Dance Island

By Wesley Regenbogen

 Dance Island is one of the places you can visit if you are into dancing and listening to good music. Sometimes you can enjoy a live set of many of the DJs that are resident in the club. If you are into dancing,just click on the floor and choose your dance animation and your avatar will start dancing. Aside the club itself there are many tattoo shops and other shops around the Dance Island area that you can visit and buy items from.

Dance Island was created by a few citizens (Rich Greenberg, Roxette Mabellon and Deirdre Masala ) on July 29^th 2007. So Dance Island is nearing it’s 7^th birthday soon. The club building was created by a citizen called LadyXray Acer. Since February 16^th 2013, Money Wonder and Deirdre Masala have been the current owners of Dance Island. Deirdre Masala is currently the general manager of Dance Island. Her main tasks are hiring hosts and, managing the schedule.

Aside the group called “Dance Island”, they also communicate via Facebook, Google Plus and SL Events. They also have a stream on UStream (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/dance-island ), in which they broadcast most days between 8 am and 2 pm.

On their 7^th birthday, Dance Island has scheduled a 24 hour event in which 24 of the best djs of Dance Island will play their sets in a one hour slot. More information on this event is made public very soon.

And last but not least, readers can find more information about Dance Island on these pages :

• : http://bit.ly/di_dj ( for a schedule )
• On Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/groups/danceisland/
• At Google Plus on this page : https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/115593057276780148921

I wish everyone that visits Dance Island a great stay there and maybe we could meet eachother there one day. Also enjoy the fine music that is played in Dance Island.

Wesley Regenbogen

New Citizens Incorporated Kuula : A Beginner’s Safe Haven

By Wesley Regenbogen

New Citizens Incorporated ( NCI ) is an organization within Second Life that strives to help new avatars in Second Life and make their stay in Second Life as smooth as possible. They have different locations to visit, but Kuula is the place where most new avatars arrive at when they first sign up to Second Life. Older avatars often go there to help out their fellow citizens, because older avatars know how hard it can be to adjust to the new environment called Second Life.

If you are looking for new free clothes and other freebies, you can get free items in the Freebie Shop. Don’t know how to do things with your avatar, there are tutorials available to help you get around in Second Life You can also just go there to enjoy the music or the atmosphere or just relax and chat with people.

To make a short story shorter, Kuula is the ideal place for new avatars to start their adventure in Second Life. New Citizens Incorporated was founded by Brace Coral on April 23,2005.

At the NCI Campuses you can follow classes in many different areas like scripting, texturing, clothing and building. NCI has three campuses : NCI Kuula, NCI South and NCI Beach. A roster of the classes can be found at NCI Kuula. There are other locations listed on the website : http://wiki.nci-sl.info/doku.php?id=nci:locations

At NCI there are 100 volunteers that help run the NCI places and try to help newbies to get started. The NCI has 10,000 active members. There is also a group of NCI that enables you to chat with members of the group to answer your questions. 

Here are a few screenshots of NCI Kuula :

Wesley Regenbogen

Storytelling at Rawhide Native

By Grease Coakes

Due to real life work having the same schedule every week for a long time I wasn't able to see DJ Aurora for a while. But another event I missed out on was Heartspeaker's storytelling at Spirit Nations every Thursday (article). I gave it a shot but Mary said no I need you on Thursday for the truck. Mary is a nice lady, but I know better than to push my luck. Luckily on my day off on Wednesday Heartspeaker told a story today so I was able to say hi to my friend and hear another of his stories.

Spirit Nations the sim itself shut down however Heartspeaker said on voice that the Spirit of Spirit Nations lives on at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tender%20Heart/67/65/22

Before Heartspeaker told the story of lightning bolt he made small talk with Two Medicines and myself. He commented the book he bought which had the Lightning Bolt story he was telling today. Raimi a friend of mine accepted an invitation to join me in listening to Heart's story. The day I wrote this article and heard Heart's story was July 9^th and Heart said his birthday was the previous day July the 8^th I wished him a happy birthday. Heartspeaker said the hat I wear made by Hawkin Starsider was the cat's meow for me or the fox's yip. Hawkin Starsider created the hat and I bought it years ago at the original spirit nations sim. As I was talking with Two Medicines and Heartspeaker the effects of the sim were pretty to look at as I saw dandelion seeds floats towards me on my screen.

