Issue 15 by Angel Tzara

t r a e H AT BE

♥15 S eptember 2010

n Magazi e f i l t Nigh d l r o W Your In

Photo: Ji Dallagio

Contents

Editorial

DJ of the Month

Dancer of the Month Cover

Permissions 8 Wolfen Parx 14 Jase Zsun 20

Enigma & Carribean 26

Art for artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake? 38

Profile

Paris Metro 46

Clubbing

Rock on at excellent Exodus 54 The Love Bugg Club 60

Shopping Clubbing

Fashion Fashion

Dare to be a sporty girl 66 What a sportsman would wear 76

Momma, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m cleaning out my closet 80 Log out How to recover from a break-up 85 Log out Life with cancer (1) 90 Log out

www.heartbeatmag.co.cc

Editorial

Welcome to the Heartbeat Region! As I told you last month, we have been super hard at work and the sim is finally open for all! A big Thank You to darling LuLu, our Events Manager, for ensuring the Grand Opening Hunt was so successful. Thank you all for those who have visited us and gave us fantastic feedback! We are still hoping to see you come back and hang out! The Hunt is still going on so feel free to drop by and grad some fantastic pressies from our lovely sponsors. We are also humbled to have been put on the Second Life Destination Guide as one of the picks. Happy Dance!!! Happy Dance!!! Now that the region is open, LuLu is cooking up a whole series

of parties and concerts with some of SLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most amazing artists. Do not forget to join our subscribo group when you visit us in-world. Our latest addition to the family, Lars, will be our male fashion coordinator. And because I am a fashion and shopping addict, I am delighted to announce the creation of our new shopping website feed: heartbeatmag.co.cc/fashion All you have to do is click on the blue tab on the side of the page and it will take you there! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issueâ&#x20AC;Ś xoxo Angel

t r a He AT BE Nightlif -World Your In

zi e M a ga

also on issuu.com/Heartbeat-SL

Publisher & Editor in Chief Angel Tzara Marketing Chaonth Hancroft (director)

Creative Alvar Inglewood (director) Oliver Yeu, Cecilia Mistwalker

R Writers Bert Calamari, ChloeRed Mornington, Creamy Mynx, Ginger Fanshaw, Keekee Dezno, Khali Farspire, Lucy Kenin, Troy Aristocarnas, Valerie Farshore Fashion Arielle Boccaccio (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s), Lars Foulsbane (menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) Photographers Ji Dallagio, Kala Balut, Samantha Lamont, YunMi Verwood

R Personal Assistant Adelie Westminster Events Manager LuLu Coba

R Heartbeat Magazine is published and managed by Integrated Talents Alliance You can find us online at www.heartbeatmag.co.cc and www.heartbeatmag.co.cc/fashion Please send all press releases and queries to info@heartbeatmag.co.cc

Permissions by Bert Calamari

If you have created an item in Second Life and want to share your work with others the next step is to understand how to restrict what others can do with your creation. Sophisticated controls are built into Second Life itself, and allow you to place restrictions on whether your item can be: · Moved · Modified · Copied · Given away or resold Sharing items with others You may wish to place an item on land belonging to you or one of your groups. For example, this might be a building, a statue or a chair. For these items, you can allow others access to your object. As always when you are changing any aspect of an object, you will find the available options by

right-clicking on the object and clicking edit. The following options are available: Share with group – a tick here means that any other member of the same group as the object will be able to do almost anything to it that you can. Before ticking this box it is best to check which group the object is assigned to: this will default to your current group when you rez the object. You can change this at any time by clicking “change” next to the group name. Allow anyone to move – if this is enabled then anyone will be able to move your object around. There are very few cases where you would want to do this. Allow anyone to copy – enabling this option will allow anyone to right-click your object and choose “Take Copy” to receive a copy of the object.

For Sale – this will allow anyone to buy your object, a copy of it, or its contents. After checking this box, you will be able to select one of these options, as well as the sale price. This can be any price you choose, including L$ 0,– if you want to give away your creation for free. If you are selling your item, or giving it away, you can then restrict what the next owner is allowed to do with it. Next owner permissions These will only be applied when the ownership of the object is changed. At this point, you can choose whether the user is permitted to: · Modify – includes changing the object’s name, color, texture and shape · Copy – if this is allowed, the next owner will be able to create as many copies as they wish.

This is useful if modifying is also allowed, as it will allow the end user to create backup copies. · Transfer – if this is allowed, the next owner will be able to resell or give away the item Second Life enforces the right of first sale, so will not allow you to uncheck all three permissions – you must allow at least one out of copy or transfer. In reality, if you are selling an item you will always want to uncheck one of these, as allowing both copying and transfers will allow your creation to be infinitely copied and given away for free! The catch with next owner permissions is that you cannot test them yourself. If you are in any doubt as to whether you have chosen the correct permissions, your only option is to give a copy of your item to a friend and get them to check.

