Exploring Second Life

Above: screenshot taken in Story Mountain Center For Writers on Athena Isle (237, 87, 23)

When I first signed up for a free Second Life account, I didn't like the interface or environment so I didn't go back for a long time. Over the Christmas holidays I've decided to check it out again, mainly because of all the publishers, editors and authors I've heard talk about it.



The interface has improved since I last visited. This time, I also stuck to exploring areas of specific interest rather than wandering aimlessly. There are huge areas of SL that seem to be devoted to just clothes shopping and partying, and these appear to be very popular with the younger crowd.



I've found quite a few areas of interest to writers (including some paying markets) and there are tons of opportunities for meeting other writers. I've already chatted with one author whose book was recently highlighted in Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Booklist, and several booksellers who have virtual shops.

I have been and will be posting more about writers and Second Life in Inkygirl over time. I've already had a couple of RL (Real Life) authors post in response, saying how useful they're finding Second Life.

On a non-writing front, I've dropped in on a live virtual concert, played the piano, read some books, relaxed on a chair by the beach watching dolphin frolic in a virtual sea while listening to the surf and the sound of seagulls.



I also flew a space shuttle to a Star Trek Museum Of Science (TovaDok II 24, 210, 34) and as I browsed the fascinating exhibits and information, I couldn't help but be impressed by the educational potential of this environment. No wonder hundreds of universities and school systems around the world use SL.

For you other Trek fans out there, here are just a few of the things you do and see in the virtual Star Trek museum:

Educational Exhibits on all aspects of Star Trek and Real Science. Visit the Bridge, Starships, Holodeck, Astrometrics, Starfleet Science Institute, test your knowledge at Starfleet Academy, see the Planetarium, 3D Starmap, Star Trek Cinema and Game Room. Get free Starfleet uniforms, padd, tricorder, free games and downloads. Fly a shuttle to the Spaceport!

Radio and Videos provided by SETI Insitute. Are We Alone? is a weekly hour-long radio magazine that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the new science of astrobiology. It is hosted by the SETI Institute's Senior Astronomer (and Trekker), Dr. Seth Shostak. Come listen to the show, watch some videos, and pick up info on SETI science.

Learn about Vulcan, Klingon, Borg, Romulan, Bajoran, Ferengi Culture, History, Philosophy, Eating and Mating Habits. Artifacts and Exhibits on All Star Trek Species. Dine on gagh and blood wine at the Federation Buffet, visit the Holodeck and Hydroponics. Meditate on Surak's teachings in the Vulcan Contemplation Garden. Swim with George and Gracie the whales from ST IV.

Swim with George and Gracie, the Humpback Whales brought from the 20th Century by Admiral James T. Kirk in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". IM Wabisabi Matahari for a fireworks display from the Whale Observation Pier.

Away Teams please report to the Shuttlebay at the Star Trek Museum of Science for your assignments. Fly to the Spaceport, return thru a wormhole and Borg attack, or to the Vulcan sim, Eridani, or Imzadi Beach for Shore Leave. Tour the 4 islands of the Star Trek Museum Complex. Many missions await you. Shuttles are automated, no piloting skills required.

While your shuttle is being repaired, relax and enjoy live NASA TV, movies and Star Trek music videos, as well as exhibits of Star Trek Art. Shuttles are now flying from the drydock to both embassy buildings. The drydock is one of many areas available for parties.

"The History of Star Trek" featuring a full-size re-creation of Capt. Kirk's Enterprise complete with the Bridge, Captain's Quarters, Sickbay, Engineering...take the transporter from the lobby up to the ship

For me, the novelty of just walking around in SL for the sake of walking around would quickly wear off unless there was some useful and interesting content. Happily, it also turns out that the areas of SL I'm most interested in have little appeal to party-types.



I set my status to "Busy" (under the World menu after you login) whenever I don't want to socialize with other avatars; that way if they try to send me an instant message, etc., they get an auto-response that I'm not available. Finding out this tip was a biggie for me since initially I found I was getting constantly interrupted while trying to read and learn.


