My SL Foundations... My Rock...

.

It's been over a year now since being reborn in Second Life (SL), yesterday just seemed like a breeze. Although my addiction to Second Life has somehow stabilised to fascination (hee hee hee), I still can't help but log-in on every available occasion. Maybe not as often as I have been in the past year (thanks to intervening RL matters) but nevertheless still as thrilled as the time I first discovered SL.

Circumstantial factors have yanked me back into the chaotic world we all call "real life" (some actually call it reak life hahaha), like a wormhole spawned from an imploding supernova. It was never easy at first as I turn cold-turkey from the relapses of having to miss out on something (and someone) I really love sighs... Like an addict needing an immediate fix.


Those who may not understand SL would ask:
Why all the fuss?

Nothing to it really... you can say it is similar to other web-based social-networking websites that a lot of people also get hooked into: We have Facebook, Multiply, Friendster, Bebo, Yahoo Social (e-Groups, Answers, Messenger), MSN, Twitter as well as various on-line gaming sites that attract a lot of hard-core gamers who are into role-play. The list can go on, with new ones coming out every now and then.

Does that mean SL is a Doppelgänger of sorts? Well not quite if you ask me, but in fact a combination of them all. Second Life is an all-in-one: social networking, role play gaming, shopping, building/crafting/designing, clubbing, fund-raising, exhibits etc. It simply mirrors the activities people actually do in real life.


A New Generation in Online Interaction

We have come a long way since Yahoo popularised the notorious chat rooms. I'm sure every one of us had fallen victim to the Yahoo chat addiction, one way or the other. Now here comes the new kid on the block, Second Life. It goes beyond the norm, as one can see an actual virtual representation of the person they are talking to on-line. Emoticons and smileys are now things left to the web's Jurrasic era.

Interaction is now expressed in movements and gestures leaving little to imagination, rather than the old and traditional static text. Finally, individuals can now mimic real-life activities on-line... the stuff that would have been considered as science fiction a few years back.


Celebrating The Friendship

What probably keeps residents to religiously "bundy-in" to their virtual lives are the people behind the AVs (avatars), as one surely would never have survived in SL without them... a well known fact for I would have been one of them.

Looking back evokes a wonderful feel-good sensation in my chest. I would never have lasted this long without these wonderful folks. It may just seem like a virtual game to some, but the thought of acceptance and the trust developing between two people is as important as how things would actually be in real life. The driving force that binds individuals together as the "you and me" evolves into a "we".


My Foundations...
A Tribute To Friendship Through The Wires.

Recalling the very first people I have met takes me back to the days of yore. Being naive and utterly lost at the start of my virtual journey had left me as a drifter. That may be quite embarrassing for someone my age hahaha. But thanks to these people who had helped me put all the pieces together, a "no-one for a nobody" has become a "somebody for someone" in Second Life.

So here I raise a flute of my virtual champas as I give tribute to the foundations that have helped mould N71 Aeon to the avatar he is today. Helping me stand strong on my pixel toes, as I reach for the stars. They are truly Corinthian Doric columns that hold together the Parthenon! /me smiles

Now meet the people behind the Aeon!

Keeley Huet
(February 10, 2008)

Virtually lost and without a clue on what to do next, my noobish behaviour of yelling out for help had me cross paths with Keely Huet. Being obviously desperate to erase that Haraguy image in me (hahaha), Keely kindly responded when others have blatantly ignored me (probably for being a rude shouting noob? lol). I have gone a long way as a noob since she showed me the importance of the "search button", giving truth to her words that "Search is your friend." She recommended The Block and that was where I took off in my relentless quest to redo N71 completely.

Apart from being the first virtual mate I have in Second Life, she's also a very artistic, nature-loving Brit and I'm very honoured to have her as a friend. The occasional IM and "howareyous" are always a joy. Even to this day, recalling to having met her for the first time at Bonifacio is as vivid as the event just happening a day before.

Obviously a fashionista and one that would heavily invest in an exquisite wardrobe collection, she's the right person to ask advice for that perfect makeover.

Coleen Cuttita
(February 10, 2008)

Another Brit I've met on my second day in SL, she's one I would consider to be adventurous. How often would you be given a flying carpet tour around a whole sim. Rarely do I allow a woman to take over the wheel in RL (hahahaha just kidding), but it's wonderful to be driven around for a change. First meeting her in Abranimations main shop in search of my first groovy (and daft) dance animations, we immediately cliqued.

