The worlds most expensive Pigeon?

[hermosabeach]

This reminds me a bit of the Dutch Tulips bubble

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This pigeon is worth 1.2 million euros
You might be looking at the most valuable bird in the world.

Armando is a racing pigeon from Flanders, in the west of Belgium.

The champion in his category, he has been auctioned for €1.25 million, which is a world record.

Armando's owners, father and son Joël and Dieter Verschoot, pigeon fanciers from Ingelmunster (in the West Flanders province), expected a bid of around €500,000 maximum for their five-year-old bird.

But a Chinese buyer went really far to purchase the pigeon he really wanted. Joël and Dieter Verschoot can hardly believe it themselves.

 

[Basher]

I misread the title as “explosive Pigeon” and was a little disappointed when I read your post...

 

[pmclaine]

Whittlesey's 1-308th Infantry, 77th Division could have used him in the Argonne.

 

[pmclaine]

Something about the Chinese buyer makes me wonder if the pigeon still lives.......add a little duck sauce......

 

[Strykervet]

Chinese are on a buying spree and spending money on all sorts of shit. If you can hook one of those greedy fuckers over there, you can get set for life. Look at what they did the wine market. If westerners will spend $100 on it, they'll spend $1000 on it, because to them it's all about looks.

Better hope his neighbor isn't into western shotguns.

 

[Nodakplowboy]

China and Japan. That's where all the good old Strats and Les Paul's are ending up, never again to see the light of day or play a fierce lick.

Tis a shame, unless one is the seller.

 

[Soulezoo]

Chinese are on a buying spree and spending money on all sorts of shit. If you can hook one of those greedy fuckers over there, you can get set for life. Look at what they did the wine market. If westerners will spend $100 on it, they'll spend $1000 on it, because to them it's all about looks.

Better hope his neighbor isn't into western shotguns.

What the Chinese did to my beloved Opus One is a crying shame.

 

[Bender]

Did someone say Pigeon???

 

[Midwestside]

I figured it would only be a matter of minutes..... after your fatal fuck thread

 

[Threadcutter308]

 

[hermosabeach]

I misread the title as “explosive Pigeon” and was a little disappointed when I read your post...

I was thinking an SNL Skit where the pigeon gets revealed and their is just a cat and feathers in the cage....

Do kids in China not have Pellet guns?

 

[Veer_G]

Did someone say Pigeon???

View attachment 7049210

"Pigeon fancier," huh?

How very Shankster of you.

 

[Bender]

"Pigeon fancier," huh?

View attachment 7049221

How very Shankster of you.

*pants get tight.....

 

[Blue Sky Country]

China and Japan. That's where all the good old Strats and Les Paul's are ending up, never again to see the light of day or play a fierce lick.

Tis a shame, unless ones is the seller.

As someone who grew up watching A LOT of Chinese CCTV multi-chapter dramas and still do, one of the most striking things can be seen in stories about contemporary life and the corporate world. EVERY CEO, high ranking manager or banker in these dramas will feature a futuristic looking office with a very large shadowbox with every shelf and niche filled with expensive wines, musical intruments, ornaments (both eastern and western) and sometimes old muzzleloading and bolt action long arms. Their homes, when the story pans to their private lives, will also feature similar shadowboxes filled with expensive and luxurious things.

In the Chinese culture, 'face' and outward self image is perhaps the most defining aspect of one's relation to his peers. The level of materialism in China is far beyond even the wildest imaginations of western socialites and collectors of fine goods and it has always been this way historically. Even my aunt who lives very modestly in the Meilong suburb of Shanghai arranges her home constantly in a way which will "make an impression for visitors", and to her, how her guests see her is more important than her own personal preferences of comfort. She always talks about this subject when on the phone with my mother and it is extremely amusing to hear them go on and on. Currently, there is a major thing going on with expensive sports cars and it seems every high school and college grad is aiming to get at least one to show off as soon as they acquire reasonable income.

 

[MtnCreek]

Can it fly 1300 fps?

 

[pmclaine]

As someone who grew up watching A LOT of Chinese CCTV multi-chapter dramas and still do, one of the most striking things can be seen in stories about contemporary life and the corporate world. EVERY CEO, high ranking manager or banker in these dramas will feature a futuristic looking office with a very large shadowbox with every shelf and niche filled with expensive wines, musical intruments, ornaments (both eastern and western) and sometimes old muzzleloading and bolt action long arms. Their homes, when the story pans to their private lives, will also feature similar shadowboxes filled with expensive and luxurious things.

