Announcement: Party Today at Steelhead Bay

 

Everyone is welcome to join Fuzzball Ortega, Dj Cynthia Farshore and Andrea Jones @ The Outdoor Stage in Steelhead Bay This coming Saturday the 31st from 3 - 5 Pm. We will be dancing  to the tunes of Summer on the beach Andrea imported to the stage area for us. Andrea also had a giant aquarium constructed. Come see the sharks, fish, turtles , mermaids and the ghost pirates.....what? um ok, it is a fundraiser to help Fuzz with the region. But don't worry about that if you can't come anyway.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Steelhead%20Bay/56/204/2
 

SL Video: "Raglan Shire Wootstock 2021"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

Video by Nitwacket, Tuesday July 27. Last weekend, Raglan Shire had it's annual Woodstock tribute, the "Woodstock." The fifteenth event of it's kind, the sim was packed with over 90 avatars. Among the performers on Sunday was Keeba and the Tiny Maniacs.

Screening Event At Film Threat in Second Life

 

Yesterday, Thursday July 29, there was an "exclusive invitation" by Linden Lab to the residents.  This was for an event that was a cooperation between Linden Lab and the director of a TV show documentary.

You are invited to an exclusive event on July 29 at 3PM-7PM (Pacific Time).

The entire presentation is 30 minutes, but hang out after to chat in Second Life! Attendees will see the teaser trailer debut, poster reveal and get a first look at the documentary "Attack of the Doc!" with host Chris Gore. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!

Film Threat is a four sim area showing a large theater building in the middle. In front are a number of food trucks and a few stalls where one can pick up a "swag bag" that contains t-shirts of the event. What's currently playing is a teaser to a documentary of "Attack of the Show," a live television show that "reviewed new technology, aired parodies, discussed pop culture and general news, and gave previews of video games, movies, and digital media." It aired from 2005 to 2013. One of the people behind it, Chris Gore, was producing the documentary that was named "Attack of the Doc." It is planned to air in 2022.

 I found out about the event in a group chat. Heading over, there were a number of people there, including Brett Linden in the seats, and at one point Patch Linden walked in. Also there was Chantal Harvey, a machinima producer from Second Life's golden age over a decade ago. And Chris Gore was there himself, in an avatar with his real-life name. 

Talking to Chris Gore (and getting the okay to use the conversation, he was enjoying his time in Second Life,  "This is cool!" He went on to say, "We do plan to do other events in here. ... We're planning monthly events starting in September. No date set, but pay attention on social media to find out."

While the event was listed in the official blog, it was under "Highlights of the Second Life Destination Guide." So those checking out the blog would notice it while those who just peeked at secondlife.com wouldn't know about it without clicking further.

The Film Threat theater is at Film Threat A/(133/6/23). It's unknown how long the teaser will keep playing.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Later: Film Threat Screening Event

 

Yesterday, Thursday July 29, there was an "exclusive invitation" by Linden Lab to the residents.  There was a showing of a trailer at a theater-themed area: Film Threat. The trailer was for "Attack of the Doc," a documentary of "Attack of the Show," a live TV show that aired from 2005 to 2013. 

More about the event later.
 

Relay 2022 Season Theme Chosen: Heroes of Hope

 

Yesterday on Thursday July 29, Stingray Rainmaker announced that the theme for the 2022 Relay for Life fundraising season had been chosen. After counting the 259 votes made, "Heroes of Hope" came out on top with over 38% of the tally. 

Over the last two weeks, the ACS community in Second Life have cast their votes for the theme of the 2022 Relay For Life of Second Life.

259 votes were cast, making this the largest community decision on a theme in our event’s history. This is a good indicator for how excited everyone is about reaching our $500,000 USD goal.

Each year, our theme guides our motivation, inspires our creativity, and gives each season a unique identity. Considering the fact that our goal for next year is the highest we’ve ever set, we know that it will take a “super-heroic” effort from everyone in the ACS community.

This theme can be interpreted in so many ways, all of which are going to make for an unforgettable Relay season and event. The theme that received the most votes is the perfect description for each member of our community. We can’t wait to see how each team embraces our 2022 Relay For Life of Second Life theme: HEROES OF HOPE.

Among the other choices, "Hope Floats" came in second with 27% of the vote. Third was "Decades of Hope" with 12.7%. "Toon Out Cancer" was fourth with 11.3%. And fifth was "Lights, Camera, Hope" with 10.8%.

