Robert Owen developed a co-operative culture among the workers in his textile mill in New Lanark, Scotland, and attempted to implement his vision in New Harmony, Indiana. His ideals did not create a new society, but their impact is still …
Archive for the ‘Old-Timey’ Category
Chicago By Air
Nov
28
Fortunately, the Chicago Tribune did the work for me. The paper ran an article on aerial footage of Chicago from 1914.
The eight-minute film was preserved by the National Archives. The Trib gussied it up with compare and contrast …
The Sportsball Song
Oct
17
Being neither a patriot nor a sports fan, I’ve always wondered why people sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a game. As it turns out, they just like it.
The story has it that the melody for “The Star-Spangled Banner” came …
The Apache Dance
Oct
10
Picture a choreographed West Side Story Jets vs. Sharks rumble in late Belle Époque Paris and you have the Apache Dance.
Les Apaches were violent young gangsters with a sense of panache. Think of them in cap, neckerchief and a …
Cuphead: Devilish Deal Done
Sep
26
After years of delays, Cuphead the videogame that looks like a vintage 1930s cartoon comes out on September 29, 2017.
Imagine being able to play a surreal Max Fleischer cartoon. Cuphead, the animated star of the game, must pay …
A Pox on Tom Dooley
Mar
28
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
In the American murder ballad “Tom Dooley,” Tom’s hanging head takes on a different connotation when …
Build a Diddley Bow
Feb
28
It’s not difficult to build a diddley bow, or one-stringed guitar. I saw a video of Jack Black making and playing one and thought, “I want to do that!”
Here are the materials, most of which I picked up at …
Lockport’s Great Midwestern Ballyhoo
Sep
20
Lockport’s Great Midwestern Ballyhoo, their Summer Art Series, wraps up their third annual Steampunk Weekend on September 24th and 25th, 2016. There will be a music fest, high tea, popup shopping and a scavenger hunt.
The music fest features …
A Weekend to Remember!
Jul
28
The dance card for the weekend segueing July into August 2015 is booking up quickly! Just look at the itinerary of things to do.
Thursday July 30: Eli August and the Abandoned Buildings play Martyr’s with Spears & Gears and …
Mid-July Mirth
Jul
14
Heavens to Betsy! Have I failed to mention the games and activities that are available at the July Steampunk Tea Party?
The Geek Bar offers game rentals. There are $1 dice games, $1 card games and $2 board …
