SteamPunk Magazine #8 now open to submissions!

| August 31, 2011

SteamPunk Magazine #8 has a submissions deadline of October 15th and will be released in November, 2011.

The only reasonably major change is that we are, for this issue at least, not considering poetry for inclusion in the magazine.

Read our submission guidelines and then direct any submissions to readers@steampunkmagazine.com !

We’ve reorganized a bit, and will now be published in the States by Combustion Books instead of Strangers In A Tangled Wilderness, which is only good news: Combustion Books is still an independent, collective-run publisher, but it’s one with the infrastructure to get SteamPunk Magazine better distributed and available to more people. Combustion Books actually came out of collaboration within the pages of SteamPunk Magazine. We will endeavor to continue to be as internationally available as possible.

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Second Life’s Steam Hunt 5 – September 1st through 30th!

| August 31, 2011

The lovely Miss Breezy Carver, getting reading to start her own hunt!
The newest Steam Hunt, Steam Hunt V, will be starting this upcoming Wednesday, the 1st of August!  As a bit of teaser of the upcoming discoveries which may be found in the over 200 shops and stores involved in this event, the Steam Hunt’s main blog, at: http://steamthehunt.blogspot.com/ , has a preview of the impressive good for those dedicated and persistent Steampunk enthusiasts!
After the success of the prior four Steam Hunts, the current one (the 5th), is by far the largest, with a wide selection of goods and items from the participating stores.  So if you happen to seek a Steampunk-themed challenge for September, do consider keeping up to date at its homepage, at: http://steamthehunt.blogspot.com/ - happy hunting!

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octipodicons and monocles and appendages

| August 30, 2011

Today we have an assortment of neo-Victorian novelties!

 

Conventions: it is not too early to start planning for (next) October's Okahoma Octipodicon odyssey!

 

Technology: not really steampunk, but bionic hands and whatnot are most definitely interesting.

 

Television: io9 examines steampunk on the small screen.

 

Reading: Have you been reading The Lair of the Clockwork Book? You should be! And you can also read (and see art, and much much more) at the Spectacular Moments of Wonder with Dr. Monocle.

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Steampunk in the Far West – Steampunk & Wuxia meet in the American Wilds of the 1900s…

| August 28, 2011

I was researching for new articles and Steampunk works, and eyeing some of the latest Kickerstarter projects, when I came across a particular project which was quite stunning.  As those who are familiar with the Kickstarter program know, a project has a period of time to allow people to bid on a project – if the desired financial amount is reached by the end of the asking period, the project is funded, and if not reached, then it isn’t funded.  So when I read that this group of developer met their goal in 15 hours (I wasn’t able to find out how much the goal was), I was quite impressed with the results Far West obtained… so I read about the project myself… and was quite impressed!

The Far West’s Kickstarter pledge video
The basic premise of Far West is a combination of three genres – Steampunk, Western, and Wuxia.  Steampunk is fairly obvious (likely the reason for the visit to the Tribune), Western (again, there is plenty of background on this genre as well), but Wuxia is probably less familiar to many.  To oversimplify an explanation, think of classic Shaw Brothers kung fu movies of the 60′s and 70′s, (or the Kill Bill series, for those who never indulged in the outstanding Hong Kong productions of the era).  From what I correlate, Far West will mesh them all together into one endeavor (a Transmedia project, as they call it), including an interactive website, classic paper-and-pencil role playing game, and more (still working on additional aspects of the project).
Characters from Far West (also, a wall paper, for those who might be interested!)
As on who enjoys Steampunk and Kung Fu, I will certainly be keeping an eye on the Far West endeavor.  They are still working on some of the RPG mechanics, and as one can gather, the effort is being worked on furiously, but to read more about the Far West, please visit…
Their main website, at: http://intothefarwest.com/
Background on conceptualization for the Far West, at: http://intothefarwest.com/2011/06/01/beginning/
Their Kickstarter website, with even more information regarding the project, at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Adamant/far-west-western-wuxia-mashup-adventure-game

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Back on the air, so to speak, with Steampunk Influences on the small screen…

| August 27, 2011

After having the opportunity to grapple with my service provider over the past few days, I am finally back to posting (whew)!  Almost as if on cue, IO09 has an outstanding retrospective of Steampunk influences on the small screen, including series such as Dr. Who, Firefly, Castle, Sanctuary, and more… to read the entire article, please turn to: http://io9.com/5834496/the-best-uses-of-steampunk-on-television

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Steampunk Technologist – Mr. Carl Fisher, Automotive Innovator

| August 24, 2011

Mr. Carl Fisher, and his bare bones racing vehicle, at the Harlem Racetrack, near Chicago, Il
One of the aspects of I personally enjoy about the Steampunk aesthetic is its optimistic view of technology and science.  While many of the legendary scientists of the genre are well known (e.g. Tesla, Babbage, Curie, Pasteur, Carver, or I suppose the deceitful Edison), there are plenty of lesser known trailblazers during the Steampunk era who may have been overlooked.  One said individual is Mr. Carl Fisher, an tireless yet overlooked innovator with an aspect which modern individuals take for granted now – the automobile!
A 1911 photo of Mr. Fisher driving his personalized auto 
(see the initials on the grill), at the Speedway!

