July - Aug 2011
Introducing Mesh Coming to all residents this summer
Summer Color All about Whites
Exotic Houses
The best from reBourne, stay home to enjoy great adventures
Travel Around the World
Second Life Best & Most Exotic Location
General Manager: LuLu Coba Senior Editor Jee Crazyboi Marketing Manager Chaonth Hancroft Public Relations: Kolby Nissondorf Copy Editor Jenjen Delicioso Fiction Editor Kymmie Quinnell Contributors: Bert Calamari, CompE Lockwood, Ginger Fanshaw, Lakan Lichlore, Troy Aristocarnas
HBM is published and managed by Heartbeat Publications. You can find us online at: www.heartbeatmag.co.cc Please send all Press Releases and Queries to: info@heartbeatmag.co.cc Advertising Sales and Kiosk Requests Please contact Angel Tzara or Lulu Coba Heartbeat Publications 2009 2010 2011 All Rigths Reserved
Editorial James Brown sings “It’s a man’s world”; however my experience of Second Life says otherwise. The next cycle will start for Issue 5 on July 10th and ends on August 9th. So ladies do not forget to give it a try & remember to follow the instructions.
Angel Tzara/ CEO and Publisher
I would usually say New Year - New Look, but it does not apply in this case at all! We have hit issue 4 & have learnt so much in the process. James Brown sings “it’s a man’s world”; however my experience of Second Life says otherwise. The virtual world belongs and is dominated by us girls! We have kept on and improvied on our Issue 3 as it has been wildly popular. Dare I think it was because I graced the cover & was posing in my sexy Blacklace undies as a centrefold? Well a girl can dream right? So Issue 4 is along the same lines with some major layout improvements as well! You must have noticed already. The decision was made to have this issue cover Exotic Locations in world. I thought it was quite appropriate as it is summer and most of us will be starting to go on vacations all around the world. From Greece
to Marrakesh & with a pit stop down under; we tried to cover as much of the globe as possible. For those who cannot travel in the real world for whatever reason, well now you can in Second Life with I believe a little bit of time travel as well included. To all of those designers and builders having taken the time to recreate those amazing locations for us all to enjoy, a big Thank You!! We did run the Casting Call for this issue’s centrefold lady & our winner is Enelya Swansong. Congratulations to her & wait till you learn more about her a few pages down. For those interested, the next cycle will start for Issue 5 on July 10th and ends on August 9th. So ladies do not forget to give it a try & remember to follow the instructions. We really hate disqualifying anyone because they did not read them. Read Carefully ladies, and Good Luck!
Content
Features 08
Sex and Relationships 14
Fashion and Shopping 27
LifeStyle 34
Table of Content What is Mesh? - 10 Mesh objects are similar to sculpted prims (sculpties) in function in that they are created in a 3D modelling application and then imported into Second Life. However, meshes do not share the limitations of sculpties. Melian Jewell - 12
Xeniveristy - 16 Are you interested in creating content for virtual worlds and tired of digging through shallow tutorials on Google? Try Xeniversity on for size!
Enelya Swansong - 18
HBM Centrefold - 22
Battle of the Sexes - 26
10 Things Women... - 28
Summer is now in full swing. Can you believe we’re midyear already? But there is still plenty of time to fit in some more beach time, or go on a really great getaway if you haven’t done so already.
The White Parties - 32 Taking looks from Real Life and finding them for you in SecondLife.
RL to SL... Styled by Jee - 42
The Beach - 44
Exotic Homes - 54 If you are a great fan of Aladdin and his Arabian nights, then the latest reBourne prefab Marrakech should tremendously help live out your dreams of a Second Life with a silk-clad Jasmine and a sidekick genie.
Adventures and Exoticism - 58 No matter where we live we want to see something else. Across town is not good enough, we want to see the world, exotic places only accessible in movies, magazines, and books. Until now.
Stuff for Men - 64
Attention True Blood Lovers! - 66
What’s New
What is Mesh? The next big update is about to hit Second Life. Mesh items promise to give us more complex and more realistic objects. Mesh objects are similar to sculpted prims (sculpties) in function in that they are created in a 3D modelling application and then imported into Second Life. However, meshes do not share the limitations of sculpties.
the creation process you should see all kinds of items becoming more complex and detailed. Fortunately for those of us without hugely powerful gaming PC’s, the good news is that mesh objects are good for lag. A complex mesh object is much easier on the viewer than the same item made using prims.
with your avatar’s joints, so the mesh copies your avatar’s movements. Wearing the mesh object and then hiding your real avatar then gives the impression that the mesh is you. The advantage of this is that a mesh can customise your appearance in ways that are difficult to achieve with prims. The downside is that you will be limited to the appearance provided.
