ICONCEO AND PUBLISHERWIL DREADLOW

EDITOR IN CHIEFJORDAN WHITT

CREATIVE DIRECTORRHIANN AHN

STYLE EDITORDAIJA ARIDA

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHERBRIE PINAZZO

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVEPINKIE FELLINI

STAFF WRITERSANNE DAUMIGEVE BRENNANDESSI TYRANPET KARUROMIE SERRAOSHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRLWALTER KOZACS

BLOGGERSEMERALDEYES HONITACT ARIDA

PHOTOGRAPYGASOLINEALEX SEREVIKEE LLEWELLYNMOOSE MOOMINTOOGPEARLA BATISTA

CONTRIBUTORSLACY MUIRCASTLESC TRACYPERSIA BRAVIN

LIFESTYLE 40 Dressing the Fellas

48 It Must Be Bunnies

58 Eve Explores

76 Just Dance

STYLE 84 Spartacus Rising

92 Kunglers

96 Style Icon – Alexiaa Allen

100 Kicking Butt with NLimbo

106 ICON Sim Spotlight – Chop Zuey

108 Style Men

110 Get That Style

CONTENTS15 look for this issue on issuu.com/iconmagazine

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100

126

RADAR

116 Callie Cline - Who’s that Girl

126 Believe in the Power of Music

132 Telexa Gabardini - Investing in Our Second Life

138 5 Questions With... Kirsty Oherlihy

140 Miss May Icon – Taya Renfold

ART & ENTERTAINMENT 148 Glyph Graves – A Virtual Icon

156 The Iceman Cometh

162 Cabernet Olivieri – Like a Fine Wine

166 Moon Spirit Rising

VIEWPOINT173 Will You Be My Friend?

178 ICONic Photo Tips

182 Pink Shirt Day

THE COVERCallie captures angelic in one of her signature boas.

Photo by SC Tracy. Styling & retouch work by Callie

Cline. Necklace, “nekoture” diamond ears, nose

stud & rainbowa by caLLie cLine. Skin by Nevermore

Studios. Lashes by Lynnix & Katat0nik. Overlay

“Makeover™” by caLLie cLine. Hair by the Abyss.

CONTENTS15 look for this issue on issuu.com/iconmagazine

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

“ THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS COME AND GONE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS ”

PHO

TO B

Y SC

TRA

CY

MY TIME IN SECOND LIFE HAS BEEN MORE

INTERESTING than I could have ever imagined. I have

met people from all over the world and established

friendships that could never have happened without

Second Life. Establishing ICON Lifestyle Magazine

and ICON Lifestyle Fashion District has been the

highlight of my time in Second Life. We have

established ourselves as a legitimate publication, and

the quality of our product is second to none. Through

the course of establishing the product, we have been

able to assemble what I feel to be the best staff in

Second Life. They continue to bring you quality

information, articles and imagery for your enjoyment.

The ICON Lifestyle Fashion District is full of great

designers including main stores for Elymode, Trubble,

and Aimesi and continues to grow.

With success comes change, and I have decided

it is time for me to step down from Second Life and

focus on my real life and family. The magazine and

sims are in the best of hands and will continue to be

PUBLISHER’S NOTEthe products you have come to expect and enjoy over the past 2 years.

The magazine will continue to be led by Jordan Whitt, Editor in Chief,

Daija Arida, Style Editor and Rhiann Ahn, Creative Director. The ICON

Lifestyle Fashion District will continue to be managed by Sienna Bellios

and the ICON Lifestyle franchise will now be owned and operated by

Potvin Tigerpaw and Sahara Mehrtens, who currently publish Too Sexy

Magazine. They have my complete trust in continuing the ICON lifestyle

philosophy.

Thank you to everyone who has come and gone over the past few

years and I hope the best for each of you. I would like to personally

thank the following (not in any particular order) for making my Second

Life experience a never forgettable time in my life….. Leila Smythe,

Daija Arida, Jordan Whitt, Rhiann Ahn, Eve Brennan, Amira Footman, Ivy

Maverick, Mary Moe, Sienna Bellios, Vixie Durant, Elphaba Thibedeau,

Elysium Eilde, RubyStarlight Writer, Callie Cline, Hollyn Winnfield,

Kali Dharma, Kelli Georgette, SC Tracy, LaBella Forcella, Lace Babii,

Lyndsay Carson, Mankind Tracer, Melissaa Greenwood, Orion Baral,

Persia Bravin, Raphaella Nightfire, Ruin Quan, Rusch Raymaker,

Shannoncharlize Gossipgirl, Skyla Wonder, Summer Seale, Tracy Rubble,

Yasmine Kidd, Brie Pinazzo and Escape Destiny. Love you all and pray

God’s blessing on you all.

WILL DREADLOW

EDITOR’S NOTE

“ITS BEEN AN ADVENTURE”

PHO

TO B

Y SC

TRA

CY

EDITOR’S NOTE

JORDAN IS WEARING…

THE SEXY IMPEDE DRESS

IN RED FROM PHOENIX

RISING, WITH THE

MAZURKA COLOUR

CHANGE EARRINGS

FROM U&R. HER SKIN IS

LAQROKI’S ELENA 03 IN

PALE, AND HER HAIR IS

88 PACK A FROM W&Y.

JORDAN WHITT, EDITOR OF ICON MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO we started a new chapter at ICON Lifestyle

Magazine, and here we are about to start yet another one. I can’t say

enough about the thrill it has been working alongside Wil these past nine

months building the magazine up to where it is today.

He’s left me with an excellent support staff, many of whom I have

come to think of as family and friends, and together we will keep his

vision alive and strive to continue bringing you all that Second Life has to

offer. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people.

So Wil, thank you for trusting me with your magazine, for being a

shoulder to lean on and the best boss anyone could have. Best of luck

with whatever the future holds for you. You will be missed greatly!

Its been an adventure, and one I am looking forward to continuing

under new leadership. So come along for the ride!

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LIFESTYLE

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STORY BY WALTER KOVACS

PHOTOS BY BRIE PINAZZO

DRESSING THE FELLAS

41

DRESSING THE FELLAS

IT’S A COMMONLY ACCEPTED THEORY THAT MEN JUST DON’T SHOP FOR NEAR THE AMOUNT OF CLOTHES OR NEAR AS OFTEN AS WOMEN.

Even if that’s true, it seems that there’s a big disparity between the quantity of decent men’s clothing stores compared to women’s. This is even funnier when the chief complain about SL (besides the lag and item deleting) is too many wandering naked noob men. So let’s see if we can’t shine a light on a few men’s clothing designers to help with the problem, we’ll start with Valiant and King.

