Caledon & Carntaigh au Courant

The Pride of Caledon...

2008-10-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Photo by Reghan Straaf

Dear Citizens of Caledon,

Time and time again, we have shown the residents of Second Life the power of our community. The Caledon RFL 2008 Team inspired us to achieve 2nd Place in team donations. Linden Labs selected Caledon as a portal for new members of Second Life, thereby creating Caledon Oxbridge, because Caledon is the best example of a strong community in Second Life. We are now presented with another opportunity to show the grid at large what Caledon is capable of when put to the test...

Our own, beloved Library Director, Sir JJ Drinkwater has made it to the semi finals of Iris Ophelia's (of New World Notes) "Hottest Male Avatar of 2008" contest. JJ made it through the first round of blingtar...er...mainlanders. Now we need to ensure he wins a spot in the Top 10. Voting is at http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2008/10/which-male-avat.html#more from now until the end of November. Vote today. Vote tomorrow. Vote as often as you can until November 30. Let's show everyone in SL how hot "Smart, Victorian Steampunk" really is.

Vivat Caledon!

The Duchess of Carntaigh, Gabrielle Riel

Under Construction!

2008-10-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Pardon my dust, but I am in the midst of working on a new look for "Caledon & Carntaigh au Courant". Most of my sidebar information and widgets are missing. I hope to have the new look and feel applied here soon.

The Nightingale

Tsuki Mi Matsuri

2008-09-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Music inspired by the Tsuki Mi Matsuri...

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Sunday night was the Second Annual Tsuki Mi Matsuri (Japanese Moon Viewing Festival) in Caledon Carntaigh. The festival last year impressed me so much that I decided to create a truly "proper" venue for it this year. I turned Euterpe (the small island in Carntaigh, usually barren) into a Japanese garden and shrine for the evening.

The moon shone brightly over Carntaigh, leaving a path on the water as Mitsu Figaro played over three hours of traditional and contemporary Japanese music for the guests, who included the entire Europan Consulate, a good portion of the population of Steelhead and Otenth Paderborn and Emilly Orr from Radio Riel.

A nice group assembled to celebrate

Mitsu and her able "student" Touma Yoshikawa provided interesting commentary and tidbits about the music throughout the evening. It was a simply brilliant event, one that makes me so grateful for the people that I work with at Radio Riel.

Thank you Mitsu and Touma! Thank you to all of you that attended!

Mitsu and I move to the music

Dancing by the light of the moon,

The Nightingale

The Steampunk Style Test

2008-09-11T12:00:00.001-07:00

And these results are shocking how? ;-)

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

The Aristocrat

82% Elegant, 41% Technological, 70% Historical, 12% Adventurous and 6% Playful!

You are the Aristocrat, the embodiment of steampunk elegance and poise. For you, dressing steampunk is first and foremost about simply looking good, with accessories and details to follow. However, this does not mean that you ignore the demands of creating a “steampunk look.” Your outfits weave together a balance between technology and style, and between period accuracy and beautiful anachronism. While your fashion inspiration may come from anywhere across the Victorian social spectrum, you always find a way to make your outfit beautiful. You will probably be found in the clothes of the steam age elite simply because of the greater elegance available to them. Chances are you dress this way because you like it, and you would still dress in this manner even if steampunk was not a popular interest.

Try our other Steampunk test here.

Take The Steampunk Style Test at HelloQuizzy

Carntaigh Refects on CaleCon

2008-09-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Note: This post is OOC, or semi OOC

It has now been a week since "the CaleCon 10" departed Saint Mary's, Ontario and returned to their corners of the globe. Several of us have blogged about our adventures. If you would like to read about what some of the other attendees have to say about CaleCon, please refer to the following links:

I am left with so many thoughts and feelings from the weekend. On the drive to Saint Mary's, I realized that I was about to enter an experience that I could not compare to anything else that had happened before in my life. I was going to meet 6 people for the first time (3 I had met already), and yet even though it was to be our first meeting...I knew everyone so well! How on earth can you explain that? You are strangers...but close friends at the same time.

