Lamplight News Nov/2012

November 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Volume 1: Issue 2

Special Announcements.............. Page 2

Featured Photos............................Page 15-16

West Coast Steamin'.................... Page 3-4

Flyer Invitation.............................Page 17

Events Around Texas................... Page 4 Events Around the Nation.......... Page 4 Texas Steampunk Societies.........Page 4 The Jupiter Chronicles Book Reviews........ Page

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Did you know: Around The World In 80 Days was actually based on a true story. In

Welcome Steampunkers............. Page 6

1870, US railroad magnate George

Steampunk & Dieselpunk: A Comparison... Page

Francis Train (what are the odds on

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Artist Spotlight.............................Page 7-10

that name?) declared in the middle of

Steampunk for Children..............Page 10-11

his Presidential candidacy that he

October 2012 Calendar‌............Page 12

would travel around the world in 80

Shout Outs................................... Page 13

days or less. It ended up taking him

Passing It Along........................... Page 13

almost double the time. He tried

Giveaway....................................... Page 13

twice more and finally, 20 years later in

Makers Tutorial........................... Page 14

1890 he managed to do it in under 80

Newsletter Info........................... Page 15

days; 67 to be precise.

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In case you didn't know, the second annual SIS picnic is just around the corner. Sunday, November 18th 2012 from 10am to 2pm, we will be going to the Fort Worth Zoo, Steampunk Invasion style.

To get group ticketing, we will be collecting the money as a group at the front gate. So please be sure to arrive at or before 10am.

Steampunk attire is NOT REQUIRED, but if at all possible, definitely recommended. Ticket pricing depends very much on the number of people who arrive at the gate as a group.

See below for pricing information break down: GROUP ADMISSION PRICES (50 or more people): Adults $9.50 Children $6.50 Seniors (I will have to double check, as they didn't send me the special rate for seniors.)

Children (2 and under) FREE OR GROUP ADMISSION PRICES (15 to 49 people): Adults $11.00 Children (3–12) $8.00 Seniors (65+) $8.00 Children (2 and under) FREE ZOO ADDRESS (driving directions HERE): 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas PARKING COST: $5 per vehicle For the second portion of our day, November 18 2012 from 2pm to 6pm, we will be holding our picnic at Forest Park which is right down the road from the zoo. We will be at Pavilion #1. Address is below and if you need driving directions, click HERE. th

PICNIC LOCATION: 1669 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas

The food list is ever changing, but here is what we have so far: • Cupcakes (flavor yet unknown) • Chips & Dip (assorted) • Dr. Pepper • Coke • Sprite • Sweet/UnSweet Tea • Hamburgers (will grill at picnic) • Hot Dogs • Brisket • Hamburger/Hot Dog condiments • Veggie Tray We appreciate it if anyone is willing to bring paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins, ice chests with ice, or any additional side dishes to go with the above. If you are able to bring the mentioned items, or anything else, please do let us know so we don't have a bunch of duplicates. !!!!ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!!!!

- Pets are welcomed, ON LEASHES! Please pick up any messes your furry family members leave behind (yes, that includes the human sort as well). LOL! - Alcohol is welcomed. Responsible consumption is expected, and that doesn't mean we expect you to finish off the last drop of Kraken Rum before tossing the bottle. Although, it would be a waste not to.... What we mean is to please make sure you are not driving if you plan to drink, no underage drinking or providing to minors, and if you become intoxicated, please make sure you have a handler if you are the type that trips, falls, and rolls down a hill into the bushes. We'd hate to have to form a search party for you only to discover you passed out in the brush somewhere. Oh, and please... no glass bottles, or throwing your trash on the ground, please. We want to leave the park in better shape than we come to it in, if at all possible.

- Bring lawn chairs! While there will be benches, I find them uncomfortable, and there may not be enough seats for everyone. So be sure to bring a chair.

- Remember to bring a blanket or sweater! It will get a bit chilly in the evening and the forecast says 20% rain around 6pm. So be prepared, just in case.

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By Kathryn Poe If SteamCon VI had nothing else going for it, the theme and the merch made it worthwhile.

Who doesn’t love monsters and with panels on the Universal Monster Movies, Jack the Ripper, Ghost Hunters of the Guilded Age and Mummy Dearest how could you go wrong? Well, your Guest of Honor could get the flu and be unable to hop the pond over for the con. I admit that seeing Author Kim Newman was a large part of why I went to this particular con.

The Monsters Parade was followed the next day by the March of the Monster Hunters. Rallied by the folks with the League of STEAM (Supernatural and Troublesome Ectoplasmic Apparition Management) there were some stunning costumes in both events. This Hellboy pictured here is the best one of its kind I’ve ever seen down to the bullets with relics and Holy Water.

