issue 01 | 12-21-2006 150 l$

free
copy

News  p.2-8
Griefers cause havoc at Text
100 Island event
comment  p.6
Regis Braathens on the
launch of the AvaStar
business  p.10-11
Pham Neutra on how inflation
affects your pockets
A-stars  p.12-13
All the news from the world of
stars and celebrities
style  p.14-19

BIG BROTHER:
Hot or not? The latest fa-
shions uncovered
travel  p.21
Paradise island explored

vote-RIGGING
guide  p.25-27
From clubbing to exhibitions,
all the latest events

avastar
of the
week
NYTE
scandal housemate
slams cheats
Big Brother‘s Simone Spice
slams fellow residents for
VARGAS underhand tactics and
all p.31 cheating. Full story p. 8

2,000,000 residents - analysis and opinion see pages 4-5

rent scam hits

traders
BY DEEEEP WITTE
RENT SCAM VICTIMS
are counting their
losses after being
evicted from their
• innocent shop owners evicted stores - having fallen

• residents left out of pocket prey to a con man.

Full story - Page Three
0 NEWS Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 NEWS 0

inside
opinion
e-mail OF
THE WEEK RENT SCAM
HITS SHOP
“Is the population of 500 LINDEN DOLLARS
yourmail@the-avastar.com
SL growing too fast,
or is it bad manage- Do you have something you want and opinion. The best emails will ATTACK: Sim disappears
ment by Linden Lab? to tell our readers? Is there an is- be printed in the newspaper. You

OWNERS
in cloud of pictures
In fact, it is part of sue that angers or moves you? We can also earn L$500 - each week one
a strategy which is want to hear from you. Send us an email will be picked as the .email of CORPORATE
more sensible than email with your views, comments the week‘ and featured in the paper.
By DEEEEP WITTE NOOBS HIT BY
many critics would
AID: Yeochris GRIEFER ATTACK
residents left to pick up the pieces as Bentham offered
like to admit.”

