issue 56 | 01-11-2008 www.the-avastar.com FREE Every friday

Benazir Bhutto memorial shock:

Griefers hottest avs in the ruin service see Page 3 universe! ...ten girls ...one crownsee Page 12 Linden Lab says: GET LOST YOU

BANKERS!By COYNE NAGY • SLers back Lab’s bank ban LINDEN Lab’s ban on SL banks has been praised • Savings fears as ATMs close by many residents. Full story: SEE Pages 4 & 5 0 NEWS Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 NEWS 0

inside 150% confused By Carrie Sodwind RESPECT: opinion Avs gather at a LINDEN Lab have rubbis- Numbersof THE WEEk portait of Bhutto hed claims their 150 per “Our avatars repre- ... per cent is the amount by which user hours in SL grew cent penalty for buying sent who we are on 383 across the course of 2007. fraudulent currency will the inside, we wear hit innocent residents. ... residents were logged in at 1.40pm SLT on Sunday, our insides on the Peter Gray, the spokesman setting a new concurrency record despire server issues. outside in SL. I treat 58,738 for LL’s PR firm told Reu- everyone in SL with ... in L$ has been raised for needy children so far by ters: “The policy seems to the same care and 100,000 the Polish Great Orchestra of Christmas charity. have caused some confu- respect I would if I bhutto service sion. Linden Lab has no met them in a cafe.” blanket policy to fine all buyers of fraudulent Lin- YOUR MAIL hilary’s in the house! in attack shock den dollars, and any inci- p.7 griefers mar sl memorial for assassinated rl politician dent is handled on a case by case basis.” The PR “The Lab says it PORNORGRAPHIC ing as “relentless”, had helped construct spokesman indicated that wants to prevent griefing shocked a said the intruders the memorial in Wells the 150 per cent penalty residents from being crowd of well-wish- used offensive slo- sim, Selena Goodliffe, would apply to exchanges ripped off, and the ers at an in-world gans and tasteless was fighting back the but not necessarily the re- last 12 months are memorial service pictures: “The imag- tears at the event. sident buyers. littered with stories for assassinated RL es they put up were sorrow of those who blindly politician Benazir both rude and por- The memorial has re- trusted their hard- Bhutto. nographic. The idea ceived a large num- lab ceo greets earned virtual cash to The attack at the was to be as gross as bers of visitors since it mayor newsom a bank, only to see it service for the former possible. was opened the day By Carrie Sodwind disappear.” Prime Minister of solidarity after the her murder, PHILIP Linden met the , who was “The Lindens actually and the organisers of RL Mayor of San Fran- killed on December had to shut us down Sunday’s service said cisco in-world for a LEIDER 27, left many of the for a bit because of it was held for the SL Q&A session in front of STEPANOV HILARY Clinton has made it into the White House - at least at the Caricavatars 200 residents who the strain. It was so community to share a huge SL audience this p.8 sim in SL! Her avatar was created by political caricaturist Christophe Hugo. had turned up to pay sad... but it was good their sorrow. week. their respects dis- to see people stay as Jennette Forager, Mayor Gavin Newsom and the avastar THE AVASTAR staff Isolde Flamand, Morrhys Graysmark, traught. a sign of solidarity.” who designed the the Linden Lab chief were THE AVASTAR is publis- CEO Lorenz Philbin Kitty Otoole, Dylan Miles, Coyne Nagy, ToolsRMe Shan, who He revealed that one memorial to Bhutto, introduced by the CEO hed by Bild.T-Online AG business manager Pham Neutra, Petronilla Paperdoll, Phil described the grief- of his friends who said she was heart- of MillionsOfUs, Reuben & Co. KG. Check out the Ikarus Santos, Azriel Enoch Spackler, Carrie Sodwind, Deeeep Witte, broken. She spent Steiger. Themes of the website at: Editor-IN-CHIEF Babu Writer, Konstantin Waechter the time at the serv- talk included virtual and www.bild.t-online.de. Regis Braathens Graphic design ice organising secu- real life parallels, gover- ASSISTANT EDITOR Raoul Cimino, Gordon Yue rity and trying to get nance issues, education Leider Stepanov Advertising & distribution rid of the tasteless and the digital divide. writerS & Contributors [email protected] intruders. Randi Barracuda, Honey Bender, Tina www.the-avastar.com “It was awful. The (PetGirl) Bergman, Isabel Brocco, Ginger COVER PIC Isabel Brocco and Chloe SYMBOLIC: A tiger, a symbol of griefers ruined the Cazalet, Callie Cline, Gaetana Faust, Looby, by Turlututu Chaffe bravery, at the Bhutto memorial whole event.” DISCUSSION: Philip Linden and Mayor Gavin Newsom 0 NEWS Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 NEWS 0 stock exchange By Coyne Nagy The CEO of the Royal APPEAL FOR CALM: q&a with robin boss confident Bank, Cristopher Whit- BCX banker Alyssya Vella By Babu Writer AS news of the ban on field, explained in a ROBIN Linden discus- SL banks spread across statement that finan- sed some of the chal- the grid, The AvaStar a royal cial institutions in SL lenges facing the Lab caught up with Shaun need to stabilise the at an appearance on the Altman, CEO of Meta- situation by reducing popular interview show, verse Stock Exchange outgoings without Metanomics. and Cyberland, to see rip-off! provoking a run in the The Lab vice president what the future holds process: “At this time talked with host Beyers for exchanges as well we had to freeze all Sellers on Monday about as his view of the