A p r i l
2 0 2 1
Contents
28.
THROUGH THE LENS
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Hayden, Stef and Taylor are inspired by spring.
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THE KITCHEN CORNER Mac Massimo chefs it up with a a delicious Bento Box picnic.
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PROUST SPOTLIGHT
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Showcasing the talented blogger, Mauro Rosenfeld.
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SOL’S TAROT Featuring Sol Starlight and her excellent tarot readings.
THE WAYFAR
Join the Wayfarer as he expl Luane’s Wo
118.
THE B
A photogenic sim with fant music eve
46.
Ara Dethly
WRITER Cajsa Lilliehook
130. VOICES FROM THE GRID
lores orld.
Asked the same question, see what residents have to say.
tastic ents.
First Life Problems - Second Life Answers
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
RER
BAY
COVER STORY
142.
ACROSS THE GRID
Wicca Merlin introduces us to the world of Dark Romance .
ECLIPSE Magazine is dedicated to not only offering an aesthetically pleasing publication, but to also be considered a platform that offers rich and relevant content. Each month, we showcase residents and groups that have taken the concept of “your world, your imagination” to such great heights that they have impacted the culture and lifestyle of the Second Life community. ECLIPSE April 2021 | Page 11
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the contributo
TROUBLE DETHLY
CAJSA LILLIEHOOK
PUBLISHER
COPY EDITOR
STE
CONTENT M
HAYDEN DETHLY
JUNE FALLON
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
ors
EF NOVA
MANAGER
PREVIOUS ISSUES
WRITERS Cajsa Lilliehook Daffodil Crimson Gidge Uriza Novaleigh Freng Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin
PHOTOGRAPHERS Ara Dethly Gidge Uriza Hayden Dethly Mac Massimo Stef Nova Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin
STYLISTS Hayden Dethly Stef Nova Taylor Wassep Vivien De’Lancoure Wicca Merlin
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Welcome to the April 2021 issue of ECLIPSE Magazine! Based on how I have released the past couple of issues, it appears this magazine has become quarterly. A few people have asked if I plan on moving back towards a monthly format, and I do not see that happening. I am not entirely certain how I even managed to do that for five years straight. Regardless, I spend the majority of my day working with InDesign, so that is largely a contributing factor, plus a shifting of my time in SL. Back to this issue! For our cover story, we interview seven Second Life residents who shared how they adapted their virtual world to address the real life challenges of the past thirteen months with the pandemic. We have a total of 9 pieces this month. Be sure to check out Sol’s Tarot because she does fantastic readings, and we also have an article on the Bay, which is one of my favorite places to hang out. I swear I have started working on the June issue! I have even told Ara what to shoot for the cover (she is amazing btw). I also have a firm deadline for it, so… one can hope. Happy Readings!
from the publisher
through the lens
s
Each issue, ECLIPSE Magazine invites the many talented photographers from Second Life to collaborate. With this piece, they style, create and share a glimpse through their lens. For this addition, Hayden Dethly, Stef Nova and Taylor Wassep inspire us with their spring photographs!
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Photographer: Hayden Dethly
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep
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Photographer: Stef Nova
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Hayden dethly Page 40 | ECLIPSE April 2021
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First Life Problems - Second Lif photography by wicca merlin and ara dethly. writt
fe Answers en by cajsa lilliehook.
When the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, the world had already begun shutting down. Those who could do so worked remotely. People were told to stay at home, to avoid contact with other people, to isolate themselves. Even if they wanted to go out and about, all venues were closed. Even parks were closed. But we are social creatures. Solitude is not our natural state. What were people to do? Those of us in Second Life™ already knew it was possible to have a virtual life, some of us had been doing it for more than a decade. But would people find ways to address first life challenges with Second Life answers? Some financial magazines made much of the possibilities of Second Life commerce when the pandemic closures began. There was a lot of excitement in-world, too, as the reality of higher concurrency sparked hope for a renaissance of Second Life’s saliency in the rest of the world. To find out how some Second Lifers adapted their virtual world to solve real-world problems we interviewed eight people to get a sampling of opinion. We talked to teachers who adapted their methods to Second Life and a health care worker who found relaxation and respite. We interviewed a former SLer who came back when the loneliness of shut down became overwhelming. We also interviewed a woman with terminal cancer who was denied the support of family by the strict shutdown and found safe companionship in-world. We also talked to a couple people who might have seen an uptick in SL as concurrency increased in the early days of the pandemic. Even in the time of coronavirus, Second Life is our world, our imagination. Healthcare workers have been the rock on which the world placed its trust and hope. They have grappled directly with the disease Page 48 | ECLIPSE April 2021
and risked their own health and their own lives to provide succor to those who have fallen ill. They have been forced to work longer hours, take fewer days off, and all while knowing this shift might be the one when they get exposed. To thank them, people around the world took to standing outside and clapping at 7 p.m. Even some rural families clapped for them though no one would hear them. But with COVID fatigue, that kind of support has drifted away. So how does Second Life help a healthcare worker? Sungyoung Holloway-Zhao [jangsungyoung] is a healthcare worker who found herself “putting in crazy hours at work.” She spent less time in Second Life because she was working all the time, but she found herself getting cranky and out of sorts. SL had always been “a soothing escape” for her. As she explained, Second Life “allows me to calm my mind and channel all the negative vibes into beautiful art. I made it a point to allocate even a few “online” hours on my days off to keep my sanity in check.” In addition, Sungyoung has used her SL Facebook account to reach out to people with solid pandemic healthcare information. In addition to posting CDC recommendations and reminders to wear masks, wash hands, and keep a distance, she wrote about getting vaccinated and the side effects she experienced and fought against antivaccination disinformation. “I let people get a glimpse of my work life by sharing stories whether it be good or bad, the downsides of my job in this pandemic, and also shared my experience getting the 2-step COVID vaccine. I generally try to keep a positive mindset and help everyone realize that we can beat COVID together.” From the other side of the healthcare world, we spoke with Zara [Zara Antiesse] who has lung cancer that had already spread to her bones. There is no cure, but chemotherapy
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Sandrika Broono
Sungyoung Holloway-Zhao
and radiotherapy can give her more time. Along with killing cancer cells, chemo kills white blood cells leaving people without a strong immune system to fight infection. People with cancer often have to selfisolate even before the pandemic. The risk of COVID makes their need to isolate more critical. This can leave people feeling lonely and alienated. For Zara, who had a new granddaughter, it was very hard.
