Second Chance - Episode One - by Lacy Muircastle

Second Chance is book #2 in the Second Life© Love Stories series.  This book is taking the form of a serial.  I intend posting an excerpt of an episode a week in the SL Enquirer.

Here we go:

Second Chance

Episode One

Seb Livingstone

I teleported into the club as I’d done many times since discovering Second Life©.  I hadn’t felt this nervous for a while.  I enjoyed singing covers, but tonight would prove whether I could still hack it with my own stuff. 

My IM pinged.  Damn not now.

Stacey Windsong:  Hey, baby, how’re you? 

Seb Livingstone: Good thanks, Stace, just getting ready for BB’s.

Stacey Windsong:  Oh, I don’t have anything booked for you for today?

Seb Livingstone:  I made the booking myself.

Stacey Windsong:  I see.  And I’m not important enough for you to tell me what you’re doing?

Seb Livingstone:  Please don’t start.  Look, I have to go.  Come here if you want to, if not I’ll catch up with you later.

            More pinging.

Blue Benelli:  Hey, Seb, how're things swinging?

Seb Livingstone: Hey, B, do you really wanna know. Lol.

Blue Benelli: *Laughs* You ready then?

Seb Livingstone: Oh yeah.

Blue Benelli: Break a leg buddy.  Give me a yell when you’re ready for me to announce you.

Seb Livingstone: Cool.

BB’s was a simple, uncomplicated venue that has graced Second Life© since late 2008. It was Blue’s mission in Second Life© to provide one hundred per cent live music all the time.  I was following – The music whisper – Russell Eponym, and after my set, Pol Arida would be taking his thumping set centre stage.   I oriented my avatar on the stage behind the mic.   My breathing became rapid and shallow.  My pulse pounded in my temples.  I sat on the stool in the middle of my home studio. The laptop set up to stream my music in-world.  This was it, make or break.

I typed in Blue’s IM:

Seb Livingstone:  I’m ready to roll B.

Blue switched to voice - “Hey everyone, good to see you all here.  Give a huge round of applause to my boy Dr Livingstone.”

Applause and cheers ran up my screen.  I looked out from the stage, at the packed club.  The buzz was invigorating.   It never got old seeing people waiting for me to start a set.  There was nothing quite like an enthusiastic audience to get the blood pumping.  I loved performing.  I was addicted to the adrenalin rush.  It made me feel alive.

“How are we this afternoon?” 

The crowd erupted.   Chants of – ‘Dr Livingstone, Dr Livingstone’ and ‘Sing ‘Tears’ sing ‘Tears’ and applause rained down the screen again. 

“Yeah, yeah J, it’s in the set, but today I’m launching two new songs. ‘Avatar’ is the first one I’ll sing for you.  No prizes for guessing my inspiration for this song.” 

Cheers flowed again. Then the crowd quietened as my music stream came through.

You’re beautiful, you’re gorgeous

You’re an avatar,

Lifelike, surreal

Ethereal, how bizarre

Here one minute

Gone the next

     The crowd applauded wildly. Catcalls and shouts of TUUUNE ran up the screen.

 

     On my own in my home studio, I fist-pumped the air.  Yes.  The feeling never got old.

     “Glad you liked it, and for my next new song.  No prizes for noticing a bit of a theme going on is called Virtual Reality.”

Humans will always be humans

Whether they be pixels or

Living breathing beings

Virtual reality no responsibility

What an opportunity

     Comments like - Dr Livingstone, is there going to be a new album?” and “Where can we buy those tracks?” ran up the screen like credits at the end of an epic movie.

     I felt stoked that my new material had met with such vocal approval.  I closed my eyes and let the crowd’s reaction wash over me.  It was the jump start I needed and how it was supposed to be.  I still had it. 

     I could take it into the real world.  My second chance was going to happen.           

     My computer continued to ping with comments and accolades — what a rush.

     “To answer some of your questions, you can buy the tracks as singles off iTunes, and it’ll be on Genius and YouTube, and yes, I’ll be working on a new album.  I’m hoping to get signed to a label soon.”

     Requests poured in.

     “Okay everyone here’s the one you’ve been waiting for.  “Tears”.