Mesh Avatars The addition of Mesh to the world of Second Life should mean that you will see more elaborate items in-world. As content creators become familiar with 10 HBM Magazine
The most exciting new feature of Mesh is the ability to create mesh avatars. This works by linking parts of a mesh
These features make mesh avatars perfect for non-human shapes, because their inability to use clothing or other items available in-world means that
their uses in creating human avatars are limited. Fortunately for us, the current Second Life avatar will continue to be available after Mesh is introduced. In Development At time of writing, Mesh is still in testing, so although the technical implementation is almost complete there are a few questions still unanswered. Most important among these are the charging model for uploading objects, and the impact on a parcel’s prim allowance when they are rezzed. Currently, Linden Labs propose a system where the complexity of the object will determine how many prims the object equates to, and this in turn would be used to calculate the upload fee. The Lindens have been quick to confirm one thing - all existing Second Life building tools will continue to be available after Mesh is added. Builders will be able to mix-and-match object types in the same way they currently do with sculpties. As long as you are running the latest version of Viewer 2, or an up to date third-party viewer, you should see the new objects as designed. There will be no updates for version 1.23 though, so updating to Viewer 2 will be the only way to see the new mesh objects. If you have any questions not covered here, drop them on a notecard to me (Bert Calamari) or send them by email to bert@heartbeatmag.co.cc. All questions will be answered, and may also appear in the magazine. In this case, questions may be edited for clarity.
Melian Jewell In the beginning, there was a man and a woman. Or so goes the beginning of the Good Book. However, a big part of the beginning of this magazine involves Melian Jewell. Credited as the first designer to agree to have her work shown in our inaugural issue, her “Pounce� branded clothing continues to be a favorite of our customers. A designer since May of 2008, the last few years have been a growing experience for her as a designer and as an individual. HBM Magazine 13
Featured
I’ve told this story many times. Last year, when I was blessed to be hired in this position, my contacts where small. Add to that the difficulty of being a brand new magazine with no previous issues to show the quality of our work, it was a challenge to find designers who wanted to take part in our venture. I racked my brain for weeks for an idea to hit me. Then standing in my very own closet it occurred to me that if it was hanging in my closet, then it must be good. I was a fan of “Pounce”, spending my then noob collected lindens on items to improve my wardrobe. When Melian agreed to supply clothing for a spread, thus began a relationship between the two companies that none of us could have imagined.
world. She took the time out to invite me for a chat at her home.
came to teaching yourself the skills of being an SL designer.
When I arrived at Melian Jewell’s home, I found her around back in her yard. Sitting in an ivy covered trellis swing, she smiled as I approached. Her dark hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, her eyes lighter than usual in the sun light. I hugged her and as she cleared one side of the swing of her sketch books and pencils, she invited me to sit on the swing with her. Wearing tight jeans and a top she designed, she crossed her legs under her and sat beside me with a warm smile.
I tortured myself mainly. Self taught means running around in circles blind. I had to learn the hard way. I would sit in Photoshop and try to make a wrinkle, never thought a tutorial would be out there. I saw what was out there and there really wasn’t any that I liked. I just kept that in mind. I sat watching YouTube for hours. I watched clothing makers and then tried to replicate what they did. So, it was a lot of playing around. Took me a year to master wrinkles. LOL!
I had the pleasure again to interview anyone I wanted for this issue. I’ve met so many people in the last few months all with incredible stories. Who would I pick this month? As I paced about the HBM SL8B booth and greeted people, I absentmindedly brought my hands to the dog tags that hung around my neck. I looked down at them and smiled. It was time I checked in on our good friend and see what she was up to. Currently designing her much awaited Fall Line, running her main store and about to embark on another business venture, Melian continues to hold steady in a fickle fashion
Oh my pleasure. Anytime. I’m still blushing you wanted to interview me.
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What the first thing you designed? Thanks for taking the time out and meeting with me!
So, how have you been? How’s business? Melian Jewell: Pounce is doing very well. I’m always learning and pushing myself to make my next design better than the last. I’ve been designing for a few years now, but I’m self taught, so I always feel that there is more to learn out there. A lot of businesses have closed, and we still remain open, so I’m happy for that. Tell us about your experiences when it
I designed a dress. It’s a short cocktail dress with a gold embroidery pattern of dragonflies. It’s still available at the store, and believe it or not, continues to be one of my best sellers, which is pretty amazing. What’s next for Pounce? Well, I’m currently designing the Fall Line for Pounce. I got some things on the design table the other day. I have lots of ideas and sketches that will eventually make it to the store. I’ve received lots of mail from customers asking for designs that I unfortunately retired, so I’ve come up with the idea to open up an outlet
store. In that store, I’ll sell all of my retired styles at a “slasher” price. You were the first designer to sign on and work with HBM, and speaking of “slasher price” you also participate in our HBM Locker Room. How’s that going for you? You know, I know the magazine is for men, but I love the articles. I have read every issue. My customers always take a copy of HBM from the store too. I always look forward to the next issue. The Locker Room has been fantastic too. It allows me to test out a design and see how well it does before I put it in the store. Some times you design something that you’re sure will be a bestseller, and then you realize it’s not doing as well as you hoped. I take the time to go back and revisit it and see why. Fortunately, I don’t know how you guys do it, but I make a few sales there daily. So, thank you. It’s been fun being part of it.
