[#522] One More Day

For one more day, (They can’t take this away, it’s far from over) I’m not afraid to fall (We can’t stay in a place we don’t belong) For one more day, (They can’t take this away, it’s far from over) We try to save it all 10 Years, ♫One More Day♫

Sometimes blogging much like regular writing can cause blocks in creativity and for the last week I’ve been experiencing just that. Trying to find the right products and the ideas to go with them has been troubling and it’s something I am not fond of but it does happen.

With a week removed from the opening of The Men Jail, I finally found some inspiration in the form of the “Duct Tape Gag” by Short Leash. While it has a lot more functions than I will possibly ever use it for (it has built in RLV which I will sheepishly admit that even after being around the grid for as long as I have…do not know the slightest clue about what it does). The tape itself was my way to relay some of the words from “One More Day” by 10 Years, which serves as the soundtrack for this post. This is the first time that I’ve encountered any kind out mouth tape that wasn’t an applier so I really thought it was creative and worthy of getting a feature on the blog; while it may not be for everyone it is a fun component to add to photos and even role-playing situations for anyone who might be holding someone hostage (not something I encourage just to make it known).

Short Leash Dirt Tape Gag // Silver features:

100% mesh
Included HUD includes phrases to put on tape
Resizable via HUD or by object editing
Normal and RLV enabled versions included
Black and Pink versions also available
FATPACK version with all three colors available
Exclusively @ The Men Jail until September 30th

Not long ago I blogged one of the two hairs from Modulus at The Men’s Department and I’m finishing that event up by showing you the other offering at the event named “Zander”. This side combed hair is not super long in length and does a good job of keeping the eyes free from being covered and that is something I prefer from hairs of a longer nature.

Keeping up with the trend of offering mirrored versions of the hair, “Zander” definitely gets a thumbs up from me; I even chose a color from the vibrants HUD for a change of pace and really enjoy how it looks. So much that I’ll re-visit it again in the near future with another current release.

Modulus Zander Hair features:

100% original alpha mesh
Integrated color picker HUD
40 different pre-existing hair colors (5 different HUDs)
Sold separately or as a FATPACK
Left and right sided hair versions
Exclusively @ TMD through Sep. 30th

Go&See has been releasing quite a few eyes lately and I am certainly trying to stay on top of it but as I mentioned at the beginning of the post it’s been difficult for me because of the bit of a creative block that I’ve been going through. One thing that I haven’t done in four years of blogging has been giving myself the chance to take a break. It sounds silly that I should just allow myself that but in the back of my head I would feel as if I am letting the brands that associate themselves with me down and these small little interruptions never last long; another reason would be that if I stopped completely for a period of time I am too afraid that I would not return to it even though it is a passion and love of mine. This latest release “Pose” is a part of the current crop of items that are a part of this months round of PocketShop. If you are are unfamiliar with this it is a HUD based shopping experience that takes place monthly much like events but a catalog is posted on their website and also through the HUD which you can purchase for free via there in-world HQ or by going to their marketplace store. The items that are featured are also shown in the HUD so that you know exactly what you are purchasing and buying is easy and can be done one of two ways: purchasing credits or allowing the HUD to use funds from your account. It is extremely safe and something I’d recommend as it is a very nice alternative to trying to get into an event right away on opening day. This can be done from the comfort of your home, skybox, platform etc…

Go&See Pose Eyes features:

100% mesh eyes (for classic avatars)
Applier HUDs for CATWA and Genus Project
10 styles to choose from
Exclusively sold through PocketShop until October 4th

The backdrop I am using comes from Paparazzi, it was originally from a previous round of Cosmopolitan and should now be in stores. The “Neon Hall” is very nicely constructed and has several points of illumination (which you can play with if you desire, which is a nice added option). At first I wasn’t sure how I wanted to use this backdrop but with the right ambiance it fit what I needed. However, my initial idea was to search for a location but nothing solid came to mind and after a bit of research I chose to go this route and I’m satisfied with the results and the mood I achieved with the “story” photo. I‘ve also decided to give my Gerald head another go with the latest skin release by Clef de Peau called “Hamilton”. I finally feel that with this skin I don’t look like I could be Russian (which there is nothing wrong with but not the aesthetic I am looking for). The skin was released not only for Vista but there is a CATWA version as well for anyone who is a CATWA purist and there are many out there who have not once strayed away from them (personally I like to try new things just to see if they can perform better than what I currently have). As I put a wrap on this post I realize that I probably do not share more about what drives the ideas behind these posts and hopefully I can get better at doing that. The fact that my brain can be complicated at times is an understatement and being able to completely divulge everything going on in my head is tough for me. There may be more to it and there may be nothing to it (yes that’s cryptic and I have been told I am good at that also). I would like to believe that my motivation for the inspiration of this post is not only from the song that provides the soundtrack but also the thought that sometimes all of us as humans tend to keep to ourselves and push things down. The more silent we are about them the more they grow into something that isn’t always beneficial to our overall well-being. Just talking to someone and knowing that they are there goes a long way and oddly enough sometimes living day to day is the best way to cope with situations around us. The interwebs are a powerful tool that if used properly can bring us all together or tear us apart and I personally opt to see everyone united and it’s hard but not completely hopeless. Just a thought or two thrown in here at the end, but check out the credits as I hope you’ve seen something interesting. Until the next time our paths cross, onto the next conversation…

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) Zander Hair @ TMD ✦ NEW HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ Previously Blogged EYES: Go&See (Store / MP) – Pose Eyes @ PocketShop ✦ NEW FACE: Clef de Peau – Hamilton (Tone 2) @ Equal10 ✦ NEW BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

SHIRT: ExalteD – Tshirt Ripped v2 FATPACK SHORTS: Legal Insanity – Miles Shorts – Black

MOUTH TAPE: Short Leash – Silence! Duct Tape Gag // Silver @ The Men Jail ✦ NEW BACKDROP: Paparazzi – Neon Hall (Whte)

POSE: FOXCITY – Silhouette FatPack

[#517] Hold On!

