Sunny Beach and The Gathering Oak

By Penny (Deaflegacy)

Sha (Becky Shamen) offered to take me on a tour of the beautiful Sunny Beach sim, and I took her up on her offer. The first stop we made was at the sky diving machine. "Click the floor," said Sha. I did and ended up flying in the air. Sha said that it is sky diving and I really enjoyed it.

The next stop is at the roller coaster. "My favorite ride," Sha told me. We got on the roller coaster and it was really fun, being on the roller coaster. This was so much fun riding the roller coaster and I was sad to get off the ride.

We stopped by a place where Moogles live there. I was impressed. Moogles are a cute small creatures.

Sha showed me the round table at the castle. It reminds me of the round table back in King Arthur's days. There was even a sword stuck in a stone there.

We went to the boardwalk shops after that. Sha suggested I try a ride called, "Wild Whale." When I got on it, I was so impressed. It was like riding a wild bull only this time, I'm riding a wild whale. After I got off, she showed me the rocking ships. It reminds me of a ride at Playland that looks so much like the rocking ships on the Gathering Oak. I'm not sure if it is still around because it has been over a decade since I last went to Playland.

Sha showed me the club jackets that she made as well as a fortune teller. According to Erik Mouse (erikmouse.dawid) who just joined us, the idea came from Erik when he was on a vacation over a month ago where there was a boardwalk by the beach.

I told Sha and Erik that I felt they were doing a good job. "We try hard to provide fun for the community," she said. The Gathering Oak club is really a fun place to be. "The DJ booth plays to the whole sim, we can have events anywhere. We hope to develop surfing events in the future." said Sha when I asked about the events happening on the club. "Surfing events could be co-ordinated with sim to the North, with party on both sims."

Sha showed me a beautiful woods, to take peaceful walks through. For those that need to get rid of tension, they have cannons to fire. She showed me how to use a cannon and when a ball flew out of that cannon, I can feel the tension I have going with it.

The Gathering Oak is run by Erik with Sha's help. Geerkil Ziskey is the most noted DJ at the club. You can see him on Tuesday night.

The Sunny Beach sim is an amazing place to visit and to hang out with your friends. Here is the landmark for the awesome place: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunny%20Beach/177/134/22

Penny

Interviewing Jasmine Dawn And Nydia Tungsten About The Happy Vixen

By Deaflegacy

The Happy Vixen is the beach club of the Sunweaver community, as well as for the group of the owner's friends, Nydia's Angels. It is owned by Nydia Tungsten and managed by both Snowbuns (Skylark Lefavre) and the Newser's own Bixyl Shuftan. Recently, the club was remodeled, and the job fell to Jasmine Dawn (Orasine), whom also has done a few Halloween builds for the club. I met up with Jasmine to talk to her about the club.

Jasmine described her position at the Happy Vixen, “As security and as it's builder. I help as needed and when something needs tweaked.”

I was wondering how long Jasmine has been part of the Happy Vixen Club.  “Oh for years, this club used to be over where the Redfoxx clan is now and it started out as a work in progress place.” said Jasmine.  “Orginaly it was a covered dock side club, very small place.  Nydia Tungsten wanted something bigger.”

I asked Jasmine about the new Happy Vixen Club that we were sitting on. “This place?" she said, "It originally was a club set on another sim that Nydia controls. Very little traffic there. But it had potential for a great open air type club.  I seen it and felt it a shame the design wasn't being used as much it should. The question came up about a rebuild and this place (in the other place) was the first idea of many I had.  It offered more room for the patrons, seating and followed suit in the beach theme. There is still things that needs be done for the reopening tomorrow evening (March 17).  I still need work on a spot for Geerkil to sit when he is here.  Geerkil, if you didn't know, is a giant Seawolf type dragon.” Geerkil's large body means he takes up more room than other DJs.

My next question was would Jasmine continue being with the Happy Vixen for a long time.  “For as long as I am needed, " Jasmine replied, "Or till management can find someone better.”

While Jasmine and I were talking, club owner Nydia Tungsten came along.  I invited her to join in the interview.

