Ruby's Pub

A Cozy Holiday Ball

2008-12-09T08:25:00.001-08:00

A Cozy Holiday Ball
"Dear Virginia:
"Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age.
They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little.
"In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.
There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus.
"The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in this world.
"You tear apart the baby's rattle to see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart.
"Only faiths, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
"No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives, and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."
—Francis P. Church

"No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives, and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."

We do believe that one line alone has stood the test of time !!
It is with both equal parts of Pride and Humility
Piermont Landing is pleased to invite all to
“A Cozy Holiday Ball”

When: Saturday December 27th 2008
Time: 6pm to 9pm Second Life Time
Place : Piermont Landing
Music provided by : The Amazing DJ Bats

With the busy holiday season upon us, We have decided with the help of our dear friends and neighbors some of the best of the best in second life retail to give and do something for each of YOU this Month !!

Two Trees - One for the Gals and One for the Guys .
Click on the tree of your gender one time and get a Christmas Gift.
25 gifts and gift certificates ranging from 300 to 800 lindens on each tree. 50 in all.

You don’t want to miss “A Cozy Holiday Ball"
With the help and kindness of Our Sponsors from all around the Grid,
Piermont Landing is able to Give to Each of YOU...
Over $L17,500.00 worth of gifts and gift certificates!!!

Sponsored by
House of Frye
Capalini Fine Furnishings
HatPins
Silent Sparrow
Avid
Smooth Desings
The Curious Seamstress
Ordinal Enterprises
Pearse'd & Cut
Skusting Dagger Galley
Mechanix Arms and Oddments Shop
Xcentricity
Kiergarten Armoury
Merryman Machinations
Her Dark Materials
The Little Red Pen
Black Barnacle Tattoo Parlorr

Please join us in support of each of them and Please do come to A Cozy Holiday Ball

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
A Happy and Joyful New Year
From We to YOU and Yours
Joyfully Yours
Breezy Carver & Skusting Dagger

Black Barnacle Tattoos

2008-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since any new tattoos have arrived at the shop (conveniently located on the ~~floating rat trap~~ houseboat behind Ruby's Pub in the Canal District, but that is about to change. New designs are being created as we speak and should start arriving at the parlor over the next couple of weeks. (if not sooner). The new offerings will all be mono-toned and fully tintable should the original color not be to one's liking.
They are being designed and geared towards the adventurous (and sometimes over adventurous) pirate, air pirate, and sea-farer in us all. All my designs are made from scratch, and none are ~~downloaded~~ procured from any other sources. The new offerings are inspired by some fevered absinthe dreams of my dear Breezy, which she relayed to me in a low voice as I held her hand as she slept.

Here is a smattering of existing designs currently on sale...

Also available at XStreet SL (SLX)
NEW TATS COMING SOON!

An Autumn Mystery Ball

2008-11-09T14:04:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars!

I Am the Autumnal Sun
Henry David Thoreau

Sometimes a mortal feels in himself Nature
-- not his Father but his Mother stirs
within him, and he becomes immortal with her
immortality. From time to time she claims
kindred ship with us, and some globule
from her veins steals up into our own.

I am the autumnal sun,
With autumn gales my race is run;
When will the hazel put forth its flowers,
Or the grape ripen under my bowers?
When will the harvest or the hunter's moon
Turn my midnight into mid-noon?
I am all sere and yellow,
And to my core mellow.
The mast is dropping within my woods,
The winter is lurking within my moods,
And the rustling of the withered leaf
Is the constant music of my grief....

Indeed there is something in the air
A Mist of Mystery
All are invited to dance the night away as
Piermont Landing is Proud to Present

An Autumn Mystery Ball
Saturday, November 22, 2008
6pm SLT to 9pm SLT
We shall supply the clues.
All you need to do is dress well.
Have fun as you
figure out the who, what, and why
Music by The One and Only DJ Bats

Prizes from our Wonderful Sponsors
The House of Frye
Capalini Fine Furnishings
Hatpins
And Cash Lindens
Ah yes and of course as always Fun and Memories

Hope to See YOU all there
Sincerely with Mystery
Breezy Carver & Skusting Dagger

A Masquerade

2008-10-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

More details as they come will be posted at the New Babbage Ning

The Adventures of Space Rangerette

2008-09-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Our story begins as Rangerette contemplates the rising sun on her home planet on the day of the big journey ahead. This may be the last time she sees this sun rise above her city. She calms herself on this serene morning even as the adrenalin cause her heart to beat with anticipation of the lift off.

Getting ready to board her craft, she stands calm and steadfast in her resolve under the massive rocket which will take her to parts unknown...

