From the Ashes of “The Lust House”, Midnight Muse takes Adult Entertainment to New Heights – Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

For those of you with "some seasoning" in SL, you may remember the old Venu “The Lust House”. It was something of a traditional, Las Vegas-style strip club, complete with dance poles, a couple of Bars, and adult furnishings scattered about the room.  Change is a constant, not just in RL but in SL as well, and The Lust House was not immune to this change, finally closing and removing yet another Icon from the SL Landscape.  But, as Fortune would have it, it was purchased and, like the Phoenix arising from the ashes, was given new birth.  The new build is a phenomenal improvement over the original, and the changes they made were so very significant that they decided to completely rebrand the build, getting away from some of the baggage and misconceptions of the original venue.  Newly Minted as “Midnight Muse”, this club has it all – dance venues, private dungeons, hotel rooms, a Naked Bowling Ally (Yes…You read that correctly…)  But let’s have the General Manager tell you about it in her own words.  I caught up with Phe as she was directing the application of finishing touches to this ground up, brand new, fully renovated and enhanced Midnight Muse.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Hi Phe.  I know how incredibly busy you are right now, but I and the SL Enquirer readers appreciate you taking a break and telling us about all you have accomplished here. How was it that The Lust House, once closed, is now open and ready for business as Midnight Muse? But this is not merely a re-opened Vegas-style nightclub.  It is so much more.  Tell me please, why the change?

Ƥђє (pheonix.felwitch) (PF):     All of us fondly remember the "original"  LustHouse.. I myself worked there & I loved it. There was no comparison to any other place like it at the time.

Then as it so happens, it changed hands.... and then changed hands again and then Tribish was offered the chance to acquire the LJH. Both of us having been veterans of the "Original, quote Los Vegas style LH" I got an IM that simply said "Phe, I have a chance to buy the Lust House. Are you in" And the rest is history.

The changes began, room by room. PBR update by update. Tribish is a Master builder and Anna and myself are his team. And as in the original... we were becoming something upscale and decadent and unlike anything else out there. We are intentional in our vision to be quite different from everyone else. Visions unfolded and builds carried out, and suddenly we were so much more than The Lust House.

We had out grown it  And like a hermit crab chooses a bigger shell to accommodate its growth, It was time. And the name? So very fitting of the detail and craftsmanship that has gone into what you see here today… Do feel free to reach out for a tour.

JB:     Can you tell us who in in the Administration here at Midnight Muse, and what their role was?

PF:     If there are any questions, in any way shape or form. Feel free at this time to Reach out to me. If the need is there to climb that last step, then I will do so.

JB:     Can you tell me about some of the more interesting features that visitors can find there?

PF:     One of my most favorite spots is the Space Pod. Amazing view, calming, overlooking the space platform. It's lovely. The glass house... There are 3 houses each featuring different furniture for a variety of experiences. But I love it the Glass house and I truly am hard pressed to have to choose just "1" of all there is left that I love here. Even a camping experience. And do try the picnic table <winks> the furniture is always updated and the best there is. We feel it's our duty to field test everything for quality control <nods>

JB:     I see an area with hotel-style rooms.  How do these rooms differ from hotel rooms elsewhere on the Grid

PF:     Well, for one we have suites.  That in itself explains what makes us different than any other experiences out there. Each Suite different, each to be explored. The suites off the main dance floor or the suites in the Grand Hotel. Do go and have a look for yourself. Everyone seems to have a favorite.

JB:     Naked Bowling caught my eye.  Where did you get the idea for THAT?

PF:     It's a Bowling Lounge first and fore most and unlike any "Bowling" out on there on the grid.

Once upon a time, naked bowling was hosted at a friend’s house, and great fun was had by all! I find myself quite competitive and for me, some lanes are more "lucky" than others Yes there are exceptions for being naked for whatever reason :)  Of course we will work with you! Looking for suggestions for Euro Day and time as well as the possibility of an evening States set....

JB:     I saw Three Libraries.  What is THAT all about?

