Ready to trade in your mittens for a virtual snow globe? Second Life’s winter sims offer a festive escape from the real world. From snowy landscapes to cozy cabins, these virtual destinations have everything you need for a fun-filled winter adventure. So bundle up and get ready to explore!
Moen Snow Sports Park:
Experience the thrill of winter sports at Moen Snow Sports Park. Sled, ski, or snowboard down snow-covered slopes, then unwind in a cozy cabin. Explore the breathtaking summit and surrounding areas, accessible by two scenic ski runs.
Take a ride on the chairlift for a stunning view of the whole mountain before grabbing some skis or a sled and enjoying the thrill of a downhill run.
At the end of the day, you will find plenty of spots to relax by a roaring fire and rest those weary legs while enjoying the winter night sky.
PHOTOS: ARYA BRAVEHEART
Frostbite:
Step into the breathtaking beauty of Frostbite, a virtual winter wonderland in Second Life. This serene landscape offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Relax with friends by the cozy fireside, explore the picturesque snowcovered terrain, or capture stunning moments with your camera. For those seeking romance, Frostbite offers idyllic spots to cuddle up and enjoy each other’s company.
Whether you’re a seasoned Second Life explorer or a newcomer, Frostbite is a must-visit destination.
Adagio’s Winterland:
Imagine a world blanketed in pristine snow, where towering trees stand adorned in winter’s icy embrace. A vast expanse of frozen water invites ice skaters to glide effortlessly across its smooth surface. This serene winter wonderland offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photographs and creating unforgettable romantic moments.
Make sure you look in unexpected places for quiet spots and places to sit and enjoy the view.
‘Tis the Season:
Ready to celebrate the season? ‘Tis the Season invites you to a virtual winter wonderland filled with festive fun.
This festive destination in Second Life offers a delightful escape, with its cozy cabins, twinkling lights, and snow-covered landscapes. Explore the quaint village, shop for unique gifts, and indulge in seasonal treats. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family adventure, ‘Tis the Season has something for everyone.
Silent Melody:
Escape to the serene beauty of Silent Melody, a virtual winter wonderland nestled within the expansive world of Second Life. This picturesque island offers a tranquil retreat, where visitors can immerse themselves in a breathtaking winter landscape. As you wander through the snow-kissed forests and serene beaches, you’ll discover hidden nooks and tranquil spots perfect for relaxation and contemplation. Silent Melody is a haven for those seeking peace, beauty, and a touch of winter magic.
Astoria:
Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Astoria. Glide along iceskating paths, explore hidden caves, and take romantic walks through snowy landscapes. Unwind in cozy cuddle spots, dance the night away, or experience the thrill of skiing, snowboarding, and sledding down the mountainside. Don’t miss the hidden gems scattered throughout this enchanting sim.
Winter Love Valley:
Lose yourself in the romance of Winter Love Valley, a virtual winter wonderland perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. This serene landscape offers a tranquil retreat, with its cozy cabins, snowkissed forests, and heart-warming ambiance. Explore the picturesque surroundings, cuddle by the fireplace, or simply enjoy each other’s company in this idyllic winter paradise. Winter Love Valley is the ideal destination for a virtual winter romance.
So bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and get ready to embark on a virtual winter adventure. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a familyfriendly outing, or simply a peaceful retreat, Second Life’s winter sims have something for everyone. As the real world grows colder, these virtual winter wonderlands offer a warm and inviting escape.
WHERE DID THIS YEAR GO?
Coco St. George
Now that we are getting close to the end of another year, we may feel that they don’t last as long as they used to. We look back, and it feels as if it was only yesterday when we started this 2024 with high hopes and wondrous dreams. And now we have to start organizing the New Year’s Eve party? Why does time go so fast? We don’t know, but that’s something that as early as 29 B.C. the ancient Roman poet and thinker Virgil observed when he wrote “Tempus fugit”, time flies.
Time is relative or at least so those who claim knowledge say, Einstein being one of them. But the layman may wonder, relative to what? Relative to the surrounding circumstances, of course. A timelapse, let’s say one hour, it’s the same amount of time no matter the circumstances: one hour lasts one hour here, there, and everywhere; for you, for me, and anybody else. What differs, though, is the perception of that amount of time.
