Return to Book Island

As reported in early 2010,  Book Island was undergoing a revitalization.  During the first quarter, the Island has flourished and now the community of writers and publishers is even more vibrant and alive. The new area  is full! Nearly all of the Island's homes and shops have been rented. Each home has  an upstairs patio, 2 bedrooms, private jetty, some with sunset and waterfront location. An individual  texturing service is also available for both. 
Many exciting events are now scheduled weekly on the Island, including readings.  Often held in the Beach area is a monthly salon hosted by RL romance writers, Melissa Mahue (FaeWritr Brookmite) and Elaine Laveine (Vinnie Mimistrobell).  The have hosted RL literary figures.
The Podcasters group was organized by Emz Mazie, Insight Zadark and Imarad Breen.  In addition to podcasting the live readings,  frequent tapings of the Horrow Addicts podcast are held in front of a live audience.  This group also promotes Marketing and has fairly regular office hours if you want to go to learn and get advice about it.  As well,  Emz Mazie holds regular meetings at Quills, her shop on the island, where the audience can witness an actual podcast being made and broadcast. Recently, Imarad Breen, author of the novel, "The Fox,"  made a podcast of her short story, "The Nibblers."
A New Community Centre  provides a popular hang out on the first floor, while classes are held on the second floor.  The second floor is also available for RL writers' groups to meet, eliminating the need to commute.  Assistance is available for any newcomers who would like to use this area for their group.
Resident psychotherapist, Micca Hedrick, leads a free weekly  Relationship Support Group. This group discusses RL relationship issues.   
The Book Island Beach area continues to host many classes, some of which include/have included:

• Building with 10 Goosson (co-owner M&M Creations).  This was a 5-week building course which has now concluded. 
• SL Photography with Elsbeth Writer.  This was also a one-time course offering, but is another great example of what is being done and planned on Book Island.

Future planned events include:

• Sandor Zabelin's poetry readings read by Persephone Phoenix from Blue Angel Poets Dive, scheduled for 29 April at 7 pm
• Neal Herriat reading from his book "The Thistle"
• The very popular Sabreman Carter reading his poetry
• Jay B. Cox Harvey Lurra) reading his book, "Memoir of a Mind Toy" (Doesn't THAT sound interesting!)
• Nightmare Scribe and Magaere Swansong's  free lecture series and paid course: Henry and Hollie Snider, founders of the award-winning Colorado Springs Fiction Writers' Group will be offering lectures and classes on the writing process and covering aspects ranging from characterization and mechanics to scene development and storyline.

It is evident that Selina Greene and her crew have done some remarkable things on the Island to bring it back to life.  The place is alive with interesting and exciting things!  If you are a writer, want to be a writer, or just an avid lover of reading and books, this is the place to go!  Join the Book Island Events and Discussion Group to receive notices of their weekly and other special events.


By Shellie Sands

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Bunny Overload!

Following beta testing, the bunnies went "live" on 9 January 2010. 
Bunnies were priced at L$595 for a starter pack, comprised of one male and one female nest.  It soon became evident the bunny market would prove to profitable for many, and word spread.
As a result of more and more folks jumping on the bunny bandwagon, bunny markets began to spring up like...well, like the prolific little critters themselves.
Bunny breeding commenced in earnest across the grid and soon the market became flooded with breeders, bunny nests and bunnies. This happened in only 6 weeks' time from the bunnies going live, much more quickly that anyone ever thought.  Amidst this accelerated market growth, Ozimals, creators of the bunnies, were working hard behind the scenes identifying issues and "squashing bugs" that they became aware of with the bunnies.  A version update for the bunnies was developed and a free update totem was provided to bunny owners at the Ozimals Main Store.
One of the updates included the institution of "expiring" nests.  Prior to now, nests lasted until they were birthed.  Nests produced after the update have an expiration time of 45 days. If not birthed prior to then, they vanish in SL limbo.  Retrospectively, Ozimals issued an open letter to the Ozimals Community, acknowledging that the market growth was originally expected to take several months to expand but happened in a much shorter time than originally anticipated.  In addition, announcing the creation of expiring nests would lead to people snatching up and collecting "grandfathered" nests, thereby increasing the bunny market explosion.  As such, no announcement was made by Ozimals prior to the updates.
 Another update was the lengthening of the "generational cooldown" period, or the time between nest production and the ability to produce another nest.  It was expected that this would create more of a stir than the nest expiration would, but it might slow down the growth rate of the market.  Ozimals now plan to "revise the nest expiration and implement controls from the game mechanics side."
In the meantime, however, the over population of the grid with bunnies and the overindulgent enthusiasm of breeders has led to the slow and systematic destruction of the once viable bunny market.  Many have invested thousands of lindens in their bunnies and their upkeep and are now finding it next to impossible to recoup their losses.  Many have been forced to sell well below market value to free up prims and weed out stock. 
This is undercutting the market for those individuals who price their inventory according to value, based on breed, fur, eye color and ears (upright versus full lop or half-a-lop).
As more individuals jump off the virtual bunny bandwagon, those left, who have been steadfast in their values and who have not devalued the bunnies, might have a competitive chance.  Only time will tell.

Shellie Sands

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Bunny Love...The Latest Craze!

By Shellie Sands

 

Ozimals has produced the latest in pets with their bunnies.   Beta testing began earlier in the year and the bunnies went "live" on 9 January 2010.  The "bunnies are adorably realistic, professionally sculpted, and full of variety. The six breeds that the bunnies are launching with are actual real life breeds and each one has custom textures that reflect the look and colorings of that breed.  The Ozimals bunnies use a true dominant/recessive genetics system modified for SL that will enable you to breed for recessive traits to create the bunnies you want. Each bunny carries a specific percentage of recessive qualities, and you selectively breed those to achieve new colors and even special mutations!

When you breed an Ozimal bunny, you are producing true characteristics like fur, eye color, ear type, and more!  Each variation is a separate, hand drawn texture. Those traits will show up as new features on your bunny – unlike other breedable animals where RGB colors (plus sometimes glow and shiny) are the only ways to tell your animals apart.  Ozimals are truly the Next Generation of AI breeding animals!"

Complete bunny starter kits are available at the Ozimals Main Store. Each kit contains two nests, one male and one female.  The owner has complete control over when the bunnies are born.  Clicking the nest enables you to birth the bunnies.   Once the bunnies are born, you must follow a series of steps to set their preferences.  This is all explained in the information provided in the starter kits.  They require food and water.  The bunnies hop around like mad when they are born and their energy levels are high.  Over time, their energy level decreases, ultimately to level 0%, at which time they sleep for 8 hours, renewing their energy.  When they sleep, they dream....of sunny meadows, rainbows, bunny love and, of course, carrots.  These images appear in dream clouds above their heads. 

Ozimals bunnies are born in a nest made of hay and the mother’s fur.  They are very tiny when born but grow quickly.  Owners may hold their bunnies and pet them, and this increases the bunny's level of happiness.  Bunnies cannot be bred until they are 4 days old.  Once they reach that age, their level of love will gradually increase, as they are preparing for breeding.  In order to breed, each bunny must have more than 25% energy, be fed and watered, as well as happy.  When the bunnies reach 100% love, they are ready.  Breeding happens quickly and not in the way one would expect.  They don't even need to touch, they simply need to be within 10m of each other.  Very quickly the mother produces a nest.  Each nest contains one bunny.

