Professor Optimum.

Professor Optimum.

Hopefully those who want to resettle will find somewhere right for themselves.

Hopefully those who want to resettle will find somewhere right for themselves.

Originally shared by Talla Adam

Grids welcome InWorldz refugees
Maria Korolov writes, "OpenSim grids are welcoming former InWorldz residents with open arms, offering technical support to get their OARs uploaded, discounts on region rentals, and even free homes and stores. For people looking for a closed, commercial grid — no hypergrid travel in and out — the options are limited. Almost all grids are now hypergrid-enabled, meaning that people can teleport from one grid to another as easily as they do between regions on the same grid. The hypergrid also supports instant messages, friend lists, and even shopping...
https://www.hypergridbusiness.com/2018/07/grids-welcome-inworldz-refugees/

Some of Oshi Shikigami's memories of InWorldz.

Some of Oshi Shikigami's memories of InWorldz.
#InWorldz #LostWorlds
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PqCzrhURaSQw4wvC8

AVE InWorldz.

AVE InWorldz.
#InWorldz #LostWorlds

I came across this while searching for articles about the there.com closure in 2010.

I came across this while searching for articles about the there.com closure in 2010. I'm not sure this is entirely accurate. I've emptied my trash in several grids and not gone through the process mentioned. Also Maximum 5 Items Per Attachment Point? How many do you need?!!!
http://blog.virtualability.org/2016/06/8-differences-between-second-life-and.html

I couldn't resist going back again.

I couldn't resist going back again. Something I noticed is just how many Lighthouses there are scattered around InWorldz. It seems that every group or clump of sims has one! Also, I just thought that Isla Draconis was a really nice setting for a marketplace. Each of these was lit with the region's settings.

Many other areas that I visited earlier today and yesterday seem to be GONE. And so it begins.
#Inworldz #LostWorlds

The original.Painted in 1902 when Australia, newly independent, still saw itself as part of the British Empire.

The original.Painted in 1902 when Australia, newly independent, still saw itself as part of the British Empire.
#Australia
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/5576/

The original. Presenting an "ideal" of Australian society in the late 1930, from one particular viewpoint.

The original. Presenting an "ideal" of Australian society in the late 1930, from one particular viewpoint.
#Australia
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/OA20.1965/

I saw these about a decade ago.

I saw these about a decade ago. The Ned Kelly series has been promoted as the quintessential symbol of Australiana, but really they but present Kelly as handy icon of cultural stereotypes of the time, and hence critique that.
#Australia
https://nga.gov.au/nolan/

Stelarc is a performance artist who has visually probed and acoustically amplified his body.

Stelarc is a performance artist who has visually probed and acoustically amplified his body. He has made three films of the inside of his body. Between 1976-1988 he completed 26 body suspension performances with hooks into the skin. He has used medical instruments, prosthetics, robotics, Virtual Reality systems, the Internet and biotechnology to engineer intimate and involuntary interfaces with the body. He explores Alternate Anatomical Architectures with augmented and extended body constructs.

I met Stelarc a few years back at an arts conference in Newcastle.
#Australia
http://stelarc.org/projects.php

"Here's the galaxy famous science officer, offering a hug".

"Here's the galaxy famous science officer, offering a hug".

Originally shared by Michael Vegas

Love is...

unfortunate, but true

unfortunate, but true

Originally shared by StarSword C

:D

A last look at InWorldz - free and public places, and shops and the like.

A last look at InWorldz - free and public places, and shops and the like. There's no doubt that despite what appears to be a catastrophic end, that in its time Inworldz was a success.
#Inworldz #LostWorlds

I was fascinated by the train lines in this set of sims.

I was fascinated by the train lines in this set of sims. The initial three shots here show a distant overview As you can see, the tracks lead around the perimeter, but also directly into the heartland of the set, via bridges and tunnels - even one tunnel underwater! More images in the comments.
#InWorldz #LostWorlds

More Inworldz regions.

