Bell Weather

Gemma Cleanslate

courtesy of  Achilles Audion

What a day on the Bellisseria continent!  First of all ,I arrived at my houseboat just to change outfits and check all my notices . I really planned to leave after that to get to real-life work. However!! Immediately the Citizens chat erupted with exclamations!

“That Cloud is very dark”
“ snowing!! woohoo”
“THUNDERSTRUCK”
“there is rolling something over the street Oo
“TWISTER IS HERE!!!!!!”
““weather is so crazy I don't know what to wear >”

courtesy of  Achilles Audion

I stepped outside my houseboat and looked at the beautiful clouds drifting over and noticed the sound of wind.Sure enough those lovely clouds were spawning twisters. Weather has arrived on Bellisseria in all the regions. I quickly closed my sliding doors to the porch .

I flew over the the land regions to see how it was there. Sure enough weather changing constantly everywhere . And then.I saw a crowd gathering and  the usually busy quiet working Moles began to act up. They were riding giant rats down some streets causing chaos, throwing cows around, lighting people on fire. It turned into a riot. Suddenly they all disappeared one yelling out, “come find us.”

I did find them hanging around the base of a tall mountain in a region devoid of homes. As we stood there I saw that this is a volcano. This became the playground for the moles and more and more residents showed up to join in the fun. Lots of moles!  Adora, Alotta, Chronos, Sleepy, Frost, Lulabell, Moonstruck, Maximus , Ancient, and a new one to me, Glowing Mole all having a terrific April Fool's Day. Well, eruptions of volcanoes can be fun. I saw one brave protester, Rachel,  standing at the rim of the volcano holding a sign, looking for log homes. Avatars settled on the surface of the lava  when it was not erupting and the joviality went on for quite a long time.

Suddenly the chat erupted again. Patch issued a message that finally the log cabins were ready for release. All those who had abandoned their homes and were waiting for release it was a near riot. Many of us followed Squeaky Mole over to the edge of a region with emptiness before us Then a new region appeared and we ran across it with her to the next region where we found the new Log homes in exquisite landscaping. It was a thrill to finally see them not as a demo but available in huge numbers to those waiting for them. I brought out my horse and took a ride on the dirt roads that wind through the regions . The are perfect for horse back riding. I took out my golf cart and it was good to take a spin not putting grooves in the manicured lawns of the Victorians. There is a great choice of homes to chose from.

It was a fun and exhausting day on April 1 on Bellisseria. Today the weather has calmed down and peace has returned .. until next time.

Gemma Cleanslate

Five Places in SL To Explore With Your Friends

By Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich)

So you and your friends are bored? Looking for something to do in Second Life? Just want to run around and have a good time? Well, I have the article for you! Below are five places that you and your friends should check out in no particular order.

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Montecito Bay

Full Disclosure: Montecito Bay is a sponsor of the Second Life Newser, but it really is a great place to go with friends. Montecito Bay in some ways reminds me of the city of Fox Haven before it shut down. There’s plenty to do and plenty to explore. There are little fun easter eggs laying around if you can find them, a ferris wheel, and even segways you can ride around the city or mall. Montecito Bay is also home to a dozen or so clubs. For more information on events there, check out the SL Cubbin’ section of the Second Life Newser.


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Montecito%20Bay/18/128/26

Ravenlock

After a year absence, the crew at Ravenlock are finally back from their long overdue break. They’re still renovating and getting things ready, so don’t rush there too hard on them, but you can still explore what they have to offer before the grand re-opening. Ravenlock is a Pokemon inspired sim and as far as I know they are the only sim to get the greenlight from Nintendo. Once everything is set back up, you and your friends will be able to catch wild Pokemon on this sim again.


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ravenlock/115/162/229

Pixel Hills HD

Want to run around in scenes from your favorite video games? Pixel Hills has you covered. Pixel hills features many areas inspired by classic video games. It’s a fun place to relive your nostalgia without spending a fortune on old consoles and games.


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pixel%20Hills/175/198/1002

Paris 1900

While the real Notre-Dame de Paris may still be under reconstruction and closed to the public, you can still visit the one in Second Life as well as the rest of Paris, France. All the usual sights are there including the Eiffel Tower which you can actually go to the top of as well as a large ferris wheel.


