ICON CEO AND PUBLISHER WIL DREADLOW EDITOR IN CHIEF JORDAN WHITT CREATIVE DIRECTOR RHIANN AHN STYLE EDITOR DAIJA ARIDA LEAD PHOTOGRAPHY BRIE PINAZZO STAFF WRITERS
AMELIA HARSLEY ANNE DAUMIG PET KARU ROMIE SERRAO SHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRL SIENNA BELLIOS VESPA RUNNER
BLOGGERS
EMERALDEYES HONI TACT ARIDA
PHOTOGRAPY
GASOLINEALEX SEREVI KEE LLEWELLYN MOOSE MOOMINTOOG PEARLA BATISTA
CONTRIBUTORS
LACY MUIRCASTLE SC TRACY SOLITAIRE HIGHFIELD
CONTENTS 14 66
40 LIFESTYLE
STYLE
40 48 58
66 74 78 82 84 86 92 94 98
Japan - A Cultural Pearl Home Sweet Linden Homes Autism Awareness
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Alternative Brides from RFyre Urbanity Style ICON - Clarysa Whitfield Style Men Miss ICON ICON Sim Spotlight - Blacklace Style Replica BeScene Poses Style Spread
look
k for this issue on issuu.com/iconmagazine
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RADAR
VIEWPOINT
102 108 118 124 126
154 ICONic Photo Hints 158 Back in the Day 164 ICONic Sex
Alphamale - A Man of Distinction LaVie - New Life for Damiani Truman Laryukov - Educating in SL 5 Questions With... Kirsty Oherlihy 5 Questions With... IndigoBlue Dagostino
ART & ENTERTAINMENT 130 Melt - An Installation on Thin Ice 136 The Face of Alphamale 2010 140 Exploring Starlust
THE COVER Yelmer Pfeffer shows us why his style is Alpha! He is wearing the new Alphamale Leather Jacket with the Black Silk Shirt, sold in store as part of a set with black pants. Also worn are Yelmer’s trademark Aviator III Shades from FNKY. Photo by SC Tracy.
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PUBLISHER’S
PHOTO BY SC TRACY
“ We are now looking forward.”
S NOTE WITH OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
BEHIND US, WE ARE NOW
LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE NEW AND EXCITING THINGS. WE HAVE JUST INSTALLED OUR ICON FASHION DISTRICT RUNWAY THEATRE. WATCH OUT FOR FASHION SHOWS AND EVENTS THAT WE WILL BE HOSTING HERE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. ONE OF THEM WILL BE THE FIRST EVER MISS ICON COMPETITION. OUR FIRST ENTRANT WILL BE FEATURED IN MAY’S ISSUE. OUR ICON OF THE MONTH IS A VETERAN OF FASHION AND DESIGN, AND HE CONTINUALLY DELIVERS TIME AND TIME AGAIN NEW AND FRESH DESIGNS FOR THE MEN OF SECOND LIFE. YELMER PFEFFER HAS CREATED A SPECIAL DESIGN JUST FOR ICON LIFESTYLE SIM. THE LION TEE AND JEANS SET CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED AT THE ICON LIFESTYLE FASHION DISTRICT.
WIL IS WEARING... LION SHIRT FROM
I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT AWESOME DESIGNS ARE
ALPHAMALE, AN ICON
CREATED THIS UPCOMING YEAR AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO CONTINUE
LIFESTYLE EXCLUSIVE,
TO BRING THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST SECOND LIFE HAS TO OFFER
ONLY AVAILABLE AT THEIR STORE IN THE ICON FASHION DISTRICT. HIS SKIN IS JONAS SK FROM BELLEZA AND FROM UNCLE WEB, HE IS WEARING SCOTT HAIR IN
WILL DREADLOW, CEO AND PUBLISHER OF ICON MAGAZINE
BLACK.
EDITOR’S
PHOTO BY SC TRACY
“Let’s all make a difference here.”
S NOTE ONE DAY IN A NOVA SCOTIA HIGH SCHOOL, A BOY WORE A PINK POLO SHIRT TO SCHOOL. THE RESULTING BULLYING INSPIRED A GROUP OF OLDER BOYS TO BUY SOME PINK SHIRTS, WHICH THEY DISTRIBUTED AND WORE, STANDING UP FOR THEIR SCHOOLMATE AND AGAINST THE BULLIES WHO TORMENTED HIM. THEY MADE A DIFFERENCE.
CYBER BULLYING HAS BECOME AN EPIDEMIC. PEOPLE CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS WHILE THEY HIDE BEHIND PIXELS AND CARRY OUT THEIR ATTACKS ON OTHERS. ITS EASY TO HIDE BEHIND THE “ITS JUST A GAME” MINDSET, BUT WORDS AND ACTIONS CAN LEAD TO EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AND IMPACT THE REAL LIVES OF THOSE HERE TRYING TO ENJOY THEIR SECOND LIFE.
APRIL 14TH IS PINK SHIRT DAY. WEAR A PINK SHIRT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR TAKING A STAND AGAINST THOSE WHO BULLY. AFTER ALL, ITS SOMETHING I AM SURE WE HAVE ALL EITHER EXPERIENCED, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS. LET’S ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE HERE.
JORDAN IS WEARING… GLIDE BABYDOLL TANK IN PINK FROM NYTE N DAY TO SHOW HER SUPPORT FOR PINK SHIRT DAY! HER SKIN IS TASHA 2 FAIR MAKEUP 02 FROM LAQROKI AND SHE’S WEARING MILEY IN MOODY BROWN FROM
JORDAN WHITT, EDITOR OF ICON MAGAZINE
FRI.DAY.
LIFESTYLE
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STORY BY ANNE DAUMIG PHOTOS BY BRIE PINAZZO
JAPAN A CULTURAL PEARL
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THE SUN RISES, CASTING A PALE PINK LIGHT ON THE BEAUTY OF THIS LAND AS IT STRETCHES OUT BEFORE ME. DRAWING FROM THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY AROUND ME, I SIT DOWN AND BEGIN TO WRITE.
