THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Nov. 3 to 9

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka has a new exhibit about Nigerian plants. This slideshow features information and images of over fifty trees, plants and flowers, native and naturalized. Some of the information is surprising (Nigeria is the third largest supplier of peanuts in the world--outranks U.S.!), some is interesting (Nigerian henna use does not involve elaborate patterning). Enjoy finding out a rubber tree doesn't look at all exotic, soak up some beauty, and see references to the Saminaka landscape http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/96/65/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka's MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE is up again, in an even more realistic environment! Treet.TV kindly hosted it for months, but London's Kingston University has now generously provided space for a permanent exhibition of the African side of the transatlantic slave trade. It isn't roleplay, but it does allow you to try on the lives of ten individuals from different eras and parts of Africa who were seized and taken to the U.S. See it here (and take the teleporter if you land at the university's hub): http://slurl.com/secondlife/SolipCISM/4/253/24

This Week in the Compass--Oct. 21-27

Sunday, Oct. 25 ALL DAY! GRAND OPENING CACAO MAIN STORE! cacao is finally going to open its main store. Tamsin has been designing and getting things ready in secret, so that there will be initial stock--clothing that is both inspired by Africa and that is traditional, as well as furnishings and shoes. Jewelry will be coming soon! On grand opening day, there will be treats for visitors, as well as Subscribomatic group members (hit up the sign in the store!) and there will be DJ's playing to let you dance in the store and have fun! The store's exterior is in the Hausa style of architecture, and a treat for the eyes! Get your LM at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/197/170/27

Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31. Saminaka's great Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt allows you to wear a new calabash on your head, this time loading it with half cantaloupes as you search through the sim for 20 of the fruits. They're all hidden near Nigerian plants, and pile up in your calabash as you find them. All located? Go back to base and touch the giant cantaloupe for a grand prize. All prizes transfer. Any that are gender-specific include both a male and female version. All prizes unique to the hunt, comprising clothing, furniture, art and other goods with an African plant theme. The starting point can be reached from teleporter via Saminaka's infohub tent, or at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/93/66/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka has a new exhibit about Nigerian plants. This slideshow features information and images of over fifty trees, plants and flowers, native and naturalized. Some of the information is surprising (Nigeria is the third largest supplier of peanuts in the world--outranks U.S.!), some is interesting (Nigerian henna use does not involve elaborate patterning). Enjoy finding out a rubber tree doesn't look at all exotic, soak up some beauty, and get some hints for the treasure hunt above! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/96/65/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka's MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE is up again, in an even more realistic environment! Treet.TV kindly hosted it for months, but London's Kingston University has now generously provided space for a permanent exhibition of the African side of the transatlantic slave trade. It isn't roleplay, but it does allow you to try on the lives of ten individuals from different eras and parts of Africa who were seized and taken to the U.S. See it here (and take the teleporter if you land at the university's hub):Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31. http://slurl.com/secondlife/SolipCISM/4/253/24

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Oct. 13-20

Oct. 17, 11 am to 1 pm SLT--not on Saminaka, but a friend to Saminaka! AkieM Artistic Abstracts & Sculpture's would like to present "Living In Vivid Hues" a spectacular artshow showcasing the works of Blac Quartz. The artwork displayed will range from Ethnic to Erotic. Show will be held at Club Hypnotic. Dress is casual, music will be provided by DJ Hush Law. Come Live Your Life In Vivid Hues. http://slurl.com/secondlife/CidadeDoMedo/63/117/3002

Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31. Saminaka's great Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt allows you to wear a new calabash on your head, this time loading it with half cantaloupes as you search through the sim for 20 of the fruits. They're all hidden near Nigerian plants, and pile up in your calabash as you find them. All located? Go back to base and touch the giant cantaloupe for a grand prize. All prizes transfer. Any that are gender-specific include both a male and female version. All prizes unique to the hunt, comprising clothing, furniture, art and other goods with an African plant theme. The starting point can be reached from teleporter via Saminaka's infohub tent, or at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/93/66/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka has a new exhibit about Nigerian plants. This slideshow features information and images of over fifty trees, plants and flowers, native and naturalized. Some of the information is surprising (Nigeria is the third largest supplier of peanuts in the world--outranks U.S.!), some is interesting (Nigerian henna use does not involve elaborate patterning). Enjoy finding out a rubber tree doesn't look at all exotic, soak up some beauty, and get some hints for the treasure hunt above! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/96/65/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka's MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE is up again, in an even more realistic environment! Treet.TV kindly hosted it for months, but London's Kingston University has now generously provided space for a permanent exhibition of the African side of the transatlantic slave trade. It isn't roleplay, but it does allow you to try on the lives of ten individuals from different eras and parts of Africa who were seized and taken to the U.S. See it here (and take the teleporter if you land at the university's hub):Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31.

