A New Intercontinental Route for Pod Riders

By Klaus Bereznyak

In an exciting announcement last week, Yavanna Llanfair announced to the Pod Rider's Group that a new pod route was being trialed between the Corfeld pod station on Corsica and the DeMorgan pod station on Gaeta V.

Yavanna said, "At the moment, the pod is running in the Route Maintenance livery, as this route is a long way from completion! It will remain on-demand only unless we can get LL to change parcel flags in the channel between continents."

Any extension to the network of yavascript pod tours, created and maintained by Yavanna, is great news for mainland explorers in Second Life. That this one rides across and between two continents is particular cause for celebration. The route passes through some fascinating areas with much to see and, of course, includes a tranquil boat ride through open waters.

The tour currently runs only in one direction, starting at Corfeld, and taking in part of the Circuit de Corse, Corsica's famous, island-wide racetrack.

Speed can be adjusted by pressing the [Page Up] or [Page Down] keys. My preference is to go at about 40% speed, which gives time for the scenery to rez and be enjoyed. At this pace the whole trip took about an hour and a half.

Shortly after departing Corfeld, the tour passes through Laika's Village and wild animals can be seen in enclosures on both sides of the road. A long slope then leads to a shopping complex in Brendon, where the skyline is dominated by an enormous GRAM robot.

On the bridge at Fisher's Rest, the pod turns into a boat and this was the only point on the route where a little jump was experienced, presumably to get round a local obstacle. Apart from that there was really no sense that the tour was in beta.

With environment set to local default, however, throughout the route it was obvious that the introduction of EEP (the Environmental Enhancement Project, which gives region and parcel owners more control over windlight settings) has given rise to inconsistencies in the time of day from sim to sim, and this messes with the natural immersiveness of mainland travel.

The next leg of the journey is a lovely ride out into the bay and between the headlands at Jemmica. There are views of the seaboard communities that are rarely glimpsed except by sailors.

The lighthouse at Debelox is virtually the last glimpse of Corsican mainland before open waters are reached.

The western coast of Gaeta V comes into sight after a short crossing, but the pod skirts north and follows it for a bit, eventually coming in to a narrow channel at Zeord. This is actually an open water canal segment of Route 7, served by various docks maintained by LDPW. Waterside residences crowd the shores of the channel up to Sunspiral Rez Zone, where the pod turns into a road vehicle again and continues on Route 7.

There's not a lot of abandoned land on this side of Gaeta, but plenty of evidence of ongoing development in the characteristically chaotic style of Second Life Mainland.

Traffic cones narrowing the road around Putnam suggest that LDPW is also active in the area  as well as signaling the approach of the end of the tour in DeMorgan.

On alighting at the Yavascript Pod Station in Demorgan you are right alongside an intriguing, brand new citadel that announces itself as the New Home of the leSabre Press Blogs. Built on land acquired on the 15th of February this year, this looks like an extensive work in progress worth exploring.

This pod route will be a marvellous addition to the variety of scripted vehicle experiences in Second Life and will hopefully open up some unsung corners of the mainland to more exploration and development. Many thanks to Yavanna!

Corfeld Pod Station: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Corfeld/248/62/71

For more on the Yava Script Pods: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Yava_Script_Pods

Klaus Bereznyak

Update on Montecito Bay

By Bixyl Shuftan

A few weeks after the disaster that wrecked the southeast corner of Montecito Bay, the affected area is getting closer to being back to normal. The majority of the rubble has been cleaned up, and the rebuilding will presumably begin shortly.

The cause of the disaster remains unclear, and other than what appeared to be a photograph with a flying saucer in the corner, no other evidence has been forthcoming. The city will only say investigations are continuing.

But it's not just in the southeast that the repairs are being done. A look at the Oceanside Galleria building where in December a strange saucer-shaped craft crashed showed it had been torn down and the steel skeleton for a new building going up. The saucer was on the ground. Although there were still surveillance vehicles around, the first time I dropped by, there didn't seem to be anyone around. On lunch break perhaps?

I got closer to the strange craft, and there didn't seem to be any sign of a cockpit on the damage craft. Either it had been removed, or the craft was a drone of some kind. If the later, was it some kind of military experiment, or something else?

I took a quick peek inside one of the surveillance vehicles in which the door was left open. But there was no information out in the open and the computers were locked. There was still some rubble that was around the building, but I didn't pay much attention to it, at first.

Taking a few pictures, and showing them to local resident Moff, he thanked me, saying this was more than the authorities investigating the craft were telling him. Gin Ghostraven, who was nearby, told me he got close enough to take some pictures. He showed me a picture of the rubble from a different angle, and there was a car with what looked like a hand sticking out. What looked a little like a body could be seen inside. Curious, I went back for a closer look.

The result was the most startling thing I'd seen in my Montecito Bay investigations since the slime monsters. Inside the wrecked car was what looked like a body all right. But it was neither human or furry. It was a bald, green-skinned humanoid in a space suit with three fingers per hand. But this time, the place wasn't quite empty as I thought I heard shouts to get away. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor when it came to UFO crash sites and investigators, I made my exit.

