THE BEST OF SL MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023 EDITION by The Best Of SL Magazine

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PHOTO: RAIN SAXONDALE

MODELS: ISSY FLATLEY, LOLITA PARAGORN, ANGELINKA NEG

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reign Congrejo

CONTRIBUTORS Arya Braveheart Cara Paine Coco St. George Compe Lockwood Jamee Sandalwood Nemsis Rain Saxondale Sarah E. Brenham Stevie Basevi Tiyialic

LAYOUT

Viktor Serrao

COVER Jamee Sandalwood

COVER MODELS Diamondgem Destiny Reign Congrejo Jamee Sandalwood

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BOSL Magazine December 2023 Edition

PHOTO: NEMESIS

MODEL: WYATT FROST

CONTENT

133 DECEMBER

SKAERTONNFIALL

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS

TRIBUTE TO CRISSCRISTIAN

POWER UP FOR CHARGE

BOSL FLICKR CHALLENGE

119

BOSL ARTS

133

BOSL FASHION TREND

155

BOSL AFTER DARK

197

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December

Arya Braveheart

he holiday season is upon us, and I know we are probably all scurrying about getting ready for family events and a lot of eating. There are decorations to put up, a tree to get, presents to shop for, and food to prepare. So much to do and so little time. But as you rush about, spare a thought for the folks at Santa’s Village. They are working so hard to get all of those presents ready for the children of the world. They are sewing, coding, designing, and making. The reindeer are being prepped, the sleigh washed and waxed, and the big man himself is racing around the village getting fit and ready for his big night. This year, I have had a whole heap of festive fun getting the village ready for all the hustle, bustle, and creativity that the season generates. I made sure all the decorations were up, the presents were ready, and the trees were lit so that the elves could enjoy the season, too. I also gave them some space to relax with skiing, ice skating, or soaking in the hot tub. And don’t worry, the reindeer are well catered for, too. They have their own little huts, grass to munch on, and a huge area to play and frolic in. They are also guarding the sleigh, so I wouldn’t try to sit in it. You will have a herd of very antlered reindeer to contend with if you even step over the fence. The train that takes you to the village is full of presents and ready to steam off into the distance. I wouldn’t suggest finding your gift among them all; the cards are written in North Pole Elvish, so you wouldn’t be able to understand them anyway. No shaking the gifts either. That is considered the height of bad manners when visiting this particular village.

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So, grab your skates, sled, or skis and just join in the fun. If that seems too arduous, then jump in the hot tub or just grab a hot chocolate and find a comfy chair to sit in and enjoy the view. Make sure you bring a coat and boots— the weather outside is frightful.

Happy Holidays to you all.

PHOTOS: ARYA BRAVEHEART

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CREDITS

DECOR ST YLE CARDS

< A P H R O D I T E > - Christmas Hot Choco & Gingerbread cookies Tray AT E L I E R B U R G U N D Y - Gingerbread House Sugary Version 2, Gingerbread Cabin Sugary, Gingerbread Path B L U E B E R RY PAT C H - Full Pine ver5 snow B O TA N I C A L - Douglas Fir Trees, Winter Sugar Maple C H E Z M O I - Inflatable Happy Mail, Inflatable Gingerbread Cookie, Inflatable Santa Truck, Inflatable Santa Sleigh, Traditional Xmas Tree, Lucks Hot Tub, Jardin Red Stool, Inflatable Singing Reindeer [ C I R C A ] - “Nordic Winter” Snow Guy - Xmas D A D - “Santa Claus cozy sack” Group Gift, “Vintage Sled”, “Les Memoires Log Basket” F I N C A - toilette towels basket G O O S E - Bench with snow H AW K E R ’ S H O U S E - Frosty Winter Snowman : : I N K M E : : - winter travel cart J I A N - Reindeer Collection - Static Reindeer and Stables L I T T L E B R A N C H - CrispyGrass, Douglas Fir Tree.v2 {Animated} L O U C H A R A - Mid Winter Lantern L O V E - Winter Frost Tree - White Sparkle and Green, Winter Frost Grass [ M E R A K ] - Hot Chocolate Delight A M O O H ! - Single winter tree, Winter trees, Hot Chocolate stand M U N I I C K - Lorraine Folded Towel Stack M Y S T E R I O U S D E S I G N S - Snowfall Lake N U T M E G . - Outdoor Shower w/Towel PG . P E A C H E S - A Raven’s Feast - Hot Chocolate Dispenser (Noel) P I TAYA - Welcome Xmas - Old door, Watering can

