Capt. Red Llewellyn: the Metaphysical Musings of a Merry Misanthrope

Shorpy, Urchins, & This Fabulous Century

2010-03-14T10:23:00.006-04:00

Funny how these interweb things happen. You do a google search for one thing and stumble upon another.

Today i discovered Shorpy.

"December 1910. "Shorpy Higginbotham, a 'greaser' on the tipple at Bessie Mine, of the Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron Co. in Alabama. Said he was 14 years old, but it is doubtful. Carries two heavy pails of grease, and is often in danger of being run over by the coal cars." Photograph and caption by Lewis Wickes Hine."

For some reason his face resonates with me. My Welsh ancestors were coal miners in Van Meter, Pennsylvania - site of the Darr Mine explosion of 1907 where 239 souls died. My gramma still talks about buying things at the "company store" and her father, my great-grandfather Williams, died of the black lung...

this picture also makes me think of the New Babbage urchins...and how these kids i think would fit in right fine with our tribe of scamps.

Old photographs have always spoken to me. When in was in Kettering junior high i found in my school library a Time-Life set called This Fabulous Century
and i poured over every one....looking at the pictures of everyday life in those times. into the faces of the people. The homes from plain homesteads, farmhouses to the opulent Victorian parlours where the "limbs" of pianos were covered up so as not to alarm the corseted ladies.

Though out of print now, these gorgeous hardcover books with lush fabric print covers can be found from resellers on Amazon.

i have several of these books i saved from a friends weeded library collection with the covers on...though the pretty fabric covers would look nice on my shelf...the librarian in me can't discard the plastic cover protection.

Photo by fernfern

so, when i came across these pics...for some reason...they touched me. Learn more about the real Shorpy here...
and if you're like me and love old photographs i invite you to visit and follow the main Shorpy page History in HD: "Shorpy is a vintage photography blog featuring thousands of high-definition images from the 1850s to 1950s. The site is named after Shorpy Higginbotham, a teenage coal miner who lived 100 years ago."

Here's an example of the yummy vintage photography fare:

Here's a fascinating example from my backyard of Washington, DC circa 1915
Fairview Hotel
Washington circa 1916. "Fairview Hotel, 1st Street and Florida Avenue." The proprietor is former slave and "colored philosopher" Keith Sutherland. See the comments below for more on him. Harris & Ewing glass negative. View full size. -- AMAZING!

Washington Post, Feb. 21, 1933.

Sage Dies

Former Slave Prophesied
Voters' Landslide for Roosevelt.

"Keith Sutherland, colored philosopher and prophet whose political forecast won him the thanks of President-elect Roosevelt, fulfilled his final prediction Sunday when he folded his hands about a Bible and died at his home, 1640 Eleventh street.

The former slave felt the approach of death Friday, his children said. He called his family together and instructed them to prepare a funeral, saying that he would die on the Sabbath.

Last August Sutherland dreamed of a great voters' landslide for Franklin D. Roosevelt. The dream was so "clear" that he wrote Mr. Roosevelt a description of it. Mr. Roosevelt responded with a "thank you" note saying he found the prediction "very encouraging."

For the past half century Sutherland has kept a restaurant in Washington where the walls were posted with his prophecies, many of them showing unusual foresight.

He was 79 years old. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the P.A. Lomax funeral home, Fourteenth and S streets. Interment will be at Harmony Cemetery. He is survived by four children."
Read more about this photo and about "Hell's Bottom" here
Once Dominated a Notorious Section of the City.

WHERE CRIME AND EVIL REIGNED.

Reminiscences of "Hell's Bottom," Which Formally Kept the Police Department Busy, Recalled by "Keitt" Sutherland, the Odd Character Who Figured as Self-appointed Arbiter of all Brawls –- His Curious Resort in Center of that Section.
Washington Post, February 4, 1900.

Steampunk Waterslide: 1904
Off South Bass Island in Lake Erie circa 1904. "The Water Toboggan. Put-In Bay, Ohio." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Co. View full size.
Read more & comments here

Photo credits: Shorpy.com

The Illustrated Police Budget: The Inquest

2010-02-13T08:54:00.006-05:00

THE INQUEST

Mr. G.P. Wyatt, the Coroner for the Southern District, opened the inquiry into the circumstances of the woman's death to-day.
A boy with a blank dead wall of a face lumbered heavily into the witness box.

He was Robert W. Burgess, the son, who on going into the front room in the early morning, stumbled over the corpse of his mother lying in her nightdress behind the connecting door, between the bed and the door that led from the front room to the passage.

With many a halt and stumble he told how his mother "sometimes did mantle-making, but not often;" how, in spite of the fact that she did little or no work, she was able to pay the rent and provide him with food; and how he last saw her alive at ten minutes to eleven on Friday night, when she went out showily dressed, saying that he was to sleep, and not stir from the next room.

"She often went out at that hour nearly every night," he added, and his head drooped. "That was the last time I saw her alive." At this juncture a post-card, received by the deceased woman and found in her room at the time of the discovery of her body, was handed by the coroner to the witness.

Yes he recognised the postal-card. He had seen it in her room on Friday. This card, which is more than likely to have an important bearing on the result of the investigation, told of rooms in Lime Street, Brixton, engaged by the writer for Mrs. Waknell, was signed, "With you last night."

The date on the postcard (Friday) made it clear that the writer had been in Mrs. Waknell's company twenty-four hours before the murder. Harriet Burgess, the daughter of the dead woman, told briefly of the relations that that had existed between her mother and step-father.

For five years Mr. Waknell had lived with her mother, occupying the position of a shop-walker, and had continued in work until her mother inherited money, when he gave up his situation. "Constantly quarrelling" was the witness' reason of the cause of the final separation.

"Was Waknell left-handed?" said Mr. Wyatt, breaking in upon Miss Burgess' graphic account of a domestic fight between Waknell and her mother. The significance of the coroner's question is evident in view of the fact that the wound in the throat runs from left to right, and had therefore been inflicted with the right hand, a circumstance which would support a theory of suicide.

Miss Burgess replied, "I often saw him strike my mother, but I cannot say that he was not left-handed." And the jury by their questions supported the girl in her inferential suggestions against Waknell, blissfully unaware that he had already surrendered himself to the police and fully and satisfactorily accounted for his movements at the time of the murder.

The evidence given by Dr. Frederick Fielder completely disposed of any lingering theory of suicide. "The wound in the heart, which was the fatal wound," he said, "could not have been self-inflicted."

Finally, Cornelius Crayford, a police-constable, swore that he had met the deceased in the Effra Road going in the direction of her home. "Generally she had a man with her," said the policeman. "This time she was alone and sober." "Murdered by some person or persons unknown." said the jury, and thus for the present the case stands.

The Police on Monday arrested a man on suspicion of being connected with the tragedy. The outside of his shirt-cuffs -- especially the right one -- it is stated, bore bloodstains, and there was blood on his night-shirt and the sheets of his bed.

It is stated that the man arrested is known to have been intimately acquainted with Mrs. Waknell.

See Brixton Water Lane photos

Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown

2010-02-12T08:46:00.002-05:00

THE TIMES Tuesday 15th May 1900

THE MURDER AT BRIXTON

Mr. G. P. Wyatt, coroner, held an inquest at the Lambeth Coroner's Court yesterday on the body of MARY KATE WAKENELL, aged 42 years, the wife of Arthur Norman Case Wakenell, a shop assistant, who was found murdered at 44, Water Lane, Brixton, on Saturday morning.

Robert Burgess, a son, said that his mother and stepfather separated some five years ago. The witness last saw Wakenell eight or nine weeks ago, when he passed the house on the opposite side of the way and went into the Royal Oak public house.

His mother never met his stepfather, so far as he knew, outside; in fact she did not want Wakenell to know where she lived.

His mother got her living by mantlemaking, but had not done much the last few weeks.

The witness and his mother occupied two rooms in the basement at 44, Water Lane, for which they paid 7s. per week. His mother slept in the front room, and the witness in the kitchen at the back.

When he returned home from work shortly after 10 o'clock last Friday night his mother, who appeared as usual, was dressing to go out. He gave her some money, and about half an hour later she left the house.

She frequently went out at nights and drunk a little too much at times. He went to bed soon alter she had left, and did not hear her return.

At a quarter to 8 o'clock on Saturday morning he went into his mother's room and found her lying on the floor in her nightdress with a pillow over her face. He removed the pillow, thinking she was in a fit, and then saw a quantity of blood about her. He immediately called down the landlady.

There was a passage from his mother's room door to the area door leading to the street, and this was wide open when he went for medical assistance. His mother usually locked it when she came in at night. He identified the scissors produced as belonging to his mother.

Harriett Ada Burgess, a daughter of the deceased woman, stated that her stepfather was employed by Messrs. Parking and Gotto for some 14 years. He married her mother on September 3, 1892.

Her mother subsequently succeeded to some money, and he then left his situation and lived upon her. If she would not give him money to get drink he used to strike her. The witness was under the impression that her mother had met him about nine months ago at Camberwell.

Dr. J. F. Fielder, of 12, Water Lane, stated that he was called in and found the woman lying on her back with her legs drawn up. There was a cut wound on the neck 3"in. long. On the left side of the body near the upper border of the fourth rib, close to the armpit, was inserted one blade of a pair of tailors' scissors. The right eyelid was blackened as from a blow of considerable violence. Death had occurred some four hours previous to his arrival.

He subsequently made a post mortem examination of the body. There had been at least six attempts to cut the throat. There were seven stab wounds which lead punctured the liver, and another had penetrated the right ventricle of the heart.

The spleen was also punctured, and there were other minor wounds about the body. The wounds were V-shaped. He could not say whether theinjuries were inflicted by a right or left handed man.

It was impossible for the wounds to be self-inflicted.

The scissors produced were capable of inflicting all the injuries. In his opinion the blow she received over the right eye would be sufficient to stun her and prevent her from screaming.

Inspector D. O'Sullivan, of the W Division, stated that he was called and examined the room, but found no signs of a struggle. The police were instituting inquiries into the affair.

Police-constable Crayford, 141 W, stated that he had known the woman by sight for about four mouths. He last saw her shortly after midnight on Friday; she was then in the Effra Road, going towards Water Lane. She appeared quite sober. He had seen her out late at night with different men.
The jury returned a verdict of "Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

Source: Brixton Guide

A Mysterious Murder in Brixton Water Lane, London, SW9

2010-02-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

THE TIMES Monday 14th May 1900

MURDER AT BRIXTON, 1900, 44 Brixton Water Lane, Brixton

One of those mysterious murders which now and again shock London came to light at Brixton on Saturday morning. For some time past Mrs. Mary Kate Waknell, a middle-aged woman living apart from her husband, and a lad of 16 years named Robert Burgess, her son by a former marriage,
have occupied apartments in a house in Water Lane, Brixton, a thoroughfare in close proximity to the main Brixton-road. The house, which is in the occupation of several families, stands back from the road and is approached by a long forecourt. There is a separate entrance to the basement rooms occupied by Mrs. Waknell and her son. So far as can be ascertained Mrs. Waknell went out about 11 o'clock on Friday night and returned soon after midnight, it is believed, alone.

Nothing occurred during the night to attract the attention of the other occupants of the house, and it was not until the boy Burgess (who slept in the back basement room) arose on Saturday morning and went into his mother's apartment that it was found a murder had been committed.

The woman, clothed only in her night attire, was found lying on the floor in a pool of blood and with a pillow over her face. There was a horrible gash in her throat, and an exceedingly sharp pair of scissors was found embedded in her left breast in the region of the heart. It is said that there were also stabs about other part of the body. There were no signs of a struggle, the contents of the room being
undisturbed, but it is significant that the front door was found open. The scissors were the property of the woman, and were used by her in her trade as a mantle maker. The medical man who was called in had a difficulty in deciding that it was impossible for the wounds to have been self-inflicted. The police are making all possible inquiries, but the assailant left not a single vestige of evidence which could be followed up, and the officers engaged in the case freely confess that they are without a clue.

The inquest in fixed for to-day.

Source: Brixton Guide

Steamy Gents for Charity Calendar

2010-02-09T07:13:00.013-05:00

The warm ladies of the New Babbage Ladies Fire Brigade announce that they have coerced, charmed, and convinced, a select group of the handsome, talented, & canny, Steampunk gentlemen of New Babbage have to donate their time and....... their flesh to raise money for two important New Babbage institutions.

photo by satori.marat
The amazing R.F. Burton Library tier fund and the New Babbage Ladies Fire Brigade station house.

These two institutions need your help to keep them running in the city of New Babbage. Time and talent have been donated by many people to have these two amazing builds in our community but the full weight of support have been shouldered by a quiet few but can now be shared by many with your generosity!

Photo by Elina Koskinen aka Mr. Holmes
And you will get a steamy calendar to gaze upon! Please consider purchasing one or both of the Men of New Babbage calendars for only $300L each - a vendor will be placed in the R. F. Burton Library and selected generous merchants throughout the city.

Miss Sera and I were treated by the talented Mr. Koskinen to a sneak peek of this herculean undertaking and bring you a teasing glimpse of the results.

We gazed around in rapt admiration of the amazing calendar creation

I also could not help but admire the handsome view
.....of the alluring backside
of the calendar pages.

Two amazing calendars....lavishly appointed and art directed by our own texture titan Mr. Tinus Koskinen...bring first 12 New Babbage gents in an amazing display of manliness, clever building prowess, and some...[gasps] shirtless!

Mr. Koskinen sent out this message to a select few Gents in New Babbage saying:

"Gentlemen of Babbage,
The fine dames of the Babbage Ladies Fire Protection Brigade have chosen you to represent the men of Babbage in a calendar celebrating our diversity. This struck me as a perfect opportunity for you gentlemen to showcase what brought you to the attention of the ladies. A chance for you to tell Babbage of your uniqueness, of your history, of what makes you a Gentleman of Babbage. I would recommend that you create a scene that showcases you in a defining action, from your current role in Babbage or something from your backstory. Example: I am working on a scene from the flash fiction story, me playing cards in a dark smokey bar, with threats obvious around me."

and now the New Babbage Ladies Fire Protection Brigade cordially invites you to attend the Fundraiser Calendar Release Party!

Please join us this Tuesday from 5pm to 7 pm slt at the R.F. Burton Library in Babbage Canals. There will be music, dancing and refreshments available, so come out and support the Brigade and our Library Fundraiser. Pray, RSVP here.

The second calendar which will feature a certain clockwinder, Mr. Tenk and a shirtless Dr. O!

A huge thanks go out to Miss Serafina Puchkina , Miss Jedburgh Dagger, Mr. Tinus Koskinen, Miss Ahnyanka Delphin, Miss Viv Trafalgar all the generous gents and many more...please forgive me if i have missed your name or contact me in high dudgeon so that i shall include you here.

Steamfish: Virtual Learning the Steampunk Way!

2010-01-27T06:57:00.001-05:00

Mermaid Sculpt by super talented (and dishy!) Mr. Jasper Kiergarten
On-line Virtual Environment for Education

The Voyage of the Stella Maris

After nearly a year at sea, the research vessel Stella Maris has made a risky decision. What happens next depends on you.
from Rezzable:

"How to get – and especially, keep – modern, tech savvy kids interested in clinical trials and scurvy? Simple, just give them the opportunity to experience the disease for themselves. This quest leaves players stranded on a ship where they have to complete a set of challenges in order to rescue themselves. The young minds learn fast as they help the ship’s doctor cure the crew. Creating an educational game interesting and fun to keep kids playing, whilst still accurate and informational enough to teach them about clinical trial and scurvy was a very big challenge. Created for Rezzable Inc, in partnership with YTouring of London, Steamfish was designed for high school students and teaches the principles and history of clinical testing, via immersion in a game - a steampunk-shipwreck version of the Lind Scurvy Trials of 1748."

Read the rest of the article and see more awesome pictures from the co-developer Miss Viv Trafalgar, talented second life builder and gifted educator! This project also involved the brilliant minds of Miss Ordinal Malaprop (yes, she has fans! - see?)

and the talented Miss Ianthe Farshore.

Miss Viv Trafalgar also happens to be an incredibly talented Second Life seamstress!...i can't resist her gowns!

Created for Rezzable Inc, in partnership with YTouring of London, Steamfish was designed for high school students and teaches the principles and history of clinical testing, via immersion in a game - a steampunk-shipwreck version of the Lind Scurvy Trials of 1748.

See it for yourself, on Rezzable Alpha Grid - Starting in January.

Steampunk Field Trip: ISTE Goes to Caledon

2010-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Last month i blogged about Caledon Oxbridge University..i even made the below Go!Animate vid (which i'll shamelessly post again cause they have a super new widget! LOL) introducing it...well, if you'd like to learm more about the Steampunk aesthetic, the Steamlands of Second Life and take a genteel walking tour of the university pray come dear ladies & gents and join us!

Tuesday, January 26, 5-6 PM SL (8pm EST)
ISTE Speaker Series Event
Join ISTE Island for a Steampunk field trip touring the beautiful Victorian campus of Caledon Oxbridge University.

