Footprints in the virtual

IRS Careers Island

2012-02-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

The IRS has set up shop in Secondlife with what basically amounts to a recruitment center. When I saw in the landmark description "Freebies" amongst other things I said "No freak'n way..I have to check this out !"

Well I never saw the freebies and the above photo was really as exciting as the place got. It was an overly large skybox with endless hallways it seems. I am thinking, wow, you went to great lengths to make this idiot proof...is this the kinda candidate you want to hire? The one who can find his way through the multitude of arrows leading you this way and that to a finally destination, that ultimately was only just a text board saying the type of job and connect to an outside web page. Than I thought..hey I get it. You want some one who can stand endless hours of tedium. Who can push pass the need to yawn deeply. Veeery clever you IRS folks.

Well if you want a career in the IRS drop in and get "recruited". I think I failed the tedium test as I somehow found a window and jumped out hoping for a quick death. As I fell to my doom the final irony stabbed me like a knife. A large IRS sign on the way down. Its so like them.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/IRS%20Careers%20Island/120/126/506

Alien Abduction Trailer Park

2012-02-12T11:52:00.000-08:00

On just the name alone, I decided to visit this place and see what kind of funky fun I could have. It sells itself as a unique shopping experience with activities, and in that it lives up to it. Its not necessarily high fun and product but presented in this format, it does make it fun to explore even if your not buying. I found several great deals but mostly I just goofed around exploring the place and being silly. Heck, you can even go up into the UFO and look down.

If you don't set your standards too high, and just go for the heck of it, you should have fun. I did.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Twomoons%20Island/79/146/48

Diving into the pool

Observation Deck, UFO

Collabor88

2012-02-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

Collabor88 follows in the heels of other joint projects by a select few but highly qualified designers. Not to far back $50L Fridays ended its run, and when you look out across the landscape the "hunt" events are growing a touch tiresome for many veterans. The creation of the promo centres that showcase the best, as well as shopping hubs that feature quality items by many is not a new idea, but this go round, it is the top designers, the ones who shunned such shared ventures in the past who are making these now the most exciting places.

This particular store is pretty new, and features items for $88 L. On this visit I found a lovely top and bounce on a bed straight out of the movie, one flew over the Cuckoos Nest.

Recognize any of these designers? They are currently participating.

Barnesworth Anubis Boom Cheeky Pea Clawtooth Callie Cline
Cory Edo Earthstones   Fashionably Dead Illusory Ingenue
Kyoot Lisp Bazaar Marukin   Nylon Outfitters Pig
PDA / Antebellum R2 Fashion   The Sea Hole Tres Blah
Whippet & Buck U.F.O. Yummy Vive 9

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tails/82/209/2225    <--- Visit in world

or

http://collabor88.com/    <-------- visit their web site

   I was impressed to find they kept it basic and fairly open. This store will probably become a regular stop for me on my grid rounds.

Is it time for one of these in Secondlife?

2012-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

Lots of talk going around about the Linden corporate mindset and the future of Secondlife. Will it implode? Is the end so near or are we limping along happily as a cash cow while they try to find another type of sustainable revenue stream. Pretty weighty questions for many as we witness sims closing, lack of support and an apparent lost of direction over all. But wait..this just in !

Linden labs wants YOU....yes YOU, to write for them on their community blog. Why?? Because you know how much you love them and they know how much you wish to share that love..for FREE! I can see Chestnut Rau has a good bend on it and I agree with her. Still if you want, join them and become famous right?

Crap Mariner shows he understanding though and with his mechanical arm he has extended a fig leaf to the lindens with the generous offer of letting them submit posts for his blog with only a few minor conditions. How wonderfully generous.

It seems reasonable actually. Oh and in the spirit of Secondlife I stole Craps picture and claim fair use while snubbing my nose at SOPA.

So my response to it all? Hmmmmm....

The picture at the top is my really cheap ass Dooms Day clock. Figured SL needed one now so we can all eagerly have fun updating it. I might improve it one day...not... The prims are out of alignment and its made from cheap pine and the guts don't even work. Hell, I had to prop it up on some dead branches because I forgot to build adequate supports. Its perfect and a great representation of all the values we have come to embrace in Secondlife. No, our overlords have embraced that, the citizens however continue to try and enjoy themselves.This is actually the second one I build. The first one disappeared after a sim re-start, so I guess I don't have to submit a copy to them for the blog, they already got mine.

So...looking over the regions and current policies, I have set the clock to 10 minutes to derezz. Am I being too generous? Only time will tell. I should submit this blog now to them for review and possible posting..cause I know how much they need the input. Like the Linden Showcase..remember that one Lindens. I applied for the job to explore for you and display what I found on showcase and you turned me down..than one of the people you hired directly used my blog for their submissions to you. I'm over that now.

Flying Monkeys

2012-02-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Due to flying Monkeys at my home, I will have to slow down and post updates on a less regular basis. Have no fear though, as I have good people tackling the problem and plenty of monkey chow in the cupboard if it gets ugly.

Jumps into Exodus Viewer

2012-02-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Yea, I have heard the talk and frankly I thought I was going to wait a little longer. The Mesh designs are coming out all over place by different designers and figured perhaps today I should download a Mesh compatible viewer and see what the big deal was. Sure, I was having fun watching all the funky ways non-mesh viewers tried to render them, from donuts to wonky boxes, but alas like an old redundant joke I grew tired of the simple humor of it.

So I loaded this morning and tried Exodus.

Lets start with I don't hate it. No wait, don't take that as a negative. With my experience from other viewers that is huge. I remember practically pulling my hair out over their use. There is a number of parts to this new viewer that seemed practical and I was able to get started with it rather quickly. It did make me feel like a noobie trying to get around all the various functions but not impossible. I have been using my older viewer for so long that it had become second nature to me and so I was very quick and sharp when it came to the many functions.

I could break down all the features I suppose but hardly original. The above pick shows the basic start I got, locking in common use functions directly to the screen for easy and quick access but when I was monkeying around with the windlight aspect, I was not able to mindlessly cycle through them but rather had to pick and re pick over and over which I liked. I am using a beta version but as time goes I think I can fully expect to see functional improvements in all areas.

So, obviously I got nothing else done this morning. Heck, I didn't even think to change clothes today and given my almost endless supply of them I will have to wear two outfits tomorrow to make up for it. I don't know where this is all leading in the long run but MESH is with us and perhaps the time has come for all to get out of their comfort zone and find a MESH viewer as I have and get in with both feet. Till I am fully comfortable with this new viewer I can easily see myself swapping back and forth between it and my standard Phoenix viewer.

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So what is next for Shini..what project can I get my hands dirty on. I am strongly considering going back to making more things. Maybe even selling a piece or two here and there. At present I don't have a high enough talent where I can sell something and still feel proud of the effort, but I am going to give it a try. Perhaps some funky tattoos to start to get in the whole mode of it. I will definitely need something to occupy my mind since I quit smoking today. I have tried too many times and failed so I hope this time it will stick but I make no promises to myself or others. I am just going to keep trying till it sticks.

Avalon Planetarium

2012-02-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Space%20Destiny/202/105/47

      Those who know me, know my fascination with space science. I follow many institutions and ongoing research initiatives on a regular basis. Advance physics just does it for me, so when I learned of another science related project in SL, I just had to go.

     Welcome to the Avalon Planetarium. It is a fairly basic but noble venture. Utilizing kind of a slide show projected on to the dome, a text based narrator takes you on a journey while you listen to the space like calming music. The show lasts about 20 mins. I of course tried to follow it but my cam was not working due to the mega prim used in the dome. D'oh ! Now had I read the instructions at the door I would have found that by using just my arrow keys I could easily keep up. Once learning that I sat and enjoyed the images. I didn't learn anything new, and basically sat watching pretty images.

     I wished a few things had been better but in this particular field I am fussy I guess and quite bias to what I want to see.
1) idiot proof the theatre from..well..people like me. The ones who walk in and do not read the instructions.
2) is a voice over audio possible or will that cost too much for the stream.
3) The dome should be moving and not just have a static picture of the constellations. It would help to enhance the experience.
4) Maybe get real daring and build a show for a once or twice a week viewing (with a tip jar for your hard work) and use the time to have a more interactive show. Explain what you know or show what is happening in our current space research.

geez..I could go on and on. Maybe I should build my own darn planetarium. Hmmmm...too lazy or lack the needed skill to make it live up to my criticisms. You pick one, I am ok with both. I may however try something more basic in the future. Haha..you should see my list of things I say I am going to do one day. Man that thing is long. Well in terms of space science, I will probably get to that one before all the other to-do things on my list.

     All critisms aside, this is not a bad attempt for something not well suited yet for a full planetarium experience. It will come though, and from someone more talented than I to create what should be a wonderful experience in space. Though the dome doesn't move it dose change along with the pictures on the walls. Give it a try if your unfamilar with space science, you may enjoy it.

A Masculine man and his tube sock.

2012-01-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

So I was doing my daily reading this morning (which covers Blogs, news sites, general fluff) when my eye spotted on Fabfree a male model.

My immediate thought was, wow, for all the effort women make and all the interest in female clothing, skin and body shape, you would think that the same effort could be spent on men. When I look at this particular gentleman I could see so many things wrong with the shape and the way it abnormally contorts. Frankly it is a less than sexy look. Nice muscle big guy.

This however is a less than ideal example of what you can find out there. Male fashion and the sort has come a long way since the early Secondlife days and although there is still a strong focus on the female end, many designers have created excellent male orientated shopping experiences just for those poor guys who no long wish to look..well...frankly too many look like dorks.

So today I decided to go find a store that exemplified "Manhood". That testerone charged joy of guy places.

My first stop was the Jungle. Arggh..that be a real manly name. With lions in the courtyard and a burly man's man at the front door. Are you "intrigued"? Ugh...no.

How ironic it was that I should wish to give an honest review of a place but be totally caught up with the giggles. How could I not? Look at this guy. Its like he was travelling down the road with the top down , hair fluttering in the wind, when suddenly a flying squirrel hits him dead in the chest...exploding. Squirrel fur everywhere. So now my morning quest was forgotten, and I got to no other business to review its designs or find a suitble high quality place for men.

Oh they exist to be sure and so I will have to pay a call on one in the future to show the endless possiblities. For today however, I am afraid I have became quite juvenile as I walked this business snapping shots of what essentially became my "own" private ha ha I guess.

omg...hahahaha.

Now I know where the missing sock from the dryer ended up.

A post that has nothing to do with Secondlife. Really

2012-01-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

I stumbled over this and had to share. Sometimes dark humor speaks volumes and potentially speaks of the underlining unhappiness that exists. So yea, this has nothing to do with my Secondlife little world where I escape to and generally focus my blog writing attention on. With great apologises I confess to finding this funny in a very twisted way. When I watch and read the world news I wonder sometimes why more people don't just snap.

Another closing in Secondlife..Hardcore Dark Alley

2012-01-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2012/01/sl-sex-sim-hard-halley.html

hee...the only PG shot I seemed capably of taking on the sim.

As reported in New World News, Dark Alley has decided to call it quits after a very long run (relative I guess when compared to other SL venues). This sim was devoted to mostly forced sex fantasies and the like. Reading the comments on the post of the announcement they ranged from a sad lost classic to good riddance.

My take, well..mixed. When sex no longer can pay for itself one could say that it might be the canary in the coalmine. It may be marking the future of all SL. I doubt that. I am granted not happy with the marketing efforts of the Lindens and I also recognize that money is tight for many while at the end of the day the lab still needs to be paid for all the fun your having. Still....a death watch. I am not there yet. A certain malaise exists to be sure as many residents seem to be going through the motions to feed their addiction to the system, but are not truly imaginative enough to crave their own path. I am not in a rush to label them totally lazy, but still believe that the majority of Internet users fit a narrow category of "entertain me while I make no effort or invest little personal commitment".

FACEBOOK games are great for mind numbing lazy no effort involved addictive slop. Even I have fallen prey to that. Like eating ice cream right out of the bucket. Too lazy to get a bowl and I would only have to wash it later. I recently stopped farmville and still going through withdrawals.

But secondlife is not asleep. A few very keen individuals are still using it as a canvas; creating and experimenting. The full appreciation of this though goes no where if your not getting out and looking. Seeing what can be done. For me the only thing that held me back from creating a store years ago was my lack of talent. I could however create alot for the things I see....in the freebie bin that is. Secondlife is still vibrant and I think the closing of a long standing sex sim is not a panic situation. Zindra, the sex continent struggled when it first got under way as I remember.

I have several ideas, several I have heard actually discussed by Lindens, for saving Secondlife. Simple functionality, grid stability and intelligent marketing would head that list. Thinking outside the box though is as important as ever. Secondlife is no longer the media darling with huge potential, and the whole 3D avatar existence is now so yesterday and well copied on multiple platforms. Within Secondlife though is a community of amazing people who have demonstrated again and again a wonderful imagination and intelligence and those leaders should perhaps be tapped for ideas as part of a no-holds barred forum.

So...are you gonna miss Hardcore alley? For the twisted people who find the joys of objectifying women and several OMG fetish pleasures, don't worry. A quick scan of adult areas shows no lack of places to debase yourself in or demonstrate your complete perversion. Remember, in this area of Secondlife, the Lindens are your super sekret friends.

The Casablanca Bay Beach Club

2012-01-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

I have seen many many many beaches in Secondlife. Today I am gushing because I have discovered what is possibly the nicest I ever had the pleasure of seeing. This was done totally correct from the ground up.

This is a actually a part of a larger community of upscale residential homes called the Groove Country Club estates. The beach itself is a wonder though, inspired by the North Carolina Outer Banks. The drifting sands and retaining walls give a truly fluid feel totally uncluttered by advertising, vendors or silly poseballs.

God, even I want to live here.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Casablanca%20Bay/128/97/25

Super Buy !

2012-01-27T05:39:00.000-08:00

Ha !

Caught you I bet. Thinking, oh goodie, Shini has found a great buy for me to see and waste money on!

Or at least something like that I guess. Well this is not a "Deal of the century" moment from another clothier. Instead its about something I never thought would actually come to Secondlife but I suppose can serve a real purpose.

Super buy is an Employee simulation Environment.

We have what amounts to a retail outlet. A consumer electronics store. The project wishes I guess to sell you on the idea of hands on but virtual training in a retail environment. Here present is a demo of just such a training program. I have now seen simulations for training purposes on a number of subjects. I think I was most impressed by a British attempt to train health care professionals with simulated hospitals. I saw a number of private sims via friends that attempted for instance to train nurses in procedures ranging from patient care to emergency evacuation.

Here at Super Buy you assume the role of clerk (knowing I did not actually go through the demo but made observations based on layout) and learn the various aspects of dealing with the whole retail experience. Whether someone thinks this may be a good idea for their own employee training program is to be seen. It certainly is possible.

For the casual Secondlife resident, like myself, coming home from a long day at work, the idea of going back to work as a simulation seems..well..tiring. So I am thinking, I could case the place, than get some friends together and do a criminal simulation. Do I take hostages? Will I need masks? How do I control the timing of it all and be gone before the Police arrive responding to a silent alarm. Now that I could get into. Ponders if that would be available as a potential training scenario.

Please don't shoot me. The cash is here. Please take it all.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cortex/65/65/48

where do I go for insight?

2012-01-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

      In a recent post by Whiskey Day and followed up by Botgirl the open discussion of inspiration/saturation was brought forward. Their focus seemed more art based but I saw this saturation happening in many parts of our world. It had me thinking on several tangents. In the modern world we are surrounded by influences and opinions. By the visions of so many and drama of even more. In the past when news media held a more middle ground position, the goal was for a few individuals to sort through the din of events and interests and try to present them in a way that was directly relevant to perhaps the day to day lives of its readers and viewers. Special interest pieces would often just be briefly amusing fluff or informative random works that educated us to the world around us. Maybe we became more enlightened but that the end of the day we only worried about the price of bread and our immediate needs.

     Truly as we fly into the fast action and easy to access world of global information this has not really changed. The medium has changed but not the goals. What has changed is how many players have gotten involved. Specifically the Blog. Despite the massive growth of FACEBOOK and other social media, the blog is still going. Is this just our own 15 minutes of fame? Do we believe people are reading what we have to say? When I decided to examine the network of blogs associated to Secondlife, I found it mind boggling that there were so many. Certainly far more than I could have imagined. Lead probably by individual fashion blogs the medium of playing out our lives and interests through personal and regular posts is huge.

