LIVING THE DREAM AT DREAM SEEKER ESTATES: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

SecondLife is a phenomenal Virtual World where thousands of people all over the world have made their second home.  A great many of those residents buy or rent properties here and create their virtual “Dream Residence”.  Traditionally, the process involves laborious searches, hopping from sim to sim and plot to plot, looking for the PERFECT place to build.  Once they find the perfect plot of land, they can spend weeks and thousands of Lindens more on terraforming, landscaping and building the ideal vacation property.

Enter Dream Seeker Estates – an entirely different approach to property management.  To help describe exactly HOW different they are, I have invited Dream Seeker Estate Owner/CEO Zeebster Colasanti and General Manager Zani Fiertze to help explain exactly how Dream Seeker Estates is truly unique among property Management firms.

Tired of all the hassle of acquiring property here?  Let Dream Seeker Estates show you a whole new approach and a truly “Turn Key” method to owning the property of your dreams

Josh (Thpmas1 Bellic) JB:     So, tell us, Zeebster?  Just how does Dream Seeker Estates differ from the dozens and possibly hundreds of other Property Management sites out there?

Zeebster Colasanti (ZC): We believe that in Second Life commerce trust can be the highest differentiator between private Property Management businesses.  In this industry customers always prepay for their service, usually for just a week but sometimes for several weeks at a time and trust that they will not lose their investment because of deceit or incompetence of the service provider.  We believe that if we collect money from our customers and expect them to trust us, they should know who we are.  To that end, we are possibly the only private estate Property Management business in Second Life that proudly lists its legal corporation name and province of incorporation on our website for anyone to see.  I believe we our unique in this industry in feeling proud enough of who we are and how we operate to share our legal name.

JB:     You guys have been around for some time, correct?

ZC:     Yes, that’s right.  We started our operations in 2007 so in a couple of years we will be celebrating our 20 years in operations.  Over the years we have seen many private estates come and go, gained wealth of experience and developed our own IT infrastructure and processes to ensure consistantly professional and efficient delivery of our service. 

JB:     How big a staff does it take to run Dream Seeker Estates?

ZC:     We presently have 12 staff members and are looking to hire two more in the near term.  We have some newer members on our team but roughly half of our staff that makes up the core of our team have been with the company now for over 10 years, with some going back as far as 15 years.  We must be doing something right, as a team and as a company, to have so many of our staff stand by our brand for so many years.

JB:     How many properties are you actively managing at this time?

ZC:     We presently have over 1,000 regions leased directly from Linden Lab which makes us the second largest tier 1 private Property Management company in Second Life.  Like all our peers, we provide services both directly to the retail market and also to a handful of tier 2 Property Management companies that prefer to source their regions from us rather than from Linden Lab. 

JB:     Sooo… You don’t just sell flat parcels of Land, but they may actually come already terraformed and such?

Zani Fiertze (ZF):     Yes, that's right! We don’t just offer flat parcels of land – many of our regions are thoughtfully terraformed and landscaped, making them not only easier to develop but also more exciting to build on right from the start. Whether it's sandy shores, lush grass, mixed textures, or even mountains that separate parcels in some areas or water features in others, there's something unique to suit every vision. And if you need help with terraforming your parcel, our customer care team is always available to assist. For residents who rent entire regions, we even offer fully designed themes to choose from. Simply let our customer care team or sales agent know which theme you’d like, and we’ll handle the rest.

JB:     I understand you have parcels in different Regions for sale?  Tell me about some of these different regions, and what the focus is there?

ZF:     Yes, we offer parcels in a variety of regions, divided across several estates or region types. Each estate has its own characteristics and focus. Here's a brief overview of some regions we currently have available:

Dream Waters Edge:  As one of our Neighborhood Regions, Dream Waters Edge offers a beautifully landscaped environment with a charming neighborhood feel, complete with tree-lined streets, streetlights, and even white picket fences. Residents can enjoy a passive park, perfect for relaxing or watching children at play, or sit on one of the benches along the pier to take in the ocean views and soothing sounds. For those looking to explore, our bike rezzer allows them to enjoy a peaceful ride around the region. Additionally, residents love experiencing the changing seasons, not only in Dream Waters Edge but throughout the other regions in our Neighborhood Regions estate.

Cyrene is one of our Homestead Community residential regions, offering smaller parcels of land. While the parcels are smaller, they don’t lack on prims and provide plenty of space between each, ensuring residents never feel crowded. Cyrene offers a serene and picturesque environment, creating an ideal setting for those seeking a tranquil place to call home.

Petopia is one of our Farm Community regions designed for residents who enjoy owning breedable pets and engaging in breedable-specific commerce. This unique type of region offers a perfect blend of residential living and opportunities for those who enjoy raising and caring for breedable pets, all within a supportive and like-minded community.

We offer a wide range of options to fit the needs and visions of all Second Life residents. Whether they are looking for a peaceful nature retreat or a commercial space to grow, Dream Seeker Estates has something for everyone.

JB:     What about clients from non-English speaking countries?  How do you communicate with them?

