Seanchai Library Opens "Crazy Eights" Celebration on LEA 9 January 31st at 1:30pm SLT

LEA 9, Second Life – Seanchai Library is kicking off its 2016 celebration of stories and spoken word on Linden Endowment for the Arts region 9, which has been granted to the Library for the winter and spring months.  The grand opening of "Crazy Eights" on LEA 9 has been announced for Sunday, January 31st at 1:30pm featuring Miguel de Cervantes "Don Quixote" and the work of Seanchai founder Derry McMahon: Don Quixote in Words and Images.

The event is open to the public and will include English-translation selections from the classic story presented by Ms. McMahon and Bear Silvershade in the Crazy Eights Eastern Meadow.  Guests will be free to sit near a tempting windmill, or wander among McMahon's photo series inspired by the great quest of Cervantes' hero.  The collection of Second Life photography was first seen as part of the Fine Arts Tour (FIAT) in 2014.  The Crazy Eights installation includes some of the original show, and additional images which were not part of the FIAT exhibition.

"Living at the intersection of reality and illusion, Don Quixote is one of the most beloved literary characters. On his eternal quest to make the world a better place, he sees the world as it should be: peasants become gentlefolk, windmills transform into evil giants and in a barmaid he sees the soul of the lady of his dream.

"Where we see darkness and despair, he sees light, hope, and always, adventure. What better character to explore Second Life, probing a world created entirely from the stuff of our imagination? Truly a stranger in a strange land, these images take Quixote on a journey from the comical through the heartrending.  Travel alongside the Don as he tangles with The Great Enchanter (windmills), and discovers SL sights that are familiar, and yet...not.”  

February will commence weekly live programming by Seanchai Library at Crazy Eights, while continuing programming at their home parcel on the Bradley University region.  All times SLT and all events in voice.  Events include: 

• The Featured Book Area will begin its first book series at 7pm on Thursday, February 4th with Chief Storyteller Shandon Loring and Tracey Garvis Graves' NYT Best-Selling "On The Island." Loring has created a 360 degree environment inspired by Graves' work, filled with links and scripted surprises.
• The popular "Tea Time at Baker Street" Sunday series will begin "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" with it's first adventure "The Empty House" on February 7th at 1:30pm. The Baker Street area of Crazy Eights will include the "Holmes & Watson Gallery", a book shop with links to Conan Doyle's canon, and references to other Holmesian locations around the grid.

Connecting the six different venue areas on Crazy Eights is the Story Forest. "It is the connective tissue that brings all of this together," said lead Seanchai staffer Caledonia Skytower." We were looking for a means to draw all the different story venues together with a visual reflection of our journey of the last eight years."  The staff created that environmental representation inspired by artworks created for books, especially the chromatic richness of N.C. Wyeth's illustrations.

A winding path of books leads explorers through a wood and meadow populated with "Story Stations." At each station are visual story elements and a link post. By clicking on the image at the top of the post, guests can be connected with either the text of the story, or information about the story online.  Skytower relates, " Some of the stories may be familiar, some may not, and some may be stories that people have forgotten that they knew. Some are folktales, and some are beloved works of literature. Its a mix of tales from around the world, and we will trade different stations in and out even after opening. So the journey will always be a little different."

Information on Seanchai Library schedules and programs, as well as links to Seanchai's social media presence can be found online at http://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/

Seanchai Library (Shanna-key, which means "Storyteller" in Irish.) was founded in March of 2008 in Second Life. Thousands of stories, and hundreds of authors later, the program remains dedicated to promoting the power of stories to transform and inspire through live voice presentations: "We bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life." "Crazy Eights" refers to the Library celebrating its eighth anniversary this year.

Location:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA9/129/94/31

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Lanai Jarrico Reporting from Northeast Pennsylvania- Blizzard 2016

The good news is we still have electricity in my area with a record snowfall of 30 inches. I would say our area was slammed pretty hard by this blizzard aside from the flooding that occurred along the New Jersey Shore. So far 19 lives have been reported lost along the Eastern Seaboard and 5 deaths reported in New York due to heart attacks from shoveling. 

If you are in an area that was hit by this storm it is advised to stay off the roads so the plow crews can do their job as well for your own safety. Also, don't over exert yourself while clearing your walkways. 

