Two Women of Edo Japan

By Grey Lupindo

Last week I time-traveled to historic Japan at Japan Chubu (57, 253, 23).   It is a perfect place to learn about Japanese history and have fun, too.    The sim is set in the Edo era, approximately 1600 to 1800 A.D., when shoguns and samurai flourished.     Japan Chubu is a role play sim, but residents who aren’t into RP can visit to simply relax in a beautiful, tranquil setting.   The area includes a Japanese castle, temple, village, and other structures, many of which are replicas of real-life Japanese architecture.  
 

      Upon arrival I found a box of free items, including traditional clothes for both men and women.   In order to keep the authentic feel of the sim, everyone is asked to dress in traditional outfits.  I quickly changed clothes and returned.

       At the landing point is the Edo Bridge.  Festive Japanese lanterns float in the river and made me feel calm and serene.   I decided to walk into the village and explore it first.  As in real-life, geisha houses (Okiya), rickshaws, and samurai can be found here.   There are sampans available, too, so that the sim can be explored by water. 

         In the village there are lots of walkways and alleys to explore.   Many of the shops were empty, but the sim is actively recruiting merchants who can offer items that will fit in with the time and history of this era. 

      I walked into what I thought was a traditional tea house and had a cup of Tao red tea.   Later I found that I had wandered into the in Shiraito-no-Taki Hanamachi Geisha district.   The group is named for a real life waterfall, White Treads Waterfalls, located near Mount Fuji in one of Japan’s national parks.

         There are two Geisha houses which both perform and teach classes relating to Japan.  The Otonashi Okiya is set in the Edo period, while the Otodome Okiya is located on a different sim and set in modern time.     Some of the classes offered are Japanese history, Kitsuke (kimonos), Hogaku (Japanese music), Shodō (calligraphy), Ikebana (flower arrangement), and many others.   One can also learn to be a Geisha, and information is available at the sim.

         As with many Japanese sites, much of the attention is focused on the Samurai.  At one point I received a notecard asking if I was interested in joining the Keibatsu Samurai Clan.   According to their notecard, the Keibatsu Samurai practice Bushidō, "Way of the Warrior".    Although Samurai are interesting, they are only part of the culture of the era.   During my visits I met two women who are representative different classes that existed within Edo Japan.  

       I met 真由美 (mayumi.juriya), who is a maid in a Samurai’s house.    Mayumi was very polite and bowed humbly when we met.    I was very interested in her life, and she graciously answered my questions.  She described the Samurai that she works for as “a kind, honorable man” who has “high standards”.   She said the work was hard, but she has a place to live and is grateful for that.  I asked her whether she planned to stay as a maid or move into a different position.   真由美 (mayumi.juriya) said, “Well, I'm not sure at the moment. Of course, I'd like to be independent someday.   Maybe work in a shop or a tea house.  Have my own machiya.”     A machiya, I learned, is a traditional townhouse.  Unfortunately  we were interrupted by another visitor before I could ask her any more questions.          

        The other woman I met was Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno).  Misaki is the head Oiran at Yukaku Utsukushi Hana.    Unlike the shy maid, Misaki was very outgoing.  She wears beautiful gowns, her hair and make-up look perfect, and she lives and works in a beautiful home, located at Yukaku Utsukushi Hana, Aosagi (96, 77, 22).    We met in one of the shops.  Although she doesn’t live at Chubu Japan, she visits it often.   

       Misaki invited me to her home where we could talk.   Her lands are public, and she invites residents to visit and enjoy her garden and surroundings.     She graciously invited me to have tea or sake, but since I was working, I politely refused.   Below are some of the highlights of our discussion.   

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Welcome to Yukaku Utsukushi Hana.

Grey Lupindo:   This is lovely.

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Arigatou/ Thank you

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Please take off shoes if you have any on.

Grey Lupindo:   I have sandals that I got at Edo.  Should those come off?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Hai/Yes.  Yes, if you can.

Grey Lupindo:   Can you tell me a little about what you do here in SL? How you got involved?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno): Hai/yes.   Well, here in SL, I am the head Oiran at Yukaku Utsukushi Hana.  As head Oiran I go out and tell people about my Yukaku.   I also try to find girls who would like to train here, and I entertain patrons. 

Grey Lupindo:   How is this connected to Edo?

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):    Oiran are from the Edo period and were around way before geisha even existed.   People would come from far and wide to get pleasured by an Oiran and to see their arts, such as playing music and doing traditional  Japanese dancing.  ... Oiran were trained in how to dance, talk, and play Japanese instruments.  They wore the finest clothing from the time.   Oiran lived in big, beautifully designed houses called Yukaku.

Grey Lupindo:   Ah, like this one.

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   The Yukaku were inside of places called Pleasure Quarters.   The Oiran could not leave these places unless brought out by a client.    Because this is SL, we do not make you stay here 24/7.

Grey Lupindo: That's good. (smile)

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Geisha lived in houses called Okiya.   They were allowed to leave and come back to live.  The Okiya also were not in places of pleasure.

Grey Lupindo: Were they both during the same time period?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):  No and Yes.   When Geisha first emerged, the main thing that they did was perform for the Oiran's clients.   But... (later)... the Oiran learned the arts as well.

Grey Lupindo:   Oh, I see.    Do you have clients here in SL?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Hai/yes.   Yes, but they are called patrons.

 Grey Lupindo:   Do Oiran have only one patron or more than that?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Well, patrons are just people who come to the yukaku for services or they come for events and to support the yukaku.  So I have something like 30 patrons, I think.