ZF:     We know how important clear communication is, especially for our residents who speak languages other than English. That’s why we’re committed to making sure everyone has a smooth and positive experience during the purchasing process. To help with this, we have team members who can assist in several languages, including Dutch, German, and Spanish. Plus, we use translation tools like Google Translate and other services to ensure we can communicate effectively, no matter the language. Our goal is to make the entire process as easy and seamless as possible for everyone, no matter where they are from or what language they speak. We take pride in offering a personalized, supportive experience that truly meets the needs of every resident in Second Life.

For Further Information:

The best way to learn more about the amazing properties available through Dream Seeker Estates is to simply visit them at:

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dream%20Seeker/66/61/23

WEBSITE:  https://dreamseekerestates.com

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Dream%20Seeker%20Estates

So there you have it, Folks.  Are you tired of spending hours and hours, teleporting across the grid, examining dozens of parcels, looking for just the right fit, but finding something wrong with each of them?  Then head on over to Dream Seeker Estates and save yourself time and frustration. Their designers, Terraformers and Sales associates are guaranteed to find, or modify, right to your exacting specifications.  YOU really need to see this place to believe it.  And when you do, tell ‘em Josh Sent ya.  You’ll be glad ya did.

Be there! Aloha!

JB

 

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THE ENVY OF SONGBIRDS EVERYWHERE: AMBERLE SNUGGLEPUFF, SL ENQUIRER OPEN MIC WINNER DEC 2024 – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC), REPORTING

 One of the really cool parts of my job as a SLE Reporter is I get to hear some of the absolute best of SL’s Musical talent.  The SL Enquirer Open Mic Songwriters Contest attracts the very BEST musicians that the Grid has to offer, and the winner who closed out 2024 for us is no exception.  Judging is tough…. REALLY   tough….at these contests, given the phenomenal performances by all, and selecting the winner is no easy task.  This time that honor fell to Amberle Snugglepuff, guitarist and singer extraordinaire.  I caught up with Miss Amberle following a VERY hectic Holiday Season, and she graciously consented to answer a few questions so that you, the reader, might learn more about this sensational talent.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) SB:     So, Amberle, Congratulations on your 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 what sorts of venues?

Amberle Snugglepuff-Angel (amberle.snugglepuff) AS:     Hi there, thank you so much! I am truly honored and appreciate the opportunity to reach different communities with this interview. I’ve been performing for about 7 years now. I started around 2017 and fortunately, I have had the opportunity to perform at numerous venues that have spanned a range of themes and occasions.

SB:     Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?

AS:     I grew up in a musically oriented family, my mom was a performer during her younger days, my dad was part of a band, and our extended family co-founded a choir when I was still a baby.  Surrounded by people who loved music, it influenced how I perceived going about singing and performing. It definitely brought about a wealth of techniques that I was able to utilize even when I didn’t have any professional training or education. If there were any, at all, it would be some classical techniques that were taught during the time I was still part of the choir that my aunties co-founded. So, the biggest influences were definitely very close to home.

SB:     What was the inspiration for the song you sang at the contest, and why did you choose that particular song?

AS:     I sang two songs that were very close to my heart, very sad tunes that were out of depth with the Christmas spirit. I sang Out of Love by Alessia Cara and Gravity by Sara Bareilles. It was a few weeks ago but I remember talking about how I always gravitate towards the heartbreak songs, and it felt right to acknowledge that there are some people experiencing this kind of sadness during a very festive season. As a performer, I believe there always has to be a balance between certain emotions that we evoke, but I can’t help it at times. I love it when people ‘feel’ and it’s amazing when I get to bring people on an emotional rollercoaster with me.

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

AS:     I’m really bad at describing/defining my brand or musical style but on a personal note, my preference tends to gravitate towards songs from the 80’s to the present. Pop is definitely a big factor but I love to listen to all sorts of genres and that can translate to covers that sound entirely my own. I love breaking songs down into raw versions that may evoke a different kind of emotion intended and I believe it’s what makes music so special, we can all be singing the same song but have very different intentions or directions taken.

SB:     What are your landmark performances?  Best Memories performing both in RL and in SL?

AS:     Singing is mostly a hobby to me, but the best memories from RL that I remember are when I joined plays and music events during my younger school years, band sessions when I got older and probably attempting to join The Voice Philippines one time.

In SL, there are also several. The first would be performing at Templemore for the first time, under their management, after a very long break that I took. Shoutout to my lovely team, for having my back through all of this, I would never have come back to singing if not for them. The biggest ‘landmark’ performance would definitely be performing for SMOKEFEST 2024, it was definitely a moment that I would never forget. From the months of preparation down to the day I got to sing for such a big crowd, it was a great honor and opportunity to be a part of it. Lastly, I find myself marveling at being invited to private moments where I get to sing for people who have followed me for a while, their birthdays, weddings and what not. I consider them a big milestone because I get to be a part of something that means a lot to them and as an artist, I thrive on the connections made.

SB:     How did you take the news when they first announced your name as the winner?

AS:     I was genuinely surprised because it felt surreal. I was grateful but I honestly couldn’t believe it because I also thought about all the other amazing performers who were in the running. The winner could easily have been any one of them.

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

AS:     Success is subjective and is different depending on who is asked. For me, success in music isn’t just about talent, it requires a blend of talent, dedication, adaptability, and business savvy. I personally value a good work ethic and persistence, because I believe that being able to break through obstacles, rejection and personal troubles hone and define musical skill and creativity. Also, let’s not forget that connecting with your audience is also up on that list, emotionally resonating with your people gives a musician the opportunity to evoke feelings and/or tell a compelling story, even if it’s not something that someone is going through at that very moment.

