Second Life Newser

"Survivors of Suicide" Valentine Ball

2012-02-14T06:05:00.000-05:00

Last weekend on Saturday Feb 11th, there was a fundraiser ball for the "Survivors of Suicide" depression support group. Besides raising Lindens, it was also to provide some fun for both staff and group members alike. The party happened to be at the time news of Whitney Houston's death reached Second Life, which affected the tone of the ball.

Read what happened in Events.

Events this Week in Second Life from Feb 14th to Feb 20th

2012-02-14T06:02:00.001-05:00

Events this Week will be delayed until later today (s0rry folks). Check the Second Life Destination Guide for Valentine Day events.

Valentines Day parties include Mystery from 12 to 2PM SL time, and Castaway Cove at 6PM SL time.

Free Valentines Day Goodies at the "Corner of Revolving Time"

2012-02-14T06:00:00.004-05:00

For those looking for some Valentine's Day decorations, the "Corner of Revolving Time," offers some high quality freebie items.

The selection of this freebie store owned by Vickijo Rivera varies from a big "Happy Valentines Day" banner to a porch swing with a couples pose, to an outdoor fountain to a small swan ride. And that's just on the outside of the store. Inside are more goodies from builders Saucy Loire and Sweetsister Silverstar.

On the inside, the selection continues with a variety of cuddle rugs (nothing X-rated, go elsewhere for those), wall decorations, and even flowers and teddy bears. Sorry, the flowers and teddies, like all items, are not transferable, so you'll have to go elsewhere for gifts for your sweetheart. The decorations can, however, help set the mood for a romantic evening.

The "Corner of Revolving Time" is in the Stephenson sim at (189, 43, 22). Every season, one can find decorations here to fit the holiday, so remember to come by on St. Patrick's Day.

*Addition* The article was up late partly because the building itself was being worked on for a while.

Bixyl Shuftan

"Kiss a Linden" Today

2012-02-14T05:59:00.000-05:00

This Valentines Day, don't forget to check out the "Kiss a Linden" holiday events at the Isle of View and the Isle of ViewTwo, where every year Lindens and volunteers show up to give residents a virtual smooch upon asking.

Return to Bronytown

2012-02-13T06:05:00.000-05:00

Last year, the new "Brony" community found itself homeless and disoriented after it's sims were taken offline. This would be a fatal blow to some communities. But not only did this group of "My Little Pony" fans recover, but they're now stronger than ever. Xymbers Slade takes a look at the place, and interviews two of the "Mane Six" ponies.

Read the story in People.

"1000 Avatar" Artist Starts "Crowdfunder" to take Project to Real-Life/SL Art Show

2012-02-13T06:01:00.002-05:00

Gracie Kendel (Kristine Schomaker in real life), the artist behind the 1000 Avatar Project last year, recently contacted Second Life Newser about an upcoming project. "I am taking the 1000+ Avatars project into real-life," she explained, "My first ever solo show is coming up May 5th in LA and Second Life simultaneously." The title of his art show and "virtual dinner party," "And One Man in His Time Plays Many Parts."

I have been very lucky and honored to be invited to create a solo show - an installation/performance at Gallery 825 in Los Angeles opening in May 2012. For my upcoming show, I will bring artists together from around the world, in one space in Los Angeles, using the World Wide Web. I will transform a 700 square foot gallery space into a 1920's dining room inspired by Gertrude Sten's salsons. Opening night will see a performance involving a dinner party between artists in Los Angeles and Second Life.

To help raise a few funds, Gracie started up a crowdfunder-style project on Indiegogo, the page explaining some details :

With your support, I will be able to transform the gallery space into a 1920's dining room. The walls will be lined with 70-100 avatar portraits in different sizes, printed to look antique and framed in vintage frames. The walls will be painted and aged to a 1920's style. I will be able to purchase a vintage dining room table and chairs, chandelier, rugs, and decorations. We will be able to rent costumes for the opening night performance. There will be dinner on the table that night, wine in the glasses, and great conversation. I will be able to hire a videographer and editor for the performance, as well as buy a projector that will project Second Life clearly onto the screen. I will also be able to pay virtual rent, costumes, video streaming, and a DJ for an extension of the real life gallery within Second Life. I am also going to he hiring an audio/video engineer to create a communication.teleconference system which will allow the real dinner party participants to converse easily with the Second Life party participants.

The page also included a Youtube video (made in November), in which she described her experiences in Second Life and with the 1000 Avatar project. She talked about how people were free to redefine and express their identities in Second Life.

Gracie estimated the total budget for the project to be in the range of $10,000. She is also applying for grants and using her personal savings and credit. As of Sunday evening on Feb 12th, $480 has been raised out of a goal of $2,200. The deadline for the indiegogo fundraiser is Saturday March 10th. To help fund her project, Click Here to go to her page.

For more on Gracie Kendal/Kristine Schomaker, read her 1000 Avatar Project site at http://1000avatars.wordpress.com/ and her "My Life as an Avatar" page at http://graciekendal.wordpress.com/.

Pictures from Netera Landar, 1000+ Avatars

Bixyl Shuftan

Loging in to Romance

2012-02-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

Logging in yesterday (with my Singularity Viewer), I saw this little scene of a couple getting together for a romantic outing in the woods. Looks like Second Life is getting into the Valentines Day spirit.

Cartoon of the Day

2012-02-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

By Xymbers Slade

Madpea Show & Tell

2012-02-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Madpea region holds a weekly "Show and Tell" event. Right now it's every Sunday at 2PM SL time, "Come and join us at the MadPea Arena to see and vote for new creations! You can also participate as a creator and win 1000L+ prize." The Madpea blog described those taking part as, "each participant will receive guaranteed 100 Linden, the rest will be distributed to the winners."

I dropped by briefly to see a little what people made, the seats having about a couple dozen people. The only name I recognized among the builders was Athene Forder of Goddess Apparel.

One man in an already impressive looking robot avatar talked about a project he had been working on and off for some weeks. Then he rezzed this huge warbot bristling with firepower, magnetic "bubbles" coming from his feet as it floated in the air. However, the audience was safe from any flying bullets: he hadn't finished the scripts for his guns.

Instead of being given options for daylight, the region took control of our viewer's lighting. The man after the warbot rezzed a detailed railcar, but the details took a long time to appear for some (including me). The builder moved it to the side before making way for the next builder.

I'm still getting used to my Phoenix Viewer, so panning around wasn't always easy.

I had to leave early, but Judi Newall emailed me of the winners. Athene Forder came in second, with a "Nightshade" being the victor. The robot maker Frofidor came in third.

The "Show & Tell" is on Sundays at 2 PM, MadPea Arena & Interactive Games, MadPea Base (136, 192, 25).

Bixyl Shuftan

Castaway Cove

2012-02-10T06:01:00.000-05:00

"Arrr, there be a new pirate club fer ye landlubbers." In Kalmeere Paradise, Nydia Tungsten has a new club: Castaway Cove. constructed as a beach club in the middle of a shipwreck, the club provides more than just music & DJs for fun, but water scooters, table games, and the new primtionary game.

Read more in Places.

Depression Support Group in Second Life

2012-02-10T06:00:00.006-05:00

Most of us know someone who's feeling the blues. But what if it's more than just simple "down" feelings? What if the depressed feelings keep occurring? Where does one turn? There is one such group in Second Life people can turn to. Named the "Survivors of Suicide," the group offers to lend an ear and listen to what mental wellness problem you have of any kind, or if you need advice about someone else.

Read more in People.

Superbowl Party

2012-02-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

How many of you, at least in North America, saw the Superbowl last Sunday? Well, a few places in Second Life had special events. For a few clubs, it was simply a special party. But Areo Pines Park went all-out, with a football field placed over what's usually a horse pasture, a tailgate party display, and during the game a huge movie screen showing the game. Plus Aero Pines staff member Cindy Bolero led a cheerleading squad.

Unfortunately, the sheer number of residents filled up the sim during most of the game. And if you did get in, the lag could interfere with what you saw on the movie screen. Still, the people had lots of fun, and most likely Areo Pines will be repeating the event next year.

SL Youtube: Drone War

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

An interesting youtube of a sci-fi shooter game in Second Life. The objective, shoot down the robots, and get to a nuclear bomb in time. More info here.

"Drone War is an innovative first-person shooter game in Second Life. Your mission is to deactivate a nuclear bomb in a hidden laboratory while being pursued by several drones and enemies. Can you complete the challenge before time runs out?"

Cartoon of the Day: "Hamlet's Challenge"

2012-02-08T06:05:00.002-05:00

This cartoon was done on a picture originally titled "Oh Nothing, Just a Typical Day in Second Life" appeared on the Second Life's Reddit area, and was "memified" by Hamlet Au in his New World Notes as "SLaters gonna SLate," a takeoff on "haters gonna hate."

Maybe it's just me, but I prefer a good 'ol fashioned pun.

Bixyl Shuftan

Herman Bergson : Artist

2012-02-08T06:01:00.003-05:00

Gemma Cleanslate takes a look at Herman Bergson, whom has gotten a name for himself as a Philosophy professor. But there's more to the man than that. As it turns out, he's an accomplished artist and photographer, with his own art museum in Second Life.

Read more in People.

Personal Account: Finally Can See Mesh, But ...

