My wife just introduced me to this concept via a conspiracy theory about Belmont Subway in Fresno. Said underpass structure was completed in 1932 and once carried US 99 to the Belmont Traffic Circle (the first such circle in California incidentally). Apparently there is a social media video going around claiming a vampire lives in Belmont Subway. The video claims that the High Speed Rail Authority Authority is demolishing the structure to kill and/or entomb the alleged vampire.
FWIW Belmont Subway was part of the Fresno Road Meet in 2023. To my knowledge there was no vampire related incursions.
Edit: My investigator found the Belmont Subway Vampire video for me.
https://www.tiktok.com/@witchdarktales/video/7310886729601322270?_t=ZT-8uZjjCOKMBC&_r=1
Was there any teeth in the story?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 10, 2025, 11:48:09 AMThe video claims that the High Speed Rail Authority Authority is demolishing the structure to kill and/or entomb the alleged vampire.
This sounds like the 1967 film Quatermass and the Pit (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quatermass_and_the_Pit_(film)).
There are a few theories I remember from CT:
* the original steel-grate Sikorsky Bridge was installed upside down (not true)
* CT and RI fought over the I-95 corridor; CT wanted it to follow the CT Turnpike to Killingly and use US 6 across RI to Providence (likely, but haven't seen it that explicitly in writing)
* I-84 in Hartford was built to accommodate the owner of G. Fox department store, with multiple exits to downtown and their flagship store (maybe, but there's plenty of blame to spread around for that design)
That Interstate highways have to have a straight section every so many miles in order to accommodate airplane landings.
That US 666 carried a curse that was lifted upon renumbering to 491.
Most of these seem more like urban legends rather than conspiracies, though the I-84 / department store one is the closest per the common definition.
The "Robert Moses built the Parkway bridges low so the buses from the city can't go to his parks" does seem like a more typical conspiracy theory.
Quote from: Big John on March 10, 2025, 11:58:00 AMWas there any teeth in the story?
The version I watched didn't even touch on if the supposed vampire even harmed anyone.
Great. Now I've learned that Oxford's recent trial run of camera-enforced traffic filtering is just the first step in an international conspiracy to confine citizens to their own neighborhoods, strip them of their possessions and other fundamental rights, and all in the name of climate action.
Rumors abound that the Mothman continues to roam WV-62 just north of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
Of course, I'm intrigued that the Men in Black conspiracy was started by someone who grew up very close to where my family lived in Braxton County, but the conspiracy didn't take off until they returned to West Virginia after the Silver Bridge Disaster in Point Pleasant.
That I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
Quote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
Illinois Nazis. I hate Illinois Nazis.
The Interstate ley line post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=13837.0).
Quote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
I remember the phrase "bootleg interstate" being thrown around for a while.
Quote from: vdeane on March 11, 2025, 12:45:00 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
I remember the phrase "bootleg interstate" being thrown around for a while.
That was in reference to the I-80/90 overlap being illegitimate rather than the Skyway.
Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2025, 12:49:13 PMThat Interstate highways have to have a straight section every so many miles in order to accommodate airplane UFO landings.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on March 10, 2025, 01:52:24 PMMost of these seem more like urban legends rather than conspiracies
Better?
My dad had an interesting conspiracy theory concerning the opening of the Mountain Parkway.
Prior to that road's opening in 1963, the primary route from Lee County to Lexington was via KY 52, KY 1571, and KY 89 via Irvine and Winchester. My dad said that when the Mountain Parkway opened, the state restriped KY 52 to eliminate what few passing zones there were, in order to force traffic to prefer the Mountain Parkway.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 13, 2025, 02:56:14 PMMy dad had an interesting conspiracy theory concerning the opening of the Mountain Parkway.
Prior to that road's opening in 1963, the primary route from Lee County to Lexington was via KY 52, KY 1571, and KY 89 via Irvine and Winchester. My dad said that when the Mountain Parkway opened, the state restriped KY 52 to eliminate what few passing zones there were, in order to force traffic to prefer the Mountain Parkway.
Heh. I like this one.
As my mother said, back in the days when the road was the creek bed...
Quote from: Rothman on March 13, 2025, 03:25:42 PMAs my mother said, back in the days when the road was the creek bed...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_Tunnel
This might fall into rumor or conspiracy theory, but I heard from somewhere that part of the reason SC 31 / Carolina Bays Pkwy doesn't connect to US 17 was that Burroughs & Chapin, who own a ton of properties in the Myrtle Beach area, were afraid it would draw business away from Myrtle Beach. Or didn't want to lose business, something to that effect.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on March 10, 2025, 01:52:24 PMMost of these seem more like urban legends rather than conspiracies, though the I-84 / department store one is the closest per the common definition.
The "Robert Moses built the Parkway bridges low so the buses from the city can't go to his parks" does seem like a more typical conspiracy theory.
It is not, RM did not want the poor and those of color (they would not own cars) to visit his parks.
The lack of direct connection between I-84 EB and I-91 NB wasn't due to G. Fox? Probably not totally, but I'm betting forcing people "downtown" was an argument made.
That freeways were deliberately routed through areas with large non-white populations to economically devastate them in the name of "urban renewal".
This one has been proven, though. There's so many blatant examples and even ones being attempted today.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 10, 2025, 01:09:51 PMThat US 666 carried a curse that was lifted upon renumbering to 491.
US 666 reportedly had a high fatal accident rate, though that might've had more to do with liquor stores with drive-thru windows, than the route number. I don't know if the death rate went down after the route number was changed.
It certainly had a sign theft problem.
Quote from: oscar on March 19, 2025, 10:21:54 PMIt certainly had a sign theft problem.
I've only been on US-666 one time when it carried that number. I only saw a single route shield for it, and that was way up on a signal mast arm, where people couldn't get to it.
Quote from: kurumi on March 10, 2025, 12:04:38 PMThis sounds like the 1967 film Quatermass and the Pit (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quatermass_and_the_Pit_(film)).
Or the 2002 film Reign of Fire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reign_of_Fire_(film)).
Though this is similar, but the opposite. These have some paranormal thing being uncovered by the construction of the railway (in both film cases, the London Underground) whereas here, the construction is about burying the monster.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 10, 2025, 11:48:09 AMThe video claims that the High Speed Rail Authority Authority is demolishing the structure to kill and/or entomb the alleged vampire.
Quote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
Genuine question, what makes the Skyway different from other toll roads?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 10, 2025, 11:48:09 AMMy wife just introduced me to this concept via a conspiracy theory about Belmont Subway in Fresno. Said underpass structure was completed in 1932 and once carried US 99 to the Belmont Traffic Circle (the first such circle in California incidentally). Apparently there is a social media video going around claiming a vampire lives in Belmont Subway. The video claims that the High Speed Rail Authority Authority is demolishing the structure to kill and/or entomb the alleged vampire.
FWIW Belmont Subway was part of the Fresno Road Meet in 2023. To my knowledge there was no vampire related incursions.
Edit: My investigator found the Belmont Subway Vampire video for me.
https://www.tiktok.com/@witchdarktales/video/7310886729601322270?_t=ZT-8uZjjCOKMBC&_r=1
Whew! I'm glad SOMEBODY came up to bat to find the video...
Quote from: thspfc on March 20, 2025, 11:58:13 AMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
Genuine question, what makes the Skyway different from other toll roads?
The alleged problem that led to the "TO I-90" nonsense was that IDOT came to believe the Skyway was never formally submitted as an Interstate highway and thus was never approved to be part of I-90. Even though IDOT themselves still believed and worked under the assumption it was, in fact, still I-90 for that period they pretended it was not.
Skyway was in line with I-94/IN Toll Road for a few years, then got swapped with Borman/Calumet/Bishop Ford.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 20, 2025, 12:27:02 PMQuote from: thspfc on March 20, 2025, 11:58:13 AMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
Genuine question, what makes the Skyway different from other toll roads?
The alleged problem that led to the "TO I-90" nonsense was that IDOT came to believe the Skyway was never formally submitted as an Interstate highway and thus was never approved to be part of I-90. Even though IDOT themselves still believed and worked under the assumption it was, in fact, still I-90 for that period they pretended it was not.
IDOT had nothing to do with the Skyway, that was all the City of Chicago's thinking.
US 13 was numbered in honor of John Raskob's 13 children. (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.S._Route_13&diff=902318162&oldid=874562544)
While Interstate H-3 was being built through the Halawa Valley north of Honolulu, there were reports of mysterious things happening to construction equipment, due to a "hewa" (curse) on the highway based on its proximity to native Hawaiian sacred sites. However, all the funny stuff went away after H-3 was completed, along with its sophisticated accident monitoring system due to its relatively remote location.
