tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15505745576505042002024-03-12T19:49:55.873-07:00The Last Idle RogueThe journal of a girl and her gridchryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-21281413848201589732015-04-12T17:41:00.000-07:002015-04-12T18:10:17.596-07:00Double Threat, Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4vYl1CImIw/VSpOqNctJJI/AAAAAAAABOE/GgB_ojfT588/s1600/doublethreat%2Bfinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4vYl1CImIw/VSpOqNctJJI/AAAAAAAABOE/GgB_ojfT588/s1600/doublethreat%2Bfinal.png" height="216" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Every week I read <a href="http://strawberrysingh.com/category/berrys-blogger-challenge/" target="_blank">Strawberry Singh's blogger challenges</a> and tell myself I am going to start doing them. The idea, if you don't know, is that she posts a "meme challenge" and encourages people to do their own and link to hers in the comments section of her blog. They are fun little ideas, especially if you're a blogger who is struggling for new material, which I am not, because I mostly ignore my blog, as you all know.<br />
<br />
But I have some big news to announce this week, and I am hopping on Berry's meme to do it. The theme of the meme is <a href="http://strawberrysingh.com/2015/04/06/double-threat-meme/" target="_blank">"Double Threat"</a>, and I'm part of one! Starting next week, Meegan Danitz and the crew from <a href="http://afterdarksl.com/" target="_blank">After Dark</a> are moving to <a href="http://idlerogue.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Idle Rogue</a>!<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<h2>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Double Threat </span></b></h2>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two online screen names you’ve had:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> embee21. Usually some form or variation of embee. I can't think of another besides <span class="il">Meegan</span><br />
<span class="il"><i>Chry: </i>I have been chryblnd since 1997, but I do use other screen names, including, of course, my Guild Wars 2 main, <a href="http://chryblnd.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/building-artje-orestes.html" target="_blank">Artje Orestes</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kgf1PlnrV0" target="_blank">Wild-eyed Crazy Mary</a> was an alt I used in the first chat I hung out in. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two video games you’ve played:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> LOL. I'm actually not much of a gamer other than SL. I played a mean
centipede back in the day but I think I'm exposing my age by saying
that.<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span></i> I like to say I play <a href="https://www.guildwars2.com/" target="_blank">Guild Wars 2</a>, but the truth is I don't find time much any more. I tell myself every day I will be back, but this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuerillaBurlesque" target="_blank">Guerilla Burlesque</a> thing, it's time-consuming.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two things you love about Second Life:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> Dance and Music. It's pretty simple<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span></i> The way it uncovers creativity in people who might not even know they have it; and the way you can immerse so completely in beauty.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two things you’ve done in Second Life:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> I'm a business owner and a performer. Neither is anything I ever would have tried in RL. I'm really quite shy.<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span> </i>Well there's naked parachuting. I also played roller derby for about five minutes<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two things you still want to do in Second Life:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> I want to learn how to take better pictures. I also want to learn to make particles.<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span></i> I'd like to publish a really cutting edge media outlet. And learn to live mix as a DJ. <br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two things you like about your Second Life avatar:</b> <span class="il"> </span></span><br />
<span class="il"><i>Meegan:</i> Meegan</span>'s ass. <a href="http://afterdarksl.com/?p=152" target="_blank">It really is fierce</a>. I also think she has a sweet face and I like that.<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span></i> Chry is muscular but still curvy. She looks strong, and I love that. She dresses well too.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two of your Second Life Pet Peeves:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> Forced landing points at shopping venues and random people asking me what's going on tonight. Is your event search broken?<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span> </i>"I'm leaving". You are not, nobody leaves. Also conference calls summoning me to your event. C'mon. I already have you on my friends list, I am in your groups, and all the other music groups, I have you on facebook ... I know what you're doing, quit that one last spam shit.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two things you did as a newb that you’re embarrassed of:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> wearing boxes but I still do that. Oh and wearing instead of adding clothes. I ended up nude on more than one occasion.<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span> </i>I refused to wear an ao for months because I didn't understand what they did. Now I can't even bear to look at someone else who hasn't one. Also, fell madly in love because I didn't know it was possible and didn't have my customary walls up.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two of your closest friends in Second Life: </b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> TheaDee and Chryblnd Scribe. I would have picked Cori but I'm closer to her in RL.<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry:</span></i> Oh this is a tough one. I'm not encouraged to have friends, in case it feels like favouritism. Plus the nature of my work is that I am more or less emotionally involved with people according to their needs, and it's a two way street. If someone I am working with needs extra emotional support, then I am often very close to them, but sometimes it's just for that period.<br />
I will say this - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeeganDanitz21?fref=ts" target="_blank">Meegan Danitz</a> has carried and sometimes dragged me through some rough days over the last year, and she does it with a kind of generous calm that I really respond to. I am also, of course, very close to Lingual Markus, who tells people I am his best friend when in reality he is much better to me than I am to him.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Two of the most beloved things in your inventory:</b> </span><br />
<i>Meegan:</i> My obscenely large dance collection and my new mesh bodies<br />
<i><span class="il">Chry: </span></i><a href="https://www.tumblr.com/reblog/97178217111/S8u5YMIE" target="_blank"><span class="il">Jet, my dog</span></a><i><span class="il">,</span></i><span class="il"> and the lip piercing made for me by that first love.</span><i><span class="il"><br /></span></i></div>
<br />
What does this merger mean for Idle Rogue? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterDarkSL?fref=ts" target="_blank">After Dark</a> run a stylish and cool
live music venue, where the attention to detail is perfect. They treat
their musicians well, establishing productive relationships, nurturing
their talent and promoting their endeavours. They treat the fans well,
providing a warm and inclusive atmosphere in which to enjoy
performances. So for Idle Rogue, this means we get live music run by
people who care at the same high standard we do.<br />
<br />
Additionally,
over coming weeks we will move the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/idlerogue/photos/a.871943469533454.1073741841.119229261471549/871971532863981/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Metaharper Interactive Gallery</a> to
it's own environment, making use of Gloriana Maertens graceful "Mayfair"
build to house the cutting edge interactive dance stages. If you have
not discovered these yet, they house fully-realised version of some of
the best-known dance acts in SL. You just select the one you like, and
the props and choreography will be rezzed for you as the music begins to
play. Jump on the poser, and you are the dancer - it's a really great
way to be part of the thrilling things happening in dance entertainment
today.<br />
<br />
I am beyond excited, and I hope you guys will
make yourselves part of the new and vibrant community that can grow
around this fusion of music and dance. Double threat? You bet we are! We are
about to open the doors to the best entertainment sim in Second Life.chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-48691702982673630692015-04-02T21:58:00.000-07:002015-04-03T00:36:16.852-07:00Mastering The Ring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4qx9UwT5mQ/VRyP7NVx5xI/AAAAAAAABNY/AX0kCyrndPY/s1600/Snapshot_039.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4qx9UwT5mQ/VRyP7NVx5xI/AAAAAAAABNY/AX0kCyrndPY/s1600/Snapshot_039.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As we put the finishing touches on a new round of Le Cirque de Nuit, I find myself reflecting on this creative process of mine. The mind map for this production is labyrinthine, it stretches back many years, and has been hand-drawn, shaded and re-coloured according to my personal belief system and the influences that have passed over that.<br />
<br />
I always wanted a Circus. I thought burlesque and circus could work so well together, and that was the motivation behind The Beautiful Freaks Burlesque Circus. Beautiful Freaks was to be a kind of melding of circus, burlesque and dark cabaret influences. It worked too, but I let it go in a moment of self-doubt. Lesson One: Don't let that happen again.<br />
<br />
The story of how we came to The Night Circus is part of the annals now, and has been included in more than one interview: newly arrived at Guerilla Burlesque and on my Facebook friends list, Gloriana Maertens recommended a novel to me, and I was so caught by the imagery within it, it was easy to imagine it in Second Life.<br />
<br />
It wasn't my first foray into an event production. Mark Moffre and L.David Hesler had both very generously allowed me to work with their original music to create dance entertainment productions, and I'd learned a great deal about managing my own team and piecing together the elements of a show on their time.<br />
<br />
But Le Cirque De Nuit brought it's own magic with it. It arose at a time when I needed very badly to work, and at a time when Arrehn Oberlander's work towards scripted cameras began to show results. And, of course, at a time when Gloriana was available and willing to do the work of building it.<br />
<br />
This is what I enjoy most in these projects. Imagining a notion, and drawing together the people who can profoundly influence it. I cannot now imagine a circus project as compelling, as satisfying, as the one Glori, Arrehn and I have majicked together - and I use the term deliberately. Cirque is charmed, I am convinced of it.<br />
<br />
The original story, if you do not know, is a tale of two illusionists - one naturally gifted and born into The Business. One carefully selected and trained to it. They were raised to compete against each other, with the ultimate goal of proving which method is the more powerful.<br />
<br />
I don't actually believe in magic, of course. But it's not hard to imagine the three of us casting our different energies at that sphere in the sky above Idle Rogue.And then came the dancers, every one of them on target despite a very soft brief. I hadn't known what we could have until they brought it, and it was an indescribable joy to watch it unfold.<br />
<br />
I am not easy to work with. I choose people based on their talent, and then let them alone to work up their part of the process. I figure they'll call me if they need me, and I can move onto another part of the plan.<br />
<br />
They hate it.<br />
<br />
My mission, it transpires, is to try and manage creative people who are capable of a high level achievement. This requires a serious humility, and I sometimes fail at it. I do not doubt I take it all too seriously. But there <i>is</i> fun, there is wonderful fun, when it all comes together - and it comes together this weekend. I hope you can make it! <br />
<br />
<u><b>Style Notes</b></u><br />
<br />
<b><i>Body:</i></b><br />
Skin - Amber Fair "Smokey" by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Duende/153/133/39" target="_blank">League</a><br />
Body and Hands - <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slink/41/127/25" target="_blank">SLink</a> Physique <br />
Hair: Zaara in Black Amber (modified for hat) by <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/130671" target="_blank">D!va</a><br />
Makeup - Circuit in Black by <a href="http://beautifulfreaksl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Beautiful Freaks</a> (link to blog)<br />
Harley by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maddox/92/242/23" target="_blank">MUA</a><br />
Eyes - Promise Oxidation by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501" target="_blank">Ikon</a><br />
Tattoo - Bohemian by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shepard/127/128/3002" target="_blank">Letis</a><br />
Nails - Dante's Daddles by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spectacle/82/21/80" target="_blank">Koffin Nails</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Clothing:</i></b><br />
<br />
Coat: Alvira Frock Coat by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spectacle/82/21/80" target="_blank">Dark Passions</a><br />
Chemise: from "Chantilly" by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Boudoir/125/190/21" target="_blank">Boudoir</a><br />
Pants: from "Applause" by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Boudoir/125/190/21" target="_blank">GlitterMonster</a><br />
Boots: Anakre from "Raine" by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beau/37/224/23" target="_blank">The Plastik</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Accessories:</i></b><br />
Monocle by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slink/41/127/25" target="_blank">Yasum</a><br />
Hat by Timelines Vintage Couture<br />
Cravat by <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/130671" target="_blank">Ladies Pleasure</a> (marketplace)<br />
Nose-ring by <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zaara/136/132/25" target="_blank">Zaara</a><br />
Garter by <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/21469" target="_blank">LouLou & Co</a><br />
Cane by <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/CI-Victorian-Cane-AO-boxed/960125" target="_blank">Creative Insanity</a> (marketplace only)<br />
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-52092744936924850672015-03-14T19:24:00.002-07:002015-03-17T13:10:04.391-07:00Let's Go Shopping!Anyone who follows my <a href="http://chryblnd.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">tumblr</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chryblnd" target="_blank">facebook pages</a> will know that I am attempting to transfer to a completely mesh body. I think, as a (sometimes) dancer, this is the right choice. The avatar movement is so much better, and the horrible texture distortions of the system avatar are greatly reduced. It's a better look, but it has to be said, it's a big challenge right now to clothe my avatar.<br />
<br />
This is, in part, down to me. I tweaked Chry's shape from the beginning. For example, I have bigger breasts in first life, and it's always been a problem styling, with blouses and tops. So Chry has a smaller bust in SL. When she became a dancer, I made her legs more muscular. And I have always liked the look of broader shoulders on women, "swimmers shoulders", so that's what I gave her. Of course, like every woman born, I bring my own body issues to the table, so she has a super flat stomach.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say, she's not the Standard Size. I can tweak her a little to fit, but sometimes the changes are too great, and I am not prepared to create a shape for every outfit, given that I change <i>a lot</i>.<br />
<br />
I wear the SLink Physique body, and one idea that I think is totally under-developed is the appliers. These "paint" the clothing onto the body - like system clothes, but drawn onto the mesh body. No gaps, no weird holes where your armpit ought to be, and the clothes fit perfectly.<br />
<br />
