Your source of news about the people, places, things, and events across Second Life.
Unlike 2009, there was no one big tear-down party at the Relay for Life track this year. Instead, there were a number of smaller events in the hours leading up to when everything was due to be taken down. Among the last of these parties, an improvised celebration at a flooded RFL sim.
On a trip to Book Island, I met up with Marney Wolfhunter, a writer and publisher, founding a company aimed at “alternative” writers. She will be hosting a regular book reading event at Book Island starting Tuesday August 3rd. She talked a little about her own works, and those at the upcoming writers’ event.
Tuna Oddfellow and his partner Shava Suntzu, the owners of the unique “Odd Ball” show, have had some troubled times this year, with Tuna falling ill. Second Life Newser recently met up with them, to see how their situation has changed.
Last week, Gemma went to The Village International sim and got a look at it’s art. This week, she returns to see it’s jewlery show, one with a wide range of jewelers.
On July 23rd 2010, I was able to attend the broadcast of Science Friday in Second Life. From about 10AM to Noon SL time (1-3PM EST), the National Public Radio program Science Friday is broadcast in the north west corner of the Science School sim, in the Sci-Lands, which includes places such as the International Space Museum and the NOAA area.
This show talked about a variety of subjects. Their first subject was “How Pleasure Works,” which they talked about why people consider things pleasing, including why some people apparently like being scared or having pain inflicted, which got some chuckles among the audience. They also talked about the race nearly a century ago to see whom would be the first man to the South Pole between Amundsen and Scott. Next was a robot fish which could get other fish to follow it. The second hour of the program talked about the latest news on AIDS. There was also a discussion about the geology behind oil fields, why were some more productive? Finally, they talked about the climate scientist Stephen Schneider whom died that week.
Science Friday has a history in Second Life. In the past, the program host, Ira Flatow, appeared in his own avatar at the set. Residents could IM him questions about the topic discussed. But in late May, I was told by a resident that the broadcasts in the Metaverse would soon be ending, one of the reasons being the cost of the virtual land. But as it turned out, it was not the end. Others stepped in to give the Science Friday set a new home. Kat2 Kit provided the tip jar to collect donations.
Saturday there was a full day of presentations at the Virtual Ability Community in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the civil rights legislation that gave protection to the rights of persons with disabilities. The Sojourner Auditorium was filled with people for the presentations.
Eve reminded us “Businesses and corporations have learned that it’s smart to hire people with disabilities — it improves their workforce and the performance of their bottom line dollar figure — people with disabilities are often better workers. They are on time and have fewer sick days than their temporarily-abled co-workers. Starting in 3 days, the National Council on Disability will host a conference in Washington DC in honor of the 20th anniversary of the ADA.
The “Summit” will be a national dialogue on disability policies and programs in the 21st century — to begin conversations about the future of disability laws. It was an inspiring speech pointing out that the law is in place but there is still much to be done. Gentle Heron said of the speech, “Wow I am impressed to see how the ADA has evolved. We have a way to go, but considering where treatment of people with disabilities used to be..... we've come a long way.”
On July 14th, the vacation home rental company HomeAway announced they were hiring Hale as their new CPO, “a newly created position at the company.” Of him and their other hire, Brent Bellm of Paypal, “HomeAway is fortunate to be able to attract these two talented and seasoned professionals to our business.”
As big as the Relay for Life was, lots of pictures were taken. Here are a number that didn't make it on earlier postings.
Nathaniel Somerset is an American digital artist and photographer. In real-life, he is a photographer. In virtual worlds, he concentrates on ”finding unusual creations or settings and capturing them in unexpected ways, creating images that are striking and capturing the feel of a virtual reality.” The artists exhibiting in the sim will be showing and refreshing their exhibits for the long term. In the sim there is also the "mhMm YeSss" Club, which features well known DJ’s and live performances on Fridays and Sundays at present. 7Seas fishing is available and contests are also held weekly or more often. But the art is the main attraction and the inspiration for the sim.