For the latest price list:  http://blog.ozimals.com/2010/01/ozimals-price-list.html and for a price breakdown, go to  http://www.wyrmwoodonline.com/ozimals-overview/bunny-costs Bunny Love...The Latest Craze!

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ACS gets ready for RFL in SL

American Cancer Society (ACS)
Meeting 30 January 2010

The ACS held a 'meet and greet' of their Relay For Life of Second Life PR/Marketing Committee, which is headed up by Poppy Zabelin (area Chair) and Breezy Carver (area Co-Chair), in preparation for their  annual fund raising efforts through Relay for Life (RFL).  Fundraising will begin in March and conclude with the annual RFL event in July.   Teams are currently being formed to participate in the July event. 

Over the previous fundraising season, over $275,000 USD was raised to fund cancer research, education and prevention.   Distribution of funds can been seen at the ACS website blog http://cancer.blogs.com/international/ and the RFL official blog http://rflofsl.blogspot.com.  Additional information can be found at  http://twitter.com/RelayForLife_SL/.  The RL RFL community has recognized the SL RFL efforts, acknowledging that a lot of money was raised through SL.  Twelve to fifteen percent of the funds raised in SL go to support the International Relay for Life.  This year, notecards will be available for anyone wanting to see how the funds are distributed.  Out of 5,230 relays around the world, RFL in SL ranked 112th in 2009 for fundraising. 

The overall aim of the PR/Marketing area committees is to REACH OUT!!!

Poppy gave an overview of the committee structure. Committee members include Beverly Hastings and Salem Draconia (Mission),  HollyJean Allen (Outreach), Nevar Lobo and Amethyst Starostin (International Relations),  Poppy Zabelin and Breezy Carver (Publicity/Media) with Saffia Widdershins as publicity advisor, IshtarAngel Micheline (Photography), Ren Stonecutter (Education) and May Rosebud (Greeters for RFL main event).

MamaP Beerbaum is the Event Co-Chair with overall  responsibility for teams, PR/Marketing, Technology and Security.

Teams will be responsible for advertising their own fundraising events.  An event board has been created for the teams to post their fundraising events.  The boards can be placed at different locations to get the word out about their events. 

Nevar and Amethyst will be available to mentor and teach people from different countries in SL how to start teams, fund raise in their communities and spreading the word about  official events. They are building a team of ambassadors and translators and would like people with different language skils to volunteer to help. The Japanese and Ukraine communities have also become involved and ambassadors are in both of those countries. 

KEY DATES
February 1 – teams registration opens
March 13 – Kickoff Party and start of fundraising!
July 17-18 THE MAIN EVENT – GO RELAY!

By Shellie Sands

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People Path LLC Research Study in SL

Some time at the end of 2009, I received a notice about a research study being conducted in SL.  I have no idea how I got on the list, but it certainly piqued my curiosity.   We were asked to complete a survey to determine if we met the criteria for participation in the study. The study,  by People Path LLC,  was being conducted to investigate the overlaps and impacts of SL on RL and vice versa.  As one would expect, the questions on the survey centered around that theme.  After submitting my survey, I was informed I had been accepted to participate in the study. 

The study was completely anonymous and was comprised of 3 options by which to participate.  RL information was not to be collected and avatar names were to be "coded and 'washed'" for the study so as not to reveal anyone's RL/SL identity. 

The first option for involvement was to occur in December, involving group discussions in SL with 5-6 avatars.  These group discussion were to last one to two hours covering RL/SL overlap.  Involvement in a group discussion (full participation) netted the participants $L10,000.  I found I was unable to devote up to two hours of my time on the days/times presented to me so I opted out of this one. 

The second option for participation was  to begin in early January involving one-on-one voice interviews with Flower Ninetails (aka Christine Bolas, People Path LLC).  The interviews could take place via voice chat in SL, Skype or telephone.  I was approached to do one of these interviews, having not participated in any of the group discussions.  As I was in between working headsets, I opted for the telephone interview.  This level of participation
was to pay $L15,600.

My interview was scheduled for 15 January at 2 pm SLT.  I anxiously awaited the phone call, having no idea what on earth to expect.  All I really knew was that it would take one to one and a half hours.   

The phone rang at the appointed time, and after brief introductions, my interview began.  The questions were very interesting I thought.  Among those were questions with regard to
when or if SL ever prevented you from attending to RL, or whether SL prevented you from attending RL commitments/appointments, etc., as well as if it affected your parenting in any way.  Other questions were centered around the aspects I found "binding" in SL, for instance, was it the social networking, was it a connection to RL and was I making lindens to convert to RL cash, and why did I need lindens,  why did I need a home and pay rent, all questions along those lines.  I was quite fascinated with the direction of some of the questions as they seemed to focus on many areas which I had myself pondered and thought about their significance.  I also offered opinion and my own personal experiences as relates to SL vs. RL.

I asked about the data, stating it would be interesting to see the results at the conclusion of the study (me and my damn RL research job!).  However, this study is being conducted for a client of People Path and all data collected will be the client's property to do with as they will. When the interview concluded, "Flower" logged in and paid me my fee. 

On to the third type of participation in this study.  This will be one-on-one, face-to-face interviews in person, in a place of the individual's choosing.  Christine will fly to  the individual's location (nice budget!).  These interviews are expected to cover a few hours discussing aspects of RL/SL overlap.  The participants will be paid $300 in cash. 

I felt the interview was interesting, had excellent questions and I am glad I had an oppotunity to participate.  I sent a note with after thoughts and comments that didn't come to mind during the interview.  In the end, however, although the experience got me thinking, revisiting ideas I have had in the past, I doubt it will change how I enjoy or interact in SL. 

By Shellie Sands

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Book Island Revisited

In a previous article, I had discussed Book Island and the fact that the owner had seemingly disappeared and Book Island seemed to be dying out.  I spoke recently with Selina Greene, sim owner, who has set the record straight.  I had previously been unable to reach her for comment when I wrote the first article.
Selina explained this was due to the fact that her computer died, and the one she was using was unable to accommodate SL.  In addition, she was also going through a complicated pregnancy.  She and her new baby and doing quite well now.

A large extension  to the Cartland Court area of the island had been built, which would explain the many empty shops I saw when I was last there.  The island now has a 90% occupancy with many tenants remaining and new vendors coming in. 

In 2010, Selina, together with Arton Tripsa, are planning many things, including a redesign of the public areas,  as well as multiple events.  A google calendar has been installed in the main square for "Events on the Beach."   The addition of the calendar will provide residents with the opportunity to plan and scheduled their own events.  To date, 3 events are planned, including a Book Island party with DJ Grizzly Silversmith, one of the residents. 

