Remembering Artistic Fimicloud

It was nine years ago last week that the "little pink fox" of the Sunweaver community and the Passionate Redheads team of the Relay for Life, Artistic Fimicloud passed away from cancer. Since then, the Redheads, and then the Sunbeamers have held memorial events in remembrance of "Fimi" as she was often called. This year, there were two events at the Happy Vixen and Club Cutlass. It was a chance for those who knew her to remember and a chance for more recent people to get to know who she was.

Read more in Extra.

Cartoon of the Day: Double Trouble

DJ Scratch, who plays at both the Happy Vixen and the Furry Fashion lounge, actually has two accounts that see use out on the open, Scratchmusikatt Fox and Scratchmusikatt Sprocket, the former being the original one. It certainly helps him live up to his monkier "The Chaos DJ." Here they are with his partner Muertos Ashbourne,

By Bixyl Shuftan

The 2017 Mental Health Symposium at Sojourner Auditorium

Last Saturday May 27, Virtual Ability's Sojourner Auditorium hosted it's 2017 Mental Health Symposium. It's topics were about “ways to promote mental health for themselves and their families, how diet affects mental health, and how first responders and medical clinicians can improve their own mental health.” There were also tours for a few places where people can find out more about how Second Life can offer help and support to those with mental health issues or those helping, as well as providing information about such issues. Gemma Cleanslate was there, and wrote about the event. 

Read Gemma's story in Events.

Veterans Isle Memorial Day Weekend Concert Raises 163,000 Lindens

Memorial Day Weekend saw a number of events across Second Life. But perhaps the most fitting was the benefit concert at Veterans Isle. Every month, usually on the last weekend, the sim hosts a live music event organized by Frets Nirvana to raise funds for the Homes For Our Troops charity. But this time it would be on the day just before the holiday for Americans to honor those who fell in defense of their country. It would be five hours of music on stage, from 4PM to 9PM SL time.

Tonight May 28, 2017 we are holding our Memorial Weekend Benefit in Second Life with all proceeds going to Homes For Our Troops.  And it is going to be a great night with several outstanding performers providing a great night of entertainment.  Come on out and support those who have sacrificed for our freedom and be entertained by some of Second Life's top performers.

DJ Waya Snowpaw opened up the event at 4PM. At 5, Agatha Nowles took to the stage. She was followed by ReggieSunset Rookswood at 6PM. At 7PM it was Zachh Cale's turn to perform. And last but not least, the masked guitarist Amforte Clarity was on stage, her instrument painted pink in places. Frets Nirvana normally performs at the montly events, but this time he was watching with those attending, telling people on occasion he would match the next big donation in one of the two home-shaped kiosks in either side of the stage, "This calls for us to dig deep, comeon folks, empty my pockets!! ... (laughter) Wifey won't mind, let's do it!"

Generations were generous, with the 150,000 Linden mark reached sometime around 7:45PM. The finaly tally was 163,000 Linden dollars, the equivalent of over $650 US dollars.

Homes For Our Troops describes themselves as "a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post – 9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar has gone directly to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives." For more information, check their website at: https://www.hfotusa.org/ .

The next concert should be at June 25.

Bixyl Shuftan

1920s Berlin Project's Eighth Anniversary Celebrations

History fans in Second Life should be happy to know that the 1920's Berlin Project is celebrating it's eighth anniversary. Jo Yardley, who runs the historical roleplay community, made an announcement on her blog.

I can’t believe that it has been 8 years since that evening in 2009 when I opened my club and had our first little 1920s Berlin themed party in a tiny skybox. I didn’t expect much of it, I had only been in SL for a week when I started building and I had no idea what I was doing. But the theme somehow managed to attract the right crowd and within no time a vibrant community of creative, fun, interesting and exciting people started to grow and populate my simplistic pile of prims.

It is impossible to explain how much the 1920s Berlin project means to me and I am always touched and excited to hear that it also means a lot to so many others.

Starting May 30 and ending June 6, there will be celebratory events daily, mostly in the early to mid afternoon, though a few are in the late morning or late afternoon. Tuesday May 30 was the dance under the Brandenburg Gate, followed by fireworks. Wednesday May 31 has children's events. Thursday June 1 includes the food festival with beer, sausage, beer, cheese, and more beer. Friday June 2 will be a celebratory dinner and live music at the Hotel Adlon. Saturday June 3 has the Miss Berlin Beauty pageant. Sunday June 4 has the opening of a new library and art venue. Monday June 5 has a pool party and a showing of the movie "Berlin Alexanderplatz" (1931). Tuesday June 6 is when the normal rules about modern clothing and nonhuman avatars are relaxed (personal note: the only day I can get into the place with my normal look).

There is also a "My Favorite Spot in Berlin" photo contest, with a 2500 Linden prize (second place 1000 Lindens).

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/1920s%20Berlin%20Project/243/224/1929

Source: 1920's Berlin Project  

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs

It's a week full of events at the Sunweaver and Angel clubs and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Best in 'W,'  Darkness, Sci-Fi Night

Happy Vixen: Mythology, Night, Movies/Hollywood, Spots vs Stripes, Leather and Lace, Lingerie

Xanadu: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: 80s, Fantasy, Silks, Magic, Horror, Cartoons, Beach, Anime, Rock

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'..

