Contents:
New beginnings
Meet the resident
Out and about
Through the keyhole
View from the allotments
What lies beneath?
Focus on...
Monday 1 June 2009
Focus on...
Starting off our regular series of articles each focusing on one of the Open Life islands landmarks is...
This elegant three-storey building was originally located on our previous base, Schomebase, and is now situated at the southern end of the Open Life island. Its position right next to the landing point for the Open Life island allows it to make a striking first impression on those who arrive.
Situated in the foyer of the nOUbie centre is the buddy board. This board allows anyone requiring help to ‘page’ an online buddy who will endeavour to teleport to the centre and provide help if possible. To the left is a seating area with a fountain and a board full of free stuff for anyone to ‘buy’. To the right is another seating area with information boards on display giving information about studying with the OU.
The first floor is home to the orientation room and the bookings room. The orientation room houses an interactive book which gives information and tips on basic Second Life skills and was created by two OU students. To move to the previous or next page you simply click on the left or right pages of the book. The bookings room provides OU staff with information about the availability of the five teaching/learning areas on Open Life. A series of boards informs people about whether the area is currently in use and when the next booking for that area is.
The second floor is currently empty but one half of it has been reserved by the OUSA and is sealed off and under construction.
This elegant three-storey building was originally located on our previous base, Schomebase, and is now situated at the southern end of the Open Life island. Its position right next to the landing point for the Open Life island allows it to make a striking first impression on those who arrive.
Situated in the foyer of the nOUbie centre is the buddy board. This board allows anyone requiring help to ‘page’ an online buddy who will endeavour to teleport to the centre and provide help if possible. To the left is a seating area with a fountain and a board full of free stuff for anyone to ‘buy’. To the right is another seating area with information boards on display giving information about studying with the OU.
The first floor is home to the orientation room and the bookings room. The orientation room houses an interactive book which gives information and tips on basic Second Life skills and was created by two OU students. To move to the previous or next page you simply click on the left or right pages of the book. The bookings room provides OU staff with information about the availability of the five teaching/learning areas on Open Life. A series of boards informs people about whether the area is currently in use and when the next booking for that area is.
The second floor is currently empty but one half of it has been reserved by the OUSA and is sealed off and under construction.
What lies beneath?
LOL! dons its snorkel and flippers to explore the vast watery expanse that is Open Life Ocean.
Nestled between Open Life and Open Life Village is the tranquil-looking Open Life Ocean. With the sun reflecting off its clear blue waters and the sandy island glistening in the middle, the ocean is as inviting as any place on Open Life. But what exactly is under those calm waters? It’s time to find out!
Armed with a waterproof fun camera a highly-trained underwater reporter (well, me, Eshala) descended into the Open Life Ocean to see what she could see, see, see. After swimming around aimlessly for a few moments my eye came upon a fearsome looking shark. There had been reports of unfortunate residents being attacked by bloodthirsty creatures in the ocean so I wasn’t keen on getting close. After bravely swimming a little bit closer to take a snapshot I retreated to a safe distance to watch the shark circle round and round in almost mesmeric fashion. Many other fish, eels and stingrays passed by but I was most taken by the appearance of our old friend Olivia! For those who don’t know Olivia is our resident octopus. As she glided by I’m sure she smiled, though it may just have been a spot of wind.
Further exploration of the ocean revealed a couple of shipwrecks and sunken submarines along with the usual ocean bed junk of discarded anchors, oil barrels and shopping trolleys. The seabed itself has a wealth of coral and plant life living on it which makes for a very pleasant landscape. After taking a couple more snapshots I surfaced and made my way to the sandy island in the middle of the ocean to relax on the warm, soft sand and look out over our marvellous water.
Nestled between Open Life and Open Life Village is the tranquil-looking Open Life Ocean. With the sun reflecting off its clear blue waters and the sandy island glistening in the middle, the ocean is as inviting as any place on Open Life. But what exactly is under those calm waters? It’s time to find out!