Grey Lupindo:  It sounds like you are very popular.  (smile)

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):  This Yukaku has 27 patrons.

Grey Lupindo: How many Oiran live here?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):  Right now I am the only Oiran, and I have 1 kamuro named Chieko Chan.

Grey Lupindo:  What does kamuro mean?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Kamuro are child attendants here at the Yukaku.    They learn the arts and other things that they need to know. 

Grey Lupindo:   I see. Do you play musical instruments here or sing? You mentioned the arts.

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   I play musical instruments and talk to patrons.  I pour them sake and tea.   I dance for them, and if they want sexual services I do that as well.

Grey Lupindo: How long have you been an Oiran here in SL?

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   A  couple of months.   I trained at 2 Yukaku before I opened my own.   

Grey Lupindo: What do you like best about being an Oiran?

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Hmmm.  That is a hard question.   I would have to say entertaining patrons and, of course, the fashions.

Grey Lupindo: Can you tell me a little about your beautiful outfit?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):  Hai/yes.   My hair style is the traditional Japanese hairstyle called Yokohyogo.   Yokohyogo is mainly only worn by oiran.  My skin is the Ukiyo Nightingale Oiran skin.

Grey Lupindo: Very nice.

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   My kimono is from a dear friend.   She owns a store called Sugary Burikko.   The kimono is called Oiran Shirotsuki kimono.

Grey Lupindo: It is lovely.

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   The shoes I always wear are called Koma geta or Taka geta.  They are 5 inches high.   Geta are worn by oiran and never worn with tabi.  Oiran do not wear tabi.

       At this point I looked to see if the socks I had received at Edo were Tabi, the traditional Japanese socks that are ankle-high, with a separation between the big toe and other toes.   Tabi are worn by both men and women, but I’m not sure they fit foxettes.  I couldn’t see my toes, but I nevertheless tucked them further under my kimono.     

       While I was checking my clothing, Misaki was looking in her inventory.

 Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   I gave you a picture of a RL Oiran.

Grey Lupindo: Thank you.   Reminds me of Shogun.

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno): Hai/yes.  You’re welcome.

Grey Lupindo: Do you go to Edo a lot?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):  Yes, I do go to Hosai Mura a lot.   I like it there, and the people are very nice.

Grey Lupindo:   Are you part of the RP there?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   No, I am not part of RP there.

Grey Lupindo:   Would you train other Oiran?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Hai/yes.  I do now.  I have a kamuro.    The ranks go kamuro, shinzo, oiran.

Grey Lupindo:   How long will it take your kamuro to move to shinzo?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   It is all about the girls.   The sooner they train and catch on and learn, the sooner they move up.

Grey Lupindo:   Does she live here?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   Well, she comes here to train so she kind of lives here.   I am not here a lot myself.

Grey Lupindo: Have you ever had any problem with a patron getting mean or abusive?

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):   No, not patrons.  But I have had issues with people calling me a whore, telling me oiran means whore.   But Oiran-- the word itself means first flower.   And this is SL so I do not know where people get these things from.

Grey Lupindo: Yes, most people are nice, but there are a few...

Misaki  (princesschaos.xenno):  Hai/yes.

         Unfortunately I soon had to leave SL and the historic Edo period.    I found both Misaki and Mayumi to be interesting women who represent different lifestyles within historic Japanese culture.        

Off the Beaten Track – Two Places to Go to Talk or Meditate

By DrFran Babcock

We all know that being in Second Life is like pouring "Miracle-Gro" ® on your emotions. Things can get intense very quickly. Where do you go when you need to be alone, or to talk it out with someone?

I am going to share two less known places with you. Everyone knows the top romance spots, such as those listed in the Destination Guide (http://secondlife.com/destinations/). There are 59 listings in the Romantic Places section, and if you go to most of them, you will not be alone. If you want an environment that supports dialogue or solitude, come with me. My bias for original mainland will be apparent in this article, but I write so that I can share my bias.

Solitude Bluff (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kama/88/96/39 ) – an ideal place for two to talk.

One of my oldest friends in Second Life introduced me to Solitude Bluff in 2007. This is not a place with the bells and whistles most of us expect in a virtual world. Instead, you will find two deck chairs, a deck, views of the water in front and in back (it is a bluff), and remarkably not a sculpt or mesh in sight. A few Library plants dot the horizon. This is not a very promising set-up until you need to use it. If you have to have a heart-to-heart, or you want to sit with a friend and console him or her, this is the place to go. Take a deck chair, have your companion take the other, and let the conversation begin. Slowly, subtly, as the sun rises or sets, and you begin to notice the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the birds chirping, your heartbeat will slow. You will be free to concentrate on typing or talking, and your problems will start to be sorted out.

Solitude Bluff is the work of Lazarus Marat, a resident who joined SL on October 8th, 2005. I have never seen him around in world, nor have I ever gone to Solitude Bluff and found that there were others about. It is where I go when I need to think, to talk to a friend, or just to let the sound of the waves calm me down. Check it out when you need a place where the words you are saying are more important than anything else.

The Caves on Ethereal Teal (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Teal/106/249/21 )

The Second Life color sims came online in 2003, on the original continent of Sansara. Over the past nine years, they have experienced a lot of change. The sim of Teal was originally the site of a large amphitheater where Philip Linden would hold crash-inducing Town Hall meetings that were starting to be phased out when I was rezzed. A resident who has been around since 2004 now administers most of Teal: Jopsy Pendragon. Jopsy oversees the famous Particle Laboratory, and breathtaking Cloud Chateau—a stunning demonstration of what the particle system can do.