View! The beautiful campus of Oxbridge! See! The 6 Colleges of Learning with a guided tour!
Experience! The Interactive exercises! Ride! The self guided horse drawn sleigh!
Obtain! Free full avatars and prizes (free full avatars are for 30 days or less new to SL residents only)

The party of interested ladies and gentleman will kindly meet at ISTE island for a brief introdcution to the Steampunk aesthetic and the Steamlands of Second Life. Then we all shall be transported the beautiful Victorian campus of Oxbridge University for a genteel walking tour of the grounds led by entrepid Steampunk, Oxbridge Professor, ISTE educator, and former Pirate, Capt. Redgrrl Llewellyn of New Babbage.

It's a Steamy Valentine: the Primgraph Proposes

2010-01-18T16:32:00.010-05:00

That you proclaim your most heartfelt feelings in the premier Victorian & Steamlands publication on the Second Life grid!
From their advert:

"Valentine's Day is coming ... Do you want to shout your love from the rooftops? Do you want to share a secret? You can do both with the special Valentine's feature in The Primgraph!

This month we will be publishing a special classified section - for YOUR Valentine's Day messages. You can tell your love in twenty words or - at the far end of the scale - book a double page spread. There's a size - and a price - to suit all pockets.

And there will be all the fun of reading ... and guessing ... And wondering who on earth could Snookie of Babbage or Sweetlips of Caledon really be."

The deadline for ordering your Valentine Classified Ad is January 31, 2010.

To learn about pricing, ad sizes and to place your order, go to the form located at this link or click below:

For display ads or questions please email 'elegia dot underwood at gmail dot com' NO LATER THAN 31 JAN or contact Elegia Underwood in world.

Capt. Red is sitting in her garden dreaming about Steamy Valentines..... wearing the To a T Ladybird Domino gown ensemble that includes, 2 different kind of bustles, stockings, & hat. Also wearing the uber cute Uber Curliecue Cutea Grimm Bros shoes!

ps. LOVES the stockings! & the not shown polka dot bloomers & garters......

Snowman Contest in New Babbage

2009-12-29T09:38:00.015-05:00

A new contest was started in New Babbage this year....started by urchin Master Vivi Boxen the Snowman Lookalike Contest was great fun! Flatteringly yours truly was portrayed in snow by two talented builders. Dr. Watson & Peril Klaxon...Capt. Snowellyn and Snow Mer Rouge

I've been in Second Life for more than two years now and i've avoided the lure and addiction that is building quite successfully ......until now. Inspired by Miss Ceejay Writer's modern art expression of Kaylee Frye exploding and the recent Snowman building competition!

My first attempt i couldn't quite get the whole alpha texture for The Hat™ i was also told that my rum bottle looked like poison......soo.....i fixed him!

After advice from Mr. Tenk and Dr. Obolensky on how to save & upload an alpha texture from Photoshop....and thus The Hat™ could shine on its own....AND i added a Capt. Smythe's Randy Rum

And though, it's just a snowman i really did feel so very proud! I also added a Ganplank advert sign which gave a landmark when touched...

Having completed that it inspired me to make one for Dr. O.....which he flatteringly placed

in front of his store Cad & Bounder!
All the snowman pics can be seen here....on my Flickr Gallery
So inspired by the snowmen i created a display in my backyard with donated snowmen from the builders of my favourite snowmen!

Posing with Dr. Watson the creator and Balor who seems very proud to have been included!

Balor gazes with adoration and seems in love with SnowDr. Watson & Mr. Holmes-men much to Dr. Watson's amusement!

I was so inspired by this new building frenzy i improved the texture on my Steamhorse Elevator platform. With permission from the builder Miss Cannoli Capalini i created a similar texture to the elevator and photoshopped it, then uploaded it to SL and voila!

Caledon Oxbridge University in Second Life

2009-12-07T16:40:00.003-05:00

from the Caledon Oxbridge University Wiki:

"Caledon Oxbridge was originally founded as a collaboration between NCI and the Independent State of Caledon. It provides a complete Second Life tutorial for new residents. Based on the theme of an old English university, the Orientation is spread over six "Colleges", each covering a different area of the Second Life interface and world: Avatar Motion, Camera Controls, Communications, Search & Inventory, Avatar Customization, and Money & Commmerce. The tutorial experience includes not only traditional orientation posters, but also interactive exercises, free full avatars, and prizes. Caledon Oxbridge also incorporates three "Residence Halls", offering a short term apartment and prim allotment to new players, and a branch of the Caledon Library. "

Here's an introductory video about Caledon Oxbridge University!
GoAnimate.com: Second Life Tour 2: Caledon Oxbridge University by gwyneth

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Visit in-world! Here's the SLURL (you will need to already be a member of Second Life to visit) and whilst you are there be sure to click on the Oxbridge University Map (created by Mr. Marion Questi) and keep the offered note card that gives you plenty of useful landmarks to various locations at the University.

The Mr. Desmond Shang, the Caledon Guvnah, created and philanthropically supports this world with a myriad of dedicated volunteers such as Mr. Carl Metropolitan, Miss Fogwoman Grey, and Dean Martini Discovolante as a helpful destination for all those who are new to Second Life and who wish a comprehensive and visually informative way to learn the skills needed to thrive in this 3-D virtual world.

"Oxbridge is easily the best education center and entry point for any avatar in SL" - TriloByte Zanzibar

AND....you can even take sleigh rides!

Caledon Oxbridge University a beautiful destination for new residents to Second Life or for anyone who would like to brush up on in-world skills, take a class, or just soak up the lovely collegiate atmosphere!

I also created a Visit Caledon Oxbridge sign that gives out a note card of landmarks & a direct LM to the Uni as well as the ability to take a FREE copy of the sign for use elsewhere in-world which I've placed out on both of my properties in New Babbage.

Cad & Bounder Presents: The Squid

2009-12-04T07:01:00.001-05:00

From the New Babbage Aether Ning by Doctor Obolensky

This speedy two-avatar sub is small and narrow to easily explore narrow waterways.

Features:

* Seats a pilot and a brave passenger!
* Choice of Hovertext info display or worn HUD for info on throttle, speed, and depth!
* Bubble trail!
* Wriggly tentacles!
* Ink Spray to aid in escaping sticky situations!
* Beacon script notifies owner of sub's location every two hours!
* ICS 3.0 combat system enabled (500 pt hull, medium ram).
* Alacrity Mode for even quicker escapes!

(Cad & Bounder not responsible for engine damage, bodily harm, or cleaning bills, in the event Alacrity Mode is ever used, or ramming is attempted versus anything larger than a small duck.)

The Squid is, of course, completely flawless. But, by chance you are inexplicably transported to an alternate plane of reality where the impossible happens, and The Squid malfunctions in some manner, do feel free, or perhaps even feel strangely compelled, to report the issue to me.

-Doctor G. Obolensky, Cad & Bounder

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Square/186/202/106

Fleet Week - New Babbage

2009-11-24T07:58:00.007-05:00

As seen through the talented eye of Master Loki Elliott

His work, as always, fills me with wonder, awe and this time, a sad regret that i was unable to attend the grandeur.

Another amazing artist, but this one with glass plates and exploding powders - Mr. PJ Trenton shares his images from this momentous event. One may also read more in the The Aetheric Log : the Primgraph.

Another talented photographer is Mr. Wildstar Beaumont - who also participated and won in several categories during the glorious event. The next two photos show just a hint of his many talents.

Though it is with a heavy regretful heart that I missed this spectacular event...the coordination of many including our own Miss Breezy Carver
and our City's Maceholder, Aeleous Cleanslate

The above two photos by Miss Bookworm Henrichs.
These images... both still and moving refelect the sound and beauty of what happens with regularity in the realm of New Babbage, Second Life.

The snow will come soon...bringing its cold hush to the cobbled streets of our city, the ringing clang of the passing trolley...and with it more events that warm the heart. Which reminds me of a particular favourite event that I threw last year...the Steampunk Snowball Fort Fight as seen here with my old factory in the background.

I need to spend some more time in New Babbage...The soot has nearly left my lungs and I am bereft without the sweet sting to my eyes and the wonder of the city.

Lonely Clank Visits Chalotte & Brings Steampunk Love to Librarians!

2009-11-03T22:22:00.003-05:00

Webisode 1: Lonely Clank

Librarians?! Yes, that's right....My RL self is going to and presenting at a national librarian conference in Charlotte, NC! Here are the 3 Steampunk styled webisodes i created promoting the Bloggers' Cafe ... yours truly has been named one of the official bloggers for the conference...so please dear friends & neighbors...forgive me if i am not around New Babbage much. AND if you see me in-world during the day Friday...know that i'm showing off our city to a bunch of mun librarians ....and wotcher salty language! LOL
Webisode 2: Clank & Cecily

Webisode 3: Simon Misses Clank

Dancing in Winterfell: Second Life Machinima

2009-10-25T00:16:00.002-04:00

Watch more videos of Second Life

My gorgeous wonderful friend has made a lovely Second Life Machinima...in her words: "Dancing alone on the Celtic circle on the shores of Winterfell Harbor, mystical island in Winterfell, Second Life." Thank you dear Miss Eleanor Anderton....for your gift to us all!

Second Life Tour 1: Interactive Books & Libraries

2009-10-23T22:28:00.004-04:00

GoAnimate.com: Second Life Tour 1: Interactive Books & Libraries by gwyneth

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

GoAnimate is way cool....a bit addictive...i even created my own character! (like i needed another avatar! LOL) but this one is my RL redheaded librarian avatar....gonna teach other librarians about GoAnimate, Second Life, and the cool libraries and resources at a conference in a few weeks in Charlotte NC...thought i would share it with my SL peeps, too!

a huge thanks to Sir JJ Drinkwater & Sir Zen for the interactive book case... thanks to Viv Trafalgar for creating the teleport HUD (see earlier post for those orig pics!) and thanks to dear Torley for the Caledon, Victoria City pic i used....with credit!

GoAnimate.com: Cat Conversations with Buster & Boo

2009-10-23T13:38:00.001-04:00

GoAnimate.com: Cat Conversations with Buster & Boo by gwyneth

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Silly Hat September Rezday Fete and My Two Years in SL

2009-09-23T07:11:00.010-04:00

September Silly Hat Rezday Fete
Time: September 25, 2009 from 1:30pm to 4pm
Location: Capt. Red's Revenge Pub
Street: Wheatstone Waterways
"This month, Capt. Red and Dr. Watson celebrate their second and fourth rezdays, just a few days apart, so they've resolved to split the difference and have a small joint celebration on the 25th.

The Captain suggested a theme of silly hats (incredible headgear being a famed speciality of New Babbage) and Doctor K. added that no such party is complete without some form of moustache-based celebration.

For the faint-hearted or fair-follicled, do not fear -- Be assured that such outgrowths are not compulsory."

Sharp Shooting Prizes!
Free Flowing Potent (and Almost Entirely Legal) Rum! Absinthe and Cake!
The Wiggy Undertone Special Dunk Tank
Merry Go Round!

for more pics of us in silly hats posing for the poster please go here...

And now i reflect on my two years on the grid...i with much chagrin share the first picture from orientation island wearing my noob skin and finding i couldn't figure out how to detatch the damn torch!

thinking about my embarassing early days Growing up In SL....(and my first day on the grid!) ....squatting on the West of Ireland and Dublin ...exploring Liquid Heat's Halloween Sim as little red riding hood

my first real home....

my beloved Queen Anne's Revenge in Silent's Folly - Wando where i was a Captain of a lucrative ~~pirate~~ shipping venture. Some may ask Who is Capt. Red Llewellyn? Well, she's just a merry widow, of course! a girl who also enjoys her life underwater
--

---
....also places i've lived on the grid before Exploring New Babbage....falling in love with our fair sooty city and..buying my factory during a late night shopping trip with my first Babbage friend and still dear darling Miss Breezy Carver. Exploring New Babbage with old friend Mr. Wiggy Undertone finding out that a Stunning Clank Stands Guard

Answering the Call of Cthulu with the first Mayor of New Babbage Mr. Shaunathan Sprockett

Then employing my wicked wiles on certain nefarious types by admitting that

Evil Doctors do Funny Things to Me later breaking into and getting discovered in Clockspire Cove. later finding that he had my portrait in his evil jail! in Dr. O's Lair a Familliar Face Blurry but Distinct... Remembering and enjoying the Movie & Pics from the Steampunk Snowball Fort Fight... ....[sighs] so MANY amazing memories....Buying my first Airship! over a year ago..i love you New Babbage....i love all my dear friends...from Caledon to Steelhead...Silent's Folly to Winterfell....i was VERY honored to have been chosen to participate in Stockings! How Shocking! Miss Autopilotpatty's Poppy's Exhibit... i've been very happy living here..and 2 years on the grid went like that! [snaps] A warm rummy hug and kisses to all the lovely people who have enriched my life these past two years!

To the Skies! to the Ports! to the Waterways! to Science! to New Babbage! to the Grid!

Lady Ga Ga Goes Steampunk?... I think!

2009-09-14T14:05:00.007-04:00

Lady Ga Ga's Gown for the VMA

she "donned a black lace Jean Paul Gaultier dress with Dragon print silk underlay from Gaultier’s fall/winter ready to wear collection. She accessorized the look with a Keko Hainswheeler neck brace and Kiko jewelry. "

Lady Ga Ga has always had an...umm ..unusual taste in frocks, or bodysuits with hoods, or sparkly panties....
See more photos of Lady Gaga's wackiest outfits!
but this is the first i've seen her don anything remotely Steampunky....

Oh and if you're wondering...Who is Lady Ga Ga...she's an American recording artist who is "inspired by glam rockers such as David Bowie and Queen, as well as pop singers such as Michael Jackson and Madonna. She is also inspired by fashion, which she claims is an essential component to her songwriting and performances. She is also very supportive of the gay community, crediting them for her early mainstream success."

So, is it Steampunk or just Freaky? or Freaky Cool? Or like Little Miss Uchin Myrtil said on our Ning "Does she not look like an SL Avatar?" Thoughts?!

picture from this article

Red's Revenge Pub: New Drinking Establishment in Wheatstone

2009-08-23T11:30:00.013-04:00

Announcing a New Steampunk Pirate Pub
in Wheatstone Waterways, New Babbage!

After the destruction of my factory in New Babbage by disgruntled workers (see previous post) ...apparently i fed them too much and didn't beat them enough! i decided to rebuild!
i threw a shameless and obscene amount of Lindens to the famous architect Canolli Capalini to create a pirate pub from her Workshop plans that lured me from Across the Canal... beams & wood hauled in from the shipyard added with bricks & glass...built upon the ruins of a metal steampunk factory....jerry rigged this and a bit of that...ladders to elevators and such

..think Victorian Pirate meets Science! funk...all comprising a fun place to hang out richly decorated and reflecting my past exploits upon the seas. (and yes, i am available for hire as an interior decorator & landscaping artist for those who want to be prim & price conscience!)
Upon entering you'll be greeted by the lovely stained glass.....

As always, complimentary Rum & Cookies is available for urchins, scamps & visitors.

Plenty of drinks can be found by tapping the kegs of spirits from Mr. Gatsby Szuster's fine distillery. (and from my pivate stash) Look for the display to dispense fine (but a wee bit potent) glasses of Absinthe
Frolic in the Absinthe glass...(green fairy costume optional) and enjoy the lovely painting by esteemed detective & artist Mr. Sherlock Holmes (Elina Koskinen) Relax in the many comfortable (and intimate) seating groups. Try your strength with the Arm Wrestling table. Get warm before the many fireplaces...select a book to read with your sherry.... Belly up to the bar for a fine selection of ales and Scrumpy!

Just be careful...this pub can be a wee bit rough...and a great source for Adventure! (and fun pictures!) Poor Miss Sera! ...Foully Murdered! But she got better!

Get Murdered!...or practice your Sword Dancing.

Upstairs you will find a lovely and more refined space for dancing.

And of course..the back gardens are available for strolling...and enjoying the fountain and the shooting gallery!

I will, however, vehemently deny the rumours of hooka pipes and an opium den in the top floor glass garret! Lies! Lies, i say!

Capt. Red's Revenge (named after the famous G.S. Distillery Rum!) is open to the public around the clock and is available for hire for special events, parties, & dances!

Pray, feel free to contact Capt. Red Llewellyn through here or in-world via note card. (i also can be hired for party planning during Euro hours and if available)Now Open to the Public! Please Stop by for a libation at any time!
More pics can be found HERE

ps. there also is a lovely Widows Walk to enjoy amazing views...as Miss Sera and I are doing... IF you can find it~!!!

Now This Really Goes TOO Far!

2009-08-18T11:52:00.003-04:00

I come home to my factory yesterday and find half of it carted away! -sold for scrap most likely- who knows where! and fires set on the main floor - they're still smouldering!

....that's it! after a well-earned beating....i fired all my factory workers (save the most comely & pliable) All factory work and manufacturing will be outsourced! ...and i am going to rebuild... opening a pirate pub & reading room! Ha ha! stay tuned.....

it all started a few weeks ago.....

there was an uprising in my factory...my bloody workers...
i guess i feed them too much and don't beat them enough!

first i find a bomb

i built a garden for them...there's plenty of soot!

and then someone spiked my tea!

i got better....

so, what's a factory owner to do?

GAH!

