Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Explore Some More in SL

If you follow my Flickr you've seen these places I've visited already, but I've been told from some who visit Kara's Korner it's just here where they find explores... so here goes some more that I have really enjoyed recently besides some of the ones I write up with more detail.



MASSIVE ATHAKS, at Outlaw Island. Steampunk with cool scenery and very cute shops. Main large shop loaded with quality Steampunk clothes etc. Also don't miss the rest of the sim beyond the mountains.
Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Outlaw%20Island/128/128/21 or direct link here: ATHAKSHere.


Fungus... super cute with wonderfully colored tall grasses, mushrooms, shops, dwellings, pose places and a GAME too. Be sure not to miss following some or all of the game to find more cool places and freebies and stuff or at the very least don't miss camming or finding your way underground.. big hint! : ) This pic doesn't do the cuteness of the place justice and on top of that I had blond hair uggg... but visit anyway.. worth it. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fungus/156/120/48 or direct link here: FungusAmongUsHere.


This one is on the Banana Split sim and it's called something Forest, which I have forgotten but it's very very pretty, great for photos, exploring, fairies and dates. It also has a underground level, dance spots, posing, etc. Very pretty place. Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Banana%20Split/128/128/18 or direct link here: BananaHere.


Another Sextan sim, maker of now gone Nemo. This is another awesome steampunk explore with several islands and steampunk shops with quality freebies as well as amazing Sextan items to purchase if desired. Be sure to check this one out here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Liberty%20Cove/130/58/38 or direct link here: LibertyHere.


Gilmour is gorgeous. They have suggested windlight which I took once for a golden glow and other I declined in leu of my own choices. It's amazing for windlight photos of all kinds, has 4 magic doors that lead to 3 pretty places for dancing, etc and one creepy place, on the main land there is a little island attached with a hanging bridge with a pose piano, there is a tenting area with um.. cool couples posese inside, amazing trees, lights, birds, etc. As with some of the above explores I wish I took more scenic pics to show, but narcisistic me photos mostly myself. check it out here:http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gilmour/90/116/21 or direct link here GilmourHere.

Alpha Point
Alpha Point. Flashback to an oldie but a goodie here since some things have changed. Just an overall great explore and place to play, look, photograph and shop. Enjoy the elephants and ghosts! : ) Check it out here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alpha%20Point/63/43/73 or direct link here: AlphaPointHere.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Meeroo Mama

It's a boy! Yes! I joined the ranks of adopted Mama's to the Meeroos. My good friend Kathy Nikolaidis has a couple of Meeroos who had a baby and she gave me the baby today, as she knew I wanted one for a pet (beyond the beta phase).

I am now the proud mama to baby Loki, 0 days old, Hunger Full, Comfort 60%, Regard 270, Gender Male. He is known to be mischievous so I named him Loki after the Norwegian god, per Wiki: "In Norse mythology, Loki is a god or jötunn (or both)......Loki's relation with the gods varies by source. Loki sometimes assists the gods and sometimes causes problems for them." It seems Loki has a big mouth which causes him problems... should I have named this sweet little innocent meeroo Loki? Maybe : ) They tell parents what goes around comes around by their children. As for now Loki is making the cutest sounds running around my living room after a short sweet nap.
Proud Adoptive Mama... Baby Loki Meeroo!
(Me and baby Loki)

After I set Loki up with some berries and his little tree stump home I went to Kathy's to visit Loki's parents. My they have grown big and look heavy but Kathy held the papa like a baby which was so cute.
Kathy holding the papa meeroo
(Kathy)
Baby Loki fell asleep right when I petted him
(Sweet Loki Sleeping)
meeroo_027
There are games involved with Meeroo ownership if desired, breeding with special features, etc. The Meeroo official web site can be found here: http://www.worldofmeeroos.com/ or direct link here: MeeroosHere.
I previously blogged the Meeroos when betas were being tested and the group add pics and info is here: http://karasecondlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/meeroos-are-coming.html or trackback directly here: KaraMeerooHere.