Anno Dracula is still one of my favorite reads even just because of the witty combination of fantasy and factreal historical people in their actual locales and strange fictions ones interacting in interesting ways. ( Queen Victoria has married Vlad the Impaler and it’s become fashionable to be a vampire. Toss in Jack the Ripper killing only vampire whores and it gets positively thrilling.) Now, we heard that Newman was so unhappy about not being able to be there that he told the hosts he’d “be in bed feeling sorry for himself.’ Me too, Sir. That left 5 panels I was dying to see wide open so I got to wander through some odd things instead. A session on Frankenstein both as literature and a bellwether for the time was fine though I heard almost nothing I didn’t already know.

Parapsychologist Neil McNeil provided lots of odd and interesting tidbits on the Séance movement and its colorful history. .Infamous Murders of the 19th Century proved that there were many twisted souls about during that time beyond Saucy Jack.

One thing SteamCon did provide well was a ton of Do It Yourself (DiY) panels on everything from costumes, to weapons to serious crafts like steam powered limbs. A relative newbie, I was amazed to hear that folks are doing acid etching, laser brass and leather work and making so many interesting things that go.

The high point of the Airship Awards was hearing that our friend Marquis of Vaudeville won the airship for Best Steampunk Music. Up against Rasputina, the guys had doubts but I made lots of noise when they won. Well deserved, gentlemen!

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The Gears Do Things, Dammit panel was a great source of info and ideas. I met Thomas Willeford of Brute Force Studios. You’ve seen his work on things like the Castle episode where they went to the Steampunk club.

He made the gear Nathan Fillion is wearing and apparently to a shine too. When Nathan dragged his feet on returning the props Thomas offered to post his home phone number on Facebook and the gear showed up very suddenly. I picked up Willieford’s book Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts. The best thing about the book is that it list specific projects, everything you need both material and tools, and step by step instructions on how to complete the project. I’m already diving into a project as I type.

It was fun to see how the West Coast Punks roll and even with out the esteemed Kim Newman I learned some things, met some folks, and got some great ideas and really, it that what Steampunk is all about?

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11/18: SIS 2nd Annual Picnic. Details here.

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12/1-12/2: Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Tx

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12/4: Dr. Jekly & Mr. Hyde Play – Steampunk Specialty in Dallas, Tx

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12/15: Jefferson, Tx Steampunk Christmas Ball

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1/18: The Gray Ball in San Antonio, Tx (LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!)

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11/30 – 12/2: TelsaCon 3 "A Trip To The Moon" in Middleton, Wisconsin

** For a complete list of Steampunk conventions around the nation, please check HERE.

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

REVIEW #1 Below is a book review by Nathaniel M., age 13, written on the book title The Jupiter Chronicles - The Secret of the Great Red Spot, by Leonardo Ramirez.

I love the Jupiter Chronicles. It was fun to read. The orbs were a cool touch and I also enjoyed the weapons such as the steam rifles, coil eruptors, and repulse guns. I think that this book is meant for anyone from the age of seven to fourteen years old.

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My favorite character was Stinky Frank and my favorite chapters were Dreams of Steam, Drifterdash, and Battle for Jupiter. I wish the new book was out already so I could read more.

Callie is missing one very important personality trait: singing! Girls LOVE to sing! I think more jokes would have also been a good addition to the book too because everyone loves jokes. Beyond this, I really can't complain. The book was great. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Anyway, this book is about two kids, a boy and a girl named Ian and Callie. Callie is tired of the same old stuff and Ian is shy spoken but very smart. The two embark on an adventure to Jupiter where they find a friend and a mean kind. In order to defeat him, they must find three orbs but they must survive steam powered robots, space ships, and Callie's diary!

You'd have to read the book to understand the remark about the diary though.

Below is a book review by Autumn M., age 12, written on the book title The Jupiter Chronicles - The Secret of the Great Red Spot, by Leonardo Ramirez.

I think that this book is the very definition of Steampunk. I'm glad I had the chance to read this book and enjoyed every minute of it. It's hard for me to find books that I enjoy, as I'm a picky reader, but this one got my interest and kept me involved.

I am curious though, why Ian did not use his telescope for the entire five years he had it and he waited until his dad disappeared to ever even touch it? I also wish there were more Fact or Fiction sections to read on too. I really enjoyed those and learned a lot from them.

Other things I'd love to know is background information to help me better relate to the characters like more information about the city they lived in, what the name of the city the lived in was, how populated it was, what country they lived in, and if they'd been there all of their lives or just moved there. I'd also love to know when their birthdays were, like what month and day. I also would have loved for the book to be a bit longer.

Maybe 100 pages long would be a good start. Oh, and more enemies to battle and some dungeons or castles even. Castles are good places for Steampunk stuff to happen at, I think.