Announcement: Why I Relay Recordings

We all have reasons for participating in Relay For Life..  Maybe its in honor of a survivor you know, or in memory of a beloved family member or friend. Perhaps you are a survivor or caregiver wishing to 'give back' or maybe you just want to meet cute guys or gals.

What ever the reason, RFL of SL wants to know why you have decided to join us.

Please make a short recording ( 30-60 seconds Maximum) using the Sounds Recorder on your computer.  Don t worry about quality and Please don't Be shy!

In Conjunction with T1Radio ( http://t1radio.serverroom.us:8242),   we will be playing these recordings on Relay Weekend. The archive of both old and new W-I-R mp3 will be provided to our media partners and other streams and djs and to help us introduce RFL to people all around SL..

Please help us!  Make a recording.  Tell your story!  Help Us Save a Life Today!

Don't worry about quality. Don't Be Shy.  T1Radio's staff will make you sound like a superstar voice talent!  We just need your Recordings!

A Couple of hints to Improve Recording Quality

~ Try to do it in a quiet environment.. its hard to edit out barking dogs, crying kids and begging spouses!
~ Use a headset & Mic if possible
~ Try NOT to Breathe into mic - Keep it just even with lower lip. Cover with a foam ball or Cotton Puff.
~ Turn off SL Sounds and Music
~ Rehearse your words
~ Emotions are fine..  We Encourage them.. For Many, Relay For Life is an Emotional Experience. SHARE THAT!


Everyone can Record from their computers:

Save as wav, WMA, mp3 or AAC,  we can convert it to what we need

Downloadable Apps: Audacity, GoldWave

Reader Submitted: "A Peculiar Morning in Second Life"

I logged into SL with my admin avatar this morning as I usually do, when I need to get something done.

I landed on the Welcome Island, sat down on a comfy bench and proceeded to make some payments, when a newbie approached me and asked for help.

"How do I change my clothes?" He asked...

To make a long story short, I ended up giving him a two hour crash course on SL.

My admin avi is a female because it was made by Sikiu Torres (Shinya Tandino) and my new friend commented what a beautiful girl I was...

He then told me he was from the Middle East and told me not to worry because he was an atheist...

Lastly, he made it clear that it was ok for me to talk dirty to him.

I logged off.

Frolic Mills (Juan Delago)

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on those who gave their lives in defense of their homes.

Taken at Veterans Isle.

SL14B Update: The Second Life Newser Gets Its Exhibit Plot

On Friday May 26, those accepted as exhibitors at the Second Life Birthday celebration were invited to begin claiming their plots. Some did so right away after 12 Noon when the volunteers were ready to do so. Others due to real life or a desire to avoid the rush waited until later. Among those was the Second Life Newser. Right after being assigned a plot at SL14B Electrify, we were to claim it with a dropped object. Many did so with the Cake slice in their exhibitor packets. Yours truly chose something else, quite literally "throwing our hat in the ring," or in this case on the plot.

But the hat didn't stay there for long, at least the way it was shown above. Silvia Ametza, the builder of this year's Newser exhibit, was soon on the scene. And what took the place of "The Hat?" We'll have a sneak peek or two soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Week At The Seanchai Libraries

A "DOZENAVERSARY" AND A PEEK AT THINGS TO COME
We are excited to host the twelve year anniversary of our dear friend Crap Mariner's 100 Word Stories Podcast, as well as other wonderment-filled story journeys this week. Join us at Bradley University in #secondlife, and on our properties in #kitely, live in voice.

Check out the stories and the storytellers at www.seanchailibrary.com

All times slt, stories in Voice.

**MONDAY, May 29th, at 7 pm: Thomas R. McDonough's ARCHITECTS OF HYPERSPACE Continues with Gyro Muggins

**TUESDAY, May 30th, at 7 pm: Thorton Burgess' OLD MOTHER WEST WIND with Faerie Maven-Pralou

**WEDNESDAY, May 31st, at 7 pm: 100W STORY PODCAST "DOZENAVERSARY" with Crap Mariner - It's been twelve years! Let

the Pigeons Loose!
  
**THURSDAY, June 1st:
   ~ at 7pm: GOLD FEVER - Miner's Tales of the Wild West with Shandon Loring (also presented in Kitely 

hop://grid.kitely.com:8002/Seanchai/108/609/1528)

   ~ at 9pm SEANCHAI LATE NIGHT - Contemporary Sci-Fi Adventures with Finn Zeddmore.

-----------

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/100/209/28

"Like" and "Friend" us on facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/SeanchaiLib

The Memorial Day Dance at Cutlass

Taken last night at Club Cutlass' Memorial Day dance. Several of the attendees, mostly veterans, showed up in uniform. One however came decked all out in red, white, and blue.

