Æther Salon - Royal Ascot! (Unedited Transcript)

Greetings:
[13:43] Liz Wilner: as in relog?
[13:43] Fauve Aeon: Hello, Hallo
[13:43] Liz Wilner: greetings Fauve
[13:43] Fauve Aeon: Are the Juleps cold?
[13:43] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Frau Dauphine!
[13:43] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Spectacular.
[13:43] Fauve Aeon: Herr Baron, your Majesty, everyone <3
[13:43] Zantyago Mannonen: how is this for an edwardian era  outfit?
[13:43] Fauve Aeon: oh this little thing? I hardly feel it, the flower is smol
[13:44] Liz Wilner: it's quite fine :)
[13:44] Zantyago Mannonen: :3
[13:44] Zantyago Mannonen: thank you, made it myself
[13:44] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) chuckles at the Dauphine's comment.
[13:44] Oriella Charik: My typist is just going to fetch a Pimms
[13:44] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): About time, you pestiferous machine.
[13:46] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Welcome, Fraulein Majak.
[13:46] Majak: thank you
[13:47] Liz Wilner: greetings Wulfie
[13:47] Liz Wilner: greeting Majak
[13:47] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Greetings Liz!
[13:47] Majak: hello to everyone
[13:48] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Sends her greetings to everyone and finds a seat.
[13:49] Fauve Aeon waves
[13:49] Majak: everyone looks so elegant
[13:49] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Guten Abend, Frau Gräfin.
[13:50] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) quickly rips off high vis builder's vest and sits on it to hide it
[13:50] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Guten abend Herr Baron, and Fauve, what an incredible hat!
[13:50] Majak: lol it looks nice
[13:51] Fauve Aeon giggles
[13:52] Fauve Aeon: if someone gets some nice photos of everything today, please send them along to me for the blog? fauve.aeon@gmail.com
[13:52] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Greetings Countess
[13:52] CountessAdaLovelace: 'greetings, good souls.'
[13:53] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hello Countess Ada and Ranulf
[13:53] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Good to see you Ranulf
[13:53] Ranulf Falconer: "Greeings -- good to see you."
[13:53] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): smiles
[13:53] Liz Wilner: greetings Olde :)
[13:53] CountessAdaLovelace: 'is this function's dress period appropriate or any century?'
[13:53] Liz Wilner: greetings Cas :)
[13:53] Ranulf Falconer: I think you look perfect.
[13:54] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Hello Your Grace and Lady Oriella
[13:54] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hello Liz
[13:54] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hi Oriella
[13:54] CountessAdaLovelace: 'thank you, rani.'
[13:54] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hallo Herr Baron
[13:54] Liz Wilner: greetings Ada
[13:54] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Lady Eldemar, Lord Eldemar, Countess Ada.
[13:54] Liz Wilner: greetings Ranulf
[13:54] Ranulf Falconer: "Greetings."
[13:55] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) waves
[13:55] Liz Wilner: greetings Kailyn
[13:55] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): thank you, Liz
[13:56] Wildstar Beaumont: good evening !
[13:57] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Admiral!
[13:57] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Hello Herr Baron
[13:57] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hello Cousin
[13:57] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Good to see you Admiral
[13:57] Lady Sumoku salutes
[13:57] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Hallo, Lady Sumoku.
[13:58] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin) taps the floor with her boot nervously.... "He is LATE"
[13:58] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hallo Wulfride
[13:58] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hallo Lady Sumoku
[13:58] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Greetings, Cassie *grins*
[13:59] Liz Wilner: greetings Lady Sumoku
[13:59] Liz Wilner: greetings Andrea
[13:59] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Hello Ms Eilidh
[13:59] Andrea Jones (andreajonesms): Greetings
[13:59] Liz Wilner: greetings Eili
[13:59] Wildstar Beaumont: hello Miss Eili :)
[14:00] Eilidh McCullough: Hello

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Introduction

[14:02] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Guten Abend, everyone, to the Aether Salon for May. You may sit closer to the front, the speakers do not bite.
[14:02] Oriella Charik looks innocent
[14:02] Andrea Jones (andreajonesms): they they don"t?
[14:02] Liz Wilner laughs
[14:02] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): Welcome, Philip
[14:02] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Before I turn the event over to our speakers, there are a few 'housekeeping' points.
[14:02] Myfanwy Davies is a Methodist, we always sit at the back.
[14:02] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 1) To ensure you can hear the speaker, stand or sit on the patterned carpet.
[14:02] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas) apologizes to anybody she accidentally bounced off
[14:03] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 2) Sit whereever you might like in the provided seating. If you would prefer a wearable chair, please contact me in IM. The director's chairs are for Tinies.
[14:03] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, andreajonesms Resident!
[14:03] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Myfanwy Davies!
[14:03] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 3) Please remove all lag-feeding thingamajigs you might be wearing.
[14:03] Fauve Aeon smirks
[14:03] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) eyes the Dauphine.
[14:03] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 4) A tip jar is out for our speaker. Do please show your appreciation!
[14:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 5) Any tips to help support the establishment will also be welcome - just click on one of the support signs or this handsome clank floating above us.
[14:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 6) If you are not a member of the AEther Salon group, there are signs that will let you join up. You'll be most heartily welcome.
[14:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 7 ) Edited and unedited transcripts of these proceedings will be posted at http://aethersalon.blogspot.com.
[14:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Lastly:
[14:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): 8) Tea and treats are set out - help yourself! Beware of Hatchies guarding the sweet biscuits.
[14:05] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Eilidh McCullough!
[14:05] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Our speakers today always work as a team. Her Grace the Duchess of Trikassi, Liz Wilner and Lady Oriella Charik have spoken here before, and today they join us to present on the English horse race and social event, Royal Ascot.
[14:06] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Duchess, if you might.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Presentation

[14:06] Liz Wilner: thank you :)
[14:06] Liz Wilner: Welcome and thank you all for coming.  Today, Lady Charik and I will present a history of Royal Ascot.
Lady Charik will start us off on the beginnings of Ascot.
[14:07] Oriella Charik: Hello everyone!
[14:07] Charlemagne Allen waves
[14:07] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): Hello
[14:07] Majak: hello
[14:07] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): smiles :)
[14:07] Ranulf Falconer: "Good afternoon."
[14:07] Cᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ Kɪʟʟɪᴀɴ (killianbaileyjameson): hello all
[14:07] Ceejay Writer: Hi!
[14:07] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) waves

[14:07] Oriella Charik: In the year 1711 Queen Anne was out riding near Windsor Castle when she came across an area of open heath that looked, in her words, “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch”
[14:07] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) grins at Fraulein Allen
[14:08] Lady Sumoku gesticulates in the manner of greeting.
[14:08] Oriella Charik: Her Majesty’s wish was quickly acted upon and the first race over a four mile course took place on Saturday 11 August 1711. The prize for the winning horse was worth 100 guineas but the name of the winner is lost to us.  The opening race of Royal Ascot is named in her honour the Queen Anne Stakes.
[14:08] Oriella Charik: Following the Queen’s death in 1714 racing at Ascot seems to have been discontinued until it was revived by George II’s son the Duke of Cumberland in 1749 with a four day fixture. In 1785 the ‘Straight Mile’ was built, marking the appearance of thoroughbred breeds that emphasised speed rather than stamina.

[14:09] Oriella Charik: The first permanent stand was erected in 1794, and in 1813 Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure granting the heath to the Crown provided it “shall be kept and continued as a Racecourse for the Public Use at all times”.
[14:09] Luncheon Plate Mk 2: Have some petit fours.
[14:10] Oriella Charik: The Duke’s nephew, who became Prince Regent in 1811, was an important patron of Royal Ascot. The future George IV is best remembered for his profligacy and hedonism, living his life in a whirl of banqueting, gambling and womanising - three activities which came together in his passion for racing.
[14:10] Lady Sumoku: Racy
[14:10] CountessAdaLovelace laughs

[14:10] Oriella Charik: A famous satirical print of the time depicted 'His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, with a Lady of Quality, going to Ascot Races' – his companion being plainly neither a Lady or of Quality.
[14:10] Charlemagne Allen: lewd
[14:10] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Majak Resident!
[14:11] Oriella Charik: When crowned King in 1820 he ordered architect John Nash to design a new stand, which included a lawn for the exclusive use of guests of the royal family - the origin of the Royal Enclosure. But the greatest legacy George IV left to Ascot is the Royal Procession.
[14:12] Oriella Charik: There had been grand entrances before but it was in 1825 that the royal party first made a formal procession up the Straight Mile.
[14:12] Oriella Charik: To this day the ruling monarch and their family arrive at the racecourse at the beginning of each race day during Royal Ascot and follow the path of the racecourse in a horse drawn carriage as the Royal Standard is raised.

