ROLE Magazine February 2009 by Rohal Schnyder

FEBRUARY 2009

ROLE MODEL ARCADIA ASYLUM ART AM RADIO MIND & BODY SEMI-VIRTUAL COUPLES’ POSES GALORE FASHION SPREAD LOVE AND ROMANCE

ROLE

STAFF Publisher Rohal Schnyder Executive Publisher Leeza Catteneo Editor in Chief Ofelia Laval Deputy Editor Sienna Fredriksson Advertising & Promotions Coordinator Felicity Blumenthal Art Director Leeza Catteneo Fashion Coordinator Felicity Blumenthal Sienna Fredriksson Stylists Felicity Blumenthal Keeley Huet

ROLE MAGA Z I N E

Contributors Aldwyn Zanzibar Aranel Ah Cayce Newell Damon Dollinger Felicity Blumenthal Jesika Contepomi Jura Shepherd Kee Llewellyn Keeley Huet Looker Lumet Shelby Ziskey Sienna Fredriksson Stacie Pryor Twisted Vendetta Verde Otaared

Editorial Office Concetta (194/172/22) Contacts editorial@role-magazine.com advertising@role-magazine.com www.role-magazine.com All the published material has been provided by the mentioned brands. Therefore, ROLE Magazine cannot be responsible for copyright issues and assumes no responsibility for inaccurate content or changes in the products or prices displayed. Copyright by ROLE Magazine. Reproduction or use of the content in whole or in part without the written permission of the editor is strictly prohibited.

Editor’s Letter

When I think of the month of February my thoughts flit between an odd combination of real world and virtual concerns. As a resident of the eastern United States, I wonder if Punxsutawney Phil* will see his shadow and predict an additional six weeks of winter weather? Valentine’s Day is coming up! What can I build for my beloved husband of almost 2 years to express my devotion? The staff of ROLE Magazine is also busy juggling new initiatives, exploring the grid and expanding the scope of our features in an attempt to fulfill our mission of delivering a unique publication to serve a broad cross-section of the Second Life® population. ROLE Magazine had many talented readers and photographers submit entries to our first-ever Flickr photo contest. At stake, a L$10,000 grand prize and publication of the winning photo in this issue. The ROLE Magazine jury was sincerely blown-away by the talent, creativity and initiative on display in the submissions and an important decision was made by publishers Leeza Catteneo and Rohal Schnyder to spontaneously include a second-place prize of L$5,000 and a third-place prize of L$2,000. We are please to announce the grand prize winner is Chrisy Jewell. Our second-place prize goes to Alissa Weston and the winner of our third-place prize is Skyhawke Sodwind. Congratulations! The winning submissions can be viewed on pages 10 and 11. Thank you to everyone who took time to enter the contest! The mysterious disappearance of prolific free-content creator Arcadia Asylum is rife with controversy. ROLE Magazine writer Stacie Pryor brings us this month’s cover story on the enigmatic Ms. Asylum and the details of the legacy of altruism she leaves behind. Once again our features cover art-themed sims and highlight the sublime by covering the works of conceptualsim artist AM Radio, the Primtings Museum, an in-world replication of the Sistine Chapel and an exploration of various real world literary masterpieces realized as explorable, virtual sims, and a look at some of the newest musical artists on the grid. The February fashion spread offers seasonal-selections by stylist and contributor Felicity Blumenthal and features the photographic stylings of the talented Gabrielle Sinatra. Cayce Newell serves up the current fashion “hot finds” on the grid, Sienna Fredriksson assists budget-conscious fashionistas with her regular “Stylish on a Budget” and “What to Buy” columns. Bloggers Suri Christen and Ding Fotherington offer suggestions of what to wear on that oh-so-important first date! Male bloggers Raul Crimson and Express Zenovka offer the man’s perspective on what to wear during the chilly winter months. Mindful of the impending weight of Valentine’s Day and all of the accompanying expectations, we include a look * = www.groundhog.org

at how to navigate the emotional virtual waters by contributor Shelby Ziskey, an introduction of a new addition to our monthly relationship features from staff writer Jesika Contepomi and our regular “Dear Felicity” column offers practical considerations to those shopping for “the perfect gift” for their special someone. Contributor Keeley Huet returns with her feature on little treasures and home accessories that make help your virtual home feel like it is truly your own, plus an additional column on sensual and seductive couple’s poses just in time for your Valentine’s Day portrait. New staff writer Aldwyn Zanzibar offers a look at animation overrides offered by 2 popular in-world designers. Executive Publisher and contributor Leeza Catteneo takes us on a tour of the oldest post-apocolyptic community in SL, Twisted Vendetta explores 2 well-known clubs, Damon Dollinger submits his first feature on the artful and atmospheric Sintetika sim and new contributor Aranel Ah helps us scratch the itch for the “need for speed” with a look at the active in-world racing community. In closing, ROLE Magazine is pleased to announce a new initiative to concurrently host the works of two SL artists each month at our Concetta sim headquarters. Our first exhibition will be marked by an artists reception on Sunday, February 15 at 12pm SLT. ROLE Magazine has selected digital photograph Adam Soler and the talented sculptor Ub Yifu to kick-off the initial exhibit. Well-known musician Winston Ackland will be on hand to perform to those in attendance so mark your calendar and plan on joining us on the 15th.

As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome at editorial@role-magazine.com. The staff of ROLE Magazine thanks you for your continued support.

Kindest regards,

ROLE MAGAZINE ART UB YIFU & ADAM SOLER ROLE Magazine is pleased to unveil our plans to host monthly art exhibitions at our magazine headquarters on the Concetta sim. Our kick-off exhibition is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th at 12pm SLT. Each month-long exhibition will feature the works of two select artists. The initial ROLE Magazine art exhibition will feature the ingenious works of artists Adam Soler and Ub Yifu, plus a live, musical performance by the famous Winston Ackland, real life and SL musician. ROLE Magazine has selected artists Adam Soler and Ub Yifu for the February 15 - March 15 exhibition series. Adam Soler’s digital artworks blend photography with digitally hand-drawn elements. His colorful paintings often embody touches of a fantasy world. The artistry of Ub Yifu is widely known and he has created some of the most famous sculptures on the grid. He began creating 3D objects inspired by famous real life paintings in May of 2007. Some of his well-known sculptures are the “Space Elephant” inspired by a painting by Salvador Dali and the “Don Quichotte” statue based on a painting by Pablo Picasso. Other sculptures by Ub, inspired by real life works, include Michelangelo’s “David” and the Statue of Liberty. Plan to join us at the ROLE Magazine headquarters on Concetta sim, Sunday, February 15th at 12pm SLT as we present the selected works of artists Ub Yifu, Adam Soler, and listen to the musical stylings of the talented performer Winston Ackland.

18 20

WHAT TO BUY PRETTY IN PINK

COVER STORY ROLE MODEL ARCADIA ASYLUM

STYLISH ON A BUDGET

TOYS FOR BOYS START YOUR ENGINES

FOR MEN RAUL CRIMSON & EXPRESS ZENOVKA

MIND & BODY SEMI-VIRTUAL

58 56

MUSIC NEW KIDS ON THE GRID

HOT SPOTS 6TH ELEMENT & SCOUTLOUNGE

ART ART IS CERTAINLY NOT ONLY PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS IS SL, TOO THE WASTELANDS 10 12 18 20 22 29

CONTEST WINNERS COVER STORY WHAT TO BUY STYLISH ON A BUDGET HOT FINDS FASHION SPREAD

36 38 40 42 44 46

STYLE SECRETS FOR MEN TOYS FOR BOYS MIND & BODY RELATIONSHIPS2 DEAR FELICITY

29 22

HOT FINDS **DP** YUMYUM

FASHION SPREAD LOVE AND ROMANCE

STYLE SECRETS DING FOTHERINGTON & SURI CHRISTEN

48 44

RELATIONSHIPS2

DEAR FELICITY

HOUSE & LIVING IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS

HOUSE & LIVING COUPLES’ POSES GALORE

74 66

ART ART IS ALL AROUND US, IT’S EVERYWHERE WE GO

LITERARY SURROUNDED BY WORDS

TRAVEL GUIDE SINTETIKA

GADGETS & “KNOW HOW” I LIKE THE WAY YOU MOVE! 48 56 58 60 66 70

HOUSE & LIVING HOT SPOTS MUSIC ART ART LITERARY

74 76 78

TRAVEL GUIDE THIS IS SL, TOO GADGETS & “KNOW HOW”

FINAL CREDITS

CONTEST WINNERS

We challenged our readers to create photographs showing where (or how!) they read ROLE Magazine. The photographs were posted to the ROLE Magazine Flickr group and at stake was a cash prize of L$10,000 and publication of the winning photo in this, our February issue. It would have been impossible to predict the dozens of artful submissions we received making the task of selecting one winner very difficult indeed. Our choice to honor the quality and effort of your submissions with the decision to add a second and third-place prize is yet another way we say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? for your support of ROLE Magazine. Congratulations again to Chrisy Jewell, Alissa Weston and Skyhawke Sodwind!

1st Place ( 10.000 L$ ) Chrisy Jewell (Model & Photographer) 10

2nd Place ( 5.000 L$ ) Alissa Weston (Model & Concept) Kade Klata (Pose & Photography)

3rd Place ( 2.000 L$ ) Skyhawke Sodwind (Model & Photographer) Sophia Harlow (Model) 11

COVER STORY ROLE MODEL ARCADIA ASYLUM

One of the most legendary builders in Second Life®, Arcadia Asylum revolutionized the hobo scene with her works of pure genius and creativity. She has been referred to as the “queen of trash,” but most residents who knew her would agree that she embodied the hobo ethic more than any other resident on the grid. Notorious for making her creations available to the masses at absolutely no cost, Arcadia and her works are held in the highest regard by residents, especially the ones who knew her. After her inventory disappeared in 2007, Arcadia abruptly left SL, and no one has heard from her since. But, despite her sudden exit, she left behind a volume of works which has become a legacy in every sense of the word. By Stacie Pryor

Arcadia Asylum’s creations are so interwoven into the fabric of the vast SL grid that it is very easy to find them scattered throughout the majority of the urban sims. No one really knows exactly how Arcadia got her start in SL. It has been suggested that she received her first building experience in New Citizens Incorporated (NCI), but somehow she found her way to Calleta’s Hobo Railroad InfoHub, and the rest is history - literally.

helping hand to anyone in need. Referring to themselves as the seekers and travelers of SL, the hobos are a very tolerant community, with a wide variety of views, mainly seeking exploration of the grid instead of seeking profit from it, which really gives me a better understanding of Arcadia’s perspective. In trying to get a better idea of who Arcadia really was and what motivated her to build so brilliantly (and to give so generously), I had the pleasure of speaking with a few of her closest friends. Through our conversations, they were able to paint a detailed picture of Arcadia, recollecting their fondest memories of this truly unique and talented builder who graced the grid for far too short a period of time. Specifically, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Orhalla Zander, who runs the Hobo Railroad InfoHub in Calleta, and is aptly referred to by some as the “king of the hobos.”