If you have any questions not covered here, drop them on a notecard to me (Bert Calamari) or send them by email to bert@heartbeat-

mag.co.cc. All questions will be answered, and may also appear in the magazine. In this case, questions may be edited for clarity.

ing other music lovers to music I have that they might not have heard and them enjoying it and starting to listen to it on their own as well. I really have pretty eclectic tastes in music. I pride myself on not getting stumped with requests so I’ll play anything anyone wants to hear. I guess I like everything pretty much, but especially classic rock, meaning anyWhy do you DJ? thing 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s but I I’ve loved music (for) as long as I like a lot of current music too. I’m can remember. I DJ’d (in) RL at someone who is very into acoustic the FM station on campus when guitar, lyrics with a message and I was in college and then started vocal harmony. I’m often known DJing in different programs on- to play acoustic versions of songs. line. So DJing in SL just seemed Where do you DJ? What is an obvious choice to me. I have your schedule? over 1,000 albums, a working turntable, 750 cassettes and who I keep pretty busy DJing because knows how many CDs; so I’m all I do enjoy it so much. Mon-Thu: 6-8 pm SLT at Club set for music. Bold, Tue & Thu 3-5 pm SLT at What style of music? The Rock Den, Tue 6-8 pm SLT at Well, I enjoy playing what people The Black Pearl, Thu 8:30-10:30 want to hear and perhaps expos- pm SLT at the Tropic Club at CaWhat his profile says: “Loving my second life! Plenty to do and see and new experiences to have! I love exploring and doing it all! I DJ here in SL and love it!… Yes, SL is a virtual world but there are real people at the keyboard, so keep that in mind and may you all get what you give! It’s not the dance, it’s the partner!”

DJ of the Month

Wolfen Parx by Creamy Mynx Age: two years in RL Rez date: 6/6/2008 RL location: Oregan, USA SL partner: iwannaplay Parx

DJ of the Month

lypso Sands, Fri, Sat & Sun 6-8 pm SLT at Bucks MC – the first club that hired me in SL as DJ. I keep the day off on Wednesdays to spend time with (my partner) wanna as she leaves hump day open on her schedule as well. I also do the occasional fill-in job and always try to send out notices when I’m DJ‘ing as well. What is your most memorable experience DJ‘ing? Well, being chosen as Heartbeat Magazine’s DJ of the month is definitely one of the most memorable experiences. I think the others relate to filling people’s rather obscure music requests quickly and pleasantly surprising them or having them ask about a group I‘m playing that they’ve never heard. What are your favorite three songs? OMG. I guess I should first say this is an amazingly difficult ques-

tion for someone who loves music as much as I do. You’re asking a DJ who has 11,500 mp3s loaded in (his) player right now. Well, I would have to say one of them is a song called Yaicha by The Pousette-Dart Band. It’s a beautiful song and my oldest daughter is named after that song I guess I would have to say another is a song called Not Like You by a duo called Lowen And Navarro. (It is) another beautiful and touching song. It has a special meaning to me because I recorded myself singing this one and sent it to wanna ten years ago when she was still back in the DC area before moving to join me (in) RL. We met online 11 years ago and have been together RL now for nearly 10 years. So it’s always been a special song to both of us. Well, I’m someone who listens to music that relates to the mood I’m in so it can honestly change from day to day and hour to hour.

DJ of the Month

Well for my third choice, I guess I would say naughty songs in general… S.E.X, Figured You Out, Something In Your Mouth… just a few examples from Nickelback and NIN’s Closer… you get the picture, lol.

you know who you are and I hope you know how much I appreciate all of your support and enthusiasm for what I do. Do you have any advice for SL noobs?

I first say not to get discouraged, Would you like to give a shout- everyone here was a noob at some out to anyone in SL? point. Second, don’t be afraid to ask Well, I would have to start with a shout-out to wanna. I wouldn’t questions or accept help. There are have found SL and been DJing lots of friendly people here in SL who are more than willing to help here if she hadn’t run across SL. I would also like to give a big out when and where they can. Finally, explore and have fun, shout-out to all the people who come to support me regularly because there really is a little when I am DJing. Too many to something for everyone here in mention individual names but Second Life.

This writer found DJ Wolfen to be very articulate, quite sexy and über-stylish both on the air and during the interview. His DJ voice is unique with a richness and warmth that must be heard.

He has a very special “growl” that he emits between the song sets. He gives shout outs that makes one laugh, blush or moan. An SL visit to any of his DJ events is well worth one’s time.

From the SL Profile of Dancer of the Month Jase Zsun: “Hello you all. My is Jase Zsun. My friends call me Jase. I love partying, dancing, listening to good tunes, and playing video games. I love RPGS. I am a Dancer and Co-Manager at The Black Pearl, and LOVING every second of it. If you want to see me dance, be sure to drop by, the Landmark is in my Picks. I also love Driving and a little bit of combat. I’m still new at it though, figuring it out.”

