Cooper's Coffeehouse

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

Among the places one can relax in Second Life, one recently had a major makover: Cooper's Coffeehouse. Located in Lionheart Nala, people can enjoy games such as 7Seas and checkers, live music events, books to read, and of course a chat with other residents. Last month not long after it's reopening, I interviewed with the owner, Cooper Udimom about the location.

Cooper, like a number of other residents, had gotten his start at The Shelter, which had only recently closed. "I heard! I was so sad (frown). That was literally my first hangout spot in SL. I was just recounting in a chat how when someone gave me an object to wear on my first day and I wore it. Well turns out it was a giant prim penis that stuck on my forehead and I had no idea how to get it off. Made for an interesting time. Gosh its crazy to think I've been in SL ... over 15 years! My first avi was in 2004."

Cooper explained when he first joined, it was under a different account, "Long since gone (chuckle). I don't even remember that accounts name. But I started using my Alex1 Richardson avatar I believe in 2006. That's the avatar I created The Lighthouse Restaurant with. I still have all of the old products, notecards and textures. All from nearly 10 years ago. Quite the trip down memory lane." And how was running a restaurant in a place where people didn't need to eat? He actually did very well, "Honestly it was so much fun and super challenging - because there wasn't anything like it in SL. We were one of the first, so it exploded kind of rapidly. We had 1,000 plus people in our group and booked out reservations two to three weeks in advance. I had an amazing general manager, who basically ran the place after a few months. I am so sad she is no longer playing SL. We even kept touch in real life for awhile, but she's since disappeared (frown)." Checking his notes, the place had been running from October 2008 to January 2010, "We had an average of 100 unique visitors a day, 18,000 in the first 8 months."

He would take an extended break from Second Life, "I actually joined the Navy in real life. So that was why I took such a long hiatus from SL. I lived and traveled all over the world for a good eight years." Needless to say, things were different upon his return, "I came back in around 2017. I think mesh had just started to take off. I was on very intermittently until about April of this year when COVID happened. That was the biggest change. Logging in in 2020 and finding literally 99% of avatars were totally different, and you had to buy a specific'"shape' just to find clothes that would fit you. It was a massive learning curve. I really felt like for probably a month just like I had back in 2004 when  I first got into SL." When I asked how intermittently he was on, he answered, "I was on SL maybe once or twice a month from 2017 until 2020. (I) had a lot of real-life things going on."

Also in 2017 was when he first started The Coffeehouse, "That started on a tiny plot here in Lionheart, a sim or two over. ... It quickly became too small, so we moved to a very large property over in Second Norway. That was our biggest location in terms of space." He would later move a third time in June this year back to where it is now, "Definitely lots of moving around (chuckle)." Of when he first opened it, "The first few days it was very relaxed. I think we had a few live music acts. But there wasn't really anything *big.* I didn't really have the time nor the funds to pour in, moreso just wanted just a place people could come to to relax and unwind. But we developed a fairly decent group after about six months. And that was with no advertising other than the 30$L places ad, and the occasional post in a live music group or something." As mentioned, he didn't have much time, "I really only came on to pay tier and to ocassionally do some live events. ... Now that I have more time and a little bit more RL funds, I'm hoping to put some more effort into getting the word out."

Things changed in 2020 with the Pandemic, "Which was, morbidly enough, beneficial for me in the sense that I now worked from home. So I could really put more effort into SL. Granted, I went back to college also in January of 2020 so I still didn't have *too* much time. But definitely more than before. And now my schedule is really starting to mellow out as I approach graduation."

The Coffeehouse has recently gotten an overhaul. In an notecard, it was described as taking "over 20,000$L in renovations spanning three weeks ... with 1,000 combined prims." There are several games people can play with each other, "Chess, Checkers, Hangman, Memory games, Connect-4" and others, as well as 7Seas fishing contests. There are occasional chess and checkers tournaments. It is billed as a "Certified 'safe space' and child/family friendly." I asked what sparked his decision to spend the time and money. He answered, "I had much more time to devote to SL. The build before this that was here was very rapidly done. I think I put everything together in half a day. So I really wanted to take my time, get a new logo, develop my own drinks and menu, and really design the place thoughtfully and methodically. This all took me probably three weeks of four to six hours a day either on SL, researching things online, or looking up products in Marketplace. And then the obvious building, which all took place off-site very slowly."

