Mesh, Smesh & a Soundtrack for Second Life

Smesh  (general)

I am really looking forward to mesh arriving officially on the grid.  I want them to wait until all the kinks are worked out and I recognize there will be hassles and a lack of satisfaction with prim equivalents, blah blah blah.  From my perspective though one huge advantage to those of us exploring will be the difference in rezzing mesh objects and sculpties.  Sculpties download as textures and so there's all this distortion and weirdness while you wait for things to appear properly.  It is one of my pet peeves - particularly at builds full of them - they usually look great once the image is stable but until then I try not to look.

Smesh  Noren Rang

I've been using the mesh beta to go visit the sandboxes where creators are experimenting and so far I'm very pleased.  Mesh objects either load instantly fully formed or "appear"  in front of me after a couple of seconds, again complete and intact.  I don't understand enough about it to know why some rez faster than others but it is a much better experience - at least for me.

Update:  I don't want to mislead you - these photos are not of mesh objects.  But the designers are, I know, preparing for the introduction of mesh and I liked the build.  To access the mesh sandboxes you must have the latest Beta version of the browser and you must join the group.  After that just type mesh into the map and you'll find all the sandboxes.  What you see on them will depend on who is working and what they have out.

The downside of the advent of mesh is that it is making me feel old.  It seems like a whole new "generation" of designers and builders is emerging - and apart from the instant aging imposed on me it's a good thing.  It will, however, make me much less inclined to build or display anything unless I think it's really really good.  :)

Smesh  (general)

This brings me to Smesh - an exciting build by two very talented designers, Noren Rang and Renn Yifu (who yes, made some of the new set of avatars available when you first register).  They sell mech avatars among other things and their store is actually a giant moving robot.  (see the map view of the homestead to understand the scale of this thing)

The textures and details on this build are superb and Noren assured me this morning they will be using as much mesh as possible once that functionality goes live.  Mesh will also be part of their products and, since I'm a big fan of their current work,  I'm really looking forward to the new pieces.

Smesh  (general)

All of which brings me to a bit of music.  I love this piece and it reminds me of Second Life in a lot of ways.  The image in the video makes me think of post apocalyptic landscapes, the sound and speed remind me of the changes and excitement of all the new creators and existing creators using new tools (a recent comment I saw said that Gabriela plays the guitar like she's invented a new instrument).  Mostly, though, I just like it.  Enjoy!

Second Life has a Solemn Beauty in Ravens Mist

When Birds Fall  Katz Jupiter

Two sims full of art on a fantasy landscape, I couldn't resist. Ravens Mist is Katz Jupiter's gift to those who love to poke around and find great art in a completely unnatural setting - well it's unnatural if you think art has to be in a walled gallery or organized in nice neat display areas.  We on the grid know better and this is a wonderful place to explore.

The name of the group Katz has created will give you a hint of what's to be found.  Slightly Twisted is well named.  The plan is to change the exhibits regularly so, assuming you actually manage to see everything and feel like you're done, there will be a reason to return often.

The Hope Beyond the Door  Nessuno Myoo

Katz' own works are on display as well as many pieces by others.  This is a very large display area and will take time to explore and digest, each of the pieces I saw deserve attention and focus.

The art is solemn.  It's not depressing but the art I managed to have time to consider was serious and definitely not frivolous.  The pieces are beautiful but the subject matter is not light.   I did find hope only partially buried on a hill top - so I took that as a positive sign. :)  I recommend you go visit Ravens Mist - it's a very cool place to spend some quality time inworld.

Burning Monk Tribute  Luke Enoch

Now allow me to share something I learned about Viewer2 this weekend that you have probably already figured out. I admit I'm slow.  If you want to follow a slurl from a website, drag it down to the Second Life tab at the bottom of your screen - when the viewer opens drop the link onto the screen.  The map sidebar opens to that location and you can teleport.  Dragging and dropping slurl's is much easier than the alternative.  Try it with the Ravens Mist link and see what happens.  It makes me wonder how many other little things I've not discovered. 