Saffia Widdershins
Zinnia Zauber
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As Zara explained, “I am reasonably well physically. Then COVID hit and we went into lockdown, cutting me off from my whole family except my husband. Our children are grown, three of the four with their own families and all are at least 100 miles from us along with my siblings and mother. I was told to shield and stay home, so I had to turn to my friends in SL for their support when I felt alone, and I will freely admit I leaned on my friends a great deal For the period of time each day I was logged into SL, I had people around me that I could talk to, confide in, they dragged me to clubs, out shopping, to greedy games to cheer me up if I was having a down day, I don’t know what I’d have done without them and I will be foreve grateful.”
The increase in concurrency that led to the excited, optimistic headlines was noted by Saffia Widdershins of Prim Perfect and Designing Worlds though she thought the writers missed the central point, pointing out, “it seems to me that the rise in concurrency came from people re-connecting rather than connecting for the first time.” Meanwhile, London Callin [Pink Cardboard] has found an increased attendance at the club where she DJs. “I noticed that more people were joining u for our parties, so we at Blacklist decided that we would expand our schedule and help out a sister venue by adding a Thursday party night called ‘Quarantunes’, giving people some much needed relief from the early uncertain days of
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lockdowns, quarantines and the pandemic in general.”
Zinnia Zauber, or Renne Emiko Brock in first life, has been using Second Life in her teaching at Peninsula College for eleven So, folks used Second Life to get social years now. “I have always been using Second support and interactions, to recharge, and Life as a learning environment with my online even enjoyed a renaissance of interest in and on campus students together.” She its social aspects, but teachers found a way continued, “Second Life is where I create, teach, to integrate it into their work in new ways. have virtual galleries for my students, produce When schools went virtual, teachers were a continuous digital storytelling project with tasked with creating new forms of instruction students, network, and support with nonprofit, and many met the challenge with ZOOM arts, and educational communities.” With classes and online coursework. A few, the shutdown, students with less robust though, were even more innovative and they computers or without high speed internet went to Second Life. would have been shut out of participation, so she innovated as good teachers do and used Sandrika Broono is a Ph. D. candidate and ZOOM to share Second Life. As she explains, lecturer in the Mass Media Communication “Surprisingly, the new way I have been using department at University of Ss. Cyril and Second Life has been via Zoom share screen to Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia. Her first life demonstrate my work and my students’ work name is Alexandra Alföldiová, an important to other students, faculty, and administration inclusion as her first and Second life work are who are not participating in Second Life. We symbiotic, not separate. She found student shut down our campus and went totally online engagement to be dissatisfying and low with at the start of April, we started using Zoom. the usual platforms such as Google Meet, MS Having that ability on my end to be even more Teams or Zoom. “I was seeking interaction and inclusive in the classroom has been wonderful since I am an active user of Second Life since and welcoming.” 2009, I came up with an idea of applying for a FPPV project at our faculty to receive a grant Only a few connect with family and friends for building a virtual faculty and bringing more through Second Life and of those that interaction into the online classes.” Together do, most are connecting with RL friends with her best friend Kaithleen Enchantment they first met and grew close to in SL. For and a successful grant, she built the Virtual example, Sungyoung meets with her RL/ Faculty of Mass Media Communication in SL partner in SL because travel restrictions Second Life. keep them apart. One thing she regrets is that the long hours of work have kept She explains further, “I am using Second Life her from her volunteering for Survivors of as an experimental classroom at one of my Suicide (SOS.) “When I had the time I did run subjects – Gaming Networks, where a group of a “stress management” group where people over 30 students comes in-world on a weekly came to talk about their pandemic worries and basis and get to know the virtual environment. anxieties. Unfortunately, due to the nature of They have been attending in-world classes my RL work, I had to take a step back and put since September and have already experienced it on hold. Hopefully, as the infection rate slows online lectures regarding 3D modeling and down, I can find time to run it again as it is a building virtual enterprise with Second Life very rewarding experience.” content creators.” ECLIPSE April 2021 | Page 51
Sandrika connects with her best friend in both worlds every day. “Apart from her, I am using Second Life to hang out with my colleague too, who also enjoys in-world fun, exploration, hanging out and is a resident for over 13 years. Yet, I must admit that personal meetings are precious and irreplaceable, especially after so many months in a lockdown.” She later added, “It allows me to meet people, communicate and stay in touch with other people, hangout, and attend workshops and seminars by other educators in Second Life, which I would normally attend in real life.”
hadn’t had SL. Here in the UK we’ve been under lockdown in varying degrees since last March. I’ve missed birthdays and Christmas and almost a whole year of my 18-month-old grandaughter’s life, but as well as facetiming family there was always something going on in SL to take my mind off it. Being around people in SL also really brings it home that there’s always someone worse off than yourself. One very close friend lives in a US state with a very high level of COVID and takes care of her sick mother with no support, so she’s constantly worried about it, and another close friend lost her father very suddenly, so however down I may get about my own situation, there’s always someone with bigger problems.”
