Virtually Faithful - Shon Charisma Reporting...

Me at church...

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 22, 2010

In the year I've been in Second Life, I have immersed myself into various places to learn about what goes on in SL and what people do in SL. One thing, besides writing, that I do that connects with my real life is get virtualwith my faith.

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SL ARTS & LITERATURE: “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” an SL Holiday Tradition

Traditions are a funny thing, especially holiday traditions. You never know quite how a tradition starts, how it perpetuates itself, and who might share that same tradition with you. In November 2008, as the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday approached, Shandon Loring had a wild idea to present folksinger Arlo Guthrie’s Alice's Restaurant Massacree on Thanksgiving Day in Second Life. With no expectations of a large audience, Loring prepared Guthrie’s 20 minute song/monologue/political riff complete with a replica of the church described in the song, and sent out a few notices. Many fans of Arlo Guthrie consider Alice's Restaurant … a “must hear” part of the American turkey-full holiday. That first year the Library was over three-quarters full, inspiring annual encore presentations including this year’s presentation on Wednesday, November 24th at 7pm SLT at the Seanchai Library at Info Island International. Like all presentations at Seanchai, this one benefits charity: donations will be accepted for War Child North America.

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SL ARTS & LITERATURE: The Opportunity in Written Word

Second Life in its entirety is one big opportunity. Agreed? It just all depends on what you are looking for. There are a lot of people creating opportunity in SL: people who put in time, care, passion to providing something for people to use. Lots of these places are empty. No one is ever there. Virtual dust bunnies run in thundering herds, and creators wonder why. The key to providing opportunity in SL is that it must be tied to activity. “If you build it, they will come” only works in baseball movies, and sometimes not even then.

Jilly Kidd provides opportunity. I still remember the first conversation I had with Jilly at the end of the Autumn Writer’s Exhibition 2009 where she said, “We have to find a way to work together on something.” Jilly sees opportunity, breathes it, and eats it for lunch.

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CULTURE: EAGLE'S RAVE: FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO FLY HIGH- Piper SecretSpy Reporting...

Overview of Eagle's Rave

We are at Eagle's Rave, Italian land where there is still a perfect combination between commerce, entertainment, romance and socializing. Here you can find really everything, going from the many fashion shops, to the romance of a beautiful gondola ride along the canal that surrounds the land remembering the beautiful city of Venice, to the adrenaline given by a parachute launch, or simply to meet for a night out. The owner Robert67 Soulstar believed much in his project and with time has been able to create a truly multi-functional land with the help of trusted and talented employees. And today we have had the pleasure of meeting one of his right arm, the manager Mara Klaber, that in this short interview gave us the opportunity to know and appreciate the many shades of Eagle's Rave.

1) How did the idea to open the land has born?
Like so many apparently crazy ideas. Without a single well-defined, easily identifiable reason. A bit for fun, a bit maybe for a touch of boredom you feel when you go wandering around with nothing to do in SL. Or maybe, probably due to the unconscious desire to prove yourself, to show that you can give form to something that could not be found on SL and that could create an idea, very vague at the time, a classy commercial space that could combine "business with pleasure, business with leisure. In short, a place to find classy clothes and accessories, mainly of Italian fashion, but also where you can spend your free time having fun, dancing, playing and especially encountering serious people, with the same desire to spend nice hours in SL.

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: The Allure of Allure: A Club Review….ReRe Sandalwood Reporting

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 22, 2010

In an SL World where many behave as if they have a sense of entitlement, it is refreshing to come across a place that puts the needs of the customer first. At Allure, Zaurak (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zaurak/27/198/25) all music requests are honored, bringing forth a family friendliness that is often not found in SL Clubs. Whether you are into Pop, Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, or Ska, Allure provides a plethora of music for all.

Practicing the epitome of customer service, Allure employs a wealth of DJs that believe in doing all they can for the customer. DJ Salem (also known as Salem Haiku) is one of many Allure DJs that fosters the creation of Allure’s positive family atmosphere. Handsome and rugged, Haiku encompasses the true essence [and definition] of a man—until you hear her voice and realize that behind the avi is a self assured woman. Though some may chuckle, or even cower in fear upon realizing that DJ Salem is a woman, it is this type of unconventional atmosphere that makes Allure an even more pulsating and lively place.

