Frog Museum And Burn 2's Whimsy

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Out on the road Circuit La Corse there is a new museum. I have been to so many museums in sl. There are art museums, sculpture museums, Bear museums, Butterflies and more but now there is a Frog Museum. It formally opened on July 17th. Frogtacular Museum is the name and they have Ribbit Readings.That is also the name of the group if you would like to join and get notified of that readings and other activities.

I walked in greeted by the notice in chat “Welcome to the Magical Bog home to Ribbit Readings & The Frogtacular Museum! Feel free to Hop around and explore. Our Story Schedule is located in the main building. Please keep it PG-13.“

ЯedѠƦαէɧ Қαяu (RedWrath Resident) must love frogs and has created this quite little froggy paradise . There are also loads of mushrooms around for them to hide under . It is a good place to stop and have a picnic if you are traveling the road. She also says, “Do you like frogs? Yeah? So do I! Visit one of the largest frog collections in SL! Is there a froggy item I am missing? Care to donate or share, contact me. “ Drop by and rest a while.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Delizmo/63/247/53

Burn2 is celebrating the summer burn ,Conception. It is called Whimsy and will be whimsical in builds. I stopped over to take  a look and check that all is in place. Artists are still putting up their installations . Deep Hole is ready and the saloon is open.

I ran into Maia Antarra (Psiberangel Resident) at the gift table . She admired my horse so I showed her where she could rezz a horse for riding on the playa. She was worried it would not fit but it did! 

 

Anyone visiting can rezz  their own horse and choose which one to ride .

There is a sign in front of the Ranger station advertising the fact that we are looking for more Rangers to join us in being helpers to all who visit the playa . Read about Rangers and contact Leondra Larson if you are interested. It is a great experience and the training is the same that the Black Rock Rangers go through  for Burning Man, adjusted to second life of course.

Rather join the Art car riders? There is a rezz area right inside the gate where one can rezz an art car of their choice and buzz around the playa. The opening will be at 5pm Friday and there will be a Lamplighters walk and parties at the main stage . See you there !  

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/128/128/2 

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Ice Rock Festival at Palma

By Gemma Cleanslate

Every autumn I go exploring and search out regions that have winter displays, winter sports, winter freebies and scenery that you will enjoy. I have started already to find ice skating, skiing, even some shopping , and other fun activities in various regions. I have my old favorites that I will be writing about soon. A friend sent me a landmark to visit because of its beauty and I did since it was new to me. It is the Region Palma. 

 At the entrance I found Santa and his reindeer handing out free Uggs, very nice boots for the winter. Three booths with delectable foods and beverages kept me there for a few minutes.  There is a tram tour ready to take you above where you can look down at the view. I took the tour first to get an over view of the sim. The ride took me high above the snow laden branches of the trees where I could see lodges, cabins , ponds. The second time I took the ride we hopped off on top of the ski mountain where you will find free skies and a sled rezzer.

Off we went on a sled that took us down the steep slope  to the skating area. After a few twirls on the ice  I started off on the snow packed roads to see the sights. Looking around I saw a delightfully  pristine landscape dotted with charming buildings , animals, and visiting avatars.  As you travel the roadways you buildings that offer a relaxing place to park.  There are comfortable seats by the fire in the Lodge and outdoor lounging areas. A pleasant bar offers a refuge for chatting.

 I visited Santa’s stables and found elves caring for the reindeer. The skating pond is large enough for some trick skating and offers free ice skates for your use. Across the pond I found a theater where you can sit and watch movies and we stopped to laugh at a giant snail race video and one of Torley’s tutorials. Up on a hilltop I found a building that is the Headquarters of the Rebel Yell Concerts. This is a Tribute Concert business, the first one in Second Life, I learned.  It is owned by Lestat Zalivstok , Oskar Zalivstok, (oskar.nirvana) , and Guiltyangel Rhapsody.

Lestat told me "this is Winter Ice Rock Festival 2013,“ and  that the region will be in winter decor until January 8. There are posters around the sim  announcing the next event and the time so you can put it on your calendar. After January 8  they will put some other decor.  He is a real life band owner and continues the tradition in SL. Enjoy this elegant winter setting and dress warmly!  http://maps.secondlifecom/secondlife/Palma/220/223/32.

Gemma Cleanslate

Renaissance Island

  

 By Grey Lupindo

    Renaissance Island is a Tudor settlement where SL residents can learn about English life during the 16^th century and have fun, too.  The wharf and dock area is a great place to begin, located at Ren Isla, Renaissance Island (204, 213, 26).  You can either start a walking tour here or take a carriage.    The Village is huge, however, and to see it all may take more than one visit.

