Second Life_Chapter 27_Bentham Manor

Destination: Sevenfold 196,126,169

With the recent cold snap and spring still a month or so away, I'm REALLY jonesing to get out and hit the theme parks. You guessed it. It's time for another Second Life outing.

Bentham Manor was a curious find last night (Friday) that was pretty fun. It's haunt sim based around a ram-shackle house, and old psych ward. The area has a couple dark rides and a few fun surprises in store. It also has probably the most animations per square inch on any sim I've seen, so the lag may be just as frightening as any random zombie.

Minor hiccups aside, you gotta love a place that starts off by giving you a wood plank with nails in it, for fighting zombies or whatever surfaces. I gripped my wood plank steadfastly, and started by touring the house. Naturally, lots of things are clickable, and offer some surprises. Ghosts fade in and out amid some good ambient audio. The shifting voices and random proximity was unnerving a few times, and it really added to the fun, especially with headphones.

Of course, most of the decor can be bought. If you just HAVE to have that skull with the glowing red eyes, it's yours for a few bones...er Linden dollars. Need a spare cauldron for that next dinner function? How about a ghost broom that sweeps on it's own? Yep, somewhere right now, there's a Roomba screaming in terror.

Back to the tour, I climbed the stairs into the seance room. Ghostly light orbs swirled as yet more spooks faded in and out from view. Tried the seance that lasts about 15 minutes after a lengthy load time. Some fog rolled through the room and a light above the table flickered on and off some. Saw a couple faces and billowing clouds in the globe on the table. What did make the fur on my neck stand up was hearing some little girl call out to her mom (old Poltergeist sounds maybe) and then turning around and seeing a creepy little girl by the door. I could swear to you that wasn't there when I walked in. Nice!

After covering the upstairs, it was time to go back outside and walk the foggy grounds. The dark ride tour, careened around the outside of the house and even had a special "guest" appearance Disney fans would chuckle over. Nearby was a psych hospital with more of the same. A spirit mans the nurses station as you make your way to the stairs. Up on the second floor are a few rooms to explore. One had a dead clown on a gurney, with only the big shoes sticking out the from under the blanket and a right hand holding a bunch of colorful, still-floating balloons. For some reason, that really struck me funny. Just couldn't help but laugh, even though strange voices were growling at me to "turn around" at the same time.

The last part of the area was a creepy adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, complete with dark ride. Some decent scenes and effects as you rode through the classic tale. Nicely done.

All and all, Bentham Manor is an entertaining stop in Second Life, and worth a look if you're a dark ride fan.

Second Life_Chapter 26_Virtual Apartment 2: Now With Cotton Candy

And the award for "Longest Title on the Blog to Date" goes to...

Great. I'm starting to sound like those ridiculously long video game titles. If Mark Twain were here, he'd say "Fail! Sir. Fail!"

Continuing the already "Oh my God, hang on for dear life" runaway mine train that is 2009, I had to move apartments recently. No worries or real grief there. I was able to get set up in a nearby area that is actually closer to my favorite club, closer to the archery range (a new in-world hobby), and a pad with more privacy. The cottage also comes with a big fireplace. Loved the "L" shape of the old place and the vine covered big bay windows on each end, but putting in furniture, etc, was tough. (If you'd like to see the old place, click here: http://therapidsblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/second-lifechapter-23come-and-knock-on.html) . This floor plan is a bit more workable. Rent is still the same. Can't put out as much furniture, but the really important stuff is already out. Besides, less is more in some circumstances.

Picked up some black mod bar stools and matched table, because, well, even in Second Life, you still get the munchies (ok, not really, but just smile and nod for the fun of it). And what better way to take care of those virtual munchies? (keep smiling, keep nodding). Why, with a cotton candy cart to go with the popcorn cart. If you're laughing now, just wait. The next place will have a corndog stand or giant cherry seat, one. And then the junk food trifecta will be complete.