How we perceive a one-hour period will depend on the circumstances. For example, a one-hour period of Math in high school may be perceived as endless torture, while a one-hour worth at a concert of my favorite band may seem to pass fleetingly and not be enough.
Thus, here we have our first distinction: perception versus measurement. Man naturally perceives the passing of time and feels the need to measure it somehow. Our forefathers didn’t need to be rocket scientists to notice how periods of light were followed by darkness, how the Sun rose on one side and set on the other, and how the Moon appeared when the Sun hid behind the horizon. Being the most notorious evidence of the passing of time, this gave rise to the first division of time into day and night. Somewhere down the line the need was felt for smaller subdivisions, and that’s why we have hours, minutes, and seconds. And man also created weeks, months, and years, to measure longer periods of time.
PHOTOS: COCO ST GEORGE
And that’s how we got where we are now: at the end of the year, getting ready to celebrate the successful completion of yet one more revolution around the Sun, not the brightest star in the galaxy, mind you, but still the one that sustains life on Earth.
As you can see, all these phenomena are purely physical: our planet spins on its axis to produce days and nights and orbits around the Sun to mark the years. There is nothing metaphysical or supernatural about it. But we all know things aren’t as simple as that. Man has always attributed a mystical dimension to everything around him.
Africa, they go even further: they throw away old furniture through the windows to make room for new opportunities and a fresh start.
If we will be completing a revolution around the Sun anyway, why not throw a party to celebrate it? And since we are already at it, let’s hope for the coming year to be rich in all kinds of blessings and prosperity for all of us. And you know what else? Let’s also have some zany traditions to invoke the goodwill of whoever is in charge of doling out the goodies of this life.
All around the world, people do certain things that with time have become rituals that the new generations are not willing to challenge. In Japan, for instance, people declutter their homes as a way to make space for the exciting new things the next year may bring, but also to reflect on the significance in their lives of all those things that, once considered valuable treasures, now are being thrown away as garbage. In Italy, especially in the South, they do something similar, but a little more extreme: they simply toss old items down the windows to get rid of the “bad vibes” that may be associated with them. This way, old pots and pans, clothes, and all kinds of old and not any more useful items find their way onto the streets. And in South
In Spain, you are supposed to eat one grape at every chime of the bells at midnight on December 31st to ensure 12 more months of joy and wealth. If you skip one grape, the corresponding month will be full of woes and sorrows. In Mexico, they also eat grapes, but making a wish too. This way, every New Year’s Eve you have 12 wishes, one for each month. Whether they are granted or not is another story but even after years of failing to have their wishes fulfilled, Mexicans persist and wouldn’t think for a moment to omit one of the “doce uvas de la suerte,” the twelve grapes of luck on New Year’s Eve.
We can draw some useful lessons from these traditions. Even if our planet’s cycles are a purely astronomical phenomenon, somehow this time of the year seems quite appropriate to reflect on the previous year and to make plans for the next. And even if we don’t believe in the power of wishing, even if our wishes will never be granted as we expect (because it’s a known fact that we don’t get from life what we want, but what we need), joining our friends and family members to show our appreciation for being there for us is a comforting exercise on gratitude that may soothe old wounds and prevent new ones.
LOVE VALLEY
Sarah E. Brenham
Well guys we did it. We’ve made it to the last month of the year. Can you believe how fast time flies? For our last tour of 2024, we’re going to a place that actually brings me to tears. I will explain the reason as to why in a bit, but for now, please go find a seat on the bus and make sure that you have coat handy for when we arrive at our destination. Yes, I know that I’ve not disclosed the location that we’re visiting today. But I want it to be a surprise, as some of you may have heard about it from your friends etc. The only obvious clue that you have about this place is the outerwear that you were instructed to bring for this expedition. I invite you all to talk among yourselves and try to guess where we are headed to. I think this little activity will make the journey there a lot more fun!
