Home

Advertisement

Customize

Baronial · Notations

Recent Entries · Archive · Friends · User Info

* * *
I have summed up the past few hours of mysterious happenings in Palisade thusly: The Curious Situation of the Denied Gargoyle
* * *
I may have to switch dimensional translator clients temporarily. The new version of 'Emerald' (1.23.4.904) has very helpfully remembered my log-on information in such a way as to prevent me from logging on. Repeated inputs produce the same error message, whether everything is retyped, checkboxes checked or not. This will cause issues with event attendance for the nonce.

[starts disassembling devices]

* * *
To my profound dismay, I missed notice of this abruptly-assembled ceremony this afternoon; however, one good citizen has shared photographs of this unique event, being the first dual dubbing of Knights of Caledon.

My hearty congratulations to the well-deserving new chivalry.

* * *
As I knew Frau Lowey would have problems seeing in such a crowd, and in such a large cathedral, as well as having a particular point of view from my position behind the groom, I was able to take photographs at the Antiquity royal wedding with minimal trouble. I believe the Primgraph might be publishing a short account of the event as well, with their own selections from my proofs.

Thumbnails of selected images with links to the full-sized copies )



As pleasant as an occasion as this was, this is still somewhat frivolous to document. I have some notes on JIRAs and scripts which I hope to have in proper order soon.

* * *
His Grace, the Grand Duke Gregg of Antiquity did me the signal honour of requesting I be one of his groomsmen at his long-anticipated wedding to Grand Duchess Angel. The rehearsal is in the morning; the wedding in the late morning. This should be a very... interesting experience.
* * *
Although I had some vexing technical issues which removed me from the dance for a short time, I found the Third Annual Bookbinders' Ball hosted by the Prim Minister of New Toulouse in association with her Librarian, Frl. GallateaSu Beaumont, to be a delightful and creative event. Their theme was this: To come dressed either as a heroine from some work of literature, or in some wise to evoke a heroine. Obviously, in my case, I would have to choose the latter. I also had the issue of Steelhead's Friday dance overlapping with this worthy event - and it was a special occasion this Friday, as it was officially welcoming Steelhead Shanghai into the city's fold.

One of my oldest friends is from the far East, and has a most distinguished family line. The book Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based upon events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of China, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in 280. One of these kingdoms is known as Sūn Wú or sometimes Eastern Wu. The Sun family eventually claimed the title of emperor to counter the claim of the ruler of Wei, to the north. They controlled a large area south of the Yangtze River down to the southern coastline, and east roughly 'facing' the island known to the mainland people as Liúqiú, but in its native language as Taiwan. Most appropriately to their military prowess, they were decendants of the strategist Sun Tzu who lived several centuries prior to the foundation of Eastern Wu.

Sun Jian was a respected general who put down rebellions; he had five sons and a daughter - and it is this daughter, known to history as Sun Shangxiang and referenced in Romance of the Three Kingdoms (as Sun Ren), who was represented in spirit at the Bookbinders' Ball. Her father took the prudent measure of making sure the warlord's daughter knew how to handle weapons; the story goes that when she was married off for alliance purposes to the Emperor of Shu Han (the westernmost of the Three Kingdoms), she moved into her new husband's household with one hundred armed maidservants - and he feared for his life whenever he visited her. She is often spoken of as an equal in spirit to her brothers.

Two of her brothers were most notable: Sun Ce built on his father's successes and built up a militia and power base that eventually his brother Sun Quan was able to declare himself emperor over the lands the two warrior brothers had brought under their control. Sun Quan ruled until his death at age 70; he was succeeded by his son, then his grandson and his nephew before Wu was conquered.

The costuming I wore to these social events was labelled 'Kongming' by the tailor. Kong Ming (his courtesy name, given at adulthood), or Chu-ko Liang, was also from this Three Kingdoms period, and a character in the novel. Most appropriately, from all historical evidence, he was a Spark - but more on that in a moment. He was associated with the Sun family through his wife's family connections, and they by marriage to Lady Sun. It was Chu-ko's plan that allowed Wu one of its greatest victories in battle, although he actually served the Han Dynasty in their land of Shu. His greatest victory would have been the defeat of the Kingdom of Wei in order to re-establish the Han over all China, but despite his generally superior tactics and strategies, his attacks were always turned back. His cleverness earned him the nickname of 'Hidden Dragon'.

