Machinima Book and Rez Day Celebrations!

Today is a special day for two of my friends, Lowe Runo and Sonicity Fitzroy. First of all Lowe, otherwise known to many as machinima man, is celebrating his 5th SL rez day today. On top of that the publisher has released pre-order information for the book, "Machinima, The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking" co-authored by Lowe and his business partner and great friend, Sonicity, otherwise known to me as word-woman for her many previously published books, articles, and multitude of RL and SL writings. They both have worked hard and have accomplished a lot and I'm very proud of them and also proud to call them friends. This should be a very happy day for them and so I want to pass on their information here but plan to provide more information when the book is actually released some time later this fall. Many Second Life residents were interviewed and mentioned so we can look forward to seeing names we recognize.

Pre-orders can be made now and I've ordered and am waiting for my copy. : ) You can pre-order here: http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-6171-4 or direct link here: SoniLoweBOOKorderHere.

If you want more info. on these two I previously blogged a great deal about them over a year ago when Lowe Runo Productions, LLC was established in SL. More info. here: http://karasecondlife.blogspot.com/2010/05/lowe-runo-productions-llc.html direct link here: LoweSoniHere.

I'm posting a couple of casual pics I took of them. Don't forget to congratulate them both and wish Lowe a happy rez day while you are at it.




Check out a link to just one of their many machinima sites with great info. : http://slmachinimaarts.ning.com/ or direct link here: MAGHere. Pro-mag direct link also to the right in fav'd sites. Lowe made a very cute thank you to his SL friends today which has been posted on this MAG site linked here as well as his Flickr and yes.. shameless plug since I am in it. : ) Check it out.. very cute and touching remembrance of his 5 years in SL via machinima.

Epic Toys- And a Whole Lot More

Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Epic%20Toy%20Factory/94/140/27 or direct link here: EpicToysHere.


I found this very cool sim today, Epic Toys, that is loaded with fun stuff to see, play on and buy. Plus they provide a note card with a ton of other categorized places to go to find things.
Part of their note card reads:
"╔═◡‿◡✿═════════════════════════════════
ღ Welcome to The Epic Toy Factory home to Epic Toysღ

Below is a list of Landmarks that will tour you around my imagination. Why ?? Simple, because it can get a little confusing in there!!

So I thought i would make it easier. You can use this map by clicking on the Landmarks appearing in blue below,
CHOCOLATE everywhere and our Main Landing Platform full of info about events, Hunts & promotions current and coming.
Sweet Treats Playground Village
THE LIVING AIRSHIP
An interesting addition for the lovers of Fantasy steam.
THE TOY FACTORY, a Fun Place to explore & a collection of vendors to make it easy to take home an Epic Toy
Our latest release wall..another quick way to take home what you are looking for
Mermainia Caverns
Our Green House holds a collection of our Shrooms, wonder delights and brillant colour abundant
Bridge to nowhere...a beautiful build worth alook and gives you a great view of our christmas snowglobe home and wing. Candy Teleporter to the north pol available from here
Buguls den, Epic Toys Dark Fantasy Wing. Come explore the dark resess's of the Toymakers imagination O.o
Aladins Cave..A wing of epic with a fantasy silk road atmosphere
Swampadia, home to the swamp hag..visit if you dare to see one of the most as it has been reffered interesting homes in SL
A few other places ..some of my personal favourites are below....jump around and have a peek
〜 OR 〜
You will find mushroom teleports located all around the spheres that make up The Epic Toy Factory's Main Location, to get you from hither to dither (there is a picture of it below).
To use the teleports, simply right click and select teleport, your avatar shall take a seat and patiently wait for you to select a destination with a click from the drop down menu to the right of your screen . Safe Journey La' Toymaker.
Our Other Store Locations around the Grid ar listed below.
Just great mall to shop in regardless of what your looking for you may indeed find it here
Farhaven, A great place to shop for the Fae in you...Farhaven offers a variety of shops and some fantabulous events.
Echo Creations.. A great mixture of creations including Full Perm Merchants. If your a builder worth checking out, if your not fun place to visit
The Epic Toy Factory could not be what it is without the Creators/Developers listed Below. Check them out they are fantastic.
Textures
Sculpts
Animations
Scripts
And just a few place we love
Shop Tools"
And by each of these their note lists with landmarks other stores.. which I think is a great credit but also lets others know where to find cool things. Kudos to these people ( I think the owner is Mayah Parx) for that. The landmarks don't copy here, sorry, but pick up a note card at the toy store door for some great info. This place is like a kid's dream world.