What do you like to do when you are not dancing? I love to hang out with Jayna Jarman, she is the Manager at The Black Pearl and she is awesome. and so are her Friends, Suki Blackheart and Angelia Twine. They are all a barrel of laughs, we have so much fun together when the club is closed. What has been your favorite memory of SL, so far?

Tough Question… but it would have to be Getting the Job working for Jayna… I love to dance… Where do yo work? it’s like, all i do here… other than I work at 2 Clubs actually, but ride my vehicles, and try the commostly at 1 main one. I work at bat sims. The Black Pearl. Share with us your favorite tips in SL, be it dancing or just Favorite part about dancing? goofing off Well, my most favorite thing about dancing is entertaining the When you’re dancing, it’s best to VIPs and having everyone’s eyes go with your heart with the stuff on me… The Lindens don’t hurt you say, really get into it… don’t use boxed emotes… unless just to either… ;)

Dancer of the Month

Jase Zsun by Creamy Mynx Age: 28 in RL, 146 days old in SL Rez date: 3/20/2010 RL location: Central Canada

Dancer of the Month

read them and learn from them. awesome Staff, fun to be with, People like it a lot more if the very classy environment, Beautiemotes come from here. *Points ful Dancers… I think if people ever have a to his head* spare moment, they should REAny final comments? ALLY check it out, it is great fun. I would Just like to talk about The It’s gonna be the next hottest place Black Pearl. It is an amazing Club, to be in SL.

This writer found Dancer Jase to be a… SeXXXy Hot, talented dancer. He truly works the crowd of females that gravitate to him as he dances on the pole. What makes him different from other male dancers? His dancing style is slow… slow burn slow… making one “wait” for each layer to come off and we do want the lay-

ers to come off. He creates personalized sensual passages for each Linden tip given him and some of them really makes one want to melt and re-tip him again for more. He sports a neko tail that is “touch at your own risk” naughtily scripted. By the way, Jase’s avatar is handsome, well-dressed and… well-endowed. Oh my, my, my.

Enigma & Caribbean Faces in Creativity and Splendor

by Troy Aristocarnas Photos: Kala Balut

Cover

aoasis surreal of puzzling sculptural pieces There’s no doubt about it. Perennial TPs to the prevalent Second Life portals of the Ss (shopping, songs, socials, and ummm, okay, sex) can be a jading experience. Fortunately, there are many oases in-world which come as a refreshing break from the run-of-themill, hedonistic attractions in SL. For the pixeled citizens with the bent for the creative, the sim called Enigma would be a stop worth taking. Its ambience of heavy overcast skies is surely surreal, but there’s more. Its circular landscape is filled with sculptures each with a story to tell, tales which could be left to a viewer’s own imagination.

Cover

Sidle up, for instance, to a lamppost with its beam of light on a sprouting seed. Is it artificial photosynthesis at work here? Or is the beam selfishly drawing whatever energy there is from the struggling, young leaves? A similar puzzling build are sculptural pieces of greeneries with sprouting cables and sockets. Is this a foretelling of technology taking over everything as it has been explored in some sci-fi movies? Or is this an expression of thirst and longing for a connection of some lonely souls in the vastness of cyberspace? Credit goes to RL and SL artist Anley Piers for the imprint that Enigma leaves to the fashion designers, artists, photographers and kindred spirits who have become habituĂŠs of the sim which likewise provide not only the music apropos to its theme. Visitors can huddle and cuddle around a campfire that further adds flavor to the inspiring ambience. Even some of the art pieces themselves feature the pink and blue balls iconic of the fusion of M/F delights in-world.

amazing close encounters of the pinks andblues the Photos: Samantha Lamont

Such icons of SL pleasures are certainly de rigueur to many of the places in Second Life. But like at Enigma, the Caribbean Resort of the Kitsch Region has taken the creative approach notches higher in luring avatars to its fold.

Cover

Fly in the air, plunge into the sea, or go inland, Caribbean Resort has something, and all for free for everybody. Those who relish flying with sea gulls can take the resort’s chopper. And if maneuvering WASD or arrowkey controls prove to be too taxing, there’s always a skybox with a transparent floor from which to admire white-crested waves rolling to the beach. For those starting to sprout gills as water sports fanatics, powerboats, windsurfers, and paddle boats are available sans rental fees. Tired of being seaborne, one can explore along the beach and perhaps traipse in a dance amid the waves with the sim owner, hamchan8901 Arida, who’ll unselfishly lend her van to a couple with some naughtier intentions. More worldly (but perhaps less torrid) desires can be sated

Cover

farther inland at the blues and pinks for dancing and smooching at several tiki huts and beach tents. There’s a unique, translucent dance floor for the thespians’ feet. And for some extreme contrast, those who’d want to relive some scenes in the beaches of Normandy, a tank suspiciously a replica of recent Mideast war vintage can be safely ridden to cap a truly amazing Caribbean Resort experience.