ROMA May Festival Schedule

Saturday, 27th May

10am - Bona Dea Ritual and Maypole Dance
Our festivals begin with a ritual for Bona Dea, "The Good Goddess" - Also known as Fauna, She is the daughter of Faunus, and a goddess of virginity, fertility, and healing. Bona Dea's rites included only women - even paintings or drawings of men or male animals were forbidden - but in our ROMA, the menfolk are welcome to her rites. After the rite, we will have the traditional maypole dance, music, and wine!
Insula, ROMA Insula (221, 100, 21)


12pm - Faunalia Fishing Contest
As Flora is a goddess of green, growing things, so Fauna is a goddess of all who sport fur, feathers, or... scales! Come try your luck in the Faunalia Fishing Contest - catch and collect beautiful pets and have a chance at winning prizes - using the 7Seas Fishing system,  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive cash prizes.
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (128, 9, 22)


1pm -  Mercuralia Ritual and Treasure Hunt
Mercury isn't just the herald of the Gods - He's also the patron of merchants and commerce! So this Mercuralia, we will be honouring him with a ritual on the roof of Trajan's Market! After the ritual, there will be Mercury's Treasure Hunt - Mercury has dropped his parcels and most of his money while flying home to Olympus! The pouches are now scattered throughout ROMA!  Can you help him find them? But watch out - each pouch will give out only one prize, and then it will disappear. So you will have to be swift to find these elusive pouches before anyone else does!
The Original Ancie, ROMA (184, 41, 26)


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

Sunday, 28st May

10am - Fauna's Costume Contest
The Goddess Fauna has been drinking again and has mischievously transformed some of our Citizens into animals! Are you one of them? If so, come to our costume contest and show off your new wild side! This contest theme allows quad, anthro, human/animal hybrids, and human avatars with animated animal props as part of the costume ensemble. Winners will be chosen by popular vote, and prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
ROMA Gardens, ROMA (179, 218, 53)


12pm - The Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast
Our Festival winds down with the Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast - come celebrate the return of Spring with us! Dancing, good conversation, live music by Franklee Anatra and a delicious feast.
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (199, 194, 29)


1pm - Legio Harpastum
Harpastum, also known as Harpustum, was a form of ball game played in the Roman Empire. We know little about the exact rules of the game, but it appears to bear a remarkable resemblance to American Football and Rugby. In our harpastum game, everyone is welcome to play, and the winning team members will receive a cash prize.
Legio XIII Fort, ROMA Transtiberim (25, 217, 41)

SL Video: "The Maze in Shady's Happy Fun Place (Athen Shire) "

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From "Janos the Hedgehog" on May 26

The RFL Fourth Annual Farshore Field Air Show

Last weekend on Saturday May 20, the Sunweaver community held their yearly air show, the Fourth Annual Team Sunbeamer Farshore Field Air Show and Fly-In. The event raised some money for the community's Relay for Life team, but the point was to have fun, whether flying around, going about an airborne obstacle course in a blimp, or parachuting after being shot out of a cannon.

See the pictures in Events.

More On Ozimals: Akimeta Responds, Speculation of Consequences For Second Life

Since we last wrote on the closing of Ozimals last week, much has been spoken on the subject, and more information has come out. To begin with, the person ordering Ozimals to "cease and desist" has finally given his side of the story.

Aki Shichiroji, also known as Edward Distelhurst of Akimeta Ltd., came out with a statement defending his actions and accusing Ozomal of  "having omitted facts and made false claims." He gave a tale of "fighting Ozimals and it's owners in the courts" to get due compensation for his work. "They were sanctioned over 8 times for disobeying the courts," he wrote, "it is my opinion that throughout this case Ozimals has avoided producing discovery in an effort to hide their money and assets from me, and to delay and prevent me from collecting upon them." He stated legally he was the owner of Ozimals as "they were in breach of the last settlement agreement ... and the full owner of the copyright," and that he had recently learned that in September Ozimals filed to legally dissolve and transfer "the game" to a new owner, "It is my opinion that the events and facts that lead up to our Cease and Desist were entirely preventable by Ozimals and their owners plenty of times in the course of the past 7 years."

We wish things could have gone another way, but as we have outlined in detail with this document, since Ozimals LLC/Inc. is no longer an operating entity, Cameron Holt does not possess the rights to the Intellectual Properties. Yet, he continued to operate and profit from the business even though it has allegedly been dissolved 9 months ago.

We are genuinely upset that the actions undertaken by Ozimals LLC/Inc , Cameron Holt and Candace Sargent have led them to the abrupt discontinuation of their game and we regret that in doing so, all members of their community have been so adversely affected.

Reaction from the people in the "For The Love Of Oz" group, at least that I was observed, was skepticism. Some called Aki's claims outright lies. Others felt both sides needed to be listened to. In the SL Universe forum, the comments ranged from dark humor to blaming one side or the other to suggestions that the founders of Ozimals may simply have been incompetent, at least in understanding the legal side of a business.The Second Life Enquirer interviewed several distraught pet owners.

One other detail of Ozimals closing was that it was making the news not just in Second Life blogs and newsletters, but also in gaming ezines, such as PC Gamer and Kotaku, and even mainstream news sites such as BBC News. To Second Life residents whom would otherwise not have cared much about the pet bunnies, this was mixed news at best. While they had wanted more mention of the virtual world in the news, this wasn't what they had in mind. Hamlet Au called it a PR problem, "the implication is that user-created virtual content is frequently in danger of real world legal disputes." He also wondered if Linden Lab itself could take a financial hit as dispirited bunny owners could abandon their land, and therefore stop making the payments for it. On the other hand, the increasing discussion of Second Life was leading to a surge upward of Google searches of the name, which could lead to more people signing up. If there was enough money being made to sue over, perhaps some people were curious how they could make some.

So what can Linden Lab do about this mess? Hamlet had one idea for a possible solution. If a brand of virtual pet, or any other user-made content, becomes "massively successful," the Lab should purchase the rights to it, "and make that content an official part of Second Life." But those commenting were skeptical, feeling there would be consequences, "Why would anyone want to create in a world where their content was going to be acquired or have their efforts duplicated by the company?" Or feeling it shouldn't. Suppose Linden Lab did acquire Ozimals, only to make bunny food available to Premium accounts only? Another felt considering Linden Lab's record of handling even Premium support issues, he wouldn't want the the Lab "handling the level of support pets require."

