The run-up to New Year's Day 1863 brings no pause in the fighting 150 years ago in the Civil War. On Dec. 26, 1862, Union divisions approaching from the Yazoo River crash into Confederate forces in swampy terrain as they undertake an audacious bid to seize the rebel-held city of Vicksburg, Miss. The fierce battle of Chickasaw Bayou, or Walnut Hills, erupts. When Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman orders his forces to advance, his units are thrust backward by the Confederate defenders. Sherman was hopeful of capturing Vicksburg outright, but the battle leaves heavy Union casualties and dashes any Union hopes of a swift victory. The fighting, however, marks the start of the Vicksburg campaign, which would be renewed by the Union months later in 1863. The New Year would be only hours old when more fighting erupts, this time at Stones River near Murfreesboro, Tenn. Confederates under Gen. Braxton Bragg camp Dec. 29, 1862, not far from Union forces, and combat opens late on Jan. 1, 1863. Union fighters repulse at least one Confederate attack before the rebel forces withdraw in early January from the area near Murfreesboro.
Sunday, December 30
This week in the Civil War: Dec. 30, 1862
Fighting in Mississippi and Tennessee
The run-up to New Year's Day 1863 brings no pause in the fighting 150 years ago in the Civil War. On Dec. 26, 1862, Union divisions approaching from the Yazoo River crash into Confederate forces in swampy terrain as they undertake an audacious bid to seize the rebel-held city of Vicksburg, Miss. The fierce battle of Chickasaw Bayou, or Walnut Hills, erupts. When Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman orders his forces to advance, his units are thrust backward by the Confederate defenders. Sherman was hopeful of capturing Vicksburg outright, but the battle leaves heavy Union casualties and dashes any Union hopes of a swift victory. The fighting, however, marks the start of the Vicksburg campaign, which would be renewed by the Union months later in 1863. The New Year would be only hours old when more fighting erupts, this time at Stones River near Murfreesboro, Tenn. Confederates under Gen. Braxton Bragg camp Dec. 29, 1862, not far from Union forces, and combat opens late on Jan. 1, 1863. Union fighters repulse at least one Confederate attack before the rebel forces withdraw in early January from the area near Murfreesboro.
The run-up to New Year's Day 1863 brings no pause in the fighting 150 years ago in the Civil War. On Dec. 26, 1862, Union divisions approaching from the Yazoo River crash into Confederate forces in swampy terrain as they undertake an audacious bid to seize the rebel-held city of Vicksburg, Miss. The fierce battle of Chickasaw Bayou, or Walnut Hills, erupts. When Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman orders his forces to advance, his units are thrust backward by the Confederate defenders. Sherman was hopeful of capturing Vicksburg outright, but the battle leaves heavy Union casualties and dashes any Union hopes of a swift victory. The fighting, however, marks the start of the Vicksburg campaign, which would be renewed by the Union months later in 1863. The New Year would be only hours old when more fighting erupts, this time at Stones River near Murfreesboro, Tenn. Confederates under Gen. Braxton Bragg camp Dec. 29, 1862, not far from Union forces, and combat opens late on Jan. 1, 1863. Union fighters repulse at least one Confederate attack before the rebel forces withdraw in early January from the area near Murfreesboro.
Monday, December 24
A Visit from St. Nicholas
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Attention all hands!
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| photo by EofA/used with permission |
As you might recall, Phoebe is the original Uhura fangirl.
Nichols, an actress, singer and voice artist who broke racial barriers on Star Trek: The Original Series as Lt. Uhura, will become the last of the surviving main cast to appear at Phoenix Comicon.
Incidentally, Walter Koenig who played Ensign Pavel Chekov on Star Trek: The Original Series is also scheduled to appear at Phoenix Comicon.Nichols, an actress, singer and voice artist who broke racial barriers on Star Trek: The Original Series as Lt. Uhura, will become the last of the surviving main cast to appear at Phoenix Comicon.
Woo hoo!
Sunday, December 23
This week in the Civil War: Dec. 23, 1862
A Confederate Christmas raid in Kentucky
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, a Confederate cavalryman with a knack for raiding and disrupting Union rail and supply lines, embarked on his famed Christmas raid into Kentucky. He was Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Morgan and nearly 4,000 Confederate cavalry troops under his command left Tennessee on Dec. 22, 1862, beginning a mission to harass and disrupt Union troops and supply lines in the key border state. All told, his troopers destroyed miles of railroad tracks, cut telegraph lines, burned supply depots and briefly occupied several Kentucky towns along the way, capturing and then paroling numerous Union troops. By Dec. 28, 1862, he approached a key objective: two tall railroad trestles of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. After an artillery barrage on two nearby Union stockades, Morgan captured hundreds of prisoners and burned the trestles. Then, after New Year's Eve, his forces retreated into Tennessee. Many in the South would boast of his daring. By May he would be lauded by the Confederate Congress for his heroic service to the secession. Still later in the war, he would be captured and imprisoned by the Union. He would later escape, making his way back behind Confederate lines, only to be shot and killed in Tennessee in 1864.