Bloodlines friendly, you may come across vampires either anxious to party, or desiring to spar with one another. In fact, as one walks around the club’s grounds, cemetery plots can easily be seen of fallen bloodlines. While this may intimidate the average Bloodlines player, it also adds to the mysterious atmosphere that inhabits Allure.

If you are not into the Bloodlines game, you may come across other mysterious creatures and beings. For instance, one could easily come across a witch who is anxious to better understand her power—all while inhabiting a world that easily misunderstands her.

Yet whatever category you fall under, Allure provides an insatiably unpredictable atmosphere that can easily appeal to everyone—even the common mortal.

Teleport Now!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zaurak/27/198/25

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: Buying & Selling Lindens with Xchange4LS - Shon Charisma Reporting...

Can buy, sell lindens and become an affiliate through Xchange4LS

Eclectic Charisma News -

I've been in Second Life for almost a year now, and whenever I need money, I just click on the little green money amount on the upper right hand corner of my screen, type in an amount, and hit OK.

VOILA! Money in my account. And with all the clothes and shoes (lots of shoes) I buy on a daily basis, it never dawned on me that maybe this way of buying Lindens didn't work for every SL resident. It also never dawned on me that I would ever want to sell my Lindens (it never seems like I have enough as is) or become an affiliate with a company so that I could make money from people looking to buy and sell Lindens.

And then I met Amanda01 Parx, responsible for marketing and customer service for Xchange4LS.

I felt like a total newbie as I talked to her about Xchange4LS and its benefits to SL residents, but Parx was willing to answer all my questions, and the answers she gave showed me just how important a provider like Xchange4LS can be to SL residents.

SC=Shon Charisma

AP=Amanda01 Parx

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MUSIC: :Karter Stonecutter Rocks Second Life! - Sandy Demina Reporting...

Staff Reporter • Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Karter joined the US Navy out of high school and spent most of his time in Florida, where he teamed up with some fellow sailors and started working gigs at the chief's club and special events. Out of the Navy, he went right into the piano bar circuit for a few years before realizing his heart was in Rock 'N Roll. Now he spends his time touring North America working large rock clubs and festivals, living a rather modest musician's life on a definitely modest musician's salary!

His diverse musical background provides for a unique performance. His piano bar days give him the experience to engage his audience and it's always evident in his performances. But don't let that fool you. Karter can rock with the best! He can adapt to most any styles and venues, which has given him longevity and popularity in the musician communities around the United States.

Whether it be indulging his audience in sweet romantic ballads, old standards or rockin' the house, a good time, a solid performance and some fun lasting memories are what you can expect when you come to see Karter Stonecutter. (http://www.myspace.com/karterstonecutter )

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Culture: Fux Club Celebrates SIM Grand Opening! ReRe Sandalwood Reporting...

Sir Brennen Spins at the JamRock Fux Club

Staff Reporter • Tuesday, November 16, 2010

On November 14, 2010—from 2 pm to 4 pm—fun was had by all at Fux Club. All came out to celebrate the opening of the Jamaica *Land We Love* (236, 27, 23) SIM; the place was so packed that movement was limited and lag was constant! All lag and lack of movement aside, the stellar live performances of EyesNcharge Bluebird and Emo Mocha wowed the audience, and left the crowd swooning for more. As described by CaNDyLaDy Ghost, Jamaica *Land We Love* SIM owner, “EyesNcharge is so full of vibes…when she sings, she moves mountains!”

After EyesNcharge conveniently moved a few mountains with her voice prowess, Emo Mocha wooed the ladies with a hosts of soulful renditions. His performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”—along with a selection of other powerful covers—had ladies begging him to marry them.

Their performances, along with the versatile spinning style of DJ Detroit (aka Sir Brennen), proved that that there ain’t no party like a Fux Club Party!

Along with stellar live performances, friendship and friendly camaraderie were constant themes at the Fux Party. Everyone—from the local pit bull to the Afro’d out brotha—flocked the SIM in celebration of its opening.

The party not only celebrated the opening of a SIM dedicated to reenacting the Jamaica experience, it also reaffirmed a sense of nostalgia for the SIM owner. As described by CaNDyLaDy Ghost, “Jamaica is my heart, my home. Born and raised in Kingston, my motivation [to build this SIM] was natural. [When I] closed my eyes and thought of home, [I realized that Minka Pearl and I had to make the Jamaica *Land We Love* SIM] as realistic as possible.”