The place had it's grand reopening on Friday October 2, " It was a very very soft reopening ... And by very very soft I mean I sent out group notices and subscriber IMs, and that was it. I'm hoping the renovation and some renewed effort in terms of advertising helps build up a better base and we can have some well attended events here in the near future. So I reached out to a few writers groups and individual artists in SL, only a few got back to me. I think we have maybe four or five SL books or publications thus far. Not much. Again, hoping to change that with renewed vigor and resources. We have a panel on our sign 'Be a Featured Artist.' We offer free exhibition space for photographers and artists and of course space in the reading nook for anything people would like to contribute." For those interested in contributing short stories, "That's okay. My plan is to in the next week or so add some sort of 'filing system' where people can contribute notecards with short stories, poems, etc."

There were people around, so I asked if the reception to the changes to the place were very good. Cooper answered, "Yes! So far very good I think we've had about 10-15 people in the first day.  Zero advertising thus far, other than our group notices. I truly think the renovation is going to be very good in terms of word of mouth advertising."

Of his plans for the near future, Cooper had this to say, "The plan is to add some small things like the filing system in the reading nook, and whatever other suggestions we may get from visitors, and then devoting time to reaching out to media outlets such as yourself to start advertising. I think after maybe two to three weeks we will start working on live music events, maybe try our bingo night again. Some of that buffer time is for mental recovery as well as financial (chuckle). I'm actively trying to hire some people right now as well to hold events so it doesn't all fall to me."

For later on, "I think long term the plan is really to just build up a good following, where there will always be people here so if someone just wanted to come here to meet new people or make friends they could. Of course I have a bunch of 'dreams' you could say. I'd love to hold charity events here, maybe an art exhibition or writers conference. Definitely a regular open-mic kind of event." Two possible charities were the Relay for Life and Homes For Our Troops.

Cooper makes no money from the Coffeehouse, though does accept donations to help pay the tier. One can check out the location's online calendar of planned events at https://teamup.com/kswj3z3t8s918a866q , though there will likely be plenty of unplanned ones.

Cooper's Coffeehouse is located at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lionheart%20Nala/53/179/30

Bixyl Shuftan

Rebel Yell

By Gemma Cleanslate

Rebel Yell is a winner of 10 gold AviChoice awards among others. The entertainment group is one of the oldest and largest tribute groups in Second Life. I have been to some of the shows in the past  and have written about their delightful winter sims over the years. There is now a new  region called Rebel Yell that opened with a grand party Sunday the 13th. It is a celebrities hangout. 

I visited last week before the opening to get the flavor of the sim. At the entrance you are able to rezz a bike if you like to ride over the bridge to a very fine restaurant, relax and have dinner on the open porches. The menu is extensive  from soup to nuts and champagne!

The island where the restaurant is located has paths for a nice walk about. I spotted several relaxing places along the way. Down on the beach there are many areas to hang out and talk. Or , grab a paddle boat for a ride on the river. I also tried a small motor boat. I found a tour boat also and took a ride in that. I came across a ping pong table that uses beer as a ball. It looked like fun! 

Above the entry area you have a choice of a full hot air balloon tour of the area and took that. The other choice is a fun ride up over the island with a handful of balloons carrying you . 

There are villas for rent on the sim so as you move around exploring be careful not to run into the ban lines of privacy protection .. especially while you are in a boat! 

I went back on Sunday to the opening party . This took place on an outdoor dance floor covered with tent like structure. Guiltyangel, an owner of the sim was greeting the party goers and Jamin Nakim-Lenoir(Stevie Edwyn ) , the DJ was providing lively dance  music for the crowd. 

It was a fun opening. Have fun on your visit. There are people taking advantage of the lovely sim all the time. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REBEL%20YELL%20CONCERTS/192/36/29

Gemma Cleanslate

The Gathering Oak

By Becky "Sha" Shamen

Some time ago, I volunteered to help an old friend, turned new neighbor on Sunny Beach, Erik Mouse to  build the sim of his dreams. He showed great interest in providing attractions for the community to come and have fun. I have become his court Magician and councilor, to teach him the power of Imagination. The force is strong in him.

The perimeter of the island sim provides beaches, boating and surfing. The interior of the island is a thick forest, known as "Mythica Woods." At the North end of the woods, there is a clearing, with a spring fed pond. When I made the Sunweaver Tour video, I called this area, "the local watering hole", because it seemed like it was a natural gathering spot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f144n1NYcos .

There are several Hobbit style homes, a camp fire, a TP and Stargate. We built a tiki hut club and called it "Surf's Up," to draw attention to the surfing wave, on the North shore. Erik was eager to begin having weekly events, on Saturdays at noon SLT. I let him know that it would be his adventure and I would not be on club staff. He is the owner and should make his own rules and provide any staff and DJs for any events scheduled.