        Renaissance Island was created in 2007 by historians who wanted to recreate life during the Tudor ear.  They took on roles of people who would have lived during that time and established a place where others could join in the fun as they learned.  The Alliance Library System, a private benefactor, and later the South Central Regional Library Council in New York provided funding and support.  However, the Village is now sustained by its residents, educators, librarians, and visitors. 

         SL Resident Diamond Coronet is the Project Director.  In her profile, she notes, “The Renaissance means Rebirth.  What better way to enjoy this era than re-birthed virtually.”  On her profile you can find information about educational and support opportunities in the village.  

        Although it isn’t required, a great way to visit this site is in proper attire.  If you don’t have Tudor clothing, you can pick up free outfits at Vandeberre’s Emporium & Armory, located at Renaissance Island (196, 126, 26).  The merchants in the village will also sell you some very nice clothing, too.  At various places you can buy armor, swords, and other necessities.    

        I started my exploration near the Globe Theater, at Renaissance Island (174, 25, 26).  In the Globe you can get a free audiobook of “Romeo and Juliet” from Librovox.  There are notecards with information about Shakespeare and many of his other works are on display. 

        While I was exploring near here I ran into one of the villagers, Ashton Akiri.   He has been a resident since February, 2010, and is currently working on a project there.  He was very helpful in giving me links to their website, which has pictures, videos and other information about the site.   It can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/renaissanceislandsl  Akiri has a very large home in the Village, which he has open to the public.  There are other residents who also allow visitors to come inside. Some of the homes have handcrafted tables and other artisan wares for sale, too.   I saw a beautiful inlaid table for $50L and a hand-woven rug for $20L. 

     Outside the Globe Theater is one of the many teleporter maps that are a great way to orient you as well as move quickly throughout the site.  If you have the time, however, it’s fun to stroll down the streets and alleys. There are too many places to discuss individually:  a school, a small fort called the Reading Primley Bulwark, a stable, a community garden, and many others. There are many free items to be found at each location or some free activity you can do, as well as informational notecards.  I milked a cow at one spot and borrowed a free AKK horse at the stables.

        In the Tilt Garden, located at Renaissance Island (32, 69, 26), you can take fencing lessons or participate in jousts. According to a calendar of events, weekly joust tournaments are held on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. SLT.  For a $1L donation you can purchase a pendant or a flag and cheer on your favorite.

      My favorite building is Lagswell Manor, which is based on a composite of several RL castles and halls.   The Manor is a grand mixture of educational, cultural, and fun activities.   

      In December a Masquerade Ball was held, and titles were bestowed on people who supported King Henry and his village. The Ball and titles seem like a fun and festive way to raise support for the Island.  Wealthy supporters could become a Marquisate or an Earl, at least for a little while, by paying $10,000L or $5000L respectively.  The social climbing poorer gentleman could become a knight for $750L.  Each title came with a different amount of privileges, except for the poor knight who doesn’t seem to gain anything except the privilege to be called Sir for a little while.   

        I saw that a few titles of Baron were available for $2500L, including ones for Grey of Codnor, Greystock, Grey of Groby and Grey de Ruthyn.  I’ll have to check to see if I have any relatives on the Island.   In the meantime I’ll suggest to Diamond Coronet that Baroness Grey de Lupindo has an elegant, regal sound to it, and they may want to include it next year.           

        Inside Lagswell Manor is a Music Room and information about Thom Dowd, whose RL counterpart was a professor of music at the Conservatory of Fribourg in Switzerland.   He performs Renaissance and Baroque music on a recorder and has brought his talent into SL.   

      The library that is located here is fantastic.  There is a wealth of information about Tudor England and the literature of that era.  If you take the stairs up to the second floor, you will find a game room and the hall of Queens.  Portraits of the wives of Henry VIII are here, including an informational notecard about each one.      

      The Manor also includes a Tudor kitchen and information about the meals that would have been served during that time.  I picked up a free barrel of spiced Mead, which should be a hit at the next SL Newser party.   

      No village would be complete with a church, a doctor, and a tavern. Renaissance Village has St. Minutia’s Church, both a physician’s residence/office and a healer’s hut, and the Boar’s Head Inn.   It has many other builds and activities, too, for both serious students of the era as well as SL residents who want to travel to a different time and place.        

Grey Lupindo

Burn2 Thoughts and Pictures

By Gemma Cleanslate

 Well it is over.

 The builds were great.

 The performers and parties were terrific.