When you step onto the Valiant sim you can instantly tell you’re not quite in Kansas. Between the busted windows, cars doing donuts on the front lawn and a broken statue deep within a center floor pit, it really sets an interesting mood for your shopping experience. The store itself is laden wall to wall with competitively priced clothing, especially for what you’re actually getting for your money. Valiant features a number of men’s t-shirts that, unlike some other stores, aren’t just quickly slapped together one color tone shirts with whatever the day’s funny phrase is. These have real effort to them and at $150L‘s you know

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where your money went. They also have the perfect accompaniment to the shirts on the opposite wall in the form of pants from the well kept to the grungy. My one true clothing fetish would have to be oddly colored jeans, and they have them in spades here at Valiant. Whether you want to do your best Mr. Green Jeans impression or are wanting to dip back into late 70’s fashion via a pair of brown pants and a yellow shirt you’ve got your options open to you. The best bang for your Linden buck though would probably have to be in the three suit combos they feature on their north wall. Each set comes with all the clothing pieces to turn you from pauper to well dressed man about town all for the affordable price of $250L each.

King (also known as King for Men) is a store I’ve watched grow a great deal over the course of a year. From only offering a couple of clothing items and eyeballs, you can now find everything from skin to tattoos and of course, clothing. One thing that King has really excelled at since its inception would have to be its button up shirts, something that it still does really well with today. You can get a variety of excellently textured, different patterned shirts for $175L’s a piece.

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Something that I’ve long sought out, but have not been able to find until recently, would be lone neckties. King has come out with a series of them that come in three styles, allowing you to wear them with prim collars that are wide or short or even a ‘clip on’ version that allows you to wear it with system style jackets and the like. Stuck not able to choose which color you like? Not really a problem when they’re only $75L a piece.

Thanks to more stores offering affordable options for clothing, the next time you run into a brand new naked avatar you can throw them a small fistful of cash and kick them in the general direction of these stores, then go home and feel good that you’ve helped make SL a prettier place.

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IT MUST BE BUNNIES!STORY BY BRIE PINAZZO

PHOTOS BY BRIE PINAZZO

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IT MUST BE BUNNIES!STORY BY BRIE PINAZZO

PHOTOS BY BRIE PINAZZO

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HELLO, MY NAME IS BRIE AND I AM A BUNNY ADDICT.

My friend IM’d me one day and asked “Hey, my bunnies’ had a baby. You want it?” Those were words that changed my Second Life forever. With that one small brown bunny started a hobby that I don’t know if I could stop doing if I tried. There have been pets in Second Life for as long as I have been here. Most common are Zooby Pets and Artificial Intelligence, but they are very basic. They move and make noise, but unlike real life animals, they have no lifespan or require much in the way of care. Lately there have been strides made to have more “realistic” animals in Second Life. Not long ago there were breed-able turtles, but they weren’t very cute to look at. I don’t remember there being technicolor turtles in nature but in Second Life, anything is possible right? From Aeron Constantine and the Ozimals team comes the addiction I have grown to love - breed-able, adorable bunnies! They are tiny and cute and come to you in a little nest. You just rez them and in an hour, voila! You have a bunny! They are so tiny and cute when first born your heart melts a little and you can’t help but say “awww”. The team at Ozimals have worked hard to make a realistic looking bunny. They come in 5 fur “shades” (Aphotic, Classic, Dusky, Radiant and Silky), as well as varying patterns, breeds and eye colors. They are breed-able, so it is fun to see what you get when you put two different ones together.

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“THE ADDICTION I HAVE GROWN TO LOVE!”

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The shocking part about Ozimal bunnies is that they require food and water. If deprived, they will fall into hibernation and can die. The bunnies also are not eternal, in that they too have a life span of usually 10-16 months, so it is a true commitment to have these adorable animals as pets and should not be taken lightly. They are a fabulous past time and a experiment in breeding that has taken many in our virtual community hostage (happily I may add). If you are looking for a really cute pet that is more than just prims, these little fur balls are surely worth a look. You can buy your own Ozimals Bunny from them directly, or just search for Ozimals Breeders. There are tons of wonderful SIMs featuring breeders that specialize in every shade of bunny available. You will probably see me there, picking out my next prize to love.

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EVE EXPLORES…STORY BY EVE BRENNAN

PHOTOS BY EVE BRENNAN

CROSSING CURRENTS ISLAND (PG SIM)

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EVE EXPLORES…CROSSING CURRENTS IS A SERENE AND TRANQUIL GETAWAY, a beautiful photo location, and a ....store? Yes. This entire sim is dedicated to the products of MnM Designs. Owners Lie Rang and Dahlia Jayaram have carefully constructed one of the most unique store displays using their wide range of tropical island reefs and accessories. Items from entire island rock formations to simple footprints in the sand are placed around this island oasis.

CROSSING CURRENTS ISLAND (PG SIM)

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IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A STORE as you wander through shadowed jungles, past warm campfires, and tactfully look past lovers enjoying a nice cuddle on the beach. The store itself is tucked away unobtrusively at the landing area, and boasts charming mini-demos of some of the larger items for sale. Visitors should close their eyes and just listen to the soft sound of waves lapping at the shore, crickets chirping and seagulls crying as they fly past. Sights and sounds have been melded together to create this haven.

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THE REST OF THE SIM IS FULL OF BEACHES AND HIDEOUTS to explore by yourself, or with a lucky date. An added plus, this is a PG sim, therefore an excellent place to enjoy a beach vacation with the whole family. If these photos here are not enticing, check out the flickr stream for Crossing Currents Island at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1375178@N21/

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EVE EXPLORES…PAISLEY PARK (MATURE SIM)

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EVE EXPLORES…PAISLEY PARK (MATURE SIM)

“PEACE, LOVE, MUSIC”....THE SIM’S MOTTO. Visitors catch the vibe here immediately on entry. Set against a forested backdrop, the outdoor stage at Paisley Park boasts some of the best musical talent in Second Life. Waterfalls, flowers, mountains, an abundance of trees - this sim has been completely landscaped by the talented WoodyRacer Emoto. Wandering around, visitors can find hidden spots to cuddle with that special someone, while enjoying the live music on the stage. Tucked in amongst the landscape, are small shops, unobtrusive, but offering very good shopping while exploring.

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SET ON A HILL, EDEN’S FALL NIGHTCLUB is part of Paisley Park, but describes itself as the “nightclub for the not-so-righteous”. This club is the dark, delicious underbelly of Paisley Park, and the artists on stage tend towards the more avant-garde. Manager of the sim, Katarina Dragonash, always has a friendly greeting at events, and helps to organize this well-run sim.

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ALEXXIS LEFAVRE, THE TIRELESS OWNER OF PAISLEY PARK, books and supports the artists that appear each week on either stage. Visitors immediately feel like part of the family, and come back for more. Group membership is currently at 58 for Paisley Park and 40 for Eden’s Fall, and each artist who performs brings his or her own fan base with them, making every event packed and exciting.

