Let’s Take a Trip to Venice in Second Life- Piers Diesel Reporting...

Located on an archipelago in the North-eastern Mediterranean Sea, the city of Venice dates back 1500 years and is made up of 118 flat islands, 416 bridges and 177 canals. Long ago it was the biggest power in that region during the 1300-1500’s. Today, Venice is visited by tourists at an average of 18 million a year and is one of the famous honeymoon spots for couples who want to experience a romantic gondola ride and dine on Venetian cuisine. If you have always wanted to travel to Venice in Real Life but never had the chance, you can do that virtually. You don’t even need a passport to get there!

Venice Second Life has been created cleverly to resemble Real Life Venice with gondoliers, little cafés and the winding cobblestone streets with shops to explore. Here are a few things you can find and do in Second Life Venice.

What is a trip to Venice without Gondola rides?

Yes, it is possible to take a gondola ride at Second Life Venice. It is manually operated which means you navigate the gondolier through the waterways.

Don’t worry if you are not an experienced gondolier. It is not hard to do and you can forget that you are handling it once you sit back and enjoy the ride and views. It is perfect for a romantic date or exploring some realism in Second Life. I would recommend at least trying it to give you the Venice feel.

Rictorante Caffe Saraceno

This is a great place to meet up with friends or your partner and have a meal or even a cup of coffee while talking about your week or day. The service is excellent with attentive staff.  The restaurant overlooks the Grand Canal where you can watch people go by on the water or even by foot on the narrow pavements.  The perfect time to go is at sunset.  The sun’s reflection on the water sets the mood well.

Rialto Bridge

You may recognise this bridge as it is the exact copy to the one in Real Life the Rialto Bridge. This would be the bridge when you TP to the Venice Second Life sim be the landing point. From the Rialto Bridge you are able to wander around the sim easily by foot if you choose to not use a gondolier. It also gives you the perfect bird’s eye view of the sim allowing you to easily take good pics of the sim.

Shopping is a big deal for tourists both in the real world and in Second Life. Rialto Bridge is a good landing point to reach the shops!

Shopping in the Mediterranean

There are quite a few good shops on the sim that offer a variety of products. These shops can be found around the winding cobbled streets along the canal and also in the backstreets. Not all shops are brand names which can be good as you can sometimes find that little unusual gift for someone or even yourself. That is so fun about shopping. It is like going on a treasure hunt.

Saint Marks Square

Here you will find more gondoliers and  shops. Saint Mark’s Square is a perfect spot to take photos of your adventures.  

I would definitely recommend Second Life Venice and have always visited here when I want to take stock of the day or catch up with people in Second Life.  It is definitely worth the visit.

TELEPORT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Venice%20Passion/114/201/22

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Meet Mesh Creator and owner of ABAR in Second Life; Acuolo Barbarossa - Piers Diesel Reporting...

We are a Second Life nation of mesh, where mesh has not only become a part of what we wear but how we live from the new avatars, clothes, hair, homes, decor, cars, landscapes and  accessories.

However, if you wanted to be a mesh creator but do not have the time or skills to use a mesh creating software package then the next thing you would look for would be mesh creating objects.  You can find these kits on Marketplace or in world.

Aculolo Barbarossa owns and operates ABAR; a mesh business for those who wish to bypass actually creating mesh for themselves. Aculolo was busy creating her next line of mesh creations when I visited her at her workshop to discuss her work and also learn more about the lady behind one of the successful mesh businesses in Second Life.

Piers: How did you get into building in Second life and turn this into a business?

Aculolo: The first time I did login in to second life I did for make my real house, really then I didn’t know how to build nothing, that take some time learned to use building viewer tools. Those were my first steps.

Three years later, after I played all things I could imagine, I was very boring about Second Life, really very... But a friend taught me how to make sculpt things, then i decided to sell my creations like a hobby. For my surprise I discovered the people like my creations and get some money,  so I started to learn different 3d software’s and take this more seriously. And now I love my job. I’m free!

