Last Chance to publish your Valentine love in the Primgraph!

1/31/10  at 5:21 AM
Valentine's Day is coming ... Do you want to shout your love from the rooftops? Do you want to share a secret? Do you want to declare your love in doggerel or in high-sounding couplets, or accompanied with exquisite images of hearts and roses?

You can do all this with the special Valentine's feature in The Primgraph - but today is your LAST CHANCE!


This month we will be publishing a special classified section - for YOUR Valentine's Day messages. You can tell your love in twenty words or - at the far end of the scale - book a double page spread. There's a size - and a price - to suit all pockets.

And that's it... Your honey or your Cuddleduck or Best
Pal will know what is in your heart as soon as the next issue of Primgraph is on
the stands.

REMEMBER! 31 JAN IS THE DEADLINE!



A Steamlands Wanderer

1/30/10  at 3:38 PM
It has recently come to my attention that a Certain Tourist has arrived in New Babbage. He seems determined to fully explore the Steamlands, and to my great interest, he is keeping a journal of his adventures and impressions! I am pleased to say that I have convinced him to share his writings with us, dear readers. Please note that the photographs are also the work of this intrepid explorer, who is named Criss Caiben. I do hope you enjoy his journal, of which this is the very first entry.



"Discovering New Babbage"
by Criss Caiben

It seemed as if this was as far as I would go. Well, that is, if I was reading my train ticket correct; reaching into my empty pocket confirmed that same need to exit. The brisk, chilly air hit me with a rush as I buttoned up my burgundy jacket as I stepped down the slippery, cracking stairs of the train car. Searching the pockets of my jacket I thankfully found my black gloves that leave my fingers hanging free at the ends…how wonderful; my day seemed to be an endless streak of good fortune!

My eyes wandered as the train moved along into the distance. The noise assisted the tension of my current situation and the snow flurries that caught my rosy-chilled face seemed to beg for a bit of warmth. From my first view of the city, glimpsed from the train, I felt that any direction would suit my needs at this point. So without considering direction and with the spirit of exploration and discovery, I trod forward optimistically, well let us hope at least.

As I began walking eastward on a street named Academy Downs, the city began to reveal its icy edging. My attention was grabbed by the ticking of a large clock hanging at the center of a large stone building to my left. As curious as I was to take a peek in the building, my body was craving the idea of a warm fire. My drive was renewed for exploration when I saw a small group of people down the road. This city was beginning to be a small quest, perhaps the first of many cities I have yet to discover. I was confident that if it weren’t for the cold weather I could easily be lost in a sea of inventions!

The five gentlemen seemed to be unloading some tools and supplies. One of the men made eye contact and gave a hearty greeting. The other followed suit as the first man asked if I required assistance. I couldn’t help but ask if he know of a place where I could find a bit of warmth. He began to describe a place by the name of the CocoaJava Café. It was clear that he'd noticed I was not a resident due to his detailed, yet colorful way of directions me to the quickest route.

He explained the wonders I would find on the remainder of the street, and made it clear that if I kept walking I would find the Cafe on the left side of the road. I was reminded of a place I called home years ago. Residents sharing history and details with a newcomer with explanations that would impress the very founders who had the vision. He encouraged me to follow that slippery, snow covered road and I would find myself at the Cafe.

My body temperature and urge to explore seemed to be having an endless silent debate. Unfortunately, because of that debate, all I could muster was a 'thank you' and 'have a good day' as I marched off into the distance along Academy Downs. His friends slipped into talk of plans to meet up later for a warm drink as I walked away. As their conversation became small, barely noticeable whispers, I knew I would be able to meet others and hopefully soon find some much needed work.

I walked a bit farther, taking in the engineering marvels near and far. I arrived at the Café and immediately walked in the direction of the fire blazing and took a knee. It wasn’t too long before I realized my body had won that debate over the urge to explore further. As my face and fingers began to lose that stiff feeling, a young woman spun me around with her polite hello. Her inquisitive nature was soothing and very welcomed. She asked if I had acquired a taste for the sweet cocoa offered. Due to my empty pocket, she continued to showcase the town spirit of generosity that assured me this was a place I could easily relax and settle into.

After I spent a few months on the open roads, and traveling between here and there, this was a welcomed experience. She gave me a small, but descriptive summary of the city, and called it New Babbage. As she left, I reflected on my short journey and I realized I had only spent twenty minutes in New Babbage. I couldn’t imagine what the next 20 minutes would bring…

To Be Continued…

Lost Chapters from the Great Classics

1/28/10  at 7:47 PM
It is true that many authors will write many drafts of the magnum opus before the volume finally passes into the hands of the general public. Thackeray may have written with the printer's boy hammering at the door for this month's copy (how different, how very different from the habits of the average scribe for The Primgraph!) but Dickens, it is well known, planned his novels in advance - although sometimes public taste and interest caused alterations in the plot: Walter Gay survived the shipwreck in Little Dorrit, and reading it now, it is hard for us to imagine a tale in which he was lost.