PF:     Who doesn't love books? Each room has gaming tables and also Master chairs on the perimeter to sit and be a part of the group gaming, but not having to actually game. if you don't want to.

JB:     I saw some interesting Dungeon Rooms with individual “activities” in each room.  Why not just put them all in one room, like most SL Dungeons do?

PF:     Excellent question! Originally a gorgeous large dungeon "Area" was there. Gleaming and licked by candle braises light like only PBR can do, however, we found the patrons reached out to Tribish and expressed the desire for a more "Traditional" feel. That resulted into what you see today. A different experience in each room to be had, and perfect for pictures.

JB:     What type of guest do you expect to attract to Midnight Muse?

PF:     There’s no particular 'type' we’re aiming for, when you think Midnight Muse, we want you to think Classy, Classy casual and most importantly, be kind. If you're 30 days or older, come on over and wander. Midnight Muse truly has something for everyone’s cup of tea.

JB:     Where might people go to learn about events at Midnight Muse?

PF:     As the staff grows, so are our sets. Our sets are posted inside the door on the events board and also listed on the formal SL Dash in events. I post to many, many groups. Watch your notices as we grow. Or, you can go to https://discord.gg/RHVRk87t

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer readers?

PF:     Stop by Midnight Muse and the venue speaks for itself. Great sets and good music and guess what? We <Gasps> Actually talk in local during sets. What a concept, right?

Shed your views of what the establishment "Used" to be and stop over for a wander.  We are proudly re branded Midnight Muse. Don't we all seek to inspire as only a Muse can? <winks>

We have Discord under The Lust House name at this time, and we advertise there. We also appear on Slip Hallows Flicker as well as JoeBlobs Flicker. Do stay tuned for more as we grow!

So…there you have it folks.  In a land where all adult clubs look basically the same, the new and improved Midnight Muse is truly one-of-a-kind.  You simply have GOT to see this place for yourself.  And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  You’ll be glad ya did.

Be there!  Aloha!!

JB

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MELENDA YARROWROOT: MUSIC TO LIVE BY – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Many of you may know of the SL Enquirer Singer / Songwriter Open Mic Competition hosted by this publication each month. As a rule, we generally recognize only the Winners of those contests with a Spotlight Feature article in the SL Enquirer, except in cases where several of the competitors gave such phenomenal performances that selecting a winner was all but impossible. February was just one such month. In this case, the outstanding performance turned in by Melenda "Mele" Yarrowroot so blew away the judges that Lanai Jarrico, CEO of SL Enquirer, insisted we recognize Melenda’s stellar performance as well. I was able to reach Melenda the other day and gain greater insight into this wonderful performer and entertainer. 

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB: So, Melenda. Congratulations on your fine performance at the February SL Enquirers Songwriters Open Mic Contest. win. It was well deserved. Thank you for agreeing to chat with me. To begin with, how long have you been performing your music, and at what sorts of venues? 

 Melenda "Mele" Yarrowroot (MY): Thank you so much for reaching out to me for this interview, it was a nice surprise. I started singing in SecondLife on a whim after the place I ran karaoke at closed down. I just happened to wander into Cafe Musique's open mic. I Sang over voice that night and the singers there and owner Laya were so sweet. This was back in 2016 and since then I have sung at many different types of venues, like Templemore, Firefly, Lovekats and I also try to be involved with the Camping for a Cure family for RFL each year at least once. I am very diverse in what I do lol. 

 JB: Wow. That is certainly a variety of locals and genres. So tell us, what was the inspiration for the songs you sang at the contest, and why did you choose those particular songs? 

 MY: I honestly picked them to start out because the theme was love songs. As I was waiting my turn, I was going through my list and trying to find ones that spoke to me. Ones that I knew I could put my heart into when singing them. I also really like to find songs that I think people can relate to. To Make You Feel My Love is one that at some point everyone has felt. We have all loved someone and sometimes it feels like they do not feel it how it is intended. For many reasons, people can relate to that. Then I choose Lose Control. I feel that one speaks for its self. smiles 

JB: To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How would you describe the brand that you now represent, and how do you define your music style? 