When I arrived, I walked up to the front desk and Eva was there checking in, and I just said: "Hey", because it did not feel like I was meeting her for the first time. The opening cocktail party in Eva's suite was similar. I immediately hugged my Radio Riel people (Rik, Otenth and Soliel), and it felt completely natural. The 10 of us sat and talked and talked like old friends...well because we ARE old friends! There were a couple of very funny "outings" that night, "Oh my god, Kami's typist is a MAN!" (I had already guessed that, so I was not surprised :-) )

But is seriously did not matter what our typists looked like in RL, nor if our human is radically different from our avie. Eva, Gabi, Otenth, Soliel, Rik, Kaye, Scotti, Kami, JJ...we are who we are in the virtual world as much as we are in the actual world. We even called each other by our avie names all weekend. One funny moment for me was when the majority of the crowd had left the cocktail party, and Eva and I swooped around the room gathering up glasses and dishes. I just had to laugh...because it was *such* an Eva and Gabi thing to do. The "Social Duchesses" cleaning up after a party, much like we do in SL as we take objects back into our inventories after SL events.

Another classic moment was when I unpacked and lined my many toiletries along the edge of the closet shelf. Mr. Drinkwater took one look at the pile of stuff and burst out laughing and said something like: "Ah, traveling with the Duchess!" And I just looked at him and said: "What else would you expect from me?"

Gabrielle Riel is in me. She is a part of me. She is me as a little girl, dressing up in frilly dresses and black patent leather shoes. She is the super organized part of me. She is the leader in me. She is also me at age 23, thin and social, going to clubs every night and teasing the heck out of the men that I met there. But she is not all of me. I keep the "mommy" part of me out of Gabi. I keep the short-fused, angry me out of Gabi. And I have kept much of the professional me (as an Instructional Designer and Trainer) out of Gabi.

I've known for two years that I am in the midst of a major RL transition. That the "real me" and Gabi were going to merge. It has been happening, but not at all the way I expected. I think I hoped that I would become more pure Gabi, when in reality, more of the typist creeps into Gabi every day.

My dear Dragon, Azul asked me two wonderful questions when I got home. 1.) When did you have the most fun at CaleCon and 2.) When were you the happiest at CaleCon? Most fun is a difficult choice, but I have to go with the Saturday night banquet/dance/broadcast. The minute I saw Kami in full Kami drag, I immediately went into hysterics. I laughed so hard I cried. And then I DJd my first "live" event ever. That's right kids...I had never DJd in "actual" life before. I find it hilarious that so many of my staff have RL broadcast and DJ experience...and yet I don't. :-) Well, that is not a true statement any longer. I consider all of the events I have done in SL to be "real", and now I have done an "actual" event with other people in the room.

And I *adored* the reaction in SL to the RL party. We all know intellectually that there are humans sitting at keyboards all over the world that drive our avies, but I think the SL crowd actually seeing us, real human beings, was a breakthrough moment in the growth of Caledon. I also think that we, the typists, have a lot of fear of revealing ourselves. How can we live up to these beautiful, attractive, innovative and unique avatars when we are ultimately all just "regular" people?

I was nervous about the video feed, for several reasons. First of all, I had imagined scenarios in my head of people seeing me and IMing each other: "omg *that* is Gabrielle Riel? That short, fat chick?" Also, I knew that there were at least 4 people that were watching that video specifically to get a look at me. And no I am not going to reveal who they were. ;-)

I was scared...but I did it anyway. I am almost 40 years old, and it is time for me to toss old insecurities into the garbage. This is me. Yes, I AM Gabrielle Riel. Take me, or leave me..in both worlds. The weekend proved that the typists and the avies are basically one and the same. I am sure there were a few bitchy IMs flying about, but I do not care. My life as Gabrielle Riel has actually acclimated me nicely to dealing with rumors, negativity, drama etc. All I can say is: bring it on! I have big plans for Radio Riel, and nothing is going to stop me from following my dream. Hmm, I think some of Gabi's confidence has rubbed off on me!

My happiest moment was when Kaye was asking me about Radio Riel and how it all started. She said to me: "You must be so proud of yourself and what you have accomplished!" I said that I was, but that the thing about Radio Riel that I loved the most was the people the Universe brought to me to help me make it happen. I was able to say that, out loud, for real, with Rik, Soliel and Otenth all sitting there. That was my absolute happiest moment of the entire weekend.

CaleCon was nothing but sheer joy - the joy of Caledonians meeting in the actual world. My people. Our people. It will be bigger in the years to come, more formal. I believe that "The CaleCon 10" will look back on this year with exceptional fondness. The first year, when there were just 10 of us. No drama. No cliques. Just wonderful times together.

And so...I hope to meet YOU at CaleCon 2009!

Vivat Caledon!

The Nightingale

CaleCon Posts and Pics

2008-09-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

I will probably make a post about CaleCon in a few days. I have simply not had the time to do so...what with that thing called RL and all. :-)

However, my always industrious Cousin Eva has made some wonderful posts on her blog:

http://redroseofcaledon.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

CaleCon Live Broadcasts!