The hunt through furniture was also a "joyful" reminder that's it's time to sort the ballooning inventory again. This never-ending battle is the SL equivalent to that closet or room in your home. You know, that's always filling up, no matter how much you organize and take out? The difference here is that you have note cards, textures, Land Marks (addresses) to various places, random freebies... you get the idea. And you thought clothing and pictures piled up fast? Just wait until you have random flaming top hats, hobo bikes, machine guns, and giant yarn balls. Oh yes, every one of those is in mine, and yes, I did say giant yarn balls.

I'm also at that stage of looking for the good quality furniture and decorator pieces. Sure, you can do very well with freebie or low cost items (depending on your needs), but if you look around, there are some real benefits to some of the more expensive things. For example, I have a freebie SL laptop. It's just a model, and it sits there and looks like a laptop (as opposed to...the Behemoth roller coaster in Canada) . After a little searching, I discovered laptops that are better detailed, and even have scripting for things like changing what is displayed on the screen. Others, will connect to Internet radio stations and video channels (which is also true of some SL TVs). Now, keep that upshot in quality in mind and think about other furniture, etc, in-world. You don't just have a modern bench that looks like a french fry that you sit on. Now you have a modern bench (that still looks like a french fry) that ALSO lets you change the color to match other furniture. Just as in RL, quality, craftsmanship, and features will vary by maker. Borrowing from Sean Connery in Rising Sun, "Deep, isn't it?"

Humorously, all this has really helped me narrow down furniture picks for my RL apartment. Already saving for 2 Aarnio Ball Chairs (jury's still out on speakers in them), a Parabel side table, a Studio floor lamp, Bombo (or Gino) bar stools, and matching bar table. What? You were expecting a red velvet fainting couch or giant Neko laundry basket? Pfft! ;)

Second Life_Chapter 25_Carnival of Doom

Destination: Carnival of Doom 136,50,22

Everybody's familiar with the idea of a creepy carnival. You know, one that's all run down, and makes the hair on the back of your neck standup at night, possibly with short circuiting robots running around? (Admit it, you were picturing Scooby Doo or the old D&D Saturday morning cartoon too.) Well, the creators of Carnival of Doom on Second Life have taken the notion and flipped it on it's evil clown side. You don't just explore the creepiness, you try to survive it.

That's right, this is a damage sim with a big twist. You get a HUD (Heads Up Display) at the entrance (also a good idea to turn off your AO, aka Animation Override, to get the full effects). When you put it on, there's a little gingerbread looking man up in the corner of the screen with 100 points. From then on, you're fair game to the nasty surprises in store. Ride the rides and eat the food, and if you make it through the carnival without losing all your points, you've done well. Otherwise, you get sent to a purgatory type place and have to wait to regenerate your points. TP (Teleport) out? Oh, I don't think so. It'll just yank you back in and make you wait longer to get your points back.

The nearby gift shop also has some of the best souvenirs I've seen. Never knew there was such a thing as "Carnival Goth", but the twisted, tattered, BLOODY carnie outfits and creepy models make even a typical sideshow look tame. Loved the "Sideshow Freaks" avatars! You can even buy voodoo dolls, carnie wagons to live in, or get a "Clown of Doom" skin. Also, whenever you play a midway game like the shooting gallery or test your strength, you get to keep the rifle and HUGE mallet. Why monkey around with giant stuffed animal gorillas when you can have monster mallet that could smash a third-world country? Strangely, I wanted to jump barrels and climb steel girders for some reason.

Yes, this was fun, and no, I'm not giving away any of the gags. (What? You expected spoilers? Pffft!) Suffice to say, you know it's bad news when, just after you GET TO the carnival, a Ferris wheel gondola comes crashing down and rolls away. Uh huh, AWESOME!

Special thanks to Takira Ninetails and Cappo Pastorelli for this find.

Fortunes

I've had some interesting bits of optimism come out of fortune cookies the past several months. Thought they'd be fun to share for the sake of entertainment and for something a little different.