    Are we saturated or is there some kind of measuring stick. My own little blog carries few readers and does not represent much of an impact to anyone. I try not to regurgitate redundant messages I see posted elsewhere (which are often better worded than mine any ways) but I am not necessarily against it.

     So with saturation do we lack original or engaging content. Too many blogs for a limited subject. Where do you go? What should you read? Who is a leader in this cluster of jumbled ideas. I guess the first question over all is who is providing you with original and useful content. Several blogs I follow, of which I have listed a few on this site, openly follow others and digest the meaning of what they read before presenting their views, or they strike out on their own with original content. Others are just friends who I follow for no more reason than they are friends and they are informing me of things that are happening within my own small social sphere.

     Take Crap Mariner for instance. He is many things to me. He is consistent sure but I think he has two very large strengths. One - brevity. In Secondlife he is a prim miser but the same can be said for his posts. He does not write novels or get bogged down with complicated essays. God I wish I could do that. I am a wind bag at best with long dry meandering thoughts and I need to often cull my posts. I have at times written well thought out 3000+ thousand word dissertations which I later deleted knowing no one has the time to even start reading such blither. Second..he is loyally connected to others and somehow finds enough time to visit a gross amount of things. Blogs, events etc. He may be reluctantly a center of a community but he does it well and in general, humbly.

     Than take Daniel Voyager and IheartSL. Both of these are not friend based but rather, blogs that serve a healthy function. Voyager does it alone and reports on curiosities and interesting happenings on the grid, while IheartSL uses a huge list of contributors to report fashion both commercially and of personal interest.

    I think for a little while I am going to explore the bloggosphere and find who is out there beyond the obvious. Maybe even report a hidden gem or two as they reveal themselves to me. Yet clearly, and I hesitate to guess on this, there are more blogs concerning Secondlife than probably the number of actual sims that exist. The bulk, like mine, serving extremely low readership but perhaps their observations, inspirations and actions are no less worthy of consideration than actual creative building within the grid itself.

    A simple undeniable fact is, that there exists far more individuals in this world with marginal skills...myself included...than those who exemplify the very cutting edge of imagination. And though we appreciated the vision of many of these highly skilled people in helping to create our world around us, sometimes we would like some attention. Sometimes we think, do the things we have to say matter. I honestly believe the first rule of blogging is blog for yourself. Find your own way and damn those who would use a measuring stick to decide your worth. If you never become popular do not consider it a failure. The place is saturated beyond measure and your in good company.

I'm not dull..just not that sharp

2012-01-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

I own too much shit and feel guilty for not being able to wear all the clothesI have picked up over the years. Guilty and stupid. Why did I pick it all up?...and why do I keep it? I am a classic hoarder I think. Perhaps as I age I will become that crazy cat lady while becoming buried in newspapers and recyclables. Always hear about them in the news as they are discovered. "We found her on the floor buried under years of collected nic naks. It was too late and the fireman failed to save her..but they did walked away from the grisly scene with a mighty cute little souvenir to remind them of this particular day"

Ok..scan the events calender and look for a contest maybe. A costume theme perhaps. Oh, come in latex and win. Yea, I can do that. Dance, wiggle, twist, twist. Oh trivia..I can do that too. I play and kick ass and win...gift certificates. :( Now I can go buy $1000L worth of latex from this store. Great. My inventory just keeps going in the wrong direction. I am going to have to get more aggressive I think in trimming down.

Mutant Rabbit Army

2012-01-25T07:15:00.000-08:00

I found this hidden building platform above a noted designers shop. Shudder. Could this be how it all ends?? Not with a bang but a nibble. Plans to stock up on carrots to keep the hoards back.

San Diego 3D

2012-01-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

( San Diego Balboa Sim)

Welcome to San Diego.

I seem to remember a thriving artistic group of individuals who ran a San Diego like established sim before but this is entirely different I think. Without reflecting on that other sim, this one is designed to bring out the essence of San Diego architecturally. I visited it a week or so ago before its grand opening and snapped a few shots, toured a bit, and made a general pest of myself. :) Today I noticed that it was in the featured section of the lindens Showcase so I thought I would revisit the sim and see if it had now been filled with notable content. It really had not.

The place has space for live events and clearly space if they desire for stores and rentals. I think because it was featured though, alot of people came running in to check it out and like my own return trip, found themselves bogged down in Linden slag (LAG is really the term we use for a computer slowdown and slow processing). Makes for an unpleasant experience but I am sure it isn't the sims fault..unless they are running a boat load of hidden scripts or something.

     The place comprises two sims actually. The above hall can be found in a sim (San Diego City) south of my landmarked point. Again the landscaping is to say the least sub par which I chalk up more to still being in development than lack of interest in the details. The buildings however are fabulous, and though some are slightly impractical, who cares. its SL, go for it. In the future I expect a number of events to dominate the land and from there this place should be humming along quite fine. Till than though I have to suffice on what is essentially just a number of pretty buildings but no content for the casual visitor. Parts really are pretty here...but I guess in my old linden age I require more content and form than just another postacard setting that is on the slightly underdeveloped side.

     Of course the content question...I could be quite wrong. I was stuck in a shit load of lag when I came today and potentially I missed all the hot spots. In that case I rpobably have unfairly judged this sim. Check it out and let me know how far you get and what you found.

                          http://slurl.com/secondlife/San%20Diego%20Balboa/181/62/34

Video Shini and moments in time

2012-01-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

     In my time I have done many things and seen many places. I have had the privilege of meeting some truly terrific people as well along the way. Today I was feeling nostalgic and decided to look back on my videos that I had created on youtube.

     Now when I started to create these videos, the intention was to show my travels and nothing more. I was not trying to create cutting edge machima but simple show in another format, in this case slides shows, all the places I had been. The end result I would not say was particularly impressive but it did get what I had intended out. It largely catered to my friends only and I had not thought or hope it would reach a larger audience. Still, feeling nostalgic, I went back and reviewed them today and saw the number of views each one had. Yup, anemic. Not surprised.

    Pondering the videos I watched two in particular that, though not very good, my heart actually went into. I had no talent to better express myself and the videos, crude as they were, became an outlet to perhaps express my emotional state. I will present them as they are today and you can judge them both in that context, but down the road, I think I will delete the whole thing. Not in love with the way the net tracks people and those videos are now, for lack of a better word, stale dated and done. They served their purpose in their time, but now it is time I think to take one last look, than move on.

     The first is Drama. Drama I created personally and the outcome ripped my heart out. The outcome changed me and the whole of my Secondlife existence. I swallowed my pride and used this video to express my feelings and apologise in my own way. No idea if the target of my transgression ever saw it though.

     This second one was equally devastating to me. As many before me and surely many after, I tripped and became entangled in an emotional situation. I had become involved in a relationship. It scared me because it was feeling too real and I was falling deeper into a place I should not go. Despite what my heart ached for I ended the relationship to literally save myself from perhaps doing something very very dumb. The person exited quietly with full understanding. He was, to say the least, one of the most amazing people I ever had the privilege of meeting. This was a story of finding the right person at the wrong time.

As I said, the rest of my videos were never meant to be anything more than a slide show showing my travels through Secondlife. As such, their quality is iffy, but the intention was honest. If you wish to view the others, feel free, understanding the context in how and why they were created.

Shini MESH

2012-01-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

     The above video was not taken by a video camera, but rather is a 3D generated MESH figure of an actual object. In this case, obviously, a Wild Thing from a favorite childrens book of mine. I was able to create in relatively short time. Well kinda. It took awhile actually. I am not a tech person and know very little about many things related to computers and advance programs for design. Still, the above was only my first attempt. With the move in Secondlife to introduce MESH as a companion to sculpties, artists and designers are discovering a new tool to create.

     Still, is MESH the answer to what ails Secondlife. Not really. In any platform, I expect at the very least that technological change will come. I can not imagine though that technology alone will save anything unless you in fact recreate the whole model. How it works, the revenue system, company profits and the like are just a few of the pieces in a larger puzzle. Bigger questions than I have time to answer nor have the ability to answer. For now I have a new toy and will briefly experiment with it before the real talent of Secondlife discovers all the tools at their fingertips and start to go nuts with this new one.

   Till than I muddle through as I have always and hope you like my first attempt. Later I will try to understand what it will take to get this or another object in world to view. Guess I have to breakdown and go get a MESH compatible viewer soon too.

Elephant in the room

2012-01-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Some where in Secondlife at THIS very moment

someone is having simulated

virtual sex !

Even before there was a Secondlife, earlier primitive social mediums (chat rooms) people were having sex, and really , before we get any further, is ANY one surprised it happens?

Men and women have been copulating for as long as, well, for as long as there have been men and women I guess. I have a hunch even before that. Yet in todays information age the rapid instanct gratification within the medium is growing expoentially. In polite company we mind each others sensablities on the subject but recognize it happens or that we are in fact involved in it. In Secondlife the rapid growth in sex, sex commerical businesses, and sex spin off interests has grown to a point that it quietly dominates the Grid. This is not to suggest all do it by any means going like rabbits in heat. This is just one of those many things in the virtual world I am fascinated in from an observer point of view.

Get your head out of the gutter for a moment.

The lindens some years ago had a big flair up with a German magazine article relating the pornographic nature of Secondlife and most notably, the use of underage avatars. The backlash was huge and to this day is still felt. They tried to solve their problem with a hammer, changing the terms of agreement and later as their corporate push was happening, created Zindra (a nasty continent to place these bad boys and girls). Still, they were also forced to recognize that all measure of sexual contact was happening from cuddling in front of a TV to alien Llama bondage. Yet at the same time as they pushed for educational institutes and corporate involvement there was a large amount of money (read company profits) derived from the trade. So...Linden policy in a nutshell...don't ask don't tell, and please kids try not to break any national moral laws. Well that had me thinking when I read the Indian story the other day. A journalist who basically started a crusade to defend Islam from inappropriate images found in varying social media sites. Ha, how would he react to secondlife.

cool.. Zindra has a Hub. A central place for information, meeting, and perhaps events.

It should not therefor have come as a surprise to me when I saw specifically built linden objects. The Mole was here and he did a pretty good job. Still, the mole aside, I discovered that there actually is a linden assigned to this lovely region. Makes sense but imagine that meeting. Ha, hey I know you have a degree in this or that, top grades, great imagination, so I think its time for you to step up here at Linden Labs. Were promoting you to Zindra. Imagine the smile on his face of that employee.

I imagine though it is not such an easy or sought after gig. Thank god you can fly. Walking the streets there with your sneakers making that icky sticky noise.

As long as you don't cross the line it would seem all is well, and in a quick scan of the Internet revealed we were not the only game in town. One site I looked at had 483k members, How many active is hard to say just as it is for Secondlife. Still, this site was was charging $5/month plus you could purchase upgrades.

Given that, obviously someone is paying for sex, even if it is indirect through membership fees. The model the Lindens are operating under sadly makes it impossible to tap into this market in the same way. Still, one day the linden realm will have to make some changes to their business model probably and no matter what we might think of the amazing talent of Byrn oh and the like, some clown in a donkey costume who likes to be spanked will have a major voice in the SL future.

Isn't free market capitalism great! We all know about this sub world and we all have had an indirect or direct brush with it. The puritan movement though in various parts of the world, including the hot bed of it, America's Evangelistic Christian Belt, is fighting against anything that they see as not being pure and good in their limited scope of vision.

How? Well besides trying to keep our little world in the Newspapers while not in the newspapers we must be watchful against the move to connect Church, corporation and State. To create a big brother government who takes its role of protecting you against your will serious is a threat that is very real. With the recent SOPA controversy (which for the moment is dead in the water) people should pay closer attention to little things. In America and similarly in most of the worlds "Civilized" States, the rewriting of laws usually comes in itty bitty gosh that sounds good legislation that creeps slowly towards an ultimate goal. More power and control for a select few over the masses. SOPA didn't die because it was terrible. It died because the twits behind it tried to go for the whole ballgame in one slam dunk piece of legislation instead of sneaking it in over years with clever ideas.

Looks back over what I wrote. hmmm.... Didn't I start this about an Elephant in the room? Well, lets say it is, and so, you go off to Zindra now have fun. But know this. The lindens are totally in your corner and support all you do..just not publicly. Lets say they are your super secret friend who won't be there if something happens but offer all their virtual support.

St. Charles Parish

2012-01-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

German Coast of Louisiana

Each time I visit a western roleplaying sim its like there has been a notable improvement in both content and building. Indeed, the St. Charles Parish is very impressive actually, and not just cause I have a weakness for all this cajun. My goodness, they even have a paddlewheeler here. Not many of those to be found in secondlife I can tell you. With the right windlight settings (which they do not provide) your totally immersed into the whole western theme.For these pictures btw I am using the preset light of Bryn Oh's Immersiva while adjusting the gamma up.

Anyways, in the past I have run into sections of these western role playing sims that have no access; restricted to only those who were part of the roleplaying group, but this one seems open to all. That said, one should show up maybe a little in period costume so as not to irritate the locals. Now that I have seen this there are more in the immediate area that probably are worth my lookie.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Louisiana/158/157/23

Hope the landmark works..the one I got sent me landed me inside a wall..hope thats not some kind of landing point.

Karazhan

2012-01-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Calling it Karazhan is probably a touch misleading. That is the name of the sim but inside are a few stores, anchored I suppose by the Cadeling Art Gallery. The art there are paintings and many quite cute. I was drawn more however to the landscape than the stores, as it is another example of very well done and very scenic building. The hills/mountains that extend beyond the sim and how it flows with the natural terrain in the sim, I have rarely seen anything this well done and seamless. All in all yet another beautiful place for those who like picture taking. Exploring is not hard as much is fairly obvious but try it out and see what you find. It is very charming and the stores, well, throw them a linden or two for your appreciation.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Karazhan/102/65/21

Philippines

2012-01-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

"Visit this Philippine community, where you can meet friends, have discussions and share information about tour and travel destinations in the Philippines."   or so the tag line says when I did a search for things to do tonight. Hmmm...sounds interesting. It wasn't.

    This place is really a Secondlife extension of a real life business. Manila stay is a travel/tourism company that operates out of the Philippines. I am sure if you track the people down you could get some valuable information and there kinda is some here on their sim but not as easy to access as I would like. Maybe I want to know more about the Philippines in general, and perhaps, virtually, maybe I want to experience some of it.

    Well this is why I am posting today. No I am not going to the Philippines any time soon, but I do question (and not the first time) the approach real life businesses take in trying to establish a virtual front. Secondlife is a social medium but I can envision a real business application if done correctly. Thing is, it would never be more than a presence thing. The true value returned I can not imagine would match the costs for maintaining a sim. I have seen quite a number of these comes and go in my time. Realtors, jean manufactures etc. For now this sim has renters and I am sure it is loosely kept running by the support of those who created it, recirculating each others lindens to create the illusion of cash flow. Aside from trying to have an online presence, I am sure the participants are all having fun so guess there is something to be said about that. Who knows, perhaps you may one day become a community hub for people from the Philippines itself.

still..
    You offer people freebies and largely they pop in and out and there is no real return for your investment. If your an information centre with billboards, again they pop in and out..*yawn* and nothing gained. You need to create an experience that brings in and holds people. Even than how many people are we talking about? 5-40/day? How many of those will inquire about travel and how many of those who do, will actually go to the Philippines? Its a pickle.

     I guess for now this is a pet project for those who like virtual worlds and believe they can make real money out of the virtual, but I just can't see how a travel agency can pull it off. It may be possible I suppose but not from a simulated office and simulated posters on a wall.

Now, about the Philippines..you know what? I am interested, and I would have stayed more than 5 minutes had anything been truly a Philippine experience. I think back to my visit of Kowloon in China (Virtually) and how engaged I was in that and how that in turn lead me to read up on the real life location. Those organizers fully engaged my interest. I am ranting. I wish these folks well, really I do. I just can't recommend this site, though I will do the courtesy of hyperlinking you guys (Above in the text) to the actually business.

