Eliminating a headache faced by all SL virtual educators!

I just want to teach!

One of the most common issues raised by virtual teachers in Second Life (SL) is how to get new students up to speed with the fundamentals. You know - walk, talk, navigate – that stuff. For those with little or no experience in 3D environments it’s not easy to pick up SL’s basics, however these are the skills that underpin everything we do in world. Needless to say a solid set of foundation competencies is vital to the success of any learning endeavour. The problem is that eradicating SL newbie-ness takes time - many would argue lots of time.

But they’ve been to Learning Island and they’ll pick up the rest…

Poor Mervin! He decided to enhance his students’ learning with some virtual classes. He worked hard creating the lessons and setting everything up in Second Life but there was limited time left in the semester. Mervin asked his students to complete SL’s Learning Island training so that he could forego the basics and get down to real teaching right off the bat. Mervin’s first lesson, so carefully planned and well thought out, quickly slid into mayhem. His students’ chat text reeked of desperation, “What’s this…?”, “I’m lost…”, “I can’t work this out.”, “How do I …?”, “OMG these menus…!”, “HELP!”.

Mervin’s result was far from the positive introduction to virtual learning that he’d hoped his students would experience. The first destination for all new SL residents is Learning Island. It’s there that they pick up some introductory skills, but this approach has its limitations. Unless educators offer students additional guidance they tend to blunder around confused and frustrated. 

The golden rule: better prepared students means less virtual drama!

So what’s the solution?

Module Map

Many virtual educators in SL create their own introductory sessions and learning resources which is great. But for those who have nothing in place yet or are looking for a flexible alternative, then the Second Life basics series may be just what’s needed. It’s new, it’s different, it’s flexible and all the work has been done for you!

Hosted by us, the University of Western Australia (UWA in SL), the series contains 5 modules, founded on a blended learning model - eLearning and virtual learning. 

A two tier approach

The SL basics series imparts key newbie skills using a two tier approach:

       1.      Knowledge
The core learning concepts are covered in interactive, online modules that are accessed on our Moodle MOOC site, SLeducate.info. The modules contain explanations, demos and tips on a wide range of fundamental SL skills. Each main module is supplemented with a matching Cheat Sheet and other helpful info that can be downloaded. 

       2.     Practice and mastery
But it’s not all theory! The main modules incorporate in world Practice Activities, giving the learners the opportunity to apply and master their new skills as they progress. To assist the learners there’s an Activity Station in world that aligns with the modules. When clicked, it gives people module information, URL links that open the online materials inside SL and lots of other helpful resources. 

Some of the key features of the SL basics series

·         Centralised and accessible
The site stores a wide range of SL beginner information at a single web destination. Yep, no more jumping all over the web hunting things down! This is accessible by anyone, anywhere and at any time – virtual teachers, students and those who are simply curious about exploring virtual life.

·         Engaging
The SL basics series is fun, interactive and encourages learning via experimentation and play.

·        Thorough and sequenced
The series imparts a comprehensive set of fundamental Second Life skills in a logical, sequential order. There are 5 modules that contain further bite-sized elements called main modules. The series does not pay lip service to SL’s basic skills; it treats them as vital prerequisites but it’s also… 

·        Flexible
Flexibility underpins every aspect of the SL basics series. It’s almost made of rubber! The modules can be introduced and undertaken different ways to cater for a variety of learning needs and preferences, for example: complete everything in the series or do a selection of the modules; complete an entire module or only the parts that you need; learn solo or as a group; self-directed learning or entire/partial teacher led instruction; explore the additional optional resources or skip these.

·         Ease of navigation
The overall series and each main module has a summary so end users can see what skills are covered where. Once a main module is accessed, a table of contents and other built in navigation tools enable users to view a topic list and skip from screen to screen with ease. 

SLeducate's Activity Station in SL

·         Resources
The website contains helpful, optional materials that can be viewed online, downloaded by users or used as teaching aids, e.g. Cheat Sheets and shortcut key lists. And the Activity Station in SL offers even more helpful info and resources. 

