First Against the Wall...

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Oh wow, I just saw the date I am so going to bed now! but before I do let me wish you a Happy and sparkly 4th of July!

My last two trips driving from Seattle back to Tacoma (Sunday evening on the way home from the Zoo concert and then early (3am-ish) Thursday morning after a ritual) have both been through electrical storms, it has been pretty amazing, and awe inspiring.

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So, I'm managing to catch most of 'Criminal Justice', an awesome mini series with Ben Whishaw (Perfum) and Pete Postlethwaite (Alien 3, Sharpe, Aeon Flux, Usual Suspects). Gotta get this on dvd when it comes out.

Anyhoo, last night at the end it went...Join us tomorrow on bbc one for the penultimate episode."

In Color Theory, a guaranteed 'A' was offered for the person who could tell him what penultimate meant. I thought everyone was joking when no one answered and looked bemused. So it seems I answered correctly because of calm and refined British telly intros.

Okay, off to the 'London Eye' I goes on this bright sunny day, and thanks to watching 'Spaced' season 2 last night, I now know about the unspoken bond all men share.

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I found some links to a couple of helpful sites I'd researched a while ago.


Great corsets and waist cinchers. They are a bit more Reanaissance faire style than Victorian. They're great though and well made. I personally bought two waist cinchers from this makers booth at a faire this year.
http://www.damseldress.com/

Same designer as the above link, but if you scroll down she has a bustle skirt. I think she may branch out into Victorian corsetry.
http://damseldress.blogspot.com/

Fabric!
http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/fabric.htm

Vintage clothes for research.
http://thefrock.com/civilwar_page8_main.html

I hope this was helpful.

a magical sunset tonight in seattle after thunderstorms in the morning. this is myrtle edwards park. total strangers walking by made amazing models for me!

Lawrence is still here, I am still here, my workshop is still tearing along. Went to the Blue Springs gym again this afternoon -- hard and not especially satisfying climbing, but I'm glad I did it anyway. Dinner at Vt. St. BBQ. I know this is not interesting: Being here is actually extremely interesting, but 12:30 after a long busy day and a couple of Bloody Marys is not the time to go into much depth. But at least you now know I am alive.

Seriously.

It fucking rocks. And I love Starbuck! I think she's brilliant. Ogre's response to the poker game scene when she punches the Colonel was, "Wow, she is you!" Particularly when she goes after him again.

You can take my children, but please Dear God! Don't take my monkey!!!

Have you guys been looking for film in vain?
Scouring Walmart after Walmart...Walgreens after Walgreens?

Well I HAVE A SOLUTION FOR YOU!




MOVE TO THE MIDWEST! My husband and I got 10 packs of film in a couple small Minnesota towns while on our honeymoon roadtrip. They had Spectra film, too! So, if you're in search of film and don't feel like being extorted on eBay, maybe think about driving through Minnesota!

And while you're on the road, check out Wall, South Dakota. They have a gigantic jackalope there.

Here's a copy of my eNewsletter for this month. If you want to subscribe direclty, go to http://www.planetmidori.com/html/news.html

MIDORI'S NEWSLETTER July 2, 2008
1. Living in Interesting Times
2. July classes/events (Berkeley, SF, Denver, London)
3. August preview (Montreal)
4. Succumbed. My on-line haunts

= = =

1. LIVING IN INTERESTING TIMES

“May you live in interesting times.” So goes a proverb, or a curse, of unknown origin. Indeed we do live in interesting times as economic woes, environmental crisis, wars, political instability, eroding civil rights and disasters, both natural and human-made, fill the headlines and impact private lives in ways we’d not imagined just a few years ago.

Times of turmoil and difficult lives test the human spirit. Some crumble under the weight of stress and circumstances, resorting to hopelessness, thoughtlessness and event cruelty. Yet others rise against the tide of grim news to bring hope, justice and joy – whether in big action or tiny gestures.

This past month San Franciscans witnessed (and still witnessing) the elation and euphoria of marriage equality, showing that there is at least still some forward progress in the area of civil rights. That was a big positive step among the gloom and doom. At an impromptu rally at the San Francisco City Hall a man handed out roses to strangers, even as bigots spewed words of hate at any passer by. In truth, the Rose Man was handing out fragrant symbols of hope. It’s amazing what a single blossom can do to light up the world with smiles.

Lately I’ve noticed small acts of heroism and kindness making a difference in the world around us. Friends are calling friends to check on the wellbeing of their hearts. Strangers helping in evacuations and disaster relief. Volunteerism, such as AIDS LifeCycle, and volun-tourism, both domestic and international, getting increasing attention. Previously politically disinterested or disenfranchised individuals’ taking up causes and issues with passion and fervor.

