Apps and Virtual Reality: The Future of "Second Life"

When you think of a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, you probably think of "World of Warcraft" or "Elder Scrolls Online." What you may not automatically think of, though, is "Second Life." This is not a game per say, but more like a virtual world. Users can interact with other players and build houses or even whole towns in a 3-D space by using open source tools. With just under 1 million users, this game is one of the most popular in the MMO space, so here's a deeper look into this online world:

Community

What makes "Second Life" unique compared to other MMOs is that there isn’t a game component. There aren’t quests to finish or enemies to kill. Instead it is all about building a virtual life and interacting with those around you. In this online community, you can find like-minded people and interact with them in a different way than a purely text-based forum can provide.

Mobile

As of yet, there isn't a first-party way for users to log into "Second Life" through a mobile app made by Linden Lab. However, because so much of the technology behind the game is open source, independent developers have created apps that give you varying levels of access to the world. Here are just a few:

·         Lumiya: This is one of the largest of the third-party apps for accessing "Second Life." Originally, the app was designed to run on devices in the generation of the Galaxy S3. However, it is still available in the Google Play Store and is still supported on newer Android phones like the Galaxy S6. And, because the hardware has gotten considerably better, the performance of the app is even smoother. Priced at just under $3.00, it puts it in reach if you want basic functionality, such as chatting with friends and managing inventory.

·         Mobile Grid Client: This app is another Android-based app that gives you many of the same features as Lumiya. Mobile Grid Client strives to be extremely lightweight by keeping data consumption rates low. Whereas Lumiya gives you a 3-D representation of your character, Mobile Grid uses a top-down map that lets you see yourself relative to your surroundings and other players without being data intensive. The trade off with Mobile Grid Client is cost, though. After a 14-day free trial, you can unlock a standard or pro version for L$250 or L$450 per month, respectively. These are priced using "Second Life’s" internal currency, which roughly translates to between $1-2 per month depending on the exchange rates.

·         Pocket Metaverse: If you are a "Second Life" user on iPhone, then Pocket Metaverse is the place to go. This is another top-down style app rather than one that simulates the actual look of the game. Pocket Metaverse has designed its interface to be as close to the iPhone's design as possible, which makes it easy for you to understand how each tool works.

Future

With VR technology becoming more popular and affordable, there may be a resurgence in "Second Life." Because so much of the appeal of "Second Life" came from the world building and community rather than fighting, this is a perfect place for VR. With VR technology, "Second Life" could truly become a place where communities interact with each other.

T-Mobile Article

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Polyamory; Free Love in a New Age

Polyamory is a lifestyle which consists of trust and personal freedom. Without those traits, this lifestyle would seize to exist.

In Second Life true Poly couples are hard to find. They do not scout the grid for random sexual encounters and one night stands, or approach just anyone to enter their beds.  In fact, sex isn’t really the main agenda. Seeking like-minded individuals is the goal but it can be a challenge.

 Most people are into a traditional or even non traditional monogamous relationship, yet cheating and jealousy seem to create the most issues for them. Have you ever wondered why people cheat on their partners, even if they love them? In fact, 50% of marriages fail today. It isn’t always because of financial reasons, inability to fight fair, control, abuse, or other things that cause damage to a union.  Quite frankly, it is because people changed.  Boredom and or new found independence makes people seek something new to stimulate them.  That goes for anything from new hobbies, jobs, movies, books, cars, houses, change of environment, personal style, a new haircut- just about anything.

Keeping things fresh and exciting in a relationship is important but even then, some people just want or need new experiences.  This has only intensified through the years thanks to internet and social media. We all have the ability to find those special interests we don’t find in our local community or in our own home.

Why do you think   more people are choosing a Poly Lifestyle?

The answer is simple. Humans were not born with a limit on whom they fall in love with or who they become attracted to when they begin to experience attraction.  Manmade rules are what govern how we should commit to others and even act.  Just like government and religion was created to contain some form of civilization and order. There has to be a way to contain the madness right?

