The Renaissance's topics - tribe.net

X-POST online archive of Scotland's Parliamentary activities 13th - 18th cent.

April — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:23:06 GMT

Published Date: 11 May 2008 By Jeremy Watson

FUEL shortages dog the country and MSPs face scandals over expenses and falling standards.
Tolls over the Firth of Forth are a major issue and worries over health, education and the environment get a constant airing. Money concerns beset the electorate and politicians are urged to act. Excessive intake of alcohol is a rising cause for concern.

Welcome to the Scottish Parliament – hundreds of years ago.

The first ever complete online archive of Scotland's Parliamentary activities between the 13th and 18th centuries will be published this week and it reveals that little has changed in the nation's affairs over the past 300 years. A small army of researchers, led by Keith Brown, professor of Scottish history at St Andrews University, has spent the past 11 years turning 16.5 million words covering meetings, minutes and legislative acts discussed by the old Scottish parliaments into an easily-accessible online archive.

They found that Mary, Queen of Scots was so concerned about the kind of fuel shortages that threatened Scotland's economy just two weeks ago that in 1563 she outlawed the export of coal.

To reduce the physical risk of injury when heated debates broke out in the Parliamentary chamber, the only weapon that MSPs were allowed to take into the building was a sword, the documents record.

To curb excessive drinking, those found in public houses after 10pm could be subjected to corporal punishment or fined, according to a 1617 law.

The £1m project was sanctioned by the then Conservative Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Forsyth, as one of his last acts in office, with the aim of producing a new version of the obsolete 19th century printed edition of pre-Union Parliamentary proceedings in Scotland.

The work, The Records of the Parliaments of Scotland, which will be launched by deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this week, provides a fascinating glimpse of life in Scotland and also shows that many of the issues concerning the 2008 Holyrood Government are not exclusive to the 21st century.

Brown said: "Arguably, human nature doesn't change that much and neither do institutions. The make up of the chamber may have been very different, with all wealthy men, no women and no ethnic minorities, but many of the preoccupations were not that much different to those of today."

Scholars attempted a similar exercise in the 19th century in a project that produced a series of bound volumes between 1814 and 1875. But the new version has added records of meetings in a missing 60-year stretch in the 16th century as well as Parliamentary and committee minutes not previously published.

Brown said: "When you think the last version took more than half a century and ours 11 years then we didn't do badly but, of course, they did not have access to modern technology."

There were hurdles to overcome, including translating documents from Latin, French and Old Scots to modern English and running out of funds.

"We started under the Conservatives, got more support from Labour and finished the work under the Scottish National Party," Brown said. "That shows what all-round support there has been for a project that will help students and the public to understand our nation for many years to come."

PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS

Debates in Parliament could often become heated, as opposing parties engaged in arguments and squabbles that would be familiar to today's MSPs. In response to what was thought to be a decline in standards, Parliament passed a series of acts setting out appropriate behaviour. One article decreed that the only weapons allowed within the chamber were to be members' swords. To curb verbal personal attacks, and for "eschewing of contest and hate", speakers were ordered to direct their comments to be members' swords. To president of Parliament or lord chancellor (equivalent to today's Presiding Officer or Speaker) rather than individual members.

TRANSPORT

The state of the highways was a constant concern, given these were vital for trade and general travelling throughout the country. In 1669, the repair of the country's roads was contracted out to parishioners themselves, who were to meet after church on Sunday suitably equipped with picks and shovels. Each parishioner was to work on the roads no more than six days per year, always outwith sowing and harvest time when manual labour was at a premium.

HEALTH

DISEASE was often rampant in Scotland's major towns. Plague was the most feared, and Parliament itself was forced in 1645 to decant to St Andrews because of an outbreak in its traditional home of Edinburgh.

Bo'ness was effectively locked down in 1645 due to the danger of the disease spreading beyond its bounds, and any infected person who attempted to leave was ordered to be shot and killed.

Basic environmental health legislation was passed by Parliament to stop the spread of disease.

Edinburgh was described as "a puddle of filth and filthiness" in 1621 due to candle-makers openly burning their tallow and "corrupting the air" and by butchers disposing of refuse in the public highway.

ALCOHOL ABUSE

Excessive drinkers and "haunters of taverns" were legislated against by a series of 17th century acts. Those found in public houses after 10pm were to be subject to corporal punishment or imprisonment.

CRIME

Parliament had important judicial functions, especially before the Court of Session was founded in 1532.

