What is a Neko?

At the dawn of time Mother created the angels. Being not "Her," they saw not all. Some saw Good, some saw Evil, thus they chose.

In the following battle between Angels and Demons, the few that did not choose got in the crossfire and lost Eternal Life.

Mother took Pity on them and granted them Nine Lives.

The lost Tribe.

Too Sexy for Heaven, Too Sweet for Hell.

Naughty by Nature. Adorable by Default.

Neko!

- Mau Nightfire

Neko is the Japanese word for the domestic cat. Because they are so exquisite and magical they are often considered to be female :). From kitty ears and tail to fur, claws, and whiskers, they tend to behave with a kittenish attitude. But Nekos are not all girls, and boy Nekos are not necessarily gay.

Are Nekos femme? Misconceptions are in part fostered by usage of the term Neko. In Japanese gay slang, "Neko" is equivalent to "femme," i.e., the more feminine member of a lesbian relationship. It's also equivalent to the bottom or passive partner in a male homosexual relationship. But there is a real femme vs. not femme debate. Cats are sensual, lithe, seductive, cuddlesome... all traits usually attributed to the fairer sex. On the other hand, a cat can be sinewy, a hunter, a stalker, a predator... traits generally ascribed to males.

First of all, let me just say that BON JOVI ROCKS.... I had to say that because Jameson Gufler, an extremely well-dressed and fashionable boy Neko, insisted that I had to say it as a precondition for any serious discussion of Neko. His exact words were: "Hahah! You have to! They kick arse!"

I met Jameson and an apparent girlfriend at the Sweet Reach Neko Garden (Sweet Reach 3,30,95). Jameson is very opinionated as to what it means to be a Neko. Like many who subscribe to a philosophy of Neko, he is disgusted with those who participate as one would in any fad. "Being a Neko is its own thing, it's as simple as that... Few that claim to be one actually understand what it means to be one. Most people go out and get ears and tails because they think it looks cool.... That’s not being Neko. It's a touchy subject, I suppose, because loads of people think they are a Neko and they aren't. Lol! It's a touchy subject, and it's not for everyone. Only serious people need apply. And to all their own :P"

INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OTHER NEKOS...

Why would anyone want to be a Neko?

Robin Lime: "Different reasons for different people I guess, Gudrun. For me -- it wasn't much about the philosophy or anything like that, just an attraction to the image and a lifelong love of cats. I'm sure that to people who are serious about their Neko-ism I come off as a poseur. After all, I usually wear the ears, but the skin and tail are not part of my daily routine."

Mau Nightfire: "Okay, but before I answer that I want to make sure that you know that these are Mau's answers, and Mau does not speak for the entire Neko community -- Neko is a fantasy creature. For me it’s the best character traits of human and cat mixed. All the traits some love and others hate cats for in a more or less human package. Independent yet fond of humans but always on their terms. And since it's a fantasy creature, I get the freedom to make of it what I like and be what I like."

Christiana Aurbierre: "Because I love to be different and step outside the box."

Is there bestiality involved? (Well, beyond what we might normally experience with our pets while playing with their tails, etc., LOL)

Robin: "Not as far as I know."

Mau: "Did you ever ask a Playboy girl that question (you know the ones with the stuck on ears and tail)? Do all Goth vampire girls drink blood or associate themselves with cannibalism? For me the answer is NO! I am not an animal. Neko represents for me a way to show my character. I don't view myself or other Neko/foxkin as animals."

Christiana: "No."

Is the Neko reputation for sensuality and affection deserved?

Robin: "I think so, but I'm prejudiced."

Mau: "In my case absolutely =^.^= add naughty and adorable to the mix and you got kitty."

Christiana: "Yes, Neko's are really affectionate and sweet."

Is Neko femme, or can guys be true Neko?

Mau: "Oh yes. I know some pretty awesome male Neko."

Christiana: "Obviously u haven't met my friend Jameson :)"

What do you think of tomcats?

Robin: "Not applicable. I don't think much about this issue cuz I don't spend much time thinking about guys. The sooner they get off the planet the sooner we can all take our clothes off."