Chatting with a few in RFL team Sunbeamer chat, there was a little surprise about the choice made, but general agreement that there was plenty of room with the theme to work with. As to why "Lights Camera Hope" came out last, more than one commented perhaps this was a reflection of peoples' opinions of Hollywood and movies in recent years.

Source: Second Life ACS Information

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Montecito Bay Transit

 

The Montecito Bay sim has seen a number of changes in recent months, notably the addition of three neighbors: Monstra Aquavia, Crux Dark Citadel, and Novae Dilucula. For the Bay itself, one notable change is the addition of a mass transit monorail system in the city.

There are a few stations in town where one can wait for the rail car. Once the doors open, just walk in and have a seat. If it closes before you get on, you can still click on it and select sit, but you won't be able to choose which seat. Then just enjoy the ride. The track has some twist and turns, going slightly up and down at a few points. There's also a short tunnel the car goes through. The track takes you past some noteworthy sights, including the video arcade, a pool of green slime, and the Azucar Tower, the name that started appearing over a year ago on the sim before it changed.

Once the car approaches the station you want to get off at, don't hop off too early as you'll end up falling through the floor. Wait until it comes to a complete stop. Once that happens, the doors open and you're ready to exit.

Stay tuned for more later.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Follow The Food" Part 4

 

"Follow The Food"

Saturday July 31

7 to 8AM SL time 

Organized by Stephen Gastor, Cotreva Scientist

In the Auditorium

For more information, Click Here. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

Ranchan Weidman Home From Hospital

 

Good news for the Sunweaver community. Yesterday, Wednesday July 28, it was announced by Mato (Matoazma Kazyanenko) that Ranchan Wiedman was back after a short stay at the hospital.

I am happy to announce that Ranchan Weidman is back home from the hospital and resting as much as she can. Let's keep the positive vibes, well wishes, prayers, and all your love and support coming for a speedy recovery! Thank you all so much! <3

A few days ago, it was announced Ranchan had tested positive for Coronavirus while at the hospital to take care of something completely unrelated. Fortunately symptoms were very mild, and the doctors decided it was okay for her to go home. 

Ranchan runs the HV Community sim which contains the Robotech roleplay she GMs, the Xanadu classic rock club, and the SL Newser office.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Scenes From The FCA "Christmas in July" Club Crawl

 

Last weekend, the six clubs of the Furry Club Alliance had a marathon club crawl event. For twelve hours, a crowd would party at one club for a couple hours, then hop to the next one. "Christmas in July" was the theme. And so songs were played, prizes were won, and a good time was had by all.
 
See the pictures in Events.
 

Announcement: The (Long Overdue) CDS Annual Club Crawl

 

Yup.  12 noon-2pm SLT with DJ Qt at the helm.

Our long overdue pub crawl will commence at Vineria del Ponte, proceed to Lilith's Irish Pub and end with a traditional stop at The NFS Biergarten. DJ Qt will spin the tunes and make sure we get where we're supposed to be (smile).

We begin here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Locus%20Amoenus/37/100/24

Casual dress recommended. Bring a friend to helpo us crawl in style!

Kyoko Furse-Barzane
 

Cartoon of the Day

 

Taken at Veterans Isle. The chicken was someone's avatar, and not a pet. How they met, who knows.

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Veterans Isle Raises Over 100,000 Lindens

 

On Sunday July 25, Veterans Isle held it's monthly benefit concert for Homes For Our Troops. From 4PM SL time to about 9PM (Midnight EST), four live performers and one DJ played music for the crowd. The schedule listed was DJ Waya Snowpaw at 4PM, BG Singer at 5PM, Barda Silver at 6PM, Naughty (Naughtyname) at 7PM, and Rickylive Music rounding things off at 8PM. 

As the musicians played, people donated money to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage, including the musicians themselves. At the event's end, a total of 100,000 Linden dollars had been raised.

The monthly event is sponsored by Frets Nirvana and the U.S. Military Veteran’s Group of Second Life. Homes Four Our Troops helps provide, and remodel, homes for wounded veterans https://www.hfotusa.org.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Registrations For Two Cancer Fundraisers This Fall

 

While the main Relay season is over, there are still other events coming up this fall to raise money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser. One of them that's sure to be fun to fans of things Medieval is the Second Annual SL Renaissance Festival. It takes place from Friday September 23 to Sunday October 3. The organizers are looking for merchants to register, as well as those wanting to take part in special events.

