Discrimination, The Truth About Second Life Most Hated Community – Samuel Roberts Reporting

In the real world we deal with things everyday that make us come face to face with hate itself, whether you’re a woman in the workplace and you are discriminated against or a African American being pulled over for no justifiable reason by the police simple because of the color of your skin, racism, agism, sexism, ableism and basic ignorant prejudice is all around us in many places in the world we live in. 

Often this is even increased on platforms like video games that give the player base a sense of anonymity which in turn allows the ugliest parts of person to be revealed once the promise of consequences is removed. The question is, “Is it the same in Second Life?” have we reached the utopian ideal in this virtual world where we all live and get along in harmony, no. No. a giant big, colossal No. 

I Spoke to many people this week about the things that they have faced in second life for being black, for being a woman, for being disabled, for being young or old but the one community that stood to me the most was the furry community, the stories I heard were just hurtful and appalling, music venues not allowing them to even come and enjoy music, sims not allowing access to anyone with a tail or non-human face. I found corners of SL where Fury’s would gather and they seemed like “safe spaces” spaces in the grid where they could be free to be themselves, it hurt my heart to hear the stories around them being removed form places for just being who they are and to be honest I met some of the nicest people I’ve met in my 10 years in SL in this community.

I even bought myself a tail, initially it was to blend in for my attempt to infiltrate the community but over time I grew to love my tail, I would get compliments on it from the other Furry’s around me and I’ve honestly never felt so welcome by a community in second life. To be honest with you I was overwhelmed when a multitude of Furry’s started to explain their stories, banned for being furry, hunted, shot at, targeted directly by groups of trolls who would go out and find Furry’s to make fun of. One story stood out to me and gave me an unsettling feeling, it is as follows. A certain Group/Sim which shall remain nameless would literally target specific furry groups and hunt them as a kind of warped sport, they would RP as is if they were looking for Furry’s to kill. Another story that comes to mind is a man who has a love for motorcycles and tried to start a MC in second life only to realize that the entire MC community for the most part shoots at any furry on site and regards them as less than human, he has been rejected from any MC meet ups and is considered a pest in the eyes of some of second life’s largest MC’s. Even a personal story to end on, as an SL musician, some of my furry fans have been not allowed to come to certain venues to hear me play.

I hope this article brings awareness that not only agism, sexism and racism exist in second life in places like “The Boardroom” where if you are black you will be called the N word 100 times in the space of 20 mins or whether because you’re a trans woman you will be told you look manly and laughed at many public places around second life, Discrimination exists in Second Life and no more than that of the Furry Community.

I want to give a shout out to a lovely creature by the name of Keith who was warm, genuine, and welcoming to a human on the search for answers. Change comes when those with passion can no longer hold their tongue my friend 😊

I want to leave you with this closing remark from the wonderful Raven, it grants us a glimmer of hope and reminds us the light is always stronger than the dark. 

Raven Corvinus: “As someone who has operated a furry sim since 2016 it is my opinion that the harassment and gatekeeping has gotten better since then. I cannot remember the last time I had a hate group show up (yes there are hate groups still active on SL but that is expected. It’s the internet after all) However the furry community remains hurt over the earlier years and get fearful when a person that is not a part of the community shows up to furry sims. Even if they mean well and have done nothing, almost everyone has a freeze response and gets quiet. Work is needed on both sides to come together and not discriminate against one another. I don’t think there is a long-term solution. Some folks just have a lot of hate in their heart and don’t care to hurt others. It’s those that give majority a bad name. For all my time in SL, I have more memories of fun and feeling safe than I have feeling unwelcome and actively hated. I feel like if we focus on what is good it easily trumps the bad. It’s my belief that if you feel you don’t belong somewhere, then make a place where you do~ Much love to you all.

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Dolla Dolla Bills Ya’ll – Samuel Roberts Reporting

Money makes the world go around, right? Apparently, this is not only true for the world we live in outside of Second Life but also the Grid world we all know and love. It seems Second Life is far more than just a video game but its own country with a GDP larger than some countries. Yes, that’s right, with a GDP of over 600 million USD Second life could literally be listed as a country in the range and scope of its free market power. 

The question this reporter set out to answer was “Can you Make a decent Real-World Wage in second life?” I went out and polled the citizens of Second life with this very question on my mind and before I asked, while I was asking and after I Had asked the answer was unequivocally the same, a resounding yes, I spoke to Coders, Scripters, Graphic Designers, Musicians, Artists, Painters, Visionaries, Sim Builders, Breeders, Escorts, Real Estate Agents, and Event Managers. 