Mau: *Looks up, shrugs, looks outside sees a bird and asks absent mindedly: 'What was the question?'"

Do kitties get more pussy?

Robin: "I'm not telling."

Mau: "About the same as redheads, blondes and brunettes I guess. Kitty does not really keep score."

Christiana: "Not just b/c we are kitties no... it's cause i'm hot... j/k"

Is there a relationship between Neko and Goth? Between Neko and Vampire?

Robin: "Neko, Goth, Vampire, they're all outsider groups who I think are more in tune with the dark side of life than mainstreamers are. A lot of the creative inspiration is similar. For instance, the only Neko skin I like well enough to wear a lot is a Goth Neko that was created by a skin maker (Starfuker Skins) that specializes in Goth skins. I'm kind of Neko by nature, whereas [my GF partner] Tonda is pretty Goth, and it seems to be a good combination.

Mau: "Lemme see... Ok I got a nice white skin with some light tiger markings (tabby) and Goth like makeup. I like Industrial and EBM. So yea for me there is some overlap. Kitty got bitten a few times by a vampire so yep there is overlap too. Kitty is submissive so there is definitely some overlap with BDSM too. But then Kitty likes Bach, Vivaldi, Monk, Elderidge, Basi, Ellington, Waits, Vega, Amos, Cohen. So for some there is overlap for others there is not. Some Kitties like Charts. Does that make them dull?"

Christiana: "Only if u want it to be. I like Goth stuff and Vampire stuff so it has no correlation, just what u prefer."

Do you patronize businesses that cater to a particular "demographic," i.e. Neko?

Robin: "Yes, I'm for always looking clothes and accessories that look... Neko."

Mau: "Well I like leather harnesses so I definitely scavenge the BDSM stores. There are some lovely Neko stores though with really pretty casual wear. Oh and I have a lovely tuxedo and just the most gorgeous black Goth dresses. I try to avoid businesses that don’t want me because I am a sub, Neko and, and... and."

Christiana: "Yes I shop at Neko shops, but I also shop everywhere else."

What about Nekos and clothes?

Robin: "??"

Mau: "Don’t really need them since I have the sexiest silky, short, white fur you can imagine. But not wearing clothes gets me kicked out of too many clubs and sims. Still I look good in clothes... *grin*. I don't wear shoes very often. It's easier to chase squirrels and Yorkshire terriers up trees if kitty has a good 4 paw grip on bark."

Christiana: "Uhm I don't walk around naked."

Okay, what is the point of Neko?

Robin: "For me personally? It's about the way I present myself to the world and to my partner."

Mau: "For me, to show myself and to have a history in SL that allows me to be changed into another form from time to time."

Christiana: "Wow uhm... I think that Neko comes from the heart. Neko means Cat in Japanese and Cats are very loving and affectionate creatures."

IN SUM:

Though the seriousness of being Neko is a recurring theme among all of those I've spoken to, this mustn’t detract from the simple funness of catness or of one being able to just fool around. Interspecies mating. Neko, elf, fae, furry, human, android, Gorean, vampire, demi-god. Gay, lesbian, tranny, str8. It's all part and parcel of SL. As long as we all respect each other's needs.

Each and every human being in the entire world, be it the real world or metaverse, has something that someone else somewhere feels is weird. If people try to marginalize a group, try to stop them from doing as they please, well, sooner or later, those people will find themselves on the other side of the glass. I do believe in taking these things seriouSLy. On the other hand, just let's remember where these versions of reality and flights of fancy all exist. LOL!

Also, I haven't quite figured out whether or not being what is colloquially known as a "cougar" qualifies me as a Neko or not... :/

Eating in Second Life

(This is about virtual food. :P)

Much of my time in RL is spent thinking about food: what's in the fridge, when to go to the store, what's for dinner, or is there a cool restaurant I really want to go to. (If you live in Chicago, btw, try the Magnolia Cafe on Wilson Ave. :)) Eating is one of the joys of life. It’s an activity that engages all of the senses at once. In SL, however, food is not an overriding concern. No sound, no smell, no feel, and no taste. Why even have it then? Because like all the other things in SL that aren’t quite like they are in real life, it can be fun.

