The Ortega Chronicles

Yea, I'm Way Off Topic.....

2012-01-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

But we all love to be heroes, and it's a worthy cause, with DC Comics matching your donation:

Awesome Musical Interlude

2011-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've got this and a few others in my music library, so it must might make it to a Steelhead Friday Night event.

For You Time Lord Fans Out There.....

2011-11-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

The upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special, entitled, "The Doctor, The Widow, And The Wardrobe"......No really.

Interesting Trailer...

2011-11-13T23:01:00.000-08:00

Well, at least until I find out more about Lego: The Movie (no, really, Warner Brothers is doing a feature film based on Legos).

Anyhoosits, here's the trailer to the upcoming mini-series "Neverland", which tells about how Peter Pan and Hook came to Neverland. It also has Bob Hoskins once again playing Mr. Smee.

It'll be shown in the States on SyFy on December 4th and 5th, I believe. Not sure when it'll be shown elsewhere around the world. The company that produced this also did the mini's "Tin Man" and "Alice".

Loved the ticking at the end of the trailer, and the "Take my hand, Peter" scene.

Web Comic I Found

2011-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Dunno if anyone else had blogged about this, as I don't get around to the blogs too much, but I found this web comic that's pretty interesting.

From Greg Rucka, who's done work on such comics as The Punisher, and Rick Burchett, who's done work on DC's all ages line, such as Batman: The Brave And The Bold, comes Lady Sabre and the Pirates of the Ineffable Aether

Set in the world known as The Sphere, it's an empty open sky, dotted with lands of different sizes that seem to float in mid air. The story has everything you'd expect in a Steampunk adventure. Fantastical weapons, swordfights, airships, and lots of fun.

Full details are available in the About section of the web comic. So far, they're a few pages into the second part of the story, so it's not too late to read it from the beginning. And just to give you a taste, here's an image, featuring Lady Sabre, Marshal Drake, and his assistant, Drum, along with a few of the floating lands and Lady Sabre's airship.

Another Of Fuzzball's Musical Interludes

2011-10-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

For those fans of Doctor Who that loved David Tennant's tenure on the show, this one's for you. David Tennant, Billie Piper, Freema Agyeman, Catherine Tate, Bernard Cribbins, John Barrowman, John Simm, an Ood, a Sontaran, EVERYBODY who worked on the show, and just for good measure......The Proclaimers......No really.

Hey, It's Not Too Late To Head To New York Before Halloween....

2011-10-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

You can go to the Steampunk Haunted House. With the theme "Through The Looking Glass". There's no gore involved, but it's been reported as being a very unique experience

Of course, if you're more interested in having the schnitzkins scared out of you, then perhaps you'd go to the other side of the US and head to The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor, in Long Beach, California. Three mazes on board the ship, two mazes off shore, 160 monsters, all the special effects you can handle and pyrotechnics that might make Tensai Hilra say, "Wow, that's almost impressive by my standards".

Happy Halloween, Gang.

This.....Actually Sounds Promising

2011-10-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Will Wright, legendary game designer and creator of The Sims, has now joined the Linden Lab board of directors.

It sounds promising for SL's future. Depending, of course, on what the company's direction is. Hopefully, he'll be able to take a hands on approach with the virtual world and give input on what to do to improve it. With the talk of introducing NPC's to the game, I think he's the perfect man for them to seek out and get tips.

Plus, anyone who forms a company called "Stupid Fun Club" is ok in my book.

For further info, check out New World Notes story, here

Also, Will Wright's biography can be found on the Linden Lab site here

Aurora The Film

2011-09-05T00:40:00.000-07:00

A nice little Australian Steampunk film. Thirty Three minutes in length, three years in the making, $1800 budget....and yet, it looks more impressive than anything Hollywood churns out.

Enjoy

Well THIS......Was A Very Nice Surprise

2011-08-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

I had expected a few awards this year during RFL. The Ebby Awards, in regards to the event boards used to advertise team events (two of those, btw), and I was half expecting the award for "The Hair" that I wore, in the spontaneous fun categories (ironic, since last year, I received one for having a shiny scalp).

Two awards are the highest honors in the Relay For Life of Second Life. Spirit of Relay, both Team and Individual awards. They only give one award for the individual, which went to Passionate Redheads co-captain, and friend of Steelhead's, Daaneth Kivioq. Considering that he had a stroke shortly after kick off this year, and fought his way to recovery in order to return to SL and to RFL, and for awhile having to use voice as he was unable to type, the man deserved it.

The Spirit of Relay Team award, they have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place categories. The description for the award is as follow:

Awarded to the team that embodies the “Spirit of the Relay”. "Spirit of the Relay" includes an overall performance of the team from Kick Off to Relay Day. It is not representative of simply the amount raised. This award takes into consideration the "spirit" of the team, how they embraced Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society Mission, and the enthusiasm displayed. Also considered is the teams participation in Relay activities, as a whole, not only in their own but other team’s events, as well. Did they embody the ‘we’re all one big team’ aspect?

Award Eligibility Dates: Beginning with Kick Off Celebration and ending at Relay Event DayNominations to be submitted by: Relay Team Members and Committee MembersNomination Deadline to be announced via notice in RFL Volunteer GroupJudging to Be Done by Majority Vote. Judges: Awards Chair and Co-Chair, Event Day Chair and Co-Chair, RFL Chair & Co-Chair, ACS Rep, Teams Chair & Co-Chair

So, you see, everyone in the RFL Volunteers group puts their choice on a notecard, and the notecards are tallied up. Team Caledon got third place. Team OD got the first place award. 2nd place went to Steelhead Salmons.

Steelhead showed support in the RFL Volunteer group chat, those of us that were in that group. Some of us attended other team's events, and I'm not talking about within the Steamlands. Some of us helped other team's with their fundraising. And during Relay weekend, we stood at the Steelhead campsite and cheered everyone as they ran, walked, rolled, trotted, lagged on by. Basically, Steelhead was awarded for what Steelhead does best.....minus the explosions, but next year.......anyway.

Hearing the team announced as 2nd place winners was a complete surprise, I'm still in some shock of it all, as are many in Steelhead. Real Life interfered with alot of our plans, and most of what we wanted to do this year never came to light, and yet, we had made an impression on a lot of folks in the Relay group.

I always tell Steelhead that awards aren't everything, that there's a much greater purpose being involved in RFL of SL........but.....I THINK I can be allowed to be selfish, just this once. This is something that I'm very proud of, and something that couldn't be accomplished without all of Steelhead.

Next year's theme is "Time For A Cure". I think we can have fun with that one.

Now THIS Is How You Do A Hair Challenge

2011-06-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Each year, someone on a Relay For Life Of Second Life team comes up with a hair challenge for their team. Raise X amount of lindens and......they go bald for a certain amount of time, they wear pink hair, etc. Last year, the challenge for Steelhead was to reach a certain amount, 400000 to be precise, and I'd go bald. We wound up with L$566000, more or less.

This year, I gave the wacky hair challenge. We made it up to the Platinum category, having raised over L$500000, and I'd wear the most outrageous, wildest, and wackiest hair available in Second Life.........boy, does Steelhead know how to find them. Ladies and Gentlemen.....and Lunar.....and Tensai......and Dwen......and Jobias......and Me......I present, The Hair That Can Crash The Grid....actually, it's only 255 prims:

Yup, that's me and my new hairstyle

The Lomgren Smalls Ballroom.

These help keep the hair from getting out of place.

Side view, with the blimps that also help keep the hair up.

The hair can be changed to different colors. Three different shades of blonde, three different shades of red, three brown, three black, plus Green, Lavender, Pink, and Blue. Including different styles: Princess, Gothic, Golden, and Steampunk (mostly noticeable in the ballroom)

I'm to wear the hair until Relay Weekend, July 16th, but may be willing to extend it for the right challenge. Of course, would be great if others would be willing to join me in this as well.....I mean, come on, it's the most stylish hairstyle in all of Second Life.

Hair, Rocco Fantastico Hairstyle, available at Curio Obscura. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rendervisions%20Isle/171/158/77

Image Pretty Much Says It All

2011-05-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nabila Nadir-Peterman for making the image.

Musical Interlude IV

2011-03-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here's the epic music that was used in the Doctor Who trailer

It's available on Two Steps From Hell's CD, Invincible, which IS available to the public. Some epic stuff there. Sometimes, the trailer music sounds better than the actual score in the film

If Not For This Guy, There'd Be No Time Lords In Second Life

2011-03-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Wanna see something really cool? After watching the trailer several times, stop it at the 0:37 mark and check out the TARDIS console room

RFLofSL Event:Salmons RFL Kick Off

2011-02-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

RFLofSL Event:Salmons RFL Kick Off

Steelhead's first event for RFL of SL which kicks off on March 12. Join us

Relay For Life Team Captain's Meeting

2011-02-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

Relay For Life kicks off on March 12th. Captain's meeting was this morning. The audio is available on the RFL of SL website right above the YouTube video.

Pay attention at the 12:54 mark. Something important is announced

*edited several times until I finally got this post right*

New Interview With Rod Humble, aka Rodvik Linden

2011-02-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

You can find it here:

http://dusanwriter.com/index.php/2011/02/12/virtual-dialogues-my-conversation-with-rod-humble-ceo-of-linden-lab/
Click the link and read it. If this guy stays true to his word, my "Love Letters To The Lindens" will be a thing of the past.

Panic At The Disco- The Ballad Of Mona Lisa

2011-02-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

"Eye Of The Storm"

2011-02-06T21:39:00.000-08:00

I think the video speaks for itself

And here's a behind the scenes look

Steelhead General Store

2011-02-06T16:54:00.000-08:00

Bringing the awesomeness of your Second Life visit into your real life

Steelhead General Store

Latest Addition To The Typists Blu Ray Collection...

2011-02-04T17:38:00.001-08:00

I mean, it's got my name on it and everything. Obviously, the producers had me in mind when they were putting the package together...........

Ok, not really, I know that it's a line Han Solo says to Chewbacca in "Empire Strikes Back"........

As If I Don't Have Enough To Worry About

2011-01-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

At present, I'm in the city of New Babbage, staying a few days at the invitation of Lady Christine and Lord Edward. I suppose it's a good thing, seeing as how I rarely leave Steelhead.

In my absence, there are several in Steelhead who are keeping an eye on things for me, mostly nuns with guns, Tensai with explosives, and Jaegers with.....well, they really don't need anything to look tough, but hats make them look dashing.

Cousin Purdie came in his TTC (Time Travel Cabinet), to show me this photo (it's amazing how he can take pictures in color, he should share that technology with all the photograph businesses in the Steamlands). A mysterious figure on the mountain top in Boomtown.