The island has become home to quite a few new residents.  One of the groups includes Podcrafters, organized by Emz Mazie, Imarad Breen and Insight Zadark.  Members of the Written Word group will recognize Emz Mazie's name (aka Emerian Rich).  The group promotes Podcasting and Marketing.  In addition, they produce Podiobooks, serialized audio books.  These are available for free at http://podiobooks.com.  Examples of the podcasts will be shown on the TV screen in the main square.   As well, a trailer of Arlene Radasky's (Imarod Breen) book, "Mark of the Druid," will be shown on the TV screen.

 

RL romance writers, Melissa Mayhue (FaeWritr Bookmite) and Elaine Levine (Vinnie Mimistrobell) hold a month SL Salon on the Island,  held often at Books at the Beach. During the past year, they have hosted RL literary figures, Deidre Knight, Elissa Wilds, Deb Stover and Terri Brisbin. Another resident is Nightmare Scribe, a writer and co-founder of the award-winning Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group at http://www.csfwg.org.

Over the next couple of weeks, new homes are being built for  writers who would like to live in a literary community. 

With the many plans in place, the future of Book Island looks, indeed, very bright and I look forward to becoming a bit involved with events there.

Shellie Sands

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Renaissance Island

By Shellie Sands

Browsing through music events, I saw  a concert of period yuletide renaissance music.  I thought this would be enjoyable and different.  A lover of the renaissance period, I tp'd to partake in the concert.  Upon arrival, I was given a note which provided a very interesting history of the origins of Christmas from ancient times.  Excerpts of that note are as follows:

"In medieval England Christmas lasted for twelve days, from December 25 to January 6, the date of the celebration of the Epiphany. Originally Christmas was celebrated on January 6 when presents were given in honour of St.Nicholas. Some Eastern Europeans still celebrate Christmas on this date."

"It was a time of merriment, feasting and general festivity, but still primarily a 'holy' day.  The 16th century didn’t participate in Christmas celebration as we know it now. Until the 4th century, Christmas could be celebrated throughout Europe anywhere between early January through to late September. It was Pope Julius I who happened upon the bright idea of adopting 25th December as the actual date of the Nativity. The choice appears both logical and shrewd - blurring religion with existing feast days and celebrations. Any merrymaking could now be attributed to the birth of Christ rather than any ancient pagan ritual. "

"One form or merry making may involve the Feast of Fools, presided over by the Lord of Misrule. The feast was an unruly event, involving much drinking, revelry and role reversal. The Lord of Misrule, normally a commoner with a reputation of knowing how to enjoy himself, was selected to direct the entertainment. The Lord of Misrule sometimes led revelers on wild nighttime processions through town, which of course angered the resident church leaders. However, churchmen had their own form of this custom--the appointment as a young boy as bishop for the holiday season. Lords usually chose this time to bestow gifts upon their servants; a common present was a new suit of clothes. The festival is thought to have originated from the benevolent Roman masters who allowed their servants to be the boss for a while. "

While I didn't get much satisfaction from the concert due to streaming issues, I decided to walk around. I arrived at the clock tower, and touched a sign that read "Pray touch for notes regarding said place."   Note in hand, I strolled on and came upon a horse and carriage offering  a free carriage ride to the docks.  I hopped on and went for a short  gait to the docks where the carriage deposited me and vanished, presumably returning to its station.  Having passed several quaint looking shops down the path by which the carriage took me, I strolled back up the path, stopping first at Madison Creations, a shop selling medieval clothing.  Loving all things medieval, and having a natural footwear fetish, I was compelled to purchase a pair of shoes.  The shoes come in a variety of colors and are crafted to match the gowns, all made by Isolde, one of my favorite designers.  Across the way was a shop called, appropriately enough, Medieval Attire.  In addition to the clothing, Tudor style homes and farmhouse are available for purchase there.  Up the path a bit is the Roble House, boasting art and antiquities. 

Other points of interest on the island include St. David's Society Hall, where you can learn of traditions involving Yule logs,  free Renaissance period clothing, the Parish of St. Minutia's, a lovely church that was one of the monestaries that escaped The King's ransacking, Lagswell Hall, The Wharf on the Thames,  Market Square, Globe (a replica of the London Globe originally built in 1599), the Jousting Arena,  and Bulwark, the arena where men at arms train. Individual landmarks are included in the note given at the Clock Tower. 

"Renaissance Island was created in Feb 2007 by a group of dedicated historians that envisioned what life during tudor times would be.  They collaborated to form a group that would take on roles of parish members that in this era would have lived such as what you will see. They created objects  to allow visitors to  interact and feel how life would have been in tudor times.   Don't be surprised if you see King Henry VIII,  or Queen Bess, herself,  as our sim covers the entire 16th period .  Of course you shouldn't see them at the same time, but depending on our events,  one or the other shall bestow their graces and blessings to their parish. "

Visit Renaissance Island and take the LMs to the various places.  Although I was disappointed that I could not hear the concert, what I got instead was a tour through a quaint village and many  interesting historical facts. 

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Outerland: A Different Kind of Estate

The Outerland Estate is comprised of 130 carefully landscaped and designed islands across 90 regions on 111 sims.  The Estate was founded in April 2006 by Dana Bergson, who remained the owner until June of 2009.

Originally called the "Otherland,"  Dana had to sell it in June 2009 due to personal reasons.  The Estate was purchased by the ACS group owned by Anshe Chung. 

Although the name was changed, and a few internal changes came with the sale,  the "base and philosophy of the Estate remains unchanged."   The motto for the estate, coined by Dana Bergson, was "Make Otherland a different kind of land."  The idea was to create something special, beautiful and an estate viewed as a whole and not by the individual components/sims  which it encompasses.  Rivers run through almost the entire estate and there are oceans to sail on.  This provides the residents the opportunity  to explore the estate beginning at their own doorstep. 

What a wonderful thought:  to walk out of your front door, hop into a boat and sail around the Estate...although I imagine in a place that massive, it would be quite easy to become lost.

An important project for the Outerland staff has been the Outerland Archipelago, a unique concept.  Consisting of a group of private sims, it is a beautifully landscaped area, free of griefers and excessive lag.  You will not see large, flat areas without structure there, no typical "tropical islands in the sun.  The result is certainly some of the most beautiful land in SL. Think of islands large and small. Think of lakes, rivers, waterfalls. Think of softly rounded hills and some steep cliffs. "

I had a chat with Julienne Caudron recently, one of the  Estate Managers for Outerland, who was able to provide me with a wealth of information.  Julienne joined the Estate Team in March of 2008.  

Julienne, together with Natasha ACS, are the main players in keeping the residents happy, resolving any issues and answering questions.  

Their different times zones allow them to be available during most of the time zones around the globe. 

Combined with customer support, bookkeeping, and language skills, the two managers have enough skills to keep residents informed, as well as satisfied, and tend to the various administrative tasks associated with the Estate. 

The staff at Outerland place emphasis on quality rather than quantity.  Hiring staff consisting of "poorly paid real estate agents whose main aim is a sale" is just not an option. Ban lines are not allowed so residents will not be booted during their exploration around the estate.  The residents contribute to the Estate's outstanding status.  Friendships have grown between neighbors who share a common love of regions such as New England.

