Common Language

I find it interesting that, despite the differences in where various of Caledon's typists are from, so many seem to have a common reference language of novels, television, and films. (I realize there is a huge selection issue here, as Caledon has 800 or so citizens and perhaps two dozen are regular users (or, in my case, abusers) of the group chat channel. Perhaps it's not surprising that Caledonians enjoy the Victorian era, and/or enjoy polite discourse, dressing up, and aesthetically pleasing architecture. What I found more surprising was a love of science fiction (Dr. Who, Star Trek, Robert A. Heinlein), supernatural fiction (Buffy the Vampire Slayer in addition to Dracula), literary jokes, and bad puns. Who knew?

The common language makes for a useful bond among people who, by convention, really cannot discuss what they did all day. For those who are not willing to engage in fully-immersive role-playing, this bond is a helpful reminder of common interests. Beyond attending formal balls, of course.

Arms and the Woman

My attention is diverted for a few days, and see what happens? A clock tower and a gun turret in the midst of the Downs! (At least, I'm pretty certain neither were there a while ago.) I feel safer, and I always know what time it is...

What with the number of airships passing through Downs' air space, I would think that the clock tower would have more than its share of chipped masonry soon enough as distracted pilots fail to pull up in time. Then again, perhaps that's what the guns are for.

More Land

I had sworn to myself that once I was able to buy* a small plot of land in Caledon Downs, that I would be satisfied with just that little corner of our nation that I own**.

This was not to be. I soon bumped up against prim limits, and yet there were things I just had to add to the house. And I had hardly done any landscaping! One day, I decided that a foolish promise to one's self is still foolish, and kept my eyes open for additional acreage in the Downs. The other day, thanks to good timing and the good graces of TheDove Rhode, I purchased*** a slightly larger property. I'm not quite sure yet what I'll do with it, but, believe me, it was necessary. For the moment, it's the Jameson home for incorrigible gossips and flirts.

Of course, I swore to myself that would be it. That's enough land for me!

* "Buy" defined somewhat irregularly, as in "purchase the rental rights to, subject to various caveats."
** Similarly, "own" might be defined as "possess the rental rights to, subject to etc."
*** Yes, exactly. Subject to, etc.

Specialized Equipment

Mr. Ash Mason observes in his aetheric journal, "I notice female bipeds often complain about fitting failures for their ambulation equipment and are constantly searching for highly specialized gear for each assignment."

Indeed, Mr. Mason! And yet is it not so that when practicing one's art at the highest level, one invariably seeks specialized equipment? The scrivener may use a fine-tipped fountain pen when engaged in highly detailed work and choose a broad nib when inking bold thoughts; the laboratory scientist knows to choose the correct size of vial in which to mix his elixirs; and the adventurer surely does not use the same equipment when scaling heights as navigating the ocean's depths. Female bipeds are no different: each occasion requires its own footwear. We seek perfection daily; we demand no less of ourselves.

To shop, to purchase: these are not mere whims born of a fevered female mind but are, rather, signposts on the path to Olympus! Consider this, sir, the next time you behold a woman's new shoes, and politeness dictates you must listen to her explain how they came under her ownership!

Return of the Green Fairy

Miss Fogwoman Gray, owner of the Green Fairy Tavern in Caledon SteamSky City, recently acquired the adjacent property, knocked down a few walls, and expanded the tavern.

The much-larger space is perfect to enjoy a libation or two - just the thing for calming the nerves when one considers one is more than one hundred meters in the air, depending on the engines to continue moving to keep the city aloft.

I took the liberty of seeing whether the large vat of absinthe was as potent as ever. It was. (Don't worry, it's not the same absinthe that goes in the cocktails. At least, I don't think so. And in any event, the alcohol kills germs, right?)

The bar area has plenty of room to bend an elbow with your favorite libation - here, a delightful absinthe cocktail - and a good, firm surface to prop up the patron who is trying to disguise the fact she has had a wee too much to dwink, er drrrink, er drink.