MY: I agree that performers should do something that brings people to the shows. I joke about this, but my performances are total chaos, but tons of fun. I love feeding off the chat and the energy of the audience and I incorporate it into my performance/songs. I try to engage with people as I am singing for them. To make them feel included in my performance. I recently added to my arsenal of fun by passing out a pink unicorn that was made for me. I use it when I sing the popular song Pink Pony Club. I have changed up the name a little and it is now the Pink Unicorn Club. I am known on other platforms as the Fluffy Unicorn Melenda, so it only fits to add it here. My management is also great and coming up with what they call Melly Merch. Carlita has been doing Melly Merch for many years. I want the audience to have an immersive experience with me. It makes it fun for me and fun for them. 

JB: What has been your biggest challenge breaking into the Music Industry? 

MY: For me, the biggest challenge has been my own self. I tend to get in my head and I become very nervous and that causes me to hold back. I am also really shy so it is hard for me to self-promote in here. I tend to hide as much as possible, this is something I am currently working on overcoming by going out more and hanging out and talking instead of being always the wallflower. Now my friends would tell you that once I do get comfortable, I never shut up! So, if you see me out and about, PLEASE msg me! I promise I am nicer than it seems from my silence lol. 

JB: What does it take to be a successful musician these days? 

 MY: You know, I think it is about putting yourself out there and being authentic to you. There will be many that will try and change who you are, how you sing or how you do the things you do. You really need to find what makes you happy and that will shine through to the places and people you sing for. The people can tell when you are not being true and they are not big fans of it. JB: What have been the most memorable performances of your career so far, in both SL and in RL? MY: Well, there have been so many performances over the years. One that I will always remember was my first officially hired show. I was so nervous and I spent so long getting ready. My wonderful friend and support at the time, Kayden Rae, made me this killer guitar and case. I loved it so much! All the people I knew came out and supported me, there were so many. Then at the end of the show I went to take my mic off and well sl took it all from me. There I stood my first time doing a paid show and I ended it non-meshed and naked. I figured at that point if I could stand there and laugh that off, then even at my most nervous times (which have been a lot) I would get through it with laughter and fun. As for my real life, I honestly do not go out and perform anymore. It has been many, many, many years. I have done a couple open mics or went out for karaoke but no real shows. That shyness just overwhelms me with stage fright. Who knows maybe one day I will break it and you will see me at a festival near you like I want to be. 

JB: Wow, Melenda. I do hope you got your guitar back? That could scar a musician for life! So then. Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style? 

MY: Etta James was someone that I just loved to listen to when I was younger. My grandparents raised me so I heard a lot of the older artists and that is what turned me on to singing. When I was in high school, I was in all the musicals and all the show choirs and competitions. It wasn't until I got older that the shyness took over. Other artists that over the years inspired my style have varied from Madonna to Lizzo. I have an eclectic style to my shows. You never know if you will get soft chill music, or if we will be belting out some dance hits and EDM. 

JB: Do you post your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your gigs? Where would our SL readers go who want to hear you live and in concert? 

MY: There are many places that people can go to catch me singing. I have a group in-world as well as a discord that we always post the shows in. I do have a Facebook, but I tend to not use it as much. The notifications just get lost there. You can also look for me in world melenda.yarrowroot and there are all kinds of links in my profile to send you in the right direction. I currently do not have a lot of shows, but hope to pick up some more soon. 

JB: Do you have any Social Media Sites out there where readers can learn more about you? 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melenda.yarrowroot/ 
• Discord: https://discord.gg/8tAR3XDzVK 

There you have it, folks…an in-depth look at that musical sensation, Melenda Yarrowroot: The Woman…the Myth…the Legend! If you are a fan of Live Music in SL, and let’s face it, who isn’t? Then you simply have to catch one of Melenda’s shows and decide for yourself how wonderful this performer really is. And when you do, tell her “Josh sent me”. You’ll be glad you did. 

Be There! Aloha! 