What advise would you give people starting out wanting to be a designer? Melian Jewell: That you need more than to be creative to run a business. Study Marketing, public relations, things like that are very important to getting your business recognized. It’s pointless to design something good, if no one knows about it. Always find ways to expand on traffic, and just keep designing. What motivates you as a designer? Melian Jewell: Well part of it is wanting to be successful. The other part is to make clothes I like and want to wear, and hopefully others will like them too. I like checking out fashion shows and all I can find to inspire and motivate me. I’m motivated to get more people to see my shop and tell me what they think so I can improve. I just want to be happy and make people happy wearing Pounce clothing.
Tell me your favorite quote. Melian Jewell: “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly”. I live by that. Anything special you want to say to your Pounce customers, our HBM readers, or to someone special out there? I wouldnt know what to say without blushing! Just thank you! Let me know what I can do to make it better and I hope you like my stuff. I am blushing already! As a thank you for everyone’s love and support, Melian designed the dogtags worn in the Pounce photo of the White Party fashion spread. Every one of our readers will receive these dogtags as a gift from her. The dogtags are an exclusive item only for our readers and will never be available to anyone else, anywhere else! HBM wishes her continued success as she continues to “Pounce’ on her way to the top.
HBM Magazine 15
Self Improvement
Xenivercity Interactive virtual training Are you interested in creating content for virtual worlds and tired of digging through shallow tutorials on Google? Try Xeniversity on for size! Xeniversity offers real time in the software and techniques used for Unity3d and Second Life development. If you are looking for the traditional classroom feel inside of a virtual world then Xeniversity is the place to be. Through a combination of real time lecture and workshops, supplementary learning materials, and project-oriented curriculum, they ensure their students are ready to bring their ideas to life. Before beginning a class at Xeniversity you will need the following: Software listed for that particular class and if you wish to use voice make sure you have your headset on and ready to go as well as your software patched and open for use. Between sessions you should expect homework to cement topics covered in you classes and even though you do not acquire a grade you will be expected to do your class work and homework. Although registered students are granted permission to record class sessions, it will be for personal use only and not to be sold or distributed for profits. Currently students are recommended to use Maya 2010 or 2011 and you should also be operating with Windows or OSX. If you are looking to take classes at Xeniversity you are probably wondering what kind of payment will be accepted. On
16 HBM Magazine
the school SIM there are vendors for registration. If you decide to take a class with Xeniversity you are allowed to cancel for any reason up to a week in advance. There are a number of classes to take and the instructor and owner of Xeniversity is Zenius Revere. Check out this school if you are interested in learning from the best. For more information please check out www.xeniversity.com
HBM Magazine 17
Enelya Swansong It was a sexy competition, filled with beautiful contestants all vying for one spot - HBM’s Centerfold. Judges pondered for days who would be the second in line of this coveted spot. Finally a winner was chosen. Enelya Swansong, a relatively new model in the industry with 6 months under her belt. Her fearless determination has already won her prestigious titles in the competitive circuit and has definitely shown that she is someone to watch out for.
What made you pursue modeling? Enelya: Well, I was out shopping and started looking at all those store posters. I wanted to be like that person. It came to a head for me when I wanted to win a contract for a designer I loved and realized I didn’t have the skills. Thus, I became bound and determined to get those skills.
How does it feel to be chosen to be HBM’s Centerfold? Enelya: It’s a great honor, to the point of being in shock. I am not sure how I did it, but grateful that I did as it’s been one of my goals. Favorite must have? Enelya: Ummm, for me I have to say my nails... just something about having them to finish out an outfit...call me crazy. My nails are always done. Never leave home without ‘em. Any words to live by that you’d like to share? Enelya: Well, I have a saying and I like to think it’s good to live by. It’s “I have something to say...it’s better to BURN OUT than to FADE AWAY”. So for me I always want to burn out rather than fade away into nothing. I will go down like a movie star…lol Anyone you want to shout out or send love to? Enelya: Well, that would have to be my partner Reknard Goldshark for putting up with me asking him over and over does this look right and does this match...lol. He is my support. Most of all to HBM for giving me this opportunity to be their centerfold. It’s really an honor!! Congrats Enelya Swansong-Goldshark, our 2nd Centerfold.
g
Battle of the Sexes! A panel of judges, 2 males and 2 females, give sound advice to questions sent in by our readers. You'll be able to see both sides of the subject and ultimately decide for yourself which side gave the best advice. The Question Submitted Was: SL time lapses faster than RL life. In RL, some people get engaged after years of dating. If 2 months on SL is a life time, when’s a good time to pop the question? And at what point are we partnered?