·         Practical and effective
The series integrates fun, SL Activities that allow learners to practice and master the skills. The skills covered in the modules are generic but, to ensure the Activities really hit the mark, teachers are able tailor them any way they like. They can simply provide students with customised or alternative module Activities outlining what, how and where.

·         Pulling it all together
Each module covers a discreet set of skills. The final Activity is a Finders Keepers Hunt that ties everything together by drawing on all the skills covered throughout the series. Using clues, the learners find items hidden in various SL locations. Of course there are rewards - each item gives gifts!

·         Timing
The maximum duration of any main module in the series is 15 minutes and the majority are less, excluding the time to complete the Activities. As a rough rule of thumb we recommend allowing a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the series. Some will find they require more or less time than this.  Timing varies between individuals and on the basis of the delivery approach.

·        Community, support and help
Learners don’t feel isolated, even if studying is asynchronously. There’s a supportive SLeducate group they can join in world. As a member of the community they are able to approach the group for help and advice whenever needed. Teachers and anyone else
(maybe you?) can join this group too or, if preferred, students can join a group their teacher establishes and seek assistance that way.

·        SL glossaries
SL is full of odd terms and phrases. To help with this the site has comprehensive, searchable SL glossaries, known as SLictionaries, which cover a wide range of SL terms and text chat abbreviations.

·         Educators’ resources
The SLeducate website contains Virtual Educator resources that offer SL teachers and corporate trainers helpful info, ideas and tips in .pdf and video formats.

·         Techy stuff
A viewer is the software users install on their computer to drive SL. The module demonstrations are based on the Firestorm viewer. The SL basics series can be viewed on any flash enabled device. 

Delivery options

One of the big advantages for virtual educators is that the SL basics series can be successfully implemented without taking up a lot of precious teaching time. However, if a hands-on role is preferred, that’s also easy to achieve. Some of the delivery alternatives are listed below. There are pros and cons to each option so teachers need to decide which is best for them, their learning strategy and their students.

• Set the entire series or a selection (modules and activities) as prerequisite learning for     students to complete before in-world classes commence.
• Run the entire series or a selection (modules and activities) in a classroom setting, with students learning at their own pace or with a display on a central screen. If using this method, you’d need to allow individuals to complete the practice activities in Second Life. With access to a computer lab, this could be done with all at the same SL location and at the same time or in the learner’s own time.
• Ask the students complete one or several modules themselves by a set date and then complete the associated SL practice activities in a classroom environment.
• Complete one or several modules in the classroom and ask the students to complete the associated SL practice activities themselves by a set date.

Get involved!

If anyone would like to join the SLeducate Group, there's a group joiner at the Activity Station in SL. It's a worthy undertaking. The main role of experienced members is to form part of the community that offers chat support to the newbies who are completing the SL basics series.

Want to check it out?

http://SLeducate.info

The website and all its resources are available to help anyone, anywhere and at any time. There’s lots to take in, so here are a few links to get you started.

• ·         SLeducate.info website
• ·         SL basics series web page (use Guest access)
• ·         Avi to avi – let’s chat sample module (use Guest access)
• ·         Virtual educator web page (use Guest access)
• ·         SLeducate’s Activity Station in Second Life
• ·         Get started in Second Life a brief overview
• ·         SLeducate’s YouTube Channel

We hope this is a helpful tool for virtual teachers, students and others. All the best!

Jay Jay Jegathesan (Jay Jay Zifanwe: SL)
Coordinator, UWA in SL
Manager, School of Physics, University of Western Australia

** Editors Note
This incredible series was put together by Carmsie Melodie whose energy and drive saw all of this come together into a finished product that should be of great value to all educators and students who use Second Life. Thank you Carmsie.

LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (July 2014): Miso Susanowa's 'State of Mind II'

Among the pioneering champions of art in Second Life, Miso Susanowa takes the lead for the July round of the 4th cycle of the LEA Full SIM Art series at LEA 6. A full list of the LEA Full SIM offering since inception in 2011 can be found HERE.  Anyone interested in applying for any month between Oct 2014 and Jan 2015, please contact Jayjay Zifanwe with your interest and preferred month.

 
A STATE OF MIND II: 

LAUNCH: All Day 12th July 2014

LOCATION: HERE AT LEA 6

SPECIAL EVENT WITH DJ: 19th JULY (Time TBA)

In Miso's words:

"Four years ago, in April 2010 "State of Mind" made its first appearance... pre-Chelsea Manning, pre-Thomas Drake, pre-Edward Snowden, pre-Julian Assange... what looked like overblown paranoia and cynicism then has only confirmed our deepest fears about the shadow world and its effect on our lives. This is the struggle of our time; come and experience the installation; read the new material about tools and techniques to take back your internet."

.
 

.

Alfonso Garavito Olivar, Secret Rage, Vilvi Rae, Tutsy Navarathna & Rysan Fall among Project Homeless Film Finalists

In a coup for Machinima, films by Alfonso Garavito Olivar, Secret Rage, Tutsy Navarathna, Rysan Fall and Vilvi Rae have been selected as finalists along with 17 other conventional film for 'Project Homeless 2014'. All these films will be screened at the award ceremony on Friday the 11th of July at the Riverside Theatres, in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.

Project Homeless 2014 is a Challenge run by Screen My Shorts Inc & UWA in partnership with and sponsored by the Parramatta City Council. Here entrants of all ages, cultures and ability were invited to submit original creative digital content (conventional film and/or machinima) and win a share of the AUD 10,000 (L$2.28 Million) cash and prizes (with at least AUD 700  reserved for Machinima), and have their works exposed on the international stage. 

The full selection of finalists can be found HERE. Links to the conventional film that have been selected as finalists will be made available following the award ceremony. 

 
RYSAN FALL's 'The Invisible City' 
Conversations with the homeless.

 
SECRET RAGE's 'How Did I Get Here' 
The connection between addiction and homelessness and just how precarious our lives really are.

 
TUTSY NAVARATHNA's 'Homeless' 
Working for the few.

Sun dog from Vilvi on Vimeo.

VILVI RAE's 'Sun Dog' 
Conflict at home is the main reason for leaving

ALFONSO GARAVITO OLIVAR's 'Lost in War' 
Returning Veterans

Victoria Lenoirre's Review of LEA6 A Maze In Grace, Krystali Rabeni

Greetings everyone,

 Krystali Rabeni's latest work, A Maze In Grace,  in SL opened on June 6th.

I landed at her FAYWND TERRACE, the landing point, which she created under her LOVE brand. It is a lovely build you can rezz and position with the help of a rez faux. It is lovely and elegant with its arches and steps. She has so many wonderful naturistic builds for LOVE. If you weren't sure of them after viewing them on Marketplace, you will be if you teleport down to LEA6 this month.

The landing area is in the middle of her installation. It separates the 2 halves of the maze. The entire sim, except for the landing point is the maze.

Landing area and surrounding maze @ A Maze In Grace, LEA6

You should see a sign which you can click to learn about the maze. It says,

A MAZE IN GRACE.


Labyrinths are arguably mankind’s first creation borne purely of human imagination. Today, labyrinths and mazes cradle millennia of legend and folklore in their twisted articulations. 

Labyrinth and maze imagery has at different periods of time in various parts of the world been associated with all aspects of human life. It has been used as a symbol of fertility and birth, as well as one of purgatory and death. It has religious and meditative importance in Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Shamanic rituals. 

The maze you see has no map, just as life has no map. It is not perfect, just as life is not perfect. Take your time as you wander along the watery path through the twists and turns until you reach the center where you will find a celestial labyrinth. Some will take the long path, some will take the short path through the maze but there is no rush, no race, no time, just you and your thoughts.

Keep a watchful eye along your way for 'A maze in Grace' and a solitary koi carp. You may see them, you may not. It all depends on what you want to see.