Well, Rome wasn't built in a day, but after three weeks, our little friend was feeling stress, because his club had yet to become an overnight success. He came to the Newser staff meeting, seeking help in getting more visitors to come. At the close of the staff meeting, Erik, Bixyl and I convened to Surf's Up, where an event was in progress. This was the ideal location for the discussion, since we could also get additional input from those on the dance floor. Indeed, I took notes as Skylark LeFavre began to describe a different decor, from her imagination. She described a clearing with a large oak tree..... Before saying another word, I was already seeing the complete picture.

That night, I searched the marketplace for oak trees. I found a towering ancient oak tree, that looked like the perfect fit for Mythica Woods. I spent the night, with nobody around, installing the oak, removing the tiki hut and moving the club equipment under the tree branches. The next day, after seeing the new set up, Erik sends an IM, asking if I had left anything for him to do. Indeed, there were a few objects and the contest board, which I could not move. Later that evening, I attended a weekly dance event, at Creations Park. They have a rotating circle sync dance that is a wonderful thrill to partake in. After the dance, I met up with Erik again. I told him that I think a circle dance would be perfect for the new club layout, so we went about trying to find a good one. That was an adventure of it's own and we nearly got booted off of one RP sim.

When we found an in world demo, of one I spotted on marketplace, we tested it, bought it and took it home to set up. Words could not explain how enjoyable it is for a group to share. I knew I would need to get some pictures or video of a group doing the dance. For two days, I asked friends to come try it. At the close of the following Happy Vixen event, I announced that I would be making a video and all were invited to be in it. We got a nice little impromptu group going and the camera began to roll. I captured 10 minutes of video, before folks needed to go and posted it, unedited, on Youtube.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L_kNx3Nz5oI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://youtu.be/L_kNx3Nz5oI

   Recently, I made the comment that where the sky and earth, fire and water all meet is a place where strong magic is made. There's lots of room to dance and several group sitting areas, if you'd rather sit this one out. There's even a cuddle basket, if you like that kind of magic. The club will now be known as "The Gathering Oak" and will have a weekly Saturday noon dance and you can also come any time, to enjoy all of the sim's attractions.

   Aloha,

Sha

"Feel the Bern" Bernie Sanders Themed Location

By Bixyl Shuftan

Besides the Bernie Sanders Headquarters in Caspoli, recently a new location for the candadate for the US Presidency has sprung up. Finding out about the location when my viewer's built-in Destination Guide brought up the place, I decided to check it out, and headed over. Instead of a shiny new building like the Trump HQ, or the classic Greco-Roman Forum look of the Sanders HQ, the place was a seasoned-looking wooden building that looked much like a house in the countryside that had been converted into a hangout. There was an old-looking wood cabinet with it's door wide open, as well as signs propped up and leading against the side. And of course were the "Bernie for President" campaign signs next to the porch, and the letters "B E R N I E" on top of the roof.

Getting closer, I was spotted, "We have paparazzi outside!" I chuckled and greeted them. A woman named Addie Tozz invited me in, "You can come inside and take your picture with Bernie, well, with a younger version of Bernie." She giggled and pointed to an avatar named "Bernie Sanders (Bernbabybern)," which bore a strong resemblance to the candidate, minus the wrinkles, having the familiar spectacles and unkept grayish-white hair. Addie also pointed out, "There's a bag of free Bernie stuff on the floor by the stairs." Looking around, there was a bit of clutter, with a "peace sign" light plugged into a wall outlet, pizza boxes on a table full of papers, lots of Sanders-themed pictures on the wall, and American flag hung behind a couch, and more.

When asked, Addie stated she was the one who built the place, "I volunteer for Bernie by canvassing and phone banking RL. I thought we needed something like this in here, maybe I could raise some money in donations to give to Bernie." And she had raised some, "About 5k total. Others have donated tier, their time, or even money to make the Bernie avatar." When asked how many people were involved, she did say it was, "mostly just myself and my friend Billy. Billy made Bernie and helped with the trees and landscape outside. ... I got the land April 2nd. It's still not completed in my opinion because I keep thinking of new things to add. Like we just added Bernie, so you can take your selfie with (him)."

With a number of people inside the small building, it was decided to move the conversation outside. There, a "Greedy" game was set into some rock, which also had logs and smaller rocks to sit on, and a plate of smores. I asked how many were in the group for the location. "We just broke 60," Addie told me, "We have 62.  We average about 100 new visitors a day since we were put on the spotlight editor's pick." One of the visitors there stated she had found the place in the Destination Guide.