Men's Side: It was only a short time before I proposed. If you really love the person, and they feel the same, then I say go ahead and ask whenever you're ready. The moment we met I knew, but it was about 2 wks before I asked, and now we're in our 3rd year - Richie (3yr Relationship)
I dated for 3 mos before we married... we are in our now in our 3rd year, and it gets better everyday. I would date for a few months, get to know people... SL is like RL in the dating scene, I would highly recommend spending at least 1 month, if not more, before asking the question. - Ronan (3yr Relationship)
26 HBM Magazine
Which Side are you on?
Women's Side: I think that couples on SL should wait longer to become partnered. Its harder to get to know people here than in RL. It takes time to really get to know you partner and what you like about them and work out your differences. But a lot of people on SL don't take partnering seriously and just go from person to person. I think you should be with someone for at least six months or longer before taking that step. - Elbereth (2.5yr relationship) It is hard to spend much time dating someone in SL on a regular scheduled basis. I'd say take your time. Don't rush it. It may seem like time lapses faster in SL, but in reality our hearts beat at the same pace. Heart break hurts. Go with it when it feels right. And my advice as far as partnering, don't partner anyone until your wedding day. If you go around being "partnered" to someone you're not married to, you may miss out on other opportunities. - Tina (1yr relationship)
HBM Magazine 27
10 Things Women...
think would m »» Go somewhere you both would enjoy. Spend the evening alone and go somewhere enchanted where there are fireflies, flowers, and pretty trees. »» Paris, I like to jump off the tower with parachutes. It's fun!! »» I want to be surprised. I think I would love it if the guy takes me someplace unexpected. »» It isn't what we are doing, its the person you are with. Seriously! »» I think a big night out!! Giving me an excuse to get all dressy. A fancy dinner. Maybe going to a club after... the whole night everything building up until you cant wait to get a hold of each other. »» All I ask is that they have a beautiful house, a fireplace, and a bed with good animations.
make for a romantic date! »» An amusement park, with a tunnel of love! Or a drive-in movie. Do something you both would enjoy. »» I had the most romantic date ever on here. I was told to put on a nice dress. Then I was teleported to a privately decorated sim with rose petals on the floor, romantic music, a table set for 2, champagne, and a cuddle couch. It showed thought on his part, great care in decorating to make me feel special, and we were alone. »» I'd want someone to take me to some foreign place. Go somewhere beautiful, go for a walk or something. Go out to dinner and end it sitting and talking in front of a fire place or a long walk on a beach, and just talk and get to know each other. »» A romantic evening on Titanic is always awesome!
Fashion
The White Part Summer is now in full swing. Can you believe we’re mid-year already? But there is still plenty of time to fit in some more beach time, or go on a really great getaway if you haven’t done so already. As you vacation and party the summer away, you’ll see many invitations to White Parties, or just find it a cool color to wear under the blazing sun. It’s an essential color in everyone’s wardrobe, and I’ve chosen some basic items you’ll need as you travel the globe on your summer adventures.
ENVIOUS Outfit and Shoes: :.Envious.: Snow Designer: SayaNicole Cuttita http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sim%20 Style/92/214/25 Model: Rex Requiem
ties!
JFL White Dress Shirt Top: JfL Basic Shirt in White Designer: Johnfrancis Laville http://slurl.com/secondlife/ artilleri/76/129/27http://slurl. com/secondlife/Australia%20 Style/222/219/26 Model: Brendan Macarthur
*X*PLOSION
ARTILLERI
Jeans: *X*plosion (m) BobbesJeans Normal (white)
Top: /artilleri/ Max tank top *white*
Designer: Kaliha Noel http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Xplosion/193/129/34
Designer: Antonia Marat http://slurl.com/secondlife/ artilleri/76/129/27 Model: Rex Requiem
POUNCE Jeans: *P* Pounce White Beaches Capris Dogtags: *P* Pounce Tags Exclusively for HBM Readers. Designer: Melian Jewell http://slurl.com/secondlife/Endless%20 Death/62/150/24 Model: Jee Crazyboi
On Him
On Her
SF DESIGN
KYOOT
Suit and Shoes: SF Design Tuscan Suit in White
Dress: Kyoot - Pretty White Dress
Designer: Swaffette Firefly http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Penryn/91/103/36
Designer: Saeya Nyanda http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Silent/72/99/1519 Models: Angelik Lavecchia & Angel Tzara
Achieve The
S
Look:
Styled by Jee Crazyboi Taking looks from Real Life and finding them for you in SecondLife. Now that summer is in full swing most of us live in our swim suits. This look was featured in the Neiman’s summer catalog and I liked how by adding a tank and fedora you could dress up your swim trunks and go to those “shirt required” places with ease. Look cool at the next beach party, walk the boardwalks in style, all while ready to get wet at any moments notice.