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%201900/26/147/24

Palmwood

I’ve written about this place before but it really is a great place to take your friends and explore. There is an arcade, roller ring, and a whole retrowave inspired city to explore as well as live DJ events!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Palmwood/163/149/29

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So there are five places you can explore with your friends. If anyone has any suggestions for a future article on this topic, my ears are always open. Happy exploring!

Cyfir

Alice In Wonderland at Bellisseria

By Gemma Cleanslate

Another home well worth a visit on Bellisseria in Shady Corners is the home that belongs to TessaPaige Jupiter. It is not a simple quiet home on a hilltop I found out. At Christmas time it was Santa’s Hideway. I went there to get the neat gifts that were placed around the Christmas tree and look at all the decor. Before that there was a Diner and a Critter Cafe that I missed.

TessaPaige took a long hiatus from Second Life and then returned and suddenly discovered she was full of passion to decorate and began.”Next I will be expanding to building. I also do Photography, so PROJECTS.”  She started The Jupiter Project. Installations of the project appeared in various places over the grid and then at her home in Bellisseria.

Her latest project at the house on the hill is a tribute to Alice in Wonderland. She says, ”I always loved the Alice in Wonderland films, book and of course the classic song by Jefferson Airplane White Rabbit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WANNqr-vcx0). My all time favorite character is the Cheshire Cat. with his mischievous grin.  Unfortunately, due to prim limitations the Mad Hatter is running late so you will have to take on his role as you enjoy your tea and cake.”

I arrived in front of the house and walked between the pink and white striped mushrooms to wander around the outside lawn before I went inside. There was the favorite Cheshire cat sitting on Chess board grinning his great grin. Wandering along the yard I saw a Pink Flamingo and hopped on for a ride.

Then, there it was, the Tea Party Table. It was adorned with the steaming teapot,cups and saucers and plates of delicious looking cakes all waiting for the Mad Hatter and the Dormouse. The March Hare standing off to the side looking at his watch in disgust that the others were not on time. I would have eaten a cupcake but was afraid I would grow too big or too small. At the back door of the house two guards stood silently in their familiar playing card garb.
 

Around the corner of the house I found a merry-go-round and another visitor , JoღJo (JoJoAngel Canning)  and we took a spin in the versatile cups trying the different poses for fun.

Still dizzy I entered the house and wandered into the Queen’s room. She already looked angry so I did not stay long but went up the staircase and opened the door .

If I was dizzy  before , now I was really in trouble. It was Alice’s upside down room! I tried sitting on the bed for a while but only became more disoriented. 

TessaPaige has done a wonderful exhibit especially in such a small setting. I recognized many of the characters of the original story but could not put  a name to all of them and there are also remnants that hint of the story everywhere . It will remain for a month so you have time to go look for yourself.  It will bring you back to your childhood and remind you of your first few readings of the book.

TessaPaige has her gacha shops in other locations since Bellisseria is noncommercial. You can see her wares at these places.

GACHA CRAZY shop 1 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beraudes/123/192/3304
GACHA CRAZY shop 2 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dixfield/113/191/3304
or on the marketplace.

To relive your childhood memories of Alice and all her friends go over to
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shady%20Corners/187/40/46


Gemma Cleanslate

The Bellisserian Bureau of Bureaucracy

By Gemma Cleanslate

Everyday brings something new going on in the Bellisseria regions. The bigger the continent gets the more ingenious faux businesses appear. It is great fun living over here .

The latest addition is ‘The Bellisserian Bureau of Bureaucracy”, known as the BBB. So off I went to inspect the office. It is located on a houseboat in Hammerhead Light region and is open to all of Bellisseria. Residents can apply for documents at the office and I did.

 There were a couple of other residents there when I arrived so I took a ticket, sat patiently and waited my turn.  I had a cup of coffee while there.There were even magazines, not too old too. Finally I picked up my application and filled it out carefully so I would not be denied.  Since the entrepreneur of this endeavor was out to lunch I sent it to him to take care of when he came back. (Boo Rojyo) sent me a note that so many were applying I might have to wait a couple days for delivery. That was fine with me. I recall waiting for my last passport for at least ten days and it was a lot more expensive since this one if free.

The very next day there it was in the mail! Amazing!! So official looking and it is a lifetime passport! Now I can visit some of the far off locations in Second Life with no problem.