Before I could learn more about Arcadia and her story, I needed to glean a better understanding of the SL hobo community as a whole. So, I spoke with a few different hobos who were polite enough to engage me in a conversation and offer me a summary of the meaning of their existence in SL. Simply put, my understanding is this: SL hobos are a group of wanderers banded together for the purposes of creation, education, improvement, fun, and realization of common goals. Despite their appearances, which can be extremely deceiving, they are some of the friendliest residents on the grid, offering a

Orhalla was introduced to Arcadia through a hobo’s report of a “little child avatar” circling the surrounding railroads of the Hobo Railroad InfoHub. She 12

had been walking back and forth for hours, and Orhalla eventually approached her with a friendly hello. He openly invited her into the area and discovered that she would have entered sooner but was fearful of griefers who frequented the area. He explained to her that the area was often victimized by griefer attacks simply for being an infohub and assured her that everything would be fine. He set her up with a cardboard box in which to sleep and a lantern to relieve her fear of the dark, and, thus began a close friendship. Arcadia often referred to Orhalla as her “Pah,” and he always claimed to be her unofficial father, citing that “the DNA testing is still in the works.” Soon after their chance meeting, she became the Arcadia everyone knows for her freebies.

as a person with most unusual sensibilities, Arcadia is known as much for her quirks as for her talent. Arcadia spearheaded the UrbanBlight Project (UBP), which is “a free open source idea to get common urban *city* objects spread around SL in hopes of encouraging more city sim builds.” Texturing like a game creator, Arcadia was resolute in creating one texture to hold all of the textures to the side of a box, for example, and then just offsetting the textures. Her work shows how low prim work can be valuable by reducing prims and load time on textures. Her bottom line was always this: “textures fool the eyes, not prims.” She preached that the fundamental lesson in creating marvelous builds could only come from understanding the requirement of putting 10% of your effort into prims and the other 90% into textures. Arcadia disliked the common practice of using “tiled old ripped off game textures” to build and was a firm believer that SL desperately needed real texture work. Thus, she made all of her creations available for free as a way to embarrass lazy local builders into at least trying to compete with freebies.

Arcadia’s motivations to build were driven by her real life health problems, and building in SL was the best way to keep her busy, distracted, and creative. She was never much of a socialite, although, being quite opinionated, she had no problem interjecting herself into a conversation. In fact, most of her interactions with others occurred while she was building. However, she did not like to be interrupted, so you either watched her or built with her. At times she was witty, helpful, wonderful, generous, and kind. But, alternatively, she could be startlingly abrupt and short-tempered, with little patience for nonsense, occasionally bordering on cruel. Punky Pugilist, another long-time friend of Arcadia’s, likened her on a personality level to the traditional artists, such as Van Gogh. She was a genius, but with that genius she paid a horrible price. She made lifelong friends and then abandoned them. Characterized

Arcadia spent months hacking away on her builds, contributing the wonderful sewers and subways to SlumCity, as well as her infamous Mission and Bodega, which first appeared there and then later in Calleta, where they now stand. Arcadia’s artistry was sublime, laced with humor and detail. In fact, humor pervaded everything she built. SlumCity quickly gained attention, and several of her friends began building extensions from it. Then it became a huge success, especially in terms of attracting avatars 14

and getting phenomenal mentions in the blogs of the time. Arcadia had very few terms regarding her builds, but she would not tolerate sexual activities or pornography of any kind. Rising tensions between Arcadia and the sim owner over this very matter led to an intense argument which resulted in Arcadia deleting everything. In a flash, SlumCity was gone, falling from the sky and crumbling into pieces.

to stay, but the closest they could get to her was through IM. And then she was gone. Many have speculated as to whether her inventory actually disappeared or not. Perhaps it was a good enough excuse to escape the grid and all of the people who attempted to contact her due to the popularity of her work. Those closest to her believe that there was an emotional crisis in her life, perhaps both RL and SL. This is speculation, of course, but her closest friends knew her well enough to know that something was wrong. Many suspected illness, specifically physical illness, knowing her ailments. But, I doubt anyone knows, or will ever know, for sure.

The demise of SlumCity was just another example of her tenacity and stubborn nature. Maintaining quite possibly the longest ban and mute list of any resident on the grid, she detested griefers and residents wearing bling. But, perhaps she saved her most intense hatred for the Lindens, whom she despised. When it came to the Lindens, Arcadia was perhaps the most negative long term resident on the grid. She simply hated them, and it was usually Lindens who incited her rants.

When Arcadia left SL, legions wept out of pure admiration for her remarkable artistry and humor and occasional good nature. A number of her friends, perhaps 50 or so, were constantly on the lookout for her reappearance. But, as far as anyone knows, she never came back as Arcadia. There has always been tons of suspicion about some other avatars with striking similarities to Arcadia. Perhaps the most well-known of these comparisons would be Aley Arai. Upon discovering Aleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infamous build, Priva-

One day, Arcadia claimed that the Lindens had screwed up again and that her entire inventory had been wiped clean. She said it was the last straw. Several hobos tried to reason with her, begged her 15

teer Space, several of Arcadia’s closest friends were quickly convinced that Aley Arai was, in fact, Arcadia Asylum. And, although it has never been proven or admitted, some of Arcadia’s friends still believe to this day that they are the same person. Surprisingly enough, Aley met the same sort of fate that Arcadia did. After an argument with the Lindens, the reason for which is still unconfirmed, Aley simply abandoned the amazing Privateer Space sim and never returned.

along to serve the purpose of housing the museum. I visited the museum several times, gazing in awe at the numerous items available for absolutely no fee at all. Every time I visited, there was always someone there, standing silently and motionless, undoubtedly in the same state of shock and awe as me. The museum now holds over 500 pieces, all of which are available for free. That does not include individual textures, which are available in lots. And all of these works were created by Arcadia in just about a year. Simply amazing.

Many of Arcadia’s friends believe that she often returns to SL through a number of different alts, perhaps to watch old friends from a distance. Sightings have been claimed, but they are rare and could be reduced to wishful thinking. Some of her friends are so desperate for her to return that they are admittedly prone to seeing things. But, the fact remains that she has been deeply missed since the very moment she left.

Of Arcadia, Mally says, “… it’s that prolificacy coupled with the ingenuity of each item that makes her one of the top builders in SL to me. I think no one excels her in textures.” In my opinion, Mally’s statement sums it up. I can think of no other resident who contributed true works of art in such vast numbers and did it all for free. Despite her flaws, Arcadia Asylum will always be a role model to the residents of SL and remains close to the hearts of those who knew and loved her. I choose to remember her mantra: KIS (Keep It Simple).

After Arcadia’s disappearance, Mally McGinnis, an avid collector of Arcadia’s builds, embarked upon a relentless search for her works throughout the grid. Through visits to countless freebie shops and various other locations, Mally quickly recovered over 250 pieces of Arcadia’s art. Then, as a result of a brainstorming session with a few admirers of Arcadia, including Sylvia Sonoda, who started the Arcadia Asylum Recovery Group, Mally chose to dedicate his time and energy to opening a museum to showcase Arcadia’s amazing talent and to make her unique creations available to all. Thus, in April of 2007, the Arcadia Asylum Museum and Library was born. With no structure to house the items that had been recovered, the museum was out in the open air for quite a while. But soon thereafter, a doublewide version of Arcadia’s warehouse came

Arcadia Asylum Museum and Library Cheonma (203/143/74) Hobo Railroad InfoHub Calleta (97/213/26) Spirit Of Arcadia spiritofarcadia.wordpress.com

WHAT TO BUY PRETTY IN PINK

We’ve stepped into February and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, giving you the perfect excuse to dress up. Pink is the color of love to wear, as it suits more people, rather than the harsh and unforgiving red. Below you see our picks of outfits for that special day or any formal occasion. Wear them to go out on a date or even to get a date! By Sienna Fredriksson Top: ETD Beater Tank tinted Pink, L$ 10

Coat: Indyra Originals Republica Jacket White Rabbit Pink Trim, L$ 350

Socks: Indyra Originals Tiny Dancer Socks in Pink (part of outfit), L$ 375

For the ladies Winter is coming to an end so it’s your last chance to wear fur. Try a short furry coat; the trendiest way to wear it is oversized, white and with ribbons attached, usually tied in bows. High waisted tutu skirts are very much in fashion and allow you to show your girly side. Pair them with matching over-the-knee socks to complete the ballerina look. When it comes to tops, keep them simple so the focus is on the rest of the items worn. Accessorize with trusted long pearls in a knot, so they don’t look outdated, and a drawstring bag in the same color, to keep the ensemble playful. Add an innocent note with ballet flats in a pastel color and a little something as a decoration on the front.

Skirt: Aoharu BT BrilliantFairy Skirt in BabyPink, L$ 130

Shoes: Scribble Candy Flats Sorbet Bows, L$ 150 18

For the guys If you are male, leave the combination of pink and white for the summer months and wear it only if you have a dark complexion; instead, pair pink with black for now, a much safer choice. Go for a tailored jacket in a dark tone that compliments your frame. To create the illusion of a long, slim body, choose straight leg pants in the same color. A shirt in bright pink makes the outfit stand out. For those bold enough, buy one with ruffles to make your own fashion statement. If you decide to wear a bow tie, keep it loose and you will look cooler. Finish off with classic dressy shoes with laces in a neutral color â&#x20AC;&#x201C; buy those with slightly pointed toes for an extra modern detail.

Shirt and Pants: sf design Rockerfella Tux, L$ 300 Necklace: Twisted & Spoiled Pearl Necklace, L$ 175

Jacket: hoorenbeek Jacket Black, L$ 520

Bag: Shiny Things Satin and Lace drawstring bag in White, L$ 250

Shoes: Redgrave Elegance Shoes Black, L$ 450 19

STYLISH ON A BUDGET

The eternal question of quantity versus quality still remains unanswered among fashionistas. We say, why settle for one when you can have both? Once again, we present you two contemporary and fashionable outfits that look very similar, with a difference in the price tag and no compromise on style. By Sienna Fredriksson

Generous Budget Generous budget: Ladylike chic done in a modern way, with a bright balloon skirt and an oversized collar turtleneck, that give generous amounts of style in an instant. Armidi Gisaci Trend du Jour Skirt in Red/Black, L$ 375 Kurotsubaki Turtle Sweater C, L$ 100 Dela Pumps â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heliaâ&#x20AC;? Red, L$ 400

Modest Budget Stand out from the crowd in this chic and fresh outfit, with its knee high skirt and wide belt, suitable for women of all ages. Veschi Certain Curtain Red, L$ 90 abc Glossy Snake High Heels, L$ 58 MALT Steel Suede Belt, L$ 100

HOT FINDS **DP**YUMYUM

**DP**yumyum by Toraji Voom is certainly not news to experienced fashionistas. Toraji is a texture master. In her store she offers shoppers some of the cutest outfits on the grid created by Japanese designers. In the mainstore, located on the Isle Of Tranquillity sim, you will find some nice furniture pieces and a special sales room with freebies and discounted items. By Cayce Newell

The challenge this month has been finding items and creating outfits that, despite being initially designed and intended for women, could be easily worn by men, too. I involved my friend Dirk in this challenge and, after fighting a little with prim editing and discussing the universally acknowledged truth of the “wearability of the color pink,” we had so much fun! In the end we looked so damn fashionable, no matter which gender the outfits were originally intended for. Fashion should be mostly about personal creativity and that’s what we kept in mind. See for yourself! **DP**yumyum Isle of Tranquility (80/157/26)

Cayce: Hair: Sheep hair by BP* Sweater: Spring sweater (black) by **DP**yumyum Leggings: gray leggings by **DP**yumyum Legwarmers: brown legwarmers by **DP**yumyum Poncho: fur poncho gray by **DP**yumyum

DirkNice Aero: Hair: Jared - Black by *TRUTH* Leggings: black leggings by **DP**yumyum Pose by :Snookys Poses:

Cayce: Hair: Cid in black A by Magika Shorts: short pants blue by **DP**yumyum Jacket: tweed jacket green by **DP**yumyum Scarf: crochet muffler green by **DP**yumyum Glasses: pearl glasses by H&V Socks: soccer/schoolgirl socks teal/pale by LeLutka Shoes: Biker boots in white by Redgrave Earmuffs: earmuffs by plod