ban. accounts. We do not in perspective: “Far nell Vandeverre, CEO issues such as policing in THE AVASTAR: Have Lin- want all customers to more damage can be of the World Stock Ex- SL and a new rating sys- den Lab taken the right withdraw their bal- done by unnecessary change, sought to dis- tem. She said that due to decision here? ances, this would kill panic than the policy tance himself from the a lack of resources, the SHAUN ALTMAN: Overall ANGER: Crowds gather at JT Financial the bank. We will find itself. Many people banks: “Almost all the Lab has had to focus its I think it is a good idea, to demand their money back a good solution for all have been very un- virtual banks consist- policing efforts on things but a little late and a little banks close up shop after linden lab ban sides, in any case, so derstanding as we ed of an ATM, little or which directly affect SL’s lacking. The bankers will please do not worry. have slight delays no terms of service or usability. That included certainly take off with LINDEN Lab’s ban purposes will be al- machines in an at- The worst thing is to in service while we conditions, extremely fraud: “If we see a pattern everything. Also, a better on in-world banking lowed to operate. tempt to access their panic.“ progress, and I thank low cash reserves and of events associated with time would have been has met with praise Ken Linden claimed savings, prompting damage these people as this limited account man- one person or group we 2005. from many residents the banks “have fears of a run on many Alyssya Vella, who more rational behav- agement facilities for spend time investigating TA: Will stock exchanges - while others are left brought unique and banks. In order to com- works for BCX in- iour would surely as- customers. In many that.” be included in the ban? sweating on wheth- substantial risks to SL, bat the threat, banks world and says she sist all companies af- cases these banks concern SA: I think it would be er they will get back and we feel it is our slashed withdrawal is a private banker fected within SL.“ were damaging the SL There are also efforts hypocritical to ban for their investments. duty to step in. Of- limits or ceased to pay in RL, also played But not everyone in brand and not making to continue to increase example dividend yielding The decision to ban fering unsustainably out altogether. down fears the deci- the financial industry a positive contribu- the number of groups stocks when the group anyone from offering high interest rates, Many business own- sion would threaten was upset at the new tion to the user ex- residents can be mem- system itself yields divi- interest or direct re- they are in most cases ers were angry at the residents‘ savings and ruling. With the fate of perience of residents bers, Robin added: “We dends. But who knows turn on investments doomed to collapse lack of warning from commended custom- the stock exchanges participating in the SL already raised the limit what the Lab are up to. after January 22, an- – leaving upset ‘de- the Lab and now face ers for keeping things still unclear, Lukecon- economy.“ from 15 to 25, and we’re I don’t think there is en- nounced by Ken positors‘ with noth- an uncertain future. exploring other options. ough information in yet Linden in a blog post ing to show for their Murphy Larsson, who ROYAL RIP-OFF: The problem with upping and I wouldn’t want to on Tuesday, was greet- investments. As these tried in vain to recoup A badly written sign tells that number further is customers the ATM is not speculate. I am confident ed by many residents activities grow, they his savings from a JT paying out degrading performance, this will be clarified soon. glad to see the back become more likely Financial ATM said: “I a very big concern.” She TA: Should Linden Lab of a dubious and scan- to lead to destabili- have to pay my em- said she hoped some new seize all bank funds? dal-ridden system. sation of the virtual ployees and if I can‘t tools would be developed SA: I don’t know that the- In two weeks time, economy.“ pay them my busi- during 2008. re is anything to seize. only the banks which FEARS ness is closed. Linden Only Linden knows that. I have a recognised RL But there was no eu- Lab is stupid in that think a better idea would charter or license, or phoria for anxious way, they don‘t think be to do a bail out now exist purely for edu- investors who imme- before they do any- CHAT: Robin Linden before its too late. cational or marketing diately rushed to ATM thing.“ with Beyers Sellers 0 NEWS Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 NEWS 0 sl/rl production [email protected] sl is as real to us as rl Hey Regis, Friends have visited me ple can say SL isn‘t ‘real ond’ to differentiate I THINK it’s time to from the US, I live in life’... think about it, the between the two draws plaudits stop saying ‘RL’ and Australia. Our avatars computer is connected I‘m amused when I mixed reality theatre performance gets rapturous applause both in sl and rl ’SL’ as the idea that represent who we feel to the phone line. How hear people say “get a By konstantin waechter the SL theatre in Helgeland at SL is somehow cut we are on the inside, is meeting someone life“ when they hear of AN ambitious SL and RL the- Hamburg North Beach. The ac- off from real life is we wear our insides on on the computer not what we do in SL. OK, if atre production received a tors sat in front of their PCs in wrong. the outside in SL. I