The Final Battle! 100 Seconds of Outtakes and Silliness

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Karima Hoisan

When Natascha sent me this little clip of some of the many outtakes that usually reach the trash and rarely reach me, after our movie is completed,  I had absolutely nothing to do that night, so I decided to go into Garage Band and put together a little sound track for it.
I sent it back to Nat and she added her intro and credits. Voilá! a very short short was born from our original entry to the MadPea, The Trekking Pea Challenge entitled:
 “A Winter’s Trek”
Imp played by Natascha Randt
Toad played by Karima Hoisan
The Final Battle is…..well, push play and see who won:)

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Laughter…The Best Rx

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Karima Hoisan
vnnbv

“Listing starboard, falling down upon the floor…”

When you touch that funny bone, it’s wriggle squiggle giggle.
Too bad if you can’t catch a breath,
stuck with a heaving belly, crinkly tears of merriment
you’re laughing yourself to death.
Listing starboard, falling down upon the floor,
sardonic grins look pan- faced glum compared to what your face becomes.
“Oh Stop!” “Don’t you even look my way, I’ll shame my name
by spitting irreverently on the floor.
Don’t say that one word anymore. I will die laughing.
I will. I’m going to die laughing!”

I can’t catch my breath, my silliness, for sure, will be my death.
Trying to pull myself together, this is not the place for this,
I’m thinking of the lottery, shopping lists, and weather,
still tittering, sniggering cackling, oh no I’m chortling!
I’m serious now…but when I see that scene again;
the cow and how and pow…the paper’s called “The Morning Omelette?”
It just hits my funny bone. I’m one hysterical jiggle, higgle, giggle.
If you tickle me I know I’ll blow into a thousand rapid-fire chucklings.
Now, “Don’t!” “Please Stop!”  A burst and squeak and here it comes again…
Helter-skelter, higgedly piggedly all the way home..I can’t stop laughing!

Karima Hoisan
March 6th 2014
Costa Rica

* Footnote: The illustration is entitled, baskakov-milkmaids-novella.jpg. I found it on the web, and it made me laugh. What is really making me laugh right now (on every single page) is Mark Helprin’s  “Freddy and Fredericka” which is so funny, I can’t take it with me and read it in, let’s say, a waiting room..because I would be asked to leave (chortling as I go:)

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More Mardi Gras Fun in New Toulouse!

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Karima Hoisan

Sooo, after the parade we had a great dance at Kari’s Bar and Dance with RoseDrop Rust up on stage crooning his tunes, and delighting the reveling Taloosters who just kept on going and going! Luckily, a few people had the presence of mind to take some shots (other than of whiskey:) and I share them with you here. Thank you RoseDrop for your great set and thank you Nat and Dale for sending these pictures..

Nat and Karima warm up the stage for RoseDrop!

Nat and Karima warm up the stage for RoseDrop!


Nat and her faboo shadows

One of Nat’s  faboo shadow shots

green

so green…..

xxxxx

Taloosters boogie to the sounds..

gfdd

Dale, Karima and Hoyt grooving to RoseDrop

gfdd

Pazzo erected himself a statue mid dance:)

Rosedrop!!

RoseDrop!!

Shesa!

The Magnificent…Shesa!

Karima!

Karima!

Gorgeous Gamma

Gorgeous Gamma with our mayor doing a dip

djdkdj

Dance and be Merry!

fkfjf

Party! Party! Party!

I will include here now some miscellaneous photos that Dale took from the parade to the party in the park, and then on to Kari’s.

woots

Oh what that poor bird-watching mayor is missing!!

Odracir!

Odracir!

Party in the Park

Party in the Park

Amira!

Amira!

Party

Party at Kari’s on the Dock!

Thanks again to Nat and Dale for capturing these wonderful memories.
Let The Good Times Roll!

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Samedi Gras Parade 2014 ~ The Movie!

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Karima Hoisan

New Toulouse can be proud!
On Saturday March 1st, the wonderfully creative citizens pulled off a glorious extravaganza of color and imagination, in the Mardi Gras Tradition.
This fun-filled video, shot in extreme conditions of lag, by our own Natascha Randt, can maybe say it better than I can. Watch and Enjoy! A roster of all the Krewes follows below! Thank you Nat once more for these memories!

The Queen’s Float bears the queen of this Year’s Mardi Gras, Soto Hax. Soto is recognized for her tremendous scripting assistance to New Toulouse and for creating smiles wherever she goes. In her first royal act, Soto tried to pardon all of the criminals in New Toulouse, but she couldn’t find them. The queen’s float was designed and built by Armand of Amadeo’s Artifacts.

