Thursday, November 30, 2017

Home for Christmas at Calas Galadhon's 2017 Christmas Sim


Visit Home for Christmas here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ERIADOR/128/128/22

Official Calas Galadhon web page: https://calasgaladhon.com/

The sim info. states: "CALAS GALADHON'S 2017 Christmas build. Two sims of winter splendor as only 'CALAS' can bring you in Second Life. Our gift to you. Ty Tenk & Truck Meredith, Calas Galadhon Park sims"

The Calas Galadhon's annual Christmas sim "Home for Christmas" is now open for exploring and fun.   This year as usual, there is a lot to enjoy such as skiing, skating, hot air balloon rides, rideable reindeer (bento and super cool), dancing, posing for pics, freebies, plenty of exploring and beautiful scenery. This annual holiday sim is absolutely gorgeous.  They will have scheduled events so follow the group inworld or watch their blog.


Calas Galahdon, Home for Christmas Calas Galahdon, Home for Christmas Calas Galahdon, Home for Christmas Calas Galahdon, Home for Christmas

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Tried and True Sim Explores

I started this blog post on Thursday and was going to call it a Throwback Thursday post for Thanksgiving.  I thought I'd post some of my fave long lasting explore sims in appreciation for the joy they've consistently brought me in a world where many places come and go.  These have been around a long time and I'm sure I've blogged them all at some point or another in the past but are worthy of a new post for new residents or some that don't get around much.  Some have changed a little making further exploring a new experience. I might even add a few more later.  Enjoy

Black Kite: Great for exploring, posing, pictures, relaxing: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Black%20Kite/97/233/21


Black Kite
Winter Wonderland the annual Linden Labs winter sim. There are two sides one for skiing, and various activities and other other is the snowball fight area with fireworks at the top of the hour, snowball launchers and so much more:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%205/128/128/22

Winter Wonderland-LL

Winter Wonderland-LL

Tempura Island in Japan, beautiful romantic sim with lot of hidden places and scenery to enjoy http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/tempura%20island/128/128/21

Tempura Japan Tempura Japan

Ocho Tango, tango dance club, art sculptures, : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/tempura%20island/128/128/21

Ocho Tango Ocho Tango


Shinda Inspire Space Park: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shinda/128/128/15

Shinda, Inspire Space Park Shinda, Inspire Space Park


The Wastelands  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Wastelands/128/128/76

Wastelands Wastelands


ChouChou: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Wastelands/128/128/76

ChouChou ChouChou









Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is a day for Americans to reflect on things they are thankful for. 

Over a year ago I did a blog post about things I love about Second Life. I continue to get comments on it as a resource for new avatars to consider or find different things to do vs wandering around not realizing the full potential.  So I decided to re post this as a Thank you to Linden Labs for the things I love about Second Life.  And a huge thanks for the many friends and people who make my SL a better place from amazing explore sims, to cool clothes, to entertainers, to friends to chat with etc.  Thanks everyone.. Happy Thanksgiving.

Hi, My avatar name is Kara Trapdoor and I’m here to tell you why I love Second Life. I find SL to be unique from other virtual platforms in the wide variety of possible activities. The imagination is the limit and because SL is by the people for the people, meaning residents develop content and whatever they want, the options become limitless. SL it not just a game, social arena, business opportunity or creative outlet- It’s all that and so much more. One of my favorite things about SL includes exploring and interacting in immersive graphically pleasing environments that mimic both first life places or fantasy, or really anything anyone can dream up. The content is such that even those who don’t want to spend a little time learning to build, can literally build off and modify content others have made. I also love the social scene from dancing to playing a variety of games, to establishing very real close relationships. The creative options in SL are also limitless and I enjoy the many talented live musicians who entertain inworld, the artists who create a variety of medium, the machinimist’s videos, photography, sculpture, and so much more. I also love to shop and style my unique avatar in endless ways, like my first life self, as some fantasy creature, or any way I’d like her to look. Some of the residents are amazing and very giving, hosting fun events raising huge amounts of real money for real first life charitable events. Others create, write, teach, host, entertain, or do a variety of things to earn very real first life money for themselves. There are support groups, events, and sims, by a variety of helping agencies such as for those cancer, autism, physical and mental disabilities such and depression and anxiety and others. There are also variety of groups and sims for religious and political congregants. There are educational venues including many universities that offer first life credits or SL learning opportunities in a variety of subjects. I enjoy the elaborate dance, cabaret, fashion, comedy, and other shows that can rival first life entertainment. There are very impressive role play opportunities for just about any subject or niche group with costuming, props, and animations to complement the ideas. Some enjoying relaxing and getting a little wild in their SL. I also love that people can be as anonymous or as open with first life information as they would like and I’ve met and personally leaned from and about people from around the world and even a few high profile first life celebrities. Some people like to focus on their hobby or specialized group but personally I love the opportunity to experience it all and that is why it stands out to me as a unique virtual platform. I enjoy blogging my experiences at Kara’s Korner, Second Life Adventures so others can see some of the many fun things I enjoy in SL. There truly is something for everyone. It’s a wonderful adventure and a place where dreams can come true. But most of all, it’s simply a whole lot of fun.