Piers: Can you tell us a bit about your business?

Aculolo: Well, I sell industrial products semi-billed in 3d, in others words, I sell item full perm in Second Life for people who know use Photoshop or Gimp and want to get some money reselling my items customized by themselves. My first target was second life's kids, some years ago there are not much item full perm for kids, then I though it was a good idea. And community's kids are really nice. I enjoyed making item for kids.

Piers: Running a business in Second Life can be hard, what do you think are the reasons why your business has remained as successful as it is?

Aculolo: Really? I don't feel so successful. I just enjoy working making the things I love. A good relationship with my customers help, I answer all customer's question so good I can. They feel relaxed, if there are a problem they know I will fix it or I will give options. My desire to learn new things, mesh rigged, fitted mesh... always I have new things. I accept ideas from my customers, they decide what work. They are my boss... And why not? I’m a creative person.

Piers: What do you like to do when you are not working in Second Life?

Aculolo: I always have a lot of work here... But I need scape out of the computer, so I go out with my little dog, my friends or my girl. As well I love music, I play the double-bass and electric bass with friend one time per week, and sometimes I practice drawing. I also enjoy watching films and TV series. I’m a creative person, so always I’m searching new muses.

Piers: For someone wanted to start out in becoming a content creator what advice or top tips would you give?

Aculolo: My advice would be 5 steps, which are:

1. Start doing easy and fast things.

2. Don't be very exigent with yourself.

3. Organizes you.

4. Be patient and work hard.

5. If you find a thing that feel you locked: Divide and rule.

Think in your skills, in who can buy it and how can sell it. An example...

I have a strange quality for do cute things, the cute kids can buy it, and do it how like full perm items.

I mean you need to have a concrete and logic idea.

                                            

Piers: What new things can we expect to see from you in the future?

Aculolo: Actually I’m very excited working in woman fitted mesh avatar, compatible with standard sizes clothes, like a Second Life body update, will be like an exclusive shop for woman.

To purchase or find out more about  ABAR visit  the links below.

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/78449

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coral%20Island/192/160/3510

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Rock, Classic Rock, Pop, top 40s Music Venues in Second Life- Piers Diesel Reporting....

We all like to listen to different genres of music. In Second life this is possible to do in many different clubs and venues across the grid. If you like to listen to  Rock or classic Rock, pop or the top 40s here are a few venues which may interest you.

Santorini

 Opened in 2010 the venue is still going strong. At Santorini you will find a nice crowd of people who are friendly. The music is good pop and top 40s. If you go there you are likely to find people hanging out and having fun.  It is never empty.  They also have live entertainment

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Santorini%20Island/223/134/31/

BAD 80s Club and 90s Music

This venue has  a South Beach Miami Vice flavor.  Step back in time to experience the party as it was. Owned by the Ambrosia Entertainment Management Supergroup the venue is always buzzing. The DJs and hosts are friendly and you can be guaranteed a good time.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Florida/128/128/12/

The Sound Garden

If you are craving rock in all its forms such as classic, hard, modern as well as metal, blues, punk, alternative, indie and more. This is the rock club for you. It is set in a lush tropical garden that offers live entertainment and big events on the weekends.

During the week it provides a great atmosphere to just kick back and relax with friends.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Taygete/39/172/25

The River Rock Club

The River plays rock music from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today. Come here for classic rock, southern rock, some metal, even a little country rock and blues mixed in. The atmosphere is a riverside party with games and tons of concerts. They say “You may enter as a stranger but you'll leave as family!”

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stonehaven/74/145/23

Whatever type of music you are looking for in Second Life you are guaranteed to find it. Pop, classic rock and rock music venues are on the up and are as popular as ever so you will not have trouble finding a venue where you can have it all.

 Good music, friendly people and fun.