Numbering over 1.3 million residents in Second Life, people from global walks of life have come together to form this virtual community. However, have we taken the time to learn about the other cultures which surround us? Now, where to start? It was not an easy choice, for there are many amazing cultures to choose from, but I decided on Japan. What many people know about Japan has come from Hollywood movies like The Last Samurai and Memoirs of a Geisha, and though entertaining, they lack accuracy. Japan is an ancient culture and steeped in tradition, many of which are still honored today in the 21st century.
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As I set out to learn more about Japanese culture in Second Life, I was astounded by the number of designers, builders and sims represented here. Such an abundance of talent ranges from the whimsical to gifted artists. Japanese and non-Japanese alike have been inspired to create a modern as well as an ancient view of this marvelous culture. When I visited the Aosagi sim (the Japanese word for Blue Heron), I was fortunate to find many people generous with the time and knowledge. Aosagi is based on a region of Japan in the Edo period, which existed from 1603 AD to 1868 AD. It’s an ancient culture, lovingly recreated by talented artists and designers who brought their creations to life for all to enjoy. They shared the rich history of Japan. The Samurai and their decline as Western culture made its way to the East. The Cast system, which is the hierarchy that depicted your status in life, including the Outcasts, butchers and undertakers who were considered unclean because they touched dead things. And of the Geisha, or Geiko 44
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in Western Japan, who are female entertainers and artists trained in music and dance. There are Tea Houses where people gather to socialize and enjoy Sake and poetry. Beautiful temples erected to honor long practiced religious beliefs. Bath houses for relaxation and reflection. Dojos for the training of warriors who protected the lands. Okiya (schools) where young girls, called Maiko, begin their training to become Geisha. This world exists among us offering a gentle way of life. In a century moving at the speed of ever changing and advancing technology, I found a place where peace and tranquility is frozen in time. A culture that is always reaching for the stars, while the same loving hands hold fast to the customs and traditions that paved their way. As Japan moves forward into the next century, it brings with it a rich heritage that time will never forsake. On the bridge where I stand, the sun begins to slip slowly into the western sky; a sun that shines down upon us all. Today, West meets East with open arms and open hearts.ď Ž
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“I NEED FOR MY TIME HERE TO BE WORTHWHILE.”
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STORY BY AMELIA HARSLEY PHOTOS BY BRIE PINAZZO
HOME SWEET LINDEN HOMES LAST YEAR, LINDEN LABS BEGIN BETA TESTING HOMES WHICH WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO PREMIUM ACCOUNT HOLDERS. THEY CREATED THE NEW CONTINENT OF NASCERA FOR THIS VENTURE. THE LINDEN HOMES BECAME AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 17TH, WITH 64 REGIONS CURRENTLY SET UP FOR HOUSING.
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So how does one obtain one of these bits of personal paradise? You need to have a premium account. This can be paid per month or per year, but it breaks down to about $6 $9.99 USD depending on your choice. You’ll now have the privilege of owning 1/128 of a region, which breaks down to 512m2. One of the advantageous aspects is the houses themselves is that they don’t count toward your prim usage costs, which makes it much easier to add in things if you want to personalize the space. Presently there are four themes available to choose from. The first is Meadowbrook. These homes are designed to give a suburban modern feel with manicured surroundings. The second is Tahoe. These homes are placed in forest like environment with A-frame housing. Thirdly, Elderglen. These homes are set in a fantasy like environment with giant mushrooms and swirly vortexes for doors. Lastly, Shareta Osumai. These homes represent traditional Japanese homes, with cherry blossoms in bloom throughout the region.
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At the moment the houses are not modifiable, but each of the themes offers a range of house formats. They all have at least four to choose from. Some, like Meadowbrook, offer up to nine house styles. As the themes are filled, they are removed from the list of selections available. The Linden’s have stated that they have plans to increase the number of themes to choose from and expand present areas since they do have a continent to fill up, which usually takes up 700-900 regions. We spoke to a couple of Linden Home owners to get their opinions on their new homes. SAVANNAH DUCATILLON has been a part of the SL community for almost three years. She finds the homes are decent as far as quality and craftsmanship are concerned. With the low prim restrictions, she is thankful that she received a quad, rather than a two story house, as she would never be able to fill. She uses her Linden Home as more of a “get away”, her space to sit and ponder.
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BRIE PINAZZO has been part of the SL community for over two years. She has had a premium account before, but had cancelled it a few months ago due to financial reasons. When they announced Linden Homes, she renewed my premium account with her sister so they could get the houses and the bonus lindens. She does not use her Linden Home as her SL residence. Instead a good friend who cannot afford a tier plus the cost of buying a home lives there until she can afford her own land at some point. When that time comes, it will become a home for friends who cannot afford their own space.
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ZAZAX LUNASEA has been a part of the SL community for a little over two and a half years. She likes that SL allows her to become anything she wants. At present, she is a Cat Woman and Saffron is the perfect environment for that.
Love them or hate them, live in them or let friends use them, Linden Homes look like a perk for premium members that has new and old premium members building new communities in Second Life. ď Ž
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STORY BY DAIJA ARIDA
AUTISM
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M AWARENESS… BEING THE PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD IS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE. MOST PEOPLE HAVE BREAKDOWNS WHEN THEY FIND OUT THAT THEIR CHILD HAS THIS DELAY IN DEVELOPMENT. I KNOW THIS, BECAUSE I WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. IT’S A VERY HARD THING TO ACCEPT, KNOWING THAT YOUR CHILD WILL BE “DIFFERENT”. BUT SO MANY PARENTS DON’T ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THEIR CHILD HAS AUTISM. AND THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT, IF YOU SEE THE SIGNS EARLY ENOUGH, YOUR CHILD COULD ABLE TO FUNCTION JUST AS A NORMAL CHILD.
