Reader Submitted: The SL DJ And Host Hall Of Fame

By Alysabelle Resident

Well its been a long time since I wrote an article. This one in particular I have been keenly interested in, the place is called the SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame. Perhaps this article will be an eye opener for those, who like me, who didn't even know that the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame existed or unless assuming you are a Deejay or a Host in Second Life then perhaps you have heard about it. But despite all this I still wanted to know all about it and inform everyone who never known what the SL DJ and Host Hall Of fame is all about . I realize quickly that Deejays and Host have a place of their own in recognition of their hard work and in entertaining us with their music and banter. It was a true eye opener for me as always I hope that I have done justice in writing this article , this is my very first Second Life venue I have written about.

I was fascinated about SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame and knowing myself I had to pursue my curiosity as always . I want to start by saying I have attended several events mostly inductee's and a few memorial services and even a fund raiser and it was successful . It's an interesting story how the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame came to be. First the owners are DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard) and DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) prior to the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame, DJ 3 D has deejay for six years in SL. DJ 3D owned and managed a place called the SL Rock and Roll Memorial Museum for six years she owned and managed three clubs herself and as well as managed other club owners venues . She has trained staff and place them into clubs. DJ Chris has been a DJ for 7 years and owned at one time three clubs in Second Life as well. He trained 22 deejay's and 18 hosts for one club alone called the Fantasy Rock which at the time it was number one in Second Life for a year. He also owned a club called Galaxy Garden and both DJ Chis and DJ Dia co -owned a placed call CJ's Rock Club. They also have extensive real life back round in the music industry of one sort or another.

Without a doubt its obvious DJ Chris and DJ Dia complement each other and they had a vision to open a venue called the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame and soon there after their vision was realized when it open up on March 14th 2014 . Of course they didn't realize how popular it would eventually become, it's also recognized by Linden Lab . You can tell when you visit the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame that it is a true labor of love. They had this intense desire for the deejay's and hosts/hostesses in Second Life to be recognized not for any popularity contest at all, but for them to be recognize for the hard work involved in being a Deejay or a Host and to be honored by their peers. The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame consist of numerous highly experiences judges and they themselves go out into different venues and listen to the Deejay's or Host or both and if there is any type of recommendation or improvement they will provide it, for SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame their desire for Deejay's and Host to become one of the best in Second Life.

The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame is a non-profit organization and like any other non -profit organization they do ask for any and all donations to continue to flourish as well as provide support for the tier. They encourage anyone who would like to hire a Deejay or Host for any event to either contact DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard)or DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) and would be happy to provide one of the best inductee's in Second Life. They also happily encourage anyone who would like to plan an event at The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame to contact them. From time to time they hold fund raiser for the Hall, Recently theyhad an R and B Halloween music fest and it was quite the successful .

Once you teleport to The SL DJ Hall Of Fame you will be facing the entrance door to the right there is a teleporter to the many stores that are on the right and left side of the Hall . The DJ and Host Hall Of Fame itself is quite impressive the details are immaculate . If you cam up you will notice two animated amplifiers and a mixer board. The SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame was build by none other by Che Bonpuli (cheonjiwang) what an impressive building it is ! When you turn around prior to walking in the Hall there is a vintage record player, speakers, turn table in large form, deejay's can as well hold an event there it was created by Squeeeeeaky. Squeeeeeaky also created some of the frames inside the The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame quite creatively, before him it was DJ SteveRay Vaughn created and design their plaques. They have a Mascot and his name is Crebb Seetan is a psychedelic dragon . He has been with the DJ and Host Hall of Fame since their opening and prior he was with the owners for the Rock n Roll Museum. For applying to be inducted in the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame any Deejay or Host in Second Life or a friend of theirs can apply to become an inductee in the SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame. Upon entering in the Hall you will notice both application forms are on either side of the desk at the bottom and on the left side application for Deejay's on the right side application for host. Once inducted the inductee's receive a plaque and a trophy, if they come to the induction itself.

Continuing as you look into the Hall on the right and left you will notice Deejay inductions and host induction plaques. Behind the desk there is the stage and to the left of the stage you will notice a Headset tip jar for the venue to help with the tier, you will notice a podium as well for the Master of Ceremony and the chairs up front on the stage facing the audience is for the Deejay's or Host who will be Inducted in the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame. There are also numerous chairs for guest and family to attend . For the Host inductions it usually takes place the third Sunday of each month. The DJ induction usually takes place the last Sunday of each month the festivities start at 5 pm slt and the ceremony starts at 6 pm SL time. Both ceremonies last approx: and hour give or take. They also have Memorial service upon request for Deejay's and Host but please inquire with either DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard)or DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) for time and date to be discussed . The Inductions and the Memorial are done both in voice and in text. The voice for the Hall Of Fame is real life professional voice actor DJ James Eastman. And the dress code is always formal.

On the second floor is set aside for the future Deejay induction plaques and as well the second floor overlooks the stage. On the third floor the entire promenade there are more Deejay plaques that have been inducted. On the third floor to the left you will discover the Marie Bravitz host wing which houses all the plaques of the Hosts inducted in the SL Dj& Host Hall of Fame. And to the right the DJ Jay Jones Honorary DJ Wing that house the plaques of honorary deejays. This wing honors those Deejay's with real life and or Second Life that have years of experience. .