Not just another live music venue, the Paisley Park sim offers shopping, music, and parties, all set in one of the loveliest landscaped sims in Second Life. Worth a visit!http://slurl.com/secondlife/Erato/106/96/36

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EVE EXPLORES…CINNABAR ADULT HANGOUT (ADULT SIM)

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EVE EXPLORES…CINNABAR ADULT HANGOUT (ADULT SIM)

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ARRIVING AT CINNABAR, visitors land in a richly textured Moroccan themed adult hangout. Unlike many adult sims, Cinnabar boasts an elegant exterior, with the beautiful decorating as the creamy centre. The main area houses a dance floor with fully stocked couples and singles dance machines, a bar, stripper poles, and lots of cozy seating around the dance floor. Regular events with DJs playing anything from House to World Beat keep the place hopping, and simple rules like “No nakedness in the ground floor of the clubhouse” keep things civilized....at least on the main floor. For those who want to press pixels to pixels, there is a vast beach area, with lots of little nooks and crannies to hide away with your lover.

FOR VISITORS who enjoy the indoors, the second floor of the Clubhouse contains two sumptuous bedrooms. Those who prefer more privacy, Cinnabar boasts four fully furnished skyboxes that can be rented at no cost, for group members. Enjoy “The Patio” “The Office” “Picnic” or “The White Room”. The tour doesn’t end here as guests can enjoy a stunning pool area complete with hot tub, located at the front of the building. This formula seems to work as the group membership is already at 1865 members, and the clubhouse traffic stands around 24000.

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IN ADDITION TO THE BEAUTIFUL CLUB, the owners Sophie Marseille, SirJames Blackadder and Cherrylicious Fizzle, have built a gorgeous residential side to their sim. There are ten units, all lovingly landscaped and decorated to fit the Moroccan, beachy theme of the rest of the sim. Prim allowances are generous, starting at 600 prims for a smaller unit. Ms Marseille will even furnish a unit for a tenant with high-end furniture and decor. Each unit has it’s own group for land management rights, as well as a personal dance/cuddle machine.

For richness of textures, attention to detail, an air of classy romance, and a busy friendly adult club vibe, Cinnabar has it all.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cinnabar/163/83/23

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STORY BY ROMIE SERRAO

PHOTOS BY MOOSE MOOMINTOOG

JUST DANCE

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IN SECOND LIFE YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BE ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES. YOU CAN BE AN ELF, A VAMPIRE, FAIRY, MODEL OR EVEN A STRIPPER/DANCER.

STRIPPING IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR PROFESSIONS IN SECOND LIFE, mostly due to the sheer amount of clubs inworld and the demand for them. But why would someone choose to work as a stripper, especially when it has such a negative connotation in the real world? “It makes the money I need, but most importantly I have a blast at what I do,” says Erinn Lemondrop, a

dancer at Sensual Nights. According to Erinn, it wasn’t her initial plan to work as a stripper, but it was available to her. “When I first started looking for employment in Second Life, I didn’t have a set plan on what I wanted to do. The first job I had was through a job agency. I visited the club, the owner interviewed me right away.” There are some differences between real strip clubs and the virtual ones. One

STORY BY ROMIE SERRAO

PHOTOS BY MOOSE MOOMINTOOG

JUST DANCE

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of the most noticeable ones is the music. In real clubs its kept sultry and sexy, keeping everyone in the mood and giving the dancers the beat to move their bodies to. In Second Life, DJs take requests and play what fits the feel of the club. Another is the fact that dancers can interact physically and use their bodies with club patrons. In Second Life, sure you can use your body - dance animations have come a long way - but you need to use words to describe feelings, movements and reactions. Emoting is a big part of dancing in Second Life, so you need a great imagination and a way with words! Whilst in real life, stripping might not be the ideal job, in Second Life its a way to live out a fantasy you cannot fulfill otherwise. With the variety of clubs and attire inworld, you can get the look and find somewhere to strut your stuff, as dancers are always sought after, both male and female. Many people in Second Life started out this way. Its fun and if you are talented you can make good money and meet all sorts of people.

I HAVE A BLAST AT WHAT I DO

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I HAVE A BLAST AT WHAT I DO

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STYLE EDITOR’S NOTE

“REAL LIFE FASHION CHANGES WITH THE WIND”

PHO

TO B

Y SC

TRA

CY

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STYLE EDITOR’S NOTE

DAIJA IS WEARING…

THE GORGEOUS MA

CHERE COCKTAIL

DRESS FROM MIMIKRI

IN STUNNING FUSHIA

WITH THE EXCLUSIVE

CHOP ZUEY COUTURE

ZAZOU EARRINGS

IN PURPLE AFRICAN

ALEXANDRITE AND THE

BROMELIA BRACELET

IN SILVER/BLACK FROM

KUNGLERS. HER SKIN

IS UMA D DARK FROM

ROCKBERRY, WHICH

BRINGS OUT HER EYES

FROM RUCKUS IN MOSS

(NOT YET RELEASED).

THE FINISHING TOUCH

IS HER HAIR WHICH IS BO

FROM MAITREYA.DAIJA ARIDA, STYLE EDITOR OF ICON MAGAZINE

IT WAS ANOTHER GREAT MONTH IN FASHION. Real life fashion

changes with the wind, so why not Second Life’s as well? I love the real

life fashion that can be incorporated into Second Life. I have decided

to dedicate a section in Style to bring replicated fashions and styles that

you’ve seen in magazines, and show you were you can find those looks,

both in world and out. If you are like me, you’ll want both you and your

avatar to have these looks. I thought that it would be a good way to reach

all sides of fashion. And our men need help in world and out of it as well,

so we have plenty of styles dedicated just for them.

If you are a designer and have some styles or fashion that you’d like to

be featured in our magazine. Please contact me in world or daijaarida@

gmail.com

Daija Arida

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MODELED BY BRIE XUE

PHOTOS BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI

MODELED BY BIRD SOLO

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KUNGLERS IS AN OLDIE, BUT GOODIE STORE. WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE IT. AVAGARDNER KUNGLER AND BARBARA KUNGLER HAVE BEEN BUSY AND HAVE SOME FABULOUS RELEASE THAT HAD TO BE SHOWN.

KUNGLERS

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BIRD IS WEARING

KUNGLERS COUTURE

SERINA ORIGAMI IN VINE.

ACCENTED BY DONNA

FLORA MISS G EARRINGS

AND NECKLACE.

MODELED IS KUNGLERS

COUTURE ZETA IN

SILVER AND WHITE

WITH NYLONS FROM

THEGRACEFULLILY

MISCHEIF IN 2 SHEER.

SHE HAS ACCENTED

WITH DONNA FLORA

MISS G EARINGS AND

NECKLACE IN WHITE.

COMPLETING THE LOOK

WITH STILETTO MOODY

ELEGANT SLINGBACK

SILVER TWINKLE.

BIRD IS WEARING THE

RENATA DRESS IN WHITE

WITH BAX’S PRESTIGE

BOOTS IN SILVER. THE

FINISHING TOUCHES ARE

THE CIRCUS EARRINGS IN

PLATINUM FROM GEMS AND

KISSES AND JEWELS/LUMINA

BANGLES FROM SIGMA.