The adventure didn't stop there though as she brought me into the world of Pirates, as well as awakening that dormant James Dean persona hiding inside me (okay, okay! Too deep for you? I meant rebel)! Just remembering how we used to argue a lot about colour preference is hilarious, and I am sure she too would laugh at the thought of it as well. People who really know me would say I am more into dark earthly colours, while she prefers things to be lighter and brighter; a stark contrast obviously. hahaha But those little spats don't usually last long as real friends won't have misunderstandings carrying over to the next day.

Also very artistic and has an exceptional business sense, she's one friend that you wouldn't dare forget! I call her the Dame of Bare Rose as she had introduced me to one of the most interesting and practical shopping places in Second Life. Japanese Anime and Manga anyone? woot!

Laci Snowdrop
(February 18, 2008)

The one responsible for giving me such a fabulous home. For some strange reason, she actually had doubted my gender thinking I was a woman in real life! hahahaha! Letting her hear my voice was the only way I could convince her I was 100% alpha Cro-Magnon (or could it ever be just a clever ploy? hehehe) She's very lovely even in real life, and is trustworthy as a friend!

When this lady falls in love with someone, it's something that goes well beyond reason. She strongly believes that true love does exists in SL, and nothing can be more truer than that (smiles). Aside from being a property manager for Royal Tropical, she's also a model who's face has graced some of Second Life's popular fashion magazines.

I have been great friends with her eversince. She's someone who surely wont mind me crashing into her house, raid the fridge and help myself for last night's leftover meals hahaha! She's such a darling, and she knows that I would be there for her if ever she does need a shoulder to cry on. But please Laci, bring your own tissues okay! Just kidding hun!

Caroline Apollo

(February 27, 2008)

Finally meeting the woman behind the creation of Caroline's Jewelry was a very exciting moment. Getting to see her for the first time was also inspiring as I have nothing but praise and admiration for all builders in SL. The brainstorming sessions for some of her upcoming projects is something I always look forward to. She has this knack on getting to stimulate a creative cloud when she is at work, and somehow the spillover influences the people around her.

Her creations are unique as a fingerprint, with a signature design that makes her collection stand out! Innovation and constant reinvention may be the key to her success, being a perfectionist is also another. Her love for experimentation demonstrates her brilliance in the art of building and crafting.

Her taste in virtual photography is outstanding as you will see in her photoblog. She is a great fan of contemporary virtual art as she has introduced me to quite a few galleries and sims host to such events.

But not all is serious for Caroline all the time. Like most of us, she has got some crazy moments! hahaha No one has ever wrestled me down to the ground after a rib crunching suplex followed up by a pile drive!

Wholly responsible for our 7Seas Fishing addiction, she never fails to share to her friends the joys of having a Second Life. As being one of the original and pioneering residents, it is no doubt that she knows how to constantly keep things exciting. Being host to various parties, gatherings and the swankiest of all events at her sim is just but icing on the cake, as Lo Lo has always been a favourite venue for events.

A very thoughtful friend as she is always there to assist us without fail. With some common friends in tow, I am certain that the fun and excitement in all our SL adventures will continue for as long as Second Life will have her around.

Sammie Benoir
(February 28, 2008)

Yeah I know, the hair so quit staring! hahaha Actually Sammie won't be seen with the same hair and outfit the following day, and at times with no outfit at all (hahaha, she blames it to an SL glitch, woot!) The ultimate dressing up doll with 1001 gimicks tucked under her sleeve, but if she is wearing something sleeveless then they must be hidden somewhere else. hahaha If not for floating name tags, I can guarantee you will never know it is her!

I first met Sam on her RL birthday in Miramare hanging out with the brickies. She loves to listen to voice chat and could actually replace Oprah Winfrey or Ellen DeGeneres as talkshow host for being abreast with all the latest SL gossip hahahaha. Getting her bored would mean big trouble... and I mean B-I-G! hehehe, so be kind and do keep her entertained at all times!

You can say she is Lizzy's little sister and having them together is like mixing amonium nitate and water: they explode and can create irreversible damage in Second Life! hoooots! Loved by many and very fun to be with, real life had suddenly taken her away from us. sighs Sammie-baby you are sorely missed!

LisaHot Juran
(February 29, 2008)

A ghosting LHJ: when someone logs off but leave their avatars visible even when offline; Lisa left her AV ghosting in-world in Miramare, a spectacular and rare occurance.

I knew Lisa would have a great influence in me the moment I first saw her in Miramare. Rezzed with a golden heart, she has helped countless of new residents (and that includes me) to settle down quickly in Second Life. She is one true believer of Pay-It-Forward, having been a recipient of a good deed when she too was a noob. One of the founding members of the SexyHot Bitches (SHB), she has helped establish one of SL's most popular groups.