SB:     You’ve been on the grid for a while now. What advice could you give to someone who wants to be a songwriter?

AS:     I’ve been on the grid for about 12 years now, performing for 7. I’ve written some songs here and there, but there are some that I’ve not really shared just yet. Personally, I’d say find the method that makes your ‘madness’, creativity if you will, work. It’s different for everybody but I believe that knowing and channeling what you want people to feel while continuing to study and learn about music helps. Write often, as it stimulates growth. Tell a story, your story, as it makes you relatable. There’s so much, but beyond the technicality, I’d say… Have fun! Enjoy the process, and as hard as it is to follow this advice for me, don’t be too hard on yourself.

SB:     Do you have any social media sites that folks can visit to see more of you and your work?

AS:     Yes, I have a few that I maintain, and would love to get a follow!

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/amberlemusic/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/amberlemusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50ShadesofAmber/

SB:     Do you post your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your gigs?

AS:     Yes, I have a calendar that everyone can look into, and we post in-world, social media and the Discord community.

In-world Group: secondlife:///app/group/ca9e05ac-c484-0cd0-2ddc-dc66457ef5cd/about Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/AmberleLive/

Discord: https://tinyurl.com/AmberleDiscord/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50ShadesofAmber/

SB:     Amberle, is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?

AS:     I would like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone. If you’re reading this, thank you for your time and I hope you enjoyed getting to know me more as much as I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you all.

Thank you to Ninja, Kaysie and Wolfie for organizing the Christmas Open Mic event that led to this opportunity. To Lanai, and you Josh, for this interview.

A big shout out to my Templemore family. Luis Lockjaw, you are my rock through all the madness, thank you for encouraging me to come back to performing in SL and continuing to support me through everything. Rhia, Taj, and Levi, I can’t express just how much I appreciate you all. I don’t exaggerate when I say I can’t do this without you. Carly, your support means so much to me, thank you for giving me that extra push to explore more possibilities in music.

To the people I consider my family, best friends one could ever ask for and the best support system, you make my SL so fulfilling. Chris Grumpypants, Katsumi & Sonne Tchailenov, Tira and Des Ashen, Jessica Gabardini, Alesea and Crash Seaborne, Steph Sinatra, you mean so much to me. Thank you, I love you.

To my Angel family, thank you for taking me in, keeping me safe and having my back. You are all so special to me and I will forever be grateful.

Last, but not the least, thank you to the people who have consistently supported me through this musical journey. My Amberfied, you are the best community one could have, and fortunately, you are mine. Here’s to more moos! ♥

I hope 2025 is good for everyone! Again, thank you and keep safe!

So there you have it, folks.  Straight from the songbird’s mouth.  Amberle’s unique interpretation and delightful style she brings to her singing is something that is MUCH better experienced, than described.

Take a look at her calendar, find a performance, and judge for yourself.  You will NOT be disappointed.  And I stand behind THAT prediction. Catch one of her gigs soon.

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

Be there!  Aloha!

SB

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DREAMERS LANDING: HELPING NEW RESIDENTS TRANSITION TO LIFE ON THE GRID - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

 

The other night a good friend of mine showed me how to “see” partially rezzed avis WITHOUT having to relog to do it.  Sixteen years here, and I am STILL learning my way around this place.  But wouldn’t it have been GREAT to have had a mentor to show me some of the basic survival Skills here in SL, without all those months and years of doing things wrong?

Well…now there is just such a place.  Dreamers Landing.  You have simply GOT to check this place out.  After I heard about Dreamers Landing from two independent sources, I knew I would need to see this marvelous place for myself.  There I met Avalon, and Fire, who, despite being in the middle of decorating an entire sim for the Holidays, graciously agreed to share their story with me and our SL Readers.  Check it out.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    So, Guys.  What an absolutely stunning build you have here.  Whose idea was this?

Avalon.Bouvier (AB):     This entire idea is Fire’s brainchild. We met simply by accident when I commented on his project outlined in his profile. It has been a constant growing concern since that moment.

Fire (fire3850)  (F3):     During an extremely difficult time I recognized the way out was to help as many people as I could and stop thinking about myself.  I was deeply touched by the help I received from my friend Wyatt(CWEarp) and those at his SIM.  I started with a crude attempt to model this kindness, which was so improved and refined by Avalon, the project co-founder. 

JB:     Did you have help in the design and construction?

F3:     Lol Josh, I’m good at deleting critical platforms and turning whole buildings hideous colors (pics to follow).  Avalon was 100% the one behind the design and construction that has turned that empty sim into a picturesque, warm, home.  She has the combination of being extremely smart and the eye of an artist, my job was to get out of the way.

JB:     What is it you can offer new residents of SL?

AB:     What we'd love to offer new residents here at Dreamer’s Landing is a place to live and learn as a new resident to second life. We offer them a beautiful home on a developed SIM and one-on-one mentorship and education. We're also trying to create a community where they feel welcomed

F3:     I think we come to SL for connection with others, everything else is downstream from that.  Although we offer free housing and education to residents, the first thing we offer is a community of mentors that care.  SL is full of good people and people become better when they give of themselves, so the second thing we do is give opportunities to give back, whether you are brand new or a seasoned resident.  