I'd loved for there to be an additional silly character too, more guns (definitely more guns that have Steampunk elements to them) and of course,

REVIEW #2

The Jupiter Chronicles is an amazing book. I loved it and I loved the personality of each and every one of the characters. I was most drawn towards Callie. She reminds me of myself and has a great personality. She's smart, funny, and lovers her family just as much as I love mine; even if she does make fun of her brother a lot. Ian makes me think of my brother so much. My brother loves assembling and disassembling lots of great stuff just like Ian. I could appreciate the idea of the kids having to suffer for five years with only a single parent ever since their father went missing years ago because it gave me a new way to see how life can be for some kids. I imagine that was especially hard with them living in the year 1892. I personally loved the story line.

What's even better is how this book can help to explain that Steampunk is exciting and it's not just a trend that is passing. We're not a just a bunch of weirdos dressing up in outfits, but that we are intelligent people who love to explore the past and books like this prove it.

While the book was a great read, I would love to know more about the characters on a personal level. Things like how old are they, what does the father look like, or what was he like personality wise? I was also curious to know if the Jovians were human or not? Do they have human like features or do all of the Jovians look like the King did? Also, who or what is the shadowy figure? Is it Human, Jovian, or something else? If I could request one addition to the book, I'd ask for pictures so we could appreciate the art to go with the writing too.

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Sometimes art helps to bring more to the imagination of a good story. Otherwise, this book is a perfect children's Steampunk book.

I would recommend this book for kids ages eight and up. I'd also like to interview the author because I have tons of questions about how he come up with the idea for the story!

By Joseph Hernandez Jefferson once again recently opened its arms to receive Steampunkers into her community.

This time, to welcome Morrighan Lynne and Joseph Hernandez, who were there for a Gearhearts Steampunk Glamor Revue photo shoot. Preston Taylor, instrumental in organizing the upcoming Jefferson Christmas Steampunk Ball, was gracious enough to help secure permission to shoot at various locations.

Most noteworthy was the historical Victorian home, the House of the Seasons. He arranged an introduction with Shirley Reiman, owner and operator of the home and bed and breakfast, who allowed full run of the house for the shoot. Many, many thanks to Shirley and Preston for their graciousness and warmth. Next up after the ball, Preston tells us Jefferson will be busy organizing another Steampunk Invasion for 2013!

By Larry Amyett In this first article on Dieselpunk for the newsletter, I thought it might be a good idea to cover two things. First, I would like to compare the definitions of Steampunk and Dieselpunk.

Second, I would like to address a key philosophical difference between the two genres.

Though many define Steampunk as “Victorian Era Science Fiction,” the Oxford Dictionary defines Steampunk as “a genre of science fiction that typically features steampowered machinery rather than advanced technology.” Though not yet found in a dictionary, the Dieselpunk community has generally agreed that the definition of Dieselpunk is, “a genre that combines the zeitgeist of the 1920s through the 1940s with the sensibilities of today.” Since the definition of Dieselpunk is a little more complex than Steampunk, it warrants a little expansion.

Merriam-Webster defines “zeitgeist” as “the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era.” By the use of the term ‘zeitgeist’ dieselpunk frees itself from the limits of technology and opens itself up to greater possibilities than if it was limited to technology.

The last half of the definition of Dieselpunk of combining the zeitgeist with “the sensibilities of today” is the ‘punk’ suffix in Dieselpunk. Punk provides a counter-cultural pressure on the genre that pushes it to include not only science fiction and fantasy but also alternative history as well as celebrating the anti-hero, the social outcast or simply possessing what one might describe as an ‘attitude.’

The differences between Steampunk and Dieselpunk go beyond simply their definitions.

There’s also a philosophical difference between the genres. Steampunk has a reputation for being brighter and more positive than Dieselpunk. Some say that it’s because the Victorian era was one of optimism while the Diesel Era was a more pessimistic time. However, while events such as the Great Depression and World War II were traumatic, there was still great optimism and amazing achievements during the 20s through 40s.

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Similarly, for Steampunks, while the Victorian era was indeed one of great progress and optimism it was also an age of obscene racism, imperialism, extreme brutality, economic exploitation, and sexism.

I believe that the origin of the philosophical difference between Steampunk and Dieselpunk isn't so much a difference in the viewpoints of those living in those previous eras, as it is differences in the viewpoints of the 21st century genre-punks. As Shakespeare wrote, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves …”

In my opinion, it may be appropriate to compare Steampunk to the Society for Creative Anachronism in that it intentionally takes only the positive from its era of interest. I don’t mean that Steampunk exists in some form of denial but more in the sense of an analogy to smelting silver from ore. In doing so, the Steampunk genre attempts to identify and rediscover what was good about the era and leave the bad to the historians.

Dieselpunk is different in that it intentionally embraces what Steampunk would discard. As the Roman playwright Terence wrote, "I am a human being; I consider nothing that is human alien to me." Dieselpunk tends to embrace the concept that eternal conflict rests at the core of existence. This conflict may be something as grand as an eternal war between Good and Evil or as worldly as a conflict of interests between opposing parties.