Giving me my first ever HUD tool, the Mysti Tool for protection only shows how much she cares for her friends. Her mentorship goes beyond prim building, as I have learned a lot of other skills from her.

She is a strong advocate in bringing back the glory days of the old Nova Albion, one of the first virtual continents in Second Life. One who believes in order and a woman who is always on the go, you will never have idle moments around this lass from the U.S. northwest!

She helped relaunch hydrofoil racing in SL and was able to form an impressive roster of pilots. Winning Oceanica's 2008 season, as well as being a major player to a host of other crossover tournaments clearly shows how this woman is synomymous to the catchphrase: The need for speed!

Dreiheit Dragonash

(March 6 , 2008)

Her name which means trinity in German (though very American IRL), may see her as cool and as elusive as the character of the same name in the movie The Matrix! hehehe Obviously a well traveled individual with the capability to mesmerizing everyone with her intellect, conversations with her may take you to the farthest corners of the globe. Her stories of global escapades reminds you that there is more to life than just work.

We talk of the same lingo when it comes to deadlines, and the problems we both have for over-expectations at work is simply uncanny. Seemingly full of zest for life, her bubbliness is so contagious that she makes you forget all your worries - well until the time she logs off and you start having them all over again hahahaha

She is the super-quick-drying-glue that binds the friendship together, and carries with her a breeze of fresh air wherever she goes. Though not in-world as often as she wants to (or as we want her to be), every opportunity we have with her is a moment worth remembering. Meeting her for the first time was a "sure-eye-opener" /me chuckles and is something I can never ever forget hahaha She and a "friend" (look above /me winks) had given this noob (meaning me hehehe) a taste of what Second Life can really be like, a mastercard moment... priceless! but it's not what you think you perves! hahaha


Just The Start of Something Big(ger)...

The list can go on forever though I would have to cut it short to a time when the noobish N71 was christened to finally be a bona fide resident in Second Life. I have met a lot of fantastic people along the way and some have still remained great friends with me.

I may have reached a milestone upon getting acquainted with one of the most amazing and inspiring people to meet in SL. On March 9, Lizzy Mornington also one of the founding members of the SHB came to be a big part of my life. It would be safe to say that in both SL and RL, she served as my anchor, my beacon and my companion in all my journeys across the Second Life grid. For once I no longer have to be "emotionally" alone anymore. She is an el capitana who constantly steers the ship to dirección correcta when things would seem to go astray.

Who would have thought that a quiet Aussie lass seated next to me during a common-friend's wedding would actually be the start of something big? Left to right: Lizzy Mornington, N71 Aeon, Sammie Benoir and Karmmann Ghia endured a lagfest as nuptial back-benchers.

Of course the rest goes down in history as most of us know by now. Someone in this group photo may have caught the bride's bouquet and got hitched herself... Vegas style baby! (laughter) Being naive made me miss obvious signs that those simple glances meant something after all! /me winks

But for whatever reason, I know all would be revealed on a special feature blog. Shouldn't spill everything in here, should I? hehehe Just saving the best for last, I guess?


The Show Must Go On...

Perhaps 2009 is the beginning of Book Two in our SL adventures. The start of the new year may not quite have been what most of us had in mind. But hey, whoever said that with all the bleakness and gloom surrounding the economic-world nowadays, the fun and the partying should end? As far as I am concerned, we only have just begun. With such great and wonderful mates with us in all our virtual journeys, how can we go wrong?

Looking back again a year before, with the thought of not having to meet any of the friends I have today is unsettling. I think I would not have stayed this long if not for all the fantastic moments I have spent with them. There are times when silence does set in between two friends, which should not be the cause for any wrinkles. As I believe (and surely a lot of us here too as well) that the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation that you ever had.

It's My Rezday: Looking Back

If some people see Friday the 13th as a creepy, freaky and unlucky day of the month, then make mine different! It may have been an unusual day to celebrate a Rezday (Second Life's equivalent of a birthday - derived from the word "rez" which means to bring out or to bring forth virtual objects in Second Life) but nothing had stop these wonderful folks from making one heck of an awesome party! I have to admit though, having been unprepared and totally clueless of the whole event freaked me out... like totally dude! (try saying that ala Crush... chuckles).