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Going about Second Life isn't always easy even for the best of computers. For my older computer, it's been getting a bit difficult lately. The good news, I'm finally able to see the mesh objects that have been the subject of so much discussion. The bad news, it seems I have a choice of two buggy viewers.

My personal account is in Extra.

Events this Week in Second Life from Feb 7th to Feb 13th

2012-02-07T06:05:00.001-05:00

It's an eventful time in Second Life, with winter events still going on, and Valentines Day events coming onto the Grid, such as the "London Love-in." Plus some unique events such as "The Order of Perception." And in addition, we have our regularly scheduled events such as club DJs, live musicians, poetry and fiction readings, talk shows, and more.

Read more in Events this Week.

Will Wright Appears on Special Live 1st Question Game Show

2012-02-06T06:05:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, fans of the Second Life game show "the 1st Question" got a treat. Along a noted software engineer and an inworld talk show co-host, Will Wright, the noted gaming designer with an over twenty year history of successful simulation games, was among the contestants competing to win. Along with popular co-host Hydra Shaftoe returning for the episode and the first show broadcasted live since last summer, it was a show to remember.

Read more in Events.

Sunweaver Estate's Cutlass Club Grand Reopening

2012-02-06T06:00:00.007-05:00

On Sunday, February 5th, Sunweaver Estates chief Rita Mariner posted the following message for those in the group:

Sunnies: The Old Club Cutlass in now gone, the new one has been pretty much built and ready for inspection. Record the LM for the new Cutlass and come inspect it. Indio has done and incredible job!

When Rita transferred ownership of Sunweaver Air, now called the HV Community sim, one of the questions that came up was what would happen to it's popular Cutlass Club. Club owner Jenni Greenfield was inclined to keep it over Rita's land, and so it was decided to move it to Sunweaver Space. But it would be more than just moved, but rebuilt. A few residents thought it was time for a change from the "pyramid" look it had for the past few years. And so Indio Quinnell, with help from Shockwave Yareach, took on the job of constructing the new Cutlass.

Cutlass had originally looked a lot more pirate, starting out when it was in the Booty Bay sim. So the decision was made to go back to that. It was also desired to give it a look different from most other clubs. The result was a floating saucer, but not a space-age one. Stepping onto the club when it was revealed on Sunday, it had a steampunkish look to it with the rusty steel and steam pipes, some of whic blew steam. It also had something of a run-down look to it, the mall area downstairs having broken steps. Someone joked that the chakat avatars used on occasion, which in the stories could weigh a few hundred pounds were to blame. The dance floor had not a skull & crossbones, but a bunny head outline with a heart-shaped patch over one eye, most likely a friendly jab at Rita's bunnygirl avatar.

With the new club in place, with a few last minute touches still yet to be made such as the DJ board, the Sunweaver residents online at the time threw an impromtu party at the newly rebuilt club (about a dozen more residents showed up after the picture at the top was taken), dancing to the tunes Indio had on.

The new location is now at Sunweaver Space (243, 87, 123)

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day: Superbowl Tailgate Party

2012-02-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to check out the Tailgate Party at Area Pines Park for a few free goodies, plus broadcasting of the Superbowl as it happens today: Aero Pines Park (126, 21, 23)

By Bixyl Shuftan

Primtionary

2012-02-04T06:00:00.005-05:00

Some of you may have heard of the game "Pictionary" in which someone draws pictures and others try to guess what it is. Well, have you ever heard of "Primtionary?" In this Second Life game, one gets a word from the referee, and tries to show what it is using prims while others try to guess what it is, being told only if the subject is one word or two. The winner gets to work with the next word.

Luskwood has been holding Primtionary games every Wednesday at 7PM SL time. When Jasmine Dawn sat through a session and talked about what it was to Nydia Tungsten, the two put their heads together, and maybe the New Castaway Cove club could have some Primtionary of its own.

So a Primtionary set was built in the Kalmeere Paradise sim, and for a few hours at 8PM Thursday Feb 2nd and 4PM on Friday Feb 3rd, a number of Nydia's friends came over for some impromptu games. In this picture, Nydia is trying to describe the term "car horn."

Different people had different skills in both building with the prims and getting the audience to guess the word. Myself the word I had gotten was "Space Station." I rezzed a globe, and expanded it's size to take up half the stage, then rezzed a cylinder and put it up in the air next to the globe. Before I could add any details, someone correctly guessed it.

Skilled builders could quickly come up with a description. Here, Lomgren Smalls is trying to describe the term "Wireless Phone."

The participants had lots of fun, and there is talk about a regular weekly-scheduled Primtionary game at Castway Cove, in addition to any impromptu matches.

Bixyl Shuftan

Natural Wilderness

2012-02-03T06:05:00.001-05:00

Gemma Cleanslate recently explored a place named "Natural Wilderness." It's ideal to take someone on a first date, or simply go and relax. With numerous locations from forested to the shore to winter, there are no shortage of locations to dance, cuddle, or simply lie back and watch the sunset.

Read more in Places.

The Teen Grid Merger One Year Later

2012-02-03T06:01:00.001-05:00

It’s been about a year since the merger of the old Teen Grid with the main Second Life Grid. At the time, the news was greeted with a combination of optimism and worry. Some residents looked forward to the adolescents coming it over, seeing it as a chance to further fulfil the idea of Second Life as a place for education. A few offered to actively assist the teens. Others expressed worry, fearing an incident of teens in sexual escapades or caught looking at adult material on the Grid could get Linden Labs in serious trouble, or worse possibly someone arrested.

One year later, there haven’t been any incidents that the critics have feared. On the other hand, where are the teens? Among those offering help was the Isla Sonoita educational community. Josain Zsun announced at the time of the grid merger a “Teen in Residents” program in which those joining up would get skyboxes for six months plus 2000 Lindens. Getting in touch with Josain, he told the Newser none of the teens signed up for it, “Although announced several times in different related news groups, there were no takers.”

In his article on the subject, Daniel Voyager thought the teens had basically lost interest in Second Life and went elsewhere on the Internet. Others responding to him shared much the same view, one pointing out his daughter “didn’t want to hang out with a bunch of OLD people. One thought they as a whole left while those remaining were hanging out at sex clubs with older residents with similar mindsets.

Talking to club owner Nydia Tungsten, she had her own opinion, “They’re here, disguised as adults.” She had found several of them at her clubs and hangouts., “after a few signs, I confronted them and talked to them. Then they admitted it to me.” She told me after a “talking-to” they moved on.

Discussing things further with Nydia, she informed me the initial method of age verification, using one’s credit card number, social security number, drivers license, etc. had been quietly done away with. In it’s place was a simple question with a box for a checkmark affirming that the birthdate on the account was correct and over 18. That’s all, “they create avatars with false birth dates and since the verify is "click here if your over 18" and POOF from thirteen to 23 in a blink of an eye.”

For most of Second Life’s history, residents could come and go about freely more or less wherever they wished. Then a few years ago amid fears of the possibility of teenagers not telling the truth about their age and signing up, Linden Labs declared areas with explicit adult content a new “Adult” rating, and residents wanting access to those areas would have to be “Age Verified,” by giving Linden Lab a credit card number, social security number, drivers license, or similar proof of age. This move was not popular with residents, many whom complained over privacy grounds. If this information was somehow stolen from the Lab, there was the potential of people being fingered as traveling to pornographic areas.

To check Nydia’s story, I took another look at Age Verification. And indeed it had changed. No longer did you need some kind of ID. All you needed to do was click on a checkmark saying you indeed were 18 or over. No proof required. There really was nothing stopping a teen from lying about his or her age. Nydia did comment even if there was, all that was needed for a determined teen was to borrow a parent’s credit card.

Spotting teens in disguise isn’t always easy. While many use lines full of textspeak and acronyms, “U R LUSR! LOL!”, there are some who don’t. While some talk excessively about sex, “Where can I see the boobs?” unfortunately there are no shortage of adults whom haven’t quite grown up, and some teens are mature for their age and talk about it no more than anyone else. One should also keep in mind some adult residents have mental disabilities and may not be easy to tell apart from younger residents.

And what are the teens doing here? No doubt some are looking for sex clubs and girly bars. Others come here for pretty much the same reasons as other residents. But for some, unless they find others close to their age, Second Life’s attraction may fade.

And then there were a couple teens that got Nydia’s attention, “Two of the ones I found were experimenting because they didn't feel right about themselves in real life, their sexuality. Here, no one knows them, no kids in school to ‘out’ them and make their lives hell. I told them that their are real-life groups to help with that. But they were afraid.”

“So for someone to say ‘oh the teens went away to other things,’ no, they are still here among us on adult sims.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Friday Events at Health Info Island & Virtual Ability

2012-02-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

An Informal Garden Chat about Herbs- Saffron
Presented by: Olivia and Crayon Schlag

Time: 11 AM SL time

This event is an informal garden chat about herbs. Saffron is an extremely expensive herb. It is taken from the pollen-producing organs of the crocus flower. Saffron is used both to color and to flavor many kinds of foods. Saffron is under investigation for a number of medicinal uses as well as in cooking.

This event is an informal garden chat about herbs, led by Olivia Sage-Schlag.