Nathaniel’s vision came from his desire to provide a place to show his own art. ”I was working on expanding my own gallery for my photographs and invited some others to display their work. I also was visiting galleries and realized there are few sims dedicated to art.” I asked Nathaniel how he was able to get so many artists in one place. He answered, “ Well I had seen many of their works exploring galleries. So I started inviting them to show their work, and some referred me to some of the people they admired too.”
Of her work in the sim she says, “I actually enjoy working with Nate to make his vision come true. ... He has been my love for over a year and we compliment each others talents so well. He is my muse when I build. I'm his with his art.” During that jewelry week there will be live singers and other events. When you visit the sim be sure to set a landmark because the artists will be changing and adding to their exhibits often. Nathaniel and Stacy are always planning for additions and changes that will enhance the sim and add to the enjoyment of the visitors.
The Tart Gallery, noted for giving new artists a chance to be seen in Second Life, recently celebrated their third anniversary. This month's featured artist, Lisa Petrucci. A former gallery curator in real life, she was inspired to do artwork of her own.
Among the unofficial events held in in the Relay sims between the Walk and the teardown was a party thrown by the Relay Rockers. A party crasher soon appeared in a gorilla big enough to be King Kong’s cousin. How does one top a giant ape? One skilled builder in the party had a way.
There were far more pictures taken of the Relay for Life Walk than could be fitted in the article on July 20. So here are a few.
Gemma Cleanslate and her partner Quark Allen were recently invited to a party at the Roselinda's Paradise sim. The place is very well done, with a private art gallery with items collected over years, and visitors had a chance to look. But that wasn't all, there was also plenty of music, a number of DJs, and even an appearance by CraigLyons Writer. It was a party not soon forgotten.
For those in Relay for Life in Second Life, the weekend of July 17-18 was *the* event of their activities and fundraising. This was the moment they had all worked for. With over 1500 avatars in 139 teams taking part in forty sims, this was one of the big events in the Metaverse.
“First on the list,” Philip stated, “should be a big attack on lag and crashes, clearly things that very negatively impact all users.” Second, Philip talked about “need to more rapidly improve and innovate Second Life. ... in the short term you can expect to see greatly shortened release cycles across all our systems and ... lots of community feedback as a first result of those efforts.” He also stated Second Life would be sticking with Viewer 2, hoping to “very rapidly make Viewer 2.x the best and most widely-used Second Life viewer.” The negative reaction many residents have to the new viewer was not addressed.
It's been quite a time at the Relay for Life walk with my friends. Unlike my determined lady friend here, not going to try to stay up all night. Stay tuned for pictures and a few stories.
The Relay philosophy is: We are here so that those who face cancer will be supported, that those who have lost their battle will not be forgotten, and so that one day cancer will be eliminated.
Shellie Sands recently had some more trouble with her Ozanimal bunnies. Frequent updates from the company for her means trouble with her bunnies as they suddenly become unable to eat. Poor Shellie has to find the solution before her pets end up going to the carrot patch in the virtual sky.
Grey Lupindo recently took a trip to the Victorian Age as she traveled to Caledon. There, she met up with an airship builder, Master Shipwright SimplyAmy Iwish. Chatting with her about these large aircraft, Grey had in store for her quite an experience.
The Relay for Life Walk isn't officially open yet. But Second Life Newser got a chance to look at a few places on and off the track.
Ranchan called Zero Gravity, “One of the more open space clubs that I've seen or been to.” From outside, it appears like a station somewhere in outer space. On one end is the old landing platform, which in the past was where people teleported in. At the other end is the Zero Gravity Shop, which is where people teleport into currently. It offers some goods for sale, including some science-fiction items.
Nydia Tungsten was busy with Relay for Life fundraising, so left it up to co-owner Elphias Kojishi to meet up with Second Life Newser to discuss the new Club Zero Gravity. Bringing up Nydia being more familiar with the audience and sometimes thought of as the sole owner, "It's a popular misconception, mostly because I sit in the background, but I along with Miss Tungsten own Club Zero. People just don't see a lot of me around here because Miss Tungsten works so hard (giggle). She's epic. I asked Miss Tungsten to either build (a club) or find one, and I would finance it. And she came up with Club Zero.”