I asked Jasmine what inspires her to build an amazing club like the Happy Vixen.  “Well, I do it for the people," she replied, " I see people sitting around, nothing to do really or really no place to hang out at. I like giving things that occupy their time and when it is here at a place I've helped with.  It makes it better.  I've done many things as events in the past, did the haunted Halloween maze and the haunted house.  Everyone really enjoyed the haunted maze and the woods style club area.”

I asked Nydia about her role in the The Happy Vixen Club. She replied,  “Well... I own THV and created it for alternate days for the space club.”

My next question to her was how long has she been an owner of The Happy Vixen Club.  “Since it was created," She answered, “Well the first one was VERY simple but popular build.  But that one was build by my friend Treminari.”

I asked Nydia how long would she continue to be the owner of The Happy Vixen Club.  She replied, “As long as I can.”

I told Jasmine that I think she did a remarkable job on the particular build.  “I always try to put my best foot, hoof, forward in my builds.” she said, “I'm always about, mostly hamming it up with friends but like now, I'm wondering what I am missing.”

It was an interesting interview.  Not only did I get to interview the builder of an awesome club, I also get to interview her boss. 

You can go to The Happy Vixen Club at:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Purrfection%20Estates/208/231/22

Deaflegacy

Valentine Town and Isle of View

By Gemma Cleanslate and Deaflegacy

Valentine day is approaching quickly. Sweethearts are looking for gifts and places to visit before or on that day to be ready. I  took a look to see places where one could find everything you want . My first visit was to Valentine Town that is the creation of Laura Liberty of Townies.

Laura stays on top of the holidays that people love to celebrate. To not miss all her offerings join the Townies group.

What a sweet and lovely venue Valentine Town is. The cute shops are so filled with anything and everything you could wish for. The clothing goes from cute and funny to gorgeous gowns in the Valentine mode but can be worn anywhere at any time.

Across the way the other shops have all kinds of decor and even dinner tables for the special romantic dinner. Candy boxes , cakes and other treats. Bouquets and cards..and banners to carpets. How about  a hot air balloon to take a long ride over the grid. It is all there and so much more! Go see.  As in the Christmas village there is the Make your own card offering with directions

For enjoyment and entertainment there is a delightful dance floor with dance balls.  For the crowning glory there is a Tunnel of Love. Settle into the boat with your honey and glide through the tunnels and around the region on the canal.  I ran into greenbeangirl and tina (tanyja Resident) co managers of the sim for Laura hanging out at the entrance to the Tunnel . There is a cute heart dartboard backpack  gift for the members of Townies. Plan an early visit to pick up your decor and clothing to be ready for the special day.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Townies/130/153/7

One place you will love to visit and spend time roaming and taking pictures is the Isle of View. Bixyl told you about the history.  I took a trip over to check that it is ready and landed at the Love Pavilion. That is ready. Gifts are available for delivery just follow the directions . There are little Hugging booths for photos.

I spied a dunking booth. It looks like perhaps there will be a dunking going on .. perhaps with some Lindens sitting above the water,, We shall see. I tried to take a walk around the lovely grounds but not sure the whole island is open yet.because I landed at home!

There is a long canal that I think will have a swan boat if I remember correctly. Well one can get to the pavilion right now at least .. Sent that gift! 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isle%20of%20View%202/79/76/107

Gemma Cleanslate

*  *  *  *  *

When I arrived at the landing point, http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Townies/153/84/7, I found out that I arrived at a heart shaped landing point.  It is beautiful.  My next step is to go to the town, which is what I did.

I went down to the bridge, and saw a gorgeous town nearly right away.  It is colorful, and full of different houses.  I took a look around, and was impressed by what's in the houses.  What's in the houses would be a store in houses that are linked together.  You would go in one house and go to the other house through an entrance in the wall in the house.

But that's not all.  That's not what I'm really here for.  I went across the bridge again, and down to the heart shaped landing point.  I saw another building, and boats coming out it.  This must be the love boat that I'd like to try, I thought.  So I went to the building.  I got in the boat, and the trip got started.