  Looking out my window at the aftermath- I'm definitely snowed in thanks not only to the storm itself but by the city who kindly piled a mountain of snow right in my driveway! 


Be safe people and keep warm!


-Lanai Jarrico

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Touring SL’s Breathtaking Locations- Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

At the Hollywood Airport awaiting my pilot

Second Life is a place of enchantment and wonder if you take the time to explore. The grid is full of creativity, some of which makes me stop in awe at the beauty that surrounds me. Let’s take a tour of some of the breathtaking views and replicated monuments I have come across while exploring.

Tempura Island

Japan- Tempura Island

This has got to be one of my favorite places when it comes to scenic landscapes. It has stood the test of time in Second Life due to its creativity and relaxing atmosphere with great traffic. Built in 2004, this magnificent location also has a golden corridor leading to the grand ballroom. Perfect for romantic dates.

If you haven't been to Tempura Island, it is a must see.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/tempura%20island/132/227/41

Romantic Gardens and Art gallery

Romantic Gardens and Art Gallery

Owned by The Wandering Group, this location is absolutely gorgeous. Upon landing you are whisked away by the calming sounds as your eyes wander around a beautifully design landscape. From an abundance of  vibrant foliage and a stunning waterfall feeding a shimmering lake, It is the perfect location for a romantic date, exploring, photography or just meditating. Don’t forget to check out the art on display in the gallery.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Puzzles/130/138/23

Lady Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

This Statue is a national monument and a symbol of Freedom and Liberty.  She was a gift given to the United States from France; officially unveiled in a dedication ceremony by President Grover Cleveland in 1886. It is nice to see real world monuments replicated in Second Life. Created by Liberty Tesla, It gives sl residents from all over the world an opportunity to take a virtual tour of something real. If you have never been to the real Statue of Liberty in New York, take some time to visit it in Second life.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Carnforth/21/170/23

on the Nile River

Ancient Egypt/Amarna

I have always been fascinated by ancient history and artifacts found all over the world. They give us a window to peek into and discover interesting things about our past. In Second Life you can teleport to another time and place, like when the Pyramids were being constructed. Explore this ancient Egyptian village along the Nile and imagine what it must have been like.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Terra%20Egypta/216/220/21

Macchu Picchu

Macchu Picchu 3D- The Legendary Inca Village

Machu Picchu has always been one of my favorite ancient sites to read about or watch on documentaries. What interests me the most is how on earth was this village constructed at such a high altitude with such precision. it’s absolutely amazing what our ancient ancestors were capable of.  To see a replica in Second life really got me excited. It truly is a site to marvel at.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/USMP%203D/168/51/22

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a great symbol of Love. It is a mausoleum built in 1648 from ivory-white marble  located in the Indian City of Agra. It is the final resting place for Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.  Be sure to put this place in your SL travel Itinerary.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danbi/111/169/28

Do you have any place you want me to explore and highlight? Let me know in the comment box below!

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Best Winter Sales -Tea Couturier Reporting...

If you are like me and love a good sale then there are still a few good deals to be sought in SL this Winter.

Depending on what you are looking for I have found some good deals in SL from homes to clothing for yourself.  Let’s start with fashion!

Clothing

Nian Design Life 

 

Have a sale on their clothing range for men and women and what is even good all the clothing has full Permission which is always a plus. The store seems to be only available on Market Place as the in world store has gone but this should not stop you from looking online and seeing the bargains Nian has on offer.

 

 

Direct sale URL

MP: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/27550/

 

  

Love 25

I have just discovered this store and actually like the clothing it offers. Love 25 has a sale and during my search I came across this lovely Drape Vest w/ Dress for only L$45. It comes in lots of different colors and is perfect with UGG boots or even knee high boots. This store is worth a visit.

MP: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/146431

Makeup

NOYA designs

 

NOYA designs store has a sale and the items are very nice.

I was looking for some eyeshadows and lipsticks which were not only different from what I have already but also something a bit dramatic for the evenings.  I came across this selection for only L$99. The pack comes with Lip gloss, tribal eyeliners in big and small size shape cat-eyes, blue artistic eyeshadows, Lipstick soft pink, Black Smokey Eye Shadow, green eyeshadow, Purple Eyeshadow, soft red lipstick all in one pack. It is however only on sale for 1 week only.