(the dragon tour ride)

(the buggy tour ride)

Thanks!

Well, I guess this is a good time to thank my SL friends, blog readers and Flickr friends. I've had so much fun with so many people I've met in this virtual world. Yesterday was my real life birthday and I didn't mention it because I tend to keep RL and SL pretty separate as much as possible. But my RL/SL sis, Piper, decorated my new SL house up pretty with balloons, cakes etc., and I received some awesome gifts, cards and greetings from some great friends, especially Kathy and Cafi, and I had a ton of SL Facebook greetings too. Thank you all so much! I'm copying my good friend Ticklemeorage, AKA, Ant or Toogy's Flickr greeting here for my safe keeping forever and ever-her's is animated if you want to check her cool Flickr stream that is loaded with fun pics and videos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/49400843@N02/5887492861/ or direct link here: AntHere

Explore Crommhold

My Movie Maker hasn't been working for me for about a week and so today I cleared out some old footage and it seems to have helped some and I was able to render a short video of the fairy mushroom garden in Crommhold, a beautiful sim that is a "must see" for magic lovers in SL. This is one tiny piece of the large scenic sim of beauty to explore which includes this area as well as caves, flower fields, dance areas, animated poses, giant ants, bees that do chase and sting, huge waterfalls, tree houses with a wonderful library, statues, many stray lights, butterflies, and even a few creepy places, etc. Some things are somewhat hidden which makes the explore all the better. Anyway.., this is an adorable sim called Crommhold at: slurl.com/secondlife/Gift%20of%20Love/191/142/22
The music is one of my favs, Selena Gomez's Magic that I often use for my SL magic : )

Explore the Magic and Beauty in SL

Hope: visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Silver%20Springs/209/182/28 or direct link here: HopeHere. Hope is a very cute sim to explore and photograph. The landing area shows a bus wreck but down into the watery area are many colored lights, balloons, pose spots, unusual carousal and other cool sites.
******************************************************************************

MadWorld: Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/NV%20Madworld/205/211/24 or direct link here: MadWorldHere. Mad World is home to some dark landscaping that twists and flows and includes a dark amusement park of sorts where we jumped on and posed on a dark roller coaster. There are magic doors to other amazing sites and some great shopping.
*******************************************************************************

Faery Magic: visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faery%20Magic/63/26/22 or direct link here: FaeryMagicHere. Faery Magic is a beautiful sim filled with gorgeous lights, animals, and foliage that glows and set up in nice pose spots for magical photos and exploration.
*******************************************************************************

Lost World: Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lost%20World/125/150/21 or direct link here: LostWorldHere. The is a fairy magical lost world that is also great to explore and find cool pose spots and magical lights and sites.
********************************************************************************

Heaven Lake: Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Heaven%20Lake/126/125/21 or direct link here: HeavenLakeHere. Heaven Lake has been around a while but they keep making changes and it's another beautiful sim.
*******************************************************************************

Mesh Meet Today!

Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Metaverse%20Island/126/132/43 or direct link here: MeshHere.

Today, June 28TH at 3pm slt a panel lead by Lumiere Noir of the Ivory Tower of Prims are going to be discussing all things mesh. Join the group today and put your points to the panel or watch live on http://www.metaversetv.com/live/

MESH IS COMING to Second Life and the Open Sims! How will it affect you? Can you use the programs? What will the effect on your income be? Will you run for the hills or are you prepared? What will happen to collaboration in SL?