With scandals in the church and government getting out of control, it lessens the respect people have for order. Social norms, a belief system, upbringing and other environmental contributors are factors which form how we perceive things should be in our lives.

 But is that how it should be in this day and age? It seems those who chose their own path are seen as different or rebels. Why can’t people just see it as individualism?

 We are all different.  How can we all fit the same mold of what society THINKS is “normal”?  We all have our own needs, wants and desires. How can they all be fulfilled by one person or even put into one set of rules for all to abide by?

Many go through life thinking they are happy with the person they chose to be with. Others settle even further. Some are unhappy but don’t know how to express what they really want or are afraid of what others will think of them if they decide on a certain lifestyle or even express their inner desires.

 What truly makes a person happy? Or should the word be content?  Should a person settle and just go through life secretly thinking about what they really want?

How is that living?

Or worse yet, looking back at life wishing they would have made different decisions when it is too late. Nobody wants to live their golden years with regrets and missed opportunities for a better quality of life.

Those who practice poly believe that everyone has the right to be free to find their own happiness. They support each other, love unconditionally without judgment and for the most part feel more fulfilled in their own lives.

 It doesn’t mean polyamorists love any less. It is quite the opposite. They love more and worry less.  All the issues that can cause a relationship to fall apart such as cheating and jealousy are the least of their worries.  However, some form of communication and agreements need to be put in place to ensure all parties involved understand what they are getting into.

Swingers and Polyamorists should not be confused as the same things. Swingers are couples who agree to swap with other couples, have rules yet they remain loyal to each other. Polyamorists on the other hand can have multiple partners/lovers without restrictions or loyalty to just one.

Imagine living life with the people you choose to love and who love you, without being judged for your preferences. You could love freely and explore your sexuality. That is Poly.

These types of relationships can only become complicated when people are not honest with themselves or others, irresponsible or disrespectful.  For example, participants having unrealistic expectations of partners by creating rules or causing problems, because they want to suddenly become monogamous.  

 In order for this lifestyle to work, everyone involved needs to lay the cards on the table and agree to the freedoms of Polyamorists. If you are unsure, then do not get involved in the lifestyle.

 Safety should be first in the discussion.   By taking the initiative to protect yourself by practicing safe sex is very important to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.  Also, if you are not comfortable with a partner it is best to not engage in situations with them. Do not do things just to make other people happy. Do what makes YOU happy first.

The whole point is being true to yourself and to others about what you want in a Polyamorists lifestyle and being respectful not to impose on others.

People who are quick to judge polyamorists for the lifestyle they choose are usually the biggest hypocrites. No one is perfect and just because you choose a lifestyle that does not fit the norms of someone else, doesn’t make what you do wrong.

It is all about personal preference. The world would be a better place is everyone looked within themselves, rather than looking for faults or reason to judge someone else. The phrase “Mind your own business of it does not directly affect you” comes to mind.

Take a good look around you. Observe the couples you know. Evaluate your own situation and make a decision that best suits what you want out of your life and go for what will enhance your quality of living. Surrounding yourself with people who support and love you for you is what matters the most.

Don’t settle. You only live once. Start by nurturing your personal freedom and if monogamy suits you best- stick with what works for you and your partner.

-J. Fiertze

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LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Origen’s Chinese Playhouse July 13th at 7 pm SLT

A Starlite Dancers Production

Produced and Choreographed by Isabelle Mavendorf

July 13th at 7 pm SLT

Come and enjoy all the music, the dancing, and the fun of this offbeat musical comedy about a nerdy florist who finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed and is bent on world domination.

If you missed this Broadway show in real life, now is your chance to see it in Second Life at Origen’s fabulous Chinese Playhouse on Hollywood Blvd.

Dress code: Formal or cocktail.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/127/96/522

Contact: Origen Resident

Group: Hollywood Ballroom & Theater

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Little things can make all the difference - Lacy Muircastle reporting...