List of Some of My Favorite Things about SL
*Fundraising for RL charities (See Nonprofit Commons)
*Almost anyone can learn to build almost anything they can think up, make clothes, accessories, art, machinima, various products, build structures, photography, do landscaping, sim design, etc. and if you don’t have the time to learn you can purchase the things you want or ask for a custom job or combine things.
*Live musician concerts-great music including some who are very popular First Life Musicians and bands such as The Follow, Seth Regan, James Olmos, Sean Ryan, Sarah Tiemogo, Duran Duran, and so many more.
*Clubs, dancing and social life
*Sports and organized leagues of almost any team or individual sport imaginable
*Games-wide variety from Greedy, to SLictionaly, dominoes, backgammon, lifesize mazes, chess, chutes and ladders, Cards Against Humanity, and so many more.
*Shopping and modeling-great fashion to wear or make/styling a unique av with so much to choose from for hair, shoes, clothes and accessories
*Shows including Broadway type hits, cabaret, ballet, streaming movie theaters or home video shows, fashion shows, etc. The theatrical shows often are very professionally made rivaling some first life entertainment with the use of sets, costumes, elaborate avatars, and special effects as well as some impressive venus.
*Creativity in many other ways such as making magazines, writing, poetry, djing, photography, blogging, etc.
*Real income to be made via a wide range of paid jobs or products, land, services, etc. to make, do, sell, manage, or re-sell
*First Life College and University Presence through art or educational sims and even courses for college credit via some major worldwide universities
*Role Play –huge variety of role playing and RP sims including classes on how to RP
*Churches and a wide range of religious sims of worship, congregations, and groups (great for people who can’t get out RL)
*Large Scale Gaming including a variety of things such as racing cars, bikes, or whatever vehicle imaginable, Star Wars, various war type games, Street play, etc.
*Elaborate fashion shows complete with amazing designs, sets, and, special effects
*Fantastic animations so that an avatar can pretty much do whatever is desired and if the animations are not available someone can make them/excellent dancing both individually or as a couple or small and large groups. Animations for so many other things including realistic mocap movements.
*Support for those with various physical and mental health issues-often type specific such as autism, depression, anxiety, cancer, wounded veterans, etc. along with a variety of other support groups or sims such as weight loss and management, relationship issues, gambling, etc.
*Exploring fabulous sims-LOVE this one
*Social life and creative outlet for the lonely, those with social anxiety RL, RL high profile famous who enjoy the anonymity, depressed, those that can’t get out in RL much, etc. including a huge list of social media sites that include a great deal of SL residents. People forming real relationships.
*Comedy shows with original routines, magic shows, various other entertainments
*Tribute Concerts
*Costumes!

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Noma Falta Joins QuadRadiX at Love Kats

Most SL residents who follow live music are aware of the group The QuadRadiX, a group of performers who get together for shows that began with Maximillion Kleene.  He was joined by Sabian Inglewood and Dennymac and as of today Noma Falta.  These performers entertain individually but have an occasional show together from various places around the states and Canada on multiple streams.  Pretty cool concept.  Since today was Noma's first day with the group a lot of people wanted to hear them.  They were at the  Love Katz venue which normally draws a large crowd for their many shows.  I noted around 91 visitors for the show tonight.  The QuadRadiX sounded great together and I look forward to hearing them more often. Be sure to check out their future shows and also other popular shows at Love Kats venue owned by Kat Chauveau here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Love%20Kats%20II/120/127/1200

More info. about QuadRadiX here: https://www.dirvalgreenwoodartists.com/the-quadradix
and on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/quadradix/
QuadRadiX at Love Kats QuadRadiX at Love Kats

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Faces at LEA 23 by

Visit Faces here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA23/128/128/22

Today I explored Faces, an LEA 23 sim by Ilyra Chardin.  This is a very cool sim to explore with great concept and design. The landing area has info. about the sim, concept stats,  and the associated photography contest.  The sim is a cool exploration of the SL resident population by type.

