Aether Chronicles

The Latest

2011-07-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi all -

After several phone calls to the lovely folks at Second Life customer service it seems that I can in fact get my old account reopened but it would involve doing things I'm not willing to do at the moment. The short of it is it's just too much trouble to reopen that account.

That said I will be in-world from as Aether Redux. Yes I'm starting completely over as of yesterday. Please feel free to come by Caledon Oxbridge and poke me with a stick and giggle at my duck walk. Starting over means I'll be abandoning my old inventory including several rather expensive aircraft. I'm still on the computer from 2008 and on a wifi connection. From what I gather flight in SL in nearly impossible without the latest bells and whistles.

I've also started a new blog taking two things I'm a huge geek for. Steampunk and movies. Being the genius that I am I came up with the following name for this little venture. Get ready for it....

Steampunk Movies!

Thank you, thank you! (Takes a bow) Just a few posts up now but something to keep me busy and with luck others informed. Take a look if so inclined.

Hope to see all my old friends soon. Working weird hours now but I'll be about when I can. Take care and carry on.

Aether.

New Look For The Blog And Myself.

2011-01-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings one and all.

After being away from Second Life for more than a year I've decided to return and join in on the Steampunk fun once again. I seem to be having some account issues at the moment so I'll be in-world with one of my little helper avatars Zen Giranamo, going under the name of Aether Redux. If you should see me out and about please stop and say hello. With luck I'll be back in my old form within a week or so.

I've also taken a few moments and spruced up the blog a bit. New background and got rid of those pesky broken links. Let me know what you think of the new look in the comments.

I very much look forward to seeing all my old friends once again.

Best regards - Aether

A disturbing Find

2009-06-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

As a Timeforce 10 agent I have the ability to slip from one reality to another. On a recent jaunt into the near future I was doing a bit of research and I came across the following card catalog entry.
As you can plainly see its a entry for my journal published in 1880 by Oxbridge University Press. Of special interest to me are the notations someone has made...

"Inglewood's airship went missing in 1893" "her ship was never found" "why is her journal here?"

Missing? Ship never found? And why would my journal be in a library and not with my "missing" ship? The notes indicate someone took a fair bit of interest in this entry. Who are they? Are they looking for me?

As I said, disturbing indeed!

Inglewood Airships - Evening Star For Sale

2009-05-08T15:01:00.001-07:00

Inglewood Airships Evening Star Airships for sale on Xstreet SL Marketplace. See the video and check the details at Inglewood Airships.

Aether Inglewood - Wanted

2009-04-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

Click Here To See My Video

Happy St. Pats!

2009-03-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

Top o' the morning to you! Being of the Irish persuasion I couldn't let Saint Patrick's go by unnoticed. And what better way to celebrate the Irish holiday than with a bit of music. Enjoy.

Okay, this next one isn't exactly traditional Irish music but it does feature The Chieftains and where do you think Bluegrass came from? I dare you to be in a bad mood after listening and watching. Hey if nothing else we Irish are a fun lot.

And you didn't think you were getting out of here without a bit of The Dropkick Murphys. I thought The Fighting 69 th seem to fit.

Connolly Aerodrome and the Current Financial Crisis - Royal Caledon Air Force

2009-03-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

A link and a few questions?

First the link to Zoe Connolly's Post about how real life can affect our virtual world.

And a few comments and a question or two.

Do you have any special thoughts of Connolly Aerodrome?
As for myself Connolly Aerodrome is one of my favorite places in Caledon. In all of Second Life actually. It was one of the first places I visited when I came to Caledon and I made the observation deck my makeshift home for many months.

More importantly it was a place where I found a sense of community and lets face it that's what we are all looking for here. Zoe did this by building a place where like minded people could feel at home and connect.

This past summer and fall I would pop into SL each weekday for my "nooner" and head straight to Connolly. On most days there was usually at least 3 or four regulars there and we would spend a few hours pirate hunting (things in Caledon were not always this calm) watching our little Sumie build something, target practicing or just sitting about acting silly. My point I suppose is that it was something I very much looked forward to each day, and having a home base was very reassuring.

My other memory that stands out was the memorial service we had at Connolly when Sumie Kawashima passed away in RL. Again the sense of connection was and I know this word gets tossed about a lot but amazing. It helped me get through what was a pretty rough time.

Questions:

How many pairs of steampunk goggles do you need?

Who or what are you willing to sacrifice for?

What do you belive in, whats importat to you?

These are just questions, and I'm not suggesting anything but would love to know what you think. Leave a comment. No, really its free and I promise not to send you a fruitcake at Christmas.

One last question? What exactly is the definition of a rant? Just wondering.

Happy Birthday Caledon and Thank You!

2009-02-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Caledon.

Grand Opening of The Wicked Wench

2009-02-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Rachire Wulluf and the Crimson Pirates are proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Wicked Wench. A bar with a decidely piratesque feel. Located at Caledon Morgaine 13-27-21, the bar is managed by the ever delightful and lovely Cyn Sweetwater and staffed with memebers of the Crimson Pirates.