One can look for information to register, and other info about the event at https://slrenaissancefestival.com/

The other large event taking place is the 2021 Sci-Fi Expo. The sister event of the Sci-Fi Con that takes place in the spring, the Expo lasts from Friday October 8 to Sunday October 17.

This year’s journey takes us to the old frontier world of ‘New Eden’, a major trading hub on an ancient terraformed forest world. Come and help to unlock the secrets and mysteries of the world’s deep ancient past!

The organizers are looking for sponsors, and exhibitors. People can read more information at https://www.scifiexpo.org/. There's also a Discord server at https://discord.gg/sqsWbVq .
 

Ranchan Weidman Hospitalized, Tested Positive For Coronavirus

 

Some bad news came to the Sunweaver community last night. Ranchan Weidman, the lady who runs the HV Community sim, has tested positive for Coronavirus after being admitted to the hospital for an unrelated ailment.

Ranchan Weidman is in the hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 and is undergoing treatment. Please send her all your prayers, well wishes, positive vibes, and whatever support you can give.

Ranchan is known for running a Robotech RP and helps run Club Zero Gravity. She is a supporter of the SL Newser, having built it's first office and one of it's SL Birthday exhibits.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Best in 'C', Wing Thing, High Fashion

Happy Vixen: Silk and Leather, Beach Party, Black and Pink, Foxes and Felines, Rave, Party Animals, Murines and Canines, Game Characters

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Wings and Tails, Horns and Hooves

Xanadu: DJ Christine, DJ Jesse

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge: Beach Party, Disney, Canines, Video Games, Neon, Late Night, Black

Deathlands Fallout Shelter:  DJ Wolfy, DJ Shapes

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.
 

Reader Submitted: Party at Dance Island

 *

Grease Coakes was recently at an event at Dance Island, taking pictures on Friday July 23, and Saturday July 24, "They have a candyland set up."

Grease told me the place had been around for almost fourteen years.
 

Activision/Blizzard Sued By California, Charges of Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

 

Activision/Blizzard, the company behind some of the world's most popular games, is the target of a lawsuit filed by California. Filed by the state's Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the company is charged with having a "frat boy" culture in which not only are women paid less than men while working similar jobs and promoted less often, but are "subjected to constant sexual harassment."

The allegations are not limited to simple jokes, but include "unwanted sexual advances," being groped at "cube crawls" in which men drink plenty of alcohol then "crawl" their way around cubicles where women work, and more. Activision/Blizzard is described as not investigating the numerous complaints made by women employees, and those who complained were sometimes retaliated against, including being subject to layoffs. The lawsuit also describes, "In a particularly tragic example, a female employee committed suicide during a business trip with a male" who brought sex toys with him.

Activision/Blizzard has denied the allegations, a spokesman issued a statement saying the filing contains "distorted, and in many cases false, descriptions of Blizzard's past." He would go on to say, "Over the past several years and continuing since the initial investigation started, we've made significant changes to address company culture and reflect more diversity within our leadership teams." Blizzard's President sent an email to employees saying he would be meeting with a number of them about the "extremely troubling" charges. Activision's President stated "there is zero tolerance for this sort of behavior." But over twenty Blizzard employees have spoken out against this response, including one lead game designer, "The statements made by [Activision Blizzard] do not represent us. We believe women, and we will continue to strive to do better and hold others accountable. Actions speak louder than words."

Players themselves have responded with actions such as in-game protests in support of the women involved. It is not yet known how many are canceling subscriptions in response to news of the lawsuit.

Sources: PC Gamer, Yahoo News, Aboutlaw.com

Bixyl Shuftan
 

 

Free Lindens At The Fallout Shelter

 

For those dropping by the Fallout Shelter on Sundays, something new has been added. This weekend, Rebel Wolf announced a raffle that would give a prize to a random winner, if they were part of the sim group or not.

The Insane Wolf is trying something new..He has a raffle gas pump in the Fallout Factory ( dance hall) In theory anyone can click on to enter, and win $200 on Sunday night. Non group members can even enter right now. The prize may increase if there is any interest. But I'm very cheap. Sue Me. Come one come all. Bring your alts! It should work..maybe...hopefully...

