Lobby Cam by Bryn Oh, Opens today 3-29-15

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Immersiva/128/128/23

Lobby Cam, by Bryn Oh, opens today Sunday March 29th, 2015. This build comes with a hud to use and as always Bryn does a great job with set up info. at the landing point explaining in details even I can understand how to best adjust settings for optimal viewing of this build. The magical hud is a diary you leaf through that progresses as you do.  When you click on the art and things it will automatically draw your camera in.




 


I caught up with Bryn chatting with visitors but I didn't hang with the group long as the build just opened today and since it's set to a limited number of avs for ease of use, I moved on pretty quickly. Bryn said, take your time, relax, enjoy and take it all in. So I did. I brought my friend Kathy Nikolaidis who said, "For me, this is like walking into a move." It is! It's a story, an explore, great art, a challenge/hunt, all rolled into one great build that incorporates great use of textures, objects, shadows, light, and an excellent variety of movements within the build. The sim sounds were natural sounds vs music and video is also used so be sure to have that enabled. The sim is loaded with works of art by Bryn who said all the pictures were done on oil. The build is wonderfully made as we've come to expect of Bryn. There is no need for special windlights etc as the shadows, natural colors, movement, etc are all built right into the build. The wonderful wheat field blows in the wind along with dandelion puffs and the occasional note. The rich textures are so amazing. Even entry into the sim is unique. We get a story to go along with the explore and we also get a glimpse of some of Bryn's real/first life oil paintings. Be sure to click everything. You will pick up stamps and gain progress in the diary by clicking things, plus it will help make some things work by clicking. I also found some items from past Bryn builds that when clicked directs a visitor to an associated youtube video links. There are some great special effects. Bryn never ceases to amaze me and I love Lobby Cam!













Check out Bryn's own blog for the best info. on this sim here (and Bryn's own trailer below):


http://www.brynoh.blogspot.com/

City Inside Out by Haveit Neox Opens Today

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA20/128/128/22




"Walking into any interior reveals only exteriors. The sense of personal space is absent. How is a city experienced when there are no comforts for the soul, no home?"


This LEA20 full sim exhibit opens today at 1pm SLT and runs through June 30, 2015.  This multi-level, City Inside Out, showcases the artists vision about struggles of the homeless.







(free gift-very cool "moving" banners)

Eclectica: Explore Second Life

Visit Eclectica here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Place/128/128/28






I found this super sweet sim on the SL Destination guide yesterday.  Mike and I headed out to explore it and I took some pics for my blog.  The whole place was super romantic with beautiful scenery and great pose spots set against a northern lights sky.


The info. signs indicate this is a moderate sim which they clarify means not sex,  although most of the highly scripted animations and poses have many options including very "adult" so watch the clicking. 


The sim is owned and created  by Nibby Riddler [Maddy] who states in part in her info. card "...Wind your way through this enchanting sim with an eclectic blend of forestry, fantasy, folklore, whimsy and magical exploration, with wonderful photo opportunities amongst the ruins, hidden caves, lovers spots and romantic meadows.

This sim is where my eclectic mind runs free, so you will see it ever changing,  I hope you enjoy it and would love any feedback you have. However make it positive or its pointless.


This sim can be hired out for weddings and ceremonies or events, please bear in mind the avatar capacity is 20 maximum.

For any further information please contact me directly.


Enjoy your visit and make sure you check it out thoroughly, there are a lot of hidden "treasures"
Please share your photos on my flickr"
https://www.flickr.com/photos/130340713@N07/with/16293757023/

Tori Kelly - Nobody Love (Official)

I know.. it's not SL related.  But every once in a while, I just post whatever I like/even if not SL.

Fashion for Life 2015-March 21-29

I started at Centralpark North - visit here:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FFL%20CentralPark%20North/128/128/23


And London: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FFL%20London/128/128/22


Visit here for a great deal of information, schedule of events, locations with direct SLurls, sponsors, etc: https://modemworld.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/rfl-fashion-for-life-preview-and-events-highlights/








I always love the annual SL Fashion for Life for several reasons.  I absolutely love to explore and the builds for this event are always great (check out artist/builder list below) the shopping is also fantastic all in one general area, and it's for a great cause, fundraising for Relay for Life/cancer research, awareness, and assistance.  I usually go back to visit many times while it's open for all of the above reasons. Please check it out.  Many people have put a lot of hard work and love into it's success.


The official press release states:
"
“IT TAKES EACH OF US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL OF US.”