The doors or in this case the beach opens at 3 pm SLT this afternoon with a small bash to celebrate the event. Bring you eyepatch, pegleg and cutlass and plan for a good time.

Lets recap shall we? Wicked Wench Grand Opening at Caledon Morgain from 3-5 SLT. Arrgh!

Jay Leno - Steampunk

2009-02-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

Watch more The Tonight Show with Jay Leno videos on AOL Video

Jay Leno a Steampunk? Who knew? Jay Leno explains the power of steam and in this video reminds us that our nuclear subs are ...Steam powered.

Blurb - Real Books Made By You

2009-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

If you have been in Second Life for any time at all I'm sure you have a ton of photos taking up space on your hard drive. And if your like like me you find yourself asking..

"What am I going to do with all of these!?!"

I just came across a nifty site that might give us a answer. What if you could make a real book with photos of your adventures here in Second Life. Better yet, what if you wrote a adventure story and acted it out in SL, using the photos in your book...wait for it.

It gets better....

And then you could sell your book to others to help support your airship collection here in SL? I know! Pretty Cool.

At Blurb.com you download their book publishing software. Design your book however you like, words, pictures, a combination of both. Upload your book to their site and then they only print however many copies you order or better yet if someone buys your book from their store.

I know! Pretty Cool!

I know, me too I was thinking wait! I could use this for other stuff, a kids graduation, a book about your child's senior year, wedding albums, family reunions, babies first year, a book of your paintings and poems, a family cookbook. The list goes on and on.

Again its Blurb.com

Inglewood Airships - Coming Soon

2009-02-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

What? Go have a look already!

Airship Papers At Got-Steam.com

2009-02-05T12:22:00.001-08:00

I love paper ephemera of all sorts. Combining this with the love of airships I found these amazing Airship Papers at got-steam.com. Times are tough and money is tight but I may have to break down and order a set of these. The set includes the following :

Registration Papers
Certificates of inspection,
Letter of Marque
Salvage license insurance
Telegrams

And a lot more. Best of all your papers are like no others, they are made for you with your name and the name of your airship.... S.H. (Steampunk Hottie) Aether Inglewood, captain of the H.M.S. Deathtrap has a ring to it don't you think?

20000 Leagues Under The Sea

2009-02-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

While looking the other day for the Disney version of Jules Vern's 20000 Leagues Under The Sea I came across this 1916 version of the film. A bit grainy but still enjoyable and worth a look.

Caledon Air Transport Begins Service

2009-01-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

Caledon Air Transport began air service today with their first line flying between Caledon Downs Airfield to North Cay Airfield. Below is a statement from C.A.T.'s chairman Dan Gervasi...

Thanks to Mr Bubba Daniels the first line of the C.A.T has been opened today. It flies between Downs and North Cay and is at this stage being tested and refined. Next step is to extend the route to Penzance. The Script of the CNR was used and heavily customized for this purpose. Customized vista flyers bearing the colours of the Caledon Air Transport Company are currently flying back and forth the two airports every 30 minutes. This is a significant milestone for the CAT. Huzzah!
Dan Gervasi.

A Guide To Caledon's Airfields Part 5

2009-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

SSC Provisional Aerodrome

SSC(Steam SkyCity) Provisional Aerodrome is located along the Western edge of Caledon at one of Caledons most famous landmarks. Steam SkyCity. Owned by Vivito Volare Steam SkyCity can easly be located by the large rotating props found on its roof that keep this floating city airborne. This airfield makes for easy access to the maze of shops and pubs that is SSC. (As aways click photos for a better look)

Airfield Layout and Approach

Steam SkyCity lies South of Caledon, North of Caledon Oxbridge Village. The runway itself is located on the roof of the floating city. As mentioned above look for the four LARGE props. The runway sits in a Northwest/Southeast oreintation, the Northwestern end being at Steam SkyCity 52,186,96.

While the propellers on the roof make for ease of location they also make for a daunting approach. I've found the best approach is from the Northwest coming in from Caledon Westmoreland making a roundabout and lining up the runway from this angle. The runway is short and has several obstructions spread throughout the rooftop. Chief among these are two cutouts, one on each side of the landing strip. Careful or you could end up on the lower decks quicker than expected. To the Southeast there is a fairly large steam powerd (how else would it be powered?) flywheel. A approach can be made from this direction but one must clear this revolving plane chewer and make a hasty decent to the runway.

Once landed a transporter can be found at 95,180,96. I'd recomend choosing Volare Mercantile and Trade as your destination as it leads to the heart of SSC.

Amenities

Where to begin. Steam SkyCity is fairly large and very maze-like. One can spend hours exploreing here so I'll point you to a few of my favorite places. Prop Spinners Pub located 68,198,76. Prop Spinners, is a regualr hangout for the RCAF (Royal Caledon Airforce) having weekly events each Sunday night starting at 7 slt. Another favorite is the Green Fairy Tavern 122,85,76 a bit more upscale and rumor has it if one stays long enough there is a chance of seeing one of Caledons famous sky pirates.

