Quantum Levitation – YouTube
Stick with the video to the end, when he gets to the magnetic track. Your mind will be *blown.*
Author: dave-o
Landfill Harmonic: A Student’s Orchestra of Upcycled Instruments in Paraguay
Landfill Harmonic film teaser on Vimeo
Landfill Harmonic film teaser from Landfill Harmonic on Vimeo.
There’s lots to love in this documentary–much of it sort of predictable (the “universal” appeal of music dominated by dead white European men, the indomitable human spirit, silk-pursing the sow’s ears, blah blah blah)–and I’d be lying if I said those things didn’t tug-tug-tug at my heart’s single string, but I’d likewise be lying if I didn’t admit that what I love best is the way the form of the violin has been optimized to the materials they have at hand. All fingers crossed that this film permits itself a few digressions into the technical aspects of making violins from salvaged cooking oil cans.
The Next Big Things: Authors Tagging Authors
I was tagged last week to participate in this “Next Big Thing” mutual-admiration bloggy chain-letter thing, where-in authors give each other the opportunity to talk about their upcoming projects. Much thanks to Cindy Spencer Paper–who’s currently rounding out her latest paranormal romance, although I’m a little more familiar with her for putting lots of steam in the steampunk (for which she’s gotten great reviews and high accolades just recently). At any rate, here goes for me:
A–Proud Flesh. An audiobook of a novella length portion of this–“Tucker Teaches the Clockies to Copulate”–is also in the works right now.
A–I totally have to credit my pal and long-time collaborator Fritz Swanson, who first suggested the use of imported Chinese clockwork soldiers during America’s Long Civil War. This particular project is built around my novelette “Tucker Teaches the Clockies to Copulate” (first published in the Spring 2008 Paradox, and now available as a standalone ebook for Kindle and other formats). It concerns a clockie enclave outside of the town of Lost Creek, Utah Territory, and began as a riff on a Zuni Trickster story, “Teaching the Mudheads How to Copulate,” that I was writing as a joke to show Fritz. It sorta grew out of control, and here we are.
A–Steampunk, Lord have mercy on us all.
A–That’s tough, because the protagonist of the central story, Dickie Tucker, has been terribly disfigured. In terms of voice and mannerisms, I’ve always pictured someone like Nathan Fillion or a young Jeff Bridges. Maybe Alan Tudyk?
A–“Ne’erdowell crippled alcoholic Confederate veteran teaches clockwork battle androids to have sex; complications ensue.”
A–Undefined value. I’m currently unrepresented, and although I’ve published and self-published some of the stories that fit into Proud Flesh, I’m not eager to self-publish another whole book–just putting together the novella was a lot of work (fun, but still, a *lot* of work) and I have other freelance projects that have to take precedence.
A–I’ve been working on “Clockie America” stories since 2006. The first was published in 2008, and others have since appeared in Asimov’s and the anthology Steampunk II
A–Ouch. I’m gonna level with you; I haven’t seen folks working a relatively straight steampunk Old West *without* also having magical aspects (zombies, for example) or actually being SF (Firefly, I’m looking adoringly at you). Maybe something like Joe R. Landsdale’s short story “The Steam Man of the Prairie and the Dark Rider Get Down: A Dime Novel” is closest, both in universe and tone.
A–Really, it started with Fritz’s idea of these clockwork soldiers as Civil War era munitions, coupled with the Zuni mudheads, who are, mythologically speaking, an idiosyncratic sort of ritual clown distinct from other sacred fools. They really are like bumbling robots. Once those pieces clicked, the universe sorta bloomed on its own.
A–Well, the current ebook editions of “Tucker” have original illustrations by Chad Sell (of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” fame). If I end up self-publishing the Proud Flesh, then I’ll be getting more illustrations done by Chad, because I *love* what he did for this story, and he has *tons* of great sketches I couldn’t afford to include. If I’d had the money, this novella would have wound up being a goddamned dirty-as-hell picture book.
