THE BEST OF SL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2020 by The Best Of SL Magazine

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Bronxie Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS CompE Sammie Audion Jamee Sandalwood Arya Braveheart Sita Writer Yshiara Cerise Magissa Denver COVER PHOTO: Magissa Denver COVER WRITING: Magissa Denver COVER: Wicca Merlin Jamee Sandalwood

BOSL Magazine August 2020 Edition

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CONTENT

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WOLFIE MOONSHADOW

OUTTER LAKE

RACISM IN SECOND LIFE 46 RELATIONSHIPS IN SECONDLIFE

FURNITURE GALORE

FASHION TREND-BIG SLEEVES |TIED ANKLES

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Wolfie Moonshadow Article by: CompE|Photography Cara Paine The house is packed at Second Life’s popular dance and music venue, Southern Nights Country/Rock Club. The reason for the high attendance and high-octane atmosphere takes the stage: “Hello all you wonderful people,” singer/entertainer Wolfie Moonshadow shouts to the audience. “Thank you for being here on hump day!” The show begins, and Wednesday night rocks.

three countries, including television appearances.

Southern Nights is but one of Wolfie’s gigs out of dozens. He performs with experience— Rock, Blues, Latin, Big Band, Jazz and Easy Listening, or all of the above. When asked for a favorite music genre, Wolfie’s answer is “All of them.” And he has done all of them in SL for 10 years.

“[Before SL,] I was recording and posting videos of my music on YouTube. A Second Lifer saw my work and approached me about performing at a club in the virtual world.” Wolfie’s initial response? ‘How is that supposed to work?’

That’s right 10 years as a virtual performing artist. Ten years in Second Life is like 40 in the real one. But the decade has been good to Wolfie, who recalls the past as the good old days still in progress.

“I’d heard some things about SL,” he said. “I knew it was like a chatroom but with avatars. I didn’t realize what it really was until I came in.”

Before crossing the cyber world border, he had a successful career as an RL singer with bands spanning 25 years, in

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“I started in Second Life in June 2010,” the singer recalls in a BOSL interview. “Back then, if you could crash a sim, then you were doing something right,” he chuckles. “Obviously, those times have changed, as I have fit over 100 people in a show with no sim crashes.”

Second Life was relatively new in those days. Wolfie noted, I had concerns, but the idea of performing online was appealing.”

He gave it a try, and the rest is history. Wolfie Moonshadow has become one of the top singer/ performers in cyber world. “SL has opened many doors for me – in SL and RL,” he says. “I have never looked back.” Neither has his audience. At tonight’s show, Karesa Weatherwax is a first-time visitor. “I am really enjoying his music and sense of humor!” she says while joining others under dancing lights. “He is doing a good mix of Rock, Blues, Funk, and R&B. I will absolutely go to see him again.” It looks easy, but don’t try this at home. Successful cyber crooners live by the same creed as their RL counterparts: ‘Know your audience.’ Wolfie explains why it is vital: “They are looking for entertainment not only in songs you perform but also in engagement and connection. You learn to ‘sense’ the audience, based on what they say or the silences in chat.”

“My show is a very energetic mix. Fans enjoy the energy I bring to a show. I sing some slower songs, but my shows, as many say, do not drag.” He continues, “I’ve had fans say ‘Wolfie can we rev it up?’ So I do!” He laughs. “I’m there to perform. Being in tune with them is extremely important. It is also vital to keep current. I tailor my songs for every venue I play.” He is quick to recognize others in the virtual profession. To Wolfie, they are not competitors but friends in the business. “I see many performers who were in SL from the time I started,” he acknowledges. “We are still here. We may be the dinosaurs of SL music, but we are here.” He never forgets the early days, the struggles to obtain a foothold, and wants to help others succeed in the business. To this end, he founded ‘Moonlight Music. “It is not an agency as in booking agents,” Wolfie clarifies. “I’d say it’s a boot camp for performers.”