ICON OF THE MONTH

May’s Style ICON of the month is Alexiaa Allen. I love how she mixes and matches different styles, looking chic and classic with every post she does. Check out her blog http://alexiaaallen.blogspot.com/.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI

ALE

XIA

A A

LLEN

FOR A MORE GA-GA/PLAYFUL LOOK,

ALEXIAA TEAMS UP THE LUCIANA

BODYSUIT IN NUDE WITH LEGGINGS

IN THE BRIGHT SUNNY SHADE FROM

OH MAI TO MAKE HER STATEMENT.

ACCESSORIES COMPLETE A LOOK

THOUGH AND SHE USES THE HIGH

WAISTED BELT IN ORANGE FROM

M*A*II*K*I, MAITREYA’S CHICHI PUMPS

IN ORANGE TO BRING EVEN MORE

COLOUR TO HER OUTFIT. ALL IT

NEEDS NOW IS THE BRIGHT YELLOW

BAG02 FROM DCCXXIII, HEAD CIRCLE

IN MUSTARD FROM LG FEMME AND

CAPTURED BRACLET IN GOLD FROM

LAGYO AND SHE IS READY FOR THE

PAPARAZZI OR ANY TELEPHONE CALL!

ALEXIAA IS LOOKING SOFT AND ROMANTIC

IN THE GOLDFISH DRESS IN PINK FROM

SUGARCUBE. WORN WITH LEEZU’S NIF NIF

GLOVES AND A PAIR OF SLINKY STILETTOS

FROM MAITREYA, SHE JUST NEEDS THE

GORGEOUS REMEMBER ME NECKLACE FROM

DARK MOUSE TO COMPLETE HER LOOK.

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FOR THIS MONTH’S STYLE SPREAD, we are highlighting NLimbo Poses. The custom poses that they come up with are brilliant and some of the sexiest on the grid. Claudia Halberstadt, Shannoncharlize Gossipgirl and Michael Appletor are the creative team behind this store. The Alley is a new series of poses was made and photographed by Shannoncharlize Gossipgirl. I love how she makes women look bad ass.

KICKING BUTT WITH NLimbo!

POSE: GANGSTER BITCH

MODELS: DAIJA ARIDA &

SHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRL

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LEFT:

POSE: BLAST

MODELS: DAIJA ARIDA &

ALF WHITTAKER

RIGHT:

POSE: KICK ASS

MODELS: SHANNONCHARLIZE

GOSSIPGIRL & XAVIER KARSIN

LEFT:

POSE: GROUNDED

MODELS: SHANNONCHARLIZE

GOSSIPGIRL & XAVIER KARSIN

RIGHT:

POSE: VICTIMS

MODELS: DAIJA ARIDA, XAVIER KARSIN,

SHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRL, AND

ALF WHITTAKER

CHOP ZUEY COUTUREBELLE ROUSSEL, OF CHOP ZUEY COUTURE, knows her jewels which she puts together in a very unique collection of jewellry. It’s extremely high fashion and chic. From bangles to earrings, she has exquisite taste. She picks exotic stones that will blow your mind. This is the kind of store that you go into and end up buying everything. Check out her store on the ICON Lifestyle Fashion District Sim.http://slurl.com/secondlife/ICON%20Lifestyle%20II/58/103/21

BANGLES A – Death By RickshawB – Da’ BuddhaC – Ah-So Fortune CookieD – Madame Bu-Bu Butterfly in Pink

EARRINGS A - Le Chat NoirB – MistinguettC - Sake’s SecretD - Voluptata

ICON SIM SPOTLIGHT

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A B

C D

A B

C D 107

STYLED AND MODELED BY BOE CORTES

PHOTO BY GASOLINEALEX SEREVI

ICON STYLE MENIF YOU ARE TIRED OF BEING THE “CLEAN CUT” GUY AT EVENTS OR PARTIES, this is the month for you. This issue we decided to do something with a little more edge.

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LEFT:

BOE IS READY TO ROCK ANY CASUAL EVENT OR

PARTY IN THE FRANCISCO VNECK SWEATER IN

BLACK FROM CASACHEERNO WORN OVER A WHITE

DRAPENECK TEE FROM AOHARU. HIS KIRK JEANS IN

THE ORIGINAL MUNRO PRINT MAKE A STATEMENT

AND LOOK GREAT WITH THE ZEBRA SOCIAL SHOES

FROM CHEERNO. THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO

THE LOOK ARE BLACK LEATHER GLOVES FROM

CASACHEERNO, THE SPIN THAT RECORD BABE

NECKLACE FROM EPOQUE AND THE WHITE CAP

WHICH IS PART OF THE ALI HAIR FROM MADESIGNS.

RIGHT:

FOR A MORE FORMAL PARTY OR EVENT, BOE TEAMS

UP RED STRIPEY PANTS AND RELAXED SLATE PINSTRIPE

VEST FROM FIR WITH MUISM’S LAST NIGHT’S SHIRT

IN WHITE PAISLEY. THE 2WAY BELT LACEUP BOOTS

FROM ANEXX AND SPIKE COMBO WRISTBAND

COMPLETE THE LOOK THAT WILL BRING A TOUCH

OF EDGE TO THE EVENT.

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Photographed by Gasolinealex Serevi

Male Model: Dimitri Shinn

Female Model: Laya Felisimo

IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO SEE HOW REAL LIFE FASHION IS TRANSLATED INTO SECOND LIFE. So we have chosen two real fashion looks and show you how it can be done.

GET THAT STYLE

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Courtesy of CalvinKlein.com

LAYA BRINGS THIS PERFECT FOR

SPRING LOOK INTO SECOND LIFE

WITH COCO’S BROWN JACKET

WITH A WHITE SHIRT AND LINEN

POCKET PANTS IN PEBBLE FROM

MIEL MO. HER SHOES ARE THE

BROWN SUEDE GIDGE SHOES

FROM A-BOMB.

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Courtesy of www.express.com

TO BRING THIS LOOK INTO

SECOND LIFE, DIMITRI IS

WEARING BLACK JACKET M4

FROM KAL RAU WITH PRIM

SLEEVES AND EPOULETS FROM

HOORENBECK TINTED TO MATCH

THE JACKET. UNDERNEATH HE

WEARS A SIMPLE T LETTER T-SHIRT

FROM NU TUCKED INTO THE

BELTED BLUE DENIM JEANS FROM

VALIANT. COMPLETING HIS

LOOK, DIMITRI IS WEARING M7

AVIATOR SUNGLASSES FROM KAL

RAU AND BLACK PANU SHOES

FROM PICNIC.

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VIEWPOINT

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STORY BY ANNE DAUMIG

PHOTOS BY KEE LLEWELLYN

BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MUSIC

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BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MUSIC

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BELIEVE THAT EVERY DONATION COUNTS!