Light and Gravity

Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caerleon%20Isle/187/128/21 or direct link here: LightGravityHere.



Light and Gravity had it's live presentation opening at the art institute of Boston at Lesley University in Boston, MA, USA yesterday and today held it's SL opening. It is curated by Piexels Sideways and Sunseeker Miklos.
Participating Artists:
Aequitas (US)
Alizarin Goldflake (US)
Bryn Oh (Canada)
Georg Janick (US)
Glyph Graves (Australia)
Igor Ballyhoo (Serbia)
Lollito Larkham (France)
Luce Laval (Italy)
Maya Paris (UK)
Merlino Mayo (Italy)
Oberon Onmura (US)
Pixels Sideways (US)
Shellina Winkler (Italy)
Sunseeker Miklos (US)
Ub Yifu (France)


Additional information can be found on the LIGHT AND GRAVITY Web-Blog here:
http://lightandgravity.wordpress.com/

Note that many of the exhibits are interactive, have sounds, one requires you turn on and play your media (video), some have suggested sky settings. So have fun and experiment and play and interact with the art.

You can move around the exhibition via teleports by touching the glowy boxes, and by walking, by flying or by the handy Light and Gravity HUD.


For additional information on Caerleon & the Virtual Art Initiative, please visit the VAI web site at: http://www.virtual-art-initiative.org/Virtual_Art_Initiative/

Shopaholics

SHOPAHOLIC: You know you are a shopaholic when you leave your hands free to carry the bags.

Belinda Barnes and I hit the stores..... credit cards handy.....inventories full.

SaraMarie Philly Weekend Tour

SaraMarie Philly is having a weekend tour and has a new album due for release soon. Don't miss this amazing artist with the voice of an angel. Her schedule and locations for this weekend below.

Remaining schedule as of this posting:

Saturday, June 25
11am - Le Chiantelle-Royal Tropic Bay 65,224,21
1pm - Lost Lovers-live, lose lvoers island 129, 84
4pm - Relay for Life-Dream to live yard sale at ember, samjogo 61,164,1001

Sunday, June 26
10am- Fire Beach, Fire 30,53,21
12am- My Wish Venu, Island Depot 24,198,22
2pm- Moonlit Gardens, Moonlit Gardens Live Events, Moonlit Gardens 244,50,23
4pm - Solana's Place, live music venue and aart gallery
6pm - High Spirits Charity Venue, HS Trillium Music Park "keeping , Spirit of Candad 123, 176,2
8pm - Drunken Drow

Kara Light and Dark

I am by no means a fashion blogger or fashionista and won't pretend to be one, but I love the diversity one can achieve in SL and so I'm posting a couple of looks I like.


**************************************************************
First Look:
dress: Donna Flora Salmon VIRNA -dress with hat
necklace and earrings with hud: Donna Flora BOUQUET
ring: Donna Flora BICE
Shoes: Stiletto Moody Bare Greta-gold
glasses: Air Angela with charm
hair: Truth, Jasmine
________________________________________________________
Second Look:
pants: x-dream dsg pants-sports black
top: tube top black insatiable fashions cupcakes opening freebie
facial piercings: envi-nose and lip fall
skin: acorn cupid-pure 4 skin
choker and cuff: akaesha's spiked choker and right cuff
hair: Truth piper night hair
shoes: akeyo chucks
tattoo: dream ink T.E.S. 22-14