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, a Confederate cavalryman with a knack for raiding and disrupting Union rail and supply lines, embarked on his famed Christmas raid into Kentucky. He was Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Morgan and nearly 4,000 Confederate cavalry troops under his command left Tennessee on Dec. 22, 1862, beginning a mission to harass and disrupt Union troops and supply lines in the key border state. All told, his troopers destroyed miles of railroad tracks, cut telegraph lines, burned supply depots and briefly occupied several Kentucky towns along the way, capturing and then paroling numerous Union troops. By Dec. 28, 1862, he approached a key objective: two tall railroad trestles of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. After an artillery barrage on two nearby Union stockades, Morgan captured hundreds of prisoners and burned the trestles. Then, after New Year's Eve, his forces retreated into Tennessee. Many in the South would boast of his daring. By May he would be lauded by the Confederate Congress for his heroic service to the secession. Still later in the war, he would be captured and imprisoned by the Union. He would later escape, making his way back behind Confederate lines, only to be shot and killed in Tennessee in 1864.
Wednesday, December 19
My beautiful balloon
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| American Girl |
American Girl temporarily posted photos of the upcoming American Girl of the Year collection.
Saige Copeland is American Girl's 11th Girl of the Year. Saige and her collection is scheduled for release on Jan. 1, 2013.
For me most of her collection was uninspiring until I spotted Saige's hot air balloon!
I think I have died and gone to dolly heaven.
First was Caroline's Skiff.
Then came the Our Generation R.V. Seeing You Camper.
Now a hot air balloon!
What is a steampunk doll to do?
Except get one of each, of course.
Monday, December 17
Lights Across the World
A college friend of Momma's just wrote on Facebook,
It was suggested to me earlier that we should all take down our Christmas lights in honor of the memory of the children of Newtown... for how can we, in all conscience, be happy in the face of such horrific tragedy?
And I said- DO NOT take your Christmas lights down!
Instead: Light every Goddamn light you have! Light up your tree, your house and your yard with the brightest, the merriest and most colorful lights you can find! Fill your speakers with the the happiest, funniest, most wonderful music you own! Dance, Sing, Hug, laugh, smile....giggle, be silly... make cookies, wait up for Santa...
If you want to honor children... be one of them!
Hear, hear!
So we spreading Lights Across the World on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 - the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year.
Spread the word and honor the children!
Sunday, December 16
This week in the Civil War: Dec. 16, 1862
The sinking of the USS Cairo
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, the Union lamented another kind of loss beyond its defeat at Fredericksburg. On Dec. 12, 1862, the USS Cairo — an ironclad river gunboat — was struck by two torpedoes and sank within minutes on the Yazoo River, about 10 miles north of Vicksburg, Miss. No one died but the sinking of one of the most feared gunboats was an embarrassing loss for the Union. The 175-foot vessel bristled with heavy weaponry, its guns menacing from turrets set about on all sides. A young crewmember, George Yost, later remarked: "Nothing of the Cairo could be seen 12 minutes after the first explosion, excepting the smokestacks, and the flag staff from which still floated the flag above the troubled waters." The ironclads played a crucial part in the Union's Western war aim of seizing and dominating the inland waterways that carried trade, people and foodstuffs through the heartland. It would only be rediscovered and salvaged in 1964, then put on display. Another ironclad, the Cincinnati, would be sunk during the siege of Vicksburg in 1863 by Confederate forces firing from bluffs lining the river bank. Also this week, the Macon Telegraph of Georgia clamors for information on the outcome of the fighting for Fredericksburg, in which the Confederates under the command of Gen. Robert E. Lee prevailed over a bigger Union force. "It is said our loss is 1,800 and the enemy's five times as much," the paper reports. "Somehow, we feel almost, as sure that Lee has got those rascals, as if we saw them already in his grip."