I shrugged it off, but Purdie was concerned. He estimated that the figure was very tall, probably as tall as Lunar. He also said that whatever it was, it was not Human, Jaeger, Lycan nor Elf.

Nice to know I can spend a few days from home without worrying about anything happening in Steelhead......

Now We Shall See If A New Day Emerges For SL

2011-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Least I suppose we will.....

Tomorrow, January 18th (changed due to remembering that today is a holiday), is Rod Humble's first day as Linden Lab's new CEO, according to a few blog posts I've read.

Unlike the previous guy, Humble does have experience in the gaming field. So, maybe....maybe.....just maybe, we'll see some great things happening.

In other news, recently purchased a new laptop. Alienware. In world, at the ultra settings. Experienced no lag, no crashing, was in a room filled with people and experienced no problems. And this was with Alienware's least expensive (800 bucks) model....imagine if I was able to get the Alienware that costs around two grand

Finally, Relay For Life of Second Life begins their in world fundraising March 12. I've got a good feeling about Steelhead's contribution this year.

This might be a really good year

Evolution Of A Story Idea. Part One

2011-01-03T12:12:00.001-08:00

It's epic. That's all I will say about the plot.

But, it was time. To sit down and try to get some serious writing done. For the longest time, I had the idea in my head, with additional notes jotted here, there, and yonder. The heroes, the villain, the airship. However, there was always the legal matters at hand.

The issue was, while I wanted to write a story inspired by the Steamlands of Second Life, couldn't actually use the places in Second Life as a setting, nor the characters. Legally, if I was to make money off of this story, I'd have to pay individuals for the use of their avatar names and characters, or the owners of the sims, if the story takes place in those places. I'm thinking I could get away with, as an example, mentioning Caledon in passing, but, in the end, it's best just to go original.

Only characters I had legal rights to are Fuzzball Ortega (The Fuzzball name is a nickname a character gives him in the story, due to her seeing him as a Lycan), Jobias Barthelmess, Purdie Uggla (except for all the Time Lord background), Old boB Ballyhoo, and K1 Footman. Only one other besides Fuzz is in the story, sure you can guess who.

Now, people will IM me and say, "Hey, it's cool, you can put me in it". But, to be honest, I felt it best to take an original route. Even if the way I describe the idea doesn't sound original.

"It's Jules Verne, meets 'The Magnificent Seven', with a little bit of 'Harry Potter' thrown in"

I also call it "An American Gaslamp Fantasy", but I'm not sure if I could use Gaslamp Fantasy without the Foglio's permission.

I do know that Steelhead Adventures hasn't been updated in awhile, an update will be coming, and I will keep it updated more regularly. This is my Real Life project, dedicated to the residents of the Steamlands of Second Life.

Next, the basic description of the characters, and you may find a bit of yourself in them.

This May Actually Show Promise.....

2010-12-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Linden Lab has announced their new CEO. Rod Humble, formerly of EA Games and Sony Entertainment.

As he's quoted in saying, "Joining Linden Lab is a very exciting opportunity, I have a long standing interest in the how the boundaries of society and economics change as communications evolve in new ways. Second Life is unique: it sits at the intersection of virtual worlds, avatars, and human contact. The Residents and developers of Second Life have built something very special, I am honored to join the talented team at Linden Lab to help expand this new frontier."

Full announcement here:
http://lindenlab.com/pressroom/releases/12_23_10

A Similar Campaign Worked For Betty White.....

2010-11-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

Man VS Second Life Parts One And Two

2010-11-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Steelhead Nevermoor

2010-11-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

For those who missed the news, Steelhead Nevermoor, our seventh sim, is in place north of Harborside. Currently going through final touches, but visit and see what's been done. Some of the elements from TotalLunar Eclipse's Alice build from the Relay For Life sims are being used there.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead%20Nevermoor/128/128/27

Coming Soon To A Book Store Near You....

2010-10-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Available January 2011. The Industrial Revolution has escalated into all-out warfare. It has been eighteen years since the Heterodyne Boys, benevolent adventurers and inventors, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Today, Europe is ruled by the Sparks, dynasties of mad scientists ruling over--and terrorizing--the hapless population with their bizarre inventions and unchecked power, while the downtrodden dream of the Hetrodynes' return.

At Transylvania Polygnostic University, a pretty, young student named Agatha Clay seems to have nothing but bad luck. Incapable of building anything that actually works, but dedicated to her studies, Agatha seems destined for a lackluster career as a minor lab assistant. But when the University is overthrown by the ruthless tyrant Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, Agatha finds herself a prisoner aboard his massive airship Castle Wulfenbach--and it begins to look like she might carry a spark of Mad Science after all.

From Phil and Kaja Foglio, creators of the Hugo, Eagle, and Eisner Award-nominated webcomic Girl Genius, comes Agatha H and the Airship City, a gaslamp fantasy filled to bursting with Adventure! Romance! and Mad Science!

Wait a minute......is there another Baron Klaus Wulfenbach that I don't know about? The one I've met is anything but ruthless, and I wouldn't call him a tyrant.

Anyway, I'm sure it'll be a good read.

And Now.....Popcorn

2010-10-19T16:19:00.001-07:00

Available...........Now

2010-10-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Abney Park's newest CD is available on the website. Here they are performing one of the songs from the CD, "End Of Days"

Almost Didn't Catch This Upcoming CD Release

2010-10-09T19:50:00.001-07:00

New Abney Park CD, being released Friday, October 15th at midnight. Digital download to follow sometime after. If you haven't bookmarked their page, the aether destination is http://www.abneypark.com/

The Warrior's Way

2010-10-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

This looks interesting.

They're Remaking True Grit

2010-09-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Whole lot of remakes and reimaginings going on in Hollywood. The Coen Brothers are doing their take on True Grit. Based on the novel by Charles Portis, best remembered as the 1969 film starring John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn.

This new version has Jeff Bridges in the Cogburn role, with Matt Damon as LeBeouf, and Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross. I like Bridges' look in the trailer. With it being the Coen Brothers, I'll hold off judgement until I see the film. I think, though, that Hailee Steinfeld will be the one who'll make this film worth seeing, and be the talk of the town.

Steelhead Nevermoor, Now PreBooking

2010-09-20T12:49:00.001-07:00

Steelhead Nevermoor - Gothic Forest Nouveau

Seventh region of Steelhead City.

Gothic forest meets fantasy with nouveau elements settled in the deep woods. Victorian, fantasy, gothic themed sim with residential and commercial lots avaliable. All homes/buildings must be ok'd by management so please ask first. Hobbit homes, elven, tree homes... yes.

Check the town hall for avaliability. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/118/41/28

Contact TotalLunar Eclipse to prebook your land. Coming in October/November

One Thing Can Be Agreed On The 1978 Animated Version of Lord Of The Rings

2010-09-16T15:59:00.001-07:00

Leonard Rosenman did a pretty decent job with the soundtrack.

Oh, Yea, I Forgot To Share This Pic......

2010-08-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Flop Dog, the official snack food for the Steelhead Town Meetings.

Hey, Check Out My Trophies.....

2010-08-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool, huh?

Relay For Life Awards

2010-08-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Awards were presented during the Relay For Life wrap up party. Here's the list, from what was announced during the end of Relay weekend and what was announced during the wrap up party

Steelhead, Caledon, New Babbage, Armada, and friends are clearly marked......probably missed a few, though.....

Most Inventive Campsite (Fundraising)

Awarded to the most unique and creative way of fund raising at your team campsite during the July Relay. This requires more than a simple vendor board. Must include some Relay For Life and / or American Cancer Society Mission information at your campsite. This is more than a Relay For Life / American Cancer Society sign.

1st Place
BOSL

2nd Place
NY Healthscape & DVI

Relay Raiders

Team Caledon

Best Theme Decorated Campsite
Awarded for all-round design interpretation of the Wishing On A Cure, the Relay For Life of Second Life 2010 Theme. Must include some Relay For Life and / or American Cancer Society Mission information at your campsite. This is more than a Relay For Life / American Cancer Society sign.

1st Place
BOSL

2nd Place
RELAY for HOPE

3rd Place
Harmony of Hope

NY Healthscape & DVI

Designer Sim Area
Awarded for the design that captures the essence, the reality and scale of the real or imaginary worlds they represent, and truly give us a world to call our own for a brief and unforgettable moment in time.
For over-all atmosphere, ambiance and detail
For the clever way they took difficult requirements and made them into a center piece
For the tasteful and enlightening way of incorporating cancer awareness into a theme
For the best storytelling of Wishing On A Cure…Relay for Life theme

1st Place
Helena Kiama

2nd Place
Uni Ninetails

3rd Place
TotalLunar Eclipse

Alix Stones

Tari Lander

New Team Participation (Relay Day)
Awarded to the new team for 2010 that displays organization and participation during the July Relay Day event. This award is not about how much money is raised, but how well the team participates in their planned activities as well as the Relay activities, including walking the track. Must include some Relay For Life and / or American Cancer Society Mission information at your campsite. This is more than a Relay For Life / American Cancer Society sign.

1st Place
Global Hearts United

2nd Place
Teams Fighting For a Cure

3rd Place
Radical Hope For Life

Returning Team Participation (Relay Day)

Awarded to a Returning team that displays organization and participation during the Relay Day event. This award is not about how much money is raised, but how well the team participates in their planned activities as well as the Relay activities,including walking the track. Must include some RFL / ACS Mission information at campsite

1st Place
Purple Tears

2nd Place
Relay Rockers

3rd Place
Team Caledon

Spirit of Relay (Individual)
Awarded to the Individual that embodies the “Spirit of the Relay”. It is not representative of simply the amount raised. This award takes into consideration the "spirit" of the individual, how they embraced Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society Mission, the enthusiasm displayed, as well as participation in Relay activities and embodying the Wishing On A Cure - the 2010 Relay For Life of Second Life theme. This award is open to all who are on a Relay Team or Relay Committee.

Ember Farina

Spirit of Relay (Team)
Awarded to the team that embodies the “Spirit of the Relay”. "Spirit of the Relay" includes an overall performance of the team from Kick Off to Relay Day. It is not representative of simply the amount raised. This award takes into consideration the "spirit" of the team, how they embraced Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society Mission, the enthusiasm displayed, as well as participation in Relay activities and embodying the Wishing On A Cure - the 2010 Relay For Life of Second Life theme

Spirit of Relay

and

Relay Wizards for Spunky

Top Individual Convio (Website) Fundraising
Awarded to Individual who raises the most via the Convio website (outside of SL, US dollar donation)

1st Place
Blynn Heron

2nd Place
Sabine McGettigan

3rd Place
Sunshine Zhangsun

Top Team Convio (Website) Fundraising
Awarded to Team who raises the most via the Convio website (outside of SL, US dollar donation)

1st Place
Circle of Life

2nd Place
NY Health Scape

3rd Place
New Babbage RFL

Convio Challenge Winner (two week period during June, there was a challenge to raise the most funds during that time)

Fuzzball Ortega

Following are the banner awards for the 2010 Second Life Relay for Life. The teams at each level have been alphabetized and the amounts raised removed.

