Return to Book Island

As reported in early 2010,  Book Island was undergoing a revitalization.  During the first quarter, the Island has flourished and now the community of writers and publishers is even more vibrant and alive. The new area  is full! Nearly all of the Island's homes and shops have been rented. Each home has  an upstairs patio, 2 bedrooms, private jetty, some with sunset and waterfront location. An individual  texturing service is also available for both. 
Many exciting events are now scheduled weekly on the Island, including readings.  Often held in the Beach area is a monthly salon hosted by RL romance writers, Melissa Mahue (FaeWritr Brookmite) and Elaine Laveine (Vinnie Mimistrobell).  The have hosted RL literary figures.
The Podcasters group was organized by Emz Mazie, Insight Zadark and Imarad Breen.  In addition to podcasting the live readings,  frequent tapings of the Horrow Addicts podcast are held in front of a live audience.  This group also promotes Marketing and has fairly regular office hours if you want to go to learn and get advice about it.  As well,  Emz Mazie holds regular meetings at Quills, her shop on the island, where the audience can witness an actual podcast being made and broadcast. Recently, Imarad Breen, author of the novel, "The Fox,"  made a podcast of her short story, "The Nibblers."
A New Community Centre  provides a popular hang out on the first floor, while classes are held on the second floor.  The second floor is also available for RL writers' groups to meet, eliminating the need to commute.  Assistance is available for any newcomers who would like to use this area for their group.
Resident psychotherapist, Micca Hedrick, leads a free weekly  Relationship Support Group. This group discusses RL relationship issues.   
The Book Island Beach area continues to host many classes, some of which include/have included:

• Building with 10 Goosson (co-owner M&M Creations).  This was a 5-week building course which has now concluded. 
• SL Photography with Elsbeth Writer.  This was also a one-time course offering, but is another great example of what is being done and planned on Book Island.

Future planned events include:

• Sandor Zabelin's poetry readings read by Persephone Phoenix from Blue Angel Poets Dive, scheduled for 29 April at 7 pm
• Neal Herriat reading from his book "The Thistle"
• The very popular Sabreman Carter reading his poetry
• Jay B. Cox Harvey Lurra) reading his book, "Memoir of a Mind Toy" (Doesn't THAT sound interesting!)
• Nightmare Scribe and Magaere Swansong's  free lecture series and paid course: Henry and Hollie Snider, founders of the award-winning Colorado Springs Fiction Writers' Group will be offering lectures and classes on the writing process and covering aspects ranging from characterization and mechanics to scene development and storyline.

It is evident that Selina Greene and her crew have done some remarkable things on the Island to bring it back to life.  The place is alive with interesting and exciting things!  If you are a writer, want to be a writer, or just an avid lover of reading and books, this is the place to go!  Join the Book Island Events and Discussion Group to receive notices of their weekly and other special events.


By Shellie Sands

Nemo

Those with a fascination for Steampunk, fans of the classic novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” or even just a simple interest in either, may want to head to a certain place in Second Life: Nemo.

The entry point is a metal platform, with a walkway leading to a metal tube poking up through the surface, a doorway open and leading to an elevator. One can take the elevator down, and find oneself in the middle of an undersea city. The structure is done in the style of the Victorian era, but with strange machines mixed in. Near the entrance is a model of the complex, which can help in seeing where one can go while down there. There is also music in the background, which was a bit haunting at times when I was there.

The underwater complex is well detailed. Some rooms are simple living quarters in which one can sit on a couch by an amp and read the books of the day. There is also an occasional portrait of a notable person, appropriate to the setting, at the time, such as scientist Nikola Telsa. There is also an organ in one

In other places in the structure, one can look at electrical and plasma-filled equipment fit for a mad scientist’s lab. There are robots in the place, resembling sea creatures, in various stages of assembly, as well as sketches of the contraptions on the wall. If one looks outside, an occasional working model can be seen moving through the water. There are also other machines for use outside the lab, such as a fortune-telling machine. The machines are done in good detailed, sometimes with moving gears and other parts.

Nemo was built by Sextant Shepard, a French journalist in real life. In the Linden Blogs, he stated he was working on another area, the Oruchalcum Mine. Nemo itself is still a “work in progress,” evidenced by a closed door with a sign at one point.

A fascinating sim that anyone who’s read the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells will enjoy.

Nemo is at the FRANCE3D futuna sim at (91/148/21).

Someone also did a Youtube of the area, which one can see: Link.


Bixyl Shuftan

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

Biosphere

Biosphere is a whimsical and environmentally beautiful spot to visit. The small area is a treat for the senses-- tall green grass, a bright blue pond, and the pleasant sounds of singing birds.