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FOR FOUR DAYS, FROM APRIL 9TH THROUGH APRIL 12TH, AN AMAZING EVENT OCCURRED ON THE TEQUILA SIM. FORTY ONE OF SECOND LIFE’S DJS CAME TOGETHER TO PLAY 63 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS MUSIC TO BENEFIT THE ACREDITAR PROJECT. 100% OF THE PROCEEDS, INCLUDING TIPS TO THE DJS, WERE DONATED TO THE ACREDITAR PROJECT.

Joca Sawson, a real life supporter and health care provider for Acreditar in Portugal, re-opened the sim with this incredible marathon of music. The daunting task of booking and scheduling the days for this four-day marathon was Luna Baran. Also included on the sim is a shop where designers donated their creations to the Acreditar Project. Acreditar, ‘Believe’ in Portuguese, is a real life, private charitable institution that offers help to children battling Cancer. The disease is a struggle unto itself, but there are many additional hardships that befall these children and their families. Acreditar provides housing assistance for the families near the hospitals from the time of diagnosis throughout their struggle. Since these children are often confined in medical facilities for long periods of time, Acreditar provides a way for their family to remain close, provides emotional as well as physical support and most importantly, HOPE!

BELIEVE THAT EVERY DONATION COUNTS!

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FOR FOUR DAYS, FROM APRIL 9TH THROUGH APRIL 12TH, AN AMAZING EVENT OCCURRED ON THE TEQUILA SIM. FORTY ONE OF SECOND LIFE’S DJS CAME TOGETHER TO PLAY 63 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS MUSIC TO BENEFIT THE ACREDITAR PROJECT. 100% OF THE PROCEEDS, INCLUDING TIPS TO THE DJS, WERE DONATED TO THE ACREDITAR PROJECT.

Joca Sawson, a real life supporter and health care provider for Acreditar in Portugal, re-opened the sim with this incredible marathon of music. The daunting task of booking and scheduling the days for this four-day marathon was Luna Baran. Also included on the sim is a shop where designers donated their creations to the Acreditar Project. Acreditar, ‘Believe’ in Portuguese, is a real life, private charitable institution that offers help to children battling Cancer. The disease is a struggle unto itself, but there are many additional hardships that befall these children and their families. Acreditar provides housing assistance for the families near the hospitals from the time of diagnosis throughout their struggle. Since these children are often confined in medical facilities for long periods of time, Acreditar provides a way for their family to remain close, provides emotional as well as physical support and most importantly, HOPE!

70% of childhood cancers can be completely cured. However, many of the children Portugal, Madeira, in the Azores and Portuguese-speaking African countries do not live in urban areas, but distant regions. Acreditar helps the children and their families through this trying time when many of the families cannot afford to remain near their children. Acreditar is funded by donations, large and small. With support from its members and friends and the work of volunteers and a small body of staff, they do what they can to ensure the family’s stability and support. The Acreditar Project will continue with monthly events and the ever growing store. Stop by at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tequila/233/123/1506 or check out their web site at www.acreditar.org.pt. Take the time to visit the sim and their future events. Believe that every donation counts!

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INTERVIEW BY SIENNA BELLIOS

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIE PINAZZO

THE NEED FOR A NEW DIRECTION BROUGHT TELEXA GABARDINI TO SECOND LIFE. After 13 years of indulging in Ultima Online, another MMPOG, she needed something different. And that something different was a wonderful benefit to the people of the SL Community.

At first look, SL wasn’t exactly what Telexa was looking for, but a need to speak with fellow traders lured her back, and she has been here ever since. Owner of multiple sims in SL, she has some of the most beautiful residential and commercial spaces around the grid. Her rentals are themed to the sim itself, making them not only profitable but enjoyable to visit.

A talented builder, she relies on real life experience in remodeling real estate investments and applies them to the

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diversity within SL. She readily admits she has no real plan when she starts building; she has an idea and then does what she can to make it a reality. She also confesses that if she had not chosen real estate as her path she would have become a builder of homes and landscaping. This does offer her the absolute best of both worlds.

One of her latest ventures has been the Bunny Wranch, a sim designed for the specific purpose of showcasing Bunnies from Breeders all over the grid. Telexa has created a beautiful sim with stalls that go from crates on the backs of pickup trucks, to full barns, all filled with bunnies just waiting to go home with you. The Wranch is not the end for this talented lady. She recently created The Bone Yard, a breeding ground for bunnies.

She herself is a bunny lover, admitting to owning approximately 160 of the cute contributions from Ozimals. Once upon a time she had a similar real life love with reptiles but has downsized to a set of twin cats, admitting she once had around 100 reptiles calling her their owner.

When asked what advice she had for people wanting to invest in real estate in SL, besides admitting you cannot make everyone happy, she had this to say:

“Don’t do it! There is enough competition already! No seriously. Have lots of money, grow a thick skin, and remember that today’s noob is tomorrow’s full sim renter. Oh, and buying a sim and making 16 flat equal parcels on it is so 2006. Be creative and you will do fine.”

“TODAY’S NOOB IS TOMORROW’S FULL SIM RENTER.”

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“TODAY’S NOOB IS TOMORROW’S FULL SIM RENTER.”

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1. WHAT 1 ITEM WOULD YOU BE LOST WITHOUT HERE IN SL?

Is a sim an ‘item’? I could be nude and bald with a corncob walk, but without my sim, SL becomes less appealing. It is my home, the place where I can express myself artistically through building, designing and terraforming. I love to create immersive environments. It is also a haven for friends and guests, and the place where I ‘park’ my avi when I am working in real life in another screen.

2. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING SL MOMENT TO DATE?

Kareoke! I was doing the’ pull-up-events-search-tab-close eyes and click mouse’ thing and landed in a Kareoke Bar. The people there pursuaded me to follow the bouncing ball. Big mistake. HUGE! Did I mention I sing very badly and very very loudly? The audience was underwhelmed.

3. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FASHION WEAKNESS IN SL?

Goth and steampunk! From day one - lousy skin and shape, prim hair but a great Goth outfit! Even in real life, I wear gothic inspired clothing, collect vintage Victorian clothing and jewellery and make Steampunk jewellery. I even write for a real life Goth Magazine. In SL, I design Goth and Steampunk clothing.

5Q

UESTIO

NS

PHOTO BY KEE LLEWELLYN

RAPHAELLA NIGHTFIRE

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4. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN SL TO DATE?

APART FRom still being here? Since 2006 I have gone from only knowing how to type a word document and send an email to developing the skills to build and design in 3D. That’s a pretty good personal accomplishment for a computer Luddite. I am CEO of a couple of companies and write. I have also made many friends that have crossed over into real life friendships and have been sustained over years. So the accomplishments are in ‘categories’. If I died tomorrow though, I doubt my thoughts would turn to work so it would have to be the friendships I would cherish the most.

5. WHO WOULD YOU TURN GAY FOR?

My R/L ‘Man’ - if he had a sex change. He is one of the kindest, smartest, most beautiful ‘inside and out’ person I have ever met. If he turned into a bear I would stop shaving my legs and acquire a taste for honey.