Everyone, the vehicle will be pulling up to our spot for the day in just a few minutes, once it is parked, please gather outside of it, so I can do a headcount before we start walking around. Okay, all of the names on my list are here, so let me tell you where we are and how we will go about looking around here. We are at Love Valley. This sim celebrates each season. As you can see, it is now winter here. They have many pastimes to partake in and cute spaces to find here. We will get to as many as we can, but to the ones that we don’t, I encourage you to return soon and check them out. Okay it’s cold out here, let’s warm up by going to the first area. Here we are at the giant ice rink. Regardless of your skill level, it’s a fun hobby to do once the temperature outside drops. Oh, and don’t worry if you don’t have a pair of ice skates, you can “barrow” theirs! Directly behind the ice rink is a stunning gazebo. In here you can chat and/or dance the night away with a special someone. We’ll now head to the next spot. I have brought you to this section at this moment, because it is another area where you can some spend quality time with a loved one, but with a little more privacy. These one room cabins provide one with just the right amount of coziness and nostalgia. Let us travel to our next section. We have now made it to
where the ferris wheel, sleighs and concession stands are. Go get yourself a treat before going on the ferris wheel. You’ll thank me later. If you are afraid of heights, tables and chairs are also available here for you to enjoy your snack at. Let us move on to the last place of this excursion. Ah, isn’t it nice that we get a chance to thaw out a bit? If you couldn’t tell, we’re in a lodge. The ample seating and the coffee bar make this the perfect spot to relax with the special people in your life.
As I mentioned earlier, that when Love Valley is changed over to its winter version, it makes me cry. I promised that I would tell you the reason as to why that is, so here it goes. I have spoken about this before, but for those who are not in the loop, I am severely physically disabled in Real Life. While I have had the privilege of being able to do many things despite of it, there are a lot of things that I can’t and will never be able to do. This is why I am grateful for programs like Second Life exists. In SL, I am able to do everything that I am unable to do in RL. In the instance of Love Valley during the winter, I am able to go ice skating and sledding, two activities that I am unable to participate in Real Life. While I could do these pastimes on another sim, the beauty here is truly what makes me want to enjoy everything about one of my favorite seasons.
Regardless of your situation in RL, If you love winter, then you need to come visit when the season occurs in the northern hemisphere of the world. It will bring a smile to your face.
Lights, camera, action! And another broadcast day begins for journalists, video anchors, and news gatherers, Almighty and his RL -SL partner and TV co-anchor, Goddess Empress.
SL Podcast & World News is on the air as we used to say in the Golden Age of Broadcasting. But today’s world of communication is so much more, including pod casts, social media, and You-Tube videos. The duo of Goddess and Almighty embrace it all.
Walter Cronkite would be proud and astonished at the new technology. Come to think of it, Second Life would blow his mind too.
As polls show more people obtaining their news from virtual markets rather than traditional venues, Almighty and Empress help feed that statistic. The two own and operated their own Second Life media center.
“The most challenging part about gathering stories in SL is being in the know when events are going to happen,” notes Almighty. “It is often challenging to get people to open up about what they are doing.”
At the heart of SL World News is the broadcast studio, second floor. “This is where the magic happens,” Co-anchor Goddess Empress says, conducting a tour of the very realistic news facility. “We do the news and trending topics which covers SL and RL events.”
This was Goddess Empress’ idea,’ says partner Almighty. “She wanted to do something fun and different. I am all about supporting anything she wants to do, especially when it is in her creative side.”
But their venture is more than self-fulfillment. Almighty adds, “We wanted to give SL residents a voice and a place to shed light on what they are working on.”
It sounds exciting and it is but with a caveat. In running a news business, regardless of genre, one soon learns the glamor gives way to hard work. SL Pod Cast and World News is no exception.
Disembarking the elevator at Floor 2 one enters the broadcast studio and control booth. ‘Quiet on the set’ is emphasized by a blazing red sign proclaiming, “On Air.” Today’s news is about to begin.
And todays headline is the U.S. Presidential Election. The couple offer a breakdown and commentary on the Trump – Harris saga. Watching the program on You Tube while standing in the studio gives a unique perspective to news production.
