Free Snow Tiger

Posted on March 10, 2010
Filed Under Free or Cheap, Interesting Items | Leave a Comment

BY REPORTER MADAME1111 QUINTESSA

Hi everyone. After some very dramatic days in real life, I want to give away a present to everybody: a free tiger which follows you.

He doesn’t make sounds, but he flies with you.

Please take him only to places where he is allowed to be!

Feed him well! Handle him with care.

Hugs for all Moonletters addicts. (You will find him boxed in the garden.)

Get the Tiger
Fashion Beach

Risky Business

Posted on March 9, 2010
Filed Under Fun Places, Interesting Items | 3 Comments

BY CHIEF STAFF WRITER PAYPABAK WRITER

How’s this for spooky? I took a bunch of pix of Risk City back on Halloween 2009! Maybe someone sent me the SLurl but I completely forgot about them till I got desperate this week to get some articles ready! I double checked to make sure RC is still there and found out they have a great Flickr site for pix, so I’m including it here. Another dream-like quality build, the sim by SuzeLaRousse Milo is simply beautiful and haunting. I love what she’s written in her profile: “Explore at your own risk. Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious…”

You land at a hub with the following teleporter destinations from which to choose: Suzerella/Hot Tin Roof/Exposition/Ice Storm/Secret Dressing Room/Spa/Chocolate Factory/Shop. The Chocolat Factory, as the name implies, is a massive celebration of chocolate vats and tall falls. The Ice Storm is fragile and frozen as the name implies. I particulary liked the store. I found a great studio with surreal background and 200-poses stand for only 150 Lindens! Some great gifts, too.

Visit inworld: Risk City

Global Tourism

Posted on March 8, 2010
Filed Under Art, Culture, Education, Fun Places | 1 Comment

BY STAFF WRITER ALBION SPITTELER

The fluid nature of construction with Second Life often means that some truly magnificent constructions are present for a few months and then they disappear. In my short two and a half years I have known many such beautiful creations bite the dust. Only recently I discovered that the majestic Palace of Versailles had disappeared*. I loved this place, the spectacular Hall of Mirrors was well worth a visit. Gave an opportunity to don those regency ruffs, plop on your dauphin wig and stride about in manly breeches. The reason so many of these great creation collapse is lack of interest or more likely financial pressures of funding a sim. It’s a shame and many major visitor spectacles are lost this way.

And as one real life monumental sight vanishes from Second Life another emerges. I recently discovered the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel has been reconstructed. Yes, Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the virtual world; it’s well worth heading out to take a look. Hopefully it will enjoy a long existence in the virtual world, but it could be gone tomorrow. Real Life architectural monuments are few in the virtual worlds. Some, such as these two, are marvelous; others are dire but each has its own charms and are worth visiting. A virtual global tour is one way of seeing spectacles you would otherwise never get to look upon. That can only be good, so hop on the treasure trail and find some real life classics lurking in the virtual undergrowth.

Visit Inworld: Sistine Chapel

Why Spirits Soar at Soul 617

Posted on March 7, 2010
Filed Under Music Stuff | 2 Comments

BY STAFF WRITER TROY ARISTOCARNAS

Overnight success is for sure hard to come by for most businesses in Second LifeL; more so in the highly competitive club enterprises. Quite often, one TP in to many clubs would often unfold the ghost town of a place. But there’s a relative newcomer among in-world enterprises that seems to have found a perfect template to gain the attention of the motley of SL party animals— Soul 617 House Club.

Founded by Jase Feden and Skyee Destiny on August 1, 2009, Soul 617 is definitely attracting avi traffic comparable to much older dance/party places. Fortune from the stars seems the root of the early gains of this venture by SL soul mates Skyee and Jase. Its name combines the couple’s July birthdates Jase: 6; Skyee: 17. The 17th of July was especially providential as it was the date the two met and sparked the chemistry to an inseparable in-world relationship and eventually to Soul 617. “I guess this is how we came up with the name ‘Soul,’” says Jase.

Definitely a plus to the blooming of the beach-side club enterprise is the pair’s common love for house/trance music, the thematic element at this club which is open 12–6 p.m SLT, all days of the week except Mondays. Another major booster is a formidable cast of 32 DJs from several parts of Europe and the U.S. who consistently bring a variety of house and trance music and all their sub-genres. Among them is a quartet who’s been a part of Soul 617 since its founding: DJs Jenny Robledo and DJ Indigo, both from Germany; DJ George Nishi from England, UK; and DJ Yannis Marynov from Athens, Greece. A foursome of new spinners likewise contributes to the Soul 617’s early success: DJ Anders Fiertze,, France; DJ Money Wonder, U.S. DJ RedArno Food, Germany; and DJ Morph81 Knowles who spins not only house but also vocal, progressive and Latin music genres.