Also worth a look is the Looter's Emporium 115,53,76. They offer a wide array of free Steampunk goodies for the new or not so new comer to Second Life. While there have a look at the airships made by Wicked Kitty Industries, Simplyamy Iwish. While not free, she makes amazing airships. You can have a look just next door from the Looter's Emporium.

Take your time here and explore, leave the floating city and check out the island below. There is a wonderful airship tower located here and if you prefer watercraft to the air variety there is plenty of slips for all but the largest of ships. And please, please, please, three times please don't listen to the rumors of pirates and secret tunnels. All nonsense I assure you.

Airship Tours Begin in Caledon

2009-01-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

A new addition has been added to the Connolly Aerodrome in Caledon Penzance. Hovering above the airfield is a new blimp very similar to the one that has been there since my coming to Caledon. The difference? This new airship owned by Virrginia Tombola now provides air service from Connolly Aerodrome to Lionsgate Tower and back. Rumor has it that this is the first in a series of airship routes planned throughout Caledon. What a modern time we live in.

A Weekend of Airships and Music

2009-01-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

A very eventful weekend in New Babbage. On Saturday the 17 in honor of Founders Day the New Babbage Aethernautical Society presented the first annual New Babbage Airship regatta. The course made of floating hoopswhich the pilots had to pass through twice was competed in by more than twenty aeronauts with a total of five heats run. Two each for Light and Heavy classes and one for Whimsical vessels. Despite some navigation issues which included my viewing stand being rammed by a rather large airship and knocking me some 200M to the docks below a good time was had by all. The winners in each class were as follows..

In the Light Class Rip Wirefly in Prop Duster and Ambrose Steampunk in Papillon Duo took the honors. Flying in the Heavy Class: Greg Merryman in Tri-Tanium and Beast Mauvaise in HMCS Baldwin tied for the first place finish. The Whimsical Class was won by Bela Lubezki in the HDM Airship No.1 "Famine". And the Spectator Favorite was flown by Julian Beeswing in the Windstream. There was also a Display Favorite catagory which was won by Darlingmonster Ember's Copperwing 8.1

The following day Sunday the 18th of January Prop Spinners Pub hosted a tribute memorial day for our good friend and RCAF pilot Sumi Kawashima. The event featured live performances by Cylindrian Rutabaga, CelticMaidenWarrior Lancaster and Charles Coleman from 10a.m. till well into the afternoon. With D.J. DJ Eudptes Bergson playing a special set of Sumie's favorite songs later that evening during the normal weekly event at Prop Spinners. The live music was preceded by a flyover of Steamsky City by RCAF pilots from 9:30 to 10.

@

A Guide To Caledon's Airfields Part 4

2009-01-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Caledon Downs Airfield

Caledon Downs might very well be Caledon's prettiest airfield. Located as the name would suggest in Caledon Downs it's set in a rual, park like atmosphere, surrounded by trees and beautifully landscaped. Owned and operated by Bubba Daniels this is a lovely little landing spot. (as always be sure to click the photos for a better view)

Airfield Layout and Approach

Caledon Downs Airfield sits on the Northeastern edge of Caledon Downs and can be located by a revolving green and white beacon set on a hill just to the north of the runway. The Southern end of the landing strip is located at Caledon Downs 145,131,44, with a North/South layout.

As mentioned above this is a lovely airfield. That in mind landings can be a bit tricky but very much worth the trouble. At the North and South ends of the runway there are fairly sizable hills to deal with. You must clear these and then make a fairly quick decent to the runway. Nothing to get white knuckled about, perhaps a light shade of grey though. The runway is landscaped on both sides with shrubbery and while very attractive, those with a wide wingspan take notice. I feel the best approach is from the South coming in from Southend over the water and using the shoreline as a reference point to the runway.

Amenities

The airfield has a very nice hanger, took me a bit to figure out how to gain access (I can be a bit thick at times). There is also a bandstand/gazebo adjacent to the sizable tarmac which would be perfect for holding events. Be sure to climb the hill to the north and take a gander at the beacon tower its a very nice piece of work. Other nearby locations of interest are the Steampunk Resource Center, just a short walk from the field. It's located at Caledon Downs 29,99,22. Also be sure to check out the observatory on the Heliosense Estate 85,62,55 feature a great view. The rail line runs next to the runway though I'm not sure if it makes a stop here. I left my slide rule at home and without it can't figure out the Caledon train schedules.

If you've never been to this little gem of a airfield do yourself a favor and come have a look. Caledon Downs is a very beautiful and interesting area. Come, stay awhile and explore.

Timeforce 10 -" The Alien Device"

2009-01-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

TimeForce 10 Agents Avery Robbiani, and Zoe Connolly and Aether Inglewood explore the mysterious Isla du Montserrat. See the video and follow the the secret adventures of the Amazing TimeForce 10 from the Celestial Intervention Agency (CIA).