((ps. i left the tea out... it packs a wicked punch but it's great fun! i wrote about this special set here! Nell gets first dibs since she was the one who showed me where to get it! LOL))

The Amazing Artistry of Dr. Katri Kaligawa

2009-08-16T09:51:00.006-04:00

I proceeded with delight a week or so ago to the Perdido Street Gallery, Babbage Square To coincide with Doctor Kaligawa's first rezday, a special exhibition of her drawings and photographs. Organized by Elilka Sieyes . If you've never visited the Gallery, i would urge you to go! Here's the SLURL. What a lovely exhibit this was! Happy Rez Day dear, talented Dr. Kaligawa!...so much so, that i was compelled to both buy prints and to commission a special "piece" seen above and below...well worth the trip!

A rather unusual personage appeared before us!

an example of her amazing artwork: Drawing by Dr. Katri Kaligawa

in the secret room upstairs Mr. Holmes re-enacted a recent murder for my delight.

Afterwards we adjourned to my Treehouse's secret rum smuggling cave & opium den

Holmes feel back to his bad former habits...[sighs]...well, I am a bad influence!

So taken with her work - as I have always been...I commissioned her to take a few shots of the Great Obolensky Steampunk Metal Treehouse. Here are the amazing results:

Gorgeous, no?

The Ogdred Weary House

2009-08-12T18:31:00.010-04:00

Dear beloved reader...sadly, this Victorian Lady has been lapse this week...lazy, indolent, and behind in her reporting. i have so much to share with you and sometimes it just takes a while to process the information because i want to do everything i share with you justice! enough boring you with excuses and onto the fun! (though comments do encourage me to blog more often [winks at the blatant shameless hint])
In my explorations across the canal...after i was transfixed with delight by The Workshop (my previous post)... i kept exploring and delighted in re-visiting the Ogdred Weary [hands over the SLURL] house created by Babbage's own talented Miss Artemisia Paine. This is definitely a labour of love for Miss Paine and it shows in every detail and texture. Based on the work of the talented illustrator and author who holds a special space in MY little heart....Edward Gorey. As a librarian and an avid reader i became enamoured with his work when i was a teen reading voraciously the novels by John Bellairs which Mr. Gorey Illustrated the covers . Another love of Mr. Gorey's work and influential in my life is Masterpiece Mystery by WGBH Boston. "Derek Lamb tuned the macabre cartoon drawings of Edward Gorey into the opening and closing credits for the series." So maybe you can understand why this beautiful build struck such a resonant chord within me the moment i stepped in. Greeting you at the door is a picture of Mr. Gorey. "He also published under pen names that were anagrams of his first and last names, such as Ogdred Weary, Dogear Wryde, Ms. Regera Dowdy, and dozens more" (Wikipedia) The wallpaper....the furniture and the stand up characters are all beckoning you to explore. If you were as charmed as i was do leave a small donation to keep this unique and artistic build in New Babbage. Please visit the Edward Gorey house, join its membership & buy cool Edward Gorey inspired item in the online shop!

Clothing in these shots: many visits and 2 outfits!
The Victorian Ladies Explorers Outfit by Mr. Solivar Scarborough Per his profile: Shop on Lo Lo. Hat by Viv Trafalgar Outfitters and Burnt Ankle boots by Lassitude & Ennui

Second photo: Miss Montez collection gown & corset by Miss Cutea Benell of Grim Bros with Silent Sparrow undercrackers & Miss Hollow Collection by Wretched Dollies which i will be blogging about soon! . (i mix and match all the time!)

a special thanks and a wave to Miss Rhianon Jameson, Miss Breezy Carver , and His GraceEdward Pearse, Duke of Argylle for your readership and your frequent comments!

Exploring Across the Canals

2009-08-09T23:24:00.009-04:00

I think the genius builder & furniture maker Canolli Capalini may have evil genius tendencies...or at least devilish ones....but i could be wrong...
Let me please to explain... For weeks now.... i've been spying from the Llewellyn Factory Gardens this rather large round build across the canal. It caught my eye...and held it.

This lovely round building...so i ventured forth and explored...i found a brick structure...a lovely wide porch...i called out to no answer and dared to go in...it was created by Miss Olli...of course!

once inside i beheld a lovely curving room banded with wood and filled with brick... a rich hardwood floor... windows and a fireplace opposite...the front door.

and this curving delightful staircase....that extended down as if by magic (more like steam!) that led me up to a gorgeous room with a black and white parquet floor richly textured green silk covered green walls, another fireplace, and gorgeous windows...and from the windows i could see my land...and my factory

all the unrest of late, the planted bombs, the complaints from my workers - apparently i don't beat them often enough and feed them too much! working 12 hour days 6 days a week has spoiled them! ...maybe i should just rebuild.

...going back outside...i spied an elevator...and took it up to the top floor...and i saw a wood attic room...and i imagined what it would be like with glass rather than wood...like a greenhouse in the sky...a loft...

touching the rope pull...brought down the ramp up to the widows walk

and ascending to the widows walk i saw a magnificent view of New Babbage...Miss Canolli Capalini's store... and on the other side...my factory and my land.

the other day i showed this view to a Fae Dragon friend of mine....and though i love my factory as it is....i think i am ready to try a change...so i will tear it down and rebuild anew

so, i contacted Miss Canolli Capalini and asked her if she would consider making an exception to her no mod rule and add that glass roof that i've dreamed of....and add a few windows on the bottom floor to match the top floor...i love brick, wood...but i adore light. (i also threw an unseemly amount of $L at her!) ... i have a dream of firing all my workers...and opening a pirate pub & reading room...having a dance floor above for small parties and fetes....and live in the attic...very different than my huge factory...but snug. i will keep you posted. (and if i ever miss my old factory....i still have the plans and the means i can just rebuild it!)

The Unwritten Villain Rules: Revealed!

2009-08-09T13:04:00.007-04:00

The Unwritten Villain Rules: Revealed!
- From The New Babbage Ning Quoted with permission by Doctor Gelving Obolensky

(( It occurs to me that while the Unwritten Rules are perfectly obvious to *proper* heroes and villains, it may be, no doubt due to improper upbringing, that some of those aspiring to be Do-Gooders or Nefarious Ne'er-Do-Wells may need a bit of coaching.

So here, is a brief primer on the Unwritten Rules...obviously OOC. :P

The Unwritten Rules are meant to be a guide to cinematic heroics and villainy. And, of course, a certain *type* of cinematic....the type envisioned by old serials, James bond movies, swashbuckler movies, and other adventure yarns. The idea, in general, is both parties to be dramatic and exagerated (up to a point).

(proof that redheads love evil geniuses!)

1: Fun. Always the first rule....the hero and the villain should *both* be having fun. The players of said characters, that is. :)

2: Death. Death simply doesn't happen to the heroes and villains....while throngs of minions, henchmen, and nameless townsfolk may be in threat to their lives, the hero and villain don't kill each other outright. No getting out your long rifle and picking them off as they have brunch. Note that death can *appear* to happen, but of course, they never found the body, it turned out to be a hireling in disguise, et. al.

3: Speeches. Both heroes and villains love speeches. It is in incredibly bad form to *not* give a speech, especially if you're about to start a fight, in a fight, or have just finished a fight.

4: Language. Neither heroes or villains curse....at least, not with modern curse words. Calling someone a cad and a bounder, or a dull-witted buffoon is what you're looking for. Not "You *%&$(!ing $&*%$(*#-head!".

5: Exaggeration. Heroes and villains are about exaggeration and stereo types. Broad gestures, loud voices, world-shaking plans, and very large moustaches. It's actually more theater than anything else. Heroes are Good, Villains are Bad. Shades of gray don't exist.

6: Cooperation. Both sides should be trying to make it fun for both sides. This means that sometimes the Obvious Trap needs to be fallen for... you really do have to check on that prisoner who became suddenly ill, and so on. Competition on the IC side, Cooperation on the OOC side.

7: Go watch "The Great Race". If anything embodies the Unwritten Rules, that movie does.

8: Out there on the intarwebs there this thing called the Evil Overlord list. This list is *wrong*, in that it tells you not to do all these things. As a follower of the Unwritten Rules, those are *exactly* the sort of things an Evil Overlord should *always* do. :)

9: Be willing to lose. Somebody has to do it. Obviously, your villain can't ever win *permanently*, but he can win small battles, and even a big one occasionally....only to be it all undone by the pesky hero sometime later. Losing well is far superior to winning poorly.

10: Be aware of your surroundings....climactic battles aren't fought in dingy alleys. If you run into your nemesis in such a squalid place, trade a few verbal barbs, and be off. Save your battle for the roof of the abandoned toy factory....at midnight....during a thunderstorm!

This Evil Overlord List that Dr. O mentions and do remember the following list is just WRONG!......just for posterity as these older webpage archives are going "poof" by the day!

"Being an Evil Overlord seems to be a good career choice. It pays well, there are all sorts of perks and you can set your own hours. However every Evil Overlord I've read about in books or seen in movies invariably gets overthrown and destroyed in the end. I've noticed that no matter whether they are barbarian lords, deranged wizards, mad scientists or alien invaders, they always seem to make the same basic mistakes every single time. With that in mind, allow me to present..."

The Top 100 Things I'd Do
If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord

My Legions of Terror will have helmets with clear plexiglass visors, not face-concealing ones.
My ventilation ducts will be too small to crawl through.
My noble half-brother whose throne I usurped will be killed, not kept anonymously imprisoned in a forgotten cell of my dungeon.
Shooting is not too good for my enemies.
The artifact which is the source of my power will not be kept on the Mountain of Despair beyond the River of Fire guarded by the Dragons of Eternity. It will be in my safe-deposit box. The same applies to the object which is my one weakness.
I will not gloat over my enemies' predicament before killing them.
When I've captured my adversary and he says, "Look, before you kill me, will you at least tell me what this is all about?" I'll say, "No." and shoot him. No, on second thought I'll shoot him then say "No."
After I kidnap the beautiful princess, we will be married immediately in a quiet civil ceremony, not a lavish spectacle in three weeks' time during which the final phase of my plan will be carried out.
I will not include a self-destruct mechanism unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, it will not be a large red button labelled "Danger: Do Not Push". The big red button marked "Do Not Push" will instead trigger a spray of bullets on anyone stupid enough to disregard it. Similarly, the ON/OFF switch will not clearly be labelled as such.
I will not interrogate my enemies in the inner sanctum -- a small hotel well outside my borders will work just as well.
I will be secure in my superiority. Therefore, I will feel no need to prove it by leaving clues in the form of riddles or leaving my weaker enemies alive to show they pose no threat.
One of my advisors will be an average five-year-old child. Any flaws in my plan that he is able to spot will be corrected before implementation.
All slain enemies will be cremated, or at least have several rounds of ammunition emptied into them, not left for dead at the bottom of the cliff. The announcement of their deaths, as well as any accompanying celebration, will be deferred until after the aforementioned disposal.
The hero is not entitled to a last kiss, a last cigarette, or any other form of last request.
I will never employ any device with a digital countdown. If I find that such a device is absolutely unavoidable, I will set it to activate when the counter reaches 117 and the hero is just putting his plan into operation.
I will never utter the sentence "But before I kill you, there's just one thing I want to know."
When I employ people as advisors, I will occasionally listen to their advice.
I will not have a son. Although his laughably under-planned attempt to usurp power would easily fail, it would provide a fatal distraction at a crucial point in time.
I will not have a daughter. She would be as beautiful as she was evil, but one look at the hero's rugged countenance and she'd betray her own father.
Despite its proven stress-relieving effect, I will not indulge in maniacal laughter. When so occupied, it's too easy to miss unexpected developments that a more attentive individual could adjust to accordingly.
I will hire a talented fashion designer to create original uniforms for my Legions of Terror, as opposed to some cheap knock-offs that make them look like Nazi stormtroopers, Roman footsoldiers, or savage Mongol hordes. All were eventually defeated and I want my troops to have a more positive mind-set.
No matter how tempted I am with the prospect of unlimited power, I will not consume any energy field bigger than my head.
I will keep a special cache of low-tech weapons and train my troops in their use. That way -- even if the heroes manage to neutralize my power generator and/or render the standard-issue energy weapons useless -- my troops will not be overrun by a handful of savages armed with spears and rocks.
I will maintain a realistic assessment of my strengths and weaknesses. Even though this takes some of the fun out of the job, at least I will never utter the line "No, this cannot be! I AM INVINCIBLE!!!" (After that, death is usually instantaneous.)
No matter how well it would perform, I will never construct any sort of machinery which is completely indestructible except for one small and virtually inaccessible vulnerable spot.
No matter how attractive certain members of the rebellion are, there is probably someone just as attractive who is not desperate to kill me. Therefore, I will think twice before ordering a prisoner sent to my bedchamber.
I will never build only one of anything important. All important systems will have redundant control panels and power supplies. For the same reason I will always carry at least two fully loaded weapons at all times.
My pet monster will be kept in a secure cage from which it cannot escape and into which I could not accidentally stumble.
I will dress in bright and cheery colors, and so throw my enemies into confusion.
All bumbling conjurers, clumsy squires, no-talent bards, and cowardly thieves in the land will be preemptively put to death. My foes will surely give up and abandon their quest if they have no source of comic relief.
All naive, busty tavern wenches in my realm will be replaced with surly, world-weary waitresses who will provide no unexpected reinforcement and/or romantic subplot for the hero or his sidekick.
I will not fly into a rage and kill a messenger who brings me bad news just to illustrate how evil I really am. Good messengers are hard to come by.
I won't require high-ranking female members of my organization to wear a stainless-steel bustier. Morale is better with a more casual dress-code. Similarly, outfits made entirely from black leather will be reserved for formal occasions.
I will not turn into a snake. It never helps.
I will not grow a goatee. In the old days they made you look diabolic. Now they just make you look like a disaffected member of Generation X.
I will not imprison members of the same party in the same cell block, let alone the same cell. If they are important prisoners, I will keep the only key to the cell door on my person instead of handing out copies to every bottom-rung guard in the prison.
If my trusted lieutenant tells me my Legions of Terror are losing a battle, I will believe him. After all, he's my trusted lieutenant.
If an enemy I have just killed has a younger sibling or offspring anywhere, I will find them and have them killed immediately, instead of waiting for them to grow up harboring feelings of vengeance towards me in my old age.
If I absolutely must ride into battle, I will certainly not ride at the forefront of my Legions of Terror, nor will I seek out my opposite number among his army.
I will be neither chivalrous nor sporting. If I have an unstoppable superweapon, I will use it as early and as often as possible instead of keeping it in reserve.
Once my power is secure, I will destroy all those pesky time-travel devices.
When I capture the hero, I will make sure I also get his dog, monkey, ferret, or whatever sickeningly cute little animal capable of untying ropes and filching keys happens to follow him around.
I will maintain a healthy amount of skepticism when I capture the beautiful rebel and she claims she is attracted to my power and good looks and will gladly betray her companions if I just let her in on my plans.
I will only employ bounty hunters who work for money. Those who work for the pleasure of the hunt tend to do dumb things like even the odds to give the other guy a sporting chance.
I will make sure I have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what in my organization. For example, if my general screws up I will not draw my weapon, point it at him, say "And here is the price for failure," then suddenly turn and kill some random underling.
If an advisor says to me "My liege, he is but one man. What can one man possibly do?", I will reply "This." and kill the advisor.
If I learn that a callow youth has begun a quest to destroy me, I will slay him while he is still a callow youth instead of waiting for him to mature.
I will treat any beast which I control through magic or technology with respect and kindness. Thus if the control is ever broken, it will not immediately come after me for revenge.
If I learn the whereabouts of the one artifact which can destroy me, I will not send all my troops out to seize it. Instead I will send them out to seize something else and quietly put a Want-Ad in the local paper.
My main computers will have their own special operating system that will be completely incompatible with standard IBM and Macintosh powerbooks.
If one of my dungeon guards begins expressing concern over the conditions in the beautiful princess' cell, I will immediately transfer him to a less people-oriented position.
I will hire a team of board-certified architects and surveyors to examine my castle and inform me of any secret passages and abandoned tunnels that I might not know about.
If the beautiful princess that I capture says "I'll never marry you! Never, do you hear me, NEVER!!!", I will say "Oh well" and kill her.
I will not strike a bargain with a demonic being then attempt to double-cross it simply because I feel like being contrary.
The deformed mutants and odd-ball psychotics will have their place in my Legions of Terror. However before I send them out on important covert missions that require tact and subtlety, I will first see if there is anyone else equally qualified who would attract less attention.
My Legions of Terror will be trained in basic marksmanship. Any who cannot learn to hit a man-sized target at 10 meters will be used for target practice.
Before employing any captured artifacts or machinery, I will carefully read the owner's manual.
If it becomes necessary to escape, I will never stop to pose dramatically and toss off a one-liner.
I will never build a sentient computer smarter than I am.
My five-year-old child advisor will also be asked to decipher any code I am thinking of using. If he breaks the code in under 30 seconds, it will not be used. Note: this also applies to passwords.
If my advisors ask "Why are you risking everything on such a mad scheme?", I will not proceed until I have a response that satisfies them.
I will design fortress hallways with no alcoves or protruding structural supports which intruders could use for cover in a firefight.
Bulk trash will be disposed of in incinerators, not compactors. And they will be kept hot, with none of that nonsense about flames going through accessible tunnels at predictable intervals.
I will see a competent psychiatrist and get cured of all extremely unusual phobias and bizarre compulsive habits which could prove to be a disadvantage.
If I must have computer systems with publically available terminals, the maps they display of my complex will have a room clearly marked as the Main Control Room. That room will be the Execution Chamber. The actual main control room will be marked as Sewage Overflow Containment.
My security keypad will actually be a fingerprint scanner. Anyone who watches someone press a sequence of buttons or dusts the pad for fingerprints then subsequently tries to enter by repeating that sequence will trigger the alarm system.
No matter how many shorts we have in the system, my guards will be instructed to treat every surveillance camera malfunction as a full-scale emergency.
I will spare someone who saved my life sometime in the past. This is only reasonable as it encourages others to do so. However, the offer is good one time only. If they want me to spare them again, they'd better save my life again.
All midwives will be banned from the realm. All babies will be delivered at state-approved hospitals. Orphans will be placed in foster-homes, not abandoned in the woods to be raised by creatures of the wild.
When my guards split up to search for intruders, they will always travel in groups of at least two. They will be trained so that if one of them disappears mysteriously while on patrol, the other will immediately initiate an alert and call for backup, instead of quizzically peering around a corner.
If I decide to test a lieutenant's loyalty and see if he/she should be made a trusted lieutenant, I will have a crack squad of marksmen standing by in case the answer is no.
If all the heroes are standing together around a strange device and begin to taunt me, I will pull out a conventional weapon instead of using my unstoppable superweapon on them.
I will not agree to let the heroes go free if they win a rigged contest, even though my advisors assure me it is impossible for them to win.
When I create a multimedia presentation of my plan designed so that my five-year-old advisor can easily understand the details, I will not label the disk "Project Overlord" and leave it lying on top of my desk.
I will instruct my Legions of Terror to attack the hero en masse, instead of standing around waiting while members break off and attack one or two at a time.
If the hero runs up to my roof, I will not run up after him and struggle with him in an attempt to push him over the edge. I will also not engage him at the edge of a cliff. (In the middle of a rope-bridge over a river of molten lava is not even worth considering.)
If I have a fit of temporary insanity and decide to give the hero the chance to reject a job as my trusted lieutentant, I will retain enough sanity to wait until my current trusted lieutenant is out of earshot before making the offer.
I will not tell my Legions of Terror "And he must be taken alive!" The command will be "And try to take him alive if it is reasonably practical."
If my doomsday device happens to come with a reverse switch, as soon as it has been employed it will be melted down and made into limited-edition commemorative coins.
If my weakest troops fail to eliminate a hero, I will send out my best troops instead of wasting time with progressively stronger ones as he gets closer and closer to my fortress.
If I am fighting with the hero atop a moving platform, have disarmed him, and am about to finish him off and he glances behind me and drops flat, I too will drop flat instead of quizzically turning around to find out what he saw.
I will not shoot at any of my enemies if they are standing in front of the crucial support beam to a heavy, dangerous, unbalanced structure.
If I'm eating dinner with the hero, put poison in his goblet, then have to leave the table for any reason, I will order new drinks for both of us instead of trying to decide whether or not to switch with him.
I will not have captives of one sex guarded by members of the opposite sex.
I will not use any plan in which the final step is horribly complicated, e.g. "Align the 12 Stones of Power on the sacred altar then activate the medallion at the moment of total eclipse." Instead it will be more along the lines of "Push the button."
I will make sure that my doomsday device is up to code and properly grounded.
My vats of hazardous chemicals will be covered when not in use. Also, I will not construct walkways above them.
If a group of henchmen fail miserably at a task, I will not berate them for incompetence then send the same group out to try the task again.
After I captures the hero's superweapon, I will not immediately disband my legions and relax my guard because I believe whoever holds the weapon is unstoppable. After all, the hero held the weapon and I took it from him.
I will not design my Main Control Room so that every workstation is facing away from the door.
I will not ignore the messenger that stumbles in exhausted and obviously agitated until my personal grooming or current entertainment is finished. It might actually be important.
If I ever talk to the hero on the phone, I will not taunt him. Instead I will say this his dogged perseverance has given me new insight on the futility of my evil ways and that if he leaves me alone for a few months of quiet contemplation I will likely return to the path of righteousness. (Heroes are incredibly gullible in this regard.)
If I decide to hold a double execution of the hero and an underling who failed or betrayed me, I will see to it that the hero is scheduled to go first.
When arresting prisoners, my guards will not allow them to stop and grab a useless trinket of purely sentimental value.
My dungeon will have its own qualified medical staff complete with bodyguards. That way if a prisoner becomes sick and his cellmate tells the guard it's an emergency, the guard will fetch a trauma team instead of opening up the cell for a look.
My door mechanisms will be designed so that blasting the control panel on the outside seals the door and blasting the control panel on the inside opens the door, not vice versa.
My dungeon cells will not be furnished with objects that contain reflective surfaces or anything that can be unravelled.
If an attractive young couple enters my realm, I will carefully monitor their activities. If I find they are happy and affectionate, I will ignore them. However if circumstance have forced them together against their will and they spend all their time bickering and criticizing each other except during the intermittent occasions when they are saving each others' lives at which point there are hints of sexual tension, I will immediately order their execution.
Any data file of crucial importance will be padded to 1.45Mb in size.
Finally, to keep my subjects permanently locked in a mindless trance, I will provide each of them with free unlimited Internet access.

