SUMMER IS HERE AND SO IS KiX SALES EVENT

KiX On The Beach is our range of beach and patio furniture and starting on 13th of June we have a month of sales and new products for the summer.

First in the main store we have 50% off everything in the range.  Come on over and grab a bargain at our special.  During the event we will have a raffle going where the winner can choose a prize from anything at all in the KiX Main Store and a new group gift!

The sale event also coincides with KiX in 2 shopping events.  First on the 13th June at 1 pm slt we have the new KiX Adult Lesbian Beach Towel and windbreak as an exclusive.  Then on 18th June we have the new KiX Beach Lounger in both adult and PG versions, exclusive for Illuminate event.

More information on the 2 new items can be found on our blog https://kixcreations.blogspot.com/

Main store: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miso/174/200/24

XXX Event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zen%20Soul/139/211/25

Illuminate Event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/YSL%20EXPO/132/60/32

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Get a Head Start on Off-Roading Adventures

Off-roading is the practice of driving away from the man-made road, and it encompasses a wide array of different terrains. Depending on where you plan to drive, you could encounter sandy beaches, muddy trails, rocky canyons and everything in-between. At first, it can seem very intimidating to get started with off-roading, especially with all the confusing terminology surrounding the sport, but once you get down to the nitty-gritty and learn the basics, it’s not all that complicated, and you too can start heading off into the wild.

Why Off-Road?

Maybe you already have a four-wheel drive vehicle but don’t know what to do with it, or why to even bother off-roading. There are many different reasons people like to go off-roading, but a big part tends to be the thrill of being ‘off the beaten track’. Driving through the wilderness to untouched scenery with no-one around to stop you can provide an incredible feeling of freedom and harmony with nature. Not only that, but for photographers it’s an absolute goldmine. No more do you have to stick to taking the same boring photos of the same places as everyone else, you can venture into the wild and find unexplored locations. If any of this appeals to you, off-roading might be for you.

What Kind of Vehicle Do You Need to Have?

How do you know if you’ve got the right vehicle for off-roading? There are a few basic qualities that all off-roading cars have (or should have) that will make your journey much easier. The first is of course, four-wheel drive (4WD); this lets your engine provide power and torque to all four of the vehicle’s wheels, which can come in incredibly handy when driving off-road.

The next thing is tires. You’ll want tires that can garner the most traction as possible, and they will typically be wider than regular tires so that greater surface area can be obtained. Then you’ll also need a decent suspension. Having bad suspension while off-roading can make your road-trip a nightmare, because you’ll be able to intensely feel every boulder, hill, or pot-hole that you come across.

Lastly, you’ll probably want to be equipped with some sort of rear and front bumpers. This stops your car from becoming scratched and provides further protection from potential collisions. There are lots of perfectly suitable off-roading vehicles out there that can easily double as your day-to-day car, such as the Land Rover Defender. Have a look around and decide what’s best for you.

If you are dead serious about off-roading, and want a vehicle that is completely indestructible, you could even go for a military-grade vehicle such as the Deuce And A Half Offroad, affectionately nicknamed because it can haul two and a half tonswhile off-roading. Although these types of vehicles definitely aren’t necessary to start off-road adventures, it will give you a certain authority on the road.

Learn theBasics of Off-Roading

To get a firm grip on the mechanics of off-roading, it’s a good idea to look up or have someone teach you how to handle traction control, speed, locking differentials,and other essential pieces of knowledge. This is all fairly easy stuff to find online, but to be extra safe you might want to consult off-roading specialists.

Essentials of Off-Roading and What to Do When You Get Stuck

Getting stuck is an off-roaders worst nightmare, but there are a few essentials you can carry around in the back of your vehicle that can help to rescue you from a sticky situation. Tools such as winches and snatch straps will help to pull your vehicle out from where it is stuck, whist a snorkel attachment for the engine can prevent your engine becoming flooded (which is a huge no no). Last but not least, a first aid kit is always a wise essential to carry around while off-roading, just in case.

Once you get the hang of it, off-roading is exhilarating and fun, allowing you to explore and camp in new, undiscovered places all over the country. Hopefully you’re now at least a little more equipped to head into the world of off-roading.

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GeekSpeak – if you were a billionaire which science projects would you support? Join the discussion June 9th at 12pm SLT

Imagine that you have suddenly become a billionaire.  You buy yourself a yacht, a castle, a Lamborghini, presents for all your friends and the most expensive hairstyle imaginable.  Now what? 

