The Secondlife Newspaper

Goodbye and thank you

2010-06-05T21:20:00.019+01:00

I thought long and hard about whether to write any last thoughts here or to leave it as it was, BUT I have a feeling others will make things up or read more into our closure than there actually is......

My reasons for closing the newspaper are simple - Real Life is more important!
Yes there are others who would willingly take over and, in fact, Bixyl has done an amazing job over the last few months BUT sl-newspaper was one mans' dream and one I was happy to be a part of and with his departure and our real lives taking over then its time for SLN to close down.

Over the last 4 years we have had the honour of working with some amazing people and seen so many changes in SL my wish is that people do not give up on the good that can be achieved within these virtual worlds (just look at RFL and all the good it does).

One thing I would hope for the future of SL is that the Lindens go back and realise what they are destroying with their policies. The sheer creativity, communication and international impact somewhere like Secondlife can be is being eaten away by the Lindens stupidly ignoring the content creators with their ill thought out policies which help no-one except their own pockets.

I would personally like to thank certain people who have helped and supported us through everything, people like Bixyl, Gemma and Shellie who have continued to work hard for SLN even without guidance, and the many reporters who have written for us in the past plus the many sponsors over the years.
Skybeam and its amazing community has been a home away from home and one place I can always visit and feel welcome.
Nevar and Ame the best friends a person could hope for.
10 Goosson of M&M is another I shall keep in touch with and hope all the best for her future with M&M sculpts and her new home.
To be honest there are just too many to name and those friends I have not named will know I will forever hold you in my heart.
Breezes and Glitter my SL family, I will always be there for you and I am so glad I brought you to SL and a new way of finding your dreams.

One man, James T Juno, brought SL-Newspaper to life and made it one of the widest known and read newspapers in virtual worlds but more than that he made dreams come true, mine in particular, and would like the thank him for that.

"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."

Dana Vanmoer

All Good Things ...

2010-06-05T21:05:00.000+01:00

When I first arrived at SL Newspaper, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It was only weeks before in which I had shed the newbie avatar, and made some real friends and a couple hangouts in the metaverse. I was fairly confident I’d be able to do an article a week on something, along with at least one funny picture, but I was still the junior guy. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

In October 2007, it had been just weeks before I truly considered my newcomer status over. I’d shed the old-style ringtail I’d stepped into the Metaverse with and took on the red Luskwood fox as my appearance, found a couple hangouts, and made some good friends. Wanting to know more about Second Life, I searched the ‘net for websites about it. That’s how I found out about Second Life Newspaper. I enjoyed reading it every day, and peeking into the archives. Then I saw an article asking for reader submissions for articles and funny pictures. After sending a few in, Owner JamesT Juno and Editor Dana Vanmoer asked me to the office to talk about a position in the staff.

And the rest they say, is history.

It’s been a lot of work. I like to write, but I aim to do it well. And whenever writers block set in, it could be a struggle. But I kept up doing at least one article and cartoon a week, and usually did more. My search for things to write about took me all over the grid, and sometimes I didn’t have to look far at all for something. Quite a variety too, from art galleries to sports fields, from churches to adult entertainment, from monuments to roleplays, from politics to science, from clubs to game shows, from “SLeberties” to people noted in real life dropping in on the Metaverse, I can say I’ve written pretty much about all kinds of subjects. And the journey has brought me a few friends as well, people I continue to keep in touch with. And it’s allowed me to give a few talented friends some deserved exposure.

Been through a bit of Second Life history as well, from the Banking Crisis, to the SL5 celebration, to the VAT rules, to the Openspace mess, to the Presidential 2008 election, to the Adult Verification debate, to the Relay for Life walks, the Burning Life events, and many other events.

And in the process, learning a little more about being a journalist.

“What a strange, long, trip it’s been.”

I had a terrific team to work with: Gemma Cleanslate, Breezes Babii, Grey Lupindo, and Shellie Sands. In the past, there was more: Nazz Lane, Alesia Schumann, Delinda Dyrssen, Penance Sautereau, Dashwood Dayafter, Dixie Barbosa, Neuron Bandit, Baron DeSantis,Any1 Gynoid, and many others.

And of course JamesT Juno and Dana Vanmoer, who made it possible.

Sadly, for Second Life Newspaper, the journey is over. It was a great newspaper that both informed and entertained the residents of the Metaverse, and a few non-residents curious about the place. We the staff will very much miss it.

We at the staff have thought about what to do. We could easily find other jobs in Second Life. But I personally have been reporting too long to simply just give it up.

So, I’m prepared to start again.

I’ve created a news blog page at http://slnewser.blogspot.com/ - “Second Life News.” A small start, but with effort, it can grow to be something big. Chatting with the crew, some have expressed interest in joining up. And once we get sponsors, we truly will be an online newspaper.

There will be a few rough spots along the way in running this new bird. Dana is leaving some big shoes to fill. But being a newser at heart, nothing to do but step forward. If Second Life has showed me anything, it’s that this is a land of possibilities.

And so, hello to the new newspaper, and goodbye to the retired one. She served us well.

“And that’s the way it is.” Good night from Second Life Newspaper.

Bixyl Shuftan

My Farewell to SLN

2010-06-05T21:00:00.002+01:00

Shortly after I came to SL three years ago my friend Breezes introduced me to her sl daughter Dana Vanmoer. I began to read the SL-Newspaper, of which Dana was the editor at the time.
As I visited the many wonderful sites in SL and had so many thrilling experiences I thought to myself, perhaps I could write about some of these places. I talked to Dana and she invited me to be a freelance journalist and submit articles to the paper. It had been a while since I had written but I began and as more articles were published I gained confidence and wrote more.. James T Juno, the founder of the newspaper, interviewed me and my role was enlarged to regular reporter. I loved doing it and eventually became a frequent contributor.
I am eternally grateful to Dana and James for allowing me to join the crew and have so much fun. I found the Newspaper to be very professionally run and up on the latest issues that affected sl inhabitants. It will be a great loss to the daily readers. It will be a greater loss to the members of the newspaper family. I will miss the work, the meetings, sharing of ideas.
I would also like to thank Bixyl Shuftan for his advice, and support .
Thank you Dana and James and good life to each of you!

Greetings Dear Designer.....

2010-06-05T15:20:00.000+01:00

   I am one of the Mall Managers for Bejambled Mall. We are an very well established mall that is now under new management. We are here to invite you to join some of our current vendors such as Alienbrear's Designs, Donna Flora, Aidoru, Bennelong Designs, SpiritWeaver Jewelers, Twinkleberry, as well as BastChild's Evocative Fine Jewelry as we present an opportunity/idea to bring together 60 of Second Life's finest, high-couture designers at one location. Our idea is to bring QUALITY not QUANTITY so the above-average shopper has just one place to come for high-quality merchandise from head to toe. In addition to clothing, we want to showcase jewelry, shoes, artwork, skins as well as host exclusive events to guarantee consumer traffic.

   As an exclusive introductory package, with 2-weeks paid tiers on any of our stores, you will receive 2 weeks free tiers. Additional prims and/or additional store space will also be available upon request.

Vendor Store Rental Rates:
100 prims/Tiers of 350L a week
150 prims/ Tiers of 550L a week
200 prims/ Tiers of 700L a week

Vendor Kiosk Rental Rate:
35 prims/ Tiers of $125L a week

   We invite you to tour the establishment or to contact any of our Bejambled Management Staff for a tour and or additional information about the vision we plan to create which will be know as Bejambled Mall.

You will notice on your tour the unique design and build of the mall as QUALITY is our number one priority.

We look forward to your visit as well as the opportunity to welcome you into our Bejambled Mall exclusive list of vendors.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Reublin/192/96/41

The Bejambled Mall Management Staff
Maira Pinelli, Bejambled Manager
CognacLady Boxen, Bejambled Manager
Ebonny Rae, Bejambled Manager
Adonis Action, Bejambled Mall Owner

M&M Creations: New Look, Same Commitment to Quality

2010-06-04T06:24:00.007+01:00

Second Life Newspaper recently met up with 10 Goosson of M&M Creations about what has been happening at her store. “M&M Creations just keeps steady and growing as usual,” 10 explained, “We’ve lots to talk about and show Second Life residents. I’ll make it a short list.”

* The scenery screens have been deleted. After three years of selling those, the interest and needs were gone.

* Part of the main mall has been taken by the tree shop with all trees repacked with a temporary rez. So click, see and buy, or leave. Easy and much better than walking over the entire island and not being able to find what you are looking for.

* The flowershop, same story. The flowers have all been repacked, and some new shapes (sepals) have been added, with temporary rez as well. I dusted all flowers this way and was surprised about what I've created last three years.

* The landscaping shop has had a small transformation as well. It's filled, again a fast and easy way to see all builds rezzed, by using the good TP-system to visit the object you want to see.

* Marcthur is still releasing the Antique builder-packs. Those seem to be very popular.

* M&M Fashion will get more time and attention. Full Permission outfits with all materials used are very new in Second Life. Especially because all creators are so anxious about their goods being copied or stolen. We ignore the fear and keep making new things Full Permission to help designers of any level with good stuff to create great objects/outfits.

* It was time to create a new Tutorial: Fit & Wear Fashion Sculpts. A lot of questions about it and it isn't easy. So this tutorial is almost finished.

* In the line of this new tutorial, I will give the other three (and the new one of course) in-world and will schedule these. So there will be a long running event in June: Tutorials. So, classes, classes and classes (this time on our islands platform with the possibility to rez, all people who will participate, can build right at the spot)

* I changed the island that much, only a few parts are recognizable as they were.

- The fairyland is more wetlands and has a huge cave with colorful scenes, all fantasy-flowers, fairy-like landscaping items, etc., are rezzed. I'm still amazed I built this all myself and I wonder around at midnight. The stage is wide and open next to the seaside with some quiet, hidden, corners to relax.

- We embraced Annika Designs with her low-prim builds (caves, waterfalls) so she has a part to rez a few of her great builds.

* Marc is also renewing the oldies. The cherubs have lighting shades and a very special copper texture. They look amazing.

* New fashion sculpts are made of course. Some of those oldies are renewed, because they needed the newest skills of the creator (grin).

10 only had a little time to chat, so she was soon on her way, heading to one of her classes to offer free lessons.

Always evolving, M&M continues to offer shoppers high quality sculpted outdoor products, and 10 Goosson is still personally helping those new to building to become better at it.

M&M is at the Double MM sim: Click Here for the SLURL.

Bixyl Shuftan

Today in SL Newspaper

2010-06-03T07:03:00.003+01:00

In Community, after being shut down for months, Club Zero Gravity was back in business, Nydia Tungsten reopening the space club to a happy crowd. In Extra Extra, we have a little poetry from Shellie Sands, "The Fury of the Storm."

Watch this space.........

2010-06-02T11:27:00.001+01:00

We have some HUGE news for our readers

Come and join us on Saturday at Skybeam to find out what it is!

Watch this space for Teleport on the day

Dana

Cartoon of the Day

2010-06-02T06:25:00.001+01:00

Quit Facebook Day

2010-06-02T05:50:00.005+01:00

Most people thought of Monday May 31st as Memorial Day and nothing else. But it was also designated by some as “Quit Facebook Day.”

Lately, the widely popular social networking site has come under fire for its policies concerning privacy, that it’ discloses information about users without their consent, and that it makes efforts to block such disclosures very difficult. Comments earlier in the year by Facebook’s creator Mark Zuckerman that “some aspects of privacy are a thing of the past,” did not help matters. In the past, it changed it’s terms of service to appear that once a user shared content on it, it had total control over it. But when faced with a formal complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission, it backed down. But only months later it was once again getting accusations.

So it was probably inevitable that some people would respond by pulling the plug on Facebook. But two people, Joseph Dee and Matthew Milan, took it a step further by asking people to do so all at once on one single day, May 31.

“Sick of Facebook’s lack of respect for your data?” the site www.quitfacebookday.com/ asked viewers, “Add your name and commit to quit! Why are we quitting? For us it comes down to two things: fair choices and best intentions. In our view, Facebook doesn't do a good job in either department. Facebook gives you choices about how to manage your data, but they aren't fair choices, and while the onus is on the individual to manage these choices, Facebook makes it damn difficult for the average user to understand or manage this. We also don't think Facebook has much respect for you or your data, especially in the context of the future.”

It was brought up that for those quitting to preserve their privacy, it might already be too late. They would still have peoples’ information, and mine it. And there were those who thought the website was a waste of time to begin with , and people should get off privacy issues or no. Ironically enough, some “Quit Facebook” pages sprang up on the social networking site itself. The main one was tagged by several thousand users. A few pro-Facebook pages sprang up, but they were outnumbered and heavily outmanned.

Response to the call to quit was small. A poll taken on the day showed only about 11 percent of the users surveyed had even heard of “Quit Facebook Day,” and only two percent committed themselves to quitting. One user commented that he couldn't quit because his job depended on use of the site.

Despite it’s problems, Facebook was listed by Google as the world’s most popular site. But it still faces trouble. With the legal questions continuing to dog it, a survey made by an IT security firm suggested 60% of users polled had considered quitting.

Sources: PC Magazine, PC World, Facebook

Bixyl Shuftan

Gemma and the Mermaid

2010-06-01T06:17:00.002+01:00

In Extra Extra, our Gemma Cleanslate describes an encounter with one of the merfolk she and DJ Quark had. Did she put it behind her, or give in to the siren song of fashionable aquatic avatars?

To read the story, go to Extra Extra.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T19:53:00.015+01:00

Memorial Day is often thought of in the United States as the unofficial start of summer. A day off to relax, maybe fire up the grill for a barbecue.

Not what the real reason the day is for: a day to honor those who lost their lives defending the country. And Second Life has it's share of places where memorials to fallen have been placed.