Armed with a waterproof fun camera a highly-trained underwater reporter (well, me, Eshala) descended into the Open Life Ocean to see what she could see, see, see. After swimming around aimlessly for a few moments my eye came upon a fearsome looking shark. There had been reports of unfortunate residents being attacked by bloodthirsty creatures in the ocean so I wasn’t keen on getting close. After bravely swimming a little bit closer to take a snapshot I retreated to a safe distance to watch the shark circle round and round in almost mesmeric fashion. Many other fish, eels and stingrays passed by but I was most taken by the appearance of our old friend Olivia! For those who don’t know Olivia is our resident octopus. As she glided by I’m sure she smiled, though it may just have been a spot of wind.
Further exploration of the ocean revealed a couple of shipwrecks and sunken submarines along with the usual ocean bed junk of discarded anchors, oil barrels and shopping trolleys. The seabed itself has a wealth of coral and plant life living on it which makes for a very pleasant landscape. After taking a couple more snapshots I surfaced and made my way to the sandy island in the middle of the ocean to relax on the warm, soft sand and look out over our marvellous water.
View from the allotments
Open Life regular Leornian Naidoo gives us her thoughts on life down on the allotments.
The OLIVe Gardens
The date is May, 10, 2009, and I (Roving Reporter – Leornian Naidoo) am standing at the entrance to the OLiVe allotments.
Located on the southwest corner of Open Life Village, the allotments offer residents a different experience of 'Home' feeling on the Island.
Sheltered by the Village shop from the East and by the Exhibition Hall from the south, this charming patch of allotments looks out over the spectacular ocean to the west. The views and sunsets there are amazing.
The allotments are one more unique way for OU students and staff to express their individual and unique preferences and building talents in the Virtual Learning, and if I may be so bold – ‘Living’ Environment. This “VL/LE”, (and you may quote me on this because I just coined the phrase) is just ‘one’ of the many attractions available for your enjoyment as you live and learn on OLIVe.
Speaking from personal experience, (you may find me at Allotment No. 1) I find my allotment to be a special place where I come to relax during the day, sit up on my arbour and enjoy the view while listening to the waves as they slap against the nearby shore. It’s a lovely place for a chat with friends and even the occasional newbie stopping by to admire the view.
The OLIVe Gardens
The date is May, 10, 2009, and I (Roving Reporter – Leornian Naidoo) am standing at the entrance to the OLiVe allotments.
Located on the southwest corner of Open Life Village, the allotments offer residents a different experience of 'Home' feeling on the Island.
Sheltered by the Village shop from the East and by the Exhibition Hall from the south, this charming patch of allotments looks out over the spectacular ocean to the west. The views and sunsets there are amazing.
The allotments are one more unique way for OU students and staff to express their individual and unique preferences and building talents in the Virtual Learning, and if I may be so bold – ‘Living’ Environment. This “VL/LE”, (and you may quote me on this because I just coined the phrase) is just ‘one’ of the many attractions available for your enjoyment as you live and learn on OLIVe.
Speaking from personal experience, (you may find me at Allotment No. 1) I find my allotment to be a special place where I come to relax during the day, sit up on my arbour and enjoy the view while listening to the waves as they slap against the nearby shore. It’s a lovely place for a chat with friends and even the occasional newbie stopping by to admire the view.
Through the keyhole
LOL! was given exclusive access to the home of one of the residents of Open Life Village.
Here, Jadis Mai gives us the lowdown on No. 3 Teleport Terrace.
The Fish Tank
When I bought my own house in RL in 1997, there was a huge fish tank built into the wall between the living room and kitchen. I loved it, but maintaining it was very hard work and in the end it had to go. Now, with small children and cats, a fish tank is probably a bad idea, so this is my way of having one without the worry of cats or boys eating the fish and without the need for tank cleaning.
Diello’s Mugs
Diello’s is my cafe in SL. It’s named for my youngest son - Diello is one of his middle names. When I set up my first cafe, Kickaha made me these mugs using the texture I’d made for the cafe signs. Diello is the Crown Prince of Borovnia, a fictional world created by the lead characters in the film “Heavenly Creatures”.
Laundry
This is really me having a joke with myself because I hate doing laundry, and my laundry pile is actually more of a laundry mountain! I’m pleased with how this all looks because everything in the room was free.
Pan’s Picture
This is a picture of a friend I met on Plurk and then met in-world, Pantaleimon Aeon. It’s actually a portrait of his avatar. He posted it on Plurk, and I loved it as soon as I saw it. I asked if he would mind if I used it in my cafe because it perfectly matched the colour scheme there, but I love it so much I also put a copy in my house.
