Skirmishes in Tenn., girding for more major fighting
With Ulysses S. Grant on the scene in Chattanooga, Tenn., federal forces in late October 1863 quickly began resupplying and adding new troops in the city besieged by Confederate forces on high ground nearby. This week 150 years ago in the Civil War saw skirmishing at scattered locations in Tennessee as Confederate and Union forces sized each other up as major fighting appeared to be only a matter of time. The New York Times, among leading East Coast publication, lauded Grant's rise to the new Military Division of the Mississippi — in command of three armies. "The first work of Gen. Grant will doubtless be to combine these armies, as far as possible, into one active body." Added The Times: "This army, massed and properly handled ... were it wielded and directed by one strong hand, guided by a broad brain, could trample out any Southern army, or march to any point, or achieve any object in the Confederacy." For now that one strong hand for the Union would be found in Ulysses S. Grant. In the fall of 1863, he was beginning to unify the huge fighting force in a bid to smash through Confederate defenses and lay the groundwork for later campaigns against Atlanta and beyond.
Sunday, October 27
Thursday, October 24
An offer I can't refuse
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| Jill Thompson |
However, I was thrilled to spot today one of my favorite children's books, Scary Godmother, is being developed into a doll.
First published in 1997, author Jill Thomson described Scary Godmother this way: “Scary Godmother is like your fairy godmother, but for Halloween. There’s really nothing scary about the Scary Godmother. She’s fun and macabre; reminiscent of childhood with a little bit of social commentary mixed in."
(Sound like someone you know?)
Scary Godmother is a tall, skinny, pretty-looking fairy-witch with long curly red hair, pale green skin, and small bat wings on her back.
According to Thompson's Kickstarter website, the doll "comes dressed in her signature bodysuit, tutu, striped hat and tights and spiderweb shoes. Her hair is curly and long enough for you to style into an updo, if that’s your thing! Her wings are removable for ease in the changing of her clothes. She has 15 points of articulation just like other popular fashion dolls! She is accessorized with a lovely pumpkin purse and her ghost cat, The Boozle. The Boozle is made of a smokey translucent plastic with a lil handle so you can hang him from a wire and make him fly."
Of course I missed the Sept. 12, 2913 deadline for contributing to the product design, but I simply cannot wait to get my hands on my newest ghoulfriend.
Tuesday, October 22
Happy birthday, Caroline - Oct. 22, 1802
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| American Girl |
Caroline loves to sew—she made this fancy dress herself! Pale blue to complement her eyes, it features sweet puffed sleeves, an empire waist, and a lacy floral print. Includes two-tone shoes with white bows to match.
Sunday, October 20
This week in the Civil War: Oct. 20, 1863
Grant takes new command, heads to Chattanooga, Tenn.
After the Union's bruising defeat at Chickamauga, in the northwest corner of Georgia not far from Chattanooga, Tenn., Ulysses S. Grant heads to take charge of federal troops hemmed in at Chattanooga now besieged by Confederate forces all around. This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, Grant arrived in that eastern Tennessee city on the front lines of war and immediately began the task of creating a secure federal supply line. His aim: to immediately re-arm and expand the hold of Union troops who had been precariously holding the city against Confederates on the surrounding mountain heights. This month 150 years ago, Grant formally took charge of tens of thousands of troops in a broad new Military Division of the Mississippi, his star rising in President Abraham Lincoln's eyes after a Grant victory in July at Vicksburg, Miss. In little more than a month's time, the pugnacious Grant would order an offensive to break a Confederate siege, knocking the secessionists from their positions overlooking Chattanooga from atop Missionary Ridge and other heights.
After the Union's bruising defeat at Chickamauga, in the northwest corner of Georgia not far from Chattanooga, Tenn., Ulysses S. Grant heads to take charge of federal troops hemmed in at Chattanooga now besieged by Confederate forces all around. This week 150 years ago in the Civil War, Grant arrived in that eastern Tennessee city on the front lines of war and immediately began the task of creating a secure federal supply line. His aim: to immediately re-arm and expand the hold of Union troops who had been precariously holding the city against Confederates on the surrounding mountain heights. This month 150 years ago, Grant formally took charge of tens of thousands of troops in a broad new Military Division of the Mississippi, his star rising in President Abraham Lincoln's eyes after a Grant victory in July at Vicksburg, Miss. In little more than a month's time, the pugnacious Grant would order an offensive to break a Confederate siege, knocking the secessionists from their positions overlooking Chattanooga from atop Missionary Ridge and other heights.
Friday, October 18
Tuesday, October 15
Queens of the Sea
On Friday we will be flying to Long Beach, Calif., where we will celebrate the marriage of one of Momma's oldest friends. (She has known him 34 years!)
Not only will we witness their marriage, but we'll be staying overnight on the historic Queen Mary!