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My son is autistic. He is the most interesting person I know. The spectrum is broad, however he is on the mild end. It’s the most confusing of all development disorders, because there isn’t a specific reason behind it. But maybe this article will enlighten someone and have them to reach out for help. WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) - Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. WHAT CAUSES AUTISM? The simple answer is they don’t know. The vast majority of cases of autism are idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, so there are probably multiple causes. The best scientific evidence available to us today points toward a potential for various combinations of factors causing autism – multiple genetic components that may cause autism on their 60
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own or possibly when combined with exposure to as yet undetermined environmental factors. Timing of exposure during the child’s development (before, during or after birth) may also play a role in the development or final presentation of the disorder. HOW IS IT TREATED? Treatment for autism is a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s entire family and a team of professionals. Some programs may take place in the child’s home with professionals and trained therapists and may include Parent Training for the child under supervision of a professional. Some programs are delivered in a specialized center, classroom or preschool. My son has a professional that works with him 4 hours a week, for 4 days a week. They come into our home and work with not only him, but our entire family. He also attends a class at his school that specializes in autism. There is so much help out there. The first step is realizing there is a problem. It took me a while to accept the fact that he had a problem. And it has been challenging. He is different, but to him, he’s normal. That’s the thing about it. They see things in a way that isn’t normal to us. It can be the most frustrating thing or the best adjustment of your life. The things we as a family had to change in order to better his life, bought us closer together.
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STYLE EDITOR’S
PHOTO BY SC TRACY
“We are thrilled to share with everyone our vision.”
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S NOTE BEING A PART OF THE ICON TEAM FROM THE BEGINNING, AND SEEING HOW IT’S GROWN, HAS BEEN AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I’M EXTREMELY HAPPY THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND THANK ALL THE PEOPLE I HAVE WORKED WITH. SO THANK YOU TO THE DESIGNERS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO OUR MAGAZINE, AS WELL AS THE DESIGNERS THAT I STILL WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH. OUR STYLE SECTION IS EVOLVING ALONG WITH THE REST OF OUR MAGAZINE. WE ARE THRILLED TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE OUR VISION FOR THE STYLE SECTION IN UPCOMING ISSUES. I’VE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO GIVE YOU, OUR LOYAL READERS, A NEW EXPERIENCE WITH THE FASHION WORLD OF SECOND LIFE. WE HAVE SOME AMAZING EVENTS COMING UP IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, STARTING OFF WITH THE SIM HUNT WHICH IS ON TILL THE 10TH OF APRIL. THERE WILL ALSO BE FASHION SHOWS AND SIM PARTIES COMING UP THAT YOU CANNOT MISS.
DAIJA IS WEARING… THE DRIFTWOOD TANK
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR DESIGNS FEATURED IN OUR MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IN WORLD.
IN BEIGE FROM SURF COUTURE. SHE’S WEARING THE UMA
a d i r A Daija
A DARK SKIN FROM ROCKBERRY AND HER HAIR IS MAITREYA’S NIMUE IN WALNUT
DAIJA ARIDA, STYLE EDITOR OF ICON MAGAZINE
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MODELED BY BRIE XUE PHOTOS BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI
URBANITY! URBANITY IS THIS MONTH’S STYLE FEATURE. Trixi Wuyts has mixed urban styles and a touch of grunge and the result is a sexy collection of clothing that can be worn for any occasion. Her store can be found @ http://slurl.com/secondlife/Urbanity/149/77/21
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SHORTS - Lowrise Bermuda in Moss. TOP - Simple Tee/ Gray SOCKS - Socks in Moss SHOES - UBU PornStar Lo-Tops NECKLACE – Urbanity One Heart One Love EARRINGS - RH Engel Circle of Hope HAIR - Fri.day Joanna 2
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DRESS - Open Up Dress inTeal SHOES - N-Core Soul “Wild” SKIN - Dutch Touch Amber HAIR - .:EMO-tions:. Amber NECKLACE - Urbanity You Broke Me!
FAR LEFT:
JEANS - Hated Jeans in Gray TOP - Short Sweater in Baby Blue NECKLACE Skullish Love Necklace HAIR - Fri.day Tatum. PANTIES *LG* Design Pandemonium Winter. Shoes – Maitreya Shanti.
ICON OF THE MONTH CLARYSA WHITFIELD IS OUR APRIL STYLE ICON. She has an awesome sense of street style that I fell in love with, which uses funky belts and other accessories. I must say I did stalk her on flickr and that’s where I found her blog. Check it out @ http://clarysastylebook.blogspot.com/.
CLARYSA WHITFIELD
PREVIOUS PAGE:
SHIRT - [CALYPSO GIANO] Long Top PANTS - Emery, Denim Orchid Club #4 BELT - [AMG BOUDOIR] Buckle Leather Belt in Black GLOVES - *Fleur* Black Gloves. BOOTS – Slink Sydney Overknee Boots in Black. CLUTCH - .::FabulouS::. Dynasty BlackStar SHADES - [Gos], Butterfly Sunglasses Bagged SKIN - LAQ ~ Pearl [Peach] Glow HAIR - >TRUTH< Justine NECKLACE - -RYCANecklace Superlong in Dark Platinum
JACKET - *COCO* Tuxedo Jacket in Black PANTS - [LeLutka] Olimpia Pants in Black GLOVES - *Fleur* Black Gloves SHADES - [[SHADE THRONE]] The Blues Explosion Sunglasses SKIN - LAQ ~ Imani2 [Ebony] Glow HAIR – AITUI Tecktonik Black + Blond BRACELET - Armidi Gisaci Triple Pearl Bracelet. NECKLACE - ~Muse~ Celine Pearl Necklace. EARRINGS - -RYCA- from the Necklace Superlong in Dark Platinum Set
ICON STYLE MEN PARTY OUTFIT JACKET - Naith Smith Rock’n’Rolla Jacket in Gray SHIRT – Emery Top Dreaming #01 PANTS - Meriken Co Kaleidoscope Sky Shoes - Kalnins Janova SCARF – SEY TieC Scarf in Rock SKIN – LeLutka Ishmael HAIR – CheerNo HairDesing JUFIE/ Mystc
STYLED AND MODELED BY BOE CORTES PHOTO BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI
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CASUAL OUTFIT SWEATER - Phoenix Rising Daniel Hemp Shirt in Pink SHIRT - AOHARU Elegant Suit Option Parts in White PANTS - Armidi Limited Lowrise Jeans Painter in Blue Fade SHOES - 2Real Pure. SCARF - THE CLOSET Hemp Scarf in Tan SKIN – LeLutka Ishmael HAIR – ARGRACE Military Cap “Very Short” in Dark Brown
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WOULD YOU LIKE A PHOTO SPREAD IN ICON LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE? WE’RE LOOKING FOR ONE ICONIC BEAUTY TO BE OUR MISS ICON OF THE MONTH.