Know a Rock Club you would like to mention? Us the comment box below and tell us about it. Don’t forget to share the landmark!

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Hip Hop Clubs in Second Life -Piers Diesel Reporting...

Hip Hop is not only a music genre, it is also a culture. If you hit the clubs in Second Life you are guaranteed to hear old skool Hip Hop tunes of the latest hits on the billboard. However, if you are new to hip hop in Second Life and want to know where to go then here is a list to guide you on your way.

Hip hop just as in Real Life is alive and buzzing in Second Life. Here are some clubs we found.

Bootyliciouz Club

Opened back in 2007 plays Hip Hop and R&B is certainly a club where you will find the latest tunes being played. In the past it used to be buzzing any time of the Second Life clock with people dancing on the bar and also the dance floor, however when I went down it was empty. Don’t let that put you off though, as this could be the time of day I went down. If you and your friend(s) want to listen to Hop Hop music then this would be a good place to get the party started.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Capital%20City/200/110/52

Soul Vibrations

This is a beach side club where the people are friendly.  The music is between hip hop soul and reggae. Anytime you go down there the place is always buzzing and no one bothers you. Everyone is just simply enjoying the music either dancing or relaxing near the ocean.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bay%20City%20-%20Sconset/48/220/25

SOUL SENSATIONS

This is another beach venue where you will find Hip Hop as well as R&B, Soul, Funk and much more. It is a beach club couples as well as singles. A bit like Soul Vibrations in the venue lay out where the dance floor is in the open near the beach. The venue is always packed also the people are friendly.

There also other parts where you can TP to if you and your partner wish to dance somewhere else or just explore.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serenity%20Plateau/46/179/22

Serenity Groove

For those who want to listen to Hip Hop at home then there is Serenity Groove. An International Online Radio, that strives to provide its listeners with diverse programming daily. Here you will find a variety of music such as Hip Hop. Also R&B, House, Neo-Soul, Reggae, Dancehall, Talk Shows, Live DJs and Performers, and special events on a weekly basis.

http://SerenityGroove.com/

http://radio.serenitygroove.info:10360

If you are looking for Hip Hop music, you will definitely be able to find what you are looking for on the grid, as the demand for Hip hop increases the demand for new clubs to launch around the grid will also increase.

Know of a Hip Hop club not listed, share the name and slurl with our readers in the comment section below.

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The Industrial Music in Second Life- Piers Diesel Reporting...

Industrial music is an abrasive mix of rock and electronic sound.  It became popular in the 70’s with an experimental genre influenced by provocative and transgressive themes. Indie music as it is nicknamed is an underground movement found in Second Life clubs. If you’re not sure where to go in Second Life to listen then here is a list of some clubs which I feel you will enjoy not only for the music but also for the atmosphere too.

Twisted Dreams

Twisted Dreams is a club for all you twisted souls out there in SL. Featuring some of the best DJ's in SL, playing dubstep, industrial, EBM, Electro Swing.....and anything else the crowd wants to hear. They are all about the music and fun.  They do not play only industrial music so if you are looking for a club that plays just indie then maybe this isn’t the right club for you, however, if you’re looking for a club that spins industrial and other tunes then TP down and hang out.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sarcasm/192/192/2

alt7

At ALT7 you will find a wide variety of indie music as well as alternative tunes spun by DJs across the world. Nice club. It is small yet inviting.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pomponio/12/83/69

Unknown Pleasures: Transmission Club

Here you will find indie to alternative music as well as other genre such as new wave and punk or as they call it post punk.  It is an underground effect club with a twist.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City/211/162/22

The Velvet

The Velvet has been rocking the grid with alternative and eclectic DJs since 2006. It is also home to some of the most passionate Djs in Second Life. They take pride in sharing their music collection and take music tunes seriously. The vibe here is always fun and inviting.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Velvet/188/188/24

Attic

The Attic is well known for being a friendly entertainment spot on the grid. Regular scheduled DJs keep the stream hot with great indie/alternative style tunes. The club has plenty of activity with cool toys laying around for guests to enjoy, such as scooters wagons and even shopping carts.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Petruchio/127/146/1502

The indie scene in Second Life has such a large number of members who love and appreciate industrial music. This genre has evolved throughout the years and as the demand gets bigger the more clubs will open.