The gathered estates could pronounce judgment on the most minor cases of theft right up to treason, for which it had particular responsibility.

It was a court like the House of Lords today and corporal punishment was often favoured, even for seemingly trifling transgressions.

Blasphemers, for example, could face a spell in the stocks or the 'jougs' – a hinged collar attached to the neck and chained to a post, often situated in a busy public thoroughfare for maximum humiliation. The wearing of sackcloth was also ordered in 1695 as a public display of penitence for those who transgressed strict church laws. Beggars, especially, could face particularly harsh punishment if they were found wandering unlawfully from parish to parish.

The penalty for those apprehended included that their "ears be nailed to the tron or to another tree and their ears cut off and banished from the country".

EDUCATION

THE first education act, which was passed in 1496, allowed the sons of wealthy landowners to be educated from the age of eight. The quality of teachers was addressed in 1567, with each to be assessed for competence by the Kirk. In the mid-17th century, parliament legislated for the founding of a school in every parish, with parishioners supplying the cost of the schoolhouse and the teacher's salary. A primitive kind of PTA/school board was to be set up to ensure that this was done.

CREDIT CRUNCH

Monetary worries afflicted 16th-century consumers as much as those of today. In the late 16th century, Parliament acted to limit the interest on the lending of money to 10%, since "exorbitant and immoderate interest" had been "the cause of the ruin and decay of many".

Profiting at a rate higher than this was decreed to be an actual sin "not tolerable in a reformed and Christian commonwealth".

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental concerns were frequently addressed by parliament, even if the impetus behind such acts was preserving species for hunting and food. Many acts were made forbidding destruction of habitats, including burning of moorland, felling of young trees and cropping of broom. Legislation was also passed against the poaching of rabbits, bees and their hives, pigeons and fish from others' land.

FUEL SHORTAGES

An act passed by parliament in the reign of Mary Queen of Scots (1563) records a "most exorbitant dearth and scantness of fuel" within Scotland, because coal was commonly used in empty ships for ballast. The act outlawed any export of coal beyond that to be used for fire in the ship's voyage. It was, however, ineffectual. In 1609, James VI reissued the earlier act passed in his mother's reign, stating that through excessive exports coal had risen to "an extraordinary dearth and price and by all appearance the whole coal within this kingdom shall in a very short time be wanted and consumed, to the great hurt and prejudice of the whole estate".

PARLIAMENTARY EXPENSES

Parliamentary representatives prior to 1707 were, like their equivalent today, entitled to claim expenses for any outlay incurred while attending a session.

An act of 1428 ordered commissioners' expenses to be paid by the shires that sent them. The cost of ceremonial dress (specifically foot-mantles of velvet, a kind of long cloak worn while mounted on horseback) for the riding of Parliament procession was also to be met by constituents.

In 1633, after complaints that constituents weren't paying up because they were unsure of a reasonable amount, the Scottish privy council ordered that, for the forthcoming Parliament, each commissioner should have a lump sum of 300 merks, the equivalent of £16.67, roughly £2,170 in today's money, for general expenses.

A NEW PARLIAMENT

Before the early 17th century, Parliament traditionally met in the Old Tolbooth, which stood near the north-west corner of Parliament Square in Edinburgh. But the increase in numbers called out for a purpose-built venue, and in 1632 Charles I ordered the city to build a new chamber. Similar to its modern counterpart, this Parliament House (located near St Giles' Cathedral) was over-budget and behind schedule when it held its first meeting in 1639.

TOLLS OVER RIVERS FORTH AND TAY

The issue of tolls over the rivers Forth and Tay was controversial, although it was rates for ferries rather than bridges that parliament investigated. Profiteering was a problem even in the 15th century. An act of James III (1474) decreed the individual personal fare could be no more than two pennies for people and six pennies for animals.

A later act of Mary Queen of Scots (1552) stated that the excessive tolls imposed by the ferrymen of Queensferry, Kinghorn and Dundee were a 'great and heavy oppression' on the country. Tolls were therefore to be reduced.

The full article contains 1684 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

* Last Updated: 10 May 2008 10:53 PM
* Source: Scotland On Sunday

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Attention All renaissance Enthusiast

Quixote — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:18:45 GMT

St. Brides-- Army of Dalkieth Invites all those interested in the real living history of the Renaissance time period to attend the premier Northern California Event.......

Action in the Low Countries------ The School of the Renaissance Soldier. April 4-6th
At Gibson Ranch State Park in Sacramento CA

This event last year had a battle contingent of 141 persons.....