 

 

MP: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/68414

 

 

Hair

 

Truth

I must admit I do like Truth hair and have quite a lot of their styles so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw they had a sale. I quickly got a few nice styles on sale.

I was looking for an updo casual hair style and came across this in the sale. It is not only perfect for a casual look with jeans etc but you can get away with it for semi causal wear also. Priced at L$100 I am sure you will think this is a good deal too.

 

 

MP: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/13

 

 Looking for a new winter home? Here is something I found on sale!

 

 

Villas

A good deal does not  have to be for apparel or accessories only!  We all love to decorate and find that perfect house to be able to do that but it can be hard. However, I came across Villas a house store who are in the middle of a sale with their houses.  To be honest the houses are quiet nice. 

Now depending on what style and design of a house you are looking for I found this house to be very good for the sale price as it comes with a pool.  However, if interior designing is not your favorite thing to do then never fear as the house comes fully furnished so you can just simply move in!

 

The house comes equipped and furnished as follows:

Automatic security with visitor list

Animated window shutters with on/off switch

Lighting system with 4 independent zones and 5 different light modes for each. Night and day sensor included

Outdoor torch lights

All doors equipped with sensor, collision and touch mode

Animated pool

Animated Jacuzzi

Fireplaces

Paintings

Potted interior plants

Furniture 

Footprint 36 x 39 m

412 prims 

All of this for L$599.

MP: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/106276

So if you’re still looking for a sale in SL then you are not too late but do hurry because a sale cannot stay a sale for long.

Happy Shopping!

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Center Ground Group Announces The Closing of the Care and Hope Center

Second Life, http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Han%20Loso/237/59/65

It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the closing of the 'Hope and Care Center "of Center Ground.  The center reflected some of my core values, in and out of our virtual world. While some may not care to deal with RL issues in their "play" space. We felt that if one person was helped by seeing or hearing some information at the "Hope and Care Center", then it was worth it.  I applaud Morgan Whitfield for her vision and wish her well in her future endeavors. I'm sure we will be working together again.

Care and Hope Center does NOT accept any monetary donations.  We ask that you donate to your local battered women's center, YWCA, NoMore.org, NRVCD.org or LoveisRespect.org. 

Contact info:

email: mailto:morganmickalobe@gmail.com

IM or NC:  mmorganwhitfield

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Han%20Loso/237/59/65

   

About Center Ground Group: Originally started by 4 environmentally focused leaders to discuss and promote true sustainable modeling, and preserve their ideas and dreams in the SL metaverse, now expanded to include arts and cultural interest

                                                                        # # #

If you would like more information on this topic IM Luchenpur Darwin inwolrd or e-mail Purnell_L@MartinPurnell.com

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Avie Poll: Are Politics and Religion Important Topics in Second Life?-Becca Drascol Reporting

Are these topics important in SL?

Ask most club owners if politics or religion are a welcomed topic of conversation and you will most likely hear that no, they are not. Why is that? Perhaps because not only do people have their own beliefs and views on both, but both are hot button issues for that very reason.

Religion comes in many forms, and each of us has our own thinking on it. Some are not

Religious at all. Some people could care less about politics.

Love me or hate me, I choose not to discuss either topic and do not feel they are important or

even have a place in Second Life. To me SL is an escape, a place to be whatever and whoever I  may want be and to do things I enjoy. I like to live a little more on the wild side of things in my second life. I can have jobs I'd never do or cannot do in RL. I don't think about RL things like religion and politics while inworld.

Now with all that said that does not mean that some may not seek a challenging convo on

Politics and /or religion. And that's not to say that some may even seek out religion in-world.

For some these two hot button issues very well may hold an importance even in one's virtual

life. For others there are far more controversial views and beliefs they give importance to within SL.

Becca Drascol: Are Politics and Religion important topics in SL?

NeaFarspire Resident: I suppose it can be but from experience, those two topics still get heated even on SL. I try to stay away from discussing both...smiles.

Becca Drascol: Are Politics and Religion important topics in SL?

BarricWolf Resident: Not really.

Becca Drascol: Ok can I ask why you feel they are not?

BarricWolf Resident: I do not come here for it.

Becca Drascol: Many don't.

BarricWolf Resident: I come here to do the things I can not in real.

BarricWolf Resident: I can talk Politics and religion in real.