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, the Union lamented another kind of loss beyond its defeat at Fredericksburg. On Dec. 12, 1862, the USS Cairo — an ironclad river gunboat — was struck by two torpedoes and sank within minutes on the Yazoo River, about 10 miles north of Vicksburg, Miss. No one died but the sinking of one of the most feared gunboats was an embarrassing loss for the Union. The 175-foot vessel bristled with heavy weaponry, its guns menacing from turrets set about on all sides. A young crewmember, George Yost, later remarked: "Nothing of the Cairo could be seen 12 minutes after the first explosion, excepting the smokestacks, and the flag staff from which still floated the flag above the troubled waters." The ironclads played a crucial part in the Union's Western war aim of seizing and dominating the inland waterways that carried trade, people and foodstuffs through the heartland. It would only be rediscovered and salvaged in 1964, then put on display. Another ironclad, the Cincinnati, would be sunk during the siege of Vicksburg in 1863 by Confederate forces firing from bluffs lining the river bank. Also this week, the Macon Telegraph of Georgia clamors for information on the outcome of the fighting for Fredericksburg, in which the Confederates under the command of Gen. Robert E. Lee prevailed over a bigger Union force. "It is said our loss is 1,800 and the enemy's five times as much," the paper reports. "Somehow, we feel almost, as sure that Lee has got those rascals, as if we saw them already in his grip."
Saturday, December 15
Five golden rings
The historic origins of wedding anniversaries date back to either the Holy Roman Empire or medieval Germany, when husbands crowned their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on the 50th.
The symbols have changed over time. For example in the United Kingdom, diamond was a well known symbol for the 75th anniversary, but this changed to the now more common 60th anniversary after Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne in 1897 was widely marked as her Diamond Jubilee.
Later, principally in the 20th Century, commercialism led to the addition of more anniversaries being represented by a named gift. The origins of the current gift conventions date to 1937. Before that, only the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th, and 75th anniversaries had an associated gift.
Friday, December 14
Our hearts are broken today
“They had their entire lives ahead of them — birthdays, graduations, wedding, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers, men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children.
"Our hearts are broken today.”
President Barack Obama
Dec. 14, 2012
Wednesday, December 12
Cloaked in mystery
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| Sew Fun Doll Clothes |
Look at this beauty Cher at Sew Fun Doll Clothes whipped up for me.
The cape is burgundy premium velvet (photos show it a little 'redder' than it really is) with gold satin lining. The trim around the opening and hood is a narrow gold and burgundy braid trim.
It features an Urban Threads design of Santa's Dirigible carrying Santa's sleigh embroidered on the back.
I wonder if I can get one in green for Clementine....
Monday, December 10
The Analytical Engine
Ada Lovelace (the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron and his wife Anne Isabella Byron) was an English mathematician and writer chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine.
Babbage was invited to give a seminar in 1842 at the University of Turin about his analytical engine, a proposed mechanical general-purpose computer. Luigi Menabrea, a young Italian engineer, and future Prime Minister of Italy, wrote up Babbage's lecture in French, and this transcript was subsequently published in the Bibliothèque universelle de Genève in October 1842.
Babbage asked Lovelace to translate Menabrea's paper into English, subsequently requesting that she augment the notes she had added to the translation. These notes (which are more extensive than Menabrea's paper!) were then published in The Ladies' Diary and Taylor's Scientific Memoirs under the initials "AAL."
Her notes on the engine include what is recognised as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. Because of this, she is often considered by many to be the world's first computer programmer.
Lovelace's notes on Babbage's Analytical Engine were republished in 1953. The analytical engine has now been recognized as an early model for a computer and Lovelace's notes as a description of a computer and software.
Interestingly, Lovelace was a character in the steampunk novel The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling.
The Difference Engine has attracted the attention of scholars and was nominated for the British Science Fiction Award in 1990, the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1991, and both the John W. Campbell Memorial Award and the Prix Aurora Award in 1992.
Lovelace's notes on Babbage's Analytical Engine were republished in 1953. The analytical engine has now been recognized as an early model for a computer and Lovelace's notes as a description of a computer and software.
Interestingly, Lovelace was a character in the steampunk novel The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling.
The Difference Engine has attracted the attention of scholars and was nominated for the British Science Fiction Award in 1990, the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1991, and both the John W. Campbell Memorial Award and the Prix Aurora Award in 1992.
Sunday, December 9
This week in the Civil War: Dec. 9, 1862
Battle for Fredericksburg, Va.