Using classical thought, we could say that Dieselpunk is in the philosophical school of Realism.

In conclusion, Dieselpunk and Steampunk differ in both definition and philosophy.

Steampunk by definition combines science fiction with steam technology or Victorian elements while Dieselpunks combine the zeitgeist of the 1920s through 40s with modern sensibilities.

Philosophically, Steampunks respectfully bury their dead while Dieselpunks gleefully open up the closet to let their skeletons to come out and dance.

Did you know: Al Capone disliked the nickname "Scareface", & so when he had heard that the name was on a warrant that would be served to him, he successfully petitioned to have it stricken from the warrant on March 4, 1931 which would be served to him by Judge Wilkerson.

This month we have an interview with the lovely Aimee Stewart of Foxfires Art. For those who may not know who Aimee is, she is an amazingly talented artist and soon-to-be published children's book writer. Aimee has worked with some of the more well known Steampunk musicians such as Abney Park and Marquis of Vaudeville. In fact, Marquis of Vaudeville's new website has much of Aimee's art within that she did for them, including an exact replica of their hooka which sits on the desk of their study on their website. She also designed the logo for Steampunk Illumination Society. She has a couple pieces of her work out for sale as puzzles at some locations like WalMart, and recently she just released a beautiful 2013 Steampunk calendar.

So now that you have properly been introduced to the fabulousness that is Aimee Stewart; let's move on to my interview with her: How old were you when you realized you had a passion for digital art work?

I was around 29 or 30, and received my first copy of Photoshop. At the time, I was thinking of just enhancing photographs. It wasn't until a local friend of mine joined DeviantArt that I saw the potential of digital art and photo-manipulation! I made my first photo-manipulation using one of their photographs as a base, and everything just clicked into place for me, creatively.

What was your first computer and did you use it for digital art work then?

Ha! Well, it was a homemade PC... it didn't even have a brand! My husband's father gave it to us. Small fatback monitor. 250mb drive. Floppy disk. Horrendous screaming modem that sounded like someone melting a witch with acid when we signed into AOL. I only used it for email, and role-playing in the Red Dragon Inn in AOL Chat. Good times! No artwork though. This was around 1994, and my digital artwork started around 2000.

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When you went to Warner Brothers, what feelings did you have on the experience overall?

What an overwhelmingly awesome experience!

My friend and collaborator, Chris Dane Owens, is a producer there at WB as well as the lot manager! So everyone who worked there stopped and talked to us. It was the epitome of a 'pinch me I'm dreaming' moment as we walked into the biggest meeting room there, and put all of my artwork out on the gigantic table so we could discuss plot points. When you live in a tiny town of 5,000 people, you have wild daydreams of doing things like this, and let me tell you... the reality is ten times better. I couldn't stop grinning.

Especially after I got to take one of the WB golf carts out, and drive it around the lot on my own! But one of the most thrilling moments was going to see Madagascar 3, and realizing that it could very well be my story up there on the big screen someday. That is insanely exciting, and pretty humbling. I never went to college, and never set out specifically to make this career. I just did what I loved, because it was fun, and it has lead me on this extraordinary journey. I've met the most amazing people, made lifelong friends, and heading to WB was something I'll never forget. (As was meeting and having breakfast with Chris's father, Gary Owens... who was the announcer on Laugh-In, as well as the voice of Space Ghost, Roger Ramjet, Badly Animated Man, Powdered Toast Man (MY HERO!!!) and many more.)

How did you become inspired to incorporate Steampunk into some of your art?

There were a few things that I look back on and can say without a doubt that they shaped my tastes for my eventual love of Steampunk, even though they may not be Steampunk in-and-of themselves. The first is the series of books called Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence by Nick Bantock. His approach to collage style artwork was instantly a passion of mine. It incorporates found elements in a way that totally inspired me. This lead to my love of something called "Assemblage" or "Found Object Art". A god amongst Assemblage artists is Michael de Meng, (http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/) who I highly suggest investigating if you are not familiar with his work. I had the honor of taking a day long class taught by him a few years ago, which helped me learn how to hodgepodge things together to make them look as if they came out of some dark and lovely twisted carousel.

All of this lead to Steampunk.

My initial Steampunk introduction was totally ignited once I was introduced to Abney Park, and saw the burgeoning Steampunk movement on DeviantArt. The look, the sound, everything about it appealed to me, and clicked into place with everything I already loved. I have been a lifelong fan of the author Charles Dickens, and all things Victorian. But once I saw the fascinating way people were tweaking it with these amazing science fiction elements and punk influences, I fell for it, hook line and sinker. I love all the artwork I do, and make most of my money creating fantasy work for various companies. But when I take time to do my most self-indulgent artwork, it is Steampunk. It just touches upon something in my imagination that no other subject matter reaches.

If you have to pick one piece of artwork that you've done, which piece would you pick?

