Sunday, July 31, 2011

Braving an Adult RPG to see a Great Build in Second Life

Golgothica (adult)

My blog posting is a little erratic at the moment and will continue to be so for a few days - I'm helping put together an "event" for Friday, August 5th and I'm trying not to be distracted by exploring.  Having said that, I did take the time this morning to go visit a new build by the eDream Factory called Golgothica.

This was actually very brave of me because anything which advertises itself with the keywords "Sex Predator Prey Apartments Gothic Vampire Demon werewolves  Submission Domination Bondage Torture Beauty Beast Forced Sex Master Mistress Slave Hunt Kidnapping Auction" is not only outside of my comfort zone but it touches way too many hot buttons and tends to make me froth at the mouth.  However, it's all about the build here - if you want to pursue that type of activity that's not something I need to know.  

Golgothica (adult)

The last of the eDream Factory's builds I visited was Nomos and I'm a big fan of their talent.  Golgothica does not disappoint.  The layout, textures, and design are superb and I loved it.  The introductory notecard gives you instructions for windlight settings they deem appropriate and, of course, I found them after my visit was concluded so my photographs don't represent the build the way the creators would like.  You'll behave much better I'm sure.

Golgothica (adult)

This location is part of the stable of role playing games developed by the Socionex Game System (SGS) and includes the aforementioned Nomos as well as The Kingdom of Sand.  I believe purchasing the HUD for one game allows you to play all of them (by substituting skins). More information on Golgothica can be found on the game website.

Golgothica (adult)

You'll find a notecard when you first arrive which gives you the basic rules for your visit - I unfortunately had my back turned to the vendor and immediately went looking for the observer tag.  You should do a better job of looking around than I did. :)

To visit this build you teleport to the welcome area,  climb a series of staircases (after you get that notecard) to the top level and enter the Game Room.  You'll find a "vendor" which will provide you with their version of the observer tag good for 3 days. 

Once you're ready you take a lifeboat down to sea level.  It's a fantastic build and well worth the visit.  What you decide to do about the game is up to you.

Golgothica (adult)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Perhaps Second Life is Taking Over My Brain

Terraform Me  Patch Linden (general)

I found myself yesterday afternoon outside in the fresh air (weird I know).  At one point I looked up in the sky and recognized the Windlight setting that was being used and considered altering the "east angle" so I wouldn't have to shift my own position to get back in the shade.  sigh

I'm quite certain my reaction to the physical world was perfectly normal but, just in case, I'm doing a quick post today and then spending a little bit more time reacquainting myself with the environment around me.

Random map surfing and clicking this morning took me to a few of the Linden Isle's and I'm sharing three I hadn't encountered before.  My explorations started to feel uncomfortable when I ran across some private homes - I don't think stalking is going to be a good career choice, I don't have the stomach for it.  These three islands, though, are pretty cool and certainly appear to be set up for the rest of us to visit.

Baronial Castle  Governor Linden (general)

I think there's potential for a new branch of the social sciences based on a study of the Second Life map.  Psychologists and anthropologists could collaborate on papers examining the psychopathy inherent in the messages people try to send in the way they want people to see their land and builds.  Really ..... just open the map one day and start moving around it.  You'll find the most extraordinary things spelled out just waiting for you to read them.

Some of the images make me want to visit.  As an example, Patch Linden's island is interesting if dangerous for landings.  Some are mysterious - the result of using the sim surrounds that are like placing your land in a plain brown wrapper.  Some are involuntary - I think one of Torley's islands has been griefed.

So the message for today is - use the map, get out there and see what's going on.  Me?  I might read a book. :)

Moonbase  Governor Linden (general)

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Looking Glass in Second Life - Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Flying Eyes Art Museum  (moderate)

I admit that I've been dragging my feet (as it were) when it came to visiting The Looking Glass.  I wasn't ready for another Alice In Wonderland themed build ... there have been quite a few over the years.  I was wrong because, although there are references to the classic story, this is not another plunge into that narrative.  Do not hesitate - if you have not yet visited this wonderful island you really should.    It's actually a town with quirky buildings, shops (there is still space for rent) and a terrific castle on the hill which has been refurbished as a beautiful art museum.