Mother Nature recently showed up at Outerland in the form of snow and an "All-Around-Christmas-Party" is being planned  by the residents.  There is a great sense of community.   "When the lake in Xabbu Park froze over, Sylvia Sonoda opened her famous ice skating course for everybody. She put some awesome ramps with some special surprises for the real skating pros. Hot Chocolate, basic skates, and snowball fighting fun are on the house until January, when the snow is going to melt."

The Outerland Estate has recently welcomed Wandering Star to the Estate.  This group is in the Verdant Homewood, a long established community of music lovers, holding regular music events in a pub on the Khao sim.

A visit to one of the New England themed parcels revealed what one might expect to see in New England in the winter...landscape and trees all covered with snow.  There are some tropical themed parcels as well, including Ellaidhu and Antibes.  The two boardwalks at Dulcie and Anwin are charming indeed, with a rustic seaside appeal.  Eschach Castle is a part of Outerland, a small, cozy looking castle nestled up against a snow covered peak.  There are just so many beautiful sims and islands to see. 

The entire Estate is beautifully and carefully landscaped and it is obvious that great care went into every design.  This Estate sounds to me like an awesome home for those who want a sense of community spirit in a place that has a covenent for ensuring beauty and not commerciality.  

By Shellie Sands

http://www.otherland-group.com/real_estate/

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Holiday Happenings at M&M Creations

I had heard some interesting events were planned at M&M Creations for the holiday season.  A visit there recently revealed a unique shopping experience.  They offer  a variety of items for landscaping, as well as sculpties and items ranging from lanterns, furniture, gazebos and animals.  The creative people behind M&M Creations are 10 and Marcthur Goosson.
At the M&M Highlands, 10 and Marc have created a spectacular Mystic Winterland. 
I recently  met with 10 and Marcthur at their main store in a cozy wintery sitting area.
SS:    So I understand you have big plans for the holidays, including treasure hunts. Tell me about some of the other things you are planning.
10G:   Well, full of plans, hopefully they (will) all be worked out and become a success.  First we wanted to do something like we did last year, discounts on the boxes with sculpties, but to focus only on the sculpts while we have much more to offer is a pity.
SS:  Yes, I agree.
MG:  Yes , soo much more (to) us.
SS:  What kinds of goodies can be had at the treasure hunts?
10G:   In the hope our visitors will take their time to see the island, I planned to have a kind of treasure-hunt by making 2 items each day for sale for 1 linden.. only they will stay on their original place and people have to start walking.
SS: Yes, that's what I heard...it sounds like a good plan.
10G:  Trees, lights or lanterns....gazebos, maybe even animals, flowers, shrubs...particles, (cacti)...do i need to go on?
SS: It sounds like a lot.
10G  Oh, books not to forget those.
SS:   And this is kicking off on the 11th?
MG:  Yes together with my birthday which (is) also the 11th:-)
10G:   Next to that we fill the gift box at the X-mas plateau every day with another gift, an item from our shops around the main store.
MG: LOL never coincidences.
10G:  That's no treasure or discounted, but just a gift like gifts should be, for free...and to see what can be created with (fashion) sculpties, not only fashion!!
SS:  And hopefully come back with their friends.  It's a great opportunity for people to get a sample of what is available here.
MG:  We are working hard, but SL has grown soo huge that it is difficult to get the right attention.
SS:  I can understand that Marcthur.
MG:  Marc is ok ;-)
 SS:   Good, thanks, Marc, easier to type lol.
SS:   SL is almost overwhelming in what is available here.
10G:  Of course,, we focus mainly on fashion-designers, but it would be boring for us, we simply do not fashion-design, we have the resources for the designers, and the rest is 'having fun with sculpties'.
MG:  What 10 says is that we supply sculpties for fashion designers, but our inspiration let us make many more be.
SS:  Did you begin with that idea when you started out? I mean, the fashion end of it?  I know nothing about fashion design here, but I imagine the sculpies help to make the various pieces of an outfit?
MG:  Yes, indeed.  We started out  with scenery screens.
SS:   Yes, sculpties would be helpful in landscape too
MG:  And then sculpties arrived which finally gave me an opportunity in RL to make designs in 3D.
 SS: That must have been exciting for you :)
10G: (and so it grew and grew and grew)
MG:  Exciting YES, and many many hours experimenting :-)
10G:  Out of making, building with and selling sculpties grew the questions for explanation or workshops, so tutorials have become a part of my sl-fun.  Hopefully I will do some more next year.
SS:  I'm sure it could not have grown without your creative input and ideas
10G:  I'm happy the pc's are still indoors and the windows aren't broken hahaha.
MG:  And of course with the help of so many creative minds here in SL,
SS:  Yes, there is a lot of creativity in SL.
10G:  That's why we would like to thank all our friends, costumers, designers , they made this all happen and possible as well.
SS:  What sets M&M Creations apart from other shops in SL?
MG:  Quality for sure, and we offer FULL PERM sculpties...and variety, originality.
10G: Quality.
SS:  Full perm, a very nice feature.
MG:  And shapes that put other creative minds into work.  Others are inspired by us, to make stuff with our shapes they never thought of, and customers are free to inspire us with their ideas.
10G: And we're helpfull, but that's a common thing I noticed last year.
SS:  Do you feel that others are in a sense taking your ideas?
MG:  Sure we are copied.
S S:  I guess there is a lot of that in SL.
MG:  But it is ok when others are inspired.
SS:  It seems like you manage to remain unique, however.
MG:  We are unique in our kind of way,  we have our own identity.
SS:  The trick is keeping it Marc :)
MG:  Hahaha, well, so far so good.
10G:  That's why we don't explore entire SL like most do.  We never go out looking for others or our competition, so we will stay that way I guess.
MG:  I hardly ever explore SL.  I visit my customers .
SS:  I do not do a lot of exploring either, unless I have a purpose to go somewhere.
 MG:  Well as a jouralist you should :-)

