La Legion Fantastique's topics - tribe.net

Have your cake and eat it too...

2009-10-17T03:25:38Z

Steampunk Confectionery Goodness

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunday-sweets-steampunk.html

:D

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

LEGION FANTASTIQUE - 2009 AUDITION NOTICE!!

2009-10-11T02:32:44Z

[Copied from a communiqué by our esteemed leader]

If you like exploring the depths of the sea, or shooting for the moon, then Legion Fantastique is the place for you at this year's DICKENS CHRISTMAS FAIR (www.dickensfair.com)! We are looking for dedicated, friendly, and talented actors and artists to join us in our quest to faithfully bring the worlds of Jules Verne to vibrant life! If you would like to take on the challenge of being bigger than life Victorian-age science fiction characters in a fully immersive theatrical environment ... we want to meet you!

AUDITIONS will be on the evening of MONDAY, OCT. 12, 2009 between 7:00pm - 9:30pm

This year, we are looking for people (MALE AND FEMALE) who can “Act Big”, these will be individuals who will not only be environmental actors, but will also have the opportunity to narrate one of our slideshows (“Return to the Center of the Earth” & “From the Earth to the Moon”), as well as participate in our “Giant Squid Feeding” show.

NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED!!! We are not currently looking for people who just have a cool costume or a nifty gadget (as much as we appreciate the enthusiasm)...we need some "spotlight stealers". Due to our space limitations, we will be unable to cast everyone who auditions...so please be aware that an audition is not a guarantee for a role.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO AUDITION - Please send an email to: poverstreet at gmail (with something particularly Jules Verne related in the header...just to see that you're paying attention) to schedule an audition time and to receive our list of characters we are looking to cast. If you could please send a recent photo of yourself as well, that would help.

Thank you.

-Peter Overstreet

[Please contact Peter or myself for a list of characters we're looking to cast]

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Interesting Book Series with Science, Exploration, and Imagination!

2009-10-03T09:33:46Z

Anyone read the Kenneth Oppel Airborn Series? Airborn, Skybreaker, and Starclimber? Though of La Legion when I read them. Great young adult fiction, full of interesting characters, adventure, and science. Will we be seeing Matt Cruse and Miss Kate de Vries at Dickens?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Steampunks are invading the "Antique Autos in History Park" event! Sept 13th

2009-09-09T21:49:21Z

~~ Please feel free to cross-post to others that might be interested ~~

Steampunks are invading the "Antique Autos in History Park" event!

Antique Autos in History Park
Sunday Sept 13, 2009
Noon till 5:00pm
1600 Senter Rd San Jose, CA 95112
Cost: FREE!

We're using this event to get our Steampunk gear on, gather together and enjoy a day in the park. We'll be taking a break to enjoy a potluck picnic lunch at around 2:00ish. Bring your picnic gear, something to share and a beverage (alcohol is not allowed in the park) and we'll gather on the lawn of the Hill House (the Hill House is located directly across from the Fire House). There MAY be picnic tables available, but plan to either bring your own chair, or sit upon the grass... we're steamPUNKS so grass won't hurt us ey?

History park is a fabulous place for photos, so bring your cameras.

There's a fantastic Trolly barn chock full of steam powered cars & engines, O'Brien's Sweet shop, and plenty of house museums to browse... oh, and the park will be full of antique cars!

Hope to see everyone there!

In steam we Trust,

~Miranda~

Official info below:

Antique Autos in History Park Description:

The 9th Annual Antique Autos in History Park presented by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San Jose will take place on Sunday, September 13 from noon to 5:00 PM. This event fills History Park (Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA) with antique autos, fire equipment, bicycles and motorcycles of all makes from the 1900 to 1945. Also located on the grounds will be early day gas engines which will power saws, washing machines and other tools needed in the early days. Activities are provided for kids of all ages. This year, members of the Model T Club will again attempt to assembly a Model T in less than 6 minutes. The event is free to everyone.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

The League of STEAM @ Pyrate Daze

2009-09-08T09:56:57Z

hey gang,

just a note to let ya all know The League of STEAM
www.leagueofsteam.com
will be the featured Steampunk performers and artist at the first annual Queen Mary Pyrate Daze!
September 19th and 20th
www.pyratedaze.com

We are very excited about what we have planned for this event of Pirates meets Steampunks. There is hours of programing and entertainment planned including basic intro to Steampunk, Steampunk Prop Fabrication, Music in the Genre, a sociological discussion/presentation, pirate ship pyro show attacking the Queen Mary, League equipment Demo, Abney Park concert and even a VIP midnight ghost tour of the Engine room (hosted by the League of STEAM's Steampunk Ghostbusters!)

Weekend passes are still available, I believe, but will most likely sell out in the next week.

Day passes are also available at the door, but cheaper if pre-purchased.

This is going to be a fun weekend, looking forward to it!

See ya there.

Nick
"Crackitus Potts"
www.leagueofsteam,com

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

A Giant in Nantes

2009-07-24T02:25:01Z

http://www.socyberty.com/Folklore/A-Giant-Awakes-in-Nantes.763695

Very cool....

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 5 replies

Neverwas Haul Events

2009-07-13T20:50:27Z

Several things are coming up;

July 17th Benefit for Neverwas Haul, we will be doing a fancy formal dinner with music and the lot. Vendor space will be available at this event, some details are being ironed out at this time. Event will be in Berkeley.

Neverwas Haul is going to Burning Man! Again! the benefit is to raise money to make the drive train more reliable, and to get it done in time for serious testing before we go.

Many thanks to people who purchased our wares at Maker faire, our space rent for the Haul and workshop is covered through Sep.

Up on etsy at www.neverwas.etsy.com is our new line of Sky Pirate goggles and monocles Shannon has been working on this concept and we put a few together las week ,check em out.

First Engineer
Kimric Smythe

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

a lovely video of side saddle riding, by Princess Elizabeth soon to be Queen

2009-06-26T14:42:29Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8098456.stm

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Thanks

2009-06-10T04:00:19Z

Many thanks to La Legion for their help at Maker Faire. We could not have done it without you.

First Engineer Smythe

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 7 replies

Now this would be a dream job... send this boy to buy from the entire contents of a Victorian Life Museum

2009-05-16T01:23:08Z

Get me a ticket and some seed money and I'd be more than happy to go as your representative

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8052373.stm

The entire contents of a Victorian life museum in Gloucestershire are set to be auctioned off.

From shop signs to the contents of a doctor's surgery, everything from The Shambles in Newent will go under the hammer.

Special requests will be honored on the basis of participation in the fund to send me there.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Cool motor I picked up at a estate sale

2009-05-13T17:16:01Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26639011@N06/3522589399/

This thing is a pretty serious hack, the ring is iron with cast in brass segments.

Kimric

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Legion in Make Magazine

2009-04-25T05:37:35Z

http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol17/?pg=85

Check it out.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

it's not steam punk... but it's getting close

2009-04-09T00:09:37Z

pride & prejudice with zombies
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7985728.stm

so... who will throw the first spanner or stake?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Boiler hack at dorkbot

2009-04-08T08:17:49Z

I will be unveiling a new boiler I finished only a few hrs ago at tomorrows Dorkbot.
laughingsquid.com/dorkbot-sf-44-at-the-gallery-with-no-name/

The boiler weighs about 25 lbs, and at this point puts out about 1/2 hp
After doing the math it would appear it should be able to put out about 3-5 hp with the right burner, With some work I could get it into a large bike frame.
The nice part is it takes only about 3 1/2 min to go from dead cold to 45psi.
I will be demonstrating it at the talk.

Kimric

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

La Legion at Steam Con in Seattle?

2009-03-09T17:25:58Z

Have you heard about the Steampunk Convention in Seattle on Oct 25-26th 2009

Looks to be shaping up as quite the event... more info here:

http://www.steam-con.com/

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Item for wall decor next year

2009-01-30T22:28:23Z

http://i.gizmodo.com/5142320/trilobite-clock-its-half-past-creepy-and-a-quarter-till-i-pee-my-pants

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Seeking to borrow a theatrical prop.