The Looking Glass  (moderate)

Marcus Inkpen and Sharni Azalee are the designers behind The Looking Glass and I'm in love with their textures and creativity and building.  I won't talk too much here because I want you to watch the two videos at the end of the post - they do a much better job of showing you the wonders of this new destination

I will point out that even in the short life span of the town something catastrophic seems to have occurred in the theatre.  I hope they had insurance.

The Looking Glass  (moderate)

I also noticed some flying islands with fabulous homes on them (and a very cool Wizard's retreat) - maybe you'll be lucky enough to live here.  I never made it to the previous incarnation of their build but I'm very glad to add this one to my permanent landmarks folder.

Check out these cool videos. Even if you won't take my word for it they should make you want to go experience The Looking Glass for yourself.  The first is by the talented ColeMarie Soleil.




The second machinima is by Hypatia Pickens who used The Looking Glass as the backdrop for her work.  Once you've watched go see the great art in the museum, look for those hidden spooky places under the castle and stroll down the cobblestone streets.  You'll be glad you did.


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Searching for your Roots - Genealogy in Second Life

First Life Ancestry & Genealogy (FLAG) Center  (moderate)

So somebody mentioned on twitter today that people don't do "genealogy" in Second Life.  The point she was making (I think) was that people interested in that topic explored their history inworld through builds and roleplay not actual genealogical pursuits.  I knew this wasn't quite true because I had visited a couple of sites for people interested in the search for physical life roots.  I mentioned this and was asked if I'd blogged them - well, um, no I hadn't.  I guess I should. :)

I first found the sites when I was thinking about the early days of the interwebs - one of the things many of us did was start using the now available online resources to look up our personal histories.  The nice thing about Second Life is that you can connect with others interested in the topic and share tips and resources and methods and stories.

Just Genealogy  (moderate)

I'm sharing 5 locations with you today but there may be more.  It helps when you're searching on the topic to spell it correctly (blush) - I always try and use an "o" instead of the "a", not a good idea. Other good search terms might include "ancestry" and "family history" but I didn't try them this afternoon.

One of the interesting things about these sites is that they work together to foster the study of their topic inworld.  There is a Union of Genealogy Groups and they have an Integrated Calendar of events online so if you want to go test the waters and talk to fellow researchers that's a good place to start.

Genealogy Research Center (moderate)

Most of these sites appear  to be very broad in terms of focus - you can get help or enter into discussions about your family history no matter what part of the world you're from.  At least one,  The Genealogy Centre - Greater Ireland, however is devoted to the Irish, Scottish, and Celtic heritage.

The First Life Ancestry & Genealogy (FLAG) Center provides both a link to Genealogy Today (an online newsletter and list of resources) as well as a very useful notecard outlining guidelines you should use to protect your privacy while discussing family names and history.

The Genealogy Centre - Greater Ireland (moderate)

When I was poking around in the misty beginnings of the internet those of us searching for ancestors wondered a lot about when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints would get their records online.  It's a huge resource and there was much excitement when it finally began to happen so no blog post about genealogical sites inworld would be complete without a tip to the Family History Centre run by the Friends of the LDS.

I didn't spend much time at any of these locations today because my intent was just to pass on the basic info of their existence.  I plan to go back though and get more help from them to fill in a huge gap I have in my family's history prior to 1729.  If you're at all interested in the topic I suggest you check out the inworld resources available to us - really it's hard to think of anything you can't find on the grid.  :)

Family History Centre   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (general)

Idle Thoughts on a Second Life Tuesday

Five Level Mayan Temple Maze   (general )

Idle thoughts on a Tuesday:  I was thinking about mesh this morning and naturally went to look at Sculptie Island.  Well it made sense to me.  I'm looking forward to mesh and I'm ignoring all of the doomsayers because I don't think anybody really knows what the final prim cost will be or the impact on viewers.  I remember all too well the shrieking and wailing when there were plans announced to put script limits on land - some kept insisting it would kill their businesses.  This in spite of the fact that the "limits" were never specified.  I assume those who accused the 'powers that be' of heartless retail murder must have had some secret knowledge of the numbers - however, they never revealed that information. 

I can say that my few trips into the mesh beta lead me to believe that rezzing mesh will be much faster than sculpties - the latter being textures - but I'm not an expert by any means.   I do think there will be a quality improvement to the grid landscape and (see video at bottom of screen) some really interesting improvements to avatars.