Lighting bolt went to see his teacher Goose Flying as Goose Flying was telling of an event in the future. He sent Lightning Bolt to see Iron Blanket down the mountain on the Wyoming side of the river.

Lightning Bolt had a vision of the goddess and traveled on a horse named Big Nose. He saw the universe and mother nature appertaining the beauty of snowflakes and rainbows. Also the beauty of magpies. He asked is life and death interchangeable. And the magpie said yes. Looking for knowledge and answers, he joined the army looking for money and riches.

Heartspeaker told the story at a perfect pace in an elderly voice with vigor. It was fun listening to him add emotion to the voice. When he finished the story, he laughed remembering when one of Heart's elders named Chima a 6^th generation Native American told him he would tell stories for a living. When heart was younger He blew off Chima's prediction thinking it was nonsense. Today it's very clear that Heart is an excellent storyteller.

There's more to the Rawhide club than Heartspeaker's story telling there were many sights to see. two medicines the child avatar hung out with me and Raimi chattering away acting like a five and half year old (but in real life she is very much an adult).

Wandering around the sim I saw a pretty waterfall and a picture of a Native American prayer. Also many various animals and sounds effects you would hear in nature of just being outside. I also saw a tall totem pole colored turquoise. There's also a shop to purchase Native American clothes. There's also dance balls of water dances around a pit.

Two Medicines confirmed that Heartspeaker still has his story time at 1pm every Thursday.

As Heartspeaker said the spirit of Spirit Nations is still in Second Life in the Rawhide Club. Native Americans have a presence in Second Life just like in the real world practicing their beliefs and traditions.

If you're curious about Native Americans and their beliefs and the way they speak with spirits feel free to stop by http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tender%20Heart/67/65/22 and look around. Or if you want a place to relax and hang out to try something new the rawhide club may be right for you.

Grease Coakes

The Queen of Hearts' Farewell

By Bixyl Shuftan

It's always a little sad when a club closes down. Each represents an idea and a dream, to provide others with a place to have a little fun. Many last less than a year, sometimes just weeks. One, however, lasted for about sevreal years. For eight years, the Romance-themed sim of Mystery entertained visitors in Second Life, with the Queen of Hearts riverboat club as the main area of events for most of this time. It's owner Tygeria Mirabeau and it's manager Amythe Moonlight kept it going year after year through many happy times. But in late June, Tygeria announced to her staff that problems in real life were making her unable to keep up the sim. Friday June 27 would have the last events. So it was with heavy hearts that the staff prepared for one last day of music and dance.

10AM SL time was the start of the "Memory Lane" event, a "come as you are" party, with Amy herself DJing the music. And people came in, not just the regulars, but people whom hadn't been over for a while, including former staff whom had moved on. "Black, I missed you." But they still took things with a little humor, "Aim better next time." Moria the hostess called out, "TP your friends, your man, your girl, your eye candy, and anyone in between."

Amy told everyone, "We are having some dedications to the club and the family we have here tonight ... how I feel about what we build and have built - it's the journey where you meet all the people and help them on the way- that's what makes it special. ... The Queen has been a home to many of us for a long time and some of us for a short time but it's the YOU the people that make it special. ... TONIGHT IS FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!"

The normally 250 Linden prizes for best male and female were raised to 500L each. There was also a jar of candied gummi frogs for anyone to take one. Once in a while, fireworks were placed on the ground, to lauch and explode near the ceiling.

At 12 Noon came the second and final show, and Amy turned over the music to DJ Mac and hostess Aislinp for the "Best in Red" event. There were all kinds of outfits in theme for it. Mac wasn't showing any red at first, so someone joked that it was his underwear that was red. The playful banter continued, between two ladies, "pour some sugar on me." "If you pour sugar on your underwear dear it will not be nice at all, though it will be sweet." "Sugar on underwear....yikes."

Eventually, Mac closed things off with the Club's adopted tune, the last song for an official event here.


Miiiiidnight,
and I'm a-waitin' on the twelve o' five, 
hoping it'll take me,
just a little farther down the line.

And moonliiiiight,
you're just a heartache in disguise,
won't you keep my heart from breaking,
if it's only for a very short time.

Playin' with the Queen of Hearts,
knowin' it ain't really smart,
the joker ain't the only foo-ol,
who'll do anything for you.