2008-08-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the virtual and the actual meet as Caledonians gather in Stratford, Ontario, Canada for the First Annual CaleCon! Radio Riel is bringing you two events that will be broadcast live from the weekend festivities.

Friday, August 29 - 4:30pm - 6:30pm SLT
Elrik Merlin and Soliel Snook broadcast for Radio Riel live from the CaleCon kick off event, the Loch Avie Cocktail party hosted by Eva Bellambi. Rik and Soliel will play a mix of Celtic music and interview CaleCon attendees!

Audio feed: http://music2.radioriel.org/live.m3u

Saturday, August 30 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm SLT
Gabrielle Riel broadcasts live for Radio Riel from the CaleCon post banquet dance. Edward Pearse hosts the in world dance at Coughton Court in Caledon Carntaigh. (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/84/172/25)

There will be dual video feeds for this event. Quicktime movie players in Coughton Court will play the feed from CaleCon, and SL will be projected on a screen in the dining room for the CaleCon attendees.

Audio feed: http://music2.radioriel.org/live.m3u
Video feed: rtsp://video.slserver.com:8110/live.sdp

Vivat Caledon!

Lost and Found

2008-08-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

To My Dragon...

Lost and Found, by Delerium

i really wanted to go
it hurt me too much to stay
I run away so fast
that my heart couldn't find the way
then you came along
and I was tired of my sadness
it seemed as though my life went on
but the feeling didn't last

holding on to everything that's gone
saving my life from going on
thinking of what else I could have done
it wasn't meant to be
(and then you came along and I was lost and found
my life went on but I was lost and found)
I was lost and found

I was back on my feet
you could say I was barely walking
but the cut was deep
and I was holding on to the past

holding on to everything that's gone
saving my life from going on
thinking of what else I could have done
it wasn't meant to be
(and then you came along and I was lost and found
my life went on but I was lost and found)
I was lost and found

he'd stolen my illusions
and I needed them so badly
I grew tired of my confusion
cause he was still there
everywhere

you came along and I was lost and found (lost and found)
my life went on but I was lost and found
you came along and I was stuck in the past
there was a new life in sight
but I was blind...

holding on to everything that's gone
saving my life from going on
thinking of what else I could have done
it wasn't meant to be
(and then you came along and I was lost and found
my life went on but I was lost and found)
there was a new life in sight
but I was blind

Love,
The Nightingale

The Tempest Ball - August 16, 8:00pm - 10:00pm SLT

2008-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.

The Caledon Library, Radio Riel and Riel Events cordially invite you to The Tempest Ball, on Saturday, August 16 from 8:00pm - 10:00pm SLT. This gala event will take place at Winterfell Libris (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Libris/47/179/29). You can also tune in to this event on Radio Riel's main stream at http://music.radioriel.org .

Music at the Ball will be primarily Classical, with some Early, Celtic, Folk and Shakespeare-themed music. We encourage guests to attend the Ball in costume, either in something inspired by the play or in Shakespearian attire. Appropriate costumes would be those of Italian Renaissance nobility or spirtual beings.

This event is the final event of SL Shakespeare Summer, which has been funded by a grant from The Foundation For Rich Content.

Saint Kitt Islands Are Safe!

2008-08-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

I was busily working in my office in the Penthouse of Coughton Court, when my maid, Shauni, knocked on the door. "Yes?", I called. "Your Grace", Shauni said, "A messenger from the Guvnah has just arrived." She approached me at my desk, and handed the envelope to me. "Thank you Shauni", I said, and Shauni curtsied and left. I pulled my focus away from the pile of Radio Riel schedules on my desk and opened the note. Hmm! Interesting. Des wanted to meet with me immediately.

An hour later I was sitting opposite the Guvnah in his office in the Guvnah's Mansion. His desk was completely buried in stacks and stacks of papers. My goodness! And I thought *my* desk was in rough shape. "Gabi! Thank you for coming! I have great news!" Des gestured wildly with his hands to emphasize the point, and in the process knocked an entire stack of papers off his desk.

He continued, "It's official! Saint Kitt Islands have been declared geologically safe!" I blinked. "Oh...really? Wow..." I thought back to the last time I had been to the Saint Kitt Islands, about a month ago and recalled the smoke curling from the crater of the volcano and the occasional tremors that knocked my tea set over. "How do you know this Desmond?", I asked, "Did the Royal Society finish their survey and determine all is well?"