In the Chinese culture, 'face' and outward self image is perhaps the most defining aspect of one's relation to his peers. The level of materialism in China is far beyond even the wildest imaginations of western socialites and collectors of fine goods and it has always been this way historically. Even my aunt who lives very modestly in the Meilong suburb of Shanghai arranges her home constantly in a way which will "make an impression for visitors", and to her, how her guests see her is more important than her own personal preferences of comfort. She always talks about this subject when on the phone with my mother and it is extremely amusing to hear them go on and on. Currently, there is a major thing going on with expensive sports cars and it seems every high school and college grad is aiming to get at least one to show off as soon as they acquire reasonable income.

Great insight on the subject.

In my world I buy expensive things A) because of an appreciation for fine craftsmanship B) with the intent I will get better utility and enjoyment because cost is usually a function of design and material being superior.

Thing is I intend to use my expensive acquisitions for their intended use.

It seems that in the case of China the items are purchased not for the utility they are designed to provide but as a means to give the buyer status?

The same things happens here "Oh he has a Schmidt and Bender" may denote status or some rank of "better shooter" to the guy that shoots a Tasco but the reality can be found to be totally false, the guy is a bad shooter, or the guy may never shoot his Schmidt and Bender mounted rifle, its just a status trophy.

And......

Apologies if any offense was taken over my pidgeon/duck sauce comment. Please feel free to make as many "small Irish penis" stereotype jokes as you please in my honor.

 

[MtnCreek]

 

[Bender]

Great insight on the subject.

In my world I buy expensive things A) because of an appreciation for fine craftsmanship B) with the intent I will get better utility and enjoyment because cost is usually a function of design and material being superior.

Thing is I intend to use my expensive acquisitions for their intended use.

It seems that in the case of China the items are purchased not for the utility they are designed to provide but as a means to give the buyer status?

The same things happens here "Oh he has a Schmidt and Bender" may denote status or some rank of "better shooter" to the guy that shoots a Tasco but the reality can be found to be totally false, the guy is a bad shooter, or the guy may never shoot his Schmidt and Bender mounted rifle, its just a status trophy.

And......

Apologies if any offense was taken over my pidgeon/duck sauce comment. Please feel free to make as many "small Irish penis" stereotype jokes as you please in my honor.

Offend? Offend who?

You got a mouse in your pocket?

Did you leave the pit door open and let in a commie?

If anyone here gets offended by dark humor and doesn’t understand sarcasm....let them find the way out by themselves.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Great insight on the subject.

In my world I buy expensive things A) because of an appreciation for fine craftsmanship B) with the intent I will get better utility and enjoyment because cost is usually a function of design and material being superior.

Thing is I intend to use my expensive acquisitions for their intended use.

It seems that in the case of China the items are purchased not for the utility they are designed to provide but as a means to give the buyer status?

The same things happens here "Oh he has a Schmidt and Bender" may denote status or some rank of "better shooter" to the guy that shoots a Tasco but the reality can be found to be totally false, the guy is a bad shooter, or the guy may never shoot his Schmidt and Bender mounted rifle, its just a status trophy.

And......

Apologies if any offense was taken over my pidgeon/duck sauce comment. Please feel free to make as many "small Irish penis" stereotype jokes as you please in my honor.

LOL you're cool man! Actually, one of the most memorable things when I had visited Beijing's huge open air bazaars in the past were caged pigeons and other birds arranged in rows that were sold as food.

And you are certainly accurate about certain brands acquired purely as status symbols. One of the largest supermarket magnates who have his HQ building in Shanghai keeps a small fleet of Bugatti's and Lamborghini's on display in the main lobby so everyone who walks into the building will see his 'showroom' first thing. He is also a bit of an OCD type so he could not bear to drive them in rain or mud and instead, has a regular BMW for commuting. Of course, this is one of the more extreme examples, but amongst the regular folks, whenever conversation arises about clothing, cars or household items, brand names and features are always mentioned first. Shanghai's ride-share drivers started off with mostly Volkswagens and domestic-built Jeely / Jiangnang / FAW cars, but when Beemers became more economical to own and a lot of the drivers upgraded their cars to those, they would end up getting more requests on the apps, usually from folks who just want to "ride a BMW".