The next shot isn't great but I thought at least one photo of a larger area should be included. :)

Ravens Mist  (moderate)

Body Painted, Sky Skating, Porta Potty Building Dancers in Second Life

Burn2 Community Day (mature)

The sun is coming up on Silver Seed and preparations are almost complete for the Burn2 Community Day on Friday August 5th.  Everybody is invited and there will be a lot going on so I'll try and give you an overview of what to expect and look for. 

The event officially runs from noon to 8:00 pm slt, but if you want to come and play on the rides or work on a porta potty before then you are very welcome. :)

The music schedule is as follows (and if the music genres are wrong it's totally my fault):

NOON - 1PM

    Linda Foodiboo

    Music: Disco, Latin, House

1PM - 3PM

    Castion Eyre

    Music: Rock/classic Rock

3PM - 4PM

    Golan Eilde

    Pop & Dance Music

4PM - 5PM

    Dmitriy Gausman

    Music: Mostly 90s

5PM - 7PM

    Carbo Carducci

    Dance, Trance, Electronica

7PM - 8PM

    Eio Tuqiri (live singer)

    Blues, Classical, Folk

The Community Day Stage (mature)

While music is playing throughout the sim there are carnival rides to enjoy.  Some are "traditional" like the two ferris wheels and the tilt-a-whirl.  But there are some wild "swings" and sky skating, along with a maze and both a kissing booth and a dunk tank.  The bumper cars, merry-go-rounds, bouncy castles and giant slide just add to the fun.

There are gifts for you which include, yes, "body painting" for the women.  You'll be able to express your individuality and show off your physique all at the same time.

The Carnival fills the Sim  (mature)

I mentioned before that we need to right the wrong done to non-humanoid residents by ensure that there are porta potties which suit their needs.  So the sandbox is ready and open and just waiting for creative builders to add to the Burn2 landscape this coming October. 

This is intended to be a day of fun, a way to start getting excited about the event in October and to get back to the playa.  We also want to remind you to get your plots and if you can donate anything to feed the Burn we'd appreciate it.  Remember all funds go to acquiring sims for Burn2 - without you there won't be a festival this fall.

I hope to see you there tomorrow!  Tell your friends, families, strangers on the street and come party with us.

Porta Potty Sandbox (mature)

Finding Hope in Second Life

Hope (general)

This has been a week with many lows.  In fact at the moment I'm having trouble thinking of any mediums, never mind highs.  To distract myself I went to visit Hope, described as "Rikku Yalin's latest creation ... the post-apocalyptic sequel to her previous sim Amancio." 

I found the oddest combination of post-apocalyptic/steampunk/fantasy/outsider/country/industrial/fairytale components I've ever come across.  Don't get me wrong - it works and if you like taking photographs or just enjoying art and the eclectic you're going to love it.

Hope (general)

Taking these photos was actually very frustrating for me.  I've talked about how much I like to tweak windlight and shadow settings - getting everything just so and then moving the angle of the sun or some other adjustment.  I was using the beta version of V2 and those who have been wanting to be able to make changes to the environment settings and save them as defaults will be very happy.  The editing menu has changed and you'll be able to do lots of interesting things and then fix them in your viewer for as long as you like.

Unfortunately for me - in order to even tweak anything you have to save the changes as a preset  to use them.  I did figure out that if I created a preset called by the name of the sim I'm in I could keep overwriting it with each tweak - but it's frankly a pain in the ass.  Maybe there's an easier way to make small temporary alterations but I didn't find it today.

Hope (general)

Earlier in the month I signed up for Google+ - which led to my involvement in the whole "avatars aren't wanted" debate.  On Saturday things had escalated (note that Berry also had to give Google her cell phone number just to check her gmail) and I finally decided that there was nothing in this social network that appealed to me enough to try fighting the "what is a real name" battle.  So I left - not in a rage but more with a sense of weary resignation. 