Profile

Art for Art’s sake? Not with Jered’s 3D Designs! by Khali Farspire

Only six months old in SL, Jered Nayar is a Dutch artist who knows what he wants and sets out to get it. Charming, witty and blessed with a gentle soul, we stood on the golden sands of his own island retreat and discussed the journey he has taken to creating his works of art and opening his own business in SL. I love to explore new things, Hi Jered, thank you for your time today. I have seen a lot of your and I have always liked to draw work and love what you do. Can with my PC. First, there was (the you tell me how long you have program) Paint, then I received a link to a webpage from someone. been creating your pictures? Yes, I have worked with a 3D That site talked about 3D drawprogram, for more than 10 years ingsâ&#x20AC;Ś and I got curious. now. It started all very simply, and I continued to work up to what I So, being curious, you began to experiment with 3D drawing? create now. Yes, I started to find my way on How did you discover that you 3D sites and found a tutorial of were interested in creating 3D a 3D program. I ordered the program, and I started to work with artwork?

Profile

ed a beautiful castle in 3D a couple of years ago, and I’d heard about SL and its 3D chat. So I thought the easiest thing to do was go to SL and build the castle What other things can you cre- there; make it come “alive”. That ate using your technique? Is your was easy to think because I didn’t art based on three-dimensional know how SL worked at that time shapes? Yes, my drawings are all based on three-dimensional shapes, for example, like the mathematic forms we have… it looks kind of like building in Second Life usand never knew what prims were, ing prims. and that you had to pay for land! So, because you use “prim-like” I will probably never built the structures for your art, is that castle because it’s a lot of prims. where you got the idea to intro- I told someone about it, and they wanted to see the drawings I’ve duce your work into SL? No, because my drawings have made, and that’s how I found out nothing to do with prims, it was I could upload drawings into SL. just an example of how I draw I got compliments about my work and make things. First, my rea- and started to draw more. son to come here was to make my dream come true… now let me Where do you draw your inspiraexplain this. I designed and creat- tion for your artwork? it. At first, there was only a simple cube or a ball, and later there where other things I could create with the program.

“I start with end up wit

Profile

Sometimes, I get the inspiration from just playing with the program; I let it render, and there is the picture. However, there are times when it doesn’t turn out right, and I delete it. I also get inspiration from the way I feel or from things in the real world.

h a barn and th a castle.” Such as? Well, I do like old buildings and castles, and try to draw them, and during the process, I will notice that a door should be here or a window there and I find my own way in the picture, and how I would like it. Sometimes, I start with a barn and end up with a whole castle; it’s all in my fantasy and then I simply just have to draw it.

I have noticed that you also have a lot of work that is not based on buildings but rather based on other objects. What inspires you to create them? For example, my favourite piece is based on a sphere design. As I played with the program, I didn’t know what to draw. The ball design came up, and I tried to make a picture out of it. I hung it in my shop, and there was someone who said that it was abstract. I had never heard of it and looked it up on the Internet. That person was right, it was abstract! I started to find pages about it and decided to make some more because I think they are very nice to see. As I play with the program, it has some kind of built-in camera, so I can turn the picture of what I just drew, zoom in or zoom out, and that way, I can study my work in more detail and create beautiful things.

Jeredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Design GodzillaTown Central Phantomn District (71, 95, 23)

Profile

Well, I particularly like the abstract artworks. J How have you found the experience of starting a business in SL? A friend helped me to get started, I’m just about five months on SL, so I don’t know about how everything works around here yet.

When you’re not creating great artworks or running your new business, what do you do to relax or have fun? Well, I’m already happily addicted to SL and have a great time here, and do all kinds of funny things. I usually have so much fun I have even found myself crying with laughter.

But you are learning everyday? Yes, I’m very curious about everything that has to do with 3D So you like to get out and experiart, and of course, everything in ence new things? Yes, I like that very much. I alSL! I have a great time being here ways like to learn new things or and have made lots friends too! to explore new areas. What advice would you give to other artists on SL who might be Thanks so much for your time, considering starting a business Jered. Your artwork is amazing, and I know that you will have a and selling their work? Don’t give up on you’re ideas successful business here on SL. Thank you very much, Khabut make it happen! It is a lovely way to work here in SL, and li. I hope my dream about letyou’ll meet different people. Al- ting people see what I can create, ways be curious and try to learn will come true. J People are free as much as you can, you’ll only be to come by my shop and visit any time. smarter for it!

a growing fas

by Kee Photos: Sam

shion trilogy

ekee Dezno mantha Lamont

Shopping

There is a wonderful store called Paris Metro that is becoming the latest rave. Paris Zsun and RFB Morpork started this store about a year ago. They make beautiful gowns with a fresh and formal style that is appealing to a younger generation. Although I do not put myself in the category of this generation, I do love their beautiful designs. These designs come from the Red Carpet and Parisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own personal dreams. Their style is â&#x20AC;&#x153;active wear plus French lace for the modern, busy, romantic types,â&#x20AC;? according to Paris. Their designs sometimes look like a piece of art. You really cannot imagine their clothes without seeing them, be-

