You're My Hero!

With the passing of John Hughes comes the end of an era. "Ferris Bueller, you're my hero!" will no longer be said with the zest it once was, but instead, with a slight sadness in tone, a reflection of time past, a longing for understanding that all Hughes films gave us in our teens. That understanding kept us going, told us it was better to be ourselves than anyone else, and that it's smart to take inspiration from anywhere, not just those places - or people - who are "cool".

In all of the reading I have done lately on the late Hughes, no one said it better than Scott Bradley in an August 13th article entitled Don't You Forget About Me, in the New City. Here, Bradley gives us "Scooty's Mollyfesto": quips and wisdom from 1980's Midwest films that touched our hearts.

1. It is futile to compare your inside to another's outside; we are all outsiders on the inside.
2. Even if it's applying lipstick with your cleavage, take pride in your small accomplishments.
3. Don't take Ducky in your life for granted; true friendship will always outlast fleeting romance.
4. Face life's little humiliations with a dramatic roll of the eyes and move on.
5. Bite your lip to bring clarity to confusion.
6. Never trust the pretty rich people; they really don't care about you. No, really. Unless, of course, they are played by Molly.
7. Be open to inspiration from the most unlikely sources, even the geek in braces.
8. When life hands you ugly pink fabric, make yourself a hideous dress and dance!

John Hughes, you're my hero.

Less Than Seven

Long time aquaintance and award winning videographer and documentarian Draxtor Despres is at it again, this time sharing his chronicling skills at the Second Life Community Convention in San Fransisco, California. Draxtor lays down the whole gig in under six minutes. Really.

I would say it is odd to see so many faces in RL whom I have known for a while in SL but honestly, it is not. People are people as the good song goes. All I can say it it is nice to see a smile without the glowing white prim-teeth. I only wish I was there to join the girls on their treck for the ultimate pumps.

Welcome Baby Linden!

It is a pleasure to welcome into the world a child who will be much loved and if I dare say, is quite famous simply for being born. This child was brought into the world by Plurk.com friend Washu and her husband Damain Fate. We are all delighted to celebrate this new life and pray for much joy, peace, and love in the coming years.

With the recently discovered Baby Linden Plurk Page comes the baby package. All good plurkers must have a few welcome items. First off is the gift of food. No doubt Mom Washu will provide much of this but nothing will be as good post weening as daily Food Porn. Secondly, a decent smilie site is a must. I offer the rubber duck to begin. Third, Baby Linden has his own MyBrute for much wrasslin and squablin in his future. And lastly, the gift of tinysong so that he may be lulled to sleep via a quality music plurk.

Welcome Baby Linden! We cannot wait to meet you!

Split ends and a little style

I mentioned in a previous blog that Hair Fair was coming up. I cannot stand it any longer as my split ends are frizzing. I had to post on some details especially as it starts Saturday and I need a new style.

Beta Technologies is sponsoring the 4th Annual Hair Fair in world. Last year, they raised over $9,500 USD for Locks of Love, an American charity that provides hairpieces to disadvantaged American and Canadian children who are medically ill and suffer from hair loss.

This year's Fair boasts 125 designers including long time favourites Adam n Eve, Deviant Kitties, and Truth. Operated by the lovely ladies of Hairspray, Hair Fair is always a destination shopping stop for all SLers. The Hey Girlfriends should keep their eyes peeled for Catty Loon's contributions from Audacity Hair.

The picture provided here is one of the Hair Fair Flickr contest winners, submitted by Ai Baroque. Just one of many talented images for which I encourage you to take a peek!

Hair Fair runs from June 20th through July 4th. Stock up and help a child in need. MUAH

Boom Baby, Locks and a Whole Lot of Love

So many things happening lately! My dear friend Adeline Paule of Envisage Public Relations has signed up to help CT Xue in his quest for the ultimate branding logo. I've been enlisted to help her out behind the scenes which mostly includes getting her coffee and making sure she has enough well sharpened pencils. She also motions in CT's direction with a brightly coloured writing device and points saying "Go sit on him please." This is usually in an attempt to contain the boiling over mind that is Xue. For those curious as to what the Ultimate Branding Logo Quest is all about, CT has invited people to design a logo for him. Finalists recieve a Linden cash prize, second place, a new laptop, and the winner picks up an all expense paid trip to SLCC in San Francisco. Think I'm kidding? Check out the plurk.