     I braced myself for the wash of emotion it always launched on me and clung to my microphone as though it could save me from being carried away.

Tears, tears, inevitable
Smiles there were a few
And when the tears ran out
We were numb and so blue

Why, why, why, shattered dreams
Why, why, why, shattered dreams

     The crowd roared in appreciation.  But this song would forever haunt me.  It was a constant reminder of the past, of disappointment and the despair that had followed.  

My IM pinged:

Stacey Windsong: You okay?

Seb Livingstone: Are you here at BB’s?

Stacey Windsong: Obviously.

Seb Livingstone:  Thanks. I didn’t see you. There are so many people here.  And yes, I’m okay.

Stacey Windsong:  Why do you keep singing that song?  You know it’s not good for you.

Seb Livingstone:  It’s difficult to say no to the audience.

Stacey Windsong: Oh, please, Seb, I think you're just masochistic.

Seb Livingstone:  What about the two new songs, did you catch them?

Stacey Windsong: I did.

Seb Livingstone: And?

Stacey Windsong:  They’re not bad.

     I frowned at my screen.  Hell.  Not bad, what the fuck?

Seb Livingstone:  Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Stacey Windsong:  You know that I don’t think you should still be singing after everything you’ve been through.

Seb Livingstone:  And you know that’s not going to happen.

Stacey Windsong:  I’m here to keep an eye on you, make sure you don’t fall off the tracks again.

Seb Livingstone: I can hardly forget since you remind me all the time.

Stacey Windsong:  You should be putting all your effort into getting a real job in the real world.  None of this virtual world malarkey.  It’s a waste of your time and mine.

Seb Livingstone:  I didn’t ask you to be here.

Stacey Windsong: Excuse me, that’s unnecessary.  I too have a vested interest in you, so I want to know that you’re okay.

Seb Livingstone:  There’s no need for you to be in SL to know that I’m okay since you see me in real life.  Please do us both a favour and leave.


For the rest of  Second Chance - Episode One - pop on over to Amazon.  You can pick it up for free on Kindle Unlimited.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YTXCYTF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Lacy+Muircastle&qid=1570620657&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Future Episodes will feature graphics by the extremely talented Skip Staheli, so be sure to look out for them

If you feel so inclined, please leave a review in the SL Enquirer, in the comments section.

I hope that you'll enjoy reading Second Chance - Episode One.  I'll catch up with you next week.

Lacy

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Racing & Motorports Association's $125,000L Launch Week October 12th-October 20th, 2019

Motor racing in Second Life.

"Wait, what? That's a thing?" is a common response to that opening sentence. But what if you were to find out there have been racing sims owned by real-life car manufacturers? Or that sponsors have fought over advertising space on cars? Or that car racing has been one of the top shows on certain Second Life television channels? Or that there are a known handful of racers that have topped a million lindens in prize-money? Yes, racing is big business and racers enjoy celebrity status, with racing being talked about by people that have never attended a race.

The above describes the scenario in racing's golden years from about 2007-2011. Today, the manufacturers, sponsors and big prizemoney are memories, as are big fields of 20-30 racers at events. However, what this does mean is that anyone involved in racing now is in it only for the racing and as such it's a scene that is genuine and made by racers for the racers. The Racing and Motorsports Association intends to bring that big ol' buzz back and this time, with it's more authentic driver base, it will be bigger and better than before and every step of each career will be recognized and be important to more than just that one driver.

Having moved in at the Nationwide Racing Association, an existing race sim, in October the RMA will both be holding a launch week worth L$125,000 in prizes and then starting a brand new season of racing, which will also carry significant prize pools in the opening weeks.  At their headquarters, you can see the schedule board, the two-week driver rankings board, the cars to be used (which are all free!) and you can pick up the latest SL-wide racing schedule, which includes both the RMA-sanctioned and everyone else's events as well. You can also check out the Second Life racing channel(s) on Youtube.

