After a brief stint as a ghostly setting for Halloween and a pumpkin smash fight, the Winter Wonderland is back to its former snowy glory, and the Lab has announced a date for one of the Second Life winter traditions: the Lindens vs. residents snowball challenge:
Holidays have traditions – the gathering of families, the giving of gifts, the food and merriment, and – in our case – the Linden/Resident Snowball Showdown! This is your chance to arm yourself with some sweet snow-slinging artilleri [sic], take to the sparkling ice, and attack your friends, fellow Residents, and some Lindens with snowballs galore! But, you had better be prepared to get pummeled in return, because much of the joy of the holidays is giving – even if that means giving someone a snowball sandwich when they are least expecting it. Join us at the Snowball Fight Arena on Friday – December 15th from 11 am to 1 pm (SLT) and prepare to get pummelled!
As with previous years, Winter Wonderland is a 5-region experience which, for those who haven’t visited, includes the 2-region snowball fight arena, a winter snow track for snowboard and snow mobile racing, a skating ring, a Ferris wheel, and spaces to walk. The best place to start explorations is the Village of Light, where the Lindens tend to place a seasonal gift.
This year does bring some changes to the Winter Wonderland. The race track has been revised, and a smaller version of the Village of Light can be found on the far side of the track to the main village. So, even if you’re previously visited Winter Wonderland, a repeat visit may well be worthwhile.
It’s time to highlight another week of storytelling in Voice by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library. As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s home at Holly Kai Park, unless otherwise indicated.
Sunday, November 26th, 13:30: Tea-Time with Dickens
With the opening of The Dickens Project (see my preview here), Bryn Taleweaver, Kayden Oconnell and Caledonia Skytower present two items from the works of Charles Dickens: The Signal-Man and selections from Oliver Twist.
First published as part of the Mugby Junction collection in 1866, The Signal-Man had its roots in a an actual event of the time, the Clayton Tunnel railway crash of 1861. This is used as the source for a series of tragic events which take place in, or near a railway tunnel overseen by a lonely signalman, who is visited by a stranger – the story’s narrator.
This first event, related by the signalman to the visitor, is followed by a second, both of them – so the signalman insists – preceded by the appearance of a ghost. His visitor is sceptical of the whole idea that ghosts are somehow involved, and believes the signalman is stressed and needs rest. However, on his third visit to the cutting at the mouth of the tunnel, he discovers something which perhaps alters his belief in ghosts and premonitions…
Few can be unfamiliar with Oliver Twist, the story of an orphan boy, who runs away from the workhouse only to be taken in by a den of thieves. Whilst perhaps now better known through film and stage play, when first published in serial form between 1837 and 1839, this story shocked readers with its portrayal of childhood innocence beset by evil, and its depiction of the exploitation of children, be it in the workhouse or on the city’s streets. With its rich gathering of characters – Fagin, the artful Dodger, the menacing Bill Sikes and the prostitute Nancy – Oliver Twist was a new kind of fiction, combining elements of Gothic romance and melodrama with a scathing indictment of a cruel society, all pervaded by an unforgettable sense of threat and mystery.
Join Seanchai Library at the Christmas Past Docks at The Dickens Project– look for the teleport panel at the main Landing Point.
Monday, November 27th 19:00: The Alien Dark
Gyro Muggins reads Diana G. Gallagher’s one science-fiction novel.
Out of the darkness of interstellar space…
The ahsin bey, a race of catlike beings determined to expand their territory, launch six vessels into deep space to search for an uninhabited world suitable for colonization.
Tahl d’jehn commands the Dan tahlni on a decades long mission to explore the Chai-te system. Studies show that Chai-te’s planets are rich in the resource the ahsin bey need, but will their signal reach their home world in time to launch the colony ship. And what is Tahl to make of the startling discovery of a dead civilization on Chai-te Three?
Tuesday, November 28th, 19:00: Stories of Inspiration
Caledonia Skytower reads selections by Isaac Bashevis Singer, the Polish-born Jewish writer in Yiddish, who was awarded the 1978 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Wednesday, November 29th, 19:00: Tom Hanks’ Uncommon Type
He is regarded as one of the most talented actors of modern times. However, he is also a talented writer of short stories. In Uncommon Type, he presents 17 stories heart-warming stories, including:
The tale of a gentle Eastern European immigrant arriving in New York City after his family and his life have been torn apart by his country’s civil war.
The story of the man who loves 10-pin bowling – to the point where he cannot help but bowl the perfect game, time after time, bringing him to the attention of a sporting TV network
an account of an eccentric billionaire and his faithful executive assistant venture into America looking for acquisitions and discover a down and out motel, romance, and a bit of real life.
