It's been so long since I wrote here regularly, that I think it's time for me to shut it down. I've cancelled my account with my hosting service, so it's only a matter of time until you'll see not this page, but a default domain parking page.

I still have my Second Life blog at www.CubeyTerra.com, but it's only relevant to those who have Second Life accounts.

Many thanks to everyone who dropped by to read my drivel and to leave comments. It was great fun. Happy new year!

Every year, I dread the approach of December. December means the "holiday season", schlocky Christmas music in every shop, and the enormous pressure of Christmas shopping. That's why I put it off until the last minute. I plan my shopping list well in advance, however, so that in the very last week, I can hit the shops all at once in a surgical strike. Get in, extract the items, and get out. Bam! It's over in an instant

I don't hate Christmas, but I do hate being pushed into the holidays before I'm ready. I push back, and let everything wait. It really does take a feat of willpower to reach the point where I actually clear space on the table and start to wrap everyone's gifts.

And then, a funny thing happens. As I fold and cut and tape, and write little "Merry Effing Christmas" labels, I catch myself whistling "Have a holly jolly Christmas". But I stop myself, because I seriously hate that tune and wish that the person who wrote it would be buried in an ant hill up to their necks with liquid sugar poured liberally over their wobbly bits, while playing that tune at full volume on a loop. In a shopping mall.

Not long after that, I notice myself humming "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Silent Night". Before I know it, I'm absolutely oozing with Christmas spirit, and what better time to pour a little Christmas brandy into a little mug or two. And after an hour or so of wrapping, humming, whistling, and pouring brandy down my throat, I strip down to my shorts, hang ornaments from my ears, and go caroling door-to-door at each pub I can find until a friendly police officer offers me a warm blanket and some handcuffs.

So I don't know why I have so much trouble starting the Christmas season. After all, it ends well, and they usually let me out in time for Christmas dinner.

You people made this decision so very hard. All judges were very surprised not only at the sheer number, but by the quality and creativity exercised by the contestants. After careful deliberation, however, the judges cast their decisions and settled on these winners...

In first place: Salen Welesa for her gyrocopter



In second place: Kamatz Kuhr for his VTOL tailsitter



And in third place: Trina Strauss for her float biplane



As well, I'd like to make mention of some designers who I personally feel should be acknowledged for their creative designs: Karsten Rutlege, Chase Speculaas, Maxx MacKenzie, Selene Gregoire, TxGorilla Falcone, Arrai Lobo, Akira Boyama, Mazack Frua, Miko Molinari, and Scifer Fielding.

Thanks again to everyone who participated. It was great fun, and one of Abbotts Aerodrome's biggest events. I hope to see your designs again in the 2006 competition!