2008-12-28T07:41:25Z

Hello All,
I am getting ready for the spring show at the theater I assist at, and we have uncovered a need for a somewhat pecululiar prop. We need a knife target that is gimmicked. Basically a large board that has been set up so that the handles of knives suddenly spring into appearance as if they had been thrown at it.

If we can’t find one to borrow, then we would greatly appreciate advice from any one who has any experience making this particular type of gimmick.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and the best of the season to one and all….

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

La Legion is Fantastique!

2008-12-25T02:19:58Z

I have to say that I think the addition of La Legion to the Dickens Fair is really a wonderful thing. I was noticing a very distinct crowd of customer types sporting the steam punk image, all seeming to have a good time. At one point I was out front waiting for friends and met several of them waiting in line. I engaged them and they were very interested in seeing La Legion, so I gave them directions to get there, and a bit later sure enough ran into them at La Legion. I think its something that should be encouraged as it seems to draw in more people. Remember Red Barn has to pay the bills so the more people we get coming to the fair the better.

I also found those working there to be bright, engaging and very talented. They really put themselves out there and it was a joy to see.

Hurray!!!!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Three cheers for La Legion Fantastique!

2008-12-25T02:19:35Z

Just wanted to say thanks for hosting Steampunk Day at the Dicken's Faire last weekend. We had a blast checking out the many wonderful flavors of Steampunk that participated in the contest. The prizes you offered the contestants were lovely... and has set the bar for next year.

We look forward to another Steampunk Day next year.

Have a happy Christmas, and a well deserved break over the holidays~

Miranda

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Did I miss this last Christmas?

2008-12-20T06:54:09Z

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/fun/freestuff/desktops/santa_2007/2007santa_2560x1600.jpg

Looks like a L.F. project!

(...apparently from a 1907 book about the future...)

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Remember...

2008-10-31T09:07:04Z

Play nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y4u8sWO1Kk

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

La Legion Fantastique assembles at SteamCon!

2008-10-31T05:08:33Z

http://www.steampunkconvention.com

Oct31-Nov2 @ the Domain Hotel in Sunnyvale
Join us on Saturday for improv, meet 'n' greet and tea.
Several cast members will be on panels through the weekend.

Come dance the night away at the Steampunk Ball Friday night!
Marvel at the all Victorian/Steampunk vendors room!
Meet new steamy friends!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

Kristies Flyer makes the news!

2008-10-20T19:48:58Z

We entered our Steam cart in the "Escape from Berkley" race. Lots of nice pics, you can read the article here,
"www.eastbayexpress.com/news/h...Content" The cart will be at the Convention for
your viewing pleasure.
We also made the wall street times, the tribune, and lots of blogs.
The trip was a bit of a grueling adventure as you may expect. Suprisingly there was a huge steam tractor in Angels Camp that was a much
larger version of our humble steam cart. Three wheels and all.

Kimric

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Pith Helmets

2008-09-02T23:36:13Z

Because, it's the next thing you need after your goggles :-)

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/andmore_home/andmore_military/91130.aspx?feature=Product_31

A Pith helmet decorating contest could be fun.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 14 replies

I have a match...

2008-09-01T06:31:58Z

Phileas Fogg here ... weary but relaxed from my leisurely trip to the South Pacific. The "Sandwich Isles" were quite pleasant, although the locals all seem bound and determined to sell me something called a "time share". I had no idea one could own time...let alone share it.

No matter.

I reached into my waistcoat pocket this morning, and found a single wooden match...the blue colored phosphorus tip ready to ignite. With this match, I would ignite the fires that would bring life to the future endeavors of La Legion Fantastique.

Dare I light the fire in the boiler?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 10 replies

Steampunk Salon v1.0 Tonight, August 20th

2008-08-20T15:46:26Z

A social gathering and celebration of all things Steampunk held at the office of SteamPowered Events, inc. promoters of the California Steampunk Convention 2008. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, music, and a few door prizes.

We'll be casting parts in the Steampunk movie Pygmalion, recording segments for the Dex Garvey podcast, discussing the latest from Steampunk artisans and much more. Steampunk costuming encouraged.

This will be a bi-monthly event and it's all free.

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/event/The-Steampunk-Salon-10/94107/b219227e-302e-4959-9dca-1b64f9e1ee62

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

We have a website!

2008-07-28T03:40:34Z

Finally!

#7 Saville Row (our blog) is officially 1 year old. Wow...that went by quickly.

BUT our cast agreed that we needed a website...so here it is!

www.legionfantastique.com

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

La Legion Fantasique - 2008 AUDITIONS HAVE BEGUN!

2008-07-27T23:30:19Z

Greetings,

Thanks to everyone (audience and participants alike) for their support and enthusiasm last year, which made our inaugural year of La Legion Fantastique a hit at the 2007 Dickens Christmas Fair. Now the clock is ticking, and we must begin the process of creating an even bigger and better show!

Our returning cast has already begun holding monthly rehearsals...and we are now scheduling auditions for the many shows and characters that inhabit La Legion Fantastique.!

We are looking for dedicated, friendly, and talents actors and artists to join us in our quest to faithfully bring the worlds of Jules Verne to vibrant life! If you would like to take on the challenge of being bigger than life Victorian-age science fiction characters in a fully immersive theatrical environment ... we want to meet you!

Not only are we looking for environmental actors (characters from Verne's books), but we are also looking for someone to play the coveted role of Mr. Jules Verne himself! We are also looking for 3 actors for the Legion Fantastique children's show - "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea". This is a high-energy, physical, audience participation show that will be performed daily...so we need actors who are outgoing, can project vocally, and won't mind multiple weeknight rehearsals in October-November.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO AUDITION - Please send an email to: legionfantastique@gmail.com (with something particularly Jules Verne related...just to see that you're paying attention) to schedule an audition time and to receive our list of characters we are looking to cast. If you could please send a recent photo of yourself as well, that would help. The following dates are currently planned for auditions:

JULY 30
AUGUST 27
SEPTEMBER 24
OCTOBER 22
NOVEMBER 5

PLEASE NOTE: We have limited space this year, and we will be unable to cast everyone who auditions...so please be aware that an audition is not a guarantee for a role.

We hope to see you there!

-Peter Overstreet (a.k.a. Phileas Fogg)
dir. La Legion Fantastique

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Open bloomers

2008-07-23T20:20:56Z

A certain young lady had been looking for authentically cut bloomers and I believe she's in this tribe. Here they are, fourth pair down:
http://www.ottssutlery.com/ladies_underclothes.htm

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

J&T - The Seven Deadly Fingers of Fatal Death!

2008-07-18T20:50:48Z

"TALLY-HO!"

Is it true?

Do mine eyes deceive me?

YES! IT IS TRUE!

This summer...Those masters of mayhem from "The Great Race of London", Major Jonas Junquebucket and Captain Thaddeus "Tadger" Thicketristle, have reunited and shall risk life and limb once more in a brand new adventure!

The city of Albany (near Berkeley) will be holding a Pennyfarthing/HiWheel cycle race. Tadger and Jonas have been invited to join in the race and represent to good citizens of London!

If you happen to be in the area of Albany on July 20th...and if your Victorian clothing is just bursting out of your closet...please come and support us and make "big noise" in the name of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria - "God save The Queen!"

See you there...and wish us jolly good luck!

TALLY-HO!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 16 replies

LF Meeting - NEEDS TO HAPPEN!

2008-07-15T19:57:23Z

Schedules...What are your free evenings?

I shall be busy this week...but what about the following week?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 14 replies

19th Century Shooting Expedition - the Very Latest News!

2008-07-11T00:04:50Z

Okay. I've confirmed that our location, hostess and expert are available Saturday August 9th. Go ahead and put that in ink. Agenda to follow. Set aside the entire day - morning for history/safety/instruction; afternoon for shooting; evening for casual dinner.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

19th Century Shooting Expedition - Update

2008-07-07T14:04:03Z

I heard only from a very few which date would work best, so I'm going to take a chance and set it for JJuly 12th. The Schedule will be posted later.

