Artists visit virtual Second Life for real-world cash | CNN

Artists visit virtual Second Life for real-world cash
By John D. Sutter | CNN

It's 9 a.m. when Cylindrian Rutabaga takes the microphone at a familiar bar.

The funny-named musician with crinkled red hair, a white blouse and flowing skirt picks up her custom-made guitar and looks across the audience with a blank stare.

Her fans already are rocking out: Some breakdance on the bar's tile floor. Others flail about with the vigor of '70s disco dancers. One man with a towering afro and 3-D glasses looks like he's swimming the backstroke to some nonexistent beat. Read full article »

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Watch Me Pull a Bunny Out of My Hat by RemingtonSteele Dagger

Grid World News: Posted: July 18, 2007 at 8:45 am
Jeffrey Berman, aka RemingtonSteele Dagger

Watch Me Pull a Bunny Out of My Hat
One reporter braves the perils of Playboy Island

Playboy has arrived in Linden and Tuesday nights are hopping at Hef’s place. Host to a bevy of Bunnies, Hugh Hefner brings his trademark sexually-charged lifestyle to Linden with the hippest, swankiest party in town.

Open since June 12th, The Playboy Club has quickly proven to be another extension of Hugh Hefner’s world as depicted in the pages of his magazine. Carved in the shape of the Playboy Insignia, the island is fairly small and built around the club. But as we’ve come to expect from Hef, it’s not the size that counts, it’s the sex appeal that matters. This island’s got it and more.

To celebrate the ongoing sexual revolution every Tuesday Night from 6pm to 10 pm (SLT) the Playboy Club is host to DJ Doubledown Tandino who rocks the crowd into frenzy with a unique stream of dance music as well as a different live band every week.

So what I wanted to know when I showed up at the doors this past Tuesday night was–where was the big Kahuna himself? Would he be putting in an appearance? I asked assistant manager Kellyfaith, who also creates all of the clothing sold at the Playboy Island, and was told, “I’m not at liberty to answer.” It’s not allowed. Apparently the big man likes to keep his presence incognito when roaming amongst his legion.

About the time a crowd swilling Martinis and tripping the light fantastic filled out the dance floor I took the opportunity to slip out of the club to my new favorite spot in all of Linden: the Grotto, located in a little cove off the beach underneath the Playboy Club.

Whatever rumors you may have heard about The Grotto, they don’t hold a candle to the actual love den. So while the party was raging just above my little hideaway I was sequestered below with my own private Bunny relaxing in the warm waters of Hef’s legacy. By now I had lost any interest in finding Hef. As far as I was concerned, for the rest of the evening, I was Hef. That’s the lure of Playboy. Whether it’s inside the pages of the magazine or lounging in the Grotto, anyone of us can be Hef, if even for a short time.

Now if I can only keep the place a secret for just a little while longer. That would be a great trick.

Grid World News gives Props to Doubledown - "So You Think You Can DJ? Try a Doubledown"

Posted: July 1, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Jeff Saporito, aka Gore Nesterov of Grid World News

So You Think You Can DJ? Try a Doubledown
Local superstar DJ Doubledown reveals the secrets to his mixing success

How does one describe Linden’s vast and varied music scene? To put it simply, music is everywhere.

From dance clubs to music festivals, the world has always served as a venue for the arts in all its forms, and music is at the forefront. One man who recognized this fact the moment he first crawled from the Linden womb is Doubledown Tandino.

Doubledown is a music composer, mixer, producer, promoter, and performer. His goal, in his own words is to be, “…totally engrossed with the music scene in all forms of collaborative aspects.” It’s been his mission for over a year.

Doubledown has become one of the premier DJs in the Grid, and can be found playing tunes all over the world. His sounds range in genre from hardcore liquid-funk at rave clubs to comfy soft jazz at corporate events. Doubledown says that understanding, embracing, and appreciating all forms of music and its application in people’s lives are essential qualities in becoming a respected DJ. “My focus really isn’t a specific focus at all,” states the superstar DJ. “I try to touch on all aspects of music and events.” That mentality is what has driven him to the top–along with his dedication, creativity, and passion for the music.

Doubledown’s power isn’t just about taking DJing to a higher level. In addition to traditional mixing, Doubledown is a skilled marketer and event planner, and can organize and maintain all aspects of any event type.

“I think people dig my sounds because I have a huge passion for the music I think is good. And when I DJ live, people hear it. I play a lot, people see me, and they hear my style. I make myself found at all kinds of events, but especially ones that focus on the music more than just have music.”

DJing live and being open with the audience is what Doubledown says is the key to his success. He plays shows at all types of venues. He showcases his original music at festivals and exhibitions. He lets people know where they can find his music, his biography, and any information they may want about him. Essentially, it’s the “out there” factor that he projects that makes him approachable and sets him apart.

Come hear Doubledown spin some tunes at a special live event on July 5th from 11:30am-1pm at The Clock Tower in Saria.