 JB

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HALF MOON BAY: HALFWAY TO HEAVEN IN SECONDLIFE – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

After spending years as a resident in SecondLife, it is easy to develop a “Been there,  Seen it all” attitude.  After all, there are only a finite number of ways to design a dance club, right? Grab a few essentials – Dance floor, DJ platform, Dance Intan, some animated furniture and bar stools.  Throw in a strobe light of two, and you’re ready for launch.  But if you really think that is the best that SL has to offer, then, as my Dad used to say: “Ya got another think coming”.  After a particularly hectic week in “That other world”  I seriously needed a break from the flotsam and jetsam of life, when I stumbled upon Half Moon Bay,  A delight for the eyes and relaxation for the spirit… as if Norman Rockwell and Bob Ross had designed a village.. As I strolled the winding streets of this seacoast village, I came upon ℜσχу Μŷşŧīς  (roxymystic) and Virgil Flowers (xvirgilflowersx).  She was busy, touching up the paint on the sign over the bait shop, while he was replacing some paving stones that had broken under the weight of last winter’s snow.  They graciously consented to take a break from their labors and chat with me for a bit. 

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):   So tell me, guys,  Where did you get the idea for Half Moon Bay (HMB)and is there some history here?

Roxy Mystic (RM):   As far back as I can remember, Virgil and I always had a venue; not always a public one but we both enjoy building and doing creative things.  He is a SL musician and it is always nice to have a spot where he can call home to practice and play. This time around we both wanted a natural and relaxing spot. I always loved the charm of small coastal fishing towns so we hope that visitors instantly feel it too and enjoy the theme.  

Virgil Flowers (VF):  Roxy and I had a previous venue modeled after The Whisky, a famous live music bar in Los Angeles, and I wanted to give Her a nice gift, so when I gave this to her i was looking for names, and I used to live on the west coast so the name half moon Bay just appealed to me - it is a very image invoking the name, however,
the location in SL bears no resemblance beyond the name to the actual RL place.

JB:   Did you do all this yourself?  If not, who else is involved and what is/was their contribution?

VF:   Roxy did 98% of this build Herself - my contributions were the half-moon sort of logo - using a moon character found on MP and then crafting the letters and sign textures...and I did a little bit on the stage area.  Otherwise, this is all Her, and She is a wizard at building sims.

RM:   Virgil is a very generous person with a big heart, he knows how much I love to build. We do work wonderfully together. When we take on a big project, we love to brainstorm ideas first. Both of us have RL professional backgrounds so we understand very well how to execute business and marketing plans.

 JB:   What sets Half Moon Bay apart from the many other clubs out there with a similar theme?

RM:   I don't even think of HMB as a club at all, I really want people to feel they can come here and just relax and enjoy themselves, in my mind that is the first priority at HMB.

VF:  Well, HMB is more than a club - it is a well-laid-out place to kick back and relax - it has Virgil's Guitar Store, (also available on marketplace) MARKET PLACE: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/234018, naughty motel, a nice beach, a wharf area, restaurant, wedding chapel and the the outdoor music area, with a kind of hippy boho feel...it is a laid-back open place that accepts all.

JB:   Who do you hope to attract to your build? What special group of people might Half Moon Bay appeal to?

Virgil - Anyone looking to relax and enjoy the sounds of surf or music or to take some nice pictures.  Intimate rendezvous at the motel, Virgil's Guitar Shop is there as well.  Come for a nice walk with a loved one, or alone to relax and meditate.

Roxy - I agree with Virgil, it offers a little something for everybody. There are interactive furniture all over the place and some are very romantic. HMB is also a perfect spot for photographer enthusiasts and bloggers. We have a Flickr page where HMB pictures can be shared:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/14813696@N24/

JB:   What are some of the areas that guests might enjoy during a visit to Half Moon Bay?

RM:   People can come here for a bit of roleplay if they like. The restaurant for example has 80+ menu items and don't get me going about the kinky Motel! The Chapel with automated wedding services is quite quaint. Virgil and I were looking for a nice small spot to marry a few years ago and could not find anything out there that catered to small weddings so this inspired me to build a really adorable spot here at HMB. The chapel, car, arch, and bench inside the gazebo have a bunch of poses for the groom and bride. It is really perfect for a small intimate wedding.

