Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Black History Month at the PBC And Health Island Heart Health

 
By Gemma Cleanslate


While my computer was at the “Spa” I had several places I wanted to let you know about to visit so combining them here before the short month of February gets away from us.

Here is the USA we are commemorating a part of history that was not integrated for many years. It is Black History month. One of the most complete stories is over at the Premier Business Center in the Cultural Arts Center. Jardinalexis went to school on the subject and has it all on display on the two floors.


As you walk around you can bring up a myriad of slideshows about various events, people and topics of interest. As you wander the lower floor as you touch and learn you will hear the song of Andra day, Rise up. I found the background of taking a knee at ball games most interesting. The history is under the lovely statue. Next to the statue on the left you will see Dancerina Starlight’s interview of Jardinalexis in last year’s Sl Newser . Click it .



On the upper level you will find a guided tour of posters about the many events and people involved in the culture . Follow the arrow and you will have a wealth of information to read . I know you will have to go back more than once to get it all in. I have been trying for years!

There will be an event this Sunday to which you are all invited .


PBC CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

AT PBC CULTURAL ARTS CENTER!

SUN: FEBRUARY 23 rd @ 1:00 PM SLT

ATTIRE; TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ATTIRE OR CASUAL

COLORS: RED, GREEN, BLACK,YELLOW (Optional)

*Raising awareness by focusing on, and showcasing the many achievements, andcontributions of Black People and their worldwide impact*

BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY!

BLACK HISTORY IS WORLD HISTORY!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/81/98/3001




While we were talking hearts and love and candy for the past month it reminded my that we need to take care of our hearts and Health Island this month had an array of informative posters to help. There are so many things that can go wrong with the heart and here is a collection of information about the various diseases and resources to help deal with them.







 
There are several exhibit centers to visit with information ans resources about Heart Attack,

Congestive Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Angina and more. You can start here at Atrial Fibrillation

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/50/28/28

If you want more precise slurls I have a notecard from Gentle Heron. Im me for a copy.
 
Gemma Cleanslate 

Friday, February 14, 2025

Valentine on Ice

 
By Gemma Cleanslate


A favorite installation I always enjoy visiting is one that Rebel Yell Concerts builds either at Christmas or the one at Valentine day. This long time tribute band has great events going on all year long also.

This is a wonderful place to visit with your honey or family. Lots of interactive winter fun are available to visitors all over the region to enjoy. There are Valentine cabins to rent if you want to make it a holiday. At the entrance you are in a sweet little town .Across the way is a cute carousel to start your fun.


Next to the carousel grab some hot roasted chestnuts take along on your adventure. A quarter moon that holds two for a romantic ride is ready. The moon ride travels along the cobblestone roads so you get a look at the little town and into the woods beyond all around the huge lake. Then it takes off into the sky above the lake and the view is beautiful. The shared lighting is delightful. When you arrive back in town there are some cute little shops to visit and some eating spots too.


Ride the swan on the lake that is not quite frozen. Several horse rezzers give you the opportunity to take a ride through the town and woods. Many little places to relax and take photos are scattered everywhere along the way. On the other side of the lake there is a lovely dining room all set with hearts and flowers for that romantic dinner.


For those who like skiing take the sky rail to the top of the hill and choose your way to go down. If not into skiing try the sled ride. Snowboarding is available too. There is a tour that will take you safely down on your skis if you want to use that. A warming hut is on the top with a crackling fire if more than one ski ride is not enough. This is a marvelous site to enjoy during the month of February.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REBEL%20YELL%20CONCERTS/37/56/27


Gemma Cleanslate
 

Monday, January 20, 2025

Hazbin Hotel

 
 
 There's an animated series (not for kids) on the Internet that a few of my friends have been watching, "Hazbin Hotel," by the cartoonist Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano. Not long ago, I heard there was a sim based on the show, and went to check it out. On arriving, you find yourself at the pearly gates. 


Going through you're in a room with some information about the place, along with a clerk behind a desk and a couple angel guards. Avatars need to be at least 30 days old to progress.