Koi Symbolism

Many of the attributes of the koi symbolize several lessons and even trials individuals often encounter in life. The koi fish has a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream. Some of the characteristics associated with the koi include:

Good fortune
Success
Prosperity
Longevity
Courage
Ambition
Perseverance

I wish the above to each and every one of you.

Please enjoy

Krystali Rabeni.

The maze is made up of grass and water. The paths are of water. Before you step into the maze you see a sign that says, "KEEP OFF THE GRASS".

Were you able to find the koi? I have not found it yet. Keep looking and perhaps you will find it.

Krystali's work is a gentle masterpiece. I took the time to ask her some questions.

Besides grace, what do swans symbolize? How many swans are there?

* Symbolism of the swan is closely tied with symbolism of water based on the swan's environment. When observing swans, one finds that they closely connect with water and also nest near the water. Common symbolism of water includes fluidity, intuition, dreaming, emotions and creativity. Therefore, the swan may symbolize a person's dreamier depths, feelings and emotions. For me Second Life is also symbol of this  Along side of this idea, observe a swan and you will see that it gracefully glide through the water leaving hardly a ripple behind. Their natural, effortless beauty reminds us to move gently through the currents of life and not fight against them.

There are 220 swans. This occurred by accident which I later found out has a deep and spiritual meaning:  The number 220 is a blend of the attributes and vibrations of the numbers 2, 22 and 0. Number 2 resonates with duality and polarity, service to others, faith and trust and intuition, insight, encouragement and your life purpose. The number 2 appears twice, relating it to the Master Number 22  -  the number of philanthropy and service to humanity.  Number 22 is the number of Archangel Raphael and resonates with vision, practicality and common sense.  Number 0 vibrates with the ‘God force’ and Universal Energies and amplifies and magnifies the attributes of the numbers it appears with.  Number 0 a message to do with developing one’s spiritual aspects and is considered to represent the beginning of a spiritual journey and highlights the uncertainties that may entail.  This number and symbolism walks hand in hand with the meaning of mazes/labyrinths throughout history.

Did you create all the pieces in the maze?

*Yes

Nice play on the words amazing grace. Were you or are you a religious or spiritual person?

*I'm more spiritual than religious.

Why did you choose the name?

*Grace doesn’t mean only the ability to live a balanced life, it is also being able to be at home in many planes of reality, to see that we are more than we appear to be - we are both physical and spiritual beings. We are souls having a human experience.

What or where did you get the inspiration to build a maze in the water? I think it's an original idea.

* I like to create pieces that cause people to look at things in a different light or from an unusual angle to show that rules can be broken and don't always have to have an adverse affect. Many people avoid water i.e rain and puddles. I'd like to think anyone walking through the water in the maze progresses from being unsure to a gentle calmness to an inner peace.

You are the creator of the LOVE brand, when was it founded? Is LOVE an acronym?

*The LOVE brand was created in August of 2008 and is something I have enjoyed building and it is actually an acronym.
               L = Life's
               O = Only
               V = Valuable
               E = Emotion

Will a version of your maze be available to the public under your brand name?

* Yes I think a garden size version and possibly a quarter sim size also.

Maya Angelou passed away very recently, if you had to deliver a eulogy for her what would you say? To so many she symbolized strength, persistence, and passion in life. She will be deeply missed.

* I think all I could say for Maya Angelou would simply be' Thank You'.

Do you have any other art installations in SL or any future ones planned?

* Yes I have an installation called 'Time For Freedom' at the SL11B..Second Life Birthday celebrations and also an installation called 'We Will Still Need Water' at Burn2 Conception.

Krystali  is such a talented lady. She owns a store in SL called LOVE Skins & Shapes. You can find her builds and more  at marketplace.

Please come and wade through this watery maze and feel the grace all around you. It is now at LEA6 all of this month!

Have fun and enjoy the art!