VF:   As mentioned above, HMB features a Wedding Chapel, a beach, a Wharf area with a fish and chip shack, Virgil's Guitar Shop, an Outdoor restaurant, a Motel and a Sound-stage.

JB:   Do you have any special events planned?

VF:   We are kicking off the opening with a Flickr photo contest, and planning a Grand Opening in July with live music.  Right now, our plan is to have monthly themed events, such as Acoustic shows, Singer Songwriter original shows, Guitarist Show, and a Dueling event...there are so many talented people in SL, that we want to support

RM:   All of those details will be coming soon and we will ensure to send out a press release and notices once everything is confirmed! People are welcome to join our Facebook group as well to keep up with our events FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197517120888949

 JB:    And how about the future?  Do you have any changes in mind?

RM:  The future of HMB is hopefully a good one with lots of positive feedback. We are not officially open yet and so far we've had over 200 visitors. I think most have visited the Motel though as I keep finding dirty towels all over the rooms! Thank God Virgil is the one doing all the cleaning! Teasing aside, there are no immediate plans for changes but who knows!

JB:    Are these spaces available for use by others?

VF:   Absolutely - almost everything is interactive. You can use the Motel themed rooms (there are 3 rooms each with a theme, get married, eat a meal, relax on the beach….there is an interactive row boat and chairs ...so yes, a lot to do, and of course the music when we have events.

JB:   What has been your greatest challenge in building Half Moon Bay?

VF:   Roxy is a prolific builder, and I would come in in the mornings and She would have most of the things done, so other than designing a logo and helping Her fit buildings into spaces, there was very little challenge for me - I am sure She would say different!  lol..but really, the biggest challenge is probably creating a nice sim within a strict prim count.

RM:   PRIMS! I had to do a lot of creative prim combining but it all came out perfectly. I do have so many creative ideas but perhaps that will bare fruit in another build somewhere someday.

JB:   Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?

RM:  Half Moon Bay was built for the SL community to enjoy. There are no fees to join the HMB group and everybody is welcome!

VF:  I totally agree with Roxy, we come to SL to relax and leave the stresses of RL jobs and stuff behind for a while, HMB is a place to do exactly that.

So, there you have it folks. This place is DEFINITELY worth your time.  Come for a short visit…or stay the entire season.  Check out their FLICKR and FaceBook sites, then hop on over to the SURL listed below.

And when you do, Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  You’ll be glad you did

Be there!  Aloha!!

JB

·         SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pleasant%20Cove/30/75/46

·         FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14813696@N24/

·         FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197517120888949

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THE BASILICA: SL’S NEWEST AND HOTTEST NIGHT CLUB IN THE HISTORY OF NIGHTCLUBS – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

 

The other day, as I was strolling along the beach on the Blake Sea, I heard the faint sounds of music, wafting over the roar of the incoming surf.  I was instantly captivated by the Siren song, urging me forward.  I had to know where this magical sound originated.  After a perilous journey, traversing three whole regions, I finally located the source of this enchantment.  I was in the aptly named region of “Dark Rose”, and the music issued forth from the massive structure before me:  The Basilica.  I beckoned to two persons I assumed to be acolytes at this Basilica, asking that they share with me the story of this fantabulously amazing build (and yes, “fantabulously” is a real word.  Just ask my 6-year-old).  This is their story.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    So, tell me, Trynn and Emi? Just what is the Basilica all about?

Trynn.Mildor (TM):   It is about feeding the soul - through music, through connection, through togetherness. It is about the thrill of the dance, about losing yourself in the beat. Because when we are swept away by the dance we become united, unified. We belong.

Emilysilkstone (ES):    Why do people come to SL? To escape from reality for a bit, to chill, to relax, to meet friends. We want to give them a good time because we think everyone deserves to have fun here. And a club is just perfect for this: bringing people together, listening to music, dancing, chatting ... you can do it all at the Basilica.