Chu-ko's inventiveness made him a part of legend. Story has it that he invented the mantou (a wheat-flour steamed bun), the landmine and possibly the wheelbarrow; rendered improvements on a semi-automatic crossbow; created a maze with unusual properties and created paper lanterns which were able to use the hot air from a flame in the manner of balloons for wartime signalling and a method of spycraft. The last may be a respectful attribution instead of a historical fact, however.

He is usually depicted wearing formal robes and carrying a fan of crane feathers - and indeed, my costume came with a fan of this nature. Although I am not hidden at all, I should like to think I was able to represent someone likely a peer and who had challenges not unlike the ones I have faced in Europa.

* * *
And apparently not following doctor's instructions. Caladon Rae went to the hospital the evening before last, as SLT time goes, with her leg badly swollen. She has reported they had to perform surgery to relieve the problem, had complications (no detail), and is now on strict bedrest for a week.

Which means she'd best not be reading this. I have staff watching for her showing up where she should not.

* * *
Fraulein Llewelyn of the CDS and elsewhere posted this some time back as a guest writer; she has some useful and interesting points to make, as do her respondents.
* * *
Last night's news on top of the midnight arrival of Shanghai the night before was most pleasant indeed in the shadow of some current circumstances. Nothing quite as dire - at least so far - as when Frau Skytower was possessed, but troublesome nonetheless. Finding Josiah Barthelmess standing in the crowd of local protestors outside Fraulein Frye's rather poorly-located 'Gasworks' was more reminiscent of an unpleasant dream one isn't sure one has awoken from or not. Not a nightmare, but more akin to those dreams where one becomes trapped in waist-deep paperwork, all of which needs to have been completed an hour ago. There are some people who do not have the grace to stay dead. He was loudly proclaiming, along with Fraulein Frye, the benefits and triumph of technological advancement, all the time while ducking Fraulein Burton's swipes at him. Herr Maxim would have gladly taken him in hand with the typical Jäger enthusiasm, but Steelhead's days of frontier lawlessness are well behind it, and it would not have ended as quickly as Barthelmess if he had. The temptation was strong - as was doing something about that plant. For all that Fraulein Frye believes she's doing something positive, she's showing an appalling lack of understanding the community on which she's inflicting her ideas.

Frau Lowey has spoken to me about Wulfgang. She is quite terrified for her son's fate, although she does not show it easily nor has she given in to panic. Herr Sheriff Ortega is doing what he can from his unique knowledge and range of experiences. This trek into the wilderness should prove extremely interesting.

Meanwhile, Fraulein Stereo Nacht is doing quite well for the Consulate in En Garde competitions. Her latest report says that she made the finals, but lost in the first round to a very tough player. I am quite pleased that she is showing the flag, so to speak, and am considering making her our team captain officially.

I am concerned for Fraulein Genie's spirits. Her medical expenses have caused her to sell Cockleburr Corner and move into a houseboat. Wherever shall she keep her chickens? I was, however, able to find a good spot on the bluff in Murdann, near our fencing piste, to set up her SLopoly table; it is a clever game, and allows her to participate in Consulate hospitality by having it available.

My correspondence is well near drowning me. I have letters well overdue.
* * *
For winning the Best Graphic Story Hugo Award for this year.
* * *
Lady Skusting brought this magazine to my attention: http://issuu.com/slvibe/docs/july09

There are interviews with the Vicereine, Guvnah Shang, Fraulein Fatima Ur, a photo-essay on New Babbage and the current tumult there, the gardens of Giverny and quite a bit more.

* * *
There is more, as always, on the New Babbage Ning, but here is a distinctive view of the Vernian Deep, which extends eastward from the Vernian Sea:


I hover using my personal gyrocopter in the centre of the photograph

* * *
Fraulein Magdalena Kamenev (Liaison to Edison & New Toulouse) shared this after Herr Sanpierre Juran shared it with her: A kinematic recording of a clank from the Far East
* * *
Unfortunately, I missed taking some for Steam SkyCity, Al Andalus and Edison. Fraulein Darwinian is sharing some of hers, but anyone else who might have some to share, your contributions would be appreciated.

In the meantime, the staff found this picture which reminded them of our Chancellor.

* * *
Although I cannot say I exactly approve of how Consulate staff participated, I must commend them for their initiative, boldness and athletic figures.
* * *
...for it is on this day, back in 2007, that the sound of Radio Riel was first heard across the regions of Caledon in Second Life. Since then, Radio Riel has become a significant broadcaster in Second Life and beyond, providing a 24-hour service bringing our own eclectic brand of music from the past, in-world and to the Internet at large, as well as providing music for entertainments across the grid along with educational and literary events.