Memorial Day


"Memorial Day honors the nation's war dead from the Civil War onwards; marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season. (traditionally May 30, shifted by the Uniform Holidays Act 1968)"Wikipedia

Sunday, May 29, 2011

AM Radio Announced the Closing of Two of His Sims

AM Radio announced in April that two of his much loved sims, "The Quiet" and "The Far Away", will be closing in 6 months. I waited a while to post this partly because every other SL blogger in the world had it covered in April, and partly just because these are two sims I didn't want to even think about being closed, especially "The Far Away", which I think is really not so far away. But feeling somewhat sentimental again tonight about how sims, friends, and things come and go so easily in SL, I found it is the time for me to record these sims for my own safe keeping.
AM_020
(AM Radio's "The Far Away" photo by Kara Trapdoor)

From the snowy Quiet to the Far Away fields, I wonder just how many visitors have been through the sims time and again like myself, and how many photos are out there of them? The sims are like from a simpler way of life although I was never sure why a table, chairs and hutch would be in the middle of a wheat field, or disappearing chairs hang in the sky, and why violins as a common prop lay about including on an icy puddle, but I do think it's possible to find a rusty old train settled in some field somewhere in the country. Well I can't ponder the sims much longer and perhaps I should just research any special meanings of these things through other blogs or AM Radio himself who happens to be on my friends list and is surprisingly very approachable and friendly considering how busy and popular he is.

Below is AM's official notice.
"The Quiet and The Far Away"
Dear Friends,

I know there are folks who visit my sims daily, weekly, or monthly and that these spaces have become a part of their experience in Second Life. I am announcing the closing of my spaces 6 months in advance so that it won’t come as a surprise, drama, or rumor.

It is merely the end of a series of artworks. I continue to paint, sketch, photograph and write about my time here on this little rock collection that’s spinning and hurtling through space.

IDIA Labs of Ball State University has been gracious to host my work without demand or requirement. The sunsetting of the IDIA Lab sim is the result of positive and thoughtful input from IDIA, myself, and many of you.

I have archived the work already, and I appreciate the impulse to want to save the work.

The work though was as social as any avatar in SL, making friends with many of you and enabling so many positive experiences many of you have let me know about. ALL OF YOU are what the artwork really was. It isn’t in the prims, the textures, or scripts. It was in your willingness to explore and experience the world in a way I tried to share it. My time in SL has been like having hundreds of people analyzing my dreams every morning. I have learned so much about many of you, but truly learned so much about myself.

Please feel free to continue to visit. Please encourage anyone you know who will miss the spaces to visit them with you. See my picks in my profile for landmarks.The extent of my estate is a foothold by the water. All are welcome to the infinite within it.

Sincerely,
AM Radio"

AM_025
(AM Radio's The Quiet, photo by: Kara Trapdoor)


As I sat at the table in "The Far Away", thinking about how much the wheat fields and windmill and grain silos reminded me of my somewhat recently deceased grandfather's farm here in Kansas where I live, I looked down at the book with sketch on the table and when I clicked it read,
" ::: I never stopped sketching you.
::: The smooth flesh on your cheek,
::: the gentle wave in your hair
::: dictating calculations of graphite onto paper.
::: The blurry trees behind you
::: drawn like baby's breath
::: in a wreath around your portrait
::: growing like vines
::: in stop motion animation
::: until you're gone.
::: The memory is left behind,
::: imprinted with a chemical mix
::: in a grand collection
::: of landscapes upon a life
::: of sketches as memories
::: looking to incorporate the next.
::: -- AM Radio (- AM Radio)"

....in stop motion animation, until you are gone. The memory is left behind.....
Yes the memories are left behind and so ends an era.. but as I looked over the photos I took and see myself looking beyond the barbed wire fence and I began to wonder what lies beyond the fence? Perhaps AM's next project? I hope so.

