Gemma and the Mermaid

In Extra Extra, our Gemma Cleanslate describes an encounter with one of the merfolk she and DJ Quark had. Did she put it behind her, or give in to the siren song of fashionable aquatic avatars?

To read the story, go to Extra Extra.

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Garden Of Healthy Aging

Gentle Heron has done more than provide a place where new residents with disabilities and illnesses are welcome, but also were anyone can pick up useful information about these conditions. Gemma Cleanslate goes to the Fatimas Cherished sim to get a closer look.

To read the story, Click Here to go to Community.

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Criss MCA Anniversary Celebration

Today, we examine the Criss Museum of Contemporary Art. The MCA will be celebrating one year of being in Second Life. Reporter Gemma Cleanslate describes what the museum will be planning throughout the month of May.

For the story, go to Community.

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TRP360 Up and Away at Sialimonus

It is always wonderful to go exploring and find a new astonishing site I have never seen before. I arrived at the entrance of an ethereal Stonehenge. The view is of an airy gossamer Stonehenge with the universe circling. “Turn around “ I was instructed and touch everything. So I did.

Off I went into space with my first tap, following a meteor ‘s trail around and around. I found a lineup of the planets, and sat on a few that again sent me off into space in various dances and poses. It is great fun to walk - run in space Asteroids bumbled through the air, barely missing the site.

Back on the ground, I spied a teleport to the “Fun House." Hah! I cannot tell you much about that journey, not wanting to spoil the experience, but get ready for an escapade that will take you through mazes that really amaze!!! Make sure you have time to enjoy, or you will need to revisit this experience again and again , trying to solve the way through. Look for a happy face to guide you. You will smile back.

Back at the entrance you will find a teleport that will bring you to other magical sites. Enter and enjoy!!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sialimonus/156/168/210

Gemma Cleanslate

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Calling All Fishers!!

Fishiversary 2010 is here ! To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of 7SEAS FISHING, Seven Shikami has taken three sims where fishers can fish to their hearts content for the many exciting custom rods, fish and other delightful items for 3 days .




There will be entertainment and contests around the sims during the weekend. Go to the central island to begin and pickup the gifts there. You will be able to rezz a boat for your travels . Each island is unique and may have some goodies for sale, and you will want to see them all. Keep fishing for custom fish as you go.



You have until Monday at 8:00 SL to see it all !

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Osmium/148/145/22

Gemma Cleanslate

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Holiday Fun

If you are looking for a fun activity to do for the Easter week, or for the rest of the month, Aero Pines Park & Recreation Area & the SL Riding Club are holding their 4th annual Easter Basket Hunt in their eight sims. 
You will find the baskets out on the trails and in the public buildings. They are not difficult to spot and there are some delightful gifts in them. 
There is  transportation available there. 
It is a great place to ride your horse, try a demo horse or borrow one of the vehicles.  
The buildings with closed doors are private but all the open doors invite you inside. 
The last time I was here it was winter. Now spring is blossoming everywhere and you will enjoy your tour through the lush grounds, hills and sparkling waters.
 Remember there are eight sims to explore!
This is a good place to start, right at the stables.  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Equus/194/173/22


Gemma Cleanslate

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Rabbits and Eggs

Looking for an egg tree… 
Or a bunny wishing Happy Easter? 
As usual Vickijo Rivera is way ahead of you with a myriad of Easter trees, bunnies, flowers and much more! 
You have your choice of sweet egg baskets, an Easter relaxing rug, floral wreathes can be found on the three floors
   And best of all it is all free! 


Make sure you visit the Corner of Relaxation geo dome and gather your wares to decorate for the Easter Holiday.
 If you do not see what you need in the geo dome take a teleport up to Flame Trudeau’s corner in the sky above the geo dome. There for a very  good price you will find some delightful items to add to your décor. Most are transfer and make great gifts. 
 Land here to begin your shopping


http://slurl.com/secondlife/Relaxation/88/170/42


Gemma Cleanslate

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Looking for places to explore?