The next step is persuading, you, the normal person that would like to race, but is afraid to start, that it's totally fine and you are in a position all of us old veterans would like to be in again. Right at the start of our careers and seeing how far we can go with it. Because, you lucky new racers have only one direction to go and that's up! Us older statesmen and stateswomen (yes, there is a big ratio of female drivers) have to fight not to go down! Every one of us in racing welcomes each new face and admires you for stepping into what must seem like a daunting arena. Before long, when you see the helpfulness being shown towards you and the interest in your improvement, you will find yourself immersed and integrated into the scene before you know it! You will find a favorite race organization and feel it's your second home. With all kinds of vehicles, asphalt and dirt racing, road circuits and ovals and a range of start times, there's something for everybody.

Why don't you visit the Racing and Motorsports Association's HQ, or join the group and pick up the notecards posted in there regularly. We even welcome fans that just like to watch racing and we have some superstar spectators, too. You can do that in person or just watch races on one of the streaming channels you'll find addresses for within the 'SL racing schedule' notecard.

This scene is about to become one to be a part of once again.


Come on, be a racer! (You'll love it, I promise.)


The schedule:

***RMA SHOWCASE/LAUNCH/UNVEILING/NWRA REVIVAL WEEK***
————————————————————————–
Sat 12th Oct, 3.00pm – Stock cars, L$10,000 (Kansas)
————————————————————————–
Sun 13th Oct, 4.45pm – Gen 6 (2×30 laps), L$10,000 (Bristol)
Sun 13th Oct, 6.30pm – Dirt late models, L$10,000 (Langley Dirt)
————————————————————————–
Mon 14th Oct, 4.45pm – Winston Cup, L$10,000 (Speedbowl)
Mon 14th Oct, 7.00pm – Sprintcars (winged; dirt), L$10,000 (Tulsa Bowl)
————————————————————————–
Tue 15th Oct, 4.45pm – Xfinity, L$10,000 (California/Auto Club)
————————————————————————–
Wed 16th Oct, 7.00pm – Asphalt, modifieds L$10,000 (Bowman Gray)
————————————————————————–
Thu – OFF
————————————————————————–
Fri 18th Oct, 3.00pm – Stadium trucks, L$10,000 (Sports Stadium)
Fri 18th Oct, 7.00pm – GT Road Cup, L$10,000 (Sunset)
————————————————————————–
Sat 19th Oct, 4.45pm – F-trucks, L$10,000 (Kolmården – reverse)
Sat 19th Oct, 7.00pm – Offroad trucks, L$10,000 (Arena One – reverse)
————————————————————————–
Sun 20th Oct, 2.00pm – Indycars, L$15,000 (Pocono)

————————————————————————–

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QUEEN TRIBUTE Presented by Sapphire Beach Club & Black Vinyl Tribute October 6th at 1pm SLT

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THE MAD CIRCUS IS BACK WITH EVEN MORE DARK AND TWISTED HALLOWEEN FUN!

Evil Bunny Productions Presents the Mad Circus 5 Halloween & Gacha Fair. Over 70 designers showcase their seasonal exclusives, everything from horror, goth, to circus and freak show. Each booth has a 10L special for you to stay on your SL budget as well as an exclusive release for the event. Still not enough Halloween shopping for you because we all know Halloween is the BEST holiday, there are over  80 gacha machines for you to play! So step right up and get to the Mad Circus today- http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Brewery/85/130/21

While you are on the sim, be sure to visit the Gacha Life Nightmare round just next door with over 40 exclusive gachas and free group gifts or start the Boo! Bunny Hunt 8 with over 80 designers and 1L prizes.

TWE12VE opens the 12th of each month and October's round is all that is gothic!

Stay up-to-date on everything Evil Bunny by following us on our social media platforms and signing up on our website-www.evilbunnysl.com

https://www.flickr.com/groups/ebpevents/

https://www.facebook.com/evilbunnyproductions

EBP Office- http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Brewery/187/224/22

Evil Bunny Productions does 6 large and 2 mini themed events/year, 6 hunts, monthly TWE12VE and bi-monthly Gacha Life events in Second Life.

For questions or assistance, or to join us as a blogger or designer, note card allie munro in-world or apply online on our website.

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Isabella Rumsford Performs Live in Second Life with A voice that conquers every skeptic and consistently melts our hearts!!