"Thank you Mac for a wonderful send off!" Amy told the DJ, then she turned to the crowd, to both the staff and the regulars, "Keep your eyes peeled for notices and IMs. Just give me a couple of days to sort things! We have the staff meeting on Sunday and maybe there will be news then. On Monday we will go to my sim Condunrum as a temporary home."

"Thank you everyone. Look after yourselves and I'll let you all know soon what's happening."

And so ended the last event at the Queen of Hearts riverboat club. As of the day I was writing this, the club was still around, just with no one aboard. It has seen much over the past several years from live music events by a number of singers to costume balls, and of course the scene of romance as couples came for parties both while dating and committed. Then there was the "masked lover" whom for months pursued the object of his affection while still keeping his identity hidden.

The Mystery sim remains up, for now, and there is much to see across the place from the "Alice in Wonderland" exhibit, to the train ride, to the little village tucked away in the valley. But eventually it will fade away into the virtual nether, leaving nothing behind but memories.

For now Amy's sim of Condunrum will take over as the new home for the Queen of Hearts staff and fan group, the Cape Hope club at Conundrum (213, 10, 22),  But for the fans, there's only one true "Queen of Hearts," and she will be missed.

Bixyl Shuftan

Pine Lakes

By Theonlyjohnny Resident

 An unending friendship, and a place to call home are just 2 of the many things offered at Pine Lakes. I have spent just a few days at Pine Lakes, and I can assure you, it is something that is amazing, and something different from other places.

While other town/city RP sims have just the basics, houses, law enforcement, fire station, and shops, this has more. This has a deli that seems to be 5 stars, or at least 4. It has a church, with active priests. The houses are affordable, and there are enough for a lot of people to live here. There is even an adoption center.

This reporter decided to stray from the fire department and join the PD instead, and within only a few days, I am having so much fun here that I can do nothing but give it good reviews. There is no discrimination, take it from me, I'm using a female furry av here, and they don't care, they treat me like one of them.

The design of the sim is very easy to follow, and difficult to get lost in, since it's not made like a labyrinth. Not to mention, the people here are nicer than ever. I am not kidding, you may feel a bit threatened at first, because of how they act, but when you get to know them, you will see that they are awesome people, and even better friends.

I would definitely recommend this sim to anyone reading this sim. It's amazing, and worth a look.

Johnny

Visiting Second Life Israel

By Grey Lupindo

A few days ago I was visiting SS Galaxy, SL’s luxury cruise ship, when I saw a sign for their latest featured destination, SL Israel.   Since I’ve never been to either RL or SL Israel, I decided to visit.    The landmark from the Galaxy teleports you to the Old Port, located at SECOND LIFE ISRAEL, KnoWorld (11, 249, 27).   

        The note from the Group that operates SL Israel describes the site this way:  “Israel Island presents a comprehensive Israeli experience featuring:  Seminar Hakibbutzim College, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat, Caesarea, a Museum dedicated to the Peoples of Israel (Jews, Christians, Muslims and more), plus a village in the sky...”.    The sim is not only a place where you can learn about Israel, but also the home site for SL Jewish residents to connect and socialize.    I discovered there are a lot of things to do here.     

       I started my trip at the Old Port because I came directly from the cruise ship.  There’s a balloon tour available here that gives a very general overview of the sim.    However, I recommend using the excellent teleporter system instead.   They are conveniently located throughout the sim and are very fast.      I also recommend turning on the music associated with the site.    I wasn’t familiar with modern Israeli music.  The sim radio station has a good selection, at least from the prospective of someone experiencing it for the first time.  

         The teleporter offers a variety of modern and historic sites.   Most of them were familiar names, but there were a few surprises.     My biggest surprise was Zoola.   I was expecting a zoo, but discovered it was a resort style swimming pool.   The site was beautiful, with easy to rez swim balls and a swim-up bar.   There were lots of lounge chairs, too.   A great place to meet and mingle with your friends.

          Pioneer Park, located at KnoWorld  (128, 25, 2493), is serene and has an eternal flame memorial.    From this location you can walk up the stairs to the Exhibit Hall.    This site currently has a beautiful art exhibit featuring the paintings of two artists,  Raphael  Perez and Leonid Afremov.   Perez has a studio in Tel Aviv, and his paintings are bright and colorful.      Afremov is Russian-Israeli who has a very distinctive style.   He is known for selling his work only through the internet and rarely is involved in RL galleries or exhibits.   His works were also very colorful, but he used darker shades.   The exhibits are on display in association with the Arts and Culture Department of Kibbutzim College.  