Who would have thought a rezday would feel as fantastic as an RL birthday. It must be the people behind the celebration that makes it so wonderful... (choco cake, cake hat and printed balloons from Sugar Rush... glossy balloons from my Lizzy-babes... yay!)

I have to thank Lizzy as well as point all my fingers (and toes) to her for being responsible for everything. When she plans a party expect nothing less than awesome, inspiring and amazing. I have seen her in action when she organised Lisa and Drei's rezday late last year, in what I consider a remarkable one-woman show! When Lizzy multi-task, she's a Macintosh at work (laughter).

First time she pulled it off, Lizzy organising Lisa and Drei's first rezday as Caroline brought back her plot in Miramare to its former glory.

Here's an important tip:

When a loved-one have taken themselves off the map (or you can't seem to locate them anywhere even when they are online), expect trouble (hahaha). But somehow that day I have given everything the benefit of the doubt, ignoring obvious signs that something was amiss. Call me a "simple person" but the "abdominal dilemma" I was having at that time (psssst, it's too embarrassing to mention hahaha, just ask Lizzy-babes) distracted me, thanks to a post-workout drink I had a few hours earlier (you wouldn't want to be near me, I tell you hahaha). Thankfully enough, I was able to return after about 45 minutes of my "brb" IM (more of a be-back-later than a be-right-back if you think about it).

Was it payback time when I did a similar thing for Lizzy's rezday? I should probably think so! Lizzy and I "boogie-woogie" at Lo Lo with her long list of friends on her rezday, where else would we be?

The Teleport

The moment she IM'd "Are you ready?" scared the living daylights out of me. My tummy ache sort of moved up to my chest and it nearly gave me a heart attack (lol). I knew I was going to be buttered toast (/me bites his fingers)... and I am sure Lizzy knew I was going to kill her "arftah" hahaha!

It wasn't much of a surprise that I was teleported to Lo Lo, Caroline Apollo's sim has always been the perfect venue to celebrate parties, lag free and the ambiance very idyllic.

Exactly a year ago as a noob making Lo Lo my home. Freebie-dude in his most daft moment! Oh come on! I am sure we all went through this phase in our SL lives hahaha...

I was star struck the moment I teleported to Lo Lo surrounded by very familiar faces! I just couldn't believe my eyes seeing the 7Seas Creators Guild (just coined that one up, as tribute to the very talented Custom Catch creators to ever grace 7Seas Fishing) bigwigs there as well as most of the SexyHot Bitches roster. On top of that, what are the odds of having 5 Custom Catch (CC) servers at the same time while listening to Radio Radio's Vertigo Paris choice hits?


Shock and Awe

I have to shamefully admit, I was short of saying anything at all during the party... literally speechless. Not that I wasn't enjoying myself or nor was I not enthusiastic enough to be that chatty person people know of, it's just the effect of being genuinely surprised! Though the sad thing for being numbed by that jack-in-the-box was forgetting to cast my 7Seas Fishing rod. I wasted a hell-lot of opportunities to complete my custom catches from my favourite CC creators! grumbles... bah... humbug... @$%&*#!

Surprise! Good thing I didn't teleport naked, hahaha. And guess who came at my party? (apart from our bestmate Ellynor Lisle, she's always present!) You wouldn't believe your eyes, and that's just for starters!

Do surprise me like that again in RL and I promise you I would freak out just the same hahaha! Don't get me wrong I do love surprises, but if they ever go off my charts, I freeze... literally, and it takes a while to thaw the shock away off from me (as some of you may already know by now lolol). But just to let our good mates know that this dude was so delighted to see everyone there! "Ecstatic" would be an understatement.

Hey Mum look what I got! Don't know what to give away as gifts on special occasions? Try custom made CCs. Most builders would offer their services for a reasonable amount of lindens. Featured are CCs from (clockwise) Grey Nacht, Migizi North, Amara Twilight and Alice Xue... awesome aren't they? Lucky me!

It was just what I needed after a stressful pre-weekend day at work (well I believe we all have been having these sort of days since the start of 2009), more like coming out feeling fresh after spending a bit of time at my local gym's aroma therapy and steam room... man, what a feeling that was!

The glamorous Caroline Apollo, owner of Lo Lo and Caroline Jewelry made it possible for all our Rezdays (Lisa, Drei, Lizzy's and mine) to be held at her place. A truly fantastic mate! hugssss...