What the clues gathered point to is obvious. But big claims require big proof. The UFO and the "body," the latter of which could easily have been a mannequin of some kind, are in the hands of Federal investigators and the military. And they frankly aren't talking. If it's a military experiment, why would they be trying a design that a few decades ago had failed? It's possible this was some rich man's prank that went awry when it crashed. And neither explanation covers the "street circles" and the Groundhog Day incident.

Presumably what happens next is rebuilding. There's already a "Flying Pickle Park" at Montecito Bay (171/30/24) which leads to the humorously-themed club of Sheba Metaluna. And with the big piece of evidence down from the old Galleria, it will likely be gone soon as well as the body (or mannequin). And with them the chance for the town authorities for solid answers. But as it doesn't seem to take long for something else weird to happen around here, it's likely the town will move on and residents can pick and choose from the official exploration, and that made from the few clues gathered from townsfolk and media.

Stay tuned for further details.

Note: The preceding is a fun article based on goings-on by the people of Montecito Bay themselves and not the actions of any griefer.

Bixyl Shuftan

Frannydj's Mardi Gras Parade

By Gemma Cleanslate

Message from Frannydj!  “This Mardi Gras parade has 100+ floats to ride on, plus many other fun things to see and enjoy. Come soon, and often, so you can see and ride on all the floats and invite your friends to join in too. Bead up and get down NOW!”

Hooray !  Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!  This region is so amazing . It is filled with New Orleans fun from border to border. Frannydj has opened her marvelous parade in Second Life and the floats and bands will come down the street until Fat Tuesday. Not only do they come down the street they invite you to climb on board and join in.

When you land next to the French Market drop in to taste the king cake, pick up bread, crawfish chowder and beads.  You will be at the end of the parade so I suggest walking up the street to see the marvelous floats and check out the shops and restaurants.

On the left sidewalk there is a Teddy bear passing out more beads . I always stop in to the restaurants as I walk along.

They are serving good food and drinks . Each has its own flavor.

When I reach the head of the parade I cross the street and walk back down.

On the way back you will find  a great voodoo shop that contains other parade freebies so look for that.

At the foot of the street is a park on the right that will take you over to the Carnival area which is so much fun. Games and rides and more food and drinks. After all that commotion it is good to walk the back streets of the town lined with lovely homes. There is a lovely garden behind the French Market too.

Don’t miss the marvelous Steam boat at the foot of the street where the parade ends . The upper deck is all set for fun

Mardi Gras parties and lots more food.  There is a great view of the parade route from the upper deck too so enjoy it from there .

Many thanks to Frannydj and the sponsors and contributors who provide all you see here.

Grab the notecard that tells you who has helped in this massive effort and all the places to visit.  Here is your entrance.  See you at the parade!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wicked%20Mountains/41/182/1163

Gemma Cleanslate

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

Cape Florida

By Gemma Cleanslate

After all my winter visits to snowy cold places, I needed a short vacation in Second Life in a warm site. I was lucky enough to find a perfect region. This sim is the replica of a place I would enjoy seeing in real life right about now, Cape Florida State Park. In real life it offers all the enjoyment of beach and tropical foliage with boardwalks and trails to traverse.

 As soon as I landed at the SL Cape Florida I felt the lushness of the region. The beautiful vibrant flowers and palms everywhere relaxed me immediately. Right at the entrance, there is a teleport column giving you venues to visit. Since the famed Lighthouse was right there I climbed the spiral stairs to the top to get a view of the whole region.

Then I decided to visit the nearby beach where there are mats and towels . There were several people enjoying the sand and water. I found a nice shower to get off all the salt before I went to explore more. I stopped at an ice cream truck for a sweet treat. As I walked back into the palms along the boardwalk I saw several gazebos, pergolas , picnic areas with food on the table and dance balls for  couples  to visit , dance and talk.

I arrived at the impressive Club House. The ground floor has a welcome desk with a group inviter, a small lounge area and a shop, Apotheosis. I sat on a couch which was over a glass aquarium with numerous species of fish to observe.  Then I climbed the stairs where I found several areas: a bar , a lounge with an enormous TV and a great pool table ,and, in the final room a lavish buffet . I definitely stopped there to check out the food. In spite of the ice cream I was hungry after the time at the beach. Huge choice!

The next floor had another bar and a club atmosphere where events are often held according to the board. This floor has a large glassed floor with another aquarium below.The shows here include live singers, djs, tribute acts and more to come. I know they are looking for more acts and hosts. You can contact Chloe (ChloeElizabethGrace Resident), or Jackstir Resident, co-managers of the Club.