Olivia is a Master Gardener with the University of Saskatchewan who helps teach some of the Master Gardener classes there. Crayon, along with Olivia, has the privilege of serving as the co-administrator and author for the SemperFlorens (always blooming in Latin) website and co-owner of SemperFlorens Sim in SL. The Sim serves to cultivate diverse botanical arrangements and educate visitors.

Health Info Island Herb Garden at Healthinfo Island (128, 128, 24)

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Digital Life & Wellness Survey in Second Life
Presented by: Katherine Cunningham

Time: 1PM

RTI is seeking participants who meet the following criteria: US residents with any of the following: diabetes, HIV, cancer and chronic pain conditions.

This presentation will discuss study specifics of the Digital Life & Wellness Survey conducted by RTI International. Topics of discussion include the purpose of the study, eligibility requirements, and what participants can expect if asked to participate. The presentation is expected to last 15-20 minutes, followed by time for questions/answers. The presentation will be in voice, with text transcription.

Katherine Cunningham is the Recruitment Coordinator for RTI International, a research organization.

Research Pavilion at Healthinfo Island (133, 196, 30)

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Waiting for the World to Wake Up to Trauma's Toll
Presented by DrFran Babcock
Time: 4PM

This talk is going to frame many of the problems of the world today in the context of the outcomes of early trauma and abuse. Through this lens the idea of Sanctuary and Trauma-informed Care become the only way to move to the future.

DrFran Babcock is the avatar of a long time Occupational Therapist and administrator in a psychiatric hospital. She has 30 years of experience in Behavioral Health, and is an advocate for the needs of the mentally ill.

The Sojourner Auditorium at Virtual Ability (53, 172, 23)

Dutch Supreme Court Rules Runescape Virtual Theft a Real-Life Crime

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday Jan 31st, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled over a case in which two boys had beaten up a third and threatening him with a knife forced him to log onto the game and drop his possessions where one of his assailants was waiting to pick them up. Most notable were a knife and amulet. The crime took place in 2007, and a lower court found the defendants guilty in 2009. One of them appealed to the Supreme Court of Holland.

The convicted thief based his appeal on the argument that the stolen goods "were neither tangible nor material and, unlike for example electricity, had no economic value." He also brought up the Runescape terms of service, stating the virtual goods were the property of Jagex, the company behind the game.

You agree that all intellectual property or other rights in any game character, account and items are and will remain our property. Jagex owns all rights in the Jagex Products, and you are only granted permission to use such products, subject to and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

The court ruled that the items had value because of the “time and energy” spent in getting them, and at the time of the theft they were the “exclusive dominion” of the victim. Therefore, the taking of these virtual goods was just as against the law as real items.

Tateru Nino thought this ruling was an interesting landmark ruling. Although virtual goods are legal property, in just about every legal jurisdiction they are the property of the “service provider.” This ruling she felt gives the Dutch users themselves property rights to the goods. So at least in Holland she felt, MMOs and virtual worlds didn’t have quite the same power over their users that they used to.

Virtualpolicy.net commented, “This case is significant because it changes the relationship between individuals and service providers in respect of digital objects. That is, Runescape’s contract clearly states that the players of the game do not own the game or any of the digital objects within it, whether they control them or not. This has long been a contentious matter as there is a large trade in the sale of objects between players for hard currency, so called Real Money Trading. This ruling means that there is a degree of control that someone can have over an object which is sufficient for that object to be stolen.”

For now, only Dutch gamers and virtual world residents are affected by this ruling. But there have been similar legal cases in South Korea and Asia in which “judges have displayed a general trend to grant more rights to players than are stated in their contract and to see digital objects as being akin to physical property in certain important respects.” This case could very well influence similar ones that are likely to come up elsewhere in Europe and the Americas.

Currently, Second Life’s Terms of Service allow residents intelectual property rights over their creatied content in the game. But the legal jargon is a bit slippery, Tateru Nino stating Linden Lab says they own “the bits and bytes of electronic data stored on its Servers.”

Sources: MSNBC, Jagex, Dwell on It, Virtualpolicy.net

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2012-02-01T06:05:00.000-05:00

By Bixyl Shuftan

Dranopia Quest

2012-02-01T06:02:00.002-05:00

Xymbers Slade took a look at a fun dragon-themed game on the Grid: Dranopia Quest. In a detailed three-dimensional landscape with floating islands and trees, players must guide one of four kinds of dragons around to gather crystals. For the very best players, the makers have a prize. Xymbers sees how the game handles, and has a word with one of the game designers.

Read more in Design.

Message from Misty's Haven

2012-02-01T06:01:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, Gemma Cleanslate wrote on Mistyowl Warhol's new art gallery. Gemma found out that Mistyowl started a blog, and the second entry were some kind words about us.

I can describe the Galerie and New Group, but a dear friend, Gemma Cleanslate did such a better job than I could in her post on SL Newser. Thank you Gemma for a great job. ... Gemma has to be my first person to talk about. She is easy to sum up... classy, warm, friendly with nothing but kind words.

And thank you Mistyowl.

Update on Last Names

2012-02-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

New World Notes recently had some new information about Linden Labs' plans to reintroduce last names to Second Life accounts. Rodvik Linden/Rod Humble made a post on his profile page about the issue.

Quick update on last names. Just fyi the team here has been working on solutions for this and it is taking longer than we thought. identity is important so we want the ability to have that wonderful shared experience the old last name system had but also not lose sight of the fact that many people really do not want a name given to them, they want freedom to define their identity, finally we want to consider adding meaningful things like titles etc that can be awarded by the community or some other methods. Anyway bit more complicated than initially thought but progress is being made. Will have a baked plan sometime in February we think.

Hours later, there were close to a hundred comments. Many had praise Rodvik for keeping up on the issue, "Thank you for the update." But others were wondering about what might go wrong, "Just to be clear: Whatever you do, it does NOT mean that old residents with last names will loose them, correct?"

Hamlet couldn't think of another recent peep from Rodvik, saying he had "a month long absence from social media." He also noted that the Linden blogs were quiet in the month of January. He did get the impression from "insiders" that there should be some important news soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

Events this Week in Second Life from Jan 31st to Feb 6th

2012-01-31T06:05:00.000-05:00

January changes to February this week, and there are more events coming with the new month, such as the whimsical "Give Peas a Chance" at Madpea and the surreal Mausoleum at the LEA sims. And this week is the special Friday broadcast of the "1st Question," with Will Wright among the contestants. And of course there's the usual variety of live & DJ music events, poetry & fiction readings, and talk shows.

Read more in Events this Week.

Bagpipe Funeral for Lavendermist McTeague

2012-01-31T06:00:00.002-05:00

On Saturday January 28th, friends and acquaintances of Lavendermist McTeague gathered to say goodbye at a memorial service in her honor. A few friends gave speeches describing their experiences with her, then a special song was played in her memory.

Read more in Events.

Sabine McGettigan and her Passionate Redheads

2012-01-30T06:05:00.000-05:00

Grease Coakes recently sat down with the leader of the Passionate Redheads Relay for Life group: Sabine McGettin. Sabine had a few things to say about the Redheads' accomplishments, as well as a few of their challenges.

Read the interview in People.

Passionate Redheads Pre-Season Team Meeting

2012-01-30T06:01:00.001-05:00

On Friday Jan 27th, the Passionate Redheads held their first meeting of the year. The official start of the Relay fundraising season “Time for a Cure” isn’t until March 10th, but it wasn’t too early to plan. Team leaders Sabine McGetting and Daaneth Kivioq presided over the meeting, of which about a couple dozen showed up in the hour-long gathering.

A number of ideas were discussed. Themed dances such as 40’s jitterbug and 60’s rock were suggested. Daan told there would be more “Bid Me or Not” events, referring to the three “Bid me Human” events last year that culminated with Rita going around in a human av until the Relay weekend after 75,000 Lindens were raised. He suggested he might put himself on the line again in a “Bid Me Bunny” event, the mention of the av being a pink bunny getting a few chuckles. Rita mentioned that with Sunweaver Air changing hands, Club Cutlass would be remodeled, “When it is done, we can do a grand reopening and donate the proceeds to the RFL.” Also suggested was a fishing tournament and a pony fundraiser.

There were also a few recommendations. One was supporting other teams, such as the Steelhead Salmons. Another was getting events on the Linden Lab SL events calendar. Also mentioned was Bryanr Rickena’s RFL Passionate Redhead’s Museum in the Precious Dragons sim at (96, 32, 22), and that there would soon be a changing of Relay groups. The new chat group was “Relay for Life Volunteers,” the old SL Relay for Life being discontinued.

To read Sabine McGettin’s account of the meeting, go to her post in the Passionate Redhead’s Blog.

Top picture from Sabine McGettin

Bixyl Shuftan

Reader Submitted: Say No to ACTA by Polish Gothic

2012-01-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am writing to you due to the current signing ACTA document. I will try to explain it the best that I can with my English skills, I hope you will understand.

ACTA with it actual rules can be highly dangerous for freedom of citizens and for small companies all around the world. As it states, there won't be possibility to produce substitute parts for electronic supplies and planting seeds which are branded just imagine how big disaster can it bring for people and how many will loose their jobs.

As for censoring internet - this way of fighting with piracy is highly wrong. Researchers say that most of people actually buying artistic products as music, movies and so on are the ones who downloaded it from the net before. If they won't have the way to download files automatically sales will fall since we will not now what to buy. You should realize most of such things are over expensive for common citizens, so they will buy only things they like, if they don't know if they like, they won't buy.

