Author Archive
Steampunk Humbug?
Hearing some really interesting criticism here – but I’m not sure who it’s aimed at, unless possibly it’s the press and I really can’t speak to that. We are being taken for rubes. At worst, the Steampunkers seem to be mediocre hobbyists with great publicists. It seems fine to
Jules Verne Casemod
Jon dropped me a quick note with a link to pictures of his winning entry in the xLAN case mod competition. It reminds me of my own water-cooled PC project from a couple years back, only with clockwork and way more awesome! Thanks Jon!
The Time Jumper : A Victorian dress made from a military surplus parachute
I’ve been exceedingly jealous of my friends on the West Coast for the seeming predominance of Steampunkery out there. However, I am feeling better and better on that front as I slowly discover the many talented artists in and about my home state of Massachusetts. This marvellous confection is
OH MY! The Music of Michael Scott Parker
I get a great deal of email these days, I try to answer it all but I’m afraid the day I will not be able to fast approaches. I am grateful for the pics of cool stuff and links to net Steampunkia, and I really do enjoy answering thoughtful
Trash Finds – Vintage Admiral and Akkord Radios
On my way to work yesterday morning I spotted these in a box at the roadside waiting for collection. There were a half dozen similar radios but since I was on the bike I could only carry a couple so I grabbed the best of the bunch. On the
Truly Awesome Steampunk Mouse
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Whoa. A reader sent in this Modding.ru Babelfish link to the most awesome Steampunk mouse I’ve ever seen. I suspect that there are many more skilled DIYers in Russia and the former Soviet territories then just about anywhere else on the planet so we should be seeing more and
Mark Melchior’s Cigar Box Guitars
[Mark Melchior wrote me some time ago with some pictures of his wonderful cigar box guitars – apologies to Mark for the delay in publication! – Jake] Mark writes: Mark “Doc-o-rock” Melchior has been building guitars for some 20 odd years and decided on a return trip to Wisconsin
Steampunk Car Update – Catalytic Converter on an Aircooled VW Motor
Lots of progress! She's on the road, registered, inspected, and passed, including emissions which is pretty cool considering that she's basically a 1972 VW Beetle that was re-titled in Ohio as a 1985 "assembled vehicle." A close read of the Massachusetts auto emissions law would seem to indicate that
Type-O-Matic Keyboard
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During a recent book signing in Seattle William Gibson was asked about the Steampunk modding craze. I think it was really cool that he was aware of us! In addition he commented: "My one complaint is, they make these things look all shiny and new…I think they should look…distressed."
Books: Little Brother – Cory Doctorow
Moments after I finished Little Brother I wrote Cory: Just finished Little Brother – sweet jebus man! I generally like your stuff but you’ve never made me cry before! Bravo! This goes on the shelf of ‘must reads’ for my kids too, to be sure. If you show up