"Nahhh...it's summer and I did not want to put a lot of pressure on Lady Kate to finish it, so I engaged an independent firm to do a report for me.", he gestured to the pile of papers on the floor, "It's in there somewhere, but I can give you the summary: Saint Kitt Islands are safe and sound. So, Gabi....you ever planned a beach party before?"

"Well, yes...but...independent report?", I queried. Des' conversation was moving way too fast for me, as usual. "Oh yes...an excellent firm...a Messrs Trinitro and Toluene?", he said. "They did a great job...so fast! Anyway, you have any Beach Boys in your music library? Let's have a nice shindig so that the people of Caledon can have a great time on the beach!" I nodded, "Ok, I will get right on it...you are sure it's safe?"

"Absolutely!", Des proclaimed jovially. I smiled. Well, I knew that Desmond always had the interest and safety of his residents in the foremost of his mind. If Des says it's ok...it must be ok! Our conversation turned to the logistics of the beach party, with me carefully steering Des away from any tacky decorating suggestions. After an hour of planning, I left the Guvnah's Mansion and looked down at the draft of the party invitation in my hand. It read:

People of Caledon
Guvnah Desmond Shang is proud to announce
that Saint Kitt Islands are officially safe
To celebrate, Guvnah Shang
cordially invites you to
a Beach Party on Saint Kitt Islands
Monday, August 18 at 1:00pm SLT
Attire: Beachwear, Victorian or Modern
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saint%20Kitt%20Islands/101/120/22

Defying Gravity

2008-08-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

Something has changed within me.
Something is not the same,
I'm though with playing by the rules of
someone else's game

Too late for second guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down

I'm though accepting limits
Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
but 'till I try I'll never know

Too long I've been afraid of losing
Love I guess I've lost
Well if that's love it comes at
Much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down

Unlimited...
My future is unlimited
And I just had a vision almost
Like a prophecy
I know it sounds truly crazy
And true the vision's hazy
But I swear someday I'll be flying so high
Kiss me me good-bye

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves the chance to fly!

I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down
Bring me down!

Victorians with Disabilities Dance - 1:00pm - 3:00pm SLT

2008-08-03T03:11:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, August 3, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm SLT, I cordially invite you to Coughton Court in Caledon Carntaigh for a dance to introduce a new community organization: Victorians with Disabilities. Caledon is known for being one of the most diverse communities on the Second Life grid, and many of our residents live their Second Lives, Real Lives, or both, with some form of disability.

The Victorians with Disabilities group is associated with GimpGirl, a well-established online community for women with disabilties that also has a strong presence in Second Life. This event is an opportunity to bring residents from these groups together with the residents of Caledon, and to introduce them to "Caledon Society" via this dance, which will feature "the music of Caledon", including Classical, Celtic and Early Jazz. I will be donating all of my tips from the event to GimpGirl Second Life.

Join us for an afternoon dance of Victorian music...and some wild wheelchair dances at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/192/128/23 or tune in just to enjoy the music on http://music2.radioriel.org .

Another One Drinks The Kool Aid

2008-07-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

My Dear Lady Dragon has succumbed to the Caledonian tradition of blogging!

http://azldraken.blogspot.com/

Sheesh...not even here five minutes and she's hit the circuit already...

;-)

The
Nightingale

How Did This Happen?

2008-07-21T14:58:00.001-07:00

I must have been under some sort of mind control spell this weekend when I bought all of those RFL clothes...

Hmm...how am I going to explain this to Azul? ;-)

A Riel Relay

2008-07-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

In addition to the amazing "You Raise Me Up" program lovingly produced and presented by Elrik Merlin on Radio Riel today, several members of the Radio Riel team are participating in the SL RFL this weekend!

Otenth Paderborn is Team Captain for Team Elizabeth Blackwell, and will be on the track for the majority of the relay. Visit the Team campsite at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Heroes%2029/139/70/24 for some peaceful contemplation during the relay. The site is playing Radio Riel for the Relay this weekend.

Eladrienne Laval worked on the *amazing* Steelhead Team Campsite. Visit it for some wacky wild west fun at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Heroes%2029/116/226/25.

Gabrielle Riel has returned to her roots at T1 Radio and is a part of the official SL RFL Broadcast team. T1 Radio is providing coverage all day today and tomorrow on the relay - tune in at http://t1radio.serverroom.us:8242/. Gabi will be acting as a "roving reporter" throughout the event and conducting on air interviews with Relayers. Her official set is tomorrow, Sunday, July 20 from 4:00am - 6:00am SLT and will feature music for the Wheelies lap in the first hour and 80s music in the second.