I am torn in two…
Hold on, hold on, we’re barely alive
I am faded through…
Hold on, hold on, the fallen arise
I will fight this world for you
And let the dawn of love survive
Broken, I crawl back to life

Breaking Benjamin, ♫Torn In Two♫

Finding a good spot to set up a scene/photograph for a blogger is one of the most important things for the style of blogger that I feel that I am. Many bloggers tend to use green screen along with backgrounds they create themselves or find a royalty free photo. The way I prefer to do things is finding a location in-world that fits my mood or if nothing seems to fit then I look for the right backdrop but they have to fit or it tends to be a long day or evening depending on when my setup begins.

My friend, Yosh Shi (Merlin on Facebook) owns and runs not only a great retreat area but also have just started a new nightclub project. He was kind enough to let me poke around during non operating hours to see if something would click for me. The atmosphere is best described at least in my mind as a mixture of steampunk and gothic elements. It truly felt inviting to me as I arrived at the landing point which is a long dock that leads to the club. I changed my lighting to what the sim calls for and it is overcast to match the rain that surrounds you.

I don’t want to spoil the experience for you if you do happen to visit so I shall abstain from giving you any further details about the layout but I will say that after looking around the setting by the fireplace caught my attention and the work was about to begin.

The Men Jail is about to wrap up for the August round but I wanted to get one more product in that I thought was rather cool. For the event, Gild released a tanktop with circular cuts in its design which I think is perfect for the the rave/club scene. Posh (which is the name of the club where my photos were taken) tend to have a lot of rave type parties which as of yet I have unfortunately been able to attend due to the time of day they normally occur but I will make it to one of them soon.

Those who are looking for something unique in men’s clothing then I’d certainly give this a closer look.

Gild Zebra Cut Tank features:

100% original mesh
5 different colors to choose from
Fitted sizes for both Belleza (Jake) and Signature (Gianni)
Exclusively @ The Men Jail until August 28th

The Man Cave is in it’s second week and Modulus has a new hair which I am wearing for this photo. “Marcus” is a a near mid length hair that is combed to the side and the reason I liked it for this particular look is that it didn’t cover my eyes or any of the other facial things that I wanted to feature in the blog (which I will get to shortly). All the things that fans of Modulus come to expect are all here with an added surprise that I was not anticipating when I opened up the package.

For the first time (at least to my knowledge) there are combed versions for both sides of the head so that way if you have a personal preference you can choice without being conflicted. I love this and I hope they continue to do this for future releases even though it could potentially be a lot more work; I don’t know how mesh things are made. For the first time I also used the blond pack with the integrated color picker and I really love how it turned out.

With that said though I do hope they continue to bring things like this to the table to even further cement their brand as a top hair brand.

Modulus Marcus Hair features:

100% original mesh
40 colors (five HUDs with Fatpack available)
Integrated color picker in every HUD
Left and right versions included
Exclusively @ Man Cave until Sep. 09th

Go&See recently released an add-on at the Blush event but before I could finish my editing and write this blog it sadly ended but the great part is that it will become a release to the store (and or marketplace). The “wasted” eyebags are meant to display a hard night of partying but for those of you who do not have the type of lifestyle (and I’m one of them usually) they could also be used to show how someone is burning the candle at both ends. I think in the case of me being in a club that it fits more of the partying context.

Outside of skins and eyes, Go&See provides add-ons like the eyebags as well as make-ups and lashes. These kinds of products help add to the realism of not only of our photos but also our avatars as well and I’d like to see more interesting things like this in future releases.

That is what’s new to me so I am going to wrap this up so I can get you to the credits; I would like to thank Yosh Shi for allowing me to take these photos at Posh and if you are in the mood to check it out I will leave you a taxi to give it a look yourself and visit there to find out when upcoming events are happening there. It is a really cool place and very different from most clubs that I’ve encountered and I say that truthfully in a good way.

Hope you’ll check back in with the blog soon I have some exciting news to reveal in my next post but until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation…

Photo taken @ Posh Nightclub

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Marcus Hair ✦ NEW @ Man Cave (08/15 – 09/09)
HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ Previously Blogged
FACE: Clef de Peau – Wouter (Tone 1) ✦ Previously Blogged
EYE BAGS: Go&See (Store / MP) – Wasted Eyebags
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

TOP: Gild – Zebra Cut Tank ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)

POSE: WRONG & The Owl – Static Male Poses #7

[#516] Singin’ Drunken Lullabies

Ah, but maybe it`s the way you were taught
Or maybe it`s the way we fought
But a smile never grins without tears to begin
For each kiss is a cry we all lost

Flogging Molly, ♫Drunken Lullabies♫

The weekend is folding over into a new week and I’ve returned with a brand new blog. There were so many things I considered using for this particular scene but in the end I think the combination I put together truly worked the best; it is not very often that I back a blog with a soundtrack that consists of celtic punk rock. Though I felt with the pose set I am using lead me in that direction and it fits.

Often I speak about the various things you can find at The Men Jail event as the variety I feel is vast and caters to just about any male out there on the grid; I happen to find clothes most rounds that really fit what I like and also I find poses that really catch my attention as well. This month the “Johnson” pose set caught my eye and I’ve encountered other sets by this pose brand that have been pretty cool too.

If you are looking to set up a scene that involves just yourself and a cold “beverage” this is definitely the pose set for you; not only are the poses well done but the accompanying bottle of brew is very detailed as well. This set was just what I needed to pull off the effect of my avi tying one on as the saying goes and also makes me look forward to future poses and props from Kokoro Poses.

Kokoro Poses Johnson Poses & Prop features:

Bento enabled poses (proper viewer needed to use as intended)
100% mesh bottle prop
4 different poses each with bottle for that pose

The Men’s Department is still going strong with about a week left before they shut down to prepare for the September round and from the event I have the “Jon” hair from my friends at Modulus. I decided that if I was going to use an Irish punk song along with a drinking pose that I’d use the Reds color pack. Not to say that I’m trying to stereotype that Irish people are drunks but they do know how to tilt a few back.