Tank Top by SF Designs in White. Available in many other colors. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Penryn/107/174/36
Swim Trunks by “Aa” Hawaii Short in Cyan. Available in other colors. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Dream/236/87/23
Slippers by CheerNo “SEAL” in white. Available at the CheerNo outlet while supplies last. http://slurl.com/secondlife/CheerNo/145/116/26
Fedora by Gentleman “Hat Gangster” in White. Available in several styles and colors. Currently on clearance while supplies last. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gentleman/167/109/33
HBM Magazine 43
H Rex: +grasp+ - BoardShorts - 01-snake Pants
Mandy: Top: Boom - Infinity Halter in White Bottom: Boom - Infinity Boyshorts in Floral White
Hot Summer The best part of the Summer isn’t the beaches, or the warmer weather. It’s not the pool parties either. The best part of the summer season is definetly the eye candy. Everyone walks around wearing as little as possible, showing of their smooth golden tanned skin. The following pages are examples of these beach beauties. So dear readers, sit back and just enjoy the sights of our swim suit spread, or may it trigger the idea to run out and buy your own beauty one of the swim suits we featured. Either way- it’s going to be a Hot Summer!
Mandy: C.Smit - Swimsuit Valentina - Silver Dots
Jo: Name: *Just me* John Green Boxer Mandy: Kyoot - Day Trip Bikini - Essaouira
Cuyler: *BOOM* Project Themeory Beach Bash!
Angel: -paper.doll- MixNMatch Bikini TDRBlue
Angel: Armidi - Tricote Nada / White Trinity: ::HH:: Hucci Rufflekini - Pink Leopard
Mandy: Bikini: Cynful - Kini Pattern - Red/ White Caro
Skirt: Cynful - Fluffyness Skirt in White
Rex: AOHARU_BT_PlaidShorts_Red Angel: ::HH:: Hucci Waterfall Bikini - Red
Angel: *League* Gartered Bikini -Champagne
Trinity: *T.Whore*- Scandalous Bikini Zebra Bitch
Cuyler: <Slut< Baby Bikini Magenta
Status Symbol
Exotic Homes
If you are a great fan of Aladdin and his Arabian nights, then the latest reBourne prefab Marrakech should tremendously help live out your dreams of a Second Life with a silk-clad Jasmine and a sidekick genie. Like most of the builds from the noted in-world architect Danny Bourne, his latest offering comes in basic and premium options to suit prim or budget requirements; ground and skybox choices are also available. The ground model has a 352-prim count and a 30×30-meter footprint, while the skybox version has 358 prims and a footprint of 40 × 40 meters. Basic to the Marrakech is a genie lamp that changes the prefab settings to night or day, with the build back-dropped by the fabulous skyline of the Marrakech, the iconic city of the famous North African kingdom of Morrocco. In the premium option with fantastic animated furniture, you can 54 HBM Magazine
rez a magic carpet along with fireflies and cage, and change the lighting as well. An ode to the splendid Middle Eastern architecture. Bundled with the whole build are three large reception rooms, an open porch with a crystal clear pool, and an entrance hall. Inside features include a walk-in wet room, balcony with pool view, and a roof terrace with drapes. Lording over the courtyard and the pool are majestic domed minarets characteristic of the Middle Eastern architecture. Moreover, the prefab’s golden doors open on chat command. Just type in “open” or “close” in local chat for the desired option. The flying carpet operates the same way; type “start” or “stop” in local chat, or “help” for further instructions. In the words of the reBourne, the SL homebuilder responsible for such successful
prefabs as London Soho and Toronto, the Marrakech is “an ode to the architecture that the world envies.” It affords vast and extravagant views of a storied city yet envelopes its residents with the privacy SL homeowners always long for. The lifestyle possibilities that this build offer can truly be varied: fireside chats and entertainment with some belly dancing, or sweet interludes on throw pillows with flute music while savoring the exotic flavors of a hooka smoke session. The Marrakech basic prefab sells for 9,500L$, but lucky are those who grabbed the initial market offering last mid-May. They got a fifty percent discount plus an animated hammock thrown-in. But IM Danny, who knows? With some lullabies of a cajoling, he may just favor you with an antedated price cut in his latest amazing build.
HBM Magazine 55
Status Symbol
56 HBM Magazine
Why It Isn’t Easy to Leave Little Africa It’s true, the wild African savannah desert can be intimidating to th uninitiated, mor so for the many tenderfoots in SL. Nevertheless, the acclaimed SL builder Danny reBourne has tamed such a wilderness into a new skybox design —Little Africa— that is so enthralling and quite captivating. Danny’s latest make, at the very first glance, captures the warmth of a desert sunset framed by stately groves of trees that some botanist wannabes will suspect as the baobab iconic of the vast African landscape. The wonder too is that this reBourne creation managed to encapsulate this beautiful ambience into a fabulous 40 x 40 m SL living quarters that surely will be cozy for a couple. Another plus is that with each buy, both the
model’s ground and a skybox version are included. Certainly not a shack as other compact in-world residences tends to be, this creation has a prim count of 415 for its furnished skybox version and 134 for the unfurnished skybox. The furnished ground variant has 410 prims and the unfurnished, 129. The unfurnished combo costs 4000L$ and the furnished, 9,500L$. Fully animated furniture pieces go in the furnished Little Africa, featuring the works of one of the best SL animators, Sylva’s. After some trials in manipulating the pose balls in the furnishings, it would be hard to decide where to start first—go slow and easy at the inviting couch or deliver the coup de grace in the charming bed.