Of course, these are merely the Top 100 Things I'd do. Other suggestions have been sent to me which didn't quite make the Top 100 List. But they are still so good that I couldn't bear to throw them out. Therefore, as an expression of gratitude, I have tossed them into...

This Evil Overlord List is Copyright 1996-1997 by Peter Anspach. If you enjoy it, feel free to pass it along or post it anywhere, provided that (1) it is not altered in any way, and (2) this copyright notice is attached.

The Proper Shopper

2009-08-07T10:45:00.009-04:00

Be a Proper Shopper!

Lavish Ladies & Dapper Gents Please join our newly created shopping group, the Proper Shopper! Inspired by Miss Eleanor Anderton's Shopping Alerts....this group would periodically release a wearable shopping HUD (thanks Viv!) that with one click would transport you to the featured deals, sales, freebies and favourite designers of quality garments, furniture, decorative home goods & garden delights.

I know we all have lots of groups or are even at our limit ....but it would great if you joined in!! Shopping Tips are eagerly sought from our Members! Joining this group is FREE now but we may charge a small fee later.

The Proper Shopper Shopping Group is geared towards the Victorian, historic, & Steampunk sims....From the modest shirtwaist to the provocative plunging deep decolletage all of the fashions that we will gather and share will be tastefully Victorian or steamy Steampunk! We do have a rule: NO BLING! or modern clothes will be featured (unless it's lingerie or a costume!) And Gentlemen, we will not forget your desire to be dapper! We encourage you to join us and submit YOUR favourite sources for fine apparel and encourage newbies to join our group so that they can look their best when traveling through the Victorian realms! From your fingertips to your foundations...this group will strive to gather, evaluate, provide, and share helpful information to make your Second Life Lavish!

Antique & unique furniture, home & garden finds will be fitting for the Victorian home.

If you have a great shopping tip send me a notecard with a short write-up about the item, where in the store to find it (if it's not immediately evident) and the LM.
! My thanks to Misses Ceejay, Serafina and Eleanor who have already contributed!

Ideas for tags: "Can't talk, Shopping" "I'm a Proper Shopper" any other ideas?

To join...go in-word, click search, choose Group, put in the search term "Proper Shopper" and click to see Full Profile: & JOIN us!!! YAY!!!

1884 Steampunk Movie, Cuppa Brown Joy, and Exploring with Pith Helmets

2009-08-05T00:55:00.009-04:00

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Gilliam Animator Brings Puppets to Steampunk

"Take one part steampunk, add a dash of spy comedy, mix liberally with puppets and computer animation — and you've got the recipe for 1884: Yesterday's Tomorrow, a film concept by animator and frequent Terry Gilliam collaborator Tim Ollive.
Tim Ollive was an animator and model maker for Monty Python movies The Meaning of Life and Life of Brian, and has done visual effects for numerous other Gilliam projects, including Brazil, Twelve Monkeys, Time Bandits, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Now Gilliam is backing Ollive's own film 1884, a collaboration with production designer Dennis De Groot.
The promotional trailer is a proof-of-concept reel, shot entirely on Ollive's kitchen table, to test out the effects for an eventual feature-length film. The clunky feel of the animation and Thunderbirds-style marionettes is deliberate, trying to evoke the sense that it was filmed using the same steam-powered technology it depicts.

By Lauren Davis, 2:24 PM

Of course it goes without saying that the puppets bother me with or without strings... i fear them as i do muppets & clowns. give me a zombie, a vampire (non-sparkly kind, please) and how could i not love this though.....i mean really, Terry Gilliam? and snarky...loves that snarky British humour...or rather, English....Welsh, Scottish & Irish humour is slightly different.
[says the Welshie].....so i think it's all time we rocked out with this again, darlings!

When i say Aasam.... you say Lovely!

---

now....with this cuppa i think you need a new Explorers outfit resplendent with pith helmet...in your Second Life, no? Yes, please! Dear Viv Trafalgar has done it again! (and i must humbly add that yours truly suggested the animal print corset, garters, and open jacket version) because we all know that beneath our gowns our undercrackers must be something....special! i really love the bustle in this gown...and the leggings!~ one must have our lower limbs protected when trudging through the wilderness....otherwise known as the mainland. i add my monocle...butterfly net... and an ammo belt to the ensemble.....a tinted optics are critical to protect your eyes from *bling*. please do NOT explore unprotected!

Shark Week and Sharks in the Dark

2009-08-01T01:46:00.000-04:00

Discovery Shark Week starts tomorrow Aug 2
And there are events in Second Life celebrating it!

Learn more about Shark Week

Aug 2nd Grand re- opening of Dive World
You are invited to attend at 12 PM SLT.
Here's the SLURL

Saturday Aug 8th, 8 AM SLT - 10 AM SLT
"Sharks After Dark" private event for DEN in Second Life.

To register and for more information please go HERE
There will be a limit of 60 people for this event

Meet Louise Black: RL Steampunk and Project Runway

2009-07-31T21:03:00.012-04:00

The Etheral Spirit of Louise Brooks Embodied in Steampnk Designer Miss Louise Black

Getting a tip from dear Viv Trafalgar my friend & Wheatstone neighbor Dr. Rafael Fabre posted the other day on his fabulously popular SL Steampunk blog the Heliograph about how Miss Louise Black, RL Steampunk & vintage ETSY designer is going to be on the new Project Runway - Starting on Lifetime 20 August.

WOW!!....two things close to my heart together!...Steampunk and that addictive show Project Runway. I've been a fan of Tim Gun's since the beginning!...as a matter of fact one of the first posts on this blog 3 years ago was Tim Gun Sighting at the Happy Harry's drugstore in Bethany Beach!

I've also been a fan of Miss Blacks for a long time and her interweb famous Victorian Anatomical Skeleton Cameo Corset in Rococo and Stripe Fabrics. Though always admiring her style, I've been on an Etsty diet since last October when i fell for the creative whimsy and talent of that Little Brown Sparrow.

So, being the addictive shopper that i am (and it's more expensive RL than SL!)...i went t her Etsy store and ordered the black peacock corset & bisque china doll arm necklace!
UPDATE:
Still waiting for the corset...but i got the necklace! Oooooer! Creepy & Fabulous!

with the reasoning that once the show is aired she will sell out...and if she wins (and i REALLY hope she does!) her prices will undoubtedly go up or she won't have time for such work!

--

--

--

Read More about Miss Black:

Vintage The Victorian Ballgown, Flirtatious Flapper, European Textiles

the fabulous fashion blog TLo seems to like her, too! Project Runway Season 6: Meet Louise Black

Etsy superstars: Louise Black Designs

Louise Black Designs.

From Dr. Fabre's blog i will ~~steal~~ share:
The Project Runway site with videos, images, and more on Miss Black

Ignorance of your Culture is not Considered Cool

2009-07-31T13:12:00.008-04:00

----

loves me some Penn Jillette....opinionated, profound, & profane. "Ignorance of your Culture is not Considered Cool" i have always disliked it when people brag about not watching TV, or reading a book, or anything that sounds righteously ignorant.

by the way, dear reader... Melisma: "is the musical art of stretching a syllable over a run of notes. But American Idol contestants (and pop singers) sometimes abuse and overuse it" from

How 'American Idol' Uses (and Abuses) Melisma : NPR Music

i am SO NOT a fan of this practice: please Penn share your thoughts on this. it's eager i am!

From Crackle: American Idol Ignorance

Dancing in Eleanor's Stars

2009-07-29T07:51:00.003-04:00

I fell in love with the out of this world atmosphere of space at the RFL display...and my clever & talented friend Eleanor has created a similiar get-away high above her lavish Anderton Estates.

I really think i want to try and recreate this astral wonderland above Llewellyn Industries of New Babbage....Hmmm i wonder how many prims it is....[wanders off to the shops to hunt down dear Eleanor]

Caledon Library Hud and How it Works

2009-07-22T22:27:00.013-04:00

I have a dear talented friend who i have written about before...the beautiful Miss Viv Trafalgar one half of the grid-famous New Babbage Aether Salon (Miss Serafina Puchkina is her partner in culture for that venture) Viv...creator of clothing, transporters, buildings, furniture, scripted items, and more has donated her precious time and talents for the good of all! .....all who loves Libraries! She has created the Caledon Library Hud! As a Gift! That sly JJ Drinkwater can make most anyone do just about ANYthing for the Library! More on that later....Ahem!

Dear reader, you may ask...what is a hud? from the SL Wiki it is a:

"Heads up display (abbreviated HUD) is a control panel for an AO or other devices that appears (only) on the screen of the avatar wearing them"

This HUD is like a directory of Teleporters.... here...please to show you with the willing help of my dear English Sheepdog Sir Shaggy who is trying to get in on the action....silly pup!
(pray click upon the photo to see full size)

Wearing the HUD it becomes a semi-transparent icon at the bottom of your screen. Meanwhile, silly Sir Shaggy is trying to get me to look at him....i am feigning disinterest....

One would click upon that icon and get a blue menu ....Sir Shaggy begs for my attention and i am still giving him the playful cold shoulder.

The Blue Menu appears and you can see ALL the Libraries in the Caledon Library System! Clicking on one...of course the Steampunk button and you'll get a Teleporting Map. Sir Shaggy takes a break and just sits. Good boy!

The Teleporting Map comes up and you can see the destination highlighted in RED and you can click either Teleport or if you're just searching for the SLURL you can click on Copy Location to Clipboard. Click Teleport and Voila! You're there....now, if you're in a Hubbed area of Caledon then you'll have a bit of a walk to get to the location....hint: follow the Red Beam from the sky.

Thank you SO much Viv for creating this for ALL! This HUD will be available (tomorrow) in all my libraries..look for a picture of a library and click upon it to get yours!

If you would like a created Hud for your businesses, town, or group you can Hire Miss Trafalgar for a mere $4500L ...contact her for details!

RFL: Daring Babbage Ladies in Space

2009-07-18T23:17:00.011-04:00

Three very daring New Babbage ladies yours truly, Capt. Red joined by her dear friends Miss Serafina Puchkina and Miss Viv Trafalgar...explore an RFL display that is out of this world!
Here's the SLURL to the Display

Touch the Rotating Globe to Transport to Space

Dodging asteroids, walking over rotating boulder bridges and dancing in a space disco...it was an amazing adventure.
---
Later joined by Mr. PJ Trenton the famous Primgraph & Prim Perfect photographer...the ladies twirl and dance in the rarefied atmosphere!

---
For all the photos from this Adventure please go to the Flickr Set.

Port Christopher: The New Babbage Exhibition for Relay For Life!

2009-07-17T15:26:00.019-04:00

New Babbage Universal Exhibition display for Relay for Life (click all images below for full size or go view the full Flikr collection)

The New Babbage Designer Sim Mars (( Right on the Track))
The New Babbage Camp site 32 .... The Universial Expo

[Capt. Red steps up to the podium and raises the Barker's cone to her lips and calls out in a true Carnivale voice....]

Step Right up Ladies & Gent's! Don't be afraid to Step Right Up! FREE to the Public and only here for a Short Time! Blink and you'll miss it! A GORGEOUS Mini Second Life build! Visit the New Babbage Relay for Life Universal Exhibition to get an idea of what the BEST builders in our Victorian Steampunk Sim can create! Take a Ride on the Merryman Ferris Wheel! Enjoy the Cleanslate & Co. Galerie de Machines! Dock your airship above the Great Obolensky Airship Deck & Observation Tower! Visit the Petit Palais for shopping and dance a daring Burlesque Hurdy Gurdy! So much to see and do and ALL FOR CHARITY! This weekend ONLY take a LAP and walk for Relay for Life! More information can be found on our Ning! Don't miss it!
PLEASE VISIT! here's the SLURL
**MANY PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES!!**

Visit this Exhibition and you'll never know who you'll run into!

This is our Beloved Babbage urchin Jimmy OOC!!! A rare sighting!

Does he not look grand in his Captain's Uniform! Very Spiff i say!

Ride the Merryman Ferris Wheel! Look at the lovely views! Be careful and hold onto your hat! and your gown's skirt!....the wind in such a modern ride is fearsomely splendid!

**GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!!**

Eeep! My Lauging Academy hat! Noooo! Must to save!

Visit the Petit Palais Shopping Arcade and view the Shocking Clockwinder's Bane! Buy gorgeous gowns & handsome garb! See The Modern Burlesque Stage!....AND hunt for the hidden Airlock!

Clockwiners Bane....sour milk is a potent brew....climb the ladder & feel the effects ...but be careful, tis a heady brew!

****GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!!

Buy Lovely Gowns, Dr Obolensky Gags & More!
Whilst at the Palais Buy the Lovely Velut Aurum Suite by my talented dear friend Viv Trafalgar!....Visit her shop in New Babbage or buy her winsome wares on Xstreet!!!

[looking both ways quickly she lowers the barkers cone and says to the fasionably dressed ladies in the front row before her in a consipratorial hush]

Now...when i was shopping at the Palais recently i found myself wanting to change into Miss Kembri's gown i looked around frantically for a seemly place to change ....and i spied this strange door tucked into an alcove....

upon touching the door it opened into this most beautiful airlock...i rushed in just before the door closed behind me...and voila! a perfect place to secretly change into my gown....pesky things those small windows were, but in a pinch....i made do!

[she winks saucily and raises the cone again and goes on with her barking]

Marvel at the science at the back of the lock..what makes it do that?
Find the secret Cleanslate Airlock! touch it just right and you can walk in...door closes and you can spy on visitors and jump out and scare them for fun!....not that Capt. Red would do that!

****GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!!

More Shopping! Buy a lovely Babbage Tartan Gown....this one is from Miss Kembri Tomson! Visit her store in New Babbage or buy her delightful wares on Xstreet! Dance the Hurdy Gurdy on the Burlesque Stage! Shocking! Modern! Created by New by the gorgeous and delightful Miss Ahnyanka Delphin of The New Champagne Rooms at New Babbage!
[says as an aside to her Ladies down front]
Capt. Red is wearing the Miss Kembri Victorian Day Gown with Feathered Hat, Bow bedecked Bustle, stockings and revealing the modern shocking bloomers!
****GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!!

An Aerial View of the Lovely Universal Exhibit!

Visit the Cleanslate & Co. Galerie de Machines featuring builds & Modern Machines from some of the best of our Victorian builders & Scientists!

The lovely Valhalla Tartan & Lace gown by BlakOpal designs! My talented & gorgeous friend has a huge shop in New Babbage and you can also buy her wonderous wares on Xstreet!!!

Hat by Miss Reghan Straaf of Hatpins!

Gallerie de Machines view from the Steampunk Duck Factory -

***GET A FREE STEAMPUNK DUCKIE!!!!

For a lovely time, visit the Exhibition at night!

See the Obolensky Airship & Viewing Dock!

See the Commons Steam Powered Globe! As Mr. Roland Zepp said in his journal "The globe tickled me because every good steampunker knows that the world is powered by steam and this was the perfect metaphor for that. " He also was very complimentary about our Build and he purchased a Red Luminaria and dedicated it to his father, an "RL Steam man who would have loved to see this" [as an aside to her audience she says] his blog has some beautiful pictures ....and great articles about fashion!

So Ladies & Gents, Visit the Exhibition! Shop! Walk! And Let's light up these luminaria! Donations are being taken and you can dedicate them to loved ones or friends or just to show your support! GO...GO NOW!...Go This weekend! Don't be the last one to see the Exhibition!

And dear New Babbagers?.....Industry Marches On! That's Why we Relay for Life! Go! Walk a Lap & Proudly Carry the Babbage Flag! Please note send YOUR note cards or contact the lovely and charming Miss Serafina Puchkina or Visit our NING! For more information!

and when you come back?....Please take a moment to thank the lovely, tan, hard working, & generous Miss Breezy Carver for ALL her hard work making this our most successful RFL New Babbage EVER! Why not leave a comment on her page or visit her lovely Blog, too!

The Waves of a Seabreeze

My Steampunk Factory: Llewellyn Industries of New Babbage

2009-07-15T10:22:00.009-04:00

Llewellyn Industries at Night

and in the Sunset
......it just charms me New Babbage....
almost as much as this Aquamarine Hat...from the Laughing Academy

it's almost as charming as the whole ensemble....which comes with the hat!

But nothing beats the charming & beautiful large stopwatch by Miss Viv Trafalgar which stands in the front yard of The Great Obolensky Metal Steampunk Tree House of New Babbage. Rumours of a hidden pirate rum-smuggling cave & urchin hide-out under the tree house are quite spurious!

All part of the Llewellyn Industries Holdings in Wheatstone Waterways, New Babbage
Open to the public year round, visitors welcome!...please take the welcoming note card when offered and enjoy the complimentary tea, rum & cookies and a few hidden gifts for the observant & curious.
here's the SLURL to Llewellyn Industires main factory, & look for the Teleporter to the Treehouse on the main floor.
Cheers!
~Capt. Red

Diamond Addictions Are Dangerous: Custom Ring Design

2009-07-12T21:12:00.011-04:00

so staying with my diamond loving & expert auntie LynnB for a week is going to cost me thousands!....[grins] but i've been thinking of resetting the e-ring from my first marriage for a long time. and somehow in our giddy delight of going over our baubles we came up with an idea (the trip to Tiffany & Co. and having a private champagne showing of the new Bizet series didn't help with the inspiration! - see the 2tcw princess Tiffany Bizet that was only $29,000 on the left) anyway ... taking the middle 1.o2 tcw E -VS1 pear and tilting it on its side...putting the .24 tcw trillions offset next to it and adding in 2 smaller ideal rounds .12 and .20tcw diamonds all with raised bezels set into a comfort fit platinum band will be, i think, just gorgeous!!! i emailed off the photoshopped mock up above to 3 different custom houses that my auntie has used in the past (Brian Gavin Diamonds, White Flash & Quest) and i'm looking forward to see what the quotes are for the diamonds, the cad design, the workmanship and the platinum....i really don't want to go white gold...but i worry about the size of the band.
i'll keep you, my dear readers, apprised....if it is going to be too dear i may have to save up a while for it....but the end product will be worth it as i don't wear the e-ring any longer just keep it tucked in my parent's vault. and what fun is that!!???

oh the Tiffany Keys!....so after trying on hundreds of thousands dollars of Bizet & Tiffany Legacy rings i ended up buying only 2 necklaces... the large oval key and a coordinating sterling bead chain (auntie lynnb got the small) and also a Tiffany Notes necklace....very, very pretty! and of course very, very, pretentious! LOL i can't help it..i have a thing for Tiffany & Co. always have....expensive habits i have thank goodness i can (selectively) and occasionally indulge it.

of course i'm the freckled pink one on the right!

Squirrels are the BEST!

2009-07-10T17:54:00.010-04:00

i've always liked squirrels...or squirbels as i am wont to call them. and having squirrel friends in Second Life makes sense to me as it does to have my factory kitten Buster and 3 VKC dogs....but squirrels are just a joy! i have a shoulder squirrel from our dear New Babbage Urchin Myrtil (as seen above) and last Christmas she won 2nd place in the Ice Sculpture build contest with her adorable icy sittable snow squirrel.

i even have squirrels that scamper about my factory & treehouse grounds....proudly showing their golden acorns.

they chirp and hop about merrily

...when spring came my beautiful ice sculpture magically turned into a squirrel sitting topiary of lush green...

and it is proudly displayed in the Llewellyn Industries Factory side garden. a great piece to pose upon and all are invited to try it out! thank you so much little Myrtil dear for your talent, creativity and shared love of squirbels!

Behold! the Invisible Woman!

2009-07-05T10:46:00.008-04:00

With the new SL release i've noticed something ODD whilst changing gowns in my dressing room....when i take off certain undercrackers my torso disappears!

Shocking! Amazing! What foul sorcery is this? Is this some way SL has devised to keep out Mainland rampant tacky nudity?

If so, i wholly approve! My torso comes back when shrugging on an undershirt, corset, shirt, or jacket....OR gloves..(pasties do work, as well something i only discovered by errrm sheer accident and a suggestion from Miss Writer!)

The viewer may click upon each image for a more detailed version to better examine for clues to this terrible occurrence!

In the interest of Science! i humbly submit these photos that prove this anomaly. Please do excuse the lack of proper garments in this experiment...for how could you see proof positive of this anomaly if i was properly bustled, corseted, and gowned?

Questions!
So i submit to you, Science! minded members of our community...is this the effect of long term exposure to the beloved soot of New Babbage? Some new magic that has descended upon us since that we magical and furry types in our town? The after -effects of something Dr. Gelving Obolensky has devised? He is already infamous for his Frock-Be-Gone Ray Gun! A truly hideous & shocking invention that is for sale at Cad & Bounder for $395L.....here are his claims:
"Beset by annoying suffragettes? Bothered by irritating plucky girl reporters?

Well, worry no more, as Cad & Bounder, home of the finest in villainous goods, provides, for a quite reasonable sum, the Frock-Be-Gone defabricating ray gun!

One quick pull of the trigger and those meddling females will be fleeing in embarrassment!

Comes with a stylish holster and belt, glowing lamps, and other assorted worky bits, guaranteed* to intimidate your target!"

Is this the work of a devious evil genius?
Is this some kind of environmental disturbance?
What are your thoughts my most excellent & learned readers?
Stray thoughts, outlandish theories, suppositions and spurious guesses are ALL welcome as comments!

Darling Java Bean, My Dark Hot Mistress

2009-07-04T09:57:00.009-04:00

Mmmmm bitter java bean, dark hot mistress...
Conjurer of my daily happiness and stimulation
Topped with froth...... I adore you.

My beloved new Keruig gives me my coffee fix every day (Thanks Mom & Dad for the B-day pressie!)...BEST PRESENT EVER!
i've always been a coffee snob..not as much as some, but i do love my dark bitter cuppa joy!.. so i never thought i could love a coffee maker as much as i do....this machine has made my mornings Sooooo Happy!

According to one of my favourite coffee websites (which just so happens to have been started by our own beloved darling Miss Ceejay Writer) Cocoajava.com

"more and more people are switching to the great taste and convenience of Keurig coffee makers. Keurig brewing systems make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Simply insert the no mess K-Cup® Portion Pack into the brewer and hit the brew button. The K-Cups quickly brew one cup at a time, in under a minute" By R.L. Fielding

the site also has a great comparison of all the machines in the line. the one i own is pictured above is the :

Brewer Name: Keurig B60 Special Edition Home Brewer
Description: The Keurig B-60 raises the bar for single cup brew technology. It offers the features of the B-50, plus 3 brew-sizes, blue backlit LCD display, and chrome accents. Makes up to 8 cups before refilling 48 oz. water reservoir.
Features: Always ready and brews in under 1 minute. Programmable controls for auto-on and off, adjustable temperature, and digital clock.
Cup Size: Choice of 3 cup sizes, 10 oz., 8 oz., and 6 oz.
By R.L. Fielding
Dimensions: 13.5" H x 8.5" W x 11" D

This amazing gorgeous little machine also does other things like quick prep meals!....read the article Alternate Uses for Your Keurig Coffee Maker for more great ideas like for lunch AND a sweet treat!

Review of Sources to Buy K-Cups using my favourite Emeril's Original Big Easy Bold K-Cup Coffee to compare prices and shipping offers with a box of 24:

Keurig website Price: K-Cup Box (24) $13.95 (free shipping over $45) **BONUS** Register your Keruig here and automatically join the coffee club get 10% off all your coffee orders and GET buy 2 boxes get 2 FREE the first time you order.
Amazon, sold in bundle of 2 boxes of 24 count for $23 but divided out is $11.50 per box (w/FREE Super Saver Shipping over $25!)** best shipping!
CoffeeCow.com Price: K-Cup Box (24) $10.99 (FREE shipping over $45!)

I also go to Bed, Bath & Beyond (when i need it NOW!) with a 20% coupon but B,B&B only has boxes of 18....so consider that...either way...i LOVE this Coffee!!!!

The Battle of New Babbage

2009-07-03T10:38:00.009-04:00

The Second Life Steampunk City of New Babbage waged a war against the wily (and dear friend) Evil Genius Dr. Gelving Obolensky...the conflagration consisted of many boats, steamships, rafts, and submersibles even some Caledonian militia joined with the New Babbage Militia and the mele went splendidly as i viewed from my Hot Air Balloon (seen in forefront) all until i crashed and found myself on the bottom of the Vernian Sea! how did it end up? i don't know yet! still waiting for the military men wrangling out the pesky details!
As a side note: the Primgraph was there.....reporting on the battle, nibbling finger sandwiches and secretly lobbing cannonballs. Of course it was the Primgraph that reported first the start of this revolution.
After the battle commentary:
primperfectsays

to her enthusiastic staff observing the Battle of Babbage: "You are PRESS. We are NEUTRAL. Stop throwing cannonballs."

FrauLowey

puts away the Meteor Control remote and puts it back in the Baron's coat pocket.

Ceejaysays

*snickers*

Ceejaysays

Rumor has it your staff are not happy and would like an ambulance plz.

PJ_thinks

that technically it just deflected off my hands and "towards" Dr. O.

primperfectsays

Tsk. Daredevil photographers throwing themselves into the front line ...

PJ_says

its my burden

Kittywitch

LOL

Ceejaysays

I ran over to lend aid! And found you lot eating finger sandwiches with the crust removed! Really. *shakes head*

PurplePenny

sends chocolate from completely neutral mainland.

primperfectsays

We are The Pimgraph. When we cover a battle, it's vital that we do it in style. ((Eats chocolate))

capt_redsays

smiles and nods] it's good that the Victorian Press are refreshed even in the midst of a conflagration!

primperfectsays

I brought cake. It seems a good policy. Always take cake to the Revolution - they are unlikely to have any themselves.

And this is why, dear friends, i love my Steampunk Victorian friends and city of New Babbage, Caledon in Second Life! FUN!

#NECC09 Conference - Washington, DC

2009-07-02T20:09:00.014-04:00

(click for full size image)

WARNING: OOC rambling post with many parenthetical interjections
(if you're one of my regular readers (and i LOVES you! look how many countries real lil ole me!) and are here for SL shopping advice or SL travelogues, pls. read my past blog posts...thanks!)

so the NECC conference in DC was just brilliant this year! the Twittering backchannel conversation was so stimulating and i made so many new Twitterfollowingfriends! 100+....lovely, smart, & cool collegues who can continue the discussion about Educational Technology - explanded my Personal Learning Network!.....so..... i've decided to become transparent...my worlds are colliding anyway... my interweb & SL life and my RL life...this blog will still mostly be about my SL adventures and library/technology & education work in Second Life (what little i do between changing clothes and being a Victorian Steampunk chick) but i'll maybe add more RL or at least not be so cicumspect about who i am and what i do...(as a library media/technology specialist and a graduate instructor at Johns Hopkins Uni)....but because of my early years on the web (and don't we all have these stories? and try and one up each other about how hip and cool we were with appletalk, mudds, WBS, TTRconferencing, compuserve, gopher, and a 14/4k modem with a 100 foot phone cord?) i learned to stay mum about who i really was...doing my thing and being internet aware...lots of pseudonyms! i won't list ALL of them here..(sheah, right...like duh!) anyway...mostly i didn't want my students to see what a snarky smartarse i am and to be able to let off steam with my opinions...i still worry...teachers have been fired over what they've blogged about...i like my private life well, private. i do historic re-enactment where i play a pirate wench for gosh sakes! otherwise i'm pretty tame [blinks and smiles sweetly]....so anyway...how much of your RL do you let out there? i mean...really. so, hmmm not going to over think this but i may make some past posts private. and or start a technology blog that keeps the saucier side of me out of it...(omg, not ANOTHER BLOG!) or i guess i can just blog my technology thoughts on my library blog but that has always been just for my kids & community and as a program pomotional piece...hmm WWJVD (what would Joyce Valenza do?) maybe i'll be semi-transparent then. so, ok educators....fellow technology teachers...if you found this and are looking for me i'm sure you can find the real me by what i do or you can leave a comment here and i'll hit you back. k?

so one of the highlights of the conference (for the heavier and more techy stuff check out my wiki) i got to meet the lovely, gracious, funny and adorable Miss Eleanor Anderton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eleanor is one of my oldest friends in Second Life....along with Miss Serafina Puchkina and June Wozniak...anyway....it was Miss Anderton's Shopping alerts that got me in the inventory laden addicted clothes buying stocking wearing mess that i am today in SL....and i love her for it. we were trying to connect for a couple days...and with so many sessions to attend and 19,000 people there..it wasn't easy. finally in a session on creating PLN's in SL and i was hoping with this crazy red hair of mine i'd stand out...and finally as i was leaving i heard the sweet dulcet voice yelling "RED!" and Squeee!!!! huggies galore! YAY! i very nearly jumped up and down and well....YAY! we giggled over things and made our way to the second life playground where we picked up our special SL badges and our Second Lifer (snarf) ribbons because apparently having as MANY little ribbons on your badge is like crack to my geek tribe and well....we started gossiping about shoes and stuff and the people around us were looking at us a little oddly....see? Second Life is that thing that sucks you in and swallows you up! seee?!!!! LOL anyway....it was just lovely...but i'm happy i'm home and can sleep in my own bed...Mmmmm

so ok...semi-transparent. i'm out and proud...as Capt_Red, a Second Lifer and a Librarian....and a redhead! \\FTW//! oh and now i'm plurking....oh the madness! thanks Sera & Ele! gah! more stuff to keep up with....what WILL i do?! LOL

i'm in love....

