Steam Punk

Once thought to be just a literary genre, this look is growing in popularity from the more hardcore enthusiasts:



And finding its way into mainstream influence. Think: Beards, Granny Boots, Crochet, Heritage Brands (ie: Woolrich, Hunter Wellington, Levi’s 501s), Typewriters, Pocket Watches, DIY esthetic, Optimism about human potential, punk inspired anti-establishment thinking, spats, corsets, Victorian things, etc.

Check out Steam Punk Magazine

Check out this Steam Punk Wedding!




This is the officiant:


See all the pictures here.

Check out this crazy Steam Punk Guitar...





There is something very MadMax about this look visually, yet I can’t help but mentally draw correlation between Steampunks and the devolved humans made famous by Devo .

The thing most fascinating about this subcultural trend to me is its trickle into other subcultures, and then of course into more mainstream culture, as bits and pieces seem to be popping up in Alt-Country, Punk and Emo, as evidenced by the aforementioned beards, plaids and vintage work boots, etc. It is sure to find a mainstream audience in the coming years as in an era of mass consumerism (hit by recession) it’s an affordable, approrpriate cultural esthetic.

Now go make me a vintage lace corset, won't you?

Here's What I think You Should Do

In response to my previous post...

Ex-Masturbator

Today on gawker this video, featuring the tshirt emblazoned with the slogan "Ex-Masturbator" appeared. How could I not blog about this?

Unfortunately the embed function isn't working, so click here to watch...you really only need the first minute or so to get the idea. Avoid watching later when a woman admits she's never masturbated, you might find yourself saddened.

Questions:
1. Why would anyone want to be "free from masturbation"? It's free, it's fun, and it's harmless. I don't get it.
2. How exactly is masturbation "sexually immoral"? In the video we are told that whilst masturbating, you are "lusting", and I have heard that 'lust' is one of the seven deadly sins. However, I'd like to argue that the meaning lust must have been misconstrued. After all, isn't lusting for one's husband or wife ok? If so, it could be argued that lusting in certain scenarios is acceptable. Personally, I believe that lusting for oneself, as one is really doing while masturbating, should be given a pass.
3. Shouldn't Christians be encouraging masturbation as a way in which to help oneself hold out for marraige?
4. Why did God make it so easy if it is a sin? Sex is not nearly as easy or uncomplicated. I get why puritan spirits wish to stop that. But masturbation! Sigh.

I have so many issues with this, but there's part of me that wants to stay away from the issue. I don't want to insult moderate Christians, and I don't want to say that people's beliefs are wrong. I don't profess to know God personally, but its just that I feel that if something makes you feel good, and it doesn't hurt anyone, and it's natural, I'm not sure if God would really think it was a sin. I have a hard time believing God would be that evil.