DirkNice Aero: Pants: blanket check pants brown by **DP**yumyum Jacket: tweed jacket brown by **DP**yumyum Scarf: UNISEX Scarve - Brown by Action Cap: woolknit cap brown - black hair by (Savvy Avvy) Boots: Biker Boots Mud by Redgrave Glasses: buddy glasses by /artilleri/ Pose by :Snookys Poses:

Cayce: Hair: Sally in Candy by TRUTH Sweater: romantic sweater navy by **DP**yumyum Pants: blanket check pants pink** by **DP**yumyum Shoes: Funny flats in pink by Periquita Sunglasses: Olivia by ROLE optic

DirkNice Aero: Sweater: romantic sweater red by **DP**yumyum Pants: blanket check pants pink* by **DP**yumyum Shoes: Superstars by SOREAL Cap and hair: Rio/pink by Muism Sunglasses: Pilot Glasses (Pink) by FNKY! Pose by :Snookys Poses:

Luna Jubilee Skin - Linda LT Coffe Lips Dark Eyes BlackEB G2 - PXL Lingerie - Jennelle Lingerie Set (Pink) - Skin Flicks Hair - Ruby Hair (Chocolate) - TRUTH Heels - Fur Heel Slipper, Mules Rose - GuTi Extravagant Bracelet - Great Grandma’s 7 Pearl Bracelets Together (White) - Bonita’s Jewelry 28

FASHION SPREAD LOVE AND ROMANCE

A Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Worth Remembering. Lace, Silk, Thigh Highs, and miles of skin; your must-haves for a perfect evening in. By Felicity Blumenthal

Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt the sun doth move Doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt thy love. - Hamlet, Shakespeare

Guest Photographer - Gabrielle Sinatra www.flickr.com/photos/gabriellesinatra Shot on Location at Instinct Furniture Kisping (157/79/467) 29

Felicity Blumenthal Skin - Leona Pale Skin (Smoky 3) - REDGRAVE Lingerie - Lust (Red) - Canimal Hair - Model Hair (Auburn) - ::69:: Bracelets - Bangle “Callas” (Black) - DeLa Gold Links Wrapped Bracelet - Bonita’s Jewelry

Babyhoney Bailey & Zarabella Ming Babyhoney Bailey Skin - Ganesha, Amber (Genie) - the oBscene Lingerie - Adriana Lingerie Set (Turqoise) - Casa Del Shai Shoes - Patent Leather Pumps (Black) - Stiletto Moody Hair - Pamela (Brown) - Exile Jewelry - The Vingate Black Pearls Set - PLus

Zarabella Ming Skin - Ganesha, Quartz (Celeste) - the oBscene Lingerie - Dark Desireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Pink Leather & Lace Babydoll Set - Blacklace Shoes - Zara Pumps (Baby) Hair - Mercedes (Blanc) - Lis_Noir Jewelry - Plastic Black Earrings - PLus

Belmakor Pintens, Strawberry Singh & Keeley Huet Strawberry Singh Skin - Jasmin 03 Nougat - Laqroki Hair - Mia Brunette - Analog Dog Lingerie - Lily Of The Valley (Swinging Pinetrees) - Ornamental LIfe Ankle Boots - Hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;haleine Booties (Olive) - .*Courtisane*. Bracelets & Earrings - Golden Flower Bangles Set - Dark Mouse Ring - Times Square Ring (Diamond) - Paper Couture Nosering - Nose Spiral Spiked Silver - Shaodan Lassard

Belmakor Pintens Skin - Sawyer Tanned Skin 06 (s Glasses - Sleek Glasses - primOp Hair - Indy (Black) - Philotic Ene Verge Boxer Briefs (honeycomb Bracelets - Simple Dark Leather Bead Bracelet knots and 2 bead Leezard Bracelet Leather Silver

scalp / Whisker Beard) - REDGRAVE ptic ergy b) - AITUI r and ds - Jewelry Mhaijik ID Bar Mns Sz - Jewelry Mahijik

Keeley Huet Skin - Anael, Cinna (Plum) Hair - Jackie - Hylon Hair Brooch - Flower/Brooch (Silver Chain Flower) - Untone Stockings and Garter - Part of the Carmen Outfit - Artilleri Gloves - Diva Gloves - Bijou Shoes - ChiChi (black) - Maitreya Necklace - Black Pearls - Paper Couture Dress – Silk Dress (mini version) – Runoruno Ring - Pig on a Pearl - Mina junk

Aranel Ah & Dancien Graves Dancien Graves Hair - Jared (Dark Choco) - Truth Skin - Joshua Tan Stubble Hair - Damaini Fashion Design Tattoo - Dark Yakuza - Garden of Ku Boxers - Stripped Silk Boxers (Black) - Alphamale

Aranel Ah Skin - Belina, Cinna (Smokey-2b) - BEBAE Lingerie - Lilly Black Satin Outfit - INSOLENCE Hair - Geisha (Hot Red) - Lis_Noir Boots - F_Boots//TheCatalyst (Black) - TheAbyss Jewelry - Queen of Hearts Necklace & Earrings - Violet Voltaire

STYLE SECRETS DING FOTHERINGTON & SURI CHRISTEN

This month ROLE Magazine is featuring Ding Fotherington and Suri Christen, two stylish and fun women, who are also good friends and neighbors. Suri started her blogging career last May and Ding soon followed her example. Ding and Suri both present fresh and modern outfits for every taste, including tips on where to find quality freebies and dollarbies inworld. Ding’s style can be described as casual, chic and bold while Suri considers herself a “hair fanatic” who enjoys putting together elaborate ensembles. By Sienna Fredriksson On Ding (right)

The ladies were asked to each present an outfit that they would wear on a first date. Ding opted for something daring and chic to make that very important, great first-impression. She chose a pair of “stand-out” red shoes, an understated dress and wore her hair in a ponytail for an overall “neat” appearance. Suri, on the other hand, wanted to wear a gown but decided it was too much for a first date, so she went with a simple, flirty look. Suri selected a tube top to highlight her figure, a bolero jacket, and jeans and boots to protect her from the cold. Suri decided to wear her hair down to show her girly side. Interestingly, Ding is usually the one seen in jeans and wearing a simple tank, whereas Suri tends to opt for formal wear and dresses. In this photo shoot of “First Date Outfits” for ROLE Magazine Ding and Suri ended up choosing opposite styles!

Hair: 0 Style - Kuhn in Dark Chocolate Dress: Gisaci - Equus Cocktail Dress in Vecchio Bianco Leggings: LeLutka - LEGGINGS/grayscale Earrings: WL - Pair of Diamond earrings Ring: Elate - Ruby Rose Ring Shoes: Detour - London Flats - Ruby

On Suri (left) Hair: Detour - Bliss in Brown Ring: BANDIT JEWELRY - Diamond’s Party Belt: Ce Cubic Effect - SongBird Belt in Brown Top: Cupcakes - Keri Dress Shrug: Ce Cubic Effect- Bolero Kanban for CSR Winter Jeans: Little Fish - Tight Jeans in Dark Blue Boots: Truth - Nomad Boots in Tarnish

Ding’s fashion blog: slondlist.blogspot.com Suri’s fashion blog: slfreestyle.blogspot.com 36

FOR MEN RAUL CRIMSON & EXPRESS ZENOVKA

What would fashion be without evolution? Much like what goes on in the real world, the SL fashion scene has its own movers and shakers who set the newest trends. Express Zenovka and Raul Crimson are two of the aforementioned types of influential people in SL; both are prolific bloggers with a set of loyal fans. Express and Raul were photographed for this issue in outfits that represent their current mood and style for the season. By Sienna Fredriksson

Raul chose a “punkish” style that he particularly likes and considers fitting for his avatar. The outfit appears simple, yet has many personal touches, such as the scarf and sunglasses. Raul firmly believes that sometimes details are more important than the clothing itself, because the details give his ensemble character and can be used to express his mood. He is not afraid of mixing things up: the pictured scarf is in fact a women’s item that contrasts with the more masculine and aggressive cuff and boots. One of Raul’s individual traits is that he likes to play with simple “upper” clothes and more elaborate “lower” clothes. In the same spirit, he kept the tank plain and white, to help “transfer” the expression to the complementary accessories.

“A simple guy” is how Express refers to himself; and he likes to dress in the same manner. In a few words he describes this style as an understated elegance, where less is more -- that is basically his aesthetic ideal. The fewer prim attachments he has on the better. Express is very concerned about the colors he chooses and enjoys combining them together to create an impressive end-result. He also frequently extends the use of his clothing via tinting, which he liberally did with his tops pictured here. Layering made the outfit even more interesting and, like Raul, Express also paid attention to detail, by wearing a pair of shoes that stand out and add individuality to the ensemble.

Skin: -Belleza- Ewan tan 3 Eyes: FNKY! Eyes #G02-14 Charcol (Light) Hair: -Chase- <HAIR> “Seabreeze” -Ebony Scarf: [Sweetest Goodbye] Candy - Red (mixed) Tank Top: *Muism* 20% transparency Tank top/white Pants: Armidi Limited - Modern Pants (Indian Red) Boots: [ hoorenbeek ] - Combat Boots - Old Black Shades: [Armidi Gisaci] Lifestyle Aviators - Light Silver Cuff and wristband: Armidi Limited - Pyramid Cuff (L) [Black & Silver] and Emery - Dices Wristband

Hair: [ND] “Untamed” - Black Pearl Skin: FNKY! Antonio Dark - H03b/B01 - Stubble (Bald) Earrings: -SCAR--TISSUE- ring lobe piercings (selfmade) Eyes: (Miriel) Eyes - Hazel Tshirt: [Random] - Male Long T (Brown) (tinted RGB 92/84/51) Longsleeve: *MODERNO: Basic Thermal Shirt - Lt. Gray (tinted RGB 69/79/48) Pants: { Kari } - The Rebel jeans Shoes: *Alg.* Canvas Lace Sneaker “Classic”

Raul’s blog: http://www.raulcrimson.com/

Express’ blog: http://www.second-man.com/ 38

TOYS FOR BOYS START YOUR ENGINES AN “ADD”* LOOK AT CARS IN SL

When you think of Second Life®, what are the first things that come to mind? For a lot of people, fashion, shopping and role playing come to mind; but wait, there’s more! Recently, I was assigned the super-wicked-awesome task of researching the car industry in SL and, let me tell you, it’s bigger than I originally thought. Cars, race tracks, car shows even Formula SL, which, you guessed it, is like the real world’s Formula One. By Aranel Ah

I had a chance to speak with a car maker, the owner of AM Pro, Abacus Mimistrobell and check out some of his cars. I couldn’t help but be impressed with his in-world recreations of cars such as a ‘64 Impala, a ‘65 GTO and even a ‘67 Shelby Cobra complete with fuzzy dice in the rear view mirror and NOS (nitrous oxide system -- for those of you out there that are true muscle car speed-freaks!). If anyone reading this article is looking for a place in-world with plenty of testosterone flowing through it, the garage and showroom at the AM Pro sim is a must visit. Be sure to check out the roof of the building. Even the roof says “high performance” as it’s complete with giant motor parts.

worth the space in your group list. When I got there, it was exactly what I would expect from a public race track. Squealing, smoking tires, cars zooming by faster than I could inspect them, people watching, lap time counters, girls cheering and even crashes (and I don’t mean the kind where SL logs you out and makes your avatar disappear in a poof ). During my visit at Mooz, eaves-dropping of course, I overheard a few people talking about a car show. My eyes must have lit up because the person I was speaking to asked me if I wanted to go. Curiosity wouldn’t let me say no. Next thing I knew, we were off to watch my very first SL car show! There were cars on display stands, people walking from vehicle to vehicle, the creators and owners standing around talking to people about their car, public voting, trophies, prizes, music and the things you would expect to find at a real life car show. I think there was even a food and beverage stand. The show offered prizes for best of show, best paint job, best build, etc., and let me tell you, some of the cars and paint jobs were

After leaving the AM Pro garage, I decided to find out the next logical step. I mean, do people just buy cars for display or do they drive around on their land? The answer is “Yes and No!” I was able to find race tracks galore, the biggest and most known being Mooz. You have to be a member of the SL Motorcycle Racing group to access the track but if you want to really test out what SL cars can do, it’s 40

just, “wow!” I even had the chance to finally inspect some of the same cars I saw earlier at the racetrack. I was giddy at the prospect of speaking with other car creators; however, much to my dismay, the only person that I found available didn’t speak English.

