Todd Anton is a man of the world. I don't mean that in the sense of being a politician or a jetsetter. He loves this planet we all share. And before anyone starts thinking 'Lisa Simpson' tree hugger. Let me tell you. Sit down for a couple of hours and talk with this guy. I've never met someone with such an aura of energy around him so positive it comes through his avatar. It's brilliant!

I teleported over to Todd's beautifully modded Scarlet Creative home, in which hung all of his own artwork. The decor, simple; the atmosphere, clean and light and positive. Just like him.

"I'm a 3D game designer in real life and a graphic artist, modeling characters for games such as WII, Playstation. Most of the characters are 3D and have to be modeled for clothing, lighting, movement. It used to be so complex but has gotten a bit easier. Games get turned out so much quicker now. It was the reason for me to come to Second Life™. I use the environment for 3D."

With this kind of technical background and expertise one would think Second Life™ wasn't that much of a leap for him.

"Well, Second Life™ was a new spin for me but I wanted to see how SL used 3D animation, especially the use of sculpties. For me coming to SL was a natural progression. I never expected it to be so amazing. I'm a total nerd. I sound like Data from Star Trek. All my friends call me Data. LOL!"

Data was always my favorite character so he's in good company. Todd read about Second Life™ years ago but never checked it out.

"Then one day I was in a meeting and we were all talking about different online worlds, communities and I ventured in. I was blown away and a little overwhelmed at first but I quickly met some people that put me on my path. Everyone was so friendly and helpful."

No spending all day at newbie island?

"LOL! I tried my hardest to get out of there as I wanted to start my new life. People would tp [me] to places and I would be stunned."

Which is what led him to Costa Rica. Todd found it within a week.

"I would fly around all the sims just looking at the beauty of it all. The detail was incredible and I was amazed at how Giancarlo respected his environment and the planet which is very much how I feel. I have a good friend in real life that lives in Costa Rica who is a dolphin expert and has taken thousands of hours of underwater footage of the area. It's simply gorgeous. I'm very conscious of the environment and the planet as a whole. Giancarlo didn't just make a place to live in SL he created a place to BE."

The environment is something that Todd is very passionate about. But he takes a different view on it than most people.

"You see, I experience the planet as a magnificent place of well being. The planet is in a perpetual state of becoming, much like Second Life™ - Costa Rica. And by becoming, I mean becoming more than it was. While many people see the planet in grave danger, I see the perfection, the natural cycle of becoming. The parallels between RL and SL are fascinating. I celebrate the environment and will do everything in my power to let people know how fortunate we are to live on this beautiful planet."

In real life, Todd resides in Malibu, California. An equally beautiful landscape many will agree. And a treasure trove of sights for his lens.

"Capturing the beauty of real life in my lens is something I cherish. When I walk on the beach in Malibu I find something new and fascinating to shoot. Everything is a moment, every moment counts. Live it fully, enjoy and have fun."

And what inspired him to enter the Mr. Costa Rica Sims pageant?

"There are many reasons. I felt it was a pageant that wasn't just about me, me, me. It was actually about something. It is an opportunity to be associated with an environment that matters to me and also it was an opportunity to lend my gregarious personality to a worthwhile venue. LOL! Costa Rica represents the beauty of becoming and I love being a part of that energy and I feel I would bring that same outlook representing Costa Rica Sims."

True it's not all about the looks, but Todd is a looker. The outfit he wears during our talk is earthy, well fitted and gives him a very approachable appearance. You wouldn't mind walking right up to him on the street and sitting down for a chat. It is a pageant though and that means rehearsals.

"These past few weeks because I want to inspire joy -- the sense of fun that all of this is about. Clyde is a master. He's great at what he does and I appreciate how particular he is and the detail."

And he is enjoying all the fashion.

"Fashion is part of my life in real life as a photographer. I'm drawn to beautiful things and let's face it, clothes can be beautiful and make the man right? I love to shop. I'm eco-fashionable. LOL! I've been blessed with terrific guidance with my clothing choices. It's not easy to pull a look together. So many adjustments!! I've lost a collar or two. I swear they're in the floor somewhere."

Ah well, you break some eggs. So what does he do next if he wins tomorrow?

"That's where it all begins. I pick myself up off the floor and then I spend a day really digesting the magnitude of becoming Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010 and a representative of such a beautiful place that I love so much and is in complete alignment with who I am. Then I proudly go forward and represent.

No cracking open a six-pack of beer and shoving his hand down his trousers, a la Homer style.

"A bottle of champagne and a few strawberries. And of course chocolate. I've got to keep my strength up that crown is heavy. LOL!"

As our meeting comes to a close, Todd gives a little chuckle.

"So funny. When the interviews started, I would sit and read them the day they were posted and I kept saying to myself, 'I want to be last, I want to be last.' Then the day in your last interview with Jaymz you said at the end your last interview will be with Todd Anton. I was sooo happy!"

Who says positive thinking doesn't work?

"It's all good Keshi. Just enjoy, love, have fun."

Definitely a message I am taking with me. As I go off to buy a large swatter and my iBacon app, I wish Todd and all of the finalists the best for tomorrows pageant. Saturday is the day! Make sure you get there early as this will most certainly fill up fast.

peace & <3

Keshi