- Victoria Lenoirre

The Freedom Project Interviews: By Taralyn Gravois & Petlove Petshop

The Freedom Project: Virtual Ability in Second Life from Petlove on Vimeo.

Art curator Taralyn Gravois embarked on a series of interviews with various artiusts involved in UWA's Freedom Project, and this was expertly crafted into a film by Petlove Petshop, and this is their creation! It carries a number of direct interviews and also shows off all the works that were submitted to the event.

The Freedom Project is a 2D/3D Art & Film Event organized jointly by the University of Western Australia, along with members of the Virtual Ability Group, and the Centre for ME/CFS and Other Invisible Illnesses Group in Second created an artwork or a film/machinima or in fact a personal story on the theme of ‘Freedom’, showing how virtual worlds have in some way helped them or those around them. 

This event is to thank all the artists, filmmakers, and writers for contributing their works and of themselves, as well as to thank the many individuals, groups and organisations who made this possible, including Eliza Wierwight, who created the poster for this event,  David Doyle & Simone Flavelle of DADAA's stARTSPEAK Project, Tom Papas & Screen My Shorts Inc. (Sydney), West Australian artist, Len Zuks,  Beverley Hill of UWA's Equity & Diversity Office, Craig MacKenzie and Deborah Bolton of UniPrint,  TheDove Rhode of Peace is A Choice Gallery, Taralyn Gravois, AviewTV and LaPiscean Liberty, Eleanor Medeir and The Sim Street Journal as well as Kit Guardian and Guardian 11:11 for their multifaceted commitment towards the event as well, also iMoogi TV (imoogi.tv) and Nu Vibez Magazine (nuvibezmag.com) led by Filipa Thespian.

A book is being produced at the moment carrying images of all the artwork and machinima stills from submissions to the Freedom project. This is an endeavour being carried by by UWA curator of virtual arts, FreeWee Ling. Stay tuned.

.

 

SL used for Postgraduate Law Degree teaching @ UWA

A Second Life machinima has been custom made for the first time for one of the major units for a degree programme at UWA with the efforts of UWA Associate Professor Natalie Skead, former champion of the international UWA film challenges, Laurina Hawks from the town of Ulm, Germany, and UWA virtual worlds founder Jay Jay Jegathesan.

The brilliant short film (machinima) "Equity & Trusts: Estoppel Tutorial", was created by Laurina based on a script written by Professor Skead for the LAWS5103 unit, Equity & Trusts, which is a 2nd Year compulsory postgraduate unit for the Juris Doctor (law degree). It was shown to students during tutorials that were a trigger for discussions on the Estoppel principle of law.

Associate Professor Natalie Skead

Student evaluation of the film was undertaken at the end of the tutorials by way of a simple questionnaire asking:
1. Did you enjoy this exercise? If so why? If not, why not?
2. Did you find this exercise worthwhile? If so, why? If not, why not?
3. Would you suggest I use second-life videos to present fact scenarios in the other problem-solving tutorials in this unit?

The student responses to the questions were unanimously ‘yes’. 

Reasons given for students enjoying the exercise and finding it useful included:

• It showed how many small aspects of situations are important
• Facts were gradually exposed over time
• Couldn’t refer back to fact sheet – more challenging
• I’m a fan. It was something different, excellent to be able to examine the circumstances and allow for further ‘client interview questions’
• The interpretation of statement and the hunt for facts
• It allowed me to assess the situation more fully – nuanced!
• Taught me to listen exactly to what is being said

Commenting on the experience, Professor Skead observed, "From my perspective as a teacher presenting the facts visually in a movie resulted in a far more rigorous and detailed assessment of the facts. What is wonderful is that it included all the  non verbal aspects of communication while seeing the actions and hearing the words. Laurina did a brilliant job allowing for nuances in the film, even capturing things like stammering and facial expressions important in conveying the story."

Professor Skead observed that the discussion that resulted was far more sophisticated and detailed as compared to previous exercises conducted using more conventional methods, as 'Second Life' was a very valuable tool for connecting students to 'real life' experiences.