 The sim info. reads: "What lies behind the FACES that we see?  Have you ever wondered about the person behind the avatar?  Wondered why they seemed so happy or perhaps why they seemed so bitter or angry?  This is their story. "

The landing area showcases large picture doorways into individual landscaped areas to explore.  The large pictures  or archetypes show various "types" of SL residents such as entertainer, fashion, business, role player and various types within these too. The landing area also provides some stats on the population of SL residents in general broken down by age, gender, income, education, etc etc. which I found interesting. I've often said and even discussed again today with a friend how there is such a variety of things to see and do in SL and how many people seem to find their niche that they like and don't venture out much and miss so much in SL.   That's fine if people are happy, however I do enjoy the variety of people, things, places, and stuff to do in SL and learning about it all.  This sim showcases some of that.  I only wish the doorway environments would have matched the type of venue or environment the presented avatar type portrayed, but they are great to wander into and enjoy nonetheless.  This sim is fun to explore SL possibilities or expand one's understanding of what may be available in SL, great for photography if your computer graphics aren't starting to fail like mine, and to learn a little more about your fellow residents.  Enjoy.


Faces LEA23 Faces LEA23 Faces LEA23 Faces LEA23

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Dissected Soul by Theda Tammas at Split Screen LEA15

Visit  Dissected Soul by Theda Tammas at Split Screen LEA15 Here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA15/128/128/2


The sim notecard  reads: ""...I don’t know how many souls I have, I’ve changed at every moment, I always feel like a stranger.I’ve never seen or found myself..." -- Fernando Pessoa"

This is a cool build with sculptures that are somewhat shredded by the barbed wires of life or so it seems.  I think it's about identity issues but go and figure it out for yourself as it's fun to look at this large immersive build of figures wound in red lines/barely holding things together or maybe tangling things up.  Some figures are walking the fine line or are connected by just a bit of the red thread or maybe its a red string of  a heart piece that connects them or holds them keeping them from totally getting lost.  There is what my be a totally fractured heart in the middle and there is a figure holding up a mask .. seems to wont for more discussion of trials and tribulations one may encounter in life that tears them almost to pieces.  They may be healing and resealing, time and again changing in different ways or in how they present themselves as they try to discover themselves following a hardship.  But, really I don't know what it means so it's best just to go and see it because it's looks cool and is thought provoking. I have no clue what I just said but it seemed to make sense in my mind when I wrote it.... go check it out.  It looks interesting.... and I'm sure means something cool too.  Ask Divi . .he'll know ; )


Split Screen Split Screen Split Screen Split Screen Split Screen Split Screen Split Screen

Look What's Popping Up All Over the Grid-Product Review Riot Syrio Leggings

Syrio Men's Leggings by Riot -currently featured at the "Men's Only Monthly" event.
35 colors, 2 buldge types, fatpack includes exclusive fall colors. These fit Beleeza, Slink, Signature, Jake and Adam. (or you can alpha out others and give it a try)

This is a guilty pleasure product review of which I rarely do any more due to the old laptop getting bad for photos (don't want to poorly represent anyone's product) and of course mostly because I'm lazy now.  Scroll to the borrom for pics if you don't like to read.

Anyway, I just could not resist blogging this product.  I've been seeing it all over the grid lately and my first reaction was OMG .. I'm appalled.  That was my delicate side saying that to myself, then as time went by (like 2 seconds) my "other" side that quickly becomes desensitized as all good things in SL seemed to succumb to, I was like.. mmmm, it looks like it wants me to touch it.  So here I am blogging it.... I'll have to blog a bunch of other stuff quick too now though to bury the post so my friends, family, pastor, etc in real life don't see it now that I've totally outted my RL left on the blog after going to Dallas Jam and posting RL pics and stuff.  But somehow I just couldn't let this product go by unsaved for my blog.  Years from now I want to be able to come back and see how my SL progressed and while I am not usually a fan of promoting the idea that SL is all about sex, like the media would like for it to be seen, once in a while.. it is. Ok, I said it.  On a Sunday no less.  Anyway.. mostly my SL is about music, and art, and being creative, and having social time from the couch in my PJs, and more music and art and exploring new things.  I first saw them on Erik who was singing at the time then my friend Eli whose been out in them and others.  I grabbed MALT (male alt) and we both put on a pair for a photo)  Apparently they are affectionately referred to as the boner tights.....so here it is........