However before I left I copied this blog into Wordpress just in case it vanished - it didn't and so it will remain here for the forseeable future.  You don't have to be "real" to blog luckily.  I also have to hang on to gmail for the purposes of some projects inworld and I really don't want to have to change all of that.  I wish all of those engaging in the battle the best of luck and I hope you win.  I just don't have the energy at the moment so I retired from the field.

Hope (general)

Finally, on Friday, after almost 18 1/2 years I had to say goodbye to Mulligan.  I'm not handling it very well.  My hope is that the future will be much brighter than the present feels.

Hope (general)

A Day with Burn2 Mutant Vehicles in Second Life

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

I got to the playa just as the sun started coming up this morning - it's going to be a big day for those who love racing and dancing and just mutant madness in the desert.  The Department of Mutant Vehicles is hosting a day of fun and mayhem and we're all invited.

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

Come Fuel the Burn! You make the Burn happen here!

The Hotties of the Department of Mutant Vehicles would like you to come spend a day with us, celebrating the history and traditions of Burn and the DMV and to get you in the mood for the upcoming Burn! (October 1 - 9).
Come try your hand at racing some of the fabulous Art Cars or dance to great music and entertainment!
Check out the Infocrate at the Info Tent for information on how to participate in Burn2!

Schedule (all times SLT):

8am-9am - DMV Event kickoff and Races - Tiny/Micro vehicles vs Regular/Large vehicles
9am-10am - Changhigh Trinity Sisters Fireshow with Yman Juran
10am-11am - DMV Races - Backwards Race
12pm-1pm - ~D R U M~ performs on lot by Info Tent * ~D R U M~ will be debuting a new set for this event!
1pm-2pm - Carbo Carducci DJ
2pm-3pm - Graham Seale DJ
3pm-4pm - Anything Goes Race

*Art Cars from previous years will be on display

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

One of the reasons I got there early was so I could scope out the various vehicles and choose the one I want to race.  After all, they've probably forgotten my driving ban by now right?  Maybe?

Day with the DMV at Burn2  (moderate)

Sex with Trees, Just Another in the Long List of Reasons Tabloids Love Second Life

Porto (moderate)

So I, as the intrepid explorer, had one of those experiences that jolted me out of my comfort zone and made me confront one of those areas of life I prefer to pretend doesn't exist.  It did, however, give me an advance warning of the new rash of stories that will start appearing about our beloved grid.

I was flying around Porto and saw a flock crows suddenly jump up and circle a tree which up to then had provided a quiet resting place.  I went to see what had startled them and well, let's just say I got an eyeful.

You may or may not know that there is a sub-culture in the physical world that finds itself drawn to sex with inanimate objects.  There's the man who has loved more than 1000 cars, another who's terribly fond of vacuum cleaners and the one who lusts after bicycles.  And in case you think it's just men - think again.

You just know there's going to be a headline about going inworld to have sex with trees now.  Particularly since it would appear that she's not giving him a lot of choice.  He may be made out of wood but he should still have some rights.  sigh

Porto (moderate)

Metamorphosis or How I Learned to Duck Sharp Objects in Second Life

Igor Ballyhoo "Metamorphosis"  (moderate)

 I saw this cool photo by Harbor Galaxy this morning and was intrigued enough to look around for more information which I found on the Nordan Om Jordan blog.  Have a look at that blog post for a detailed description of this build - I'll give you a few more general impressions.

 Located at the UTSA ArtSpace (one of the treasures on the grid), Igor Ballyhoo's Metamorphosis is a good example of what happens when an artist channels his or her feelings into their work. According to Harbor the "Title comes from the bizarre behavior of some US politicians....sometimes I feel like I'm living in a Dali painting!". 

Igor Ballyhoo "Metamorphosis"  (moderate)

Igor's feelings must be quite extreme on this topic - there are a lot of sharp and rotating blades, flying scissors, and body parts literally wandering around the various scenes in this build.  I found them beautiful which means to me that he's done a really good job of creating "art" not self-indulgent violence.  He's had a lot of practice working with scissors though so I should have expected that.   There are two great videos of his work "Forest of Scissors" by Osprey Therian and Debbie Trilling you should really check out.  Given his obvious proclivities remind me to never piss him off.

