Return to Book Island

As reported in early 2010,  Book Island was undergoing a revitalization.  During the first quarter, the Island has flourished and now the community of writers and publishers is even more vibrant and alive. The new area  is full! Nearly all of the Island's homes and shops have been rented. Each home has  an upstairs patio, 2 bedrooms, private jetty, some with sunset and waterfront location. An individual  texturing service is also available for both. 
Many exciting events are now scheduled weekly on the Island, including readings.  Often held in the Beach area is a monthly salon hosted by RL romance writers, Melissa Mahue (FaeWritr Brookmite) and Elaine Laveine (Vinnie Mimistrobell).  The have hosted RL literary figures.
The Podcasters group was organized by Emz Mazie, Insight Zadark and Imarad Breen.  In addition to podcasting the live readings,  frequent tapings of the Horrow Addicts podcast are held in front of a live audience.  This group also promotes Marketing and has fairly regular office hours if you want to go to learn and get advice about it.  As well,  Emz Mazie holds regular meetings at Quills, her shop on the island, where the audience can witness an actual podcast being made and broadcast. Recently, Imarad Breen, author of the novel, "The Fox,"  made a podcast of her short story, "The Nibblers."
A New Community Centre  provides a popular hang out on the first floor, while classes are held on the second floor.  The second floor is also available for RL writers' groups to meet, eliminating the need to commute.  Assistance is available for any newcomers who would like to use this area for their group.
Resident psychotherapist, Micca Hedrick, leads a free weekly  Relationship Support Group. This group discusses RL relationship issues.   
The Book Island Beach area continues to host many classes, some of which include/have included:

• Building with 10 Goosson (co-owner M&M Creations).  This was a 5-week building course which has now concluded. 
• SL Photography with Elsbeth Writer.  This was also a one-time course offering, but is another great example of what is being done and planned on Book Island.

Future planned events include:

• Sandor Zabelin's poetry readings read by Persephone Phoenix from Blue Angel Poets Dive, scheduled for 29 April at 7 pm
• Neal Herriat reading from his book "The Thistle"
• The very popular Sabreman Carter reading his poetry
• Jay B. Cox Harvey Lurra) reading his book, "Memoir of a Mind Toy" (Doesn't THAT sound interesting!)
• Nightmare Scribe and Magaere Swansong's  free lecture series and paid course: Henry and Hollie Snider, founders of the award-winning Colorado Springs Fiction Writers' Group will be offering lectures and classes on the writing process and covering aspects ranging from characterization and mechanics to scene development and storyline.

It is evident that Selina Greene and her crew have done some remarkable things on the Island to bring it back to life.  The place is alive with interesting and exciting things!  If you are a writer, want to be a writer, or just an avid lover of reading and books, this is the place to go!  Join the Book Island Events and Discussion Group to receive notices of their weekly and other special events.


By Shellie Sands

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Magical Beginnings

The fascination with the steam punk era is alive and well in SL as it still exists in RL. 
While doing a hunt which took me to many steam punk sites I joined a hunt group to keep up with hints. 
Last week I read a notice that intrigued me : the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco. Classes will be offered in Deportment, Etiquette, Dancing, the Arcane Arts, Drama, History, English and a host of other academic and cultural courses. 
There is an impressive list of professors for the school which offers boarding or day school facilities for children avatars.
 I went to tour the school and found a delightful setting with interesting living and  instructional areas. When the notice came for the first class I dressed in my finest steam punk gown and went to observe. About twelve eager participants sat before a stage while the Mayor of Mieville, and a professor at the new school, Perryn Peterson welcomed us all to the inaugural presentation. He concentrated on stagecraft, introducing elements of the theatre stage to everyone and  inviting participation from the students.
 The future classes look very interesting and the professor is very patient and thorough.
I asked him how this idea came about and he said “There are no boarding or day schools that we know of which provide an education for the child avatars in SL interested in the Victorian Steampunk culture.  We sought to fill that need.  We have 14 students so far and a Head Boy for the Lower School.  We have begun classes and so far have had a nice turnout.”
 The students appeared eager to learn and it looked like an auspicious beginning. Looking around at the various venues it looks as if  there will be magic potions involved in future classes for sure! The school is open to all  so if you are interested be sure to visit and contact the headmistress, Jezzie Warden or the Deputy Headmistress Vian Magic for more information.
Take a look at Doyle 60, 199, 31 .
That will put you right in the area of the new school.


Gemma Cleanslate

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Feathers

Retrospective. Spectacular movement in art. 

When I wandered through Feather Boa”s art at AdOpera in the Cripta Gallery it was with memories. I first saw her work at the Garden of Earthly Delights last year and was astounded.  I think of her walking around the city of Boston taking pictures of anything and everything: tiny gears, signs, dials, clocks, envelopes, all kinds of things she passes in her travels. Then she takes them, arranges and rearranges, blends and creates imaginative delightful art works in rl and sl. Such talent! 

