Perspectives

Though some of what residents explore in Second Life is totally from the pure imagination of others, much of it is reincarnated places, events and experiences from First Life.

Residents can visit an English village, parts of Paris, or even Amsterdam. Many people enjoy sky diving, swimming and surfing. Musical concerts abound, as do theatrical plays. A lot of what is in First Life crosses over into Second Life.

The world was watching.  Multitudes had gathered.  Countries waited breathlessly by their electronic media devices, hoping for the prize, cheering, jeering, laughing, crying.

In case you missed the memo, the Winter Olympics happened earlier this year.  In the spirit of competition, the world was gathered together, and the media brought it all to our doorstep.

Many of us - No, I correct myself: most of us -- have at one time or another worked a job where checklists were required.  When I hear that dreaded word, my mind springs to low paying, mind numbing, french frying, after school jobs, where a reminder to wash your hands is a vital necessity.

Having been involved with both using and developing these lists, I can personally attest to their effectiveness ... or lack thereof.

It litters the landscape.  It jars your eyes.  It lags the sim.  It is ... bling.

Yes, that is right, the dreaded bling.  The bane of super primmy lands everywhere, the necessary accessory of every gansta, wannabe rapper out there.

But rappers did not invent the bling.  Oh no, bling has been around for a very long time.

By KATT KONGO

Staff writer

As I write this, 2009 is looming to an end, and I feel grateful for its demise. This previous year was a tough one for me, in almost every way. This year was a tough one financially for most of the people with whom I'm acquainted.

So many people lost their jobs, and so many more feared that they would suffer the same fate. Thousands lost their homes, and some had to move in with other family members. People who previously had benefits like health insurance suddenly found themselves without.