JB:     And how has that offer been received so far?

AB:     We've only really been open for about 3 weeks then we already have 14 new residents living in our free housing as well as about 10 mentors that have been matched up with a mentee. We already also have two permanent residents and a third that's interested in renting on the main SIM area. I think we're doing fairly well for just being such a new project and we are growing and bringing and embracing new people every day

F3:     Josh, I think our new Mentor Manager’s recent journey to us is the best way to answer that.  Kushy Enthusiast dropped in looking at the free housing and although being over 2 years old still hadn’t found community or close friends.  This dear friend was asked to help, rose to the occasion, and Kushy has not only found connection, but is helping others do the same.

JB:     Sooooo…a free home for up to 60 days for new SL Residents.  Is there any expectation that comes with that?

F3:     Ha, there is a catch!  Yup, you’ll be asked to contribute in some way.  We all come to SL with talents and for the benefit of the new resident we look for ways they can share those talents and shine by giving back.  We are non profit with expenses being paid by an anonymous donor but all work is done by volunteers. 

AB:     We want these new residents to become a part of a community, so by giving back they do become part of our group. We have a list of small little tasks or jobs that they can participate when they can. The idea is to build a community and to build friendships, and we would love for them to learn how to contribute. So, I guess what we're saying is that we would love for all of the residents to feel that giving back to the community is something they want to do.

JB:     I see you have a couple of different levels here.  What can we find on the different levels?

AB:     There are three levels currently.  The first level is of course the main level where we have all the main level activities and community areas such as the event area the park the restaurant the cafe the stores and now the new pool area. The second level is for all of the new residents where we have 25 new resident homes set up and currently, 13 of them are occupied. The third level is the education level where we will be holding classes on various topics for both new residents and valued veterans as well. We just today hired an education manager, Pi.  

F3:     The Second floor is my favorite, because in addition to the housing, it also has the playground equipment (one trampoline flip is required before residency lol). 

JB:     Has Linden Labs offered any assistance?

F3:     We’ve really not been quite ready to share it before now but many processes are being systematized, the sim is nearing completion, staff roles defined and filled with examples of residents having very successful experiences.  Although there is still much to do, now is a good time to collaborate with Linden Labs to ensure our goals sync up well and we intend to reach out soon.

JB:     Do you have any special events planned for the future, and what might residents look forward to?

AB:     Currently, we are planning to have coffee at the cafe regularly. Carey is in charge of the cafe and is a wonderful Hostess and ambassador for the entire SIM. We're also planning a photo contest in the new year hopefully from January the 2nd until the 15th with a gala featuring a live singer and a DJ where we will announce the winners of the photo contest and have all the photos out on display. We are also hoping to have a grand opening at the end of January where we will invite everyone to come and celebrate this new project. We hope to have an events manager in place who will plan further events on an ongoing basis.

F3:     Sure do.  I’m not even dry yet from the pool party today.  We have an exciting art contest and exhibit, chats at the coffee bistro daily, elegant balls will be scheduled soon, but the best upcoming events are not even in my head, they will come from the residents who really own this sim.

JB:     And how can people find out what is happening at Dreamer’s Landing?

AB:     We are so excited to be in the destinations guide under newcomer friendly. We're also hoping to get some exposure on Flickr and with other blogs and of course the SL Enquirer. We all know that having us in their picks is also important in terms of getting the word out. Word of mouth is so very important in second life.

F3:     Come visit and join the group and pick up the notices.  You can keep updated via our upcoming newsletter and our Welcome Landing area’s calendar can give the current schedule of events and our Discord has updates all the time.

JB:     How can others get involved in this project?

AB:     This project has grown so much in just three weeks and we are embracing all of those that are coming with so many talents in their wheelhouse. We are embracing and encouraging anyone who would like to come and join us to be a part of our community. Our main focus is building relationships and mentoring new people.

We are finding people interested in being involved from every walk of life and people don’t have to live on sim to be involved.  We have mentors that are ready to help as needs arise and spend time here and enjoy making connections.  Here is a quick presentation on Dreamers’ Landing Canva, our LM is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FireWork%20Communities/135/126/26  and we are excited to have your readers to join us.

FLICKR:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/14866161@N24/pool/

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

AB:     This project was the brainchild of Fire and ever since I've met him I have been so inspired by his constant kindness, generosity, and willingness to help other people. It takes a special kind of person to be so dedicated to the welfare of others.

F3:     I would just like to reiterate the invite to come spend some time with us.  We all need connection, we need to give of ourself to others, and Dreamers’ Landing is providing a safe place for this to happen.  It's still rough around the edges, but with the next person who joins us it gets better.

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FireWork%20Communities/135/126/26

So.  There you have it Folks.  Let me encourage you to think back to your early days as a SL Resident.  Were you confused by all the things you needed to know just to get around, and you sorta stumbled your way through your SL?  Wouldn’t it have been GREAT to have a mentor who could actually help you with things such as avatar tweaking, shopping, Inventory management, moving around a sim, or between sims, landmark management…and a zillion other things you had to learn through trial and Error?  Well, Dreamers Landing is designed to provide the perfect and safe community to live, grow, and thrive in SecondLife.  If you have been here ten days, or ten years or more, and you are looking to give back in a way that is rich in self-satisfaction, you simply HAVE to check out Dreamers Landing.  And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad you did.