SS:   Things tend to fall into my lap.
MG:  That is a good phrase.
SS:  Hahaha, I am lucky I suppose.
10G:  If we would explore sl we (would) find too much realistic places and it will 'kill' our creativity and own identity in what we do.
10 and Marcthur are a RL couple also affectionately referred to as M&M.  Their work in SL is their daily RL work.  I found them both to be very creative, interesting and intelligent.  Their combined talent is amazing.  I would encourage all to participate in their scheduled hunts beginning on the 11th.  Further details are provided below.
Every day another  FREE gift-in-a-box with an M&M Creation can be found on the X-mas tree-plateau in the middle of the  Main Store and TP point in a special M&M GiftBox.  Also every day, another SCULPTY BOX  created by Marcthur Goosson with a discount from 10%-50%!!!  These can be found underneath the tiny X-mas tree standing on the box itself at the Main Store!!
Additional promotions include 2 creations of M&M Trees & Landscaping for sale for 1 linden .  Those landscaping-items can be found outside the mainstore at the Natural Park, they will change EVERY DAY!
You need to walk around and click items (such as trees, flowers, lanterns, entrees, shrubs, furniture, gazebos, animals, et.) to find the ' Treasures of the Day'.  MAYBE look out for a tiny X-mas tree which could be found near the Treasures.
I had heard some interesting events were planned at M&M Creations for the holiday season.  A visit there recently revealed a unique shopping experience.  They offer  a variety of items for landscaping, as well as sculpties and items ranging from lanterns, furniture, gazebos and animals.  The creative people behind M&M Creations are 10 and Marcthur Goosson.
At the M&M Highlands, 10 and Marc have created a spectacular Mystic Winterland. 
I recently  met with 10 and Marcthur at their main store in a cozy wintery sitting area.
SS:    So I understand you have big plans for the holidays, including treasure hunts. Tell me about some of the other things you are planning.
10G:   Well, full of plans, hopefully they (will) all be worked out and become a success.  First we wanted to do something like we did last year, discounts on the boxes with sculpties, but to focus only on the sculpts while we have much more to offer is a pity.
SS:  Yes, I agree.
MG:  Yes , soo much more (to) us.
SS:  What kinds of goodies can be had at the treasure hunts?
10G:   In the hope our visitors will take their time to see the island, I planned to have a kind of treasure-hunt by making 2 items each day for sale for 1 linden.. only they will stay on their original place and people have to start walking.
SS: Yes, that's what I heard...it sounds like a good plan.
10G:  Trees, lights or lanterns....gazebos, maybe even animals, flowers, shrubs...particles, (cacti)...do i need to go on?
SS: It sounds like a lot.
10G  Oh, books not to forget those.
SS:   And this is kicking off on the 11th?
MG:  Yes together with my birthday which (is) also the 11th:-)
10G:   Next to that we fill the gift box at the X-mas plateau every day with another gift, an item from our shops around the main store.
MG: LOL never coincidences.
10G:  That's no treasure or discounted, but just a gift like gifts should be, for free...and to see what can be created with (fashion) sculpties, not only fashion!!
SS:  And hopefully come back with their friends.  It's a great opportunity for people to get a sample of what is available here.
MG:  We are working hard, but SL has grown soo huge that it is difficult to get the right attention.
SS:  I can understand that Marcthur.
MG:  Marc is ok ;-)
 SS:   Good, thanks, Marc, easier to type lol.
SS:   SL is almost overwhelming in what is available here.
10G:  Of course,, we focus mainly on fashion-designers, but it would be boring for us, we simply do not fashion-design, we have the resources for the designers, and the rest is 'having fun with sculpties'.
MG:  What 10 says is that we supply sculpties for fashion designers, but our inspiration let us make many more be.
SS:  Did you begin with that idea when you started out? I mean, the fashion end of it?  I know nothing about fashion design here, but I imagine the sculpies help to make the various pieces of an outfit?
MG:  Yes, indeed.  We started out  with scenery screens.
SS:   Yes, sculpties would be helpful in landscape too
MG:  And then sculpties arrived which finally gave me an opportunity in RL to make designs in 3D.
 SS: That must have been exciting for you :)
10G: (and so it grew and grew and grew)
MG:  Exciting YES, and many many hours experimenting :-)
10G:  Out of making, building with and selling sculpties grew the questions for explanation or workshops, so tutorials have become a part of my sl-fun.  Hopefully I will do some more next year.
SS:  I'm sure it could not have grown without your creative input and ideas
10G:  I'm happy the pc's are still indoors and the windows aren't broken hahaha.
MG:  And of course with the help of so many creative minds here in SL,
SS:  Yes, there is a lot of creativity in SL.
10G:  That's why we would like to thank all our friends, costumers, designers , they made this all happen and possible as well.
SS:  What sets M&M Creations apart from other shops in SL?
MG:  Quality for sure, and we offer FULL PERM sculpties...and variety, originality.
10G: Quality.
SS:  Full perm, a very nice feature.
MG:  And shapes that put other creative minds into work.  Others are inspired by us, to make stuff with our shapes they never thought of, and customers are free to inspire us with their ideas.
10G: And we're helpfull, but that's a common thing I noticed last year.
SS:  Do you feel that others are in a sense taking your ideas?
MG:  Sure we are copied.
S S:  I guess there is a lot of that in SL.
MG:  But it is ok when others are inspired.
SS:  It seems like you manage to remain unique, however.
MG:  We are unique in our kind of way,  we have our own identity.
SS:  The trick is keeping it Marc :)
MG:  Hahaha, well, so far so good.
10G:  That's why we don't explore entire SL like most do.  We never go out looking for others or our competition, so we will stay that way I guess.
MG:  I hardly ever explore SL.  I visit my customers .
SS:  I do not do a lot of exploring either, unless I have a purpose to go somewhere.
 MG:  Well as a jouralist you should :-)

SS:   Things tend to fall into my lap.
MG:  That is a good phrase.
SS:  Hahaha, I am lucky I suppose.
10G:  If we would explore sl we (would) find too much realistic places and it will 'kill' our creativity and own identity in what we do.
10 and Marcthur are a RL couple also affectionately referred to as M&M.  Their work in SL is their daily RL work.  I found them both to be very creative, interesting and intelligent.  Their combined talent is amazing.  I would encourage all to participate in their scheduled hunts beginning on the 11th.  Further details are provided below.
Every day another  FREE gift-in-a-box with an M&M Creation can be found on the X-mas tree-plateau in the middle of the  Main Store and TP point in a special M&M GiftBox.  Also every day, another SCULPTY BOX  created by Marcthur Goosson with a discount from 10%-50%!!!  These can be found underneath the tiny X-mas tree standing on the box itself at the Main Store!!
Additional promotions include 2 creations of M&M Trees & Landscaping for sale for 1 linden .  Those landscaping-items can be found outside the mainstore at the Natural Park, they will change EVERY DAY!
You need to walk around and click items (such as trees, flowers, lanterns, entrees, shrubs, furniture, gazebos, animals, et.) to find the ' Treasures of the Day'.  MAYBE look out for a tiny X-mas tree which could be found near the Treasures.

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World AIDS Day - 1 December 2009

Muse Isle

A flurry of activity took place around the globe on World AIDS Day.   Statements were issued by the US, South Africa, the UN, China, Australia, the UK, Afghanistan, Zambia and the District of Columbia, all about new policies, new treatments and new programs focused on the reduction, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS globally.

Second Life played its own role, once again, in bringing attention and awareness to this tragic, life threatening virus.  This was done at various events at multiple venues across the grid. 

Muse Isle presented a day of music and readings.  Once again, the SL music community came together to volunteer their support for this important cause, as we have seen so often in the past.  All proceeds from the day's event  were going to the Bailey Boushay House in Seattle, Washington, USA.  The Bailey Boushay House is "known for its professional and compasionate care of people who are patients afflicted in the final stages of AIDS. The BBH also cares for terminally ill patients of other disease processes. Another important factor is thier day program that offers resources to people that are HIV positive. Assisting in nutrition, medication, assistance in housing. The 2009 legislature of Washington State allocated funding which was narrowly missed."

