Tag Archives: featured july 2017

Staff Appreciation 2017

By Geenky

Here on ReVo, our staff works very hard. Often, their work goes without thanks, but in April, we held a Staff Appreciation event to rectify that. Initially, it was intended to span over two weeks, but the board has been left available, so there is still a chance to get down there and leave your own words of appreciation.

Qristal started off with beautiful letters to the staff. After that, the board was opened so that we as a group could contribute our words and gifts of thanks. Many artists donated avatar tokens or resources of some sort, and many more people have left amazingly heartfelt words for our staff members here at ReVo. It has been a beautiful thing to read, and if you haven’t yet taken a look or gotten your thanks in, I highly suggest heading down to the Staff Appreciation board now!

Clash of the Artists II

By Care

While ReVo’s mission is primarily to provide for role-play and role-players, we know that there’s more to it than just the game. In addition to writers, our community of creative minds includes coders, fact masters, and graphic designers. In this issue, we’re spotlighting the latter with Care’s continued coverage of Clash of the Artists.

In April, Grafica hosted the second annual Clash of the Artists event. For those who don’t know what the Clash of the Artists is, it’s a live battle between two artists. After rolling for themes, elements, and models, they complete a graphic challenge – usually avatars. The finished pieces are then put up for a vote on the Grafica – Clash of the Artists board, and after five days, the winner is announced.

This year, with the help of Qristal and Addiction, the Clash had a new scoring system. The system added win percentages rather than relying wholly on how many battles were completed. It was a nice change. Qristal took on the percentages, while I handled the voting and most of the board work.

For the live event, I had the help of Nicole, Mikhaela, and CD, which made sure it went as smoothly as possible. Of course, the event itself was the brainchild of a late night of talking between Demonatrix, Adept, and myself.

We had a great turn out this year, with some new artists stepping into the ring. Curiosity, Lady Edfeil, Asteria, Rutger, Addiction, Jenna, kitten, Covet, Miss Mickie, Caedam, and many others joined in the fun. We had a hundred different models that could result from a roll, as well as ten elements and themes. The outcome was so close that Aeternum was one battle away from taking it, but the addition of a new rule that required competitors to be present for two nights and complete eight battles kept him from holding the lead. That left Rutger in third place, with all the corresponding prizes.

The final battle royale was between kitten and Miss Mickie. Miss Mickie was in the lead until it came down to the last battle, which left kitten as the winner of this year’s Clash of the Artists!

A big thank you not only to the participants, but to Qristal and Addiction for their assistance with tweaking the system. And if you missed this year’s fun, you can still find everyone’s work on the Clash of the Artists board at ReVo!

Featured character: opiate

By Care

ReVolutionary Theory is the magazine that’s all about you – whether you’re a chatter, a player, or even a character! For this issue, Care braves the savage world of Gor to meet with the addictive opiate.

Hello, and welcome to this quarter’s character interview. This time around, we are sitting down with Covet{Dark}, who plays in the room Harfax. We get to learn a little about not just the character, who is a slave to a Metalworker in the town of Harfax, but Covet as well.

For those of you that may not know exactly what Gor is, Gor is a realm based on a series of books by a man named John Norman. I will tell you, don’t try to read the books if you’re a stickler for style, as the writing often leaves much to be desired. The series started in the 1970s and follows a man named Tarl Cabot through his journey on a strange alternative planet. The planet is run by men, who believe women are the lesser of the sexes. Many women in this world are slaves, and those that are have no rights and may own nothing, not even their own name. To me personally, Gor is one of those realms where it often calls to you, but sometimes just doesn’t work.

Thank you for doing this interview with me. Let’s start with how you, the person behind the character, got started im Gor?

C o v e t {Dark}: Well, Harfax isn’t my first venture into the Gorean world. I played a Physician in a wagon camp years ago, and bat one point, another slave, too. This time, I spoke with Dark and asked him to teach me as if from the beginning. I’ve got basic knowledge, but not a lot of the finer details.

How do you personally like Gor?

C o v e t {Dark}: It’s a trip. It’s very outside my box of comfort. I still have moments where I think, “what the fuck am I even supposed to do?”, so I ask. I really do enjoy it though. I think the submissive part of my personality seems pretty content there.

Do you believe that being submissive helps you in becoming your Gorean slave character?

C o v e t {Dark}: Yes, I do. I can’t imagine that as a more dominant person, I would be able to understand and put myself in my character’s place – the situations that she’s had to deal with, and the consequences for the actions that she takes.

How did you come up with the character? Was there a brainstorming session with your roleplay partner?

C o v e t {Dark}: My character started out with no name. By that I mean her name was nothing. I wanted to start from the very beginning, so we plotted a bit and decided she would have come to the world of Gor not long before. She was originally a barbarian. She didn’t know how to speak the language on Gor at all. It was frustrating and hilarious at the same time.

That sounds like a fun character to start with. I have played both Free Woman and a slave in Gor, and I know it’s a hard transition to work with.

So now that we have that out of the way, if you don’t mind, we would like to meet your Gorean character. We will start with what is your name, and where did you come from?

C o v e t {Dark}: My name is opiate. I am not from here, but I really couldn’t tell you much of where I am from. I was born a slave and it’s all I’ve ever remembered. I don’t remember my family.

opiate, such a pretty name. Tell us, opiate, who is your owner, and maybe a little about yourself?

C o v e t {Dark}: My owner is Rhage of Harfax. I live in a villa with my Master. I don’t leave without him. I used to go to the forge with him, but I was attacked there, so unless he can keep his eyes on me all the time, he won’t take me out.

So you have no freedom at all, within your ownership? Doesn’t that get a bit difficult?

C o v e t {Dark}: Outside the villa, no. I can do whatever I want inside the villa, though. A slave belonging to one of the guards has been teaching me how to dance so I can surprise my Master with it. I don’t think it’s difficult at all. I wouldn’t feel safe out by myself anyway.

So you’re telling me that you like being locked up in the Villa? You have no desire to go outside at all, no curiosity of what might be out there?

C o v e t {Dark}: If I want to go out, my Master will take me. I just have to ask him, but generally, I’m pretty content. I’ve seen a lot of the city. We go to the market pretty regularly. My Master will sometimes give me pretty silks if I behave.

Ok, that makes a little sense. Tell us about being owned – do you think you would ever want to be a Free Woman?

C o v e t {Dark}: I would never want to be Free. I love my Master. He takes care of me and I make sure he is happy. He knows what’s best for me and I don’t question him on that at all.

And what does a slave like you do for fun around a villa? Anything special?

C o v e t {Dark}: Aside from dancing, I’ve been learning how to cook more. There are gardens as well. I can go out there during the day when my Master is gone. The sun always feels so good against my skin.

Have you had any adventures? Anything exciting happen to you?

C o v e t {Dark}: Last week, my Master took me to the markets where there was a celebration going on. We got to watch the dancing girls. There was a whole big show. I had a lot of fun watching that. Other than that, we haven’t gotten to travel much, but probably soon.

You seem very content and happy in your life as a slave, but if you had one thing you would change, what would it be?

C o v e t {Dark}: I’m not really sure. I please my Master, so I pretty much get whatever I want from him because I earn it. Of course, I wish that maybe he didn’t have to work so I wouldn’t have to miss him when he was gone, but he is very proud of the work he does, so I wouldn’t want to take that from him, either.

I have to say thank you, opiate, for taking a few moments with us. I hope you have a happy life with your Owner.

C o v e t {Dark}: Thank you, Miss. I will.

As a thank you to Covet for taking the time out of her night to do this interview, I’ve created something special for her: https://roleplayevolution.com/galleries/carebear/albums/userpics/10001/opiate01-caremay17.jpg (NSFW)

What’s Up, ReVo?

By Yoko

Hey, everyone! Thanks for joining me once again for an update on the wide world of ReVo. We’ve had a lot of new rooms join the whochat since last time, as well as some really exciting things happening, so let’s jump right into it!

The first stop, as always, is Rebels & Reapers. We’ll start with the addition of a new room, Men of Mayhem. It’s set in the fictional town of Patriot, Texas. Most of the characters from the recently closed Ashes of Anarchy can be found here, albeit with a slight shake-up on the roster of ranking members. So if you’re looking for a new place to try out, or are were previously a member of Ashes of Anarchy, then it just might be the place for you.

This past week, we also had the always awesome Rally in the Desert, where Sons and their families and friends came together for a rockin’ time in the desert. There were games, contests, an AV auction, and a paint night. Fun times were certainly had by all. Did you miss it? Don’t worry! It’ll be back again next year!

Creative Dimensions saw the addition of two new and awesome rooms recently: St. Augustine: Beyind the Fog and The Travelers. St. Augustine: Beyond the fog is set in the town of St. Augustine, where twenty years ago, a mysterious fog settled over the town and something horrible took place. Stop on in and see how the town is managing life now, and what new surprises await them in the future.

The Travelers is loosely based on the series Before the End by Kit Rocha, as well as the TV series Travelers on Netflix. Drop by if you want to get your time travel on!

Our next stop, Erotic Impulses, also saw the addition of two new rooms. Mont Claire Estate is set on Roanoke Island. The Estate is owned and run by the widow Lilith Mont Claire, a former Madam of New York. It is an upscale brothel where all walks of life gather for the infamous arts of pleasure and pain.

Littles’ Playground is a safe haven for those who enjoy the DD/lg lifestyle. You can visit in-character or out, whichever is for you. So stop by both these great new rooms and say hi!

Fantasy Envisioned saw the opening of a brand new Star Wars themed room, Star Wars: Tales Across the Galaxy! The room is set between movies 4 and 5, and players can play both canon and newly-created characters wherever they want within the story of the movie, comics, and books. If Star Wars or Sci-Fi in general is your thing, I bet you can find some fun happening there!

We also welcomed Lost Horizon and Beyond Gotham to the whochat! Horizon City is a present-day setting with aspects of sci-fi and comic books, while Beyond Gotham asks the question of what would happen if the world of the comics met the real world? You can now find out for yourself in this brand new and exciting room!

Next on our tour is Gor Unchained. Since we last checked in, Panthers of Gor has opened. As it’s hidden deep in the forest in a location unknown to outsiders, simply stumbling across the Forest Maidens would be highly unlikely. The camp is set in the northern part of the forest, and will be surrounded by countess traps and trip wires should invaders try to sneak up on the women.

Moving right along, we reach History Relived. The most recent addition, Grey Gulch, is set in the West during 1873. Colorado is not yet a state, the west is still wild, the civil war has been fought, the railroad industry is growing, the great buffalo hunt is on, and the rivers run red with the blood of massacred tribes. Sheriffs, marshals, and deputies try to hold the law, while outlaws try to outsmart and outshoot them all. If you’re looking for an exciting place to get your cowboy or Indian on, this is your chance!

Supernatural Awakenings, which is always a bustling area of the whochat, had four brand new rooms open up since our last visit: Outer Banks, Catastrophe: Middle Ages, The Sovereignty, and Eternal Rebels. The Outer Banks is an LKH room set on the coast of North Carolina, where lycans and vampires are accepted by most and protected by law, but many still come here to see what this offers. The truces that once were, and a new threat of Humans First outposts stationed outside the area, are always trying to find new ways to lower the numbers or cure the “disease”.

Catastrophe: Middle Ages is an LKH room set in the exciting time of the Roman Empire. Ever wonder what it would be like to be a vampire or lycan during 117 AD? Now you can find out!

The Sovereignty is set in New Orleans. The Darcangels are back home, and the start of a new generation has already seen a few regulars creating some mischief.

Last but certainly not least is Eternal Rebels, based on the Lost Boys movie and set in modern time. If you loved this movie and always wondered what it would be like to be part of it, this is the place to be!

The final stop on our trip through the wide world of ReVo is Reality Revolution. The Devil’s Gate is a Design/Chat Community for all to enjoy. Keep an eye out for live events taking place in this exciting new room! Of course, there are always things happening in this part of the whochat, like weekly deejay shows and graphic design events.

Make sure to stop by all of these great new rooms and say hi!

That’s it for this edition of the Big, Wide World of ReVo. I hope you enjoyed taking a stroll through the whochat with me, and I’ll see you next time! Remember to check out the What’s Up ReVo section of the forums to stay up to date on all of the super exciting things going on all over the site.

Featured Room: Love Is All

By Care

While our chatters are the heart and soul of roleplay, rooms are what give their characters a place to become incarnate. Managing rooms can be a difficult but ultimately rewarding task, and each leader has taken their own road to the “top”. In this issue, Care introduces us to the softer side of sensual role-play!

This quarter, we are taking a look at a room new to Roleplay Evolution – Love is All, brought to you from the minds of Hippolyta and Veritas. Going into this interview, I was under the impression that there would be more sex in this room than there is. After speaking with both Hippolyta and Veritas, I learned differently, and it opened my eyes about this room in the Erotic Impulses section of the whochat. So take a read and learn for yourself – it’s a great experience!

Hello, and thank you, Hippolyta, for taking the time to do this Q&A with me.

Hippolyta: Oh, you are most welcome.

Let’s start with your room, Love is All. How did you get the idea for the room?

Hippolyta: Basically, Love is All was inspired by the Kushielverse books, written by Jacqueline Carey, but it is also an amalgam of some other fantasy novels, with a dash of history and our own flair as well. The idea came as I was re-reading the novels some months ago, and I went, “Oh, I want to do this.” But the world is a very rich one, so we needed to trim down on things a little.

Once you had the idea, how did you plan to implement it into a room?

Hippolyta: Well, I cannot say that we have a plan when we implement ideas into rooms, really. We do what we always do. We talk it out, get some basic ideas, then collaborate on the writing. Argue about the bits that need arguing. Cut out the bits that make things too complicated. Then we write again, and re-write until we have something that is easy to comprehend, and viewable.

Veritas: I usually remind her to keep things a bit simpler.

Hippolyta: Well, you are the one getting to do the blurbs and the simplifying, so it works out.

For those that haven’t read the series of books, what exactly is it all about?

Hippolyta: Oh, to explain what the series is about is rather a lot. They are a historical fantasy, set in a sort of renaissance France, where there is one tenet left by blessed Elua – Love as Thou Wilt. The first trilogy is about Phedre, who is an anguisette, and the story is that of her upbringing and her travels through this rich universe.

Would a roleplayer be able to envelope themselves in this universe without reading the series? If so, where would be a good place to start?

Hippolyta: Well, we have been inspired by the series, and lifted out the things that we like from it. So, basically, any player can go to our forum and read the information there, and that is enough to really get started in our roleplay. It is absolutely not required to have read the books, because our world is different one from the world of the books.

And what makes your room, erotic, as it is in the Erotic Impulses section of the whochat?

Veritas: The concept of love can mean many things, from the gentle love shared at the end of life by a long-time couple, to savage, violent sex experienced by two people joining in passing. We wanted to make sure that all potential possibilities could be captured by our roleplayers, so erotic seemed to be the best place it fit.

So even with the historical and fantasy part of the room, you still choose to put it in Erotic Impulses. Interesting.

Tell us, how is the roleplay going within your room? I know it’s only been on the whochat a few short months or so, but have you had any moments where you just went, “WTF?”

Hippolyta: The roleplay going on in the room is pretty much still in its infancy stages, where we are setting up the plot for the room and storylines to take place later. Since we ask our roleplayers in their character sheets to write up roleplay hooks – i.e. ways that might have them connect with other players and increase the chance of roleplay – we have plenty of different possibilities. I can’t say that we have had any real WTF moments, really. Not yet, at least.

Veritas: Yeah, we did. Eroticism isn’t just about fucking people in rooms, or sitting around talking about BDSM theories. It can be about a long, enjoying play, the kind of thing that maybe never involves calling someone a naughty word, or has more aspects of love rather than lust. And it can be the entire flipside of that. The room’s name says it all. Love is All. The setting is a unique way to bring people and characters together, but the apex of everything is the emotions those characters share. It absolutely belongs in this section, otherwise we would have placed it in another section.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I wasn’t trying to imply that it should be in another section. I just find these things interesting because there is a new spin on looking into what someone considers an erotic room. Thank you for the explanation and sharing of why you feel that way.

Veritas: Feel free to use any of that if it helps you make the point in the magazine.

Thank you. So when someone creates a character – I know you mentioned character sheets and a hook? You explained what a hook was, so can you share some of the hooks that have been created as of now?

Hippolyta: Well, in our character sheets, we ask for some roleplay hooks that can be read on every character sheet – it can be family relations, it can be the position the character has, it can be some piece of gossip about them – basically something that other characters might know about, and thereby interact use to with this character. We also ask for a secret roleplay hook, which is only known by the room leaders and the player of that character. We plan on utilizing those to build more storylines, and involve the characters. As for examples of character hooks – these were created for a commoner character of mine, who owns a tavern in the Lower Down (a slightly less good part of the city).

Like wine? Come to the Crow’s Nest!
Like brawls? Come to the Crow’s Nest!
Like gossip and rumours? Come to the Crow’s Nest!
Like beautiful women? Come to the Crow’s Nest!
Like a good meal? Come to the Crow’s Nest!
Don’t like any of the above? Come to the Crow’s Nest anyway!

I have to say, that is an interesting hook. Why the different take on character sheets compared to other rooms? Why did you decide as room owner and creators to have them submit this “hook” with their sheets?

Hippolyta: Because, why not? I like being different, and I like to try out new things that may or may not work out. We also thought that we might simplify things with having players filling out their hooks on the character sheet – it gives others an idea of how they may be related, or know one another. Plus, it makes the players think about roleplays where they might be introduced, perhaps even spark ideas.

That’s a good point, and actually something that interested me, hence why I choose your room for this quarter. Let’s get to the grit of it – could you give an example of a storyline going on right now? I know you said you are just setting up stories, but what is one storyline a roleplayer could get involved with?

Veritas: In the storyline, Love is All seems tranquil, but under the surface, the King’s rule is very unstable. There are rumours, after all, that there could be another child of the old king. An elder child. But nobody really knows who that is – it could be anyone. And a King who has whispers against him, some of the great noble houses may expect that he is hardly a proper King at all.

Hippolyta: There is also a smaller storyline initiated by one of our players, who will hold a fete at some point. For it, she has contracted courtesans from the Court of Night-Blooming Flowers, and several noblemen and women have been invited.

A fete? I’m not familiar with this word. What exactly is that?

Hippolyta: Oh, it is an elaborate party, basically.

Oh, that’s pretty neat! Thank you for that. So is there anything you would like to pass on to the readers, maybe even future roleplayers?

Hippolyta: Well, basically, you do not have to be a well-versed reader of the books from which we fetched inspiration – all you need to do is to familiarize yourself with the information that we have posted on our board. Keep an open mind, because in our room, love is all.

I have to say thank you again, to both of you, for taking the time out of your roleplay and day to do this interview with me. Look for it in the next issue of the ReVo Periodical.

Hippolyta: You are very welcome. We are looking forward to the new issue!

Doomsday Prepping: The Bug-Out Bag

By Halcyon

The current state of affairs both at home and abroad – no matter where home is – has given many cause for concern about the future. Others have long believed the end is nigh. Whether you fear nuclear annihilation, a mysterious uprising, or are just curious about the phenomenon known as “prepping”, Halcyon is here to get you started! Even if you decide the full prepper lifestyle isn’t for you, it’s always a good idea to have plans in place for a variety of emergencies – don’t wait until it’s too late!

Prepping: The Doomsday, Apocalypse, Zombie Guide

The 72-Hour Survival Kit (AKA The Bug-Out Bag or B.O.B.)

Here in my city of Houston, Texas, we’re kicking off Hurricane Preparedness Week – although we certainly don’t need a hurricane to cause a lot of damage, as some of you have probably seen in the news recently, with horrible tornadoes that blew through Canton. Still, hurricanes are the mother of all storms and have the potential to cause not only damage but death if you are not prepared.

I mentioned hurricane Katrina in the first installment of this series. Although I had begun prepping on a smaller scale and read about it at length, Katrina was the first time I truly saw why prepping had the potential to save lives. We were lucky enough to be able to shelter at my husband’s work for both Katrina and Ike, but we’ve since decided that if another bad one hits, we will shelter in place. Our main reason for this is that despite some of the improvements made for evacuation on the freeways, with as many people living in our happy little city as there are, it’s almost guaranteed to be gridlocked – and being stuck in traffic for twelve or more hours when you possibly have a monster storm on the way is not how you want to spend your afternoon. I remember thinking, as I was watching the news footage of everything from the jammed freeways to the aftermath of Katrina, that nearly everyone in this situation, without exception, could have used the 72-Hour Survival Kit, otherwise known as the Bug-Out Bag.

What is a Bug-Out Bag? I’m about to enlighten you!

The Bug-Out Bag: A Definition

The term “bug-out bag” might be related to or derived from the “bail-out bag” emergency kit many military aviators carry. It seems it may have began with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, designating alternative defense positions in the event that units had to displace. The directive was to literally “bug out” if being overrun was imminent. Their kits carried the essentials in terms of equipment, food, and weapons that they might need to escape, as far and as fast as they could, in seventy-two hours. This was a brilliant idea, and it does not differ much from the concept of the survival kit.

Here is what you need for your very own bug-out bag:

Water and Purification

Remember that this is a seventy-two hour survival kit. It’s going to be heavy, so you need to think about cutting corners where you can. Here are a few suggestions.

• Three liters of water are needed for one person for seventy-two hours.
• Use a water purification canteen. It makes life lots easier.
• A collapsible water bottle/bladder
• Condoms. Yes, you heard me. Unlubricated, though. Trust me.
• Iodine tablets (X3)

Shelter

Don’t overlook the need for portable shelter, as exposure to the elements can kill you in minutes. You have to remember you will be carrying this around, so being light-weight and compact is a must.

• Tarp/plastic sheet
• A lightweight plastic sheet
• Sleeping bag
• Ground pad

Fire Starting

Fire is essential. There’s a reason why it is considered one of man’s greatest accomplishments. It provides you with a way to boil water and make it safe, cook food, and give you warmth.

• Lighter (at the very minimum)
• Magnesium rod and steel striker
• Cotton balls (Vaseline coated)
• Steel wool
• Emergency signal flare

Food Essentials

What you carry in your bug-out bag is inherently different from what you might be storing in your cupboards as a prepper. The reason for this is basic. This survival bag is only meant for seventy-two hours – time for you to get to a point of safety and shelter – and since you are the one who will have to carry it, you want to pack light and pack essential.

• G.O.R.P. – If you don’t know what this stands for, it’s Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. It has been a hiking staple since I was hiking the woods in my home state of Connecticut way back when. G.O.R.P. is calorie-rich and simple to make, and unless you toss chocolate chips in there, it won’t melt in the heat. My advice from experience: Don’t try to save money by purchasing a big ol’ bag from Costco, because you can only eat so much so fast even with several people eating from the bag, and whoever is the lucky person to carry it is going to be very grouchy.

• Peanut Butter – 170 calories per ounce is what makes this food an essential (if you aren’t allergic, of course.) If you are familiar with emergency food ration packets (also known as MREs), this is definitely a staple. If you know someone in the military or who has access to MRE items, you could probably even buy individual peanut butter packets.

• Mainstay Emergency Food Rations (MRE) – 3600 calories per packet. Please remember these are for situations that are dire and where you are needing calories. They are not gourmet and not especially tasty, but they are sealed in waterproof packaging and will keep you alive. I suggest that if you do invest in these, you sit down with the family or alone and taste them. We actually just did this again recently because the kids forgot and it ended up being pretty hilarious.

• Drink Mixes – Gatorade, tea, or coffee. You can buy these in small packets that make for light and easy carrying, and they’ll offer at least a little comfort if you are ever out there roughing it and find yourself dehydrated, needing some electrolytes that water alone cannot replenish – or even just really need some coffee.

• Snickers – No, it’s not the healthiest, but a King Size Snickers weighs less than four ounces and packs 510 glorious calories that you might need in a crunch – and, let’s face it, chocolate is a great moral booster. (Again, not a good choice for peanut allergies, but there are some amazing organic, peanut-free, and even vegan power bars that would also be a great choice.)

First Aid

My little tidbit of wisdom here is Always Be Prepared. Your risk of injury increases during crises, so it is best to not only be prepared, but do so individually. What I mean is make or purchase small, individual first aid kits to keep in each bag, not one large kit that one person carries. You never know if you may be separated, and if you are not the one carrying the medical kit, you are in big trouble. The list below gives the essentials. You can buy a pre-made kit and then divvy it up between the people of your home, but if you have small children I would advise only band-aids.

• Antibiotic ointment
• Sterile gauze
• Painkillers such as Aleve, Tylenol, or Motrin
• Antihistamine
• Cotton balls
• Surgical tubing
• Medical tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Tampons
• Safety pins
• Suture kit
• Insect repellent
• Razor blades
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Instant heat/cold pack

Clothing

Choose clothing that is practical for both your climate and the terrain you live in. Allow for seasonal temperature fluctuations and possibly dress in layers. Remember, the goal is to maintain optimum body temperature. Keep two sets of clothing, and try to always keep one set dry.

• Pants: Choose the best for your climate. If possible, they should be convertible and easy to zip off.
• Underwear
• Socks: Go for wool if you are in a cold climate; carry three pairs, regardless.
• Jacket: Lightweight or fleece, dependent upon your climate.
• A rain poncho
• Gloves, hat, and scarf, dependent on climate
• Boots: Try to be practical with this and find some type of combat boot that will protect you for whatever your climate might be, rain or snow.

Personal Hygiene

It seems that when people begin to organise their B.O.B. lists, it’s personal hygiene products that are often forgotten. I suppose I can understand that, but again from experience, you don’t want to end up in the chaos that was Katrina and be among the thousands of people who needed those very basic items. As someone who has studied disease and outbreaks, let me say that cleanliness is no joke when it comes to preventing disease and infection. Many of these items can be found in the bins at your local Target or Walmart – or even thrift stores – at very inexpensive prices. Remember, you want to be inventive in how you create and assemble everything, because each member of your household will have to carry their own supplies.

• Toothbrush
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfecting wipes
• Baby wipes, if you have little ones
• Toilet paper and/or the Cottonelle Wet Wipes
• Mirror
• Sunblock
• Soap (liquid or bar)
• Hand towel

Tools And Self-Defense

I can’t stress enough that while this list offers many ideas about what you should have and what you should think about bringing, you need to be able to sit down and tailor it both to your own needs and the needs of family members who might not be able to design their own bag. You’ll have to scrutinise and weed out the wants from the needs, and while each bag will essentially be the same, they’ll have small modifications that are specific to individual needs. The tools and weapons you choose to carry will serve both practical use and as self-defense. You will want to take care with what small children are permitted to carry.

• Survival knife: Fixed blade with sheath
• Multi-tool/Swiss Army knife
• Paracord (AKA 550 cord)
• Handgun
• Rifle (.22 caliber)
• Ammunition
• Cleaning kit
• Pepper spray
• Hatchet
• Binocular/monocular
• Zip ties

Illumination

Let there be light! Light is nearly as important as food and clean water. You need to make sure you have multiple sources of good light to help you find your way and work in the dark. Disasters often mean loss of power, as well as possibly navigating in unfamiliar terrain at night, which can be very dangerous.

• Headlamp
• Glowstick
• Candles
• Steel LED flashlight
• Extra batteries

Communication

This is incredibly important during a crisis. Relying on your cell phone is not safe, as we have seen during many natural disasters and other crises. Cell towers get jammed with calls and it’s impossible to get through. I would strongly advise getting together with all your the family members who live near you to come up with a plan in case there’s ever a disaster. Also, remember you will need some way to listen to what might be happening in your city, as well as warnings and information that may be critical to your survival.

• Cell phone
• Solar or crank charger
• Emergency crank radio
• Walkie-talkie – You can pick up some great walkie-talkies for as little as $30 (set of two) that work long range (10km+), and even sets of 20 for about $200 with the same distance. Choose what is best for you and make the investment. Crises and disasters often times separate people, and having this among your survival gear can bring peace of mind should your group need to split up or is forced to seperate.
• HAM radio – This is also something I would suggest strongly. They are not difficult to operate and they are reliable. There is an old saying, “When all else fails, HAM radio gets through.” HAM radio is unique in the radio communications field. All other communications are confined to specific channels in one specific frequency band, low power limits, and one mode (except for CB, which is confined to two modes). Chances are your community has organisations of HAM operators from whom you can learn. I was lucky enough to have someone I know who could teach me.

Navigation and Traveling

A few things that might make traveling easier whether you are on the road or on foot.

• Map – Local and country
• Compass – You can make one if you need to, but purchasing is easier.
• $100-500 in assorted cash – This can vary depending on the number in your household, but is only meant for emergency funds.
• Waterproof paper and pen – Rite in the Rain has field notebooks and pens that are waterproof. If you have access to a military base or even a military surplus store, they should also carry these.
• Emergency whistle

Pets and Children

There are a great deal of considerations to take into account if you think you might be traveling with small children or pets. I am not going to go into that as I have given you a substantial amount of information already, and with it, you will be able to make the best decisions for your children and pets. Just remember the cardinal rule: Pack small, pack light, and pack efficiently.

Good luck!

Where in the World is..?

By gennifaiy{C}

While many call ReVo their online home, our residents are actually found all over the world! Earlier this year, mouth{JT} had the great idea of helping us become even closer through a virtual tour of the ReVo globe. In this installment of Where in the World, gennifairy introduces us to her patch of the map.

So, where in the world was gennifairy born and raised? Well, you could say it is a few inches north of Hell: Sunny Florida. Or, as most people who live here and don’t like the sweltering heat that swarms over you once you open the door say: South Florida. I was born in West Palm Beach, but raised in Ft. Lauderdale. You know what the difference is between those two cities? Nothing.

South Florida is hot, humid, and rainy. We have nothing but mosquitoes day in and day out. For us, a cool day is in the eighties – but that’s if it hasn’t been raining. If it has, the humidity knocks that up to the thousandth degree.

Traffic in Florida is insane. I-95 (the main highway that runs north and south through the state) is under constant construction. I could always tell when I was getting close to West Palm, because that’s where the construction and backed-up traffic begins. Most people think West Palm Beach is a beautiful, lush, palm tree-studded vacation paradise. False! The “Palm Beaches” are, yes, but that’s where people with money go. West Palm Beach is the stereotypical ugly, poor, black sheep. I mean, sure, Florida is known for orange juice, palm trees, and being not only the third most-populated state in the country but the second ranked for tourism, but do you really know Florida?

Florida is a great place to have a vacation, for sure. We have Orlando, which has Disney World, Universal Studios, Wet n’ Wild, Sea World, Medieval Times, and a ton of other attractions. I personally love going during the off season – after everyone else has gone home – so that I can enjoy them with less people bothering me. And if you love beaches, we have a ton of those, too. Our entire coast is made up of nothing but beaches, but depending on where you go, you can have nice, beautiful beaches with soft white sand – Coco Beach, for example – or disgusting beaches with hard sand that feels like glass cutting you in places you didn’t know sand could fit into!

Where I live now is more rivers than beaches. (I know, Florida has rivers? It’s thrown me off since I moved here, but we do!) Rivers are better than those over-populated beaches with screaming kids and weird bathing suits any day of the week, though.

We also have the Florida Keys, which I hear are fantastic places to go and experience! I have never been myself, but I have plenty of friends and family that have. It’s a beautiful oasis, and is a cheaper way to experience the Caribbean without leaving the States (or so I have been told). You can rent houses or hotels, and you have three main islands to choose from. The best part is you don’t have to boat or fly to get there – there is a long expanse of highway that stretches over miles of ocean, taking you straight from Miami to the Keys.

The big thing that Floridians don’t tell you is – we have bugs. Mutant bugs that escaped from a lab somewhere from Africa and made it to us, where they thrive in the tropical weather. We have palmetto bugs, which is the nice, polite Southern way of saying “flying roaches”. Yes, you heard that right. They spread their black wings, make a horrible noise, and fly at you. They’re huge, too, and they hunger for your soul. I swear it! We also have alligators, but anyone could tell you that – look in any backstreet canal and you have a chance to see one swimming through, with its black-hearted soul in its eyes as it looks to eat whatever it can get into next.

I no longer live in West Palm Beach. I moved north and switched to the West Coast, and it’s like night and day. Outside of the insane traffic in Gainesville, it’s more like the country here then I realized Florida has. I just recently found out we even have a small protected land that has wild horses still in it! Yeah, in Florida! I was shocked as you are. The only thing I thought Florida had was the Everglades, which I have been to. They have airboats, trails, and the like. The Everglades are as hot and humid as the rest of Florida, and the bugs and snakes get to me. People, ignorantly, have released snakes there that are not native to Florida, and every year they have hunting season to kill some of them due to them being an invasive species.

So Florida can be a beautiful place. It’s absolutely amazing to visit and explore. We have many historical locations, beaches, and fantastically fun, tourist-y areas for people of all ages and temperaments. Would I recommend moving here? Absolutely not. Not unless you enjoy living in mini-Africa, or really enjoy heat. I mean, it hit 97 degrees today. Most people think, “That’s not that bad, Genni.” But when you have a humidty index of over 45%? 97 quickly turns close to 128364357-degrees in hell. Also? Why would anyone want to live in the flattest state in the entire US of A? I mean, if you hate snow and winter that much and are over the age of 55, I get it, but otherwise? Nah, bro. Just don’t!

The Awakening: Being Here

By Halcyon

Life is hard. From the moment we open our infant eyes to the blinding white of a delivery room until we follow that light to places unknown, it seems there’s always something trying to stand in our way. There are days when all you want to do is give in, let it take over, and be swept away to anywhere but here. In her new series The Awakening, Halcyon hopes that giving us a lifeline will help us find our way back.

The Awakening: Being Here (Part II)

If we move too fast, we’ll break things. If we move too slow, we’ll miss things. And if we don’t move at all, we won’t see things for how beautiful they truly are. (R.M. Drake)

There are a lot of things I think about when I hear the expressions of “Being Here” or “Being Present.” We live in a society that is always on the go. We are bombarded with information 24/7. Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter, plus countless other social media platforms, have made it uniquely possible to keep in touch with friends and family. They also suck us into a vortex where we’re at once both intimately personal and impersonal with the people who we follow or who we allow to follow us.

On any given day that I choose to visit one of these platforms, I can be assured of three things. The first: I will probably laugh at some funny meme one of my friends has posted. We all have, right? There’s some pretty hysterical stuff out there. The second: Someone will probably post something that will make me emotional. It’s not hard to do, really. I am an emotional sort of person, and a Folgers Christmas commercial could make me reach for Kleenex. The third: Unavoidably, someone will post something that will get me hopping mad. Emotional, remember? And not just the sappy type of emotion. And despite this roller coaster of emotion, we go back to it. Not just back, either – we fully immerse ourselves, until we could be sitting at the dinner table with our family while scrolling through Facebook. And even if you aren’t doing it, chances are someone else in the family is. I’ve been out to dinner and witnessed entire families sitting in a restaurant, scrolling through their phone. Maybe it’s not Facebook, but something else – mail, Pinterest, whatever.

These sites are not inherently wrong either. I am always on Tumblr or Pinterest, getting absorbed. But I think it is important to know when to say when.

Being here is nothing new. I think Oprah used to talk about “being present” when she had her show. I never watched it much, but I could hear a few episodes where “being present” was discussed, and I just shrugged it off, thinking, “I am here every day!” But the reality is that as we progress, and as we are being continually bombarded with news, media, and different facets of technology, we never truly are present in our lives. I can say from experience that our family of six only truly enjoyed dinner together as a family when the kids were growing up, and then gaming during the weekends (we play D&D.) But it started that dinner shifted to the living room, where everyone would bring their plates in order to watch television or play video games. I would be online, floating through Pinterest or Tumblr, and we rarely said a word. When someone was talking, an hour or two later my husband would ask about things that were already discussed, and I’d get irritated because he hadn’t heard. I won’t and can’t blame on just him – we were all at fault in our own ways, courtesy of our own distractions.

I’ve managed to change some things, but not everything. I think in time I will be able to – hopefully before the kids finally get out on their own. I am hoping that some of these ideas might help you and your family to be present, too.

Tips to Reconnect

• Disconnect to Reconnect: You don’t have to make any sweeping changes. If you have kids, you are painfully aware at how important the online world is to kids (and even ourselves). Talk with the family. Have a meeting about your desire to reconnect with them, or maybe start off with just dinner, like we did. While you are seated and eating, there are no phones. That means they are not visible or even on the person. You can tailor this to the needs of your family. If a spouse has to be on call but is there for dinner, just have them put it nearby, so they can still hear it. Thirty minutes to an hour is all you need. Talk to one another, find out about the day’s events. You will really be surprised at what kids will divulge over a plate of spaghetti.

• Redefine Multitasking: It may seem that this tip is one that will only serve to make things more difficult for you, but trust me, it’s not. We live in a world where multitasking is a skill that is encouraged and honed, but it is one that will only serve to distract us from what is really important, and that is being present. Instead of thinking of how to accomplish four things at once, stop and think about this single moment. There are situations that make not multitasking difficult, given expectations of work or school, but you need to step back and assess. Scheduling your day is a great way to figure out exactly when you will no longer have to be multitasking. If you limit the time that you multitask to only when working, when you get home, your brain will naturally start to relax. And then in reverse, when you go to work, your body will know it’s time to get things done.

• Be Conscious: When you set out to do anything you have planned, be it work, errands and chores, or relaxing at home, make an effort to focus wholly on what it is you are doing. Not only will this make completing these tasks easier, but you’ll also be more efficient. Being present is about slowing down and being deliberate and focused. It’s not easy, especially when you are accustomed to doing fifteen things at once. I often joke that my brain is like having five thousand tabs open. Twenty-five are not responding, three radio stations are going on in the background, and there’s a hamster doing back flips on YouTube that has me entranced. But you can do it! Maybe not all the time, maybe imperfectly, but the benefit is slowing down and making an effort to see what is going on around you.

Don’t get discouraged! I’m a huge advocate of slow and steady wins the race! Start small, take a pause in your daily life, and listen to what is going on around you. I’ll be giving you more tips as we continue, and also giving you some of the benefits of being present.

Confessions of a Drama Queen

By mouth{JT}

They say that pets become like their owners. In our case, that would explain a lot. I have a cat and a dog, that, if truth be told, probably both need a bit of mental help!

Let’s start with the cat. I was always a “cat person”, and when my children were younger, they had their own cat to be responsible for. Now, anyone that knows children and pets knows that isn’t the case, but you believe the lie – or, at least, resign yourself to the cries and promises of “I’ll look after it, I promise!“, coming from a small child’s mouth to be believable for – oh, two days, three at the max. And so it was in our house. The cats became my responsibility but remained “theirs”. I fed them (the cats, that is), saw to their well being, and paid the vet bills, but if you asked the children, it was “their” cat. And they have come and gone with regularity – until this last one.

She is now 17, and I don’t think I have met a more anti-social pet in my life. I mean, I know cats can be difficult, but she takes the biscuit. You are good for food – that is all. Oh, and turning on the electric blanket so she can spend all day buried there. She was always standoffish, but now? Cat? What cat? You never see her, unless it’s tea time. And another thing! How can cats tell time? All day long, she is asleep in the bed, buried under a mound of blankets. Sometimes you can hear her disappear out the cat flap to go to the toilet, only to come to the front door to be let in by a human, but that’s it. But come six o’clock, and there she is, waiting in front of the fridge. And if you happen to be a nanosecond late with the food, you get a constant meow, meow, meow! until you do feed her – then, it’s back to bed without so much as a, “Thanks, Mum!” Nothing – until tomorrow.

It reminds me of those TV programmes where in a hushed voice, the commentator says, “And now,” followed by a dramatic pause, “if we stay very still and just observe, we might just catch a glimpse of the lesser spotted doo dah bird, known to come out only between the hours of twelve and twelve-oh-one on a full moon in the month of June.”

People actually don’t know I have a cat, and if I didn’t have to buy cat food every week, I wouldn’t know either.

And so, on to the dog. To be fair, I adore this animal. He is my baby, and it shows. I got him as a teeny tiny puppy, and he made himself mine. He loves his mama and will willingly come with me anywhere. Unfortunately, there are times when I have to work long hours. I try to take him as much as I can, but sometimes I just can’t and he has to stay home. That’s a problem. He is so keen to see me that he waits at the gate. Never mind that there are a garage with an open door, a dog house, and a choice of two sheds for him to be in (all with blankets inside, I might add). No, he has to sit by the gate in all kinds of weather and wait for me to come home.

Once I do, it’s circles, cartwheels, the full nine yards, and then it’s time to go inside the house – only there’s a slight snag. It has been raining and he is wet right through, and so we have a ritual. He sits down and just looks at me. I then go, “Oh, no, you are all wet! You need a towel down,” and I go fetch one of his towels. (I know they’re his because he got all the blue ones.) He then lets me rub him down while I’m doing the gentle scolding thing: “Oh, you are so silly; look at you! You are all wet. Oh, no, you’ll get dog flu!” Blah, blah, blah as I rub him dry. He then holds up a paw so I can take care of them one by one and wrap the towel over his head, a bit like ET. With only his nose poking out, he lays his head on my shoulder, and I rub his back for a bit. He just loves the fuss.

They say that animals take on the characteristics of their owners. Combine the two of mine, and I’ve got an anti-social drama queen.

It fits.

Whole Beauty: The Holistic Body

By Halcyon

Whole Beauty took a break while we introduced you to new features, but it’s back in force now! In this issue, Halcyon delves deeper into the nuances of holistic care. Please remember that it’s always advised to discuss changes in your regimen with your doctor or other health care provider, as he or she will be in the best position to address not only your personal needs and special concerns, but also the safety of alternative treatments, as herbs and supplements may interact not only with medications, but also each other – however, if you’re interested in holistic care, we hope this article will provide you with some opening discussion points!

The Holistic Body

In this edition, we’ll look at ways in which the entire body can be treated naturally. These methods are also known as alternative healing or alternative body treatment, and may include:

• Eating Whole Foods
• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Cupping
• Juicing
• Vitamin Therapy

Allopathic vs Holistic

Allopathic (traditional) medicine focuses on attacking one particular symptom. For example, if you have an allergy, the allopathic approach would be to suppress your body’s immune system to stop the sneezing (ex. giving an antihistamine). The problem with this is that sneezing is your body’s defense mechanism, ridding your body of harmful toxins. Suppress that sneezing and the toxins will go deeper, causing greater harm to your body in the long run. However, the holistic method treats the person as a whole by trying to combat symptoms without suppressing the immune system (source: www.joyfulhomesteading.com).

Let me give you a brief glimpse into why some of these holistic methods are advantageous to your health and why you may want to give it a try.

Whole Foods

I could write an entire series of articles on the benefits of whole foods and why we should be eating them, but for the purpose of this article, we’re just going to cover Powerful Food Combos (source: www.lauraconrad.com).

10 Powerful Food Combos

• Tomato + Avocado = Fights Cancer
• Sweet Potato + Coconut Oil = Healthy Skin
• Oatmeal + Peanut butter = All Day Energy
• Black Beans + Lime = Healthy Lungs
• Apples + Dark Chocolate = Heart Health
• Almonds = Yogurt = Bone Strength
• Hard Boiled Eggs + Banana = Energy Boost
• Lemon + Kale = Muscle Strength
• Kombucha + Cashews = Immunity Boost
• Garlic + Salmon = Anti-inflammatory

Acupuncture: Five Reasons To Give It A Try

• Head: 20 sessions of electroacupuncture (where a small electronic current is applied to the needle) can reduce the number of monthly migraines.
• Immune System: Well placed needles can boost immune activity and cells and destroy infections.
• Sleep: Acupuncture can rev up the production of neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and sleep, helping with those with insomnia.
• Weight: Acupuncture helped obese adults shed up to 9lbs over a span of 2 weeks to 4 months.
• Back: About 10 sessions of needling was found to retrieve lower back discomfort for 6 months.

Aromatherapy

This is a type of holistic treatment aimed at the physical body and soul. It includes healing with both scent (aroma) and touch (body massage).

Scent triggers an area in the brain called the limbic system. When stimulated, the limbic system releases endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals. You can achieve this effect through either direct inhalation or diffusion.

Aromatherapy also works through the absorption of essential oils by the skin and into the blood stream. The best way to experience this is through massage therapy, which sometimes combines carrier oils with specific essential oils.

Five Ways Aromatherapy Can Help You

• Relaxation and stress relief
• Create balance and well-being
• Boost immune system, respiratory and circulation system
• Enhance mood
• Aid cardiovascular system and digestive system.

Five Ways To Utilize Aromatherapy

• Bath
• Compress
• Massage
• Inhalation
• Diffusion

Three Of My Favorite Oils

• Lavender: Improves cognitive performance as well as mood. It has also long been known for its mild sedative and calming effects.
• Lemon Oil: Has some anti-depressant type effects, making it a good choice for stress relief and elevating mood. Some also say it can help improve focus.
• Rosemary: With its distinctively woody fragrance, rosemary has been used for centuries for a variety of health and beauty benefits from mental clarity to skin care. My favorite use for rosemary is for migraine. Apply directly to the temples and forehead, or cup oiled hands to your face and breathe in.

Editor’s Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated, packing many compounds into small doses. Even those originating from edible sources may become toxic at the levels found in pure oils, resulting in anything from skin irritation to acute poisoning. Because of this, nearly all essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil as mentioned above. Please do your research to be sure you’re using essential oils safely!

Cupping – What Exactly Is It?

Cupping is essentially a form of body therapy that uses suction from the cups to achieve the desired result. This stimulates blood flow and provides many other health benefits. There are two methods of cupping:

• In a single area (static cupping).
• By moving the cup around to several places (similar to massage, but with the addition of suction).

Does It Work?

In the theoretical sense of what cupping does and how it is performed, it makes sense that cupping can reduce pain and support healing. However, when it comes to clinical evidence, things are inconclusive. There have been few quality, large-scale trials, and it is difficult to use information from trials because the focus on a collective group may ignore individual differences. This means that while cupping may work for someone with tight back muscles or a herniated disc, it may not be as effective for someone with sciatica or joint problems, but the trials do not look at those specific differences.

A Few Of The Benefits Of Cupping

• Release illness-causing stagnation: Allergies and colds are often said to be a result of stagnation of the lungs. The darker the color of the cupping mark, the more stagnation is released.
• Pain and inflammation: As massage techniques manipulate blood flow to muscles to release trigger points and flush out inflammation, cupping therapy can do the same for areas of the body with less fatty tissue, like the back and shoulders.
• Increase circulation and speed healing: Cupping can sometimes stimulate blood and lymph flow to areas of stagnant injury.

Juicing

Experts recommend at least six to eight servings of fruist and vegetables a day. Sadly, most of us don’t get that amount regularly. It’s not necessarily because we don’t like it, but because busy schedules often mean we’re eating on the run. There is also, in some cases, an inability to wolf down that amount of fruit and greens in one sitting. Juicing to the rescue!

• Juicing allows more nutrients to be absorbed without throwing a huge monkey wrench of fiber into the works for you to digest. If you struggle with IBS or IBS-D, then you understand what I am talking about.
• Similarly, juicing helps to lower blood sugar by allowing you to consume more fruits and vegetables without overloading your digestive system.
• You may be able to consume a wider range of vegetables, which allows your body to get more nutrients.
• Juicing helps fight cancer. Okay, I’m in no way saying it cures cancer, but it can only help your overall health and definitely boosts your intake of the antioxidants known to be cancer fighters. Besides, prevention is better than a cure!
• Juicing is great for lowering cholesterol. There’s much more involved to lowering cholesterol than juicing alone, but if you include it in a diet of no saturated fat, no beef, and no pork, while adding more fruits, oats, seafood, and chicken, it can provide further assistance.

Vitamin Therapy (AKA Vitamin Drips)

This delivers vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly to the body for maximum absorption at a cellular level that would not be tolerated orally. Some benefits include:

• Increases energy
• Aids weight loss
• Improves mood
• Decreases anxiety
• Improves chronic pain and migraine
• Boosts the immune system
• May help PMS

I hope some of these ideas and methods for treating your body holistically have helped, and if so, that it gives you a start to setting you on a path for a healthier and happier life!