In my opinion, the best part about Jopsy is his continued enthusiasm for Second Life demonstrated by his response to my query about the caves on Teal: “…I keep thinking of all the things I still want to do with them.”


I use the caves when I have deep thinking to do. Generally, I go to a portion of the huge caverns from which I can see the waterfall, and sit along the edge of the underground stream. The caves are quite extensive, with lots of glowing crystal-like surprises, and hidden nooks. Of course, exploring with a companion is a great idea as well, but I love the dark and comforting feeling of the caves, the knowledge that I am sitting in the earliest parts of Second Life, and the safety that comes with my belief that they will be around for the years to come.

I realize that there are at least hundreds of thousands of hidden-away spots in Second Life, but I have shared with you two that I know and use. The SL Newser is always interested in your input. If you know of a hidden place (especially on the Mainland) that deserves a mention, please contact me: DrFran Babcock.

Happy exploring, and may you find peace of mind. Visit the Cloud Chateau: A demonstration of the things that particles can do: (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hina/25/37/748) .

DrFran Babcock

Palestinian Propaganda Sim

By Bixyl Shuftan

 This month, events took a turn for the worst in the Middle East when rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Israel soon responded with air strikes, taking out military targets and a noted leader of the Hamas terrorist organization that effectively rules Gaza, while relying on the "Iron Dome" missile defense system to take out rockets headed to population centers. Eventually, a cease-fired was declared, with Hamas declaring victory despite Gaza taking most of the damage and casualties.
 
As it turns out, there's a sim in Second Life built to support the cause of militant Palestinians. Jordan River, named for the water that flows next to Israel, hosts a mosque, and a number of Palestinian flags and propaganda exhibits. Among the first things I saw after I ported in was over the wall was a prim fist in the air, black, white, green, and red, with wire around it and with the words "Third Palestinian Intifada." Much of the language was in Arabic script, but there was no shortage of English.

 The exhibitions offered a near-constant berating of the Israelis, or the "Zionists" as they called them. There were pictures showing scenes of Palestinians protesting, and some exhibits accusing the Israelis of brutality, calling them gangsters and terrorists, and one openly comparing them to Nazis. One exhibit showed and Israeli solder captive in a cage (Gilad Shalit), next to another showing various Western personalities making anti-Israeli statements, including White House Press Corp reporter Helen Thomas who was once caught on film saying that the Israelis should "get the hell out of Palestine and go back to Germany, Poland,"Another showed several bodies shrouded in Palestinian flags. One exhibit appeared to be of the first Gaza comflict, in which case the Israelis quickly responded to rocket attacks by sending in ground troops. The goal listed by the place was shown on maps: the end of the Israeli state by 2025.

Jordan River is not a new sim. "New World Notes" and "In a Strange Land" wrote on the place in July 2010. In the later, writer Iggy O had a few words with one of the men behind the sim, Lord Ansar. Ansar defended his actions, "I like Mojaideen, I support them even with my look." He stated then "if Lindens ask me to remove a specific thing, I will do." Hamlet called it a sim with "most extreme forms of expression."

Next to Jordan River is another Arabic sim, but this one didn't seem to have any propaganda on it. What it did have was a few games, a dance floor, and a number of pet breedable fennecs.

Bixyl Shuftan

Thanksgiving at Areo Pines Park

By Bixyl Shuftan

Areo Pines Park and Recreation Area has been holding special events every month this fall. September had a somber event, a Stairclimb tribute to the New York firefighters of Sept. 11th. For October, it was Halloween, with a number of spooky happenings across the several sims. And this November, it's Thanksgiving's turn, with the Areo Pines Sixth Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow.

"All Nations and Tribes Welcome!" proclaimed a notecard passed around before the event, "Suggested Attire: Colonial, Pilgrim, Native American, North American Wildlife Avatar, etc. Turkeys and other fowl attend at their own risk! Warning:   This party has been too much fun in the past, so please celebrate and party responsibly!"

The Pow Wow began with a big party on Friday November 16th. Arriving on the scene, most everyone was dressed up either in Indian or Pilgrim outfits, and dancing around a large bonfire. People were having a good time, cracking "paleface" jokes, with the DJ in a chief's headdress. All around, a number of teepees and Indian lodges had been set up. There were also vendors nearby where one could get an Indian or Pilgrim outfit. And of course a table set up with a huge Thanksgiving feast for anyone seated.

Besides the dancing around, there were birchbark canoes at the riverbank. One could board one and take it around the rivers of the park. The part itself has been given an autumn look, with trees leaves having yellowed and reddened, patches of grass and stretches of trails covered with the leaves, and of course the sign of the leaves fluttering down to the ground. The natural scenery was quite beautiful.

For covering the trails, one could do it on foot, or on horseback. Not too far away was a horse rezzer. By mounting it, one received a HUD and a horse. To ride, one detaches one's AO, then wears (or adds) the HUD and steed. After pressing the synchronize button, you're ready to trot. But if you already have your own mount, such as an Amaretto, that's fine too.

The Pow Wow itself is scheduled to go on until the 25th, with Areo Pine's Annual Turkey Shoot sometime during the event. Cindy Bolero, the park's director, told me that it would be a good idea for people to come by and enjoy the autumn colors while they can. After the Pow Wow, a cold front's scheduled to arrive, and bringing snow just in time for the Christmas season.