So as a sex educator, I turn my thoughts to how the dialogue and art of eroticism and intimacy may help bring more hope, kindness and joy to this over stressed world. Another adage, not so old, of “make love, not war” could use a dusting-off. Or how about “passionate lovers leave no carbon footprints”?

Wishing you peace, pleasure and joy!


Midori
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Now, as my completely victorian era costume is not yet finished, I decided to wear a blend of the ren period clothing and steampunk in the Gathering Of The Gargoyles costume contest ( I came in first place for original characters!)

So! someone was asking about the top hats I linked earlier.. aand here is a picture someone snapped of me in the costume right before the awards were announced

I found this interesting

http://www.lothene.demon.co.uk/others/women19.html

And yes I am researching a female military uniform *laugh*

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The Black Bear is closed!

I present for your viewing pleasure, the Von Borg Industries Sonic Sledgehammer.


A very strange man and his assistant visited my Castle on a mission of some arcane import. I got caught up in his adventure and met some very strange creatures indeed. He had a device that was extremely versatile and powerful, so I asked to have a look at it and while doing so copied its layout and devined it's functions. However this Doctor, who was in a rush wanted his little tool back post haste. I thought to myself "it's all well and good to have an enhanced Screwdriver (why anyone would look at a screwdriver and think "Sonic, Yes it needs to be more sonic." is beyond me), but why limit your possibilities." So was born the Von Borg Sonic Sledgehammer.

P.S. the end lights up blue and makes an annoying noise.

Hello, all. I just made myself a brand spankin' new LJ account, specifically for my infatuation with Steampunk and the like <3 *bows* I only wish the character limit were more than 15, so I could use my real name, TheHighFlyingSkyPirate. It's saddening, haha =P

Any who! It's not EXACTLY Steampunk, but you could incorporate these into a Steam/Victorian look, perhaps?

http://gojane.com/23179.html
I'm not really big on the frontal design, but oh well. The back is laced up, it's quite cute.

http://gojane.com/23384.html
These are just GORGEOUS.. I may get them, oh my gosh D: It will depend on S&H, I suppose. I wish the "DRKBRN" what the heck ever, were in my size. I normally wear a size 9 shoe, but I should be wearing 7 1/2-8's. 9's are so comfy, let us hope a heel won't be too bad for me =]

http://gojane.com/22234.html
Hiking boots gone pointed heel? Haha. They're interesting. The quilted toilet paper look just isn't my cup of tea, however.

http://gojane.com/23807.html
The brass feeling buttons are the only thing that make me like it. It's kind of uggo to me, LOL.

http://gojane.com/23061.html
I'm not real sure about this.. It's a vest, the furline is removable. But the picture (or perhaps it's my screen?) is too dark for me to tell if I like it or not. But it's polyester, so that's lame.

http://gojane.com/24207.html
Probably doesn't belong here, but it SO reminds me of saloon girl meets Victorian. Oh my gosh *dies* If only it had lots of lace.

http://gojane.com/24596.html
This is so cute, and inexpensive! It would add a great touch to any outfit.

http://gojane.com/25864.html
You honestly cannot go wrong with this, Victorianwsque tank. Wtf, it needs to be cheaper *is not made out of money and won't have a job soon* El sigh.

http://gojane.com/23103.html
Not the best for Steampunk, but if you need some pants, can't find any suitable ones, and only have 20 bucks, I'd get these! Plus, I'm a whore for flare pants (the other ones were just ridiculous for Steampunk, though, so I didn't bother linking XD). They look like they may flare a bit, yay :]

http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=101&subCategoryId=180&productId=12401
All I can say is "do want". That would make my ruffly shirt amazing.


Sorry this is a long post, I don't quite remember how LJ works as it's been literally YEARS since I've used this thing, so if you could tell me how to make a LJ cut, I would gladly do so :] My first post is rather weak, and I know not everyone will agree on my picks, but it's my personal preference. But if you don't like those awesome boots I want to get then you have something wrong *laughs*

I will be making another poster later today, hopefully, in hopes of people helping me with my needs in modifying my accessories/clothing to be Steamy and sexy <3

Some Polaroids I've taken lately..


( Tampa, Fl )


( Orlando, Fl )


( Nashville, Tn )

Hope you enjoy'd. :)

Yep.





http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hhj-8BF2XnML69KPAiEQQkgECTRwD91MKVT00

The Chrono-Dynamic Microphone » Post A Comment 1 Comment(s)	<input ... > The Clockwork Guitar » Post A Comment 3 Comment(s)	<input ... > The Flintlock Bass » Post A Comment 1 Comment(s)	<input ... > The Tesla Powered Keyboard, V1 » Post A Comment 1 Comment(s)
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Okay, the plan for this weekend was to catch up on some *much* needed yard/house work.  We planned this yesterday while sitting out in the sun.