Be There! Aloha!

JB

 

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GIANO: A FAMILY FRIENDLY PARADISE IN PIXELS – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

One of the things I occasionally like to do in SL is to open the world map, randomly look for new regions, and TP there.  Last week I happened to land on the Main Street of a charming New England town named Giano. As a long-time RL resident of that part if the country, I was immediately struck by the phenomenal similarities between this place, and my happy childhood residence.  From the Giano Pizza Parlor, to the horse ranch, to the Drive-In Theater, I felt immediately “at home”.

As I strolled the streets, I came upon Stacey Giano and Ikonn Giano, the owners of Giano.  Ikonn was on a ladder, and Stacey was directing him from the recently shoveled sidewalk below, directing Ikonn as he strung Christmas lights and other decorations of the season.  After introducing myself, they invited me inside the café for a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and agreed to tell me the story of Giano.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Hi Guys.  Thanks for agreeing to chat with me. Let’s start with a softball question.  Just what is Giano all about?

Ikonn Giano (IG):   WE are a small community with laid back role play. We try to provide an environment where people can role play if they like but if they don’t and just want to be in a community that’s ok to. We don’t force anyone to role play we are also inclusive. We do our best to make this a place for everyone to have a fun.

Stacey Giano (SG)  To me, Giano is a lot like the community I live in real life. It's a sleepy small town with mountains, woods, and small businesses. It's where everyone knows each other. It's not full of crime. And it's beautiful. 

JB:     There are many beautiful Sims out there, and several of them dedicated to RP activities. What would you say is the "Giano Difference"?     

IG:     I think the biggest thing is how long we have been around. I started this back 2007 and it has been going ever since. There have been many other RP communities that have come and gone. Most will not make it.  There are things that come with the years of experience and how we do things here and a formula that I use to ensure we have enough prims and how we price them.

SG:     The Giano difference is it's just a nice clean and cozy New England style town where you can spend your time with friends and family without constant crime and violence.  It's a place where you can have a good quality home, customize it, and enjoy your time in comfort. 

JB:     What a lovely build.  Did you do this yourself?  Or were others involved, and what were their roles?

IG:     Yes, I did most of the build and layout. I did take in a lot of good feedback and ideas from my team. I had to custom-make most of the textures for example, the police and fire department vehicles and other various custom-made mesh projects around the community.  

JB:     Where did you get the inspiration for Giano City?  And can you share a bit about the history of the place?

SG:     This was Ikonn's idea. The town's history comes from the hard-working farmers or ranchers in the New England part of the United States. These were people who faced harsh winters and warm summers. It's a close-knit community with a main street. While there are people from all backgrounds and countries, our culture and traditions are deeply rooted in a rural way of life.

JB:     WOW...Lots of different areas. from Fire station to Bowling alley, Beach Front and a Ranch.  You even have a Drive in Movie theater...with real movies.  What are some of the more interesting areas here?

SG:     For me, the interesting areas include the trails through the woods. And we love to watch movies together. Our drive-in has been a really great spot to watch movies with friends and family.

IG:     I would have to say some of the most interesting things here are mini golf.  It seems to be a favorite among the residents. Our horse trails are popular. They run through 4 of sims. With 7seas fishing you can fish in an open water here. 

JB:     And are you showing that classic iconic Drive-in theater movie: "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre"? (grins)

SG:     I am sure if its available we could show this. lol

IG:     Maybe around Halloween but we don’t’ normally do horror flicks 

JB:     I managed to snag a copy of this month's Giano Magazine. What is that all about?

SG:     The Giano Magazine is pretty new. Every month, we feature as much local information, events, and public notices. We also provide some grid-wide news, i.e. the last issue had a feature of a top SL model Dametria. Every month, we will feature something new and different. 

 JB:     What has been your greatest challenge in building the Town of Giano?

IG:     One of the biggest challenges is yes, advertising.  So many places come and go. So always looking for new and improved ways to advertise. We do a lot of this and sometimes keeping up with all of it can be challenge.

SG:     I wasn't part of the building of the city in the beginning. However, as Ikonn's wife, I have learned the biggest challenge has been advertising the community grid-wide. Advertising and marketing in SL needs to be a college level course. It's just simply not an easy task. However, I have learned a lot of little tricks along the way. And it's constantly researching all the different new mediums coming available, i.e. social media platforms. And cutting out the old way of doing things that don't offer any results as they might have done before. Most importantly, it's important to really examine the various seasons of virtual commerce and what is driving interest.

JB:     I see you have private residences here for rent. Who would you envision as the ideal renter?

IG:     Anyone who wants to be part of community. We try to have something for everyone from apartments to mansions. To lots of role play opportunities.  

SG:     I think anyone interested in starting a family, growing a family, or enjoys living in a small town.

JB:     So, tell our readers about the "1st Annual Giano Christmas Stroll" coming up on Dec 14.