Founder and lead of UWA 3D virtual projects, Jay Jay Jegathesan, manager of the School of Physics at UWA explained, "We are absolutely thrilled at how successful this has been, and hope to continue supporting more and more areas in the targeted use of Second Life where it adds value. We have the far have had various activities and outcomes across the School of Business, School of Education, School of Physiology, Anatomy and Human Biology aside from this newest venture with the School of Law. This is an exciting development, and institutions across the globe are looking to UWA's leadership in this area, the most recent being the Digital Educaion Show Asia in Kuala Lumpur in May 2014 where a number of presentations were delivered on how UWA has used virtual worlds to support teaching, research, architecture, international community development, art & film."

Presentation at UWA eLearning Expo (Friday 6th June 2014)

.

LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (June 2014): Krystali Rabeni's 'A Maze in Grace'

The brilliant Krystali Rabeni is at the helm for the June round of the 4th cycle of the LEA Full SIM Art series at LEA 6. A full list of the LEA Full SIM offering since inception in 2011 can be found HERE.  Anyone interested in applying for any month between July 2014 and April 2015, please contact Jayjay Zifanwe with your interest and preferred month.

A MAZE IN GRACE: 

LAUNCH: 12.30AM SLT, Friday 6th June 2014

LOCATION: HERE AT LEA 6

In Krystali's words:

"Labyrinths are arguably mankind’s first creation borne purely of human imagination. Today, labyrinths and mazes cradle millennia of legend and folklore in their twisted articulations. 

Labyrinth and maze imagery has at different periods of time in various parts of the world been associated with all aspects of human life. It has been used as a symbol of fertility and birth, as well as one of purgatory and death. It has religious and meditative importance in Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Shamanic rituals. 

A Maze In Grace has no map, just as life has no map. It is not perfect, just as life is not perfect. Take your time as you wander along the watery path through the twists and turns until you reach the center where you will find a celestial labyrinth. Some will take the long path, some will take the short path through the maze but there is no rush, no race, no time, just you and your thoughts."

.

LEA6 May Full Sim Cyber Orthodox by Ballyhoo, review by Victoria Lenoirre

This month of May LEA6 hosts Cyber Orthodox by Igor Ballyhoo. Come on over to see it!


You will find a few docks along with lots of water. The whole scene is situated within 4 dark walls or fencing. Igor went with a more simple look. It's a major change from the terrains of past LEA sims.

The walls encased his entire build and it set a somber, grave mood. All around you see black. Interspersed are dots of color like the apple and the intricate clock.

In Igor's words:

"In whole university of sensations, thoughts, opinions and other kinds of influences created by human since beginning I am more impressed by the energy they spend to convince others that their way is only right one then by ideas that they try to spread. ORTHOS ("right", "true", "straight") + DOXA ("opinion" or "belief") is always reminding me of question which clock is most accurate in universe? Closest to answer of that would be “the one that doesn't work since it shows exact time twice a day” and I doubt even that. Our knowledge about existence is so modest that in the spirit of non working clock most accurate answer to question how did everything start would be “HOW THE F*** WOULD WE KNOW”. And I am quite comfortable with not knowing, it gives me space to accept any possible scenario, “GOD made us”, “GOD doesn't exist”, “all started with the big bang”, “who said we are actually existing”, “we do exist and in more dimensions then one”... For me, it is all possible and everything is unprobable, since – how the f*** would I know? "

I am struck with wonder and  I feel a stillness as I wander around this colossal build. 

I feel isolation. I feel loneliness. It's like a vast area dotted with wordly objects and entities that don't seem to fit together in the scheme of things, but look closely. There's a clock, an apple, a one eyed cyclops. The cyclops represents the one-eyed man with the narrow vision, reference is from a Tom Waits song. 

Like always, I found a chance to interview this great artist this month.

What are those green objects with wings surrounded by the transparent cubes?

I.B: Horses.



What is that cluster of globular like candles surrounded by a cloud?