Probably the best known of these memorials is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Second Life, sometimes known as "The Wall." Opened in November 2007, it is still up and continues to draw many visitors.

"The Wall" sim has it's own website at http://www.thewallsl.com.

To get to the Vietnam Wall, Click Here for the SURL at The Wall (39, 32, 25).

Other memorials in Second Life are less well known. Among these is the TLE Memorial in the Raziel sim. The TLE (The Learning Experience) area is more noted for it's building classes and classroom lectures. But one building was set aside as a memorial, where for a donation one can have a stone set up to honor someone. Not just Americans are represented here, but Canadians, British, and others.

Jacob Barton, one of the soldiers dedicated in this picture (second down on the right row), was Lothi Aeon in Second Life, whom lost his life trying to save a comrade one year ago.

The TLE War Memorial is at Raziel (59,61,22).

* * * Addition added later in the day * * *

There are also numerous smaller memorials. Memorials set up as simple reminders for those who gave their all. Among them is the one set up at the Southern Colorado sim by Daaneth Kivioq.

“I have had for a long time a small memorial located on my sim. I invite you to come here for a few moments to reflect on the gift those brave men and women have given us.”

The memorial isn’t much compared to The Wall, a flowerbed and a couple flags. And a plaque reading:

“My Angel, his name is Freedom - Choose him to be your king;
He shall cut pathways east and west, And fend you with his wing.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dedicated to all those who have given life or limb
in the service of the Angel named Freedom

The Southern Colorado memorial is at (129, 41, 25).

"A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a 'Blank Check' made Payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to And including my life.' Veterans didn't have the luxury to choose Where, When, How, or even IF they will 'make that payment'. They merely do their duty day in and day out knowing that they've written that check that some day may be 'Cashed!' That is Honor." - Author Unknown.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Wounded Warrior Memorial Celebration

2010-05-31T09:27:00.002+01:00

On Sunday May 30th, from 5 to 9 PM SL time, the US Military Veterans Group in SL held a live music event to help the Wounded Warrior project, a program to assist hurt soldiers. The event took place at the Veterans’ Center in the Patriot Island sim, with the crowd in front of the stage numbering over a few dozen residents.

Fingerstyle guitarist Frets Nirvana, US Military Veterans Group of SL, and Symbiotic Productions announced the fourth in the series of benefit concerts for the Wounded Warriors project. ... All proceeds collected ... will be paid out directly to Wounded Warrior Project, (WWP). WWP provides services and programs to the more than 30,000 troops that have been injured in recent conflicts to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to civilian life.

About Wounded Warriors: Wounded Warrior Project began when several individuals took small, inspired actions to help others in need. The resulting objective was to provide tangible support for the severely wounded and help them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally. What had been initially viewed as a small contribution (compared with what the warriors had sacrificed while serving our country) has become WWP’s signature program: “WWP backpacks delivered beside to wounded warriors.”

Wounded Warriors program has developed significantly over the last several years to include advocacy, benefits counseling, caregivers retreats, coping/family services, peer mentoring, warriors to work and many other programs for the benefit of United States wounded veterans.

Despite being a bit gray from lag, those attending the event enjoyed themselves and the music. Frets Nivarna was the third musician playing, from 7 to 8 PM SL time. There were some schedule changes, and von Johin took over to sing last, “playing live from Nashville Tenn for you.” He noticed not everyone in the audience was from the US, “probably not Memorial Day for you in London, but thank you for participating.” He went on to play past the hour he was scheduled to, going not to 9 PM SL time but two, to 10 PM.

Votslac Hax was among those who helped organize the event, “This is the fourth concert. And I believe the sims been here for quite some time.” He explained in the three previous concerts, there were notable musicians such as Craig Lyons, Maximillion Kleene, “This was the largest longest event (we held). It was designed to celebrate Memorial Day worldwide.”

Approximately 31,000 Lindens were raised for the WWP that night. During normal times, the Patriot Island sim welcomes veterans of all branches to come by and relax, to enjoy activities such as skydiving, helicopter flights, boating, games, and shopping.

To learn more about the Wounded Warriors Project, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

BobbiJo Jonson, “The Responsibility to remember is ours. And a way each of us can do this is to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Thank you all. A most glorious day of remembering.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-30T09:12:00.002+01:00

MushROOM and Lunamaruna

2010-05-29T07:09:00.002+01:00

Artist Scottius Polke creates some unique, cartoony art. More recently, he has given his style of art a third dimension by creating two unique places in Second Life based on his artistic style.

To read the story, Click Here to go to Community.

Tell the World "Why You Relay"

2010-05-28T05:38:00.001+01:00

Relay Week is fast approaching. And this year, The Relay For Life organization here in Second Life, and Editorial Clarity, Want to do something different.

We Want to know Why you Relay? What is your inspiration? What do you hope to achieve by Relaying? And what kind of Relaying are you doing, to support the American Cancer Society?

Over the Next Few weeks, Ed is going to be looking for some Relay Teams, to volunteer to be on Camera in Second Life, and Tell us Why you Relay. These will only be short videos, however a different video will be done for each Relay Team. The final Products will be shown on a Big Screen at the 'Why I Relay' Area at the Relay Sims on The Weekend of July 17th-18th.

If you as an individual, or a Team, would Like to be part of this, Please Contact Editorial Clarity In-world (Notecard Would be best) or by Email (editorialclarity@yahoo.com) - And a schedule will be made for a time that suits you and Ed to get it filmed.

Thanks and Appreciation

'Why I Relay'

"It's A Wonderful Second Life"

2010-05-28T05:30:00.001+01:00

This detailed machinima was found on Second Life's page on Facebook. It was created by a Sam Lowry, or Denis Chevalier in real life. For some reason, trying to look up his profile resulted in a dead end search. But the sims he gives as examples of what to look for in Second Life are anything but, and Sam shows them at their best.

"Our World, Your Imagination." The old slogan that some people still take to heart.

Sources: Facebook: Second Life, New World Notes

Artistic Fimicoloud Memorial Dance

2010-05-27T06:30:00.003+01:00

It has been two years since Second Life resident Artistic Fimicoloud, Fimi as she became affectionately known, passed away from cancer. In real life, she was Stephanie Koslow, an artist whom did a number of pictures whose work can be seen in the Metaverse to this day, in both an art gallery and private homes. Battling the illness for years, the woman behind the pink fox avatar kept up to the end. She was 49. A member of the Sunweavers and Passionate Redheads, she remains fondly remembered by both.

A year ago, the anniversary of her passing was marked with a candlelight service. Recently, a number of people in both the Sunweavers and Passionate Redheads have had family members pass away. So instead of a solemn service, it was decided to hold a memorial dance in her honor. The event was held in the Southern Colorado sim near what is now known as Fimi Falls, land owner and Passionate Redhead organizer Daaneth Kivioq explained, “I only met Fimi a few times, but I was abel to show her this place, and she fell in love with it - so I dedicated the falls to her memory.”

Come join us on Wednesday, May 26th at 6PM for a wonderful live music event
Celebrating the Life & Art of Artistic Fimicoloud. The event will be held by Fimi Falls
in the beautiful Southern Colorado Sim. There will be Music, Dancing and Fireworks!

At the beginning of the event, there was a snag when the musician for the first hour was unable to show op. So Shockwave Yarearch took over, offering a mix of songs, including “Smurfer Girl” and a few other parodies, “Fimi loved my little silly songs.” No formal wear was required. “Come as you are,” Daaneth told people, normal human and furred, dropping in, “I’m wearing T-shirt and jeans.” One lady dropping in had been absent from Second Life for months, her computer busted and then busy with college.

“Relay for Life in Second Life
Celebrate
Remember
Fight Back!
GO RELAY”

Throughout the event, people talked about Fimi, her art, and her life. A Relay for Life kiosk collected donations as they came in. At 7 PM, Shockwave stepped down and Vaughan Michalak stepped in with live music. At one point, Daaneth handed the crowd a challenge, “Fimi spent many years fighting cancer before she lost her battle - as a result, she often hid pink cancer awareness ribbons in her paintings - now a few of you know where it is already - but there is one hidden near here too - can you find it?” Several people spotted the hidden ribbon.

At 8 PM SL time, DJ Nydia Tungsten began spinning her mix of tunes. During this time, there was a fireworks show, the sparkle of lights exploding all around. One sparkle of lights didn’t fade, but kept going, changing color, occasionally appearing as pink as Fimi. Eventually, the end of the event approached, and Nydia put on her last son, “I Run For Life.”

As the event closed, Daaneth thanked Nydia and everyone who came, “You are all my heroes! thank you for being here tonight! ... FOR FIMI!! Thank you Nydia! And thank all of you for your support and generosity!”

Over 34,000 Lindens had been raised during the event for Relay for Life.

I run for hope, I run to feel,
I run for the truth for all that is real.
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife.
I run for you and me my friend, I run for life.

Bixyl Shuftan

Garden Of Healthy Aging

2010-05-26T06:58:00.004+01:00

Gentle Heron has done more than provide a place where new residents with disabilities and illnesses are welcome, but also were anyone can pick up useful information about these conditions. Gemma Cleanslate goes to the Fatimas Cherished sim to get a closer look.

To read the story, Click Here to go to Community.

Debi Latte Closes Mystery Anniversary Week in Fun-Filled Event

2010-05-25T06:11:00.006+01:00

On Sunday at Noon, May 23rd, the 4rth Anniversary week of events at Mystery was all set to close as it began: with Debi Latte singing live aboard the Queen of Hearts riverboat club. Her velvet voice would be what was needed for a memorable finish.

It didn't quite turn out as planned.

The event was almost finished before it started with Debi crashing. And then an odd thing happened. Debi was able to log back in, but her avatar didn’t appear. It was like a disembodied voice speaking from nowhere.

With no Debi on the stage, Tygeria put something else on the stage: “newbie Linden” mannequins. After a few minutes, she put other things on the stage. For a corny but slightly macabre touch, three singing skulls rezzed over the stage, along with another blowing into a saxophone, and another on bongo drums. Then came a dancing leprechaun, smiling, which would occasionally stop for a sip of dark beer.

Eventually, Debi reappeared, flying back onto the deck. She had gone away some distance from the crowd to try to rezz. But having no luck, she had to dig out a newbie skin. She poked fun at her own predicament, then saw what Tygeria put on the stage, and laughed. Mystery staff member Ayjay Carpenter commented, “Who said variety was dead. Ventriloquism, a chorus line, great singing, a vanishing act. ... all in the first 25 minutes!” With all the crashes, Ajay was wearing a helmet. Someone else remarked, “Only in Second Life can your back up group be skeletons - some newbies - and a drunk leprechaun.”

And so, the event continued, with Debi occasionally chuckling about the menagerie on her stage, which soon included a rustbucket robot that later fell to pieces, and otherwise looking at the good side of things, “What a terrific day.” Tygeria put back a few of the newbie mannequins, but left some up. Debi sang her music like only she could, songs such as “Daydreaming,” “I Will Be Here Waiting For You,” and the club’s trademark song, “Queen of Hearts.” Someone in the audience muttered an emote: “D-E-B-I SL DIVA GODDESS.”

Debi sang for an hour, then the event came to a close. Despite the technical glitches and having to use a newbie avatar, she enjoyed herself that day. Tygeria’s sense of humor helped. She would later describe the event on Facebook, “Seems that SL wanted to be crazy today and not let my avatar back in after a crash.... but... the show went on.... my amazing audience stayed til I got in with a freebie avatar... and we had fun aboard the Queen of Hearts in spite of the technology!!!!”

Just in case this does happen again, someone passed her a package of freebie “Wingless” furred avatars. So perhaps next time, Debi really will be a “foxy girl.”

“You've been talking to Tygeria toooooooo much. LMAO!”

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview with Tuna Oddfellow and Shava Suntzu

2010-05-24T03:38:00.004+01:00

For quite some time, Tuna Oddfellow, “Fish the Magish” in real life, has run the Odd ball with his partner Shava Suntzu. They’ve entertained many crowds, as well as helping others through occasional fundraisers. Now, Tuna and Shava are in need of help themselves. Recently, Second Life Newspaper conducted an interview with them.

For the interview, Click Here to go to Community.

Do You Have a Story?

2010-05-23T07:56:00.003+01:00

On occasion, Second Life Newspaper will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of the readers. But it's been some time since we've gotten one.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to both danavanmoer(at)gmail.com and bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

sl-newspaper.com reserves the right to post in the appropriate section and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyones name or picture or use an alias for them).

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-23T07:53:00.002+01:00

Arts Poetica

2010-05-22T08:08:00.003+01:00

Space stations are not the first thing one thinks of when it comes to poetry. But reporter Grey Lupindo found the Orb Space Station hosting the works of fifty poets for the Author Convention and Exhibition. Those interested in hearing some poetry readings will find them here this weekend.

To read the story, Click Here to Community.

“Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” on Facebook

2010-05-21T06:55:00.006+01:00

Thursday May 20 was unofficially “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” on Facebook. On a page with the same name, a number of cartoons and pictures supposedly of the prophet of Islam were posted. Some were simple pictures, others were of a more humorous or mocking nature.

The page and event began as a protest. When Comedy Central censored a show due to a death threat against it’s creators, people complained that the network had surrendered to intimidation. A cartoonist then posted a drawing on April 20th, suggesting everyone draw a cartoon of Mohammed on May 20th as a form of protests against those who would try to limit freedom of speech by threats of violence.