Will any of these form part of an evening of selections from Hanks’ book? Join Kayden Oconnell and find out! Also presented in Kitely (hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/144/129/29).
Thursday, November 30th 19:00: In Time for Christmas
At a time when interest in the Christmas holiday was waning, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol and inspired the world. But now, history is changing, and the book is never written. When the Council for Temporal Studies asks time travelers Simon and Elizabeth Cross to “save Christmas,” they think he’s joking. But it’s anything but a laughing matter. Simon and Elizabeth must go back to 1843 London and convince Dickens to write his endearing story, or the Christmas holiday we all know and love will cease to be–forever.
With Shandon Loring. Also presented in Kitely (hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/108/609/1528).
The Dickens Project
Now in its fifth year, Seanchai Library presents The Dickens Project for Christmas 2017, now open through until December 30th.
Celebrating the work of one of the masters of 19th Century literature, whose humanistic voice continues to be a relevant one in our everyday culture.
Featuring a period setting, performance art, music and – of course – readings from A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ seminal tale for the time of year – and for all of us. Programme schedule.
Please check with the Seanchai Library’s blog for updates and for additions or changes to the week’s schedule.
The featured charity for August and September is Little Kids Rock, transforming lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in schools.
In 2012, and to mark Dickens Bicentenary Year. Seanchai Library created The Dickens Project, a celebration of the life and times of Charles Dickens, focused around what is perhaps his most popular novel – and one which still resonates with meaning today – A Christmas Carol. Since then the event has evolved and grown over the years, in the process becoming a Second Life Tradition.
In 2017, to mark the its fifth anniversary, The Dickens Project will open its doors on Saturday, November 25th, 2017, and run through until Saturday, December 30th, 2017 in a region-wide immersive environment, where visitors can trace Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey, from his place of business, to his home, and onward through his travels with the Ghosts of Christmas to the end of his story. There are also numerous opportunities to learn more about Charles Dickens, his works, the popularity of A Christmas Carol down through the years and – of course – hear the story itself through a series of readings by the Seanchai Library and friends.
However, there will also be so much more going on over the course of the five weeks, with weekly DJ sessions, stage performances by Guerilla Burlesque, and Misfit Dance & Performance Art, and tours of the experience. For those who prefer to ride rather than walk, there is a carriage ride around the region, pulled by a magnificent shire horse, and balloon rides for a heady Victorian experience in what is designed to be an inspirational build evoking the spirit of A Christmas Carol.
“Every year we learn something new,” said Seanchai Lead Caledonia Skytower in reference to the event, “Something fresh from the text, and something new in how we present it. Our vision has always been to guide our audiences ‘in the steps of Ebenezer Scrooge’ using Dickens words framed by a themed environment, like walking through a live picture book.”
The 2017 Edition will include multiple presentations of A Christmas Carol in a variety of adaptations, in sections and in its entirety, and at different times to make the live readings accessible to residents from different parts of the globe. Other works from within the author’s vast canon are featured in the weeks leading up to “Carol Week” (Monday December 11th, through to Sunday December 17th), which climaxes in a marathon “Big Read” presentation of A Christmas Carol performed by a relay team of Seanchai staff and storytelling friends, scheduled for Sunday, December 17th. There is also an interactive information centre on the times and work of Charles Dickens, designed by the Community Virtual Library.
In 1843 Charles Dickens prefaced his about-to-be classic tale with these words: “I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.” He began the novella in October, completed it in less than six weeks. It went on to become the most successful book of the 1843 holiday season, selling six thousand copies by Christmas and continuing to be popular into the new year.
The Dickens Project SL is free to attend and explore. The twice daily readings are designed to help reach as wide an SL audience as possible, and will be presented by different volunteers, each giving his or her interpretation of the story and the characters, and visitors are welcome to attend as many readings as they wish.
For full details of the schedule of events for The Dickens Project, please refer to the Seanchai Library blog. In the meantime, I’m reproducing the outlines summary as it stood at the time of writing this preview.
November 2017
Saturday, November 25th: Opening Day.
Sunday, November 26th:
13:00 – Tea Time with Charles Dickens.
14:00-16:00 – Dancing in “Christmas Past” with DJ Dano Bookmite.
December 2017
Friday, December 1st, 20:00: Guerilla Burlesque Show in Dickens Square*
Sunday December 3rd:
11:00 – Wald Schridde Live at the Docks – Sea Shanties.
12:00 – ACRL Virtual World Interest Group Tour.
13:00 – Tea Time with Charles Dickens.