This is a large and intricate build, designed in a way that you journey through it - it's difficult to absorb all in one piece no matter how you move your camera around.  The discovery is worth the effort and you should give yourself time to examine each of the individual scenes to appreciate the small touches he's included.

Igor Ballyhoo "Metamorphosis"  (moderate)

My time at Metamorphosis gave me a chance to think about a couple of things.  The first was to wonder if "surreal" means the same thing in a virtual world.  As a reference to the physical it makes sense - but is it really a mix of "fact and fantasy" if it's in the metaverse?  It's just an idle thought and I don't think the answer really matters but that's where my mind went.

Unfortunately my mind then went on to more complex and difficult questions about "real" vs "virtual" because we're dealing with Google+ and names and identity and other great life issues.  But it's OK, I lay down for a while and got over it.  Greater minds than mine are pursuing them and I'll just watch - at least for a while. :)

Igor Ballyhoo "Metamorphosis"  (moderate)

I also spent some time thinking about photography.  I think I've taken a good photo if the viewer can see what I saw in the subject.  Someday I might achieve that but not today.  Today was frustrating and very unsuccessful from my point of view.

However, please believe me when I say you should experience Metamorphosis.  It is a sometimes revolving, occasionally pulsating and altogether fascinating piece of art that demonstrates a level of talent which adds to my great store of envy.

Igor Ballyhoo "Metamorphosis"  (moderate)

A Steampunk Seagull Found a Home in Second Life

Plage des Graniers  (adult)

I recently saw this photo of a place called Plage des Graniers and thought that, since it's been a while since I've visited a sim because of its landscape, I should check it out.  What I found is a charming little fishing village with adult shops and clubs that demonstrates once again one of those typically Second Life characteristics we love.

You see it all over the grid.  It doesn't matter how "real life" their vision, the designer or builder throws in a few details that are possible only in the virtual.  This is one of the many things that delights me about inworld locations - the quirky mix of bits and pieces that make them unique.

I fell in love first with the textures on the dock but they had me with the steampunk seagull.

Plage des Graniers  (adult)

Yes I played around with buttons and settings again.  They seem to make the place look more "cartoonish" than it really does.  I'm sure you'll do a better job when you visit.  :)  Nothing looks bright, shiny or new.  It's a well lived in, well loved community.  You get the impression of hard working people living their lives much as their great grandparents did before them.

This is an adult rated location.  I think the local citizens decided to augment their income by renting out the shops to retailers who specialize in the more mature type of product.  It also might have started with the club located nearby - the patrons might have needed a place to find some last minute purchases appropriate for their nights out.

Plage des Graniers  (adult)

In addition to the fabulous Mr. Seagull, you'll find other nice virtual touches as you explore.  The wonderful bird chairs that are stalking the windmill on stilts.  Flowers growing through a dock which hangs over sea water.  A rabbit that apparently loves its absinthe.  Nothing glaring or jarring - everything fits comfortably into a lovely small seaside village. 

Avatars in Motion has done a nice job of showing the beauty of this location including the previously mentioned bird chairs.  If you don't already, that's a good blog to check for great places to visit on the grid.

Plage des Graniers  (adult)

If you're a sand and surf addict you might have noticed that I don't visit "beaches".  I'm not drawn to sweat and hard bodies I guess - but if that's your thing there are certainly lots of places to discover.  This Plage on the other hand has plenty to appeal to me.  For those who seek a bit of respite from the chaos of all of our lives or who just love great builds, I recommend a trip to this otherworldly oceanside .