treat real life, when using the words came from a standing ovation at both its the first act of the Viking epic, I‘ve made a lot of actual everyone in SL with the the phone is? person who was an as- virtual and real premiere this based on famous Norwegian friends from my virtual same care and respect I I think it‘s time to stop tronaut, brain surgeon, week. playwright Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Nor- ones. We‘ve met in the would if I met them in using the term ‘real life’ Olympic gold medal- The play, ‘The Vi- dische Heerfahrt’, as they acted fleshy world, gone on a cafe. It‘s very strange - perhaps we should ist or superhero, then kings at Helge- out the play in SL. BEWARE: Here come the Vikings! trips, bought gifts for how peo- stick to ’first’ and ‘sec- sure. But nine times out land’, was acted UNIQUE each other. We worry of ten I think it probably out at the Despite minor sound inter- The next performance is on Jan- L$500 when our friends are comes from the mouth S c h a u s p i e l - ferences, guests thoroughly uary 24, Helgeland (176, 130, 31) sick, or when they‘ve E-MAILS of a couch potato with haus in Ham- enjoyed the innovative pro- got a problem. We write to: a vast DVD collection. burg, Germany, duction, with many staying to [email protected] keep in contact. By Wolfie while also taking listen to the second act, which ADVERT place in only took place on the RL stage. SL theatregoer Ziara Heron said: “The technical realisation was unique and the idea is just great!” FANTASIES Hjoerdis Halcali, one of the RL actresses in the produc- tion, told The AvaStar that the combination of the two worlds within the play made sense. She said: “It has a lot to do with the world of SL. A world where you can flee to because you can be anyone you want to, live out your fantasies, be a hero. The play is about personalities who fool themselves, only live in their imagination and who have lost their sense of reality. This is especially the case with IMAGINATIVE: VIKING PERFORMANCE: Actress Hjoerdis Halcali Actor Sigurd Knoller my character.”  NEWS Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 NEWS  Leiderregis SBteRAATHENSpanov L$500 shock, horror – lindens PICSPICS ofof THETHE WEEkWEEk do the right thing for sl [email protected] lab was right to ban sl ‘banks’, but don’t expect any more linden intervention I’VE written here in virtual cash to a bank, however, that I agree the past about how only to see it disappear. with some of the logic please send ME This sculpture by LIGHT foolish it is to give a It is a responsibility of employed by the Lab your comments: WAVES is a snip at large amount of mon- the Lab, one which they to justify the ban. [email protected] L$35,000 from Rezzable’s ey to any SL ‘bank’. do not always meet, to collapse new gallery. Pic by F.W. And now it seems look after their resi- One of the most im- would confirm that this that Linden Lab agree dents, and to ensure SL mediate concerns ex- type of ‘banking’ activ- with me, as they have is not lawless. pressed when the news ity is inherently risky Visitors to the new sim of French record banned any organisa- DESPERATE broke was that it would and flawed, and should label Hangars Liquides will find an edgy tion in SL from paying It does mean, of course, cause a run on banks be shut down.” city scene with dark walkways and burning interest on deposits that residents will now as customers rushed fanfare rubbish. Pic by P.P. unless they have suit- eagerly await the next to withdraw what they So, by ensuring banks able accreditation – an time the c o u l d in SL collapse, they will unlikely scenario, un- Lab feels of their show that banks in SL less the big RL banks it has savings. are in danger of col- Further evidence of the epidemic of ‘av farming’ was move in-world. a duty As in lapse. At least this time CAUGHT UP: BCX Bank provided by GOOD2 GO with this pic of bots at the responsibility to “step RL, SL there has been some Klapcheck sim last week. While cynics may con- in”, to use Ken Linden’s banks only keep a warning of an immi- sider the move an at- words, in order to make small part of their as- nent ban. Still, don’t be tempt to retain con- SL a better place. sets in cash, and there surprised to see Bar- trol over the virtual They may be waiting were, and still are, fears clays or Bank of Amer- economy, and specifi- a while. But full credit that this kind of event ica launching in SL with cally over the supply to the Lindens for tak- would see in-world fi- a Lab-backed fanfare in of currency, it seems ing action which I, and nancial institutions col- a couple of months. to me Linden Lab has many others, felt was lapse. In his blog made the right choice. d e s p e r a t e l y post, Ken Linden They say they want to needed. said: “We unfor- WARNING: How The AvaStar broke prevent residents I‘m not tunately have no the story of the increasing level of from being ripped s u r e , control over SL bank fraud in August off, and the last 12 this [runs on months are lit- banks]. If in tered with sto- fact there ries of those are insuffi- SAMANTHA LAMONT showed the magic who blindly VICTIMS: Lexus Daviau and Xavier cient funds to of WindLight with this breathtaking snap- entrusted their Hathaway lost more than L$3m when cover what’s Atlas Venture Captial CEO Jasper Tizzy shot of King Kong at Havens Paradise. hard-earned disappeared owed, that 10 BUSINESS Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 BUSINESS 11

