Once I had a steampunk outfit put together, I wanted to accessorize.  While I’ve since imagined a few instruments appropriate for a Steampunk Scientist, the first gadget I made was a plasma pistol.

My ultimate inspiration was seeing a steampunked electric guitar on display a few years ago at Clockwork Alchemy, the San Jose steampunk con.  The guitar incorporated a small plasma globe into its design and I thought it the perfect piece of steampunk technology.  (Unfortunately, I can’t find a photo of this guitar on line, but if anyone knows its maker, please let me know and I’ll suitably recognize him/her.)

I remember when plasma globes were special enough that they were exhibits at science museums.  That I could incorporate one into one of my creations was too cool. Continue reading →

Since I wrote about how neither the idea or the ingredients in apple pie is particularly American, I think I should give equal time to the New World’s greatest contribution to civilization–chocolate!

Cacao pods
(Source: Wikipedia user Luisovalles (Own work))

I love that the genus of the chocolate tree is theobroma, literally “food of the gods”.

Sit down with a nice hot cup of cocoa or your favorite chocolate bar and read the interesting and informative article here.