One last look at her home before strapping in and preparing for flight...

To Be Continued...

The Engineer's Ball - An Astounding Success

2008-09-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

First, a message from my dear Breezy Carver...

Good Morning Please excuse my delay here ... as I did need a day to gather my thoughts ...
Number one I wish to thank each of the (63) guests that attended this event ... For it is each one of you and the time you took to attend that made it a success and to the many who IMed my and Skusting and could not attend thankyou from my heart for caring enough to do so I really mean that ..

Each person really does matter ...we are each real live people behind these characters and the passion and caring for New Babbage showed tenfold and Wheatstone waterways was a bit extra bright Saturday night because of each of YOU .... Thankyou to the Mayor for keepin an eye and even upping the count .. None of us had any Idea how this would go .. I will say it is proof when you do something with thought and from your heart .. sure one might make mistakes but as long as one is genuine and really tries to do the right thing .. I think it really all pans out just right .. We shall attempt this again in October thinking October 18th it shall be in period again a Masquerade Ball to celebrate Babbage ... These events shall always be in theme to our dear city and period ..... We are planning our best to an earlier 2 hour event for our dear friends of different time zone ( but the evening will run 6 to 9 pm slt) ....
Again from Skusting and Myself thankyou soo much .. Safe and Happy Jorneys to all ..
Always Breezy ... warm smile wow this thread hit 200 ..-posts .. twirlsssssss ....

Indeed this was a night to remember in New Babbage. I could hardly believe the turnout for this grand ball. everybody in their finery, and everybody so happy to be there mingling with their friends and neighbors, many who met for the first time that night. My deepest thanks to dear Breezy for all the hard work she had put into this. I would also wish to thank Canolli Capalini for her generous donations of prizes for Best Dressed, and Bats Enoch for the amazing music!

Which brings me to this...
$L500 gift certificates from Capalini Fine Furnishings and Portrait Gift Certificates from Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises we awarded to Delilah Nephilim for Best Dressed Lady, and to Baron KlausWulfenbach Outlander for Best Dressed Man.
The $L2500 prize for Best Scripted Cog Fountain went to Nikita Weymann (the fountain is now installed at the top of the Grand Stairway at Piermont Landing) and $L500 each went to Bela Lubezki and Greg Merryman for a second place tie. Breezy and I thank you all for the hard work you put into these fountains

Our first guest of the evening. Baron KlausWulfenbach Outlander. Many thanks, dear Baron, for your kind words and enthusiasm, and they way you were able to put Breezy at ease over her nervousness!

Dancing the night away in fine company.

Breezy shares a dance with the Baron.

The Winning Fountain Entry by Miss Nikita Weymann.

Saving the last dance of the evening for Breezy!

Photos by Breezy Carver

The Engineer's Ball

2008-09-12T11:33:00.001-07:00

Breezy Carver and Skusting Dagger
are proud to announce
a Victorian Steampunk Affair to Remember...

The Engineer's Ball
Saturday, September the 13th
6pm SLT
Piermont Landing
Wheatstone Waterways, New Babbage
Formal Attire Required

Come One, Come All
To the Engineer's Ball!
Ladies and Gentleman,
Young and Old,
Human, Furry, and Tiny,
Automatons, even!
Everybody is invited!

Fabulous Prizes!

$L500 Gift Certificate to Capalini Fine Furnishings
and a Free Portrait Sitting at Skusting Dagger Photo Studio
for Best Dressed Lady

$L500 Gift Certificate to Capalini Fine Furnishings
and a Free Portrait Sitting at Skusting Dagger Photo Studio
for Best Dressed Gentleman

$L2500 prize for
Best Scripted Cog Fountain
28 prim limit
The winning entry will be installed at Piermont Landing

Breezy and I

2008-08-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

My most wonderful partner, Breezy Carver and I. Updates coming soon as to the amazing things we are up to in SL.

New Babbage the Movie

2008-07-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

By master story teller Loki Eliot....

In Memory of JewelFire Ember

2008-06-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

This February past, I posted the heart wrenching story of JewelFire Ember. Recently her Mom, SylviaMoon Ember returned to SL with tidings of thanks to young Jewel's friends. She took myself and my close friend Breezy Carver to the greenhouse that her daughter had begun, (based upon her RL greenhouse) and has now been so lovingly finished by her Second Life friends and family. I will post to SLURL here as soon as I get a chance. Enjoy.