More Inworldz regions. I had extreme difficulty waiting for textures and mesh to rez in these areas, as they seem to have an intense use of both. I tried an old trick of "editing" things that I didn't have permissions for (which of course has no effect). I find that what happens - sometimes- is that rezzing the textures and mesh is prioritised. Worked a little here, but to be fair lots of folk may be logged on and attempt to extract their assets , slowing the grid down.

This are in order: looking from Dolphin Bay to Paro; Single Arch, at Zion City in South Sweetwater Lake; Zion City - The Industrial Docks; and Zion City - The Crowfields & Shaman. The last one is only half rezzed. There seemed to be an overuse of mesh here. What looks like a set of free standing piles is actually underneath 4 mesh items, and the road leading up to it is several mesh items as well. A pity, because I was interested in what the railway looked like when fully rezzed.
#InWorldz #LostWorlds

More shots of InWorldz regions.

More shots of InWorldz regions. In order: Wild Safari Adventure, Owens Height; Bluestar Breedables & Breedable Marketplace, Eagle Lake; the view from above Yukon to Botley; and the view from above Green Acres

#InWorldz #LostWorlds

#1 in a series. The Hangout area of InWorldz, which is closing soon.

#1 in a series. The Hangout area of InWorldz, which is closing soon.
#InWorldz #LostWorlds

You don't see a lot of CLASS fan art.

You don't see a lot of CLASS fan art. I hated the final episode, but wish it'd got a 2nd season, if only to resolve the story lines, and questions like exactly who the Board of Governors were.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM1MRYehdvh/

I did like the Sarah Jane Adventures.

I did like the Sarah Jane Adventures.
https://www.deviantart.com/kmeaghan/art/Sarah-Jane-Smith-Collage-259254427

Incredibly cute.

Incredibly cute.
https://www.deviantart.com/akabeko/art/BBC-Sherlock-chibis-436883522

Need to be reminded of this every so often.

Need to be reminded of this every so often.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwaVA3Jvva8&feature=share

Firestorm updated, for both SL & Opensim versions.

Firestorm updated, for both SL & Opensim versions.
https://modemworld.me/2018/07/25/firestorm-5-1-7-back-up-to-speed/

I've visited UInWorldz a few times. It has some impressive builds. If you want it to continue, here's your chance.

I bet you the artist/writer ran out of ideas and then looked at their hand.

I bet you the artist/writer ran out of ideas and then looked at their hand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24635180@N07/3502896550/in/set-72157606582255020

The truth about DIXON HILL.

The truth about DIXON HILL.
#StarTrek #NextGen #Holodeck
https://pulpcovers.com/if-looks-could-kill/

Looks OK, but still six months away.

Looks OK, but still six months away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lavy7qZ1aoo&feature=share

Nice to see Saru returning. He's probably my favourite Discovery character.

Nice to see Saru returning. He's probably my favourite Discovery character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09Cd7NKKvDc&feature=share

I'm hoping that this passes things on to the next generation.

I'm hoping that this passes things on to the next generation.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-announces-fifth-indiana-jones-875794

According to a widespread theory, video games are goal-oriented, rule-based activities, where players find enjoyment...

According to a widespread theory, video games are goal-oriented, rule-based activities, where players find enjoyment in working towards the game goal. According to this theory, game goals provide a sense of direction and set up the challenges that the players face.
https://www.jesperjuul.net/text/withoutagoal/

Some days you may not need to play a game at all, when someone else has and puts it on YouTube!

Some days you may not need to play a game at all, when someone else has and puts it on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=802&v=BMn7HRpION8

A collection of 35 games on all manner of topics, but with a self care theme.

A collection of 35 games on all manner of topics, but with a self care theme. I dread to think what ZINE FAIR SIMULATOR is like!!!!

#Browser (18) #Windows (14) #MacOS (9) #Linux (4) #Android (1)

https://itch.io/jam/self-care-jam

“You don't know where you are.

“You don't know where you are. It's dark, and it's loud. This isn't necessarily a bad or a frightening place, but it's disorienting and it's large. What do you feel?”