But what if that chapter where Walter's death was confirmed beyond any doubt did exist? What if other chapters existed, in which the characters and storylines of much-loved classics were shown to be radically different from the versions that eventually found publication?

What if, for example, great writers toyed with the idea of indulging popular tastes for the Gothic and the supernatural? What if it was only the firm blue pens of editors that sent them marching firmly down the respectable paths that led to the great works of literature we love and esteem today?

And what if The Primgraph were to find these Lost Chapters and present them to you, our dear readers?

We begin today the first on our new series of Lost Chapters wherein one of the volumes of Miss Louisa M Alcott's Little Women family saga has been ... restored by Mr Mako Kungfu.

Although Louisa M Alcott is today largely known for her family novels, such as Little Women, Good Wives and Little Men, her earlier works were of an altogether different order. Under the nom de plume of A M Barnard, she wrote passionate, fiery novels and sensational stories such as Behind a Mask and Pauline's Passion and Punishment. Written in a style which was wildly popular at the time, these works achieved immediate commercial success. But, like her heroine Jo March, she turned away from sensationalist fiction and instead became even more famous for the family chronicles written under her own name.

But what if, in writing her most famous work, her original intention had been to produce another of her highly successful sensationalist novels? What if her plans for the March sisters had been ... somewhat different?

Find out in the first of our Lost Chapters, coming soon in The Primgraph.

Extra! Extra! Saffia Widdershins Turns Three! Film At Eleven!

1/19/10  at 10:41 AM


There once was an Intrepid Editrix
Who knew how to readers transfix
Giving writers a voice
(like they had a choice)
She built empires of prims, not of bricks


A Happiest of rezzdays to Saffia Widdershins, from your loyal and loony staff at Prim Perfect, The Primgraph, Quest for the Golden Prim, and Designing Worlds!

Please join us in celebration of Saffia's third rezzday today at 4pm slt in the Ballroom at Edison Hypatia.

Gabrielle Riel of Radio Riel will provide the music! Don't miss your chance to wish Saffia all the best for the year ahead, and be sure to ask her that all-important question: "Do you have a quote for our readers at the Primgraph?"

Publisher intrepid was she
Sharing passion for worlds virtually
With a team on the grids
We do as she bids
To bring stories to you and to me.


(Limericks by Ceejay Writer and PJ Trenton. Blame no one else.)

Shirtless Against Breast Cancer - The Book!

1/18/10  at 6:52 PM
This year's Shirtless Against Breast Cancer campaign includes four calendars, yet there were many more submissions than could fit in these offerings, and some that might be a bit too much for a calendar displayed on a wall... so the collection includes a lovely book!

Two different cover options, but the same interiors, available from the vendors at all Consulate offices, in addition to Piermont Landing, Ruby's Pub, Ruby's II, Lotus of the Sea Gallery and CocoaJava Cafe in New Babbage, Steampunk Adventures in Winterfell, Tricia Aferdita Gallery and Exposure Gallery in Tabula rasa, Designing Worlds studio in Northpoint, Oliveto, the Primgraph offices in Caledon Glengarry, Velvel's Emporium in Steelhead Shanghai, Regent Theatre, Pneumatic Revolution Lounge, StratoGear Station and Steelbucks in Steeltopia, and the Victoriana Harbour train station.

The book is L$750, with all proceeds going to breastcancer.org, and will be available until August.

Children! January Aether Salon

1/16/10  at 11:22 AM
Sunday, January 17 at 2 pm slt
Babbage Palisade & Academy of Industry
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Palisade/254/60/106
and
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Academy%20of%20Industry/2/56/106


Those little darlings. The heirs to your throne. Washed and in their jammies, your children are true blessings.

You pause.

Is that smoke you smell?

You hear giggling and footsteps racing up to the nursery. Getting up from your easy chair you discover the little darlings have been playing with incendiaries again. Oh, the joys of parenthood!

What was it like to be a Victorian child? What is it like to play a child in Babbage? Miss Saffia Widdershins, Miss Myrtil Igaly, and Master Jimmy Branagh will show us the reality of childhood as well as the challenges (and rewards) of role playing a child in the Streamlands.