Diamond 1,000,000.00 - 4,999,999
Cure Chasers
Eternal Beacon
Friends Fighting Cancer
Goreans in the Relay For Life
Harmony of Hope
New Babbage RFL
Passionate Redheads
RELAY for HOPE
Relay Raiders
Relay Rockers
Spirit of Relay
Team Caledon
Team Independence
Team OD
The All-Stars

Platinum 500,000.00 - 999,999
Dream To Live
Global Hearts United
In Loving Memory
Relay Wizards For SpUnKy
Rezzed TV Relayers
Sail For Life
Steelhead Salmons
The Fringe

Gold 250,000 - 499,999
BOSL Relay Team
Circle of Life
Designers in Seclusion
Giant Snail Relay
Justice League Unlimited/League of Heroes
Knights Foundation of SL
Madness Legends
Midian City Cancer Crushers
Ministry of Dance
Relay Hope
Spinners for Life
The Quest For A Cure
Time For A Cure
Silver 100,000 - 249,999
AVENUE of Life
DarkStar
EIMA - Elegance and Privilege
GLANCE Runway For Life
Grotto Club
Hockey Players for Life
IFT Sci-Fi Alliance
Isis Isles
Mountain Poetry Gallery Walkers
Nation of Adam ondi Ahman
NY Healthscape & DVI
PHC For Life
Purple Tears
Radical Hope For Life
RFL Warriors
Team Young Adults
Touched By Angels
United Federation Starfleet
Walking Tall For A Cure

Bronze 1,000.00 - 99,999
A.D. Designs Team
Armada Fights Back
Benelux For RFL 2010
Best Friends For Life
Bikers For A Cure
Blues For A Cure
BT Cares
Buccaneers
Catalyst of Fantasy
Club At Last
Dare To Dream
DarkenMoon
Diva Darlings For RFL
Dreamin' In Purple
Fighting For The Future
Friends For Life
Gems & Kisses-We Love Life
Graves Inc. Red Carpet Relay
Infomaniac Racers
Jewelers of SL
Kids Fighting Cancer
Lanterns for Life
Life is KEWL
Mieville Steam Punks
MRA/GLC
Mu Trade Federation
Nightfire Ent & Marketing
No Salvation Revenants for Life
Northern Light
October Alchemy
People Huggers
R.A.W.R.
Racer's For Relay
REDECapEuComVc
Relay Rangers
Remembering Angel
RFL Team Eternal Passion
RockNGames Radio
Roma Pro Vita
Sidhes Fairies
SiX Radio
SL Fishers 4 Life
slapt.me
Spirit Chasers 1
Tau Kappa Tau Sorority
Team Amber
Team Gaia
Team KAT Hillcrest
Team Mustang
Team Texas Aggies
Team Veliz
Team VIO
The Guild of Gloom
The Village Players
Twisted Lizard
United For A Cure
Ventrue For Life
VirtualTimes Relay For Life
Waking Dawn

Fun Awards That Were Handed Out
THE EBBIE AWARDS
(Because the Event Board project was new in 2010, it was decided to recognize some individuals with an Ebbie Award. )

1. The Driving Force Award Presented to the individual who kept the project going with the teams with funny, wacky, and very helpful reminders

.. and the Ebby goes to:
Rob Chandrayaan

2. The Exploding Inbox Award awarded to the individual who's team had the most events in the inbox, not just because they had the most events, but also because they were a regular user of the inbox (and waste basket) processes to ensure timely and accurate Event Board displayers.

.. and the Ebby goes to:
Synergy Devonshire of the Relay Raiders

3. Way to Make it Last Longetivity Award Goes to those individuals who rezzed an event board displayer as early as possible, and kept it rezzed throughout the season...

.. and the Ebby goes to:
3rd Place: Adzer Thorne
2nd Place: RacerX Gullwing
1st Place: Cadence Semyorka

4. That's the Spirit! Award Goes to the individuals who kept the most Event Board Displayers rezzed throughout the Relay season.

.. and the Ebby goes to:
3rd Place: Blynn Heron
2nd Place: Tathi Pessoa ( additional kudos for the reaching out to the portuguese-language community in SL)
1st Place: Fuzzball Ortega

The 2010 Wacky, Silly, Fun, Remember When Awards!

1. We Can DOOO It!! Season Kick-off'er Award goes to:

That Gumbo Cookin', Saints Lovin' Track Marchin' Relayer -Panza Eilde
and
I Gotcher Back .. Tell me what you need Relayer: Frolic Mills

2. The oh SOOO Fun.. Trend-Setter Award..and still going.. and going.. and.... going.. and.. going... goes to:

the 'buy these bunnies!!' Pusher.... Bailey Dazy

3. The 'I can do this in my Sleep' Zombie Award goes to:

Ember Farina

4. Pretty HILARIOUS and VERY Courageous Cash Raisers Award goes to:

The Musicians in Bikinis Daring Dunkers Trio
Zanco Guardian, Damian Carbenell, CraigLyons Writer

Three guys who donned bikini's and let their fans come dunk them for cash .. picture taking WAS allowed.. This trio raised just under 100,000L for RFL in a total of 3 hours on the dunk tank.

5. Funniest Game Show Host Award goes to:

That Family Feud Host who kept everyone laughing: JR Shepherd

6. The Wacky on the Tracky Awards

1. Look OUT!! You're Going the Wrong Way! Award goes to: StingRay9798 Raymaker
2. WHOA! Bright Light! Bright Light! Shiny Scalp Ahead Award goes to: Fuzzball Ortega
3. That's Some Stylish Cruisin'! Award goes to Nathaniel Lorefield and his RFL Trolley

Next year's Relay For Life of Second Life theme is Seasons Of Hope.

Musical Interlude III

2010-08-09T11:27:00.001-07:00

I should just rename this to "Songs I Like".....anyway.....

Dame Shirley Bassey (sung the themes to "Goldfinger", "Diamonds Are Forever", and "Moonraker") takes a song originally sung by Pink, and gives it a James Bond style rendition.

Musical Interlude II

2010-08-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

If your "Get Up And Go" has got up and went, here's something to get it back, again.

Double Dedication.....

2010-07-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

For my sister, Angelica, and also to the Steelhead SWAT Team

In Memory Of A RL Friend.

2010-07-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

As in RL, RFL of SL has a luminaria ceremony. This year, the names of the people that many of us relay for appeared on a marquee, sent in via email. Was really happy to see David's name up there, although it took a while to rez....

Steelhead Salmon's Raised More Than L$400000 For RFL

2010-07-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

And, as promised, in human form, I'll be bald for one year. Werewolf form, I'll still have the fur......I ain't lookin' like I'm a Lycan from a Harry Potter film......

L$566800 to be precise

I Really Shouldn't Have....

2010-07-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm low on lindens due to Relay For Life (more tips on Friday night events going to the RFL kiosk than my tip jar, but HEY, it's for a good cause), but at Caledon's Relay For Life auction......I couldn't resist.

Tried flying it........for now, I think it's best to just leave it on the ground for displaying purposes.....and I hope the Baron doesn't notice the scratches and scorched areas on top of the Europan Consulate......

We're in the final week of Relay For Life of Second Life. We at Steelhead have outdone ourselves, more than doubling what we raised last year. Caledon and Babbage have raised a lot more, but considering that Steelhead is still a smaller community, one has to admit, we've done an outstanding job. As of this writing (and I'll give a new total next week after Relay), the combined communities of Caledon, Steelhead, Babbage, and Armada have raised a total of L$2573157, part of the L$43341002 raised by everyone involved in Relay For Life. Always best to look at the big picture.

Moving Up A Few Years, To The Pulp Noir

2010-07-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

A group is doing a web series based on Buck Rogers. This looks to be more in the vein of the original source material (not that there's anything wrong with the series from the early 80's)

Here's the teaser

And here's a clip with Bobby Rice as Buck, two stars from the 80's series, Gil Gerard as Buck's dad and Erin Gray as his mother.

You can find the official site at http://buckrogersbegins.com/

*Actually, I think the Buck Rogers series was from the late 70's, but you get the general idea*

And All Of Second Life Rejoiced

2010-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Those who've been under a prim rock, Mark Kingdon has stepped down as CEO of Linden Lab. Phillip Rosedale, founder of Linden Lab, has returned as interim CEO of LL, with CFO Bob Komin being promoted to COO.

Now, let's see if Second Life changes for the better.

Why I Relay

2010-06-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Coming up on the final four weeks of Relay For Life of Second Life. Everyone involved each has their reason for doing this. This post is to give mine.

Relay For Life is something that I'm very passionate about.....perhaps at times, too passionate. I still remember watching the cancer take over my supervisor and friend of 27 years, David Wunder. It started out as simple prostate cancer, but quickly spread before the doctor's could do anything. He dropped from 250 to 135 in weight. At times, got around with a cane, in most cases, a wheelchair. Despite what the cancer was doing to him, his mind was still sharp as a tack. He knew every part on a Brunswick pinsetter, the part number of each part, where it was located in inventory, what page number in the parts catalog it was on. He knew every member of Doc Savage's crew, their descriptions, their quirks, and every villain Doc faced. He had every book featuring Perry Rhodan. He was a fan of Elfquest and Groo the Wanderer. A HUGE fan of the Myth Adventures series (people kept asking me what was a D-Hopper and why David was blaming me for losing ours). During the time that Hal Jordan, aka The Green Lantern, had taken the mantle of The Spectre, David was pissed and referred to him as "Not The Spectre" (I guess DC listened to him). In July of '08, David lost the battle, passing away in his sleep. The one thing I remember most about his fight with cancer, was how he got up every day, regardless of the cancer, and continued to live life to it's fullest, despite the fact that each day it became more and more difficult.

So, I relay in his memory, and the hope that one day, nobody has to fight so hard to enjoy each day.

A Glimpse Of Things To Come

2010-06-17T16:13:00.001-07:00

Awesome Piece Of Music

2010-06-16T13:57:00.001-07:00

Two Steps From Hell is a group known for creating music to use in movie trailers. Their piece "Freedom Fighters" was used in the teaser trailer for JJ Abrams' Star Trek revamp, "Protectors of the Earth" was used in the trailer to Inkheart, and recently, their "Am I Not Human" can be heard in the trailer to Tron Legacy.

Recently, they released an album available to the general public, "Invincible". You can find it on Amazon.com, iTunes, and CDBaby. It includes the above pieces and this really amazing composition.