I also picked up an application for a personalized License plate and will fill that out today. In the future I read that I may be able to get a driver’s license too [if I can stay off the lawns of Bellisseria]. Boo said, "a guy named Roman WeylynAll" will be making them. All can apply if they can verify their residency. If you would like to visit here is the address for the office : Hammerhead Light (73/91/22). Visitors are always welcome even if you are not a resident.

While I was in the office I noticed a poster for the Community Group Consociate that gave me a landmark so off I went to check it out. Here we have another home  that is set up to share all the possible groups available to residents and probably visitors that are interested in joining a group they might enjoy. Iseult Ní Urquhart (PrudenceAnton Resident) and   Cian Wycliffe are running this group. Iseult says “  He is the parcel owner to the Bellis Blues Cafe we both run in Bellisseria.  We  have that location, the Bellisseria Group Consociate and I put out the Bellisseria Parade of Homes and Resident Owned Places of Interest lists twice a month” Busy people!!! 

Joiner links are in the posters of various groups on the wall. I joined a couple new ones. Everyone loves a parade and there is a parade everyday in Bellisseria. If I joined all these groups I would need two premium accounts !!! There is room for more posters of other groups not represented yet. Visit and see what it is all about:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winters%20Elm/77/155/24

P.S. : My license plate just arrived!

Gemma Cleanslate

Valentine Town

by Gemma Cleanslate

Time is moving so fast! Valentine Day is only nine days away and Mardi Gras is coming on February 25! Now we have to get ready for both.  A great place to visit for all your Valentine needs is Laura Liberty’s Valentine Town. Every year she outdoes the previous year with new additions. I love to see the facades of the buildings in all her creations.

When you land, the first possibility is to hop the Tunnel of Love car that will give you a ride through the tunnel’s sparkling displays and along the river to the town center. Bring your honey if you like to enjoy or take the ride alone. It is great fun either way. Laura is known for her amazing tunnels that fit the holiday .

The town center has several ways for you to celebrate this love holiday.There is a dance ball and music for you to enjoy while there. If you have admired someone from afar and never had the nerve to say it now is your chance. Anonymously you can send a pretty note to that person that will make them wonder and perhaps look around to find the sender. It is done through the magic of her machine, or you an take a chance and sign your name. Take a look, and, it is free! If you are lucky naughty Tina is there in her role of Cupid with a bad habit. She loves cigars and smokes incessantly.

Suppose you don’t have a significant other and are looking. Laura has a new addition, a Singles board! Just click the board, put a picture, and hope someone wants to meet the person behind the picture and will send you a note. Fun way to meet new friends! Across the way there are theaters demonstrating how to make your own cinema with your own captions. There is a sample to let you see what you will get, your own theater showing your own story. Take a look at the cute video there.

Stop into the shops and get all your needs for Valentine day. When you are finished with your visit here you have another place to visit on the region. Back at the town center there is a tp to Laura’s Mardi Gras Town.

I love to visit this representation of a New Orleans street scene with its cheerfully colored buildings and music of the city playing. Grab a free hula hoop, beads, and crown. Here you can gather up all the decor and outfits you need to celebrate Mardi Gras day. I love the masks in the shop, a huge selection! Take a picture of yourself and your honey and put it on the bulletin board by sending it to the naughty Tina Cupid, Tina  (Tanyja Resident). Use the free face animation hud offered at the board to enhance your photo. There is another board nearby with some fun puzzles to attempt before you leave. You might need to go back again for more tries (laughter). I do. Thanks again to Laura Liberty for making this grand experience . I am looking forward to the next one already!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Townies/128/166/7

Gemma Cleanslate

The Bob Hope Theater and Flight 93 9/11 Memorial

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Bob Hope Theater has made the news a couple times recently, doing shows in honor of veterans. I recently had a talk with the owner and builder of the place, Paul Woodrunner, who runs it with the help of his partner Morganna1Wulfsong Resident. We met in front of the theater stage, which had it's curtains closed and the seating wasn't placed. "The chairs are not in the theater," Paul explained, "I only put them down before the show."

To younger residents who might not remember, Bob Hope was an entertainer whom performed many acts for American troops for several decades from World War Two to the Gulf War. "Bob Hope brought entertainment to the troops around the world. His shows gave a part of the world back to them. He was a bit of sunshine in their lives, something they never forgot. Troops at war, and there was Hope.  The Medal of Honor Society made an award, the Spirit of Hope, to honor his bravery and courage for so many years."