Pham Neutra
the big picture rent con man escapes punishment
help A ‚NEW Publics‘ discus-
sion held at Text 100 Is-
land on Wednesday was
See page 5
INNOCENT shopkeepers have Quatro have come to the aid of cut short by a griefer. The
been evicted from their stores af- some of the affected shopkeepers discussion on the funda-
“In many ways SL can ter becoming victims of the latest by offering land and free rent on mental changes in socie-
be seen as the next real estate scam. their sims. ty, business and techno-
step in the fulfillment Two months rent totalling US$1,400 Yeochris said: “I talk to the people logy lasted fifty minutes
of the internet, in paid by the store owners to on his sims trying to help them get before the attack hit. The
which people create North Shores real estates their investment back, but I just mindless yob, identified
and interact with con- was siphoned off by one of don’t have the land available to later as ‚2010 Ah‘, bom-
tent and each other the company’s partners, move them all.” barded the meeting with
in a 3D environment. Dirk Newcomb rather He added he had also been distorted pictures of a
You could envisage than being paid to sim scammed and was planning to cartoon character whilst
SL as a type of 3D in- owners Dreamland. As take legal action against Go- shouting “Love me”.
ternet browser.” a result Dreamland rean master Dirk Newcomb. 2010 Ah said that he did it
was forced to evict “How do you think he got his “to make you smile.” Re-
Catherine
at least five renters. last sim? That sim should be sidents who had attended
Linden
Gorean scribe Adri- mine. He took US$800 cash the interesting discussion
See page 4 An underwater monster created by one of the IBM employees at one of the 12
brand new IBM sims. anna Marquez was from me.” were dismayed that once
one of the most Master Quatro said real again appropriate mea-
affected by the estate scams are a part of sures were not taken to
WRITE FOR THE AVASTAR staff swindle. She said: daily life in SL: “I see it eve- prevent such disruptions.
THE AVASTAR CEO Sodwind, Ikarus Solomon, Mu Nomura, “He stole our ry day, yet there isn’t much Catherine Omega said: “I
HAVE a story? Got an Gregor Ginsberg Gavin Pertwee, Nebril Spark, Isabel money and we all we can do.” don‘t want to sound like
exclusive? Want to business manager Brocco, Leider Stepanov lost our land. He Shameless con man New- a smartass here, but you
work for The AvaStar Ikarus Santos Graphic design was simply pocket- comb has since used the mon- really need to have some-
and earn big Linden Editor-IN-CHIEF Ronsen Sungsoo ing our rent and us- ey to set up his own company one with management of
bucks? Come visit us Regis Braathens Distribution ing it to buy his own in the Savant called Second a sim at these events”.
at The AvaStar Island writerS & Contributors info@the-avastar.com sim. He has refused Estate Realty. Although he has Spectator Nite Zelmanov,
107.210.81, send an Pham Neutra, Deeeep Witte, Marco Man- Advertising to return our money.” been reported to Linden Labs, branded the PR Agency
VICTIM: Adrianna
email to newsdesk@ ray, Lionila Lightfoot, Randi Barracuda, advertising@the-avastar.com Yeochris Bentham no action has been taken. Nei- Text 100, which was ho-
Marquez hit by
avastar.com, or visit Gaetana Faust, Tina Petgirl Bergman, Online website of North Shores and scam ther party were available for com- sting the event, “corpo-
Frederic Prevost, India Obviate, Carrie www.the-avastar.com
www.avastar.com Dreamland’s Master ment this week. rate noobs.”
0 NEWS
the second life
bandwagon
speeds on
By GAVIN PERTWEE and LEIDER STEPANOV
IT took little less than two
months for the population
of Second Life to double
from one to two million
residents. Speculation is
now rife as to how long
it will take to reach the
three million mark.
The rate of population
growth of SL is difficu-
lt to predict. The virtual
world logged its one mil-
lionth resident on Octo-
ber 16 2006 at exactly
8:05:45AM SL time, ac-
cording to Wikipedia. It
took nearly three years to
reach that milestone from
the launch of SL in 2003,
yet it doubled in just 60
days.
At the current rate of
growth, resident number
three million will hop off
the production line some-
time around February 13
next year. The problem
with that date is that
the rate of increase will
almost certainly go up
itself.
There is every possibility
it could even be early Ja-
nuary when that particu-
lar milestone is reached.
The population by the
end of 2007 is nigh on
impossible to predict, but
it is certainly within the
realms of possibility to hit
eight figures.
Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 NEWS 0
two million... the grand sl
SL needs far
more helpers
Livinda Goodliffe has been
and rising fast strategy
well placed to witness the
effects of the influx of
newbies whilst working as
By PHAM Neutra
an unpaid official mentor
catherine linden on the growth of second life pham neutra analyses the LINDEN LAB STRATEGY and Help Island volunteer
THE official population to 300,000. Yet the the next step in the ful- - and the growing pains that come with it over the last six months.
of Second Life soared virtual world is clearly fillment of the internet, The body and accessori-
A POPULATION of two its rapid growth keep- want to make sure SL
over the two million expanding rapidly and in which people create es designer spends 10-
million might be cause ing the platform ro- remains the most at-
mark on Friday 15 De- this has both good and and interact with con- 12 hours a week helping
for celebration for some bust remains our most tractive of these worlds,
cember, provoking de- bad consequences for tent and each other in newbies find their feet in
Second Life residents pressing issue.” and to do so it needs to
bate among residents. the residents. So how a 3D environment. You SL. Despite „a fair share
but there are many oth- So is the population of grow as quickly as pos-
The validity of such much can SL expand? could envisage SL as of griefing“ she remains
ers who are dissatisfied SL growing too fast, or sible because nearly
figures, increasingly Catherin Linden says: a type of 3D internet eager „to do what we
with Linden Lab. is it bad management everything in SL is cre-
made up of SL tourists “We are only at the browser. Maintaining can for those that want
Living in SL can be very by Linden Lab? In fact, ated by its citizens,
who log in only once, beginning and the a virtual presence may help.„ The pretty helper
frustrating at times. it is part of a strategy from land and houses
have been disputed. market will determine become ubiquitous in said „LL needs far more
as its infrastructure which is more sensi- to cars and furniture.
Estimates for the real where this is going.” As a few years. We would helpers than at present.“
groans under a steady ble than many critics New residents are at-
number of regular us- for the future: “In many like to be there to facili- But she is unsure whether
stream of newbies. would like to admit and tracted to a beautiful,
ers lie between 240,000 ways SL can be seen as tate that transition.” professionalizing the sy-
There are days when which, despite hav- rich and vast world with
stem is the way forward.
lots to offer. The more
„That would open a can
The voice of the people Logged-in Users (Updated: Mon, Dec 18, 2006)
Residents Logged-In During Last 7 Days 233,536
residents SL has, the
more popular it will be-
of worms that brings it’s
own problems.“ The most
„I‘D like to see more peo- „THE population has to come and the harder it
Residents Logged-In During Last 14 Days 338,946 painful part of the transi-
ple in here as long as the keep increasing to keep will be for other worlds
Malakaii tion is the grow- i n g
grid could handle them. this place interesting, Residents Logged-In During Last 30 Days 541,827 to compete. There is no
I think the population is but it’s not going to work Taifun: Residents Logged-In During Last 60 Days 832,134 such thing as too much
„immaturity“ of
going to keep increasing Markie if LL don’t care about its new residents.
Source: www.secondlife.com creativity. „No verification
at the pace it is now.“ Trenton: community.“ In as little as a year, SL
it is impossible to tel- ing some unfortunate encourages
„BACK in the day there were „I WOULD like to see the may be big enough to
population increase. It’s a really eport with much suc- consequences for resi- teenagers to
no problems. Due to the confirm its permanent
sudden influx of new good social place. I think cess, and even rezzing dents, will help ensure be dishonest
position as the big-
er diversity is what makes SL an object or chang- the continued about their age
Zyph users there were gest virtual world,
Crash: many problems. LL Sasi interesting. But I think they ing your shoes can be success of SL. at signup.“ The- HELPER:
hence the Linden
was unprepared as Pegler: need to start charging for all impossible when the Other virtual re are also more L i v i n d a
gamble to grow
it happened so quickly.“ memberships.“ number of residents worlds exist virtual tourists Goodliffe
as quickly as pos-
„SECOND Life has a very online exceeds 14,000. and many more – „when they get
„NEW ideas, concepts sible and not listen
fluid population. The ones who Catherine Linden ad- will be cre- bored, they move
and fresh input - peo- to the funny
stay are the ones who are mits, “as with any grow- ated in the on“. As for the fu-
ple are the fabric sounds com-
looking for a sexual relati- ing community, there c o m i n g ture – „I don‘t think
of this social net- ing from
Ra yz r onship. Look around you...
work and object
: Rubylock can be the occasional months.
the engine
even LL has a well
Ra yn er st : it is all a means to an end.
oriented world. Gymna sticking point. As the L i n d e n PHILIP LINDEN:
room.
defined direction on
Fantasy fulfilment.“ Sensible strategy
Bring it on.“ population continues L a b where SL is going.“
0 NEWS Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 ADVERT 0

regis BRAATHENS
NEW KIDs ON
A day in the life
of a griefer.
“We are having problems

