Panglao

 

Finally, after a few months of breaking down stuff and rethinking the design… it is finished. It is as tropical en beautiful and artistic as I could posibly make it. I actually spend some time on scripts and sounds, so i have learned a few things as well. Yes, I am very proud, this is the most beautiful structure I have made so far I believe. I hope others will enjoy visiting this place.

First off all, where can you find it? What do we do?

We are now called Panglao tropical club/arthouse, located in the Lanin sim. The plan is to make people feel welcome and have them hang out at our land. Also we want to continue to exhibit art. Another plan is to have several creative and fun events and contests.

The point is right now, we are looking for artists, that would like to exhibit their art in our arthouse. So if you are reading this, and you are an artist, come over and let’s chat about it.

Take a look at the pictures and compare them to the one from my last post, quite a few changes there. And for the better I think.

It is still unknown when we open, because I kind of wanted to open with an exhibition. So comon artists, don’t be shy and come over.

Rebuilding Arthouse

Well, it took  a while for our several pieces of land to be sold. But when we got the money, Jonathan asked me to look around for a good land, about 4000 square meters in size. I always wanted coastal land, so I went to look for that. I finally found the perfect piece of land inthe Lanin region, and construcion of
the new Arthouse began that next day.

I already had some ideas, of how to build it, what it should look like. But it turned out to be more complicated in practice. I wanted this structure to be a good mixture between asian, tropical and my own style. I has been a while since I seriously build anything, so it took me a momentto get the hang of it again. My neighbours watched me, I think curiousity mixed with annoyance. Their pretty view was about to be partially blocked because of my ‘little’ structure.  I felt a bit guilty about that but, hey, its our land. They should be happy it isn’t one of those butt ugly buildings, full squares, or a huge tower.

We kinda need the space for arthouse, so I admit its not the smallest building I ever made.

I am almost done with building, but something tells me theres something not quite right about the structure. Just can’t figure out what it is. Too big? Too weird? Argh, the perfectionist inside me refuses to let me just be happy with what it is now.

This building is very different from the one in Blair, it was bleuish, cold and small. And the snow was not cheering me up at all. Sure, it is beautifull, just so cold. Now, there is a huge hall, located inside the mainbuilding, where most of the pictures will be located. Next to it the usual office, because Jonathan loves his desk. Underneath the hall a tiny room where I get to live, it is cosy I think.

And in front is  abig pacchio with a bar, dancingballs, for the events. Next to it is the round shaped plateau, was meant to be a garden, but I’m not sure about it’s use now. I used  alot of colours for this structure, to make it cheerfull and tropical. Also almost everything is made out of wood.

Either way, just check it out, even though it is not finished yet. Maybe you see what is wrong with it, because I just can’t figure it out

I want to be a Samurai

As I have mentioned before, the japanese culture intrigues me a lot. I keep visiting several japanese sims, there are so many fun things to find there. Some sims look exactly like the streets of tokyo, filled with real shops. Goodness, I adore their shops. All kind of items, not for too much Linden. Yes, a day in a japanese mall, is a good day.

I am very shy when it comes to making contact with the japanese avatars. I know a lot of them don’t speak english, so that frightens me a little bit. I really want to learn japanese, but I am not sure how to do that.

One day i was just flying around, exploring another asian sim. And I ended up at a club, where two people where talking. When they talk in their own language, all you get is: ******. I was a bit startled when they invited me in, but i was curious. They had a translator, whatever they said in japanese would be translated in english for me. I only knew a few japanese words, and tried to be very polite. All went well, we had a conversation thanks to the translator and even danced a bit.

Two days ago, I ended up at a sim that was all about samurai. Samurai Island I believe it was called. The buildings looked exactly like they did in ancient japan. It all looked very nice to me. I saw  a bigger building ahead, so went to check it out. When I entered, I saw e few people. They where watching a training between two samurai. They both had their katana’s out, circled around eachother, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The others stood on the side, and I joined. To my suprise all but one spoke english. I was sucked into this atmosphere, and kept staring at the two samurai. Several battles passed, and I just stood there, staring at them. Listening to what the other had to say. In the back of the room they had katana’s for sale. And I knew I wanted one. I always wanted a katana. I just never thought about really using one. These katana’s where of great quality, and you could even use them in battle. It took me a while to find the one I really wanted, they all looked so good.

I finally bought the Eternal katana, and immediately decided to wear it. The battles ended, and everyone left the room. I stood there and thought, am I really going to do this? I want to fight with them, but I will probably suck a lot. I might look impressive with my expensive skin and marvelous outfit… But I might be the worst swordfighter ever.

I wear the katana ever since, never take it off. But I have not returned to the Island, what will they think of me? It would be perfect. I learn more about the japanese culture, with some help of the english speaking. I become a virtual samurai. In the end, I might decide to live my life as a asian. Really, the culture draws me in. Who knows how much it could change me, for the good I hope. Yes, I also mean my First Life.

Arthouse is moving.

Yes it is true, we are not satisfied with our current land and want to sell it, then move on. So don’t worry if you arrive on empty land when you want to visit Arthouse. When we have new land I will let you know. And it will be better than before.