We are expecting this number to double this year.......

At What event can you experience a Renaissance style Battle with over 200 soldier wielding pike----- holding off 30 cavalry--- Black powder matchlocks blazing and Cannons booming?

This event is becoming the ultimate destination as Re-enactment Soldiers from all over the Nation are coming to attend and participate in this annual spectacular event.......

Persons who consider themselves Military oriented should heavily consider attending this Workshop in order to knock the dust off their boots and prepare for the up coming season....

With a literal City of period pavilions and tents, sutlers, cooks, vendors, musicians--- This event is quickly becoming the best opportunity for the Renaissance Faire Society (in general) to participate in a great educational and yet highly entertaining event.

Please contact me with any Questions @ Halcyoninc@aol.com for more information............. or go to you can find the website here www.renaissancesoldier.com

Looking forward to seeing you there!!!!!!!

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

goddess ren faire dresses and gowns. . .

7synergy — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:09:16 GMT

www.gaiaclothing.com

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Services for Ken Wiepert - Lord Iain MacIain

DameKaitlyn — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:52:07 GMT

A memorial service with military honors will be held for Ken Wiepert on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 11am.
Location:
Napa Masonic Memorial Center
4125 Solano Avenue
Napa, CA 94558

Flowers may be sent to Ken's granddaughter and will be brought to the location by the family. Please send them to:

Kenneth Dale Wiepert
c/o Marissa Knapp
2016 West Pueblo Ave.
Napa, CA 94558

There will be a potluck reception immediately following so please feel free to bring a food item if you so choose. The family will be keeping us posted on the program.

Should you have any questions, please contact Tim or I at 925-830-5118 or email TJConsult@aol.com

Thank you and we look forward to sharing many happy memories with you all.
Tim and Deanna Jesus

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Garb Liquidation sale

priestesstasha — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:37:04 GMT

Im liquidating my pre-made stock before I venture out to attend The Pennsic War on july 27th (gone untill the 13th)

I have many auctions listed and more being listed this week

Many items available
Childs Skirts, Tunics, & Pants
Chemises, Baloon Pants, Vests

Most Auctions starting under 10.00
Save more with slightly imprefect or slightly damaged items starting @ .99 cents

All items purchased and payment cleared before or by july 25th will be shiped priority mail no later then the 26th.

Most items ship within 48 hours of payment clearing and will be shipped via priority mail (2-3 days)

Custom items are still available for purchase, but will have 2 weeks added to the creation time to compensate for my time away

Check out my Ebay store
http://stores.ebay.com/Mystical-Moon-Treasure-Chest

Or go straight to my sale and discount section to see all my auctions
http://stores.ebay.com/Mystical-Moon-Treasure-Chest_sale-discount-items_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ3111517QQftidZ2QQtZkm

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Utah Ren Faire 2 weeks before Burning Man

Bevan — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:47:37 GMT

sorry about the multiple postings. I feel very strongly about this and have 10 days to produce results...

Aug. 13th to the 18th
So send this link to any one that might be interested in participating.

http://web.mac.com/ibevan/iWeb/Site/Home.html

Hear is a quote from the sight.

"Merging the class and elegance of a Renaissance Faire with
the freshness of a Fairy Festival and the chaos of a Burning Man event, into one..."

“I realize the word ‘change’ is terrifying to the old school faire folk, but this production company is going to let the market decide what direction the faire goes in.
If the consumer wants a mob of cheerleaders that appear to be off the set of a “Road Warrior” movie, running through the faire dancing up a storm, creating the illusion that a mob of patrons have taken over the faire. Followed by a similarly attired marching band playing a very hip march with a back beat that you can’t help but want to swing to... then that’s what we’ll give them..!”

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Ren Recycling

skirblah — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 21:14:30 GMT

Howdy, any Northern California ren groups rerigging their structures this winter?

I'm looking for old ropes to recycle into an art project, ropes that are no longer usable for tents/pavilions would be perfect for this venture, so if you have or know of any, please PM me.

Thanks
Peace

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Renaissance Swordsmanship

MichaelKwiatkowski — Sat, 04 Sep 2004 14:38:11 GMT

I just picked up the book by John Clements, who also wrote "Medieval Swordsmanship." LOTS of very good info in there. Both books are worth having for your collection.

posted in The Renaissance - 3 replies

Description Of Elizabethan England

normanb — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 18:00:48 GMT

In searching for something else I ran across “Description Of Elizabethan England“ by William Harrison <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1577harrison-england.html>.