I'm not sure, but the soundtrack is luvely!
#Windows #MacOS #Linux
https://gamejolt.com/games/deep-cuts/146526

Waking up in a prison cell, you're soon exploring ancient monuments, caves and other structures, leaping across...

Waking up in a prison cell, you're soon exploring ancient monuments, caves and other structures, leaping across perilously bottomless chasms while you do so.

This does look intriguing.
#NameYourPrice #Windows #MacOS
https://fabiandenter.itch.io/the-world-begins-with-you

Kleptonaut is a puzzle game about robbing convenience stores in zero-gravity.

Kleptonaut is a puzzle game about robbing convenience stores in zero-gravity. Pick up and throw items to propel yourself, solve puzzles, and wreak havoc in Nova-Mart's numerous establishments.

#Windows
https://space-bandit-studio.itch.io/kleptonaut

A game about a girl who can shift platforms up and down, and who has to reach a series of exit portals as the player...

A game about a girl who can shift platforms up and down, and who has to reach a series of exit portals as the player constantly rotates the screen...
#Windows #MacOS #NameYourPrice
https://fabiandenter.itch.io/wish-upon-a-star

Hmmm.

I AM looking forward to season 11.

I AM looking forward to season 11. Am I worried about any changes? Hell, no, it's DOCTOR WHO which thrives on change. Can't wait to see what the new TARDIS interior looks like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeZh82Mg4B8&feature=share

I decided to have a wander in the Haven Grid, at thehavengrid.outworldz.net:8002:Town of Haven; website at...

I decided to have a wander in the Haven Grid, at thehavengrid.outworldz.net:8002:Town of Haven; website at https://www.thehavengrid.com/. Lots of variation there. I met two stray dogs in a park, went to a surreal New York (I wish though, I could have ridden in the blimp), a couple of sandboxes and a script library.

The Haven Grid is a Christian owned grid and is rated "G". It plays a wide variety of Christian music. I'm not Christian (in fact I'm a pagan follower of the Magna Mater) but I found the music OK.

Spent some time on the backyard, adding a rotary clothes hoist, a better duck pen, and yard surface.

Spent some time on the backyard, adding a rotary clothes hoist, a better duck pen, and yard surface. The fences and yard slop about 1% upwards towards the north. The yard surface (for now) is two 1/2 cylinders, but various mound and stuff will be added (as per real life equivalents).

Also, I was trying to figure out just what a Taper Profile did. Might be handy in creating spiral corridors leading down to something!

And here's that TREK game. Details at https://www.myabandonware.com/game/star-trek-2n1

And here's that TREK game. Details at https://www.myabandonware.com/game/star-trek-2n1

I remember playing several Trek games on my Atari XP PC2!

I remember playing several Trek games on my Atari XP PC2! They mostly had a version of the enterprise warping into quadrants to battle Klingons.
https://www.pcgamer.com/saturday-crapshoot-star-trek-judgement-rites/
https://www.pcgamer.com/saturday-crapshoot-star-trek-judgement-rites/

_One of the most successful recruitment tools the U.S.

_One of the most successful recruitment tools the U.S. Army ever made was… a video game? Sometimes without even knowing it, gaming elements in technology — often designed for addiction — are incentivizing you to think certain ways and do certain things. Join Veronica Belmont and co-pilot Ashley Carman as they explore the rise of gamification in our everyday lives, its positives and negatives, and its future. _

SBS broadcast this last week as a "cult film".

SBS broadcast this last week as a "cult film". Never seen it before and it has a rather quirky feel to it, including the lead child actor who played Eddie in_The Munsters_.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Co7UZ02_0&feature=share

They grow on you.

They grow on you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRviuL6vMY&feature=share

This Google site advertises Take a Virtual Tour of These 9 Cultural Sites in Austria: From secret fountains to the...

This Google site advertises Take a Virtual Tour of These 9 Cultural Sites in Austria: From secret fountains to the world's oldest zoo. You'll find these just under the Explore with Street View heading. Interesting, but neither the Abbey nor the Church I previously shared are included!
https://artsandculture.google.com/

This is essentially a Google Maps street view style tour of the site. A frozen moment in time for that place.