THE BLOCK
with the audio” says Ita-
lian rock star Luca Nesti.
Impatient from waiting
so long, I look around the
stage clicking on objects. tabloid newspaper set to light up SL media scene
An info message appears:
THE AvaStar has land- establish the AvaStar at the virtual world. And
‘BoxedGuitar – Animate
ed. And as you read this the forefront of SL me- to help us in our quest
your Avatar?’ Out of cu-
column, the debates in please send your to uncover, investigate
riosity I press ‚yes‘ and
the blog sphere are and bring the very best
suddenly I am playing. A comments to:
heating up. What is the stories to the pages of
beautiful melody rings out regis@the-avastar.com
motivation behind the the AvaStar, we need
across the square. “MUSI-
AvaStar? dia. Our slogan is ‘Your you. Our readers are
CA!” shouts one spectator
This paper is backed by World. Your Voice.’ And the virtual eyes and
gleefully, “Un applauso!”
Bild.T-Online.de, a top we take that literally. ears of the AvaStar. We
I try to click on the guitar
news and entertain- The AvaStar will inform, want you to make this
to stop it, yet it keeps on
ment website and sub- surprise, entertain and your paper about your
playing. “Who’s playing
sidiary of Axel Springer guide you through this world. If you have an
now?” shout confused
AG, the publisher of Eu- mindblowing world. exclusive story, an ex-
Italians. My laughter dis-
rope’s largest tabloid To do this we have cellent photo, or you
appears as I discover that
newspaper, BILD. And put together a profes- want to give your feed-
despite pressing ‘Stop all
we are here to produce sional editorial staff of back then get in touch
animations’ the music
a top class professional excellent journalists, SL with us. We look for-
still goes on. “Whoever
tabloid for the resi- veterans and experts w a r d to talk-
just opened some music
dents of SL. We aim to who live and breath ing to you.
from their PC please close
it” says an agitated Luca.
Damn it, it won’t switch
off! As a last resort I log security breach
off and on again. And to personal information disclosed
my and Luca’s relief the
Whilst conducting an ed on my back making
music is gone and the
interview at Help Island the names visible to
show can go on.
I was shocked to read everyone around me.
someone listing the Private details being
names of many of my made public is a mas-
friends in the chat box. sive breach of privacy
Due to the grid playing and something that HALF-BAKED:
Grid problems
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS: up my friends list had LL should urgently at fault
Luca Nesti been bizarrely project- address.
0
anshe CHUNG
flees griefers
at cnet event
LAND baron Anshe
Chung’s interview with
real life news giant CNET
turned into a farce as it
became the latest high-
profile event subject to
intense griefing. SL Milli-
onaire Chung was set to
talk about her get-rich-
quick feat of turning a
US$ 10 investment in SL
into a million US dollars
in around two and a half
years. Shortly after get-
ting under way, griefers
named as Room 101 bom-
barded the proceedings
in the CNET amphitheatre
with pink male genitalia,
forcing Anshe to flee to
her own land for safety.
However, even there the
thugs succeeded once
again in further disrupting
the event. It is the latest in
a string of attacks on real
life company events and
raises questions about
the necessity of increa-
sed security measures at
such events.
PHOTO: www.somethingawful.com
UGLY GRIEFER: Forced
Anshe Chung to flee
NEWS Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 ADVERT 0
housemates
are all
cheats
SIMONE SPICER:
inside story
EMILIE ENKE:
By carrie sodwind declined a bribe
BIG Brother residents ACCUSE each other over
underhand tactics and SELLING votes for cash
AS the reality show fan revealed: “He has riding dildos on a yak,
approaches its fourth been spamming lucky others promise to
week a furore is erupt- chair groups offering flash.”
ing over the under- money.” Other house- When the AvaStar con-
hand methods which mates are also playing fronted Rencius Herber
some housemates use dirty, explains Emilie. he disputed the cheat
to obtain votes. The desperation of the claims: “Giving a shirt
Honest contestants are housemates is clearly or giving L$50-100 is
being cheated out of rising as the eviction the same in my book.
their chance to secure day looms, when one I have seen everyone
the prize of an SL island, resident will return do that. Golda is - just
says BB resident Simone from Outcast Is- click her signs. It is all
Spicer. She said: “Most land and three campaigning either
housemates cheat, more are set way.” Evicted house-
the ones who don’t to leave. “Girls mate Gideon Televi-
bribe or pay for votes are using sion added: “If there‘s
don’t stand a chance”. their one thing I wish,
Rencius Herber, cur- it‘s that the
rently awaiting a final elimina -
verdict after being re- t i o n
bod-
moved from the house system
ies to
to Outcast Island last allows the
entice RENCIUS
week, is hailed as the bad guy
men into HERBER:
chief offender. Emilie Outcast Island to ma-
voting
Enke Is one of many nipulate
for them.
Second lifers to be of- the vote
S o m e
fered L$100 by Rencius more than it
