The Heliograph

Sunday, July 5, 2009

SL Steampunk: The New Babbage Universal Exhibition

Received a small notecard that needed a bit more notice to any interested parties, regarding the New Babbage Universal Exposition. I volunteered to forward the text, which is as follows...

The 2009 RFL Campsite will be loosely based on the idea of a World's Fair (or Exposition Universalle), specifically the 1889 Exposition held in Paris, from May 6th to October 31st, 1889. This was where the Eiffel Tower was officially introduced, and nations from around the world participated. A note: this is all for inspiration, not reproductions. We should put a Babbage spin on everything - dirtier, steamier, with more floating and spinning things.

For more information, please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposition_Universelle
and some links to more inspirational images, at...
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/1900fair/paris11.jpg
http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/images/century/rf754_0005wf.jpg
http://histoire-image.org/photo/zoom/jab36_eiffel_002f.jpg

The build team will primarily responsible for the display structures and grounds, along with two significant commemorative structures - the tower and the sphere. We will then invite Babbagers and representatives from other steamlands to contribute their own pieces - artwork, machines, fashion, ect... - and vendors to go along with them. The non-Babbage folks are welcome to design their own pavilions, or simply designate a few representative folks to contribute objects for display.

Build List
* Globe Celeste (a steampunk version of the 1949 Unisphere) - 2oo prims
* Central Tower (or arch, or clocktower) - 200 prims
* Machinery Hall (for mechanical vehicles, ect...) 150 prims
* Gran Palais (for objects of beauty and function - art, fashion, collectibles) 200 prims
* Petit Palais (for art and fashion) 200 prims
* Steamlands Pavilion (x4) 150 prims each
These will be optional - if a builder can be sent, we'll be happy to have them. If not, we'll
just landscape or put in a gazebo.
* Grounds, path, foilage - 200 prims
The remainder of the 2500 prims will be reserved for displays and objects.

Right now, we have the following contributors...
Dr. Obolensky - Tower
Miss Capalini - Unisphere
Mr. Cleanslate - Machinery Hall
Mr. Pearse - Grand Palais

If you are interested in helping with the build list, please email me at aeolus.cleanslate@gmail.com (I can invite you to the RFL Ning at http://rflnewbabbagening2009.ning.com/ ). The campsites open July 16th, but we should be able to load in several days before then. Between now and then, let me know if you might need build space.

Thanks, everybody!
- A. Cleanslate

That is the edited body of the narrative. If one happens to be interested in assisting, please do contact Mr. Cleanslate at the address above, or via the New Babbage Ning.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

SL Steampunk: VR Style

VR Style's newest edition focuses on SL Steampunk - the Sims, the Designers, and the notable Social Events of the genre in Second Life, providing illuminating insights, in-depth discussions, and outstanding photography concerning SL Steampunk. Do read the latest issue, at....
http://issuu.com/slvibe/docs/july09

Friday, July 3, 2009

New Babbage Events: The Obolenskidonian Incident

Observers gather at the Port Babbage Docks to see the gathering armadas...

During the past few weeks in New Babbage, Dr. Obolenski and his minions engineered a coup of City-State, during the mysterious absence of Mayor Tenk. However, the evening of the 3rd of July saw the forces of the Doctor defeated in an extended naval batte in Port Babbage and the Vernain Sea.

... and the battle is engaged!

Doctor Obolenski was reported to have perished in a mishap during the event (though no body was located. In his stead, Mr. Zebrati Merricks has assumed command of the Obolenskidonian forces, but the last word was that they were in retreat and life in New Babbage was slowly returning to normal.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

SL Steampunk: The Strato-Moblis Advert

Relocated the small video made of the "high-prim" version of the Strato-Mobilis, similar to the one parked over the parcel in Wheatstone. Quite a nice bit of work by Mr. Sextan Shepherd, and the gentleman is keeping busy formulating successors to it. His works are available in world, and on SL exchange as well.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

RL Steampunk: DIY Diving Helmet

With the prices of original diving helmets being prohibitively expensive, this clever alternative is an outstanding option to anyone's Steampunk decor. The movie, well.. that is an imaginative endeavor, but the highlight (imo) is the helmet - enjoy!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

The Aethernet: Steampunk Sites, Part II

Probably one of my favorite Steampunk images, from "Retrostaja"

I've been a bit remiss in the proposed re-work of the Heliograph (I had planned it for last month, and it looks like it may be a bit longer until I'm done with it), but in the meantime, I am posting a few sites (and images) that may not be as well known.

The first of which, is a site that has sadly fallen to the wayside, just before I began blogging "ages ago (ok - 2007, but still, a while ago)! Retrostaja / Steampunkopedia is a Polish language site which, to my view, is one of the best sources of Steampunk references I've encountered online. When one logs in, you'll see the above image (a stunning "Steampunk Alien Invasion" work), and two flags - be sure to choose the English one!

This will take you to a menu listing a "Steampunk Chronology", "Steampunk Links" (some of which are dead, but still quite a few are working... so its a bit of intrepid exploring is in order), "Steampunk TV" (an excellent listing of Steampunk television shows), and "Press Releases" (which sadly has not been updated since May of 2008). Additionally, I believe that somewhere there, an excruciatingly comprehensive list of Steampunk movies exists - listing movies since the turn of the century.

