Cartoon of the day

By Bixyl Shuftan
Click for full size image

Facts not 'smoke' about Australian 'Ban'

Poppy Zabelin, Chair of the International Relations Committee of Relay for Life of Second Life, writes:

Like many others we’ve been concerned about the rumors out there that Second Life is being banned in Australia.
Relay for Life of Second Life is INTERNATIONAL and we would have grave concerns about Second Lifers in any country being excluded from Relay, not to mention the wider ramifications.
The source of the confusion appears to be a story published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Basically, selected ISP's are trialling a scheme to block access to adult content games.
An internet critic is quoted as saying 'the move to extend the filtering to computer games would place a cloud over online-only games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life, which aren't classified in Australia due to their online nature.
' Now, a ‘cloud’ is NOT the same as an outright ban, although some sources are now saying it IS. The Metaverse Journal responded on June 25 in an open letter to Senator Conroy objecting to the ban, and the Australian Christian Today wrote on Monday June 29 that ‘It was confirmed by Australian Minister for Censorship that online games such as Second Life is banned in the country.
These have been picked up by hundreds of blogs and forums around the world.
There is nothing like checking the facts first.
So Ember Farina, Australian ‘Ambassador’ for RFL of SL and Team Captain of the Friends Fighting Cancer RFL of SL team, who in real life is an Australian firefighter, contacted the office of the Senator in question and spoke with an associate there, and says:
‘It appears to be something related to GAME ratings. SL is not classified as a game at this stage. IF there was a complaint received in the future to the Gaming Commission then it would be addressed but his associate seemed fairly comfortable that it's not an issue in this circumstance.’
Ember went on to say:
‘I asked the Senator's associate if there was anything in writing to support this but there wasn't. As far as the Senator's associate was concerned this only came to light because a newspaper article jumped on it - SL was never mentioned nor targetted by the Senator.’

Linden Labs have yet to comment officially, but the whole thing seems to be a misinterpretation of the Australian government’s ongoing censorship/filtering scheme trying to block extreme violence games and child pornography.

Editors note: Since writing this and sending to us Ms Zabelin has heard from Linden Lab;

From:Peter Gray (Pete Linden)
Hi Poppy,

As far as an official Linden Lab statement on the issue, we can currently confirm that: We have received no indication from the Australian government that it intends to block Second Life.

I hope this is useful.

Best,
Peter

Talking it over with an Australian friend this morning she expressed surprise at the idea since she did not consider secondlife a 'game' and also told me that the government is considered fairly progressive.
To me it comes across as chinese whispers that have got way out of hand without due cause and of course without all the facts.
Irresponsible reporting can cause a lot of damage and this story could actually cause the senator to look more closely at secondlife now the media storm has started.
Many thanks to Poppy Zabelin for getting the facts on this story and allowing us to publish it here.

Dana Vanmoer

Sources:

Poppy's Blog: http://poppyzabelin.blogspot.com/2009/06/lots-of-smoke-but-no-fire.html

Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/web-filters-to-censor-video-games-20090625-cxrx.html

http://au.christiantoday.com/article/second-life-banned-in-australia/6526.htm

http://www.metaversejournal.com/2009/06/25/an-open-letter-on-virtual-worlds-for-senator-conroy/

Relay for Life of Second Life is international!

PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed to Monday, June 29, 2009

Have you ever seen an invitation to a Relay for Life of Second Life event and shrugged, and walked away, thinking ... ‘Oh, it’s an AMERICAN event’?

Have you ever passed by a fundraising kiosk thinking ‘Why should I donate my Lindens to an AMERICAN cause’?

Well, you’d be wrong, on both counts.

In 2009, local volunteers all over the real world are organizing overnight Relay for Life events to support cancer organizations in: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom - as well as in the United States of America.

Relay for Life goes by many names – as ‘Revezando pela vida’ in Brazil, ‘Arrangør af Stafet For Livet’ in Denmark, ‘Relais Pour La Vie’ in france and Luxembourg, ‘Lauf ins Leben’ in Germany, ‘Relevo por la vida’ in Honduras, ‘Samenloop voor Hoop’ in the Netherlands, and as ‘Um Dia Pela Vida’ in Portugal. But all with the same message: Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back.

And the same holds true for Relay for Life of Second Life. The theme of this year’s event, chaired by Fayandria Foley, is ‘One World, One Hope’. At the latest count, there will be avatars from at least 20 different real world countries walking the track on July 18-19. And, according to Stingray9798 Raymaker, the American Cancer Society’s representative in Second Life, ‘Around 12-15% of all monies raised for Relay for Life of Second Life go towards INTERNATIONAL causes’.

The International Relations Committee of Relay for Life of Second Life is a team of ambassadors from the UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Norway who are reaching out to the international communities in Second Life to inform them about Relay for Life and invite them to participate. The committee is translating key documents into foreign languages and placing them at international community sims, and there will be an international area and information point at Relay.

If you would like to help, or if you would like to learn more about the international work of Relay for Life of Second Life, please contact: Poppy Zabelin (International Relations Chair) or Rob Chandrayaan (International Relations Co-Chair and Public Relations Co-Chair).

Continued in the RFL section

Second Life Musicians Plan Montreal Music Mixer

By Nazz Lane

I’d found out about the mixer on a recent evening while at my usual haunt, the Tranquil Café. A poster and note card giver had been a recent addition I noted as I spun my camera view around checking out the lively crowd assembled. Brianna Beresford, owner of the café told me that she’d just gotten the kiosk and had set it out that evening. I clicked to get a note and read it as soon as it rezzed, noting the date for the mixer as July 25^th and the location as Montreal, Quebec. Scanning down I saw that contacts for those interested in learning more about the event could contact, Montian Gilruth, Mimi Carpenter, Maximillion Kleene, or Bree Birke. The organizers have billed the event as “A musical gathering for the lovers of live music in SecondLife in the west end of Montreal.” They are planning an all day event to play tunes, hang out, stream short sets into SL and perform an evening show which will be open to the public at large. And … the note also said … “If there is enough interest we may be able to have a mixer at a local bar /restaurant the evening of July 24^th”.

Here’s the tentative schedule for Saturday, July 25^th from event organizers.

12:00 Opening

1:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

2:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

3:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

4:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

5:00 Dinner Break BBQ

6:00 Dinner Break BBQ

7:00 Preparation for concert

8:00 Public Concert begins as well as SL streaming

9:00 Public Concert

10:00 Public concert

11:00 Concert ends and participants move to location in the village TBA

Finished reading it, I closed it and scanned around the café again, where I’d noticed one of the organizers had just arrived, Max Kleene. I sent him an IM and we chatted briefly as he was there on a stopover on his way to perform a gig soon at another venue.