“In light of the recent veiled (ha!) threats aimed at the creators of the television show South Park ... by bloggers on Revolution Muslim's website, we hereby deem May 20, 2010 as the first annual 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!' Do your part to both water down the pool of targets and, oh yeah, defend a little something our country is famous for (but maybe not for long? Comedy Central cooperated with terrorists and pulled the episode) the first amendment.—Molly Norris (April 20, 2010)”

Word of Norris’ protest quickly spread, and within a week had been taken up by numerous bloggers. It was around this time the “Everyone Draw Mohammed Day” page was created on Facebook. It quickly had thousands of guests. At this time, Norris began to have second thoughts about her protest, saying she had never intended for it to grow so big so fast, saying she had “struck a gigantic nerve, something I was totally unprepared for.” And she soon began to distance herself from it. The creator of the Facebook page soon withdrew as well, citing some were posting clearly insulting images aimed at Islam in general rather than the fanatics. Others helped lead the protest, “If we cannot or will not defend that principle ... then we deserve to choke on whatever jihadists of all stripes can force down our throats."

The protest did not go unchallenged. An “AGAINST Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” page sprung up on Facebook, plus other pages protesting the protest. In Pakistan, the government ordered Facebook blocked from access by it’s public for May 20th, as well as Youtube.

Late in the evening of May 20th, the “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” page on Facebook was unavailable. Someone then created another, “Facebook seems to have deleted the original,” and accused them of censoring his cause while leaving the counter-protest site “filled with anti-semitism, Jesus bashing, gay-bashing, atheist bashing.”

“Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” has come to an end, but the debate over censorship, as well as a number of cartoons on the Internet, remain.

Bixyl Shuftan

Source: Wikipedia

Cartoons from michellemalkin.com and www.examiner.com

White Mouse Power

2010-05-20T06:46:00.001+01:00

At one party a friend was hosting, someone’s AO muttered something so crude, it shocked everyone into silence. What did we do in response? Find a way to diffuse it with humor.

For the story, go to Extra Extra.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-19T06:00:00.003+01:00

Mystery Celebrates Four Years in Second Life

2010-05-18T05:36:00.002+01:00

It was four years ago this week that the Mystery sim was founded. And to celebrate, Tygeria Mirabeau and her staff are throwing a week of special events. They started out with a bang with Debi Latte singing live from the Queen of Hearts riverboat club. But Mystery has much more to celebrate besides the parties. There are new attractions, and even a sister sim appearing.

To read the story, go to Community.

30K Linden Contest at Bosphrous

2010-05-17T11:42:00.003+01:00

Virtual Bosphorus announces a new contest to win 30K Lindens just by shopping at our mall!

Bosphorus/203/127/22, May 15, 2010 - Virtual Bosphorus & FC Inter is offering all those who shop at our mall a chance to win 30K Lindens. It’s easy, just shop and get a chance to win! Send your purchase receipt from your transaction history showing your purchase was from Bosphorus in a notecard with your full name to John Zelnik, and you will be placed in the drawing!

EXAMPLE: 05/13/2010 15:04:52 c394eae4 Source: Eve1209 Quintessa Region: Bosphorus

The more you purchase, the more times your name will be entered into the drawing, so make sure to send each receipt in a separate notecard.

The winner will be announced on June 28, 2010, with plenty of supplementary prizes and gifts if you don’t win the 30K. So start shopping today!

The Virtual Bosphorus Sim offers virtual soccer to SL residents, boasting a state of the art soccer arena. Partnering with F.C. Inter SL, Bosphorus offers residents a soccer academy to teach virtual soccer, as well as soccer leagues and championship matches that are sanctioned by real life clubs. Additionally, the Bosphorus sim offers world class shopping, with over 50 stores, including such well known designers as UK Couture, Myth and Bliss just to name a few.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bosphorus/203/127/22

Contact:
Eve1209 Quintessa
Marketing Manager
Virtual Bosphorus
email: evequintessa@yahoo.com

"The Pocket" Raises over 106K Lindens in Flood Relief Benefit.

2010-05-17T06:53:00.002+01:00

Last week, “The Pocket” hosted a benefit fundraiser (Link) for Cypress Rosewood, whose house and office suffered flood damage, which his insurance did not cover. A number of noted musicians, plus Tony Dyson (Azar Shelman) took part.

Delinda Dyrssen, who manages the Pocket, later announced that the event at her club had raised a total of 106,660 Lindens. While not enough by itself to pay for the damage, it helped. Cypress was able to find an apartment to move into until his family could find a house.

Cypress thanked those whom spent time and Lindens, “The generosity of ... Second Life friends was amazing. ... The compassion, help, and generosity is as over the top as the water was.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-16T05:40:00.001+01:00

Mystery to Begin Four Year Anniversary With Debi Latte

2010-05-15T20:27:00.004+01:00

It was four years ago next week that the Mystery sim was founded. And to celebrate, they plan on holding a week of events. The fun starts tomorrow, Sunday May 16th when at Noon, Debi Latte comes to the riverboat club to sing live. Tygeria Mirabeau and Amythe Midnight, the sim owner and sim manager, had praise for Debi, saying she had always made time for Mystery and it’s people.

Amy and Tygeria told SL Newspaper that they plan to do more than just hold events. They have been working on a sister sim, the Isle of Conundrum, which will open durring the celebration. The sim will offer sailing, romantic cuddle spots for couples, and retail space for stores. They also have new attractions on Mystery for visitors and regulars alike to enjoy.

“You never know what to expect at Mystery.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Fifth Annual Artwalk at Raglan Shire

2010-05-14T07:13:00.001+01:00

Raglan Shire is noted for being a “tiny” community. But this month, it’s hosting an art show for residents of all sizes. So art lovers big and small are invited over to see “art on the hedge.”

To read the article, Click Here to go to Community.

Zindra Expo

2010-05-13T06:26:00.003+01:00

The Zindra Community, dedicated to adult activities in Second Life, and Linden Lab, are proud to announce that the first Zindra Expo, a showcase of adult content, lifestyles and role play, begins (May 7) and runs through May 14th. Come visit ... anytime during the week to catch live performances, participate in contests, walk around the merchant displays, take classes, or listen to panel discussions. Celebrity guests include Abramelin Wolfe, an SL Business Innovator; Mistriss Vought, Femdom Author; and Kyra Roxan, Artist and Sculptor. For more information on the conference, visit the Zindra Community webpage.

The Zindra Community isn't the only Zindra-focused group in Second Life. Just last week, the Zindra Alliance hosted a similar event called 'Zindra Unzipped.' Join these communities, on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events and activities from both Zindra groups!

To access adult rated land, your account needs to be 18+ verified and your maturity settings will need to be set at Adult.

To read the Linden blog post, go Here. *Caution* not all the links there are work-safe.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-12T05:50:00.002+01:00

"Second Life - Can I crash at your place?"
T-shirt by Nydia Tungsten

Noted Journalist to Speak About Bin Laden's Legacy at University Sim

2010-05-12T05:49:00.005+01:00

Steve Coll, a Pulitzer-winning journalist, is President of the New America Foundation, and a staff writer at The New Yorker magazine. Previously, he spent 20 years as a foreign correspondent and senior editor at The Washington Post. Coll is the Author of six books, including two about Bin Laden. This talk is part of the Global Agenda 2010 Speaker Series, and is hosted by Ralph Begleiter, Rosenberg Professor of Communication and Distinguished Journalist in Residence at the University of Delaware.

The discussion is at 4:30PM SL time, and is in the University of Delaware sim at (56/152/26): Click here for the SURL.

Source: New World Notes

The Chilbo Community

2010-05-11T06:19:00.002+01:00

It began as a dream among a few people, a place where people could live not just as virtual neighbors, but a community. Since then, Chilbo has grown not just in area and numbers, but has attracted and continued to attract a number of artists and musicians, while continuing to help newcomers to Second Life. Today, Second Life takes a look at the Chilbo region and community.

To read the story, go to Community.

R2D2 Creator Makes Appearance at Flood Relief Benefit

2010-05-10T04:27:00.002+01:00

On Saturday May 8 from 4 PM SL time to Midnight, “The Pocket” hosted a benefit concert. Their goal was to raise cash for Cypress Rosewood after his home and office in Nashville were hit by the flooding the previous week. Numerous personalities from the SL music industry such as CraigLyons Writer and OhMy Kidd were there to perform.

At 7:45 PM, a special guest appeared. He wasn’t a musician, but someone known for what he did for the motion picture industry in real life: Azar Shelman. In real life, he is Tony Dyson, a noted special effects artist, his most famed accomplishment being the designing of the droid R2D2 in “Star Wars.”

Azar took questions from the audience, which were IMed to an aide of his first. He did not use the sim’s radio to speak, but the voice function. Some couldn’t hear him, and some others had trouble doing so.

Azar was asked a number of questions, the majority concerning R2D2. Asked where did the idea for the droid come from, he answered that George Lucas wanted a robot that in contrast to the classic mechanical man of science fiction didn’t look human at all, so he designed something “turned into a practical object.” Asked how many robots were used in “Star Wars,” he answered there were “eight different R2s in a set,” each designed to perform different moves. He was asked if he had any movies in Second Life under development, and when they would be out. Azar responded, “Good question,” saying it was still “hard to say” what date his project would be ready.

At the event was an R2D2 unit anyone could pick up a copy of. There was also an unique R2D2 which was “signed by Tony Dyson.” The bidding continued for an hour until a winner was declared. Sanne Brune placed the winning bid of 12,500 Lindens.

Eventually, Azar bid farewell to everyone, and took his leave, and the benefit continued on with the next few musicians.

“Second Life ... this is the future.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-09T06:42:00.000+01:00

Flood Relief Benefit for Cypress Rosewood

2010-05-08T08:44:00.003+01:00

Cypress Rosewood (Tony Gerber in real life) was on his way home in Nashville Tennessee after a real-life music performance when trouble struck. Nashville was hit hard by terrible flooding, Cypress hearing it called a “five-hundred year flood.” He was unable to get to his home. Fortunately his wife and daughter were able to get out, but his home and shop were flooded and when talking to Progressive Insurance he was told his policy had an “exclusion clause ... for water damage.”

As a result, friends of Cypress have been organizing to raise cash. One such benefit will be this Saturday May 8 at “The Pocket.” Beginning at 4 PM SL time, various musicians will be performing until Midnight. The musicians include OhMy Kidd, Keiko Takamura, and CraigLyons Writer. Also there will be Azar Shelman, whom in real life is Tony Dyson, the man who designed and built R2D2 for the “Star Wars” movies. He will be taking a few minutes to answer questions and pass out a few gifts.

Another event was held Friday at 2:30 PM at the French Quarter sim. Cypress’ “Twitter” has the words, “Everyone making donations, thanks so, so much. We are blessed and we are humbled.”

Earlier this year, Cypress Rosewood was the subject of real-life trouble when a burglar broke into his home while he was performing. Not unlike now, friends raised cash to help make up for the loss of valuable equipment stolen.

The Pocket is located in the Freestar Bay sim at: 216/32/24.

Bixyl Shuftan

Sources: Delinda Dyrssen’s Blog

Criss MCA Anniversary Celebration

2010-05-07T06:41:00.003+01:00

Today, we examine the Criss Museum of Contemporary Art. The MCA will be celebrating one year of being in Second Life. Reporter Gemma Cleanslate describes what the museum will be planning throughout the month of May.

For the story, go to Community.

Star Trek Museum to Close

2010-05-06T06:11:00.005+01:00

I am sorry to announce that unless things drastically change (like my winning the lottery) I will be closing the Star Trek Museum as of July 31, and will be giving up these islands. Its been a great nearly 4-year run, but it is time to move on. I hope you will continue to visit until then.

For a long time our house sales and donations have been inadequate to pay the huge Linden Labs bills. On top of that, Linden Labs has made it more difficult to attract people to the museum. We cannot be in the Showcase because we use copyrighted material. Our events, which brought hundreds of new visitors a week, and donations, have been disallowed, while yard sales, nude beaches, penis stores and fake contests are allowed to flourish) and it is especially difficult to sell homes with all the limitations and expense of advertising.

Without visitor donations and house sales, it is impossible to pay the bills. I have hung on as long as possible to try to save the museum, all the hard work by the staff and volunteers, and all the homes.

Besides the monetary cost of running this place, taking care of the museum, fixing and finding things, helping visitors and residents, advertising, bookkeeping, all require a huge amount of time and energy, and I cannot afford the expense or the many hours per day any longer. To be honest, I am really looking forward to having more time for my real life ;-)

To all of you who have been helpful around the museum, supported the museum with your tiers and rents, and generous with donations, you know who you are and how appreciative I am. I sincerely thank you again. To others, my only advice is to donate to the places you love in SL, or they may disappear too, as so many have.

With our home-world gone, Tsora and I will most likely be retiring to our little corner of the universe, the Vulcan colony in Eridani, and do look forward to your visits.

P.S. Although the museum per se is not for sale (we could not bear to see it taken over and changed by others), if anyone knows somebody looking to purchase a used island, either empty or including the homes, scuba, and non-museum things, please give them my name. I will pay 10% finders fee on sale of a sim. Tsora Enoch indicates she will entertain offers regarding her creations. I would just like to recoup a little of my investment.

Live Long and Prosper!
Wabisabi Matahari

The Star Trek Museum is at the TovaDok sim at (24, 212, 34)

"Second star to the right and straight on till morning..."

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-05T06:49:00.001+01:00

Friends in Need

2010-05-04T06:25:00.002+01:00

With the stories about the negative side of Second Life going around, such as griefers, sometimes the Metaverse can seem like a two-fisted place. And sometimes, one wonders. Would these people whom you call friends in virtual reality actually lift a finger if you were in trouble in reality? Recently, there were a couple examples of cases where the answer was yes.

Read the story in Communnity.