For my Second Life, I need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Business style clothing for meetings and other professional situations</li>
<li>Urban clothing because that's probably my favourite casual look</li>
<li>Great jeans, cus I'm a rockstar dontcha know</li>
<li>At least one formal gown eaach week for Guerilla Burlesque shows. Yes I do re-wear, but I do think Chry is in the kind of position where she ought to be cutting edge in formal fashion</li>
<li>Steampunk clothing because steampunk plays a large role in my life</li>
<li>Costumes for stage and circus work </li>
<li>Knickers. Many, many knickers.</li>
</ul>
So I hunt for these appliers quite regularly on Marketplace. I will also buy good mesh pieces, but these tend to be specialty pieces - a classic coat, a pencil skirt that fits like a skin, a leather jacket or a pretty dress to wear to a party or wedding.<br />
<br />
All this to introduce the things that annoy me about shopping for clothing right now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5o2Ct0I3l0o/VQTjEwIeCSI/AAAAAAAABK4/43Ax6ftS5ug/s1600/MpHighShorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5o2Ct0I3l0o/VQTjEwIeCSI/AAAAAAAABK4/43Ax6ftS5ug/s1600/MpHighShorts.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just feel bad for them. Like I should slip them <br />
a fiver and talk to them about good nutrition<br />
(image courtesy of <a href="http://marketplace.secondlife.com/">marketplace.secondlife.com</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. <b>This body</b>. This body shape convinces me that all the women in SL are men, and that this is a vicious parody outlet for their misogyny. There, I said it. And I don't think I need to say any more...<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
<br />
... okay, one more thing. If you advertise stuff like this for sale, I don't even look at it, because I don't even know if it would go on my normal shaped body. This isn't even the worst example, there are shapes with extended gap, outrageous ass sour faces and ginormous boobs. I mean, I <i>really</i> believe in body positivity, I do. But I ... don't ... I can't even ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlWZv9YKGgw/VQTojHKv8JI/AAAAAAAABLI/RgaxAAYga-g/s1600/nanacardie.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlWZv9YKGgw/VQTojHKv8JI/AAAAAAAABLI/RgaxAAYga-g/s1600/nanacardie.PNG" height="200" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In real life you'd need industrial strength <br />
double-sided tape to keep this cardie from <br />
flapping about. Good thing it's got that <br />
"grandma made it" sexy going on<br />
(image courtesy of <a href="http://marketplace.secondlife.com/">marketplace.secondlife.com</a>) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2.<b>Why So Slutty?</b> Ever since I have been in Second Life I have heard women bemoaning that their only choices are slutty clothes. I'm calling bullshit, because we are in a new era now, and still with the slutty clothes. By the way, I am a big defender of the S word, and I totally get that it's nice to wear clothing that emphasises your beautiful body without putting you in actual danger of physical harm. But some days I do yearn for pages and pages of well-cut blouses.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xng2kJnRe2M/VQTpQehT9nI/AAAAAAAABLQ/3aPTKi1stQc/s1600/fireworks_flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xng2kJnRe2M/VQTpQehT9nI/AAAAAAAABLQ/3aPTKi1stQc/s1600/fireworks_flag.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Sunset<br />
(image courtesy of <a href="http://marketplace.secondlife.com/">marketplace.secondlife.com</a>) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3. <b>Your bad ad</b>. If you can't use photoshop and your camera well enough to create a nice looking advertisement for your clothing, then what chance is there that the clothing (also made in photoshop) will be any better?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Also rans:</b><br />
Stuff that isn't the stuff I searched for. Seriously, if you make jeans and wardrobes, stop being lazy and posting a slab of keywords that covers both.<br />
Using the SLink (or other) logo when your product isn't specifically SLink-orientated <i>and also</i> using the SLink logo to mean your system lingerie has SLink hosiery. Looking at you, Blacklace.<br />
<br />
But since we're on the subject, thank you, Zaara Kohime, for transferring all of your lovely lingerie to SLink (and other) appliers. You literally made my day. Now ... Nena? Nena?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVPmnlowwFk/VQTs4ZfkrRI/AAAAAAAABLc/x4ufd4s7EE4/s1600/sumana_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVPmnlowwFk/VQTs4ZfkrRI/AAAAAAAABLc/x4ufd4s7EE4/s1600/sumana_001.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sumana" in gold, by Zaara. So much love (chryblnd Scribe)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-31251754882011031092015-01-26T02:36:00.001-08:002015-01-26T02:36:38.573-08:00In which we uncover the existence of an actual entourage<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/P1_NtckgpXU/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/P1_NtckgpXU&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/P1_NtckgpXU&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been in the entertainment industry since I first took
up my own land in Second Life. I have run the same venue – <a href="http://idlerogue.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Idle Rogue</a> – since 2008.
I’ve hired musicians, planned events, dealt with disappointment, faced the idea
of closing (more than once). I’ve managed musicians, good ones, and I’ve
performed myself. I currently balance the competing needs of more than thirty
highly creative performers who generate fresh content on a weekly basis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know Second Life audiences, I know how venues work and the
jaw-droppingly crazy stuff that happens in live music. I have watched,
speechless, while venue owners blatantly proposition and sexually harass musicians (I don’t doubt
the reverse also happens, but I am confident my musicians have not done it). I’ve
known way more crazed fans than seems entirely fair, and I have known them to
actually sabotage the musician they claim to love, just to prove they love them
most. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than most people, I enjoy the idea of living out some “fantasy”
adventures. Settle, you guys in the cheap seats, not those fantasies. I can
totally “get” exploring being a model, a dancer, even an escort, as part of your
Second Life. Why not? As I always say, what would you be, if you could be
anything?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some adventures, however, are a transaction, in which more
than one person, you, is involved. If your fantasy is to be a rock singer, for
example, you probably need a modicum of talent and you definitely need an
audience. You can't really be a courtesan to a King without someone willing to play the King.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have fantasies of living the life of an A-List
celebrity in Second Life, you’re probably in for some dashed hopes. Celebrity
is a specially constructed ecosystem. It requires, for one thing, a cohesive media,
somewhere to send your publicist with her press releases, magazines and
newspapers who will herd into the PR tent to grab an interview, or who will
write the reviews that make you famous. You need somewhere for your quotes to
drop, and your photos to be seen, some mass way of advising the population of
the necessity of your existence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In SL, anyone can be anything, and the media, as with
everything else, is a collection of indie publishers each catering to their own
small audience. The audience, indeed, is not much interested in what the other
outlets are doing. The “second” part of your Second Life means there’s not much
time to read several gossip mags, you probably choose one – or even more likely
none.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Believe me, I have pondered this matter across several
years. I know whereof I speak. I’d love my dancers to be famous, they’re
amazing at what they do and have stellar personalities, too. But they will only
ever be “famous” to the people who have watched them perform. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, you can roleplay your fame, and it could be
enormous fun. But if you want to act out your fame, and claim the privileges of
fame, you have to find other people who agree you’re famous. Without them, you’re
just a little bit sad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
======================================= </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NOTECARD: NOTE TO CHERRY</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Hi Cherry as you know [moderately well-known musician], [her
partner] and I will be in attendance at Mayfair tomorrow at 2 and Sunday at
5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Musician’s partner] had asked [Rogue Staff]
earlier if she would do us the honor<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of
asking [another moderately well known musician] to be [moderatlely well known
musician]'s escort, she said she would do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>[Musician’s Partner] also asked for her two top favorite SL clothing
designers to be invited, [Influential Merchant] and [Moderately Popular
Designer].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is [Partner]’s
understanding from [Staff] today that [Staff] has been too busy with Mayfair and
has not been able to accomplish any of [Partner]’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wants, to [Partner]’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and my disappointment, as she was hoping to
inspire these designers to want to create for your troupe and to show them what
is possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>That being said we love the work that you and your troupe
are doing at GB, [Partner] loves the arts as do [Musician] and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all excited to see what special magic
that you have in store for us and are extremely honored to be GB guests, would
you please do us the honor of sitting at our table with us tomorrow at 2pm, or
Sat at 5 pm. instead?</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thank You Very Much</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[One Woman Entourage]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
======================================= </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little backstory: I don’t know these people, not even a
little bit. I like the musician well enough, not entirely my style, but competent
. I’ve been to a half dozen of her concerts. I have dealt with [Entourage] when
she was booking a musician I used to manage. I don’t know [Partner] at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been oddly approached by a couple of people to book
[Musician], and both times they offered to pay [Musician]’s fee. I have no issue
with sponsored gigs, they are often troublesome, but I will always consider
them, and I’d told [Musician] I was happy to book her to open for a show I am
planning for some time in 2015. Obviously that got misconstrued, that happens,
but it wasn’t even a firm enough plan for me to be speaking to these people on
any level, and to my knowledge, the only favour between us was she plays, I
pay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know [Designer] at all, but as it happens I have
[Merchan]t on my contact list – possibly because I would never hit her up with
ridiculous shit like “escort these batshit crazy people for me?”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I hand the notecard to [Staff], who has been working her
ass off for us all week, and doing it brilliantly. I am confused. I don’t know
where these weird ideas have come from, I think maybe [Staff] knows the people [Entourage] were expecting to be pimped, or it was one of those “oh we should all
get a table together and go to Mayfair” things. I like to let the people who do the job do the job, with the instruction that we try to give our audience what they want, within reason. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[Staff] has no idea what’s going on either, and really how
would she? Who does this in anything like the real world? I am sure <a href="http://gawker.com/report-jeffrey-epstein-doesnt-like-having-sex-with-bla-1680153290" target="_blank">Jeffrey Epstein</a> can dial a number and have anyone he likes ordered to attend upon him, but it’s
not been my experience that this happens in Second Life. Because believe me, no
matter how big you think you are in Second Life, there are going to be hundreds
of thousands of people who have never heard of you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I move on with my production, which has taken months of work
by 30 people to bring to the stage, and which requires precision and skill to
bring off. At the end of the show, another card drops on my head:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
======================================= </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Notecard: Cherry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Just between us girls Cherry, [Musician] is pondering a new
album and is dropping hints of a video and that she likes the GB Troupes for,
for her [Well-Known Song], Partner is also wanting to invite the Troupe over to Some
Venue for a Venue exclusive, she's also considering [Staff]’s Partner for an
exclusive DJ Set and maybe some album work, we are just mere humble servants to
the beautiful Musician after all grins *wink Oh and please don't be hard on [Staff] we love her and know she has been extremely busy.</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Unsigned, but created and delivered by Entourage</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
======================================= </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So … I’m sorry, what? What the actual fuck? No, really, I don’t
know you, I don’t need to pimp for you, I don’t need your venue or video or a “maybe”
album. I'm not part of "us girls". I would happily recommend [Staff]’s Partner for more work, she is very
well-loved on my sim, but you and I, [Entourage], we have never spoken about
these things, because if we had you would know that we run a sufficiently
successful dance show based on our own hard work, and we have no need of any of
the things you are waving about.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are musicians we work with, and we are delighted to
collaborate with them. It’s just an idea, but maybe that’s because they don’t ask
us to go beg others to attend upon them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your sense of entitlement astonishes me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW9GFPI-t7E/VMYRntrlOHI/AAAAAAAABH0/CxM3n5Xz9rA/s1600/alist.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW9GFPI-t7E/VMYRntrlOHI/AAAAAAAABH0/CxM3n5Xz9rA/s1600/alist.PNG" height="160" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>chryblnd Scribe - famous amongst 23 people</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And by now, of course, I have seen IMs from [Musician] to
people I know, asking for funds to be transferred to paypal accounts to pay
real life bills. I’m looking a little side-eye at you, [Entourage], and at you,
[Musician]. You smell like grifters to me. I see nice people being conned into
giving you things that benefit you, and yes, that happens with
online friendships. But these aren’t friendships, [Entourage]. You and [Musician] and [Partner]
are bullying people into paying your way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My PA, whom I treasure, talked me down from
responding to this faux-intimacy, because she knows 0 to nuclear is a thing
that can happen to me. It especially happens where I see people playing RL
games with “my” people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we decided not to say anything, and let these people go
on their way, and get on with our show. And they came back, today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
======================================= </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
IM from Musician’s Partner:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[2015/01/25 16:17] Partner: Cherry, I am trying to have [Completely Unknown Avatar with aristocratic name] be invited to escort [Musician] for this production 5pm , does your
troupe want funding, Heads should be rolling your girls are losing sight of
what is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have your girls
invited [Aristocrat] to have the honor of escorting [Musician] to night or not, I
can't be expected to have to ask Aristocrat myself, who is in charge of