And They're Off!-Second Life Horse Racing

Last night I enjoyed some SL horse racing at Champions race track at Creeds Paradise. I was impressed at how well organized things were considering I hadn't previously heard about SL horse racing and learned these races have been in operation since late 2010. The commentary was great and I loved the jokes from spectators regarding the unusual *cough* horse names! (You had to be there) I was told the horses can be bred for this racing. I neglected to get a note card and after chatting briefly with a few friends there, I quickly became engaged in the races and once done I left without much information and more questions about how it all works. I entered the stands late but was in time to see a couple of races including the final run where Frolic Mills, CEO of BOSL, debuted his horse, Zodiac, with jockey Jeanette Finchy for a win in their category. The races are categorized and people can place bets. The seating area was impressive and there was a nice crowd including many people I know. I snapped a few quick shots and figured I'd post a bit here as there are regular races that seem like a fun adventure. A sign indicated the next race will be held Saturday at 12 slt. I'm sure I will check this out again. Unfortunately I don't have a SLurl at the moment but can add one later or if interested search Champions racing at Creeds Paradise. (Back on Saturday for some more racing and the link here you go: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Creeds%20Paradise/24/143/32 or direct link here: RacingHere.)

(Jockey, Jeanette Finchy, on Mills' horse, Zodiac-winner!)



(Horse owners Frolic Mills.......................HoneyBear Lilliehook)

Split Screen June Installation-Eliza Wierwight, Douglas Story and Desdemona Enfield Exhibits

Hurry over to Split Screen, as there is only a week left for the two June exhibits: "D. Construct" exhibit by Douglas Story and Desdemona Enfield and "FlowerDrum" by Eliza Wierwight. Eliza's "FlowerDrum" provides the visitor vignettes of the Orient in her life. "D. Construct" is housed inside a dark ball and instructions let visitors know to click on one of the many small famous paintings on the wall. Once this is done a large replica shows on the wall. The sign guides visitors through clicking the large picture again to see it basically fall apart in color disc pieces to a pile on the ground, and subsequent clicks cause the discs to fly back up creating a moving colorful light show experience prior to the original picture being reconstructed. Visitors are encouraged to play on the art. Media is used in Split Screen exhibits.



My friend, Dividni Shostakovich who is curator, states, "The Split Screen Installation Space is place where artists and builders develop and exhibit large installations. Two artists use the space for two months, and then other artists take over. The space is meant for large builds that utilize the possibilities of Second Life as an artistic or immersive medium, such as works that are impossible in real life."

Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Beleza/50/130/22 or direct link here: SplitScreen.

For more technical information about the exhibits and how they work etc., check out Divi's blog here: DiviHere.

The Need for Speed

Cool vid.. look for me in there too! : )

UWA 3D Open Art Challenge Plus "Angry Gods" by FreeWee Ling

(The opening portal)

The UWA (University of Western Australia) 3d challenge is in full voting swing-see below for more info. But also at the UWA Virlantis sim is an exhibit by FreeWee Ling called, "Angry Gods- An Apocalyptic Vision". I wanted to see this before work today so popped over with the intent of a run through to see if it warranted blogging or further exploring later, and it did. My only disappointment was that in my limited morning time I soon discovered my photos were not saved properly. When taking shots, they appeared fine on my monitor but in the computer they lost details, so I resorted to some screen shots just for the blog today. I will work on photos later, but after reading the instructional note card for the exhibit perhaps the way it is made has something to do with the way the graphics photograph. It was recommended to basically turn everything max. I did this and it was pretty much a WOW! factor. Things were larger than life with lots of fire, and colors and scenery and stuff. So after reading the note and trying to get a few shots I gave up on following the story around the area for lack of time. I could see it was going to be a bit of a journey so I will go back later, but leave the info. I did get here today.

(These are HUGE.. just saying)

Some of the instructions stated:.."These instructions are essential for fully appreciating the experience you are about to have. ..use the maximum graphics settings...widen your camera view. Set your draw distance to AT LEAST 256 meters. There are a number of scenic overlooks here. Set particles to the maximum your computer can handle. Turn up Sounds. The music stream is optional. There is no media stream..."
"THE STORY:
CAUTION!!! Things fall from the sky and other things may not be as stable as they appear.
It’s the end of the world.
This is not a maze.
There are no choices here.
Your fate is sealed.
You cannot turn back.
Follow the path.
Do not deviate.
If you get stuck or lost, deal with it.
It will do you no good to complain.
Keep your head up.
Look ahead and above, often.
Watch the sky.
Be prepared to run or take cover.
..-FreeWee Ling"

(O, yeah.. I deviated from the path as usual)

Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/UWA%20VIRTLANTIS/48/15/2 or direct link here:UWAAngryGodsHere.