Grey Lupindo takes us on a trip to Amsterdam in the community section while Gemma looks at the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco. 

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Magical Beginnings

The fascination with the steam punk era is alive and well in SL as it still exists in RL. 
While doing a hunt which took me to many steam punk sites I joined a hunt group to keep up with hints. 
Last week I read a notice that intrigued me : the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco. Classes will be offered in Deportment, Etiquette, Dancing, the Arcane Arts, Drama, History, English and a host of other academic and cultural courses. 
There is an impressive list of professors for the school which offers boarding or day school facilities for children avatars.
 I went to tour the school and found a delightful setting with interesting living and  instructional areas. When the notice came for the first class I dressed in my finest steam punk gown and went to observe. About twelve eager participants sat before a stage while the Mayor of Mieville, and a professor at the new school, Perryn Peterson welcomed us all to the inaugural presentation. He concentrated on stagecraft, introducing elements of the theatre stage to everyone and  inviting participation from the students.
 The future classes look very interesting and the professor is very patient and thorough.
I asked him how this idea came about and he said “There are no boarding or day schools that we know of which provide an education for the child avatars in SL interested in the Victorian Steampunk culture.  We sought to fill that need.  We have 14 students so far and a Head Boy for the Lower School.  We have begun classes and so far have had a nice turnout.”
 The students appeared eager to learn and it looked like an auspicious beginning. Looking around at the various venues it looks as if  there will be magic potions involved in future classes for sure! The school is open to all  so if you are interested be sure to visit and contact the headmistress, Jezzie Warden or the Deputy Headmistress Vian Magic for more information.
Take a look at Doyle 60, 199, 31 .
That will put you right in the area of the new school.


Gemma Cleanslate

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Spring Fling on the Playa

The excitement has been building for weeks. 
Live shows will be at the sites in place and the do’s arranged for a whole weekend of fun on the playa!
 It is Burning Life’s After Burn Spring Fling!
I took a look at the stages and the surrounding areas. I came across a meeting of the staff getting ready.
There is a wonderful display of all the Porta Potties that builders decorated for the Burning Life, White Lebed  collected quite a few and placed them in one area so you can walk by and admire them all at one time. The committee has worked so hard to give everyone a good time. 
Be sure to visit the venues and take in the sights and sounds. Doctor Gascoigne and his crew have worked hard to fill the party hours with music you will enjoy.
 I would highly recommend that you get yourself there to enjoy it all!! 
Take  this limo to get to the area of the porta potties and you can fly off from here  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life-%20Deep%20Hole/73/81/24


Gemma Cleanslate

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The Wearers

Gemma Cleanslate interviews Marmaduke Arado and Kikas Babenco, whom have come up with a unique show. They don’t set any of their props on the ground. What one would think would have to be set down is all worn by the actors.

For more, go to Community.

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Newborn!

The selling and mating of  chickens of Sl seem to be more quiet lately. I know there are some still around for sure and aficionados can not give them up ( there are some across the way in our sim) . There are still breeding turtles hanging around but now there is a new enticement. It has been quiet lately for those looking for a new list of fish available for catching from the 7seas servers. All of a sudden there was a message sent to all fishers a few weeks ago about breeding fish. It has caused some major excitement , especially among those who absolutely hoard all the new fish appearing in the sl waters. Mamas and Papas! Catch them and then go catch some food , luv-n-flake . Wear the mama , the papa , some food, touch the food  and they seem to love each other so quickly and behold! The next thing you know you have a baby coming into your inventory.. A combination of mama and papa and with toys, some come with rattles , some with blocks , some with other fun things. Some are Special  I have yet to see a Special in my mating mama and papas but have hopes. I am a 7seas Hall of  Famer  but never will be a Breeding Hall of Famer, lol . Too many babies!! Visit 7seas on the internet to find out more about it all http://www.7seasfishing.com/
Or you can visit the sl center of 7seas : search Flotsam  Beach  and have fun!! 