Amazing that they only do music for movie trailers, a score like this would be brilliant for a full length motion picture.

*edit* I forgot to mention, the name of the piece is called "To Glory"

Speaking Of Cracks In Time And Space.........

2010-06-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

This...........could be a problem......

Why Steelhead City Relays

2010-06-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

As of this writing, we've got about five full weeks of fundraising for Relay For Life before the big Relay Weekend (and I've seen the map of the track layout, the lag may hopefully be at a minimum this time around......please note, I said "may").

While I was unable to be in world due to a thunderstorm killing the cable modem.....but didn't kill the computer, which is plugged in the same area (so, let's consider myself lucky), an incident happened in world. I won't go into details about this incident, just that it was very immature, and a jab against Steelhead. So, I think it's time that everyone knows, as the title of this blog says, Why Steelhead Relays.

First off, two years ago we got involved with Relay For Life. NOT because other Steamlands were involved. We had personal reasons for getting involved. For me, it was a supervisor and friend of 27 years who was losing his battle with cancer, and yet he got up each day and tried his damnedest to live life to it's fullest. He passed away two weeks before the Relay weekend of '08. For other Steelheaders, it was for the memory of someone who lost their lives due to cancer. For someone who was currently fighting cancer. For someone who fought and beat it. For someone who was a caregiver for a cancer patient. And, like many involved in RFL, a Steelheader was a cancer patient, a survivor, or a caregiver.

Yes, there are awards given for top fundraisers, for best campsite builds, for best designer areas. But it's just a fun thing. There is no seroius competition between teams. The money goes to the same place, everyone involved should be satisfied that they helped achieve that goal. Bottom line, it's a fight against cancer, not each other.

Steelhead is involved in this, not for glory, not for raising more money than another team, not because we want to show off our building skills, but we are involved to be part of a great group of individuals from all over The Grid and for the satisfaction in knowing that we did our best to help raise the money for cancer research. In the end, that's the most important thing about all of this.

In the end, we're all on the same team, and the end goal is the same....least it's supposed to be, if all teams were on the same page

And No Daleks Jumping Out...

2010-05-25T19:16:00.001-07:00

A Wonderful Machinama

2010-05-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

From Sam Lowry. Hamlet Au posted this on New World Notes. I think it should be shared. Anyone who feels that there is so much more to Second Life should post this on their blogs, Facebook, or whatnots. We should always be reminded that there is more to Second Life than money, sex, and drama.

Oh, and here's his first Breathe video

R U There trailer

2010-05-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

So If They Force Me To Do A Waltz Type Formal Dance

2010-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's gonna be done MY way, and it may sound something like this....

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2010-05-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

New hairstyle. Old hairstyle has been worn for four years (RL time), time for a new look. Also looking into getting a new skin, may wait on that. Current skin is old, I'm not able to get rid of the goatee if I wanted to go for a clean shaven look (which I think makes it pretty old by SL standards).

When You Enter My House, Whatever You Do.....

2010-05-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Don't Blink

Blink and you're dead.

Don't turn your back, don't look away.

And don't blink.

Cowboy Movie With Some Steampunk Elements

2010-04-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

And no, it isn't about the Lycan sheriff of Steelhead City......although that would make an awesome film.........(Typist starts taking notes for a future script)

This is the typist's favorite comic book character. Only gripe is the origin on how Hex's face got scarred. It was an Apache chief who burnt Hex's face when he thought that Hex killed his son......but I guess they had to change it to make Turnbull out to be the ultimate baddie, as well as keeping the film running under a certain time.

Musical Interlude

2010-04-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

I play this song at Steelhead dances. Sort of makes me think of Steelhead. Actual video to the song can be found on YouTube, this has the lyrics to the song.

Seraph City. Welcome To Dieselpunk (speaking OOC)

2010-04-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Dieselpunk is roughly set between the 1920's and 1950's, although I'd say 1945, which was the dawn of the Atomic Age, but I think that's up to the individual. It's the world you find in pulp novels. Characters like The Shadow, The Avenger, Doc Savage, to name but a few. Also, the film "Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow" is another good example. It's a good follow up to Steampunk.

Coming soon, I think the land's already down, now it's just a matter of time for the build to be put in place, is Seraph City. A sim set in the world of Dieselpunk. I just recently joined their Ning, http://seraphcity.ning.com/, and quite a few residents we've seen around Caledon, Babbage, Steelhead, and other places are involved in Seraph City.

I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone about the new place in detail, I'm in the Relay For Life frame of mind at present, but I'm hoping that they're allowing Caledon, Steelhead, New Babbage, and other related Steamlands to be part of the history. Residents reading Western pulp novels like "Sheriff Ortega In Griefer Flats" or "Sheriff Ortega And The Vampire Lord" (although, in all fairness, that particular adventure involved my sister, not me......I need to talk with these publishers). Talk of some of the history that's happened in these different places (See,what happened yesterday in Caledon, happened about 80 years ago in Seraph City)

Mind you, I'm still very partial to the Steamlands, and would never leave for anything in the world. But, I wouldn't mind visiting Seraph City every now and then. Hopefully, the folks at Seraph City will accept this......because if I rarely listen to Lunar and Tensai, what makes anyone think I'll listen to others? (insert canned laughter here)

So, yes, it is true, Fuzzball Ortega lives well into the 20th Century. I'm searching for gray hair to wear when I'm in Seraph City (yes, I need to have a different look, it's only fitting and respectful). I may have a few clothes in my inventory that I can wear and not appear out of place.

The days as a lawman are behind him. He still lives in Steelhead City, but does travel a bit. Has done work in politics, served as an advisor to several political figures, and currently, is known as The Ambassador.

Like I said, I'll be sticking to the Steamlands for the majority of the time, it's home, you never leave home, but there will be occasional visits. Interesting to see where their imagination will take them.

Brilliantly done....

2010-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

PIXELS by PATRICK JEAN. - une vidéo Art et Création @ Yahoo! Video

A Bit Of An Explanation

2010-04-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Not about the plain look of the blog (I'm debating on a new look, wanting a change, hadn't decided on the final look, yet)

This is in regards to Relay For Life and the "Designer Sims".

During the big weekend in July, everyone involved in relay run a track, taking up around 34 sims or so, which includes campsites for the teams, that they build whatever. It could be something in regards to the American Cancer Society (or it's affiliates around the world), it could be in lines with the theme of the year (last year's theme was "one World One Hope", this year's theme is "Wishing On A Cure"), or it could be anything you want, long as it's PG.

A Designer Sim, was an entire sim that an individual, group of individuals, or teams can build on, keeping with the theme of the relay or of the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer, etc. Great examples include Vicerine Kamillah's "Metropolis" build, Babbages "Mars Colony", and the Anatomica build (which by the way, you can still visit. It's on a sky platform above the American Cancer Society Island).

There have been some changes made this year. The Designer Sim is now a Designer Area (I think that's what they're calling it.....well, I'm calling it that), taking up half a sim, instead of an entire sim. According to Serra Anansi (co-chair of the Sim/Track Design team with Charlene Trudeau as chairperson), the plan is for the Designer Area to be on one half of a sim, and campsites to be on the other, with a track running down the middle. Bit of a bummer, but the hope is that it would cut down on lag.

Despite the bummin' part, Lunar and Tensai applied for a Designer Area. As part of the application, they included several landmarks of their builds, all around Steelhead. They also included a landmark to the Alice In Wonderland platform that we've had dances at. That particular build was what floored the design committee. Instead of half a sim, basically Lunar and Tensai are getting a whole.

Now, here's where the explanation needs to be pointed out

1) Despite Lunar and Tensai being on the Steelhead Salmons RFL Team, the Design Area is their project. They are the ones who are going to be working on it. Everyone in Steelhead is excited about it, but it's their names that'll be on the area.

2) Another way of looking at it is that Lunar will be getting half a sim for a designer area, and Tensai will be getting a designer area, and the two will be connected.

3) Both halves may not be on the same sim. One half may be on Sim A, the other half will be on Sim B, and they'll overlap one another.

4) I think Lunar and Tensai know that they probably won't get this lucky next year, and will probably have to settle for half a sim.......Although, the Entertainment Sims are full sims, away from the track.......just pointing that out.

Now that leaves the Salmons to find builders for our campsites. Lumina's already volunteered, need to find a few more so that she's not working alone.

At any rate, that's exciting news for Lunar and Tensai. Can't wait until July 17th to see what they've got planned.

Movie Trailer Time

2010-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Looks pretty good

New Look Of The Alts. Part Two Point Five

2010-04-04T10:56:00.001-07:00

Jobias with the original top hat. Yea, I think I'll keep this look for the gentleman.

New Look Of The Alts. Part Two

2010-04-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

And now, Jobias' new look.

The old look, suit from Pearse'd & Cuts, monocle from Avalanche, Sputnik, and Lightfoot. Avatar skin was also brought from the same shop, upstairs, where Oolon keeps his Doctor Who merchandise (it's Anthony Ainley, who played The Master during the 80's on the original series)

And now his new look. Suit was found at the Relay For Life Clothing Fair. Monocle was part of an outfit that Ortega bought at the Clothing Fair. Cane was bought in Babbage, was part of his original outfit. Shoes are from Pearse'd & Cut, skin is still that of Anthony Ainley.

I have to admit, I think I prefer the original top hat over the top hat that came with the new outfit. But the new outfit, I think adds to the character of Jobias, who does have that feeling that he's above everyone else and is of a higher class.

New Look Of The Alts. Part One

2010-04-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

The alts were created for reasons of storytelling, roleplaying, or just adding character to Steelhead (don't get me wrong, Steelhead has plenty of character, just nothing wrong with adding a bit more to it).

One of the alts is K1 Footman. His backstory, a construct created by the Time Lord Purdie Uggla.

This was his old look. I forgot who created the avatar body, but he was a very popular builder. It fit the steampunk look.

Here's his new look. The derby hat is from Doc Wranglers, the suit is from Pearse'd and Cuts, the red eyes are from a different avatar body that was bought, and the metallic looking skin is from Wunderlich's. I may get a top hat from Edward's shop as well.

A completely different look for the character. One that I think is a better style look. It also loads a lot faster. And, again in my opinion, is better suited for Steelhead as she is now seen (seeing as how the city is also a character of sorts)

Next up: With apologies to Edward Pearse, Jobias Barthelmess has a new suit. (But I made sure I stayed faithful to my friend, by making sure K1 got his outfit from Edward)

BAH......

2010-04-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Was taking part in an April Fool's Prank in a post I just deleted.

Decided it wasn't as funny as I had originally thought, so moved on.

Not one to take part in holidays anyway.......guess I'm just a Scrooge of sorts.

If I'm to be visited by spirits, I hope that it's Vodka, Whiskey, and a pint of Gin.