For more information and I'm sure much more clarity visit FreeWee's blog here: http://freeweeling.com/blog/ or direct link here: FreeWeeHere.


*********************************************************
CURRENT UWA 3D ART CHALLENGE
This is a list of the 59 entries for the month of JUNE 2011 for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge.

VOTING ENDS SATURDAY JULY 2nd at NOON SLT.
Announcements & Party: 6AM SLT SUNDAY JULY 3rd
RECEIVING OF ARTWORKS IS NOW OPEN AS WELL FOR JULY
Vote for as many entries as you like, on a scale of 1 to 3. Note that ANY VOTE is a POSITIVE vote. If you don't like something, don't vote for it. It's important that you look at all the works and to vote for all the pieces that truly speak to you. You are, of course, welcome to encourage your friends to come see the show and to vote for their favorite pieces. But please don't tell them to just come and vote for yours. It's about the art, not the artist!
1 Anje.Aichi UWA Clocktower Mood
2 Artée Manege Incertain
3 Artée Musique Aleatoire Pure
4 Barry Richez Bodyspace
5 Betty Tureaud The Poem
6 Betty Tureaud The world balance
7 Cherry Manga Soul
8 Cherry Manga Spring Box
9 Corcosman Voom We Sailed Off To The Stars
10 Daco Monday anche l'occhio di Dio psichedelico cornice
11 Daco Monday urlo 2
12 Dagmar Klaar Liberty Perseveres
13 Dagmar Klaar Weiner Dog Art Redux
14 Darek Deluca Amorphous Torus - Random
15 Dusty Canning The Get-Away
16 Dusty Canning UWA TV Morning Exercises
17 Earl Dinkin Mailbox Steps Doorbell Other Side Same 2
18 Eifachfilm Vacirca Titan
19 Emilin Nakamori Dangling Narrow Chain Demonstrator Final
20 Fae Varriale The Lady of Llyn y Fan Fach
21 fiona Blaylock Earth angel
22 fiona Blaylock storm
23 Frankx Lefavre Vortex on Blue
24 Fuschia Nightfire Psychedelic Box
25 Gleman Jun Life Is Like Riding a Unicycle by Gleman Jun
26 Haveit Neox Serendipitous Kitchen
27 Katz Jupiter Cow woman isn't amused!
28 Kolor Fall BeforeY
29 Ling Serenity Kokeshi Queen
30 Lollito Larkham Boxing room
31 Milly Sharple Jacob's Ladder
32 Miso Susanowa Thy Rod On Staff, He Comforts Me
33 Miso Susanowa Daddy (Venomous Constricter)
34 Nettrice Beattie Wildstyle 1
35 Nino Vichan Piume di Pavone
36 Nish Mip Run for the Shadows
37 PeanutbuttahJellehTime Magic Figure This
38 PeanutbuttahJellehTime Magic We're Toast!!!
39 Penumbra Carter Egg squishing thing
40 RAG Randt Monkey Kitchen
41 ℜazoℜZ UFO - INVASION ABDUCTION
42 ℜazoℜZ Stargate Pyramid: A monument to time travel
43 Rebeca Bashly The ninth circle: The frozen river Cocytus
44 Rory Torrance DreamFlower
45 Rory Torrance Eight-Fold Path
46 Secret Rage Torn
47 Secret Rage No Stones
48 Sharni Azalee Love's Eternal - Inspired by Bay Sweetwater and Twinkle
49 Silene Christen if you gaze for long into an abyss
50 Sledge Roffo Here Comes the Sun
51 Soda Lemondrop Determinism
52 Spiral Silverstar fractal flowition
53 Spiral Silverstar Morphing Fractal Series- #2 UWA
54 spirit Radikal Trust
55 Thoth Jantzen Kaleidoscopium II
56 Toughlove Sabra When Angels Stop Caring
57 Ub Yifu In Out There
58 Uman Kesslinger Tribute to the Geofictional society
59 Zany Foxtrot Butterfly tree