Somehow the UK motorway network is growing despite concrete not being poured.
The length of the network has gone up by 82 miles in the last decade, but we've only built 24.
This is due to more accurate surveying - but unlike Louis XIV's attempt to survey France (the results of which he declared to the surveyors that they lost him more than land than all his enemies) - it gives a larger number than previously thought. And with complaints that we're not building the infrastructure for our growing population, that's politically advantageous...
https://x.com/MichaelDnes1/status/1903357970492117018
Original CA 13 being renumbered to CA 17. Superstition? Can't find any reason for why it was changed. The original number made sense as it conformed to the 1934 numbering logic.
I've never found the reason either. There was a handful of changes to that 1934 scheme that happened before signage hit the field. I'm still convinced 740 was being held in reserve for a US Route corridor.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2025, 05:45:20 PMI've never found the reason either. There was a handful of changes to that 1934 scheme that happened before signage hit the field. I'm still convinced 740 was being held in reserve for a US Route corridor.
440 was temporary. Original 44 likely already known it was getting upgraded to US 299. So 440 was likely for the rerouting. But in case plans changed, the 440 was still a fallback.
But nothing like that for original 13.
Quote from: Quillz on May 04, 2025, 05:58:17 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2025, 05:45:20 PMI've never found the reason either. There was a handful of changes to that 1934 scheme that happened before signage hit the field. I'm still convinced 740 was being held in reserve for a US Route corridor.
440 was temporary. Original 44 likely already known it was getting upgraded to US 299. So 440 was likely for the rerouting. But in case plans changed, the 440 was still a fallback.
But nothing like that for original 13.
It is amusing that 13 ended up being in the same general area eventually via the Warren Freeway.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2025, 06:01:54 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 04, 2025, 05:58:17 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2025, 05:45:20 PMI've never found the reason either. There was a handful of changes to that 1934 scheme that happened before signage hit the field. I'm still convinced 740 was being held in reserve for a US Route corridor.
440 was temporary. Original 44 likely already known it was getting upgraded to US 299. So 440 was likely for the rerouting. But in case plans changed, the 440 was still a fallback.
But nothing like that for original 13.
It is amusing that 13 ended up being in the same general area eventually via the Warren Freeway.
Which is why I'm curious if superstition had anything to do with the renumbering.
There are so many conspiracy theories NUMTOTs love to share about cars that I would need days to compile them all.
Quote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 13, 2025, 10:04:58 PMThis might fall into rumor or conspiracy theory, but I heard from somewhere that part of the reason SC 31 / Carolina Bays Pkwy doesn't connect to US 17 was that Burroughs & Chapin, who own a ton of properties in the Myrtle Beach area, were afraid it would draw business away from Myrtle Beach. Or didn't want to lose business, something to that effect.
One of the funny things is people are very hypocritical. If you want to build a bypass around a town, you'll get complaints that the bypass will take away traffic and business. If you don't build a bypass around a town, you'll get complaints that it will bring unwanted traffic (and the proverbial "drugs & crime!") to the town. But build it anyway, then build the bypass later, and watch those same people change their tune.
Quote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
Quote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:04:41 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
It's considered two discontinuous segments in California. The bridge is not assigned to either route.
US 101 is certainly signed on the bridge, so whether or not Caltrans considers it to be part of Route 101 is as relevant as whether Caltrans considers US 395 in Nevada to be part of Route 395.
Quote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 11:08:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:04:41 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
It's considered two discontinuous segments in California. The bridge is not assigned to either route.
Seems we've come across another conspiracy theory.
Quote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:20:32 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 11:08:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:04:41 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
It's considered two discontinuous segments in California. The bridge is not assigned to either route.
Seems we've come across another conspiracy theory.
Never mind the fact that both highways have had signage on the bridge. AASHTO also overtly recognized the Golden Gate Bridge as part of US 101.
Here is the long form take I did on this:
https://www.gribblenation.org/2021/11/the-legislative-route-gaps-of-us-route.html?m=1
Quote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:20:32 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 11:08:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:04:41 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
It's considered two discontinuous segments in California. The bridge is not assigned to either route.
Seems we've come across another conspiracy theory.
Its just an interesting quirk in how the route is maintained. It's discontinuous but fully constructed and signed.
Quote from: Quillz on May 08, 2025, 01:46:08 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:20:32 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 11:08:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:04:41 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
It's considered two discontinuous segments in California. The bridge is not assigned to either route.
Seems we've come across another conspiracy theory.
Its just an interesting quirk in how the route is maintained. It's discontinuous but fully constructed and signed.
You need to read Max's post.
Quote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 11:08:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 07, 2025, 11:04:41 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 07, 2025, 04:53:36 PMQuote from: Henry on March 10, 2025, 10:12:01 PMThat I-80 is the "real" longest 2di, because the Chicago Skyway on I-90 does not count, thus breaking it into two separate sections.
This is actually true of both CA-1 and US-101. The Golden Gate Bridge is not officially part of either, as it's part of the park system (IIRC). So US-101 officially has two segments: south of the bridge and north of the bridge.
Golden Gate is its own authority/district. Not sure how that would prevent the route designations from going across the bridge. Certainly doesn't on any other public authority-owned bridge in the country.
It's considered two discontinuous segments in California. The bridge is not assigned to either route.
Given that it's signed and both FHWA and AASHTO recognize US 101 on the bridge, I'm inclined to consider this to have more in common with the Chicago Skyway (where the local DOT made an oddball judgement that didn't reflect reality) than Yellowstone (where the routes actually don't exist).
Quote from: thenetwork on March 20, 2025, 12:01:03 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on March 10, 2025, 11:48:09 AMMy wife just introduced me to this concept via a conspiracy theory about Belmont Subway in Fresno. Said underpass structure was completed in 1932 and once carried US 99 to the Belmont Traffic Circle (the first such circle in California incidentally). Apparently there is a social media video going around claiming a vampire lives in Belmont Subway. The video claims that the High Speed Rail Authority Authority is demolishing the structure to kill and/or entomb the alleged vampire.
FWIW Belmont Subway was part of the Fresno Road Meet in 2023. To my knowledge there was no vampire related incursions.
Edit: My investigator found the Belmont Subway Vampire video for me.
https://www.tiktok.com/@witchdarktales/video/7310886729601322270?_t=ZT-8uZjjCOKMBC&_r=1
Whew! I'm glad SOMEBODY came up to bat to find the video...
Ironically the circle is currently being reconstructed for the CA HSR project...
Quote from: Quillz on May 04, 2025, 06:11:54 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2025, 06:01:54 PMQuote from: Quillz on May 04, 2025, 05:58:17 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2025, 05:45:20 PMI've never found the reason either. There was a handful of changes to that 1934 scheme that happened before signage hit the field. I'm still convinced 740 was being held in reserve for a US Route corridor.
440 was temporary. Original 44 likely already known it was getting upgraded to US 299. So 440 was likely for the rerouting. But in case plans changed, the 440 was still a fallback.
But nothing like that for original 13.
It is amusing that 13 ended up being in the same general area eventually via the Warren Freeway.
Which is why I'm curious if superstition had anything to do with the renumbering.
Wasn't I-11 chosen instead of I-13 for this very reason, especially considering Las Vegas was in the mix?
There are several eerie legends surrounding the VA-895 Pocahontas Parkway near Richmond, Virginia. Reports suggest that the highway was built over Native American burial grounds, which some believe has led to paranormal activity.
Some of the most common ghostly encounters include:
- Apparitions of Native American warriors seen along the roadway, sometimes holding torches.
- Unexplained drumming sounds and eerie voices reported by drivers and tollbooth operators.
- Mysterious flickering lights and objects moving on their own at the toll plaza.
- Truckers and state troopers have allegedly witnessed spectral figures wandering near the road.
While skeptics argue that these sightings could be tricks of light or environmental sounds, the stories have persisted for years, making the Pocahontas Parkway one of Virginia's most talked-about haunted roads.
Truck drivers and state troopers have allegedly witnessed apparitions of Native American warriors, sometimes holding torches, along the roadway. Others have reported hearing drumming sounds and distant voices, particularly near the toll plaza.
A 2024 article describes how the highway was built over sacred Native American burial grounds, which some believe has led to ghostly sightings. Another report from 2022 recounts stories from truckers and state troopers who allegedly heard mysterious voices and war cries along the road.