Shopping

cause they are like nothing else. The price range for their clothing is between L$ 900 to L$ 1,500 and worth every cent of it. When I asked Paris how she got started, she replied, “In RL, I have a business too, providing fashion and entertainment industry styling and new product ideas, so I thought why not do it in SL.” In RL, she often provides the concept of a business all the way to what product that business should sell and how it should look. She said when she visited the Paris 1900 sim she knew, it had to be the Paris Metro: a place that is always moving, taking international people to their destinations, all underground, all in ultra fashion. Paris Metro consists of three stores, and this trilogy is growing with a gallery for emerging artists in its fold. Gallery, you say? Yes! As Paris Z is an artist in RL and possesses an MFA, she loves seeing other

Shopping

artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work. Her dream goal in RL is to provide a space for artists to have shows and exhibits, so she also decided to bring this dream to Second Life and found it to be a lot of fun. It is what this is all about for her, she says. The temporary home of the gallery is in Paris Metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first home.

Keep apace with Paris Metro in these upcoming events: Main Store and 5th Ave, starting on August 10, have great hunts ongoing. The Art Gallery has a new show with three artists and live music opening later in August. New stores are opening and a new Paris Metro Visual and Performing Arts Center is being built on 5th Ave. These are scheduled to open in October 2010.

Rock on at excell exodus by Khali Farspire Photos: Kala Balut

Clubbing

lent

When I was approached to write a review about a club and its music, my initial reaction was “oh, no!” not another club… not another cliquey crowd… not another place where if your face doesn’t fit, they won’t talk to you!! Grrrr, why me? However, being the consummate professional that I am… I donned my “party on” clothes and headed to my given assignment, Exodus. And here, dear reader, is where I admit (and you won’t see this happen too often, haha) that I was wrong! All of my preconceived ideas “about just another club” flew out the door in a hot minute! Why? Well, first and foremost, because of the people that I met there and second, because of the rocking music that was pumping! If you like your rock, then this is the place for you. From classic

rock, to modern hard rock, 70s and 80s and heavy metal, the rock variety is awesome. You will hear everything from Korn to Guns and Roses, ACDC, Rammstein, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Kings of Leon, Pink Floyd, Hinder, Muse, and so many more, I could be writing here all day! There are DJs from both sides of the Atlantic to keep the music pumping over many hours, and those that I have heard are excellent! I have been able to catch several of the DJs “do their thing,” and each has their own unique style J All of them are worth going back to listen to, again and again. Might I also mention (and this will be much to his horror), that if you are there and DJ Jamie Oakley is providing the sounds, ask him… no beg him, for his version of the Tigger Song. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed! (Sorry, Jamie, but I could not resist). Not only are the DJs great,

but the Hosts and Hostesses are awesome. There to meet, greet and chat… the whole team combine well and work hard to make sure you feel welcome. The driving force behind this club is Kess Crystal. She is a woman who is passionate about how Exodus is run and puts a great deal of thought into every decision she makes. To quote the lady herself “I thought about what I wanted the club to be and how I wanted it to be different from other rock clubs I had visited. I wanted the club to be predominately about the people and the music and I keep those two things at the heart of every decision I make. I wanted it to look good, modern, different and I wanted people to come here for the music and the people. I made the decision that we wouldn’t have contests – except once a week when we would have a theme event. The music is pretty much the same as (for) any oth-

Clubbing

er event – a mix of rock, classic rock, punk, alternative and metal. However, (we) will select tunes that fit the event from a theme point of view.” Let me tell you, I have attended several of the themed events, and I have always had the best time! One memorable theme night for me was based around a “Pirate” theme, and Kess pulled out all the stops. From the pirate ship moored at the dock, a cannon situated nearby and a dance set that could have been picked straight from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” everyone who attended could not help but feel “mighty glad that they were there, arrrrr’.” I also took the opportunity to speak to some of the folks that also attended, asking them what it was about Exodus that kept them coming back for more and here is what they had to say. Jasmyn Roecastle said “I come back for a few reasons really. The DJs here play

Clubbing

a variety of rock music… from classic rock and 80s hair bands to nu metal, modern hard rock, and heavy metal. It’s also one of those clubs that doesn’t have to hang the ‘NO drama signs’ because, quite simply, the people are friendly, welcoming and open minded.” When I asked Steel Trevellion the same question, she stated “the music, and company, friendly people with a good sense of humour.” Kibed Zepp said, “I enjoy the crowd, (it’s) not one-dimensional chat.” Sensing a common thread, I asked one more reveller, Gary, why he also kept coming back, and his response did not disappoint, “I guess it’s a friendly club with people who are looking for a good time and a good laugh.” So, there you have it… friendly people who know how to have a great time! Well, I will certainly be heading to Exodus for a rocking good

time and for future theme nights (and many other nights in between). The theme nights are also split into different times to cover a variety of time zones, particularly for those people from across both sides of the pond (1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. SL time). Some of the themes coming up include Military, On the Beach, Hollywood, Farmyard, Cartoons, and Gangster. There is money on the board for best costume, and from what I have seen, people are willing to go that extra mile with dressing the part, myself included. Exodus ticks all the boxes for me – excellent music, excellent DJs, excellent Hosts and Hostesses, excellent location, excellent theme nights and excellent, friendly people. What more could you want from a club? Exodus is excellent! Do yourself a favour, get your rock gear on and head on down to Exodus, and who knows, maybe I will see you there?!

