Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
They will survive!
It's been a while since I posted anything ... what with Christmas and all. But I have something that should be worth the wait.
On Christmas Day, we went to my folks' house in San Angelo and opened gifts. Lizzie got a game (can't remember the name) for her PS2 that's kind of like karaoke, but as you're singing it shows you (and scores you on) whether or not you're on key. Well, my handsome hubby Roy and my brother-in-law had a little fun with the game, as you can see below. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas y'all!
On Christmas Day, we went to my folks' house in San Angelo and opened gifts. Lizzie got a game (can't remember the name) for her PS2 that's kind of like karaoke, but as you're singing it shows you (and scores you on) whether or not you're on key. Well, my handsome hubby Roy and my brother-in-law had a little fun with the game, as you can see below. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas y'all!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
It's official ... we're getting an island!
More details later ... gotta focus on a purchase requisition. w00t!
Monday, December 11, 2006
My sister hangs out with rock bands
Every once in a blue moon, a non-country band will make its way out to the middle of west Texas ... the biggest city without an interstate ... good ol' San Angelo. And if by chance they make it to this mecca of mesquite, chances are my sister is there eating pizza with them.
The last band to make it to San Angelo was Army of Freshmen. I'm not going to lie -- I don't know their songs. I've heard their music pumping out my sister's room on my holiday visits home. But my sister loves them. Somehow (it's a long, very cool story I hope she someday posts on her blog or myspage page) Lizzie ended up getting invited backstage at the Steel Penny Pub during their concert. Keep in mind, she wasn't even able to get into the front door since she's only 16. (That being said, my parents were with her during this whole escapade.)
She's actually been friends with the band for a while now. They swap emails and check out each others' myspace pages. So, after the show, they quietly informed her that they'd be indulging in some pizza at the local Double Dave's, so she (and my entire family ... well, except me since I'm not in San Angelo ... Mom, Dad, Lizzie, Teresa, Mat) eat pizza with the band.
See Lizzie's set of AoF pictures.
**Yeesh!** I take her to one Green Day concert and she touches Billie Joe's hand, and next thing you know, she's hanging out with rock stars. ... *sniff* I'm so proud!!
UPDATE: Just found a video Lizzie posted on YouTube of her adventure.
The last band to make it to San Angelo was Army of Freshmen. I'm not going to lie -- I don't know their songs. I've heard their music pumping out my sister's room on my holiday visits home. But my sister loves them. Somehow (it's a long, very cool story I hope she someday posts on her blog or myspage page) Lizzie ended up getting invited backstage at the Steel Penny Pub during their concert. Keep in mind, she wasn't even able to get into the front door since she's only 16. (That being said, my parents were with her during this whole escapade.)
She's actually been friends with the band for a while now. They swap emails and check out each others' myspace pages. So, after the show, they quietly informed her that they'd be indulging in some pizza at the local Double Dave's, so she (and my entire family ... well, except me since I'm not in San Angelo ... Mom, Dad, Lizzie, Teresa, Mat) eat pizza with the band.
See Lizzie's set of AoF pictures.
**Yeesh!** I take her to one Green Day concert and she touches Billie Joe's hand, and next thing you know, she's hanging out with rock stars. ... *sniff* I'm so proud!!
UPDATE: Just found a video Lizzie posted on YouTube of her adventure.
Catching up with my Second Life
(I have a lot of Second Life sightings I have yet to post about. Here's my attempt to catch up...)
Virtual Aquarium
If it's been over two weeks since you've visited Info Island in Second Life, you need to go back and check it out. The set of two islands has exploded to at least five islands clustered together -- Info Island, Info Island II, EduIsland, Cybrary, Commonwealth. (I believe there's a Health Island currently in development within the cluster.)
I've posted sightings before from Info Island (and that region) in my SL flickr set -- Mayan temples, Science museums, virtual libraries (oh my!). Well, let's add a virtual aquarium to the list. Tucked in the corner of Commonwealth Island is a very cool underwater adventure. Learn about marine life as you swim through an underwater treasure trove of coral, jellyfish, and anemones, to name a few. Oh, but watch out for the shark!
UTD's ATEC Island
Interesting story. My group is working on a demo, hoping to eventually get funding for an island for our university. We found out several weeks (months) after we'd been working on this ... and just a few days before the grand opening event was to be announced ... that our school already had an island.
The Arts & Technology department has their own island dedicated to developing and displaying virtual artwork. Last month, their grand opening of their gallery was a big success, with several hundred visitors. My coworker and I were invited to the event -- she showed up at the ATech building, while I attended virtually. Below are some snapshots of the festivities.