 

[pmclaine]

You got a mouse in your pocket?

Just happy to see you......

 

[Bender]

LOL you're cool man! Actually, one of the most memorable things when I had visited Beijing's huge open air bazaars in the past were caged pigeons and other birds arranged in rows that were sold as food.

And ypu are certainly accurate about certain brands acquired purely as status symbols. One of the largest supermarket magnates who have his HQ building in Shanghai keeps a small fleet of Bugatti's and Lamborghini's on display in the main lobby so everyone who walks into the building will see his 'showroom' first thing. He is also a bit of an OCD type so he could not bear to drive them in rain or mud and instead, has a regular BMW for commuting. Of course, this is one of the more extreme examples, but amongst the regular folks, whenever conversation arises about clothing, cars or household items, brand names and features are always mentioned first. Shanghai's ride-shair drivers started off with mostly Volkswagens and dimestic-built Jeely / Jiangnang / FAW cars, but when Beemers became more economical to own and a lot of the drivers upgraded their cars to those, they would end up getting more requests on the apps, usually from folks who just want to "ride a BMW".

I had an aunt who passed away a few years ago, she was a child on Okinawa when the US Armed Forces took it over and won. I would love to travel and see the world, Shanghai and China are definitely on my list. Even that they are a communist country. I love to experience different cultures. Even different cultures inside our own United States. Being a High Plains mountain boy, Denver was a shock to the system at age 15. I recently went to New York City last summer. I loved it. Even though I would never live there LOL. Visited some amazing Jewish delis and even bought some hot Shawarma off a cart. I was in food and culture heaven.

 

[pmclaine]

LOL you're cool man! Actually, one of the most memorable things when I had visited Beijing's huge open air bazaars in the past were caged pigeons and other birds arranged in rows that were sold as food.

And ypu are certainly accurate about certain brands acquired purely as status symbols. One of the largest supermarket magnates who have his HQ building in Shanghai keeps a small fleet of Bugatti's and Lamborghini's on display in the main lobby so everyone who walks into the building will see his 'showroom' first thing. He is also a bit of an OCD type so he could not bear to drive them in rain or mud and instead, has a regular BMW for commuting. Of course, this is one of the more extreme examples, but amongst the regular folks, whenever conversation arises about clothing, cars or household items, brand names and features are always mentioned first. Shanghai's ride-shair drivers started off with mostly Volkswagens and dimestic-built Jeely / Jiangnang / FAW cars, but when Beemers became more economical to own and a lot of the drivers upgraded their cars to those, they would end up getting more requests on the apps, usually from folks who just want to "ride a BMW".

Remember being in Finland, waiting for a taxi to take me to the airport from my hotel.

Door man hailed the cab.

Up pulls a late 80s Chevy sedan - dont rememeber the model but it was a four door, probably a Caprice Classic.

The door man was all happy "Oh you got a luxury taxi"

all the other taxis were like Mercedes 500 series and I was bummed to be getting a boring old Chevy.

I dont think he would understand my disappointment so I just took the ride.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

I had an aunt who passed away a few years ago, she was a child on Okinawa when the US Armed Forces took it over and won. I would love to travel and see the world, Shanghai and China are definitely on my list. Even that they are a communist country. I love to experience different cultures. Even different cultures inside our own United States. Being a High Plains mountain boy, Denver was a shock to the system at age 15. I recently went to New York City last summer. I loved it. Even though I would never live there LOL. Visited some amazing Jewish delis and even bought some hot Shawarma off a cart. I was in food and culture heaven.

Sorry about your loss.

Shanghai is definitely one of the most interesting places to see. Most of my family on my father's side came from the north and the dominant way of life is industrial / mining, hunting and agriculture.

It is actually unique as how the ruling system still retains the CCP banner but shed almost 98% of the Mao era chaos which had caused much turmoil during the middle of the 20th century. Most of the contemporary school-age children regard the Maoist era as an experiment that had been allowed to continue for too long. The traditional family structure, market economy and the improvement of personal status is embraced more than ever now, and I hope that gun ownership on a wide scale will REALLY be a popular idea once again.