My BIG Thanks To You All

... to all the 7S Creator's Guild (no mention of names to refrain from putting any pressure on these wonderful friends to attend everyone's rezday... just to be fair, you know who you peeps are... /me smiles), the SBH peeps and everyone (with special mention to Ellynor Lisle for being in all 3 in spite of having to stay up waaaaaay past her bedtime lol) who came to "our" rezday parties (you got it right, that's in plural form folks) and of course most especially to my Lizzy-babes for all the effort she has poured into this event, and for giving me something amazing that will surely last me for time immemorial. Luvs =^o.o^= mew

Isn't she lovely? She never cease to amaze me, and she never forgets an occasion be it my RL or SL birthdays. What a pleasant surprise this one was, just what I needed after a long absence in SL. 9th of February, my actual rezday.

I just can't help but wonder if I truly am worthy to deserve something as grand as this? Rest assured, my heart never forgets!

Je t'aime tellement Lizzy... pour toujours

Happy New Year (2009)

New Year greetings from Liz and En!

How time flies so fast when you think that yesterday was 2008! Despite of the hectic and crazy festivities that seem to have taken over our limited SL time, a good number of residents still managed to go in-world. I was going on and off to check for any surprises that Liz may have left for her "c'est qui tom papa" (loud laugher), Lizzy apparently was doing the same. Nevertheless the time difference between our RL worlds didn't seem to be a problem for the both of us as "sweet nothings" never fail to greet our unexpecting AVs during logins. One of the reasons why we look forward to go in-world on every given opportunity!

Celebrating the New Year together! Plus all the chatter and updates from last week's (last year even) festivities. Never a dull moment when we're together.

CSI: New York Episode "Down The Rabbit Hole"

Can't help but reminisce all the wonderful events of 2008. Well discovering Second Life is one of them, thanks to an episode of CSI New York which opened a new door for me. After years of being addicted to my work (yep workaholic as I have always been for over 15 years until you know what...), it has made a big change in me of wanting to stay at home more often which caught a lot of my workmates by surprise! Could we say that SL has been good for me then? One thing for sure is that I don't spend as much GBP every Friday when I hang out with the lads.. Linden $ are far much more cheaper (spits out coffee for not being able to control his laughter). After all, it's the chatter we share on a Friday or Saturday night that makes the get-together party worthwhile... grub and booze comes second and while having some "take-home" buddy is optional, I don't carry excess baggage with me on the way back to my place (chuckles). Besides. if it's just chatter we're after on a work-week break (okay that means Friday in layman's terms duh), Second Life has lots of that and I am sure most if not all of you residents agree.

Check out this short clip of that CSI:NY episode, and I wish that changing clothes and editing your appearance would be as lightning fast! False advertising of SL? You be the judge (laughter):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbxwtEKpEL4&feature=related

.. so what do you think? Even the gladiator role play made it look like a game from a Playstation. How I wish that were the case in real time SL hahaha. Oh oh.. and the super duper panoramic screen? I want one! Some animations were probably CGI generated, don't you think?

Now check this one out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaqiUUlyEYg&feature=related

hrrrmmm walking hand in hand? The one me and Liz got was horrible! I wish there was really one that we could get which mimics real life "holding-hands" while walking (grumbles).

Another question, what's wrong with the pick-up line "I love waterfalls" anyway? Bah! hahaha. Watching those CSI:NY clips again really brought back good old noobish memories! sighs...


Cheers for 2009

What would be an even more better way to wrap up 2008 than visiting my first hang-out spot as a noob... Miramare! And what good timing that was with all the fireworks already in place. Good old memories also lit up my subconsciousness like a roman candle, as pleasant memoirs came flooding in. To see the folks that help mould my virtual alter-ego there with me was just enough for me to be thankful for I wouldn't be to where I am right now in SL without them.

Her "hotness" Lisa, the queen of Barcola and her royal loverly-hawtest Lizzy, the queen of my heart celebrate the New Year with the Brickies (a Barcola institution).

So what to expect in 2009 with all the gloominess the world is experiencing right now in RL? I guess it's still going to be the same for us all in SL... status quo. Whoever said the party should ever end? The only thing missing though would be our dear friends Drei Dragonash (one of the three SHB founders.. guess who the other two are..) and Sammie "Mew" Benoir who I think won't be with us for the coming year (cries). But who knows, after all anything and everything is possible in SL right?


The only way to move is forward...

And I hope that's exactly what we're all going to do. With so much going on in SL, upgrades and new features popping up occasionally making the virtual experience getting even more closer to real life, the future seems bright! Who knows, maybe we get to actually experience the reliability of Second Life like in the scenes we saw on CSI:NY.... omg that would be pure virtual heaven, wouldn't it? Then maybe I'd probably be getting me that super huge HD monitor. Think about how huge those "pink and blue" balls would be hahahahahahaha...