Happy Birthday Second Life-SL8B Opens Tomorrow

The doors to the SL8B 20 region site open Monday, 6-20-2011 at 10:30am. SL8B is the 8th birthday of Second Life and the annual celebration theme this year is "Magic". On June 23, 2011, Second Life will officially be eight years old. The event runs through Sunday, June 26 with a glittering assortment of musicians, speakers, artists, business leads, media mavens, merchants, social organizers, and other amazing Residents.



I first entered SL8B 6-19-11 for press weekend to get some information and early photos, but was seriously overwhelmed with all the exhibits, colors, sites, sounds and magic of it all. I didn't know where to start even though I have the press package because I felt this rush of wanting to see it all immediately. ColeMarie sent me a LM directly to her machinima exhibit so I decided to land there first after entering the area. Her plot is home to a circular machinima theater that will play her newest video and when she is around she will also show some of her other machinima. She is also a SL8B performer. Her theater exhibit additionally provides machinima information from MAG, Machinima Artists Guild, and several other machinima groups.



I moved next to the centerpiece of the SL8B which is a huge multi-level cake by Tao Mistwalker and his team that can be seen from most areas of the celebration. Visit the cake here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL8B%20Stunning/10/227/24 or direct link here: SL8BCakeHere.



The Linden bear island is back offering free Linden bears. This year the event has super cool tour pods you can ride around to see everything. There are free dolphin rides and a lot of cool freebies too.



The press info. reads, "..Spanning 21 sims with over 700 contributors, over 300 exhibits, over 300 live performers and speakers with special speeches from Philip and Rod Linden, SL8B is a showcase for the accomplishments and content of all SL residents, celebrating the “life” of Second Life."

I have to say I especially liked the concept of Moeuhane Sandalwood's exhibit titled "The Magic of SL is: You!". While it may not be the biggest, brightest exhibit I appreciated the message and it's interactive in that a visitor can enter panels and become part of the exhibit showcasing the various things appreciated in SL, such as arts, romance, music, dance, etc.

The exhibitors tend to go all out for this annual party, so not only is it a great way to learn more about what SL has to offer, it's a fun place to play, pick up freebies and be amazed at what is possible in this virtual world. SL is always magic to me.



Check out the official SL8B web site for details and updates: http://sl8b.wordpress.com/ or direct link here: SL8BBlogHere.

The press pass provided some additional important information and dates:

"June 20—10:30 a.m. SLT: Gates open to the public for the opening ceremonies. Scripts and build disabled throughout estates for the duration of opening ceremonies to discourage instances of lag and disruption. They will be turned back on after the opening speech.

11:00 am. Kim Linden speaks, opening the celebrations.
June 23—The Birthday!
3:00 pm slt. Rodvik Linden will be attending festivities at the Main Stage
June 26—Last day of entertainment.
July 2--Gates close. Sims will be locked.

Important Links:
SL Destination Guide: http://secondlife.com/destinations/birthday
SL8B Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/sl8b
SL8B Blog: http://www.sl8b.wordpress.com
SL8B Wiki (for all rules, dates, etc): http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Lab_Official:SL8B"

SFL Super Bowl Cheer Video

My good friend Kathy Nikolaidis made this video of me cheering in action at the SFL Super Bowl today. I'll write more about the game outcome here later, but wanted to get this video posted. Thank you Kathy... you totally rock! What a nice remembrance of the season and this final game!

MMIF-MaMachinima International Festival Today and Tomorrow

June 17 and 18th in RL and SL... I think everyone knows what this it. The link to the offical site is here: http://mmif.wordpress.com/ or direct here: MMIFHere.
This annual event is not a competition but a way to share machinima with a global community from all 3d virtual world platforms, video games, etc. It is fun to watch and be a part of in SL, and I'm sure even more so for those who can attend the RL portion of events.

