It was a late November day at the Podex Exchange. Fall had arrived, and at times the workers talked about the trees in some places turning red and brown and falling down. Some also talked about the recent Thanksgiving festivities in Areo Pines. And of course there was talk about how some stores were already hawking Christmas items.
It was at this point someone walked into the bank. He was dressed up in Native American Indian fashion, with a loincloth and belt and feather on a band on his head. He was also furry, with dark gray and nearly white hair over his body, a tail with black and dark gray bands, and the fur around his eyes black, making it look like he was wearing a mask.
He got the attention of the tellers right away, "Clumsy Cooper!"
The visitor looked puzzled, "Uh, who are you talking about?" He asked in an thick Eastern European accent.
One teller then looked relieved, "Wait a sec guys, that's not Clumsy. Those markings aren't the same. Whatever costumes he wears, Clumsy never changes his stripes. Besides, that's not his voice."
The visitor raised an eyebrow, "Is something going on?"
"Oh, sorry Sir. Long story. Anyway, what can we do to help?"
"Well, my sim is having a late after-Thanksgiving party for the Americans who were out for their holiday, and well, we are a bit short on Lindens. Could I get some with Euros instead of American dollars, or even better, Rubles?"
"Certainly Sir. We accept Dollars, Pounds, Euros, and several other currencies. We just recently began trading Lindens for Russian Rubles."
"So you are selling Lindens for Rubles now?"
"Yes Sir, we're also the only exchange involving Russia that doesn't use 'Risk Api.' "
"What is that?"
"Basically a disclaimer saying if something goes wrong with the transaction, Linden Lab isn't responsible. If you want to buy or sell Lindens for Rubles here, you'll get your money. Those purchasing Rubles will have to wait a day or two for their first transaction, but they will get their money."
"Ah that is good news. May I ask what is this 'Second Life Visa Card?'" This visitor glanced to the sign.
"It's an anonymous card with it's own bank account, issued by the Bank Zachodni WBK, one of Poland's largest banks. You can load it with Paypal, money bank transfer, or Linden dollars from Second Life. Then you can use it in real life."
"Now this is interesting. I think I will sign up. Just please give me a full list of terms, and oh yes, the Lindens."
The exchange of Rubles for Lindens was quickly taken care of. The credit card took a little longer, the visitor in Indian garb taking a little time to go over the terms, then applied.
"Thank you. You'll receive your card in the mail soon."
"Good. Now I have a little something to tell my friends. Half the Americans think we are still under Communism, or close to it."
"If I may ask, why the Indian outfit?"
"Well, as I told you, they think I'm a 'Red,' so I decided to dress like a Red man."
They chuckled, and the visitor happily left with his Lindens.
The Podex Exchange is located at Moonbeam (
26, 223, 34), with a website at
http://www.podex.info/ . Jacek Shuftan is the CEO. Podex has recently been offering an
SL Visa Card, aka "Second Card," with details at
http://www.second-card.com/ , as well as setting up
an office in Avination to trade $Cs for international currencies, and expanding their list of currencies to include Russian Rubles.
Note: The preceding is a fictional story, written for the dual purpose of advertisement and entertainment.Bixyl Shuftan
When I landed at Misty Acres I expected to skate, explore a bit and leave.
I ended up staying an hour and a half and plan to go back with friends. At
Misty Acres follow the This way To the North Pole sign where Tindallia
Soothsayer has made a winter wonderland. You will find a lovely pond for skating
and there will be more free skates there in case you are collecting the various
versions. 
Santa is skating on this pond and waving to you as you glide
around. If you are a fisher you can ice hole fish as you skate or have some hot
chocolate and cookies. Tindallia has even provided roasted chestnuts for
you.There is an elf running an ice blower constantly to keep the pond clear for
skating. Watch out when you come to the bridges jump to avoid bumping your head!
Be sure to climb the hill to the amusement park and sit on Santa’s lap and tell
him your wishes! Pick up a free hat and gift before you leave. 
If you feel like
getting lost there is a tricky winter maze to get into. Look for the giant toy
soldiers and you are there. This refreshing sim has a lot to offer. It is a
full amusement park with many rides: underground and above train ride,
bumper cars, slides, arcade, wild roller coaster and a theater where you
can watch ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’ and lots more. 