Robotnic's

2012-01-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

Breedable buildable Robots? I think that is what I am looking at and certainly the flexibility seems to exist that you can really express yourself in a virtual breedable mechanical being. I of course assumed all that by looking around and nothing more. I am not a highly technical person and when the most basic aspects of what something is for, meant to be used, or how it functions is not glaring at me I tend to give up early. I mean I looked and nice as it all was, I gave up quickly trying to figure this place out.

If scifi pets and breedables are your thing than you will probably have more patience than I could muster to figure this out. It appears alot of work has been put into it and the robots roaming the ground are pretty cool. Come investigate it and if you like, leave a comment explaining perhaps better than I what this is all about.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/New%20Vice%20City1/190/73/21

Neva River

2012-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do visit other Blogs! Today my travels found me Neva River. I found it by visiting Nana Minuet little corner of the world. Her blog is linked here as well along the side panel to your right. I really enjoy her talents as a photographer in Secondlife which eclipse my own ( which admittedly isn't hard) but also, within her photos she captures fairly interesting vistas that in them selves are worth the visit. That today being Neva River.

I am not sure just how permanent this place is. I mean currently it is setup as a winter landscape, but oh so beautiful. Again, like many successful landscapers, placement and keeping it uncomplicated enhances the effect. I spent a while taking my whole photos as I puttered around admiring this little wonder. This is entirely eye candy and not a shopping thing, so don't go click happy wondering where the goodies are..the goodies are for your eyes only.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Antiquity%20Saint%20Petersburg/178/149/23

Like the little things

2012-01-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

   This is my friend Books, a kind hearted Book seller from Washington State. Just the other day she posted this picture of herself on FACEBOOK showing how prepared she was for winter as snow bore down on her place in rl. The picture got me thinking on a few levels.
     I travel the grid of Secondlife for the stated goal of wishing to experience and celebrate the imagination of those around me. They took the time to somehow express themselves and their ideas in some tangible way. Maybe it was a personal thing, or maybe it was the budding artist trapped inside you. Heck, it could even have just been a commercial venture. The point being you did something that was a piece of you and no one else.

     There are some great artists in Secondlife. Some hand paint skins spending tireless hours at the task. Others are building art forms that immerse you into an entire new world. All at some point had to take those first steps though and learn a new skill that could be applied in world. Sure there are those who already have a predisposition to the task and a far higher level of natural talent, but I am here to say, not only should the great steps be celebrated but also the little ones of a journey just starting.

     Books has taken photos in the past, but this one would suggest she did more than pose and snap. She thought about composition. She had an idea and than took the time to do it. She may not become the next Karsh or other great photo artist or even catch people's attention, but how any one of us tries to express ourselves within secondlife should be recognized. Even the little things of a journey just beginning.
     I have created some amazing stuff in my time that in retrospect actually was a load of unimaginably pointless, useless junk. Still, the encouragement I received along the way made me feel good and inspire me to try harder and stretch myself. I am sure many others have felt that too. Now its time to pay it forward. With some big names in Secondlife moving on where will the next big talent come from. Your encouragement and support is as necessary as your patronage to anything I can imagine.

   So....  lets celebrate the little things and be a part of the evolving process.

Nice photo Books.

Eureka

2012-01-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

   My long hours..endless dead ends..finally !!!! It was so hidden I am surprised I found it here at all. But.........

I found the Philip Prim.

     The elusive and quite possibly the oldest Secondlife object that exists. Legend speaks of its mysterious powers and hidden secrets it holds to our virtual existence. Those familiar knew it was somewhere, trapped on the grid, believing a conspiracy to hide the truth had been pulled over all of us. I am more interested in it from a strictly anthropological point of view.

     I did seek out experts to decifer the secrets hidden within its Plywood. Leading experts..and I paraphase here said "Get off my land and don't come back or I will ban you" hmmmm Sounds like a cryptic clue. The mystery deepens. Till I can fully resolve the nature of this mystical piece of history, I will of course display it at my home and perhaps use it as a drink stand or something.

The Dark Swamp

2012-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today I popped by the Dark Swamp. An Artsy shop. I have been here on many occasions and there really is some fun and obscure funky stuff here and at aa reasonable price. I was going to highlight the store today but really one must expand on it because of the talent behind it. Cherry Manga, Anley Piers and Loup Erin are co owners it says.

The imagination . I would love to show you more of what has been done with video instead of a static pic, since there are a few things that move in such a dynamic fashion. All that has been done pays close attention to details and sight lines but I was further impressed with the simple fluid nature of much of it. Even those things that are not animated have a life as if they were. This means the creations are very easy on the eyes and creates perfect photo ops. Visit the second floor if you love butterflies. Theirs are totally awesome. I purchased the wearable ones from the first floor.

You will also find landmarks here and there. I was unable to travel down most of the ones displayed upstairs but I'm sure each was a trip to another adventure in art and design.

First her is the store landmark...

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Dark%20Swamp/129/125/28

Now off we go to Mysterious wave.... another creation

I would love to review this and break it down but who can do such a thing. Art must be experienced and to each, draw their own impression. I personally loved mysterious wave and the various things placed in the open and those things hidden away. As you explore and discover the adventure becomes more fun and the experience is wonderful.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zone/211/128/22

Cartoonimals Revisited

2012-01-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

I Lost my tip jar !!!!

More likely though I didn't lose it but rather the linden data maintenance that has already given me grief made it disappear. I hunted frantically for a replacement to my (in)famous monkey but could not find anything I was any happier with and returned to Cartoonimals to get a new monkey. Remember me eluding to always forgetting details, rush rush rush, slightly obsessive and a touch attention deficit (not that I believe that's like a real thing). Well sure enough I tipped the demo setup rather than pay to buy it an viola..I am out the $ and nothing to show for it. d'oh !

I contacted the owner Duggy Bing, and what a super considerate guy. Cartoonimals has always been one of my favorite stores in SL for the fun approach it took to some very basic things. I have often recommended it. Duggy was able to help me, while I tried hard not to gush around him, considering I am meeting someone I have admired for his creations from a far for a long time.

Than Bam !!!!

I am informed that in a months time Cartoonimals will be closing their doors. Ack!!!

He will remain in the market place so its not a total goodbye, but how sad to see yet another institution I have frequented over the years close their doors to their in-world presence.Naturally I was sad. How could I not be?

For those who have not been by there..this is the time. To drop in and experience these creations in there natural, abet ridiculous, natural setting. For those who can't make it, the product will still be around but here in case is a few photos of the place.

They are perfect for so many occasions.

Club Life guard for instance.

Companionship for a friend.

----visit----- >>>> http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cartoonimals/167/158/24

See these great characters in the digital flesh before the sim is gone forever.

Innsmouth

2012-01-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Innsmouth. A dark New England Coastal town craft with a strong HP Lovecraft influence.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Innsmouth/135/53/21

      I love immersing environments. A very dark, overcast scene. A town site with shopping, but mostly very scenic photo ops everywhere you go. My landing zone didn't bombard me with stupid requests and handouts (Good) but it was also initially disorienting. Hard to know what direction to go. I suggest going into immediate flight if this is your first visit to get your bearings.

     BTW, role playing sites that disallow flying are to say the least a big pain in the ass. For first time visitors who are lost it can be very helpful. Ok I get why you don't like flying roleplayers in the 18th century and stuff but if your not going to allow it, be better marked or other comprehensive tp's to various zones on your land.

     Now Innsmouth suggests a roleplaying community, but I never saw much of that. Guess the time of day I arrived had few visitors, but for those who, like me , enjoy taking photos, I am sure they don't mind in the least poking around in your modern attire. Lots of rain may slow weaker computers down briefly but it really adds to the whole ambiance.

all in all..very cool.

Its like travelling back in time to an alternate history.

Thinking about time travel, I have actually a weakness for the concept in a literary sense. It is bashed to death by many on TV, movies, etc but sometimes the whole idea can create some very cool paradoxes and what if hypotheticals. Wouldn't it be cool to travel forward in time to see what Secondlife has in store for us with this whole SOPA (Stop on line Piracy) come down the pipe potentially?. Looks into future events calender....

hmmmm... ick. Okies, maybe the Walgreens event is worth checking out.

Elven Forest

2012-01-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

     Some groups are VERY serious about their role play while others seem to take it in stride and are pretty relaxed. I confess to preferring the latter. When I come in world, no matter what I look like, I am pretty much me and find it difficult to act out a character. Because of that I think I am probably not the best judge of said type of activities like role playing.
    Today though I thought I would pop about some fantasy sims. Those that seem to embrace mythological beings like,magicians, fairies and the like. It is actually a far more broader subject than I anticipated. Or at least there are things I never thought of as fantasy but really are..like Gor for example(whole other topic) could be said to be fantasy,
     The first thing that pops into my head when I think of fantasy is Elves so why not start my travels at the Elven forest. Seems logical right? This forest is pretty straight forward . Come on in and join us, but please kindly dress the part. To hard? No problem, they offer some basic items you may wear before you enter while clearly stating there rules in a non intrusive sign. Don't you ahte the maddening popup messages and send landmarks. Well the outfits are kind of the Elven forest to offer. Very nice of them. The people inside are relaxed from what I saw and polite and enjoying dressing up and playing the sprites, fairies and other whimsical creations in a casual format.

    Whimsical....you know I have been stuck on that word ever since a poet I know named Radegund Bracken started spouting it in front of me. Not because it was a new word, but rather because it fit her to a tee in all manner that the word exists for.

    But back to the Elven forest. It is not huge or complicated. Really simple but they have chosen wisely their designs, trees and dwellings to create a very light happy feel. I didn't see a sea of mushrooms or anything but in playing around to get a picture it dawned on em another crucial piece you need to know.

But let me get you to the Eleven Forest first..

---->   http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blossom/243/216/22

    What is the other thing that is so important I feel. Lighting. In several role playing sims the participants recognize how crucial this can be for creating the necessary ambiance. Those who do not participate in such activities have never seen the need to go any further than adjust the day night when they need it. Using the presets in the environmental controls on the viewer, I usually skip quickly through each till I find a really nice fit for what I am looking at. If I am taking photos I can however get frustrated and start to make my own lighting choices by moving the sliders. The presets though are pretty handy and do fit most situations.

The Elven forest is really enhanced by adjusting your lightning.

Ladies at large

2012-01-13T04:23:00.000-08:00

Need or want to do some size plus shopping? Not as many out there for such things as you might think..or want. For those who want to get the plus size you can either figure out the shape thing your self or shop for a shape. I didn't find it hard myself to design my own shape using the sliders but I have seen women in SL with hips wider than any pickup truck I know and a waist you could grip with your fist. Yea..they need help. Course..seeing those same come into a club wearing Daisy Dukes or a mini skirt that literally covers nothin.. well..it could cause you to throw up in your mouth if you have a weak constitution. Perhaps this store can help you to find a more realistic shape.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Real%20Angel%20Bay/182/44/21

BBW Shapes

now that I have shown you that..let me examine something.

My friend posted on Facebook yesterday a link about body image.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2085226/PLUS-Model-Magazines-Katya-Zharkova-cover-highlights-body-image-fashion-industry.html

In Secondlife we craft the look of our virtual selves by our own ideas of image. What is attractive or real? Perhaps what is even funny? The largest bulk of the population though has designed avatars that would be in one way or another, attractive. Attractive at least by the standards established by their society. That actually is slippery slope for open discussion.

Is the medium the message? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_medium_is_the_message

Are we imitating art? Do we find our influences in TV or magazines? Are others really telling us what we think? Not always on purpose but even the smartest of us cannot help but be influenced by the actions or look of others. Man is a social animal and requires often this sort of validation from each other, even when we strike out to be very individualistic.

Still, modern media is not just a let you be informed thing anymore. It is about money. How many times do hear that as an excuse. Today’s medium finds it easier in a lot of cases to actually craft your needs for you by telling you what they are ahead of time. Movies try to tell you their release is a major event! Models and clothiers tell us what the next major trend is and how you must follow them. Beautiful people are created for you to admire and wish to be. From that first Kodak moment I felt pulled in like anyone else. With so much hinging on body image and towards money it is very important to all involved to make you literally beg to become these people. Look like they do, eat like they do. Drive cars like they do too. We project our minds into the scene and imagine it is us. The medium creates the fantasy and we so willing want to be part of it..even when the logic center of our brains know their game and what they are trying to make us beleive.

So naturally with the drumming message brainwashing us and our insecurities being prayed upon we head out to buy weight loss programs or go into horrible debt wearing the latest, driving the best and snobbing around with others who in turn are doing the same. Certainly this can lead to a much deeper conversation than perhaps I have time for, or people are patient enough to read through. I was curious though about Secondlife and if anyone was specifically fighting this trend ….

In a way..its nice to see at least this store fighting the trend and finding customers for basically a niche market.

Lets go Sleuthing..sleuth sleuth sleuth

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

   Some people like to just play around. Lets call that role play. They imagine being something and weeeeeeeee...  they can be that thing they desire. I think I can safely say that comprises a great deal of residents in Secondlife. Vampires, Tiny animals, politicians and licensed professionals.

   Than there are people who take it one step further. They become that thing they desire. Start a business, make money and enjoy what they are doing. What could be better than that.

    So today I snuck around just such businesses. Quietly they sit with a noble mission to help you if you have enough Lindens. Private Investigators. Woooo..the romantic in me sees the 'ol gumshoe, cigarette hanging out of the shadow of a trenchcoat. It is pulled over the head of someone hiding in an alley way...waiting...waiting...for they elusive photo opt or evidence to prove something.

So today I visited a few detectives. All in all a rather dull experience actually, but they are offering a service. They will do the things that you either have no time to do or no talent to do. Secondlife spouse cheating on you? eh' Hello! It''s Secondlife. ...sigh... Ok you need to know..and you pay a fee and these individuals investigate if this is true..get photos etc. background check, surveillance, security they do it all for you. I personally question the actual need for it in most cases but hey, your money I guess, and these people really do view themselves as PI's who are doing a service. Yes, real people are indeed hiring them too. Drama drama drama,,

hmm a confidential envelope left of the desk. How can I trust an agency who is sooo sloppy.

Anyways when I say most cases I see no need for this form of service I do confess I was doing some sleuthing myself for a quite some time. I sorta fell into it when I was the recipient of some terrible drama that absolutely perplexed me. I dug and dug and dug around till I could piece together the whole thing. Not that I can say I am better for it but it gave me some closure to the event and actually taught me some skills to boot.

Later on down the road came copybot. I found myself helping many locate, identify and report violations of theft of various stolen items. I became rather involved in the whole issue and this lead me to becoming a Secondlife world traveller. See...one thing just leads to another in this crazy life and you never know what oppurtunities will come and create a whole new experience. I used alts, snuck around and Bam I got you. Today I am quite capable of defending myself, tracing people, and causing them grief for their indiscretions. Hee.

Now the funny part of my travels this morning. Though I do not do this really anymore, I still have the tendency of clicking on objects I find curious and guess what? I found an old version of a copybotted item. Hahaha. (I use the term copybot as a generic reference..there are actually several ways to lift things in SL). I saw no need to turn them in since it was small potatoes. Still, old habits kicked in and I spent 35 minutes tracing the original owner. I may let her know about this or not. Decide that later.

So that was my morning. Fun right? I had fun. Not the travel part..that was dull as a hammer. No, I had fun figuring out this theft thing, minor as it was. Oh BTW, to the mysterious nutball who years ago caused me some grief. This is a FYI. I am amply capable of not just SL sleuthing but rl too. I know all your alts. ALL YOU ALTS. And the hilarious part... I got your highschool picture too. That would be an eye opener for some to see I think. Come on..take your shot.... Sorry i digressed.

If you find you have a real need of this sort of thing contact me instead, but I ask you..think about it. Is it really worth the bother. I mean really.

Remembering Woodstock. Secondlife Live

2012-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

This morning I felt like hearing some live music and popped down to Gutheries Folk club.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kissena%20Park/32/226/22

A sensible club with generally a good line up. Secondlife has been pretty good to me in regards to music, both live and canned, providing a very diverse offering. Despite my love for some tunes I hear on the radio, there is definitely something about a live act that feeds off a live audience. With personality being now part of the act, you really find a personal feel to the shows.

That got me reminiscing.

Remember Woodstock?