protocol over there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's French</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[2015/01/25 16:18] Partner: Do you want me bowing out?</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[2015/01/25 16:18] chryblnd Scribe: we have no room, and you
people need to stop this intolerable behaviour</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[2015/01/25 16:20] Partner: Good to know that you have no
respect for your A-Listers</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[2015/01/25 16:20] chryblnd Scribe: I will ban and mute you
if you IM me again</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
======================================= <i></i><br /><i></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No more was said, and [Partner] left the sim. As far as I am
concerned, there will be no more dealings between my group and theirs. But I
want to ask you, out there in Second Life, are you letting these people think
this is acceptable behaviour? Are you encouraging them by scrambling to attend
to these wish lists and delusions? Normally I get a bit mad when I see people sling the old insult around, "you're taking your Second Life too seriously, you need to go outside and get some sun". Why not just live and let live, all hobbies are valid and they separate us from the random mundane bullshit that life turns out to be.<br /><br />But I think that crowd are nuts. For real.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-71213190852174744132014-08-29T03:19:00.000-07:002014-08-31T04:24:49.411-07:00Whirlwind RomanceMy poor little blog gets a bit neglected these days. It's largely because I am a <i>little</i> too well-known around Second Life. I can't talk about other people and my relationships with them because they, too, are well-known, sometimes only by association. It seems a bit unfair for them to have to read about my feelings, let alone to know that many others are reading too.<br />
<br />
I always wanted this blog to be a true and accurate history of what I went through in my Second Life. But I am part of a community, and cannot write what I wouldn't write in my local newspaper.<br />
<br />
I don't expect it's much fun being the partner of chryblnd Scribe. I am always more or less at work, no matter where I am. Like almost everyone who works in SL, I work with creative people, who don't really schedule their problems to suit business hours. I am known at almost everything I go to, and I am very often running the events I go to. There's not a lot of time, and what time there is might not be quality time. Sometimes I am drained from interactions through the day, sometimes I am working through my own issues. These are things that happen to many couples. I try hard to schedule a big enough slab of time that some of it will be quality time. And I try to withdraw from the fray, when I can; but those strategies can create a double edged sword too.<br />
<br />
And like everyone else, I have my own quirks, fears and insecurities. <br />
<br />
Friends know that my long-term friend and I parted company in February. It's difficult to describe it, now, as much more than a friendship. I thought it was more, certainly, and though I have no problem compartmentalising first and second lives, it seems, in hindsight, that I valued the friendship as a virtual romantic attachment. And the other person did not see it that way.<br />
<br />
As the relationship came undone, I was devastated by the loss and the fallout. The pain was ferocious. There's more to that, but it has to be private.<br />
<br />
In May I met someone new, and it drew some of the poison out of me. It was fun, and it scratched an itch. He was charming and alluring,very romantic and yes, it moved fast, and yes, it's over now.<br />
<br />
My chagrin is a weight that pulls down my face and drags on my spirit. I also feel the lack of all that wonder and delight. <br />
<br />
So here are the positives I have learned. There are negatives, but forgive me, I spend all day with those. We don't need to do those.<br />
<ul>
<li>Different relationships can have different dynamics, and sometimes how your last relationship ended is no indicator of how your next will start</li>
<li>Yes, it actually is possible to move into a new relationship without baggage</li>
<li>Love is lovely, and I need to be able to love freely. I am expressive and Second Life is an outlet for the expression of exactly that romantic love</li>
<li>When I am happy, I am nice to people, and people are nice back. I smile when I buy my bus ticket, I answer the phone with a positive demeanour, and it legitimately affects the outcomes.</li>
<li>There's a reason lovers don't factor into my self-care plan. Only I can care for myself properly, and when I do it right, I do it very well indeed.</li>
</ul>
I have had five romantic relationships in my almost six years in SL. That's more than I intended, or would have thought remotely likely. <br />
<br />
Meet Jet. He's my dog. He looks like he can take being chryblnd Scribe's dog :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3m7g0xvlqs/VABSittzWEI/AAAAAAAAA-s/T6dtbqHsVZo/s1600/Plastik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3m7g0xvlqs/VABSittzWEI/AAAAAAAAA-s/T6dtbqHsVZo/s1600/Plastik.jpg" height="356" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-28976448429230574732014-04-19T07:13:00.002-07:002014-04-20T01:55:49.608-07:00Idle Rogue Productions: Le Cirque de Nuit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhaQWNwTb_g/U1J2Cjt3OUI/AAAAAAAAA3U/c4UkywzJ-g0/s1600/Cirque+Promo+009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhaQWNwTb_g/U1J2Cjt3OUI/AAAAAAAAA3U/c4UkywzJ-g0/s1600/Cirque+Promo+009.png" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What a wondrous journey <i>Le Cirque de Nuit</i> has been! In small but complex steps, this notion made it's way to me, from my first rudimentary attempt to combine circus and neo-burlesque, to the strangely rare gift of a book voucher serendipitously arriving at the same time as a new and clever friend, who recommended <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Night_Circus" target="_blank"><i>The Night Circus</i></a>, by Erin Morgenstern. The book was a cute and quick read, but the striking imagery of a monochromatic Victorian Circus stayed with me throughout the remainder of The Very Bad Year that was 2013.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many things failed in 2013, and others were fatally wounded. Projects that should have been meteoric failed to launch, people who should have felt beloved did not, the fog of many unhappinesses clung to me wherever I rode, but as the year ended I dreamed of a black and white steampunk circus, and when I woke, the idea stayed luminous; by December the dream was a plan, and it strengthened and consolidated throughout the first months of 2014.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Le Cirque de Nuit</i> demanded all the time it needed. We thought we'd be performing it in January, February at the latest, but it was April before everything was in place. In that time, Gloriana Maertens built an enchanting environment that was an inspiration to everyone who saw it; Arrehn Oberlander joined the project with a formidable skillset and enough will to see this project through to a higher level. The two of them gave me toys that weren't even whispers in my dreams, and they polished and refined them as we watched the various other elements fall together around this charmed endeavour.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We called for auditions, and warned hopeful candidates that we intended to edit their work to get it to a higher standard than anyone had seen before. And one by one the candidates brought us intricate, beautifully realised acts that required nothing from us but our delight. Stars from all over the grid came willingly to work with us, hard-working, gifted performers who agreed time and again to rehearse with us, to meet with Arrehn, to learn new tools and new ways of performing. Not once was there a tantrum or a rift: everyone who joined this project brought with them goodwill and diligence, and sustained it even when they weren't quite sure of the vision. I am so grateful to you all for staying with me, for trusting in the concept and in our ability to make it real.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two days before the April 6th premiere, we held a "teaser" preview for SL media, and <a href="http://www.slenquirer.com/2014/04/idle-rogue-productions-presents-le_6.html#more" target="_blank">as they reacted</a>, we knew it was really, truly the spellbinding achievement we suspected it could be. Opening night audiences were rapturous, with the sim filling at both performances within minutes and people left outside the sime clamouring for a chance to see it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tonight we perform it again, two more times, in hopes of satiating some of the demand. Is it my magnum opus? Is it that one lucky time when everything fell into place? Is it the beginning of a SLifetime of producing totally immersive, high-quality original entertainment? Is it enough, just one time, to wash the taste of ash from my mouth?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Le Cirque de Nuit </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">is a dance entertainment production set in a black-and-white steampunk circus, and will be performed to audiences on the <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Idle%20Rogue/71/182/3981" target="_blank">Idle Rogue sim</a> in <a href="http://www.secondlife.com/" target="_blank">Second Life</a> at 7pm and 10pm on Saturday, April 19th. It features original performances by 13 professional dancers from around Second Life, as well as art installation interludes in a 90-minute production.Seats are limited to ensure a high-quality production, so the sim will be reset an hour before each performance. Audiences are advised to arrive early, seat their avatar and remove all unnecessary scripts and devices to assist the performance.</span></i> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />An <a href="https://www.facebook.com/idlerogue" target="_blank">Idle Rogue</a> Production.</span></span></div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-55002683247580307682014-03-23T02:46:00.001-07:002014-03-23T02:46:11.569-07:00Burnal Equinox Festival in Second Life - March 28-30, 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwH19Z5qHuo/Uy6ry9T0jlI/AAAAAAAAA1I/F3GF_vUeOVU/s1600/B2E+promo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwH19Z5qHuo/Uy6ry9T0jlI/AAAAAAAAA1I/F3GF_vUeOVU/s1600/B2E+promo1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><i>"At a time far into our future, the earth has been devastated by a multitude of plagues. Harsh climate change, pollution, famine and war.<br />One of the last inhabitable areas left on the earth is the playa. Toxic fumes cover the ground and rise to 100 meters. The only safe living<br />environment is above the toxic levels because the playa winds help purify the air at this altitude. Passing through this toxic zone is possible but long term exposure can be fatal.<br />One redeeming factor of the toxin is that when it is captured, placed into a balloon and mixed with the correct proportion of playa dust, it takes<br />on the form of a very powerful lighter than air gas. A single 5 meter balloon can lift 1000’s of pounds into the air. The gaseous concoction has been fondly named Fairy Dust.<br />Modern manufacturing no longer exists. Everyday items are scavenged from the remains of abandoned buildings. Humans have had to learn to survive by creating with their own hands. They build platforms supported by balloons filled with Fairy Dust. These floating platforms are the hosts for a new civilization above the ground. The citizens of this floating city commute by building lighter than air vehicles. They are powered by whatever means can be found and lifted into the air by balloons filled with the Fairy Dust.<br /><br />Every Spring the residents of this community celebrate a renewal of life. Balloons have been the savior of this city. Residents design and decorate their lifting balloons as part of the Equinox celebration. This tradition has been carried down from their ancestors from when the earth was plentiful. They celebrate this event in hopes that the earth will renew itself. They celebrate the clean air that still exists high in the clouds. They celebrate their existence on earth, as different as it might be from their ancestors, They are ALIVE!"</i><br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuerillaBurlesque" target="_blank">Guerilla Burlesque</a> is delighted to be performing at the Burnal Equinox Festival on Sunday March 30th, 2014. We will make two appearances:</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>At 6pm - Come and see Mr Timeless and The Pale Hypnotic, a massively popular collaboration with sound by <a href="http://thepalehypnotic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Deepsky Timeless</a> and vision by Guerilla Burlesque. It's a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/idlerogue/sets/72157629348587084/" target="_blank">post-apocalyptic medicine show</a> featuring all the beauty and drama of your dystopian dreams</li>
<li>At 10pm - Guerilla Burlesque's very popular revue lights up the Burnal Equinox festival, with a celebration of the triumph and tragedy of the human race</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/236/79/25" target="_blank">Travel to the Burn2 Burnal Equinox Festival in Second Life</a><br />and you can<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/766885739991037/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular" target="_blank"> join the facebook group </a>for information about the other installations and events in this festival. </div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-20533117575614221502014-03-20T04:58:00.001-07:002014-03-20T05:16:18.277-07:00Retreat<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje sets the whetstone and her axe carefully aside and gazes down over the valley at Ossencrest, a small smile tugging at her mouth. She is home again, or at the home of her heart. No-one could really call the austere fort a home. It's a base, only, a place for the Priory's researchers to sleep in a real bed and re-supply again before returning to their work tracing the history of the wild mountains. But she likes it here. She likes the Priory scribes and their introverted small talk. She likes the roaring fires and the soothing sounds of ink scratching paper. Most of all she loves the Sakura, marching resolutely up through the cleft.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtFZLVNeu4c/UyrWDGTMpRI/AAAAAAAAA00/Yqjylcarhfw/s1600/Scholar%27s+Cleft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtFZLVNeu4c/UyrWDGTMpRI/AAAAAAAAA00/Yqjylcarhfw/s1600/Scholar's+Cleft.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She remembers the first day she came to Scholar's Cleft with complete clarity. She'd been slugging it out with the Modniir, and in fear for her life, really, at the point in the fight where only running can save you. Funny, she'd never been afraid of the Centaurs, despite their fierce brows and fleet-footed battle. They were harsh though, and they often called for others to join them in pursuit of a lone traveller. But Artje's bow was always a good match for their speed, and her first solo battles were in the Hirathi Hinterlands. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that she has her beloved Jade Bow, no Modniir can hope to threaten her, which is just as well, as their raids on the Priory outpost are still a daily occurrence. But the first day she came to the Cleft she had fought her way into what seemed like a corner of the map. She had despaired of escaping them, when suddenly the glorious cherry trees appeared, then giving way to stairs, and a marvellously solid, squat fort, and she ran for her life up through the gate to safety.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje gathers up her weapon and tools and packs them carefully in her leather bags. The ceremonial axes gleam where she has just finished honing them, a task she is only just beginning to master. She will never be a great crafter. It's not a thing she aspires to, and she doesn't have the time anyway. But she is proud of the skill she's gaining with the stone. Sharpened axes make for faster dead enemies, and that's a valuable outcome these days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She hauls her weapons and bags up to the spartan sleeping quarters. The nights close out early here, most of the scribes retiring not long after sundown and arising as soon as the light breaks over the Snowden Drifts. There will be stewed meat tonight, she can smell it clinging to the eaves. It's a good, rich, smell. Modniir raiders notwithstanding, they are safe here, free to go about the work of preserving Tyria's history. To Artje, it seems all the more important in these savage times. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She worries about travelling away from it all, from Lion's Arch and from the Borderlands. There is great need out there. But there is great need within Artje, too, and the safe haven of Scholar's Cleft called her from across the battlefields. She is glad to be here, warm, dry, and amongst peaceable friends. She is glad of the rest, the short forays for good meat, the skirmishes with the uncomplicated Centaurs. The good dependable work of protecting and providing for the Priors and scribes. She cannot stay for long, but she can stay a little. She is grateful for the succour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rehpjoqkflc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-35465888282511509212014-03-14T04:07:00.000-07:002014-03-14T04:22:13.727-07:00Meanwhile, in Tyria ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje runs alone now. The will of a self-imposed exile ebbs and flows through her soul, fierce as any tide, shifting and changing pieces of her, gathering detritus and dumping it in secluded corners. Bitter sands scour her through and through, borne along by anger and pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXOfqnyLB3Q/UyLdMWXlD9I/AAAAAAAAA0I/frH5ALdKzXM/s1600/Artje+Alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXOfqnyLB3Q/UyLdMWXlD9I/AAAAAAAAA0I/frH5ALdKzXM/s1600/Artje+Alone.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a>It's said the ranger is the loneliest profession. Separated from the mob by the need for distance, the ranger is fast and light on her feet. She strikes from an unseen vantage point, and for it, is never quite trusted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje has been learning to use her dual axes, though her beloved bow is always at her back. The jewelled and embossed Krytan axes, with their wicked curved blades, are satisfyingly lethal, especially in the madness of Lion's Arch. She has learned to fear close combat less, and to move through awkward spaces a little easier. It's not her mountains, but the urgency there, assisting Lion's Arch in the fight for it's life, is sufficiently distracting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It suits her to travel light. She knows it's the Tyrian way to join a guild, and she is often invited, but she rebels against their rules and requirements. She thinks sadly of her old guild, the easy companionship of friends discovering their strengths together. But even there she ran alone, darting into the mists whenever possible, consumed by the urgent ferocity of battle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She goes rarely into the mists lately. Her lassitude is enormous. Some days, it's bigger than she is. On those days she does not fight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She tries to return to her old home, from the time before Tyria, but it's a despondent experience. All the betrayal is there, all the trouble she can't fix. Artje looks carefully where she enters, these days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes she catches a familiar melody, and remembers the days of old Ascalon; the breezes through the red and green and golden trees, the crystal rivers and sunny villages. The swift run to the wall, the brutal process of fighting the Charr on their turf, the excitement of learning to draw them out, to meet their fierceness and to beat them at it. The time before time, when the world was an adventure she could not lose. The joy of conquering mountains, the shocking tragedy of Ascalon burning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje watches, warily, the inexorable turning of the Wheel. The old life is razed but breath and pulse and thought still, somehow, go on. So it was and so it ever will be.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/_NDW0X0Fl74/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_NDW0X0Fl74&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_NDW0X0Fl74&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-12849281959748078892014-02-23T02:25:00.000-08:002014-02-23T02:25:32.600-08:00il est fini... and so it came to pass that the epic movie, the love story that was chry and Shippy, ground to a halt, rusted out by her insecurity, eaten away by a communication malaise.<br />
<br />
Il est fini.chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-38553490645837098522013-12-20T03:48:00.001-08:002013-12-20T03:50:02.255-08:002013 Retrospective<div style="text-align: justify;">
Merry Christmas everyone, my very best wishes to you, that you will find time for play and for love and especially for creativity (however you enjoy it) in these busy days. Spend time with people you adore, and please adore yourself, for without you, you have nothing. It's hard to do, believe me, no-one knows like I do, but if you think about what being loved should feel like, and do it for yourself, you cannot really lose, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33nUx1n1HT4/UrQsQ-JiYiI/AAAAAAAAAw8/dWYk5XEUoig/s1600/ShipTouchuplettered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33nUx1n1HT4/UrQsQ-JiYiI/AAAAAAAAAw8/dWYk5XEUoig/s400/ShipTouchuplettered.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2013 opened with the flurry of the Dance Queens awards. I wanted us to win. I wanted me to win. I wanted that recognition, from our peers and for the entire grid. I wanted to say "winner of the 2013 Dance Queens Award for ..." in our promo. I wanted my dancers to see what they have become.<br />
<br />
It seems a little hollow, now, and not just because it got white-anted by bitterness. Guerilla Burlesque is a phenomenon, it fills the house at every show. It pleases audiences who see it, and it draws the best talent on the grid to be part of it. It inspires great loyalty in it's fans. There really aren't any awards that match that feeling of watching a dancer take a concept through to completion, or watching a team combine together like fine machinery. I am ever-lastingly proud of Guerilla Burlesque. I know I am not universally admired, and this troupe lost many dancers it would have been nice to keep; nevertheless, those who have stayed all display characteristics I find to be the best of human nature. They are diligent, warm-hearted, sensitive, open, smart, giving and immensely creative. It is an honour, truly, to breathe the air they breathe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wonder how many of you, who thought you would struggle to find a place as the team shifted and changed, think back through the year and see just how close we've all become. Guerilla Burlesque is a force of nature, baby, and I thank you if you are someone who's hung on for the full ride.<br />
<br />
Losing the luxurious privilege of owning a whole sim was very hard, and I miss the unlimited potential. But Idle Rogue will always survive, in some form, and I am still, always, so grateful to Cait for giving me the playground of my dreams.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My inter-personal skills remain a bit of a worry, but I am working on it, and I know I have made some major progress this year. That said, there are times when the malice I draw baffles me. One person, and one person only, gets the unedited version of chry, and I will admit he finds it very hard going. The rest, including those malcontents who think I have or had something they deserve, are making shit up. It's more annoying than anything. I did a great job in difficult circumstances, and it won't be done as well now that I am not doing it any more. Other than that I am at ease. I try to give my best, in everything I do. But I am not everyone's cuppa tea, as we say in the antipodes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's no secret I spent way too much time in Guild Wars 2 this year. I love it, though Burn2 broke it's grip on me a little; it's also true to say that I once felt I was becoming part of the community there, and I no longer feel this way, which made playing the game more optional than it had been. I really only like World vs World, and my partner likes many other aspects of the game. That means, in a practical sense, that I just don't go there as much.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's not forget, after four very long and humbling years, I finally got a real job, and there's no doubt in my mind that just that fact has made a huge difference to my attitude to everything around me right now. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the year draws to a close, I am busy, in both lives, and I don't have the time to dwell on things that are re-shaping right now. I am very very excited about <i>Le Cirque de Nuit</i>, a project that will take the next several weeks to pull together, but which I hope to turn into one of the most successful, cutting edge collaborations of 2014. I am also delighted and honoured by the calibre of the people who have lately expressed interested in projects we are working on. I am stimulated by the possibilities ahead of us all. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Chill the champers, babies, let's ring it in, I'm keen to get going on it :-)chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-11042980043234088392013-11-03T03:00:00.003-08:002013-11-05T02:54:13.301-08:00Burned for life<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'd always wanted to have a camp at the virtual <a href="http://www.burn2.org/about" target="_blank">Burning Man Festival</a>, certainly after I learned of the <a href="http://www.metaharpers.net/" target="_blank">Metaharpers</a> and their camp, but all the way along. The festival idea is not a new one for me, most people know Idle Rogue's live music stages are designed to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/idlerogue/8974236888/" target="_blank">emulate outdoor festival stages</a>. I have a long history of outdoor concerts and bike runs in my real life, to me it's the Australian Way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In real life there's a good chance I'd avoid the Burning Man Festival. I don't actually care much for the heat, and <a href="http://julianwalter.com/blog/burningman/" target="_blank">it sure looks hot out there</a>. Interestingly, the virtual festival coincided with local heatwaves and fires, so I didn't really escape by going virtual; but I enjoy that juxtaposition of the two environments, it makes the immersion more savoury.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make no mistake, it is expensive to go to Burn 2. The parcel we procured through the generous donations of Idle Rogue supporters cost 12000 linden dollars - $48USD. For that we got a 1024m² parcel with 468 prims for roughly six weeks. The event itself runs for a week, and it runs on the same principles as the rl festival. <a href="http://burn2.org/ten-principles" target="_blank">There are no tips or other income</a>. So that $48 bucks is spent for love.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But oh, Burn! How I loved you!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppUX98YHJPw/UnYmzM0ptfI/AAAAAAAAAtw/V5ZagdZH9i0/s1600/Snapshot+_+Roguery,+Burning+Man-Elko+(208,+116,+24)+-+Moderate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppUX98YHJPw/UnYmzM0ptfI/AAAAAAAAAtw/V5ZagdZH9i0/s1600/Snapshot+_+Roguery,+Burning+Man-Elko+(208,+116,+24)+-+Moderate.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chry goes feral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Idle Rogue community has been in a kind of recess, for one reason and another. The downsize meant we had to fore go the housing and the new resident program. The community has been languishing anyway while I licked my wounds by <a href="http://chryblnd.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/meet-myf.html" target="_blank">falling in love with another game</a>. It's my belief that successful venues consist of a nucleus around which a wider community are loosely gathered. Those things are still very much part of Idle Rogue, and we wouldn't be who we are without Chewie, Jess, Di and Shippy. But some faces are gone, the flavour has changed, and we are in a form of stasis.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, the Burn2 project was a return, of sorts, to <a href="http://secondlife.com/" target="_blank">Second Life</a>. I have spent more time there over the past month than I have for a long time, indeed, since The Big Ruckus of 2012. And it was good! It was fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0L-0PXwgyM/UnYnSg-p6OI/AAAAAAAAAt4/W4qS7pWVz8s/s1600/Snapshot_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0L-0PXwgyM/UnYnSg-p6OI/AAAAAAAAAt4/W4qS7pWVz8s/s400/Snapshot_003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shippy's glorious Observation Tower, our home away from home on the playa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I talked to strangers, and watched them fashion <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildopallei/10511625554/in/pool-burn2" target="_blank">beautiful things</a> purely for the enjoyment of passersby. I learned their stories, I listened to them wax about their Burn experiences, their philosophical ideals, the ethics they have developed and how those are shaped by the Burn and by Second Life. I saw passion, I saw real joy, I saw kindness and spiritual generosity. I watched people transformed by their engagement with this virtual environment. I heard people cry at the Temple Burn, I saw them entranced as the man burned. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then there was my team, Guerilla Burlesque, who grabbed hold of my vision and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/100198644@N04/10530077236/in/pool-burn2" target="_blank">ran like bandits</a> with it. They made <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eifa/10512294515/in/pool-burn2" target="_blank">beautiful, thought-provoking performance art</a> and gave it to everyone who was interested to come and watch. They, also, met and engaged strangers, made people welcome and gave them memories. They were generous with their time and thoughtful with their energy. They were endearing, curious and made me <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.605669572827513.1073741828.119229261471549&type=3" target="_blank">full with love and pride</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDdq6kpX88g/UnYq3dkyOLI/AAAAAAAAAuE/RIDlrBVb7Kw/s1600/day3_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDdq6kpX88g/UnYq3dkyOLI/AAAAAAAAAuE/RIDlrBVb7Kw/s400/day3_005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance like <i>everyone</i> is watching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All of it, every bit of it, was the enchanting human at humanity's best. My humble thanks go, in no particular order (well except for first and last, who are first and first), to Thea Dee, GMetal, Meegan Danitz, GarGraVarr Rau, <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> February Jinx, Cool Plasma, Jess Cauld, Gloriana Maertens, Azabella Alamar, Zahra Ethaniel, Huntress Cattaneo, Jordan Reyne, Maeve Branner, BabyPea von Phoenix, Knowledge Tomorrow, Biebi, Aubreya Joszpe, Deb Heron, Chewie Quixote, Tukso Okey, Padula Bing, Pol Arida, Jenna Dirvall, Darkshore, Mulder Watts, Leroy Horton, Mercutio Evanier, Diawa Bellic, Buttermilk Panacek, Eifachfilm Vacirca, Trinity Hunghi, and most especially, forever and always, Shippy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-66425829932892484642013-10-13T19:28:00.001-07:002013-10-13T22:33:56.758-07:00Building Artje Orestes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tarnished Coast server has a new forum site, which triggered a round of "introduce yourself" posts. I really love my character, Artje Orestes, and I think that's largely because I built her myself. This is one of the very cool features about Guild Wars 2, and one that <a href="http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2012/04/stand-out-in-guild-wars-2.html" target="_blank">Second Lifers will "get" immediately</a>: you can start customising your character before you even get into the game, and from the very first level, you can shape your "build".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Choices for my first character, Myf, were very much shaped by forum and blog information sourced by Shippy. I'd started <a href="http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Profession" target="_blank">Guild Wars</a> as a warrior, but found, when I took on Monk as my secondary profession, that I really enjoyed healing and support play. I thought a Guardian character in GW2 would suit me very well, and I enjoy playing Myf, but it's Artje who has stolen my heart.<br />
<br />