Remember:
1. Gun safety FIRST. If you have them, bring ear plugs and safety glasses. If you don't, they are very cheap and the Gun Club will have them.
2. 19th Century Costume (we'll fudge a bit for those leaning into the Edwardian.)
3. We'll be using 19th Century firearms. During out shoot, only those. If when we're done you want to pull out your Ozi or M14, by all means do so. Or better, check with Joel about various opportunities to shoot modern stuff.
4. Picnic. This is not fancy. Someone brings the potatoe salad, someone brings the salami - that sort of thing.
5. Don't worry if you don't own the right firearm, we will be lending from a fairly large collection.

That's it. As we get closer to the date, we'll get an offical head count to reserve a portion of the range.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 13 replies

mechanicrawl?

2008-07-06T14:59:37Z

Any LF member attending?
If so I'll pencil it in. In vikkies? Or civvies?

http://www.longnow.org/mechanicrawl/

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Circumlocation Office Denies

2008-07-04T03:03:38Z

The Circumlocation Office wishes to formally and inconclusively deny having a publically accessible office and/or facility at the forthcoming Dickens Fair. Having spared no inconsiderable expense nor acknowledgeable effort toward this end. We wish to categorically accept that no correspondences will be accepted or admitted to or at our nonexistant address in Greater London nor is there any arrangment to accept same at the Bulletin News Offices nor the LLF facilities nor else where, exclusively nor inclusively.

This disclosure of a disclaimer comes with the highest impossible regards and regrets without reservation or forethought.

Yours obsequiesly,
Tite Barnacle
Director of the Circumlocation Office, QED
http://tribes.tribe.net/circumlocationoffice

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Forensic expert's notes on sale

2008-07-03T14:27:36Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7485733.stm

Files containing notes on deaths investigated by one of the first British forensic pathologists are due to go under the hammer at Sotheby's.

Sir Bernard Spilsbury's index cards documented deaths in London and the Home Counties from 1905 to 1932.

The hand-written cards, discovered in a lost cabinet, are expected to fetch up to £9,000 at the auction on 17 July.

<snip>

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

now this is steam powered!

2008-06-27T05:42:03Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7474083.stm

Team aims for world steam car record

It is green, sleek and looks a bit like it was built with a cheeky nod to Thunderbirds. But this hulking power machine and its aerodynamic bodywork, full of wires spewing from the chassis, is a British team's chance at smashing a new world record.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Three Cheers!

2008-06-26T21:07:03Z

I think congratulations are in order for the nuptuals of our fearless LF leader and our favorite hearder of dancing cats.

Hip Hip Huzzah!
i hope you guys finally get the chance to RELAX on the honeymoon!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 6 replies

Leather working

2008-06-25T14:46:34Z

Hey, Legionaires ... I'm looking for some tips on dying leather. I've done it, with moderate success, but would like to do a VERY good job this time around. I have a valise coming that several people at Dickens (and other events) have - the way to keep them apart is to change the color.
Its a commercially made valise - meaning I don't know if they have put any type of seal coating on it. Light tan. Pigskin. Lined in cloth. The manufacturers say that oil from the hands will turn the leather a ruddy hue over time. I'd like to take it to a dark cherry color from the outset. Suggestions please. Big worry spot: the handle.

Thank you.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

Dammit!!

2008-06-24T15:57:42Z

Somehow I had on my calendar that the Pirate Fest was THIS weekend, not last weekend!

I helped a friend move back in after evacuating the fire in Bonny Doon (it came to within 600 feet of the house...Yikes!)

So, more pictures, please!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Having made some contributions, I feel that I should introduce myself

2008-06-23T04:27:54Z

My name is Harry Hayfield, from Cardigan County, Wales, England and like everyone else in this group, I too have an interest in the Victorian science fiction novels (most notably Jules Verne). I came across your group (quite by accident) as I was looking for a representation of Axel Lidenbrock for a blog I am doing on the Jules Verne Forum. I also noticed that your group has had dealings with a person called "The Doctor" in the past. If that is the case then I do apolgise, as I have been "The Doctor" for an website dedicated to Doctor Who (and know from experience that he does sometimes poke his nose in where it is not wanted)

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 5 replies

Test your Victorian manners here... this is REALLY entertaining!

2008-06-16T23:48:53Z

Test your Victorian manners here... and if you answer incorrectly, it gets really halarious!

Enjoy~

www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en/keys/games/17

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Another event

2008-06-12T22:06:33Z

The Great West End and Railroad Square Handcar Regatta and Exposition of Mechanical and Artistic Wonders!

http://handcar-regatta.com/

Presented by Eramus p Kitty

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 8 replies

4th of July: Pardee Patriotic Picnic and Stereopticon Ice Cream Social, Oakland

2008-06-11T21:53:53Z

Pete's probably missed this one because he's focused on *other things* at the moment! You may have already seen it through Cat's missives list...

Fourth of July weekend!

A missive notice from Annie Lore. Please email her at
<mailto:ImminentIdea@aol.com>ImminentIdea@aol.com for more information.

A DRESS-UP-&-TIME-TRIP OPPORTUNITY

If you haven't decided what to do during the day this Fourth of
July, you might want to look in on the Pardee Patriotic Picnic and
Stereopticon Ice Cream Social at the beautiful Pardee Home Museum at
11th and Castro on the edge of Downtown Oakland. That's right,
downtown Oakland! This Victorian island was home to the Pardee family
from its completion in 1869 until the death of the last Pardee
daughter in 1981, and still has its front and rear gardens, with
carriage house and water tower.

The event is a sort of combination holiday garden party and
charity bazaar set in 1908, with recent governor George Pardee
(portrayed as usual by museum director David Nicolai) and his wife
Helen (me, Annie Lore) as genial hosts. There will be wonderful food,
ice cream made on the spot, entertainment (with piano pyrotechnics by
the justly-lauded Frederick Hodges) with activities, games and
competitions for young and old, from sedate croquet and lawn tennis
to the little-known eggball and the thrilling Pardee Tabletop Regatta
on "Lake Roosevelt".

In the Benevolent Bazaar one can purchase toys, books,
knickknacks and who-knows-what. There are awards and prizes to be
won, the most lavish of which (to date) is the Grand Prize of an
antique stereopticon and stereoview cards for the winner of the Paper
Poppy Pageant, a costume competition. All entrants receive a stereo
picture of themselves, with folding viewer (these viewers also
available for sale to anyone).

The Picnic is held from noon till 5:00. It's four blocks from
12th St. BART, with free street parking. If it were left up to me,
I'd comp everyone in, because we belong there-- but since this is a
fundraiser for the museum, I don't think the Board of Trustees would
go for that and it is after all a worthy cause, so there's an
admission charge, which ranges from $12-$18 for adults, depending
upon whether you come in period dress and/or buy your invitation in
advance, and $4-$8 for children. This includes food, cold drinks and
ice cream, with beer, wine and bottled sodas extra.

There are also a number of ways to get in free as a participant;
even if you just help with setup on one of the days before, you can
come to the Picnic and do nothing but play-- in period dress, of
course. So it has a specific period, with games, vendors, food and
entertainment; wait, could this sound almost like some sort of fair?

I'll address the Picnic's features by category:

GAMES AND ACTIVITIES these could use more people to help run them:

FREE-to-PLAY
Nutshell boat-making (for piepan sailing)
Paper poppy-making
Bubble-blowing
Eggball
The Stereograph Nook, a shady corner with comfy seating for enjoying
stereoviews.

PAY-to-PLAY:
Fishpond game (prizes)
Toy boat-building (for sailing in a washtub and on 'Lake Roosevelt'
in the Tabletop Regatta).
The Regatta is free to enter, but of course requires a boat.
The Stereoscopic Photograph Parlour, where you can have a 3D portrait made.