t is a s y in in k o
S g t fr Zinnia has the most interaction with family, W discovering a few who have not told her until s recently about their Second Life. “Maybe after to seeing me do so many social media posts with Zinnia, too, finds respite in SL. “Having a social m my avatar and virtual projects, they knew I place to laugh, work together, and explore a would be super excited to hear about what they has helped handle these tough times. We are s are doing in-world.” That may be the crux of it, never alone and bored. I love how so many v most SLer are circumspect about sharing SL of us become more creative when there is an D with their family, aware of the stereotypes of impediment. I am ecstatic with how new ideas a basement-dwellers and sex addicts. Others and partnerships have bloomed.” For London, k like to separate their first and Second Life. “Well, what with the inability to gather en d But that doesn’t mean Second Life has not masse out in public right now, SL is allowing provided rich social sustenance to people. me to interact with likeminded people in a safe C Those friendships made in SL translate setting.” c to our first lives and become as deep and a meaningful as our friendships forged in For Devin, it’s not just the social aspect y kindergarten. of SL that draws him. He finds an outlet b for the creative person who has been y Those friendships sustain us and give us locked down. “I’m a creative person. Doing m the vital connection that fights loneliness something creative everyday keeps me fueled S and alienation while we have been isolated. and happy.” The process of blogging for to Sandrika commented, “Second Life is events is an outlet for his creativity. “I start h definitely a help during lockdown. We are with event requirements and a set number of w not allowed to meet people in person apart items. How do I piece these sometimes very in from household members and being in-world different elements together to come up with m widens the opportunities and interactions an interesting style for an avatar? Who is this S with other human beings. I am very thankful character I am developing? Where do they r for having Second Life during these hard live? What are they doing? I write a mini story. c times as at some point it keeps me sane.“ Shoot my images, and then often spend hours I in Photoshop polishing the image. Along the h For Zara, it has been a huge help, “I think way I research my theme, learning more and p I’d have gone out of my mind by now if I getting inspired, and I also pick up fancy new s Page 52 | ECLIPSE April 2021
tricks for Photoshop. The best way to explain s this: SL is like a racing track, I am a runner, and an event is the gun at the starting line that shoots “GO.” Being able to do this over the past year gave me something to get excited about, nstead of staring at the latest COVID numbers n horror, or other equally depressing news. It kept me grounded and light, instead of feeling overwhelmed.”
Second Life has also been a place to escape grim reality. London Calin described it like this, “Personally it provided a needed distraction rom everything that was happening ‘out there’. With the media blasting it (and still going strong) it was hard to avoid it when you wanted to, so SL and the people within it just gave that much required relief.” For Sungyoung, “There are lots of things to do in Second Life and I have seen people pursue new interests like blogging/ vlogging, interior decorating or landscaping, DJing, etc. SL gives us something fun to do in a space where we don’t have to worry about keeping our masks on or keeping our social distance.”
Coping with cancer during the time of coronavirus has been a challenge for Zara and Second Life has brought her joy in a way you might think of off the top of your head, but also in a way that makes so much sense if you think about it. “Since I’ve been on chemo my hair hasn’t behaved itself very well, but in SL Zara has fabulous hair and so many styles to choose from. In real life my lashes and brows have suffered, in SL I have endless choices, and where medication has made me gain weight, n SL everything fits perfectly! Zara’s my escape, my little piece of pixel perfection that I log into SL to play with when I’m feeling down about my real-life self. She has horses and rides, which I can’t do anymore as my bones are too weak, so really enjoy customising the amazing Teegle horses and riding around my own sim and other places I’ve found to ride like the Calas group of sims.”
Devin Vaughn
London Callin
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Zinnia has put her time in SL during COVID to good use, expanding the possibilities for other educators. ”Second Life helped me as an educator to have professional communities of supportive friends to engage with while in this lockdown. These fellow educators and advocates have been there all these years. And, this past year, it has been lovely to feel secure because we could express our fear, frustrations, and future hopes even when there was uncertainty around us. Having dependable people to connect with who are innovators and problem-solvers makes difficult times turn into defining times.”
guests. Some of my students pointed out the lack of instructions or tips on how to promote events on Second Life or missing possibility of adding metallic texture on 3D objects as well as the limitations of upload.“ She also hopes more creators and people who pursue other interests in SL would be interested in cooperating with the Virtual Academy to expand its possibilities.