have been
for her vote. The BB does!”.
10 BUSINESS
Your QUESTIONS to:
askBIZ@the-avastaR.com
presentation
is key to sales
success
My clothes shop has
loads of great stuff for
sale, but business is not
as good as I would like.
What can I do to improve
sales?
BIZ! says:
There may be plenty of
reasons why residents
aren’t rushing out to buy
your ware.
The way you present
your clothes could make
all the difference. The
customer‘s first impressi-
on is all important. A few
rules must be followed:
1 Ensure your shop is
bright and airy to give the
shopper a appealing look.
2 Get rid of the clutter, to
focus the customer on the
products.
3 Location is very impor-
tant. Buy or rent the best
you can, in an area which
is suitable for your busi-
ness. Remember, SL is all
about being creative.
SHOP around
for lindens
WHERE can I buy my Lin-
dens at the best price?
BIZ! says:
WHILST the Lindex
(ht tps: //se condlife.
com/currency/) is the
official Linden Dollar
Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 BUSINESS 11
from
Deeeep Witte ask BIZ!
Analysis Inflation
SL money
nears L$700m
THE amount of money
fears totally
circulating around Se-
cond Life is approaching
L$700m, according to a
report by Linden Lab‘s
unfounded
chief financial officer
John Zdanowski.
Nearly every dollar is spent
Rent your way
around 2.2 times each
By PHAM NEUTRA month, a figure which
MANY SECOND LIFERS MONITOR the has remained constant all
exchange rate between the Linden and year despite a dramatic
to riches
US versions of the dollar, BUT Pham upswing in spending in
recent months.
Neutra argues that where the buck
FOR SALE: Signs In total, residents spent
around the grid stops Is of little importance. more than L$4.5 billion in
November.
I want to get a small You should also con- as the cost per square THE US dollar has been stable in the L$ is the only relevant currency;
shop – but should I sider the current ex- meter is the most cost recent weeks, hovering around they use it to buy everything they
rent or buy? change rate of the L$ effective. Renting al- the L$275 mark. There have been, need and pay their bills. So why Poser-7 soft-
BIZ! says: when buying as buy- lows you to reduce your however, wild fluctuations in the nervously watch the exchange rate?
There are three main ing at the right time overheads and expand exchange rate. So what does it all Healthy competition between mer-
ware launch
factors to be consid- can save you precious as and when you need. mean to the average Second Lifer? chants makes it impossible for large POSER-7, the latest versi-
ered when deciding to Lindens. And there is no reason Nothing. business owners to raise their prices on of the advanced beauty
rent or buy: However, more than why you should give Or, rather, nearly nothing. The ex- on a whim. and movement animation
1 The premium ac- anything you must be up your dreams of be- change rate is often mistaken for the All this explains why SL enjoys such software from “efrontier”,
count membership fee clear about what you coming the next Anshe value of the L$, whereas it is simply a stable currency and little inflation, was unveiled this week at
2 The one-off purchase want to do with the Chung – you can also what the name says: an exchange regardless of the exchange rate. That 12 different SL locations.
price of the land. land. As a rule of thumb try your hand at being rate. Even when the value of the L$ fact is only true, of course, as long as The new product, on sale
3 The monthly tier or it is better to rent if you a landlord by renting goes up, in-world prices rarely go Linden Lab doesn‘t flood SL with L$, for US$ 249, allows you
rent costs. need less than 8,192 m² your land out. in the opposite direction. Likewise, which would lead to inflation like in to create any pose you
when the L$ dropped rapidly last any other economy. like and includes details
write to: askbiz@the-avastar.com spring, hardly any
$1,000 K
But that is some- like lip syncing to replace
shops increased their thing our sov- standard typing.
prices. $800 K
ereign is very
exchange of Second in USD and EUR gen- find very competitive
That was partly be- $600 K careful not to
Life, it does not auto- erated by her numer- rates (http://www.slex-
cause it is extremely do. Maintaining
matically mean that ous businesses across change.com/modules. $400 K
tedious for merchants a stable econo-
it offers the best rates the grid (http://www. php?name=Currency)
with many vendors $200 K my is one of the
of exchange. Better anshechung.com/in- It is wise to compare all
spread across Second $0 K paramount con-
options open to you dex.php?fct=BUY_L$). three exchanges before Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19
Life to change prices. cerns of Philip
include Anshe Chung‘s However, make sure you take the plunge, in US Dollars spent per 24 hours in
For small business Second Life over last 5 days Linden himself.
Dreamland, where you check out SLEx- order to make the most POSER-7: The latest in
owners, meanwhile, Source: Reuters
you can buy Lindens change, where you can out of your money. animation software
12 A-STARS Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 A-STARS 13