Also, despite only being published in a small zine originally, “Tucker Teaches the Clockies to Copulate” garnered a fair bit of positive attention: It reviewed really well, was nominated for a Nebula (although it didn’t make it to finalist), and was up for a few other awards that honor fiction dealing innovatively with race and ethnicity, including the Carl Brandon Society Kindred Award. So, you know, it isn’t all fist-fights and dirty sex.
Thanks much to Cindy Spencer Paper for pointing folks my way. Next up are Fritz Swanson, Morgan Johnson, Ben Stroud, Ray McDaniel, and Jim Munroe.
The Real Story is the Motor, not the Robot
This lil self-molding robot came out of a DARPA-funded project at MIT to build “programmable matter” (in a non-nanotech context free of grey goo risks). I keep seeing it hyped online as the first steps towards a real Transformer, which I guess is a neat link-bait hook, but no doubt leads to plenty of disappointed link-followers who click through only to see what amounts to a pretty slow robo-worm. But watch the video, because the legitimately exciting lede is getting buried: In order to build the worm these MIT poindexters had to invent a new kind of super-small gearless motor that holds its position even after power is removed, making for a sort of electromechanical e-ink. It’s a far cry from a Transformer, but really promising in construction, for example, where these tiny motors could control vents and blinds to regulate temperatures, controlling air flow and how much sun chines directly into a building, rather than clicking the HVAC off and on constantly to jockey the temperature.
(via The tiny transforming robot that can turn into (almost) anything – The Week)
STEAMPUNK III: Steampunk Revolution Launches Today! Features Fiction by Poor Mojo’s Giant Squid (as well as some humans)! #steampunk
We’re pleased as punch to note that today is the official launch (check out the cake!) of Steampunk Revolution–the third steampunk anthology edited by Ann VanderMeer (widely praised for the last two volumes in the series, as well as her past work for Weird Tales and on a slew of other anthos). This go ’round Ann is looking at the post-steampunk end of steampunk, the bits that push past the tight aesthetic focus on dirigibles, steam, brass goggles, and white people in Victorian England. According to Ann, breaking a genre’s most cherished conventions is about as punk as you can get, so that’s where this book aims to go.
Stories include an instructional tale for writers by our own Poor Mojo’s Giant Squid (written with an assist from Poor Mojo’s editors Morgan Johnson, David Erik Nelson, and Fritz Swanson), as well as fiction by Cherie Priest, Bruce Sterling, Jeffrey Ford, Lavie Tidhar, Jeff VanderMeer, and plenty more. Check it out:
For the squid-obsessed or steampunk-enthusiastic, I also have a different squid-themed story in the VanderMeer’s previous anthology Steampunk II: Steampunk Reloaded:
Does Cash Rule Everything Around Me?
Sorry for the late heads-up; we were traveling for Thanksgiving, and I’ve since had a congested baby (which is, bar none, the *worst* kind). At any rate, I continue to write a monthly column for the Ann Arbor Chronicle. This time around I talk about why I voted for Obama, how he expanded the electorate, if you can buy an election, and what we should maybe consider focusing on at the ballot box (*hint*: It isn’t just the economy).
The Ann Arbor Chronicle | In it for the Money: C.R.E.A.M.
. . .
Perhaps what’s most emblematic of the progress embodied by the Obama’s re-election is how he pulled it off. Often elections seem to focus almost exclusively on first solidifying support among the party faithful, and then with wooing “independents” (i.e., registered voters who show no party affiliation). What was extra-special about the Obama Campaign – and resulted in both a tidy majority in the popular vote and pretty stunning chunk of the Electoral College [5] – was how deeply it focused on expanding the electorate instead of wooing the independents. The campaign sought out citizens who were likely to support the president but had never voted before, and brought them into the conversation. From a marketing perspective, this is an entirely different activity from traditional campaigning, because you aren’t seeking to shift an existing behavior (“Buy Coke instead of Pepsi!”) but to create a new behavior (“Go to the gym instead of standing around drinking pop!”)