Above: Athena Isle 110, 210, 23 - "The Goddess Grove"

I can see how SL could be a real timesink unless you're careful about managing and limiting your time, but for now I remain cautiously intrigued. :-)

Plus hey, I've always wanted to be able to fly. :-D

Christmas tree ornaments plus wedding photography follow-up

The past few years, I've participated in a homemade Christmas ornament exchange. Thanks to Amanda Snyder for organizing the exchange this past year! Anyway, here are pics of some of the ornaments I've received:

From Allison, a gorgeous chain-maille decoration:



A beautiful homemade garland from Cyndee with dried slices of oranges tied to a shimmery tulle ribbon:



And thanks so much to Becca for this lovely crocheted fan:



In response to my post yesterday about my cousin's wonderful wedding photos, Brooke Palmer posted the following:

Thank you for your kind words, they are deeply appreciated.

I am the “Palmer” half of Cipriano Palmer Photography. Your article is very flattering and complimentary towards Josie and myself but we have to give credit where credit is due here. Dan & Crina were a delight to work with and gave their all to the photography process at their wedding. The photography portion of their wedding day was carefully planned and orchestrated. More than ample time was scheduled to allow us to be creative and explore the various locations we photographed them in. This fact cannot be overlooked when discussing how well the photographs turned out from their wedding day.

Josie and I photograph many weddings every year and the attitude of the bride and groom is paramount in obtaining great results. There is the old saying, “You get out what you put in” and I feel the efforts Dan and Crina made were a big part of the success we all enjoyed on their wedding day.

Wedding photography

Photo credits: Cipriano Palmer Photography.



Jeff and I went to my relatives' Christmas party over the weekend, hosted by my cousin Naomi and her partner Rick. I always look forward to this event; I like my cousins, and it's always fun to catch up. Plus this time I got to see some of professional photos taken at Crina's and Dan's wedding.



Crina and Dan hired Cipriano Palmer Photography, a couple who specializes in wedding photography. Whoa, I was blown away by some of the photos they took! Excuse the slightly blurry quality of the photos posted (with Crina's and Dan's permission) in Blatherings today; I took them from screenshots.



Crina and Dan opted to take the subway instead of a limo, and got some great shots along the way. Apparently the TTC conductor made a public announcement congratulating the happy couple, and commuters on the subway all cheered and clapped.



I don't think I could ever be a wedding photographer, and admire those who do it professionally. Unlike casual portrait photography, you're under much more pressure to get it right the first time. You have to be prepared for all lighting and weather conditions, plus either be able to change lenses on the fly or have several cameras easily accessible. Plus if you're at a friend's wedding, you have to emotionally detach yourself from what's going on in order to take enough photos.

Plus a ton of other qualifications, of course. Some people think wedding photographers charge too much -- probably because almost everyone has at least a point and shoot camera these days, and the attitude is, "Heck, I could take photos myself. Why should I pay someone to take them for me?".



And of course if you're on a tight budget and aren't fussy about photo quality, this makes sense. I can't help but think that the attitude that wedding photographers charge too much in general is misplaced -- if they really DID charge too much, then no one would hire them.

But I admit I don't have a ton of experience in this area so am interested in hearing from any photographers (or those who have used wedding photographers) out there who have a different opinion.



Anyway, if you like the photos in today's Blatherpost, please do check out Cipriano Palmer Photography.


For comments, also see my Livejournal.

Illustration Friday: Voices

For Illustration Friday. This week's theme: "Voices."

My interview, my first 3D movie, plus new chocolate!

Thanks to Shai Coggins for interviewing me on her site ShaiCoggins.com today as part of her Inspiration Café series. I've wanted to meet Shai for a long time; she's one of those multi-talented types, always full of creative energy. She lives in Australia but hopefully she'll come visit Toronto one of these days.

Other news:

I've updated Will Write For Chocolate.

And last night, Jeff and I went to see Bolt with our nieces. It was my first 3D movie ever. I knew 3D movies were around, but always figured they were the kind where you donned red and blue paper goggles -- the effect is interesting but not enough to draw me to a movie.

Bolt, on the other hand, was a wonderful movie on its own (I got all weepy at the end, I confess), and the 3D effects were MUCH more impressive than I expected. Whoa. You have to wear special glasses to get the 3D effect; I was worried about how I'd do this over my regular glasses, but it was no problem.

My favourite character in the movie was the hamster. :-)