Asking if she knew anyone from the Sanders HQ, Addie answered, "I am friends with Mac from the Bernie HQ's. We talk often about things. The owner of the trump land came over and it was a bit heated. It felt like they came in to argue, they were talking on voice, it was early AM, and their voices were loud in my quiet house. I'm not sure what they are doing. I'm not interested in the negative aspect of things. Bernie's message is unity and that's what I want to promote. I'm not sure what they are doing. I'm not interested in the negative aspect of things. Bernie's message is unity and that's what I want to promote." While she conceded some Trump supporters could be making efforts to find common ground, she felt it was mainly aimed at finding fault with Sander's opponent for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton, "I just don't share that."

I asked if there were any events planned, "We would like to plan some events. We were discussing that earlier, ideas for events. We also are planning on making a video, possibly (laughter). ... we had a music dancer made for the song 'Disco Inferno' and we want to make a video of everyone dancing to it. Wait one sec and I will show you." She passed something around, "Everyone attach that. ... Okay ready?" Then the group started dancing to the song, "Burnin' burnin.' " Addie brought up, " don't know if you've seen it, but there's been flash mobs of Bernie supporters dancing to this song. That was the idea for the video." She hinted that a flash mob outside the Trump HQ as a kind of payback for the Trump Wall outside the Bernie HQ was not out of the question.

Of the future of the location, "I've thought about looking into a live music event possibly." She hadn't talked to any musicians, though, "I volunteer in real life so this takes a bit of a back seat sometimes. ... I don't have any real plans, just going to see where it goes. This is my personal land, I live here as well. So as long as people come and enjoy it, I will keep it going."

It was about then that Addie and I parted ways. Since then the "Berners" and supporters of Clinton have continued to be at odds. While the majority of pundits consider Sanders' chances of getting the nomination are remote, the night before this article was published he won the West Virginia primary by a landslide. A sign that "Feel the Bern" will be active for a while

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Young/162/26/2018

Bixyl Shuftan

Club “The Limit “

By Wesley Regenbogen

On Monday March 2^nd, 2015 at 10 PM Dutch/Belgian time, the club called "Club The Limit" opened up it’s doors. I was present at the opening and took some screenshots of the evening.

"The Limit" is a new club owned by Ðσυｲѕєη (doutsen) and Angel (angel51.claven). The club was built by 0031 Resident in February 2015. Doutsen also decorated the club. 

When the club isn’t open, there is a web radio playing. Mostly there’s a live DJ playing when in the evening Dutch/Belgian time. At the DJ booth there is a panel with information about which track is currently playing. The music that is played ranges from the 60s music until the music that is played nowadays. 

The booth panel has the Dutch and Belgian flags, which indicates the join venture the people made to create this club. The language spoken is mostly Dutch, but when English people come in they start to talk English too, so, this means the club is an international club as well.

They have a group which you can join to keep up-to-date about events. This is the only means of communication with their fans that they use at the moment.

Since this is a new club there aren’t any special events planned yet. But they have theme evenings like a disco night, country night and a pirate night. At the moment of writing this article, they were preparing a beach party evening. I will attend that after finishing this article.
 

Personally, I think this new club needs some attention, because it’s a new club and I hope they will have a bright future ahead. The club’s atmosphere is always good and the avatars that visit the place are nice people. We must embrace those new clubs and hope they will stay in Second Life. This is an awesome club that I can add to my list ( nah, just kidding, I don’t have a list ) of clubs.

So, what are you waiting for to visit this new club ? I hope to meet you all there one day.

The club is searchable through Second Life Search and on the Second Life Events page. To visit Club The Limit you need to go to this location :

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Appalachian/208/107/24

Wesley Regenbogen

Cuppers and Co.

Cuppers and Co. came about in 2008 as a simple platform for Siggy String, and Tijntjow Twine to invite their friends to hang out on.  That platform has grown now into a full sim with many places to do more than hang out.  Working for Bletaverse cone camping system brought them to add cones to their earlier lands and friends as well.  New they have regular yearly parties, more beautiful hang outs than you can shake a virtual stick at and much more. 