Jon is a mid to long length hair that is combed to the left side and you can use normal length hairbases or a side shaved base with this and both look good. I myself decide to go with a normal length because I personally felt it looked the best with the overall look that I was going for. The level of detail of this hair is very good which is what you can expect from the next gen hair from Modulus.

A great brand and a great event continuing to do business together is only good for the consumers.

Modulus Jon Hair FATPACK features:

100% original mesh hair
40 colors to choose from (8 colors through 5 HUDs)
Tintable color picker included as part of color HUD
Exclusively @ TMD until 08/31!

While I am still on the topic of The Men’s Department, one of my other favorite brands Cold-Ash has a new release for us guys. The “Chelsea” boots come in a Suede texture which is a refreshing change from the usual leather that you see day in and day out. These go perfectly with many brands of jeans but they look great with the Holloway ripped jeans which are also from Cold-Ash. My whole wardrobe for this look is comprised of items from the Cold-Ash brand.

One of the things I like best about these boots is that it comes with two styles inside the package. You get the full boot that will fit in some of the jeans that will tuck into them without suffering clipping or there are the short version which works for longer more flared jeans and avoids the issue of clipping because that is something you do not want when you are out socializing; there’s always someone looking for this type of thing whether you know it or not.

For anyone looking for a good short desert type of boot then you’ll be very satisfied with these and I can assure you the quality of Cold-Ash is right at the top and they have been for a long time.

COLD-ASH CHELSEA Boots Suede Pack features:

100% original mesh construction
Regular and short versions included
14 different suede colors via HJD
Socks add-on for regular version
10 sock colors changeable via HUD
Fitted Sizes for Belleza (Jake), Signature (Gianni), SLink Physiqe, TMP mesh bodies
Unrigged size for classic bodies also included.
Exclusively @ TMD until August 31st

Many times I’ve often said that I am a big fan of the brand Paparazzi and a lot of times that may even be an understatement. Whether it be backdrops which is what the brand is known for or for items like the RetroNerd shades which I’ve used several times over some of the last couple posts, the attention to detail and time that is taken by owner Drew Sunflower is what makes me a fan.

I was honored to receive a review copy of the “Curved Room” backdrop that is exclusively a part of the Cosmopolitan bi-weekly event. The backdrop has a very cool curvature along with a set of lights (which do actually light up the backdrop). As you can tell with the photos that I took for the blog, I took photos from different angles and proximity. There are several spots in the backdrop where you can get fantastic angles so if you go and get this (and I encourage you to do so) see what kind of photo you can get.

Paparazzi Curved Room Backdrop features:

100% original mesh
Full bright with built in lighting (modifiable)
Choice of blue or red color designs

Now that I’ve covered the most important parts of this post and have been attempting to post it to a few days (life happens of course). I will be getting back onto a regular schedule soon and have a few more posts for the month of August and cover a few of the most recently opened events as well as some that are opening shortly.

I’ve enjoyed myself and I hope anyone who has found this or any of the other blog posts on the site do as well, it’s always fun to showcase the creativity in my head. I’m going to leave you with the style credits and until the next time our paths cross, onto the next conversation…

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Jon Hair ✦ NEW @ TMD (08/05 – 08/31)
HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
FACE: Clef de Peau – Wouter (Tone 1) ✦ NEW @ Vista Animations Mainstore
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

SHIRT: COLD-ASH (Store / MP) – MONTANA Tee – CLASSIC ✦ Previously Blogged
PANTS: COLD-ASH (Store / MP) – HOLLOWAY Ripped Jeans (Fatpack) ✦ Previously Blogged
BOOTS: COLD-ASH (Store / MP) – CHELSEA Boots – SUEDE FATACK ✦ NEW @ TMD (08/05 – 08/31)

BACKDROP: Paparazzi – Curved Room Backdrops ✦ NEW @ Cosmopolitan (08/13 – 08/26)

POSE: Kokoro Poses – Johnson ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)

[#515] I Melt With You

Moving forward using all my breath
Making love to you was never second best
I saw the world crashing all around your face
Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace

Modern English, ♫I Melt With You♫

Lately it feels like the songs that come into my head to help me with providing an audio companion to the visuals has been what the younger crowd would refer to as my oldies. I prefer more to call them vintage tunes but just like the “oldies” of say my parents, these songs have their place in history for what it’s worth. It also seems that I can be a bit cheesy at times when I pick blog post soundtracks but it is definitely a lot of fun to dig deep and pull out something that most have either forgotten about or have never heard before.

I decided to do something super fun and with summer bordering on closing up for the season in the near future, I thought that perhaps an outdoors photo would work well with the pose and prop I am featuring in this post from Image Essentials.

Lickable is a bento couples pose that find to be (and I don’t often use this word) adorable. One thing that I know from experience though depending on the girl is if you decide to be bold enough to swipe some of her ice cream you best be prepared for the reaction afterwards which ranges from laughter to atomic rage. In this case I think I got lucky because I’ve managed to theft some of the cool treat and I’m still breathing!

With this pose and prop, Image Essentials has not over complicated a sweet moment between a couple (I think this could also be used with friends as well) and there was not a lot of adjusting that I had to do to get this pose to fit right; I also like that the ice cream cone prop is transferable so that you can hand it to the person you are posing with and are not be put in a bind because it is a copy and no transfer item.

If you want to grab your favorite person and have a fun little moment then this is definitely for you!

Image Essentials Lickable Pose & Prop features:

Bento enabled couples pose (Bento capable viewer required)
Transferable mesh ice cream cone
Exclusively @ Mesh Body Addicts Fair until 08/21

Footwear may be one of my weaknesses in the virtual world but when it comes to the real one I am very much a collector of hats (I have probably more than 100 styles from music bands to sports teams). BETRAYAL has released a snap-back style hat at The Men’s Jail that really caught my attention and I thought it would work well with my look. In a way I kind of look like Mars Blackmon (aka Spike Lee) from the movie “She’s Gotta Have It” and the Nike shoe commercials back in the 90’s which makes sense because I have an old school look while using an old school song for the soundtrack.