When you arrive, you will find yourself on an island. Before you cross the swinging bridge, be sure to look for the turtle swimming in the pond. Across the bridge is Mocha, a shop filled with country inspired clothes, accessories, and furniture. Watch out for the animals as you approach! The whimsical Gmoks will talk, or at least grunt, if you touch them. A pair of llamas, which are rare in SL, graze contentedly nearby.

But the real treats are inside Mocha. On the first floor are sweaters, shoes, and lots of quaint clothes. One unusual feature is the demo mode that lets you see exactly how the shoes will look and fit before you buy. No more wasted Lindens buying the wrong shade or the wrong heel height!

I also liked Mochás rings, which sell for only $10L. There are 3 designs in 16 different patterns available. The fun part is that the ring you get will be a surprise–they are given out randomly. You may not get your favorite the first time, but at this low price you can afford to try again.

On the second floor there are country style textures, carpeting, wallpaper, and tile for sale. It even looked like the farm house could be purchased. The back room has a small selection of country furniture, too.

If you have additional time, there are two smaller outbuildings next to Mocha. One of them sells butterfly tattoos. Enjoy Spring and wear it, too!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Biosphere/78/215/28

Grey Lupindo

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

Syzygy Celebrates Alice in Wonderland

Thirteen residents and friends of Syzygy held a progressive Alice in Wonderland Mad Tea Party on March 20. Resident Kulta Hannu organized the event and led the group on a trek down the rabbit hole.
  
     The party kicked off at Cake, http://slurl.com/secondlife/cake/72/92/24 . Cake is a fun, whimsical sim owned by Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, another resident of Syzygy. The party-goers imbibed some wicked tea, brewed up by Dr. Elric Anatine, and snacked on tasty cakes while they waited for everyone to gather. Approximately 13 residents came to the party, all dressed in Wonderland costumes.
  

      The first stop was Cheshire, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cheshire/7/69/33 . Everyone crawled through the spiraling door that led to Alicés Room. A few residents hopped into Alicés drawer, and one reportedly got trapped. Soon the remaining residents were spotted climbing on blocks, riding the train, and exploring Alicés other possessions.
  
      Next the group visited the Alice in Wonderland Dark Ride, located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Black%20Sand%20Beach/103/200/25. The rezzer for the gondolas wasn´t working, but that did not stop the party-goers from enjoying a walking trek through this amazing treat. Kulta had warned everyone to beware of the jabberwock and jubjub Bird, but some did not heed the warnings.
     After everyone recovered from the ride, they were off to the last stop, New Wonderland http://slurl.com/secondlife/Silence/188/8/27. Although this is a RP sim, visitors can explore it without taking part in the play.  An Observeŕs name tag can be picked up near the fireplace and worn. One by one the group climbed onto a chair and jumped Through the Looking Glass to continue the Mad Tea Party adventure.

  
Grey Lupindo
Photos by Bixyl Shuftan

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

Imperial Russia RP in Second Life

I recently heard about a region in Second Life made for a historical roleplay: The Romanov Imperial Court of Russia.

The RP takes place in 1776. Russia is ruled by Ekaterina II, better known as Catherine the Great, as well as the Russian nobility. In St. Petersburg, court intrigue abounds. In the southern part of the Empire, a rebellion is brewing. Between them and the capital, the army marches to meet them. And everywhere, the peasants somehow manage to eke out a living despite everything against them.

The RP covers 11 sims. SL Newspaper came in contact with one of the players, ThomasK Andel, whom told us that the group had over 200 members, of whom about a hundred were active participants in the roleplay. Players could take on multiple characters, the Thomas saying he himself played both a nobleman and one of the rebels. Court intrigue takes up much of the roleplaying, but there was plenty of action with the Empire having to deal with a rebellion, as well as people going about their lives. There were also a number of players playing the roles of doctors and their aides.

The region was described as having it’s own economy, with it’s own RP currency technically apart from the Linden, players able to buy period clothing and personal weapons at shops. But some effort (and presumably Lindens) are needed to maintain one’s rank in the RP.

One has to join the RP group to move onto the place freely. For those who don’t, there are red barriers around places, including around the main entrance, though some can be gotten around. Near a ship are a few free peasant outfits, one for men, two for women.

There is no official roleplaying going on for now. The region is still under construction. Some places are largely finished, others are still being worked on. Thomas explained among those working on the builds were Second Life residents living in Russian in real life. He went on to say there would be some activity soon.

The official entrance to the region is at the Peterhof sim at (167, 65, 28).

“God Save the Tsaritsa”

Bixyl Shuftan

Virtual London

One of the great things about Second Life is that you can travel anywhere in the world without suffering jet lag or having to eat airline peanuts. I decided to take advantage of this and visit London last week. I started at the London Freebie Store. (Knightsbridge, 108, 114, 22)

They have some great clothes at a great price–free! The selection for gals is awesome. Dresses, pants, shoes--even British hair. For the guys there are business suits, a tux, and some cool shoes. There are so many T´s they are boxed in Collections and found at two locations, London Freebies and the Knightsbridge Club. I picked up all 5 Collections. You can never have too many T́s!


