Victorian Glossary, Part 4

Continuing with the series...

Dissenter: In England and Wales, a member of the Protestant Church no part of the Anglican hierarchy; for example, a Methodist. Dissenters were seen as lower-class, Puritanical, and often politically radical.
Dollymop: A street walker.
Dreadnought: An extremely large and heavily armored steel battleship.
Elan Vital: A "vital force" that was believed to pervade living matter.
Ether, Luminiferous: A hypothetical invisible and intangible substance filling all of space that carries light waves and other electromagnetic waves.
Eugenics: Proposals to breed human beings scientifically, to enhance desirable characteristics or eliminate undesirable ones.
Fenian: A member of an Irish organization devoted to freeing Ireland of British rule through illegal methods, sometimes including murder and terrorism.
First Floor: In Britain, the floor above the ground floor.
Heliograph: A device for sending messages across country in Morse code, using mirrors to reflect sunlight.
Ironclad: A warship with iron armor – on early ironclads, mostly above the waterline to protect against other ship’s guns.

Stoddard, W.H. (2000) - Gurps Steampunk, pg. 142, SJG:Austin
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Oh, and Proserous Wishses for 2008, (aka, Year of the Rat), to all!

Steampunk Travelogue: Vernian Sea Docks... and more

Vernian Sea Docks at night, under an evening sky

I took a few moments from "product development" to enjoy a constitutional, as my eyes were beginning to become crossed. To enjoy a bit of fresh sea air, I decided to visit the Vernian Sea… or more specifically, its dock / marketplace. I had visited it early upon its establishment, when there was nary a ship in the water. After taking a break from running the shop, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of ships (and stores) moored there.



Mr. Gideon Biederman has a substantial lot with an unnamed store containing a number of useful and interesting items, including attire and equipment for the working man (person), such as a suspender with tools, worker’s overalls, and a steam-powered shotgun – nice!




The Steampunk Trading Company has an outpost at the top of the dock. Its owner, Pumpkin Tripsa, owner of the Quarry (also in Port Babbage) has a very nice metallic propeller on display, and I’m looking forward to more on display as they become available.




Gaslight Imports also has a slip, and seems to be unloading its wares at the moment. Mr. Vincent Shepherd (also the proprietor of Gaslights Emporium) has a couple of Japanese dolls unloaded at the moment, but I assume the bulk of the goods are already at the Gaslights Emporium Main Store (again, in Port Babbage).

I was under the impression there were a few more ships, but I suppose it would be safe to say they are out to sea for the time being – I look forward to their return to see what goods the bring back!



Then I decided to visit the small light house at the end of the dock... which houses the elevator that leads down to the bottom of the sea...



Going down....


I was impressed with the depth (figuratively and literally) of the tube system, from the initial arrival to the beauty of the stroll I was enjoying in it.






Bottom floor - all hands out (lol)!




Proceeding along the tubes - enjoying the undersea vista


I happened upon Miss Natacha Chernov, who was also exploring the bottom of the sea. After imposing on her time, she escaped my monologue, so I was resigned to seeing where my future path lay.





Taking a breather (and no, I wasn't lost, tyvm - just analyzing my position)





Jellyfish in their natural habitat

There is a multitude of sealife in the Vernian Sea, and I took a moment to enjoy a cup of tea, while enjoying the beauty of (sl) nature pass me by.





Continuing my stroll...


I kept on exploring, when my nemesis (RL) reared its ugly head, and forced me to depart my adventure. I hope to continue my explorations of this unique build in the proverbial "back yard" in the future, but I do recommend it for anyone who wishes to experience a unique atmosphere in SL.

Mythbusters- Steam Machine Gun

Came across this little gem while surfing - condensed a bit, but educational (and extremely innovative)!

Victorian Glossary, Part 3

As mentioned on my twitter, the end of the year has turned out to be a bit more busy than I had anticipated. I do expect thing to lighten a bit in the near future (for a small bit of time), but for now, I shall attempt to "catch up" with writing obligations...

Condenser: (1) Part of a steam engine where steam is turned back into liquid water that can be reused, reducing the need to take on new water regularly. (2) The 19th century name for what is now called a capacitor.
Consols: Government bonds paying 3% interest, from which the funds they are used to raise.
Consumption: An advanced stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, usually leading to death fairly quickly.
Corn: In British usage, any grain, but especially wheat. The American product is called "Indian Corn" or "maize".
Corset: An undergarment used to compress a woman’s waist, theoretically to a fashionable 18 inches, though many women left theirs partially unfastened most of the time. A favorite target of health-conscious dress reformers.
Cut direct: Pointedly not seeing a person who one does not with to speak.
Dementia Praecox: Schizophrenia, so called to distinguish it from dementia senilis.
Demimondaine: A woman with a questionable reputation who retains the traces of respectability.
Difference Engine: The precursor to the analytical engine, a mechanical computer designed to calculate and typeset mathematical tables.
Dirigible: Any light-than-air craft with engines for powered flight, but normally used for a craft with a non-rigid gasbag.