Parthenon (general)

Referencing my discussion of workarounds for Viewer 2.8 Environment Settings, I got a couple of tips on my JIRA from Torley yesterday and wanted to share them:

Also, here's another workaround: use Ctrl-Alt-F1 to hide/show the WHOLE INTERFACE. Or use a macro program to map it to something simpler, sometimes I use foot pedals so my hands are free, I swear the 3-pedal Scythe has been one of my biggest photography timesavers! I've done this lots before WRES (WindLight Region Environment Settings), and it's been hugely beneficial for seeing a clutter-free view of the world so I can get my angle, framing, etc. precisely how I want.


UPDATE: Here's a quick video tip showing how to hide/show the user interface! If you take snapshots in SL you should at least know about this, then do what works best for you!. This is even more handy if you primarily use an external tool to do snapshots due to the SL Viewer's awkwardly elongated list o' snapshot bugs (sigh) — I use FRAPS for both my still pics and videos.


Green Men in Pond (general)

I've a tendency to learn things through trial and error - which is fine to a point.  It is a great source of joy to click on random buttons and sliders to see what happens but I think it's time for me to find some more formal  online resources that will improve my photography. 

What I won't attempt is a mastery of Blender or anything to do with the magic inherent with mesh.  I watched this video in awe and decided I have as much hope of doing this as I do painting anything I wouldn't immediately trash.  I'll just take advantage of what these talented individuals do.


Monday, July 25, 2011

Training Myself to Use the Viewer 2.8 Environment Settings in Second Life

The Dark Swamp (general)

I keep reminding myself that I'm an adult and I can handle change.  Then something happens and I prove once again that I am flawed and need to work on my approach to life's little bumps. :)

The Viewer 2.8 that is in Beta includes the new design for Environment Settings.  These changes will facilitate two things which have long been requested: the ability to set a personalized default windlight setting for your viewer  and the ability of a region owner to define a windlight setting for their land that all residents experience when they arrive.  The problem I encountered is that they apparently didn't include photographers in the use cases when they designed the new interface.  Using the new controls to make temporary changes to the settings (like east angle or sky tint) is very painful.  But it's possible to train yourself to make it work.

The Dark Swamp (general)

I created a JIRA and have found it to be a pretty positive experience so far.  The programmer (if that's the correct title) looking at the issue made a couple of suggestions and I've actually been using a version of the approach for a while.  I'm not surprised that his immediate reaction was not to redesign the new settings - I'm sure it's been a lot of work and if it was me I wouldn't want to start all over again.  I don't know what if anything will be changed so let me tell you the workaround I've been using.

The basic workaround is to just minimize the Environment Settings window while I'm taking photos.  Don't save the changes because the window will close and you'll have to start again to make any additional tweaks.  Don't close the window because your changes won't be in effect without a "save".  This has involved some retraining on my part - it's not my usual approach.  But again, I'm an adult and I can adapt. sigh

I forsee lots of yelling though because, for those like me not used to doing it this way, it will take a while to realize that the workaround is the "design" option for temporary changes.  I'd prefer to be included in the set of use cases for all viewer changes but that's probably a little unreasonable.  Now if I could only remember that.  :)

The Dark Swamp (general)

Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Great Nanotech Conspiracy Revealed in Second Life

NaNoBoSqUe (moderate)

As with most of my adventures this one began innocently enough.  I'd seen an intriguing photo by Karro Lean and went to visit the location thinking I might find an interesting landscape.  What I found is the truth behind the great nanotechnology nerd conspiracy.

For those of you unaware of this field of science/engineering the owners of the sim provide a definition (in Spanish which I used Google to translate). Nanotechnology is a field of applied science devoted to the control and manipulation of matter at a scale smaller than a micrometer, ie, the level of atoms and molecules (nano). The most common is that such manipulation occurs in a range of one to one hundred nanometers. [For] an idea of ​​how small  a nanobot [can be]  know that about 50 nm is the size of 5 layers of molecules or atoms.

NaNoBoSqUe (moderate)

Those of us exposed to science "fiction" are familiar with nanobots - or 'bots'.  Tiny constructs which can be injected into your bloodstream and programmed to perform any number of complicated instructions.  The "good" bots might provide you with strength or extra-sensory powers.  They can rebuild lost limbs and fight off alien life forms.  The "bad" bots might turn you into a killer or kill you at the receipt of a pre-arranged signal.  Nothing new there.  "Where's the conspiracy?" you might ask.