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His SL profile describes it well: Moonlight Music provides For current listing of events, consult the calendar posted help in starting your music career in SL (including in Wolfie’s SL profile. The calendar is full, much to the advertising, new image & avi creation, promos, etc.) or delight of the virtual music man. For Wolfie Moonshadow, helping boost it with workshops run by performers within the show must go on— and he’s loving it. You will, too. the group. SL performer Paul Nowles, also a 10-year veteran cyber singer, agrees with this mission. “I am very involved in Moonlight Music,” he says. “It has been a huge help to me and many others.” Paul has known Wolfie almost since the day the two entered SL. They often perform together in various venues. He says about his friend: “Wolfie is undoubtedly one of the best performers in SL and RL. His shows are engaging and fun to be a part of.” Paul laughs, adding, “And no, this is not a paid endorsement.” On this week’s visit, Wolfie Moonshadow’s show is booked for six days. Between gigs are rehearsals and breaking in new songs. “You can’t have too many songs,” Wolfie says.

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OTTER LAKE Arriving at Otter Lake exposes the immersed visitor to an entirely new experience, which seems just about the right thing these days. The landing zone is close to the shore, right in the middle of the lakeside village. Nearby is a lovely café— the perfect spot to get in sync with the laid-back atmosphere. Perhaps you want some sinful baked goodies to go with your cappuccino? Maybe read a book, or just look out the window onto the lake? Keep an eye out, the otters might be out to play. Once adjusted to the vacation-like lifestyle at the lake, the time is right to get some exploring done— beautifully romantic jewels are just waiting to be discovered. Strolling around the houses in the small village does offer some interesting and photogenic details. But now, come on! Walk up the stairs into the forest, where the adventure really begins. To the left, a trail leads us along old pine trees back to the bluff overlooking the archipelago— well, just a couple of islands around, but they qualify. Sit down on the ‘two hearts bench’ to enjoy the view, especially when coming with a loved one or a date. The builder put in some time to fill the bench with nice sit animations, even a couple that are not seen on every second sit in Second Life (SL). This section also includes another semi-protected sitting area with a unique jeep front section. But where might the rest of this off-roader be? A statue of a woman seems to provide protection to the visitors and travelers passing through. Of course, Otter Lake offers far more than a viewpoint and a village at the lake. Some lucky people actually live here! As you hike along through the pine forest, keeping the shore to your left, you will find cosy hideout places and houses that are built in astonishing mesh quality, fitting perfectly into the lovely, dreamy, highly romantic landscape. The houses vary

Article & Photography by: Sammie Audion from almost sheds to small mansions on the hill to create an impression of a small society, rather than an artificial ‘cookie cutter’ neighborhood. Several picnic places invite thirsty and hungry travelers along the hiking route. At some places, blankets and cushions are arranged for catching up with a loved one. Other places attend to more bodily needs, having laid out wine, bread, and cheese with fruits. Isn’t that simply perfect to wind down from a stressful day and keep the inner balance? After leaving the shoreline and buffs behind to move deeper inside the forest, we find a creek trickling down on its way to Otter Lake. Lovely rock formations are placed around the crystal-clear water. The creek offers a cool, refreshing drink in the heat of the summer. A beautiful mountain lake awaits, quietly and gracefully, at the top of the hill. Perhaps this is the true home of the otters? Why not find out yourself? When moving along down to the shoreline again, we see hills rolling softly down to the beach. Here as well, we find romantic hangout places with nice views of the other islands in the archipelago. At one secluded spot, a shed is built over the water. Perfect for a weekend hangout. Moving along, we find a signal tower warning skippers of the shallow waters and, of course, the land itself. For some, Otter Lake might be a lovely weekend fly-away, a secluded place to wind down. For others, a new home if one is looking for a quiet place to settle. To be clear, this writer does not know about any available rentals at Otter Lake—that info does not fit the intent of this article. However, Otter Lake is certainly a lovely place to visit.

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Hopefully, you will also find Otter Lake a perfect place to wind down at the end of a stressful day. After all, with all the craziness that is going on, a safe place to hide out may not only be a good ideaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; it may become a necessity. So, why not spend some time with a close friend or loved one at Otter Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; no mask required in this virtual haven. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lanzarote%20 Cove/228/97/23