JB:   What a phenomenal build.  Did the two of you do this all yourself, or did you have help, and what did they do?

TM:    Oh no this is the work of Marcus Inkpen - we are more um ...  putterers together of things. - including ideas and people.  But we are in love with the building - the reflective floors, the high-arched vaults, and the majestic apses. we think are the perfect setting for a sacred experience like music and human engagement.

ES:    Well, I'd say "we threw stuff together and called it a club". The real artists are the creators of course. I'm the greatest admirer of all those amazing people creating amazing things in SL. And it's an honor to use them in our sim. We started with a central theme, a central story, then handed over to our imagination ... And this is the result.

JB:   Why did you choose this setting?

TM:    Well, we chose this beautiful building by Marcus firstly for a selfish reason - we love it. But also, we chose it as a sort of recognition that it can stand as a sort of metaphor for our devotion to music. Like faith, music is transcendent in nature. It lifts your spirits, it reaches the deep recesses of your mind that sometimes stay dormant.  It even has the potential to remind us of the vastness of the universe and how small we are in it. 

ES:    When I saw this Basilica for the first time, my jaw dropped. I've never seen such an amazing building. And yeah, my first thought was ... let's use it for a music club haha. I've seen RL (techno-)parties in churches and I was at Tomorrowland last summer, so yeah, this kind of scenery really adds to the experience. And I like it big haha. But don't put that in your article.

JB:   Certainly Emily…no double entendre or nuanced naughtiness here.  So…what kind of musical genre do you envision here, and what kind of guests are you hoping to attract?

TM:   There isn’t anyone across the Myers-Briggs personality spectrum that we don’t want to attract!  We think everyone deserves human connection. So, we hope for the passionate, the adventurous, the experimental, and the spontaneous but ... we hope to add some of those elements to those who do naturally or currently feel those things. Even those who aren't huge fans of EDM will find pleasure in the vibe, the awe-inspiring sense of the place, and the hot AVs dancing or hanging out. 

ES:    Well, personally I like almost everything! From techno to classical, from oldies to French stuff. But it will be a journey, taking off with EDM, techno, house, but also things like a dark wave ... ok ask Trynn hahahaha. And about our guests, well my doctor once said I have a big heart, so yes, there's room for everyone.

JB:   As you know, there is no shortage of adult entertainment sims in SL.  What is the “Basilica” difference and why should people come here for entertainment, vice go elsewhere?

TM:   Well The basilica is not only a dance club, or only a hookup place - it's an amalgamation of the two things. But that just makes sense if you think about real life. I mean, most of us have fallen in lust at clubs millions of times over. Because music can be sex ... and sex can be music. And a tad of lovense in the furniture will only add excitement into the mix.   The Basilica has a certain energy to it, a pulse. You feel it the moment you look up at those ornate windows and the apses, and then that first wave of neon brushes over you, and you feel you are somewhere special.  There are other little things too, like the couple standing poses discreetly placed around the floors and the exclusive balcony boxes that can be  rented out for private parties. But at the heart of it is our love for music - we are true devotees -  it translates into everything, from the DJs we pick to the themed events we'll be having.

 ES:    Oh, our unique selling points are many: first of all, our scenery: the fantastic Basilica, but also the buildings next to it: we have a cozy coffee house, a warehouse for illegal raves, a nice square for open-air concerts ... We'll bring the experience to social media, we'll even live stream to YouTube. We'll have Twitch DJ's in-world. And we'll implement artificial intelligence, so you can interact with NPC's. Fun Fun FUN!

JB:   Did I see some zombies wandering about the premises? What are they doing here?

ES:    Oh, did you spot me on a Monday early morning here? Guess I didn't have coffee yet.

TM:   (Laugh) Those are only for my own stress relief and amusement. When they are shot, they explode and there is great satisfaction in that... I sometimes forget them and they spawn across the sim giving visitors shock. Their days will be unfortunately numbered once the club is open.

JB:   Do you plan any special events here, and if so, how might people learn about them?