Now of course you want to help your fellow humans.  The best way to do that is to fund science projects but there are so many to choose from.  Which will it be?  You could fund medical research and find cures for malaria or Alzheimer’s or any of the other diseases that kill so many people.  You could fund climate research or space travel or robotics.  Maybe you could find a new source of energy.

Do you have a secret dream of a discovery that will change the world?  Come to GeekSpeak and tell us about it.

Join the boardroom in the executive science council 😊

IM Vulcan Viper if you have any ideas for new subjects.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Second Pets™ New Species Japanese Snapper!

Japanese Snapper are here! They are available at our in-world store http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chopsaw/28/162/25 and on the Marketplace https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/195307 .

Second Pets™ other two fish species, Clownfish, and Koi are also avaialbe in-world store http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chopsaw/28/162/25 and on the Marketplace https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/195307 .

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Second-Pets-231774600708382/ .

Remeber Second Pets™ Fishes are satisfaction guaranteed https://www.secondpets.com/FAQ.html#guarantee .

Contact secondpets@secondpets.com or send a NoteCard to SecondPets Resident if you have questions or problems.

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The best careers for gamers

What kind of wonderful would it be to be able to get paid to play video games all day? Too good to be true? Not at all, gaming is a lucrative business, and the people behind all your favourite games aren’t doing their jobs for free. Discover how you can put your love of gaming to good use with this list of top careers for gamers.

Game director

Be the one in charge and unleash your vision for a game as a game director. Much like a film director, this role involves directing the gameplay, and creating an overview of all eventualities in the game. You will be responsible for working with a creative team to define your overall vision. You will play several roles, including budget planner and game designer, keeping everything on time, and within budget. This job would suit creative gamers, who want to work their way up within the gaming industry. To see what degree you will need to pursue this role, check out Withmydegree.org.

Character designer

This is a multi-skilled role which will see you creating the look and feel of complex characters. As a talented illustrator and animator, you will be responsible for the initial design and the padding out of characters. Each character will need a backstory and a goal, giving them a personality which can be then used in a game. Every element of the character will have to be carefully thought out, with consideration to how the design can be animated effectively and realistically. You will need to be both creatively, and technically experienced to be a successful character designer. For more information about what experience you need for this role, visit Graphicdesign.com

3D modeler

As the job title suggests, you will create 3D computer models, allowing images to be seen from three sides. You will turn initial ideas and 2D sketches into 3D models to determine the efficacy of each one. This is an essential role, asin gaming, it needs to be determined that all ideas and sketches can translate into characters, backgrounds, and accessories that work. Sometimes ideas may not work, and this is where your expertise comes into play.

Professional gamer

Yes, there really is a career that involves playing video games all day. As a professional gamer you will need to be heavily invested in gaming to a competitive level. This is for those that play for around eight hours a day, honing skills and completing levels quickly and efficiently. You will enter competitions, and, if you are good enough, will receive sponsorship that can see you make gaming a career. Competitive gaming is seen as a sport, and there are several competitions with huge cash prizes. Find out more, here.

With so many avenues open to those that enjoy gaming, you could soon be turning a hobby into a full-time career. Experience is key, so ensure you approach local companies or individuals with the career you want to find out how you can achieve it.

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Mainland Route 12 – Some Interesting Finds - Seersha Heart Reporting…

Linden Labs Department of Public Works and Roads is responsible for adding content to the Mainland SIMs including roads, railways, monorails, bridges, ferryboats, sailing routes and so on for residents to use.  Along the roads are “rez” areas where any resident may “rez” a vehicle to drive and use the roads.  If you need creative inspiration or are curious, take a drive on one of these mainland routes.  I promise you will find things that interest you.  I will warn you in advance, be prepared to be periodically kicked out of that very large castle you love.  Sometimes navigating the Mainland is a challenge due to odd shaped land parcels.  As an owner of an extremely odd shaped parcel along Route 12 [Nautilus continent], I have trouble at times navigating at the edges.  I hopped in my Porsche and backed out on to route 12.

[IM me for a free

I took a drive alone Route 12 on the Potter SIM recently.  My adventure began by cruising by a Diner.  Many residents will build or place RP buildings along the roads.  Looking inside this one I found some good detail.  I have visited these highway Diners and other places to eat with friends.  It is a nice place to chat, and many offer a wide selection.  I wanted something more unusual so I drove on down the road.