[14:12] Oriella Charik: The Monarch has always appointed a representative to administer the racecourse on their behalf. This role was taken by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds until 1901 when Lord Churchill was selected as King Edward VII’s representative at Ascot and became responsible for running the course.
[14:13] Oriella Charik: Such was the popularity of the course that in 1913, the Ascot Authority Act was passed by Parliament to create the Ascot Authority, a trust whose responsibility it was to: “hold and manage the Ascot Racecourse and Races”.
[14:13] Oriella Charik: While Ascot holds a number of high profile race events throughout the year, the most enduring and well-attended event of the season is Royal Ascot.

[14:14] Oriella Charik: This five day event in mid-June (extended from the original four days in 2002 in celebration of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee) attracts around 300,000 visitors every year. The event comprises eighteen group races, of which seven appear in the prestigious Group One category for racing, and offers nearly £4,000,000 in prize money
[14:14] Fauve Aeon: that's a lot of hats

[14:14] Oriella Charik: There are three enclosures available to guests during Royal Ascot. These include the Grandstand Admission – which stipulates a smart but informal dress code where hats are not mandatory – and the most casual of the three enclosures, the Silver Ring, to which no dress code applies other than the exclusion of bare chests (presumably both male and female!) at any time.
[14:15] Charlemagne Allen: too many hats!
[14:15] Oriella Charik: The third area, the Royal Enclosure, is the most prestigious. Ascot has had a Royal Stand since the 1790s, however the Royal Enclosure that we are familiar with today was commissioned by King George IV in 1845 and access was restricted to those with a personal invitation from the King.
[14:15] Oriella Charik: Attendance to the Royal Enclosure was later opened up on an application basis, which was presided over by His Majesty’s representative. During his tenure as representative Lord Churchill was said to have vetted applications personally, with three separate trays for applications marked ‘Certainly’ ‘Perhaps’ and ‘Certainly Not.’
[14:15] Ranulf Falconer chuckles
[14:15] Charlemagne Allen: Enclosure sounds like a place for animals. Do not bite the royals.
[14:16] Ceejay Writer: :D
[14:16] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) chuckles
[14:16] Lady Sumoku knows which tray she would fit in.
[14:16] Oriella Charik: Lord Churchill took his job very seriously and was said to roam the Royal Enclosure challenging any visitors he did not recognise and was even granted permission to view the Divorce Registry, since those who appeared on the Registry in the early nineteenth century were refused admittance to the Royal Enclosure.
[14:17] CountessAdaLovelace: ...and so they should.
[14:17] Ceejay Writer: Wow.
[14:17] CountessAdaLovelace: */me whispers

[14:17] Oriella Charik: So much for history, now the Duchess will tell us about hats
[14:17] Charlemagne Allen: Real bulldog
[14:17] Liz Wilner: It was the Prince Regent and his friend Beau Brummell in the early 19th century who cemented Ascot’s place in high fashion culture, insisting that respectable and elegant men must wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons when attending the races. As the years passed, this stylish look developed into the popular frock coat.
[14:18] Liz Wilner: As the fashions at the horse race began to gain in importance, some men began to adapt the look of the riding coat, known as a Newmarket coat, to make it suitable for formal attire. Eventually, this led to the appearance of what we now refer to as a morning coat.
[14:18] Liz Wilner: Ladies, of course, were never seen in public, particularly anywhere in the presence of royalty, without their best gowns.  As the years went on, attending the Royal races became part of a lady’s social calendar, including the ordering of new dresses and hats specifically for attending
[14:18] Liz Wilner: The week of Royal Ascot, beginning with the Queen Anne Stakes, and ending with the Gold Cup, was filled with various events and parties surrounding the race days, each requiring another opportunity to out-fashion other attendees.
[14:19] Liz Wilner: you may notice the image of the finely dressed ladies looking over their race cards to my left
[14:19] Liz Wilner: as well as the image of those inside the Royal Enclosure
[14:19] Ceejay Writer: (does not make a crack about race cards)
[14:20] Charlemagne Allen: race cars!
[14:20] Liz Wilner: heh
[14:20] Liz Wilner: During the early days of the races, hats of course were obligatory for both men and women, particularly for formal occasions.  By the early 20th century Ascot had become a confirmed fashion fixture and much of the focus was on headwear. For both men and women, the races became a chance to flaunt fabulous hats.
[14:20] Andrea Jones (andreajonesms): Yes great gran lost the winter house that day in a bad bet
[14:20] Liz Wilner: As the fashion for hat wearing began to fade throughout most of society, Ascot’s dress code continued to maintain high and exacting standards.
[14:21] Liz Wilner: The prestigious, invitation only Royal Enclosure on any race day set the tone for the entire event with strict codes of conduct and dress. Proper headwear has always been an essential part of the formal attire required to gain entry
[14:21] CountessAdaLovelace coughs
[14:21] Liz Wilner: The millinery shop of Christys’ & Co Ltd have been manufacturing fine hats in England since 1773 and have supplied thousands of pieces to Ascot attendees, including Sir Winston Churchill.
[14:21] Ranulf Falconer gently pats Ada's back
[14:21] Liz Wilner: Over the last 250 years they have seen a range of fashions and trends. “Through the late 18th and 19th Centuries, the requirement was to conform,” says the Managing Director
[14:22] Liz Wilner: That meant wearing conventional styles and shapes of headwear. As fashion developed, there were a few unexpected changes to the traditional race attire
[14:22] Lady Sumoku: You shall be assimilated.
[14:22] Liz Wilner: In 1797 John Heatherington was put in jail for wearing one of the first top hats in public – and scaring women and children!
[14:23] Liz Wilner: apparently it was too tall
[14:23] Charlemagne Allen: That's a rather terrifying top hat.
[14:23] Wildstar Beaumont: :)
[14:23] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, OldeSoul Resident!
[14:23] Lady Sumoku: Egads!
[14:23] Ranulf Falconer: "Goodness."
[14:23] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): :)
[14:23] Andrea Jones (andreajonesms): puts hand to throat and gasps

