Christmas Town

By Gemma Cleanslate

Hooray! Finally Laura Liberty opened her region. Another of my favorites is a bit late this year but so good to see it arrive! If you are doing late shopping check out all the stores there  for anything you are missing. So many lovely items .

The skating here is superb and the main reason is you enter the castle on skates. This is such a special Castle ! The ride takes you back in history to the wonderful Christmas movie sounds and sights you loved and still do and then takes you around the large skating pond too when you exit.

I watched FLOPS (Lieutenant Wheatcliffe) and Pinky Cyberstar on their way through the castle having lots of fun and giggles.It is a nostalgic tour .

Santa has a throne for pictures with you so I sat down and asked for another new car. I am on his good list he said... (ha it is  Tina (Tanyja Resident, a wonderful helper to Laura) . I doubt Santa will have room in his sleigh.  Nearby there is a terrific 2019 New Year decor shop filled with balloons, celebration signs, food,in fact a whole delicious buffet and more. Stop in especially if you are planning a party.. everything you need it here .

The sledding is fun but treacherous if you are not a good sledder. I am not , but survived it and would do it again.look the entrance to sledding off the skating pond.

Stop by and make a musical Christmas card of your very own  before you leave. The directions are easy to follow. I recommend joining the group Townies if you want to see more of Laura’s towns during the year.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Townies/114/213/149

To all a Happy Holiday and many more!


Gemma Cleanslate

Calas Christmas Pavilion 2018

By Deaflegacy

“This place is beautiful and it's almost like a home!” I thought to myself when I came to Calas Christmas Pavilion.  It is beautiful and while I can't say for the others, it almost feels like a home.  I came to a  house with a note, asking people to please keep their scripts under 100 so the others can enjoy the events.  I don't have that many scripts so I went into the house.

The house felt like a home at that point.  It's not just big. It's also warm and comfortable.  There is a big fireplace in one room.  I can see a Christmas tree with presents under it.  I can see something on the coffee table, as well.  I continued to check out the house.  The house is amazing, with its own beauty.

I also heard of an ice skating pond so I went outside.  Sure enough, there is an ice skating pond.  I got on the ice skating pond and can see others skating around.  I don't blame them for being happy that there is an ice skating pond.  For all I know, the ice skating can be amazing.  I didn't put on ice skates because I'm a pony so thanks, but no thanks.  But if there is anyone out there who loves to go to skate on a pond covered by ice, I would encourage them to go to Calas Christmas Pavilion.

I'm not going to stop there.  I did go for a walk around the Pavilion.  At one point, I saw a reindeer and a snow man.  I have to stop in amazement when I saw a reindeer at the Pavilion.  It is always amazing to see a reindeer at this time of the year.

Hey, if you're in mood to visit a place that is celebrating Christmas, I would really encourage you to go to Calas Christmas Pavilion. It is a good place to be and according to the scripts notice, there will be events.  Here is the way to get to Calas Christmas :

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/EREBOR/172/129/28

You could also join the group to keep in touch about the events that will happen at Calas Christmas Pavilion.  I did join the group and would know when the next event would be.  So if you want to know what's going to happen at Calas Christmas Pavilion, I would really encourage you to sign up for the group, too.

Deaflegacy

3D Republic and Harambee

By Gemma Cleanslate

3D Republic, “This market is for 3D Republic designers. This years market includes Christmas and winter designs for your pleasure. Many vendors come together to bring you a variety of items to choose from to celebrate your holiday season.“ That is the  description of the mission here .

It is a delightful market filled with so many designers and so many varied items not only for your avatar but for you home.   Use the region windlight to add the ambiance of the venue. It was like shopping in the early evening with the sun setting and all the sparkling lighting in the sheds. While you are wandering around look for a snowman and pick up a nice gift! Look under the nearby Christmas trees for more gifts!  Look around also for free gifts by some of the sheds .