So, that’s one last nudge away from sanctioning bigotry and assisting persecution: Bringing the disenfranchised into the national conversation. I can think of nothing that better exemplifies what our democracy should be about than dropping millions of dollars on convincing people who don’t think their voice is valid or valuable that they need to join the conversation.
In the days following the election, as I heard both the Romney/Ryan campaign and Mitt Romney himself bemoaning – and even demonizing – this project of expanding the electorate, I was left to wonder what the hell country he thought we were living in. Just to review some basic American Civics: If you’re running for an elected position in a democracy and your opponent can rally more citizens who agree with his views than yours, it’s your views that are fucked up, not the People.
. . .
Perhaps what’s most emblematic of the progress embodied by the Obama’s re-election is how he pulled it off. Often elections seem to focus almost exclusively on first solidifying support among the party faithful, and then with wooing “independents” (i.e., registered voters who show no party affiliation). What was extra-special about the Obama Campaign – and resulted in both a tidy majority in the popular vote and pretty stunning chunk of the Electoral College [5] – was how deeply it focused on expanding the electorate instead of wooing the independents. The campaign sought out citizens who were likely to support the president but had never voted before, and brought them into the conversation. From a marketing perspective, this is an entirely different activity from traditional campaigning, because you aren’t seeking to shift an existing behavior (“Buy Coke instead of Pepsi!”) but to create a new behavior (“Go to the gym instead of standing around drinking pop!”)
So, that’s one last nudge away from sanctioning bigotry and assisting persecution: Bringing the disenfranchised into the national conversation. I can think of nothing that better exemplifies what our democracy should be about than dropping millions of dollars on convincing people who don’t think their voice is valid or valuable that they need to join the conversation.
In the days following the election, as I heard both the Romney/Ryan campaign and Mitt Romney himself bemoaning – and even demonizing – this project of expanding the electorate, I was left to wonder what the hell country he thought we were living in. Just to review some basic American Civics: If you’re running for an elected position in a democracy and your opponent can rally more citizens who agree with his views than yours, it’s your views that are fucked up, not the People.
. . .
Oh. My. GOD: IT’S *CYBER MONDAY*!!1!
I’m not really sure if Cyber Monday is still a thing or not, but the gift-buying season has clearly begun, and I’m still a guy who’s got stuff you might want to give to the Special Ones in your life.
SNIP, BURN, SOLDER, SHRED
As of this writing there are two (2!!!) copies of my geeky DIY book in the Amazon warehouse, but I’m told more will reach them soon–or you can buy directly from my publisher–use the coupon code SHRED and you’ll save 35 percent, bringing the paperback price down to meet Amazon’s. As a bonus, No Starch Press throws in DRM-free ebook version (including ePub, Kindle-ready mobi, and a super-slick PDF) for FREE. Want a personalized, autographed copy of the book? I can hook you up!
Amazon reviewers have scads of nice things to say about Snip, Burn–all of which please me beyond all proportion:
“A great book for parents looking for new ways to interact with their kids.”
“I highly recommend this book as I know you will also find some great projects to try out for yourself!”
“My husbands eyes lit up when he saw this book! He couldn’t get enough of it. ”
“Highly recommended by this high school music teacher. Great ideas for student projects or even at-home projects with your own kids.”
“I highly recommend this book as I know you will also find some great projects to try out for yourself!”
“My husbands eyes lit up when he saw this book! He couldn’t get enough of it. ”
“Highly recommended by this high school music teacher. Great ideas for student projects or even at-home projects with your own kids.”
“TUCKER TEACHES THE CLOCKIES TO COPULATE”
I’m not 100% sure you can even *give* a Kindle book as a gift; if you can, then you can give my celebrated steampunk novella.