Now both Goddess and Almighty modestly say they have no experience in the news business. “Absolutely none!,” she laughs. “I just enjoy writing and having fun.”
Co-anchor Almighty adds, “I have no experience in broadcasting, journalism, or communications. We began this journey because it was a great idea that nobody was doing at the time.” However, watching their YouTube broadcast, a production, written, scripted, and delivered by the couple, one realizes their modesty is unfounded.
PHOTOS: CARA PAINE
Almighty and Goddess are excellent at what they do. Both have ‘professional broadcast voices,” while presenting in depth commentary, rivaling RL newscast.
Their spot-on reporting in an easy going, conversational tone is a welcome change from the sensationalism of many of today’s news venues.
The duo break down complex topics into easy to understand facts and presentations.
Behind studio cameras, four working clocks simultaneously display the time in SL, New York, Paris, and Tokyo. Teleprompters, video feeds, and a giant “Breaking News’ banner surround the oncamera presenters.
In addition, they produce and conduct the pod cast segment, “Let’s Talk.” Goddess notes, “It’s not really a talk show per se. It is more a relaxed podcast time where Almighty and I discuss different subject matter. Our last topic covered ‘Virtual Experiences Pros and Cons.”
She adds about the new business, “We wanted to go in the direction of giving SL entrepreneurs a voice so they can come here and be interviewed. Maybe they can take us to their business and show us what they do in SL.”
She adds, ”the taboo subjects are usually discussed in our “Let’s talk” segments. Such topics include relationships, games, drama, and other facets of SL.
The work is hard and the rewards are great. Two such incentives come to mind. Goddess notes, “One - I think the most rewarding aspect of this venture has been meeting new people with vision, and twolearning new things about SL.”
The first floor includes office space where journalists, reporters collect their stories and ideas to run by Goddess and Almighty. Each desk has a laptop computer with RL functions.
“From here, they can gather what they need and run the story up the chain,” Goddess aids. ”It is also a place to update blogs and find news.”
SL Podcast &World News can be accessed through social media including YouTube and Facebook.
Stay tuned.
BOSL FLICKR HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHT
FLICKR HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHT
BOSL FLICKR SPOTLIGHT
A PICKY TEA FOR DINNER
PHOTO: RUDHMELLOWEN LAGUNA
PHOTO: TASHA RAINFORD
PHOTO: TABITHA SCHNYDER
PHOTO: SERENA SNOWFIELD
PHOTO: WANNA NOTBE
PHOTO: ADRIANA ANNE
PHOTO:
SL destination highlight
SILENT MELODY WINTER
Silent Melody 2 196 185 24
Photo: Twain Orfan
REIGN CONGREJO CAPALINI
REIGN CONGREJO CAPALINI
REIGN CONGREJO CAPALINI
BOSL FASHION TREND GALACTIC COBALT
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: TIYIALIC
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: TIYIALIC
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
MODEL: DANIEL SALVATORE
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: TIYIALIC
MODEL: ANGELINKA NEGA
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: STEVIE BASEVI
MODEL: DESIREME FALLEN
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
MODEL: ELEANOR JEAN
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: STEVIE BASEVI
MODEL: ISSY FLATLEY
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: STEVIE BASEVI
MODEL: CAESAR LANGER
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: JAMEE SANDALWOOD
