Exploring LEA

The Linden Endowment for the Arts Sims may be the most underrated sims, in my opinion.  Most of LEA sims are Linden Labs endowed sims residents create art builds and perform in.  Most are land granted for a period of time following an application and proposal process.  The majority of SL's most well known artists and performers have either created or performed in a LEA sim at some point.  The sims usually are super creative, very well done and always enjoyable. I especially enjoy the large immersive 6 month full sim AIR/artist in residence builds. Unfortunately, other than openings, closings, and special events, they are usually not very crowded. This may be an ok, thing as one can explore without lag and most the spaces are open long enough for everyone to visit and not miss out. As great as many of them are though I always expect them to be fuller.  Anyway.. I"m going to take one pic in a few and post them here with direct links. But first if you want info. about LEA in general or info. on how to apply for a land grant, check out these LEA links:
LEA official page: http://lea-sl.org/
Here is their official blog: http://lindenarts.blogspot.com/
They are also in Facebook, Flickr, and all over.

Visit LEA2 here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA2/128/128/18
The first LEA sim I visited tonight was LEA 2 Ethereal Shapes by Noke Yuitza. This sim opened August 5th and has a full line up of great events.  The sim itself, as shown in the image, is dark with a lot of glowey, sparkly, things made for dreamers.  The landing info. states: "ETHEREAL SHAPES (Art installations by Noke Yuitza) Within the forms of faces, animals, flowers… in groups of stars, ink, glitter… There are 4 scenes: Dreamer, Galaxy, Ballet, and Eyes. The concept that brings them together is the dreamer that looks at how stars dances in a galaxy ballet." This is a good immersive experience. Be sure to take the sim windlights and surreal music that match the sim experience.  Here is my one photo...


Visit LEA24 here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA24/128/128/23
The next LEA sim I visited tonight was LEA 24 Echoes,, Metaphysics of Frequencies by LIvio Korobase.  The sim info. here states: "Some "invisible" elements seem have a strong effect on matter. They are all the unseen, intangible, but we hear them, we feel them.. Every phenomenon is a material trace of the invisible forces that generated it, an indissoluble fusion of content and form".
I have to say I had a really hard time trying to take just one image in this sim, as there is so much to see and do with lots of photogenic spaces and objects, so I gave up and took more pics as I played, viewed, listened and enjoyed and posted the rest on my Flickr which you can see if you click one of my pics that will take you to Flickr. I left myself in pics of this sim for perspective as it has a huge feel to it, well things are larger than life.  I also used the sim windlight for the pics but other lighting is good too. Fun explore!

  Part of the landing note sums up the basis of the experience though and I quote in part here: "How much do the "invisible" sounds influence our perception of the so called "reality" -are real or virtual  the same?  So, i created some ambients where sounds drives my vision, each sound resonating within me, a sensation that i have tried to translate into a 3D visual representation.
It Is important during your visit to turn on your viewer's sounds and your volume up, and  use camera controls to change the "point of view" of each audio sequence.
Wear headphones, put your best possible graphic card setting and good exploration. Good luck with horses and asteroids."


Visit LEA 15 here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA15/128/128/24
This is another super cool sim.  The landing info. states: "Welcome to Zun Design LEA slim design. Winter crystal Elven magic is the theme. Please touch the crystal dragons to use teleports. You can also explore by foot." This sim looked amazing upon landing but then had so many hidden gems upon further explore. I decided to call this my last explore for the night so I could take my time and enjoy it all.  I'm leaving this one with two images and a message to say if you visit this sim be sure to actually explore it all vs just thinking you might have cammed most of it after a bit.   This one has a lot of relaxing beautiful hang out or pose spots. I'll get back to more of the LEA sims another time but going to call it a night after this one is explored out.