I.B: Few years ago I was in some small church somewhere in Greece and they had some kind of village saint ceremony. It was mid august and it was terribly hot. Preacher had just his cape made of gold threads and no shirt, he was sweating like crazy. Church was full of old people, grandmothers all in black with almost no skin exposed. Lot of candles was lighted and they were melting. Whole place had really strong smell on sweat, candle-wax, incense and what not (filthy feet) and in one moment all that scene started to melt in my mind, it all visually stretched, up was down, down was up. I didn't faint or anything just one simple but strong hallucination. I tried to present it abstracted here inworld, no idea how much I succeeded since... no smell.



Why are there holes in the wall surrounding your build?

I.B: Right question would be "why are there walls?". Walls are necessary evil to visually separate my work from neighBORING sims (one of them looks like fuckin' sandbox, the other one is just plane ugly sim). About holes, they are there since I hated walls, needed some wind to go through them so I prevent that church smell on my sim.


Why is an apple surrounded by a net?

I.B: That is an GMO apple. It all started with an GMO apple. Apple is of course symbol of thing that cost us heaven. So my question is: "what if this what we had so far was heaven and now we are tasting apple that will doom us? Science brought us some really amazing achievements but when science is profit oriented, it's products belong to the dark side.


Your statement that includes "how the f*** should we know?" seems very frustrated and open. What do you think should be the better attitude that people should have about the world? Notice that I didn't say "right."

I.B: I am not frustrated, I just have bad manners so I swear a lot, everyone who knows me knows that. About "what I think would be better attitude" I will answer in next question.


Do you believe that there is a thing called "right", does it even exist?

I.B: There is right and there is also left. There is up and down, there is also depth and behind and there is infinite many directions among this crude few. In my opinion, people should widen their mind, we should think both right and left in same time. We should not claim one true belief. If you need illustration how you should think, just imagine your mind is universe. There is no one true direction in universe. I am horrified with those who refuse to let their mind expand. If expansion is good enough for universe, why would it be bad for you?

As of May 2oth,


Past few days my country is affected by Biblical size floods that were never recorded in our history. Tens of thousands people is evacuated from their homes and thousands of homes is under water. As you can understand, human lifes are most valuable to save but uncounted number of animals lost their lifes. This morning I have wake up with news that more then 100 tons of dead animals is gathered just from one city. And it is not over yet...

In this light, for solidarity, I have decided to flood my new ongoing work “Cyber Orthodox”  in LEA 6. I left peaks of work above, same as rooftops of houses are above in this floods.

Igor Ballyhoo

So please come see it while you can, at LEA6.

Have fun and enjoy the art!

-Victoria Lenoirre

LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (May 2014): Igor Ballyhoo's 'Cyber Orthodox'

Igor Ballyhoo, of legend,  is at the helm for the first edition of the 4th cycle of the LEA Full SIM Art series at LEA 6. A full list of the LEA Full SIM offering since inception in 2011 can be found HERE. Anyone interested in applying for any month between July 2014 and April 2015, please contact Jayjay Zifanwe with your interest and preferred month.

CYBER ORTHODOX:  HAS LAUNCHED AND IS OPEN THROUGH 30th May 2014

Visitor's to the Sim can click HERE to TP to the start point

In Igor's words:

"In whole university of sensations, thoughts, opinions and other kinds of influences created by human since beginning I am more impressed by the energy they spend to convince others that their way is only right one then by ideas that they try to spread. ORTHOS ("right", "true", "straight") + DOXA ("opinion" or "belief") is always reminding me of question which clock is most accurate in universe? Closest to answer of that would be “the one that doesn't work since it shows exact time twice a day” and I doubt even that. Our knowledge about existence is so modest that in the spirit of non working clock most accurate answer to question how did everything start would be “HOW THE F*** WOULD WE KNOW”. And I am quite comfortable with not knowing, it gives me space to accept any possible scenario, “GOD made us”, “GOD doesn't exist”, “all started with the big bang”, “who said we are actually existing”, “we do exist and in more dimensions then one”... For me, it is all possible and everything is unprobable, since – how the f*** would I know? "

Victoria Lenoirre's April Review at LEA 6 Heartseed The Wild Side by Jedda Zenovka

Here at LEA 6, it's looking like a wild Spring. We are pleased to have Jedda Zenovka occupy the LEA 6 sim with her work, Heartseed The Wild Side.