by private and public organisations. us. If you believe the press, there is BIZ bites:: Conferences, seminars, presenta- terror, chaos and instability on the emmy for slers sl’S 2007 story Analysis tions, and discussions are also regu- grid. Residents left en masse follow- in the first of two parts, discover how sl developed over 2007 RESIDENTS have been larly held in-world, coming both ing the gambling ban (but strange- 2007 was a landmark year voice chat application. Despite and con- recognised for their crea- from established RL organisations ly, after a few weeks, they weren’t for Linden Lab and Second this, the grid is as unstable as ferences, tivity with an Engineering (like Dr. Dobbs‘ TechTalk) and a few missing on the statistics). Life, but what was the truth before. Old-timers may remem- which are By GWYNETH LLEWELYN and Technology Emmy parallel behind the events, and what ber how it was in the past, but now much more similar to their award for user-genera- RL lawsuits over content in SL have does the next 12 months hold newcomers are more demand- physical counterparts. ted content. Philip Linden 2007 was the year flowered, while paedophilia and in store for residents? AvaStar ing, and expect near-perfect culture said: “We wouldn’t exist, other deviant sexual behaviour has analyst and renowned SL ex- availability. It’s not there yet, There were also dramatic chang- everything fell apart let alone win awards, if it been on every journalist’s mind - pert Gwyneth Llewelyn gives not by a long way. es in SL’s social scene. Live music wasn’t for the vision cre- - or so the media even if some recent statistics show her views. The voice feature, although has filled the gap left by the ban ated by our users.” that only 18 per cent of content in WE have had an astonishing not as good as, say, Skype, has on gambling nicely, with resi- claims. SL is sex-related (slightly below the year, with most predictions transformed live performances dents able to enjoy a dazzling that only exist thanks to SL (like the figure for the Web). In fact, 2007 turkish delight made in 2006 failing to prepare array of live music. In culture, Metanomics conferences). is be described as the struggle TURKISH firms will con- us for the events of the past 12 professional artists are using chaos between the media’s attitude to- tinue to flood into SL, months. the platform for all sorts of per- So many RL companies entered SL wards SL. 2004 was the year of the according to a report in So where to start? Technol- formances and presentations, in 2007 that not even the media can ‘weirdos’ living a parallel life, 2005 the Turkish Daily News. ogy was a major talking point and are being given grants to keep track of them. The early entries was when business boomed in SL, Companies like Vestel in 2007, with advances includ- VOICE: Transforming conferences, like the do their work inside SL. A vast have stuck in the minds of residents, 2006 was the year when the corpo- and Remax are already ing an open source client, a new one at Dr Dobbs Island featuring Ginsu array of galleries and in-world but not so the latecomers. For ex- rate world found out about us and in-world, and a further renderer (WindLight), and a Linden talking about universal avatars. museums are being sponsored ample, the largest clothes retailer in jumped into it eagerly. ten are expected to arrive ADVERT Europe, the Inditex group, has been And 2007 was, well, the in the coming year. in SL for over half a year, but all peo- year everything seems ple remember is how American Ap- to be falling apart. Or sl’s fly-by-mice parel’s virtual presence shut down so the media claims. SANDIO Technology has earlier in 2007. • See next week launched a mouse which The RL media, however, turned off for Gwyneth’s allows users to navigate the hype button, and we were told predictions LAWSUITS: Stroker Serpentine led the through 3-D space. SL about all the terrible things which for a busy fight to establish residents will be able to are supposedly happening around 2008. SL’S legal rights fly using only the mouse, and will also be able to control gestures with it.