• You are interested in public service and would make an outstanding statesman.
• The star of riches is shining upon you.
• You will soon be crossing warm waters for a fun vacation.
• Good things are coming to you in due course of time.
• You will spend old age in comfort and material wealth.
• The job is well done.
• You will make a fortune with your friend.
• Be adventuresome and try a new look.
• Your talents will be recognized and suitably rewarded.

I will say this, the Asian practice of keeping a cup of coins by your front door, to bring in money, works! First time I did it, I got my current job. The next The next time I put pennies in the cup, there was an out-of-nowhere $75 refund to my savings account...1 day later. Just like the Shrek soundtrack says, "I'm a believer." ;)

No earthly idea what all these could mean, but definitely appreciate the good vibes from the cosmic powers that be. (Bows respectfully to them.)

2009 Inauguration of Barack Obama

At work today, in between tasks, I was able to watch the inauguration of our new President, Barack H. Obama.

As the video streamed over the Internet, a medium I've come to know quite well, I was taken by just how many people had gathered on the National Mall, not only to welcome our new leader, but a new chapter in American history. The invocation words rang deeply and made me reflect on where we've been as a country, and where we're heading. They also reminded me of how fortunate we all are to live in a place where we can get up in the morning and do most anything we wish.

The John Williams piece played by Itzhak Perlman, Yoyo Ma, and co. even seemed to take on extra poignancy, as if to underscore a sunset, followed by the brilliance of a new day's sunrise. Yoyo Ma's smile, as they played, said so much.

When Hail to the Chief was played immediately after the Presidential oath, I couldn't help but feel proud and a little misty-eyed at a truly special and progressive moment.

The Air and Space Museum shown in the background during a camera pan. I listened to the Obama's charismatic words and thought of my trips to the museum with my father on several occasions. Other family trips to the Smithsonian and nearby Union Station also came to mind. Yes, just random happy memories.

During a break I was inspired and compelled to write the following:

"The greatness of a man is not measured by the clothes he wears, nor the color of his skin, but the content of his heart."

Surely, similar has been said somewhere, but nonetheless, inspiration dictated those words be included here. And so they are.

To our new President, simply,

Welcome Sir. Good to have you.

Second Life_Chapter 24_Krimson Karnival of Steeltopia

Destination: Steelhead Port Harbor 199,105,26

Krimson Karnival of Steeltopia is a small diversion set in a Steampunk port atmosphere. It offers a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Shooting Gallery, and a coffee shop for entertainment. Spot of tea or Latte, anyone?

It's a neat stop in Second Life and a great setting for Steampunk related pictures. Definitely worth a look if you have time.

Special thanks to Suzaku for this good find. :)

Blogging Buffet & Nerdly News

Time once again for just random tidbits from life and the world of coasters:

• Started working out again a couple Wednesdays ago to prepare for more stilt walking. The core and legs workout is pretty tough, but fatigue notwithstanding, I felt more agile and balanced. I might have a 3.1478690457463 pack yet.
• Have tried and tried to plan out park trips for 2009. No dice, so it's just use the force and try to meet up with people from the forum, etc. Park trips are fun, trips with fellow enthusiasts are even better. Heh, and they even get a free bag lady in the bargain.
• Nut Tree Park closed down recently. Never been there, but always a shame to see a park go under.
• Manta, Rip Ride Rockit, and Diamondback are either complete, or bloody close to it, on track install. Really like how all three are close in places to the walkways. Also, R3 really makes USO seem more on par with USJ, home to the B&M Hyper, Hollywood Dream. I also get wisps of Alton Towers' Air, in Manta.
• With Hard Rock Park done, the rumor warp drive is ahead full over what rides will go where. Unlike my contemporaries, I have absolutely no assumptions, ideas, thoughts, inklings, ramblings, theorems, hints, gut feelings, musings, etc. whatsoever, on what will become of the rides. Just hope they go to good homes. Shoulda opened with a Rapids ride, HRP. I kid, I kid. ;)
• Cleaning and sorting the apartment continues. Another weekend, another garbage bag out the door and another Rubbermaid tote from Target. Yep, just as exciting as it sounds. Well, at least I got smart this year and picked up an ornament box.
• Picked up some floor pillows and hunting chairs and rugs for the apartment. Still trying to blend Bettie Page, Old Carnival, Steampunk, and 70's mod, all into one. Yeah, I know, "good luck with that..."
• By way of a hilarious tirade (Thanks Jard), it seems I'm now associate with particular small furry rodents and popular crème filled snack cakes. Note to self: skip Zorbing and anything Hostess this summer for obvious reasons.
• The Second Life apartment is set up now and already had a few guests. Glad to have a base-camp/retreat to work from and boy do I ever want to buy ANYTHING in the Aarnio contemporary furniture catalog. Learning quite a bit about furniture, rugs, decorating, colors, etc. Man, it'll make your head spin! Is this what riding a Boomerang coaster is like?
• Congrats to Lyezel on her new SL beach condo. You'd swear her pad was right out of Pottery Barn, the way it's put together. The lady can decorate!
• Thanks to John Turner over at Coaster Crew for including a Smokey Mountain Rampage shot AND shots of "The Legendary Skillets of Dollywood" during his recent trip. Also thanks to Pat McCabe for his Rapids pics and videos on The A Walk In The Park Podcast of late. Matter of fact, thank you as well to all the great folks doing trip reports on ThemeParkReview for putting in a Rapids shot or two. All Those gestures are MUCH appreciated and they always bring a smile. Thanks all! :)

Return of the Gamer

About 3 years ago I was an avid gamer. Had an Xbox, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Gameboy, pc games, and cell phone games. Oh yeah, it was a party. Then I got partied out, man. That coaster train hit the block-breaks hard and crawled into the station. So I picked out a handful of pc and cell phone games and traded in the gaming gear for cash. Blashpemy for sure, but it was worth it to get outdoors and buy a camcorder to video theme parks.

I've been busy the past couple years out at the parks and having a great time, but a little part of me missed gaming. Even so, the few remaining games just sat on my hard drive until they were uninstalled. A few promising Morrowind characters met their demise at the hands of the Uninstall Wizard, not a gang of Argonian thieves. Flight Simulator helo awesomeness was grounded. Even Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 came to the end of it's rails, in favor of freeing up hard drive space.

This past Christmas the siren call of the Lego games was too much. Lego Batman and Lego Indiana Jones made my list. The bricked, er, caped crusader got installed on my laptop first. It was followed by a discount find of Bloodrayne 2. And they promptly filled my 50 gig hard drive. Doh!

After a couple plays, the hotness of Bloodrayne lost out to Batman's brood. (I know, I know, priorities, but she'll be back.) Since I only had keyboard and mouse, this was another minor hindrance. Yep, time for a game controller.

I was off to the game store for an Xbox 360 controller. Wired was the cheaper and simpler way to go. Seriously. Plug in, yer done. Oh, but wait, that's not how it's done anymore. I could hear Tackleberry from the Police Academy movies now, "You will get wireless NOW, MISTER!" and indeed I did, and at almost double the price when paired with the necessary wireless pc receiver, that, of course, is sold separately.

Cost aside, this turned out to be a good thing. Controller and receiver set up and paired quickly. There was no lag or signal drop out, and the controller felt comfortable in my hands. Taste itty bitty Batarang evil-doers! In about 20 minutes, Lego Clay Face was my so bitch (Ok, it's only the first level. It's been a while). Aw yeah!

It felt good to be back in the gaming world a little bit and I was pleasantly surprised with the new gear. Big improvement over using the clunky but still way cool Sidewinder pc gamepads over 10 years ago. (Anybody remember the good old days of joystick ports on pc's and daisy-chaining those controllers for Virtua Fighter?)