This is essentially a Google Maps street view style tour of the site. A frozen moment in time for that place.

Originally shared by Google Cultural Institute

Take a virtual walk in Abu Mena, a World Heritage Site since 1979:  https://goo.gl/C5lXZn

Abu Mena was a town, monastery complex and Christian pilgrimage center in Late Antique Egypt. Learn about it at: https://goo.gl/BzPLH6  #StreetView #WorldWonders

I did a small amount of work this morning on the home, but this afternoon I turned the grid OFF while I'm sorting...

I did a small amount of work this morning on the home, but this afternoon I turned the grid OFF while I'm sorting out network drives and the NAS. It's easier to just work with one PC at first until I can make sure everything works.

In general the grid (and the original stand-alone) sits on a networked O: drive for the other PCs, and the character standalone (on another PC) is on K:, which is a drive letter I hadn't used on any of the PCs. Ideally I'd want to backup the Seconds grid to the NAS, but I don't yet know if DreamGrid handles Windows Network addresses like \\RainbowHaven\ . If it doesn't then I'll probably back it up to N: (the new network drive, and "N for NAS") as in N:\OpenSim\SecondsBackup\.

Otherwise, SECONDS won't be up until Thursday (2 days away). Tomorrow Huey goes to the vets for dental work, and I need to be focused on the aftermath of that first.

Like Open Wonderland, there's also Open Cobalt.

Like Open Wonderland, there's also Open Cobalt. This is a a free and open-source software platform for constructing, accessing, and sharing virtual worlds both on local area networks or across the Internet, without any requirement for centralized servers. (Wikipedia)

The pages on the website date from 2013, and the google groups and download pages have entries that date from 2015. Apparently Users/developers can import 3D content directly into their worlds (Google 3D Warehouse content (.kmz) and content in other formats can be drag-and-dropped directly into Open Cobalt worlds) I don't really know if dropping any 3D Warehouse item directly into a virtual world is a good idea.

I tried this briefly back in 2015. Lots of what I call"paper house constructs" in it.
#Windows #MITLicense
https://sites.google.com/site/opencobaltproject/

Last year's list of virtual worlds.

Last year's list of virtual worlds. Of course what they mean by this is worlds you can view using Oculus Rift or equivalents (which includes OpenSim).
http://virtualrealitytimes.com/2017/03/13/full-list-of-virtual-reality-worlds/

I came across the site for Open Wonderland (at http://openwonderland.org/) while looking for WEB-WORLDS.

I came across the site for Open Wonderland (at http://openwonderland.org/) while looking for WEB-WORLDS. The site has date makers of 2010-2014 so it's a safe bet that nothing much has happened with this since. As far as I can see OW's main points are that it's open source and runs under java, though you can see a feature list at http://openwonderland.org/index.php/about/features.
#Java
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyxbmjQivZI&feature=share

Added a back and front yard today.

Added a back and front yard today. Very rudimentary, and the trees are mostly place markers, since very few freebie trees match what I have there.

Unsurprising.

Unsurprising.
https://gamingcentral.in/new-addiction-vr-porn-gaming/

As seen on Steven Universe.

As seen on Steven Universe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cblLkkZeM1g&feature=share

More fiddling around with my House build.

More fiddling around with my House build. I've added appropriate textures and tinting to the walls. And yes, these are pretty close to the colours I have! I also found a Gyprock type texture (actually a polystyrene texture) for most of the walls as well. The real interior walls have long thing strips (what are they called?) covering up panel joins, but I didn't see the need to complicate things with that detail. Even the ghastly green wallpaper in the kitchen (one day I'll replace it) is there. I've added to two access hatches that lead into the roof crawl space (not an attic) but they don't look as grotty and dark as the real spaces - yet. The last image shows the interior window between my bedroom and the recroom, which clear was once only a front verandah.

Maybe I'm getting obsessive over this. But it is FUN to do - make your own house. Perhaps a good exercise for anyone using OpenSim to do? The next step will be to link the walls together, add carpet and lino textures on the floor, and add furniture properly (I was premature in doing so before). Cor!