Another option: instead of taking over virtual pet companies, Linden Lab could just make plans for their going out of business. They could make backups of the code for the food and anything else needed to keep them alive, and should the company go out of business or somehow find itself having to suspend operations due to legal trouble, it could step in to keep the pets alive. To avoid possible legal trouble, they would probably have to communicate with the legal owner of the company. Linden Lab would be balancing the interests of it's customers whom are owners of the virtual pets in question against the small but real possibility of having to go to court with an irate virtual company owner. This may be a issue the Lab would rather not deal with, even if it means taking a hit to it's bottom line.

There is a possible real-world parallel, at least for the future. As genetic engineering becomes more sophisticated, it will be possible to resurrect extinct species or create new complex ones. Many would love the chance to have a pet dinosaur, at least a small one, if they had the means to care for it. But the plants and/or animals the critter ate in it's time would not have been around for millions of years, so the company would have to make food it could eat as well, and likely put a copyright on that to maximize it's profits. Should the company go out of business, the pets could be in real trouble.

Someone commented "in a few weeks, this will all be forgotten." Probably not, as in a few weeks is Second Life's fourteen anniversary. While both Linden Lab and the residents celebrate the virtual world's birthday, there's little doubt that the mess over the bunnies will be on the back's of peoples' minds. A chance to tout the joys and fun of being in a virtual world can easily be challenged by skeptics, "but what about those who spend months to years caring for virtual pets, only to see them croak because the maker got served in court?"

One person I talked to called the case evidence that if a resident had a great idea, do it him or herself. Trouble is, the more complex a product, the more difficult it is for one person to handle, in the case of virtual pets, the coding, the design, the marketing, the financial paperwork, organizing events around the product, and more. Most people, especially those with real life jobs and family, would have to get help for such a project, or their idea will never see the light of day. And unless they can get all the needed people from within their circle of friends, that means looking for a business partner. One side effect of the Ozimals trouble may be some aspiring content creators shelving their ideas out of fear of legal trouble should the business partnership dissolve.

In the meantime, virtual life for the bunny owners, at least those who used the timepieces, goes on, continuing to trade and sell nests in the "For The Love of Oz" group. But no more will be created. A number of them have thanked the Newser and others for helping to spread the word about the timepieces and other tools used to keep the virtual pets active. We at the Newser appreciate their kind and heartfelt words, and wish them the best of luck with their pets.



Sources: New World Notes, BBC News

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: Cross-Sim Giant Snail Race This Saturday

On May 27th, 2017, Giant Snail Racing is having a Relay for Life Cross Country Giant Snail Race across the Rosehaven sims.

The theme for this race is Medieval and you may decorate your snail accordingly. Though encouraged, decorating your snail is not required to be able to participate in the race.

This race is open to anyone wishing to race, it is not limited to just those that normally participate in the weekly Giant Snail race.

The start time for the race is 11:00AM SLT, though it is advisable to get there by 10:30AM SLT.

This is a charity fund raiser for the American Cancer Society.

Any donation is acceptable to be able to participate in the race. The Giant Snail Relay for Life kiosk will be out near the starting line or you can come to the Gullwing Coast http://maps.secondlife.com/…/Gullwing%20Coast%20…/151/99/777 and donate early if you would like. 500L is the suggested donation, but whatever amount you can donate is fine.

Announcement: This Week at the Science Circle

“And then you're dead” By Paul Doherty, USA
                           
Saturday, May 27th at 10 AM PDT
Patio Plasma gives a talk on her latest book about the science behind the worlds most interesting ways to die. What happens if your airplane window blows out? Can a magnet kill you? What happens if you get hit in the head by a particle accelerator beam? How much of your brain do you really need? Explore the science and actual experiences suggesting answers to these questions and more.
                                             
More information about Patio's presentation at  https://sciencecircle.org/upcoming-presentation/

The Science Circle (61/126/32)

H.G. Wells' Exhibit at Netera's Coffee Lounge

Besides running her "Netera's Coffee Lounge" in Second Life, Netera Landar is also a writer of fantasy and science fiction stories published in real life. It's notable the latest exhibit at the Lounge is of a famous science-fiction writer who continues to inspire more than a century after his most famous works were done: H.G. Wells. While the exhibit is somewhat small, it is a tribute fans of the writer will find worth visiting.

Read the story in Places.

Press Release: Relay For Life Home And Garden Expo

GET THE LATEST IN DECOR FOR YOUR SL LIFE AT THE HOME & GARDEN SHOW!

Nine sims of shopping, auctions and events await you through June 4th at the annual Home & Garden Expo benefiting Relay For Life.

This Expo features the great creators of Second Life’s Home and; Garden products. The first Expo was held in the summer of 2008.  Joining in with the Home and Garden Expo this year is the RFL Breedables Faire. 

For the sixth year the Breedables are back, intermingled with the Home and Garden shops and holding auctions galore!

Check out the blog for a complete list of events and landmarks during this exciting and fun event: https://slhomeandgardenexpo.wordpress.com/

The Home and Garden Expo raises money for Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL). Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, and RFL of SL is one of its virtual counterparts.

