Notes from the Al Adalus Libraries Committee
Saturday, December 6, 2008, 7-8 a.m. (SLT)
Present: Andreu Donat and Micael Khandr
After discussion, the following ideas surfaced:
1.) Al Andalus Library might be located in an existing public building, e.g., the Palace Hall.
2.) The AA Library could be a cooperative venture among interested groups, e.g., Alliance of Civilizations, Convivencia Institute, others, etc..
3.) We might have the collection of resources in the Palace Hall, and schedule discussions on topics related to the collection at the Alliance for Civilization center in the Muslim Quarter, the Convivencia Institute, or other places on Al Andalus.
4.) the collection would be include topics such as: understanding the historical Al Andalus: literature, art, architecture, music, government, etc; contemporary influences of Al Andalus in those same general areas, including an emphasis on community, tolerance, and dialogue.
5.) Ptactical "to do" list:
a.) Ask Rose if would be possible to create a workshop for this project, perhaps a space which matches the area of the Palace Hall in the form of a “skybox” available only to those working on the library.
b.) Ask Rose if Satir and/or Marino could design furniture for the Palace Hall that would be used to exhibit resources
c.) Andreu, Micael, (and Ali) would visit libraries throughout SL to bring back ideas for presentation and organization of resources.
Notes collected and summarized by Micael Khandr.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
AA Meeting summary 11/29/08
AA Meeting summary 11/29/08
1. Convivencia Institute is moving to Summer Palace and bringing new citizens. Look for Opening Celebration on January 6, 2008 (epiphany)
2. Ali Zerbino announced that December 8 is Eid al Adha, a major holiday in the muslim community. Discussions about ways to learn about and honor the holiday concluded with a desire by the community to support the Non Profit Muslim Serv through an event. The parties agreed that the sacrifice theme of Eid is present in the other faiths represented in AA as well. Event to occur the weekend of December 6 and profits will be donated to Muslim Serv for their food bank.
3. 1001 nights party goals almost reached. Dec 12 reserved for a party in AA. Arab costume party, just for fun and thank you for the support of the community. Watch for notices.. both EU and NA time zones will be included.
4. Lengthy discussion of the Library projects. Andreu Donat to chair committee with Micael Khandr and Ali Zerbino working on specific areas. Non resident escipio Ceriano also volunteered. They will meet and possibly report to the community instead of citizen meetings next week (12.3.08) as Rose is out of town then.
5. Wasp Thor volunteered to take on some of the Events Coordinator jobs, and muhammedyussif Wikinger will continue as a greeter. We still need more greeters, and events assistants.
6. Brief update on governmental organization. Rose has provided information to CDS executive to see if there is interest in pursuing a merger. We had some discussion about what fits and doesn't fit between the communities. We will continue discussions and citizens are encouraged to attend CDS events and get to know the people. We will invite CDS to AA events as well.
7. Open space sim update requested and Rose informed the group that three of the sims are in use. Delia Lake will be putting together information regarding the sustainable land project in Albaycin. Draxtor continues to operate his studio from Almunecar and Marino is developing Sacromonte. Garnata is empty at this time, so we will move some light recreational activities there including fishing and horses. for now. Request to add the open spaces to the non profit still pending.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the Grand Tour Event... we had a lot of new people and compliments for the sims. Rose also did two interviews as a direct result of our participation.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Citizens Meeting Summary, 11/26/08
AA Meeting summary
1. Convivencia Institute is moving to Summer Palace and bringing new citizens. Look for Opening Celebration on January 6, 2008 (epiphany)
2. Ali Zerbino announced that December 8 is Eid al Adha, a major holiday in the muslim community. Discussions about ways to learn about and honor the holiday concluded with a desire by the community to support the Non Profit Muslim Serv through an event. The parties agreed that the sacrifice theme of Eid is present in the other faiths represented in AA as well. Event to occur the weekend of December 6 and profits will be donated to Muslim Serv for their food bank.
3. 1001 nights party goals almost reached. Dec 12 reserved for a party in AA. Arab costume party, just for fun and thank you for the support of the community. Watch for notices.. both EU and NA time zones will be included.
4. Lengthy discussion of the Library projects. Andreu Donat to chair committee with Micael Khandr and Ali Zerbino working on specific areas. Non resident escipio Ceriano also volunteered. They will meet and possibly report to the community instead of citizen meetings next week (12.3.08) as Rose is out of town then.
5. Wasp Thor volunteered to take on some of the Events Coordinator jobs, and muhammedyussif Wikinger will continue as a greeter. We still need more greeters, and events assistants.
6. Brief update on governmental organization. Rose has provided information to CDS executive to see if there is interest in pursuing a merger. Discussion about what fits and doesn't fit. We will continue discussions and citizens are encouraged to attend CDS events and get to know the people. We will invite CDS to AA events as well.
7. Open space sim update requested and Rose informed the group that three of the sims are in use. Delia Lake will be putting together information regarding the sustainable land project in Albaycin. Draxtor continues to operate his studio from Almunecar and Marino is developing Sacromonte. Garnata is empty at this time, so we will move some light recreational activities there including fishing and horses. for now. Request to add the open spaces to the non profit still pending.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the Grand Tour Event... we had a lot of new people and compliments for the sims. Rose also did two interviews as a direct result of our participation.
1. Convivencia Institute is moving to Summer Palace and bringing new citizens. Look for Opening Celebration on January 6, 2008 (epiphany)
2. Ali Zerbino announced that December 8 is Eid al Adha, a major holiday in the muslim community. Discussions about ways to learn about and honor the holiday concluded with a desire by the community to support the Non Profit Muslim Serv through an event. The parties agreed that the sacrifice theme of Eid is present in the other faiths represented in AA as well. Event to occur the weekend of December 6 and profits will be donated to Muslim Serv for their food bank.
3. 1001 nights party goals almost reached. Dec 12 reserved for a party in AA. Arab costume party, just for fun and thank you for the support of the community. Watch for notices.. both EU and NA time zones will be included.
4. Lengthy discussion of the Library projects. Andreu Donat to chair committee with Micael Khandr and Ali Zerbino working on specific areas. Non resident escipio Ceriano also volunteered. They will meet and possibly report to the community instead of citizen meetings next week (12.3.08) as Rose is out of town then.
5. Wasp Thor volunteered to take on some of the Events Coordinator jobs, and muhammedyussif Wikinger will continue as a greeter. We still need more greeters, and events assistants.
6. Brief update on governmental organization. Rose has provided information to CDS executive to see if there is interest in pursuing a merger. Discussion about what fits and doesn't fit. We will continue discussions and citizens are encouraged to attend CDS events and get to know the people. We will invite CDS to AA events as well.
7. Open space sim update requested and Rose informed the group that three of the sims are in use. Delia Lake will be putting together information regarding the sustainable land project in Albaycin. Draxtor continues to operate his studio from Almunecar and Marino is developing Sacromonte. Garnata is empty at this time, so we will move some light recreational activities there including fishing and horses. for now. Request to add the open spaces to the non profit still pending.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the Grand Tour Event... we had a lot of new people and compliments for the sims. Rose also did two interviews as a direct result of our participation.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Al Andalus, part of the Grand Tour
Al Andalus was proud to host an early morning concert given by our friend Joaquin Gustav as part of the Grand Tour.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Agenda/report 10/29/08
10/29/08
A Government
- have recieved a few notecards but not enough to "run" the sims. Will continue to accept those another week
-some initial chatter with CDS. People you don't know may ask you about AA and how it is run, participation etc. Feel free to talk with them. Also, if you want to know more about that specific community, i can invite you into that group, direct you to the forums (grimace) and introduce you to people. If this seems to be something that continues to be of high interest to the population, i'll arrange a joint meeting, mixer etc. If we are going to join with another group, i'll emphasize that the critical dates as far as i'm concerned are the due dates for tier, Jan 7 is the next payment date. If there are OTHER communities you are interested in exploring as collaboratives, let me know. Even if we dont' want to "join"... we CAN learn.
And NO decision has been made, so if you hear that rumor, please squelch it
B Operations
-hired positions. Much feedback from both in our sims and outside suggest that we might be able to benefit from paid positions. Ali Zerbino has offered to up job descriptions, and they will definitly ONLY be open to group members. We'll have those available in the next two weeks.