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RACISM IN SECOND LIFE The idiom “that’s just the tip of the iceberg” refers to discussing a few symptoms of a much larger problem; the phrase is based on the fact that much of an iceberg is unseen under the water’s surface. Racism in Second Life is fits this phrase well. No one realizes how big the problem is until they start looking deeper. We all know it’s possible to experience such incidents as Linden Labs addresses it in the EULA, but what does racism actually look like in Second Life? After all, no one can be beaten, lynched, pulled over for no reason, or many of the other things people of colour experience in Real Life. Yet racism’s insidious presence is felt even here. The reigning Miss Colour of Couture, AvaJean Westland, explained it this way: “You will have a hard time not finding a black or brown person who does not have a story.” In Second Life, racism takes the form of inappropriate jokes, statements, and avatar names; assumptions based on racial ancestry; insults about intelligence and level of education; racist builds; and backhanded compliments with racial overtones, to name a few. These issues can carry over into outright verbal abuse and threats. So why do they do it? For some, it is unintentional and based in ignorance. These more subtle actions, known as microaggressions, are often seen as harmless from the speaker when in reality, the statement or questions is offensive to the receiver. AvaJean provided an example of one she personally received: “Why do you want to look like that?” Another example would be describing people of colour’s skin tone using food items. While this may seem harmless and an accurate note of colour, the practice is rooted in fetishizing and objectifying skin tones. Even the most innocent of mistakes can have their impact.

Article and Photography By: Yhishara Cerise | Other instances of racism are more intentional and blatant, done only to provoke a response from those they have targeted. Since residents of Second Life are relatively anonymous, they can say things with relative impunity. Even if no physical contact is possible, the words and abuse can inflict emotional pain on the target. This effect can be especially bad if one is logging into SL to find a haven from the real world and all its issues and problems. For those who have never experienced racism in Second Life, it’s easy to deny its existence— and who can blame them? After all, who wants to talk about problems they aren’t convinced are there when they just want to have fun? They may also feel uncomfortable bringing it up– especially considering the present racial tension sparked by the quick succession of deaths including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey, and George Floyd piled on an already extensive list of deaths due to racism, police brutality, or both. Racism in the virtual world is sadly rather easy to pass off. Many people here do so, and AvaJean has heard the excuses. “Well, it’s not my family, my friends, so it’s not my problem.” “It’s not affecting me.” The worst one she found was “If I don’t experience it, I don’t care,” which she felt was both “naïve and apathetic.”

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AvaJean compares it to being stuck in a traffic jam. “You didn’t cause it, but you’re affected by it.” For there to ever be a consensus, a chance to move beyond and improve, we need to have open dialog among all sides. Nothing will change if we continue to argue, to insult, to ignore. She also went on to say the following: “What I think is important (among many things) is that SL has the unique ability to set an example in an entirely different way. We have people from all over. I’ve made friends from so many different places. We all deal with the same issues. And we all want the same thing ultimately...to connect.” Developing those connections has begun already. Amidst all the roleplay groups based on racial stereotypes, other groups— such as All Black Lives Matter— have been working tirelessly for the last few weeks with shopping events, fundraisers, and parties to raise racial awareness and understanding in Second Life. One of these events was the ‘We Will Be Heard’ panel discussion where had guest speakers answered questions both from the moderators and from the attendants. The event was a great success. Many people came out and shared their testimony (as well as some laughter and tears). Overall, the atmosphere was one of hopeful camaraderie. After such a meeting of minds, one can’t help but feel hopeful and that maybe, possibly, some of that hope will be taken into the real world. *Author’s Note: Thank you to AvaJean Westland, Roshambo Dench and Karisha Terebun (comitose) of All Black Lives Matter, Lani Heartsong, and many other people both in-world and on the forums that took the time to talk about this issue with me.

RELATIONSHIPS IN SECONDLIFE What Do You Want – Lovers or Partners, Nothing at All… The Decision is Yours “Night was all around me… and the stars pecked at it with fierce acetylene silver beaks. A thin moon scarred the sky. Then I walked… my arm around the emptiness of you beside me.” We have all been there in SL: wondering if we should give our real life or second life our mind and our heart. Many of us plunge in, and many of us have had our hearts broken once, twice, even three times and more on SL. At some point, you need to step back and think about yourself and what you want— after all SL is about you. Then again, SL should reflect how you care and treat others even though some users only want to get something from you. We have all encountered them; they are callous and uncaring, yet deceptively good at seduction— and, in hindsight they are pedestrian. Ah -- and then, there is the seduction -- shall we count the ways… mentally, emotionally… let me put it this way… when someone is indelible in your blood as though you were cast in infinite copies of one another… it is so good, so wonderful! It makes you want to consider if you want to make the jump between SL and RL… but what are the consequences in the big picture? The choice is always yours. For many of us, SL is enough— not for others. Whatever the case with your experience, I am sure many of you remember a time of passion and love.