More Religion in a Virtual World
I stumbled across an absolutely beautiful cathedral someone build inworld that is definitely worth a mention.
Dell Island
Ever since I found Nissan Island's auto-vending machine, I decided I was going to try to find other major businesses that are moving into this new world.
Dell's island had a couple of very nice features. I particularly liked the huge computer that you could walk through and see the different parts. Also impressive was the build-your-computer area where you sat at a desk and basically picked out the specs for your computer. Once finished, it passed your input to a browser to purchase. Very nice.
Sun Microsystem's Island
Although not quite as snazzy as Dell's island, Sun has an impressive presence in SL. Very nice landscaping, buildings, and auditoriums.
Cisco Island
Cisco's island was very nicely laid out -- tech support, training center, networking academy, etc. Nice buildings, professional meeting rooms, and you can even stroll through a room full of cubicles. A very techy/geeky feel.
Big Brother ... but more boring
The tv show Big Brother, the reality show that is a hit in every country in the world except the US, has decided to make it's move into the virtual world. I don't have many pictures of it because ... well, it wasn't really that interesting. Apparently, a group of people were picked to have their avatars be a part of this ... event. Each person/avatar is required to be online at least eight hours a day. The participants are all required to stay in this glassed-in area and socialize with each other and complete challenges. Viewers ... mind you, only in-world viewers - this is not being streamed out anywhere ... gradually vote people off, etc. *yawn* Ok, enough. Let me post the one picture I have of it.
Have A Very Merry (Virtual) Christmas
So far, I've come across a lot of holiday decorating and events. Snowmen, elves, candy canes, christmas trees, presents, and formal holiday balls. Below are some of my snapshots.
Speaking of which, we did a little decorating of our office ... both in real life (RL) and in SL. I'll have to get some snapshots and post those. Anyway, I'm all caught up. This is some of what I've been up to in my Second Life.
Virtual Aquarium
If it's been over two weeks since you've visited Info Island in Second Life, you need to go back and check it out. The set of two islands has exploded to at least five islands clustered together -- Info Island, Info Island II, EduIsland, Cybrary, Commonwealth. (I believe there's a Health Island currently in development within the cluster.)
I've posted sightings before from Info Island (and that region) in my SL flickr set -- Mayan temples, Science museums, virtual libraries (oh my!). Well, let's add a virtual aquarium to the list. Tucked in the corner of Commonwealth Island is a very cool underwater adventure. Learn about marine life as you swim through an underwater treasure trove of coral, jellyfish, and anemones, to name a few. Oh, but watch out for the shark!
UTD's ATEC Island
Interesting story. My group is working on a demo, hoping to eventually get funding for an island for our university. We found out several weeks (months) after we'd been working on this ... and just a few days before the grand opening event was to be announced ... that our school already had an island.
The Arts & Technology department has their own island dedicated to developing and displaying virtual artwork. Last month, their grand opening of their gallery was a big success, with several hundred visitors. My coworker and I were invited to the event -- she showed up at the ATech building, while I attended virtually. Below are some snapshots of the festivities.
More Religion in a Virtual World
I stumbled across an absolutely beautiful cathedral someone build inworld that is definitely worth a mention.
Dell Island
Ever since I found Nissan Island's auto-vending machine, I decided I was going to try to find other major businesses that are moving into this new world.
Dell's island had a couple of very nice features. I particularly liked the huge computer that you could walk through and see the different parts. Also impressive was the build-your-computer area where you sat at a desk and basically picked out the specs for your computer. Once finished, it passed your input to a browser to purchase. Very nice.
Sun Microsystem's Island
Although not quite as snazzy as Dell's island, Sun has an impressive presence in SL. Very nice landscaping, buildings, and auditoriums.
Cisco Island
Cisco's island was very nicely laid out -- tech support, training center, networking academy, etc. Nice buildings, professional meeting rooms, and you can even stroll through a room full of cubicles. A very techy/geeky feel.
Big Brother ... but more boring
The tv show Big Brother, the reality show that is a hit in every country in the world except the US, has decided to make it's move into the virtual world. I don't have many pictures of it because ... well, it wasn't really that interesting. Apparently, a group of people were picked to have their avatars be a part of this ... event. Each person/avatar is required to be online at least eight hours a day. The participants are all required to stay in this glassed-in area and socialize with each other and complete challenges. Viewers ... mind you, only in-world viewers - this is not being streamed out anywhere ... gradually vote people off, etc. *yawn* Ok, enough. Let me post the one picture I have of it.