Wow!  I'm not going to spill any detail because I don't want to give it away.  I'd like you to give it a try, by yourself or with someone, because the trip is amazing!  Every minute I spent in the boat, I did not regret it.  At one point, it took my breath away.  Wow!

For any one of you who would like to visit Valentine's Town, I would encourage you to go visit that amazing place.  The houses are gorgeous, the trip on the love boat is amazing, and so much more.  Why not give it a try?

Deaflegacy

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

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

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.

The Stagbucks Cafe and the Trotsdale Library

By Deaflegacy

The Cafe

I stopped by the cafe on Trotsdale at (32/214/24) to talk with the owner, Skye Wishbringer. When I asked him about his role in the Cafe, he replied, “Sole proprietor and owner of Stagbucks Coffee! There are many others who spend some time there, but my main purpose is keeping it running.”

I asked Skye  about the history of the cafe, he said, “Oh, that's a long, long, long ago story. In its existence on Second Life, I can't remember the original date in its original iteration, but the earliest version I can remember of it on SL goes back to some time around 2005 or 2006. This particular version has been around since around 2016. This wasn't its original location here in Trotsdale, either. It used to be up the street and around the corner near the Theater, in a completely different building. Stagbucks' original existence actually came to being on a text-based Muck called FurryMuck back around the late 90's. I think around 1997 or so. It's still there, if you know where to find it. When I brought it here, it started life as a small wooden shack with a coffee percolator and was generally just a place for some friends and myself to hang out. Multiple revisions later, here we are.”

The best feature of the Cafe, according to Skye, is the look.,“When you come to Trotsdale, one of the first things you may notice is the colors of the sim in general. I've always been a fan of Googie Style architecture, and amidst all the browns and greens, the teal appearance isn't contrasting but I feel complements the square and surrounding buildings near it. Every time I see it, it makes me feel happy, regardless of my mood.”

I asked Skye about which drink would he recommended, he responded. “Well, the coffee, of course! Stagbucks sells the best coffee you can find anywhere. They even come in their own self-contained cups! Coffee is, of course free. If you want to stick around for a while and hot drinks aren't your thing, we also serve fresh and cold Sparkle Cola, right from the fountain. Three different flavors! They're also free.”

Before I had to go, Skye told me something. “Of course! We also recently opened a location in the Saddlewood Sim. There's a landmark oval by the door that should give you one there.”

I would definitely go to the Cafe. It's a friendly place with free coffee. I am a coffee lover. I would know where is the right place to go and have a good cup of coffee. The cafe at Trotsdale is one of the places I would definitely go for a good cup of coffee.

The landmark is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/31/215/24

The Library

I went to the library and met the librarian, Amehana Arashi (Amehana Ishtari). After I apologized for being late. my first question was when the library first opened. She replied,

“I am not sure when the library first opened. I am the third curator. I know it was open before the RP event of Trotsdale's destruction in one timeline and rebirth in another. I -think- 2012, but Zepdek Resident is the original curator and my current co-curator. He'd have the early history.”

I asked Amehana  to tell me in her words about the library. “We provide music appreciation and story time," she replied, "Some of our readers do live voice readings. Others stream readings that they have prerecorded and sometimes I'll play something from librivox. We also have a few inworld titles. We network with a few other libraries and sometimes run writing contests that are open to the public. Raglanshire's library currently has one of their prim books out on the table, which I rotate with others they've sent.” 

I had one last question for Amehana, that of what was her favorite part of her job. “That is a hard one," she told me as she thought about her answer, "My favorite part as a patron is listening when Illya Leonov streams his stories. My favorite part as a librarian though is finding titles I think patrons would enjoy hearing me read.”

I thanked Amehana before I left the library. I really do like the place.

The landmark is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/24/163/24

Deaflegacy

Trotsdale

By Deaflegacy

I Heard about the Trotsdale sim, which is part of a community of pony fans in Second Life. I went there to look around and talk to a few people. I was lucky to be able to get an interview with DC the cyBerfoxy (death.berger), one of the people who help out there. 