-event allowances. We also love events. I am willing to invest 5k per week to pay for music or other events. If you are interested in setting up an event, let me know. I'd love to see more world music here, flamenco, african, arab,etc. We have a unique theme and i'd like to see us explore it more deeply.
Cash is available too if you want to run a chess or fishing tournament or such.
C. Land
i'd planned to come with the announcement that all our open space simes have new plans and people in charge.. and i am thrilled that that is true....
but .. Linden announcements have a awy of making things,,, challenging.
we'll continue to monitor and report back when more definitive infromation is available.
D. Other?
A Government
- have recieved a few notecards but not enough to "run" the sims. Will continue to accept those another week
-some initial chatter with CDS. People you don't know may ask you about AA and how it is run, participation etc. Feel free to talk with them. Also, if you want to know more about that specific community, i can invite you into that group, direct you to the forums (grimace) and introduce you to people. If this seems to be something that continues to be of high interest to the population, i'll arrange a joint meeting, mixer etc. If we are going to join with another group, i'll emphasize that the critical dates as far as i'm concerned are the due dates for tier, Jan 7 is the next payment date. If there are OTHER communities you are interested in exploring as collaboratives, let me know. Even if we dont' want to "join"... we CAN learn.
And NO decision has been made, so if you hear that rumor, please squelch it
B Operations
-hired positions. Much feedback from both in our sims and outside suggest that we might be able to benefit from paid positions. Ali Zerbino has offered to up job descriptions, and they will definitly ONLY be open to group members. We'll have those available in the next two weeks.
-event allowances. We also love events. I am willing to invest 5k per week to pay for music or other events. If you are interested in setting up an event, let me know. I'd love to see more world music here, flamenco, african, arab,etc. We have a unique theme and i'd like to see us explore it more deeply.
Cash is available too if you want to run a chess or fishing tournament or such.
C. Land
i'd planned to come with the announcement that all our open space simes have new plans and people in charge.. and i am thrilled that that is true....
but .. Linden announcements have a awy of making things,,, challenging.
we'll continue to monitor and report back when more definitive infromation is available.
D. Other?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Final Report, Government Task Force
Brief Summary of the Al Andalus Governance Committee Meetings (hosted at the Convivencia Institute on three consecutive Saturdays in October 2008)
Presented by Micael Khandr, AA Governance Committee Facilitator
-------
Different avatars came to different meetings. Those who did come included: Ali Zerbino, Amandeep Timeless, Ashcroft Burnham, Jamie Palisades, Mobius Bingyi, muhammadyussif Wikinger, Pip Torok, Satir DeCuir, StuiChicanne Darkstone, and Wasp Thor.
Generally speaking, the Committee was divided upon whether to have a loosely developed governance model (e.g., a Sultan and a Council responsible for things) or a more developed structure, with laws (rights and responsibilities) and process for decision-making outlined in detailed.
Those who tended toward the Sultan-Council model were interested in trying to hold onto the Islamic roots of Al Andalus, although not requiring Muslims as leaders.
Those who tended toward a more constitutional structure were interested in due process of law and issues related to representation.
My own recommendation is that Rose Springvale, as the owner of Al Andalus, should take these different ideas under consideration, and (given that there was no clear consensus) create a structure of governance that will both serve the mission of Al Andalus and provide a sharing of the day-to-day responsibilities of “running” Al Andalus among its citizens.
Respectfully submitted by Micael Khandr on October 20, 2008.
Presented by Micael Khandr, AA Governance Committee Facilitator
-------
Different avatars came to different meetings. Those who did come included: Ali Zerbino, Amandeep Timeless, Ashcroft Burnham, Jamie Palisades, Mobius Bingyi, muhammadyussif Wikinger, Pip Torok, Satir DeCuir, StuiChicanne Darkstone, and Wasp Thor.
Generally speaking, the Committee was divided upon whether to have a loosely developed governance model (e.g., a Sultan and a Council responsible for things) or a more developed structure, with laws (rights and responsibilities) and process for decision-making outlined in detailed.
Those who tended toward the Sultan-Council model were interested in trying to hold onto the Islamic roots of Al Andalus, although not requiring Muslims as leaders.
Those who tended toward a more constitutional structure were interested in due process of law and issues related to representation.
My own recommendation is that Rose Springvale, as the owner of Al Andalus, should take these different ideas under consideration, and (given that there was no clear consensus) create a structure of governance that will both serve the mission of Al Andalus and provide a sharing of the day-to-day responsibilities of “running” Al Andalus among its citizens.
Respectfully submitted by Micael Khandr on October 20, 2008.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Government Task force meeting, summary
Material for AA Gov Comm Meeting (Oct 18)
The Al Andalus Governance Committee will meet for the last time today at 10 a.m. (SLT) on the second floor of the Convivencia Institute in Al Andalus. The following is the material that will be covered (other material may be covered at the meeting that is brought to it by participants). Everything is open to discussion; new ideas welcome!
Background:
The Al-Andalus Caliphate Project is a Second Life attempt to reconstruct 13th Century Moor Alhambra and build around this virtual space a community of individuals willing to explore the modalities of interaction between different languages, nationalities, religions and cultures shaped by authentic Islamic principles. Those principles include political participation, separation of powers, justice and the rule of law.
Membership in the community is open to all, regardless of sim land ownership, SL premium status, species of avatar, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or other traditionally separatist classification, either real or apparent. The plan is to create a system of political and legal governance, based on notions of community self-governance, active citizen participation, equality, dignity, social justice, democracy and human rights.
Some comments by committee meber Ali Zerbino:
"AA is a unique place where Islam and Islamic symbols are presented in positive manner. It shows our art, architecture and culture in wonderfully creative and beautiful manner. We must recognize that it was an idea of few creative non-Muslims, who conceived it, built it and have been running it. The underlying mission is to show the world that cultures, religions can co-exist and thrive in harmony. . . ."
"Therefore we must endeavor that the proposed governance has Islamic idiom. The names of positions are Islamic, such Caliph, Vezir etc. We want remove the pejorative labels put on us. For example; Jihad is being equated as irrational and unjust war, Sharia’h as stone age justice, oppression of women is symbolized by Burka and Caliphate a despotic rule. . . ."
"We must also be mindful of diversity. In my home country Canada ‘diversity’ is the mantra of the nation. From politicians to common man, everyone is speaking about and acting on how to accommodate people different than us. For example a high school in Toronto has children of 40 different nationalities. In the similar manner we can also practice diversity in the brave new world (SL & AA). This means the laws have to be a mixture of Shariah and Common Law, a new form of democracy and a new type of Caliphate. We need to invent them as presently they do 0not exist."
Governance Model proposed by MuhammedYussif Wikinger:
"The Owner gives away the capacity of ruling to a Sultan who is Muslim and appointed by the Owner, and the Sultan rules with a group of two Muslims, two Christians and two Jews. These are elected in a democratic way from their respective religious group. People who are not religious have to choose to join one of the religious groups and respect the rules of that group. The Sultan reports back to he owner of what is going on and have responsibility of the economical, juridical and social status. If she or he don't use that position to the satisfaction to the owner the owner "ends the game" and we must discuss another form of government."
See slide entitled "Wikinger Model"
Governance Model proposed by Micael Khandr:
"Basically, I propose the same model as MuhammedYussif, but I remove the requirement for a Muslim Sultan and representatives who are members of(or subscribe to) the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities. Instead, the Al Andalus community would seek to build on the idea of diverse people living in community, using the historical Al Andalus as a metaphor for something that goes beyond protecting the diversity to creatively integrating he diversity so that all individuals and group grow in understanding of themselves and other."
See slide entitled "Khandr Model"
Summary:
1. Choice between two models: one run by Muslims, Christians, and Jews; one run by diverse groups (beyond religious identifications).
2. Choice of how disputes are handled: e.g., through Metaverse Republic?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Government Task Force Charge, 9/24/08
Al Andalus Government Task Force Charge
Background:
Al Andalus was formed as an experiment in government, based on "Authentic Islamic principles." The project anticipated that the sims would be owned and governed by a representative assembly. The sims took much longer to bring online, and much more to build than anyone anticipated. With Michel Manen's withdrawal from Second Life, the burden and expense of running the sims has fallen on Rose Springvale, trying to keep it together as originally planned.
While Rose continues to be very fond of the project and people, she recognizes her limitations. This task force is convened to research what the community wants and expects by way of govrenment. Rose will not be an active participant of the group, so that all particpants are free to express their conerns and expectations.