At<a href="http://forthetoast.com/index.php?/topic/82-the-archer-from-the-mountains/" target="_blank"> For The Toast</a>, I introduced her thus:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCDAY91_3b4/UltJd0lxBnI/AAAAAAAAAqE/7WXali4DMH0/s1600/artjenamefortoast.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCDAY91_3b4/UltJd0lxBnI/AAAAAAAAAqE/7WXali4DMH0/s400/artjenamefortoast.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've since tried to look up the name online, but without much luck. <a href="http://www.cute-baby-names.com/name/Artje" target="_blank">Cute Baby Names</a> think it means "he who reigns as an eagle", though they don't say who told them that. I like it though, it works.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hunting for the meaning of the name Artje, I found this:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSAU9QQFEww/UltIVWmGxBI/AAAAAAAAAp8/ZBzW_asvGCg/s1600/artjename01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSAU9QQFEww/UltIVWmGxBI/AAAAAAAAAp8/ZBzW_asvGCg/s400/artjename01.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's in a name? Plenty, if you ask at the <a href="http://www.kabalarians.com/Female/Artje.htm" target="_blank">Kabalarian</a> site, <br />
though it must be noted they will tell me even more if I buy their report</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Way too many ticks on that list >.<</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje is a <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Ranger" target="_blank">Ranger</a>, she fights with a longbow, a pair of matching axes and a pet (currently a raven, because they can fly up to the top of ramparts and attack enemy there). As she levelled, I bought her armour, often transmuting it to get a certain combination of looks and stats. She currently wears a combination of the Magitech armour skins (for the looks) with exotic armour stats (for the </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
kickassery).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ganHTkkjYQM/UltNbZ6N-FI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/g4kiwKrKb0w/s1600/artjebuild.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ganHTkkjYQM/UltNbZ6N-FI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/g4kiwKrKb0w/s200/artjebuild.PNG" width="200" /></a>Her armour is upgraded with a full set of the <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_Mercy" target="_blank">Superior Runes of Mercy</a>, to increase healing capabilities, and her <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Trinkets" target="_blank">trinkets</a>
are chosen to maximise toughness, because she gets splattered a lot -
although I am finding as my movement gets a little more dextrous, I get
killed a little less. Some days are diamonds, some days are Artje-shaped
smears on the ground. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am happy with her armour, but am still upgrading to <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Ascended_trinkets" target="_blank">ascended</a> trinkets, which are mostly chosen to maximise healing and toughness and power when I can get it.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwMCiQqo1g/UltR1adp1vI/AAAAAAAAAqc/SdAwBDz2AvM/s1600/artjestats.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwMCiQqo1g/UltR1adp1vI/AAAAAAAAAqc/SdAwBDz2AvM/s320/artjestats.PNG" width="204" /></a>Her traits and skills were chosen to help her move fast across The Mists, revive allies when she can, and hit hard when she has to, and are calculated by <a href="http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mcoc0zzzMoRhamMRhgMxGa0azkaMacm8kii707kij70z7kiU" target="_blank">Guildhead</a> in the graphic to the right. Her trait lines focus on Marksmanship, Skirmishing, Wilderness Survival and Beast Mastery, because that was the combination I came up with to play the way I like to play. For example, I wanted my pet to be able to revive me (take some of the load off Ship :-D), so I took a little from the offensive traits to have that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje primarily uses <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Entangle" target="_blank">Entangle</a> and <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Barrage" target="_blank">Barrage</a> to finish an argument, which means she can get on top of keep and tower hassles fast, and often (though not always) assist in the field. The trick is to get her where she can do damage fast, because it's very easy for her to get killed on the way.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWEj71iiw5s/UltWLbcVgeI/AAAAAAAAAqo/RVnnHF5WOxs/s1600/artjebackstory.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWEj71iiw5s/UltWLbcVgeI/AAAAAAAAAqo/RVnnHF5WOxs/s320/artjebackstory.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qgcUiM7queQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
One Of Us Is The Killer - The Dillinger Escape Plan<i><br /></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>she moves abstract just like a shadow dancing on the edge<br />like a storm cloud passing overhead<br />effortless and free<br />as the hours rush by<br />through her I can sense the end of time<br />there's no way this can forever shine<br />make the sun not rise<br />in the air we tried to be <br />but you shot your arrow through me<br />now one of us must die<br />but the killer won't survive<br />she moves abstract just like a shadow dancing on the edge<br />like a storm cloud passing overhead<br />hypnotizing me<br />as the hours rush by<br />through her I can sense the end of time<br />stretch into eternity divine<br />and the sun won't rise<br />in the air we tried to be <br />but you shot your arrow through me<br />now one of us must die<br />and the killer won't survive</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-73895290864260677802013-09-25T17:41:00.002-07:002013-09-25T17:49:49.450-07:00Man Down Part 1<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.guildwars2.com/en-gb/" target="_blank">Guild Wars 2</a> has different aspects for different players. Some people spend all their time in Player vs Environment mode, completing a personalised quest and pursuing the "Living Story" new content which is introduced every two weeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some like to farm materials, either to trade on the open marketplace, or to contribute to the ridiculously long list of requirements to make a legendary weapon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some like to battle it out, round after round, in the Player vs Player arenas.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like to play <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/World_vs_world" target="_blank">World vs World vs World</a>. WvW pits our host server (Tarnished Coast, in my case) against a revolving roster of other servers. The contest goes over a week, and if we win, we generate bonuses for players on our server across the game. We also get to play server teams from a higher tier. If we lose, we stay at the same tier, or if we lose a couple of weeks in a row, we move down to a lower tier.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFdDlxG9Z50/UkOAHqLW8zI/AAAAAAAAApY/xUiBGNocX4g/s1600/gw089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFdDlxG9Z50/UkOAHqLW8zI/AAAAAAAAApY/xUiBGNocX4g/s320/gw089.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">climbing the stairs to attack a keep in <br />
Guild Wars2's World vs World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The game involves battling across one of four maps. Each server has a home map, and there is a no man's land - the Eternal Battlegrounds - where all three servers have a presence. The idea briefly, is to block supply to the other teams, then capture and hold their assets (supply camps, towers and keeps). ArenaNet have recently introduced a "twist" where you can acquire a boost for your server by capturing three of four properties in the centre of the map.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have levelled two characters up to the highest level of the game by playing them in WvW from around level 20. It was hard work, frustrating and even rage-inducing, but I like the way it's shaped my characters. They are battle-hard and hardy. I get slaughtered by live players at a really high rate. But I can take out a supply camp of NPCs on my own, and as someone who has always struggled in situations requiring strategic planning, I find it really fun to learn how my aspect of the game is won.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm also enchanted by the machinations surrounding the role of commanders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Commanders don't get elected or win their title. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN3HVY8JKMU" target="_blank">They just buy it, and it doesn't come with much for the price</a>. They might be supported in their bid to command by a guild, but I am not part of a large guild and am guessing at that. Anyone can be a commander. But of course, not everyone can be a good commander, one who can draw a zerg (a small army of militia) and roll across the map capturing everything in sight, ensuring kills and loot for all and a general feeling of having succeeded as a team. Watching commanders come and go from the rough-and-tumble of WvW, and trying to assess their goals and performance, is absolutely fascinating to someone like me, who is interested in leadership and motivation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good WvW commander is a rock star. And they are welcomed to the map, and followed, and obeyed as if they were a rockstar. Many times my partner and I have hit the WvW map and exclaimed with glee when one of our favourite commanders is "tagged up" and visible on the map. We will swap maps to follow a commander we admire. And we reward commanders who've been effective leaders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night my favourite commander messaged me to tell me he'd left our server. He explained his reasons, and they are legitimate complaints. Our server has suffered from an inexplicable malaise over the past two months. The Living Story content is both lucrative and engaging, so a lot of our fighters have wandered off to play that. We're good fighters, we're easily at the top of the tier we're in - but we're easily at the bottom of the tier above us. So we keep being assigned to the upper tier, and we lose, which is really demoralising. Commanders won't put on their tag, but when they do, map chat is critical and demoralising. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DcdKP1TB5E/UkN_tpLg9KI/AAAAAAAAApQ/kKWmAY89BmE/s1600/gw118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DcdKP1TB5E/UkN_tpLg9KI/AAAAAAAAApQ/kKWmAY89BmE/s320/gw118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amazing new content is added every two weeks now,<br />
and is lucrative and compelling for many players</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Favourite commander's opinion is that guilds are leaving TC server, and there's little hope that the situation will improve. So he took his rockstar ass off to another server, where I hope he regains joy in his game. He's a good leader, able to asses a situation and respond to it quickly, without losing sight of the bigger picture. He teaches as he goes, he's patient and mostly not abusive (though guys, really, you need to put some thought into this mumble thing. <a href="http://chryblnd.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/venus-vs-mars.html" target="_blank">We can hear you, you know</a>). He is very very good at his game and he is entitled to enjoy playing it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a tl;dnr post right now, so I am going to break it, and go back to it soon. Because as regular readers will know, I am all about my community, and my community of rag tag militia is in trouble. I want to think about the reasons we lost a good man, and ways we can stop it happening again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkpnMEmEl1k/UkOAPHyqicI/AAAAAAAAApg/xolMPPJPy4E/s1600/gw132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkpnMEmEl1k/UkOAPHyqicI/AAAAAAAAApg/xolMPPJPy4E/s400/gw132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artje psyching to join battle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-61745738452491554892013-07-09T20:38:00.001-07:002013-07-09T23:37:04.919-07:00Venus vs Mars?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQwFE3qO7Uc/UdzLza8Q3HI/AAAAAAAAAnM/x6Eo-8hWw9c/s1600/a+n+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQwFE3qO7Uc/UdzLza8Q3HI/AAAAAAAAAnM/x6Eo-8hWw9c/s400/a+n+a.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artje with Aidan, who, just for the record, would<br />
NEVER say something casually offensive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje Orestes is my new <a href="https://www.guildwars2.com/" target="_blank">Guild Wars 2</a> character, and I love her very much. Artje is a human, an orphaned noblewoman who believes in fighting for her community and has joined the Vigil to live out her moral commitment to that cause.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have another post in mind (pity they're always "in mind" and not "on the interwebs", huh?) where I tell you how I built Artje and what I love about her, and maybe just discuss what it's like to be a fully-formed human who just discovered gaming. But today Artje has a problem, and that's what brought us here, to writing a post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Artje has been spending most of her time in <a href="https://www.guildwars2.com/en-gb/the-game/pvp/" target="_blank">World vs World</a>, the part of Guild Wars 2 where server is pitted against server to fight over territory in a running battle of castles and keeps, sieges and skirmishes. I love it, for me, it's a perfect combination of cracking skulls and deploying strategy. I don't really get half of it, and that's a fact, but I love it, and spend part of every day there. Sometimes very large parts of every day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After some weeks of having <a href="http://www.mumble.com/" target="_blank">Mumble</a> ready to go, I finally signed up and started listening in. Mumble is an independent voice server, widely used in the MMORPG community because it allows players to communicate using speech. Obviously it's much more fun to play running and fighting games when you don't have to stop and type, and it's immensely useful for teams who spend their time in running battle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not much socialising goes on in the mumble channel. There are various "rooms", and I have no idea what goes on in them, but in the war rooms, the talk is all about the battle. I don't speak, I don't even really know these guys, but I do like having access to their plans. And I want to emphasise that the use of the service is a privilege, <a href="http://www.mumble.com/mumble-server-pricing.php" target="_blank">someone pays for these rooms and allows us to access them</a> - though it's fair to note that in WvW, at least, you are often harangued to "get on mumble" to increase the team's effectiveness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So tonight Arenanet released new content, and of course *eye roll* it had to be patched, and we were all thrown out of the game while the patch was installed. Mumble is still going though, and all my favourite commanders, <a href="http://sittingonacouch.com/the-gw2-mesmer-podcast-mesmerized-special-lessons-from-a-wvwvw-commander-2/" target="_blank">the rockstars of Guild Wars 2</a>, suddenly find themselves with downtime. I have no doubt they talked about the stuff they talk about any time they're not commanding. They just did it with an audience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They talked about some guy who got arrested making bath salt drugs. He'd heard that it sent women into a sexual frenzy. "Good on him," said the other Commanders. Two or three of them said it, all at once, so it was their natural reaction. The conversation moved on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What? Ugh. Okay. It happens. Guys talk like this, apparently. I am no delicate and unique rosebud, I have worked and lived in the kind of environments where this kind of talk would be tame. It makes me want to shout, and insist that they think about what they just said, and <a href="http://sargentdan.com/sexism-a-guide-for-middle-class-white-guys-written-by-a-middle-class-white-guy/" target="_blank">tell me if they really think that's okay</a>. Instead, I quietly closed the channel and took a break to get some chores done in rl. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrLFfWirFSM/UdzQ1xo443I/AAAAAAAAAnc/oIxbsxt7HVA/s1600/bechange.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrLFfWirFSM/UdzQ1xo443I/AAAAAAAAAnc/oIxbsxt7HVA/s320/bechange.PNG" width="320" /></a>I'm going to go back, of course, I really love this game. And I am going to have to listen in on the mumble channel again, despite the fact that every time these guys talk now, I know they're "that kind of guy".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm also struck by the notion that I don't normally find myself in this situation any more. I took "be the change you want to see in the world" fairly literally, and I created environments, online and off, where that kind of talk would not go unchallenged. It's a bit frustrating to find myself here, and I haven't yet decided what I can do about it.</div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-48236051614466167042013-03-15T08:08:00.000-07:002013-03-15T08:22:06.439-07:00chupathingy<div style="text-align: justify;">