In general communication is a means of connecting people or places.   We all know that good communication is a bedrock of a successful relationship, whether it’s a positive parent-child bond, the first few days of a new friendship, or the start of a budding romance, and it undoubtedly goes for both business and personal Second Life relationships too.

Misunderstandings in Second Life are two a penny.  It’s my contention that it’s because we cannot see one another’s body language and in many cases we cannot hear the intonation in the other party’s voice.  Without good communication Second Life can be difficult to deal with, but little things can make all the difference.

You may think that you have the basics of good communication mastered — you listen, you share appropriately, you seek clarification on points you do not understand.  However, there are certain errors in communication that we may make on a regular basis without even knowing it. Taking your Second Life interpersonal connections to the next level entails becoming aware of such mistakes and taking care to avoid them.

One of the most common communication pitfalls is our tendency to draw comparisons. In many situations, it’s entirely appropriate to compare two or more items or situations. For instance, at work, you may describe a piece of software as being “harder to use” or “nicer to look at” than a previous version. That’s fine, such comparisons help other people. However, comparisons are not always so harmless in personal relationships.

Why? Simply put, when you make a comparison, you are making a judgement. An obvious example is the comparisons that parents sometimes make between children. We all know that hearing “Why can’t you be as smart/tidy/nice as your sister/brother?” is only going to damage a child’s self-esteem. However, it’s important to watch out for so-called “good” comparisons too.

Whenever you make a judgement, someone usually comes out feeling like a loser, even if your intentions are positive. For instance, if you attempt to compliment someone by telling them that they look like a particular celebrity, you are implying that they are not an attractive person in their own right. Rather, they are only worthy of attention because they happen to resemble someone else. To take another example, let’s say that you are a piano teacher who tells one of their students, “Keep practicing, and one day you could be as good as my best student!” This may seem encouraging initially, but just as in the previous example, such a comparison detracts from the innate worth and value of whoever is subject to it.

Often, when we make comparisons, we secretly wish someone could or would be different. This is a losing battle because getting other people to change, especially if they do not want to change themselves, can be extremely difficult. Instead, it is often more fruitful to take one of the following two approaches.

First, the best tactic is to work on appreciating and accepting the other person for what and who they already are. This may be tricky at first, but keep reminding yourself of what you like about this person and what joy they bring to your life and you’ll be halfway there. It is better to praise and compliment someone based on who and what they are right now than to express, subtly or not, that they would be better if only they would change.

The second strategy is to be a role model. For example, if you would like your friend to be more outgoing and to take the initiative when planning social outings, why not aim to develop these qualities in yourself? We tend to imitate those we respect, so if you have a strong relationship with someone, modelling positive behaviours can encourage positive change.

However you tackle the situation, remember to cut down on those comparisons!

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Spotlight on The Edge- Supporting the Artistic Side of Fashion & Imagery in Second Life- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Fashion has always been a popular topic in Second Life. Since the beginning, fashion has given residents of SL a form of self expression and unique personal style. From runway models and fashion designers to residents who love to shop, Fashion is still a big part of the virtual world culture and definitely here to stay. One resident spends her time supporting the artistic side of fashion and imagery with The Edge.

Interview with  Eles (Eleseren Brianna)

Our individual style defines us visually in the real world as well as Second Life. Can you tell our readers what style means to you and what inspired you to be involved in the fashion side of Second Life?

Eles: What an interesting question. Style for me is a combination of expressing my individuality in an aesthetic way. It is also about feeling good about being me because I feel confident attractive and empowered in the clothes I am wearing. It is not necessarily about wearing the latest 'fashions', though that might happen. It is about making a statement creatively that expresses who I am and what I want to say about myself through what I wear. When we slavishly follow fashion trends we are not really saying anything about who we are as individuals, we are more likely wanting to fit in and be with the in-crowd. By all means wear the latest fashion if it really gels with who you are and what you love about clothes or accessories. I got involved in Fashion in SL originally as a designer, following my real life experience of training and working as a Designer Dressmaker some years ago (which is where my creative interest in Fashion started). I am also trained artistically in RL (as an illustrator) so Sl for me is a mode of artistic expression. That came out in my designing, but took off completely when as a model I discovered Styling in SL.

