Scenes from a Chat: Spamming Sub edition

February 9, 2020, 5:27 pm

≫ Next: is it time for you to jump into the next train?

≪ Previous: I don't need a reason for what I became

[14:06] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxx: seeking a Mistress

No, really, that's how this nonsense started. In a sale group. One that doesn't even allow Adult listings, even.
[14:07] Fxxx Mxxxxxxxx: Not sure this is the right place for that
[14:07] Txxxxxx Hxxxxx: you didn't say that
Oh yes, yes, she did.
[14:07] Jxxxxx Dxxxxx: pretty sure no Mistress would see spamming groups as a desirable behaviour in anyone......
Oh, I'm sure she could find a wannabe with this approach, but no serious practitioner of consensual BDSM would TOUCH her with this act.
[14:08] Txxxxxx Hxxxxx: Oh, [Axxxxxx], are YOU in the wrong place. There are groups for that. This is not one of them.
[14:08] Jxxxxx Dxxxxx: yus
[14:08] Jxxxxx Dxxxxx: hahaha
[14:08] Txxxxxx Hxxxxx: Somebody spank this girl
[14:08] Emilly Orr: I wouldn't. That's what she wants.
[14:08] Jxxxxx Dxxxxx: exactly
[14:08] bxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lmao she will enjoy it
[14:08] Txxxxxx Hxxxxx: I am so proud of you
[14:08] Fxxx Mxxxxxxxx: better to punish her to not spank her, not give her what she wants
[14:08] Emilly Orr: Mmhmm.
[14:09] Jxxxxx Dxxxxx: ignoring is usually a good punishment :D
[14:09] Sxxxxx Oxxxxxx: I would not spank her that is what she wants
Perplexing, but chat moved on. Then, in another group:[14:25] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxx: seeking a MIstress
SAME DAMN PHRASE. What is she, defective?[14:25] Lxxx Hxxxxx: Here????????? Spam!!!
Yep.
[14:26] sxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oo thats gonna get your butt in trouble
[14:26] Lxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: check the pet adoption center
[14:26] rxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: You can't afford me and you are in the wrong chat group for that kind of stuff
That's a good answer.
[14:26] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LOL
[14:26] Lxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hehehhe
[14:26] xxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol me too lol
[14:27] Lxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: SL is a nice world :)
[14:27] dxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: she is going to every group
[14:27] dxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: or he i guess
[14:28] Lxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: maybe someone should pick it up her ;) uhauhauah
Even when I was more on the dominant end of the spectrum, I wouldn't have answered behavior like this. This is the worst example of childish, bratty, uncaring, demanding, topping-from-the-bottom sub behavior. Doesn't care where she posts, doesn't care who she annoys, doesn't care how many groups bounce her out on her pointy little head, as long as she gets attention. Of any kind.

No, far better to just walk away.
[14:29] xxxx Rxxxxxxx: I dont get the whole thing mistress and crap wtf
I wasn't about to break it down for Ms. Z, in yet another weekly sales group, but...I wrote the original annoyance:[14:34] Emilly Orr: [Axxxxxx], seriously, this is a good way to get blackballed by members of the BDSM community. You're being an irritant.
[14:35] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxx: your moms an irritant
[14:35] Emilly Orr: Oh, I see. A troll. Goodbye.
She's NINE YEARS OLD. Nine years old, and no picks, no BDSM groups (just store ones), no FL info. Pretty blank profile overall. In fact, the only thing that mentions BDSM in ANY way is this line from her SL bio:"[Axxxxxx]!, submissive, female, unowned"
Great. What an idiot.

Then, later still:

[14:26] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxx: seeking a MIstress
[14:27] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Wrong chat, [Axxxxxx]
[14:28] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: she's posting it in multiple groups
[14:28] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I'm in the MP and it's working
[14:28] xxxx Rxxxxxxx: nah its spamming

Yeah, it is.
[14:42] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Let's stick to PG topics [Axxxxxx]
[14:48] Emilly Orr: Plus, that's the third group I'm in you've hit with this inanity, so take the hint and STOP.
[14:54] Rxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: seeking a bat to hit her with
[14:54] Emilly Orr: Might help.
Void stars, she's annoying.

I anonymized her in actual chat mentions, as is tradition, but because I think she's someone who should be watched carefully, or greatly avoided, feel free to NOT involve yourselves with Artelia Seaside. She should definitely know better, and she absolutely does not care who she irritates in her goal to get under someone's thumb again (and likely boss them around). I'd also go out on that limb and say she's likely a Velcro collar type. Avoid her like she bears actual plague.

Some people should come with warning signs. I think she's one.

↧

is it time for you to jump into the next train?

February 24, 2020, 11:45 am

≫ Next: do you ever feel like everyone is slowly letting go? do you ever feel that incredibly alone?

≪ Previous: Scenes from a Chat: Spamming Sub edition

Here's to the new boss, same as the old boss...AKA, here we go again:

[11:16] Mxxxx Gxxxxxx: eek someone gives me a giftcard of 250 linden or something and i dont know the person ! anyone else having this ? i discard it
[11:17] Mxxxx Gxxxxxx: account eventweek2 Resident made today

I've been seeing this, or something like this, hit several groups I'm in since yesterday.

[11:18] Txx Axxxx: delete
[11:18] mxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: delete it and report that user!
[11:18] pxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: probably should discard and report, sounds fake
[11:18] gxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: definitely delete
[11:18] Sxxxxx Axxxx: ugh delete that
[11:19] axxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Message didn't go through. I haven't had that happen yet, but I don't think I would use that. I'd delete it.
[11:19] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: am getting store notices warning of that issue
[11:19] Wxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: guess eventweek1 was already taken....lol

No, that's actually another name the current scammer group is using.

[11:19] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: stranger danger!!
[11:19] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: lol
[11:19] Kxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Delete it and report it
[11:19] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: add them to mute list
[11:20] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes I have been seeing reports of event ava handing out a HUD that will take your L$ too :/
[11:21] dxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: That account is fake. Ive had another group warn me about one simular yesterday.
[11:22] mxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: last night (SLT) there was someone handing out free Catwa heads. also was created last night that account.

That, I hadn't heard, but it's a bad step up on the scam concept. While a lot of people question things, there are people that buy mesh heads for others, as a kindness, or just because they want to. And due to that, well, people could accept what they think is a gift of a mesh body or head. Dangerous.

[11:23] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: if you have received that kind of thing or even if you DO put it on, dont panic, it can only take your lindens if you give it access. When you put on a hud that wants to take lindens, Firestorm at least asks you just to make sure. Never give access to your lindens unless totally sure its a official store and you just tried to buy something there.
[11:23] Axxxxxxxx Cxxx: seems like its one person behind it all
[11:23] Axxxxxxxx Cxxx: everyone one of them has been named event something or giftevent something
[11:28] 5xx Rxxxxxxx: eventweek2 just send me 350 ls giftcard lol
[11:28] Pxxx Lxxxxxxx: [11:12] eventweek2 gave you this object: Group Gifts - GIFT CARD 350L$ #Rare
pleasxe delete card and ban and block this person
[11:28] Pxxx Lxxxxxxx: name is eventweek2
[11:29] Lxxxx Oxxxxx: I just got one too...lol
[11:29] Oxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes keep getting them too

It seems like half of everyone, or at least half of the active shoppers, on the grid are seeing these.
[11:29] Oxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: person is 1 day old
[11:29] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: I already muted them
[11:29] Pxxx Lxxxxxxx: i reported this bot
[11:30] Oxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you can find the group owner
[11:30] Oxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: sent them a message , not that it willl help
[11:30] mxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: muting is stupid, report that account.
[11:30] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you for the alert, guys.
[11:30] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: be aware folks that even at the stores you know you can trust you can't always trust people who drop into those stores
Exactly. And the call to block AND report is a good one. Always report instances of fraud to the Lindens.

In other news, another attempt at phishing:

[11:25] Catalina (catalinaa400): Fitted Mesh*ONLY FOR BODIES MESH. We cover the mesh bodies applitud of the market.Maitreya/Slink / Belleza / Omega System & More. {phishing link containing the words "altervista"}
If you have mesh body and are interested in Gifts / Promotions and New Items! Always up to date with Meshbodyfriends!Group FB {Facebook link which may or may not be real}

Why yes, I'm leaving her name clear. As a seven-year avatar, her account probably got hacked, but even if it was, and there was a real person behind it, there's not now. She was blocked and reported by a bunch of us.

As far as "Meshbodyfriends" being mentioned, that is an actual group, but they may not have anything to do with that particular scam, or the scammer. They may have just picked that up so it sounds somewhat legitimate.

[11:25] Exxxxxxx Lxxxxx: PHISHING LINK DONT KLICK
[11:26] sxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: FAKE!
[11:26] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: DO NOT CLICK
[11:26] Axxxx Cxxxxxxx: YES!!!!!!
[11:26] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes dont
[11:26] Uxx Fxxxxxxxxx: This person is spamming groups with this message

And this one:[11:32] Sxxxxx Axxxxx: WARNING - do not accept, rez or wear anything from eventweek, eventweek1, eventweek2 If something hits your invent from them without accepting, immediately delete it and clear your trash so there is no risk of accidentally opening it in the future. The one I just got was named Group Gifts - GIFT CARD 350L$ #Rare
[11:33] Gxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Maybe that is how the phishing thing has been going on
[11:33] Sxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: Thank you
[11:33] Gxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: a lot of people have had their accounts hacked and the person then bought lindens and did MP gacha shopping sprees
In the hour I've been in world today, Miss C hit two groups I'm in with the 'altervista' scam, and gift card reports are coming in all over. I've counted people in NINE groups I've in so far. And there were four yesterday, so this is a new infestation of thieves. I've also seen the gift card scam used by an avatar named "giftevent".

Stay aware, people. There's a lot of scammers out there.

↧

do you ever feel like everyone is slowly letting go? do you ever feel that incredibly alone?

February 27, 2020, 3:08 pm

≫ Next: I'm tied to so many things I don't need to do

≪ Previous: is it time for you to jump into the next train?

Here we go again, with a chat capture from That One Group:

[12:11] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: This is all incredibly frustrating.... I dont know how to do mesh heads or mesh bodies.. in the shops I cant even move around because of lag and cant see anything because of lag and the shop being crowded. The print for directions on posters is far to small to read and all directions act as if you already know. There is no one who explains any of this to anyone not even an assistant in the shop. How can I pick a head without knowing what the skin will look like and how can I get the skin on it without being able to find the skin (no labels of what the exact name of the skin is). Gods sake. I have to hop around to 5 different shops to get one look. And good luck getting anything at all with the drastic lag.

First things first: I totally get her frustration, here. It is hard. It's not easy for someone to just plunge into the world of mesh heads, or mesh bodies, and completely understand everything on the first go. A lot of mesh head demos have limited settings; we can play with some of the dimensions, maybe, but we can't necessarily change skins. Do we have skins in our inventories that will work? Do we need to buy whole new skins to go with the head? Which head is going to work? It's a lot to take in.
[12:11] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Cxxxxxxxx]. Please keep your posts down to 3 lines.[12:12] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Please.
[12:12] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: how could I say that with 3 lines? I am livid. Sorry.
[12:12] Emilly Orr: While I understand why you said that, [Dxxxxx], she has a point.
[12:12] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: not everyone experiences that much troubles hun and your lag is user end meaning it has to do with your settings, your computer and your net .. which can be helped with proper adjustments ... yes dressing an avi takes time and shopping

Yes, but if you expect people to upgrade to the best, fastest net service, you're woefully unprepared for the reality of most working adults. At least in the US, super-fast broadband simply isn't available everywhere, and even in those cities where it is offered, it's generally at a higher price point than many can afford.

[12:12] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Complain to the stores you are dealing with.
[12:12] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: I just wonder who else agrees.
[12:13] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Probably many points, this is not the venue.
[12:13] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i dont think its a store issue [Dxxxxx] .. more an issue perhaps learnin curve
[12:13] Sxxx Sxxxxx: If you havent already turn your graphics down, and draw distance, and then show friends only ...
[12:13] Emilly Orr: Trust me, [Cxxxxxxxx], I've been mesh-head shopping for two years now, haven't found one yet.
[12:13] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: I am literally on the lowest settings possible. :((( So sad.
[12:13] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: omg Emily. :(
[12:13] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: graphics slider main .. isnt the the way to lower your lag hun
[12:13] lxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: once i figured out catwa i fell in love
[12:14] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: I just want SL to grow and honestly this is way to hard for any newbies to do. I have been here for 12 years and I can barely figure it out. We need solutions.

And again, she's not wrong. While the advancements in technology have brought really great things, Second Life as a whole is largely becoming an investment--set aside shopping, rent on the grid, and the like, there will come points with advances in which the problem becomes user-end--in that, we can no longer lower our settings enough to minimize the lag, we have to upgrade our computers.

And I don't know about you, but I just don't have L$1500 lying around every day. (I didn't the last time I upgraded, in fact, it was a gift from a dear friend.)

[12:15] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: its really not that difficult .. newbies figure it out daily .. and Ive been here 13yrs as many other this group
[12:15] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: People do figure this stuff out, I did. You can.
[12:16] Emilly Orr: Some take longer to learn things, [Dxxxxx].
[12:16] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Yes.
[12:16] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: And that is ok.