Eye on the Blog: Enforcing the New Third-Party Viewer Policy

2010-05-03T05:46:00.004+01:00

On March 31, 2010, M Linden announced an updated Second Life Terms of Service (TOS) that becomes effective on Friday, April 30th. We have incorporated our new Policy on Third-Party Viewers into the updated TOS. This Policy governs access to Second Life and our technical platform that supports Second Life by any third-party viewer, by which we mean any third-party software client, regardless of its source code, that logs into our servers. This includes software for viewing Second Life, any chat clients, utilities, bots, and proxies as well as applications that may not be listed in our Third-Party Viewer Directory. This policy does not place any restriction on modification or use of our viewer source code that we make available under the GPL. Rather, the policy sets out requirements for connecting to the Second Life service using a Third-Party Viewer, regardless of the viewer source code used, and for participating in our Third-Party Viewer Directory.

On Friday, we will begin enforcing the new Policy on Third Party Viewers. The steps we will take may include blocking viewers that do not comply with the new conditions for access to Second Life. We know that there are many compliant viewers in use -- beyond the seven that are currently listed on the Third-Party Viewer Directory -- and we will not interrupt their access to Second Life. The Third-Party Viewer Directory is the best place to find out whether the developer of the viewer that you are using has self-certified that the software complies with the new Policy.

We hope that this step will provide a safer and more secure Second Life environment for all Residents.

And, if you haven't yet tried Second Life Viewer 2, the official Second Life Viewer, then we encourage you to try it, now updated with additional performance and stability enhancements.

To view the blog post, Click Here.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-05-02T08:33:00.001+01:00

Relay for Life's 30 Concerts in 30 Days at Bosphorus

2010-05-01T10:06:00.004+01:00

Virtual Bosphorus/F.C. Inter SL has been chosen as the site for Relay for Life’s 30 Concerts in 30 Days.

Bosphorus/203/127/22, April 30, 2010 – Virtual Bosphorus & F.C. Inter SL announce a series of live concerts starting in May, benefiting SL’s Relay for Life.
30 Days of Music, sponsored by Relay Raiders, a Relay for Life Team, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will kick off the first concert on Bosphorus on Saturday,
May 1, 2010 at 4:00pm slt with Juel Resistance. The schedule for the first half of the month is as follows:

Saturday, May 1 4:00 PM SL time - Juel Resistance
Sunday, May 2 6:00 PM SL time - Etherian Kamaboko
Monday, May 3 5:00 PM SL time - DimiVan Ludwig
Tuesday, May 4 6:00 PM SL time - Ictus Belford
Wednesday, May 5 6:00 PM SL time - Sojourn Rossini
Thursday, May 6 6:00 PM SL time - Nonge Shipman
Friday, May 7 6:00 PM SL time - Rapture Damone
Saturday, May 8 6:00 PM SL time - Mack Humbridge
Sunday, May 9 6:00 PM SL time - RoseDrop Rust
Monday, May 10 6:00 PM SL time - SweetLilly Pinelli
Tuesday, May 11 5:00 PM SL time - Kitzie Lane
Wednesday, May 12 6:00 PM SL time - Louis Volare
Thursday, May 13 4:00 PM SL time - Kiaranne Flanagan
Friday, May 14 6:00 PM SL time - srv4u Conacher

The Virtual Bosphorus Sim offers virtual soccer to SL residents, boasting a state of the art soccer arena. Partnering with F.C. Inter SL, Bosphorus offers residents a soccer academy to teach virtual soccer, as well as soccer leagues and championship matches that are sanctioned by real life clubs. Additionally, the Bosphorus sim offers world class shopping, with many stores, including such well known designers as UK Couture, Myth and Bliss just to name a few.

John Zelnik and Princess Dikes are the owners of Virtual Bosphorus. Brujita Saiman is the owner of F.C. Inter SL. You can visit the Bosphorus Sim at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bosphorus/203/127/22
Contact:
Eve1209 Quintessa
Marketing Manager
Virtual Bosphorus
email: evequintessa@yahoo.com

US Army to Use Second Life to Aid Amputee Veterans

2010-04-30T05:27:00.000+01:00

The US Army is making plans to purchase space in Second Life for the purpose of helping veteran amputees back into society. Named the Amputee Virtual Environment Support Space project, the virtual space is to be used by the wounded soldiers after they leave treatment centers.

“The avatar will be able to interact with other registered avatar beings – fellow amputees, caregivers, even friends and loved ones – in a virtual world that's unencumbered by the restrictions of time, distance or disability.” One program manager noted amputee soldiers once out of treatment faculties found themselves alone. The virtual world would help provide them with a group of peers for support.

“As AVESS develops, users also may be able to check in with their professional caregivers, asking questions, getting information updates, and even seeing online demonstrations of the best way to do a physical therapy exercise or adjust a prosthetic device.”

The contract was awarded in fall 2009 to ADL Co, "We tasked them with coming up with a roadmap, letting us know what was possible in developing a virtual world for amputee veterans, and letting us know what issues there are in terms of privacy, access, authenticating who was coming into the environment, all those types of issues," program manager Ashley Fisher explained.

The first phase involved a normal Second Life region, to see what they could do there. Their experiences also led to the conclusion they needed a secure area from unauthorized avatars, especially griefers whom would harass the wounded veterans.

"We wanted to avoid that, because we really did want the veterans to be able to go in and express the issues they are having with the people they know are going through the same thing," Fisher detailed, "And also, we needed it to be secure, because we want to try to bring families, and possibly even children, into the world, and we can't really do that on the regular Second Life platform." The area is being set up in a private, and secure, space in Second Life Enterprise , a region for private spaces marketed to corporations.

Fisher made comparisons to the movie “Avatar,” in which a former marine who lost his legs is able to go about in a new body through the use of a machine. She explained she saw “tremendous therapeutic value” in the amputees’ ability to “define their avatars as they choose, and to immerse themselves in those characteristics as they interact with other avatars.”

Fisher expected some to depict their amputations on their avatars with prosthetic limbs, though a number would do so only as they became more at ease with the virtual environment and the others in it. The “transformation” where they would come to “accept themselves and their new appearance” was hard enough when surrounded by their peers in a hospital, but harder when trying to fit back into society.

"For individuals with disabilities, virtual worlds are a powerful way to connect with others, to access peer support and to participate in activities that might not otherwise be possible," Fisher explained. "This project will establish the best way to adopt this technology for the unique needs of the military amputee community."

Source: The Official Website of the National Guard

Bixyl Shuftan

StarZ Art Sidewalk Sale

2010-04-29T05:57:00.004+01:00

Today, our reporter Gemma Cleanslate takes a look at a sidewalk art sale at StarZ Art. Here, one can find a variety of paintings and other examples of decor to please the eye.

For the full story, go to Community.

Virtual Bosphorus

2010-04-28T05:54:00.002+01:00

In geography, the Bosphorus bridges Europe and Asia via the country of Turkey. In Second Life, the Bosphorus is where new Turkish residents come to Second Life.

“We started off by being a Linden Lab community gateway sim, for Turkish Orientation.” John Zelnik, whom owns the sim, explained to SL Newspaper. This was in April 2007. The sim at one time had a replica of the Bosphorus Bridge, but later took on a different look, “We have teamed up with the football club Inter SL. It is actually authorized by the real club to use the naming rights, etc, in SL. We have been working with them for about a year now. But they have been around since 2007. We decided to bring forward virtual soccer and make it our sim's main attraction.“

“The Inter players take this very seriously,” John continued, “It's no different to real soccer for them. They train every single day, a few hours every day. They use special huds to actually play the games. We also have a Football academy which we teach residents to play virtual football. It’s a bit of a change from the club scene. We are getting more and more females who are interested in playing as well.”

John explained over time a total of “a few hundred” players entered Second Life’s soccer league through Bosphorus, “It is not widely known within SL apart from certain cultures who have teams. There are national teams which we conduct national championships. We have one due in June.” John explained Argentina won last year’s tournament, “There are a few teams in Second Life created by residents. However as we are the official inter-team, there are not many like us, with authorization from the actual club itself.

John went on, “This is only one of the real life/Second Life interactions we have. We have also now made an arrangement with one of Turkey's most famous artists to have her gallery here in Second Life also. Hulya Kupcuoglu who has had many showings in Europe and Turkey, we will show case her art work here at Virtual Bosphorus. Another real-life group we work with is “Remove the Barriers.” It is a Turkish movement which we are the official sl representatives of, an organization for raising awareness for people with disabilities. Their aim is not to collect donations, but it is purely to raise awareness and change simple living conditions in Turkey for those who are living with disabilities who can not get around due to the infrastructure, etc.”

Eve1209 Qunitessa, whom helps John out, commented, “Don't forget to tell him about our live concerts too, John.” John smiled, “Yes, we do have live concerts here every week.” Eve added, “The soccer field actually converts to a concert stage” John offered to show, and heading to the soccer field, a large white stage appeared, bluish lights shining down, and covered with a half-dome in the pattern of a soccer ball.

Eve brought up, “Oh, also the shopping: we have some of the best designers in Second Life here. No freebie stores. ... We have some big names like UK Couture and Myth.”

“We are not a sim with 75,000 traffic with bots,” John commented, “I have a allergy to things like that. ... I prefer to keep things real. I'd love to see this place buzzing one day, because we have put in a lot of effort, time and money. We aren’t funded by bigwigs, nor am I one. I’m just a little man trying to make a difference, with the great people around me.”

Eve pointed out, “If you zoom up, and look at the soccer stadium, it's shaped like a heart. John does this sim with his wife.” John smiled, “Ahh yes, my one and only Second Life wife, who is also my fiance in real-life. ... I don't look at things here as just a game. Real people, real projects, real goals.” Eve, “That’s what makes working with John and Princess (Dikes) so special to me. Just like this heart shaped stadium - they've both put their hearts into this place.” John answered, “Thanks Eve. The way we see it this is not just our sim ... This is the sim of everyone who comes here whether it is the store owners, the visitors, the players, the newbies. We have faced a lot of challenges to keep this sim up and running, both financially and emotionally. But our dream remains the same, to share this place with Second Life residents.”

Bosphorus was recently remodeled, with a grand reopening ceremony on April 1, John saying, “Yes we changed the entire sim, renovated, and what you see now opened on the 1st. But this sim itself has been around for over two years.”

The sim has it’s own website (still being worked on) at http://www.virtualbosphorus.com , and also it’s own Facebook page.

“Virtual Bosphorus & F.C Inter SL welcomes all visitors to come and experience soccer in Second Life. They have provided an atmosphere to please people from all walks of life. Whether it is playing soccer in their fully functional stadium, shopping from SL's biggest and best brands or listening to live music from SL's most amazing live vocalists, Virtual Bosphorus & F.C Inter SL aims at providing a great experience for all.”

The entry point for Bosphorus is at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bosphorus/194/125/22

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-28T05:13:00.004+01:00

Farmville and other Facebook Games

2010-04-27T06:24:00.002+01:00

Lately, Facebook and the games one can play on there, such as Farmville, have been getting some attention. So what exactly are these little games that are (usually) free to play? Here, we take a look at the craze that’s hit the Internet.

For the story, go to Extra Extra.

Second Life Viewers and the Third-Party Viewer Directory

2010-04-26T03:49:00.006+01:00

For the Official Experience from Linden Lab
The Official Second Life Viewer

We at Linden Lab have optimized this viewer to help you have a safe, stable, and enjoyable experience in Second Life supported by our Customer Relations team.

The Snowglobe Viewer

We also support the Snowglobe viewer, which typically has new features not yet available in the official Second Life viewer. Developed jointly by Linden Lab and the open source community, this viewer may be somewhat less stable than the official Second Life viewer.

For a More Experimental Experience with a Third-Party Viewer

You may connect to Second Life using software released by a third-party developer. We have a Policy on Third-Party Viewers to help promote a positive and predictable experience for all Second Life Residents. However, because third-party viewers are not our viewers, we cannot guarantee that they will follow our rules. You are responsible for evaluating whether you want to use and share information with them.

The Third-Party Viewer Directory

To be listed in the Viewer Directory, a software developer must self-certify that it complies with Linden Lab policies. Beware of third-party viewers that are not in the Viewer Directory – they have either declined to self-certify or been refused for noncompliance with our policies.

The Third-Party Viewer Directory

Viewer Name - Developer Name
Emerald Viewer - Modular Systems
Kirstens Viewer - KirstenLee Cinquetti
METAbolt - Legolas Luke
Mobile Grid Client - Kurz Socke
omvviewer project - Robin Cornelius
Pocket Metaverse - Pocket Metaverse
Sparkle IM - Genkii KK

For Developers: How To Apply for the Viewer Directory

1. Your Second Life accounts must be in good standing, must not be suspended, and must not have been permanently banned or terminated.
2. You must have valid payment information on file with us or have been age verified by us.
3. Review our Policy on Third-Party Viewers and the Second Life Terms of Service.
4. Make sure you and your third-party viewer are in compliance with our policies.
5. Complete the application form and certify your compliance.

Disclaimer: Linden Lab makes no representations or warranties regarding any of the listed viewers or developers. These third-party viewers are not affiliated with or overseen by Linden Lab. Please take reasonable precautions, including virus scanning, before installing and using any of the listed viewers.

To view the blog page: Click Here, page from a link at the bottom of the Download page.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-25T08:52:00.001+01:00

Return to Book Island

2010-04-24T10:56:00.000+01:00

As reported in early 2010, Book Island was undergoing a revitalization. During the first quarter, the Island has flourished and now the community of writers and publishers is even more vibrant and alive. The new area is full! Nearly all of the Island's homes and shops have been rented. Each home has an upstairs patio, 2 bedrooms, private jetty, some with sunset and waterfront location. An individual texturing service is also available for both.
Many exciting events are now scheduled weekly on the Island, including readings. Often held in the Beach area is a monthly salon hosted by RL romance writers, Melissa Mahue (FaeWritr Brookmite) and Elaine Laveine (Vinnie Mimistrobell). The have hosted RL literary figures.
The Podcasters group was organized by Emz Mazie, Insight Zadark and Imarad Breen. In addition to podcasting the live readings, frequent tapings of the Horrow Addicts podcast are held in front of a live audience. This group also promotes Marketing and has fairly regular office hours if you want to go to learn and get advice about it. As well, Emz Mazie holds regular meetings at Quills, her shop on the island, where the audience can witness an actual podcast being made and broadcast. Recently, Imarad Breen, author of the novel, "The Fox," made a podcast of her short story, "The Nibblers."
A New Community Centre provides a popular hang out on the first floor, while classes are held on the second floor. The second floor is also available for RL writers' groups to meet, eliminating the need to commute. Assistance is available for any newcomers who would like to use this area for their group.
Resident psychotherapist, Micca Hedrick, leads a free weekly Relationship Support Group. This group discusses RL relationship issues.
The Book Island Beach area continues to host many classes, some of which include/have included:

Building with 10 Goosson (co-owner M&M Creations). This was a 5-week building course which has now concluded.
SL Photography with Elsbeth Writer. This was also a one-time course offering, but is another great example of what is being done and planned on Book Island.