AM Pro Rides AM PRO (166/196/44)

If you want to learn more about the cars pictured in this article or see what other automotive options are available, follow the SLurls listed below. Both AM Pro and Need4Speed have handy information cards available with all the stats on each of the cars sold inside the showrooms and garage.

Need4Speed Atropos (104/145/56)

MOOZ Racetrack Mooz (217/42/32)

*ADD = Attention Deficit Disorder 41

MIND & BODY SEMI-VIRTUAL

It’s that time of year when we get to shake off the winter and really have a look at our relationships. We’re going to look at the romantic “semi-virtual” variety some experience within Second Life®. “Semi-virtual” because our emotions, thoughts, and opinions are expressed through our avatar within the game. Wait. Is it a game? It seems like more of a cosmic social studies project than a goal-oriented video game. By Shelby Ziskey

Whether you came in-world looking for a romantic relationship or not, you’re bound to come within close proximity of one very fast. It seems to be a hot topic as well. There are 17.5 million results for the search term “second life relationships” with a range between romance and cybersex as vast as the eye can see. Opinions vary with each and every person -- obviously because we all approach the subject with different expectations, standards, ethics, fantasies, and desires. My own opinions have gone through some changes in my almost 3 years in SL.

fell it love with me before she saw me.” By the time I heard the rest of the story I fell in love with him as well and was crying my eyes out. Before the internet most of us met our spouses within a 50 mile radius of home or college. Not true any longer, not true at all. Spending time with people online presents us with a whole new set of tools to get to know someone. You aren’t swayed by the rapid-fire subconscious set of measures and prejudices that happen in the first 30 seconds of meeting in person. You are forced to communicate via the written word which has to be full and descriptive to compensate for body language and eye contact. It’s easier to ask questions you wouldn’t normally ask because of the semivirtuality and the fast pace of the environment.

I work with an engineer who met his wife on the internet 15 years ago. I used to think that notion was the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard. I could not get my head around the concept. First of all, I couldn’t believe he was married let alone ever had a date. This guy is the most unattractive person I have ever met, bar none, with a toupee to top it all off. He has the best voice ever and is one of the sweetest friends I have. When I met his beautiful wife, he answered my question before I could even ask it, “She

Most anything you can do off-line you can do online, so it’s natural to have an affinity for someone with similar interests. You can take a budding romance as far as you like, but it’s important to know your boundaries and make sure those you’re involved with are clear about them as well. People have strong opin42

ions of what is and what is not acceptable for online relationships, but it boils down to what will work for you -- period.

the person you’re spending so much time with. Trust and verify. Say hello to each other using the SL voice client. How many of us have friends who invested months into a relationship with someone who turned out to be a different sex than they were representing? Anyone can send a fake picture and claim that it is them.

It’s easy to get caught-up emotionally -- especially if you’re not expecting to be hit by Cupid’s arrow. Here are some things to consider if you think you’re about to head in that direction.

Real life feelings are inevitable in Second Life relationships whether they be romantic or friendly. Embrace them!

Until you know that your romantic interest is not the type to harass you, or even stalk you if the worst happens, it is wise to limit the amount of personal information that you share. Maintain a certain degree of anonymity until you are well-prepared to release it. Ways of know how ‘psycho’ your partner can get include listening carefully to the way they discuss their past relationships. People often repeat their behavioral patterns. I know it’s love but it’s also SL. Keep your head. Don’t give out your personal information in the midst of a pheromone rush! As your relationship moves on it’s good to get a feel of 43

RELATIONSHIPS AN INTRODUCTION 2

Most of the residents who have been in Second Life® for any length of time understand the desire for virtual companionship. This is a world where the possibilities are boundless; there are no limitations or restrictions on same sex marriages, monogamy, polygamy or any of the real life bindings that may hold us back from being who we want to be or how we most comfortably characterize ourselves. In such a world with less restrictions should it be easier? Do our real world government sanctions save us from ourselves? By Jesika Contepomi

I’m Jesika Contepomi. I don’t have any more insight into SL relationships than the next person. What I do have is the mind to seek the truth and the audacity to nose into other people’s business in an effort to find it. Lord knows I’ve had my own trials and tribulations with SL relationships. My avatar’s adventures include being born into a neko mob family with 4 siblings, married to the mob boss, mother of 6, married to an eccentric builder, slave to a gorean master, and married within a week for meeting a hot boy that I met at a club. Listed in no particular order you could say I’ve been there and I’ve tried it all.

Can happiness really be at our fingertips? Just a “mouse click” away? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner please allow me to offer a few words of advice. Use this romantic day as an opportunity to give a warm hug or sweet kiss to that special someone. Take your girl on a fun date, give your boy that thing he’s had his eye on but couldn’t afford. Do something special that you can look back on one day with fond memories.

Wishing you all a joyous and love filled Valentine’s Day.

Some scholars view SL relationships as an escalated exercise in sociology. If others are looking to us for answers what can we learn from ourselves? Are virtual relationships an escape from the lack of fulfilling relationships in our first lives? What is the holy grail of SL relationships that has us all striving for it at first only to be heartbroken if it doesn’t last? Why are so many relationships laced with excessive amounts of drama? With your help, these are but a few questions I hope to address in the upcoming months.

Hi to all of my Valentines! *smooches* If you don’t have a Valentine, or if you are against the Holiday O’Love - - “Boooo!” At any rate, seeing how this column is for ROLE Magazine’s February issue, I thought we might try and focus our reader questions on those addressing romantic topics. By Felicity Blumenthal

Dear Felicity, I’ve met someone amazing and I’m head over heels in love with her. I want to give her something special for Valentine’s Day, but she is one of those girls who already has everything. It has to be special, and perfect, because she is! Please tell me you have a suggestion!

you some things in general that might appeal to a wide array of women. Jewelry is always a surefire way to any girl’s heart. Take time to investigate which shops carry the finest goods. Also, remember what her style is, don’t just randomly by something flashy. Look at the jewels she wears, go visit the shop, see if you can find something she doesn’t already have. Ask one of her friends!

Sincerely, Hopeless Romantic

Does she enjoy a specific hobby? Maybe photography? Does she have a Flickr account? Perhaps buy her a year’s subscription to Flickr? While not necessarily romantic, it is something she will use and will really appreciate. Speaking of Photography – Why not treat her to a photo session? Who doesn’t want professional glamorous images of themselves?

Dear Hopeless Romantic, I have to say, in my real life nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” to me like a dozen long-stem, peach colored roses and a box of Godiva chocolates. (If you are reading this Mr. B take notes) But in a virtual world, those things don’t always carry the same weight. I could tell you it’s not what you spend, or what you get, but the thought that really counts, but ehhhhh…I know that is not what you need to hear.

Another alternative is a gift card to her favorite store, so she can buy that one last little thing she doesn’t already own! So hopefully one of these ideas will work for you. For those who are on a limited budget, I suggest sweeping her off her feet for a night of dancing and romance. Take some time to write her a beautiful card, something from the heart. I can tease about expensive gifts and where to shop but at the end of the day, I’m a sucker for poetry and love.

Traditional gifts are challenging when we try to replicate them here. What is a virtual girl supposed to do with a prim arrangement of roses that she cannot smell? And what about the box of chocolates that she cannot ever really eat? Maybe I am snobby, or selfish? I don’t know. Such virtual gifts might not impress everyone. So since I don’t know your “Miss Right” I will tell 46

Dear Felicity, I am sick of the dating scene. I take my time, get all prettied up and end up home alone every night. When I go out to clubs all I meet are noobs or men trying to get me into bed. I was wondering where an experienced girl on the grid can go to find a decent guy who has more than “wanna get naked?” to say. Sincerely, Looking for Love Dear Looking for Love, I really don’t have much experience in the dating scene. I asked some friends where they would go if they were looking. It actually made me realize there are quite a few places you can meet incredible people and socialize in general. At first I was thinking of what clubs you might go to that were not on the “seedy side”. But I think, like you, that clubs are the wrong approach. If you want someone who you can get to know and interact with here are my suggestions. Attend some gallery openings. People are there to both view art, and to socialize. If nothing else you can make some interesting new friends, and gain some much needed culture! If art is not your thing, what about live music events - you gain the cultural experience as well as the social benefits of people with a similar interest! You also might try joining Plurk.com or another social network. I am a member of Plurk and have made tons of friends there.

Here is to hoping some of that was encouraging and helpful! Wishing you all love and romance with your special someone! Don’t forget to get your questions into me, loves! I enjoy each one so much, and get a kick out of them too! You can either drop your questions to me via notecard inworld or e-mail felicity@role-magazine.com 47

HOUSE & LIVING IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS

Furniture shopping in Second Life® can be overwhelming. The amount of stores that are on offer gives you unlimited amounts of choices. Not to mention that your SL home can be virtually any size you want it to be. It can be challenging to find things that pull in the look you want. The bigger item such as sofas, beds etc are important elements of a room as they are the starting points. But to make a room a home I believe it’s the little things that bring the room together. Tiny details that express your individuality are what’s key to making a room yours. By Keeley Huet

The brilliant thing about SL is that we have the tools to do that. You can live in a fish bowl or volcano a 20 room mansion; we virtually can do whatever we want and we can have in our houses anything we want. There are so many stores on the grid that offer that little something different that we may not think we “need” as such but things that might make our homes just a little bit more brighter.

closer you can actually see compact disk covers that are mock ups real life albums but made all with Second Life avatars. Now this jukebox doesn’t play music it is strictly eye candy for your room but that’s what I love about it. It’s purely for fun and functions over rated anyway. If you after something a little different like a full roast turkey dinner with table or a attachable laundry basket and washing machine then head on over. There really is something for everyone.

The fabulous store –RC- Cluster which is own by the talented Redd Columbia is just fantastic for little things you may not need but would certainly put a smile on your face. She has the quirkiest mix of things in her store ranging from furniture, funny attachments to group poses. One item I fell in love with the minute I set eyes on it was the “Compact disk Juke rocker”. It’s a fabulous 80’s inspired juke box that has the most magnificent neon blue glow that lights up the room softly. Not only is this jukebox well made if you look

If you want something a little more practical for your room then look no further then the incredible store Instinct. I can honestly say the textures on all the items in this store are to die for. They do a fabulous range of furniture based on bedrooms and bathrooms. While I was strolling along drooling over the amazing beds on offer a little free standing heater caught my eye. The Instinct heater is the perfect accessory for those cold winter nights in SL. I love how 48

it’s so compact and fits in any room be it a bedroom, living room or even a bathroom. It has little red lights on one side so it looks like it’s constantly on. It looks so realistic as does the “Paint pot set” I came across there. It’s a grey tub of paint resting on some newspaper with a paint brush carefully balanced on top. I love the idea of it just sitting there next to an empty wall waiting for the owner to get around to decorating. These little items add that personal touch to any room. They are well crafted and lovely to look at.