You crazy question askers! I adore you, and your impossible-to-answer things...heheh. Out of all my Steampunk work, I really treasure "Nightflight", because it is, in essence, my spirit, my wild daydream of a wish to be a dirigible captain, ready to whisk my elegant, roguish, and wonderful patrons up into an untamed sky.

“Nightflight� by Aimee Stewart

What's your favorite music to listen to while you're in your creative moment?

I have an insatiable thirst for music. I also am very eclectic in my selection of it. It will probably not shock you that I actually listen to Marquis of Vaudeville at least several times a week while I'm creating. There's Page 8

just something to lush and transporting about their music. I also listen to a lot of instrumental stuff, from musicians like Amethystium, Blue Stone, Delerium... things that create soundscapes and actually stimulate my mind into imagining entire worlds.

Do you have a certain food or drink that gets you in the mood to create?

Ha!! Oh... if you had asked this of me a year ago?

I would have said cupcakes and caffeine!!!! Today? I make sure I have a stash of dark chocolate on hand for a nibble now and then. Decaf coffee, or hot apple cider.

Those things tend to do the trick, and then I get so wrapped up in working, that I often forget to eat. Oh who am I kidding, if someone showed up with a plate full of perfectly frosted and sprinkled sugar cookies, I'd be fueled for an entire night of art. :) If you could create a dream world to live in, what would be in it and who would you take with you?

My own dream world? Well, imagine a labyrinthine world full of twisty-turny cobbled streets of old English towns, that happen to be decorated in the most lavish and exotic of Moroccan finery and pirate treasures from around the world. Libraries, music rooms, art havens where people could go create on a whim, sumptuous coffee and chocolate shops (priorities, right?!) and then sprawling, magical woodlands to lose track of all time in. Venetian waterways. Moorish castles.

Fairytale cottages. Impossible medieval houses 200 feet tall with spiral staircases that let you slide UP the banister. Dirigibles driven by friendly pandas. Passwords into secret and wonderful clubs that involve tongue twisters and a decent knowledge of obscure limericks.

Heh. But truthfully, there is, in fact, two castles in Wales that I've had the pleasure of visiting, that capture this feel and look wonderfully. Cardiff Castle, and it's summer 'cottage' - Castell Coch. Look both of those up sometime. Fairytale magic as good as it gets. I have a miniature Castell Coch that sits in my curio cabinet by my desk. The walls of one room were hand painted entirely in Aesop's Fables. How cool is that??

When was the first time you had your name publicly mentioned for your work and where was it mentioned?

Hmm, the very first large scale mentioning was a feature in Advanced Photoshop Magazine, a UK based digital art magazine.

There was a small write-up about a couple of my Steampunk pieces that I had sent in to their "Readers Submissions" section.

Out of all the pieces they get sent every month, they selected

mine, which was a huge honor! It quickly went from there, to them asking me if I would write tutorials for them.

Some have described you as a fun personality with a great sense of humor. What is the funniest thing you can think of that you have done, or have had done to you?

The funniest thing I can think of can't possibly be written here, but must only be told in person after imbibing a fair amount of 80 proof alcohol. Heh. But I will tell you this, it involves being in the middle of nowhere, a pair of indestructible Spanx, gummy worms... and it will keep me humble for the rest of my livelong life.

Do you have a secret you can share with us?

If the first publisher I submitted my children's book to decides to sign me? I'll have something in common with JK Rowling. ;) If you had to say, what would you say is the key to happiness?

Do what you love without ever expecting anything in return, and do the rest with as much passion as you can muster. Truly. If you have to work a day job, do it with good humor and gusto... because for the most part, we all have to work day jobs, and the cause & effect of approaching anything with as good of humor as you can bring to it is that it WILL make it better. But make SURE you leave room to do what you love, with no strings attached. Do it for the pure joy you find in it. Whether that is being an artist, a musician, or someone who just loves the mechanics of a good car... do it. Just like you should feed your body with good food, you must feed your soul with what makes it sing. That is what nourishes it, and allows you to get through the more drab areas of life. And you would be surprised at how happy it makes you, and what kind of ripple effect it will cause. And then? When good things do come your way from it? It's always a pleasant surprise. If you do get into a position of being able to make money off of what you love doing? Always approach the situation with grace, humility, and the ability to laugh at absurd situations that will always without fail - come your way.

Where did your inspiration for the 2013 Steampunk Calendar come from?

In all honesty, I wanted one to hang on my wall!!! Heheh. I wanted something that looked as if Page 9

you'd found an ornate photo album full of visions of another time and place. And I figured if I wanted one, others might, too. I keep my calendars at a very low percentage rate of profit, so that I can keep them affordable for folks. I think I make about 3.00 on each calendar? But it makes me happy to know that if people want some artwork, and can't afford to buy single pieces on canvas and such, these calendars are of such high quality that you can easily frame the pages if you wish.