I asked the owner Teren Silverheart (Terenglen Resident), who is a Floridian, how long he had this region. “ this sim has been here since around September of last year. Previously I had a full sim I leased but  found it too restrictive and it did not allow me to have the landscaping I wanted. We allow people to rez here within reason if they are a group member and we hold concerts on the beach. The whole point of this is to have created a place that others can enjoy . “  Set aside a day to take a trip to this enjoyable site.

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cape%20Florida/215/71/21

Gemma Cleanslate

Sagan Planetarium

by Bixyl Shuftan

Probably the best known astronomy-themed place in Second Life is the International Space Museum. But there are others. One notable place to learn a little more about the planets and stars is the Sagan Planetarium, high above the Aspen sim. The location is named for Carl Sagan, a 20th Century astronomer and author best known for co-writing and narrating the 1980 TV series "Cosmos."

The first room people see is the gift shop. One can grab one of a few t-shirts, a model Hubble Telescope or V-2 rocket, or a small or large orrey (a mechanical model of the Solar System). There's also a donation meter one can chip into to help keep the place going. Upstairs is where things start to get more interesting. There are models of three historical craft, Germany's V-2 rocket, the first man-made object to technically make it into space, Russia's Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, and the Hubble Telescope from the United States. Under each is a panel with some information about the historic objects.

Also on the second floor is a display of the sun and the eight planets, from Mercury to Neptune, and some of their moons. Each has panels of information in front of them. Clicking on one of the planets, one sees a cross-section. Each of the planets is unique in some way from Venus' runaway greenhouse effect to Saturn's large rings to Uranus' odd axial tilt.

There's also a panel explaining how the definition of a planet has changed. For thousands of years, humanity has known five planets other than Earth. Then with better telescopes, two more were discovered. For decades after it's discovery, Pluto was considered a ninth planet. But with the discovery of a larger body beyond it's orbit, astronomers met to agree on an official definition, and Pluto was "demoted" to being one of several "dwarf planets." This was not a definition everyone agreed with, and some still consider Pluto a planet.

The main room of the planetarium shows a model of the solar system, the planets orbiting the Sun. It's not quite to scale so the worlds can be more easily seen. One can also get the room to change from the model and play one of three shows, "Tour of the Planets," "Apollo on the Moon," and "The Moons of the Solar System."

Outside the planetarium, is a small park area. The main feature is a huge outdoor orrey that shows not only the eight planets, but also the dwarf planets Ceres and Pluto and many of the planets' moons. The planetarium is not the only place on this large platform above the sim. Beside the park area it sits in, there's a laser tag arena.

For space fans, a place worth visiting.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aspen/210/149/3719

Bixyl Shuftan

Crystal Ski Resort and Zimminyville

By Gemma Cleanslate

Now that things have settled down after the rush of the holidays and Christmas markets and sims have closed for another year I still have my skates and skies and winter outfits out . I went looking for regions that are still with falling snow and frozen ponds and lakes to use. There are some really nice ones to explore and experience the beauty of winter.

A visit to the Crystal ski resort in the Alps has opportunities for great skiing. I  loved the ski lift that allows an overview of the snow covered sim . At the top there are free skis  and ski balls if you need them. I brought my own but tried the downhill run on the ski ball to take my time and not fall off the mountain. If you prefer, rezz a comfy sled for the run. It is a  nice soft cushioned sled to hang onto. The owner, Rick (Reece Maloney), assured me that it is always winter in the Alps here so skiing is available all the time.

Everywhere there are little corners to relax and share a hot chocolate  or something stronger. By the lovely waterfall there are dance balls for friends or lovers. The lodge is welcoming with a fire to warm you after your skiing. Or drop into the Loft Cinema and enjoy a video of your choice from the lengthy list on the screen.

I am  not too competent on a ski mobile but did pretty well on  the one I rezzed there . Try it. All in all this region offers lots of fun activities and one can rent a lodge and stay for a few days if you like. There is a shop with some really fancy ski outfits for both male and female. I met the designer,  Almut Brunswick, wandering around in one of her suits! I always take my horse for a ride in the snow too. Have fun.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alps/194/31/22

My next trip took me into Zimminyville.  This is another lovely winter sim with roads to roam and an extensive lake for ice skating. The first thing I did there was to hop into the hot air balloon that does a narrated tour of the region from  above and points out the various hot spots not to miss when back on the ground.

There are rentals here also but loads of public places to visit and enjoy. The owner, Curfax Zimminy, told me it would stay in winter garb until about April. I took my horse for a ride on the snowy roads to view the buildings .

Stop in at the barn by the side of the road . It looks like someone is getting ready to host a great picnic.

 I stopped into the drive in  movie theater which is showing "City of Angels" and picked up some popcorn at the refreshment stand. Perhaps when the movie is over they go to the barn for eats. There are many opportunities for photos all around this region. The railroad area is amazing. The hike up to the Ranger Station is a long one but the well worth it. A lovely view overlooking the sim awaits you at the top.

I think I will definitely revisit in spring when the sim comes into bloom.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zimminy/68/112/21

Gemma Cleanslate