Nazz: It looks to be a great event, how'd the idea come about?

Max: Well Mimi was going to visit Montian this summer, and then she asked if I’d tag along. It was after then that Montian thought about the hall and inviting lots of listeners out. At first it seemed ambitious ... but it's getting a great response, and now it's shaping up to be a great time.

Nazz: It sounds like it will be. Is this the first time you all have planned for a mixed reality event of this size?

Max: I’m not sure … first one I’ve been involved with. I've met and jammed with other SL musicians a few times, but this is the first time we'll do a "show" kind of thing.

Nazz: Have the locations in SL been finalized?

Max: No not yet.

Nazz: How many SL venues will there be do you think?

Max: Well, one plan was to let any venue host the stream, and do an event for 5000L to help with the costs. I think that's fair and with all proceeds going to a local charity.

Nazz: That's most generous ... what has been the response so far with venues approached?

Max: Well, we aren't doing much approaching venues … none at all actually … just whoever is interested can sign up.

Nazz: Is there a web site with information?

Max: No website ... but I think Bree Birke has information on her site.

It was a day later that I caught up with Ms Birke who had this to say about the mixer. “Having been to the Montreal venue for much a smaller get together a couple of times, I'm really excited about this one. A lot of us have known each other for a long time in SL. Some of us have met but not on this scale. This is primarily a social event … we've been brought together by the music though, from the start."

Spotlight On...Etherian Kamaboko

Etherian Kamaboko performed on 17 June at Tobacco Road in Sorens. An INCREDIBLE talent, Eth weaves his magic using 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, electric guitar with harmonica, Resonator slide guitar, and keyboards. He's been entertaining crowds in SL for nearly three years now and has been performing live in RL since the tender age of 11 when he joined his first band.

His genre includes blues, Americana, classic rock, folk and foo grass, and his repertoire showcases covers by Dylan, Traveling Wilburys, Warren Zevon, Rolling Stones, John Prine, Billy Joe and The Cars to name a few.

Making the world his oyster, Etherian has lived and traveled in NYC, New England, Guam, Hawaii, SE Asia, Africa and Europe. His tavels began at age 10 and before long he was pulled into the music scene and remains hooked for life.

His show as very well attended, including Blues great CharlesEBristol Xi, and a very large dancing zebra! (can you say LAAGGG? lol).

Contact Etherian Kamaboko or Blondee Stardust for bookings, visit his SL Google Calendar is at http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=robyroberts%40charter.net; www.myspace.com/etherianexpress
Shellie Sands

Fly me to the moon.....................

What happens when you get Azul, Chloe, Indyra Originals, Nardcotix and Phoenix Riseing together all on one runway teamed up with Arai Agency Models?
Fly me to the moon is the theme for todays fashion show @ DC District Style Mall june 28 2pm SLT

Click the poster to Teleport

Memorials to Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Thursday June 25 saw the deaths of two famous performers in the US, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. In real life, people expressed their sorrow for their departures. And in Second Life, people did so by erecting memorials to them.

Of the memorials to Michael Jackson, probably the best one was in the Paradise Plantation sim. It had a pagoda, a number of pictures, notably of the singer throughout his career, and numerous flowers and candles. Above it was a circle of pictures that had flowers emitting from it a short distance.

Talking to one of the people at the sim, the large memorial had small beginnings, “... tried to find a memorial, and couldn’t the night he, passed. So we cleared the beach, and put a rose on the stand. Um, and that, *points* happened.” Others had added their own items to that lone stop-animation rose until it had grown to what we saw. People were still placing items there. He went on to say, “Here in Colorado, when a tragedy happens, everyone joins together and makes a big memorial.” When someone thanked him for building the memorial, he answered, “No, YOU did.”

The memorial is at (25, 243, 21) in the Paradise Plantation sim. I was told the sim was being used as a nude beach, though those not wearing much were some distance away and when walking near the memorial usually put their pants back on.

Farrah Fawcett’s passing after a long struggle with cancer did not make the news as big as Michael Jackson’s sudden heart attack. This may be why there were fewer memorials. I was told about one by a friend in the “caLLiefornia” sim, and it was at (165, 156, 25 ). There were a few pictures of the 70’s actress, and a number of candles. People can still put flowers, candles, and other items there. The sim has another memorial, one to Michael Jackson, not far away.

Rest in Peace

Bixyl Shuftan

Source: Cait's Finds in Second Life

Hellen Keller Day in Second Life

What if there were interesting places that everyone could go to, interesting activities that everyone could participate in . . . everyone but you? How would you feel?

People with disabilities find interesting ways to do things to overcome obstacles just getting through every day. You may not be aware of it, but if you’re active in Second Life (SL), chances are you interact with someone with a disability:

People with disabilities make up approximately 20 percent of the SL population. For many people with disabilities, SL is about as “barrier-free” an environment as it gets - People who cannot walk in real life can fly and teleport here in SL. Some, however, are not as fortunate: Deaf and hearing impaired people can be unwittingly excluded from voice chats, and people who are blind or visually impaired still face massive challenges in being able to use the highly visual 3D environment at all – Which is why Helen Keller Day is coming to Second Life, Saturday, June 27th. It’s a day that is set aside for 24 solid hours of information, education, exploration of employment opportunities, arts and entertainment, and social engagement, at the four The Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire islands. There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and mainly… fun.

Throughout all that, Helen Keller Day is about consciousness raising. It’s a movement in the 60s tradition, in a sense - It’s about raising our level of awareness for our brothers and sisters who have disabilities. It’s about learning that everyone can participate, and it’s about becoming knowledgeable about how to do a small but important kindness by being sensitive, and knowing how to include everyone in activities and interactions.
At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make everyone feel welcome, is an important social skill, and sometimes can be just that small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from.

You’ll hear great speakers, including Helen Keller’s great grandniece, Keller Johnson Thompson, and Linden Labs Education and Healthcare Developer, Pathfinder Linden. There will be panels on virtual education programs, accessible virtual teaching, and employment in virtual worlds, information about online degrees in digital media... even a goldmine!

The 24-hour event PDT will be held all day Saturday, June 27 at the four The Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire sims. (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faire/20/222/38)

Linden Lab is collaborating with and assisting Virtual Helping Hands and a coalition of community volunteers who are proud to announce Helen Keller Day in Second Life. Helen Keller Day is a community-event exploring how and why to employ, educate, entertain, and engage everyone through virtual worlds.