 "Isabella Rumsford aka Andreea Keller an incurable romantic.   A young and remarkably talented musician who makes you feel every note she sings. She studied music at University specializing in canto and piano. She has a versatile repertoire with an exceptional voice quality reminiscent of great singers such as Etta James, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston.  Her sincere dedication to music is heard and felt in her insatiable love of opera, an art form she feels isn't appreciated enough by young musicians of our time.  She brings to all music genres her diverse and amazing potential filled with meaning, passion and an experience far beyond her years.  Her voice delivers the music in an elegant manner that conquers every skeptic and consistently melts our hearts".

 I was born in Romania where I began my career in music. The first contact I had with the stage was through pop and dance music.  I owe much of my success to the support of my parents and the people who appreciated me and my potential.
I performed as an opera singer in much of Eastern Europe and now I'm bringing my art to Second Life where I want to play for many other people around the world who I feel will enjoy and appreciate my ability and passion for music.
Though I sing mostly popular romantic soul, blues music, my greatest desire is to sing opera in Second Life where I believe there is a genuine love of this noble art form as well as an audience that is perhaps yet undiscovered.
My favorite opera singers are Mariana Nicolesco, Montserrat Caballe, Anna Netrebko, Renne Fleming, Renatta Scott, and Luciano Pavarotti all of which have inspired me over the years and have kept me striving for perfection in my art.

URL:  http://slc.2222server.net:11316
Site: www.andreeakeller.com
Email: andreeakeller@presol.com
Facebook: Andreea Onica Keller

Show Time Magazine - http://showtimemagazine.net/?p=3748

Samples:
http://www.theakademia.com/july2016_bestsong_popballad3.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z91Qj2Wutb4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9aXs8xbYPA

BOOKING INFO & FEES CONTACT: ISABELLA RUMSFORD

                    
                    Isabella's voice delivers the music in an elegant manner that conquers every skeptic and consistently melts our hearts!!

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Weekly Saturday Parties at Sapphire Beach Club- Join us October 5th starting at 10 am SLT

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Sapphire Beach Club Hosts Friday Live Event -October 4th from 12pm SLT-4pm SLT

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Join us Wednesday mornings at Whole Brain Health as we discussion topics on Relationships Inside SL and Beyond.

Relationships in Second Life can be confusing and painful...or they can bring new joy and meaning into our lives.  Come join us for discussions about relationships in Second Life and beyond.

Date & Time: Wednesday 8:30AM SLT

Location: Whole Brain Health

Facilitator: Pet Karu

THE SESSIONS ARE IN VOICE SO PLEASE ENABLE VOICE SO YOU CAN HEAR.  I hope to see your friendly faces among the gathering.

Here's your Uber: 

* Topics vary from week to week

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LUXE PARIS AND LUXE DOT BE – SECOND LIFE’S EPITOME OF HIGH FASHION - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC)

     

One of the great perks of life on the grid is the opportunity to visit sims and events I might not normally get to and meet people from around the world.  I recently had an opportunity to interact with some of the Grid’s most stunning ladies and gents at LUXE international. After culling through dozens and dozens of applicants last May, the officials at LUXE chose an initial pool of 25 Men and 25 Women to move into the Luxe Look of the Year competition.  That number was further reduced to 10 men and 10 women as the final phase began. After an extensive vetting process that began last May, the LUXE Paris and LUXE Dot Be winners we announced. I had the privilege of interacting with these individuals and some of their answers to my questions were quite telling.

QUINTE, Winner of LUXE Paris

YEBEN, Winner of LUXE Dot Be

The winners come from all around the world, from China to Peru; from Columbia to Reno Nevada – all had stories to tell and different paths to becoming Luxe winners.

Winning this contest is something that takes some seniority in SL.  Most of the winners had been in SL for nearly a decade or more. When asked how long they had been SL residents, the average length of time was eight years and ten months here, with individual lengths running from three years to over 13 years in residence.

Did you think you had a good shot at the LOOK of the YEAR, or was your ranking there a complete surprise?

Respondents answers indicated a range of emotions, and varied from complete surprise, to matter-of-fact expectations.  Half of the winners expected to win, with comments like “I thought I would do well because I knew the styles very well having modeled LUXE Paris for years” , or, “I have prepared for two years for this moment, I am very confident in my abilities and although the contest was very competitive, I was confident that I would get a good place”.   But other winners were surprised by their unexpected good fortune, with comments like “It was definitely a surprise!  There was some pretty great talent participating!” or, “It was a surprise to win. I wasn’t very confident after the classes they held for contestants, but I was encouraged by my other model friends”.