Background:
Al Andalus was formed as an experiment in government, based on "Authentic Islamic principles." The project anticipated that the sims would be owned and governed by a representative assembly. The sims took much longer to bring online, and much more to build than anyone anticipated. With Michel Manen's withdrawal from Second Life, the burden and expense of running the sims has fallen on Rose Springvale, trying to keep it together as originally planned.
While Rose continues to be very fond of the project and people, she recognizes her limitations. This task force is convened to research what the community wants and expects by way of govrenment. Rose will not be an active participant of the group, so that all particpants are free to express their conerns and expectations.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Agenda, Sept 10, 2008
1. Job Descriptions
2. Government organization
3. Social events/discussion of the Fair.
4. Land Available, reposessions
Job Descriptions resulting discussion:
Help Wanted:
Events coordinator:
Responsibilities:
1. Attend musical entertainment functions in Al Andalus sims, including set up, stream trouble shooting, sending group notices, greeting attendees and offering assistance and inviting into group. Work with me on selecting interesting performances to continue AA reputation for cultural diversity, innovation and fun. Handle all confirmations, SL event notices and payment of performers. Supervise additional greeters for events as necessary.
2. Assist in the creation and attend other functions such as chess tournaments, fishing, discussions, conferences.
3. Coordinate with other Ministers for special events such as art exhibits, book groups, riding clubs, etc.
4. Be a positive, friendly ambassador for Al Andalus, answering questions where possible and referring to others where you don't know answers.
5. Be responsible for expending and accounting for the entertainment budget of Al Andalus, including payment of all musicians. Budget not to exceed 25,000 per month, but at least 15,000 per month should be spent.
6. Maintain events calendar (google and in world kiosk).
Goal: Support the community with opportunites for socialization, education and growth.
Compensation: House in sims with tier equivalent to basic city house credited, equivalent of $1200 L(Al Andalus Employees must have property in the sims.) $3800L salary.
Reports to Government Council when established and/or Estate owner. Performance reviewed after two weeks to maintain communication and avert problems. Regular reviews thereafter, at least bi monthly.
Performance reviewed
Greeters:
Responsibilities:
Spend time in key portions of Al Andalus sims to greet newcomers and provide information and direction about Al Andalus. Be friendly, courteous and respectful to all visitors. Provide information to newcomers to SL whether it concern Al Andalus or not. Offer invitations to AA group and refer persons interested in renting, selling goods or purchasing land to me.
Goal: to increase awareness of our vital community to newcomers and provide helpful contacts to people new to AA or the SL experience.
Multi Lingual prefered.
Compensation: 200L per hour up to 10 hours per month, to be scheduled and confirmed with Rose and/or events coordinator.
Reports to events coordinator and/or Estate owner or her designee. Performance reviewed after two weeks to maintain communication and avert problems. Regular reviews thereafter, at least bi monthly.
2. Government organization
3. Social events/discussion of the Fair.
4. Land Available, reposessions
Job Descriptions resulting discussion:
Help Wanted:
Events coordinator:
Responsibilities:
1. Attend musical entertainment functions in Al Andalus sims, including set up, stream trouble shooting, sending group notices, greeting attendees and offering assistance and inviting into group. Work with me on selecting interesting performances to continue AA reputation for cultural diversity, innovation and fun. Handle all confirmations, SL event notices and payment of performers. Supervise additional greeters for events as necessary.
2. Assist in the creation and attend other functions such as chess tournaments, fishing, discussions, conferences.
3. Coordinate with other Ministers for special events such as art exhibits, book groups, riding clubs, etc.
4. Be a positive, friendly ambassador for Al Andalus, answering questions where possible and referring to others where you don't know answers.
5. Be responsible for expending and accounting for the entertainment budget of Al Andalus, including payment of all musicians. Budget not to exceed 25,000 per month, but at least 15,000 per month should be spent.
6. Maintain events calendar (google and in world kiosk).
Goal: Support the community with opportunites for socialization, education and growth.
Compensation: House in sims with tier equivalent to basic city house credited, equivalent of $1200 L(Al Andalus Employees must have property in the sims.) $3800L salary.
Reports to Government Council when established and/or Estate owner. Performance reviewed after two weeks to maintain communication and avert problems. Regular reviews thereafter, at least bi monthly.
Performance reviewed
Greeters:
Responsibilities:
Spend time in key portions of Al Andalus sims to greet newcomers and provide information and direction about Al Andalus. Be friendly, courteous and respectful to all visitors. Provide information to newcomers to SL whether it concern Al Andalus or not. Offer invitations to AA group and refer persons interested in renting, selling goods or purchasing land to me.
Goal: to increase awareness of our vital community to newcomers and provide helpful contacts to people new to AA or the SL experience.
Multi Lingual prefered.
Compensation: 200L per hour up to 10 hours per month, to be scheduled and confirmed with Rose and/or events coordinator.
Reports to events coordinator and/or Estate owner or her designee. Performance reviewed after two weeks to maintain communication and avert problems. Regular reviews thereafter, at least bi monthly.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Global Handshake Fair
10 a.m Cindy Ecksol, Autoharp and fiddle,folk songs
11 a.m. Convivencia Institute, Battersea Easterman and Conley Luminos,Dialogue on Dialogue: Creating Communities of Trust.
12 noon Watts Larson, "Energy, Food,and You, finding your own small place in a Global Environment.
1 p.m. Naftali Torok Gypsy and folk music "Gypsy Fire"
2 p.m.The Professor, folk music
3 p.m. Oriental and Gypsy dances with DJ Rudy Gynoid
6 p.m. Flamenco dances in the Souk Market
Saturday's schedule:
11 a.m. Convivencia Institute, Battersea Easterman and Conley Luminos "Dialogue on Dialogue: Creating Communities of Trust"
12 noon Eureka Dejavu and Schmilsson Nilsson present Dancing Ink Productions's philosophy that peace is not the absence of conflict but one's attitude toward it as well as our Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds project Live from SLCC
1 pm Shantu Selene folk music
2 p.m Pip Torok, poetry
3 pm Naftali Torok, Sefardic Music (titel:Avre Tu puerta ...open your door)
4.30 pm Cindy Ecksol, folk music
6.30 pm Joaquin Gustav, folk music
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The New Al Andalus in Second Life
This is just a beginning...or rebeginning. The reasons we are here remain, and we recognize that we need to move forward. Al Andalus is actively seeking funding sources, to keep the project alive.
In the next days, I will try to post to the blog the events and actions taken in world. We are good at meeting and communicating, not great about web duplication.
In the next days, I will try to post to the blog the events and actions taken in world. We are good at meeting and communicating, not great about web duplication.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
july 8,2008
1. What is our Vision for Al Andalus
2. How do our actions support that vision
Ground rules:
1. It is a new day,. this is our place. What we do from here forward reflects not on past builders, programmers, people, but on us.
2. There is no rank here.
3. if you have ideas or thoughts, i need to know how those will be implemented. We need to run this as a good business is run, with planning, budgeting and care as to how we use resources. Our biggest resource is our people, and the last thing we want is burn out.
4. All good businesses plan first for their demise. One reason to keep things as professional as we can is so that if one person leaves, the sim is not devastated.. someone can step in and take over.
5. Let's think in terms of what we can do that is special and different in SL:
education
history
architecture
politics
religion
community
fun
2. How do our actions support that vision
Ground rules:
1. It is a new day,. this is our place. What we do from here forward reflects not on past builders, programmers, people, but on us.
2. There is no rank here.
3. if you have ideas or thoughts, i need to know how those will be implemented. We need to run this as a good business is run, with planning, budgeting and care as to how we use resources. Our biggest resource is our people, and the last thing we want is burn out.
4. All good businesses plan first for their demise. One reason to keep things as professional as we can is so that if one person leaves, the sim is not devastated.. someone can step in and take over.
5. Let's think in terms of what we can do that is special and different in SL:
education
history
architecture
politics
religion
community
fun
Monday, July 7, 2008
To Al Andalus, from StuiChicanne Darkstone, on its firt anniversary
On a Spring day in March 1829, Washington Irving, the American writer and inveterate traveller was ending a 5 day journey by mule across Southern Spain taking him through the heartland of what had once been the muslim empire of Europe. His destination was the old Moorish city of Granada, and the great fortress which dominated it; the Alhambra.