Monthly Prizes... 1. A spread in ICON Lifestyle Magazine. 2. She will represent her winning month in the 2011 ICON Calendar. 3. Entry into the Miss ICON 2010 Competition. 4. A $5,000 shopping spree in the ICON Fashion District.
Rules of Entry. 1. Must be wearing the ICON bikini gift and be the only person in her picture. 2. Entrant must take her own picture. 3. Must be a member of the ICON Lifestyle Magazine Reader’s Group. 4. Must be a member of the Miss ICON 2010 Flickr Group http://www.flickr.com/ groups/missicon/ 5. Entries limited to 1 entry per person each month. 6. Entry must be a new picture each month. 7. Employees of ICON are welcome to submit pictures...but are not eligible for the competition. LIGHT PHOTOSHOPPING ALLOWED. Contest will run from the end of the previous month’s entries - 20th of the next month, with the winner being picked by a panel of judges on the 21st. Don’t have the bikini? Come to one of the ICON Lifestyle Sims and accept the free gift from the welcome menu, or pick up one at the magazine headquarters.
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PHOTOS BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI
BLACKLACE THIS MONTH WE SHINE OUR ICON SIM SPOTLIGHT ON BLACKLACE.
LEFT:
MODEL DAIJA ARIDA LINGERIE - Spring Flowers in Purple BOOTS - Bax Prestige Boots in Black SKIN – Rockberry Uma A Dark HAIR - Maitreya Nimue in Hazel RIGHT:
MODEL DAIJA ARIDA LINGERIE - Spring Flowers in Purple BOOTS - Bax Prestige Boots in Black SKIN – Rockberry Uma A Dark HAIR - Maitreya Nimue in Hazel
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SIM SPOTLIGHT
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MODEL SHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRL LINGERIE - Heart Breaker in Teal TATTOO - Custom Inkz “PolzOn” BOOTS - Bax Prestige Boots in Black SKIN - Belleza Alyson Line SK 1 JEWELRY - Earthstones Romance SetTahitian Black Pearl/White Gold.
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MODEL JORDAN WHITT LINGERIE - Dark Secrets Black Leather Corset Set BOOTS – Bax Prestige in Black SKIN - Laqroki, Tasha 2 makeup 10 HAIR - W&Y 122 in Light Black
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STYLED & MODELED BY BOE CORTES PHOTOGRAPHED BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI
STYLE
REPLICA WE ALWAYS SEE FEMALE FASHIONS FROM REAL LIFE TRANSFERRED TO SECOND LIFE, SO WE WANTED TO GIVE OUR MEN THAT SAME OPPORTUNITY. WE HAVE CHOSEN A STYLE FOR OUR SPREAD FROM WWW. GQ.COM TO INCORPORATE IT INTO SECOND LIFE.
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FAR LEFT: Courtesy of GQ.com CARDIGAN - $145 from DKNY SHIRT - $410 from Dolce & Gabbana PANTS - $575 from Dolce & Gabbana BELT by John Varvatos HAT by Borsalino at JJ Hat Center
THIS PAGE: CARDIGAN – Baiastice Buttons Cardigan in Dark Orange Grey SHIRT – Sartoria Dirty Hands Denim Shirt PANTS - [ hoorenbeek ] Pants Brown HAT - *ARGRACE* Hunting Cap SKIN – LaVie Mark Full Beard Cut Hair Base Normal. SHOES - [ hoorenbeek ] Loafers w/Strip Tan
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PHOTOS BY GASOLINEALEX SEVERI
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BeScene
POSES The logical question would be why not clothes? After all, he is one of the top male models in Second Life. Dimitri explained that is because of one of the pitfalls of the modelling world in SL. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because I model. Many times there are outfits or prims that clothing designers create that can be a problem to model without
BeScene Male Model 10 (Male Model Set 1)
DIMITRI SHINN HAS BEEN A BUSY MAN. Between modelling, styling, and his other various activities, he has managed to open his very own pose store called BeScene Poses with his partner, Madison Canetti.
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the right poses. So I designed around them.”
Slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/ LaVie/129/97/27
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BeScene Male Model 5 (Male Model Set 1)
BeScene specialises in poses for males and females that show off whatever you may be wearing, making you look sexy and professional while you do it. They are perfect for bloggers, models, photographers and anyone who doesn’t want to mess around trying to find poses to show off their clothing at their best without rogue prims taking over the shots.
BeScene Runway 10 (Male Runway Pack)
The really good models are the ones that work around problems like that and still show off the designs to perfection. And there is never a shortage of good pose stores.
BeScene Runway 4 (Male Runway Pack)
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PHOTOGRAPHER BY GASOLINEALEX SEVERI
STYLED & MODELED BY LAYA FELISIMO
PARTY OUTFIT OUTFIT - ** DIRAM ** Cheryl in White BOOTS - *Kookie* Athena in Black GLASSES - [SteinWerk] Aviator SKIN - -Belleza- Alyson Deep Tan 10 HAIR - [LeLutka] Lea3 in Bournville
TO RIGHT:
CASUAL OUTFIT TOP - *G.Field* Off-shoulder Chiffon Tops in Flower Beige JEANS - *Connors* Hip-huggers Jeans Beige SHOES - Surf Couture Boardwalkers in Hemp SKIN - -Belleza- Alyson Deep Tan 8 HAIR - fri.day Tatum in Thoughtful Brown JEWELLERY – MIEL Cue Set
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STORY BY AMELIA HARSLEY PHOTOS BY AMELIA HARSLEY AND LaVie
LaVie NEW LIFE FOR DAMIANI
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LIFE IS WHAT DAMIANI HAS INJECTED BACK INTO ITS STORE AND DESIGNS AS IT REBRANDS ITSELF IN SECOND LIFE AS LAVIE. “LaVie came to my mind and we liked as it has ‘avi’ in it,” explains Pompeja Rossini, co-owner of and designer for LaVie. “I heard some rumours about why we did it, but there is no drama and no scandal. We just wanted a fresh name for a new generation of skins.” Mark is the first rebranded skin release for men. Available in five different skin tone options - Pale, Normal, Tan, Tan 2 and Dark - there are nine facial hair options in each. All male skins have additional options with their skins which include eyeliner, cut brows, hair base and chest hair, and when you add all these to the packs, you end up with 16 new skins in total. Sixteen new skins for $2,000, that’s not bad value at all. For the women, LaVie’s first rebranded release is Michelle. Like Mark, Michelle is available in five skin tones as well - Light, Normal, Tan, Bronze and Dark - and each tone comes in 18 different makeup options. The extra options with these skins are cleavage and hairbase. The real additional extra with each makeup pack is a “clear bonus” which is a simple and classic makeup with dark eyes and pale lips. In total, there are eight skins in the Michelle packs, with two different makeups. Fabulous value for only $1,400.