Named after Queen Mary, consort of King George V, RMS Queen Mary was the flagship of the Cunard Line (formerly known as Cunard-White Star) that sailed primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean from May 1936 until October 1967.
She was converted into a troopship after the outbreak of World War II and ferried Allied soldiers for the duration of the war. After the war, RMS Queen Mary was refitted for passenger service.
After several years of decreased profits due to commercial air travel, RMS Queen Mary was officially retired from service. She left Southampton, England for the last time on Oct. 31, 1967 and sailed to the port of Long Beach, Calif., where she is permanently moored.
Much of the machinery including two of the four steam turbines, three of the four propellers, and all of the boilers were removed, and the ship now serves as a tourist attraction featuring restaurants, a museum, and hotel.
The Queen Mary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation has accepted the Queen Mary to be part of the Historic Hotels of America.
Sunday, October 13
This week in the Civil War: Oct. 13, 1863
Confederate Loss in Virginia
Confederate fighter A.P. Hill abruptly encountered two columns of Union soldiers at Bristoe Station, Va., and attacked, 150 years ago this week in the Civil War. The Associated Press, in a dispatch Oct. 11, 1863, cited Union forces as saying they had suspected Hill and his corps was lurking in an area near the Blue Ridge mountains. And indeed it was so. When fighting erupted at Bristoe Station on Oct. 14, 1863, Union soldiers quickly took defensive positions behind an embankment of Virginia's Orange & Alexandria railroad. Despite the pounding they received, the Union columns successfully fended off Hill's assault before withdrawing once fighting ended toward Centreville, Va. Hill also retreated, tearing up a section of the railroad regularly used by Union forces. But Hill's defeat at Bristoe Station left a black spot on his reputation and angered Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Meanwhile, AP reported that about 900 new conscripts were traveling this week from New York and Vermont for training in the Washington area to bolster Union forces depleted by heavy fighting at Gettysburg and elsewhere in 1863.
Confederate fighter A.P. Hill abruptly encountered two columns of Union soldiers at Bristoe Station, Va., and attacked, 150 years ago this week in the Civil War. The Associated Press, in a dispatch Oct. 11, 1863, cited Union forces as saying they had suspected Hill and his corps was lurking in an area near the Blue Ridge mountains. And indeed it was so. When fighting erupted at Bristoe Station on Oct. 14, 1863, Union soldiers quickly took defensive positions behind an embankment of Virginia's Orange & Alexandria railroad. Despite the pounding they received, the Union columns successfully fended off Hill's assault before withdrawing once fighting ended toward Centreville, Va. Hill also retreated, tearing up a section of the railroad regularly used by Union forces. But Hill's defeat at Bristoe Station left a black spot on his reputation and angered Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Meanwhile, AP reported that about 900 new conscripts were traveling this week from New York and Vermont for training in the Washington area to bolster Union forces depleted by heavy fighting at Gettysburg and elsewhere in 1863.
Saturday, October 12
Fair haven
This year's fair is especially exciting because of Star Trek: The Exhibition.
Visitors will enjoy an interactive, museum-style experience of one of the largest collections of authentic Star Trek artifacts and information ever put on display. Included in the Exhibition are the Star Trek: The Original Series bridge, a Timeline wall, the Scorpion fighter from Nemesis, Dr. Crusher’s sick bay and a motion simulator. Fans will also be able to enjoy interactive kiosks and photo opportunities, including one with Kirk’s captain’s chair.
The Arizona State Fair's history spans three centuries. It was 128 years ago, in the territorial days before statehood, when Arizonans first began coming together to show their best livestock, share their agricultural accomplishments, and have fun.
In November of 1884, a group of citizens in the territory of Arizona wanted to organize an event with the family in mind. The very first Arizona Territorial Fair was held in Phoenix in late fall, near the Salt River west of Central Avenue. Fairgoers of the day were treated to horse, pony, and mule races along with exhibits including agriculture, home economics, and dairy and beef cattle. Fairs were held here annually until 1891, when the untamed Salt River flooded and destroyed the site's buildings and racetrack.
Reviving the Fair became the mission of a citizens' group which formed the Arizona Territorial Fair Association in 1905. Financed by its members, the group led by hotelier J.C. Adams purchased the present location for $9,200.
The Association immediately developed the property, adding two racetracks, a grandstand, and a wooden fence around the grounds.
To aid the Association with their 80-acre development, the Territory of Arizona created a Fair Commission. With a legislative appropriation of $22,500, the Commission constructed two buildings on the property.
After renting the property from the Fair Association for $10 a year, the Fair Commission purchased the property in 1909 for $30,000. With statehood granted in 1912, the State Fair Commission continued the work of the Territorial Fair Commission in presenting the annual Fair. With the exceptions of 1921 (cotton crop failure), 1934 to 1939 (Depression era), and 1943 to 1945 (World War II), the Fair has been presented yearly.