_AM_007_________________________________________________________________________________
Find the sims here for now:
The Far Away: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dreamworld%20North/200/164/22 or direct link here: TheFarAwayHere.
The Quiet: http://slurl.com/secondlife/IDIA%20Laboratories/147/87/23 or direct link here: TheQuietHere.

The Far Away can in parts be purchased as a donation program to the Heifer International Charity. Check it out when you visit.

Tornado Gallery Poetry Inspiration by Cherry Manga, music by ColeMarie

colead

BOSL CEO/Founder, Frolic Mills, 4th Rez Day Party

Yesterday, May 28th, I attended the 4th rez day party for Mr. Frolic Mills. Frolic is BOSL CEO and Founder, owner of the BOSL Browns, the football team my cheer leading squad is owned by and also my boss at BOSL. The event was held at the Patch Thibaud auditorium to a crowd of over 50 and the show lineup was a list of Broadway hits.
Frolic Mills

One of the highlights for me was enjoying the talent of real life Broadway artist Tamra Hayden, known as Tamra Sands in SL, who has held lead roles in blockbusters such as Les Miserables, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler On the Roof and others. I honestly was very happily surprised to learn of and hear her and kept asking myself and others around me, "Where did she come from?", as I've never seen her in SL before and her voice was so very very impressive. You can read more about her real life and there is also a SL segment including her SL performance schedule here: http://www.tamrahayden.com or direct link here: TamraHere.
Tamara Sands/Hayden

Other performers included one of my favorite SL dance troupes, The Dramatiques, which I have blogged a couple of times before here. Jesse Ribeiro, also a RL musician, composer, vocalist, and producer, recently bringing his music into SL, performed as well.

Various Broadways musicals were performed at the party with props, costumes, beautiful backgrounds, dances, and music including numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Grease, The Lion King, West Side Story, Tommy, Evita and more.

The party ended with Mr. Mills, performers, and guests dancing on the stage. As expected when it involves Frolic Mills and BOSL, the party was something special in SL to remember.
Tamra Hayden/Sands
(Tamra RL photo from her website)

Saturday, May 28, 2011

SaraMarie Philly



SaraMarie has an amazing voice, writes music, and plays several instruments. She also has a great stage presence and a special "Red" game the audience can play along with.
Her bio. reads:

"★★★SaraMarie Philly★★★
★★★Singer/Songwriter ★★★
Original and Cover Pop Music

★Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukelele, Rubberband Box (kidding!)★

★ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Indiana. (USA) My parents both had factory jobs, but we also had a small rabbit farm. In college, I studied Voice, Piano, Clarinet and Violin at Indiana State University, and graduated from West Chester University in 2010 with a degree in Music Education.

★ABOUT MUSIC
Playing music for people creates a connection that goes beyond what can be expressed in converation. For me, it's a way of sharing life experiences and expressing empathy for the experiences of the listener. These connections are what keep people interested in an artist's music, and what keep an artist interested in sharing it. As a performer, connecting to my audience is important to me.

★RL MUSIC STUFF:
In RL, I have a CD release planned for 2011. The songs are recorded. I'm just waiting for them to be mixed and mastered by grammy-Nominated Producre, James Cravero. The CD is titled "Red" and has 12 fully produced original songs.

Listen to my music and find links to my other sites here:
www.saratiemogo.com

You can email me at:
stiemogo@gmail.com

★STREAM:
http://64.34.170.177:19148

Thank you for checking out my press kit!
SaraMarie ツ"

I was proud to be able to make this SL machinima of one of her original songs with Sara. She is a lot of fun and looks a lot like her avatar.. check out her music some time!