Two years on, the station is now poised to take the next step in its development, opening up new audiences on the Internet and in emerging virtual environments. Exciting changes are ahead, which we will be announcing in full shortly.

In the meantime, come and join us for a special 24-hour live broadcast from The Clarendon in New Babbage - http://slurl.com/secondlife/New%20Babbage/210/63/103 - where many of our presenters will be playing the music they love, and that you can hear from day to day on the Radio Riel Main Stream. The programme is as follows (all listings subject to change: times SLT/PDT):

Time Presenter Program
0:00 Magdalena Kamenev Jazz/pop remixes
1:00 Gabrielle Riel Victorian/Edwardian Music
2:00 Gabrielle Riel Victorian/Edwardian Music
3:00 Gabrielle Riel Victorian/Edwardian Music
4:00 Edward Pearse TBD
5:00 Edward Pearse Scottish Sounds
6:00 Edward Pearse Mad Science Choons
7:00 Gabrielle Riel Steampunk
8:00 Gabrielle Riel Electronica Evolution
9:00 Diamanda Gustafson Loudband and Folk
10:00 Diamanda Gustafson Loudband and Folk
11:00 Gabrielle Riel French Music of all Genres
12:00 Soliel Snook The amazing Bela Fleck
13:00 Elrik Merlin The Early Music Show
14:00 Elrik Merlin Celtic Miscellany
15:00 Elrik Merlin The Light Programme
16:00 Otenth Paderborn Scandinavian
17:00 Gabrielle Riel Modern Classical
18:00 Gabrielle Riel Modern American Classical
19:00 Magdalena Kamenev Nuevo Tango/Digital Cumbia
20:00 Mitsu Figaro Traditional Japanese
21:00 Mitsu Figaro Jpop/rock
22:00 Mitsu Figaro Techno around the world
23:00 Magdalena Kamenev Mad Mash-Ups

Please join us in person to listen on-site; dance or have a cup of tea. Or tune in to our Main Stream - http://music.radioriel.org .

* * *
[21:39] Roberto Viking: Xstreet is the Amazon of SL
[21:39] Ceidru Gothly: I thought Miss Karas was.
* * *
Frau Xandra Skytower, now safely protected from her imprinting and otherwise fully healed, has created a 'Wulfenbach Key' in the style of her First Life artwork.



A poll from an exterior source, to ensure all might be able to vote:

















Name the Consulate of Europa Wulfenbach En Garde fencing team
Choose up to three names; I will take the results under consideration
Wolf Creek Sabres
TPU Athletic Dept.
The Fencing Clanks
The Wulfenbach Wolves
The En Garde Engineers
The Dingbots
The Europan Flynns
Der Lightning Schtrikez
BladeSparks
The Sweet Lightnings
Pointy End First
The Red Fires
The Right Monsters
Wulf Gang
Poll starter: K. Wulfenbach See Results

* * *
* * *
And best dismissed to the past, so I shall discuss some more cheerful items instead:

The Managers of Steelhead, Lunar and Tensai, have completed the move of their household in reasonable order, and with minimal injuries, just in time to celebrate Frau Tensai's birthday (actually yesterday, 18 May) this coming Friday. Fire retardant clothing may be prudent.



Sergeant Birdsan Weezles has celebrated her first rez-day already. It feels as if I was just sighing over her service record yesterday.



New Babbage is taking reservations for their eighth sim. Such rapid progress is quite remarkable, and I congratulate the Clockwinder on his daring expansion.



With the generous gift of space in Murdann, Orcadia, I have finally purchased and set up an En Garde piste. Apparently this means we will also have a Consulate team, although how determinedly we shall compete is another matter altogether. However, it will need a name. Here are some of the suggestions I've had already; I know I am missing one or two:
  • Wolf Creek Sabres

  • TPU Athletic Dept.

  • The Fencing Clanks

  • The Wulfenbach Wolves

  • The En Garde Engineers

  • The Dingbots

  • The Europan Flynns (as in Errol)

  • Der Lightning Schtrikez
I will accept suggestions from any who wish to submit them, as long as they are reasonably short (otherwise they will not display well on the En Garde signage) and, of course, 'printable'. I will eventually set up a poll either using LiveJournal code or at an external site to ensure full access, and take the results under advisement.

* * *

Previous

Advertisement

Customize