I realized that I left you hanging with the status of my Second Life library activities. First of all, in Teen SL I've had 2 book discussions so far, and no one has yet to read the book up for discussion. But at least I got some teens in world to attend, and we had a good talk about books, J.D. Salinger, and why I didn't go to Harvard. Unfortunately, none of my local teens have signed up for Teen SL yet, so I need to figure out how to reach them. I have a third discussion set up for Wednesday, November 14th, and the book we'll be talking about is "The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl," by Barry Lyga. I'm looking forward to reading this one. I saw the author this past summer at a panel discussion that was hosted by Random House, and he was very entertaining--he professes a great love of librarians, which always gets me excited!
The other SL library activity I mentioned previously was my being asked to manage the cafe on Book Island. The cafe is named The Writers' Block Cafe and Bar, and we had a grand opening extravaganza on Saturday, September 8th. Planning this event turned out to be way more stressful than I had thought it would be. I had preliminary meetings with library volunteers and Book Island residents, with the help and guidance of a new friend named Wendell Holmer. I don't know what Wendell does in RL, but in SL he's quite the go-getter. He was brainstorming like a fiend, stopping strangers on Book Island and asking them to join our discussion. The downside (but ultimately the upside) of this enthusiasm was that what had started out as a little grand opening party, turned into a Goth Fashion Show, dancing, a scavenger hunt, a costume contest, and fireworks! It turned out to be an amazing event (I was told that there were approximately 130 people who attended). The fashions were provided by Raven Pennyfeather of Rfyre, and Kaia Ennui of Nocturnal Threads; Qabalah Quintus provided a Gothic castle as the prize for best Goth costume; we got a photographer (Justine Babii) to shoot the event; Yohan Althouse did machinima; and we had custom made scavenger hunt prizes created and donated by River Ely (leather arm bands, with a buckle and a Gothic cross--beautiful!). The music was provided by DJ Massacre Soon, the dance floor by ssmariner Flossberg, and the stage and seating was created by Daisyblue Hefferman (Daisy, you're totally awesome!). It was a nightmare pulling this all together, but I managed to get it done, with loads of help from the above mentioned people, plus the following, whom I can't thank enough: Eve Ayres, Gi Tammas, Harper Beresford, and Wendell Holmer.
For coverage of the event, check out the following links:
http://sl-newspaper-fnd.blogspot.com/2007/09/letters-from-beyond.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10593555@N03/sets/72157601925947241/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0K5N_eghTM
http://adnpvideo.blip.tv/file/393872/
Currently reading : Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) By J. K. Rowling Release date: 21 July, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Apple Time
Current mood: Strangely calm.... Category: Life
This past weekend started like any other. It was a beautiful day, but I remained glued to the laptop while my husband was at work. However, during the course of the afternoon a friend suggested that I take my son apple picking. I like a good road trip, so I looked up Apple Picking online and found a place in Racine, Wisconsin called Apple Holler. I told the boy that I had a surprise for him, and he told me that he had a headache and didn’t want to go out. Being my mother’s daughter, I responded with “Too bad. Take some Tylenol, because we’re going out.” And so we did….
We got in the car about 4pm and hit the expressway to Racine. On the way we stopped at McDonald's for the boy, and Starbucks for me, and by shortly after 5pm we were at Apple Holler. The first thing we did was pay for a half bushel of apples. I so wish it had been an actual basket, but, alas, it was a plastic bag that would hold 20 lbs. or so. The young girl who rang us up reeled off the instructions about which apples were being picked, and told us we could eat anything in the orchard we wanted. We then rented a wagon and made our way to the orchard.
The place was pretty crowded, even this late in the day. The apples that were being picked were Jonathan and Golden Delicious. I'm sorry, but "Delicious" is a misnomer. I can't stand those apples. But I hate Red Delicious even more. So, Jonathan, which I love, was our apple of the day. We pulled the wagon past row after picked-over row of trees until the boy decided on one he wanted to try. We walked far into the line of trees, tripping over the discarded apples underfoot, and smelling the freshly fermenting apples in the air. Finally we came upon trees that still had apples in them.
