Love Holiday Home Decor? Check Out Swarm of Decor 3! October 3rd- October 24th- Apply to Participate now!

Earth Nirvana and Be Hunted Presents…

Swarm of Decor 3 (Holiday Edition)

Hunters, here’s the info you need to get in the know and hunt for some great products!

·         The hunt begins on Oct. 3.

·         The hunt ends on Oct. 24.

·         Each hunt item is will $7L.

Shop owners interested in providing products for the hunt should know that deadline to apply is Sept. 19. Here’s the info you need to provide awesome products for hunters!

·         Theme: Holiday Decor (October, November, December) | If you need information regarding specific holidays that fall between October and December, check out this Holiday Inserts link: http://www.holidayinserts.com/everyday.htm.

·         Rules:

o    Items must be NEW. (You may provide more than one hidden gift.)

o    All items must be placed on main floor of store ONLY.

o    Items must reflect the quality of your store.

o    You MUST use all bloggers and provide your own hunt picture to me.

If interested in participating, apply to hunt coordinator Earth Nirvana at https://4stores2behunted.wordpress.com/2-applications/application/

Got a great idea for a hunt, but need someone experienced to coordinate the event?

Then check out The Huntress Earth Nirvana’s services!

·         In-store hunt, $1500L

·         Fairs/Sim-wide hunt, $2500L

·         Grid-wide hunt, $3000L

Service for any of the above types of hunts includes

·         organization and implementation of hunt from start to finish

·         promotion of hunt through social media, groups, and ads

To learn more about The Huntress’ services, send her an email at SL.EarthNirvana@gmail.com

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Seven Years and Still Running: London City Celebrates its 7th Anniversary All September By Lilya Luv

London City’s 7th anniversary celebrations all this month

London City is celebrating its 7th anniversary this month with events every day. As one of the longest running and popular communities, London City is mainstay in Second Life. Just under a year ago London City collaborated with Linden Lab to launch London City Gateway as a way for newbies to learn the ropes. We speak with Torric Rodas, founder of London City, about the community, why he thinks London City is an attraction in Second Life, and we find out the weirdest thing that happened to him.

What do you enjoy most about the London City community?

Diversity. The huge variety of different people popping through every day. London City receives about 3,000 unique visitors each day, all with different perspectives on life.

What do you think it is about London City that attracts people?

The estate hopefully covers most bases of a self contained city. It has over a hundred stores all in London Streets. Five clubs for different lifestyles including a dedicated LGBT venue, Madame Lala's. We also have a large hangout area, a comprehensive freebie shop, a park, residential regions, and a landscaped region--many people live and work here.

In December 2015 London City Gateway opened. It is an official Community Gateway run under the guidance of Linden Lab and welcomes many hundreds of brand new users each and every day.

Trafalgar Square in London City

What are some weird things you have seen happen here over the years or while you were a moderator?

All sorts every day. Someone landed a 40 meter zeppelin next to me as I am writing this.

What would you recommend newbies do when they come to London City?

We encourage new users to begin with the New User Tutorial in the London City Gateway first.  It has a basic walk-through tutorial, where at the end they can elect to either enter the community immediately, or take a left turn and go on to the more in depth lessons. Once in London City, there is a huge freebie store for those who want to customize their look, or they can hang out and make friends in the hub area.

You can take a ride in London City’s double-decker bus

What are some upcoming events related to the 7-year celebration?

Events are run 7 days a week, with a weekend concert every Saturday at 12:00PM SLT.

For example, more recently we had a very tongue in cheek tribute to Televangelism with a full show starring Vestal Virgin. On Saturday September 17, we will have a special party on the mainland region, Mephilo Tor. There is a small parcel there that we still own. It is where we first started London City, but we ran out of room within 6 months and moved to private islands.

We have a tribute act every Saturday produced and choreographed  by our own team, The London Players.

The parcel in Mephilo Tor where it all began in 2009 for London City

Is there anything else you would like to say about the London City community?

We recognise the differences that exist between people beyond age and experience, such as gender, race, ethnicity, mental and physical ability, creed, colour, caste, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, education, marital, financial and other statuses.  We believe that the differences and varied perspectives of life that people bring with them, has a positive impact on the community and is a strength to be embraced.  