             One of my favorite sites was Education Hall, found at KnoWorld (128, 194, 2496).  Inside is a wealth of historical information and photographs.  Currently the featured program is “Birth of a Nation”, which is a very interesting presentation on events leading up to the creation of Israel as an independent country.   Topics include the Birth of Zionism, World War I, British Mandate, World War II and Holocaust, United Nations Partition, and more.    I recommend that any SL residents who are interested in world history visit and plan to linger a while here.     

            The teleporters can also zip residents to Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Caesarea, and Jerusalem.   But SL Israel is not all work and study.    There’s a shopping district at KnoWorld (247, 114,2493).   There’s the usual array of fashions and skins, but also a few different shops.  At GiGi’s Art Gallary, operated by GiGi Onmura (Gigi Firecloak), there are colorful paintings depicting Jewish life as well as other subjects.   Next door is another art shop, Eligrafiks, owned by Eliyakim Brinner.  This shop’s motto is “Mesh are our art pictures.”   The shop features items not usually found in SL, such as menorahs, statutes, Mezuzahs, and more.   

       The two shops are typical of the international flavor found at this sim.    GiGi Onmura (Gigi Firecloak) is from Brazil, and Eliyakim Brinner is French.    While English signs are plentiful on the site, there are also signs and note cards written in Hebrew, French and other languages.   

       The Temple is located near the shopping district.   Inside is information about Shabbat candle lighting times for all of the major world time zones.   There is also information about educational classes in Hebrew as well as other topics related to Jewish culture.   A bookcase along one wall links to web pages with more information on music, books, the Talmud, and more.  

       My final stop was at the gym at Kibbutzim College.   I tried out a few of their exercise machines, too.  The SL version of the college is partly based on the new one that will be built near Tel Aviv.  Inside one of the conference rooms is a picture of the proposed construction.   Very impressive. 

         In addition to working out, SL residents can sky dive at the airport and take part in many social activities.   There’s a website at Israelisland.com that gives information on upcoming events.

Grey Lupindo

ADI In The Wasteland

By Theonlyjohnny Resident



ADI, also known as, Atlas Defense Industries, is actually an evil group. ADI's main goal is to dominate the entire North American land. despite being under investigation by others, it still actually sells weapons to, not only the two investigating groups, but anyone who requires a weapon.

Despite being evil, the group still holds common courtesy, and fairness, higher than other combat groups. While others may use speed huds, prim shooting, and other cheap tactics, to their advantage, ADI uses the strength of its soldiers, to their advantage.

Look to the sim, at first, and see how it's designed. Most people would take one look at it and assume ADI has a massive advantage. However, take another look, at the entire sim.

While ADI does hold most of the sim, it doesn't give them an advantage. Firstly, lets take a look at vehicles. Any raiding vehicles will be able to spawn, and get completely set up, in safety, due to the wall. However, ADI's aircraft spawn on top of the building, in the open, with no protection. ADI's tanks and mechs do spawn in safety, but they're only defended by a door.

Now let's take a look at the safety of the infantry. While there are barricades, that defend the defending infantry, the barricades are spread out in a thin line, not giving a lot of protection. Look at the wall defendin the raiders. This wall, and the barricades on top, as well as the buildings, give the raiders a greater advantage.

So, how, you ask, do ADI manage to be one of the best? Well that's simple really. Their training. While most groups will simply train their fresh recruits in the beginning, ADI trains constantly. Many will ask how they train, well, that is classified information. Otherwise ADI would meet its match.

ADI is always recruiting, and not just for combat. You see, at ADI, the weapons and vehicles are not something you can find on the marketplace. ADI makes its own weapons, and vehicles. The people that make them, are known as scientists. ADI is always looking for more scientists.

The combat side is always recruiting as well. ADI has many things to try, there is infantry, mechs, artillery, pilots, and even tank drivers. If you want to experience some combat, and would like to join the winning team, then check out ADI, I swear, you will not be disappointed.

ADI's sim is located at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wasteland/117/17/84

Theonlyjohnny

Tellus

By TheonlyJohnny Resident

The Tellus Sector, is a single sim, with many parts to it. Like all roleplay sims, there are IC (in character) areas, and an OOC (out of character) area. Also like other RP sims, it has a back story, that must be followed, otherwise the back story is useless. However, few RP sims are as in depth, as The Tellus.