Things are a-changin' at the Xue compound as now former neighbor Aisuru has demolished her property. CT created a viewing area behind a safety screen so visitors could gather and enjoy the destruction. Being the smarty pants I am, I came by at an appointed time, found no one there, slipped out to run an errand and when I came back, nothing. All gone. BUILDING GONE POOF. I missed the whole show. Thankfully Aisuru posted the photojournalistic experience for all of us to enjoy. I know she will be missed by CT and friends.

In other news, plurkster Washu Zebrastripe has been a busy little bee as she organizes the 2009 Hair Fair. Dates are now set for June 20th - America's Independence Day (July 4th). Last year's festivities raised over $9,000 USD for Locks of Love. We all look forward to the hottest new styles in this years festival.

I've been helping Adeline get her SLife together with a makeover. Next time I volunteer to do this, would someone please remind me that I SUCK AT IT? The only thing I could contribute to this poor woman who had to put up with me was the discovery of some decent hair at Analog Dog. It only took
seven stores. Yes, seven. I stink that bad. So here is to patient friends with big sticks that make you sit on people!

Libidinous Epidermis: Eden

With my return in world, I needed a little something something to brighten my look. Course, I wasn't aware of this until after I got a make over. That's why you have girlfriends. They take a look at you, blindfold ya, spin ya around three times, then cover you with a mud mask, tweeze everything known to mankind, and induce enough dancing to make you loose a dress size.

Plurk friend Ryker Beck is one of those friends. "Here, try this!" she said as she sent me over a new beta test skin called Eden. Right. Sure. Try this. No big deal.

It is a big deal. Beck had been working on this baby for months. She combined the best of the best in resources for the skin's design. And the part for which I did my infamous snoopy dance? You got it. Freckles. The most lovely freckles I've ever seen. That wasn't the end of it. She created a new set of eyes (which by the way, I later found out come with every skin purchase) to compliment the skin.

Now, I'm not known to draw a lot of flirtatious attention in public places. Occasionally someone will strike up a conversation but I'm almost never complimented like many of the other girls. Or I should say, I wasn't. One day in Eden and I was receiving more attention then I had in almost two years in SL. Now I am not an attention hog but I have to admit it was refreshing. Interestingly, my sister decided she wanted a makeover too. You'll dig her before and after shots I'm sure.

Return of the Fatale and A Little Speed

We all take hiatuses from SL from time to time. I think they are healthy and give you some perspective about what you like and don't like about being in world. I had my little sabbatical recently and feel 100% more happy with my SLife. But I am not the only one.

You see, dear friend Nexeus Fatale has returned to spin the Thursday Night Dance Par-tay. (I think I just like saying par-tay. I like the way it rolls off the tongue.) And I couldn't be happier about the move.

Last fall, DJ Tarsis and I concluded our regular gigs in world as new things were happing for the Alterntive Classix in RL that required more attention. That, and well, Tarsis wanted to have an actual life with his wife. ;) Me on the other hand, I was on sabbatical and had other responsibilities to which I had to attend. But, the decision ended not just our weekly Friday night gigs, but also our Wednesday night Bossa Nova Beach Party which, interestingly was not on a beach but at the high - Nexeus'old digs.

I went from three regular events to nothin. Nada. Zip. Zilch. And until Nexeus' return to the TNDP, I had no idea how much I missed it. I missed it so much in fact that when talking to Tarsis, he took the words out of my mouth when he said we needed to get back to SL and spin a party soon. This is when I did my happy dance. This looks a little like the snoopy dance but with elements of the Cha Cha Slide and a sort of Soldier Boy edginess. En pointe.

What was super cool is that when I returned to SL, I was essentially homeless and aquaintance GoSpeed Racer stepped up and gave me a landing spot to call home. So, a DJ's manager now resides at the home of Kona Radio. With two DJs. On the land of the idiosyncratic Crap Mariner. Needless to say, I've learned to keep my head down for incoming missles.