So no matter if you are a parent or childfree, you (okay, most of you) were most certainly once a child. Join us on January 17 to relive those lost years.


Jed, Viv & Sera
Aether Salon of Babbage

Valentine's Day Messages in the Primgraph

1/11/10  at 6:48 AM
Valentine's Day is coming ... Do you want to shout your love from the rooftops? Do you want to share a secret? You can do both with the special Valentine's feature in The Primgraph!

This month we will be publishing a special classified section - for YOUR Valentine's Day messages. You can tell your love in twenty words or - at the far end of the scale - book a double page spread. There's a size - and a price - to suit all pockets.

And there will be all the fun of reading ... and guessing ... And wondering who on earth could Snookles of Babbage or Sweetlips of Caledon really be ... Deadline for receiving your order is January 20th!



Snow Queen Masque Revelers Celebrate Twelfth Night

  at 5:59 AM


On a frosty magical night, gentlefolk gathered high above Caledon Rothesay to dance in the Snow Queen's forest. Revelers dressed in costumes waltzed away the evening to the musical styling of Gabrielle Riel of Radio Riel fame on Twelfth Night, this past January 5th, 2010. Ladies and gentlemen arrived from all over the grid to celebrate the ending of the holiday season.

Snow Duchess Eleanor Anderton greeted her guests amid the icy blue and silver trees with snow flurries and ice crystals showers.  Guests were given ballots to start writing down their favorite candidates for the best costumes.

Snow Queens danced with Russian Princes, Pirate Ladies whispered secrets to Magical Beasts, and Devilish Gentlemen waltzed with Fairy Ladies. Dressed in their winter finery the dancers circled in folk dance rings or slow waltzes in a fantasy land of snow and ice.

Excitement was high as the guests visited with friends and neighbors from around the Steamlands - Caledon, New Babbage, Winterfell, New Toulouse, Steelhead, Antiquity, Victorianna and more.  Guests started marking their ballots for Best Costumes in many categories.  Winners were announced at the end of the party as follows:

Devilish Gentleman - PJ Trenton
Dangerous Lady - Anna Darwinian
Winter Princess - Breezy Carver
Winter Prince - Starling Alecto
Magical Beast - Professor Heliotrope Lionheart
Magically Feathered - Autopilotpatty Poppy
Pirate Robber Gentleman - MadManinc Zapatero
Pirate Robber Lady - Serra Anansi
Heroine - Annechen Lowey
Hero - Baht McMahon
Bewitching Sorceress - Vulpine Eldrich
Enthralling Sorcerer - Bullpup Udal
Lord of Misrule in honor of Twelfth Night - Iason Hassanov
Snow Queen in honor of Twelfth Night - Elspeth Woolley

The party guests stayed on after the ending hour -  reluctant to leave the Snow Queen's forest at midnight.

Vote for Designing Worlds at the Streamy Awards!

1/10/10  at 6:41 AM
Designing Worlds - the TV show produced by Treet TV and Prim Perfect Productions, the company behind The Primgraph magazine, needs your help!

We are entering for the Streamy Awards, the first and most prestigious awards devoted to honouring excellence in web television.

The Streamy Awards identify and celebrate the pioneers laying the groundwork for a new and dynamic entertainment medium. The Streamy Awards ceremony brings together the top talent, decision-makers and influencers shaping online entertainment, and awards are presented for the past years’ best achievements in 35 categories spanning multiple disciplines. Currently in its second year, the Streamy Awards began as a grass-roots effort piloted by the leading minds in online entertainment and continues to share the spirt of rugged independence that drives creative expression online. The show is co-hosted by Tubefilter and NewTeeVee.

Reflecting the inherent openness of entertainment online, the Streamy Awards submissions process is free and and open to the public. We would like you to nominate Designing Worlds for one of these prestigious awards in the Best Reality or Documentary Web Series - and help us to raise the profile of virtual worlds - and the role of television within worlds such as Second Life.

Winners are selected by the International Academy of Web Television, an independent, member run not-for-profit organization representing a wide cross-section of online entertainment including actors, agents, composers, content developers, directors, journalists, producers, technology innovators and writers.