This build is something you won’t TP out of in a hurry,” the Bourne proprietors Danny and Estella attest. This is a contention that will be hard to contradict as besides the amazing build, perfect texturing, and the exquisite furnishings, their Little Africa also features a pool, a zebra skin rug, and fire place among its endearing accessories. Definitely, this is one in-world residence that anybody wouldn’t want to leave given of course the right company.
HBM Magazine 57
Where to Go
Adventures and Exoticism No matter where we live we want to see something else. Across town is not good enough, we want to see the world, exotic places only accessible in movies, magazines, and books. Until now. This is Second Life and with the click of a mouse you can climb Mt. Everest or dance in Tahiti. And with summer vacation upon us what better time to hit the virtual road for adventures unknown? My bags are packed.
Greece - Greek-Athens-Greek-Region, Greece 54, 27, 22 I’ve always wanted to see this ancient land the way Zeus wanted me to: A land of art, splendor, and beauty. When time began, so did Greece. Second Life offers this playground of the gods as a blend of history and present. It reads like a travelogue: “Come here and live Greek” the SL description of the fabled country notes. “Enjoy dance, meet the locals, experience art, culture, and explore attractions. Interested in history? Greece 58 HBM Magazine
wrote the book, literally. It’s time to stop and smell the baklava, let’s go Greek. My search starts like many others in SL, by doing a ‘Search'. Type ‘Greece’ – then stand back, because about 70 locations turn up ranging from Greek culture to Greek – eh, let’s just say they like to party. I started with a general overview by teleporting to the Greek-Athens Greek Region. Prepare to say wow, no not wow, oompa! You land and rezz at the Acropolis of Athens. Built in the early 400’s, it is a temple of the ancients, culture to the millenniums, and fortification of all things Athenian. In Second Life you can walk all over it just as Greek gods did. Not a bad start to a Tuesday morning. Sitting at the altar where priests conducted services since recorded time, I recall these people were soothsayers of the future. I wonder if they knew one day an avatar would visit?
The view below is of a bustling Greek village. It is a labyrinth of shops, cafes, cobble stone streets, and friendly natives. Time to meet the locals. “I love being here,” Giorgos Skotadi, SL visitor and RL Greek native and resident said. “The details of this place are amazing, especially this monument,” he added, pointing to the acropolis on the hill. “Coming here is a great way to get in touch with the Greek way of life.” And life here is good, just ask Billy42 Streeter; he built the place. “I wanted people to see my country the way we know and love it,” Streeter said, walking me through winding streets and quaint villages, living in my computer world and the real one on the Mediterranean Coast. “As you walk, notice the traditional Greek houses,” Streeter said. “They are replicas of what one finds in Greece. People make their homes depending on where they live. Islanders make them white, mountain dwellers use stone, and city guys build with concrete.” And Billy builds in pixels. Ending the tour of a timeless land now computer generated, I pause to refresh the
same way Zeus and Athena did, with a tall glass of beer in the local tavern. Okay, the gods probably didn’t bend an elbow at a cyber bar but this is Second Life, if I can fly, they can drink. “Our tavern is a local meeting place,” Billy42 said. “This is the place to experience ‘Greek Night’ dancing, singing, all the Greek culture.” Crowds start gathering around 11 am SLT so come early and dance often.
Australia - Australia 193,80,28 I live on the other side of the world from Australia. Regrettably, I’ve never been there. My knowledge of this great country was learned from Crocodile Dundee - and he left a lot out. Australians invented aspirin, contact lenses, notepads, penicillin, and the pacemaker. It is home to 40 million kangaroos. Native Aussies trace their roots back 50 thousand years. One of them is an avatar. Meet Graceful79. HBM Magazine 59
Where to Go
I met Graceful79 on a first pass of the Outback, the Second Life version. She’s from real world Melbourne and visits virtual world Australia almost daily. Australians are known for friendliness and kindness to strangers. They are a people enthusiastic in presenting their homeland to visitors. Virtual World Aussies are no different. “I’d be happy to show you around,” she said, “But trust me, if I’m not here, any local will gladly help you out. It’s just the way the crowd tends to be, very helpful.” My advice is to take them up on their offer. Enlist the help of a resident for tips and insights not easily gleaned on your own. Like one I learned from Graceful79: The best way to see the Land Down Under is high above it.” So let’s begin. “Sitting on top of the Opera House, overlooking Sydney Harbor Bridge is awesome,” said Graceful. “Fly up to the top of the building, you’ll find some deck chairs and a great view of the sim. “The work gone into replicating the sights here is amazing,” added 60 HBM Magazine
Ms. Graceful. Or you can teleport to the main areas for exploration: In addition to the Opera House, there’s Uluru and Outback, Top Dingo Shop, Centerpoint Tower, Hang glider, Harbor Bridge, The Point, and Residentials, and the Gap. Start with The Gap. “It’s a dance club,” said Graceful, “Great music and while most of the regulars are Australian, obviously everyone is welcomed.” Absorb Aussie culture while bustin’ a few moves. Ask questions only an Australian can answer like, ‘is a platypus really a furry duck? Or when you’re tired of a boomerang how do you through it away? The Gap fills the gap. And what’s a trip to Australia without exploring The Outback? Did you know Australia is full of wild camels? The ones here are tame and ready to ride. If you want something more automated, test your skills on a mechanical bull. Or spend the night in a tent with someone you love – in a SL world without
RL mosquitoes.