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Machinima in Second Life - Piers Diesel Reporting

Machinima is digital video production in a virtual world or video game environment. You can find these types of productions featured on Youtube or Vimeo. The creativity is endless and provides a glimpse into the virtual world and the many things it has to offer.

In Second Life, the world of Machinima is still going strong and flourishing. It is always interesting to see what new video have been created by well know or new and upcoming creators and what inspires their work.

Rysan Fall

Rysan Fall is one of the first Machinima Artists in Second Life.  His talents include voice over work, virtual wedding videos, tutorials and award winning short film projects such as The Invisible City, about the homeless.   His work provokes emotion and provides a very creative and genuine look into what Machinima really is. Rysan is also The SL Enquirer official commercial producer.

Piers: Rysan, How long have you been creating Machinima?

Rysan: I have to explain that I taught myself most of everything I know about editing video. I found a unique way to help myself learn the principals of filming and editing video.  There's an online community called "second life" where people live out certain aspects of their lives in a virtual world.  Second life has its own monetary system, using a currency called "lindens" which could be transferred over to actual USD dollars. People have businesses, have relationships and make money in this virtual world. 

The word “Machinima” or “Machine Cinema” was created to name videos or films created in a virtual environment.

This initially was intended to be practice for real life film making. When I started I had no idea there was a whole genre of film making dedicated to filming in a virtual environment. My videos became popular in the machinima community, which really was a surprise to me. I decided to offer my skills to business, creating commercials and making keepsake (wedding) videos for the people in this virtual environment.  My desire to make more detailed machinima films grew, and real life film making kind of took a back seat. But I wanted to take what I’ve learned and put it to real life film.

Piers: What inspires your work and how has it enriched your life?

Rysan:  Machinima has been very good to me, and I am very grateful for everything it’s given me. I’ve been interviewed countless times, I’ve spoke at many lectures, events and universities. I’ve had the opportunity to work for Tufts University, University of Florida, and the University of Central Missouri. I’ve even been honored with filming the first Virtual College Graduation ceremony for Bryant Stratton College in Second Life featured on FOX National News. One thing I was really excited about, I was contacted by U2's Principle Management to inform me that my U2inSL video was selected to be played on the big screen at the Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. as the REAL U2 perform their song, "Even Better Than the Real Thing".  My visuals went through the approval processes from Linden Labs to me and finally approved by U2's Principle Management. That was really exciting for me. I’ve been interviewed for The Book “Machinima: The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking.  A few of my videos was seen by a company called How2Connect.com, which specializes in providing online therapy and EAP solutions for subscribers. They were in the process of creating their own virtual world at the time, and wanted someone to make their machinima for them. They flew me to California for a week and asked me to become a part of their team, and I accepted. After 4 years I, now edit all of their “Real Life” department  video. They are now called 1virtualhealth.com

Along with all of this, I do voice over work also. I have also done some radio. I used to have a weekly hip hop news segment on an underground hip hop show called “The Fireset” on 90.7 WTCC. I am now currently doing VO work for CPTV sports.  I’ve just stated working in the creative services dept. for FOX News in CT.

This video is very cleverly done with attention to detail. It provokes real emotion and creates a bridge between reality and virtual expression. Rysan has shown that his work is his passion.