Ably complementing this DJ lineup is the club’s staff of nine hosts, a team which includes 1Netty Miggins from Wales, UK, who had never hosted before her stint at Soul 617. Working along with Skyee, she progressed in less than six months through taking a few shifts as a regular host to now being the club’s Hostess Manager. A similar career path seems similarly unfolding for the spunky Sara Lynkray of Wisconsin, U.S. who leapfrogged from club promoter to regular host within just weeks after she was rezzed. And of course, there are also regular hosts carving their names with Soul 617: Valk Crystal, U.S.; and Amandinekke Ferraris from Germany. “All of them are great team players and work very well along side our DJS to bring an awesome party atmosphere,” Jase tells of these hosts.

Visit Inworld: Soul 617

Solution Provider Expo: Best of the Best

Posted on March 6, 2010
Filed Under Special Events | Leave a Comment

BY CHIEF STAFF WRITER PAYPABAK WRITER

“Linden Lab invites individuals and businesses that have experience addressing the needs of real-world organizations in Second Life to join our Solution Provider Program. We specially encourage businesses with extensive enterprise or education experience to join the Program so that the deluge of organizations joining Second Life can take advantage of your expertise and services.”–from the Solution Provider Web page. To show off what they are capable of, the Solution Providers have run an exposition of booths and exhibit of artwork created by the what could well be the best of the best content creators (who wish to be recognized) in Second Life. I’ve been told this exhibit end this Sunday, so check it out!

Exposition Website

Exposition Sim

Second Life Solution Provider Program Website

Fnordian Link Opens Mall, Offers Free Rent

Posted on March 5, 2010
Filed Under Free or Cheap, Opinions/Gossip/People, Special Events | Leave a Comment

BY EDITOR SHAUNA SKYE

Fnordian Link, creator of the whimsical store Fnordian Furniture (you may remember, Paypabak Writer did an interview with him), has sent word to say he’s opening a new mall called Moon Magic. Fnordian is offering four weeks free rent to stores who fit the theme of his mall–if they claim the stall by tomorrow. “The mall was built by Vorren Voltaire,” Fnordian said. “Still working on it to add details and stuff to make it a bit brighter and livelier, but the basics are all done.”

The shopping area is to be themed for fantasy, medieval, magical, supernatural, spiritual, and steampunk. If you sell anything that fits into those themes, you’re eligible for a month’s free on a 32 prim stall. “You are not obligated to continue renting after your free time has elapsed,” says Fnordian. “But we hope you’ll love it here and stay.”

The free stall must be claimed by March 6, and only one stall per merchant allowed. After the free month is over a standard 32 prim stall rents for L$200/week if you wish to renew. Larger shops and adboards are available, but only standard stalls qualify for the free promotion.

To claim a free rental send a notecard to Fnordian Link with your name, store name, and the type of items you sell, as well as the number of the stall you’d like to use. Questions can be addressed to Fnordian Link or Vorren Voltaire.

Visit Inworld: Moon Magic

1st Facebk, 2ndhub

Posted on March 4, 2010
Filed Under On The Web | 2 Comments

BY STAFF WRITER JELLIE ARROWMINT

Some sites are sooo last year and not always ideal for those who want to keep Second Life and real life private or separate. Well, now’s the chance to integrate the two.

About three weeks ago 2ndhub was launched. So . . . what the heck is 2ndhub™?

2ndhub is a new service for SL users that comes in the form of a custom website as well as web-enabled in-world tools designed to enhance your Second Life world experience.

Mason Kingsford and Taliesin Llanfair have been hard at it creating this masterpiece of a site, and it really is a joy to use. Get your profile on up there and add one for your business or group while you’re at it.

To be honest, the possibilities with 2ndhub seem to be endless even though it’s still early days. One of the most impressive things I have come across thus far is the ability for you to be offline and still be able to send messages to your buddies in-world.

At present you’re unable to send messages back, but watch this space, ‘cos the guys are working on it.

‘…and we will be offering more features & web-enabled tools in the weeks & months to come. This is just the beginning!’

Seriously, 2ndhub future looks good. I mean, what an excellent idea. Here’s a bit more about what it offers:

New & exciting social-networking features that are integrated with SL!

Multiple profile types for individuals as well as for SL businesses or groups, which are also linked to each other.

Blogging, posting, micro-blogging and comments built in.

Easy friending helps you stay in touch and share.

Flickr integration! If you choose, your most recent flickr uploads will show as small images right on your profile along with a link to your flickr page!

A special business directory as well as a people directory.

Some of the current web-enabled tools include SL update groups, subscribers, delivery servers and soon our greeters w/traffic info.

Many more features that aren’t listed here…

Ok, so you know I love my freebies right? I mean, who doesn’t? When you sign up, expect some very high quality footwear and glasses to come your way.