Explore Al Naifah in Second Life

racer_059

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Al%20Naifah/232/38/20 or direct link here: NaifahHere.
I found an amazing sim yesterday that works wonderfully for photos in windlight. It has great lighting and aurora borealis, crystal garden, colorful forest, and tons of pose places. There are very romantic intans loaded with some unique dances too, impressive! There are two large screens with movies, numerous elaborate game table areas including chess, Skip, Spades, Greedy greedy, truth, Jewelland etc. Friends Brian joined me last night and ColeMarie came in this morning. This seems like a great hang out and photo op place for sure. Check it out.

split screen_051

racer_057
(Brian)
colemarie
(ColeMarie)
split screen_036
(chess)

(dancing)

Friday, May 27, 2011

Abbottabad in SL

slurl.com/secondlife/Avatrian%20Central/97/169/3502 or direct link here: AbbottabadHere.
Metaverse development team Avatrian built a scale replica of Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottobad, Pakistan with info. from Google Earth and other sources.
blog

When entering the notecard reads, "The Abbottabad compound in Second Life was created using RL scale measurements based on Google Earth data and other publicly reliable information. It is an on-going work in progress so you should see improvements to the model over time. For optimal use, please adjust the size of your avatars to only between 5.5 and 6 feet in height. In this way, you will be able to experience the space in relative proportions to the RL compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Please note that this space is a non-commercial development intended only as a 3D visual guide and for role-playing. It is opened by Avatrian for use by the general public. But, please be mindful of your actions and conversations while in the sim. Treat other visitors with respect. Avatars who are found to be engaging in abusive behaviour or griefing will be banned from the sim.

Enjoy your time here. We are open to any feedback you might have. You can IM Chenin Anabuki or email info@avatrian.com for any comments or suggestions."
blog

My buddy, Lowe Runo, put on his Tonktastic military wear and we snapped a few pics. It's interesting all the things you can find in SL.
blog

Friday!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

International Missing children's Day Events in SL Today

I received this note inworld this morning and since it seems like a good cause and I might want to check it out after work I'm saving it here.
PRESS RELEASE
by Morgue McMillan
"Initiative Vermisste Kinder
*****************************************
We are glad to announce the second International Missing Children's Day in SL, coming up on May 25, 2011.

International Missing Children’s Day is a worldwide annual event on May 25 to raise awareness and inform about the issues as well as to provide links for further information and help.

We will celebrate this day in the virtual world of Second Life®
at Garden for Change
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Garden%20for%20Change/128/128/2
*****************************************
Event Schedule
Day Schedule
Time: 9 am to 3 pm slt

Hosts: Anneli Ulrik (German), Morgue McMillan (English)
9:00 am : Welcome and “Anna is Lost”, a true telephone-case
presented by Initiative Vermisste Kinder
10:10 am : poetry readings by
Serene Bechir, Morgue McMillan, Klannex Northmead,
DonJuan Writer, Ixmal Supermarine, Ingeborg Apfelbaum,
Mathoni Zuhrah
visual presentation: Aneli Abeyante
background music: James Corachea
11:10 am : Kinder(v)erziehung
a play by Kulturschaukel/MuenchenSL
12:00 pm : Dance in Light
by junivers Stockholm and Medora Chevalier
1:00 pm : Dance show by Angelina Kitaj
2:00 pm : Brendan Shoreland

Daytime Event will also be broadcast on the web by ITS Media (German SL TV)
ITS Livestream for broadcast
http://www.livestream.com/itsmedia
**************************************************
**************************************************
Night Schedule
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm slt

Host: Morgue McMillan, Serene Bechir
5:00 pm : Ballet Pixelle
5:45 pm : (welcome and introductory comments recorded
from morning show or live by Serene Bechir)
6:00 pm : presentation
6:30 pm : poetry by Stosh Quartz, Grail Arnica, Kaikilani, Ryan Cole, Freda Frostbite
7:30 pm : pictures by Aneli Abeyante and music
7:45 pm : information from Ronnie Rhode/Garden for the Missing
8:00 pm : Cypress Rosewood
**************************************************
**************************************************
For more information please contact Anneli Ulrik/Initiative Vermisste Kinder, Serene Bechir or Morgue McMillan. We also have a blog prepared to collect all
information around the event in one place:
http://missingchildrendaysl.wordpress.com/events/2011-2/"