Have A Very Merry (Virtual) Christmas
So far, I've come across a lot of holiday decorating and events. Snowmen, elves, candy canes, christmas trees, presents, and formal holiday balls. Below are some of my snapshots.
Speaking of which, we did a little decorating of our office ... both in real life (RL) and in SL. I'll have to get some snapshots and post those. Anyway, I'm all caught up. This is some of what I've been up to in my Second Life.
Online IQ Tests
I'm hesitant to post this b/c knowing the people I'm close to (my hubby and friends), they'll probably score better than I do. But here goes nothing ... what did you score? And what did you think of the "test"? (There were some strange questions in there.) And what do you think of online IQ testing? (It's interesting how your scores on different online tests can differ significantly.) And what are your views of IQ tests in general?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
I ain't got no accent!!
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta. | |
| The Midland | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| The Inland North | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The South | |
| The Northeast | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
I agree ... Heroes still rocks!
Yes, I am a 'Heroes' addict. Please go to my friend Matt's "Your Official Portal to Geekdom" blog for a discussion on theories/questions/comments.
(Damn them! Making me wait until January. *Yeesh!*)
(Damn them! Making me wait until January. *Yeesh!*)
'24' is coming!
The great thing about '24' is that it plays every week without any reruns or breaks during the season. The bad thing about '24' is that once the season is over in mid-to-late May, then you have to wait until the following January for the next season. *Ugh!*
That being said, the new season of '24' is coming! Just found a "prequel"/teaser on YouTube. Other than the ridiculously blatant product placement, it's incredibly exciting getting a peak at what Jack Bauer is up to!
That being said, the new season of '24' is coming! Just found a "prequel"/teaser on YouTube. Other than the ridiculously blatant product placement, it's incredibly exciting getting a peak at what Jack Bauer is up to!
Amazing finds from Google Earth
As I was browsing through popular diggs this morning, I found a link to a *very* cool video of images of animals you can find when zooming in incredibly close using Google Earth.
Find Them On Google Earth! - video powered by Metacafe
To top it all off, you can actually find these images using Google Maps by searching for the following coordinates:
BUFFALOS: 4°17'21.49" S 31°23'46.46" E
CAMELS: 15°17'40.32" N 20°28'47.42" E
ELEPHANTS: 10°54'13.66" N 19°56'06.15" E
FLAMINGOS: 21°50'36.15" S 35°27'00.60" E
HIPPOS: 6°53'53.00" S 31°11'15.40" E
6°54'00.10" S 31°11'11.67" E
ORYX: 24°57'18.60" S 15°51'30.61" E
SEALS: 18°26'45.45" S 12°00'44.20" E
Find Them On Google Earth! - video powered by Metacafe
To top it all off, you can actually find these images using Google Maps by searching for the following coordinates:
BUFFALOS: 4°17'21.49" S 31°23'46.46" E
CAMELS: 15°17'40.32" N 20°28'47.42" E
ELEPHANTS: 10°54'13.66" N 19°56'06.15" E
FLAMINGOS: 21°50'36.15" S 35°27'00.60" E
HIPPOS: 6°53'53.00" S 31°11'15.40" E
6°54'00.10" S 31°11'11.67" E
ORYX: 24°57'18.60" S 15°51'30.61" E
SEALS: 18°26'45.45" S 12°00'44.20" E
Friday, December 01, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
NBC makes its SL debut tonight
This just in ... NBC is to make its Second Life debut tonight. Read more here.
Also jumping inworld:
Stay tuned!
Also jumping inworld:
Stay tuned!
Calvin & Hobbes Recreations in SL
C&H is my absolute favorite comic strip of all time. That being said, you'll understand why I *must* include this in my blog...
(Click on the thumbnail to view the large image.)
(Click on the thumbnail to view the large image.)
(Click on the thumbnail to view the large image.)
Our SL Project
Greetings all! I know, I know -- it's been 13 days since my last post. *gasp* It was the holidays, ok?! Anyway...
As you might know, my co-workers and I are working on a Second Life project, and recently, we recorded a video walk through of our virtual building. I apologize for the video -- for some reason, it recorded in double-time, but you at least get a feel of what our virtual SOM building is like.
Some features you might not notice in the video (but you would if you visited us inworld) are links to our school newspapers, our online SOM magazines, free school t-shirts, links to important information, and a sample lecture. And we're adding more as we can figure it all out!
If you'd like to visit the temporary in-world location, while in SL, just search for Kula, and we're in the northwest corner.