Equus (18, 241, 22)

Bixyl Shuftan

Racers Island Raceways

By Grease Coakes

Chances are you may have seen one of the Fast and Furious movies starring Vin Diesel with those sports cars going hundreds of miles per hour in those breath taking races and car chase scenes. Well in Second Life you may not be able to physically touch one of those epic sports cars. However you can come close by checking out Racers Island and drive around one of their 15 raceways. When I bought my retro car from the Bay City car show, I found Racers Island through a Second Life search under raceways.  One of the first things they struck me when I teleported to the sim for the first time was the radio stream was a drum and bass station always playing drum and bass. It certainly pumps your blood to get your mind and body in a racing mood. The website bassdrive.com plays a variety of all genres of drum and bass from jazz to scary.

15 raceways? That’s a lot! Eddie Mathieson the creator and owner of Racers Island might agree with you. But his passion for cars and racing inspired him to over time buy and rent a sim totally dedicated to racing. Not just for stock cars, but motorcycles and even a human race too! The 15 raceways are skyline, Sunset short and long, Stock car Oval, Nitro, Streamline, Oasis, Garage, Timberline, a demolition Derby area. The other tracks are Yuni wacky world which looks a lot like a Mario kart raceway. Yuni Battle Royal, Sunrise, and my favorite track the Tokyo Drift. Each of the racing tracks are built very well and crafted after real life racing tracks.

 

Eddie who has experience in real life with 3d graphics on computers came to Second Life and created Racers Island in the spring of 2007 a little before my newbie self was born in SL. His Racers Island has been around a long time. Over time he has developed new cars and new raceways. As part of the raceways, he has professional stock car races on his sim. Anyone can enter so long as they have the right stock car costing 1,500L. There’s also a demolition derby if you want to destroy instead of drive around. The scripted junk car is all of a mere 100L. The demolition derby is held 6pm SL every Saturday and hosted by Racers Island’s manager Nella Boccara.  There’s a pot where everyone who wants to participate chips in 20L. Then as she announces over voice chat 3…2…1! Smash 'em Bash 'em! Do as she exclaims and destroy the other cars by driving and ramming the other cars.

 

Thinking like a fox I thought it would be best to avoid damage if possible and let the other cars kill each other. This backfired against me however. When I don’t take damage or hit another car in a set period of time, my car will overheat and then I take double damage when I get hit. I then realized it’s better to seek and destroy and quickly as possible instead. Racers Island added that script to the demolition derby cars after realizing someone was always winning by avoiding damage.  I played 10 or more times and won twice winning the pot. Being competitive I grumbled when I lost but I still had good natured fun playing over and over again. It was fun to see my fox avatar jump out from a wrecked car. At and towards the end of each demo derby car parts were strewn all over the area. They slowed down your car getting in your way adding realism to the mayhem. 

 

When I talked to Eddie himself he said that Nella was his favorite manager. Using the TV show “Star Trek the Next Generation” I said Nella was Commander Riker and Eddie was Captain Picard. In fact Nella was voted “Best Race Manager of the Year: Nella Boccarra” as posted on the Racers Island website. Eddie laughed and agreed that I said a good analogy to the management relationship between himself and Nella.

 

I asked what stood out about the stock created for their races. David Wetherby named Rookie of the year suggested I try out one of the demo stock cars. I found one on the sunset track. The Maximum speed was higher and the demo stock car was much easier to control. Instead of crashing into the walls I was making smooth turns. The car I purchased is an excellent car make no mistake. But the stock car demo I tried out is much better suited for a professional race.

 

One of the things Eddie mentioned was that his racing sim was welcoming to lady drivers. He didn’t point a finger at any racing sim in particular, but he mentioned other racing Sims didn’t give lady drivers a warm welcome. In fact he mentioned a lot of the people who hang out at Racers Island were women.

 

On Monday evening I was invited to come practice with David Wetherby and Wildrose Bijuox. David was very skilled indeed as Eddie said next year he might be champ. Using the demo car David was way ahead of me and same with Wildrose as they were veteran drivers. I got a good feel of what a race would be like. It seemed like a real life race like you would see on TV or live at a race track.

 

It’s always fun to experience something new in Second Life land. The Racers Island raceway that I stumbled on a couple months ago was certainly a fun place. It’s filled with lively people and great tracks just let loose and drive around. One thing about this sim is that it costs zero gas. Anytime I bump into a wall by accident I don’t risk a life threatening injury. Just using the demo car or any vehicle you may have bought from their mall or elsewhere I highly recommend cruising around on one their raceways.

 

If you want a new place to explore and experience check out Racers Island Raceways. Who knows you could become the new champ or rookie of the year.

 

Racers Island Raceways is located at Racers Island (24, 41, 811). There's also a Racers Island Raceway blog at http://racers-island-raceway.blogspot.ca/

 

Grease Coakes

Burn2 Thoughts and Pictures

By Gemma Cleanslate

 Well it is over.

 The builds were great.

 The performers and parties were terrific.

 The builds will remain until 11:59 the 8th of November so you can still visit. 

 Some parcels will be hosting parties also.

Gemma Cleanslate 

Virtual Museum of Architecture Closing It's Sim

 By Grey Lupindo

On October 31, 2012 the Virtual Museum of Architecture plans to close its sim, located at Purdue University (69, 55, 35).   The VMA will still remain in Second Life, however.  Djinn Dasmijn, Co-Director  of the Museum, said the group plans to focus on the educational aspects of architecture through lectures and Build-offs.   
 