As it was published in 1577 I think it is fairly accurate. The chapters are:

Chapter I: Of Degrees Of People In The Commonwealth Of Elizabethan England
Chapter II: Of Cities And Towns In England
Chapter III: Of Gardens And Orchards
Chapter IV: Of Fairs And Markets
Chapter V: Of The Ancient And Present Estate Of The Church Of England
Chapter VI: Of The Food And Diet Of The English
Chapter VII: Of Our Apparel And Attire
Chapter VIII: Of The Manner Of Building And Furniture Of Our Houses
Chapter IX: Of Provision Made For The Poor
Chapter X: Of The Air And Soil And Commodities Of This Island
Chapter XI: Of Sundry Minerals And Metals
Chapter XII: Of Cattle Kept For Profit
Chapter XIII: Of Wild And Tame Fowls
Chapter XIV: Of Savage Beasts And Vermin
Chapter XV: Of Our English Dogs And Their Qualities
Chapter XVI: Of The Navy Of England
Chapter XVII: Of Sundry Kinds Of Punishment Appointed For Offenders
Chapter XVIII: Of Universities

The first chapter starts “We in England, divide our people commonly into four sorts, as gentlemen, citizens or burgesses, yeomen, and artificers or labourers. Of gentlemen the first and chief (next the king) be the prince, dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons; and these are called gentlemen of the greater sort, or (as our common usage of speech is) lords and noblemen: and next unto them be knights, esquires, and, last of all, they that are simply called gentlemen. So that in effect our gentlemen are divided into their conditions, whereof in this chapter I will make particular rehearsal.”

I think folks will find it interesting reading.

posted in The Renaissance - 1 reply

Non-Profit Childrens Educational Falconry Program needs IMMEDIATE Help!

Brian — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 07:04:32 GMT

About Us-

Well met and welcome to Falcons' Court. We are a nonprofit, educational company, based in California. We specialize in bringing history to life, by presenting our magnificent birds of prey to schools and libraries across the state, introducing the 'Sport of Kings' to both children and adults. We perform in period dress and manner, teaching something of falconry, and of the birds themselves. You may have seen us at the Renaissance Faire.

Most children never get to see an owl, hawk, or falcon up close, or to watch as a hawk flies inches above their heads. Looking into the eyes of these noble predators helps to instill a sense of reverence for our common environment, and a respect which we owe to all creatures with whom we share this fragile planet. May your Life be Graced with the wonder of wings!

We Need Your Help-

We need to raise money to keep this program alive. We are long running (10 years), and hope to preserve this program for the sake of the children, who love our programs more than any other.

We have our business plan available, and are willing to negotiate to save our organisation.

Please contact us as soon as possible, as we are approaching the end of our means to keep this magnificent educational program alive.

Brian K. Eddy
Falcons Court
falcons_court@comcast.net

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Let it be 1520 again!

duaneborleans — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 03:45:35 GMT

Well if all goes well the Renaissance as it was will come back and undo the 21st century.

posted in The Renaissance - 112 replies

Jousting: Then and Now

Melodious — Fri, 05 May 2006 19:22:07 GMT

In the spirit of moving on, I'm posting a new topic. I realize that jousting was more medieval than Renaissance, but jousting still existed in the Renaissance (albeit for "show" purposes), so I hope my post is relevant here.

I may be writing an article in the near future about jousting reenactors, with a particular focus on the horses. Can anyone recommend good sources for this? I'm looking for primary and secondary sources about medieval/Renaissance jousting and the horses used for it, as well as sources (like websites) about modern jousting reenactors.

Thanks!

posted in The Renaissance - 3 replies

RenTV time is here

Bevan — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 05:48:46 GMT

http://web.mac.com/ibevan/

posted in The Renaissance - 1 reply

Ren-Faires?

eric_c — Fri, 12 Mar 2004 17:41:40 GMT

Does anyone here participate in local Renaissance Faires? That's what got me hooked on the whole history thing.

posted in The Renaissance - 48 replies

Renaissance groups in Long Island, NY ??????

Tuff_E_Knuff — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 18:48:34 GMT

I would appreciate it if someone could direct me to some groups in Long Island NY or NYC. I don't know why it's so hard to track them down on the web.
Thanks

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Malagentia

purplerendor — Sun, 18 Dec 2005 05:35:01 GMT

I would like to invite any and all to stop by and chat and join this new tribe please and thank you
http://tribes.tribe.net/provinceofmalagentia

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Looking for Spanish Ren links

Diego — Wed, 23 Nov 2005 12:40:33 GMT

I'm looking for online information on Spain during the Renaissance. Specifically information on daily life, social structure, and fashion.