Many of the hats on the grid seem to be more flat billed and maybe it is something that is a difficult to create in whatever program is used by them to mesh. Personally I prefer hats that have a more curved bill (not sure if there is a term for it) than I do one that’s flat. BETRAYAL’s “The “CAP” is not entirely flat and has a bit of a curve so that makes it even better for me and there are several designs to choose from that are super stylish and cool.

Out of all the items from The Men Jail that I’ve liked, this one is probably the best because I do enjoy hats so much and finding one on the grid that I would consider awesome is somewhat difficult. I give this release high marks and it is something that helps keep the products you find at The Men Jail diverse and not more of the same that you sometimes see with events.

BETRAYAL The “CAP” FATPACK features:

100% mesh
Resize upon click
13 different styles to choose from (B Ball used in photos)

For a second straight post I am wearing the RetroNerd Glasses from Paparazzi because I absolutely love them and intend to wear them as much as I can and with all the different style options that are at my disposal I won’t have to worry about running out of choices. This time though I have turned them from sunglasses (as I used them in blog #514) to regular glasses. Being able to switch them back and forth when I want to is definitely an added bonus.

Most of my look are things that I’ve blogged in previous posts and have had in my closet for a while. I find that if I don’t return to some of my favorite things that it is all just a huge waste in the end and whether I have received it as a blogger pack or if I have purchased it myself it still is like taking a handful of money and setting it ablaze.

There were a lot of items in my last post which makes this a little bit easier on the eyes as I begin to wrap this up I realize that trying to feature too many things in one blog post can be overwhelming and once in a while having things be more simplistic can be a good thing. Also I do like creating scenes and taking photos that are not always entirely dark in nature as with this I tried to capture the mood of my surroundings with the best possible light.

That is all I have for this post but check back to see what I’m up to next and I thank anyone who comes by and takes a look! Until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation…

POSE: Image Essentials (Store / MP) – Lickable ✦ NEW @ Mesh Body Addicts Fair (08/01 – 08/21)

– On Him –

HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
FACE: Clef de Peau – Wouter (Tone 1) ✦ NEW @ Vista Animations Mainstore
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

HAT: BETRAYAL – The “CAP” B-Ball ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)
GLASSES: Paparazzi – RetroNerd Shades ✦ NEW @ Equal10 (08/10 – 09/05)
SHIRT: COLD-ASH (Store / MP) – MONTANA Tee – SUMMER FATPACK ✦ Previously Blogged
SHORTS: Chuck Size – Benjamin Shorts ✦ Previously Blogged

– On Her –

HAIR: TRUTH – Rumor
HEAD: Catwa – Lona
FACE: Glam Affair – Jenny
LIPSTICK: Pink Fuel – Sparkle & Shine,
MAKEUP: Suicidal Unborn – Illene Eye Makeup
BODY: Maitreya – Lara

CHOKER: Nanika – Sunrise Choker
NECKLACE: Kibitz – Homegirl Necklace
SEPTUM PIERCING: Yummy – Audrey Septum
NAILS: E.Marie – Make Me Blush Coffin
TOP: Emery – Guinea Top
JEANS: Blueberry – Rie- Torn Jeans

[#514] Sunglasses At Night

Don’t switch the blade on the guy in shades; oh no
Don’t masquerade with the guy in shades;
(oh no) (I can’t believe it)
You got it made with the guy in shades; oh no

Corey Hart, ♫Sunglasses At Night♫

There are times after I see several product ads in a short span that inspire me to put a look/scene together and that’s what brought out this blog post. My music knowledge stretches a long time and my mental catalogue helps me put together themes for some of the photos that I take (whether the music is good, bad or even cheesy).

Paparazzi just released a pair of nerdy sunglasses at Equal10 and that was enough to get me out to the event on the first day so that I could grab them to use for this shot. I had an 80’s type vibe in my head for it with the Animosity pose pack which is a bicycle prop/pose set. It had me itching to find a location to bring my idea to life. Ideally I wanted a location that was city like with streets and buildings and such and while I was going over some of my resources for locations I came across [SL] Amsterdam and I thought I’d take a look around.

When I arrived at [SL] Amsterdam I didn’t know what to expect really because in my mind I’d be thinking it would be a quick walk and I’d see brothels and all sorts of things that wouldn’t be productive to a photo shoot but this place is definitely not quite what I thought it was. It’s a very quiet type setting with buildings and brick roads with a lot of bicycles all over and that told me this definitely was the place.

Not to get to sidetracked I’m going to get back to Paparazzi. I am really excited that Drew is branching out to do more things because the backdrops he makes are just stellar and I really like trying to find creative ways to use them when the time is right and the fact that through a few of the conversations I’ve had with him he is a cool guy and supporting his brand is important to me. If you are a fan of classic sunglasses then I encourage you to go check these out but first here’s some details about them.

Paparazzi RetroNerd Sunglasses FATPACK features:

100% Mesh
Resizeable upon click
14 lens colors (changeable via HUD)
13 frame colors (changeable via HUD)
16 arm colors (changeable via HUD)
7 different lens transparency settings (via HUD)
Exclusively @ Equal10 until the 5th of September

My hair is also coincidentally from the Equal10 event and is from Modulus. The Cooper hair is a short hairstyle that you can choose to have regular or faded sides with and it will still look great. While it is a short style it is a little bit longer in the front than it is in the back so you have a few wisps of hair just lightly resting against your forehead. Cooper is a style that I consider would be very trendy and can work for all seasons (even though virtually there are none).

I like the fact that Modulus releases new styles so frequently (even if it seems a bit hard to catch up as a blogger) because they all have different qualities about them that allow a blogger such as myself to be able to dress and style myself in different ways and can have a hair that I personally feel works with that outfit choice. During my process of choosing how I want to style myself I tend to base the rest off of what hairstyle I have first and work with that and I have a variety to work with.