What is The Edge? 

Eles: The opportunity to create The Edge was a huge gift given to me by John Herring (Johannes1977) the powerhouse behind Windlight. When I came to the end of my year as MVW 2015 I had been looking for a way to follow my muse in exploring the edge where Fashion and Art meet, and where Fashion explores the artistic. The Edge was conceived as a way to support, promote and provide education on the most artistic elements of SL Fashion and modeling and bring them more widely to the public in SL. I hope we also have a role in influencing SL Fashion to be more creative and exploratory too.

The Edge has definitely evolved to have a mission of promoting original creativity within SL Fashion and Modeling in various ways, but especially it focuses on my love of Styling. Styling in SL doesn't really have too much of a RL counterpart (unless you perhaps look at the personal style of a few pop stars and the like). It is for me a true and valid form of creative expression using fashion as a medium, whether that is then displayed on a runway, or through imagery (which are both forms of creative expression in themselves of course). 

Not only is it a gallery, there is an emphasis on education as well. What can you share with our readers about that?

Eles: The Edge currently does cover the Gallery where artistic Fashion Imagery is celebrated and promoted, and the Edge Section of the Windlight Magazine where we cover topics that cover creativity in Fashion in various ways. I am proud though to have launched the educational side to the Edge through my Styling Bootcamp course (and there will be other educational events in time).

As I mentioned before, the Edge does have as one key mission, the promotion of Styling in SL. I remember when I was first learning to be a model, that Styling was something a little feared, a little mysterious even. Some Models were lauded as great Stylists but training never really seemed to grasp adequately how you could learn to become a really good Stylist yourself. How to style in certain genres was taught, and were definitely useful to a point, but truly how to *think* as a Stylist, for me at least, was lacking. I cannot speak for all the trainings out there or for what others have got from them, this is a personal viewpoint. I am a fairly analytical person and I developed my own ideas and techniques as I progressed as a model and a Stylist.

The Edge Styling Bootcamp course is a culmination of what I learned for myself, and is intended to show how to really think as a Stylist, which is a powerful foundation and facilitator to any Styling you do. Using the in-depth techniques and knowledge I give on my course should mean that you can tackle any aspect of Styling successfully, even when thrown in the deep end with a genre you don't know, or when you are asked to style totally creatively. I can honestly say that the Bootcamp course is the most sophisticated Styling training ever offered in SL, with original concepts and tuition, and it has to be, to be worthy of the purpose of The Edge.

Fashion and trends change often with pop culture. Do you offer styling courses for those interested in redefining their personal style?

Eles: The Edge Styling Bootcamp is not specifically for redefining or making over someone's style, but the tools and techniques it teaches do unlock more ability to style creatively and imaginatively, with more understanding of how to put stylings together. This means anyone who does the course will have the tools to experiment and explore and that would lead to greater self expression in their personal style. What the course does emphasise also is the benefits of gaining a knowledge of rl fashion trends, collections and designers. These are a source of inspiration as well as knowledge about what is happening with Fashion trends.

Fashion is not only for the purpose of looking good but it can also be artistic. Can you explain the line between everyday fashion seen in Second Life and artistic fashion for runway and Fashion enthusiasts?

Eles: I think this is probably similar in some ways to the difference between extreme Haute Couture and runway designs in real life, and the clothes people buy in stores, which basically boils down to practical wearability. This isn't always the case of course, this being Second Life, but I would say that artistic fashion for runway and enthusiasts is more extreme, and 'out there' stylistically. It makes a stronger statement and its not so much about the person who is wearing the design, as about the design itself being the centre of attention, and creating its own identity and its own message artistically. 