And on a personal note, I would like to thank the cast and crew of London City, the admins, support agents, merchants, visitors and our patrons. Without them, London City would never have become the most popular destination in Second Life.

To check out London City’s latest events and celebration, visit http://mainlandlondon.blogspot.co.uk/ or teleport to London City.

Additional Information:
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/London%20City/92/221/24
URL: http://mainlandlondon.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LondonSecondLife
Preferred contact: Torric Rodas

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Art in Virtual Worlds Metaphor Reflections Exhibit 2016- Grand Opening Monday Sept. 12th 5-7pm SLT

The Community Virtual Library in Second Life presents an exhibit of art work in virtual worlds during the fall of 2016.

Overview and Schedule

Grand Opening of Exhibit

Monday Sept. 12th 5-7pm SLT

Participating artists will share about art in virtual worlds at the grand opening.

SLurl:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/31/182/24

Live Tour of Exhibit

Saturday Oct. 8th 9-10am SLT

Wearable Art Celebration Party

Wednesday Oct. 12th 6pm SLT

Wear something artistic and join us for a celebration of virtual world art.  Network with other artists, educators, librarians, and friends to connect and share art with virtual world communities.

SLurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/95/44/24

MEDIA CONTACT

Valerie Hill, PhD

valibrarian@gmail.com

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Never Forget: Second Life Residents Honor the Victims and Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 by Lilya Luv

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

Today marks the 15th anniversary of  9/11 and Second Life’s residents are honoring and the victims throughout the grid. Memorial services and tributes of remembrance honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993 will happen today.

We speak with three organizers to find out why these memorial services mean to them and why it should be important to us: Bryston Vanvleck, founder of 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget; Ethan MacAlpin, owner of Highlands of Scotland; and Geena Zackerly-Magic of 911 Memorial on Stagg Island.

What is your motivation for creating this memorial?

Bryston: Back in 2008 I decided to hold a small memorial in my NYC Loft & Apartment store and was surprised by the number of visitors and the outpouring of emotions that day. Each year I added a few more items until finally I created a stand alone memorial. Today I am proud to be hosting this event for the 8th year. My hope is to make sure no one ever forgets the people who lost their lives on 9/11 and to always remember the heroes who displayed extraordinary acts of courage. It's why I named my 9/11 Memorial Always Remember, Never Forget.

Ethan: I originally created the memorial in 2011 for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The town I helped manage had a town square and we thought it would be a nice thing to have to contribute our own [a virtual memorial] memorial to all those going on in the real world. The two towers, encircled by a pentagon seemed to be appropriate.

Geena: This memorial is the second rendition of Stagg Island's 911 Memorial. It was modernized to imitate the grounds in Manhattan. Fazio Magic, the creator wanted to make it look more like the footprints with the waterfalls that now sit where the buildings once stood.

Effigy at 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

What can we expect tomorrow at your event tomorrow?

Bryston: Tears... lots of tears and stories from people who lost loved ones on 9/11. Others like to discuss what they were doing that day and how those horrible events affected them. I have many that come and just stare out the window at the Twin Towers, dreaming about what used to be. It's an emotional day for all of us.

Always Remember, Never Forget is an all day event with moment of silences being observed at the following EST times:

8:46 a.m. (5:46 am SLT): Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower (1 World Trade Center.)

9:03 a.m. (6:03 am SLT): Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower (2 World Trade Center)

9:37 a.m. (6:37 am SLT): Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C.

9:59 a.m. (6:59 am SLT): The South Tower (2 World Trade Center) collapses.

10:03 a.m. (7:03 am SLT): Flight 93 crashes into an empty field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

10:28 a.m. (7:28 am SLT): The North Tower (1 World Trade Center) collapses.

Ethan: We have weekly church services in the Highlands of Scotland with a different speaker each week. Since it was my Sunday and it fell on the anniversary of the event, I felt I should include a memorial part of the service. It will be a regular church service but during that time we will have a brief remembrance of those who perished and mark the 15th anniversary of the event.

The memorial service will start at 9:30 am SLT.

Geena: We will have at least 3 services today. The services are very moving with many parts. We will also have the military represented in uniform standing guard.