The question was so undeniably answered with a “yes” that the question itself began to demand an upgrade. It was Organically morphed into the natural follow up question of “What’s the most and least Lucrative?” This is where the answers became subjective, some people claiming that escorting was by far the most guaranteed long term while others stating that real estate has given rise the grids first real-world millionaires. Close look at the facts reveals that while real estate is the most lucrative on paper it’s also one of the hardest to gain a footing due to the monopoly on the market held by older names that are quite frankly giants in their industry whereas escorting guarantees an average of 20k-100k per day depending on hours per day, that’s up to 400$ USD per day. But others I spoke to claimed that the escorting market was flooded with more workers that clients due to its easy access and lucrative nature. Musicians come in as the idle of the road, descent wage earners with anywhere from 4k to 40k per day depending on your popularity, even your intrepid reporter here himself sits in that category. Sadly, the answers I got for the least Lucrative was overwhelmingly photographers, those that take your pictures and photo shop the magic in to give you that professional look, on average a photography shoot commission is around 5k however rarely do you find a photographer with back logged work, most have it as an uncommon thing except for a few exceptions.

My Verdict: the verdict simply is Second Life is the best kept side hustle secret on the planet, with a few career paths that can be utilized as a main income source, in short, do not underestimate the power of getting involved in the free market of Second Life,  if could turn your income stream in the real world from your 40k USD per year to a healthy 60k per year if utilized correctly and a last thought from your Australian reporter. “None of this is possible with the consumer, is the every man buying shoes, commissioning a portrait, booking a band, renting land, tipping a stripper or buying a rare breed able cat.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Come and write your fairytale at Fable 8...Once Upon A Time August 5th- August 31st

 

Evil Bunny Productions presents Fable 8...Once Upon A Time What is your fairytale or horror story? Fairies, elves, fantasy, horror, the choice is yours. It is your story to write. Exclusives and 10L specials. Join us at Fable 8 from August 5-31st and write your story!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Grumble/141/63/21

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Transylvania Turns 19!

 

Updated: 8/6/23

Transylvania, which was established on August 13, 2004, is Second Life’s oldest gothic, vampire, and lycan lifestyle community. With nightly DJs, art exhibits, discussions, shopping, and residences, it continues to thrive as Second Life's oldest community for those with a penchant for the dark. The Transylvania sim is a safe haven for those with an interest in a vampiric lifestyle in Second Life, and home to the Transylvania Family. Unlike most of the vampire communities in Second Life, Transylvania is not focused on role-playing, and is instead a darkly gothic environment built for mood and atmosphere with a strict no combat policy. Walking the streets of Transylvania you’re sure to find the Vampires and Lycans who call it home, but be prepared for the unusual visitors, too. All sorts enjoy an evening under Transylvania’s eternally moonlit sky. All are welcomed. Transylvania is the home of the Transylvania Family which is comprised of Vampires and Lycans. There are four Transylvania Royals who own and run the day to day operations of the Transylvania sim, Willow Raven Paine, Noirran Marx, Joytou Timeless and Sabbian Paine. At Transylvania, there is a strong sense of family filled with dedicated loyal family members that share a close family bond. Each family member contributes in their own unique way to support the family to make Transylvania what it is. The family bond is Transylvania's source of strength, and its legacy. Transylvania has always been about the family as a whole working together as equals or as the family refers to as "One Blood." The Transylvania community is not just made up of family members but its visitors and residents as well. In the evening you can find live dj's at the community's central gathering spot called The Wall. The family also hosts monthly themed events and will host seven days of events for their 19th Birthday Celebrations starting on Monday, 8/7 with a Transylvania Trailer Park Block Party with DJ Lesa, Dark Carnival on Tuesday, 8/8 with DJ Sequoia, Vampire Noir on Wednesday, 8/9 with DJ Sinobi, Bloody Burlesque on Thursday 8/10 with DJ Zarabella, Bloody Fury on Friday, 8/11 with DJ Sabbian, Transylvania’s 19th Birthday Ball on Saturday, 8/12 with DJ’s Sabbian and Chopper and Transylvania’s Bloody Birthday Bash on Sunday, 8/13 with DJ Morden. All events start at 6PM SLT with the exception of the Birthday Ball which starts at 7PM SLT. Other areas of interest on the sim are the Castle, catacombs, family crypt, graveyard, ballroom, shops, the shoreline that connects to Transylvania's sister sim of Hercynia and art galleries. There are residential Townhouses and Row Houses throughout various parts of the Transylvania sim for rent. There are also a lot of spots on the sim that make a perfect backdrop for photographers and bloggers. The Transylvania family encourages creativity and hosts periodic group art shows at its One Blood Gallery.