Is it? Because your entire attitude, and the attitude of many commenters, is "Suck it up, you'll be fine, it's your fault anyway". How is that 'okay', in any sense of the word?[12:16] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: mesh bodies head been around now for several yrs .. its not hurting growth, the better graphics have actually helped it alot
[12:16] Emilly Orr: [Cxxxxxxxx], I'd recommend hitting Strawberry Singh's blog. She covers a lot of mesh heads, finding and fitting mesh heads, and laying skins over them. Solid advice.
[12:16] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: Where would I find that Emily?
[12:17] Emilly Orr: It's...a blog? Google Strawberry Singh, or if that doesn't work, Strawberry Singh Second Life. It'll pop right up.
[12:20] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: sounds like you been out of the loop for quite a few years [Cxxxxxxxx] .. if just returning maybe good idea take it slowly .. one piece of update at a time
[12:22] Axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Emily Orr, I agree with your recommendation for a blog. Also I find the genus head inworld group chat very responsive and helpful and you don't need to buy the head, it's a free group.
[12:22] Emilly Orr: Maybe. Or maybe she's like some of us who've been on the ground the whole time, never left, and still don't quite grok the concepts.
[12:23] Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: on the lag front, if you haven't done it already I would recommend turning down the maximum complexity of avatars so they all jelly doll
Which helps, but I'm not sure the whole 'jellydoll' thing is a part of any viewer save for Firestorm. Has it been adapted officially? Because contrary to popular belief, not everyone on the grid runs with Firestorm.
[12:23] Emilly Orr: That's actually a good idea. Joining a group for a head you like the look of, or joining a group just for mesh body/head support, you can ask a lot of these questions there and get good answers.
[12:24] Axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: It depends a lot on your computer too. My 9 year old "fruit" computer was just not up to SL - it was immensely frustrating - I ended up looking at the blog Emily recommended and getting a new computer based on SS's specs.
[12:24] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I thought we gave good answers when people needed help
Yeah, I did too. What happened today, people?[12:24] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: also have a look at bandwidth it could be set far too low dragging you down
[12:25] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: if you have alot trouble in large groups and shops ((vendors i know can get heavy for some)) .. use the show friends only while shopping
[12:26] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Cutting back on the groups you allow to send you notices helps too.
[12:26] Emilly Orr: And remember most Marketplace makers do offer demos, so in a pinch, you can just log into a sandbox, order a bunch of free demos, and play with the settings without other people and items to clutter the view.
[12:26] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: turning OFF name tags helps alot too
That I did not know. Does that really work? I tend to highly value knowing who's talking to me without clicking for their profile to find out first, but still, it's worth keeping in mind if it works.
[12:27] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I buy my heads via MP.
[12:27] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: How do you show friends only? I have limited notices coming in, sometimes gone to showing no avatars at all but then had to deactivate that to see myself lol, brought down all the graphics settings I could find.. etc.
[12:27] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I never make any large pruchases via MP cos you do not if can get redelivery always
[12:27] Ixxxx Mxxxx: A good and normal bandwidth for SL is 1500 Kbps
[12:27] Emilly Orr: If you're on Firestorm, it's World to Show Friends Only, at the bottom of the list.
[12:27] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: If anyone has tips for reducing lag Ill pay you to learn them ;D ha. No really.
[12:28] Emilly Orr: If not, then I don't know how to get there, but it's probably still somewhere in the world menu options.
[12:28] hxxxxxx Dxxxxxxx: iis your vewer updated?
[12:29] yxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Youtube videos. Some YouTubers give very detailed explanations how to about mesh heads, skins, fittings and settings.
[12:29] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no need pay .. I sent you an IM [Cxxxxxxxx]
[12:30] Emilly Orr: I keep forgetting about YouTube tutorials, I'm more a reader. But that's a good tip, too.
[12:30] yxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I prefer the old try and mistake. You are slower, but laugh more. *Giggles*
[12:30] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: Its just for 20 us dollars I wish there was help.
Hence her level of frustration. And I get it--for someone who lives in the tax bracket where $20 is a single drink, then they won't consider it a huge expenditure. For someone who expects $20 to feed a family of three to four (and yes, a lot of us out here, thanks), it's a significant investment, that needs to be seriously considered. Which is where sources for help would, y'know, actually help. Instead of most people in this chat going "oh well, it's on you, everyone else is fine".
[12:30] Axxxxxxxx Mxxxxx: The Altamura Design group has videos - see the profile of the manager, DaddyStickler Picks -
[12:30] Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I've only ever had two mesh heads. I got an altamura one on special at an event and used that until BOM came out and I got a Tonic one to go with my body
[12:30] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: 20 for the head, about 10 to 15 for the body and then theres so much else to buy.
[12:30] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i have err several from most of the designers and least one body type from each maker lol
[12:31] Emilly Orr: Yeah, mesh heads are spendy.
[12:31] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I can help and am willing .. but .. you need be willing let me
[12:31] yxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Except Normie. Only 500L$. *takes out her head for kiss it*
[12:31] kxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the normie head is around 500L I think on mp
[12:32] kxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol beat me to it
[12:32] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Normie isnt actually bad. it is bento and reacts well to 3rd party facial huds on MP and the mesh is omega so is bom as well
[12:33] kxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes I love mine
[12:33] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: Is Normie a head that you can change? (Features)
Sort of?[12:33] kxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes
[12:33] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes it is bento
[12:33] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: bento means new skeleton ... so has the ability uise most the sliders
[12:34] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: theres a demo .. so you can demo skins and shape editting before ever buy
[12:34] yxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: bento, shapeable, Omega compatible, the only limitation is the slots for makeup
[12:34] sxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I use normie too... it's cute, skews a little young, but has fewer makeup areas
Well, sure. Because Normie's a Utilizator product. Utilizator makes anime avatars and anime-centric furs. And that's really all he does, plus a few clothes/armor sets/weapon sets designed to fit Avatar 2.0 and Kemono, and the Venus and Normie heads.

[12:34] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Yes, DEMO everything.[12:34] Cxxxxxxxx Vxxxxxxx: So is bento the best head to buy then?[12:34] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: there also LAQ which is a very nice brand and gets alot support .. you can get the head for 1500 .. the hud is 2500 but you dont have to buy it till want to[12:34] Emilly Orr: You can change the Normie head, but it starts off with a fixed jaw shape, and that never really changes. If that's your shape, you're gold. But if you try to get, say, a pointed chin, it's never going to happen with Normie.

And I wish it could. Without that fixed jaw line, I could really get into using Normie.

[12:34] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Static works well.[12:35] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I buy my alts static heads.[12:35] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: dont think anyone wants static these days .. they wanna be able edit their shape lol

Most of us do, yeah. But I think 'static' here is used to mean 'non-animated'.

[12:35] Emilly Orr: There are no Bento heads, strictly speaking. Bento is a way of moving mesh. There are mesh heads ENABLED for Bento, viewers enabled for Bento.[12:35] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: And I do not use the bento in this head.[12:35] sxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I suggest demo demo demo as much as possible and see what the heads/bodies can do . They ALL have pros and cons depending on what look You will want/need[12:35] yxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yikes!! no kissing, licking, winking and teasing, [Dxxxxx]?[12:35] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: most dont [Dxxxxx] and she specifically asked about being able change its features[12:36] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Yep, [Yxxx]![12:36] mxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Our beloved [dxxxxx] is old school :D[12:36] yxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: that is respectable and remarkable, anyway :)[12:37] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i cant handle expresssionaless lol

I think it's more a case of what you've grown used to. I'm used to fairly static expressions, with shifting 'moods' only through use of a HUD, and that I generally save for photography. But Bento-rigged heads were a great advance--instead of a choice of fairly static/smiling/looking shocked/looking angry/jaw moves randomly when talking, we suddenly had jaw movements synched to syllables spoken, winking, eyes widening, several grades of smiles and frowns, tongues sticking out--it was a whole new world.

Essentially, it comes down to how much research we're willing to do, apparently on our own, to become expert at something that most people aren't expert in. Because if this is the kind of help people are willing to offer, it'd be easier to pick up the nearest hammer and strike ourselves once between the eyes. We'd probably be less hurt by that, too.

↧

I'm tied to so many things I don't need to do

March 2, 2020, 4:14 pm

≫ Next: that's why I'm gonna build myself a cave, move down in the ground

≪ Previous: do you ever feel like everyone is slowly letting go? do you ever feel that incredibly alone?

"You call me up
Say that you've been busy
But something made you just reach out...

The problem is, I suppose, that it's happening on both sides. Does everyone struggle like this with people we've parted from? Or is it just some quirk in my personality, that I make it so hard to detach?

"And we meet up
Tell each other stories
'bout how we been since we last talked
Our coffee date
Moves into the evening
We wonder how it got so late..."

And in all honesty, I claim a lot of culpability for this. We did take some time apart, but--partially because we share the same social group, and partially because we're still drawn to each other--we kept circling. Erratic orbits through the empty space between us, and how could it not be awkward, strange, occasionally surreal? I'm not sure if I'm trying to forge a hands-off friendship, or the sort of friends-in-bed situations I grew up with, hanging out with a largely bisexual, polyamorous group that randomly shifted beds and relationships, depending on the week or the mood.

"We walk around
And I keep asking how
I don't know better by now..."

The one thing I do know is I don't want to try to date him again. I care for him, I may never stop loving him, but...as a couple, at this point, we're toxic with each other. What broke can't be fixed, or at least, can't be remade. That time apart gave us room to breathe, and if we were breathing through shards of heated glass for several months after, well, that's how breakups feel, right?

"You try but you can't shake me
I think we're going crazy
Keep saying that we're through but
Baby I'm not over you..."

And to be fair, this time he reached out first. Confession time, feelings, revelations, which led to a lot of contemplation and more careful conversations.

And that is, of course, part of this too, because I speak with other people, I listen to what they say, but with him...we speak in the silences between words, in the pauses, in the words we choose to mean additional things above and beyond what they do as simple language. It's not hard, really--as easy as walking a tightrope while carrying a frightened tiger. A simple, complicated thing, as so much of our relationship was.

"We're quick to go attack
But when we split I need you back and
I tell myself we're though but
Baby I'm not over you..."

And we're on fire again, and I'm wondering whether it's going to be the crucible that purifies, or lead to third-degree burns and scars.

Again.

I didn't name this blog the Train-Wreck Love Life on a whim.

"You're the one it's gotta be and I
Gotta get ya next to me
You try but you can't shake me..."

He's actually said as much. We had a very, very careful conversation today, and I told him in spite of everything, he lingers. He said in spite of everything, I echo. It would hurt less to be less to each other, for once.

"You wear your clothes
Like you're trying to impress me
But I just think you're over dressed
You roll your eyes
'Cause I keep my room messy
And you think we're too old for that..."

The issue, I suppose, is that I've never left a relationship where I was still in love. It's...new territory. I've left over arguments that led to months of crying; I've left due to absence; I've had love beaten out of me, and lost the feel of what that love felt like when the bruises healed. Three was always a reason, above and beyond, on why I left or why they did, but always before, always, love had faded, or disappeared entirely.

"But I gotta know
How you can tweet but you can't text me
You say that I just need control
We go around
And I keep asking how
I don't know better by now..."

And...I genuinely feel unsettled. Do I want to start up even the smallest, merest beginnings of...something...again? Is that fair to either of us? Will it just hurt him in the long run? And ultimately, how can I still love someone that I know, know with surety, I cannot ever be with the way I was before?

And why am I thinking about these things at all?

"Now you say choose it, my favorite music
We dance round my bedroom floor
Run to the store and pick up snacks for
A movie we can ignore..."

Friendship doesn't cause this ache. Relationships, loss, cause this ache. And if the ache is felt, if it's a known pain, should that tell me I'm moving in the wrong direction? I don't want to stop moving, but...maybe I need to pull the lever on the brake. Just a little. Or redirect to the section of track that has the bumper post.

"I think we're going crazy
Keep saying that we're through but
Baby I'm not over you
Baby I'm not over you
Baby I'm not over you..."

Yeah. I'm working on it, but some people are harder to shake than others. Especially if I don't truly want to shake them off in the first place.

(Lyrics are from Tessa Violet's song "Not Over You", which is my third favorite of her works so far--the first being one she did back in her Meekakitty days, which was a sort of fanvid thing for Selena Gomez' song Love You Like a Love Song', and the second is her recent release "Crush".

(The pictures were taken in the Magic Moon Forest. It's Adult land, but it's really, really pretty.)

↧

that's why I'm gonna build myself a cave, move down in the ground

March 6, 2020, 10:47 am

≫ Next: your eyes are like two jewels in the sky

≪ Previous: I'm tied to so many things I don't need to do

So, the ethical dilemma of the day, or at least mine: what does one do with someone who says they might be interested in exploring possible "friendly" options, but only for free, and anything further means monogamy will need to be involved?

(With the understanding that in this context, "friendly" means some level of sexual involvement.)

Let's set aside that's my avocation at present--we do get wanderers frequently who think Adult means free sex, and we have to explain repeatedly our rates. And we're used to that. SL, RL, there will always be men who think that paying for intimacy is beneath them, and moreover, we're wrong for even asking. It's the world we have, right now.

But it did strike me as odd--oh, not the interest, no. And really, not the insistence that he not be charged. The attitude does not impress me, but I have occasionally set aside my choice of employment for intriguing new friends. I doubt I'll change that.

No, what puzzled me was the whole monogamy issue. He said he'd read my profile, and if he wasn't just saying that, there are at least two places ON my profile where I mention being involved with others. So...where did he get the idea I would ever be monogamous?

And if all he was offering was friendly sex, then why the insistence on monogamy? Worse, perhaps, is that he didn't say I should part from anyoneI'm seeing now, just that I should be monogamous with him, and him alone. So...how can one be monogamous and still see other people?

It's too confusing for me.

↧

your eyes are like two jewels in the sky

March 10, 2020, 4:07 pm

≫ Next: I'll stand guard as she's nailed to the wood

≪ Previous: that's why I'm gonna build myself a cave, move down in the ground

I finally had an opportunity today to travel to the Isle Du Noir, and the Silhouettes Club. First things first: just as Jadida Mondrago presents a specific view of steampunk (post-Victorian Arabic, in their case), so Isle Du Noir does for dieselpunk--in their case, filtered through the view of a Caribbean port d'escale marchand, a home for pirates des Caraïbes, and interested others, contrebandiers, les commerçants, and simple travelers alike. A small, but significant, island nation.