One of my favorite places in SL is the Cas food court at Voti (209, 21, 43), where you can purchase almost any virtual victual you could possibly desire. These foods are beautifully prepared and offer some cyber-enjoyment as well. On hand for entertaining I keep tea and crumpets, antipasto, tapas, oysters, artisan cheeses, champagne, whiskey drinks, wine flights, lemonade, and iced tea. I also have an absinthe fountain, for the truly adventurous imbiber (and you know who you are).

Another fave is HomeLife/PondLife at PondLife (77,129,21). Here you can purchase dining sets with fully animated food service (as opposed to just pictures of food), and a bunch of other kewl stuff, indoor and out, as well. Dining sets are the handiwork of Eladon Galsworthy, whose products I own and greatly admire. (There are some lovely picnic blankets made by others, but their attraction is not the food they have pictured, but the cuddles they include. :) )

Utensils in SL are interesting. They're there if you want to use them, and of course, they contribute to a genteel dining experience. All of those I've seen operate in a European fashion: no one switches their fork to the right hand after cutting. This makes very good sense given the complexity of a hand switch in an animation. But true credit for the elimination of all complexity in dining goes to Duggy Bing, who might easily devour everything on your menu without ever bothering to pick up a knife or fork. :( (Bad Duggy!)

There is a dearth of restaurants in SL, especially really nice ones. Sublime, now on the beach at St. Thomas, has come and gone, but has now come again. Sublime was my first dining experience as an SL restaurant virgin. But Duggy told me of another place that had escaped my notice (I don’t know how): the Arbor. I went there for brunch Sunday morning with a newfound friend whose SL name I adore (and also says it all), Megaera Lunasea. Not seeing any staff, we opted for self-service.

Getting into the place was a bit of a challenge, the entry procedure not being completely intuitive. Meg’s simple evaluation was, “Well, it's not completely impressive. It’s too complicated.” However, once we found our way to the lovely duck pond on a cloud and were seated, we were definitely impressed with the ambience. I ordered Eggs Benedict, my enduring favorite. Meg had a fruit platter.

SL eating is problematic in more than one respect. First, there is the occasional technical glitch. (Meg: “I’m drinking water but don't see it.”) Second, it piques your appetite. (Meg: “Well, now I will need to make breakfast in RL *giggle*.”) Third, you aren’t really doing much. (Meg: “This is cute, but isn't the concept kind of like we are paying them to camp, instead of vice versa *giggle*?”) But it does provide an excellent excuse for good, relaxed conversation.

Another little glitch was that when I rose from the table, I went airborne, falling many, many meters to the ground. I advised Meg to yell “Geronimo!!!” before she did likewise. (She yelled “Wheeeee!!!!” instead.) So much for ambience. :/ I should point out that the Arbor maintains a very elaborate menu and Web site, and actually does have a wait staff. No one was around, and we enjoyed self-service, but if you want table service, a reservation might be a good idea. Perhaps if a waiter had assisted me with my chair… LOL..

Getting back to Sublime… Seaside Sublime, Serenity Islands CTR (108, 231, 22), is very kewl and casual, but, for better or worse, not like the original. All self-service. Pop on your swimsuit and try it, tho.

PLACES I VISITED:

Restaurants

Aladdin DAHAB, Egypt - Eladon's stuff on Egyptian beach

The Arbor - Eladon's stuff with Opal Proctor food (fancy)

Beck-Nemeth Restaurant and Food - To look at only

Knightsbridge - Is there a restaurant somewhere?
Pizza Master's Home - Couldn’t get food
Sublime - Eladon fun on the beach casual

Top Food (you can eat, and some of it talks)

Cas in Voti - Yummedy
Naughty Nibbles - Yummedy
Proctor’s Perfections - Yummedy
Romantic Gifts and Novelties - Yummedy
Rosehaven Recipes - Yummedy

Food

Japanese Goods Shop “Giomobrando” - Japanese dishes to look at
Lutecia Productions, Roman Market - Ancient looking food
Maddux furniture grocery - Like a Hillman’s in a Sears basement
MG Bakery - Not eatable

NOT COVERED IN THIS POST, but VERY interesting nevertheless, possible future subjects:

Control your Eating Habits - Personal Coaching with Nina Lancaster

Also, everyday ppl volunteering to keep their virtual selves healthy by eating virtual food everyday, and seeing their habits turn into avatars of their dreams or nightmares.