Helen Keller Day is a day that is set aside for information acquisition, education, exploration of employment opportunities, social engagement, and enjoyment of arts and entertainment… There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and pure, unbridled fun.

It’s a day dedicated to raising our level of awareness for our fellow Second Life residents who cope with disabilities. At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make them feel welcome, is an important social skill, and a small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from and feel good about.

Participants will meet people learn things, get freebies, and be entertained for their efforts.

You will hear keynote speakers Keller Johnson Thompson, the great grandniece of Helen herself and Linden Labs Education and Healthcare Developer, John Lester, aka Pathfinder Linden. You will hear from experts in the fields of virtual education, employment, social engagement and entertainment. There will be building contests featuring skilled builders doing accessible builds before our virtual eyes. There will be a world premier “movie” featuring “Max,” the virtual guide dog developed in Second Life for SL users who are blind or sight impaired. Also featured will be an exhibition of Max's abilities, a fashion show, chess, a Braille chat display, dancing, singing quests and storytelling... even a virtual goldmine!

There will be experiences designed to spark the imagination and “see” and “hear” the world with all the senses in new and thought provoking ways. Join the pioneers in virtual worlds who are inspired by the spirit of Helen Keller to explore ways in which everyone can participate…and create a world that richer for all.

Please come and learn, connect, explore, be entertained, and pick up freebies while sharing this positive and uplifting experience with us.

The weekend ahead.............

Wow what a lot of great events going on this weekend, if you look through the FASHION section or the EXTRA EXTRA section you will see what I mean;
'SL Top Girls' looks exciting at 12pm SLT put on by Edo Tone of Styles of edo and Kay Fairey, then a little later 'Over the Rainbow' by My Precious at Phat cat's - Agnes Finney makes the most beautiful gowns and I can't wait to see what she has unleashed.
There is also the rest of SL6B to explore I think I have only managed about a quarter of it so far - there is just so much to explore and some amazing builds, and yes too many to name! Whether you like music, discussions, exploration or Art there is something for everyone and events happening all the time - check them out HERE.
But if you need more we have news of some different events in the extra extra section; art exhibits, immersive art and story telling for your inner child at TLE.
Throughout this month RFL teams are active and events are happening all over the grid find out more HERE. RFL is less than a month away and information is starting to come through about the main event - if you want to be involved keep an eye on our RFL section for news as we get it.
A busy weekend, have fun!!
Dana Vanmoer

Demonstration in Second Life Supporting Iranian Protesters

On Thursday June 25th, a number of people in Second Life in support of the protesters in Iran, whom have been speaking out against rigged elections despite the violent crackdown resulting in arrests and deaths. At 2 PM and 7 PM SL time, people gathered at the Palais Orleans Art Studio in the Roissy sim, many from the “Support Iran” group. A few held signs with raised fists on one side, and a picture of Neda, whom has become a symbol of the protests, on the other. The signs could be picked up in the Studio, along with memorial candles. The studio displayed pictured of Neda and the protests, and the people also passed around a green armband with a broken heart symbol. There were also “I am Neda” shirts.

One person at the first demonstration thought thirty to forty people showed up, some arriving a little late and some needing to go early, “We had a good turnout.” The second was smaller in number, but no less determined to make a point. There was also a security guard from the Justice League to keep any possible griefers away.

People were invited to make comments and give news they might have heard. Rene Grigorovich used voice instead of typing to make his point, “All these people are asking is for a free and honest election as is guaranteed by the constitution. .. the regime is absolutely bestial in how they treat the opposition. ... I would ask you all to keep these people in your prayers. ... thank you.”

There was one Iranian among the people in the second gathering, “I’m Iranian,” Melody Rosca told everyone. She was living outside the country. When asked how well Iranians could use the net, she answered, “I know that Internet connections have been next to nothing for the past day. I know that cell phones are shut off after 5 PM.” When asked if any SL resident in Iran could still get on, she answered, “All I know is that those I know are having lots of difficulty getting online and transferring information.” At another point, she spoke, “... it is extremely important for us, all of us, to remain aware. Knowledge is always power, and it’s no different in this turmoil.”

Thursday 25th was also the day singer Michael Jackson passed away, leaving some to wonder if the media coverage might distract the attention of the American public. Melody commented, “I’m afraid that just because there wasn’t as much news today, or perhaps tomorrow, or even a week from now, everyone will forget and just assume it’s over.“

The group talked about the role of Internet blogs and Twitter in helping the protesters get images and information outside the country. However, some described the theocracy as making it harder for the people to communicate with the outside world. Melody told, “... information is being filtered much more drastically than a week ago.” Someone else mentioned satellite dishes were being confiscated.

One man had a story to tell, “I have a personal stake in the protests. I’m in love with an Iranian woman. I don’t know if she’s alive or dead. ... I have not spoken to her since last October, when she told me she asked her father for permission to marry me. ... She and I had many low-level arguments concerning her government. At first, she thought I believed all Iranians were fanatics. Then when she realized I made the distinction between her government and the people, she still insisted that I was wrong, that is was not like that in Iran. She honestly believed Iran was a free country, and that her government would not actively harm her. It took her several years to begin seeing the truth.”

“When she told her father that we wanted to marry, he confirmed all that I had said to her and more. She broke off contact after one final conversation. We talked on the phone for hours that last night. ... If a pro-government militia ever found out she was in love with me, the girl whom got ******ed to death with a baseball bat would have been luckier. ... They’re chopping down protesters with axes and shooting them in the streets. What do you think they’ll do to a woman who’s in live with Iran’s proclaimed ‘Great Satan.’ ... My desert rose is much stronger than she thought she was. My greatest fear is she took to the streets. I decided within a few days of the election that if she called me, I’d be forced to say things I did not mean in order to convince any officials tapping her phone line that she no longer had any ties to America.”

Some were concerned, wondering at one point the possibility Iranian government agents were conducting searches in SL. Still, there was optimism, “It might take a generation ... but the Iranian people are seeing what their government is capable of now. The Iranian people overthrew the Shah and they will eventually overthrow the current butchers.”

Eventually, the vigil came to an end. People wished each other well, some vowing to continue. We were told the Art studio would keep the pictures of demonstrations and candles and signs, “for the foreseeable future.” Palais Orleans Art Studio and Designs is at the Roissy sim at (31, 58. 24).