Future planned events include:

Sandor Zabelin's poetry readings read by Persephone Phoenix from Blue Angel Poets Dive, scheduled for 29 April at 7 pm
Neal Herriat reading from his book "The Thistle"
The very popular Sabreman Carter reading his poetry
Jay B. Cox Harvey Lurra) reading his book, "Memoir of a Mind Toy" (Doesn't THAT sound interesting!)
Nightmare Scribe and Magaere Swansong's free lecture series and paid course: Henry and Hollie Snider, founders of the award-winning Colorado Springs Fiction Writers' Group will be offering lectures and classes on the writing process and covering aspects ranging from characterization and mechanics to scene development and storyline.

It is evident that Selina Greene and her crew have done some remarkable things on the Island to bring it back to life. The place is alive with interesting and exciting things! If you are a writer, want to be a writer, or just an avid lover of reading and books, this is the place to go! Join the Book Island Events and Discussion Group to receive notices of their weekly and other special events.

By Shellie Sands

Nemo

2010-04-23T06:35:00.006+01:00

Those with a fascination for Steampunk, fans of the classic novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” or even just a simple interest in either, may want to head to a certain place in Second Life: Nemo.

The entry point is a metal platform, with a walkway leading to a metal tube poking up through the surface, a doorway open and leading to an elevator. One can take the elevator down, and find oneself in the middle of an undersea city. The structure is done in the style of the Victorian era, but with strange machines mixed in. Near the entrance is a model of the complex, which can help in seeing where one can go while down there. There is also music in the background, which was a bit haunting at times when I was there.

The underwater complex is well detailed. Some rooms are simple living quarters in which one can sit on a couch by an amp and read the books of the day. There is also an occasional portrait of a notable person, appropriate to the setting, at the time, such as scientist Nikola Telsa. There is also an organ in one

In other places in the structure, one can look at electrical and plasma-filled equipment fit for a mad scientist’s lab. There are robots in the place, resembling sea creatures, in various stages of assembly, as well as sketches of the contraptions on the wall. If one looks outside, an occasional working model can be seen moving through the water. There are also other machines for use outside the lab, such as a fortune-telling machine. The machines are done in good detailed, sometimes with moving gears and other parts.

Nemo was built by Sextant Shepard, a French journalist in real life. In the Linden Blogs, he stated he was working on another area, the Oruchalcum Mine. Nemo itself is still a “work in progress,” evidenced by a closed door with a sign at one point.

A fascinating sim that anyone who’s read the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells will enjoy.

Nemo is at the FRANCE3D futuna sim at (91/148/21).

Someone also did a Youtube of the area, which one can see: Link.

Bixyl Shuftan

M Linden Appears on “The 1st Question” Game Show

2010-04-22T05:50:00.009+01:00

About a year ago, Second Life Newspaper took a look at Pooky Amsterdam’s “The 1st Question," a game show in Second Life shown on treet.tv someone called “a cross between having lunch with Albert Einstein and ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ “ Since then, the show has continued to appear every Tuesday at 7 PM SL time, always drawing a packed audience, and having among it’s contestants a number of noted residents, some well known, some important, and a few whom were both.

On Tuesday April 20, the contestants included one of the more well known residents of the metaverse: M Linden, aka Linden Lab CEO Mark Kingdon.

The other contestants were Sydney Caramel (real-life journalist Boonsri Dickinson), FutureGuru Haiku, and Professor Springflower. But all eyes were on M Linden. The center of the room had been circled with “M”s as well. So the question on our minds was, would the CEO come out on top, or end up getting his tail kicked? A couple people in the audience joked that a Linden loss would result in the sim suddenly disappearing.

The sim was packed more than usual, with 66 residents in the place at one point. This caused lag and other complications. Some residents crashed and were unable to get back in, including Sydney Caramel. Co-host Hydra Shaftoe later commented he should have capped the avatar limit at fifty or fifty-five. So it was up to two other contestants to stand up to the head Linden.

But with the first few questions, it was becoming clear M Linden was holding his own, able to answer tricky puzzles. Although the others were ahead in points at the start, M soon took the lead and held onto it, eventually winning the show. It is unclear what prizes M Linden won from his victory on the game show.

The archived episodes of “The 1st Question” can be seen Here , with the April 20th show most likely appearing on their within a few days.

Bixyl Shuftan

Live in Sunweaver Islands: A Bargain Home in Second Life

2010-04-21T06:32:00.003+01:00

Finding a place to live in Second Life for an affordable price can be a challenge. Sign up for Premium Membership to get a “free” Linden home, one will be paying $9.95 US dollars a month. One can rent land, allowing one to stay a free resident and skip the fee, but the prices for rental land and homes can be high, a thousand Lindens a week or more.

How about a place in Second Life where you pay not a thousand Lindens per week, but per month?

At the Sunweaver Islands, 1000L will get you for four weeks, a rate of 250L a week, a 512 square meter plot, 16m x 32m in size, with a 117 prim limit. One can rent as many lots as are available, and the staff will join them into a larger lot if possible, so one can build the house of one’s dreams.

The Sunweaver Islands have both public islands and private islands available:

Public Islands allow one the flexibility of having either a house, store or both. As the name suggests, they are fully open to the public.

Private Islands allow one greater privacy, but are restricted to residents of Sunweaver Islands only. One is allowed to build stuff for sale, but no selling is allowed here. Control over who gets on the islands and behavior is enforced.

For more information on rental space in the Sunweaver Islands, please contact one of the rental managers: Nydia Tungsten, Wensleydale Dinkins, Shockwave Yareach, and Rita Mariner.

Also ask what move-in specials are available. As of now, the first month is half-off the normal price for new renters.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-21T06:08:00.001+01:00

TRP360 Up and Away at Sialimonus

2010-04-20T05:54:00.005+01:00

It is always wonderful to go exploring and find a new astonishing site I have never seen before. I arrived at the entrance of an ethereal Stonehenge. The view is of an airy gossamer Stonehenge with the universe circling. “Turn around “ I was instructed and touch everything. So I did.

Off I went into space with my first tap, following a meteor ‘s trail around and around. I found a lineup of the planets, and sat on a few that again sent me off into space in various dances and poses. It is great fun to walk - run in space Asteroids bumbled through the air, barely missing the site.

Back on the ground, I spied a teleport to the “Fun House." Hah! I cannot tell you much about that journey, not wanting to spoil the experience, but get ready for an escapade that will take you through mazes that really amaze!!! Make sure you have time to enjoy, or you will need to revisit this experience again and again , trying to solve the way through. Look for a happy face to guide you. You will smile back.

Back at the entrance you will find a teleport that will bring you to other magical sites. Enter and enjoy!!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sialimonus/156/168/210

Gemma Cleanslate

Relay for Life’s “Fantasy Faire”

2010-04-19T05:38:00.007+01:00

* * Fantasy Faire 2010, April 19 - 25th * *

Proudly brought to you by
Friends Fighting Cancer.
Strong together!
Making wishes come true!

From Monday April 19th to Sunday 25th 2010, 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 nine sims of Second Life into a fantasy wonderland: the Fantasy Faire 2010 to benefit Relay for Life of Second Life (RFL of SL).

The Fantasy Faire 2010 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers, and performers in the virtual world. A week of commerce, special events, live musical 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, including Fantavatar and Moonstruck, Evie’s Closet, Fallen Gods, Mer Betta, Sassy Kitty, and many many more!

This nine sim event is bringing together such fantasy genres as fairy, elven, magic, mermaid, goth, demon, vamp, neko, tiny, sci-fi, and more! FCC’s goal in 2010 is to raise $15,000 US dollars for RFL of SL. The Fantasy Faire 2010 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.

Check out our amazing Sponsor and Creator list!

You can view some of last year’s beautiful sims on Youtube, featuring our great environments and creators from Fantasy Faire 2009, shot by the talented kypta Spitteler and also a fantastic interview of Zander Greene our creative director, showing scenes from across all the sims as he is interviewed to Life On Line and discusses the background to the Faire.

To join us this year, just search for “Fantasy Faire Central” on the map - open to the public 19th-25th April, 2010.

As with all events this size, there will be lag. We have done our best to keep it as low as we can, but we’ll also need your help. Be considerate of your fellow shopkeepers and keep prims and bling in your pocket and turn off your AOs and other scripted HUDs and you will find the going easier for yourself. Low prim clothes are available at each teleport point so that you can show your support for The Relay for Life and help everything run smoother. *Plus* our secret Fairy Godmother will be dropping *fabulous* prizes on people with really low avatar render cost and scripts for doing such a great job at keeping the lag down.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Fantasy Faire 2010 is produced by Friends Fighting Cancer, one of the Featured Designer Teams at last year’s Relay for Life of Second Life. 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 $300,000 US dollars.

Since its inception in 2005, the RFL of SL has grown in both attendance and fundraising. With almost $275,000 US dollars raised last year RFL of SL has become the largest fundraising event in the virtual world.

The Fantasy Faire 2010 is made possible by the generous support of Sim and Event Sponsors Fondazione Connell Project, Evie's Closet, Fairy Unique Designs (FUD), Fallen Gods Inc., Mer Betta, Moonstruck, Sassi Kitty Designs, The Arcanum and Media Sponsor, Treet TV.

For more information please contact:

Captain Ember Farina or Co-Captain Zander Greene in SL
or email us at FantasyFaireSL@gmail.com

The official FFC Fantasy Faire 2010 website - http://www.fantasyfaire2010.wordpress.com
is updated regularly with news of the Fantasy Faire Sponsors, Featured Creators, limited availability auction items, competition & event details.

The Fantasy Faire in SL Flickr group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/1159331@N22/
will soon be showing limited release items available in the Fantasy Faire vendors or auction and also giving details of great competitions.

Are you or a loved one battling cancer? Find out how many ways the American Cancer Society is there to help. Visit cancer.org or call (US) 800-ACS-2345.

www.relayforlife.org/secondlife

LIfe On Line’s show on the 2009 Fantasy Faire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf30Bpm_-_M

Biosphere

2010-04-18T19:09:00.007+01:00

Biosphere is a whimsical and environmentally beautiful spot to visit. The small area is a treat for the senses-- tall green grass, a bright blue pond, and the pleasant sounds of singing birds.

When you arrive, you will find yourself on an island. Before you cross the swinging bridge, be sure to look for the turtle swimming in the pond. Across the bridge is Mocha, a shop filled with country inspired clothes, accessories, and furniture. Watch out for the animals as you approach! The whimsical Gmoks will talk, or at least grunt, if you touch them. A pair of llamas, which are rare in SL, graze contentedly nearby.

But the real treats are inside Mocha. On the first floor are sweaters, shoes, and lots of quaint clothes. One unusual feature is the demo mode that lets you see exactly how the shoes will look and fit before you buy. No more wasted Lindens buying the wrong shade or the wrong heel height!

I also liked Mochás rings, which sell for only $10L. There are 3 designs in 16 different patterns available. The fun part is that the ring you get will be a surprise–they are given out randomly. You may not get your favorite the first time, but at this low price you can afford to try again.

On the second floor there are country style textures, carpeting, wallpaper, and tile for sale. It even looked like the farm house could be purchased. The back room has a small selection of country furniture, too.

If you have additional time, there are two smaller outbuildings next to Mocha. One of them sells butterfly tattoos. Enjoy Spring and wear it, too!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Biosphere/78/215/28

Grey Lupindo

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-18T06:26:00.001+01:00

Particle-Parachute Jump at “The Pocket” for RFL

2010-04-17T20:16:00.003+01:00

Particle artist Tyrehl Byk has recently gotten together with Musician Maximillion Kleene and the staff at “The Pocket” club. The people have planned a unique event in Second Life, one that makes the use of their noted talents. They’ve given it a somewhat long name: the “Maximillion/Tyrehl Phantasmagora Particle Parachute Jump/Show/Stunt for Relay for Life.”

Delinda Dyressen, whom is among the staff at The Pocket, promises it will be “the biggest ever mass particle jump in Second Life history!”

At the location at 8 PM SL time, Tyrehl will perform the particle show that he’s gotten raves for. After the show, free “particle parachutes” will be passed around. Then the participants will jump and drop down “in a glorious mass of particle-ized parachutes,” and after pulling the ripcords float down to the dance club (which has had a bulls-eye whimsically painted onto the deck), where Maximillion Kleene will be playing. Relay for Life Kiosks will be set up around the place.

Delinda suggests that those interested try to show up a little early, “The Pocket and Freestar Bay Island are not responsible for anyone who forgets to pull the cord. On the other hand, Max and Tyrehl ... well you can talk to their lawyers.”

The SURL given for the event is Here at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Freestar%20Bay%20Isle/194/89/316 .

Source: Delinda Dyressen’s Blog

Bixyl Shuftan

Pixel Labs and the “Book”

2010-04-16T18:20:00.000+01:00

Imagine a device that would make reading a book within Second Life quicker, or perform Google searches and other things from the Internet within SL? A new virtual tablet called the "book" allows you to do these and more. We take a look at this handy tool and the people behind them: Pixel Labs.