Africa - Africa 175,100,26 “Africa: Land of mystery and myth; home of horn nosed armorplated cows, horses with stripes, cats that eat you, and Tarzan. In the jungle, the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight – not here. Pixel lions never sleep. Neither do the above mentioned rhinos, zebras, or tigers. Instead they gather at the savanne watering hole. And you can too. For those of us who may never see Africa, Second Life sheds light on The Dark Continent so let the safari begin. The most popular African site is appropriately titled, “Africa.” Teleport here and land at the previously mentioned watering hole. It is a gathering place for man and beast, just as in RL. In fact, much of this SIM emulates non-cyber Africa. There
are animals embedded in jungles, huts and residents scatted throughout the site. “It’s not an African replication,” said frequent visitor Freddduk. “But it’s not meant to be. This takes parts and pieces and builds a composite of Africa. It’s just a peaceful place. I’ve never been to Africa in real life but this site helps. It’s not the same as real life of course but it’s a compendium of African things. For fantasy Africa, it’s great.” England’s Belle Gloom agrees: “I’ve been to Kenya and I know a bit about Africa and always come here. This is my log in spot. I come here to think, enjoy the music and ‘jungle sounds,’ and also meet friends occasionally.” For first timers, I’d recommend the balloon ride. For L$20, it’s one of the best bargains in attraction,” said co-owner and builder Hutch Reverie. “I built it myself, so I’m proud of it. He should be. It’s beautiful. He and principle co-builders Flick1 resident and Micheal Cunningham designed a state of the art winter retreat that makes one nostalgic for the Ice Age. HBM Magazine 61
‘what I did on my summer vacation’ Club Melt - Glacial Peaks Resort 157,189,38 I took the ski lift to the top and opted to try the free saucer sled for the trip down. Dashing through the snow takes on new meaning in an ice-pixeled winter wonderland. Just when my sled comes to an exciting stop (I crashed into an ice bank) a light snow falls, something I have not seen in the real world in 10 years. After some make believe hot chocolate, offered by friendly staff members, it’s time to party. On to the Melt, the perfect icebreaker. Live DJs, daily events, and constant new activities keep this club fresh, albeit chilly. “The outside results from our imagination but Club Melt indoors is based on an ice bar,” said Reverie. “One of our most popular features at the club is the ‘Best In’ contests. Tonight’s is ‘Best In Motorcycle Wear.’ I’ve never seen Harley Davidson’s ride up a snow mountain but then again, this is Second Life. The Best In contests are held weekdays, 7 – 9 pm SLT and weekends, 1 – 3 pm SLT. The Melt’s advertising mentions strip contests but those poor folks are going to catch pneumonia because ice is everywhere. After some cool dancing on a frozen floor, it is back to the snow for ice skating. Couples and singles mingle for a romantic spin around the rink. What a great trip! I can’t wait to report back to school on ‘what I did on my summer vacation.’ While others talk about dreary family reunions, or stale sandwich picnics at the lake, I took a balloon ride over Africa, explored a temple in Greece, chased kangaroos in Australia, and danced the night away in an ice fortress. Top that, real world. HBM Magazine 63
The Scoop
Stuff for Men... Finding Deals Yes, indeed, there is plenty of hope for the male avis often criticized by in-world fashionistas in constant state of deshabile. And the good news too is that there is no need to spend a bundle of Lindens or to be a shopaholic to get that masculine SL look that draws the ladies’ complimenting IMs. Neither is there much time needed to peruse over a long line of freebies pandered in some sims or parcels, items that are a sorry-looking mess of cut-and-paste that only mess up a macho’s already muddled up inventory. The fact is even a day-old newbie can be a dashing metaverse gentleman in a matter of hours, given that in one fell swoop one can have an excellent collection of shapes, skins, and fashionable wear including ac64 HBM Magazine
cessories. This one-stop shopping can be done easily by joining a group called MENstuff whose implicit mission is to help not only improve the appearance and fashion sense of male avatars but also generate exposure to designers, whether new or old. To date there are 11,500 members and 300 designers in this group, a firm indication of its popularity in SL. One major benefit of joining this group is having access to the goods at the MENstuff lounge where there are freebies from more than 70 of the top designers in SL. These include, to name a few, such big names as AoD Designz, Animations Rising, Adjunct, PEER Style, PeKas. Prominent too, of course, are stuff from Maverick Design and Shapes of Ivy
Maverick, the store of which hosts this wonderful lounge for men, and FIR & MNA, owned by Rob Moonites who founded the MENstuff group. Another main benefit of being grouped in MENstuff, which has a free and open enrolment, is the massive grid-wide hunt held under the group’s banner. The last one was held June 3 to July 3, and covered a mind-boggling 151 stores, to do justice to this hunt’s claim as the largest and most exciting male fashion hunt in SL. Allotting some time to participa-
te in this hunt is beneficial not only to bolster fashion and accessories inventory gratis et amore. The interaction among the members is superb via the group chat and hunt encounters which can likewise involve some lady hunters. The participants exchange tips, particularly on the more puzzling clues. Along with each hunt siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SLURL, all the hints are published in the MENStuff blogsite, which is likewise a medium by which to source even more SL places where male fashion items, body parts, and accessories can be had totally free.