The t-shirt collections have something for everyone, especially music fans. Elvis, The Beatles, Kiss, Led Zepplin, Bob Marley, Grateful Dead, and more. There is a T for every taste. There are lots of free jeans to go with them, too. As soon as I put on a new outfit, I was ready to tour London.

My first stop was the Knightsbridge Department Store (231, 126, 22). There were no freebies here, but beautiful evening gowns, Bridal gowns, and some boots to die for.


Just down the street is the Underground Club (Knightsbridge, London 175, 135, 22). With brightly colored lights and lots of dance balls, it looked like a great place to party. I was there at an off-time for the Brits so I had the dance floor to myself. But even at an off hour, the lights and music were great.


Further down the street was a SL Sister Cities display. A variety of sites were listed: Moscow, New England, Munich, Luxembourg, Swiss City, and others. The teleport looked like a convenient way to try out some other sims, but I didn´́t check it out on this trip. I still had a lot left to see in London.

At the edge of the town I found a replica of the UK Military Memorial Park (London England UK 99, 26, 25). It was small, but very interesting and moving. There were rows of crosses listing the name and service branch of many of their fallen heros. At the base of the memorial, some SL residents had left crosses for their loved ones.

No visit to London is complete without a visit to Hyde Park. (Hyde, London England UK 159,228, 21) At SL Hyde Park there was a Memorial Garden and a Tribute to Princess Diana. A Royal Parks Donation Box was there to collect Lindens and help maintain the RL memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. Nearby is an Orientation Hub for new residents and a sand box, too.

 

Grey Lupindo

Elderglen

Recently I went to Elderglen Infohub (127, 127, 29) to check out some of the new Linden houses that will be offered to Premium members. The houses are cute and interesting, but I was more excited when I found the site loaded with whimsical fun and freebies that everyone can have.

     The arrival spot drops you in front of the bridge that leads to the Weary Travelleŕs Inn. Inside the Inn you can watch tutorials while you have a bite to eat. There are a few musical instruments that you and your friends can play, too. In the side room there is more food as well as bread you can knead. You can even scrub the floor. It́s a fun intro into what scripts can do. But since I come to SL to skip such chores, I didńt do any of that.

     I did stock up on a few apples and oranges. They have bat juice and fish juice, too. And when you are finished dining, check out the outhouse on the side porch. I had never seen anything quite like it in SL. 

     Even more interesting shops are located along the stone path. The Curiosity Shop was my favorite. It is filled with fun freebies that will charm anyone who likes the whimsical side of SL. I picked up a magic wand, a spell book, a lucky crystal, fairy wings, and a crystal staff. No home would be complete without these essentials. But if whimsy isńt for you, there are candles, available in 7 colors, that would look great with any decor.

     As soon as I saw Fairy Jars, I called my friend Muse Nishi. It is always more fun to catch fairies with a friend. We each grabbed a jar and ran outside. The fairies hide in the flowers, and you have to get close to catch them. When you do, the fairy automatically gets trapped in your jar. Be sure you have your sound on–fairies are very funny when they get mad.

    The next shop was the Iron Forge, a metal working shop where you can try out the tools. There are free swords here, too. At the back of the shop is a smaller room where you can enjoy a piece of Elderglen Pie. Yummy.

     Further along the path is the Elder Cottage where you can sample Honey Nectar and pick up a few more free items. The last shop I visited was the sorcereŕs shop. It has a purple spinning door, wizard hats for the taking, and more crystal staffs. You will also find a wishing well near the center of the shops. Crystal flowers and magical mushrooms abound, too!

     Behind these buildings are the model homes. Some of the houses feature stone facades while others look like moss-covered cottages. A few are springing out of tree trunks or carved out of the hillside. At any moment you expect to encounter an elf and a wizard. Even if you dońt want this type of home, Elderglen is a fun site to visit. 

Grey Lupindo

Syzygy Community Celebrates First Anniversary

The Syzygy Island Community celebrated its first anniversary on January 9. The party was held on Helios at Imagine Peace (181, 221, 34), owned by Olorin Tigerpaw. Tigerpaw is the Community Events Coordinator for Syzygy. Grijandomore Greene, another founding resident of Syzygy, DJ́´d the event, and the other residents and their guests danced and partied.

    The second picture, provided by Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, shows Syzygy being created in January, 2009. As future residents watched, Syzygy came on-line. This magical event was followed by weeks of work by Administrator Samantha Glume, and the other officers, Elric Anatine, BW Jinxing, Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, and Olorin Tigerpaw.