CaNDyLaDy continues: “[The Jamaica*Land We Love* SIM] was built on positive vibrations and [the] inevitable energy [that comes along with sharing] Jamaica with the SL community. For those who haven't gotten the chance to visit…come to JamRock and get a feel of what Jamaica would be.”

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SL POLICE REPORT: Could it be possible that registered sex offenders could be roaming the grid unbeknownst to you? How would you feel if you were to find out that someone you know in SL is a registered sex offender just by doing a little research? Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Staff Reporter • Thursday, November 11, 2010

According to Rainn.org (Rape, Abuse and Incest National network), every 2 minutes, someone in the United States is being sexually assaulted. 1 in 6 woman and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The sad thing is 60% of these rapes are never even reported to police and approximately 73% know their assailants. These are some very harsh statistics that leave people broken, feeling completely violated and sometimes even helpless, making it hard to heal both mentally and emotionally.

Should these predators that cause so much havoc and fear in their victims even be allowed to have the same freedoms as everybody else and be in SL too?  Can they be rehabilitated or is it a sickness that cannot be treated, leaving them to strike again and again and even prowl our grid.

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POLITICS- University of Delaware Sim: Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe tells U of Delaware crowd that innovation is “a little bit easier when you’re not a democracy.” - Ramon Federal Reporting...

Staff Reporter • Thursday, November 11, 2010

David Plouffe, campaign manager for President Obama in 2008 and, presumably, in 2012, addressed an audience brought together by the Center for Political Communications at the University of Delaware and in Second Life at 4:30 SLT on November 10, 2010. 

Talking about recent innovation in computer technology in China, where the world’s fastest supercomputer was recently unveiled, he said of such progress: “It’s a little bit easier when you’re not a democracy.” 

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Patriot Island and the US Military Veteran's Center- Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

A good time was had by all at Patriot Island!

Staff Reporter • Thursday, November 11, 2010

    Every Veteran's Day, I am a sure bet to pop down to Patriot Island and the US Military Veteran's Center. You should do so as well....

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Patriot%20Island/205/110/30

My husband IRL is a veteran. He has been shot at on four continents. And while I'm a former urban high school teacher and have actually come closer to getting killed than he has, he still has had experiences that I, as a civilian, can't begin to hope to relate to.

Besides, I tend to get very immature when asking him about his experiences in the military. "What's it like to shoot someone? Could you see his facial expression? Have you ever broken someone's neck with your hands?" Yeah, that's about all the support he gets out of me. To be fair to me, he doesn't really seem to ask for/need much support... but a good wife still wants the best for him.

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SPORTS & LEISURE- Ain't No Sunshine... Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

An encounter group session at Pandora's Box Prison

Stacey does some time...

A conversation between Stacey and her sister, Manda Aries:

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MUSIC: Deep Dive Focus on Waltkeys - Sandy Demina Reporting...

walt real life

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 08, 2010

Walter Runge (http://waltkeys.com ) is a seasoned RL musician, but he's quite new in SL where he prefers to use his stage name in RL:WaltKeys Faith.

Born in Brooklyn NY, he's lived in the US from New York to Alaska: St Louis Missouri, Dallas Texas, San Francisco CA, and he has been camping and hiking in several other states in the US.

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More of NY Health Scapes - Shon Charisma Reporting...

One of the cabs you can take in NY

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 08, 2010

Over the last couple of weeks, I've shared with you some of the sights of NY Health Scapes, and this week, I conclude that journey with--yep, even more great things you can do there!

As I mentioned in previous articles [article #1 and article #2], NY Health Scapes is made up of 20 sims that feature not only wonderful SL versions of New York landscapes, but also great activities and sites for visitors and residents to enjoy.

There's no way I could ever tell you of every attraction unless I spent a good year or more traveling all the sims of NY Health Scapes, which is why I suggest you check out all the Travel Guides for yourself.

But just to entice you even more, I wanted to spotlight places you should check outnow.

One of the first places I stopped at is the Sea Crystal Carousel in WaterWay New York.