Modulus Cooper Hair FATPACK features:

100% Alpha Mesh
Resizeable by clicking hair
40 colors overall (5 different HUDS)
Single packs available
Color HUDs include integrated color picker to enhance style
Exclusively @ Equal10

One thing I know that I can likely expect when it comes to digging into all the fun things that come with being a blogger for The Men Jail is that the Purfect brand is going to release a beard each round and 4 out of 5 times I truly want to wear it (like in an every day type of capacity). The style of these beards seem to really fit my style and they look good and are made well.

Mesh Beard A 016 which is the designation it has been given can best be described as a style where you’ve had your beard shaped to look like several claws or even sharp teeth would be a good way to describe it if I wasn’t providing a better visual of it in the photos. It reminds me of several styles I have seen worn by real life people some of them are known as entertainers. I remember before mesh beards were actually achievable and once they were and also bento arriving and getting things to fit right there, I had a legacy tattoo beard of almost this exact style so it is nice to be able to kind of go back to a style that I’ve worn before.

Purfect Mesh Beard A 016 FATPACK features:

100% mesh and resizeable
Applier HUDs for Catwa, LeLutka and Omega
Color HUD for mesh beard
6 different hair colors (over 2 beard and 2 mustache options)
Exclusively @ The Men Jail

With the type of scene that I was photographing I thought that it would be best if I wore sneakers go to along with the bike pose from Animosity. Riding a bike with anything other than shoes (barefoot or with boots are counter productive and not fun for anyone who has ever tried). I was in luck that my people at Native Urban just released the “Tomorrow” sneakers at The Men’s Department.

One of the praises I can sing about footwear made by this brand besides the attention to detail that is taken is the amount of customization that can be achieved with these sneakers. Just about any color combination that you could think of that you might want is at your fingertips with the FATPACK HUD. You might think well I might only want one or two pairs but if you think about savings you’d be making by getting the whole thing (and you really do save money if you were even thinking about purchasing two different basic colorways).

If you haven’t been to The Men’s Dept. for the August round yet then now would be the time to go swing by there, tons of great items to choose from that I know you fellas would be happy adding to your closet/wardrobe.

Native Urban Tomorrow Sneakers features:

100% original mesh
6 basic colorways (sold singly)
22 colors in HUD (FATPACK only)
11 shoe parts are colorable via HUD (FATPACK only)
Fitted sizes for Belleza (Jake), Signature (Gianni) and SLink Physique
Female fitted sizes included as well (Maitreya, Belleza and SLink)
Exclusively @ TMD until August 31st

Two things truly inspired me more for this blog post than anything and I’ve already talked about the Papazzi RetroNerd Shades but I was quite pleased when I saw an ad for the Animosity pose set that is a part of the yearly Men Only Hunt now going in it’s 11th iteration. The “Billy” Pose pack consists of a mesh bicycle with poses that have the user riding or just chilling with the bike.

I really love the creativity behind this pose set but if there’s on thing that I might have done differently is I would have made the bike have an option to change the color. I love black but having different options would help in certain lighting to be able to capture it better but take it for what it is, my opinion and nothing more. As I said I love the set but that is what I would have done differently.

Animosity Billy Pose Pack features:

100% mesh bike prop (one with poses and one regular)
6 different poses (poses 2 and 4 have alternate versions)
Poses are also included individually as well
Part of Men Only Hunt 11 until August 18th

Wow that was quite a bit to go through but if anyone is still here after all of that I’m very grateful but if you’ve just perused the information you wanted or just skipped down to the credits that is quite alright too. I know that not everyone likes to do a lot of reading (I enjoy reading as others do to so this is done for that crowd I’d say). This was very packed with things and I think it is about time for me to go into my thought process for my next post.

Enjoy the credits and until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation….

Photo taken @ [SL] Amstedam

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Cooper Hair ✦ NEW @ Equal10 (08/10 – 09/05)
HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
FACE: Clef de Peau – Wouter (Tone 1) ✦ NEW @ Vista Animations Mainstore
BEARD: Purfect – Mesh Beard A 016 ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

GLASSES: Paparazzi – RetroNerd Shades ✦ NEW @ Equal10 (08/10 – 09/05)
SHIRT: SCYTHIRE – Irvine Shirt ✦ NEW @ Hipster Men’s Event (07/23 – 08/16)
JEANS: Manson – Kenn Jeans FATPACK ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)
SHOES: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Tomorrow Sneakers – All Colors ✦ NEW @ TMD (08/05 – 08/31)

POSE: Animosity – Billy Pose Pack ✦ Mens Only Hunt 11 Gift

[#513] Dark Necessities

Do you want this love of mine?
Darkness helps us all to shine
Do you want it? Do you want it now?

Do you want it all the time?
But darkness helps us all to shine
Do you want it? Do you want it now?

Red Hot Chilli Peppers, ♫Dark Necessities♫

Normally when I set up scenes I find a really good sim to photograph myself in or a backdrop (possibly even try to attempt to decorate something myself if I’m inspired enough) but this time I decided to go very bare bones and with some choice lighting I decided to give shadows and the dark a try to convey the visual that I’m looking to portray.

The Men Jail opens its cell doors up tomorrow for the new round and while I was looking through all the fun assortment of items I came across something I normally do not see at events or even most of the stores that I frequent. RL Fashion released a mesh razor that fits in your mouth so it looks like you are holding it between your lips and teeth. I feel that it reminds me a little bit of one of the scenes in The Dark Knight where The Joker is telling Rachel Dawes a version of the story about how he got his scars and goes on to say that he stuck a razor in his mouth which is what caused them.

With that in mind I kind of created my own scene in my head with someone that isn’t all right in the brain space with a razor in his mouth but let me preface this and say that cutting is not a healthy choice but some feel that it is necessary to deal with some of the things that life throws their way. I wish for no one to harm themselves and if there is a way to seek guidance and help for situations like this, please talk to someone.

