Editorial: Censorship in the Steampunk Community

Quite an interesting editorial came across the Manticore Society front desk today. It was called to my attention that a group of individuals from our community are using censorship to promote their own brand of what they think steampunk is and should be. And those who disagree has had their comments deleted to out right being ostracized from said steampunk community. It is a shame that there are those in positions of influence who would abuse their authority in this. And the fact that if there are people out there actually doing what this editorial claims they are doing is totally reprehensible and wrong. With that said, yes, I do support steam freedom!

Link to the editorial can be found here.

- Captain Wong Wei -

Steampunk Episode of Castle TONIGHT!!!

TONIGHT!!! The steampunk episode of Castle airs! See if you can spot members of the Manticore Society!

- Captain Wong Wei -

Labyrinth of Jareth 2010 Videos

We've finally edited an impressive twenty two videos taken at this years Labyrinth of Jareth for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!

For the full twenty two videos visit our youtube channel at Mad Calamity Productions.

- Captain Wong Wei -

Labyrinth of Jareth 2010

On July the 15th we were offered a peek into the wondrous world known as the Labyrinth of Jareth. For one night the popular Los Angeles night spot the Edison Bar was transformed by the artists of Sypher Art Studios into the Darius Exposition. Stilt walkers, clockwork performers, and a performance by the band Helios Jive entertained the crowd throughout the night. The next evening would hold much more for us as we were left with a taste of what was to come.

For the nights of July 16th to the 17th the Historic Park Plaza became the setting of the yearly masquerade event known as the Labyrinth of Jareth. For those who are unfamiliar with this event, the Labyrinth of Jareth Fantasy Masquerade Ball is a weekend of entertainment and enchantment. Where the lines between fantasy and reality blur and cross over. Where in the court of the fae masked nobles dance throughout the night and legends become alive.

It was amazing how everything flowed so well from the high ceilings, impressive staircase acceding to the top dance floor with stage area, and down to the dining area with outdoor courtyard. Everyone who came in was a sight to behold, so many wonderful inventive and creative costumes crafted by talented artist and makers. The goblins were everywhere making mischief for fellow costumed patrons especially during the Goblin Clockworks.

The world famous League of S.T.E.A.M. had set up their tent outside in the courtyard and the crowd were fascinated by their contraptions, gizmos, and inventions for controlling troublesome ghostly apparitions and supernatural phenomenon. Along with the demonstrations of their tools of the trade, they also answered questions and spared no expense at entertaining their enraptured audience! Nearby their tent was a beautiful hydro powered sculpture and reflecting pond lit up wonderfully for a very soothing atmosphere. A number of fantastic bands and performers entertained the patrons throughout the evenings be it in the lobby, the courtyard, the first floor dance floor, or the main stage upstairs. Many of our friends were sighted in their fantastic costumes and make-up, everyone dressed to impress for this wonderful event!

The main event of the night was a show on the second floor of the venue which would tell of the tale within the realm of the Labyrinth. This performance was ongoing in ten minute intervals throughout the evening. Wild acrobatics and amazing costumes, it was truly a buffet for the senses.

At the end of the last evening, when the events were closing, the last dance was danced, and the final story of the Labyrinth was told, everyone left very happy and very tired from all the festivities. The Labyrinth of Jereth was truly an event to experience and many are counting down the days and nights until the next year.

Full gallery here.

- Captain Wong Wei & Ms. Merci -

LACMA Muse's Fourteenth Annual Muse 'til Midnight Event

LACMA Muse invites you to its fourteenth annual Muse ‘til Midnight event for an evening of art, live music, food, and drinks to celebrate the museum’s two exhibitions, "Manly Pursuits: The Sporting Images of Thomas Eakins" and "Catherine Opie: Figure and Landscape". This year’s event is particularly inspired by Manly Pursuits and will feature an atmosphere to match Eakins’ late nineteenth-century paintings. In this vein, Muse 'til Midnight will be presented in two acts:

Act 1: The Eakins Arena

8:15 to 10:30pm: LATCC

Sports and vaudeville collide in the Los Angeles Times Central Court!

After hours access to Manly Pursuits: The Sporting Images of Thomas Eakins and Catherine

Opie: Figure and Landscape

Live music by Dusty Rhodes and the River Band

Large scale video projections

Vaudeville performers, Opie-inspired photo stations, complimentary cocktails, and more!

Act 2: The Steampunk Saloon

10:00pm to 12:00am: LACMA West Penthouse

The fashion of yesterday meets the technology of tomorrow five floors up in the LACMA West Penthouse. Bust out your goggles and parasols to enjoy...

Live performance by The Unextraordinary Gentlemen

Steampunk inspired art, crafts, and fashion; featuring ensembles by Clockwork Couture

DJ spinning the finest in early-century vinyl with a modern twist

Moustache contest (homegrown and homemade), complimentary cocktails, and more!

Ticketing

Tickets are $25 for Muse members and $40 for the general public.

Tickets can be purchased at www.lacma.org/muse, at any of LACMA’s Welcome Centers, or by telephone at 323 857-6010. Advance purchase is recommended, as the event is expected to sell out quickly.

- Captain Wong Wei -

Chrononaut on the Boardwalk

The salt breeze, the bright sun, the ladies and gentlemen in their whites, gay stripes and straw hats. The strong men, jugglers and arcades on the piers entertain folks from all around. From the cliff tops, ornithopters launch catching the updrafts and only occasionally crashing on the rocks below. Beach goers in their modest costumes enjoy the sun and the surf trusting in the submarine kraken patrols to keep them safe. Fortunately death rays work even underwater!

For the month of August Chrononaut's theme will be summer at the boardwalk. Professor Greyshade will spin light and amusing tunes, while vendors wheel and deal. As usual Obscure Discoveries will be there with many goodies on hand! And there will be other surprises including a rare cinematic treat.

August 13th, doors open at 8:00, and the event closes at 12:00. $5 at the door.

Queen Bee's

3925 Ohio Street

San Diego, CA

- Captain Wong Wei -

Junior League W.A.T.C.H. Mummy Scouting Outing

This Sunday on August 8th, Coyote and Ellie of the Junior League W.A.T.C.H. invites you on a fact finding mission at the California Science Center. There are rumors of the arrival of the worlds largest collection of mummies displayed in our fair city of Los Angeles. The W.A.T.C.H. has decided an investagation is in our and needs your help!

The expedition begins at 12:15pm, at Exposition Park in Los Angeles CA and will go into the exhibit at 1:15pm.

-PRICES-

Parking in the Structure is $8

Tickets for Mummies of the World is $19.50 for adults, plus $2 to print the ticket at home.

PLEASE BUY YOUR TICKET FOR 1:15pm SHOW BEFORE ARRIVING TO THE EVENT!!!

We are planning on seeing exhibit BUT NOT the IMAX film.

Please RSVP by sending an email with your name and how many will be in your party to...

EVENTS@JrLeagueWATCH.com

Remember this is a Steampunk League W.A.T.C.H event, so dress to impress, BUT PLEASE LEAVE YOUR LARGE GADGETS, BACKPACKS, RAY GUNS, & any other sort of oversized equipment at home. We are going to be guests of the California Science Center and should respect the venue. The W.A.T.C.H. did call ahead of time, and confirm that there are no dress codes, and we will be able to go into Museum in Steampunkery!

- Captain Wong Wei -