The musical portion began at 6 am . The lineup for the day included Russell Eponym, Avatar Quinzet, nadidi Aeon, Jon Bazar, Bones Writer, Skye Galaxy, Clairede Dirval, FaecelessAPe Mefusla, davecorbett Darwin, The Sue McCullough Bagpipe Band, EvaMoon Ember, Wren Hartunian, Arimo Teixerira, srv4u Conacher, Edward Kyomoon, Noma Falta, EricSteffenson Mistwalker, Cellandra and her light show, with readings occuring simultaneously beginning at noon,  and ending with a candlelight vigil at midnight.

"Bad Bones" Bones Writer , an accomplished pianist, performed at 10 am.  All instrumental, he went from guitar to piano, playing jazzy and dreamy tunes and classical style music.  He played a  "warbled" rock 'n roll old style jazz piano tune, written by Wayne Shorter, a well know sax player who played with Miles Davis.  Following Bones was Mr. Skye Galaxy, also an accomplished pianist (my lucky day).  Skye has a voice like none other, both emotional and sincere. He performed songs with a dreamy quality and meaningful lyrics.  I will definitely see Skye again, a new talent to me. 

I left the music at noon to head over to the place where the readings were happening.  This event was hosted by Ms. LoriVonne Lustre and Jenaia Morane. The space was graciously donated by Panacea Luminos.  Lori gave an intro speech and offered special thanks to all involved, as well as to Judi Newall for those unable to. 

"...thank you to our authors for sharing their stories with us here today.  Some of the stories you will hear today are about loss, some are about remembrance, and all are from the heart.  Events like this show the power of virtual worlds."

" World AIDS Day was started on this day 21 years ago.   This is a day to raise awareness, fight prejudice, improve education, and remember our friends and family members who are living with AIDS or have lost the battle.  Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue  to be infected with HIV every year. "

"World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met."

The readers I heard included the following:  Ludo Merit, Marty Snowpaw, Saxet Uralia, Franchella Milena, Raevn Rhiadra, millay Freschi , Bill Whiteberry, Elegia Underwood, Lizzie Gudkov and fellow reporter, Nazz Lane.   All read poems, letters and short stories of heart wrenching journeys through loss of loved ones, the grieving, followed slowly by acceptance and, ultimately, the healing.   It was more moving than I can describe and I soon found tears streaming down my face...I took a break and got ready to head back to the music.

Back at the music venue, I was able to catch one of my best friends, davecorbett Darwin, performing his usual amusing songs with subtle messages and emotional undertones.  Dave is a recorded accoustic guitar musician hailing from the UK.   Dave can often be found supporting charitable events like this, and does so on his own in RL, as well.  Following Dave was the Sue McCullogh Bagpipe Band.  What a treat!  I had never heard anything like this in SL before.   Dressed in matching kilts, they played traditional celtic melodies, as well as much more modern popular music.  A very interesting thing to hear bagpipes doing other than celtic songs.  I completely enjoyed them and joined some of the crowd in doing a jig. 

These are just a few of the many musicians lending their support and readings that took place brnging awareness and, yes, the human side of the reality of HIV/AIDS

By Shellie Sands

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What Happened to Book Island?

A visit to Book Island, adjacent to the now vanished Publishing Island, revealed a virtual ghost town, one that lent an eerie feeling of abandonment. 

Walking about, it was evident that quite a few empty booths were present, and not a soul in sight.   An information sign provided rental details and contact individuals.   Notes were sent to each of the two contacts listed, Selina Greene, the sim owner, and Ariadne Korda, "Cultural Manager."   A click on the blog link in an effort to obtain more information proved to be futile...the blog was no longer recognized.

Book Island was once an active sim, complete with its own blog and  various events focused on writers, as well as readers, offering live readings, etc. One author, Diana Allandale, once held writing seminars there.  She did not respond to a request for comments.   

Word on the street has it that the sim owner vanished, supposedly to pursue her RL publishing career, rarely communicating with only one other person on the Island.   According to Ariadne, Cultural Manager, she assumes that tier continues to be paid, but had no information to offer on the demise of Publishing Island.   I had a chat with Ariadne, who was kind enough to respond to the request for information.  The information she had to offer began to paint a very sad picure. 

AK:   "Hi Shellie - I would LOVE to know what is going on with Book Island myself - the owner has disappeared, not a word from her for over a year (to me at least). I can add people to the group (and still do), but can't even remove things with my name on them. The whole thing is frustrating and extremely disappointing to me - there is zero communication. Yes would be pleased to tell you what I know, but it's not much."

SS:  "Thanks for your response...If you can tell me the evolution of things, that would be sufficient I think."

AK:  "The owner just said she had some RL issues and then disappeared, basically...

she communicates rarely with another person at BI, who is also pretty frustrated. I would have dropped the group but I still answer requests to join it, and never say anything negative...but it's hard when people say 'it's not very dynamic, is it?' I can only presume the owner is still paying tier but I had no info about the sale of Publishing.  I am SORELY tempted to send out a group notice (I still have powers, I think) and ask what the hell is going on."

SS:  "Not a bad idea...have you made repeated attempts to contact her?  It seems she has left the place to rot, and it is also a portion empty."

AK:   "YES. I had her mail, and no answer, including some fairly blunt ones."

SS:  "Lost interest it seems."

AK:  "Yes... and people are still paying rent, which is sad.  I was hired as 'cultural manager' (I'm a published writer) to do events, but that was like bashing my head against a wall,

every idea was 'well, I'll give it some thought'."

SS:  "And then left to nothing?"

AK:  "I organised dozens at first, for which she OCCASIONALLY paid me (but only if I was there... which isn't possible on US times).  So I got the odd 200L, but not if I did the work but  wasn't actually present..then she disappeared so I wasn't going to just give and give. I rebuilt the beach area (I build on here) - to virtually no comment.  So yes, frustration all along the line, and it's SUCH a shame - the place has potential but not if it's just left to rot."

SS:  "Gosh, it could be a meeting place for writers and sharing of ideas and such, have readings and stuff."

AK:  " Yes I did that...at one point she mentioned wondering if to keep it - and a group of friends offered to buy her out and she said 'no' - this was before she disappeared.  So I'm afraid I more or less abandoned ship. I was getting nothing from it in terms of pleasure or appreciation."

SS:  "I understand that."

AK:  "The place really needs a rebuild and some WORK on it, but I can't see anyone doing that for free...I really AM sympathetic if the owner has problems."

SS:  "It seems such a shame the whole thing, how can someone just abandon an entire sim?"

AK:  " But how much effort would it take to answer my mails, IMs, notecards?"

SS:  "Exactly...well, I understand your plight Aridane, and I sympathize...please le me know if you find anything out further."

AK:  "I will... I would actually just like to LEAVE but as my name is on the notecards I feel I should still give people the group tag...although even then..."

SS:  "I understand...maybe the article will bring some attention to the situation."

AK:   "Maybe. It's just such a SHAME...But... getting it turned around would be a massive job."

SS:   "Yes, and would require time and dedication."

AK:  "At the time, I had that... But not when I have no leeway, and not least no income from it.  It's NOT my place, and no instructions, no nothing...such a shame..."

SS:  "Agreed Ariadne :(  I'm so sorry, but I am happy you gave me the info you have :)"

AK:  "You can quote me, particularly the 'such a shame'.  I'm sad rather than angry."