The boy picked his first apple and I took a picture of him holding it. We walked down the row, picking apples, eating apples, and enjoying spending the time together. After we filled up the bag, we headed toward the pumpkin patch. I saw a great one right away and showed it to him. He said, "I want to check out the competition, mom," as he walked amongst the pumpkins. After he was sure he hadn't missed any he came back and said he'd picked the one I suggested. So, we put that into the wagon and went to pay for it.
Besides the apple picking, Apple Holler also has goats and ducks you can feed; a corn maze; tractor ride; homemade cider; cheese curds; corn on the cob; and more. The boy was up for the corn maze, so we put the apples and pumpkin in the car and came back, only to find out that the corn maze was closing. Ever the positive kid, the boy said, "We can do that next time we come here." So, instead of the corn maze, we went into the store to buy food. We got some clover honey, a package of cheese curds, a caramel apple, an apple pastry, and some pop. We ate the "apple blossom" (sort of an apple pie hot pocket, only square) there at Apple Holler, looking at the sunset. When we finished, we got back into the car and headed home.
We had planned on making apple crisp when we got home, but it was after 8pm, so we had to wait till husband walked to the grocery store the next day to get the ingredients. Today, the boy and I worked together to make the apple crisp, and I brought it to work with me tonight. By the time I got here it was more like apple mush, but it was still tasty, and my boy and my coworkers liked it. I'd like to thank my friend for suggesting the outing, because it was one of the nicest times I've spent with my son in a while. He just turned ten, so I know that these times are going to be fewer as time goes on and I need to enjoy them while I can.
Currently reading : Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) By J. K. Rowling Release date: 21 July, 2007
This past weekend started like any other. It was a beautiful day, but I remained glued to the laptop while my husband was at work. However, during the course of the afternoon a friend suggested that I take my son apple picking. I like a good road trip, so I looked up Apple Picking online and found a place in Racine, Wisconsin called Apple Holler. I told the boy that I had a surprise for him, and he told me that he had a headache and didn’t want to go out. Being my mother’s daughter, I responded with “Too bad. Take some Tylenol, because we’re going out.” And so we did….
We got in the car about 4pm and hit the expressway to Racine. On the way we stopped at McDonald's for the boy, and Starbucks for me, and by shortly after 5pm we were at Apple Holler. The first thing we did was pay for a half bushel of apples. I so wish it had been an actual basket, but, alas, it was a plastic bag that would hold 20 lbs. or so. The young girl who rang us up reeled off the instructions about which apples were being picked, and told us we could eat anything in the orchard we wanted. We then rented a wagon and made our way to the orchard.
The place was pretty crowded, even this late in the day. The apples that were being picked were Jonathan and Golden Delicious. I'm sorry, but "Delicious" is a misnomer. I can't stand those apples. But I hate Red Delicious even more. So, Jonathan, which I love, was our apple of the day. We pulled the wagon past row after picked-over row of trees until the boy decided on one he wanted to try. We walked far into the line of trees, tripping over the discarded apples underfoot, and smelling the freshly fermenting apples in the air. Finally we came upon trees that still had apples in them.
The boy picked his first apple and I took a picture of him holding it. We walked down the row, picking apples, eating apples, and enjoying spending the time together. After we filled up the bag, we headed toward the pumpkin patch. I saw a great one right away and showed it to him. He said, "I want to check out the competition, mom," as he walked amongst the pumpkins. After he was sure he hadn't missed any he came back and said he'd picked the one I suggested. So, we put that into the wagon and went to pay for it.
Besides the apple picking, Apple Holler also has goats and ducks you can feed; a corn maze; tractor ride; homemade cider; cheese curds; corn on the cob; and more. The boy was up for the corn maze, so we put the apples and pumpkin in the car and came back, only to find out that the corn maze was closing. Ever the positive kid, the boy said, "We can do that next time we come here." So, instead of the corn maze, we went into the store to buy food. We got some clover honey, a package of cheese curds, a caramel apple, an apple pastry, and some pop. We ate the "apple blossom" (sort of an apple pie hot pocket, only square) there at Apple Holler, looking at the sunset. When we finished, we got back into the car and headed home.