The SL DJ Hall Of Fame consist of over 272 DJ inductions and 40 Host inductions and growing. Here are the colors of the plaque and there meanings...The gold frames are only for the Deejay's, the silver frames are for the Host. The silver and gold frames are both a combination of both a Deejay and a Host . If the plaques at the bottom are red on either gold or silver frames or both these deejays or host have passed away.

The next induction would normally take place at the end of November but due to Thanksgiving it has been scheduled for December 2nd 2018.

Landmark for the Dj Hall Of Fame

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aprils%20Sanctum/192/168/22

Social Media...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLDJHALLOFFAME/

I would encourage anyone to visit the DJ and Host Hall Of Fame it is quite impressive it's also open to the public . In closing, I found both DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard) and DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) very informative and a pleasure to have met them .

Thank you .

Alysabelle Resident.

Reader Submitted: Gardens Of Grace

By Alysabelle

Every once in a while you encounter a place or a person that touches your heart (I'll explain how this place has touched and affected me personally later in the article). This dear lady who is the owner of this sim, her name is Aridis Inaka, whom I had a few conversations with. And by the way, at the time she didn't know I was interviewing her for this article but later told her before it was published.

She, without a doubt, put her heart and soul into this place. A true labor of love, I expressed how special it is and she is incredibly humble about her creativity. She has sensitivity for others who have traveled a path that only those who know what it feels like inside. From sadness or loneliness and or just joy of life, she understands you even without any communication simply because if you look around the sim its all for those to see. She is truly a beautiful person inside and an incredibly attentive to detail.

When she first built this sim, she would watch people where they stood. And if they stood in a spot long enough, the next time they re-entered the sim she would have a seating area there for them. She mentioned to me that some people actually noticed: She as well incorporated things that she loved into the sim . This place she created is a gift for others a true selfless gesture . If this sim doesn't touch you as much as it has for m,e then the place hasn't spoken to you as of yet. But I'm sure eventually it will . The name of the sim, which is appropriately called, is "The Garden of Grace." It's a place where you can write , dance , or just ponder and relax the day away alone or with friends or a loved one. It truly has all the same quality of peacefulness that embraces you, wherever you are on the sim. As you walk around, you will certainly find a place to sit on a chair perhaps, or a cushion, a bench or even a swing with that special someone or a friend or alone. What is a bit different then most sims you have a clear view of the sunset or sunrise whatever you prefer to be on either opposite.

Once you teleport here, you will find yourself given on the top right hand corner of your screen two gifts, and a notecard about the rules: One gift is a hug attachment, and the other is a red rose (such sweet gifts). And as you cam down on the ground, there is a gift box of silly items from Aridis Inaka. And surely some would bring a smile, or some laughter. Near the box, you will see a teleporting pad. There are several on sim where it brings you to different locations on sim example: the ballroom the chapel and so on. And there is a group invite to the right.

As you walk down a few steps to a small platform overlooking the sim facing you you will see a few waterfalls and the one to your right if you cam in through the waterfall you will notice a seating area and a roaring fire. Quite creative, who would have thought to put a seating area there? A cute little hidden area if you continue to cam upwards. There is a piano for a small child to play on and a large piano for an adult, and two rocking chairs. A little to the right, you see a few dance balls as you cam upwards, one for a single man and another for a single woman, and a couples crystal tear dance ball. In fact there are crystal tear dance balls tucked here and there across the sim.

Turning completely to the left, you will notice there is a lighthouse, which has been deemed originally a safe haven, a beacon of light for those who are lost. As you enter inside, you have a ladder that you climb to the top that over looks the sim. If you cam up over the top of the lighthouse, you have two pose balls, a resting place. Climbing back down the ladder, or as I prefer jumping off the lighthouse (giggle), you face the front of the light house. As you turn to your left, you as you cross over a bridge, you see a floating log. Clicking on log, you sit, swim, or meditate. And to the right, there is an open umbrella with several animations.

Passing the umbrella as you continue to walk the path, you will come upon Gmoky's, the large bunny with a floppy ear, a bird that is pecking on his ear, and a hugging pose ball . I don't know about you, but sometimes I just want a quiet hug without anyone asking me 'are you okay?' And Gmoky, if you click on him, gives you notecards of advice, from 1 to 18. On this particular day his advice to me was "Don’t fry bacon in the nude." *LaughingOutLoud* Winks! Well, that's a given! *grins*.

As you jump off Gmoky's hug and continue walking through the forest, to your left you will see a treehouse. As you continue walking, as you cam up there is a hot air balloon where a couple can dance or float away on a smaller balloon. Back on the ground, you will notice cuddle blankets or logs, until you come upon to the left tai chi and meditation cushions, and further out 4 seating area with a fireplace. To the right there are two small bridges crossing over. To the bridge, you will notice the waterfall and a seating area facing the waterfall. As you cam up, you will notice the little church where you can actually elope. On the right side of the church you will notice "Cica's Cafe Romance 2." Click-sit on the chair while the butterflies are flapping overhead. In other words, it's interactive, and you are part of the painting. Eventually as you continue to walk through the path, you will notice a houseboat. At the very top of the boat there is a table and chairs. Perhaps a small romantic dinner for two?