SS:  "Thanks so much for your time."

AK:  "You're welcome."

So, it seems  the future of Book Island is unknown at this time.  One can only hope that change will occur and bring new life to this worthwhile place.

By Shellie Sands

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Tim Folds His Hand...

Back in August, I did a piece here regarding a new business model in the SL music scene.  One of the venues proposing such a model was Rasta Ventures, former management of Red Rock Ampitheater, Rasta Beach and Mama's, managed by TributeTim Kwak and his management team.

The new model, a co-op between the venues and performers, was to include Red Rock and Mama's, as well as a new venue.  The grand reopening of the venues was scheduled for 15 September.  Sadly, this did not occur.  It came to my attention that Tim encountered some dificulties with the scripter he hired., as well as having one of the musician partners pull out of the co-op.  He decided to find another scripter, regroup and get back to work on his ideas.

Tim circulated the following letter today, 12 November:

"Hi friend,

After much effort, and now much regret, i'm writing to tell you that i've decided to abandon the Rasta Live Music Co-op project. After working carefully with a very professional, very competent scripter, we've determined that the hours involved to set up the system to a the level of quality that i would be comfortable with would take well over 100 hours of coding and cost in the range of about US$6,000 at reasonable RL programming rates.

I can't afford that, and the SL economy can't justify that level of investment.  But, i am not willing to pair down the project.  I'm not willing to do a half assed job.  Perhaps if I were more skilled in scripting, and if I had the time (which i'm afraid I never will)  I could treat the project as a hobby, do the scripts myself and we would have a system that we were proud of and would be of use to the greater community.  Sadly, that is not to be, or rather, it is not for me to do this job.

As such, i have decided that i will move into other ventures in Second Life and leave venue management to others.  I love the music here, especially YOUR music, and i will always be a grateful and frequent member of your audiences.  I have opinions (like you find THAT surprising) about how the biz side of music should be structured, but they will remain my opinions and I will keep them to myself from this point forward.  Rather, I'll simply enjoy what you do, however it happens.

I want to thank you for your support. In some ways, i feel i've let you down.  But I know that this decision is a much better path than trying to proceed with something that is less than what we had hoped for.

With great love and respect,

TributeTim Kwak"

By Shellie Sands

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Spotlight On...Trowzer Boa Live in West Chester, PA 29 August

On Saturday, 29 August, I traveled out to West Chester, PA to see Trowzer Boa, aka Dave Renz in RL. He and his band, the Dave Renz Jazz Duo, were playing at a local, downtown winery, Kreutz Creek Winery. The winery's slogan is "Built on dreams with determination...capturing the art of the wine making process, from vine to bottle." The actual winery is located in West Grove PA, but the place in town sells exclusivley all the wine made there in the pub.

The store front window served as stage and the drummer was perched up there in the window with the remaining band members in front. The band consisted of Dave on sax, a bassist and keyboardist, as well. The band members are all former students of the high school where Dave teaches.

The band played for an amazing 3 hours, taking several breaks. Not being a huge jazz fan, I couldn't say what tunes they played but I thought they were terrific and I smiled and smiled. Nothing like live music to give a person a new respect for a particular form or style of music. This band had an all together fantastic sound and I had a blast. The crowd was fun, there was lots of laughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

From his website: "Dave Renz has been playing saxophone professionally on the East Coast since the early 1990’s. His compositions and performances have appeared on cd’s alongside Steve Howe, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Robert Hazard and Annie Haslam (Renaissance). He has recorded with some of the top players/producers in the industry, most recently for Grammy winning producer Phil Nicolo as part of the Klemmer-Hill-Reid project. Dave Renz has performed From New York City to Nags Head North Carolina, and appeared multiple times at the Berks Jazz Festival and Music Fest in Allentown PA. Look for him regularly at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Center City , The Blue Point Grille, in Princeton New Jersey, and in and around the Philadelphia area."

Since his performance in West Chester, I had occasion to see Trowzer for the first time in SL. Unaccompanied by the band, Trowzer still plays an amazing sax. If you love jazz, check out Trowzer at your next opportunity.

Shellie Sands

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Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe, 23 August

Featuring Nazz Lane, AMForte Clarity and Wiz Norberg

Our very own Nazz Lane appeared recently on Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe. A very skilled interviewer himself, Nazz was on the receiving end this time. Speaking to Nazz just prior to the show, he did not seem the least bit nervous. I, of course, had no doubt he would be brilliant as he spends much of his time here in SL interviewing others, I had every confidence he was prepared and anticipated the types of questions he would be pressed to answer.

Nazz was the first guest. After some sound checks and double checks, Paisley began. Initial bleed over (for lack of a better way to describe it) with each of the speakers made it a bit difficult to follow. The engineers went to work and quickly straightened it out, and the interview proceeded.

Nazz explained he began his journalistic endeavors with Lane's List, a personal account of his experiences in SL. He later stumbled across an ad for the SL Newspaper in his travels and thought he might enjoy writing stories about SL and other events in SL. He contacted the owners, JamesT Juno and Dana Vanmoer, and was given an opportunity for a trial run, for which he was both grateful and excited. This has blossomed into a nearly full time career in SL and he has produced numerous articles and stories for the paper, as well as other publications, including New Vibe magazine, to name one.

Paisley inquired of Nazz what it is about SL that makes good journalism and why he thinks so many people ask him to write for them. Nazz replied he believes it is the fact that he tries to get to the "who" of an individual, to understand who they are, and what motivates them to do what they're doing in SL. He also tries to uncover what drew an individual into SL and what holds him or her in. Understandably, this requires him to be able to keep track of who's doing what in SL and keep his finger on the virtual "pulse" of SL events. He does this via blogs, twitter, RSS feeds, as well as art forums, such as Pirates, Angelgate and Diablos, to keep up on events in the art scene.

Nazz has recently completed the first 5 chapters of his SL book, Borders of Our Lives. The story Is based loosley on the characters in SL, relationships and experiences, from the newbie experiences on. The main character, Jeffrey Goff, is author Jeffrey Stone and RL attorney. Jeff is quickly befriended by a female mentor, who shows him the SL ropes, gets him clothes, hair, etc. Once acclimated, Jeff realizes how it is affecting his RL and finds it difficult to separate the two worlds. (A truer statement I have not heard).

Paisley asked how much of the book was autobiographical versus lives and experiences of people he has met in his SL travels or perhaps people he has interviewed. Nazz acknolwedged he has met many people here, some of whom he absolutely loves and adores and would also like to meet in RL. What Nazz really hopes to achieve with the book is to provide a vehicle by which to bring the SL experience to those outside of SL who have never experienced a virtual world. He tries to achieve this goal through the narrative and also through the dialogue of the characters. Nazz finds it mind boggling that, despite the lack of tactile senses in world, somehow we have a sense of how people feel, how something smells or feels, or the experience of dancing with someone and actually feeling like we are touching them. I think any of us in SL would agree with this, as odd a concept as it may be. This is a diffcult concept to portray to someone who has not experienced SL. It's amazing what our own imaginations can do. Nazz attributes it to the fact that many of us, in our first lives, are engaging in various forms of communication daily, whether it is for the job, via instant messaging or texting, or for some other form of personal enjoyment.