Shortly I found my first “unusual” location.  Nestled in a small wooded parch of land was a wooden building that looked like a home.  Upon closer inspection, I learned the “Odie Cinema” is dedicated to silent films.  Set up and beautifully detailed by Abinoam Nørgaard, there is a small screening room, a refreshment area and a small upstairs lounge.  It is completely adorable.  I was not surprised to learn that Abinoam is a fan of the 1920 Berlin SIM.  The Odie Cinema may be found along route 12.  Regular movie showings are at 1 pm SLT on Fridays.  It is a lot of fun to watch these movies.

            I drove next to the Pod Tours kiosk.  I see these pods traveling down route 12 all the time.  For those who don’t know, until 2015 there existed a Second Life Transit Authority.  The person who managed this process had all kinds of different cars that you could regularly find and use along the roads [along with other vehicles].  The thought was why have roads without travel?  Now we have pods.  When you see a pod traveling down the road, click on it and you will be whisked away to the next pod station.  This is another good way to navigate the roads.  If you want to stop, simply “stand” and when you are ready to travel again wait for a pod.

            Moving along the route, I became fascinated by a fortress of a home on the mountainside.  Flying high above it were the Pride and the BDSM flags.  You may find areas along your drive that you feel you simply *must* see.  This was one of them for me.  The house was chic and modern in the black and the white décor that is not uncommon.  The owner had built a large Photo studio on the property.  It is one of the nicest I have seen in world.  The owner was not available for comment. 

            In our population we have many artists that work in 2D, 3D and some both.  The first gallery I came to

Michael Wright Fine Art MuseumOwned by Oldaged.  Spacious and well laid out, it was easy to cam around and see the featured artist’s work.  Currently featured is Mrags Writer.

            “Call me Ishmael” crossed my mind as a huge 822 prim Blue Whale was not breaching but completely out of the water, hovering just above it.  Checking the details and what agouties do I find is the builder?  Our own Bryn Oh who creates fascinating interpretations of animals as only a small part of her contributions to the SL around the world.The whale and a little girl make up a piece titled ‘Imogen and the Whale’.  I run down the hill to a glass structure of geometric trapezoids and rhombus.  This is the Peace Gallery.  There are samplings from all the biggest names in art in SL; Bryn Oh, Cica Ghost, Igor Ballyhoo, and more pieces.  It is owned by long time patron of the arts Thedove.rhode.  If you want to see the best of 3D art in SL do not miss this gallery.  One side note, it is a little difficult to navigate around and you are sent back to the landing point quickly. 

Along Route 12 I came upon a group that owns large parcels on both sides of the road.  The group is the Moon Disciples.  They have filled their parcels with gothic and modern architecture.  The Moon Disciples Horde is described in Monarch Seren Mcgillivary’s profile at a close-knit family of souls ready to embrace the dark as their solace.  A Bloodlines horde, their motto is “Under the shadow of the moon, our enemy meets their doom.

            My final stop along Route 12 for the day was at Cartage& Storage a factory and a service building that moves items around the continents of SL.  I was initially draw to the outside attention to detail.  This location processes and serves the GTFO community.  I walked inside and found a trove of information.  The parcel owner, Cosmo Kawabata, arrived while I was there and offered to answer some questions as well as give me a tour.  I noticed right away that the reception area and factory are fully staffed with realistic bots.  Cosmo advised me to click on the large map of the SL continents on the wall.  When I did the map, I could see GTFO areas by continent.

I asked Cosmo what GTFO stood for and he laughed.  I suspect many readers already know what it means…Get The Freight Out [comes from Get The Fu$$ Out].  GTFO represents a large group of people who are playing a game within SL.  Cosmo chose the continent of Nautilus for his terminal location noticing there are fewer players in this area.  The game is very detailed and involves using SL transportation and your own terminal [as small as a store front to play].  They have game money players earn along with an entire website full of game information.  SL Enquirer will be running a more complete article on GTFO soon [I will be in contact with Cinn Bourchard]. 

Cosmo is an active player of GTFO, a DJ and happily with a wonderful lady.  He takes me to his office within the former courthouse [turned GTFO factory].  Amid the factory is this oasis and tastefully decorated office.  He takes a seat at his desk and I join him in a chair.  He patiently answers all my questions about GTFO, his factory and his clubs where he DJs.  He has a club on the second floor of the factory called appropriately “The Factory’.  His busier club is called The Civilization Lounge.  He plays what he feels telling me he doesn’t play to the audience.  I asked him about the genre of music he plays.  He told me music by black artists alone with some rap and jazz.