As you might know, my co-workers and I are working on a Second Life project, and recently, we recorded a video walk through of our virtual building. I apologize for the video -- for some reason, it recorded in double-time, but you at least get a feel of what our virtual SOM building is like.
Some features you might not notice in the video (but you would if you visited us inworld) are links to our school newspapers, our online SOM magazines, free school t-shirts, links to important information, and a sample lecture. And we're adding more as we can figure it all out!
If you'd like to visit the temporary in-world location, while in SL, just search for Kula, and we're in the northwest corner.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix poster
Just found this on The Movie Blog - the first poster for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Man, Ralph Fiennes makes one creepy He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
UTD T-Shirt
In an effort to show my school spirit in Second Life, I've created my very first t-shirt! Check it out!
I am pretty darn proud of myself!
I am pretty darn proud of myself!
I am the Operative!
Wow! The last time I took a firefly personality quiz, I was Zoe. I sure have changed!!
Click here to take the Firefly personality Quiz.
You scored as The Operative.
You are dedicated to your job and very good at what you do. You've done some very bad things, but they had to be done. You don't expect to go to heaven, but that is a sacrifice you've made for a better future for all.
(Sorry about the scrolling. It's b/c I'm not cool enough to figure out style sheets for layout. Please scroll down...)
| The Operative | 69 % | |
| Capt. Mal Reynolds | 63% | |
| Zoe Alleyne Washburne | 56% | |
Hoban 'Wash' Washburne | 56% | |
| Simon Tam | 50% | |
| Shepherd Derrial Book | 44% | |
| River Tam | 38% | |
| Inara Serra | 38% | |
| Kaylee (Kaywinnet Lee) Frye | 38% | |
| Jayne Cobb | 25% |
Click here to take the Firefly personality Quiz.
Monday, November 13, 2006
7th Son
Interestingly, I haven't yet gotten into podcasts. (Blogs, however, are another story. I have 20+ feeds I check daily. But anyway...) So I didn't even notice the podcast novel "7th Son" when it came out and quickly generated a fan base. However, recently on whedonesque.com, there was a short blurb about how a certain Nathan Fillion is to become the first major actor to lend his voice to a character in a podcast novel. So, naturally, I became interested.
And I must say, I'm pretty darn impressed! 7th Son is now into its second book, and I'm just nine chapters into book one, but the story is very interesting so far. Let me give you the synopsis, taken straight from the 7th Son website...
7th Son is the story of seven strangers who have been brought together after the recent assassination of the U.S. president. These men quickly discover they all appear to be the same man ... with identical childhood memories.
Unwitting participants in a human cloning experiment, these "John Michael Smiths" have been assembled to catch the man who murdered the president. Their target? The man they were cloned from; the original John Michael Smith, code-named John Alpha.
I highly recommend it. And it's only going to get better ... what with Mr. Fillion to start contributing some time soon. If you like scifi, I think you might like this. (NOTE: It does contain some foul language, so consider it NSFW.)
And I must say, I'm pretty darn impressed! 7th Son is now into its second book, and I'm just nine chapters into book one, but the story is very interesting so far. Let me give you the synopsis, taken straight from the 7th Son website...
7th Son is the story of seven strangers who have been brought together after the recent assassination of the U.S. president. These men quickly discover they all appear to be the same man ... with identical childhood memories.
Unwitting participants in a human cloning experiment, these "John Michael Smiths" have been assembled to catch the man who murdered the president. Their target? The man they were cloned from; the original John Michael Smith, code-named John Alpha.
I highly recommend it. And it's only going to get better ... what with Mr. Fillion to start contributing some time soon. If you like scifi, I think you might like this. (NOTE: It does contain some foul language, so consider it NSFW.)
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Nissan Island
(So I don't look like some kind of wacko-Nathan-Fillion-crazy-fan, I figure I need to think of something else blog about...)
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across Nissan Island in Second Life. What struck me was the giant vending machine where you typed in the special code and got your free car. Pretty cool idea. I assume that eventually you'll have to pay L$ for them; however, this time a kind soul gave me the super secret code.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across Nissan Island in Second Life. What struck me was the giant vending machine where you typed in the special code and got your free car. Pretty cool idea. I assume that eventually you'll have to pay L$ for them; however, this time a kind soul gave me the super secret code.
Nathan Fillion is officially my friend!
I read today on whedonesque.com that Nathan (aka Cap'n Malcolm Reynolds on Firefly/Serenity) now has an official myspace page. I immediately logged in and requested to add him as a friend, and I am very proud to say that Captain Tightpants himself is now my friend. w00t!!
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