The Love Bug by Ginger Fanshaw

Photos: Samantha Lamont

ugg Club

Clubbing

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the m romantic clu

Clubbing

most ubs in SL.â&#x20AC;?

That’s how the club describes itself and it definitely lives up to the hype. The Love Bugg Club and Shopping Village stretches across the Lover’s Lagoon Sim. On one side of the landing point, is a long, red carpeted walkway over the lagoon that leads to the huge club. On the other side, is a store directory for the Shopping Village which encircles the club. Everything here says romance, from the formal, red and gold theme to the cupid fountains that shout quotes about love. Romantic music streams 24 hours a day, seven days per week, commercial free. The owner, Jenniferbugg Blackflag, is an SL DJ and runs her own radio station: “The Love Bugg Radio”. The Love Bugg Club has been in operation for about five years. It is a huge, heart-shaped building with a luxurious look and feel. Tables for two surround the dance floor and include cuddle and oth-

er animations. The second floor has many smaller, private dance areas, a piano you can play, and even more tables. It is the perfect place to enjoy a candlelit dinner, have a chat and dance with your date or your sweetheart, or maybe meet that someone special. Walk outside and you will find heart-shaped trees complete with kiss animations. Relaxing fountains spring up in the lagoon. The red “Love Trolley” runs throughout the Shopping Village, in case you’d like to do some window shopping and would prefer not to walk. Or, instead of the trolley service there is even a “Love Sled” for you to use to tour the whole Sim. However, if you do take a stroll, heart shaped benches are located in lovely spots where you can rest and take in the surroundings. There are simply tons of shops for you to browse, many of which carry formal wear. As Jenniferbugg Blackflag says:

Clubbing

“Come share the love and dance the night away” and “Shop your Heart out!”

Fashion

ChloeRed Mornington

Momma, I’m cle out my closet I have always said that my personal life is no one else’s business but my own. I still believe that with all of my heart, and I probably always will. I am a 28-year-old successful, strong and independent mixed woman. My life is hard enough being of mixed race, and growing up was definitely not easy, always confused and wondering if I should hang with the Whites, Hispanics, or Blacks. After overcoming the race card, I struggled through my high school, college, and most of my adult years with my sexuality. Dating guys but being turned on by women, needless to say, was hard, but it got

easier as I explored deeper and deeper into what was making me feel more comfortable. But I still held on to keeping my personal life very private and only letting in those that I could trust. A dear friend of mine, let’s call him Daniel, lived his whole life as a straight man and went as far as staying in a miserable marriage, having kids that he never wanted and putting on a game face just so that he wouldn’t let everyone around him down. All I could

eaning

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ask him was, “Was it all worth it?” And all he could tell me was, “No. I wanted to kill myself every day.” He spent his whole life hiding who he was, and millions of people all over the world go through the same thing. I have never considered being gay a big deal, and the way I see it, I have never known a straight person sit down with their mommy and daddy and tell them,

Americans. We all have one life to live, and you know we should just live it. So many people are so afraid of what other people think about them. Honestly, their opinion really doesn’t count, and at the end of the day, it’s still your life to live. Daniel struggled through his whole life on how to tell his religious mother that he was gay. He wrote a thousand letters and each

So why should I? In America, it’s become such a big deal with Prop 8 being held off and gay marriage becoming legal again in the state of California. Most of us feel as if it is a victory, and yes, it’s a small step toward freedom for gay

time they ended up torn to shreds in the wastebasket. At family gatherings and holidays, he had it made up in his mind that he would have the “big” talk with her. Those gatherings and holidays would pass, and he would

“Mom, Dad. I’m straight!”

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just kiss his mother goodbye and promise himself that he would just do it the next time. So afraid that Daniel was that if he was to confide in her, she would just hate him and tell him how wrong he was for whom he loved. His wife eventually left him, claiming that she had fallen out of love with him, which was fine for him, because he never really loved her to begin with. And finally, Daniel moved clear across the country just so that he could really be who he was all along, a gay man.Still scared to explore the lifestyle, he would chat with other men online and engage in one-night stands. Then one day, he saw a commercial for Second Life; bored, he decided to download the game and began to play a few nights a week. He found that in Second Life, there were men just like him, and he could play with the idea of being gay and happy at the same time.