If you want to fight with piracy make a way to lower the prices of software, music and all the staff which is downloaded from the net now - as there is carrot and whip method of controlling - you should first try to use the carrot, not the whip. using the whip right now will only cause bigger uproar.

Before voting for ACTA, consider a word from citizens and their rights.

Our residents from Polish Gothic made a protest against ACTA at 23-01-2012, you can watch movie from this protest on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmQk-6VhFP4

You can find more information on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=citzRjwk-sQ

and http://www.stopacta.info/

You can vote on ANTI-ACTA petition here: https://www.accessnow.org/page/s/just-say-no-to-acta

Thank you for hearing out a voice from ordinary citizen. Also I want to tell you from private, if there won't be net on the way it is now, I would not be able to write this message to you because most of my English skills along with knowledge comes from using tool called Internet.

Best regards,

Pandemonium Anton

Cartoon of the Day

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

By Bixyl Shuftan

SL Youtube: Dranopia Quest

2012-01-28T06:01:00.000-05:00

A youtube from Timi Allen, of the upcoming Dranopia game in Second Life.

"Are you brave enough, you plunge into the depths of the canyon of lost souls? Grab a dragon and rescue the souls from the evil dragon monsters, the Groms. Be there from 26 January 2012, then starts the first flight event of Dranopia. Be brave, become the protector of the dragon souls. Win the grand prize and have fun. We look forward to you."

Special Event at the WW2 Combat RP in New Fallout

2012-01-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

This weekend will have a special event at the WW2 New Bastogne RP. This battle will be going on all weekend, starting in Saint-Quentin. Both sides are more than happy to take in new players, but it is asked they take a few minutes to check the rules before storming in. Certain equipment provided for free is required to take part. For details on the real-life battle, Click Here.

Petite Gallerie

2012-01-27T06:05:00.001-05:00

Gemma Cleanslate recently went to the place of Mistyowl Warhol, where she had set up a small art gallery. She and two other photographers have their images up in an exhibition, including Gemma's philosphy teacher.

Read more in Design.

The Cocktail NightClub

2012-01-27T06:00:00.004-05:00

A new club recently moved to the Purrfection Estates, the Cocktail Nightclub, also known as the Cocktail Lounge.

The club is on a small island in the southern part of the sim, separating it from the rest of the land, accessible by bridge. Originally, the place was a dark building like a city nightclub, with separate dance floor, cocktail lounge, and a couple private rooms. More recently, the place has been rebuilt with a more “open air” look. The walls are gone, giving the impression of the place being open to the breeze, with overhead tarps to shield patrons from the sun. The dance floor makes up the center of the club, with the DJ’ booth opposite from the entrance. The private rooms are gone, but there are three corner areas where visitors can relax on the couch while chatting, plus the bar in a fourth corner where people can order drinks from the bot bartender.

The club is owned by Rich Mordly, with DJ Firefox Doghouse as a co-owner. It is one of the clubs in the FCA, but unlike most of the other club owners in the “Furry Club Alliance,” Rich usually sports a normal human look. Talking to Rich, he had worked at another club some months ago, before opening the Cocktail lounge. In it’s first locale, it offered a number of themed events, notably neko and rave.

On Wednesday December 7th at 6PM SL time, the Cocktail Lounge had it’s Grand Opening party. DJ Firefox was spinning a variety of music. About two dozen people attended durring the two hour event, a mix of furred, neko, and normal human avs with no one group making up the majority. Besides the contest for the best-looking avatar, there were also trivia contests up the whole time.

Talking with Rich and Firefox after the party, they were satisfied with the turnout, “today's Grand Re-Opening event was a huge success.”

Currently, the Cocktail Nightclub has events regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 SL time, with some special events on Sundays. Rich eventually plans for the club’s hours to be on a daily basis. DJ Firefox says he plans to DJ on every day as well, “I have fun DJing here. ... Everyone here is nice, easy to get along with.” Fire explained teammate Niterider could serve as backup if he was ever held up in real life. And of course they could always call on the FCA alliance. They plan a number of themed events in the future, such as “Best in Cyber,” “Best in Dragon,” and a special Crux avatar event, “I got quite a few.”

Rich and Firefox are still hiring staff, such as hosts. Those interested are asked to send Rich (or Firefox) a notecard saying which position they want and what hours they can perform. Those on the team are expected to be courteous toward patrons of the club and maintain a fun-filled atmosphere for all.

Their goal is to have a first class club everyone will want to come to, “If you want a good nightclub experience, head on to the Cocktail.”

Purrfection Estates (85, 76, 21)

Bixyl Shuftan

In Memory of Lavendermist McTeague

2012-01-26T18:00:00.004-05:00

In my days hanging out at the STA sim as I was starting out as a journalist, one of the rougher-looking characters there was OtisDriftwood Vollmar. Following the end of the sim, I didn't see him as much, and eventually we lost track of each other.

Fast-forward four years. He was now known as Ote Underwood, and had gotten together with someone else known to visit the STA. Known once as Zola Nightfire, she became known as Lavendermist McTeague. They were happy together for a time. Unfortunetly, tragedy struck, as he announced on his profile:

My partner Lavendermist McTeague passed away
quite suddenly while sleeping Jan 20. 2012 :-(
Miss you dearly Kathleen - thank you for these over 4 years.
http://www.facebook.com/ote.underwood

Seeing me online, he asked me to teleport over where he was. There in a skybox next to a now empty house, a small memorial had been set up with Lavendermist's avatar picture, with a few flowers around. The man whom I remembered as a tattooed "gangsta" now sported a scruffy-looking child avatar. People continued to arrive over, mostly women whom were Lavendermist's friends. They soon held an informal wake, chatting about her and their interactions with her, one saying she had chatted with Lavendermist the night before she passed away.

Otis/Ote told me the memorial would still be up at least until this weekend, and invited anyone else whom might have known her to come by. Until then one can still see it at Dallas Highlands (29, 36, 3014)

Bixyl Shuftan

Wounded Warriors Benefit Concert on Jan 29

2012-01-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Frets Nirvana, the premier guitar artist in the virtual world Second Life and the US Military Veterans Group announce the first Wounded Warriors benefit for the year 2012.

More than 30,000 troops have been injured in recent conflicts, many of them suffering traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides services and programs to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to civilian life.

Frets Nirvana states: “As a result of the support of many in Second Life this effort we raised over $9200 in 2011 for WWP. We hope to meet a target of $12,000 in 2012. We are going for 12 in 12!”

Wounded Warriors concerts feature premier Second Life Talent monthly at Patriot Island. The concert on January 29, 2012 is scheduled from 4-9 PM PST. Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, PonDman Haalan, TerryLynn Melody, Frets Nirvana, and Avantgarde Frequency.

Patriot Island (162, 122, 29)

Press Release

Cartoon of the Day

2012-01-25T06:05:00.000-05:00

By Bixyl Shuftan

Rez Day Party for Samantha Glume

2012-01-25T06:01:00.000-05:00

Grey Lupindo had a little celebration to report on from her home region Syzygy. The owner of the land, Samantha Glume, had her 5th rezzday in Second Life, and her friends threw a big party for her in the Syzygy Space Station.

Read more in Events.

Cartoonimals Sim to Close

2012-01-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

One whimsical simwide store will sadly be closing it's doors soon. Cartoonimals, a place with a number of cartoonish critters and a number of amusing novelties, will be closing in February, and residents have until then to see the funny sights for themselves.

Read more in Places.

Events this Week in Second Life from Jan 24th to Jan 31st

2012-01-24T06:05:00.002-05:00

It's a week full of events in Second Life as we close out the month of January. From the Ski Trail Gift Tour to the Caledon Quest, there are a number of special events. And of course we have our usual variety of regular events from parties at clubs to live music, to book and poetry readings, to talk shows, and more.

Read more in Events this Week.

Interview with DJ Aurora Avila

2012-01-24T06:01:00.002-05:00

Second Life Newser has a new writer, Grease Coakes. For his first article, he wanted to honor a favorite DJ at a club he hung around with. So here's his interview with AX DJ Aurora Avila.

Read the interview in People.

"What's Cookin'?" at Netera's Coffee Lounge

2012-01-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

On Saturday January 21st, Netera Landar held a cooking show at her coffee lounge, "What's Cookin?" Chef Jorden Andrew used the Grid and virtual ingredients to show the audience how to cook up a great dish.

Jorden had gotten her start with Second Life cooking a few months before at KK Food & Pastries, " I always wanted t odo something like this," and when she saw the announcement, she auditioned. As it turns out, she used to cook at a San Francisco restaurant. But she doesn't cook so much in real life at the present time. Nor does she grow ingredients, "I don't have a green thumb."

Jorden cooked for a while, both meals and desserts for a diverse audience. "What's Cookin" plans to be a frequent feature, but may not be on every week. Some events will also have different chefs.

Check the schedule at Netera's Coffee Lounge for event times at Terric (43, 137, 28).

Bixyl Shuftan

Sunweaver Air to Change Hands

2012-01-23T06:25:00.009-05:00

On 3PM SL time yesterday on Sunday January 23rd, The Sunweaver Estate's owner Rita Mariner called a meeting at the Cutlass Club to discuss a problem. There wasn't enough income coming in to cover the costs of the sim, and the one with the most unrented space was Sunweaver Air. She couldn't afford to hand onto it.