The razor prop while it is unique I feel has one small fatal flaw, it is rigged and cannot be resized or adjusted which might be a problem for some users. It seemed to work well with my Vista Animations “Gerard” head with the right facial animation but I cannot vouch for anyone other mesh head products.

This blog post is likely one of the most simple ones I’ve done in probably any of the ones I have done (and I’ve likely said that before but this truly is trying to be creative in the most minimalist way possible. Having a great background behind you is a lot of fun but doing things you may not have tried before or have been too afraid to (such as not keeping the background free to help set the mood of the photo).

For my outfit I am using an item that had once been featured at The Men Jail but was before I was chosen as an official blogger. The owner of the Joker’s Asylum store is someone I talk to from time to time and I feel like we are friends considering our passion for certain fictional characters which is a great friendship building tool.

The “Straight Jacket Outfit” is something I consider just as unique as the mouth razor and something you might not generally see in a lot of places. It’s not your traditional straight jacket or asylum patient’s attire. It really has a style to it which coincides with some of the things I like (I’m not always straight formal wear or urban wear; I like to mix it up.) I knew the right time for this would come in handy much like a lot of the things I purchase at events and don’t blog right away, they have their time and place…this would be it.

Joker’s Asylum Straight Jacket Outfit features:

100% mesh construction
Consists of three parts (Jacket, Vest and Pants)
Pants have two types (regular leg and bootcut)
Fitted sizes for Belleza (Jake) and Signature (Geralt and Gianni)

Since I said I would be keeping this brief I feel that wrapping things up for this post will be a good idea. There’s plenty of things that I’d like to get into especially some of my TMD items as well as the great new Cold-Ash boots from the event as well. There are also new styles from Modulus for me to work with as well as some other fun stuff.

Also I in future posts I may be using items from the Men’s Only Hunt that started up on the 1st of the month. It’s always fun going hunting for some really cool prizes and from some of the ads I have seen for things that are part of the hunt…I need to get a jump on that before I find myself out of time to grab them. I should be back to my norm and out on location for my next work or using a backdrop but it was nice trying to do something different and maybe it will give me more inspiration to do it again in the future or it will be a lesson not be as adventurous…we shall see.

So until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation…

HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

OUTFIT: Joker’s Asylum – Straight Jacket Outfit (Brown)

RAZOR: RL Fashion – The Mens Razor In The Mouth ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)

POSE: WRONG & The Owl – Static Male Pose #7

[#512] Bullet With A Name On It

I’m working harder than a hundred black mules down in Mexico.
No water, no clouds, no cover,
from the hotter than Hell no dinner bell,
empty oven again from another bad opinion.

Nonpoint, ♫Bullet With A Name♫

Fierce Friday…well maybe not for everyone but it sure is for me.

I was blessed to be able to work with a photographer that I’ve been wanting to do a collaboration with for the longest time, and finally I got to meet up with Travis Olbers and put my spin on the scene that you see above. He’s already posted his version of it which you can find on his FLICKR page and I really think his turned out great and it inspired me to try and do just as good of a job; I think in the long run that my version came out strong and quite like I saw in my head.

My theme for this post was quite easy considering both of us were both carrying some hardware with us preparing for the cleansing of the location called Alien Asylum (which I had never visited before until now). I feel like a good backstory behind the scene is that the two of us are hired mercs and were paid to clean out a location with our “expertise” and the photos that both Travis and I took capture the two of us leaving after causing a whole lot of chaos….which I am particularly good at in certain circumstances.

When I got the call from Travis I hadn’t had any plan for my next photo so this became an impromptu session but I was able to turn it into a blog post instead of just posting it on Flickr having done it just for fun (which it was fun but it gave me extra incentive). I had recently made a second trip to the Mesh Body Addicts Fair because I really wanted the beard that I have on. It also gave me a reason to break out items from the Gabriel gacha at The Epiphany event that I felt were great for the type of scene that was being suggested to me.

Getting back to the beard, I really like that Vista came out swinging after the release of the “Gerard” head by also releasing this beard that fits just right on the face and is similar to other beards you can find for heads made by CATWA but only fit certain ones only. “Jacob” is just for the “Gerard” head and will not fit any others and it adjusts with your face sliders as well for a fit second to none.

Vista Animations Jacob Beard (Bento) features:

Bento mesh mustache and beard
HUD allows you to hide either the mustache or beard
5 different hair colors to choose from
Tintable option within HUD to give you more than initial color choices
Exclusive to the Mesh Body Addicts Fair until August 21st

When Gabriel releases a gacha set I generally have a lot of interest in it and there are so many that I’m saving for the right moment but after getting really lucky with the machine at the latest round of The Epiphany I thought it would be good to use it for this photo. I am wearing shoes from the set but with the angle I chose they didn’t make it into the actual photo but I will also add a pic of the key so that if you see items from the set that you want you can grab them and now would be a good time to do so as the event’s been open a while and will not be so crowded you would feel like you’re wading in quicksand.

The outfit feels very mercenary like which is the vibe I wanted to give off and I think that I pulled it off well enough that it won’t get lost in translation. Of course I played to win all of the black items in the set and managed to do so in a very limited number of pulls of the machine which rarely ever happens for me. I’ve seen quite a few photos with people wearing some of these items (including the rare coat) but I chose not to with feeling that mechanically if I’m dealing out punishment it would hinder the process.

Gabriel Strap Tank / Black & Strap Line Pants / Black features:

100% rigged mesh
Part of Gacha set
Both items are common pulls
Machine costs $75L to play
Fitted sizes for both Belleza (Jake) and Signature (Gianni) mesh bodies
Only @ The Epiphany gacha event through August 12th!

With the weekend approach I hope that I can get at least another planned photo session done because there are several ideas that I have stirring around in my head but it really all boils down to time and having enough of it free to accomplish something.