The search engines I've used have returned stuff mostly on Art History and Architecture.

posted in The Renaissance - 1 reply

Costume display and rating site

amiperiodornot — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 16:35:50 GMT

Like to show off your costumes? Like to see other costumes? Like to discuss and review costumes? Try this site:

www.costumerating.com

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Hail Landsknecht!

Landsknecht — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 05:46:11 GMT

I am a Eberhauer Landsknecht from the Kingdom of Atenveldt. I am very new to Tribe, and since I have been here, I have found a great meny tribes to join. I am amused by some of them and amazed at others. The SCA has been called my home for about 9 years now. My first Estrella war was Estrella war 12. Every year it gets bigger and better, and every year we get stronger and more structured as a Hardsute Fighting Unit. My name is Lord Wilhelm Gebauer von Stadt Konigsberg. I thank you for letting me join your tribe, and I hope I can make some new friends here. I have found my home in the SCA Tribes. Until we cross paths at war, Blesseed be and Hail Landsknecht!

posted in The Renaissance - 2 replies

greenfire invitation

Thu, 19 May 2005 16:09:53 GMT

We are sending the below invitation to Tribe members and we would love it if you could forward it to all your friends and tribes as well - Green Fire's main website is now ready for some serious migration....

In Lake'ch
Darlene Loyd

Greetings Earth Stewards, Kin and Tribe

You are invited to bring your torch of vision to the website of Green Fire - 7 Generations Ministry - a non-denominational ministry based on the principles of Deep Ecology and the Earth Charter that functions within the framework of the Mayan Sacred Tzolkin Calendar. www.greenfireministry.org

Green Fire is in strategic alliance with great organizations like the Bioneers, Alliance for Sustainability and the Earth Charter Initiative.

Do you have a vision you would like to see developed into a project that could receive funding from your new Green Fire church? Check out our programs at www.greenfireministry.org/Programs.htm

Got little children you are stewarding? Check out the Earth Scouts in our Children’s Program www.greenfireministry.org/earth...ts.htm and join our Troop 13:20 for the annual World Wildlife Fund Pennies for the Planet campaign and other great activities that we are developing www.greenfireministry.org/troop1320.htm

Would you like to learn about the Mayan Calendar? Check out our ever growing Mayan Zone www.greenfireministry.org/mayazone.htm

Participate in helping to save the rainforests of South America www.greenfireministry.org/ERamazon.htm or develop projects that can be funded through the church in our Earth Relief Program www.greenfireministry.org/ERProgram.htm

Join the new sacred “Order of the Treekeepers” and commit to the full moon lunar giving to the Trees www.greenfireministry.org/treek...rs.htm or develop your own Circle within the sanctuary of Green Fire www.greenfireministry.org/gfcircles.htm

Become a member now – you need only be a person devoted to a peaceful existence and a healthy planet to join – no membership fees but you are free to donate at any time to keep the fires burning. www.greenfireministry.org/membership.htm The website is under constant development and we are working on making it more navigation friendly. Please introduce yourself in our forums and feel free to start a string or request a special category you would like to see developed…..

Forward this email to all your tribe/friends/family and help co-create this exciting and visionary new spherically structured ministry.

In Lake’ch (Mayan = “I am another you”)

Rev. Lewie Pell – Pastor
Rev. Darlene Loyd – Founder/President
Rev. Dennis FourWinds – Co-Founder/Vice President
Rev. Micah Green – Founder
Rev. Cat O’Shenachie – Treasurer
Rev. Prema Joy Dancing – Secretary
Rev. Davi’d Crooker – Co-Founder
Charlie Logan – Director
Lisa Oliveri – Director/Project Administrator
Lance Brown – Director
Rick Korosteshevsky – Director/Project Administrator
Kevin Hoeke - Director

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Scarborough Faire question?

*Kelly* — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 18:47:42 GMT

Hey guys! I am going to the Scarborough, TX faire for the first time on opening day!!! I'm driving in from Chicago!
I was wondering if anyone had links to some pics from this faire so I can check out the garb? I'm not too sure how Tudor everyone really is... maybe some opinions, reviews on the faire, so I can get an idea of it? Anyhing would make me happy. :-)

posted in The Renaissance - 5 replies

Florence and Renaissance...