The sim itself is a wonder, to behold. One might wonder how it's possible to stick a city, right in the middle of a wasteland, without all the greenery dieing. Well, they did it at The Tellus. They built a domed city, in the middle of a wasteland, filled it with trees, grass, buildings, and even water, and it has blossomed.

The secret to this amazing achievement is the fact that the dome filters out most wind, and heat. Without it, the city wouldn't even have lasted a few weeks.

If you wish to read more about the city, you can check out their wiki,
http://tellussector.wikia.com/wiki/The_Tellus_Sector_Wiki .

The amazement doesn't stop there. The people of this RP sim are not only helpful, they are awesome roleplayers, who love to RP. No matter what, if something is wrong with your character, weapon, vehicle, or whatever, they not only will let you know, they will give you advice as well. They don't just care about if they're having fun rping with you, they care about if you're having fun.

If you're not having fun, don't fret, they are all extremely helpful, in their own ways. Whether they tell you your weapon won't work there, or that your building isn't right, or that your outfit shouldn't be a certain way, whatever it is, they will let you know. However, most people would question how that helps if they just say something is bad. Well, don't start questioning just yet. It's the way the let you know that helps you.

They will not tell you, "You're gun isn't allowed here." They will actually say, "You're gun isn't allowed here, since you can't find parts for a sniper rifle (using sniper rifle as an example), or other guns that use bullets that large, or are that large, in the wastelands."

They will let you know what's wrong, and why it's wrong, which really helps you figure out the best things to use.

Not only are the people nice, but so is the sim itself. So much time, and work was spent on building just the main area, which may not look like much to some people, but if you explore it, you will see how much work really was put into making this RP sim.

All in all, I think that Tellus is one of the best RP sims in all of Second Life. If you're ever looking for something to do, go ahead and check it out.

Theonlyjohnny

Land of the Giants

By Gemma Cleanslate

Since I wrote about the Greenies Tribute in LEA ( http://slnewser.blogspot.com/2014/04/greenies-tribute-at-lea.html ) and loved their house so much my editor gave me an assignment to go see another huge home. It is the Land of the Giants and is a wondrous build. Arriving at the house was an event. I was greeted by 'Papparazi’ taking my picture.  

 I entered the house, passing by some giant visitors waiting for entry,  and found a horse carriage with a driver waiting to take me around so I hopped in and took the tour. It is a house of numerous rooms filled with giant furniture, appliances and people. I was surprised because I thought they would not be home but there they were, so occupied they did not see all the tiny avatars like little insects,  exploring their dwelling. After I took the guided tour, I hopped off and walked and flew through the various rooms examining everything there. It is evident the creator also loved the Greenies. 

I learned the owner has SL children and that they are secreted in this house in their own living spaces, well hidden from the giant family but can be found scattered in various areas of the home. The kids are decorating their own areas to each taste. Randy Burt, the creator told me, “Along with the Giant's house I had to find places for my 8 SL kids.  So they have hidden rooms inside the big house, a leprechaun is usually around the secret doorways so people can explore.  The kids are making them themed, some are just rooms with their stuff, others are a mouse hole with Tom and Jerry things inside, one is a superhero theme, one is a bowling alley, one is Alice's tea party, all hidden, but open to everyone.” 


I was able to visit  several of their rooms scattered behind walls and perched high enough so they are not visible to the inhabitants. The bathtub has 7seas fishing and was happy to see that and one of the kids, Adam, hosted a contest for us.  I came across  a sign for a bubble ride in the giant kids playroom and took the ride. It is a long tumbling ride that goes for a while . At one point I found my self in a giant pinball machine surrounded by pictures of Superman! It is a fun ride but make a landmark there and go back after your tour of all the activities and hidden fun. Try the carnival rides in the child’s playroom. There are great bumper cars to rezz. 

In the kitchen, I hopped in a canoe for a ride on a stream made from a spilled giant soda bottle, and ended up in the pipes below the house. They were full of scary creatures, bugs and spiders and other nasty creatures, but I got out alive . I found another SL kids room and took a short nap after that trial. 

I discovered a TP to a maze and off I went. The maze is a temptation of goodies, every type of candy you can imagine lines the walls causing salivation with every step. There is an option to time your movement there to see how long it takes you. I chose no timing. 

Next to the maze I found that there is an event every Sunday at 6:00 PM SL time .... a demolition derby with linden prizes! Sounds like great fun but too late for me! I know there are more surprises there and I have not told you about them all.  I am still looking for the bowling alley.  Plan to spend some time in the house or to come back more than once.