Plage des Graniers  (adult)

Wherein Second Life makes me Scream like a 13 year old Girl - Papermakis

Papermakis by Romy Nayar  (moderate)

The words I use on this blog post will provide the usual staid, boring, moderately adult type of description that you are used to reading from me.  In my head though I sound like a 13 year old girl screaming "OMG, OMG, OMG! You HAVE to SEE this!".  I am a long way from 13 and do not gush (well not normally) but I really want you to listen to her and go visit this new art installation.  The more mature me will try and provide some background and helpful information in a manner more consistent with the dull individual you know but, OMG!

MetaLES is a homestead which hosts art installations - each lasting approximately one month.  Last month it was work by Bryn Oh and next it will host new work by Maya Paris.  Until August 7th though you can have the pleasure of experiencing an astounding piece by Romy Nayar.  This is an art installation with performance components - and you are part of the performance.

Papermakis by Romy Nayar  (moderate)

Romy has created the world of the Papermakis.  I received two major assists in navigating this world - the first was the notecard which is written in Romy's native Spanish but provides an English translation.  It reveals that every time a drop of ink touches a piece of paper a tree is created which gives life to a Papermaki.  These are a curious and fun loving life form - each of them knows only the letter used to create their tree but in concert they complete words and sentences.  A very social group of beings - they need each other to make sense of the world.

I received invaluable help as well from Maya Paris.  She sent me an im to find out if I had visited this installation yet and I replied I was already there but confused. (not a state foreign to me unfortunately)  Maya helped me find the landing spot I should have used and explained how to get my own Papermaki av - it's important that you not scare them by appearing different from the life forms they expect.  That is Maya on the left in the top photograph explaining how to click on the box to receive my av and then use the chair to teleport down to their world once I was suitably disguised.

A word of advice here.  The av comes to you in parts and they aren't together in a folder.  If you're smart (and I wasn't when I first got them) you'll put them all, including the skin and shape, into your own folder and then use it to "replace" your current outfit.  If you don't do that you'll be adding bits and pieces and then having to detach all extraneous attachments you might have had on.  However you approach it though make sure you wear this av.  It will add enormously to your enjoyment of the installation and make it possible for you to interact with the delightful Papermakis.

Papermakis by Romy Nayar  (moderate)

The photo above shows both "native" Papermakis and two outsiders.  The individual on the far left in the distance is the artist Romy Nayar.  One of the group interacting in the foreground is Ux Hax, a co-owner of Perf4mance ..O.., the group which operates this art space.  The animations and interactions are superb.  In addition to the more traditional ability to sit on objects and be part of the scene, you will also be able to use the animations to become part of the Papermaki society (in an undercover, surreptitious manner).

One of the joys of this installation is the sound.  Turn off your streaming media and make sure your sound effects are enabled.  What you hear will be as quirky and charming as the culture you are exploring and essential to your understanding of their world.

Papermakis by Romy Nayar  (moderate)

It is true that I've been banned from using any type of inworld vehicle on most parts of the grid.  But nobody told the Papermakis!  There's a group joiner when you first enter their space and I was grateful because this is a group I certainly want to follow.  As a side benefit of joining you can click on the object and rez a car just perfect for your new form.  What a blast!  The sound effects on this little beauty luckily don't include crashes so I'm hoping nobody noticed the inevitable result of putting me behind the wheel of anything which requires steering.  I'm sure the dents I created were only temporary.

I tried different windlight settings in the Papermaki world and finally settled on Torley's Puur - you will of course find your own preferred background.  :)

One last note - the Papermaki love to party.  Make sure you click on things as  you explore - you might get lucky enough to join them.  They really are adorable, fun loving and social beings.  We are very very lucky to get this glimpse into their world.

Papermakis by Romy Nayar  (moderate)

Opie, Andy and Google Plus Musings in the Heartland of Second Life

Psy City (moderate)

I know that the name Psy City and a self proclaimed description as an "Industrial Style" town will call up images of a futuristic post apocalyptic creation full of role players who look like mutated cyborgs.  Well it does to me.  However, I found instead a virtual Mayberry which, although dedicated to all kinds of electronic music, would feel comfortable to those who like to imagine the simpler times a number of decades ago.