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T L h Zara would like more help for new residents. s “A lot of the hubs and clubs on the Destination h Guide are very hostile to new people and it’s sad. i I was a Live Help Mentor years ago (and have c the t-shirt to prove it!) and back then you had to a Everyone has ideas about how Second Life go through so many tutorials before you could s could make this easier. Devin wants a mobile even leave Help Island. Also, there were mentors version and he is not alone! He would also like there on the island to help people. These A an easier way for old residents who return to days new members get the bare minimum of S update their avatars and nicer, easier avatars instruction, and with the addition of mesh with for Noobs. He wants a friendly, interactive SO many variations of heads, bodies, skins to c tutorial to teach Bento, BOM, Mesh Bodies, get to grips with, I think more could be done. l and AOs. Maybe a Welcome Back island? Sungyoung also places some responsibility on “Something more user friendly like the Sims Second Life’s residents. “It would be more helpful wardrobe change? Or even a one-click-buy “Get If the community would have less negativity the Look” HUD based on blogger images?” and less inclination to tear each other apart. I get it that everyone’s emotions are heightened London speaks to the plight of those who and some are experiencing pandemic burnout, don’t have the latest, greatest computers. but, this is the time that we should band “It’d probably be along the lines of better together and lift each other’s spirit. I know that performance, less lag, more optimisation for sounded cheesy but it’s true!” older hardware especially in times where people can’t afford to upgrade but still need the lifeline Zinnia sees the efforts Linden Lab puts into that SL can be in these times.” Second Life and appreciates what is while anticipating what will be. Saffia wishes there were more public exposure to Second Life with more effective I joined Second Life on March 30, 2008 the week methods of attracting new users, not just high speed internet finally reached my street drawing back former users. in the remote town I live in on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. In 2009, I graduated from the first pioneering class of the University Sandrika has several useful suggestions, of Washington Certificate in Virtual Worlds including some from her students. “In terms Program and returned as a Lecturer and Mentor. of lecturing, I would welcome if Second Life This was the first certification ever in virtual had the option to share a screen, so it would world use and through its five year duration, be easier to make in-world presentations with many educators, designers, and business Page 54 | ECLIPSE April 2021
owners learned how to build, teach, and engage in this innovative medium. Second Life was our platform because it supported educational efforts, a real economy, freedom to create and express ourselves, and it was free. (for the most part)
Throughout my experiences over the years, Linden Lab folks have been really interested in how they can make this an effective, interactive space. Second Life becomes more and more helpful to deliver an environment to educate in. And, in turn, we fill that space with classes, collaboration, and curiosity. As speeds increase and devices improve, I know we will gain more students and life-long learners.
And perhaps that is the real secret to finding Second Life Answers to First Life Problems - Our World, Our Imagination. Given the constraints of technology, our greatest limitations are the ones we put on ourselves.
Zara Antiesse
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Sandrika Broon on Second Life as an Education Tool Second Life has definitely helped to enrich the ordinary distance learning and my students actively participate and positively react to this form of learning. Since this platform offers unlimited possibilities, the students were split into small groups of approximately 5 people, and they have been working on their first ever online exhibitions in Second Life. They gathered important information from Second Life content creators, and they managed to create 3D objects in their selected themes including the entire process from the scratch to marketing and presenting their outputs. The exhibitions are happening in the faculty opened for all Second Life residents to visit and explore. The first exhibition – “Cyberguns” was a great success and over 300 unique visitors came to see their artwork in a week. We have five more upcoming exhibitions in this summer term. I have been actively using Second Life for educational purposes for a year now and I made a questionnaire to receive feedback from my students. Overall they are enjoying this form of distance learning and thankfully since all of them are “games”, they do not have difficulties regarding their connectivity or computer parameters. They find Second Life as a new channel for promotion of our faculty as well as their activities with possibly finding the target group that would be interested in following events regarding e-sports or other activities they do apart in-class assignments and exhibitions. I am glad that Second Life creators - the owner and creator of MADRAS, Karthikeyan Engineer, and the owner and creator of Kaithleen’s, Kaithleen Enchantment, were opened to the idea of giving lectures to the students and apart of that also supporting the growth of our faculty in-world. I really hope that more people from different fields of interests in Second Life will be opened to cooperation with an educational institution like our faculty and will make this virtual platform even more interesting to the students.
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Zinnia Zauber on Second Life as an Educational Tool I have always produced art, apparel, and arts events in the physical world and in the virtual world. With the disappointments, cancelations, and restrictions of COVID, I was delighted to guide my students to shift their Multimedia Communications Honors Projects to developing totally virtual projects to sell their creations online. Their creative efforts inspired even more students to do Honors Projects using Second Life to perfect, produce, and promote their work this spring. Last year, I received the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education 2020 Thinkerer Award which is given at their conference. I am truly humbled and grateful to receive recognition from those respect and call dear friends. I have been able to present and teach in Second Life almost 13 years to a global audience. During this same time, I have traveled to present at conferences about my virtual world projects and teaching techniques. Any chance I get when I travel, I meet up with my Second Life friends. The furthest point was Japan! The support I have enjoyed teaching at Peninsula College applying Second Life is extraordinary. My experiences being an artist, professor, and superhero utilizing Second Life have been filled with brilliant and bold benefits that expand my brain and fill my heart. This extra time together supporting each other helped facilitate the formation of the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium. And, as co-chair of the Nonprofit Commons, we have been able to encourage members to create more engagement with their online presence, learn new media, and invite more people to join us in Second Life.
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Devin Vaughn
Sungyoung Holloway-Zha
Flickr Blog
Flickr Facebook Youtube
London Callin
Zara Antiesse
Burning Desire LM
Flickr Blog Facebook
Saffia Widdershins
Zinnia Zauber
Flickr & Blog Prim Perfect Facebook Designing Worlds Facebook & Vimeo
Website Facebook Marketplace Instagram
Sandrika Broono Flickr Faculty Website Faculty Facebook Faculty Instagram
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ao
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The Kitchen corn photography by ma
If there is one thing that brings people together, it is food. The Second Life culture is as rich as its residents, and “The Kitchen Corner” celebrates and showcases the talents of content creators that will appeal to all “foodies.” Collaborating with Mac Massimo of “The SL Spoon,” ECLIPSE Magazine presents an innovative approach on all things food related with fantastic imagery and an equally tried and true accompanying recipe. It’s spring, so grab a blanket, some flowers and a couple bento boxes and have yourself a delicious picnic!
ner c massimo.