Dennis Hopper Recites Kiplings "If"

2009-01-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

"If" my favorite poem written in 1895 by Rudyard Kipling was according to Kipling inspired by Dr. Leander Star Jameson who lead a raid in the same year by the British against the Boers in South Africa. This raid ultimately lead to the Second Boer War. Though defeated Jameson was presented as a hero in the press and and the raid as a British victory.

Test Comic Using Comic Book Creator

2009-01-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

Looking about on CNET Download.com and found this nifty piece of software. It's called Comic Book Creator from Planetwide Games. With it you can use your screen grabs from online games such, oh... I don't know... I think there is one called Second Life to make your own comics. It supports JPEG, BMP and GIF file formats and has bunches of layouts, text bubbles and other assorted goodies. I just started goofing around with it about half a hour ago and made the above in about in about 2 minutes as a test. (you might be able to tell from the content). If your a life long comic geek like me and into online gaming this might be worth a look.

ICON Aircraft CEO introduces the A5

2009-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

ICON Aircraft CEO Kirk Hawkins introduces their first product the A5 light sport aircraft. Light sport aircraft require a sport pilot license which you can get in under a month for 2-4 thousand dollars.

This is what flying is all about, I want one!!

A Guide to Caledon's Airfields Part 3

2009-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

North Cay Public Airfield & Sumie RCAFB

Located just off the Firth in Caledon Cay, North Cay Public Airfield & Sumie RCAFB is one of Caledon's most recent additions to the flying community. Owned and opereated by fellow RCAF pilot Dan Gervasi its the home of Caledon Air Transport and Royal Caledon Air Force Base Sumie named in memorial of RCAF pilot Sumie Kawashima. (Be sure to click the images for a closer look.)

Airfield Layout

North cay Public Airfield sits at the Southeastern edge of the Firth, the Caledon Cafall lighthouse just to the Northwest of the runway. The runway its self laying in a North/South orientation with the Northern end located at Caledon Cay 119,242,22.

The approach from the North coming in over the Firth is wide with zero obstacles to maneuver around. There is really no approach from the South due to trees, houses and the trolley line which runs in front of the airfield. From the air the strip looks very narrow and short. It's not nearly as dodgy as it looks coming in. The one hazard being a airship mooring at the North end of the runway but it is set back from the runway and again, not nearly as close as it appears from the sky. My preferred approach is to fly East along the North side of the Firth and once past the castle at Caledon Cafall turning South to the runway.

Amenities

This is where North Cay Public Airfield really shines. The airfield is the home of Caledon Air Transport Company which will soon be providing air transport and air tours to Caledon and Winterfell. The RCAF also has a presence here with Sumie RCAFB. The two sharing a hanger on the West side of the runway. Being on the water the airfield has a pier making access handy for those in seaplanes or watercraft.

The crowing jewel of this location is Cafe Scribe owned and operated by Bastienne Scribe. As describe by Miss Scribe the cafe is a French style Bistro where people are welcome to meet and relax. She also pointed out some of the lovely constructions contributions from Cay residents, most notably the roof by Mr. Serpis and the tables from Mr. Szondi. Miss Scribe went on to explain that there will be regular events held at the cafe so be sure to join the group for updates.

The Grand Opening of North Cay Public Airfield and Cafe Scribe will be tomorrow January 11 at 12:00 p.m. SL time. A wonderful little landing spot and very much worth a look. Stop by tomorrow and enjoy the activities.

Shameless self promotion warning: With a attempt at full disclosure I must admit I have a interest in this airport, small though it may be. I am C.O.O. of Caledon Air Transport. As such I receive no financial reward.

Cool Steampunk Ad

2009-01-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

Very steamy video, I really love the critter with the billowing smokestack on his back Enjoy!

P.S.

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A Guide to Caledon's Airfields Part 2

2009-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Set in the heart of Port Caledon this airfield until very recently was unknown to me or at least at it's current location. Port Caledon Field is owned and operated by Ambinant Kukulcan.

Airfield Layout

Port Caledon Field is very easy to locate sitting just beneath two large towers. One emitting a powerful large beam of light into the heavens that with the right settings can be seen from a great distance.

The runway lies in a East/West orentation. The East end of the runway is at Port Caledon 186,15,22 and marked by flashing neon green landing lights. The runway is very wide with no obstructions on either side.

The approach from the East is very open with no tall buildings, towers or other obstructions to block your view, giving you a nice long look at the field as you line up your landings. Coming in and passing over Caledon Highlands a land owner was kind enough to put a brilliant blue roof on there home. One can use this as a waypoint to line up their landing. Passing directly over this puts you in a fairly good position for your final approach to the field itself. (see photo below)

Of special note. I mentioned before that the landing strip had not obstructions. I should rephrase that and say no fixed obstructions. There is a trolley line that runs North and Sound directly in front of the runway so do keep a eye peeled.

Amenities

There is a very nice hanger at Port Caledon Field. In fact if you would like a airport of your own this might be a good place to start. They have a kit that's very similar to the layout mentioned here for a very reasonable price. Check in the hanger for details.