Dieselpunk is intriguing on its own. One, because it's such a varied era setting--essentially, anywhere from the early 1920s to mid- to late-1940s, which covers a LOT of changes--socially, musically, in fashion, in representation--but that also means there's a lot of room to move when adapting to the era.

Of course, some never got the memo...I had to fairly significantly figleaf her, too, because head-on you could clearly see nipples and...other bits.

[12:32] Vxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx smacks her butt suggestively

Kind of clueless in more than one sense, too. Which...I'd normally ignore, because a) not my sim, not my rules, and b) it's intended, by everything I've heard, to be a sort of alternative adult playground...save for one thing. The sim's moderate. I am fairly sure nothing about Ms. V qualifies as "moderate".

A nun walks into a bar with a Mexicano farmer...

There's not a lot of info on her profile to make that connection, per se,, but considering her SL bio implies heavily she was looking to become a high-powered lawyer and threw it all away for a dominant, I think I can read between the lines. There's also this:

"The only gift one can offer is its self. The last decision a true slave will ever make. To offer its self.
"This slave craves to be under total and full restrictive control as any true slave would. It's ability to communicate and act upon its own removed from its life. All communications, interaction and travel will be under the Dominant's control and observation. Plain and simple it is an object and property. It is to be respected and dealt with as any such, property owned by another."

Hoo boy. Okay, look. It's a wide world. There's a whole lot of ways to do a whole lot of things. I get that. But unless the sub knows their dominant very well, and trusts them completely...24/7 submission is so dangerous. And TPE, total power exchange, is a very easy way to explode relationships, personalities, self-esteem, self-worth... unless both parties know what they're doing.

And, at least in SL, I've seen dozens of subs--and a fair amount of doms--who say this is exactly what they want, when in truth, they have no clue what they're demanding.

And I won't lie, I've met some 24/7 sorts who seem very happy. Some have even completely depersonalized, so they're no longer Sally Smith from Albequerque, say, but 0171235, registered and ID-tattooed--or branded. (Note: that last link goes to a NSFW site, but more for the actual branding being shown than the nudity. Still, there is both, so it comes with a warning.) There's one lass I knew a while back who spent a consistent amount of time traveling between England, her home, and Dubai, where her dominant was--and every time she did, she traveled in a 100% covering, black latex burqa--frankly, the first one I'd ever heard of. And some trips, even that was not enough for her "owner", so he sent a handler to escort her back--because she needed one when she was traveling with hands cuffed together and attached by the wrists to her collar, and ankles cuffed together, attached to a six-inch chain.

That is far too close to places I don't want to go. She seems happy, and that's great for her, but...that's not something I can do. I will give a great deal of control to a dominant I trust, a great deal of access, occasionally levels of honesty my partners in RL don't always get...but I am always a person, I always have personal rights, and if they can't accept that, we can't function together as a D/s pair on any level.

More furnishings in the Silhouettes Club

I am not an object, and I will never be an "it". I don't believe any human should be. But...again, that's me, that's my take on things, and that's my issues talking. Maybe it's less about personality annihilation to those that engage, and more about freedom, but me...that entire end of things is terrifying.

Still, overall, it's a very pretty club, in a very pretty sim. And it was nice to see Ms. R again, though she's going by another name (and, to be fair, she pulled it off pretty well, for what was basically an Akasha cosplay). She's still an amazing DJ.

And I won't lie, I have been very tempted to get kitty feets for my daily avatar, but...boss-lady would not approve, so...I don't.

Plus, I'd lose the ability to wear shoes. And I like my shoes.

Ultimately, though, if you're interested in dieselpunk, piracy, era-based roleplay, or gentle villainy, this might be your island to visit. If nothing else, find out when the next event is at Silhouettes, because at the very least it's worth a look.

↧

I'll stand guard as she's nailed to the wood

March 11, 2020, 10:56 pm

≫ Next: wake up! no more nap, your turn is coming up

≪ Previous: your eyes are like two jewels in the sky

Ever feel like some people aren't really listening? Or, at least, not properly comprehending?

[14:58] Pxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: moans am aching to cum
[14:59] Emilly Orr: Excuse me?

A fair question, don't you think? This was a store group.
[14:59] Pxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: trying to lick you dry
[15:00] Emilly Orr: You're in the wrooooong window, babycakes.
[15:00] jxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: erm... think wrong chat.
Glad I wasn't the only one that picked it up, but still.
[15:00] Pxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: am yousing my fingers as well now
[15:00] Emilly Orr: I bet. Go away.
[15:03] cxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: GRACIAS
I'm hoping the "go away" got through, because I didn't see anything past that until this line:[15:15] Bxxxxxx Pxxxxxxxxx: [15:15] Bxxxxxx Pxxxxxxxxx: [Pxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx] has been ejected from [the store group in question]by Bxxxxxx Pxxxxxxxxx.
[15:16] Emilly Orr: Oh, good. Refused to get the point?
...so, the store owner bounced the little head case? Good for her. I'm just glad the twit's off to get her jollies with someone who cares.

And then, later that night, in a different store group...

[22:24] Sxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Someone told me this place got lots of horny women. If anyone's a horny Queen of Spades looking for a Black Bull, I'm available as your exclusively monogamous Black Bull. Make me yours now. Not a spam. Sincere statement.
[22:25] Emilly Orr: You have to be kidding.
[22:25] Lxxx Axxxxx: omg
[22:26] Emilly Orr: What part of *store group* do you fail to grasp??
[22:27] Bxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: lol
[22:28] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: O.o
[22:29] Lxxxxx Mxxxxxxx cackles. "Black in SL, white in RL with that approach and profile. Bravo, bravo, bravo."*goes for the block*

Really? So I pulled the profile. This is his total SL bio:100% Top Cismale found as a human, a demon, an angel, a lycan, a bull, a shark, a hero, a villain, a comedian, a dinosaur, a dragon, a tree, an alien etc...
There are so many red flags in there, starting with "100% Top". That bespeaks a high level of insecurity.

One of his picks, in fact, states:

"The only reason I enter Second Life is to 'love' a female avatar. That is it. I have no friends. I have no family. I belong to no one. No one belongs to me. I am not a part of anything, as a matter of fact, I'm banned from almost everything. I love it when everyone hates me."

And how eye-roll-inducing is that, that 'love' is in quotes? Seems like it turns out Ms. S, below, was absolutely right in her calling him a troll loser.
[22:29] Emilly Orr: You can't even defend yourself. Waste of space
[22:29] Sxxxxx Mxxxxxxxxx: Dont even bother to engage him.. he's a total troll loser
[22:29] jxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: trashy as hell
[22:30] cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol
He's two years old. Two years on the grid and he hasn't learned anything beyond how to irritate people.

Another one of his picks?"I'm good being lonely and having a sad existence. I always get what/who I want. So, I'm always winning. However, the day I truly win is when I get banned from Second Life. Or even better, when I no longer exist in Real Life."
So now we add to the trollish misbehavior, apparently happy suicidal ideation? Yeah. No longer interested, I was right the first time, complete waste of oxygen.
[22:30] Sxxxxx Mxxxxxxxxx: this group wont tolerate your [bulls**t] like [another group he got banned from] did
[22:30] Ixxx Fxxxx: All i can say is i had a blast laughing.. little jerks needs to be ignored xD
[22:30] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: holy [s**t] what a piece of trash
[22:30] Exxxxx Pxxxxxxx: what did I miss?
[22:31] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lmao
[22:31] axxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just another cheapie guy hanging at stores/events
[22:31] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just think how needy and inadequate that person is in real life
[22:31] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: probably not well endowed...
[22:31] Sxxxxx Mxxxxxxxxx: its so sad
It is, it really is. Talk about an attention junkie. It's just ridiculous.

↧

wake up! no more nap, your turn is coming up

March 13, 2020, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: I've got a dream when the darkness is over, we'll be lyin' in the rays of the sun

≪ Previous: I'll stand guard as she's nailed to the wood

Found on a random profile:

There's 3 ways to approach SL, each one is unique but none better than the other.

1. Augmentationist - One who's AV is a tool to make a RL connection with another RL person.
2. Roleplayer - One whos AV is a fictional character, a puppet in a shared storyline.
3. Immersionist - One who self-identifies with their AV, and who lives thru its eyes in this world.

Interesting. Depending on setting, I am nearly always 3, and largely 2 (my backstory is fairly constantly in mind as the answer to many questions), but...I have been 1 on occasion. And I've highly enjoyed meeting those other 1s.

In other news, welcome to another random clip entry.

I can't remember which group I was in that linked this old New World Notes article, but it amuses me greatly that it was written in the first place (by ABC, who should know better, not New World Notes, who likely was as amused as I was when they read it the first time), and that things really haven't changed. Yes, surprise, women wear less in Second Life. What a shocking surprise.

And the designer behind EscalateD posted something interest recently about how to fix clipping with mesh hair. And I'd never considered that angle before. I've mostly just ditched hair that doesn't fit, or resized my head, but...I never even thought the underlying default hairbase might be an issue.

Though to be fair, it's probably more of an issue for mesh head wearers.

big-tree-house

I saw this while wandering about, and of course, had to laugh a bit at myself. Because of course I want the treehouse that costs L$5999. But...it's so pretty...It seems very well built, very natural--you know, for a multi-roomed treehouse on a gigantic tree--and I could even live with the more tropical-styled roofs on the rooms.

I'm not going to get it, it's not like I even have anywhere I can rez that out right now. But still, it is made of the pretty. I so could live there.

You can find it at KAI Outdoor Furniture. In case any of my readers wants to drop six thousand Lindens on a tree. winky-face-smiley

Did anyone else miss the Caledon Catgirl Dance? I did, but thankfully, there's a Flickr feed of photos just from that affair.

A bit of random truth:

[14:33] Banshee (abinathra): False information is always free. You have to pay for the truth.

To that end, this bit of concern from one of my sales and freebies groups:

[10:52] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: mmm we are talking about nothing other than corona virus in my country today, Spain just declared the state of alarm or whatever you call it. Closing all schools and some jobs.
[10:52] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: I do hope you are all doing better in your own countries, lets hope the summer calms things down.

Yeah, Italy's already locked the country down, no travel in or out. Our orange menace, meanwhile, is thinking only of himself--he's declared no one can travel into the US, unless they come from a place he has a golf course at. Why he thinks golf will somehow keep people well, I have no idea, but it's infuriating. It's also infuriating that he's still scheduling big rallies, and flying off to his country club to meet with dignitaries who've bribed their way in. Though that may in fact backfire on him--one of those dignitaries he met with has been diagnosed with the virus. And why yes, of course he shook hands with the man.

[10:53] Nxxx Wxxxxx: its a big bag of nuts here.
[10:53] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: in the U.S., people are in a state of mass hysteria, buying out essential supplies like toilet paper and hand soap, and the economy is crashing. The people are scaring me much more than the virus does.

I have to agree. I live in something even an optimistic sort would not consider a large city, yet we're dealing with empty shelves here as well. Toilet paper I get; hand sanitizer, though that will do NOTHING for a viral infection, I get; I even get why over-the-counter painkillers and decongestants are being stockpiled. I don't get why people are buying whole milk by the truckload, or concentrating on frozen ground beef over fresh or frozen anything else. It's baffling.
[10:54] Gxxxxx Dxxxxxxxx: I told everyone CHina did a great job of containing things and consequestly the numbers are declising...but the US is NOT China and Americans are not used to being ordered to do anything!
Actually, that's not quite true. China wanted concealment first, safety second. Had they not done that, had they actually buckled down and started openly telling people how to avoid the virus a week before they actually began to do that? It wouldn't have hit so many people.

[10:54] Gxxxxx Dxxxxxxxx: That is what makes me worry
[10:54] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: In Spain its the same of buying way too many supplies in supermarkets, but then you look at the streetsw and people seem calm
[10:55] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: yeah, spanish people do a lot of life in the streets, it will be difficult to keep us all inside houses.
[10:55] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: it's a bad virus, and nobody wants to get sick with it, but we all need to stay calm and just take a deep breath and not panic
[10:55] Nxxx Wxxxxx: ^^^^^^
[10:56] Nxxx Wxxxxx: so very that.

Absolutely. Washing hands frequently is the first line of defense. Staying away from large groups of people is the second. Neither of these need to induce utter screaming panic, however.

[10:56] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: yeah, I think a good middle point. Talking things seriously and following orders but not enter panic and buy everything off the shelves.

[10:56] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I work at home so I have no problem staying in, but I feel bad for those who can't stay home
[10:56] Sxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I'm staying calm, but I refuse to take a deep breath. Too many germs in the air.
[10:56] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: Well, I am going to be working from hoem several days too, but since we will have less work and Ill be able to stay up later... Im be getting a bit more of SL.
[11:00] bxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: seeing you all talking bout the corona stuff ... where i live idiots are following the target and walmart trucks to see where they are going so they can try to pester the unloaders to give them stuff so they don't have to go in the stores i dunno whats wrong with folks these days they seem to have lost their minds and need to get back on track and do things the right wayThat does seem pretty high in the stupidsphere.
[11:00] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Wow thats nuts
[11:00] exxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: people have been stealing masks from hospitals here in France - facepalms
And again, this is that lack of comprehension thing. Masks will do NOTHING to prevent the wearer from getting sick. About all they do is prevent the infected from easily spreading it if they have to go out.
[11:01] Nxxx Wxxxxx: people get scared and go dumb.
Nearly always, sadly.
[11:01] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: O_o that is bordering crazy, sorry.
[11:01] Nxxx Wxxxxx: same here where i live and hand sanatizer.
[11:02] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: I had hand sanitizer because I use it to clean my hands from polymer clay, yaaay for doing crafts LOL
[11:02] Cxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxx: I live in the only state that does not have a case of the virus yet, but the stores have a run on hand sanitizers and toilet paper too, local schools have no school after today just to try and stay safe.
[11:03] bxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: 6 confirmed cases in diff spots in sc where i live 47 others being watched for it so far none in the county i live it knock on particle board
[11:04] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you have to stand in line to buy hand sanitizer where i live, if they have it, its rationed
They're doing that in a lot of places.
[11:04] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: If you are in my state [Cxxxxxxx], it is here we have only tested 8 people so far in the entire state.
[11:04] Cxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxx: hope they come back negative, and all is well
[11:05] bxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: need to head back off and get some things done but i wish hope and pray everybody stays safe and way from the mess smiles :)
[11:05] Nxxx Wxxxxx: the part that worries me a bit is they arent quite sure how it is spread.
Near as I can tell, Wuhan, China was where it was first seen, in an open-air market. While that market did not, specifically, sell bats for soups and other dishes, it is quite possible infected bats flew in and fed on chickens or other live animals, thus giving them the virus, and it was then transmitted to humans.