Bento Box Rice or noodles Salad, sauteed vegetables or pickled vegetables Protein Instructions 1. Fill half your bento box with your carbohydrate of choice. It can be white rice, seasoned rice, brown rice, noodles, etc. 2. Add your protein! Fill a quarter of the box with your choice of beef, pork, tofu, beans, eggs, chicken. If you have the time add two varieties. Examples: Tamagoyaki: Sweet Japanese rolled omelette Agemono: Deep fried food like tempura, fish cakes, etc Tonkatsu: Breaded pork cutlet Grilled fish Sushi 3. The remaining quarter should be filled with at least two kinds of vegetables.
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the proust spotli
photography by Mauro R
The Proust Spotlight is our monthly feature where we highlight one of the many creative residents of Second Life®. Utilizing the Proust Questionnaire, whose namesake comes from the late 19th century French writer, we will offer a glimpse into what makes them tick. The blogger we feature this month is the talented Mauro Rosenfeld. He shares,”I first stepped into Second life in 2008, back then it was for a college project in where I had had to make an assignment about economies in virtual worlds. Ever since I have been in and out, always keeping in touch with some amazing friends I have made around the world. More recently SL has become this place to explore my creativity and take a break from everyday stress. I really enjoy taking pictures and editing them. I try to get better at it each time! There is so many people around the grid who inspire me.”
ght
Rosenfeld.
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What is your ideal of perfect happiness? It’s a difficult one to answer, especially nowadays with so much uncertainty going on in the world! It are the little things that make happy moments. Spending quality with family or friends, meeting this one special person you love or eating lots of ice cream! But I do think it all starts with self-acceptance and being happy with who you are, without being worried about what others might think. “You’ve gotta do the things that make you happy!” What is your most marked characteristic? You should ask my friends! Relating to Second Life and my inworld activity I hope it’s Friendliness. I love to make new friends, listen and help others. What do you most value in your friends? I really value honesty. Even if it is difficult sometimes. I really respect people that tell me the truth. To me honesty is about being real with yourself and others about who you are, what you think and what your intentions are. What is your motto? “Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.” I always try to keep this in mind when communicating with people. It helps me remember to be the person I want to be. What is your greatest regret? I don’t really think I have one that stands out. There is this one quote, I think by Marilyn Monroe that says “never have regrets, because at one point everything you did was exactly what you wanted.” Obviously we learn new things every day, so with the knowledge of today there are things I would have done differently. I have definitely made mistakes in life and been stupid at times. However instead of calling them regrets I tend to think of them as lessons. Also, I tend to believe things happen for a reason. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Okay, that really has to be “I can’t with you!” right now. Also, I use LOL and LMAO a lot. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? If I were to choose probably a spoiled and lazy dog. Connect with Mauro on his Flickr, Facebook and Blog.
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Sol’s tarot
PHOTOGRAPHs provided by sol starlight. written by tayl
lor wassep.
Tarot, as defined by many scholars, involves the use of a deck of cards for divinary purposes. Tarot came to prominence in English-speaking countries around the 15th Century. The idea of fortune-telling has both been admired and scoffed at throughout history because many people do not believe in the occult and doubt “the other side” can truly communicate with this mortal world. Regardless of one’s view on this practice, arot advocates argue it has greatly benefited millions of people around the world by providing guidance to those who seek it. While it is mainly an in-person activity; many have made the transition to the virtual frontier when it comes to tarot reading. I sat down with one of them and discussed her perspective on this mystical institution, Sol Starlight. In 2015, Sol come for the popular virtual game, IMVU and The Sims.
“I liked talking to people and customizing different things. SL was like a mashup of these two games which I fell in love with. I think I was more drawn to the social part specifically because my irl social life wasn’t the best.” -Sol Starlight She found communities everywhere she looked, just like in real life. You kind of have to find where you belong and don’t belong through trial and error. So, she tried different sides of what Second Life™ has to offer. In the role-playing community is where she found her niche. Having to have that quick wit and improvisational skills really helped her with the business aspect of Second Life. Early in our interview, she explained her realization that there are certain aspects of SL that you can only get through by trial and error, and this was a decision she needed to try and work though. Many of her friends she’s made in Second life are creators and entrepreneurs. So what could she branch out and do? It dawned on her that she has a calling to read cards and has an interest in astrology. She already was in full swing with doing readings with her friends and family in her real life. So why not find a way to do that in Second Life? Page 88 | ECLIPSE April 2021
Especially since the pandemic has that Sol wanted to give back, to se are seeking some kind of clarity in
Sol felt this experience really help tarot reading business. She finds h conversational and focus on a per character’s backstory that is in mo
Many in her real life family have a belief in the energies around us an aunt mentioned that a lot of their until the present felt strong conne Many times, Sol has had dreams a to before only to end up traveling the kind of intimate knowledge of of research could explain. Sensing aspect to her connection to the ot instance where she was speaking phone and just felt off about some bad was about to happen; sure en caused that family member to cra
s affected people in such a way Sol has always felt that connection, but never really knew how ee if she could help those who to channel that feeling. After researching and asking her family n their own lives. about her own experiences, Sol felt comfortable enough to identify as an empath. ped her with starting her her readings are more “How I would describe an empath is someone rson’s real life rather than a ost cases; fictionalized. with a spiritual ability to apprehend/understand
spiritual connection and nd in the spiritual world. Sol’s female ancestors and up ection to the supernatural. about places she’s never been g to such locations later with f the places that no amount g negative energies is another ther side. Sol even had an to a family member on the ething as though something nough someone almost ash their car.
and feel the current mental/emotional state of another person or the overall energy of an environment.” - Sol Starlight
With all of this set, tarot reading ended up being a practice she felt comfortable channeling her feelings and empathy into. When we started to talk about this, I wanted to get her perspective on tarot reading since this activity can be quite polarizing for some. According to Sol, one of the biggest things people think is that they will come into a reading and find out when they will pass on, for example. Topics like those are something tarot readers, in general, do not have the ability to read and should not talk about. ECLIPSE April 2021 | Page 89
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As a tarot reader, they learn to translate what the universe would like to offer to the questioner or how to tell them about the life they currently live through the use of cards. Being open and vulnerable will greatly help. eeping your mind and heart open will help the process as well. The practice is for clarity and organizing your thoughts, and it could truly bring people peace of mind. Now, I hope this article has at least piqued your interest in tarot reading, but how would a session be conducted in a virtual setting? Thankfully, Sol was kind enough to walk me through how she does each session. The sessions begin by the questioner arriving at Sol’s appropriately decorated skybox filled with magical trinkets and comfy seating. She would chat with you for a bit in a bit of mutual introduction.Then, she would grab her deck in real life and begin the session. To start, she will ask what questions they may have for the cards.
