Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Apparently yesterday was International Steampunk Day, which shows you just how current I am. Well, happy belated day to all the neo-Victorians!

Disney is more with it than I am -- their Mechanical Kingdom is quite steampunky. Scott Westerfeld echoes my thoughts. After all, the Haunted Mansion + EPCOT + 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea equals something which had a profound effect on me as a kid, and is often called steampunk these days...

Also an influence: all the space talk and art during my childhood. This lunar explorer looks like it was designed in 1880!

The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers,and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) seeks to keep history alive. They offer lessons as well as their services.

Michael Demeng's assemblage work is fascinating and beautiful, and may appeal to those of a steampunk bent.

And finally, news that Philadelphia now has a monthly night of steampunk finery at Dorian's Parlor. The website is as lovely as you'd expect!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Funny story about Disney's Haunted Mansion:

Loved it, of course, so I had to share my love of it with my 4 year old nephew. MISTAKE!

Once we started the journey, he freaked. He clung to me, almost in tears. I told him, "It's not real. It's a big toy, like legos, but really really big legos." He was not convinced. It was the longest ride ever, for both of us!

When finally we disembarked, his fright turned to rage. He was PISSED! He demanded to know, "WHY DID YOU TAKE ME ON THAT RIDE?!?!!? WHY? WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO ME!!!!!"

As you can imagine, I felt awful.

I answered that I loved it and thought he would, too. He stomped, "I DID NOT LOVE THAT RIDE. DON'T EVER TAKE ME ON THAT RIDE AGAIN!"

I did not.

I wonder what profound effect that had on him?