Out with the Lovelace Lightning

2008-04-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'd been out about New Babbage testing the Lovelace Lightning over this weekend past, and apparently, the machine is far too loud for the neighbors and brought the attention of Kandace Commons who questioned the street legality of such a machine. I must admit, the vehicle is much to loud and quick for the streets of Babbage, and it's machinery too small and ill-equipped to maintain any jaunts of significant distance or duration. It is purely a machine built for speed and use upon a road track. Nevertheless, 'twas a short jaunt from the Community Stockyards to the Palisades, so I risked the long arm of Bow Street with a quick test run. The loud sounds eminating from Lighting also caught the attention of Mayor Sprocket and prompted him to inspect my creation, (an inspection which the Lightning passed by the skin of its boiler, I might add). In the end I was served a ticket for disturbing the peace, scaring horses, fleeing the scene, and being uncouth, and issued an initial $L1200 fine, which I was able to get reduced to $L200, which was promptly paid to the Mayor's Relay For Life donation kiosk. The ticket can currently be viewed in-world, affixed to the mirror behind the bar at Ruby's Pub in the Canal District. My mechanic, young master Shay McDowwl is currently working on ways to enhance the speed of the Lightning and make its boiler more efficient.

Ruby's Grand Re-Opening - an Astounding Success!

2008-03-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to everybody who made it to the festivities.
And many thanks to Sir ArthurConan Doyle, ThomasM Swindlehurst, Canolli Capalini, Shay McDowwll, Mogana Kingsford, Kaylee Frye, Beq Janus, Jimmy Branagh, Elleon Bergamasco, Jan Obolensky, and Yolanda Hirvi, without whose expertise and contributions, it would not have been possible.

Prizes were presented as follows...

Best Dressed Irish Gentleman - Daevid Beardmore.
$L800 & two free portraits

Best Dressed irish Lady - CleoPatra Guyot
$L800 & two free portraits

Best Leprechaun - a tie betwixt Pollyanna Nightfire and Puck Goodlife
$L400 each & two free portraits each

Best Jig - Bela Lubezki.
$L2100 and a set of furniture from Capalini Fine Furnishings

You winners of the costume prizes - contact me anytime in-world to set up your free portrait sitting, and to name a friend whom you would like me to do a portrait of.

And Miss Lubezki - please contact Canolli Capalini at any time to arrange for delivery of your new funiture!

Now that Ruby's is officially re-opened, feel free to drop by any time, have a drink, relax with friends, play some darts, tickle the ivories of the old upright, or poke around the upstairs back rooms. You never know what you might find.

Ruby's Grand Re-Opening Party! UPDATE!

2008-03-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

NEW! Prizes on the Rises!
Please note: The prize for Best Jig is now $L2100
And the costume prize money has been increased to $L800
Courtesy of Morgana Kingsford!

A many already know, Ruby's Irish Pub, long a mainstay in the Canal District of the City State of New Babbage, has been completely re-furbished with the impeccable carpentry skills of Miss Canolli Capalini.
A Grand Re-Opening party is planned for 5:00pm SL time on St. Patrick's Day, Monday, March 17, 2008.
There will be wonderful free gifts available, donated by the good citizens of New Babbage and other environs
Slainte!

CONTESTS...

Best Dressed Irishman - Prize: $L800, and two free portrait sittings from Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises; one for themselves, and one as a gift certificate to give to a friend

Best Dressed Irish Lady Prize: $L800, and two free portrait sittings from Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises; one for themselves, and one as a gift certificate to give to a friend

Best Leprechaun Prize: $L800, and two free portrait sittings from Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises; one for themselves, and one as a gift certificate to give to a friend

Best Jig Prize: $L2100, and a set of furniture from Capalini's Fine Furnishings
Miss Canolli Capalini, herself, will be judging the Best Jig Contest.
You may find and purchase a jig or create your own. Any and all jigs welcome!
But please, no hobnails on the bar!
If you must dance on the bar or the tables, please remove your shoes.

If anybody has anything they would like to contribute as a prize, please let me know.
Cash prizes donated by Canolli Capalini, Shay McDowwll, and Morgana Kingsford

A Gentleman's Duel

2008-02-29T10:20:00.001-08:00

A good friend from off world has just brought this to my attention,
Do enjoy please!

Ruby's is open!

2008-02-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

Ruby's Irish pub in the Canal District of New Babbage is open once again. The sawdust has been cleared away, new wallpaper has gone up, and the elevator has been repaired. Miss Canolli Capalini of Capalini's Fine Furnishings has helped above and beyond the call of duty to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at the pub. Rich wood grains, plush leather upholstery, custom engraved edgework on the tables, comfortable seating, and fine refreshments at the bar.