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WE JUST WANTED A FRESH NAME FOR A NEW GENERATION OF SKINS.
The Damiani skins they are best known for are still for sale. They are in the process of also being updated with new bodies and options, as well as moving them to the LaVie brand. Unlike some of the other leading skin brands in Second Life, LaVie caters for a large variety of people, including Goth and Drow. “We made those skins because we noticed our skins were ripped and moded in that direction,” Pompeja explained. “But we do plan to make international skins next. The St Patrick’s Day gifts were a trial for that, and we’re looking at making skins for redheads, something often overlooked in Second Life, as most people are dark haired or blonde.” It takes a strong person to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, and by evolving their line to follow the trends and creating new things from a bad experience such as skin ripping, Pompeja and LaVie show exactly why they come out on top. “In this business you either stop or continue trying to find the guilty ones,” she says. “I do alot against content theft because I can’t accept that we work for months creating new skins for people to spend money on for their looks, and some less scrupulous people just take what they like.” 112
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THE DESIGN IS SIMPLE, YET ELEGANT AT THE SAME TIME.
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The freshen up doesn’t just stop with the rebranding of their skins and fashion. LaVie is also in in the process of giving their store and sim a makeover too. “We did want to rebuild the sim first, but decided to do the rebranding then work on the sim,” says Pompeja. In fact, rebuilding the sim is already in progress and when its done, LaVie will expand its fashion line. “Fashion has been something we created between skins, to relax,” she explains. “Be sure to keep your eyes open because there are lots of new things from us still to come!”
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Story by Lacy Muircastle Photos by Pearla Batista
EDUCATING IN SECOND LIFE
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TRUMAN LARYUKOV IT NOT NECESSARY TO BE CLASSIFIED A SLEBRITY IN ORDER TO BE ICONIC OR SUCCESSFUL IN SECOND LIFE. THE IMPACT THAT TRUMAN LARYUKOV HAS HAD AND CONTINUES TO HAVE ON A NUMBER OF SECOND LIFE RESIDENTS IN THE FORM OF HIS STUDENTS AND THOSE HE GENERALLY COMES INTO CONTACT WITH BARES TESTAMENT TO THAT FACT.
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Avatar-based virtual world education is highly interactive, providing the convenience of not having to travel whilst providing a richer, more effective and more enjoyable experience. Another reason that makes online distance learning feasible within Second Life is that it allows for worldwide participation. Whether used for distance or classroom learning, the benefits of this rapidly expanding and adaptable virtual technology becomes obvious. All this brings us to Truman Laryukov, (Professor Larry Mullen) a professor of visual studies. He is researching SL and the sense of community in this virtual environment from a visual angle. He is trying to understand how people construct communities in virtual settings and how their sense of togetherness arises and what they are seeking. In the real world, Truman is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator at the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism & Media Studies based at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He uses the virtual world of Second Life as part of his teaching strategy. Truman was introduced to Second Life when he registered as a favour to a friend and colleague of his who was in the process of designing a classroom in SL. Truman says â&#x20AC;&#x153;He wanted some feedback from me 120 â&#x20AC;&#x192;
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WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A REVOLUTIONARY TURN IN COMMUNICATIVE BEHAVIOR.
based on my expertise in visual communication.” Clearly there is a mischievous streak to our Professor as he appeared as a woman in a deliberate ploy to freak out his friend and colleague. As it turns out the good Professor then saw the opportunity to gain a perspective on how women are treated here in our virtual world and he was also interested in the image of women in the media at the time. So Truman is really the Professor’s second Avatar and is now his main avi. He does have several other avis which were created for research purposes e.g. his Furry which he has used to understand the nature of being Furry and why people represent themselves as anthropomorphic animals in Second Life. “That was a fun little study and interesting too” Truman commented. Some of the pitfalls in having a virtual classroom in Second Life are the inappropriate interruptions that sometimes occur during lessons such as uninvited visitors showing up naked in the middle of the class. Nothing like a naked avie to spice things up I guess… I asked Truman what his take on the influence of the new media (social networks) and virtual worlds on journalism and communication in the Real World is. He answered “I think it is great. I think that
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what’s happening is what is supposed to be happening. The demise of traditional forms of news and information is an amazing thing to bare witness to. We are in the midst of a revolutionary turn in communicative behavior. Some call it the information age or revolution or some such metaphor. It’s going to change the fundamental nature of information and how it’s created and distributed”. Truman answered the question “Do you think that Second Life as a virtual world is sustainable?’ by saying that he didn’t believe virtual worlds in general are a fad. It is his opinion that they are here to stay in one form or another. According to Truman, there are so many people who come into SL for so many reasons which include a sense of family and community that they can’t or haven’t found in real life and that the charity events for many worthy causes all add up to its sustainability. He feels that there are too many good aspects to it that he can’t see it disappearing, it may transform but not go away. In Real Life Lawrence J. Mullen is the author of Las Vegas: Media and Myth published by Lexington Books. In Second Life Truman Laryukov was most notably listed amongst the nominees for the 2009 SLentrepreneur contest. Second Life being such as it is, I put it too Truman that, it can’t be all work and no play and when he was not not giving lectures or researching something in particular, what does Truman Laryukov (or his alts) do for fun? He replied that he does as much as possible and he tries to immerse himself into various activities including roleplay, dancing at clubs, exploring and much, much more …
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5 STORY BY JORDAN WHITT
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIRSTY OHERLIHY
QUESTIONS
KIRSTY OHERLIHY
1. If you were stuck on a deserted Sim and you could only have one person, one rezzable object and one outfit...who and what would they be? Hmmm, the one person would have to be my partner Dylan, my pose stand I guess would be my rezzable object and my outfit, god thats a hard one.... something from DYN of course. 2. What is the most embarrassing item you have in your inventory? My inventory is full of embarrassing things. I guess it the newb stuff I had. I still have my first outfit from Coconut Ice and my red Gurlywood hair. 3. If you weren’t a designer/DJ in SL, what would you be doing instead? I’d still be a photographer. I love doing SL landscapes and portraits. 4. What is your #1 pet peeve about Second Life? Rudeness. I HATE how people seem to lose all sense of manners when they log on SL, and forget how to say please and thank you. 5. What keeps you logging in each day? Dylan and my friends. Without them my SL would be empty and boring.