2009-06-25T16:05:00.004-04:00

kiz-yogosapphring-yg, originally uploaded by Kismet0116.

with this ring....the only thing i would do differently would be in platinum or 14k white gold. WOW! but isn't this gorgeous!??

OOC: Cooking at the Beach

2009-06-21T20:37:00.008-04:00

A Nap with a New Quilt then Cooking at the Beach
bought a new quilt for our condo the "rents" left and i took a nap with it...lovely! upon waking i decided to make dinner.
one of the joys of being at the beach is the availability of both fresh produce & seafood. we found a great new restaurant & seafood market with the parents the other day near Fenwick Island...and i got a pound of 16-20 shrimp ($10.50!) and a lobster tail ($11.00!)...so taking the raw seafood i added fresh green beans, a whole lemon, vidalia onion, Old Bay & Apple cider vinegar, a multi grain baguette and served with Chandon brut champagne ....it was a lovely meal.

here's how i did it:
boiled a few cups of water, adding lemon & onion slices and the Old Bay

You really *must* get Old Bay Seasoning. if it's not available at your local grocers, then go here. and i prefer apple cider vinegar to white...

cut 3/4th of a whole lemon into slices, and half of the onion

throw them into the water adding Old Bay (i have a heavy hand) & cider vinegar by eye...i've been doing this since i was a kid.... but here is the recipe from the Old Bay site

1/2 cup cider vinegar or beer (or a little of both!)

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons OLD BAY® Seasoning

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, leaving tails on

put the lid on, wait for it to come to a full bubbling boil then remove from heat for a min. i ladled out the steamed shrimp into a bowl, sprinkled more Old Bay on the shrimp then threw in the lobster tail into the same old bay vinegar water, lemon & onion broth...let that come up to a boil again - wait for the lobster shell to turn red and removed it to cool a bit. drain water, reserve lemon & onion slices.

let lobster tail cool a few min before cracking open.

Removing the lobster meat from the tail i cut it into medallions, then added melted butter into the same still hot cooking pot with a few mashed roasted garlic cloves that i got at the gourmet Mediterranean olive bar at the Giant place pot back onto the hot (but turned off) stove... saute lobster in butter & garlic for a min...remove lobster meat. throw in lightly steamed fresh green beans into the same pot. saute for a few min...remove

lightly toast the multi grain baguette rounds. plating consisted of the a few shrimp & onions...place 2 or 3 of the lightly toasted baguette rounds on the plate, top with the buttery lobster medallions, a couple extra rounds for sopping...add green beans, and of course serve with the chilled champagne!

Serve on balcony overlooking the ocean with the Chandon...

Mmmmm a lovely and easy dinner! (and leftover chilled peel & eat shrimp for happy hour tomorrow!) ...YAY!

Tea & Sympathy: Wickedly Delightful Deadly and Delish!

2009-06-18T11:55:00.007-04:00

Attention fellow Merry Young Widows of Caledon!....or Merry Widows from New Babbage or any town or village! All Merry Widows or like minded ladies might appreciate this fine Poisoned Tea Set brought to my attention by a note from Miss Strathearne of New Babbage with this written upon it:

"I have no idea what (who who) you'd use it for....but I thought you'd get a giggle out of this *grin*"
Nel

Now, whyever would she think i would need it? Hmmmmm??? my past comes back to haunt me, it seems??! [smiles slowly] so, i went to the shop and it is as advertised:

"Have some unwanted guests? Serve them a steaming hot cup of tea from this unusual set. They'll comment on the subtle almond flavor...and then drop dead from the strychnine!

Tea tray is set with Teapot, Teacup and saucer, sugar cubes, spoon, a dainty lace napkin, a plate of cookies, and a bottle of strychnine. Less prim-heavy version coming soon."

What a lovely way to entertain guests that have become less than entertaining or beloved! i was also struck by the other offerings at her site of Miss Nox Pinion.. i am determined to buy several of her offerings! such as this black and white tea gown she's wearing, just adorable!

....i do suggest a peek! anyone thirsty or care for a cookie? now...don't fret that funny taste, tis but the almonds, i assure you!
~Capt. Red

ps. just ran across this wickedly funny bunny.....very tempting to put it in my garden to ward away evil spirits and troublesome furries! (the *not nice* kind!)

My Moment of Zen

2009-06-16T15:24:00.003-04:00

things around my house that make me feel warm and happy.

and give me my moment of Zen.....
Ahhhhhh....have a great summer everyone!
going to the beach for a week starting Saturday....
may still be around...we have Wifi there...so you never know....

Victoria Station: The Undergrid & Bloomers! OhMy!

2009-06-13T16:10:00.026-04:00

i recently got a notecard from Mr. Mavromichali Szondi about a new portal or hub that's opened called Victoria Station.... here's what the notecard said:

What is Victoria Station and the Undergrid? Victoria Station is a new way to link the Steampunk Victorian themed sims across the grid. You can get to the station via one of our many Station Entrances located in Victorian Steampunk sims. You do this by clicking the entrance then clicking Teleport when the map appears. Inside the station is a pleasant area where you can meet people, sit and talk at the café area, and socialise, but it's main purpose is to provide links to destinations like any station in real life. Here, in Victoria Station, you click the link for the sim you wish to visit and are given a landmark to that sim.
It's a convenient place to stop to find Victorian Steampunk sims so you can visit them, but that's not all. The main purpose is to link to other destinations too. Think of the station as a virtual directory, with all the best of the Victorian period and Steampunk style creators in one place. They advertise their stores and services as destinations at the station: in subject groups ie. 'Clothing' or 'Home and Garden'. This gives you an easy one stop shop to quickly find what you are looking for, all in one place. Want to rent? Then just click one of the boards and follow the simple instructions. Destination boards can handle notecards, landmarks, objects (in notecards) and a sound, and our rates are low. We also have Events boards. These have a 3 week rental limit, and different pricing structure than the regular adboards. Visit the station and touch a free event board to find out more. We hope you find the Undergrid useful: Happy Travelling!
-----------------------------
The Undergrid is the brainchild of Nix Sands and Mavromichali Szondi.
Undergrid, the Undergrid idea, the word Undergrid and the Blue Triangle Symbol are Copyright © 2009 Silverstar Holdings

so of course i had to go over and explore this! i went so fast, i forgot to change my clothes and went out in my short skirt....the kind i wear around the house and when visiting ~~my smuggling cave & urchin hideout under~~ the treehouse.
what i found was a large dark...one could even say brackish, station...with eerie station sounds all around me. of course as a Babbager and a lover of the bracing atmosphere of soot, i felt right at home! as i turned i saw through the gloom and saw Mr. Mavromichali Szondi himself! he was kind enough to show me around. on one end of the station there are displays and links to all the Victorian era sims

Babbage was right there on the top!

on the other end was a display of ads for Tourist Destinations...and no surprise to me that our own business savvy Miss Breezy Carver has her two popular properties listed (and Mr. Cleanslate's lovely Hotel Excelsior!) ...and with her help i added a top shelf ad for.....

The Great Obolensky Metal Steampunk Treehouse!

looks pretty spiffy up there, huh?! and at only $30L a week (same as a search listing) but to a directed, interested, and like minded audience..it's a great deal! though i don't *sell* anything i do adore having visitors...and i have a wishing well for tips....so it may pay for itself, you never know! it's definitely worth giving it a chance....i talked with dear Nix Sands today about it and it was his idea that Mr. Szondi made manifest...AND they have FREE underground station entrances and signs you can add to your build if you want to encourage cross sim visits. which, i do! so i hid a 2 prim entrance on both my properties....hopefully they'll get found and used. i always get a thrill when i'm exploring and i find something that a builder puts in as a secret, room, gift, or find.

i've always wanted an easy way to get to all of our Victorian sims.....what a fun idea for a station! ~~reminds me of Harry Potter Train Station! [is a huge Potterfan!]~~ but really... the station also has areas for clothing ads, and all kinds of services, brochures, and kiosks...as well as a snack bar serving British food! sort of like a Tourist Bureau for all the Victorian sims! why not go check it out!
here's the SLURL.

Going Bonkers Over Bloomers!

(Lord Smashington Guard gets the bloomer treatment!)

NOW....as no blog post is complete without a shopping tip!

i got a great one from dear Miss Breezy Carver (does this woman ever rest!??) this morning about a new To a T collection! dear reader, you might remember that i wrote about her lovely dotted bloomers that i wore for my Stockings! How Shocking Autopilotpatty Poppy Exhibit...so of course i just HAD to check out this new collection!

So this was Breezy's note:

Bloomers in Public! The scandal! Yes, To-a-T has made bloomers, feel free to wear these in public places. Think of the outrage, think of the attention! ;-) Sarah Jane Bloomers & Automated Alice ensemble is at the main shop in Eyre now. The striped bloomers are trimmed with bows & ruffles at the knee. The Automated Alice is an underbust corset made of hand worked metals, this model is made with iron and gold, velvet padding inside for comfort. Also included is the ruffled blouse in luxurious silk, a lovely lace and ribbon choker, and the piece de resistance - a winged cog fob watch (Tempus Fugit) that plays a lovely french tune and chimes the hours by steam. It's all topped off with a Tesla Bowler that sparks on touch! Smart & Sassy. This ensemble comes in 7 colors: Canary Cornflower Saffron Lavender Sage Black Candy

so after i visited Victoria Station i rushed over there to take a peek and sure enough...it's a delightful outfit!

.....here with Miss Kembri's back bustle half skirt from her RFL tartan gown that i've written about before. here's a closeup of the Tempus Fugit watch. i moved it up from the bloomers for a more seemly and [cough] proper photo:

so though i don't know if i'll ever feel ......entirely comfortable...walking around Babbage in just these bloomers...(though i did go over to the stockyard and visit dear Gatsby, Sera, Jed & Jimmy to see Gat's new build in them)....i do see a LOT of possibilities for accessorizing with this...and the Tesla bowler hat with electric lightning & buzz was worth the whole outfit!
ALL this for less than $600L!

SLURL: To a T Victorian Couture, Caledon Eyre
Terry's Blog: To a T

Scripted Hair Chat, & Twirling at Metaversal Arts

2009-06-10T10:09:00.010-04:00

WARNING! The Below is the private, uncensored, & giddy conversation of two Steampunk Ladies who like to shop....you've been warned.

[14:21] Serafina Puchkina: Check out the hair at Metaversal arts. There is a new one with amazing scripts in it
[14:40] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hair??!...with scripts!? what do they do? [amazed]
[14:41] Serafina Puchkina: Ponytail -- anim has you tying up your hair into a bun

[14:41] Serafina Puchkina: another anim has you touching your hair
[14:41] Redgrrl Llewellyn: WOW~
[14:41] Redgrrl Llewellyn: !!!!
[14:41] Serafina Puchkina: and a 3rd has you twirling your hair (which I do in rl)

[14:41] Serafina Puchkina: ANNNNDDDD
[14:41] Redgrrl Llewellyn: OMG!....stop! no! don't stop! [clutches her pearls in anticipation]
[14:41] Serafina Puchkina: it comes with a hud that lets you change colors by touching it. You can remove the hud

[14:42] Serafina Puchkina: ANNNDDD you can touch to have bangs or not have bangs
[14:42] Serafina Puchkina: Kinda pricey for hair at 550 L$ but the anims make it worth it, in my opinion

[14:42] Redgrrl Llewellyn: OMG Sera, i am....literally..... without..... speech!
[14:43] Redgrrl Llewellyn: recovers. you have just officially ROCKED my world!....do they have red?
[14:43] Serafina Puchkina: Yes -- different shades -- the hud lets you change colors
[14:43] Redgrrl Llewellyn: WOWIE! how many did you get? [grins]
[14:44] Serafina Puchkina: One! There are cheaper ones there but I liked the long hair into a bun the best (and you can do the reverse. unfasten your hair into the pony tail)

(front view, twirling, hair up...wearing EVIL White so you can see definition, dear reader)

(side view, hair up, twirling)

(3/4 view, hair down in pony twirling)

[14:45] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Oooooh! dropping everything & going there NOW!
[14:45] Serafina Puchkina: SkyShop Zen Animated! Arianna bun and ponytail combo
(snip)

(standing at the vendor display....where is it!??)

[15:17] Redgrrl Llewellyn: ok...i'm here! i see Sky shop official hair but i don't see that they're scripted...[looking frantically]
[15:17] Redgrrl Llewellyn: oh wait here we go...Found it!!

[15:17] Serafina Puchkina: It's by itself on the corner
[15:17] Redgrrl Llewellyn: bottom left corner
[15:17] Redgrrl Llewellyn: this is blog worthy!
[15:18] Serafina Puchkina: Play with the demo -- lots of red shades but you don't have to carry all the shades in your inventory
[15:18] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hee hee & they give the ARC...1550!...that must be with hair down.
[15:18] Serafina Puchkina: Ooops! I wont wear it to a ball
[15:19] Serafina Puchkina: Or combine it with a low ARC dress
[15:21] Redgrrl Llewellyn: demo is green! LOL
[15:22] Serafina Puchkina: put the hud on.
[15:22] Serafina Puchkina: you can change it

[15:22] Redgrrl Llewellyn: [grumbles hiding a smile] smarty pants!
[15:22] Redgrrl Llewellyn: grins
[15:22] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Oooooooer!
[15:22] Redgrrl Llewellyn: cool!
[15:22] Serafina Puchkina laughs: Only because I played with it forever!
[15:23] Serafina Puchkina: You can remove the hud once you have the color you like.
[15:23] Redgrrl Llewellyn: would you mind if i blog about this giving you full finder creds?
[15:23] Serafina Puchkina: Go ahead! It's nice of you to ask though
[15:23] Redgrrl Llewellyn: well yeah!!!!
[15:23] Redgrrl Llewellyn: i wasn't born in a barn raised on a raft! [aside] pirate ship yes, raft, no!

[15:24] Serafina Puchkina: I love the hair twirling amin. Beats just standing there when you are talking to people.
[15:24] Serafina Puchkina chuckles at your original expression
[15:25] Redgrrl Llewellyn: so the hud has to be on to play with the hair?
[15:26] Redgrrl Llewellyn: nope!
[15:26] Serafina Puchkina: nope!
[15:26] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hee hee, stop that!
[15:26] Redgrrl Llewellyn: its a cute hairstyle even!... i like the back bun & bangs and the pony!
[15:26] Serafina Puchkina: Isn't that clever? It's so easy breezy to change the amins!
[15:26] Redgrrl Llewellyn: oh yes!
[15:26] Redgrrl Llewellyn: this is worth every penny!
[15:27] Serafina Puchkina: I thought so
[15:52] Redgrrl Llewellyn: thank you so SO much for this tip sweetie! you are a great shopper!!!
[15:52] Serafina Puchkina: Sure! And thanks!
[15:52] Serafina Puchkina: You do the same for me!
[15:53] Redgrrl Llewellyn: i try!
[15:54] Serafina Puchkina: And you are a great shopper too! It's fun trading tips
[15:55] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Awww thanks! i learned from the best!... you and Eleanor Anderton!
[15:55] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Oh! and June Wozniak of Caledon

[15:55] Serafina Puchkina laughs: I don't know who taught who,but this is fun
[15:56] Redgrrl Llewellyn: laugs and nods] too true!
[15:57] Redgrrl Llewellyn: how fun to be able to tie up your hair when talking to people and se them freak out!
[15:57] Serafina Puchkina: I know!!!
[15:57] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Awww you're a sweetie! and not a bit selfish
[15:57] Serafina Puchkina: Nope
[15:57] Serafina Puchkina: I need to get some rl food. See you later!
[15:58] Redgrrl Llewellyn: kk dear me, too soon! thanks again!
[15:58] Serafina Puchkina: bye!
[15:58] Redgrrl Llewellyn: bye!!!

Metaversal Arts: Main Store!
Put their directory HUD on & Go to Clothing, and look for the hair display lower left corner!

Gorgeous store, by the way....and nice to see some of our Babbage builders there!!!!...

Not Possible In Real Life

2009-06-06T16:29:00.014-04:00

OOC: though this blog cannot compare to the excellent Not Possible in Real Life** blog today was one of those fun Second Life days.

Feeling a little under the weather RL today (girly stuff) i logged in early to dress up and take pics for a dear friend Miss Breezy Carver. i was reading HER blog where she was talking about the Capalini Oliphant and her new creation the broken toys (shown below, pic shamelessly stolen from Breezy's blog!)