Eventually, Daniel met a very special guy, and as the months went by, their connection grew as they shared phone numbers and email addresses, texting each other nonstop day in and day out. They finally decided that they should meet in real life, so they planned a romantic vacation getaway, and in the three days that they spent together, they made a real-life love connection.After the vacation, Daniel knew that this was the life that he wanted, and this was the happiest that he had ever been, but he was still “in the closet” with his family and wasn’t sure how to open up to them without his lifestyle getting rejected and his family disowning him. This was also a big concern for his lover, let’s call him Wayne, because Wayne had been openly gay to friends and family for as long as he could remember. The last thing he wanted to do was regress back to hiding who he really was;

so this one thing became a strain on their relationship. Daniel talked to many friends from Second Life about this one struggle, and so many had so much to say to him. He also talked to me, and as I listened to his story, I also thought about my own struggles, because I had also picked and chosen who I wanted to know I was gay and who I didn’t want to know. All I could tell him was to follow his heart and do what was right for his happiness, and if Wayne made him happy, then his opinion mattered the most. Struggling with your sexuality can sometimes make your life hell, but being stuck in a closet is a very dark and lonely place to be. I will always suggest that anyone going through this same struggle will do exactly what makes them happy and free. Even though you may hurt people’s feelings, your life in the long run will be much

healthier by letting out your feelings and being honest first with yourself and second with the people that you love. Because in the end, if they love you back, eventually they will support you in whatever it is that you do in life. Second Life was a great avenue that helped Daniel come out, because in-world, there is no one in your face judging you. The big difference between real life and your second life is that people are a lot more accepting with the lifestyle that you choose for yourself. I would like to hope that one day, our real lives can be just as accepting, but as long as people live in fear of who they are, the world cannot become as accepting. The longer that we live as if who we are is wrong, everyone else will see it as wrong too. The words, “I’m sorry momma I never meant to hurt you, I’m coming out the closet,” are a lot easier to say than you think.

Log out Valerie Farshore (with Troy Aristocarnas)

How to

recover from a

break-up

“We need to talk” is often the beginning of a break-up line. As an experienced woman that can list every such line she has ever heard, I know that recovering from a break-up is the hardest thing a woman has to do. I was married for almost two years; my husband used to cheat on me or just lied to me a lot. We had two children; he doesn’t even stop by to say hello to them now.

Shut out those B.S. You always wake up every morning thinking of that guy – what did I do wrong? Sometimes you have to be strong. More so, if he’d been telling you things like – It’s not you it’s me; I have a lot of things going on in my life right now, so I don’t have time for a relationship; or I need to focus on work or college – those are all a

bunch of B.S. If you don’t have time for a relationship, then who is Kelly? Most men are too afraid to say why they are actually breaking up with you, because they don’t want to hear you at the moment, or they just don’t have the heart to sit down with you and say, “Baby I love you so much, but I think we should see other people.” The guys that break up with you through SMS text are the biggest losers, because they don’t have the balls to tell you face to face that you are all done.

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Sometimes, it’s hard to recover, but you just need to take him off your mind. Go to a spa, go clubbing, or go shopping. Everyone has fallen in love before, and we all have our hearts broken, but ladies, please don’t stuff your face with ice cream. Just because you’re single again doesn’t mean you need to fatten yourself. Another good way to recover from a break-up is probably to try a blind date; sometimes it might go right. There’s a fiftyfifty chance. But stay away from

If you ever run into your exes, don’t let him see that you’re still hurting. Just make him look stupid, so that he can realize how much of an idiot he was for leaving you. When he sees that, I bet he will burn the lines of your phones. Don’t even bother to answer his calls, so he’ll realize even

Gear up to mingle as a single the cheating type. If he met you while cheating his woman and left her for you, then what makes you think he won’t just get up and leave you too for another? Once a cheater always a cheater; it’s hard to change the stripes of a tiger or train a dog.

Give the exes the cold shoulder

more how big of an idiot he was, and he’ll totally regret the day that he said it was over. Remember ladies, don’t cry yourself to sleep over him; getting over him can be as easy as onetwo-three. Seeing other people is a great step and very good way to get over a man. Just don’t seem too clingy or appear desperate because that scares guys off. Just remember, take your time recovering because you are going to be fine! Soon, you’re going to wake up one morning telling yourself that you can move on. Don’t let one guy stop you from finding a new love, because there are plenty of fishes in the sea. So don’t worry about the idiots, cheaters, losers. Try something new. Never continue dating the same type of guys; switch it up a bit. Just take your time doing what you have to do to make yourself happy!

Keekee

Life with

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Dezno

h cancer

When my husband got a cold and it didn't seem to be getting better, he went to a doctor within about 10 days. He thought he had pneumonia like he had had two years earlier. He saw the doctor on Thursday, June 17, who thought he had pneumonia too, so the lady MD put him on antibiotics, took a blood test, and ran an EKG and did X-rays. We heard nothing, so we thought it was alright. However, when she called Monday, my husband was told to see her again for some more tests. Tuesday was our 37th anniversary, so he told her we would come in that morning on our way out of town to celebrate. Tuesday, we were at her office at 8 a.m., and when she came in, I started to panic. I knew something was serious. She told Roger: “You have cancer. I don’t need more tests but did not want to tell you on the phone.”