FASHION FOR LIFE 2015
Official Press Release


FASHION FOR LIFE 2015 opens for one week of non-stop, boundary-breaking, uplifting, shop-till-you-drop, dazzling entertaining events – the magnitude of which we guarantee you have never before experienced – beginning Saturday, March 21st at 10:00 a.m. SLT and ending on March 29th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. SLT with a colossal closing party!  Our goal is to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s RELAY FOR LIFE, the world’s (and SL’s) largest non-profit event which supports, promotes awareness, and gives hope to the millions of people around the globe battling the ravages of cancer on a daily basis – the patients, caregivers, families, research teams, and medical professionals at the forefront of the war against this abysmal disease.
For one week we will come together, celebrate life, honor memories, have a lot of fun, and make a difference.  Your jaw will literally drop when you behold architecture inspired by “Seven Fashion Capitals of the World” on NINE Sims designed and built by immensely talented and distinguished SL craftsmen – filled to capacity with art, beauty, color, music, entertainers that will permeate your senses with the captivating enchantment and breathtaking magic that is FASHION FOR LIFE WEEK!:



FASHION FOR LIFE 2015 CAPITALS & BUILDERS
TOKYO: Builder, Ouka Ugajin
LONDON: Builder, Rebeca Bashly
PARIS: Builder, Kaya Angel
NEW YORK CITY: Builder, Frank Dexter
BERLIN: Builder, Setsuna Infinity
MILAN: Builder, MaximilianIII Massenberg
LOS ANGELES: Builder, Regi Yifu
and two sims for the very fabulous CENTRAL PARK built by: Lightning Engineer Spankmy Boucher



One day cancer will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life.  Be a part of making that dream a reality."


And a little more from Mr. Frolic Mills about Relay for Life and Fashion for Life:
 "About Relay For Life of Second Life:
Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) is an annual activity that takes place in Second Life in July each year. Volunteers form or join teams to have fun while fundraising and raise awareness from mid-March through mid-July. In July teams build campsites and walk a track that spans more than 40 virtual regions.
In 2014, Relay For Life of Second Life reached a milestone of having raised $2,500,000 since its fundraising beginning in 2004, for the American Cancer Society.  Relay For Life has become an international movement in RL and in SL. In 2013 participants from over 80 countries took part in Relay For Life of Second Life.
About the American Cancer Society:
For more than 100 years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has worked relentlessly to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together with millions of our supporters worldwide, we help people stay well, help people get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

LET'S RELAY!!!

Frolic Mills
FASHION FOR LIFE 2015 COORDINATOR"

Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education-Fashion for Educators Presentation Now!

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Builders%20Brewery/128/128/24


In 5 minutes at 11am SLT over at Builder's Brewery my good friend Sonicity Fitzroy is presenting for Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education on the subject of fashion for educators. In my personal opinion, a lol, a much needed topic.  (no offense anyone!)





Her promo for it reads: "
Presenter:
Sonicity Fitzroy (Phylis Johnson, RL)
Abstract:
Do you remember Day One in Second Life? It might bring memories of your first day in a new school? You feel and look awkward. So how can a little poise, style, and sense of fashion make a difference in virtual learning. If you want your students to act professional or at least presentable, then perhaps a few fashion tips might be helpful. After teaching in-world, I have learned that style does matter when it comes to learning in the virtual world, as in real life. This presentation explores the rise of fashion virtual games and worlds, including SL, and their significance to understanding “self” in all its diversity in the larger virtual community. Is it possible to groom learning couture and style towards effective communication and learning? What is it about the fashion industry that has achieved such success virtually? What might we learn from achieving a sense of style in the virtual classroom?"


VWBPE web site is here:
http://vwbpe.org/
This conference runs the 18th -21st, so there is still time to catch other events too.  Be sure to check the site for a calendar and info. on events that remain through tomorrow including closing social.




I sat around with Bel and Enrique before the show- they are helping with a mini fashion show!

Less Than 3

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Special%20One/128/128/19







The Less Than 3  sim profile states: "Sim dedicated to nature and beauty. Photogenic spot for bloggers and photographers, romance, dancing, romantic evenings, restaurant, vineyard, cuddles, walks, drive in. Lots to see, find and do. "


MikeD Panache invited me to join him in exploring this gorgeous and romantic sim owned by Kess (crystal) Folkesson and partner Bjorn Folkesson.  The nature area has a lot of nice dance spots.  Just click the mushroom for the dances.  There is a outdoor drive in, picnic and camping areas, many pose spots and we even took in a game of Greedy at a public and scenic Greedy table area.  Ok, I mostly got pics me of me and Mike, cause he was just being that cute and I wasn't thinking about blogging at the time, but really the place looks great too.  Check it out some time.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


A great place to visit is 2015 St. Patrick's Day Town... visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elizabeth%20Town/128/128/2




This is a great explore for St. Patrick's Day. I visited with my friends Sonicity Fitzroy and Belinda Barnes and just turned the camera on a little when we danced a quick jig. There is a lot to see and play on and plenty to buy for décor, gifts, clothes, foods, and novelty items.