WHO´S WHO? Celebrities & Gossip

Creators of the RockStar in
AvaStar Uniforms Roma
ROBERGE & RANDOLPH
By Frederic Prevost
Top SL designers and scriptors produced the stylishu-
niforms for the AvaStar promotors and reporters.
PLAY nbc
AVASTARCHI:
By Fox Diller

STYLISH:
AvaStar
reporter

CATSUIT QUEEN:
Promoter outfit
RECORD: First Italian LIVE: NBC
musician in SL concert
STARBOOK PRO:
By Fox Diller
ITALIAN rock star LUCA five strong and largely
JUNE DION: MARC Roberge of O.A.R. joined b y ing act by the Sarah Mac Band
NESTI wowed crowds Italian audience with
The designer of Bare Rose (HQ Store and Robert Randolph of SL celebrities followed by a live performance
in his exclusive debut a selection of rock bal-
Bare Rose 146, 11, 30) is known for Robert Randolph & The alike to enjoy from Roberge‘s and Randolph‘s
gig in Second Life. Per- lads sung in his husky
the intricate textures on her clothings. Family Band rocked the the perform- avatars.
forming as Luca Nehar voice. The event, the
The efficient creator introduces outfits NBC Universal concert on ance. Those Between songs, Randolph and
in front of a select au- first of three gigs, was
and merchandise almost daily. Wednesday 20 Dec. The in sim NBC 9 Roberge were happy to answer
dience in the Parioli screened on SKY TV in
concert was streamed live were on questions per IM. The lovely
sim last Thursday, Italy. Nesti said of the
from the Peacock Room at hand to Robin Linden was clearly enjoy-
AKIRA DULCE: he became the concert: “I was full of
the NBC headquarters in New DANCING QUEEN: witness ing herself as she danced the
The Designer owns Akira Designs first Italian musi- adrenalin before the
York to 10 NBC sims in Second Robin Linden t h e night away to the funky sounds
(Monterey dAlliez 29, 144, 22) cian to play live event and even
Life. Crowds of excited fans were open- of the band.
and two other locations, also on Sl in SL. Despite more
exchange and Sl boutique. Akira delays to the nerv-
designs mainly shoes and accessories. start of the ous when I hot rubber: pontiac motorlympics
concert due came too late
THE smell of burning rubber and high oc- decided. The champagne at the after party
MIKO OMEGAMU: to technical and everyone had to
tane fuel filled the air across the grid this at Andy’s Parkade Nightclub may well be
The scriptor designed the camera problems with wait.” So will we be see-
week as the Pontiac Motorlympics roared on Suku Ming, the current leader,
and notepad for AvaStar reporters. the streaming ing the rockstar back
ELECTRIC: into action. Daily races with a total of who would pocket a
Her current project is the deve- the star en- Star rocks in SL at some point?
L$9.000 up for grabs have been building whopping L$25.000 if LEADER: Suku Ming
lopment of The Mischief Makers, tertained the crowds at “It was a great experi-
up to the final on Friday 22nd where the she manages to hold
Mischief (147, 138, 30). around forty- concert ence” he said.
fiercely competitive Motorlympics will be onto her current lead.
14 STYLE
Men’s
Style
Looking good is easy
By Mu Nomura
WEARING distinctive and
stylish clothes is one of
the best ways to distin-
guish yourself in Second
Life. But while women
can enjoy thousands of
stores overflowing with
every outfit imagina-
ble, men aren’t so lucky.
It’s far too easy to feel a
T-shirt and jeans are your
only clothing choice.
All is not lost, however.
Classy men’s clothing
does exist in Second
Life, it’s just harder to
find. Check out Blaze
Columbia’s (Gourdneck 136,
160, 252) fantastic range,
for example - expensive
but worth it. Musashi Do
(Anton 140, 221,96), mean-
while, offer a wide choice
of affordable
m e n ’ s
suits. If you
see well
dressed
men on
your tra-
vels, ask
them where
they found
their clothes
and most
will gladly
tell you.
SUITS YOU: Menswear
Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 STYLE 15
SOLE SHOE SIM Sexy Xmas STYLISH
accessories
ORIGINAL: Six sets of dif-
SET FOR LAUNCH
Christmas is coming up and your inventory lacks ferent coloured earrings
that special outfit for the occassion? The AvaStar for L$175.
scouted the shops and selected the hottest looks Seen at Elexor
for the festive season. Matador Stu-
By Ikarus Solomon
WHITE LADY: dios, Extraordi-
THE first sim entirely Get this cute naire (98,206, 32)
RED AND HOT:
devoted to selling winter outfit
This outfit will guarantee
shoes will open its for only L$ 300 Seductive: Sexy fish-
to spice up your Christ-
doors before Christ- at Cherry Blossom net stockings and Santa
mas holidays. Get
mas. Design, Southern shoes from
the set of red
Heavenly Soles has Comfort (95, 117, 22). Candy Cane
shorts, Santa
been created by Lane,
jacket, hat
Yoshinori Shirakawa MISS SANTA: This Livigno
and thong
and Estrelle Fauna, NEW: Shoe sim dream in red from (197,18,
DESIGNER: Estrelle Fauna Heavnely Soles for L$ 100
owner and designer Aylah’s Store at Plush 194) for
at Sunset
of PrimAdonna. this feature.“ make it very easy for Beta (40, 104, 21) for L$ 275
Ref lections,
Estrelle says she takes The shops customers to find what L$ 890 will get you
Mare, (168, 116,
her inspiration from will offer a wide they are looking for. into the mood for SPARKLING: For a spe-
45).
real life. “In RL I am a variety of designs “If they want a formal Christmas. cial gift get this diamond
shoeholic and I ad- f r o m formal shoe they will find and snowman necklace
mire shoe design- shoes and c a s u a l them all in one place.” by Alienbear Gupte,
ICE QUEEN: This glamourful dress
ers such as Jimmy sandals, to gothic style Each month the own- Bratz (153,229,27) for
sends shivers down the spine. The com-
Choo and Blahnik. I shoes and boots. ers will offer a talented L$ 200.
plete set including skin, hair, crown,
gain my inspiration Five boutiques are new shoe designer
magic sceptre, manicure, shoes
from their designs. planned, each selling a free space at Heavenly
and jewellery was seen Celestial
“I create shoes in SL different style. Shoes to exhibit their
Studios, Celestial City (60, 180, 25)
that I would wear in Estrelle added: “I think ware.
for L$ 4 000. Get it now as it is a
RL and many of my having an all-shoe sim (Heavenly Soles 82,180, 29)
limited edition.
customers like divided into styles will
SKI - SLOPE STYLES inventory sneak peek This Week: Fashionista Sabrina Doolittle
Hot OR NOT
Sabrina loves her boa by need an Ascot.“ The necklace was made by
Luly: “The colours it comes in request for Sabrina by Raven Rosebud:
Ordinary casual The vintage are fantasic and the length is per- „She only sold a single strand of
is this season’s hottest psychedelic outift is fect. When you don‘t know what to pearls and I asked for triples
trend. Washed denim jeans super hip for a Xmas wear, what could be better than with earrings.“The black dress by
and athletic stretch swea- rave with your
jeans and boa?“ She looks Extraordinaire has sentimental value
ter (for example from Lu- friends but it will be
great with her black hat: to the fashionista: „This is the first
minosity Snowboard Out- too freaky for a ski
fit) is the perfect look for holiday with your „Hats are sadly underworn flexi dress I ever tried, the day
cool snowboarders. family. in Second Life. We desperately flexis came out.“
16 STYLE Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 STYLE 17

Last Minute gifts

For all Last minute shoppers still search-
ing for the right GIFT for their friends
ICE, ICE,
BABy
and family, the avastar has select-
ed a range of CUTE and original
presents affordable for all.