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Random/126/248/4000

Gemma Cleanslate

Editors Note: The Demo Derby and candy maze are run by the Creations for Parkinson's group. The group's leader Barbie Alchemi, whom with her RL mother Fran Serenade and friends can be found at the derby every Sunday when it takes place. 

*Update* Barbie stated that the builder of the maze is Almostthere Inventor, whom also hosts the Demo Derby.

Palm Springs

 From the quiet sim of Cedar Creek, which tragically isn't around anymore, the new sim of Palm Springs arose. From the people who gave you Fairhaven, and Cedar Creek, this sim is a quaint little town that looks larger than it really is.

The sim boasts a Fire Station, a Police Station, A bar, a beach, a nude beach, and even a gated community, making it one of a kind. It is run by people who are very good friends of mine, and allow just about anything.

Of course, that doesn't mean a giant dragon has any business being here. However, they allow furries, and even child avatars (with supervision), meaning they are laid back when it comes to reality. This isn't a bad thing, however, as it simply means they understand that there is always a human on the other side of that screen.

I have been with these sims, since they started with Fairhaven, and have been in love with the sims ever since. To any of you looking for a place to rp, come here, you'll have a great time, I guarantee it.

Theonlyjohnny Resident

The Clock Museum

By Grey Lupindo

  One of my favorite things to do in both RL and SL is to visit museums.   I recently found a unique one here in SL, The Clock Museum, located at Triglav (104, 32, 75).  There are over 100 clocks in every size, shape and type in the beautiful stone building and surrounding gardens.   The Museum is a tribute to the creativity of SL residents as well as the generosity of the site’s owners, Selador Cellardoor, elisha Zamin, and Doll Ulysses.

         The three owners are all long-time residents of SL.  Selador Cellardoor has been a resident since 2003, and Zamin and Ulysses since 2006.   Their Museum is free and non-commercial.   They even have a few freebies, including clock patterned clothing, for visitors to take as souvenirs.   

         The variety of clocks is impressive.    Some are tall and massive.   Others are small and dainty.  There are Victorian and early American reproductions that are very detailed and historic.    Many of the clocks are imaginative and fanciful.  The styles range from antique to modern to futuristic.   Lots of steampunk ones, too.    At least two clocks are powered by water wheels.  One of them was inspired by a RL French clock from the 19^th century.   Notecards are placed beside each clock so that visitors can take a landmark to the clock maker’s shop for more information or to purchase.  

       My favorite clock is one that does more than just tell time.  It is a clock house that is powered by a gerbil on a wheel.   It is located in the garden and well worth the short walk to see it.    In addition to the clocks, the garden has a picnic table, dance pavilion, a maze, and plenty of benches where friends can meet for quiet conversation.      

           I visited the Museum twice in order to see all of the clocks.  In addition to being visual treats, most of the clocks make beautiful sounds.   The sounds vary with each clock and provide a soothing background.    The Steampunk clocks hiss and vent steam, too, so be careful to not get too close.     In the entrance is a modern clock that shows that time doesn’t fly—it falls.   With each changing minute the old numerals fall to the floor and are replaced by the current ones.  

           As you stroll through the Museum, make sure you turn your sound up so you can hear the clocks.  Plan to stay long enough for the hour to change, too.    On my second visit the time changed to 3:00 p.m.    What a great surprise!    All at once the Museum filled with the sound of coo coo’s, chimes, whistles, bells, music, and more.    It was amazing.

            The Clock Museum is a hidden gem in SL.    A visit won’t take much time, but the pleasant memory will last forever

Grey Lupindo

A Visit to Folkvang Norse

By Grey Lupindo

       I recently visited Folkvang Norse, located at Lexicolo  (239, 15, 45).   In Norse mythology, Folkvang is the home of the Viking Goddess Freja.   In SL, Folkvang is one of the most unique and interesting places on the grid.  The site was created over five years ago by three SL residents, Dizzi Sternberg, NightShade Fugu, and Janet Rossini.   The three live in different countries, England, Denmark, and the United States, respectively, and met in SL.   

         Dizzi Sternberg told me that Folkvang, “is open to all as a public park as we believe open spaces are rare in SL.”  They also hope to share more accurate information about Viking life than is usually shown in the media.  They have succeeded in doing this in a variety of fun and exciting ways.    