Have a seat at the old upright piano and enjoy some good old ragtime! Try your hand at a game of darts! Or simply doze off in one of the booths.
Ruby's Irish Pub... near the Wharf and across from Steampunk Park.

Drop in for a pint today!

portrait of a faerie

2008-02-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

jewel... a precious stone, one that is highly esteemed... fire...the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat, burning passion, liveliness of imagination... ember... a glowing fragment from a fire, slowly dying or fading emotions, memories, ideas, or responses still capable of being revived.

JewelFire Ember... On Sunday, February 10th, I was contacted by a gentleman who wished to purchase a portrait sitting as a gift for a young lady friend of his. So he gave me her name and I sent her a message telling her that she had been gifted with the portrait sitting and that she should contact me to arrange to come before my camera. Then I waited to hear back from her. On February 13th, I did. But it was not her. It was her Mom. She told me that her daughter had passed away on February 10th. Her Mom had came into SL with her daughter's avatar so that I could complete the portrait and make it available to her daughter's SL friends. The saddest part of the story is that the young lady passed away on her own birthday at the all too young age of 20. She had been battling a losing fight with brain cancer for some years. She came into Second Life on January 21 at the request of a real life friend of hers who thought that she might find some fun and some peace while she was in her final stages of the cancer. And she did have fun. She did find peace. She spent very little time in Second Life, but made many friends amongst the fae clans and families. She learned how to build objects in SL very quickly. She left behind an unfinished green house that is a replica of the green house she has in real life. Her Second Life friends are going to finish it and keep it going. From what I understand, she was online with them right up until the very moment of her passing. This young lady has touched deeply the hearts of many, even those who never knew her, myself included. Her Mom is probably one of the strongest, most courageous and loving parents I have ever had the pleasure to know. The fact that she endured coming into Second Life, inhabiting what really can be considered her daughter's body, just to do that portrait speaks volumes of her character. Then she created her own avatar so that she could come into Second Life and spend some time with her daughter's friends.
And somehow, I landed right in the middle of it and it has affected me profoundly.
JewlFire Ember, wherever you are, know that there a so many here that will never forget.
You have touched the hearts of more than you will ever know.
May you find peace amongst the fae upon the other side of the veil.

Ruby's and the Cuckoos

2008-02-20T05:12:00.000-08:00

Miss Canolli Capalini has begun in earnest on the construction of the new bar and furnishings at Ruby's Irish Pub in the Canal District of New Babbage. I had dropped by to see how work was progressing and was delighted to find her deep in sawdust as work on the new bar was well underway. Furthering my delight was finding Mr. Hengest Whitfield tickling the ivories of the old upright piano with the lively ragtime notes of Scott Joplin. But soon, I sensed something amiss. There seemed some feeling of foreboding tingling down my spine. I was inexplicably drawn to the outside and around the corner of Ruby's and into the alley by the pie shop. There before me was one of the mysterious Cuckoo Twins. The pair had not been seen since before the first winter snow in Babbage. Silent as always, and strangely enough, alone. Knowing that these twins are not to be threatened in any way, I inquired of him as to how his evening was. I received no response. I asked him of his brother. Again, no response. Suddenly, the very air seemed to be drawn from my lungs and I cried out as the lad disappeared. I awoke some twenty minutes later face down in the alley. Alone. No one had heard my cry. I wondered gravely why neither Miss Capalini nor Mr. Whitfield had come to my aid. Perhaps they just did not hear my cry, what with the sounds of ragtime music and the heavy pounding of Miss Capalini's hammer so loudly eminating from within. One thing is certain. New Babbage has not seen the last of the Cuckoo Twins.

Dances of Vice Festival

2008-02-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

An amazing time was had!
The Dances of Vice Festival in NYC.
The evening started out with a Victorian fencing demonstration by the Martinez Academy of arms.
Various styles with various blades were shown

including a demonstration of a Gentleman's Self Defense With a Cane.

This was followed by the very talented Oryx Incruentus, who made her cello sing as she accompanied a screening of clips from Guiseppe de Liguoro's 1911 fim of L'Inferno.
Up next after Oryx was the Desert Sin Dance Ensemble performing the Mermaids

Also appearing were Nicki Jaine, playing her musical saw (has to be heard to be belived - the lady has talent!)
and the Deadfly Ensemble, who dedicated their set to educating the masses on the facts and fables of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
Capping off the evening was on helluva spiffing concert by Rasputina. Simple words cannot relate what an amazing show it was!

It was a packed house and everybody was dressed to the nines. The people there were so nice!
It was just one great night out all around. I really felt as if I was amongst the folks of New Babbage, Caledon, and Antiquity, and all the other Victorian sims of SL.