    The Community is comprised of four areas: Eos, Helios, Pyxis, and Selene. It is a covenant community, with a general nature theme, spiced with a touch of the Ancient and the whimsical. Elric Anatine, manager of landscaping and common grounds, continually beautifies the public areas and changes the seasons. Currently Syzygy is a winter wonderland, with skating spots, a hot tub, gardens, and other interesting sites located through the sim. There are many small nooks and seating areas for quiet visits, romantic dancing, or simply as a break from the hustle of SL. Syzygy is open to the public, and visitors are welcome. 

By Grey Lupindo

Renaissance Island

By Shellie Sands

Browsing through music events, I saw  a concert of period yuletide renaissance music.  I thought this would be enjoyable and different.  A lover of the renaissance period, I tp'd to partake in the concert.  Upon arrival, I was given a note which provided a very interesting history of the origins of Christmas from ancient times.  Excerpts of that note are as follows:

"In medieval England Christmas lasted for twelve days, from December 25 to January 6, the date of the celebration of the Epiphany. Originally Christmas was celebrated on January 6 when presents were given in honour of St.Nicholas. Some Eastern Europeans still celebrate Christmas on this date."

"It was a time of merriment, feasting and general festivity, but still primarily a 'holy' day.  The 16th century didn’t participate in Christmas celebration as we know it now. Until the 4th century, Christmas could be celebrated throughout Europe anywhere between early January through to late September. It was Pope Julius I who happened upon the bright idea of adopting 25th December as the actual date of the Nativity. The choice appears both logical and shrewd - blurring religion with existing feast days and celebrations. Any merrymaking could now be attributed to the birth of Christ rather than any ancient pagan ritual. "

"One form or merry making may involve the Feast of Fools, presided over by the Lord of Misrule. The feast was an unruly event, involving much drinking, revelry and role reversal. The Lord of Misrule, normally a commoner with a reputation of knowing how to enjoy himself, was selected to direct the entertainment. The Lord of Misrule sometimes led revelers on wild nighttime processions through town, which of course angered the resident church leaders. However, churchmen had their own form of this custom--the appointment as a young boy as bishop for the holiday season. Lords usually chose this time to bestow gifts upon their servants; a common present was a new suit of clothes. The festival is thought to have originated from the benevolent Roman masters who allowed their servants to be the boss for a while. "

While I didn't get much satisfaction from the concert due to streaming issues, I decided to walk around. I arrived at the clock tower, and touched a sign that read "Pray touch for notes regarding said place."   Note in hand, I strolled on and came upon a horse and carriage offering  a free carriage ride to the docks.  I hopped on and went for a short  gait to the docks where the carriage deposited me and vanished, presumably returning to its station.  Having passed several quaint looking shops down the path by which the carriage took me, I strolled back up the path, stopping first at Madison Creations, a shop selling medieval clothing.  Loving all things medieval, and having a natural footwear fetish, I was compelled to purchase a pair of shoes.  The shoes come in a variety of colors and are crafted to match the gowns, all made by Isolde, one of my favorite designers.  Across the way was a shop called, appropriately enough, Medieval Attire.  In addition to the clothing, Tudor style homes and farmhouse are available for purchase there.  Up the path a bit is the Roble House, boasting art and antiquities. 

Other points of interest on the island include St. David's Society Hall, where you can learn of traditions involving Yule logs,  free Renaissance period clothing, the Parish of St. Minutia's, a lovely church that was one of the monestaries that escaped The King's ransacking, Lagswell Hall, The Wharf on the Thames,  Market Square, Globe (a replica of the London Globe originally built in 1599), the Jousting Arena,  and Bulwark, the arena where men at arms train. Individual landmarks are included in the note given at the Clock Tower. 

"Renaissance Island was created in Feb 2007 by a group of dedicated historians that envisioned what life during tudor times would be.  They collaborated to form a group that would take on roles of parish members that in this era would have lived such as what you will see. They created objects  to allow visitors to  interact and feel how life would have been in tudor times.   Don't be surprised if you see King Henry VIII,  or Queen Bess, herself,  as our sim covers the entire 16th period .  Of course you shouldn't see them at the same time, but depending on our events,  one or the other shall bestow their graces and blessings to their parish. "

Visit Renaissance Island and take the LMs to the various places.  Although I was disappointed that I could not hear the concert, what I got instead was a tour through a quaint village and many  interesting historical facts. 

Perri's Xanadu

In the movie “Xanadu,” two men turn an empty auditorium into a successful nightclub with the help of a muse. In Rainbow Wood, it might not have been a muse behind the club Xanadu, but there are certainly a number of creative people behind it.

Club Xanadu is owned by Perri Prinz (Perri Rhoades in real-life) and RECoyote Mindes. “There was another Club Xanadu when I first joined Second Life,” Perri explained, “It was my favorite hang out, but the owner never advertised it, so it soon disappeared. Later I found the building on SLX and bought it. I carried it around in my inventory for about a year, having no place to put it. Then we got a place, and REC wanted to (open it) too, since he liked the movie. So we set it up. But we soon saw it was beyond us to do a real Xanadu sim based on the movie. So we developed it into a classic rock club for people who enjoy both popular and obscure rock music from the 70's and 80's.” Club Xanadu opened in May 1, 2009.