         To begin my journey I teleported into the main landing spot at Lexicolo (224, 11, 2998).   This area has a floor map with teleports to all the major spots within Folkvang.   It also has Viking buildings, clothing, and other useful items for sale if you want to RP or explore in proper attire.   However, wearing Viking clothing is not required.   Do wear comfortable shoes or boots, however.   Folkvang is huge and has lots of places to explore.

           I went straight to Sessrumnir, which is Freja's Castle.   I kept on eye on the Jaguar guarding the courtyard as I quickly walked up the winding staircase.   Inside are lots of nooks and rooms to explore.  Among the many rooms are a library and an art gallery.   Most of the walls showcase beautiful paintings and drawings.   

         I found a few treasure chests in some of the rooms.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but the chests are part of Freja’s  Quest.   In this Quest you try to find treasures while you search for the Goddess Freja.  I found three treasure boxes, but I need to find more.  I couldn’t open them until I found some previous ones.  I looked around a bit, but I didn’t find them.   But this sim has so many other treasures that I wasn’t disappointed.  I’ll come back another time to search more thoroughly.    

         As I wandered through the rooms I also found that some of the items and furniture are for sale.  However, there are no annoying signs to spoil the beauty and ambiance.   You only realize the items are for sale when you click on them.  You need to click, however, because so many of the items are magical.  It takes a click or two to turn them on or open them up.    My advice is to touch everything.  If you don’t, you may miss out on a hidden room or an interesting object.   Explore everywhere, too.  At the end of one very long climb I found a beautiful outdoor room with a table and carved dragon chairs.    On another rooftop I found a flying dragon ride. 

         I flew the dragon ride into Thor’s Garden, which has ancient rune stones in it.  Beautiful flute music began to play, too.  There was also a wild boar hunt that I could have joined in, but I skipped that.  There are other free games to play that don’t involve hunting.  I fed some ducks, chopped wood, explored a Viking village, and more.  

            While I was exploring another building, a horse and cart clomped across the bridge.  I decided to hop on and ride around the site.  I soon found that Folkvang has more things to ride than any other place in my recent memory.   In addition to the flying dragon and the horse cart, I took a tour in a NorsePunk Balloon and sailed a small boat.   During my visit I saw even more things to ride that I didn’t have time to try:  an elephant, a swan, a giant hen, horses, and different types of boats.   

           The balloon tour started at Hedeby and flew past the Folkvang castle and the Valkyrie tower.   It made a stop at Janet’s Land, which has laboratories and a variety of inventions and gadgets to see.   The tour continued, but I got off here.  I heard trains and saw Shallot, another beautiful building that was nearby, both of which I wanted to explore.    

             The Valkyrie Transport Rail Road was my favorite ride.   The first thing that struck me as I waited at the station was the variety of trains.   Some carried cargo or did other industrial work.  All of the trains were unique and different.   I watched for a while before getting into one of the passenger coaches.  The train has great sound effects and a realistic rocking feel to it.   I was even able to bring along the cup of Steelbuck coffee that I had picked up at the stations’ rooftop cafe.        

            For residents who like challenges, there are four different types of quests here.   The Visitor area, located at Lexicolo (239, 15, 45) has teleports and information cards about the different options.  The quests combine fun with Norse mythology.  “The Road to Hel” goes though the Underworld to the throne room of Hel.  “The Old Vanirheimr” goes to the home of the Vanir Gods and Goddesses, Njord Frej and Freja.  The journey goes through both lovely landscapes as well as some hidden worlds.  “ Back to the Beginning” is said to be the hardest quest as it goes back in time to Norse creation.

           I went on the newest adventure, “Journey to England”, which is an amazing 30 to 40 minute simulator ride.  I boarded a Viking long boat in Yorvig. The ride portrays a Viking couple’s journey from Denmark to England, approximately from the RL home of Nightshade in Denmark to Sternberg in England.   Along the way they encounter storms, enemies and other hazards.    The storm, which includes a great lightning show, is so amazingly realistic that I could almost smell the wet sheep that shared the boat with us.  Sternberg told me that all of the places named in the story really exist, and the night sky has the stars accurately placed. 

           Folkvang is one of those wonderful sites that you can spend hours and hours exploring.   I didn’t have time to check out the other quests, the dwarf caves, any of the underground worlds, or the harbor.  There’s even a hidden amusement park called Dizzi World that you can only reach by going through the subway, which is located at the train station.  I peeked inside it, just long enough to know I must return. There are many other hidden gems and jewels in Folkvang, too.  All of them are waiting to be discovered.