Please use the public voting system to vote for us - and other Treet shows. You can vote once a day - so you could give us repeat votes if you're feeling REALLY enthusiastic! Go to:

http://www.streamys.org/submit/public-submissions/
and vote:
Best Reality or Documentary Web Series
Designing Worlds
URL: http://designingworlds.tv


Other Treet shows are up for awards too! Please vote for:

Best Hosted Series
Tonight Live! with Paisley Beebe
http://archive.treet.tv/programs/tonight-live

Best Hosted Series
Fabulous Fashion with Angie Mornington
http://archive.treet.tv/programs/fabulous-fashion

Best Live Production
The First Question with Pooky Amsterdam and Hydra Shaftoe
http://archive.treet.tv/programs/1st-question

Lauren Live in the following categories:
Best Comedy - LaurenLive
Best Actress in a Comedy - Lauren Weyland
Best Director of a Comedy - Lauren Weyland
Best Writer of a Comedy - Lauren Weyland
URL http://archives.treet.tv/programs/lauren-live

Best Hosted Series - Meet an Author
Best Experimental Web Series - Meet an Author
http://archive.treet.tv/meet-author

Victorian Infographics!

1/9/10  at 5:53 AM
Jvstin Tomorrow here again.

I came across an interesting collection of Victorian Infographics, and I wanted to share it with you, gentle readers.

http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2009/12/victorian-infographics.html

Here you will find Victorian examples of everything from a map of New York to my favorite, a chart showing the relative sizes of mountains and lengths of rivers

They don't make them like this anymore!

Guy Richie's Sherlock Holmes

1/2/10  at 6:12 AM
This is your aetheric correspondent, Jvstin Tomorrow.

In the future, the late years of the first decade of the twenty first century will be seen as a time when Hollywood, both on TV and on the big screen, was obsessed with reboots. Not only remakes of well established franchises and universes, but reimaginings of those franchises and universes, taking often radically new approaches to those properties.

Battlestar Galactica. Star Trek (which is a reboot AND a sequel at the same time). Batman Begins. The Incredible Hulk. James Bond's Casino Royale. Doctor Who (which is a hybrid like Star Trek, too).

And, now, Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes, the creation of Arthur Conan Doyle is a character instantly recognizable to audiences of all ages. He has become part of our cultural DNA--the perfect logical detective. Basil Rathbone is considered to have done the definitive Holmes, but there are plenty of other models, imitations, and homages. Star Trek: The Next Generation did a couple of episodes with Data as Holmes; The Doctor Who episode The Talons of Weng-Chiang dress the Doctor up in a deerstalker hat. The movie Young Sherlock Holmes imagines Holmes and Watson first meeting as schoolage boys.

And, now, Guy Richie has brought us a reboot of Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams.

This Holmes IS the deductive detective that can piece together information from the tiniest of clues, much to the surprise of his opponents, but this Holmes is also extremely different. As you might expect from a Richie film, this Holmes is a pugilist of the first order, one who beats his opponents by careful pre-encounter planning in his head. We get to see, a couple of times, Holmes detail for the audience, in slow motion, just how, cleverly, he will beat his foe, and then, at regular speed, do it. This Holmes also seems to *enjoy* bare knuckled fighting for just the hell of it.

He's not a cocaine addict (perhaps that is not palatable in our heroes these days). His vice in this reboot is transferred to alcohol.

Watson in many Holmes adaptations is less an audience substitute and more of a bumbler (which is quite unlike the stories). Jude Law's Watson IS no bumbler. He tries to balance his attempts to get married with his complicated, bickering relationship with Holmes.He's fully competent, and in the skirmishes he and Holmes have with their foes, is as equally capable as Holmes in the physical arts.

The third corner of this movie is a supporting role from Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, who appears in one Holmes story (and I think mentioned in a couple of others) as the only person ever to beat Holmes. I wasn't completely convinced by her performance and script that she was *that* good, but she is no useless damsel in distress, either.

Despite it being a reboot, there are bits and pieces of the Holmes Canon. We even have Detective Lestrade, and (mild spoiler) a Moriarty in the Shadows. He's not the major focus of the plot, though. The plot, such as it is, involves a Victorian occultist trying to take power in England, and beyond, one seeming to have a supernatural advantage over our heroes.

Richie's trademark cinematic styles are in full force here, and the cinematography is very good. A lot of the film is dark, but not dark in the sense of being muddled. I was able to buy myself being transported to a Victorian London where Tower Bridge is being built (and a visual shout out to that turns out to be a Chekov's Gun for the finale).

For readers of the Primgraph, you might be wondering--is there any steampunky stuff in this movie? Well, dear readers, I can gleefully say: Yes! While the Doyle stories were never about Steampunk gadgetry, in this movie, the director has more than a touch of this. Strange chemistry experiments! Hidden guns! The power of Electricity used against their foes! And in the finale...ah, but that would be telling.

Sherlock Holmes is Holmes and Watson as scruffy Victorian Steampunk Secret Agents. James Bond, meet Sherlock Holmes.It's not the Holmes of old by a long shot, but its entertaining. I enjoyed it.