Look for more Relay For Life fun events across the grid leading up to Relay Weekend
on July 15 and 16.


About Relay For Life of Second Life

Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and has been active, and continually growing in Second Life for 13 years. In 2005, the first Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) was attended by a few hundred avatars and raised almost $5,000 US dollars for the American Cancer Society. As of July 2014 RFL of SL ranked number 17th in donations received among more than 5,600 relay events held worldwide. As of January, 2017 RFL of SL celebrated raising 3 million US dollars to support the mission of the Society to 'Save Lives, Celebrate Lives and Lead The Fight for A World Without Cancer!

About the American Cancer Society

For more than 100 years, the American Cancer Society has been working to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays and is the world leader in the fight to end cancer. Together with our global partners and millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society carries out its mission to Save Lives, Celebrate Lives, and Lead the Fight for a World Without Cancer.

For More Information:

www.relayforlifeofsecondlife.org

www.cancer.org/involved/participate/relayforlife/second-life

The Bay City Anniversary Celebration

A number of activities take place at Bay City every year. One of the most attended is the annual Bay City Anniversary Celebration. Since the first anniversary of the largest urban area in Second Life, the residents there have held a parade down "Route 66" followed by a party at the Fairgrounds. This year marked the ninth such event in Second Life history. Gemma Cleanslate was there, and took a few pictures.

See the pictures in Events.

Editor's note: Flickr albums and youtube added. 

Haley Salomon's Memorial Service

Earlier this month, there was a memorial service for Haley Saloman. Haley got a little attention earlier in Second Life's history, but for the past several years did not draw the attention of headline news. But she was a friend of many longtime personalities. Her service done in both voice and text, taking place at the Second Life Synagogue.

Read the story in People.

Press Release: Benefit Concert at Veterans Isle

Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce the 2017 Memorial Weekend benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life! 

Frets Nirvana, the premier guitar artist in the virtual world Second Life and the US Military Veterans Group announce the 2017 Memorial Weekend benefit on May 28, 2017 in Second Life for the Veterans Support Organization  Home For Our Troops . 

Frets Nirvana states:  “HFOT is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  As of January 2017 they have built 229 homes for severly wounded Veterans and have another 85 projects underway.  Since its inception in 2004, over 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. ”

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The concert on May 28, 2017 is scheduled from 4-9 PM PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, Agatha Nowles, ReggieSunset Rookswood, Zachh Cale and Amforte Clarity .

ABOUT HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS  - HFOT builds homes as a departure point for Veterans to rebuild their lives, and once again become highly productive members of society. Despite their life-altering injuries, many Veterans have embarked on new careers, completed their college degrees, or started families. Empowered by the freedom a mortgage-free and specially adapted home brings, these Veterans can now focus on their recovery and return to their life’s work of serving others. Many have embraced their roles as motivational speakers, sharing their messages of persevering through tragedy with groups and classrooms around the country; others take to a national platform to promote awareness of veteran suicide, homelessness and PTSD. Their incredible stories are the driving force for the work for HFOT. To learn more about the Homes For Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs

It's a week full of events at the Sunweaver and Angel clubs and the Furry Fashion Lounge. This week, Club Cutlass and the Furry Fashion Lounge are doing tributes to the late Artistic Fimicloud. The Happy Vixen is also expanding it's schedule to include two events on Sundays.

Club Cutlass: Best In 'U' and 'V', Roller Skates, Memorial Day

Happy Vixen: Royal Ball, Pink Fox/Artistic Fimicloud Tribute, Hybrids and Oddities, Good vs Evil, Fishnets, Lingerie, CAYA

Xanadu: TBA, TBA, TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Fantasy, Pirates, Punk, Purple, Steampunk, Demos, Swing, Romance, Sci-fi

See the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Updated 10AM

Reader Submitted: D.R.U.M. – Celebration and Remembrance

Any1 Gynoid, who describes herself as a "reader contributor" to the Second Life Newser has sent us another submission. She writes about a recent event at Creations for Parkinson's. They hosted an event by the Divine Rhythms of Universal Music, better known as D.R.U.M., of the Burn2 group. DRUM has been around. Part art and part musical performance, they certainly stand out.

Read Any1's article in Events.

SL14B Update: Map Art, More Openings For Applications

RaineBow Rose (RaineBowRose Resident) recently sent the Newser this map, showing what's been build so far in the sims of the region of the SL14B celebration, with a slight artistic touch.

Also there are a few more openings for performers and Auditorium speakers.

We have opened up the Performance and Auditorium applications as a few slots have opened up. If you missed your chance, now’s the time. Hit it here and here.

Applicants to be exhibitors of the event will be notified via email starting tomorrow May 24. June 10 is when emails are sent to accepted performers.

Return to Yosemite

Almost a year ago, Gemma Cleanslate wrote about Yosemite, a park area owned and built by Jadyn Firehawk with some artistic structures among the trees and trails. Since then, there have been a few changes at the place. She went back and had a look at them. So what are these changes?

Read Gemma's article in Places.

A Busy Weekend

Quite a lot happened this weekend in Second Life. Sunday May 21 was the Ninth Annual Bay City Anniversary Celebration with it's parade (above) and party. Among the other events going on, the Relay for Life Fourth Annual Farshore Field Air Show took place in Pacific Waters on Saturday May 20, the RFL Home and Garden Expo opened on Friday May 19, and more.

We'll report more on these and other happenings later, but we at the Newser need to rest a little first.