And, virtual gluttony, officially sanctioned by Major League Eating, the sports franchise that oversees all professional competitive eating events, including the Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Soon to be on the Wii.

Pink Floyd's "The Wall" in SL

What follows is a flier about a really neat project. I was fortunate enough to see a preview performance of this epic production, and however good you think such a thing might be, this show is better! And, for a very limited time only, the soundtrack from the preview performance is available for download at http://download.yousendit.com/5049267E4A92D147


The Cybernetic Art Research Project proudly presents:

** The Wall 2008 in SL **

An international team of artists collaborated over the last 10 weeks to bring Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” into SL, with spectacular results…

VENUE: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Benvolio/205/40/353

First performances:
Saturday 12th April 2pm SLT
Sunday 13th April 2pm SLT

Interest in these two initial performances is very high; a strict “first come, first served” basis is in place. Arrive early!

Creative Direction: Debbie Trilling (UK)
Production: Velazquez Bonetto (Germany)
Wall design & scripting: Elfod Nemeth (UK)
Animated Puppets: Duggy Bing (US)
Choreography: Caravaggio Bonetto (Austria)
Costumes: Josina Burgess (Germany)
New Music: Juniverse Stockholm (Sweden)
Machinima: Eifachfilm Vacirca (Switzerland)
With valuable contributions from: Scio Kamachi (US), Celeste Moonlight (US), DJ Jenns (UK), George W Bush (US)
Original Wall Soundtrack: Pink Floyd

** STRICT FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED **

** ALL PROCEEDS TO RELAY FOR LIFE **

OMG, Moses died!

It has been said that when Charlton Heston died, ppl would say, “There was an actor.” Well, he died.

Charlton Heston’s death brings to mind some real blockbusters (“ I am the pharaoh's daughter, and this is my son. He shall be reared in my house, as the prince of the two lands.”), but also a lot of mediocre but entertaining potboilers, and one underrated but prescient movie: Soylent Green. Soylent Green is not remembered as well as, for example, Planet of the Apes. A lot of ppl remember lines like “Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!” and, “ You Maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!” Not as many remember Charlton’s closing line from this one.

Soylent Green didn’t deal in the silliness of the ascendancy of apes. It dealt with the Greenhouse Effect, a population explosion, class strife, food shortages, the secularization of the clergy, euthanasia, and the pauperization of intellectuals, among other things - all very real possibilities and/or realities to be.

The year is 2022. New York is overpopulated. There are 40 million ppl stockaded there, the rich and poor segregated, but everybody short of natural food. The condition of the world is the result of a pivotal ecological disaster. Greenhouse gasses have overwhelmed the earth's ability to absorb its industrial and consumer insults.

Ppl subsist on a combination of soy and lentil (soy-lent) protein chips, which come in a variety of flavors (red, yellow) made by the Soylent Corporation. There’s a new new high energy version, green, that is much sought after, and is supposedly made of plankton. When trucks bearing soylent green arrive, food riots often ensue, cuz there's not enough to go around.

Charlton is a cop who rooms with an aged professor played by Edward G. Robinson. His apartment has no food, no water, no air conditioning. But he is assigned to investigate the murder of a rich Soylent Corp. executive. Instead of looking for clues or evidence, however, he snags the Exec's booty: some meat, some bourbon, some soap, and the exec’s “furniture” (played by Leigh Taylor-Young). He breathes deeply and washes in air conditioned comfort – with the furniture. :)

In the apartment he also finds some oceanographic reports which, though he couldn’t be less interested in the investigation, he knew would interest the professor. It turns out that the exec was killed because he knew what soylent green was made of. EG proceeds to figure it out.