Gemma Cleanslate

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Lovin Lindens

Lindens are really being nice to us! As they do every Valentine Day they made several kissing places. 

I consider it apology time for all the things I have said about the lindens all year LOL!
Lindens and volunteers gathered on the Isle of View and the Isle of View Too. 

Hearts were everywhere. 

Cupid Linden was the first to arrive but disappeared to the teens realm. Katrin arrived and began and stand in the Kissing booth. 

People gathered immediately to join the lines waiting for that kiss! Perhaps they hoped it would improve their future SL life. 

One cute little tiny looked on longingly but could not make the animation so Katrin came out to pick the tiny up in a long hug. 

It was great fun as usual. 

Now I cannot wait to dunk them again! 

Gemma Cleanslate

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Feathers

Retrospective. Spectacular movement in art. 

When I wandered through Feather Boa”s art at AdOpera in the Cripta Gallery it was with memories. I first saw her work at the Garden of Earthly Delights last year and was astounded.  I think of her walking around the city of Boston taking pictures of anything and everything: tiny gears, signs, dials, clocks, envelopes, all kinds of things she passes in her travels. Then she takes them, arranges and rearranges, blends and creates imaginative delightful art works in rl and sl. Such talent! 

Her art has been exhibited in many real life galleries . She works in graphic arts in the USA and Japan . About sl art she says “  I believe that we are seeing a new form of creative expression being born in SL and other virtual worlds. There are so many talented people here and that the best is yet to come." Some of the art is moving and changing as you gaze at it. Stand and wait and you will discover more than you expected. It is a large exhibit in a large gallery. You will be able to enjoy it at the Cripta Art Gallery until the 10th of February. Feathers also owns two galleries in SL. Her life is just beginning and I think she will be around a long time with new visions to delight the eye. I am lucky because I have one of the pieces in my sl home that was a gift from her sl father and mother and think of her often. .
http://slurl.com/secondlife/AdOpera1/149/86/26

By Gemma Cleanslate

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February 14 Is Coming Fast!

You can start your Valentine Day shopping  already.

As usual Vickijo Rivera is ready for visitors to come pick up decorations for that special day. She is always on top of getting wonderful items for everyone to enjoy each holiday.

Many creators and builders  contribute to the sweet items in the geo dome that are almost all free!

Around the grounds of the Corner of Revolving Times you will find some lovely items for sale  that are very inexpensive. Saucy Loire has been busy making some really nice emitters that you will love to place  all around your home or business. And the trees!  Don’t miss the freebies or bargains!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Relaxation/87/169/42

Gemma Cleanslate

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It Is On!!!!

Oh My Gosh!!! What a great time again!! The snowball fights with the Lindens are on !
The attacks were ferocious. Snowballs fly everywhere! Everyone had been practicing so the hits were often. I began to feel sorry for Blue Linden when he was the only one there for a time but he took it like a man (even though I think he is a dragon). Well, Robert Linden was there but he was hiding under a HUGE snowball so no one could see him for a while. I put on my skates and moved fast to avoid the snowballs hitting me but it did not help much. I spent most of my time at Zermatt because it was so much fun but did visit some of the other vistas At one place I was outnumbered by a host of Lindens all aiming at me because there were few there. Finally I went back to Zermatt and found the same fun continuing with some of the same avatars who had been there for most of the time!!!! There was some furniture throwing going on for a while, lol. I think I saw a few cows go by too. Some lindens came armed for bear, like Patsy. Several , like Rothman and Nathan Linden were there for the first time , but had lots of hits!! I will try to get to another session because it is great joy to throw snowballs at the Lindens!!! They are really nice to do this, lol! 