Greetings to new souls! My name is Michael! And here are news for you. Bad – you died. Good – you can complete the sorting and choose yourself an afterlife. Are you worthy of Heaven? Or condemned to Hell? The Eye of God will choose for you in any way. Behind me are rules regarding our home and I suggest you acquaint yourself with them to avoid problems.


There are gates to the left and right, the one to the left having a pentagram, and the one to the right looking more heavenly. Going to the one on the right, I heard Michael say, "Aren’t you optimistic! You sure this is the way for you?" Then the floor went out from under me and I plummeted through some weird darkness ...


For those unfamiliar with the show, the condemned souls rejected by Heaven don't live in fire and brimstone, but a dingy-looking urban setting. 

That looks more than a little surreal. Some of the characters aren't exactly heartwarming, "I love watching you suffer! The faces you make when you realize where you ended up. Ha-ha-ha-ha!"


But others such as this street musician can make you momentarily forget you're supposed to be in Hell. 


The products in the corner mart didn't look bad. They even had ice cream. But the prices and service were ... well, you know. 


The place was generally odd and weird.

Some of the place was a bit run down.

I'd call it the bad part of town, but well, in Hell is there a good part?


Not being a follower of the show, I had to do some reading up on it. It seems the really bad part about ending up in Hell besides the shortage of nice people is that every year angels from Heaven do a "Cleansing," and kill off many of the souls there to prevent the place from being too populated.


And among the places in the sim was Hazbin Hotel itself.

Sadly, one of the co-owners of this place had gone on to his reward, Urtm/Urtmiles/Vox.


There was a memorial up for him.


It should be noted when I dropped by, the place was due for a change soon. "Our sim is going through the stage of complete reconstruction. We fully remade the main buildings, the hotel, and build new locations." So the place may look a little different from when I stopped by to take pictures. 
 
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Friday, January 17, 2025

Adagio Winterland

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

Winter time is a great time to visit the beautiful and fun regions that feature winter as an “art “and ‘sport” in Second Life. One of my favorite sites is Adagio Winterland. Though Adagio is multifaceted with several locations reached by a teleport board, I love this one. One thing I love about it is that it is here all year long so if you get the yen to ice skate in May or September you can. If you just yearn to see snowflakes they are falling all the time. I know some Aussies who love it for the weather and snow during their winter in real-life and want them here too. They also have “almost Karaoke” three times every week. 
 
A small skating area is near the entrance but there is also a huge skating rink over behind the train. Couples and singles can enjoy the skate balls on free skates or bring your own skates or AO . One can also purchase some fancy skates near the entrance too.


I advise if you have time take the balloon ride first. You get a wonderful overview of all the relaxing spots and places to stop while exploring on horseback or foot. There is a horse rezzer near the entrance on the ice near the free skates and also next to the train. The balloon ride gives a little history of the winter region.

“Winterland began when Bekks - a photographer and scene designer in SL - set up a patch of snow, gazebo, a snowman and a log for a winter scene. Loving the idea of a peaceful winter area, it expanded over time with a skating rink and a stage for our weekly karaoke. Homes were added joined by a snowy path, and Winterland became a destination for explorers and photographers. With the Surround and Bekks' meticulous eye for detail, the illusion of a real-life snowy village in the mountains is nearly perfect.” All true.


Little winter cottages dot the area if you would like to rent for a vacation, long or short. Christmas in July can be all year long if you like. There are beautiful snowflakes drifting down enhancing your visit. On the nearby ice families with kiddies will love the three carousels to ride. 

A little farther along in the woods stands a small church. Thinking about getting married in the snow? Here is your chance. There is a lovely Cinderella coach on the lane that I assume is to take the bride to the church. I will bet Adagio has the perfect spot for the reception on another region.


There are more sports opportunities besides skating and horseback riding. Try the sledding , or snowmoble riding, and look for the bungee jumping and zip line. If you visit with friends check out the snowball fight game near the balloon ride too .Lots of fun! 
 