     The VMA celebrated its achievements and allowed its friends and supporters a final party on Saturday, October 27.   Bluemonk Rau served as DJ.   The plaza area was decorated for Halloween, with ghosts, spider webs and a revolving pumpkin dance floor.   Most partiers came in costume, and many participated in the best costume contest.   A lot of residents attended, including my former neighbors and friends, Erin Fensen and Asana Trudeau.   Asana had initially worked with the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum.     

      Like many organizations in Second Life, the VMA has been struggling with the high cost of maintaining a sim.   The reorganization will allow it to continue with its prime objective of education.   Rosalie Oldrich, who is the other Co-Director, stated that Builder’s Brewery is providing space for the lecture series that will accompany future Build-Offs.   

      During the party, Djinn Dasmijn and Katsii Tennan invited supporters to take a final tour of the sim. The next day I decided to do that.  I went back to the Museum to take a closer look at the offices and snap a few photos.   The offices are in a three floor structure that is a model for what real-life offices should be.  There are skylights and large windows to let in light, fountains to provide soothing water sounds, and even a small urban garden.    The interiors were modern, yet warm and inviting.    

      While I was there I ran into Sandi Glas, who has been a long-time supporter and builder.   She had also been associated with the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum.   Sandi has participated with the VMA since its beginning.  She told me she competed in their first Build-off and has continued to compete in all of them except the “green” build-off.   But she jokingly said that everything she builds has a 0 carbon footprint.

        The next Build-off is scheduled for March 1, 2013.   Djinn Dasmijn will be announcing the theme soon.

Grey Lupindo

Pets Sanctuary

I recently was contacted by Restless Roizman. For those who remember SL Newser's predecessor paper SL Newspaper, Restless had worked with them very early on (link). More recently, he's been running a place called Pets Sanctuary.

The Pets Sanctuary is at the southeast corner of the Atlantis World sim, a storefront shopping mall of pet shops, with many of the critters you can get in the stores free and moving about. "More like a menagerie here than a pet shop," Restless joked. Looking around, there were rabbits, prairie dogs, even pet rocks that were rolling around. "They talk to you to," Restless told me, then directed my attention to one prairie dog, "I am a Prairie Dog, not a Prairie Cat."

When asked how he got started, Restless answered, "Originally it was just Precious dragons. Then we expanded with other pets. The dragons decreased to one small shop, and the running bunnies and rocks and other things expanded." Restless says new pets come in frequently, "There are new pets all the time. We try to keep a stock of older ones too. People search everywhere for turtle food or bat food." He showed me a store which had vendors for both breakable bats and spiders, as well as food and related items, "all the supplies. We try to stock most (of the items for the pets we sell). if we don't have it, we will try to find vendors."

He then rezzed a dragon, "That's a Bregon. We have loads of eggs.  If it isn't out, it's in my inventory." He mentioned the creator of the Precious dragons had been keeping track of sales, and told him he had over 1500 eggs of his dragons alone. Restless had most of the dragons in his own inventory while his partner Sudidi Surya had others, "she owns the rabbits, and has several other pets." She had about 27, "not including ducks and Poneexz." He then drew my attention to one shop with greenery, "And then there's the plantpets." Being plants, they don't move, But they do grow, "and produce seeds. They do need to be watered. If the water level is kept above 20% and below 90% they will produce a seed every 51 days"

Restless' favorite pets were those from Ranio Tenk, "They're the funniest we have seen, so we leave them out. Most say 'I'm hungry' or 'I want a cuddle' or 'I'm starving.'  These say stuff like …" He directed my attention to one of the prairie dogs, "A french fry walks into the bar and says to the bartender 'Hey, could I get a beer please?' The bartener looks at him shaking his head and says 'No, we don't serve food here'." After a few chuckles, Restless added they only needed food if you wanted to breed them.

Another pet Restless liked were the Zwickies, "They're apparently aliens. They fly, and have a great light show when they breed. … We seem to have the most niche pets here." They had a few horses in their inventory, but none running about. Some shops he and his partner own. Others are rented out to others. If a renter is selling a pet Restless or Sudidi have, it's their policy to remove it from their own stores.

As for what's selling the best right now? Restless told me on this one particular day, plantpets sold more than anything else. But over the past week the big sellers were breedable spiders and vampire bats. He reasoned people were getting them because of Halloween. "One thing I never had was meeroos," he told me, though explained one could get them in a friend's sim.


The remaining three quarters of the sim is a mix of private homes and public spots, "The rest of the sim is rented out to all sorts. (It) is a mixed commercial (and) residential." A little space is for some garden pergolas  and trees he makes. A group has meetings there, the "Respect Yourself" group. There's also a club, SpiritValley Studios owned by Timber Wolfenhaut. The club at one time resided in the Sunweaver Estates before it temporarily closed it's doors. The club is a couple thousand meters in the air, but it has a smaller building on a ground with a teleport that takes you up to the club.  There's also a number of private residencies on the sim. Most are considered private property.

Restless Roizman manages a number of other sims. But Pet Sanctuary is his own.

The Pets Sanctuary is at Atlantis World (215, 28, 22)

Bixyl Shuftan

Virtual Hallucinations

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that many people know little about. In Second Life, an exhibit was built in the Sedig sim to help visitors gain some understanding of what those who suffer from the condition go through. Recently Gentle Heron took people on a guided tours through the small but informative facility, one of which I joined.