Becca Drascol: Great Thank you. Well thought out answer.

Becca Drascol: Are Politics and Religion important topics in SL?

ExklusiveMamii87 Resident: I think to some on SL it could very well be, but for me... It doesn't seem that important... Not as much as it would RL…

Becca Drascol: Are Politics and Religion important topics in SL?

EvanDarkblood Resident: Don`t get me wrong a person can be political or religious all they want. That being said I am neither and feel that there is no place for them in SL and with all the differing views on both they just cause drama.

Becca Drascol: Are Politics and Religion important topics in SL?

LaceyNightshade Resident: No they aren’t religion and politics have there place but it isn’t within SL. I feel people are too passionate about both and it’s just an issue waiting to happen when you incorporate either here.

Becca Drascol: Are Politics and Religion important topics in SL?

Nicholle Inglewood:  I don't think those topics are important unless you’re in some type of political or religious group. To me they shouldn't be discussed because from previous experiences, it just causes everyone to fight lol.

As for In-World…

For some religion and politics hold their place within Second life.  For if they did not, churches and other religious venues I visited would not exist and have traffic as high as four thousand. Or places for deep discussions on these very topics but also on such things as atheism. I do believe even in SL that people will discuss hard hitting issues and they will discuss ones that some people wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. However, for those I interviewed Religion and Politics were not something they wish to include virtually.

Are these topics important to you? Comment and let us know how you feel.

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2016 Christian Music Festival- Jan 24th at 2pm SLT

On Jan 24th at 2pm SLT, The Bowl at Origen's Hollywood Venues will be hosting its first annual Christian Music Festival. And it couldn't start out with a more distinguished line up of performers.

Earlier this month, both The Pink Vampire and Luciano Lionheart were name two of the top three vocalists in the 2015 Live Music Awards. They will be presenting both traditional and contemporary Christian music for a time of reflection and praise.

Christopher Quan and David Csiszer are well known around the grid for their ability to remind people who God is and what he has done for them through Jesus. Their music that always touches the heart and mind.

Please join us for this special event two-hour event with Second Life’s top vocalists.

 
The 2016 Christian Music Festival.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/63/119/4003

Additional information:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/63/119/4003

Join our group! The Hollywood Ballroom & Theater

Contact: Origen

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Arranging the Work-Space to Embrace Balance by Linda Lauren

I create my day every day by putting out to the universe what I want to embrace and receive in return. I have discovered that balance may be the most important thing that I want to embrace. I believe balance is one of the ingredients we need to afford us success in life and business. When I am feeling balanced it puts an entirely different spin on my day, making it easier to navigate through the murky waters of the decision-making process. It's important to me to initiate each day by incorporating balance in a way that feels natural. Not everyone likes order, and creating balance can make the messiest mind, and/or desk, become something out of the comfort zone. But, once you get used to how it feels to be balanced, new discoveries will more than likely be exposed, making the process something that adds quality to your days.

There are several ways to initiate balance. Here are four that I personally use and I have found them most helpful. They are bound to get you motivated as they have the potential to open you up to a clean canvas. That canvas allows you to begin anew at the desk where you spend most of your time.

• Meditate: This is mandatory to me as it will set the tone for clear thinking and make way for the mindfulness needed to create a day that easily moves your work forward without stress. It affords you a clear slate.
• Survey: Look at the surface of your desk as a table rather than as a desk. Close your eyes and try to remember what things looked like. Visualize yourself at the desk and try to remember your movements as they were when you are working. This will give you a sense of what is important to your work, and what might be in the way.
• List: After opening your eyes, make a list of what is on your desk. Then number that list in the order of item importance. Include keepsakes and photos, adding them last to your list. This familiarizes you with the energy of your desk and what inspires you the most.
• Arrange: By process of elimination, choose the items on your list that you are keeping. Keep only what you intend to use, and place the items on the desk in a way that allows you to effectively reach them with ease. Keep in mind the adage that less is more.

Now, give yourself some time with your new work-space, and be diligent. I have found that working with just the surface helps to keep the space uncluttered, which may ultimately lead to better productivity. The key to the success of this is to always be cognizant to return everything to the same place each and every time you use something so it becomes second nature.

In the beginning, this can seem like a nuisance, but in the long-run it has the potential to boost morale and return to you large allotments of time you may normally have missed out on. That result will have you embracing a more balanced work environment.

