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

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. 

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

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

SL Ice Hotel

The 2009 SL Ice Hotel is now open. Located at Lapplandia (231, 154, 21) the Ice Hotel sits high on the Artic Circle, with beautiful views of snowy mountains and glacial blue ice. Like its real life counterpart, the SL Ice Hotel will melt when the warm weather returns. In the meantime, you and your mate can enjoy all the best that winter offers: ice skating, snow sports, dancing, and of course, cuddling.

     Ice skates are provided free, and there are benches and booths for resting and putting on skates. Sleds can be rezzed for fun times, too.

     The hotel is managed by Ewa Aska and Jesper Prinz.  Ewa gave me a tour of the hotel and its surroundings. The lobby is decorated with hanging furs, a concierge desk, and even has a register for guests to sign. Standard rooms, which rent for $700L per week, come with furs, table and chairs, dance balls, and a great view. Or you can splurge on a larger deluxe room for $900 per week that has furs on the wall but a real bed.  A deluxe room is perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, or holiday treat.

     There are bars, ballrooms for dancing, and even a wedding chapel. The chapel is elegantly simple and seats around 30 on tiers of ice. Furs are provided here, too, for everyone´s comfort. Bridal consultant services are also available. 

 

By Grey Lupindo

Outerland: A Different Kind of Estate

The Outerland Estate is comprised of 130 carefully landscaped and designed islands across 90 regions on 111 sims.  The Estate was founded in April 2006 by Dana Bergson, who remained the owner until June of 2009.

Originally called the "Otherland,"  Dana had to sell it in June 2009 due to personal reasons.  The Estate was purchased by the ACS group owned by Anshe Chung. 

Although the name was changed, and a few internal changes came with the sale,  the "base and philosophy of the Estate remains unchanged."   The motto for the estate, coined by Dana Bergson, was "Make Otherland a different kind of land."  The idea was to create something special, beautiful and an estate viewed as a whole and not by the individual components/sims  which it encompasses.  Rivers run through almost the entire estate and there are oceans to sail on.  This provides the residents the opportunity  to explore the estate beginning at their own doorstep. 

What a wonderful thought:  to walk out of your front door, hop into a boat and sail around the Estate...although I imagine in a place that massive, it would be quite easy to become lost.

An important project for the Outerland staff has been the Outerland Archipelago, a unique concept.  Consisting of a group of private sims, it is a beautifully landscaped area, free of griefers and excessive lag.  You will not see large, flat areas without structure there, no typical "tropical islands in the sun.  The result is certainly some of the most beautiful land in SL. Think of islands large and small. Think of lakes, rivers, waterfalls. Think of softly rounded hills and some steep cliffs. "

I had a chat with Julienne Caudron recently, one of the  Estate Managers for Outerland, who was able to provide me with a wealth of information.  Julienne joined the Estate Team in March of 2008.  

Julienne, together with Natasha ACS, are the main players in keeping the residents happy, resolving any issues and answering questions.  

Their different times zones allow them to be available during most of the time zones around the globe. 

Combined with customer support, bookkeeping, and language skills, the two managers have enough skills to keep residents informed, as well as satisfied, and tend to the various administrative tasks associated with the Estate. 

The staff at Outerland place emphasis on quality rather than quantity.  Hiring staff consisting of "poorly paid real estate agents whose main aim is a sale" is just not an option. Ban lines are not allowed so residents will not be booted during their exploration around the estate.  The residents contribute to the Estate's outstanding status.  Friendships have grown between neighbors who share a common love of regions such as New England.

Mother Nature recently showed up at Outerland in the form of snow and an "All-Around-Christmas-Party" is being planned  by the residents.  There is a great sense of community.   "When the lake in Xabbu Park froze over, Sylvia Sonoda opened her famous ice skating course for everybody. She put some awesome ramps with some special surprises for the real skating pros. Hot Chocolate, basic skates, and snowball fighting fun are on the house until January, when the snow is going to melt."

The Outerland Estate has recently welcomed Wandering Star to the Estate.  This group is in the Verdant Homewood, a long established community of music lovers, holding regular music events in a pub on the Khao sim.

A visit to one of the New England themed parcels revealed what one might expect to see in New England in the winter...landscape and trees all covered with snow.  There are some tropical themed parcels as well, including Ellaidhu and Antibes.  The two boardwalks at Dulcie and Anwin are charming indeed, with a rustic seaside appeal.  Eschach Castle is a part of Outerland, a small, cozy looking castle nestled up against a snow covered peak.  There are just so many beautiful sims and islands to see. 