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TAYA RENFOLD

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TAYA RENFOLDPHOTOS BY KEE LLEWELLYN

AND SUPPLIED BY TAYA RENFOLD

MISS ICON MAY

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. I’m someone who is extremely compassionate, humble and very considerate of others. I’m a very easy going person with a great sense of humor. I spend most of my time exploring, shopping and learning all I can about SL photography. In a nutshell, I pretty much stay true to who I am in RL as well as SL.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 “MUST HAVE” INVENTORY ITEMS THAT EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE? A. A good pair of Jeans B. White Dress Shirt C. Black pant suit/skirt D. Black Pumps E. Basic Black Dress

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS IN SL?I would have to say that SL photography and Print Modeling are two goals I would like to see get accomplished. Both being a very competitive field to get into but I’m patient and strive to work hard to see those goals met.

WHAT DOES BEING MISS ICON MAY MEAN TO YOU?I would have say first and foremost that I’m extremely humbled to have even been chosen among the many distinguished women who competed. With that said, being Miss Icon May means a lot to me because I’m being recognized as someone who could be a good representative of ICON Lifestyle Magazine.

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TAYA’S WINNING SHOT

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TAYA’S WINNING SHOT

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GLYPH GRAVES - A VIRTUAL ICON

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STORY BY PERSIA BRAVIN

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY GLYPH GRAVES

GLYPH GRAVES - A VIRTUAL ICON

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GLYPH GRAVES BELONGS TO A COTERIE OF SECOND LIFE CREATORS WHO ARE THE VANGUARD OF PUSHING THE VERY FRONTIERS OF HOW ART IS MADE AND PERCEIVED IN VIRTUAL WORLDS.

But even amongst his own peer group, mention his name and you will be swiftly met with glowing praise and adulation of his work. Glyph Graves is the artist’s artist. This notoriously private, elusive and deeply observant man rarely gives interviews; preferring instead to work in relative solitude, ceaselessly developing pieces that are not only visually spectacular, but are helping to define the very future of virtual worlds.

He is undoubtedly the most cutting edge artist, scripter and thinker within Second Life and his work seems to capture the very essence of SL itself. Constantly evolving, shape shifting and immersive, his pieces entice the viewer to explore from all angles and physical interaction is prerequisite to fully understand his work in all its glory. His career in Second Life stretches back over three years. During this time, Glyph has accumulated hundreds of unique pieces that have been displayed at numerous exhibitions in world, with his work also being held up as the finest virtual creations in existence at many Real Life conventions. He is also one of a handful of SL artists who has permission from technology giant IBM to use their land for creating his extraordinary work.

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EVER THE ARCHETYPAL SOLITARY ARTIST, Glyph rarely holds full scale exhibitions, but was recently persuaded by one SL art patron to showcase some of his work. As he explains; “White Lebed had recently done a retrospective of Adam Ramona’s work. She invited me to do one, which I considered for a bit, then accepted. I was initially a little uncomfortable about the idea of a retrospective preferring to call it an inventory airing!” Glyph might have to get used to more public exposure as he has just produced a sim wide piece named ‘Entropy’ as part of the Second Life exhibit which will launch at the ‘World Fair 2010’ in Shanghai on May 1st. This event will run for six months with an expected 70 million visitors and participants from 250 countries. This is a massive, truly global event that celebrates cultural diversity and Glyph’s work will encourage people to see virtual worlds, such as Second Life, as legitimate artistic platforms. His contribution to this historical event is part of a series of five sims of unique works all based on a traditional Chinese folk story of ‘The Whisper Tree’ which says those who whisper they secrets into an ancient hollowed out tree will see them come true.

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THE THEME OF ‘TRANSFORMATION’ is at the heart of Glyph’s work and is a subject that has fascinated him for many years. From the microscopic division of cells and their strange mutations, right through to how mankind as a species can either positively or negatively transform nature, imperceptible change is reflected throughout his work. At ‘Entropy’ four iridescent statues stare down at the visitor before slowly dissolving into hundreds of fragments spinning overhead like a rainbow hued whirlwind. Slowly, they begin to reassemble, gradually reclaiming their state of order. At the centre of the sim, a pool of deep water reminds us of our humble evolutionary beginnings and is also testament to Glyph’s lifelong fascination with the sea.

There is nothing minimal about Glyph’s work. It is infused with splendid colors, rich textures and sounds, allowing the viewer to fully participate. Describing his work, Glyph says “The importance of the conceptual aspect is also why I often say that all art is virtual whether the piece itself has a physical presence or not. The fundamental thing for me that distinguishes art from the mundane is what happens when the artist’s and the viewer’s preconceptions collide strongly enough to change the viewer’s state of mind, even if it is transiently.”http://www.virtual-art-initiative.org/Virtual_Art_Initiative/index.html

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THE ICEMAN COMETH

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THE ICEMAN COMETH

IN A WORLD THAT IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING, SO IS THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT. I RECENTLY ATTENDED THE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF AN AMAZING ARTISTIC DJ NAMED NILSON BRANDRIS, BETTER KNOWN AS DJ ICEMAN.

“I was feeling the need to get this beat out of my head,” Ice told me as we met to talk about his music. Ice hasn’t only gotten the beat out of his head; he has put it into the heads of his fans. His talent is extensive and ranges from House, Dance, Trance, Disco, Fantasy, Minimal Tech Electro, Progressive Ghetto, Hip Tribal, Speed Dream Deep Garage, Funk Acid Latin, French Touch and much more.

WRITTEN BY DESSI TYRAN

PHOTOS BY RHIANN AHN

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Ice has been mixing music in Second Life since 2008. “There are many ideas and examples in my live mixes, but nothing to sell just yet,” he says. The mixes he uses are copyleft, a form of licensing and can be used to maintain copyright conditions for works such as computer software, documents, music and art, and should be used as such. “Everything you hear within the ‘Alien Frequency’ (the club where I met him for the interview) are my manual demos and expressions of how I interpret the music. Mixing is a pleasure and an art which translates into how a DJ creates his or her house music.” Ice said. He hopes to be producing his own live mixes soon.

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Many people have little appreciation for the time commitment and creative energy that goes into the work. It can take Ice anywhere from four to eight hours to prepared for a two hour live session. “It can take me a week to produce a beat. Producing is different from composing. I am sharing my deepest personality.”

I took a moment to immerse myself in my surroundings. Take one step within “Alien Frequency,” and you will quickly notice a rarity that you don’t often find in Second Life. The sim is a reflection both his avatar and that of his Second Life partner’s personality.