“Freedom is worth dying for but dying is easy ask your selves is it worth losing everything for and possibly being tortured to death for? this is the question the brave freedom fighters of Iran have asked themselves. They said yes, and for that courage I stand with them.”

Bixy Shuftan

SL6B Meet and Greet tonight 2pm SLT

Come and meet the crew at SL6B TONIGHT
JamesT and Dana will be giving out freebies and answering your questions and hopefully having some fun with your company.
Take the automated tour of newspapers past, present and future and zip around the exhibit.
We hope to see you there
Dana and JamesT

Gobs of Fun!!!!

Well, it is open! The SL6B is under way.
I have visited several times now, crashing hard the first time. It is filled with so many builds close together. It will take more than a few visits to see them all.
Last year at the SL5B one of the exhibits I enjoyed the most was the SL Children’s project so I decided to look in on them. My friend, Myrtil Igaly, told me of several sites done by the sl kids or related to them so off I went.
Great builds, as usual with a display of why kids want to be kids in sl and how to go about it all.
Then a tp off to the display that Loki Eliot has set up with pictures of so hundreds of the sl children. It was so delightful. I came across some of the children standing on their own pictures enjoying the moment, “Here I am!!” was the shout with pride.
As I stood there I noticed a large box with writing on it and went to investigate. I found a transmogrifier machine.
Wow! Get in it said!!
Do you want to be a child… follow your inner self??
OK I thought. I can do that… for a while, after all what is sl all about anyway: the inner self.
In the machine you will experience the sounds of hammers and saws, smoke and shaking but what fun!
I chose to be a little girl, dragged the folder to myself and popped out!!
Wow, and I was a little kid..
Looking closely I could see myself in there, but as a child. I have no idea what I will do with my avatars but it was great fun!
I went back at night to check it out again and was invited by one of the creators of the exhibit, Marianne Mccann to a reading of a short story by Sokmonkey Rutabaga.
After teleporting out of the globe where the reading took place I found the listeners playing on the toys set below in a playground and joined the fun.
I always find it refreshing to look in at the kids places. They have an inner sweetness that draws me back to see what is going on in their world.
Just to clarify, these are all adults who have chosen to be kids in sl as I wrote in my previous article. They are serious about being kids!
Many were involved in the creation of the exhibit and you will find their names on a note card at the location.
Be sure that when you get to the SL6B at the Cloning station to look for the sl kids places. You may find yourself wishing for that earlier time of your life!! Try it !
A good place to start is Cryo 30, 100, 22 or Cryo 196, 242, 22 . Enjoy!!!!

Gemma Cleanslate

In the Picture SL6B

SL6B EVENTS Directory! HERE

SL6B Exhibit Directory HERE

Spotlight On...Kourosh Eusebio

Appearing every Saturday at 8 a.m. SLT at the gorgeous Nitidia Ridge, it was my extreme pleasure to go listen to musical genius Koroush Eusebio. A psychiatrist AND musician in RL and a fan of Metallica, Kourosh blends electronics with keyboards, producing an amazing sound like none other, hauntingly beautiful yet strangely sad and ethereal.

Filled with emotion and inspiration, gently stroking the keyboard and calming the soul...soft sounds building to glorious crescendo. Kourosh takes his own music and continues to further improvise.

Nitidia Ridge was the perfect backdrop for this talented artist, with a beautiful fountain and hummingbirdsflitting about, described by Kourosh as "a Gathering Place just above the clouds, yet on the ground." A truly magical place with intermittent shadows and electric, cloudlike light. In attendance was fellow musician Fyrm Fouroux, a fine talent in his own right.

Kourosh: "What gives good music timelessness? How does music transcend years or centuries - speaking to and carrying through the emotions of generations unborn and unknown?" Come to the misty mountaintop that is Nitida Ridge every Saturday morning and discover what he means.

Blog: http://www.kouroshdini.com/

By Shellie Sands

Time to clean up the last-name mess

Having been around for more than two years around Second Life, I cannot believe that Linden Lab has not answered a basic need if it wants to establish its grid as "the" virtual life grid for the future.

That's cleaning up the mess it has always created with last names.

Currently, there are no clearly established policies to manage creation and closing of names. They suddenly appear and disappear from the menus when people sign up. Worse: when you sign up, you only get a restricted selection of names among the active ones. Someone who reloads the signup page gets a new selection.

When I say this, keep in mind that most people who create their first account do not have a clue of how important their name is. They can wonder why they can never get the first name they like with their favorite last name. Many will turn to the solution of adding numbers to their names. Imagine how cute my name was it if were Alesia6 Schumann...

Obstacles like these force users to create a second account later on... and redo everything from scratch, especially by purchasing a second time the "no transfer" items they already owned! The policy of other grids, which often let people create just any name they want, is more attractive.

What is especially frustrating is that LL seems to care more to sell "vanity" last names such as Armidi and SunMicrosystems because they have established a clear program. Of course, money talks more than long-term thinking here.

Linden Lab shoots itself in the foot by focusing on short-term revenue instead of vision. The technology graveyard is full of companies that established early market dominance but failed because either lack of vision, focus on details or strategic weaknesses. Ask the good folks who managed IBM, Netscape and AOL. They, too, thought they were there for the long haul.

Age verification in SL and the new 'ADULT' rules

"First, they came for the communists, but I didn’t object, I wasn’t a communist. They came for the Socialists, and I didn’t object, because I wasn’t a Socialist. They came for the Labour Leaders, and I didn’t object, because I wasn’t a Labour Leader. They came for the Jews, and I didn’t object, because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to object"
(Pastor Martin Niemoller)

First things first. I implore ALL readers of the SL newspaper to search for Bixyl Shuftan’s excellent work (opens in new window) on the topic of age-verification in this very paper, and to read it carefully and digest fully.

Then I ask all readers of this paper to get the word out to their online friends about the matter, to point them in the direction of this paper, and urge them to join Xantarius Cain’s “Revolting Adults” group (it’s free) to register their objections to age-verification. Assuming the protests match my online times, you will see me on the picket lines.

Ladies and gentlemen, six weeks after my previous piece on the ill-thought process of age-verification, I’m back. While it has been hugely tempting to contribute other pieces to this paper on a variety of issues relating to SL, I have resisted, spending the time wandering the sims of SL with a view to a follow up article on how, exactly, it might affect my -and your- Second Life.
Until this week it all seemed rather much of a storm-in-a-teacup because, despite my best efforts, I had only discovered one sim from which I was denied access on the grounds of it requiring age-verification. My best efforts to be denied entry to orgy theatres, BDSM sims, freelance escort clubs and so on all failed, and my febrile imagination eventually gave up on trying to find “adult” sims from which to be turned away.
However, that changed this week, and I’m angry. Now, to quote from Pastor Niemoller’s poem, they ARE coming for me.

