The term "steampunk" is terribly nebulous in its definition. There are all sorts of arguments as to whether it's even a viable label in the first place, much less using it to define objects or concepts. My own personal (and therefore very subjective!) definition of steampunk is always changing as well, but it starts with the idea of combining new technology with Victorian style and goes from there. A pocket watch that plays mp3s is dead-on steampunk, as far as I'm concerned. A washing machine that uses steam is close, too. (The company has a press release with a little more information.) A backpack which uses solar energy is pushing things a little - after all, backpacks aren't terribly stylish - but the idea of using natural resources to power technological gadgetry is right on the mark.

The Empire State Building's original construction plans included a docking station for airships (aka blimps or dirigibles) at the very top. The Hindenberg disaster put an end to that idea, and now the dock is an antenna instead. (The idea of the docking station lives on in movies like Sky Captain, though, and it looks gorgeous.)

A while ago I mentioned the mysterious death of a Sherlock Holmes expert. The death is still unexplained, and for some, the game is still afoot.