Mason Kingsford’s other ventures are apparent once you land here, but they’re for another write-up.

In the mean time if you want to be a part of something that’s gonna be big and is already a whole lot of fun, get yourself on over and begin your new addiction.

Visit on the Web: 2ndhub.com
Visit Inworld: 2ndHub

Escaping With An Alt

Posted on March 3, 2010
Filed Under Opinions/Gossip/People | 2 Comments

BY EDITOR SHAUNA SKYE

For those who use Second Life to roleplay a character, who go in anonymously, or who choose an avatar much different from what they are in everyday life, Second Life is often considered an escape.

For me, things are different. I go into Second Life as myself. My avatar looks like me (though admittedly an idealized version who never has to diet), and I don’t put on a fake personality. Basically, if you meet me in Second Life, you’re meeting the real Shauna . . . just better dressed. Arguably, the virtual Shauna is even more like me since I can wear what I like no matter how freaky, and I can be creative in a way I’m not able to in real life–such as in decorating.

Hey, if I dressed like Alice in Wonderland in real life I’d be stared at, whereas in Second Life it’s acceptable to not only wear just about anything, but to transform into something not even human. Man, I love Second Life for that. I wish people in real life were as accepting of people who choose to dress differently.

All this is good, and I really am able to do a lot in Second Life as myself, but it is not an escape in the same way it is for someone who goes in anonymous or who is roleplaying. To have that level of escape, I need an alt avatar.

The first thing people think if they learn I have an alt is that I’m probably using it to go to adult places, or that I’m having romances while using it. Maybe this is what the person thinking that might do themselves, and hey, if I were not already satisfied in that area, I can understand the inclination. However, fantasies are a way to explore things we lack in real life, or a desire to experience what we never have before or to regain something lost; a romance does not fit the bill for me on that, because I have that already.

My regular Shauna avatar is Rated PG, (ok, maybe Rated R when I’m gossiping in IM with my friend Madame) and I generally avoid sims where people sell their pixels and dance around in thongs. I like to kick back with friends, laugh, go dancing at mod and indie clubs, find whimsical items and virtual pets–and of course watch music videos in the theatre at Moonletters HQ.

As for alt avatars I have made so many over the years I could start a sports team, but that doesn’t mean I use all of these. Some were made to be models, others for comedy mischief. A few I’ve made are men. No, I don’t want to be a man; I don’t swing that way. However, a part of me would enjoy having a naughty brother.

One of my alt avatars made it onto the cover of an earlier Moonletters (back when it was slFIX Magazine). I’m in the back, and Rotten Spitteler is the Clockwork Droog. The red-haired woman is Yamarontoast Dagger, and contrary to popular belief, not one of my alts.

Really, the first male alt I ever made was originally for camping, but he took on a life of his own. The name? Rotten Spitteler. Friends knew Rotten was me so either laughed at him or flirted with him. He’s never said much but doesn’t need to because he exudes character anyway. He was, in fact, banned from Liverpool sim once just for existing. The sim owner, who always liked me as Shauna, had no idea Rotten was my alt. He gave him a lecture for being a bad element, and having an appearance not pleasant to other visitors–right before hurling him from the sim. I mean, there’s some humor in this. The same person who once asked me to manage the inworld Cavern Club in Liverpool banned my alt just for the way he looked.

In spite of Rotten’s coolness factor for getting banned without having to do anything first (that’s so incredibly punk rock!), I don’t consider him an escape alt. All of my friends knows he is me, and well, here’s the major reason: I have no desire to be a guy!

Other alts . . . well, I can’t tell you too much about them without losing my privacy. The whole idea of having them is for me to have freedom, and to go to a place where I’m not the boss sometimes (or rather the Guv’nor as staff writer Jellie, says). And no, I’m not off somewhere being a submissive because I’d rather die than do that. Haha! I mean it. I will tell you this though. If my regular Shauna avatar is Rated PG, then my escape alt is a Rated G. That’s right, shocking as it sounds, I am not off to an adult sim to escape, but actually trying to find an even more innocent atmosphere. If I could teleport into Pleasantville, I would. No, I don’t escape by being a man or even by being another woman. (If I say more it would be too much.)

Am I roleplaying? Yes, I suppose I am, though I’m never not myself, just showing a different side of my personality. If the people around me knew I was “Shauna” then the magic might be lost. I guess my alt avatar is like what many consider their main avatar to be in Second Life, and lately I’ve needed to use it or I’m in danger of being burnt out.

No worries though. Even if I do use an alt I never fool people with it. When I’m off escaping I stay far away from the people who know me as myself.