[14:23] Oriella Charik: And now we would like to mention our own Second Life Ascot
[14:24] Liz Wilner: Four years ago, Lady Charik and I were thinking of a unique event we could put together to benefit our Team ACTS and RFL.
We decided on recreating Royal Ascot as close as possible, the last race day of the rl Ascot Week specifically.  Our goal was, and still is, to provide people an event in which all can participate and have fun on a variety of levels.
[14:24] Ceejay Writer points and shouts IT IS HAAAAT
[14:24] Liz Wilner: .  Horse riding and breeding enthusiasts can enter races, horse avatars can race; there is a bit of betting in the form of prizes from sponsors on “betting” via donation kiosks 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places winners of each of the main races, dancing, food, and of course fashion.
[14:25] Oriella Charik: and hats
[14:25] CountessAdaLovelace: 'what a wonderful idea!'
[14:25] Liz Wilner: We have been so thrilled Ascot is a “must-do” event on the RFL calendar for so many, with increasing attendance every year.
[14:25] Charlemagne Allen puts all on Mr. Whiskers
[14:25] Fauve Aeon only knows one SL horse person, quadruped, that is
[14:25] Liz Wilner: Countess Cassie Eldemar painstakingly recreates each year the Royal Enclosure and the Grandstand Enclosure, as well at the center Heath area, also known as the Silver Ring, where the main stage and dancing area are.  Lord Olde Eldemar tirelessly organizes the promotions, sponsor and donation kiosks, as well as being an all-around “rock” for this huge event.
[14:25] Ceejay Writer: I'm learning SO MUCH today. I know the American races but this is all wonderfully new to me
[14:25] Liz Wilner: Sir Gerrard Winstanley has since the beginning been our Master Of Ceremony for the day, providing the race calling as well as all the music for the after party, ..all live in voice.  It’s wonderful to hear him…it really adds to the entire event.
[14:26] Liz Wilner: Last year, and this year coming in June, Lady Zinda Blake has graciously allowed Ascot to be held on her horse racing sim, Blackhawk Downs.  We were thrilled to have an extra race…a steeplechase!...last year; and we know this year will have many more surprises.  And each year, everyone loves when the tinies race…yes, they have their very own race!  Lol…last year they just kept going!
[14:26] Stereo Nacht: That's tinies for you! ;-)
[14:26] Liz Wilner: We do start the event with the Royal Procession, complete with a fine driving carriage, uniformed driver, and well- appointed parade horses.
[14:26] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): :-)
[14:27] Liz Wilner: Myself, Lady Charik, Countess and Lord Eldemar, and Lady Blake are taken around for the ceremonial lap, while Sir Winstanley plays “Rule Brittania” or the UK National Anthem, and comments on all the fabulous fashions as the carriage makes its way around.
[14:27] Liz Wilner: Arriving back at the Enclosures, we all alight the carriage and take our places within the Royal Enclosure.  Then with a many thanks to all who attend and a wave of my hand…Chip Cheerio!  May the races begin!
[14:27] Lady Sumoku: Woo!
[14:27] Liz Wilner: So please, everyone, do make note on your calendars June 24th, 1-3pm slt.  Please click on the poster for the LM and dress code notecard.  We do ask that the dress code be abided by…it’s actually quite fun to see all the fabulous outfits and hats 😊
[14:27] Fauve Aeon: very exciting business
[14:28] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): smiles
[14:28] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): and fun too
[14:28] Liz Wilner: If anyone with a shop or a service would like to be a sponsor, please IM either me or Lord Eldemar, and we will gladly accommodate.  All sponsors are announced live, as well as shop logos with LM’s displayed in the sponsors area.
[14:28] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Dangerous request of the Dauphine.
[14:28] Ceejay Writer: I shall try my best to be there!
[14:28] Liz Wilner: Gift prizes must be transfer, and have ranged from actual merchandise to sailing lessons, and gift certificates.  I am very pleased to have returning sponsors---they have all noticed an uptick in visits to their shops after the event.  So consider becoming a sponsor if you can!  All benefits the most worthy cause of RFL.
[14:28] [Second Life: Ladies in hats owned by Oriella Charik gave you 'Ascot links'  ( Babbage Palisade (246,43,106) ).]
[14:29] Liz Wilner: Please click on Her Majesty's portrait for further information about the history of Ascot
[14:29] Liz Wilner: See you at the races!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Afterwards