Speed, Rav and Crap have become quick friends. My mentoring has stepped up again. I am making gigs from time to time. I have managed to support a few friends in their SL efforts. I have rediscovered some of my long lost sarcasm. I even changed clothes a few times although I am still frustrated with the lack of really REALLY snazzy shoe styles in world. And I enjoy my time again in SL.

Here's to returns, alternate realities and a bright bright future!

Rails Bailey Saved my Second Life

Probably over a year ago, I reached one of those frustration points in a mentor's life that made me want to not just walk away from the program, but throw a lot of shoes at the program managers heads. Heavy shoes. With really pointy heels.

Working with some of my colleagues had become stressful because of a very small set of people who were unable to get along with the wider group culture. This caused Linden Labs to eventually (too late in my case) crack down with the "If you guys cannot play nice then we will take away the swing set privileges" threat. While I still disagree with the resulting rules, I do not offer blame as I am not sure I could have come up with a more viable solution (better yes, but better does not mean viable).

It was then that God brought a guy into my life who, frankly, no words can describe my gratefulness.

You see, Rails Bailey saved my mentoring job.

I love helping new folks out and I love digging around for answers. Am I good at it? Not really. Do I get frustrated navigating the wiki? Yep. Do I rely on my other mentors too much? Probably. But they are good people who put up with me. Rails is the avi who gave me a little perspective and offered me a mentor home with Mental Mentors. Not just a home but a place where I belong. And even better, he gave me time to calm my sorry butt down because I was HOPPING MAD.

One of the things I love about this guy is that he gives his knowledge away. Rails is not a political, power, or money hungry hack. He's the real deal. He loves SL. He loves mentoring and helping people. He is able to see what is really important. And he is wise enough to get the job done. His passion for mentoring is obvious - he receives no compensation for spending most of his time on mentoring projects. He is available to everyone. Period. No questions asked.

All that said, Happy Rez Day my friend. And thank you for saving my Second Life. And thank you for setting the example of the kind of mentor I hope to be.

SL Statistics

Apparently, just under 1/3 of SLers Plurk when SL is down. Interestingly, Plurk is not the major cause of drama. Thanks to Haley Salomon for sharing this insightful research project with the RLTS readers.

And by the way - when I don't respond to an IM, I'M WORKING. No, I'm not interested in cake and yes, my graphics card does suck. I'm just saying....

Brought to you by The SL Revolution

Cheap Vinyl

There is one thing I really miss in RL. I miss being able to walk into a record shop - one in particular that reminds me oh so much of Championship Vinyl in High Fidelity - and absorb the surroundings. I miss the smell. I miss the romance. I miss the cute guy behind the counter. And I miss walking in a hearing the deep rhythm of Talking Heads Burning Down the House thumping through the speakers.

I recently discovered ROLE Magazine and stumbled into an article on hotspots in SL featuring Fabulous Soul Club in Fabulous Soul (210, 146, 25). An open air club, the real gem is the record store within. You too will instantly be reminded of the musty covers, the stained carpets and the vintage joint inside a historic inspired building. Rest your feet in the lucky chair or take your place at the deck.

No matter what you do, make sure your volume is up and your soul is ready for the drop dead beats from the 70s and 80s. Funk, Latin, Jazz, House, R&B, Blues, Bossa Nova - your body will be moving and your soul singing to the warmth and depth of a music of long ago.

Special thanks to Plurk friend Ofelia Laval, Editor in Chief of ROLE Magazine.

Teddy Bear Nomis

Tonight, at the Breakers... Nomis Oyen arrived with his entourage in tow. He then proceeded to perform a reading as follows (from the song):

If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears,
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily dance about.
They love to play and shout.
And never have any cares.
At six o'clock their mommies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

CHORUS

Every teddy bear, that's been good
Is sure of a treat today
There's lots of wonderful things to eat
And wonderful games to play

Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

CHORUS

Donations to Nomis' mental health care fund can be sent to Ribbons Whitfield in world.

Intimate Gatherings

With the closing of Harmony Cafe, the Alternative Classix Dance Party was in need of a pretty quick spot to call home. It was at that point that Cetus Gallery District Xander Ruttan stepped up and said, "Hey! Stick with us!". And the AC once again had a home.