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Transylvania/192/154/31 https://www.facebook.com/TransylvaniaSL Contact: Sabbian Paine (inworld)

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For Immediate Release: Opening Reception of "Bitter Beans and Bold Brushes: An Espressive Encounter" August 8th at 8:00pm SLT

 

For the first time ever, on August 8th at 8:00 p.m. SLT, The Cornbread Café is surrendering its walls to artist of Second Life! Hosts Cinnamon and Mongrel present the works of artists Katherine Heartsong, Crumbles Idlemind, Moira Lachesis, Dylan Shenley, and JIBRIL Xue to visitors of the compact village at Ash Grove. Ranging from Contemporary Expressive to Gothic Surrealist, and from 2D to physics-defying animated 3D, this exhibition inaugurates our open 2023 Open Walls series. Light refreshments will be served at this free opening reception, and most works of art are available for sale. Admission is free, although offerings to Aphrodite in the cafe's main seating area are always welcome. The show runs through, September 12, so if you can't make the opening festivities, know that you are welcome to stop by the café any time to view the amazing talent of these five artists. The next installment of Open Walls is scheduled for October 10, with booking to begin September 15. Contact Mongrel.Abattoir in world for more information. IMs, notecards, and notes left in the mailbox at the door of the Cornbread Cafe are all acceptable.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vile%20Chapel/53/25/47

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EDWARD HOPPER EXHIBITION CURRENTLY AT THE GALLERY - NEW ORLEANS CITY

 

New Orleans is delighted to present this new exhibition dedicated to Edward Hopper, one of the most emblematic representatives of 20th american century painting. We invite you to discover the fascinating universe, both poetic and melancholic, of this painter who has inspired many artists and filmmakers. More than 250 paintings, oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, illustrations, drawings... which retrace the life and artworks of this great artist. We are waiting for you at La Gallery in the beautiful city of New Orleans.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Orleans%20City/129/147/22 Article and interview of Lalle Vanbeeck-Na by Ely Catronis journalist at SL Enquirer : http://www.slenquirer.com/2023/06/spotlight-feature-edward-hopper.html

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--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- ROCK YOUR RACK 2023 September 29, 2023 - October 8, 2023

11th Annual Rock Your Rack Event is on the way!

Registration extended until August 7th for Designers/Bloggers/Artists/Entertainers and Music Hosts!  Visit the website for details!  http://rockyourrack.org

Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women. 13% of women, and an every increasing percentage of men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.

Models Giving Back is pleased to present Rock Your Rack, an annual fundraising event combining the best of SL Music, Art, Dance and Fashion to support the work of breast cancer charities and raise awareness for early detection which is critical to a positive outcome for this devastating disease.

This year's sponsors include  The Best of SL, BOSLArts, 

Thank you to our Media sponsors as well for getting the word out:  BOSL Magazine, Grid Affairs, Kultivate Magazine, Hostcrate, Media SL, ModeLS Magazine, The SL Enquirer,  The Biology club and XRadio SL.  

This year's event will support the National Breast Cancer Foundation which provides free mammograms, education, support and early detection services to anyone in need. 

Designers will be providing limited edition creations with 100% of the sales of those items going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation along with a fine selection of the newest, exclusive and most popular designs for your shopping pleasure.  And, of course, the very popular 10L hunt will be up and running in the 50+ different designer booths and 35+ different artist booths. 

For a complete listing of events and more details on this year's event, please visit the website:  http://rockyourrack.wordpress.com 

The event officially opens to the public on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 12:00 am SLT and will close at 11:59 pm SLT on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Together we can make a difference!

Those who are unable to attend but wish to support the cause, may visit the Model's Giving Back official donation page at https://fundraise.nbcf.org/MGB2023 where donations can be made directly using a variety of means. 

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About Models Giving Back

Models Giving Back is an agency of professional, certified SecondLife models who give of their time and talents to raise funds for legitimate and verified SL and RL charities.  