The Krewe of the Articulate float celebrates the waters of New Toulouse and the bayou. It is a paddle boat design, mounted with the egret and powered by articulated paddles, propeller, and flaming steam. This float was crafted by Armand of Amadeo’s Artifacts, and you might see the beautiful OtherJane, the lovely Pandora, or the stunning Bianca Solderini riding along with him.

Krewe des Zombies was formed for the 2009 New Toulouse Mardi Gras and has paraded in a number of New Toulouse parades ever since. This year’s float humorously portrays a sleeping bayou birdwatcher, missing the most beautiful birds in the bayou. The birdwatcher is Mayor Henri Godenot, and the beautiful birds are played by Karima Hoisan, Dale Innis, and Amira Kevoli.

Jake Wikifoo, the captain of the Krewe des Flambeaux, has been captaining a float in New Toulouse since before he could drive. He commands the powerful Flambeaux float, and like Professor Longhair’s poor little Junco, goes a-wobblin’ all over the street. You might not want him to drive under your balcony!

The Krewe des Horreurs was formed when a group of zombies threw up their hands and shouted “Quelle horreur!” when they saw they way their brethren were being massacred by anybody with a firearm in the bayou. They decided to band together and show that they were not animals, they were human beings … or what remained. They decided to give up biting for Lent and just try to be respectable citizens of New Toulouse. Some of the riders of Krewe des Horreurs are Pazzo Pestana, Gibley Goldblatt, and Iovanka Milena

The Krewe of Bast is one of the oldest krewes in New Toulouse, having been instrumental in organizing the first parade, in 2009. Bast rode again in 2010, then went mysteriously undercover for a couple of years, returning to parade in 2013 and 2014. Just as the Egyptian goddess Bast is the Eye of Ra, her krewe members see their function as protectors of New Toulouse. This year’s theme is “Alley Cats.” Float riders will include Nikita Weymann (krewe captain), Jimmeh Obolensky, Liza Veliz, and Aodhan; Kristine Jinx-Kristan and Silky Grimknot may also ride. Throws this year will include beads and lucky coins.

Mirri Rosca rides high in the beautiful Gumbeaux Krewe float. Her float was built by the very talented Armand, of Amadeo’s Artifacts. It is a stunning homage to the beautiful work of the great master Boudreauxcelli. Mirri portrays the lovely Venus, rising from a steaming bowl of oyster gumbo. When in New Toulouse, visit Mirri’s Gumbo House, for a dish you’ll never forget.

Krewe des Avalon is a new crew formed in 2014. This year’s float depicts Dr. Avalon as a knight, protecting the patient from the Dragon of Disease. On the other end of the float, Nurse Alycia Blaylock has a dragon-sized lance, ready to give her brand of medicine to any patient that needs it.

New Toulouse….you Always let “The Good Times Roll”

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Only The Muse

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Karima Hoisan
xxxx

“Comatose would be my choice….

Let me sleep until I write, ” My dreams are spun in you.”
Comatose would be my choice if never more a verse burst from my loins.
Barren in this wasteland, dried up floundering on the sand,
don’t poke me with, “It will be all right.” Just let me sleep it off,
until I pick up a pen and write a memory or a love song.

Agony is when you’re near the end, sustained by drops into your veins.
When a poet’s drying up, the nurse is never found and empty bottles
swing and sway above her in the breeze-less room.
Choking on the vacuum, eyes searching and never finding, fading,
not a tube could save her life tonight, not one measure from ordinary means.

Yes, I prefer the darkness, the day shut down, and I am left alone.
This is how I try to woo my lover, to give me gifts of flowing words.
She comes because she wants to, not because of me, for my summons’s never heard,
but poetry is on her lips, and in her arms she brings me treasures, just because.

Only the muse can wake me. Only her lips can start my heart to beat.
Lover like no other, take me away from the sterile white of static sickness.
I drink from you, I drink from you, all else is  frozen in its place, like death turned dust,
because in your arms I come to life with that first line pressed wet into my depths

And when you ask,”Are you still my poet?” I cry out,”You know I am. Oh yes! “

Karima Hoisan
February 28, 2014
Costa Rica

 * The image used is entitled, “acry431-13-70×74-750.jpg 2014 by Coma

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Fat Saturday & RoseDrop Rust March 1st in New Toulouse!

