région de la Montérégie, le motel Souvenir situé à quelques kilomètres de la frontière américaine, vous offre son confort avant ou après une journée remplie de plaisirs et d'action. Vous travaillez dans la région, nous avons des forfaits corporatifs avantageux pour votre séjour au motel. Informez-vous !

[porcelainapparition]

Napierville, Illinois

built in 1893

[de-gueules-au-lion-d-or]

Le 10 octobre 1863, naissance de Louis Cyr, homme fort. Louis Cyr, baptisé Cyprien-Noé Cyr est né à Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville. À partir de l'âge de 12 ans, Cyr travaille dans un camp de bûcherons pendant l'hiver et sur la ferme familiale le restant de l'année. Il impressionne ses compagnons de travail avec ses démonstrations de force brute. En 1878, la famille Cyr immigra à Lowell, dans le Massachusetts. Cyprien-Noé décide dorénavant de se faire appeler Louis; ce prénom étant plus facile à prononcer en anglais. De nouveau, sa grande force lui amène la célébrité. Le tout premier concours d'homme fort auquel il participe se tient à Boston; il est alors âgé de 18 ans et il y soulève un cheval. Son exploit le plus célèbre est accompli aussi à Boston en 1895. Il soulève sur son dos une plate-forme pesant 4 337 livres, soit le poids total de 18 hommes corpulents. En décembre 1891, dans un Parc de Montréal et devant 10 000 personnes, il résiste au tir de quatre chevaux, qui, des deux côtés sont attachés à ses mains. Il meurt le 10 novembre 1912.