S E R E N I T Y S T Y L E - Cute Winter Mailbox, Winter Pond, Polar Express, Snowman Time - Big Ornaments, Cane, Red Dog, Sliding, Sled; Santas Scooter, Christmas Cake, Cute Gingerbread Figure - Gift 1, Gift 2, Red Sweater T H E L O O K I N G G L A S S - Winter’s Love Frost Flowers . : T M : . C R E AT I O N - Winter Shrub Bush Snowy wp8 T R O M P E L O E I L - Stellan Winter Lamp Post { W H AT N E X T } - Snowy Alpine Cabin, Winter Wonderland Igloo, Snowman Pathway Lights, Large Lighted Christmas Nutcracker #1 and #2, Christmas Gift Boxes

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SKAERTONNFIALL Compe Lockwood

ne could sit here for hours on a bearskin rug, stretched before a crackling fire and perusing ancient books of Viking lore. “Here” is the library of Skaertonnfiall, where one researches skills and knowledge of Middle Ages’ antiquity. And here is the role play sim where one learns Norse life and culture. Finally, here is the first lesson one needs to know about this land of the Vikings: they aren’t Vikings.

Alba enjoyed shut down, so she started her own.

“We are Norsemen,” notes the site creator, Nanna Snjofastormr, also known as Alba Amore. “Norsemen (or Norse people) were a North Germanic ethnolinguistic group of the Early Middle Ages.” You can be one, too. Alba is.

Alba is one of the most realistic site creators in the metaverse. We are thankful she shares her work. “I did not open this for just myself, but for others who may be looking for the same thing.” She continues, “Many features are still evolving since our June opening.” Change is for the better. Evolving is a good thing and keeps the site fresh.

After months of construction and an official June 21, 2023, grand opening, Skaertonnfiall, the onestop shop for all things Norse, became a reality. In addition to the library, where one views books teaching everything from dressing the part of a warrior, holidays, and all aspects of the Norse world, there is much more.

Skaertonnfiall also changes with the seasons. On this pre-holiday mid-November visit, the sim is a winter wonderland of snow, ice, and Norseman adventure. Approximately 70 avatars currently have membership, and you can, too, for fun, camaraderie, and education in historically accurate roleplay. “We live as they would during the Viking age,” explains Alba. “We have set up the Unity Maxin Empire system here, which allows us to grow crops, raise farm animals, gather, hunt, and cook the foods indicative of the era. It is all tied into the Unity meter, which adds a lot to the roleplay.” The realism of Norse villages is unmatched. Farmers can tend crops, merchants sell their wares, and sailors prepare their boats. Life is good. “Many years ago, I was part of a Norse/Viking roleplay sim,” she recalls about the early days. “I loved the culture, the community, and the festivals celebrated throughout the year.” But alas, the sim

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“We have crops and animals galore,” Alba notes. “Our sim boasts a variety of crops and animals, including the captivating presence of wild creatures on the hunting platform. These additions are here to

PHOTOS: CARA PAINE

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enhance your roleplay experiences and contribute to the evolving tapestry of our community.” You won’t experience this Middle-Age via pixels in one visit. Therefore, consult this guide for Norse notices and all surroundings with return trips. You may not want to leave. Skaertonnfiall features three main areas: Welcome Hall/OCC PlatformMost of us teleport here first. Think of the Welcome Hall as an orientation center for what to do, see, and experience in the rest of the sim.

Having built one of the best Viking/Norse sites of SL, Alba is not content to rest on the throne (she’s a queen). Skaertonnfiall, the Middle Age world from a millennium past, is posed for the future. “We will continue to grow, thrive, and be a community where people who love the Norse culture can live or visit. We would also like to find other sims to collaborate and roleplay together,” she says. All of this and more is coming to a computer near you in a metaverse of news from the Norse.