So even though I am well aware that I owe you guys a post about what it feels like when your act goes completely arse-up ... tonight is not that night. We will do it, I promise, just to get closure on the torturous bloody thing. But something else happened tonight that sparked a rich vein of thought.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A little story about young chryblnd, or her human driver ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't dwell on my childhood much. I have very few reliable memories, It wasn't my best period. I was bright and a bloody showoff. My mother taught me to read and has often said I could read the newspaper when I was three. At the age of eight, my family moved to the town I spent the next twenty years in, and it was something of a crisis for me. It was a small town where intellect isn't really valued, and intellect in females is plainly distrusted. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was put in a composite class and the teacher sometimes asked me to read to the kindergarten children. In addition I had ... whatever personality I still have. It's not everyone's cuppa tea.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then there was the thing where they were all so advanced, sexually precocious. I didn't get it, and I didn't want to get it, even though everyone I was trying to impress clearly did get it and thought this smart feisty nerdy girl needed taking down a peg. Or several pegs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's ok, this doesn't turn into a Gawker essay. Well it does, but that's not the story I am going to tell you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enough to say that due to these things, and some other things, I left primary school with a pretty thorough understanding that it's better to "be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt". Or, more truly, I hid everything "different", as much as I could, which wasn't much, because, let's face it, I am a bloody big poser, and you know that because I chose to use my Second Life as a performance arena. Hundreds of thousands of people just stand around in SL talking to friends. There are 662457 items of women's apparel on the <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/" target="_blank">marketplace</a> - someone's spending their time making those. But I work in entertainment, in jobs that have me almost constantly being watched by someone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like to hide in plain sight, you could say. I've written before about travelling light, about how it's caused by staying busy, but I want to point out, it's partly that, up there, too. Real life taught me that you could get by, if you were cool. And cool people don't show <i>anything</i>. Ever.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCxebIvSRqk/UUMx79J5VoI/AAAAAAAAAlg/a_2LMK43s1w/s1600/blog_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCxebIvSRqk/UUMx79J5VoI/AAAAAAAAAlg/a_2LMK43s1w/s400/blog_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nerdygirl reaches for the top shelf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tonight I heard that someone I'd had a business association with is telling people that the people in my dance troupe are men pretending to be women. It's not true, as the many people who come to interact with us every week can attest. There may be some crossing, we've never cared about that, but there's no hiding, well none that I know of, though I might not, it's true. In the end it doesn't matter, but actually, in the beginning it doesn't matter, and I will tell you why.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The person who said this to one of my team is someone I had a brief interaction with. He was terribly unpleasant to work with, so we did our job and came back to Idle Rogue. I haven't thought of him since ... but it's apparent he's thought of me. He cites, as his source, someone from another dance troupe I once worked for. That's interesting, because it means he probably sought that opinion, and certainly liked and wanted to use it. No-one else in my current team worked there, and he has no reason to know I worked there, it was long prior to my meeting with him. So this is about me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This scandal-mongering is aimed at me by someone who's not important to me. I am so surprised by it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I don't want to deal with you any more, you won't have a terrible drama to contend with. There won't be explosive incidents to titillate the grid. I will simply walk away from you, and never think of you again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cool people don't show anything. Ever.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you come after me, like that, you baffle me. Not with what you say. But with the way you want to do it, and the mystery of why you want to do it at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[2013/03/15 05:52] chryblnd Scribe: ya know ... I was thinking about that too<br />[2013/03/15 05:53] chryblnd Scribe: after (an altercation in which I lost some friends) ... I withdrew so much. I had to/ have to. I cannot go through that again, so I made a nice little ditch between me and everyone but the ppl I trust on a really deep level<br />[2013/03/15 05:53] chryblnd Scribe: but all it does is make me ... more mythological?<br />[2013/03/15 05:53] chryblnd Scribe: I am the chupacabra of SL lol</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_yq_0KuXu64/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_yq_0KuXu64&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_yq_0KuXu64&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">style notes:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Skin: *<a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/11752?id=11752" target="_blank">League</a>* Skin Sunkiss Blonde -Amber- Grape</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tattoo: *<a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/18246?id=18246" target="_blank">ES</a>* Paisely Love - Tattoo</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hair: [e] Only - Carrot Reds</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Top: <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/18032?id=18032" target="_blank">[Cynful]</a> PlushTop - deepsea</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Skirt: <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/10120?id=10120" target="_blank">HOC Industries</a> - Pleated Skirt</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Socks: *<a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/11752?id=11752" target="_blank">League</a>* Gartered Socks -Black</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Boots: [<a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/12514?id=12514" target="_blank">Gos</a>] GTFO Boots in Black [bagged] </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nails: +<a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/31597?id=31597" target="_blank">ROZOREGALIA</a>+*Gemma*Ring&Nail/2(F) BOX</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ear-Rings: *<a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/26194?id=26194" target="_blank">DECO</a> - Triple Skull Earrings*<br />
Pose: Shippy </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-1273493909289915202013-02-24T05:04:00.003-08:002013-02-24T05:06:03.016-08:00"Wolf" Act Part 3 - choreographyomg gah! Did you guys realise this act is due this Friday night? Where did our twenty days go?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHKPQ1Oge30/USoPPaWxYLI/AAAAAAAAAko/VXgVVQ59Czo/s1600/14082012_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHKPQ1Oge30/USoPPaWxYLI/AAAAAAAAAko/VXgVVQ59Czo/s200/14082012_001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll never be half the instinctive dancer he is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are up to choreography - the bit I struggle with hardest. Some people, like my partner, have some kind of photographic memory for the dance animations, and can hotkey the shit out of any musical situation. I have tested Diawa Bellic countless times, and she is always able to find a sequence of dances that will fit the music I have played, within seconds of first hearing it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I can do none of these things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Choreography, for me, means setting aside countless hours to test dances against the music. Yes, I listen to the song I am using over and over again through this process. Not many songs make it out the other side with as much favour as they went in.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It should come as no great surprise that I have no real life dance expertise. I am that person who doesn't dance until they're so drunk they should be prevented from dancing. I will dance at home though (which is a good thing, since it's many moons since I got that drunk, and really, a life without dance would be no life at all). I trained in ballet, as a young girl, but unsurprisingly lacked the discipline to do it properly and drifted out of it before I hit high school. I am not the woman who scampers joyfully to belly dance or burlesque classes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I know what looks right, and I know how to feel a beat and stick to it, and that's how I do my choreo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first stop is always <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mocap%20Dancer/128/128/506" target="_blank">A&M Mocap</a>, and regular readers will <a href="http://chryblnd.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/criticism-is-good-for-character.html" target="_blank">know why that is</a>. The first time I went to A&M, I was so besotted I was there for four hours. I am still there for hours, but I must admit it's not the joyous experience it was then. The animators at A&M Mocap have a great sense of theatrical dance, and I think it's important to see and recognise the difference. These dances, as beautiful, emotional and sensual as they are, are not for use in clubs - though A&M have plenty of dances which are - and to my mind, it's similarly true that club dances don't look good on stage.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jsPVT10kaU/USoIE7hG1HI/AAAAAAAAAkY/yKIEpbswp5s/s1600/wolfactblog003_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jsPVT10kaU/USoIE7hG1HI/AAAAAAAAAkY/yKIEpbswp5s/s400/wolfactblog003_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the advent of mesh has added a new set of hazards for choosing a dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm no fan of Gor, but I think we professional dancers owe the girls who come to SL to play slaves and concubines a great debt; their active engagement with SL has ensured a legacy of sensual and performance-oriented dance. Some of my very earliest dances and poses come from the Gorean lifestyle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So based on what we know about my dancing style, we know we need rhythm. The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oILduYYv7PY" target="_blank">song</a> has a good pace to it, it's looking for fast and big steps ... but I think the story calls for some dignity too. It's the story of the respect and love "wolf mother" inspires. So she won't be prancing, and she won't be rolling around on the floor. But you knew I would say that anyway, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each time I do a new act, I purchase 4 new dances. A dance animation is usually around 26 seconds, and a song is roughly four minutes long. So I buy four new dances when it makes sense, and use between 2 and 4 that I already own.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can't really say this too many times, so here's my PSA for the day: Do NOT buy trans/no copy animations. Yes, they can be as much as 200L cheaper. But you only have to lose your hud one time to realise your investment was pitifully inadequate. We know 4 new dances will cost 400L each. That's 1600L, for those playing at home. A Guerilla Burlesque dancer will earn 700-1000L in a Friday night show. My second PSA for the day - do not go into professional dancing thinking it will make money.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suddenly it's midnight, and I have bought four dances - <i>Thought You Knew</i>, <i>Spring Jive</i>, <i>The Arrival</i> and <i>Aziza</i>, all from A&M. I'm sleepy, I have to stop now, but I'd wanted to have a look at Henmations and My-Animation too. I like Henmations dances very much. I am less impressed with My-Animation, but I love their AO stuff so much I will use any excuse to go by and see what's new. And sometimes it's a great dance :-D.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I caught a break, in that no-one else is ready for Sunday night rehearsal either. We'll reschedule to Wednesday, which wreaks havoc on my other jobs, but buys me a little more time to pull this act out of my head and onto the stage. </div>
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-25130954759116177032013-02-18T05:17:00.000-08:002013-02-18T05:17:42.099-08:00"Wolf" Act Part 2Continuing <a href="http://chryblnd.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/wolf-act-part-1-creating-dance-act-for.html" target="_blank">my series on how I create and stage an act for Guerilla Burlesque,</a> today's post will deal with the selection of costumes.<br />
<br />
Despite yesterday's small hiccup (now deleted post), the act for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oILduYYv7PY" target="_blank">Wolf</a>" is slowly building itself. I spent the day browsing <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/" target="_blank">marketplace</a>, looking for wolves and trying on ideas.<br />
<br />
The Lycan avatars are too muscular, the furries too cute. There are some nice looking mesh wolves, but the price range is 2000-5000L. A dancer could reasonably expect to earn 700-1000L from the Guerilla Burlesque show, so obviously that kind of cost is too much, especially since it's only half the costume. I want a transformation in the act, despite the fact that my long-term fans know I have done that before, notably in the <i>Stripped</i> act (transforming from a deer into a girl) and the <i>Of Wolf And Man</i> act (transforming back and forth from wolf to girl to wolf). From the latter, I still have the wolf avatar from <a href="http://grendelschildren.net/" target="_blank">Grendels Children</a>, and it was to Grendels, finally, I returned.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Avaria%20Tor/134/134/302" target="_blank">Grendels sim</a>, if you have not been, is a lovely explorable set of sims that house a vast collection of avatars and builds, mostly relating to animals and fantasy creatures. I had heard last year it was to close, or scale down from the four sims it once occupied. If this is so, it is a very great shame. I have such great memories of roaming it's wilds hunting baby dragons and exploring with Yop.<br />
<br />
The wolf avatar is not too bad, a little old-fashioned by SL standards, but the price is fantastic, and the aesthetic shortcomings don't really make a difference. The first time people see the avatar, they're just excited to see it.I have never worn it without several people being pleased with it. So it will do the job quite well.<br />
<br />
Now here's the thing. I know what I want. However, we know I have done versions of it before. That's not a great feeling ... but I console myself with the notion that it is a great song, and I believe audiences will enjoy even the most basic storytelling because the song is cool.<br />
<br />
But you know I am not, in my heart satisfied. I like to make acts that make the audience believe in the medium. I don't need them to be elaborate or tricksy ... some of my favourite acts feature very simple sets. I just want that immersive feeling of being in a theatre, watching a show, and suspending disbelief just enough to go along for the ride. This is a story that can be told without too much stretching ... but the bar is so very high at Guerilla Burlesque now. So the brainstorm part of proceedings is far from over :-)<br />
<br />
Oh, and I guess I've styled the girl part of the act. It took some doing, too. I can't really enjoy "off the rack"; even in my day-to-day, one of my favourite things is to combine different elements to create outfits that are so unique I can never remember them to wear them again. It's also, partly, that some creators make really beautiful clothes, but their shoes are way below the standard. Or other variations on that notion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBuO7k_ijDU/USId93-VYTI/AAAAAAAAAkI/7IKQ1O0uO4Q/s1600/wolfactblog002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBuO7k_ijDU/USId93-VYTI/AAAAAAAAAkI/7IKQ1O0uO4Q/s400/wolfactblog002.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
