February 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Volume 2: Issue 2
Special Announcements.............. Page 2 Texas Steampunk Societies.........Page 2 Literary Illuminations................. Page 2-3
Did you know: It is thought that founders of Mesa, Arizona
Shout Outs................................... Page 4
discovered a primitive dimensional portal and tapped
Talking with Blackwolf................Page 4-5
into its power by widening and enhancing the ancient
February 2013 Calendar.............. Page 6
Hohokam “time” canals, opening several time portals throughout downtown Mesa. The early city founders
March 2013 Calendar...................Page 6-7
are said to have used the portals in an attempt to alter
The Importance of WWI.............Page 8
historical events. It has also been speculated that
Putting the Curl in your Mustache.... Page 8
through one of the Mesa time gateways, H.G. Wells arrived in his supposedly “fictional” time-traveling
Newsletter Info............................ Page 9
device. He is said to have warned the Mesans of the
Lamplight News Advertisements... Page 9
folly of playing with the time continuum, and
Featured Photos........................... Page 10
convinced them to seal the portals they had created in the Mesa underground.
Flyer Invitation............................ Page 11 Page 1
On February 15, 2013, SIS & North Texas Dieselpunks presented a lecture at the Dallas Museum of Art. The event was a raving success and brought in over 540 people to the art display (which was more than twice than the museum had ever had visit in that one room in a 3 hour span of time), along with having a full audience at the lecture (the museum had to post a notice on the door that we were full and turn people away because folks were sitting and standing in the isles on the steps too). The Dallas Museum of Art was pleased with our presentation, and let us know that we will be invited back. We would like to thank all of the wonderful people who were involved in this, including those who were able to dress up, attend, and show support for SIS and NTDP. It meant a lot to us, and we're quite proud of everyone for their hard work and effort put into making this happen. Also – CALLING ALL WRITERS!! We need articles! If you write about Steampunk things, then we want you! Please consider contacting us at contact@steampunkis.org and letting us know if you'd like to write for us. We accept short stories, articles on fashion, art, multicultural Steampunk articles, invention and engineering, cooking, and DIY's. We also accept poetry and illustrations. We would love to have you become a regular part of the Lamplight News family! The schedule is filling up fast for the next few months, so check out our online schedule at our website, or the Calendar in this newsletter to see what's coming up. Know of something that belongs on the Calendar? Let us know so we can get it added.
Current & Active in Texas: •
Territories of Houston Steampunk
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San Antonio Neo-Victorian Society
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Tech Steampunk Society
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Steampunk Illumination Society
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Austin Steampunk Society
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Red River Regional Steampunk Expeditionary Society
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Lubbock Steampunk Society
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Amarillo Steampunk Society
Wizard of Oz: A Steampunk Adventure by S.D. Stuart The “Wizard of Oz A Steampunk Adventure” is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz with the usual suspects, a steampunk twist and a fresh take on the theme. The story drives out of the station with a good head of steam, but this fast paced train of an adventure derails at the end. Page 2
15 year old Dorothy Gale is thrust in to a bizarre world in search for her scientist father who went missing several years earlier. Dorothy is no whimpering teen. She has learned to fight (presumably from Edward Barton-Wright, the Victorian inventor of the Bartitsu fighting style for you Sherlock Holmes fans). She has a tough personality and single-minded desire to find her missing father, who most presume to be dead. To find him she must enter the Outcast Zone – or OZ – which turns out to be the entire continent of Australia. In this Victorian world it is not just a penal colony. OZ is a huge prison and dumping ground for all things illegal. What makes Oz interesting is that it is THE prison for anything illegal. Everything from illegal automatons to science experiments gone wrong are disposed of here. Enter your cast of Wizard of Oz characters: The Tin Woodsman and the Scarecrow are both automatons. The Lion is a genetically mutated human/cat hybrid. The munchkins are all pint-sized clones and the Witches are replaced by powerful ruling Marshals of the East, West, North and South. After breaking into the prison and accidentally killing one of the Marshals by crashing an airship on her (witches, remember), Dorothy embarks on a non-stop harrowing adventure that includes battles on rooftops and in a coliseum. Allies become enemies and enemies become allies, and all the while Dorothy is lead to her father by a mysterious emerald he had given to her as a young child. The writing is clean and crisp and lends itself to an ease of reading that makes the story move quickly. However, the author doesn’t really spend enough time giving a full picture of this imaginative environment.