Your correspondent is a keen naturist/nudist, in real life as well as in SL, and likes nothing better than a week soaking up the sun in Spain or Croatia without swimming trunks on. Part of the appeal of SL was the chance to indulge, virtually, in long dark winter months and dream of the next naturist holiday planned. Not all SL naturists are the RL variant, but along the way I have met and enjoyed conversations with RL naturists with whom I’d share experiences, tips on good restaurants and so on, and for me it appeared to be an example of SL at its very best -a social networking facility from which valuable knowledge could be utilised back in RL.

This week, rather sadly, came the news that Manatee Naturists is to close, although I’m not altogether certain that this is related to age-verification, but rather the result of dwindling numbers. It’s a shame. Back in those dark winter months, as a newbie, I was able to log in and share a little while with fellow naturists, dancing naked in the sun with people who have become firm SL friends, and with whom I converse regularly.
Sex? Well, no. We danced naked in the sun and discussed the global economic crisis, pretty much a replication of interaction at a RL place, where the nudity is incidental rather than central.
This week comes notice that another naturist sim, Sunset Cove, is going to opt for the adult route, their group notice suggesting that it might be best to do so now because Linden Labs will charge for this in the future. This is where they DO come for me. This is where the time comes to add my voice to the “Revolting Adults” group and object any which way I can.

Readers are advised to read Firehorse Rearwind’s article (opens in new window), also in this paper, on the topic. I paraphrase:

“You can’t wander through a pg shopping mall with your xcite bits swinging, although as a European I have to wonder why anyone would be offended by nudity”.

Well said, that man.

There are global cultural differences, and Linden Labs broad-brushstroke approach takes little account of it. As another European, I have to say that it’s sometimes rather more surprising to see a bikini top on a beach in RL, such is the widespread acceptance and toleration of bared female breasts (and in front of children and adolescent boys, too!) To us, it’s normal behaviour. Now, do I invite one of my SL female friends to join me on one of SL’s many beaches, and chat away on a variety of subjects while she sunbathes topless? How can a beach sim possibly designate itself to mature or adult in such circumstances? How can Linden (or sim owners) even make it workable? Oh, I forgot: they’re based in a country where Janet Jackson’s nipple caused more public comment and outrage than the rather more disturbing pornography of violence, usually referred to as “the news”. Pictures of dead Iraqi’s=OK. Janet Jackson’s tit=a scandal.

As Bixyl points out in his questioning of Blondin Linden, pony players have succeeded in having their roleplay removed from the filter system because they argued that there doesn’t have to be anything sexual about pony play. Here’s some news for you, Blondin, neither does naturism, either in RL or SL. One excellent naturist sim, Harbour Village, perhaps reflects RL naturism more accurately than anywhere else in SL. Not a single sex poseball exists on the sim, just as you’re not likely to see any acts of intercourse on a RL naturist beach. But according to Linden Lab’s rules, Harbour Village should be adult.

What a bunch of mixed, confused, “make it up as we go along” messages we’re getting from Linden Labs. Slavery and whip marks, in the context of a Gor sim, may be OK? But the naked human form is not. Combat zones, guns, grenades and such like are OK? But female breasts (or the genitalia of either sex) are not.
Pony players may be satisfied, for now, at their exclusion from adult filtration but, mark my words, and those of Pastor Niemoller, Linden Labs will be coming for them shortly.

Despite my European identity, which renders many of the elements of age-verification useless, I could attempt to age-verify in an instant. But I won’t. I may, perhaps, just take to wandering the malls of SL with my xcite bits swinging, until the Linden Labs Nazis come for me, too.

Submitted by Howie Lamilton

SPOTLIGHT ON...

On Wednesday, June 17, Andreus "Anj" Gustafson made a brilliant appearance on the Havens Paradise Stage located in Sorens.

Anj is an incredibly talented musician who performs an eclectic mix of songs in a genre one might describe as progressive classical rock, from the 70s, 80s and 90s...for now. He is equally skilled on keyboards, guitar and flute and progams dynamic and delightfully awesome back tracks.

A typical Anj performance might include covers by Radiohead, U2, Jethro Tull (the likes of which Ian Anderson himself would be proud!), Coldplay, Matchbox 20, The Beatles, Emerson Lake and Palmer and Sting, as well as his own songs.

Anj recently released a CD entitled "Distant Suns." Anj is one of my personal favorites and I enjoy him immensely....you will too. If you own a venue and are looking for a dynamic performer who will draw a large and wonderful crowd, contact Anj directly, visit his website (www.a3d3.net, www.myspace.com/a3d3) for availability, or contact Carol Greenwood. Available most weekdays from 3:00PM SLT through 8:00PM SLT.
Shellie Sands

In the Picture SL6B

Visit us at SL6B

http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL6B%20Quantum/28/160/2

RFL Spreading the Hope.....

The All-Stars Relay for Life Team proudly present the Hope Hunt + Race. We are one of very many teams in Second Life that are spreading cancer awareness and earning lindens to aid in Cancer Research for the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society has its own sim in Second Life.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/103/148/49

The merchants in this hunt, have purchased Hope Roses through a Relay for Life Vendor. The lindens have gone directly to the American Cancer Society. No one participating in this hunt has benefitted monetarily except Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society

1st Prize is 45,000L
2nd Prize is 25,000L
3rd Prize is 10,000L
In the event there is a tie, prizes will be divided equally.

Object of the Hunt + Race:
Find all the Roses hidden within the stores/sims through out the grid...the one who finds the most will be awarded 1st prize

Instructions:
Find the Hope Rose Prim, touch it...If there are prizes in the Rose, you will be given that prize and it will also count as a find toward the grand prize. You will be given information of how many Hope Roses are left within that store/sim and the slurl for the next place to hunt.

Roses are scripted to give prize and be counted toward the grand prize only once. (You can touch it 10 times but it will only be counted one time and you will only receive the gift once)

Because this is also a race...NOT ALL Hope Roses will have prizes...but you want to touch them to be counted toward the race.