The entire Estate is beautifully and carefully landscaped and it is obvious that great care went into every design.  This Estate sounds to me like an awesome home for those who want a sense of community spirit in a place that has a covenent for ensuring beauty and not commerciality.  

By Shellie Sands

http://www.otherland-group.com/real_estate/

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

What Happened to Book Island?

A visit to Book Island, adjacent to the now vanished Publishing Island, revealed a virtual ghost town, one that lent an eerie feeling of abandonment. 

Walking about, it was evident that quite a few empty booths were present, and not a soul in sight.   An information sign provided rental details and contact individuals.   Notes were sent to each of the two contacts listed, Selina Greene, the sim owner, and Ariadne Korda, "Cultural Manager."   A click on the blog link in an effort to obtain more information proved to be futile...the blog was no longer recognized.

Book Island was once an active sim, complete with its own blog and  various events focused on writers, as well as readers, offering live readings, etc. One author, Diana Allandale, once held writing seminars there.  She did not respond to a request for comments.   

Word on the street has it that the sim owner vanished, supposedly to pursue her RL publishing career, rarely communicating with only one other person on the Island.   According to Ariadne, Cultural Manager, she assumes that tier continues to be paid, but had no information to offer on the demise of Publishing Island.   I had a chat with Ariadne, who was kind enough to respond to the request for information.  The information she had to offer began to paint a very sad picure. 

AK:   "Hi Shellie - I would LOVE to know what is going on with Book Island myself - the owner has disappeared, not a word from her for over a year (to me at least). I can add people to the group (and still do), but can't even remove things with my name on them. The whole thing is frustrating and extremely disappointing to me - there is zero communication. Yes would be pleased to tell you what I know, but it's not much."

SS:  "Thanks for your response...If you can tell me the evolution of things, that would be sufficient I think."

AK:  "The owner just said she had some RL issues and then disappeared, basically...

she communicates rarely with another person at BI, who is also pretty frustrated. I would have dropped the group but I still answer requests to join it, and never say anything negative...but it's hard when people say 'it's not very dynamic, is it?' I can only presume the owner is still paying tier but I had no info about the sale of Publishing.  I am SORELY tempted to send out a group notice (I still have powers, I think) and ask what the hell is going on."

SS:  "Not a bad idea...have you made repeated attempts to contact her?  It seems she has left the place to rot, and it is also a portion empty."

AK:   "YES. I had her mail, and no answer, including some fairly blunt ones."

SS:  "Lost interest it seems."

AK:  "Yes... and people are still paying rent, which is sad.  I was hired as 'cultural manager' (I'm a published writer) to do events, but that was like bashing my head against a wall,

every idea was 'well, I'll give it some thought'."

SS:  "And then left to nothing?"

AK:  "I organised dozens at first, for which she OCCASIONALLY paid me (but only if I was there... which isn't possible on US times).  So I got the odd 200L, but not if I did the work but  wasn't actually present..then she disappeared so I wasn't going to just give and give. I rebuilt the beach area (I build on here) - to virtually no comment.  So yes, frustration all along the line, and it's SUCH a shame - the place has potential but not if it's just left to rot."

SS:  "Gosh, it could be a meeting place for writers and sharing of ideas and such, have readings and stuff."

AK:  " Yes I did that...at one point she mentioned wondering if to keep it - and a group of friends offered to buy her out and she said 'no' - this was before she disappeared.  So I'm afraid I more or less abandoned ship. I was getting nothing from it in terms of pleasure or appreciation."

SS:  "I understand that."

AK:  "The place really needs a rebuild and some WORK on it, but I can't see anyone doing that for free...I really AM sympathetic if the owner has problems."

SS:  "It seems such a shame the whole thing, how can someone just abandon an entire sim?"

AK:  " But how much effort would it take to answer my mails, IMs, notecards?"

SS:  "Exactly...well, I understand your plight Aridane, and I sympathize...please le me know if you find anything out further."

AK:  "I will... I would actually just like to LEAVE but as my name is on the notecards I feel I should still give people the group tag...although even then..."

SS:  "I understand...maybe the article will bring some attention to the situation."

AK:   "Maybe. It's just such a SHAME...But... getting it turned around would be a massive job."

SS:   "Yes, and would require time and dedication."

AK:  "At the time, I had that... But not when I have no leeway, and not least no income from it.  It's NOT my place, and no instructions, no nothing...such a shame..."