THE BENEVOLENT BAZAAR
This will have a few stalls or tables, at which can be found
various appropriate goods, such as turn of the century or older
books, magazines and sheet music, plus antique or antique-looking
knickknacks, items of apparel, toys, stereoscopic views and viewers.
Some of these last are made for the occasion: prize-filled
'firecrackers', treasure balls, eggball sets and reprinted booklets
with stories and craft projects from vintage publications.

If anyone wishes to put items in the Bazaar on consignment (or
even donate a thing or two), just speak up. This would be an obvious
place for a milliner or clothier to set up, though it's a small event
and we're none of us going to get rich. A hat-decorating booth would
be lovely. Parasols, hatpins, and such would probably move very well.
Any number of things would!

FOOD
The regular Pardee House volunteers will be handling the food as
is usual, though they might need a hand here or there; it's hard to
predict at this point. There will be scrumptious regular (Taylor's)
and meatless sausages (prepared separately), and we hope to have
enough variety in the menu that everyone can find enough of the right
food and drink. You can always pack in some of your own picnic, but
remember, this is 1908 and we don't want to see any plastic. Waxed
paper is an appropriate disposable wrapping. Paper plates were
luckily introduced in 1904; paper towels first appeared in 1907, but
paper napkins didn't come out till the 30s. The earliest paper cup
(the "Health Kup"), a pleated type such as used to be found with
water coolers, has just appeared in our present 1908 as a measure to
make public fountains more hygienic.

The ice cream making needs people, perhaps even an Ice Cream
Director, someone with experience using an old-style hand-cranked ice
cream maker. We're planning multiple churns for the ice cream social;
if you have one to loan, you're in, and you can either be involved in
its use or leave it to others. We already have three, and at least
two more would be nice-- the more the merrier!

ENTERTAINMENT

For the Governor's Stirring Address, the singing of "America"
("My country, 'tis of thee") will be accompanied by a wind-up
gramophone, and moving chords from the baby organ will accent the
Governor's words. We'll be playing with these two later as well.

Mrs. Pardee's Mellifluous Musicale

Helen Pardee will present a piano-accompanied programme of
tasteful acts and appropriate music, including her much-lauded
rendition of "A Bird in a Gilded Cage".

The Paper Poppy Pageant portion of the show will showcase
contestants who have made a poppy-themed costume incorporating a
quantity of orange paper supplied to them (I have 400 feet of it!).
It was Governor Pardee who declared the poppy our state flower, so
this is a major decorative theme, along with the obvious patriotic one.
THE PAPER POPPY PAGEANT
There will be a small registration fee to cover supplies and any
postage needed. You can enter as an individual, couple or even
family. There are plenty of possibilities for costume themes: a Poppy
Fairy, the Knight of Poppies, Poppy Zeus and Hera, Poppy Romeo and
Juliet etc. or pure poppy fantasy with a turn of the century fllavor:
think Winsor McCay. Even a poppy monster! You can take any existing
outfit from 1908 or earlier and add on the poppy stuff. Easy! But do
remember, this is not only 1908, it's a Family Event at the home of a
very prominent citizen, so a certain degree of decorum is expected.
We're also thinking of a picture hat competition, which unlike
the Paper Poppy Pageant won't require pre-registration; one can just
show up in a really overdone hat and join others for judging at the
appropriate time. And how about an Alliteration Bee? Alliteration
always amply allays any awkwardness

We're also thinking of a picture hat competition, which unlike
the Paper Poppy Pageant wouldn't require pre-registration; one can
just show up in a really overdone hat and join others for judging at
the appropriate time. And how about an Alliteration Bee? Alliteration
always amply allays any awkwardness.

As part of the stage programme (though perhaps performed on the
lawn, as the stage is quite small), there is a marvelous dance
opportunity; I have this piece from 1904, "The Dance of the Mist
Maiden", and have been dying to put it on for years. It's Terribly
Artistic, but really just a series of twelve simple poses, so it
doesn't necessarily require Maidens of balletic ability. It can be
performed solo or by as many dancers as are available, and the book
includes floor patterns for the choreography. Surely there are a few
ladies out there who'd be game! Grecian dances are all the rage
nowadays, after all, and I have a huge bolt of pink chiffon to devote
to seeing the Maidens lavishly draped.

I'd very much like to find four girls and young women to be the
Pardee daughters, ages 13-20. They might be among or even be all
off-- the Mist Maidens, of course renamed Poppy Maidens.

WHAT TO WEAR
The public is being advised that period attire is, a la PEERS,
"admired but not required"-- but very very strongly encouraged, and
we're backing that up with discounts. It's really not hard to put
something together for 1900-1908 when it's not formal attire. This is
a gorgeous era: art nouveau, Gibson girls (possible bathing dress
show?), Teddy Roosevelt, ragtime, Florodora, the Arrow collar man...
What a marvelous picture we can make! The ladies get to be frilly
flowers with big hair and big hats (and don't forget your gloves) and
the men can be dapper with straw hat (skimmer or Panama) and cane
(ditto on the gloves and you can always take them off if you want).

The premise is that everyone is either an invited guest or
employee of ex-Governor George Pardee, so some pretense of Society
manners is only natural.

AND IT'S GREEN!
Also, in the interests of Less Waste, More Period, (and lots
More Classy) there will be no plastic or paper tableware or
silverware offered. That's right, no plastic water bottles; you can
leave yours outside with the 21st century and enjoy eating and
drinking from the real thing!

Visit <http://www.pardeehome.org/>www.pardeehome.org/ for more about
the house and its history. There's just a little information about
the Picnic there and it's rather garbled, so keep checking back for
new postings-- we're working on it! Because it's complicated getting
any changes made on that site I'm putting up the Picnic Page
temporarily at <http://www.the3dfairy.com/>www.The3DFairy.com, so
that's where to check. Should be something to see soon!

Contact me, Annie Lore at
<mailto:ImminentIdea@aol.com>ImminentIdea@aol.com with questions,
ideas and propositions. You can also write
<mailto:PardeePicnic@aol.com>PardeePicnic@aol.com for me or David the
museum director, though he's pretty busy with something else at
present. The email link on the website doesn't seem to deliver
dependably, so don't write there.

We'd like to see the people who really appreciate this kind of
event have a chance to see it and be part of it, and get acquainted
with this too-little-known property, which is a potential venue for
various period functions. It's going to be a Very Nice Time!

Many regards,

Madam A.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Anyone have a copy of:

2008-06-10T06:51:22Z

Famer's Other Log of P. Fogg that they could lend me. Couldn't even find it at Dark Carnaval - though I did find there a prestine copy of Verne's Play (Journey into imagination) and a fully illustrated/annotated Viking press copy of Around the world. At this point, I've got Verne oozing from the ears (yuck!) from reading so much of it along with various tomes on volcanism. I need a break ... something mindless and inplausable ...
Pete ... an alien or playing an alien .... no

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Your Fearless Leader

2008-06-06T21:48:51Z

Is getting hitched soon. That's right, Mr. Phileas Fogg (aka "Tadger" Thicketristle...aka Pete Overstreet) is getting married to the beautiful Cat Taylor in 2 weeks time!

Yes, we are going absolutely crazy right now!

The OFFICIAL stance on the following is:

1. LF is officially participating in the Calfornia Steampunk Convention being thrown in October.
2. No connections have been made for the Handcar Regatta as of this time...however we're open to suggestions.
3. Junquebucket and Thicketristle will be riding in Albany's 100th anniversary Hiwheel Bicycle race - steampunk flavored characters are encouraged to attend.
4. We have been tentatively granted our space at Dickens Fair 2008!
5. Our Rocket-Age event, The War of the Worlds fundraiser (for Dickens 2008), is ON!!!...and auditions will be announced the first week of July.

All questions about Legion Characters for Dickens should be saved until much later (think August)...Other non-Verne characters for shows like the Steampunk Convention and the potential Handcar Regatta -PLEASE wait until July to ask yours truly about approval.

Like I said, I'm getting married soon - and my brain is no longer fully attached to my body at this time.

If it's an emergency, please contact Thena, my esteemed co-director! I trust her implicitly!

Thank you!