I began my journey today after seeing this photo by Shoji and thinking it looked like a place with a sense of humour.  On that count at least I was correct.  This is a very cool place with some truly funky details and deserves a good look around.

Psy City (moderate)

One of the things that struck me is an apparent obsession with automobiles and the obvious need for remedial driver training in this town.  Even the police can't drive straight - unless the officer was trying to climb the curb and hit a pole.  The citizens of the town though are optimists. When you get to the car wash (billed as the "Best Hand Job in Town") a group of you can work on one that once was a classic.  I don't think a wash will be enough to fix it.

There is a nice ambience in Psi City.  It's quaint without being "cutesy" and it has some lovely touches.  The small city zoo is fun and the town park comes equipped with a photographer.  As with most even slightly urban areas you'll find street work in progress although the workers themselves must be taking a long lunch.  You can also explore the sewer system - lots of trash here and there but the smell isn't too bad.

Psy City (moderate)

The animations and poses that lurk in various locations are sophisticated and far more realistic than I had expected.  The details and textures in this town are impressive and it gives you a feeling of welcome and warmth.  The life you'd live in Psi City is much more low tech and less complicated than the one we live now.  Wandering around made me a little nostalgic to be honest.

Part of my being drawn to a simpler time might be explained by the fact that I finally joined Google +.  I was just settling in and wondering how many windows I'll now need open to try and keep on top of things when I heard that Google might, in common with Facebook, have decided that avatars are not welcome.

Psy City (moderate)

The logic of banning avatars has never made sense to me.  If it's for advertising purposes, well my searches and activities are all done under this identity so targeting me isn't hard just because I'm an avatar.  If you want my real life name because you need to find me for the police you can still do that.  If you want it to give to somebody else then you can go suck on the hind end of a rhino. 

This real or imagined dismissal of avatars from "mainstream" networks gives Second Life a chance to enter that realm.  Add circles to web based profiles and make the new chat features there work properly and I'll use it. 

I'll keep exploring Google + til such time as the company clarifies their position on "identity".  If it turns out to be slavishly following Facebook's bigoted trail then I'll quit.  I'm probably as networked as this brain can handle already so I would like one location that handles most if not all of my needs in this area.  It would be cool if SL could deliver that.

Psy City (moderate)

Murder, Madness & Sex Beds in Second Life

Alice: Madness Returns (adult)

I surfaced from my post SL8B attempts to get my physical world in order (apparently it's a bad thing when the small dog gets lost in the overgrown lawn) and thought that I'd go back to exploring the grid.  People occasionally send me suggestions for locations to visit, and I appreciate that, so when I saw a message from sweet, innocent, demure Uccie I thought I'd check out her suggestion.

I was a little startled to see this was an Adult site but then started to remember a few Uccie - related incidents (I don't want to talk about the flamingo, I don't even want to remember the flamingo) and decided some caution would have been smart.  But having arrived this intrepid explorer continued on.

Alice: Madness Returns (adult)

It occurs to me that Second Life has a lot in common with Midsommer County or St. Mary Mead - we have a very high per capita murder rate.  Not even taking into consideration the shootem/killem games or military types inworld, there seems to be an alarming number of murderous types roaming around the grid.

In this case the build is based on The Game Alice: Madness Returns.  I received that information when I arrived so my expectation was that I would be reporting on a game build.  By the time I finished my coffee I had realized my error and promised myself to do some research first on any suggestions for exploration I might receive in the future.  At least then I'd be somewhat prepared. :)

Alice: Madness Returns (adult)

I need to point out that even in the midst of my confusion as to the purpose I did recognize that this is a tremendous build.  It is, I'm sure, faithful to the spirit and characters of the game although visitors expecting to see representations of a favourite story from their childhood might be a bit startled.  I mean even a teapot looks evil and, as unappealing as those soldiers are, what the giant Alice does to them is not an example of the behaviour you'd expect from a child.