The good news, someone had stepped forward to take on the sim. "Shelly" Kit Repine would be taking charge of Sunweaver Air in a couple weeks. No one would have to move, and this includes the office of Second Life Newser, which sits on the land of Ranchan Weidman.

It was noted that the Sunweaver group was much larger than the current number of renters, "Please, if you're going to enjoy our club (Cutlass), consider renting out a spot to help keep the place going."

Podex Exchange Plans ACTA Internet Censorship Protest

2012-01-23T06:01:00.000-05:00

By now, most readers have heard about the SOPA and PITA bills in the US Congress. Their sponsors claiming the intent was to stop Internet piracy, the bills were badly written, and would have left the Internet subject to severe censorship. Fortunately what began as scattered protests online soon grew and became too much for the politicians to ignore. So the bills were shelved, at least for now.

Unfortunately, there is more trouble on the horizon, and not just for the United States. A number of countries, including the US, Canada, the European Community, Japan, and others. Described as a response "to the increase in global trade of counterfeit goods and pirated copyright protected works," the agreement also takes aim at at the Internet. Although the entertainment and software industries were in on the negotiations, “citizens and public interest groups have been largely left out.” The agreement targets "legal safeguards that protect Internet Service Providers from liability for the actions of their subscribers," and the result would be severe compromises on Internet freedom, very much like what the SOPA and PIPA bills threaten to do with the United States.

Jacek Shuftan of the Podex Exchange decided to do something about ACTA by joining the protests against it, “I want to announce that Podex joins the international protest movement about government attepts to censor freedom of speech on the Internet.” Today, Monday January 23rd, several pages on the Podex site, plus his new secondmovie.com and second-bay.pl would go dark, replaced with a page denouncing the censorship, “Keep the Internet free!” After 24 hours, the pages would return to normal.

For more information, one can look up the Wikipedia entry on ACTA, as well as what the Electronic Freedom Foundation and Canada’s CIPPIC have too say. Plus there’s also youtubes on the issue, such as the one below, and another from “Anonymous.”

Sources: Wikipedia, Podex

Bixyl Shuftan

Bryn Oh’s Immersiva's Crowdfunder-Style Fundraiser a Success

2012-01-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

While SOPA and PIPA made headlines last week, there were other events of note on the Grid. Among them was news about noted artist Bryn Oh and her artistic Immersiva sim. A Crowdfunder - type project to fund the place reached it’s goal after only a day after it began.

To begin with, the Immersiva sim was closed in December when her patron ran out of money. She with Kiana Writer of Madpea wrote a joint letter to Linden Labs to try and convince them to let her keep the sim. It was rejected. Following that, she decided to try a crowdfunder style prioject at Indegogo.com. Set to run for sixty days, with larger donations would come gifts. A donation of fifty dollars would get one a rabbicorn scultpure for one’s Second Life account. A hundred dollars would get one five sculptures “and the private use of Immersiva on your rez day.” $500 would get one an ink drawing. $1000 an oil painting. $3,000 a commissioned painting. $500 and up would also get one listed in Imersiva as a sponsor.

To everyone’s surprise, Bryn got a large donation from film director Peter Greenway. As it turns out, Greenway’s a sponsor of art in Second Life. He donated six months worth of teir for Immersiva. Hamlet Au quoted him as saying, "In the exciting new arena of immersive Art which offers so much to the future of communications, Bryn Oh is an important, fascinating and innovative pioneer and should definitely be supported."

Not only have the donations continued, but she raised over $6,000 in a single day! This is more than the original goal of $5400. Only a few hundred more has come in since then, but the massive start ensures the fundraiser is a success.

For those who want to contribute: Click Here. Among those who’ve donated are Crap Mariner and Thinkerer Melville.

Sources: Bryn Oh, New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2012-01-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

SL Pictures: Two Micros

2012-01-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

A not too common sight: two kinds of micro avatar right next to each other. For those not in the know, a "micro" is an avatar even smaller than a "tiny," about a foot high or less. On the left is the MK Microfox, on the right a LomTech "MicroPaw" made by Lomgren Smalls. The Lom is actually half the height of the microfox, but the picture was taken at a certain angle so they appeared to be the same height.

For a comparison to how they look near larger avatars, Click Here to see one at a friend's party.

A case of "sizing up" the little guys (and girls).

Timber Wilds

2012-01-20T06:05:00.002-05:00

Xymbers Slade recently took a look at the Timber Wilds area. Besides being the main location for the Timber Wilds Industries feral avatars, the two sims are well detailed and visually pleasing wilderness areas and the setting for some roleplay for those enjoying taking the part of feral wolves.

Read more in Design.

Live Singer Debi Latte Returns to Second Life's Music Scene

2012-01-20T06:01:00.000-05:00

This Sunday at Noon SL time in the Mystery sim, the moment that a number of live music fans finally arrives, the return of Debi Latte to the "Queen of Hearts" at Mystery

Debbi had been a regular at Mystery, singing every other Sunday, until real life matters forced her offline. Today, everything is all better, and she's back with her velvet voice to sing again.

Debi sings a number of songs noted by certain artists, such as Lionel Richie, Dan Hill and Sarah McLachlan. And of course she sings what's sometimes called the club's theme song, as well as club owner Tygeria Mirabeau's, "Queen of Hearts"

Once again, the event is Sunday January 22nd, Noon SL time.

Internet Protests Widespread, PIPA Opposition Growing

2012-01-20T06:00:00.005-05:00

Wednesday January 18th saw a number of websites protest SOPA and PIPA, by both organizations and individuals. Sopastrike.com billed it as “the largest online protest in history,” claiming ten million signatures had been collected and over three million emails sent in response to the two bills in Congress. They claimed over 115,000 various websites took part, some of which they showed pictures of from Reddit to Wired to BongBong and more. Not all of the protests were on the Internet. People also got on the streets in New York City to voice their opposition.

The most famous website of the protest was most likely Wikipedia’s. After they took down their blackout page, they put up a link to a “Thank you” page:

The Wikipedia blackout is over — and you have spoken. More than 162 million people saw our message asking if you could imagine a world without free knowledge. You said no. You shut down Congress’s switchboards. You melted their servers. Your voice was loud and strong. Millions of people have spoken in defense of a free and open Internet. For us, this is not about money. It’s about knowledge. As a community of authors, editors, photographers, and programmers, we invite everyone to share and build upon our work.Our mission is to empower and engage people to document the sum of all human knowledge, and to make it available to all humanity, in perpetuity. We care passionately about the rights of authors, because we are authors. SOPA and PIPA are not dead: they are waiting in the shadows. What’s happened in the last 24 hours, though, is extraordinary. The Internet has enabled creativity, knowledge, and innovation to shine, and as Wikipedia went dark, you've directed your energy to protecting it.

We’re turning the lights back on. Help us keep them shining brightly.

And the protests had results. Over a dozen Senators publicly announced their opposition to the PIPA bill that day, including five former co-sponsors, bringing the total opposed to nineteen Senators (as of January 17th). Most of the new opponents were Republican. Arstechnica.com suggested this was the result of conservative media such as the Heritage Foundation and redstate.com declaring their opposition to SOPA and PIPA. Redstate.com went as far as to promise to work to defeat supporters of the bills in their reelection bids.

This battle is so important — and is one of those rare fights where the left and right are united against Congress — that I suggest the left and right unite and pledge to defeat in primaries every person named as a sponsor on H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act. ... Congress has proven it does not understand the Internet. Perhaps they will understand brute strength against them at the ballot box. If members of Congress do not pull their name from co-sponsorship of SOPA, the left and right should pledge to defeat each and every one of them.

It isn’t just politicians who are facing backlash. Among the supporters of SOPA is the Entertainment Software Association, or ESA. The ESA runs the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo. One company, Red 5 Studios, which makes the popular “Firefall” game, pulled out of the yearly show. They used the money it would have for promotions there to start a new organization, the ”League for Gamers.” Red 5's CEO appeared in a Youtube with other gamers to express their point of view.

The Motion Picture Association of America responded to the blackout by calling the protests “irresponsible” and a “stunt.” Their main supporter in Congress, Senator Chris Dodd, called the blackouts of major websites an “abuse of power,” adding, "It is an irresponsible response and a disservice to people who rely on them for information," calling the protests, “yet another gimmick.”

The debate took another turn on Thursday January 19th when Megaupload, one of the world’s top file-sharing websites, was shut down on charges of copyright violations. Besides rhe debate of whether this was right or wrong, people asked if there were already procedures to take down websites, what was the purpose of SOPA and PIPA?

PIPA is up for a vote in the Senate Tuesday January 24th. The House Judiciary Committee will go over SOPA again in February.

Page Source: Wikipedia

Bixyl Shuftan

Steelhead Shanghai Events this January

2012-01-19T06:05:00.000-05:00

In Steelhead Shanghai, the theme is month is the Chinese New Year. On Friday the 13th, they released numerous paper lanterns into the air. This upcoming Friday is Squirrel Appreciation Day (what the deal with squirrels is, no one at Steelhead had an answer). And Friday the 27th is a celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

All Dances are 7PM SL time at Steelhead City.