-Mr. Fogg

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

You Are All Invited...

2008-06-06T19:32:52Z

To come join the California Steampunk Convention Tribe.

I've just set it up for anyone who wants to participate in, offer suggestions for or talk about the upcoming steampunk convention, SPC 08, running from Oct 31st to Nov 2nd this year.

Please come join, chat, share info and help make it happen! And pass the word around!

http://tribes.tribe.net/steampunkconvention

Thanks,

Ariane

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Absolutely Required Reading for LLF

2008-06-05T19:46:10Z

Okay ... I can't make you read anything ... but you really must read this book. Its not Verne or even Steampunk.
The Art of Play: The New Genre of Interactive Theatre by Gary Izzo: ISBN-10: 0435070363 or
ISBN-13: 978-0435070366.
Rydell Downward turned me on to the book and I can't say enough good things about it. If you ever want to be more than just another actor in costume, this is a must! Its an amazingly fast read, lots to digest, and more real skills to put to use. Even if you're not acting, say you're a writer, this is amazing for creating characters. The guy knows exactly what it takes to be at DF or Renn Faire.
Please ... please ... get it or borrow it and read it from cover to cover!!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Sale or possession of electrical weapons; penalties

2008-06-05T19:44:27Z

Looks like Massachusetts knew we were coming
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-131j.htm

Section 131J. No person shall possess a portable device or weapon from which an electrical current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure or kill

So much for the ray guns. How about a Gatling rail gun?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 6 replies

Legion About to Heat Up Again...

2008-06-05T19:17:43Z

Okay...so I went down to BayCon to help Cat with her Avalon Rising show. Little did I know that I would be negotiating business.

October is going to be HELLA busy for LF!

Not only will we be having our War of the Worlds show on Oct. 30th, but we've been invited to participate in a new Steampunk Convention that same weekend!

When Thena returns from her vacation, she and I will be working on delegating duties and such...and shall be updating everyone on what the plan is...

So I'm mostly mentioning this, because yes...I HAVE heard about the Steampunk Convention...YES LF will have some sort of presence....YES the War of the Worlds show is pretty much a go...NO I don't have enough on my plate (yeah right)...and YES, Dickens Fair is another go as well...

Some delegation of duties will have to happen, just so I can focus on the most important thing of all - MY IMPENDING WEDDING!

Then...when July hits, it's full steam ahead!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 16 replies

Steampunk Convention Discount Tickets

2008-06-04T00:10:21Z

Hi everyone,

Some of you know me through Fair(e)s, Gaskell, Peers, etc & some of you don't... so I wanted to say Hi!

I've lately found myself in the role of Event Coordinator for the California Steampunk Convention (SPC 08)! We'll be donating 5% of door profits to La Legion Fantastique, cross-promoting the War of the Worlds event, and having as many of you at the convention as want to be there! If you're going to participate, you'll be given an Event Pass good for the entire weekend... including...

The Party at the Center of the Earth, with ABNEY PARK headlining. Ahm just sayin'.

If you have friends who want to attend the convention, let me offer this...

$45 for an entire ($60) weekend Event Pass.

Registration just went live yesterday. Event Passes will be $60 for the weekend, which includes admission to a Victorian Ball on Oct 31st and the party on Saturday Nov 1st. We're selling discount tickets now until June 15th @ $50 for the full weekend, which will be advertised shortly. I was just able to get a coupon code for LF folks and their friends, for an additional $5 off! So... $45 for a $60 ticket.

Go (or send your friends) to: http://www.steampunkconvention.com/node/7

Enter this Code: LFx35071 when you register. (Note: it's case sensitive - and that's a zero...)

Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions! I'm extremely excited to be doing this, and moreso because you'll be there helping to make it happen and adding life to the party! I will be posting a new Tribe for SPC 08 shortly and will let you know when it's live.

Thanks for helping out - I'll see you soon!

Ariane

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

More steampunk goodness... this time in the form of music.

2008-05-30T01:24:10Z

This is a great band from Los Angeles. They bill themselves as steampunk and certainly dress the park. I'd categorize them as kind of in the goth realm. I thought some of you might be interested. If you friend them tell them i sent you. :)

http://www.myspace.com/unextraordinarygentlemen

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Steam punk magnified

2008-05-25T17:30:53Z

Before sunrise on Tuesday morning, a strange sight began to appear on Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn: a six-foot-tall metal drill bit seemed to emerge from the wooden pier, covered in genuine East River mud and revolving slowly beneath the glow of the Manhattan skyline. On Wednesday it will grow into a 12-foot-tall industrial-looking behemoth erupting just in front of the quaint Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. And on Thursday? Imagine an enormous brass and wood telescope, 37 feet long by 11 feet tall, connected to a mirrored dome, like a child’s drawing of something that will see into the future. Voilà: the Telectroscope will have materialized.

A fanciful device born equally of history and imagination, it will visually connect New Yorkers to people in London, where an identical scope will sit on the banks of the Thames in the shadow of Tower Bridge. Spectators who step right up will have a real-time, life-size view across the pond 24 hours a day, until June 15, thanks to ... no spoilers, yet. http://www.tiscali.co.uk/telectroscope/home.php

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

POssible Project for the Legion (or Steampunkers) in the future at DCF?

2008-05-23T18:17:24Z

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/05/22/scope.project/index.html

Seems like a portal at the Legion and one at Fezziwig's might be fun....

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Maker's Fair Report

2008-05-22T20:23:18Z

Well??? How did it go? Details please.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 22 replies

Fanimecon?

2008-05-20T14:07:36Z

May 26-29 @ San Jose Convention center
(the big Nor-Cal anime convention)

Two very good friends of mine organize the whole she-bang. We have unliumited freedom and access to a stage at our convience. The catch is that we have to commit a head of time if we want to have such free reign. Also if we can commit ahead of time, we could all get STAFF (ie free) passes to the event.
Saturday night is the Black and white ball, a formal event included with ticket price.

Discuss!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 9 replies

Carnival Mechanique

2008-05-19T19:51:42Z

This looks fun!
http://www.paulsrides.com/

Anyone up for a field trip Friday night?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Steampunk article in NY times

2008-05-17T00:16:50Z

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/08/fashion/08PUNK.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=steampunk&st=nyt&oref=slogin

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 15 replies

Characters in 2008

2008-05-14T15:56:47Z

Just a little early Admin work here: If you are a fully participating member of LLF, would you mind letting us (me, them, whomever) know which character you are playing in 2008 and if you'd like support in trying anything new?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 42 replies

Heeeeerrrrrrrrreeeeeee'ssss Jules V

2008-05-14T05:56:47Z

Looking into the possibility of doing an 8 episode Community Access TV talk show. Ala Steam Punk, of course!

This would be in Johnny Carson format, using the San Rafael Cable Station's Community Access studio and their boring funiture. A painted backdrop and probably minimal props, since we can't store anything there. Times and dates to be determined, after some minor details are worked out. Like a script, which can be a bit free form, but it is all shot directly to tape in 1/2 hour increments, no editing, except for roll-ins.

Casting is to be determined based on the script or outline. Costuming and props are byos (bring your own stuff, Please!)
What is known right now (while it is flexible), is that we need an Interviewer (Johnny Carson-like) and a co-hort (Ed McMann-like), genders are not specific... but, I'm hoping to keep them constant for all 8 episodes. The discussions hopefully will be issues of the day... some day in the 1860's or 1840's or other back then... It's amazing how up to date HGWells' 1984 is, isn't it!

And there will be one sponsor, probably (Cheshire & Company. Fine wooden toys!) If the cable company's community access will allow a "Real" company to sponsor a show. They have a rule against having "advertising", except as listed in the rolling credits at the end. I'm currently discussing this with them, right now.

Is there an interest? Can it travel to San Rafael? Can it do 8 episodes?

Here's Steam Punk!!!!!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 6 replies

Tea Time!

2008-05-11T19:14:57Z

Thanks for the fun and support, and now some amusement!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eELH0ivexKA

Bloody brilliant!

Kimric

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 6 replies

Old Bailey is on line!