You will be given the slurl in chat to the next sim to hunt....just scroll back in local chat and click on the slurl to go to the next sim

There will be a leader board at the All-Star's Headquarters
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sentiments%20by%20Sidda/46/43/22
But in the event that sl doesnt cooperate, you can check the blog for stats on who is in the lead.
http://thehopehunt.blogspot.com/

The All-Stars team has made every attempt to cover every issue concerning this hunt to be fair and in accordance with Relay for Life - The American Cancer Society rules and regulations. We sincerely hope that there will be no issues during this hunt, but will try to accommodate every issue that could arise.

Happy Hunting and Good Luck toward the Race...spreading the Hope that Cancer will not be part of lives in the near future.

Sidda Jubilee
Arete Dipolmat

You can start at my main store HERE at 9am SLT

Babel Translations - Celebrating 2 years of language excellence

"Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides," American
writer Rita Mae Brown once wrote. Those who recognise the power of
language realise that much can be achieved by wielding this power
wisely.

Second Life is a world that depends very much on language, more so
than the so-called "real world": content creators communicate with
customers through words on vendor ads, notecards, and IMs. Language
therefore becomes crucial to communication. The content creator who is
able to employ language to do his bidding will forge a stronger
connection with his customers and see greater rewards.

The nature of SL has meant that people all over the globe and from all
walks of life are populating this virtual world. The diversity is such
that less than 50% of residents claim English as their first language.
Babel Translations was founded with the vision of helping content
creators to fully take advantage of the power of language in order
that their business might reach as many potential customers as
possible and have the greatest chance for growth and success.

Founded in June 2007 by Peter Stindberg, over the past two years Babel
has established itself as the premiere translation and copywriting
agency in SL, bridging the language gap between content creators and
their customers. While its core business focuses on language
translation services, Babel has also branched out into associated
services and business solutions, offering assistance to content
creators wishing to establish a business in SL.

Thus, the company not only provides language translation services for
all kinds of documents including specialised texts like license
agreements, covenants, and terms of service; it also offers
consultation and copywriting services. Stindberg and his team work
with content creators to not only translate, but also create and
develop texts that will fit into a business's marketing strategy, thus
spurring the business's success and growth. Product descriptions and
advertising texts can be written or edited to match a specific user
group and audience. This ensures that a content creator exploits the
power of language to its fullest potential, for the greatest reward.

With a team of well over 50 translators, Babel is able to provide
translations in languages such as English, German, French, Italian,
Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and many others. To
ensure that the service is affordable, pricing is oriented at in-world
(not "real life") rates. Furthermore, all the translators are
themselves residents of SL and therefore understand the culture as
well as the context of the communication taking place; this places
them in a unique position to be able to effectively bridge the
language gap between content creator and any potential customers.

In March 2009, Linden Labs officially recognised Babel Translations as
one of the official Second Life Solution Providers. This award further
demonstrates that Babel has come of age as a company that is reliable,
efficient and fills a crucial role in the virtual world we live in.
The importance of Babel's work has been recognised by content creators
behind brands such as Adam'n'Eve, Mechanized Life, Calla Hair and
Botanical, all of whom have benefited from Babel's services.

However, Babel's focus is not solely on businesses and content
creators. No document is too unimportant to translate, no piece of
writing too trivial. Babel not only wishes to help content creators
forge stronger communication with their customers, but desires to draw
various SL communities and residents closer together. The company is
therefore proud to announce its participation in the sixth SL birthday
celebrations, SL6B. It is a significant landmark for Babel to be able
to celebrate its second anniversary in the same month that Second Life
turns six years old.

Babel's presence at SL6B will celebrate the richness that the various
languages in SL can bring to a resident's Second Life experience. As
"Your partner in the written word", Babel aims to raise the awareness
of the language gaps that create chasms between various communities in
SL and to educate visitors on the necessity of bridging these gaps.

Contact Information:

Peter Stindberg
peter.stindberg@googlemail.com
SLURL of SL6B exhibit:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL6B%20Quantum/218/69/25 (June 23 through
June 29)

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Bara Jonson: Swedish Singer/Musician

Signed to HondoMesa Records, NY, USA May 2008.

Streaming Live from St Louis, MO or Malmö, SWEDEN

Bara Jonson was born on Nov. 26, 2007. Since coming to SL, he found his way back to music and won the Virtual Music Awards 2008 Category of Best Artist. He is anxiously awaiting the birth of his first son and he is quite excited, which I find very sweet :)

Bara followed Shannon Oherlihy, who, in my estimation is a very tough act to follow, but Bara is just the man to do it and do it well. His strong, clear voice accompanied by accoustic guitar, is quite pleasing to the ear. Bara does mostly originals with a few cover tunes thrown in. A great entertainer...the first time I went to one of his shows, I was impressed. I had seen the name all over but never had occasion to listen. He is definitely someone to go check out.

By Shellie Sands

Relay for Life Avatars

Planning on giving some Lindens to Relay for Life, but you’ve been thinking of getting a new avie? Well, why not do both? Some builders have put items up for sale for charity, with all proceeds going to Relay for Life. Among these are some avatars made by various creators.

Click HERE to continue.

"The Garden" a Kabuki Theater Performance

By Nazz Lane

Something that I rarely do, at least not since my very early days in second life, I did a search in events that evening. I found several gallery openings and thought of porting over for a visit to one. But as I scrolled down the list, I spotted one for a Kabuki Theater performance, ( Beantown/248/69/23), Not having had the pleasure of viewing one in real life I decided to do so in second life. So, I glanced at the start time and thought, “It should be interesting” and I took the ride over. Checking the time on my PC clock, I saw that I had several minutes to go. I scanned around with my camera controls admiring the build before going through some note cards while I waited for the performance to begin.

“Konnichiwa … Welcome to Mo-Lu Theater”, said Mojo Manamiko as he bowed.

I smiled and bowed slightly at the waist. “Thank you.” I replied and then added, “It’s very nice build here, congrats!”

“Thank you, only this part is Asian. The cantina is Southern Mexico.” He said. As he did I noticed a woman approaching. She stopped next to him and then spoke.

“Did you hear about our play?” LuckyMoon Jiagu, asked.

“I did yes, listed in events. I was looking through to see what was going on today. It starts at 4 pm SLT, right?” I asked.

“The play is in about an hour, at 5 pm SLT.” She said in reply.

“It’s the last show of the week tonight.” Mojo added.

I expressed my dismay and disappointment by telling them, “I misread the start time and I have another event to attend at 5 pm.”

“We’re sorry to hear that. If you have some time, perhaps you would like a helicopter tour of our land?” She asked.

I glanced at the clock and realized that I did now have some free time so I replied, “I would enjoy that, thank you.”