He had come in search of the dream of a long lost palace waiting to be rediscovered. The Alhambra is one of the finest legacies of the 800 year long civilisation of the Moors.
The Moors invaded Spain from the North of Africa in the 8th Century, they dreamt of spreading the islamic faith across this christian continent. There arabic roots were the foundations of building the most sophisticated culture in Europe, centred on a life of refinement and romance.
Once through the awesome gate of Justice, Irving found himself in a dream world:
"The transition was almost majikal, it seemed as if we were transported into other times and another realm and we were tracing scenes of Arabian story."
Irving was allowed by the Govenor of Granada to move into one of the former royal apartments, and under the moonlight he became bewitched:
"I am so in love with this apartment that I can hardly force myself from it. I sit by my window until late at night, enjoying the moonlight and listening to the sound of the fountains and the song of the nightingales."
On one occasion, he caught sight of a Spanish lady and her escort in the gardens below, speaking softly her whispers drifted through the night air. The scene was so memorable that Irving was to capture her words in his diary:
"The hand of love enveloped us by night, in a robe of embraces, which was torn away by the hand of dawn."
When Irving entered the Alhambra or Red Castle he was immediately struck by the balance between the exquisite gardens and the palacial interiors. To the Moors, the garden was the symbol of Paradise realised on earth. This idea was extended to embrace all the elements of nature, water irrigated gardens cooled palace rooms and lifted the spirit.
Washington Irving had discovered a world of pure poetry as echoed in Samuel Butler's elegant words:
"The Moors believe Granada lies directly under Paradise and that they differ both no more than the upper rooms do from the floor."
Visitors to the court of these Moorish monarchs were recieved with high esteem and prestigious ceremony in the Hall of the Ambassador's housed within the Tower of the Comares.
Built in the 13th Century, the Hall of the Ambassador's was the principal audience chamber of the Moorish sultans. Delegations from Christian Europe and the Ottoman Empire alike were welcomed with indulgent hospitality. For the Moors were enlightened in embracing all knowledge irrespective of faith or denomination. Here lived tolerance and romance.
As Islam forbids the depiction of the human form, Moorish artists searched for alternative paths to express their genius. They wove abstract patterns which spiral and zigzag with maze-like complexity across the walls of the palace.
Their love of decoration achieved it's highest form in the art of Islamic calligraphy. It was used to render texts from the Qu'ran including one that admonishes:
"Only God knows Peace".
The beauty of the Hall of the Abencerrajes disguises a brutal event for it was here that the ruling Sultan Boabdil in a desperate bid to hold onto power, slaughtered an entire delegation.
The neighbouring abencerraje clan were tricked into attending a banquet and upon entering this room were put to death one by one. The red stain of Iron Oxide mixing into the central marble fountain was said to be the blood of the victims.
Despite such brutal feuding the Alhambra remains a palace of sublime beauty. Irving wrote that no part of the Alhambra gives a more complete impression of it's original magnificence than the Court of the Lions:
"When one looks upon the fairy tracery of the peristyles and the apparently fragile fretwork of the walls, it is difficult to believe that so much has survived the wear and tear of centuries, the shocks of earthquakes, the violenc of war and the quiet, though no less baneful pilfering of the tasteful traveller. There is a mood of delicious langour among these beautiful remains of arab magnificence, the delightful tranquility and beauty of the place have combined to fix me here as with a spell. I wander by day and night through great halls decorated by beautiful reliefs yet where there is everything to delight the senses, there is not a living bing to be seen."
But, the romance of the Alhambra is not without it's tragic phase. The delicate beauty of the Hall of the Two Sisters, conceals a tale of unrequited love.
The legend relates that these two sisters would gaze upon lovers who would meet in the garden below their latticed balcony. Distraught at not being able to taste these forbidden pleasures, the sisters grieved for the love they would never know, and lost the will to live.
The Moors, lovers of legends, were also great engineers, they built sophisticated aqueducts to collect rain water from the snow-clad Sierra Nevada, to irrigate their glorious gardens in Granada's baking summer heat. Nourishing flower beds and trees and feeding gently bubbling fountains and fishponds.
Living within this earthly paradise, the Moors were insensitive to growing Christian might building up beyond their fortified walls.
In 1492, the armies of the catholic monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand surrounded Granada. Born from the belly of conflict, Moorish rule ended in surrender.
A witness to the collapse of the Moorish capital was Christopher Columbus:
"On the 2nd day of January, I saw the royal banners of your highness placed by force of arms upon the towers of the Alhambra, and I saw the Moorish King kiss the royal hand of your highness."
Sultan Boabdil, the last muslim ruler of Granada, left the Alhambra through a little used gate.
He preferred to preserve this Moorish jewel rather than to risk all for the glory of a holy war.
He met the christian king outside the city, before going into exile, he handed over the keys:
"These are the last relics of the arabian empire in Spain, such is the will of God."
Boabdil turned for a final look at his beloved Alhambra, he could not hold back the tears:
"When did misfortune equal mine?" he mourned.
His mother was unforgiving:
"You do well to weep like a woman, for what you failed to defend like a man."
400 years later, When Washington Irving left the Alhambra for the last time, he was determined to revive the dream of Moorish Spain. His parting reflections echo his love of the Moors:
"The Alhambra, a muslim palace in a christian land, an elegant memorial of a brave, intelligent and graceful people, I will carry away a recollection of it clothed in all it's beauty."
Source: Readers Digest. Splendours of the world : Imperial Splendours.
It is my hope that with the above gift, I have given to Al Andalus on the occasion the completion of it's first year, something that will serve as a reminder to all who come here to seek whatever path, whether it be the path to wisdom or towards the appreciation of beauty, that all wisdom and experience is the product of the past as much as the present. There must also be a consideration to the future. To this end, let us go forward with an understanding of the great debt of gratitude we owe to people seen and unseen who shaped the world we know, and to know better the duty we have to respect and protect the world and it's people from damage. To educate, and illuminate, to make not only the great and the good, but to see that the small and the weak are as important to the whole structure as the strong. We are all part of a very important projekt, Life, and what we learn in our second life, will live on in our first life and both will be more rich for the experience. It is my dream, as I hope it is yours, that we may live to know a better world than we found when we were born, and that when we leave it, we leave it having left kind footprints, and that people may see that we walked together and not alone.
SC Darkstone.
He had come in search of the dream of a long lost palace waiting to be rediscovered. The Alhambra is one of the finest legacies of the 800 year long civilisation of the Moors.
The Moors invaded Spain from the North of Africa in the 8th Century, they dreamt of spreading the islamic faith across this christian continent. There arabic roots were the foundations of building the most sophisticated culture in Europe, centred on a life of refinement and romance.
Once through the awesome gate of Justice, Irving found himself in a dream world:
"The transition was almost majikal, it seemed as if we were transported into other times and another realm and we were tracing scenes of Arabian story."
Irving was allowed by the Govenor of Granada to move into one of the former royal apartments, and under the moonlight he became bewitched:
"I am so in love with this apartment that I can hardly force myself from it. I sit by my window until late at night, enjoying the moonlight and listening to the sound of the fountains and the song of the nightingales."
On one occasion, he caught sight of a Spanish lady and her escort in the gardens below, speaking softly her whispers drifted through the night air. The scene was so memorable that Irving was to capture her words in his diary:
"The hand of love enveloped us by night, in a robe of embraces, which was torn away by the hand of dawn."
When Irving entered the Alhambra or Red Castle he was immediately struck by the balance between the exquisite gardens and the palacial interiors. To the Moors, the garden was the symbol of Paradise realised on earth. This idea was extended to embrace all the elements of nature, water irrigated gardens cooled palace rooms and lifted the spirit.
Washington Irving had discovered a world of pure poetry as echoed in Samuel Butler's elegant words:
"The Moors believe Granada lies directly under Paradise and that they differ both no more than the upper rooms do from the floor."
Visitors to the court of these Moorish monarchs were recieved with high esteem and prestigious ceremony in the Hall of the Ambassador's housed within the Tower of the Comares.
Built in the 13th Century, the Hall of the Ambassador's was the principal audience chamber of the Moorish sultans. Delegations from Christian Europe and the Ottoman Empire alike were welcomed with indulgent hospitality. For the Moors were enlightened in embracing all knowledge irrespective of faith or denomination. Here lived tolerance and romance.