The 2012 Arizona State Fair preserves the best of the Fair's traditions, while moving forward with 21st Century innovations in technologies for education and entertainment. This year's Fair marks the 67th consecutive time Arizonans have celebrated with an annual State Fair.
Friday, October 11
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
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| lalaloopsy.com |
I have to admit that I don't give a tinker's darn for Lalaloopsy dolls.
However, one did catch my eye today.
Tinny Ticker™ was made from a tin can. She's not afraid to express her feelings. She loves baking heart-shaped cookies and wrapping them in tin foil. She loves playing outdoors, but doesn't like getting caught in the rain. She has a pet wind-up monkey. #4 of series 11
Sewn on Date: January 19th (Tin Can Day)
I think Tinny has disTINct steampunk potential, don't you?
Sunday, October 6
Belle of the ball
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| Scottsdale Public Art |
Bring your drawing tools to sketch or snap with photographic capturing devices. Music! Lively activities! Merchants of Fine Wares! Libations!
The essential social nature of Steampunk is featured in this exhibition of artwork, artifacts, costumes, characters, and adventurous stories. Local, national, and international Steampunks share their creations—building a world of romance, adventure, imagination, and beauty amid the timeless themes of exploration and investigation.
Click here for more information about this exhibition.
The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at
7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
This week in the Civil War: Oct. 6, 1863
Confederate quest for foreign recognition
Newspapers this week 150 years ago in the Civil War commented that Confederate hopes of securing English recognition for the seceding states appeared to be fading. Among the papers, the Lowell (Mass.) Daily Citizen and News reported on Oct. 6, 1863, that word had just come from England that latest Confederate diplomatic attempts in London angling for recognition met with little support. "The Richmond conspirators have exceedingly slim hopes of effective co-operation" from London, the paper reported. The paper noted that, at this stage in the war, perceptions were sharpening abroad that the conflict was in great part about destroying slavery. It added critics in England denounced any attempt to build warships for the Confederate states or supply them. In the end, no foreign government would recognize the Confederate states officially as an independent country. In New York, The Herald reported consternation this week over the more than 1,000 officer POWs from recent fighting near Chattanooga, Tenn., who had been crowded into Libby prison in Richmond, Va. The paper stated: "No arrangement has been made for the release of the officers held by the rebels as prisoners of war." The publication urged government authorities to arrange an exchange.
Newspapers this week 150 years ago in the Civil War commented that Confederate hopes of securing English recognition for the seceding states appeared to be fading. Among the papers, the Lowell (Mass.) Daily Citizen and News reported on Oct. 6, 1863, that word had just come from England that latest Confederate diplomatic attempts in London angling for recognition met with little support. "The Richmond conspirators have exceedingly slim hopes of effective co-operation" from London, the paper reported. The paper noted that, at this stage in the war, perceptions were sharpening abroad that the conflict was in great part about destroying slavery. It added critics in England denounced any attempt to build warships for the Confederate states or supply them. In the end, no foreign government would recognize the Confederate states officially as an independent country. In New York, The Herald reported consternation this week over the more than 1,000 officer POWs from recent fighting near Chattanooga, Tenn., who had been crowded into Libby prison in Richmond, Va. The paper stated: "No arrangement has been made for the release of the officers held by the rebels as prisoners of war." The publication urged government authorities to arrange an exchange.
Saturday, October 5
The art of steampunk
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| Scottsdale Public Art |
While you are there, check out Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure. The essential social nature of Steampunk is featured in this exhibition of artwork, artifacts, costumes, characters, and adventurous stories. Local, national, and international Steampunks share their creations—building a world of romance, adventure, imagination, and beauty amid the timeless themes of exploration and investigation.
Click here for more information about this exhibition.
The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is located at 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Friday, October 4
Brace yourselves
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| Scottsdale Public Art |
Participants will create bracelets using recycled belts. Supplies are included; no registration is necessary. Ages 10+
The essential social nature of Steampunk is featured in this exhibition of artwork, artifacts, costumes, characters, and adventurous stories. Local, national, and international Steampunks share their creations—building a world of romance, adventure, imagination, and beauty amid the timeless themes of exploration and investigation.
Click here for more information about this exhibition.
The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Thursday, October 3
Tea for duel and duel for tea
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| Scottsdale Public Art |
We shall partake in tea and crumpets, for the opening joviality—honoring the talents and mastery of those who produced the fine artistic creations in the exhibition. Witness the remarkable Steampunk sport—Tea Dueling!
The essential social nature of Steampunk is featured in this exhibition of artwork, artifacts, costumes, characters, and adventurous stories. Local, national, and international Steampunks share their creations—building a world of romance, adventure, imagination, and beauty amid the timeless themes of exploration and investigation.
Click here for more information about this exhibition.