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SL ARTS AND LITERATURE: Constellations of Writing at the London School of Journalism Space Station

Some columns just write themselves. I am almost embarrassed to admit it. I contacted the illustrious Jilly Kidd (RL Author Adele Ward), who runs the Written Word Group for writers in SL. It was just with a soft inquiry about covering Written Word and featuring something upcoming. What I got was the fodder for about three or four columns. The scope of what Written Word does is immense! I knew they had a broad scope, but I had no idea how broad. So I chose to start with one aspect of the amazing spectrum of things Jilly opened up for me: The Space Station at the London School of Journalism.

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The Greatest Gift- Persia Bravin Reporting...

Staff Reporter • Saturday, November 06, 2010

Big hearted musicians in Second Life have turned into Santa’s little helpers, helping to raise funds for scores of underprivileged children this Christmas.

Christmas comes but once a year and this yuletide, the generous music community of Second Life are hoping their incredible talents and combined hard work will help put a smile on the faces of thousands of children in dire real life situations. A dazzling new Christmas themed CD featuring the work of over sixty SL based musicians is due to be launched on November 1st with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the venerable ‘Toys for Tots Foundation’ which was conceived back in 1947 by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Over the past 63 years, it has managed to raise funds to purchase a staggering 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million and given joy to countless generations of children from impoverished families or those living in care. This is actually the second year that this CD has been produced in world, but the organisers are optimistic that this year, they can break last year’s record of 1062 CD's sold and 1.6 million Lindens raised for this worthwhile cause. 

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Nighttfire Entertainment News- November 6, 2010

Staff Reporter   •  Saturday, November 06, 2010

There’s a new TV network on the grid and THIS IS HOW WE DO IT!!!!
1. Friday Nov. 5th 6:00 PM SLT New Show Debut “GIRL TALK” with hostesses Nani Xue and Demoneka Daehlie plus their guest,

*Comedian and entrepreneur Hiliary Grant aka DearGabby Lemon


2. Saturday Nov. 6th 6:00 PM SLT “SPOTLIGHT TV RETURNS with host Scorpinosis Nightfire and special guests:

*International Multi-platinum 1st Life recording artists Romina Arena making her Second Life US debut.
*Make Him Over Hunt Organizer and business woman extraordinary Ivy Maverick addressing the Make Him Over Hunt Controversy and more

3. Sunday Nov. 7th 6:00 PM SLT New show debut “ LIVE @ SURGE” with hostess Jenna Dirval and her special guests:

*Singer song writer sensation Clayton Bloom
*And heavy groove masters, Sooner Than Later — Associated Press

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Debuting on Friday November 5 Th with Guest Hiliary Grant, a new talk show emerges on the entertainment TV circuit, rightfully named, Girl Talk. My review is in and all I can say is, it is what it is. I’m going to have to give it two thumbs up!

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 08, 2010

The new Pulse TV Network is already making its presence felt and they just busted open the doors with something different. The launch of Girl Talk turned out to be a great first live taping because they have that chemistry that works. For those that missed the debut with hostesses Nani Xue and Demoneka Daehlie, you missed a great show that has me looking forward to the next one.

A professional team like that can only be expected when they are in the forefront of evolving today’s SL Talk shows. Behind the scenes the productions team consisting of Filming Techs Paddington Baar and Starlite Schnook, Production Assistant MamiChula Vella, Sound Engineer Tedd Bearsfoot and Segment Producer Prissy Price, took their assigned positions and delivered. The topic was great and the production was well organized and put together from start to finish. 

I was told hostesses’ Nani and Demoneka designed and decorated the set. I found it to be very welcoming with a theme of bold pinks and deep purple on the stage wall with some lighter neutral tones and accents that worked well with the audience seating area. The backdrop of the set had a comfortable seating area display with nice fluffy pillows, blankets and throw rugs over light wood floors. The feel in the room was definitely created by a Woman, in this case two very independent and professional women.
Besides the perfect set, Girl Talk was honored to debut with their official first guest, Comedian, author, poet and entrepreneur Hiliary Grant, also known as DearGabby Lemon.

