26/05/2011

On Moralizing and Patronizing

Two giant men patronizing a regular man who shrugs at them.

For my first movie review I decided to write about Steamboy, thinking it would be easy. However I found myself writing a long review, and half of it was about the blatant moralizing in the story. Now don't get me wrong, I think books or movies with a moral or lesson are better than a mindless action movie or adventure book. Call them a book or movie with a reason.

However there's a right way and a wrong way of moralizing a story, and

24/05/2011

Steamboy Director's Cut (2004)

Steamboy Director's Cut Poster

Synopsis
Ray Steam is a boy inventor who lives in Victorian Era England. His grandfather sends him a parcel containing a device called a Steam Ball, and instructions to keep it safe. The O’Hara Foundation sends two thugs to retrieve the Steam Ball, however Ray escapes with it, and the chase is on. Soon Ray is caught in a conflict between forces trying to gain control of the Steam Ball’s enormous power.

20/05/2011

Jack the Ripper: Scotland Yard is fighting to keep 123 year old files secret


Period cartoon showing police finding one of Jack the Ripper's victims

Jack the Ripper is the name given to an unidentified serial killer who murdered female prostitutes in the Whitechapel district in London's East End in 1888. He slit their throats and mutilated their abdomens. He removed internal organs from at least three of his victims. The killer was also known as 'Leather Apron' and 'The Whitechapel Murderer'.

15/05/2011

Parliament vs Monarchy

Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament

This is my first historical article about the Victorian Era. I believe if I am to write a Steampunk novel based in Victorian Era Britain, I have to understand life back then. Their culture, politics, and technology. During my research I learned many interesting facts, and I'd like to share them with you.

By the time of Queen Victoria, the British Monarch was already a figurehead, and Parliament held legislative power. Ever wondered how the power transfer from Monarchy to Parliament happened?

10/05/2011

Introduction

Nicholas L. Garvery
Hello everybody,

I'm Nicholas L. Garvery and I'm an aspiring Steampunk mystery thriller author.

From a young age I always loved reading books. I remember staying up late at night reading, then finding it very hard to wake up for school in