Numerous shops and stores await your exploration near the airfield. One might make a note of the following. The tower at Chernov Laboratories Incorporated is worth a look located at 115,71,123. Also be sure to head just next door and visit the Virtual Kennel Club your home for a virtual pet in Caledon. Located @ Caledon 121,196,22. If your new to Caledon a visit to the Caledon Welcome Center is also a must and within easy walking distance of the airfield. It's at Caledon 171,187,22.

Of special note: I tired to rez my airship here and was unable to do so at the time of this writing. Something to keep in mind if your planning a speedy escape from this location.

Steampunk US Marine - Action Figure

2009-01-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

Just to up the geek factor a few point I found the following photo posted here. Not into action figures really... Okay! So I have a R2D2 sitting on my desk that squeaks and beeps, that's beside the point. Check out the other photos very cool, very steamy.

A Guide to Caledon's Airfields

2009-01-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

Many if asked will tell you the glory days of flying in Second Life have gone the way of the Dodo. While to a certain degree this might be true, flight in one form or another is still thriving in Caledon as evidenced by the many airfields spread through out our fair land.

My intention with the following primer is to highlight some of my favorite landing spots and perhaps aid you in keeping the shinny side of your flying machines pointed toward the heavens.

Part 1 Connolly Aerodrome.

Connolly Aerodrome

Without question my favorite landing spot in Caledon is Connolly Aerodrome. Located in Penzance Caledon, and owned and operated by the infamous Zoe Connolly it's the home base of the Royal Caledon Airforce. And someplace I called home for my first few months here in Caledon.

Airfield layout
Sitting at the Northeastern corner of the Firth, Connolly is easy to find. The western end of the runway lies at Caledon Penzance 22,29.40. With a lighthouse on each side of the runway to guide you home. The runway running in a east to west direction.

Landing at Connolly can take some getting used to. The runway is fairly wide but there are several obstacles at the East end of the runway, those with a wide wingspan take notice. The windsock at the west end of the runway is fairly close to the strip and IS NOT a phantom. I've done many a round-a-bout on said windsock after catching a wing. On the North side of the airfield is a fairly steep mountain and to the south a sheer drop off. To make matters even more interesting approaching from the West there is for lack of a better word a sky obstruction and the west end of the runway also sits very near where three sim borders meet. Which can lead to some interesting landings. Landing here might take a little practice. I've flown from here for some time and still crack up now and again. Near the West end of the field there is plenty of room for parking your aircraft once you have landed.

Amenities

Connolly Aerodrome is much more that a airfield to me. As I mentioned I called it my home for several months when I first came to Caledon. Miss Connolly taking me under her wing as it were. There's plenty to do at Connolly besides fly . Not just a gathering place for RCAF fliers it features a wonderful shooting range. The Quonset hut which is full of all sorts of vendors relating to flying and aviation (Some very nice free aircraft here) in Second life. And plenty of spots to just sit, relax and enjoy the wonderful view of the lighthouses and the Firth. A memorial to our fallen friend Sumie Kawashima is also located at the East end of the airfield. And for those music lovers out there Connolly also has a very nice music feed.

If you have never been to Connolly Aerodrome be sure to come by and give it a look, even if you are not a flyer its a beautiful place to explore and very near some of the best shopping in Caledon.

The Airships @ The Heliograph

2008-12-31T22:51:00.000-08:00

Looking about on one of my favorite blogs The Heliograph which had a post on a great video series about airships. The series oddly called. Sit down for this... "The Airships" investigates the beginings, development, and decline of airships. Great stuff! You can watch the entire series at The Heliograph

The Blue Max

2008-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Made in 1965 and staring George Prepard, James Mason and Ursula Andress. Prepard a corporal in the German infantry leaves the trenches to become a pilot. Setting his sights on shooting down 20 planes, enough to win the Blue Max.

This was on late night cable about a month ago and Second Life has completely thrown off my internal clock on the weekends so I found myself sitting up watching till the end. As far as movies go, its not bad. I mean I stayed up till 3 a.m. watching it after all. You can actually see termites jumping from George Prepard at times he's so wooden but the flying scenes more than make up for any short comings. This was 1965 so no bluescreen here. Just WWI planes pushed fairly hard, and looking and sounding great doing so.

I dug around on the web and it was listed on Hulu. But said it was unavailable. Might be worth a look to see if you have better luck.

Airship Ventures Zepplin Christened Eureka

2008-12-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

Naming Zepplin Earns Oakland Couple Lofty Prize

Airship Ventures a company that recently started service with their Zeppelin NT airship in the SF Bay area had a naming contest for their new ship. Christopher Humphrey won an online contest to pick the name of the aircraft, which is 15 feet longer than a Boeing 747. He submitted "Eureka," which was a code word for the project during its design.

Check out the full article here. And here is a better link to the video featured in the article. Be sure to also check out Airships Ventures site.

Lighter than air travel is back! Even if you do have to go to San Francisco to do it.

Zoe Connolly - Timeforce 10 Machinima

2008-12-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

The only scene where Avery is not kicking my butt!