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, the North and South battled for Fredericksburg, Va. Midway between the federal capital of Washington, D.C., and the Confederate capital of Richmond, Va., Fredericksburg was a strategic point for both sides. On Dec. 11, 1862, Union troops sneaked forward under the pre-dawn fog to begin building pontoon bridges crossing the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, drawing Confederate fire. Union commander, Gen. Ambrose Burnside, then ordered a bombardment opened up on the city. The fierce bombardment lasted nearly two hours as thousands of shells and projectiles rained down on the city. Amid the bombardment, Union soldiers crossed in boats to the other side and block-by-block street combat began – a rarity in the conflict. The full body of federal forces crossed the Rappahannock on Dec. 12, 1862, and Burnside ordered a series of deadly and ineffective frontal assaults on two heights in the city, leaving thousands dead and wounded. Even though Union forces briefly pierced the main Confederate line, they were repulsed By Dec. 15, Burnside had canceled the offensive and his battered and beaten forces retreated across the river. The fighting engaged some 100,000 Union troops and more than 72,000 troops under Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. When it was over, there were more than 13,000 Union casualties and some 4,500 others on the Confederate side. After the Union's defeat, Burnside would be replaced a month later at the head of the Union army by yet another general.
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, the North and South battled for Fredericksburg, Va. Midway between the federal capital of Washington, D.C., and the Confederate capital of Richmond, Va., Fredericksburg was a strategic point for both sides. On Dec. 11, 1862, Union troops sneaked forward under the pre-dawn fog to begin building pontoon bridges crossing the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, drawing Confederate fire. Union commander, Gen. Ambrose Burnside, then ordered a bombardment opened up on the city. The fierce bombardment lasted nearly two hours as thousands of shells and projectiles rained down on the city. Amid the bombardment, Union soldiers crossed in boats to the other side and block-by-block street combat began – a rarity in the conflict. The full body of federal forces crossed the Rappahannock on Dec. 12, 1862, and Burnside ordered a series of deadly and ineffective frontal assaults on two heights in the city, leaving thousands dead and wounded. Even though Union forces briefly pierced the main Confederate line, they were repulsed By Dec. 15, Burnside had canceled the offensive and his battered and beaten forces retreated across the river. The fighting engaged some 100,000 Union troops and more than 72,000 troops under Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. When it was over, there were more than 13,000 Union casualties and some 4,500 others on the Confederate side. After the Union's defeat, Burnside would be replaced a month later at the head of the Union army by yet another general.
Saturday, December 8
Steampunk shenanigans
Steam Powered Giraffe (SPG) is a musical project formed in San Diego in 2008 that is popular in the steampunk subculture. The act combines the visual of robot pantomime with sketches, pop culture references, improvised comedic dialogue, and original music.
More than just a band, Steam Powered Giraffe is an experience that must be seen and heard by the entire family.
The robots of Steam Powered Giraffe are like nothing you've ever seen. The malfunctioning joke-spewing metal men play a collection of original Vaudeville inspired tunes fused with modern flare and executed in a super-sleek, one-of-a-kind performance.
The act combines the visual of robot pantomime with sketches, pop culture references, improvised comedic dialogue, and of course, original music.
From their heartwarming nostalgic melodies to their funky cabaret rock, Steam Powered Giraffe's songs are memorable, infectious, and as unique as the robots themselves.
More than just a band, Steam Powered Giraffe is an experience that must be seen and heard by the entire family.
The robots of Steam Powered Giraffe are like nothing you've ever seen. The malfunctioning joke-spewing metal men play a collection of original Vaudeville inspired tunes fused with modern flare and executed in a super-sleek, one-of-a-kind performance.The act combines the visual of robot pantomime with sketches, pop culture references, improvised comedic dialogue, and of course, original music.
From their heartwarming nostalgic melodies to their funky cabaret rock, Steam Powered Giraffe's songs are memorable, infectious, and as unique as the robots themselves.
Friday, December 7
Sleep Steampunk Addie
Momma and I are excited to be a part of the Marketing Team for Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention II in Tucson, especially since we shall get the opportunity to hear some of our favorite steampunk bands, including the quintessential Abney Park.
Formerly a goth band, Abney Park transformed themselves in early 2005 into a steampunk band. As part of that transformation, Abney Park invented fictional identities of themselves.
Since steampunk is largely derived from science fiction and fantasy literature, the band also created a fictional backstory to explain the shake-up in membership and who they were now, and to set a stage for their new music.
Sometimes called the "quintessential" steampunk band, Abney Park has been featured in major news media and has performed at numerous festivals, including World Steam Expo, Dragon*Con, Steamcon, and Wild Wild West Con.
Abney Park comes from an era that never was, but one that we wish had been. An era where airships waged war in the skies, and corsets and cumberbuns were proper adventuring attire. They've picked up their bad musical habits, scoundrelous musicians, and anachronistically hybridized instruments from dozens of locations and eras that they have visited in their travels and thrown them into one riotous dervish of a performance. Expect clockwork guitars, belly dancers, flintlock bassists, middleastern percussion, violent violin, and Tesla powered keyboards blazing in a post- apocalyptic, swashbuckling, Steampunk musical mayhem.