MODEL: MILA BLAUVELT
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: JAMEE SANDALWOOD
MODEL: JAMEE SANDALWOOD
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: JAMEE SANDALWOOD
MODEL: JAN BACON
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: STEVIE BASEVI
MODEL: LOLITA PARAGORN
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: JAMEE SANDALWOOD
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
MODEL: NÉMESIS
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: TIYIALIC
MODEL: ADONIS HANSOME
BOSL FASHION TREND
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
CREDITS
FASHION STYLE CARD
ALE (ALEJANDRA)
Romper │Mowie - Vittoria Romper
Scarf │Mowie - Vittoria Scarf
Jacket │Pseudo - Donn Leather Jacket
Stockings │Hola - Linda Stockings
Hair | Monso - Rei Hair
Shoes │Utopia Design - Vanessa
BONIEFACIO
Blazer | Ascend - Raymond Rolled Up Sleeves Blazer
Pants | David Heather - Moncler Trousers
Shoes | David Heather - Colbert Oxfords
Scarf | K - Accent Tie Scarf
Glasses | Bondi - The Burning Man Glasses
Gloves | Traume - Conflict Gloves
Watch | Zoom - Poulsen Munich Watch
Bot | Bondi - DJ B0T
DANIEL SALVATORE SALVETTI
Suit | Deadwool - Sean Jacket & Trousers
Hat | Arcback - Trendy Hat
Shoes | David Heather - Gongini Shoes
ANGELINKA NEGA
Hair | S-Club - Bella
Headpiece | Zibska - Gabi
Dress | Malandra - Valery set
Pants | Valkyria - Piper
Earrings | Heartsdale Jewelry - Zosia
Necklaces | Heartsdale Jewelry - Zosia
Bracelets & Rings | AvaWay - Emily
Nails | Formanails - Russian Almond
Eyeshadow | Lucci - Ethereal
Lipgloss | Ives - Slippy
Heels | Gos - Fetish
Purse | Tantrum - Oopsie
DESIREME FALLEN
Hat | no longer available
Choker | Eclat - Velvet
Coat | Giz Seorn - Cameron
Fur Muff | June Bug -Snow Princess
Broach | Chop Zuey - Harlow Creed Cameo
Boots | Kaithleen - Latex
ELEANOR JEAN
Top | In.Sanity - Hope Shirt
Top | Tetra - Electric
Dress | Tetra - Valentine Dress Midnight
Jacket | Purple Moon - Iridescent jacket
Shoes | Fedora - Amaris Boots
Collar | Cae - Abide Collar
Glasses | Zoom - Mailu Glasses
Bag | My Bags - My Asallan Bag
Cell phone | Elan - Elans Cell Phone
ISSY FLATLEY
Jacket | Le’La - Bethari
Pant | Little Diamond - Luisa Pants
Shoes | KC - Aliz Ankle Boots
Hair | Exile - Riggs Hairbase
Hair | Modulus - Gabriel Hair
Necklace | Sigma - Thetis Necklace
Glasses | Veyard - F15 Glasses
Bag | DDL - Confession
CAESAR LANGER
Hat I Pure Poison - nerise Pillbox
Shirt I Ersch - Eston Blazer
Jacket I Ersch - Eston Vest
Pants I Cordewa - Fashion Avenue Suit Trousers
Shoes I Unfolded - Antonio
Necklace I Mandala - Kotowari
Rings I L' Emporio & PL - Errant
Holdables I Synnergy Tavis - Cigarette and Popsocket from Festive To Go Kit
MILA BLAUVELT
Dress | Madame Noir - Nuria Sequin Dress Blue
Stole | Dernier - Louane Fox Sky
Stocking | Symmetry - blue
Shoes | Madame Noir - Dalia Stilettos Blue
Bag | My Bags - My Noah sky
Glasses | Arnaud - GM Sire Silver
Hair | Rama - Chelsea Hair Natural
Makeup | Pumec - Lipstick Pack
Earrings | Sigma - Eve Silver
JAMEE SANDALWOOD
Dress | Klein - Ella Dress Navy
Leggings | Arana - Leggins BOM
Jacket | Tiffany Designs - Jacket fluffy
Boots | Eclipse - Khalifa Boots Cherry
Nails | Cazimi - Berry Medley Nails
Lipstick | Identity Faces - Vegas Collection
Eyeshadow | Identity Faces - Young Collection
Hair & Hat | Stealthic - Polar
Choker | Orsini - Infinity Choker
Necklaces | Orsini - Orestes necklaces
JAN BACON
Fur | Diram- Sissy Fur Blue Pack
Hair | Raon - Cleo
Glasses | Arnaud - GM SIRE Specs
Earrings | Sigma - Kew Drop Earrings
Bodysuit | Mogul x Merch - Graphic Bodysuit Chapel