She said she had lots of paperwork to do and appointments to set and would have the nurse call us with the information. She told us to go ahead and leave and start our getaway for our romantic anniversary; seriously, was she kidding! Well, he began with one test after another and one doctor after another. As soon as he went back to work on Wednesday, he broke the news of his cancer to the owners of the auto dealership he managed. He continued to work and go downhill. A week later, his bosses called him after his day of testing and his work to straighten some things out for the office, and they fired him. Roger was told that because he had cancer, he wouldn't be able to work, and they were letting him go. What a nice way to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanksâ&#x20AC;? for all your hard work, long hours, and never missing any work days. So he began with PET scans, blood work, pulmonary special-

ist, CT scans, biopsies, med after med, MRI, EKG, X-rays. And finally, the oncologist exactly a month later on my birthday (special days are scary to me now), told us he had small cell carcinoma in his right lung, lymph nodes, and bones. It possibly was also in his liver, brain, and spine which needed more testing, but later proved to be all clear. She said he had three months to live, and with chemo, five percent of the patients could live up to two years. She put him right away into the hospital and started chemo the next day. He spent a week there where he got worse as the chemo affected his blood sugars and his diabetes. The steroids used with chemo made his blood sugars that should be around 120ish, skyrocketing into the 500s. At one point, he went to sleep, and no one could wake him for 18 hours and his blood sugars were in the 500 range. But fi-

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nally, things slowly got better; he went home a week after checking in. That was all several weeks ago, and he has just started his second round of chemo in the office, not a hospital. The other way cancer affects people is financially. My husband has always been our main supporter, and for the last three years, the sole supporter of our family. He carried the insurance for us both. Now that his lovely bosses fired him, our insurance ended, and we have to carry cobra which cost $1,500 a month. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only that we have no income coming in, but also we have added financial cost. Our savings is going down quickly, and in another couple months, it will be gone. We are currently trying to sell our brand new 2010 Harley Ultra Classic Trike that I let him buy just two months before he got sick. We had a trip planned to Sturgis, SD, for a big bike rally. We

had to cancel and lose our $300room deposit. We plan to sell our house ASAP and move into an apartment or condo, but we have to finish some work he started in the basement. The hospital Social Worker helped us apply for disability, but we will not get any money until February 2011, and it will not be retroactive, because they do not think he is disabled right now. And he cannot get Medicare until he has been on disability for two years. Honestly, where do they think people go to get insurance then? He is only 56, and I have no belief he will die from his cancer. There are some days the pressures are so overwhelming for me I just want to scream, but I keep trying to hold it together. I don't want to worry him with money and insurance. He has enough to deal with, and this stress will not help him get better. So I take it all on and hold it inside, until I am alone and then, I cry.

The strength I find comes from my friends and loved ones. I have the most wonderful friends and family in RL and SL. I believe that people show their true personality when you need them if they come through for you or avoid you because they don't know what to say. As I told an SL friend, “just say hugs;” I need lots of those. Two of my very close SL friends, Kev Oyen and Pepper Ducatillon, own a company called Songs~n~Roses, and they are talking about holding a benefit show in SL for us. They themselves have so many RL problems; it is heart-warming that they are even considering taking on this task. Through the hospital, I found a wonderful website called Caring Bridge wherein I made a page for my husband. Through this, it is so wonderful to keep people informed on his progress, and the site visitors can write in its guest book. We have heard from so

many RL and SL friends that we haven't heard from in years, along with our favorite nurse from his hospital stay that keeps in contact through the site. And so many people are praying and have their church prayer groups pray for us; all these can help make God listen to how much this man is loved. Before the second round of chemo yesterday, the doctor told us that the cancer is shrinking. And that was just after one round of chemo! We cried. But the best part of this scare has been what we have found in our hearts for each other. After 37 years of marriage, we had seemed to slip away from each other, but this scare has brought us back together. We have our favorite time of the day now – sitting in the evening watching television and just snuggling up together. Gosh, how I missed that. Now when we crawl in bed, instead of rolling to our own sides, we roll together and I

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lie in his arms and he holds me. We constantly tell how much we love each other. So though we don't have a lot of money and fighting for his life, this has brought us back to the best place of our lives and to the love we always had but had faded away with time. As much as I wish my husband didn't have the cancer, I am glad for this special time and special love we have found

and the new appreciation for each other and for life. And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this special way he is letting his daughters know how much they are loved and how proud he is of them. The grandchildren are such blessing and are enjoying Papa being home so much instead of working 12-hour days and only seeing him on Thursdays and Sundays.

This was going to be a single article; but when I received and heard so many similar stories, I wanted to make it a monthly column. I hope that by sharing this, those of you who are married but feeling the distance in your relationships will take your loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands tonight and just hold them. And when you crawl in bed, just hold each other. Making the most out of life is what is important, not taking the easy way out.

If you have a story on cancer and how it has affected you or a loved one, please send it to me in a note card with your name.

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