SG:     The Giano Christmas Stroll is going to be one of the top events of the year. It's a chance for everyone to come out and spend time with their friends and family while sipping on hot coco, taking photos with Santa, and shop, and hang out in downtown Giano. And then we'll watch a movie in the drive-in. A great way to celebrate the Christmas season and get to know your neighbors.

 JB:     Do you have any other special events planned? And how can people find out what’s happening at Giano Properties?  Any Social Media Sites or similar things?

SG:     We do many social events throughout the year. Notifications are sent out in our community group. And we love to play games, go mini-golfing, movie nights, bowling, hanging out at the community pool, or having happy hour at the local Admirals Bar. And we also have a community center, church, and dancing club.  Some things are planned in advance. And then, if we have time, we just send a message to the community that a group of us are gathering someplace to do something together.

IG:     Yes, we do plan special events all year long. We also have weekly and pop-up events like a few of us getting together to play a game or do some mini golf. We use our community group as well as our own Website and social media.  We are on pretty much all the platforms. We also have a discord server. 

Check us out at https://www.gianoproperties.com/ 

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

IG:     We do have plans to expand and add more sims. For details on what we have planned I guess you'll have to stay tuned.

SG:     Additionally, we are building a community library. That is unique as I don't know any other communities that offer a library. This library will eventually have books and our Giano magazine past issues. As well as any other services you can find at a public library. And a great place to chill and read a book. 

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

SG:     Giano has been around since 2007. That is nearly 20 years long. And some of the same residents still live here from the beginning. And I've been here for the better part of 14 of those years. While the buildings have changed some, the core of what Giano has been has never changed. And that kind of stability is hard to find anywhere. The success of Giano is due in large part of Ikonn's fairness, kindness, and willingness to listen to his residents. Ikonn has put a lot of love into building this community. And it really shows.

IG:     Well, I opened this back in 2007 and I have seen ups and downs multiple times. So I do have a lot of experience in dealing with all these things. I have seen it all. Me being the only owner prevents there from being any issues, unlike other places that may have multiple owners.  

SB:     So, there you have it, folks.  For those of you who are already familiar with the delights of a New England community, you will immediately feel right at home, as you are embraced by the hospitality and warmth of this lovely and charming build. For those of you who have never experienced this type of place, you are indeed missing out on one of the most endearing regions of the Grid.  Either way – longtime resident, or Bucket-List visitor – A trip to Giano will warm both heart and soul. You simply MUST see this amazing build. 

Hop on over to: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Newport%20Keys/142/120/24

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

Be there! Aloha!

JB

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OPEN MIC AUDITION WINNER FOR NOVEMBER, 2024 –SVOXY, TALENT EXTRAORDINAIRE: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING.

I was cruising around the grid the other day, just kind of sim hopping with no real objective, minding my own business. I was kind of floating along, “in the zone” as it were, when my reverie was interrupted by a captivating melody?  Had I strayed over an Adel Concert, or perhaps some other great soul singer? Or maybe it was the voice of an Angel?  I had to find out.  Following the sound of the music, I came upon a lovely lady, standing before an audience and a microphone, just singing her heart out. It turns out, the voice I heard belonged to none other than this month’s winner of the SL Enquirer Open Mic Songwriters Contest.   The lovely and talented  - SVOX.

After her stunning performance and the winners were announced, I asked SVOX if she would agree to sit for an interview, as I was certain our readers would enjoy reading about this Melodious Marvel.  This Wizard of Words.  This plucker of guitar strings and of heartstrings.  And she said “Yes”.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     So SVOXY,  Congratulations on your win.  It was well deserved.   Thanks for agreeing to chat with me.  To begin with, how long have you been performing your music, and what sorts of venues?

SVOXY:     It's been about 2 years. It started at the Savoy Ballroom and then about a year ago, I joined Simstar. I met the founders, Darius Anthony and Melly Faith who founded Simstar in 2023. The idea was to create a community of artists that support each other and since then, I've been performing at many different kinds of venues. Anything from beach cafes to large Latin style venues to big stage events. Charity Events like " Scare me silly" for diabetes Awareness Team.. "Relay for Life " American Cancer Society.. And at the Savoy Ballroom they collect for the research of Parkinsons.

Simstar has helped me explore and broaden my exploration of different Venue’s

I choose to do 1-2 sets a week on SL maximum so I can keep exploring and listening to other artists.

JB:     Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?

SVOXY:     I love all kinds of music so there's no specific influence I can state. There are some amazing 60’s soul singers like Etta James and Aretha Franklin, there are awesome 70’s composers, 80s style and pop, 90’s Grunge and ROCK scene. BBKing from the blues scene and Erika Badu from the RnB Jazz world.

JB:     What was the inspiration for the song you sang at the contest, and why did you choose that particular song?

SVOXY:     When at a new venue I just grab for the newest things I've worked on to display if it be at an open mic. I chose my latest song “Just the way it is” because of the high energy and relatable story behind the lyric… at some point every one meets and connects with someone that can sweep you into a whirlwind of excitement.

My second song being called “one way” is more of a reflection of life, your choices pave the way of life path. You can always be kicked back to the start again but you often need to endure and learn, so that song is about being strong and empowering yourself to make the choices you need to make.