"Oh My her Broken Toys .. Laughing .. this was such a fun project Canolli had a blast making them .. You see that is her trick she does have a great deal fun while she builds and creates !!
But here is her secret he has some of coolest toys to begin with she just was feeling restless so she busted them up .. and they are brilliant and adorable !!
My favorite of all her Olliphant... Waits for Red to show hers *hugs*"

so here i go in world to dress up in my PSSME's girl's uniform and hug my Olliphant like a good loyal little show off friend that i am! (see pic at top) when i get a ping from another good friend Viv Trafalgar. Any kind reader of this blog will recognize that name as my very talented dress designer and builder friend who is One of Four creators of the new sim Armada Breakaway.
She said that there was a famous photographer Mr. PJ Trenton from the Primgraph & Prim Perfect taking pics about Armada and would i have time to pose in my Oneiroi Club & Reading Room where we've had book discussions such as The Elusive Muse. I'm proud to say i was allowed in on Armada before it even opened and i love my Club & Reading room (and upstairs hidden opium den!) so of course i jumped into my Avast! Jade gown and pirate boots and flew over to pose like the vain, self-involved pixel show off that Red is known for!
(photo on left by Mr. PJ Trenton)
I met the talented, charming, and witty Mr. PJ and either lag or my Mac (or the charming PJ himself!) was making me stand on my head! LOL after a quick relog i got it back together changed into a Touch of Ireland Pirates Gold gown and he took more shots...of me standing upright!

as an aside to that...THIS Month in the Primgraph they highlight our steampunk city of New Babbage! and though i was not mentioned or my buildings were not pictured :-( (due to RL conflicts i turned in my submission to Miss W shamefully late!) i was honored to see they did use some of my photographs for the article!! YAY!

Then i had a lovely (but sadly quick) time touring New Babbage resident and talented gentleman Mr. Tinus Koshikan's new store: "Lovelace Stock and Trade, a textures and curios emporium of the finest quality. Situated within Port Babbage, you will find the best in victorian, steampunk, metal, ceramic, cloth and wallpaper textures essential for any beautiful build." Here's the SLURL. Textures so rich and lush makes even Red the indolent non-builder wish to whip something together! .....then a doorbell RL called me back upstairs and i ended up gardening with the neighbors for a few hours.

Back in world just in time to see the final DreddPirateBob auction! He was fit to be tied! or Tied and having fits! and to bid $2500L but was outbid by my fellow ginger and former neighbor Boh. Lucky Bob missed a lovely bath! But i did pick up a delightful Bob Calendar for RFL!
Having to go out with my friends RL for a live Trivia Tournament where we're trying to raise Hardshell Crabfeast money i bought the new Kembri Babbage Tartan gown! What a lovely day!

Now...talking about NPIRL....Babbage's & Caledon's own Marion Questi was covered in the NPIRL Blog about his huntable air kraken! FASCINATING! he related:
"Miss Discovolante, a sculpty master, created the kraken. I am the scripter who animated it. It looks very realistic with it's wriggling tentacles and deadly beak."

and to those bleeding hearts out there who say it's cruel to hunt Air Krakens i say bosh to that!
As i commented there..."Air Kraken are legion and a nuisance! they must be taken down...though i do NOT recommend wearing your best white gown whilst hunting..the blood and ink do stain so! yet, they it makes for lovely writing ink if one comes with a bucket...also, i've had good success having my dressmaker use the fluid to dye fine linen for throw pillows...[smiles winsomely]

Photo by: Edward Pearse, Duke of Argylle, from his Blog on this subject!

Sci Fi Channel Network is Changing its Name

2009-05-29T13:32:00.008-04:00

Really Sci-Fi?...REALLY?

Please see Capt. Red's opinion below after the awkward aricle cut and paste clip.
"In some universe, the name “Syfy” is less geeky than the name “Sci Fi.” Dave Howe, president of the Sci Fi Channel, is betting it’s this one. To that end, the 16-year-old network—owned by NBC Universal—plans to announce that Syfy is its new name March 16 at its upfront presentation to advertisers in New York.

“What we love about this is we hopefully get the best of both worlds,” Mr. Howe said. “We’ll get the heritage and the track record of success, and we’ll build off of that to build a broader, more open and accessible and relatable and human-friendly brand.”

Sci Fi is coming off the best year in its history. In primetime it ranked 13th in total viewers among ad-supported cable networks in 2008. It’s a top-10 network in both adults 18 to 49 (up 4%) and adults 25 to 54 (up 6%).".....

“The name Sci Fi has been associated with geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games and stuff like that, as opposed to the general public and the female audience in particular,” said TV historian Tim Brooks, who helped launch Sci Fi Channel when he worked at USA Network. Mr. Brooks said that when people who say they don’t like science fiction enjoy a film like “Star Wars,” they don’t think it’s science fiction; they think it’s a good movie. >“We spent a lot of time in the ’90s trying to distance the network from science fiction, which is largely why it’s called Sci Fi,” Mr. Brooks said. “It’s somewhat cooler and better than the name ‘Science Fiction.’ But even the name Sci Fi is limiting.” Mr. Howe said going to Syfy will make a difference.“When we tested this new name, the thing that we got back from our 18-to-34 techno-savvy crowd, which is quite a lot of our audience, is actually this is how you’d text it,” Mr. Howe said. “It made us feel much cooler, much more cutting-edge, much more hip, which was kind of bang-on what we wanted to achieve communication-wise.” Source: TvWeek

like OMG, really? Syfy? why not SF? that's what i use for that genre in the library! i hate to snipe on it but i agree with what Snipe (geek diva) said "Syfy" is not only *not* less geeky, it's stupid and doesn't make any sense. The sci-fi genre is stronger than ever - why risk alienating your core audience by this stupid novelty name - especially when a name like "Syfy" doesn't guarantee that you'll reach anyone new. Devote the money that would be spent on new stationary for your new name to better programming, so current and future devotees are not stuck with crap programming like "Ice Spiders 6: The Shivering."

Stockings! How Shocking! Miss Autopilotpatty's Poppy's Gallery Exhibit

2009-05-23T13:49:00.009-04:00

Shocking Stocking Exhibit featuring Babbage Designers & a Former Pirate Captain and a Saucy Wanderer

Well Babbagers, the much respected & talented Caledonian Photographer and new resident of Wheatstone New Babbage Miss Autopilotpatty Poppy has a new exhibit featuring luminary ladies stocking clad limbs from all over the Victorian & Steampunk sims!....oh and yours truly, one former Pirate Capt. how she was included i'll never know! if you want to see how all this started...i blogged about it HERE a few weeks ago.

i didn't mention it to too many people in case i wasn't chosen for the exhibit! (and i feared it would seem even more braggy than usual! LOL) ...but i was chosen!! in fact, there are two pics of me in the exhibit. one that includes my face and one with just my legs..and Cutea Bennelli Grim Bros Uber Curlie Cue shoe!

Exhibit info below..the party is going on NOW! and the SLURL is included, too!

UPDATE: and i just found out our own delightful saucy wanderer and fellow rum drinker Miss Katherine (Kat) Montpark was featured, too!! here's a teasing glimpse of her lovely portrait!

i wasn't going to blog about it on the Ning here but Miss Poppy asked me to..

[9:16] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Miss Poppy, are you going to post this exhibit info on the New Babbage ning? i don't want to look like a show off if i dont' have to...[grins] but of course i am!
[9:16] Autopilotpatty Poppy: ohhh could you do that Red? I would so appreciate it... People read yours
[9:17] Redgrrl Llewellyn: people may read them but i wish they commented more! LOL ((sadly, i am a total comment whore)) i was gonna blog about it on my celtgrrl blog anyways! cheers and the exhibit is gorgeous! saucy but not salacious!
[9:19] Redgrrl Llewellyn: ok sweetie! .....i'm gonna go blog it's a pleasure and i to hope to bring others in, i can't believe so many luminaries from all over the Victorian realms stripped down to their undercrackers!
[9:19] Autopilotpatty Poppy: lol

so...here my dears!

Hello Friends and Neighbors Today at 11 am the long-awaited Stockings! exhibit opens in Miss Poppy's sky Galleria. Unique, beautiful, sensational, stockings of all shapes and sizes for your visual treat and dancing, too! You don't want to miss this exhibit that Miss Poppy has been working on for over 3 months just for you! Please stop by even for just a few minutes. A LM is attached for your convenience. If you happen to land on the ground level there is a red teleport arrow on Miss Poppy's porch. The Exhibit runs until June
SLURL to Miss Poppy's Gallery

Another picture that didn't make it into the exhibit but that was taken during the Photoshoot:

Clothes i'm wearing in the shoot: Viv Trafalgar's Velut Hiber Steam Gown,...i'm also wearing my Whybrow pearl bracelet and Terry Lightfoot Domino Noir 1885 Victorian Bustle Dress ~ To-a-T ~ undercrackers...to die for diamond pane stockings, delightful garters, fun polka dot boy shorts, and ribbons! My beloved BlakOpal corset in one scene (above) and in my hand i have a Caliber riding crop, on my feet the Grim Bros. Uber Curlie Cue shoes (Cutea dear you are a genius! i've blogged about these shoes before...i can't help myself!) and to top it all off my longtime beloved Nonna Hedges Polka Dotted veiled tophat and Chantilly Peacock Noir top.

Homes & Dr. Watson came to see the exhibit as did Mr. Leonardo Serrao....
I do believe the gents were a bit overcome from such an overexposure and one of them (i won't say which ::coughs::) felt a bit weak kneed, nauseous and faint...but manfully looked if only for the culture of it and i hope loyalty to his friends.

it must be noted, Miss Genie Burton of Steelhead had a very...ahem! Cheeky portrait (a teasingly edited version above right)

and our own Miss Poppy herself had a very gorgeously cheeky picture of herself there that is NOT to be missed view!

ok, i'm feeling WAY overexposed here and am now going to crawl under a rock and hide for a while...

FULLY DRESSED!

ps. shhhh...[looks around furtively]
can't make it to the exhibit or it's over? here are the unedited non teasing full pics!

Miss Reghan Straaf: More than Just a Mad Milliner

2009-05-21T10:20:00.021-04:00

Now a Daring Dressmaker!
risking the fear of sounding name-dropping i must admit my bias to this blog post...for i am proud to say that Miss Reghan Straaf is one of my oldest friends in Second Life...having met her over a year ago through mutual Caledon friends Miss June Wozniak and noted SL & RL storyteller Mr. Gilbert Sapwood ((Dale Jarvis)) i was charmed by her from the first.

she has even talked me into being a tiny furry Red fox which would, for anyone else, be a herculean task! of course, she's so adorable in and out of tiny form i can deny her nothing and she's fun to hang out with playing greedy greedy or dancing with her handsome & charming twin Reg. i must admit, dear reader...i haven't blogged about her hats before because i did not want to look like i was just a bragging indulgent enthusiastic friend (but i have always loved and worn her hats!) but now with this new venture of gowns...i am compelled to! appearances be damned...these new gowns are worth talking about!

Reghan, The Library Militant, made her pledge to Sir JJ Drinkwater. Spiffing uniform!
Such Talent!
Admitedly, i don't understand such talent as she possesses. being unrepentantly indolent, lazy and unproductive on the grid her powers of creativity astound me. she even has time to work for Sir JJ Drinkwater as a Library Militant (see her photo above) Apparently, not satisfied with being one of the most talented milliners on the grid...don't know her work? here's my proof the Autumn Sunset hat $300L shown with the MP Moxie P. Autumn Leaves Gown $580L also at the Haute Couture Sim right near Hatpins! Here's the SLURL.

Why Dresses?
she said she became a bit bored by the challenge of hats and now has added dressmaker to her title! she's taken all those same creative and innovative fashion skills and have applied them to dresses!....and the fact that i've roused myself from my usual indolence to write about this means...it is significant. full stop.

Being Reghan and a perfectionist with incredible taste and style her dresses are of course delightful. she designed this Lady Nora gown with many options...a lovely lowcut unadorned bodice or with a cute white ruffle and bow. I'm also wearing her Steampunk Rafael RFL Tophat ...you can see the display for both these in the background
pray, see below.

knowing my penchant for accidentally showing my lower limbs. she has thoughtfully made the glitch pants mod. for those new to SL this is where you can digitally "hem" your pants so they are "boy shorts" or shorter so that you can wear your favourite garters & stockings under the gown!...

(click for full size image, then please pray come back)
to do this wear the pants...and click on your name and chose EDIT APPEARANCE click on Pants, and raise them up by sliding bar towards short. adjust to taste and modesty!
you know, dear reader...this makes me remember....
i have a whole ranting blog about what i wish i could ask for if a dressmaker wanted to know what an SL Fashion junkie would want if i could ask for anything...i've never finished or published that one...Hmmmm

but back to this lovely gown...the textures of the skirt are just....LUSH! and of course as soon as i visited her studio and saw the works in progress i BEGGED for a green gown! and Voila! here it is! but don't worry blondes and brunettes...there are plenty of magenta and pink gowns for you.

Anyway....Visit the lovely huge store HATPINS (SLURL) in Haute Couture... that's where you can find all these fashions~!!
Join the Hatpins Group
it really is worth joining the Hatpins group the tag is: The Inimitable...it costs $100 but it makes up for that and more.... because every month she gives away a free hat or gown that's worth $300L or more!...this month it's the new Lady Carrie gown.... it's definately worth one of your 25!

The group joining sign is right over the NOT TO BE MISSED Dollarbie hat display!!
...with more than 6 great hat deals for only $1L! (no group tag needed)
also....NEW To SL avatars can get super special deals! tell your newbie friends or Oxbridge students!
Congratulations dear Reghan!....So, though she is a friend and i'm a lucky girl to have so many talented and generous amazing designer friends (Viv! Elle! Auds! Cutea & Nonna!) this new line of gowns has really WOW'd me! so much i had to write about it...(and no, she didn't aks me to!) and i never take $L for my blogs (though i've been offered and tempted)

I'm not the only one who admires Miss Reghan Straaf! Our own dear golden hearted Breezy Carver, Lady Skusting has written about her talent and good taste!

enjoy dears and happy shopping!

Keeping our Clockwinder Sober & New Steampunk Gown, too!

2009-05-16T16:42:00.017-04:00

Sadly, it has become increasingly apparent that our New Babbage Mayor the Clockwinder Mr. Tenk has a drinking problem. The evidence has been piling up like the many discarded milk bottles found around town...the smell of sour milk..the sound of him snoring passed out next to a fire or an alien breeding ground. Milk bottles are even by my treehouse! (ok...one is filled!)

(photo by Master Skyler Pooley of New Babbage)

To combat this possible slide into the bottle of Moo Juice I have endeavoured to appeal to his horologist leanings by adding more and even more clocks to the newly rebuilt Great Obolensky Metal Steampunk Treehouse...the first of such in New Babbage inspired by the RL Steampunk Treehouse.

The kind Miss Hirvi donated a lovely mantle clock to this plan

and I also put out the gorgeous giant Pocketwatch that my dear friend Miss Viv Trafalgar made...
you can see Sir Shaggy likes it!

see the smokestacks in the distance?...my word, do i love that view!

three clock gifts: the lovely Oblonski Mantle Clock from Miss Hirvi and above that the Bohemian Clock from Mr. Leonardo Serrao and hanging above the Dual Faced Silent Wall Clock by Mr. Denver Hax. The other clock...Sprocket Gear Clock... I bought in Armada on impulse and it's by the talented Robin Sprocket.

the lovely wall clock with swinging pendulum that was a gift from the very talented Miss Candace Hudson

From Left to Right: Ordinal Malaprop stopped clock, a gift from Mr. Shaunathan Sprocket, and a Game Clock by Dedric Mauriac that tells you the weeks, days, hours you've been in world...and out since you were "born" in SL
Now with 10+? (are there hidden ones?) clocks that may need winding?
and let's not forget my favourite clock of all... in the living room of Llewellyn Industries...the lovely Clock Table that was a gift from dear Dr. Gelving Obolensky the high prim version with the moving gears inside...there's also a lovely 15 prim clock sans moving gears..and you get both when you buy the table. Awwww and who says he's evil?? Oh yes...he does! Muuuwaaaa!

Will that keep our fearless leader from the lure of the bovine brew?
Will he be able to work rather than drink himself into a cow coma?
Will i be able to support over 100 prims in clocks alone on my land for long!?
I certainly hope so!

Gown Talk!
Since no blog post is complete without a little bit fashion talk.... check out my new gown! it's called the Steampunk Peccadillo : Chocolate Gown Set by Ezura Xue...and yes, i've urged her to make more! LOL
only $388L for all this!
* white base shirt with sculpted sleeves [undershirt + shirt layers]
* corsets [shirt + jacket layers]
* thongs with garter [all layers]
* panties with garters [all layers]
* gloves + prim cuffs with clock
* stockings
* choker with clock + flexi ruffles
* sculpted collar
* flexi skirt
* hat with goggles
* staffs/cane [2 type holding : top + mid]
Multiple Layers
Copy & All prims modify with menu

Capt. Red the Backstory

2009-05-14T06:35:00.004-04:00

i often share too much....say too much...let the rum warm me and wax rhapsodic about past exploits and entanglements. this is the case on the New Babbage ning...this journal has been a way to say what i like without murking the waters of my city with more information than should be shared...case in point my backstory. was asked by Miss Poppy to give a notecard with a short bio for the Stockings! gallery exhibit....and as you can well imagine that was a challenging task for one as vain, shallow, and effusive as i am to keep it indeed *short* but i valialantly tried and am trimming my Ning profile and putting it here...and replacing it with the shorter version of my checkered past.