As much as I adore bats, vampire bats in particular do tend to carry a lot of bacterial and viral diseases, because of their habit of feeding on live blood. For the most part, these diseases don't infect them at all, but can be spread through their saliva in bites into other animals. And we already know this is a virus that crosses species, so it wasn't a big leap at all to jump from chicken (or other live animal) to human.
[11:06] Cxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxx: Take care [Bxxxx], stay safe out there, and don't touch your face, wash your hands, smiles

[11:06] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: they seem to not know many things :-(
[11:06] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: they know its origin dont they?Wuhan, China.
[11:06] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: my state has a few cases but everyone acts like it's all over the place
Well, technically, it is all over the place, but I do know what she means. She's not talking globally, she's talking about how people are freaking out locally. And my state did a bit of that, too, even back when we only had one case here (a dowager sort who was entitled enough to rage against being prevented travel off the Diamond Princess, so argued her elderly way into returning home...two cities away from me).
[11:06] Nxxx Wxxxxx: wet markets in china.

[11:07] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i heard it had to do with snakesAgain, probably not. The likeliest assumed vector is bats into live animals at that wet market, and then into us.

All I can say is reinforcing what I've said above--basic hygiene helps. Hand sanitizer doesn't. Never cough into your hands if you do need to cough. And to reinforce that, let me share with you the cutest viral outbreak song ever--because even if there weren't subtitles, the hand motions are clear enough to be understood.

Going further back into the past, have an article on haint blue as a color. And switching to charity, Amanda Palmer--who, with husband Neil Gaiman, is currently stuck/on tour in Australia--has released a charity album with a bunch of friends, in support of the Australian bushfires. Pay what you can; all profits will be donated to recovery efforts.

:Lastly, I recently watched a playthrough of an independent horror game from Japan, called The Doll Shop. Now, yes, the game is quietly unnerving, and if that's not your thing, that's fine, but I fell in love with the soundtrack. Evocative, drifting, ethereal, minimalist music.

Turns out the entire soundtrack can be downloaded for free through Bandcamp. So even if you don't like horror games, you might like the soundtrack to this one!

And we end on a sad note--Torley Linden has left Linden Lab. Which is a shame, as that was one of the last Lindens left who would openly talk things over with residents. But onward we stagger.

↧

I've got a dream when the darkness is over, we'll be lyin' in the rays of the sun

March 15, 2020, 1:37 pm

≫ Next: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part one)

≪ Previous: wake up! no more nap, your turn is coming up

I did not realize the Hill of Crosses existed in SL.

(Creative Commons license reserved to photographer Diego Delso. All rights reserved.)

The Hill of Crosses, or Kryžių kalnas, beyond the screen is in Šiauliai, wbich is in the upper part of Lithuania. No one seems to know for sure when it began to sprout crosses in profusion, but most sources agree it began sometime in the first few decades of the 1800s, after a few wars wherein the dead were buried where they fell, and not back home with their loved ones. Having no bodies to commemorate, they went to the hill and memorialized them there.

And the Lithuanian government was initally not pleased--especially during Soviet-occupied years. To the point, in fact, that the Soviet army bulldozed the hill, the site of the old Domantai Fort, three times--once in the 1940s, I believe, again in 1963, and once more in 1973.

(Creative Commons license reserved to photographer B. Villaiba, who snapped this image in 2016. All rights reserved.)

The people were undeterred. They raised the stakes--quite literally staking crosses deep into the hill, but also carting in statues of Jesus and the Virgin, hanging rosaries, holy medals, blessed scapulars and heavy crucifixes atop the crosses, the trees, the statues. It became as much an act of defiance, as it was worship.

And, as the Soviets discovered, nothing worked. The crosses kept coming back. And now, in these latter days, it has become a major Catholic pilgrimage site for eastern Europe, and there's more crosses and religious iconography than ever.

(Creative Commons license reserved to photographer Diego Delso. All rights reserved.)

There are many religious pilgrimages where the journey is the reward, or the power or peace of the place once it's reached. For Kryžių kalnas, any pilgrimage that ends there honors human will, as well as holy devotion. With its history, it is impossible to disconnect the two, and maybe that's as it should be. As Lithuania has survived terrible tragedies, so has this hill, the heart and soul of the faithful. It stands as a dual tribute to both: endurance and worship, defiance and deeply held beliefs. There's a power in that all its own.

In the meantime, worried about easy foods to eat, and make, prior to getting sick, or while sick? Honestly, this would've been better information a week back, before the stores were gutted by hoarders, but...At any rate, this is a surprisingly good list. It contains a few dishes that are nearly impossible to overcook, recommends flavor combinations, and two pretty stable, easy to store desserts--plus a fairly simple chicken soup. Nice.

↧

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part one)

March 16, 2020, 4:57 pm

≫ Next: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part two)

≪ Previous: I've got a dream when the darkness is over, we'll be lyin' in the rays of the sun

This one's going to be odd, because as far as I can tell, Mr. Brite doesn't have a store? And there's nothing on his profile that mentions a shop on Marketplace, either.

But at one of the Friday dances, I struck up a conversation on the vagaries of Blender (and my struggles to relearn said program), in regards to designing mesh on my own, instead of simply relying on templates. Ed Brite (edbrite) is a scripter, and does some design work himself, and ended up passing me a folder called "New Flamingo". Which had me all a-flutter, because I have an occasionally disturbing level of devotion to that dorky bird.

But, turns out that's just the dress name? And instead, he made them for a Valentine's offering. Still, I thought I'd pass on a review, in case he does end up creating a little shop for his work.

(Also, oof--I ended up with 31 pictures. Not kidding. So this is going to be...several entries' worth, I think.)

So here we go.

First off, they're all using the same template--a simple strapless minidress with attached drop sleeves. It's not a bad style, and I think it's flattering for a lot of body types--I wear a Maitreya body, but I push it towards the curvy, which it's not really designed for? And all of these are shown on the Maitreya mesh body. But Ed did ask what body I wore, so I'm assuming he has these for at least the major mesh bodies on the market.

This one is an all-over tone-on-tone heart print, in a centered pale orange to medium orange centered ombre hue. He named it "Flamingo Mini Heart01j".

Same thing, in a deep merlot, or at least wine red, centered ombre with the tone-on-tone heart print. This is "Flamingo Mini Heart01mr".

This is the first actual two-tone pattern in the folder, with the wine red background, again, and curving white hearts swirling on top. It's called "Flamingo Mini Heart01W".

Pictures in order:

Now this one, this is a lovely pale seafoam shade, with the all-over heart print. It's rare to find this delicate a green in Second Life, and it's lovely to see. Ed named this "Flamingo Mini Heart02j".

This one's pretty much the reverse of 01W, in this case a white background with curving wine hearts swirling on top. It's called "Flamingo Mini Heart02W".

Is this the same shade? It had a different name, so I snapped a pic of it, but is it actually different from 01j? Maybe it's a slightly darker orange? Maybe? I'm just not sure.

On to part two!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

↧

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part two)

March 17, 2020, 11:19 am

≫ Next: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part three)

≪ Previous: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part one)

(Continued from part one.)

Back to the Flamingo minis!

Yesss, precious. Yesss there are more.

The powder-pink version, this one named "Flamingo Mini Heart03mr". It's a soft gradated tone, and it goes well with the all-over heart print.

Another two-tone dress, this one in the wine red with simple white hearts tiled across. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart03W".

And this one's a color-drenched hot pink with the all-over heart print. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart04j".

Very soft shell pink, and on this one, the all-over heart print almost looks like scales. This is "Flamingo Mini Heart04mr".

This one's the reverse of 03W, in white with simple wine hearts tiled across. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart04W".

And...back to the orange tone. Different? The same? Maybe the center of the ombre shading is darker? It's called "Flamingo Mini Heart05j".

On to part three!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

↧

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part three)

March 18, 2020, 9:17 am

≫ Next: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part four)

≪ Previous: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part two)

(Continued from part two.)

Because we're still staggering through the Flamingo dresses...

This is a wine red number again, this time with an all-over solid tiny heart print in white. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart05W".

This version is in a strong Kelly green centered ombre, again with the all-over heart print. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart06j".

And the reverse of the wine red, this time in white with an all-over solid tiny heart print in wine. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart06W".

And now some hollow patterns. All of the next three are some variation of white and wine, or vice versa.

We start with "Flamingo Mini Heart07W", wine red with large white hollow hearts.

And the reverse, "Flamingo Mini Heart08W", which is white with wine red hollow hearts.

And the last, a wine red centered ombre shade with very narrow white hollow hearts, which, under some lights, almost look gold. This is "Flamingo Mini Heart09W".

Continued in part four!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

↧

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part four)

March 19, 2020, 7:50 am

≫ Next: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part five)

≪ Previous: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part three)

(Continued from part three.)

The best maintenance is percussive maintenance? Anyway...

More Flamingo minis!

We start with "Flamingo Mini Heart 10W", a white mini with very hollow hearts in wine.

And for the life of me, I honestly cannot tell you whether the heart placement on this dress, "Flamingo Mini Heart11W", is so odd because I'm pushing the limits on what the Maitreya will do for the chest, or if it's just an odd placement on the top hearts. But this one is wine read, with the solid white hearts.

And the reverse, "Flamingo Mini Heart12W", which is white with wine red hearts, and it has that same odd placement across the bosom.

And now, the Kiss variants.

This one's a solid black dress with glitter-sparkle pink lips. It's called "Flamingo Mini Kiss01".

This variant, "Flamingo Mini Kiss02", is black, with the same glitter lip prints, this time in gold.

And "Flamingo Mini Kiss03", black with sparkly silver lips.

Continued in part five!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

↧

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part five)

March 20, 2020, 8:18 am

≫ Next: going anywhere has got to be heaven tonight, 'cause staying here has got to be hell

≪ Previous: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part four)

(Continued from part four.)

The last of them, whee!

"Flamingo Mini Kiss04" is a hot blush pink with glitter-sparkle purple lips.

"Flamingo Mini Kiss05" is a hot blush pink with sparkly rose gold lips (I mean, they're likely just gold glitter lips? But with the color-drenched background, they look rose gold).

And this one in hot blush pink with sparkly hot pink lips. This is "Flamingo Mini Kiss06".

This is a seriously hot pink with sparkly hot pink lips, titled "Flamingo Mini Kiss07".

This is that same color-drenched hot pink with sparkly purple lips. It's named "Flamingo MiniKiss08".

This is in a tone I don't think is reproduced in any other outfit from this folder, "Flamingo Mini Kiss10". It's in a heathered purple shade with sparkly hot pink lips.

and for some reason, "Flamingo Mini Kiss19", which was a bright pink with the words "Kiss" and "XXX" written in black script over hot pink lips.

The seams are very well done, the texturing is good, the patterns are fun, but I have no idea if Ed will rename them and toss them on the Marketplace, or if he's actually planning to open a store later, or...what, exactly. Next time I see him I'll ask. Until then, you have the designer's name, and some of what he does, so drop a notecard if you're interested in any of them.

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

↧

going anywhere has got to be heaven tonight, 'cause staying here has got to be hell

March 21, 2020, 11:36 am

≫ Next: there's just one kind favor I'll ask of you, you can see that my grave is kept clean

≪ Previous: you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part five)

(Keep in mind I captured this about a week ago, fully intending to edit and put it up the same day. Things have changed, but I still feel there's some value to what's said here.)

And now, for something completely different.

[20:09] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I am on my way to the grocery! Hopefully I will remember everything this time!
[20:09] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol Yes [Wxxxxxxxx]...
[20:09] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: *nods
[20:09] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: good luck :) I go tomorrow morning
[20:09] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Take Care [Dxxxxx]! :3
[20:09] Yxx Axxx: case of tp and bleach
[20:10] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: soap!
[20:10] Yxx Axxx: 3 mos of critter food
[20:10] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: or stuff to make soap lol

It is possible to make soap at home. I've done it. Friends have done it. For a while, along with a family member we had a very small soap business, even, and I was quite proud of our caffeine soap. (Exfoliating from the coffee grounds, and coffee and guarana added to the mix, plus--it floated in water! I loved that stuff.)

Granted, I never made enough to get good at it, but it can be done. The trick is the lye mixture that makes the oil mixture soap. Here's a pretty good article on why that's important. From there, you can make her olive-and-coconut oil listed at the bottom of the entry; this recipe's pretty basic, too. A good basic liquid soap I know is this, which uses no lye (it uses potassium hydroxide flakes instead, a slightly stabler form, also available via Amazon). This is a good coconut-oil-based one. If you'd rather work with soap bases (goat's milk base you can buy at a lot of hobby shops, and on Amazon), this is a pretty easy, basic one. If you like shea butter soaps better, then try this one out.

If you've made soap before, you can scale things up a bit with an activated charcoal soap--it's a little more involved, but again, in a pinch all the ingredients can be bought at health food stores or on Amazon.

And for what it's worth, the simplest hand sanitizer recipe I know isn't exactly functional, but it does work--mix 3 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part aloe vera gel. Toss in scent or color if you want, but those two ingredients are the only essential ones. Be warned: the aloe will make the end product feel sticky; it's sort of unavoidable in home formulas. If you want to get past that, try this recipe (keeping in mind to not let your pets lick your hands; tea tree oil is incredibly toxic for cats), or if you prefer using witch hazel to alcohol, try this one and swapping out alcohol for the witch hazel (keeping in mind that it's the alcohol that actually sanitizes, witch hazel will not have the same effect, but is gentler on the skin).