Bekks Heartsong is the owner of this fantastic region. There is information on the rental information card. Pick that up at the entrance. Group members have lots of advantage, You will love this place.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adagio%20Gardens/167/98/1202

Gemma Cleanslate

Monday, December 30, 2024

Christmas at Calas and Andee's Golf

 
By Gemma Cleanslate


Of course the Christmas region that Calas Galadhon creates is so spectacular every year. It is not to be missed! Andee Cooper took her mystery tour there this year and I was able to go with her and the other participants.


The sleigh ride is the way to see the beauty of the region on the way to the skating lake and the Pavilion. Listening to the music enhances the ride as you pass builds along the way. There are some new buildings as usual this year. Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith make sure that everyone who visits has a wonderful time exploring, attending events almost daily, skating, or just relaxing by the outdoor fire or in one of the smaller pavilions.
 

I spied Santa climbing high above the Pavilion.
 

The Pavilion itself was filled with poinsettias and the rooms inside a wonderful place to listen to music and just enjoy the décor. Group members always find gifts on the tables next to the main entrance. I have several cats and a dog from years back and of course some snow globes. There is much to do all over the region and taking the balloon ride gives one a chance to look down on all the beauty. 
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Li0nHeart%20Galaxy/122/241/3096


While Andee and I were riding she told me that she and her husband had installed a miniature golf on their region so I took a ride over to check it out. All the directions are posted on how to play. Grab your hud and score board and go! There are places to take photos on poses .. try the Gingerbread house. Softly falling snow adds to the fun!


Andee 004As one moves along the course you get to look at the lovely frosted winter trees. She told me many families had been coming to play . A little skating pond is available too. 
 

At the last hole who is waiting for you ? Old St Nick is sitting on his throne below the score board. It was a delightful setting and I took advantage to sit and take my Christmas texture. You still have time to go play golf with the kiddies on their vacation week! 
 
 

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Christmas at Yosemite

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

One of my special sites in Second Life is Yosemite. I have a second residence there that is lovely, set on a mountain looking down on a valley. The venue changes with the seasons fortunately which is unlike my first residence on a houseboat that I love also but it remains in the same season all year long unless the Moles start playing with the weather. Yosemite is of course a tribute to Yosemite National Park in California that, Jadin Emerald, the owner loves.


Winter has come to Yosemite and there are so many things to do . All are invited to come take horseback rides, walk the trails, skate on the lakes which are frozen. If you would like to stay a while there are camping sites and cabins and more to choose for a short or long stay. Pick up a Park Navigator at the Visitor Center to help you get around.


While I was gathering photos Jadin took me over to see the new Yosemite Lodge that is open for people who would like to relax and chat.


She is constantly adding to the regions to make them more fun for residents and visitors alike.


Not far from the visitor center be sure to stop at the ice skating at the Gazebo and look inside at the Giving Tree. Gifts galore surround the tree from Jadin ( I left one there too lol) Next to the Gazebo there is a relaxing fire pit with seating for many and nearby cocoa and smores.

This is a wonderful peaceful region to visit at any time but at this time of the year it is magical with the falling snow and the vast area for skating on the frozen waters and there are free skates at the Gazebo skating in case you do not have any. Have lots of fun and bring the kiddies . They will love the playground and climbing wall that are always available. I saw Santa on the climbing wall ! Double fun in the snow!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/138/61/25

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Monday, December 23, 2024

The Land of Misfit Toys

 
By Bixyl Shuftan
 
 

Christmas is almost here. And when I had time to check out some places, I came across one with a title fans of the "Rudolph" TV special will recognize, "The Land of Misfit Toys." The place was made by "The River" music and dance venue.
 

 Near the entry point was Sam the Snowman, the show's narrator.

 
 Not too far away was Santa Claus and his wife.
 

 The Land of Misfit toys was a place where toys that felt unwanted go to live.
 

 The island had a huge castle overlooking the place.
 

 There were some shops around. One had a freebie, the Rudolph "Dragoo" dragon. So you too can have a cartoony dragon dressed up as the famous reindeer.
 

"The Land of Misfit Toys" is a cute and amusing place. Drop by and see it before the Christmas season ends. 

Bixly Shuftan