It is filled with lots of dialogue and not enough description or background so that details in scenes and characters are lacking. The story loses steam at the end. Some of the more interesting characters disappear till the conclusion and have you wondering what happened to them. The story has a lack of coherence and at times a plot that doesn’t manage to suspend disbelief. And one wonders why this seemingly cheeky and tough girl is so naïve and trustworthy in, of all places, a continent size prison full of criminals. Children will like the quick pacing and unusual characters. Adults may find the action in the story a bit rambling and muddled. Having said that, the author has made an intriguing case for a sequel and he displays the potential to hopefully improve upon his storytelling. ____________________ Review written and submitted by Jonathan Carr. Check out his latest published Steampunk short story called the “Important Blueprints and the Boy Detective”, writing as J. Woolston Carr. 12 year old Romeo Worthy (he prefers to be called Trust) is the youngest agent in the Pinkerton Detective Agency, a fact of which the famed Mr. Pinkerton might not be aware. Despite this, Trust and his steam snorting Metalliferous Hound named Bucephalus are hot on the trail of the notorious outlaw Meat Cleaver Morgan. The only thing standing in their way is Jasper Horn, the world’s greatest Pinkerton Detective. Readers can find the short story in the January issue of the online eSteampunk Magazine at: http://www.efictionmag.com/esteampunk/
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A very Happy Birthday to ALL February birthdays from SIS. May you all have a wonderful day full of all the people you love and memories you will cherish! Congratulations to Harley Greco on her new baby boy, Asher Valtiel. He was born on February 1, 2013 at 6:48pm and weighed 5lbs 9oz. Also a belated Happy Birthday to her oldest son, Victor who turned 2 on February 5th. SIS & so many others send their deepest sympathy and condolences to the Boyte-Goodwin family for the loss of their precious baby boy, Charles Dennis Timothy Boyte (parents Tim & Gena Boyte of Airship Nocturne). We stand by you and grieve with you during this tragic time. SIS sends congratulations and three well deserved chants of “HIP HIP HORRAY!� to our very own Jesse Thaxton. How proud we are to see her continue her journey in fashion design and her talents discovered in the most amazing ways. Pictured is Jesse at February 23rd's Pin Show in Dallas. Check out the article on the Dallas Observer website showing one of Jesse's Melancholic Design fashions too! Way to go Jesse!!!
SIS would like to extend condolences and sympathy to Erik Segerstrom, who lost his father, Roy, on February 7th and put him to rest him on Valentines Day. We are deeply sorry for your loss, Erik, and send to you love and kind words during this difficult time. We miss you, but understand your absence and keep you and your family in our thoughts.