Press Release: Sixth Annual Mental Health Symposium

The Virtual Ability community in Second Life invites you to join us for our sixth annual Mental Health Symposium. It will be held on Saturday, May 27, beginning at 6am Pacific (9am Eastern), and continuing through 5:30pm Pacific (8:30pm Eastern). There is no charge to attend.

The theme of this year’s Symposium is “I can relate to that.” Our international group of presenters offers a wide interpretation of the theme, based on their interests and academic backgrounds. Attendees will learn ways to promote mental health for themselves and their families, how diet affects mental health, and how first responders and medical clinicians can improve their own mental health.

The Symposium takes place in Virtual Ability’s Sojourner Auditorium, on Virtual Ability island. The SLURL for the auditorium is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23

The Virtual Ability community hosts this annual Symposium to share information about mental health and mental disabilities with the general population. Within our cross-disability community we have members who deal with a variety of mental health issues. Not only is this an opportunity for our community members to learn more about topics related to mental health from experts they probably would not have a chance to meet otherwise, it is allows the general public to attend a professional conference for free.

The 2017 Mental Health Symposium schedule is as follows:

6am SLT         Tracy Burrows “Diet, Nutrition and Food Addiction”
7:30am SLT        Sarah Henderson and Kristin Klimley “First Responder Mental Health: The Importance of Training and Intervention”
9am SLT        Joel Edman “Nutritional and Holistic Approaches to Stomach and Intestinal Disorders: Practical guidelines that can also be helpful for chronic and/or complex health issues”
10:30am SLT        selection of tours of SL sites related to mental health in Second Life
noon SLT        Ian Colman “Mental health promotion - What can you do for you and your loved ones?”
1:30pm SLT        Karen Davison “Bridging the Divide: Exploring research in nutrition, mental health and food security”
3pm SLT        Diana Anderson “Virtual Windows: Design solutions to improve the mental health of clinical staff”
4:30pm SLT        Namaara MacMoragh "Mental Health Following Brain Injury"

Please contact info@virtualability.org for additional information.

Lantern Release Ceremony At The RFL Home And Garden Expo

The Home and Garden Expo is taking place in Second Life. Among the events there is the Lantern Release Ceremony. It takes place every day at 4PM at the Hope 5 sim. At the start of the event virtual replicas of Asian lanterns are released into the air, in remembrance of friends and loved ones whom have been lost.

Saffia Widdershins, who invited me to the event, told me, "These lanterns were created especially for the Home and Garden Expo about seven years ago, by Alchemy Immortalis. We started the tradition of releasing them then, and ever since, every day at Expo, we have the lantern release ceremony."

The ceremony ends with a sunrise, a reminder that tomorrow is another day, and of new beginnings.

For more on the ceremony, check the RFL Home and Expo blog. To head to the Expo, head to http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hope%201/128/123/23 .

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: May's Aether Salon - Royal Ascot

Liz Wilmer and Oriella Charik join the Salonistas again to share the history and customs of England's most renowned horse race and social event, the Royal Ascot.  (You may fancy dressing appropriately to help set the mood.) 2 pm, Sunday, 21 May at the Aether Salon building.

New Babbage - Academy of Industry (0, 64, 106)

SL Video: "For Keira - May 2017 "

(Click here if the video fails to play)

By Caitlin Tobias on May 5

Reminder: Sunbeamer Air Show and Bay City Anniversary

There's two big events this weekend in Second Life. On Saturday is the Fourth Annual Farshore Field Air Show Fly-in at the Pacific Waters sim. This Relay event is a must for airplane fans. Among the attractions, a dunking booth in which instead of tennis balls, you fire a German 88 to knock volunteers into the water. Launch yourself, or your friends, out of an air cannon. Bring your own warplanes and duke it out in a dogfight. Or just use the plane rezzer (above) and use those. Jessicabelle Dayafter recently installed a new and improved one with two more planes.

The event takes place Saturday from 8AM to 4PM at Pacific Waters (51/86/31) For more information, contact Cynthia Farshore.

Sunday's big event is the Ninth Annual Bay City Anniversary. Starting off with a parade, the line of people heads to the North Channel sim where the party begins, with both DJs and live music. For questions, contact Marianne McCann.

Interview With Arizona Ballinger-Whiplash At The Relaystock

One of the top-ranked teams year after year in the Relay for Life is the Relay Rockers. This year, the captaincy of the team went to Arizona Ballinger-Whiplash (Arizona Ballinger). During the Relaystock last weekend, which Arizona organized, the Newser had a chance to interview. She had a few things to say about both her team, the event, and the Relay.

Read the interview in People. 

Back To The Future: The Ride

If you're a fan of "Back to the Future" and it's sequels, you'll be happy to hear about the "Back to the Future: The Ride." Based on the ride from Universal Studios Florida, this one was made in the ASD Studios sim by Alicia Stella. Taking on the role of a volunteer for Doc Brown's new time machine, can you stop Biff Tannen before he does who-knows-what to the space-time continuum?

Read the story in Places.

SL14B Update: More Exhibitior Openings

In the latest post on the SL14B blog, and an announcement by Doc Gascoigne, there will be slightly more exhibition openings for spots than originally anticipated.