 The builds will remain until 11:59 the 8th of November so you can still visit. 

 Some parcels will be hosting parties also.

Gemma Cleanslate 

Syzygy Communuty Expands and Celebrates

On Feruary 13th, Samantha Glume, the CEO of the Syzygy Communuty, warned Syzygians of a "sim-sized" asteroid headed toward their homeland. At the time, Syzygy was winding up it's winter season and planning for Winterfest. The asteroid was detected from the SGE Space Station and was closely observed as it entered the atmosphere. The asteroid, later determined to have come from the former Cake sim, impacted Syzygy on February 14th.

The impact occurred in the water, and no residents were injured. However, there were rumors of sightings of sea creatures from Alkahest, which were apparently disturbed by the impact. The Cake-asteroid was fractured and altered upon impact. The exact metamorphic process is being studied by Syzygy physician.alchemist Elric Anatine. The asteroid piece, which became pink on impact, had hard outer shells, and gooey centers, similar to fried ice cream. The pink chuckles littered the ice near the impact area. Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks described one specimen as "small and looks sort of cute." She also stated, "It's making imploring 'plock plock' sounds."

The force of the impact caused part of the southeast tectonic plate to rise, creating two new islands. The new islands are named Syzygy Theia and Syzygy Cetus. The new land masses are cooling rapidly and may be safe for exploration with in the next few days.

This was just in time for the Syzygy Winterfest, which was planned for Sunday, February 19. If you like winter activities, this would be a good time to visit. The community is now comprised of nine islands, all open to the public, and currently surrounded by ice and snow. However, at the end of the month, warmer weather is in forecast.

If you plan to visit, a good starting point is the Community Center, located at Syzygy Eos (18, 20, 76). Inside are maps, notecards, and a folder of winter landmarks. You and your friends can play a round of Greedy, Greedy here, too.

Bring your skates, too. The entire area is available for skating. If you would rather go sledding, you can find rezzable sleds at Syzygy Eos (147, 141, 36). While you’re out on the ice, you’ll find a snowball fight area where you can pummel your friends, and Warbugs rezzable fighting planes to fly. You can even rez a helicopter for an aerial tour.

Ice fishing is available, with warm camp fires and some crazy fishing companions. The areas are 7Seas fishing stations, too, so you might catch a great fish. Some of the best spots are the Lighthouse at Syzygy Corvus (26, 195, 21), the Fishing Snowmen area at Syzygy Eos (91, 96, 21), and the very gothic ice fishing hole at Syzygy Nyx (107, 50, 21). While you’re at Nyx, be sure to check out the sack of goodies under the tree. It might just toss you a present.

On Syzygy Calliope (236, 235, 21) you will find a Communications Tower to explore. Step inside and activate the elevator to reach the top. Here you can take a teleporter to the SGE Spaceship,which also has sections that are open for exploration.

If you like a little whimsy with your winter, come to Celtic’s Slice of Heaven on Syzygy Selene (67, 34, 38). Bears and other animals are skating and sledding and enjoying the festivities. But beware of the Badgers!

The winter Greenhouse is one of my favorite places, also located on Syzygy Selene (162, 208, 38). When you approach, you’ll see a herd of reindeer munching hay. A cold wind whistles outside, but inside it’s cozy and warm. The charming greenhouse has pots waiting for the spring thaw and a warm fire.

Syzygy is also home to a Neko tea house, gardens, and shrine. The Neko teahouse is located at Syzygy Selene (37, 110, 21). Walk inside for a serene and calming cup of tea. Cats rule here. Meditation spots are also tucked away throughout this area. If you have time, follow the path for a relaxing and scenic journey. Listen to the birds sing and enjoy the beauty of nature. The view is magnificent at Neko Garden at Syzygy Selene (70, 139, 88). The mountain goats are friendly, too.

No trip is complete without a snack, and you can find a great one at Syzygy Pyxis (205, 179, 21). Here you can enjoy an Asian noodle cart and a sip of sake. Delicious!

If you time your visit right, you might see the Aurora Borealis that appears often on Syzygy. It is especially beautiful from my home, Grey Wolf Retreat, located at Syzygy Corvus (186, 218, 23). Feel free to relax on the deck or take a hike to see elk, wolves, and other wildlife.

These are just a sampling of the things you can do on Syzygy. Many more places are listed on the notecards available at the community center. Winter will remain on Syzygy until end of February. At that time, the ice will thaw and the winter fun will end for this year.

Grey Lupindo

*Editor's Note* For more on the "Cake Asteroid," check the Syzygy Community Blog.