Each month, we aim to bring you news on various topics. Whether it's events, fashion, art, music, or inspirational people in the community, we believe it's important to help folks get the word out about their passions. This month, we were able to get the dish on an exciting event. Lamplight News sat down with Arron Von Blackwolf and interviewed him about his upcoming event, Sky Commodore's Autumn Masquerade Ball, happening in September. He was kind enough to take some time out to share a little with us, and here's what he had to say: Most have heard about, and many have been to the Sky Commodore's Autumn Masquerade Ball. For those who have done neither, how would you describe this event and how it is going to differ from previous events? The first two years we wanted a fun masquerade ball to have fun with friends. I took the challenge and I am creating something huge for year three. It is a 2 day event with 10 bands on the main stage and roving performers during the day. As I understand it, this is your third year with this event. How did you get started with it and where did the idea come from? A friend had complained about that ball at A-kon, saying it was not formal (as in masks enforced). So I started this, and with the support of the community it grew fast. What is the motivation behind putting on this event? To create a fun place for like minded people to come play. Page 4
Who all have you, so far, confirmed for the lineup to play? Vernian Process, Marquis of Vaudeville, Steam Powered Giraffe, Nathaniel Johnstone, Unwoman, Darwin Prophet & the Chronus Mirror, The Extraordinary Contraptions, Montague Jacques Fromage, Bailey and the Flea Circus, Circus Freaks, dj infamous, DJ Scarlett Scarborough, and Bizzaro. Not long ago, there was a vote posted by you on how people would like to see the evenings split up via performances. Was there ever a decision made on this and if so, can you share that information with the public? I agreed that it should be broken up so Friday night we will have 3 bands and Saturday we will stagger the other 7 to give people time and breaks between those large music blocks. Each year, you have chosen the same foundation for proceeds from the ball to be donated to. Will you be choosing the same foundation again, and if so, why? The Kids Need to Read Foundation is a cause that is very close to me, as I do not want to even think what life would have been like without that stimulation and outlet. I will be adding another this year though to spread the love. I'm just not sure which one yet. Let's throw a bit of randomness out there. What's your favorite TV show, dessert, and nonalcoholic drink (for the stalkers out there!)? I am fairly random with TV. In no order: Castle, Sherlock, Firefly, or Downtown Abby. Dessert depends on company, dinner, and time of year. By myself, to relax, a good tiramisu with a strong cappuccino. Non-alcoholic drink: Something a friend started, called Iron Wolf tea; gunpowder green tea, earl gray, and raw ginger root with wild honey. How did you get involved into Steampunk and what about it do you like? In short kindness. I like the revitalization of concepts like Respect, Kindness, Honor, and helping those around you. I was raised in Old world thoughts. I respect a lady both for her abilities to fight at my side and exchange barbs over dinner then curl up to read after. What's your all time favorite kind of music and do you find that your personal taste influences the choices of bands that will be playing during the ball, or is it purely fan driven selection? Personally I like most types of music, but have to say rock is my love.
I do not let this influence me too far when choosing bands. I always poll friends and the community to get ideas. How long do you see yourself running this event, and what do you envision for it in the future? Right now I plan for 5 more years. After that expanding to host more like it world over. What is most inspirational to you within the Steampunk community? Children. I love seeing the world through their eyes. If you could have one talent, what would that talent be (one you don't already have!)? To speak any language. When I was a waiter, I took pride in being able to at least greet, say thank you, you're welcome, and good bye in their own language for anyone who came in. For those who don't know you, but would love to know you better, tell us something fun about yourself that you don't mind sharing. I spent 2 years in England studying photo journalism. Ask me privately about the day I watched the sun rise from the top of the Tor. There's a rumor that you typically work the security side of conventions, but when you aren't working for a convention, do you ever go to them for leisurely purposes? If so, what is your favorite convention to attend, and while we're at it, what's your favorite one you have ever worked? I have been doing security at A-kon for almost 20 years now. I have lots of good memories working there. I loved going to Dragon con to just walk around. While working conventions, do you model your experience from what you see going on around you, for what to do and what not to do? Very much so. I have seen performers treated badly by shows and as any band who has ever worked for me will say, I take good care of my people. Thank you Arron, for your time; especially when I know you have not been feeling your best as of late. Along with our best wishes for a quick recovery and get well soon, it was also a pleasure to interview you. We all look forward to this year's (SURE to be a hit) event! For those reading and interested, make sure you grab your tickets now because on March 15th prices rise from $30 to $35. Get your tickets by clicking here! Page 5
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MON
TUE
WED
THUR
Happy Birthday to: Deb Lombard, Beatrice Christemas, Nyx Redfeather, Tim Baer, David Tyberg, Jessica Upchurch, Cameron Hare, Jeanelle Lane, Airship Hope, & Tashonda Burt.