2008-05-07T04:07:47Z

This can lead to some very interesting info.... www.oldbaileyonline.org.

" Joan Thackery , was Tryed for stealing six Aprons, one Musling Handkerchief, two Yards of Lace, one Brass Kettle, &c. from Richard Bigland , of the Parish of St. Leonards Shorditch , on the 7th. of March last, but nothing more than a Hood valued at 8 d. being found about her, and the Jury Compassionating her being a young Woman, and this supposed to be the first Crime, she was found Guilty to the value of 10 d.
Sentenced to be Whip'd Nine viz. <snip>, Jone Thackery,<snip>"

And there are 3 entries for Oscar Wilde, entries for Arthur Doyle (don't know which Doyle), several entries Charles Dickens'....

It's an interesting resource!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Looking for copper sulfate to etch brass with

2008-04-22T05:36:14Z

I'm looking for copper sulfate to do some brass etching. Unfortunately, the most common source of copper sulfate, root killer, is no longer sold in the Bay area due to the harm it was doing in mass quantities to the wildlife in the bay.

Do you know of a local Bay area source for copper sulfate? Thanks in advance!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

We Win!

2008-04-16T01:43:01Z

http://people.tribe.net/cattaylor/blog?topicid=83e5cc80-1495-4aa4-973a-aa8bdac5304c

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Mr. Blunt

2008-04-12T19:52:24Z

Okay...So here's the scoop!

My buddy, Mike, (aka "Chainsaw"...aka L.F's "Mr. Blunt") has been in the hospital now for the past few weeks. He is basically bed ridden, and requires the use of a wheelchair to get around. A piece of his spine popped about and pinched a nerve - causing him not only to suffer intense pain...but also losing the ability to feel/ move his lower legs. I only learned of his condition last Friday.

He is on a SLOW road to recovery...and only time (and determination) will help.

Mike is one of my favorite creative collaborators. I've known him since 1991, when we were at GYRO's World of Terror. We even founded Screamworks together (www.screamworks.org). It was only last year (after a 5-6 hiatus) that we were reunited to build Legion Fantastique together (along with the rest of the fabulous L.F. crew). If I could think it, Mike could build it.

Please...if you would like to contact Mike and send him your regards, he can use all the contact with the outside world that he can get...he's basically isolated in a hospital these days... P.M. me, and I'll tell you how to reach him (or even visit).

I am going to go visit him tomorrow (April 7) in the evening. If you are interested in joining me, contact me and I'll be happy to let you know the particulars.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Spaceship Jules Vern has achieved orbit.

2008-04-05T07:29:24Z

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080405.html

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

It's official

2008-04-04T08:10:57Z

yeah, no joke. June 10-19 I will be in japan for the first time, with a friend.
While that is cool all on it's own....
I WILL BE THE FIRST LF MEMBER TO GO TO DISNEYSEAS/TOKYO DISNEYLAND.
hahahahah!
I will take an absurd number of pictures. Swag for all!
you are all jealous!!!!ahahahahahahhahahhahah

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

The Legion Handbook

2008-04-04T05:01:24Z

Several of you put on your best 'gee how nice' faces at the last Legion gathering when I handed around the first draft of the Handbook. I appreciate that. However, I honestly do need imput. Remember that this is going to go to new folks in the Legion, and as a collector/reminder/basics manual for our own use (even though we already know 90% of it already.)

It is still pending Jay's Toy and Science History and I'm looking for someone to write the How to make a Steampunk artifact (that meets the rigorus needs of Dickens Fair.)

It will be most effective if it is well rounded with information. Thanks. Drop me a line if you weren't there and would like a copy via email. It is in Word for Windows s/w.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

Online Forums....

2008-04-04T03:08:15Z

Anyone have any experience creating online forums?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Squid Beaks - Saviour of Mankind?

2008-03-29T16:44:29Z

It's in the news!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/28/MNIUVRIAA.DTL&type=health

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Painting Steampunk Items

2008-03-28T13:52:17Z

I got my hands on goggles - the basic welding type in a delightful teal green plastic. I'm looking for hints on painting them. I have some plans for kitchy themed pairs: like a Lady's pair of Dress or Evening Goggles.

Its the process of getting paint to stick and to not be sticky that concerns me most of all. That, and the lenses are a tad scratched (even though I took them out of a sealed package. Harumph!) Primer? Sanding? Particular paint types? Glues for attachments (I lean towards the 6000 jewelry cement, but is that the right thing here?)

HELP!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 5 replies

SF Bay Guardian Wants to Save the Cow Palace

2008-03-27T14:21:57Z

See this week's editorial:

http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=5974&catid=4

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Steamed Clocks

2008-03-25T18:31:26Z

James sent this to me and I thought I'd share. They could be usable, particularly if incorporated into something larger

"A New Line of Chrono-Devices from Fogg House Forges"

http://www.cafepress.com/arcanetimes/3703315

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

19th Century Firearms Expedition

2008-03-24T19:29:56Z

We (AC and Wild West folks) tried this last year with great success. So, I put it out there: Is there interest in learning the history of and/or going shooting?

Here's how it worked last time - first, the history. About 12 people gathered at PJ Lacy's house where he pulled out his , mine, and two others' collections of pistols, revolvers, shotguns and rifles (real and reproductions, 1830 - 1900.) We were then walked thru the development of the firearm and shown examples. We actually sneaked in a safety lecture for the brand-newbies. Everyone got to handle and examine the many, MANY examples.

The next meeting, we gathered (in shooting attire) at the Richmond Gun Club. Weapons were shared, little side bets made, and we picniced on the location. The nice thing here is that the variety of weapons to try was quite extensive, as was the calibre. The Springfield darn near knocked me over, but at least I had a chance to fire one. Personally, I lean towards .22 and .38 (.357), but then, I'm a whimp.

No prior experience is needed, nor licensing (though if you've never shot before, you'll want to work with someone in the group first.) Cost of entry to the club is minimal. About 3 or 4 people own various weapons and brought them to be used by all - so actual ownership is not at issue.

Time this year is at a premium I know, but are there any interested takers? In attire or casual? History lesson, no history lesson? What do you think?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 18 replies

WALLACE!

2008-03-23T21:19:29Z

We may need an intrepid crew of painters, engineers, sculptors and such to help us build a full-scale pterodactyl puppet (LF's own "Wallace"). If you are interested in helping out, please contact me at: legionfantastique@gmail.com

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 5 replies

Neverwas Haul and Steam Punk party at Maker Fair

2008-03-17T21:51:31Z

Forwarded from Neverwas tribe
topic posted Yesterday, 4:58 PM by Kimric Smythe

*
Neverwas haul has been Invited back to Makers Fair , and they want to put on a Steam Punk Night during the event.
We will need exhibits and actors/performers.
More on this as we get things organized.

The drive train needs to be finished as they want us to drive the Haul at Maker Fair.

http://makerfaire.com/

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 21 replies

Ideas from the meeting

2008-03-15T23:05:43Z

Flockmocker has a following for sure
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Spurious_logic/Uploads/einens_steampunkpenguinprofessor.jpg

The Fun Shoot is March 30 at the San Leandro rifle range. Keep watching http://spurious-logic.livejournal.com/ for details

and I left my laptop over there last night. Drat the luck.
*************************************************
And some of the links I mentioned
a Difference Engine of leggos - if they can do that, we can probably build it http://acarol.woz.org/

Light bulbs to use in projects
http://store.tubedepot.com/alb.html
(and here's a project - http://handley.org.uk/fzz/?page_id=5)

How to defend yourself with a walking stick (might be good for a demo)
http://ejmas.com/jnc/jncart_barton-wright_0200.htm

Steam Engines - http://www.ministeam.com/acatalog/shop.html

Brass Optics http://www.brasscompass.com/sextopti.htm

Complete Orrery catalogue http://www.orrerymaker.com/catalogue/catalogue.htm

period (ish) specs http://www.grannd.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=GS&Category_Code=accessories-spectacles

Steampunk fireflies? http://cre.ations.net/creation/steampunk-jar-of-articulated-fireflies

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

Blog mention of LF!