The outfit I have settled on is sourced as follows:<br />
<br />
Hood: <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Cellar-Door-Thana/4423753" target="_blank">Thana</a> by Cellar Door<br />
Hair: Maria Naturals by <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/21429" target="_blank">emo-tions</a>. I cain't quit you, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/idlerogue/6823061806/in/faves-emo-tions/" target="_blank">Mirja Mills</a>!<br />
Skin: *<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Duende/153/133/40" target="_blank">League</a>* Skin Amber Fair -Smoky<br />
Eyes: <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/79409" target="_blank">Fashism</a> Sunrise Eyes in Light Lagoon<br />
Cloak, skirt gloves and pants: Fia by <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Fia-leather-fur-medieval-gorean-fantasy/2608934" target="_blank">Jessie Auer</a><br />
Boots: <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MIEL-FAR-BOOTS-polar/1553970" target="_blank">Far Polar</a> by Miel<br />
<br />
More on these choices once I have settled on the configuration of the act. I am pleased with how it's coming together though!chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-65532454111103331122013-02-10T03:12:00.001-08:002013-02-10T03:22:50.307-08:00"Wolf" Act - Part 1 (creating a dance act for Guerilla Burlesque)<div style="text-align: justify;">
As promised, I am planning on detailing how I create the dance acts I present at Guerilla Burlesque. I intend to lead you through my personal process, from when the concept first germinates in my mind, to it's performance, which is scheduled for the show on March 2nd - so we have just twenty days to make this happen! Bear in mind, my process is not "the" way to do it, and in fact, I know other dancers on the Guerilla Burlesque team do it completely differently. On the other hand, I am often asked "how do I start", so for those of you thinking you might like to try this dancer caper out, welcome aboard.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, the process always starts with the song. I have been dancing for four years now, so it's safe to say I have used most of my favourite songs, but I have learned, too, that your favourite song cannot always be made into palatable entertainment. It's also my duty to point out that favourite songs tend to drop off your playlist after you've listened to them on repeat play for a few hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The song I have chosen to work with is <i>Wolf</i> by First Aid Kit. Little known chryblnd trivia: I have the radio on 24 hours a day, a habit from my youth when I had reason to be a very light sleeper. I find the continual flow of radio provides enough background noise to grant me unbroken sleep. That said, I am sometimes woken by the same song, every time it's played, and these songs tend to end up in my lifelong favourites list. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Wolf</i> is one of those songs. Released late last year, it woke me up several times through the holiday season. I like the drums, it's got a rollicking beat, and I was struck by the vocals, which seemed very Americana to me - though <a href="http://www.theripe.tv/first-aid-kit-wolf/" target="_blank">it turns out they are a Swedish band</a>. And in a special bonus ending, the song turns out to have a story, or a bit of a story, which is just about perfect for my purposes, since I can create something that fits the bones of the song, but takes it in my direction.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9XXc-AGbpw4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So now I move onto what I would like to do to tell my version of this story. If you liked the song, you might already know there is an official video, and that's the first thing that will affect my interpretation. While I have complete admiration for those people who are recreating music videos in SL - it must be such a painstaking process - it's not my thing. I prefer to tell an original story, and that's how I let myself call what we do "dance interpretation". The result, of course, is that pagan rituals, leafy headbands, white dresses and fake wolves are out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I still want to tell the story of a wolf or wolf pack. And I still need to have a sexy girl in there (because that's how I roll. Shut up. Don't judge). And here is where the brainstorm starts. I want the realism, I really love highly realistic stage sets. I wonder if there are any good wolf avatars out there? I used a wolf avatar once before, in my opening act for Beautiful Freaks Burlesque Circus. It was from Grendels, if memory serves. I wonder if there are newer avatars. maybe someone's doing mesh? Oh and I love forests, everyone knows most of my acts are just fresh versions of me prancing around in a forest. Wait, that's no good, I need to break that mould. But ... if I used the mover, that would meet the "fresh" requirement ... wouldn't it? Ehhh .... well I am not doing metaphorical wolves and prancing around Wall Street!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtcQIBSdx0c/URd_0zWKzJI/AAAAAAAAAjk/ijzrcPPtnyA/s1600/wolfactblog_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtcQIBSdx0c/URd_0zWKzJI/AAAAAAAAAjk/ijzrcPPtnyA/s320/wolfactblog_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is generally where I start building a set, a process that, for me, is like doodling, but cooler. The picture that ends up on stage may have nothing whatever to do with the picture I start out with. But here it is, so that you know. And no, I have no idea what that huge torus is for. You have no idea how long I stood around waiting for it to rez though :-)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-89698765997632037412013-02-05T05:37:00.002-08:002013-02-05T05:39:40.636-08:00criticism is good for characterI have simply got to stop reading the Dance Queens blog on the way to posting. Watching the Cutie Awards unravel and be repeatedly dismissed by someone who isn't actually game to use their own name is doing my head in.<br />
<br />
Come out, come out, whoever you are. I take criticism very well, really I do.<br />
<br />
At the end of the awards show, I was chatting to Jariah Yuhara, of A&M Mocap Animations and I told her this story:<br />
<br />
When I danced for Virtual Burlesque, Cellandra Zon came to see our show. I was most honoured, and I really wanted to know if she liked us. I couldn't help it, though ... I mean ... <i>Cellandra Zon</i>! At that point she was the only name I knew, the only "star" I was aware of, and she was at our show! I had to find out what she thought.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you, Cellandra, whom I now consider a friend, though we are not close, was not at all impressed. She gave it to me straight too, and it was very very humbling. When she was done, she gave me a landmark for A&M Mocap Animations.<br />
<br />
And after <i>that</i>, I was a dancer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ2aPYvWRyI/UREJuBuqrHI/AAAAAAAAAjU/YeutQP-JvoE/s1600/blackmagicwoman_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ2aPYvWRyI/UREJuBuqrHI/AAAAAAAAAjU/YeutQP-JvoE/s400/blackmagicwoman_005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just finished saying, on the dance queens blog, that I am getting a little weary of hearing that the awards were "a high school prom where, nothing is based on merit, talent and skill". But <a href="http://chryblnd.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/tainted-victory.html" target="_blank">you guys knew that anyway</a> :-)<br />
<br />
I share my little story in hopes that you might understand what drives me, at least a little, to require a high standard from Guerilla Burlesque. I still feel they deliver, in a way almost no other show does.<br />
<br />
I keep coming here meaning to start a series that details my creative process, and I promise, that post is coming. Just as soon as I stop watching the car wreck they made of my statuettes.<br />
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-56120894271906646122013-01-30T01:41:00.000-08:002013-01-30T13:43:10.372-08:00Tainted victory<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was so engaged by the Dance Queens Awards. I can admit to being competitive, I was raised by people who thought that was important. As I monitored the nominations, my excitement grew. All the big names were there. People I have worked with, people I have learned from, people whose work I have long admired. Legends. And us amongst them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll not be disingenuous - I believe we are the best dance show working the grid right now [edit: at least, I <i>did</i> think that, til I saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhhLIN1US0Q" target="_blank">what IMAGE are doing</a>]. I took all of the things I observed in other dance shows, added it to what I know about live music audiences, mixed it up with some monkey spit and an overweening need to control everything with my name on it, and set up a show I would want to go to see. I work damned hard, seven days a week, and we produce a fresh and original show every single week, for almost two years. I don't know who else is doing that, because I don't go to other shows, because if I did, my dancers would never make it through rehearsal. But I do know I wanted the dancers I work with on the nominations list. I think they're worthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So as our names were added to those illustrious others who are famous across the grid, I felt we were taking our place amongst them. I felt it was right. We draw upwards of 60 avatars <i>every week</i> to our show, despite the fact it is on at midnight. Again, I don't know which other shows can say that - but it's a pretty impressive feat. I've always taken it to mean we are doing what we do right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEl-dpY78HY/UQjhyRy_ObI/AAAAAAAAAi0/Q_VudJg286A/s1600/nailsdone_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEl-dpY78HY/UQjhyRy_ObI/AAAAAAAAAi0/Q_VudJg286A/s200/nailsdone_001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even got my nails done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coming into the voting week, I was told we couldn't win anything. We were outsiders, unknown, and it seemed as though at least one committee member was actively campaigning against us, with mixed up schedules and disappearing nominations. We were determined to show up anyway, or at least, I was, because I really loved this concept. Our own awards! Peer recognition! An awards ceremony! Seriously, I thought all of those things were a really cool addition to the way I live my Second Life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then I was asked to present, which was just icing. Oh, hello <a href="http://mohnalisacouture.blogspot.com.au/">Mohna Lisa Couture</a>, I will be needing a new gown! Even though the awards ceremony started at midnight in my reality, I was determined to be there. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then guess what happened?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We won. <a href="http://sldancequeens.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/2012-cutie-awards-winners.html">We won a lot</a>. We won so many I couldn't find any more original ways to say thank you, and you three who read this know I am not short on words.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was glorious, amazing. Our group chat was full of joy and wonder, especially as dancers in different timezones logged on and learned what was happening. It was just so unlikely, we cleaned up, and to this minute, I do not know how. I mean ... we gave the voters all the access we could. We supplied what videos we could, we provided links to photos, and of course there were shows they could attend. But these things are so often a case of people rounding up their friends to vote for them. And we didn't think we had any to round up, so we didn't.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I went to bed at 5.30am and woke at 11am. For a few minutes I just lay there thinking "wow ... wow .... wow". It's a <i>long</i> time since that has happened to me. I may have been a child the last time I was that happy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And today, as my muse crept up on me and started whispering in my ear, I thought, "you know what? Bugger the secrecy and competition, I think I want to blog my creative process" . I was so inspired by the camaraderie, the open-hearted generosity of spirit that it took to make these awards happen. I thought I could extend that feeling, explain what makes me "tick", what makes me dance, engage with commentators, if they exist. Enjoy the dancing aspect of my dancing. And share it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And I will still do that ... I guess ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I opened my blog to write the first post, to share the song I am going to work on, and tell you what ideas I have for it, I noticed there was a new post on the Dance Queens blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nottoo Wise, who came up with the Cuties concept is <a href="http://sldancequeens.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/improving-cutie-awards-and-bit-more.html">stepping away from the process</a>. I don't know her very well, we don't chat, but as an avid follower of the blog, it is all too apparent that she's been under immense pressure from people who think something completely opposed to my experience of the awards. And in case you're thinking "well that's easy for you to say, you won," let me confess, that I, too, made my complaints about the process known to her. I had my say :-(</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I cannot tell you how awful it all feels now.</div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-31072041135231461802012-11-26T22:40:00.000-08:002012-11-28T19:47:53.248-08:00Meet Myf<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have noted before that I am not a "gamer". Apart from a couple of blasts around the track in Mario Kart, I have never been compelled to go in pursuit of the Super-Duper Sword Of Killingness*. This is in no small way down to the fact that I am fiercely competitive. I don't start things I can't win, and if I start it, you had better assume my endgame is to win it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not really one for shooting, blowing up or setting my problems on fire. And I like to dabble ... and dabblers don't win races.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since knowing Shippy, and as a direct result of Second Life having become a place of work and not leisure, I have been logging onto Clone Wars Adventures and have completed Guild Wars - Prophecies. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had to start from the very beginning. In fact I still don't know how to move with anything resembling agility, and every achievement has come as the result of repeated smooshings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started Guild Wars 2 last week. Please meet Myf Rogue, and her companion/mentor Jyotis Ravi.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I could write at some length, believe me, about the game culture, and what it's like to stumble into this microcosm. How intensive is the preparation and research, how resourced these players are. How it's natural instinct to them to make use of tools within and without the world they inhabit. And I probably will consider these things at other times. Because <i>I really love this game</i>.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4QaOaJ2izM/ULQ8gfQ_XFI/AAAAAAAAAhg/cNb3CEGs_bw/s1600/myf+and+jyotis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4QaOaJ2izM/ULQ8gfQ_XFI/AAAAAAAAAhg/cNb3CEGs_bw/s320/myf+and+jyotis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myf and Jyotis in Rata Sum, the capital of Metrica Province<br />
"we're setting out on the journey"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Myf and Jyotis are <a href="http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Asura">Asurans</a> -:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"The Asura value intelligence and intellectual superiority over all other
attributes. Individual asura will dedicate an entire lifespan to
building a portfolio of successful projects or becoming the foremost
expert of some tiny aspect of the arcane. They constantly seek to prove
their own intellectual superiority, and by extension the superiority of
the asura race. This typically results in asura being arrogant to the
point of rudeness towards others, especially towards non-asura races.