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Veroniquejolie started to build the club on her own to surprise him with the initial “Alien DJ” theme. He is an alien fan. He views Second Life as an open source for his fascination and creativity. It opened possibilities in his imagination. Together they continue to adjust the sim in an effort to further DJ Ice’s Second Life Project - Icemoon Jamming Base. “My project is to encourage deejays to duel live while streaming,“ he explained. Ice’s avatar fascinated me with its uniqueness compared to the avatars you normally see in Second Life, showing that he isn’t only unique in the way he spins, but also in his appearance. He has created an image that is all his own. “I like my avatar and got the inspiration for it from Predator and Alien. To be honest, I wear this because it was simple and I had too many issues with clothes in Second Life. The avatar fits into the theme Veronique envisioned for the sim. For the moment, this one is wild enough, but may change in the future. Who knows?” To get a preview of a truly unique artist here in Second Life, I encourage you to check out “Alien Frequency” and this phenomenal artist. DJ Icemoon has only started to leave his mark in Second Life! SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/ICEMOON/167/107/32

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CABERNET OLIVIERI ISN’T A NAME THAT MANY KNOW RIGHT NOW, BUT ITS DEFINATELY ONE YOU SHOULD.

I stumbled upon this intriguing musician while looking for live music. When he sings a mellow tune you can feel his passion and heart with every word, and then the beat picks up, he rises to the occasion and gets your foot to tapping. After one of Cabernet’s sets at Secret Passions Venue he took a moment out of his busy schedule to speak with me. I asked Cabernet what inspired him to start singing. He said, “I just kind of fell into it. When I first started singing my voice was so low and baritone and over the years I just got more comfortable with it. I’m more inspired by music than just the singing. I just sing because I thought I could, then eventually, I could yell real loud in tune.“ I was curious to know who he admired and why. “Right now, it’s Steve Hogarth of Marillion. He has such a range and is a great lyricist. He can give me multiple goose bumps during one song. He is truly an amazing, honest and vibrant performer.” Cabernet is a multi instrumentalist and songwriter who enjoys creating music. He’s been playing music and

CABERNET OLIVIERI - LIKE A FINE WINESTORY BY DESSI TYRANPHOTO BY RHIANN AHN

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listening for as long as he can remember. It is one of the things he feels he is decent at. I would tend to agree, as I noticed more and more people starting to attend his shows. Cabernet has done real life shows but finds what he is doing now more accessible. His outside ambition is songwriting and sending them off to other artists. He added, “Second Life patrons also seem more receptive to a singer / songwriter than the real world.“ When attending one of his shows you will find that Cabernet sings what he knows. He sings what people want to hear, but when given a chance, he’ll slip in his originals and the bands he enjoys the most such as Marillion, Pink Floyd and b-sides - the ones people haven’t maybe heard in a while. I asked how he found Second Life. Cabernet said, “I was watching a TV show that was talking about the internet and how it’s changing and they had a segment about Second Life.” A friend of his joined Second Life and soon afterwards, he joined too. They soon realized you can perform in Second Life. He said,” It took me a while to figure everything out. I started to get a gig here and there. My first gig was brutal! “ Thankfully it didn’t deter him and he continues to go from strength to strength.

He hasn’t started a blog or webpage just yet but you can contact his manager Julianna Rae for booking information or catch him at one of your favorite live music venues.

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MOON SPIRIT

RISINGWRITTEN BY DESSI TYRAN

PHOTOS BY PEARLA BATISTA

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SECOND LIFE IS FULL OF A VARIETY OF CLUBS AND LIVE VENUES BUT IN A BUSY WORLD, WE TEND TO OVERLOOK THE SMALL BUT COZY PLACES.

I recently had the chance to visit a club that deserves recognition. I sat down with Moonde Magic and Colleen Bracken, the two owners of Moon Spirit Rising, and asked how they have survived in a world that sees clubs come and go like we change panties. As I arrived for the interview, I found myself already comfortable with the setting and feeling relaxed. The cool tones of blue and black are easy on the eyes and although most clubs love lighting effects, this quaint little place had nothing that overtly causes lag. When asked how they came up with the idea of opening and operating a business together, Colleen explains, “It was our friend Drew who suggested we provide a fun environment for our friends and their friends to congregate and have great times. Moonde and I have been best friends and business partners for over a year and have always worked well together. More often than not, we can see each others’ visions and can carry them through. We inspire each other!” Moon Spirit Rising has many supporters such as Drew2 Allen, Saraph Blackheart, Demento Lunesea, Bigdog Constantine, Anek Fuchs, Gina Stella, Sergio Hancroft, and Yannis Martynov.

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I know a few of those names are recognizable and I was quick to see if they actively and frequently perform for the fans of MSR. “Absolutely!” says Moonde. “Music is a great part of who Colleen and I are. We are inspired by all of our staff and each other. This is what keeps us going and providing the best we possibly can.” The staff at Moon Spirit Rising work for tips, and all donations are poured back into the club to continue to keep it running. “We’ve found that the key to keep the club alive is to keep it fresh. Change it up and surprise the guests here and there. But most importantly, it’s the people and the hospitality that we hold in highest regard. We want our guests to feel welcome,“ explains Colleen. Drew happened to pop in during our interview and shared the story of how the name Moon Spirit Rising came about. “Moonde is a dear friend whom I call my sister. Moon is from Moonde and she has a lot of spirit. Then I thought of the moon being in the logo, but it was Demento that came up with the wolf to add to the logo. Moonde had a wolf head silhouette that she used for the back drop to the club with the moon hanging over head.” “We wanted to create an atmosphere that was inspiring to others and a feel good environment,” says Moonde about the club’s décor. ”The design of the club has evolved since we open in Oct 09,” adds Colleen. My time came quickly to an end, but before we finished, I asked the ladies to each give me three words that best describes their little slice of heaven. Moonde’s were fresh, inspiring and romantic, and Colleen went with liberating, welcoming, and

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fun. They took an idea from friendship and love and created a structure to call a second home for all to enjoy. Moon Spirit Rising offers a multitude of services that include live entertainment, parties, rentals, decorating, sponsorships, and last but not least, the best deejays Second Life has to offer. Don’t forget to check out those small cozy places because you never know when you might find your own little slice of heaven. Moon Spirit Rising Slurl - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Arctic%20Circle/159/158/301

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WILL YOU BE MY FRIEND?STORY BY PET KARU

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOOSE MOOMINTOOG

“ISN’T IT GOOD WHEN EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME”? The opening line of the theme song for the popular 80-ish American sit-com, Cheers!