The future looks bright for me and Lizzy-babes, a new year... a new chapter!

To everyone who had made my adventures in Second Life pleasant (apart from Lizzy-babes of course!), Prospero Ano... Bonne Année... Buon Capodanno... einen guten Rutsch ins Neujahr... oh oh, and how can we forget... nanu nanu eeepuy nuayee ahree... that's alien for you peeps hahaha

ALWAYS Something Fishy!

May 25th 2008, a perfect day for the girls to try something different at Always. A place known to the BBAs (one of the swankiest and exclusive groups in SL) as the perfect hang-out to chill while having a glass of pixel cocktails and lager. The place is owned by the group's three founding members: Lisa, Dre and Liz, and boasts a roster of professional in-worlders as its members. After close to a year staying at their original post-modern abode, overhauling the property is just one of the new changes the dames of steel magnolias were keen to take on.

The Lake...

Surrounded by Acacia trees, palms, tropical plants and a waterfall as its center piece, the lake at Always is a unique attraction that is open to everyone. You can spend hours just sitting there by the deck with your feet dipping in the waters... sunbathing on a raft... or just lazing the time away with a mate or even just by yourself. But unknown to many, the lake also offers fishing! Bring along your 7Seas rods and find yourself a perfect spot to cast and catch those SUR fishes to complete your collection.

The house also needed the perfect warming-up party to celebrate its rebirth! And a better way to do it was to sponsor a 7Seas Fishing Tournament! Besides after getting to hook my Lizzy-babes into loading buckets of baits to catch that elusive LOLCatfish (she prefers the thrill of having to catch the SuperUltraRare fish herself in spite of her already having one, courtesy of "moi". rire dehors fort), she suggested that a tournament would be a clever idea to invite friends over at Always.

The new landscape at Always, a lake the gals had always wanted with a cool waterfall at the corner, tropical rain forest trees, an islet and a deck big enough to hold several people at once. Perfect for fishing tournaments!

Preparation was done days ahead of the Saturday Fish Open. Deciding what pixel food and beverage to serve was not as easy as we thought it would be! Apart from being high-prim, they don't come cheap! (laughter).

On Friday, everything was set from making sure the place was low on lag;

We custom-built a banquet table as well as set-up the BBQ grill to have those German-inspired bangers ready;

Which leaves that the fishing area was the only last thing we had to set up for the tournament!

Lisa also had her own PRO-Rod and was all ready to gain those precious XP points and the chance to get her hands on those elusive SURs herself! Liz on the other hand is Level 5 with enough experience points to make her catch all types of SuperUltraRare fishes. And Drei, well she still has a lot of catching up to do! Now all we had to do now was wait for the weekend... and we were all quite excited about it!

On Your Mark... FISH!

In the weeks that I have been experimenting on how to successfully host fishing tournaments, I have found a practical way to attract friends to participate... even if it means at the last minute. Apart from giving out the usual attractive prizes, the FREE BAIT never fails to have the pulling power. It would always hit your friendly-neighbourhood fishing buddy right on the spot! (giggles).

Sponsoring tournaments usually is a bit costly. Not the right tune to anyone who would like to hold on to their precious lindens! But there is more to gain in sharing your time and effort in putting up such an event, than to worry about shelling (and shedding) out your SL currency. In spite of it all, most fishing event organizers and hosts who I know are very generous in giving up prizes. And just to be with your fishing buddies or even get to meet new folks is in my opinion, much more blissful that having enough exposure for your sim or shop.

Invasion of the regulars! Mufkin Demonia, Phelan James, Jace Georgia, Thisbe Blackadder, Merina Nagi, Serenity Semple, Argos Hawks, Venegence McCaw and Dunesong Freenote are just some of the good folks who graced the event at Always. Without them it would not have been a success! Many thanks to you guys :-)

Believe it or not, a bit of magic happens during these events. I have seen this happen countless of times of fellow fishers getting to hook more than just a catch sent to you by Meissa and the Shikamis (sounds like a cool 60's band hehehe). They actually get to find love! I guess this gives real meaning to the phrase "searched for my love in the seven seas" hahahaha

I remember Lisa telling my Lizzy-babes once when she found out that she had been hitched (by me of course hahaha), "Even avis need a little bit of romance once in a while...", and she was darn right about that! If there is one thing most unavoidable in Second Life, no matter how much you try to build a wall around you, the love bug seems to get the better end of things! Believe me, I should know hahahaha.

