Thinking About...Ada Lovelace

Today I was thinking about Lady Ada Lovelace, a fellow female of technology and a bit of a role model to me. I met her once during my travels with my adventurer-inventor father as a very young kitten and curled up nearby, listening to her theories about the latest this and that. The person she was talking to seemed rather bored, but I was enthralled. I am most sure that we would have gotten along rather swimmingly and her thoughts on my latest doom rays, automatons and mechanical wonders would have been much appreciated.

That Babbage on the other hand...I don't know how she dealt with him on a regular basis. I hope she had a doom ray on stun nearby to pop him when he became too insufferable.

What Does THAT Do?

While roaming Port Harbor today, I found a big red button saying "Do Not Touch" in The Redhead's lab. You would think, given the various and assorted things that I own that say that same thing, that I would know better...Oh my...RUN!!!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

'Tis the most wonderful time of year...for me, that is. Superstition and fear. Ghouls and monsters prowl the streets. Ahhh...it warms my heart. I thought I'd have a look around Steelhead and found a residual haunting taking place...
The words "Stay Out" have never particularly bothered me...I know an infestation when I see one...But the Elf had the blackest heart of us all...Back at the warehouse, I was having my own problems. Not only had my squiddy thing mutated again, but someone did not read the sign...or did they? I called The Elf and The Sheriff to investigate as something seems rather amiss here--even for me. My poor squiddy thing...
A Happy Halloween to you too?

to be continued...

Mason Labs Destroyed...FINALLY

There...is...a...BOLT...stuck...in...my...warehouse!!! The Elf came over and and we both looked upwards at the large piece sticking out of my smokestack. "That is...massive," he said. "That is one big nut." I must have inherited some of my father's love of crass humor as I could not help but laugh despite the fact that we were standing among rubble. He offered to remove it for me, as it is supposedly "active", but I said to leave it. I am a feline of science and this is a lab and warehouse--not an "oh-so-delightfully pretty" Victorian house...
The last time I saw Mason Labs, it was still intact. I had made a pact with them not to destroy it (or let my minions burn it to the ground) although sorely tempted to do so on many an occasion...
Last night I found it in ruins, the building's remnants smoldering......and its parts strewn across Steelhead Port Harbor from the force of the explosion...The Elf had told me that only the so-called "Jeremiah" had been injured. If he is a Mason as he claims, then he should be fine. Those Masons are quite a resilient lot. I had also inquired as to the canines in Miss Davies' Dog Park across from it. When told that they were fine despite the pieces in their midst, I could only say "Pity." When I went over to see for myself, some ran over to greet me. EW. I feel so dirty now.

A Building Contest

Hmm...it seems Steelhead is having a delightfully twisted take on a state fair blue ribbon contest: A Steampunk Build Contest for livestock, poultry and "other" animals!

I do believe I shall participate. I have until the 23rd to submit my entry. I suppose if others wish to participate as well, they need to let the Elf know before the 18th.

*cackles* Must get to work then! Where's my wrench?

To-Do List

I sat at the warehouse and thought about all of the things on my to-do list:

1. Reprimand minions
2. Use a minion as an example
3. Order new beakers
4. Get the doom ray out of the shop
5. Feed the squiddy thing
6. Write letter of demands to The Elf
7. Threaten my enemies
8. Threaten my friends
9. Assess lair for weaknesses
10. Reprimand minions if weaknesses are found
11. Invent a "fire extinguisher"

An evil genius' work is never done...

Hmm...Getting Better at This Full Moon Thing...

I think I am beginning to be getting a bit better at controlling this. Although my mind felt "swirly", I seemed to weather the werecat change more so than before...However, to be safe, I still barricaded myself in the warehouse last night to tough it out. We remember what happened last time...

Thinking About Vic Frankenstein...