A mixture of cultures within one game

People from all over the world gather in Second Life. The different cultures and races meet eachother here so much easier than they do in real life.

I never leave my country, but when in SL, I feel like I can go to any country I want. And I have already seen a lot. The western cultures is what I got to know first, because it is still the mayor group of people that are from the west.

It only takes a few seconds to get you to far Asia or a remote tropical island. I have walked among the beautiful tall structures of Egypt, and had a drink in an Irish pub. The diversity off this all, in one game, is what I admire so much. I have been to a sims, based on my homeland, yet I never felt quite at home there. Maybe its the tons of escorts that hang around there… It’s not like that in the part where I live.

The cultures that are no longer in real life, you can visit them here. Castles, straight from the middle ages. I bet I have actually seen ancient Greece somewhere as well.

It is very interesting to talk to people from the other countries, and learn more about them. I am glad, here, we can meet.

 What I notice about the avatars, no matter where they are from. Most choose to look like typicall western people, even, when in their profile, they say they are from somewhere else. There are some black people, a few asian looking… but there is not that many of them. To tell you the truth, I don’t mind seeing different skincolours.

Lately I have been very intrigued by the japanese culure, well not lately, it has been going on for a longer time now. Since a few months or so, I have been visiting the japanese sims more and more. I would like to go to Japan someday, in real life. But untill then, I will visit the japanese sims, study their culture, and try to learn the basics of the language.

So if there is anyone out there that knows the japanese language, and is willing to help me out, let me know

The truth behind the avatar

Today, I want to say something about people playing Second Life, and their virtual identities. It is pretty much like every online game, you can pretend to be someone you are not in real life. If the game gives you the possibility to be someone from another gender, or race, why not try that out? Most men would never admit it, but they secretly would like to know what it is like to be a girl. Same goes for women. And I think, in most games it doesn’t really matter. I have played several online games before, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy 11 etc. Somehow when there is a transvestite, its not such a big deal. When someone is 50, and pretending to be 20, that’s just fine.

But in Second Life, it kinda is a big deal. Here relations between people are more serious than in any other online game I have played, there is much more emotion, and drama. At the first club I worked, it was a bit like a soap opera. This one lady was constantly having issues, people couldn’t stand her. In the end some people would send assasins after her… That’s how heavy things can get.

Emotions are more important here, because this game relies heavily on relations. What about friendship, is it possible to be real friends if you don’t even know whats behind the avatar? We can pretend to be anyone we want to be. And what about love? Is it possible to fall in love with a person in Second Life? Some say it is, some say it isn’t.

There are avatars that don’t pretend. They look pretty much like they do in real life, and behave that way. Yet, the temptation is everywhere, skins, hair, and all possible eye colours. Because in SL you could be more beautiful than you are in real life.

When you make a friend, or have a crush on someone, just remember. What you’re seeing is pixels, sometimes very well constructed. What you’re getting, is the question. 

The Freedom of Second Life… no more

Second Life has been known for its freedom, a place where real life rules did not apply. People from all around the world gathered to gamble, shoot eachother, escort, and more.

Today I was camping, something I do when I am busy with real lie things. And suddenly I hear the manager shout that all the slotmachines will be removed, and we should read the Linden Blog for more information.

I went to check the blog, and what do I see? No more gambling allowed in SL as of today. No more slotmachines, sploders, slingo, blackjack… All illegal from now on. 

I have never been very keen on gambling, I don’t trust those machines, and obviously lose all the time. Its a waste of money. Yet I see hundreds of avatars sit behind a slotmachine all day, gambling. I would say they are addicted, maybe its the only reason they came to play SL in the first place.

What is bothering me is the fact that our freedom is being taken away. In SL we could be what we wanted to be, and do almost everything we wanted to do. I sense making gambling in SL illegal is only the beginning. What will be next? The campingchairs? Virtual escorting? Virtual sex? Virtual alcohol?

So… what will the future be like? I don’t know much about economy, but with all casino’s gone, and no gambling, there will be some changes there. Casino’s will close down, people(avatars) will be without a job. And the gamblers will leave SL, because theres no reason to stay. That’s what possibly happens in the close future.

In the further future, several possibilities. Either LL really messes up with illegalizing all sort of things. And that’s when Second Life will be nothing more than a basic online game. The clubs will be empty, or they will be gone. And all that remains are the creative people among us, the builders, scripters… oh no… because they won’t have anyone to sell their work to.

It could also just be a bit overdramatized. Maybe gambling will be the only thing made illegal. And the rest remains the same. (Although I kind of expect there to come underground casino’s) There’s only one way to find out… And that’s to stay and wait patiently untill LL makes their next move.

But what would Second Life be without its freedom? I find this such an important subject of the game. Please Linden Lab, think carefully about your next move. Don’t destroy this virtual world. What if gamers where forced to leave SL? What would happens to the poor people? They would be forced to leave their houses, and see the light of the sun for the first time in many years. They would have to get a job, friends… a life.