[[Insert from the Editrix: While you can still hit the links and see how to DIY these things, I would inform that it's **REALLY** important to make sure that whatever is used in the hand sanitizer, it **NEEDS** to be 60% alcohol or higher. However, in the intervening time, Tito's Vodka has pledged to convert part of their manufacturing line to making hand sanitizer, and a few other liquor companies are going along. I'll get how-to-buy instructions up when they've released the first batches.]]

[20:10] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: all this craziness lately gives new definition to March Madness
[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: true...
[20:11] Yxx Axxx: no sports will be interesting on male ego

And some female egos; I know a lot of female sports fans, too.

[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: awe or whoever like sports I guess...
[20:11] Yxx Axxx: now they can do the honey do lists lol
[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: poor sports fans
[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: They will be ok :3
[20:12] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: They can play wii sports or whatever lol
[20:13] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: our local news station played the weather 3 times in a half hour! This is strange not having a sports report
[20:13] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I'm sure there will be lots of video and online games played
[20:13] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh yeah that's true, no sports means no sports news
[20:14] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: even our local racetrack ran races with no spectators this weekend, but yet they kept the casino open
[20:14] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Oh that's odd...
[20:14] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes our racetrack ran the horses with no spectators
[20:14] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: o.0
[20:14] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wow...
[20:15] Exxxx Dxxxxx: thats funny keep the casino open with many buttons to push and get something transfered from, oh well let gamblers get it lol
[20:15] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: IKR
[20:15] Yxx Axxx: expendables

[[Insert from the Editrix: Not the wisest decision, and most states at this point (at least in the US) have now issued closing orders for all non-essential businesses.]]

[20:15] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: they still want their money, lol

A sad truth of things.
[20:15] Yxx Axxx: online gaming exists
[20:16] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I don't wish it on even gambling addicts though,, :(
[20:16] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: noooo
[20:16] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but doesn't make sense to take chances that way to me
[20:16] Yxx Axxx: i worry for the homeless
[20:17] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and the prisoners :/
[[Insert from the Editrix: At this point, that worry seems well founded. It's spreading through the prison system.]][20:17] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I hope people stay as safe as possible and I am glad there is online activity nowadays or I would be SO bored lol
[20:17] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the people in the airports returning from abroad
[20:17] Yxx Axxx: madoff and epstien less so worried
[20:17] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: well they can gamble online so they can stay home and lose their money
[20:17] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: *nods
[20:17] kxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and I thought the youtubers going to the stores just to record the empty shelves were stupid, but an open casino is just crazy!
[20:18] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Yes...
[20:18] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: our casino closed but the track has online gambling
[20:19] Yxx Axxx: my home has never been cleaner
[20:19] Exxxx Dxxxxx: if i want to waist money ill get 400 rolls of toilet paper that you cant eat lol
[20:19] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: lol i am betting a lot of people homes are like that especially the ones having to work from home
[20:19] Yxx Axxx: rivals sl home now lol
[20:20] kxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I don't like going to the store during cold and flu season much less now!
[20:20] EYxx Axxx: ebola sars mers zika now this so no reprieve
[[Insert from the Editrix: Prevailing theory is, there's a strong possibility that this will join recurrent diseases, like measles, chicken pox, and the various flus, only remain in this deadlier form.]][20:21] Exxxx Dxxxxx: i envy people that can work at home, the joy of my job Friday was setting up a new printer in our local covid testing site
[20:21] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I work in retail and recently was moved to a commssion based position
[20:22] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: 2 weeks ago being stuck at home with the company paying me would be ok. But now..I'm not sure how I'm going to pay my bills.
[20:22] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Gxxxx] that makes more sense at least
[20:22] Emilly Orr: Ouch, [Mxxxx].
[20:23] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yeah they are working with me to try and help me out, so I can claim "non selling hours" during the week when I do other stuff and they are not even checking to make sure I'm actually doing it and padding the hours . We had customeres on Saturday but I'm assuming it will be slower this week since they just closed all th schools
[20:24] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Hopefully if everyone follows directions by staying home except for groceries, washing their hands.... this virus will burn itself out soon
[[Insert from the Editrix: Well, no, on two grounds: first, a lot of people were idiots, and still went out to church services, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and spring break, which is why there are now cases in every single US state. Secondly, this will not 'burn itself out'. Immunity will reach enough mass through the population that the survivors likely won't get it again. But it will still be there, is the suspicion.]][20:24] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I have worked at home for nearly 4 years and I love it, so staying home will be nothing new for me
[20:24] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I chickened out on the groceries lol
[20:26] Sxxxxxx Exxxx: I am diabled myself, and caretaker to two elderly folks, so I have to be careful. Two grocery stores near me have where you can orderonline, and then go and pick the stuff up already ready to go. It's not delivery, but having that helped.
[20:26] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: yeah i did that with walmart, the curbside delivery
[20:26] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: WB [Dxxxxx]!
[20:26] Axxxx Cxxxxx: I worry about what happens in say a month's time, when supplies and patience are running low
[20:26] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I agree, Gypsy, but unfortunately a lot of people just can't stay home, those who work in retail, etc., and the worst part of this to me is that it will probably kill a lot of small businesses like restaurants and boutique shops
[20:26] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you!!
[20:26] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes grocery delivery helps, order early
[20:27] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I haven'[t seen my mom , she lives an hour a way but she's been sick a bunch that we agreed I shouldn't see her
[20:27] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and my boyfriend went to his brother's today but I stayed home. I did go to Wal Mart and tomorrow I'll go to work and get gas but that's as limited as I can get
[20:28] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: aw [Wxxx], you are right that some do have to go out and collectively we pray and think positive to keep them safe
[20:29] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: Stymied I am going to that right now, or figure out how to that at least! Thank you for reminding me!
[[Insert from the Editrix: Thankfully, at this point, most of the supply chain has reestablished itself, but with more and more of the country falling ill--our President having decided following Italy's plan was better than South Korea's--it's only a matter of time before we **DO** start seeing major shortages.]][20:30] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Dxxxxx], I just decided to name my lovebird Corona in honor of present times, but it's a happy name because a corona is a halo or crown effect like the saints had in those old Renaissance paintings :)
[20:30] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: AWwwwwwww!! That is really beautiful, [Wxxx]!
[20:30] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: thanks :)
[20:30] Exxxx Dxxxxx: just remember social distancing and constant hand washing hygiene, even all us working in hospitals are not all getting sick
[[Insert from the Editrix: I'd highly recommend this suggestion be followed. Correct hand washing techniques--with soap, over all surfaces of the hand, between the fingers, and underneath the nails if possible, for at least 20 seconds--are proving to be better than hand sanitizer, masks, and most levels of protective gear. Barring hospitals--there, they truly do **NEED** the masks, the protective goggles, the gloves, the protective gowns--and they do **NOT** have enough of them. But keep hand washing in mind if you're just at home and not a hospital or care worker--it doesn't have to be hot or even warm water, in a pinch, it just has to be thorough and take at lease 20 seconds of time.]][20:32] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: excellent ideas :)
[20:32] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: corona viruses have been around for many years, but this one is new, thus the name novel, and our bodies have no immunity to it, so it spreads like wildfire
[20:34] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I was tyring to explain that to people at work [Wxxx] bc they kept saying it has been around since it's on the Lysol bottle itworks against coronoavirus
[20:34] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but they just ddin't believe me
[20:35] Emilly Orr: The thing about this is, yes, there are a lot of strains of coronavirus, it's pretty common, but MOST of the ones we've been hit with cause symptoms. This one...doesn't. You get it, you start to feel sick 2 to 14 days after exposure. Which is why it's dangerous--anyone can walk around, thinking they're well, and be a carrier.
[[Having had the days between when this was captured and now, we now know that for some carriers, they can show no symptoms for up to **FOUR** weeks, which seems insane, or carry so nominal symptoms as to seem like a standard mild allergy attack. We also know from doctors who have gotten it and detailed their symptoms online that when one **DOES** fall prey to this, respiratory failure is not the only concern. It's also accompanied by a consistent fever, for several days to weeks, that never lowers below 101 degrees for the afflicted. Add to that immense fatigue and severe joint pain, and this is **NOT** a bug anyone wants to get.]][20:35] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I saw a good post on FB today that explained the difference between this virus and the others, which brough tit all into perspective
[20:36] Exxxx Dxxxxx: True honey why get good information Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness thats like saying flu swine flu bird flu is many types
[20:36] hxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you, [Wxxx] : )
[20:36] bxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: agh [Mxxxx] amd Emily - my sister is so much smarter than i'll ever be but she's saying those exact Facebook-y group type things that are just making me CRAZY
[20:37] Emilly Orr: Yeah, there's a LOT of misinformation out there, unfortunately.
[20:37] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: people keep saying the virus is just like the flu, but it's not
[20:37] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes! please check facts on the CDC website
[20:37] Emilly Orr: Flu can kill too. And has. Dismissing it as something that *also* kills people makes no sense.
[20:38] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: true, very true, Emily
[20:38] Exxxx Dxxxxx: pneumonia kills thats how they are similar
[[Insert from the Editrix: The main thing that we're seeing now, that we didn't see at the time I put this together, is that it's not just a disease that will take out the elderly and the impaired. (And I am **STILL** highly irate with the guest at one of our dances that told me, **TO MY FACE,** that it's okay if I die because I'm "weak". Gosh, thanks for that, like I wasn't concerned enough. It wasn't like getting pneumonia sixteen times by age 20 was a **HOBBY**. No one **CHOOSES** that.) But at this point, we are seeing it going everywhere--through the aging population, yes, but also hitting the young, and that group of 24-to-40-year-olds that seemed to think they were invulnerable. Guess what, folks? You're not. Snap out of it.]][20:38] Emilly Orr: And hospitals are already dealing with people who've swallowed rubbing alcohol or bleach to 'kill' the virus. Please don't do that.
I'm not kidding. This video goes into two of the recent cases, and exactly why such treatments will not work. So play it safe and don't do it.
[20:38] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Ohhhh NO!!!
Oh, yes, unfortunately. It's happening, because people don't check if something is true before doing it. Don't believe anything blindly.
[20:39] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: 0_o
[20:39] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: everyone knows you drink purel for that
[20:39] Exxxx Dxxxxx: Virus

severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2)
[20:39] Exxxx Dxxxxx: Disease
coronavirus disease
(COVID-19)
[20:39] Exxxx Dxxxxx: two different things
[20:41] bxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxxx: we can't all afford to have to see a doctor at the same time and crash the system
[[Which is **EXACTLY** why social distancing is important. It won't **KILL* this thing, it won't stop it in its tracks, but the hope is we can space out the cases so none of our hospitals have to deal with a thousand new cases for a building that holds 300. I have seen pictures of Italy where there are patients in the halls, stacked six to a room, pushed into closets, and people are still dying because they don't have enough ventilators for all the afflicted.]][20:42] axxxxxxxxxxxxxx: plenty of people care for a older family member so make the effort for community health
[20:43] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx: one recommendation I've seen is to call your doctor if you have symptoms, dont' just show up at the ER or urgent care, or use a telehealth system to speak to a doctor about your symptoms
[20:44] axxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: as mentined before cdc website is very informative
[20:45] Exxxx Dxxxxx: yes where you are you should have a health link number or on the news some number to call. going infecting all at regular hospital not a good idea.
[20:46] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes there is a checklist
[20:47] Exxxx Dxxxxx: even if call 911 you should let them know you have symptoms so they come prepared
[20:47] Exxxx Dxxxxx: if you do have they symptoms that is
That's not always helpful, though, at least in the US. While there is no earthly reason for any medical professional not to know these things by now, there was an incident where a fellow called in with mild symptoms (calling in to a nurse specifically so if he did have the virus, he wouldn't infect people in the hospital), and the nurse laughed. Told him to turn off the TV, and if he had coronavirus, he'd know it. Then hung up on him.

That's the thing, as I explained above. With an incubation period of 48 hours to two full weeks, it's not only possible to feel no symptoms and be infected, it's likely. I am hoping word starts getting around and reinforcing, but if we can't even trust our nurses and doctors, where do we go?

Thankfully, for most in the medical field, they are trustworthy, and they are willing to help. It's the outliers that paint the worst pictures of things.

[[Last insert from the Editrix: While I did want to mention that story, because it's appalling, I will say that everything I've seen since then paints doctors and nurses as brave, caring, fierce caregivers, and even those who've fallen ill are trying to track their symptms and pass them on so that might help others. I'm also hearing that several countries are now sending protective supplies to the countries hardest hit, Italy in specific, but others, with words of comfort and support. If nothing else, we can say that this horrible virus did help, for at least a while, to bring the world together. I just wish it had been something a little less fatal.]]

↧

there's just one kind favor I'll ask of you, you can see that my grave is kept clean

March 22, 2020, 3:07 pm

≫ Next: stop your cryin', hold on tonight

≪ Previous: going anywhere has got to be heaven tonight, 'cause staying here has got to be hell

The conversation was about toilet paper...

[20:41] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i bought my normal supply people can be stupid
[20:41] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: Limit one per customer!