If lovely patterns, puffy cushions, hanging lanterns and candles are your thing, than look no further then Melino. Nothing creates atmosphere like candles. I am an SL candle connoisseur. I search high and low for the perfect candle. Melino has a fabulous range of candles in all shapes and colors. You can get floor candles which are big and round to candles in tall wooden holders. They have such a lovely glow and the shading around the edges make them look very real. Melino also carries an extensive range of furniture in store -- all with a mid eastern theme.

MiaSnow is a name most people associate with killer skins and awesome clothes but she has branched out to the furniture and landscaping. Her “Mod chandelier” is so lovely and girlie. It’s a bright white and light pink with little bead crystals hanging from it. It’s also modifiable which is so handy. I hate when you get a new light for your room and it’s huge. You end spending the next half hour trying to make it look like it isn’t consuming the area. She also does a range of rugs that look like Day of the dead skulls with various flowers inside. Her stuff has very vivid colors but also have that little darker edge which I adore.

These little things can transform a room. It can be the most simplistic thing to the most detailed item but the most important consideration is that your choices are a reflection of you. Self expression isn’t just what you wear it’s also what you choose surround yourself with.

Tucked in a random sim is the tiny shop called [S2]. It only has a handful of items but it’s worth a visit just for the Oil stove & Yakan (tea pot). It is one of the most unique pieces of furniture I have ever come across on the grid. The quirkiness and detailing of the oil stove is just wonderful. The tea pot just rest on top with a hint of steam pouring out the spout to let you know it’s done. The oil stove itself has a on off button so you can have the flames on or off. You can also here a faint steam sound coming from it which I love. It’s an unusual alternative to your standard fireplace and at only 10L$ for each item, it’s a steal. This shop is defiantly one to keep an eye on if these items are anything to go by.

[S2] Nipponbashi (56/132/29) -RC- Cluster Kindly (189/19/23) Instinct Kisping (157/79/467) Melino Melino (128/128/23) MiaSnow Hwang (120/96/244)

HOUSE & LIVING COUPLES’ POSES GALORE

As February creeps in, and the holidays are firmly over, our thoughts start to wander to that one special day that’s made just for couples. I am talking about the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. A day people all over the world celebrate with that someone special. A day when more people propose than any other day of the year. Over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent to partners, friends and loved ones. So, it got me thinking about Valentine’s Day on the grid. By Keeley Huet

I love taking pictures -- it’s one of my favorite past times in Second Life®. Not only because it helps capture a moment but in the virtual world, where pretty much anything is possible, you can create breath-taking images. One key element behind taking a good picture is poses. There are tons of pose shops on the grid. So many that I think it would take weeks for you try to hunt all the pose shops down. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner what better way to capture a special moment than to take some pictures with your loved one? There are some incredible couple poses out there and some are so realistic you will have to take a second look. One of the biggest leaders in the couples’ poses industry is Meya poses by Leila Carroll. Leila’s creations are second to none. Her poses range from the innocent “ You’re the one that I want” pose, which is a cute kiss on the cheek, to more intimate poses like the incredibly sexy “Bijoux” which has a little bit of fondling going on not to mention some kissing. Her shop Meya is truly worth a look. You won’t be disappointed! HooRay poses has exceptional poses for couples with a range of poses from the fun to sexy. The moment I saw the poster for a pose called “Whisper” I was in SLove. I adore this pose because

the bodies are perfectly entwined and the pose didn’t need heavy editing which is fabulous. It’s awful when you try out a couple’s pose only to find you have to remove a knee from your stomach. If you haven’t heard of !Dzarm poses you are truly missing out. I was bowled-over by the range of !Dzarm’s poses. Some of these poses include props that you attach to your avatar. The “Watermelon girl” pose is just so cute. The pose includes a section of watermelon that you attach and it creates the appearance that your partner is trying to sneak the watermelon away from you. It’s great to see different and creative poses for those more playful moments. !Dzarm carries poses for cuddling and there is a pregnancy pose for couples. If you’re seeking an extensive range of poses for couples then look no further than sr3d poses. They have plenty to choose from including a little section of poses from famous movies like “Pretty Women” and “The Titanic”. The “Can’t get enough” pose caught my eye as I loved how the bodies were perfectly draped over one another and how the hand was perfectly placed over the breast. If you want a good camera angle the “Tease” pose is fantastic. It’s a between-thelegs pose which has your subject sitting and look53

ing up towards you as you stand in front of them. The well known shop LostAngel [LA] is known for having outstanding poses for couples. I was spoiled by the many choices as I wandered through the store. LA has a range of props that accompany the poses. The “Pillow set” pose is awesome! The textures are to die for and the pose is great -- not just for picture taking it’s fabulous to use just for spending some alone time with your loved one. There are so many good stores on the grid with quality couples’ poses Torrid, Long Awkward Pose, Snooky’s and The Sugar Mill are just a handful of places. If you really take the time to search you can find almost any type of pose you are after. So get on out there and shop away for that perfect Valentine’s Day pose!

Meya Poses Lure (149/34/28) Lost Angel Jiknyeo (99/174/601) !Dzarm Poses La Vida (13/61/23) HoOray Poses Max World (226/24/21) sr3d Poses Aristaeus Island (243/30/22)

HOT SPOTS 6TH ELEMENT & SCOUTLOUNGE By Twisted Vendetta

6th Element The club 6th Element has managed to change with the times and do everything it takes to maintain its reputation as one of the prime hot spots on the grid. It’s been like that since the spring of 2006. One of the ways the club has evolved is literal! The club recently underwent a face-lift when it transformed itself from 5th Element to 6th Element. The remodel kept the same, smooth, live mix DJs and fun atmosphere, while updating to a different, more modern build designed by GOL sim owner Dakota Neumann. Club-goers at 6th Element enjoy a staff of all-live mix DJs and a management team that constantly strives for perfection. If it’s 3 AM or 3 PM in Australia, Germany or the United States, there is always a party to be found at 6th Element. If you’re into hard beats with a smooth melody, and DJs that love what they do, add a visit to the 6th Element on your list of things to do this week. 6th Element GOL 8 (175/202/26) 56

ScoutLounge ScoutLounge was built by Lexx Runo in February 2007 as a place to meet and party for his company â&#x20AC;&#x153;MEC Trendscouts,â&#x20AC;? a foundation created to spot and research the trends of Second Life. At ScoutLounge you can dance to the finest house music, performed by live DJs, on a beach-themed area or just chill and relax on a couch. You can even listen to their music stream at www.scoutlounge.net and sometimes watch them on Web TV! So many options makes ScoutLounge much more than just a place to go to listen to music. ScoutLounge is truly a real life and second life community! ScoutLounge Swiss Media (87/74/22) Webpage www.scoutlounge.net

MUSIC NEW KIDS ON THE GRID

A FEW RECENT ADDITIONS TO SECOND LIFE’S® DIVERSE MUSIC COMMUNITY It’s been nearly five years since the first audio stream came alive in Second Life and almost immediately after that, a handful of pioneers began to stream live music performances inworld. Live music performance is one type of experience that SL does quite well and, because of that, the music scene has thrived and continues to draw new audiences and new musicians. All of the musicians below rezzed less than one year ago and have added their own styles and experiences to the SL music melting pot. These “new kids on the grid” are only a small sample of the many SL musical newcomers but, as you’ll see, there’s an amazing variety and despite being “new” many come to our world with tremendous experience. By Jura Shepherd

TB Andel

is really different is his style of musical performance. Jelle sings original love songs that he says come “deep from his heart” and he sings them completely A cappella. Jelle’s voice isn’t overly trained - it’s much more honest than that. His songs seem more like poetry sung to a newfound infatuation by a youthful lover.

TB Andel’s profile describes his style as “World Music” but such a generic term doesn’t quite seem to fit. The natural influences of Portuguese music, due to its geography and history, make its worldliness seem much more organic than other music in the genre. His blend of Portuguese Folk, Jazz, Fado and Afro music instantly transports your imagination to his homeland and immerses listeners in the rich amalgam of cultures found there. Andel’s warm presence and songs, ranging from soft romance to danceable Afro rhythm based jazz, make his shows relaxing, escapist fare or the perfect choice for an evening out for couples.

Jelle Braveheart simply isn’t old enough to have the real life resume of his Second Life musician contemporaries but what this young romantic from the Netherlands does have is an open heart and a lot of guts. Sage musicians will tell you that standing in front of a microphone and singing with no backing instrumentation is one of the more unnerving things a musician can do. To perform A Capella, even within the insulated setting of SL, is courageous.

TB Andel creates his “fretwork magic” on a very unique, electric ukulele that he designed himself and had crafted for him by real life master builder Orlando Trindade. The rich sound-scapes are developed through the tasteful use of self-created backing tracks and Andel’s keen ear for sound engineering. Andel’s recent rez day belies his 24 years as a real life professional musician, but listeners will know his experience and passion for music within moments of hearing him perform.

BlindBoink Parham The technical constraints of streaming music into SL lends itself to solo playing styles so it’s only natural that the Blues scene has become well-developed. BlindBoink Parham is relatively new among the SL Bluesmen but he has carved a niche for himself within the broad genre by focusing on “Country Blues”, which is rooted in the Piedmont and Delta regions of the southeastern United States. The region’s context in American life, and its troubled history, permeate the music with a raw sadness, but also present are simple joys and a gracious honesty. If music can be haunted, BlindBoink Parham is both

Jelle Braveheart Just being in SL makes Jelle Braveheart a bit of an anomaly. Jelle, at 18 years of age, is nearly half as young as the average Second Life resident but what 58

a medium and a caretaker of this genre’s ghost in the way he respects the integrity of its spirit.

his music to us in SL. Drawing from influences like Dimebag Darrel and Steve Vai, Steven shreds riffs worthy of moshing through his original works and light dose of clever covers. Use of rhythm backing instrumentation keeps the heads banging, but when it’s time to take it easy, Hunniton has power ballads in his arsenal to help cool things off.

The man behind BlindBoink’s avatar, Mick Martin, is a veteran real world performer and music instructor. Mick was born in Appalachia where he was raised in a family of regional folk musicians. In fact, his aunt at 89 years of age still sings “Old Southern Gospel” in church just as she has for the past 80 years. Mick has spent his lifetime devoted to the type of music whose founders had no hope of fame or riches. From his finger-picking style to his authentic demeanor, BlindBoink Parham brings great reverence for this unique musical art form to Second Life.

It’s been roughly 20 years since Steven got his first guitar but a true passion for playing pushed him beyond what is a passing phase for many. After years of playing in various terrestrial bands, Steven has focused attention on his song-writing and vocals with the goal of potentially working with a band or solo project, but either way, he’s here to share the process with the residents of SL.