2008-03-13T14:43:54Z

My friend, Oliver, is writing a book on Steampunk for RE:search publications, and wants to include Legion Fantastique!
He just started a blog and included a photo of me from Wondercon:
http://singularmodernity.blogspot.com/

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 13 replies

Jules Verne finally makes it to space

2008-03-09T21:33:12Z

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23484700/

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

Can we get this for this year's event?

2008-03-09T05:41:15Z

http://www.amazon.com/JL421-Badonkadonk-Land-Cruiser-Tank/dp/B00067F1CE/ref=pd_sbs_t_title_3

At the very least, Joel should put it in his LJ blog

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Spotted!

2008-03-07T02:36:09Z

http://steampunkworkshop.com/phil-foglio.shtml

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Mondern Victoriana

2008-03-05T04:19:23Z

Luck of the draw, at my place of work, one of the guests is a guy from London who is on a Penny-farthing world tour. With pith helmet and camping gear he has travel by his trusty bike. Very impressive.

http://www.pennyfarthingworldtour.com/

And yes I showed him our yearbook. He was impressed with us. yay.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Pirate Fest

2008-03-03T21:25:56Z

Okay ... PantheaCon - check. WonderCon - check. What's next? Well there's the PEERs ball in April that some are going to, but I do believe the for LLF, its Pirate Fest.

So - who's going? Who's doing what? And what kind of cookies - fresh baked - do you like? (There's a reason for this mad question, trust me.)

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

Tonight: Public Forum and NBC 11 News

2008-02-29T18:41:01Z

Here's an update to Kevin's missive of earlier today.

Tonight's Public Forum at The Bayshore Community Center
The plan for tonight's meeting is to gather at the

Bayshore Community Center
450 Martin Street
Gather starting at 6:00, Meeting at 7:00
(It's right behind the Cow Palace lower parking lot. Turn south at the Geneva Ave McDonald's and then turn right (west) at Martin Street.
www.ci.daly-city.ca.us/city_n...fo.html

We will have signs for people to carry tonight that read, "Stop The Bulldozers, SaveTheCowPalace.com".

This is the moment. A very strong showing tonight will send a strong message.

Note: if you're having trouble with any of the contact information for the City of Daly City, please see this site:
www.dalycity.org/city_serv...ectory.htm

KNTV News Tonight
Two very nice fellows from NBC 11/KNTV (cable channel 3) just came to my house and interviewed me for tonight's news, airing at either 5:00 or 6:00... on about an hour's notice. Set your DVR's, VCR's, etc.

Please forward this email to all your lists!

Cat

PS You can leave comments on the Chronicle article at
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/ar...mments/view
Some people have reported technical problems posting, try another browser if you encounter them. Of course we may be overwhelming the site...

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 5 replies

Cow Palace Front Page News - Public Forum Tonight!

2008-02-28T20:03:12Z

Hello!

Note: Kevin says We will have signs for people to carry tonight that read, "Stop The Bulldozers, SaveTheCowPalace.com".

Check out this mornings chron (link below). The article is very well written and it drives home important nostalgia (family) vs. big development theme which is critical to our success. We are NOT DONE. Hit the Chronicle comment board. We want to flood it.

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi

Also, if you are so inclined, please take a minute right away to call the Daly City Manager and tell her she is wrong...

Daly City Manager Patricia Martel has just gone on record as saying the Cow Palace contributes NOTHING to the community. This is dead wrong.

Help us get two hundred calls to her office as soon as possible. Flood her lines. Christmas, dogs, trains, ice skaters, circuses, Globe Trotters, and millions of dollars in income to hotels, restaurants, gas stations and jobs contribute nothing.? Right.

PROGRAM INTO YOUR CELL AND CALL ALL DAY, EVERY DAY:

(650) 991-8127 and (650) 991-8092.

While you're at it, call Senator Yee's office again and again...and again.

(650) 340-8840 Local Office, 415) 557-7857 SF office, and 916) 651-4008 Sac office. Call 'em all. Senator Yee measures public opinion every day! He is a math guy. Make him count you. Make his staff rue the day he tried to cancel Christmas and destroy California history!

Plan to show up tonight Thursday 2/28/08 at the Daly City public forum if you can, or ask someone you know in the area to come. Kevin will be there at 6:00, the meeting starts at 7:00.

www.ci.daly-city.ca.us/city_n...fo.html

The Bayshore Community Center is a very new building with a library. It's right behind the Cow Palace on the hill...

Please forward this email to your list at the risk of being redundant.

This is the moment. A very strong showing tonight will send a strong message. We will be sure the new media is there. Attire: Daly City Resident circa 1980 to present. If you can organize costumes like giant flowers, trains, cheer leaders, Elvis...even a few Dickensian characters, go for it. Can someone get Martin on a plane from London please? ... We can work on a big costume thing for the next forum (see below) which will keep the issue in the media. Just showing up tonight is the important thing.

Thank you!!! >>>PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL<<<

We CAN win this.

COW PALACE DESTRUCTION PUBLIC FORUMS:

Tonight, 7 o'clock: Bayshore Community Center, 450 Martin St., Daly City
March 8, 10 a.m.: Visitacion Valley Community Center, 66 Raymond Ave., San Francisco
March 8, 11 a.m.: Bayshore Community Center, 450 Martin St., Daly City
March 25, 7 p.m.: Saddleback Homeowners Clubhouse, 1800 Saddleback Drive, Daly City

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Our Blog's Mention...If you haven't seen it yet!

2008-02-28T04:46:00Z

http://mrphileasfogg.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/legion-encounters-time-storm/

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Save the Cow Palace and the Dickens Christmas Fair

2008-02-26T15:29:01Z

URGENT MESSAGE FROM RED BARN PRODUCTIONS ABOUT THE DICKENS FAIR AND THE COW PALACE

State Senator Leland Yee Ph.D., under pressure from the Daly City Council, is proposing to “surplus” the Cow Palace and sell it to Daly City. Daly City will then sell most of the land to condo developers and pocket the profits. Letter writing WILL stop this. Senator Yee has ONLY heard from Daly City. Let him know you oppose selling the Cow Palace!!!

Here is a link to Senator Yee's website and his press release on the legislation he submitted Friday February 22nd to the State Legislature, (no voting date is set - but it could be soon). This bill wrongly proposes to SELL the Cow Palace to Daly City!
http://dist08.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={EFA496BC-EDC8-4E38-9CC7-68D37AC03DFF}&DE={49C40B5B-DD5B-48FD-A292-B04E80714184}

We must defeat SB1527 or the Dickens Fair will likely die.
It would take years, if it’s even possible, to relocate and resurrect the Dickens Fair.
Red Barn Productions has studied all the venues that could physically host the Dickens Fair and there are NO other places that currently work. All are either too expensive, too small, are unavailable between Thanksgiving and Christmas OR require unaffordable retrofits in order to be permitted for public assembly. So,
Save the Cow Palace and Save The Dickens Fair. It's that simple AND serious.

Here's the scoop:

The Cow Palace has a perfectly good plan to meet the needs of the local community and Daly City by providing them 13 acres of its’ unused land. Yes, rock concerts bring public problems, according to Daly City, but they also bring public $$$ to the local community. Senator Yee's Legislation SB1527 is doubly wrong. It proposes we, as California State Citizens, sell OUR Cow Palace to Daly City so they can bulldoze it and profit by selling it to private developers. If that isn't bad enough, SB1527 also deprives us of our RIGHT to use a facility that WE own!!

This is like selling off a chunk of Golden Gate Park because a nearby neighborhood proclaims “unanimously” it needs more space for development. It doesn't work that way. We get to vote too...by writing letters and emails and calling his office. Officials can't just decide to take a public asset and sell it…unless it is truly “surplus”. The Cow Palace is not “surplus”. We must stop this proposed sell-off of our property.