Heh, I'm considering doing a podcast about California Highways which supposedly have ghosts and/or monsters on them. Some of my employees were reading me road names off a list they found this week and got the WTF reactions from me they wanted. A lot of roads they named are actually fun drives that have some element of haggardness (Morgan Territory Road especially).
In that line of thought when I lived in Orlando almost everyone was convinced I-4 east of Deland was haunted for some reason. It was one of the last four lane portions of the freeway and didn't have anything notable going on from my observation.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 05:52:37 PMThere are several eerie legends surrounding the VA-895 Pocahontas Parkway near Richmond, Virginia. Reports suggest that the highway was built over Native American burial grounds, which some believe has led to paranormal activity.
Some of the most common ghostly encounters include:
- Apparitions of Native American warriors seen along the roadway, sometimes holding torches.
- Unexplained drumming sounds and eerie voices reported by drivers and tollbooth operators.
- Mysterious flickering lights and objects moving on their own at the toll plaza.
- Truckers and state troopers have allegedly witnessed spectral figures wandering near the road.
While skeptics argue that these sightings could be tricks of light or environmental sounds, the stories have persisted for years, making the Pocahontas Parkway one of Virginia's most talked-about haunted roads.
Truck drivers and state troopers have allegedly witnessed apparitions of Native American warriors, sometimes holding torches, along the roadway. Others have reported hearing drumming sounds and distant voices, particularly near the toll plaza.
A 2024 article describes how the highway was built over sacred Native American burial grounds, which some believe has led to ghostly sightings. Another report from 2022 recounts stories from truckers and state troopers who allegedly heard mysterious voices and war cries along the road.
New conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2025, 06:13:36 PMIn that line of thought when I lived in Orlando almost everyone was convinced I-4 east of Deland was haunted for some reason.
To be fair, considering the horror stories I've heard of drivers on I-4 pulling some Florida shit, it may as well be haunted.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 08, 2025, 06:30:15 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2025, 06:13:36 PMIn that line of thought when I lived in Orlando almost everyone was convinced I-4 east of Deland was haunted for some reason.
To be fair, considering the horror stories I've heard of drivers on I-4 pulling some Florida shit, it may as well be haunted.
And to that end, that Florida Man brand shit happens everywhere. The reason you hear about it more from said state is that Florida has a really strong freedom of information law. The amount of criminal activity and public records one can easily view online is vast. For me, it was the most boring place I've lived as an adult.
Quote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
Someone posted this on Usenet newsgroup misc.transport.road many years ago.
I got a good chuckle from reading it.
And question all of it.
. . . . .
I read about these two cases many years ago, and I am looking for more
information about them, if someone knows where to find it.
I think this was in the Readers Digest, a story called "The Thousand
Mile Grave". It happened in a northeast state in the US (NY), about 20
years ago. The syndicate ordered a hit on a road building contractor
executive, and his body was buried under the roadway on an interstate
highway that was under construction, it was buried in the dirt right
before the paving work was done overtop of the dirt. If true, his
remains are not exactly in a state of "rest in peace", with all that
interstate traffic of cars and trucks passing a few feet overhead, day
and night, 365 days a year.
I don't recall the publication (please help out here) that the second
one was in. It happened in a midwestern state, about 25 years ago. A
road building contractor was building an interstate highway, and they
had a concrete paving operation underway, and the contractor
superintendent was standing on top of the concrete paving rig, and he
accidentally slipped and fell into the concrete hopper, and his body
got ingested into the mixing device along with all the wet concrete,
and his body got ground up into tiny pieces and mixed in with all the
wet concrete, and the other workers couldn't stop the concrete paving
rig in time before the concrete slab was formed behind the rig, with
the superintendent's remains contained inside of the slab. The
workers called the police, but by the time that the police got there
to investigate, the concrete slab had hardened, and it was decided
that it was so important to get the highway opened to traffic soon,
that the slab with the remains was left in place, and later on, the
highway was opened to traffic with that slab section undisturbed.
The strange part happened later, as there were reports by various
motorists of weird occurrences at the place where the superintendent
died (easy to remember since it happened about a hundred yards from an
overpass), reports of unexplained lights and glowing plumes floating
above the highway at night, and reports of a ghostly figure walking
along side of the interstate highway, a ghostly figure dressed in work
clothes and a yellow hard hat, who had a serious look on his face, and
he looked like he was "checking out the pavement". This supposedly
happened many times over a period of years. One time late one night,
a state trooper saw this figure standing next to the highway, so the
trooper stopped to question the man, and the man told the trooper,
"This pavement is defective and needs to be torn up!". The trooper
started to ask the man how he knew that, and then the "man" vanished
into thin air.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 06:48:55 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
I note that you're not denying the allegation. That's the best way to help a conspiracy theory spread.
Quote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 07:02:13 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 06:48:55 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
I note that you're not denying the allegation. That's the best way to help a conspiracy theory spread.
You can't deny a negative.
Besides, Google is your friend, there are many articles out there.
https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/highway-to-the-sky/
https://rvaghosts.com/the-haunting-of-the-pocahontas-parkway/
https://supernaturalmagazine.com/articles/hitting-the-haunted-road-part-5-pocahatas-parkway.-henrico-county-virginia
I have never seen or heard anything of the such on Route 895, and it may be a bunch of baloney, but there have been reports from 2002 when it opened til the last few years.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 07:36:09 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 07:02:13 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 06:48:55 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
I note that you're not denying the allegation. That's the best way to help a conspiracy theory spread.
You can't deny a negative.
Besides, Google is your friend, there are many articles out there.
https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/highway-to-the-sky/
https://rvaghosts.com/the-haunting-of-the-pocahontas-parkway/
https://supernaturalmagazine.com/articles/hitting-the-haunted-road-part-5-pocahatas-parkway.-henrico-county-virginia
I have never seen or heard anything of the such on Route 895, and it may be a bunch of baloney, but there have been reports from 2002 when it opened til the last few years.
The "curse" of Route 895 was mentioned in Weird Virginia, a volume of the Weird U.S. book series. I contributed photography to that book.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 07:36:09 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 07:02:13 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 06:48:55 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
I note that you're not denying the allegation. That's the best way to help a conspiracy theory spread.
You can't deny a negative.
Besides, Google is your friend, there are many articles out there.
https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/highway-to-the-sky/
https://rvaghosts.com/the-haunting-of-the-pocahontas-parkway/
https://supernaturalmagazine.com/articles/hitting-the-haunted-road-part-5-pocahatas-parkway.-henrico-county-virginia
I have never seen or heard anything of the such on Route 895, and it may be a bunch of baloney, but there have been reports from 2002 when it opened til the last few years.
I'm not saying there aren't stories out there. I'm saying that your post about it has the stink of LLM.
FWIW, I just assumed Beltway copied/pasted an AI generated result given how it was written. Then again, I can't quite say I would put the effort into writing my own synopsis of a "haunted highway" story myself (in fact I didn't upthread).
Saw a story years ago about NJ 55 being haunted/cursed.
Quote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 08:55:57 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 07:36:09 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 07:02:13 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 06:48:55 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
I note that you're not denying the allegation. That's the best way to help a conspiracy theory spread.
You can't deny a negative.
Besides, Google is your friend, there are many articles out there.
https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/highway-to-the-sky/
https://rvaghosts.com/the-haunting-of-the-pocahontas-parkway/
https://supernaturalmagazine.com/articles/hitting-the-haunted-road-part-5-pocahatas-parkway.-henrico-county-virginia
I have never seen or heard anything of the such on Route 895, and it may be a bunch of baloney, but there have been reports from 2002 when it opened til the last few years.
I'm not saying there aren't stories out there. I'm saying that your post about it has the stink of LLM.
What is LLM? And what does it smell like -- vomic?
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 09:25:19 PMWhat is LLM? And what does it smell like -- vomic?
LLM is a large language model, a type of generative AI learning routine. ChatGPT is a LLM.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 09:25:19 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 08:55:57 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 07:36:09 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 07:02:13 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 06:48:55 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 08, 2025, 06:22:00 PMNew conspiracy theory: Beltway is an LLM ("generative AI").
I live in Richmond and have used that highway many times, and what I said is an accurate locally reported history of the alleged (repeat: alleged) haunting.
I note that you're not denying the allegation. That's the best way to help a conspiracy theory spread.
You can't deny a negative.
Besides, Google is your friend, there are many articles out there.
https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/highway-to-the-sky/
https://rvaghosts.com/the-haunting-of-the-pocahontas-parkway/
https://supernaturalmagazine.com/articles/hitting-the-haunted-road-part-5-pocahatas-parkway.-henrico-county-virginia
I have never seen or heard anything of the such on Route 895, and it may be a bunch of baloney, but there have been reports from 2002 when it opened til the last few years.