“I tell them to treat me as a best friend at a sleepover that’s going to read you some magical cards. If they want to talk about anything that resonates they have that platform and then we dive into it!” - Sol Starlight One question I had for Sol was how seriously should someone take the reading they have with her. Should the person seeking answers immediately take to heart what the reads said? Or should they totally ignore it if they don’t like what they hear? She would tell you that what you take from the interpretation of the reading and how you may implement it into your life is 100% up to you. You don’t even have to believe what the cards say about the question you asked them. She sees these readings as a sign from the universe and now it is your job to move forward with this information or skip everything entirely. ECLIPSE April 2021 | Page 91
It is important to note that tarot reading is not a form of therapy. Sol is not a therapist nor a doctor. These kinds of practices are just a craft she does in her spare time. If you do need true help due to mental health issues; please seek help as soon as you can. Again, what Sol or anyone else who interprets tarot cards does is simply that, interprets what the cards at that moment show her. It is up to you to take what you want from it.
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“I would just look at my reading as a quote you’d find online that you stop and think, “wow I really relate to this, this makes a lot of sense,” and move forward and maybe act on that if it feels necessary.” - Sol Starlight
If you are still keen on a possible tarot reading, I would direct you to Sol’s Facebook™ page, Sol’s Tarot and set up your first session with her. She offers a couple of different services along with an hour-long time slot for your reading. Her readings are open seasonally, so you might have to check back and book your appointment when services reopen
All in all, Sol and other tarot readers are providing a service for those seeking clarity and reorganization. A person you can open up to and allow the universe hear your questions and possibly take what the universe says and apply it to your life or not. That’s what great about these readings. You have the power to forge your own path and life; though it never hurts to get another opinion.
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THE wayfarer...
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLO
“The Wayfarer” is a monthly feature showcasing some of the most aesthetic places in Second Life®. A sense of familiarity caressed the worn and rough skin of the Wayfarer, as he arrived at this new land. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, he remembered he had been here during a colder time. Flickering his gaze at his surroundings, a small smile forms on his face. Often times, the places he journeys to stand still, yet here at Luane’s World, it changed with the seasons. His footsteps begin to tread softly upon a dirt path as the birds sang a song of new beginnings. It was spring, after all.
OR WASSEP.
Discover yourself at Luane’s World.
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places to go - th
PHOTOGRAPHs BY TAYLOR WASSEP. written by tayl
he bay
lor wassep.
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Second Life™ allows for the user’s creativity to thrive in this open-world virtual setting where whatever someone can come up with can be brought to the grid. This is where many aspects of our real lives are incorporated. For example, going to clubs on the weekend is something many a resident has enjoyed at some point in their virtual lives. The majority of us have found a decent DJ playing some music and a sea of people on the dance floor. That is all well and good, but what if you want more than just “the normal?” What if you want something that spices up your experience of the typical club? What if I told you there is a venue that offers amazing music, beautiful landscaping and a chance to act out your sinful desire? That’s right, I am talking about The Bay! For those unfamiliar with The Bay; allow Ziekling Bunnyhug, the manager of this beautiful sim, to explain it.
“Is a beautifully designed and landscaped work of art in the form of a lost jungle island in ruins with our many hide away spots, like the caves, underwater mermaid bay, and our own version of ‘Hell’. plus much more.” - Ziekling Bunnyhug
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To start; let’s talk about how The Bay came to be. According to Ziekling, the original bay was quite simple where parties were held on the beachfront. It’s “Old Guard” motto was “Breathe Life into the Mundane.” Ziekling has tried to keep true to that sentiment by keeping The Bay immersive and alive. Think of this storyline, imagine you are lost at sea or possibly shipwrecked on this glorious island. But, you start to find traces of another society that currently lives there and are curious who these people may be. Would you assimilate into their culture and way of life, or would you try to leave, possibly facing dangers such as starvation or pirates. This whole idea couldn’t have happened though, without two of Ziekling’s friends, Mz Marville and Cerberus Ichibara who took this small dream and helped bring it to what it is now. With a few reincarnations due to sim movings and changing tastes, these three have brought about a place for those who wish to explore a jungle while freeing their inhibitions and allowing their inner self to enjoy. Next, let’s touch on the beautifully designed and landscaped sim. The Bay was nominated for Best Photographic Sim in this most recent Bloggie Awards. To achieve such a feat, Ziekling takes every opportunity to look for new landscaping materials and other fun bits to bring to The Bay. An aspect I thought was really special is that Ziekling loves using buildings from her friends and people she knows to showcase them to the patrons who come to The Bay. Those very people are the same who help her and recommend places and items to further enhance the already beautiful nature of the sim.