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--August 3 to 9

Tues., Aug. 4, 6 pm SLT. Weekly meeting of Egbe Akowe Writers Group at the new Slates, Scrolls & Sticks, Saminaka's library cum bookstore. Join the group and receive its missives by hitting the Subscribe-o-Matic (doesn't add to group count) at the meeting location. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30 or the Manatee Lookout Palm Wine Joint on Tarkwa Beach. Critique/sharing the first hour, then writing fun afterwards for the lingerers--if we get that far! The discussions have been preoccupying us. We have great meetings--come even if you haven't written this week and join the discussion and in-place exercises!


Sunday, Aug. 9; 3-5 slt. The REAL Grand Opening of Tamsin's new boutique on Kiko Life sim--Aug. 2 was just a preview. Hear fantastic DJ HarleyMC Homewood spin African popular music -- a fantastic mix of Afrobeat, highlife, hiphop, Congo music, remixes--not to be missed! The preview was an absolute joy! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/234/114/1506

Ongoing for 1 more weeks--BUT it looks as if it will find a permanent home elsewhere afterwards. The Middle Passage Experience has been relocated outside Treet.TV's studios. With more prims, it is more powerful than ever! Foliage surrounds the paths you take from freedom to slavery, and evocative sounds reinforce the move from everyday contentment to horror. Make history come alive! At http://slurl.com/secondlife/Northpoint/71/68/23

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--JULY 27 to AUGUST 2

Tues., July 28, 6 pm SLT. Weekly meeting of Egbe Akowe Writers Group at the new Slates, Scrolls & Sticks, Saminaka's library cum bookstore. Join the group and receive its missives by hitting the Subscribe-o-Matic (doesn't add to group count) at the meeting location. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30 or the Manatee Lookout Palm Wine Joint on Tarkwa Beach. Critique/sharing the first hour, then writing fun afterwards for the lingerers. Prepare to use BenGay--Acu Watanabe will split your sides with her wisecracking!

We have great meetings--come even if you haven't written this week and join the discussion and in-place exercises!


Sunday, Aug. 2; time uncertain--4 to 6 slt? Will update time here when established. Grand Opening of Tamsin's new boutique on Kiko Life sim. Hear fantastic DJ HarleyMC Honeywood spin African popular music and other tunes! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/234/114/1506

Ongoing for unspecified period. Visit Saminaka's booth at the "Show Me the Green" Expo on the

rooftop of the Museum of the African-American Experience here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/136/213/28

Ongoing for 2 more weeks. The Middle Passage Experience has been relocated outside Treet.TV's studios. With more prims, it is more powerful than ever! Foliage surrounds the paths you take from freedom to slavery, and evocative sounds reinforce the move from everyday contentment to horror. Make history come alive! At http://slurl.com/secondlife/Northpoint/71/68/23

Middle Experience on Treet.TV

Treet.TV's Second Life show, Designing Worlds, featured Saminaka's Middle Passage Experience and Indea Vaher's Safe Haven Landing on their show last week.

Watch the wonderful video here: http://archive.treet.tv/designing-worlds-middle-passage-experience

Saffia Widdershins and Elrik Merlin travel as Ronke and Boubacar, leaving Africa through the tragic Middle Passage, arriving in the Low Country of the United States.

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--JULY 20 to 26

Tues., June 21, 6 pm SLT. Weekly meeting of Egbe Akowe Writers Group at the new Slates, Scrolls & Sticks, Saminaka's library cum bookstore. Join the group and receive its missives by hitting the Subscribe-o-Matic (doesn't add to group count) at the meeting location http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30 or the Manatee Lookout Palm Wine Joint on Tarkwa Beach. Critique/sharing the first hour, then writing fun afterwards for the lingerers. Prepare to use BenGay--Acu Watanabe will split your sides with her wisecracking!