Hey, it's nice to have a good game or two plus iTunes on the laptop. Makes downtime on a trip MUCH more enjoyable. :)

Emo What?!

Ok, I am officially "old" (gasp!). Why? Because one of my coworkers who is 25 and still in his cool prime, had to explain to me what Emo was just before Christmas. You see, if I wasn't "old" I would know this trend and you would be reading my babblings on something else entirely. Feel free to read on and laugh at my shame. ;)

Apparently, it's a mixture of clothing styles from the 80's (skinny/pipestem jeans, Converse Chucks or Vans, big hair on some girls, but updated, or early 80's punk looks, ballet slipper shoes, etc.) Guys wear girl jeans because...that's just what you do. Sure. Why not?

Basically it's like Goth-light from a few years back, but with more"life sucks" and razor blades thrown in and less face paint. And here I thought it was a Blondie revival. Somewhere, the guys in Good Charlotte and My Chemical romance are just shaking their heads. Like I said,"old".

Well, every generation has to have trends and movements that define them in some way. Growing up, I went from the funkiness of the 70's, through 80's Hair Metal, and well into Grunge during high school (ok ok, hold your "DAAAMMMNNNN"s to the end). About '92 or 93, the retro 70's rehash started up again. Hail the return of bell bottoms and platform shoes with updated twists. Oh, I mean flares, not bell bottoms. And tube dresses were re-spun as sheath dresses. Humorously, if you were a guy in the early to mid 90's and you wanted to wear bell...er, flares, you had to buy girl's pants, because that's all there were the first couple years, unless you made your own. Sound familiar?

Suffice to say, this generation of Emo is rehashing the 80's with an updated twist and I've learned something new. No cool points for me, but at least I have a clue...and metal hair (thanks Nate!). Man I feel "old"...wow...

Did Somebody Say...Jazz Hands?

Things I like about this picture:

• It's a Steampunk New Years Party
• Blue Hair
• Pretty ladies
• Steampunk Dr. Who
• Steampunk Mario
• Steampunk Billy Idol
• I look more like Dr. Octopus every shoot
• We're smiling and having fun
• We're all out of our minds ;)

Second Life_Chapter 23_Come and Knock On Our Door...

One of my favorite shows growing up was Three's Company. It was a TV sitcom starring John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt (http://www.joycedewitt.com/index2.htm), and Suzanne Somers (http://www.suzannesomers.com/), about 70's apartment living. If you haven't guessed already, this is a lead-in. ;)

This past weekend I took the plunge and got an apartment on Second Life. I know, I know "Why?", "Are you off your trolley?! (Thanks TJ) ", "Get a cat scan!", etc.

I did this for a number of reasons. First, it was a little place to get away from noobies and griefers and hang out with friends. It's kinda like creating a private chat room, but you can decorate it to a point. And there's no random unwanted bite requests.

Second, it gives me a chance to be creative and work out some themeing and arrangements for my RL apartment. You get to try out different decorations and combos until you find a style that works, then save up for the real deal. The Animal Crossing and Sims fans will back me up here. Heh, eat your heart out Nookington's. ;)

Third, after you crunch the numbers, it works out to about $4 a month, which is lower than most MMO monthly subscriptions. Part of that is due to a good landlord and a great deal. For the record, you can own property in SL, however you have to upgrade to a Premium Membership. That's one cost. Then you buy land. That's another cost. Then you pay a Land Usage Fee. Another cost. Depending on lot size and other factors, it's not unheard of to pay $20 or more per month on SL property. (Very slick business model Linden Labs has, by the way.) Suffice to say, I found a MUCH better alternative to test the waters. Besides, I'm only one man and don't need a ton of space anyway.

Fourth, this is something new to learn and sets the stage for RL house hunting and decision making. I already have a better feel for that topic, which I know VERY little about anyway. It's also a good lesson for me in bargain hunting and managing finances. Life, even Second Life, is abalance after all.