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If you haven’t been there yet; what can you expect to see and experience once you arrive? First off, The Bay is this beautiful jungle island with pirate ships just off the shore, so beware. Once you travel around the Island, you will see lushi greenery and plant life sprawling around the land. Hidden caves and waterfalls are scattered around with areas to rest and enjoy yourself with someone or with a group of people. And yes, I am alluding to the more adult nature of what The Bay offers to people who want to seek their island paradise out.
“It turns out it’s a great place for a date! we seem to be very popular with couples who want a romantic getaway. There are many places for adult activity but some couples simply come and enjoy a dance or a cuddle in the romantic scenery.” - Ziekling Bunnyhug The Bay seems to have so many activities that couples or a group of people would love to play with. Regarding the more intimate nature of some of the activities; if you are someone who is more on the wild spectrum of intimate curiosity, definitely check out the Dungeons at The Bay. Some of the other activities you can participate in at The Bay are boating, swimming with dolphins, or deep diving in the fully decorated underwater area around the island. There is even a version of Hell that was inspired by Cerberus with a pseudo-church, a lounge/ bar, blood bath spa area and a fiery pit where zombies chill out in. Ziekling commented that she loves to have a good mixture of recreational activities alongside the more adult activities that they offer. Page 124 | ECLIPSE April 2021
If immersive activities are not your thing, and you would much rather chill out to some music, The Bay offers this as well. Mykie, who is Ziekling’s Right Hand Lady and Second in Command at The Bay elaborates more on what goes into the musical aspect of The Bay. Due to the current pandemic that is affecting the world, having a place to come to and just zone out for a while is key. The staff at The Bay area quaint, but they will bring you all the bells and whistles when it comes to their more music-centric activities. Mykie explained that they usually let the Djs and hosts come up with the weekly event themes to give as much control and ease of mind to them since they are working their hardest to entertain those who come and support them and listen to their sets.
“We’ve done a lot of random parties just based on things we like. TV shows, popular music artists, movies, games. Pop culture in general always seems to find a way into the events we do.” - Mykiejenner Resident So to recap,The Bay offers a beautifully decorated island paradise with jungle vibes and maybe a little more intimate adventures for those who might be looking. There are a good amount of interactive activities those exploring the sim can delve deep into. Additionally there are weekly club nights that offer themed opportunities to dress up or mellow out too with yourself, a partner(s) or group of friends. Overall, it is an excellent location to just throw your whole self into and see what you find. Follow The Bay on Facebook. Visit The Bay in-world.
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Voices from the g
Voices From the Grid is a monthly survey of opinions and ideas of Second Life® residents on the salient issues of the day. For this issue, ECLIPSE Magazine we asked residents to share “What is something you think is unique about your Second Life experience? Can you share a story that illustrates your unique SL experience?”
grid
Photograph provided by Dewey Sanchez. Page 132 | ECLIPSE April 2021
dewey sanchez
D
ewy Sanchez [rhv2 resident] is not a stranger to the virtual life world of Second Life, Dewy originally joined second life in 2007 to study how the virtual world affected real life commerce as part of a business class paper he was writing in college. After seeing an episode of The Office a year or two later, he decided to give this crazy world another shot! He has worked in the nightclub scene for years after as a DJ but is now focusing on his work as a photographer. As for the name, his best friend Missy would always call him Dewy because his original display name was hard to read. So he changed names and it stuck. For me personally, I think Second Life granted me the ability to expand my creativity by leaps and bounds. I have always loved music. When I first started my virtual journey, I was a DJ. I loved the fact I could create special moments for my listeners and that I could connect with a large number of people in different countries around the world. I thought that was very cool. I took time away from Second Life a couple of years ago after tragedy struck my real world when my father had passed. I decided to focus more on my life and being with my mom and helping out however I could. When things calmed down and I came back I did not have the same passion or desire for doing DJ work as I once did. I did a few sets but could not keep up with the changes that had occurred in such a short period of time in that field. I jokingly decided to create a Flickr account and mess around with pictures of myself. my first photos were not very good at all. I was able to talk to and meet some very fantastic artists throughout the years and learned and applied the lessons, tips, and tricks I had learned to my work. That is what brings me back honestly. I believe I am constantly evolving and growing every day, I find that factor to be ever so fascinating. Learning new things and creating different ways to express myself are important to me. Second Life gives me as well as other content creators the opportunity to do just that. We can all find a medium that makes us happy all from the power of my computer. And that, to me is one that makes Second Life very fascinating even after these years. Check out his Flickr and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Diney McCallen.
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diney mccallen
D
iney McCallen joined SL in December 2007 giving her over 13 years in the grid. She has undertaken many projects from pubs and clubs including motorcycle clubs. Her focus over the last few years has been supporting fundraising events, attending live music shows, and photography. Her work can be seen on Flickr where you will also see her real-life digital work. I actually met my real-life partner on Second Life within the first few days of joining. The relationship initially did not last but we stayed as friends and in touch with each other outworld. Having met up in England a year later we became an item and I moved to Holland to be with him. We are now back in England - I made him wait 10 years before marrying him two years ago. Quite a unique experience and one I had never imaged to happen. This along with the enjoyment of live singers from across the globe and an active artistic community within SL is the reason after all this time I am still part of the second life community. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Klint Kord.
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K
lint Kord [Khayman Karlsvalt] is an eleven-year resident of Second Life. An avid role player, previous brand owner, and dabbler in photography who enjoys live shows whenever possible.