We had a great first meeting--come even if you haven't written this week and join the discussion and in-place exercises!

Wed., June 22. 6 pm SLT. Opening of the "Timbuktu's Ancient African Universities" slideshow and launching of the African Intellectual Traditions hippobook at Slates, Scrolls & Sticks at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30

Ongoing for unspecified period. Visit Saminaka's booth at the "Show Me the Green" Expo on the

rooftop of the Museum of the African-American

Experience here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/136/213/28

Ongoing for 3 more weeks. The Middle Passage Experience has been relocated outside Treet.TV's studios. With more prims, it is more powerful than ever! Foliage surrounds the paths you take from freedom to slavery, and evocative sounds reinforce the move from everyday contentment to horror. Make history come alive! At http://slurl.com/secondlife/Northpoint/71/68/23

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--JULY 12 to 18

TUESDAY, JULY 13, 6pm SLT. Weekly meeting of Egbe Akowe Writers Group at the new (and probably still unfinished till its Wednesday opening) Slates, Scrolls & Sticks, Saminaka's library cum bookstore. Join the group and receive its missives by hitting the Subscribe-o-Matic (doesn't add to group count) at the meeting location http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30 or the Manatee Lookout Palm Wine Joint on Tarkwa Beach. Critique/sharing the first hour, then writing fun afterwards for the lingerers. Prepare to use BenGay--Acu Watanabe will split your sides with her wisecracking!



WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 6pm SLT Official opening of States, Scrolls & Sticks, the first African library/bookstore on SL! Nigerian books, SL books, RL books, cozy spots to talk to friends or watch videos about Nigerian culture--oh, yes, eventually other African countries, too. What will the opening entail? Well, maybe even non Writers Group members will receive a coveted, resizable cap textured with a manuscript from the Gambia! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30



ONGOING UNTIL JULY 19 Saminaka's first photo contest is underway and there's still plenty of time to participate. Take a photo on Saminaka of yourself, a friend, an animal, a bit of landscape, and post it on the photo board. Then invite your friends to come vote for you! The grand prize winner receives 2000L cash, five free skins from Kiko Life, a photo session with spirit Wingtips, and an assortment of other goodies from Saminaka shops. And every photographer who participates gets at least ONE item currently sold for over 200L. So everyone's a winner! Some beautiful photos up--come and see and add your own. At http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/136/213/28


ONGOING UNTIL JULY 18 The Saminaka booth at the "Show Me the Green" Expo highlights potential cooperation between Africa and the West, as well as plenty of info about sustainable practices and a free T-shirt, as well as specially-priced products: adorable eco shoes, a green cap, a sexxxy bamboo cloth outfit, and a lovely hemp jacket. The Expo has 15 booths extolling sustainability--well worth a visit! Go to http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/136/213/28


MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE heldover at new venue. Because of Treet.TV's interest in the Middle Passage Experience, it is going to be displayed on their grounds for another month. See it or send your friends to this new venue: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Northpoint/71/68/23

BITS & PIECES

***The discussion about the Middle Passage Experience, conducted by Acuminous Watanabe and held at Indea Vaher's Safe Haven Landing, was well attended and productive! Second Life has a lot to offer in this regard, and Acu is skilled and experienced. There will surely be more such explorations!

***FIREWORKS! Our Fourth of July fireworks were so much fun that a group of us (trees blocking our RL views) just kept watching them over and over! They will surely be hauled out for other occasions, but don't miss them! Best I've seen in SL

***Winn Welcome has added to his growing YouTube SL videos with a tour of Indea Vaher's Remembrance exhibition. History is explored through photos, sculpture, and verbal information. See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSDckPAmMC0

***Luchenpur Darwin is taking his RL passion for GREEN and sustainable practices to organize the "Show me the Green" Expo on the roof of Winn Welcome's Museum of the African American Experience. It isn't open yet, but if you have some greenness you'd like to share through a display, contact Luchenpur or Winn. There will be a feature on the exhibit next week; it runs from July 12-18. Since it opens before our next issue goes to press, however, let me give you the SLURL; just remember everything isn't in place till the 12th for the opening! http://slurl.com/secondlife/SugarHill%20Retreat/35/41/60