Sometimes called the "quintessential" steampunk band, Abney Park has been featured in major news media and has performed at numerous festivals, including World Steam Expo, Dragon*Con, Steamcon, and Wild Wild West Con.
Their music has also appeared in several movie soundtracks, and their song Sleep Isabella was used in the HBO series True Blood Season 5 episode We'll Meet Again.
(For a mere $500 Captain Robert will work with you to alter the lyrics of Sleep Isabella to be about your loved one. Then he will re-sing this song, and create your own custom version.)
In keeping with the season, Abney Park just released a Christmas album, Through Your Eyes on Christmas Eve.
In keeping with the season, Abney Park just released a Christmas album, Through Your Eyes on Christmas Eve.
I cannot wait until March!
Thursday, December 6
It's beginning to sound a lot like Steampunk
Someone asked me what Momma and I are listening to right now to keep us in that holiday steampunk spirit so here's our current playlist:
Abney Park: Through Your Eyes on Christmas Eve
Max Raabe: Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm' Ich Her
- Through Your Eyes On Christmas Eve
- O Holy Night
- We Three Kings
- Jingle Bells
- Santa Claus is Coming To Town
- Winter Wonderland
- Baby, It's Cold Outside
- The Little Drummer Boy
- 'Zat you, Santa Claus?
- Twelve Days Of Christmas
- Dance of The Sugarplum Fairy
Max Raabe: Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm' Ich Her
- Vom Himmel hoch
- Adeste fideles
- I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
- Süßer die Glocken
- Still, still, still
- Kling Glöckchen kling
- Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
- Stille Nacht
- Schneeglöckchen
- Leise rieselt der Schnee
- O Tannenbaum
- Fröhliche Weihnacht überall
- In dulci jubilo
- Last Christmas
- Ein Engel steigt hernieder
- Advent Advent
Do you have any suggestions for us?
Li'l Wil
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| blindferret.com |
I. MUST. HAVE. ONE.
My very own Li'l Wil Wheaton Plushie for a mere $19.95.
Which came first? The Internet or Wil Wheaton? No one knows for sure, but rest assured top men are working on the answer. TOP. MEN. Since the actual Wil Wheaton lives inside the Internet, you can't actually possess him. OR CAN YOU!? You can't, but you can own your very own soft, diminutive effigy of Wil that may or may not be a horcrux containing a tiny piece of his soul. I'm just saying, give your Li'l Wil a hug and I bet somewhere in California the real one lets out an audible sigh of contentment. Set it on fire and... well, you paid your money. Do what you want.
Wil dared Joel via twitter to draw him as a plushie. Almost a year later the little guy exists in meat space. Call it the slowest replicator ever, but living in the future is pretty neat. I know you can't wait to knit him a tiny sweater. Spacesuit or evil clown; it's your choice.
Maybe I should get two and sign HIS tummy and send it to Wheaton.
What think you?
Wednesday, December 5
Take Five
Jazz legend Dave Brubeck, designated a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, died today - one day before his 92nd birthday.
Dave Brubeck (Dec. 6, 1920 – Dec. 5, 2012) was an American jazz pianist. He wrote a number of jazz standards, including Take Five, In Your Own Sweet Way, and The Duke.
Dave Brubeck (Dec. 6, 1920 – Dec. 5, 2012) was an American jazz pianist. He wrote a number of jazz standards, including Take Five, In Your Own Sweet Way, and The Duke.
In 1958 the Dave Brubeck Quartet made the first of many international tours. The U.S. State Department sponsored the Quartet’s performances in Poland, India, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq. Exposure to many different cultures was reflected in the group’s repertoire that sometimes incorporated exotic elements.
The 1959 recording Time Out experimented in time signatures beyond the usual jazz 4/4. To everyone’s surprise Time Out became the first jazz album to sell over a million copies and Blue Rondo a la Turk and Take Five (now in the Grammy Hall of Fame) began to appear on jukeboxes throughout the world.
Brubeck experimented with time signatures throughout his career, recording Pick Up Sticks in 6/4, Unsquare Dance in 7/4, World's Fair in 13/4, and Blue Rondo à la Turk in 9/8. He was also a respected composer of orchestral and sacred music, and wrote soundtracks for television such as Mr. Broadway and the animated mini-series This Is America, Charlie Brown.
Steal of the day
Wow! They're sold out already!
While Momma is busy doing her victory dance, let me tell you that today (while supplies last!) you can get Cécile, Marie-Grace or their Canopy Bed for $50 each plus $7.95 shipping!