We had planned on making apple crisp when we got home, but it was after 8pm, so we had to wait till husband walked to the grocery store the next day to get the ingredients. Today, the boy and I worked together to make the apple crisp, and I brought it to work with me tonight. By the time I got here it was more like apple mush, but it was still tasty, and my boy and my coworkers liked it. I'd like to thank my friend for suggesting the outing, because it was one of the nicest times I've spent with my son in a while. He just turned ten, so I know that these times are going to be fewer as time goes on and I need to enjoy them while I can.
Currently reading : Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) By J. K. Rowling Release date: 21 July, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
In over my head???
Current mood: Trepidatious
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
I've been given a couple of challenging opportunities in Second Life recently. This week I met with Saryn Fanwood, who is my contact person at the "Eye4You Alliance" Island in Teen Second Life (TSL). (This Island is co-sponsored by the Alliance Library System in East Peoria, Illinois, and The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, in North Carolina.) The reason I've become involved with TSL is to try and reach the High School students in my library's community, who generally don't come into the library. The idea is to try reaching them where they spend time, which is often on the computer. One programming idea I had is to do a book discussion group. The teens could participate from their homes, and not have to come to the physical library building. They would be able to discuss the books via live chat, and exchange their thoughts with the others in the group. In order to draw attention to this online programming in TSL, I've posted a blog on the library's website explaining what TSL is, how they can sign up for accounts, etc. Cross your fingers that they even go to the library's website and see my post….
The other exciting news is that a couple of the bigwig librarians at the Second Life Library have asked me to manage the library's café on Book Island. My first thought was: it's a virtual environment, so it doesn't need cleaning up, no real coffee to make, etc., so what on earth will I be doing? But the position is a lot more interesting (and scary!) than I had thought. I am in charge of setting up regular programming and events for the "Library Cat Café and Bar," and to publicize these events as well. I met with a couple of the library folk the other day, and then with the owner of the café, to discuss my plans for the space. Daunting, to say the least. Of course there will be book discussions. Perhaps author talks? And someone mentioned "Happy Hour" activities. But frankly, I'm clueless. I mean, I have ideas, but am still figuring out how to implement them. I'm exhilarated and terrified at the same time. And it's all my baby, so if I fall flat on my face, it's my failure. But, if it succeeds…well, I won't get ahead of myself. But let's just say that all this looks great on my resume. I'll keep you posted on how I do. Please send me positive vibes to help me along.
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
I've been given a couple of challenging opportunities in Second Life recently. This week I met with Saryn Fanwood, who is my contact person at the "Eye4You Alliance" Island in Teen Second Life (TSL). (This Island is co-sponsored by the Alliance Library System in East Peoria, Illinois, and The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, in North Carolina.) The reason I've become involved with TSL is to try and reach the High School students in my library's community, who generally don't come into the library. The idea is to try reaching them where they spend time, which is often on the computer. One programming idea I had is to do a book discussion group. The teens could participate from their homes, and not have to come to the physical library building. They would be able to discuss the books via live chat, and exchange their thoughts with the others in the group. In order to draw attention to this online programming in TSL, I've posted a blog on the library's website explaining what TSL is, how they can sign up for accounts, etc. Cross your fingers that they even go to the library's website and see my post….