Here, Jadis Mai gives us the lowdown on No. 3 Teleport Terrace.
The Fish Tank
When I bought my own house in RL in 1997, there was a huge fish tank built into the wall between the living room and kitchen. I loved it, but maintaining it was very hard work and in the end it had to go. Now, with small children and cats, a fish tank is probably a bad idea, so this is my way of having one without the worry of cats or boys eating the fish and without the need for tank cleaning.
Diello’s Mugs
Diello’s is my cafe in SL. It’s named for my youngest son - Diello is one of his middle names. When I set up my first cafe, Kickaha made me these mugs using the texture I’d made for the cafe signs. Diello is the Crown Prince of Borovnia, a fictional world created by the lead characters in the film “Heavenly Creatures”.
Laundry
This is really me having a joke with myself because I hate doing laundry, and my laundry pile is actually more of a laundry mountain! I’m pleased with how this all looks because everything in the room was free.
Pan’s Picture
This is a picture of a friend I met on Plurk and then met in-world, Pantaleimon Aeon. It’s actually a portrait of his avatar. He posted it on Plurk, and I loved it as soon as I saw it. I asked if he would mind if I used it in my cafe because it perfectly matched the colour scheme there, but I love it so much I also put a copy in my house.
Out and about
An intrepid group of residents packed their virtual passports and backpacks for a Bank Holiday outing led by Martin Pattle...here’s how it went.
Monday 4th May was scheduled to be a psychology discussion meeting but it being a Bank Holiday a fun outing took place instead.
We assembled at the Open Arms, and the landmarks for the destinations were sent round in a group notice... at least that was the theory! Second Life managed to wreak its usual havoc meaning that the notecards took ages to open, which meant a lot of fumbling and requests for new notecards. Eventually everyone managed to get the landmarks and the fun commenced.
The first destination was the Tunnel of Light sim. This is an artistic simulation, which sends you on a 6-minute ride in a teacup (teacups sit up to four people) through an installation of glowing lights and objects. Must be seen to be believed! Most of us successfully managed to take the ride, however, one of us got stuck in the entrance hall, unable to move, and could still be there now for all we know!
The second destination was the Greenies sim, where you are small and everything is big. Strangely, the landmark given out had moved and people transported to a spot underneath the floorboards. Thankfully no-one was eaten by the cat or rats – doesn’t reflect well on the OU if students are eaten while on outings. A UFO was available to fly around, which was entertaining and showcased several flying styles, and the sim creators held a pyjama party... just for us maybe. Most of us kissed the frog in some forlorn hope of getting a free prince (or princess), to no avail.
Finally it was back to the Open Arms, for refreshments and a rest!
Monday 4th May was scheduled to be a psychology discussion meeting but it being a Bank Holiday a fun outing took place instead.
We assembled at the Open Arms, and the landmarks for the destinations were sent round in a group notice... at least that was the theory! Second Life managed to wreak its usual havoc meaning that the notecards took ages to open, which meant a lot of fumbling and requests for new notecards. Eventually everyone managed to get the landmarks and the fun commenced.
The first destination was the Tunnel of Light sim. This is an artistic simulation, which sends you on a 6-minute ride in a teacup (teacups sit up to four people) through an installation of glowing lights and objects. Must be seen to be believed! Most of us successfully managed to take the ride, however, one of us got stuck in the entrance hall, unable to move, and could still be there now for all we know!
The second destination was the Greenies sim, where you are small and everything is big. Strangely, the landmark given out had moved and people transported to a spot underneath the floorboards. Thankfully no-one was eaten by the cat or rats – doesn’t reflect well on the OU if students are eaten while on outings. A UFO was available to fly around, which was entertaining and showcased several flying styles, and the sim creators held a pyjama party... just for us maybe. Most of us kissed the frog in some forlorn hope of getting a free prince (or princess), to no avail.
Finally it was back to the Open Arms, for refreshments and a rest!
Meet the resident
Each issue we will grab a resident and subject them to the LOL! interrogation.
Step forward our firstvictim resident...