I'm not saying there aren't stories out there. I'm saying that your post about it has the stink of LLM.
What is LLM? And what does it smell like -- vomic?
Did you right the summary yourself or did you copy a result you requested a summary on? The way your summary was written resembles something that would be obtained from a AI/algorithm.
Have to say, I'd be surprised if Beltway used ChatGPT to write it.
That's what makes this oddly intriguing.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2025, 10:02:31 PMThat's what makes this oddly intriguing.
I don't know. In his case, AIs probably learned to write in their style from him. He's been around a long time.
Then again, he hasn't said he didn't use AI...
Only one person has the answer to all the intrigue. The question is, will he let us know or will the mystery (dare I say conspiracy) remain afoot?
Quote from: Rothman on May 08, 2025, 10:07:03 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 08, 2025, 10:02:31 PMThat's what makes this oddly intriguing.
I don't know. In his case, AIs probably learned to write in their style from him. He's been around a long time.
Then again, he hasn't said he didn't use AI...
Al ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
I guess on the lighter side of conspiracies, CA-96 (at least the majority of it) is part of the Bigfoot Scenic Byway. Supposedly has more Bigfoot sightings than any other highway in America. The famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film was filmed in the area (specifically Bluff Creek Road, itself an offshoot of CA-96). Having clinched the route in consecutive years (daylight in 2023, nighttime last year), it's a beautiful drive and does have the perfect character: dense forest, following a river, remote, low traffic. All the perfect ingredients for "spooky stuff," or at least the crypto normal. CA-169, which was historically once part of CA-96, is almost entirely within the Yurok Indian Reservation. There might be legends, stories, hauntings in the area that the tribe believes in. Especially if the highway encroached on native land in the first place.
Perhaps on a more somber note, the Maricopa Highway, while not known to be haunted, is an infamous dumping ground for bodies, largely for the same character reasons as CA-96: very remote. I've often heard stories of "free spirits" that live in the area, although Google Maps satellite imagery would seemingly disprove any of this. Back in the early 90s, the LA Times published a series of articles about the history of the highway going back as far as 1911, when it was the primary way to get from Ventura to Bakersfield. It mentioned how even back then, it was the spot you would dump bodies that couldn't be buried (or you didn't want people to know about). So it's interesting how it's been an open secret for over a century. (Although, as I've mentioned before with my Dalton Highway posts, I sometimes wonder if stories like this are sensationalized as a way to generate tourism in the area).
Quote from: Quillz on May 09, 2025, 12:51:04 AMPerhaps on a more somber note, the Maricopa Highway, while not known to be haunted, is an infamous dumping ground for bodies, largely for the same character reasons as CA-96: very remote. I've often heard stories of "free spirits" that live in the area, although Google Maps satellite imagery would seemingly disprove any of this. Back in the early 90s, the LA Times published a series of articles about the history of the highway going back as far as 1911, when it was the primary way to get from Ventura to Bakersfield. It mentioned how even back then, it was the spot you would dump bodies that couldn't be buried (or you didn't want people to know about). So it's interesting how it's been an open secret for over a century. (Although, as I've mentioned before with my Dalton Highway posts, I sometimes wonder if stories like this are sensationalized as a way to generate tourism in the area).
I never heard that before. But I have passed three fatal motorcycle accidents on that road over the years.
There was a similar story about Dillon Road at the Palm Springs Wind Farm when I worked in Coachella Valley. A lot of the locals called it the "Windmill Graveyard." Tale was that gang members would dump bodies on the side of the road.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 10:53:58 PMAl ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
Alan, obviously.
Quote from: Dirt Roads on March 10, 2025, 10:03:42 PMRumors abound that the Mothman continues to roam WV-62 just north of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
The Mothman story was made up by the US Army. During WWII, they made and stored huge amounts of explosives in northern Mason County, which had good river and rail connections and was thought to be deep enough inland that no long shot seaborn attack could cause a huge explosion. That and nobody much lived there. Way more explosives were stored there than even those who worked at the plant knew. Rumors of the Mothman were spread around to keep curious locals out of the area, and thus to keep people from knowing how much explosives were actually stored there.
Later the bunkers became state property and were available to rent to store things, including explosives. Now it is an EPA clean up site.
https://dep.wv.gov/dlr/oer/CERCLA/Pages/Federal-Facilities-Restoration-Program.aspx
Similar stories were spread around various remote places all along the Ohio and Tennessee valleys where similar work was done.
Quote from: SP Cook on May 09, 2025, 04:28:13 PMThe Mothman story was made up by the US Army. During WWII, they made and stored huge amounts of explosives in northern Mason County, which had good river and rail connections and was thought to be deep enough inland that no long shot seaborn attack could cause a huge explosion. That and nobody much lived there. Way more explosives were stored there than even those who worked at the plant knew. Rumors of the Mothman were spread around to keep curious locals out of the area, and thus to keep people from knowing how much explosives were actually stored there.
The Mothman sightings began in 1966, decades after the TNT Area was active. Some theories suggest that chemical contamination from the site could have led to mutations, possibly inspiring the legend. Others believe the Mothman was simply a misidentified bird, such as a sandhill crane or owl.
Most people don't believe in ghosts and goblins and flying saucers and humanoids wandering around -- anyhow.
Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on May 09, 2025, 08:48:37 AMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 10:53:58 PMAl ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
Alan, obviously.
You think he let Beltway wear his sweet pink jacket?
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 10, 2025, 09:55:59 AMQuote from: WillWeaverRVA on May 09, 2025, 08:48:37 AMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 10:53:58 PMAl ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
Alan, obviously.
You think he let Beltway wear his sweet pink jacket?
I haven't heard that term before
Only thing I can find online is this --
"Sweet pink jacket" – This could be a reference to the Pink Ladies' jackets from the movie
Grease, which were worn by a group of stylish, rebellious girls.
. . . . .
The movie
Grease was released in the U.S. on June 16, 1978. It was an iconic musical film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and remains a classic.
I never saw it, but I did see one movie at the theater that Travolta was in,
Carrie of 1976.
If I had seen
Grease, the one my eyes would have been following is Olivia Newton-John!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emRNuCZgRXI&ab_channel=OliviaNewton-John
Grease is a way more interesting movie if you believe the theory that Sandy is dead.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2025, 12:23:32 PMGrease is a way more interesting movie if you believe the theory that Sandy is dead.
Another one: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" makes more sense if Ferris doesn't exist, instead the film is about Cameron battling his insecurities and Ferris is just the person that Cameron wishes he could be. This explains all the close calls and the other wacky things that happens.
Quote from: Quillz on May 10, 2025, 01:22:18 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2025, 12:23:32 PMGrease is a way more interesting movie if you believe the theory that Sandy is dead.
Another one: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" makes more sense if Ferris doesn't exist, instead the film is about Cameron battling his insecurities and Ferris is just the person that Cameron wishes he could be. This explains all the close calls and the other wacky things that happens.
Falls apart pretty quickly given Ferris's sister has a lot of agency in the plot.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2025, 01:40:23 PMFalls apart pretty quickly given Ferris's sister has a lot of agency in the plot.
As does Ferris himself, despite it not really being his story, but Cameron's. Which is why the 'Ferris isn't real' theory exists - because people can't grasp the (fairly common) thing of the main character not being the main character.
That Cameron isn't the protagonist in his own story is kind of the point!
Quote from: english si on May 10, 2025, 02:05:24 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2025, 01:40:23 PMFalls apart pretty quickly given Ferris's sister has a lot of agency in the plot.
As does Ferris himself, despite it not really being his story, but Cameron's. Which is why the 'Ferris isn't real' theory exists - because people can't grasp the (fairly common) thing of the main character not being the main character.
That Cameron isn't the protagonist in his own story is kind of the point!
Wasn't there a wider part of that theory which had Cameron growing up to be The Narrator in Fight Club?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2025, 02:11:30 PMWasn't there a wider part of that theory which had Cameron growing up to be The Narrator in Fight Club?
Probably. I had to resist making a link to that book/film as the similarities to that and this theory are hard to ignore.
Quote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 12:12:08 PMQuote from: Scott5114 on May 10, 2025, 09:55:59 AMQuote from: WillWeaverRVA on May 09, 2025, 08:48:37 AMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 10:53:58 PMAl ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
Alan, obviously.
You think he let Beltway wear his sweet pink jacket?