The unity meter is here, as is the wall of administrative staffers’ profiles. There is a teleport board accessing locations around the sim. In the backroom, the above-mentioned library stores period information, traditions, and Norse/Viking history. Clicking a few books and learning the culture enhances the roleplaying experience. Outside the Welcome Hall is a shopping mall perfect for adorning the new Norse you. The Main Land Within and around ship docks are markets, settlements, and dwellings. The Mainland has homes available for roleplayers and community members. Also nearby is the east shore beach with picturesque views and a residential orca. The Mainland has much more to see and do than we have space to describe. In addition, the area is popular for celebrations, informal gatherings, and dances both in and out of character. Kungsangen Plans and Uppsala (Temple/Wilderness platform) Lastly, this sim hosts a sacred wilderness for hunting, fishing, and more. “Have fun exploring here,” says Alba. “There is always something new to discover.” The area includes a vast network of caves, footpaths, and trails. On today’s visit, the snow-covered solitude is interrupted by the howls of distant wolves and screeching owls, adding to the mystery and beauty of whatever is around the bend. Pitched tents, stone monuments, and epic waterfalls from mountain peaks are along the way.

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AN EARLY CHRISTMAS: or, why we all need a little celebration

Coco St. George

o you think it’s too early to start organizing your Christmas festivities or even to start thinking about this year’s holidays? Not by far! In fact, even if you start planning your holiday celebrations right now, you might be kind of late. That’s right: the real Xmas pros start planning the season by June or July to make sure their merchandise is ready to ship and be displayed and sold as soon as the effects of Thanksgiving dinner are over. But not everybody is a pro, of course, and that must be the case for most readers. We simple mortals only want a chance to have a good meal and a great time with our family members, exchange a few tasteful and meaningful presents, and maybe, only maybe, think for a moment about the original significance of the celebration. Not everybody is in the mood to dig deep into History just to find little-known facts about a festivity that has ancient roots and has evolved over time. The exact date of the first Christmas celebration is not well-documented, as early Christians did not initially commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Christmas on December 25th began to appear in the 4th century. One popular theory is that the choice of December 25th was influenced by the Roman festival of Sol Invictus (the “Unconquered Sun”), which was celebrated around the same time. By aligning the celebration of Jesus’ birth with an existing festival, Christian leaders may have aimed to make Christianity more acceptable and accessible to the Roman population. But that’s not the reason you’re putting up with your Uncle Bert’s rants about the modern world and its lack of morals or the detailed account of cousin Jerry about how he beat the holiday traffic by arriving at AN EARLY CHRISTMAS

your home five hours earlier. Celebrating the end of the year— the end of whatever cycle —is so embedded in our culture that we could say it is part of our DNA— if cultures had DNA which, now that I think about it, might not be possible at all. But I digress. Keeping track of the passing of time not only reminds us that we have to buy birthday presents or anniversary gifts but also tells us when to sow and when to harvest, among many other activities that are vital for our survival. Every people had their own way of measuring time, often based on the cycle of the Sun, like the Sumerians, or of the Moon, like the Chinese. Or even a combination of both, as was the case of the Aztecs; they had 18 months of 20 days each and a special period of the last five days of the year, called the nemontemi, the “empty” or “lazy” days, during which they did nothing. There’s a valuable lesson to be learned from them, since devoting five days to winding down sounds like an excellent way of keeping one’s sanity, especially after the madness of year-end celebrations. The Egyptians had something very similar: 12 months of 30 days each, plus five intercalary days devoted to their gods to complete the 365 days of the year. While Christmas is still about celebrating Christ’s birthday, the more secular society of our time has let that goal take a back seat, leaving room for other pursuits. And the traditions have changed accordingly. For instance, the figure of Santa Claus, which for us is almost synonymous with Christmas, is actually a blending of diverse influences and based on a real person: Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra, who was known for his generosity and kindness— especially towards children. He used to deliver presents to the kids, and that’s how the modern tradition of gift-giving came to be.