Models Giving Back was founded in October of 2012 by Jamee Sandalwood after a previous agency dedicated to charity work was forced to close due to the owner leaving SecondLife.  Jamee felt the work that was being done needed to be continued and set out to lead the models that were already a part of the former agency into new and bigger endeavors at the newly created Models Giving Back. 

To date the agency has partnered with dozens of designers and provided models for runway, print and other functions that support charities around SL.

Rock Your Rack is the creation of Jamee Sandalwood and is owned exclusively by Models Giving Back in SecondLife.

Models Giving Back CEO:  Jamee Sandalwood

Models Giving Back Logo: 

Models Giving Back Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/ModelsGivingBack

Models Giving Back Flickr:http://www.flickr.com/photos/94469096@N04/

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About the National Breast Cancer Foundation

The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 34.  At the time of her diagnosis, there was little information about the disease, and she was forced to make a decision about her health with few options.  After her treatment, Janelle made a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.  NBCF’s mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need.  This mission includes increasing awareness through education, providing diagnostic breast care services for those in need, and providing nurturing support services.  

www.nationalbreastcancer.org

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: TRISH NIGHTINGALE- SL’S NEXT COUNTRY MUSIC DIVA - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

I have always been a fan of County Music. Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, (and his son, Junior), Tammy Wynette – All would regularly belt out their tunes from the Radio in my Ford Ranchero.   Since before David Allan Coe noted that the perfect country song would include “momma, trains, trucks, prison & getting drunk”, Country Music had captured the hearts and minds of people world-wide.

Recently I was privileged to enjoy the dulcimer tones of oomissoootrishoo.nightingale, one of SecondLife’s newest live country singers.  I caught up with Miss Nightengale while she was relaxing following a recent concert. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions, the answers to which I now share with you, the SL Enquirer reader. 

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    So, tell me, Trish. How did you initially develop an interest in Singing? 

oomissoootrishoo.nightingale (MT) I have been singing since I was just a toddler.  My dad's side of the family all sing (most of them yodel) and I used to love hearing my dad sing so much that I started trying to sing with him to the radio.  I got into choir in the 5th grade at school and have continued singing all of my life along to the radio or in karaoke bars or on-line karaoke.

JB:    Do you perform as a Singer in RL? Maybe in a Church choir, or in the kitchen?  Or in the shower?

MT:   I sing at karaoke bars sometimes and am always singing along to the radio or just belting out a song in the shower or while cleaning without any music.  My poor husband and kids must be tired of hearing me sing by now!! haha

JB:    How did you first come to learn about Second Life?

MT:    I was in a Singsnap room on paltalk and my friend Arra kept mentioning having concerts she had to do later that night.  I said that I wished that I lived near her so that I could hear her in concert.  She told me that it was not IRL that it was in second life and I could make a free account and come hear her sing so that is what I did.

JB:    How did you decide to be a Vocalist in SL?

MT:   The first month I was on SL I just logged into my account to hear Arra and Angelikus sing then I would log back off.  I looked like a naughty school teacher in my original avi and I carried around a torch at all of their concerts.  I think I was embarrassing them so Angelikus told me I needed to get my avatar fixed up.  I bought some lindens and she helped me fix up my avatar then she and Arra took me shopping and taught me how to save my appearances.  I spent the next week playing with my new clothes and getting outfits together so I could look cute at their concerts.  Then my other friend from Singsnap, mittzy, logged into SL after many years of being gone just to take me to the O'lounge to start singing over here.  It was all uphill from there :)

JB:    Have your musical tastes changed over the years, or were you always a C&W fan?

 MT:   I have always been a C&W fan but I grew up around pop, rock and heavy metal due to my cousins and my brother all loving everything but country.  They all used to make fun of me and my country music! haha  But I am thankful for them because I know all kinds of music today because of them :)

JB:    Who has had the most influence on your singing style?

MT:   I have always been a Reba fan my whole life but I would have to say I love me some Carrie Underwood as well!  Everyone seems to like me doing a lot of Pam Tillis songs though for some reason! haha

JB:    You have made amazing progress here for one so young to the ways of SL?  A list full of Favorite locations and a detailed, fully developed avatar – things not usually seen in one so new to the game.  Would you care to share your secret, if I promise to keep it just between us, and maybe some of our 90,000 readers? Cross my heart!