Rebel Wolf would tell me, "If there is any interest by the draw Sunday night at or after dance, I may increase the prize to 1000 a  week, group members only, but for now its open to all. ... Don't gotta be here to win. ... If it gets a lotof interest, it stays, and robs me blind with a increase in Lindens to give away. So! Donate to the Deadlands donation barrell, so I can give it away."

The Fallut Shelter is in th Deadlands,in Paradise Kingdom (87/37/22) (follow the road).

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Weekend in Brief

 

A number of events happened in Second Life this past weekend. Raglan Shire had their Wootstock music event (above) from Friday to Sunday. The Burnstock took place in Burning Man - Deep Hole also from Friday to Saturday. The six clubs of the FCA held their "Christmas in July" club crawl on Saturday, mostly in the Sunweaver community. Sunday at the Veterans Isle sim, they held their Homes For Our Troops fundraising concert. 

More on these events later.
 

Do You Have A Story?

 

 
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. And on occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

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

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

Cartoon of The Day: Flying Saucer

 

Taken at the Happy Vixen. So how would a flying saucer end up in the hands of a working class human? Well, I could think of a few possible explanations.
 
By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

 

THIS WEEK: The Philadelphia Story, more from Weigher, and promises kept in the wizarding world. Join us for stories presented LIVE in Second Life.

All events at Nowhereville (203/43/26) , unless otherwise noted.

Stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT

* * * * *

--------->> COMING THIS WEEK

**SUNDAY, July 25th ,  at 1:30pm: TEATIME at The Movies:"The Philadelphia Story."  Join Corwyn Allen, Gloriana Maertens, Caledonia Skytower, Da5id  Abbott, Kayden Oconnell & Elrik Merlin for a backyard festival of radio drama versions of some of the finest and well beloved films of the golden age of 20th C cinema. Popcorn provided.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/204/44/2603


**MONDAY, July 26th ,  at 7pm: Eric Vinicoff & Marcia Martin's WEIGHER continues with Gyro Muggins.
    

**TUESDAY,  July 27th at 7pm: HOGWARTS: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide continues with Caledonia, live on stream. (Cale got a little distracted by the Mirror of Eridsed last week, so this week she will deliver the backstories of many of the Hogwarts faculty, as previously promised)
   

**WEDNESDAY, July 28th at 7pm: DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS Greatest Hits. From Gilderoy  Lockheart to Madeye Moody, and sommat in between with Caledonia, live on stream.    


**THURSDAY, July 29th,

   ~ at 7pm: WE CONTINUE from "The Book of Dragons."  Finn Zeddmore takes the story floor with this tale by Ann Leckie and Rachel Swirsky

   ~ at 9pm: SEANCHAI LATE NIGHT.  Finn continues with late night contemporary sci-fi-fantasy from online sources such as Espace Pod, Light Speed, and Clarkesworld.

   
**FRIDAY, July 30th at 2:30pm: Terry Pratchett's UNSEEN ACADEMICALS continues with Caledonia Skytower at the Seanchai lanai-firecircle (90 minutes).


***

Burnstock

 

Imagine ! Burn2 had that wonderful Conception event two weekends ago and here we have another weekend of fun on the playa coming up! 

Burn2 Burnstock
Burnstock is an annual fundraiser which will take place this year over the weekend of July 23-25, 2021. All funds received go toward the purchase of additional sims for our annual "Octoburn" event, where we "echo" the traditional look and feel of Burning Man in Black Rock City.

I took a horse ride around the playa to see that it is set up for lots of dusty open space for motorcycle rides and you can rezz your bike . The gas station looks prepared for business.

There will be dj’s and live shows, and a Bike parade is planned. Check out the calendar for times here. https://www.burn2.org/event-calendar/ . The opening is at 6pm SL time and it extends through Saturday and Sunday until midnight Sunday .