For those interested, how may we obtain a copy of that calendar?

This is the direct link! And don't forget - if you can't order it right now, you can choose the calendar start date to whatever month you choose... so you aren't locked in to having it start in January. Kinda nifty if you ask me!

Thank you, Aimee, for the wonderful inter view!

when the water boils, like a cloud that’s just been scared out of its socks. Incidentally, the teapot is generally given credit for the idea of steam power in the 18th century, inspiring James Watt as a child witnessing steam pressure opening the lid of the kettle (probably not true, but he did take the idea of steam power and harness it on a large scale).

The setting is generally referred to as Victorian, although that tends to imply England, and it’s really a time period over the entire world that exhibits 19th Century fashion and culture. Technology is based on steam, with lots of science fiction or fantasy elements.

And generally lots of adventure – Famous Explorers, Pirate Captains (remember the balloon powered airships?), Mad (or at least very angry Scientists), Independent Women (scandalous!), fencing, inventing, waltzing and other dangerous activities.

Steampunk for Children: What to Read Probably the most popular young adult Steampunk book right now doesn’t exactly fit the category, but who cares, because this is a great story.

Steampunk for Children: What is This Thing Called Steampunk?

Submarines navigating the depths of the ocean.

Wandering balloons taking you to a lost island. Giant airships hidden in volcanoes. Traveling to the moon aboard a rocket. Journeying to the center of the earth.

Riding in a steam powered mechanical elephant.

Who had all these wacky ideas? A writer named Jules Verne, who happened to just celebrate his 183rd birthday this February. He was considered a visionary because he wrote stories about traveling undersea and trips to the moon long before they became reality.

Who knew this dusty old Frenchman would be writing in a genre that was named only a few decades ago, and has only recently become popular. Jules Verne has become a visionary again.

HG Wells and his Time Machine had a hand in this, too, and if you are familiar with these two authors, you get an idea of what inspired Steampunk.

What is Steampunk? As the first part of the name implies – there is steam. Cars that run on steam, ships that run on steam, flying machines that run on steam (and often hydrogen, this is an era, you know). So much steam that everyone wears goggles, or maybe they wear them just because they look cool.

Steam is that stuff that shoots out of a teapot

Scott Westerfeld’s “Leviathan” and “Behemoth” books takes place at the beginning of World War I. The difference being that the Allied Powers are called Darwinists, and all their machines are genetically engineered living creatures. Such as the Leviathan, an airship that is a whale. The Axis powers use mechanical technology and are called Clankers (think Star Wars ATAT’s). The story begins on the eve of World War I. Deryn Sharp is a young girl masquerading as a boy so that she can serve aboard the military vessel Leviathan.

Aleksander is the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne who has to escape being assassinated by the Clanker powers. Circumstances force the two together in an adventure that really is non stop action as they travel around the world.

If you’ve already read Westerfelds books and love them, give Scott Oppel’s Matt Cruse series a try. We are back in the air, again not quite Victorian but close enough we won’t argue, and again some great adventure.

The hero, Matt Cruse, works aboard an airship named the Aurora. Pirates, anyone? Also, extinct creatures and lost islands. In this he is ably aided by the strong willed rich heiress Kate De Vries. This is one of my favorite series; one of those books that will keep you reading all night to see what happens next. The books in the series are “Airborn”, “Skybreaker” and “Starclimber”. Lots of interesting and fantastic science in this series, reminding me of a good Jules Verne novel.

Okay, so where is this Victorian England that’s supposed to be part of the Steampunk genre? Let’s try Page 10

the “Hunchback Assignments” by Arthur Slade. No he doesn’t have a steam powered hunchback, but there are mechanical evildoers and a plot to destroy England with a giant robot (steam powered, of course, but with another source of energy revealed at the climax of the story). Young Modo is a hunchback, but he has the ability to transform his body to any appearance he wants. This makes him a perfect spy for the mysterious gentleman Mr. Socrates. Modo is aided by the street smart girl named Octavia Milkweed as they investigate murders of important men and the kidnapping of orphan children.

started on those classic books. Some of the ones we offer at the Dallas Public Library are Around the World in 80 Days, 20,000 leagues Under the Sea, the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Alice in Wonderland.

Jonathan Carr Library Associate J. Erik Jonsson Central Library Children’s Center

These are all good reads, and though they are listed in the teen catalogue for the Dallas Public Library, younger children who are elevated readers will enjoy them. Think of them as on the same reading level as the Harry Potter books.

One series in the Steampunk genre that is geared for younger readers is the “Clockwork Chronicles” by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis. This is the second series for the Grey Griffins, three kids from Minnesota who form a club called the Grey Griffins, and end up battling a variety of evil supernatural creatures. It turns out they are related to the Templar Knights, and begin training at a school called the Iron Bridge Academy. In the “Clockwork Chronicles”, they are up against the Clockwork King, an old foe of the Templars, and his army of clockwork machines.