StevenJaimz Hunniton Although there are a few Metal performers in SL, the genre is not a common one. The low number of heavy metal musicians isn’t from a lack of interest - it’s more difficult to produce in-world. Use of guitar effects such as distortion makes mixing the audio more critical and Metal is generally served as a full-band with bass and drums at a minimum. StevenJaimz Hunniton’s love of Metal guitar has made him shrug off those challenges and bring

TB Andel tbandel.joaofrazao.net BlindBoink Parham www.mick-martin.com StevenJaimz Hunniton www.myspace.com/thestevenjaimzproject 59

ART ART IS CERTAINLY NOT ONLY PHOTOGRAPHY

In the two years that I have been on the grid I have known many artists and, surprisingly, only a few have left Second Life®. I know how difficult it can be to produce new pieces related to the virtual world, over and over again, while living a real life, working on real life images and spending time with family. Making art is, for most of the artists, more than just a real hobby. It takes a lot of time to make pictures in-world and then find the time to post process them. I often wonder how all of these people can manage finding the time, as it is not always easy, even if it is a hobby, as it is for me. By Looker Lumet

The time commitment makes me admire all art pieces even more although I find I don’t have the time to comment on all of the art on a regular basis.

even be) without artistic builders? Unless you are gifted enough to know how to build your own background or scene, a virtual world without these artistic builders would be unthinkable, not only for photogThe works I am talking about are from photographers raphers, but for the residents. Artists and art admirers who have the skills and talent to make their will always be interested in visiting the most “The work bepictures into real art pieces. But to be honbeautiful spots on the grid, admiring the came social. est, just who are the real artists? While those builds and talents of the masterminds. People would of us who are photographers have the skills visit and have AM Radio’s builds do not feature lots of to post process our images, there are others their own dia- houses or other structures but instead feawho are maybe not yet known as so called log.” “artists” but who, in some cases, have even ture beautiful landscapes with only a few more skills and abilities and who are certainly great highlights on it, well organized, and detailed. In artists. March of last year, Radio’s biggest build to that point was a temporary mid-western landscape with a highWhile there are many artists classified as photogway passing through the fields, past a car repair petrol raphers I would like to draw your attention to the station, a water tower and a billboard, the landscape talented sim and sculpture builders in our metaverse. adorned with trees and telegraph poles. “The sim silently prompts visitors to participate by fitting into the One of the best known builders is without a doubt look and feel. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself AM Radio. AM Radio has created several places on taken over by an overwhelming desire to whip out a the grid which provided an ideal backdrop for many run-down truck and drive it on the highway through photographers. What would photographers do (or the middle of the set.“ According to the “Second Life 60

The Husk by AM Radio

Art News” on “The Refuge and The Prospect”.

own, and that while the community might use the work, I too must use the work, but also be the best and most influential user of the work.”

Radio then moved on to a two sim build called “The Refuge and The Expansion,” which is a refined version of his earlier work with all sorts of viewer improveWhen “The Far and Away” sim opened, Radio was not ments he did not have in the earlier installation. expecting the traffic it received so he decided to jump This piece will likely stay the same for on the opportunity the exposure provided “I always dethe foreseeable future. Radio makes and to raise money for charity. After conductscribe it as a slight changes from time to time such ing some internet research of top-rated charicertain emotional as adding snow for the holidays. ties, AM Radio chose Heifer International as resonance that a natural fit to the agricultural theme of “The permeates so AM Radio has always been interested Far and Away” sim to sell virtual wheat to buy much of what he in the technical challenges of SL. livestock in real life for those in need. AM does.” If people said something could not be Radio expanded the charity sales to include done in-world Radio would try to make vehicles to make the donation to the charity it. This challenge was his inspiration for the wheat more attractive to users interested in more than just field in “The Far and Away,” a 900 prim tree in “The virtual wheat. On “The Refuge and The Expansion” sim Quiet,” and a desert mountain scene in “The Husk.” you can actually buy the airplane and the 1930 Rat Rod. AM Radio’s latest work is based on the book The Visual Elements of Landscape by John A. Jakle and says Almost everyone who sees the potential in SL, virtual poetry influences his builds. worlds, the internet, etc. are looking for ways their activities can affect the real world. Giving even a small All of Radio’s sims regard the horizon as a major asamount to those in need can complete this sort of pect of the build by keeping in mind that avatars are experience. AM Radio explains that this validates the like tourists, looking for points of interests, and that virtual worlds by positively influencing the real. good sim builds will use these properties to create a compelling space. “AM Radio’s builds, besides being just beautiful in Radio shared that his upcoming plans include bringtheir exquisite detail, and wonderful to just spend ing new works to SL but the timing of the new builds time in, also have much to interact with that is not depends on Linden Labs. He wants to use Windlight apparent initially. You need to spend some time in in an effective way and has asked Linden Labs to relothem, time to explore, and find what is there. Not all cate his Radio sim so there will be no direct neighbors. is revealed on the surface. I think his builds are some Radio sim will have a desert mountains build and he of the best that are found in SL, not only for their will define the horizon and incorporate the SL sky. beauty, and the exquisite, careful detail that he puts into everything he does, but also for something less AM Radio approaches his builds without a precontangible. I always describe it as a certain emotional ceived notion of what the final sim will look like. He is resonance that permeates so much of what he does. as much an observer as anyone in that way. It is part of what makes so many people love being in his builds, and why so many return over and over Back in 2006, AM Radio was surprised to see that again,” says Hitomi Mokusei, a good friend (and source many in-world photographers took pictures of his of inspiration) of AM Radio’s. builds, saying “the work became social. People would visit and have their own dialog, and some are inspired to record an image, and even work with the image in Visit AM Radio’s Flickr stream which contains details, Photo Shop to create something, and intensify their his thoughts and clues providing deeper meanings of relationship with the space itself. So when I create the objects within his work. a space now, I do things, I make choices that inspire this dialog, keeping in mind that I have a dialog of my www.flickr.com/photos/14545246@N03 64

The Refuge and Expansion by AM Radio

ART ART IS ALL AROUND US, IT’S EVERYWHERE WE GO

Here I stand (virtually) in Second Life®, surrounded by art. And I am not even in an art gallery! As citizen avatars we each encounter - interact intimately with - art every day. It surrounds us, it enfolds us, it is us and we are art. Our virtual world is an ever-changing collage of created images of every sort: the skins we wear, the clothes we don, the shapes we inhabit, the buildings, trees and other objects we encounter, the sky above, the ground below - every prim, every texture, all are made conceptions of the human hand, mind and spirit. By Kee Llewellyn

There is a common refrain in the modern world, “Isn’t art what people say it is? Isn’t art what anyone who calls themself an artist creates?” People ask, “Didn’t art free itself of the sterile bonds of the academy in the late nineteenth century leading to a more inclusive burgeoning of artists whose inspirations flow not from adherence to classical forms, ideology, political and philosophical constraints, but from their individual joy in the art of the creation of beauty alone?” (Okay, that last bit might not exactly be on the tip of your average art viewer’s tongue.)

can find this heady blend, joyously intermingled.

Art is artifact, that much is true. Every object or image created by the hand, heart and mind of a human being is art to one degree or another. But there is artifact and there is art. A wing nut or a can of soup is (with few exceptions) not art per se. Although that was one of the points of Dadaist and Pop Art; When Marcel DuChamp signed a common urinal and called it art and Andy Warhol painted his Campbell’s soup can fifty years later, they were making a point: Art need not (indeed should not) be inaccessible or alien. Art is everywhere if we but open our eyes to see it. In a world surrounded by art and artifact, indeed a world of art and artifact alone, my job is to seek out the work, the builds, the places that epitomize the experience of art here in SL. Art that combines and enhances both the worlds of real life and SL and brings them together. Here are two of the places you

Visitors teleporting to the elegant and imposing, black and gray Primtings Museum arrive in a small, all but empty, mezzanine gallery which introduces the museum and provides a teleport wall to the museum’s 22 (current) offerings. If there is a flaw in this build it is that the museum, designed by master builder Ina Centaur - a quite beautiful, if not entirely functional architectural design - provides little, beyond the teleport wall, to direct or guide you through the exhibits. Wandering away from the teleport wall you soon encounter more blind hallways, empty rooms and narrow stairwells than actual exhibits. And the exhibits, when found, are almost always poorly presented, tucked into corners, lacking a clear direction to the viewer as to how to approach the piece and lacking in any sort of dynamic flow or curatorial guidance throughout the museum. In fact, the

Primtings Museum The Primtings Museum combines the worlds of real life art and SL in a unique and surprising way. It asks its artists to re-create great art from real life in a manner singular to our virtual existence: The art is remade, re-imagined, three-dimensionally, with prims. The result can be amusing, interesting, sometimes disappointing and, often, inspirational.

museum is so difficult to navigate that, after several hours of wandering, I’m still not actually sure I’ve seen all the exhibits. Using the teleport wall is all but useless because the various pieces scattered around the enormous building don’t include return teleports so, after your first TP, you’re on your own.

nying seat labeled, “sit here,” apparently conceived as a way to find the best view of the work fails because your view doesn’t change when you sit. Elsewhere in the museum, you find a few rather less than successful replicas of great sculptures: Michelangelo’s “David,” and Rodin’s “The Kiss,” pieces suffer from the limitations of SL simply because their originals are also three-dimensional: the translation into sculptie prims is impressive from a SL builder’s perspective, but lacks more than a little from an artistic standpoint. However these pieces are unlabelled and appear to be after-thought add-ons to the museum’s core offerings.

If the journey through this enormous build is something akin to an ad hoc adventure in itself, the discoveries you make along the way can be quite rewarding. Perhaps the best piece in the museum is Eshi Otawara’s re-imagining of Paul Klee’s “Twittering Machine.” This piece, perhaps more than any other in the museum embodies the mission of a museum: it is lovely, engaging and humorous, and a wonderful work of art in its own right. It is not a mere reconstruction, though true in every sense to Klee’s original, but an actual re-imagining.

As you wander the seemingly endless corridors of the museum you will eventually find an entertaining little freebie: you can appear in your own version of Renee Magritte’s “Son of Man.” The display offers you a free business suit, bowler hat and green apple to wear, and a background to stand against. It’s crammed into a side corridor.

One of my favorite works is Zephyru Zapedzki’s piece based on Jose Pedro’s “Spontaneous Metaphysical Synchronization In The Presence Of The Biophobic Script’s Inconformism.” My only disappointment with this work is that the artist didn’t go far enough in recreating the original. Another quite enjoyable piece is located in the museum’s lower level (it might take you a while to find it, but it’s worth it). If you’ve ever imagined yourself sitting at the bar inside Edward Hopper’s “Night Hawks,” you’ll have your chance inside Tezcatlipoca Bisani’s lifesized replica of the famous diner and street scene (though I think he’s taken a bit of license with the trio of rats you find loitering outside the back door).

The Primtings Museum is a wonderful idea and many of the pieces it contains are valuable works of art in and of themselves; that they can also serve as an introduction to some of real life’s greatest artworks is a bonus. However the overall presentation is lacking and the museum feels very much like a work in progress. I can’t wait to see what it eventually becomes. The Sistine Chapel Re-Creation Existing since July 2007 at the Vassar College Sim, this “proof of concept” built by Vassar student Steve Taylor (AV: Stan Frangible) is a faithful reproduction of Baccio Pontelli’s fifteenth-century Vatican City chapel. While the exterior is well realized, it sits alone on its own little plot on the Vassar virtual campus; the real life chapel is surrounded by the walls and courtyards of the Vatican and almost lost amidst the other, larger structures. But at least in SL you can approach the building without waiting in line with other visitors (though the lack of gaggles of elderly nuns giggling like schoolgirls and loud tourists elides part of its anticipatory charm). Inside the chapel you are treated to much of the real life experience. The chapel is much smaller than you expect, just as in real life. And just as in real life, Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling competes with dozens of other works by other painters, as well as Ra-

Among the museum’s lesser and more problematic offerings you can find a recreation of Damien Hirst’s “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living.” Regardless of what you may feel about Hirst’s original (he is so very good at naming things in ways that distract you from the actual artistic merit of his work) it’s a slightly disappointing piece, and presented in a too-small space that makes the piece difficult to experience (thanks to SL’s following camera space requirements). Renee Magritte’s “Time Transfixed” by Blue Tsuki, is extremely well crafted but feels unfinished; the recreation of Magritte’s little steam train and fireplace are excellent, but the balance of the piece rather trails off and putters out. Even an accompa68

phael’s now-fragile tapestries which cover the lower walls; you have to hit a button to reveal them, rather like their transitory appearances in the real life chapel.

by a Baedeker of Renaissance painters, among them Sandro Botticelli (of “Venus” fame), Pietro Perugino, and Luca Signorelli. It’s a visual feast and one that can draw you back time and again to enjoy the beauty of the artistic achievements found here.