Again I found some lovely snow globes I just could not resist and spent more money! Listen to the tinkling of the many objects along the way and enjoy the whole experience even if you don’t shop.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Builders%20Republic/129/91/27

Harambee is long time project in Second Life, “dedicated to fundraising the IKSDP Schools in Kenya (Gwassi region, Lake Victoria) of IKSDP-Harambee Project (real-life non-profit Association).“ They have a presence where one can get loads of interesting freebies and purchase clothing and decorations at all times. Take a look at their website to lean more about their cause.  http://www.conquistaweb.it/harambee/eng/SL4kenya.htm

Right now there is a winter Charity right next door to their site. It is filled with interesting and charming items for you by some of sl’s finest designers. There are lots of gifts around too so look for them.I enjoyed walking around and getting  a flavor of African Christmas surrounded by palm trees and shrubs. There are events planned for the stage there too. Take a walk in Africa.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Imperial%20Ar/104/120/12

Gemma Cleanslate

Calas – The Hot Air Balloon Ride

by DeafLegacy

I went to Calas to check out some of the things that the place had.  One of the things that caught my attention is a sign saying, “Hot Air Balloon.”  I clicked on it.  I found myself in a place with a hot air balloon sitting on a platform.  I clicked on it and got in.  I went for a ride and I thought it was awesome.  

The entire ride covered all seven sims.   At one point, the hot air balloon did go in the water but did the flames go out?  Not at all.  It kept burning as the hot air balloon went through the water. I did get to say hello to some fish.  When we went back out of the water, we went through the air. 

The land was remarkable.  At a few points of the long journey, I took some pictures. I thought I'd take this chance to talk about this remarkable, long but interesting journey with some pictures.  The hot air balloon comes with different poses, including the 'dare' pose, which means that the person would be hanging outside the hot air balloon basket as if she is daring herself to  hang outside the basket.  I didn't fall.  There is one option that I wouldn't try, and that would be the “Opps” part. 

Thanks but no thanks.  But if there is anyone who is interested to give that option a try, go right ahead.  I'm not daring you to click on that part but it's okay to be curious. 

As the hot air balloon goes through seven sims, there are a lot of interesting places to check out while you're on hot air balloon.  That's why I definitely recommend you try the hot air balloon on Calas.  The hot air balloon is at :

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/178/245/22


Deaflegacy

Christmas at Creations Park and Botanica

By Gemma Cleanslate

It is always good to shop over at Creations Park because you are not only getting clothing and decor from your favorite designers you are donating to a great cause. All or part of your Lindens go to Team Fox for Parkinson’s disease research and support. Check out their video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyiiWxNguGo&feature=youtu.be). There are many events scheduled at Creation Park as the board at the landing area shows.

While you wander the many levels to visit the shops look down and find the stocking that holds a stuffer that is very inexpensive.

Then get over to the soaring castle and have the fun experience of finding the 12 gifts hidden there . They could be anywhere and watch for hidden rooms but they are not hard to find.Take a picture with Santa in the entry room. Each room is decorated so beautifully . High up on the parapet rezz a Santa Sleigh to soar over the sim . I am missing one gift...Number 11 so I have to go back!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Creations%20Park/44/212/28

While I was doing that very ride I saw bright lights from a distance and  remembered that next door to Creations Park there is another sim not to miss. After I finished my tour and collecting all the goodies from the Castle I wandered over to Botanica.

It is so beautifully decorated . My first stop was in the Christmas Tree Hall where I found a delightful little band that performs  many choices of Christmas music that you can ask it to play.

Outside grab a pair of skates and take a turn on the pond with the elves. I saw a racing game for which the purchase price goes to the American Cancer Society so again you are donating while you shop. It looked interesting.

If you are into harps and harpsichords or other ancient musical instruments and music boxes do not miss the shop across from the Christmas Tree Hall. I succumbed and bought a new music box.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Merlin%20Gardens/198/49/24

Gemma Cleanslate

Khargo Christmas Market and Under The Tree Christmas Shop

By Gemma Cleanslate

Khargo Christmas Market at Yellowstone falls has some diverting table decorations for the Christmas meals and wreathes. I was so tempted! The Polar Bear Island would make a lovely addition to any winter sim. There is an extensive collection of winter plants for you in front of their Christmas furniture shop. Roam through the store for collectable Christmas decor.