A castle with fire breathing dragons you can ride and battle each other with.  Mystical ruins, the Seaview Carnival Park, fishing with prizes.  And a Krusty Krab hidden away where you would expect, underwater wait the curious traveler.  Teleporters can take you to the avatar sized Pac Man game to play, or the race track for some fun times with friends, or on your own. The bar has games to play, a water slide brings you down to the fishing docks.  Shops include S&T gestures for all your gesture needs and some freebies, and Times 12 with the finest in women’s clothing.

This is a wonderful background for your photography needs. There are many sitting and cuddle places, great for groups or couples.  Beauty abounds anywhere you go on this tropical sim.  An oriental park behind the Times 12 Shopaholic store is a very inviting environment to spend time in.  HarryH Crumb, Siggy, and Tijntjow welcome you come to this very special place.  Explore, play, shop, fish and get away for a while in the land of Cuppers and Co.  It is rumored, there is an island there with a crazy Meerkat living upon it too. 

Midnight Cove (157/158/22)

Fritter Enzyme

The “Happy Vixen’s” Grand Re-Opening

On November 26th, the “Happy Vixen” beach club had its “Grand Re-Opening” party. For several days, it had been closed, undergoing reconstruction. And when the job was done, owner Nydia Tungsten ordered a special party to celebrate.

Before she was entrusted with her position at Club Zero Gravity, Nydia Tungsten once owned another beach club: Angel’s Beach. Some time after becoming the space club's owner, Nydia placed a small shopping mall on the surface of the Purrfection sim, one that looked like a beachside shop with it’s thatched roof and wooden supports instead of walls. Next to the water, the decision was made to place a small beach club, built by Treminari Huet. It had all the basics of a club, plus a couple dancing poles plus tip jars for dancers and the DJ. The little beach club came to be known as “The Happy Vixen.”

Zero Gravity continued to be the main club in the sim, and indeed the little beach club was often seen as an extension of the larger space club, it’s “planetside beach getaway.” But it remained in regular use, and had it’s own group separate from Club Zero, as well as being counted among the clubs at the FCA club alliance. Parties were held at the “Vixen” usually once a week, often with beach music and the residents dancing around in bathing suits. Between parties, residents could always scoot around in the water in a couple jet skis in a nearby pier.

For months, the weekly parties of fun in the sun continued with few changes, an extra dance pole put up, a piece of artwork put up. A larger beach club, “Raised Tail Resort,” joined the FCA, but it didn’t seem to affect numbers at the “Vixen.” Recently came news from owner Kryxia Silverfall that “Raised Tail” would be closing it’s doors indefinitely due to events beyond her control.


It is with tears in my eyes that I announce that Raised Tail Resort is now closed, you will see a few more notices in the future about where you can find your favorite staff member. We are not gone for good, but like any fur, there is hibernation. Here's to hoping for an early spring.


Although there was still the “Happy Vixen,” both for the patrons and the DJs and hosts, some people had come to love the structure and beach of the larger club. Nydia Tungsten decided that perhaps after all this time, the Happy Vixen could use an expansion.

Jasmine Dawn (OraSine Resident) was given the job of rebuilding the Happy Vixen. She used the design of “Raised Tail” as an inspiration, Kryxia contributing a few items as well. The club itself was larger, with another room next to the dance floor, a future mall area with spaces for rent. The new structure has a little less open space on the sides, with a gap between lower and upper walls. The gap itself is partly covered by vines, though still allows sunlight in. The club has a wide entrance to and from the beach. in a hall between the dance floor and the second room, one can get information about renting a place in Purrfection.

Jasmine’s design included a beach. The wide beach has a number of palm trees, at least one of which drops coconuts, so careful where you step. There are a few beach towels to lie on, a hammock, a couple lounges with overhead sheeting, a few floats to rest on, a partly hidden cuddle spot or two, a couple games people can pass the time playing, plus the two jet skis from the previous build. And of course the waves lapping at the shore, and the terrific view at sunset/sunrise.

It should be noted that the beach at the Happy Vixen is a nude beach, where human, furred, and neko avies are free to go about in the buff. This was a decision Nydia made after taking to several friends whom complained about a certain development around the Grid: Second Life’s nude beaches are closing. Nydia had been told a number of “clothing optional” beaches were shutting down, and those that remained were often “perv beaches” which were the scenes of riskee behavior out in the open that would get one banned from ordinary nude beaches. The result was girls finding it harder and harder to find a place where they could enjoy full exposure without being pestered for sex.

“This nude beach is for those that have put a lot of time and effort into their skins and want to show it off, not for those looking for a quick lay,” Nydia Tungsten explained,”those will be banned immediately. It is a place to come hang out, ... um, no pun intended .... just to enjoy Second Life.”