As Islam forbids the depiction of the human form, Moorish artists searched for alternative paths to express their genius. They wove abstract patterns which spiral and zigzag with maze-like complexity across the walls of the palace.
Their love of decoration achieved it's highest form in the art of Islamic calligraphy. It was used to render texts from the Qu'ran including one that admonishes:
"Only God knows Peace".
The beauty of the Hall of the Abencerrajes disguises a brutal event for it was here that the ruling Sultan Boabdil in a desperate bid to hold onto power, slaughtered an entire delegation.
The neighbouring abencerraje clan were tricked into attending a banquet and upon entering this room were put to death one by one. The red stain of Iron Oxide mixing into the central marble fountain was said to be the blood of the victims.
Despite such brutal feuding the Alhambra remains a palace of sublime beauty. Irving wrote that no part of the Alhambra gives a more complete impression of it's original magnificence than the Court of the Lions:
"When one looks upon the fairy tracery of the peristyles and the apparently fragile fretwork of the walls, it is difficult to believe that so much has survived the wear and tear of centuries, the shocks of earthquakes, the violenc of war and the quiet, though no less baneful pilfering of the tasteful traveller. There is a mood of delicious langour among these beautiful remains of arab magnificence, the delightful tranquility and beauty of the place have combined to fix me here as with a spell. I wander by day and night through great halls decorated by beautiful reliefs yet where there is everything to delight the senses, there is not a living bing to be seen."
But, the romance of the Alhambra is not without it's tragic phase. The delicate beauty of the Hall of the Two Sisters, conceals a tale of unrequited love.
The legend relates that these two sisters would gaze upon lovers who would meet in the garden below their latticed balcony. Distraught at not being able to taste these forbidden pleasures, the sisters grieved for the love they would never know, and lost the will to live.
The Moors, lovers of legends, were also great engineers, they built sophisticated aqueducts to collect rain water from the snow-clad Sierra Nevada, to irrigate their glorious gardens in Granada's baking summer heat. Nourishing flower beds and trees and feeding gently bubbling fountains and fishponds.
Living within this earthly paradise, the Moors were insensitive to growing Christian might building up beyond their fortified walls.
In 1492, the armies of the catholic monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand surrounded Granada. Born from the belly of conflict, Moorish rule ended in surrender.
A witness to the collapse of the Moorish capital was Christopher Columbus:
"On the 2nd day of January, I saw the royal banners of your highness placed by force of arms upon the towers of the Alhambra, and I saw the Moorish King kiss the royal hand of your highness."
Sultan Boabdil, the last muslim ruler of Granada, left the Alhambra through a little used gate.
He preferred to preserve this Moorish jewel rather than to risk all for the glory of a holy war.
He met the christian king outside the city, before going into exile, he handed over the keys:
"These are the last relics of the arabian empire in Spain, such is the will of God."
Boabdil turned for a final look at his beloved Alhambra, he could not hold back the tears:
"When did misfortune equal mine?" he mourned.
His mother was unforgiving:
"You do well to weep like a woman, for what you failed to defend like a man."
400 years later, When Washington Irving left the Alhambra for the last time, he was determined to revive the dream of Moorish Spain. His parting reflections echo his love of the Moors:
"The Alhambra, a muslim palace in a christian land, an elegant memorial of a brave, intelligent and graceful people, I will carry away a recollection of it clothed in all it's beauty."
Source: Readers Digest. Splendours of the world : Imperial Splendours.
It is my hope that with the above gift, I have given to Al Andalus on the occasion the completion of it's first year, something that will serve as a reminder to all who come here to seek whatever path, whether it be the path to wisdom or towards the appreciation of beauty, that all wisdom and experience is the product of the past as much as the present. There must also be a consideration to the future. To this end, let us go forward with an understanding of the great debt of gratitude we owe to people seen and unseen who shaped the world we know, and to know better the duty we have to respect and protect the world and it's people from damage. To educate, and illuminate, to make not only the great and the good, but to see that the small and the weak are as important to the whole structure as the strong. We are all part of a very important projekt, Life, and what we learn in our second life, will live on in our first life and both will be more rich for the experience. It is my dream, as I hope it is yours, that we may live to know a better world than we found when we were born, and that when we leave it, we leave it having left kind footprints, and that people may see that we walked together and not alone.
SC Darkstone.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Press release, Religions of the Future, Future of Religion
To the publishers of SL,
Extropia and Al Andalus sims are co sponsoring the conference, The Future of Religion on June 4 & 5. While we realize it may be too late for much advance notification, we thought you might be interested in covering the event. More information can be found at the website: http://zones.extropiacore.net/religion/index.html or by contacting Sophrosyne Stenvaag of Extropia, or Rose Springvale, of Al Andalus.
Thank you for your interest and service to the communities of Second Life.
The Future of Religions/Religions of the Future is a two-day conference examining how two of the 21st Century's driving forces, religion and technology, will continue to re-shape each other and, in the process, re-cast our understanding of "humanity" in the Third Millennium. Centered on, but not limited to, virtual worlds and social networking technologies, speakers and panelists will also examine changes precipitated by the biotechnology revolution, cognitive science, information technologies and robotics.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Citizens meeting agenda, 5/28/08
1. events:
--Cindy Eksol, Thursday at noon slt, waltz party in Al Zahra
--Ongoing Bayt al-Hikmah Events
--Chess tournament?
--Notice policy review and comments
2. Committees
--Cindy Eksol, Thursday at noon slt, waltz party in Al Zahra
--Ongoing Bayt al-Hikmah Events
--Chess tournament?
--Notice policy review and comments
2. Committees
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Agenda, June 18,2008
summer is here, so that means Rose is away more than normally.
Items to discuss this week:
1. What does it mean to be a citizen
2.Events:
- Flamenco parties in the market
- Belly dance in the plaza
- Concerts(Joaquin Gustav) and salsa in the theater.
- Chess tournament
3. Citizens concernts
Items to discuss this week:
1. What does it mean to be a citizen
2.Events:
- Flamenco parties in the market
- Belly dance in the plaza
- Concerts(Joaquin Gustav) and salsa in the theater.
- Chess tournament
3. Citizens concernts
Monday, April 21, 2008
Press release, David Orban, Tolerance as a Guiding Principle
PRESS RELEAS
AL-ANDALUS, Monday, April 21, 2008
The Inaugural Ibn Khaldun Lecture
DavidOrban Agnon
“Tolerance As A Guiding Principle For Societies And Technologies: The Rise of Robust Information Systems”
Sunday, 27, April, 2008 at 2:00 pm slt
Preceded by:
Kelvinblue Oh, Electric Blues (Live Performance)
Sunday, 27, April, 2008 at 1:00 pm slt
Also Featuring This Week:
Chat in Al-Andalus
Ashcroft Burnham: “The Metaverse Republic”
Friday, 25, April, 2008 at 3:00 pm slt
Preceded by:
Winters Kanto, Piano Recital (Live Performance)
Friday, 25, April, 2008 at 2:00 pm slt
We are pleased to announce that the Inaugural Ibn Khaldun Lecture will be held this Sunday, 27, April, 2008 at 2:00 pm slt in the Abd-Ar-Rahman III Auditorium of Al-Andalus Alhambra. The Lecture is entitled: “Tolerance As A Guiding Principle For Societies And Technologies: The Rise of Robust Information Systems” and will be delivered by DavidOrban Agnon.
http://secondlife.com/events/event.php?id=1419295&date=1209330000
David is particularly interested in the birth of new social organizations in online-worlds. Therefore, in his lecture, he will analyze the analogies between the tolerance and resilience of healthy societies as they recognize the value of the contribution of different cultures and people, and the fault-tolerance of networks like the Internet, which keep working even if their parts behave in an unexpected manner.
David Orban is a Hungarian-born physics enthusiast and Information Technology professional who lectures widely throughout Europe on issues related to physics, technology, the internet and Second Life. He studied physics at Padova University, in Italy -where he read books such as “Godel, Escher, Bach” by Douglas Hofstadter, and others by Dennett, Penrose, and the likes. He then moved to Milano where he pursued his work. Today, he is CEO of Questar, a software firm in Milano. He is described by one of his former classmates as an individual with “a broad scientific culture and very clear ideas - a better word would be “vision” - on several fundamental issues on science, computing, and technology”. David has his own website, blog and wiki (http://www.davidorban.com )where he discusses issues that interest him and shares his activities with a wider audience.