The book can be purchashed via his business office on Tranquil found in Nazz's picks in his profile, or by sending him an IM directly. (Author's Note: Tranquil has since been sold and interested persons should IM Nazz directly to get a copy of Borders of Our Lives.)

According to Nazz, he had always wanted to be a writer in RL but had never tried it. Since he began writing in SL, Nazz has taken steps to hone his craft and hopes to transcend the realm into RL in the future. I am sure we will also enjoy his book when all planned 12 chapters are completed; I anxiously await the final chapter.

Following Nazz was singer/songwriter AMForte Clarity. I have heard AM many times and was compelled to join her group. A very talented performer with a surprisingly refreshing sound, AM spoke about her life growing up in a small village in a suburb or Toronto, Canada.

After performing a song, AM took her place on the couch with Paisley. When asked how she chose her SL name, AM revealed that AM are her RL initials, standing for Anna Maria, her true name. Forte is actually her RL last name so, as she said, she does not hide anything.

AM recounted a bit of her childhood, claiming it was tough growing up and schools were difficult. She noted she was "so uncool" as a kid. Family life was also a struggle for AM. Her family being very religious, she was not permitted to listen to secular music. Of course she did, being the rebel that she was (and still is by her own admission). AM believes being a bit of a rebel sort of keeps it all real and reminds us we are alive as we go through our sometimes mundane, routine filled lives, governed by schedules and "must do" activities. She left home at age 20 to go to North Carolina for school.

Having escaped from the small town environment in which she was raised, AM began looking for love, admittedly in all the wrong places. I can definitely relate to that! A true poetess at heart, AM began turning her prose into songs, setting the words to music. SL has helped AM grow her RL music career. Her website, AMForte.com, includes 5 professionally recorded songs, many other songs she has written that are new and yet to be recorded, and about "300 ideas for other songs," she said, laughing. She has been putting very much effort into getting her RL career off the ground for the past 4 or 5 years, sending demos out to multiple producers, etc. , even including, in some cases, lavish gifts. This she said chuckling, claiming she had heard this was the way to go. Unfortunately, it got to be a bit pricey but she continues to try. You have to admire her tenacity. AM would love to do a RL tour with other SL musicians. My wheels started turning when I heard this. I have ideas for her.

The thing that keeps AM going, she claims, is she nearly died at one point, she did not elaborate, but it opened her eyes. She decided she needed to really start living having been given this second chance at it. This has made her decide that what she really wants to do is sing and write songs rather than have a boring 9-5 job, no matter how profitable it may be. She hopes her songs may help save some lives, through people identifying with the lyrics and the emotions in her songs.

As a poet myself, I can relate to the introversion and using writing as an outlet to express those thoughts and feelings, bourne from our RL experiences, when perhaps times were not always very happy. Listening to AM describe her life's struggles through growing up with strict parents who did not allow her to do much of anything, and often feeling out of place in her environment, I truly felt as though I were looking in a mirror, seeing a reflection of myself and my own life (minus the near death experience). The similiarities were truly uncanny. This interview gave me welcome insight into this talented musician, songwriter, and poetess.

Wrapping up the show was Treettv CEO, Wiz Norberg. Paisley described Wiz as somewhat of a "quiet achiever" with not much written about him, and a real "mover and shaker in SL" due to the content of Treettv, which is fast on its way to becoming one of the biggest media outlets in SL. Wiz says he will appear on some shows, but generally he is so busy making things, he doesn't have much time. The best interviews he's done are with people who have a clue about what he does here in SL, so those interviews go well and are enjoyable for Wiz--much like talking shop to a colleague.

Treettv has been producing 14-15 shows per week generally, for the last 18 months or so. Wiz stated that while it is difficult to know how many people are watching the productions at any given moment, many people watch after the fact, which is why Treettv makes media available via many different options, to accommodate the global community's schedules.

Paisley posed the question that, because there is so much online media available to folks, how is Treettv planning to compete with that? Wiz doesn't believe it is a competion, TV is fun and everyone knows it's graphics they are looking at. "The real competition we have are what other people are doing with their time...because television itself is just .... we're interested in new ways people consume things." Audiences are amazingly committed to the shows on Treettv according to Wiz. He sounded very surprised by this.

Paisley noted that Treettv itself is nearly about to be launched from the former SLCN TV. Wiz clarified that Treettv is already launched and people are watching it a lot inworld. The changes are more due to better production and high definition TV, but the real change is the launch of the website, which is geared to expanding the audience and use the web more effectively. One of the problems they are facing is that so many people are involved for a mere one hour show. Treettv has 3 full time people and various others, and the whole endeavor becomes somewhat expensive. Wiz believes the website will help with this. Wiz would like to turn the virtual island they are on into a bit more of a showcase, complete with museum. The studio Wikipicture project they are currently involved with is a bit of an experience, and it remains to be seen how it will all unfold.

Paisley acknowledged that much of the SL video/media available closely mimmicks RL, citing the example that her SL studio for the talk show is very like a RL TV talk show set. Wiz believes that what happens in SL is just a mirror of our real lives, using the example of journalism, and splitting things into chapters just as in RL. People have tried to do some different forms of writing, but there are "certain ways that we engage in art" and television is a reflection of our current lives. Some shows, such as Simboarding or The Snails, are ideas completely off the beaten path of what we would consider normal, reflective TV. The people factor is that we just want to learn about each other, which I personally is a normal, valid, human response.

This was a great show and to her credit, Paisley is a very skilled and talented interviewer. She exhibits terrific poise and quickly puts her guests to ease. Check out Paisley Beebe on Tonight Live weekly, some of your favorites may be the target of one her shows.

By Shellie Sands

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Spotlight On...XanderNichting Writer and Tamra Sands

On Friday, 28 August, I visited The Cape at Cupid Lagoon Romantic Resort on Kaiya Islands. Xander started off at 2 pm performing solo. He makes the most beautiful sounds on electric violin. I have been to man Xander shows and always enjoy him immensely. He does big band sounds, jazz, romantic, ballroom dancing tunes and, my favorite, songs from Riverdance. He even had a set of Riverdance dance balls. Those songs are terrific. Imagine though, a Dutchman playing Irish tunes. But, hey, good music is good music and has no ethnic boundaries.

Just before 3 pm, Tamra joined Xander on stage at the mic. This girl has such a beautiful voice and has performed on Broadway in RL. She hit notes that gave me goosebumps.

While Tamra is living in New York and Xander is in Holland, they dual streamed and the sound was truly magnificent. Some of the highlights of their duet included "Amazing Grace," "Route 66," "Eyes of an Angel," Sting's "Fields of Barley" and one of my favorite Streisand songs, "Somewhere." Tamra's manager gave us all her lengthy song list and requests were encouraged. I requested my favorite Tamra song "Eden Will Bloom," and I was not disappointed. She explained that she wrote "Eden Will Bloom" when her nephews were going off to war, which she was against.

This was a dynamic pairing of immense talent and I hope they do it again soon!

By Shellie Sands

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