What ways do you like to Support Fashion and Fashion Imagery in Second Life?

Eles: The Edge, together with Windlight, aims to support Fashion in as many ways as we can. We have a mission to altruistically support the Arts in SL, including the Fashion Arts. For Designers Windlight offers free participation in its events, plus we have had some very notable fashion shows which we have hired Agencies to do (thereby helping to support Agencies too). The Edge Gallery offers an opportunity for anyone who makes fashion related imagery to show in well publicised regular Open Exhibitions. We also feature the work of our talented group of Edge Stylists in the Edge section of Windlight Magazine. The Edge section also features articles related to many aspects of Fashion, modeling and Styling. We run our Edge Styling Bootcamp course as I have already mentioned. To this we have added free E-Books, so far one on posing and one featuring our wonderful Edge Stylists (who have been chosen for their talent in both styling and imagery). We have future plans for the Edge yet to be revealed too.

Fashion Imagery can also be seen as art. Can you explain the difference between images you may see in a fashion magazine and the type of Fashion Imagery you support?

Eles: I think this is a hard question to answer, as images in Fashion magazines vary in their creativity, and there is some truly excellent imagery appearing at times in Fashion Magazines. The Fashion imagery that the Edge supports is imagery where yes Fashion is a focus in some way, but the image itself works as an art image. It is about the image being considered as a whole in an aesthetic and coherent way as a work of art. It is conceived and shot in this way when it is created. All of the artists we feature in the Edge Gallery have different styles but they all produce images that stand by themselves as pieces of artwork. I see a lot of images which feature fashion but there is no real aesthetic relationship between the figure wearing the fashion and the rest of the image, be it background, props, whatever. Those images would never make it into the Edge Gallery. I cover this in the final session of my Styling Bootcamp course, when we look at what elements should be considered in an artistic image, so I won't go into all the details here!

Where do you see fashion headed in Second Life and what do you thing designers will come up with next?

Eles: Again this is a hard question to answer as Fashion is so broad in SL and serves a lot of different communities, all with their own preferred styles. I am personally interested in high fashion in SL so will keep my answer to that. I see more and more designers starting to produce their own mesh, and designers getting more and more proficient in making their own mesh. This for me is leading to the beginnings of a creative renaissance in SL fashion as mesh designs are diversifying and getting more beautifully and imaginatively rendered. I am encouraged too that this burgeoning ability is meaning

that designers can make more and more original designs, perhaps inspired by RL trends but not slavishly following them.

I think also there is a trend now within SL Fashion and modeling to explore Art in various ways, and I like to think that Windlight and The Edge have played their part in it. Art and Fashion is not something that can be territorially claimed by anyone, the two have gone hand in hand down through the ages, and will continue to influence each other in the future.

I have also heard one or two designers saying they are getting interested in looking at Avant Garde designs again, and that would be something I am excited to see.

Is there any fashion advice you have for our readers or anything else you would like to share about The Edge?

Eles: I am not going to tell anyone what to wear, but I will say this. Do not be afraid to be yourself, and wear clothes that you personally feel good in. Don't feel like you have to follow the crowd, some fashions do not suit everybody. I am particularly fond of a quote by Orson Welles 'Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn'. I would say though dress in the best quality items you can afford because they will make you look much more polished, whatever you wear.

As regards the Edge, we have some very interesting projects to be announced, so keep a watch for announcements. The Edge will continue to walk its own path and support the Fashion Arts in SL, something i am very excited about.

Additional Information

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/53/212/26

URL: https://windlightmagazine.com/theedgebyeleseren/

Group: part of Windlight Group

Facebook: part of Windlight Magazine Page

Twitter: part of Windlight

Other: https://www.flickr.com/groups/2858256@N24/

Preferred Contact: Eleseren Brianna

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Are you interested in virtual world book discussions or looking for a great summer book to read? Book Discussion July 12th at 5:30pm SLT

 Come to the Community Virtual Library!  This book will kick off our new book discussion series.