For more, go to Extra Extra

Calling All Fishers!!

2010-04-16T18:00:00.005+01:00

Fishiversary 2010 is here ! To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of 7SEAS FISHING, Seven Shikami has taken three sims where fishers can fish to their hearts content for the many exciting custom rods, fish and other delightful items for 3 days .

There will be entertainment and contests around the sims during the weekend. Go to the central island to begin and pickup the gifts there. You will be able to rezz a boat for your travels . Each island is unique and may have some goodies for sale, and you will want to see them all. Keep fishing for custom fish as you go.

You have until Monday at 8:00 SL to see it all !

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Osmium/148/145/22

Gemma Cleanslate

Tyrehl Byk’s Particle Art at Diablous

2010-04-15T06:10:00.005+01:00

In February, SL Newspaper did an article on Tyrehl Byk’s Event Horizon Particle Show, sometimes called the “Particle Phantasmagoria.” It’s gotten a number of rave reviews for his unique display of particle art, including an appearance on the “Tonight Live” talk show.

Tyrehl has not been resting on his laurels, but has still been at work. Besides his regularly scheduled show, he recently built an exhibit one can visit any time at the Benvolio sim, at Diablous Art Space.

The show is on a platform over 3000m in the air. After the scenery rezzes, one will see a domed building with a sign next to it. The sign asks for people to reset their viewer controls in order to see the particle show at it’s best. It shows what to set graphic settings in “Preferences,” including setting the draw distance low, near 100m, and maxing out the particle count. Then on the Advanced settings on the toolbar, one makes a couple other changes. Following resetting, one clicks on the door, then enters.

Right away, one gets a hint of what is to come, with the plasma-like light surrounding the passageway that leads into the dome. Once inside, one sees a number of platforms circling the edge of the building. Each has a number of buttons. By pressing them, a group of particles can be made to appear or disappear. Pressing a number of them, the results can be a quite detailed and visually striking display of brilliant colors. One button allows for the option of a half-dome to appear on the platform, but this is not necessary. One can cam into the cloud of particles, or walk in and see from inside via mouselook.

The platforms are not the only displays of particle art. There was another show of particles that occasionally appeared above, closer to the top of the dome’s interior. It would occasionally appear, sparkle in a show of color, and then slowly fade.

Once again, Tyrehl continues to shine with his particle light art.

The Diablous Particle Art Show is at the Benvolio sim at (130, 122, 3090).

Bixyl Shuftan

Today in SL Newspaper

2010-04-14T18:06:00.000+01:00

In Extra Extra, Gemma takes a look at the Pinot Gris Garden 4 art gallery at Palais Orleans. In Community, we have a schedule of events for Relay for Life from today the 15th to the 25th. And in Main News we have our Cartoon of the Day.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-14T06:18:00.003+01:00

"I went to Kali Birman's rezday party, and all I got was this lousy title"

Debi Latte Sings Live at Mystery

2010-04-13T17:48:00.003+01:00

At the Mystery sim on Sunday April 11, regulars to the riverboat club got a real treat. Debi Latte came to the ship at Noon to sing at the live music event, her graceful voice being quite memorable. Also memorable was an example of the sim owner’s mischief.

For the story, go to Community.

Correction: Linden Lab Makes the BBB’s Grade After All

2010-04-13T17:01:00.003+01:00

On Monday April the 12th, we did a story about the Better Business Bureau giving an “F” rating to Linden Lab. We got a little reader feedback on the matter. And as it turned out, things had changed since we had last looked at the BBB website.

For the story, go to Extra Extra.

Linden Lab Gets “F” From BBB, But ...

2010-04-12T19:24:00.001+01:00

“Linden Labs: F .” That’s the rating the Better Business Bureau gives the company behind Second Life. So is this a stinging confirmation of the repeated stories about the Lindens’ dismal service to the residents of the Metaverse? Maybe not.

For the story, go to Extra Extra.

A Conversation with SpaceJunky Lead Singer Shakti Cianci

2010-04-11T12:39:00.000+01:00

By Nazz Lane

I had recently become acquainted with the publicist of SpaceJunky and had been invited by her to one of the band concerts on their island in Second Life. Impressed with the sound, the lighting, staging and the overall performance I asked if she could arrange for me to meet lead singer Shakti Cianci. A few days later, an instant message invitation and teleport request arrived from Bella Dutton which took me to directly to Ms Cianci’s residence. We had a short visit where we exchanged pleasantries and arranged for a date and time for an interview. In the time in between, I read through a press package along with a visit to the band’s web site (www.spacejunky.com) where I was able to listen to a selection of their recordings. Besides having been featured in CNN and in the Sony Acid Remix Contest, there have been many articles written about the band. Both the web site and press package told me that Shakti is also starting her very own TV show called Virtual Life and that the band is working on a soon to be released music video, “Star Tribe”.

On the appointed day and time, the teleport request arrived, as did I after I clicked on accept. Ms Cianci first came into view and we chatted while the site rezzed for me.

"Good to see you again." I said and added a smile.

"Hi Nazz … you to … Would you like to do the interview here, it’s nice and relaxing. Nazz this is Izzy." She said.

"Sure ... where ever you're the most comfortable." I said and then turned slightly to my right and added; "Hey Izzy, nice to meet you."

“Hey Nazz … .good to meet you." Izzy replied.

"Izzy is our photographer ... let’s go over here." She gracefully moved her avatar across an open space of water, toward several cushions. Both Izzy and I waited until she selected a cushion before we pointed, clicked and sat. The cushions contained meditation animations and we each begin to move according to the scripted pattern.

I'd moved my camera view to check out the immediate area and liked what I saw. "This is a nice area ... your build?"

"Yes this is part of SpaceJunky Island ... this is the healing area." She replied

"Meditation as a spiritual healing process?" I asked

"Yes … we have meditations here. I am a light worker in real life too, I do energy work and I am a hypnotherapist … spiritual healing." She answered and then added a smile.

"By the way I really enjoyed your playing on the song 'Chrystal Silence'. I listened to it several times yesterday morning on the web site." I commented as my avatar cycled into the next iteration of the animation.

"I had just come back from Tibet and was researching an ancient Tibetan symbol that came to me in a vision while I was working on the CD that Crystal Silence is from." She said.

“What was it that brought you into second life?” I asked her.

“It’s all inspired by my trip to Tibet and I kept coming across this blog called the flying monks with a picture that looked like a cartoon monastery and one day after discarding it on several searches, I decided to have a look and found it was a group in second life that were creating Tibetan monastery's that had been destroyed in the cultural revolution. I found it fascinating and so I came into second life to see what they were doing and then decided to bring my band in here to promote our CD.” She said in reply

“Can you tell me about why you chose the name ‘Shakti’?

“Shakti is divine feminine creative power. I wanted to be creative here and it felt right … plus it is a very spiritual sacred name … I am very spiritual … Shakti is responsible for creation.” She replied.

“Is it a Tibetan name?” I asked her.

“An Indian name … but a Dakini in Tibet is a form of energy which is also Shakti.” She replied.

“Since being in second life has that influenced any changes to your music?”

“Not really … just allowed us to expand our vision and what the music is actually about … bring it to life. A Spacejunky is one who searches for cosmic truth and seeks to lengthen the space between thoughts … so we have created a community here for our fans based on that concept.” She said.

“Bringing it to life … is that a visualization of the music?” I asked her.

“Yes it’s allowed us to create the world that I live in my mind.” She answered.

“How long has the band been together?”

“Hmmm … I first started working on the project in 1993. It was a solo project then … and then later brought in the other two members.

“What do you see as the differences in performing live in real life as compared to a second life live performance?

“Well in some way not much difference ... both are performances just the delivery is different … one of the great things about second life is that you can interact with people here live in a way you can't in a real life concert. So that's very interesting … to have that real time connection.” She said in reply.

“I've spoken to performers and musicians who've said they miss the energy of a live crowd while on the second life stage, but enjoy that real time connection.” I commented.

“Well most of the musicians here perform differently than us, they are playing and singing. We perform a ‘virtual concert’ using our CD so we are concentrating on providing a visual experience here along with the music we have already recorded. So we approach it differently. So in that way I don't miss the real time crowd because we are not trying to emulate a live performance … here it is more like performance art to us … so again a different approach. Second life is great for that lets you use your music in different ways.” Shakti commented.

“The TV show ‘Virtual Life’, how did that come about?” I asked.

“Stretch Mayo is a friend and had asked me some time ago about doing a TV show … so we talked about it and we share a similar vision … so we did a pilot episode.” She replied.

“Has Spacejunky performed in any other virtual worlds?”

“No ... this one keeps us too busy.” She said in reply and then added; “But we have been broadcast out of second life to the web in real time.”

“After the video ‘Star Tribe, what comes next for Spacejunky?”

“I’m thinking about doing a grid wide tour … we need to get out amongst the people again ... spread our wings a little. The island has been great but it has kept us a little insulated. Also, I work with a Tibetan real life foundation and I am going to India soon, we are building a school there. So I’d like to do something to help raise some money for it.” She said in reply and then added; “I need to talk to them about having their blessing to do something in second life as I work with a real Tibetan Lama.”

“How soon do you think the grid wide tour will begin?” I asked.

“I will start work on it in April after I go to India … we will begin planning.”

“Do you have any closing thoughts or comments you'd like to share with my readers?”

“I’d just like to say that Second Life is an amazing place and congratulate the people who create beauty here sometimes in spite of challenging situations.” She responded.

We chatted for a few minutes longer before I departed and I wished her good night as it was the end of her day in Australia while only the beginning of mine in the US. Several days after the meeting, I received a link from Bella with pictures taken during the interview (picasaweb.google.com/izzyatthecreek) by photographer Izzy Cole.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-11T06:41:00.001+01:00

Ghost Ship Crashes Live Music Party at Mystery

2010-04-10T21:17:00.004+01:00

On Friday afternoon, the Heart of Mystery Riverboat Club at the Mystery sim held one of it’s live music events. At 1 PM SL time was Zorch Boomer, whom provided blues and pop music to the crowd. At 2 PM came Lexie Luan, “The great music continues on the top deck of the Queen of Hearts as Lexie Luan takes the stage at 2pm!! Come hear this wonderful singer today!! Hope to see you here!” Sim owner Tygeria Mirabeau and sim manager Amythe Midnight were there. Micah Giha was the host.

With the sim at nightfall, the graceful Lexi wowed the crowd as she sang while strumming her neon-pink guitar. The audience responded with applause, “Woo-hoo”s, and comments like “Over the fookin’ edge.” A couple times, fireworks shot over the club, providing a little flash and color to the show.

Later in the show, the party got a visitor of a more supernatural and aquatic note. A roar like an ocean wave could be heard, but there was no sign of a big wave below. Then the audience saw the wooden bow of an old-time sailing frigate plowing through, but it harmlessly passed through everyone it touched. A ghost ship!

In just a few moments, the vessel had slid across the deck of the riverboat club, the stern leaving a little water in it’s wake, which vanished as the ship sailed on. The ghost ship sailed on for a little longer, and soon faded into the night from whence it came. The audience paused for a few moments before Tygeria called for the party to resume.

Lexi left the riverboat at 3PM, but before doing so revealed a little surprise for Tygeria with the help of Amy. Even though the musician left, some of the crowd stuck around for a little longer to continue the party.

* * * * * * * * * *

On another note, Mystery is currently hiring additional hosts for it’s events. For “Themed DJ Events, the base pay is 150 L for two hours. For live music events, base pay is 150 L. The pay is in addition to tips given to the host by those attending, which can exceed what Mystery pays. Those interested are asked to contact Micah Giha or Amythe Moonlight by notecard (IMs tend to get capped). They are asked to follow rules for a PG sim.

Bixyl Shuftan

Creative Fiction: Second Life’s TV Commercial

2010-04-09T06:01:00.000+01:00

Suppose the management at Linden Labs had a TV commercial done for Second Life. What would it look like? Would it appeal to a niche market? Would it say they offer something for everyone? Or would it take a different tack? Here's a story showing a possible scenario.

To read the story, go to Extra-Extra.

The Sunweaver Easter Alien Egg Hunt

2010-04-08T06:54:00.004+01:00

Are egg hunts becoming a little too boring? Do you feel like hunts need some element of danger? Well, now's your chance. Shockwave Yareach has designed an egg hunt to remember as the eggs, and what hatches out of them, will hunt you back.

To see the rest of the story, click on Community.

Cartoon of the Day

2010-04-07T06:49:00.000+01:00

The Little Dove RFL Steamclub Opens

2010-04-06T23:02:00.001+01:00

The Southern Colorado sim is noted for being a location for Relay for Life events, notably Hope Gardens. It now has a new place to hold events. On Monday March 5th at 4PM SL time, Club Little Dove held it’s Grand Opening.

Club Little Dove’s creation is due to one lady: Nydia Tungsten. She constructed the club in four levels, with the top level originally a pilothouse, but later changed to a landing field. The place was designed with a Steampunk look (for those unfamiliar with the term, think H.G. Wells and Jules Verne). There were features such as the main dance floor showing turning gears underneath, 19th century dials and huge lightbulbs making up much of the equipment, carved wood and stained glass making up much of the walls and furnishings, the occasional steam-age gadget or vehicle, a few hookahs around the place (the Victorian-Era had a libertarian view on drugs, and in some ways encouraged their use), and others.

The official name of the club is Her Majesty’s Airship Little Dove, or HMAS Little Dove. Club Little Dove is named after a former resident in Second Life, who sadly passed away last year. She was the real-life partner of a close friend of Nydia's, “she was devastated.” Nydia saw the naming of the club in her honor as, “just the right thing to do.” Nydia is part of the "Passionate Redheads" Relay group, but says the club is open to all RFL groups.