Here's what you can do to stop SB1527 and SAVE THE COW PALACE:

#1 Act Quickly. Senator Yee may believe he is serving the public, but he has only heard from Daly City. Let’s give him the other 99% of the picture before he gets any further down this road.

Write a Letter
Write to Senator Yee today. Quickly. Early letters are more powerful. Send personal letters to the address below the sample text at the bottom of this notice. Get it in today’s mail, so he receives it on Monday or Tuesday.

Write an Email
Personal emails may be sent via his website “contact” at page: http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=SD08
Emails are not as good as snail mail letters, but they are also effective. Be sure to write in “SB1527” as it is so new it is not on his issue list. …

Call the Office
You can pick up the phone and call his office, see http://dist08.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={1317EB89-B124-4498-9C50-9A0EA3C89E91}

YOU DO NOT NEED TO MENTION THE DICKENS FAIR. SIMPLY VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO SB1527. That’s it! Give reasons only if you want. The important thing is to contact him NOW.

#2 IF YOU LOVE THE DICKENS FAIR, forward this message to groups, friends and individuals and ask them to contact Senator Yee immediately.

#3 IF YOU LIVE in Senator Yee’s District #8 - see map on his site: http://www.sen.ca.gov/ftp/SEN/senplan/SENMAPS/MAP08_300.JPG
…Contact him AS one of his constituents, (District 8 includes most of San Francisco in the West and South, and goes most of the way down the Peninsula). It is a very large district!

Sample Letter:

Dear Senator Yee,

As a California Citizen, and resident of (…your city…), I object to your proposed legislation to “sell the California Cow Palace”. While you may be responding to the needs of Daly City, please respect my rights to use this public facility. It may need work, but how many California public buildings need upgrading? If you want to help Daly City bring in new supermarkets and shopping to the area, let the Cow Palace deal directly with developers and Daly City to make use of the 13 acres the Cow Palace doesn't need. This will preserve my rights while helping the lives of local area citizens. It will also continue the flow of millions of dollars into the local economy annually. These revenues, generated by me and many thousands of others who use the Cow Palace, also help pay for police to patrol the area year-round as well as during big events.

Please reconsider SB1527. There is a better way to help Daly City and Bayshore than destroying the Cow Palace. I use it every year and plan to continue to use it for many years to come. It is not “surplus”; it is a vital community and cultural asset.

Thank you,

Signed,

(you)

Mail letter to both his office addresses:

Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D.
Re: SB1527
State Capitol, Room 4048
Sacramento, Ca. 95814

Or call 916-651-4008

Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D.
Re: SB1527
300 South El Camino Real, Suite 630
San Mateo, Ca. 94402

Or call 650-340-8848

This information is also posted at http://www.cattaylor.com/cowpalace.html
Please contact Kevin Patterson at kevin@redbarnproductions.org if you have questions

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 7 replies

Wanted:Plastic Rayguns

2008-02-25T23:25:30Z

If any of you know where to get guns that look like this:
http://www.fuwahmfg.com.hk/plastic02.htm

or have some in your collection that I can pull a mold off please let me know because I want to cast these in iron and start a steampunk series..

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 4 replies

WonderCon

2008-02-22T19:01:21Z

A couple of years ago, some of us "piratey" members went to WonderCon to pass out postcards and call attention to ourselves.

Would any of you be interested in making a Jules Verne run at WonderCon. Get some publicity...some attention...and just get together to have fun at a comic convention as our Legion Fantastique characters (or versions thereof)?

Whatcha think?

http://www.comic-con.org/wc/

(BTW - This was a suggestion from Rich...credit given where it's due)

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 32 replies

Friday night?

2008-02-22T18:23:42Z

Sound off!
I am going to be there all three days regardless of LF being there. Shall I show up in costume?
Who else is comming? Drinkies after?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 6 replies

Motivational Poster

2008-02-20T08:40:57Z

http://www.geneticanomaly.com/RPG-Motivational/slides/steampunk.html

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

LEGIONNAIRES UNITE!

2008-02-15T21:49:35Z

It's just about time to shake the dust of the new year off of our shoulders, and begin working on our latest adventures!

What are good / bad times for people to meet? Weekdays? Weeknights? Weekend (days...nights)? Time to stoke the boilers and go FULL STEAM AHEAD!

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 25 replies

The Guild of Justic-Minded Citizenry

2008-02-14T04:30:11Z

http://www.flickr.com/groups/steamjustice/pool/

A little something to inspire you folk going to WonderCon...

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

Coming soon... Airship!!!

2008-02-13T00:51:56Z

Something else to capture the imagination of the Legionnaires: AIRSHIPS!

http://www.airshipventures.com/pressreleases.html

I heard about this through a friend who knows a few of the folks 'behind the curtain' at Airship Ventures. Apparently they are expecting delivery of their US airship sometime this year, and hope to run it out of Moffett Field. And I have a feeling they would be VERY receptive to charter costumed tours. Pete, I can put you in touch with the right people if you'd like to explore further.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 0 replies

Greystoke - Update PLEASE COMMENT!!

2008-02-12T05:32:48Z

So...here are some options if we go the "jungle train" route:

-Ardenwood (Fremont): Still a decent location. They have a train...but it goes out only so far, and then goes into reverse to get back to the station...which is a little awkward. Still, we can work around that.

-Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (Los Gatos): Fun train, nice location...set in a rather affluent neighborhood with families looking for something to do. I worked a haunt around this train, and the train ride alone is fun...add stuff around it, and you REALLY start seeing the smiles. Los Gatos is a bit of a trip for some of us...but we could still make this work. PLUS...I have some "in's" with the owners (I even restored one of the carousel horses once).

-Redwood Railroad (Berkeley): Miniature trains (DINKY!) set in a forest. The only foreseen difficulty, is that it's really set back in the hills...and some may consider it a hassle to get to.

IF we decide NOT to go with the train idea...I think the idea of a "Safari" of some sort (basically a "walking tour" with some thrills and surprises on the route) would be an excellent addition.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 26 replies

Microscopes for Jay

2008-02-12T05:25:46Z

I don't know if Jay is on here, so could someone send this towards him?

http://www.antique-microscopes.com/

ideas galore.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 1 reply

Joining the Legion

2008-02-12T05:24:48Z

I was wondering if any one has any sugestions on developing a period magician that deals in magic of a supernatural (ghost/paranormal, mentalism, and mental bending). Primarly paranormal magic.

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 3 replies

Screwballs-R-Us??

2008-02-04T22:37:10Z

Okay ... has anyone read/slogged thru this little tome of streaming consciousness called The Secret Message of Jules Verne: Decoding His Masonic, Rosicrucian, and Occult Writings by Michel Lamy ? I'm not sure if I should say avoid it or not. In between weird connections of non-connectable ideas, he does have some gems of insight. He goes WAY OFF the deep end with Nemo, the letter N, evil vs good, and some sort of equation that adds up to NEMO. He lost me. I work with Masonic organizations and he still lost me.

Opinions?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 2 replies

On Etiquette and Good Behavior

2008-02-02T23:28:34Z

Just some fun to get you through your day

http://www.somethingawful.com/d/news/gentleman-lady-etiquette.php

"If a lady is abducted in a gentleman's absence and taken to a remote laboratory on a barren moon or asteroid, the gentleman must drop all other enterprises and pursue at once the task of rescuing her. The lady should remain brave, knowing that even though her captor may be loathsome and scandalous to no end, and that even though he may well intend to drain her blood, remove her brain, or supplement her femininity with dreadful robotic augmentations, a gentleman of fine pedigree is rushing to the rescue."

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 9 replies

Possible sites for Greystoke Expedition

2008-01-30T21:47:58Z

I had an idea of an interesting spot, although it may be a bit far for some folks.
Mt. Madonna Park, near Gilroy, has wooded areas, tourists in the summer, group campsites, and old ruins.

There is also an amphitheatre that does a slide show at night - they may let us show Return to the Center of the Earth.
http://tinyurl.com/2l57qw

http://www.mnn.net/madonna1.htm

Any other possibilities? Closer to home?

posted in La Legion Fantastique - 29 replies