Some time ago, I think in May of 2011, Lynsey Fleury closed the doors on the Woodstock sim. Many an SL artist passed through her stage and even more got there start there. Lynsey was tremendously kind and once upon a time she had a vision and made it happen. Knowing little about what she was doing, she tackled the idea entirely out of her own pocket. She had no idea if it would fly, and initially I am sure it was expensive for her. Slowly she gathered a following friends and appreciative artists around her. Slowly she learned everything there was to know about the business.

She accepted help, but the bulk from the day it opened was carried on her own shoulders. The long hours she put in often prevented her from seeing the rest of Secondlife. She was actually one of my first friends in Secondlife and I met her at the beginning of Woodstock the sim. I came within a hairs breath of jumping in to help her with both feet but my time was tight and another new friend also needed help. I choose the other friend and helped her work on her sim...the infamous Newguttenheim Museum. We live with the choices me make I guess, but for the both of us it worked out very well. I would often sneak in quietly to listen to a show so as not to disturb her working the venue. Lynsey simply amazed me at what she accomplished.

I ran into her recently over the Christmas season and asked her why she had moved on. She was amazingly upbeat. She is not in SL that often anymore, but she was in a happy. Woodstock had run its course and she had accomplished what she set out to do. So despite closing, she didn't leave sad. She was proud of her work and I am proud to have watched her from the start and evolve to one what I considered the premier live music spot in SL.

So..though there remains many live venues in Secondlife, I will always have a fondness for Woodstock.

I wanna be a model...not

2012-01-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

I happen to know absolutely nothing about the modeling industry in Secondlife, so my observations are strictly from an outsiders perspective. First, I obviously had to do my own photo shoot and without photoshop, I guess you get me oh-natural.
Her I am displaying the prominent feature I am trying to sell or show off, which in this case are my breasts.... ah..I mean the adorable and cheap sequin top. Its ok to stare, cause that's what I am selling. Being a model on a shoot I hesitate to point out the sign behind me showing a deep and meaningful quote; perhaps I am trying to demonstrate that I have more than a 3rd grade education. Hmmm

....quick change now to show I have real depth and range in my stand on a pose ball talent....and...

See.. tada ! New Hair !

Sign still in background, so I must be really smart.

I am of course doing a most natural yet surprisingly playful pose for my surroundings. I know your drooling now to get this remarkable sequin top because, again, my breasts are saying buy me. Yea, and the top was cheap too. But that's not all. You must see the whole package.

My Boston Boots. They really go with everything ! This feature of course demonstrates my ability to find a deal that is no longer available so you'll have to pay full price. Isn't that really decent of me to do that. Now your going..hey I don't want the sequin top anymore I want the boots. Why didn't you tell me about the boots when they were on sale. Well silly..than you would have them and I would not be unique.

I can't help but see all the models showing off the wares for us. A few out there are doing a dynamite job. The real talents I think though lie in the photographer a great deal of the time. Several I see are doing photo manipulation that makes the shot really pop out at you. Blurred backgrounds, shadows, and correcting odd things like alphas that are not rezzing properly or hair, like mine above that seem to ignore physics and punch holes into my chest. There is however a few things I never get. Maybe I am just not in the "Know" about real fashion or that special sellable look. Hell I could be entirely out of the pop culture loop for all I know..but... what is up with the scowls on the faces of some of these girls. Are you in pain dear or just hate life, please buy my blouse.

I was listening to that stupid song that has been floating around for a month last night at work. "I'm sexy and I know it" hee..got me thinking. "Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle....."

I designed my own shape and hope I don't look like a cookie cut out like so many women I see with generic shapes. After that, I guess I do tend to dress in passable fashion.At the very least no one has said anything like..OMG that green shirt with striped pants,,are you stupid and blind..go kill yourself.

Oh must give the credits now..that's also part of the whole modeling biz..to make you wanna buy stuff.

Shape... Shini Designs for the rich and famous.
Sequin top.....Symmetry Clothing line. Think they no longer exist..so your too late !!
Boston Boots... REEK and yes they are still around.
Wonderful deep thoughts in background.....LOFT,,don't know about the loft?? What, living in a hole in the ground??

The bloggers who cover fashion do their best. They have an honest interest in it, but given the tidal wave of new stuff that comes out regularly, it is hard to imagine them not working long hours trying to keep up. The ones who start up a fashion blog just so they can nab free clothing are pretty sad. The mainline stores are on to them and so take a cynical approach to it. I would love to score some free stuff with a few stores (Loft Loft Loft go there and tell them about me), but inside I know I would be more selfish and not really be as appreciative of it. Something about spending real money that makes you think..do I seriously really need this.

Without high priced models where would all those high priced gowns go I wonder? A few are worth the effort, but sometimes I think the ugly scowling street urchin should hang it all up and just show us the article your selling displayed on a coat hanger.

Working on New home...again

2012-01-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

     Some might suggest I am a touch attention deficit while at the same time being obsessive compulsive. Both are to a degree true. Take my endless building, rearranging, creating and destroying. Especially with my homes. For me, I just get so bored living in the same place and believe much of what Secondlife is, is but a temporary fantasy. If you hold onto something too tight it hurts to lose it. I do not have that issue in the slightest as I reinvent myself and everything around me on a regular basis. This helps to keep me both occupied and my world fresh and original.

     Now most people around me seem very settled and when they create homes and it seems they tend to live in the core structure like forever. The only static thing around me I guess is the Lonely Yak Roadhouse. I have made over 12 versions of it but none that have (or ever will) seen the light of day. Instead the club remains as it always has. Four walls with a cheap eclectic look. Now it is true that I built the Yak, but to be more clear I did not create it. What I mean is I took the old Yak (which originally sprung from the mind of Jane) and to the best of my ability, re-created it in all its glory. Well, almost. The new Yak is actually smaller in dimension than the old one.

Ahhh but back to my new place. I was making it into a sloppy casual hangout till I fell upon an idea. I will develop that later as I ponder the possibilities. Till than I had neglected the outside of the home so with all due haste I began to design a garden. The first part (as seen in the upper most picture) was creating an entrance. Gardens surprisingly, are NOT my specialty. I garden like crazy in my real home but it never seems to work as I wish in Secondlife. Funny thing though is when I got a head of steam going, I also went shopping for "Extras". Funny in that, despite having a very fixed idea of what I wanted, I still went completely off the rails and ended up at Forgotten City (A steam punk inspired community). Yea, lots of gardening stuff there. Worth the visit actually. I managed to waste large gobs of my time there but when I finally got my act in gear I hopped over to New Trails, and with hast bought..............the wrong tree..........

grrrr......

Its not a bad tree, but I spent too much for something I had not intended and being on a budget, I had to make it work. Its ok for now. Still, looking back to my saying that I might be a weeeee bit attention deficit obsessive compulsive. Yea, there is some truth there. Need to slow down I think and take more time on those things I want to have turn out well. Lucky that in Secondlife, I can easily replace or alter anything rather quickly. Unlucky is the many distractions that exist to divert your attention elsewhere. You win you lose.

My inventory...deleted a chunk..than got some trees. Over all though I am now down to 36915 items. Not huge but I think I am not moving fast because I am spending more time sorting them into folders and sometimes opening stuff that I have no clue what it is. It must have been important once right if I managed to pick up. Right?

Just another of my typical Saturdays

2012-01-08T00:51:00.000-08:00

Another typical Saturday. Spent the evening at the Lonely Yak Texas roadhouse with some friends. I was Spinning the tunes on this night using movie music as the foundation and running some trivia as well. Red got the majority of the questons with Crap picking up a few.

Afterwards I retired to the house...someone should talk to the parents of these kids for staying out so late.

and from there I sat and enjoyed a few tunes on my own while I wasted precious moments of my life bringing in the crops on Farmville.

Yea..keeping things simple

loose and playing it by ear

2012-01-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Standing on the bridge between the Lonely Yak and the Crystal Palace. What a dull dreary scene. It is only January and at home we lack the snow that would normally be burying us right now. In Secondlife however, I am already tired of it and waiting for the thaw. Perhaps this a kill time day except I have too much housework I am neglected. The dishwasher has broken down so add another chore to my routine till that gets all fixed. Think we need a new one as ours is over ten years old now.

Wonder who did the dishes at the last supper? If that was today I would bet it would be catered or they would have used paper plates.

I'll probably play it all by ear, putter here and there and get everything done. DJing at the lonely Yak tonight something but too tired/lazy to set up any decor to enhance the evening. Maybe I will pull out the dysfunctional trivia ball I own.

Inventory = 37319 items. Hardly seems that I tackled it at all. Mostly deleted useless skins I had collected over the years but than went shopping. I am not helping the cause doing that.

The fashion experience is more than hangers and sales

2012-01-06T10:45:00.000-08:00

I know I said I am out exploring again but one can't help but return to her usual haunts to see what specific designers are doing. Here in the Lulu Sim is a square featuring several quality stores. I have become picky I guess about certain things, one being, ambiance. Come on..if your going to be successful, the least you can do is look professional in your decor and this is a good example of just that. It isn't a major build but everything is done right and lends itself to some very easy and casual shopping. That's right. At this point in time I want the whole experience or else why bother. I could just as easily just pick things up on the SL market place and have it sent to me.

You will see all these stores finding their way onto Fashion blogs on a regular basis. I think its at the very least worth a repeat visit or two.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lula/104/85/35

Best of what? Hey, don't knock it.

2012-01-06T02:48:00.000-08:00

So bored I travelled to what I thought was "The best of SL". Turns out it was a modeling galleria. The Renaissance Galleria but it is all interconnected actually. Pretty cool eye candy stage though.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/186/72/1009

Check it out if that's your thing, but after seeing it my mind went on a tangent this morning, so no review of it is forth coming . Sometimes my mind heads off places when I see something and my thinking wanderss all over the map.

So I was thinking about purpose. How to occupy my time, be productive, or have a sense of importance or purpose when it comes to Secondlife. If your asking this question, perhaps some of you should just drop it. You may not be the type who should be trying so hard to go nowhere and ask the world to appreciate how far you have come.

I have found people who model, report the news, create art. Many found these activities because it deeply interested them. How often though have we also heard of some having an over inflated ego? If your not interested than just go somewhere else, but really, they are accomplishing something for themselves and to that I really must give them credit. Okies, they are not curing cancer and occasionally get high and mighty about the importance of their activities, but you should ask yourself first, "What have I done?". Most Secondlife residents are consumers. They come in, slap down a few lindens, pose or dance for a while, and socialize with their own community. Some are more than that. They create. they work. Okies they occasionally have this sense of self importance that comes off as arrogant (danger danger Will Robertson, its a redundant statement), but I for one recognize the commitment they have put to their craft and appreciate it. I recognize the talent I see in their events or creations and appreciate it. Even those who do no more than report what they are seeing, I see there too a great deal of effort and time spent.

I have no particular talent, or the time to be anything more than I am. Sure I have heard on occasion, "Oh Shini your great.." at this or that, but I have seen those who truly are great at this or that and I pale in comparison. I am here for a good time. Amusing myself in my own little way and I have been lucky enough to make some close friends as well. For me anyways, I am happy to stay drama free, non-judgemental, go with the flow, and to a small degree, a self absorbed vain Peacock who demands your attention! Look at me! Look at me!! Shopping is my life!

I digress. It is of course a new year and I hope to find new experiences and enjoy SL. I will of course revisit "The best of SL" again for nothing more than to see what they have to show and say.

Plus with all the clutter in my new home,

and an inventory that is 37490 items ( and that is only cause I actively manage it)

I plan to do some tidy up this year. Own only nice things, and delete all the garbage I really really don't need. Do I really have over 400 different skins??

now back to my real world where unlike SL, I can appreciate the talent I have for cooking. I have finished my Turkey soup today. The secret is in the Newfoundland salted beef I use in the base.

Puppies and Kittens !!

2012-01-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Quite by accident today I came across the most amazing little animal. It is so adorable and I have not seen before anything quite like it. First.. check out the web site to get an idea what I am talking about.

http://aifriends.blogspot.com/

Now what I was saying. I was traveling around this morning when I came across this pet. I traced back the builder and found the shop that sells them. They sell little houses and jackets for them as well. These animals come in both kittens and puppies and grow larger as you interact with them. They do not appear to be breedable (thank God) but a stand alone pet that plays and interacts with you in adorable fashion. I did not see any demos kicking around for you to get a look at and the animal appears to have limited information laying around to help you decide whether you would even want to purchase one. Well, I did see an example elswhere andtell you this is definitely worth it.

Now my pesky issues that creep in and itch my brain as curious. The skill level of these animals is rather high. Amazing really. Or at least that is what I percieve, but the rest of the shop demonstrates a rather low level of skill and more over, the shop next to it, I would classify as a Junk store. Its almost like one does not match the whole. I could not find another example of said animals anywhere on the grid so assume this is the one and only of this particular type. I also found this via looking back through an example I had found to get me to the builders store in the first place. This store does not have high volumes so they are obviously not doing the best advertising they could.

These odd points should not distract you from perhaps trying it out and getting yourself one. I may one day when I have more money. They really appear top notch.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Spinolds%20Flat/144/181/59

Let's get Political in Secondlife

2012-01-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

I saw this morning a friend make comment about a Mitt Romney site in Secondlife. In Secondlife, many real things find their way in. People I guess like to create things they like or are familiar with. Their comfort zone in a way. Also too, they try to create, or associate with others who hold similar beliefs, religiously, morally or politically. Hence with the coming election (and when I say coming I mean bejeebers just how long do Americans stretch out a political campaign??? Years??) Anyways, my first stop was the Sim..a whole sim...for the GOP to meet and greet.

Isn't it soo pretty with all that patriotic Red White and blue !

and they have a blimp too !!!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Grand%20Old%20Party/128/180/24

When I first came onto Secondlife I did wish for something to occupy part of my time. Political, economic discourse. I have an interest in this as well as history and geopolitical issues. Not to get too far off track but as a Canadian, my own beliefs do not reflect either the Democrats or Republicans of the U.S. For years I called myself a conservative, but the meaning has little to do with Republicans or the Conservative Alliance up here. I won't thrash out my views but getting back..I came in to have open discussions and debates between jumping on pose balls and dancing all the time.

What I found was anything but. The political groups I have met have been rather one sided and both have shown a tendency to yell down opposing views they deem "Stupid" or "Uneducated". Not all mind you but a few rabble rousers have. Rather than discuss and debate they do mo more than push an agenda around within themselves and their group. I am a Christian but not evanglist. Still, within the liberal group I frequent, my religion is openingly bashed by a few while they embrace gays and declare themselves the most tolerant and caring of Sentient beings on the planet. I try very hard to NOT type cast the whole into some stupid cliche since many are really open caring people who do not act this way, but the few who do, it comes off as stinging, insulting and very like hate speech which is clearly the opposite of their intention or ideology.

Anyways, back to Secondlife. Within it polical forums do exist, as do griefers who oppose their views. You may likely wish to go see one and by all means do. I warn though they do not necessarily want to educate you as to argue or preach to the choir of the already converted.

Somehow it all reminds me of this. Is that Fred Gywnne?? That reminds me. The lady in the window at the GOP headquarters. She was some kind of receptionist I think on a "Auto pose look at me cause I am semi beautiful" thing. I looked at her groups on her profile ....(because I sniff profiles ok, get over it) and not only did she have the GOP group on there but also something called the Minds of Gor. Hmmmmm

anyways..I did plan to showcase a few today but my stomach is already not well from my first look. So we'll just end it here and I will assume you can look for the rest of them yourselves.

oh wait..one sec....

The Act up series at the Lonely Yak Texas Roadhouse has actually been a bright spot. Currently it could be better attended but it also runs only once a month. My friend Jill conceived the whole thing and I built her a theatre to run it in. Jill has been finding extremely interesting liberal documentaries highlighting societal issues. To sit back and share a movie experience with others on the topics has proven both educational and engaging to me.

Rachel Breaker rulz !!

2012-01-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Rachek Breaker rules is a stop I love making and yes in the past I blogged about it. I returned today for inspiration as I often do, but I am horribly guilty of never buying anything from here. That is something I will change soon, but her stuff is just so odd it can be hard to find a good fit for it in my homes. Those tend to be more traditionist in their stylings but I intend to do some changes and start to leave my own comfort zone; build things that are more bizarre and whimsical. In the mean time, for those people who have already found the bizarre to their liking, there is nothing like her stores and wonderful items for sale. I love places that are equally entertaining to just visit, let alone purchase from.