FRI 1
SAT 2
To anyone missed, a special Happy Birthday to you!! For a full list of known Steampunk Conventions & Faires for 2013 – 2014, please click HERE. 3
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-9Amarillo Steampunk Meeting in Amarillo, Tx at 5:30pm
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ConDFW XII in Addison, TX
ConDFW XII in Addison, TX
Valentines Day 17ConDFW XII in Addison, TX
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22-23Space City Steampunks in Houston, Tx. 1st Meeting. Combined with Territories of Houston Steampunks.
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27Steampunk Meetup in S. Austin @ 7PM
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March 1
SIS Meeting in Farmers Branch, Tx at 2PM 24-
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MON
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WED
THUR
Happy Birthday to: Michael Stone, Christina Anderson, PegLeg Brown, Andy Tran, Bev Hale, Amanda Campbell, Jerry Finck, Kayann Evans Holloman, Cheriese Izo, Isabella von Pumpernickel, David Antune, Kat Anderson Tesla, Jimi Cleek, Bek Andoloro, Stephanie Steampunk-Illumination (Stephanie M.), Maddog McCrae, Ellen Lundgren Taylor, & DeAnn Koerth.
FRI 1 Steampunk Invasion of North Texas Irish Festival
March 2
SAT 2 Amarillo Steampunk Leather working Class @5:30PM in Amarillo, Tx
To anyone missed, a special Happy Birthday to you!! For a full list of known Steampunk Conventions & Faires for 2013 – 2014, please click HERE.
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(March Calendar Continued...) SUN 3
MON -4
TUE -5
WED -6
THUR -7SIS Meeting LI @ 7:30PM in Hurst, Tx
FRI -8 All-Con
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-9All-Con Marquis of Vaudeville at Trees in Dallas, Tx @ 9PM
Boyte Memorial Service in DeSoto, Tx. @ 10AM 10 All-Con
SAT
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16NTDP Meeting in Farmers Branch, Tx @ 2PM Thingamajigy Fayre in San Antonio, Tx
1718 SIS Meeting LII– (waiting to be confirmed.)
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23SIS Piney Woods Steam Train Excursion in Palestine, Tx @10AM Aeolo Expo Fundraiser @ 8PM in Marshall, Tx Spring Steampunk Chautauqua in Houston, Tx @ 9:30AM
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27Steampunk Meetup in S. Austin @ 7PM
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ALL-CON INFO: Steam Engine Intrepid = S.E.I.
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30- Amarillo Steampunk Meeting & Tea Party in Amarillo, Tx @ 6PM
On 3/8: Steam Engine Intrepid Leather working @ Noon; Addisyn Madd Steampunk Show n' Tell @ 1PM; Jen Wang, Joshua Bouton, & Pablo Vasquez on Ignorance & Fandom @ 4PM; Addisyn Madd acoustic @ 4PM; Jen Wang's History of Burlesque @ 9PM; S.E.I. - Dark Steampunk @ 10PM. On 3/9: Addysin Madd Fog & Ghastlight @ 1PM; Addysin Madd performance @ 5PM; S.E.I. Steampunk 102 @ 10AM; S.E.I. - Get Your Steampunk On @ 11AM; Darwin Prophet Performance @ 7PM – 8PM; Addisyn Madd – Taverns of Time @ 7PM; S.E.I. - Dark Steampunk @ 11PM; On 3/10: Darwin Prophet Performance @ 10AM; S.E.I. - Steampunk Costuming @ 1PM; Jen Wang, Joshua Bouton, & Pablo Vasquez on Ignorance & Fandom @1PM; Larry Atchley Jr @ 11AM.