With the refurbishing completed Saturday November 26th, Nydia threw a special party in the late afternoon to celebrate. Announcements were made in several groups, by both Nydia and Kryxia. On the board was a special prize of 2000 Lindens! Playing the tunes was one of the DJs from Raised Tail, DJ Artimay, whose metallic form got him the nickname of “DJ Furbot” by some. From 4 to 6 PM, a couple dozen residents, furred, neko, and human, danced around. Among those celebrating was a friend of longtime regulars and staff. Lsai Aeon, the beloved “Purple Puppy” DJ of Zero Gravity and elsewhere, had ended a period of hiatus and returned.

The DJ spun the tunes and the partiers danced until a bit after Six. Some went on to Club Cutlass, which had it’s Saturday party just afterwards. Others continued to dance a little to the KVXN music stream, or went to the beach to relax.

It was a good start to the new Happy Vixen.

Bixyl Shuftan

ZZ Studios Opens Sim-Wide Venue: “The Hideout”

On Friday, September 30th, The adult media company ZZ Studios officially opened their new place: “The Hideout.” The region consists of an entire sim of a coastal urban environment. The grid map shows the name Static Nightclub.

“The Hideout” is really the nicknames of the nightclub there, the sim also being called “ZZ Studios Zin City.” But it has a number of locations. Next to the landmark I was given at Static Nightclub (113, 119, 25). to the north was a zombie maze. To the west of that was a "Strip Mall" with some goods for sale, none at the time I visited were adults-only items. Next to that was the movie theater. Further west of that at the edge was the nude beach, with a fishing pier to the southwest. to the east was a city park full of trees, with a number of cuddle spots here and there.

Around the north, south, and west edges are urban buildings, with both cuddle spots and secret hideaways where couples can do more than just cuddle. On the south was one noticeably tall building, the new Club Stripes, where one could dance to music, or watch the poledancers. The tallest of the buildings is the ZZ Studios office building at Static Nightclub (224, 92, 25). It was there ZZ Studios owner Cindy Babii invited me over to talk.

Cindy commented she couldn’t help but notice the new office building was larger than the entire grounds of her company’s first location in Second Life. She told me that she had been offered the sim about a month before. Since then, she had been busy setting up the place, “working on a 17 hour day,” with help from her team, “Kehf, Rhin, Kris and Kaebora, couldn’t of done it without them.”

There were a few pranks going on, “You missed the battle I had with a tank from my rooftop.” Cindy told me about a German WW2 tank that was rezzed, and began moving about creating mischief, “tank drove up to my front door.” She then whipped out a huge anti-tank gun shown in the interview from months earlier, “he drove to the beach trying to get a shot on me after I bounced his tank all over the place.” The huge gun was never used after that, “just me snipping people with my nerf gun.”

Although Cindy was willing to play around with the tank driver, one thing she takes seriously is the issue of photography. No photographs of avatars within Studio grounds are permitted without the permission of the subject (or by Cindy). The penalty is being banned from sim grounds.

Cindy also brought up the zombie maze. I had given it a try earlier, with a couple others. Free shotguns are provided upon entry, though a variety of weapons can be used. We made our way in, battling numerous zombies and an overgrown spider. Finally we made our way to a manor. Going inside, there was an arcane symbol drawn on the floor, and after some moments there was a flash of light over it, and several demons emarged and attack. Fortunetly, 2 shotguns plus an automatic were enough. Then the spirit announced it had been freed, and offered the players a gift. I got one good only for girls. Cindy told me there were over twenty prizes available, some “custom made by the studios builders,” including “a huggable Thundertank.”

And what of the old ZZ Studios place at Falcon Valley? Cindy told me it was not going to be renewed, “I’m going to miss Falcon Valley.” And recently, the quarter sim it once took up was wiped clean of all objects.

Cindy had plans for the sim’s future, near and in the coming months, “We are working together to make the best furry place in SL. ... We wanted to get some things set, and now that were here we can change things.” She planned to build a bathhouse, “I remember the one a lot of furries hung out at,” thinking it might have been at Furnation, “I think this one closed down.” The zombie maze wasn’t just a one time thing, but there would continue to be holiday-themed and other special events throughout the year. For instance in November, she planned a turkey shoot.

The main entry port to ZZ Studios “The Hideaway” is Static Nightclub (121, 139, 25)

“You ready to be blown away?”

Bixyl Shuftan

*Addition* The ZZ Studios zombie maze is now listed on the Destination Guide, under the name "Z Mayhem."