We walked a short distance to Mojo’s parked helicopter, climbed aboard and took off for a tour. Mojo provided a commentary in chat on the tour, highlighting the Jasmine's Cantina Café. We then flew over white water rapids that included an area for surfing along with a coral reef. Next was a romantic garden and adjacent to it meditation area replete with tai chi poses. He told me that their “Tai Chi” groups meets their in the mornings. We returned to the starting point, next to the Kabuki Theater.

We walked the virtual us back toward the theater, where LuckyMoon awaited our return. I took note cards offered about the play and schedule for reference.Still disappointed and interested in the play, I asked, “Who wrote the play?”

“Mojo and I ... but mostly Mojo.” LuckyMoon replied, and then asked, “Will you be joining us for the show?”

“I have a conflict, but would like to catch a performance.” I replied.

“Well it will run thru June and we do give private showings. If you would like to bring someone we would do a show just for the two of you … a special evening. We’ve been surprised at the reaction of our guests to the show.” Mojo said

“Surprised … how so?” I asked.

“I think it turned out better than we thought. We have yet to see it though, we’re busy with props and things … we do all of it ourselves … script, props, lighting, effects, costume changes and scenery changes. It’s about a twenty five minute show. If you like we can do a performance now for you. We would be honored if you have time.” Mojo said and then added, “It will take us a few minutes to set up. If you have someone you’d like to bring over, please do.”

Surprised at their offer, I protested briefly about adding the unscheduled performance. They repeated the offer and I finally acceded to the request and said, “I am honored as well, and yes I would enjoy that … Thank you.”

“Then please take a seat … in the seat of honor. It’s the best view.” LuckyMoon said.

As they began their preparation, I sent an IM and TP request to a dear friend who readily agreed to port over and join me. She arrived and took a seat next to me and we chatted while we waited for the curtain to rise. I told her there were five scenes and a one or two minute curtain between scenes for set and costume changes. The play is entitled “The Garden”. She commented that she’d never seen a Kabuki performance and was very happy that I’d thought of asking her.

The performance began with an announcement reminding us to change our settings to midnight, which we both did. This was followed by an introduction of the cast, and an overview of the play. LuckyMoon’s character is named Ji Yue and Mojo’s Ho Ling, the setting of the play is in “In the 17th century feudal Japan, where Ji Yue danced as a geisha in the courts of the palace. The villagers and travelers would gather daily to watch. Among them was young Ho Ling, a foot soldier in the emperor’s army, assigned to the tasks that befall a young soldier, watching the crowds and keeping general order about the small villages.”

The curtain rose and the scene unfolded. Ji Yue danced and the young soldier Ho Ling watched, transfixed by her beauty. We both were transfixed as well, with the beautifully appointed scenery, costumes and movements of both as the five scenes played out before us. Each replete with costume and scenery changes, text chat dialog, and dance animations. The final scene culminated with two lovers who were reunited. As the curtain dropped, we both jumped to our feet and provided the writers, actors, back stage hands, stage directors a standing ovation. We continued our applause as they made a “curtain call”. We chatted briefly afterward about the play, the performance and the ladies talked about the geisha gowns. In an IM, my friend commented on their being the sweetest couple and I readily agreed with her.

The time was drawing near for the scheduled performance and my next engagement. We said our goodbyes and as I was about to port over to it, a chat line appeared.

“Thank you for coming ... we hope you enjoyed your evening. Please TP safely. Thank you for allowing us to perform for you.” Said Mojo .

As the TP initiated I thought, “A sweet couple indeed.”

SPOTLIGHT ON...

By Shellie Sands

Shannon Oherlihy: A beautiful singer/songwriter who has been performing from a very young age. When she was nine, she got her first guitar, and started writing her own songs at the age of ten. Inspired by the music of John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and Bob Dylan, Shannon found her musical roots in contemporary folk.

Shannon's voice is clear and sweet accompanied by accoustic guitar. I recently saw Shannon at Musicland Isle for an early morning show. She does a mix of cover tunes and originals, and recently won the Second Song for Amnesty contest sponsored by the Amnesty International-E group in search of a theme song. A total of 26 artists entered their songs and they were all very qualified. After, by her own admission, not having written a new tune in some time, Shannon pulled out all the stops with the winning entry. Members of the AI-E group voted, and believe me when I say, it was a very tough choice. I narrowed my choices down to 4 eventually, and Shannon's song was among those. The AI-E group is located on the Four Bridges sim and is officially recognized by the RL Amnesty organization for their efforts here in SL.

Shannon McMahon is based in Stratford, CT and her music is available on iTunes, CD Baby & MySpace

African Adventure

Have you been to Virtual Africa? Four sims of adventure and education.
Watch out for the rhinos!! One came up behind me as I arrived.
You can take a balloon ride of choice over several sims watching the African animals roaming below along the savannahs. You will hear, in chat, a presentation of the sim explaining the whole project and where to visit after the tour. There is more water than I expected to see in Africa with the crocs waiting for you if you are not careful. Take a look at the trees and other foliage you will pass, Amazing.
Stop to fish at the 7seas fishing in the river if you are a fishing addict.
See the elephants, listen to the chirps and shrill calls echoing around you.. If you dare, walk into the water where you are warned to watch for crocodiles but I had to walk under the water to see the fish.
If you like to shop there is a wonderful market.
My partner identified several of the trees there for me as ones he has seen in Africa when he lived there. Don’t miss the Eagle outlook, and you can hang glide over the sim too. There is so much here! It was created by a nonprofit South African group called Uthango Social Investments and you can read about the sl project at slafrica.wordpress.com/
You must go there yourself to see it all!
More than one visit is in order.
Start at the balloon ride for an overview. Virtual Africa 238,16,23


Gemma Cleanslate

Special Grand Opening Event.....

First photo contest ever here at Virtual Impressions starting Wedneday 17th June until Wednesday 1st July

The 5 Most attractive Photos will be selected from amongst those submitted, Judged by myself & some of my wonderful vendor tenants here at Ekho.

The Winners will receive Prizes to the value of L$5000 each . This inludes Shoes and Jewelry from Virtual Impressions, Outfts kindly donated by Bliss Couture, and Azul, a 1000 Linden dollar shopping spree at Prism, Gift Vouchers from My Precious and Maimai and other Prizes. This is a contest certainly worth entering for those who love fashion of the hightest quality in sl.

Please Visit Virtual Impressions New Store at Ekho to Pick up details of how to enter, and contest rules.