Congratulations to everyone that has worked so hard to make SL RFL happen in 2008!

The Dragon and The Nightingale

2008-07-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

So much of my Second Life is devoted to business and working that I don't have much time for a "personal life" in SL. I don't see my friends as much as I used to...and my SL romantic life...well it's always been a roller coaster.

I fully admit that *I* am the person driving that roller coaster. My SL is difficult and complex, and usually ends up being a burden on the people that I have dated in the past. Plus, I am not a simple woman. I am passionate and fiery...which attracted suitors...and then ultimately burned them.

I have had relationships that took place in the public eye of Caledon, and some that have remained private to all but my closest friends. All of them have been what I call "relationships on crack"...meaning they have begun fast and furiously, and then disappeared in the same fashion. Until now...

For the first time in SL, I have a relationship that has developed along the lines of a RL relationship. Slowly, in stages, with both parties getting to know each other over time. One that started as a good friendship, and then grew from there. And so, here I am now....stunned to find (like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz), my heart's desire in my own back yard.

I am honored to announce that I have accepted an offer of SL Partnership from Lady Azul Draken, Champion of the Archipelago (New Boston Station, Insight, Eresos and Satori Sims). I am sure this will be a shocking development to most people, however this has been a Partnership that is almost a year in the making and that has solidified over the last 2 months.

We plan a long SL engagement due to our busy RL and SL schedules, with a handfasting most likely to occur in mid to late September. The Nightingale no longer sings alone...she has a Dragon as her companion and Protector.

---------------------------------------------------------------

You are sunlight and I moon - Joined by the gods of fortune

Midnight and high noon - Sharing the sky

We have been blessed, you and I

My Tarot: The Moon

2008-07-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Get Over It

2008-07-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Get Over It - Ok Go

Lot of knots, lot of snags,
lot of holes, lot of cracks lot of crags.
Lot of naggin' old hags,
lot of fools, lot of fool scum bags.
Oh it's such a drag, what a chore,
oh your wounds are full of salt.
Everything's a stress and what's more,
well it's all somebody's fault.

Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Get over it, get over it!

Make you sick, make you ill,
makes you cheat, slipping change from the till.
Had it up to the gills,
makes you cry while the milk still spills.
Ain't it just a bitch? What a pain, well it's all a crying shame.
What left to do but complain?
Better find someone to blame.

Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Get over it, get over it!

Got a job, got a life,
got a four-door and a faithless wife.
Got those nice copper pipes, got an ex,
got a room for the night.
Aren't you such a catch?
What a prize! Got a body like a battle axe,
Love that perfect frown, honest eyes,
We ought to buy you a Cadillac.

Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Hey! Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Get over it, get over it! Oh!

CaleCon Deadlines

2008-07-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Good Gentles of Caledon, here is the update on our RL gathering aka CaleCon. CaleCon is a participant-created weekend with banquet, dance, Shakespeare Festival and workshops happening on August 29 – September 1, 2008, in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. You are welcome to dress up, either in dressy or costume attire for the banquet, however neither is required.

Please go to our official aetheric location, http://www.calecon.net/ for more detailed information and to register. Deadlines for CaleCon are as follows:

* Registration deadline = Friday , July 18
* Stone Willow Inn reservation deadline = Friday, July 25

Questions? Contact Gabrielle Riel, Eva Bellambi or Otenth Paderborn for more information.

Masquerade

2008-06-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Dearest Phantom,

Once upon a time, you said something to me that I have never forgotten. I was confused and baffled about how emotionally invested people could become over things that happened in a virtual world, and you said to me: "Darling, people get weird and self obsessed online."

An excellent lesson, and one I always remember.

With love,

The Face Behind the Mask of The Nightingale
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!

Masquerade!
Every face a different shade
Masquerade!
Look around -
there's another
mask behind you!

Flash of mauve
Splash of puce
Fool and king
Ghoul and goose
Green and black
Queen and priest
Trace of rouge
Face of beast

Faces
Take your turn, take a ride
on the merry-go-round
in an inhuman race

Eye of gold
Thigh of blue
True is false
Who is who
Curl of lip
Swirl of gown
Ace of hearts
Face of clown

Faces
Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light
in the sound

RAOUL/CHRISTINE
But who can name the face . . .?

ALL
Masquerade!
Grinning yellows,
spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill -
let the spectacle
astound you!

Masquerade!
Burning glances,
turning heads
Masquerade!
Stop and stare
at the sea of smiles
around you!