As I wrap this up and leave you with the credits, I would like to thank Travis Olbers for inviting me to join him to work on a joint photo. It was a lot of fun and I certainly would enjoy doing it again in the future (and hopefully it doesn’t take us forever to set something up again right? Haha). Have a great weekend everyone and until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation…

Photo taken @ Alien Asylum

HAIR: Vango – Aaron (All) ✦ Previously Blogged
HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
BEARD: Vista Animations – Jacob Beard ✦ NEW @ Mesh Body Addicts Fair (08/01 – 08/21)
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

TANKTOP: Gabriel – Strap Tank / Black ✦ Gacha ✦ NEW @ The Epiphany (07/14 – 08/12)
PANTS: Gabriel – Strap Line Pants / Black ✦ Gacha ✦ NEW @ The Epiphany (07/14 – 08/12)

[#511] Summer Of ’69

Oh, when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Yeah, I’d always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life

Bryan Adams, ♫Summer of 69♫

August is now upon us and I felt like it’s been a bit and wanted a beach day so here I am checking out Baja Shore, one of the many parts of the Baja sim community. I have done scenes at Baja Norte before so I wanted to try something different and go to one of the other “installations” as I would call them to see what kind of image I could pull together.

With summer being one of my favorite seasons I decided to stick with that theme and this could have made a perfect post for a Throwback Thursday, I didn’t want to wait on it or forget the idea I had. Once I arrived at Baja Shore and looked around I found my spot almost instantly with the old caddy with towels and various items inside of it that screamed summer fun.

Bakaboo has not released many products as of late due to the busy nature of creator, Ocean Blackthorne, but at this past Swank event (which I missed the cut of posting this before the end of the round by a nose hair) the latest release for men is a colorful jersey type tanktop and shorts. Sold separately these matching clothes are not only attention grabbers but have a perfect fit and I give high praise to Ocean for rigging for mesh bodies (a first for me since officially blogging for the brand). I knew that I picked a winner with this outfit and trip to the beach, this scene was going to turn out well.

Bakaboo Summer Jersey / Summer Shorts features:

Jersey and Shorts sold separately
3 different colorways (also with a pair of black shorts)
Classic sizes Xs-XL
Male body sizes for Adam, Aesthetic, Belleza (Jake), Signature (Gianni), SLink Physique and TMP

To compliment my outfit I have on the latest sneakers from Native Urban. The “Revealed” sneakers have a very casual and comfortable look for every day wear and could also be used for running for those of you on the grid with an active lifestyle. The All Colors pack has customization that will have you wearing a different style for any occasion or outfit choice.

Native Urban Revealed Sneakers All Colors features:

19 different color options
13 shoe parts to color customize for endless combinations
Sizes for Belleza (Jake), Signature (Gianni) and SLink Physique
Sizes also included for Maitreya (Hi and Flat) and SLink (Hi and Flat)
Available now @ Uber until Aug. 22!

Now that you know about my outfit I can get to the new things that I have for the face/body which are both from Modulus.

The hair I have on is from the recent round of the Man Cave which still has a week left of opening, it’s a combed back look that will have guys looking as suave as they possibly can. The “Preston” hair style is 100% mesh and a part of the Modulus Alpha next gen hair line. With a hairstyle like this I felt that maybe I should have thrown in a pair of shades to give my look an extra cool effect but I think either way I feel pretty stylish.

Modulus Preston Hair Fatpack features:

40 colors (via 5 applier HUDs)
Includes Blonds, Browns, Monochromes, Reds and Vibrants
Each HUD has a color picker included for extra customization
Available @ Man Cave through August 9th!

The beginning of August brings us all sorts of events that are starting new rounds with all new products as well as the return of the Mesh Body Addicts Fair which combines mesh heads, bodies, skins, clothing and accessories (including shapes) to give guys and gals new choices to upgrade their appearance for customize it slightly to help them feel more like how they want to represent themselves on the grid.

Modulus is also a contributing brand to the event and have two different facial hair styles and a set of eyebrows for sale. For this look I am wearing the “Goatee” style which reminds me a little bit of the style I personally have in the real world. Facial hair is something that I try not to live without so 3/4 of my looks have me wearing facial hair of some type whether it’s closely shaved or a really thick beard, I tend to do it all in that respect.

I’ve always enjoyed the different types of facial hair that Modulus creates (and it’s not often that Chucky does so this makes it one of those special occasions). It could be said that I’ve been down since day one as I owned all of the facial hair that were made under the Fruk banner which were later brought back for a small moment through Modulus.

Modulus Goatee features:

Omega applier HUD
Dark and Tintable appliers
Exclusively @ Mesh Body Addicts Fair until August 21st!

There are a lot more things to cover in the next week or so and I can’t wait to share them with you as products from The Men Jail come through as well as more from the Mesh Boddy Addicts Fair. There are some creative poses from Image Essentials that I can’t wait to try my hand at creating a scene with as well as The Men’s Department opening up at the beginning of next week.

That about wraps it up for this blog post but this was definitely a lot of fun but the planning never ends so until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation…

Photo taken @ Baja Shore

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Preston Hair ✦ NEW @ Man Cave (07/15 – 08/09)
HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
BEARD: Modulus (Store / MP) – Goatee ✦ NEW @ Mesh Body Addicts Fair (08/01 – 08/21)
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

TANKTOP: Bakaboo (Store / MP) – Summer Jersey – Color B
SHORTS: Bakaboo (Store / MP) – Summer Shorts – Color B
SHOES: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Revealed Sneakers – All Colors ✦ NEW @ Uber (07/25 – 08/22)

[#509] Not Tonight, Not Tomorrow

I wish I can hear your voice
And don’t leave me alone in this bed
I wish I could touch you once more
And don’t leave me alone in this bed

Framing Hanley, ♫Alone In This Bed (Capeside)♫

Usually I don’t like to try and post back to back posts where the content is on the super serious side or that deals with loss but sometimes it can’t be helped. It also just so happened that I rediscovered a song as I was trying to figure out a soundtrack to aid the visual I came up with that you see above. I needed something that fit the “Bento Male Pillow Pose Pack” from [IsHere] Poses that is for sale right now at the Pose Fair. As I start to wind down the coverage for the event I definitely think this is been a very productive and creative time for me. I’m very grateful to be teamed up with such a great event like Pose Fair.