The secret lies in those scientists working on nanotechnology.  The ultimate nerds.  Those white-coated, pocket-protected brainiacs we've all envisioned in their sterile laboratories working on things nobody else can see.  We have to take their word for the actual experimentation and discoveries they claim.  We can however "see" their dull boring work environment and in some ways pity them.  Well now we know the truth!

NaNoBoSqUe (moderate)

In a daring move the Institut Catala de Nanotecnologia has ripped away the veil from this nerdish conspiracy.  I'm sure it has caused considerable consternation but this brave organization has finally revealed the world of the nanotechnologist!

Far from sterile and dull, these secretive individuals live in a world of colour and light and movement.  It's really no wonder they've kept it hidden from the rest of us.  They want to preserve this glorious universe for their elitist cabal.  Luckily for us somebody had the courage to break the strict code of silence which has masked the workings of this closed temple of molecule worshipers.

NaNoBoSqUe (moderate)

It might not be an easy journey for you to visit their world.  They haven't made it simple for us to "pierce the veil" as it were and understand the serious inner workings of their endeavours.  Oh the information is there but you have to fight off the tendency to focus on the glorious surroundings.  Every time this explorer attempted to enter the central dome and learn more details about their work some new visually striking image would form and my camera begged to be utilized.  I'm sure you'll have more discipline.

I can report that there didn't appear to be any physical danger in exploring the nanotech world.  I'm sure my current fondness for lifting cars and ripping out tree trunks is purely a coincidence.

Update:  I've been informed that NaNoBoSqUe is another creation of Romy Nayar and Haxgrot (Ux Hax & Maria Grot).  No wonder it's amazing!

NaNoBoSqUe (moderate)

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Acquiring a Slider Addiction - Photography in Second Life

Elonia (moderate)

I made a quick trip inworld this morning to take a few photos demonstrating the effect of moving just one of the environment sliders - the "east angle" or angle of the sun.  These are not great photographs but should give you some idea of the impact of changing just this one aspect of your image.

Elonia (moderate)

Remember if you do this at "midday", which is noon, you won't see a difference because the sun is assumed to be directly overhead.  Once you start playing with this one I predict you'll feel impelled to start playing with all of the other sliders.  Having this ability to customize your image is one of the reasons I love taking photos on the grid.  One day I'll get good at it.

Elonia (moderate)

I didn't spend a lot of time trying to create the perfect image for this post - because I found something much better.  This video demonstrates the use of that one slider brilliantly.  The fact that Nakoto Exonar is a talented machinimist and a poet with a lovely voice is all gravy.  See what can be done with just one of the environment settings and then go do your own experiments.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Please Don't Screw Up One of my Reasons for Loving Second Life!

Kinkaku-ji Garden  (moderate)

Ignore this blog post - it's going to be a form of  therapy for me today.  I'm not really a Pollyanna - honest.  I do try to be optimistic because it seems much less fatiguing than the alternative but I can get cranky.  Some days are much harder than others if you're trying to see the less bleak side of things. I keep telling myself that many many others have things far worse than I do and that this stress will pass, however today is one of those days that the lectures aren't working.

I went to Kinkaku-ji Garden this morning to try to find some calm in myself.  It didn't help - but it did give me a target for some of my frustration.  I'm tired of beating myself up so why not pick on somebody else? 

Kinkaku-ji Garden  (moderate)

I mentioned the other day that the redesigned Environment Settings in the 2.8 Beta do not take into consideration people who are taking photographs and these days I spend much of my time inworld trying to do just that. I've talked about how much I love pushing buttons and adjusting sliders to see what effect they have on my photos - it usually brings me a lot of joy.  However, what usually gives me pleasure and brings me a measure of peace is currently adding to my negative view of all worlds.  Having to go through hoops and create new presets every time I just want to change one tiny aspect of the image is driving me batty.   My frustration this morning boiled over and I actually threw my mouse at the screen.  I felt like an idiot.

2.8 is in Beta so I understand we're testing it and expected to give feedback.  Unfortunately, even though they request our thoughts there is no designated place to provide them. Maybe it's obvious to the smart people and I'm just not in that group.  I'm concerned this won't be addressed before it goes into production - in fact it won't be looked at for a long time.