 

 Gemma Cleanslate

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Walking in Art

Wonderful artists abound in SL.  I was invited to attend an interactive art exhibit by the group Heart2Art. The group presenting  describes itself as “A  transposition of  real  in SL. Movie, events  and art transposed into 3D new ,second, life.” Eros Boa and Giovanna Delphin , Sicily Zapatero with the help of many other avatars who “acted “ in the tableaus created a Walk In Art. The project is amazing. Wonderful world famous paintings are displayed through out the Sodom Sim .Eros Boa created avatars, postures , backgrounds , to represent the painting in 3D in sl. As we walked along  MrSigmund Fride, a renowned art critic, guided  us through  the art, artist and the representation we were seeing. At almost every site there was the “original” art piece with a link leading to a youtube video about the artist so it was a real learning experience. There will be a show on 28 December. If you would like to attend contact Eros Boas or Sicily Zapatero for an invitation.

Gemma Cleanslate

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Get Ready!!

It is early but I want you to be prepared! The sites are ready and the dates are set. One of the most fun things in sl, in line after dunking the Lindens at Dreams/Shockproof sim, is the Linden snowball fight! 

This event goes on for days. Lots of Lindens appear at sites to take part. There are several sims locations to visit and find them. They even provide the snowballs. You will have so many laughs and an all around good time. 

I do not want you to miss it if you have never been before. If you visit one of the sites listed ahead of time you can pick up a free snowball dispenser. Practice your throw and I will see you there.  

You can read about the snow ball fights and other winter activity dates at The Winterfest Calender of events

Gemma Cleanslate

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Winter Fun

There are many winter sports activities throughout SL. 

If you have skis you can glide down the mountains in some places. Snow boarding is available also. 

Skating is very popular and many sims have a skating pond for use. Just search winter sports and you will find places to visit. 

My friends, Roselinda Mayo and Eymerich Lane invited us over to see the skating place they made. It was great fun! There is solo and couples skating, also relaxation places to sit and listen to the music. 

We watched as Abby Calllisto built a snowman and found out you can build one too. Trim a tree if you like! 

I trimmed and then sat down to read The Christmas Carol.  

Abby is the owner of Abby Lane and has some wonderful interactive winter scenes. This was her tree and her snowman . The site  is located high above the sim. You are invited to skate there. You will find free skates in a box . 

Enjoy the wonderful experiences you will find there.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Roselinda's%20Paradise/96/4/3982

By Gemma Cleanslate

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Visions in Color

For weeks I have been meaning to take a tour of The Criss, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Alajuela. I have been hearing such wonderful things about it. 

As I arrived I was struck with the structure of the museum. It is very contemporary itself and a fitting vessel for the art. There are walking tours every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday at 2:30.  Kathy Nikolaides, our guide met us at the entrance and with her was one of the new artists, Kirle Adamski. We entered into one section of the building which displays the wonderful abstract watercolors of Antenna Rae. 

They are splashes of color to the eye and the mind.  We moved on to the next section and there were the delightful works of Genevieve Silvercloud in which you see features in 3D within the art piece. 

The next exhibit made me feel I was in the old west of the US. Van Caerndow executes his art on glass and is wonderfully vibrant. As soon as we arrived in the next gallery I was taken with a work called “Sunrise” . Kathy told  us we were privileged to be with the artist who turned out to be Kirle! 

“ I use storm colours in abstract themes . i never draw the motiv before i paint, the motiv just grows by itself”. 

Her works were lovely. Rolling Shuffle was the final artist we viewed. The exhibit is called Jazz in Oslo and I actually saw the music before I heard the name. 

Outside the building again we admired the view. There is a poetry reading area with a relaxation rug for comfort. Across from the museum is a large amphitheatre where building classes are held. You can check on events at a Board in the front. 

You will enjoy your visit whether you take a guided tour or wander alone. 

Ours was a quick visit so I know I will be back to see more. Begin here,
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alajuela/188/78/22

Gemma Cleanslate

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