(A pic of my av as a child, Kara, since it's just cute)

Sunday, May 22, 2011

ColeMarie Soleil

http://arcadenylon.bandcamp.com/track/ink-stain or direct link here: http://arcadenylon.bandcamp.com/track/ink-stain">ColeMarieHere.
colemarie

The multi-talented SL artist, ColeMarie, has done it again. May 22nd was the public release of the song, "Ink stain" by Arcade Nylon, that everyone can listen to and download for free at the above link. Many SL bloggers have covered this already, but I thought I'd say a little more about ColeMarie rather than this new release that anyone can just hop to and enjoy. This track was a collaboration created by Ryan Campos and ColeMarie

I've been wanting to blog about ColeMarie for a while now and recently she, along with some other high profile friends and partners, started up the highly popular new SL Art and Entertainment blog, featuring some of the most impressive art, sims, and events around the grid. I'll see if I can cover some of the many activities Colemarie participates in for her SL. First of all she is often seen as a fairy and sometimes not the most delicate of this species, and is otherwise known as the Rocker Faerie. She is very active making machimima, writes music and is very sought after to sing at live music venues and special events, posts her photography on Flickr & Koinup, writes for above mentioned blog, New World Notes and her own blog(s), has a clothing line, makes particles, and of course is friendly and gets around the grid very well. She has been interviewed and guest on SL shows, featured in many a blog and magazine article and seems to have an amazing well-deserved following. This is yet another artist whose varied artistic talents are shared both in Second Life and Real Life.

After I started writing this I decided to check on the Internet to see what I could find about ColeMarie, as I figured there had to be some great info. that I don't know about. She does so much and sometimes it's hard to keep up. What was I missing? I could ask her but the research is pretty fun and this way she doesn't have to repeat herself. I found a great interview with some very interesting info. if interested here: http://blog.koinup.com/2009/12/colemarie-soleil.html or direct link here: ColeHere.

Here are just a few other things I found of interest, but there is so much more that can easily be found with a simple name search:
http://colemariesoleil.wordpress.com/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/rockerfaerie
http://twitter.com/#!/ColeMarieSoleil
http://www.flickr.com/groups/colemarie/
http://soleilrising.bandcamp.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebrokendollhouse/
http://colemarie.blogspot.com/2011/05/audible-vibrations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyiUgXaCp2U
http://whatcolewears.blogspot.com/-new fashion blog

cole2
(This photo by: http://bluefley.deviantart.com/)Collaboration with electronic artist Obsidia-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyiUgXaCp2U


Ok, now that I've done this.. stalk, but only in a good way. ; )

Flash Dance!

flashdance_002
(The package dancers for this show are part of the group)

Something new is sweeping the live music scene and as of today I am a part of it! "Flash Dance" is a group that has grown from 0 to 200 members in 30 days since it's inception. Today's show was the first concert specifically for the dancers. What is Flash Dance you might ask? Well if you haven't noticed yet you soon will. This relatively new group will basically bombard live musicians to dance, socialize and show support for some of SL's best performers. Is this much different than when people show up and dance or watch a show already we might wonder? Well in a way it is. The Flash Dancers send an announcement in it's group that a show is starting and then whoever is online from the group can converge on the show to dance, often on each other's huddles or chims, or alone wearing the group tag and showing support to the musicians. It doesn't take away from the performer's show in any way, as it appears to be what normal attendees look like but the group has a tag, can get to know each other as group members and just brings out more people to a particular show. The musician's and sim owners love it because it gets more people and support for their show and venues, and the dancers love the social aspect and news of shows so it's a very win/win situation.

flashdance
(Kara joined! Me in white top)