Yours truly...

That derby I'm wearing belonged to my great great grandfather.
It's over one hundred years old!

Daguarreteer

2008-02-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Skusting Dagger cleans up real good with a long awaited trip to the pixel surgeon.
And check out that spiffing pocket watch!
A gift from a dear friend!

Gonna Party Like its 1899

2008-02-06T12:11:00.001-08:00

Quite looking forward to a well deserved and long overdue night on the town!

New Babbage Wharf Rat

2008-02-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

I do suppose I should make mention that my studio of an earlier post has relocated from Babbage Square to the Wharf at Babbage Lovelace Industrial Park in the Canal District. Also at the wharf is the Black Barnacle Tattoo parlor, where I am continually in the process of bringing in new and all original product for the steampunk and turn of the century minded connoisseur. The nearby tenancies have been leased out to some wonderful people, and work has finally begun in earnest on the redecorating at Ruby's Irish Pub. Also right nearby is Shay McDowwl's steampunk park, currently featuring magnificent photographs and original art of several talents, not the least of which include locals Artemesia Paine, Jimmy Branagh, Myrtil Igaly, Canolli Capalini, Beq Janus, Poopdeck Halfpint, Xryyl Oh, myself, as well many non-Babbagites, who's names I am quite dismayed to say that I cannot remember.
Before I go, I would urge you to pop on over to the The Insatiable Zoe Connolly and read her latest entries, and to please leave a comment in a show of support.
She has dedicated so much time and effort to our communities, she deserves no less.

the balloon ride

2008-01-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

I had stopped by Canolli Capalini's most delightful furniture store (you simply must see her work - the craftsmanship is second to none), when she informed me of her recent purchase of a new hot air balloon. Well, I could not resist when she offered to take me on an aerial excursion through the skies of New Babbage. We set off from the roof of her establishment in the Canal District on a leisurely soar towards the North. Rising above the clouds, we were distracted from the excellent Earl Grey she had set out as a wayward pelican flew by, nearly knocking my topper off and depositing his catch of the day into the bottom of the balloon's basket. I realized he must have been far from home as his catch was a salmon from the far North. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I promptly filleted the fish with my Malaprop Flick Knife and proceeded to roast some bits over the flame that Miss Capalini had provided to boil the water for tea. It turned out to be quite tasty.
Drifting further North, we hovered near the New Babbage Cathedral, marveling at the wonderful view. It was about this time that we espied a dark cloud approaching. Thinking a storm was coming, we prepared to take the balloon down, but the cloud turned out to be a colony of gnats. Most remarkable was the fact that these tiny creatures were all wearing miniature scarves and mittens against the chill of the New Babbage winter. Which just goes to show that just about anything can happen in New Babbge.
Continuing on, we arrived over Babbage Square and then over the Phantasmagorium where we maintained our altitude and proceeded to indulge in more salmon and Earl Grey. It was about this time that the winter winds picked up, rocking the basket.
The swaying worsened to the point where we were both flung over the edge of the basket! Luckily, I was able to lodge the head of my gascane through a gap in the wicker. The two of us hung there, over the side, Miss Capalini's arms about my waist, hanging on for dear life, and I, one arm around her, the other gripping the cane. With a series of movements of letting go and grabbing the cane, I managed to hoist the two of us inch by inch closer to the edge of the basket, until I was able to lift Miss Capalini back inside, and then climb aboard myself. Our tea had been spilled, and the remains of the salmon ruined, but at least we were alive. Miss Capalini managed to take the balloon down and we disembarked onto the roof of the Phantasmagorium. Despite our near disaster, I quite look forward to our next excursion!

Ordinal's Festive Humbugs

2007-12-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

Konfections with a Kick
Miss Ordinal Malaprop has outdone herself with these wonderfully potent holiday treats with a kick!.
I discovered an open box, discreetly tucked away inside a cabinet at the Greenies Home. Several intense flavors.
The results - most satisfying. I immediately sent for my dear friend Miss Canolli Capalini to join me. We spent much time experimenting with the various flavors and (quite inapropriately) rolling upon the floor laughing our proper behinds off! And now I have learned that I may purchase my own box to leave out for both friend and foe alike.
Do take care, should you desire to taste one, and do read all related labelings and warnings should you decide to purchase your own.
WE LOVE YOU ORDINAL!