Visit

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Katat0nik/60/47/30

Vintage in Secondlife

2012-01-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

In Secondlife vintage can really be a pretty open definition. Generally it seems accepted that it refers to the period of the 1920's to 50's. I guess the push in this area are Americans who wish to recreate what one might consider either a simplier time or something that has been romanced to a point that if negates any social truth of the people who actually lived than. Still it is fun. From Clubs to shopping we see the full gambit of this period being recreated. Burlesque shows, gangsters, drive in theatres to name a few have all found homes here.

So yes, I am back to exploring this wonderful grid for you. Back? More or less just continuing what I have always done. In the last year we have seen drastic changes in terms of long term content in Secondlife. That being many have left who were the foundation of long standing ventures, while others have taken up the challeneges of operating unique and wonderful sims. This means that there is more to see than ever. The rising costs though has been a drastic upswing in the amount of shopping in zones that use to be just plain pretty but low key. In the end your love and passion doesn't pay the bills I guess.

The buffet of offerings here for today is pretty large so I won't landmark them for you. If your curious though, try the search, typing in either Retro or vintage and select what sub category your looking for, be it shopping or hangout. I know some are certainly not winners or worth the visit, but you should not be so critical to think your time is so damn important as to not see a substandard sim from tiome to time. Roll with it and enjoy your travels.

Okies, we are off with a bang.

2012-01-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

So its 2012 and nothing bad has happened yet. So far so good. Now just stay that course. Last night the Lonely Yak Texas Roadhouse in Secondlife rocked and I was literally falling asleep because of such a long day I had had. I stayed up as long as I physically could with the night owls but finally crawled to bed. Looks down at last post I did....boring.....

So this morning I am up, ready and all fired up to work. Looks at sink full of dishes. Ok maybe not that fired up. So jumped online and tore down the ballroom dance floor and erected a new home with a garden. 30 minutes..not bad.

Before... (nice butt Shini )

After

If you have the tools it really doesn't take long to build a basic core. The trick is always in the details. That's the time consuming part. Making sure the floors line up or the textures are adjusted correctly.

So, 2010 was the bulk of my traveling and blogging, while 2011 saw a lot of personal growth and less intense chasing of needless things. What will 2012 bring? I am hoping mostly not to become bored to tears and just try to have more fun. Perhaps experience even more online virtual music and try to take some readings in. The pull for me is still the 3D virtual social experience and playing dress up, but my friend Jane has suggested that I should try out the Tiny Airforce. I am actually intrigued by the idea.

oh..and in case you didn't get your photo Christmas Card from Wayne Gretzky (Hockey legend and played for MY team) no worries...his slutty daughter was nice enough to leak it out on twitter before he had even sent it out to the few he originally intended.

Nice family. Funny how Wayne, despite all his money, still stands out in typical Canadian style. Was it to much to have the family smile though?

2011... eh'; I've seen better

2011-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

December has been quite a busy month for me, hence my lack of posts. Sorry about that. I am the type who really needs a purpose to post. I blog for myself with an amazingly small readership, so if I have no reason I just don't. I thought about where I could send this, and perhaps create purpose and think I have an idea. I will go back to exploring, but not post unless I think it worthy of really a look see. I looked over the Lindens showcase and figured I would visit every one of their "Editor's picks" or "featured" locations, but a quick glance at that left me disapponited to be honest. The editor picks for instance has the recent addition of all the premieum Secondlife account locations which a freebie type like myself can't even get into. Boy I'm sold on that.Ha. I will ponder it more as the New year starts but in the mean time today I will post, or in many cases, repost, my favorite photos I took this year of Secondlife. Enjoy.
.

Oh, and by the way..I took only 700+ shots last year and many are good. These seem to reasonate with me for what ever reason, and I could have posted a stink more than this. So if your looking for one of yourself, don't take it personally if it doesn't exist here.

Am I somewhere else?

2011-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Since returning from my cruise vacation, my days have been filled with chores, errands, to-do lists and leaving little time for other more escapist endeavors. Not that I have lost interest or anything. Just playing catch up with life. On my to-do list for instance is another blog I ran for a long time but have done nothing with. Do I cut it back with large hedge clippers or delete it outright, since I no longer have a dieing need of any kind to update it. Still, despite the headaches of a full life, I did manage to fill my Secondlife hours with several activities that were entertaining.

Dysfunctional thanksgiving dinner at Lacamas Hall

Dancing and people watching at "Element" night club. All these people have scowls on their faces..hmmm..fashion police!

a Mesh skin?

My viewer doesn't handle Mesh yet, so all I saw was this creepy flying disk with hair and eye balls.

Gangsta Shini on a barrel

Will anyone make comparisons to another barrel rolling animal when I show up at the Tiny Talent show doing this?

Tiny Talent Show

And again I am dragged into this thing by my friend Jane. Reluctant I come and again, as before, totally enjoy myself. It is a big affair and a time for me to show off just how little talent I actually have.

So, really with the season kicking in, my head has been somewhere else. Getting ready for Christmas on two fronts but mostly at home with family. The virtual life I have carved out in Secondlife is a great escape from the mundane. Today for instance I have been outside chasing my bags of recycling down the street due to a wind storm we are having. I was also in Secondlife admiring the ice rink a neighbour put up in our water inlet in the place we will later host a skating party. See, a little escape keeps your sanity in check.

My cruise vacation

2011-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

I really was not gone all that and like so many things, the experience passed by far quicker than you would like. The memories will last a life time though. This was my vacation and my very first cruise ship. I learned a few things along the way, which is to be expected. What I liked, what I didn't and what to expect. These things of course will help guide me if I ever choose to go on another cruise in the future. The trip involved 2 days in Miami, 7 days on a cruise ship and 2 more days in Miami.

Day one. Arrive, but refuse the GPS for rental car so we could enjoy the thrill of getting lost in Miami. And we did. Recovered quick and stayed in Howard Johnson. Not a high end place but it will do. No continental breakfast or newspaper next day.

Day Two. Forgot important medication at home. Went to CVS drugs, who in turn directed us to a clinic. That was just another CVS drugstore and they could not help do to specialized nature of the drugs in question. Pharmacist however jumped through hoops for us though. Called Canada after a 2 hour wait for our home drugstore to open. They could not help. We needed to see a Doctor and have them re prescribed. Went to an emergency clinic. For profit systems have the benefit of serving you quickly since no one can afford health care there and hence..short to no lineups. The Doctor rubber stamped us through maxed his bill for us to feel full joy and we just billed Canada. Returned to Pharmacist and filled drug order. Bill...$175 for 10 days of pills. Bill Canada. :) This shot our day bad..ended up at iHop and ate pancakes and walked around stores searching for that elusive English speaking clerk who can help us.

Day Three. Boarding ! What a mass of people and a long line up that felt like forever but moved better than I expected. Carnival Glory. When we finally got pass it all and inside we seriously didn't know the line and check in had ended. "Whats' next?" we asked, and a clerk said what do you want to do. She was going up on deck and so was happy to escort us there too. We get to Lido deck and find chairs for departure. Notice most tables have already loaded up on drinks and the lineup at Buffet. Don't they feed you at home? You just got on board. Ship departs and clear skies but choppy waters.

Day Four . Half Moon Cay is a barbecue day on a beach. Sadly the water and weather are not cooperating. Having no port we would have to tender in on a smaller boat but the safety question was a bigger issue and the ship decided to pass this island and we would spend today and tomorrow at sea heading for next destination. We choose to enjoy the food and multitude of various entertainment venues. Ended the day watching movie Green Lantern on big screen on Lido Deck. I was OK but we could see the choppy water was making many sick with motion sickness. Up...down...up...down... Clearly this boat motion was never fully revealed to anyone on the Love Boat, Titanic or other TV/film stories. Held hand rail most of day to stand and walk.

Day Five Sea Day ! Lets start drinking! Ok not so much, just a few, but definitely food food food food. Not the highest quality. Greasy Bacon, sausage, under cooked dinner, not a great selection of fresh produce. It was not that bad and I ate it but I had heard stories of endless culinary delights aboard these things and that was not true. Was told that was one of many cost cutting measures. Don't get me wrong here..some was very very good..and too boot..24/7 coffee, Pizza, Ice Cream. Every night we sat with our family at the dining room. Took in a show this night at theatre. A R/B funk, Motown,blues show. I really enjoyed that. Not as well attended as I expected. The Bingo held just prior was more crowded. People and their gambling..*sigh*..

Day Six. Probably the best day we had the whole trip. St. Thomas ! Not large or excessively crowded. We walked the island and enjoyed every minute. Even when we got rained on...seriously rained on. Had to buy an umbrella and poncho to stay dry as the streets began to flood. That lasted about 2 hours but we enjoyed the shopping and walk. Ok..how many Jewelry stores can one place expect to support and pack in together. People on the steps trying to pull you in barking out specials and willing to deal. No thankyou. But we did find some awesome Christmas ornaments. Hee. Loved St. Thomas as we walked it for hours refusing to let rain stop us.

Day Seven San Juan puerto Rico ! OMG its big..I had no idea. We half expected something just slightly larger than St. Thomas. Population I would guess around 500,000. Brutal heat and sun as we just made up are day as we went. Enjoyed the walk through the fort and around the old part of town. Cobblestone streets. The heat over took us and we escaped to the first place we found airconditioning. Burger king. Purchased today what became our greatest find. A Chicken hand puppet. Had alot of fun with him, entertaining children later with it on board. Also hit the Coach store among many higher end boutiques. A real full day and a slight burn. Than we saw the clouds and retreated back aboard ship. The skies opened and drenched everyone but we managed to beat it back to ship before we were hit. That night we sat for a Vegas type show in theatre. Feather boas and a multitude of costume changes. It was fabulous. That night was a massive party on deck..party party party.

Day eight Grand Turk. This is an island only 7 miles long. The dock exited immediately upon a beach with a small cove of shops. We broke down and finally got some jewelry. What a gong show that was but not the stores fault. Our Mastercard screwed up and we had to phone them. We made a payment on the card and all was well in the end. So we thought. More later on that. It was a beach day and wonderful weather. That night again watched a movie on big screen, Thor. Last night

Day Nine We pulled back into Miami at 5 am. I had a leisurely breakfast at that time but the deck was empty. Guess people like to sleep in on their holidays while I am an early riser. We get off hugging new friends and family alike. Some are heading home but we rent a car and head for South beach. Art Deco district. Our Mastercard screw up came back. See..we made a huge payment online to the wrong account. We only discovered this when we got home..but at that moment the card we had with us was declined and the hotel would not take cash. Even funnier was fact the hotel was entirely repaid for anyways so we would not owe anything . Homeless for 2 hours till mother in law we called was able to help us with her card. We than spent evening walking around taking in the whole district. Beautiful. The hotel didn't look like much from outside but was more than adequate. I would bet though its a hit and miss prospect along south beach.

Day Ten Our last full day. We drove all over Miami and didn't get lost!! Malls, beaches, parks. It was a blast. Though I have not filled in the mass of details, we had done an awful lot in a short time on our trip and today we actually felt the fatigue of the whole thing. Still, we laboured on.

Day Eleven Home we go. From 28C to -6C. From humid to dry. There is a huge amount of details I have not related but we packed in so much in a short time. Shows, museums, beaches, food etc etc. We were completely occupied despite not having any plan what so ever. The trip from my house to San Juan is about 3600 miles, so we definitely traveled a fair distance. So though this was not as comprehensive as you might expect, believe me, it was a trip of a life time and would gladly fill you in on the fun little anecdotes and many events if you ask me in Secondlife. No one bad thing was large enough to spoil the whole trip and it gave us a lasting memory we will never forget.

Photo realism

2011-11-18T00:10:00.000-08:00

    Part of my fun in Secondlife still surrounds clothing, skins and hair. The evolution has been nothing more than astounding and that elusive "Oh Wow" factor still pops up from time to time. I clearly remember back when I would buy a piece of clothing and being blown away by the designers skill. That same clothing no longer cuts it as new more artistic items come out. The biggest push of course is photo realism, assisted by photoshopping. Each evolutionary step is as great as the last but I wonder how far they can go with it. I suppose endless develiopement means endless advancement of the art.
     So the real question perhaps is not how far will they go, but rather how far will I go. I change my look often enough but confess that I partially like my semi cartoon/realistic look that I would not consider taking it to the next level. Well..maybe I should not say never, but for now I am quite settled. I look though at clothes and the photoshopped models and how they are advancing step by step to great detail and real life picture perfect. The fashionistas have tried to be cutting edge, and clothing associated with them have been excessively price for several years now, but the innovations coming from stand alone business's are what is really happening in fashion. No, not the wanna be's that buy templates and hang their shingle, but rather those people who actually design from scratch and dare to up the ante on quality. These stand alone businesses I have noticed do not charge outrageous amounts for their stuff either (though they do charge a wee bit more than the cookie cutters).
    What it has done for me is change my shopping habits. I own too much and every so often I delete a few things more. Much of what I delete are old freebies I got from warehouses or low end stores. I look, but never buy or pick up the freebies anymore unless the item is extremely unique (ensuring I am not duplicating something I have already). True you do have to have a few outfits but it is well pass the point that you should own substandard stuff. The true quality though still requires searching and finding, as they are not the most popular stores based on Linden traffic based searches.

I say find a look that works for you and screw photo realism. My friends above, Ro and Vex are always in style, never busting the bank for fashion sake and choosing instead to invest in fun. Many times they have walked into a room and created a buzz with unique items. Ignore the plastic snooty fashion snobs and spend your money wisely by being patient .

Try this basic rules of shopping.

1) Am I having fun
2) Is the product fairly priced
3) Do I really need it or is it a rough duplicate of something I already own.
4) Will I wear it more than once.
5) Will I feel the same way a month from now about it.
6) Do I really really need it
7) Make a budget and stick to it!!!

I often get tangled inside over purchases and end up often leaving, returning, leaving....
When I finally buy I am usually very happy. This is not a particularly profound post, but I do know that the evolution of quality fashion out there keeps me on my toes and tests me to keep my budget.

New house is up. See, that didn't take long.

2011-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

     Yes, I put up a new house that has a wonderful mountain vista and warm and cozy living room. As is obvious by the pic I also placed a full kitchen this time in my space. You know, it is funny, how within virtual worlds how much people try to escape mundane realities yet turn around and create familiar scenes pulled from our own lives or lives we wish we had. I still don't quite get why any virtual home has a bathroom for instance. I have never had one, but I have designed many places in my time and only a small handful of those places have been out and out works of fancy.
     That aside, we will see how long I can live in this new space before I crack of creative stagnation and move to a new home. Any ideas from the peanut gallery what my next creation should be, or am I getting ahead of myself?

Another Halloween

2011-10-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, I am not a huge Halloween fan and the whole dress up thing but I did my part and joined in the festivities. I like seeing others have fun though and the time and attention they place in their costumes. There always seems one or two that go to great lengths and come up with something remarkably original.

Earlier in the day my favorite virtual Poet performed which made for a great break. Radegund Bracken is absolutely super but her under lying enthusiasm is the real draw for me. She is just so excited and its contagious.

More people really have to come see her !

Just another day in the life

2011-10-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am not normally keen on posting real life picks normally. It kind of diminishes the whole, I am just a virtual take me as I am type person charade. Still, some days you just have to laugh. I work in an industrial setting and have my very own forklift at my disposal. No I don't drive one full time. Its just a tool our department uses. Well, I had to go to a remote site yesterday and asked them to load and transport my fork there. I got in and had this picture waiting for me. Seems the nice guys who loaded the darn thing didn't tether the forklift down or even put the emergency brake on. Lets say we are awful lucky it did not fly out the back and kill someone. Heads are rolling on this one I will tell you. And me? Till the investigation is done they say they can't let me use it. Come on. It should basically be obvious and cut and dry. Sigh***

So I came home, popped into Secondlife to burn off some pent up energy at the end of the day. The pic may be a touch dark, sorry. Its me building my new home. This is just the beginning. As homes go..if may be a better fit as a night club, but will wait and see how it evolves.

I love my house...so you know what that means..