How?
Use this link and enter JILLOFFER as the promotional code.
Don't panic. It will show in your cart as full price, but if you enter that code and the credit card it will show the discount price before you hit the final confirm.
Now get busy. The world needs more Cécile dolls!
Tuesday, December 4
It's tartan to look a lot like Christmas
Doesn't she look divine?
She, of course, is thrilled to wear a tartan like me.
Of course.
Just please don't make the common mistake of calling this a plaid dress.
A tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Tartans were originally made of colored, woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials including taffeta (my skirt) or satin (Clementine's skirt and jacket).
A plaid is a pleated cloth worn with a kilt, made from the same tartan and worn over the shoulder and fastened at the front.
Monday, December 3
Running out of steam
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| Mortimer Mort |
Alas, while I was rejoicing in the arrival of my darling Clementine, members of my Steam Team have been mourning Wilde Imagination's announcement that there are no plans (at this time) to continue the Imperium Park line.
I guess we shall have to get creative ourselves.
According to the Imperium Park website:
Theodora and Phineas live with their Uncle, Professor Kingsley Avery Knightsblood. A brilliant scientist, Professor Knightsblood took in his niece and nephew after their parents were killed in a skirmish with a Beastealiax patrol when the children were six and eight. Both Theodora and Phineas adore their uncle.
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| Albus Dumbledore |
I don't know who Albus Dumbledore will be yet, but I'm sure we can figure something out.
Sunday, December 2
Tinsel and lights and outward show
Christmas lights originated with the use of candles to decorate the Christmas tree in upper-class homes in 18th-century Germany. However, candles caused a lot of fires.
In the United Kingdom, the Savoy owner Richard D'Oyly Carte equipped the principal fairies with miniature lighting for the opening night of Gilbert and Sullivan's opera Iolanthe on Nov. 25, 1882. (The term "fairy lights" for electric Christmas lights has been used ever since in England.)
The first known electrically-illuminated Christmas tree was by Edward H. Johnson, an associate of inventor Thomas Edison. He had 80 red, white and blue electric incandescent light bulbs the size of walnuts especially made for him which he displayed on his Christmas tree on Dec. 22, 1882 at his New York City home.
By 1900, businesses started stringing up Christmas lights behind their windows. Christmas lights were too expensive for the average person so electric Christmas lights did not become the majority replacement for candles until 1930.
In the United States, it became popular to outline private homes with Christmas lights in the 1960s. By the late 20th century the custom had also been adopted in other countries, especially Japan.
This Week in the Civil War: Dec. 2, 1862
Battle of Prairie Grove, Ark.
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, Confederate and Union forces continued their fight for supremacy in Arkansas. Confederates led by Maj. Gen. Thomas Hindman moved to put his sizeable force between two Union divisions in hopes of smashing them. But rival Union commanders fought back against the Confederates, who set up defensive lines along a ridge at Prairie Grove. Attacks and counterattacks followed and at one point it looked as if the rebels would triumph. But then sunset brought a halt to the fighting with neither side a winner. Nonetheless, Hindman was forced to withdraw from the region, leaving the Union in control of a large swath of Arkansas. Elsewhere, newspaper reports spread word that Confederate leaders were rejoicing over the discovery a large cache of salt in the earth that can be used for any number of purposes, including preserving food. "The rebels are said to be rejoicing over the discovery of (the) immense bed of rock salt at Obelisk, Ala.," the Daily Illinois state Journal reported on Dec. 2, 1862.
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, Confederate and Union forces continued their fight for supremacy in Arkansas. Confederates led by Maj. Gen. Thomas Hindman moved to put his sizeable force between two Union divisions in hopes of smashing them. But rival Union commanders fought back against the Confederates, who set up defensive lines along a ridge at Prairie Grove. Attacks and counterattacks followed and at one point it looked as if the rebels would triumph. But then sunset brought a halt to the fighting with neither side a winner. Nonetheless, Hindman was forced to withdraw from the region, leaving the Union in control of a large swath of Arkansas. Elsewhere, newspaper reports spread word that Confederate leaders were rejoicing over the discovery a large cache of salt in the earth that can be used for any number of purposes, including preserving food. "The rebels are said to be rejoicing over the discovery of (the) immense bed of rock salt at Obelisk, Ala.," the Daily Illinois state Journal reported on Dec. 2, 1862.