Outside I came across a Square Snowman! Next to him stood a wonderful winter well with a visiting racoon and squirrel. Nearby I found another set of shops just outside the Christmas area that is well worth a visit.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellowstone%20Falls/118/180/41

 At Under The Tree Christmas Shop I found some marvelous Christmas rugs. They have the cutest elves decor in the window alcove that I really wanted! I will never make it through all these markets and fairs.

 If you like animated figures see the whole wall full in the shop. This shop is full of an eclectic collection of trees, furniture, toys and more. Upstairs there are tree skirts and stained glass art.

Outside take a walk down the hill to Tex’s Tree Farm where there is a free axe so you can cut your own. I found ღ Ϻịɱị Đạṙḷḯṇḡ ღ (Disastrophy Resident) chopping down a big one. If you visit the barn you can get a kiss from a cute puppy. Shop and Farm are located in Larson where it is always winter , right on the road where I like to visit and roam.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Larsen/32/192/110

　By the way, I finally got the Advent Calendar list. I looked for it all last week so I could post it before Advent began but no luck. Some of the stores require membership, some have hunts, some just have the calendar visible as soon as you get there. Have fun.

https://fabfree.wordpress.com/december-advents/

Gemma Cleanslate

House of Avro and Santa Town

By Gemma Cleanslate

I have started visiting the early Christmas decor and sales sims that are already open and ready for business!

One of the largest busiest Christmas decor regions in Second Life, I think, is the House of Arvo. It is always fun to visit and wish I had  a sim or part of one to decorate. Unfortunately I live on a mainland island that is pretty tropical and only have so many prims to play with. If not, I would be buying so many of the delightful outdoor decorations that I see here . There is a gorgeous little ice pond available that I would have loved to buy. It would make a wonderful scene where I could skate.
Or Santa’s lovely sleigh drawn by two  reindeer, or the little snowman ice fishing. There are so many items here I have not seen anywhere.... yet.

 I am so glad I left my purse at home! Make a stop here even if you are not buying decor. The offerings will make you glad you at least could go window shopping! Inside the House of Avro shed There is a wonderful collection of stockings to hang on the fireplace, along with trees and wreathes and so much more. Little sheds all around hold anything you might need to decorate or wear,men or women.

Be sure to visit Santa and pick up a gift before you leave. He has his own cozy little indoor throne. There is a sign outside to invite you in.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Christmas%20Decorations/76/102/23

Next!! Santa Town is also just filled with so many delightful indoor and outdoor items to decorate your sim or home.

After you make the rounds of the quaint shops stop over at the Skate Shack and pick up your free skates and take a skate around the frozen pond. There are Christmas songs playing for your enjoy ment. Grab a ride on the tour sleigh that takes you for a  ride  around the sim so you can enjoy it all.Don’t miss the ski lift or the sledding either. Great fun! I found some gifts in some of the shops. There will DJs playing for your entertainment Saturday December 1 . You can get a photo with Santa that day too.

Stop in at the Gingerbread cafe after skating, or check out the Old Bell Pub where you can play games . I had some great turkey kabobs while there withღвєllєღ (Mcshoah Resident)  . If you join the group there are some gifts under the tree for you  and you can visit  until Little Christmas, Epiphany , Jan . 6.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Georgetown%20Colorado/114/147/30

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Holiday Village

By Gemma Cleanslate

Did you notice that it is that time again? Although it feels early the Christmas season is already under way. Reminders to start thinking of Christmas gifts, clothing, decor for the home and sim are all around us. I have already started collecting information about bazaars and fairs to help you out. One of my favorite places has already opened and I took a tour to check out the new additions and the old favorite nooks.  One can go shopping, skate, visit Santa, and all in one wonderful place. This is the 10th year that the region has opened for the holiday.