Finding picture books that are Steampunk is more difficult. One book that I really like is “Santa Calls” by William Joyce. A boy named Art (devoted to "the making of inventions, the quest for adventure, and the fighting and smashing of crime" – what else do you want from a Steampunk story?); his best friend, a Comanche boy named Spaulding; and Art's little sister, Esther, are summoned to the North Pole by Santa. There they successfully battle Dark Elves and an Evil Queen, but Santa’s invitation remains a mystery to all but little Esther. Joyce is one of my favorite picture book writers and illustrators, and this book is good adventure.

These are just a few of the titles in this genre (really, read Leviathan. It’s good). If you’re interested, here are a few more titles that fit into the category, more or less. And if you’ve read a good Steampunk book that I haven’t mentioned, let me know.

• • • •

The Boneshaker by Kate Milford The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (another of my favorites) Clockwork by Philip Pullman Mortal Engines by Philip Reeves

And if you want to go to the originals, but not quite ready to plow in to the 300 pages of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Try the Classic Starts series. These are adaptations of classic novels, rewritten for young readers. Of course, the originals are the best, but this can be a good way to get

SIS was contacted by AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas with a very special invitation extended directly to our community to attend the opening night of Jekyll & Hyde, a Broadway play which has made it's way to Texas.

Those displaying their Steampunk finest will be able to walk down the exclusive red carpet for all to see. Experience the beauty and creativity of this classic Victorian tale.

Americal Idol star Constantine Maroulis along with sizzling pop star Deborah Cox transform the classic tale of good and evil into a theatrical phenomenon. After four thrilling, chilling years on Broadway and multiple worldwide tours, this dark and dangerous love story grabs audiences by the throat and never lets them go.

STEAMPUNK AT THE CENTER Opening Night Event: Tuesday, December 4 at 8 PM Winspear Opera House (2403 Flora Street 75201) Tickets Prices below: Orchestra Floor & Orchestra Terrace

$70 (regularly $85)

18% discount

Cree Box Seats

$120.00

No discount

Mezzanine

$70 (regularly $85) 18% discount

Dress Circle

$60 (regularly $85) 30% discount

Grand Tier

$20 (regularly $40) 50% discount

In addition to the above discounts, all $10 per seat handling fees will be waived. To purchase, please go to: http://www.attpac.org/steampunk Page 11

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WED

!!NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!!

Happy Birthday to: Nathaniel Moran, Ben Hamby, Alex Whisenhunt, Sharon Nixon, Viktor Graves, Captain Q. Hopkins, & Draven O'Hughes. To anyone missed, a special Happy Birthday to you!

THUR -1-

….and to those who celebrate it, a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Emerald City Steampunk Expo in Wichita, KS

Emerald City Steampunk Expo in Wichita, KS

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8 SANVA Alamo Drafthouse Movie Night 7PM in San Antonio, Tx

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16 Territories of Houston Steampunk Meeting 6pm in Houston, Tx

17 N. Tx Dieselpunk Train Ride 10 AM in Grapevine, Tx

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30 TelsaCon 3 "A Trip To The Moon" in Middleton, Wisconsin

December 1 Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Tx ----------------TelsaCon 3

December 6

December 7

December 8

Unobtanium in Austin, Tx ----------------Wild West Fest in Winsboro, Tx

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SAT

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Emerald City Steampunk Expo in Wichita, KS

11 Showdown at

FRI

Steampunk Nov. -Venus, Tx ----------------Showdown at Unobtanium in Austin, Tx ----------------Wild West Fest in Winsboro, Tx

SIS 2nd Annual Picnic/Zoo Day in Ft. Worth, Tx THANKSGIVING

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R3SES Meeting 6:30pm in Shreveport, LA December 2 December 3 Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Tx ----------------TelsaCon 3

December 4 December 5 Dr. Jekly & Mr. Hyde Play – Steampunk Specialty in Dallas, Tx

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Ships (Group) Name: Captains Name: Ships Motto: Crew Compliment:

A very Happy Birthday to ALL November birthdays from SIS. May you all have a wonderful day full of all the people you love and memories you will cherish!

Ships History (75 words or less): Contact Information (email and cell): If sending an email, please attach the ships/groups logo (if applicable)!

Further information may be required at a later date. The above

Congratulations goes out to Marquis of Vaudeville for their win in Best Steampunk Music awarded by SteamCon IV in Seattle, Washington!

Congratulations to Evremonde Von Ware for her perseverance and upcoming graduation November 23rd! SIS sends cheers and praise your way & wishes you success in your new career!

SIS sends wishes to North Texas Dieselpunks group for a very happy upcoming one year anniversary! We have enjoyed seeing you grow and thrive and it has been our sincerest honor to work together you all!

will be used to get your groups information on the website soon.

Who doesn't love free stuff? While I cannot promise freebies every newsletter, at least this month I can offer a little something. I currently hold FOUR extra Closed Beta Keys to a Steampunk browser based MMORPG which has just started. The game is called City of Steam. I can honestly say that for a browser based FREE-to-play game, this is one of the very best, top of the line, games I've ever run across. The game runs off of Unity Web Player and the download for that program took me all of 1 second to download & install. I took part in their Alpha testing and it was a fantastic experience.

While there were bugs, even the ones that existed were absolutely minor and one of the cleanest alpha's I've played in a while. The world submerges you into a Steampunk reality with

If you have an Airship, Landship, Locomotive, or

it's dungeons, quests, airships flying over head, and my absolute favorite would be the gear

whatever means of Steampunk vehicle, or are simply a

we get to wear and

group of crazed enthusiasts, and you are wanting to be part

weapons modifications we

looking for those who want to present their ships on the

to be welcomed back as a

of Comicpalooza, listen up! As of this moment, we are

get to make. I am excited

docking ring of Steampunk alley during Comicpalooza

Closed Beta tester, and I

2013! If you are interested in representing your ship and crew at the convention, Please reply to me by completing with the below questionnaire so I can get your ship registered for Comicpalooza 2013:

am happy to bring along four more enthusiasts who would like to delve into this new Steampunk MMO and tell the devs just how they can make this game epic! If you'd like to claim a key, please email me and I will send you the key. First come, first serve! SO HURRY!

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would have to be cut exactly right to fit in place, and then sealed with a tiny bead of clear caulk or glue.

DIY Steampunk Gauges: www.epbot.com If you're building steampunk props for cosplay, gauges are a must-have. Unfortunately, vintage gauges (which look the most authentic) can be both hard to find and pretty darn expensive once you do track them down.

So, John and I decided to make our own.

Here's the secret: These cup slider handles for closet doors are perfect for DIY gauges. Plus, a pack of two handles only costs two or three dollars sweet!

Once we found those, I went hunting online for photos of vintage pressure gauges. I found one I liked, downloaded it, and then cleaned it up and cropped it (badly) in Photoshop: Next I needed a temperature gauge, which was much harder to track down. Eventually I found a style I loved... ...but the photo had too much glare and shadow to use. So, using that photo as a reference, John and I made one from scratch in PS with a few fun variations, of course.

For the most realistic look, you could use clock hands or spinner arrows like these for the gauge needles. We were impatient, though, and just printed ours on.

To give the faces some age and character, John rubbed brown glaze on the paper after printing them out. (Tip: make the edges darker for a nice vignette effect.)

Next it was a simple matter of cutting them out and popping them inside the frames.

So instead, we opted for the easy way out and just filled them with clear epoxy: If you go this route too, be sure to use metal duct tape to cover the two small holes in the back of the handles before filling them. Epoxy will melt through regular tape - a lesson we learned the hard way with our first set - so be sure it's the hardy metallic stuff.

The epoxy we used was crystal clear, so you can only see it from an angle when the light hits it. It's so clear, in fact, that I may go back and add a circle of thin plastic on top of the epoxy, just to make it more visible. (A later suggestion from a reader: Instead of epoxy, you should try doming resin. I use it in my "Firefly" charms. It domes up and looks shiny, which is what I think you want.)

And finally, here are our two finished gauges, setting in place on a scale drawing of the prop we're building: And, ok - since you insist - here's a sneak peek of the prop a little further along:

Our gauges managed to fool a friend from only two feet away, so overall I call that a success!

The only change I might make for future gauges is to bring the faces forward a bit, so they're not recessed quite so far in the handles. I've noticed with modern gauges that the needle and face are almost right against the glass, so that might help ours look even more realistic.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this "snapshot of what John & Jen have been up to." Heh. Feel free to use the graphics in this post for your own gauges, fellow Steampunkers, and please send me photos if you do!

For the glass, we considered cutting plastic or thin plexiglass - both options that I think would work, but they

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Mailing Address: SteampunkIS P.O. Box 202664 Arlington, Tx 76006 Editor Email: contact@steampunkis.org

Website: www.steampunkis.org

Airship Serenity group shot.

Submission Deadline: 7th of each month ~Another freebie: Snag this Steampunk font called~

Steampunk Invasion group shot.

Thank you to Joseph Hernandez, who submitted these photos of Steampunks at The Renessaince Faire in Houston, Texas. If you'd like to have your Steampunk photos featured here, please send them in along with any captions you'd like to appear with each photo.

Paige Hernandez standing before one of the many beautiful gardens at TRF.

Cozmo Osric Galloway (Sky Captain Cog) Page 15

Tom Madison at the Sea Devil Tavern.

Tiffany Hinnen standing before the jousting arena.

"Squirrel!"

Niki Moffre (Bounty Hunter)

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