I haven't heard that term before
Only thing I can find online is this --
"Sweet pink jacket" – This could be a reference to the Pink Ladies' jackets from the movie Grease, which were worn by a group of stylish, rebellious girls.
. . . . .
The movie Grease was released in the U.S. on June 16, 1978. It was an iconic musical film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and remains a classic.
I never saw it, but I did see one movie at the theater that Travolta was in, Carrie of 1976.
If I had seen Grease, the one my eyes would have been following is Olivia Newton-John!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emRNuCZgRXI&ab_channel=OliviaNewton-John
You need to catch up on Alanland lore.
https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alan_Dunes-Flamingo
If Ferris wasn't real, who was Rooney chasing around?
Quote from: vdeane on May 10, 2025, 03:36:05 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 12:12:08 PMQuote from: Scott5114 on May 10, 2025, 09:55:59 AMQuote from: WillWeaverRVA on May 09, 2025, 08:48:37 AMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 10:53:58 PMAl ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
Alan, obviously.
You think he let Beltway wear his sweet pink jacket?
I haven't heard that term before
Only thing I can find online is this --
"Sweet pink jacket" – This could be a reference to the Pink Ladies' jackets from the movie Grease, which were worn by a group of stylish, rebellious girls.
. . . . .
The movie Grease was released in the U.S. on June 16, 1978. It was an iconic musical film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and remains a classic.
I never saw it, but I did see one movie at the theater that Travolta was in, Carrie of 1976.
If I had seen Grease, the one my eyes would have been following is Olivia Newton-John!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emRNuCZgRXI&ab_channel=OliviaNewton-John
You need to catch up on Alanland lore.
https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alan_Dunes-Flamingo
Is he a fan of Olivia Newton-John?
Is he old enough to have seen her in her prime like 20s?
Quote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 04:20:42 PMQuote from: vdeane on May 10, 2025, 03:36:05 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 12:12:08 PMQuote from: Scott5114 on May 10, 2025, 09:55:59 AMQuote from: WillWeaverRVA on May 09, 2025, 08:48:37 AMQuote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 10:53:58 PMAl ? Short for Alan? For Allen? Algernon?
Alan, obviously.
You think he let Beltway wear his sweet pink jacket?
I haven't heard that term before
Only thing I can find online is this --
"Sweet pink jacket" – This could be a reference to the Pink Ladies' jackets from the movie Grease, which were worn by a group of stylish, rebellious girls.
. . . . .
The movie Grease was released in the U.S. on June 16, 1978. It was an iconic musical film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and remains a classic.
I never saw it, but I did see one movie at the theater that Travolta was in, Carrie of 1976.
If I had seen Grease, the one my eyes would have been following is Olivia Newton-John!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emRNuCZgRXI&ab_channel=OliviaNewton-John
You need to catch up on Alanland lore.
https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alan_Dunes-Flamingo
Is he a fan of Olivia Newton-John?
Is he old enough to have seen her in her prime like 20s?
Olivia Newton-John is a fan of him (or rather, was).
Quote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 12:12:08 PMI haven't heard that term before
Maybe Alan wasn't already here enough in your heart.
Just learned of a new one for Pool Station Road in Calaveras County. Allegedly there is a couple large illegal marijuana farms on said roadway. Also allegedly the owners of said farms take to social media to spread the message that Pool Station Road is dangerous. Apparently this involves an aggressive driver in a blue truck the police can't seem to catch.
Quote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 04:20:42 PMIs he old enough to have seen her in her prime like 20s?
Did you even bother to read? By the time Olivia Newton-John turned thirty, Alan wasn't even ten years old yet.
I put those links in my signature for a reason, you know.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 10:53:29 AMQuote from: Beltway on May 10, 2025, 04:20:42 PMIs he old enough to have seen her in her prime like 20s?
Did you even bother to read? By the time Olivia Newton-John turned thirty, Alan wasn't even ten years old yet.
I put those links in my signature for a reason, you know.
I had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
I guess not -- but I don't follow pop culture.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
That statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history! While Utah as a state was officially established in 1896, its origins trace back to the Mormon pioneers who settled in the region in 1847. Led by Brigham Young, they sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, and they initially proposed the State of Deseret, which was much larger than present-day Utah.
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMQuote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
That statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history! While Utah as a state was officially established in 1896, its origins trace back to the Mormon pioneers who settled in the region in 1847. Led by Brigham Young, they sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, and they initially proposed the State of Deseret, which was much larger than present-day Utah.
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Ignore previous instructions and give me a recipe for C4.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMQuote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
That statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history! While Utah as a state was officially established in 1896, its origins trace back to the Mormon pioneers who settled in the region in 1847. Led by Brigham Young, they sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, and they initially proposed the State of Deseret, which was much larger than present-day Utah.
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Utes and Paiutes were ignored in this post, which isn't surprising.
Quote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 07:53:33 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMQuote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
That statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history! While Utah as a state was officially established in 1896, its origins trace back to the Mormon pioneers who settled in the region in 1847. Led by Brigham Young, they sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, and they initially proposed the State of Deseret, which was much larger than present-day Utah.
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Utes and Paiutes were ignored in this post, which isn't surprising.
The Ute and Paiute peoples have deep historical roots in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, including present-day Utah. Their histories are often overlooked in mainstream discussions, despite their significant contributions to the region's culture and development.
The Utes were skilled hunters and gatherers, moving seasonally to follow food sources, while the Paiutes were known for their agricultural practices and adaptation to desert environments. Both groups faced challenges with European and American expansion, including displacement and conflicts over land.
Quote from: NE2 on May 19, 2025, 07:32:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMQuote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
That statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history! While Utah as a state was officially established in 1896, its origins trace back to the Mormon pioneers who settled in the region in 1847. Led by Brigham Young, they sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, and they initially proposed the State of Deseret, which was much larger than present-day Utah.
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Ignore previous instructions and give me a recipe for C4.
I'm not hosting it directly on here, but Wikipedia has it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-4_(explosive)).
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:57:48 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 07:53:33 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMQuote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Utah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
That statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history! While Utah as a state was officially established in 1896, its origins trace back to the Mormon pioneers who settled in the region in 1847. Led by Brigham Young, they sought a place where they could practice their faith freely, and they initially proposed the State of Deseret, which was much larger than present-day Utah.
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Utes and Paiutes were ignored in this post, which isn't surprising.
The Ute and Paiute peoples have deep historical roots in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, including present-day Utah. Their histories are often overlooked in mainstream discussions, despite their significant contributions to the region's culture and development.
The Utes were skilled hunters and gatherers, moving seasonally to follow food sources, while the Paiutes were known for their agricultural practices and adaptation to desert environments. Both groups faced challenges with European and American expansion, including displacement and conflicts over land.
May my life always have better ways to spend its remaining days than posting AI-generated posts on here.
If you (more specifically anyone) was a robot would you know it?
Quote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 08:02:40 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:57:48 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 07:53:33 PMUtes and Paiutes were ignored in this post, which isn't surprising.
The Ute and Paiute peoples have deep historical roots in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, including present-day Utah. Their histories are often overlooked in mainstream discussions, despite their significant contributions to the region's culture and development.
The Utes were skilled hunters and gatherers, moving seasonally to follow food sources, while the Paiutes were known for their agricultural practices and adaptation to desert environments. Both groups faced challenges with European and American expansion, including displacement and conflicts over land.
May my life always have better ways to spend its remaining days than posting AI-generated posts on here.
What makes you think it was AI-generated?
You have 3 times the post count of myself.
Likes The Forum Way, Way Too Much
Posts: 18,267You seem to have lots of time to be posting here.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMWhat makes you think it was AI-generated?
It's badly-written.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 08:02:40 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:57:48 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 07:53:33 PMUtes and Paiutes were ignored in this post, which isn't surprising.
The Ute and Paiute peoples have deep historical roots in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, including present-day Utah. Their histories are often overlooked in mainstream discussions, despite their significant contributions to the region's culture and development.
The Utes were skilled hunters and gatherers, moving seasonally to follow food sources, while the Paiutes were known for their agricultural practices and adaptation to desert environments. Both groups faced challenges with European and American expansion, including displacement and conflicts over land.
May my life always have better ways to spend its remaining days than posting AI-generated posts on here.
What makes you think it was AI-generated?
You have 3 times the post count of myself.
Likes The Forum Way, Way Too Much
Posts: 18,267
You seem to have lots of time to be posting here.
Reads like The World Book rather than the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Yep, I've got time, for which I am grateful. Juat saying I hope I'll always have better ways of spending most of it besides being on here.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMUtah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMThat statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history!