Avatar name: Lilac Lupindo
Rezzday: 8th June 2008
Are you a student, tutor or both? A student
How long have you been with the OU? 4 years
Which degree are you aiming for? An open one so I can do subjects that I like. :-)
Favourite course so far: A103 – An Introduction to the Humanities. It introduced me to so many different subjects that I would never have previously considered.
What brought you to Second Life? Curiosity and reading about it on the OU website.
Favourite part of the Open Life islands: My new home. Well the whole of the new village really. We waited for such a long time to get it so this has been an exciting time. :-)
Best memory from your time on Open Life: It would be the get-togethers (whether parties or just hanging out) with my OU/SL friends. I don't have a single best memory though.
Favourite SL place away from Open Life: Bubbly nightclub
One piece of advice for newbies: Don't be scared to experiment, and don't be nervous of asking for help. We were all in your boat once.
Step forward our first
Rezzday: 8th June 2008
Are you a student, tutor or both? A student
How long have you been with the OU? 4 years
Which degree are you aiming for? An open one so I can do subjects that I like. :-)
Favourite course so far: A103 – An Introduction to the Humanities. It introduced me to so many different subjects that I would never have previously considered.
What brought you to Second Life? Curiosity and reading about it on the OU website.
Favourite part of the Open Life islands: My new home. Well the whole of the new village really. We waited for such a long time to get it so this has been an exciting time. :-)
Best memory from your time on Open Life: It would be the get-togethers (whether parties or just hanging out) with my OU/SL friends. I don't have a single best memory though.
Favourite SL place away from Open Life: Bubbly nightclub
One piece of advice for newbies: Don't be scared to experiment, and don't be nervous of asking for help. We were all in your boat once.
New beginnings
The opening of the new village gives residents a place they can call home.
After weeks of standing at the sim border between Open Life and Open Life Ocean gazing wistfully towards the “under construction” signs surrounding the new village, residents were finally able to set foot on OLiVe at 8pm and survey their new surroundings.
To celebrate the event an Easter-themed party was held on the village green with our regular OU party night DJ Quentin Calvert providing the music from 8.30pm. A treasure hunt and a fancy dress competition added to the fun. The treasure hunt provided us with lots of new things to add to our already-bulging inventories while the fancy dress competition was jointly won by a couple of cute Easter bunnies and a bemused tiger cub!
On landing on the new village the first thing many residents did was excitedly dash round the island trying to look at everything at once and wondering which of the pretty houses was going to be theirs. Thanks to the efforts of the village designers/builders there were plenty of things to see and places to explore.
One of the most exciting parts of the evening came when the boards informing residents of their OLiVe addresses were displayed. Amid cries of “Which way is Lower Lag Street?” and “Anyone know where OLiVe Green is?” those lucky enough to be allocated a house went off in search of their new homes. Later in the evening residents were able to ‘buy’ their land and officially claim their home.
The music and dancing continued long into the night until one by one people headed off safe in the knowledge that after being homeless for so long following the demise of our previous base we all now have a place we can call home.
After weeks of standing at the sim border between Open Life and Open Life Ocean gazing wistfully towards the “under construction” signs surrounding the new village, residents were finally able to set foot on OLiVe at 8pm and survey their new surroundings.
To celebrate the event an Easter-themed party was held on the village green with our regular OU party night DJ Quentin Calvert providing the music from 8.30pm. A treasure hunt and a fancy dress competition added to the fun. The treasure hunt provided us with lots of new things to add to our already-bulging inventories while the fancy dress competition was jointly won by a couple of cute Easter bunnies and a bemused tiger cub!
On landing on the new village the first thing many residents did was excitedly dash round the island trying to look at everything at once and wondering which of the pretty houses was going to be theirs. Thanks to the efforts of the village designers/builders there were plenty of things to see and places to explore.
One of the most exciting parts of the evening came when the boards informing residents of their OLiVe addresses were displayed. Amid cries of “Which way is Lower Lag Street?” and “Anyone know where OLiVe Green is?” those lucky enough to be allocated a house went off in search of their new homes. Later in the evening residents were able to ‘buy’ their land and officially claim their home.
The music and dancing continued long into the night until one by one people headed off safe in the knowledge that after being homeless for so long following the demise of our previous base we all now have a place we can call home.
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