The Mechanical Kingdom

2010-03-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Disney's getting into Steampunk. Coming in April, available at Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks, is a pin set featuring seven of your favorite characters in Steampunk garb.

Rather than post images (Because I think Disney's lawyers are more dangerous to deal with than any other lawyers), I'll provide the link to the blog that has the images and some back story to it.

The Mechanical Kingdom

Nothing To Do With The Steamlands

2010-03-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was funny

R.I.P. Lionel Jeffries

2010-02-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

For fans of Victorian and Steampunk films, Lionel Jeffries should be a familiar name, or at least you're familiar with his works. He played Professor Cavor, discoverer of Cavorite, in the film adaptation of "The First Men In The Moon", he directed the classic film "The Amazing Mr. Blunden" (a childhood favorite of mine I used to watch around Christmas) and "The Water Babies", but most of us would remember him as Grandpa Potts in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (even though there was a six month age difference between him and Dick Van Dyke, who played his son). Here's the condensed obituary from The London Guardian:

Lionel Jeffries, actor, screenwriter and director, born 10 June 1926; died 19 February 2010. As an actor Lionel Jeffries, who has died aged 83, was a master of comic unease. This was perhaps fuelled by the personal unease he felt in a sex-and-violence era which overtook the gentler sensibilities he sometimes brought to his acting. He was in a stream of British and Hollywood films. Some roles, such as Lieutenant McDaniel in Bhowani Junction (1956), the Hollywood version of John Masters's novel about India's struggle for independence, were serious dramatic parts; others, such as Dr Hatchet in Rank's Doctor at Large (1957), were slighter and more risible. He enhanced Blue Murder at St Trinian's (1957), about the madcap girls' school, and was Grandpa Potts in the successful children's film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), alongside Dick Van Dyke. But he was far from comic as the splenetic Marquis of Queensberry, hounding Oscar Wilde to prison over his son's liaison with the homosexual playwright, in The Trials of Oscar Wilde (1960). Three of Jeffries's scripts were made into films. The first was based on E Nesbit's novel The Railway Children, which Jeffries adapted in pursuit of his belief that there were more wise children than wise adults. When he took his script to Forbes, then head of production at Elstree, Forbes asked him who he visualised as the director. Jeffries replied: "I know it's a crazy idea and not on, but I've always secretly harboured a longing to direct it myself." The finished film impressed Forbes by its "great style and warmth" and was a financial and cult success, being shown year after year on television, especially at Christmas time. The Amazing Mr Blunden (1972), which he also directed, was a science-fiction film in which Diana Dors played against glamorous type as the repulsive Mrs Wickens. The film won him a gold medal for best screenplay at the International Science Fiction and Fantasy Festival in Paris in 1974. Wombling Free, which Rank made in 1977, was another children's favourite. He also directed the films Baxter! (1973), and The Water Babies (1979), after Charles Kingsley. He is survived by his wife Eileen and his children.

Preparing To Relay

2010-02-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

On March 13, 2010, Relay For Life of Second Life officially gets underway. From then, until the weekend of July 17th, teams from all over The Grid will have fundraisers to help raise money to benefit cancer research.

Steelhead begins it's third year as part of RFLofSL with our team The Steelhead Salmons. Special thanks to Tanarian Davies who got us involved. This year, marks my first year as team captain. Club Gearz will be the Steelhead Salmon's headquarters. Lunar built a nice looking warehouse build next to Gearz to use for our yard sale (something I'm not very familiar with, but good thing the Salmon's co-captain, Annechen Lowey, knows all about that). After RFL, I'll have crates and barrels added so the Scamps and others can have some fun. An added item to all teams is an events board, which will give you information on all the teams fundraising.

The new build

A look inside the new build, the old Gearzton Foundry Warehouse.

Another shot from inside the warehouse. Few more details Lunar wants to add, but it should serve several purposes for Steelhead (RFL, roleplaying, storytelling, etc.)

The Events Board. Click on one of the squares to get info on different fundraising by other teams. The top banner gives you links to different websites regarding Relay for Life, The American Cancer Society, and various other tidbits regarding cancer research.

Despite some aggravation (mostly at the lag during the big weekend in July), we're always happy to have been a part of this, and we say, "I'm ready to do this when it starts up next year." It's one of the rare times I talk with people outside of the Steamlands, and I've met plenty of folks who would make excellant citizens of Steelhead City, Caledon, and various other places.

The team members of the Steelhead Salmons are as follows: Fuzzball Ortega (me), Team Captain; Annechen Lowey, Co-Captain; Angelica Trescothick, CeAire Decosta, Christine McAllister, Hotspur O'Toole, Riven Homewood, Tanarian Davies, Tensai Hilra, and TotalLunar Eclipse. In actuality, I consider the Salmons as the "Planning Committee", working out ideas for events, and what to do for the big weekend. All of Steelhead are the team members. The spirit and enthusiasm that each citizen has is what makes it all rewarding.

Until there is a cure, we relay. Lag be damned.

The Grid's Oldest User Generated Content

2010-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Originally created in Linden World by resident Steller Sunshine, back in 2002 (according to Hamlet Au on his New World Notes, she was the first Alpha user and created this overnight), it made the move to the Grid in 2003. It's located in Welsh, at this location. The Beanstalk is a game. Without using flight, you're supposed to jump from leaf to leaf, trying to reach the top.

The photo is a wide shot of the area, that little dot you see near the Easter Island style head is me, in an extremely rare trip to the mainland, looking at the stalk.

The Players Are Set, But The Storyteller Is Slow.....

2010-01-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

(Thank you to an old friend who's posting reminded me that I'm behind.....and I swiped his idea. He can sue me later)

To the west and north of the Land Of Freedom, the Lycan sat in his home. He looked at the badge, a gift from the good people of the land he had sworn to protect, knowing that soon, the darkness would arrive, knowing full well that he could do nothing to prevent it's coming.

While elsewhere, the Nemesis sat in his lair as he plotted and planned. He looked at his watch and gave an evil grin. Soon it will be time for his return, and they may laugh at first, but afterwards, they will shiver.

In an unknown time, at an undisclosed section of space, the Lord of Time meditated in his Time Chamber, patiently waiting for the play to commence.

Back in the Age of Steam, the drunken madman leaned against the train station, bottle in hand, babbling of days that were long gone, as if they were happening now.

And the Mechanical Man sat, deactivated, unaware of events happening around him, nor of the big changes that lay in store for him.

While in the realm that many call "Reality", the Storyteller looked over this very entry that he had typed, and then cracked his knuckles.....

Right. First to finish the story with Wolfgang, then to continue on.

And thus, the story will soon continue........

A Little Doctor Who For You

2009-12-31T09:31:00.000-08:00

With David Tennant's final adventure as the Tenth Doctor less than a day away (depending on when you read this), thought I'd share my favorite scene from "The End Of Time Part One". It's the last minute of the clip. (I'd suggest enlarging it)

Just two questions for Timothy Dalton. 1) Did you not want to wear the Time Lord head gear? I would've in a heart beat. 2) Ever hear of the expression "Say it, don't spray it"? (I jest, I jest. I loved that final scene)

A Most Interesting Of Conversations

2009-12-13T22:15:00.000-08:00

Reliable Barthelmess: Hi

Fuzzball Ortega waves

Reliable Barthelmess: I heard you may be able to help me find someone.

Fuzzball Ortega: I might be. I know many in the Steamlands

Fuzzball Ortega: Who are you looking for?

Reliable Barthelmess: Jobias Barthelmess.

Fuzzball Ortega: Why.........are you looking for him?

Reliable Barthelmess: My mother gave me his name. He is my father.

Reliable Barthelmess: I want to meet him.

Fuzzball Ortega drops the phonograph record he was going to put on next, "He's........your mother......I......HUH?"

Reliable Barthelmess: My mother was Nancy Sullivan. From Idaho.

Fuzzball Ortega: Well......there was this....airship accident. He was on the ship, but he was never found. I mean, ther's rumors of him still alive, but...umm...I'll see what I can do....

Reliable Barthelmess: How long ago?

Reliable Barthelmess: Oh no...

Fuzzball Ortega: Well, it was months ago, but...trust me, if there's one thing about Jobias, he always turns up when people least expect.

Reliable Barthelmess brightens

Reliable Barthelmess: Oh.

Reliable Barthelmess: You will tell me if you hear of him?

Fuzzball Ortega: Sure............you've never met him, have you?

Reliable Barthelmess: no...

Fuzzball Ortega: Oh, well......I'm sure this will be a pleasant surprise to him

Reliable Barthelmess: Thank you for your help sir.

Reliable Barthelmess: I must go now.

Fuzzball Ortega: TAke care, Miss Barthelmess

My Subtitle Project

2009-12-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

You've seen all those videos on YouTube where they take the scene from "The Downfall" and add different subtitles of Hitler yelling about everything from Blu Ray winning the Hi Def wars, to Super Bowl results, to the series finale of the second season of Torchwood.....just to name a few.

Well, here's my little ditty, posted on Steelhead's Ning, regarding Hitler receiving news about residents not going to move onto his new sim in Second Life.

Find more videos like this on Steelhead

From The Desk Of Sheriff Ortega (roleplaying in world)

2009-10-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Mother Superior,

It appears that the Port Harbor suburb becoming a "Hotspot" has led to a person's death. After the Friday night dance, I was called to the ETK warehouse. You know the "Squiddy Thing" that's on that property, and the large sign saying not to feed it? It's been fed, and from the looks of it, it's human.

Due to the Halloween celebrations, wolfsbane has become popular with some of the decorations, which in turn affects my senses, I'm unable to get a scent around the area. All I can say for now, due to the blood splatter at the crime scene, I don't think the victim got close to the Squiddy by choice.

Sister Mary Florence and Sister Mary Tek are looking for ways of removing the body from the Squiddy, although it's entirely possible that we'll have to wait for the body to come out by digestion. Once the body is out, contact Doctor Ryne Beck, who Sister Alma referred to as "The New Guy", I'd like an autopsy done on the deceased.

There's also the question of the identity of the body. Far as I know, nobody in Steelhead is missing. We'll have to ask around, check with officials in Steeltopia, Caledon, New Babbage, and other areas, see if someone's come up missing there.

As of now, I'm ruling this as an accident. However, my gut tells me that this was murder. With this happening on Doctor Alter's property, finger's will start pointing. I did briefly question Doctor Alter and her 'minion' Cato Quan. I cannot go any further until after the autopsy.

I'm afraid with the squiddy being outside, we can't keep this under wraps. You can see the body inside.

For now, I want a few nuns to search for clues as to the victims identity. Further orders will follow as the investigation progresses.

Sorry to bring this gruesome news to you. What a way to end October, hope this isn't a precursor to what November has to offer.