Fantasy Fair 2009

From June 15th to the 21st 2009, thousands of Second Life residents and creators are coming together to support the American Cancer Society's vision of a world without cancer. Friends Fighting Cancer (FFC) have transformed over half a million square meters of Second Life into a fantasy wonderland: the Fantasy Faire 2009 to benefit Relay for Life of Second Life (RFL of SL).
The Fantasy Faire 2009 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts and performers in the history of the virtual world. A week of commerce, special events, live music concerts, exclusive items auctions, RFL ribbon hunts and fundraising to benefit Relay for Life and the fight against cancer. Avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, goodies and exclusive items are available from top SL Fantasy Creators

This nine sim event is bringing together such fantasy genres as Neko, Elven, Furry, Dragon, Goth, Tiny and Sci-Fi. FFC's goal is to raise $4000 USD for RFL of SL. The Fantasy Faire 2009 will also offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate the survivors of cancer, remember and honor loved ones lost, and to fight back with the American Cancer Society.

The Fantasy Faire 2009 is produced by Friends Fighting Cancer, one of the Featured Designer Teams at this years Relay for Life of Second Life, with the support of the Phoenix Wave Team and ProfilesLive.com. FFC is an international team of people who have been involved with the RFL of SL for the past three years and is committed to helping the American Cancer Society reach this year’s goal of $250,000 USD.

Since its inception in 2005, the RFL of SL has grown in both attendance and fundraising. With more than $210,000 USD raised last year RFL of SL has become the largest fundraising event in the virtual world.

The Fantasy Faire 2009 is made possible by the generous support of the Fondazione Connell Project, Fairy Unique Designs (FUD), The Arcanum, WOODSHED Furniture, Alpine Executive Centre, Bryant & Stratton College Online and Thibaud & Greene Industries, Psychotic Neko, MusicNote, :: 2Xtreme :: , Dark Goddess Designs and Media Sponsor, Life On Line - www.life-on-line.tv

Fantasy Faire 2009, Fantasy Faire Central (128, 128, 23)

M and M Creations Texture Garden

M and M Creations is a good place to buy quality textures and prims. But it’s also a good place to explore with lots to see. One corner of the sim that’s a nice place to visit is the Texture Garden. One can head to the main M and M store and grab a TP port to there, or just go to the map and type DoubleMM (40, 240, 31).

Arriving at the place, the first thing I noticed was a buzzing noise. Looking around, it turned out to be a sculpture of two bugs grasping each other, having moving mechanical parts and electrical sparks, “Whirlygigs versus Whirlygogs.” Looking around were numerous vendors for textures. I continued to find them as I walked around the place. Objects can also be clicked on to buy a copy. To the east was the garden. Walking there, I was approached by a purple hummingbird. It hovered around me, darting from one position to another, following me as I walked. Around me was a hammering sound, which made me think of woodpeckers, and sure enough I soon saw one on one of the nearby trees, near a couple hedgehogs scurrying about on a lakeshore, which was next to a walkway lined with trees and lamps with plant-shaped lights on both sides.

Several other detailed areas are nearby. To the south down a path is the swamp and it’s exotic plants and animals. To the southeast up a rocky trail are the K-10 mountain and Highlands. To the east are the Fairyland and the Beach.

The place has a variety of goods for sale, textures, sculpties and more. There are photos, drawings and paintings, trees, exotic plants, flower lamps, fences, walls, birds, small mammals, fires, graveyards, trunks, flowerstairs, and many other objects to help decorate a place for either a science-fiction themed region, a fantasy land, a nature preserve, or just about any setting.

For quicker access to cash, there is a DX ATM in the area not far to the east from the Texture Garden entry point. Textures and sculpties come either modify and copy, or with full permissions.

The Texture Garden, like all of the M and M area, is owned by Marcthur Gooson and 10 Gooson.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

By Bixyl Shuftan
Click for full size image

Sion chicken a menace to sims as they are..........

Today I had an IM from Intlibber Brautigan, he said he had a story for me and asked if I knew about 'Sion chickens'
Actually thanks to Gemma's story a few weeks ago I did but not very much and I said so.
IntLibber Brautigan: they lag the crap out of sims, physics and script lag. They've been spreading like an infection across the estate - I spent last night dealing with lag complaints all over the estate
IntLibber Brautigan: 10 chickens make 1 ms of script lag but each chicken makes 150 potential collisions!
He was so infuriated he considered an AR against the creator citing griefing issues but instead decided to speak to the designer and point out the problems.
Sion Zaius worked with Intlibber to fix the issues and had this to say:
Sion Zaius: yes, there have been problems with sion chicken causing physical lag. I'm working on the update which is called "version 11 lagless"
Originally the chickens were updated from the feed but this was changed about a week ago so I asked Sion what people needed to do as I understand you can't just pick them up and re-rez them.
Sion Zaius: since you cannot pick up chickens or eggs into your inventory without breaking them, you have to use chicken transport boxes or proteggtors to do so, if you use those objects, your chicken/egg will be updated automatically.
Sion Zaius: then, people would have to box up living chickens once, and free them again lag-improvement should then occur instantly - its awesome, this chicken has as collision score of 3.4 ... it had 140 before
IntLibber Brautigan: We will be requiring all of our residents who have chickens to update them if they want to keep them.
The lag improvement is just tremendous, its going to improve sim life for everybody.

To find out more about the chickens and why they are so popular I spoke to Phiona Ember who loves the chickens but also sees the enterprise opportunity too:
Phiona Ember: The new update will make it easier to have more chickens in one place and make it easier to update the chickens and care for them.
i love them :) they are fun to watch grow.. and breed, believe it or not they are very therapeutic.
dana Vanmoer: I guess they could get addictive
Phiona Ember: omg VERY
dana Vanmoer: so you keep a male and female together?
Phiona Ember: yes so they can breed, once you hatch an egg it takes about 2 weeks till they are of breeding age.
then you can pair them up.. and they make more eggs :)
dana Vanmoer: what do you do once you get too many though?
Phiona Ember: you can sell the eggs or keep them.. same with the chickens :) there's always more people that may want the colors you have or may want to start their own little farm :)
dana Vanmoer: So you can start trading them once you get started
Phiona Ember: many people, myself included, build a small business from it
Phiona Ember: some people are all about the business some people just enjoy the chickens I guess I'm lucky for me its a bit of both ..

The update should be ready by the end of today - Sion recommends all chicken owners update as soon as possible to avoid lag on your sims.
Sion Zaius: Special thanks to Intlibber, who made it possible for me to discover a way to reduce collision lag