I was thinking about Victor today. When he created his Monster, it was the culmination of years of what one could call obsessive research and experimentation in the obscure alchemical arts. He talked about it incessantly. "My creation" this and that. I would just politely sip my tea and nod. However, once made, the fool went and abandoned it, leaving the sentient creature wandering aimlessly with pretty much nothing better than to have alienation and revenge on its mind--eventually picking off Vic's loved ones one-by-one. When he sent me a letter saying he was going to the Arctic to deal with it once and for all, I could only shake my head. "My God man," I sent back by way of reply. "Some people should never be allowed to reproduce. Do pack warm clothes though, as I hear it is quite brisk there."

Happy Birthday Mr. Tesla

Happy birthday to Mr Nikola Tesla, innovative "mad scientist" and an inspiration to steampunks everywhere! This is an 1899 photo of him in his Colorado Springs laboratory...what wonderful sparks!

New Product Release: Mad Scientist Trash Bin

The refuse from those experiments has to go somewhere. In a solid metal bin. I'm sure other mad scientists and evil geniuses will agree. And don't worry...I have my own contractor who comes to take it away. In the meantime, it is filled with all sorts of miscellaneous things that I have created--some with full perms to be used in your own experiments, some not. If you peer inside, there is a glass coil, an Ehrlenmeyer flask, a radioactive glowing orb, a barrel, a crate of rubber gloves, a large cog, and a can of Krazy Kat Kibble. It comes with the empty bin and a display version with everything inside.

Taking Notes on Elven Experiments and Observations

Last week, I attended a salon in Babbage about the magickal creatures we know as fae/fey. I do find it interesting that two of the main Steamlands regions are governed by them--The Elf (Lunar) of Steelhead and Mayor Tenk of Babbage. Tenk seemed to be in a bubble. I kept looking at my claws and back at him, sorely tempted...
The Redhead (Tensai) was there to speak more about her experiments upon her husband to see what makes him tick. Now that's what I'm interested in! As a feline of science, I queried if there was a conflict between science and the magickal. She believes magick to be the sciences unexplained...I will tell you one thing--her examination ray is rather fantastic. I should like to get my paws upon one...

Yes, I Have a Theme Song: Skullcrusher Mountain by Jonathan Coulton

I am used to being on the receiving end of them, but I thought I'd brave the pitchforks and torches and attend the angry mob-themed dance last night in Steelhead. While there, Sheriff Fuzz played a favorite song of mine that many agreed was rather...appropriate:

The lyrics are rather spot on. Did he get ahold of my journal somehow?

Adventures in Babbage

Yesterday, I thought I would visit my minion Asrei in New Babbage and take a bit of a tour. Especially as much of the town seemed to be distracted by a soiree in the Vernian Sea. First, however, we thought we'd thoroughly look at the relatively new town hall there. We found its hydro-power system to be of much interest...Took a lift to the clocktower, where there was a small hammock. Just big enough for a gnome, I'd say. I noted the exits. Hmm...
While in the water-accessible basement, we examined the hydro-power source a bit further...
While walking along the pier, my minion's combustion weapon seemed to attract much attention from visitors and other looky-loos intrigued by its design. Asrei looked at me--as he was itching to burn something--and I nodded. He flipped a switch, pulled the trigger and whoosh! Ah, I do love fire so.
We even ran into a Babbage intelligence officer. I do prefer to stay under the radar, so it was good to not be a "person of interest"--at the moment. I must pay another visit to Babbage sometime soon. I find their citizens rather amusing.

Mayhem's a Comin'

Oh Steelhead, enjoy the peace and quiet while you can...

A New Package Arrives

I clapped my paws in glee as I prepared to open the large crate at the Port Harbor warehouse. Sometimes I arrange for items from past adventures and campaigns to be returned to me...I had it placed in Warehouse #1, as it is in need of repairs...If you are feeling a bit curious, then come through and have a look for yourself...