I actually care enough about this issue that I created a JIRA yesterday.  I did a pathetic job of it (my occasional attempts in the JIRA world do not make me skilled at this) and once I calm down maybe I'll go back and try and make it more coherent. There are parts of it I'm sure I screwed up and can't edit but maybe I can make the explanation and impact clearer.  I'll go for a long walk and try to achieve some balance.  Then I can try and do something constructive and not take all my real life stress/anxiety/angst out on some poor undeserving developer.  In the meantime what photos I do manage to take are a little dark.

Update:  OK there's a workaround.  :)

Kinkaku-ji Garden  (moderate)

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Exploring Moya: the Name, the Artist & a Physical Connection with Second Life

Moya Museum (general)

I had a conversation the other day in which it was suggested that I go visit a group of islands owned by Moya Janus.  I'm going to encourage you to do this excursion as well but you will have the advantage of some background and information first.  :)

Patrick Moya is a french artist, living in Nice,  whose works are based on "the obsessive diffusion and transformation of his name and image".  By the time you have explored even a small portion of one of the islands you will know his name and will be able to identify him in a real life street encounter. 

Moya Museum (general)

You'll notice above I said he lives in Nice - beautiful, sun soaked Nice.  The Côte d'Azur influences his art and the manner in which he designs his sims at least from the perspective of "light".  This was enjoyable for me because my little corner of the world has forgotten about summer however I found it very difficult to take photos because it's very bright.  So you'll see that the images I've included are taken at dusk or at midnight.

I made it to three of the four islands - Moya Museum, Moya and Moya Land.  Unfortunately the Studio Moya was offline during my visit but I can show you a glimpse of what you might see because he livestreams it on his website - there is a real life connection as well (at least until October) with a physical Studio Moya at La Malmaison Cannes

Moya Land (general)

I have to admit to sensory overload during my visit.  There was point at which I was afraid to move my camera because there would be a whole new area full of images and objects I would then have to digest.  This is not a bad thing - just an observation that "OMG he's prolific".

I found myself relaxing when I reached Moya Land.  As much as I can enjoy the circus and the overwhelming amount of movement and light and images on the other islands, I found the environment on this site easier or less stressful to absorb.

Moya Land (general)

I love Patrick's art - even when I find it hard to take in the sheer volume of images. There's humour and self-deprecation and a fabulous "atmosphere" created in his work.  I'm also very impressed with his conscious effort to link both his first and second life art together and make it immersive for both avatars and carbon-based life forms.  If Studio Moya had been online I could confirm my assumption that the two worlds can communicate - you'll have to discover that for yourself.

Check out the tourists' guide to the 4 islands before you go in preparation.  There is a lot to see and it will help you get prepared and oriented.  There is a tram tour once you arrive - at least I saw one on Moya.  But if you're like me you'll just wander and see what an artistic mind living on the Mediterranean can accomplish.  Wonderful!

Moya Land (general)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Caring & Compassion in Second Life

Relief Bear Waits for News of ...
My small contribution to The Wall

At the time I write this the total amount raised inworld by Relay for Life 2011 totals $373,098.  This is a result of the outstanding efforts of the organizers and the teams and the individuals on our grid who demonstrate the best in us.  It is an integral part of the culture of Second Life that communities come together to show and provide support.  It might be a case of a musician losing his house in a flood aided by friends/fans and fellow musicians.  When the calamity is on a large scale, such as an earthquake in New Zealand, the size of the community's response is proportionally greater.

Amongst all of the other projects initiated after the enormous tragedy resulting from the disaster earlier this year in Japan was The Wall - an opportunity for 1,000 residents of Second Life to add their own photographs/wishes to a display which would be offered to the citizens of Japan on behalf of all of us. 

The results are now included in the following video.  We may be "not real" but we manage to feel compassion and caring and a willingness to assist wherever we can.  Our support might be financial or through organization and communication or a combination of everything it's possible for us to do.  I like our world and I'm proud to be part of it.


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Finding Hope in Second Life

Hope (general)

This has been a week with many lows.  In fact at the moment I'm having trouble thinking of any mediums, never mind highs.  To distract myself I went to visit Hope, described as "Rikku Yalin's latest creation ... the post-apocalyptic sequel to her previous sim Amancio.