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

SVOXY:      I strive to represent myself by keeping true to the journey in life. I am not sure it is a brand or if it makes me stand out. I am just being me in the world, gaining and sharing experiences and then telling those stories through lyrics; if it be about connectivity and love or just fantasy. So, I think what I try to make special is sharing the stories with the listeners and that lets us all feel connected as people during the live sets.

The other thing is I keep the music organic. We play and record everything you hear with real instruments and microphones and I think (hope) that comes across as relatable and engaging. I love talking to listeners, laughing at mistakes and having fun together so we all feel good at the end.

JB:     What are your landmark performances?  Best Memories performing both in RL and in SL?

SVOXY:     In SL, it would be sharing the stage with Dorian Dragon at the Renaissance Fair 2023 for the American Cancer Society. I truely love supporting other artists. I consider us all on the same path to sharing our talent. In RL, I have great memories of a world tour I did many years ago as part of a live stage production, singing to lots of people in so many different countries.

JB:     How did you take the news when they first announced your name as the winner?

SVOXY:     Overwhelmed and surprised. A friend, Samuel James, sent me a link to jump in a check it out so it was a surprise to be competing and a bigger surprise to win. It's very humbling and I'm so thankful to everyone involved. It's a true honour.

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

SVOXY:     I think it's the same as it has always been and that is to really connect with people. If you create the music you love, it will eventually find it's right audience and the connection will happen. Of course, you need to learn how to create the music and make it sound good which can be very challenging, but once you get to a point where it's ready to share, then you find your listeners one by one. Just like they did decades ago, you hit different venues to find your audience except now we are doing it in virtual venues and not in a touring van haha. It feels like the real success is finding people that you can enjoy the experience with.

JB:     You’ve been on the grid for over 17 years now What advice could you give to someone who wants to be a songwriter?

SVOXY:     We all love stories so focus on telling a story through lyrics and melody. And tell the stories that you enjoy yourself. Life and experience is the best inspiration for relatable stories and remember there are lots of people out there with similar tastes to you so if you feel connected to what you've written, others will too. Once you have some stuff written, then be brave and share at open mics. Enjoy the journey and be patient with your songs finding their audience.

JB:     Do you have any social media sites that folks can visit to see more of you and your work?

SVOXY:     I mainly use one focal point for social media:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/selaperforms

JB:     Do you post your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your gigs?

SVOXY:     I have some regular gigs that I do each fortnight or month. The easiest way to see them is on the SIMSTAR Website: under artist SVOXY you can access my Calendar to catch my show information - date and time. You can also join my Svoxy group so you get notified when I'm hoping on for a live set.

https://simstarsl.com

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

SVOXY:      I send greetings and Happy, Happy Holiday Season

And so there you have it folks.  Direct from the Singer’s mouth to the written word.  As you can see, SVOXY is a multitalented musician, composer and performer. For those of you who enjoy the finest in live entertainment in SL – and you KNOW who you are – make it a special point to catch SVOXY Live, in concert. Go to the website above and check it out.  Believe me when I tell you, you do NOT want to miss this Lady.

And by the way…when you do….Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  You’ll be glad you did

Be there! Aloha!

JB

 

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MAGNOLIA CITY – SECONDLIFE’S PREMIER ROLE PLAY COMMUNITY: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Sooooo..I was out sim hopping the other day, looking for new stories to share with our SL Enquirer readers.  It was getting late, and I was just about to call it a night, when I noticed a glow on the horizon.  I was intrigued and thought I would give a look before heading home.  The closer I got, the brighter the glow, until I realized this was no mere hovel I had stumbled upon in the vast expanses of the SL Grid, but was instead a fully functioning CITY of massive proportions!

At the side of the road stood a sign, noting that I had entered the great and fabled RP build – Magnolia City. I located the Municipal Center and located the office of Mr. Vic Mornington, Director of Marketing.  He was busy approving some newly printed posters announcing the upcoming FLICKR Photo contest they are running, and he graciously agreed to chat with me about this marvelous build.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Hi Vic...for the benefit of our readers...just what is this place called Magnolia City all about?

Vic Mornington (VM):     Hi!  So, to break it down to its basics...Magnolia City is a family roleplay town which, as the name suggests, is set up for town style roleplay.  We have the foundation elements already in place, police, fire dept, hospital etc.  It's based in Florida, somewhere south of Miami. Its currently at 7 regions, with the 7th region, the marina, currently under development.  There are plans for future expansions of the city.

JB:     But aren't there several "RP Cities" in SL?  What would you say is the "Magnolia City" difference"?

VM:     At the last count, at least in the Destination Guide ran by Linden Lab, there are about 16 RP towns and cities.  Some of them are in the past (Victorian Age) some of them are sci-fi and set in the future.  Magnolia City is set in the contemporary current times.  Practically all of the large RP town and city communities are set either on the west coast, or the north east coast.  Magnolia is unusual in that its set on the south east coast...Florida, where we can do some things a bit differently than a lot of other communities have done, especially with the landscaping of the regions

JB:     OK.  Share with us some of the history of Magnolia City?  Is there anyone still around from those early days?

VM:     It officially opened on June 1st of 2024, so it’s still a relatively new community.  At the start, it was a group of people who were already all friends due to being in another RP town which was having difficulties, later on that RP town basically shut down. 