Doc cannot count. Ok ok he needs reading glasses
his loss of vision is your gain
Pass the word we need some more exhibits

Consider joining in the fun by being an exhibitor at SL14B! We have reopened the applications as we have been granted a few more parcels due to popular demand and we want to fill them up!
Join the Carnivale and apply now!

http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/last-minute-exhibitors/

More On Ozimal's Closing

There's been a few developments following the closing of Ozimals. I found the real Ozimal store at the Magic of Oz sim (180/90/23), but sadly anything having to do with their breedable bunnies or any other products of theirs was gone. There are still other items one can buy at shops, and one can explore the sim, going down it's yellow brick road and seeing Emerald City. It is unclear how long the sim will remain. The Ozimal blog has also been shut down.

Contacting Malkavyn Eldritch, he told me he couldn't tell me any details at all related to the "cease and desist" order other than what he already stated. But he did say there was a group concerned fans of Ozimal bunnies could join: For The Love of Oz . Chatting with the people there, I was handed a package with an "Everlasting timepiece" and other items needed to keep a pet bunny active, even one that had gone into hibernation. So if someone gets the news late about Ozimal's closing, they can still save their bunnies. You can also get the items from IMing the group and getting them from someone, or from the box of them at the Newser office at HV Community (135/85/25)

Fans of Ozimal have also set up a gofundme page, not to help bring back the company (which is unlikely), but to help out Malkavyn. "The funds we raise here will go toward helping him rebuild things in his life beyond Second Life and hopefully ease his real life burdens," the page states, "Please help us give back to him for all the joy that he has brought us."

In group notices, people were still trading bunnies, and there was plenty of chat about their pets and happy moments. So while the company may be gone, many bunny owners will still be enjoying their pets.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: The Medieval Faire by Relay For Life on May 19th to June 19th

In fitting that this year, Unmasking A Cure - Relay For Life Team presents Third Annual Medieval Faire, on May 19 to June 19, 2017 at Second Life. Imagine Medieval time once again at Second Life, as if like Ren - Faire in real time. It is a wholesome event where everybody are invited to enjoy on the sim and find live performances and dee jays sharing their time, talent and treasure to Relay For Life. You can also see fashion designers, furnitures, decor items on sale. All proceeds goes to raise fund to Relay For Life cause.

Never miss this month long action packed event in sports, contests, gatcha garden, tune-in to performances and songs, savor the moments of wearing new clothes on display, mesmerize on decors and furniture items. Let us all support the Medival Faire (http://www.uacmedievalfairerflofsl.com/) to contribute another legacy towards Unmasking A Cure - Relay for Life.

Magical Hears (128/190/22)

Reader Submitted: At The RelayStock

From Mia Quinote. Mia, Sunbeamer chief Rita Mariner, and one other girl have some fun with neon streamers at last weekend's Relaystock.

Interview with Trader Whiplash At The RelayStock

Recently while the Relaystock in Second Life was going on, Deaflegacy met up with one of the most well known DJs taking part: Trader Whiplash. Trader has a long history with the Relay, known for both his DJing and radio station, and his "Bid Me Bald" events. Deaflegacy had a few questions for him, and he took some time to answer.

Read Deaflegacy's article in People.

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" Ozimal Bunnies Closes Due to "Cease And Desist" Order

After seven years, Ozimals has closed it's doors.

The news came suddenly yesterday on Tuesday May 16 when Malkavyn Eldritch posted on the Ozimals blog that the day before, she had been hit with a "cease and desist" order from a lawyer representing an Edward Distelhurst of Akimeta Ltd, "This letter demands that I cease all use of Ozimals intellectual property." Sadly, she made the conclusion they had no choice but to comply.

I don’t personally agree with this claim, but I do not have the means to fight this in court, therefore I have no choice but to comply. As of the morning of Wednesday, May 17, 2017, my products and their associated games will cease to function. 

This really f***ing sucks, and I’m sorry. It was never my intention for the time we’ve all spent with the bunnies and the Pufflings to end like this. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the support this community has given me over the last seven years. I wish there was more I could say.

For those looking at two of the last pictures on her Flickr page, they found that if they could get to the Ozimal store in time. they could get "free eternal timepieces and other goodies" that would keep their pets active. Otherwise "Any bunny who is not Everlasing will be unable to eat and will hibernate within 72 hours." Those bunnies that were "Everlasting" would go on. Getting to the store at slightly after Midnight SL time, the store, and the means to preserve unprotected pets, were gone.

Who is Akimeta? A search let to a blog by "Akimeta Metaverse Development Services," in which they listed Ozimal bunnies as one of their collaboration projects, "Work for Ozimals LLC began in June or July of 2009 and through the course of my time creating the bulk of visual assets used by the company some ~2000 files were created, culminating in over 600 individual visual assets now used in the widely popular game." It seems their partnership has ended under less than cordial circumstances.

Ozimals came onto Second Life in 2010. While they were not the first breedable pets in Second Life, they were a breakthrough as they were hardier than the fragile Sion chickens and "the first breedable pet company in Second Life to use a sophisticated system based on dominant and recessive genetics instead of RGB color values as the previous popular breeding pet games." For a time, they were wildly popular, some rare breeds selling for tens of thousands of Lindens at auctions. They even made a marketing deal with Linden Lab.  But the bunny craze soon faded. Shellie Sands thought that the market had become saturated, and when people kept on selling as people wanted to get rid of bunnies they could no longer afford to feed, the price plummeted.