Several Clubs to Protest SOPA/PIPA by Closing for a Week

2012-01-19T06:01:00.001-05:00

Nydia Tungsten, whom has been helping to run several clubs in Second Life, posted the following in several of her groups:

To bring attention to the SOPA/PIPA bills in congress the following clubs would like you to know what SL will be like if they pass

Club Zero Gravity
The Happy Vixen
Club Fur
H.M.A.S. Little dove
Castaway Cove Beach

will all have NO events for 7 days
and KVXN will go silent for 24 hours on Thurs Jan 19.

Talking to Nydia, the following song would be played at her clubs during the KVXN blackout, "The Day the LOLCats Died," a song parody written against SOPA and PIPA.

Inworldz Reaches 50,000 Users, OpenSim Shrinking

2012-01-19T06:00:00.005-05:00

According to a recent post by Daniel Voyager, the virtual world Inworldz recently hit the 50,000 mark in the number of it's registered users. Considering this is double what it was thirteen months ago, reaching 25,000 in Dec. 2010, this would suggest the future of the alternative virtual worlds is a bright one.

Hamlet Au's recent article on OpenSim, however, suggested this was not necessarily the case, at least with all of them. In June 2009, this original of the alternative virtual worlds based on Second Life's open source code had nearly over 33,000 total users, close to 10,000 whom had been active in the past month. Today, OpenSim has a greater number of regions and their total number of accounts has more than doubled. But, the number of those active within the past thirty days is just under 3,300. A shrinkage of active users by about 66%.

Exactly why this many have stopped using OpenSim one can only guess, although this place lacks an inworld currency, and therefore has a limited economic potential. It should be noted that OpenSim is just one of a number of worlds that fall into the list of "Open Simulator" based worlds, including Avination, which although is currently the second-largest of these grids is thought to have a stable, if not growing, population. And this world, like InWorldz, does have an in-game currency, as well as boasting combat systems, and has been attracting events. And there's that Avination's viewer has a Macintosh version. One needs a PC to get to OpenSim.

Hamlet Au thought OpenSim's decline was important to pay attention to. With people looking at ways to get around their high tiers, particularly during the persistant bad economic times, some have suggested OpenSim. But to paraphrase Hamlet, such a move would shrink one's potential market of users. While one can (and some are) making accounts in both Second Life and one of these other virtual worlds, not a great deal many are doing that.

Although InWorldz is still growing, its success is not being repeated in most other open virtual worlds. And even then, it's number on at any one time remains small compared to Second Life, which will continue to be dominate other Grids in users for the forseable future.

Source: Daniel Voyager's Blog, New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2012-01-18T06:05:00.003-05:00

Some people can really go "bats" over "Tiny Empires."

by Bixyl Shuftan

Forgotten City

2012-01-18T06:01:00.000-05:00

Gemma Cleanslate recently took a trip to a interesting Steampunk sim. It's not truly Victorian, but rather Central European. The place is maintained by mechanical men, and there are a number of things to do from games, to shopping, and of course exploring.

Read more in Places.

SOPA Down But Not Dead, PIPA Still Up in Senate, Internet Companies Protest

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

With the White House coming down against SOPA a few days ago, it was no surprise that the bill was finally shelved. While some have declared victory, “Ding-dong, SOPA’s dead,” others are more hesitant. As it turns out, SOPA’s co-founder Lamar Alexander plans to bring it back in February, "due to the Republican and Democratic retreats taking place over the next two weeks.” So the bill is still out there.

And it isn’t just SOPA people on the Internet are worried about. Like many other bills in the House, a similar bill was sent to the Senate, the “Protect IP Act” or PIPA. Considered just as big a threat to the Internet and Second Life, it is due for a vote in the Senate this January. Sponsored by Patrick Leahy, the bill is described as having bipartisan support among 40 Senators. Senator Ron Wyden has spoken out against the bill, as has the “Tea Party Patriots” organization.

For these reasons, a number of Internet companies, groups and individuals are protesting in a number of ways. Many, including Wikipedia, blacked out their websites in protest today. Others, including Google , blacked out their logo. Facebook remains up, but a number of people are replacing their profile picture and sometimes gallery images with images symbolizing censorship.

For US readers wanting to contact your legislators to oppose SOPA & PIPA, Click here.

Sources: Electronic Frontier Foundation, Wikipedia, Techdirt, Forbes, Dailytech

Bixyl Shuftan

Events this Week in Second Life from Jan 17th to Jan 23rd

2012-01-17T06:05:00.000-05:00

It's a week full of events on the Grid. From book and poetry readings to music and dance parties at clubs, there's no shortage of things to do. This week brings the return of a live music singer to Second Life. Debi Late returns to Mystery after a long hiatus.

Read more in Events this Week.

Xymbers Slade's Horoscopes

2012-01-17T06:01:00.000-05:00

Xymbers Slade has his horoscopes up for. What do the stars have in store for us? Xymbers has a few answers.

Read Xymbers' Horoscopes in Extra.

End of "The Path"

2012-01-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Gemma Cleanslate just got a note that "The Path," a multiple artist build, is about to come down, "Visit 'The Path' in LEA2 soon if you have not seen it, or to revisit it before it is lost."

To read her story on "The Path," Click Here. To visit the place, head to LEA2 (178, 178, 23)

An Interview with Owly Indigo of Indigo Aviary

2012-01-16T06:05:00.000-05:00

Grey Lupindo went to a place in Second Life that is truly for the birds: the Indigo Aviary. This location has more than a hundred virtual birds. She met up with the owner, Owly Indigo, and talked about her interest in birds and how the aviary came to be.

Read more in People.

SOPA on the Defensive, Opponents Plan Blackout Protests Jan 18th.

2012-01-16T06:01:00.002-05:00

There’s been still more developments on the SOPA bill. More and more people have been speaking out on the issue. Some of the people haven’t really been known for computer issues before, such as the comic critic “That Guy With the Glasses.” Others are, such as the social media website Reddit by blacking out their site for 12 hours on Wednesday January 18th, some of the people having opinions on the matter short and to the point (image not safe for work). The games Firefall and Minecraft are also planning protests by shutting down their websites that day. Wikipedia “appears to be very close to announcing a blackout or something like it.” Google is supposedly planning some kind of protest other than a blackout.

As the protests mount, the backers of SOPA find themselves on uneasy ground. Senator Lamar Smith, the co-author of the bill, was found to be in violation of SOPA himself. An image on his website failed to give credit to it’s creator, “maybe I could petition the court to take action against texansforlamarsmith.com.” So perhaps it’’s no surprise the other co-author, Patrick Leahy, was willing to remove one segment of the bill.

Also, the White House seems to be finally tilting to the side of the SOPA opponents, at least on the surface. Whitehouse.gov made a lengthy statement, which stated “we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.” However, it encouraged all sides involved to work together to pass “sound legislation.” Whether or not this “sound legislation” acceptable would be SOPA with just a piece or two removed or changed is unclear.

So what can Residents do? Click Here for information on how to contact you senators and Congressman on the matter.

Bixyl Shuftan

Vietnam Wall Builder Would Help Bring Back Momument if Sponsor Comes Forward

2012-01-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

In November, The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was found to have vanished. Contacting the head of Meme Science, Evian Argus, which built "The Wall" sim where it was, he told me someone had been sponsoring hit, but must have decided to suddenly up and stop paying the tier. He would try to help bring it back if there was someone else offering to sponsor the Memorial.

So who can help bring back this replica of the memorial to the 58,000 soldiers who gave their lives in the Vietnam War?

Cartoon of the Day

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

By Bixyl Shuftan

"Nuts about Ballet"

2012-01-14T06:01:00.000-05:00

After my visits to Virtual Ability and the set of "The 1st Question" on Sunday Jan 8th, I stopped to check out a Second Life rendition of "The Nutcracker" I got a bulletin about, "Nut about the Nutcracker" by Ballet Pixelle.

The show was well received by the audience, a few of whom looked more like they were headed for a biker rally than the ballet. There's no shortage of fans on the Grid of high culture, or at least those whom appreciate talent in any form.

The show was at the Quat sim (42, 20, 108).

Reader Submitted

2012-01-14T06:00:00.007-05:00

Xavier Sockington was among those in the audience at the burning finale of "Second Libations" last month. Here's his picture of one of the bots looking from behind a couple rocks as the end comes.

More on SOPA

2012-01-13T15:00:00.001-05:00

Although no one bothered to leave a comment on my article on the SOPA bill in Congress earlier, people had chatted with me about it inworld. One thing that was brought up a few times was "why isn't this on TV/mainstream media?" Finally last night , I saw news briefs on it on CNN, as well as an article on their website when I checked. From what I heard on the TV brief, unlike most other issues in Congress, this isn't a partisan one. Support for the bill was described as roughly 50/50 Democrat and Republican, with at least two candidates for the Presidency (Ron Paul and Michael Bachman) coming out against it).

Time keeps me from writing a larger article, at least for the next few days. Feel free to read this post from Forbes, and this post from New World Notes, the latter concerning the conclusion from the Electronic Frontier Foundation this bill would "jeopardize" Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan

Discussion on Hiring Autistics at Virtual Ability

2012-01-13T06:00:00.005-05:00

Earlier in the week, there was a lecture at the Virtual ability sim. The subject: it was about the benefits of hiring people with autism. Following his talk, the host Gentle Heron invited people to share their stories.