Paypourri: Shags Neighbor, Goes to The Wash, Rediscovers Deviance

Posted on March 2, 2010
Filed Under Fashion, Hair, Skin, Interesting Items | Leave a Comment

BY CHIEF STAFF WRITER PAYPABAK WRITER

Shyayn Lusch is my “down ass bitch” neighbor (see her profile, I don’t make things like that up!) and the owner of SHAG, a great store for home furniture and accessories for interior and exterior. I recently received a box full of her Valentine Day-themed items and what a hoot they are! Giant heart-shaped candies with delightfully twisted text (with themes like bitchy, sweet, and naughty), a heart-shaped, snake-skin float among others with his/her poses, strings of Love Me Lights, and Cupid graffiti, glowing hearts on the floor. My favorite: SHAG Lust Coupons to give to your favorite Valentine–an IOU of various sexual favors. Shyayn sets the perfect tone for every occasion, whether Halloween, Christmas, or whatever season strikes her fancy, she has decorations that stand out!

I couldn't keep Pete the dog from posing with me and a few of my favorites from SHAG's Valentine Day collection.

As well, she has a great assortment of furniture for every room in the house–I own a flower power cuddle float for my pool as well as a great metal dining room set from her store. Taking a cue from our landlord/neighbor, Ghanie Lane, Shyayn has used scultpies brilliantly for many of these terrific items. I’ve never visited her store when there weren’t great discounts on select items. Now is the time to pick up Valentine Day decorations at 20% discounts. But anytime is a good time for a visit!

Going on till the 9th of March, The Wash has streets filled with carts loaded with cool clothes and accessories for 10 Lindens! The Wash is a new discovery for me and what great timing to find some of my favorite shops with carts as well as mini stores for convenient shopping! A very retro 50’s car wash, drive-in restaurant-themed sim with trailer homes and neon lights, giant donuts, and streets filled with bargains!

Finally, I just received an update from Deviance of the leather Mistress outfit, for having bought the four-pack of it several months ago when Mikki Zheng and I were shopping for outfits for our Nidus Convergence faction for Splintered Rock. It adds the color burgundy to the black, white, red, and brown selections I’d bought in a 50% off fatpack. It’s a full outfit with a great corset jacket overlayer . . . take away the shirt layer and you will see eyeballs flying out of nearby faces! It also comes with two belts, with what looks like a holstered billy club–something every mistress should carry. Deviance is a great store for RP-type costumes and I think the way the leather looks so real in the accompanying picture is one of those worth a thousand words I don’t need to go on and on about. I saw a number of delightful angel and fairy outfits at 50% off, so this may be a good time to visit a store that knows how to reward its patrons!

Visit Inworld: SHAG, The Wash, and Deviance.

Albion Returns

Posted on March 1, 2010
Filed Under Opinions/Gossip/People | 4 Comments

BY STAFF WRITER ALBION SPITTELER

So where have I been for the last few weeks? On my man flu death bed for parts of it, and drowning in reality for the rest of the time. All of which meant I was severely idle on the blog roll; hopefully got that resumed and normal (if normality isn’t an alien construct in the virtual world) service will hopefully return. Normal service obviously implying self indulgence, but rest assured not gratification . . . no icky tissues on this blog post.

Anyway, what to report? I thought I would gossip about a typical day in my dreary virtual world. After a virtual coffee I often wander along the harbour and have chat with my old friend Johnny Depp. He appears to be locked in his Captain Jack persona so conversation is a tad like to talking to Keef Richards on a steroid binge. But, nevertheless it passes the time; however it is not without its dangers as we occasionally bump into Captain Barbosa, and I find myself in the midst of a piratey squabble. Not a pleasant experience I can assure you.

So, fleeing the harbour I seek out lunch with my favourite purple dwarf. Yes! Its the symbol prince himself. I think he’s vegan but virtual sausage are meat free so I order three. It’s fat free. *SMILES*

Losing track of which name I should be using at any moment in conversation, I soon lose interest in our little purple buddy. Dodging a tribe of Elvi (plural for Elvis, how many can a virtual world sustain?) I head off for my night school with that icon of knowledge, Data from Star Trek. No shock he is virtual, is there? He disco dances too y’know.

Lessons over, I head to the beach to BarBQ with Spiderman and wolverine. Just another typical virtual day.

I love wandering the grid and bumping into a stream of comic book or other fictional characters. I have seen the hulk break dancing, the Joker driving a purple porsche to match his suit, a crazed Beetlejuice and so many Elvis it’s unreal. I also keep a few celebrity avatars lurking in my inventory for dragging out at parties and such like for a joke. Whilst superheroes and other comic characters are everywhere across the grid, characters portrayed by actors seem less common, but some are stunning and it’s always a pleasure to see them. So keep your eyes peeled. You never know who may pop up on your virtual street.

Okay, I’m off to find a virtual Jordan. I need a couple of pillows to go to sleep on, extra large obviously.

keep looking »