The Ibn Khaldun Lecture series is a bi-monthly event held in Al-Andalus, showcasing a distinguished speaker on an issue which explores various aspects of the interaction between culture and the public sphere across real and virtual worlds. It is named after Abu Zayd ‘Abdu r-Rahman bin Muhammad bin Khaldun) (May 27, 1332 AD/732 AH – March 19, 1406 AD/808 AH) - a famous historian, scholar, theologian, and statesman born in present-day Tunisia. He is considered the forerunner of several social scientific disciplines: demography, cultural history, historiography, the philosophy of history, sociology, and modern economics. He is sometimes considered to be a "father" of these disciplines, or even the social sciences in general, for anticipating many elements of these disciplines centuries before they were founded. He is best known for his Muqaddimah (known as Prolegomenon in Greek), the first volume of his book on universal history, Kitab al-Ibar.
The Lecture will be preceded, from 1 pm slt to 2 pm lst, by a live concert with Kelvinblue Oh, spinning his unique Electric Blues tunes. Ain't nothin' like it in Secondlife! Kelvinblue's reputation as SL's best blues performer in well known: no one lights the fires of his audience like he does. Once you hear his deep voice and amazing acoustic guitar, you too will become convinced there ain't nothin' wrong with the blues!
The Al-Andalus Caliphate Project is a SecondLife attempt to reconstruct 13th Century Moor Alhambra and build around this virtual space a community of individuals willing to explore the modalities of interaction between different languages, nationalities, religions and cultures shaped by authentic Islamic principles.
Those principles include political participation, separation of powers, justice and the rule of law. Membership in the community is open to all, regardless of sim land ownership, second life premium status, species of avatar, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other traditionally separatist classification, either real or apparent. The plan is to create a system of political and legal governance, based on notions of community self-governance, active citizen participation, equality, dignity, social justice, democracy and human rights.
As part of its commitment to provide high-quality educational and entertainment events, Al-Andalus also features a weekly discussion series, entitled the Chat in Al-Andalus, where members of our extended community leads a discussion centered around their SL and RL activities as they relate to the general aims of the Al-Andalus Project. This week, our Chat in Al-Andalus features Al-Andalus Citizen and English Barrister Ashcroft Burnham, who will talk about the progress of his ground-breaking SL project, ‘The Metaverse Republic”.
http://secondlife.com/events/event.php?id=1419040&date=1209160800
The Metaverse Republic ( http://www.metaverserepublic.org/ ), currently work in progress, will be a legal system for Second Life, with real powers of enforcement originating in user-created tools, and a democratic parliament. There are many disputes and potential disputes in SecondLife that could benefit from formal resolution: disputes about broken agreements, land use, alleged griefing, extortion, etc. The Metaverse Republic aims to provide an effective and fair system for resolving such disputes. After the presentation, Ashcroft will answer questions from the audience and lead a discussion on related topics of interest.
Immediately prior to this, well-known Argentinian pianist Wnters Kanto will perform a live piano recital. Winters Kanto is a professional RL pianist with over 14yrs experience.. playing the 'houses' and 'halls' throughout South America.. Winters has a huge following throughout the continent.. Playing classical as well as Tango ballads, Bossa Jazz, and Boleros... Winters is a master of 'craft' and composition. He’s been playing Second Life a relatively short period of time but has already created a huge following and with soft mellow tunes and a smooth approach.
AL-ANDALUS, Monday, April 21, 2008
The Inaugural Ibn Khaldun Lecture
DavidOrban Agnon
“Tolerance As A Guiding Principle For Societies And Technologies: The Rise of Robust Information Systems”
Sunday, 27, April, 2008 at 2:00 pm slt
Preceded by:
Kelvinblue Oh, Electric Blues (Live Performance)
Sunday, 27, April, 2008 at 1:00 pm slt
Also Featuring This Week:
Chat in Al-Andalus
Ashcroft Burnham: “The Metaverse Republic”
Friday, 25, April, 2008 at 3:00 pm slt
Preceded by:
Winters Kanto, Piano Recital (Live Performance)
Friday, 25, April, 2008 at 2:00 pm slt
We are pleased to announce that the Inaugural Ibn Khaldun Lecture will be held this Sunday, 27, April, 2008 at 2:00 pm slt in the Abd-Ar-Rahman III Auditorium of Al-Andalus Alhambra. The Lecture is entitled: “Tolerance As A Guiding Principle For Societies And Technologies: The Rise of Robust Information Systems” and will be delivered by DavidOrban Agnon.
http://secondlife.com/events/event.php?id=1419295&date=1209330000
David is particularly interested in the birth of new social organizations in online-worlds. Therefore, in his lecture, he will analyze the analogies between the tolerance and resilience of healthy societies as they recognize the value of the contribution of different cultures and people, and the fault-tolerance of networks like the Internet, which keep working even if their parts behave in an unexpected manner.
David Orban is a Hungarian-born physics enthusiast and Information Technology professional who lectures widely throughout Europe on issues related to physics, technology, the internet and Second Life. He studied physics at Padova University, in Italy -where he read books such as “Godel, Escher, Bach” by Douglas Hofstadter, and others by Dennett, Penrose, and the likes. He then moved to Milano where he pursued his work. Today, he is CEO of Questar, a software firm in Milano. He is described by one of his former classmates as an individual with “a broad scientific culture and very clear ideas - a better word would be “vision” - on several fundamental issues on science, computing, and technology”. David has his own website, blog and wiki (http://www.davidorban.com )where he discusses issues that interest him and shares his activities with a wider audience.
The Ibn Khaldun Lecture series is a bi-monthly event held in Al-Andalus, showcasing a distinguished speaker on an issue which explores various aspects of the interaction between culture and the public sphere across real and virtual worlds. It is named after Abu Zayd ‘Abdu r-Rahman bin Muhammad bin Khaldun) (May 27, 1332 AD/732 AH – March 19, 1406 AD/808 AH) - a famous historian, scholar, theologian, and statesman born in present-day Tunisia. He is considered the forerunner of several social scientific disciplines: demography, cultural history, historiography, the philosophy of history, sociology, and modern economics. He is sometimes considered to be a "father" of these disciplines, or even the social sciences in general, for anticipating many elements of these disciplines centuries before they were founded. He is best known for his Muqaddimah (known as Prolegomenon in Greek), the first volume of his book on universal history, Kitab al-Ibar.
The Lecture will be preceded, from 1 pm slt to 2 pm lst, by a live concert with Kelvinblue Oh, spinning his unique Electric Blues tunes. Ain't nothin' like it in Secondlife! Kelvinblue's reputation as SL's best blues performer in well known: no one lights the fires of his audience like he does. Once you hear his deep voice and amazing acoustic guitar, you too will become convinced there ain't nothin' wrong with the blues!
The Al-Andalus Caliphate Project is a SecondLife attempt to reconstruct 13th Century Moor Alhambra and build around this virtual space a community of individuals willing to explore the modalities of interaction between different languages, nationalities, religions and cultures shaped by authentic Islamic principles.
Those principles include political participation, separation of powers, justice and the rule of law. Membership in the community is open to all, regardless of sim land ownership, second life premium status, species of avatar, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other traditionally separatist classification, either real or apparent. The plan is to create a system of political and legal governance, based on notions of community self-governance, active citizen participation, equality, dignity, social justice, democracy and human rights.
As part of its commitment to provide high-quality educational and entertainment events, Al-Andalus also features a weekly discussion series, entitled the Chat in Al-Andalus, where members of our extended community leads a discussion centered around their SL and RL activities as they relate to the general aims of the Al-Andalus Project. This week, our Chat in Al-Andalus features Al-Andalus Citizen and English Barrister Ashcroft Burnham, who will talk about the progress of his ground-breaking SL project, ‘The Metaverse Republic”.
http://secondlife.com/events/event.php?id=1419040&date=1209160800
The Metaverse Republic ( http://www.metaverserepublic.org/ ), currently work in progress, will be a legal system for Second Life, with real powers of enforcement originating in user-created tools, and a democratic parliament. There are many disputes and potential disputes in SecondLife that could benefit from formal resolution: disputes about broken agreements, land use, alleged griefing, extortion, etc. The Metaverse Republic aims to provide an effective and fair system for resolving such disputes. After the presentation, Ashcroft will answer questions from the audience and lead a discussion on related topics of interest.