 When I asked DC about how to describe Trotsdale, she has this to say, “Trotsdale is a 'My Little Pony' themed estate featuring live events, streamed media, fun parties, and of course ponies! It is a land filled to the brim with all manner of fun things to see and do, and ponies to meet!” She explained some of the story behind the place, “Trotsdale came to life on the day of season two of 'My Little Pony' had premiere. That was September 17, 2011. The sim had a completely different design back then and got also a bunch of sims added to it: Trotsdale Heights and Trotsdale West.”

“The community, we wouldn't be where we are now without them,” DC answered when asked about the best part of Trotsdale Town Square.

We went deeper into the conversation, especially when it comes to welcoming people to Trotsdale. “Of course, we are welcoming everyone that looks for a chill, family friendly pony experience," DC told me, "We are also pretty much left alone by griefers and those that do make their way to us usually don't stay very long.”

I asked DC about her role in Tortsdale and she replied, “I'm co-owner of Trotsdale alongside of Michi Lumin, who also runs Luskwood. We often have crossover events and both communities work very close together. Its important to us that everyone feels welcome, ponies, furries, humans, tinies and other kinds of avatars. Also, I handle the rental and get sure the sim gets paid (smile).”

I was also lucky to get a tour of Trotsdale by DC after she changed into her pony avatar. I'm about to show you pictures of places all over Trotsdale. Please enjoy the pictures and the captions. The captions, by the way, were done by DC  in her own words. 

"This is the Trotsdale square (the sim is just trotsdale) its the main social area. We have soccer balls laying around, a 'Greedy' table, the doll giver that gives out a random pony doll every 12 hours.

'Sparkle,' 'Tetris,' and 'Duck Hunt' in the corner. A word guessing game, and a blackjack game."

"The moon canon is the best part of Trotsdale Square."  The moon canon got DC the cyBerfoxy (death.berger) and me on the moon.

"The town hall, people can grab their first pony avatar here as well as freebies for it."

"The sandbox. It's group access only to prevent griefing. It's run by LeHarfang."

"Stagbucks is run by Skye and used for movie nights."

"We have a StarGate too (smile). The stargate network went back on I think a year ago, so we put it back out (smile)."

 

"The library. For more info, ask Amehama."

 

"This is Radio:Active, our club area (smile)."

"The theatre, where we watch new episodes of 'My Little Pony' live when they air. Every other week on Wednesday we run 'Primtionary' here. It's always one week here and one week in Luskwood. Frogg and jay also have regular concerts here (smile)."

"Our cave system(smile). It has three entries if i remember right."

 

"Our changeling hive."

 

"The marketplace, self-explanatory (grin)."

 

"The pool, it has prim water that's compatible with swimmer huds and has also a working water slide.

It's currently a little under construction, we recently moved it here."

 

"Click the sign, it will give you a hud, wear it and walk through the portal (and click whitelist).

Thats the teleport hub, you can get to the library, the square, the theatre, or to Derpyland, pony town and of course Luskwood."

 

"The radio tower, its used for our ban system: trustlink, there are all the magic thingies on it that lets it communicate with the other sims in the system."

"(I asked about the sign. DC the cyBerfoxy (death.berger) said that the sign is in the front parcel. The radio tower is in the back)"

"And last but not least, the museum."

Before I forget, the landmark for Trotsdale Town Square is

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/58/211/24

We started talking about the residential rent. According to DC, there are 14 empty spots for people who are interested in renting a residential at Trotsdale. The price is good - the price is 1.85L$ per prim with an average parcel size of 250 prims. Right now, there are 16 renters renting the residential spaces. For anyone interested in renting the residential rent at Trotsdale, they can pay for 3 weeks and get 1 week free.

We also started talking about the commercial rent. When asked about the commercial rental, DC  replied that they have 29 stores available and 21 are rented. From the look of the marketplace, it looks really good.

Once again, the landmark is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/58/211/24

Before I finish this article, many thanks to DC the cyBerfoxy (death.berger) for showing me around Trotsdale and sharing the details with me as well.

Deaflegacy