I checked the gift area and there are still tables full of gifts to pick up in case you missed them at the past event. It is located to the right of the road before the entrance to the playa.
The motorcycle club parade is at 2 pm SL time on Sunday. I hope I can make it. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/206/34/25

Gemma Cleanslate
 

SL Video: "Uncover"

 

(Click here if the video does not play)

By Furrex on Oct 2019, "Song: Zara Larsson - Uncover (DJ V1t & DJ Johnny Clash Remix)"
 

Game Review: Wasteland Survival

 

As busy as I am with the paper, I do take a little time for games. One that got my attention recently was "Wasteland Survival" on Steam. As the title suggests, the objective is to try to survive in a land laid waste to by disaster. With a dog as your companion, you scavenge for resources while fighting off zombies, animals, and the occasional NPC survivor. The price of the game: Free. So is the game worth playing?

Read the review in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.
 

A Visit to Inspire Space Park

 

This week, I decided to drop by Inspire Space Park. It's considered a "must-see" area as it's a visual treat with it's sights of what could best be described as a cosmic dream with it's asteroids, planets and stars orbiting all around the planetoid and rocks you're on. It's not a new area, but has been around since 2008. But thirteen years later, the place still looks dazzling. 

We wrote about the place a decade ago. And we wrote about one of the many events there a few years ago. But it's best to see such a place in-avatar. Head on over along or with a friend and just admire things from the platform or hop on a poseball and just drift away in the stellar skies of imagination.
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shinda/33/223/1560

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Press Release: HFOT July Benefit

 

Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce 2021’s July benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life for July 25, 2021!  

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the 2021 July benefit for the Veterans Support Organization Home For Our Troops at Veteran’s Isle .  

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).  Since its inception in 2004, over 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 313 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.”

In 2020 the community in Second Life sent  $15,750 to Homes For Our Troops, thanks to many kind hearts and great Second Life performers. THIS PUT SECOND LIFE’S DONATIONS EFFORTS IN THE TOP TEN OF HOME FOR OUR TROOPS DONORS IN 2020!  

23 Veterans and their families received the keys to their forever homes in 2021 and the donations received in Second Life were part of that effort.  Currently HFOT has 62 projects underway for extremely wounded veterans.

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The July 25 concert for 2021 is scheduled from 4PM to 9PM PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, BGSinger, Varda Silver,  Naughty and RickyliveMusic.

Sponsored by Frets Nirvana and the U.S. Military Veteran’s Group of Second Life.  To learn more about Homes for Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org.
 

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Follow The Food" Part 3

 

"Follow The Food"

Saturday July 24

7 to 8AM SL time 

Organized by Stephen Gastor, Cotreva Scientist

In the Auditorium

For more information, Click Here. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

 

Cartoon of The Day: Alt at The Meeting

 

Taken at an FCA Meeting. ScratchMusikatt Fox sent his alt to a meeting, then sent his main over. It made for a rather amusing situation, as well as my imagination coming up with possible explanations.
 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: Vote For The 2022 Relay Season Theme

 

It is time to vote for our 2022 Relay For Life Theme!

We asked for suggestions the last 2 years and this year we are using some of the ones that were previously submitted.

There were plenty of good ones to choose from:

1     Heroes of Hope (Superheroes, first responders, personal heroes, great people in history, survivors, etc.)

2     Lights, Camera, Hope (movies/series/hollywood)

3    Hope Floats (oceans, rivers, swamps, rain, waterfalls, bridges, ice, water, etc.)

4    Decades of Hope (1920s, 30s, 40s, etc.)

5    Toon Out Cancer (cartoons, animation, etc.)

Here is the link to vote!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiz3LTuaUzpqS1xP5o82Y_L1cks-qSQYjBnbtx9Z4duZEs6w/viewform
 

Announcement: FCA Club Crawl

 

Furry Club Alliance Club Crawl

Featuring six clubs

Saturday, July 24th
Theme: Christmas in July

12 -2 pm - Club Zero Gravity

DJ: Lexi
Host/ess: Nikki

Sunweaver Space (129, 249, 3597)

2 - 4 pm - Bouncing Bunny Beach Club

DJ: Snowy
Host/ess: Kylee

SunWaterThree (75/56/25)

4 - 6 pm - The Happy Vixen

DJ: Mattie
Host/ess: Nikki

Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24)

6 - 8 pm - Club Cutlass

DJ: Geerkil
Host/ess: Jenni

Sunweaver Bay (114/117/757)

8 - 10 pm - Xanadu

DJ: Jessie
Host/ess: Perri

HV Community (67/207/4051)
 

10 - 12 pm - Club Balance

DJ: Maliit
Host/ess: Brandi

Liwei (113/23/53)
 

VWBPE Announces Delightful Doowangle (Barbara Truman) Has Died

Barbara Truman, 1962-2021

It is with great sadness we inform our community that one of our own Thinkerer Award recipients, Dr. Barbara Truman (sl: Delightful Doowangle), has passed.

