Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?

No, and no again. Hanukkah is a totally different holiday and has nothing to do with Christmas other than a miracle that had happened. Hanukkah follows the Hebrew Calendar so the days may vary and yes, there are times when it falls near or even on Christmas.

 

I see many places in Second Life that have a Christmas Tree and a Menorah, which is really not necessary. You do not have to be politically correct by putting up decorations for both holidays. Unless you are Jewish, just skip the decor. 

Did you know that latkes were not really part of Hanukkah? the Maccabees did not eat latkes; they only celebrated the miracle of the oil burning for eight days. Now, I love latkes (potato pancakes) all year round and I do not wait until Hanukkah. And, yes don't forget the jelly-filled donuts that are called sufganiyot.

Somebody asked me why are there no Hanukkah parties in Second Life? Hanukkah is basically celebrated at home, not at a party. You celebrate the festival of lights and the dedication of the tradition behind Hanukkah.

So, if you hear of a Hanukkah party it is probably a private event for Jews and their guest (which could be any religion). Feel honored if you are invited to a party like that.

There you go a little history about this holiday and whatever you celebrate remember the meaning behind it and why it is celebrated. Not because there are gifts or food involved which of course are great, but because it is the dedication we put into it.

Happy Hanukkah!!!

Why do we call it "Black" Friday?

Friendsgiving or also known as Thanksgiving in the USA is over and we begin the official holiday season starting with black friday.

Why do we call the Friday after Thanksgiving "black? One of the reasons that I found researching this was that merchants were finally out of the red financially and everything from that day would make a profit that was greatly needed. To entice people to come and do their Holiday shopping they would have many items on sale.

Another reason for the term "black" Friday was that many workers would use the day after Thanksgiving to call in sick which impacted retailers and other workforces, therefore it was referred to as Black Friday.

These are just a few of the reasons why we call it that now and the term has made international fame because other countries also kick off their holiday shopping with this day and call it the English term "Black Friday".

Most people also put out their Holiday decor the day after Thanksgiving. Kind of true for Second Life as well. The season has begun and you can see the stores all decorated and the sales started. If you are looking for some spectacular savings for Black Friday go check out this website that lists many of the stores in Second Life that have sales:  Seraphim

And off I go to snag some of the great deals out there. Happy Black Friday Shopping to you.!!!

Grey Magic Sim

As Winter is approaching, I prepared myself to visit some sims in Second Life to explore the wonders of this cold season.

Today my recommendation is the lovely sim called "Grey Magic Sim". It is such a beautiful setting as the snow falls quietly. It reminds me of a song by Sia called Snowman:

I want you to know that I'm never leaving
'Cause I'm Mrs. Snow, 'til death we'll be freezing
Yeah, you are my home, my home for all seasons
So come on, let's go
Let's go below zero and hide from the sun
I love you forever where we'll have some fun
Yes, let's hit the North Pole and live happily
Please don't cry no tears now, it's Christmas, baby.

The sim owners and creators of this lovely place Dan and Kimma Grey have an alluring photo contest going. All that is required is to take your favorite pictures at their sim. Find out more on their Flickr group page.

I believe you will find many opportunities to be creative and take some pictures. You will feel like you have entered a William Shakespeare sonnet and will love it.

"How like a winter hath my absence been from thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year! What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen! What old December’s bareness everywhere!"

I wish you lots of joy exploring here and good luck on the contest if you are entering it.

Hurray for Live Performers in Second Life!

Oblee did an outstanding performance in the Basement Club. If you have never heard of him, you will have to check out his website and listen in. His music is innovative and refreshing and always easy to the ears. We most definitely will ask him to return. 

I believe everybody had a great time. Thank you to Dandy for the Pre-Show and managing skills to book Oblee for the Basement Club. You are very much appreciated, even if I tell you in a German way how things are run.

I do want to also thank the wonderful people who came and listened in. You guys have great taste in music. Isn't it amazing how Second Life connects live performers with people all over? Yes, this is what Second Life is all about.

I always enjoy these kinds of things and feel that I am right there because I am and I was :)

Thank you Oblee for hosting you again. We loved it!!!!

What are you thankful for in Second Life?