Then as you continue to walk, you will arrive to small memorial garden of people who have passed away and those who memorialize them. Is it depressing? No, it's a touching expression. It's also a moment of personal reflection, a time spend with memories that surround you. One may wonder why? Why not in real life? Why here? Well if you're here in Second Life or real life, it doesn't matter, It's all the same. Who is behind the avatar but you? And sometimes a person can't get to someone's resting place in real life, or they couldn't afford to have one. There are many various reason. But ultimately they decided to place a memorial here. And to embrace that feeling this way, it's actually intently beautiful. I have personally been touched that way by this little corner of the sim. I often come here and think about the loved ones in my real life. And when I glance to my right and see the lighthouse, it truly is a beacon of light for those who are now home, and for those like me who feel lost at times to feel safe.

There are countless other things I haven't mention, so please explore the sim. She also has a way of changing it up a little, adding and removing certain elements to the sim. You will notice all her little touches.

Aria mentioned to me that she doesn't understand how this place has helped so many people, even as far as into their real lives, she said. Well, to me it's simple. Who but the person that created this sim for all those who at times are like me. who enter when emotions arise and engulf you, and you just happen to turn and look at the lighthouse with its beacon of light shining a path, that light. Aridis welcomes you. YOU welcome us all home .

And how do I thank you Aria, but in the only way i know how. Thank you Aridis Inaka from the bottom of my heart to yours for creating a safe haven for everyone. My quest and hope was to do justice writing about this sim because somewhere along the way and with all it's personal touches, it has moved me so much so enough to the point I have taken the time to reflect and write about it. And take very care about this beautiful place.

Cloud Nine (128, 127, 33)

Thank you,
Alysabelle

Reader Submitted: A Little Treasure, Calas Galadhon Park's Glanduin

By Alysabelle Resident

I truly wish you would come inworld and see the place yourself. It's so remarkably beautiful. Its not just the house itself. Its everything around and about the entire area . In every corner you have one thing or another that you haven't seen before. Please note I'm not a writer and never will be, with the countless mistakes and grammar errors, that's me.

 

I took pictures for you, although trust me, they don't depict all of what this place looks like. I also send you the landmark inworld.  In January, Truck (truck.meredith) and Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) who own the sims at Calas Galadhon Park, closed for the month of January for a much needed break, and re-opened the 1st of February . What I understand is that Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) and Truck (truck.meredith) collaborate decorating and designing the sims for Calas Galadhon. Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) is the landscaper, who I have to say does a beautiful job. I did ask him a few questions this morning on what his motivation of creating a farm on one of the sims called Glanduin in particular, he mention the motivation was a lot of idea's in his mind and that he lived in the country most of his life and that in the farm house itself there are picture of his actual ancestors .

I have to say the country farm land, which I call it, it's just the most loveliest thing I have ever seen. The most picture perfect country farm house/ barn  and so on that anyone would or could imagine. I have never seen anything so detailed in Second Life before like this place. I'll give you a few examples : the rope swing in the back of the house, the seating area with an outdoor fire pit. The swing set on the side of the house and the two seating area's on the rock nearby, with full animations. The front side of the house, you see a brown fence and horses, and the fence itself animates. Some poses bring you back to childhood example standing up with your arms outstretched tip toeing across the fence back and fort. Or sitting reading a love letter while you clutch the letter to your chest in remembrance of a loved one or love one hand written letter and that is just a few animations of many. There is also a black horse click sit and there is many poses as well , how sweet. 

 

As you keep going down the hill, you have a pond with gooses and a seating area overlooking the pond then there is the barn with the animals. There is a large pig, who won first prize at some country fair I imagine, rabbits, a turkey, chickens nearby, goats, cows, a horse rezzer nearby, the sheep in the back of the house, the cats and dogs in and outside the house, the ferrets even. There's plenty of plant life, the oak trees, cherry trees, the birch trees on the exterior, the countless flowers in and around the house, and more. In fact in the front of the house, how adorable, two pose balls that is written ' get to work.' You sit on them and choose a summer hat male or female as well as a rake and your avie animates to rake. There is even a clothes line with some clothes out to dry.

If you yourself lived on a farm in real life, or knew someone that did or even spent summers at your grandparents country home or someone else' grandparents country home, if you close your eyes you will, I'm sure, remember the smell of grandmother's  baked cookies. Walk into the house it may just evoke long ago memories. You feel transported in another time where life was simpler then it is today. And the conversational pieces that may arise amongst  one another visiting Glanduin and the inevitable question that usually arise "Do you remember when ...?" I'm sure it will bring a smile upon your face.

And if you're like me who never lived on a farm, but I imagine myself as my friends told their countless stories of summer's passed with their grandparents at their country place and the memories that they recounted. And I writing vicariously through their once upon a time storie.

Thank you,

 

Glanduin (135, 78, 26)

　

Alysabelle