Shortly afterwards, Ozimals filed suit against Amaretto horses, the next popular breedable, saying they had copied sections of their scripts. But after some time, the judge ruled in favor of Amaretto. More breedables entered the market, from dogs to cats and many others. But the Ozimal bunny had a place in Second Life history. And now years after the lawsuit, ironically but sadly the bunnies have met their end due to another suit.

Goodbye, Ozimals, you brought joy and happiness to the grid for years, and I wish some of that will follow the people who kept the bunlife going.

Addition: The Ozimal blog seems to have been taken down, so here is a screenshot of the last entry.


Hat Tip: Hamlet Au

Sources: Second Life Wiki , Ozimals, Akimeta 


Bixyl Shuftan

"Time Travel The Pharmaceutical Way"

From Ishtarkiss (Ishtarangel Micheline), a trippy picture which she titled "Time Travel The Pharmaceutical Way." She took a number of screenshots at last weekend's Relaystock. including this one which the above is based on.

Press Release: The Relay For Life Air Show At Farshore Field

Team Sunbeamers welcomes you to the 4th Annual Relay For Life Air Show Fly-in at Farshore Field.

The Sunbeamers team welcomes you to the 4th Annual Farshore Field Air Show Fly-in on Armed Forces Day this Saturday the 20th of May between the hours of 8AM to 4PM SLT. There will be planes on display with information about them. Some Pilots will be on hand to give rides and flight demonstrations or you can just BYOAP [Bring Your Own AirPlane] and stunt around yourself.

From 4PM till 6PM SLT there will be an after flights dance and activities in The Goblin Cave located on the hill over looking the field. The featured music in honor of Armed Forces Day will have a WWII cantina sound including late 30’s big bands. No theme dressing needed but if you want, ok, no contest, just socializing and relaxing after a hard day of flying.

During the show there will be a number of activities to participate in. These activities we ask for a donation to the Relay For Life kiosk located at each. These include being shot out of a cannon straight up to about 300 Meters where a provided parachute gently brings you back down. You keep the special RFL 2017 textured parachute for free. Then you can help cool each other by taking turns dunking your partner in a nice cool dunk tank, that is instead of a beanbag you fire a German 88mm shell into its target!! How often do you get to shoot such an historical gun? During the air show hours there will be a Blimp Bicycle Race. For a donation you enter and are given for free a bicycle blimp you pedal through a series of rings above the ground. Since you must use the provided craft there will be no advantage in using a faster vehicle. There will be some tricky turns but nothing too hard as it is your skill that will govern your performance. You need not be present to receive the prizes of 500L for first, 250L for second, 100L for third. There will be other activities so come explore.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pacific%20Waters/51/86/31

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs

It's an active week of events for the Sunweaver and Angel clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge

Club Cutlass: Best in 'T,' Yellow Night, Spots and Stripes

The Happy Vixen: Birthday Suits, Best in Red and Warriors, Oldie Avatars, Wahs and Raccoons, CAYA

Xanadu:  TBA, TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Food, Summer, Rainbows, Sports, Nocturnals, Under the Sea, Movies, Psychedelic Colors, Rock Musicals

See the schedule in SL Clubbin'.

Press Release" Bay City Announces Anniversary Celebration

Mainland community turns nine this May

BAY CITY, SL (9 May, 2017) - As the Second Life® mainland community of Bay City turns nine, its Residents are once again hosting their annual parade through the city, followed by a live music event in their fairgrounds.

The first project of the Linden Department of Public Works, Bay City opened in May of 2008 to initial viewing, with auctions for land in the city beginning soon after. It has developed into the largest community-focused virtual urban area in Second Life.

Participants in the annual parade are asked to gather at noon SLT/PDT on Sunday, the 21st of May, to lineup at the band shell in Bay City - Harwich. The parade will wend its way down Route 66 beginning at 12:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and will conclude at the Bay City Fairgrounds in the North Channel region.

A live concert will kick off at 1:30 p.m. SLT/PDT at the Fairgrounds with DJ Marx Dudek providing music leading into the event until 1:30 p.m.SLT/PDT , followed by Christov Kohnke from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, Winston Ackland from 2:30-3:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and Oblee (Obeloinkment Wrigglesworth) from 3:30-4:30 p.m. SLT/PDT.

All Residents of the Second Life grid are welcomed to participate. Celebration goods, including parade float bases and ideas, are available at the Bay City Community Center, in the Daley Bay region for those who wish to be a part of the parade. Ample viewing areas are provided. The music event is also open to all who desire to attend -- not only Residents of Bay City

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab™ and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life® and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest Bay city group, and home to most Residents of Bay City.

For more information, contact: Marianne McCann

The 2017 Relaystock

This past weekend in Second Life was the second of two big events the middle of the Relay season is known for: the Relaystock. It was three days of fun, music, and virtual rain and mud. Organized by the Relay Rockers, other teams were invited to take part, sending musicians, setting up camps, or both. The Newser was there, and took a number of pictures.

See the scenes in Events.

Latest Map Mayhem In Raglan Announcing ArtWalk

The latest set of map pranks over Raglan Shire is actually a clever announcement for their current event. Linn Darkwatch posted this picture on her Facebook account. One reader responded, "Thinking of Shady today. He would love these signs "

For those who don't know, yesterday was the start of Raglan Shire's ArtWalk, the tiny community's most famous yearly event. For the next month, their sims will be full of art, both paintings, screenshots and three-dimensional. So if you're an art lover, go see it.