Article By: Sita Writer|Photography Bronxie I am sure you have something in your mind. Drift back to a soft recall of fireflies and twinkling stars, elusive, yet such a poignant memory that it still takes your breath away! That time is now lost in the midst of minutes and hours and days, never to return— sometimes cherished, sometimes better left forgotten. We have all had moments of not knowing or knowing, the heartbreak of the next day or the one after that. Haven’t we all experienced that one horrid moment of resolve when we pull ourselves together and move on to face a new day? But we also share the triumph of rising to face a new beginning, with a fresh outlook and renewed resilience! At BOSL, we love the feeling of renewal and have thought long and hard about relationships. We are not gurus, but we do think you should consider the following three questions before you take the plunge: 1. What do you want from an SL experience? BOSL Tip – find out what makes that person of interest tick. Figure out if they are what you want in your second life! 2. What do you want in an SL relationship? BOSL Tip - Level with yourself and with your love, real life or second life, and create boundaries that you both can accept. Reconfirm the type of relationship you can live with, in RL, SL— whatever you decide is best for you both. Honesty and expectations must be key components of a meeting of the minds!

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3. What are the expectations if you Partner? BOSL Tip - SL Partnershipâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; open or closed? What are the rules and boundaries? Can you dance with someone else? Flirt or even hang out Getting out in front of your expectations is important. If the relationship is in RL, then go slow and get to know one another. If it is an SL relationship, set the boundaries and expectations. Agree on what you can both live with in both lives and enjoy the moments. We hope these thoughts have helped you sort your feelings outâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; or will help you in the future. At BOSL, we believe that SL is a world without maps. A world that allows us to chart our own way. Along said way, we will meet people we never would have met and share moments that we never could have imagined in RL. BOSL treasures the journeys to come, and we look forward to embracing those we meet along the way.

FURNITURE GALORE A few months back, I wrote an article about the houses available at events around SL. This month, I thought I would follow that up with a look at all the amazing furniture you can find at events, too. Obviously, I wasn’t able to take pictures of all the items on display, but I tried to pick a wide variety to show you that these events aren’t just about fashion and accessories. I have also chosen events that are recurring— no point getting you all excited about an event that will be over and done with by the time this article is published! The items may change, but the event and its offering of furniture items does not. I also decided that this would not be about gachas. Though, we may cover those another time! I am leading you through these alphabetically today, so grab a snack and let’s go. First up is Access. This event starts on the 12th of each month and finishes up on the 8th of the following month. Access has a good range of furniture items and is easy to get around for viewing. Collabor88 is a long-running event that starts on the 8th of each month and runs until the 5th of the following month. Collabor88 always has a great range of furniture items and a dedicated platform for houses and furniture to be displayed. Click on the signs in the middle of the event area to access it. Cosmopolitan is the shortest of all the events mentioned today but offers two rounds a month that run for two weeks each. The furniture items are mostly displayed in the centre of the event hall, and they offer a wide range of items from some well-known designers.

Photos and Article by Arya Braveheart Fameshed is another event that has withstood the test of time, and they always have a great range of home and garden items. A dedicated platform can be accessed by clicking the signs at the furniture-related stands. Fameshed opens on the 1st of each month and closes on the 27th of the same month. Kustom9 begins on the 15th of each month and runs through to the 10th of the next month. This is an event that has grown in the time I have been visiting it; they always have a great range of items for the home. Uber has been around for a while now and still proudly boasts a great range of home and garden items. The design of this event may have changed somewhat, but I am loving their demo area set up on the platform behind the main shopping areaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; just climb the stairs to view the different items. Most furniture items are easy to find in the event square. Now, I know there are other events around, but sadly, some of these werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t open when I was out and about taking pics. However, you can wander and take a look at Tres Chic, Shiny Shabby, and The Liaison Collaborative, who all continue to make home and garden a priority at their events. Happy shopping, everyone!