Elphias had first heard of Club Zero only about a week before Nydia declared it open, “We had started another club down below, but Miss Tungsten thought this one was better. She was right (big grin).” She was very pleased with the attendance on it’s opening night, “I was overjoyed. Finally the sim was being used for what I had hoped for. .. and we even have a mall.”
The Criss Museum of Contempora in Alajulea has four exciting artists showing their work at the gallery now. I went to take a look and found them all enticing in their varied styles. Their works are on the three floors of the museum, so don’t miss any part of the exhibit.
The setting at the Criss is enjoyable and if you like you can request a guided tour of the Museum and the artists by sending a message to Scotj Criss, Katrina Burner, or Lana Simondsen. There are orbs located on the ground floor that will let you send a message to each of them. As you arrive at the entry you will see a board filled with upcoming events.
The Museum is at Alajuela (182/74/22)
It's not every day most in Second Life have a chance to go to a mermaid party. And when the RFL group Passionate Redheads decided to take their antics "under the sea" on Tuesday July 13th, they were joined by a number of residents. Some of whom had various mermaid or merman avatars. Others just brought scuba gear, or just held their breath until they could get to an air space under the rocks.
The party went on for two hours from 5 PM SL time to 7. During this time, Redhead Dusk Griswold caused a brief amount of mock panic when the bunnygirl showed up with a fishing pole, "She's gonna fish us!" "I think Dusk wants to catch a man." But instead she caught a few 7Seas fish, then put the rod away and joined in the swimming dances.
After four months of fundraising, avatars representing cancer survivors, caregivers, their families and supporters will be gathering on July 17-18 for the sixth annual Relay For Life® of Second Life 24-hour track event.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe (and in Second Life) a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At the Relay For Life of Second Life, teams of people build ‘campsites’ located on a set of designated, connected sims and take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, the Relay For Life of Second Life event is overnight and lasts 24 hours.
The theme of this year’s Relay is ‘Wishing on a Cure’. We look forward to welcoming you at the Welcome Area: http://slurl.com/secondlife/RELAY%20FOR%20LIFE/235/28/22.
Below is a list of ceremonies and activities that will take place at the July 2010 Relay.
Saturday, July 17
10:00am - 11am - Opening Ceremonies
11:00am - 12:00pm - Survivor Hour
12:00pm - 1:00pm - Caregivers Hour
9:00pm - 10:00pm - Luminary Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:30pm - Inspirational Storytelling Play
Sunday, July 18
6:00am - 7:00am - Fight Back Ceremony (The Cape Story)
7:00am - 8:30am - Live Auction done in Voice (entertainment sim)
9:00am - 10:00am -Closing Ceremonies
10:00am - FIREWORKS!
Themed Hours - Various stations and signs placed around the Relay sims will display which theme is scheduled for every hour. There are some great themes planned so have your crazy hats, birthday outfits, banana suits and bicycles ready and have some fun walking round the track! For a complete list of themes see the Event Information on http://relayforlife.org/
Round-the-clock activities:
Live Music - four sims are dedicated to a stage area where our favorite Second Life live music artists will perform. A specially designed stage for the performers and a large open dance floor and dance machines for all to enjoy! Watch posted signs for scheduling!
The Scavenger Hunt - Hidden on each of the four corner sims on the Relay track (Dedication, Acceptance, Imagine, and Survive) are clues with a question related to cancer. Find the clue, answer the question correctly and get a prize. You may even learn a few things you did not know. Each question has four responses and you get four tries to answer it correctly, so keep trying till you get it right. You will then receive clues about the location of the next hidden question along the way.
Auctions - Silent Auction and Live Auction. There will be a silent auction running from 10am - 10am, a full 24 hours, featuring incredible art items by some of the best artists in SL. Memorable pieces honor survivors, caregivers, victims, and the fight against cancer itself, along with other pieces. The Silent Auction features clothing, one-of-a-kind items, and more. Starting at 7:00am there will be a Live Auction done in Voice of even more incredible items!