8:00 a.m. SLT

2:00 p.m. SLT

6:00 p.m. SLT

9/11 Memorial statue at Highlands of Scotland

What would be the main take away for your visitors?

Bryston: Remembrance and reflection. Never forgetting how that day changed the world forever.

Ethan: To remember those who lost their lives that day and to pray for a world where peace and love for our fellow human beings will triumph over war and hatred.

Geena: The 911 Memorial is dedicated to all Second life residents. I want them to know this will always be here for them to come visit and reflect. Many will come here tomorrow and talk amongst themselves about where they were that day. Many have come looking for their loved ones name on our wall.  It's a very emotionally moving day.

The 9/11 memorial on Stagg Island was created to be like a replica of the grounds in Manhanttan

What is the importance of this event to you?

Bryston: Always Remember, Never Forget is an extremely important event to me. I wanted to create a space where people could come and reflect upon the events of 9/11. Make them feel an array of emotions from sadness to anger. It is important to never forget the precious lives that were lost and the families that were torn apart forever, but also to recognize the evil that caused it and to always remain vigilant. Terrorism plagues the world of today and we must all come together to fight and destroy this evil.

Ethan: As a former firefighter, I, like many others, were deeply affected by the losses that day, especially from so many servants of the public who bravely ran toward the buildings when others ran from them. If my memorial monument and my words can honour them in any way I am very glad to play a small part in making sure they are not forgotten.

Geena: It is very moving and I strongly encourage all Second Life residents to come to one of the services. This memorial means everything to me and Faz. It was his vision and it will stand as long as we can leave it up.

You can visit each of the follow memorials tomorrow at the following locations:

• 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget
• Highlands of Scotland
• 911 Memorial on Stagg Island

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Find Your Dark Side at Suicide Dollz from 1PM SLT Sep 11 - 1PM SLT Sept 30

Explore the Suicide Dollz event's newest round from 1PM SLT September 11th until 1PM SLT September 30th. As Second Life's longest running alternative themed, bi-weekly shopping event, established in 2013, we continuously strive to bring you the best products by some of the grid's most recognized designers. The current round will run for two weeks before closing on Friday September 30th at 1PM SLT. For any questions, please send a NC in-world to Selene Starflare or email to selenestarflare@gmail.com. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raven%20Wood/55/213/2504

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Art in Virtual Worlds Metaphor Reflections Exhibit 2016

The Community Virtual Library in Second Life presents an exhibit of art work in virtual worlds during the fall of 2016.

Overview and Schedule

Grand Opening of Exhibit

Monday Sept. 12th 5-7pm SLT

Participating artists will share about art in virtual worlds at the grand opening.

SLurl:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/31/182/24

Live Tour of Exhibit

Saturday Oct. 8^th 9-10am SLT

Wearable Art Celebration Party

Wednesday Oct. 12th 6pm SLT

Wear something artistic and join us for a celebration of virtual world art.  Network with other artists, educators, librarians, and friends to connect and share art with virtual world communities.

SLurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/95/44/24

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The Book of Daniel Event : Sept 10-20th.

The Book of Daniel is an upcoming Fund-Raising Event, where you can shop to save a life. A talented SL creator and a dear friend of many, Daniel Estro, 29 years old, (co-owner of Zerkalo, Shiny Shabby and The Crossroads) has cancer and desperately needs our help. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy. He is fighting as hard as he can to survive but as many of you might know, fighting cancer is very expensive. We have been trying our absolute best to help them financially and we still are. But we need your help. We are doing everything humanly possible and it’s just not enough. 

Imagine that life is a book, imagine that you are a page in someone's life. Some of us may be just a line in Daniel's book, some of us - a page or even a chapter, some might give his storyline a while new meaning, and some might never even appear in it. Imagine that a single line can twist a person's fate and change the ending of their book because yes, every story has an ending. But we can share and contribute in order to add more pages or even chapters to Daniel's.

About 124 designers gathered together to help with their creations. You can help too ! 