One male fashion hotspot that has emerged recently, as gathered from such in-world banter, is the Locker Room, an offshoot of the recent launch of HBM, the sultry latest publication for the machos in SL. Albeit the items arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give-aways, the menswear and paraphernalia at this compact skybox of a store are sold at generously discounted prices. Majority of the items available here are in the 100 L$ and below range, making them highly affordable even to the newbies or SL mainstays with a tight budget.
Moreover, the goods at the Locker Room are quality products of some of the most creative and prolific inworld designers. Among them are highly respected SL brands like Ispachi, [hate this], Rebourne, Larz Stylez , 22769, Juice, SubVersion, CS Shapes, Circus, Hardwear, Pounce, SF Design, Shiki, and BMC. This list is by no means complete as the wares change on a weekly basis and many more designers are being added to this roster that can indeed provide the right ingredients for that hotlooking male avi. HBM Magazine 65
Clubbing
Attention True Blood Lovers! Merlotte’s and Fangtasia Open for Business! If you’re not familiar with True Blood, the premise is that vampires and humans coexist in Bon Temps, a small, fictional town in Louisiana. The series centers on Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress working at Merlotte’s Bar & Grill, who falls in love with vampire Bill Compton. Says co-owner, EJ Cannned: “We have built a damn near exact model of Bon Temps and Shreveport that feature Merlotte’s and Fangtasia, along with Bill and Sookie’s house, Sam’s trailer, Eric’s office, the convenience store, and cemetery…. We want to provide fans of the show and books with a genuine place to be able to role-play the show.” There will be club events with role play that feature characters from the show and the book, along with original characters, that visitors can interact with. Role-play classes and free tools for development of characters will be offered for those interested. You can find out more about True Blood at HBO’s website 66 HBM Magazine
or by watching old episodes at HBO on Demand. The new season starts on June 26th at 9pm EST on HBO. Owners, EJ Cannned, Jordyn Questi, and Keven McMahon already have over 400 people in their group and plan the Grand Opening for June 18, 2011, which will feature a photo contest for those dressed as show characters. However, there will be some events before then and visitors are welcome. Merlotte’s is on the main level and Fangtasia is in the air. Most of what you will see there is authentic to the show. Regular events will be held every Tuesday and Thursday, including “story time” when audio books will be played. What else is unique to this place? They do not hire dancers. Instead, guests are allowed to grab a pole and keep 80% of tips, if they like. Also, during events, DJs will act like actual Louisiana DJs from stations. There is a Greedy table and Trivia events on Sunday nights. Those interested in a job as club Host or Bartender,
should pick up an application from the sim’s Visitor Center. Employment and Role-play Applications are on the board. You may also contact Kevin McMahon, Vanessa Eternal, or Isabell Blackhart if needed. Those who join in the role-play are expected to act everything out. Unlike other combat sims, you are in complete control - no DCS huds or anything like that are needed, just a simple RP tool which they provide for you. You are required to apply for roles, only because they want to keep it as realistic and enjoyable as possible for everyone. Check out their Facebook page for more information: http://www.facebook.com/ home.php#!/homephp?sk=group_1 01661275747&ap=1. If you are a merchant, there are just a few shops left there to rent. These are 100L per week for 50 prims. Gestures unique to the show, Goth, Vampire, or anything edgy would probably due best there.
Bad Things!
If you’re a fan of the HBO Series “True Blood” or The Southern Vampire Mysteries series of novels by Charlaine Harris, you’ll want to check out the SL version of Fangtasia club and Merlotte’s Bar & Grill. They’re both part of the original True Blood Role Play Sim, which is now re-opening. Everyone is welcome to come to the club or bar; joining the role-play group is optional. The SL sim is NOT part of the Bloodlines franchise. However, vampires are welcome there and they do sell Bloodlines items in Fangtasia.
Bon Temps Where is Eric?
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Clubbing
Who is behind the bar today?
Road Work,, Isntâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Jason Stackhouse supervising?
Fangtasia
Merlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parking Lot
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