Ok, so I ended up with an "L" shaped, open plan, apartment with two patios, and bay windows on each end. I'm on the bottom floor, in a low traffic area, yet close enough to my favorite club, Paradox. Walls are taupe and the floor is a white hardwood. So far I have a couple Aarnio Ball Chairs, Bubble Chairs, Parabel Table, tiger skin rug, two bean bags, and new mod fireplace. Over in the bedroom is a queen bed, rosewood and brushed steel ladder shelf/desk combo, laptop, rosewood and brushed steel dresser, and tasteful blue vase I won recently. Out on the patio are three freebie egg chairs with really awful 70's patterns. We're talking "shot the couch" bad, but I love them.

The verdict? Having my own contempo/beach condo type place in SL is great. Best of all, the great folks in the Beltain Clan brought the hookup. Thank you all for helping me get started, be it furniture, LMs (Land Marks) to places, or just advice. Most appreciated!

Now if you'll excuse me, Larry just ran in here, saying something about Swedish twins, hot tub, upstairs, 10 minutes. Or Maybe that was Sinful, my upstairs neighbor...;)

2009 RV Show

Dad and I had a chance to get out to the annual RV show downtown Sunday. What started as a lark after a hockey game 3 years ago, has become a fun yearly tradition and a way for the two of us to hang out. We both appreciate the beauty of technical engineering and it's just plain fun to go out and drool. What truly amazed me were the details like carved wood accents and etched mirrors. Some of these RVs were way nicer than my apartment, in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Maple wood and brushed steel were a couple examples of such materials and with the slide-outs, todays RVs are more roomy than ever. Did I mention the vessel sinks in the bathrooms or the ceiling fan? They may be called recreational, but these ain't no wrecks. All in all, a great day out with Dad.

Theme Park Withdrawal

Unless you're fortunate enough to live in Florida or California, the end of October to early spring is dreaded time of year for park and coaster enthusiasts. You guessed it....The Off Season (dun dun DUUUUUNNNN!)

The Off Season (dun dun DUUUUUNNNN!) is an empty time spent missing our favorite parks, rides, food, whatever. The typical enthusiast will try to fill his or her time by looking through pictures and videos taken from this years trips or even previous years. This behavior is usually followed by a heavy sigh and a glassy-eyed stare out the nearest window. Some fist shaking and general cursing of Mother Nature's way might follow.

Other enthusiasts will find comfort in movies or video games during...The Off Season (dun dun DUUUUUNNNN!) Yes, building a simulated coaster in No Limits or Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 is like giving someone a veggie burger. It'll fill the bill, but it sure ain't Micky D's. Same goes for the movies. Sure, that Behemoth PoV on volume #2461 of the roller coaster DVD series still looks AMAZING, but it's just no substitute for the sun on your face, wind in your hair, and calling out all the major religious deities on the way over the first hill. And don't even get me started on the lack of good food smells, although Yankee Candle Company does offer some acceptable alternatives this year.;)

Add to all this the torture of coaster construction web cams. Yes, new rides to drool over...oh, but you have to wait. Even so, the avid enthusiast, in sheer desperation for some hot coaster action, will stay up day and night watching images refresh on a given webcam, with a warm Dr. Pepper in one hand, and a vice grip on the bag of Cheetos with the other. The computer keyboard is worn out from checking Screamscape every 5 minutes for construction updates, and the Any key is still as elusive to find as ever. Is that a lonely character sheet and a painted ranger figurine nearby on the desk? (Yes, I speak from experience here.) ;)

Suffice to say, The Off Season (dun dun DUUUUUNNNN!) is just brutal for those of us who love our parks and coasters. Spring time can't come soon enough, especially with the promise of more thrills in the coming year.What will the new coasters be like? Will I score a great deal on a season pass? Will I actually get a date this year? Will the gravy on the buffet truly be "like Mom used to make"? Will they add MORE trash cans to the vast battalions already at the park? Will they still have Vault Icee? If they don't, will they get it before there's a riot of crazed, camera wielding, yet under-caffeinated enthusiasts on the verge of narcolepsy?