Masquerade!
Seething shadows
breathing lies
Masquerade!
You can fool
any friend who
ever knew you!

Masquerade!
Leering satyrs,
peering eyes
Masquerade!
Run and hide -
but a face will
still pursue you!

Cast Interlude

Repeat Chorus

PHANTOM
Why so silent, good Messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
I have written you an opera.
Here, I bring the finished score.
Don Juan Triumphant!

I advise you to comply
My instructions should be clear
Remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier!

Your chains are still mine
You will sing for me

One Year

2008-06-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

One year ago on June 1 2007, I, with Red Caliber, Edward Pearse and Mitsu Figaro launched Radio Riel. The last twelve months have been amazing. I am blessed beyond belief, and I thank the Universe for Radio Riel every day. A huge part of my thankfulness is for the people that the Universe brought to me - these amazing, intelligent, motivated, positive, and just plain COOL people!

So here we are - we just completed our first year. I remember having a conversation with Red Caliber about 6 months ago, during which he remarked about how much RR had grown in 6 months time. I told him that, as strange as it might seem, I was not shocked in the least about the growth and changes. It just all felt so *right*. Like everything was happening exactly as it was supposed to. We then joked about how different RR would be in another 6 months. He said he could not imagine it....and I said I totally could.

That is how this whole journey has been. It feels so natural to me, like this was always meant to happen. Oh believe me, it has not been easy. It has been the opposite of easy, but still...it's right. And I know it is.

I have loved music all of my life. More than loved it - I have lived it. One of my college roommates used to say that living with me was like living with a permanent soundtrack to the movie of our lives. I inherited the music in my blood from my Dad, who passed away almost 2 years ago. The love of it, the encyclopedic knowledge of it. It's who he was, and it is who I am. The only "regret", or sadness, that I feel about Radio Riel is the fact that he never got to see me, with the help of my staff, do this. Oh he would have loved it! He likely would have become a Presenter himself and contributed to programming. He would have been beyond proud, and probably my toughest critic. :-)

I wanted to be a "DJ" in Second Life because I knew it was possible and it was something I thought I would enjoy. I have programmed music for events like parties, weddings and showers, and I have a lot of performance experience in theater, vocal performance, dance and playing music....but I had never actually DJd! I've spent the last 12 years speaking publicly in front of adults as an educator, a software trainer. I knew I could do it, but I had no idea how right it would be!

I think it's known that I came to SL with a wave of podcasters and podcast listeners just over two years ago. But I have not talked much about *why* I hooked into the "podcast movement". Podcasting was really my first taste of what is now called New Media. And I loved it! I loved hearing people, regular people, create the most intelligent and interesting content...and I really, really loved all of the independent musicians that were putting their music out there (copyright free) so the world could discover them. Thanks to the internet and technology, musicians can now play on a "world stage" and be heard by people who would have *never* heard them 15 years ago.

The podcasters lit a fire in me. I contemplated doing a podcast myself, but I never hit on what I considered a "good topic". I was able to meet some of my "podcast heroes" by meeting them in Second Life. Their enthusiasm rubbed off on me, and I started learning as much as I could about both SL and what they were doing.

Then the unexpected curveball: Caledon. All I wanted was a nice place to live with nice people. I did not go looking to become a "Duchess", I did not intend to be a community social planner...these things just happened along the way! The right people, the right place, the right time..and boom! I had already DJd a party in SL when I attended my first Caledon dance...and I just assumed that Caledon has people in it that played Classical music for the parties. Well...that was not the case. No one was doing it.

And then it hit me - the idea that thrilled the Teacher in me, as well as the music lover. I had tons of Classical music, and I knew a lot about it. *I* could play the music, and help create the illusion of being in the 19th Century. And so I just did it!

And in "just doing it"...I became a magnet - drawing people to me that share my love of music and that believe in the potential of this new frontier. The frontier is bloody..."old media" organizations are fighting a tough battle to put the genie back in the bottle and turn back the clock to when the airwaves were controlled by a select few. They will ultimately lose, technology and the internet has given the power to anyone...including a middle aged woman in Detroit who missed music and performance.

I have learned a lot...and I still have so much more to learn. I have made mistakes, but they have been small in the grand scheme of things. I have really stayed true to myself and my values with Radio Riel. I want to entertain, but I also want to educate. I want to introduce listeners to things they have never heard and delight them with the unknown. I want to create "environments of sound" to help clients achieve a setting, be it roleplay or just a bunch of friends having fun. I want to provide the soundtrack to the movies of peoples' real and second lives.