Fuzz

Darn, I'm Broke....Time To Pimp Myself Out

2009-10-29T07:41:00.001-07:00

Between the Relay For Life events, as well as donating, occasional being out of town on certain weekends and missing Steelhead events, and now being unemployed in RL, my lindens are slowly disappearing (talk about mirroring RL).

Issues now are finding a good time for a gig at Gearz, what with a butt load of other events going on across the Steam Lands. Oh well....it'll all work out in the end.

And in case you're wondering, here are the rates:

I used to charge L$250 an hour for a two hour set, although I've paid DJ's at Gearz 500 an hour. We'll leave it as negotiable, I won't go below 250 nor above 500, and I usually don't care to do events less than two hours.....just doesn't seem like a lot of fun if it's less than two hours. Oh, and tips are mine, I'm not splitting with anyone (yes, I have my own stream.....I mean, duh)...I'll also overcome my fear of the microphone and *shudder* speak into it.

Rental of Club Gearz: L$1500 for two hours, L$500 for each additional hour. If you want me providing music, no extra charge. If you want someone else, whether it's Diamanda, Angelica, Edward, Gabi, Wolfman Jack (Hey, if you bring him back from the grave, you can hire him), that particular transaction is between you and the DJ of your choice.

I also perform wedding ceremonies in SL. I performed Lunar and Tensai's ceremony......mind you I was dressed as Elvis and asked if they loved each other more than fried peanut butter and nanner sandwiches. Not sure about rates for those services, but we can go from humorous, to something slightly more traditional. Choice is yours (then of course, rates for DJ'ing the reception, see above).

Naturally, official Steelhead events come first, so I won't be available on Friday nights. As well as some Relay For Life meetings and events.

So, there you go. Just drop me a line at
Fuzzball Ortega
Dept. Anything
Steelhead City, Oregon

Or you could send an IM or drop a notecard on my profile.......

Ok, So Maybe ONE Linden Will Be Left Out Of My "Love Letters To The Lindens"

2009-09-16T15:16:00.001-07:00

The typist has Torley Linden's typist as a friend on Facebook. No special correspondence between the two. Just every now and then, Torley will post wits of wisdom like "Be wishful for what you care for".

Most recently, Torley posted: Shanghai Commons Area: Torley posted a photo: Oriental Steampunk Communtiy in Steelhead Estates. Included in this was a link to his Flickr account, which you can find here He's also got the SLURL posted on that page with "Visit Steelhead Shanghai"

Then, when the typist made the comment about thinking that it was cool that Torley mentioned Steelhead Shanghai, Torley responded with: It's a gorgeous port!

Typist still thinks that's awesome.

A Bit More On This Year's Relay For Life....

2009-07-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

I point you over to the Best Of Second Life blog for the wrap up of this year's relay.

Since this year's theme was "One World, One Hope", there's a couple of comments from some of the European residents who relayed, as well as first time relayer from Australia, RebelMum Slade, who is also a cancer survivor.

I wonder if the Best of Second Life magazine is the place I need to send my "Love Letters To The Lindens"?

Relay For Life 2009

2009-07-20T21:36:00.001-07:00

I took pics.....I just haven't had the chance to go through them and resize them. But, I did want to get a few things out.....

As I did last year, I relayed in the memory of my supervisor and friend, David Wunder. I've known him and his family for 26 years, considered an uncle by his granddaughter, and I remember when he told me about the prostate cancer, and watched as it slowly spread through his body. I watched him go from 240 pounds to 130. And I watched him continue to come in to work every day, never letting it take him without a fight. He died on July 9, 2008, a week before the relay weekend in Second Life of that year. The theme that year was "Heroes", and watching him fight that cancer made him a hero to all of us who knew him. A fitting theme for our first year in SL's RFL

To our friends in Caledon and New Babbage. An amazing job. The Mars and the Metropolis builds were totally awesome. I will admit that I'm very partial to the Metropolis build, sort of what Caledon would look like in the future of the Steam lands. The Mars build was very impressive, if Babbage ever colonizes Mars.....I may purchase a summer home. I'm proud to know a lot of you, and happy that we all share the same goal.

To my Steelhead family:

Tanarian Davies was the one who got us into Relay For Life. Last year, we were all pretty much flying blind, not really sure what we were to be doing. But we got through it. I remember after last year's relay, I told her "Next year, I'm there from the start".........and I was, as I attended that first meeting in February, as she had RL business to attend to, and Annechen Lowey was tied up in other affairs. Last year, we raised a little over L$100,000, not bad for our first year. This year, due to the economy, it was decided to play it all low key, and not do a big push for fundraising. We nearly doubled our total this year, despite that. I know that Tanarian and Annechen were both proud of that, and I want to thank them for getting Steelhead involved with this.

TotalLunar Eclipse built our campsite. He wanted to build something peaceful and tranquil. something that would be good for relayers who were tired of running and could just sit back and rest. Everyone of us feel that Lunar outdid himself.

For Veles, Herr Baron, CeAire, Hawc, Linus, Lumi, Tensai and everyone else who tried their damnedest to run that track, you were all awesome. Regardless on how bad that lag was, and believe me after that weekend, I'm never complaining about lag in Steelhead....ok, I am, but still......anyway, you gave it your all, some of you got aggravated, but admitted later that it was worth it.

Especially for Eugenia Burton, who made it in the top ten of most laps ran, just a smidgen behind Fogwoman Gray. She ran for resident Caladon Rae, a cancer survivor. Every one of us cheered Genie on, tried to help her the best that we can, even had a DJ play a song for her from all of Steelhead. She may've gotten aggravated the most, but we are all proud of her.

And to everyone in Steelhead who helped with the fundraising, who donated items, who stood by the side of the track and cheered all relayers on. Too many to mention. We all did an awesome job. Doubled last years inworld total, fifth place in the out world donations. It's times like this that I can proudly say, "I'm a Steelhead citizen, and damned proud of it."

On a side note, I should mention, over in Babbage's campsite, the World's Fair exhibit, they had Tensai's Oregon Sunstone Dial on display. Over in the high school build (anal retentive detail to an actual high school......weird.....), there was a globe. The globe was designed and built by Tensai.....the designers of the school bought one of her globes for their display. Add the fact that former RFL of SL chairperson, Fayandria Foley, sent me a request to be my friend (Something that I felt very honored to have recieved, more so than when Desmond Shang said that it was ok for me to send a friend request to him). Slowly, but surely, they're starting to learn the name "Steelhead"

Next year, I'll be taking over as captain of the Steelhead team. I have plans, but they'll be revealed next year when we start to relay, again. But I know that everyone will be there to give it their all. We'll beat our totals from this year, we'll get more laps in, we'll outdo ourselves in our campsite build....who knows.....I may see about getting us a designer sim for Lunar to go hogwild with. But, we'll all be there to relay. And I know that at the end of 2010's Relay For Life, I'll be standing behind my podium at town hall during a town meeting and I'll say, "I'm a Steelhead Citizen, and I'm damned proud of it"

You guys are, without a doubt, effin' awesome!

Something I Had Forgotten.....

2009-06-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Had to add something to the latest post in Steelhead Adventures. Towards the end of the story, where everyone's back in Steelhead. Too many plot holes to fill, but this particular bit was important.

So, if you've already read it, read it, again.

In Regards To......

2009-06-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

In regards to Darien Mason's banishment from Second Life......well, he screwed up, that's all we'll say. The Linden's are not backing down from their decision. Not sure if any ticket writing will help. I know of at least two individuals who contacted concierge three times, spoke with Governance over at LL. It's a shame and I'm sad to see this happen to Darien, as he was the one who introduced me to Second Life and to Steelhead. Perhaps one day.....but for now, this is it and that's that.

In regards to the newsbit about Australia banning online games and Second Life.....I point you in the direction of New World Notes here. I think that pretty much sums it up, there. So, no need to start running around in a panic right away.

In regards to muting......I've got two chairs and a table that've been muted......no idea why. In the past, I've only muted two people. One person was just plain nuts and reminded me of an annoying person from the other internet community Darien and I hail from. The other was extremely rude while I was DJ'ing at a club. The owner said that it was ok, because the person in question was extremely annoying.

In regards to the adult continent......it doesn't bother me. It doesn't affect me. Only adult stuff I do is the language that comes out of my mouth. There is a picture of Blondin Linden dancing with a giant floppy dong on the adult continent.....I have no comment.

In regards to my new updated HUD. It has nice shiny buttons that could do some serious damage, and Lunar won't let me push them. So, I'll wait and ask Tensai.

In regards to the alleged return of Jobias Barthelmess. Steelhead has heard rumors about a supposed return. Whether or not they are true, we have no idea. Where are you reading about this?

In regards to the end of this post.........this is the end of the post.

Don't Ya Just Hate Gettin' Writers Block?

2009-06-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

Well....Steelhead Adventures is updated.

Steampunk Pirates

2009-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight, June 5, at the Steelhead Warf in Steelhead City, it's the 3rd annual Fuzzday Celebration, celebrating the typists birthday. The theme is Steampunk Pirates.....although regular pirates would be just fine. Come down and join us.

This is also a RFL event, so a kiosk will be present. Instead of gifts, a donation to RFL will make the typist very happy.

The music will be a lot of the typists favorites.....many are expecting The Picard Song, many are forgetting that some of his favorites include the "F" word. But after the Love Letters To The Lindens, who'd really be shocked to hear those songs?

Dis, Dat, And De Udder

2009-05-20T08:02:00.001-07:00

June 5th has become a Steelhead Holiday. The typist's real life birthday is on the 5th, and has held an event in world for the past three years, just for fun. This year, it'd be held on a Friday, which is usually a Steelhead Official Event.....and since Fuzzday is now an official Steelhead holiday.....why not? The theme will be Steampunk Pirates. Figured it'd be best to announce it now, so that all the creative types can work on something cool for the event. And because it's the typist's birthday, he wishes to make the event a RFL event. So, the normal amount of tips you would normally place in my tip jar, please put in the RFL kiosk that'll be available. It's a cause he strongly believes in.

Will be absent from the grid the next three days. Typist will be moving to his new abode. And it's a nice abode, too. Sent Lunar Tensai's favorite songs that I've played in the past for her event on Friday.

Next Steelhead Adventures, after the one that's being featured on the Steelhead Adventure's blog, will be another crossover story. This one with a roleplaying group in world. More on that, later.

That is all.

This post was sponsered by Duct Tape. Remember, if you can't "Duct it", Fu.............get about it

Just To Get To Know Me

2009-05-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd toss this post out, for the heckuvit. Plus, it seems we all have a common bond, you may relate to this.