EG finds out the truth, but does not want to deal with the truth. He requests euthanasia (euphemistically known as "going home"). Charlton is left to put the pieces together on his own. He does, by following the waste disposal trucks leaving the government euthanasia facility. And having learned the horrific truth, in the end he is wheeled out yelling, “You gotta tell ‘em! Soylent Green is people!”

They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Sex in Second Life

When I first came to SL, I met a male avatar who had been around for a few days. When he was brand new, some nice lady gave him a free cock, which every guy in SL needs, and which he promptly wore. Unfortunately, he hadn't stayed with the Intro long enough to learn how to turn around and view his front, and he walked around for 3 days before he realized how in flagrante delicto he was. But he made a lot of friends.

This may seem funny, but it is central to the SL experience. In most media accounts of SL, the absence of sex is notable. It's all about the people, the art, land ownership and development, scripting, selling of goods, and the corporate presence. In reality, it's largely if not entirely about looks, clothes, and sex. Nothing makes this more obvious than the fact that you have to buy skin and obtain a bunch of equipment. And you need clothes, if only to call attention to your best features, and then take them off. The land is just a place where you dooz it.

Escorts

This can (but doesn't necessarily) lead to the subject of "escorts." Escorts seem ubiquitous in SL. Is escorting really a Second Life vocation, or simply a way for newbs to make some fast cash? And why are there so many paid companions in a place full of free sex? Engaging in an occupation such as this would once have been the best reason I could think of to keep my Second Life a total secret. That, however, was when I was a newb myself, and a judgmental parent to boot. I now have an open mind as to what we sexy cartoon characters can and should be up to. NOT THAT I HAVE EVER BEEN AN ESCORT. And neither my mommy nor my kids even know I’m on SL! LOL!

Who pays escorts?

- Newbs who need instruction

- Ppl who haven't got the time or patience to make friends

- Ppl who fall for a "damsel in distress" line

What do you need to be an escort?

- A shape

- A skin

- Some basic equipment that has endless embellishments

- A line of bullshit, including a plausible and solvable predicament

- A willingness to talk endlessly to relative strangers (A TRUE TALENT)

In any case, the SL sex trade seems a very healthy industry. I still don't understand it. But apparently there are avatars out there who can deliver an experience intense enough to be paid for it. Whatever one spends on being able to deliver is there to be sold and resold over and over again. And many of the dangers inherent in RL simply are not here. So maybe it’s not a bad career choice. :/

Romance

It also leads to the subject of unpaid sex. It’s reasonable to ask how you can fall in love with a cartoon, but you can. There is cybersex: some refer to it as riding poseballs. But once again, conversation is central to the experience. In this regard, I often regret not having enjoyed some experiences more. (You know who you are, sweetie.)

Many people see SL as merely a game. But the game, assisted by the pretty pictures and real interaction, can obtain a depth of experience unavailable in other games, or sometimes even in RL. Often, in the city, riding the bus or the “L” can involve overhearing other ppl’s sex lives recounted in cell phone conversations. Often dull and boring, this is real life sex, and it’s often being bragged about. Often ppl will talk about how they wish their partner were still around in the morning, but in truth, they’re glad they aren’t. After all, there are more important things to do in RL than make love.

In SL, except for the work of some builders and scripters, there really aren’t more important things to do. Once again, the life commitments and the dangers inherent in RL simply are not there. And the inability to spend the night together is a technical issue, not a matter of convenience.

In SL, getting to do it, the hard part in RL, is easy. The should-be-easy part (like laying together hugging all night) is hard. There is a lesson for RL here, and a reason why the best kisses and hugs remain the most popular things in SL. Concentrate on the good stuff. Let’s not forget, that boys will always be boys, and girls will always be girls. And really, though there’s no real difference, those deep down needs are important:

How to Sex a Dinosaur

Tyrannosaurus rex

Has enormous pecs

Whereas Tyrannosaurus regina

Has an enormous ...tiara

…Author unknown