EPBOT

There are several fairly well-known steampunk bands out there. I've heard a couple of them live before, and I have to say: they all really look fantastic. [diplomatic smile] The sound, however, is as hit-or-miss as any genre of music - and most of what I've heard falls more on the "punk" side of steampunk. I like a pretty diverse range of music, but - prepare to call me an old fogey - crashing noise and screaming just isn't my thing.

So today, I want to introduce you to a group that's a little...ok, a lot...different than any other steampunk band I've seen.

This is Steam Powered Giraffe, "A Musical Pantomime Troupe featuring robot imitation with song." Meaning they're robot mimes, who sing. Gotta love that.

Mime has gotten a bad rap over the years, but these guys put it to amazing use. In fact, their movements are so mesmerizing that you're instantly sucked in to the performance, whether the music is to your taste or not. Just watch Rabbit, the "robot" with the goggles. Amazing, right? As a former (amateur) mime myself, I'm awed by that kind of consistent skill.

Oh, and check out his awesome make-up:

And finally, a big thanks to Brie, the 13-year-old reader who first introduced me to SPG last year. (Yeah, that's right: I have 13-year-old readers. Check me out, being hip and cool with the next generation and stuff.)


John and I are on the road again this weekend, this time to a Renaissance Festival in Tampa. Stay tuned for pictures and tales of our dastardly medieval exploits, which I have no doubt will be MOST dastardly. ;)

If you're like me, you're probably guilty of buying more decorative wooden boxes and pretty trays than you know what to do with. A few years ago at Ross I found a lidless box in a leaf pattern that went perfectly with my India-themed bedroom - but I had no place to put it.

The space inside is perfect for perfumes and body sprays - and you get two shelves for the price of one box! (Mine was $4. Not too shabby.)





To do this yourself, just find a small wooden box or high-sided tray. Cut the box in half using a miter or jigsaw (or even a hacksaw, if you don't like power tools), and then attach heavy-duty picture-hanging hardware to the edges, like this:

Last Friday John and I made the 4.5 hour drive to Miami for the first-ever Miami Comic-Con. We did this because A) It seemed like a handy excuse to eat at our favorite Cuban restaurant, B) Ernie Hudson was going to be there and I wanted my Stay Puft signed by an actual Ghostbuster, and C) Con within driving distance! Heck yeah!

We stayed two nights, although the con really only had one afternoon's worth of entertainment. One really *great* afternoon, though.

My fellow Dragon*Con attendees will remember this lovely Morgan Le Fay from the past two years. I love her props; the armillary sphere lights up and spins.

Even better, we spotted her again the next day in this costume:








This was also near my favorite spot: the art. I have way more than I know what to do with at this point, but I still couldn't resist adding a few things:

That Animaniacs print was a LE of 10, and yet only cost $10. The artist even threw in a free head sketch of Brain. The adorable piggy Flash & Wonder Woman (aka Chester & Gretchen) is an original by Mike White, and came with the frame for only - no, really - $8. I had to restrain myself from buying all of his sketches; hit the link to see the others.

I also love artists' alley because it's fun to chat with and watch the artists at work:

This guy was especially impressive. Check out how he's resting his hand on that wooden stick to steady it; I've never seen anyone paint that way. [Edit: It's called a "mahl stick." Thx, commenters!]

The next day:



There were several excellent Star Wars costumes around, plus the R2D2 builders, but since I'd seen and photographed them all at the Star Wars Celebration I didn't bother tracking them down again. Here's a nicely weathered Storm Trooper, though:





She was the only female in full Ghostbuster gear, and she was rockin' cherry red Doc Martins with her costume:

I'm still working on my recap of the Miami Comic-Con, guys, but I had to share my favorite shot right away:


John and I happened upon this little Cinderella solemnly flipping through the pages of a book and showing them all to R2D2, who was responding enthusiastically with beeps and whirs. The few adults around were standing back to avoid disturbing the pair. After grinning madly at the cuteness for a moment, I silently asked her father (just behind her and out of frame) if I could take a picture. Then, when I quietly went down on one knee a few feet away, the little girl turned to look at me for just this one second before returning studiously to her task.


It was only after I downloaded the photos at home that I spotted Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar of Star Trek: TNG) in the background. And you know what? This is exactly why I love conventions. Where else can you find actors and fans, sci-fi and fantasy, and kids and adults all mashed together in one glorious melting pot of geekery?


More pics and goodies, coming soon!