Did a bit of work of on the house this afternoon.

Did a bit of work of on the house this afternoon. I found that I'd made 5he house way too large, so I scaled it down a bit. That caused no ed of troubles and corrections. :P But, the new scale seems right for avatars, instead of a grandiose expression of space. Oh, and I have a roof on. Hopefully it won't leak.

I must say though, so far it looks in much better shape than my real house.

Welcome to StarMade.

Welcome to StarMade. StarMade is a voxel-based 3D sandbox space shooter. Play in your own universe or on a multiplayer server to create, discover, destroy, customize, and design your own worlds.

StarMade looks like a cross between Minecraft, Space Engineers, and No Man's Sky. Find out more at http://www.star-made.org/
#Windows #MacOS #Linux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=67&v=7YyxsW_2xmo

A distant descendant of Elite?

A distant descendant of Elite?
#Windows #MacOS
https://endless-sky.github.io/

Lots of interesting stuff at this site, to do with gaming and maps.

Lots of interesting stuff at this site, to do with gaming and maps. Worth checking out http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~amitp/game-programming/polygon-map-generation/demo.html at least!
https://www.redblobgames.com/

Trigger Rally is an off-road, single-player rally racing game.

Trigger Rally is an off-road, single-player rally racing game. The player needs to make it to each checkpoint in time to complete the race, which is standard racing game fare, but still enjoyable. The gameplay is more arcade-like than a strict racing simulator like Torcs but more realistic than cartoonish racing games like SuperTuxKart.

I love games like this, but I'm always crashing my cars. You can also make yur own maps.
#windows #Linux
https://sourceforge.net/projects/trigger-rally/

An open source game inspired on Settlers of Catan.

An open source game inspired on Settlers of Catan.
#Windows #Linux #BSD
http://pio.sourceforge.net/screenshots0.11.html

And lastly...

And lastly...
https://www.datamation.com/open-source/110-fun-open-source-games-and-apps-1.html

Also...

Also...
https://opensource.com/article/17/7/save-planet-board-game

Creative Commons/Open Source Games

Creative Commons/Open Source Games
_Distribute it, Mod it, Some you can even Sell! Do it all!
Add any games (or game systems) to this list that are listed under any form of Creative Commons License._
https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/33151/creative-commonsopen-source-games

OMG - I used to play the GDW version of TRAVELLER way back when.

OMG - I used to play the GDW version of TRAVELLER way back when. I was struck by similarities with the Dumerest series (cheap travel between worlds was by being put into freezers on the trip with a 16% death rate). I still remember a session where a character was short with a shotgun at close quarters in a corridor, and every shot missed!

Apparently it's now published by *Mongoose * and available under an Open Game License (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Game_License).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveller_(role-playing_game)

The D6 System is a role-playing game system published by West End Games (WEG) and licensees.

The D6 System is a role-playing game system published by West End Games (WEG) and licensees. While the system is primarily intended for pen-and-paper role-playing games, variations of the system have also been used in live action role-playing games and miniature battle games.

An example of an open game system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D6_System

:D

:D
https://opensource.com/life/12/10/5-new-rpg-games-linux

Open gaming is a movement within the tabletop role-playing game (RPG) industry with similarities to the open source...

Open gaming is a movement within the tabletop role-playing game (RPG) industry with similarities to the open source software movement. The key aspect is that copyright holders license their works under public copyright licenses that permit others to make copies or create derivative works of the game.

Wow, I was unaware of non-computer open-source games!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_gaming

My own personal term for bad karma characters in horror films is "victim material".

My own personal term for bad karma characters in horror films is "victim material". I guess that reflects the cliches that used to be used in the genre. Is that character too promiscuous (mostly women only), too cocky (the same for the men), too science gung ho - they're likely to be victim material and have a grisly death.

Of course sometime they don't get that - Herbert West (the re animator) sailed through two films oblivious to the nature of the horrors he created, because he was obsessed with his research.