I stumbled over one apparently benign scene in the midst of the mayhem.  I didn't examine it too closely because I wanted to cling to the illusion that at least something would provide me with sanctuary should the bloody path of Alice's adventure become too much.  A caterpillar would be safe, right?

Alice: Madness Returns (adult)

"Why" you might be asking yourself, as was I, is this site rated Adult?  Certainly murderous individuals and evil deeds don't usually require more than "mature".  The answer is that this is actually the extraordinary setting for a group of stores.  Or one store with products in it from multiple sources.

FireStarter DesiGns, Xstaxy, and Tiger Paw sell adult wares.  I didn't examine them too closely but can report that (according to the signs) the sex beds are Xcite compatible.  As a shopping environment this is far superior to the usual mall and it's certainly a reason to go check out the goods on offer - particularly if you're in the market for that type of thing.  I'm not but I'm glad I went to visit even if it's going to be a long time before I forget that Cheshire Cat.  Somehow I can't imagine Stephen Fry's voice coming out of this beast.

Alice: Madness Returns (adult)

Second Life is Very Hard on Cows

One Day My Cow Will Come (moderate)

Really.  Where's the love?  Second Life residents adopt and lavish affection on chickens, horses, cats and Meero's but who takes care of the cows?  In recent weeks I've seen people riding them, mocking them, using them as footstools and there was one unfortunately unforgettable incident involving a cow and a banana.   Today I saw one thrown through the air via catapult.  I was the one who put her there but I'm now feeling the anguish which comes from knowing I'm just as guilty as everybody else of abusing these poor creatures.

I should start at the beginning I suppose.  I found an art exhibit called One Day My Cow Will Come by Eupalinos Ugajin.  It is high in the air above Rose Borchovski's Susa Bubble Story and it is a fascinating, bizarre and totally wonderful creation.

One Day My Cow Will Come (moderate)

When I arrived at the site the "City" was closed but there was this tourist office.  Make sure you read the notecard or you will miss much of what this build has to offer - and as strange and bizarre as it is you don't want to miss anything.  Also make sure you're wearing the flight feather - it may be the only thing that saves you.

Clicking on the box made of concrete bricks opened the "City" and now I know how Alice felt.  Think of the opening as a rabbit hole and brace yourself.  Use the teleports to visit all of the various areas of the "City" but be very careful of Mrs. Bones.  That chainsaw didn't get covered in blood because she was crocheting doilies.  Oh and there are also aliens and you are warned to have your umbrella or laser gun handy.  There's also a hud available and you get advice from Buster Keaton.

One Day My Cow Will Come (moderate)

I'm forgetting a number of things you should watch out for but by now you should have some idea of what you're going to face.

I met the artist while I was trying to get photographs that might convey some of this intriguing build.  Eupalinos' avatar is fitting for somebody who could create an installation as complex and surreal as this.  Unfortunately it was in constant motion and I couldn't get a reasonable picture - but trust me, it's odd.  Of course that might just be my middle class reaction to the headless bodies that appeared to be attached to it.  Eupalinos gave me a link to a photo of the avatar - turns out those bodies have heads after all.  :)

One Day My Cow Will Come (moderate)

Back to the cows.  Overhanging the "City" is a giant catapult.  Eupalinos has loaded it with 3 pages of potential projectiles - objects from a long list of other artists who are credited in that invaluable notecard.  You can also load your own temporary ammunition if you desire.  Click on the box with the leaf to load the catapult and then click on the box with the plane to fire it.

I succumbed to temptation and loaded an innocent cow into the device.  I won't tell you what happened - it is a sight that will haunt me for a long time.  There is a great video the artist did of this build - it might help you prepare for the experience.  Another video documents the tragic end to an entire herd of innocent animals.

Go visit One Day My Cow Will Come - ride the poor donkey, have a drink at the outdoor cafe, pet the dinosaur and avoid the chainsaw.  Then if it will help, fling away your stress with the catapult.  I'm going to go adopt a cow and smother it with love.

One Day My Cow Will Come (moderate)