From New Taggage

2007-12-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach of Caledon has tapped me upon the shoulder, in effect, "tagging" me and has instructed me to provide eight facts or habits about myself, then pass the game onwards. As I have been thusly tagged in ages past in other worlds, and have successfully dodged it for nigh on a year, I shall comply to these wishes and present the List of Eight herein.
But I am afraid I shall not go about looking for more victims.
Should you wish, however, to take it upon yourselves to continue this in your own publications and periodicals,
please, be my guest, and do so.

1.) I have, upon occaision, eaten barbequed squirrel

2.) ~~My room in New Babbage has no windows but the frosted glass pane upon my door~~
Having moved to the front room, I now have windows!

3.) I have thrown Halloween parties where I have had up to 300 people in my home.

4.) After years of seeing Warsteiner logos as sponsorships on world class sports cars.
I finally was able to taste it two years ago. I have not gone back to a domestic American beer since.
Except for Yeungling.

5.) I am a Campari addict

6.) I am a firm believer in the fact that steam powers the grid

7.) There are places in RL Brooklyn New York where I have seen bricks
from my RL great-grandfather's turn of the century brick factory that once
existed in Upstate New York

8.) I will never use voice chat in SL

The Rules:
Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.

At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

The Black Dossier

2007-11-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

The much anticipated and ballyhooed Black Dossier has arrived!
Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's sequel to their acclaimed League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is now on the shelves.
And a bigger parcel of goodies I could not have hoped for. (originally slated to NOT be released in the UK, Mr. O'Neill said they are working on it - so keep your fingers crossed). The volume is chock full of interesting extras and even a spiffing pair of 3D glasses!
Much to my delight, the day day it arrived at my local periodical emporium, I found out that Mr. O'Neill himself would be in-store that very eve to sign copies of the most excelent tome. Even better, once i had arrived for the signing, he was so kind as to sketch a quick visage of Mina Murray within the front, as I related to him the tale of how I came to be in possession of an original art page from the old Marshal Law Fear and Loathing book - that page being the controversial depiction of a bomber aeroplane with a picture of Jesus Christ on its belly, bombay doors open and dropping mayhem onto a church below. Mr O'Neill said "People still ask me about that. I don't see what the fuss is all about. Its just a comic book".
The page came into my possession quite out of the blue. A friend had seen it, bought it, and sent it to me, reasoning that I was the only person he knew that would have the 'cogs' to actually hang it upon my wall!

Winter in Babbage

2007-11-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

Mayor Sprocket's Amazing Photograms
Astounding winter images of New Babbage courtesy of Rad Industrialist Mayor Shaunathan Sprocket available for your viewing pleasure here.
Quite a treat!

The Polar Bear Club and the Vernian Sea

2007-11-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

I have designed my first piece of men's wear! 'Tis a woolen men's bathing suit emblazoned with the words: New Babbage Polar Bear Club. Designed for the intrepid man (or lady) wishing to brave the chill winter waters of Port Babbage and the Vernian Sea. Available totally gratis, free of charge, and with full permissions on the docks at Port Babbage near the Caledonian Kintyre Chocolate crates, and also at Ruby's Irish Pub in the Canal District. (Ladies suit coming soon...)
I also spent the eve taking a look through Antiquity for some possible gallery space for expanding the Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises studio. I expect to hear from Duke Angus soon on the matter. Upon returning to Babbage I found Professor Nishi and Miss Paine about to take a look at the newly arrived Vernian Sea, so I joined them to do so. Accompanied by Jimmy Branagh and some accquaintences of Professor Nishi's we gazed in wonder (and perhaps slight trepidition ,as it it quite possible these waters may have been brought about by the strange and as yet unkown effects of the vortex created by the Porta Terrum device) at the new waters from the edge of Babbage Lovelace Park. Donning my Polar Bear Club threads, I unhesitatingly dove into the briskly chill waters (quite to the shock of the onlookers) and took a quick swim about. Then it was off to the Abney Park laboraory where the Professor has now unpacked her machiney after a long absence and proceedings commenced to return Miss Paine to her proper age. (and as of this writing, I am unsure of the outcome, as I had to abruptly depart Babbage for the evening)

Where is Jenkins Now?