I speak often about being a "psychic DJ", but it really is true. I do not know how I do it, but I can somehow connect to someone's soul with music, and I am able to tell their story with it. And I love that - I want people to hear their history, hear *themselves* in the music. It is about shared experience. The people that work with me get that - that is why we work well together. It's not about being Prima Donnas, playing just to be center stage and have people listen to us.

Then are the down sides to all of this. The gossip and crap that gets back to me, about me, trickles in every once in awhile...and most of it I find absolutely hilarious. I hear about how "Gabi is doing x for y and z evil motives!"...and I laugh. No one, except for perhaps JJ Drinkwater, Saffia Widdershins and Zoe Connolly can truly understand how busy I am and how hard I work. I would *love* to have all sorts of evil plans...if I had time for them. ;-) All that gossip shows me is how other people think, and how they project their crap on to me. If you EVER have a question about me, my motives...ask me. Don't believe something you hear third hand! The only person who can give you the straight story on what I am doing is me. And guess what? I will tell you the blunt, honest truth...even if it is not pretty.

One other thing makes me...sad, I guess. And it's just indicative of how transient SL is by nature. But there are some people, people that I once considered friends...that make a habit of either actively ignoring what I do or openly slamming what I do. A year ago, I, and all of my plans were the best thing since sliced bread to some people. Their support, however, was fleeting..for whatever reason. Does it hurt? A bit, but things go in cycles...you are the big new thing on the scene and everyone *loves* you...then as time moves on you become part of the background, the fabric...and the fawning adoration fades away. The fairweather types blow through...oh but those who hang on! They are the few....but so, so, so very precious.

So, to those of you that have hung on....THANK YOU! I know I do not say it enough, but I appreciate every single one of you that listens to Radio Riel and that hires Radio Riel. I want to keep giving you what you want and what makes you happy! And to my staff...you guys just humble me. You are all so damn smart and GOOD at what you do. I try and tell you that, but I don't think it's ever enough. I listen to your programs on Main and your gigs...and I am overcome with respect and gratitude. Gifted and talented - all of you! Thank you to my friends that still show active interest in this work - you help me keep going. And especially JJ Drinkwater...your constant love and support lifts me up - I *love* that you get me and what I am trying to do..and I *love* that you love me, in spite of the fact that I am imperfect, and make mistakes, and am a Diva. :-)

So kids - let's see what we can make happen in Year #2, shall we? I know it will be as amazing as Year #1, if not more so. It can't be anything else, as this was all meant to be.

Love,
Gabrielle

SL Shakespeare Summer: A Midsummer Night's Dream, June 15 - 21

2008-06-14T15:28:00.001-07:00

"Lord, what fools these mortals be!"

Radio Riel, Riel Events and The Caledon Library are proud to present the first in a series of three SL Shakespeare Summer events: William Shakespeare's comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Visit The Caledon Library's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Exhibit from now until the end of the month at The Whitehorn Library in Caledon Victoria City (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/36/179/23) and in the Winterfell Palace Gardens in Winterfell (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell/129/154/25).

The Week's Program

All music and audio events play on http://music.radioriel.org

Sunday, June 15

The Caledon Library Play Discussion, 2:00pm - 4:00pm SLT
Music program: Music of the Fae

Monday, June 16

Music program: Groundlings to Gods - The Music of Shakespeare's Time

Tuesday, June 17

Music program: Mendelssohn and His Mentors

Wednesday, June 18

Listening Party for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in its entirety, 1:00pm - 3:00pm SLT
Listening Party for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in its entirety, 7:00pm - 9:00pm SLT
Location: Coughton Court in Caledon Carntaigh, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/83/183/25
Music program: Songs of Summer

Thursday, June 19

Music program: The Play's the Thing - Music for and inspired by Shakespeare's plays
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" in its entirety, runs twice during the day

Friday, June 20

Music program: Solstice Celebration
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" in its entirety, runs twice during the day

Saturday, June 21

A Midsummer Night's Dream Ball, 3:00pm - 5:00pm SLT
Music at the Ball will be primarily Classical, with some Early, Celtic, Folk and Shakespeare-themed music.
Location: Hoy, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hoy/120/143/36
Music program: "Out of this wood do not desire to go"

We encourage guests to attend the Ball in costume, either in something inspired by the play or in Shakespearian attire.