The group is free and open to anyone who likes and enjoys live concert music. Today's show began with a special group of the dancers in costume on stage followed by live musician Josie Anderton. There were about 50 dancers at one point on hand. Trav said they hope to do special events like this for the group on a regular basis besides meeting up at the shows around the grid. Trav said, " ..the most important thing is that we are here for fun, no drama, and always positive". He said many of the live musicians are actually in the group as Flash Dancers, including Josie who was performing today. Trav stated it's all about fun and they are also very adamant that the group is not into business. Even the musicians that are flash dancers may not advertise to the group. There is a group lounge loaded with information, freebies, dances, misc. items and there are even jackets and t-shirt the group can wear if desired. The lounge has dancing and hang out areas. At today's event I grabbed the group and was quickly invited to join a huddles to sync with some of the dancers. I think this is going to grow to be a large and fun part of my SL. The group goal is to put as many dancers in one spot as possible and totally blow away the venue. Have fun and make great friends! Keep your eyes open for the Flash Dancers of Second Life!
Trav Neox, Flashdance Founder
Trav

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Bloom Doll Boogie-The Trap Rap



Ok, I was told it's hard to make out the words. Yeah, I should have taken more time.. hey it was late. Here you go:
TrapRapBloomboogie
Bloom dolls are super cool
Well I don't know, I might look a fool
But that's ok yeah that's alright
My av's got a great big head tonight

She's going out to hit the town
I sure hope that she don't fall down
Skinny legs and great big head
She'll hit the floor like a ton of lead

It's Second Life, so heads don't crack
She'll jump right up and bounce right back
To do a goofy dance for you
Now you know you want one too!

So get your doll at the Surf Shack
Come dance with me for a laugh attack
But really I do love my bloom
She’s so cute full of attiTUNE

Now I'm done and it's a wrap
Just one more video from the Trap!


Once again I've jumped on the bandwagon and wanted to check out the bloom doll craze. Not only did I buy to try one, I also bought some pink hair to personalize it and then made a video of her dancing. I just couldn't resist. So yeah, I did it. Maybe I should not have put my name on it? Anyway.. if you want to get a Bloom doll, I got mine at the Sand Shack Surf Co. for $600L. You do have to find and fit your own hair as the doll comes with shape, skin and head, several poses, and eye change options, but no large hair to fit it. I bought this hair at elikatira in the rainbow colors and it sized right up easily to fit. elikatire used to be ETD and the SLurl is here:http://slurl.com/secondlife/Elikatira/62/128/34 or direct link here: elikatireHere. There are 2 boys and 6 girl skin tone and design options. Each box comes with a style card, but from what I've seen around the grid people are enjoying making theirs unique. There is a whole blog just about these dolls, numerous blog posts and a Flickr photo group too. Here is the blog with a ton of great photos and info about Bloom dolls: http://fuckyeahbloomdolls.tumblr.com/ direct link here: FYBDHere.Check it out and just have fun with it! I got my Bloom doll here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/artilleri/132/198/27 or direct link here: BloomHere.


bloom.jpeg
bloom_002
bloom_003

Bloom dolls based on RL Blythe dolls.. check that out here: http://www.blythedoll.com/ or direct link here: BlytheHere.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

GreenBurg, A Cool Sim to Explore

I've been popping in and out of GreenBurg the past week or two and find great new things upon each return trip.
The Dance

Check it out here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/GreenBurg/128/128/24 or direct link here: GreenBurgHere.
The sim is gorgeous with a fantasy like atomoshpere that works wonders in the windlight for my photos. There is a moon and star with hanging swing at a decorated platform build that is loaded with poses and dances, there are dandelion fluffs you can rez and ride around, a double deep huge beautiful cave area loaded with romantic pose balls and props (don't think they were all pg) whimsical dragons, statues, frog prince, singing ram trio visuals along the way, multiple dance pavillions and sky islands, the dancing sea drykes, small buildings of various design to explore and so much more. This is another must visit sim and it's even better with a date or friends.
GreenBurg
Flying With Baby Dragons
Try, Try Again