Pretty, by Bryn Oh, at Blue Orange 4

Visit Pretty here:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Empire%20State%20Island/237/48/1446
Visit Blue Orange http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Empire%20State%20Island/236/82/1445here:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Empire%20State%20Island/230/82/1445
Visit the Blue Orange Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/blueorangeSL/

I went to see "Pretty", but since I haven't been in SL much lately since it's summer, I realized I missed a Skye Galaxy show today for the opening ~sigh~.  Well... the visit to Blue Orange is a great explore, and Bryn's "Pretty", was intriguing as usual. Again, Bryn, is the master of lighting, shadows, stories, and space. I always have a challenging time trying to figure out the details of what exactly Bryn is conveying beyond the aesthetics.  I'm a huge appreciator of Bryn's works and this small group of pieces with the poem doesn't disappoint.  I didn't want to take too many full pictures of everything and give it all away, so I took a couple full and some pieces of pictures for this blog and left out the short poem.

"Pretty" opened today and you can read more about it on Bryn's blog here: https://brynoh.blogspot.com/
Pretty is based on a poem Bryn wrote. Pretty is just one part to a large photo based show with a wide range of talented artists taking part in Blue Orange.

Blue Orange 4, at Empire State Land sim space created by Ini (In Inaka) info. reads: "Friendly bohemian club for MUSIC and ART lovers. Alternative,New Wave,Indie,Art Punk,Noise,Psychedelic,Rock,Neo-folk,Experimental,Avant-Garde,Modern and a lot of more music without labels." The last picture I have here on this blog lists the many quality artists in this exhibit.

I'll admit I got a little, ok totally, lost wandering around in Blue Orange trying to find Bryn's "Pretty" but it's a great place to get lost in, and while wandering around I saw a lot of really cool art in great environments. I loved the party area that was also a work of art. I snapped a few extra pics so the first collage and 2 more pics here (more on my Flickr though) are of Pretty and the rest are various artists in Blue Orange.  I look forward to going back for some music and events.



Blue Orange 4 shots below:
 

SL15B Finale

I logged in to SL last week and my friend, August West, reminded me it was the official final day of SL15B. He tp'd me and the huge cake stage was literally imploding or maybe exploding is the right way to describe what was going on, following a show.  I was lucky enough to see so many pieces of the cake stage falling from the sky onto the spectators, bouncing around in all its beautiful, lit, colorful glory.  There are many videos of it out on Flickr and Youtube coming down, with pieces dropping and bouncing around the avatars.  Afterward we visited his friend Bridget's crystal tree exhibit then took the pod tour for a last look at the exhibits. I had to grab a few final pictures to save on my blog.  This is an annual Second Life birthday party/community convention, with many exhibits by residents, some huge special exhibits and tons of events, music, etc. The shopping area closed July 2nd and I was able to get my free 500L Blueberry shopping gift card they gave out to all visitors, which was a nice treat especially considering the whole event was totally free.   If you've never been to one of the past SLB events, be sure to keep your eyes open for next year's, as its a annual must see event.

 Before:

 
 and after...
 

Bridget's crystal tree exhibit
 

 The pod tour
 

Various exhibits we passed on our tour

 
To see more images click directly on a picture and it will take you to my Flickr where I have plenty more and they can be resized. There is a Flickr group with some great pics taken by others and some video. There are also some videos on Youtube.

A Whymsee Thursday in Second Life

'Made the rounds tonight and one of the highlights was a Whymsee psychedelic experience with DJ Fifi Oh and particle show by Moondance Parx in their immersive special event:
at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whymsee/76/181/2901.  Thanks to the tip from Bryn Oh.  Hmm.. wonder if Bryn and Fifi are related?  Whymsee is a dance club experience  in SL with audience-centered dance performances in regulary changing sets and events that are tons of fun.  If you want to play along, here is their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/WhymseeSL/?hc_ref=ARS1uJbyfROt18pVsSakPODWnvGDf4bNgyymDQETB6d2FoJTW4p5dAhmfVQDah_9Qi

I

Make a Fun Profile --Thank You

I was hanging out at BoDa Live music venue tonight.  Visit here if you like reat live music:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunset%20Cove/128/128/12
Just hanging out listening to and enjoying some Justin Ashton then Essence when I noticed a Christian2011's profile.