Fishing - You know a diet healthy in fish is good for preventing cancer, so come catch your virtual dinner. The Design team has set up a beautiful area for fishing in our Water Sailing and Fishing sim. Visit the vendor on the dock, buy the supplies you need and fish! You may even amaze yourself with what you catch and the stories are good for a year about the one that got away! All proceeds go towards the Relay total, and it's FUN too!
Mining Roller Coaster in the Sky - Located on the Wish sim. Many cancer patients feel like they are on a roller coaster when they first discover they have been stricken by the disease. Take a ride on this wild coaster in the sky and see for yourself what it can be like.
Storytelling Play in the Park (4pm, sim to be determined) - An hour and a half of storytelling fun. ‘The Fire is a haunting 18th century tale of murder, mystery, and mayhem. Follow American brat Frankey and Pete the peasant as they visit 1789 during a famine. Will Frankey redeem himself?’ This play sends a message of strength and willpower, much like a cancer survivor, these traits are not an option, but a necessity.
Surfing - Catch a wave and ride it through! The tide is high and perfect for a surf board to sail it to the end. Cancer patients can experience some rough waters as they work their way through weeks, months, and sometimes years of treatments. This also signifies the waves of emotion that come along with surviving these treatments.
There will be a few other attractions as well, such as a Riverboat on the sim named Treatment, and Water Slide Tubes on the Unity sim! Be sure and check it all out!
ABOUT RELAY FOR LIFE OF SECOND LIFE
Relay For Life® is the signature fundraiser of the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) is an annual activity that takes place in Second Life® in July each year. Volunteers form or join teams to have fun while fundraising and raising awareness from mid-March through mid-July. In July teams build campsites and walk a track, just like in a real world Relay. The main RFL of SL track event this year will take place on July 17-18. In 2009, RFL of SL raised US$274,000 for the American Cancer Society. The funds raised go to research, advocacy, patient services and programs, with 12-15% going to international projects. Just as in the real world, RFL of SL is an international event. In 2009 participants from over 26 countries took part in RFL of SL.
Linden Lab® the creator of Second Life® is the premier sponsor of RFL of SL in 2010.
MEDIA NOTES
FOLLOW US on:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/
Avatars United: http://www.avatarsunited.com/
Facebook: ‘Relay For Life of Second Life 2010’ on http://www.facebook.com and
RFL of SL Updates: http://rflofsl.blogspot.com/
For background information and the history of RFL of SL see:
SL Wiki: https://wiki.secondlife.com/
Official RFL of SL website: http://www.relayforlife.org/
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Poppy Zabelin (RFL of SL PR Chair poppy_zabelin@yahoo.co.uk) or Breezy Carver (RFL of SL PR Co-Chair seabreezegal@gmail.com).
A certain lady of unusual talent, who wishes to remain anonymous, submitted an article about a recreation sim she couldn’t help but write about: MadPea. The place offers challenging games that charge very little, if anything, in Lindens. So here is one reader’s look at this interesting game sim.
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.
The Sunweaver Islands have both public islands and private islands available:
Also ask what move-in specials are available. As of now, the first month is half-off the normal price for new renters. In addition, thirteen lots have recently become available for rent in the public Sunweaver Air sim, twelve in one single lot, “So if you are interested, or know someone who is, now is the time to come shopping. This much land doesn’t open up often, especially all in one nice big place.”
For about a week, the residents of Chilbo held their Summer Faire, which included a number of amusements, and events such as the Relay for Life fundraiser. On Sunday at 10 AM, the final events started.First came the parade, complete with at least one float. Besides locals such as Fleep Tuque and Alleara Snoodle, there were others from outside the community who took part such as RacerX Gullwing of the snail races. After the parade, they celebrated the close of their faire with a party, with a "Faire-Well Fund-Raising Block Party." Partnering with Operation Squeegee, they raised funds to help cleanup efforts on the Gulf Coast.
It was the "end of a wonderful week in Chilbo."