Serenity Semple in one of her many cute avatars was the first ever winner at Always by winning 1st Place! Congratulations Serenity!

Free bait pulling power worked...

A lot of our friends came to BBA's first tourney, though I am sure that most of them if not all came just for the fun of having to hang out with mates. It was such a pretty sight seeing everyone interact with each other (and forget to cast their rods at times hahaha) with the occasional joke, taunt and banter to one another. It was totally fun and the enjoyment was supreme!

Always' first ever "Fish Open" started with modest prizes pegged at L$500.00 for 1st place... L$350.00 for 2nd and L$200.00 for 3rd! As a surprise bonus, those below 3rd place got cash consolation prizes as well. The girls made sure none left the event without a goody-bag in hand... everyone was a winner!

Most participants were at Level 5 in terms of experience since it was an "unlimited" game. They were all regulars with familiar faces whom I get to personally fish with in other tournaments. Good thing at that time, 7Seas had just released a new batch of fish to catch: mermaids, mermen and transferable trunks and bikinis. It was something to look forward to after most of us have completed the set as far back as a month ago.

The Shikamis got it right this time with the release of a "no copy~but free transfer" feature for the swimwear, as we can now share them to newbies and friends who have not yet caught them or are not into the fishing craze.

Lisa took the honours in blowing the horn to signal the start of the game! Unfortunately, my Lizzy-babes who was at the other side of the RL universe wasn't around to witness the first cast. Nevertheless everything went out smoothly...

Cast after cast the score board was jumping from one player to another. It was toying around with our excitement as everything was down to the wire up to the end. Everybody had the chance of winning! Liz finally arrived and tried to catch up... though way behind Lisa who was doing well in catching her fishes for the first time. I guess it was all foreign to her at first as well as exciting for every new fish she caught! Reminds me of the first time I tried 7Seas fishing at Caroline Apollo's sim Lo Lo (she was the one who introduced me to this game by the way... and I blame her for this!... and Lizzy-babes blames me as well for getting her hooked on this game!... and Lisa also will eventually blame Liz for the addiction... hahahaha).

Suck-sex! I mean SUCCESS! hahaha

The 60 minute tournament proved to be a success, and because of that the participants wanted more... Despite some of the other contestants leaving right after the game (probably to tend to other SL matters), the girls announced a surprise rematch! Lisa raised up the stakes from L$500 given out earlier to a whooping L$1,000, while Liz raised the 2nd and 3rd prizes to L$500 and L$300 respectively. It was like a bonus for those who stayed on since the odds of winning are now higher with fewer players around. Not bad since the game was set it up to just 30 minutes. Half the time but double the prize! It was the highest prize ever given to a half hour game much to the delight of our fellow fishers.

Thisbe Blackadder who was 4th in the earlier match won 1st place this time! A big paycheck for a demure and shy fisher. Luck must have come from her crayfish hat... or perhaps her shiny blueish skin? Cheers Thisbe!

Just like the first game, no one left empty handed though FREE bait did not apply to this 30 minute game. It was a quick way to gain SL bucks, thanks so to our lovely hostesses who gave away prizes so generously.

The two game tournament was over in less than 2 hours. With everything going out so smoothly, thoughts of having to host another tournament in the future was imminent.

To Lisa and Liz (in behalf of Dre who couldn't make it), a job well done sweethearts! And to all of those who have made this event possible, a big warm thanks from us all!

In the boards!... Ironically Liz and I were among the top 5 contestants. Having to see your name up there gives you a sense of consolation, in case you are not on the top 3.

Until next time me hearties! Kudoz!

Go Forth and Multiply...

(Revised March 2009, Reviewed May 2012)

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... your friends and loved ones, that is...

It was not that long ago when as a noob, I was feeling a lot like a new transfer student in a new school and in a new town. You cannot feel more out-of-placed than that.

Feeling utterly lost on the reasons for being here in the first place, I was left without a purpose. Like most of us who came in-world without any expectations, one cannot help but try to find cause. It must be human nature to find reasons and answers to our being, even in a virtual world.

More tips and mentoring from the Queen of Barcola

Human Nature

Being helpful towards others must be a built-in feature to some people. Like when Keeley Huet helped me out on my second day by sharing tips on how to easily find the things I need in SL. If not for her I would still end up as that Haraguy. Her mentoring on how to effectively use the Search Button was perhaps my turning point in SL as a resident. You can say that Search was the front door to an even bigger Second Life.

I still remember her words clearly when she said: "Search is your friend." and she was absolutely right.