RECoyote, “When we couldn't do a exact copy of the disco, we went for a 70s feel and music. But even getting DJ that stick to a 70 and 80 easy pop listing music is not easy.” Still, they found some who would, such as Nydia Tungsten, Lsai Aeon, Dusk Griswold, Timber Wolfenhaut, and Asuna Kaligawa. “Timber is one of the best for era music,” RECoyote felt. “Well, I'm the main DJ,” Perri told, “My music plays there round the clock, 24/7, when another DJ is not hosting an event. I play eclectic 70's and 80's album music, hit tracks interspeced with non-hit tracks. Disco, Classic Rock, Soft Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Swing, Rock & Roll and Novelty tunes. We have other DJ's that specialize in things like Anime tunes, Euro-disco and other things for special events.” RECoyote described their special events as including, “Hippie, Groovy, Cartoons, Movies, Sci Fi, and a mix of general events.” Spoke Perri, “Whatever theme we can imagine, we do it.”

Club Xanadu is on a wide sky platform high in the air over Rainbow Wood. The exterior, like it’s movie counterpart, is based on the real life Pan Pacific Auditorium. The interior is dominated by a huge colorful disco dance floor, with a DJ stand in the back decorated with a row of vinyl records. One clicks on either the black singles danceball or the rainbow-colored couples’ danceball. The ring around the dance floor can be used as a roller rink, and residents can sometimes be seen skating around. On the walls are a small number of artworks and posters, including the poster of the Xanadu movie. There are a few seats further away from the dance floor one can rest one’s avatar, as well as a bar. The club also has a balcony, with a few cuddle couches and more displays of art. Just outside the club, there are a few cuddle spots for couples.

In one corner of Club Xanadu is a tribute to the Pan Pacific Auditorium, several photographs of the structure. The Auditorium was built in Los Angeles in 1934, and became an iconic structure. It hosted a number of events (including wrestling, which was mentioned of the auditorium in the movie). The place was closed in 1972 after the opening of the L.A. Convention Center. For the movie Xanadu, the exterior was made to look covered in neon lights through special effects. It was hoped among some that the movie would bring attention to the building and it being refurbished and saved. But no effort was made to preserve the building, and it continued to deteriorate. Just six days after it’s 54th anniversary in 1989, the building was destroyed in a spectacular fire.

A friend of RECoyote and Perri, Aurora Avilla, had the idea for a “Chocolate Lounge” as part of the club. But that idea was shelved and instead was set up elsewhere in Rainbow Wood separately. “Was created for the chocolate bunny craze that was going around a few weeks ago,” Perri explained, “We were thinking of adding a chocolate bunny lounge to the club, hosted by chocolate bunny dancers.” Aurora leads a group called the “Chocolate Nosebobbly Collective.”

Perri talked about a mall being planed to match the club, but for now there are a couple art shops outside the club. The larger one is especially important to Perri, “This is the art done for Perri's story,” RECoyote told, art for Perri’s thirty year old work of writing: Spectral Shadows (http://www.perrirhoades.furtopia.org/). Perri’s website describes Spectral Shadows as “a novelized serial in format of Doctor Who.” It’s origins go back to the 1960’s when a “makeshift demo” was made for a series of rock operas. But instead Perri began writing it down in the late 1970’s. She rates it “PG-16.” The store contains artwork for the stories.

“The saga concerns the exploits of intelligent animals with time travel capabilities. It is very much inspired by the traditions of Doctor Who and Star Wars, with a good bit of Watership Down and Jonathan Livingston Seagull thrown in for contrast, and a bit of Spellsinger and Xanth to provide balance. Whereas George Lucas used old-time movie serials for the formatting of Star Wars, we use the formatting of old-time radio serials. This works well, as it is a very dialogue driven series, containing many cerebral oddities and conundrums. What you might call a thinking person’s adventure serial. It’s something that, by all logic, should not work. But it most often does work, if just through the sheer tenacity of the creators to make something ridiculously impossible seem like a logical course of events.”

So for a walk back in time to the music of the 70’s and 80’s, come to Club Xanadu. The club is at Rainbow Wood (128, 72, 2501)

Whether it’s music, art, or fiction, “Find your muse at Xanadu.”


Bixyl Shuftan

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

Angels Beach

At Cape Suzette in the Sunweaver region is a small but growing beach club, Angels Beach.