The Invisible City

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-shidH2FEE&list=UUTb3qJz4MBsrUSJexkvP8eg

  

To find out more and to see more videos:

https://www.youtube.com/user/FallFilms/featured

Style Kingdom Magazine Commercial (second Life)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZuk-jYI4Kk

The Invisible City

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-shidH2FEE

Beneath Youre Beautiful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQz3UZXdA48

Say Something

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eltM46-yxsQ

Style Kingdom Photography Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL4rQCryUMI

My Voice Over Reel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2164b9TX_BM

Celestial Elf

FreeSky Republic is Celestial Elf, he is a machinima film maker of the Elven & Spiritual

He describes himself as an Electronic Elf, Digital-Druid, Pagan Poet, Shamanic Soul & Machinima Maker, Celebrating Nature, Spirit and the Ancient Ways ~

Celestial, believes that he denotes to the heavens, the freedom of the skies and the beyond. 

To find out more and to see more videos:

https://www.facebook.com/CelestialElfMachinima?ref=hl

https://twitter.com/CelestialElff

Bryn Oh

Bryn work was has always intrigued me. Bryn attention to detail is second to none and the work that they put into each video is not only inspiring but also captivates the audience to wont to watch more of their work. 

Piers: Bryn, How long have you been creating Machinima?

Bryn: I have been working in Machinima for 6 years now

Piers: What inspires your work and how has it enriched your life?

Bryn:  I used to have them on a site called Blip but then they deleted my account for some reason, but many are still on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/user/BrynOhMy work is a form of diary where I take elements within my life and tell them as loose narratives, sometimes as poetry.  It is cathartic I think, simply a way to express honest feelings anonymously in a virtual space which would, perhaps, be hurtful to say to family and friends otherwise.  It enriches my life in that I am able to be creative as well as be able to express deeply felt emotions which may not come out as readily in other mediums.  For me it is also rewarding to know that there are those who associate on some level to those same feelings I express in my work.  Sometimes you release things to the void of the internet and much like a message in a bottle it simply disappears out to sea, other times a bottle returns and it is that moment which I cherish.

Not the newest of work by Bryn but the cinematography is perfect to me. Short yet excellently executed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JONF4tgTh34&list=UUI7NrJQ5vpg2PmVQKpwXSbw

To find out more and to see more videos:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BrynOh/featured

http://www.brynoh.blogspot.com/

jjccccc

Is a believer of making or creating videos which he will be proud of and not to just please the masses. His work shows depth and yet roughness which not only crates an inspirational video but keeps you entertained and wanting to view more.

Piers: jjccccc, How long have you been creating Machinima?

jjccccc: I have been making them for years since 2006 so

Piers: What inspires your work and how has it enriched your life?

jjccccc: My inspiration comes from the Love  of Art. I make videos to try stuff out they may look crappy and badly arranged but each one is a learning curve of different ideas, So far I don’t think I’ve made a really descent video but I continue to try 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EQ3nkOlZd4

To find out more and to see more videos:

https://www.youtube.com/user/jjccccc/featured

https://twitter.com/JJcccART

Sophia Yates

Sophia Yates Machinima Film Productions is a Virtual Production company she has ha created within the 3D Virtual World of Second Life. This is a new channel as Sophia is not able to log into her original account. She is a business woman also she is owner of  FilmStrip,Profile Magazine Today, Photographer and Publisher, so a lady of many talents.

         

Machinima is an art form and an outlet for expression.  It takes creativity, time and passion to produce a film that holds the attention of an audience. There is so much more put into it then pressing record and capturing whatever appears before the lens.

Planning begins with creating a storyline, script, scouting for actors, environments and paying attention to details such as lighting, audio, transitions and timing. These are just a few of the things that Machinima producers must take into consideration. So the next time you watch a Machinima video that might only be 4 minutes long, realize that it may have taken them weeks or even months to create.

 These are just a few of the talented Machinima artists you will find across the grid. There are others which you may feel have been missed out in this feature. If you know a Machimina artist that should be recognized by the SL Enquirer, share their information below in the comment box with a link to their work!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNVLCrkmAgA&spfreload=1

To find out more and to see more videos:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkmUl-QcGh9zMXosrK-iaEA

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