Stoddard, W.H. (2000) - Gurps Steampunk, pg. 142, SJG:Austin
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A CHRISTMAS STORY trailer

One of my traditions from my single days (which I still follow)was to watch as much of a Christmas Story as possible... (my record was 20 hours - gets a bit repetitive after the 9th viewing). Currently watching it, and have always been a big fan of it, to the charign of the others in my family. A US cultural icon, it does give two frequently quoted lines, which almost every fellow knows...

1) "You'll shoot your eye out"!
2) "I triple-dog dare you!"

(Oh, and I believe his younger brother gets Zeppelin gift as a present - the *extremely* weak steampunk connnection - lol).

Again- Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

To all the individuals who graciously read this small blog..

Merry Christmas - may you have a wonderful holiday season!

Very Respectfully,

Rafael Fabre

Victorian Glossary, Part 2

Continuing with the linguistic terminology...

Bitters: Alcohol flavored with substances such a orange peel or wormwood.
Bloody: Often claimed to be a contraction or "By Our Lady". Most Victorians didn’t know the etymology, but they knew it was extremely bad language.
Bourgeoisie: People who’s income derives from investments or land, rather than from working.
Boxing Day: December 26th, a day where small gifts of money were made to servants and the needy.
Brevet: In effect, a temporary promotion to the next highest military rank, granting command authority but no increase in pay.
Brougham: A moderately priced carriage that many middle-class families could afford, with a closed body and two or four wheels, and usually pronounced "broom" or "brome" Especially favored by physicians.
Chapel: Often used to refer to a place of worship and used by Dissenters; contrasts with the "church".
Chemist: A seller of drugs and related products.
College: In British usage, one of the subdivisions of Cambridge or Oxford, with its own grounds where some students, and some instructors resided, dined, socialized, and sometimes studied. Each college provided tutors for its undergraduates.
Commanding Officer: In the 19th century, an officer other than the ship’s captain or master who is temporarily in command; the phrase never means the captain, who is simply "the captain".

Stoddard, W.H. (2000) - Gurps Steampunk, pg. 142, SJG:Austin

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Steampunk Dragons

Steampunk Dragon Egg

(Isle of Wyrms) - A quick notice to those who may be interested... the Isle of Wyrms will have their quarterly dragon avatar auction tomorrow. Not sure of the times, but I do know this only happens four times a year (soltices and equinoxes), and the prices are as follows:

Hatchinglins - L$ 650
Wyrmlings - L$ 2200
Dragons - L$ 3500

You are able to purchase Hatchlings and Wyrmlings at any time, but the Dragons are in high demand and will only be sold tomorrow (Dec 22nd). Although there area number of different dragons potentially available, including the Steam Dragon, expect fierce competition for any dragon. It will be at the Isle of Wyrms (if you wish to research it futhrer), and the off world website is at:

http://www.daryth.com/draconica/index.php/Limbo_Dragon_Species#Steam_Dragon

A note: if you are unable to purchase the Steamdragon, it is my understanding that once one purchases any dragon, the rest are availabe for purchase.

Victorian Glossary, Part 1

Reading through some of my old books led me to a glossary of Victorian terms, many of which are unique to the era. As such, I am posting them for interest sake, as one might find them useful in SL or simple RL discourse...

Aeronet: an aircraft that has a stall speed; that is, heavier than air.
Aerostat: An aircraft that has zero stall speed; that is, a lighter than air craft such as a balloon or airship.
Analytical Engine: A proposed design for a general-purpose computing engine working purely mechanically, with steam power, gears, and punched-card programming.
Antimacassar: A doily pinned to the back of a chair to protect the fabric from the macassar oil that many men wore in their hair.
Apergy: A hypothetical repulsive gravitational force.
Apoplexy: A stroke.
Barrister: A lawyer who is licensed to present cases in court.
Batman: A soldier assigned to act as a personal servant to an officer.
Bertillonage: A technique for criminal identification based on exact measurements of 11 parts of the body.
Billingsgate: Crude and abusive language, named after a district of London where fish was sold and such language was common in the streets.

I shall add more as time goes on, to complete this minor compilation.

Stoddard, W.H. (2000) - Gurps Steampunk, pg. 142, SJG:Austin
[edited for removal of game specific content]

Victorian Manners: Artistic Insults

Lady Astor & Sir Winston Churchill

As I was cleaning up the "rat's nest" of favorites I have acquired over time, I came across my good friend, Cap'n Dyke, who is always able to twist a phrase with ease (lol)! One of her more recent entries had me splitting my sides with admiration... the "Once upon a time, insults could almost be poetic".

The one that grabbed my attention, was an exchange between Lady Astor and Sir Winston Churchill...

Lady Astor: "Winston, if you were my husband, I'd poison your coffee!"

Sir Winston:"Madam, if you were my wife, I'd drink it!"

*Sigh!* If only modern insults could be so eloquent! For more linguistic artwork, please visit her site at:

http://lesbianpiratequeen.wordpress.com/2007/12/14/once-upon-a-time-an-insult-could-be-almost-poetic/

A dose of my own medicine!

Artesia and I enjoying a chilly afternoon topside on the Quarterdeck

(Port Babbage) - I am in the throes of finishing up as much as I can with the Quarterdeck, and have a few other irons in the proverbial fire, so I have been busy as of late, unfortunately. However, I finally had the opportunity to visit Mr. Dayafter's blog, and pleasantly discovered that he had written a bit on my Establishment (I've been blogging here and other places about other's efforts - its a bit strange to read about my own (lol))!

He was very generous and gentlemanly in describing my store/domicile, and one of the first to compliment me on my "Dogs Playing Poker" art display! Ty, sir!

Needless to say, I visited his site and read his diligent works... and then discovered his associated squidoo shopping site (Dr. Dayafter's Haberdashery). Filled with rl items a steampunk gentleman would have, he also intersperses it with sage lessons in "Being a Gentleman" 1 through 3, and a primer on letters of introduction. I look forward to more works from Mr. Dayafter!

http://www.augustusdayafter.blogspot.com/
http://www.squidoo.com/haberdashery

Steampunk Dalek - Colour Render

A (brief) masterpiece by Mr. Kaa! Kudos!

Steampunk Business: Autogenic Alchemy

Logo of Autogenic Alchemy

(Caledon Penzance) - Always on the look out for superb steampunk entrepreneurs, I stumbled across Autogenic Alchemy, run by Mr. Fawkes Allen, and his shop girl, Miss Emily Orr. I saw the items they have for sale, and was impressed at their uniqueness and attention to detail.

I will be visiting their store in short order, but if the "Catnip Clockwork", a beautifully detailed mechanical mouse, and their selection of "Bedlam Eyes" are any indication of their future products, I'm certain I will be a regular customer at their business endeavor...

One can visit their store at:

http://autogenica.blogspot.com/

[Oh, and I can't forget their "Clockwork Citrus" - mechanical oranges and grapefruits. The small details are what separate common "Victorian" backgrounds versus the beauty and uniqueness of Steampunk...]

The "New Babbage" Group of 8: Photographic contest

Image of the "Air Ferry" in Babbage Square

(Babbage Square) - With a model of the Magisterium's air ferry from the Golden Compass (built by one of our resident Master Builders, Mr. Loki Eliot), was the focus of the New Babbage Cog's photogram contest. Eight resident photographers, submitted their work to be voted upon by the residents of Babbage.



One-quarter shot of the ship, with the New Babbage flag flying to port

They are all outstanding works, so the decision will be a difficult one. Nonetheless, the decision will have to be made quickly, as the deadline for votes is the 9th of December, at 11:59 SLT. The tabulation will computed and evaluated, with the result projected to be officially announced on the 10th of December.



Shot from the landing platform, over looking Port Babbage

There is a possibility that another Victorian/Steampunk movie related build is in the works in New Babbage, so keep attentive -as soon as it is announced, I shall endevor to relay its existance as soon as possible!

To see the submissions, please visit the New Babbage Cog, at:

http://newbabbage.wordpress.com/the-babbage-group-of-8/

My "Tag" entry...

Well, my new rl responsibilities have cut into my (much more important) SL time, but I will endeavor to respond to the current game of "tag" permeating the Victorian blogs, to include the "eight random facts about myself"...

1) Contrary to my good friend Mr. Trenton, I indulge in "healthy" (ok, not so healthy) amounts of coffee... I prefer a good Sumatra Blend ("like velvet on your tounge") as opposed to "macrobrew" (Folgers, et al), but I will drink it regardless. (Mmmm....coffee.....)

2) Trying to recreate a "Nautical Steampunk" environment in my "computer room". It'll take a bit to accomplish, but nothing good is easy, I suppose.

3) Once ate 49 whole jalapenos in 2 minutes - not such a great idea, but did receive accolades for doing it. A crazy submarine "1/2 way night" event that haunts me to this day!

4) Started blogging as an "amusing pastime" that has run amok. This is my second blog, however, the first one being an attempt at a "SL Travelogue" that was, in my opnion, depressingly sparse.

5) I've resided in three of the four major Victorian/Steampunk sims: Caledon Mayfair, Antiquity Township/Harbor, and Port Babbage.

6) Fret about a growing inventory list, but hate to delete anything that I had to purchase. I suppose I will "buckle down" and begin a deletion spree, but hate to think of the things that will accidentally disappear in the endeavor.

7) Enjoying starting the new store, but had no idea how much work it would be. Organizing, producing product, ectera, is fun, but I chose "a terrible time to start a store in SL" (to paraphrase Lloyd Bridges (Steve McCroskey) in "Airplane").

8) Hate when I'm subjected to a patchwork of music when travelling in SL, so I default to iTunes 1.FM-Trance, until I settle into a location for a bit - then switch over to SL.

I will eventually return and name eight "lucky" individuals... but I will wait a bit for my tags, until the time is right *grins*!

Finally! The build is done... now the hard part...

A view from Topside, overlooking the Port

(Port Babbage) – The wait for a replacement is over and the store is up! My endeavor, the Quarterdeck, is located on lot #9, in Port Babbage. It shouldn't be hard to locate, as it has a number of swirling amber semi-spheres on it – including the top, with a psudo-aquatic look to the lighting.

Miss Yolanda Hirvi, hardworking builder of the Quarterdeck

Built by Miss Yolanda Hirvi, New Babbage resident and proprietor of Oblonski (a fine Victorian furniture shop), she generously accepted my offer to build "an edifice", as I was enjoy a lacksidasical lounge on her Vernian desk/chair combo (with a pose that allows the av to "kick his/her feet up" on the desk)! My first plans were a bit outrageous, but with a little discussion, she helped me reach a buildable design.

After a mere two days, she had completed the new building, which left me with the challenging task of making a business out of it (lol)! After consideration, I decided to attempt to alleviate two things that have bother me in SL, and revisit one goal.

First deck - a bit sparse at the moment, but I some projects in the works...

First, a central repository for Victorian Nautical items in SL. I enjoy sailing and nautical items, but it was a challenge to either have to visit Slexchange/OnRez to obtain them (cutting into SL time – lol), or going to disparate locations to obtain the items I wished. To address this, I have the honor of having Mr. Murikami’s fantastic Ironclads in the store, along with a Angus Ceawlin’s nautical supplies. Commodore Sin Trenton has accepted my offer of wall space in the Quarterdeck, so more people will be able to enjoy his canal runners – and I’m currently in negations with other nautical purveyors.

Second Deck - for future expansion, but in the mean time, I'll be housing artwork there, starting with a retrospective of C.M. Coolidge - the gentleman who painted the men's classic... "Dogs Playing Poker"

Second, high prices for basic items. I despise it when I see a piece of artwork or a simple upload being sold (for what I consider unreasonable) amount of money. As such, I have identified a number of items that I will sell at (or below) the current market prices. Starting with flags. It is obscene that they are sold for up to L$ 100 for a simple flag. Therefore I have constructed the "Ensign Pack" – a selected country national (or regional) flag, its Naval Ensign, the national flag mounted on a pole (that sounds a bit ominous), and other related nautical flag textures as I find them, for no more than L$ 20 – or the cost of uploading the flags. I won’t get rich off these items, but it is the principal that matters. (As a vexicologist, it is also a pleasure – lol)!

Third Deck - The Reform Club - A meeting place for any adventurer or bon vivant who simply wishes to relax while in Port Babbage.

My goal – a communal meeting place. When I lived in Antiquity Harbor, in its bell tower, the top floor was a meeting place for myself – or strangers – who just wanted to over look the seaways, relax, and chat. So I have begun New Babbage’s Reform Club (yes, like Verne’s "80 days around the world") on the 3rd deck ("floor" to landlubbers, tyvm). Big cushy chairs, Whisky from America, Tea from India, cigars, music – just a place to relax. In time, I hope to obtain nice quality photos of Nautical SL individuals, and have the adorning the wall of the club (Mr. Dagger….)!

Topside - Relaxing on one of the deck chairs by a pot of hot coffee, with an "amber sphere" behind me, and the (temporarily named) Aero-Club just aft of it.

If one lands on the top deck, using the "amber sphere" as a landing light, there are deck chairs and coffee awaiting those who wish to relax and enjoy the view of Port Babbage. Additionally, the (as yet to be officially named") aero-club, in the small building towards the north, will be dedicated to the adventures of the aero-nauts and pilots of Victorian SL. I’m currently in discussions with Miss Connolly on further details regarding it.

Well, enough of my monologue! If you are seeking Victorian nautical item, please stop by, as I’ll be adding more in the coming months. If you simply wish to look around, visit the club, or just lollygag, there is always a "comfortable" chair and hearty beverage waiting for you at the Quarterdeck!