Sparkys by Romy Nayar at MetaLES

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MetaLES/128/128/21


Update:  Ok, I was there a day before it opened.. and since then, things are adjusted (notecards might now be working?) and ready for visitors, and Ziki Questi and Honour McMilla have it all figured out so I'll direct you to their blogs for more info.:
http://zikiquesti.blogspot.com/2015/03/sparkys.html
and  https://honourmcmillan.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/the-genius-of-romy-nayars-sparkys-in-second-life/




Apparently at this point if you join the group you use the paints you can get at the exhibit for free and go into mouselook to color all over.  Ok, now you can read more about this cute, fun sim....






I found today an interesting mostly greyscale whimsical build by Romy Nayar over at MetaLES.  This odd assortment of cute figures on platforms on sticks is connected with planked bridges and traveled by trains, balloons, elevators, and umbrellas.  There are little buildings  and the uppermost level has some very fun dark trees with moving abstract parts along with various characters.








Romy Nayar is a young Spanish sculptor living in Paris France, last I knew, who has exhibited at MetaLES at least a couple times before.  This build is, like I said, almost exclusively greyscale with the exception of pots of paints and a veggie, and possibly something else I missed too.  But if you visit "Tendedera mercadillo" you are able to click the paint oil and obtain them.  The notecards for them are not yet working but I'm guessing we will be able to color with them. 




Oddly Igor Ballyhood apparently just had an exhibit there a few days ago which was also a black and white build representing the pirate bay "Piratebay by Igor Ballyhoo , MetaLES (166, 120, 42) - Moderate that I though was for 2 months, but perhaps I missed it.  I will have to look into all this further once someone is around that I can chat with or I can get a note or more info. about it.


In the mean time I took some pics in Sparkys.

Omega POint

Visit here;
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/NIPPON%20koku/170/226/1102


I was checking out Honour McMillan's blog here: https://honourmcmillan.wordpress.com/
and saw that Omega Point is back.  Older timers remember the cool Alpha and Omega Points by Sweetlemon Jewell.   This build is different but somewhat of the same style.  It's called Omega Point, and is a very interesting explore.

Skin Fair 2015-March 13 Through 29

Skin Fair Open today! Visit the official blog here for maps, sponsors, info. etc: https://palegirlproductions.wordpress.com/category/skin-fair-2015/

Primtionary in Second Life

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Terra%20Delta/144/162/804
My friend Sonrisa Seminario invited me to play Primtionary in Second Life and I loved it!  This group of builders/gamers? meets regularly at various locations to play and you can also hire them to come to your land too for a party, to gain traffic flow, or whatever.




I went the past two nights to play.  Both nights my friend Son won a round.  I snapped a pic of her starting to build a snowman for her word "Snowcrash".   Someone else had a 2 part "impossible" word I also got a photo of.  The start of heir info. note states: "Primtionary Guidelines:
To play:  Think of what level you can build at; Easy, Medium, Hard, Evil or Impossible. Tell the host in chat what level you are at in building.  I will give you a word in Instant Message for you to build that is on your level of building.  The game consists of one player "building a word".  The first person that guesses the correct word wins that round and 25 Lindens and is entitled to build on the next round."




I'm a big fan of SL games and this one if pretty fun.  I enjoyed yelling out my guesses (in text) and I have to say I am a little relieved I didn't win a round, as the winner is the next builder, but I'm told a person can always pass on the building.  It seemed like most there enjoyed building so I sat happily as a good guesser : )   Although I do think I might have been able to pull off one of the "easy" level builds which was a green jello box!  I also saw an "impossible' level today and was very impressed with both the building and guesses.  I'm not sure who won each night as I was so busy checking everything out. 