Confidence will help you make the Grade...

... though too much of it might leave you in the dunce list. I guess like alcohol, it should be taken in moderation hahaha.

There seem to be this need to refine our AVs. I now laugh at the thought of promising myself not to touch Haraguy, and to carry on being him as I explore SL. It would seem that real world commercialism and capitalism exists even in the most unlikely of all places, Second Life.

The desire to be unique was perhaps the catalyst to upgrade compulsory. It could take several hours to fine-tune the way you look. The more you wish to mirror your RL persona, the harder it is to refine the features.

Some may see upgrading as vanity. But however you would prefer your cup of tea, I personally think it still is necessary. Hearing compliments on how good you have done your avatar helps build that confidence.

Confidence however, is as important as currency in Second Life. It gives you the courage to meet other residents as well as helping you blend into the crowd with ease. A lot better than ending up as a virtual hermit, in my opinion.


Next Step, Etiquette and Character.

As much as I wanted to keep a low profile in-world, adding character to the AVs is as natural as brushing your teeth every morning (assuming ALL of us religiously do that everyday eeeep O.o). Even as virtual avatars, the uniqueness of each "individual" would still show. It is also natural to carry-over our RL character into our alter-egos.

Like in real life, every day in SL is a learning process. We learn a lot more not by being alone, but by interacting with other residents. We also have to remember that we are sharing this virtual world with different cultures from various nationalities other than ours. It is after all, their second life too you know.

It is best to avoid topics on religion and politics just to be on the safe side. I believe there are proper venues for that in Second Life, though I have yet to see one for myself.

Sticking to the universal rule may just help us get through a day without incident. Be nice. Be polite. I believe the most important of them all is, BE HELPFUL.

Call it the unwritten rule in Second Life etiquette, but we must let others enjoy SL as much as we would want to enjoy it ourselves.

Pay It Forward...

Just like in the movie (of the same title, you should see it!) which stars Haley Joel Osment (yep, its that kid "who sees dead people" hehe), showing any form of kindness to others is a virtue. Second Life is not a selfish place as some folks would think. There are a lot of good Samaritans out there willing to help other residents who are in need, especially to the new ones. Be it giving some advice and tips, directions or even freebies; some people are just glad to go that extra mile. It may be a small simple gesture of kindness, but the impact on someone else may in fact be tremendous.

I speak of this as one who has been a recipient of such kindness.

It shouldn't be a surprise that a lot of in-worlders bring in their good-hearted nature with them to Second Life. It is also because of these good folks that Second Life can be a pleasant experience for a lot of us. The unconditional help they give away is something you will not ever forget. Even in silence you just carry on that feel-good sensation on your chest.

Who is LisaHot Juran?

She is an icon in Miramare, as residents who hang-out there frequently know her quite well. It is not too hard to find her as she is around all the time. The spark-plug that helped jump start my virtual engine, she pulled down my iron curtains so I could see a bigger and brighter Second Life.

Always here to help... Lisa doing her public service.

I remember the first time she showed me how to make storage boxes, which sort of baffled me in the beginning. Making sure it would have been easy for me to understand her instructions, she stooped down to my level and spoke the same noob language (in other words, she was very patient!). Having then taught me the basics of prim building (primitive shapes) not only helped me understand how virtual objects are manipulated, but also helped me sustain a well maintained inventory.

Through her mentoring, I have pretty much gained enough knowledge to aid me in creating my very own stuff. Building virtual items such as furniture and novelty items has never been so simple: from applying the right textures to effortless tasks such as linking multiple objects together (very important especially in building furniture).

What would take others at least a week to learn only took me a couple of days! Now that's sound advice worth more than a million lindens, something I will surely never ever forget.

Thanks Lisa!

Keep Moving Forward...

For sure with all the help I have been receiving from good Samaritans like Keeley and mentors like Lisa, just saying a simple thank you would not be enough. I guess the best way to show my gratitude is to help others! After all I used to be a noob in need myself.

Though I do wish that there would be less griefing by some residents. Some people (greifers) find it funny and amusing to harass others. In some extreme cases, they even hassle the very people who would want to make a difference in SL. Having more of the "helping" rather than the "griefing" would surely make Second Life very pleasant for us all.

On the look out for noobs in need, Lisa along with Lizzy and I in Miramare: paying a good deed forward.

So if you ever were approached by someone just wishing to help you out, please be nice. There is a big chance that it might be Lisa just wanting to give you a helping hand, or Samaritans just wishing to pay a good deed forward!