MT:   hahaha I would love to share :) So Angelikus Deo (a dear friend of mine) gets 100% credit for my Avatar.  She took me to all the stores to pick out what I wanted to look like then she remoted into my pc to put it all together for me and didn't she do an amazing job!!! Arra gets the credit for taking me shopping and helping me learn how to save my outfits so I could look cute at her concerts.  Mitzy gets the credit for taking me to the O'lounge to get me started in my karaoke on SL.  Urban Harvy gets the credit for my sound setup, pushing me to stop singing flat,  taking me all over the grid to karaoke to get my voice heard, helping me build every single thing I have including but not limited to my tip boards (I have so many) my house, my self-streaming stage and karaoke board at my house, painting my house re-modeling my whole house and for taking me to Saddles to get my first job.  Ashley, the owner of Saddles, gets the credit for getting me on the actual stage to be a performer by  hosting my debut performance at Saddles on 6/8/23.  She made me a GM of her venue and taught me all the ropes of running a venue, hosting, and helping me get lots of practice singing in front of a live audience. 

JB:    Did you know there is a SL Music Hall of Fame? It is for those who “have demonstrated a commitment to the art that is UNSURPASSED.”  Might that interest you at all and have you looked into that?

MT:    I have not heard of that and I would be delighted to learn more about it and am definitely interested in being a part of it!

JB:    Where would you like to be in SL in 5 years?

MT:   I would like to be known to have touched many people’s lives in a positive way either through my singing or through hanging out and sharing in many many laughs or known for my very giving heart.  I would love to be a positive influence for the SL community for sure!

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

MT:    I have a genuine love for people.  I love to see people happy and having a great time.  When someone else is hurting I am right there crying along with them like a big ole baby.  I can't handle seeing someone homeless and out in the cold.  I feel God puts these people in my path because he knows I will not turn my head to them.  I will do everything I can to try to help with either a phone call for them or some money or a hot meal.  I always put everyone else’s needs before my own.  My kids look amazing when they leave my house but I may look like a hot mess!  When I love I love hard and I do not hate anyone nor do I hold grudges.  If I am mad, you will know it, then I will be over it and apologizing to you and wanting to hug your neck! haha

I am a foster mom and married to a minister IRL.  I had no idea he was a minister when I got with him that came out about a year later as he had not been in his ministry for several years.  He got back into it and has been full force into ministry about 3 years now.  He is working on me and my sinful ways but I am definitely a work in progress!!! haha  I would love to be a good obeying Christian woman but I definitely do fall short of grace!  Hopefully I will get there someday!  I love the Lord with all my heart but definitely am not perfect nor do I live a perfect Christian life!  Pray for me, y'all, and I will continue to pray for you all too! <3

WEB: www.misstrishnightingalecountry.com

Group: secondlife:///app/group/1f0114d3-d31e-7f88-e1c3-769ee51e2ea6/about

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

SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/misstrish-phoenix

Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=b56de223ff4fe43b640c94a27832272eb5eda1eca2ce15059db0175b305d2894@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

So, there you have it, folks.   For the absolute best in Live Music, found anywhere on the Grid, you simply HAVE to catch one of Miss Trish Nightengale’s Concerts. 

Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

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What's happening now! SL Fandom Con July 21-July 31st

 

The SL Fandom Con, a mega event for Relay For Life of Second Life, gives Residents the chance to experience a comic-like virtual convention with 8 themed regions for shopping, role play, entertainment, and fun activities. The event runs from Friday, July 21st through Monday, July 31st. Learn more at sl-fandom-con.org

More Info Teleport

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It's a Barbie Party and You're Invited! Saturday, July 29th 6pm SLT

 

WAP (We Are the Party Karaoke and Voice Hangout) has transformed into a big Barbie World! Come visit the sim and feel free to take photos as there are many pose ready doll boxes and props waiting for you! We have several Barbie Dream Houses, Barbie Yacht, Barbie Theater and multiple Barbie cars! Join us this Saturday for a night of fun starting at 6 pm SLT with DJ Noizy. Voice will still be activated during the event. We will have giveaways and paid trivia throughout the night! Karaoke will begin at 8 pm SLT! If you miss the party, Barbie World at WAP will be up for a few weeks! Join us!