Linda Lauren

Article reprinted courtesy of

Link to original article
1/20/16

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All Female Musician Night WITH DJ ROCKY AT DADDY-O's Thursday January 21st 6:00 - 8:00 PM

                                http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Almost%20Paradise/113/80/21

Come dance and party to DJ Rocky spinning all Female Musicians songs! It will range the gambit of all your favorite women of music! So grab your significant other, your friends and join us for a fun night at DADDY-O's....WHERE FUN RULEZ!  

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TAMRA HAYDEN AND THE PINK VAMPIRE SING BACK-TO-BACK AT ORIGEN’S HOLLYWOOD VENUES. Jan 20th

TAMRA HAYDEN TO PLAY THE BOWL AT ORIGEN’S HOLLYWOOD VENUES!

In RL Tamra Hayden has performed on Broadway as Cosette in Les Miserables, she has toured the USA as Christine in Phantom of the Opera, and now she comes to The Bowl at Origen’s Hollywood Venues to share her magical voice with us. This is truly a must see performance from a highly acclaimed performer and artist. Join us on Wed. Jan 20th at 6pm SLT at the Bowl.

THE PINK VAMPIRE BEGINS HER EXCLUSIVE RUN AT ORIGEN’S HOLLYWOOD VENUES.

Wednesday, Jan 20^th at 7pm SLT. This night begins The Pink Vampire’s exclusive run at Origen’s Hollywood Venues. The Pink Vampire’s voice is renowned throughout Sl. In fact, she was voted as one of SL’s top 3 vocalists in the 2015 Live Music Awards. Pink will be playing in the fabulous Bowl; a venue that can hold up to one hundred avatars with plenty of room for all. The club’s TIS system has 105 dances, in easy to find categories, that will make guests look like dancing professionals. People are also invited to stay after the show and dance under a fireworks filled sky.

Additional information:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/63/119/4003

Join our group! The Hollywood Ballroom & Theater

Contact: Origen

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An in-depth Interview with R E G I Y I F U - Dean Lawson Reporting

Eiffelicious.

 

 

Regi Yifu is a Second Life artist who is currently staging the Eiffelicious Photo Contest. I had the good fortune to talk to Regi about the contest.

 

 

 

 

Dean : Why did you choose the Eiffel Tower as the subject of this photo contest?

 

Regi : I actually created this Eiffel Tower for a 2 hour Best of SL Fashion week in Paris. But It was such a nice build I wanted to share it with more people. So I applied for a LEA sim grant. In early December they contacted me and asked me if I was still interested in having the sim. I said YES!!! We then had a huge New Years Eve Party under the Eiffel Tower with over 300 visitors! The tower will be on the LEA7 sim until February. 

 

 

 

 

Dean : What are the rules to this contest?

 

Regi : TAKE A PHOTO OF THE TOWER AND SEND IT FULL PERM TO REGI YIFU. WINNER WILL BE MARKED IN THE INTERACTIVE GALLERY ON THE LEA7 SIM ON JAN 31st.

 

 

 

 

Dean : Could you tell me about the interactive art gallery?

 

Regi : I created an interactive Light Gallery. It is all created with light. Set your windlight to AMBIENT DARK to best view. Wear the items provided so you can see yourself in the dark. Collide with the signs to see red, green, and blue images combine into a full color image submitted for the contest. With limited space only the best photos received will be shown. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA7/149/133/22

 

 

 

 

Dean : Is there anything you would like people to know about you or the Eiffel Tower display at LEA7?

 

Regi : The Tower is 5000 prims and was built in 10 hours. Feel free to fly around and check it out. There are some flying snowflakes to use on the tip top! Have fun! Enjoy the wonders of Second Life!

 

 

LEA7 - Eiffelicious by Regi Yifu, LEA7 (127, 124, 22) - Moderate

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA7/149/133/22

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The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.....

It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Ictus Belford aka Steve Bedingfield.  He passed away on the 14^th January after a long and painful illness.

The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle
warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes
on in sweet refrains.....
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.

A 'pass the mic memorial is being held in his honour today 19th January'-

@ The Merry Pranksters - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prankster%20Isle/136/127/55

@ 6pmSLT

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one’s gone.
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,
for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

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