[14:29] Cᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ Kɪʟʟɪᴀɴ (killianbaileyjameson): thank you very much!
[14:30] [Second Life: Ascot 2017 owned by Oriella Charik gave you 'Ascot 2017 Dress Code'  ( Babbage Palisade (254,36,108) ).]
[14:30] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, KillianBaileyJameson Resident!
[14:30] Lady Sumoku claps
[14:30] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Ceejay Writer!
[14:30] Majak: thank you
[14:30] Liz Wilner: Please take an invitation...the large poster to my right :)
[14:30] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): ¸♥`*•.¸ APPLAUSE ¸.•*´♥¸
[14:30] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Lady Sumoku!
[14:30] Ranulf Falconer: "Thank you very much. This was wonderful -- informative and vastly entertaining."
[14:30] Liz Wilner: thank you so much for coming :)
[14:30] Stereo Nacht: I swill have to shop for a new dress... I can't wear the same outfit twice in two years, that is so... Last year! ;-)
[14:30] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Wildstar Beaumont!
[14:30] Liz Wilner: we can entertain questions...if anyone has any?
[14:31] Charlemagne Allen: It was wonderful
[14:31] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Stereo Nacht!
[14:31] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul):  (¸¸.•´ ¯¨•.¸¸`•** (•.•)  **•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.¸¸)
[14:31] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): (¨*•.¸´•. :: APPLAUSE!!! :: ¸.•´¸.•*¨)
[14:31] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul):  (¸¸.•´ ¯¨•.¸¸`•** (•.•)  **•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.¸¸)
[14:31] Ceejay Writer: I have been a pirate so long... I must shop, tis life or death
[14:31] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Cashew Writer!
[14:31] Majak: lol
[14:31] Lady Sumoku gasps
[14:31] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Danke, Duchess. Have there been any hat scandals?
[14:31] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): I got one question if you please
[14:31] Fauve Aeon sideyes
[14:31] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) raises benign eyebrows at the Dauphine.
[14:32] Stereo Nacht uses the question time to wave to everyone
[14:32] Majak: waves back
[14:32] Ceejay Writer waves back
[14:32] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): has the ascot been used in any detective story, book or tale, like, for example, sherlock holmes?
[14:32] Fauve Aeon: I do burn easily, there are REASONS
[14:32] Lady Sumoku waves
[14:32] Liz Wilner: oh yes...in recent years some ladies have taken hats to an unearthly limit...hats formed into baskets of fruit, or plates of bangars and mash...to entire tropical trees!  most astounding
[14:32] Ceejay Writer: Plates of food?  Oh nice, I will definitely attend, and will bring my appetite.
[14:32] Charlemagne Allen: What was the most extravagant hat in history?
[14:32] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Zantabraxus Aristocarnas!
[14:33] Liz Wilner: in My Fair Lady, the musical is prominent with Ascot
[14:33] Charlemagne Allen: Of the Ascot, naturally.
[14:33] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): *thinks of Fuzz Ortega's hat :)
[14:33] Fauve Aeon: I saw a rl English fryup on a hat...I was going to do something more elaborate today but I will have something in time for the actual races ;)
[14:33] Oriella Charik: We must appoint a hat inspector Duchess
[14:34] Liz Wilner: yes...I think we must
[14:34] Lady Sumoku: Fauve will need an extra sim just for the LI
[14:34] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): grins
[14:34] Ceejay Writer: Grim Bros has many hats that might suit if that's helpful to know
[14:34] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): It is filmed each year
[14:34] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Serafina Puchkina!
[14:34] Liz Wilner: there have been those who rebuke the strict dress code and come in clothing that is rather questionable
[14:34] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Callidus Waydelich!
[14:34] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): We are hoping to have a "Hat Gotcha" at the event
[14:34] Lady Sumoku: Scandalous ruffians
[14:34] Ranulf Falconer: "Testing the envelope as it were."
[14:34] Liz Wilner: they are usually removed...but not before being photgraphed for the papers
[14:35] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): laughs
[14:35] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): laughs
[14:35] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): I thought it was - "to the heath"
[14:35] Liz Wilner: one man decided that since short-shorts were not allowed for females in the 1970's...HE would don them
[14:35] Liz Wilner: most unfortunate sight
[14:35] Ceejay Writer: Gasp!
[14:35] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): laughs
[14:35] Charlemagne Allen: TMI
[14:35] Ceejay Writer: Too Much I....nnerthigh
[14:36] Cᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ Kɪʟʟɪᴀɴ (killianbaileyjameson): haw haw
[14:36] Liz Wilner: oh yes...and the knee high socks he chose for said outfit were...well...unfortunate
[14:36] Oriella Charik: Her Majesty's granddaughters usually have 'unusual' hats
[14:36] Liz Wilner: with sandals, I might add
[14:36] Lady Sumoku gasps!
[14:36] Fauve Aeon: I think since HugoBoss is overseeing the sartorial things this year RL it will go well
[14:36] Ceejay Writer: I really must keep up on this event from now on
[14:36] Charlemagne Allen: Aether Salon is always a good time.
[14:36] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): I´d like to have my question answered... ¿know of any book or novel which has taken place at the ascot?
[14:36] Liz Wilner: oh yes...Eugenie and Beatrice do favor the unusual...but they do stay within the measurements bounds
[14:37] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Pygmalion
[14:37] Liz Wilner: I do not know of any book or novel
[14:37] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): which is the play that My Fair Lady derives from
[14:37] Liz Wilner: yes...Pygmalion the play...later known as My Fair Lady
[14:37] Ceejay Writer: Oh I meant Royal Ascot.... Salon has been a good time since eons ago!
[14:38] Liz Wilner: Ceejay...I promise you will have a wonderful time
[14:38] Fauve Aeon: Well everyone should keepup on the Salon too :)
[14:38] Liz Wilner: June 24th...be there!  lol
[14:38] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): My fair lady... excellent
[14:38] Sera (serafina.puchkina): It sounds like great fun.
[14:38] Ceejay Writer: :)  I have already added it to my Outlook calendar.
[14:38] Ceejay Writer: And oh do I have hats.....
[14:39] Liz Wilner: do remember...the dress code also is about clothing
[14:39] Fauve Aeon: huzzahfor hats
[14:39] Stereo Nacht: Big Tiny hat shopping ahead!
[14:39] Liz Wilner: the dresses for the ladies are as much the statement as the hats
[14:39] Ranulf Falconer: "The combinations are striking."
[14:39] Ceejay Writer: I have about 100 hats in SL and nary a chance to wear them.
[14:39] Liz Wilner: and of course, the men in their morning suits and top hats...wonderful to see
[14:39] [Second Life: Charlemagne Allen gave you Drunkenness.]
[14:39] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Lady Tea Gupte always sports lovely hats
[14:39] Liz Wilner: do remember...the dress code also is about clothing
[14:39] Fauve Aeon: huzzahfor hats
[14:39] Stereo Nacht: Big Tiny hat shopping ahead!
[14:39] Liz Wilner: the dresses for the ladies are as much the statement as the hats
[14:39] Ranulf Falconer: "The combinations are striking."
[14:39] Ceejay Writer: I have about 100 hats in SL and nary a chance to wear them.
[14:39] Liz Wilner: and of course, the men in their morning suits and top hats...wonderful to see
[14:39] [Second Life: Charlemagne Allen gave you Drunkenness.]
[14:39] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Lady Tea Gupte always sports lovely hats
[14:40] Lady Sumoku can imagine
[14:40] [Second Life: Ascot 2017 owned by Oriella Charik gave you 'Ascot 2017'  ( Babbage Palisade (254,36,108) ).]
[14:40] [Second Life: Ascot 2017 owned by Oriella Charik gave you 'Royal Ascot @ Blackhawk Heights'  ( Babbage Palisade (254,36,108) ).]
[14:40] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Your Grace Liz, I have a question about this year, is a particular colour being sported this year
[14:40] Liz Wilner: and the races are so fun...if any riders out there or horses to enter a race...please see either myself or Olde after this salon
[14:41] Liz Wilner: ah...colors
[14:41] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): I am not good at keeping up with the trends
[14:41] Liz Wilner: attendees are free to choose a color of their choice
[14:41] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) is not much for the wearing of hats.
[14:41] Charlemagne Allen wants a pony
[14:41] Oriella Charik: Plainly whatever I choose to wear is fashionable!
[14:41] Liz Wilner: yes I know Baron...but once a year one can ease ;)
[14:42] Majak: lol
[14:42] Ceejay Writer: BAron, I have a HEllo Kitty hat that might suit you?
[14:42] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): the tinies ride ponies
[14:42] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) glares at Fraulein Ceejay
[14:42] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): smile :)
[14:42] Liz Wilner: Oriella and I always coordinate for colors...the year's "royal colors"...revealed when we arrive :)
[14:42] Lady Sumoku offers the Baron this hat: http://wordwenches.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c84c753ef014e88fd6493970d-popup
[14:42] Ceejay Writer beams a smile back
[14:42] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): then *chuckles
[14:42] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): Cometh the Hour: Book Six Of the Clifton Chronicles ... Rouge, Louisiana, who's in England to see his horse run at Royal Ascot. ...
[14:43] Liz Wilner: oh wonderful Cas!  thank you!
[14:43] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): I found a note about one of the James Bond novels with Royal Ascot featured.
[14:43] Ceejay Writer: Nice find!
[14:43] CountessAdaLovelace whispers,  'rani, there's that mr mannonen.  when did he sneak in?'
[14:43] Liz Wilner: Cassie is our intrepid builder...so much detail she gives to the entire event
[14:43] CountessAdaLovelace whispers,  'rani, there's that mr mannonen.  when did he sneak in?'
[14:43] Liz Wilner: Cassie is our intrepid builder...so much detail she gives to the entire event
[14:43] Liz Wilner appluds Cassie
[14:43] Ranulf Falconer: "A bit ago."
[14:43] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): excellent, bond too
[14:43] Ceejay Writer: The Writer clan is good folk.
[14:43] Liz Wilner: *applauds
[14:44] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): yes they are Lady CeeJay
[14:44] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): :)
[14:44] Ceejay Writer: :D
[14:44] CountessAdaLovelace whispers,  'he's hired a new clerk, you know.  his business must be booming,'
[14:44] CountessAdaLovelace applauds with the rest of the crowd
[14:44] Fauve Aeon: A Hat Gacha or dispenser sopunds fun
[14:45] Fauve Aeon: *sounds
[14:45] Ceejay Writer: Well, I should be going. I must whip together a dinner in the next hour, to be ready to see Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus's final performance.
[14:45] Liz Wilner: oo!
[14:45] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Gute Nacht, Fraulein.
[14:45] Callidus Waydelich: Oh, my.
[14:45] Fauve Aeon: is it broadcast or are yougoing?
[14:45] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): wonderful
[14:45] Ranulf Falconer: "This was most impressive."
[14:45] Liz Wilner: thank you for coming Ceejay :)
[14:45] Charlemagne Allen: This was wonderful
[14:45] Ceejay Writer: Broadcast in various online venues.  Here!  https://www.ringling.com/
[14:45] Stereo Nacht: Good night Ms. Writer!
[14:45] Charlemagne Allen: And you can't have enough hats.
[14:45] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): yes, Thank you so much Liz and Oriella :)
[14:45] Cassie Eldemar (cashew.writer): ¸♥`*•.¸Take Care & Merry Paths¸.•*´♥¸
[14:45] Kailyn Stormraven (kailyn.bravin): thanks
[14:46] Ceejay Writer: Thank you, I have learned SO much about a tradition I was unfamiliar with. I really appreciate that.
[14:46] Majak: thank you all
[14:46] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas) regrets that it is a final performance for Ringling
[14:46] Liz Wilner: thank you all for coming...hope to see you at the races!
[14:46] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Thank you everyone !
[14:46] Sera (serafina.puchkina): I must leave as well. RL is calling rather loudly. Thank you, ladies for a most entertaining presentation.
[14:46] Lady Sumoku shakes fist at RL.
[14:46] Cᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ Kɪʟʟɪᴀɴ (killianbaileyjameson): have a lovely evening/day, all. Thank you for the presentation.
[14:46] Stereo Nacht:  `*.¸.*´ APPLAUSE `*.¸.*´APPLAUSE `*.¸.*´
[14:46] Eilidh McCullough: Most informative and engaging - I must also depart.
[14:46] Wildstar Beaumont: :)
[14:46] CountessAdaLovelace: 'thank you so very much, misses wilner and charik!'
[14:46] Callidus Waydelich smiles
[14:46] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) applaids
[14:47] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas): Wonderful talk, Duchess  *smiles*
[14:47] Ranulf Falconer applauds
[14:47] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Fauve Aeon!
[14:47] [You paid Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) L$250.]
[14:47] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) nudges in an extra U
[14:47] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas) applauds
[14:47] Liz Wilner: :) thank you
[14:47] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Ancasta Resident!
[14:47] OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul): Thank you so much Ladies
[14:47] Callidus Waydelich: A fine presentation indeed. Time to go!
[14:47] Oriella Charik: Thank you everyone, have a fine evening
[14:47] Lady Sumoku claps some more.
[14:47] Stereo Nacht: Good night Duchess Liz, Admiral Beaumont, Countess Ada, Mr. Falconeer, Ms. McCullough, Lady Sumoku, Ms. Blitzen, Baron Wulfenbach, Queen Zantabraxus, Ms. Aller, Ms. Aeon, Ms. Majak, Mr. Mannonen, Mr. Eldemar!
[14:47] Stereo Nacht: And anhyone I am missing, but looks like I missed most departing while typing...
[14:48] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) waves to those leaving
[14:48] Wildstar Beaumont: good night Captain Stereo
[14:48] Lady Sumoku waves and waves again.
[14:48] Liz Wilner waves to everyone
[14:48] Charlemagne Allen: need to run
[14:48] Charlemagne Allen: mwah
[14:48] Fauve Aeon: *hugs, Charl*
[14:49] Stereo Nacht curtsies
[14:49] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Danke, those leaving, for your attendance.
[14:51] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Your Grace, your tips.
[14:51] Liz Wilner: thank you, Baron :)
[14:51] Liz Wilner: I hope you think it went well?
[14:51] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): A bit shorter than usual, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. Ware the doors.
[14:58] Ranulf Falconer: "Thank you for a wonderfu salon."
[14:58] CountessAdaLovelace: 'yes, thank you very much, everyone.'
[14:58] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Danke for your attendance, Herr Falconer.
[14:58] Liz Wilner: thank you for coming :)
[14:58] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Countess Ada.
[15:00] Liz Wilner: thank you Baron...we enjoyed doing this :)
[15:00] Oriella Charik: Yes indeed
[15:01] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Danke. I was hoping it would be a little more in depth, but it was enjoyed by the audience.
[15:01] Oriella Charik puts hat on her shopping list