Obolensky vs Burton Steelhead Trial Recap

Miss Burton, the plaintiff, is a djinn who supposedly lost her powers......and blames the defendant, Doctor Obolensky, saying that one of his devices caused it to happen...
Doctor Mason was brought on as a witness and sworn in on a Torah, but having no body--wasn't allowed to be a witness. Did his own quack medicine and practices finally get the best of him?After a longwinded--and long in general--trial, Doctor O made quite the escape and Judge Broom found for the plaintiff, Miss Burton. I swear...what is the world coming to when we evil geniuses are to be dragged into the court like this?
Doctor O left his mark on the Town Hall roof. I, of course, believe that in Steelhead there can be only two evil geniuses...me, and The Redhead--who was not thrilled at all about either mark...
There was talk of his roaming the town in a giant crab. Oh, dear Bastet, did he have tock lobster envy or something? I do swear. I cleaned my claws and watched calmly as the townspeople ran about in a panic. I mean, after all...I think about levelling Steelhead on a regular basis, so this was merely amusing to me. If you feel like legal mumbojumbo, inappropriate leering, indignant old men, and other assorted crazinesses the trial transcript's available for your perusal.

2nd Annual Mad Scientist Convention!

I received this missive recently and I am most excited...

"Caledon Steam SkyCity is proud to present the SSC 2nd Annual Mad Scientist Convention - SSC ReAnimated
May 2nd, 2009; 3pm and 5pm SLT

Has your research turned to archaic subjects?
Do your formulae come from ancient tomes as much as from modern journals?
Are you meddling in things Man was not meant to know?
From Frankenstein to Tesla, and from Flamel to Herbert West, some scientists cannot leave well enough alone.

Join us on Saturday, May 2nd at 3pm for the Speed Building Contest, Avatar contest entries must be received by 4pm with winners announced during the Mad Scientist's ReAnimation Ball starting at 5pm. There will be two build contests with a grand prize in each category and a dance in the evening.

*Unnatural Creation Avatar - Building starts now, with judging on the day of the convention. Create an avatar from scratch. Is it a murderous robot? A living Construct? Did you summon Cthulhu from a test tube? Let your imagination run wild, and show us that science really can "open strange doors." Avatars will be judged on creativity, quality, and fit with the theme. No parts from other avatars - must be wholly your own creation. Judging between 3pm and 4pm SLT.

*Speed build- one hour, theme related to "weird science practices" will be announced at the start of the contest. Building starts at 3pm, and stops at 4pm. Judging will be based on quality, originality, and how well it fits with the announced theme.

Do not let the narrow-minded views of fools and stagnant academics hinder you. This is Science!"

Haaaa! Science INDEED! I won "Best Rant" last year. Hmm...I do hope to be able to participate.

The Primgraph Death Rays Article

Frau Annechen Lowey has written a rather amusing article about death rays in the first of her "Etiquette of the Steamlands" series for the Primgraph magazine that covers the historic sims. Although my usual idea of death ray etiquette is often "zap first, ask later" I found it a good read just the same.

Spring for an Evil Kitty

Ah, Spring. A time of renewal. Flowers and trees and sunshine and such. As I reclined on the grass in front of the Lab, such fanciful thoughts went through my mind...
The sky was a lovely shade of blue and it was easy to pick out shapes in the clouds: knives, beakers, severed feet and whatnot. I even saw someone flying by in their air vehicle...I shall have to remember not to touch that particular power line again. I suppose the twitching will stop soon...perhaps...

In Defense of Evil Geniuses...AND Lawyers

Doctor Obolensky was recently served papers in Babbage as it seems a lawsuit is being filed against him by Steelhead resident Miss Eugenia Burton. Seems she is a supernatural djinni who broke her ankle when she fell from a high height--her powers having failed upon her being allegedly affected by a reality enforcing device. Doctor O. has since replied to these charges, but it looks like he could possibly be brought to trial for this.

As an "evil" genius myself, I am watching this a bit as I have been known to create a few devices of dubious purpose myself. I could not help but to chuckle a bit at the Doctor's reply, as I did agree with quite a bit of it.

I am not too worried for Doctor O though. We "evil" geniuses get such a bad rap. One does not reach the overly ripe old age of 108 in our profession without having been there-done that a few times (or being exposed to some kind of chemical/rays). I can tell you from experience. A town got levelled once (or twice), killer tomatoes invaded a port village, what that green goo was and how that minion ended up "falling" overboard on my airship that time? How did all of that happen? No idea whatsoever. *whistles*

Say what you will about them, but for us mad scientist "evil" genius types, a good lawyer is priceless.