SELENE SNOWPAW, First Runner Up LUXE Paris

AHN AVION, First Runner up LUXE Dot Be

When asked How did you take the news when they first announced your name?

One contestant reacted with “The first feeling is shock...did I really hear my name? ThenWe have members who were I panic...what do I do? Then pure joy as it sinks in that all that hard work and time was very worth it.”  Others were equally surprised, noting “ My first thought was that I was glad my avatar's expressions didn't look like my real life expressions! I'm sure I looked like a fish out of water with my mouth hanging open because my jaw was on the floor.”

How was the experience? What was the most fun part? The most difficult?

Some of the contestants were truly humbled by the experience.  “The contest was an amazing experience. To be surrounded by so much talent was humbling. The management of the contest was very well done and we were all treated with the utmost respect and yet had tons of fun.  Another noted that “I had never been in a competition before so the whole thing was a learning experience. I enjoyed seeing everyone's interpretations of style, especially from the men since our style choices were far more limiting. There are some great ideas out there! I don't know that there were any difficult aspects to it.” And then there were the actual mechanics of modeling itself.  “It was a new experience for me and I did learn many things. It is not easy to walk a runway and be a model. It looks easy, but not so much true. I was very hard on myself and was afraid I might make a bad mistake.”

How would you describe the brand that you now represent?

Luxe Paris is a very elegant and current brand, which is always aware of everything from fashion trends and the well-being of the community.  Youthful, fresh, elegant and above all very nice to wear. LUXE Paris is for women that care about how they look and wish to wear the elegant and classy clothing of current fashion trends.  Dot-be has fashions for those looking for something not quite typical yet not overly eccentric.  Different yet not outlandish or garish. I have found it easy to bring the Brand to life as my personal style is very closely aligned to that of Mika and Paris. I enjoy the range of the designs from sassy and saucy to elegant, smart and sophisticated. Luxe Paris is the Brand that can dress you for every occasion.

MELANY AGUILERA, Second Runner Up LUXE Paris

NASAO ELTON, Second Runner Up LUXE Dot Be

Why is fashion important to you?

All contestants agreed, Fashion is Important.  One noted that “Fashion for me is my love, my passion and a very important vehicle to help make a difference in the world.  Fashion is my artistic medium for expression, who I am always comes through. Fashion allows me to express myself, my moods and important causes that I can further through my modeling and fashion exposure.  I see fashion as a means of empowerment for women which can reach every corner of the globe.” Another contestant noted that “Styling is the key. How you wear is as important as what you wear. We only get one chance to make a good first impression, and depending on the situation, that first impression can be vital to create a strong professional relationship.”

And of course, what is a Fashion Show without social commentary? The candidates were asked What social stigma does society need to get over? What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?

Responses were concise.  “Society should respect and tolerate differences in many ways of thinking, feeling and being. We need to overcome the differences in skin color, ethnicity and sexuality, we need to respect and admire everyone equally. Just because we may disagree, it doesn't mean that we have to hate each other.  One contestant identified a truly practical issue and noted “What really disturbs me is when too many cars are on the road for my drive to work.”

Saving the best question for last  we asked If magic was real, what spell would you try to learn first?

One person answered, “to be able to travel through time. Also to be able to give peace and joy in afflicted hearts, to live in a world populated by good people who have neither time- nor desire to harm others.”  Another thought the ability to teleport at will would be excellent. Finally, one contestant who most fully embraces life on the grid responded with “What?! Magic isn't real?! I quit!”

QUINTE, LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR

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Saphirre Beach Clu Hosts Live Rock Event Sunday Sept 29th 12pm til 1pm SLT

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Fight Breast Cancer with Strides Campaigns

It’s almost October - have you considered fighting breast cancer through your Second Life? The American Cancer Society is the global leader in the fight against all cancers, including breast cancer; and new fundraising tools are now available for anyone and everyone to show their support.