The other exciting news is that a couple of the bigwig librarians at the Second Life Library have asked me to manage the library's café on Book Island. My first thought was: it's a virtual environment, so it doesn't need cleaning up, no real coffee to make, etc., so what on earth will I be doing? But the position is a lot more interesting (and scary!) than I had thought. I am in charge of setting up regular programming and events for the "Library Cat Café and Bar," and to publicize these events as well. I met with a couple of the library folk the other day, and then with the owner of the café, to discuss my plans for the space. Daunting, to say the least. Of course there will be book discussions. Perhaps author talks? And someone mentioned "Happy Hour" activities. But frankly, I'm clueless. I mean, I have ideas, but am still figuring out how to implement them. I'm exhilarated and terrified at the same time. And it's all my baby, so if I fall flat on my face, it's my failure. But, if it succeeds…well, I won't get ahead of myself. But let's just say that all this looks great on my resume. I'll keep you posted on how I do. Please send me positive vibes to help me along.
Forget what I told you last time....
Ok, remember that club in Second Life that I told you about? The one that I said was so great? Well, forget about it. The dj who was helping me with my set list is great, so don't give up on him. But because of problems at the club, he left. He tried to get someone to fill in to do my rescheduled set list, but the club owner wouldn't have it. She got her undies in a bunch and basically said "no fucking way." So I left the club's group, and my dj friend is trying to get a new gig going. Good luck to him. More news about my SL activites in the next post--things are heating up for me.
Currently reading : Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1) By Scott Westerfeld Release date: 08 February, 2005
Currently reading : Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1) By Scott Westerfeld Release date: 08 February, 2005
Monday, July 23, 2007
The DJ Set that Did Not Happen
Current mood: Cranky as hell....
Well folks, I came up with my 40 or so songs for my Special Guest slot in ssmariner's dj set at Umbra Penumbra in Second Life. I picked out some Brian Eno and some Bryan Ferry; some Arctic Monkeys and some Gorillaz; some New York Dolls and some Pine Valley Cosmonauts. And then technology fucked me in the ass.
I was so looking forward to this evening, too. I was off the computer most of the day, having accidentally taken two Tylenol PMs last night (I had a headache and that's all we had in the house), not knowing that the recommended dosage was just one capsule…. So I slept late, was groggy when I finally awoke, and didn't fully wake up until 3pm or so. When I got online around 4:30, the first technological problem I encountered was that there wasn't a wireless internet signal for the laptop to hookup to. I fixed it, but it continued to go off and on all day. The second technology glitch was my own fault: last week I tripped on the laptop cord and the laptop slid off the couch and hit the floor. It seemed mostly ok, but now it appears that the screen has to be at a very specific angle in order to work. If it's not at the correct angle, there are these lines on the screen and then it freezes up. Finally, the third problem was that ssmariner had problems with his computer, lost the songs, found them again, but would have to reload the set list, and there just wasn't enough time to do that. I don't blame ss—these things happen. I was just disappointed.
With the gig cancelled, I had to notify my SL friends, but off course the Friends list showed NOBODY online, which was wrong, because I was chatting with one of them! Anyway, I did a group notice (or "thingy thingy" as I referred to it to EJ) and let everyone in on the bad news. My son was probably the most disappointed after me, but he said "YAY" when I told him it was being rescheduled—this is why he's my hero….
Currently reading : The Plain Janes (Minx) By Cecil Castellucci Release date: 02 May, 2007
Well folks, I came up with my 40 or so songs for my Special Guest slot in ssmariner's dj set at Umbra Penumbra in Second Life. I picked out some Brian Eno and some Bryan Ferry; some Arctic Monkeys and some Gorillaz; some New York Dolls and some Pine Valley Cosmonauts. And then technology fucked me in the ass.
I was so looking forward to this evening, too. I was off the computer most of the day, having accidentally taken two Tylenol PMs last night (I had a headache and that's all we had in the house), not knowing that the recommended dosage was just one capsule…. So I slept late, was groggy when I finally awoke, and didn't fully wake up until 3pm or so. When I got online around 4:30, the first technological problem I encountered was that there wasn't a wireless internet signal for the laptop to hookup to. I fixed it, but it continued to go off and on all day. The second technology glitch was my own fault: last week I tripped on the laptop cord and the laptop slid off the couch and hit the floor. It seemed mostly ok, but now it appears that the screen has to be at a very specific angle in order to work. If it's not at the correct angle, there are these lines on the screen and then it freezes up. Finally, the third problem was that ssmariner had problems with his computer, lost the songs, found them again, but would have to reload the set list, and there just wasn't enough time to do that. I don't blame ss—these things happen. I was just disappointed.