TM:   Oh yes!  We will definitely host themed events - both Emily and I are fiends for fashion and dressing up. The best way to stay abreast of upcoming events is to join the SL group: the Basilica @ Dark Rose, or to visit Emily's coffee shop - the hostess there is always up to speed with the latest gossip.

ES:    Yes. not only parties, but also fashion shows, car shows on the square in front of the Basilica, and even chess games with famous YouTubers. We're aiming for the next Eurovision song contest - ok, now I’m kidding.

JB:   Tell me about the Fire Station?  Do you have some ideas for that?

TM:    The Basilica for all its grandeur is situated among some old factories and warehouses, some tenements, and a skanky hotel.  One sees this often in urban development where a beautiful old building, often with historical value, gets engulfed by industrial plants and such. however, luckily these buildings  are quite beautiful in their own right. They have a gritty sort of glamor to them. We are hoping to make them available as a venue for hire and to host some parties in them - maybe old-school style raves could be amazing in there.

ES:    Well, we value safety and security, and as the Basilica is an old building, we rezzed a fire station as well. We had to. Insurance ordered us to do it. So, we're safe  now.

JB:   And how about the future?  Do you have any improvements or changes in mind for the weeks and  months ahead?

TM:   We are very mindful of feedback, sometimes you have to trial and error things, live with them for a bit to see if they work or not. So definitely we will be ready to adjust if we must. But we believe the bigger picture for the sim is quite feasible, and that the bigger picture slots together like pieces of a puzzle. For example, Emily's is a dainty little coffee shop with a marvelous view of the ocean; and there are plans underway for an acoustic lounge on the beach with mismatched beach chairs and gently crashing waves.  Also, down the line we would like to offer accommodations, those gorgeous old tenements are just asking to be lived in.

JB:   Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

ES:    Yessss, Second Life is an amazing world. I think it's still the best virtual place around. And I hope to see all those amazing SL-peeps at the Basilica. And not only on Sundays. Well, you know what I mean. xox

TM:  We want everyone to come on this journey with us. Friends, family, frenemies, future friends … everything we do is transparent. We want people to share in the milestones, the successes and the mistakes. And when we fail at some things, we’ll fail forward. It’s sort of like launching a new tech platform in beta, we’ll throw all we have at it and make adjustments as we learn until it is the best possible user experience around.  

So, there you have it folks.   The Basilica is a feast for the eyes AND the ears.  Grab the LM below and hop on over and check it out.  You’ll be glad you did.

Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  

Be there! Aloha

SURL:  maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dark%20Rose/67/18/24

Flickr:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/14850893@N21/pool/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1thebasilica

Discord: https://discord.gg/KC6cu4U9

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A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR: WOODBINE DOWNS ESTATES- JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

 

A horse walks into a bar. 
The bartender says, “Hey, Buddy. Why the long face?”

(Pause for laughter)

OK…OK...OK…so it was a joke.   I am not serious.
But what IS serious is a lovely sim I stumbled upon called Woodbine Downs Estates. There I was met by dozens and dozens of the finest representatives of the equine species to be found anywhere on the grid. The ultimate in realism, as you wander the carefully groomed grounds, you will see animals that are unmatched in beauty and class. The brainchild of Marine and TaffyMarie Torraze, this is indeed unique among sims. Walk with me as we wander these beautiful grounds and chat with the owner.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB: Hi Marine.  Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions about your operation here.

Marine Torraze (marinefiend.redinamus) MT:  No problem Josh.  I love this place and never pass up an opportunity to share that passion with others.

JB:  So, tell me. What is Woodbine Downs Estates all about?

MT: Woodbine Downs Estates offers a Unique place for Boarding/Breeding and Selling  ABC Horses, Ponies & Kaiila's. I have spent at least three months in the design and planning of Woodbine, building and designing the sales yard with custom built pens, seasonal changing trees, and walkways, custom-designed breeder barns. We also offer ABC's own brand of Bid Boards. We have custom-designed stalls only found at Woodbine. The feel at Woodbine is very upper class. You can feel a sense of pride about just walking around and enjoying the scenery. The atmosphere here is breathtaking.