Book Discussion July 12 at 5:30 pm (SLT)   Led by Lori Bell

Community Virtual Library

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/98/94/27

TITLE Sisi:  Empress On Her own by Allison Pataki

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • For readers of Philippa Gregory, Paula McLain, and Daisy Goodwin comes a sweeping and powerful novel by Allison Pataki. Sisi tells the little-known story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, the Princess Diana of her time, in an enthralling work of historical fiction that is also a gripping page-turner.
Married to Emperor Franz Joseph, Elisabeth—fondly known as Sisi—captures the hearts of her people as their “fairy queen,” but beneath that dazzling persona lives a far more complex figure. In mid-nineteenth-century Vienna, the halls of the Hofburg Palace buzz not only with imperial waltzes and champagne but with temptations, rivals, and cutthroat intrigue. Feeling stifled by strict protocols and a turbulent marriage, Sisi grows restless. A free-spirited wanderer, she finds solace at her estate outside Budapest. There she rides her beloved horses and enjoys visits from the Hungarian statesman Count Andrássy, the man with whom she’s unwittingly fallen in love. But tragic news brings Sisi out of her fragile seclusion, forcing her to return to her capital and a world of gossip, envy, and sorrow where a dangerous fate lurks in the shadows.

Through love affairs and loss, dedication and defiance, Sisi struggles against conflicting desires: to keep her family together, or to flee amid the collapse of her suffocating marriage and the gathering tumult of the First World War. In an age of crumbling monarchies, Sisi fights to assert her right to the throne beside her husband, to win the love of her people and the world, and to save an empire. But in the end, can she save herself?

Featuring larger-than-life historic figures such as Bavaria’s “Mad King Ludwig” and the tragic Crown Prince Rudolf, and set against many of Europe’s grandest sites—from Germany’s storied Neuschwanstein Castle to England’s lush shires—Sisi brings to life an extraordinary woman and the romantic, volatile era over which she presided.

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It's a smile, it's a kiss It's a sip of wine, it's summertime - Lacy Muircastle reporting...

Windlight and Amazing Impressions Modeling Agency have been holding the Windlight Summer Fashion Showcase, as part of Windlight’s Anniversary Summer.

The Windlight Summer Fashion Showcase started on the 9th and runs until 16th July 2016.

The Windlight Summer Fashion Showcase highlights a variety of the top Second Life fashion designers in an exceptional setting. The event features a hunt, live performers, DJ parties, shopping, fashion, and art! For more info visit bit.ly/29ikKi4

The final show will reveal Ghee’s Windlight Collection made especially for Windlight’s Anniversary

Participating Designers are:

Ghee
Sonatta Morales
Faster Pussycat
JUMO
Vero Modero
Prism
Byrne
Dot-Be
Zuri Jewellery

The Windlight Summer Fashion Event has been taking place on a stunning fashion forward and creative build featuring a custom mesh runway by renowned builder Saigye Lotus. The runway provides the ideal setting for designers to showcase their fantastic new designs.

Guests are able to purchase designs from the shows at the shopping plaza.

You still have time to catch the following events:

Friday, July 15, 2016- 3pm slt-Prism and Vero Modero Show

Saturday, July 16, 2016 – 3pm slt-Ghee and Zuri Rayna Jewelry Show

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/94/138/2502/

Title taken from KENNY CHESNEY LYRICS  "Summertime"

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GizzA - Halter Tops provide you with just that.

The cropped keyhole back top matches perfectly with whatever you choose to wear that day. Jeans? A frilly skirt? 

The large variety of fabrics and patterns( 8 packs with 3 different colors / patterns each) are the perfect mix and match material for the ultimate sunny summer vibe. 

Crochet, leather.. The options are limitless and yours!