Very cool Timeforce 10 video by Zoe Connolly. Timeforce 10 is a multi-sim science-fiction espionage roleplay adventure which her group is playing both inworld and offGrid on various blogs, etc.

Oh, did I mention I play a very small part in the video? Eh, ever the self-promoter!

Aether Inglewood vs The Airship

2008-12-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

New video up of me attempting to build my first. Well first anything in Second Life. If nothing else it's worth a look just to hear Old Blue Eyes. The most amazing thing? It actually flies! Have a look.

RCAF Last Organized Dogfight

2008-12-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Due to the Open Space issues in Second Life, today marks the last of Royal Caledon Air Force's weekly organized dog fights. As I joked today with Zoe Connolly due to my performance in the skies above Lovelace this morning I wouldn't be missing them very much. That of course is not true.

I may in my short time here in Caledon set the record for being shot down in the RCAF (my un-official call sign is Target) but to me that's not what these weekly meet ups were all about. Don't get me wrong I love ripping the canvas of a Fokker DR1 with slugs from my guns as much as anyone. But frankly I don't see some of these people other than at one of these weekly get togethers.

It's my hope I don't lose contact with many of the fliers here in the RCAF. I know Zoe has big plans for the RCAF after the beginning of the year, she's clever that on. But some of the best times I've had in Second Life have been at these weekly dogfights. Be it standing on the tarmack at Second Skies shooting the breeze with everyone or watching at the bottom of my parachute as someone takes a victory roll after shooting me from the sky.

If anyone is actually reading my little chunk of the aethernet and should come across this and you need a little target practice. Give me a shout in world. I could use the stick time and beside...I'm a hoot!

Happy Skies everyone.

Steampunk Roleplay - New Babbage - The Cloud Angel

2008-12-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

Digging about on Youtube this evening and found the following interesting video. Fire up the boilers on the airship. Load my ray-guns and goggles we are off to New Babbage!!

Find out more at the New Babbage Ning.

Amazing Tribute

2008-12-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Mississippi's mighty, but it starts in Minnesota
At a place where you can walk across with five steps down
And I guess that's how you started like a pinprick to my heart
But at this point you rush right through me and I start to drown...

Just looking about on the web and came across Emilly Orr's beautiful blog. She has captured my feeling of the last 24 hours far better than I could ever express about the loss of our dear Sumie. That in mind I'll point you to her amazing posts about our friend.

Monday December 15th post

Tuesday December 16th post

Loss of a Close Friend

2008-12-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

I heard this afternoon that my friend Sumie Kawashima passed away in RL. Needless to say I was shocked and deeply saddened at hearing this.

I know quite a few people in Second Life. Lots of people in my "friends list". Lots of people that I know just to say hello to, how are you?

But Sumie was without question one of my true friends in Second Life. It didn't matter what we were doing. Out chasing pirates over the Firth,(We found not pirate one) me riding shotgun as she flew. Dancing at Prop Spinners, her doing back flips and Boing Boing all over the place. Listening to her talk as a drunken pirate, which always had me on the floor laughing. Hanging out on the deck of my treehouse or watching her work on one of her wonderful aircraft at the aerodrome. She was never anything less than a delight no matter what we were doing, and I just adored her.

Each and every time we did something together she always left with "I love you angel." And for whatever reason, be it my stoic mid-western upbringing, a general emotional constipation.... I never told her how great I thought she was and how grateful I was for our friendship.

At the beginning of the month I decided to take a break from the internet and Second Life. I just felt I was spending way too many hours here. The idea was that I'd be back after New Years. I lasted about 10 days and my main reason for returning to Second Life was to check on Sumie. I knew she had been sick and in the hospital but was doing much better the last time we talked.

There is a Sheryl Crow song called the "Difficult Kind". In that song is a line that goes something like...

"There ain't nothing like regret to remind you your alive"

I find myself regretting two things. That I don't have command enough of the English language to express how much I'll miss her and that I never told her how cool she was.

Love you Sweetie, I'll miss you more than you can imagine.

I Love Swords

2008-11-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to come out and say it. I'm a sword geek. I'm a huge Highlander fan. I loved the Conan movies as a kid. Of course it didn't hurt that Adrrian Paul and Arnold were in those.

In my Aether net wanderings I came across a sword site called iloveswords.com. Very cool site with tons of goodies for whatever your interest, be it Oriental swords. medieval, Celtic/Scottish, or Renaissance swords. I for one was very fond of this one. The El Cid Colada sword. They also have a wide varity of reenactment goodies.

What? Your still here, go check it out.

RCAF Patrol 23 October.

2008-10-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Due to the recent pirate activity in and around Lionsgate Tower RCAF patrols have increased over the Firth, Middlesea and the tower itself.

Last evening while hovering over Lionsgate I noticed I was being shadowed. I would move, they would counter move and sit. Keeping the tower between us I was unable to get a good look at who was following me. Doing what any good pilot and all chickens would do, I called for help. Within moments Vickster Kuhn was on the scene and the two of us spent the next several minutes looking for this blip on our maps. At one point we both thought we had glimpsed a bi-plane through the clouds but were unable identify it.