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Karima Hoisan
Poster by Lawrence

Poster by Lawrence James

Parades and Partying continue in New Toulouse….Come celebrate Mardi Gras with us this Saturday March 1st.
After our very successful Bayou Parade (see post and video) we are still on a roll (rolling around  Laveau Square and the center of town) with a very amazing float-based extravaganza to delight all viewers. Please join us at 12 noon at the center of our town, to enjoy, and weave, and get beads. All of the residents have worked so hard to make this parade another record breaker, and I promise you will not be disappointed!
Here is your swift transport and come a little early to get a good place
New Toulouse Town Square
Then…….at 2pmslt….

Fabulous Poster by Natascha Randt

Fabulous Poster by Natascha Randt

Come to Kari’s Bar and Dance to enjoy an unforgettable hour with one of SL’s best loved performers, RoseDrop Rust.
RoseDrop is not only a versatile singer and musician, he is a seasoned and excellent poet. He plays both guitar and piano, and has a wide range of genres in his musical repertoire.
Don’t miss this great performer, and wear costumes, don your feathers and mask and celebrate this Saturday March 1st with all of us “New Taloosters”
The fun begins at 12 noon: “Samedi Gras Parade” (Fat Saturday Parade)
Then…2pmslt RoseDrop entertains at Kari’s!
“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”

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Pisces Sisters of Second Life!

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Karima Hoisan
Happy Birthday Sissies!

Happy Birthday Sissies!


Or as it says on my Profile:
Take us out of water and we swim even better..
Put us down into the depths and we will always go deeper.
Been more than 6 (6!) years since we were happily hooked in the same lake, thrown back in and formed our little school of SL solidarity, loyalty , love and creativity.
I adore you both ..I adore us..who we are for each other, time tested, man tested,(hehe) we still find the time to swim, dance, laugh, console..Better than blood, chosen by fate and good timing..we are a close knit fish family..and we will swim the SL Seas together forever…inshallah
Suze~Kari~Diz..Pisces to the very gills!!

Forever!!

Suze…Kari…Diz..Forever!!

Happy Birthday Beloved Fish Sissies…Here’s to many many MORE!!
and..for ALL Pisces reading this too:)

XOXOX

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The Very Best Day Ever in New Toulouse!!

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Karima Hoisan

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”
“Let The Good Times Roll!”
 Last Sunday Feb. 15th The good times rolled, they pranced. they hopped and they danced at the very first Krewe Bayou Parade. Wild and Wonderful Creatures took to the streets of New Toulouse in a Mardi Gras Mood; colorful, noisy, weaving and just one crashing, the parade snaked through the streets, bringing joy and beads to those spectators who cheered from the sidelines.
   Miss Francesca Alva was the small but mighty leader of the party-pack, and gracefully keeping everyone in line (sort of)from the very tall Trombone Creature (Quiet Wonder) who set the pace, to TheToad King bringing up the rear. Parade participants ranging from tines to chariots, a horse-riding kraken, and other mutations, like equestrian butterflies, a very cute but tiny Mayor Henri, superman, and umbrella dancers added to the magic and the color of the event, When it was all over, everyone agreed that it was the very best parade ever that New Toulouse as ever seen. Here is a great movie shot by award- winning (and my video partner) filmmaker Natascha Randt,
Thanks to Natascha, we can keep these memories forever. Thank you again Nat!

Then, at 2:30, Taloosters who were not yet too drunk, assembled back on the ferry dock to “Oooo ‘n Awwww” at a spectacular fireworks display shot off from the top tier of the steamboat. There were cheers and funny comments, and admiration for the very awesome display overhead. Spectators were witness to a 20 minute finale, something that is rarely seen outside China.

Fireworks on the River photo by Liza Velíz

Fireworks on the River
photo by Liza Veliz

Everyone went home to change out of their dusty costumes, take showers and come back for the big celebratory dance at Kari’s Bar and Dance later that night.

Big crowd!

Wonderful music and fun!

Jimmyt Dukes was amazing!

Jimmyt Dukes was amazing!

Live Musician, Jimmyt Dukes entertained  an enthusiastic and appreciate audience of nearly 50 (49) gatherers for an hour, with some classic and newer Blues and some original songs too. Balloons and confetti rained down on the club, the liquor flowed especially the Guinness and the absinthe, and a few opium pipes could be seen turning the air a cloudy, dreamy blue.
The after- show went on and on and on, a few hours more until finally a naked neighbor (not mentioning any names) rode in on a horse (possibly another neighbor) and ran over a few customers and then out the dock door.. Pazzo (dressed as a horse who drank too much absinthe) took that as his cue to leave too.
Miss amira helped me not only dance, but clean-up too.

Closing Time...

Closing Time…photo by Aodhan

The party slowly wound down after, and I am quoting our own Mayor Henri when he said,
“This is the best day we have ever had in New Toulouse!”
I totally agree! New Toulouse has a community spirit and spark rarely found in SL anymore these days, but still very much alive in our hearts and in the streets.