The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Wednesday, October 2
The exquisite adventure
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| Scottsdale Public Art |
And not just Scottsdale, but the Scottsdale Civic Center Public Library!
Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure is scheduled to run
Oct. 25, 2013 – Jan. 28, 2014
The essential social nature of Steampunk is featured in this exhibition of artwork, artifacts, costumes, characters, and adventurous stories. Local, national, and international Steampunks share their creations—building a world of romance, adventure, imagination, and beauty amid the timeless themes of exploration and investigation.
This exhibition was co-curated by Scottsdale Public Art Collections and Exhibition Manager, Wendy Raisanen, and artist and Steampunk enthusiast, Susan Rubin. Susan has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Wood Sculpture with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Arizona State University. She was introduced to Steampunk by the crew of Neverwas Haul, a three- story Victorian art car which was created in 2006. Neverwas Haul has been to Burning Man several times, and has developed a life of its own as one of the ultimate visions of a Steampunk art vehicle. She has attended San Diego Comicon every year since 2004, and built her first Steampunk costume in 2008. Susan was the creator of the Award Winning audience engagement music series, "Sound in the Ground," for Mesa Contemporary Arts, which featured live music, performance art, and interactive art experiences, and created art experiences for the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts "Sunday Affair," and Scottsdale Public Art's "Public Art Day." She has worked in set design and costume design for theater, film and television, in Canada and the US.
Artists:
- Jerry Abuan (San Diego, CA) jerryabuan.zenfolio.com
- Suzy Almblade (Phoenix, AZ) suzyalmblade.com
- Erin Bulger (Oakley, CA) erinbulger.com
- Shelly Brooks (Laveen, AZ) mysticpieces.net
- The Brose Brothers: Benjamin, Mitchell, and Casey Brose (Phoenix, AZ) brosebrothersproductions.com
- Clockwork Watch, Yomi Ayeni (London, UK) clockworkwatch.com
- Michael Contos (Casa Grande, AZ)
- Daniel Davis (Phoenix, AZ) steamcrow.com
- Jim Fernandez (Peoria, AZ) members.fotki.com/shrimpee
- John E. Floyd (Hereford, AZ) facebook.com/thefoundry1
- Phil and Kaja Foglio (Seattle, WA) studiofoglio.com , girlgeniusonline.com
- Art Fuentes (Fullerton, CA) artfportfolio.blogspot.com
- Diana Given (Glendale, AZ)
- Steve Gompf (Mesa, AZ) teleseum.org
- Paul Guinan (Portland, OR) boilerplaterobot.com
- Susan Holt (Glendale, AZ) etsy.com/shop/saholtartist1
- Tim Holt (Glendale, AZ) etsy.com/shop/flinnsaccoutrements
- Katherine and Farid Javandel (Albany, CA)
- Killbuck (Carson City, NV) kostoomarts.com
- Kinetic Steam Works, Troye Welch (Oakland, CA) kineticsteamworks.org
- Chris Kurtz (Phoenix, AZ)
- Kyla's Keepsakes (Phoenix, AZ) facebook.com/KylasKeepsakes
- League of S.T.E.A.M. (Los Angeles, CA) leagueofsteam.com
- Scott London (Santa Barbara, CA) scottlondon.com/photo
- Devin McKenna (Phoenix, AZ) facebook.com/mystic.twistic
- Dr. Sparky L. McTrowell and Erasmus L. Drake (San Diego, CA) drakeandmctrowell.com
- Haley Moore (Coppell, TX) toenolla.com
- Andy Pischalnikoff (San Francisco, CA) playarazzi.com
- Kevin Price (Sierra Vista, AZ) facebook.com/TripodCam
- Paige Gardener Smith (Birmingham, AL) costumeartist.weebly.com
- Professor Elemental: Paul Alborough and Moog (Brighton, UK) professorelemental.com
- Shaun R. Richardson (Austin, Texas)
- James Rubin (Scottsdale, AZ)
- Shannon Shea (Encino, CA) kitchencostuming.com
- Kimric Smythe (Oakland, CA) deathstarsamovar.com
- Michael Sorensen (Tucson, AZ) thepeculiarmagpie.com
- Starburner Galactic Courier Service; Kim Hutsell, Linda Hutsell, Thomas Hale, Grady Keeton (San Diego, CA) starburnercouriers.com
- Katherine Stewart (Mesa, AZ)
- William Swanson (Fallbrook, CA)
- Mike Syfritt (Surprise, AZ) www.madpropps.com
- Lisa Vaca (San Diego, CA)
- Nola Yergen-Jennings (Phoenix, AZ) DesignbyNola.com
- Thomas D. Willeford (Harrisburg, PA) bruteforceleather.com
What I don't understand is why I, Steampunk Addie, was not invited to participate. Momma and I live less than two miles from there!
Oh well, I'll just have to go and show them what they missed.
The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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