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--JULY 6 to JULY 11

JULY 6 THROUGH JULY 19. Saminaka PHOTO CONTEST--Saminaka has some recently updated features--more animals from the treasure hunt, some new trees and plants, two small offshore islands--and a new photo contest is meant to showcase it! Enter any photo taken on Saminaka, whether of nature or a portrait of yourself or another. The contest board is on the near shore side of the Ikorodu market shops. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/121/217/27


Pay an empty square 50L, then have your friends vote for you for 20L. It isn't like the unwinnable big contests--there will only be 24 slots, and everyone will win something. The Grand Prize winner gets 2000L cash, a voucher for FIVE superb free skins at Kiko Life (superb male and female skins available at the main store), a photo shoot at Spirited Images Photography (oh, you will like it!), their choice of two free outfits and two pairs of shoes at Cinnamon Brigade and/or Tropicality, artworks (one each from Seven Cowries, tignon, Pangolin Dreams), and an outdoor umbrella table and chairs from Gidan Magarifi. All other participants will receive a prize currently on sale for over 200L. So exercise your angles and join in! And a big thank you to our sponsors!! Needless to mention, all the photos will be published in this paper, too.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 AT 6PM SLT. Inauguration of Egbe Akowe writing group--preliminary meeting. Saminaka is going to host a writing group in a soon-to-be constructed library/bookshop. But what kind of writing shall we focus on? Or should there be several subgroups (general fiction, genre fiction, non-fiction, academic writing)? The group WILL start next week, but come and shape it in its nascent form--and see article above. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/80/224/22

MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE ON TELEVISION--HELD OVER THIS WEEK The Middle Passage Experience (now over 120 full participants!) excited some external interest, and tomorrow Designing Worlds of Treet.TV will record a program about it--and Indea Vaher's Safe Haven site. It will be broadcast within SL and on the Internet. Because new viewers might like a look, the Experience has been held over through July 11, and, we hope, may resurface as a permanent exhibit somewhere else. Once it's posted, you'll be the first to know!

HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

***Cinnamon Brigade will rain five new pairs of shoes on the virtual world this coming week! Will debut them through Fashion Consolidated, and let you small business owners who have been considering it know how much of an impact it has!

***Saminaka will soon have a new combo library/bookshop. Our first publication is out, over by the Middle Passage Experience, and consists of the bound slide show presentation about the Middle Passage. Soon a version of last week's Olaudah Equiano lecture will be published as well. Each at the modest price of 50L, in a handy Hippobook.

***New small stalls at small prices (with small prim allowances) will still be up soon--great for vendors! We'd love a hair vendor, particularly, so if you have a friend...

***The Compass's circulation keeps growing! We were at 98 last week, and now--163 minutes ago! A happy increase--tell your friends!

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--JUNE 29 to JULY 5

TUESDAY JUNE 30 at 5:30 pm SLT & 6:30 SLT. As the Middle Passage Experience draws to a close (though we are extending it a little longer), we are going to have a once-only GUIDED tour, so you can be sure you don't miss anything. It starts at 5:30 with Tamsin (the beach infohub has a Teleport to the tour's beginning), and will end up at Safe Haven Haven Landing with Indea Vaher. Immediately afterward (at about 6:30 or maybe a little sooner) Acuminous Watanabe will facilitate a discussion of how reenacting this tragic historical exodus affected participants. Were you too reluctant to do it? Did the sight of the Door of No Return make you cringe? Did the thought of manacles clench your stomach? You were not alone. Talk it out. Acu is a fabulous counselor, and you will find yourself processing and gaining a sense of healing.

The tour is going to be filmed by Winn Wellman, as well as by a news crew from Treet.TV for their program "Designing Worlds"--exciting indeed!

A box holding all the before and after stories of the ten African lives explored in the Experience is now available at Saminaka for free.

SATURDAY, JULY 4 at 5 pm SLT. An envoy from the American Embassy (tee-hee) will set off firecrackers for a rollicking good time down by the Manatee Lookout. Fireworks? Of course! They are likely to spook the manatee, but she'll settle down.