FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

Oliha safely arrived in Nigeria and is the toast of the town! He delivered a paper in rl and was interviewed by numerous newspapers! Will we be able to keep him in SL when he comes back? He's been running from pillar to post, but supposedly will soon have access to the Internet by cable, with no need of a cybercafe! ooolala!

While we're waiting for his dispatches, I have several cooling tips from the memories he's aroused of power interruptions. The power company, NEPA (locally read as "Never Expect Power Again") frequently switches off the lights, so forget the fan, talk less of ac. When heat is intense, you have to adjust. If it's safe enough, sleep outside or (depending on your house type) on the roof--of course, mosquitoes are then free to dive bomb you.

I outsmarted them once by heading outside in shorts, but swathed in a huge piece of fine turquoise tulle (like a bridal veil), held in place by a wide-brimmed hat. Within, I shared my mosquito-free space with a book and a booklight, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. By next day, however, I heard some odd rumors floating about--I forgot the apartment building next door could look down into the yard--and what an odd sight they saw!

If the room is too hot and you toss and turn, you throw water over your head till your hair is soaked, and sprinkle some on the sheets as well. That can give a bit of respite.

Hope Oliha isn't suffering that hard!

--Tamsin Barzane