2011-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is basically one last look back at my current home. It really has a warm feel and very comfortable atmosphere to it. Still, as has happened so many times in the past, I have grown weary of it. In the coming week I shall take the dozer (see last pic) to the place, and start again with my next living quarters. I am not at all sure what I will do next, but for me, nothing is more motivating than a void, and as I look at the flat patch of grass, I am sure something will come to me. I have now lived in this home for several months, which is longer than normal, but not a record. The art on the walls normally is my own design, while I use core structures I found elsewhere. In this case, the Rose Cottage II by La Galleria has undergone very few changes to suit my needs. I did throw up a basic wall treatment since it was too much stone to look at but that addition was fairly simple.

Soooo...a bulldozer is a bit of a squeeze in my living room. Any ideas what I should do next?

Direction? Left right ? Shrugs. Enjoy the music and keep dancing,

2011-10-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

   Some days I wonder what I am doing and why I buy the silliest things. I saw this and had to have it and placed it up in the Lonely Yak though we will be hosting our month end party at a friends place. Maybe someone else might wish to display it.

    But that is not what is on my mind today..just had to show Freddie and get it out of my system.

     I am to some degree an artistic person but much of what I learned about creating took place in the first year of my virtual existence and has not truly evolved. I guess I fell into the more social aspect of Secondlife and lost track of many of the things I use to enjoy. Even now, my creations are less original design than they are just taking what others have created and adapting them to my own use. I float around and I see what many in the artistic community are doing and some are breath taking to put it lightly. Like the Byrn Oh creation below.

I tried my hand at various things. Clothes and skins I was an utter failure at. Structures I have had some success in, but in last year or so, I have simply redesigned existing builds. I really enjoy picture taking and the occasionally video, but they are often amateurish I know. Perhaps it is something that I should take more time at, though the number of photographers out there make it a crowded field. Pop Art lab was having a contest and I considered entering it with the below pics, but have since decided not.

I guess my biggest short fall has been my lack of patience. So easily distracted, I have managed many of my projects on a very short time line. They go up quickly and I move on, working it in the same point and click mind numbing exercise as any face book game. Not hard, and often just a time killer. I have never set out to be famous and would prefer not to be, but at the same time, for a social animal, I often find myself alone, without a dance partner or partner in crime for all my antics. So often I just travel, snapping pics along the way and once a week see my friends, while I juggle what is nothing short of a very hectic real life schedule.

Some might say I have this blog, and yes, through it you can see glimpses of my world but since ending my traveling tourist mission I guess I have dangled a little with no particular direction, waiting to see what might crop up. All the while I quietly continue to travel and stand in amazement of the sheer imagination of many of the most creative forces of Secondlife while politely waiting for that muse who will sweep me off my feet and once again set me on the path of creative action .

Dispite this senseless lack of purpose I suffer from on occasionn, I do admit, Secondlife Music has been a great escape for me, and perhaps next year if they do it again, I will join Crap Mariner and many other SL'ers for a Dallas Jam.

Sombrero of shame

2011-10-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

A quaint little custom and one I have never been victim to at the Lonely Yak Night Club (till tonight) is the sombrero of shame. When a virtual person leaves his/her keyboard for too long, you run the risk of some practical joke. In this case the Sombrero of shame courtesy of my friend Bookem. She posted it on her facebook page and than had the local Mexican eatery "like" it. As long as that picture doesn't end up on the wall of the washrooms of said eatery, my shame can at least be contained.

Google has a visual search

2011-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

I was reading the other day of google's visual search. The authors gave future warning to pictures that could perhaps reveal too much info. Wish I could find the article, but fast click happy me forgot to bookmark it for future reference. They tested the search and were amazed that the search rendered a fairly close match in most cases or nailed the authors directly. What this involved was uploading pictures from their own drive or addressing an existing pic off the web. They admitted the facial recognition portion left a lot to be desired but I guess their the point was that here exists just another snooping tool on the internet as our privacy is slowly stripped away. Shrugs...a future I can not entirely do anything about at this time but I can certainly be careful. Since the computer age does mean all you say, post or do on the net will become practically permanent this also means all archived material will still be within reach when the software to analysis comes to exist.

Sooo...that being that I decided to do my own google search and uplifted a few shots from Secondlife. Each and everyone of them was a total miss for a picture match. Seems the common element they say was a match was more based on rough composition or the ratio of certain colours. I did have one picture where I was dancing at a jazz club. In the background of this pic was a poster of a jazz singer I didn't know, and google picked it out as rendered a selection of similar pics all centered around this guy. Ok, that kinda makes it better than I would have expected. Of 5 shots I searched one came up with a relative hit. Of course some (hmmm...read that as most) of my images searches revealed stuff that though colour ratio similar, it was frankly a total miss or just odd. Take the below picture of me, and than the google first result. Apparently to a complex algorithm these pictures are somehow alike. Unless the inner me; the subconscious me, is scream to dress down and drink a lot of beer at the next Oktoberfest.

All in one day..

2011-10-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

The magic sometimes in secondlife is how quickly one can change gears from chaos to simple pleasures.

I started my Saturday with some quiet shopping. Ever find yourself exactly where you didn't want to be? At least its not like this in the real world....yet. I can't imagine walking into a grocery store to find a line up of horses behind glass at the deli.

I than took time out to visit the Mojave club. Jane was DJing and some great tunes. In future I intend to visit more and I think I will DJ a few sets as well.

I get back in time to DJ a set at the Lonely Yak. A loose selection with like electronic/techno with a splattering of silly tunes here and there. Crap showed up and suddenly it was #Occupysmellyfishpile.

Than as the night wore down I relaxed on the newly engineered Piper Bay dock. I simplified it a little as I think about how the bay will soon freeze over and I will create a ice skating rink on it.

What ever your mood or like me multiple moods, there can usually be something somewhere to entertain you.

and it keeps going and going and going....

2011-10-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Lonely Yak texas Roadhouse

     The lonely Yak Nightclub has been around now for over 4 years, spinning its own brand of craziness and mayhem. Some nights the tunes are theme related, and some...well... all hell breaks loose. I currently run the Yak but all that means is I am the one who foots the bill. In reality the Yak is run by many who all have a vested interest. A small group who gets together to share and dance the evenings away.
    The original Yak design was conceived by Jane2 in design and run by Rocky. It was a community hub for a brief period as people at the grassroots of Secondlife came together. Later on those same people moved on and others took their place. Through it all the Yak has remained a constant, its design changing little. When I came on board I found this community fun with no hang ups or pre conceived idea about who they should be or what they would listen to. I credit it for opening up my listening tastes to many new sounds. Rocky use to be the anchor with his marathon DJ gigs, but today, those duties are split between a few. Jane2 and I both have relatively the same vision. That is to say we have established a path and have stuck to it, as others embrace the ideas.
     Here are a few things you can expect at the Yak...

- No venue tip jar.
- DJ's set their own themes not the club.
- Having fun...no brainer. If it isn't going to be fun why bother doing it.
- General frowning on excessive gestures.
- Keep politics to a min. Today's events are fine but head strong opinions sour the experience for some.
- Tiny friendly, so try not to step on them.
- Pouncing or shooting any Scandinavian folk artist or fiddle players from Minnesota is considered acceptable.
- Brazen and bizarre behaviour is acceptable but please keep your underwear on.
- Pink is more than a colour, its a way of life.
- The song that shall not be named, shall not be named.
- Forget the economic downturn, the zombie apocalypse is the real threat ! See, there is a good reason to befriend a robot, though I suspect he has a secret agenda of his own.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Piper%20Point/199/206/24    <---click to visit !
ACT UP
    That is of course just the tip of who we are. One thing I love and wish to see grow is our "Act up" series hosted by Jill. The first Saturday of the month at 6pm. SLT, we watch a movie/documentary that has some social relevance. The movies Jill has presented so far have all been terrific and extremely educational about the world we live in. I confess to being terrible as a promoter and bear much of the blame for not selling this event better but I will try harder in the future.

Piper Point
      The Yak is located in the Five island chain (currently 6 islands but who is counting). Within it several other artists have taken up residence, and as of today we have 3 clubs now with drastically different sounds and approaches. The Tyrant in chief Crap Mariner over sees all of us, and has only recently become a prominent Resident with his 100 word stories. Still, its nice he gets out to see all the little people he stepped on to get where he is today. You can visit the clock tree any time and even join the 5 island group to find all the events that take place.

Martians
     Ok..we have one. Badly kept secret. But he is a good martian so please don't shoot him on sight.

and lastly....
The above picture is a Byrn oh creation. He has nothing to do with the Lonely Yak, has never visited the Lonely Yak, and I suspect has never heard of the lonely Yak. Now don't get into a huff over that, he is an artist after all and a very good one. Heck, even I like his stuff. Still, if you find yourself in the company of Byrn gently remind him of what he is missing, and encourage him to donate perhaps a piece from his collection to the Yak.
---quick correction due to comments.. Byrn is a She..me bad,

Assholes of Secondlife

2011-10-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

     Assholes for lack of a better word (though it is somewhat accurate) come in many shapes and sizes in Secondlife. No I am not talking about the sex starved wackos that perhaps get a bit too suggestive or decide to stalk you, but rather those who are deliberate agitators. In the United States, freedom of speech for some is the ability to voice what ever pops into their stupid little heads. Strictly speaking I suppose this is the confrontational exchange of ideas but when some believe they have the right to just be assholes for personal entertainment there seems to be precious little that can be done. Oh sure you could file a report and wait on that but largely we must depend on the mute button. The two pictured above decided that a person standing next to them looked gay (which he claimed he wasn't) and they decided to bait him for a while, flinging insult after insult. In the real world a fear of fist to cuffs would have kept some from engaging in such behaviours, but in Secondlife your at their mercy unless the club host takes action to eject the trouble makers. The gentleman took the bait, flung insults back and really got no where. Myself, I would see a few options. Pull my guns out and knock them off the grid, mute them, inform the host, or just leave. No where in that list will you find engage in the argument.
     I have found that many of these individuals are arrogant and feel a certain invincibility so feel free to engage in their actions for personal entertainment. They act like assholes.Oh gee, you left, or you had them removed from the club or where ever..big deal..yawn. I have used my guns only on the most rare occasions when their actions go to extremes. Like they stalk me try to make my SL experience as difficult as can be. I remember when I was a noob my home was Hobo Junction. I signed in and was immediately shot several sims away. I returned to be shot again and this time I knew who did it. Third time I tried to speak to be shot again. Than I went and bought my first set of pistols with all kinds of nasty options. Came back and shot him. Followed him to where he landed and shot him again. When he returned later to call me something foul, I forcibly made him bounce all over the place till he signed out. Whether it is griefers or assholes, I will take some sort of action, but being essentially a nice person, my first thought is still to distance myself.
     If you own land, this should be one of the first things you should learn. Removing the unwanted. There will always be assholes roaming the grid trying to get your goat and sure I am patient, but on my own land, I will not tolerate such individuals, and the ToS (terms of service) fully supports any action I deem necessary. :)
    Do not confuse though drama with assholes. Drama usually arises more out of real hurt feelings, misunderstandings, or even just strong opinions. Neither side initially is gunning to hurt the other but rather they just want to get their way. For me, again, an asshole is one who deliberately engages in arrogant behaviours for their own pleasure and often these are by design meant to incite you or be in some way hurtful.

     In my old age (in Secondlife anyways) I have deleted my guns. Despite seemingly having the right, it never made me feel comfortable to blast someone. I have other tools at my disposal now that are more peaceful but don't test my resolve. Charitable and kind as I am, I can be a bitch when called upon. I have no issues taking some things to extremes if that is what it will take for you to learn.

Look into my eyes..... I'm a woman on the edge. :)

Slow week for me.

2011-10-09T02:35:00.000-07:00

Lets see. I did go exploring..I did DJ...and I did talk to lots of friends. What I failed to do was take any pictures this week. D'oh !

Guess you'll have to trust me when I say I had fun and saw things. Last week I was tied up building the new Lacamas Hall and this week..nothing but I am relaxed, so guess that's not nothing. But I really didn't keep track of all the locations I went to. Guess out of curiosity I did visit alot of Halloween styled spots but I have a confession. I am not, or have I ever been a Halloween girl. Dressing up in costume, even as easy as it is in Secondlife , has never been my thing. I have never been to a real costume party and I think I quit the trick or treating chore when I was very young. I am not knocking it...lots of people sure have fun with it, but I don't. I do enjoy sending my kids out as my evil minions to bring me back candy but now they have out grown it. I will have to buy my own candy this year. Grrrrr . Oh and mark this on your calender...I don't really do New Years either, though I will be polite enough to wish you one.

Now Christmas....that's a whole different matter all together. I am a bonofide Christmas-o-holic. Though in world I think I have found another who may be far more addicted to it(if that is possible) than even I. I may not go nuts decorating my virtual home but my real life one gets the full treatment.

Strokerz packs it in

2011-10-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

     Well it seems as Strokerz Serpenti has packed it in.

straight from a forum post and in his own words.....

"It's true I am leaving Second Life. I have made many friends here and I hope that we'll all be together in the Third Life. I am placing the SexGen base full perm to any who would like to use it in their builds. I'll be closing the groups and returning my sim soon, so come and get it quick. Feel free to share it. It's been a grand adventure and I wish you all the naughty fun you can have with it. Until then, be good to each other."

Strokerz has been a pioneer in the sex animation department and long time resident of Secondlife. Certainly he has lead a storied existence inside the virtual peddling adult entertainment but he has also been on the front page for his lawsuit involving the lindens and of course the victim of intellectual theft as well. His animations in one last hurrah are avlaible at his soon to be gone island with full permissions.

    So being the bargin hunter I obviously picked it up..but having gotten it home, I have no idea what I will do with it. When the market gets flooded like this is could have an effect but its hard to say. I find it more disheartening though that many talented people for various reasons (ranging from costs to just plain tired) have left Secondlife in the last year. Some talk about this as SL jumping the shark, or is in its downward spiral. That is hard to say I think.

     In the beginning the new bright and shiny toy we call SL was all a buzz in both the media and industry, yet as quick as they got in it became apparent this could only go so far or have any real world significant value. Questionable decisions by the lindens no doubt assisted in problems but I don't beleive most of them caused this. Instead, I think the intergrated vision was a touch flawed from the beginning. Pretty as it may be and wholly 3d I guess, in the end it only served two functions as its primary engine. Social and artistic. There was of course other side projects outside of that but much of the larger driving forces follow those first two. When I say art, I am not talking about the next great Picasso, but rather of the child in all of us who perhaps built with lego as children.

   The come of greater tech and improved graphics..frankly thats a gimmie. By the very nature of being a tech business these things come regardless. Tech alone will not save or ruin Secondlife. What is needed is to recognize the next phase or at the very least, climb aboard with what is current. And what is current? Social media like FACEBOOK.

    One of the great strengths of Secondlife perhaps is partially its downfall. The unbridled imagination of its users. Coming into Secondlife, the world is daunting in size and the offerings very diverse. Most long term residents had the perserverance in the beginning to both explore and eventually find what would become "Their" community. Though the verterns are happy having worked so hard and bought into this, for someone new, it came come across confusing and making them feel slightly unbalanced. Help island was one such centre that helped a small number of these new residents, but I had heard somewhere, they too were closing. Lets hope an actual roadmap comes out soon as to the future and try to save what I beleive is not really broken but is lacking a clear focus as to what it should be for the larger population and not just a niche group of people.

Lost innocense...? I hope I never lose my sense of wonder.