Thursday, November 29
History repeats itself
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911, was the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of New York City and the second deadliest disaster in New York City until the destruction of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
The 2012 Dhaka fire broke out on Nov. 24, 2012, in the Tazreen Fashion factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At least 117 people were confirmed dead in the fire, and at least 200 were injured, making it the deadliest factory fire in the nation's history.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire caused the deaths of 146 garment workers, who died from the fire, smoke inhalation, or falling to their deaths. Most of the victims were recent Jewish and Italian immigrant women aged 16 to 23; the oldest victim was 48, the youngest were two 14-year-old girls.
The 2012 Dhaka fire, presumably caused by an electrical short circuit, started on the ground floor of the nine-story factory, trapping the workers. Because of the large amount of fabrics and yarn in the factory, the fire quickly spread to other floors, complicating firefighting operations. The fire burned for more than seventeen hours before firefighters succeeded in extinguishing it.
Because the Triangle Shirt Waist managers had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits – a common practice at the time to prevent pilferage and unauthorized breaks – many of the workers who could not escape the burning building jumped from the upper floors to the streets below.
Most victims of the 2012 Dhaka fire were found on the second floor, where at least 69 bodies were recovered. Witnesses reported that many workers had been unable to escape through the narrow exits. Twelve of the victims died leaping from windows to escape the flames, some of them dying of their injuries after being taken to area hospitals. Other workers who had escaped to the roof of the building were successfully rescued. The fire department's operations manager stated that the factory lacked emergency exits that led out of the building. Of the building's three staircases, all three led through the ground floor, making them unusable in the fire.
Will we never learn?
Tuesday, November 27
The wildest, wickedest night spot
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| Raven with some cigar store statues. Photo by Super Inky. |
As Inky would say, "Argh!"
While she was here she and my other friend Raven visited Clementine's old home: Tombstone, Ariz.
Without us.
Clementine and I both had a good laugh when Inky wrote:
Here's Raven with some cigar store statues. We definitely learned that Tombstone, in its heyday, was not a good place for kids. It was full of saloons, cowboys, and dancing ladies. There were even gunfights. Yikes!
Gee, you think?
Tombstone was founded in 1879 by Ed Schieffelin in what was then Pima County, Arizona Territory. It was one of the last wide-open frontier boomtowns in the American Old West. Its population grew from 100 to around 14,000 in less than seven years. In 1881, it became the county seat of the new Cochise County.
Far distant from any other metropolitan city, by mid-1881 Tombstone boasted a bowling alley, four churches, an ice house, a school, two banks, three newspapers, and an ice cream parlor, as well as 110 saloons, 14 gambling halls, and numerous dance halls and brothels. All of these were situated among and on top of a large number of dirty, hardscrabble mines.
The gentlemen and ladies of Tombstone attended operas presented by visiting acting troupes at the Schieffelin Hall opera house, while the miners and cowboys saw shows at the Bird Cage Theatre, "the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast" according to The New York Times in 1882.
Clementine certainly had her hands full keeping peace in the streets of Tombstone.
Ever hear of the Gunfight at O.K. Corral? That's how we met.
Monday, November 26
Reduce, reuse, recycle
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| CSBSEWS |
I wanted this Steampunk Ensemble by CSBSEWS back in May but someone beat Momma to it.
Now it's been offered again on the resale market and Momma snagged it!
Originally it came with dress, hat, boots, tights, vest, jacket, necklace and key chains.
It's now missing the hat but I've got plenty.
I think I'll give it to Clementine.
Don't you think it looks like her?
Cameo appearance
When I asked her about it, Clementine said she'd had it for as long as she could remember and that she loved cameos.
I promptly gave her (with Momma's permission, of course) the cameo locket Momma got for me at Comicon.
It seemed appropriate to me since it continues Clementine's skeletal gunslinger theme and the locket and chain are copper - Arizona's largest mining industry. (Arizona’s early economy relied on the "five C's": copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, and climate (tourism).)
Cameo is a method of carving an object such as an engraved gem, item of jewelery or vessel made in this manner. It nearly always features a raised (positive) relief image with a contrasting (negative) base.
Today the term may be used very loosely for objects with no colour contrast, and other, metaphorical, terms have developed, such as cameo appearance. Another generalized meaning is an image of a head in an oval frame in any medium, such as a photograph.
Momma has promised to put photos of us in Clementine's locket so we shall always be together.