I have to say I've seen a lot of empty profiles lately, or some that say things like, ...If you want to know, just ask.  I rarely mess with those as there is nothing to catch my interest.  The theory behind them is that people will need to ask/talk to learn about a person vs seeing some corny quotes by someone else or worse yet the whole gamut including things like,....If you mess with my boo, I F you up,  etc.  To each their own, but I don't mind interesting quotes, as even those tell a bit about a person in what they like and chose to quote and it does give a person something to talk about. However tonight I found Christan's profile to be loaded with gems about SL.  It's funny stuff I thought I'd save them here.  I hope you get a kick out of it as much as I did.  Kudos to Christian for a fun profile read! After all my time in SL, I find these to be pretty spot on.  Enjoy

""Ten Reasons You Might Be A Noob":
10. ...aren't wearing anything worth more than $1L.
9. ...have less than 2000 inventory items and yet can't seem to find the thing you need.
8. ...have filled up your picks page with nothing but ads for free sex dungeons and/or ways to earn free lindens.
7. ...frequently "wear" boxes then detach and delete them from your inventory, assuming that it is a malfunctioning item.
6. ...have never uttered the word "blingtard."
5. ...have less than $1000L on you and do more of your shopping at freebie places than at actual stores.
4. ...aren't sure what an AO is and are blissfully happy waddling around like an oompa loompa.
3. ...walk physically over to the contest board in order to see who you're voting for at events.
2. ...spend 100% of your time in public places. And at least 50% of that time is spent naked.
1. ...are not sure who Ruth is but are looking forward to meeting her.

Next we have ... "SL Facts and Myths": Christian got these from someone named Tiana:
1)Ppl with anything related to drama in their profile are usually at the center of it...normal ppl don't have enough drama in their life to make note of the dislike
2)PPL WHO HAVE ALL CAPS AND NOTHING BUT CAPS IN THEIR PROFILE usually have an ego bigger than their mental stability and an over whelming need to be heard
3)Naked guys will always bump into you ..here is a tip guys..no matter how many times you bump her she will not bend over
4)If your avatar is preggers nobody else really wants to hear your tummy talk...You see it as romantic... we see it as spam
5)If someone invites you to see their parcel they are not inviting you to take a landmark for future use of their sex bed
6)If a guy is dancing with someone that is not the signal to all the ladies in the room he is available... Lets all try to observe the girl code
7)If someone is looking at your avatar be flattered it means all the money was well spent
8) Saying "nice ass" to a woman you have never talked to before... is NOT the way to get positive attention
9)Facelights are a thing of the past.. please retire yours. (Note from Kara.  I'm good with the new Catwa light facelights.  It's been proven they dont project and do enhance a look)
10)If you see ppl with missing body parts you need to upgrade to a mesh viewer not message them and ask them to wear prims...change is good..embrace it
11)Messaging someone and saying "Hi how old are you?" Is rude no matter what country you are from
12)Some ppl can't even get laid in a sex sim
13)Nobody cares about spelling and punctuation..comedic timing is so much more important. Grammar police suck!
14)Don't add random ppl you have never spoken to..it is called FRIENDS list not a FAUX FRIENDS list
15)Blinging shoes mean one of two things..escort or a man (sometimes both)
16) Just because a woman asks you a question..this does not mean she wants your pixel penis
17) Just Here for FUN...usually means just here to get LAID.

Then there are the "OWLisms" Christian got these from Owl Janus with permission. (I didn't get permission but Owl doesn't have these in the profile and I couldn't get ahold of Owl, so if he later says get the off the blog and I can't sweet talk him into letting me quote the Owl, . .. these will be history)
You can spend as much money as you like on your avi, but inner ugliness always shines through.

If you want to talk down to someone, firstly make sure that they're not more intelligent than you.

Before you open your mouth to speak, ask yourself three things... is it true, it it necessary, is it kind?