 Grey Lupindo

Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek may look like a simple residential sim, however it is much more than that. It is a community of roleplayers, who have come together, and made a city. Not only are there nice people here, the general air of the sim, itself, makes this a great place to make friends, and even start RPing.

The owners, Ashley and Ace Walker, started the sim, on February 28, 2014. It was meant to be a place where people could come and have fun. Not only have they met their goal, they surpassed it. They not only run the sim, they even personally meet each person that visits the sim, whether or not they are going to rp here or not.

Just take a trip here, if you are looking for a place to RP. Visit the sim anyway, even if you're not going to rp here, it is such an awesome place, and it is so well designed too. Of the buildings here, I know for a fact, that the fire station was made by Ashley, herself, from scratch.

Yes, there is a fire department here, there is also a police department, and there is sometimes a department of transportation as well. How would I know all this? Well, that is an easy one. I am a firefighter on the sim. I love this sim, not just because I am friends with the owners, but also because I love to rp, and meet new people.

If you love RPing, and meeting new people, come here, and take a look. It will become a favorite place for you, really fast. I promise, taking a trip here, will not end badly. You will be amazed at how much two people can accomplish, and you may find yourself coming back, very often, that's normal. It's an awesome sim, and it will do that to you.

Johnny

DaVinci Gardens

 By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Checking out old landmarks to verify that a site is still there can be dangerous. It may drop you in an entirely new locale or it may still work but when you put down you may be some centimeters off and at the bottom of an ocean or in a wall. I went over to DaVinci Gardens because I had not been there in a long time and did land in the ocean but made my way up to the shore. This region is so full of offerings and pleasures  that you have to go several times. There are always visitors when I arrive at this sim because of its beauty and accessibility. 

 

The creator and owner, Felixx Shepherd can often be found just hanging out in the sims. He has made some amazing changes since I last visited. The region contains a surreal mix of builds from the ocean floor up into outer space and you can see it all. A teleport system will guide you to the points of interest, but I find it fun to climb the stairs of the castles or wander down below also. There is something for everyone in this region. To get an overview you can take a ride on a flying feather, or hop on the flying carpet, or best of all take a dragon ride and zoom around the spires of the castles or swoop down over the islands and dangerously close to the burning lava at the volcano or barely missing the parapets of the castles.  There are temp rezzers at all the locals that give you a teleport board where you can choose your next  destination. If you like to go dance with a loved one there are comfy nooks everywhere to just do that, or just sit and talk. Visit the disco in space for a fun dancing venue.

 

 Those who love underwater adventures will enjoy the the deep waters filled with surprises . It is gorgeous .  I wandered over to  the alien caves where you find eyes everywhere watching you and alien beings  that appear and disappear as you pass through. The Egypt exhibit high in the sky  is complete with sphinx, pyramid, hieroglyphs and  temples with secrets for you to discover. I walked down the stairs in one and found myself inside  the pyramid in the  tomb of the royal guards. Wear the torch. Watch out for the asps, and flying bats. The whole build is most impressive, everything Egypt, very beautifully done. Guided Barque ride is available, or try the ride on the giant scarab beetle.

If you love winter sports visit the winter wonderland where you can still ski, take a sleigh ride or skate surrounded by snowflakes and delightful winter decor. I noticed some sweet cottages there for rent near the frozen pond.

The Dream Slide is an amazing almost supernatural experience, psychedelic in nature. Tiny tropical islands dot the waters and when visiting you can rezz a tiki canoe to enjoy. 

 

I boarded a space ship and was met with  “Greetings dear space traveller! This rocket will take you to any planet of the solar system. Please force the sun to midnight and go up the stairs. The rocket will open automatically. In the rocket choose >Tp to Start Center<. Now sit on the chair and hit the start button. Have fun, your info droid."

(Servant Droid: ...translating into human language.) "Greetings master! If you need general information please touch the green button on the board. If you touch me, I give you the equipment for your spacewalk when we have reached space.”

I will have to go back to complete the ride. so many more adventures await you on  visits to The Garden. I know you are going to love the place and have lots of fun! This is a good place to start your travels and where you will find the dragon ride and teleport board. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kalepa/202/171/32  

 

Gemma Cleanslate