I was so sorry to learn that Mairead Fitzgerald, who started this wonderful Christmas event area has passed on . Her real life husband Preacher (Sutra Kish) and  Rosanadana Kish (Alienorifice Resident) have kept the wonderful sim going.

There are so many venues to visit while you are there. Information is available at the entrance area. Bring your skates,or, purchase some classy ones while you are there . The frozen lake  is extensive and the rivers off the lake wind around. It is a marvelous place to skate. As you glide around the large pond and rivers you get to view the shops with all the decor and outfits . Passing through the crystal caves is fun. On the lake is where the staging for all the marvelous events is set up . There will be fun parties with DJs and singers until the Christmas season is over.

There is a  horse drawn buggy tour that takes you up , up high into the sky. It is a fun thing to do with a friend or your honey and a good chance to chat . At the top there are more delightful shops to check out and winter cabins for rent. There is also a game pavilion to visit there . I saw a ski slope in the distance and there are free skis. You can take the ski lift up as well as the tour buggy. 

My favorite way to get an overview of the beautiful lake and all the shops it to take a ride on Santa’s Magic Snow Owl. Find that ride at the other end of the road from the ski lift past the big shops.It is right next to Santa’s throne room where you will find him and elves.  It is magical to float over the skaters. There is a wonderful wedding venue inside a glistening palace venue.

Be sure to stop in at the Lodge where , of all things, Mrs Claus is serving at the dining table with Mr Claus entertaining guests. There are so many venues to visit and I don’t want to spoil it all for you so .. I recommend you join the group is skating to music is for you and your friends. Event upon event will be taking place. I visit many sites for the Christmas season and I like them all but this one has always been one of my very favorites and I am glad to see it is continuing with the love that Mairead had for doing it for SL residents. I will be skating there as soon as i sharpen my skates! There are great skating pads and balls there if you do not have a skating hud.Don’t miss it.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tahuna%20Bay/190/170/26

Gemma Cleanslate

The Broken Dreams Project

By Deaflegacy

I came upon a memorial recently.  I took a look all over the location.  There are so many monuments here, and they are all about people whose lives were taken away before their time.  There are young people who passed on from AIDS, cancer, and suicide.  Some of the monuments pass out notecards, describing about each memorial.  There are some memorials about certain young adults.  Some memorials are about groups of people. 

These memorials have names on them. Each memorial comes with a notecard, giving us a description of what the particular memorial is all about. While the memorials are sad, they also serve as what they are meant to be – a memorial to those who passed away.

I have gotten notecards from three memorials.  The first one is from Jamey Rodemey's memorial.  The first paragraph is, “Jamey Rodemeyer (March 21, 1997 – September 18, 2011) was an openly bisexual teenager (although he referred to himself as gay on Tumblr and some You Tube videos, known for his activism against homophobia and his videos on You Tube to help victims of homophobic bullying. He committed suicide as a result of constant bullying and being called gay.”

The second one is from Ryan White's memorial.  The first paragraph is, “Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS at age 13. He and his mother Jeanne White Ginder fought for his right to attend school, gaining international attention as a voice of reason about HIV/AIDS. At the age of 18, Ryan White died on April 8, 1990, just months before Congress passed the AIDS bill that bears his name – the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act. The legislation has been reauthorized five times since – in 1996, 2000, 2006, 2009 and 2013 – and is now called the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.”

The third one is from 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting memorial.  The first paragraph is, “During this difficult time, we offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the 49 victims who lost their lives during the Pulse tragedy. To the families and friends of the victims, your city is with you and will continue to be with you as you deal with this unimaginable tragedy.”

The memorial is there for a reason.  It's to help us remember people who have passed on.  As I head out from the memorial, I leave with a feeling of sadness. So many lives which ended too soon.


https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Reckless/202/41/22

Deaflegacy

Editor's Note: Somehow the wrong SURL got put it. It's been corrected.