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Fun Times Saturday in New Toulouse 12 noon slt Big Parade! Live Music At Night!

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Karima Hoisan
Poster by Lawrence

Poster by Mr Lawrence James

Why do I love to live in New Toulouse Sl? Why did I come back? Well days like tomorrow Saturday Feb. 15th are some of the reasons why?
We are having a Big Parade tomorrow to start off the day at noon, and Creatures Great and Small is our theme. From Krakens to The Toad King and everything in between. To make sure I don’t misquote Miss Nikita Weymann, who has All the information, I will just paste it all here like she wrote it down:

Krewe Bayou Parade: A Guide for the Perplexed

WHAT: It’s a parade through the city, with self-powered participants! That means you bring and ride your own horse, bike, rollerskates, or whatever. Simply walking is fine too! More than one person can share a carriage or something. Really, it’s up to you—just please try to keep things semiplausible for the era (1900-1925).

WHEN: Krewe members should be in the city and ready by 11:30 AM SLT this Saturday, February 15, 2014. The parade kicks off at 12:00 noon and should be over by 1:00 PM.

WHERE: We’ll begin at the French Market/riverboat dock area and parade through the streets. Don’t worry—the streetcar will be taking some time off! Landmark for Parade

WHO: You, dressed to reflect this year’s theme of Wild and Wonderful Creatures! This is open to interpretation, but something about your costume (and/or choice of vehicle, if applicable) should call to mind a wild animal or a mythical beastie of some kind. Please, no particle emitters or “bead throwers”!

HOW: Everybody form up behind the band and follow it around. It should be relatively easy, since part of the band will be a monstrous trombone creature (Quiet Wonder) that can see over the tops of many of the buildings! Before the start, Quiet will also distribute parade throws for you to give out to folks along the way.

WHY: We aim to have chaotic fun in a relatively orderly fashion!

AND: You are all the royal court. Check your Krewe Bayou title dropdown to find some added options. And if you wish a specific title (Toad King and King Walksintowalls are taken), contact Niki and let her know.

ALSO: February 15 is National Hippo Day in SL. Make of that what you will.

Then after the parade and the fireworks display and people go home to take showers…
at 7pmslt , Kari’s Bar and Dance is proud to present our Live Show featuring the very popular and talented Blues virtuoso,
Jimmyt49 Dukes.

Poster by Scottius Polke

Poster by Scottius Polke

Friends and Neighbors and Strangers and Parade Revelers,
Come to this great after Valentine’s Day and after The Krewe Bayou Parade Dance with Live musician and Blues maestro JimmyT49 Dukes.
Hearts, romance, silliness, costumes, and Mardi Gras colors are encouraged. Hope to see all friends and neighbors and the public at large there Saturday Feb. 15th at 7pmslt.
After Jimmy’s set there will be Zydeco, Hud dancing, the usual Kari’s spontaneous FUN!
Don’t Miss This One!
“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”

Click here for a carriage to The Front Door of Kari’s

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Invitation To A Very Unique Opening~Thursday Feb.13th 2pmslt

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Karima Hoisan
Poster and Photo by Natascha Randt

Poster and Photo by Natascha Randt

Last November Nat and I were invited to participate with other machinima makers in an opening at the Artemis Gallery by Duna Gant entitled, “Regaining Freedom-The Opening” Our video, Window on a Train , was chosen as one to highlight the theme of violence against women.
Now, Thursday, February 13th at 2pmslt, there will be a new opening, something very different, and both Nat and I are extremely honored, excited, and very curious too, as we will not peek before it opens.

Poster by Natascha Randt

Poster by Natascha Randt

Artemis Gallery (GALERIE ARTEMIS) will present a 3D Art Installation by the French artist, Jadeyu Fhang, inspired by our machinima, Drink Me With Your Eyes
( INSTALATION de JADEYU FHANG inspirée à la machinima “DRINK ME WITH YOUR EYES” realisée par KARIMA HOISAN & NATASCHA RANDT)

Sooo, I invite you all to join us and see this exciting art opening in the beautiful and very prestigious European gallery Artemis Gallery (translators will be whirring)
Natascha and I feel very honored indeed, that what started off as a small, memory, turned into a poem, and then a machinima, is now being realized by a renowned  Sl artist, who will bring her interpretation of it into all of our virtual lives.  Is this not one of the best things Second Life offers to those who love to create?
Please come and enjoy this experience with us….Here is your Taxi to Artemis Gallery
 Don’t miss this one!

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