 

[pmclaine]

Favorite movie about pre war China - Sand Pebbles.

Yes China allows special economic zones but I see that as a survival technique.

That won't last if they get their way.

The Maoist policies will be reintroduced if they have the ability to do so.

Had they not introduced special economic zones they would have went Venezuela twenty years ago.

Now to use Chinese imagery it remains to be seen if the govt has grasped a Dragon by the tail.

If their middle class gets too strong they may not be able to ever bring about that pure communist utopia.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Favorite movie about pre war China - Sand Pebbles.

Yes China allows special economic zones but I see that as a survival technique.

That won't last if they get their way.

The Maoist policies will be reintroduced if they have the ability to do so.

Had they not introduced special economic zones they would have went Venezuela twenty years ago.

Now to use Chinese imagery it remains to be seen if the govt has grasped a Dragon by the tail.

If their middle class gets too strong they may not be able to ever bring about that pure communist utopia.

Towards the end of the 1970's the situation was very close to that of Venezuela. People were starving in the mid-south region and there had been real threats from communities who were still required to abide by the collective farming system to storm the militia armories and seize the munitions there. That was why Deng Xiaoping had to take action, purge the "Gang of Four" and initiate immediate market reforms.

More recently, there were many cases of families being forcibly evicted from their homes and land and required to sell them at ridiculously low prices to government developers. Heartbreaking stories of elderly folks committing suicide rather than be hauled away by the police and have their homes bulldozed.

That kind of shit was also tried in the north, and although the state media quelled any mention of 'resistance' by the descendants of the old settlers who had tamed the border country in the first place, they backed off quickly. The old timers who are friends with my late grand-uncle do not talk much about how the townsmen managed to hold on to their land from being seized by provincial level officials out to make names for themselves, but let's just say that they are quite well versed on how a needle-bodkin style broadhead can penetrate a kevlar vest...

 

[Threadcutter308]

Towards the end of the 1970's the situation was very close to that of Venezuela. People were starving in the mid-south region and there had been real threats from communities who were still required to abide by the collective farming system to storm the militia armories and seize the munitions there. That was why Deng Xiaoping had to take action, purge the "Gang of Four" and initiate immediate market reforms.

More recently, there were many cases of families being forcibly evicted from their homes and land and required to sell them at ridiculously low prices to government developers. Heartbreaking stories of elderly folks committing suicide rather than be hauled away by the police and have their homes bulldozed.

That kind of shit was also tried in the north, and although the state media quelled any mention of 'resistance' by the descendants of the old settlers who had tamed the border country in the first place, they backed off quickly. The old timers who are friends with my late grand-uncle do not talk much about how the townsmen managed to hold on to their land from being seized by provincial level officials out to make names for themselves, but let's just say that they are quite well versed on how a needle-bodkin style broadhead can penetrate a kevlar vest...

Very interesting, Thank You for this perspective.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I was going to add, that seeing as we already have "pheasant under glass", are we now up to "pigeon under plexi"?

Asking for a friend.

 

[pmclaine]

Towards the end of the 1970's the situation was very close to that of Venezuela. People were starving in the mid-south region and there had been real threats from communities who were still required to abide by the collective farming system to storm the militia armories and seize the munitions there. That was why Deng Xiaoping had to take action, purge the "Gang of Four" and initiate immediate market reforms.

More recently, there were many cases of families being forcibly evicted from their homes and land and required to sell them at ridiculously low prices to government developers. Heartbreaking stories of elderly folks committing suicide rather than be hauled away by the police and have their homes bulldozed.

That kind of shit was also tried in the north, and although the state media quelled any mention of 'resistance' by the descendants of the old settlers who had tamed the border country in the first place, they backed off quickly. The old timers who are friends with my late grand-uncle do not talk much about how the townsmen managed to hold on to their land from being seized by provincial level officials out to make names for themselves, but let's just say that they are quite well versed on how a needle-bodkin style broadhead can penetrate a kevlar vest...

Ive seen a pic or two where a highway was built and a landowner refused to give up their property. They end up building the highway around the house.

Thinking the pic was an isolated incident but the Chinese gov is smart enough to back off if it looks like local unrest would result.

Tiananmen Square was a real thing and had the world supported the students more perhaps there could have been change.

The govt wont let that happen again.

 

[armorpl8chikn]