“A hilarious and moving and filthy read. Highly recommended for people who like intelligent fiction that isn’t afraid to get dirty and weird at times.”
“Tucker is funny, and dense, and more than a little dark, and engaging, cover to cover. ”
“A fun and darkly funny story that’s also strangely poignant. Good whether you like steampunk or have no idea what the genre is. Read this one. You won’t regret it.”
“Tucker is funny, and dense, and more than a little dark, and engaging, cover to cover. ”
“A fun and darkly funny story that’s also strangely poignant. Good whether you like steampunk or have no idea what the genre is. Read this one. You won’t regret it.”
If Kindle-book giving is verboten by Amazon, I can go you one better: I’ll sell you DRM-Free ebooks in all popular formats or–for a premium–a limited edition, handmade print chapbook.
The illustrated ebook pack is the same as the Kindle version available through Amazon, but DRM-free, and in formats suitable for almost any device. Includes mobi, ePub, PDF (in several print-ready layouts), and digital extras(!!!) “Patrons” get an exclusive, handmade, signed and numbered print edition (like the one in the pic)! Details on Pick-What-You-Pay options
STEAMPUNK II: STEAMPUNK RELOADED and STEAMPUNK III: STEAMPUNK REVOLUTION
If you dig steampunk and *also* dig books *not* printed in some guy’s basement, check these out. (FYI, my story in Steampunk II, “The Bold Explorer in the Place Beyond,” is a prequel to “Tucker Teaches the Clockies to Copulate.”)
Nostalgia Hit and Non-Denominational Gift Giving Holiday Prep
Sorry for the long silent spell: family obligations, croupy babies, a big-deal election, and the kinda work that pays net 45 or better has kept me from my appointed rounds. In the meantime, a couple totally mundane updates.
First, nostalgia trip! My dad was cleaning out his home office and came across this little fella (as well as a smattering of very well-played with figures much the worse for wear):
{*squeeeeeee!*}
Also, I’ve begun Holiday Gift prep with two unbroken hours of zesting organic lemons (which also means I’m stocked up for Hot Lemonade and Bourbon Season–which is a much more narrowly recognized seasonal celebration mostly practiced within the confines of my home):
I’ll post the recipe some day soonish, since it’s easy (although a little time consuming), ripe for riffing, and the results make everyone *super happy*!
RECOMMENDED READING: Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike by Grant Peterson
Although this is framed as a manifesto by a former bike-racer-turned-designer/bike-populist, railing against what “racer mentality” has done to the otherwise universal American pastime of “riding bikes,” I’m *manically* recommending it to anyone who likes to pedal. It’s a great, great book: a quick, fun read composed of short, tightly focused practical articles. the book is *packed* with excellent advice on fitness, maintenance, bike fitting, and riding techniques. E.g., this was the first I’d heard about using your hips to assist cornering, and it’s *changed my life.* I disagree with him about helmets (since I started riding daily in a city full of drivers-from-elsewhere, I’m *deeply* committed to my relationship with my brain bucket), but his points about how to own a slightly larger slice of the road by giving the *impression* that you’re an incompetent rider has been revelatory.
I’ve never been tainted by the bike-racing headspace (I’m *waaaaaay* to lazy to be into competitive *anything*), but I read this book in a single day, and have been going back to it frequently since, applying Peterson’s tips to my bike, diet, and exercise regimen. Get a copy, read it, and keep it close at hand.
If there’s a whack-ass Yoda hat at the center of the Universe, then this is the point farthest from
A pal posted pics on Facebook of her two boys dressed as Luke Skywalker and Yoda. They looked *rad* as HELL, and I just basically freaked out, I loved the knitted Yoda hat so much. She obliged with the pattern she riffed on to make it, and I furnish that to you, here, now. Enjoy, my little yarn-crafters!
Ravelry: You Seek Yoda Hat pattern by Nancy Lutz
(thx, steph!)