But what home? Cetus is growing and undergoing some changes. And the AC definitely had a place in the future, but what about now? So we all took a stroll and decided that the Cetus Community Center would work just fine, at least until the new digs were completed.

Last night Xander popped over to try and "bring down the space". You see, the community center was a very large, cavernous facility designed to hold many many people. It was not set up to create an intimate feel that good nightclubs emanate. I was thinking, maybe set up a hostess stand with some ropes to control the "usable" space. But Xander had a whole different idea. He created a building within the building. Beautiful glass walls encased the new "club" - a new floor, a new backdrop on the stage. A few new furnishings defined it further and literally, in a few moments time, the community center went from a spot in which you could play football to a warm, welcoming, intimate lounge for people to gather, share a martini, and relax. I should mention that Xander seemed rather uncomfortable. The only reason is that the work wasn't up to his standards. But believe me, no one minded one bit - heck, no one noticed!

We had more than 30 people stop by for the party last night. Thank you all for your patronage. We love you all. The AC is back!

Girls with Guns

You know when you stumble upon something and you know you really shouldn't look further into it -- like you are walking along and hear something in an alleyway and you just KNOW you shouldn't go down there? Plurking is kind of like that.

You see, Zoe Connolly plurked that Virtual Girls with Guns now has 8 members. I took the bait and headed over to check out exactly what VGWG was... I'm sorry but you cannot dangle a piece of chocolate in front of a chocoholic and expect them not to want it. That's just cruel.

Eventually the ladies convinced me that I needed to be a member. So I signed up. And I searched my inventory for a weapon.

This was a terrifying happening. Apparently, my weapons like to be worn sort of hanging off my tooshy... or on my right ear... or my knee - even when attached to a hand. I got one to shoot with some satisfaction but quickly realized maybe it would leave casings on my neighbor's lawn and thought better of it. How sad that a girl who can handle a weapon in RL is a complete clod in SL.

My plurking sisters didn't miss a beat. Zoe quickly reminded me that VGWG was about "helping sisters to pack heat". Looks like my next few weeks in SL might resemble more my RL than I'd like... I really wish I hadn't posted on REC now. It's coming back to haunt me. lol

I can say this: weapon proficiency in SL seems a far better use of time than learning to work the catwalk... Why this seems to be the case I will never know.

Joy and Ribbons

I love my spontaneous friends. And I hate it when I misunderstand what they are trying to tell me. So here is one I blew - my long time SL girlfriend Yvette was RL married. She tried to explain it all and I missed the timing. How did I figure it all out? Plurk. (Thank God for Plurk!)



With that, I pray for much happiness and love in her home. I am delighted in her joy, and am hopeful for all things calm, patient and loving in her life.

Welcome, Dante, to our lives! You've made our girl so happy the last several months. I cannot think of anything better and I thank you.

I guess that means we have to work out a signal on the door at the tree house or something... Maybe a ribbon!?!?

No More Nuclear

One of those days when a staple is going away. Nuclear Boutique will be closing its doors on July 31st after two years of fashion contributions. The Ribbons Learns to Swim and I do. teams wish Ari all the best in her future pursuits.

In her words,

"Rather than being unavailable for my customers (as I've been for the past 2 months), I'd rather close the store than lower my standards for customer service...not to mention the lack of new products I am able to create with my current schedule.

"I'm a little sad as this has been a great time...nearly 2 years I've spent building Nuclear Boutique and I will miss it and my friends I've made here. I am hoping to work on other fun projects and spend more time with my friends when I'm in SL and look forward to some free time.

"When/if time permits I might re-open Nuclear Boutique, but for now it's best if we close down.

"Thank you everyone for your support and friendship and for making Nuclear Boutique a great success. I am forever grateful."

Blessings and warm wishes for continued success in all you do!

Texture Texture, oh Where Art Though?

I love bragging about my friends success mostly because I want my other friends to enjoy the first friend's success to begin with. So I do, I shall, and I will.