I have a high IQ. I'm no Tensai, but I do have one. Mostly, it shows in my creativity......although recently I think it's been faltering, but I think that's because I've been writing when I've been extremely tired. Forgot to renew my memberships, but I am in the associates program of the Writers Guild of America and a member of the Puppeteers of America (renewing both, soon).

At times, I tend to act without thinking it through. Mostly when it's something I'm passionate about. However, in the end, I don't feel apologetic for those actions.

Prefer watching animation, fantasy, science fiction. Not too much on the mainstream stuff, other than CSI. Doctor Who has always been my favorite. Mostly, stuff I watch are in season sets on DVD. Best way to watch something like Lost.

I collect comics.....mostly, DC. Been getting Fables in trade paperback collections. I also get Doctor Who from IDW comics.

I have high blood pressure. At times, it's at the point to where people ask how I'm still standing. I don't feel any different than the norm. It has, at least three times, dropped way low to the point where I need to sit on the floor (as I'm wobbling too much in the chair to stay still).

Second Life, in particular Steelhead City, Caledon, New Babbage, and other Steampunk venues, has proven to be a terrific place for a writer's creativity. And for the record, I do have a script idea called Steelhead Adventures......only legal issue is that original avatars (those not already based on an outside source, ie, Girl Genius and Doctor Who) are the intellectual properties of the typists who've created those avatars. Meaning, majority of the budget if a film is to be made, would be to pay individuals for use of said avatars (not to mention "I don't like that actor who played the character based on my avatar"). Still.......would be kind of fun if that actually did happen. Best way to do it would be on green screen. Keep picturing the tagline being "A Different Time. A Different World. A Different Adventure".......maybe I'll save that subject for a different post.

That's all I can think of at present. Just rambling on about nothing.......enjoy

Just Some Random Pics I Had Lying Around....

2009-05-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

While We're Waiting For The Fusang Adventure To Finish....

2009-04-29T20:24:00.001-07:00

Steelhead Adventures has it's own blogspot, now. I dunno, figured it was time for the spin off site.

There's a new adventure being posted, "Voices Of The Past". The Fusang adventure will finish in the blogs that it's been published in, including an epilogue of mine to be published here in the Ortega Chronicles, nothing in the new story on the new site is written that'll spoil that ending. Was going to wait, but wanted to get this started. "Journey To Fusang" should be finishing up soon.

So, what's the new story about? Well.....I swiped an idea from "Lost", an idea from "Doctor Who" (mainly because those ideas fit with what I'm doing), revealed a couple of secrets of Sheriff Ortega's past, and tried to speak Jaeger......I'll admit, I'm not good at that part.

I'll save the Ortega Chronicles for the Second Life stuff, and have the Steelhead Adventures blogspot for the original fiction. Check it out here

Special News Bulletin

2009-04-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Steelhead Adventures: Journey To Fusang Part Thirty One

2009-04-03T22:33:00.001-07:00

Continued From Here

Fusang Castle

Eva hurried down the castle corridor, trying to make her way to the courtyard. She opened a door and stepped in, finding herself behind the throne in the throne room. She started to run across the room, only to find a guard entering from the other side. He drew his sword and started rushing towards her. Eva held up her sword, an agent of hers was down and she was going to check on him, no matter what.

The guard was skilled with the sword, but was not expecting to find a Duchess who was just as skilled, if not more so. Shortly, Eva managed to knock the sword from the guards hands. She then spun around, bringing up her foot, and kicked the guard in the side of the face. As the guard fell, several more rushed into the room.

"Oh this is NOT my day." Eva said.

She noticed a set of doors at the side of the throne room and ran towards them. The guards pursued her. They rushed through the doors and chased her down a hallway. They rounded the corner to find Eva standing there, sword raised, with a pack of growling wolves behind her and a cat standing in front of her.

Dogg looked at the wolves and gave a sly cat grin, "Sic'em."

The wolves lunged forward at the guards, who screamed and ran the opposite direction. Eva looked down at Dogg.

"So, is Tensai involved in this, too?" she asked

"No," Dogg replied "but when she finds out, she's going to be sooo jealous."

Suddenly, the two were startled by a yell. The looked to see another guard with a battle ax in hand. He raised the ax and ran towards the two. He then tried to swing the ax and found he couldn't, somehow it was being held behind him by another force. He turned to see the Fuzzwolf holding the ax. The guard noticed other armed men behind Fuzz. He looked at Fuzz and smiled, trying to appear friendly. Fuzz raised an eyebrow. The guard let go of the ax and held up his hands, surrendering. Kim Chang came forward and motioned the guard to follow the men. Eva ran up and embraced Fuzz.

"You smell." she said, smiling as she let go.

"Yes." Fuzz replied, "That's how I managed to find you, by smelling. Heightened senses."

Eva shook her head, then looked at Fuzz, "Hotspur."

An Airship Heading Away From The Castle

Fu Manchu sat in his chair looking down at the action below. One of his minions walked up to him and bowed.

"Great One," the minion said "what is our destination."

"West." Manchu replied, "These Westerners have proven to be a most interesting group. Perhaps, out of the entire lot of them, there would be one who would make a worthy adversary."

"West it is, Great One." the minion said, bowing again.

The Courtyard Of Fusang Castle

Angus GlitterRoch ran to Fuzz as he walked out onto the courtyard with Eva, Kim Chang, Dogg, the wolves, and the others. He started to embrace his old friend, then stepped back.

"Laddie," he said, "you smell somethin' fierce."

Fuzz looked at Eva, "OH, you meant I smell, not that I smell. Yea, well, the human part of me has the sweat glands and fur and sweat............I need a bath, I know. And my clothes."

Angus took a more serious tone, "Fuzz, it's Hotspur."

The group went to Hotspur's unconcious body. Fuzz looked around.

"Where's Darien?" he asked

"Canna tell ya." Angus replied, "I sent some of the lads to search the grounds, but so far, nuttin'."

Dogg looked up at Fuzz, "Koen said he was going to talk to his father. Maybe he teleported him away."

Eva knelt by Hotspur and placed her hand on his forehead, she looked up at Fuzz, "He needs medical attention."

Fuzz nodded, "Ok, let's get him and the other wounded some medical help. Hopefully, Darien will show up."

"And let's get ye cleaned up." Angus added.

"Is it really that bad?" Fuzz asked. He sniffed his underarm and shook his head fast from the scent "Woa."

To Be Continued

Steelhead Adventures: Journey To Fusang Part Twenty Nine

2009-03-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

In which we continue our adventure, while at the same time, laying seeds for future adventures, because it's kind of like an old fashioned serial type thing. Never a dull moment when you're in Steelhead City.

Following Here and Here

Somewhere Above The Pacific Ocean

The USS Liberty was a large airship. The same size as Caledon's Steam Sky City, to be precise, but where Sky City was more friendly looking, The Liberty had a more militaristic look to it. It was used by all branches of the US military, as well as several government agencies. Angelica stepped off her airship onto the landing deck of the Liberty and walked down a corridor. She stopped to see two guards and another gentleman, who was looking ashamed. The guards were part of the security of the Liberty. The gentleman was Jim Taylor, a resident of England, who was also an operative of Pinkerton.

"Sorry, Miss" Jim said, "The Admiral caught me."

"It's ok, Jim." Angelica said, smiling. She then looked at him puzzled, "Caught you doing what?"

One of the guards motioned for her to continue walking down the corridor. Soon they were brought into the office of Admiral Eastland, commander of the Liberty, and at present, Angelica's superior. Eastland sat behind his desk, his thin gray hair was neatly combed. Beside him, a woman, approximately his age sat quietly. Eastland looked at Angelica and Jim as they walked in.

"You are familiar," Eastland began, "with the policy of using our resources for personal missions?"

Angelica looked puzzled, "I have not been doing any personal missions. I merely asked about the situation in the Celestial Kingdom, to find out what my brother was getting himself into. Much as I'd like to, I have no intention on involving myself in the situation." she looked at Jim, "I have nothing to wear."

Eastland cleared his throat to let her know he wasn't finished, he then continued, "This has nothing to do with that situation. Although, this does have to do with your brother, the sheriff."

Angelica raised an eyebrow, then turned to Jim. "What did you do?"

"Nothing." he said, "That is, except for take a package that Miss Adler sent me to give to you."

"Irene?!?!"

"On a mission," The Admiral said "infiltrating the air ship pirates. Her main mission was to infiltrate the crew of Iron Paw. Unfortunately, the pirate met with a setback at the hands of a...."

Eastland looked at the report, then looked up at Angelica.

"werewolf."

Angelica smiled.

"However," Eastland continued "she did infiltrate with another crew. During their scouting for a ship to raid, a submersible was found."

Angelica's eyes narrowed, "Submersible? I don't understand."

Eastland picked up a box and placed it on his desk, "She found this, sent it to Mr. Taylor here with the intention on sending it to you."

Angelica slowly opened the box, the gazed wide eyed at the black top hat that was inside the box. She looked at the Admiral, "Was anyone in the submersible?"

Eastland ignored the question and continued, "Now, you and Agents Lockhart and Adler are the only women agents in Pinkerton Intelligence, and I'm aware that having to deal with some of the men who are old fashioned, the three of you have formed some sort of bond...."

"Was anyone in the submersible?"

"...but this is not the time for personal vendetta's. I understand the sheriff is your brother, and that...."

Angelica slammed her hands down on Eastland's desk. The desk shook from the vibration. Although she was not a Lycan like her brother, from time to time, when she was extremely angry, she would have the lycan strength.

"WAS ANYONE IN THE SUBMERSIBLE?" she snapped

"No." Eastland replied

Angelica calmed herself before asking her next question, "Where was the submersible found?"

"150 miles east of Caledon." Jim replied. "Be a helluva swim for him."

"Agent Trescothick," Eastland continued, trying to remain authoritive "you have returned to duty with Pinkerton. For the time being, personal agenda's are on hold."

Angelica nodded, "I understand, Admiral"

"Good," The Admiral said, smiling, "now, you and Mr. Taylor here are to leave for New York to join Agent Lockhart. There've been a rash of robberies at museums in several locations around the world. Realize that it's merely detective work, but it is a case that we need our best agents on the job, and whether the male agents like it or not, our best agents are all female."

"Of course, Admiral." Angelica said.

As she and Jim left the room, the Admiral turned to the woman sitting next to him.

"I really should scold her for raising her voice to me like that." he said

"And leave me a widow?" the woman replied, "Oh no you don't.

In the corridor, Jim kept apologizing to Angelica.

"It's ok, Jim." she said, "The Admiral's right. Besides, as you've said, it's quite a swim to Caledon. Maybe we'll be lucky and Jobias'll be eaten by some sea serpent."

"All the same, we need to let your brother know." Jim said

Angelica nodded, "Right now, it's a comfort to know he's safe and sound in the most violent war torn country in the world. We'll drop by Steelhead City on the way to New York."