In non horror films the villains don't always get their comeuppance. In IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Henry F. Potter (the bank owner who is given some cash by mistake) still has that money. But the point of the film wasn't about beating him - it was about putting adversity into perspective.
https://mythcreants.com/blog/managing-bad-character-karma/

Twinity is still running.

Twinity is still running. In early stages it had versions of Berlin, Singapore, and New York CBDs that you could explore -I remember falling intoa river and discovering that I could walk on water but not leave the river! Over the years things have constantly changed, with less focus on recreated public areas and more on private and common spaces. Stilkl, there was a strange thrill of owning a virtual appartment that might be an actual address in the real world.

In its time it was one of the first virtual worlds where you could paste your face (from photos) directly on to your avatar. I always felt out of breath when running in Twinity.
http://www.twinity.com/

Heritage Key has long been defunct, but it was a valiant early use of OpenSim to create something cultural.

Heritage Key has long been defunct, but it was a valiant early use of OpenSim to create something cultural. Run by Rezzable, which used to have the "Greenies" sims in Second Life, Heritage Key had various archaeological sites and exhibitions. I went there several times after it started, but NEVER saw anyone else. Long gone now.

VSide seems to be down as well, and according to its wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSide) has been...

VSide seems to be down as well, and according to its wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSide) has been for some time. In its heyday, it was the epitomy of teenage social games. The big activities were hanging out with friends (maybe watching videos virtually, which has always seemed weird) and DANCING in the music lounge. Oh, and hanging around on the streets begging for in-world currency.

All of which is reflected in this urban dictionary entry, which suspiciously looks like a direct plug for the game, rather than a legit entry.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=vside

Likewise Kaneva shut down for renovations and it seems has now transformed into an online gambling environment!

Likewise Kaneva shut down for renovations and it seems has now transformed into an online gambling environment!

Previously, it had had a well mapped city as a central area, with exits to a large plaza which led to other areas, such as a casino, shopping plaza, broadcasting hub (including a mock up of the Family Guy house), and to virtual spaces created by the users themselves. I used Kavena (as well as Onverse) in my Return to Second Life story in Seconds. I can't see my doing that again now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayekb8vNmA8

As you all know, the Onverse community has recently been infiltrated by a few players who wish to do us harm.

As you all know, the Onverse community has recently been infiltrated by a few players who wish to do us harm. We have been working tirelessly for many months to plug the holes, restore accounts and return Onverse to the safe place we were all used to.

I used to visit Onverse regularly. It was mostly a children's/young adult's playground. There were four area you could explore and you could buy and customise your home space, and accessories, and chat with friends. It was simple but fun.Not the first virtual gameverse to close in recent years.

http://offline.onverse.com/

The roleplaying in the MMORPG was the intrigue and betrayal!

The roleplaying in the MMORPG was the intrigue and betrayal!
https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/09/how-eve-players-pulled-off-the-biggest-betrayal-in-its-history/

I thought, for no particular reason, that'd I 'd build a version of my real life home in the Seconds Welcome region.

I thought, for no particular reason, that'd I 'd build a version of my real life home in the Seconds Welcome region.

You can get to it but selecting Laura's on the teleporting rugs. The layout's based on a model of my home I made in Sweet3dHome. This version \is twice scale of my real home, because, well, it's OpenSim! Making buildings for shoots is one thing, but a place I might spend some time in, another.

I think in many ways my fave Joker is still the laughing loon on the right.

I think in many ways my fave Joker is still the laughing loon on the right.
https://www.deviantart.com/tyrinecarver/art/Gallery-of-Faces-519169899

So I've updated the Buggle family home.

So I've updated the Buggle family home. There were issues with the previous attempt, so I started again. It's a modded Whisper House + Conservatory. Lots of mods. The roof in the original was a couple of solid prisms but I created an attic with even a a viewing platform. Also redid the extensive basement which includes a dock for a submarine/smuggling boat.

The original twp floors are amazingly high but I left them at that. Ground floor has walls for kitchen, pantry, toilet, dining room, sitting room and study. Top floor has 6 bedrooms , 2 toilets and two bathrooms. No furniture yet, other props and details will be added when I actually shoot inside.