2007-11-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

I arrived in New Babbage a bit too late on All Hallow's Eve to see the local raggamuffins rolling their burning barrels through the streets, but not too late to find a group of the streetwise urchins having a go at Angry Jenkins inside the old Imperial Theater.
Old Jenkins was taunting them, and trying to trap them and trying to make them old.
Several of the children were riding the carousel within, and this must have prevented Jenkins from turning his hideous power on them, the carousel's youth enhancing properties counteracting him.
(Miss Paine is still trying to make her way back to her proper age)
He even tried his wily ways on me! Tried to make me remember my childhood fears, he did.
But for one thing, my childhood is so far in the past, that even the old green hooknosed fellow could not bring them to surface.
Young Miss Myrtil kept asking him if he would like to have a party. This seemed to hit a nerve with him, as he continually made great efforts to ignore Myrtil's query.
In the end, I hollered "TICKLE HIM!" where upon I proceeded to do just that, and wouldn't you know it?
He disappeared jack on the spot! Departed? Dead? Drained of power? Who knows?
But certainly THAT will be a night for Mister Jenkins to dwell upon before he gets up to his old tricks again, should it turn out that he is indeed alive!

Then it was off to the Antiquity Halloween Masquerade Ball for some frolicking and lightness of foot.
My two left feet are slowly becoming both a right and a left again, it would seem.
And the fact of dancing with masqued strangers was most invigorating.
I danced with an Angel (quite strange for me, considering my...persona).
I danced with a most intriguing and quite possibly Asian woman.
(for so the masque she wore suggested to me).
I danced with a Lady in Teal with a Golden Masque (whom I helped to overcome her fear of looking at an empty coffin)
But most grand was the dance I had with a most magnificently plumaged Owl!
Imagine that! I, with pussycat masque, with the owl! Inevitably our converastion led to discussions of pea green boats!
After the ball, it was back to Babbage just in time to attend Professor Nareth Nishi's Samhain festivities!
Such a wonderful bonfire at sunset and into the starlit night.
It was all peace and blessings, and glad tidings of our existance.
Surely, the Professor has a knack for making one at ease with themselves and the world around them,
and thankful for the lives we have, such as they are.

Next up?
Very soon now, announcements will be made regarding the Grand Opening of the Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises studio.

ever atcher service
Skusting Dagger

Angry Jenkins still on the Loose!

2007-10-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

I have seen Angry Jenkins twicet thus far.
First, lurking high above Babbage in the bell tower.
My second encounter was much more chilling.
I had espied a group of urchins just across the canal
from the absinthe house.
Upon my arrival to see what the comotion was,
I soon found myself encased within an other-worldly
snow globe of some sinister design.
I was rooted to the spot. Could not move.
I did manage to turn my head enough to catch sight of Angry Jenkins
hiding just around the corner of the building where the children had gathered.
A bone chilling visage was he. All green and thin and glowy.
And with a most hideously hooked nose.
One of the other children was also encased in a snowglobe.
Jenkins disappeared so quickly after I spotted him,
I could hardly be sure he was there.
The effects of the imprisoning snowglobe wore off soon after his departure,
and I was free to go about my business.
Master Loki then took the rest of the urchins joyriding into the skies in his airship.
So be wary, dear readers. Angry Jenkins is not just after children.
Seems he has a grudge against anybody attempting to have a little fun.
Now young Miss Myrtil has a novel plan. She wants to thow a party for Angry Jenkins.
We have reckoned that perhaps this Jenkins fellow is so Angry because he had no fun in his childhood.
Myrtil has it in mind to throw a a party which will cause great fun to come to Jenkins. The fun he missed in his youth.
It just may work. I told Miss Myrtil that it was a splendid idea.
I just hope it doesn't backfire. But the children of New Babbage are a brave and clever lot.
If anybody can turn Angry Jenkins from his dastardly ways,
the children can!
Meanwhile, if you are in for some chills and thrills,
I must suggest the “The New Babbage Self Guided Ghost Tour.”
Miss Eggberta Echegaray has graciously assembled the listings and landmarks for seven haunted locales in New Babbage.
They can be found by clicking on the Ghost Tour poster found at the New Babbage telehubs,
and at the Willow Tea Room where the tour begins. More information can be found in the current issue of the New Babbage Cog
Happy Hauntings!

Haunting in Babbage Lovelace Park

2007-10-25T09:56:00.001-07:00

A spectral tableau awaits in the park.
It is quite best seen, when in the dark.
We know not from whence they came.
We have no clue, nor any name.
Within the crypt - a place for two.
And a third behind, not in plain view.
Could this have been a lover's tryst?
Three spectres haunt within the mist.
If ye spies, upon the ground,
a skull - don't touch, they'll chase you 'round.

Work in Progress

2007-10-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Gearing up for Halloween. Found this nifty button at a Manhattan trim store.
If it had only been gears or cogs, but nuts and bolts will do!
Picked up seven of them for the coat I am working on.

Great turnout for the New Babbage Hallowe'en Parade that I attended this Saturday past.
Wonderful floats and madcap zaniness courtesy of MadCow.

