Monday, July 30, 2012

Loves Labour Lost by Shakespeare is Adapted to a Steampunk Play


Loves Labour Lost is a play directed by Sharon Malone. This Shakespearean Steampunk romance took place over two weekends in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. We took in the play on July 29, 2012 at the Memorial Peace Park Maple Ridge, BC. It was an entertaing visual and musical treat in the sun. Stagecraft, belly dancers, Shakepearean actors and a choir made for a fun afternoon for the whole family. Please peruse my photos. It's not a Steampunk event without a giant chess set (at left).










Tuesday, July 24, 2012

History Reimagined: Devices and Contraptions That Never Faded Away


Did you know the Victorians used vacuum cleaners and hearing aids? No, I didn't either. We often picture Victorians living on a farm or socializing in a bar, like in the western movies, but we don't realize that the Victorians lived a civilized life. If there was a device or contraption to improve their lives, they would purchase it from the latest catalogue.

Please check out my new column in the Home Section of Victoria and Vancouver Lifestyle Online Magazines. 

My first article of the series is more of a construction, than a contraption, The Victorian Conservatory. A home away from home, a wonderful abode full of the comforts of home.

The next one to be posted will be about Victorian hearing aids, and at the beginning of next month, we'll focus on the vacuum cleaner. 

Please check out these fantastic new websites full of content for the whole family. I've really enjoyed browsing their topics.

Further reading:

Monday, July 16, 2012

A Tarnished Past: My Article in the Steampunk Issue of Dark Beauty Magazine

Here's a brief excerpt of my article, "A Tarnished Past" published in the second annual Steampunk Issue of Dark Beauty Magazine.

I wasn't sure what to except when I sent in my article. Each monthly issue of Dark Beauty Magazine can either be downloaded or a print copy may be ordered. Since there were few samples online, I didn't know how small or large the issue was going to be. Would it be better than Gothic Beauty Magazine?

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the Steampunk Issue. Actually I said, "WOW!" when I opened it up. It's over 170 full colour pages, which explains the vast price tag. Or a download can be obtained for a mere $9.99. The entire issue is devoted to Steampunk fashion, photos, contraptions, Victoriana, and devices. If you're into Steampunk or science fiction, this is the definitive issue for you!

I've included a short sample to my article here. Please buy a copy of this fabulous ephemera at Dark Beauty Magazine so a third annual Steampunk will be possible in 2013.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Mel's Quote on the Writing Life

Tonight I decided to give up on this whole writing thing and start my own Cream Puff Bakery called Furballs.


Idea stolen from Sean Chandler, for starting the big movement on giving up the writing life for the sweet life.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

The Odds Are Against You Being Born a Human in Canada


Happy Canada Day to my readers! Have you ever thought about the astronomical odds being in your favour when you were born as a human baby in Canada, rather than as an ant, plant or even a human in another country?

There are nearly seven billion people on the planet Earth and approximately 196 countries in the world. Have you ever wondered why you were born here and not in China, Kenya, Australia, or Fuji? Many other countries in the world are lovely, but there is an equal amount where there are no human rights, people don't know if they'll see the light of day when they wake up in the morning, or even where their next meal will come from.

There are 34,000,000 people living in Canada. Of that amount, about 30,000,000 people were born here.

What were the odds that you were lucky enough to be born in Canada? I'm not a mathematician, but my calculations work out to a 0.04% chance of a baby being born at a Canadian hospital tonight.

Now think about how many animals are living on the planet Earth. When I tried to so some research, there wasn't even a number that could describe that amount. The highest number is about a centillion, which I believe has 600 zeros after it. However, scientists believe there are many more living beings in the animal kingdom than that. 

What if we also included plants? Do plants have awareness like humans and animals? No one really knows.

Since there are 2 billion cats in the world, odds are greater that you will be born a human than a cat. I personally wouldn't have minded being born a cat, particularly a cat in Canada. 

It is estimated that there are 10 quadrillion ants in the world, so, odds are greater that you would be born an ant, than a human. Unless you committed wrong doings in your past life, your odds are greatly increased in being a human the next time round.

These statistics are sobering. How did we get so lucky? Why weren't we born ants, spiders, etc? Is there truly a higher being who has classified our spot on the Earlh?

With these thoughts in mind, please enjoy the remainder of your Canada Day!