"Schizophrenia is a severe mental disability," Gentle addressed the small group, "People with schizophrenia have trouble determining whether their life experiences are real or not. In the classical stereotype, they hear 'voices' giving them negative information and directives, and they don’t know whether to trust them and follow those directions or not. Of course this means that people with schizophrenia can’t think clearly. In order to be a clear thinker, you need to trust the information you receive. It also means that people with schizophrenia often don’t act normally in social situations. They won’t have predictable emotional responses to stimuli, because they don’t know if those stimuli are real or not. People with schizophrenia may have trouble keeping friends and staying employed. They may also have problems with anxiety and depression, and often have suicidal thoughts or actions."

Gentle described schizophrenia as falling into four types. With paranoid schizophrenia, people afflicted can feel anxious, angry or argumentative, and that others are trying to harm them or friends/family. People with disorganized schizophrenia may have problems thinking and explaining thoughts clearly, show little emotion, and display childlike behaviors. Catatonic schizophrenia can mean lack of activity, rigid muscles and posture, odd facial expressions, and being unresponsive to others. Fourth is undifferentiated schizophrenia, which may include symptoms of more than one of these.

"Schizophrenia is an equal opportunity disability. It affects both men and women, and usually develops in late teens or early twenties. It develops slowly, with the severity of symptoms increasing and decreasing. It is difficult to diagnose. There are no medical diagnostic tests for schizophrenia. Usually, a psychiatrist makes the diagnosis based on interviews with the patient and family members. Antipsychotic medications are the most effective treatment for schizophrenia. These drugs change the chemical imbalance in the brain. That is how they help control symptoms of schizophrenia." Gentle did note medications can have "significant" side effects.

"When the schizophrenia is active, termed an 'episode,' the person may need to be hospitalized for their safety. When the disorder is less active, support groups, behavior therapy, social skills training, and support and education for family members of persons with schizophrenia are all important. What causes schizophrenia? Nobody knows. It does appear to have a genetic component. If you have a relative with the mental disorder, you are more likely to develop it. And people who have the genetic susceptibility seem to respond to triggering events."

Before going into the exhibition, Gentle warned us some people found the experience deeply disturbing, as it was meant to simulate the hallucinations schizophrenics have. Getting the experience involved clicking on a yellow can, getting a yellow badge, and wearing it. Once inside, activating the badge fully meant clicking on another yellow can and choosing male or female. It was then that the badge I wore began spouting voices, full of negativity and depreciation, "you're worthless!" "You disgust me!" "Kill yourself."

Gentle told us for anyone who found the experience too much could always detect the badge to stop the voices. The exhibit had several rooms, with occasional blue cones that when clicked explained some of schizophrenia's symptoms. Gentle told us the place was built from actual patient experiences. One room showed laptop computers flapping open and shut. With one poster, the words seemed to change to from a similar-sounding obscenity. One room described an incident in which one
schizophrenic was urged by his voices to pull a gun on some police. The voices went, "you have five seconds to get the gun, get the gun out of the holster, get the bloody gun and shoot yourself … shoot all the bastards."

"How would it be to live like this," Gentle asked us, "with no knowing if it's real or not?"

One lady in the group described one family member who had the illness, "(I) had a brother who heard these voices. (I) took care of him all my life. He also saw things. All this was real to him. He did not ever hear the voice to hurt others. But he did hear the ones directed toward him." When asked about what advice she had for others, she answered, "understand they do not have control over the voices. Sometimes the voices tell them not to take the medications too." She described at times having to urge him to bathe, shave, and eat, despite that she was almost to feet shorter than he. At one point, he disappeared for almost two years and was found in Alaska in the dead of winter in December.

Virtual Hallucinations was built by professors and honors students from the University of California, Davis.

Sedig (27, 44, 22)

Bixyl Shuftan

FMODAKFAP: Fairy Magic Occult Dark Arts Kissy Face Action Party

FMODAKFAP, the latest Syzygy installation, is an imaginative treat created by Elric Anatine.  It is located at Syzygy Nyx (113, 141, 2357).    The letters stand for Fairy Magic Occult Dark Arts Kissy Face Action Party.   When Lady Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, Anatine’s SL companion, described the site as a Fairy Magic Occult Dark Arts Kissy Face Action Party, Anatine knew they had found its name.  
 

FMODAKFAP is a wonderland of changing colors, swirling stars, soothing chimes, and other fantasy objects too numerous to list.  A notecard explains that Anatine was inspired by his recent purchase of the Wishmaster HUD on SL Marketplace.  He wanted to create an “immersive fantasy photo environment,” and he succeeded. 

Anatine’s notecard, which you can pick up at the landing point, lists the interactive photo spots that he has created.  They are all interesting, but in the Enchanted Fairy Circle, you can fly like a fairy.  My favorite spots include sitting atop magical mushrooms and inside one of the cocoon-like white chairs. The chairs include different poses, including a yoga meditation one.  

When you are finished exploring the landscape, climb the wooden ladder to the fantasy structure that is uniquely Anatine.  Two circular rooms are connected by another ladder.   In the spooky Victorian library you will find chairs, a sofa, and a nice pot of tea.  But keep a sharp lookout for witches, ghosts and goblins.  Boiling cauldrons, a crackling fire and a stack of books about magic spells mean they must be close by.     