The club had some small beginnings, starting off as just big enough for several patrons. “We opened in April, and we have expanded three times,” club owner Nydia Tungsten explained. She credited Kim7 Avril for the idea, “she helped me when I was down and helped me create Nydia's Angels (Nydia’s group). About the same time we were working on the club and it just fell into place.” Nydia credits Treminari Huet with building the club, “this club is her design.” Treminari has been happy with the club’s progress, “I’m glad to see Nydia doing something successful with it. :) “

Of the club’s small and cozy beginnings, Nydia commented, “I like to still think of it that way, compared to the size of most clubs. Angels Beach is a good size. No wasted space to get lost in. No fancy ‘themes’ like space or playing cowboy and Indians or pirates. What we wanted was someplace to come and be themselves and relax just hang out and maybe even meet someone special, kinda like I did at Zero. ... We made the club a beach club because, people go to the beach to have fun. And that is my number one goal, to help people have a good time.”

Nydia herself is an experienced DJ in Second Life, having played at a number of other clubs, including (but far from limited to) Club Zero Gravity, Xanadu, and Cutlass, “We will be playing what people want to hear music-wise. Our DJ's will be taking requests from all genres, except crap ... I mean rap ... wait, I had it right the first time.“ She also has other DJs on her team. There is Lsai Aeon, coined the “Purple Puppy” by her fans, noted for her Saturday night  antics when DJing. And there is whom Nydia calls her lead DJ, “the mistress of the tunes if you will,” Alexandra Tymets, “I was impressed with her wide selection and general knowledge of music.”

Alexandra, or “Sexy Lexi” as she’s sometimes called, plays a variety of music, “I can do 80s, Trance/Techno, and Eurometal. A little bit of Angry Grrrl Rock too, Pink, Liz Phair, etc. And, umm, of course a selection of silliness. Technically I could even do Classic Rock if it came down to it. I have a little Corsi and Bob Rivers, and of course a ton of Weird Al. Oh and some Lemon Demon and Mc Chris. And if I don't have it, I have a talent for finding it.” During the conversation, Lexi’s neko mousegirl avie, or “Nezumi” as she calls it, had her ears rubbed a few times by a friend, resulting in a surprised squeaky expression, “They keep me around to DJ and make me squeak.” Her friend grinned, “She's our little squeaker toy.”

Scheduled parties are not the only time people gather at Angels Beach. Sometimes a few friends show up just to hang out, or dance to whatever the stream is playing. With the recent expansion, there are cuddle chairs available for couples, plus a fun inner tube ride on the new underdeck underneath the main deck that allows the swimmer to take a leisurely drift on the river around some of the surrounding land, and back to the club. Just be careful of that patch of green ...

Although the club’s general theme is always a beach one, there are themed parties. One was a Wild West party in which most of the people showed up as not cowboys, outlaws, or Indians, but the horses. “Had plenty of horsepower that night,” Nydia joked. Nydia felt the party with the largest turnout was the “Hi-tech Redneck.” The winner, “I think she went for a cyborg rancher. It was pretty inventive ... had a neon coyote, a mech dog, robo horse, had a few good ones.”

Nydia reminded that although the majority of the club’s patrons are furs, all are welcome. There are some normal human avatars in her club group, “Human, neko, merfolk, who ever or what ever you are in Second Life, you will be welcomed. I will be looking for water scenery for the merfolk.” She is also looking for a “mermaid” dance animator for the club. Nydia mentioned one in her staff, Jian Alcot, lives in Europe, and plans to run events at times more convenient to Europeans when more join the group, “if she can get enough from across the pond we will start having Euro-parties as well.”

With Club Zero having to close it’s doors, Nydia made the decision to expand the club’s schedule to fill the hours the space club once held, “I have talked with Ranchan and she and I think Angels beach would do well as the Zero's replacement, so she is supporting me with this by allowing me to send notices in the Zero's groups and she will spend some time here as well as I hope DJ'ing every now and then.” There will be parties every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 PM Second Life time, and 8 to 10 PM on Saturday nights. For fans of Lsai Aeon, Nydia says she will be taking her act from Club Zero to Angels.

On Saturday night on December 5, the club held it’s Grand-Reopening party at 8 PM SL time, to celebrate it’s expansion in size and hours. The theme was “Angels & Demons,” with everyone  enjoying the heavenly-looking dancers and having a devil of a time. It was a well-attended bash, with close to two dozen people at the club. There was a contest with a 2000L prize for the winner for best in theme. The result was a tie by Vania Arashi and Alpine Plessis.

The location of the club is at  Cape Suzette (74/ 34/ 24), and has a small website and schedule here - http://sites.google.com/site/angelsbeachclub/schedule-1 .

So for a great day at the beach to play or unwind, and a great place to party at night, come to Angels Beach.

“A little piece of Heaven on the sandy shore.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Literary & Artists’ Villiage

In the Astrid sim is a place where people with a love for writing have small shops and boutiques to display their craft, as well as getting together occasionally to listen to each others works, the Literary and Artist Village. Since it’s official opening on November 7, it and it’s group have been ways promising writers can meet and find an audience.