Just as in real life, the works you expect to see must be picked out of the riot of imagery which covers the interior walls and ceiling. And there it is: God giving life to Adam, the world’s most famous fingers reaching out and touching someone. And there, nearby, the expulsion from the garden, with Adam and Eve looking so forlorn and strangely pudgy (they’ve been living on fruits and veggies in The Garden... where are the carbs to load on those pounds?). These are only two of the dozens of astonishing works that cover the ceiling and walls of this little church. And you would be remiss if you were to ignore the rest of Michelangelo’s amazing achievement. Not to mention the other artists.

The virtual Sistine Chapel epitomizes one of the things SL can do so well: bring a cultural experience to thousands of art lovers who cannot get to the world’s great art in real life. Even if you’ve been to the real thing, you should stop by SL’s little Capella Sistina. The art of Second Life surrounds us if only we seek it out. Artists and builders have not only brought the beauty of the real world into SL, they have also created works here that exist only in our collective, virtual imagination. Finding such art and sharing it is one of the great pleasures of our virtual world.

The far end of the chapel presbytery is dominated by Michelangelo’s altar piece, “The Last Judgment.” Below the famous ceiling, the clerestory is illustrated with portraits of former popes. Below that, a series of paintings from the old and new testaments executed

Primtings Museum Primtings (178/67/53) The Sistine Chapel Re-Creation Vassar (180/94/25) 69

LITERARY SURROUNDED BY WORDS: LITERARY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

We all know what it is like to be transported to another place and time by a good book. The outer world drops away and we become immersed in the sights, sounds, and events the author has created for us. In Second Life®, we can take the immersion one step further. Rather than creating the imagery in our own minds, we can create it with prims, textures, scripts and sounds. In this way we can share our vision and imagination with others. Educators and writers have created a number of environments based on literature in SL but I want to discuss two that I have personally experienced. By Verde Otaared

experience. Fahrenheit 451, a literary classic released in 1953, is a cautionary tale about an oppressive society where citizens no longer have the opportunity to read. The Fahrenheit 451 walk-in book is part of “Bradburyville”, an entire sim dedicated to the exploration and experience of the works of Ray Bradbury. Other features of Bradburyville include a Something Wicked this Way Comes Carnival, a Bradbury multimedia museum, and virtual version of Greentown, Illinois, the setting for Dandelion Wine. To experience the Fahrenheit 451 walk-in book, you first walk through the cover of a large copy of Fahrenheit 451, then watch and interact as scenes from the book appear around you. Narrations describe the actions and themes of the story as the scenes change and evolve. Daisyblue Hefferman, an Alliance Virtual Library volunteer, built the scenes and used “holorezzer” technology scripted by another volunteer, Krull Aeon to create the scenes at appropriate times. Hefferman also wrote the narra-

The first is the Walk-in Book: Fahrenheit 451. When Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, was selected for “The Big Read”, a reading campaign involving many libraries and schools in Illinois, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alliance Library System developed the walk-in book concept as a way to immerse visitors into the novel and create a truly interactive, educational and entertaining 70

tive which was recorded by Gilbert Sapwood. You can have a less immersive experience of Fahrenheit 451 by watching a machinima production of the walk-in book experience created by Pia Klaar.

ters, Descending Road tells the story of Andrew who finds an alien artifact that changes his life forever. Andrew lives in the City but war tears his home and family apart. He joins the rebel forces which include humans and bioandroids who are described by Laval as “people - human in every respect except their lack of skin color, their enhanced strength, mental capacities, and beauty, and their short life spans.” Both sides of the conflict try to convince the otherworldly aliens to join their side in order to gain the upper hand.

When asked about SL residents’ response to the walkin book Hefferman replied: “The response has been phenomenal. We’d hoped to catch folk’s interest, and have succeeded. There have even been some who read about it on the web and joined SL to visit. Many have returned numerous times. In the 3 months since officially opening, we’ve had 576 visitors. Some comments from visitors [have been]: ‘Truly amazing,’ ‘I can’t get enough of it!’, ‘Impressive,’ ‘My students just have to see this,’ and ‘You guys did a bang-up job on this.’”

Descending Road is published in its ever-evolving entirety on the web and is freely available for download. Due to its complex structure, Descending Road is published as an ELM or electronic literary macramé. ELM takes advantage of multiple browser windows that allows the reader to access the main text as well as supporting documents including a glossary, maps, and alternative story threads. It is like sitting on the floor and having several books open around you so you can go from one to an-

SL offers book authors the possibility to recreate their literary worlds virtually. This is exactly what SL resident Jeddin Laval (“The Duke of Lightnings”) has been doing for the novel, Descending Road. A complex interweaving of multiple plot threads and charac71

other easily -- only more comfortably! According to Laval, “The ELM is just one more way of exploring this new publishing domain, by trying to balance reader immersion with richness of content.”

the only reason for recreating settings, structures, and scenes from our favorite works of literature. We should do it because we can and because it is fun. It is a 3-D version of a mash-up. It also allows the story to reach those “who find pure prose more off-putting” as Laval phrases it. As Hefferman says, “many have told me how much it meant to them to see a book that had resonated with them recreated here.” So, explore these in-world, literary diversions then go off and find others or create your own. If you find or make something good, I would love to hear about it.

The City in SL is a model of the City that is the setting for Descending Road, allowing the read to visualize the setting and space the novel’s characters inhabit. Laval says: “I hadn’t considered the claustrophobic feeling of such a cramped but huge underground setting until I modeled it in SL. I just built a few City back-burrows -- the narrow alleyways behind the residences that lead to dark places and utility functions for the City -- and the closed-in feeling is palpable.” He also suggests using mouselook to get a better feeling of the space. Laval has many plans for development of the City, including building a replica of Joovlies, a club where one of the characters, Thringe, performs with her band. Part of the city is flooded and Laval plans to recreate some of more slum-like regions for the novel there. Laval also plans to make use of temp-rezzers to create what he calls FlashRooms. He admits that the actual City didn’t have this technology but “the City of the fiction would take up about 25,000 sims in its full scope, and a little space-saving (and money) is called for!”

Fahrenheit 451 Walk-in-book Bradburyville (196/60/23)

One of the obvious uses for immersive literature is education. Hefferman says, “Educators have been thrilled with the concept as another way of reaching their students. Immersive education is here to stay. It’s such a vital way of learning, to actually live the content. Studies have been done in other disciplines proving learning retention is significantly enhanced using the immersion method.” However, that is not

Fahrenheit 451 Walk-in-book machinima www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyhQo0Q2M_g Descending Road - City entrance Palm Breezes (168/130/48) The novel: Descending Road http://www.danapaxsonstudio.com

TRAVEL GUIDE SINTETIKA

When I first slipped into the metaverse, I had the sorts of interactions that led me to believe it was another place to suffer the fools and find some interesting people in the mix. In those early days, I couldn’t have dreamed of the levels of talent and creativity on the grid. Though a lot of the early creators have long since “left the building” (get it?) there are a lot of new creative types grabbing the baton and running with it. While some have created amazing in-world content to sell, others have crafted truly beautiful and bewildering content just because they had an itch they had to scratch. By Damon Dollinger Weeks ago, I was tapped through a friend of a friend to DJ at an ‘art opening’. When I arrived at the event, I saw that the art installation was by Selavy Oh - a surreal collection of cubes arranged in the most astonishing and beautiful way. Weighing in at around 2000 prims, the display consisted of cubes that could be clicked to cause cascades or color changes or sometimes nothing at all. Attendees could dance on the walls or the ceiling as well as the floor. I remember thinking that it would be a bit of a let down to play anywhere else after that.

relate, both on and off the grid. Nur came from an art background, majoring in photography as well as fashion design. Indeed, Nur and Juju are both visual people, taking great care to craft looks that would be incredibly difficult to replicate off the grid. They indulge in the fantasy that is possible within SL and don’t limit themselves to realism. They don’t understand why a lot of art galleries in-world present art in 2D format on 3D walls and leave it at that, so they set about creating an experience that is now being copied across the grid. Do they mind? Not at all! They’re changing the shape of events and altering expectations and this knowledge delights them.

Italian artist Nur Moo and her partner, French artist Juju Dollinger, had been organizing art parties at Poetik beginning in March of 2008, on the sim Sintetika. Built by Japanese wunderkind architect Dazai Voom, the sim was originally owned by him and two Italian businessmen. Nur was brought in to boost traffic by hosting events, and eventually replaced the two businessmen co-owners with Dazai. The build is exquisite, a realistic shopping and gallery district with hand-picked creators offering their wares, set on the water like docks. A peek at Dazai’s profile picks will get you there as well as to a few other sims he’s built - all different styles, but all with incredible textures and attention to detail. The sims all feature top creators and are well worth exploring.

“I don’t like art in a room on the walls. Art must be lived, so we try to put people in art to enjoy it,” Nur told me. “What we want is to touch people with our vision,” Juju added. To motivate them to feel or create? Do they want passive or interactive visitors? “Both, I think,” says Nur. “At the beginning, we chose everything. Because we were new here, people always thought it was a club. After a time, they start to love the idea.” The idea that music and art can come together for an immersive experience is certainly not new, but it was rare a year ago in SL and that fact continues to bewilder Nur and Juju, among others. “SL is a creative bomb, but not many see that. They copy reality.”

Dazai wasn’t available for an interview, so I sat down with Nur, Juju, and ColeMarie, who initially introduced me to the pair.

“In real life, it’s become too difficult to express yourself. With the web, etcetera, too many images, too much of everything, less content, and also a lot of banality. I was in the real world Florence art show with my pictures, with many others. Italian magazines talk about SL art with sarcasm. ‘It’s not art.’ For me, an

The concept of the Poetik parties arose after Nur and Juju found themselves burned out on the club scene, a feeling with which many long-time clubbers can 74

avatar is a form of art, but not many are open-minded about it. So Cole, for example, is a great artist for me,” says Nur.

What would Nur and Moo like for the legacy of Poetik to be? “I would like people to remember it like a mood, not a material thing. Something you miss, like when we were children. Something made your life warm. It’s important. All the people that play with us, I never forget,” says Nur. “What I would like for people to keep in mind is this wonder and surprise that we tried to make them feel always,” says Juju.

So the experience is key for the pair. Personality is what attracts them to an artist rather than a demonstration of what they’ve done, and this draws out work from artists that might never otherwise have seen the light of the pixel sun. Attending a Poetik party and meeting the artists, DJs, musicians and fellow art lovers is more than just a good time - it triggers further creation from those inspired.

Fortunately, we don’t have to rely on memory. Poetik has returned with a new installation by ColeMarie Soleil.

“I like the freedom here,” says Nur. “If you dream [of ] a pool with a supermodel, you can have it. I’m happy for this. SL is a box. You put in what you want.”

Sintetika sintetika (107/162/26) 75

THIS IS SL, TOO THE WASTELANDS

I visited the Wastelands for the very first time when I was searching for boots created by designer GutterBlood Spoonhammer. This was way back in my early SL days and I was absolutely overwhelmed by what I found -- a huge desert area with strange buildings. My first thought was that the build was a replica of a huge city that was destroyed but when I looked more closely I realized the build resembled a post-apocalyptic scenario. The remains of a civilization surviving amongst the relics of indestructible material -- sand, concrete and metal. By Leeza Catteneo

I recently returned to the Wastelands and, although it has changed a lot (especially in size) it has managed to keep the same feeling and atmosphere.