Now, there are limits in most places, yes. Precisely because of this behavior.
[20:41] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: worldwide scarcity
[20:42] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: sighs
[20:42] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: only think i bought more than n9ormal was cat treat
Not that surprising, actually. Just as overbuying things can make scared people feel like they're in control of something,ANYTHING, overtreating pets can also help. The whole "I can't do anything for me, but I can make sure the furkid knows they're loved".
[20:42] Exxxxx Sxxxx: Stores have plenty actually,.... let the first days pass and there will be plenty.. because... it doesnt get discontinued
[20:42] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: they rumor being discontinued the flavor and type
[20:42] Exxxx Sxxxx: no basics have been discontinued
Right. Think of it this way--anything produced in the states, and still capable of being driven around, we'll have. Anything internationally produced, that is unloaded on the docks and then driven around, we'll have. Anything we can't get through careful trade or produce on our own, we won't have, but that doesn't mean people will necessarily starve. (Who...weren't already starving due to income or lack thereof.)[20:43] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: right warehouses are full just getting out to stores
[20:43] Sxxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: It's been out of stock here for a couple of weeks.
[20:43] lxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: my rl sister hasnt had any for over 4 days
[20:43] lxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: she is so pissed
Not surprising. Honestly, when all this first hit, the shelves were empty of paper goods in less than 24 hours where I live. We didn't want to stock up; we just wanted household things we needed. It took four days to finally find a store that got some in, and we had been contemplating ordering a case from Amazon. (Not because we wanted a case, but because all the listings we found were for one or more cases. Of course, the irony there is people emptied Amazon's supplies in about a day, too.)[20:43] Exxxxx Sxxxx: nah, not out stock, its juts people went nuts first thing in the day
[20:43] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i bought normal replacement supply week before people went nut
[20:43] Txxxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: The only issue is that with states closing down (again, the USA) is that some truckers are being sent back. They aren't allowing them in.
Unless I'm wrong, no state has completely closed their borders to other states. Now, this may happen, we just don't know. But right now? I think all the roads are still open, just heavily discouraged to be on unless there's serious cause--ambulances, fire trucks, shipping of basic goods or medical supplies.
[20:43] Sxxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: (No pun intended, [Exxxxx]?)
[20:44] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: that is stupid now
[20:44] mxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: there was no ramen. RAMEN *dies*
[20:45] jxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i went to buy flour and sugar and the shelves were empty
[20:45] Exxxxx Sxxxx: i talk from experience in other country,.. people freak out bc is the only thing they can do to have a false feeling of control
As I mentioned above. But my, goodness. That would be unnerving, a store not having dehydrated noodles. I mean, it's the absolute bottom of the barrel for nutrition, but...it's cheap, it stores well, and it's ubiquitous. Not finding any would make me panic a little.
[20:45] jxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no bread
[20:45] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: most places have limits on the essentials now, thank god
[20:45] Txxxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: We were completely out of milk, veggies, toilet paper, diaper wipes, meat..most of the pasta. But lots and lots of cheese.
Which is also confusing. Why was the cheese left alone? In my neck of the woods the cheese left too, along with all paper goods, canned everything, and every scrap of fresh meat. But all the tasty veggies were heaped in bins![20:45] jxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the places here didn't put up limits til they couldn't keep up with demand
[20:45] Exxxxx Sxxxx: we never had lack of any basic,.. you wont have Oreo, but we always had bread, milk, fruits, fish...
[20:45] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: went to local walmart got everythnng but hambergutr meat
[20:45] Pxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the media drove a lot of that by reporting the shelves were bare so people got worried so grabbed some when they saw it and soon enough the shelves actually were empty and the shortage is self perpetuating
[20:46] Pxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: that will change once panic buyers fill their basement with tp
[20:46] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: *shrugs* a lot of places are doing the 2 per person on essentials now
[20:47] Exxxxx Sxxxx: yeah... give it a week
[20:47] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: ANNNDDDDD a lot of places are putting up "no returns on sanitiser, TP, etc., etc."
[20:47] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: so stop panic buying, y'all
[20:47] Exxxxx Sxxxx: well there are no returns on anything atm
I'm seeing that, too. I think it's largely because they just don't have the resources to process returns. Every hour of manpower for the most part is going into unpacking truck deliveries and restocking shelves. At least in the states.
[20:48] Exxxxx Sxxxx: they dont even sell clothes so you donthave to return sizes, for healh reasons
[20:48] Pxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: imagines someopne returning TYP claiming its the wrong size
Some of these prohibitions against returns are still in place. I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea, but it does mean that when we make a purchase, we'd better really need whatever it is, because we most likely cannot return it.
[20:48] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: [Exxxxx], are in the USA?
[20:48] Exxxxx Sxxxx: nop
[20:48] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: People just went nuts what are they going to do when the TP runs out.... maybe omg use a wash cloth and rinse it out...what do you think they did in other centuries before Toilet paper lol
[20:48] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: then totally diff over here
[20:48] Exxxxx Sxxxx: if you say so....
[20:49] Exxxxx Sxxxx: i speak from the future
[20:49] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: it's a lil different over here on some aspects
[20:49] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i bought washclothes looks inncoent
[20:49] Exxxxx Sxxxx: we were there before
[20:49] Sxxxxxxx Sxxxxxxxx: thankfully I wont run out of anything, tp is made in the state I live in, plently of milk farms, got a bread factory here, meat farms, etc
You're placed really well, then. Most of us, me included, live in places far from farms. Though I do know that in my area, vegetables will remain fairly plentiful (even if we're cut off for whatever reason), plus certain types of flour, and we can make our own bread if we need to. There are chickens, and I believe there's a couple of small hobby-level rabbit farms.
[20:49] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i was in needs of them
[20:49] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: what's funny to me is that anyone hoarding toilet paper because they think it's the end of the world is not going to survive the actual end of the world. lol
[20:49] txxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: a bidet!
[20:50] Exxxxx Sxxxx: its fear purchase, lack of control purchase
Absolutely. When people took the time to step back, and breathe a bit, they realized they didn't have to overbuy. It wasn't the apocalypse, it was just unprecedented.
[20:50] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: it's like people were going crazy when stores ran out of water just before a hurricane.....erm....how about tap water?
[20:50] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxxx: mmm
[20:50] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: people can drown in a glass of water ya know
[20:50] Exxxxx Sxxxx: they see the neighbor do it, and they feel better doing it
[20:51] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: I read today that tampons were being hoarded
That's...irritating, if true.
[20:51] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i love our water and during natural dissaters may not have taps
[20:51] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i would say use some rolled up tp but sighs
[20:51] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: well how ever things turn out in our world I do hope they can find a cure or a way to stop the spread of this horrible virus.
Even if we are extremely lucky, and there are miraculous breakthroughs, we're still a year out from a working cure. And considering what we know about coronaviruses, because of what they latch onto in the body, there will probably never be a cure.
[20:52] jxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Water won't stop flowing because of a virus. Now, if someone bombs your water treatment facility, that's another matter.
[20:52] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: newspapers too
[20:52] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i heard the Aussie authorities were worried about water and electric power because....what if the workers get sick?
It's a concern, yes. However, it's a chill sort of comfort to know that the breakdown of basic functions in any country--water, power, heat or cooling, garbage pickup, street lights--will only happen when there are so few healthy workers left to operate the power, water and waste treatment plants. Trust me, we want to stop that before there are fewer than a dozen people left in every state.

[20:53] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: I read on reddit the other day that they have workers that go on lockdown for 30 days
[20:53] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: and they are paid 24/7 for the 30 days
[20:54] jxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: <---marked aids="" airborne="" from="" i="" safe="">---marked>

AIDS...is not...airborne. What?[20:54] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: and the ppl that have trucks park at home then go on calls from home
[20:54] Exxxxx Sxxxx: there are several countries in lock down, predicted longer than 20 days
[20:54] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: anyone in the usa whose local cvs doesn't have toilet paper should just buy a snickers. the 25 mile long receipt they give you will work in a pinch.
[20:54] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: haha
[20:54] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: here they are taking turns
[20:54] sxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol
[20:54] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: minimal personnel...1 team out to work at a time, not all the workers
[20:55] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: doing only essential repairs if something fails, but no updating or upgrades like they were doing
[20:55] Exxxxx Sxxxx: well of course, here we keep the basics going, the rest have to work from home if they can
[20:55] Exxxxx Sxxxx: and still there are people that got fines for going on holiday to their beach house
Sure. Non-essential traveling. Now, I don't know what other countries are doing as specifically as I do locally, but I do know that some states, including mine, have now instituted fines for moving around if:

they are closer than six feet to another person;
they are shopping in a store in a time earmarked for senior citizens (if they aren't elderly) or for care workers (if they aren't medical workers);
they are the owner of a bar, restaurant, fast-food franchise, outdoor or indoor market or mall, or church, and they keep that business open so people can congregate;
and in some cities, attempt to leave the city without having an approved reason.

[20:55] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: today I saw workers working on traffic lighes in several locations
[20:55] Exxxxx Sxxxx: idiots
[20:56] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: maybe cause there's less traffic? Maybe. It's a decent working theory, at least--get to repairs now, because road, light, power line repairs generally space people away from each other anyway, and with less traffic, it's easier just to get the repairs done. Makes a lot of sense, actually.

Hang in there. It's only going to go downhill from here.

↧

stop your cryin', hold on tonight

March 23, 2020, 9:42 pm

≫ Next: are you on the square? are you on the level? are you ready to swear right here, right now?

≪ Previous: there's just one kind favor I'll ask of you, you can see that my grave is kept clean

Let me tell you about the event, A Fighting Chance. Or, rather, let me tell you what the creator in crisis said about it:6 weeks ago I took one of the biggest steps of my life and filed a domestic violence restraining order against the father of my child. He was removed from our home and my child and I started rebuilding our lives. Since that removal, my now-ex has harassed me repeatedly and is retaliating by trying to take my child away because I finally filed for permanent, full custody.

Unfortunately, at this time, I do not qualify for assistance from Legal Aid.

I have contacted my local bar association and found an attorney willing to take on my case at a significantly reduced cost — nearly close to
pro bono. However, I still cannot afford this vital assistance. I’ve reached out to shelters, local charities, and the Domestic Violence Resource Center in the hopes of being put in touch with a lawyer willing to help me free of charge and was unsuccessful. My only choice at this point is to pay to defend my custody petition if I want to ensure my son stays safe with me.

My prospective lawyer has given me a quote of $1800-$1900 for a custody case billed out at his reduced rate, to be paid as a retainer. They do not anticipate it costing more than this and if so, once the retainer is depleted, they will work with me on a payment plan suitable to my SSDI payments. They require the retainer upfront.

My child’s father has an attorney and they have mailed me their response to the custody petition I filed. My prospective attorney will begin work on the custody case ASAP, once his retainer fee has been satisfied. Currently there is no hearing set yet, but that can change rather suddenly and without notice.

I am scared. My 12 y/o child who is autistic is also terrified.

We need help--your help.Now, I can say the creator behind Funky Junk (and that link goes to her Marketplace, because before all this went down, she'd closed the in-world store to move to a new sim) is not only a really talented builder of skyboxen, cottages, and other structures, but is also generous beyond belief--several of her very detailed builds I've bought on Fifty Linden Friday rounds, and she could easily charge six times the cost I paid for those homes, without raising an eyebrow on anyone. She's also a genuinely kind person, and is devoted to making sure her customers are satisfied with any purchase. Which makes this all the more horrifying, and it starts out fairly horrifying.

Hence, "A Fighting Chance", the charity event. Port in, and you can give to a direct kiosk, or peruse the offerings of other creators in support of her efforts. Or, you can choose to go to her Gofundme page, where she's desperately trying to generate funds to hire a lawyer.

It is a sad fact of reality that many of these cases result in the abusers trying to seize the children from the parent, because they know that will hurt them most. And most of these cases succeed, especially if said parent was a stay-at-home one, and, when they left the main wage earner of the family, can be logistically portrayed as having no visible means of support. It's awful, it's deeply wrong, and it's sadly commonplace.

I would ask you to give what you can. And I wish her all the best. I hope she and her son get through this, safe, together, and not homeless.

↧

are you on the square? are you on the level? are you ready to swear right here, right now?