To go exploring at this amazing artifact of Steampunk goodness, please turn to:

http://steampunk.republika.pl/

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IO9's Logo - the "term for early adopters back in the 2070's!

One locale which I frequent for news and events is IO9 - a site which has regular updates on general science fiction, including doses of Steampunk news. It is refreshing to read the well done articles there and early trailers are post there (e.g. the new Avatar trailer, the "Moon" trailer, and "Daybreakers", which has quite an innovative storyline). A warning, however - once you start reading, it will be difficult to stop... and that isn't even including the supplemental sites listed at the bottom of the page (e.g. Lifehacker (DIY projects), Gawker (news), Kotaku (computer gaming), Jezebel (well, you can figure that one out), among others...

To visit this absorbing site (and the other associated sites), please visit:
http://io9.com/

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The "Cogs and Togs" log

Found this gem the other day, and was sutibly impressed with a long overlooked niche in SL Steampunk blogging - Ladies' fashion. Fortunately, Miss Tehanu Marenwolf has taken the endeavor to address this vastly growing industry. Her reviews (to this point) have covered a expanse of ladies' items (e.g shoes, corsets), and though I have essentially no clue about Steampunk couture, it is refreshing to see this topic being addressed by such an eloquent reviewer!

To read more, please turn to...
http://cogsandtogs.blogspot.com/

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Steampunk Events: 27-28 June, 2009

A view of the Marzipan, one of SL's classic Victorian entertainment venues, at Magellan Kinerva

What: The Marzipan Teahouse Baroque Ball
When: Saturday, the 27th of June, from 4 to 5:30 pm
Where: The Marzipan Teahouse, Magellan Kinerva

We warmly invite you to the Baroque Ball on Saturday evening, for a little change. You are most welcome to wear whatever you like, as usual, but if there's a Baroque outfit you'd love to wear or you'd like an excuse to get one to wear, this is a wonderful opportunity to indulge a sense of formality and grandeur in the Baroque tradition! A few new dances, in addition to all the existing single, partner and group dances should add to the fun, along with the gorgeous music by Radio Riel and the usual lively and friendly chat.Join us ... and have a delightful time!

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What: Wanderlust - Dance event at the Boathouse
When: Sunday, June 28th, from 12 to 2 pm, SLT
Where: The Wheelhouse, Armada Breakaway

Join us at The Wheel House at Armada Breakaway for "Wanderlust" - two hours of steampunk, gothic, ska, and rock music with DJ Roswenthe Aluveaux. Steampunk is a relatively new music genre exploring gothic and rock music with a Victorian aesthetic, and often includes homemade or invented instruments. To find us, pick up a welcome box at the land point, wear the HUD, click it, and choose "Wheel House" from the menu. Feel free to come in Victorian or steampunk dress, but it is not required. Appropriate dress is required. See the land covenant for further information.

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What: Music Appreciation, hosted by Vernian Process
When: Sunday, June 28th, at 8pm SLT
Where: New Champagne Rooms, New Babbage Square

Join Josh from the Vernian Process for a relaxed, casual evening as he shares some of his favorite music. Expect comfy seating, lively discussion, and impromptu dancing!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

SL Steampunk: SL6B Eridu Society Transmission

Miss BlackOpal's SL6B build is officially open and it looks brilliant! Do make a point of stopping by and admiring the handiwork there, by following ...

http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL6B%20Portal/30/112/23

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Aethernet: Steampunk Sites

"Steampunk Mama", by ~ADN-B

Steampunk Empire Ning

Quickly becoming the "place to be" in Steampunk, the Steampunk Empire's Ning has certainly become a hotbed of planning and discussion regarding the genre. Quite friendly to SL Steampunk, a few SL residents have made their way to SE's Ning, joining the large group of LARP members and other Steampunk enthusiasts. To indulge in the cacophony of Steampunk voices at the Steampunk Empire, please turn to..

http://steampunk.ning.com/

(And yes, the Steampunk Mama photo is quite cute! To see more of ~ADN-B's photographic efforts, please visit http://adn-b.deviantart.com/ )

Steampunk Tales @ Itunes

For those wishing to indulge in their iphone addition, Steampunk Tales has been released! A series of Steampunk-based tales, these monthly episodes have ten differing stories, by a "line up of award-winning authors" (not sure who, but time will tell who they are). A "Penny-Dreadful" for a new medium! For more details, please turn to...

http://www.steampunktales.com/index.html

A classic "Oven Stove", featured in Low Tech Magazine

Low Tech Magazine

An online periodical which specializes on "lower technologies", this site has a plethora of unique articles dealing with Steampunk era technologies, from wooden submarines to motorized monowheels. To read in depth on the speculative basis of Steampunk tech (and later tech topics), please turn to...

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Steampunk Video: Edge of Twilight Trailer

Located this video, and though it seems to take the proverbial "Left turn at Albuquerque" with some points of the Steampunk genre, the images are quite good. Do be warned, the latter half of this video has a bit of graphic violence (a warning for more sensitive viewers). It will be interesting to see how the remainder of this particular game will develop.