SFL SUPER BOWL TOMORROW! Get tickets today for last game of the season, as ticket sales end tonight.

It's down to the final two teams! This is just a reminder to get tickets today while you still can for this last game of the season as the ticket sales go off the market tonight for the super bowl game tomorrow. Yes my team, the BOSL Browns, are in it and I will be cheering half time and sidelines. We play the Twisted Vikings at 3pm SLT and tickets are 500L on the marketplace today. When you get your tickets don't forget to follow instructions to contact the ticketmaster and request the Brown's side. Woot.. Go Browns! Tickets here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Superbowl-Saturday-June-18-2011-Second-Football-League-SFL-Ticket-BOSL-Browns-vs-Twisted-Vikings/2370263 or direct link here: SFLTicketsHere.

THEREDPARTY

(pictured, club owner, Umberto Giano, Tres Beau donor, Kimmera Madison, the Go-Gos and others)

I was seeing red... almost ALL red. Last night Club Nine (previously blogged here:ClubIXHere.) hosted THEREDPARTY in support of Costa Rica Sims Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS Fundraiser, one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. DJ Bren Betts provided the tunes while a consistent crowd of over 50 attendees danced the night away. The club colors were changed to red and almost all the attendees wore mostly red. The Club Nine Go-Gos took over the bar as usual. Throughout the evening donations could be made directly through the Red Ribbon kiosk or one could bid on silent auction items including: A pre-release exclusive from Tres Beau and one-of-a-kind recolorings from AddiCt, LELUTKA and NSD. 100% of the highest bids will be donated to Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. I was there quite a while but had to leave a bit before the end, so missed the winners. It was great to see so much red, one of my favorite colors and all for a good cause. Visit Club Nine here: slurl.com/secondlife/Club%20Road/132/180/25 or direct here: ClubIXHere.

Fairy & Elf Talk-40 Years Later & A Senior Event in SL

My good friend Toogy, AKA: Ant and I made another short video, just for fun and because we are the same age with birthdays within a month of each other. But then I found a note about a senior event in SL this weekend.

For more elf and fairy talk check out my Flickr (see direct link to the right) and there is a set.


For more information about the senior event this weekened check out Vaneeesa's blog/linked below.
V A N E E E S A B L A Y L O C K / C O M P A N Y
=========performance artists=========
♦ Art ♦ Culture ♦ Activism ♦ Identity ♦
http://vaneeesa.com/portfolio/
===============================
*** VB28 - THE SENIORS PROJECT ***
The notes information states:
"SATURDAY!!
=============
SLT: 10am - Noon
EDT: 1-3pm
GMT: 5-7pm
BST: 6-8pm
CEST / SAST: 7-9pm
MSD: 9-11pm

SUNDAY!!
=============
HKT: 1-3am
JST: 2-4am
AEST: 3-5am
Full Details:
http://vaneeesa.com/2011/05/02/previz-the-seniors-project/
Arrival: Event here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/An%20Li/79/131/21 or direct link here: SeniorEventHere.

* Make yourself a "Senior Citizen" avatar and come stand with us!
* Or come view the performance.

Some places in SL to get elderly avatars include:
- Tuty's and MrSIGMUND Creations (81,169,116)* Note: This is where my avatar is from in the video.
-Grim Bros, Clematis Island
-SkyShop HairResort flexi hair & Jewelry, Heaton (78,189,296)
-The Wigglesworth's Residence
-Tooter Claxton Avatars-Hobo general & Homeless Howard Avatars
-Uncommon Women Aged Shapes and S.Ookami Ningen (75,103,27)

PS: maybe we're not quite as alone as we think -- Agnes found a flickr group for virtual seniors!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/slactiveseniors/pool/
See You Saturday SLT morning!
Let us know if you have questions or need help!