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Lanai’s Diary- Entry: Friday November 5, 2010 the fun of losing inventory, clothes and being in the middle of shameless sausage parties and Sex… ~Lanai Jarrico

Staff Reporter • Friday, November 05, 2010

Nobody is safe from one of the most inconvenient SL Inventory loading issues that plague avies across the grid today. Sometimes recovering your items may take days, a week and for a few maybe never again. This can cause avies to be stuck in their houses or hiding behind bushes trying to figure out what to do with themselves. For the more fortunate, it is a good excuse to go shopping unless you’re broke.

One of the suggestions for fixing this issue usually is to clear your cache and relog. You can do this by going into your preferences. Go to your “network” and “Web” tabs, you will find a clear cache option. Once you have done that, press apply and relog. That might help….

If you are on a laptop, this could cause countless crash landings until your cheap system sorts things out. Another option would be to file a support ticket with Linden Labs and hope for the best. Emergencies like this personal fashion and props disaster has been compared to calling 911 and living in the hood. They will get to a crying cat in a tree before they get to a person beat up on the street. 

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POLITICS: University of Delaware Panel Discusses November 2, 2010 Elections ~Ramon Federal Reporting...

Staff Reporter • Thursday, November 04, 2010

A panel of University of Delaware professors talked about the results and implications of the November 2, 2010 U.S. elections

On November 3, 2010, Ralph Begleiter, host of National Agenda and former CNN world correspondent, presided over a panel discussion of recent elections at the University of Delaware’s sim, at:http://slurl.com/secondlife/University%20of%20Delaware/162/106/26 .

Professor David Wilson explained that some pollsters, such as Pew, were more accurate in predicting the results than others, such as Gallup.

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FASHION PRESS RELEASE: A Celebration of Courage and Caring! American Cancer Society Event

• Sunday, November 07, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 01, 2010

ON SUNDAY, November 7, starting at 11am SL time, there will be a fabulous MAKEOVER MAGIC fashion show on the American Cancer Society island in Second Life. Four cancer survivors, a caregiver, and a survivor/caregiver, along with their fashion mentors, will display their new looks. Please come and join us in this celebration of courage and caring!SLURL:http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/168/34/23

MAKEOVER MAGIC is organized by a team of volunteers from the American Cancer Society in Second Life, along with SL fashion experts and mentors. The team is led by Cinders Vale, herself a breast cancer survivor in real life. This is the program’s fourth year. It is the Second Life equivalent of a real-life program, ‘Look Good…Feel Better’, a nationwide, public service program in the USA supported by the American Cancer Society which teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look good during chemotherapy and radiation treatments, improve their self-esteem, and manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Women learn about makeup, skin care, nail care, and ways to deal with hair loss such as wigs, turbans and scarves. There are also self-help materials available for men going through treatment.

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A look to the Past to live the future:"Musei in Comune" opens in Second Life ~Sandy Demina Reporting...

ChrisTower Dae.

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 01, 2010

Monday, October 18th a brand new sim has been inaugurated: "MiC - Museums in Comune Roma Capitale (http://slurl.com/secondlife/MiC/204/156/39 )

This sim has been bought by The City of Roma Capitale through “Zetema”, the company that manages all the museums of the civic circuit.
Marina Bellini (Mexi Lane in SL) who is in charge for the Communication 2.0 of the city of Roma is the general manager of this sim that is supposed to become an important cultural centre where virtual exhibits will replicate l the same exhibits currently displayed in the museums in real life.

A great room will be given to avant-garde metaverse artists, who in turn, will present their own personal immersive exhibits.

Every exhibit will be video recorded and distributed through the Museums' channels and also throughout the Metro and Bus transport systems of Rome :this will be a way to merge together virtual creativity and real life artworks.Furthermore at the Macro of Rome (http://www.macro.roma.museum ), a dedicated space will be set aside for the Virtual Expo currently exhibited at MiC in Second Life.

Lectures, meetings and events will be soon proposed on this sim that is open to all kind of original proposals:everyone is so invited to submit his projects to the Art Director Mexi Lane, either via notecards (within SL) or e-mail: mar.bellini@gmail.com .

An important local agency of Roma Capitale will start in January 2011 to work in the field of education and training using this sim as social platform.