What has brought you to New Babbage and SL Steampunk?: I couldn't help myself...for years at sea i was happy, content, made rich with shipping and other umm profitable ventures...My ship was my home in any and all ports and i adored it. The Queen Anne's Revenge, a relic ship by Baron Grayson himself...loved by myself and my crew and feared by ...oh..many. But because i couldn't stay on my ship ALL the time!.... when i was craving the solid earth beneath my feet Babbage was a wonderous place to visit and to explore....and the people have always been more than kind to me...i looked around and i was AWED and amazed at what has been wrought....it just drew me!...and that is why i eventually i retired from my life upon the high seas and bought my factory Llewellyn Industries, built Llewellyn Gardens featuring the Obolensky Steampunk Metal Treehouse, The Dewi Sant United Welsh Chapel & Parsonage Tower, and the Topham Memorial Park.; Update, i have since sold the church after the ground openend up and swallowed it whole... a bad sign for the land and its dubious crypt activities. and the Park i have mowed over and laid cobble planting my Treehouse there a more fitting and industrial setting for such a fine structure.

There is something about New Babbage that is difficult for even a wordy girl like me to elucidate....it just resonates with me. There is something that rises inside me.... when i walk down the streets or by the waters of New Babbage and and i look up at the buildings, the creations that fill me with AWE i get a sense that ANYthing is possible!

a recent highlander said about me being ((RL)): "welsh then?
bones made of slate and gold; feet of the webbed variety; kill a man at 50 yards by singing at him in close harmony ? "

Oooer...that sounds good, no?

Could you provide a bit of background about yourself?: Youngest daughter of Lord Aloysius and Lady Laurel Llewellyn shipbuilders and exporters for generations and who still reside on the family estate in Conwy, North Wales. She stowed away on one of her family's ships at age 12 and sailed around the world disguised as a cabin boy. Upon returning home she was severly reprimanded and put under such constraints that marrying her older cousin, Captain Alembic Morington Llewellyn....the black sheep of his side of the family at age 18 was her only escape. Little did she know her new husband was augmenting importing and exporting with piracy....but she soon not only adapted to it but became adept at it. Sadly, poor Alembic was a better pirate than swimmer and he perished after falling (not pushed!) overboard as tea was called one day.

Now a Captain in her own rights...she led her ragtail crew of scurvy soundrels and rogues and sailed the seas plundering and pillaging and piling up booty until retiring and going into deep mourning for her dearly departed husband. Has also traveled to Russia and earned the name
~Kапитан Красная

"I have found in all my years and in all my travels it's our vices that say more about us than our virtues" Capt. Red

Semi-retired Privateer, Explorer and Librarian a member of the great town of New Babbage, the Independent State of Caledon, New Toulouse, Opus Free Port, Steam Sky City, Silent's Folly, and Winterfell.

a postscript from her desk:

My factories are open to the public or for guided tours upon request...just IM or drop a notecard to me. Can't wait for a personal guided tour? then pray look at my profile picks for landmarks and explore on your own... i just ask that you follow the requests i make as detailed in my welcome notecard...so please, Keep it when you are offered it. And if i am in residence please call out before exploring...and don't walk in on me whilst changing! LOL unless you can tie a tight corset string and avert your eyes!

The new...shorter biography....

Capt. Redgrrl (Red) Llewellyn - Rich Merry Widow, Lady Privateer (Ret.), & a Captain of Industry
Capt. Red is a Welsh born Lady of an eccentric shipbuilding family. An irreverent hoyden from the cradle she married young and went to sea with her piratical cousin & husband who was a better pirate than swimmer as he perished after falling (not pushed!) overboard as tea was called one day.
Deciding that the sea life was for her she ventured forth with her loyal (but cutthroat) crew and continued with his work until she retired after selling the Queen Anne's Revenge (twas no Blackbeard who had the ship but a Redhead...the public are are so easily duped!) settling in the fair sooty city of New Babbage.
A new chapter of her life has started in Wheatstone Waterways, New Babbage became her home where she opened Llewellyn Industries, Llewellyn Factory Gardens, & the great Obolensky Metal Steampunk Treehouse all of which properties are open to the public. A Caledon Oxbridge Professor, Capt. Llewellyn is also a generous patron of builders and dress makers, an arbiter of fashion, noted interior decorator, an expert historian of the undergarment and female fripperies and humble and modest to a fault. Invited to speak at the grid famous New Babbage Salon the daring Capt. Llewellyn gave a detailed talk on Amour! 2000 Years of Corset History in 20 Minutes, with Illustrations!. She is also a loyal and active member of the New Babbage Ladies Fire Brigade, and other civic causes, hostessing parties and events, she has striven to give back to the community and to make up for her profitable years of dissolute plunder.

New Babbage Ladies Fire Brigade : daring ladies of New Babbage and take to land, air and sea to fight fires and defend their city!
NBLFB Tea and Fashion Show: the ladies dress up (and down) to show their favourite gowns and hats!
Llewellyn Industries: Please don't ask what we manufacture here... our official answer is "No Comment"
May Day Carnival Dance & Party Featuring Urchins as Lord of Misrule & the Mayday Queen
Smokestacks & Soot the Way We Like it Here: a View from the great Obolensky Metal Steampunk Treehouse

Stocking Clad Nether Limbs Aloft! Miss Autopilot Poppy Puts on a New Exhibit

2009-05-10T09:45:00.018-04:00

well darling readers & friends....i've made it..past the first 2 auditions!!...and i was honored to spend a few hours in the studio with the super talented Miss Autopilot Poppy expert photographer of Caledon.

it all started with this notecard:

Stockings!

hmmm does that conjure up pictures in your mind?

great! You may be the Stockings model I'm looking for...

I have a project in mind for an exhibit and a book with the theme and title of Stockings! I'm looking for 12 models. The shots will be revealing, fun, cute, sexy, really risque or that somewhere in between.

I'd like a variety of avatar forms

I am going to audition on Saturday, April 18 at 11 am SLT and will make my selection within the next week if possible with the shooting to begin immediately afterward in a studio setting. You can use your poses or mine. If you cannot make this audition we can to it individually at a time convenient to you.

*** NOTICE*** If you are interested in this project, please send me a notecard with the title being: Stockings - (your name) - and a time and date you might be available for this audition. PLEASE do not IM me as they have been getting capped again...:) ty

I am willing to use your ideas or my own on these shots so be creative if you wish!

this exhibit will go up the middle of May and after the exhibit the images will not be sold again but the book will be available after the exhibit and will be given to the Library, too.

Regards,

Miss Poppy ^..^

of course, knowing my fettish...erg...love for all things lingerie! to the point where i had to learn how to make boyshorts so i could wear my favourite garters & stockings under my gowns for the chance to "accidently" show them off when sitting...Ooops!...so, i HAD to try out for this!

Miss Poppy is a dream to work with! she took my picture for the Merry Widow RFL 2007
Pinup Calendar

so, to have a chance to model for her once more...!!?? sign me up! this is the outfit i auditioned in..a Viv Trafalgar Lovelace Pocket watch Tophat, Miss Cutea Grim Bros. Miss Montez gown with tule skirt & Uber Curlie Cue shoes, and my Twittery Bird Silent Sparrow undercrackers..i was ready!

......it was a great (and FAST!) auditon...where Red shamelessly flaunted her limbs clad in silk and ribbons...and then i waited...seemed like FOREVER! but i was patient and finally got this notecard!

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen

I apologize for keeping you all waiting. I have finally reached a decision on the models I'll be using for the next portion of the Stockings! project.

This has been such a hard selection. I want to use all of you but, alas, just cannot keep doing that...

This next phase will be the actual studio shoots. From there I will be narrowing the exhibit down again so be aware that you may or may not be used in the exhibit at this point.

and so... the fun part of shooting begins... Instead of doing the Calendar thing... I'm going to establish times that I will be in the studio and ask you to come by during those times. I encourage any of you to come watch, offer ideas, critique... the creative aspect of these is so important as you all know and I could certainly use your help. I'd be happy to photograph two, three, four. as many as you want into one photo too... the sky is the limit, so to speak as long as it's in good taste and artsy.

Here are the times I will be available for photo shoots at the studio here:

Daily: 10am - 12noon. SLT (not 4/24)
2pm - 5pm SLT
9pm - 12 midnight SLT (not 4/24)

I will be at the studio these times so just teleport in and we'll accomodate you. There may be times when I'm not able to be there due to RL. If that happens I will leave a poster on the studio backdrop. I'll also be happy to schedule an appointment with you if that works best for you. I'm looking forward to this, people... It's going to be the best exhibit yes, imho!

The models I selected are:
Annechen
Autopilotpatty
Birdsan
Darlingmonster
deyanira Yalin
Eppie
Erasmus
Eugenia
Gabrielle & Azul
Hyacinth
Kamilah
Kit
Lavendar
Minerva
Mystery
Lumi
Searra
Teaa
Terry
Red .......!!!!!!!!!
Veles
Vulpine
The Caledon Cat Brigade

SO..OMG! OMG! did you see that? Red! that's me! i made it~! [dances around] Caledon people have always been so kind to me since i came to her shores over a year ago! and when i got lured into the clutches of New Babbage i was still welcomed into the Independant State of Caledon as a friend and neighbor...the Guvnah himself even making me an Oxbridge Professor...but this! this was Big! now...to the photo shoot....i got to wear a few different outfits and knowing the final product would be turned Sepia i went with a black and white theme

in this shot i'm wearing my Viv Trafalgar's Velut Hiber Steam Gown,

which Miss Poppy admired so much i later gifted her with it as a thank you from SLEX (NOT shameless bribe! NEVER!) i sometimes have bad impulse control with my friends and htose i like & admire. so with a lovely black and white sooty steampunky urban scene backdrop and a sheepskin rug i pose laying down, legs aloft!

...i'm also wearing my Whybrow pearl bracelet and Terry Lightfoot Domino Noir 1885 Victorian Bustle Dress ~ To-a-T ~ undercrackers...to die for diamond pane stockings, delightful garters, fun polka dot boy shorts, and ribbons! in my hand i have a Caliber riding crop, on my feet the Grim Bros. Uber Curlie Cue shoes (Cutea is a genuis! i've blogged about these shoes before...i can't help myself!) and to top it all off my longtime beloved Nonna Hedges Polka Dotted veiled tophat.

(click for full size and to see the amazing stockings and amusing polka dotted undercrackers!)

In another shot (not posting it here) i remove my gown and i'm wearing a BlakOpal full corset, and the Domino Noir 1885 Victorian Bustle Dress ~ To-a-T ~ polka dotted undercrackers and a smile......so..did i make the NEXT cut??? i didn't know! i hoped!

i got this:

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen

Well, the shooting is nearly finished.. I have a few yet who I have not connected with but I am so pleased with the results so far.

The purpose of this notecard is to emphasize how much I appreciate all of you having confidence in me for putting your image on exhibit. As I have always made clear I want each of you to be comfortable with what is shown. I emphasize again that I never want any of you to pose in any way that you do not want to.. clothing, pose, background, whatever the case... If any of you have second thoughts about your shoots... PLEASE let me know. I am planning on a preview party for you of the exhibit possibly as early as the May 18/19. This will be a private party but you may bring one guest if you wish. Then, promote, promote, promote! :)

As I've mentioned before, not everyone selected to model will be in the exhibit. I'm sure you realize that having so many portaits as I've done in the past takes away from the impact of the exhibit.

Those of you who have not yet been photographed, please contact me asap to schedule a session of at least 1 1/2 hours. If you have thoughts on what you'd like to see, please do not hesitate to tell me..:) Creativeness is a big plus!

***Special Note: As a plug for RFL...***
Caledon people are awesome... I have been nominated for the Renn Faire Queen... You may vote as often as you like at the vendor sign in Loch Avie at the RFL vendor area. All L$s used for voting go to RFL... so, open up those pocket books and donate as you are able and for whom you would like to see win the King and Queen of the Renn Faire.

Again,, you cannot know how much I appreciate all of you and the great work that you have done for me this time and in past exhibits. Love you all!!

Regards,
Miss Poppy

Annechen
Autopilotpatty
Birdsan
Darlingmonster
deyanira Yalin
Eppie
Erasmus
Eugenia
Gabrielle & Azul
Gematria
Hyacinth
Kamilah
Kitlalmina
Langain
Lavendar
Magdalena
Minerva
Mystery
Lumi
Searra
Teaa
Terry
Trun
Redgirl....!! OMG! that's ME! i was picked again!...Wooohoo!!
Veles
Vulpine
The Caledon Cat Brigade (one group has been done)

oh and here's Sera's gorgeous Calendar Pinup!

i'd share dear Reghan's but she was one of the most daring and was only wearing...a HAT!
nips, i say! nips!

and now the final announcement for the Exhibit Opening Party & Show

GREETINGS FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

STOCKINGS!

hmmm does that conjure up pictures in your mind? Christmas? pretty little anklets? long legged women? hmmmmmmm endless pictures running through you mind now?

May 23rd is a date you will want to remember... At 11 am - 2 pm SLT I will be unveiling this much talked about exhibit featuring an array of folks from Caledon and the wonderful allies we associate ourselves with.

Dancing to DJ Poppy's music - dress up in those wonderful gowns and show some stocking legs for this one!!

Here's the SLURL to her Gallery

(Auditions were held onSaturday April 18th and are now closed for this project. If you missed this one, be sure to watch for other projects coming up soon. I'd love to have you join us in an upcoming exhibit.) It is important to note that not all those selected to model will have their portrait exhibited. I will be selecting a much smaller number of this exhibit. All of the people who have volunteered - I just can't thank each and everyone enough for always helping make these exhibits so successful and entertaining to our community.

Regards,

Miss Poppy ^..^

So please go! and see if i was chosen and up on the wall..[crossing excited fingers] representing New Babbage, Steampunks & Pirates everywhere!

UPDATE!
Miss Poppy has moved to Wheatstone!

SNL: Holy Motherlover! It's Funny Again!

2009-05-10T07:58:00.004-04:00

i've watched SNL for a long...long...LONG time (yes, i'm old) i used to kneel before the big console TV and cheer when David Bowie performed Ashes to Ashes back in the 80's...laughing at those wild and crazy guys Steve Martin & Dan Ackroyd..and Tales of Ribaldry where the double entendre was randy, saucy, and oh so amusing! (in which a young Mel Gibson is pretty hot, too as the lusty woodsman!) please to enjoy

i took some years off...came back for Mike Meyers and i happen to think that Alec Baldwin is one of the funniest men in the world and i can't resist his Schweddy balls

...next to Christopher Walken...what girl doesn't love Colonel Angus?! and yes, i do want more cowbell..Oh and Mr. Walken...he's such a PRANKSTER!!)

but some years SNL shows are just snoozeworthy...but not last night~!

Justin Timberlake is a talented dude, whether you like his music or not...he's just damn funny on SNL and last night's show was chock full of cameo and guest appearances from Leonard Nemoy and those new Trekker dudes

to Susan Sarandon (in the below music sequel to the higly viral Dick in a Box short) that is just so wrong...it's right

to Jimmy Fallon with Justin doing the Barry Gib show (watch for where Justin loses it)

and then there were the fake comericals which i have always loved..the Mom Celebrity Translator is a HOOT!

Ahhhh sorry about any ads you had to see before you could see the vids...and some that i wanted to share just weren't to be found...but i gar-un-tee you that the Motherlover will be passed around like the dancing chipmunks, dancing baby, and the drugged up kid from the dentist...but really? Justin...i'm a cougar...call me!

Getting Ready for the May Day party

2009-05-01T15:14:00.004-04:00

Had to get out some giveaway vendors and info for the RFL charity May Day Queen Garland Auction! hope i can get everything sorted in time! EEP!
Also...Shhh! if you read my blog and can't make it to my party BUT want the garland, it's ready now for the taking! loyal blog readers... i loves you so!

Viv Trafalgar Outfitter's Grand Opening!

2009-04-30T07:01:00.003-04:00

if you wanted that gorgeous pocket watch lovelace hat i blogged about last week...
for only $1L today is your day!
here's the SLURL for the NEW! shop!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Port%20Babbage/196/147/106

and check out her stuff on Xstreet! and i swear i thought those hats were on there earlier this week...Hmmm cause she also has a pirate and darwin hat now! Weeeee!

May Day Country Dance & Party: FREE Gifts!

2009-04-28T13:19:00.004-04:00

This Sunday will be the May Day Country Dance & Party at Llewellyn Industries
You can view the event details here or chat about the event here...

but i wanted to give you a sneak peek at the FREE gift designed and donated by the super talented Caledonian jeweler Mr. Alaistair Whybrow for all the Ladies attending the party
a lovely Flower, Ivy, & Pearl Garland with Green and White ribbons!

Mr. Whybrow also generously desinged & donated a special RFL Violet & White Garland for the May Queen and one to be auctioned off for charity.

Also, our own dear Gelving, er Dr. Obolensky has promised to create a fun prank/trick or gadget for FREE for the men (and daring ladies & urchins) attending the event!

Don't forget building prize for the best outlandish, fanciful, fun, or steamiest Topiary or garden ornament over $8000L in prizes to be awarded!!!

...AND the sharp shooting contest! Practice on the already placed shooting gallery for a chance to win $1000L and a trophy! (designed and donated by our own Mr. Wiggy Undertone!)

So come one! come all! Drink the spiked lemonade, ride a ride, silly walk around a maypole, sharpen your shooting skills and pick up FREE stuff at the May Day Country Dance & Party!

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