A poetry reading on it’s official opening had some readings to offer, done in voice. Kalli Birman read some romantic poems. Persephone Phoenix read a “disturbing” poem of a woman who committed suicide from mental stress from her time in Iraq. Corwyn Allen recited poetry one reader commented he liked for his touch of “dry humor,” including “Spanish Dancer” one he had written that morning, and “Saturday Morning” about a lawn mower covered with the first frost of fall, near a lawn that won’t need it until spring. Stosh Quartz had a grandmotherish voice, and read what one called a “pot poem,” one about her cat and an encounter with the dog that left the canine running, and “EEP!! There’s a Spider on My Computer Screen!” Kalli Birman finished the reading, “I’m kind of in a ‘I hate men’ mood” and recited “Social Nos,” which had lines like, “You are a little man, living in his father & mother’s basement, being what he dreams ... lover of many, but provider to none.” A few hung around after the poetry reading to chat about various subjects.

DaSaved Eros passed around a notecard with another poem:


I'm friend with all  I love all

I make God a pocket universe to joy for the making of being just to re-build the devil wings was it seen ?

I love all Plus you

Would not God love the devil God best that was once lost

missed

lost

but whole and once again love all

friends  with love


Besides poetry readings, there are other events, such as live music,  and informal “Night Cap” discussions in which people come by to talk about things such as love and relationships.

SL-Newspaper had a chance to talk to one of the women behind the Literary and Artists’ Village, Cath Munro. “We service well-known authors and just starting authors as well and are involved with many international authors who are trying to break into US market,” Cath explained, “I allow for authors to feature their work on Second Life and we also advertise the community in real-life and in the publishing world. Readings, meetings, networking are basically the goal here, except in more real-life targeted environment than is customary for other literary outfits on SL. The sole goal is to help authors to get published in real-life, and the Second Life events are just a ‘workshop’ to do that.”

Cath informed there was more planned than just readings, “We also plan on having live music regularly, and other events that will be organized by Kalli Birman.”

The group interested writers would join is the ALA, which announcements are made, “ALA announcements include real-life calls for writers, and other real-life opportunities as well as just promotions of the events and readings of our residents and writers anywhere on Second Life.” Cath also showed a mailbox in the village, “a real-life literary agency mailbox here where the authors can place their samples and potentially be contacted and get a contract of representation. This is the drop box for anybody to leave a sample. It is forwarded onto the real-life literary agency. “

Cath says so far, they have been getting, “about 500 queries per week” total. “Well, this is exactly why this village was opened, to find new talent without having to run around the whole (of) Second Life. ... the poetry reading at the Grand Opening opened my eyes to how many talented people are really around here. It's just that it is time consuming having to find them (laughter). So having them read here helps. Anyone can do events here.”

Cath Munro mentioned a few of the more talented writers by name. One was H3 Turbo, a self-described “rouge scientist” with a place called the “Clockwork Orange H2onE2 University” whose writings discuss politics and science. Chaos Priestman “writes scifi and we had a few readings for him. He took a short brake to get married to a wonderful lady that he's met on Second Life.” She also mentioned Paul Levinson, “whom I've met on Second Life and who actually was the person who kept asking me to open this village. He recently wrote a book, New New Media.”

As it turns out, this is not the villiage’s initial opening, but it existed before. “It was up last year,” Cath explained, “but then the agency got really busy with real-life inquiries and there was simply no time to manage it. We have since hired more people both in real life and on Second Life, and Kalli will be helping to manage the Literary village now. We are trying to read all the queries that come via email and sometimes it means reading 1000 pages a day. So we have two additional people helping out.”

“On Second Life, we have asked Kalli Birman to help managing the events for writers. Hopefully that will help but we still aim for quality not quantity and want to remain a boutique environment with a personalized assistance to writers. For example, I am currently working on a PR story for a writer that will be publicised to promote his book. That is a bit different from other agency services. The writer and I communicate both via SL and real-life email, but Second Life is truly helpful to be able to communicate faster and more vividly, as well as being able to "test" some visual promo ideas.”

Cath says all are invited to the “make up” Grand Opening party, which came about as the one on Saturday November 7 was marred by the major glitch in Second Life then, “I hope to have this event in mid December as the upcoming holidays might cause busy schedules. After that we will have regular readings, networking, live music and literary competitions.”