March 24, 2020, 5:43 am

≫ Next: sand in the gears of the Matrix

≪ Previous: stop your cryin', hold on tonight

This comes from a Discord server for an SL business, on March 14th. Some information given is now out of date, I've tried to correct that where I can. But also due to being from Discord, I've anonymized names, because Discord is technically a private service. Also, because it's from Discord, not SL group chat, the naming conventions will be very different.
[8:40 AM] Qxxx: THE VOICES FORETOLD THIS EONS AGO!
[8:41 AM] Qxxx: ain't no god preventing this [s**t], yo!
[8:42 AM] Qxxx: stay away from me you freak! you too, you sicko!
[8:43 AM] Qxxx: You made them do it! It's fact! Fact? Fact this, you weirdo!
[8:44 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: #justaflubro
I know it's meant as a joke here, but I swear, any time someone says this or a variation of this, I just cringe.
[8:44 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: using this [jxxxx]
[8:44 AM] Qxxx: Not much cause mental decline like a pandemic... or any kind of apocalyptic scenario.... many feel apocalyptic panic now, so.. lol
Pretty much, yeah. And as we've seen, it doesn't seem to take much to panic a double truckload of folks, does it?[8:47 AM] Lxxx Pxxx: DON'T PANIC (with the "don't" crossed out)
Variations on this concept already exist.
[8:47 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: "i don't mean to brag but, This is like the tenth end of the world i've survived"
[8:47 AM] Mxxxxxxx: "NO coughing"
[8:48 AM] Lxxx Pxxx: I survived the pandemic, and all I got was this crappy t-shirt
[8:49 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: thats more for a shirt not a wall XD
[8:49 AM] Lzzz Pzzz: Haha, true
[8:49 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: #blamegenZ is a good one tho lol
[8:50 AM] Lzzz Pzzz: And, of course, "OK, Boomer"
[8:51 AM] Mzz: lol
[8:57 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: xD
[9:04 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: wow even TP online is sold out or cant be delivered
Amazon emptied of all stock the first day that seclusion was announced, even.
[9:04 AM] Mzz: yep
[9:04 AM] Mzz: restocking in April
[9:04 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx:
[9:05 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: its cookoo
[9:08 AM] Txxx: That is friggin nutts
[9:08 AM] Txxx: So glad my daughter hid two 9 packs months ago so I bought another mega pack lol
[9:09 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i dont hvae a tp issue myself but some friends do lol
[9:09 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i do have a bread issue
[9:09 AM] Txxx: I have family that does
Most of the shortages, though not all, at least in the states, have resolved. It was strange to hear what was short state by state, though. Most states were gutted of paper goods, hand sanitizer, fresh meat, milk, butter--and ramenm of all things. Stores in my locality lacked the above (barring baked goods) for four days, but ramen stores were fine. Ironically, while no state seemed to have a run on fresh vegetables, I saw a lot of images of fully stocked vegan products (with the commensurate sneering about no one wants to eat them even during a pandemic)--by in my local stores? Maybe it's a measure of how heavily tilted we may be towards vegetarians, but most of the vegan/vegetarian foods were gutted as well.
[9:10 AM] Txxx: awwwwww I got two loaves yesterday, they are cheap bread but they are bread lol. That was honestly my last worry, my grandmother gave me a bread machine so I can make my own lol. I bought yeast like last month to start giving it a try on making it
[9:10 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: well that was my other option, getting breadmix
[9:10 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: but its sold out everywhere
[9:11 AM] Qxxx: i have a ton of TP... i always buy a 24 pack when i have 5 or so left... i had like 20 left and decided to buy a pack so now i have like 40+
[9:11 AM] Txxx: Seriously, people are off their rockers. I am down to one pack of meat. So I have to go when I get paid tomorrow and try to grab some things. But I finally found ramen noodles so the kids can live off of those.
[9:12 AM] Txxx: My fingers are crossed that these crazy folks back off and the stores get restocked quickly lol
[9:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i mean i get over here, when they impliment the same rules as italy that u cant go outside for like 2-3 weeks ( which they plan on doing tomorrow ) , that u want enough stuff for 2 weeks but ppl are buying stuff to last them 6 momths lol
[9:13 AM] Qxxx: i have 2 smallish freezers full of stuff... my parents have 3 huge freezers full so we dont need to worry for ages.... just restocked some dry stuff yesterday
We spend a few hours resenting our building's edict against chest freezers. Considering our freezer space in the refrigerator is about the size of two 1940's-style bread boxes side by side, we would have had no issues at all if we'd been able to have small chest freezer to store plan-ahead meal kits, meats, cheese, and whatever else. But no, they are disallowed, along with waterbeds, all sources of flame, and even medically prescribed cannabis. (I am not prescribed cannabis, I'm allergic, but it has come up in conversations with other residents.)[9:15 AM] Txxx: My oldest son called me last night and said something about the state shutting down. I'm like they gave schools until the end of day on Wednesday to shut down so hopefully stores will wait until then. I am still fighting with my boss about the work schedule. I told her we shouldn't extend our hours. We should just keep normal hours and only do to-go orders
[9:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: where are you abouts ?
[9:15 AM] Txxx: Our business was cut in half this past weekend
[9:15 AM] Txxx: Alabama
[9:15 AM] Txxx: we went from zero to 1 case to now 22 and 2 confirmed near me. One in Alabama and one in Georgia
Unfortunately, I'm quite close to an epicenter of outbreak. Our first case was a whining elderly dowager who just could not believe she couldn't be released to go home from the Diamond Princess. I guess the quarantine officials tired of her noise and sent her on. So she was our first official case, diagnosed before she left (before anyone realized how bad this was going to get). Within a week we had at least one case in every county of the state; no one's entirely sure how it's tracing out, but the general impression is people coming down from a state harder hit, above us. And recently we went up from 24 cases total, in-state, to 114 cases total, in-state, and I expect it to spiral up from there.
[9:16 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: ahhhh ok , I havent been following the US situation that much , i just hear bits n bobs from ppl
[9:16 AM] Txxx: its just as crazy over here
[9:16 AM] Txxx: I assure you
[9:16 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: its all over the world now and not stopping
[9:16 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: my wedding.......
[9:16 AM] Txxx: I was out all week last week with the flu, well the kiddo had the flu and then I caught his cooties because well people are hoarders
[9:17 AM] Qxxx: a woman from my town has died... 6 total in the country.... 1000+ sick
We just hit five hundred deaths in the US.
[9:17 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: its so frustrating....come with a CURE finally!!
Still a year out for a vaccine, if that soon. A cure is going to take far longer, if it's ever found.
[9:17 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: well if u look at the stats it really is like a flu but its just i think more contagious and a tad more deadly
It's....not, though. I know a lot of leaders tried to downplay this around the world, by saying 'Hey, the flu is worse, don't worry!"...but that was pretty high up in the stupidsphere as an idea to comfort worried people. Because now a lot of them believe it. And because they've had the flu before, and it's been no big deal, then hey, everyone's just blowing this out of proportion, right?

Wrong. Does this sound like flu? In point of fact, the way the virus attacks cells is closer to how HIV is transmitted--it's not HIV, far from it, but both this strain of coronavirus and HIV target T-cells, one of the few cells in the body that have no natural defenses against intrusion, largely because there's so many other lines of defense to pass through before reaching them. But if there's a new virus who's able to slip by the usual defenders, and target T cells directly? Very very bad things happen. Which is what we're seeing.

And don't think drinking bleach or rubbing alcohol will eliminate the virus either. In fact, have an excellent list of myths about the virus, and ways to protect from the same. Please stay safe. Please keep up hand-washing protocols.
[9:17 AM] Txxx: awwwwwwwwwwwww [Exxxx] may you can have a nice summer wedding
[9:17 AM] Qxxx: yeah
[9:18 AM] Txxx: yeah the stats are pretty comparable.
[9:18 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: no not if this getting worse
[9:18 AM] Qxxx: far deadlier for the old ones
Yes, as the second video linked above points out, this strain of coronavirus is actually savagely inventive--by essentially 'hacking into' lung-tissue cells, and taking over the mini-factories producing cell components, rewiring them to pump out more virus particles--our own antibodies go on alert and attack the danger in the body--which is part of our body. It doesn't kill the virus in us, but it does a slam bang job of killing our lung cells. Which can, and has, left people with permanent breathing impairments. Joy.
[9:18 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: [Exxxx] was planning on getting married in the US, the travel agency doesnt kow what will happen to the flights etc , the whole family booked including me xD
[9:18 AM] Txxx: Only this one kills more older folks and the flu has killed more kids
Yeah, again...no. This strain of coronavirus has a good chance to kill everyone. We have deaths of elderly people, yes. We've also had 12-year-olds struggling to breathe on ventilators in hospitals. And the population of 24-to-40-year-olds who think they're immune aren't either; we're seeing them hit hospitals in full respiratory distress.