SS:  "Agreed Ariadne :(  I'm so sorry, but I am happy you gave me the info you have :)"

AK:  "You can quote me, particularly the 'such a shame'.  I'm sad rather than angry."

SS:  "Thanks so much for your time."

AK:  "You're welcome."

So, it seems  the future of Book Island is unknown at this time.  One can only hope that change will occur and bring new life to this worthwhile place.

By Shellie Sands

Massive Move

It was a mind boggling thought when someone mentioned the SS Galaxy, Queen of the Saggittarian Sea, was moving. 

You probably know, but in case you don’t, this is a full size cruise ship with all the amenities. 

The huge ship occupies three regions, actually four.. It is more than 2 years old in SL and is much loved by all who have spent time there or has lived on board.  

The new locale only adds more possible fun to a visit. The Galaxy, with the help of Linden Lab, sailed off to the new home on November 17. 

It is located just south of Little Gull Islands on the map. I took a quick tour, and everything is in place as it was before the move. All activities are up and running and all the tp’s are working. People were about the decks riding unicycles and playing miniature golf. 

Events are posted. The cinema has movies scheduled. The current port of call to visit on the tp from the deck is Mouse World. The week’s events took me some minutes to read. One thing that is missing is the ferry to Sagittaria. 

I did meet the cruise Director, Lars Donnelly, who said that discussions are under way with the sailing community about future events.

“ we hope to welcome sailors who want to stay with us for some time during a exploring tour” he told me.  

Here is the entrance if you would like to check it for yourself!  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Galaxy%20AFT/66/54/21

Gemma Cleanslate

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

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.........

T&A Estates, the place to be

When you first arrive on the T&A sim, you rezz into a startlingly beautiful room. You are surrounded on all sides buy an enormous starscape. Take a while to focus and you can then see what must be the control centre of the sim.

 Just in that one place there is a playable pool table, together with a greedy greedy table and a U-know table. There are Zyngo games arranged around the wall, and other games I have never seen before, Phrase Invaders, UFO Abductor, Scrambo and RetroArcade. What are they? Come and see for yourself!

 All part of the service is a DX terminal which enables you to buy Lindens without even having to have a credit card. If you want to buy products inworld, there is an Apez terminal, too. In between these two terminals you will find vendors for T&A Estates own products. Well worth a closer look.

 Having seen the gaming area, I went to the teleport terminal to find out what else was in store for me. Ummm. Right what do I do first? 

How about racing... or some racing or maybe some racing! 

Wow! What more could you want? Well, how about the Demolition Derby? Get some friends together, go to a teleporter and choose from more than ten options. They have a fantastic teleporter system here. Zap! You arrive in no time at all. Select to Demo Derby, pick a vehicle (you’ve got a choice of a half dozen) and you are out in a huge arena with a 1000 health points. See how long you survive!

If you like crashing into each other, you can go to the Battle Dome and have a go on the bumper cars. 

Tame? No way! 

There are hospital beds waiting outside. Woah! now that’s what I call a warning! Behind them is a vendor for DCS weapon, if you want to carry on your battle, back home.

 About the racing… I have just come back from the Red Rock Track. My heart is thumping. I accidentally found how to go REALLY fast on one of the demo bikes. I should have read the instructions first! So many bikes to choose from AND you can buy one if you want to. You don’t have to go to the T&A Cycleworks to buy one but… Come On! It’s so cool down there. And there’s the Photo Studio, , too, where you can take a selection of single, pair or group photographs. You can even have them framed if you want to.

 Altogether there a six tracks, each one different, testing different skills in different ways. On most tracks you can rezz a bike or a kart. You can even buy the track, if you want to!

Tired of the countryside? Go to the sea. That fantastic teleporter system can take you there. Domino Island is a very beautiful place at ground level. It has little hideaways and islets to sit on and watch the day go by. If you want more entertainment, go to the South Pier and pick up a paddleboat, a fishing boat, a bumper boat or, for more speed thrills, a jetski, or you can sit on the dock a spend some time fishing with the Seven Seas fishing game.

This is definitely a place for people who want to DO things. I know because, I've done it and I recommend it. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Domino%20Island/129/125/1026/

By Kim Trefusis

New section for community news

Are you looking for something to do this weekend?
What about a great place to visit or even to live?
Want to hear about those people in SL that make it such a great place to be?
Or maybe a community event you have heard of but don't know how to find?


Find all this and more in the new Community section from the link on the left.