The Wastelands was the first post-apocalyptic community in Second Life and it is still growing. The Wastelands has expanded to cover 13 sims. It’s unlikely anyone could be bored during a Wastelands exploration because the pure creativity on display and variety in the builds are impressive and inspiring. All of these considerations make the Wastelands not only the oldest, but also the largest, community dedicated to the creation of an in-world post-apocalyptic environment.

As I walked along the chapped and roughly-textured ground, scarred with wrecked cars, trucks and planes -- all covered with dust and soot, I noticed canisters, mechanical and electrical parts scattered all over the ground, burning barrels and many steel shells and skeletons . The buildings were difficult to distinguish between ruins or a quickly-assembled shelter, cobbled together from the remains of houses, cars and factories for a resident to have a place to live or just to survive.

Although the development team no longer sponsors role playing games, the Wastelands offers opportunities to participate in gaming events such as ‘War Zone’ or ‘Fight Night’ which is the “first regular official event …held at an arena called the Potato Farm in Hambone Slash, where people duel to the death” as explained on the Wastelands’ wiki. Currently, all role playing at Wastelands is unofficial and

The Wastelands were founded on January 18, 2007 by NeoBokrug Elytis and the Wasteland community just recently celebrated their second year anniversary. 76

residents must â&#x20AC;&#x153;opt-inâ&#x20AC;? role play is never mandatory. This is good news for visitors and non-role players, who are always welcomed to the community.

most every build I inspected was made by the owner. Even though this community is called the Wastelands it is a true oasis of creativity and a repository of stellar examples of virtual building and texturing skills.

During my exploration I discovered a small Wastelands Museum where I found some interesting items on display that were created by residents of the Wastelands community, collected by Patrice Cournoyer.

The Wastelands The Wastelands (135/151/66)

The Wastelands thoroughly captured my imagination with such pure creativity evident in each and every build. Everywhere you look, under the ground, in the sky, builds placed on tower-like structures. The common thread amongst the diversity of builds on display is the eye for detail, the talent and patience to convert an idea into an absolutely unique (and freaking awesome!) monument of prim work and texturing. Everything I saw was created with love and passion and al-

The Wastelands Webpage www.the-wastelands.org The Wastelands feat. Bogon Flux www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&v=mD7xXBInhqs&gl Windlight settings used for the pictures by Mescaline Tammas. Download the windlight settings: mescaline.fileave.com/windlight/Wastes_WL_cycle_Presets.zip

GADGETS & “KNOW HOW” I LIKE THE WAY YOU MOVE!

First impressions are important. When you walk into a room, any room, even in Second Life®, that first impression means something. There is lots and lots and lots of talk about fashion in SL, and there really is no debate that the right outfit can really make an impression or a grand entrance. What about something even more basic than fashion? What about how you enter a room? Does how you walk, stand or sit affect how you are viewed? You bet it does! By Aldwyn Zanzibar

When you first join SL, your avatar has a standard set of animations that are used when you walk, run, jump, and stand around. The general opinion is that these default animations are not very attractive. So, as with most things in SL there was an opportunity for improvement and commerce which helped produce a whole industry that makes “Animation Overrides”. Simply put, an “Animation Override” (AO for short) is an attachment that “overrides” the standard SL avatar animations and replaces them with custom ones.

search in-world for Animation Overrides, you will get a large list of shops offering AOs, poses and animations. Each place has its own bundling of animations and poses. It can become overwhelming quickly, which is why I think most guys don’t change their AOs as often as women do. To begin our review of some current AOs I would like to explain a few of the basics. Approximately 99% of the AOs sold in-world today are based on the ZHAO or ZHAO-II AO scripts and HUD by Ziggy Puff, which are based on the Franimation AO scripts by Francis Chung. Both of these systems are Open Source (Freeware) and are available for free, usually empty, at several locations in SL.

A new resident of SL walks around with the standard issue clothes, skin and animations until they are befriended by a nice person who will explain there are other options. Many times this new friend will either point a newbie to places that have very cheap or free clothes and other “necessities” or will be very generous and take the newbie shopping. There are places with free or very cheap AOs and, while these usually are a bit better than the default animations, they still are pretty basic.

Both of these AO systems have been around for quite a while. Ziggy started with freeware scripts that Francis created, enhanced them, and created a very nice little HUD system to make things easier for residents to use. So when you are out shopping for a new AO, you are most likely getting a modified ZHAO/ Franimation system with a custom set of poses/animations in it. The actual HUDs may look different, but that is because someone, if not Ziggy, performed

As time marches on, people eventually want something more than the freebie AO they started with. This is where the real fun begins. If you 78

custom work for that particular store or creator.

time editing your new AO and replace your least favorite animations with individual animations you prefer. The process of customizing your AO is really quite simple. Customizing your AO involves editing the configuration notecard inside the AO itself. Your AO will contain an instruction notecard guiding you through the steps necessary to customize your animations. The configuration notecard is usually simply laid out requiring the user to edit the names of the specific individual animations to use when standing, sitting, running, etc., by merely finding the appropriate line and adding or changing the animation name.

As you start to shop around for your new AO you will find lots of pre-packaged sets of animations and many sold individually . Each AO shop you visit should have a pose stand available featuring the animations in that particular package so you can try before you buy. This is a very good starting point for the adventure of AO shopping. Now, I am gonna let you in on a little secret. Because most of the AOs are of the ZHAO/Franimations variety customizing your own AO is not as hard as it seems. One option is to find a pre-packaged AO that you like and either “live with” the few animations in the AO package you aren’t crazy about or spend some

For a wide selection of AOs, a couple of shops that I recommend are Vista Animations, and SEmotion Studios. Both of these shops are very well laid out, 79

have good, clear pictures representing each AO system, and have pose stands for you to test out each AO package. This can be a very long process and it may help to take a friend along for a second opinion. Remember that finding the right set of animations is a very personal thing. Choose animations that you like to make your avatar your own.

natural since people do not stand still like statues in real life. We move around, we fidget, play with our watches, scratch our noses (no, I did not say “pick” our noses), even stretch. As you browse through animations at these shops, you will notice that most of them are not static poses but are actually animated shorts. One of my favorite animations causes the avatar’s hand to come up, and either scratch an ear, or seemingly adjust its hair. Not sure why I like that particular animation so much, but I do! Selecting your own custom animations is not just about finding a set of 3-8 poses for standing and such, but it is also about making them flow together. The transition between poses is important. Both of the systems I tested handle this transition between animations very well but the quality of the animations in the AO are what will determine if your avatar moves just the way you want

The core of the Vista Animations and SEmotion Studios systems are the same, but the presentation and user interface is quite different. I have used both the Vista Animations HUD, and the SEmotions HUD. The Vista HUD is button-driven and the SEmotions is menu-driven. Both systems allow for overriding an avatar’s default typing animation plus a swimming animation override and a “sit anywhere” feature which is my personal favorite. The “sit anywhere” feature allows you flexibility to, for example, sit directly under a large tree. Without this feature you’d have to either sit on a pose ball or try “right clicking” your cursor on the ground and selecting “sit”. I don’t know how many times you have tried this, but it is somewhat entertaining and frustrating to watch your avatar walk around in circles, then ultimately have it sit in a spot you didn’t want.

If you are new to SL and are thinking of upgrading from your standard animations, or you’re a long-time resident looking for a change, please keep in this in mind: You will find animations you think you like, but as you watch your avatar using them, you may find that what you chose is not quite what you wanted. Or heck, you might just change your mind and want to be even more unique! Animation creators are improving and adding more designs and options every day, so don’t be afraid to look around and try different animations. You will eventually find a set of animations that you feel really represents your avatar and you will probably keep those animations for a very long time. This is exactly what makes an AO such an important part of our SL since movement is really at the core of your ability to be anyone that you want.

The Vista Animations “sit anywhere” feature is accessed through a button right on the HUD: press it and you sit. The SEmotions Studio “sit anywhere” feature has a chat command that activates the sit menu quickly. You can also access this feature from the SEmotions HUD. If aesthetics is important to you in a HUD, the Vista Animations HUD is prettier and I think it’s a bit more functional. The SEmotion HUD is also very functional and will do the job for you just fine. There is one feature that the SEmotion system has that the Vista Animations systems do not: facial expressions. I personally do not use these, but I see them around a lot, so if you enjoy using expressions on your avatar, then you may lean more towards the SEmotion system.

Vista Animations Vista Animations (89/129/24)

So let’s talk about animations for just a moment. Most simple AOs use a handful of static poses and switch between them after a predetermined amount of time. Usually, this does not look very

SEmotion Studios SEmotion (51/56/33) 80

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FINAL CREDITS PEOPLE & LOCATIONS

ALL BLOGS, WEBPAGES AND SLURLS ARE CLICKABLE IN THIS DOCUMENT. THE IN-WORLD MAGAZINE CONTAINS A NOTECARD WITH LANDMARKS. PEOPLE AND PLACES ARE LISTED IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE. ARCADIA ASYLUM MUSEUM AND LIBRARY Cheonma (203/143/74) HOBO RAILROAD INFOHUB Calleta (97/213/26) SPIRIT OF ARCADIA spiritofarcadia.wordpress.com **DP**YUMYUM Isle of Tranquility (80/157/26) DING FOTHERINGTON slondlist.blogspot.com SURI CHRISTEN slfreestyle.blogspot.com RAUL CRIMSON http://www.raulcrimson.com/ EXPRESS ZENOVKA http://www.second-man.com/ AM PRO RIDES AM PRO (166/196/44)

INSTINCT Kisping (157/79/467) MELINO Melino (128/128/23) MIASNOW Hwang (120/96/244) MEYA POSES Lure (149/34/28) LOST ANGEL Jiknyeo (99/174/601) !DZARM POSES La Vida (13/61/23) HOORAY POSES Max World (226/24/21) SR3D POSES Aristaeus Island (243/30/22) 6TH ELEMENT GOL 8 (175/202/26)

MOOZ RACETRACK Mooz (217/42/32)

SCOUTLOUNGE Swiss Media (87/74/22) www.scoutlounge.net

NEED4SPEED Atropos (104/145/56)

TB ANDEL tbandel.joaofrazao.net

[S2] Nipponbashi (56/132/29)

BLINDBOINK PARHAM www.mick-martin.com

-RC- CLUSTER Kindly (189/19/23)

STEVENJAIMZ HUNNITON www.myspace.com/thestevenjaimzproject

AM RADIO www.flickr.com/photos/14545246@N03

VISTA ANIMATIONS Vista Animations (89/129/24)

PRIMTINGS MUSEUM Primtings (178/67/53)

SEMOTION STUDIOS SEmotion (51/56/33)

THE SISTINE CHAPEL RE-CREATION Vassar (180/94/25)

SPECIAL THANKS TO Gabrielle Sinatra www.flickr.com/photos/gabriellesinatra

FAHRENHEIT 451 WALK-IN-BOOK Bradburyville (196/60/23) FAHRENHEIT 451 WALK-IN-BOOK MACHINIMA www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyhQo0Q2M_g DESCENDING ROAD - CITY ENTRANCE Palm Breezes (168/130/48) THE NOVEL: DESCENDING ROAD http://www.danapaxsonstudio.com SINTETIKA sintetika (107/162/26) THE WASTELANDS The Wastelands (135/151/66) THE WASTELANDS WEBPAGE www.the-wastelands.org THE WASTELANDS FEAT. BOGON FLUX www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&v=mD7xXBInhqs&gl

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