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STORY BY SIENNA BELLIOS PHOTOS BY BRIE PINAZZO
QUESTIONS
INDIGOBLUE DAGOSTINO
1) What made you decide to create an account in SL then return? I was already playing World of Warcraft and other internet based games 2 years ago, but they just weren’t holding my attention, and then I just stumbled into Second Life one day and I was amazed. I had no idea about all the design opportunities when I signed up. I was just loitering around in newbie pants looking for the fun side of town! But it soon became clear to me that this place was chockablock full of wonderful learning opportunities and that was it. I was totally hooked! 2) You have a well known store, Seldom Blue. What inspired you to begin designing? Being a graphic designer, I realised that I already had the tools necessary to begin clothes designing, so I simply started to play around with the clothing templates. I soon found that I was completely hooked into designing! It was amazing, playing around with photoshop and then uploading a texture which then wrapped itself beautifully around an actual avatar. It was a real eye opener. 3) What do you feel is your biggest obstacle to owning your own store and creating designs in SL? Personally I think there are a fair few obstacles in owning and running your own store, but the biggest one for me is undoubtably the cost. It’s really expensive to rent land from a landlord. This means that you then feel pressured to start producing more fashion in order to meet those costs so you don’t run
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at a loss. But it’s very hard work, especially if you only get on for a few hours every other night like me. On the upside, I’m still utterly enthralled by designing, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than when someone pops in to the store and expresses how they feel about our fashion. Singsong Writer and I both adore making clothes and accessories that other people actually enjoy wearing. It’s such a buzz!! 4) What do you do for fun in SL when you arent working? Do you have a significant other that you spend time with? I’m ALWAYS working in SL! Because my time here is very limited. The only time I go wandering is when I need new hair and skins. I’m a hair and skin fiend, but other than that, I’m happily chained to my workroom. I don’t have a significant other. I do have friends in SL but I’m sure I constantly let them down because I never venture out. I’m actually a terrible SL friend! 5) What are your goals for Seldom Blue? Where do you see your store in 1 year? If I’m completely honest, I just hope I’m still in SL a year from now! In an ideal world, we would keep designing for ever and ever, our work would keep getting better and better, our customer base would grow larger and larger and we’d eventually make enough profit to warrant me giving up my real life work as a graphic designer to work permanently in SL and spend all my working days here producing some of the best fashion on the grid! That’s my far off dream anyway. But for now, I’m going to keep designing lingerie and gowns until my ideas and inspiration all dry up, my fingers drop off, or until the customers beg me to stop!!!
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PHOTOGRAPHS AND STORY BY BRIE PINAZZO
MELT - AN 130
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N INSTALLATION ON THIN ICE
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GIVE 25 DESIGNERS A FEW WORDS AND LET THEIR IMAGINATIONS RUN FREE? YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCE LIKE MELT, A DESIGNER SHOWCASE THAT RAN FROM MARCH 6TH TO MARCH 21ST 2010 IN A TEMPORARY SPACE IN THE MIRROR SIM.
Radio Signals, creator of Scribble Designs, set forth the challenge to 25 designers. Create something using the following ideas: Drowning, Melting, Polar Bears, Arctic, Culpability, Corporate greed, Inevitability and Extinction. It is a true study in how we can translate a word into something as tangible as Second Life allows. What the designers came up with was truly extraordinary and something, though seemingly simple it shows that with change just starts a simple ripple. No matter what side of the political fence you are on, Global Warming is a fact that we are facing on our planet. The effect this is having on all of us seems small at the moment, but in other ways is huge. Scientists say by 2050 if something is not done about the Global Warming issue, Alaskan Polar Bears will become extinct. As the Ice Caps melt in Alaska, scientists are finding a higher rate of Polar Bear drownings and cub deaths than ever before, an alarming trend for their population. To date, Polar Bears are not protected under the endangered species act and many people are doing their best to have this changed. 132 â&#x20AC;&#x192;
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CHANGE JUST STARTS WITH SIMPLE RIPPLE.
I hope you had the chance to see this beautiful showcase and that it made you think of what you would do to be a ripple of change in the world we live in. It truly only takes 1 person to change the world. In this case, 25 voices rose in unison for a moment and I for one stopped to listen and appreciate their message. For more information on the Polar Bear Crisis please visit http://www. savebiogems.org/polar/ ď Ž
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STORY BY SIENNA BELLIOS PHOTOS BY ZOE DEMAR AND NIRVANA UNPLUGGED
ALPHAMALE, ONE OF SECOND LIFE’S PREMIER MEN’S STORES, RECENTLY HELD THEIR ANNUAL FACE OF ALPHAMALE MODELLING CONTEST. AFTER CONSIDERING THE MORE THAN 120 ENTRIES, THE WINNER OF THE COVETED ROLE WAS CHOSEN NIRVANA UNPLUGGED! SECOND PLACE WENT TO UMBERTO GIANO, AND BRIGGS AEON TOOK OUT THIRD PLACE.