Anyone can play and it's free to play. so check this out some time if you like games and/or to build.  There's more information, rules, locations, etc at the main building and I've put that link above.  The schedule for the week is as follows:


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Primtionary Schedule~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mondays-Hunny Day at 2pm-3pm
Tuesdays-Crystal Falcon as host at  2pm-3pm
Wednesdays--Theme night --6PM Yummie Olsen
Thursday- Hooten hosting at 5PM
Fridays- Hunny as host at 6pm with Regular Primtionary
Saturdays Regular Primtinary Yummie as host at 7pm
Sunday-Hunny Day as host at 2pm

Weekend Explores: Isle of Grace, Salt Water, Baja Cove and Norte, Story Brooke, Everwinter, Havendale Village and Leka Nordan om Jorden

Great Weekend Explores


Just when I was having a hard time finding some sims to explore that can still amaze me after all my time in SL,  I've found some great ones lately.  I never even turned my graphics to ultra for these photos as the sims were all so good with natural light settings, but also can be extra amazing with some adjustments. These are all mostly nature areas with their own unique touches and great design.


First I found a multi-sim area consisting of islands with their own unique natural charm and so well put together.  Isle of Grace has such a grey sort of grey day beautiful feel to it. This sim just has a really nice feel to it.  Salt Water has been around for a while but appears updated from my last visit.  Both owned by Tre, tremeldazis.  These are so beautiful.  See here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Salt%20Water/128/128/22


_ _______________________________________________________________________________
The next great spots are owned by well known amazing sim owner, Lauren Bentham.  Baja Norte and Baja Cove are great beach areas that have some nice coveted beach cabins for rent in a sim filled with wonderful things to see and do.  The sim info. states, ".... Experience the natural beauty of Baja Cove Maoli Waves,Surfboards California Romantic beach, public Beach, white sand Beaches, Dunes, Surf, Surfing, music, hangout, lighthouse, popular, nature photography,photos,romance,ocean waves" From there you can visit Story Brooke which is a whimsical little fantasy forest filled with natural beauty and fun creatures.  Also from this area you can visit Everwinter which is as it says: "Post Apocalyptic Theme Park grunge,wastelands,urban wasteland,nuclear war,nuclear holocaust,horror,zombies,haunted,creepy,fallout,fall out,pripyat,stalker,urban decay,abandoned,neko,Romantic, public hangout,popular,photography,photos,"  All these areas are great explores. Visit main landing here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Baja%20Norte/128/128/21



______________________________________________________________________________


Havendale Village in a cute little town owned by Havenchick to explore.  Their sim info. states: " un & magical fantasy-themed sim with homes, games, hangouts, and shopping. Family friendly and welcomes role-players to live their magical lifestyles." Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serena%20Pisces/128/128/13


__________________________________________________________________________________


There is also an adorable explore in Nordan om Jorden, Leka by Kate Bergdorf.  Sim info. states: "A sweet quote from The Colder Water place works on Leka as well; Feel free to enjoy this place as you wish, but please be nice and kind." [sic] Visit here:

The Realm of Sylvhara, a Fantasy RP Multi-sim Area to Explore in Second Life

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sylvhara%20Elen/128/128/34


This beautiful fantasy land with many hidden areas of wonder is part of "The Great Alliance" which is 60 sims large.  The landing area is gorgeous with various light settings.  I have barely scratched the surface of this huge area but have already found some cool spots, so wanted to share the location on my blog.

Is This Dress Blue and Black or White and Gold? SL Version

Visit here for the dress: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Capel/128/128/11


Visit Facebook here for code needed: https://www.facebook.com/alaskametro


Visit CBS news, just one of many online sites regarding this viral dress phenomenon.: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/blue-black-white-gold-dress-color-debate-goes-viral/


Their online store is here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/1011/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search%5Bcategory_id%5D=&search%5Bmaturity_level%5D=G&search%5Bkeywords%5D=%3C3


alaskametro's monthly Facebook promo is a SL version of the RL dress phenomenon people are talking about all over trying to determine if the dress is black and blue or white and gold. 


Their Promo states: "March's Facebook gift is something that's sure to get people talking. Based on a certain controversial photo of a dress, the "Enigma" rigged mesh dress includes both white/gold AND blue/black versions, so you can be right no matter what.
To claim, visit the "Special Promotions" tab for a secret code & redemption instructions. Don't forget to like this page as well so you don't miss out on any other goodies!
Enjoy!"


I grabbed my alt and did just that!  You too can grab a friend and hit the grid each in your own color of the dress lending to more fun and confusion for Second Lifers. 

8th Annual Virtual Worlds Best Practice in Education-March 18-21

Official web site here: http://vwbpe.org/
It's time to register and plan for the annual Virtual Worlds Best Practice in Education.  Visit their web site for all the details.