This sim ,a sort of a look to the Past that allows to Live for the Future ,is worth of a visit also for its amazing building who has been set up under Mexiâs supervision:the evocative design of the meeting place has been staged by Rumegash Altamura and Patrizia Blessed, using references from Ancient Rome and of its capital wonders, which have provided in its absolute exclusivity, the major part of the textures for the construction; from the wall of the "Tempio di Giove" under the room of "Marco Aurelio" at the "Musei Capitolini", to the friezes of the "Tabularium", even to the Roman walls of the "Galleria Lapidaria", and to finish with the precious objects of the "Palazzo Nuovo".

The textures and objects have been crafted by skilfull builders and designers utilizing such progams as Blender, Photoshop and Gimp,in order to achieve the most realistic effects possible in the Metaverse. Some details have been by Antosperandeo Allen, Solkide Auer, Maryva Mayo and Flavio Dayafter.

A small part of the island has become the home of the Vestals,the Cave an evocative and fascinating place, where will take place those cultural meetings and events which require a particular emotional attention.

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SPORTS & LEISURE- Fore! Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

Megga, Stacey, and Gerald, the Terrible Trio....

If you need something cool to do this Halloween, and are sick of haunted houses, why not try Haunted Golf?

http://slurl.com/secondlife/KITYKANA/116/230/26

Yours truly took part in a charity golf tournament at the Cheeky Cow Country Club. The charity is to benefit a friend of ours (Sloan)who suffered a fire IRL. He's unlucky in that regard, but he's lucky in that he has at least 100 people who will turn out and donate to help him. Sloan also won the last Green jacket at the tournament, so he's a better golfer than I. I have better legs, but that matters very little in Golf.

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The 13 Crystal Skulls Finale & Halloween Party 2010 took place on Friday, October 29th @ The Seers Metaphysical Store Hosted by 4th Generation Psychic, Linda Lauren, Imagine Magazine & the SL Enquirer Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Staff Reporter • Monday, November 01, 2010

*Linda Lauren presents a video lecture  for The 13 Crystal Skulls Treasure Hunt 2010 & The Imagine Magazine Halloween Party. She speaks about "Max" one of the ancient crystal skulls,photos and rl experience with this amazing crystal skull, said to be thousands of years old.

From October 16 til October 29th, Explorers set out on an expedition across the Second Life grid in search of the 13 legendary Crystal Skulls. Each contained an exclusive gift from each sponsored location long with a golden ticket. The goal was to collect all 13 golden tickets and enter the drawing for a chance to win 12,000L, a photo shoot by Magic Eye Studios’ RebeccaSue Magic, featured in Imagine magazine and a Spotlight feature in The SL Enquirer.

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GAY IN SECOND LIFE Kendrick Setsuko Reporting...

• Monday, November 01, 2010

This past month in the United States, a handful of gay teens had been harassed, taunted, and bullied to the point where they had felt defeated and the only solution was to end it all. Asher Brown (13, Texas), Seth Walsh (13, California), Billy Lucas (15, Indiana), Tyler Clementi (18, New Jersey), and Raymond Chase (19, Rhode Island) are among those that had committed suicide due to these homophobic hate crimes; however, these five highly publicized teens are just the tip of the iceberg.

During any person's teenage years it can be quite a confusing time when it comes to fitting in and figuring how who they are-- especially teenagers who are confused about their sexual identity and orientation. Supporters of the GLBT community (among many celebrities) began a huge highly publicized movement on YouTube called "It gets better". The "It gets better" campaign are videos letting people who suffer from these homophobic hate crimes know that it does get better, to hold on, and not to give up on life. Among the people involved are: Ellen DeGeneres, Ciara, La La, Adam Lambert, Ke$ha, Jewel, the cast of Chicago and Wicked, various marines, and just recently Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Those names are only a small volume of voices that have spoken out on this issue and have given their videos and stories to the "It gets better" project. 

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SPORTS & LEISURE: Grim Babies!! _Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

A-Roooooooooooooooooooooooo.... don't be shocked to see a werewolf at Grim Babies!

I try to bring you to spooky or disturbing places during the Halloween season. While hunting for one of those, I found a place called Grim babies. Here it is:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Orphan%20Island/151/161/29

The Grim Orphanage is nothing if not disturbing. You can read the backstory below, but I'll tell you that they have a Funhouse, a Haunted House, and an Orphanage that should cover you in the Spookiness category for one Halloween.

The story of the Grim Orphanage.

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SL VENUES:Nicci Winsmore's World of Art and Fashion - Sandy Demina Reporting....