This fun site is filled with imaginative flowers, crystals, lighted trees, and other fantasy objects.  I was inspired on my second visit to take some photos wearing a pair of fairy wings.  Anatine encourages visitors to use their own poses, special effect HUDs, and to thoroughly explore his creation.  At the end of their trip, visitors will find three souvenir gifts that Anatine made to remind them of their magical visit to FMODAKFAP.   

Grey Lupindo

Creations for Parkinson's

When I went to the Sunday Night Demo Derby in Random, I ran into a lady named Barbie Alchemi. She explained to me she ran a place called Creations for Parkinson's. "Our sim is set up to raise donations and awareness for Parkinson's," she told me, "and we have a wonderful support group. But the most important thing we do here is have fun!"

Dropping in on the place one Saturday with my partner Jasmine, Barbie was entertaining a mix of residents at a party on a deck on the shoreline. They were quite a lively bunch, including a small dragon who expressed his affections in an interesting manner, "I have a dragon licking my bum!" One guy named "Powerchairdude" was going around in a kind of hoverchair. Besides the regular danceable rezzer, there was a special one for wheelchair bound residents.  There was also a few games for those handing our between parties.

Barbie greeted us, saying there was dancing at the dock three days a week, plus three in the ballroom. We both hung around for a little while until it ended and the guests began going their separate ways. Barbie offered us the choice of looking around on our own, or getting a tour. We decided on the tour. The tour went down both dirt paths and sidewalks, our course shaded with lots of trees, golden from the autumn season.

One of the first places we came across was a club building, "This is another dance club we use sometimes, Michael J's." The place was named for actor Michael J. Fox, whom came down with Parkinson's later in his career, "We are a Team Fox member and 100% of all donations go to the Michale J Fox Foundation." She explained her family paid for the sim's expenses, so all of the income could go to the charity, "We have over 30 top designers who all give 50% of the sales from their shops on this sim."

We soon went to a pier building and docks, "here you can rez motor boats, sailboats, jet-skis, windsurfers, tubies, swim animations." She then invited us to jump in, "if you do not mind getting wet, we can jump in the water here and i can show you the underwater." Jasmine made a "smelling of wet fur" joke, but her words quickly changed when we came upon the scenery, "Oh wow! This is amazing!" While most places think little of what's under the water, Barbie had made what lies beneath a visual treat of plants, marble statues and structures, and lots of bubbles. "I am still working on this," Barbie told us, "and when I am finished it is my goal for it to be the most beautiful underwater in SL!"

We soon passed by what Barbie pointed out was her mother's cottage, "She is the one who has Parkinson's who has inspired this whole project. My Dad died with Parkinson's, and a year later she was diagnosed with it. So this entire thing is built with love for the two of them. … She never complains, and Second Life has been so wonderful for her, because here she is free of her limitations. So that's why we decided to do this in Second Life."

Barbie pointed out a palace that was a gift from Felixx Shepard of Da Vinci Gardens, "Every texture you see, he has taken with his own camera from his travels. … he is a big supporter of our project." She mentioned he had contributed a second castle on the sim. We soon came to a garden area, and she pointed out some pillows, "Here we have tai chi cushions. My mom comes here everyday with her avi to practice tai chi, which she can not do in real life. But by experiencing her avi do it, she has regained strength and mobility. The power of visualization is fantastic. The brain is capable to doing so much more than we realize."

Barbie pointed out an amphitheater, "for poetry readings and small productions." Jasmine looked around at the scenery, "I love this." "Thank you. We have many lovely places to experience here, and it is a great place for photos." "It feels just right to me." Barbie mentioned she had worked on the effects of the water and shadows, "I have done all the terraforming and decorating myself. But I am not a builder. So things like this are donations from the talented creators of Second Life. This and all the flowers you see are a donation from Bunnie Badger from Two Moon Gardens. She has also been a big support of our project."

We came across some small shops and boutiques, "We have some of the top names in Second Life. We are only four months old, so we are just beginning to get known." She pointed out the ballroom mentioned earlier, "Everyone loves to put on their beautiful gowns and dance here." The larger events were held at the roof top, which needed a teleporter to get to.

Barbie wanted to show us where support meetings were held, and we ported to a small yard and cottage that turned out to be a floating island high above the sim, "This is where we hold our support group meetings. And I know that lives have been changed as a result of these meetings. It is for these people that I work every day." The group held meetings every Thursday morning at 10AM SL time.

One member, she told us, was an architect in real life, as well as Second Life, "His name is DB Bailey, and he has created a fantastic new club for us. We will hold the grand opening in a few weeks. He is a true artist, and he changes this every day. Frolic Mills used this for the opening show of Fashion Week" She took us over, and the place was extremely colorful, like a kaleidoscope.

Eventually, the tour was done, "Please come as often as you would like to explore and have fun and dance with us."

Creations for Parkinson's is at the Solace Lake sim.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Corner of Revolving Time Celebrates

There are big doings in the Ophelia region for the next few months. This is the home of the Corner of Revolving Time, owned and operated by Vickijo Rivera. Vickijo has a cadre of designers who donate wonderful freebies that you can collect. The Corner of Revolving Time has always been one of my most favorite places in Second Life.

In this region, the Corner freebies shop right now  is filled with wonderful furniture,  rooms and rooms of it!  On the wall of the second floor you will find ten free houses that fit various size plots . They are amazing! Aside from the furniture you can find cards, cakes, other foods, balloons,  and decor for a great rezzday or birthday party. There is a raffle going on for members of the Corner of Revolving time group and have the Corner in their picks. If you join you can enter to  win 2500L every week and/or 2500 towards land purchase or rental from The Corner Estates.  Every holiday the Corner features free decor to match the day. 