sl link feature SECOND Life Link, an ap- plication created by Fire Centaur for popular social network Facebook, has added a cross-network TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES: messaging feature. SLers WindLight wowed us in 2007. can now send IMs into SL Pic by Clarrice Cinquetti from Facebook. 1a-stars2 A-STARS Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 A-STARS 13 A-STARS gossip with Isabel Brocco, Babu Writer and Kitty Otoole sl flying high and By Carrie Sodwind, Pics by Anya Ixchel included culture buffPathfinder Linden SOARING ZeroG SkyDancers amazed the painter Filthy Fluno. Sponsored by NMC, the the hottest avs crowd at artist Dancoyote Antonelli’s ‘Sec- sim was filled with 45 art fans for the show, the ond Spring’ performance on Monday. third performance by the dancers. ty The L$3,000 entry fee did not deter follow - capaci ers of Antonelli, whose colourful and expres - Antonelli said: “It could not have gone better. in the universe! sive ‘Hyperformalism’ has earned him a name I am glad we did not crash. We push the class among the SL art crowd. High profile visitors five sim capacity in every way.”

CELEB GUESTS: Pathfinder Linden and Filthy Fluno

SL’S MOST BEAUTIFUL: (WILLAMINA FITZGERALD), (CHERIE PARKER), MISS (PUP WITHERSPOON), (PAYTON HERON), MISS GREECE (BABYHONEY BAILEY), MISS HONG KONG (MUI MUKERJI), (ELISNE ALLEN), (HARMONICA AABYE), (ISABEL BROCCO), MISS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (PAT YOUNG), MISS (CHLOE LOOBY), MISS USA (SUMMER DEADLIGHT) bu By Gaetana faust ada Cherie Parker and Miss positive experience regardless HIGH CULTURE: SL’S most stunning avatars Costa Rica Pup Witherspoon of who wins, and said: “Only The colourful show wowed wowed the crowds at the both said they would use the one girl will get the crown, but the SL art crowd Puntarenas sim as they pre- title to promote environmental I believe you can all pare to fight it out for the causes, while other contestants be winners.” Miss SL Universe title. promised to raise awareness The AvaStar An expert panel of judges were for their favourite charities if wishes all the given their first glimpse of the they won. The AvaStar’s talent- girls the very AMAZING: The SkyDancers strut SULTRY: A mermaid SkyDancer 12 contestants, each represent- ed a-stars girl Isabel Brocco, best of luck for their stuff ing countries from around the Miss Spain, is also among the the upcoming entices the audience in world, from Norway to Costa favourites to lift the crown. finale on Rica. They were clad in match- winners January ing elegant white dresses and Prizes, including L$250,000 in 19. ORGANISER: Frolic Mills fans film plea seeing starmen simply the best strappy gold sandals provided cash, are up DIE-HARD Duran Duran fans PARTYGOERS thought they KIM Seifert won the first by designer Melanie Zhao. for grabs. have created a machinima were halucinating at Nebu- preliminary round of the Best Organiser Frolic Mills told the Judge Callie mash-up of their hit song losus Severine’s ‘Doors of of Second Life contest to find assembled crowd at the event Cline chal- ‘Falling Down’ to lure the Perception’ launch this week, the most appreciated perfor- on January 5 that the winner lenged the group into SL. “We hope SL is when multiple David Bowie mer on the grid on January would be chosen not only for competitors still in the back of the minds avatars appeared. It turns out 5. The final takes place on of Duran Duran” said Jomado February 9, with L$50,000 her looks, but also for her con- to make the the top artist was giving away ON THE PANEL: The judges look on Laval. The video is on YouTube. up for grabs. By Phil Spackler tribution to SL life. Miss Can- pageant a as the contestants are introduced free Bowie skins that night! 14 STYLE Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 STYLE 15

caLLiecaLLie cLine´scLine´s What´s Hot! Style Hotline AFRO NO NO By Carrie Sodwind Pics by Isabel Brocco The man in black CHILL out with your fellas, there’s more to a look than jeans and a t-shirt! afros, girls. hat is fab with the salt and pepper hair and I absolutely love his goggle sunglasses. The plain grey shirt AFRO MASTER: Naturelle Santos is a perfect canvas to show off his great Big bold hair is in, but avo- leather biker jacket id wearing a lioness ’fro and his fuzzy scarf with a top hat – it looks tops off the look per- unnatural and awkward. fectly. At an event on Friday in rock star Second Shores, brave Bri- Little details go a long gitte Kungler looked like a way, guys! magician whose top hat Simple black jeans rabbit had accidentally keep the focus on the turned into a cockerel. man not the cloth- simple ing, and his own Oslo Setting it straight on the shoes are my favour- catwalk of Club Elemental ite men’s shoes in SL on Sunday, ASpiRE! models at the moment. I love Ally Geer and afro-queen the stitching, black Naturelle Santos, showed suede and the low how it should be done. cut. The craftsman- With her new dark-skin ship on the boots is look, Ally demonstrated amazing and I think that if you keep the outfit NEW LOOK: Eponymous Trenchmouth he looks like a rock simple, out-of- star! Just imagine control frizz I ASKED a friend of It’s not often you see this look without the can really mine who had an a man in SL who has hat, scarf and sun- work. avatar makeover really put together glasses. It would be recently to pose for a look that’s his own pretty boring. this week’s article. and not just a pair of So guys, remember, Eponymous Trench- jeans and a t-shirt, or add those little things mouth is the creator an off the rack suit. to add a bit of interest of JCS shoes (formerly I love what Epony- and mystery to your Jeepers Creepers) and mous has done with avatar. We girls like A HAIRY MOMENT: I love his new look. his accessories. The that! Brigitte Kungler, left, and Ally Geer, right. 16 ADVERT Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 STYLE 17

inventory sneak peek By Islode Flamand Annette Voight of Decoy My favourite eyes... I love... “...are these grey ones made by Miri- “...my casual sneakers by el Enfield. Elikapeka Tiramisu of ETD. They look They’re so cute and casual so inviting, and match almost any kind of and yet clothing. They are very detai- are such a led and yet so girly - I want light colour. these in my RL!” I adore... My grey “...these ragged fairy wings eyes are by Jen Shikami of Seven’s c o m - Selections. Airy and light, with plemented perfectly by my Vogue a super fluttering effect, they eyelashes by Starley Therein from have quickly become my fa- Celestial Studios. Since they come in vourite wings. The best part two sizes and are copyable I was able is that they are ‘tintable’, so to get this great fit with just a tiny bit they can match any outfit.” of editing.” Tina´s healthy eating must-haves By Tina (Petgirl) Bergman