Nicci Winsmore-Trees in light

Staff Reporter • Monday, October 25, 2010

  Through the experimentation of forms, of colors and of textures all artists try to communicate their emotions and Second Life is a great place for all the ones caught up by their (first) life and who ended up doing something different... to their regrets.

This is the story of one of them, Nicci Winsmore has been enjoying art since she was very young. Her aunt even bought her a sketch book when she was about ten, feeling that she might do something with it.

But her true love was born when a professional photographer visited her high school and talked about his profession. This was it and she thereafter pursued photography as a passion.

Nicci Winsmore (aka Nicole Perrot) loves representing nature through her viewfinder. She has been taking pictures in various parts of the USA including California and New Mexico. She tries to keep her photography as real as possible without using any enhancements except for contrast and light with Photoshop. What you see is mostly what you should get. Her influences are many but her main one is Ansel Adams.  

 

Nicci runs now in Second Life a sim named" World of art and fashion"(http://slurl.com/secondlife/Breezy%20Shores/31/31/21 ).It’s a very friendly place with a great atmosphere, where she lays down a stream-of-consciousness cascade of photographica priced by the yard.Worth a look.All art work in her gallery is original and catchy.

Currently she assembled a mix of new artists as well as old favorites: Fiona Letner, Oxil Zane, Toad Laloix, Ichiko Miles, Soul Yheng, Sandralee Palianta, , Ganso Artis, Giovanna Cerise, Tegan Jenvieve, Carley Noonan, Kyr Art/GeejAnn Blackadder, Artman Diavolo and Madison Arnahan.Nicci of course display in her gallery her works too.
We had a conversation about her (second) life and her passions.

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SPORTS & LEISURE: The Mulberry Horror - Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

The guys chase Stacey around everywhere... unfortunately, they're undead.

You might like this place....http://slurl.com/secondlife/FuLmInE%20ISLAND/80/184/3502

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SPORTS & LEISURE: Make Your Own Virtual New Hampshire! - Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

Stacey waits for The Great Pumpkin

I realize it's like mid-October... it's last minute. But if you need to make your sim look like October in the spookiest corner of New Hampshire, I can help you out.

Go here... http://slurl.com/secondlife/Garden%20Oasis/191/97/21 

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: In-Depth with Panacea Luminos & NY Health Scapes - Shon Charisma Reporting...

Panacea Luminos

Staff Reporter • Monday, October 25, 2010

Last week, I introduced you to some of the fun of NY Health Scapes (and more comes next week!). This week, I focus on the amazing woman behind the development of NY Health Scapes, Panacea Luminos, and what she's doing to highlight the importance of health care in Second Life.

Panacea and I met at Healing Grounds Coffee Stop (slurl) before she took me around the sims, and here, we talked about what sparked NY Health Scapes--and more.



Healing Grounds Coffee Stop

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SL ARTS & LITERATURE: The World of Crap Mariner

How to describe R. Crap Mariner ?: Writer, Broadcasters, Actor, Satirist, Gadfly. I sit staring at the pages of material I have amassed trying to figure out precisely where to begin. Outside the wind howls, the rain pelts against the windows, and the trees rustle and sway. I give up and take a nap. Crap would appreciate that. Two hours later, I am back at it . . . Crap is simply unlike anyone I have ever met in my entire life. He is a creative force of nature: abstract random with a purpose. Crap Mariner always makes my head spin, and leaves me wondering what just hit me.

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SL ARTS AND LITERATURE: Libraries Can be a Scream!

Who says Librarians are boring? Even virtual Librarians hold the stigma of the little ladies, their hair worn unfashionably tight, with the remarkable ability to humble a grown person with an icy glare over the top of their glasses and a pointed “Shhhh!” No such thing! The Librarians on Info Island have created hauntingly fun “Halloween Scream” on Info Island and will be celebrating this most “spookable” time of year on Friday, October 29th at 6pm SLT with the TX950 - Halloween Scream Costume Party.

The library sciences community in Second Life has embraced the virtual world as a tool to expand resources, and invigorate the library experience. Yes, you can find virtual card catalogues, which are about as imposing at the real kind. You can also find creative environments that enliven a particular subject matter or idea by making in immersive and interactive – encouraging you to explore.