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Links, dates and LM for SL Royal Ascot

For more information regarding Royal Ascot, please visit these sites:

https://www.ascot.co.uk/

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Royal-Ascot/

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-13695338

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2010/jun/15/ascot-fashion-century

https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/life-and-living/explore/lifestyle/history-of-the-ascot-hat/
+++++++++++++++++++++++

Royal Ascot 2017 Second Life
24 June 2017, 1-3PM SLT at Blackhawk Downs

DRESS CODE

Royal Ascot is a very special occasion for those lucky enough to be there. It has always been a traditional British event and that is reflected in the dress code throughout the week of races.  Below are the three areas for viewing.  We hope you enjoy your day at the races!

Royal Enclosure:

Ladies are required to wear formal day clothing whilst within the Royal Enclosure as described:
• Dresses and skirts of a length just below the knee or longer
• Dresses and tops with straps of one inch or more
• If a jacket is worn, the dress or top must still comply with the above standard
• Trouser suits of full length and same colour are welcome
• Hats should be worn; alternatively a head piece with a 4 inch base or more is acceptable
Please note the following:
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Enclosure
• Midriffs must be covered

Gentlemen are required to wear either a black or grey morning suit which must include:
• A waistcoat
• A tie or cravat
• A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes
A gentlemen’s top hat may be removed within the refreshment tent, private box or private club.

Grandstand:

Ladies with admission to the grandstand are encouraged to dress as if attending a formal occasion. Please take note of the following:
• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that follows the above guideline.
• Jackets maybe worn, however the dress or top it covers should adhere to the above guideline.
• Midriffs must be covered
• Shorts are not permitted

Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.

Silver Ring and Heath Enclosure:

Although no formal dress code applies in the Silver Ring Enclosure and Heath Enclosure, race goers are encouraged to wear smart clothes.

PLEASE NOTE THAT BARE CHESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME

Tarot! (Unedited Transcript)

[14:15] Jedburgh Dagger (jedburgh30.dagger): I was asked to handle the introductions for an infirm Klaus. (He's not really here it's an illusion...)

[14:15] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I suspect he's actually busy at this time of year because he's really Santa Klaus.

[14:16] Jedburgh Dagger (jedburgh30.dagger): So without any further ado, please welcome Merry Chase to the Salon stage for a chat on Tarot..

[14:16] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) grins holographically

[14:16] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) applauds

[14:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thank you!

[14:16] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn) applauds

 [14:16] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) applauds

[14:16] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): Miss Discovolante! How wonderful to see you.

[14:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Welcome!  Thanks for coming, at this busy time of year.

 [14:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): This talk is on Tarot, which I think is a super sweet piece of serendipity because this happens to be the 78th of these talks, and guess how many cards are in a Tarot deck?

[14:17] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) looks pleased at the Jarl's outburst.

[14:17] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Yup.

[14:17] Merry Chase (merrytricks): 78.

[14:17] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Cool, huh? We didn’t plan that, either. I’m a pinch-hitter, ‘cause the scheduled speaker had to cancel.

[14:17] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I’ve been researching tarot’s evolution, so that’s what we’ll talk about mostly, but if we have time we can go into prohibition and theory a little. The history of tarot basically combines the history of two things: divination and playing cards.

[14:17] Merry Chase (merrytricks): The beginnings of divination are lost in the mists of Avalon, or more likely in the Clan of the Cave Bear. Anyhow, so far back I’m not going to try to trace that.

[14:18] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Pretty much for as long as we’ve been human, we’ve been seeking signs and auguries. A dream, cloud shapes, the toss of yarrow sticks or bone dice, the appearance of sheep entrails, you name it, we’ll see meaning in it. 

Maybe that’s wrong, to try to see the future, but to err is human, and to divine is human, too.

(Pause for laughter.)

 [14:18] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) chuckles then groans

[14:18] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): :-)

[14:18] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas): Thank you, Jed  *smiles and listens attentively to the talk*

[14:18] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) grins

[14:18] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thank you, thank you. But yeah, we seem to compulsively seek signs. So, we had bones, dice, dreams, various oracles.  And when paper came along, it seems like it was natural for us to find a way pretty soon to use that for divination, somehow.

[14:18] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas): Oh dear, pun-ishment.

[14:18] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Fond as we are of oracles, we’re also fond of games. It’s impossible to say which we did first with cards -- play games or tell fortunes.

[14:19] Lady Sumoku: And then cookies

[14:19] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Now, for cards, you need writing,  printing, and paper.

 [14:19] Merry Chase (merrytricks): We invented writing about five thousand years ago, in Sumer, a little after we invented cities and started needing to keep written records. Sumerians also invented the first printing process, about 3000BCE, with the cylindar seals that were rolled to make an impression on clay tablets.

[14:19] Merry Chase (merrytricks): It’s a while before we get around to paper. Of course, we used papyrus in Egypt also around the third millenium BCE, and heiroglyphic writing, but we don’t seem to have got around to making cards until we came up with pulped paper.

[14:19] Merry Chase (merrytricks): It’s a while before we get around to paper. Of course, we used papyrus in Egypt also around the third millenium BCE, and heiroglyphic writing, but we don’t seem to have got around to making cards until we came up with pulped paper.

[14:19] Merry Chase (merrytricks): oops, sorry

[14:19] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Senior moment, repeating myself.

[14:20] Merry Chase (merrytricks): We started making paper in China around 100 CE, and by 200 CE we had wood block printing—also a Chinese invention and also very useful for creating cards--but it’s another 700 years after block printing, before cards show up. By the early 9th century we are at last playing card games.

[14:20] Merry Chase (merrytricks): We have lots of RPGs in Second Life, so it might be interesting to hear that the first card game was evidently a roleplaying game. It was called Game of Leaves, and it involved a book as well as cards.

[14:20] Merry Chase (merrytricks): The history of games is a whole ‘nother fascinating avenue down which we could wander. Every time I check a fact I find myself tempted by intriguing side tracks. But sticking with the idea of the cards, it wasn’t long before another important element evolved, and that was suits.

[14:21] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Card suits that is. I don't know when and where humans invented three-piece suits.

[14:21] Merry Chase (merrytricks): ahem... where were we?

[14:21] Merry Chase (merrytricks): ah yes, China.