Kitchen Decor Items Bottle of Petrus Pomerol wine Including frying pan, salt and By Virtual Revolution pepper, fruit basket, corn, Al Tang (92, 163, 65) ice and kettle. By Casandra Jackson L$150 Voti (196, 43, 23) L$175

Strawberry Pie By bottlekid Malibu Cars (54, 98, 25) L$50 L$175 Sushi Dispenser Set By Zia Metty SUZAKU (92, 124, 27) 18 ADVERT Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 TRAVEL 19 my Travel Tips By Trick Mertel World sim. I’ve also just got back CJ: There’s only one place - BUSINESSWOMAN Cadence from Temptation. Also Ischia, Dogglounge on Plush Delta. Juran is the CEO of Crescendo which is fabulous - the EFA Fash- It pulls a great crowd and the Corporation, a public relations ion Week was held there. house music is off the charts. powerhouse in SL. TA: Where do you hang out I’ve met some of my closest THE AVASTAR: Which good and relax? friends there. sims have you explored CJ: I head home and relax TA: What sims do you find the recently? on my observation deck most creative? Cadence JurAN: I vis- with a great book and listen CJ: There really are too many to ited the innovative and to the smooth streams of name, but for a beautifully rich sleekly-designed Second MaxMarch Radio. scene I go to Fio Fum, where TA: Where do you party? there are some immaculate gar- SLEEK: Second World dens. RECENT VISIT: Temptation TA: What are your top tips for TIPS: exploring SL? Cadence Juran CJ: Never forget to look up, I’ve seen some amazing skyboxes that I would have never known were there.

THIS WEEK: the new sim dedicated to the sights NEW SIMS and sounds of israel HISTORIC: SHALOM: A seaside view at Tel Aviv The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock are present but more modern creations such as the Tel Aviv opera house and the By Coyne Nagy SLT on January 13. It is the first Bahai Gardens in Haifa will also THE best Israel has to offer island on the grid to be dedi- attract visitors. has been brought to SL by cated to Israel, and a number of explore two skillful residents. landmarks have been painstak- The sim’s creators hope it will Hagibor Shepherd and Beth ingly recreated from across the become a focal point for Israelis Odets are responsible for the country. and Jews from all over the real Israel sim, which will launch Religious sites such as the West- world to meet, learn about her- with parties at 10am and 7pm ern Wall, the Church of the Holy itage and explore the country. 20 DEAR RANDI Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 DEAR RANDI 21

For advice write to Randi Barracuda at: The Virtual World´s [email protected] Dear Randi No 1 Agony Aunt why doesn’t she want STAR ex-wife wants to split us up LETTER Dear Randi: I’VE been mar- picious of me after my ex told about your past cheating. Tell L$500 send me a mail ried to an amazing girl in SL her (truthfully) that I cheated in her what you have told me, to be together 24/7? for three months now. Our my first marriage. I learned my and that you don’t understand i think about her all the time, but now she is being cold and distant relationship was perfect until lesson from the affair, and have why your ex is bringing up the Dear Randi: A FEW weeks but RL job and personal situa- of situation usually involves a she met my ex-wife. I encour- no intention of cheating again. subject again. Your current ago I met a woman who is beau- tions are taking up most of her woman complaining about her aged the relationship at the But I don’t like the suspicion, wife knows you were married tiful, sexy, smart and sweet and time. I’m hurt that she doesn’t busy man, but these days the beginning, because we’re all or the backstabbing. What before, so she must realise has me thinking about her 24 spend more time with me, and shoe is sometimes on the other interested in building and should I do? — C.T. something ended it. Details of hours a day, seven days a week. worried that she’s going to foot. Tell her you love her, but it could share knowledge. But Randi says: Be truthful with past relationships are best left We were spending about eight end the relationship. How can is important that you don’t nag suddenly my wife became sus- your wife, and be truthful in the past. hours a day together until after I convince her to see me more? her about where she is all the Christmas, when suddenly she — S.W. time. If you’ve exchanged email For better or for became quite elusive. She says Randi says: All you can do is addresses, keep in contact by randi´s photo casebook worse, week one: she’s interested in me and hates be a good guy and be support- sending her romantic messages that we can’t be together more, ive for her. I find that this kind she can read in her own time. Sally is preparing for her big day... Oh stop being so negative. I love James, and he loves me. We’re perfect together, and in a bored by talk about honey trap shows my few hours we shall be husband and wife! I can’t failed rl engagement wife doesn’t trust me believe I’m Dear Randi: ONE of my best girlfriends used Dear Randi: I HAVE been a faithful husband about to get to be a lot of fun. We worked together at a club, in SL for over a year now. For some reason women married - I’m and we would always joke and laugh in IMs. But seem to be attracted to me, and my wife can be so nervous! recently she had a RL breakup with a guy she was a bit jealous. I enjoy going to the beach, and like engaged to, and all of a sudden her company meeting people there for conversation. For three wasn’t so enjoyable. All she seems to want to talk straight days, the same woman had sat next to about is her ex and how bad life is for her now. me for a chat. Suddenly one day she removed her I sympathise with her, but I don’t want to hear top and a guy started taking pictures. It seems I’m still not sure about this, Text about how tough her life is every day. What can I they work for a new detective agency and their Sally. You’ve only known him five days, for goodness sake. do to get her to stop talking about it? — A.L. job was to trap me into cheating. But nothing Randi says: Let her talk it all out in one go. happened. How can I convince my wife? — M.R. Tell her you’re her friend and that you feel for her, Randi says: That might be impossible. She but that her constant talking about it is depress- obviously trusts the detective agency more than ing you as well as her. Perhaps suggest she get she does you, and the fact she hired them in counselling from someone who is paid to listen. the first place shows your marriage wasn’t very Then if she keeps on talking about it, you may strong. It pains me to advise anyone to get a di- have to avoid her. It’s sad when break-ups de- vorce, but this may be an exception. If you can’t stroy more than one relationship, but it happens get the relationship repaired quickly, it may be to be continued… all too often. time to end it and look for others. 22 SLAGGIN Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 NEWBIE CORNER 23