            When we left his office to tour the facility, he pointed out a couple of the people working as we walked across the rooms.  One woman had been making copies for a long time, he wondered what she was copying.  We walked up the stairs of the main building into a comfortable space much like a large living room.  The employee lockers were on one wall and sofas lined the other walls.  This is the area called “The Factory” club.  At the back there is a bar and the bar tender waits patiently as we walk over to her.  Cosmo reminds me ‘safety first’ and no drinking until employees are off duty.

            Next, we walk back downstairs through the reception area to the terminal.  This is a bustling busy place.  Tall stacks of GTFO boxes are sitting and waiting for shipping.  In the back there is an employee who seems to have been working forever to set up a machine.  Cosmo confides that this man has been at the task a long time.  I see people in all stages of the packing and the transport process.  On one side Cosmo has built a break area for the employees.  Vending machines, table, sink and even small Dixie cups are available for the employees.  Cosmo does not miss a detail.  The textures he has used are beautiful.  I asked him how many days since their last accident.  He said quietly ‘ummm er 6’.  Cosmo told me he was going to watch his hometown [Cavaliers/NBA].  I told him I liked watching sports as much as I like getting a leg wax.  We laughed.  I looked for the results today from the playoffs of the game from the previous night.  Sorry Cosmo!    

       

            I have heard residents complain about boredom in SL.  I hope I have provided an idea of interest.  Try driving or walking down one of the many routes in SL.  Look, click and listen everything you see.  You may be amazed at what you find as you explore this virtual world.

Links to information and/or SURLs for stops along route 12:

Odie Cinema  : http://maps.secondlife://ODIE/69/240/52

Pod Station [Nautilus Route 12] http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cecil/3/117/59

Michael Wright Gallery: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Scamp/21/235/57

Moon Disciples:  http://maps.secondlife://QUIRICOSTA/191/166/45

Cartage & Storage: http://maps.secondlife://GAVELLO/74/192/79

Peace Gallery                                   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jaxipun/79/241/22

Seersha Heart [saoirseheart resident]

Photos by KarmaghnaUlrik

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Club Crescendo's Entertainment Line up

Club Crescendo is SL's newest club!

  We offer a variety of music genres and welcome listener requests. We have had alot of big changes lately.... BIggest one is we are open 7 days a week!!! That is 7 days a week of partying and great times at Club Crescendo!!!! Club Crescendo is also looking for hard working people who wanna be part of a team. We are looking for both DJs and Hosts so that we can be open even longer!!! If you are interested in working for us please come and check us out and get a NC from our info wall or talk to one of our managers at the club.

Sat June 9th @ 6pm we will be having a Maroon5 Concert brought to us by CME! 

Mon- June 4th
4pm- DJ Ash and Lucia
6pm-DJ Cori and Mischief
8pm-DJ Mena- Dazy

Tues- June 5th
6pm-DJ Nyte- Belle
8pm- DJ moon and Dani

Wed-June 6th
4pm- DJ Fhi and Lucia
6pm- DJ Moon and Dani
8pm- DJ Ciel and kimmy

Thurs- June 7th
6pm- DJ nyte and mischief
8pm- DJ Ash and Luke

Fri-  June 8th
6pm- DJ Ciel and Belle
8pm- DJ Kissa and Kimmy
10pm- DJ Mena and Dazy

Sat- June 9th
6pm- DJ Fhionn and Dazy
8pm- DJ Mena and Kimmy
10pm- DJ Chris and Dani

Sun- June 10th
6pm- DJ Nyte and Belle
8pm- DJ Chris and Mischief

Links:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blue%20Lagoon/129/25/22
https://www.facebook.com/Club-Crescendo-923723697806286/notifications/

Preferred Contact info: winniekim resident or Corialote Dougall

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Tooth Decay: Causes, prevention and treatment

Tooth decay can happen to everyone. It occurs when plaque forms on the enamel for some time before damaging it. Plaque is formed when food particles mix with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid that later eat up your enamel causing a hole. Tooth decay can cause you unbearable pain or even tooth loss if not treated on time. So the major cause of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. Below are the causes of tooth decay or cavities.