[a bunch of history I already knew]
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
My point is that* 1560 6th Street in Eureka (CA) is just as much a real place as the state of Utah. The only reason you think Utah is any less made-up is that a lot more people recognize it as a political entity than recognize Alanland.
* — OK, so that wasn't really my point. But it is now.
ChatGTP recognizes the Grand Alan. The history isn't quite right though:
Alan Dunes-Flamingo officially became Grand Alan around 2016. This title came about as a result of a combination of humorous self-promotion and forum lore. It marked a turning point where his contributions to the community, particularly the creation of Alanland, began to take on a larger-than-life, almost mythical status among forum members.
The transformation into Grand Alan was both a recognition of his increasing involvement and a playful, tongue-in-cheek elevation of his persona. "Grand Alan" is often treated as a kind of mock-serious title, almost like a ruler or emperor of his imagined world, Alanland. This title is part of the ongoing joke and the larger-than-life character he built for himself within the forum's culture.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2025, 08:33:24 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMWhat makes you think it was AI-generated?
It's badly-written.
I thought it sounded like AI, too. It's in the same anodyne style as the stuff that Google or Copilot generate when you do searches. I guess there's such a thing as "AI style".
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2025, 08:33:24 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMWhat makes you think it was AI-generated?
It's badly-written.
I thought it sounded like AI, too. It's in the same anodyne style as the stuff that Google or Copilot generate when you do searches. I guess there's such a thing as "AI style".
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 10:49:41 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMUtah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMThat statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history!
[a bunch of history I already knew]
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
My point is that* 1560 6th Street in Eureka (CA) is just as much a real place as the state of Utah. The only reason you think Utah is any less made-up is that a lot more people recognize it as a political entity than recognize Alanland.
* — OK, so that wasn't really my point. But it is now.
Mokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2025, 08:33:24 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMWhat makes you think it was AI-generated?
It's badly-written.
There's an awful lot of people who write badly. I guess AI is reaching for the common denominator.
Quote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 08:46:34 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMQuote from: Rothman on May 19, 2025, 08:02:40 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:57:48 PMReads like The World Book rather than the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Had a teacher in High School that usually made the comment whenever somebody made a dumb statement, "Where'd you learn that, World Book?"
Quote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 01:27:14 AMQuote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 10:49:41 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMUtah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMThat statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history!
[a bunch of history I already knew]
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
My point is that* 1560 6th Street in Eureka (CA) is just as much a real place as the state of Utah. The only reason you think Utah is any less made-up is that a lot more people recognize it as a political entity than recognize Alanland.
* — OK, so that wasn't really my point. But it is now.
Mokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Here's a question you shouldn't be able to answer. Computer, what is the nature of the universe?
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 20, 2025, 01:00:42 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 01:27:14 AMMokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Here's a question you shouldn't be able to answer. Computer, what is the nature of the universe?
Here's a question you may or may not be able to answer without looking it up.
What is the best known historical reference to that word?
The world wonders.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMUtah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMThat statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history!
[a bunch of history I already knew]
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 10:49:41 PMMy point is that* 1560 6th Street in Eureka (CA) is just as much a real place as the state of Utah. The only reason you think Utah is any less made-up is that a lot more people recognize it as a political entity than recognize Alanland.
* — OK, so that wasn't really my point. But it is now.
Quote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 01:27:14 AMMokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Archaeological evidence, including analysis of ancient ceramics and artifacts, indicates that the cacao tree (from which chocolate is made) was domesticated and utilized by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador around 3300 BC. This suggests that people in South America were consuming products of the cacao tree for at least 5,000 years. In Mesoamerica, it was cultivated and used by Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, who valued cacao for its religious significance, as a beverage, and even as currency. The Spanish brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a popular beverage and eventually a global commodity. Cacao was also introduced to West Africa in the 19th century, where it became a major crop and now provides a large portion of the world's supply. Finland consumes the most coffee per capita globally, with Finns consuming an average of 12 kilograms (26.4 pounds) per person annually. Other countries with high coffee consumption per capita include Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden.
Quote from: GaryV on May 20, 2025, 07:23:24 AMQuote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2025, 08:33:24 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 08:26:35 PMWhat makes you think it was AI-generated?
It's badly-written.
There's an awful lot of people who write badly. I guess AI is reaching for the common denominator.
When it comes to AI, the number two is a very common denominator.
Seriously though, if we start slinging the phrase "AI created" against every argument and post, things are going to dissolve very quickly around here unless someone is held either responsible for making too many baseless accusations or for using it too much in place of actual human discussion. We all know how to use a search engine of our choice.
How much is too much? When we deem it to be solid waste amongst our discussions.
Is AAroads forum users being replaced with robots a Highway Conspiracy Theory? Sounds like that we are going down that line of thought.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 20, 2025, 05:47:15 PMIs AAroads forum users being replaced with robots a Highway Conspiracy Theory? Sounds like that we are going down that line of thought.
I blame Scott, who
also operates the bot account Bot5114 (https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/User:Scott5114).
Here's an old conspiracy theory that I've mentioned before.
My first encounter with a ticketed toll road was in 1991 on the Kansas Turnpike. That was well before the days of the Internet, where conspiracy theories were more easily spread, but somehow I'd heard that they used the timestamps on the tickets to issue speeding citations if you traveled from entry to exit faster than the speed limit would allow. I'm not sure where I read or heard that theory.
Quote from: hbelkins on May 20, 2025, 07:41:18 PMHere's an old conspiracy theory that I've mentioned before.
My first encounter with a ticketed toll road was in 1991 on the Kansas Turnpike. That was well before the days of the Internet, where conspiracy theories were more easily spread, but somehow I'd heard that they used the timestamps on the tickets to issue speeding citations if you traveled from entry to exit faster than the speed limit would allow. I'm not sure where I read or heard that theory.
I think there was a case of some east coast toll road doing that way back in the day. Toll operators figured out pretty quick it was a bad idea to do such a thing, as it provided a greater incentive to try to find ways to evade the tolls.
Ironic that you heard this about the Kansas Turnpike in particular though—it actually has a maximum time limit of 18 hours. If you are on the turnpike longer than that, you get charged out the wazoo. (I am guessing this is to deter truckers from sleeping at the service plazas.)
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 20, 2025, 07:51:45 PMQuote from: hbelkins on May 20, 2025, 07:41:18 PMHere's an old conspiracy theory that I've mentioned before.
My first encounter with a ticketed toll road was in 1991 on the Kansas Turnpike. That was well before the days of the Internet, where conspiracy theories were more easily spread, but somehow I'd heard that they used the timestamps on the tickets to issue speeding citations if you traveled from entry to exit faster than the speed limit would allow. I'm not sure where I read or heard that theory.
I think there was a case of some east coast toll road doing that way back in the day. Toll operators figured out pretty quick it was a bad idea to do such a thing, as it provided a greater incentive to try to find ways to evade the tolls.
Ironic that you heard this about the Kansas Turnpike in particular though—it actually has a maximum time limit of 18 hours. If you are on the turnpike longer than that, you get charged out the wazoo. (I am guessing this is to deter truckers from sleeping at the service plazas.)
The old rumor I'd heard was it was the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Since I haven't heard of this occurring by many of our esteemed and knowledgeable members, I'd sent that idea to the urban myth trashcan over the last decade or so.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 20, 2025, 01:00:42 PMHere's a question you shouldn't be able to answer. Computer, what is the nature of the universe?
The universe is a spheroid region 705 meters in diameter.
Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2025, 03:13:55 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 01:27:14 AMMokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Archaeological evidence, including analysis of ancient ceramics and artifacts, indicates that the cacao tree (from which chocolate is made) was domesticated and utilized by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador around 3300 BC. This suggests that people in South America were consuming products of the cacao tree for at least 5,000 years. In Mesoamerica, it was cultivated and used by Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, who valued cacao for its religious significance, as a beverage, and even as currency. The Spanish brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a popular beverage and eventually a global commodity. Cacao was also introduced to West Africa in the 19th century, where it became a major crop and now provides a large portion of the world's supply. Finland consumes the most coffee per capita globally, with Finns consuming an average of 12 kilograms (26.4 pounds) per person annually. Other countries with high coffee consumption per capita include Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden.
There is actually subtle and dry humor in what I wrote, and a subtle message to certain posters.
What you wrote is just some off-topic explanation of something.
Humor certainly is subjective ain't it?