Reader Submitted: The SL DJ And Host Hall Of Fame

By Alysabelle Resident

Well its been a long time since I wrote an article. This one in particular I have been keenly interested in, the place is called the SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame. Perhaps this article will be an eye opener for those, who like me, who didn't even know that the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame existed or unless assuming you are a Deejay or a Host in Second Life then perhaps you have heard about it. But despite all this I still wanted to know all about it and inform everyone who never known what the SL DJ and Host Hall Of fame is all about . I realize quickly that Deejays and Host have a place of their own in recognition of their hard work and in entertaining us with their music and banter. It was a true eye opener for me as always I hope that I have done justice in writing this article , this is my very first Second Life venue I have written about.

I was fascinated about SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame and knowing myself I had to pursue my curiosity as always . I want to start by saying I have attended several events mostly inductee's and a few memorial services and even a fund raiser and it was successful . It's an interesting story how the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame came to be. First the owners are DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard) and DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) prior to the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame, DJ 3 D has deejay for six years in SL. DJ 3D owned and managed a place called the SL Rock and Roll Memorial Museum for six years she owned and managed three clubs herself and as well as managed other club owners venues . She has trained staff and place them into clubs. DJ Chris has been a DJ for 7 years and owned at one time three clubs in Second Life as well. He trained 22 deejay's and 18 hosts for one club alone called the Fantasy Rock which at the time it was number one in Second Life for a year. He also owned a club called Galaxy Garden and both DJ Chis and DJ Dia co -owned a placed call CJ's Rock Club. They also have extensive real life back round in the music industry of one sort or another.

Without a doubt its obvious DJ Chris and DJ Dia complement each other and they had a vision to open a venue called the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame and soon there after their vision was realized when it open up on March 14th 2014 . Of course they didn't realize how popular it would eventually become, it's also recognized by Linden Lab . You can tell when you visit the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame that it is a true labor of love. They had this intense desire for the deejay's and hosts/hostesses in Second Life to be recognized not for any popularity contest at all, but for them to be recognize for the hard work involved in being a Deejay or a Host and to be honored by their peers. The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame consist of numerous highly experiences judges and they themselves go out into different venues and listen to the Deejay's or Host or both and if there is any type of recommendation or improvement they will provide it, for SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame their desire for Deejay's and Host to become one of the best in Second Life.

The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame is a non-profit organization and like any other non -profit organization they do ask for any and all donations to continue to flourish as well as provide support for the tier. They encourage anyone who would like to hire a Deejay or Host for any event to either contact DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard)or DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) and would be happy to provide one of the best inductee's in Second Life. They also happily encourage anyone who would like to plan an event at The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame to contact them. From time to time they hold fund raiser for the Hall, Recently theyhad an R and B Halloween music fest and it was quite the successful .

Once you teleport to The SL DJ Hall Of Fame you will be facing the entrance door to the right there is a teleporter to the many stores that are on the right and left side of the Hall . The DJ and Host Hall Of Fame itself is quite impressive the details are immaculate . If you cam up you will notice two animated amplifiers and a mixer board. The SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame was build by none other by Che Bonpuli (cheonjiwang) what an impressive building it is ! When you turn around prior to walking in the Hall there is a vintage record player, speakers, turn table in large form, deejay's can as well hold an event there it was created by Squeeeeeaky. Squeeeeeaky also created some of the frames inside the The SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame quite creatively, before him it was DJ SteveRay Vaughn created and design their plaques. They have a Mascot and his name is Crebb Seetan is a psychedelic dragon . He has been with the DJ and Host Hall of Fame since their opening and prior he was with the owners for the Rock n Roll Museum. For applying to be inducted in the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame any Deejay or Host in Second Life or a friend of theirs can apply to become an inductee in the SL DJ and Host Hall of Fame. Upon entering in the Hall you will notice both application forms are on either side of the desk at the bottom and on the left side application for Deejay's on the right side application for host. Once inducted the inductee's receive a plaque and a trophy, if they come to the induction itself.