1.      Poor oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Make sure to clean your mouth thoroughly at least twice in a day. When brushing your teeth, ensure you also brush your tongue as well. Take at least two minute when brushing and rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Flossing should also be done at least once in a day to ensure no food particles are left in between your teeth.

2.      Dry mouth

Saliva plays a role in your mouth by wash away the plaque from your teeth. If you have dry mouth which is mainly caused by prescription medication or having a diseases such as diabetes, plaque will damage your teeth causing tooth decay.

3.      Bad eating habit

Whenever you eat sugary food or a carbohydrate meal and not brush your teeth immediately, the bacteria in mouth convert the food particles (carbohydrates) into acid that destroys your teeth.

Acidity food and drinks such as soda also damage your teeth with their acid causing tooth decay. It’s therefore advisable you brush your teeth whenever you feed on them or else you avoid them completely.

4.      Avoiding the Dentist

Avoiding your dentist also causes harm to your oral health. A dentist is able to examine your mouth and know if there is any sign of tooth delay. He will then be able to prevent it before it occurs. The regular dentist cleaning also keeps your oral health free from infections.

Prevention

Tooth decay can be prevented through the following ways;

·         Brush your teeth after every meal.

·         Floss your teeth every day before you sleep.

·         Avoid sugary food.

·         Use a mouth guard when sleeping to avoid grinding your teeth.

·         Visit your dental professional regularly.

Treatment

The decayed tooth can be treated through various ways. Your dentist may;

·         Apply the fluoride onto the cavities- this is done in early stage of tooth decay.

·         Advice you to do filling- it involves removing of the decayed part and filling in the hole.

·         Extract your tooth- your tooth may be pulled out if it is severely damaged. Here is the Cheapest Place To Get A Tooth Pulled.

Tooth decay as you can see is preventable. Take that minute to ensure you have good oral care, mind what you eat and you will not have to go through the trouble that comes with having the cavities. Always seek your dentist advice whenever you detect any oral problem and make it a routine to go for oral checkups after every six months.

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GeekSpeak – is the world getting better or worse? Join the discussion June 2nd at 12pm SLT

Some people predict a doomsday scenario for our blue marble, others will tell you we are headed for a world with less poverty, less war, less disease.  So, who is right?

Obesity is more widespread but starvation is less.  Smallpox has been eradicated. Guinea worm will soon be finished.  Poverty is less every year.  But are we more free now than we were?  Are we happier?  What do we want for our future? What problems do you see on the horizon?

Come and discuss the state of the planet today and in the near future.

IM Vulcan Viper if you have any ideas for future subjects


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

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Still Going Strong Rock Your Rack. Reporting- DreamOfEssence Reporting...

Rock Your Rack

Jamee Sandalwood  Is a 10 year Survivor of breast cancer in real life. She stated that Rock Your Rack had come from that, and the need to give back to the Agencies that Helped her get through  that time while fighting breast cancer. This it the 6 year they have been doing  Rock Your Rack.

Jamee’s Gals are two Fold- Frist, to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She also commented that it has a 96% rating for charities and is not the normal ones that are supported when one thinks of cancer. This one has earky diagnosis and early treatment options, She shares that this hit’s home for her since she was diagnosed before her first mammogram at a very early age.

She shares that you can get involved in Rock Your Rack that they have lot of opportunities from Designers, Artists, Photographers, Models and Blogger’s.  That all you have to do is visit the page and applied to how you can help and register.

https://rockyourrack.wordpress.com/about/designers/

Jamee’s Told me that she has 48 content creators already registered for the event, With lots more coming in leading up to the close of the designer registration at the end of July. She fully expected to have over 75 designers participating this year. With men’s clothing, Women’s clothing, Children’s clothing, Home& Garden, Poses, Makeup , Accessories, Art, So much will be there and it is a great collection of creators and something for everyone and anything.

Rock Your rack  use a full sim every year, so once it gets close to time to start building they begin the process of looking for a full sim to do the event, Price of the course isa consideration, As they want to donate as much as possible for the cause.  Jamee Shares they build the entire sim from scratch every year to fit a theme. She commented That this year they will be doing Music Through the decades.

Rock Your Rack uses Facebook and Flicker also Twitter to get the word out there about there event, All the way up to it opens. They also Pose all over SL about the event and what they are doing it so that every one is ready for it when it starts.

Jamee told me that she handles stress  Well as she is pretty organized, (But her Husband would say not well) She has been doing this for a long time that there is a timeline that she follows. Jamee is pretty good at not getting too stressed out.