Chariot Races

Today's Caledon Relay for Life event, sponsored by Erasmus Margulis and Autopilotpatty Poppy and DJ'd by Marcus Tairov, was a series of Roman Chariot Races, divided into "human powered," "steam powered," and "mechanical." We started with a little dancing:

Then followed the races. The spectators, including Marcus Tairov and Scotti Lyle, looked on (with my lovely toga courtesy of Miss Katrina Pugilist):

A steam-powered chariot from Mr. Thadicus Caligari:

Miss Poppy's seahorse chariot:

And, last, but not least, Mr. Caligari's mechanical chariot next to DrBob Margulies' tiny chariot:

Of course, the point was to benefit RFL, but a good time was had by all. Even when Miss Poppy flattened Mr. Margulis' chariot - the poor guy never had a chance!

Contemplating

Some days are for action, some days are for contemplating. Guess which one today is?

Today, July 4, my typist attended a ceremony at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC honoring Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts. Gerry (who lent his name to the political process of Gerrymandering) signed the Declaration of Independence but, interestingly, voted against ratifying the Constitution. (The Massachusetts delegation voted in favor of it anyway by a 3-2 margin.) Gerry objected to the lack of a Bill of Rights in the document, and objected to the fact that the nation did not outlaw slavery. Seemed like two good objections. And well worth contemplating.

Merry Young Widows

Tonight the Merry Young Widows of Caledon are holding another wake, burying another poor soul whose time came too soon. At the rate the ladies are going through the gentlemen, soon Caledon will be a single-sex land. (I can see some upsides to this, but it seems like an extreme solution.) Or at least one bereft of young, virile men.

I like cake and tea, so I have thought about joining. Not having a husband, much less a deceased husband, seemed like an impediment. The ladies kindly assured me that this was not a problem, and they could likely round up a suitable vic...corp...er, guest of honor. On the other hand, I am a kindly soul, and I would feel just a teensy bit uneasy about the whole process.

My advice to the men of Caledon: be careful when an attractive young woman offers you cookies, or cake, or tea, or punch, or... Perhaps a taste-tester would be an appropriate hire.

Flying on the Ground is Wrong

Periodically, I think an airplane would be just the ticket. I like exploring new lands, and have no fear of heights. (Note to self: if I have plenty of space to fill one day, discuss all fears I do have.) I see majestic airships floating through the sky, or moored high above Caledon, and think there must be nothing to it.

As it turned out, I was wrong again. The distinction between airship and airplane was lost on me. While walking through New Babbage, I chanced upon a plane that permitted a test flight of the vehicle possible, although I was warned that the vehicle would self-destruct in ten minutes. I boarded and soon took to flight. How glorious! Soon, however, steering became an issue, as I was increasingly constrained by the narrow alleyways of New Babbage. In the end, I crashed – though I was fortunate to have walked away without bodily harm. Ah well, it was not meant to be.

Now, where was that dirigible I saw…?

(With apologies to Buffalo Springfield for the title.)

A Steam-what? or, The Steampunk Resource Centre

Directly across the street from me in Caledon Downs is the Steampunk Resource Centre, established by my neighbor, the lovely Sea Beaumont, and built by her lovely partner Molly Lundquist. (Sea might say that should be spelled "neighbour" to correspond with "Centre.") (I hope I did justice to everyone's roles. I'm confident of the lovely part.)

Before I came to this fair island, I had never heard the term "Steampunk," although I had heard of some of the seminal works. Once I learned the term, the little lightbulb in my head fired: I like speculative fiction (though I'm old enough to remember when calling it "science fiction" wasn't considered pejorative), I like gadgets, and I like Victoriana. Hearing about the genre was one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments.

Of course, a great deal has been written about Steampunk - literature, fashion, gadgets - on the Aetherweb, but the SRC provides both an introduction to the genre and SL-related information. The Centre displays information on some of the important authors and personalities, from Ada Lovelace and Nikola Tesla to William Gibson and Neal Stephenson. There are links to Steampunk-related sims, Steampunk freebies, items to purchase, and even a reading room. (I'm reading The War of the Worlds. Golly, I don't recall it being this thick!)

So come see the Steampunk Resource Centre, in Caledon Downs on the border of Glengarry. While you're in the neighborhood - or neighbourhood - do drop in on chez Jameson.