After the parade - a small party in the lot behind Port Babbage's Admiralty House and naval quarters,
and then it was off to the old Imperial Theater for Loki Eliot's display and a fine tale of youthfulness lost.

A New Studio

2007-10-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

Dagger & Swindlehurst Photographic Enterprises is nearly ready to open in Babbage Square between the GUILD Academy and the Paleontology Museum. We are currently in the process of furnishing the studio and stocking our wares. D&SPE will specialize in providing aestheticly delightful scenic works depicting the environs of New Babbage and will also be taking appointments for portraiture work. (both in-studio and location work will be accepted.)
The studio will also be home to Skusting Industrial Photography which specializes in out-world turn of the century industrial and steam era subjects which have surrvived (or in some cases, not) into the modern world.
As a special treat, we will also be offering portraits of Victorian era luminaries, from Sir ArthurConan Doyle's private collection, complete with biographical information on the subjects.
There will be a Grand Opening announcement made in due course.
If you would like to be kept abreast of developements, feel free to IM Skusting Dagger or ThomasM Swindlehurst in-world and we will gladly add you to our growing list of photographic patrons.

New Babbage on the Rise

2007-10-08T04:45:00.000-07:00

New Babbage was closed to most visitors this weekend past, as the city undergoes massive construction and terraforming projects. When all is said and done, New Babbage will look much the same, except for the marvelous view of the Linden Void Seas some one hundred meters below the New Babbage City limits. Indeed, Port Babbage has already been reopened to the public and was a seething center of activity on Sunday.
The seabed of the harbor iteself has been marvelously transformed into a veritable array of depths, all allowing for the accomodation of a variety of many classes of nautical vessels. (primcounts permitting)
And most astounding, is that a mermaid has been spotted.
I was standing upon the docks with Miss Eggberta Echegaray, and some intrepid outworld furry explorers (very polite folk, I must add), when lo and behold, we saw her breach the surface of the harbor.
I was spellbound, to say the least. We stood there utterly amazed as this lovely vision of the seas prceeded to jump, dive, splash and cavort around seemingly for our own entertainment. It got to the point where I could contain myself no longer and I dove into to water fully clothed to give chase!
Upon my return to dry land, I found that it was now well on into the evening hours, (where did the time go?) and was told that I smelled of fish (though not unpleasantly so). I know not exactly what happened to me in those waters, other than emerging with a most contented feeling, yet somewhat dazed and exhausted, and a deep desire to return to the depths.

Events Past Part II...

2007-10-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Scourge of Antiquity raid on the Four Seas Ball.
A successful campaign - The kidnaping of the Countess Artesia Beaumont.
She may have been eventually rescued, but the Scourge's point had been made.
The Scouge is here - the Scourge is not going away.
Here, core members are seen in revelry after a mad dash to freedom after having been harassed by the Royal Navy of Antiquity.
It is old news, but must be recorded here none the less.
The full story (albeit a bit one sided in favor of the Royal Navy) can be read in a previous issue of The Antiquity Gazette

Cycling Caledon

2007-09-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Made my way from Victoria City to the Connolly Lighthouse, soley by the use of Dreddpiratebob Streeter's amazing Monocycle.
Across eight sims in an hour.
Going to head due West next time.

Events Past...

2007-09-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

In the course of my settling into my newfound digs in New Babbage,
much has transpired.

First, there were the grizzly ripper style murders that had been plagueing the city.
These were all traced back to one Jason Moriarity who had been an assistant to the renouned scientist
Alexander Eliot.

Professor Eliot had constucted a device which was to have enabled access to abundant and valuable resources, but in the end the experiment went awry resulting in the near total destruction of Sunrise Island.
I understand that a rip or tear of sorts had been made in the fabric of space/time itself.

The experiment also effected the afrementioned Mr. Moriarity. It would seem that the experiment transformed him somewhow into a lyncanthrope, and the man's mind snapped. Moriarity became obsessed with procuring the device so that he may be enabled to re-open this door into the unkown with the sole intention of releasing the so called Elder Gods.

In the end, after nearly bringing about the destruction of New Babbage, and nearly succeeding in his foul quest, he was at last foiled by the efforts of one Professor Nareth Nishi, herself a tortured soul of mysterious origins.

In Professor Nishi, I found a kindred spirit of sorts, being able to relate to her own tales of a troubled past, which seem to so closely resemble my own. After many kind words from her, and some encouraging revelations about the citizenry of New Babbage, I feel much more at ease and not so much alone any more.

In the skies of SL

2007-09-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

My first explorations in Second Life were by means of this ingenious contraption.