When I asked how long the theater had been around, Morganna answered, "Oh gosh, well, it traveled to different veterans sims but came back here to stay in what, August?" Paul added he set up the theater at it's current location, "after July 4th. I chose to not go on the road anymore. The Outsiders are about vets and bringing about an awareness of veterans, and sometimes their needs. It is about heroes mainly. The Outsiders are the dance troupe that calls Bob Hope Theater home. We are all about first responders  veterans active duty military. ... so many things I need to do to prepare for this show. It has to be part educational as well as entertaining."

The theater has several events a year, "We try to do six shows a year. We do mostly military or US holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day,  9/11 Patriot Day,  we do a welcome home Vietnam vet day show, we do a 4th of July show."

Just behind the theater is a memorial to the fallen at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, "The Ground Zero Memorial is a true tribute to those lost in 9/11." It was a build of the North Tower pool at the September 11 Memorial in New York City, a huge black marble square, with water running down the walls of the inside, going to a smaller square in the center. "I'm most proud of it," he went on to say, "I hope it lasts a long time."

Paul stated he had one other 9/11 Memorial, this one located elsewhere in the sim, the Flight 93 Memorial, also called The Tower of Voices." Tping to the location, we were on a square with an eagle picture in the center with a National Park Service sign, "Flight 93 Memorial," and a trail leading on. "Let us walk the path to the tower," Paul spoke as he and Morganna led me down, the route winding around and taking me to the tower.

In real life, the memorial is still unfinished. But here it is. The Second Life memorial is a 93 foot metal structure with 40 wind chimes. "It is now open but still under lite construction. The tower is a musical instrument, with 40 chimes all different in sound to represent the 40 passengers and crew who died on flight 93. It is a place for honor, this is sacred ground." Morganna told me, "If you have the music down, you can hear the voices coming from the tower, representing all those lost who fought." "When you get closer you will hear it, if your media is on. Photos at sunrise and set are awesome."

Paul also owns and runs the Empire Room, a venue located elsewhere on the sim.

Paul had to leave to take care of some business. Morganna would say, "He really is very modest. I really just think that what Paul has built comes from the heart. He sees something that touches the hearts of people, and he tries to create the same here so that no one is forgotten. When the dance troupe performs at the Bob hope it is with that same spirit, and this really is a fabulous sim overall."

Bob Hope Theater
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/64/124/1528

Flight 93
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995

Bixyl Shuftan

Business Around Bellisseria

By Gemma Cleanslate

I seem to have gotten into tour mode starting at the holiday time, visiting all the Christmas places, then the bus tour. Right now I am checking out some of the  “faux “ business places you can find in the regions of the Bellisseria continent. Instead of making homes here some owners have created open places for all to visit. There is no commercialism in Bellisseria so that is why they are fake.

What a great public library Karmagrl Nesbith (Karmagrl Resident) has set up in a San Jocoso house . There is a large adult section with catalogs,  study areas, and comfortable seating.

And on the upper floor a sweet little children’s section all set for reading and fun. Good place to sit when you need some quiet time.

Johnny Chardin was at his Radio Station at his houseboat in Gaim when I arrived. It is a true radio station and also a hangout for any visitors. It is interactive so you can have try out being a DJ or producer while you are there or sit and have a cup of coffee and read a magazine and enjoy. Johnny says “Come by and see the works from some of the best creators in Second Life!Also: Everything in the HouseBoat comes fully animated! All vending machines work too! Make yourself at home :) My Stream is : http://streams.turbodj.com:8250 “ The stream is great. I installed it on my  houseboat.

I stopped over  at Twofer region where Morena Tully has a setup that will lend you a horse to take a ride around the region . This is one of the camping regions in Bellisseria where there is more open land for a horse ride. It is a good way to check out some of the camping areas the are on Bellisseria.

There is a role play going on in  Bellisseria. It is called Bellibin It is the idea of Diamond Marchant who is well known for various fishing aids for 7seas fishing. It is billed as, “BelliBin is a free waste management roleplaying game for citizens of Bellisseria in Second Life. You fill your BelliBin with trash, debris, and recycling. Other people find and empty your BelliBins using a HUD. “ the headquarters is located at the Diamond Outpost in Riva . The hud also works for travel around to various locations in Bellisseria to find bins but also where you can set down and look around.  There are great things happening on this new continent which is still growing!