PERSONAL:
Custom made stockings for You don’t need any talent to stay upright on the
L$50 at Our Little Christmas
ice in SL. All you need is a pair of skates and
SCARY: Shop, ELDORA (194,26,107)
a rink.
Christmas misfit dolls For cool ice-skating rinks go to:
L$100, Del Agua Winterland CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: » Dolls Sanctuary, Dolls Isle (86,132,22)
(145, 140, 30) » ‚Inspire‘ Ice-Skating, Shinda (96,178,25) Ice Princess:
Building blocks L$187,
Ice-skates starting from
Del Agua Winterland (145, 140, 30) » Winter Wonderland Epiphany (163, 114, 21)
Singing Reindeer: around L$75 are
» Ice rink at Phreak Isle (79,140,26) available at most rinks
Home Sweet HOME: Tap Rudolf and he will
sing for you. Each one » Intimate Moments Polia (123, 182, 44)
Gingerbread house
$75, Del Agua Winter- costs L$ 350 at Bobby-
land (145, 140, 30) socks Christmas Shop, ADVERT
Menophra (110, 202, 26)

PICK A TREAT: Choose a colour

and Santa disperses a treat. Seen
for L$ 500 at Christmas Won-
derland, Plush Beta (82,110,21)

TIN SOLDIER:
Garden toys and ornaments
at Pristine Christmas Gar-
dens, Drum (149, 175, 105)

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

NAUGHTY: Snow-
man and Santa The JJccc Art Gallery
T-shirts each for L$15 3000 AD, 3000AD (77,169,500)
Cuddly: at Merry Provocative
Reindeer and Snowman Chubbie each Christmas Mall, Provocative
for L$ 150 at Bahama Mama‘s, Paradise (46,239,22)
Oceanside dAllienz (133,33,22)
18 STYLE Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 STYLE 19

Making Of The AVASTAR island

AIMEE WEBER On
her latest
achievement
How does it compare to
your previous projects?
There was meticulous
attention to detail for
every part of this project.
My team and the AvaStar
team would look at eve-
ry part of this build from
every angle to make sure
it was an aesthetically
stunning experience.
What is your favourite
part of the island?
The central sphere, of
Travel Lounge: Discover where
Newbie Lounge: Top hangout for
to go in SL - with landmarks to
newcomers with tips and advice
on getting started in SL.
the most beautiful and exciting
Work in progress: Furni- Teamwork: Aimee Weber Around the clock: The destinations.
ture is created on one of gets down to work with AvaStar island has special
the unfinished spheres. AnneDroid Lily. lighting effects at night.
AvaStar Lounge: A glamorous
lounge featuring the resident
voted as the AvaStar of the
week.
Flying gardens: Trees Focal point: Finishing Panoramic view: A light
and exotic plants bring touches are applied to the statue finishes off the wa-
the spheres to life. three different levels. terfront bar. The Central Sphere: The
heart of the publishing

course. I like the idea that
it is an enormous, com-
pletely self-contained,
bio-dome. It also feels
airy and luxurious.
What was the hardest
part to build?
Well, the Hulls of the
spheres were automati-
cally generated, but fine
tuning and texturing them
was very labor intensive.
What part that you built
do you like the most?
I like the conference room
with the decorative cen-
tre piece. I had some fun
shadow work there and
the windows overlooking
the sphere adds a great
sense of importance.
newspaper glamour
pham neutra and sebastian otaared created the concept for
avastar island with aimee weber and her team. the creative
duo reveal how the project evolved. BY REGIS BRAATHENS
„The AvaStar Island
is all about glamour,
journalism and having
a good time“ says crea-
tive expert Pham Neu-
tra. „We tried to create
an innovative concept
that reflects this, as well
as making people feel
welcome and relaxed.“
The futuristic spheres
appeal to him: „I love
the freedom Second
Life gives. Why be lim-
ited by the restrictions
Style Lounge: A place to chill
house, containing the
out and chat with friends whilst
AvaStar editorial offices,
lounging by the swimming pool.
the Reporters Club, and
the AvaStar shop.
of the physical world? transparency to SL so-
People have to ‚under- ciety. The other creative
stand‘ a building here conceptor Sebastian five themed spheres make up the futuristic publishing house of the avastar
as well. But slavishly Otaared is especially
AvaStar Island, home of Second The biggest, the Central Sphere, Style and Travel, where people
copying something proud of the multifunc-
Life‘s professional tabloid news- is where you can buy the latest can explore the exhibitions, re-
which already exists tional event area: „We
paper - an innovative headquar- edition of the AvaStar as well as lax and hang out with friends.
in RL is unimaginative want to host all kinds
ters where you can drop in and getting your hands on the hot- The Newbie Bubble contains
and boring.“ of events here so we
pick up the latest issue, meet test merchandising products. everything a newbie needs to
The light, clear and created an adaptable
the editorial staff, inform your- The giant sphere will host all make the start in SL an exciting
open buildings reflect venue where with the
self or simply chill out. kinds of events from meetings one - with tips, tricks, advice
the concept behind the click of a button, you
The teleport welcome spot to concerts. and freebies. A waterfront bar
AvaStar - the trans- can choose between
looks out across the suspended The smaller spheres are divided below provides a place to relax
parent glass symbol- different setups of
bridge towards the five spheres. into three lounges - AvaStar, and enjoy the panoramic view.
ises the newspapers stage, floor and seating
aim in bringing more arrangements.“
20 ADVERT Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006
CHILLOUT: Relax in the cosy hammock by the pond
By LIONILA LIGHTFOOT
discover delights
of island paradise
Enter the world of quiet hideaways and spectacular scenery
SOFT white sand gives way
to rainforest trees, wild
bushes, tropical flowers and
secret clearings where you
can dream the day away. This
is the new sim of D’alliez En-
terprise, open now for eve-
ryone to enjoy. Landlord Al-
liez Mysterio commissioned
her paradise from talented
builder Valadeza Anubis who
French Gallery | Haute Couture Designs | Pickerel 110,245,129 beautiful: Sunset at the island
Kinyo Nino | Cybele Pontoppidan
took over a year to turn her
creation into reality. As you
explore further, you discover
the Aztec-themed hanging
bridges, columns and bun-
galows which rise dramati-
cally from the ground with
exuding a sense of mystery
and romance. Don’t forget
to wander off the pathways
to explore all the hidden
TRAVEL 21
SKY HIGH: Hanging bridge
feel-good areas to swim,
dance and relax. From the
castle towers you can watch
the beautiful sunset as you
gaze across the sea. And
there is yet more beauty to
be found in a secret glow-
ing crystal cave which
speaks to you. Alliez plans
to use the tropical sim for
conventions and meetings,
for instance to introduce RL
companies to SL. “What bet-
ter place to show off
Second Life?”, she
says. Paradise
D’Alliez can be
yours for private
events. The only
limit is your im-
agination. Paradise ROMANTIC:
dAlliez, dAlliez (226, Kissingstatue
27, 25) at the beach
22 ADVERT Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 DEAR RANDI 23