Read more in Events.

Cameo in Spectral Shadows

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Perri Prinz, a DJ and club owner in Second Life, is also a Fantasy writer. For years, she's been writing her "Spectral Shadows" stories, which include a few cameos of friends. Recently, she included a certain fox reporter as a character in her story.

Maybe not exactly the most competent when it comes to car repair (though probably close to accurate), but I consider this quite an honor. Should be interesting how this version of "Fox News" ends up.

Bixyl Shuftan

Tiny Empires Back Up

2012-01-12T20:00:00.001-05:00

It was something of a rough time in my home estate at Sunweaver, and presumably many others, as there are a number of players of the game "Tiny Empires" here, and for a few days the game was non-operational, the HUDs coming up empty when brought up. The local Queen gave the following message on January 10th, a day after the problems began:

The bad news is that there has apparently been a catastrophic failure of some kind in the Tiny Empires servers and they will have to be rebuilt ... The good news is that I managed to grab a good backup before the failure, so nothing in the Tiny Empires games will be lost. Your acres and gold are safe. ... it is looking like the game won't be running again until tomorrow. I am very sorry for the long delay. This is the worst downtime for TE in years.

Finally today, she gave a message in the game group to reattatch the HUDs. The game was working again, and all was well with the Tiny Empire players, once again looking forward to the next announcement of "Trader!"

*Update* Seems some players are still having difficulties, so perhaps it may be another day or so before it's truly fixed.

Review of Skyrim

2012-01-12T06:01:00.000-05:00

There's been a bit of talk about one game that has some elements of a MMO, but is really a single player game, and is billed as the cutting edge of gaming today: Skyrim. Actually the fifth game in a series, Xymbers Slade took a look at it to see if it lives up to the hype.

Read more in Extra.

Have a Heart for Relay for Life

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

Both Crap Mariner and Dr. Fran Babcock got together to tell me last night about a unique product being made for the upcoming Relay for Life season, "AvaHeart" by Burke Benoir.

The store they showed me had a number of hearts up, each supposed to reflect something about the person. There was a heart of ice, a heart of melting butter (melts like butter), a heart with an anchor (a sailor's heart), etc.

Crap Mariner also pointed out a poem he had written:

So many moods we have, so many hearts,

I walk through the gallery, wondering which is yours.

A heart of glass, afraid to break?

A heart of stone, heavy and sad?

A heart of ice, cold and alone?

Or is it lifted upon wings, soaring onto the winds of love?

Singing for all to hear, to the tune of your soul?

Is it bright and shiny, leading the way through the dark?

Maybe all of them are.

I look at an empty spot on the shelf, and ask again,

Which is yours?

And I look inside your soul to see.

A notecard provided offered the following:

A different heart for every occasion and obsession, to express your deepest hopes and desires.

You can wear it in your chest...
You can pin it to your sleeve...
You can put it up on a shelf...
You can keep it under glass...

There are a wide variety of hearts available now, ranging from hearts of ice to hearts with picture frames to keep that special someone close wherever you go. Other artists are invited to try their hand at crafting hearts that express their hopes and dreams and fears, and they will be showcased and made available as the project continues.

Avaheart is at the Night Whispers sim at (214, 41, 3001). For more information, contact Burke Benoir of B&B Spiritual Supplies.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day: My Little Dynamiter

2012-01-11T06:05:00.001-05:00

By Bixyl Shuftan

Pure Land: Exploring Buddhism

2012-01-11T06:01:00.002-05:00

Gemma Cleanslate takes a look at the quieter, more meditative side of Second Life with a trip to the Pure Land Buddhist Practice. At the location, she read a few things about the religion, and found out about a few other locations built around the belief.

Read more in Places.

Inworldz First Annual Fantasy Art Festival Announced

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Nazz Lane sent us a Press Relase from Inworlds, concerning a festival in the virtual world Inworldz.

Following on the heels of the highly successful "Inworldz Dreamz & Visionz" festival, the founder of Alexanderia's Kingdom, Jeri Rajha, is pleased to announce the organization of the "Fantasy Art Festival" to be held in the virtual world of InWorldz. The festival is being hosted by the Elf Clan. This festival will be a juried event and applications are being received now for up to 35 plots (31 land and 4 water plots) for individuals or for teams of artists. Plots will be allocated on the 16th of January, and the group assignment/tag will be given out. The building will be completed by February 3 rd. Then the artists works will be open to view and the judges will begin their selections.

More information can be found in Nazz's blog "Lane's List."

Events this Week in Second Life from Jan 10th to Jan 16th

2012-01-10T06:05:00.001-05:00

It's an exciting week of events in Second Life. From the Month of Machinima to to the LEA Artist Residency to a film screening, there are are a number of special events. Plus there are the regular events from music clubs to talk shows, to book & poetry readings.

Read more in Events this Week.

The End of the “Second Libiations” Art Exhibit

2012-01-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

The LEA6 sim is for art exhibitions, one every month. A recent exhibit by artist Haveit Neox made news not just for it's plot and design, but also it's firey conclusion. In front of a crowd, the exhibition's end became a show of it's own.

Read more in Design.

Will Wright to Appear on 1st Question in February

2012-01-09T06:05:00.005-05:00

Pooky Amsterdam had an announcement concerning her game show "The 1st Question." Her January show would be postponed a week to January 15th. Her February show would be a special one on Friday Feb 3 instead of Sunday. Among the guests would be Will Wright, the "Creator of the Simulation game genere" who joined the Linden team in October 2011. Plans are for a rare live broadcast on Treet.tv, plus there will be a cap on the number who can enter the set while the show is taking place.

Hydra Shaftoe, until recently the regular cohost of the game show, will be coming back for this special episode. Pooky also told that her dating show, "The Dating Casino," will be making a special Valentines Day return.

Phishing Scam

2012-01-09T06:01:00.000-05:00

Xymbers Slade recently found something in one of his groups, "Just got this out of one of the Mentor groups I'm a part of --- those scammers just never seem to give up. So spread the word, that this one's a scam."

Dear Second Life user,

Due our latest IP Security upgrades we have limited access to sensitive Second Life account features.
Protecting the security of your account is our primary concern
We understand that this may be an inconvenience.
Please understand that this temporary limitation is for your protection.

How can I restore my account access?

Please download the form attached to this email and open it in a web browser.
Once opened, you will be provided with steps to update your account.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to
ensure account safety.

If we detect a sign in with your username from another country we may decide that we want to
confirm that it's really you. You must complete all steps otherwise you will not be able to use
the online service until we have completed additional security checks.

We apologize for any inconvenience

Copyright 2011 Linden Research, Inc. Linden Lab 945 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111

It should be reminded that it's not just Mentor groups open to such swindels, but any with open enrollment.

Opinion: Why Second Life Isn't Going Away (and Why It Doesn't Appeal to Everyone)

2012-01-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

Some of you may remember CNN iReporter Any1 Gynoid's article predicting Second Life's doom last month. Marx Dudex recently wrote an opinion piece in response to the "doomsayers." Marx commented that there was reason to feel pessimism for the past couple years, cluelessness at the Lab, talk of Second Life being sold, some noteable departures from the Grid, etc. But he feels more confident about the future, signs including a CEO who actually uses the virtual world, and a number of disgruntled residents who left coming back.

Why haven't the alternative virtual worlds been able to draw more people from Second Life. One reason Marx felt was the small market of goods available to buy. There weren't enough to convince many to stay. Then there was that Second Life had emerged as "McDonalds" of virtual world with no one else coming close. Timing also had part to do with it's success, he felt ...

Second Life came into being in the waning years of the dot-com bubble, and I think that it will be quite a few years yet before we see the advances in technology and new ideas that could bring about another such ‘goldrush’, if ever. Second Life came along at just the right time. It doesn’t necessarily matter that it did not become the game-changing ‘killer app’ that many had hoped.

I share Marx's optimism about the Grid's future. Although the sim closings still going on are sad, things are looking up compared to 2010. Although I know a few people who invested in Avination and Inworldz, they never really left Second Life but logged onto both worlds. One will probably still keep his casino in Avination due to his love of gaming and gambling, but he still comes back to the "Mother Grid" regularly.

And why hasn't Second Life caught on with the public to the extent World of Warcraft and Facebook have? Many have put the blame on the Grid's learning curve for new residents. But Marx saw it as more than that, "Second Life requires an investment of time, dedication, and most of all, imagination." The Grid's "core membership" he felt were more imaginative, and broad-minded, than the general public.

Marx hits the nail on the head here in my opinion. MORPGs such as World of Warcraft, while often flexible, offer pretty simple goals compared to Second Life. Go on quests, whomp the bad guys, maybe raise your crafting skills on the side, pretty simple. Second Life on the other hand is a blank slate ready to be drawn on, or in Marx's words, it "provides the canvas for our imaginations." Not exactly the ideal place for an intellectual couch potato, those who look for easy entertainment in which they don't have to think too hard. With Second Life, either you find your entertainment, or at least know someone who can find it.

Of Linden Lab on its way to shifting focus to other products, Marx felt that at most there would be fewer performance improvements and bug fixes to the Grid, but they would still continue. He saw two possible outcomes. Either Linden Lab would make something that would finally catch on with the public and Second Life could ride it's way of popularity, or the products would fail and the Lab would fall back to it's mainstay. This is something I've written about before. As a company, diversifying into multiple products is better business sense for it. And one doesn't just up and abandon the product that got you going, especially if it remains profitable.