At the beginning of May of this year the original Magnolia website was launched with a 30-day countdown to the regions opening up.  Most of the people who moved in to the then two region sized city are still around to this day,

JB:     Who are some of the key Movers and Shakers here?

VM:     Well, you have Niko as the owner, then Jenna as the City Admin and Roxy as the moderator.  The landscaping is down to Dacio and Violet, with Dacio being the design director for all 7 regions.  The main departments, including my own (marketing) is listed on the site here https://www.magnolia-sl.com/officials/ there are a lot of people who are running the roleplay side of things, the Fire Dept and Police Departments for instance.

When it comes to the IT side of things, the Magnolia City website is run by Niko and includes some things not seen before in websites that cover Second Life RP towns.  Character sheets, job applications, a direct chat tie in to discord – it’s all available on the Magnolia website!

Events are very important for any community in Second Life as well.  Well-run and regular events ties a community closer together.  Electra runs the events department, and she going to get busy with the Christmas season just around the corner.

JB:     What types of activities can folks get involved with here?

VM:     Events and RP are the mainstays of Magnolia. Every week there are regular events on like Bingo.  Murphys Old Ale House has live singers on as well and Loose Change has semi regular parties.  My own bar will hopefully soon be starting up mid-week events.  Trivia night has recently become a regular event in the city too and we also have games nights ran by the Dept of Public Works.

The events aren’t just dictated by the staff either.  Anyone living in Magnolia City can submit an event idea in the Discord channel and the events team will work with them to see if it can be done in Magnolia, the team will help organize it and even provide a DJ if the person with the event idea doesn't know any DJ's.

On top of that, there is the roleplay.  The police dept, fire dept, department of public works, hospital, criminal group (yes, we have a criminal group), and the DMV all roleplay around the town, currently the Dept of Public works is replacing all the fire hydrants in the town, and medical dept is in the process of giving residents flu vaccinations. Whatever your flavor of RP, there’s something to do in Magnolia.

JB:     I notice several distinct areas here.  can you break it down for our readers?

VM:     The original two regions, Magnolia City and Paradise Palms laid down the foundation of what is the eastern end of the city.  A more contemporary themed Floridian city with the beach and boardwalk taking up the far eastern edge.  Those two region themes move north into the Coconut Terrance and Sunshine Keys regions which are an extension of that city feel.  The western side of the city though slowly transforms into something you would expect to see in the south of Florida.  Swamplands.

Bramble Brook, Mango Grove and then Mandarin Marina is the first stage of the westward expansion of the city, with Bramble Brook and Mango Grove being the first section of what will be a large swampland area in Magnolia.  The way it was landscaped is a "Partial Drained" swampland, so yes, there are houses actually in the swamplands that are only accessible by boat, there are off branch roads leading in to more contemporary streets which are surrounded by swamps.

The entire northern edge of the town is the "Downtown" area of Magnolia.  High rise condo apartments and hotels and a concentration of businesses surrounding them (including the gym).  The main events park, which is a 100m x 60m open land area is, as the name suggests, set aside for large events, like the Christmas event which is currently being set up by the events team.  The area surrounding the events park is still currently under construction but eventually will have the docklands and the new city hall.

JB:     So, Vic.  Tell me about this FLICKR contest?  There must have been a typo on the poster I saw because it said there are 40 THOUSAND lindens in prize money up for grabs.  Really?  40K?

VM:     Nope it's not a typo!  The Flickr contest runs until November 30th and the prize money is from the sponsors of the event, those three women you seen in the video with the Scottish accents.  They go by the name Charlie's Angels in Second Life.  So, they are putting up the money for 1st place (25,000), 2nd place (10,000) and 3rd place (5,000).  Judged by the angels and two of their blogger friends if a tie-break should happen.  If you want more info, have a look at the post in the Flickr group here https://www.flickr.com/groups/magnoliacity

JB:     Just where might someone go to learn more about Magnolia City?  Social Media sites, SURL, etc?

VM:     All of the major info on Magnolia can be found on our awesome website, to gain access to it all you’ll need to make an account but once you do, you’ll have access to job listings, character sheets and more!  https://www.magnolia-sl.com

I run the social media side of things, the two to keep an eye on would be:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/magnoliacitysl/  and

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@magnoliacitysl

However, the Discord is the central place for chatter and news. 

The Discord main channels (Chat and RP Chat) have got relays into the same group channels within Second Life.  So, if you are in the RP and chat groups for Magnolia City inworld, you can chat to those groups via Discord and vice versa!  You can find the Discord link on the social media bar at the very top of the site page.

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

VM:     If you do decide to visit Magnolia, I hope you have an awesome visit!  Also, we have been running a Thanksgiving month special rental offer for current and new renters.  If you rent three weeks, you get one week added free!  That offer, like the Flickr contest, ends on November 30th!  If you have any other questions, pop into the discord or just pop a message off to me inworld! :D

So, there you have it, Folks.  Whether you are a noob RPer, a more experienced person interested in the field, or one with years under your belt as a seasoned RPer…or just interested in visiting this amazing build…Magnolia City is DEFINITELY worth checking out.  

So, head on over to Magnolia City. Tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad ya did

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magnolia%20City/208/41/22

Be there! Aloha

JB

 

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