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Access CHEZ MOI - Porto Lounger Set Collabor88 Dahlia - Florence Nutmeg - Sojourn Collection Cosmopolitan Decor Junction/Shutter Field - Wood Tent Bee Designs - Moroccan Living Room Fameshed Scarlet Creative - Tulum Furniture Kustom 9 Ariskea - Faux Set Kraftwork - Icelandic Dining Set Uber Diâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;cor - Dylan Bathroom Set DaD - BoraBora

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Rings: “Foy Porter” Unisex Ring, Ruby Kosh Shepard’s Glen Ring, Fire/Silver Wretched Dollies Garnet Poison Ring Pants: Contraption Deck Crew Jodhpurs Boots: Contraption Deck Crew Boots

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ADDY OMENA

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Moon. Hair. - Summer Breeze Kunglers - Dinorah necklace Golden ISON - milly lace top white Hilly Haalan - Avery Shorts [BREATHE] - Nanette Heels Lemonade Yellow

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Overblouse - Rowne - The Ro Top - White - Maitreya Undershirt - NO Frilly Sheer Button Down - White - Maitreya Applier Pants - Bjorn - Lou Ruffle Pant - White Shoes - Pure Poison - Isahara - Texture Change - Maitreya Hair - Jumo - Chique Hair - Blacks Earrings - Ayla - Texture Change Brooch on Necklace - Lazuri - Locuala Nose Ring Necklace - Lazuri - Royal Blush All in One Rings - Kunglers - Elise - Texture Change Eyeshadow - Izzie’s - Summer Eyeshadows - Catwa Lipstick - Izzie’s - Matte Summer Lip Tint - Catwa Nails - Veechi - Autumn Glitter Gradient

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CAESAR LANGER

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Shirt: Artificial Hallucination - Victor Pants 1: Artificial Hallucination - Ares Pants 2: PFC - Dune ride Cape: aii The Ugly & Beautiful - Mortal Harvest Mantle Shoes: PFC - Espadrilles Eyepatch: Dirty Stories - Dark Soul Ring: Mandala - Milky Nails Gaga RIng Only

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Top: BTTB Rusk Vest and Blouse Pant: Muka Iggy Pant: Uh-Oh Giselle Crosh Fishnet Leggings Shoes: AZOURY Je suis Un Garcon Accessory: Zenith Mystic Victoria lace collar Accessory: Secrets Golden Glass Accessory: Sistur Fan Accessory: Toksik Amai Ear Piercings

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TOP: CHEERNO SADO - Rubber Jacket in Red BOTTOM: CLEF DE PEAU Aidan Shorts in Noir SHOES: not so bad ALAN chelsea boots in Black HAIR: Modulus Rory hair in Black JEWLERY: Meva Alex Bento Rings in Black and MARKED Spike & Chain Accent Earring in Black BELT: POMPOSITY Rolled Link Belly Chain/Belt in Black ACCESSORIES: KraftWork Dandy Clutch in Black

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AVAJEAN WESTLAND

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Shanghai Salete Black Shoulder Piece ROSAL Steam Neck Corset Rowne Vika Puff Top BigBeautifulDoll Therese Latex skirt Email Luxuria Latex Suit AZOURY Je suis un garcon Boots Avanti Satima nails Exile Versailles hair MONS Septum ring

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Hat KUNGLERS-Kathleen Fascinator Hair DOUX Marcela Hairstyle Top ISON Puff Sleeve Corset Belt Rowne. Aliet Leather Belt Skirt -tres blah-Lovett Skirt - Stripes Shoes N-core KHIONE Make-up S.E CATWA - Spell on You (Eyes & Lips) Jewelry KUNGLERS - Elise Ring ME. Mimi Necklace and Earrings

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Hair:tram J0116a hair tram J0121 hair(beret-specular) Shoes: [BREATHE]-So Min Heels-M.Lara-Black Hat Pin: Zuriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ophelia Nymph (L) Earring Diamond Nymph/Sterling Collar: S&P Agatha collar Lara Outfit: toksik - Lacrimosa Dress (Maitreya) Gloves: Upper arms: Dead Dollz - La Calavera - Glove Black L Dead Dollz - La Calavera - Glove Black R Lace Hand Gloves : STC Bento Short Fingerless Lace Gloves: Pieced Lace

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