Swanahilt — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 15:55:51 GMT

Hi..I'm new here. I live in Florence going to art school for painting....I'll learn how to make my own paints and the way the old masters painted..(well..I still have to wait maybe another year befor I'm painting..still trying to get better at drawing)

Since some of you probebly know more about the Medici family and Florentine Renaissance more then I do...what are some good things so read..or what should I check out over here?

I want to make my own Renaissance outfit and do some paintings of Renaissance times..

I will probebly be asking more questions on here once I start painting my own stuff..

One day I will be looking for intresting people to model in pierod correct Renaissance clothes...but that wont be for a few years....maybe I'll paint one of you....we'll see.

ciao
-girlinFlorence

posted in The Renaissance - 12 replies

Welcome me, for I have joined this tribe!

MichaelKwiatkowski — Thu, 11 Mar 2004 22:16:33 GMT

I'm very much into history, and I decided to join a number of tribes devoted to various aspects of it today. I'm also part of the Medieval tribe, which is a cool one to check out if you haven't done that already.

So, who are the other members of this tribe, that I may get to know you all?

posted in The Renaissance - 24 replies

New Tribe - Viola da Gamba

aethera — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 10:57:31 GMT

Hi, all - I just created a tribe for the viola da gamba, a Renaissance precursor to the guitar and the modern orchestral string family. It's a gorgeous instrument experiencing a gradual revival. Please drop by to learn more about the instrument, swap CD recommendations, buy/sell instruments, form a consort, or just go along for the ride! The composer of the week is Marin Marais. Ooooh! :)

In other news, I'm new to the Renaissance tribe. Hello!

posted in The Renaissance - 2 replies

Renaissance documentary (xposted everywhere)

Thu, 11 Mar 2004 16:25:40 GMT

For more than a few years now I've been drawing up an idea for a ren documentary. I use digital video equipt. at work for multimedia projects and between Fred (MDRF's King Henry VIII) Nelson and myself, we have enough video editing equipment and experience to start our own production house! I'd ask m'friend for help but he's always booked!

Of course this idea would be more a labour of love than of profit and the the footage therein would be limited to the RenFests that we go to. . namely MDRF, PARF, NYRF (tux), and the Fairy Festival in PA. The majority of the pices, of course, would be of MDRF (home faire).

I'd include NJRF or VARF but they really don't have permanent sites yet.

My overview of the documentary would start with a basic "what is faire" and what folks can expect at the faire (i.e. the mundane public). Interviews would include folks who have come to the faire for the first time and those who frequent but haven't become playtrons. Also included would be some quick information about the time periods covered by most faires (Henry VIII, Elizabeth, Robin Hood, King Arthur). Perhaps a quick history of ren faires in the US would be in order and a shout out to Medieval Times™ (who, who knows might help fund such a documentary).

The next section would be that of the playtron (i.e. ME). . . those of us who pay to get in the gates but once inside, it would be tough to judge whether we worked there or not. . . asking of course the "whys" that all of us get asked on a daily basis.

Next would come of course those that work the faire and would be broken into three parts: 1)Actors & Entertainment 2) Vendors 3)Administrative. The first two are obvious, but the third would, I think, be interesting from a "how the hell do they pull this off" point of view. Things like hazard insurance and keeping things on schedule amaze me at this point as to how it all gets done.

As a wrap-up, there would be a "typical" day at the fair, with a walking tour of MDRF, taking in all the sites and sounds (too bad there's no smell technology yet). Ending with the pub sing at MDRF and the torch-lit parade to the gates, the credits would roll.

Annnnd. . . as this idea has been fleshed out so far, there would be greater detail as to folks who've made a profession out of Renfaires from clothing to cutting CDs of pyrate songs. . . and then the fandom of faires from sites on the web to this very newsgroup.

In short, I want to get it ALL.

What do ye think?

posted in The Renaissance - 5 replies

sources with details of womens' clothing & accessories?

LA — Tue, 31 Aug 2004 16:40:11 GMT

Hello! I just attended a workshop on Italian Renn gowns this past weekend (which was great) and am now interested in finding sources -- preferably online -- for Renn period gowns and underdresses. Specifically I'm looking for sources about closures (e.g., lacing? eyelets? buttons?), fabrics / colors, and so on. Also things about accessories, hair / head covering styles, and so on.

What I'd like to do is get an overview of what was going on in different regions, and make some distinctions between the different details (e.g., buttons in one region, not others; placement of lacings regionally, etc) so I can identify the location/period of garments in paintings more readily.