* For full details and schedule on All-Con, be sure to go to http://www.all-con.org/
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The Importance of World War I to Both Steampunk and Dieselpunk Written by Larry Amyett World War I plays an important role in both Dieselpunk and Steampunk. While there are those in both genres who use alternate events as guideposts, many consider The Great War as a dividing line between two. In many ways, the Edwardians took the idealism that characterized so much of Victorian thinking, and which so greatly inspires Steampunk, and perverted it into hubris. This Edwardian hubris helped to fuel the massacres on the ground and in the air of Europe as well as on the shores of Gallipoli during the Great War. The events of World War I took this perverted Edwardian hubris one-step further and mutated it to create its two bastard children: Modernity and Traditionalism. The conflict between Modernity and Traditionalism, which was born in the blood and filth of World War I, became an important feature of the 1920s through 40s. Dieselpunks draw on this conflict as part of its source material and make it one of the defining characteristics of the genre, which serves as an example of one of the differences between Dieselpunk and Steampunk.
Curled mustaches make a powerful statement that draws attention to your face and may get you many questions. Not a look for the shy, a curled mustache gives you a bold look that requires personality and bravado. Fortunately, the look is not difficult to create or maintain. The most common type of curled mustache is the handlebar, a thick mustache that wings up on either side of the face into a single curl. Other, more flamboyant types of curled mustaches also exist, like one wild style that sports a carefully parted mustache swept into three curls on each side of the face. First, you will need to grow and groom your mustache to a sufficient length and thickness for curling. The mustache should be at least an inch-and-a-half long at either end to provide sufficient length for curling; it can be trimmed short over the lip for cleanliness and appearance. If your mustache is thin or sparse, dying it darker can make it appeal fuller, and men's hair regrowth products have also been demonstrated effective for facial hair growth To help achieve hold in the curl, you need to use mustache wax. This wax can typically be bought at most beauty supply stores. Apply the wax directly to your mustache, if it comes in a tube, or transfer from fingers to mustache if it comes in a pot. Comb it evenly throughout your mustache. Using your fingers, and working from the center outward, twist and curl your mustache ends up and out, gently shaping the ends into a smooth curl of the desired shape. Apply additional wax as needed. An alternative to the the wax, is to use a small-barreled curling iron. If you don't want to maintain the curled look long-term, this can be a good temporary solution, as your mustache won't become trained to curl. Simply heat the curling iron, then, using extreme caution, wrap the end of your mustache around the barrel. Hold in place for a few seconds, then release. Source: eHow to curl a mustache
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Mailing Address: SteampunkIS P.O. Box 202664 Arlington, Tx 76006 Editor Email: contact@steampunkis.org
Website: www.steampunkis.org Submission Deadline: 7th of each month
We Support Small Businesses! Got an ad to place? Want help in boosting your small business? Write to us, send us a business card or graphic for your business, and a well worded ad and we'll place it for you in our next edition! Write to contact@steampunkis.org! Ladies! Have you been looking for a great nail technician? Well, look no further! A twenty year veteran of nail savvy experience, this wonderful woman works independently to bring you the look you want. She uses no power tools in her work, but works 100% with her gentle hands. Her technique is beautiful, long lasting, and top of the line quality in nail care. Best of all, she is central to the D/FW metroplex – working near Six Flags in the Arlington Lincoln Square. If you decide you need to get your hair done too, you'll be ecstatic to find that this Salon is full of independent beauticians filled with more than 30 individual suites to chose from, all in the same building. So what are you waiting for? Support the small businesses and independent workers, and call today for an appointment! Tell Barbara you found her in the Lamplight Newsletter. Her motto is making your vision a reality that fits, and she truly lives up to her motto. With over 500 positive feed backs and all of them being 100% positive, she delivers handcrafted, excellent quality work. There's always an extra little surprise in each delivery, too. Ellie works with you, is reliable in her communication and strives to make you, the customer, happy with the end product. She specializes in Goth, Fantasy, Renaissance, and Steampunk outfits that can be made in every size, big and small. She offers fantastic deals on multiple piece outfits, some of which even come with reversible bodices. Take a moment and check out her store at www.dungeondudsnjewels.com. You won't be sorry!
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