TELEPORT: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ryo/96/145/22

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Canyon Cove - A Truly Unique Adults Only, Nude Optional Destination

 

Our Grand Opening is July 30th beginning at 11am. There are still some things needed to be done at Canyon Cove, aesthetics mainly, but people who come can enjoy surfing, caves, scuba diving, horseback riding, cliff diving, amazing DJ's, and an auto guided hot air balloon tour (adult). I'm debating myself about hang gliding though. If a hang glider crashed into the balloon my SLinsurance doesn't cover that. In the future I will have sim wide rentals in the sky complete with sim surrounds. My builder is none other than the hugely talented Naru Darkwatch. There is nothing she can't do from sim design to terraforming to landscaping to creating logos such a Canyon Cove's logo. I am truly blessed.

LM maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kings%20Peaks/123/143/22 SL group: secondlife:///app/group/3ae51d1d-3721-fa99-ed9e-c2250528a76c/about Flickr Group https://flickr.com/groups/canyoncove/

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CHARLEY’S BEACH CLUB: PARADISE IN THE SAND – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

It’s Summertime! …School is out and a person’s mind turns toward the “V” word.  I am talking about “Vacation”.   Visions of an Island paradise, turquoise blue water with a pleasant surf…and of course…the delicious notes of music that wafts effortlessly over the sand dunes.  You made it.  You are here!   You are not at just ANY beach.  You came to Charley’s Beach Club.  And unlike most OTHER beach clubs, where all you go home with is a wicked sunburn and sand in your shorts, at the end of the night when you have been at Charlie’s you will feel different.  You’ll feel like you were in the presence of family members…the good family members, and not that nasty sibling who stole your bestie when you were in High School, and who would mess with your Nintendo when no one was watching.

I was poking around the SL Destination guide the other day and stumbled upon this jewel of a club.  It was near closing time, but even at that late hour, I know I had stumbled into a special place with some really spectacular folks. They had already had a “last call” and I asked the proprietor, Amilee, if she would sit for a moment and chat with me about Charley’s, and she graciously agreed.  This is her story.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    Soooo… tell me Amilee.  Just who was the Namesake behind Charley’s  Beach Club? 

 Amilee (Amiliee1) (A1): Charley (jeepguy56) was a DJ, FOXY Radio station owner, and a great friend to many of us, as well as a club owner.  During his ten years on SL, he owned several clubs and made many friends.   Charley considered himself a “Southern Gentleman” and never met a stranger.  He was always making friends.  He was loved and is missed by many. Those of us who knew Charley wanted to keep this place running as a tribute to our good friend, mentor, and confidant.

JB:    What is your preferred musical genre, and what kind of music are guests most likely to hear?

A1     Our DJs play classic rock, pop, country western and have even been known to have Disco sets.  Once a week we have blues at Charley's Mystic Blues.  Mystic Blues is a beautiful Blues club above the beach club.

JB:    You recently changed locations.  What was that all about?

A1     After Charley passed away, I wanted to keep this amazing group of people together and give us all a place to dance, laugh, support each other, and of course keep Charley's vision alive - his love of music.  Charley's Beach Club was created on a small piece of beach but we always had our eye on the beautiful corner beach next door.   When it became available it was an easy decision to move and expand Charley's

 

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

A1     When I opened Charley's the plan was to recreate as much as possible from Harbor Breeze, Charley's last club.  So, things like the stage and a few other items were used. Gjalt Lander, my partner, did all the amazing landscaping and made the club so beautiful.  It still holds some of the original Harbor Breeze Charm.  That was our intention anyway...and I think we achieved that to a certain extent.

JB:    There are many beautiful beaches out there. What is the Charley’s Beach Club difference? 

A1     What Charley's offers is great DJs and music, fun and friendly people in a very welcoming atmosphere.   I think you will see it immediately upon landing…from the friendliness of the DJs and Hosts to the beautiful layout, as well as the selection of dances available.  Couples, Singles, or Group line-dancing….it is all available at Charley’s Beach Club

JB:    Who would you envision as the ideal guest?

A1     We are a moderate club so I would think that most adults enjoy an array of music genres.  Folks who like to dance, laugh and have fun, and make friends.  As a moderate club, we are here for the one who truly appreciates fine music and classic rock.  If someone is looking for just another sex sim, they might be happier if they just kept on looking.  But for people who want to hear some wicked good music and a place to hang with their friends…Charley’s Beach Club is the place for you.   

JB:    And just how might a guest learn what’s happening at Charley's Beach Club?