14:00-16:00 – Dancing in “Christmas Present” with DJ Dano Bookmite.
Tuesday, December 5th, 12:00 noon – Russell Eponym – Music Poetry, and Stories.
Friday, December 8th:
09:00 – The NonProfit Commons Group Tour of the Dickens Resource Centre.
20:00 – Guerilla Burlesque Show in Dickens Square*.
Sunday, December 10th, 13:00: Tea Time with Charles Dickens.
Carol Week, December 11th-17th
Monday, December 11th, 14:00 and 19:00: Stave One: Marley’s Ghost.
Tuesday, December 12th, 14:00 and 19:00: Stave Two: The First of Three Ghosts.
Wednesday, December 13th, 14:00 and 19:00: Stave Three: The Second of Three Ghosts.
Thursday, December 14th, 14:00 and 19:00: Stave Four: The Last of the Spirits.
Friday, December 15th:
15:00 – 90 Minute A Christmas Carol
19:00 – Misfit Dance & Performance Art*
Saturday, December 16th:
12:00 Noon – Misfit Dance & Performance Art*
14:00-16:00 – Fezziwig’s Ball in “Christmas Past” With DJ Dano Bookmite.
Sunday, December 17th:
11:00 – Wald Schridde live in Dickens Square.
12:00-15:30 – The Big Read in Dickens Square.
Christmas Week
Wednesday, December 20th, 19:00: Community Virtual Library Tour
Friday, December 22nd, 12:00 Noon: 90 Minute A Christmas Carol Story Tour
Thursday, December 30th – CLOSING DAY:
13:00 – Josie Anderton, LIVE
14:00-16:00 – The Last Dance with DJ Gabrielle Riel
20:00 – Guerilla Burlesque Show in Dickens Square*
* For these large stage performances, please arrive early to grab a seat and let your cache load. Music will be playing for your enjoyment during these pre-show times.
It’s time to highlight another week of storytelling in Voice by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library. As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s home at Holly Kai Park, unless otherwise indicated.
Sunday, November 19th, 18:00: A Little bit of Pooh Bear
Caledonia Skytower presents selections of stories by A.A. Milne about everybody’s Bear of Very Little Brain in a Magicland Storytime presentation.
Monday, November 20th 19:00: The Alien Dark
Gyro Muggins reads Diana G. Gallagher’s one science-fiction novel.
Out of the darkness of interstellar space…
The ahsin bey, a race of catlike beings determined to expand their territory, launch six vessels into deep space to search for an uninhabited world suitable for colonization.
Tahl d’jehn commands the Dan tahlni on a decades long mission to explore the Chai-te system. Studies show that Chai-te’s planets are rich in the resource the ahsin bey need, but will their signal reach their home world in time to launch the colony ship. And what is Tahl to make of the startling discovery of a dead civilization on Chai-te Three?
Tuesday, November 21st, 19:00: Hold for Crap!
Crap Mariner presents originals stories for your listening pleasure.
Wednesday, November 22nd, 19:00: A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court
Bookended by the story of a tourist in England encountering a stranger who tells him part of his story, then gives him a manuscript that tells the rest of his strange tale, Mark Twain’s 1889 novel relates how a Yankee engineer from Connecticut is transported back to the 6th century court of King Arthur. There, he uses his knowledge of engineering and munitions to present himself as a “magician” – earning Merlin’s ire in the process – and becoming Arthur’s trusted “prime minister”.
Mixing humour, the legend of King Arthur and a touch of a Batman and Robin style relationship between Hank, the Yankee, and Clarence, his protégé, Twain weaves a tale of his own around love, the Arthurian legend and Romano-British history (who actually built the early roads of Britain?). But can Hank, ultimately, save Arthur from his fate?
Join Caledonia Skytower as she presents selections from this tale. Also presented in Kitely (hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/108/609/1528).
Thursday, November 23rd, 10:00: Alice’s Restaurant Massacree
A Seanchai Library Thanksgiving tradition with Shandon Loring.
via Wikipedia
You can get anything that you want
At Alice’s restaurant.
You can get anything that you want
At Alice’s restaurant.
Walk right in, it’s around the back,
Just a half-a-mile from the railroad tracks, And you can get anything that you want
At Alice’s restaurant.
As Thanksgiving arrives in the United States, Shandon Loring presents singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie’s famous 1967 musical monologue, Alice’s Restaurant Massacree (also popularly known as Alice’s Restaurant, and the inspiration of the 1969 Arthur Penn film of that name, starring Guthrie himself).