Monday, May 16, 2011

Dragonfly

dragonfly_010

A relatively new SL performer, Dragonfly, is at Lingual Marcus' NYC Rooftop venue as I write this up. Dragonfly, Joel Eilde, has been performing RL for a while but recently began his Second Life musical career. It appears he came out running with a long list of originals and others in his song list. I'd describe his sound a bit of alternative and very refreshing for a live musician in SL, as it's a little unique from most the others. My very favorite song he sings is one of his originals, My Second Life Love Affair, which is a humorous look at a SL romance with a catchy tune. Dragonfly's schedule can be found online here: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=jwcorey%40gmail.com or direct link here: DragonflyHere.

Ling's rooftop studio venue is always good for a great Monday night lineup of live musicians. Check it out some time and while there have a peek below into Ling's gallery. http://slurl.com/secondlife/New%20York%20NYC/195/56/66 or direct link here: NYCLingHere.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Dear Diary, It's Friday The 13th

COMPUTER RANT!

Dear Diary,
It's been a very long time since I've written. I've been meaning to write and rant about things since I've been having RL bronchitis for quite a while now, have RL and SL stressors (yes the magical SL bi-polarity is back again) and I just REALLY wanted to get stuff off my chest. I always seem to write you when I'm upset. I blog about the things I love in SL and I do LOVE SL, but today is Friday the 13th so maybe the best day for this letter to you, about the down side. Although I'd have to say that so far today is better than yesterday and perhaps the prior few weeks for me.

Anyway ok, so I've been having a few tiny quirks with my brand new for Christmas present Qosmio X505 gamers laptop that, as with all computers, I have a love/hate relationship with. But it is a great computer, fast, clear, I mostly loved it and what I didn't love about it probably has to do with my lack of computer knowledge and skills. Last night it died. I RAN it in and was told it's most likely the motherboard and I have to send it in for repairs. SOooooo now for quite some time, I'm going to be on my very old computer that is super slow, full of junk, & barely seems to work half the time. When it rains it pours. Just saying.. stuff happens. So here's my list of pet peeves and other junk in SL that bug me... I hope it helps me.


1. Male and female avatars that don't adhere to the "sister code". (I don't care if you don't have a sister RL or what, but to some extent everyone has to know what this is and if not, it's just common courtesy. It's basically if dating or have shown an interesting in someone don't hit on their sister or best girlfriend w/out fully discussing it with the girl you were with first. She needs a mental heads up. And for God's sake don't make an alt and two time them unless they are aware and want to be two timed.)
2. SL feet/toes-previously blogged -nuff said
3. SL Viewer 2-I say this while down on my knees begging LL to just spruce their viewer up so that I can conform like I would really like to. Meanwhile 3rd party it is.
4. So-called SL friends who can unfriend and walk away w/out any discussion about it whatsoever. Do friends do that?? Do humans do that? But then, I guess we are just avatars. Right? WRONG
5. SL names with a ton of curly Qs and stuff I can't read or tell what the name is, especially when they had a normal or readable name before but it's suddenly changed to some other unknown language.
6. Profiles that say something like... "If you dis my sis, I kill you.".. yeah whatever
7. ALTS that don't play fair.
8. SL glitches.. that's a given and no need to elaborate as we all know them
9. Brilliant face lights on a dark sim unless it's me using it to get lighting for a pic : )
10. Horrible dances, unless people are being goofy.
11. The bendy elbow and knees spots that don't look realistic and mess up my photos, and those creases around the nose/mouth area.. yeah yeah I know that is what photoshop is for. This also includes that female chest hollow area that looks horrible in some lighting.
12. Clingy or stalky avs.. ok I've been accused and guilty of this myself but I still hate it in others
13. Clothes that don't come with a photo included.
14. The occasional noob who will just flat out ask w/out prior discussion, "Can we sex?" Usually not speaking my language so that is literally how it comes out.
15. Did I mention SL feet, that includes shoes/prim feet that tend to change color when changing to a sim with diff lighting?
O well, I could go on and on... but really I do love SL.
Thanks for listening Dear Diary. And YES, my computer is under warranty.. YAY!
Sincerely yours, Kara

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

SaraMarie

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Check out this great singer and entertainer and new friend to me.... she has an amazing voice and will be singing tomorrow. Come join us. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Asbury%20Heights/197/34/22 or direct link here: SaraHere.