With the gig cancelled, I had to notify my SL friends, but off course the Friends list showed NOBODY online, which was wrong, because I was chatting with one of them! Anyway, I did a group notice (or "thingy thingy" as I referred to it to EJ) and let everyone in on the bad news. My son was probably the most disappointed after me, but he said "YAY" when I told him it was being rescheduled—this is why he's my hero….
Currently reading : The Plain Janes (Minx) By Cecil Castellucci Release date: 02 May, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Second Life Librarians Gone Wild! (Part 2)
Current mood: Ecstatic!
The day after EJ and I had picked out the club for our Girls' Night Out, I decided to look a little further by Googling indie music on the Internets. One of the results that popped up was a piece from an online music zine called Subterranean Blog which mentioned a club called Umbra Penumbra. It was the first one listed in the article, so I tp'd over there to check it out.
Turns out that this was the club I had been looking for: the music was a nice mix of 80s through today: some Elvis Costello, Kaiser Chiefs, and everything in between. The owner of the club, Violet Morellet, was very friendly, and was interested when I said I was bringing a bunch of librarians the next night for our Girls Night Out. After dancing there for about an hour I said goodbye and IM'd EJ that I had found an even better club for us. I spread the word to my cohorts that the event was on for Saturday, July 14th.
Saturday came and I agonized over what to wear. I know, I know—it's only a cartoon. But even cartoon gals have to look cute! So I finally decided on an outfit consisting of black low waist flared pants, a black shirt tied under the boobs, and black pseudo chuck taylor gym shoes. All in all, my avatar Vikki looked pretty hot that night.
When I got to the club my friend SF was already there. We chatted for a while and eventually 3 other gal friends of mine (EJ, HVX, and MQ) showed up. We were laughing and joking and enjoying the music and the crowd. Strangely, there was only one guy at the club, ssmariner Flossberg. Violet was joking that ss likes to strip for people, and SF started hooting and hollering for him to take it off. (We librarians can be a rowdy bunch, true to the stereotype of what happens when we let our hair down!) Then, suddenly, we notice that ss was, in fact, taking his clothes off. Ok, well, just his jacket and shirt. But it was still pretty funny!
Eventually the night came to an end and we decided that we had to do it again soon. I couldn't believe how much fun I'd had just sitting at my computer! But the music was great, the chatting with friends was fun, and it was a blast.
The next day I went back to Umbra Penumbra and ss was the DJ in an empty club, so I stayed and danced and talked to him as I folded laundry in real life. He asked what kind of music I liked and I told him some genres and songs that I liked. Then he asked me the most exciting question I've been asked in ages: "Would you like to come up with a 2-hour set list for me to play when I DJ next Sunday?"!!!!!! I gave a resounding HELL yeah!" I am so totally excited about this. I'm a guest DJ! So if any of you are in Second Life next Sunday, July 22, 4pm SLT, stop by Umbra Penumbra (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Esoterica/79/158/24) for a dance, and say hello to Vikki!
Currently listening : Black Holes and Revelations By Muse Release date: 11 July, 2006
The day after EJ and I had picked out the club for our Girls' Night Out, I decided to look a little further by Googling indie music on the Internets. One of the results that popped up was a piece from an online music zine called Subterranean Blog which mentioned a club called Umbra Penumbra. It was the first one listed in the article, so I tp'd over there to check it out.
Turns out that this was the club I had been looking for: the music was a nice mix of 80s through today: some Elvis Costello, Kaiser Chiefs, and everything in between. The owner of the club, Violet Morellet, was very friendly, and was interested when I said I was bringing a bunch of librarians the next night for our Girls Night Out. After dancing there for about an hour I said goodbye and IM'd EJ that I had found an even better club for us. I spread the word to my cohorts that the event was on for Saturday, July 14th.