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Nirvana was pleasantly surprised to be chosen from the fabulous entries Alphamale received. He sees it not only as an opportunity to step into the world of modelling in Second Life, but a chance to represent Alphamale, a store that he is passionate about. “Alphamale was the first decent clothes store for men that I found in Second Life and, trust me, there aren’t too many out there - I’ve looked,” he chuckled. Nirvana is also a photographer and took the picture he entered while practicing with his new studio. “That’s what is great about Second Life - you have the chance to do things that you would never think of in real life. I always get a buzz when I pull off a really great shot. Having said that, I’m as excited about modelling for Alphamale as I was about getting my first studio, so it’s possible that once I become more involved in modelling that it may well take over as the most enjoyable thing. Who knows - maybe I will be able to combine the two someday?” Nirvana is excited about his new role and looks forward to starting his year as The Face of Alphamale. “Alphamale has clothes that everyone can wear, the defining thing about the brand for me, is that the name sums up the style - clothing designed for the Alphamale. I am really grateful for this opportunity and I hope that I will be able to do the brand justice!” It is safe to say that the Face of Alphamale 2010 does indeed have the total package of style, wit, charm and looks! Congradulations Nirvana!!! 138
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THE SPIRIT OF STARLUST MOTEL IS OF A “THIS HAND WASHES THAT AND THAT HAND WASHES THAT OTHER ONE AND TOGETHER WE CAN SCRATCH EACH OTHER’S BACKS IF OUR BACKS GET ITCHY” KIND OF PLACE. STARLUST PROVIDES A PLACE TO SHOP, TO HANG OUT AND HAVE FUN, AND IF BY SOME WEIRD FLUKE THERE IS A GIANT DOLL SHOOTING FIREBALLS AT A GIANT GORILLA ON THE SIM, THEN SO BE IT AND LET’S ALL HAVE FUN WITH THAT. IT’S AN INTERESTING PLACE TO EXPLORE; TO LOOK AROUND AND STUMBLE UPON THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE SEEN BEFORE.
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STARLUST WAS BORN FROM SEVERAL IDEAS, AND TO FILL THE NEEDS FOR QUITE A FEW PEOPLE. ORIGINALLY, MELATONIN HAX AND APATIA HAMMERER NEEDED MORE PRIMS FOR THEIR THIMBLES MAIN STORE AND WANTED TO SHARE A LARGER PLOT OF LAND WITH FRIENDS AND THEIR SHOPS RATHER THAN RENT INDIVIDUALLY. THE IDEA WASN’T JUST TO SHARE LAND BUT ALSO TO GARNER EXPOSURE FOR EACH OTHER BY POOLING THEIR CUSTOMER BASE.
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STARLUST PROVIDES AN ALL INCLUSIVE AND VARIED ENVIRONMENT FOR SHOPPING. A PLACE YOU MIGHT GO LOOKING FOR A SHIRT OR A SKIN BUT HAPPEN UPON POSEABLE GIANT FLOWERS, OR PARTICLE EMITTING RAINBOW DREAMS, OR JUST A HAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU WANTED.
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THE PURPOSE OF STARLUSTLAND IS TO PROVIDE A STABLE RENTAL ENVIRONMENT FOR VIRTUAL GOODS VENDORS WITHIN SECOND LIFE. HOPEFULLY IT IS A PROFITABLE LOCATION FOR THEM, A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE AND SUPPORTED IN WHAT THEY’RE DOING.
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TO APATIA HAMMERER, STARLUST MOTEL IS NOT JUST A PLACE, ITS A REPRESENTATION OF FRIENDSHIPS. IT’S AN OUTLET IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT FOR SILLINESS AND BIZARRE OUTRAGEOUS THINGS THAT WE CAN TRY TO MAKE HAPPEN - AND THEN HAVE A PLACE TO PUT THEM. LIKE THE GIANT MOON THAT BEGAN AS JUST A LITTLE SCULPT ON HER NEW EARRINGS. EVERYONE AT STARLUST IS AMAZING AND THERE IS A WEALTH OF CREATIVITY TO BE HAD. FROM THE MANAGERS TO EVERY VENDOR THERE, THEY’RE JUST SPECIAL PEOPLE IN THIS SECOND LIFE WORLD.
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LEFT TO RIGHT: Vintage McMillan, hyasynth Tiramisu, Kiki Cunningham, Kailiana Anatra, Allegory Malaprop, Apatia Hammerer, Stein Shilova, Melatonin Hax 150 â&#x20AC;&#x192;
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ICON IC PHOTO HINTS WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRL
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Since I started in SL, I’ve learned a lot about PS (aka Photoshop). I don’t by any means claim to be a pro at this. I’m just like most photographers out there - we learn something new everyday. So I’m going to share something that I learned. For the longest time I hated green screen!!! Everyone kept saying how fantastic it was. I just got frustrated cause I couldn’t get rid of the green in the flexi hair in PS. Then one day, I came across a blog. The blog saved my ass by showing me how to remove the green screen. So I fiddled with it and now I’m in love with green screen. Now I can actually do photos like I envisioned. No boundaries! I don’t like a background..Bam! Its gone. So I hope this little tutorial helps you out. Step 1. Open up a photo of your choice. This was my choice. Step 2. On your layers palate, double click the background layer and make it it’s own layer. Then make a new layer, making sure that new layer is below your photo. Select your photo’s layer. Go to Select at the top of your PS page and choose Color Range. A new box will pop up. Check that little box that says invert. I set my Selection Preview to White Matte - just my preferences. As you can see, most of the green is now white. Hit Ok and we are off to the next step. Step 3. Choose Select at the top of your PS, then Inverse. This will inverse the selection you just made. Then simply hit Delete. Now deselect by hitting Ctrl-D. At this point most of the green should be gone. But thanks to flexi hair, we have those lovely wisps of hair in a wonderful shade of green that any leprechaun would be proud of.
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Step 4. Make a new layer and set that layer to Color from the drop down menu on your layers box. Choose a soft brush. I use brush 45. Select a color that matches the hair. Paint over the areas that have green, but make sure you’re painting on your new layer and not your photo layer. Once you are done with that, select your photo layer again. Go back to Select (at the top), then Load Selection. This will basically cut out your photo. Now select the layer you just painted on. Hit Ctrl-E (to merge) then hit Ctrl-C, then Crtl-V. You should now have 2 layers with your photo on it. Click the eye next to the original one to hide it. You should now see your beautiful flexi hair in the right shade. Step 5. Now add whatever background you want!! The possibilities are endless! If you want to know how to do something, but need a little help, drop me a notecard and I’ll do my best to find out how. Be sure to grab next month’s issue where I will show you how to smooth out that skin and hair. This is just my way of doing things, so if you find a better way, please send me a notecard!! Anything to make my life easier. xoxo Shannon
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STORY BY PET KARU
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I WAS HAVING A PARTICULARLY GOOD CUP OF COFFEE ONE AFTERNOON, SHARING TIME WITH A SL FRIEND WHEN SHE MADE THE MOST PROFOUND STATEMENT TO ME. SHE ASKED, “HOW MANY TIMES DO WE GET TO START OVER?” THAT GOT ME THINKING ABOUT SECOND LIFE AND THE DO OVER OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE HERE. For whatever reason we joined this virtual time and space, we share this common reality with one simple truth. Here we get a chance for a do-over, make-over! Think back to your first day when words like rez, lag and scripts, pose ball and oh my goodness, prims were all a foreign language to you. Now advance your timeline to one month. If you are anything like the experienced chatter or message board geeks, communication took on a whole new meaning. Interaction with chat buddies on steroids. We can animate and emote! How cool is that? Again, fast forward your timeline to being just a little too familiar with your Second Life and its time for a new skin, new wardrobe and even purchase some land and make a home for yourself.