2011-09-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

    Alot of the virtual world has been discribed over the years as the new bright and shinny toy. Infact many innovations outside of this, things like new techs in any given field seem to grab people's attention only to waiver later as it slowly becomes common place or something newer and more functional comes along.
     Remember if you can your childhood. Certain aspects of mine I remember quite vividly. In watching my own children grow up I was able to relive those moments through their discovery. For a child something so simple as feeling the unique texture of bark on a tree becomes an all consuming thing. As we grow old we know its bark but no longer reach out to touch it, or connect with life of any kind in quite the same way. I however have tried to keep some of these experiences close to me and find wonder where I can to this date. I try not to be so glib and pass off an experience because of preconcieved notions. That only closes doors.
     Within Secondlife one can discover the imagination of those who create, or educate or just share with you on a social level. I am fascinated by the realness of people even when they wear masks. I guess this is what keeps me there when other things perhaps divert my attention. And what diverts my attention. Reality on a cosmic scale.
     I have always had a fascination with space science and physics. My math in high school was never high enough to pursue this as a career, but the concepts I read about are as mind blown to me as the touching of the bark on a tree for the first time. Within it is the potential of all possiblities that could exist and you try to somehow spacially place yourself in some sort of relationship to it to try and make sense of it. Heck I am still that crazy person who pulls to the side of the road at night if I see a great display of the aurora borealis here. I pull over and watch in wonder not because its just a curtain of wonderful colour, but also because in the infinite cosmic scale of things, I somehow feel connected to it; through it. I am almost able to touch the very universe and reach to its depths.
     So Secondlife has had in the past some great science sims that educate, and of course some sci-fi sims for those who enjoy that sort of thing too. Me, I wish to experience. Yes that may be overly generalized but it is true. The act of experiencing things is important and actually helps to keep your mind active as well as humbles you to the talents of those around you and what can be accomplished as oppose to what can't. Shinny new toys are fine things, but I choose to experience things, even virtual things, by keeping an open mind and listening to the world around you. Get involved.

Peace One Day

2011-09-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

Peace One Day - This is an international day established by the UN. A day where the world would pause from the violence that marks the history of man. The Lonely Yak Theatre showed the film by the man who was the drive behind making this day a reality. September 21st is that day of peace. Rather than celebrate Secondlife I think its a great day to celebrate your first life. Please find the time to watch the film I have linked below. Recognize that perhaps we can't have total peace now but peace must start somewhere. It is a process that evolves and does not just happen over night. That perhaps peace can start with just one day if we really want it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVo4lQe8MhQ

Another week in the virtual

2011-09-18T01:57:00.000-07:00

So passes another week in the virtual sands of time. It is starting to cool down where I live and I am still struggling with a sore shoulder but it is not hindering me as it once was. Other than my casual explorations as I always do, really it was uneventful. Over the years I have seen many changes in Secondlife and for veterans of this system finding new ways to stay entertained beyond the basics of social interaction becomes a challenge some days. It is easier for me to see how some avatars never get out at all and never see the wonders this place has to offer. They found their community and pretty much stick to it. How dull really.
For those who have followed me, they can see a regular amount of changes. Not an evolution , but I do change a lot to meet my need for fresh and interesting interaction. I remain open to new ideas and adventures and that means for me anyways, regular changes in my routine. Though if I was to add up all my hours I have spent in world I suppose it could be extrapolated that I have many wasted chances where I could have been doing something more productive, say, learning some advance building skill. No, there are many levels inside Secondlife I have plateaued on. So some aspects of me wants to expand my horizons while other parts say I am happy at the point I have reached. It really comes down to entertainment value. Take building for instance. My lack of patience is more the limiter to creation than my lack of talent. After a while I say screw it. Someone has done a better job than I would have and is charging a reasonable price, so I go buy it and free up my time and aggravation.

Fabulous Soul Pub

2011-09-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

On a Lazy Saturday afternoon and many big ticket events to pick from, I choose a smaller venue out of curiousity. The back and forth banter and friendly folks reminded me of the Lonely Yak ( The club I share with friends every Saturday). That is, the group seemed close and worked well with each other to simply have fun. Keep it simple, be nice, and not being big and excessive was a plus for me. Not a fan of 50 avatars elbow to elbow trying to rez to just enjoy some streamed tunes. I had fun, and in my travels I will take that every time over what is seemingly popular. DJ jamy niekerk was having fun spinning ABBA remix tunes. If your DJ is truly having fun and not just spinning tunes to fill air space your show is noticeably better. An excellent host/greeter/bartender really works here as well. Thanks Gay Galli for your help and charm and everyone else for and enjoyable afternoon.

Hill Valley 2015

2011-09-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Now here again is a another relatively interesting find. The area is a faithful rendering of the Hill Valley town site in 2015 from the movie "Back to the Future". As a build I was impressed and almost begged for more, but understand prim limits and how far one can take such a thing and and not create infinite lag. I wandered around and but found saddly it is another ghost town. That is a crying shame actually. What I see here is though the builder has created a marval, it s yet another build that goes under utilized and the real crime is conceptually, this is a seriously solid idea and has potential commerically or even as a club. Just needs someone with alot of time and passion to do it. Visit and check it out. Not alot to do. Just wander, but recognize the enormous potential that flows from it.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/BakaBots/202/100/28

Going home in SL

2011-09-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

   For those who are unaware, I live in the western Canadian city of Edmonton. The picture here is a Secondlife rendering of our city hall.

One thing I see all the time within secondlife is the rendering of real life locations. Go with what is familiar I guess, but often I think, people like to see and show off locations that are to them noteworthy in their lives. Almost like grabbing 15 minutes of fame for your own world. I confess I have done a few things myself in this nature. I have built my own computer room, house and landmarks I live near. I have pondered the idea of somehow showcasing the province I live in or somehow getting some government bureaucrats to fund and support some kind of commercial or tourism potential in secondlife.

The truth however is somewhat sobering though after many have tried and failed. What may be interesting to you may not be so for others. Secondlife is more social driven than educational or commerically viable for real life companies. There are commerical successes but not necessarily of real life companies. Oh and sure we have seen successful real life educational forums and symposiums too. At the end of the day though, someone has to pay the bill and generally they begin to think..I paid this much, what did I get in return for my investment?

There are 4 Edmonton sims, and the builders and organizers have ensured a few noteable landmarks are present. All empty like a ghost town. It appears to have been a sort of community experiment as part of a larger show, with banners labelled 2010 all over. Now it sits in limbo till some one gets off their butts and decides what to do with the whole thing. I think I may contact the organizers and see what is really happening in the not so distant future.

I have thought about this concept and how to make it work on a number of occassions and there really is no fool proof plan to make it fly. When I look back on my involvement in netroots, they too had a similar problem. Create an inworld event, showcasing their political beliefs while highlighting secondlife as a viable political forum. It largely catered to a small group reletively speaking but was never as successful as I think some envisioned it to be. Planning, builds, content, promotion..who knows. It was successful for the few participants but on the larger scale in secondlife, it was barely a blip on the radar. Conceptually the idea had merit and the potential was large. Still..is this a project for a singular person or can a group come together, work together and make it happened, while still balancing the time constraints of real world obligations over a virtual one. Bigger questions and a worthy debate for some I am sure , but for me, I am looking at another ghost town that fails on content and relevance.

I have found in my travels easy works, and people like it that way. The short attention span means you must engage them regualry or lose them. You must schedule consistently to be relevant and the community must be welcoming. Examining the top visited sites in secondlife, the bulk represent social gathering points. Establishing anything else requires aggressive marketing or the backing of a solid already existing community.

For me, I guess, if it came to establishing some kind of Canadian site, I would enlist the help of several established Canadians and their groups and try to bring together a broad based selection of iconic Canadian landmarks and mix it in with a solid central meeting area for dance and entertainment. In my travels I have seen Tim Hortens, Ontario publicworks, the CN tower, Toronto and now Edmonton to name a few. Of all these really only one managed to keep it going for a while. The Great Canadian Cabin. That is because its a hub for Canadians built around being a music venue rather than a reflection of our world screaming for its 15 minutes of fame.

Shini at home

2011-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

I was under the weather tonight. It had not been all that an eventful day. Sure my sore arm was acting up but so serious really. So I came in world, bounced around a little than sat and made this little movie of my current home playing my harp. I own several instruments and use them on occassion to relax to. This particular one was a gift from Jane which I will always cherish.

In reflection, Secondlife can be truly an escape from the trials of real life sometimes. As many inside this world will note, as a platform it isn't a game, since it has not obvious goals or even direction. It often serves a greater purpose as a social medium. There are days I love to socialize and others where I just sit among the virtual objects I own and enjoy the serenity of my environment. Objects that I could never afford to own in real life but in here I not only can but I can manipulate my world into things I find visually pleasing, with my imagination and talents being the only limiter.

Yes, some days I wonder what I am doing, scrambling around thinking if I have a purpose. I will never be a great artist, or create masterful works of music. I doubt I will create some grand event or help enlighten anyone on what I see or feel towards a greater world around us...still, maybe thats not why I am here. In some, and perhaps this is where I am, this world serves more to personally lift us up, review ourselves and help us to better understand our place in the grander scheme of things. I will never be little Miss Popular, but the few friends I do have I appreciate and I do enjoy relishing in others successes though I do not always find the time to show my gratitude.

A month ago, my friends showed solidarity and sympathy for me when I had to pull away from my DJ duties due to a bum shoulder, by throwing a party. I was feeling very anti social and cranky that night actually but toughed it out as long as I could. I am glad I did. So to all my friends, a belated thankyou. Thankyou for being there through the good and bad, ups and downs.

MMGraffitti

2011-09-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Can't remember if I had mentioned this site before but here I am again if I have. I look over the place and sometimes find it surprising how often I have picked up a little thing here and there. Its a shop that generalizes with many landscape items, fences, bridges etc, along with home and garden products. A keen eye will catch several items I have used in and around my own home. Very happy with the prim counts and levels of details placed within each item.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tokyo%20Sea/55/77/24

9/11 looking back, today and the future.

2011-09-11T00:27:00.000-07:00

     Well the day is here. That sort of milestone for which we mark, take stock and reflect. The terrorist attack in New York now is 10 years old and I have like many thought about it. First, like the millions of other stories, I present mine and my day.

     I had gotten up to the phone ringing but missed it. The children had gotten the phone and said the neighbour called to say a bomb in New York had gone off and I should turn on the TV. I was not in habit of watching morning news so I went about my business getting the kids ready for school, making the lunches, setting out the clothes. I made myself a coffee and than got dressed. I looked at the time and realized I was up a touch early so with everything ready I sat down and switched on the TV.

     The coverage was comprehensive right from get go. I could see a building on fire and the newscasters forming opinions about what had happened. It was said that a plane may have crashed into it but it was unconfirmed. I was not watching 10 minutes when the second tower was hit. This was about 7am, or 9 am New York time. Now the newscast became chaotic as the newscaster tried in vain to make sense to the viewers at what we were clearly seeing. I become totally engulfed by the story as I watch with intense interest. News about decisions are coming out erractically about where is the President, what the fire department is doing, other planes etc etc. A half hour or so later it is said that the pentagon was hit but no immediate video of that. Some newscasters are now taking stand that the US is under direct attack, and the number of planes out there is unknown. I am dumbfounded as I am rationalizing all of it. Attack the US? are we sure? Are there false stories floating around, confusion in the mayheim in communications? With commentary opinion pieces flying all over and the replay after replay of the crash into the south tower. Some how not being an American I am still in a way disconnected to this story. That is I was, till I saw jumpers faling to their deaths. I watch the clock careful as I don't want to miss what is happening, glued as I was, I would still have to have to drop the kids off at school by 8:45 local time.
     At 8:00 am local time the South Tower goes down as I watch with millions across the world in profound horror. The magnitude of this is so beyond believable but there it is. I am entering a state of deep shock unable to form the words. I pull the kids finally into the room pointing but thety are too young at this point of their lives to grasp the enormity of it.
     The rest of the morning just became a blurr. When I raced the kids to school, I remember talking with a few parents, or more, I was listening as others spoke. Some were aware but most were not. I finally said, go home and turn your TV on. "The world just changed this morning" One mother looked at me in disbelief. I went on and surmized "It was act of war and I have no idea who did it". Yes even by this time the name of Osama Bin laden had passed a couple of lips but over all no one knew where this was coming from.

     Everyone knows what happened after and all the other related news. For us in Canada, the grounding of aircraft story started taking over as planes bound for US were being turned away and many had to land here. Every airport in Canada stopped the departures and just let planes land as we took in the folks who were now in travel limbo.

    It was a terrible thing and forever burned in my memory. I have had opinions about it like many. Opinions about the way politicians sometimes used it for political gain as they stump their values to an electorate. The later coming of "your with us or against us" stories that included saying things like true patriots will follow us and other rhetoric. One thing I try to do when talking about this is I try to seperate the event of 9/11 to the aftermath. They are two distictly different things. Some at the time could not do so. Canadians felt hurt along with their allies. We grieved as well. We opened our doors to passengers who were stranded here without question. Did all that an ally could expect. But the day came when Bush took his war to Iraq. We understood Afganistan, but Iraq was not right. So Canada took the stand, if the UN says go, we go. The UN found the evidence not compelling enough to warrant an invasion and we did not go. (Actually we did in small unimportant non-combat numbers that our Prime Minister choose not to inform Canadians on). What happened next saddly began to formulate my broader view of the US. The US was openingly treating us with distain. From several parts calls for a boycott of Canadian goods came along with many interviews with those who thought Canada was a joke and ungrateful for the "Nuclear umbrella of protection" we have lived under. It was there I started to see, Canada never actually meant much to the US. They have not ever stuck their necks out for us, but rather, always sought their own special interests..but that is a whole other story and discussion.

No I am not American Bashing per say. I know many good and kind Americans. The government however I think failed to appreciate how good an ally we were as they have grown blind to us. Only recently with the renewed interest on the future of oil sands has their attention once again looked North.

9/11 was horrific, and the way the world changed I really do not like. Now however I see how many foeign policy discisions played a part. How geopolitical control is seemingly more important to them than the very lives of their own citizens. I pray especially in todays climate of debt and fear that perhaps one day the citizens retake America back and start running it the way it was originally intended.

God bless those who died, those who lost loved ones and all others who were touched directly or indirectly by this event.

Squeebee's Mystery science Theatre - MST3K

2011-09-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Are you bored. Not enough pose balls, clubs, or adult verified activities in Secondlife to feed your unending quest for cheap entertainment? Well than. you obviously have not been to MST3K. Nothing could be cheesier and pointlessly worth wasting your precise time than this place. Playing tacky old science fiction films where acting seems a bit of a stretch, and the budget probably depended on returning your bottles for the deposit.
Still, it actually is a lot of fun and with a loyal following, this site has managed to hang around Secondlife for quite some time. Make it a date night and drop in.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/This%20Island%20Earth/176/228/23

Industrial Grind

2011-09-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have been travelling closer to home this week, and I am proud to annouce the opening of the Industrial Grind. A quick hop over the water, my new neighbour has created a club that will cater to those who like their music a little more raw. Industrial sound, I assume elctronic and the works. Within the five island chain where I live there are many talents with a fairly broad sampling of styles and I look forward to checking in on this new addition. Welcome to the community guys.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Isis%20Cove/79/166/22

Equinox Theatre

2011-09-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

hmmmm...this shows promise. Of course with my horrible schedule I never seem to be around for the live performances and have saddly seen only just a few. Still, for others I do recommend attending live theatre ala SL style. It is unique. This one had what appears several shows upcoming slated for several days and may be more active than most theatres.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bright%20Moon/193/111/43

ANA_Mations Store

2011-09-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

This store caters a little and beyond to what I term for me, a great laziness. I have never bothered with my AO or placing animations into furnture or buying poses. I think though those into modeling take a lot of pride and care into that. For me and probably many others, we just depend on the builder of whatever to install animations into things that make it entertaining to us. I found this while searching for new play things for our Lonely Yak Texas roadhouse. See below fore what I bought.

Yes, I bought some monkey bars!!! Ok a bit odd for a club I know, but we have never been about normal there. The ANA_mation store had a number of things beyond just playground equipment and I had fun wandering the store imagining how I could use this or that.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hide%20and%20Seek/167/186/30

Phaze Demense

2011-08-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Definitely for those who like the unusual. Here at Phaze Demese, the attempt is made to both enrich and entertain while providing useful and frivolous freebies.

Need a preview..check out their website -->http://metaverse.mitsi.com/Secondlife/Tools/tools.htm

Dare to be a little different.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Phaze%20Demesnes/218/217/24

Unlabeled dump of pics of my week

2011-08-29T19:43:00.001-07:00

Art Box

2011-08-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Following the travel links I spotted on Kara's Korner lead me to this amazing place. An interactive art piece that places you in the picture. Quite a few selections to choose from, from fun and fancy to serious, artsy or interspective. If you like to take photos this is a great place to pop by.

My amazing tightrope act.

I think they are stalking me.