Page

http://rockyourrack.wordpress.com

Person to Talk with

Jameesandalwood

Models Giving Back

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

www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Models Giving Back Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/ModelsGivingBack

- SL Name: DreamOfEssence

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Lovely Laura's Weddings has now moved

.  We have purchased a full sim which will allow for our customers to have more guests at their weddings.  We have also added a dating agency, parcel rentals, and dance club to our long list of offerings. The dance club which is opening on June 29th, will also be a dating agency with game room and tables for people to sit and chat while listening to music from our live djs.  We have stores on the bottom level that will have a variety of products.  The variety of options that we offer will allow our guests and customers to have an amazing time no matter what they do.  We are also in the process of adding new wedding venues to really give our customers the wedding of their dreams.

Lm: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alicia/191/76/39

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Betrayal, Love and Survival Stories- Seersha Heart Reporting...

Each one of us are human beings whether we are in our first lives or in Second life.  In Second life losing someone is no easier than losing someone in real life.  Second life is just that, part of our lives and our hearts.  Betrayal is a real part of some people’s Second life experience.  I spoke to a few residents about experiences they had in Second life with betrayal and lost relationships.  The reactions ranged from surprise to a deep cut to the bone of hurt.  I also asked each one of the people I spoke to if they had any words of advice to others in relationships.  [names are changed to protect the privacy]

            Happyguy75 aka Simon was partnered to a woman in Second life for almost three years.  They spoke on the phone every day, sometimes two or three times.  She was the first person he called with any news.  After their first year, they met for a couple days IRL and enjoyed their long weekend together.  It was another evening that seemed like any other evening when Simon logged into Second life.  Everything seemed normal when he logged in; he rezzed at the family home.  He enjoyed building and went to work on a project he had left out in their yard.  When she wasn’t going to log on she would call him or email him.  He was working on his project and as time moved forward she didn’t log on, didn’t call, didn’t contact him.  His first reaction was worry.  He was afraid something had happened to her.  He called her, no answer.  He spent a sleepless night worrying about her.  When he logged on the next day, their home had been removed.  He had several return notices of items.  He contacted the land owner who told him Shelia said they didn’t need the land any more.  He now noticed she was not on his friends list.  He panicked and tried IMing her, going to their favorite club, trying to find friends.  Simon tried to keep calm as he contacted a couple of their mutual friends.  Each one he contacted said they were sorry to hear about the break up.  Simon’s heart went to his throat as he tried to be cool and not show he was surprised.  He was homeless and standing at a furniture store just lost and thinking when he received an IM from a friend.  This friend told him she was sorry and that she thought what Shelia did was terrible.  Through a bit of back and forth Simon learned that Shelia had left him to be with a man she met only a month ago.  Simon would never again hear from Shelia, but he suspected her of some dropped calls he received irl a month later.

            There are couples who have been together since the beginning of Second life so many years ago.  Tammy and Stefano Serendipity were one of those couples.  Together since August 2006, they lived through many of the changes that have happened in Second life.  They lived on two separate continents and never met; yet it worked for them.  Well it worked for them until it didn’t work anymore.  They made plans to meet irl after ten years.  Now, they both believed they were destined to be together irl.  They have spoken about their plans, where they might live, how all of this would happen for them.  Tammy flew to their agreed upon destination to meet him.  He was not there when he promised he would be there.  She had her laptop computer and immediately logged into Second lifefrantic with what may have happened to him.  After several hours of logging in and out he logged into Second life.  He told her he was married irl.  All the planning for the future was something he really wished could happen for them.  He had even planned to meet Tammy using an excuse with his wife to be away from home.  In the end he couldn’t do it.  What hurt Tammy the most is that Stefano had met and married this woman after Stefano had met Tammy in Second life; four years after.  Tammy told me that she would have understood if he told her when he met this new wife.  She said she could have understood as they were continents apart, rl first.  Tammy told me she cried for a month and could not log into Second life.  With Stefano coming clean it tore her apart and everything she did in Second life was with him.