I’ve thought about this question and was a bit uncertain how best to answer. Eleven years of memories to sift through but I’ve narrowed it down to an experience I still mourn and only recently may be able to rekindle.
klint kord
Now onto the story .... once upon a time, I was a not-so-good combat role player that met a Vampire Queen who shared a love for writing. I believe she’d just defeated me, and quite easily if memory serves me right, but I won out in the end. Her name was BreAnda and she loved writing but in a combat sim, there wasn’t much opportunity. In fact, it was more about elevating in levels than building a story but I digress. We began weaving a tale that would last for hours. Nothing sexual nor explicit but an actual story, till one day she didn’t frequent the sim as often. Of course, you come to expect elapsed time in people not logging but I began to miss her...or more so the writing. Then one day she logs in and tells me of a sim she’d found. She spoke of how much she loved spending time there and it was filled with para-rpers. No more one-liners and definitely no combat; I was sold. She apologized for being away and it didn’t matter as all I needed was the landmark. Needless to say, she was right! From the first visit, I knew Perdition was my home. I’d begun writing stories from a bench near the main street bus stop. Engaging with whoever sat beside me till one day, I received an IM advising me to get off the bench. I laughed because this bench was my bench. Yes, I claimed the bench. I’d spent weeks writing stories trying to build my character or at the very least, find my footing. However, in parting ways with my beloved bench I met someone, I’ll affectionately call, the “Contender.” Writing was her passion as much as mine and from hello, it was off to the races. In weeks’ time, I’d established Acquisition Financial Corporation, acquiring business and personal accounts within the city. I even sent out weekly or monthly dividend reports, hosted a benefit, participated in a Job Fair, joined the Perdition Staff, and even served as a judge for the City’s Pageant. I’d fallen in love with every aspect of the experience which makes it unique to me and why the sim’s closing broke my heart. I’ve not found a love such as it since and after years of trying, I’ve some hope. In recent weeks, I was given the honor of visiting my beloved city. My first love has returned and immediately I’d begun contemplating narratives for a character. She doesn’t resemble the essence of her former self but I’m glad she’s returned. Never imagined having an experience in Second Life whereas I’d mourned the loss such as this but that is what makes it unique. To actually fulfill one of the promises written in signing up for this world. Well, that’s my story. I hope you’ve enjoyed the condensed version and writing one of your own. Check out his Flickr. ECLIPSE April 2021 | Page 137
Photograph provided by Lelam Ravenhurst..
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lelam ravenhurst
L
elam Ravenhurst joined Second life in 2008, originally under the surname Dresler. She changed her surname to “Ravenhurst” in 2020 and has gone by that name ever since. She enjoys exploring new sims and has a soft spot for all things fantastical.
I was part of a group of people that initially came to Second Life after the shut down of an MMO called Myst Online: Uru Live. It had been recommended to me by a friend I’d made there (one whom I am still close with to this day). When I first came to SL, I was not at all sure about the whole thing; it was quite different from Myst Online in many ways. But the longer I spent here, the more I fell in love with its endless and constantly evolving possibilities for creativity. It became an outlet for me to unwind and express myself, especially while I was taking college courses online (I was training to become a library technician and have since graduated). Eventually, in 2017, I decided to try my hand at photographing my Second Life experience but limited myself to sharing my Flickr pictures with friends. I was, and still am, relatively shy, but gradually grew more confident over time. I found myself gravitating towards fantastical, sci-fi, or historical-themed pictures. The picture that inspired me to open up to the public was my take on a “vintagestyle” postcard of Innsmouth (titled “Come Visit Innsmouth”). It was in August 2020, and I was so proud of it I knew I had to share it. I’m glad I did, because the reception was incredibly positive, and I met some amazing people. I am still very much in love with SL photography, although I wouldn’t consider myself an expert. I do enjoy sharing my work with like-minded people on Flickr and find the process very fulfilling. Check out her Flickr.
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across the grid
photography by wicca merlin. written by wicca merlin & DAFFODI
Second Life is vast, where in every part of the grid pieces and themes of fiction can be found. Wicca Merlin curates “Across the Grid” introducing ECLIPSE Magazine readers to fashion and places less known. For this piece, Wicca delves into the world of Dark Romantic (inspired by Victoria Francés) with fashion and places to visit.
L CRIMSON.
Have you perhaps fallen in love with an anti-hero, someone with otherworldly or supernatural abilities? Are you drawn to stories where two divergent worlds join together in some form of whimsical melancholy? Are you excited by the feeling of darkness surrounding you as the light fades? Are you drawn into something exciting, sinful, unseemly, mysterious or destructive? It is something that has existed for centuries, a dark romanticism created from gothic novels that have an affinity for the macabre. Most dark romantic stories encompass the supernatural. Vampires, fae, elves, demons entice someone not of their kind, usually humans. The most common trope this anti-hero is entertained by the delicious mental and physical torment of the naive target. Somehow their innocence begets an emotional connection that most might consider to be love. This love would of course be taboo, frowned upon by both sides, yet the ones involved feel that raw, primal urge, it is new and exciting and they hunger for more, sinking deeper into their mutual connection. This has also migrated from books and movies to fashion. The term beauty in darkness is its best description; morbid, brooding, dark and alluring. Designers use fabrics such as silk, leather, lace and velvet combined with colours most prominent with Dark Romanticism, deep burgundy, the blue midnight sky, gothic blacks and grays, rich violets and a vampire’s favourite meal, blood red. The clothes themselves have a gothic feel, though they can move between the magical air of whimsy and ethereal flowiness to tightly bound and restrained discipline that accentuates every curve and draws you ever closer to touch, taste, feel and become one. Models: Wicca Merlin & Vivien De’Lancoure Page 144 | ECLIPSE April 2021
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Visit Gra Page 148 | ECLIPSE April 2021
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Visit Hercyn Page 150 | ECLIPSE April 2021
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Visit Victori Page 152 | ECLIPSE April 2021
ian London. ECLIPSE April 2021 | Page 153