My first experience when I wrote about the original location at Christmas time for the SL Newspaper and met Vickijo. That was way back in December of 2007 when I was amazed at all the fine Christmas trees, bulbs, banners, santas and more that were set out for the taking, all for free! From that time on I have been proud to be associated with the Corner as it moved from region to region at various times. Back in the “olden days” of SL I also camped at the Corner. I fished a lot at the Corner, and finally became a fishing hostess over 3 years ago. 

Right now there are contests held at the Corner every day and on most days there are two contests, morning and afternoon SL times. Fishing at the corner has always been fun. Besides the 7seas fishing bounties there are always prime customs to catch. There are first catch custom bounties that can be redeemed for 1000L.There are level up and Hall of Fame rods too.  At the fishing site right now there is another raffle board that will allow you to enter daily for a 1000L drawing held  every Monday night. Just wear the tag and have it in your picks. This raffle will go on for three months until the actual anniversary date, November 5, and perhaps after. There are more specials to come at the fishing area. 

There is also a new mall in the region and a great train ride around a park area. Qwark Allen hosts a party every week in the Corner Virtual Club, where I host for him. It is a great place to hang out and use the icons to change the scenes on the walls to take you all around the world and into space. 

Some people set their home to The Corner where Vickijo has always welcomed everyone. Of the Corner she says, ”Each of us has a special talent in this world and this group is for both creators and for those that just 'dig in the dirt' and enjoy anothers' gifts that give freely. Our future is immeasurable as other places are found abandoned, places we used to go became war zones, and all who are restless will first appear here as a stranger but leave a friend.  Amor Fati! (love of fate).”  That is the tag of group members.   

You will find TP pads on the ground to help you move around the sim or just take a walk and admire the pleasant surroundings. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ophelia/68/17/26 this is the fishing area, and if you are looking for the terrific freebies and the raffle  start here http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ophelia/191/195/22. 

Gemma Cleanslate

9/11 Stairclimb Tribute at Areo Pines

I’m not exactly Captain America when it comes to patriotism or love for my country, however I think it’s fair to say that the events of 9/11 in New York and Washington DC was and is a day to be respected.

In real life I remember hearing people exclaim on the TV and radio that the World Trade Center was demolished by the terrorist attack. I was in shock that day thinking of the senseless loss of life. Politics aside you had to respect what just happened.

Bixyl asked me to check out a live exhibit at the Aero Pines recreation park sim and recreation area in Second Life. When I warped to the sim, I saw an excellent replica of the World Trade Center in memory of said events. To honor the firefighters who risked their lives their day, there was free firefighting clothes to wear to dress up like a real life firefighter. It came with a fire hose you could click to spray water. The exhibit asked that when you walk to the top to wear the fire fighter clothes.

Part of the exhibit was to simply have your avatar walk up the stairs to the very top. Just like the real life world trade center it was a tall building to walk up. No five stories to walk up and you’re done it was easily 100 or more. I’m not in top physical shape in real life. I could imagine that was not an easy feat walking up those stairs if that was the real version of Grease. It never crossed my mind to cheat by flying up the stairs. Walking up took a good ten minutes or so.

Before I started my hike up towards the top I saw a video screen like a wide screen TV it played a video of a cameraman following firefighters around on that horrific day. What started as a routine call turned into pure chaos as he followed them around watching the building burn on fire after the plane crash. He also recorded firefighters working hard risking their lives. The video portrayed the second building collapsing and the debris falling all around the area. He went back to the fire house seeing firemen cry as they realized not all their friends made it back. The cameraman, a man with a foreign accent, was devastated after he realized his brother was gone. Further in the video was cleanup where the fire department and more was clearing the debris and more to look for anyone who was still alive. Morale was low as they discovered bodies of dead firefighters and people unlucky enough to be in the way of the collapsed building.

When I got to the top there was a guestbook to share your thoughts. I made a notecard talking about being concerned for my real life sister who lives in the NYC area. Luckily she’s still alive. In addition to that, a little past 9/11 I worked for Sprint as a telemarketer in the Washington DC area. I forget what day it was, but I remember there was a bomb threat in that building. Everyone was sent home. I was fearful of what could happen. That building still stands today, however a bomb threat is still something to take seriously.

Watching the video I was distracted by a sound spammer whom I was angry about as I was booted a few times from my dolphin viewer by lag. I was sure to report her and I talked to a woman who said she was pushed down the stairs by people rushing by. Imagine if that was a real life scene. No one should be pushed downstairs in second or real life.

Lexi Abonwood, "... and I got pushed down stairs by people."

Grease Coakes, "Really? That was rude kind of goes against the spirit of 9/11, being pushy against your fellow man or woman."

Lexi Abonwood, "I agree with you, we are supposed to be remembering the people who helped
everyone."

Me and a total stranger got the general idea. It’s still a day to move on with our lives and do day to day things. However you cannot ignore or forget what happened that day and the lives that were lost. Not everyone is as brave as a firefighter or a superhero from the comics so we can certainly admire their bravery and sacrifice for that day.

For more on stairclimb tributes, Areo Pines' owner Cindy Bolero mentioned this website: http://www.9-11stairclimb.com.

Grease Coakes