Her art has been exhibited in many real life galleries . She works in graphic arts in the USA and Japan . About sl art she says “  I believe that we are seeing a new form of creative expression being born in SL and other virtual worlds. There are so many talented people here and that the best is yet to come." Some of the art is moving and changing as you gaze at it. Stand and wait and you will discover more than you expected. It is a large exhibit in a large gallery. You will be able to enjoy it at the Cripta Art Gallery until the 10th of February. Feathers also owns two galleries in SL. Her life is just beginning and I think she will be around a long time with new visions to delight the eye. I am lucky because I have one of the pieces in my sl home that was a gift from her sl father and mother and think of her often. .
http://slurl.com/secondlife/AdOpera1/149/86/26

By Gemma Cleanslate

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Syzygy Community Celebrates First Anniversary

The Syzygy Island Community celebrated its first anniversary on January 9. The party was held on Helios at Imagine Peace (181, 221, 34), owned by Olorin Tigerpaw. Tigerpaw is the Community Events Coordinator for Syzygy. Grijandomore Greene, another founding resident of Syzygy, DJ́´d the event, and the other residents and their guests danced and partied.

    The second picture, provided by Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, shows Syzygy being created in January, 2009. As future residents watched, Syzygy came on-line. This magical event was followed by weeks of work by Administrator Samantha Glume, and the other officers, Elric Anatine, BW Jinxing, Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, and Olorin Tigerpaw.

    The Community is comprised of four areas: Eos, Helios, Pyxis, and Selene. It is a covenant community, with a general nature theme, spiced with a touch of the Ancient and the whimsical. Elric Anatine, manager of landscaping and common grounds, continually beautifies the public areas and changes the seasons. Currently Syzygy is a winter wonderland, with skating spots, a hot tub, gardens, and other interesting sites located through the sim. There are many small nooks and seating areas for quiet visits, romantic dancing, or simply as a break from the hustle of SL. Syzygy is open to the public, and visitors are welcome. 

By Grey Lupindo

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SL Ice Hotel

The 2009 SL Ice Hotel is now open. Located at Lapplandia (231, 154, 21) the Ice Hotel sits high on the Artic Circle, with beautiful views of snowy mountains and glacial blue ice. Like its real life counterpart, the SL Ice Hotel will melt when the warm weather returns. In the meantime, you and your mate can enjoy all the best that winter offers: ice skating, snow sports, dancing, and of course, cuddling.

     Ice skates are provided free, and there are benches and booths for resting and putting on skates. Sleds can be rezzed for fun times, too.

     The hotel is managed by Ewa Aska and Jesper Prinz.  Ewa gave me a tour of the hotel and its surroundings. The lobby is decorated with hanging furs, a concierge desk, and even has a register for guests to sign. Standard rooms, which rent for $700L per week, come with furs, table and chairs, dance balls, and a great view. Or you can splurge on a larger deluxe room for $900 per week that has furs on the wall but a real bed.  A deluxe room is perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, or holiday treat.

     There are bars, ballrooms for dancing, and even a wedding chapel. The chapel is elegantly simple and seats around 30 on tiers of ice. Furs are provided here, too, for everyone´s comfort. Bridal consultant services are also available. 

 

By Grey Lupindo

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Relax and Have Fun!

One of my favorite sims in sl is Corner of Revolving Time in Relaxation. Since I first discovered it before Christmas of 2008 and relished the freebies I was able to get for Christmas décor I kept returning to see what was going on. There is always something new.
Vickijo Rivera keeps reminding me that this sim is owned by all of its 700 members. Newbies are invited to make their home there. I am a member now and so I spend a lot of time there.
Of course, as a fisherman, I love the frequent contests and get to as many as I can. There are so many custom fish and rods in that water worth a bounty, some 1000K, designed by the great Migizi North
There is lots of camaraderie during those contests. There is a photo contest every month which brings many avatars to visit and vote. A photo booth with some lovely backgrounds is set up at that location that you are free to use. This is one place where you do not have to pay for each vote.
Don’t miss the Chickens for sale. Nearby is a relaxation meditation place where avatars rest. The Japanese Gardens are delightful with some freebies and very low priced plants available. Inside the Corner geo- dome you will find more freebies on all three levels. Many well known designers donate to the collection. Do not miss the cave below the geo-dome which is also hiding some freebies and some very interesting Clocks and party items .
The Corner cave Club hosts dance parties during the week with a live DJ. And for the gamers there is Zyngo nearby! This is a well rounded sim! Holidays are coming starting with Halloween and everyone will be looking for décor and you will find it in the Corner. The Halloween House is in progress Vickijo and Saucy Loire are busy preparing great fun for everyone in the sim but I am sworn to secrecy ! Don’t miss it!
There are several hunts going on now and more in the future, all the way to the New Year. You must make sure you set your landmark because you will want to revisit often and perhaps become a part owner by joining the group. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Relaxation/90/166/42 is a good place to start.

Gemma Cleanslate

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BNT estates

Today I was asked to take some pictures for the Land Expo being held in June, the pictures were for BNTs display and I happily stepped up as many know I love taking pictures and I know there are some lovely places on the estate.
I did not expect the quality I found though and some places were breath-taking.
Like Cypreana and Coppice - I was truly amazed at the beauty that has been created.
Take a look at the images or go and see the places for yourself - pictures can never do some of these sims justice.
Dana

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Art Anyone? Dresden Gallery in Second Life.

I have a passionate desire to see as much art in the world as humanly possible. It is difficult to do in my everyday life, considering the cost of travelling to the many countries that have the most famous art pieces. One of the places that I have been able to see virtually is The Dresden Gallery, thanks to the Berlin group: Second Interest AG people http://www.secondinterest.com/, who created the sim in Second Life. CONTINUE reading about the Dresden gallery and how you can visit it in the
M.A.C.E section.

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