PHOTOS: COCO ST. GEORGE

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But he lived in what is now Turkey, very far from the North Pole we usually think of as his home. For this, there is also a simple relation. Since Christmas was celebrated on December 25th, when most of the Northern Hemisphere is cold and covered with snow, making the connection with the North Pole as Santa Claus’ abode was not a big stretch of the imagination. The sleigh, the reindeers, the red and white suit, and the whole North Pole paraphernalia would come later, courtesy of the Coca-Cola Corp. marketing department. But, he also got influences from the tradition of Sinterklaas, brought by Dutch settlers into America where the name became our modern Santa Claus. In the Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas arrives on a steamboat from Spain and brings gifts to children. The origin of the Christmas tree is also rooted in different traditions, some even predating Christianity. That’s right: since evergreen trees symbolize life and fertility, people would decorate these trees as part of their winter solstice celebrations to symbolize hope for the coming spring. The idea of putting a tree inside the house for the holiday season came from Germany, and according to legend, the Protestant reformer Martin Luther is said to have been inspired by the beauty of the stars shining through the evergreen branches. He brought a tree into his home and decorated it with candles to replicate the sparkling effect. In England, the Christmas tree became widely popular in the 19th century when Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, were depicted with a decorated Christmas tree.

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Christmas and the year-end celebrations are a deeply complex cultural phenomenon whose meaning goes beyond religious, ethnic, and national lines, and that’s where its universal appeal resides. The Holiday Season is a time we’ve come to use to be together with friends and family, associated with joy and happiness. And in that spirit, we can understand why, in her moment of distress, Mame Dennis, the title character from the Broadway hit Mame, sang “Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute, hasn’t snowed a single flurry, but Santa dear we’re in a hurry.”

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A Light Gone Too Soon Tribute to Crisscristian FROM THE BLVD FASHION HOUSE

Jamee Sandalwood

s I sit here this evening, having received the news of the loss of an amazing person, I started to look through the photos of him that have graced the pages of Best of SL and our runways since his graduation from My Light Academy in August of 2020. Crisscristian was a talented model and stylist from the very beginning, auditioning for BLVD Fashion House in January of 2021, becoming a member of our team on that very first audition. We knew he was a special person, and were excited to have him with us from then until his light went out much too soon this month. Criss appeared in nine editions of Best of SL Magazine, and graced the runway six times for BLVD Fashion House and Models Giving Back. His stylings were fierce, edgy, and always represented what was best about SecondLife fashion even when he wasn’t feeling well himself while battling cancer. He had a heart of gold and wanted to do everything he could to support the charity work we did, as it meant a lot to him personally. We have decided to include a selection of photos that represent the work Criss did as a model for BLVD and Models Giving Back along with a couple of personal photos that represent who he was. Criss, thank you for the beautiful artistry you achieved here with us, and may you rest in peace now out of pain and shining your light forever.

Criss was also the co-owner of AMBIENT building and environment in SecondLife. He loved to do textures for landscape and building, along with commissioned landscaping and builds.

TRIBUTE TO CRISSCRISTIAN

SNAPPED 2021 SHOW

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PHOTO: CRISSCRISTIAN

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PHOTO: JAMEE SANDALWOOD

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ROCK YOUR RACK

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PHOTO: JAMEE SANDALWOOD

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PHOTO: SHANTAL GRAVOIS

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PHOTO: SHANTAL GRAVOIS

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PHOTO: HERACLEA

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Criss is survived here in SecondLife by his husband Wyatt Frost, daughter Reina Reyes, and sister Cinzia Barzane. Our deepest condolences to all of you, along with all of Criss’ friends, fellow models and those whom he touched while we all had the joy of knowing him. We will remember you always.

Until we meet again ~

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POWER UP FOR CHARGE Sarah Brenham

that fit that requirement and exist in Second Life, such as Doctors Without Borders, I tend to go for the smaller ones, as I feel that they don’t get enough help.