Visit the Riot mainstore here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RIOT%20District/128/128/26
Riot is actually a very good quality mesh store for men and women's clothing.
Their marketplace is here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/184172
By them now at the Men's Only Monthly Event here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunset%20Ambiance%20Island/128/128/22
Also YFI guys, this is a great event for you men to go shopping at if you don't have a girlfriend who does all your shopping for you.  They feature great quality products all in one location for easy, quick shopping.


(ok for the photos .. me and MALT -NO I dont usually wear guy parts etc..lol it's a joke.. then we have cute Eli and Erik, and then the store display)

Riot Boner Tights for blog riot_002

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Linden Lab Improvements and also Cost Increases for Some Users

So, there has been much debate about the recent information LL put out 11-2-17 regarding upgrades and some added expenses for some users in Second life.  I just wanted to recap and add some interesting links on my blog for my (and anyone else who cares to consider) perusal and consideration.

First the LL post that seems to have incited or excited everyone one way or another. See here: https://community.secondlife.com/blogs/entry/2265-exciting-improvements-to-sl-fee-updates-to-enable-even-more/

 LL talked about "Exciting Improvements to SL and Fee Updates to Enable Even More."  I'm sure you've heard about this already.  There is talk of Animesh, new games, enhanced customer service, enhanced premium benefits, better creation protection etc.  The improvements are looking good for us and I'm excited about that.  The concerns some people are having come with some fee increases specifically stated Nov 2, that  I quote here: "

-Effective today, the fee for buying L$ on the LindeX will be $0.99 per transaction (previously it had been $0.60 per transaction). These changes impact only buys on the LindeX, and the fees associated with buying L$'s during SL Marketplace transactions remain unchanged.
-On January 3, 2018, the fee for processing credit transactions (i.e. paying real money into a PayPal or Skrill account) will be 2.5% per transaction, with a $3 (USD) minimum, and no maximum. This fee is currently 1.5% per transaction, with a $3 (USD) minimum and a $25 (USD) maximum."

Blogger Inara Pey does a nice summery here: https://modemworld.me/2017/11/02/lab-blogs-on-sl-fee-changes-and-new-web-user-group/#comments  be sure to read the comments too and the most recent update post also: https://modemworld.me/2017/11/03/sl-project-updates-442-tpv-developer-meeting/  She does a great job with facts.

There is Hamlet Au's New World Notes post: http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2017/11/sl-marketplace-community-linden-dollar.html  Here you will find more of the negativity associated with some of the associated fee increases.  Note the many comments.

Then there are the more average Joe Facebook comments that tend to get a lot of attention and comments from the regular people that may be a little more telling of the popular feel for things:

One that has some good information and feedback comments was from Gizem Mishi Akin the ever popular Blueberry owner/designer.  While she is not an "average Joe" in SL.. there are many follow up comments of interest.  Giz actually sounds supportive of the fee increases and intelligently lists out the reasons why. even though the fees will affect her as much or more than most others as a big business owner. In general the changes seem to favor consumers vs. business persons. She makes some very good points I feel people should consider before jumping to criticize.   Check it out here:  (click directly on the Facebook tag or the "see more" and you'll have to sign into your FB account to be able to get the full threat and comments-but honestly some of the best made points I've seen about it)



Basically if you want to play you must pay .. at least a little in order to play better.  A person technically can play and have fun for free though.   Compared to other things it's a relatively small increase for the value.  Please don't freak people.  Stay positive.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Land of Owls, by Cica Ghost

Visit Land of Owls by Cica Ghost here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Flocke/128/128/27

Check out Cica Ghost's "Land of Owls" her new build this October 30th that features owls that move their heads and sit atop some somewhat barren trees, a few smalls stone buildings, flowers, a few other birds, some pose seating and moving carts that seat one or two, that roll around the terrain for a nice tour.  In fact, the only sim description at this point simply states: "Take a cart through the land of owls.".  The set sim lighting/sound is great and adds to the serene ambiance.   Once again Cica provides a nice calming serene setting to explore and maybe take some pictures in. Cica Ghost Land of Owls

(I caught a pic of Cica in her sim)

Cica Ghost Land of Owls Cica Ghost Land of Owls Cica Ghost Land of Owls Cica Ghost Land of Owls Cica Ghost Land of Owls