[14:21] Merry Chase (merrytricks): China is to credit, again, for suits. There were cards with suits by the 12th century but they were sort of like an outgrowth of dominoes or play money. Like money, the suits were ranked by denomination, as if you were playing with ones, fives, tens, twenties, and hundred-dollar bills.

 [14:22] Merry Chase (merrytricks): There's a little blurbage behind me, to your left, showing an early Chinese card and telling more about those suits.

 [14:22] Merry Chase (merrytricks): The forebears of our four modern suits, were Mamluk decks. Nobody seems certain whether cards traveled first to India and Persia and then to Arabia, or vice versa, but in one direction or another, the Silk Road carried, along with other treasures, the early decks of playing cards.

 [14:23] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And in the Arabian Mamluk dynasty, we get not only 4 suits, but also, although the number of cards wasn’t standardized for a while, we begin to see decks of 52 just like modern playing cards.  (Although unlike most modern decks, these were hand-crafted with silver and gilt paint.)

[14:23] Merry Chase (merrytricks): You can see examples of those Mamluk suits up in the air above the Chinese card.

[14:24] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And in the Arabian Mamluk dynasty, we get not only 4 suits, but also, although the number of cards wasn’t standardized for a while, we begin to see decks of 52 just like modern playing cards.  (Although unlike most modern decks, these were hand-crafted with silver and gilt paint.)

 [14:24] Merry Chase (merrytricks): grr, um, let me try to move forward with my thoughts once more!

[14:24] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Suits, yes.

[14:24] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And divination. You wanted to hear about tarot, not just cards. So....

[14:25] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Also, by now, we know for sure that cards are being used to tell fortunes. Some of the Mamluk cards have fortunes on them in calligraphy --- “I will, as pearls on a string, be lifted in the hands of kings.” “May God give thee prosperity; then thou will already have achieved thy aim.” “With the sword of happiness I shall redeem a beloved who will afterwards take my life.“

And speaking of swords, Swords was one of the early suits, and is one of the modern tarot suits, too. The Mamluk suits were Swords, Polo Sticks, Cups and Coins, and these evolved into our tarot suits and our poker suits, with some interesting variations according to region once they hit Europe.

 [14:25] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Up in the air on the right, you can see the evolution of European suits. There are some fun variations on our familiar four.

[14:26] Merry Chase (merrytricks): From Arabia cards entered Spain and thence the rest of Europe.  A 1371 Catalan rhyming dictionary defines “naip” as playing card, possibly from the Arabic na-ib, the word for a court card in the Mamluk decks. At that time, Andalusia was still under Muslim rule, so in spreading “into Europe” the cards really only had a few hundred kilometers to travel.

[14:26] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Then we see the nobles of Italian city-states commissioning decks of cards, with family members portrayed as the various images on the court cards.  Now, by the end of the 15th century, from the deck of 52, we expand to that serendipitous 78 by adding 22 special cards with allegorical themes, called “trionfi” or “triumphs.”

[14:27] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Trionfi, or triumphs, is also the name of a game played with the cards, and another game is called tarocco, and from there, we get Tarot. In modern fortune-telling decks, those triumphs are called the Major Arcana, while the other 52 cards are referred to as the minor arcana.

[14:27] Merry Chase (merrytricks): So, now here we are in Renaissance Italy with gilt-and-silver cards all the rage among the nobility, but cards require one more thing before they can become widely popular, and that’s affordability.  The Tarot of Marseilles brings a new standardization and simplicity to card design, and then, enter the printing press.

[14:27] Wildstar Beaumont waves silently

[14:28] Merry Chase (merrytricks): In the poster at center behind me you can see seven cards, from various eras, and see that evolution from ornate portraiture to simplicity, paint to woodcut to printing press.

 [14:29] Merry Chase (merrytricks): The inquiring minds of the Enlightenment studied spiritualism and the occult with as much seriousness as they gave to areas that we still think of as science today, though of course there was plenty of quackery and charlatanism as well.  A history of tarot was invented from whole cloth, whence we get a fabricated ancient Egyptian origin for the word “tarot.”

[14:29] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Tarot catches the popular imagination. It appears in stories and poems. Decks of cards can be produced cheaply in assembly-line fashion, from printing to cutting to sorting and packaging, and fortune telling decks are advertised in the London news sheets of the 18th century. Soon, everyone from Napoleon Bonaparte to Wolfgang von Goethe to Lisa Simpson is getting tarot card readings.  And it is on The Simpsons that a 79th card is added to the deck. The Happy Squirrel.

[14:30] Merry Chase (merrytricks): On the course of this journey, there have been reawakenings in interest in spiritualism in general, and tarot specifically. During one of these, in 1910, the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck was published, and it has remained one of the most popular decks of all time. Its imagery was drawn the 15th century Sola Busca deck, from the Italian noble era of tarot.  You can also see the influence of the Marseilles tarot. And in turn, the Rider-Waite-Smith imagery has continued to be the basis for hundreds of variations of tarot decks.

[14:30] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I couldn't find any statistics on the current popularity of tarot, or sales of tarot decks, in a quick last-minute search. It'd be interesting to know.

[14:31] Merry Chase (merrytricks): But in a nutshell, that's the evolution of tarot cards.

 [14:31] Merry Chase (merrytricks): We see on that 7-card poster, the more modern decks, starting with the 4th card, the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

[14:32] Merry Chase (merrytricks): On the bottom row are more recent decks but there are so many... do a web search for almost anything plus the word tarot and it seems like you'll find a deck.

 [14:32] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Goddess Tarot, Heavy Metal Tarot, whatever.

[14:33] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Now, one important aspect of history has been Prohibition.

[14:33] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Both divination and simple game play with cards, as well as gambling, have been prohibited at various times and places.

[14:33] Merry Chase (merrytricks): 1294, China: Not only gamblers, and the owner of the premises, but the block printer who printed the cards, are arrested, whipped, and fined, under laws against gambling.

1376, Florence: A decree outlaws the recently-introduced practice of playing ‘naibbe,’ or card games.

1377, Paris: Card play is forbidden on working days. Through the remainder of the 14th century, card play is prohibited in various municipalities and states of Europe.

 [14:34] Merry Chase (merrytricks): 1614, Spain: The Inquisition tortures Margarita de Borja until she confesses to cartomancy. Margarita de Borja confessed to the Spanish Inquisition:

“She would lay five rows of cards on the table, each row containing four cards face up. Then she picked them up and shuffled them while saying: ‘Lady Saint Martha, you are in the church, you listen to the dead and inspire the living: so tell me through these cards what I am asking you about.’  Having the cards coming up in pairs; kings near kings, pages near pages and so on; was a good omen, but having the cards came up in any other configuration indicated a bad omen.”

(And I would ask, was that witchcraft, or prayer and meditation? )

[14:35] Merry Chase (merrytricks): 1966 – 1976, China: The Cultural Revolution bans playing and printing of cards. When cards return, court cards are replaced by numbers 11, 12 and 13.

Card Play Today: Playing cards is forbidden by Islam as it may distract from thoughts of Allah and also lead to gambling, which is forbidden.

 [14:35] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Tarot Today: Check your local laws before reading tarot for pay.  Professional cartomancy remains banned in many places and though the laws are rarely enforced, most “fortune tellers” safeguard themselves with disclaimers: “For entertainment purposes only.” Reading cards has sometimes been defended as a practice of religious or speech freedom.

[14:36] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Whew. That's a lot of history. I've thrown up a ton of words. But if you'd like, I can throw a few more up about theory and science of tarot.

[14:36] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): You have time, I believe.

[14:36] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): yes please, if you have time

[14:36] Wildstar Beaumont: of course .. please continue

[14:36] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Okay! Good!

[14:36] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Does tarot work, and, if so, why, or how?

[14:37] Merry Chase (merrytricks): In my own practice I’ve found it unsettling that I can read for someone and they will respond to me that my insight was uncanny – although I have absolutely no knowledge of their situation, before or after the reading!

[14:37] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I issue a sort of disclaimer that I have no psychic ability, and that tarot is just a form of meditation. But why do the most relevant cards, for meditating on, seem to turn up time and time again? Out of 78 cards, we choose ten, and I tell you their story. Every ten-card story is different, depending on each card and its position and the relationship between the ten.  Somehow, out of the random shuffle of archtypal images, the right story comes up for almost every querant. Not 100%, but nearly every reading, my clients tell me I’m spot on. And I have no idea of the particulars of their lives, and how the tarot story I told them has answered their questions.

 [14:38] Merry Chase (merrytricks): This experience clearly isn’t limited to me and my clients. For centuries, tarot decks continue to sell. More new designs are created, and scores of existing designs remain best-sellers.

[14:38] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Famous tarot author Mary K Greer cites Jung and Hawking on her website, in her discussion of this question.  Certainly the imagery of tarot is rooted in archetypes that speak to common human experience. There are cards about love, and cards about night terrors, and cards about delusion. Everyone has experienced those things.

 [14:38] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Maybe tarot, dream, and other methods of divination, tap into the collective subconscious and circumvent our linear perception of time. We know intellectually that our concept of time as a line or stream is only subjective, so maybe insights into past and future events are delivered because in consulting oracles we step for a moment out of the subjective time stream.

[14:39] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Professional tarot readings go for about $50 to several hundred dollars, US. They’re comparable to psychotherapy sessions, not only in price but in the kind of benefit people derive from them. And another parallel might be that they’re both imprecise sciences, soft sciences, and modalities that work for some people and not for others.

[14:39] Merry Chase (merrytricks): We know so little really, about the human mind, about consciousness and about time. But for more about the directions in which science might pursue this question, including trippy graphs about quantums and stuff, check out Greer’s blog, here:

 https://marygreer.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/stephen-hawking-on-prediction-and-astrology/

 [14:40] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I will take questions in a moment.

[14:40] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thanks for coming to my talk on the history of tarot. It only skimmed the surface of the subject. If you'd like to delve deeper, I can highly recommend a couple of my research resources:

For the history of playing cards http://www.wopc.co.uk/history/earlyrefs.html

For tarot history https://marygreer.wordpress.com/

I'm sorry I couldn't credit all sources of information and images but I did my best. If there's material included I ought to have credited, please let me know and I will correct that. And please forgive me, remembering this is a presentation given for love and not for profit, to benefit a good cause.

 [14:41] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And if you’d like to get a reading from me…

https://merrychase.org/tarot-reading/

I'm sorry I didn't have time to create a whole Experience for you to walk into, here, today, but I am working on something with Cara Cali at Botanica, where there will be 22 Experiences to walk into. So I hope you'll all come to that.  Stay tuned.

And please, if you are able, help my severely disabled daughter, here: 

https://www.youcaring.com/healhazel-695831

[14:41] Merry Chase (merrytricks): So, any questions about anything from history to theory to...?

[14:41] Merry Chase (merrytricks): eep, doorbell, brb!!!

[14:42] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Heh.

 [14:42] Merry Chase (merrytricks): oh wow, sweet, it was kids caroling!

[14:42] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): :-)

[14:42] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I had to run them off though because of my daughter's being sick and asleep.

[14:42] Lady Sumoku: How many were actually named Carol?

[14:42] Merry Chase (merrytricks) feels like a Scrooge.

[14:43] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Excuse me, I'll see if I can catch them and ask which one(s) is/are Carol.

[14:43] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): hehe

 [14:43] Merry Chase (merrytricks): so anyway, Tarot? Questions?

[14:44] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): How many decks do you own?

[14:44] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Scottie Melnik!

 [14:44] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I own two decks plus maybe four or five automatic tarot tables inworld, and five decks in RL.

 [14:44] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): What draws you to your favourites?

[14:45] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, SennaTheSoothsayer Resident!

[14:45] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I prefer reading from Rider-Waite-Smith for others, just because it's familiar to so many people.

[14:45] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Karenza McCullough!

[14:45] Merry Chase (merrytricks): For myself, it depends on my mood largely.

 [14:45] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I am very fond of one called Wheel of Change because it's multi-cultural and multi-era, and features images like factory smokestacks, and burning guitars.

[14:45] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Lady Sumoku!

[14:45] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): I like the Rider-Waite-Smith as the pictures are so self-explanatory

[14:46] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Yes, they are, very accessible.

[14:46] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, MurphyFox Manimal!

[14:46] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Some decks speak directly and others take a lot of study.

[14:46] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Otenth Paderborn!

[14:46] Merry Chase (merrytricks): There's some I love for the art but they don't really speak to me.

[14:47] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Some are just fun and funny.

 [14:47] Merry Chase (merrytricks): But it can be really valuable reading an accompanying book with a deck, if it's well-written, and finding out all kinds of depths in the variations the creator made, the liberties they took, with the standard images.

[14:48] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn) shuffles through his inventory looking for the 3D tarot images he thinks he bought from Madcow Cosmos

[14:48] Merry Chase (merrytricks): That's another thing I like about Wheel of Change. If there's a garden shed with a broken window there's a reason for it, and it can have startling impact.

 [14:49] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Liz Wilner!

[14:49] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Some creators seem to create a deck out of pure asthetic inspiration, and others have more theory in mind.

[14:49] Merry Chase (merrytricks): A 3D deck sounds fascinating, Otenth!

[14:49] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Wildstar Beaumont!

 [14:50] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): It was an art exhibit. He did only some of the major arcana.

[14:50] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Ahh.

[14:50] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I am working on sort of a 3D experience of tarot hsitory, actually the third incarnation of my exhibit.

 [14:50] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): The only thing I can find is a landmark from 2008.

[14:50] Lady Sumoku drags Wulfi back inworld through the power of interpretive dance.

[14:50] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Brava. Well-danced.

[14:51] Liz Wilner smiles

[14:51] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas) hands Smokey the connection glue gun

 [14:51] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) chuckles

 [14:51] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Any other questions, about decks, about historic moments in tarot, about reading tarot?

[14:51] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Or anything?

[14:51] Merry Chase (merrytricks): The name of my cat?

[14:51] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Moggy?

[14:51] Wildstar Beaumont: Tarot ?

[14:52] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Nope, not at all related. Pure nonsequitor. Hendrix Chainsaw.

[14:52] Liz Wilner: Decks

[14:52] Liz Wilner: oh!  lol

[14:52] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Now I have some good names for future cats!

[14:52] Wildstar Beaumont: :)

[14:52] Murphy T. Fox (murphyfox.manimal): Good night everyone

[14:52] Lady Sumoku: I wouldn't have guessed that.

[14:52] Lady Sumoku waves

[14:52] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Oh, how about, how long have I been reading?

[14:52] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Over three decades.

[14:53] Lady Sumoku has been reading over three decades, but not cards.

[14:53] Merry Chase (merrytricks) feels almost as old as her avatar looks!

 [14:53] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Oh yeah, I've been reading for about 52 years. Ha. Tarot for 30+

 [14:53] Lady Sumoku: You have me beat, but I'm not saying by how much.

[14:54] Wildstar Beaumont: :)

 [14:55] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I have to say too that while tarot gives much comfort and guidance, and people say my readings are spot on, tarot never told me my kid was going to be disabled by neuro-immune disease, or the level of disaster of Hurricane Katrina, or that Trump would be elected, or any major horrors I've seen. I never saw them coming via Tarot.

 [14:55] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): I find I can never read anything that is about me or which affects me personally with tarot

[14:55] Liz Wilner: so Tarot won't give Powerball numbers, then

[14:55] Lady Sumoku: We wouldn't have been able to duck many of those things anyway.

[14:56] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Zantabraxus Aristocarnas!

[14:56] Merry Chase (merrytricks): But Tarot has given me ways to look at the past and present and hints of things to be prepared for, or ways to influence the future, like Dickens’ Ghost of Christmas to come. Shadows which may yet be, or not.

 [14:56] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Yeah, I can only read for myself in a limited way, that's true too.

[14:57] Merry Chase (merrytricks): It's good even if you're a good reader, to have someone else read for you sometimes.

[14:57] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And yes, can't duck what's coming. You can only hope to influence things for the best.