In the last few days I reconnected myself with a band that I really enjoyed and still enjoy listening to named Framing Hanley. The story behind how they got their name is rather touching and very honorable and if you’ve never had the opportunity to take a listen to them then definitely click the link above to listen to the song that serves as the background of this blog entry. To give you a bit of info on the band, someone very close to them that did a lot of promoting and photography for them tragically died in a car accident in 2006 and in dedication to her when getting signed to a major label they took part of her name as theirs.

A hunch of mine is that this song has a tie in to her as well but I’m not 100% certain but it would make sense. Losing someone is never an easy thing and it takes a lot to eventually come to a place where you’ve accepted it. You don’t ever forget but you come to the terms that this person is gone and depending on what kind of beliefs you have (definitely not trying to spurn a religious debate of any kind) there’s a chance you may see them again on the other side.

So getting back to the [IsHere] Poses set, I chose to work with this idea of going to sleep missing someone that’s been lost and longing to have them back again and not wanting to face the consequences of laying in the bed alone. I really feel that I captured the mood of that feeling well and the end results were better than I anticipated.

Here’s a bit more info about the pose set that I used a pose from in this scene.

[IsHere] Poses Bento Male Pillow Pose Set features:

5 bento static male poses
Mesh pillows included for each pose
Available @ Pose Fair until July 31st

Considering the fact that I did this shoot in just my boxers there isn’t any other clothing that I’m featuring in this post but I am wearing one of the latest hairs from Modulus which is currently a part of the Go by FaMESHed. If you’re not familiar with how that works you should definitely check out their website to get all of the details in how it works. It you want a small Cliff’s Notes version of what it’s about then let me tell you what I know.

It starts by getting a HUD at FaMESHed HQ and then you can shop at the stores currently featured for the specific month and you earn points by getting the exclusive item from those stores and once you’ve accumulated enough points you can get special items that are only available in this manner so it’s a cool way to get one of a kind items that once they are no longer available through Go, they are gone for good.

The “Benji Hair” a tuft of hair hanging down the front of the forehead going down towards the eyes and I can honestly say that you don’t see too many styles like this so to say it is unique would be very accurate. It could even be viewed as a punk rock hairstyle as I’ve seen many musicians of that genre have similar hair in the past. With each release this brand continues to get better and I know that soon they’ll be adding more female styles to their product lineup and that’s great to hear as well.

Modulus Benji Hair features:

40 different hair colors to choose from (via 5 applier HUDs)
Fatpack option available
Integrated color tinting as a part of applier HUD
Available through August 10th as a part of Go by FaMESHed

For the second straight blog I’ve been wearing the new male bento head from Vista Animations named “Gerard”. Right now the head is in beta but a pending final release is coming soon so when that has been issued then I will certainly give more thoughts about this product as well as skins from 3rd Party designers to accompany it. First impressions though are I think the animations are superb and definitely can be a contender to the brands that are heavily favored in the market.

Keep your sights on the blog for more about Vista Animations “Gerard” in future posts!

I feel it is the appropriate time to wrap the blog up to start planning the next scene and my final coverage of July’s round of Pose Fair which the next time I will be covering it will be when it returns again in October. I certainly anticipate this next round because of this one being so enjoyable and helping me focus my creativity.

Until our paths cross again, it’s onto the next conversation…

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Benji Hair ✦ NEW for FaMESHed Go (07/15 – 08/10)
HEAD: VISTA Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

BOXERS: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – Cold Boxer Shorts (Classic Pack) ✦ Previously Blogged

POSE: [IsHere] Poses – Bento Mens Pillow Pose Pack ✦ NEW @ Pose Fair (07/01 – 07/31)

[#508] Well, I Do

If they say

Who cares if one more light goes out
In the sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out
If a moment is all we are?
We’re quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well, I do

Linkin Park, ♫One More Light♫

No truer words could be said at this moment as I’m taking a special moment from my regularly scheduled blogging to put out this tribute post. Plenty of people think it is silly how society as a whole becomes attached to celebrities (Actors/Actresses, Musicians, Authors and other known persons) but they come into our lives and in some way make an impact on us that is with us for however long we exist.

When someone is no longer on this planet whether it be of old age, disease, accident or even suicide it’s impact can have a huge effect on the society which valued the body of work they have given the world and that is why tonight I am remembering Chester Bennington. His voice and words may have been from one degree to another from despair to hope they’ve lasted in many of Linkin Park’s fans that are still reeling from a year ago when he took his own life.

Everyone can try to play armchair therapist or say that there’s always a way to fix things but maybe sometimes it is too late for someone to realize it and they feel it is too far help. Many of us wish that we could have given back to him everything he gave to the fans and it will always ring through our minds and hearts. I’ve spoken to several people today who have been helped in some way by his words, that have helped them cope and grieve over their issues to rise up from them and take that knowledge to help the next person.

I as much as anyone else miss him and through the music of the band that we do have (and maybe from things that could be released from the vault later on if there is such a thing) we’ll always be able to carry his memory. If it is possible and anyone is reading this tonight, light a candle in honor of Chester whether you enjoyed his art or not and not only him, light it for someone you’ve lost.

Until our paths cross again, on to the next conversation…

HEAD: VISTA Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

BEANIE/HEADPHONES: VRSION – RV25 Beannie w/Headphones ✦ NEW @ equal10 (07/10 – 08/05)
JACKET: AITUI – Judd Jacket
JEANS: {COLD-ASH} (Store / MP) HOLLOWAY Ripped Jeans (Fatpack) ✦ NEW @ TMD (07/05 – 07/31)
SHOES: Dossier – Sneakers Socks MITCH