I found the oddest combination of post-apocalyptic/steampunk/fantasy/outsider/country/industrial/fairytale components I've ever come across.  Don't get me wrong - it works and if you like taking photographs or just enjoying art and the eclectic you're going to love it.

Hope (general)

Taking these photos was actually very frustrating for me.  I've talked about how much I like to tweak windlight and shadow settings - getting everything just so and then moving the angle of the sun or some other adjustment.  I was using the beta version of V2 and those who have been wanting to be able to make changes to the environment settings and save them as defaults will be very happy.  The editing menu has changed and you'll be able to do lots of interesting things and then fix them in your viewer for as long as you like.

Unfortunately for me - in order to even tweak anything you have to save the changes as a preset  to use them.  I did figure out that if I created a preset called by the name of the sim I'm in I could keep overwriting it with each tweak - but it's frankly a pain in the ass.  Maybe there's an easier way to make small temporary alterations but I didn't find it today.

Hope (general)

Earlier in the month I signed up for Google+ - which led to my involvement in the whole "avatars aren't wanted" debate.  On Saturday things had escalated (note that Berry also had to give Google her cell phone number just to check her gmail) and I finally decided that there was nothing in this social network that appealed to me enough to try fighting the "what is a real name" battle.  So I left - not in a rage but more with a sense of weary resignation. 

However before I left I copied this blog into Wordpress just in case it vanished - it didn't and so it will remain here for the forseeable future.  You don't have to be "real" to blog luckily.  I also have to hang on to gmail for the purposes of some projects inworld and I really don't want to have to change all of that.  I wish all of those engaging in the battle the best of luck and I hope you win.  I just don't have the energy at the moment so I retired from the field.

Hope (general)

Finally, on Friday, after almost 18 1/2 years I had to say goodbye to Mulligan.  I'm not handling it very well.  My hope is that the future will be much brighter than the present feels.

Hope (general)

Saturday, July 16, 2011

A Day with Burn2 Mutant Vehicles in Second Life

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

I got to the playa just as the sun started coming up this morning - it's going to be a big day for those who love racing and dancing and just mutant madness in the desert.  The Department of Mutant Vehicles is hosting a day of fun and mayhem and we're all invited.

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

Come Fuel the Burn! You make the Burn happen here!

The Hotties of the Department of Mutant Vehicles would like you to come spend a day with us, celebrating the history and traditions of Burn and the DMV and to get you in the mood for the upcoming Burn! (October 1 - 9).
Come try your hand at racing some of the fabulous Art Cars or dance to great music and entertainment!
Check out the Infocrate at the Info Tent for information on how to participate in Burn2!

Schedule (all times SLT):

8am-9am - DMV Event kickoff and Races - Tiny/Micro vehicles vs Regular/Large vehicles
9am-10am - Changhigh Trinity Sisters Fireshow with Yman Juran
10am-11am - DMV Races - Backwards Race
12pm-1pm - ~D R U M~ performs on lot by Info Tent * ~D R U M~ will be debuting a new set for this event!
1pm-2pm - Carbo Carducci DJ
2pm-3pm - Graham Seale DJ
3pm-4pm - Anything Goes Race

*Art Cars from previous years will be on display

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

One of the reasons I got there early was so I could scope out the various vehicles and choose the one I want to race.  After all, they've probably forgotten my driving ban by now right?  Maybe?

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Sex with Trees, Just Another in the Long List of Reasons Tabloids Love Second Life

Porto (moderate)

So I, as the intrepid explorer, had one of those experiences that jolted me out of my comfort zone and made me confront one of those areas of life I prefer to pretend doesn't exist.  It did, however, give me an advance warning of the new rash of stories that will start appearing about our beloved grid.

I was flying around Porto and saw a flock crows suddenly jump up and circle a tree which up to then had provided a quiet resting place.  I went to see what had startled them and well, let's just say I got an eyeful.

You may or may not know that there is a sub-culture in the physical world that finds itself drawn to sex with inanimate objects.  There's the man who has loved more than 1000 cars, another who's terribly fond of vacuum cleaners and the one who lusts after bicycles.  And in case you think it's just men - think again.

You just know there's going to be a headline about going inworld to have sex with trees now.  Particularly since it would appear that she's not giving him a lot of choice.  He may be made out of wood but he should still have some rights.  sigh

Porto (moderate)