Dear Randi
For advice write
to Randi at:
dearrandi@the-avastar.com

sl romp guilt
My dilemma over four-poster nookie with sl girlfriend
randi´s photo
casebook
Wow, that Isa
looks hot! I´ll
Dear Randi: I am mar- sex animation ball. I is normal – you are not IM her.

ried in RL, but a few was a bit shocked but connecting with a vir-
months after I joined I was also very curious tual figure but a real
SL I met a really inter- and decided to give it a person. You need to
esting girl. We hit it off go. And I really enjoyed set boundaries. As long
and started hanging it. However, each time as your emotions are
out more and more. Re- I’ve seen her since, I feel confined to SL, perhaps ... see you
later baby
cently, whilst we were terribly guilty about my your wife doesn’t need
flying around and ex- RL wife. I really like my to know. At the end of
ploring we came across SL partner and I don’t the day its just a bit of IM: Fancy a drink?
a romantic skybox in want to lose her. But I fun. But you should be
Tenagra with a four- can’t face telling either asking yourself why You look so
beautiful
poster bed in it. She of them about each you are having this I had to talk
suggested we lie down other – please help! V.E. relationship in SL to you.

and before I knew Randi says: Feeling and what this

what was happening, guilty about having means for your
she had taken out a sex with your SL friend RL marriage.

Married soul Hey baby you Thank you! I

was just with
mate dilemma turn off a friend.

Dear Randi: I recently met a wom-
an in SL who is my soul mate. She’s
all I think about, and she says she
has deep feelings for me - but she
is a lot older than me and already
married. Do you think our relation-
ship is doomed to failure? — S.I.
Randi SAYS: You have to ask your-
self if you are content to confine
your relationship to SL. If you want
more, however, be very careful. Try-
Dear Randi: I’m new to SL, but I’m
already sick of muscle heads who
think, “hey baby you sexy” is a clever
way to say hello. How can I discour-
age these idiots? Should I just give
in and make my avatar ugly? — C.C.
Randi SAYS: That may well work in
the short term, but it wouldn’t be
fair on you. Some people are in SL What am I
saying? Fred is my
just to have sex with strangers all day man. But Unok seems
and I think it’s wise to ignore them if really sweet…

ing to start an RL affair with some- they get out of line. But if that’s not
one who is still married could prove your thing, don’t feel pressured into
to be very dangerous. participating. to be continued
24 ADVERT Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 GUIDE 25

d´ Alliez Estates
Wishes You A Happy Holiday
THE GUIDE What to Do
this week!

This WEEK: THE HOTTEST CLUBS CLUBBING DELIGHT

BIG NIGHT: The crowd rocks
to Shane Sleaford‘s music
Industry

Beautiful private islands

on over 40 Private Estate Sims. Music: Industrial, electro,
synthpop
Best time: around 12 am
Where: Bowfin
BEST Drum‘N‘Bass (201, 246, 83)

THE SQUAT
The Squat is the latest two lined up to play
HIGH: Drugs
and drin

fiti on the walls, fur-

ks
ROCKER’S PARADISE
Santuary Rock Club

venue to appear on the SL with plenty more in niture that looks like
drum’n’bass scene. Own- the pipeline. its been stolen and
Build Your Dream Home Build Your Fantasy ers Siegfried Mangaroon TA: What makes The grubby toilets.
and Shane Sleaford spoke Squat special? TA: Does anyone have
to INDIA OBVIATE. SS: I think people like a problem with you
Music: Rock
The AvaStar: What mu- this place because it‘s selling drugs?
Best time: around 6 am
sic do you play? so fresh. Instead of a SM: There have been a
Where: Sanctuary Rock
Siegfried Mangaroon: It’s grand club we want- couple of raised eye-
Island (154, 87, 54)
mainly drum’n’bass ed a small dirty brows at the heroin.
but we also play venue, If people do moan Bloodsucker´S Haven
breakcore, dubstep, with about the drugs I tell Le Cimetiere
raggacore and some graf- them it‘s just a game
Change Your Latitude Today Completely Terraformable old skool hardcore. and they shouldn‘t
We‘re the only place get so worked up
Privacy & Full Control playing the really about it. Some peo-
dark stuff. ple take this game

Contact Tony Beckett or Alliez Mysterio TA: Who have you

got on the decks?
a little too serious-
ly in my opinion. Music: Goth, industrial

for information or visit our website at Shane Sleaford: I DJ

three times a week
OWNERS:
Siegfried Mangaroon,
Nara (238,148, 26)
Best time: around 8pm
Best time: around 1 pm
Where: Le Cimetiere

www.dalliez.com and we have another Shane Sleaford (148, 208, 64)