On Monday, the club was up and ready for it’s opening event,Relay for Life’s Daaneth Kivioq sending out an invite, “Commodore Tungsten invites you aboard the HMAS Little Dove, now flying high above Hope Gardens in the beautiful Colorado Sim! We will be celebrating the Grand Opening of this new venue with a Steampunk Ball. Music will be provided by two of SL's finest DJ's - Dusk Griswold from 4PM to 6PM, and the Commodore herself, Nydia Tungsten from 6PM to 8PM. All Proceeds from this event will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. Please join the Passionate Redheads as we launch the HMAS on her maiden flight!”

And so after 4PM SL time, the dance floor was soon full of men and women, both normal human and furred avatars, dancing away. There were no tip jars out. There was only the Relay for Life kiosk, which people chipped into. Although the theme of the party was Steampunk, which called for Victorian fashion, the music as thoroughly modern with a variety of music from the 70’s to today. “Rocky Mountain High” got a few chuckles, “Appropriate that we play this song, as we’re in the Southern Colorado sim.”

And of course, “I Run For Life” played as well. It played twice, the second time near the end, with Nydia calling out, “I run for life ! I run for Little Dove! I run for Fimi! I run for my Stepfather! Run for them all, and remember them all!”

Club LIttle Dove is in the Southern Colorado sim at (187, 37, 1002). During it’s construction, it’s location changed from where it began.

Bixyl Shuftan

Holiday Fun

2010-04-05T13:30:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for a fun activity to do for the Easter week, or for the rest of the month, Aero Pines Park & Recreation Area & the SL Riding Club are holding their 4th annual Easter Basket Hunt in their eight sims.
You will find the baskets out on the trails and in the public buildings. They are not difficult to spot and there are some delightful gifts in them.
There is transportation available there.
It is a great place to ride your horse, try a demo horse or borrow one of the vehicles.
The buildings with closed doors are private but all the open doors invite you inside.
The last time I was here it was winter. Now spring is blossoming everywhere and you will enjoy your tour through the lush grounds, hills and sparkling waters.
Remember there are eight sims to explore!
This is a good place to start, right at the stables. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Equus/194/173/22

Gemma Cleanslate

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:55:00.001+01:00

Happy Easter from the crew of SL Newspaper

April Fool Part Two

2010-04-03T08:16:00.002+01:00

The April Fools Day article wasn't the end of the jokery. Others in Second Life had something up their virtual sleeves. See what happens when a friend decides to pull something.

To see the story, go to Extra Extra

Pueblo Blanco Grand Opening Celebration

2010-04-03T06:33:00.000+01:00

Pueblo Blanco Community is proud to announce its grand opening celebration for Saturday, April 3, 2010 from 2PM to 4PM SLT. As part of our grand opening celebration, we are planning a sim wide hunt, a party, freebies, $1,000 giveaway for best male and best female. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their friends, loved ones, and partners.
Pueblo Blanco is a virtual representation of an Andalusian rural environment in Spain. Several styles of homes and shops exist on Pueblo Blanco. Some homes have security and privacy features. All tenants share the free common facilities made available to them, like the rowboats, fishing, grotto, horse rides, and more. Beautiful rolling hills, winding narrow roads, spectacular white homes and tiled roofs and romantic park makes this a community you’d want to spend the rest of your second life in. This is a quiet peaceful area with many interesting locations open to residents, their partners, and guests. Beautiful rolling hills, winding narrow roads, spectacular white homes and tiled roofs and romantic park makes this a community you’d want to spend the rest of your second life in.
Pueblo Blanco is simply a great place to live, visit, decompress, shop, meet friends, or just spend some quality time, alone or with good company. Some locations are primarily scenic while others are intended for romantic interludes. We insist that all tenants and visitors use common sense and common courtesy with guests.
For more information please visit http://puebloblanco.wordpress.com or contact Precious Mannonen in-world.

Rabbits and Eggs

2010-04-02T11:10:00.000+01:00

Looking for an egg tree…
Or a bunny wishing Happy Easter?
As usual Vickijo Rivera is way ahead of you with a myriad of Easter trees, bunnies, flowers and much more!
You have your choice of sweet egg baskets, an Easter relaxing rug, floral wreathes can be found on the three floors
And best of all it is all free!

Make sure you visit the Corner of Relaxation geo dome and gather your wares to decorate for the Easter Holiday.
If you do not see what you need in the geo dome take a teleport up to Flame Trudeau’s corner in the sky above the geo dome. There for a very good price you will find some delightful items to add to your décor. Most are transfer and make great gifts.
Land here to begin your shopping

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Relaxation/88/170/42

Gemma Cleanslate

Syzygy Celebrates Alice in Wonderland

2010-04-02T10:34:00.003+01:00

Thirteen residents and friends of Syzygy held a progressive Alice in Wonderland Mad Tea Party on March 20. Resident Kulta Hannu organized the event and led the group on a trek down the rabbit hole.

   The party kicked off at Cake, http://slurl.com/secondlife/cake/72/92/24 . Cake is a fun, whimsical sim owned by Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks, another resident of Syzygy. The party-goers imbibed some wicked tea, brewed up by Dr. Elric Anatine, and snacked on tasty cakes while they waited for everyone to gather. Approximately 13 residents came to the party, all dressed in Wonderland costumes.

   The first stop was Cheshire, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cheshire/7/69/33 . Everyone crawled through the spiraling door that led to Alicés Room. A few residents hopped into Alicés drawer, and one reportedly got trapped. Soon the remaining residents were spotted climbing on blocks, riding the train, and exploring Alicés other possessions.

   Next the group visited the Alice in Wonderland Dark Ride, located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Black%20Sand%20Beach/103/200/25. The rezzer for the gondolas wasn´t working, but that did not stop the party-goers from enjoying a walking trek through this amazing treat. Kulta had warned everyone to beware of the jabberwock and jubjub Bird, but some did not heed the warnings.
   After everyone recovered from the ride, they were off to the last stop, New Wonderland http://slurl.com/secondlife/Silence/188/8/27. Although this is a RP sim, visitors can explore it without taking part in the play. An Observeŕs name tag can be picked up near the fireplace and worn. One by one the group climbed onto a chair and jumped Through the Looking Glass to continue the Mad Tea Party adventure.


Grey Lupindo
Photos by Bixyl Shuftan

BREAKING NEWS: Second Life Sold by Linden Labs to Chinese Corporation

2010-04-01T11:30:00.010+01:00

(**Update** - April Fool ;-) )

Today in a stunning development, Linden Lab announced they had sold Second Life to China’s Baidu Corporation. In a brief printed statement released to the press, CEO Mark Kingdom stated the deal was reached after several weeks of secret negotiations.

Baidu Inc. is a major communications company in China, owning the top search engine there. It made a profit of over $600 million in 2007. It made the news recently as the company most likely to profit from Google’s troubles with the Chinese government.

On it’s blog, Mark Linden stated, “Letting Second Life go was not an easy decision. But Linden Labs has always prided itself on being on the forefront on the development of the technologies of virtual worlds. With Second Life becoming increasingly complex, we came to the conclusion we could not continue to both continue to be so and run our grand experiment. While we shall continue to improve Second Life, it will be through business deals with Baidu as new technologies become available.”

Baidu also had a statement on the Linden blog, “We welcome Second Life into Baidu ... As we have helped bring the Internet to China, so we hope to guide the virtual residents into a righteous harmonious band. ... We should remind that our company operates under a set of rules that require reverence and respect to the wise and honored statesmen of our government. Those whom run about in virtual reality in their boxers using their words as fists with no regard for the respect of their betters are asked to cease such behavior so we will not need to take actions all will regret.”

One of the Lindens supposedly stated that following the sale, Linden Lab will be cooperating with Facebook to make a sequel to the "Farmvile" game, but this is unconfirmed.

Details are still coming in about what is clearly a turning point in Second Life.

To go to the Linden blog post and comments, Click Here.

Linden Lab Release New Viewer

2010-03-31T23:01:00.002+01:00

'Unveiling An Improved New Resident Experience

One of the things we've been working hard on here at Linden Lab, as M pointed out in his New Year post, is the new Resident experience in Second Life.

Today, we're proud to announce an important step forward as we continue to improve the welcome experience for new Residents; it's a more streamlined introduction to our online world, one that is simple, linear, and integrated with Viewer 2. Our primary goal is to make Second Life more welcoming for new Residents, because more new Residents means more opportunity for merchants, landowners, creators--and for the whole ecosystem that is Second Life. However, Viewer 2 isn't just for new Residents. It also delivers a better, more intuitive user experience for all of us and gives everyone in Second Life the capability to integrate web-based media seamlessly into Second Life--a huge leap forward. And, what may not be immediately apparent--but equally important--it provides us a robust and flexible platform to build on; we have much more goodness planned to roll out in 2010 and beyond.
Key points:
Second Life Welcome Island and Second Life Discovery Island
New Starter Avatars
Updated Terms of Service
Updated Maturity Ratings
Second Life Viewer 2 in Registration Flow'

Read the full post HERE

Reading through the entire post it seems aimed more at new residents and the Lindens actually point out that many testers experienced in SL have had difficulties adapting and basically completely relearning how to use Secondlife.
So looks like the long suffering residents will have to wait that little bit longer for all the bug fixes and better search etc that we have all been asking for for so long, of course we can expect bug fixes for the new viewer will take priority over little things like that as of course the new residents have no idea how Linden lab works and will expect the best service.
Luckily for now the update IS optional ;)
Dana

Cartoon of the Day

2010-03-31T06:55:00.001+01:00

Passover Service in Second Life

2010-03-31T06:02:00.004+01:00

On Palm Sunday, March 28 at 6 PM SL time, the Eternal Creations sim hosted a Passover service in Second Life. It was held by You Are Loved Ministries.

The sim was packed with many dozens, almost all in the building, 80 counted by SL Newspaper, and another visitor saying there were 86 at one point. To help reduce the effects of lag somewhat, the building was over 2000 m in the air. Those entering were asked to take a seat, and upon doing so were given a “seder plate” and asked to “wear” it. When rezzed, a meal of several dishes, a couple bowls of water, and a goblet of wine appeared on the table in front of the person seated.

Judah Sorbet and Rivakah Sorbet headed the service, with the help of some such as Eve Clarity. One of the guests named by Judah was from Sri Lanka. Judah then began talking about the story of Passover in Exodus. The Old Testament explains ten plagues were sent by God against Egypt before Pharaoh would finally release the Israelite slaves. Before the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, Moses ordered all Israelite households to take an unblemished lamb, and on the night of the plague slaughter it, avoiding breaking any of its bones in the process, and put it’s blood on the doorframe. This way, the plague “passed over” the Israelite homes.

Why celebrate Passover as Christians? Judah explained there were several reasons, notably the connection of the slaughtered lamb to Christ’s crucifixion, hence Christ is refereed to as “the Lamb of God.” So some Christians hold Passover services, this one in Second Life including the “seder” ritual feast normally associated with Jewish tradition.

Judah went over the order in which a Passover seder meal is eaten, then showed a film to those attending, depicting the Israelites under brutal slavery, then Moses bringing about the ten plagues, the scene of the plague of frogs particularly amusing with Pharaoh waking up finding himself covered in them. The film ended with the Israelites freedom.

Judah also pointed out there was a notecard giver in the corner for the history of the Easter Bunny (http://www.answers.com/topic/the-easter-bunny) and Easter eggs (http://www.answers.com/topic/easter-egg).

It was then time to begin the seder. Step by step, Judah and Rivakah explained to the attendees where to click on the seder plate, and what that part of the meal symbolized in detail. For instance, to the side of the plate was a package of three pieces of flat matzah bread. Following the washing hands and the appetizer, the dipping of vegetables in salt water, people were asked to click on the matzah bread. Doing so, the middle piece appeared on top. Clicking on it again, the piece was broken in half. The larger half was called the “afikoman,” and clicking on the package again, it would appear to be wrapped up in cloth and put aside for later.

Later in the meal, one would click on the matzo bread and the “maror,” horseradish for this particular seder, and on top of the matzo package a sandwich made up of the two would appear, which would take a few clicks of the mouse for it to be virtually eaten.

Some people had better luck in getting the virtual seder plate to work than others. With so many present, lag inevitably froze many at some point. Still, there were a number of complementary remarks from the audience. One spoke out he was planning to use this to help explain Christianity to others. Others saw it as more of looking at the history behind practices.

Once the seder was complete, everyone was asked to get up and walk back to the entrance. With many dozens in the room, most lagged a bit, but eventually everyone gathered there. People were offered a free gift by clicking on a gift bag, then asked to head into the next room. Inside was a depiction of Ancient Egypt, with sand and the pyramids. Everyone was asked to walk up to the edge of the Red Sea. Once everyone was there, it parted (the water gray with lag), and everyone then crossed.

At the end, Judah Sorbet invited those who turned away from church to come back, “maybe this is the first time you’ve ever heard this message.” He began a prayer, and invited all to join in. Following that, a helper named Sonic Ring played some guitar music, singing Christian songs.

An interesting look at a religious ritual, as only Second Life can show it.

Bixyl Shuftan

A Meeting at the Straight Talk Cafe

2010-03-30T08:38:00.002+01:00

News in America has had more political talk and debate lately, notably concerning some proposed major changes to health care regulation. In Second Life, a group of people got together at the conservative Straight Talk Cafe to discuss this, and more.

Continued in Extra-Extra

Looking for places to explore?

2010-03-29T23:03:00.000+01:00

Grey Lupindo takes us on a trip to Amsterdam in the community section while Gemma looks at the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco.