With reference to the above, sometimes add a forth thing... 'do I fucking care?'↑
↑
The above quotes are my originals, so if you see them in someone else's Picks, they've been copied.
Again stole from Bod.Janus with permission"

And finally we have the "7 Things A Man Might Tell You About His Ex":
She Cheated= He Cheated
Be nice to her it will drive her Mad= Im still talking to her and dont want you to know
She is the biggest whore= She dumped me
We are just friends= I fuck her when you log
I love you= I love you till you log off then I love her
Sorry real got busy=I'm on an alt fucking your sister
I have to log= The other girl I am fucking just logged on.
I am a DOM= I wore that cock ring like a lil bitch
STOLEN FROM KISSES KARU AND USED BY PERMISSION.

Anyway, so go ahead, perv some profiles, you might get a laugh, learn something, or make a new friend.  I got all three tonight.  I'm actually pretty bad about NOT reading profiles much.  I've chatted with a unbeknownst to me high profile av in SL for over an hour before putting my foot in my mouth, which would have been avoided had I read the profile at some point during that hour. He was a good sport about me not recognizing him though : )  Anyway,  I think I need to update my own profile. I'd enjoy seeing more creative profiles around.  I might just be perving yours next.  Happy Monday. 

Little Shop of Horrors at The Starlite Dancers Feb. 11th 2018

Visit The Rose Theater here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Manor/128/128/21

Seven Seasons Christmas 2017

Visit Christmas 2017 presented by Seven Seasons here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Electric%20Shock/128/128/46

I went for the music and stayed for the fun.  AleyKat put together this great sim and I tp'd over to hear Toxie sing.. which was a great show as always, then I started to cam around and just wow!  I'm truly impressed.  The winter holiday sim is comprised of various scenic vignettes, mostly all immersive with many pose and animation spots.  There is also the standard ice skating, skiing with a cool lift ride, sledding and more.  But the best part really is the scenery for hanging out and photography and there is a photography contest in Flickr.  Don't miss this gorgeous and fun sim!

Dallas Jam 2017 Here I come

Dallas Jam Facebook site here: https://www.facebook.com/events/245253829237984/

Most of you probably already know about the SL Live Music Jams that are held periodically in real/first life.  Musicians have been meeting up in groups for years and more and more fans have been joining them. This will be my first music jam and although it runs Oct. 19-22, I'll be going down for Friday evening the 20th and leaving Monday the 23rd.  People sign up for them months in advance and then have the opportunity to fall out if things are not going to work for them leaving the waiting list in suspense for a spot.  This jam there will be approx 100 SL residents meeting up in Dallas for a weekend of fun, live music, and getting to know their SL friends in RL.  Some of you may remember the good old SL days when Linden Labs actually hosted community get togethers in RL in a similar fashion.  The music jams are actually hosted by residents who are willing to put their efforts into the arrangements and some regulars like Gwampa/Bruce who records videos so those who cant make it can see photos, video, and some live stream.  There are also sound people and most the musicians bring their own equipment and take turns preforming.  If you want to follow along this time head over to the link above starting Friday evening.  If you enjoy the SL fantasy, keep in mind people really do not look much if at all like their avatars.  There is another site for the jams in general if you want to stay posted on the jams and upcoming events here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLlivemusicjams/
Until Friday......

SL14B, Second Life Annual Community Celebration Opening Day Sunday June 18th

Visit the welcome area here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Impressive/96/122/80
A greeter at the main landing area gave me a wearable hud map, a had and flag.  The hud map is very handing in gettiner around.  They do have the moving pods again too for a nice tour.  Another good landing area is here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Stupendous/128/128/18

The Second Life Community Celebration runs from June 18th through the 25th.
Visit their official web site for full details, daily event schedule, more landmaarks, etc here: http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/

Their theme this year as stated in part from their website states "Our theme for SL14B is “Carnivalesque!” If this is a birthday, then we’re going to have a festival worthy of Second Life®! Strike up the band, toss on your glad rags, and join us at the SL®14B Community Celebration as we hit the carnival."