Despite some rough times in the past, Second Life will not only survive in the years ahead, but thrive. And that's something we both, and others, agree on.

Source: Inworld

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

2012-01-08T06:01:00.001-05:00

Picture by Skylark, dialouge by Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: Relay for Life "Visual Media Team"

2012-01-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

We are looking for few talented, creative and hardworking individuals for a special "Visual Media Team."

This "Visual Media Team" will be charged with collecting video & still imagery of RFLofSL for SL Broadcaster, conduct and record interviews, create videos for RFLofSL promotion inworld & online, and more.

We certainly are look forward to hearing from you.

Drop me (Bianfinch Resident) an IM or email me at bain.finch@gmail.com

Bain Finch, Co-Chair, PR and Media Relations Committee

Special Event at the WW2 Combat RP in New Fallout

2012-01-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

JessicaBelle Dayafter told Second Life newspaper about a special event at the WW2 RP. This battle will be going on all weekend at the New Fallout sim. Both sides are more than happy to take in new players, but it is asked they take a few minutes to check the rules before storming in. Certain equipment provided for free is required to take part. For details on the battle, check Wikipedia. For decades, Russian historical records would not include it, so it became known as one of the "forgotten battles."

New Year's With Old Friends

2012-01-07T06:05:00.003-05:00

I had a great time on New Year's Eve, which besides trips to London and Madpea included trips to Cutlass, the Happy Vixen, and the new Castaway Club. On New Years Day there was one more party. Some longtime friends from my days at Woodlin and Foxworth invited me to a New Year's party in Sunday afternoon, so I went over for one last party. And what a party it was, with some longtime friends I had kept in touch with, and one I hadn't seen in over a year.

For me, it really was a happy start to the new year.

Bixyl Shuftan

Meanwhile Back in Azeroth: "The Tauren Chieftains"

2012-01-07T06:01:00.001-05:00

This was one experience in World of Warcraft that reminded me of a few Second Life ones.

A while ago, I came across a music video on the Blizzard website, one of a band of Hordesmen in a rock band, singing a WoW themed song, "I am Murlock" (a fishlike being noted for its gurgling cry when attacking). The name given the band, the "Tauren Chieftains." This was a bit much for a Medieval-themed game, though with the steampunk elements, maybe not *too* far off the wall ... maybe. As a Horde player, I saw them in Silvermoon, but never did see them play in-game, until recently.

At the Darkmoon Faire last month, I came across a music stage, with announcements, "The Tauren Chieftains will be playing in ** minutes." And right on time, they appeared on the stage, guitars blaring. The Orcish singer was yelling some Azerothian version of "Earth, Wind, and Fire," while shamanistic displays of power resulted in rocks welling up from the ground, wirlwinds, and lava rocks raining down on the ground (away from audience members).

While a few in the audience merely watched, most intereacted in some way. Most by dancing, but others created their own special effects with their own displays of power. And of course there were always a few whom *had* to draw attention to themselves by jumping on stage (note to Blizzard, maybe a bouncer quest for the Darkmoon Faire by keeping the stage free of rowdy fans).

And as quickly as they started, they vanished after the last note.

As it turns out, the band members are alter-egos of Blizzard employees: Orc vocalist Samuro (Samwise Dider), Blood Elf rythim guitarist Sig Nicious (Chris Sigaty), Forsaken lead guitarist Berrgrisst (Dave Berggren), Troll Bassist Mai'Kyl (Mike Morhaime), and Tauren drummer Chief Thunder-Skins (Alan Dabiri).

Rock on Blizzard,

Bixyl Shuftan

Qarl Fizz Announces Alpha Release of Mesh Deformer

2012-01-06T06:05:00.004-05:00

Qarl Fizz, the former Qarl Linden or Karl Stiefvater in real life, has finished the alpha version of his Mesh Deformer. Daniel Voyager reports it's included in Version 1.03 of the Niran Viewer, or one can just get the code from Qarl. Hamlet Au states it's also in the latest version of the Exodus Viewer.

The most notable feature of the deformer is how it addresses the complaint of mesh clothes forcing users to make their avatars conform their shapes to the outfits. With the deformer, the mesh coat in the video expands out to conform to the avatar's expanding body fat. Qarl says it's far from finished, but the "heavy lifting" is largely done.

Qarl is looking for feedback on the alpha, which can be done at this JIRA.

Sources: Daniel Voyager's Blog, New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan

Multtiverse MMO Platform Closes, Becomes Open Source

2012-01-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

According to Gamasutra, The MMO/virtual world development platform Multiverse had shut down last month. Started by a team of Netscape workers in July 2004, the platform was designed to allow people to "build and launch their projects more quickly and for less money than ever before."

Over the years, it took in several million in funding, and even had “Avatar” filmmaker James Cameron in its advisory board. It acquired the rights for multiplayer online games based on the “Firefly” sci-fi show, as well as Cameron’s “Titanic” and “Avatar,” but delayed development. Despite attracting the interest of “thousands of developers,” they weren’t “able to achieve a profitable business model” and so in December 2011 had effectively closed.

But the place will not be completely going away. Multiverse released their source code to their community, which made the Multiverse platform open source, “we have been updating and altering the code ever since, with the aim of carrying on the original dream - to give small-time developers the chance to make something big, and to show the development community that you didn't need to have millions of dollars to make the next World of Warcraft, or the next Eve Online. With the tools we provide, you can be just as good, if not better.”

In New World Notes, Hamlet Au thought the open source platform might be useful for Second Life builders, who could intigrate what they built on it into their builds on the Grid. He also mentioned that Second Life residents had created a “Firefly” roleplay community, as well as an “Avatar” inspired one.

To get the code, Click Here. You can also check their community on their forums.

Sources: Gamusutra, New World Notes, Multiverse

Bixyl Shuftan

Do You Have a Story?

2012-01-05T06:05:00.000-05:00

On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of the readers. And this new year, we're looking for more.

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.

PLEASE include your Second Life name, and let us know if you wish it included in the story. Also ask permission before using anyone's name or picture, or use an alias.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

Second Life Newser reserves the right to post in the appropriate section and to investigate any names used in submitted stories.

Einstein's Avatar, and "The Virtual Marathon for Medical Research" Machinima

2012-01-05T06:00:00.006-05:00

Made by BobE Schism and Susan Writer, this machinima is about a fundraiser for the IMRIC (Institute for Medical Research for Israel and Canada). With a marathon theme, "each avatar runner represents a condition or disease that is the subject of IMRIC research and funding in partnership with Canadian laboratories and universities."

The machinima itself was started during the fundraiser, but not finished until the results were known, BobE shooting multiple endings ahead of time and selecting one only after the winner was officially announced.

Hamlet Au talked to BobE, whom told him his objective was to dramatize the outcome of the fundraiser, "The avatars represent real-life people who were raising money for medical research in real life." He did his best to make the avatars at least somewhat similar to the donors, which often had them looking a bit weathered instead of fresh young athletes, "Originally I was just meant to make ten 'representations' of the real-life people, but on review of the test shots, I was asked to make them as close as possible to the real thing, which ultimately made them much more endearing and believable than the ten young superfit aves I had originally created."

To add to the challenge, not everyone showed up at the same time, "At most there were four of us logged in, controlling ten to eleven avies, sometimes scripted, sometimes manually." He credited Elizabeth Calderwood and Katje Jewel for helping him out. Despite the help, much time was lost due to various SL bugs from avatars going off-sim, lag, and the runners sinking into the ground.

"No avatars were harmed in the making of this film, though some might have shed a few pounds."

Also in the video was an Albert Einstein avatar, also designed by BobE Schism. Approved by those in charge of the great physicist's estate, it is the official Albert Einstein Avatar in Second Life, created for the purpose of helping out with the Marathon. The voice of the avatar was the only German speaker BobE knew, who used special effects to lower his voice, "now every time I speak to him on the phone, it sounds like I'm speaking to Albert Einstein on helium."

Sources: New World Notes, IMRIC

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day: New Year's Bath

2012-01-04T06:05:00.000-05:00

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Mitt Romney Information Center and Meeting Area

2012-01-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

In 2008, the US Presidential election found it's way to Second Life, beginning with locations to publicize various candidates. With the 2012 election making real life headlines, it was a matter of time before similar locations sprung up on the Grid again. One such location was recently spotted, a planned information center for runner Mitt Romney.

Read more in Places.

Events this Week in Second Life from Jan 3rd to Jan 9th

2012-01-03T06:05:00.001-05:00

2012 is here, and with it new events on the Grid. New Year's may have come and gone, but there are still plenty of events such as the London Festival of Ice and the taping of the noted 1st Question game show. Plus there are our regularly scheduled events across the Grid.

Read more in Events this Week.

New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-03T06:01:00.000-05:00

Different people went different places on New Years Eve. In Second Life, Grey Lupindo spent time with her neighbors at Syzygy. But she also checked out a few other places on the Grid, which had their own ways of ringing in the new Year.

Read more in Events.

New Year's Eve at Home

2012-01-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

Sent by Gemma Cleanslate. Instead of partying, she and Quark just spent the evening at home at Thorstar, watching Times Square on TV