Interesting enough is the fact that in the United States and here in Second Life, the residents skip the decor for Thanksgiving, which should be an important Holiday in itself. I know many just think of this day as Turkey Day and lots of food, but thanks to the Natives the English Settlers may not have had some of the deer (not turkey) they shared with them. 

So as you celebrate this day and share your food remember that the Natives are a big part of this traditional meal.

We have so much to be thankful for. If I think of material things we can name a warm bed and clothing and family and friends. I also think of the social aspect of Second Life and how it has helped so many people to interact with, especially through the pandemic, but also during times when some could not be mobile to meet people and socialize.

This has been a blessing to me when I came here 10 years ago. It helped me stay sane. That is why I share my Retreat, gallery, and the Basement Club with others. It is open to all residents and it always will be this way.

What are you thankful for this year? I do want to thank all the people that I have met in Second Life and I mean all of them. Many have taught me wonderful things and whether they were heartfelt or painful, they shape me to be me. Who would have thought that Second Life could be this way when some people just call it a game. All of us know that it is not a game and much more than that. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, even if you are not celebrating this day I am sure you can be thankful for some things. 

Who is Parsen Brown?

Yes, it is this time of year again when most of Second Life turns into a Winter Wonderland. This brings me way back into my childhood in Germany when Winter looked like Winter with snow and frost and pine trees glistening. I am so glad I can recreate this in Second Life and never feel cold. 

In the meadow, we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, Are you married? We'll say, No man
But you can do the job
When you're in town

So, who is this mysterious fellow Parson Brown? Was he a real person? Winter Wonderland was written in 1934 by Felix Bernard. This popular song has inspired over 200 artists to perform this since its inception. I believe the reference to Parson Brown was just a poetic injunction so it could rhyme with 'town'.

Whatever it may have meant, you can pretend you are in a Winter Wonderland and conspire as you dream by the fire and face unafraid of the plans that you've made walking in a winter wonderland here at the Retreat. 

Maybe you will even run into Parson Brown along the way and he may ask you if you are married. Just say no sir, however, the Retreat does have a lovely chapel that you may consider for your venue of marital bliss if you so desire. I had several weddings here at the Retreat including a lovely Winter Wedding. Either way, the place is a wonderful and peaceful place where you can hang out and take pictures.

If you want to get all cozy and warm come on down to the Basement Club for some nightly music entertainment. We have DJs here M-F starting at 6PM SLT with a variety of music.

Don't forget this Thursday starting at 7PM SLT we will have OBLEE performing live. 

Now get ready to hear Holiday Music throughout Second Life and see a variety of Santas and Snowpeople. If you do run into Parson Brown, tell him I say hello.

Transforming the Retreat

With Halloween being over and Winter will soon arrive at the Retreat. The transformation will take a few days, maybe a week or two, but soon the snow will be falling. I have to dig through all of my Holiday decors and maybe buy some new things as well.

I love decorating here in Second Life, if it was just as easy in Real life and I could rezz a tree fully decorated, it would make life so much easier. 

Last year I had my SL apartment fully decorated for the holidays and I had the Kosher Pickle Hunt. This year there is a new cozy home at the Lake, that I will decorate. Feel free to check it out often as I transform this into a warm and cozy Winter Retreat.

Whether you like it or not, the holidays are coming and here in Second Life it is celebrated throughout the sims. 

OBLEE will be @ the Basement Club

Mark your calendars for November 18th at 7PM. If you have never seen Oblee or heard about him, this will be your opportunity to get a close-up look and listen.

Who is Oblee?

"Oblee is a one-man musical juggling act consisting of a guy called Eric who has worked as a drummer, bassist, keyboardist, and guitarist over the years across multiple genres. The original songs are created live with the aid of an argumentative old Boomerang looper. A very diverse set of influences have made the original compositions daring, An equal love of pop music has kept them somewhat sane. There is a spontaneous element to the live shows, and new versions of songs are often improvised and combined. It is unclear what genre this music fits into, but it is certainly unique and full of life. "

Besides performing on live stage in the real world, Oblee also performs in Second Life. He is always present at the Second Life Birthday celebrations and various venues throughout SL. Once you have experienced this talented artist you will become a fan.

Here at the Basement Club, we are honored to have Oblee perform for a second time.

Please check out his music on his official website, as well as his social media below:

Spotify
Facebook

Live from the Hotel Chelsea October 30, 2021