And then the thunder started last night.  Crap.  

Maybe we will at least get a chance to mow the lawns and bring down some of the ivy.

Between the crazy weather, crazy work hours and neither of us being able to find the zen in working in the garden, we are way behind.  Despite that, we finally worked ourselves up to being motivated to get it done.  Stupid rain.

I blame my mother for all those years that she made me weed her huge cactus garden.

I work with people that doing something in their yard almost every weekend.  One woman can often come up with the Latin name for flowers.  Usually when people ask me if I know what kind of flower something is...I refer to the color.
"Hey, Sam, what kind of flower is that??"
"Red."

And another conversation that has happened many times over the years:
"Oooh, look at that pretty little flower!"  
"Sam, that is a weed."
"Oh.  Well.  It is still pretty."

And I can't help that I still like to blow on dandelions and make a wish.  I know that means there will be more in our yard.  Good.  More wishes for me!!

 

Poo Parcels 

durham, nh
is a pretty place,





see?

(taken two years ago while on a bike adventure).

so is chester, nh

However much South Dakota and the 8th Circuit Court of appeals apparently think so. http://feministing.com/archives/009480.html

Ok, so I am all for informing someone of the actual risks of medical procedures. You know, actual medical risks of a procedure, like the potential for infection or nerve or muscle damage. But South Dakota's Informed Consent law is just fucking ridiculous. First off it mandates that doctors have to inform the patient that she's pregnant with a human being.

WTF?

In the words of the women at Feministe, "Because I was under the illusion I'd give birth to a dolphin."

Seriously, is there any adult, female human being who is competent to consent to medical treatment who doesn't know that when they're pregnant they are GOING TO HAVE A HUMAN BABY?!?!?!? ZOMG!!!!!

Granted the legal infantilization of and moron-ification of women has a long and lasting precedent, this does not make it ok. There's a lot of shit that has long and lasting precedent that isn't ok by our standards today, like slavery, child marriage and kidnapping your bride as an acceptable engagement tactic.

I cannot even believe the fucking gall of the people who drafted this law. "Aw, we don't think you pretty little gals really understand that when you get pregnant you could have a BABY! Not a puppy or a kitten, but an honest to gosh human BABY, so you really need to think about that, little missy. We know you'll make the 'right' choice."

This is insulting beyond all belief.

I also find "waiting periods" to be insulting. What they are in reality is nothing more than an added obstacle for women who have to travel great distances to get to a clinic that will perform abortions. No woman I have ever met has been all blase about abortion. It is a serious decision that no woman takes lightly. Honestly, for all that I KNEW without a shadow of a doubt that I didn't want a baby ever, when Ogre and I had a pregnancy scare, I thought the fuck out of my decision to potentially abort what turned out to be a practical joke by my hateful uterus.

And parental notification laws are just... Look, if she felt she could TELL her parents, she would have without YOU mandating it by law. All those laws do is get scared freaked out teenaged girls beat up by abusive fuckhead parents they couldn't talk to in the first place, OR it gets them kicked out of the house and onto the streets OR it gets them forced into carrying to term. If they're lucky they'll be allowed to adopt the baby out,* if their parents are anything like a lot of asshole parents in religiously oppressive shithole towns, they'll be forced to keep the child as "God's punishment for their sin" or because "You're not giving away my grandchild!" or whatever... Best case scenario is the girl winds up being mentally punished and tortured for her mistake for the rest of her fucking life by the people who are supposed to love and protect her.


It reminds me of one of my favorite Pro-choice bumperstickers: "If you can't trust me with a choice, how can you trust me with a child?"

And the whole "You may become suicidal after your abortion" thing is just... Here, go read this website: http://www.imnotsorry.net/whythis.htm

And if you want to see how the anti-choicers really think, or at least some of them, check out this website of stories from women's clinic workers about performing abortions on some of these "Right To Life" activists because their abortion was the only moral abortion: http://mypage.direct.ca/w/writer/anti-tales.html




*If the baby is white. I'm looking for the article written by a girl who was head of her Right to Life organization in high school, and her senior year got pregnant. When she called one of the "Choose Life" pro-adoption organizations she'd spent her teen years championing, and told them she was pregnant with an interracial child, they told her they couldn't help her.

http://skreemr.com/link.jsp?id=66594253575463

Pssst... Pass it on...

Thursday July 3 kicks-off the July 4 three day holiday weekend! On Thursday July 3 DJ Tom presents Moulin Rouge at the Mercury. We'll be showing two different Moulin Rouge movies, featuring music from the 21st Century movie staring Nichole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, having a costume contest with lots of great dancing music from the past and present. This is certain to be one of 2008's more memorable scene nights. Doors open at 9:00 PM. Members $5, Guests $6. Be 21+ w/ id.