Swedish Institute 176/164/29

The contrast could not be more fantastic. Just left a place that wants us to feel the 17th Century in Holland. Next a painting in the Swedish Institute: The Cloud. Timeless, not related to a place and as real as anything beyond your proverbial backyard. One of the best things to do in SL is visiting cultural events like this. Widen your horizon! Have a go!

Spinoza Wetlands 230/47/22

I have plans to continue my little tours in Second Life. What better to start nearby. Spinoza aims to replicate the Dutch cultural climate of the 17th Century. Good idea and well supported by the buildings and atmosphere here. This image could well have been painted in that era. A painters' view, but what about about real life: the wars, the political murders, the tulip bulb mania. Does this remind you of something?

Long time, no see!

I haven't been in Second Life for a while due to personal reasons. Today I revisited Cedar Island. A community of people that share interests, passions, knowledge and the ambition to meet in a virtual world. It was good to be back and to see that everything still was the way I left it. Coming home. The coming weeks my report on my research project will be published on line on www.kennisnet.nl.

Sea Turtle Island 192/154/0

I never knew I had it in me. I sometimes 'play' the table when listening to energizing music and think I am quite good. Till you here a pro and creative musician. We can get near this skill on Sea Turtle Island where a set of drums enables us to play while writing a report. Relaxing and nice to your ego.

Small man, great ambition

Easter on Cedar Island

Easter Monday is cold and it snows in the garden in RL when we collect our Easter eggs. I ve created an egg in SL as well, to surprise my fellow members. It might turn into a tradition, who knows. The weather in Sl is always nice, you can illuminate your eggs and make them fly, sail or into a vehicle, wear them, give them all sizes and colours just by moving your mouse. I like them egg-shaped, lying quietly and waiting to be found.

Strength Movement

I just did some reading on the Strength Movement on their blog. Interesting development that promotes another way of looking at your child. Always take the bright side of life: look at strength, rather than weaknesses. My kids went to a an innovative school, that looked at all aspects of development: emotional, cognitive, social and cultural but also could have done with this spirit. They have developed into fine kids and still learning. A promising trend that has an equivalent in my country: New Learning. A buzzword that nevertheless holds an excellent ideal, similar to the Strength movement.

Strengthen Movement Island 193/98/23

This beautiful dome is the result of the activities of the people on Strength Movement Island. Later today at 12.00 noon SLT there will be a Q&A with Jennifer Fox, the author of "Your Child's Strengths" and the curriculum behind The Island's design. Some of the promises do not work, I had loved to take the balloon tour but it didn't work for me.

3D Internet for Learning Summit

IBM and some partners organize a summit on the potential of 3d Internet for Learning. A nice venue in Active Worlds. It does not take long to get used to the client. It might be interesting to compare these two VW - clients for teaching and learning. VW is much easier to use but also misses a lot of the functionality of SL. Best news is that one has the choice! In two hours the summit will start. I spoke with some of the early visitors, they shared my high expectations. Some of it can be witnessed on the blog. They also provide a Wiki on this event and the ongoing discussion.

Benito Flores on piano in Cedar Island

Benito Flores plays the piano quite well and it is a joy listening to his performance in-world. The 3-d element strengthens the illusion of attending in a live concert in the open air. The music is live, synchronous and of excellent quality. For those who want to make an audio capture it is a pity the camera's are not silenced. Kate did a great job organizing this on Cedar Island at a convenient time.