Thanks in advance!

posted in The Renaissance - 2 replies

10 Rules for being Human

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 02:14:17 GMT

> 1. You will receive a body. You may like it or
> hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire
> period.
>
> 2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a
> full-time informal school called "Life.
> "
>
> 3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth
> is a process of trial, error, and
> experimentation. The "failed"
> experiments are as much a part of the process as
> the experiments that ultimately "work.
> "
>
> 4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned.
> A lesson will be presented to you in various
> forms until you have learned it. When you have
> learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.
>
> 5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no
> part of life that doesn't contain its lessons.
> If you are alive, that means there are still
> lessons to be learned.
>
> 6. "There" is no better place than
> "here." When your "there"
> has become a "here," you will simply
> obtain another "there" that will again
> look better than "here."
>
> 7. Other people are merely mirror of you. You
> cannot love or hate something about another
> person unless it reflects to you something you
> love or hate about yourself.
>
> 8. What you make of your life is up to you. You
> have all the tools and resources you need. What
> you do with them is up to you. The choice is
> yours.
>
> 9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to
> life's questions lie within you. All you need to
> do is look, listen, and trust.
>
> 10. You will forget all this. Isn't That
> Fascinating?
> Everything in Your Outer Life Happens
> Inside First Did you know that everything
> physical in your life is just a reflection of
> everything going on inside you? Your physical
> life is an "expression" or "
> pressing outward" of your inner landscape.
> Some people call this process "out-
> picturing." It is the process of taking
> your inner thoughts and feelings and making them
> real. If you are avoiding someone and hoping
> with all your heart that you do not run into
> that person, guess what? Chances are that you
> will see that person. Why? Because it is an
> expression of the film that you have been
> playing over and over in your mind.
> So if you have a recurring problem on the
> physical plane, do not try to fix it with
> physical solution. You won't get anywhere fast
> and it is hard work! Work on your inner
> landscape instead. Take a look inside. What are
> your thoughts? What are your feelings? What are
> you chewing on inside? What are you obsessing
> about? When you catch yourself obsessing about
> something, just smile and say to yourself, "
> You"re doing that thing you do again!"
> Keep catching yourself at your own game. Once
> you get through the initial anger and
> frustration, you will find yourself amused at
> how often your mind will return to the same
> subject. Then the feeling goes from obsession to
> humor. Once you can see the humor in the
> situation, your outer situation will change.
> When you can laugh at yourself, everything in
> your outer environment automatically fixes
> itself. You won't have to lift a finger.
> Fascinating, isn't it?
>
> You may reprint, copy or distribute complete
> copies of "Real Magick" provided this
> copyright notice and link to http://www.
> shamanschool.com is included.

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Brass Rubbings

DEUS — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 16:55:15 GMT

Anybody here ever do the Brass Rubbings Experiance in Westminster Abbey! you know You take a black piece of paper lay it on the Brass
and rubb it till you have a copy of you own!

Can any body tell me a little bit more about the Practice and when they stopped doing it Comissioning brasses for people!

posted in The Renaissance - 4 replies

Favourites

~Chris~ — Sun, 21 Dec 2003 13:19:05 GMT

What is your favourite single work from the Renaissance, and why?

Are you more drawn by the Venetian focus on use of color, or the Florentine and Romanesque focus on sculptural forms?

posted in The Renaissance - 1 reply

Join my new tribe on food history

Melodious — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 11:14:17 GMT

If you have an interest in the history of food, join my new tribe: foodhistory.tribe.net/

My own field is medieval and Renaissance European history, so I expect to have a good deal of discussion on food in those time periods, among others.

Please excuse the voluminous cross-posting.

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

X Posted Free Effigy Corset Costume Clinic, September 26th, 2004

jwlhyfer — Mon, 30 Aug 2004 06:45:22 GMT

As some of you know, the Greater Bay Area Costumer's Guild (www.gbacg.org) has been discussing a get together to
investigate and share our knowledge about the Effigy Corset; a real garment which was recovered and examined in detail by the
late Janet Arnold.

We sent out an email a month or so ago, to send out feelers to those who we thought would be interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise in this area.

Those of you who have worked on projects originating from Janet Arnold's study of this garment, or who have created replicas are encouraged to contact me as soon as possible to ensure your participation in an Effigy Corset Costume Clinic, to be held Sunday, September 26th, in South San Francisco from 4-8 PM.