Slurl : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RK%20Poses/155/147/2501

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More Than A Music Venue: Take A Break At Coffee’s By: Persia Bravin

For many of us, live music is the heartbeat to our second lives, and our favourite gig venues rapidly become regular haunts inworld. They are places to relax and escape the humdrum of real life; to chat with friends whilst listening to performers from across the world. For musicians too, a well-run venue provides the opportunity to showcase their talents, a chance for them to gain new fans and for them to earn useful income, which in turn, helps to boost the overall SL economy. Live music venues come and go, but the ones that stand the test of time are those with a welcoming atmosphere, an almost palpable sense of excitement and a unique setting. If these are the benchmarks of a truly successful venue, then Coffee’s – run by brother and sister team, Coffee Jaworower and Machka Resident – is destined to be around for many years to come.

Coffee’s opened in late 2014 and since then has managed to attract and maintain a loyal customer and performer fan base. One of the secrets to its success is the convivial atmosphere that Coffee and Machka have magically created, because whether you are a first timer or seasoned visitor, you are always made to feel part of the Coffee’s community. “I think the inspiration behind Coffee's comes from being a live musician myself and playing at poorly constructed venues that are usually way too big for most artists to fill,” explains Coffee, “they tend to lose that warm, welcoming atmosphere that hopefully we provide for both our audience and artists. I wanted to make Coffee's a cosy - but not in your face place - where you could either boogie up by the stage or sit back in comfortable surroundings and listen to great music.”

Great music - that other vital ingredient for any live venue – is another strong point at Coffee’s. Instead of a daily schedule with many musicians of varying abilities, the venue instead hosts music from Friday to Monday only from 12 to 3pm SLT. This reduced schedule allows the team to provide quality over quantity and consequently, Coffee’s plays host to some of the finest musicians on the grid - but what’s it been like working with performers inworld? “Well for me, and I'm sure my sister would agree, it's been a great experience,” says Coffee, as we sit at the bar. “I’ve learnt so much from them and find on the whole they are a very friendly bunch of people only too willing to give advice and help out when they can.”

For the musicians themselves, Coffee’s is a firm favourite on the SL music venue circuit, as pianoman1968, one of the venues regular performers explains: “If you want to have a fun time in a friendly, slightly crazy atmosphere, then Coffee's is the place for you. There are some amazing artists there and you often see something which is a cut above the norm in Second Life. Coffee and Machka always encourage originality and like to provide something a little bit different.” Sourcing top notch performers to play at Coffee’s can’t be easy, but this responsibility falls to Machka, who manages secure some of the best names in SL live music thanks to her persistence and sunny nature. “I do run around and find performers, and when they say yes, that does make me feel good,” she says smiling. “So yes… I’m pleased when I get a booking and the most pleasing moment is when Coffee sees my calendar and realizes I have booked up the schedule again!”

But what makes Coffee’s really stand out from other venues is its constantly changing look and setting, because unlike most clubs that create a build and stick with it for years after, Coffee’s switches up its look every two weeks, with all pieces made by Coffee Jaworower himself. From one visit to the next, you could find yourself listening to live music sat in an intergalactic spaceship, a LA movie set, an Amazon rainforest or even a gigantic fruit bowl with apples for chairs and bananas as the stage backdrop. The different designs are always executed perfectly, with an element of humour that betrays Coffee’s real life sense of fun – so where does he get his inspiration from? “It can be anything from a film I've watched, a book I've read or something somebody has said, for instance the bed stage I did recently resulted from a conversation between Machka and myself about how tired we were. So far, something has always entered in to my head - but it does worry me that I'll run out of ideas one day!” admits Coffee.

Creativity is something that Coffee excels at, which is fortuitous, as he and Machka now plan on expanding the venue to help cater for the ever growing audiences that visit the current location. “Recently we've acquired the little island next door and we've already held a couple of larger events on it, and are planning to do some more in the future,” he explains. “As for the main stage at Coffee's I'd like it to continue as it has been for many years to come.” With such a loyal following, great music and fun atmosphere, Coffee’s is destined to be an SL music venue that stands the test of time, but why should people visit? The last word must go to Machka: “We don't put labels on people, all are welcome... noobs, furries, children - our venue is open to everyone. We would like to show Second Life that there is a venue that does not judge on looks, religion, politics. Coffees is for everybody to have a fun time.”

 

Coffee’s SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tharu/98/144/22

pianoman1968 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandypianoman/

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