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: MEET ATHENIA CONSTANTINE, OWNER OF MONEY ISLAND, HOME OF FREE LINDENS! -Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Staff Reporter • Sunday, October 24, 2010

When I think of a Money Island, I image fun in the sun while frolicking with a wad of never ending cash at my disposal. But I can’t be too realistic when it comes to Second Life. So, the next best thing to money growing on trees is Money Island. It offers visitors different ways to make Lindens. From convenient ATMS and live entertainment, to treasure hunts and fishing for lindens. There is plenty to do here.

Many residents have heard of this staple of the SL, but who owns it? If you aren't sure, Meet Athenia Constantine




SLE: Who is Athenia Constantine?

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FASHION: All that glitters ... Lacy Muircastle reporting

I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond. ~Mae West

Girls, girls, girls, The Beauty and the Beast Jewelry Fair is on the go at the moment and runs until the 17th October and wow it is spectacular.  I promise that you will not be disappointed, just make sure that you take Mr. Moneybags with you!!!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jewelry%20Fair%203/187/188/22

I caught up with one of the fair's sponsonsor's Jori Watler of alaMood Boutique. We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and Jori certainly knows how best to present said diamonds (and all sorts of other glorious pieces too).

Jori said "alaMood is a proud sponsor of the “Beauty and the Beast” jewellery fair and the charity being supported by the fair is OXFAM International which is a confederation of 14 like-minded organizations working together to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice is just such a worthwhile cause." Time to pay a visit to the fair then girls, don't you think?  The fair enables jewellery designers to showcase their sense of style all in one location.

Jori designs and creates beautiful jewellery that delights people and enables them to express their love and appreciation. She has just released her Diamante range - Luxurious platinum and sparkling diamonds placed in a striking burst design. The full ensemble consists of a Choker, drop earrings, cocktail rings, and headpiece. Come to the jewellery fair to see it for yourself.

 If you can’t get to the jewellery fair then swing past the alaMood Boutique,  At alaMood their customers are highly valued and they offer a unique customer reward concept which rewards you as you spend!! You can also earn store credit. Visit their main store for more information.

www.oxfam.org/

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Copley%20Square/31/50/26

www.alaMoodBoutique.com

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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT : Mommaluv Skytower- Sandy Demina reporting

Staff Reporter • Monday, October 18, 2010

    Mommaluv Skytower is from Pennsylvania and is an electronic artist/poetess who uses her voice as a pen and her music as paper creating globally fused artistic musical compositions that invite you into her mind.
She's from Philadelphia where she attended a magnet music school and then graduated from there, so she has been playing music for a really long time , mainly violin, guitar, and piano.

 

She has been in several bands since the age of 14 and, after a 7 year hiatus, at the age of 20 she got back into it when she was 27.

However she has let her skills there lapse, as her medium now is sound design with the invention of computers. "I have stayed faithful to this method -Mommaluv says -over the years, as I like to make my own sounds – either from loops I make using my Pro88 & Roland keyboards, which then bring into my production program. I also use my vocals and make them sound like instruments- tweaking them with plug-ins. And when I want a more traditional sound I collaborate with people that are much better at playing instruments than myself and then apply the same method- so I can stylize the sound as I want to hear it. "

When I asked her to describe her style she told me how she arrived, in 2005, to self-proclaim it as (a)VANTRONIK (m)AYHEM : "While having a conversation with a friend as we were trying to figure out how to market my songs on the net- so it would stand out from the rest. As we spoke, we looked at the genres that formed my style- electronica, acoustic, the avante guarde, psychedelia, spoken word and chaos. And then I took the genres and tried to mesh all the words together and decided on (a)(m) mews – which had more flexibility to play with- shortly after I saw music sites coming up with similarly named genres & thought that was cool- as the standard genres now had expansion for those of us that do not fit into anyone genre!"

Mommaluv says that she considers herself a songstress, not a singer since she likes to use her voice more theatrical than traditional , floating her music around her written poetry:further more she always hated being called a singer: her earlier years involved with music were quite traumatic and frustrating, due to the fact that record labels and mainstream producers she worked with always tried to make her sound like the famous singers at the time, quite nerving definitely. So she decided to refrain from anything remotely “mainstream”, producers, and labels...

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