She stopped and thought for a moment, tapping her chin.

"I'll have to leave him a letter." she said, "Hopefully, nobody'll open it. If that town found out there was a possibility that Jobias Barthelmess was alive.....Jaeger's were attacking complete strangers stepping off the train."

Jim smiled

"So," Angelica continued, "tell me about Sally's investigation. What's this about robberies."

"Certain artifacts were stolen from museums. One from each. The Molet Chalice in Paris. The Dagger Of Anubis from Egypt. Berlin Museum had a display featuring the Crown of Cornelius, till it was stolen. New York recently reported the Golden Tock Lobster stolen."

"Those were all stolen before." Angelica said, "Throw in the Belt of Lady Chasity in England and the Caledon Cross, and you've got my brother's first adventure after becoming sheriff of Steelhead."

"Wow.....right back to your brother, again. You'd think the universe revolves around him."

"Oh God, please don't tell him that. Last thing we need is a werewolf with a swelled head.

Fusang, The Celestial Kingdom (aka China)

Dogg sat on the hill and watched the fight below. She turned to see Fuzz and the wolves walking up to her. From the looks of the groups fur, they had a few fights with the Fusang army on the way to the castle.

"You're late." Dogg said

The werewolf shrugged and nodded towards a particular fight down below, "Who's the green guy?"

"That's that Lieng guy we've been trying to save Hotspur from."

Fuzz nodded, "Shapeshifter. Naturally. Who cares about making it easy for everyone. What's the fun in that?"

*Fenris' Bane,* one of the wolves said in Wolf Speak *our fight is not over*

*Yes, I know* Fuzz replied. He noticed Kim Chang hiding behind a statue of a dragon as several Fusang soldiers fired towards his direction. Fuzz turned to the wolves, *There is another of Western decent here. I am not sure where.*

Another wolf looked at the castle *Perhaps in that cave of white stone.*

*Go, search the cave. Take the feline with you. I shall join you shortly.*

Fuzz turned to Dogg, and started to speak.

"Oh come on," Dogg said, "357 IQ, familiar with 150 languages, 145 dead languages, and you think I don't know Wolf Speak?"

Fuzz howled, followed by the wolves howling. Fuzz leapt towards the courtyard, Dogg and the wolves headed towards an entrance to the castle.

Behind the statue, Kim tried to figure a way to escape. Unfortunately, he was trapped.

"Mr. Paladin," Kim whispered, "I'm afraid I will not be returning to San Francisco."

Suddenly, he heard a scream, and saw one of the soldiers fly past, hitting the wall. Followed by another, then another. He peered around the statue and saw the werewolf fighting the soldiers. He picked up a sword and ran to assist Fuzz. Fuzz looked over the courtyard to see Lieng fighting what apparently was once Hotspur.

"Hey, he's a shapeshifter." Fuzz said, "What's next? Baron Wulfenbach makes coffee?"

Fuzz turned to Kim Chang, motioning towards the castle that several heavily armed guards were charging out of. "I need to get into the castle."

Kim nodded, then shouted out in Mandarin. Several of his comrades ran towards the two and then, they all ran towards the heavily armed guards. Suddenly, a scent hit Fuzz's nose. A very familiar scent, and he knew who had magically teleported to Fusang.

Wonder if the Duchess is also a shapeshifter? he thought

To Be Continued

(Hopefully a lot sooner than the last time)

Steelhead Adventures.....Back On Track

2009-03-28T03:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, we're all caught up with Real Life.......can I contact concierge at Linden Lab to fix Real Life?

Story continues. A chapter from Hotspur, a chapter from Darien. Eva's got a chapter coming soon (ok, not all of us are caught up with Real Life), and I'm working on my chapter. We're on the fast track towards the end of the story.

Hotspur's post

Darien's post

Ok, I Found This Interesting.....

2009-03-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Although, I'm sure there are others who've known about this long before me.

Last year, I picked up the first trade paperback collection of "Fables", a comic book series published by DC's Vertigo imprint. Basically, it's about the lands of all our favorite fairy tales and nursery rhymes being conquered by someone known as The Adversary. Many died, those that managed to escape wound up in our world. Some live in a section of New York City, others, who can't pass as human, live in a place called The Farm in upper New York State. They form a community called Fable Town.

So far, I've gotten the first five trade paperback collections plus one hardcover graphic novel, and haven't been disappointed.

Well, how this is relevant to Steelhead, the Big Bad Wolf is a main character. Sometime, during the big escape from the homelands, I think, he was given the option to take on human form. Due to his bad reputation, he wasn't going to be welcomed on the Farm. So, he did, and took the name Bigby. He can transform into a large wolf, and sometimes Lycan style. And at the beginning of the series, and until Old King Cole lost the Fabletown mayor election to Prince Charming, Bigby was in charge of security amongst the Fables and had the title of sheriff.

During the reading of the second trade paperback, I thought, "Bill Willingham's gonna sue my ass."

Other interesting characters, so far: Snow White, who, until Cole lost the election, was the deputy mayor of Fabletown. The hardcover graphic novel, 1001 Nights Of Snowfall, had a story that more or less hinted about her time with the seven dwarves.....and it ain't pretty. She also has a relationship with Bigby, and gives birth to his children......seven at once.

Flycatcher- The Frog Prince. Lost his family during the invasion. Bigby has him doing community service to keep his mind focused, or else he'll go find a way back to the homelands and find his family.

Jack aka Jack Of FAbles. Jack Frost, Jack B. Nimble, Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack and Jill......Jack was all those. Eventually got his own series. Haven't started reading that, but heard that in his series, he meets some of the American folklore like Paul Bunyan.

Rose Red- Snow White's sister. Bit of a rebel, so far, and I'm not caught up with recent events, she's in charge of the Farm.

Frau Totenkinder- The witch from Hansel and Gretel.

There's many more. Like I said, there are others who've read the series from the beginning and are more up to date than I am. But, this is a very interesting read.

Farewell To A True Sci Fi Master

2009-02-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

SFWA Grand Master Philip Jose Farmer has passed away at the age of 91. An author of over 60 novels and more than 100 shorter works, majority of which are still influential in the science fiction field.

His works included "The Lovers", published in 1952, and was the first time strong sexual themes had been used in a science fiction story. He was also the author of the World of Tier series of books and the Riverworld series.

He was also the developer of The Wold Newton Universe, the concept which tied many literary characters (Tarzan, Doc Savage, Sherlock Holmes, Fu Manchu, etc) together. Hotspur O'Toole and myself have been using this concept in the current Steelhead Adventures.

His works are too numerous to pick just one book or story to start with. But, you can bet that, no matter which book you pick up that he's written, you won't be disappointed.

Just Two Things......

2009-02-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

1) Steelhead Adventures will be continuing soon. The ball's either in Hotspur or Lady Eva's court, can't remember which. Once the Fusang storyline is finished, next few storylines deal with an introduction of a new supporting character, who is important to the sheriff's life; a story that deals with the sheriff's tribal name; and a story that starts out in Caledon in the year 2009.

2) I want THIS music track. The group mainly does music for movie trailers (as this is one, being used in the trailer to "Inkheart"), and their music is not available commercially. However, seeing as how I've managed to find music from X Ray Dog (another group doing music for movie trailers), I know this isn't impossible......just might not be legal, but ya gotta admit, this is an awesome track.

I'll Take Steampunk Sims In SL For 100, Alex

2009-02-12T02:21:00.000-08:00

Purdie's Back.....

2009-02-05T17:40:00.001-08:00

And, just like Professor Sputnik, he looks totally different, now. Well, being a Time Lord, he has that ability to regenerate and look totally different. However....I think we need to keep him away from horseless carriages....

Oh well.....welcome back, Cousin Purdie......hope your driving skills improve.

HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

The Ortega Chronicles

Yea, I'm Way Off Topic.....

Awesome Musical Interlude

For You Time Lord Fans Out There.....

Interesting Trailer...

Web Comic I Found

Another Of Fuzzball's Musical Interludes

Hey, It's Not Too Late To Head To New York Before Halloween....

This.....Actually Sounds Promising

Aurora The Film

Well THIS......Was A Very Nice Surprise

Now THIS Is How You Do A Hair Challenge

Image Pretty Much Says It All

Musical Interlude IV

If Not For This Guy, There'd Be No Time Lords In Second Life

RFLofSL Event:Salmons RFL Kick Off

Relay For Life Team Captain's Meeting

New Interview With Rod Humble, aka Rodvik Linden

Panic At The Disco- The Ballad Of Mona Lisa

"Eye Of The Storm"

Steelhead General Store

Latest Addition To The Typists Blu Ray Collection...

As If I Don't Have Enough To Worry About

Now We Shall See If A New Day Emerges For SL

Evolution Of A Story Idea. Part One

This May Actually Show Promise.....

A Similar Campaign Worked For Betty White.....

Man VS Second Life Parts One And Two

Welcome To Steelhead Nevermoor

Coming Soon To A Book Store Near You....

And Now.....Popcorn

Available...........Now

Almost Didn't Catch This Upcoming CD Release

The Warrior's Way

They're Remaking True Grit

Steelhead Nevermoor, Now PreBooking

One Thing Can Be Agreed On The 1978 Animated Version of Lord Of The Rings

Oh, Yea, I Forgot To Share This Pic......

Hey, Check Out My Trophies.....

Relay For Life Awards

Musical Interlude III

Musical Interlude II

Double Dedication.....

In Memory Of A RL Friend.

Steelhead Salmon's Raised More Than L$400000 For RFL

I Really Shouldn't Have....

Moving Up A Few Years, To The Pulp Noir

And All Of Second Life Rejoiced

Why I Relay

A Glimpse Of Things To Come

Awesome Piece Of Music

Speaking Of Cracks In Time And Space.........

Why Steelhead City Relays

And No Daleks Jumping Out...

A Wonderful Machinama

R U There trailer

So If They Force Me To Do A Waltz Type Formal Dance

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

When You Enter My House, Whatever You Do.....

Cowboy Movie With Some Steampunk Elements

Musical Interlude

Sponsored By Butterfinger.....

Seraph City. Welcome To Dieselpunk (speaking OOC)

Brilliantly done....

A Bit Of An Explanation

Movie Trailer Time

New Look Of The Alts. Part Two Point Five

New Look Of The Alts. Part Two

New Look Of The Alts. Part One

BAH......

The Mechanical Kingdom

Nothing To Do With The Steamlands

R.I.P. Lionel Jeffries

Preparing To Relay

The Grid's Oldest User Generated Content

The Players Are Set, But The Storyteller Is Slow.....

A Little Doctor Who For You

A Most Interesting Of Conversations

My Subtitle Project

From The Desk Of Sheriff Ortega (roleplaying in world)