She writes:
"Hello friends and fans!
EVENT:
Wednesday, May 11, 5pm SL time
GRAND OPENING of SaraMarie's Venue

DETAILS:
Come-as-you-are attire in a mature but not adult sim.

I'll be playing piano and guitar, possibly ukelele, singing originals & cover pop songs, and having a great time in a party-like atmosphere.

Crowd interaction games will be included on some songs! Yay! Thanks to all participants in my silly "Red" game that I've been doing at recent shows...you have been great! Very colorful!

Free Stuff! I'm still offering "Cinnamon Gum" for free at www.saratiemogo.com, will have a NEW FREE SONG available after the show, and I have some in-world freebies to offer at the venue space. All of the freebies are good quality. Nothing junky, clunky or gunky. :)

WHY OPEN A VENUE?
SaraMarie's Venue will NOT be a traditional live performance venue that has many different SL artists coming here to perform, but rather just a place that I can share my music. It's easier for me, because I don't have to rez and move things before playing, I can offer more free stuff since I can rez in advance, my stream is already plugged in and ready to go, and it's only One landmark to keep track of for my performance. I will still play at other venues, but will keep this one going for the special capabilities that it allows me."

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Alice in Wonderland-The Dramatiques Performance Troupe May through July Tour

Ok, I can NOT emphasize enough how great this show is. I previously blogged about The Dramatiques premiere tour of Narnia earlier this year and I really can't say enough good things about this relatively new group. After their first tour they were nominated for the BOSL award, Best Original Project. The effects are like none I've seen in shows in SL thus far. At times the audience is also surrounded by scenery and props changing before our eyes besides what is happening on stage. The costumes, sets, music, narration, dances and choreography combine for a stunning show. I attended the first showing May 8th which was at full sim capacity. The show is free, but I've heard they are taking reservations for the next show which is May 14th and I believe this is to keep the lag down. Their May dates and group blog info is listed below.
5-8-11 The Dramatiques-Alice In Wonderland
Everyone really should see this show... REALLY!
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"The Dramatiques Performance Troupe presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND.
Join Alice as she topples head first down the rabbit hole and enters into the magic and mystery of Wonderland. She must contend with not only the evil Queen of Hearts who is determined to have Alice's head, but also face the Jabberwock! Come and experience this adventure with Alice, the white rabbit, The Mad Hatter and the rest of Wonderland.

This production was inspired by Lewis Carroll's 1865 fantasy novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its 1871 sequel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. Dellissa Kozlov plays the now nineteen-year-old Alice who, 13 years after her previous visit, returns for the first time as a young woman. She is told that she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwocky, a dragon-like creature controlled by the Red Queen who terrorizes Wonderland's inhabitants."

The show ends with narration "Just remember when you feel a little mad.. most people are, so don't be sad"--**diabolical laugh**

May Dates:
14th Gallery opening 1pm, 15, Alice at The Grand Vieona theater 1pm, 21st Alice 1pm, 22 Alice 1pm, 27 Alice 3pm ,29th Alice 1pm


The Dramatiques Performance Troupe presents :
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
http://thedramatiques.blogspot.com/ or direct link here: DramatiquesHere.

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There is a Youtube trailer by Hadji Ling Productions 2011-I think embedding has been disabled now, so may have to run there to see it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TofFwU8Fgeg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL