Nature Collective Update

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

It has been a while since I had a chance to stop over to the office of The Nature Collective. In case you are not familiar with this group,” it's a vibrant community centered around regions, spaces, and projects dedicated to celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature. Join us for group events and exploration, where you can surround yourself in breathtaking landscapes and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about nature in every life!” Cornelia Street, off Route 2 in Itame leads to the Information office.

In the office I checked to see if the Travelogue Hud for reaching all the members regions was new but I already have the latest version. The book club books are displayed. The hud is there for the taking and next to it on the wall one can join the group. The hud is a guide to all the members regions and tps one directly to the region you chose to visit. There are a multitude of wonderful places to visit. Many with activities related to groups.

Joining the TNC will open your eyes to many activities you might enjoy. There is information about the Naturist Project on the table and I have the link here to read about the latest project https://naturecollectivesl.com/ The book club is on haitus at this time but meets at various locations and time when it is active and I wish I had more time to attend that too. The book selection are interesting about rl places and people. I ran into our leader, Emm Cerulean (Emm Evergarden)who keeps all in line. Her rl is extra busy these days so she drops in when able. She was busy decorating the region for oncoming autumn.

When I am very busy in Second Life like greeting at the SLB or doing Ranger work at Burn2 I often turn off most of my group notices and IMs so missed this one. Emm told me we have a new fun game to play alone or with friends. It is called Nature Bingo. Get the four cards that come in an envelope. I grabbed it and I took Card 1 and decided to try it out. 

 

I chose card one and flew off to to find the items listed on a card. I chose a forest to visit. As I walked along the path from the entrance I was able to find nine items listed on the card before I walked 25 steps so I know it works well. I did not get Bingo but see how easy it will be. That was just a test. I can see it will be fun for a few friends to play and plan on going off to finish getting bingo. Learn a lot more about this wonderful group by visiting. Stop over at The Dancing Rabbit Cafe at the end of the street and have a Boba tea while you are there.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Itame/92/107/91

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

The International Space Museum

 

By Bixyl  Shuftan

 

With some big stories behind me, I thought it was important to take a look at a few must-see places that haven't been in the paper for a while. One that came to mind was the International Space Museum, in Spaceport Alpha.  

 

 The place has been in Second Life since it's early days, first going up in September 2005. So it will be 20 years old next month. While some of the builds are old by today's standards, it's very well done, and always informative. 

 

Near the middle of the Spaceport Alpha sim is a seating area. Some rocket launches, notably manned ones, are televised, and people come here to watch them, as well as discuss them. There's also occasional broadcasts from the International Space Station.  

 

At what used to be an official entrance is a circle of flags of all nations that have launched rockets into space. Some had less peaceful motivations than others. 

 

 While many of the exhibits are from around the museum's first years, there's an interactive one that isn't: the Space X Dragon capsule rocket ride. 

 

 To start, just get in the capsule, right-click and sit, and it will soon launch into the air ...

 

 And into space, the rocket soon falling away ...

 

 

And soon the Dragon capsule comes to dock at the International Space Station, humankind's current permanent manned location in space. 

 

There was a teleport to start a tour of the planets, starting with Mercury, the closest to the sun, which is basically a heat-blasted rock. 

 

The tour takes you to all eight major planets, Jupiter of course being the largest.

 

Uranus is the strangest, with it's rocky rings and tilted on the side. And of course the name that makes it the "butt" of jokes. 

 

 The tour also took you to stars and galaxies.

 

And after the tour, you can take the Dragon Capsule back down to Earth. 

 

 The last part of the rocket falls away as it heads back to Earth ...

 

 

 Entering the atmosphere, the friction gets so hot, the capsule would be burned up without the heat shield.

 

And eventually the parachutes open to slow your descent ...

 

 And a safe touchdown.

 

 There are numerous other exhibits, though the most visible is clearly the ring of rockets.

 

 So what did it take to get a two foot metal ball with instruments and antennae into space in the 1950s?

 

 This rocket in the middle, you can compare it to my avatar next to the green capsules to it's left.

 

About once a week, the National Space Society group in Second Life meets at the ring for it's "Tea and Rockets" chat.

 

There are many more, but to keep the article short, I'll have to leave them out.

 

On a final note, the museum is still in need of help.  It still needs people, whether builders, scriptors, educators, and others to help with new, and remodeling, exhibits. And donations are generously accepted.

 

WE NEED YOU! The International Spaceflight Museum (ISM) is always growing and needs volunteers of all types to help "make it so". Whether your strengths are in SL building or scripting, public relations, research, education, engineering, giving presentations, space art and design, administration and management, writing, imagining, or providing feedback, we'd like to work together to share the dream.

We need donors, too. ISM is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to presenting information and experiences of past, present, and near future space hardware to the public. It has been a fixture in Second Life since 2005, built by a cadre of volunteers.

 

For more information, feel free to contact Kat Lemieux, the Director or Shanna Starship, the museum Officer. 

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spaceport%20Alpha/128/128/22

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spaceport%20Alpha/35/95/22 (teleport pad)

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Shropshire

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

I love to visit regions in SL that are based on real life locations. I have been to visit Shropshire Rolling Hills and Farm inspired by the County of Shropshire in England. The owners, Jenni Jones (Pixie8615) and Stefan Jones (Skilledavatar) have created a site that honors history from the Norse and the present. There is modern roleplay offered, as well as visiting a Viking village that demonstrates the manner in which they settled in England.

 

The main vision of the region, however, is everything horse. There is no way to express the constant offerings of daily activities except to join the group and see the notices. Classes are offered in everything and anything related to horses, even beginners Teegle. If I had time I would definitely be going to many of them. The multitude of opportunities is dazzling.

I did drop in on one that was a practice session for dressage. There were not only avatars mounted on their horses but also many horse avatars ready to learn more and work out. It inspired me to go get the dressage hud and take a few turns around a sandbox to see how it all went. One of the dressage riders passed a wonderful guide book to the region and its history. Perhaps when time permits I will be able to go back and join a basic class. JamesT Juno, the owner of the former SL Newspaper where I wrote articles before the SL Newser opened, was a dressage and jumping expert and had many trophies and medals. I went to some shows and I thought it was beautiful then and still do.

This region is a family friendly place .One can rent a home at very fair prices. Get-togethers for chatting and game playing, and parties are on the agenda. Jenni said “we welcome all Avatars from small tiny bugs to huge Giants, we’re an all welcome sim, no matter your beliefs, mental state, gender or intelligence, we have an amazing Quadrille Team that are working on a show for the upcoming Dog and Pony Show, if you don’t know what Quadrille is, its basically group dressage” 

 

I visited the village. The homes were sweet. I found a pig farm down a lane and nearby a chicken coop. One chicken I noticed is an avatar who lives there, a singing chicken who gives concerts named Nivor. Evidently Nivor challenged a witch who turned her into a chicken so while she waits to end the spell she lives here. This area is called the small Animal Shelter though I think a dragon may have a resting place here too. I believe I saw a dog training class in a notice.

Nearby on the next road I found the combo Post office and Farm Shop. I walked along the road past homes which are labeled Private so watch for those and remember not to disturb. Along another road there is a Veterinary service. On a corner I found a restaurant called the Codfather serving delicious meals and stopped in to have some. I could not resist the smell. Yum.

I went to the Viking area to visit and that is where the riding trails go through the wood and if you don’t have a horse of your own to use on the trails there is a horse rezzer and you can choose the one you would like to ride. Explore the shops while you are in the Viking area and see the offerings available for those who wish to stay and participate in activities. There are helmet, clothing, avatar accessories, and lots of cheese!

Role play offers the emergency services to practice and stage events such as saving a barn from fire, rescues and more. They meet at the new services building to plan events.There is a hospital also and Doctors , Nurses. Police, Paramedics and others are invited to join in. Contact Jenni. You will be very welcome. Go visit whether you are a horse person or not. Pick up the Guide Book on the fence where you land. On the boards there is a teleporter to some of the areas you don’t want to miss.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Innocent%20Eyes/68/111/21

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

Waterpark At Bellisserian Fairgrounds

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

August is always a quiet month since so many in real-life and Second Life go on vacation. It is sort of the wind down of summer. August however the every year the Bellisserian Hammies create a fun place for everyone across the grid to come enjoy their summer toys at the Fairground. It is a huge Waterpark with everything you would want for a vacation.
 

The site opened with a huge party where dj, The Bellisseria Hamster (JessycaJayne Resident) entertained with her tunes and Varistentia Varriale, wearing the meme tag the beach Hampter hosting and dancing along. 

There will be parties often and here is the schedule if you would like to attend.

https://community.secondlife.com/forums/topic/525983-big-splash-adventure-oasis-waterpark-2025-opening-saturday-august-2nd/#comment-2948678

Not only are there huge water slides , enough for many to use , but games for adults and kids. Many sunning areas are set up for those who just want to relax and enjoy the sun.

A game room offers several opportunities to get out of the sun in case you are too fair to stay long. 

 

 The food court had a great choice of lunch with a mouthwatering Barbeque food truck, a Taco and Quesadilla stand, Pizza and all sorts of drinks and ice cream to top it off. Beer and pretzels are available at the Stage!

Families will enjoy the whole area. The kiddies playground offers many games and toys to occupy the children while the parents lounge under covered resting areas. The Hammies always take care to have engaging events that satisfy all the visitors. All are invited to come participate and have a great time.

It will be here until August 30 so put it on your calendar. You can arrive by plane, or take the ferry, or

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/163/238/24

Gemma Cleanslate

Montecito Bay's New Community Pool

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

It's been some time since I dropped by Montecito Bay for an event. Real life has kept me from the times they have parties. But the other day, I had the chance when they had a special occasion, the opening of their new Community Pool.

 

by Becky Nosferatu

The pool wasn't just a basin, but had a circular track, developed by Becky Nosferatu. She would announce her project in May.

 

 ...this project I have building for months now. Something that has taken blood, sweat and tears from me, which has been one of the biggest nightmare I've ever had building. I see why creators make super simple, boring small pools. ... This will be open for public around mid-July. We still have a few things we have to work with, IE: more floaties for the lazy river as well as the swimmer, which will take an Experience to cause you to swim, and it will be feral friendly.

 

Finally on July 19, she announced it was ready:

 

The Community Pool, the FOUR HOUR PARTY to commemorate it's grand opening has begin! Join us for live tunes, chill off in the pool and we hope to see you all here! There will be prizes and gifts, hope to see you here! 

 

The pool was in the Crux sim next to Montecito Bay. Montecito Island, Crux (120, 121, 2001). I passed a front desk, placed for show, and a small avatar shop where I saw some landwalker shark avies. 

 

 And into the pool area, a fancy one with an "island" in the middle, and slides and other attractions all around.

 

 I noticed a food stand, though with everyone at the pool, only someone's pet kitty was behind the counter. 

 

 Becky was there, sporting a "gummy" shark avatar of her design. After I arrived, I heard her say to someone, "You are HORRIBLY overdressed for a pool." I don't know if she meant me or not. 

 

 Playing the tunes was Moffettmephit, aka DJ "Magic" Moff. He would play some beach music, and some tunes appropriate for a party around a pool, "Walk, Don't Run." 

 

With all the sharks, nobody requested the "Jaws" theme. 

 

 I would hear Becky say, "In case you guys missed it, the swimmer is active! Just walk over to the sign by the entrance that says 'Wanna swim' then just make your AOs are turned off and jump in!" But when I looked, a pool noodle fight had broken out, "One of you turds is about to get smacked in the mouth!"

 

 And Emmy found herself the target of a vicious shark attack. 

 

 There were some four-footed or feral avies. Some were dancing (which can't really be shown on still pictures).

 

One lady just avoided the bustle in the main area and soaked in a smaller side pool.

 

"If you wanna just chill here and lay down you're welcome." And some would just enjoy Becky's pool ride, hopping in and coasting along. 

 

 

 "Now we're sharkin' it up."

 

 It was good chaotic fun. 

 

Crux (120, 121, 2001)

 

Bixyl Shuftan