NO one is safe from this. Please keep that in mind.[9:18 AM] Txxx: oh goodness
[9:18 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: its a [s**t] show
[9:18 AM] Txxx: I can imagine it is
[9:18 AM] Qxxx: we shall wed you online at [the store] if we have to!!!
[9:18 AM] Txxx: Thats why I am arguing with my boss
[9:18 AM] Txxx: I make the schedule
[9:19 AM] Txxx: So I have been dragging my feet on the schedule lol
[9:19 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: no Q!! thats not the same
[9:19 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: cant wear my dress lol
[9:19 AM] Txxx: Yeah totally not the same she needs that dress dang it
[9:19 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: shes already partnered to her partner inworld
[9:19 AM] Qxxx: you can wear it... just make it in mesh too
[9:20 AM] Txxx: An SL wedding can not replace an RL wedding sadly
[9:20 AM] Txxx: My son said Canada seems to have the best handle on it so far
[9:21 AM] Txxx: So hopefully someone will come up with a cure or vaccine.
[9:21 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Or people's common sense will kick in
In point of fact, we need both--common sense, that ounce of prevention everyone's supposed to have, and a working vaccine. Chances are good, though, we'll have neither.
[9:21 AM] Txxx: Pfft I am surrounded by army wives
[9:21 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i dont get why ppl are buying so much to last them months
[9:22 AM] Txxx: These people have no common sense
[9:22 AM] Txxx: they are bitching about Disney shutting down
Sure, why not? Because nothing should shut down if it's just the flu, right? There are reasons these precautions have been taken. Disney has recognized this. Most bars and restaurants have recognized this. The CDC knows this full well. GameStop seems a little lost, but hey, let's hope some public shunning works in their case too.
[9:22 AM] Txxx: Yet they are hoarding like a mofo
[9:22 AM] Txxx: Because they think its the end of the world
[9:23 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Shop for 2 weeks is not shopping for 2 centuries
[9:23 AM] Txxx: Right, I mean I typically shop for a month at a time because of the way I get paid
[9:23 AM] Txxx: and work
Sure, that makes sense. We were caught somewhat unprepared, as we've grown accustomed to shopping for small amounts every two or three days, but we're slowly adjusting.
[9:24 AM] Txxx: I just got a deep freezer so I am gonna make sure the kids have tons to eat while I am working.
[9:24 AM] Mxxxxxxx: You should make the sturdy shelter that people will survive the virus outbreak, and then a dummy shelter made entirely of tp where people inside surely did not make it.
[9:24 AM] Txxx: Not a year supply but enough for the three weeks they are stuck here
[9:25 AM] Txxx: at home
[9:25 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i just got my food delivery , dude staying a kilometer away from me "can u grab ur [s**t] out the fridgebox yourself" lol theyre not allowed to get close to ppl
[9:25 AM] Mxx: lol
[9:25 AM] Mxx: i mean it's smart.
[9:25 AM] Mxx: but
[9:25 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: #blamechina
Don't blame China. This could have happened anywhere live animals are being kept close to dead ones.
[9:26 AM] Txxx: Yeah here everyone is wearing gloves and stuff
[9:26 AM] Mxx: it's just so silly looking/sounding
[9:26 AM] Mxx: yeah but see
[9:26 AM] Mxx: if you still touch your face
[9:26 AM] Mxx: gloves don't do [s**t].
Now, in M's defense, they're not wrong, per se. Gloves can help, but only if we treat them as the thin protective layer they are. Touch an uncleansed surface, then touch our faces, the glove is now a carrier of whatever was on the surface to us. Treat them as a thin protective layer, and change when we touch our face or hair, or when we touch uncleansed surfaces, and then change gloves, and they'll continue to lower the chances of transmission.
[9:26 AM] Txxx: Righttttttttttttt
[9:26 AM] Txxx: But I work with food
[9:26 AM] Mxx: it's droplet based
[9:26 AM] Txxx: Soooooooooo
[9:26 AM] Mxx: so mucus membranes... lol
Exactly.
[9:26 AM] Txxx: I am constantly yelling at people to change their gloves
[9:26 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i am staying inside for the first 3 weeks!!!!
[9:26 AM] Txxx: Because for some reason I am the only food safety certified person besides the owner
[9:27 AM] Txxx: The others are afraid to take the class
[9:27 AM] Txxx: So I just get to call them idiots
[9:27 AM] Txxx: and tell them how to properly handle stuff.
[9:28 AM] Txxx: So I am used to the whole wash your hands, don't touch your face, cover your cough, wash your hands after covering your cough
[9:28 AM] Txxx: and for the love of god wash your hair lol
[9:28 AM] Txxx: Hair holds the most germs
[9:28 AM] Txxx:
[9:30 AM] Txxx: I want to [Exxxx], I really want to just stay home with my kids. I was hoping since we are a little restaurant in the middle of no where that we would close. But she seems to think because people are hitting up steak houses and clubs that her little cafe is gonna see business.
Depending on where this cafe owner is, this is either a terrible idea, or a psychotically terrible idea, and either way, she'll likely recieve official state/government/province orders to shut down.
[9:33 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: here in belgium all the restaurants have to be closed, police are checking constantly
[9:34 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: but in europe i think its worse then in the US
[9:35 AM] Txxx: If cases move any closer to us they may. I know a lot of states are limiting hours of operation and making them cut their typical capacity in half . Fast Food places have closed their dining areas and only have the drive thru opened
[9:36 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i feel like i am in a movie...
[9:36 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx:
[9:36 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: worldwar z and stuff....i hope the end credits come soon
I don't! I don't want the end credits to my movie for a long time, thanks anyway![9:37 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Banks here have stopped doing lobby service, just drive through
[9:37 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: And closed branches at the collages
[9:38 AM] Txxx: Yeah colleges have closed and banks here are closing the lobbies which I don't blame them
[9:38 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx:
[9:38 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: -dead
[9:39 AM] Txxx: It is hard to believe all this started because folks eat some weird [s**t].
That's not why all this started.
[9:40 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: that is so going on the wall
[9:42 AM] Txxx: lol
[9:44 AM] Txxx: I can't wait to see this dang wall
[9:44 AM] Txxx: I have a feeling it will be sooooooooooooo awesome
[9:49 AM] Qxxx: bats are delicious.... not.... ewww ... why do peole eat weird [s**t]
[9:49 AM] Qxxx:
[9:51 AM] Txxx: Idk I'm sure some of the stuff we eat is weird to others
[9:52 AM] Txxx: Like asparagus
[9:52 AM] Txxx: Okay that's not exactly bat weird
[9:58 AM] Qxxx: i love that
[10:10 AM] Txxx: All the crap Americans deep fry is weird to me and I live here lol
Be fair, the American midwest invented deep-fried butter. As a nation we cannot be trusted with hot oil.
[10:12 AM] Moon: I knew I should have hoarded those twinkies
[10:12 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: zombieland
[10:12 AM] Mxxx: Lol
[10:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx:
[10:13 AM] Mxxx: Hahaha
[10:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: going on the wall
[10:13 AM] Mxxx: Woot!
[10:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: im gonne run out of wall space lol
[10:14 AM] Mxxx: Ikr lol
[10:15 AM] Txxx: You will need a bigger wall lol
[10:16 AM] Txxx: I wonder if the stores still have chips
[10:16 AM] Txxx: I need chips to go with my pb&j
At least where I am, snack foods didn't undergo the shelf-stripping that other foods did. Not sure why, and really, have no idea if it was different in other places.
[10:16 AM] Txxx: Also just had a work conference call and we may shut down for two weeks or close our lobby
[10:19 AM] Qxxx: you know those extreme couponing hoarders? I bet some of them will be robbed during this hysteria
[10:20 AM] Qxxx:
[10:20 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i made a spot for wall art but yeah...maybe too small for all of this
[10:21 AM] Qxxx:
[10:23 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i thought i made it big enough well [jxxxx] can do wonders with textures so...im not worried
[10:27 AM] Qxxx:
[10:30 AM] Qxxx:
[11:04 AM] Mxx:
[11:09 AM] Txxx: yall the pollen count is insane here right now. I cleared my throat as I got out of my car at the store and this woman looked me all crazy and ran to the door before me but then blocked me from going in until her husband came out.
[11:10 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i think i have corona, i'm coughing my lungs out
[11:11 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: im not kidding ...
[11:11 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: been coughing all day none stop
That's not a good sign, especially now. But I am hoping the best for him.
[11:11 AM] Txxx: Nooooooooooo, hopefully its just a cold. Though if you have healthy lungs you should be able to kick its butt as long as you stay hydrated and monitor your tempurture
[11:12 AM] Txxx: They gave me pills to relax my junk so I don't get the urge to cough because of the flu and my allergies
[11:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: if i die , [store] dies with it
[11:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: idk i got some cough syrup today from the pharmacy
[11:13 AM] Txxx: You can't die, you won't die. You will live forever, or at least another 50 years
[11:14 AM] Txxx: Its such an awkward time for this corona crap. Because Flu season is still active and now allergy season in some places.
Yeah, that's going to cause minor panics, I'm sure. The arrival of heavy pollen + the actual flu season winding down + COVID-19? It is a fervid, toxic stew of badly-timed confluences.
[11:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i know im sure i just have a mild bronchite or something
[11:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: no fever etc
[11:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: just coughin'
Once it's fully set in, to the point that breathing becomes difficult, yes, there is always fever, as far as I understand.
[11:18 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: If it is a tickle any hard candy helps sooth that. Will burn a candle for you [Jxxxx]
[11:22 AM] Txxx: Regardless coughs suck big time
[11:23 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: suckin on ricola candies
[11:24 AM] Mxx: Flu is hitting our region HARD and pollen has started dropping so it's REALLY awkward for a lot of folks here.
I bet. Lots of dagger glances and shocked inhales.
[11:24 AM] Mxx: it doesn't help that you have idiots that go out in public with zero consideration for others and just cough and spit everywhere uncovered.
Because no matter what we do, the foolish people remain foolish.
[11:26 AM] Mxx: we had 1 confirmed case in our county last week, who was told to "self isolate" and now we have 3, and who knows how many more who either aren't going to the doctor or aren't getting tested.
[11:27 AM] Mxx: someone had said that a healthcare professional they spoke with is suspicious that the COVID-19 was the mystery virus that ran through our area last fall that kept testing negative for all flu tests but had the same symptoms.
[11:27 AM] Mxx: So it's likely been in the states long before now... it's just spreading
That is really interesting. If so, then it's never been the "China virus", it's just been a coronavirus mutation. And could have started anywhere.
[11:33 AM] Txxx: Mai it sounds like you are near me lmao
[11:33 AM] Txxx: as far as the pollen
[11:34 AM] Txxx: Heck we had nooooo cases in my state last week
[11:34 AM] Txxx: friday we had one and as of last night we had 22
From the vectors I've been watching, that seems to be how it goes. This is something that spreads exponentially. It's not one infected to two, to three, and so on, it's one infected, to two, to eight, to sixteen, and so on.
[11:35 AM] Txxx: Yeah I am wondering if this has been going around far longer. There was an older lady who passed away a few weeks ago from an Asthma attack. But she had had a cough since late December and they couldn't find anything wrong with her
[11:35 AM] Mxx: I just find it funny it's correlating right along with another flu run.
[11:36 AM] Mxx: I think it's definitely connected since they are basically the same family of virus.
[11:36 AM] Txxx: I had something in the fall that kept me coughing with a slightly sore throat
[11:36 AM] Mxx: yep, I also had it
[11:36 AM] Txxx: and they swapped me for strep
[11:36 AM] Mxx: and got labeled as "mystery respiratory infection"
To be fair, there are other strains of flu, and viruses in general, that hit the lungs. Like knees, lungs are not a sturdy design feature.
[11:36 AM] Txxx: and it was negative
[11:37 AM] Txxx: and then I got labeled as a mystery strain of infection
[11:37 AM] Txxx: Nothing helped me get better just rest
[11:37 AM] Txxx: and finally my symptoms went away
[11:37 AM] Txxx: Meds seemed to make it worse as far as them trying to treat it with anti virals and antibiotics
[11:38 AM] Txxx: they were at a loss, it was so bad I went to see about having my tonsils taken out to see if it would reduce my issues
[11:39 AM] Mxx: yeah rest and clear fluids was the only thing that helped... that and some MAJOR sudafed stuff that I had hoarded away... heh
[11:42 AM] Txxx: lol
[11:42 AM] Txxx: im trying to figure out why West Virginia hasn't had a case
There's twenty cases as of this moment, so whatever protections West Virginia had, they don't now.
[11:54 AM] Mxx:
[11:55 AM] Mxx: I could say something but I wouldn't want to offend anyone from the W.Va area
[11:55 AM] Mxx: lol
[11:55 AM] Mal: or were you making the joke, just not as obvious as I was, [@Txxx]
[11:56 AM] Txxx: Oh I probably know where your head is at on that one, I have been giving my friends there a hard time about all the Blue People in the hills
[11:57 AM] Mxx: hahaha
[11:57 AM] Txxx: Mean I knowwwwwwwwwwwww and its not to offend anyone but they admit that there are creepy things going on there. They have all made the joke themselves too.
[11:57 AM] Mxx: i mean sudafed DOES contain a key element for making meth
[11:57 AM] Txxx: haha there is that too
[11:58 AM] Txxx: But Alabama wasn't safe and we have tons of those too
[11:58 AM] Txxx: Just more spread out
[11:58 AM] Mxx: pff Louisiana isn't much better.
Loisiana is very hard hit now. It's becoming another epicenter of mass infection, like New York and Washington.
[11:58 AM] Txxx: oh i know
[11:58 AM] Txxx: I was there a few winters ago
[11:58 AM] Mxx: although we have an influx of more cannabis heads now than previously
[11:58 AM] Txxx: when it snowed in December and then again in January
[11:58 AM] Mxx: so meth has seen a downturn I think
[11:58 AM] Mxx: oh yeah
[11:58 AM] Mxx: that was fun
[11:58 AM] Mxx: lol
[11:59 AM] Txxx: I was stuck there because I was testifying in a trial
[11:59 AM] Txxx: lol
[11:59 AM] Txxx: So I couldn't even come back home for my appointments I had to stay my butt there. They did let me go down to NOLA for the weekend though
[11:59 AM] Txxx: and damn it smelled awful
[12:01 PM] Mxx: hahahaha
[12:01 PM] Mxx: you get used to it (if you drink enough)
[12:01 PM] Txxx: haha
[12:01 PM] Mxx: I don't live in NOLA tho
[12:01 PM] Mxx: you couldn't pay me to
[12:01 PM] Mxx: the traffic and tourists would kill me.
[12:01 PM] Txxx: Yeah that is one place I couldn't live
[12:01 PM] Qxxx: 1119 Swedes now infected
That's fairly grim, too.
[12:02 PM] Txxx: I love it down there it is pretty to look at
[12:02 PM] Mxx: Q I'm ignorant on Sweden's population...
[12:02 PM] Txxx: I was staying Baton Rouge
[12:02 PM] Txxx: and my ass got lost trying to find a restaurant right off of LSU's campus
[12:02 PM] Txxx: and had all my Auburn stickers on my car and ended up on campus
[12:03 PM] Txxx: I was yelling at my son who was 16 at the time that we needed to abort mission
[12:03 PM] Txxx: lol
[12:03 PM] Qxxx: 7 dead now
[12:04 PM] Qxxx: we're just above 10 million
[12:04 PM] Mxx: just looked it up lol
[12:29 PM] Qxxx: this virus is a big virus... there's 2 types of virus, one kind have no shield around the center and the other has a shield around the center.... corona has a shield... this is a good thing. It makes it easier to kill with soap, so wash your hands a lot.... also, it is heavy.... if you stay 6+ feet from people, you are less likely to get infected... touching contaminated areas is not good, so wash wash wash.... but it is not an airborne virus really, it falls to the ground pretty fast since it is so big
[5:01 PM] Mxxxxxxx: I think you guys broke Discord earlier.
[5:02 PM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Oh?
[5:34 PM] Txxx: i have that effect on discord
[5:34 PM] Txxx: lol
[8:59 PM] Qxxx: I am so bored .... SL doesn't want to work on this laptop today for some reason, all the corona aaaall over TV nonstop, and 5am so can't really do anything at all... gah
[9:00 PM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: Play some steam games
[9:00 PM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: I’m off back to bed
[9:00 PM] Qxxx: i would.... my connection keeps dropping though
[9:00 PM] Qxxx: sweet dreams
[11:13 PM] Qxxx:
And there we end. Stay safe, everyone.

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sand in the gears of the Matrix

March 25, 2020, 7:40 am

≫ Next: coronavirus, recipes, and distractions

≪ Previous: are you on the square? are you on the level? are you ready to swear right here, right now?

When one is running on an antiquated video card--because, at this point, it can no longer be updated, it's that old--there are bound to be glitches. I've run into glitches before--they're irksome, but in general, not game-breaking. Until, perhaps, the last one.

I'll start with a simple attempt at sitting. Suddenly, I was tilted in the wide silver skies. Well, this wasn't anticipated.

I logged out, because it just wasn't resolving, and when I came back, not only was I not standing near the chair I'd been attempting to sit on, but I was falling through space. Also not ideal.

Later that week, I went to a highly-trafficked event, then returned home. When I returned, I...wasn't all there.

I do know that if I ever want a really jarring visual effect, now, just detach one mesh eye and let the alpha show through on that side. Because trust me, seeing one green eye, and one red-hair-colored empty socket, was somewhat disquieting.

Today, this was what I saw after logging back into SL after a crash, and again after I'd logged out and logged back in, and then a third time when I'd spent some hours off for dinner.

Nothing about this makes sense, though I'm fairly convinced that none of my group names are written in Z̵̪̐̊a̷̖̾́l̴̨̺͗g̷̢̔ò̴̢̚ ̵̰͝t̷͓͓͆̚ẹ̷̄x̴͙̆͊t̴̬̏. Which is disturbing on its own.

But all of that would be fine (or, if not fine, mayhap, at least reasonably tolerable), if it was just me. But no, it's starting to be people around me, as well.

Please make it stop. I beg of you, ancient graphics gods. Please.

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coronavirus, recipes, and distractions

March 25, 2020, 8:13 am

≫ Next: and I don't know how I ever thought that I could make it all alone

≪ Previous: sand in the gears of the Matrix

This is going to be mostly tab-clearing, things I've been holding on to pass on 'at some point'. But first, this, because it seems vaguely imporant:[11:56] star (astarynite): If anyone knows people who are losing sims because of less income from CV19, Patch Linden just told a good friend to have any sim owner call concierge to arrange for delay or absent payments [11:56] Elfbiter Skysmith (elfbiter): Splendid [11:57] Darlingmonster Ember: nice [11:57] star (astarynite): yeah [11:57] Elfbiter Skysmith (elfbiter): They probably have experience about it anyway due to previous bugs in the payment system [11:57] star (astarynite): is true not a rumor
Names most assuredly left in, in case someone wants to verify with Ms. Star, though frankly, calling the concierge might answer the question either way. I do believe her, though, and it's a very appreciated gesture.

Now, first up. A couple things from Good Housekeeping magazine while most of us, at least, are staring out at the world from our homes. This is a list of the best virtual tours of zoos, museums and art galleries, and this is a list of the Broadway shows that are streaming. (And just because it's cute, have some penguins exploring an aquarium.)

A bit more local, Trompe L'oeil has a cottage and chair set (chair is PG, with singles animations, and, I believe, a few two-person cuddles) for gratis due to the epidemic. It will be available at least until this round of Uber ends in Aprille.

Have a listen to the Cristal Baschet, an arrangement of glass rods, metal, wire, wood, and fiberglass cones invented in 1952. Also, a demonstration of David Roentgen's dulcimer player based on Marie Antoinette (with an added separate performance vid of La Joueuse de Tympanon, showing her actual size. Very intricate device.

Reddit's been compiling what they're calling "quarantine cuisine, and not to be outdone, denizens on Imgur have been offering up their own creations. There's also a channel on YouTube that reproduces Depression-era recipes, which is worth watching, but this one in particular, as the entire dish can feed up to four people (at least, four people who can digest cabbage) for under five dollars a person. In a similar vein, Huffington Post has offered up twenty-two filling recipes that just about anyone can make with everyday pantry staples. (And by that, I mean canned or dried beans, rice, canned tuna, canned tomatoes--nothing spectacularly arcane.)

This is a very good factsheet that vies you both tips for staying healthy, how to care for yourself if you have gotten sick, and a list of warning signs for when it's time to seek hospital care. To that end, while it is no replacement for professional protective gear, if you are sick with anything , be it COVID-19, allergies, or a more common-variety flu, consider this pattern or this variation for making your own face masks, if you can't find them online to buy. (Though if you wish to support a charitable effort while you're at it, follow this link for closer to commercially-made simple masks (that link includes the referral code of a friend, but it will only give you $10 off a $100 order; for most of us, though, the $2.11 per mask is far more affordable and easier to acquire).

This next is a very adult offer, but I feel still worthy of passing on--Pornhub has extended their free premium service for all through Aprille 23rd. Just follow the link given in this Tweet. They also plan to donate a portion of their profits to coronavirus relief efforts.

And finally, this one's a little odd, but if you have lemonade, cream, and self-rising flour, you can make scones. Neat.

That is all.

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