Vist the Artbox and discover interactive fun http://slurl.com/secondlife/Klaw/5/21/46

Casa Galadhon and the Parks sims.

2011-08-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/92/116/22

Casa Galahon is just one of a series of wonderful park sims. Above is my canoe trip on Casa but I also traveled to the other sims. Traveled is definitely the word, as this is a no-fly zone, but worth the trouble to trek thru it all. They are all established in a way to provide excellent examples of various natural settings from wetlands to pastures.

Below is South Farthing.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/South%20Farthing/74/167/25

Each one is an adventure and romantic setting. On days I am thinking to just escape, I find natural settings, aprks and gardens my favorite. I am sure there is one here that you will find that perhaps brings up nostalgic memories. Not a fan of walking? There exists a variety of other activities as well. Do not let this one slide by because your too busy. Perhaps it is because your too busy you need to come here.

The Looking Glass

2011-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

I had actually planned to come visited this place a while ago, but you know, this and that and one thing leads to another and you forget. Well long over due I finally dropped by. The Looking glass is a number of things and at times it defies being singularly labeled. I will let the pictures speak for themselves to the general over feel, but beyond this, you will find a few live venue performance areas, lounging spots, shopping (for the decor that you see presenedt and other things) , art galleries, and of course the great walks through a natural setting against stone works. It was fun to explore really, and many unassuming hidden places worth popping your nose in.

All to often I find in my explorations builds that impress me so much that I feel guilt for not having gone further in my own creations. Certainly I know I am capable of a great deal more than just Frankensteining parts of things together into a new creation. No, I really need to take my creations to the next level some day and build a larger themed area. The land I own could probably support some greater creations I am sure. Now all I need is the patience.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Horizon%20Dream/187/47/30

Intrigue Co.

2011-08-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Some times simple ideas can have a big impact. Well priced this place has basic costumes that practically work anywhere and sure to make an impression. Hats glasses, costumes , all very whimsical. It was hard for me to walk out with just one slightly cheesy item or two.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Meow/17/223/32

Toyland !

2011-08-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Seriously...do I need to sell you on this??? Its awesome..'nuff said.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Thumper/172/139/89

I'm no art critic but....

2011-08-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

The world of Secondlife is filled with some magnificance and profound imagination. It is also filled with lame, cheesy, classless, irritating crap. It is hard to itemize what I like and don't like since often I am just going with the flow. Relaxed and easy going really. Still..let me give it a try.

Things I don't like.

1) Excessive gestures: Those little pre-programmed screen spams that often fill your whole visual space. I can stand a little but how often do you get to a club and the crowd (or a select few) are just going nuts with them.

2) Arrogant people : Specifically those who seem to think their talent alone makes them above regular folks. I get that some creators have IM's capped and all that but some talk like the world around them is way above your head and you should not bother even trying to catch up. They usually have the most bizarre profile comments that make me both laugh and warn me to stay away.

3) Auto landmark givers: Some stores hit you hard, fast and often with this. Come on guys..in moderation.

4) Store tip jars: Huh? Your product isn't good enough to support you that you need a tip jar?

5) Entertainers with agressive managers: Didn't you get it the first time when I declined joining your group.

6) Tips should support the talent: I understand music can be expensive but when you find several individuals trying to make a living at the exact same time and beg for your coins, I want to puke. Please tip the bar tender, dancer, entertainer, club,blah blah blah blah.... The host means well I am sure. Oh..and if you have a host, what exactly does a bar tender do to warrent getting tips? I have had several such people ask me for a job at the Lonely Yak.

7) Drama: RL and SL often crash together and for this I am actually very sympathetic. What I have trouble with is the teenage angst that some go through and their attempts to drag as many as possible down with them. I have problems no more or less than the next and I try to restrict my whining to a small circle.

8) Selling garbage: The amount of stuff out there for free, promotional material etc, I find it simply amazing that some think they can sell product that doesn't even meet a 5 year olds idea of fair and worthy. I have been asked many times why I don't open a store. Simple..I don't have the talent and would feel terrible selling something I would never buy on my own. And lord..I even find scam artists trying to sell commonly found images from the web or flog known freebies as their own. Yes, you can buy this Mona lisa for $ 60 lindens...the same one I found and got on my own for $10. That really is nothing more than taking advantage of a noob.

9) Guys with no tact: "Do you feel horny" is not a great pick up line. I have met all kinds and been through some amazing encounters with men I serously beleive have trouble functioning in the real world and now, with all their swagger, bring this same level of incompetence to Secondlife.

10) Misleading or exaggerated claims: I know several stores that have excellent product, and they live and die on reputation alone practiacally. When I see "Best " whatever in SL, I wonder if its even worth my time to bother to visit. I actually kinda like seeing the store use actually pictures of their product in their logo or something to that effect. You see it in search and decide from that if that is what your thinking of. But, I am not really hung up on that point.

I can go on and on about pet peeves. Its clear just by the existence of this blog, I do like secondlife and exploring. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a travel companion to see it with me, but this is I guess they next best thing. Have you all follow me via these posts. I travel and see sights than post on a 30-1 ratio or more. That is where I will visit multiple places and you only see what I ended up photographying.

I'm no art critic but..........I like what I like

Mr Poet

2011-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ever felt short changed guys on the selection avaliable for men's fashions? Don't. I confess it takes more exploring, but what is out there today is light years ahead of the selection there was, back when I first joined Secondlife.
Mr Poet is just such a find. He has multiple stores and all are rather small and unassuming, snuggled away in malls and frankly easy to over look. His selection is limited as well. After those two points, everything else is positive. In fact, the quality of the few things he has put out are very high making the price a bargin. Rez a demo of his leather backpack and you will be blown away at the details. This would make an awesome investment in your wardrobe and may score some points with me if you were looking for dance at a club. Girls like well dressed guys.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Euphoria/57/188/31

Traum

2011-08-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

For those who have a thing for robots or alien like creations this store provides a few nik naks but mostly full and complete avatars read to go. Some seem combat ready, while others just embrace the video game feel. I liked the feel of the place and saw a "relax" hamburger that caught my fancy. Ok, that seems odd but suitable for any home I think. Heck, if I can have a two headed cow over my fireplace, whats so wrong with a comfortable hamburger I can just stretch out on...or in?

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eifeler%20Moor/122/113/83

Radegund Bracken at the Red Witch

2011-08-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Radegund is my favorite poet of Secondlife and she holds an irregular spaced show, singing and reciting song and prose. She carries a beautiful enthusiasm for the art she embraces. Find her in your people search to find her group(Whimsivore) and join up. This is not a show to miss when they occur. The Red Witch is a simple club on the Pando sim, which carries clubs and other entertaining toys of amusement.

The Nest

2011-08-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

What we have is an impressive coming together of top quality home and garden designers into one sim. The layout is a midwestern town, with each designer putting on a visual display of their product as a store but also has it fits into the over all theme. I like to see the things I may wish to buy displayed in a functonal manner that lets me see how I may use it. Not shopping? Well this place is an attraction just on its own. Photo opts, nice scenary, very comfortable and relaxing really. even if you end up on the wrong side of the tracks. I had a lot of fun here.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Nest/137/150/21

Garden of Dreams

2011-08-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have been here in the past and yes it is a shop with benches and trees, but their bread and butter I guess would be the Dream Scene thing. Thats basically a system of rezzing a scene in the air with the attention to details done for you. I had not been here in quite a while and the rez scene I got way back when was pretty cool actually. That aside, the area has been layed out like a garden, and there are plenty of photo op scenes for those who like playing with windlight and getting the most from their pictures. It also boasts a club which kinda looks like fun, so I will watch the event boards and look for when they are operating and check it out.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Garden%20of%20dreams/126/37/92

Piper of Piper

2011-08-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Piper%20Point/46/40/27

This seems to be becoming my sunday routine. Spending time with the Piper of Piper point. Richard and Jacqui play a super assortment of English/celtic/irish tunes. I am not entirely sure what the whole classification of it is, but I do know it is very enjoyable. This is an act should be seen by more. Loosely scheduled every Sunday starting at 1pm slt

This is an excerpt to give you an idea.

Salem Village

2011-08-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well, was not entirely up for much tonight though spent time at a friends place and enjoyed her brand of humerous music. Than I thought, why not go see some really miserable people, like the dead.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rendezvous/61/65/21

Herbalys 'Sky Orchard'

2011-08-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

I have seen many places who do sculpties well. A mixture of skill and totally original ideas. These places often offer them too at fairly reasonable prices. Makes you wonder where these guys will take the up coming mesh integration. This particular place, I come to often as I ponder an excuse to get myself something slightly odd, like the scarecrow or garden gnome. The trick with any build is not how good it is necessarily, but how you bring it all together. This does it very well.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glenn/49/176/1240

Shini's Toys : Stuff.

2011-08-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

Toys do not necessarily have to be vehicles. They can be anything that amuse you. Back at my home I often rez something that either borders on the very odd or just relaxing in some way. Sometimes they are nothing more than conversation pieces. Pictured here are four such items that meet that criteria..that is..they amuse me.

Two headed cow, mounted. From store called Post.
Jackalope, mounted. From (pda) I think.
Lovely blue lit vase. From [[[nocc.]]]
apothecary jar with one skull inside. From Noctis

Hardly a complete list of the odd ball items I have, and certainly not the only flower/vase combo I have picked up. I pull them out and put them away, rotating through my inventory. Rotating your inventory, whether that is clothes or furniture, or even whole houses, ensures that things don't become habit or dull for me.

Shini's Toys : Thunderbird 2

2011-08-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

I actually tried to build this way back when,,way before I even had any talent building stuff. I failed miserably but than I found one that was better than I could have done, with a basic no-brainer flight script. For those days when you just want to make an entrance or scope out a certain clock tree for suspected counter cultural activities. Serious about the flight controls though..total no-brainer. Just point and go.

Shini's Toys : Channel lover

2011-08-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

As seen in the video the channel lover is a boat. I scouted long and hard for just the right boat to serve my purpose. There is a huge selection, as far as the imagination will take you. It is hard to say, but I would guess that the boat is probably the most popular form of extra vehicle though there are plenty of race tracks and airports out there too. Some are high mast sailing vessels or perhaps you would settle for something as simple as a canoe.
I enjoy hauling my little boat around to various places, often preferring inland water ways to open ocean. The sites from this vantage points though are great. Ok, now my videos are not HD but only meant to give you a general idea. Unlike my helicopter, draw distance is not as much an issue but after my last post I forgot to reduce my draw distance and so things rezzed slower than they would normally. I make the rounds about the 5 island chain from time to time and don't mind taking passengers, so if you see my some day, call out for a ride. My only trouble is my boat has a slightly deeper hull than many boats and so I run aground on things like mega prims and the ocean floor is often different depths around people's homes(they are terraforming from the perspective of a land owner and not for larger boats).
Now my channel boat is limited in its possibly variants but it can take ferry around I think 5 passengers. Cool, but if I wanted to swim, this particular vessel is attached to me, so if I detach I can not reattach so easily. Hence my guests have all the fun swimming while I have to stay at the helm.

Shini's Toys : Bell Helicopter

2011-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

My Bell Helicopter

Do I get bored in Secondlife? Is there much to do beyond just music and clubs? Oh yeah, sure. But like life, anything you want does require some effort. Just signing in and saying "ok, Secondlife, I am here..now entertain me", just doesn't work. Of the many other things I try to do, I confess to having a bit of fun with the toys I buy. Those things that can be entertaining in a way that is different from my normal routine. In this case the Bell Helicopter.
The Helicopter actually was my first major purchase in SL. I saw someone flying and though it was not your usual thing and had to have it. Little did I know, it was also not as simple as jumping in and going for a flight. The controls are hardly difficult but it took a light touch and practice to get it to go where I wanted (like not nose diving into the ground). Once I was flying I learned to have fun with it. A few other issues cropped up but they are more the nature of this virtual world than the fault of the helicopter.

1) Crossing sim lines. A sim is only a limited space and when you have high velocity vehicles you tend to cross sim boundaries often. Occasionally the move is pretty bumpy.
2) Draw distance. On the ground draw distance doesn't have to be extreme, but in the air, if you wish that aerial view feel, you need to extend it. The further you extend, the better the view in a way but also, the far away items do take a bit to render, so as you fly, things sometimes appear at a slower pace than you are flying.

Anyways, the goal for me was pure entertainment. I have appeared over people's heads, over clubs, flown into people's homes. Ah, that last one is more an accident than on purpose. The helicopter comes with a number of features, so it can be changed up a wee bit, but generally speaking, what you see is what you get...plus the thrills

Ok, I like the Loft

2011-08-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thats me at the store....and again..thats me with my new kitchen table and chairs at home....
impressive... I got it from the loft as part of a membersip deal. A store that has had generous gifts and great quality items for the whole house.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Loft/125/72/24

oh and thats me...ah...God only knows where..but it was raining, and it was not the loft. Throws up umbrella. Have to come back and check this out later. For now, chaulk it up to a miss teleport.

Cafe and Green Gables

2011-08-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

I travel (obviously) and sometimes find myself quite unexpected gems. I just fell in love with the decor of this place. Now being I think a Japanese site, I am guessing this is a hangout for friends and not a private home. Still, I may be intruding on someones relatively private space. It has something like a tip jar so assume its safe. I digress...

What I was noticing and have seen in the past, is the flair some have for detailed decorating. It was a very comfortable space. In the past I have whimped out on doing just that..building the space I could spend all my time in. I guess I was afraid of prim counts and doing all the work that was required only to blow my house up in a month or two out of boredom. It is definitely worth considering though to take the land I have at the LonelyYak Roadhouse and redesign it more prim friendly and than use the extra to build a truly relaxing social space.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Luck/8/17/21

Thankyou Yak for everything

2011-08-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

OMG

I came in tonight to the Yak, dragging my poor lifeless bad arm to find a sympathy party for me.

Thankyou everyone.

And George....you can thank me personally later....growl...

Me a fashion whore ? maybe

2011-08-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Secondlife you use to know was seriously opened ended. Amazing imagination conquering the limits set by a system that really could not do entirely what seemed to be the hope and promise. Today, many old guards are signing out for good. I think for many, the world has simply run its course and they have tired of it. I personally do not think it is the death of the place by any means but more a reflection of entrophy and economics.

Some would suggest that the commericalized environment has taken over and that it stymies the creative juices. Things are not so open ended. I don't entirely see that. True, stores are everywhere and anywhere, but I don't fault people for trying to pay the bills. This world is not always cheap. I do see though many communities, though disconnected are thriving. As a whole they struggle since they are so disconnected but the saturation of sellable products has given the consumer great choices. My primary example centers on fashion. Clothes of all sorts to play dress up in.

I make no claim to be a great photographer, or wonderful blogger even. I, like many, am just having fun, and part of that is finding clothes. Decribed a wee bit like playing Halloween, I would suggest its more like Christmas. Each item I discover and buy, I am generally excited about. Running home, ripping off the wrap to try it out. From submarines to evening gowns. This sort of self satisfying can get expensive though. One moment your dressed in the newest interest, next thing, it is lost in your inventory never to see the light as you find the next best deal.

For those out there who are the edge of being total fashion whores, I have little to offer beyond just setting a budget and sticking to it.

For retailers, I do make this plea. Call things what they are in your name discriptions. A shirt, a Jacket. Sure, you can palce some happy little discriptor after that, but the largest problem I have ever faced is not my endless inventory, but the ablity to access it quickly for things I half remember. Also, spamming me with more than a single note at the door of your store and I am packing up and heading to next landmark. No one likes spam, yet some palces are really over the top about it.

anyways, briefly back to fashion. The styles, and quality of todays outfits clearly exceed what was produced just two years back. The designers are really artists and create colourful not possible in RL looks. Yes some outfits are a touch to artsy weird even for me, but over all, I am as impressed with fashion creativity as I am a sim build, or cutting edge art project. You sell them generally for a fair price, so as long as you don't become full of yourselves..pompus and all that, I think we're ok.

Down at Acoustic Abyss

2011-08-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Missed my earlier post on Beth Odet, well tonight I snuck in to listen to her. Playing with her was Music Oxygen and Katrose Serendipity. What was just a quick pop in and out turned into a much more enriching evening of excellent music. The concert was raising funds to help with her brain Surgery costs.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Toria/70/234/21