            Readers I was going to save this for the end, but I will tell you now the amazing news.  While asking different people for their experiences with Second life relationships and betrayal I met both Simon and Tammy.  Now Simon and Kittytam [Tammy’s new name], they were together at the Blarney Stone when I met them.  The met at the blarney stone and are now dating.  Simon said initially they began talking one night about their experiences.  It was a venting session until a friend of Simon’s came into the Blarney Stone and asked Simon in local “Simon introduce me to your new girlfriend”.  Simon said he hadn’t even considered getting another girlfriend but quickly IMed Kittytam to play along.  He told Kittytam it would be less awkward than telling his friend the truth.  In local Simon said, “She likes to be called Kitty”.  They met a few more times without mentioning that incident to talk.  Soon Simon reasoned with Kittytam that they should give it a shot.  Now they are doing just that with dating.

            Not all betrayals are between long time partners.  I spoke to men and to women who learned they were someone’s side girlfriend or boyfriend.  I spoke to some friends who felt betrayed by friends, not within a romantic relationship.  Too many stories of one person leaving the other for a best friend.  II picked two stories of the ones I listened too in the past weeks.  The first is about a woman named Aquagirl2015 aka Sugar Puss.

            Sugar Puss came into Second life for fun.  She was not going to have a long term or a committed relationship.  This freewheeling attitude gave her plenty of fun.  She would meet people from all over the world.  She made great friends.  One day she met Sophia at Second life’s notorious [the chamber] club.  They became fast friends often seeing each other at [the chamber] or one of the other upscale social sex clubs.  They shopped together, they both worked on making the most beautiful avis with mesh and bento parts.  Sugar was the single one and Sophia had a boyfriend Dragon.  Sugar said she never enjoyed being with Sophia when Dragon was around.  He was aloof toward her while in his presence Sophia would act jealous of Sugar and any other woman around.  Sugar would avoid seeing Sophia when Dragon was online.  She spoke to Sophia once but didn’t feel as if Sophia listened to her.  If she avoided “Dragon time” the friends had a great time.

            Then Dragon began coming online times where Sugar was online and Sophia wasn’t online.  At first Sugar would see his name come up when he logged in and they never spoke.  Then one day they were both at [the chamber] at the same time.  Sugar said they spoke briefly and politely.  This happened regularly after that that she would log in and he would be at one of her usual spots.  They barely spoke.  Upon reflection, Sugar tells me, she should have wondered what Dragon was doing at these spots along if he was in a relationship with her best friend.  We all know what came next even before Sugar tells me.  Sophia logs in one day when both Dragon and Sugar are at [the chamber].  Sophia starts a huge argument with Sugar, accusing her of trying to take Dragon away from her.  She and Dragon leave the club.  The accusations fly at Sugar in a steady stream for a couple days.  Sophia won’t talk to Sugar about anything else, she ignores her.  Sugar tells me the friendship ended her choice.  She said Sophia said horrible things to her and in the end Sugar didn’t feel like it could be repaired.

Sugar believes that Dragon did what he could to flame this fire between the women.  She can’t prove it, but she told me that before Sophia and she were friends Dragon flirted with her at a club.  She didn’t flirt back and never mentioned the incident to Sophia.  Nothing came of it so she let it go.  To this day she is sure he didn’t let it go at all.  Sugar confessed to seeing them at some of the same places now.  They never speak.  It bothered her a log when it first happened but now she tells me they are “strangers”.

            Unfortunately, I could write more stories with many more combinations and scenarios.  Sometimes people suck.  Period.  Yet for as many betrayal stories that I could write, I can honestly say I found many more wonderful stories.  For every betrayal, there must have been ten stories of friendships and relationships built over months and years.  As Simon put it, he had to move forward to find himself and others in Second life and has never been happier.  I asked the people in more successful friendships and relationships what tips they would give anyone in getting past a betrayal.  I narrowed the list to these:

·         Don’t blame yourself, don’t stop caring about others in Second life

·         Don’t forget the friends you may leave behind if you take a break, give them a warning

·         Come back and chase away those old feelings

·         Build your friendship support group, be a good friend, be genuine

·         Don’t use your old relationship as a crutch

·         Remember we are all people and all have feelings

There is no magic pill or secret method to avoid heartbreak in Second life any more than there is irl.  

The same betrayals that exist outside of Second lifeexist within Second life.  The more centered you are with yourself and your core group of friends, the happier it seems you will be.  I have personally experienced betrayal as I feel that many people have in Second life.  I don’t know what the future holds for me or any of us.  I log in, talk to my friends, chase down a story, flirt and sometimes have a boyfriend.  I hope whatever it is that you hope for most in your Second life relationships happens for you.  I can tell you something with certainty; if you never try, if you never move forward, you will miss out on so many things.

Seersha Heart [saoirseheart resident]

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