JB:  Yes Marine.  I agree.  The “atmosphere” around most barns can be described as “breathtaking”…but I wander.    Just what are “ABC Animals” anyway?

MT: ABC Awesome Breed Creations, is one of the fastest-growing ventures on the grid. ABCs unique blend of scripting, building, and team of experienced people will be sure to produce a product and provide an environment in which you can rediscover breedables as they were meant to be. These breedables are one of the only racing horses on the grid. Weekly race events for various breeds are held on ABC's special racing sim. You can track and trace sales, breeds, and generations of your breedables in the MyABC website. Read more about ABC here - https://awesomebreedcreations.com/

JB:  How did you first get interested in breeding horses?

MT:  I have been in breedables since at least 2010. Breeding many different things in Second Life. Bunnies, horses, dogs, and cats. I got hooked on ABC back in early 2012 when I was invited to the beta program of ABC by the owner. I had 4 sims at the time with 2 being a mall, one being my Club and one was a sales yard and auction house for all types of breedables. I switched to strictly ABC in mid-2012 and became one of 6 certified ABC auction houses.

JB:  What types of events do you have here?

MT:  Other than our auction house, that starts up on Sept 26th at 10 am SLT,  we have yet to do any events. I have a training track we placed up in the sky to allow people to train and play. The track is the same size as an official ABC track system minus the starting gates and timing systems. So in the future, we may come up with something fun.

JB:  Over the years, there have been many different types of breedables in SL.  What makes your operation different from those breedables that have gone before it?

MT:  Woodbine is a unique breedable place strictly for ABC Horses & Ponies. We provide superior customer service. We walk the yard daily to ensure all the horses are safe and sound. I am personally available 24/7. I can be found online at least 12 hours a day, and all direct offline messages come to email, so if its a serious matter, I can log on and deal with any situation that arises.

JB:  I see a really varied population of horses here.  Just how many of those beautiful animals are there here?

MT:  There are 75 different breeds of horses and 32 other breeds of ponies. Each has six unique traits. Coat, mane, tail, eye, face marking, and leg markings. ABC is like real-life horses, must be fed and cared for, or they will become sick and eventually die. ABC foals are born live, and they must be with their mothers for nourishment during their first three days (ages 0-2). At age three (3) they begin to eat on their own. Between the age of seven (7) and ninety ABC horses are eligible to race, as long as they haven’t bred. The racing side of an ABC Horse has Skill Sets. These skill sets are the specific ability that the horse uses in horse competition. Each skill is trainable and has its own values. Each skill will be determined by the breed of the horse The Horse skills increase as the owner trains the horse over time. The owner must choose the trait that he/she wants to train.

 
JB:  Tell me about your Auctions.  What are those like?

MT:  Auctions are a fun place to come and sell your horses and ponies. A true form of bidding area allows multiple buyers to bid against each other to buy a breeder's animals. I am usually found sitting in the back with a bag of popcorn, watching it all go down. Or sometimes jumping right in the fight. There are also Raffles and Fun Give-Aways, which many people enjoy. All Auction houses meet specific requirements and follow the guidelines put in place by ABC and must be certified.

JB:  Anything ELSE you would like to share with our readers?

MT:  I would just like to thank all the people that have helped make Woodbine possible. Without the ABC community support, there would not be a Woodbine Downs.

JB:  How can interested parties learn more about your operation here.

MT:  Please feel free to come to visit our Sales Yard and enjoy the unique relaxing atmosphere. All are welcome to enjoy our Auctions to see for themselves the fun that is found when attending.  I doubt they could not leave without bidding on one of the beautiful beauties on display for auction, or they just might walk away with their first freebie horse if entered in our auction raffle. 

Many good Pics of Woodbine, plus lots of older pics
Flickr Pics - Check out my Flickr - https://flic.kr/ps/qJvja
SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stable/180/193/23

So…Stop horsing around and go check it out.  And that’s No Joke!
Be there.  Aloha!
JB

 

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