Technology

Josef Ressel: the inventor of the propeller

March 27, 2012
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Josef Ressel: the inventor of the propeller

Josef Ludwig Franz Ressel was born on June 29th, 1793 in the Bohemian town of Chundrum. His mother was Marija Ana Konvichkova, a Czech, and his father Anton Hermann Ressel, a German. He came from a poor family that couldn’t sustain his studies at Vienna University, and for this reason he had to sustain himself (and even his family) with his works of calligraphy and drawings. One of his drawings was admired by Emperor Franz I who decided to pay for his studies in the newly founded Forestry Academy. Once finished, he became District Forester in Pleterje and later...

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Obtainium Works: A Grand Opening

March 18, 2012
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Obtainium Works: A Grand Opening

Mitchell Brand was on location at the Grand Opening of Obtainium Works this weekend. On his return from Vallejo, he stopped by my place and delivered the following report:  The Grand Opening of Obtainium Works took place on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, in Vallejo, California. A more fitting date could hardly have been found, and it is hoped that the Neverwas Haul Traveling Academy finds as much success in their new home as Saint Patrick did in his travels across the Emerald Isle. Like that saint of old, the Neverwas Haul founders and crew had a difficult time...

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Pop that cork with some Steampunk

March 13, 2012
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For all you vino enthusiasts out there, here’s a nifty little invention. You may need to commandeer a sideboard or two if you plan to bring it to a party, but what an impression you’ll make on your host, eh?

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‘Adopt-a-locomotive’ helps old Polish engines build up steam

February 28, 2012
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‘Adopt-a-locomotive’ helps old Polish engines build up steam

‘Adopt-a-locomotive’ helps old Polish engines build up steam (via AFP) Inch by grimy inch, a group of volunteers at a Polish railway museum is scraping away at decades of rust and soot to restore old locomotives to their former glory. Their enthusiasm for steam doesn’t stop with the painstaking labour. Several of the volunteers are happy to pay 400 euros ($500) to “adopt…

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Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Steampunk in Your Life

December 16, 2011
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Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Steampunk in Your Life

Have you been wondering what to get for the special Steampunk in your life this holiday season? Here’s a top ten list of gift ideas that will make you the best Santa ever. 10. Sucker Punch Blue ray Zack Snyder’s action-fantasy film takes on a uniquely Steampunk aesthetic and will be a welcome addition to any movie collection. The story follows a young girl nicknamed “Babydoll” who is held captive in an asylum by her evil stepfather. In order to survive, Babydoll uses fantasy to plan an escape from the institution. The visually stunning fantasy sequences all have a...

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Library of Classics
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