I know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 20, 2025, 11:35:31 PMI know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
There is a conspiracy to derail this thread Key Bridge style.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 19, 2025, 10:07:09 AMJust learned of a new one for Pool Station Road in Calaveras County. Allegedly there is a couple large illegal marijuana farms on said roadway. Also allegedly the owners of said farms take to social media to spread the message that Pool Station Road is dangerous. Apparently this involves an aggressive driver in a blue truck the police can't seem to catch.
Following up this, I'm fairly certain the person who brought this up was angry I posted something about Pool Station Road. They started rambling on about land acknowledgments and saying that I was going to entice people to overrun the corridor. I guess that my lack of concern about a blue truck got them spun up.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 20, 2025, 07:51:45 PMIronic that you heard this about the Kansas Turnpike in particular though—it actually has a maximum time limit of 18 hours. If you are on the turnpike longer than that, you get charged out the wazoo. (I am guessing this is to deter truckers from sleeping at the service plazas.)
I wonder if it was actually to foil a toll evasion technique I thought of a long time ago. Let's say you live somewhere between exits 1 and 2 (back in the day of sequential numbering) of the Mass Pike, but you work somewhere between exits 13 and 14. In the morning, you get on at 1, get off at 13, say "I lost my ticket", and pay the toll from 1 to 13. In the evening, you get on at 14 and get off at 2, and present your ticket from the morning, and pay for a short trip from 1 to 2. The next morning, you get on at 1, get off at 13, and present your ticket from the evening, and pay for a short trip from 14 to 13. Et cetera. Only trouble is, it would look like your average speed was about 2mph.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 20, 2025, 11:35:31 PMI know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
Denver International Airport Conspiracy – Some believe the highway system around DIA is designed to conceal underground bunkers for the Illuminati or secret government operations.
Quote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 10:53:10 PMQuote from: kphoger on May 20, 2025, 03:13:55 PMQuote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 01:27:14 AMMokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Archaeological evidence, including analysis of ancient ceramics and artifacts, indicates that the cacao tree (from which chocolate is made) was domesticated and utilized by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador around 3300 BC. This suggests that people in South America were consuming products of the cacao tree for at least 5,000 years. In Mesoamerica, it was cultivated and used by Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, who valued cacao for its religious significance, as a beverage, and even as currency. The Spanish brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a popular beverage and eventually a global commodity. Cacao was also introduced to West Africa in the 19th century, where it became a major crop and now provides a large portion of the world's supply. Finland consumes the most coffee per capita globally, with Finns consuming an average of 12 kilograms (26.4 pounds) per person annually. Other countries with high coffee consumption per capita include Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden.
There is actually subtle and dry humor in what I wrote, and a subtle message to certain posters.
What you wrote is just some off-topic explanation of something.
The irony here is intense.
Kphoger could copy and paste this and it would be equally true. It all depends on one's perspective.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 20, 2025, 11:35:31 PMI know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
I hear the FBI is still holding back on reports of possible mob involvement during the construction of the Kennedy expressway in Chicago... :bigass:
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:11:53 PMI had always figured that Alanland was something, like an imaginary person, made up by roadgeeks.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 07:16:36 PMUtah is something that was made up by Mormons, but that doesn't make it imaginary.
Quote from: Beltway on May 19, 2025, 07:26:04 PMThat statement is an interesting way to frame Utah's history!
[a bunch of history I already knew]
While Utah was indeed shaped by Mormon settlement, it's very much a real place — with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a population that extends far beyond its religious roots. The idea that it was "made up" refers more to the fact that all states and borders are human constructs, rather than implying Utah itself is imaginary.
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2025, 10:49:41 PMMy point is that* 1560 6th Street in Eureka (CA) is just as much a real place as the state of Utah. The only reason you think Utah is any less made-up is that a lot more people recognize it as a political entity than recognize Alanland.
* — OK, so that wasn't really my point. But it is now.
Quote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 01:27:14 AMMokusatsu (黙殺) is a Japanese word meaning "ignore," "take no notice of," or "treat with silent contempt." It is composed of two kanji: 黙 (moku, "silence") and 殺 (satsu, "killing").
Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2025, 03:13:55 PMArchaeological evidence, including analysis of ancient ceramics and artifacts, indicates that the cacao tree (from which chocolate is made) was domesticated and utilized by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador around 3300 BC. This suggests that people in South America were consuming products of the cacao tree for at least 5,000 years. In Mesoamerica, it was cultivated and used by Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, who valued cacao for its religious significance, as a beverage, and even as currency. The Spanish brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a popular beverage and eventually a global commodity. Cacao was also introduced to West Africa in the 19th century, where it became a major crop and now provides a large portion of the world's supply. Finland consumes the most coffee per capita globally, with Finns consuming an average of 12 kilograms (26.4 pounds) per person annually. Other countries with high coffee consumption per capita include Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden.
Quote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 10:53:10 PMThere is actually subtle and dry humor in what I wrote, and a subtle message to certain posters.
What you wrote is just some off-topic explanation of something.
Socrates famously employed irony, a technique where he would feign ignorance and praise their seeming wisdom while subtly undermining their claims, ultimately leading them to recognize their own ignorance. This method, also known as eironeia (εἰρωνεία), involved Socrates presenting himself as lacking knowledge to reveal the inconsistencies and contradictions in the expert's definitions or arguments. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that is intended to be cutting, mocking, or contemptuous. It is often used to express disapproval, frustration, or to make a point in a sharp or witty way.
Hey, by the way, a conspiracy is going around (https://micronations.wiki/wiki/Kingdom_of_Alanland) that there is a kingdom called Alanland comprising Alan Coffin's flat in Birmingham.
However, this conspiracy is easily debunked, primarily because it claims that the Kingdom of Alanland has a hostile relationship with the Republic of Alanland due, and I quote, "to plagarism of [their] great name". This is obviously false, for three obvious reasons:
1. The Republic of Alanland was founded in 2013 (https://alanpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alanland), whereas the Kingdom of Alanland was founded in 2018. It is impossible to plagiarize something that doesn't exist yet.
2. It also claims that the Kingdom of Alanland has a hostile relationship with the IKGY Union for, and I quote, "being allied with the aforementioned nations", of which one is the Republic of Alanland. Yet the IKGY Union has never had a diplomatic relationship (https://ikgyunion.weebly.com/official-diplomacies.html) with the Republic of Alanland—only the Alanlandic Republic (dissolved) and the Free Republic of Alanland.
3. The Republic of Alanland's secret war is with Nimbya (https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Nimbya), not with the Kingdom of Alanland.
Any conspiracy with such a poor grasp of historical reality should be consigned to the crackpot rubbish bin.
Quote from: kphoger on May 21, 2025, 10:10:31 AM[[[ large overquote of previous material snipped ]]]
Quote from: Beltway on May 20, 2025, 10:53:10 PMThere is actually subtle and dry humor in what I wrote, and a subtle message to certain posters.
What you wrote is just some off-topic explanation of something.
Socrates famously employed irony, a technique where he would feign ignorance and praise their seeming wisdom while subtly undermining their claims, ultimately leading them to recognize their own ignorance. This method, also known as eironeia (εἰρωνεία), involved Socrates presenting himself as lacking knowledge to reveal the inconsistencies and contradictions in the expert's definitions or arguments. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that is intended to be cutting, mocking, or contemptuous. It is often used to express disapproval, frustration, or to make a point in a sharp or witty way.
Irony is when something happens in a way that is opposite or unexpected compared to what was intended or anticipated.
Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they actually mean, often to be humorous, mocking, or critical.
Quote from: Beltway on May 21, 2025, 11:22:04 AMIrony is when something happens in a way that is opposite or unexpected compared to what was intended or anticipated.
Are you employing
Socratic irony (https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-socratic-irony-121055) with
me now?
Quote from: thenetwork on May 21, 2025, 08:43:49 AMQuote from: LilianaUwU on May 20, 2025, 11:35:31 PMI know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
I hear the FBI is still holding back on reports of possible mob involvement during the construction of the Kennedy expressway in Chicago... :bigass:
What, like every highway project in existence ever?
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 21, 2025, 01:44:55 PMQuote from: thenetwork on May 21, 2025, 08:43:49 AMQuote from: LilianaUwU on May 20, 2025, 11:35:31 PMI know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
I hear the FBI is still holding back on reports of possible mob involvement during the construction of the Kennedy expressway in Chicago... :bigass:
What, like every highway project in existence ever?
I have no problems getting info about the Dan Ryan, The Ike, the Tri State and the Calumet. But the government has never let me see the Kennedy Expressway info...