Fundraising tools are free and can be found on the Second Life Marketplace or by going to the Strides office on the American Cancer Society island.

The Strides Campaigns season is filling up with activities in several communities across the grid, but there can never be too many ways to fight breast cancer until we find the cure! Donations help fund initiatives including the Reach To Recovery program, a peer to peer program that matches trained breast cancer survivors with those recently diagnosed; raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and screenings; and funding research for better treatments and earlier diagnosis.

Therefore, we’re inviting as many communities across Second Life to take action now!

If you would like to plan your own breast cancer fundraiser, you’re encouraged to work within your community or group in Second Life to organize your own Strides Campaign. Make sure to let the American Cancer Society know about it by completing the ACS Calendar Event Submission Form so we can share it with others.

All Strides Campaigns must use the official Strides fundraising tools that are provided by the American Cancer Society. Fundraising campaigns may include events, hunts, shows, sales, or simply putting out a donation kiosk at your club or store throughout the month of October.

If you want to fight breast cancer, but aren’t able to organize your own campaign, you can get involved with existing campaigns listed in the ACS in SL Events Calendar. 

There’s also plenty of ways to get involved in events throughout the month. Check out the events below:

KEY STRIDES DATES

Out Shop Breast Cancer:

Starting Oct. 1 and running the entire month, this event will take shoppers across the grid, exploring and shopping at stores in support of Strides. Store-owners will use American Cancer Society breast cancer vendor kiosks to feature special products in their stores. A directory of participating stores will be available at the Strides office on ACS Island as well as on the Making Strides Second Life website at https://makingstridessecondlife.org. 

Pink Powerfest
Oct. 19 to Oct. 26:

Pink Power Fest is an 8-day event that runs from Oct. 19 to Oct. 26. Kicking off the Fest will be the 5th Annual Strides Walk-a-thon. Each day after the kick off will have scheduled events to celebrate the power of pink, as in pink ribbon & the fight against Breast Cancer.  Entertainment will include Live Performers, Tribute Bands and DJs from across the grid, all hosted by volunteer hosts & hostesses. There will be Raffles, Gachas, & Vendors around the Fest as well with all donations & proceeds going to the American Cancer Society fight against Breast Cancer. Capping the Fest will be the Harvest of Hope Gala on Oct. 26, honoring all Survivors & Caregivers, and remembering those we have lost. Everyone is invited to attend.

5th Annual Strides Walk-a-thon

Oct.19

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. SLT

It’s that time again to put your best foot forward. It’s time to register for the 5th Annual Strides Walk-a-thon. This year’s walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 19 and be Pink Power Fest. Walkers will start the official laps at 10 am. They will be able to walk as many lap as they can until 6p.m. SLT.  For more information or to get involved, visit https://makingstridessecondlife.org/strides-walk-2019/

MSABC Gala
Oct. 26

Noon to 6 p.m. SLT

The annual gala event will be noon to 5 p.m. SLT on Oct. 26 and celebrate breast cancer patients, survivors and pay homage to loved ones that are no longer with us. This is a chance to meet new people,  reconnect with old friends, and share stories with others about your personal connection to breast cancer. This is a formal attire event with special live performances. Donations are encouraged throughout the event.

Do you want to hold a fundraising event for Strides? It’s easy and fun to get involved! For more information on guidelines for the event, visit https://makingstridessecondlife.org/fundraising/

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GeekSpeak – Is it moral to eat Europa’s aliens? Join the discussion Saturday Sept 28th at 12pm SLT

If we find alien life on another planet or moon, what will we owe to it?  Should we feel that we are responsible for its conservation, as we would if it lived on Earth?  Should we leave it alone and not allow anyone to land there?  Should it be the law that colonies are forbidden on inhabited planets?

Or should people be free to kill the aliens?  Free to eat them?  Free to take home alien trophies to hang on the wall?  Free to make them work for us?

Would it make any difference if the aliens were advanced?  Or if they were intelligent?  Or aliens that look like humans?

Come and discuss the laws that will apply when we move out to the rest of the galaxy.  Bring recipes for alien meals.

IM Vulcan Viper if you have ideas for new subjects.

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Sapphire Beach Club's Formal Live Event Sept 28th 12pm til 4pm SLT

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