At this point I landed my airship at Lionsgate and took on my jetpack and ray-rifle. I wanted to get a better look at something at the base of the island that I couldn't see from a aircraft. Near the surface I caught movement from the corner of my eye and was amazed to see what I assumed to be a statue of a black dragon spring to life and begin to pursue me. Vickster was soon at my location and opened up with her guns but to no avail. I tried several "trap" rounds from my ray-rifle but the creature was just too large.

Thinking we had driving the beast from the area we landed atop Lionsgate and were soon followed by the creature who then landed and observed us before flying off to the South.

Is the creature part of our pirate problem near Lionsgate? Were the pilot of the bi-plane Vickster and I caught a glimps of and this dragon working together?

More photos can be seen here on my Flickr page

The Haunting of Thymely Manor

2008-10-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be that time of the year and strange things are takeing place at Thymely Manor.

Inspector Kendrick

2008-09-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

Was just over looking at Zoe Connolly's page and found this interesting little quiz. Test Who You Are in the Steampunk Ether City of Salmagundi. Ha! Too fun, thanks Zoe.

Your result for Test Who You Are in the Steampunk Ether City of Salmagundi...
Inspector Kendrick Mernil (the Enforcer)
11% Cerys, 30% Ras, 27% Bell, 38% Wilde, 11% LeClerc, 70% Kendrick and 3% Fuzzy!

You are Inspector Kendrick Mernil, of the Special Peacekeepers. Your job is to go in guns blazing when the situation calls for it, and it’s the sort of thing you enjoy. You’re never happier than when beating the enemies of Law and Order into submission. Other officers might do the investigating, but when the chips are down it’s people like you who stand between chaos and civilization. You’re aggressive, blunt, and far too happy with your job. People might talk about what is and isn’t ethical police work, but someone has to beat the confessions out of suspects, and that someone is you.

Intrigued? Learn more about G. D. Falksen's Salmagundi and the Cities of Ether here
Take Test Who You Are in the Steampunk Ether City of Salmagundi at HelloQuizzy

Sunday At Prop Spinners

2008-09-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Went to Prop Spinners on Sunday for a little music and dancing. This weeks theme was St. Patrick's in September, or Half Way to St. Pats! DJ Eudyptes was there as always spinning great tunes. Lots of Celtic punk, pop and folk. Keeping with the Irish spirit of things I tried to get someone to fight me in the parking lot...no takers I'm afraid. (its ok! I'm Irish)

More photos can be seen here at my Flickr page.

Caledon Rocket Infantry

2008-09-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Home sick today. Thus a bit of time on my hands and another ham fisted video for your viewing pleasure. Just a note, cold medicine and video making really don't go well together.

What does go good with cold medicine?

Ahh, that's right! Vodka! I apologise in advance.

Charlie Don't Surf - Test Flight of ZX4 Attack Chopper

2008-07-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Stopped by Skies of Tomorrow to see if anyone was flying and ran into Suzi Tauber and Lord Lisle. Mr Lisle was kind enough to take me for a ride in his Battle Bug, a very nice Steampunk inspired aircraft and well...Its just cute! He was also kind enough to give me a landmark to a very nice aircraft. The Fokker ER.1. To the right I'm photoed before my first test flight. Thanks Mr. Lisle for the tip on a wonderful, fun to fly aircraft. More photos here.

Being the recipient of even more good karma, Miss Tauber was kind enough to copy of her ZX4 Attack Chopper.

Below, a video of walkaround, engine start up, flight, engine shutdown. Thanks again to Lord Lisle and Suzi Tauber for the cool aircraft and fun afternoon of flying.

Second Life Surf Video

2008-07-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie video I put together featuring the Hawaii Five-O theme by the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Great song by one of my favorite musicians. And oh! I do a bit of surfing as well. Thanks again Tiz! Enjoy.

I'm going surfin, I'm going surfin

2008-07-08T02:10:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend Tiziana Corleone was kind enough to show me one of the best surfing spots in Second Life. Its...wait, well its over by the thing, next to the who whatsit.

I'd like to make one thing clear. She was surfing. What I was doing I think can best be described as floundering. Pictured to the left are the three seconds when I was actually upright on my board. Lots of fun, I may have a new hobby. Thanks T!

Tribute to The King of Cool

2008-07-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Goofing about with Microsoft Moviemaker and a few images I had from Second Life. I put together this little tribute to Steve McQueen, the King of Cool. I know, your thinking...

"Don't you have something better to do with your time? You could be feeding the homeless,teaching the blind to see, helping a illiterate person across the street."

Your right. I'm shallow, what can I say. Second Life is just more fun than pre -chewing a homeless persons food. Sorry, I'll try to do better. I swear, really, honest.

Have to run, airships to fly, funky boots to buy. Now go check out my video.

Aether Needs A New Look

2008-06-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

While out on a little shopping trip last evening I happened across a pair of boots I had to have. As is often my case I was a few centavos short. What to do, what to do?