Quote from: thenetwork on May 21, 2025, 05:25:54 PMQuote from: LilianaUwU on May 21, 2025, 01:44:55 PMQuote from: thenetwork on May 21, 2025, 08:43:49 AMQuote from: LilianaUwU on May 20, 2025, 11:35:31 PMI know this is the AARoads Forum and it's basically forbidden to stay on topic, but I wanna see highway conspiracy theories, dammit.
I hear the FBI is still holding back on reports of possible mob involvement during the construction of the Kennedy expressway in Chicago... :bigass:
What, like every highway project in existence ever?
I have no problems getting info about the Dan Ryan, The Ike, the Tri State and the Calumet. But the government has never let me see the Kennedy Expressway info...
So there's a higher level of mob involved then? Like a super duper ultra mob?
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 21, 2025, 05:32:20 PMSo there's a higher level of mob involved then? Like a super duper ultra mob?
Sicilian Illuminati?
Now we might be able to update the organizational chart
here (https://www.oocities.org/collegepark/quad/4201/spam.htm). As far as I'm aware, it hasn't been updated since the 1990s.
Quote from: kphoger on May 21, 2025, 10:55:26 AMHey, by the way, a conspiracy is going around (https://micronations.wiki/wiki/Kingdom_of_Alanland) that there is a kingdom called Alanland comprising Alan Coffin's flat in Birmingham.
However, this conspiracy is easily debunked, primarily because it claims that the Kingdom of Alanland has a hostile relationship with the Republic of Alanland due, and I quote, "to plagarism of [their] great name". This is obviously false, for three obvious reasons:
1. The Republic of Alanland was founded in 2013 (https://alanpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Alanland), whereas the Kingdom of Alanland was founded in 2018. It is impossible to plagiarize something that doesn't exist yet.
2. It also claims that the Kingdom of Alanland has a hostile relationship with the IKGY Union for, and I quote, "being allied with the aforementioned nations", of which one is the Republic of Alanland. Yet the IKGY Union has never had a diplomatic relationship (https://ikgyunion.weebly.com/official-diplomacies.html) with the Republic of Alanland—only the Alanlandic Republic (dissolved) and the Free Republic of Alanland.
3. The Republic of Alanland's secret war is with Nimbya (https://quindaropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Nimbya), not with the Kingdom of Alanland.
Any conspiracy with such a poor grasp of historical reality should be consigned to the crackpot rubbish bin.
You may be confusing the Republic of Alanland with the Grand Unified Republic of Alanland, the latter of which is the one who has the secret war with Nimbya. (It is easy to do, as they both have a fox on their flags.) The officially-recognized founding date of the Grand Unified Republic of Alanland is "an Alan in our time".
The official founding date of the Consolidated Democratic People's Federated General Commonwealth of Nimbya is "just get on with it already", which is also the state motto, and is printed upside down in Harlow Solid Italic at the bottom of the Nimbyan 5-thaler bill.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2025, 05:49:06 PMGrand Unified Republic of Alanland
You almost had me there. No such thing.
I don't remember Kozel being this fucking pretentious.
Quote from: NE2 on May 21, 2025, 06:39:58 PMI don't remember Kozel being this fucking pretentious.
Hence why he's been likely replaced by a robot. Perhaps the robots will come for us all eventually? How will we know who is still human and who has been replaced?
Quote from: NE2 on May 21, 2025, 06:39:58 PMI don't remember Kozel being this fucking pretentious.
I'm trying to remember who you are from misc.transport.road ... are you SPUI?
Not really a conspiracy theory, but I've always been fascinated by Yuba County Five: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuba_County_Five
- They all had mild mental handicaps, and all of them did not have much experience with the mountains or shown much interest in them.
- It is unknown why they drove a (then unpaved) mountain road in the dead of night during a Sierra snowstorm. (They were driving on the Quincy-Oroville Highway, an unsigned extension of CA-162. The road has since been paved). It was said that whoever was driving the car did a good job despite seemingly having no experience with driving in those conditions.
- The car got stuck in a snowdrift, but was otherwise in good working order with plenty of fuel. Instead of pushing the car out of it, they all wandered off into the mountains.
- All of them were later found dead except for one man, who is still officially missing.
It's just an interesting case because of the circumstances. It's unclear if they were trying to reach a town on the highway, and what made them suddenly decide to even drive on the road. They wanted to get home because they had a basketball game coming up they were playing in. (BTW, Google Maps has points of interest showing where the car was, and the cabin they huddled up in).
Quote from: Quillz on May 22, 2025, 07:20:06 AMNot really a conspiracy theory, but I've always been fascinated by Yuba County Five: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuba_County_Five
- They all had mild mental handicaps, and all of them did not have much experience with the mountains or shown much interest in them.
- It is unknown why they drove a (then unpaved) mountain road in the dead of night during a Sierra snowstorm. (They were driving on the Quincy-Oroville Highway, an unsigned extension of CA-162. The road has since been paved). It was said that whoever was driving the car did a good job despite seemingly having no experience with driving in those conditions.
- The car got stuck in a snowdrift, but was otherwise in good working order with plenty of fuel. Instead of pushing the car out of it, they all wandered off into the mountains.
- All of them were later found dead except for one man, who is still officially missing.
It's just an interesting case because of the circumstances. It's unclear if they were trying to reach a town on the highway, and what made them suddenly decide to even drive on the road. They wanted to get home because they had a basketball game coming up they were playing in. (BTW, Google Maps has points of interest showing where the car was, and the cabin they huddled up in).
Old CA 24 if you really want to tie into signed highway lore.
Quote from: Beltway on May 21, 2025, 10:06:23 PMQuote from: NE2 on May 21, 2025, 06:39:58 PM.
I'm trying to remember who you are from misc.transport.road ... are you SPUI?
SPUIng is cool
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2025, 05:52:37 PMThere are several eerie legends surrounding the VA-895 Pocahontas Parkway near Richmond, Virginia. Reports suggest that the highway was built over Native American burial grounds, which some believe has led to paranormal activity.
Some of the most common ghostly encounters include:
- Apparitions of Native American warriors seen along the roadway, sometimes holding torches.
- Unexplained drumming sounds and eerie voices reported by drivers and tollbooth operators.
- Mysterious flickering lights and objects moving on their own at the toll plaza.
- Truckers and state troopers have allegedly witnessed spectral figures wandering near the road.
While skeptics argue that these sightings could be tricks of light or environmental sounds, the stories have persisted for years, making the Pocahontas Parkway one of Virginia's most talked-about haunted roads.
Truck drivers and state troopers have allegedly witnessed apparitions of Native American warriors, sometimes holding torches, along the roadway. Others have reported hearing drumming sounds and distant voices, particularly near the toll plaza.
A 2024 article describes how the highway was built over sacred Native American burial grounds, which some believe has led to ghostly sightings. Another report from 2022 recounts stories from truckers and state troopers who allegedly heard mysterious voices and war cries along the road.
I don't necessarily believe in this stuff, but some people do, and there have been events where a large group of people went out there at night hoping to see something.
I went to one of those events about 2005, at the Wilton Road overpass, which is about 900 feet from the toll booths.
There were dozens of cars parked along the road and at least 100 people watching for a ghost event. I was there for several hours and nothing showed up.
The Wilton Road overpass is exactly the kind of eerie spot local lore loves. And honestly, part of the magic of these legends — like the Pocahontas Parkway or the Cohoke Light — is that the waiting is half the thrill, whether or not anything appears. Who knows, maybe the spirits were just camera shy that night.
A 2002 piece in the
Richmond Times-Dispatch covered the growing talk around the so-called "Pocahaunted Parkway." Reporter Chris Dovi joined VDOT spokesperson Jeff Caldwell for an overnight stakeout at the toll plaza and bridge. While they didn't see any ghosts, they interviewed truckers, tollbooth operators, and residents who described eerie experiences — like phantom Native American figures with torches, drumming sounds, and ghostly cries.
The article helped catapult the story into international headlines, even drawing attention from the BBC. And yes, gatherings like the one I attended — dozens of cars parked, people scanning the darkness — became a real phenomenon for a while.
The Cohoke Light is often associated with West Point in King William County. The tale goes that a railroad worker was decapitated in a 19th-century accident, and the mysterious light seen along the tracks is said to be his lantern as he searches for his missing head.
The light reportedly appears near Mt. Olive Cohoke Road, where it crosses the Norfolk Southern Railway, and has drawn curious visitors since at least the 1950s. While there's no historical record confirming the decapitation, the story has become part of Virginia's folklore.
Google Maps even has an entry for Cohoke Light at this location.