Immediately prior to this, well-known Argentinian pianist Wnters Kanto will perform a live piano recital. Winters Kanto is a professional RL pianist with over 14yrs experience.. playing the 'houses' and 'halls' throughout South America.. Winters has a huge following throughout the continent.. Playing classical as well as Tango ballads, Bossa Jazz, and Boleros... Winters is a master of 'craft' and composition. He’s been playing Second Life a relatively short period of time but has already created a huge following and with soft mellow tunes and a smooth approach.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Al Andalus Magic Carpet Guided Tour Text
This is the text of the Guided tour that begins in the Fortress in Alhambra. The tour seats 5 per carpet, the AA Express, and takes about 27 minutes, depending on lag. It is available in English, Spanish and German, so far.
As an outstanding example of the dialogue between different religions, cultures and civilizations, Andalusia represents a lesson for us today as we confront globalization, which needs to take place against a background of enlightened social relations and the universal ethical values in which humanity has its roots and without which it cannot survive. Al Andalus is the perfect background for this discussion, but it is also a fascinating, and beautiful place to visit.
Cisterns’ Court - Abd Ar Rahman III Auditorium
JUST within the fortress of the Alhambra, in front of the royal palace, is a broad open esplanade, called the Place or Square of the Cisterns (la Plaza de los Algibes), so called from being undermined by reservoirs of water, hidden from sight, and which have existed from the time of the Moors. While there was no state of the art auditorium in this location in the 13th centure, Al Andalus in Second Life has one! The auditorium is available for discussions, presentations, lectures or whatever creative uses the citizens dream up. This facility also houses classrooms and meeting rooms.
2. Embassadors Entrance – Khalifah’s Palace
There are three independent areas in the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios NazarÃes): the Mexuar, which corresponds to the semipublic part of the palace or selamlik, for justice administration and State affairs; the HYPERLINK "http://www.alhambradegranada.org/historia/alhambraPComares_en.asp" Comares Palace (Palacio de Comares), which was the official residence of the king; and the Palace of the Lions (Palacio de los Leones), which was the private area of the palace, where the HYPERLINK "http://www.alhambradegranada.org/historia/alhambraHaren_en.asp" Harem was located
3. Lion’s Fountain – Consultative Assembly
Not only were these areas different because of their functions, but also because of their artistic characteristics. The Comares Palace (Palacio de Comares) was decorated in a typically Muslim way, but the Palace of the Lions (Patio de los Leones) presents Christian influences, probably as a consequence of the friendship between Mohammed V and his Castilian counterpart Pedro I, the Cruel.
4. Great Mosque (Mezquita) – Patio de las Naranjas The Mezquita (Spanish for " HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque" \o "Mosque" mosque", from the Arabic "Masjid") was originally built to be a warehouse/temple/lighthouse. It was the most magnificent of the more than 1,000 mosques in the city and was at one time the second largest mosque in the Muslim world.
Please note: While the concept of holy places in a virtual world may stretch the imagination of some, tradition is a major part of history. There is an active Muslim community associated with the Mezquita in Al Andalus. They have placed a basket with complimentary veils for ladies to cover their hair, and ask that all visitors to the mosque remove their shoes before entering. If you choose to honor this request, you may find your experience enhanced. However, this is strictly a personal decision and there is no requirement that you do so.
5. Albaycin Village - Cadi Bridge –Darro River--The Albaicin was directly connected to the Alhambra by a fortified bridge called Puente del Cadà - the "bridge of the judge". All that is left of it today is the stump of a tower on the left bank and part of its single arch. The Romans called The River Darro the River of Gold - aurus - because of the panners who, until recent times, made their meager living searching for the precious mineral in its bed.
6. Jinnah Al –‘Arif Summer Palace and Gardens. Wander the beautiful halls of the summer palace, rest in the gardens among roses, citrus trees and flowers. Experience a second life poetic moment. Inscription found on the walls of the Garden: “How beauteous is this garden, where the flowers of the earth vie with the stars of the heaven! What can compare with the vase of yon alabaster fountain filled with crystal water? Nothing but the moon in her fullness, shining in the midst of an unclouded sky!” Al-Andalus Jewish poetry
7. Al- Zahra Entertainment Complex. A continuation of the Generalife Gardens, the Al-Zahra hosts events, music, dancing, and even romance. Don't miss the scenic mirador of the waterfall.
8. Al-Garnata Village - South Gate, Gate of Pomegranates--Al'-Garnata (Spanish: Granada) Village is situated at the foot of the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_(Spain)%22%20%5Co%20%22Sierra%20Nevada%20(Spain)"Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of two rivers, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darro%22%20%5Co%20%22Darro"Darro and HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genil%22%20%5Co%20%22Genil"Genil, at an elevation of 738 metres above sea level. The HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate%22%20%5Co%20%22Pomegranate"pomegranate (in Spanish, granada) is the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraldry%22%20%5Co%20%22Heraldry"heraldic device of Granada
9. Al-Kairuwan Souk (Caravan Market) One of two retail areas in the Al Andalus Sims, the Souk Market features regional costumes, furniture and accessories. It's also a great place to meet people!
10. Muhammed Al-Ahmar Plaza
Here you will find the Baths and washhouse as well as another entrance to the Great Mosque and fountain. Water was a prized luxury in the arid climate of Andalucia; you will see many fountains, canals, cisterns and aqueducts throughout the sims.
The Moorish bath, or hammam, followed the Roman model: a hot room, a warm room and a cold room, with ovens under the floor to heat the paving stones. Bathers had to shod wooden clogs to protect them from the heat of the marble floor.
11. Dar-al Islam (Muslim) Residential Quarter. One feature that made Al Andalus unique was the peaceful co-existence of Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities, and these three neighborhoods are represented in the SL version. If you choose to buy a house here, there is NO restriction on who can live where! Here is the Muslim Quarter; as a progressively higher proportion of the Andalucian population became Muslim, institution's and activities of Islamic orientation came to dominate the culture.
12. El Partal Plaza - Abencerraje Palaces El Partal comes from an Arabic word meaning "the portico", and is the name given to the remains of the residence of Sultan Yusuf III. The plaza is a favorite location for SL events, and the two wings of the Palace house retail, and are the site of future museums dedicated to peace and democracy.
14. Alcazaba (Fortress) Bastion - Walled Garden--The Alcazaba, or fortress, is the oldest part of the Alhambra. It was built in the mid-13th century by the Sultan Alhamar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, after he fled from northern Andalucia and established what was to be the last Moorish stronghold against the Christian crusaders.
The first impression of the Alhambra is of a fortified enclosure, some 2,200 meters in perimeter, whose peculiar shape is obviously determined by the contours and defensive possibilities of the terrain. The impressively thick walls are of hard rubble faced with stone and brick masonry and covered with plaster. There are twenty-two towers, rather irregularly spaced in plan but adapted to the needs and requirements of the terrain. The towers have several notable peculiarities, which you can read on the notecards provided by the information points around the sims.
Top ten things to do in Al Andalus:
Visit the magnificent Majid (Mosque);
Shop in the Abencerraje Palaces located in the Al-Partal Plaza;
Explore the inner walls, rooms and passages of the Fortress;
Walk through the City Bazaar, and Muslim, Christian and Jewish Quarters;
Discover the stunning houses of the Al-Garnata Village;
Wander through the Generalife Gardens and Entertainment Complex (still in construction);
Check out the lamps and fountains of the clothes’ washhouse located next to the Majid (Mosque);
Walk out the Gate of Iron (by the majiid / mosque) and take the scenic route down the mountain all the way past the Bridge of the Cadi and the river Darro;
Find the cannons on top of the Towers and shoot a bullet – or two; and
Discover the history, legends and poetry of Alhamra and Al-Andalus by reading the Al-Andalus Info Points notecards – or some of them, at least!
Thank you for your interest, and enjoy your stay!
As an outstanding example of the dialogue between different religions, cultures and civilizations, Andalusia represents a lesson for us today as we confront globalization, which needs to take place against a background of enlightened social relations and the universal ethical values in which humanity has its roots and without which it cannot survive. Al Andalus is the perfect background for this discussion, but it is also a fascinating, and beautiful place to visit.