Looking at my map I noticed a LARGE group of people gathered near by and figured it had to be one of two things. Camping or some sort of sex sim. I suppose one could make a few extra coins either way but as luck would have it, it was a camping area. So I grabbed a spot and started looking for someone interesting to talk to.

A the next table was this young lady.(pictured to the left) I thought she looked rather familiar and then realized. Wait, how can I be here and there? And then realized I had a doupleganger. Finding this somewhat disturbing I looked at the next table and saw this lovely young miss (pictured to the right). About this time is when the conspiracy theories started spinning in my head, and I felt like I was in a X-files episode. I fully expected to look at the next table and see me there. Thank goodness there were only three of us.

Just for a little comparison note this picture of myself, before I changed my hair. Is it just me or or am I on to something and its time for a new look? Lets say there is a horrific act of piracy or someone crashes a aircraft into a school full of children . Witnesses say the suspect was a female, tall with red hair. And they bring the three of us in for a line up, its a crap shoot. Hey, wait a second! Never mind the new look. (Insert evil genius, maniacal laughter here.)

Exploreing Laputa - The Sky City

2008-06-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happened across the Treasured Isle area today and while looking about in my airship found the sky city of Laputa. This may sound familiar to you and if so its because in the book Gulliver's Travels Laputa is island that can be moved by its inhabitants using magnetic levitation. In the book the population of Lapunta consists mainly of educated people who are fond of math, astronomical notation and technology. Sounds rather Steampunkish don't you think?

Being a sky city, Laputa is perfect for a fly in on a airship. Once docked I began my exploration of the sky island. My My first stop was the library a very impressive building where I was informed they often have book readings. Very worth landmarking.

While strolling the streets I cam across a one Mr. Soosh Benoir. A very kind gentleman who was kind enough to give me a tour of his airship, time machine factory which doubles as his home. The main feature of Mr Benoir's factory was the impressive tower.

After touring his home and work site Mr. Benoir gave me a quick tour of the rest of the island. Complete with balloon tour. The clock tower. Observation deck complete with telescope and a drink at the Ten Bells pub.

A very interesting afternoon indeed.

Addicted

2008-06-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, at first I really didn't get it. The whole Second Life thing that is. I didn't really see the point of it. But since opening my account a few weeks ago I'm afraid Second Life may be my new drug of choice.

So much so that I upgraded my account to premium. What this allows you to do is two things really. One, own land and two, you get 300 Lindens, Second Life's unit of money a week. To be quite honest I'm not sure how I feel about trading real dollars for virtual Lindens. Actually thats not true. I'm pretty sure how I feel about it, but hey, its only money. Right?

Airship Ventures

2008-06-11T12:03:00.001-07:00

Found this on my explorations on the aethernet. And being a complete airship geek had to take a look. Airship Ventures is a fairly new company that is offering Zeppelin airships to the US for air tours, media and advertising, scientific research and "special missions".

Special Missions, wonder what that is all about. Obviously this is a cover for a group of airship pirates. Airship Ventures, give them a look.

Optica Two Seater Test Flight

2008-06-06T00:07:00.001-07:00

Last evening the lovely and talented pilot Miss Tiziana Corleone took her newly acquired Optica two seater out for a quick test flight.

From the builders Notecard:

The Optica is a concept aircraft designed for good forward visibility.
She's fitted with a location beacon for those sticky SL moments so you can find it later.
Also fitted with the now standard "eject" command that deletes the aircraft, say "eject" in chat and poof! Very useful for those hanging around in mid air sim crossing failures.

I believe the designer to be Denver Hax

After our test flight Miss Corleone being the renown tinkerer and builder that she is was already plotting upgrades for her new aircraft. I believe those mentioned were a bit of paint and a Lewis Gun on top of the wing.

We capped off the evening with a bit more flying. Her in aircraft and me looking for planes I'd left hanging about over Celedon. Miss Corleone was kind enough to act as spotter.

Tiziana Corleone, shes good people!

Ten Days

2008-06-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy ten days since I first signed up for my Second Life account.

At first its a bit overwhelming but I had the good fortune through creative use of the in-game search engine to stumble upon some very kind people who have shortened my learning curve to a great degree.

So what have I done in my first 10 days in second life? I've joined a few groups. Most importantly the Royal Caledon Air Force (RCAF) . It's a group ran by the infamous Zoe Connolly The group, located in the Caledon, Penzance region caters to those who love all things aviation related. With a tilt to early aircraft both real and imagined. Some wonderful Steampunk aircraft flying the skys of Caledon.

Miss Connolly was kind enough to offer me a part time job watching after her airfield. Not that it really needs watching after that I can tell. Through her kindness its allowed me to do other things besides camp for in game money. And plus its cool saying I work for the amazing Zoe Connolly.

While not attending to my duties at RCAF Connolly Aerodrome I've spent most of my time exploring many of the Victorian and Steampunk regions of Second Life. And developing a few new hobbies. Namely sky diving, base jumping, collecting firearms, airships, and submarines. Oh! And shopping for all of the above.

So far I'm having a hoot! More later-AI