THE CHARGE SYNDROME FOUNDATION is a one-stop shop for getting information about CHARGE syndrome, finding a support group, and funding research for it. But what exactly is CHARGE syndrome? It is a genetic disorder that, while it affects every person who develops it differently, generally leads to the loss of vision, hearing, and smell. The life expectancy of the people who have this diagnosis varies, as it depends on the severity of their symptoms.

Before we talk about the benefits of donating your time and/or money, we need to discuss the dangers of picking the wrong charity. What do I mean by that? We live in a world that is filled with mostly good individuals. But those who are not ruin it for those who are. ensure that you do your research on any organizations that interest you to be sure that the resources that they receive go to those who need them and are not being used for nefarious purposes. The likelihood of fake charities rises whenever a major holiday is nearby. There are also organizations that come from a harmful position about those they claim to help. So, please do your due diligence when selecting a charity to support.

he holidays are upon us again, and we are faced with the yearly task of allocating money for meals, gifts, and a charity to aid. While I can’t help you decide what to spend on presents or on food, I do want to present to you an organization that you may have never heard of and might want to consider making a contribution to, whether it be through finances, time, or both.

At this point, I have a feeling that you are curious as to how I first heard about THE CHARGE SYNDROME FOUNDATION and why I picked this particular charity to highlight during this special time of the year. I will answer both questions individually, as the responses to each require their own explanation. I first learned about THE CHARGE SYNDROME FOUNDATION when I was looking for inspiration for this month’s article. I happened to see a sim that looked interesting and decided to visit. Boy, I am so glad that I did! The place that caught my eye was Power Up for Charge. The name of the area alone made me want to go check it out. Once there, it quickly became evident that the purpose of the sim was to bring awareness to the foundation. For those who don’t know, I am disabled, so anytime that I am presented with the chance to both learn about anything that is medical-related AND get involved in a worthy cause, I jump at it! Since I’m disabled, I tend to be pulled more toward supporting charities that are medically based. While I am aware of the more well-known organizations POWER UP FOR CHARGE

While charities need assistance throughout the year, many especially need it during the holiday season. Why? Well, A lot of families are unable to provide a holiday meal and/or gifts for their loved ones, so they rely on organizations to give them what they need in order to have a merry Christmas. For charities to be able to meet the demands of those needing extra aid, they need a lot of volunteers and funds. This is where you can lend a hand or two. How, you ask? Please allow me to tell you all of the ways that I can think of to help a cause that you are passionate about. If you looking to make a donation to a foundation, you can do so directly, spread the word about it on one or more social media platforms, or have an event with proceeds going to the charity. If you are looking to be a volunteer, you can help deliver supplies or help with event planning. As a side note, most of these can also work in SL. This holiday season, if you are on the hunt for a charity to support, I urge you to check out the Power Up for Charge sim and consider aiding the charity that they are helping. You won’t be disappointed.

PHOTOS: JAMEE SANDALWOOD

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CONGRATULATIONS

P c

S TO OUR WINNERS

COME JOIN US ON FLICKR

Please enjoy these lovely wintery creations from our friends on flickr. Happy Holidays

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BOSL FLICKR CHALLENGE

PHOTO: DRESDEN COUERBLANC

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BOSL FLICKR CHALLENGE

PHOTO: LOLITA PARAGORN

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PHOTO: LOLITA PARAGORN

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PHOTO: TABITHA SCHNYDER

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PHOTO: ANGELINKA NEGA

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PHOTO: TABITHA SCHNYDER

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BOSLArts

Hello Winter A Multi-Artist Show

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CYPRIAN IN THE SNOW

ARTIST: DANTE HELIOS

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FIRST EVENING

ARTIST: JENNIFER STEELE

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FROSTY TIMES

ARTIST: LIZZY SWORDTHAIN

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MAGICAL NATURE

ARTIST: MATT THOMSON

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SILENT WORLD

ARTIST: B RAVENS

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WINTER IN THE COUNTRY

ARTIST: EVIE RAVENS

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D E C E M B E R 2 ND T H R U J A N UA R Y 1 3 TH

@ B OSLARTS

Main Gallery

B O S L I N N O VA T I O N P A V I L L I O N Eleven of Second Life's top artists and photographs share their perspectives of winter and the holiday season.

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