Cisterns’ Court - Abd Ar Rahman III Auditorium
JUST within the fortress of the Alhambra, in front of the royal palace, is a broad open esplanade, called the Place or Square of the Cisterns (la Plaza de los Algibes), so called from being undermined by reservoirs of water, hidden from sight, and which have existed from the time of the Moors. While there was no state of the art auditorium in this location in the 13th centure, Al Andalus in Second Life has one! The auditorium is available for discussions, presentations, lectures or whatever creative uses the citizens dream up. This facility also houses classrooms and meeting rooms.
2. Embassadors Entrance – Khalifah’s Palace
There are three independent areas in the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios NazarÃes): the Mexuar, which corresponds to the semipublic part of the palace or selamlik, for justice administration and State affairs; the HYPERLINK "http://www.alhambradegranada.org/historia/alhambraPComares_en.asp" Comares Palace (Palacio de Comares), which was the official residence of the king; and the Palace of the Lions (Palacio de los Leones), which was the private area of the palace, where the HYPERLINK "http://www.alhambradegranada.org/historia/alhambraHaren_en.asp" Harem was located
3. Lion’s Fountain – Consultative Assembly
Not only were these areas different because of their functions, but also because of their artistic characteristics. The Comares Palace (Palacio de Comares) was decorated in a typically Muslim way, but the Palace of the Lions (Patio de los Leones) presents Christian influences, probably as a consequence of the friendship between Mohammed V and his Castilian counterpart Pedro I, the Cruel.
4. Great Mosque (Mezquita) – Patio de las Naranjas The Mezquita (Spanish for " HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque" \o "Mosque" mosque", from the Arabic "Masjid") was originally built to be a warehouse/temple/lighthouse. It was the most magnificent of the more than 1,000 mosques in the city and was at one time the second largest mosque in the Muslim world.
Please note: While the concept of holy places in a virtual world may stretch the imagination of some, tradition is a major part of history. There is an active Muslim community associated with the Mezquita in Al Andalus. They have placed a basket with complimentary veils for ladies to cover their hair, and ask that all visitors to the mosque remove their shoes before entering. If you choose to honor this request, you may find your experience enhanced. However, this is strictly a personal decision and there is no requirement that you do so.
5. Albaycin Village - Cadi Bridge –Darro River--The Albaicin was directly connected to the Alhambra by a fortified bridge called Puente del Cadà - the "bridge of the judge". All that is left of it today is the stump of a tower on the left bank and part of its single arch. The Romans called The River Darro the River of Gold - aurus - because of the panners who, until recent times, made their meager living searching for the precious mineral in its bed.
6. Jinnah Al –‘Arif Summer Palace and Gardens. Wander the beautiful halls of the summer palace, rest in the gardens among roses, citrus trees and flowers. Experience a second life poetic moment. Inscription found on the walls of the Garden: “How beauteous is this garden, where the flowers of the earth vie with the stars of the heaven! What can compare with the vase of yon alabaster fountain filled with crystal water? Nothing but the moon in her fullness, shining in the midst of an unclouded sky!” Al-Andalus Jewish poetry
7. Al- Zahra Entertainment Complex. A continuation of the Generalife Gardens, the Al-Zahra hosts events, music, dancing, and even romance. Don't miss the scenic mirador of the waterfall.
8. Al-Garnata Village - South Gate, Gate of Pomegranates--Al'-Garnata (Spanish: Granada) Village is situated at the foot of the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_(Spain)%22%20%5Co%20%22Sierra%20Nevada%20(Spain)"Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of two rivers, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darro%22%20%5Co%20%22Darro"Darro and HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genil%22%20%5Co%20%22Genil"Genil, at an elevation of 738 metres above sea level. The HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate%22%20%5Co%20%22Pomegranate"pomegranate (in Spanish, granada) is the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraldry%22%20%5Co%20%22Heraldry"heraldic device of Granada
9. Al-Kairuwan Souk (Caravan Market) One of two retail areas in the Al Andalus Sims, the Souk Market features regional costumes, furniture and accessories. It's also a great place to meet people!
10. Muhammed Al-Ahmar Plaza
Here you will find the Baths and washhouse as well as another entrance to the Great Mosque and fountain. Water was a prized luxury in the arid climate of Andalucia; you will see many fountains, canals, cisterns and aqueducts throughout the sims.
The Moorish bath, or hammam, followed the Roman model: a hot room, a warm room and a cold room, with ovens under the floor to heat the paving stones. Bathers had to shod wooden clogs to protect them from the heat of the marble floor.
11. Dar-al Islam (Muslim) Residential Quarter. One feature that made Al Andalus unique was the peaceful co-existence of Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities, and these three neighborhoods are represented in the SL version. If you choose to buy a house here, there is NO restriction on who can live where! Here is the Muslim Quarter; as a progressively higher proportion of the Andalucian population became Muslim, institution's and activities of Islamic orientation came to dominate the culture.
12. El Partal Plaza - Abencerraje Palaces El Partal comes from an Arabic word meaning "the portico", and is the name given to the remains of the residence of Sultan Yusuf III. The plaza is a favorite location for SL events, and the two wings of the Palace house retail, and are the site of future museums dedicated to peace and democracy.
14. Alcazaba (Fortress) Bastion - Walled Garden--The Alcazaba, or fortress, is the oldest part of the Alhambra. It was built in the mid-13th century by the Sultan Alhamar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, after he fled from northern Andalucia and established what was to be the last Moorish stronghold against the Christian crusaders.
The first impression of the Alhambra is of a fortified enclosure, some 2,200 meters in perimeter, whose peculiar shape is obviously determined by the contours and defensive possibilities of the terrain. The impressively thick walls are of hard rubble faced with stone and brick masonry and covered with plaster. There are twenty-two towers, rather irregularly spaced in plan but adapted to the needs and requirements of the terrain. The towers have several notable peculiarities, which you can read on the notecards provided by the information points around the sims.
Top ten things to do in Al Andalus:
Visit the magnificent Majid (Mosque);
Shop in the Abencerraje Palaces located in the Al-Partal Plaza;
Explore the inner walls, rooms and passages of the Fortress;
Walk through the City Bazaar, and Muslim, Christian and Jewish Quarters;
Discover the stunning houses of the Al-Garnata Village;
Wander through the Generalife Gardens and Entertainment Complex (still in construction);
Check out the lamps and fountains of the clothes’ washhouse located next to the Majid (Mosque);
Walk out the Gate of Iron (by the majiid / mosque) and take the scenic route down the mountain all the way past the Bridge of the Cadi and the river Darro;
Find the cannons on top of the Towers and shoot a bullet – or two; and
Discover the history, legends and poetry of Alhamra and Al-Andalus by reading the Al-Andalus Info Points notecards – or some of them, at least!
Thank you for your interest, and enjoy your stay!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Events update
Saturday March 29 Concert: Jaoquin Gustav, 8 pm.. Beautiful guitar: Smooth Jazz, Rock, and south american music such as Tango, Milonga, Candombe, etc.
March 30, 3 - 5 pm, Art Opening: Illusions of Beauty, StuiChicanne Darkstone 3 pm a collection of Dark Dreams and Bright nightmares
April 1, 1 pm, Concert: Our own Cindy Ecksol honors us with her SL Debut!
April 4, 4 pm Discussion: Grassroots Advocacy in Second Life: Namov Abramovic (Nick Dupree)
April 5, 2 pm, Concert: Winters Kanto on piano: classical as well as Tango ballads, Bossa Jazz, and Boleros
April 11, 2 pm, Discussion: Bjerkel Eerie, Environmental issues
April 18 12 30 Concert: Akito Kuramoto, classical violin
April 25, 8 pm Concert: Brixton Canning, romantic music
May 2, 12 30 Akito Kuramoto, classical violin
March 30, 3 - 5 pm, Art Opening: Illusions of Beauty, StuiChicanne Darkstone 3 pm a collection of Dark Dreams and Bright nightmares
April 1, 1 pm, Concert: Our own Cindy Ecksol honors us with her SL Debut!
April 4, 4 pm Discussion: Grassroots Advocacy in Second Life: Namov Abramovic (Nick Dupree)
April 5, 2 pm, Concert: Winters Kanto on piano: classical as well as Tango ballads, Bossa Jazz, and Boleros
April 11, 2 pm, Discussion: Bjerkel Eerie, Environmental issues
April 18 12 30 Concert: Akito Kuramoto, classical violin
April 25, 8 pm Concert: Brixton Canning, romantic music
May 2, 12 30 Akito Kuramoto, classical violin
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