The annual Second Life community/birthday celebration is underway and I stopped by for opening day as I was busy RL for the press day.  I have to say, there was one corner I was very excited about from the minute I saw it.   This was the area of Stupendous Stage Left, The Guardian, by Faust Stamer/Walton F. Wainwright , direct SLURL here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Stupendous/119/200/26) which caught my eye.  Atop this creature sits a cool venue too that was filled with music and dancing visitors.  It's absolutely huge and delectably eclectic and steampunk looking in design. The 3 headed armoured creature moves its heads, blows steam out its nostrils, has a pool at its base you can walk in and be teleported up to the glass tented stage dance and show area he holds atop his back. And believe me, once you've climbed the many steps up to the initial pool, you are ready for that cool teleport. There are some other large and very nice builds in this general area and in all the sections of this huge 18 sim community celebration.

I also very much loved Pan's Labrynth and ultimately Neverland Soiree here.. I hope: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Wonderous/236/27/24

Once again there are associated Linden freebies/prizes (see their home web site for landmarks under the SLURLS tab) there are also SL birthday sales going on around the grid and on the SL Marketplace.

Happy 14th birthday Second Life and to all the residents.  Come out and enjoy the wonderful variety of builds, art, music and other entertainment, etc. representing many of the things residents make and do to contribute to everyone's pleasure and experience.

Saturday Events

Sometimes I post events after they happen but here are a few coming up for tomorrow that I know will be good.

First here is one for the adults in SL
Visit The Inner Room Here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zodiac%20Beach/73/77/3510
Quoted/pic from their event notice:
"The Inner Room Lounge Presents...
Cloud 9 - The Mile High Club
Saturday May 27th 2017
Starting @ 9 PM
Who is in the mile high club when they walk in? Who will be in it before they leave? Only one way to get your wings all you sexy and handsome people and that is on CLOUD 9 with us and our special guest singers Sassy Nitely and Gina Stella. We can't wait to have you fly with us! Don't miss out on your favorite Saturday night party and left sleeping at the airport :P

9PM - Sassy Nitely (Barbie Horsley) is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN and is a true performer who engages her audience. Sassyâs shows will lead you into an unforgettable kaleidoscope of acoustic covers, original music and impromptu song productions. Her music will move you and you will be allured by her charisma and energy. Come join us and let her soul-felt voice captivate you. A Sassy Nitely performance cannot be missed.

10PM - Gina Stella has been playing music on sl for over ten years! Gina has a loyal fan base who will come multiple times a day just to be with her & her music, she draws and holds crowds and is poised to play at your venue soon!! Gina embraces music and it embraces her back. This is heard in the diversity of her original and cover tunes. Her music is heartfelt, full of emotion, and you will want to hear her music over and over. "You don't just hear her music, you feel it!"

Attire: Pilot, Sexy Air Hostess, Fantasy Stewardess, Aviator, Naughty Stowaway .. Be creative (but tasteful) and as always adult encouraged ;)"

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Visit Whymsee Noir here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whymsee/100/193/3286

This one is is a great interactive costumed experience, Whymsee.  I've blogged an event with Whymsee and Flygearz before just to give you an idea here:  http://karasecondlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/flygearz-and-whymsee.html

Their advance notice states: "This week at Whymsee it's the year 2217 and we're gonna be dancing to something the old Earthlings called Rock 'N Roll! Cordelia Cerise and Jenna Dirval will be taking turns dancing you to great rock songs from the "past" all choreographed with YOU our stars in mind! We can't do this without you because YOU are the dancers of this show! Costume ideas include space gear, hacked leather and cyber gear and cyber punk! Have Fun with it! The fun starts at 6pm SLT! "

These interactive events are great fun and wonderful photo ops too!

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And if you are looking for some events to attend, well of course there is the SL community events calendar search here: http://events.secondlife.com/

For sims and event check out the Second Life Official Destination Guide here: http://secondlife.com/destinations

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And my go-to place to find live music events daily with Whispering Sands Live Promotions here: http://wslpromo.net/
And just to show you how wild and crazy their shows can get here is a pic of WSLP owner/mgr Jorr with his responsive sign to singer Essence during a show after a Van Halen request.
(sorry for the Jelly doll in pic, I forgot to unjelly the few I saw)