Barbara was a campus activist who became a virtual world champion. She dreamt of being a virtual world architect to create the future while empowering others to do the same, especially for accelerating and incubating R&D to improve quality of life.

Barbara had over 20 years of experience in US higher education as an educator, scholar, administrator, and researcher. 

In these roles, she participated in national and state associations, presented on critical educational topics, and published articles related to teaching and learning with mediated technology.

Barbara’s doctoral research, conducted in virtual worlds, explored why vesting in immersive, virtual communities using embodied avatars matters.

Since February 24, 2006, Barbara was active as an advocate and connectivist who built bridges for virtual world communities and championed learning in virtual worlds.

She donated her time to over a dozen virtual world groups, organizations, and conferences to strengthen virtual world education.

Her doctoral research, exploring why vesting in virtual communities matters, anchored her transdisciplinarity research with the MIT Presencing Institute, advancing our understanding of embodiment as virtual physioception and virtual-intersubjective presencing.

Barbara received the Thinkerer Award in 2019 for her outstanding dedication and leadership in education. We are so fortunate to have been able to recognize her and her efforts.

If you would like to offer a tribute in memory of Barbara or send condolences to the family you can follow this link https://www.acommunityfuneralhome.com/obi.../Barbara-Truman/

From VWBPE Facebook Page 
 

New Welcome Island For Starting Residents

 
For some newcomers to Second Life, their first steps will be at a new place inworld. There's a new entry place for those starting out: Welcome Island.

Hearing that new accounts were already entering Second Life through the new place, I created a new alt to take a look. The new sign-up process doesn't offer a choice of appearances. Every male logs in as the same brown-haired human with facial hair, jeans, an open shirt, and carrying a radio. Women were logging in wearing red dresses with white blouses and carrying pocketbooks. A "Welcome Island Guidebook" opened up, providing instructions on how to move around (on the Linden Viewer that new accounts are asked to use, one can walk about using the WASD keys).

There were a few areas to be used as one went through the Guidebook, for practicing sitting, introducing newcomers to the ability to change appearances with the various starter avatars (aside from a couple fierce-looking werewolves, the only alternatives to human were a few vampires and elven avatars), and getting attachments and wearing and detaching them. Overall, it looked like a park area, with plenty of greenery and plenty of places to sit, with some water.

Not everyone there is a newcomer. I was messaged by someone almost right away welcoming me and asking if I needed help. So it looks like volunteers are there at times to help out those who are new. I was also invited to a group, "The Newbie Mafia," then cautioned about accepting any more invites.

Near the end, the Guidebook brought up the Destinations Guide and the Events page, encouraging people to explore the wider virtual world, with a nod to the Guide's "Newcomer Friendly" section. It also invited people to check out blogs about Second Life. My new alt's first journey ended at New Citizens Incorporated, though someone could have easily checked out London City if they didn't mind the crowd there.

Not everyone appears on the New Welcome Island. I ended up creating two alts as the first I made appeared on the same Learning Island I did four years earlier. So the Lab hasn't replaced the previous newcomer places, at least not yet.

Comparing Welcome Island to the two-sim Learning and Social Islands, the new experience is faster and quicker. There's nothing on how to jump or fly, no introduction to building, no instructional videos, none of Social Island's games that made learning a little more entertaining. At least there wouldn't be if it wasn't for the helpers who were at Welcome Island. 

This new area seems more dependent on volunteers, and perhaps people at newcomer-friendly areas the new residents would see, to answer questions. But there's no comparison to Destination Island of 2012 that offered very little instructions and newcomers could very well end up in a place that threw them out for being too young, and the new resident experience introduced in 2013 that was apparently so bad the Lindens discarded it in a few months. The Learning and Social Islands came about in September 2013, and have been around for almost a decade with one change in 2017.

While Welcome Island is closed to all but brand new accounts and volunteers, there is a Welcome Back Island anyone can visit to check out what the place is like.

Hat Tip: Daniel Voyager

Source: Uccie Poultry

Bixyl Shuftan