Press Release: SL Shakespeare Summer

2008-06-11T19:37:00.001-07:00

June 11, 2008 - The Independent State of Caledon, Second Life

Radio Riel, Riel Events and The Caledon Library are proud to announce that they have received a grant from the Foundation For Rich Content to produce a special project, entitled "SL Shakespeare Summer".

During June, July and August the three project sponsors will hold a week of events focused on a Shakespeare play. At the beginning of each week, The Caledon Library will hold a play discussion. Throughout the week, Radio Riel will provide programming inspired by the play or related to Shakespeare and his works in general.

The last day of the week, Saturday, Radio Riel and Riel Events will hold a themed, two-hour Ball in a setting recreated from the play. Music at the Ball will be primarily Classical, with some Early,Celtic, Folk and Shakespeare-themed music. The week should leave people with an understanding of the play and Shakespeare, and enable people to truly experience the play in a unique way.

The SL Shakespeare Summer schedule is as follows:

June 15 - 21 - A Midsummer Night's Dream
July 13 - 19 - Romeo and Juliet
August 10 - 16 - The Tempest

For specific event dates and times, check the Radio Riel website at http://radioriel.org . Tune in to Radio Riel by placing http://music.radioriel.org in your parcel music, or by opening the URL in a media player.

Radio Riel is an Internet radio station, on air daily. We play an extensive variety of music for listeners with eclectic tastes. We also provide music for a wide range of special events. Riel Events is an event planning company whose goal is to help clients put on unique, "one of a kind", events - whether for business or entertainment.

The Caledon Library is a fully realized community public Library, with multiple services, based in the Independent State of Caledon. The SL Foundation for Rich Content is a group in Second Life that exists to foster diversity and richness in content and events in Second Life.

SL Shakespeare Summer: Giving Shakespeare a Second Life

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Contact: Gabrielle Riel via IM in Second Life or email at gabrielle.riel@gmail.com

The Peacock Prom

2008-05-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

Post written by Mr. Rudolpho Woodget

Did you miss your Prom? Or did you go with the wrong person? This Saturday, you can right that wrong at The Peacock Prom, to be offered at The Bashful Peacock, Caledon Wellsian, on Saturday, May 17. For the convenience of our global community, the prom will be held twice: from 10 am to 1 pm and again from 7 pm to 10 pm (all times SLT).

The lawn will be ornamented in keeping with the theme of "May Flowers," selected by Prom Chair, Mr. Jayleden Miles. Guests are encouraged to bedeck themselves honouring the beauty of a Caledon spring.

This SLURL <http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Wellsian/213/210/23> will take you to the Caledon Wellsian telehub, whence you can follow the red beacon over the mountain to the northeast corner. The Trans-Caledon Railway also stops just outside The Bashful Peacock.

What North Americans call the "prom," a formal dance marking the end of the school year, has its origins in the Promenade dances of nineteenth-century England, a tradition which has flowered in the beloved Proms concerns. Radio Riel will carry us through the centuries from the light classics of Caledon's time to the high school dances of our typists. We are deiighted that Her Grace Carntaigh, Gabrielle Riel, will grace our event a Misstress of the Musicks.

The Queen and King of the Prom, chosen by prom guests will be crowned at 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm. At that time, the guests who most beautifully embody the theme of May Flowers will also be honoured.

The Bashful Peacock is Caledon's gathering place for ladies and gentlemen who prefer the company of ladies and gentlemen, respectively. (And are likely, therefore, not to have had the prom of their dreams.) All of Caledon's friends and relatives are most welcome at all of our events. Couples of any combination are welcome to the prom (even male-female couples!) as are those who wish to attend without a date. (We wish those guests the best of luck in finding dates at the Prom.)

Radio Riel have graciously agreed to take requests and dedications (to the best of their abilities), Please direct such requests via notecard to Rudolfo Woodget, specifying which Prom you plan to attend. (Or which date you will be bringing to which prom, should your social arrangements be thusly complicated.) Deadline for requests and dedications is 5 pm SLT on Friday, May 16,

Bring the flower of your life and celebrate the romance of a spring night and the magic of a love song.

Caledonia

2008-05-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

Happy First Rezday to Lady Soliel Snook :-)

"Caledonia"

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I've come from
That's the reason why I seem
So far away today

[Chorus:]
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
I have kissed the fellas and left them crying
Stolen dreams, yes, there's no denying
I have traveled hard, sometimes with conscience flying
Somewhere with the wind

[Chorus]

Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames have cooled, don't get any higher
They've withered, now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking, my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When hands have shaken, the kisses float
Then I will disappear

[Chorus]

Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had