Saturday came and I agonized over what to wear. I know, I know—it's only a cartoon. But even cartoon gals have to look cute! So I finally decided on an outfit consisting of black low waist flared pants, a black shirt tied under the boobs, and black pseudo chuck taylor gym shoes. All in all, my avatar Vikki looked pretty hot that night.
When I got to the club my friend SF was already there. We chatted for a while and eventually 3 other gal friends of mine (EJ, HVX, and MQ) showed up. We were laughing and joking and enjoying the music and the crowd. Strangely, there was only one guy at the club, ssmariner Flossberg. Violet was joking that ss likes to strip for people, and SF started hooting and hollering for him to take it off. (We librarians can be a rowdy bunch, true to the stereotype of what happens when we let our hair down!) Then, suddenly, we notice that ss was, in fact, taking his clothes off. Ok, well, just his jacket and shirt. But it was still pretty funny!
Eventually the night came to an end and we decided that we had to do it again soon. I couldn't believe how much fun I'd had just sitting at my computer! But the music was great, the chatting with friends was fun, and it was a blast.
The next day I went back to Umbra Penumbra and ss was the DJ in an empty club, so I stayed and danced and talked to him as I folded laundry in real life. He asked what kind of music I liked and I told him some genres and songs that I liked. Then he asked me the most exciting question I've been asked in ages: "Would you like to come up with a 2-hour set list for me to play when I DJ next Sunday?"!!!!!! I gave a resounding HELL yeah!" I am so totally excited about this. I'm a guest DJ! So if any of you are in Second Life next Sunday, July 22, 4pm SLT, stop by Umbra Penumbra (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Esoterica/79/158/24) for a dance, and say hello to Vikki!
Currently listening : Black Holes and Revelations By Muse Release date: 11 July, 2006
Monday, July 16, 2007
Librarians Gone Wild! (Part One)
For the past few months I've been getting more and more involved with library activities in Second Life. As I've gotten to know my fellow librarians, I've felt that we all needed some serious girlfriend time. So was born the "Girls Night Out." I put the word out that we'd be getting together at a dance club in SL to have some time to socialize and let our hair down, and I got some positive response.
In preparation for the event, I contacted a librarian friend whom I'll call EJ. She was doing a build in SL and needed a break, so she came with me to see a few clubs so we could figure out where we wanted to hang out.
If you've never gone dancing in SL, here's how it works: there's streaming audio, usually courtesy of a DJ spinning tunes live, in real time. In order to animate your avatar into dancing there are a couple of options. One is to click an object in the club, either a sphere over the dance floor, or to click on the dance floor itself. When a box appears at the top of the computer screen that asks, "Animate your avatar?" you click 'YES" in order to dance. Sometimes the dance is random, or sometimes a menu pops up and you can select the dance you want. The second way to dance is to use your own animation. Some of these dance animations are free, but if you want a particular dance or something more distinctive, you can purchase the animations from a variety of vendors. At any rate, you click on something, start dancing, and have fun.
The first place we checked out was Bubblegum Music Factory. They play mostly 60s through 80s rock and pop music, and have a different theme for each of the 4 two-hour sets each night. Sometimes it's guitar bands, sometimes the theme is "best in red" and sometimes it's bubblegum music. EJ liked the music and the atmosphere, so we put this one on the "maybe" list.
After the Bubblegum Music Factory we headed out to Blackhearts, an 80s club. Now, I like me the 80s music—it's the music of my youth. But with the Ramones and the Cure, also comes
Club number three was a trance/house music place that neither of us liked; number 4 was another trance club that we couldn't find the entrance to; and Club 5 wasn't so much a club as an alley with wooden crates, and hardcore punk and oi music being blasted through the air. Not crazy about this one either. EJ searched SL and found a heavy metal club that looked promising. The music was loud and obnoxious (in a good way), the atmosphere was fun, and there were lots of people there, but not too many that we had a lag problem. We decided that this was the place. That is, until the next day, when I discovered the club of my dreams. (To be continued….)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