Across from landing area, Heartseed by Jedda Zenovka

"One of the things I love about creating in this medium is that you can express the energy so easily."

Animism is the spiritual belief that everything is alive. I try  to recreate this within the digital domain. Cybertech designs that fuse naturally with organic forms; water, sounds, plant-creatures, inter-dimensional entities that blend into the ocean forest ecology of my environments so that it is impossible to tell where one ends and another starts.

Take a wander  through a textured cyber-original landscape which evokes healing emotions and crystallises into moving, living sculptures; descriptions of ideas and experiences inspired by both human life of aspirations and necessities and with the practicality of hands-on permaculture in the rain forest.

While our minds and imagination evolves into the digital domain, our hands and naked feet remember the earth and other elements from which we are made. Dream time in this sense is the crossing over of two worlds; vision becomes solid and solid becomes visionary. It is instinct and the heart which guide us into and through this journey. The freshness of water, the spirit of a particular plant or mineral, is crafted into new form; the artist becomes the living conduit through which such essences express themselves.
Reach for the stars . .. Put your hands in  Earth!


jedda zenovka

Imagine a world of wonder and eerie stillness. Imagine a world of trance and alienlike structures...welcome to Heartseed!

Arriving here I first noticed the grayness. I admit to being startled. Gray was the color furthest from my mind after learning the name of this installation. Zooming out I see Heartseed in neon red on a booth. It's at once soothing and welcoming at the same time.

Feel free to explore this alien world that is also comforting. Get lost in the ambiance!

Heartseed landing point and me

On the night of the 12th, DJ Larretronix (Larre Leborski) was spinning Psytrance tunes from 7-9pm SLT. It was a fun night to dance and mingle.

Jedda was kind enough to answer my questions. I even got to see her build a little. I love her enthusiasm and spirit.

Why did you name your work Heartseed The Wild Side?

My home place is called  Heartseed  coz if you plant  a seed  it will  grow into some thing beautful. And  my  art  comes under the banner of  wild designs.

What does your work say about nature and human nature?

I try to  create  an alien landscape   of psychedelic fun and beauty, expressing  lament that  can't be  expressed  live in may other mediums.

Do you believe that technology and nature can coexist in a way that won't hurt either one?

I think  nature  should be  left alone to sort it self out  and  we should stop messing  with it  and  trying  to   control it.

And show some  respect to the great  gift this planet gives us.

Technology is great of course here i am using it... But nothing beats  the basics  of  growing a few  vegetables...

What is your hope for the future of life?

My hope is  that  we can  all stop  squabbling and  realise we have only one planet  and  start  trying to heal it  and take good care of what's left for future generations.

Where else do you have work showing in SL?
I have  built  few places:

"Heartseed" WILD DESIGNS SHAMANICA organica, plants, mushrooms
This is my home base.

**ORGANICA** earthbound
Organica Bay
LOOP Europa
And these are gathering spots for  people to share art and music.

How did you get started doing SL art?

I rezzed a  cube  and got hooked.. I don't know where  else I could express  in the same way  that I can here. There is so much  energy  available  to tap into. I love the spontaneity it allows us.

How would you describe your journey in SL so far?

It's amazing, I meet so many wonderful, supportive characters in here. I learn so much constantly, every  day something new.

I have made  some  amazing  friends. I love the freedom  there is  to express myself creatively in here.

Thank you Jedda Zenovka! It's a fabulous sim this month!

So please visit LEA 6 this month! Be entranced by HEARTSEED!

Have fun and enjoy the art!

-Victoria Lenoirre