Well, is it? We find various degrees of a complex web of friendship relationship in this show. It was one of my fast favorites during prime time. Why was it so popular to me? The dynamics and minute details of the television show’s regulars drew me in week after week. This group diverged on every point from politics to religion to rearing children, yet came faithfully together nightly (or so it seemed) to the Boston pub named Cheers at the end of their day. I marvel as I think back, reminisce and as I consider

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our collective Second Lives! Take a moment and scan your friends list. If you’re anything like me, you go through it semi-annually for its ritual cleaning. Yes, maintain! Definitely discard! What are you still doing here? Who the heck are you? And the ever popular, I’ll give you a little longer or another chance to see what happens. It’s these lists of people we may not have ever met over the course of our lifetimes in a world devoid of internet and personal computers. But here we are. All jammed into cyber-space - exploring, shopping, building, pretending to drink coffee and eat cookies, dancing and the random unmentionables on the adult sims. For whatever reason, you ended up on their friends list and they now occupy a spot on yours. Think back to that moment when you exchanged friendships. Don’t you just love the default statement, “Will you be my friend?” Personally, I always say I’m going to change mine so it doesn’t sound so needy. Anyway, all this got me thinking, what constitutes a friend? Is it possible for Linden Corp to give us a 2 week trial basis before we commit? I think its something to push for. So, what is a friend? I’ve come to learn that its different things to different people. Some friendships stick in the mud with you; some are not. Some run away as soon as the first evidence of strain on a blooming relationship occurs. Others weather the storms of life with you. Some are honest enough to tell you the truth, while others will lie to your face in order to avoid hurting

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your feelings. Yes, there are others, master-craftsmen I call them who are purely opportunist. They are in it for what they get out of it. Sponge is another term I use for them. Why? They absorb everything and give minimum return. So what is the value of friendship on the open market these days? The price of a new dress? A night out dancing? Possibly, draining conversations “its all about me”! Below are some helpful hints to help you the next time your friendship list needs a good cleaning.

AFFIRMATIONWe all want someone who will laugh at our jokes and agree that our last boyfriend was a jerk. But when we MUST have someone in our corner solely because they agree with us, there is a problem. When we feel obligated to only affirm and not refute one another, we are not being 100% honest and do them a grave disservice.

INTERESTS AND COMPATIBILITYWhile opposites attract, its rare they have enough substance to sustain a long term friendship that will stand the test of time. Unless repeated debates are your thing, you might want to put this person in your “sometime” folder. You’ll find that no matter how much one of you tries, you’ll not sway them from their opinions. You, however, must be gracious enough to allow them that latitude. We are all free thinkers and should be given

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room to express our thoughts without fear of reprisals. But just as having someone who is at the opposite end of the spectrum is not a good idea to call your bestest of all best buds, neither is having someone who is your identical twin. We humans thrive when we are challenged to think outside the box. So when she tells you, “Yeah, he’s got pasty skin and dresses funny, but he adores you”, listen to her!

DEPENDENCYWhoa! Wait a minute! You mean you NEED to see me every day, all day, we gotta be together? One of the best books I’ve ever read while studying for my Counseling degree was by Jan Silvious, “Please Don’t Say You Need Me”. It discussed co-dependency from a biblical perspective. Eye opening, I tell you. While co-dependency is wrong, reliability is perfectly acceptable. Can you count on your friend when your mom takes sick; your wife leaves you; the kids don’t talk to you any more? Will they hold your hand and comfort you through the maze we call life?

Well, these are just a few elements to help you make your selection. I hope they helped. If not, look me up, I have office hours!

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ICONIC PHOTO HINTSWRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNONCHARLIZE GOSSIPGIRL

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I’m back at it again. I think I spend almost as much time in Photoshop as I do in SL. Everyday is a new learning process. I’m always hunting down for good tutorials and ideas to grow on. The possibilities are endless. So or this months tip, I’m going to make our avi’s skin look soft with none of that pixel blemish. After all we deal with that in RL, so who wants it in SL too? I don’t! Without further ado, here it is.....

Step 1. Pull up a photo of your choice. I grabbed one I did with a new skin.

Step 2. Make a duplicate of your photo. Never ever work on your original. Usually I will have 3 copies up, but my original wont be visible. So you should have 3 layers of your photo. Select layer 3. Go to filter, select Blur, Gaussian Blur. Depending on how much of an up close your photo is decides how much blur. Since I’m doing a pretty close up shot I went with 8. The choice is yours and I recommend playing around with it.

Step 3. With the blurred layer selected, hold down the Alt button and click the Mask tool. It will be the one with the circle in the box.Your photo should now be clear again, but you will notice on that layer there is a black box now. Click on that black box to make sure you have it selected.

BEFORE

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Now for the fun part.

Step 4. Select a soft brush of your choice. I use 45. Make sure your paint color is white. We are going to brush over all the areas that we want the blur to show through - mainly the skin and hair. Do not brush over anything you want to be clear. Once I’m fully satisfied, I will merge the 2 layers. This is up to you, but I find that working with a mask layer later on can be frustrating.

At this point, I will play with the Curves and Saturation. Have fun with it, because after all, it’s all about what you like. There is no right or wrong way. Find what works for you and what seems easier for your style. I hope this was helpful!

If you want to know how to do something but need a little help, drop me a notecard and I’ll do my best to find out how

xoxo

Shannon

AFTER

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SECOND LIFE’S STAND AGAINST BULLYINGSTORY BY BRIE PINAZZOPHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIE PINAZZO

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MY NIECE AND I WERE HANGING OUT ONE DAY WHEN SHE LOOKED AT ME AND ASKED, “AUNTY, I AM MAKING SOMETHING FOR PINK T-SHIRT DAY, WANNA HELP?”

Completely confused I asked her what it was about, and she handed me a note card from December Dollinger in regards to bringing Pink T-shirt Day to Second Life. As a parent in both SL and the real world, this is a very important movement that is definitely needed on the grid. But it is more importantly something that should be done every day, not just April 14th.

Pink T-shirt Day was started in Nova Scotia, Canada as a way to empower children to stand up and not be bullied.

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Bullying takes on many forms and is unfortunately common amongst kids. I know when I was young there was a school bully, and that still rings true today. My real life daughter was tormented for a complete school year by her 6 year old classmate. The school felt that because he did not physically hurt her that it was not a danger. I watched my happy little girl reduced to sleepless nights, suffering grades and general unhappiness. Only when the child threatened my fiancé did anyone take the situation seriously, and only after I filed complaints with the School District and Board of Education where I live.

In Second Life, physical bullying is not possible, but cyber bullying and stalking is a sad fact many face. Child avatars get it a lot, as well as “alternative” avatars such as Furries and Tinies. People come to SL for enjoyment and just like in the real world, bullying diminishes the person behind the avatar and this is what December and those in support of Pink T-shirt Day are trying to change.

December sent out a simple card asking designers and bloggers alike

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to contribute, to show their support. Designers such as Tyranny Designs, Pure Contours and Totally Random created special items for the public at free or reduced prices for the community to have and wear to show their support. Items and information were sent out to bloggers so that we could all become more informed of not only what bullying is and does but ways to empower ourselves and our children against it.

The day was a success, and the support was nothing short of amazing. I was proud to be a part of a community that shows so much compassion and support for its fellow man or woman. I hope that those who intend to prey on others on the grid felt it too and maybe make other choices. But more importantly I hope that if they don’t. People feel stronger knowing there is support behind them to take a stand against those who seek them out to cause pain.

For more information please visit http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/

ICON lifestyle magazine | May 2010

All Material used by permission and is property of ICON.

Reproduction or use of the content in whole or part withoutthe writen permission of the Editor is strictly prohibited