A1     Joining Charley's Group is the best way.   That way you will receive the notices we send out regularly.  Also…we post the schedule of events on a board on the sim.  And finally, just ask.  DJs always announce when their sets are starting and what genre they will be playing.   They will also announce if there is a theme or contest during the set.

JB:    What has been your biggest Challenge in Managing Charlie’s Beach Club? 

A1     Successful advertising is always the most difficult activity.  Friends can tell friends and bring them in but being found by new people is the challenge.  With all the venues available in SL, it can be hard to decide if all they know is the club’s name.  We are expanding our focus on advertising in hopes of getting the word out to more people.

JB:    Do you have any plans for future development?

A1     Charley's Mystic Blues Club is something I have been working on along with the club managers, AJ Rover, Jessie Rover, and Gjalt Lander.  I have visited several Blues clubs in the area, and we wanted to build something uniquely ours. Mystic Blues is a cozy, inviting club where Blue's DJs can come and showcase their favorite blues. Come for a visit and I guarantee you will want to return time and time again.

JB:   So then, Amilee.  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

A1: I want to thank Gjalt Lander, (my partner) for all the many hours he spent landscaping and setting things up. Charley's is a beautiful place to come and sit with friends, play Greedy, and listen to great music, with or without our DJ's present.   I want people to know they are always welcome at Charley's.  Also, Josh, I want people to know I am looking at adding singers and concerts to Charley's line up     We are hiring DJs and Hosts.  If you are interested in knowing more, just talk to me. 

 

So…there you have it Folks, for the finest in Beach entertainment, scoot on down to Charley’s Beach Club and Mystic Blues.  It will be well worth your time and you will be so glad you did.  Say “Hello” to Amilee.

And when they ask how you found the place, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be there.  Aloha!

JB

SURL Charley’s Beach Club: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Super%20Island/220/82/22

SURL Mystic Blues: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Super%20Island/204/79/1751

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Change is Good – Even in Second Life By Linda Lauren

Change something in your environment and watch how much that single change will uplift your personal vibration, boost your energy and improve your mood.  We don’t realize how much that overflowing Inventory that holds our possessions can block our ability to enjoy a Second Life existence without frustration, lag and system crashes.  Possessing an excessive inventory is the contributing reason to all of the above complaints.  

Torley Linden has a really cute video called “Confessions of a Second Life Hoarder” and though it’s exceptionally funny, there is truth to it!  A clean inventory will make for a happier Second Life experience.  To see the video and read the step-by-step tutorial click here: http://bit.ly/13sj3n8 

All those freebees we get as we teleport across the grid can add a substantial amount of prim and/or scripts. Regular clean up is the answer.  As an SL paying resident since 2006, here are some of the tips I’ve picked up along the way:

Inventory Items 

Copy and Full Perm

Look in your inventory for items that you have numerous copies of.  I keep an original and one copy of any items (leaving two in my inventory).  That is a personal safety point with me in case I have inventory loss due to a Linden grid issue.  Inventory does tend to disappear sometimes upon uploading new versions.  

Everything Else in Inventory

By that I mean items that you have one copy of.  Those can include everything from freebees and clothing to entire houses and furniture.  Options to consider:

The 1 Prim Box

If you want to keep those inventory items, but you don’t intend to use them regularly, you can create a one prim box, make it full perm access for you, and dump all those inventory items into the box.  Be sure to label the box with the items & year. * 

*For instance I took over 1,000 items that were for the holiday season and put them into a box.  The box is labeled “Christmas 2012” and now became one single prim containing all those items.   That can be placed back into your inventory.   (I do this only after making sure I have deleted the duplicates.)

Your Alt 

Another option: pass it to your alt, if you have one, but be sure not to dump things you’d otherwise delete because that defeats the entire purpose.  It will only create lag for your alt!  

Garage Sales 

Another way to go, especially if you own land, is to sell the items there that you don’t want.  I have even made boxes to sell items as “sets” for purchase.

Knowing When to Delete

Finally, if it’s something you are never going to use again, can’t sell and have no reason to save, please hit that DELETE button.  You will see the difference in Second Life grid performance and it will make you feel a whole lot lighter!

So give it a try.  Clean up your SL environment and see where it leads you.  One thing is for sure: it will always lead you to something positive because that is what happens when we unblock energy.  

Remember, Second Life is a virtual world and we connect via the Internet and that is energy.  Don’t underestimate how powerful an Inventory clean up can be.  It sure helps me enjoy my SL life!  

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