A Very Nice Review, Indeed

Grey Lupindo has written a very nice review of Steelhead Shanghai for the Second Life Newser.  It can be read here.

Shamian Alley in Steelhead Shanghai

Steelhead Rocks!

My first visit to the Steelhead Sims was for one of their weekly Friday night dances. That was well over two years ago….maybe longer. I remember what impressed me the most was the fantastic corn field maze which Lunar and Tensai had built for the occasion. Their building skills have only improved over the years, making Steelhead residents some of the luckiest folks around. Last night was no exception, as we danced the night away on this imaginative, beautiful steampunky build. Like I said…..STEELHEAD ROCKS!

These are actual screen captures taken using the Kirstens Viewer (S21 Build 7) and the “verdigris” Windlight setting. You can visit this build in-world this weekend at the Steelhead Nevermoor sim.

Rooftop Surprise

I found myself wandering the rooftops in Shamian Alley, and was met by this fellow….much to my surprise.

Shamian Alley, Steelhead Shanghai

When I set about designing Shamian Alley, I initially thought I’d like to recreate some of the real-life grit that would have been found in a Chinatown, circa 1890 AD. An opium den seemed appropriate, but my lack of knowledge in this particular area required some research on my part. Now I can only guess how many lists my IP address appears on with various law enforcement agencies.

It seems there are many individuals out there who like to collect antique opium paraphernalia, and I can’t say that I blame them, given the artistic beauty found in many of the implements. Here’s a lovely example of just one such pipe found at Nina-Antique.com.

Many similar images can be found by searching the internet for “antique opium pipe.”

So here’s what all my research led me to create within Shamian Alley.

Steelhead’s Corn Maze and Harvest Festival

Autumn has arrived in Steelhead.

Observatory in Steelhead Boomtown

If you haven’t visited yet, TotalLunar Eclipse has built another amazing structure in Steelhead Boomtown.  I took this picture using the verdigris windlight setting and my graphics settings cranked up, but that’s it….no post-processing.  I continue to be amazed at how real Steelhead is beginning to look.

American Steampunk

Someone has managed to put into words what the phrase “American Steampunk” means to me.  Author Natania Barron shares her thoughts on this in her blog, The Alderdersgate Cycle.

“American Steampunk – More Whiskey, Less Tea” certainly describes the virtual world I continue to discover within Steelhead.

A Visit to Caledon

The University of Caledon Oxbridge

After celebrating my second rezzday, it occured to me that there are still many places in Second Life that I haven’t had time to explore.  Sometime during my first week in SL, I was told by an NCI volunteer of a Victorian themed sim called Caledon.  After deciphering SL’s search feature, I managed to find a place called Caledon, and teleported to it immediately.  I then proceeded to wander into several private homes, admiring the fanciful decor, never realizing that I was most likely trespassing on private property.  Oddly enough, I never encountered a Caledonian during my first visit.

Months passed, and I settled into Steelhead City.  Through my participation in community events there, I gradually became acquainted with many of Caledon’s citizens.  I was encouraged to join the Independent State of Caledon group and began to follow their chat.  I rarely set foot in Caledon, but have always wanted to explore it further.  So…..where to begin?

I began my tour of Caledon at the University of Caledon Oxbridge where I was greeted by several informative signs and studious noobs.  I quickly proceeded thru the greeting area, collecting notecards along the way.  I strayed off the path and learned the Caledon motto, “Tolerans, Civilis, Innovus, Laganum” (Tolerance, Civility, Innovation, Cake).  I then walked through the self-paced orientation.

Oxbridge is made up of several “Colleges” each dedicated to the teaching of a particular SL skill.  Along with practical skills, a number of entertaining displays give hint of the humor often found within the community of Caledon.  For example, in the College of Communication, you will find the Oxbridge Dodo display.

The Oxbridge Dodo

“The Dodo is alive and well, thriving in the Caledon Nation.  He is noted for his handsome tail, and sparkling Conversation.”

Be sure to “touch” the Dodo skeleton and don’t forget to ask for a kiss!

After touring the various colleges, I proceeded to the Caledon Library at Oxbridge.  Here I found several good books to read and notices for upcoming events.  A carriage ride awaited me near the library exit, which took me into the neighboring Village of Oxbridge.  After encircling Oxbridge Village, I disembarked near the Caledon Rail…..

Touring Caledon by Carriage

To be continued………..

Steelhead Libary Hosts Steampunk Exhibit

To celebrate their first anniversary, the Steelhead Public Library is currently hosting an exhibit entitled  ”19th Century Steampunk Literary Influences.”  The exhibit is curated by Mr Bartleby Kidd of Steelhead Port Harbor. The product of copious research by Mr Kidd, this exhibit traces the literary (and not so literary) roots of Steampunk. The public is invited to visit the exhibit during the month of April.

Grand Tour 2009

The Grand Tour will be coming to Steelhead on Sunday evening.  The theme, “Gaslamp Elegance” has me wondering……