Magical Beginnings

2010-03-29T22:35:00.000+01:00

The fascination with the steam punk era is alive and well in SL as it still exists in RL.
While doing a hunt which took me to many steam punk sites I joined a hunt group to keep up with hints.
Last week I read a notice that intrigued me : the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco. Classes will be offered in Deportment, Etiquette, Dancing, the Arcane Arts, Drama, History, English and a host of other academic and cultural courses.
There is an impressive list of professors for the school which offers boarding or day school facilities for children avatars.
I went to tour the school and found a delightful setting with interesting living and instructional areas. When the notice came for the first class I dressed in my finest steam punk gown and went to observe. About twelve eager participants sat before a stage while the Mayor of Mieville, and a professor at the new school, Perryn Peterson welcomed us all to the inaugural presentation. He concentrated on stagecraft, introducing elements of the theatre stage to everyone and inviting participation from the students.
The future classes look very interesting and the professor is very patient and thorough.
I asked him how this idea came about and he said “There are no boarding or day schools that we know of which provide an education for the child avatars in SL interested in the Victorian Steampunk culture. We sought to fill that need. We have 14 students so far and a Head Boy for the Lower School. We have begun classes and so far have had a nice turnout.”
The students appeared eager to learn and it looked like an auspicious beginning. Looking around at the various venues it looks as if there will be magic potions involved in future classes for sure! The school is open to all so if you are interested be sure to visit and contact the headmistress, Jezzie Warden or the Deputy Headmistress Vian Magic for more information.
Take a look at Doyle 60, 199, 31 .
That will put you right in the area of the new school.

Gemma Cleanslate

Cartoon of the Day

2010-03-28T06:29:00.002+01:00

Imperial Russia RP in Second Life

2010-03-27T23:02:00.004Z

I recently heard about a region in Second Life made for a historical roleplay: The Romanov Imperial Court of Russia.

The RP takes place in 1776. Russia is ruled by Ekaterina II, better known as Catherine the Great, as well as the Russian nobility. In St. Petersburg, court intrigue abounds. In the southern part of the Empire, a rebellion is brewing. Between them and the capital, the army marches to meet them. And everywhere, the peasants somehow manage to eke out a living despite everything against them.

The RP covers 11 sims. SL Newspaper came in contact with one of the players, ThomasK Andel, whom told us that the group had over 200 members, of whom about a hundred were active participants in the roleplay. Players could take on multiple characters, the Thomas saying he himself played both a nobleman and one of the rebels. Court intrigue takes up much of the roleplaying, but there was plenty of action with the Empire having to deal with a rebellion, as well as people going about their lives. There were also a number of players playing the roles of doctors and their aides.

The region was described as having it’s own economy, with it’s own RP currency technically apart from the Linden, players able to buy period clothing and personal weapons at shops. But some effort (and presumably Lindens) are needed to maintain one’s rank in the RP.

One has to join the RP group to move onto the place freely. For those who don’t, there are red barriers around places, including around the main entrance, though some can be gotten around. Near a ship are a few free peasant outfits, one for men, two for women.

There is no official roleplaying going on for now. The region is still under construction. Some places are largely finished, others are still being worked on. Thomas explained among those working on the builds were Second Life residents living in Russian in real life. He went on to say there would be some activity soon.

The official entrance to the region is at the Peterhof sim at (167, 65, 28).

“God Save the Tsaritsa”

Bixyl Shuftan

Spring Fling on the Playa

2010-03-26T08:13:00.000Z

The excitement has been building for weeks.
Live shows will be at the sites in place and the do’s arranged for a whole weekend of fun on the playa!
It is Burning Life’s After Burn Spring Fling!
I took a look at the stages and the surrounding areas. I came across a meeting of the staff getting ready.
There is a wonderful display of all the Porta Potties that builders decorated for the Burning Life, White Lebed collected quite a few and placed them in one area so you can walk by and admire them all at one time. The committee has worked so hard to give everyone a good time.
Be sure to visit the venues and take in the sights and sounds. Doctor Gascoigne and his crew have worked hard to fill the party hours with music you will enjoy.
I would highly recommend that you get yourself there to enjoy it all!!
Take this limo to get to the area of the porta potties and you can fly off from here http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life-%20Deep%20Hole/73/81/24

Gemma Cleanslate

“The Great Panda Heist”

2010-03-25T23:01:00.002Z

Among the shopping hunts out there in Second Life, there’s one in particular for nature lovers, and those whom simply like fuzzy critters, “The Great Panda Heist.”

Spooky Mistwallow is the organizer of the hunt. In real life, she is a finance analyst, whom writes novels as a hobby. In Second Life, she is a part of Pandas International. In setting up the hunt, she has had the help of Kat2 Kit, whom has been making a name for himself in his tiny panda avatar for his work with Pooky Amsterdam’s “The 1st Question” and other media.

“(The hunt) was Spooky’s idea,” Kat told SL Newspaper at his panda center in Silver Bog, “I was looking for a traveling fundraiser, and this is both fun and traveling.” He brought to attention the Wolong Panda Center, which was severely damaged during the earthquake in China in May 2008. A number of workers and pandas at the center died. Among them, one named Mao Mao, whom was memorialized outside the Pandas International hut in a sculpted statue.

Of how Kat got interested, “I originally had a miniature panda av. ... As I started to talk around, Ling Ling passed. So Cheen Pitney made me a sculpture. The one out here. Little did Cheen know I would wear him. I did a series of photos around the grid. And people started tipping me. Then after the earthquake, Elnora Newel made me a sculpty Ma Mao and baby, this one here. And now for this hunt, Bald made the greater panda up front.” “Baldtraveller,” Spooky corrected, mentioning Baldtraveller Shan.

“I have worked with Kat many times doing fundraisers for Pandas International in the past,” Spooky told, “and I have organized gridwide hunts in my store, so I thought why not combine the two. In this hunt, while every store hides a small panda with a gift inside. Most also have a donation box in the store as well. Even if donations aren’t received from every hunter, they are definitely made aware that pandas are in need, and the existence of this organization.”

Asked about what kinds of stores are in the hunt and what kinds of goods can people expect to find, “Well, I know most of the stores have panda-themed gifts made special for the hunt. Others, include bamboo or are Asian in nature. The items will range from furniture, jewelry, clothing, and anything else you can think of. The stores we hand-picked and are almost all good merchants with whom we have worked with in the past. Again, from every level of merchandise.”

“For example, we are giving out this lovely panda-framed image to visitors here,” Kat spoke as he pointed to a picture.” Spooky continued, “Kastle Rock Couture, my store, for example, is giving out a special color of my fundraiser panda gown, a panda necklace, and an Asian-themed table. I have seen some panda art, a bamboo leaf dress, and a set of ginger jars. There are a few sample pictures on the official hunt blog as well.”

“(There) was an unspoken theme,” Kat informed, “everything had to be cute to ‘ holy s*** that’s cute!’ “ He then rezzed a panda bot, a small cub holding a balloon that began floating around, making grunting cries those around found adorable, Spooky commenting, “that has to be the cutest thing I’ve seen besides Kat. (laughter). .... It’s cute like a baby.”

Spooky has been involved in other charity hunts, “My store participated as a vendor in the AIDS hunt and also provided donation items for Breast Cancer. I also sell year-round three special gowns and give the pandas fifty percent.” Spooky herself was sporting a panda necklace and a panda tattoo, “the tattoo I’m wearing is a hunt gift one of the vendors sent to me. It’s from Suzy Martinek of Love Tattoos. It’s so cute."

Spooky talked about doing a “Party for Pandas” event in the future, “what we do is schedule time at one club after another, an hour usually. We rezz donation boxes that give information about pandas and why they need support. Last time how much did we raise, Kat?”

“Over 20,000 L," Kat answered, "We were verrrry happy. I take the Lindens, cash them out to Paypal, and then make the donation to Pandas International.”

The website for the Panda Heist is at http://greatpandahunt.blogspot.com . A video Kat thought was important was Pennies for Pandas . For a takeoff on the “Roaming Gnome," here is "Ling Ling around the Grid."

Pandas International accepts donations at P.O. Box 620335 Littleton, CO, 80123. It’s website is located at http://pandasinternational.org . They also have a Facebook page.

"The Great Panda Heist” lasts from March 21 to April 30th.

“I am very excited and thankful for all this support. I an starting to find one of the keys to social media, is volunteerism.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Tellaq Avatar Creations

2010-03-24T04:22:00.008Z

One complaint about Second Life that occasionally comes up is the lack of ethnic avatars. Quality ones seem especially hard to find. One man here started up a skin store to do something about it: Tellaq Avatar Creations.

The store is two buildings, one for male skins, one for female. The mens’ area had the larger selection (for now), and had mostly black skins. But there were several white ones as well, in addition to an Asian look. Both buildings had a lucky chair, giving people a chance to win one of the skins.

Tellaq Avatar Creations is owned by Tellaq Guardian. “I am a graphics designer in my First Life,” he explained, “Seven months after I got into Second Life I tried (making) my first skin. First reason for making the Afro skin, I couldn’t find any good black skins for myself. As you can see in the store, there are many Afro skins.”

Tellaq remarked that his choice of his name in Second Life was a joke, “ ‘Tellaq’ means a cleaner guy in a Turkish bath. He cleans the customers inside (grin), helping them to clean their shoulders and (places on) their back where they can’t reach.”

Tellaq has a total od 48 avatars in his store, but only for the moment, “I am working on forty Afro women now.” He plans for a total of ninety avatars in the near future, “It will be done in two months.”

Among the avatars, his favorite is “Derrick,” which he created first and still wears most of the time. He also feels especially proud of his work on “Kid,” “Francis,” and “Vincent.” Comments by others about his skins encouraged him to make more, “Their comments made me do better things. They said I was number one (smile), and (had) the most beautiful Afro skins when they saw this. ... They gave me the fire to do (more).”

Tellaq had not been planning on making a store when he started, intending to make just a few skins, but the complements by others spurred him to make more, “I wasn’t planning to do it. I was just having fun in Second Life.”

Tellaq had no plans to sell anything but skins, “Except skins and shapes, I don’t really plan to do anything else.”

Tellaq Avatar Creations is at the Tropical Breeze sim at (49, 62, 23)

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2010-03-24T04:14:00.002Z

The RFL Luskwood Bennefit Concert and RFL Cross-Country Race

2010-03-23T23:28:00.007Z

The Clothing Fair was not the only event for Relay for Life on Saturday, March 20th. There were others, among them a concert and a race. That afternoon, there was a benefit concert in Luskwood, and there was a cross-sim snail race.

At 12 Noon SL time, Luskwood held a concert for charity, to take in donations for the Relay. The event was held at the stage near the Great Tree.

From noon to 2:00 PM, come join us to listen to the awesome musical stylings of Frogg Marlowe and Jaycatt Nico for an hour, followed by the excellent voice of Alessandra Eberlain and her wide variety of songs for another hour. And, of course, don't forget to donate!

For the first hour, Jaycatt & Frogg performed for the audience. Jaycatt played the piano, while Frogg sang and strummed his guitar. At 1 PM, Alessandra took to the stage, her voice filling the airwaves. Lomgren Smalls and Daaneth Kivioq, whom helped organize the event were there, as was one of the Luskwood founders, Michi Lumnin.

“Thank you Daaneth, Lomgren, for putting this all together. ... My Grandfather died of lung cancer.” “Lom did all the work.” “Please help us fight against Evil! Please donate to the Kiosk in front of the stage! CANCER CAN BE BEATEN!!!”

At 2 PM SL time was the start of the Relay for Life Giant Racing Snail Cross-Country Race. The giant snail races are held regularly in Second Life every week by RacerX Gullwing. Usually, the snails are decorated to whatever the rider wants, and are held on a course. This time, the shells had to have large RFL signs on the sides, and the race would be held though a long stretch of road on the mainland, through over forty sims.

Thirty-six racers took part in the race. It took only a few minutes for lag to break up the line of snails, and the track went through towns, forrest, went over bridges, looked at by more then a few curious onlookers, went by places such as the Berlin’s Museum of Art, and more. After about forty minutes, Tindallia Soothsayer was the first to reach the end of the course, “thanks to lag and the last turn.” She had somehow avoided a bout of lag that slowed everyone else, and beat the next snail by over a minute. Following the race, a replay was shown in another sim for the racers and others.

The next RFL snail race will take part through sixty sims.

Bixyl Shuftan

Svarga Back in Second Life

2010-03-22T03:06:00.006Z

On Sunday afternoon, March 21, just after logging on I heard some great news. The Svarga sim was back! II looked it up on the map, and there it was, so I ported over.

And there was a sight I hadn’t seen in many months. What some people called one of the Seven Wonders of Second Life was back.

Svarga was started early, around 2004. By 2006, it was complete and further construction ceased. It’s creator, Laukosargas Svarog, created a grand island of waterfalls, mountains, rivers, stone temples, and the artificial life experiments, the “Eco System” project, gave the sim it’s own cycle of life, with clouds raining on the plants, bees pollinating, and occasionally eaten by a flytrap lilly, and other aspects. It was considered one of the most ingeniously built places in the Metaverse. More can be read in our April 2007 article .

In December 2008, Laukosargas made her decision to look for a buyer for Svarga. Running the sim was just too expensive for her, she felt, and Second Life seemed no better to her than when she first went about on it.

Some months later, the sim vanished from the map. It seemed that this wonder of the Metaverse had vanished into the virtual nether forever, much to the sadness of many who had seen the area and marveled at it’s details. Until now, that is.

Checking Laukosargas’s profile, she says the sim has a new owner, even though Svarga still lists her as in charge. She also asked not to be contacted, saying she plans to return to Second Life only sparingly, once in a few months.

As time goes on, someone will figure out exactly what happened and what we can expect. But for now, we can take heart that once again, this gem of a sim is once again open for visits, and not just a memory.

The entry point for Svarga is at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Svarga/5/124/22 .

Bixyl Shuftan.