SL’s best Surviving FREE stuff! Second Life FreebiesFreebies Kim Seifert is a This Week: the pillow fighter By Petronilla Paperdoll BRING up memories of some en- abuse report! popular coun- joyable moments as a kid with Wear pyjamas and slippers, such try singer in SL. the Pillow Fighter freebie. as the free panda or lion ones at Le By Coyne Nagy THE AVASTAR: How were It can be found at Ranunculus (234, Zoo (141, 171, 22). Then organise a py- your first days in SL? 74, 34), and was created by Lauren jama party, distribute the pillows and Kim Seifert: I walked Fox, who made the particles, and Jig- you’re ready to start! into everything, was an saw Partridge, who improved an ex- ugly noob, and had no isting anonymous script. The pretty idea how to change my pink pillow releases feathers when purple shirt. you swing it. Wear the object, then TA: What major pro- hold down the left mouse button. blems did you have? genteel fight KS: Baldness. When I fi- Clicking the cursor keys of the key- nally learned about prim TREAD CAREFULLY: hair and bought my first board enables you to carry out five The Panda Slippers hairdo, everything I tried effective moves – backflip, on took off my hair. I kin- sword strike, punch, one- da miss those boxes on two punch and round- my head. house kick – and the pil- TA: How did you solve low will emit six different it? kinds of chicken feathers, KS: I finally learned how with sound. They will drop to attach things to diffe- gracefully around your op- rent spots. But the real ponent without damaging turning point came when SOFT BLOWS: anyone - a genteel kind of Linden Lab changed the The Pillow Fighter default attachment spot a fight, with no risk of an from the head to the right hand. I haven’t been bald Dos and Don’ts of the client menu DO DOn´t since - unless you count + By Gaetana Faust – those times when tele- + Use the client menu features at the - Deselect Disable Camera cons- porting puts attachments in interesting places! top to change your viewer settings. traints if you like to cam around. TA: What advice would + Clear Group Cache for optimal - Fret at the dreaded ‘Missing you give to newbies to performance on your PC. Image’ texture or other texture help overcome such + Change snapshot settings and sun woes. Select Client/Character/Re- problems? settings in the client menu. bake Textures to fix your look. KS: Roll with it. + Select the Consoles to investigate - Forget to clear the Group Cache issues or problems. regularly for optimal performance. + Check out what you can change in - Neglect to write down changes the Debug Settings drop down, you are making to the Debug including turning off the annoying Settings in case it doesn’t work. HAIR-RAISING: typing hand movement. - Select Limit Select Distance. Kim Seifert 24 ADVERT Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 GUIDE 25

top events ANd THE GUIDE entertainment grafitti and b’ball This WEEK: urban builds los altos By Gaetana Faust inin ddaaghghettettoo Take in the edgy at- mosphere helped along by the the constant hip hop music. Where: Los Altos (128, 128, 0)