That said, let me introduce Kid. Kid's a nice guy. His background might surprise you. He's witty. And he's cute - well, it's rumoured that he's cute. I've never seen his face due to the welding mask. He's also talented. When Kid and I were introduced, I was told of his building ability. He's humble enough to consider himself one of many. I tend to think he's extraordinary but I get to 'cause he's on my friends list.

After months of nagging by Hey Girlfriend Yvette and by me, he finally produced some wearables and is selling them under the men's store name of HAZARD. What makes these little beauties not just tees, but ART, are his textures. All tees are $75L copy/mod/no trans. Check out two of the many below.


What I absolutely ADORE though, is his belt. Complete with a multi texture (there is that fabulous word again) menu -- count them 28 TEXTURES -- for every informal outfit, this thing has four - count them FOUR - shape versions for all your fashion deliciousness. (I'm just sooo excited and apparently really like to count...) Classic Belt $300L copy/mod/no trans

I should add that Kid has asked that I make the point that his stuff is custom designed for the male avatar shape. I discovered this as the belt didn't fit me and as I tweeked, I made a mess of things. He warned me (see enclosed notecard at purchase for details), but like all good tech savvy persons, I didn't read the instructions. His texturing is also specifically designed to complement the male form. I've been wearing a few of the tees around lately and have been receiving complements. But not all of them work for me given my uh, physical personality. By the way, Disturbed is pictured -- the more you wear it the more disturbing it becomes. Trust me. lol

HAZARD has five stores in world. Get yours while they're hot. ;)

UPDATE! 14JUL08 Looksie who discovered HAZARD!

How to Catch a Liege

In recent news, due to some recent drama I have acquired a new Tiny Empires subject named Loran. She was kind enough to give me a tour of her home which happens to include a lagoon garden that is breathtaking.

In an effort to make her feel welcome, I TPed over my liege, Prince Marcus. Unfortunately, the Prince has RL worldly responsibilities that prevented him from staying with us. However, he left his pixels under water during the lagoon tour. Interestingly, when I logged back on, he was still standing there.

It didn't take long for Loran to pop back and the idea was raised by *someone* that the Prince should be captured. That said, the following resulted...


Loran Loire: how amused will he be?*grins*
Ribbons Whitfield: Amused, yes. How much so? Unknown. LMAO
Loran Loire: you know he will blame you *giggles*
Ribbons Whitfield: Eh. I'll say I found him that way and it was all your fault.
Loran Loire: in for a penny, in for a pound
Ribbons Whitfield: Fabulous.

Hey, at least we left him a breathing apparatus...

Chalk Drawings and a Sense of Finality

This picture was taken at the high in Skiddaw, owned by Nexeus Fatale.

All I can say is I found Nex this way. That, and I didn't do it.

Happy Birthday Lix!

Few know that today is a special day. Today is Lix Korobase's birthday.

You may be asking yourself, "Well, that's nice but why do I particularly care?". You see, if it were not for Lix, Second Life would not have DJ Tarsis. In fact, REAL life would probably not have DJ Tarsis. She is the great woman behind the great guy.

So today we celebrate the beautiful Lix and offer her our thanks. She's my girl and I love her.

Happy birthday baby!

SL Lovin'

I'm talking to a friend about a woman he recently met in SL. Things are progressing in an interesting way it seems as they both are aware that, well, they are pixels. These pixels are experiencing new pixel love. They aren't in love as of last reports but anyone who has been there knows the excitement of meeting someone amazing and new.

He goes on to say that he was having a little trouble explaining it to his friends. Being a newbie, the RL friends don't quite get the hang of it yet.

So she's pretty?

Oh yeah! Beautiful red hair... But sometimes it's chestnut... And when she goes blonde... Well... um...

*blank stare*

Okay... What did you guys do?

*grinning* We went to the beach to go windsurfing... and then we went skydiving... and the other day we were in Paris and she looked so cute on the Eiffel Tower with the sunset kissing her cheeks...

*blank stare*

Oh. um...

Well, is she a good kisser?

She's absolutely amazing... er... wait... she's... um... her pixels kiss soooo well.

Wait - you're telling me you took her to Paris?!?


Nothing like a little SL lovin'.