(Note: I didn't make this ad/see the web site linked above to actually register and for more information)

The Avichoice Awards Show 2015

See the Avichoice Awards Winners and details about the program, past and furture events, and awards here: http://avichoiceawards.com/




Saturday I showed up at the Avichoice Variety Hall in the heart of New York city, with my friend Kathy Nikolaidis.  She's a great friend and always supports me in things I do in SL.  We were dressed in gowns and walked the red carpet into the front hall to collect guest gift bags.  There were approx. 77 people there 10 minutes to the start of the show and later there would be up to at least 88 at point when I checked.  People were decked out in their finest and the theater was beautifully made, making for an elegant event.  The organization was well done and the show flowed smoothly.  "Supreme Overlord" (titler) Governor Linden showed up as a cream colored dwarf hamster and even exchanged a few jokes with well wishers in the audience and commented and cheered along throughout the show.  Dee Linden was also present to represent the Lindens.  Nuala Maracas and Trader Whiplash-Ballinger were host and hostess for the show.



The Avi Choice awards have taken place since 2011, judged by the SL residents in 3 rounds based on categories.  This round was in celebration of the arts and entertainment and in May they will hold the LIFE awards.  The Fashion awards were last fall.

Damian Carbenell, a recently returning SL live musician, started out the entertainment for the show singing a huge crowd pleaser, "We Found Love Right Where We Are", then he sang another song while dancing with the Elysium Dancers. Announcing the first half of the awards were MaxPower Godric and  necole Chiantelle.  They read the top several nominees with the highest number of votes, then listed the winners.  They said there were over 500 nominees narrowed down to those listed for voting and over 123 thousand votes.   The winners can be found at the at the link at the top of this post. 


The 2nd half of the show was led off by the beautiful voice of The Pink Vampire, referred to by her friends as Pink.  I have never previously heard her sing but was blown away by her vocals.  She has a flamboyant Marilyn Monroe style stage presence that was charming and she did a second number dancing together with the Avichoice Award Dancers.  The 2nd half winners were announced by therose and Brett Bertolucci.  My two categories were in this grouping "Favorite Blog, and Favorite Blogger".  I didn't win, but the winners were very deserving.  I did however get a silver Avichoice awards trophy and nominee gift bag and my name was read out during the show twice in the categories.  I had a good time and was honored to be mentioned in such good company. 


The show finished off with a party DJ'd by Blake Hambleton and dancing in the reception area.  My friend Kathy had to head out at this time.  My good friend Enigmatic Deir dropped in at this point for some dancing until the final part of the show which was a Queen tribute show by Bad Ampitude.  During the afterparty 5 large gift bags were randomly given out.  There were many sponsors and providers of gifts for attendees, nominees, performers, and winners.  Be sure to check out the web site for this information.  I appreciate the Avichoice awards recognizing some of the great SL contributors for their efforts.  I also personally like using the web site lists of nominees to find out more about good things, people, and places in SL to try out or go see.  Check it out for yourself and have a happy SL.

Tillicum Island-Explore the Beauty in Second Life

Visit here; http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tillicum%20Island/128/128/25


I recently visited this lovely sim that everyone should visit.  It's owned by Scott Yedmore along with partner Tinker Drew who is designer/manager.  I happened to bump into Tinka on the sim and asked her a few questions about the place which they have owned for 3 years, but redesigned a little over a month ago and is open for public explore.  She said, “We've been so moved by places that others have shared with a focus on SL photography. We knew we were ready to go in a new direction with the sim and thought, “Why don’t we do that here?” We had all this space that felt underutilized, we both love SL photography and I'm almost obsessive about landscaping projects, so it made sense.”


This sim has many beautifully detailed areas in which to relax, take photos, and explore in.  There are a lot of nature settings including hangouts, buildings, a beach, and some very cool caves.  It's all open to the public except their home on the SE corner.  I was also very impressed at the lack of any lag considering I noticed a lot of gorgeous detail and when I mentioned this Tinka said she kept that in mind when choosing the foliage, trees etc.  She did an amazing job, really!  She is a SL photographer herself so obviously her good eye is evident in her decorating skills.  I especially love her use of lighting too.  The landscaping is just amazing and I didn't even bother to turn my graphics to high as I realized all windlights work great and ultra was not even need to enjoy a great feel.  I'll leave that to the real photographers to make some amazing photos.  Check out this very beautiful sim some time.





The sim info. reads, "Created by an SL photographer for SL photographers and all others to enjoy; a scenic spot providing beautiful settings for everything from landscapes to more intimate style imagery. Explore, stay awhile, and don't forget to bring your camera."


Be sure to fully explore the cave systems, (sorry I didn't get a photo of them, but I will be back for more pics and fun) as they have several entrance/exit areas and are very fun! (above is a pic of me and Tinker)