Yes, these are questions of the highest order and must be pondered with a most serious mind...and stale Cheetos.

How long until spring again? Not soon enough my dear comrades, not soon enough. :)

Second Life_Chapter 22_Carnivale Amusement Park

Destination: Venusian 116,187,38

Well friends, my first theme park of 2009 was a virtual one. Carnivale Amusement Park on Second Life, had a few surprises and perks during my recent visit.

Like some of the other SL parks, Carnivale had your standard fair of flat rides (Tilt a Whirl, Swinging Ship, Paratrooper, etc). I rode the funky version of the Shot/Drop Tower ride which was something totally new. It spun at odd times while rising and dropping. Also took a spin on the log flume, and, miraculously, the boat didn't tip over or jump the flume (virtual evac credits anyone?). Meanwhile the wood coaster was actually a beta test on a better design and one of the closest renditions to something like Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 I've seen. Kudos there, in that programming and modeling in SL can be tricky.

Several other good points to mention here. The Rapids ride was still a work in progress and the first of it's kind I've seen on Second Life. Glad to see it and can't wait for the updated versions. Also enjoyed the adjacent water park with wave pool and at least four slides (two were down for rehab). As you enter the water park, if you need a swimsuit for your avatar you can take one for free. This was a really nice touch and a good follow on to the nearby Freebie Cave of random stuff. Oh, and the dark ride/haunted house is one of the better ones to ride in SL.

There was also a Midway and shops area where you could buy almost any ride you see at the park. Want a Rapids ride in your virtual back yard (and who doesn't these days)? Yep, you can buy it. Same goes for everything from Christmas decor to cotton candy machines. One random store even had Rocky Horror Picture Show avatars, corn mazes, and Divine (the drag queen) avatars.

If you're out and about one day on Second Life, and you like theme parks, Carnivale is an enjoyable place with good atmosphere.

Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving Footage Up on The A Walk In The Park Podcast

Pat McCabe's latest podcast episode is up and features a mixed bag of my Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Dollywood video from Thanksgiving 2008. You can check it out here:

http://awalkintheparkblog.blogspot.com/ - Episode 49

Or, download it from iTunes: A Walk in the Park Podcast

Pat, always a pleasure and thank you kindly. Oh man, do I ever want to go back to Pigeon Forge this spring. Really enjoyed that whole area.

(EDIT: Spell check is my friend...spell check is my friend...spell check is my friend...)

Since I'm shooting from the hip on this entry, Here's a little Blogging Buffet and Nerdly News:

• Hope the wet weather stops so I can get in a little stilt walking. On the hunt for walking poles as both supports and props. Learned how to get up on the stilts just using a wall, so I have a little more freedom in getting mobile.
• Already hit a new theme park in Second Life and will have that entry up in a few days. It had a rapids and water park too!
• This is the last weekend of freedom before getting back into the work groove, so it's time to readjust the sleeping, etc. No mo 3 am.
• My flat is still smelling amazing thanks to Chocloate Cupcake and Christmas Cookies from Yankee Candle Co. Great gifts from the folks and my uncle. Heh, but now I'm always hungry....
• Time to start the new computer hunt so I can make a decision by summer. I really need the storage and horsepower, particularly with the new pc games. There's also an XBox 360 controller in the future for Lego Batman.
• Watched the Haunted Mansion ride through on the Nightmare Before Christmas Special Edition DVD. Totally worth owning, especially if you love Disney or theme parks.
• Almost ready to buy my ticket for Dragon Con 2009 and put my hotel money aside. After missing the last two, I'm REALLY looking forward to the mayhem.
• Generally speaking, I'm a happy soul and my life is balancing and focusing more. It's pretty busy too, but glad to be active and social in a few regards. The trick now is not to over-commit and take on too much. Yeah, I've been single for a while now, but it's not so bad. This is a good time to take stock and tweek the life balance. Hey, no worries. :)