Events and contests…

Since I have left my job at the club, I have been event hunting again. I promised myself to stop after all that I have learned about them. But I went for it again today.

Second Life is filled with clubs, they all hold specially themed events. Best in red, Best in Goth, best in short etc. At the end of the contest, the voting begins, and the best dressed male and female win money. Just like in Real Life, Second Life is a lot about sex and money. Showing a lot of skin helps. In other words: the more you go dressed as a slut, the better your chance is of winning the contest. Well, thats the case usually. Some clubs are more fun, and it really is about the best outfit, not the most skin.

I never really liked going to the events, although some turned out to be a blast. I learned that most contests are just plain dirty, with a lot of cheating. People openly beg for votes. One time, a woman enters the club where I dance, hoping to win some cash. She is not dressed appropiate for the event, no way she could win. Above her head, hangs a title, and it says: “Vote me, get me free”  Guess what? She won. Another woman entered a contest once, with huge prim boobs. It did not suprise me this lady did not win, she looked worse than Lola Ferrari.

Others bribe eachother for a vote. Every dirty trick possible is being used. I despise contests… why do I keep going? I guess I just hope to win. I would like some extra money.

At one club, the owners had taken action against cheating. On the wall was a list with contest rules, and it seemed to work. If only more club owners would put up a board like that.

I know, you must think I am overreacting. Its only virtual money after all. but it sucks to dance for nothing for two hours straight, especially when you know things aren’t going fair. I like a good and clean competition, the rest I must learn to avoid.

A friend told me these events are basically nothing more than camping. Xept most of the time you don’t get the money. 

So what’s THE way to win contests? according to SL: look cheap, bribe, tp friends in to vote for you, beg for votes and promise something in return. Be well known at the club, people prefer to vote on you than a complete stranger, no matter how badly dressed you are.

THE way to win according to me: Be original, be creative and stand out, be beautiful, BE YOU!

Satin Raymaker

I have a friend, she’s a nice girl but a bit different. First of all, she is an escort. Second, she sucks at being an escort. At least, that is what she tells me. She tells me stories of her escorting life, except, there is not much to tell. You can count all her costumers on one hand. Maybe she sucks, or maybe the costumers just don’t like a pink dressed asian. Don’t get me wrong, she looks stunning. Maybe men just prefer blonde and tanned skin. BUT, the clients she did have, where very satisfied. Maybe it is not so easy for an escort to make money after all… Even when they are very pretty and good.

Anyway, she is living an interesting life. Runs into the strangest people. Last time she told me about a midget with an ego of a giant. He arrived at the red light district, where she works. Then he told her he was her pimp, that she should obey and shut up. It was this typical crazy guy that harrased and chased her down the streets. And what does my friend do in the end? She makes fun of him, kicks him in the head and humiliates him in front of all the other escorts. It must have been quite a sight.

Today, she IM’d me, she sounded a bit confused.

“Lisa sweetie? You there…?”“

Yeah I’m here, Is something wrong?”

“Well… I think I have a slave… I’m holding him on a leash now.”

One of her… few… costumers had returned, and offered himself up to her. He wanted her to be his mistress, and he would obey her no matter what. We are both curious ladies, but I would never do some of the things she does. She thought it would be funny, and interesting, to play along.I can’t imagine her as a mistress though, she is too kind. She is probably holding him on the leash now, wondering what she is supposed to do now. Well, as far as I know. This slave/master thing… bdsm… is all about whips, cages, sex and obedience. She likes sex, that’s for sure, but a whip?

Anyway, I will see how this will turn out. My go happy cheerfull friend must be having a blast. After all, she finally found herself a pet!

(Don’t worry, Satin does not mind me writing about her in my blog. She loves a bit of attention. “Especially if it gets me more clients!”)

I quit my job

Since about a month, I was working at a club. At first it was fun, because it reminded me of the good old days when I worked at a beach club. I was only a few days or weeks old, and began working there. Those where some good times.

That’s the reason I went looking for a job in a club again, a year later. I wanted to have fun again, like I did back then.

The first week or so was great, the staff was impressed with my skills. Dancing was like second nature to me, its something you will never forget to do in SL. I should have known better in the end. Sure I made some money, but it wasn’t what I had hoped for in the end. A year has passed, I have learned many things in that time. I have grown. When I had to show up for another shift at the club, I realised I didn’t want to go. Suddenly the job had become boring. I guess it was noticable, after a while the manager came to me, to fire me…

This is me, dancing at the club, when I still had fun. Yeah, that’s right, I never danced nude.

I learned something very important. Many had told me before, but I never got it. A lot of people can do jobs that hardly takes any effort or talent. Jobs that force you to do the exact same thing every day again. It seems like an easy way to earn money. Not for me. It’s too easy, I am capable of doing more than standing on a dancepad. I know now that I need to do something that feeds me as a person. I always wanted to make SL a better place. Well… that won’t happen by dancing.

I will look deep within, find out what I truly want. A hobby and/or job that lies close to my heart. I guess I will continue to build and do art. Really, what is more important in the end? Money or satisfaction?