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How many times have you moved? How many different hair styles do you have in your inventory? And the ultimate question, do you really need another black dress - hell yes, is and will remain, my reply! Last week I met a newbie. He was lost and had no clue how he ended up here. It would have been so easy to walk away.but I remembered the kindness of strangers to me when I joined this roving band of vagabonds and sim-hoppers. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the poor fellow have a bad SL experience. I made gestures and tried to help him understand that I was going to enhance his experience. I handed him safe landmarks for few cool unisex 160 â&#x20AC;&#x192;
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tee-shirts and jeans. Since this happened, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken the time to make a newbie folder so it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay their experience and I can get to the nearest sandbox to finish my latest project while waiting on someone to contact me for counseling. I have since talked with others who provide a fullblown service for new arrivals to our world. Many stores offer under 30 day packs to new arrivals, and others who offer freebies or dollarbies of excellent quality. United Spirits Network is a new mega-group of like-minded groups who are working to destroy the walls that divide. They have also created a space for Newbies to come and socialize, as well as offer
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HOW MANY TIMES DO WE GET TO START OVER?
tutorials on dressing, editing, and minor building. They host monthly events and activities to participate in without the pressure of joining any individual group. Next up the ladder would be the variety Sims dedicated to new arrivals. Most of which provide the ultimate freebie extravaganza for the male and female shopper, for virtually all you need in SL for $0 lindens. I encourage you to support the efforts of these and other folks in SL who are trying to spread the wonder of this place. Send newbies to them or make your own newbie folder in your inventory... and don’t leave home without it! 162
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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SOLITAIRE HIGHFIELD
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IT’S TRUE THAT IN A PLACE LIKE SECOND LIFE THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF POSSIBLE CYBER PLAYMATES, BUT HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WITH WHOM YOU WILL BUMP PIXELS? OR DO YOU EVEN BOTHER TO CHOOSE AT ALL, TAKING ON ALL OFFERS INSTEAD? OR ARE YOU MORE PICKY, PREFERRING INSTEAD TO GET TO KNOW SOMEONE AND BUILD UP A CONNECTION, ATTRACTION, AN EASE WITH EACH OTHER? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. All Offers : You see these people around all the time. They hang out at free sex places, sex clubs, orgy rooms and even poseball shops. They will invade the IM of anyone who gets too close asking for sex, and if you turn them down - who cares - there’s more where you came from. After all, that’s what Second Life is all about, right? Interactive cartoon porn. Now I am in no way saying that being open and upfront about what you want is a bad thing. It just makes me wonder wtf is wrong? It’s like when you see something that’s going for a ridiculous price. You wonder whats wrong with it. In many cases, I suspect it’s a bad case of gender confusion. As I always say, it’s pretty obvious that the hot blonde with giant knockers who is a member of every sex group imaginable, and lists “her” measurements and fetishes and ends with “No voice, pics or webcams” has a mighty penis lurking under that lace teddy “she” is wearing and wanting you to tear off. After all,
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it’s so easy to hide who you really are behind a sexy shape, skin, hair and clothing. In pixels, we’re all sexy hot women and hunky studmuffiny men. It’s conveyor belt sex. You know as soon as its over, they’ll move on to the next one. It’s also a safe way to play out your fetishes and fantasies. Who cares if your desire to wear a George Bush mask whilst being tickled on the Xcite bits with a feather by a leatherclad midget during sex with short fat redheads scares away someone you don’t know. It’s bound to turn someone on and then you’re in! The advantages? It’s nameless, faceless sex. There is no emotion, no real connection or pleasure. Just getting off with a stranger you will probably never see again, or if you do, you won’t remember them. There’s an endless supply. That conveyor belt is always moving. Always bringing in a new crop of people to pick through. Picky : This is the way I prefer to be. I like getting to know a person, their likes and dislikes, turn ons and offs, teasing, flirting, playing and building a connection before anything intimate happens. Whilst it’s true I haven’t always been this way, this leopard did change her spots. I look better in florals anyway. It’s far more satisfying and relaxed when it’s with someone you know. It brings so much more depth and “realism” to the experience. Plus if it does turn out to be really really good, at least you’ll remember who it is if you ever want a repeat performance. Disadvantages? Well the glaringly obvious ones are that most of the good people are in relationships, or it’s so hard to find anyone who isn’t fake or just playing around online. The Masters have to
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watch out for the velcro subs, the subs have to watch out for the role playing “just wanna slap a woman around for a bit” Doms, the guys have to watch out for the hidden penises, the women for the wives or other women he is currently shagging...and it goes on. Then there are the ones that have kicked my butt many times over the past few years. You fall for them, but they don’t want a relationship, at least with you anyway. Or when you stop the sexual side of things, they don’t want to know you. You thought you were friends but it was just a sex to them. Sure it is hard trying to keep a friendship going when the sex stops. There are feelings and jealousies to contend with, especially if the other party finds a new playmate. All that being said, it doesn’t always guarantee that the person you have known for a while and have been chatting to will be a good cyber lover. But you can usually tell by their language, style of chatting, vocabulary etc how well or bad they might be. And maybe the stranger across the crowded club turns out to be the best shag you have ever had. It happens. Best of luck finding someone. The good ones are out there, you just have to dig through the crap to find them.
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THE GOOD ONES ARE OUT THERE.
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ICON lifestyle magazine | March 2010
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