Aside from the opening and closing chorus, the song is delivered as the spoken word accompanied by a ragtime guitar. The story is based on a true incident in Guthrie’s life when, in 1965, he (then 18) and a friend were arrested for illegally dumping garbage from Alice’s restaurant after discovering that the town dump was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
What follows is a complicated, ironic and amusing story told in a deadpan, satirical tone, which encompasses fines, blind judges, guide dogs, 27 8×10 copiously annotated glossy photos related to the littering, frustrated police officers, the Vietnam War draft and, ultimately, the inexplicable ways in which bureaucracy moves to foil itself, just when you’ve given up hope of foiling it yourself.
Also presented in Kitely (hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/108/609/1528).
Saturday, November 25th: The Dickens Project
Now in its fifth year, Seanchai Library presents The Dickens Project for Christmas 2017.
Celebrating the work of one of the masters of 19th Century literature, whose humanistic voice continues to be a relevant one in our everyday culture.
Featuring a period setting, performance art, music and – of course – readings from A Christmas Carol, Dicken’s seminal tale for the time of year – and for all of us.
I’ll have a tour of the setting and a preview of the programme later this week – so stay tuned!
Please check with the Seanchai Library’s blog for updates and for additions or changes to the week’s schedule.
The featured charity for August and September is Little Kids Rock, transforming lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in schools.
As a part of the SL14B celebrations marking Second Life’s anniversary in June 2017, Linden Lab hosted a special in-world shopping event, which proved to be a success among designers and consumers alike.
Given that success, the Lab is now planning a similar event for the Christmas / New Year holiday season, and has put out a call to designers interested in participating.
The announcement, posted by Xiola Linden on Tuesday, November 14th, indicates that the event will run from Friday, December 15th, 2017 through to Monday, January 1st, 2018, and states in part:
This event … is an opportunity to introduce new customers to your brand. We are looking for merchants willing to offer a discount on some of their items (think Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!) and possibly provide a little non-exclusive gift to holiday shoppers.
The SL14B Shopping Event, organised by Linden Lab in June – now the Lab is planning on a similar event over the Christmas / New Year 2017/18 holidays
Those designers interested in participating in the event are invited to complete the application form (embedded below, and also available here, for those preferring the direct link). Note that submissions must be made no later that 23:59 SLT on Monday, November 27th, as the cut-off for applications will be 00:01 on Tuesday, November 28th.
It’s time to highlight another week of storytelling in Voice by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library. As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s home at Holly Kai Park, unless otherwise indicated.
Monday, November 13th 19:00: The Alien Dark
Gyro Muggins reads Diana G. Gallagher’s one science-fiction novel
Out of the darkness of interstellar space…
The ahsin bey, a race of catlike beings determined to expand their territory, launch six vessels into deep space to search for an uninhabited world suitable for colonization.
Tahl d’jehn commands the Dan tahlni on a decades long mission to explore the Chai-te system. Studies show that Chai-te’s planets are rich in the resource the ahsin bey need, but will their signal reach their home world in time to launch the colony ship. And what is Tahl to make of the startling discovery of a dead civilization on Chai-te Three?
Tuesday, November 14th, 19:00: Yankees and Kings
Caledonia Skytower reads selections from Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court.
Wednesday, November 15th, 19:00: Myth Adventures
Kayden Oconnell reads from Robert Asprin’s Myth Adventures series.
Pun-laden, with titles such as Another Fine Myth, Myth Conceptions, Myth Directions, Hit or Myth, Mything Persons, and so on, and illustrated by Frank Kelly Freas, and Phil Foglio, this series follows a “demon” magician who has lost his powers and his inexperienced human apprentice as they travel through a variety of worlds in pursuit of finding their place in life under the guise of seeking wealth and glory.
Also presented in Kitely (hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/144/129/29).
Thursday, November 16th
19:00: Great Expectations
Humble, orphaned Pip is apprenticed to the dirty work of the forge but dares to dream of becoming a gentleman — and one day, under sudden and enigmatic circumstances, he finds himself in possession of “great expectations.”
In this gripping tale of crime and guilt, revenge and reward, the compelling characters include Magwitch, the fearful and fearsome convict; Estella, whose beauty is excelled only by her haughtiness; and the embittered Miss Havisham, an eccentric jilted bride.
Join Shadon Loring as he reads this classic tale in the run-up to the opening of Seanchai Library’s seasonal Dickens Project events, which launch at the end of November. Also presented in Kitely (hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/108/609/1528).
21:00: Seanchai Late Night
Contemporary sci-fi with Finn Zeddmore.
Please check with the Seanchai Library’s blog for updates and for additions or changes to the week’s schedule.
The featured charity for August and September is Little Kids Rock, transforming lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in schools.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 