CAR CRASH: Therapy detroit dreams 8mile explore the sights and sounds of sl’s harshest streets KEEP it real by pounding the ur- Penumbra (79, 158, 24), where an ban streets of Second Life. old fighter plane fills a good por- The gritty reality of the 8mile sim tion of the dance floor. brings you face to face with the Check out the artistic graffiti experience of life in run-down around the basketball courts at Forget Eminem, check Detroit. Buy the latest in hip hop the Los Altos sim. Constant hip out the gritty living in the fashion, visit the Edge dance hop provides a great atmosphere underbelly of Detroit for club or hang out in a sparse play- as you take a look around. Right yourself. ground. If you’ve wondered what next door is the Slump sim, for Where: 8mile it’s really like to wander around a those interested in urban combat (128, 128, 0) crack den, you can find out atD is- role-playing. Take a stroll over the trict 8 (16, 168, 34). steel catwalk high above the din- crack dens by night Watch out for car fires as you walk gy streets of Biopunk. The roads district 8 around the neighbourhood at are lined with edgy stores for the Therapy in Lu Dongbin (97, 187, savvy shopper, and you can grab 29). There is no need for a club, a seat on a cinder-block bench or as you can simply party in the hang out on top of a dumpster. streets - part of the city style. The For a bit of high urban style, drop sim of Esoterica is home to Atroc- by the Hoodstock Cafe in Land Take a walk through the ity bus lines (186, 95, 27), a run- of Hope (128, 224, 0). It’s a classy abandoned warehouses down terminal next to a desolate lounge dedicated to celebrating and dirty streets. playground. The highlight is the the high points of urban sports Where: District 8 hot industrial club called Umbra and entertainment. (16, 168, 34) 26 GUIDE Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 GUIDE 27

1.11. - 1.17. don’t miss! – EVENTS of the week All times are given in SL Time All times are given in SL Time

READING DISCUSSION LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLIFE ART & CULTURE PARTY NEIL STRAUSS BOOK TO FILM HEATH ELVEHJEM OPENING PARTY PRETTY IN PRIMS VILLAGE FETE Listen to the author give an ex- Join in the discussion about what The renowned RL pianist will start The Nikki Residential Company is The Crescent Moon Museum will The Celtic Ash Tree Festival takes clusive live reading from his book, makes a book suitable to be tur- a series of in-world jazz piano launching three new sims which host a retrospective exhibition of place in RL in this weekend ‘The Rules of the Game’, followed ned into a film. Are there ethical concerts at The Distillery. can be rented out, and to mark the work of Random Calliope, fa- and the Cymru sim is celebrating by a Q&A session and a party. obligations to stay true to the ori- When: Jan. 17, 17:00 the occasion, the firm will be mous for jewellery which is 100 the event with a massive in-world When: Jan. 13, 12:00 ginal story? Where: Rich Idiot (188, 203, 28) holding a fabulous opening party, per cent prim work. The opening party which will include live music Where: Blue Horizon When: Jan. 13, 11:00 including a DJ who will have you will be followed by a formal ball. and a top DJ, so head down to en- (217, 217, 0) Where: Africa (193, 137, 27) dancing long into the night. When: Jan. 13, 15:00 joy the festivities. When: Jan. 14, 12:00 Where: FairChange Village When: Jan. 12, 08:00 Where: Tatakoto (106, 134, 22) (187, 142, 21) Where: Cymru (132, 141, 27)

ADVERT SPORT SOCCER IN SL The in-world German national team will play a friendly against their French counterparts, with the SL world cup just weeks away. When: Jan. 16, 12:00 Where: Maxfear (179, 86, 22)

! Event of the week FASHION AVASTAR OF 2007 AWARD CEREMONY MUISM The AvaStar of the Year 2007 contest, as voted for by you, reaches its The models at Muism will show climax with a big bash. Find out which one of the ten nominees wins the off both classic and trendy new title. Vote now at www.the-avastar.com! designs on the catwalk. When: Jan.16, 09:00 When: Jan 12, 16:00 Where: The AvaStar (107, 219, 80) Where: Far Sight (49, 242, 50) 28 ADVERT Jan. 11, 2008 Jan. 11, 2008 NEWS 29

INTERVIEW The AvaStar: What is your best feature? Pup Witherspoon: Pro- bably my brain! I know of the week that may seem like a By Paolo Bade strange answer for some- Pics by Carrie Sodwind one involved in the Miss SL Universe contest, but in the end, that’s what empowers me in SL. TA: How do you spend your time in SL? PW: Generally, I’m wor- king, either on a sim development, or on one of my luxury residential rentals. My relaxation in SL is enjoying the music scene. TA: What would you change in SL? PW: Stabilising the ap- plication software, pro- bably rewriting the entire application in a more ro- bust, scalable language, enhancing the support system, finding better methods for initially ex- posing new avatars to the SL experience. PUP TA: If SL had a presi- dent, who would you vote for? WITHERSPOON PW: That depends on what the position would RECENTLY CROWNED MISS COSTA RICA SL, THE GORGEOUS entail. If it’s a ceremonial BUILDER AND CONTENT CREATOR WILL COMPETE FOR THE TITLE position, you’d want one OF MISS SL UNIVERSE NEXT WEEK. kind of person, but, if it’s a working position, a liaison AVA - ID CARD between individuals in SL and the Lab, then you’d Name: PUP WITHERSPOON Profession: Creator and builder want a totally different birth date: 3/19/2006 Attitude: Smart type of person.