Paste this in local chat to get a link to the VB Friends Group:
secondlife:///app/group/1d298c4b-50bb-7003-146f-5f5b8ec68449/about
--- Vaneeesa Blaylock, Artistic Director"

AcousticEnergy Nitely

Last night, 6-15-11, celebrated AE's induction into the SpiritFire Entertainment Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. His group has over 1000 members and there was a 2 hour party to celebrate. Friends made a video commemoration that was shown, followed by the award and some good music and dancing. Sher Salmson, his manager who runs Spiritfire Entertainment, said a few words and presented AE with an award statue, as seen in the photo above with Spiritfire partner Nyna Slate. Attendees were offered a cute teddy bear that plays one of AE's original tunes. The venue, Dragon Moon, owned by Nyna Slate, held a large crowd and was decorated in true Hollywood style with a red carpet entry adorned with paparattzi. The stage was flanked by two huge replicas of the award statue and the stage itself had a car seat with cooler next to it that was also seen numerous times throughout the commemoration video. AE is a great guy with a great voice, check out his shows some time. The commemoration video filmed by Doris Fereszk, can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/user/SuperDoris65?feature=mhee or direct link here: AEVidHere.

First Responder Sim Opens

An exciting new sim has opened and I was given a sneak peek tour a few months ago when it was still in the making. This is an amazing opportunity for SL to help RL disaster victims through virtual simulated situational training for first responders. I was so impressed I have been keeping tabs waiting for a general opening. The First Responder Sim is a training area for emergency preparedness and actual training participants will receive certification at the end. The sim is provided by LL for public educational and training purposes in the hope that it will enable more lives to be saved in disasters. They are also looking for volunteers to be victims, evacuees, etc. To volunteer contact Treacle Darlandes.

All first responders are welcome and anyone can register to train. It's a 5 day program in groups of 7. The sim will be closed to the general public when responders are in training, but there will be ample time each day when the sim is open and the community is very welcome. Check it out here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/First%20Responder/127/129/21 or direct link here: FirstResponderSimHere.


My good buddy Patrick Thorkveld has a large role in establishing this sim and program in SL and his information reads:

"Confederated Response Force and First Responder
CRF is a group which stands as a communication vehicle for development and
implementation of disaster preparedness projects exploiting the capabilities in
Second Life for first responders and communities to learn and to train, ultimately to save more lives.

Rockcliffe University and Joint Forces Comman Training together will be offering courses through CRF and DisasterZone for credit and/or certification: Catastrophic Planning and Management Institue (CPMI) RL"

The sim and training is an immersive learning experience.
... "Each segment provides a sequential sample of how the instance of disaster may be addressed and resolved. For each, a strategic plan and operational tactic should be developed, skills of each participant defined with the goal of interacting and immersing as a group, a team. ..... Certification is provided from CPMI at the end of this training and will be recognized by all institutions as we have a collaborative agreement with both Rockcliffe University and Joint Force Command Training.
Respectfully,
Pat Thorkveld
Cat Plaid"


Some of the areas in the sim include the Central Plaza, Command Center, FR Trainee Registration, Morgue Trucks, Medical Tent, FR Intake and Supply, Dormitory Tent, Parade Ground, National Guard, Oil Refinery, The Evil Eye, Fire, Harbor, Hurricane, Tsunami, Earthquake, Helo Control Tower, FEMA and Red Cross, FR Office Tower, and Amphitheatre. Some of the staff include Treacle Darlander, JamesHenry Plane, Iso Huet, Imperatrix DeCuir, Dragonheart SpiritWeaver and Emeli Ling.

Some good additional information about virtual platforms use for community disaster preparedness can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Virtual-Platforms-Use-for-Community-Disaster-Preparedness/138884826136156 or direct link here: VirtualPlatformUseHere.

Not only is this a fun sim where you can literally "ride" the storm by using pose balls to enter a storm and get tossed around but this is important sim for RL too.
As Patrick said, "Truly we hope to enable people to save more lives, that's what is important"