 26 GUIDE Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 GUIDE 27

21.12. - 2
8.12.
‘don’t miss!’ – EVENTS of the week

nightlife
Christmas Day Party: Dancing and
Christmas cheer in your glitziest
festive gear.
When: December 25, 14:00-17:30
Where: Drum (81, 18, 106)
art & design
Exhibition opening showing works
from the artist jjccc Coronet.
When: December 21, 18:00-21:00
Where: 3000 AD Art Gallery
(191, 7, 26)
Sport
Ice Hockey: Whales vs the Wolves,
fast pace and competitive pre-
Christmas game.
When: December 22, 16:00-17:00
Where: Jericho Hill (227,138,43)
nightlife
Juel Resistance Live in Concert at
the Evolving Images Amphitheater.
When: December 22, 19:00-20:00
Where: Tammora (20,253,64)
art & design
Chat and wine at the gallery
opening of photogrpahy
by CC Chapman.
When: December 23 18:00-21:00
Where: Soho Galler
(128, 128, 27)
nightlife
Grand opening of a new club. The
Dive has a party pool, minibars,
deck chairs and lightshows.
When: December 25 00:00-03:00
Where: Yongchon (164,193,21)

ADVERT

Education
New Citizens, Inc. Class:
intermediate level class for scrip-
ting and object communication.
When: December 24, 17:00-18:00
Where: NCI Princess Category,
Kuula (54, 175)

MuSIC MUSIC
Keiko live at Lily Pad Lounge Kaklick Martin Live
When: December 23, 17:00-18:30 When: December 28, 19:00-21:00
Where: Clyde (127,159, 31) Where: Led Zeppelin Lounge,
Torch (215, 193, 85)
28 ADVERT Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006 NEWBIE CORNER 29

first day DIARY OF

A NEWBIE

Boxed in!
memories
Cailyn Miller started in SL as the CM: Talk to people!
Today I spend most
of my time walking
around with a box on
my head.
Having sorted through
sweet girl from next door. Today That‘s something I VETERAN: Cailyn‘s
the freebie items at
she is one of the jewellery design- avoided. Ask ques- current style
Yadni’s Junkyard,
ers in world. India Obviate spoke tions even if you think
Leda, (210,28) I came
to her about her days as a newbie. they are stupid. Most
across a cool black top
The AvaStar: Describe your first day? people are friendly
hat. But when I tried to
Cailyn Miller: Kinda scary! I waited and won‘t mind
wear it, I found to my
up till midnight to log in. SL was helping you out.
dismay, that I had a box
only open from 4 to 10pm PST back TA: How long did
on my head. After walking
then. I stayed on orientation island it take you to feel at home in SL?
around feeling and looking
for ages. A Linden asked if I was ok. I CM: A couple of weeks maybe.
stupid for a while, I came
was so nervous talking to someone I bought a little plot of land, built
across a
that I logged out! a house and made friends with
friendly
TA: What was your most the guy living next door. That
Furry
embarrassing moment as a helped a lot. BOXING DAY: Mind on Help
newbie? TA: What was the first object your head
Island. He
CM: There was the you created or designed?
told me
usual getting naked by CM: A chair. It took me ages! I
to put the
mistake in public. hadn‘t worked out the camera
box on the
NEWBIE: Cailyn‘s look TA: Your advice controls so nothing lined up
over three years ago g round,
to newbies? properly.
open it,
copy the
Do‘s and Don‘ts: Creating a Perfect Profile
+ –
items to
inventory
DO DOn´t
and click
• Show your personality! Be funny, • Leave your photo and „About“ on wear
flirty, witty, and interesting. section blank. You’ll get a lot the item.
• Show a knockout snapshot that more people clicking „Add Friend“. That’s
makes a great first impression. • Use a wide-angle photo that how simple
• Use the „picks“ tab to share your doesn‘t show your face clearly. it was. But
favourite places with others. Why • Go into embarrassing detail about my delight
keep all the fun to yourself? how much you love your significant was short-li-
• Use your profile to plug your other. Who wants to read that? ved. The top
business and hopefully make • Forget that your groups are visible hat looked
a few L$. to everyone. What do yours say terrible any-
• Spell-check. Enough said. about you? way.
30 ADVERT Dec. 21, 2006 Dec. 21, 2006
Global Trend Research
h e w eek
virtual worlds, real opportunities of t
Nyte Vargas
Based in New York City, Munich, Tokyo, Beijing and
now Second Life, CScout has been reporting from global and and
the Designer
talks to
virtual hotspots since 1997.
The AvaStar Innocently Evil store
of the
owner
clothing design
also teaches
By Frederic Prevost
Profile
Name: Nyte Vargas
birth date: 13 Feb 06
Profession: Designer
Attitude: Plenty of it
THE AVASTAR: What
is your best feature?
NYTE VARGAS: That
would be my crazy
kitty personality!
Looks-wise, I would
say my eyes or my
ever-twitching ears.
TA: What is your fa-
CScout is a proud member of the team of consultants, vourite place in SL?
developers and residents that has brought The AvaStar to life. NV: Where ever my
www.cscout.com store is, which is lame
NEWS 31
VOTE for
the AvaStar
of 2006!
be rewarded for
Which SL VIP shouid
me nts in the past year?
their ach ieve
Sen d us you r top three to
. She ar.com.
newsdesk@the-avast
in SL .
but I love it, and Mi- putting on shows and can handle just about
noru Musashi‘s place training new design- any crazy situation
with all his Japanese ers. I am also planning that comes his way.
buildings for sale. a modelling school to TA: What personal
TA: What would you open soon near you achievement in SL
change in SL? ...grinz (evil plug). are you most proud
NV: Unverified ac- TA: If you could vote of?
counts and the dis- for anyone to be NV: I love the fact that
couraging frequency president of SL, who the graphics design-
of updates. would it be? ing skills I am learning
TA: What do you NV: My friend Varik can translate into real
spend most of your Marat because he un- life and were respon-
time doing in SL? derstands diplomacy, sible for a raise I re-
NV: Designing clothes, respects others and ceived a while back.