Sometimes I'm sure you wonder if we make this stuff up.

But I seriously got a press release today announcing that Evian spring water is available in the Internet-based world "Second Life."

In case you don't already know, Second Life is this hugely popular alter-ego existence "inhabited" by almost 8 million people around the world.

And get this: Those people "will now delight in the virtual health and beauty benefits of the world's leading brand of bottled water."

That is virtually, not literally.

Within Second Life, people will find Evian vending machines. When a person approaches the machine, a pop-up message "will appear offering to give one's skin a second life."

I'm not sure what that means, but the release goes on to say that a resident who accepts the proposal will be offered a bottle of Evian Natural Spring Water and a skin, which leads to a total transformation -- the character becomes more defined, has better texture and is lit up in a more flattering way.

"Evian has always had its hand on the pulse of what's hot. With build-it-yourself virtual worlds, fantasy lands and video games increasing in popularity, we felt that Second Life was a fitting platform for Evian to make its virtual debut," said Jeff Caswell of Evian North America. "Everyone should be able to experience the many benefits that Evian has to offer whether they're in the real world or the virtual world."

In the real world, Evian notes that these transformations are not possible after drinking Evian, but promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle is its 2007 advertising theme. Its tagline is "The most important body of water is your own. Fill with care."