The Gettysburg Address

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Inventions in steampunk

Melody Valerie Couture is at is again, this time with a 1930s inspired steampunk outfit on eBay.

As the train pulled away, she looked around anxiously. It was her first trip to the country, and she wasn't sure who had come to find her at the station. She was spectacularly dressed, even by city girl standards -- the lovely striped dress, the beautiful corset, and the delicious top hat perched precariously on the side of her head. Just then, someone appeared around the corner. "Dianne?" She smiled. Vacation had begun.

"'Dianne' is a hand-made, originally designed steampunk ensemble, sized to fit American Girl or other 18" dolls, and is completely OOAK. The winning bidder will receive the dress, decorative corset, and top hat.

"The dress: With its fun, 1930's inspired lines, plenty of gathers, unique seaming details, and a high collar in the back, what's not to love? It closes down the front with antique rhinestone buttons and elastic loops. Tiny bands of leather, hand-stitched into place, keep the gathers in check. Fully lined with cotton voile and silk ribbons.

"The corset is crafted from leather and two other coordinating fabrics, and accented with fun bow charms and bling. In the back, a sturdy silk ribbon wends its way through some of the awesomest eyelets you'll find anywhere.

"The top hat: This hand-made beauty is accented with a leather bow, feathers, and some sparkly beads; it has wired edges so you can reshape the brim to your fancy. It's fully lined, and also features a horsehair loop in the back, so it can be securely and easily pinned into your doll's hair."

The auction ends Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013.

Good luck!

Welcome to a brave new world

Looking back, it appears I have never truly addressed my fondness for Disney's Phineas and Ferb.

Phineas and Ferb is an American animated comedy-musical television series. Originally broadcast as a preview on Aug. 17, 2007, and officially premiered on Feb. 1, 2008 on Disney Channel, the series follows Phineas Flynn and his English stepbrother Ferb Fletcher on summer vacation.  The boys embark on some grand new project every day which annoys their older sister, Candace.

So imagine my excitement when Phineas and Ferb went steampunk in Friday night's episode: Steampunx.

When Phineas and Ferb discover a commemorative coin from the 1903 Danville World’s Fair, Lawrence recounts the events of the festival to them, in which steam-driven devices were introduced and a set of kids, who were very much like them, were preparing for the highly anticipated event. 

It was so good my Perry the Platypus and I watched it twice! 

Now I shall be the first to admit their clothes weren't inspiring, but their inventions (as always) did not disappoint and my musical hero, Professor Elemental, made an appearance, too!

But what I simply can not understand is why Perry the Platypus became Sweary the Swan. I mean, what could be more steampunk than a semiaquatic mammal endemic? A platypus just screams alternative universe!