Continuing as you look into the Hall on the right and left you will notice Deejay inductions and host induction plaques. Behind the desk there is the stage and to the left of the stage you will notice a Headset tip jar for the venue to help with the tier, you will notice a podium as well for the Master of Ceremony and the chairs up front on the stage facing the audience is for the Deejay's or Host who will be Inducted in the SL DJ and Host Hall Of Fame. There are also numerous chairs for guest and family to attend . For the Host inductions it usually takes place the third Sunday of each month. The DJ induction usually takes place the last Sunday of each month the festivities start at 5 pm slt and the ceremony starts at 6 pm SL time. Both ceremonies last approx: and hour give or take. They also have Memorial service upon request for Deejay's and Host but please inquire with either DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard)or DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) for time and date to be discussed . The Inductions and the Memorial are done both in voice and in text. The voice for the Hall Of Fame is real life professional voice actor DJ James Eastman. And the dress code is always formal.

On the second floor is set aside for the future Deejay induction plaques and as well the second floor overlooks the stage. On the third floor the entire promenade there are more Deejay plaques that have been inducted. On the third floor to the left you will discover the Marie Bravitz host wing which houses all the plaques of the Hosts inducted in the SL Dj& Host Hall of Fame. And to the right the DJ Jay Jones Honorary DJ Wing that house the plaques of honorary deejays. This wing honors those Deejay's with real life and or Second Life that have years of experience. .

The SL DJ Hall Of Fame consist of over 272 DJ inductions and 40 Host inductions and growing. Here are the colors of the plaque and there meanings...The gold frames are only for the Deejay's, the silver frames are for the Host. The silver and gold frames are both a combination of both a Deejay and a Host . If the plaques at the bottom are red on either gold or silver frames or both these deejays or host have passed away.

The next induction would normally take place at the end of November but due to Thanksgiving it has been scheduled for December 2nd 2018.

Landmark for the Dj Hall Of Fame

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aprils%20Sanctum/192/168/22

Social Media...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLDJHALLOFFAME/

I would encourage anyone to visit the DJ and Host Hall Of Fame it is quite impressive it's also open to the public . In closing, I found both DJ Chris (chris62.greybeard) and DJ 3D (dia.dufaux) very informative and a pleasure to have met them .

Thank you .

Alysabelle Resident.

Halloween Town

By Bixyl Shuftan

Second Life has a number of Halloween attractions. But an old favorite that attracts numbers is "Halloween Town." Located on Laura Liberty's "Townies" sim, It's back once more.

Two of the staff were there when I checked the place out: Acehole Ixito and Bean (GreenBeanGirl), whom were in costume.

Some people were there in scary costumes.

 And "The Claw" was back to give people a tour of the place from above.

One new feature that may be a pain to some is this script meter near the entrance that measures how many scripts an avatar has. If you're over the limit, you have five minutes to do something or be booted. I was going to tour the place in a bat avatar, but the meter kept telling me it was over the limit, even with the HUD removed.

There was a stand for a group trying to get an aquarium to release a killer whale.

 Near the front were gachas where one could get a costume or mask that was scary or funny.

There was also a pumpkin contest, with 3000L going to the best decorated one.

People could pick up a bouncy ball to get around for free.

The place has a number of shops, in stores decorated to match the playfully spooky look of the place. Those with child avatars with them might want to be careful about taking them in the costume shop as some of the ladies' outfits were definitely *not* intended for kids to see.

The street of Halloween Town winds in a curve going down. At the bottom is the main attraction of the sim: the Haunted House.

Going in, you're asked to accept a "Sound HUD." Click "yes" to accept it.

You go through scenes of various horror movies, and some not so scary movies and a TV show.

 Many of the scenes are new, having been added in since I was last here. There is one that involves a river ride, in which you get a couple oars, get on the boat, and start paddling.

At the end of one ride, you're offered what is claimed to be a picture of you taken while you were on it. Be prepared for a surprise.

And that's that for this Halloween favorite. Which Halloween places would you like the Newser to take a look at next?

Bixyl Shuftan