[14:57] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And maybe with these ancient roots and universal archetypes, tarot helps put it all into perspective.

 [14:58] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Powerball numbers. Hm. I actually have not tried that so I can't be sure it wouldn't work!

[14:58] Lady Sumoku: I'm kicking myself for not buying one of those 365-day emergency food pallets now. :P

[14:58] Wildstar Beaumont: :)

[14:58] Lady Sumoku doesn't have room for four years' worth

[14:58] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Well, then there's the value of preparedness. I put a whole lot of effort into assembling an emergency supply box, which got stolen from my car!

[14:58] Lady Sumoku: D'oh

[14:59] Merry Chase (merrytricks): yeah

[14:59] Merry Chase (merrytricks): pfft

[14:59] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Did the cat return?

[14:59] Merry Chase (merrytricks): So we can try to divine the future but the gods and other humans will always mess with us anyway.

[14:59] Merry Chase (merrytricks): The cat?

[14:59] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Pfft.

[14:59] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Angry cat, ja?

[15:00] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Oh, maybe my cat is the one who took my emergency box from my car, and has set up a secret bunker somewhere.

[15:00] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Cats are devious like that

[15:01] Lady Sumoku: http://www.quickmeme.com/img/92/927d52fd29f08027c5356e5f8bfd78021dcd2351d18d717eb86d393132f7322a.jpg

[15:01] Merry Chase (merrytricks): hahaha

[15:02] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Ermengarde, I wonder, has anyone written Tarot For Your Cat?

 [15:02] Merry Chase (merrytricks): That may be a golden concept there.

[15:02] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): I've seen the Tarot for Cats, which is interesting. Mostly as cats like to sit on things.

[15:02] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Right.

[15:03] Merry Chase (merrytricks): That's all my cat has ever done with my cards.

[15:03] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Drat, it's already been done, though. There goes my retirement plan.

[15:03] Lady Sumoku: I think you can count yourself blessed, then.

[15:03] Merry Chase (merrytricks): ha, true

 [15:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Are there any other questions?

[15:04] Lady Sumoku: Maybe there's room for Tarot for Hamsters.

[15:04] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I noticed that the entire proceedings will be posted on the website. I hope the person noting things down hasn't crashed and lost their notes.

[15:04] Lady Sumoku: We will collaborate if there are gaps

[15:04] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): We would appreciate copies of your images to include.

[15:04] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Okay, yes!

[15:04] Merry Chase (merrytricks): To whom should I provide those?

[15:05] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): There will be photos posted in the Flickr group also :)

[15:05] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Also, please touch the sign with the Sun, on the right. It will give you presents.

 [15:05] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Ancasta Resident!

[15:05] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas): We are slightly behind on the transcripts, due to the nature of holiday schedules, but hope to be caught up soon.

[15:05] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Danke, the gift is very kind.

[15:06] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Are there any last tips before we reward our speaker appropriately?

[15:06] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I'm very gradually creating a full set of tarot t-shirts. By the time SL5 is out I may be done.

[15:06] Lady Sumoku: We'll probably be on our third lives by then.

[15:06] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) grins

[15:06] Salon Speaker Tipjar: Thank you for supporting the Aether Salon, Wildstar Beaumont!

[15:07] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thank you all so much for being here, and being interested in this stuff, and for your generosity!

[15:07] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Danke again for your very interesting presentation, and for speaking at the Salon in general.

[15:07] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) applauds

[15:07] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): Thank you!

[15:07] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta) applauds!

[15:07] Liz Wilner applauds

[15:07] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn) applauds

[15:07] Renza (karenza.mccullough) applauds

[15:07] Lady Sumoku cheers

[15:07] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thanks! I am sorry, again, that I couldn't make it more of a multimedia experience, but do watch for the exhibit at Botanica which will be very much one.

[15:07] Wildstar Beaumont: very interesting ! thank you !

[15:07] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thanks!

[15:07] Senna (sennathesoothsayer):      ✯˜*•. ˜*•✯•*˜ .•*˜✯

[15:07] Senna (sennathesoothsayer):      ✯˜*•. ˜*•✯•*˜ .•*˜✯

[15:07] Senna (sennathesoothsayer): ✯˜*•.  ɊǷǷﺎﻣɊƲՏȻ  .•*˜✯

[15:07] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thank you all so much!

 [15:08] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Its been really interesting, I've learned a few things.

[15:08] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Great! I'm so glad!

[15:09] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I've had a ton of fun researching this, since I created my first exhibit for Decades Festival about 2.5 years ago.

[15:09] Merry Chase (merrytricks): My second exhibit was at Rocca and drew a lot of visitors so I'm excited to be working on v3.

[15:09] Merry Chase (merrytricks): And of course I'll be happy to read for any of you. Just message me.

[15:10] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): You had an aether address for that?

[15:10] Merry Chase (merrytricks): ah yes

[15:10] Merry Chase (merrytricks): merrytricks@gmail.com

[15:11] Merry Chase (merrytricks): or drop me a notecard inworld

[15:11] Liz Wilner: how do you do those remotely?

[15:12] Martini Discovolante: hello Otenth! soz i missed your greeting earlier. pokey day for  this little lump of coal!

[15:12] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I I've had successful readings here inworld, or via skype, or email.

 [15:12] Lady Sumoku: It's fine weather for pokey days, at least in the northern hemisphere.

 [15:12] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): I just assumed you were off chasing children in some other existence.

[15:12] Merry Chase (merrytricks): It's actually startling -- or maybe not -- for people who know how strangely intimate and present this virtual reality can be.

[15:12] Merry Chase (merrytricks): But it seems startling to me how well remote readings work.

[15:12] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn) nods

 [15:13] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): I like your comment on your website about how SL strips away the "meat world"

[15:13] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Oh and telephone, of course. Mustn't forget that fine invention.

[15:13] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Ha, thanks!

[15:13] Martini Discovolante: i met my quota early.

[15:13] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Exactly.

 [15:14] Martini Discovolante: thanks to the state of the edu system, they are none too bright , these new ones.

[15:14] Merry Chase (merrytricks): There's a way we're more present to one another here, than in the flesh.

[15:14] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) smiles at Fraulein Martini and the unexpected knight at his feet

 [15:14] Merry Chase (merrytricks): So many nights are not what we expect.

 [15:15] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas): My goodness, Hello JJ

[15:15] Martini Discovolante: i hear the knights are longer this time of year in this heisphere

[15:15] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander) groans

[15:15] Merry Chase (merrytricks): For anyone who wanted to hear the tarot talk, it's over but it will be up on the Salon blog and I think I'll put it on my blog as well.

[15:15] Wildstar Beaumont: time to go ... good night everybody and thank you again Miss Chase

[15:16] Lady Sumoku waves

[15:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): JJ is here at nearly Solstice, so of course is nearly the shortest knight. [Note: My brain must have been in the Southern hemisphere at this point.]

[15:16] Renza (karenza.mccullough): Good night and thank you.

[15:16] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn): Thank you very much.

 [15:16] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas) groans

[15:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thank you all again, so much!

[15:16] JJ Drinkwater graons

 [15:16] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn) waves goodbye and poofs.

[15:16] Liz Wilner: Thank you Merry...and thank you Baron and Baronin for hosting this once-again interesting salon! :)

[15:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I know, I should have had more puns in my talk. I'll try to be better prepared net time.

[15:16] Wulfriðe Blitzen  (ancasta): Take care everyone

[15:16] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thanks and happy Solstice to all!

[15:16] Otenth Håkon Paderborn (otenth.paderborn) left chat range.

[15:17] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Bitte sehr

[15:17] Liz Wilner waves to all

 [15:17] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas) smiles at Liz

[15:17] Merry Chase (merrytricks): I'll be here for a few minutes more, cleaning up my mess.

 [15:18] Lady Sumoku is glad she doesn't have to do it.

[15:18] Zantabraxus (zantabraxus.aristocarnas): Merry, thank you so much for the interesting talk, and on such short notice.

[15:18] Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (klauswulfenbach.outlander): Indeed.

[15:18] Merry Chase (merrytricks): Thanks!