Sunday, November 25
This Week in the Civil War: Nov. 25, 1862
Fighting in Arkansas
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, Confederate forces battle Union rivals at Cane Hill in the far northwest corner of Arkansas. The fighting on Nov. 28, 1862, began with Union Gen. James Blunt sending out probing forces in a bid to destroy Confederate cavalry units detected in the area. The Union contingent caught up with a Confederate force that fought a delaying action while trying to protect its supply trains. Confederates under Col. Joe Shelby set up defensive positions around the Cane Hill cemetery. During a series of clashes, the Confederates withdrew under a fierce Union onslaught. Finally running short of ammunition, Confederate fighters withdrew and nightfall brought an end to the day's fighting. Blunt's forces thus took control of the Boston Mountains in that extreme corner of Arkansas. It was a small-scale fight. But days later, a far bigger battle would be waged at Prairie Grove, Ark., culminating in Union forces consolidating their grip on the region. This week in Washington, President Abraham Lincoln is preparing to open a new session of Congress, his speech kept tightly under wraps. The Charleston (S.C.) Mercury reports tension is rising around Fredericksburg, Va., amid reports of sporadic shots fired and rumors the Union would try to take that city any day in hopes of eventually reaching Richmond, capital of the Confederacy. A correspondent of The Mercury reports in a late November dispatch: "The general opinion here is that the threats of the enemy about Fredericksburg are feints" to cover a change of base by Union forces. In fact, Union and Confederate forces would be in a bloody fight for Fredericksburg before Christmas of 1862.
This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, Confederate forces battle Union rivals at Cane Hill in the far northwest corner of Arkansas. The fighting on Nov. 28, 1862, began with Union Gen. James Blunt sending out probing forces in a bid to destroy Confederate cavalry units detected in the area. The Union contingent caught up with a Confederate force that fought a delaying action while trying to protect its supply trains. Confederates under Col. Joe Shelby set up defensive positions around the Cane Hill cemetery. During a series of clashes, the Confederates withdrew under a fierce Union onslaught. Finally running short of ammunition, Confederate fighters withdrew and nightfall brought an end to the day's fighting. Blunt's forces thus took control of the Boston Mountains in that extreme corner of Arkansas. It was a small-scale fight. But days later, a far bigger battle would be waged at Prairie Grove, Ark., culminating in Union forces consolidating their grip on the region. This week in Washington, President Abraham Lincoln is preparing to open a new session of Congress, his speech kept tightly under wraps. The Charleston (S.C.) Mercury reports tension is rising around Fredericksburg, Va., amid reports of sporadic shots fired and rumors the Union would try to take that city any day in hopes of eventually reaching Richmond, capital of the Confederacy. A correspondent of The Mercury reports in a late November dispatch: "The general opinion here is that the threats of the enemy about Fredericksburg are feints" to cover a change of base by Union forces. In fact, Union and Confederate forces would be in a bloody fight for Fredericksburg before Christmas of 1862.
Saturday, November 24
Seuss couture?
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| Tonner Doll Company |
If you have a passion for fashion,
and colors galore,
you'll love this new Dr. Seuss line -
just wait and see what's in store!
"This high-fashion take on the colorful, poetic whimsy of Dr. Seuss is a marriage of what we do best: high fashion and pop culture. What you see here is not a re-creation of the Seuss characters, per se, but instead, creations inspired by the colors and the shapes that are at the essence of what we all love about Dr. Seuss's art."
So, what do you think?
What kinda cactus izzat?
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| steel agave |
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| steel prickly pear |
Especially the cacti and succulents.
(Did you know that all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti?)
I told her it was a modern miracle that one could now grow steel cacti and succulents.
As if the real ones aren't sharp enough!
However, these need no watering at all which is helpful when there's a drought.
What will they think of next? Internal combustion engines?
Friday, November 23
Practicing safe Rex
Clementine had never heard of the cats so I told her to read Momma's book, The Guide to Owning a Cornish Rex Cat, during the two-hour drive. (Sadly, it's no longer in print but it is available in many e-book formats.)
These two Cornies have been adopted by Momma's friend, science fiction and fantasy author extraordinaire Jennifer Roberson!
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| Zoe, the daughter, in their new home. |
Anyway, Zena and Zoe had to find a new home and Jennifer jumped at the chance.
Jennifer was going to come get them but became ill at the last minute so off we went to the "rexcue."
I told Clementine we were rescuing Zena and Zoe, and she got excited thinking we were rescuing Xena, The Warrior Princess.
I was sorry to tell her that we were rescuing Zena not Xena, but that maybe Zena was a princess, too, because she was a Rex. (FYI, Rex is Latin for king.) That mollified Clementine somewhat.
I wanted to stop at Picacho Peak to show Clementine Arizona's Civil War battlefield, but she not-so-gently reminded me that she lived in Arizona long before me!
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| Zena, the mom, in their new home. |
Doh!
It was a quick trip and, sadly, I didn't get a chance to add Jennifer's autograph to my "collection."
Maybe next time.....
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