Bixyl Shuftan

The Joy of SL Belly Dancing

By Any1 Gynoid, reporting for SL-Newspaper

Get wild, get nakies, and party your tushies off, usually means a trip to SL naughty land, SL’s adults only regions. But there is an alternative: belly dancing. In mature sims round SL's main grid, amateur belly dancers are fun party goers who bare it all, or at least most of it, in a brave new form of personal freedom and self expression. Why is it brave? Because I can't even coax most my bff macho party buds to check it out. And they call us "chicks"! Who's chicken now? Ha! Hey, SL belly dancing is guys and ladies and a whole lot of tushie shakin' goin down. Too much fun! This is why god invented the perv cam! lol

When you think about the Middle East, do you ever think FUN? But our mission in SL is fun, and yes we do bring out the fun in every RL culture to SL. Belly dancing has ancient Babylonian origins, but in modern times was revealed to the West at the 1893 World's Fair. The golden age of belly dancing was in the 1960s and 1970s, promoted in part by an Egyptian film renaissance. Which is quite interesting, Islamic cultures were very much more liberal than they are today; even in Afghanistan, women openly wore miniskirts in public in the 1970s. How far we have regressed RL, backwards in cultural values and human progress.

The personal is the political, and you can participate in cultural revolution right here in SL, by shaking your tushie to Middle Eastern beats. Belly dancing in SL is amazingly liberating and extremely fun. In fact, I can only think of one thing more fun in SL, and I shall cover that soon for SL Newspaper. It's NOT sex silly! Shame on your dirty mind! Terrible thang to waste! Tee Hee Hee!

 

From left to right in picture 1 is Guy Vollmer (a supercool party dude), Garret Mehrens (an impossibly hot dish of male beefcake), me (wearing my naughtiest outfit), and my beautiful friend Acceber Smythe. Picture 2 shows Garret's flip side. LOL Making it painfully obvious why we love belly dancing in SL!  Am I objectifying men? You betcha! And high time for that! Yuppie Buns! Slurp! lol

Anyways, I hope you get a chance to try SL belly dancing soon. Most Mondays at 4pm and Thursdays at 8pm, you will find me slinking round the club Parvana Ayre in Angel Shark Shallows sim, wearing practically nothing and "working it"! You know what I mean! IM me if you dare! Only the brave and truly fun loving need apply. Peace!

There are lots of free silks in SL, and I would be happy to share. In fact I only wear freebie silks when I belly dance. I've tried most of them all and can tell you about the best ones. I fancy my blue & white silks (shown in pictures), my chrome, and my tie dye colors. By losing the top bits, these free silks can work for guys too, just put on a thong, and attach silks to arms and legs. Well at least 1 brave bff was able to do that! There is hope!

SNOWY MOUNTAIN RESORT

Before I came to Snowy Mountain, I was wondering how I should start my report. I had never seen it before and did not know what to expect, except snow and mountains. Even, I could get that!

But when I rezzed here, on the veranda of the log cabin, I turned round and the view took my breath away. It was an immediate emotional reaction!

Continue reading Kims' adventure in the Community section.........

Berlin Wall

It was 20 years ago today that the Berlin Wall fell. One of the starkest symbols of Communism, it cut an ugly scar through Berlin, people cut down by gunfire as they tried to escape through it. After several weeks of protests in the midst of the collapsing of the Iron Curtain in 1989, the Communists gave in on November 9, letting people through.

In the Ceil sim, this Berlin Wall “Die Mauer” exhibit stands at (60, 119, 23), presumably kept up only temporarily. The exhibit was also up last year for the anniversary of it’s fall (Click Here for the 2008 article).

Bixyl Shuftan

Halloween Places in SL: Serendipity Haunted House Ride and Bentham Forest

Those looking for a fun Halloween show will find one in the Serendipity sim, where a haunted house ride awaits to take people through it’s corridors.

The sign over the house reads “The Greatest Halloween Ride in the World - EVER!” This over-the-top exaggeration aside, the haunted house is a very good one. The few times I was here, the exhibit was always a bit crowded. So one will have to wait for a while for everything to rez, notably the ride seats of which once someone sits on them, they will began to slowly move down the track after a few seconds. It is recommended that visitors set their viewers to midnight, switch off music and make sure sound effects are on, stay in the seat, and for the best view go to mouselook

The “twenty rooms of terror” offer much to scare the visitors. For over fifteen minutes, one will be taken through graveyards, swamps, rickety buildings, monster habitats, hellish caverns of lava, and other scenes. As I went down the track, I could overhear (via type) couples on dates ahead “shriek” at the sights and laugh nervously. At the entry/exit area, there are a few freebies one can get, including a Halloween flag and some virtual candy.

The ride is at Serendipity (175, 100, 28) and will be up until November 5

While haunted houses are full of things that bop up as if to say “boo,” other places are more subtle in their spookiness. The Bentham Forest, also known as the Bentham Haunted Dark Forest, is among those. The sim is dark and foreboding, with dim lights making one wonder if something is out there looking upon them.

The place is highly detailed, with paths one can go down, or off them if more daring. With many places to look around in, there are some secrets to uncover. I heard there were some quests that could be found there to complete, though I have yet to find them. Still, this spooky sim is a fun and scary place to explore on Halloween.

The sim is at Wasted Night (79,117, 25).

Bixyl Shuftan