Mr. Fisher rose to prominence near what might have been called the “Late Steampunk Era”, from 1900 to 1913 (yes, part of the Edwardian period, for those who insist)!  His innovations include developing headlights for autos (so one can drive in the dark!), taking advantage of technological development and market growth to become a spare parts supplier for autos, and was instrumental for developing roadways for commercial and public transportation (e.g the Lincoln Highway, the Dixie Highway), but his crowning achievement is likely the development of the Indianapolis Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500!

The starting lineup for the inaugural Indianapolis 500,
with Mr. Fisher, the Speedway president in the large white touring cart (far right?)

I must admit I’m not a follower of automotive competition, but the stories behind the development and growth of the Speedway are a fantastic overview of the emergence and acceptance of technology (though a bit bloody, as one can learn).  Vice trying to recount the stories behind the rise and ultimate fall of this innovator, please do consider a visit to a few associated websites for more regarding Mr. Carl Fisher, an unsung Steampunk Technologist, at…

His Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_G._Fisher

An excellent Popular Mechanics piece on Mr. Fisher: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/vintage-speed/the-forgotten-man-who-built-the-indianapolis-motor-speedway

The scandal that almost destroyed Mr. Fisher and the Indianapolis Speedway:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/03q2/before_there_was_a_500-sport/tragedy_at_the_track_page_3

The American Motorsport Journal piece on Mr. Fisher and his accomplishments:
http://www.na-motorsports.com/Journal/1997/2/RussellJ.html

Automobile Magazine: Indianapolis Motor Speedway – The Birthplace of Speed
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/racing/0906_indianapolis_motor_speedway_birthplace_of_speed/index.html



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Aether Salon, the First Three Years

| August 23, 2011

So, what is a memory you have of Aether Salon? A speaker? A topic? Amusing chatter in the audience? An unexpected event?
Please share your thoughts and remembrances, funny, striking, or sad as a comment to this post.

I typically don’t say much during salon because I am constantly switching screens, afraid I will crash and lose the transcript, so I didn’t get to share on Sunday. The lag monster

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Forks! Edited Transcript

| August 23, 2011

Jedburgh30 Dagger: Hello everyone! Ladies and Gentlemen, Viv, Serafina, Jasper and I are pleased to welcome you to the August edition of the Aether Salon – Forks!. I would like to thank each and every one of you for joining us today.

As many of you know, the Aether Salon met to discuss steam and Victorian topics on the third Sunday of each month, in Palisades and Academy, New Babbage. This is

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apartments, etchings, kittens and more

| August 23, 2011

Attention, New Yorkers: there is an awesome kitten up for adoption who would fit in perfectly in a neo-Victorian household; imagine the one on the left in this photo with a tiny top hat if it helps. (Kitten adoptions happen often in this neck of the woods; check them out if you're interested!)

  

Many thanks to Vicente for sending a link to Smog 1888, which is dense (like actual smog!) and fascinating (unlike actual smog!).

 

Thanks also to Zazoo, who sent a link to this amazing New York City apartment. This is almost as good as the previous apartment he sent; the previous apartment wins because, well, it's also Batgirl's apartment, see.

  

In other comics news, are you reading Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant? The first 50 pages are available free!

  

Although I am tempted to try this salt water and electricity method of etching, I think I'm a bit too danger-prone to attempt it. But I encourage other, braver, stronger souls to have at it.

  

A Steampunk Sesame Street? A Steampunk Sanrio? Yes, all that and more!

 

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The Heineken Handlebar Mustache commercial…

| August 22, 2011

Saw this the other night, and *knew* I had to post!  Ah, makes one want to grow a stunning handlebar mustache …. do enjoy!