The asura have quickly established their intellectual and magical
superiority over the other races and view them as useful primarily for
heavy lifting, taking risks, and asking stupid questions."</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No comment on that at all. I admit, I chose an Asuran because Shippy already was one, although it was also because he thought the character type would suit me. Before I entered Guild Wars 2, I would have told you I wanted to be a typically beautiful human-type character. I don't really "get" how people spend their online lives as other creatures, maybe it's just been to fantastic for my fairly pragmatic nature.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is just something so endearing about watching these two tiny creatures scamper through Tyria, exploring, adventuring, learning ... and <i>fighting</i>. The game is best played full-screen, and to do so cuts you off, somewhat, from the usual distractions like facebook updates, emails and IM from other forums. It's also such a beautifully made world, it's so easy to immerse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jyotis and Myf are agreed it is like having their own movie to influence, participate in, and ultimately consume. That's not dissimilar to what their Second Life counterparts have been heard to say. "Proper" gaming involves quests, challenges, the acquisition of skills, and very little of the "lifestyle choices" of Second Life. It is very goal-oriented, and in that sense, a refereshing diversion for chryblnd Scribe.<br />
<br />
I'm still getting smooshed. At time of writing, I am a level 24 stain on the ground :-).<br />
<br />
You can expect to hear more of Myf Rogue and her adventures in this lovely alien environment.</div>
<br />
<br />
Music to read this post with:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EPScaC0BuRo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
Track 06 from The Unofficial Soundtrack for Guild Wars 2, composed by Jeremy Soulechryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-7875134027709441262012-11-20T15:58:00.000-08:002012-11-28T19:45:06.994-08:00Chry's interview with Gem Karas from the Australian Trader<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lE6hrdwyI_0/UKwYXPWjQGI/AAAAAAAAAhM/wWLKdFq_e4k/s1600/Aussie+Trader+article.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lE6hrdwyI_0/UKwYXPWjQGI/AAAAAAAAAhM/wWLKdFq_e4k/s400/Aussie+Trader+article.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><i>One
of the most inspiring and talented people I have met in SecondLife has
to be Chryblnd Scribe, a tireless and enthusiastic worker for her group <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=119229261471549" href="https://www.facebook.com/idlerogue">Idle Rogue</a> and Second Life in general. Her infectious personality seems to inspire other to give of their best.<br /> Caught up with Chry this week to find out a little more about what makes her tick!</i><br /> <b>Gem:</b> What was your first impressions when discovering SL?<br /> </span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<b>Chry:</b>
Heh ... like so many of us, I rezzed on the Pond Estates, and was
bumbling around, more than a little out of my depth, when Parky Lane
dropped out of the sky looking all kinds of glamorous, and helped me
find my way from orientation into the game lol. I have never lost that
sense of wonder, that instant bonding as I learned I could create
things, put things together that were really beautiful, and meet other
people who have this same (sometimes untapped) creative streak in them,
that SL lets loose.<br />
<b>Gem:</b> To us you seem to be a woman of many facets, are there parallels in Rl?<br />
<b>Chry:</b> It is my profound belief that, if you allow it, SL simply
distills and underscores who you are as a real person. And you will know
who you are, what moves and motivates you, and what you wish you could
change, if you pay attention to the choices you make in your Second
Life. There are many things it turns out I am, in RL, that I didn't
really recognise until they wove themselves through the ether.<br />
<b>Gem: </b>What was your Inspiration behind Idle rogue?<br />
<b>Chry:</b> I was raised by people who lived the philosophy that you get out
and create the community you want to be part of, and that is all that I
wanted Idle Rogue to be. A community where like-minded people could come
and be who they are. Idle Rogue grew organically. I'm a little bit
alternative, so it's a little bit alternative. The people who enjoy it
best are people who have similar interests to mine, and they are who
makes it strong. Idle Rogue is the community I always wanted to live in.<br />
<b>Gem:</b> Have you had any disapointments?<br />
<b>Chry:</b> Of course! We are dealing with humans, and I am relentlessly
human myself. I've had painful personal losses that I still struggle to
accept. I will say, though, that my biggest disappointment, and this is
true for many committed SLers, I think, is that SL remains a
misunderstood "fringe" medium. We all, to a more or less degree, treat
it like our dirty little secret, and perpetuate the notion that there's
something not-quite-right about having a virtual life, when in fact,
having a virtual life allows us to explore, trust, create, love, in a
way many people will NEVER get from their real life.<br />
<b>Gem: </b>Your greatest highlights are?<br />
<b>Chry:</b> My greatest moments have come from times when I see my friends
and family pull together. There are times on Idle Rogue, or with
Guerilla Burlesque, or when a group of Idle Rogues travel to an outside
event, when I am just bursting with joy to part of such a diverse,
engaged and clever group of people. They make friends wherever they go,
they get involved with things on the grid, they're people who do, and
they do it without bullshit or drama. An Idle Rogue is never alone, and
that's actually a pretty awesome thing.<br />
I often say that everything I do, I do for Idle Rogue. The highlight is and always has been that Idle Rogue is worth it. <br />
<b>Gem:</b> Where to now for Chryblnd Scribe?<br />
<b>Chry:</b> Honestly? I have no clue. I am flattered to be offered marvelous
opportunities almost constantly. And I am lucky to have the time to be
able to accept some of them, though the unadorned truth is that I badly
need real life work.<br />
All I really do, in everything I do, is look
for ways to help my friends live the kind of Second Life they want. I
manage time and resources in a way that lets them get on with doing the
(much cooler) stuff that they do, and by "they" I mean the musicians I
work with, the dancers in Guerilla Burlesque, the content creators on
Idle Rogue. It turns out that this is a kind of leadership, but it's
just so exciting, for me, knowing that if I do my stuff right, they can
do their stuff brilliantly. It is most definitely, as anyone will tell
you, a work in progress, but I'm getting there!<br />
<br />
<i>For the few who have yet to see <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=162959603767846" href="https://www.facebook.com/GuerillaBurlesque">Guerilla Burlesque (SL)</a>, it's a show not to be missed, the talent and professional performers make this a rivetting hour of music and dance.</i><br />
<i>The key to Chryblnd Scribe's success is simple, good music, good
friends, and a different slant on life, she helps open your eyes to what
can be.</i><br />
<br />
Story by Gem Karas<br />
Pictures by Whelan Ferraris Australian Trader, November 2012</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Dresses: Left - GizzA - Dolly Dress [Lace]</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Right - salt. summer romance vintage sundress<br />
Slink Womens Natural Barefeet (Mesh Rigged) (with thanks to Sho Kyong for her patient help with skin-matching) </div>
chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-9899958851893365862012-11-01T04:54:00.001-07:002012-11-01T04:54:55.767-07:00Still a dancer, always<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2qrSkEKYnc/UJJdCOTaMVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/jAY0xZ7KVmU/s1600/Juular+002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2qrSkEKYnc/UJJdCOTaMVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/jAY0xZ7KVmU/s400/Juular+002.png" width="400" /></a></div>
I don't get time to dance very often. I have commitments that include managing the Second Life engagements of <a href="http://www.jordanreyne.com/">Jordan Reyne</a> and <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/thepalehypnotic">DeepSky Timeless</a>, and a commitment to maintaining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/idlerogue">Idle Rogue</a> sim and community. Dancing as a soloist for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuerillaBurlesque">Guerilla Burlesque</a> has become a fairly demanding pursuit, the bar is very high indeed, and I don't have time to learn the skills the other dancers regularly deploy.<br />
<br />
I am frankly in awe of the dancers who arrive at every rehearsal with fully-realised, clever concepts that are freshly developed. It's a rare thing for a Guerilla Burlesque dancer to need to run a repeat, and is more often about performing to their own personal satisfaction than it is about a creative block.<br />
<br />
We just went through the Halloween season. Our performances were watched over 500 times, and we did five fresh shows, each with a rehearsal (some shows featured repeat acts). It was hard work, and every dancer dug deep and found the stuff to make it great. We made a lot of new friends, and we did some amazing things. My team is better, faster, stronger than ever, and they make me incredibly proud. Not least, for me, is the fact that our last show, on home ground, was the best. I love that they treat Idle Rogue so well, because Idle Rogue loves them very much.<br />
<br />
As my own dance commitments have shrunk, new faces have appeared on the team, and these are truly interesting, natural performers. You will enjoy getting to know them, as they have already shown a distinct personal style and a heartfelt dedication to creating great works. We are honoured, in so many ways, that they chose to work with us.<br />
<br />
My act for the final show was based on two thing. The first (as always) was the song, Juular from <a href="http://www.hevydevy.com/">The Devin Townsend Project</a>. The second was the <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Illusions-Civetta-Venetzia-Mask-18-Colors-Included/216883?id=216883&slug=Illusions-Civetta-Venetzia-Mask-18-Colors-Included">*~*Illusions*~* Civetta Venetzia Mask</a> which was every bit as majikal as wearing a mask is in real life. In case you missed the act, enj<span style="font-size: small;">oy the song :-)</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-DKs0qfdEk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550574557650504200.post-30398966644187189142012-10-11T18:23:00.000-07:002012-10-11T18:25:33.637-07:00and now we are four ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXxIvTeLIco/UHdu0jrTcAI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/rSyWY9IFx0w/s1600/danceromance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXxIvTeLIco/UHdu0jrTcAI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/rSyWY9IFx0w/s640/danceromance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So my rezzday came and went, with a minimum of fuss, and that is what I'd hoped for. Other years, especially last year, were crazy big events, and that always flattens me. I was particularly naughty last year, I know how much time and effort everyone put into it and I behaved very badly. It wasn't intentional. I am just surprisingly bad at unexpected attention. Not something I had to worry about this year lol.<br />
<br />
And as I go into my fifth year as resident of a virtual world? Do I still believe? Does it still compel me? Yes. Of course. I am there less now, because so much of my SL is actually work, I have to go somewhere else for mindless distraction, which is ironic. And it's fair to say the raging battles of the past twelve months took their toll, the enjoyment has been muted.<br />
<br />
I still believe SL teaches us everything we need to know about ourselves, if we choose it. Sometimes the journey down the rabbit hole is bewildering and unclear until you are able to pause and reflect. That's true of first life, too. As always, Second Life simply compresses the time required, distils the experience. It's the internet, baby. With pretty pictures.chryblndhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11291335200272336022noreply@blogger.com1