Market

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/GizzA-Leather-Halter-Top-DEMO/9259404

Main-store: 

http://slurl.com/secondlife/GizzA%20Creations/128/129/72

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-RC- Cluster Sells Weird!

If there was a place that spawned all that was bizarre, all the outlandish and strangely mundane things in SL, it would be -RC- Cluster in the legendary Tableau sim. Established in 2008 by Redd Columbia, -RC- Cluster is a seasoned procurer of the eccentric arts.

Almost all items are animated or interactive. You can find AOs, role play items and toys, and everyday objects from real life you didn’t even realize you needed in SL - think lint rollers or back-scratchers. Don’t forget about your personal hygiene! When was the last time you stopped to take a shower in SL and used proper soap and shampoo? At the very least, pick up some hand sanitizer. Get sharp for that next SL date with animated makeup, hair spray and razors for all sorts of body parts!

Redd Columbia doesn’t just sell weird, she also celebrates it! The -RC- Cluster Main store has a history of fun events happening in and around it, such as charity causes, Thanksgiving day dinners, games of musical chairs, and coloring contests! Everybody can attend, so don’t miss out on any of the fun.

There is something for everyone here. SL role players will find something for the whole family. A Fart Button for little cousin Roger, an Electric Shaver for Dad, a Sweaty-Spy Bomb for secret agent spy Aunty Mindy, and a servant’s fan to give to your Gorean role playing half-brother Joe! No matter who you are or what gift you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something new and exciting at -RC- Cluster.

While you’re there, try your luck at one of the gacha machines! Featured in events such as Arcade, there are lots of fun items to win - sit and spins, frosting to eat out of the jar, stabby murder utensils, glow in the dark wall decals and playable Gacha Pets to match your Giga Pet in real life!

You can find Redd Columbia on plurk (she will always add new friends), Flickr, or at the Main Store in Tableau.

Main Store SLURL:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tableau/219/178/23

Marketplace:

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/1433

Plurk:

http://www.plurk.com/rccluster

Flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/rccluster/

Email:

ReddColumbia@gmail.com

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Independence Day: What does it Truly Mean to you?

As July 4th Weekend comes to an end and the BBQ grills cool off, it is time for us all to get back to work and our daily routines. Aside from the traditional ways this U.S holiday is observed with picnics, fireworks and gatherings, how many of us know why we even celebrate it on July 4th? 

240 years ago on July 4^th 1776 the Continental Congress declared The United States of America an independent nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At least that is what we were all taught in grade school right?

But that isn’t exactly true.  Did you know it was really decided on July 2^nd and the declaration wasn’t actually signed until August 2, 1776 when all the editing and changes were made and agreed upon? 

For the first 100 years after the Declaration was made official, people did not take it serious. Democratic-Republicans were in favor of the Declaration and Thomas Jefferson but the Federalists felt it was “too French” and too “anti-British”. FFS It isn’t a party until someone loses an eye right? SMH

Anyway, all the drama between the parties seemed to fade when the Federalists fell apart as new parties were created in support of the declaration. As we all know, Politics can be complicated and a topic of many debates since we all have our own points of views and opinions. So I won’t even go there.

Today, most people don’t flock to Washington, DC to protest the declaration or even care to get a glimpse of the declaration- instead many are rushing liquor stores, beer distributors, local pot dealers and what have you.  Even Walmart and Costco for the last of the hamburgers, hot dogs and buns- or those parking lot tents along the side of main roads to rack up on cheap explosives to set off while cities display their own thunderous displays setting off car alarms and scaring small children and family pets.  Times have certainly changed over the centuries.

 It really doesn’t matter how we celebrate just as long as we are with family and friends, being safe and we don’t lose any fingers. 

To me, it is a day like any other. Life itself should be celebrated.  Sure, I am proud to be an American, and yes I went to Walmart, the liquor store-and got my cheap fireworks for a grand BBQ with family and friends, but most importantly I'm just grateful to be in a country that is free.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend.  Now let’s get back to Summer!

-Lanai

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