I also went to check out the new location of the SS Galaxy and it looks great. It is still missing the soul but maybe more will start using it for weddings and parties.

Go see! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Galaxy%20AFT/125/42/23

If you would like a copy of a list of all the faux businesses you might like to visit in the regions of Bellisseria you can contact Iseult Ní Urquhart (PrudenceAnton Resident)  , or me. I have some other lists too that will help you get around , and a Bellibin map!

Gemma Cleanslate

Bus Tour Across Second Life

By Gemma Cleanslate

Have you ever gone on a mystery tour in real life? I never did. I have fun once in a while in sl when I have time and come across the sign that says, “Take the bus to the unknown.“  You will see them at some sites when you are shopping or visiting a region. All you have to do is click and you are off on an adventure. It can be sublime. or ridiculous. Just to give you an idea of the type of places you may land I decided to take a tour and write about a few of places I landed.

One trip took me to The Magical Forest of Dreams, a lovely forest where it was just fun to walk about and see what interesting sights I came across, animals, statuary. My next stop dropped me at the side of the road where there was, at present, “a work in progress” which was not too evident.

LABBIT LESOLT  R and R. I landed at the side of a cute little railroad where I took a ride to see the woods and surrounding area. I did not stay to visit all of the regions but it is billed as,”Beautiful beach to Chill and relax with friends. NO COMBAT, SEX OR weapons  PLS.We like to keep it relaxed.If you like to explore the 3 sims  then use the door near the gazebo. Have fun.” I plan to go back to see some more and check out those other regions.

The next stop on my bus tour took me to The Pickle Pub Live Dive. It looks like an old fashioned gathering place for parties just off of the road. It has a bar, posters of show of the past , darts, and an awesome set of drums to play. The stop after that took me to a hot air balloon, two little boats all of which offered tours.

Then I landed at the Apollo Theater that shows free movies! I did stop there for a few minutes. “If it's happening anywhere, it's happening at the Apollo, and I wash my hands of the whole affair --A whimsical little retro theater.  Free access to XControl Menu. From the designer of Chilbo's Haunted House&Chapel, where horror never takes a day off.” That is the billing  and the movie that was playing confirmed it. They actually have a doorman who opens the door.

The bus stopped at The Bohemian Underground. a most impressive looking place that offers arts and music and fashion shows and more. I stopped here to freshen up  and wash my hands and face before moving on.There is also a very elegant clothing shop. Since it is wintertime in the north I thought you could start your own bus trip here at the Common Lands in Friedsee . See new places you never would have thought of going to and have a great time!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Friedsee/253/192/171

Gemma Cleanslate

"Old Town" And "Let It Snow"

by Gemma Cleanslate

After all that shopping and running from market to market and visiting at Calas, I needed some peace and quiet but in areas still celebrating the season. There are so many Christmas and winter sites in Second Life. Check the winter destinations for those I will never get to write about.

Old Town is a region with a story,  http://oldtownkaraoke.com/.  There are many venues and of course in this season the one to visit, photograph , and have fun at is Winterland. Bekks (Jks Beck), the designer of the region has  everything you need to have a terrific time here. There are activities going on during the week and she refers to the area as a work in progress.

I took my horse Thunder so did not have to rezz a horse, but you can. Or, take a turn on the skating pond that doubles as a venue for parties. I saw that the Arctic Express passes through here too.

Along the roads there are sites for photographs with friends both inside  buildings and out ,with hangout venues. This is a region to be enjoyed all during the year since Winterland does not disappear. Take your time checking out the area. I holds a lot of interactive opportunities.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adagio%20Breeze/192/194/1201

I also took a trip over to Milly Sharple’s “Let it Snow!”, another winter wonderland.  It has a cute town square with interesting shops around and after a visit there get out into the winter snow. I found one of those new Santa “wannabes“ in front of his shack and did a little dance with him.

There are free skis and skates here for the taking and a hunt for stockings going on here too. Next to the skating pond grab a bite to eat and a hot chocolate of another drink of choice. I tried a piece of fig cake which sounded good.

Here too there are numerous sites for photographs, private dancing and just enjoying the wintery atmosphere and some cute gifts in the hunt.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sun%20Sky/32/155/27

Gemma Cleanslate