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Forks! Unedited Transcript

| August 22, 2011

[13:25] Viv Trafalgar: Apparently, Ordinal’s posting something about Salon on her blog sooner or later
[13:26] Viv Trafalgar: though she regrets she can’t be here.
[13:26] Bookworm Hienrichs: Pity.
[13:26] Viv Trafalgar: Yes. Personal obligation. Something about the bee gun falling into the wrong hands.
[13:26] Bookworm Hienrichs: Huh. Coulda sworn I got a Salon sash, but I can’t find it in

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The New Babbage Air Kraken Festival all week! From August 21 to August 28…. and the last Aether Salon on Sunday

| August 20, 2011

The Steampunk calender in New Babbage has a number of festivals which are (sadly) unavailable in real life.  One said festival is the Air Kraken Festival, where the unofficial mascot of the Second Life’s Steampunk City State is celebrated in all its glory!  The lovely yet dangerous Miss Sky Melnik provided  the details regarding the week-long events… starting below!…
Week-long Events:
-Open Air Market: Shop carts along the Port Babbage docks will be filled with festival themed wares, food and games for festival goers to take and purchase.  Shop carts can be provided, though you can also use your own display if you wish (within logical prim reasoning).  First come first serve for spots, more space will be provided so all can participate. The first section of carts will be set out Friday, August 19th.  Prim limit of around 25 per market cart area.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Babbage/81/180/103
-Build Contest:  Contest theme is “Air Kraken Traps: Most Inventive Way to Capture an Air Kraken.”  Building platforms will be set out in the Academy of Industry Friday, August 19th, deadline for completion to be judged is Saturday, August 27th at Noon SLT and will be given on a first come, first serve basis.  Additional space will be created if necessary.  Please keep builds under 150 prims.  Top three placed builds will be given prizes.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Academy%20of%20Industry/186/96/111
-Black Ink and Bold Tales:At the core of each Air Kraken is a well of deepest blackest ink. Pick up your quill, dip into the source and pen your poem or tale of adventure.  All creative writings about these legendary beasts of the skies are welcome.  
No minimum word-count, but please, no longer than 1,500 words.  Submissions will be accepted the entire week of the Air Kraken Festival, either by notecard to Ceejay Writer, or email to ceejay@cocoajava.com. After the festival, a panel of judges will choose the winners in these categories:   Truly Terrifying Tale (horror), You’re Kraken Me Up (humor), Surprise from the Skies (cleverest) and Misunderstood Monsters (Pro-Kraken viewpoints), as well as one overall winner, the Tantamount Tall Tentacle Tale. 
Plans are afoot to publish all entries in some form of anthology for everyone’s enjoyment afterwards. Submission of your entry shall indicate your agreement to this project.
-“Look here! Look there! Look everywhere!”Rumor has it there is a baby kraken that has lost his way in our fair city! Can you free this adorable little beast before he has our town for his feast? There’s a reward in it for you if you do, so join the hunt and follow all the clues! The scavenger hunt will work just like a regular Secondlife Hunt will, taking you through 8 locations within the wondrous world of New Babbage. If you follow the clues and riddles you will certainly find the baby Kraken, however releasing him is up to you. There is no time limit and it’s no race, but we hope you have fun and explore together!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Babbage/221/198/106
-Air Kraken Exhibit:  An exciting and intriguing natural history exhibit by Kimika Ying focusing on air kraken at the Exhibition Hall in New Babbage.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Babbage/213/236/106
-Other Activities:
-Air Kraken Target Practice:  Located on the docks of Port Babbage.  Come safely test your shooting skills against the miniature-airship towed air kraken drones.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Babbage/108/139/103
-Air Kraken Attacks:  Once you’ve sharpened your skills with target practice go up against the
big boys.  Located in Clockhaven (as well as unannounced attacks in
town).   ((Psst- Look over the ledge of the wall towards the water,
click on the top of the barrel to produce kraken.))
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Clockhaven/218/43/121
-Kite Flying:  Grab a free themed kite and enjoy flying them around Port and town.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Babbage/81/180/103
One Time Events:
-Opening Party:  Casual and fun celebration of the opening of the festival.  6-8pm SLT Sunday, August 21st at Liberty Hall in the Academy of Industry.http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Academy%20of%20Industry/244/2/116
-Listening Parties:  There will be two listening parties on Tuesday, August 23rd featuring The Tales of New Babbage broadcast “Horror of the Heights” with the voice of Vic Mornington and hosted at the Brunel Hall Hotel’s bar, Muirsheen Durkin.  The broadcast can be also heard on Radio Riel Steampunk at the below times.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Academy%20of%20Industry/85/76/109
The first party for the European time zones will be at 12pm SLT.
The second party for the North American time zones will be at 7pm SLT.
-Closing Party:  Saturday, August 27th at 7pm SLT on the roof of Portside Books in Port Babbage.  Dress in your best air pirate/air kraken fighting attire and come celebrate the close of the festival.  Dance, drink and be merry.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Babbage/44/125/126
-Please contact Sky Melnik if you have any questions or ideas concerning the festival.
On a bittersweet note, the Aether Salon’s last event “Forks” (as in “put a fork in it” – aka, it is done/finished), takes place this Sunday, the 21st of August, at 2pm, EST.  So do consider a visit and enjoy a retrospective of the previous speakers at the Aether Salon.  For more details, please visit: http://cityofnewbabbage.com/drupaltest/node/3262
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