We would be grateful if you would join us, whether you have created something with this information or would like to.
We will try to bring as much material on the Effigy Corset that we have amongst us, and will be there to share our enthusiasm, our knowledge and our expertise with each other.

Please join us for an afternoon of exploration. We'll discuss, examine, ponder and consider this rare and fascinating garment. This event is a free, newcomer friendly event in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Please come in your comfortable street clothes and bring your examples, patterns and books to share.

This will be a Potluck Tea. Please bring something sweet or savory to share (and healthy, if you can.) We will provide tea and coffee.

If you woulld like to join us, please send me an email as soon as possible so I can add you to the list of participants or experts. Due to space considerations, we need to limit the number to 16, so please let us know of your interest as soon
as possible.

We will send you the street address via private email three days to one week before the event. Please save the date so you will be prepared. The event will be held near the San Bruno Bart station and we can work with you on pick-ups from BART and carpooling.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Jwlhyfer de Winter

www.jwlhyferdewinter.50megs.com
www.belladonna.50megs.com
www.gbacg.org

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

New Renaissance Site

Sat, 21 Aug 2004 14:04:13 GMT

I set up "Friends of The Maryland Renaissance Festival" last year at my Black Fox Designs site and it got so popular that I've put together an entire site around the idea.

Head out to: www.FriendsofMDRF.org

Let me know what you think. There's a lot more to do, especially with the cast information, but I think it's a good start!

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Botticelli and Renaissance

Cassandra Nightveil — Sat, 13 Dec 2003 21:44:19 GMT

Hello!
I am really glad that "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli was used to underline the existence of this tribe. In his representation of "Spring", 500 among flowers and plants are painted, go figure. This incredible fact was discovered years ago as this marvellous painting was restorated. This is the product of high skills combined to a wonderful sensitiveness in depicting details. Botticelli was more a spiritual and a perfect Reinassance artist as to his research on beauty perfection in his paintings.
Leonardo Da Vinci (known for his "Gioconda") was a complete Renaissance member. Renaissance was an era in which artists, literates, and scientists got freedom to research new perspectives in a way free from the chains of belief. The man was in the middle of the universe, free to discover past cultures, assimilate and melt them in their current age. Arts were already experiencing a qualitative development especially in sculpture in the early XIV century. Sculpture was not only a mere figurative art per se, aimed to represent the magnificence of god. It was experiencing a more human characteristic. I quote Donatello who gave the pulse to research human fears, pain, frailty, power and joy in all his works. He started Renaissance in sculpture, definitely. He started investigating on humanity. As for painting, all Leonardo Da Vinci's works are detached from being pure spirit. The real man is at the centre of all. This was, at last, the aim that arts had always to pursue: Real knowledge. Real awareness. Real effort to teach the others that there is a mankind and nature living on earth, not only religion, not only crowns to bless as such. Saints and nobles painted by Leonardo are human, at last. Closer to follow, if their magnificence had to be taught to people.

posted in The Renaissance - 11 replies

Scottish Tribe

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 13:27:19 GMT

A new Tribe for those who are Scottish. . . or play one on TV . . . or at faire. . . a fun way to express your Highland pride! http://scottsmen.tribe.net

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies

Possible OT - Auditions for 2004 season

Rayanne — Thu, 05 Feb 2004 03:08:45 GMT

Hello!

Falcons' Court would like to invite you to audition for our 2004 faire season. We will be participating in 4 events this year: HOTF - Santa Barbara, HOTF - Tahoe, HOTF - Marin, and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair.

Falcons' Court specializes in keeping the ancient sport of falconry alive by first person historical interpretation of various nobles going out to hunt with hawks and falcons. As a member of our guild, you will participate in the stage presentation, will interact with customers and participants on the streets of the events, and learn principles of falconry while working with our hawks, falcons, and owls.

Any interested inquiries should be directed to falconscourt@falconscourt.org for dates and times. Most of our events take place in the San Francisco area, and this is strictly volunteer.

Auditioners must:
- Be able to pass all workshop requirements for AYLI events.
- Be willing to assist with building and tearing down of the guild area.
- Be able to procure appropriate & approvable costuming and accessories for each event.
- Be willing to interact with patrons and participants while in character.
- Be dedicated to Falcons' Court (i.e. no schedule conflicts with any other groups, guilds, stage shows or booths at any given event).
- Research and present an Elizabethan character (1560-1595) for HOTF events and/or a Victorian character (1845-1865) for Dickens. Characters to be approved at audition.*

*Character does not need to be English national.

posted in The Renaissance - 0 replies