The Drax Files: "Episode 16 - Feed a Smile"

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"A child in Kenya can eat today because your avatar gave 100 Linden Dollars at this concert!"

For Brique Topaz, who runs the Germany based non-profit "Live and Learn in Kenya", a statement like the above is nothing at all out of the ordinary: little bits of virtual currency from an online world, donated by avatars who listen to musicians represented by pixels helps pay for children in impoverished slums outside of Nairobi - makes total sense!

After all: user-to-user transactions in Second Life are over 500 million US$ per year. Why not funnel some of that cash to good causes?

Should you however feel confused whenever the topic of virtual reality and its impact on the physical realm is being discussed, fear not: invest the next 5 minutes and thou shalt be enlightened, with stories of passion, persistence and really good music.

More information on the web at http://www.leben-lernen-kenia.org/typo3/index.php?id=6&L=1

or live in-world at the Lavender Field: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Feed%20A%20Smile/124/120/24"

The Art of Judilynn

I was sorry to miss the opening of the exhibit at Eclipse Arts Complex. Judilynn India is the artist of some stunning pieces. She is an artist in real life and also in Second Life, so has imported some of her works into SL.

I met her in the gallery and she told me about her feeling for the art and sharing it in Second Life, "All of the paintings on the far wall from us are acrylic on canvas. No digital. I also work in mixed media. The computer as a tool is amazing: It lets me do things that I can't achieve with my hands.” In some of her pieces you will see layering of texture sand some are reminiscent of Van Gogh One of my favorites was an abstract with subtle colors.

Judilynn donates part of the proceeds to the homeless and hungry in her home town in the USA where she is located, ”I decided a long time ago that my art would not just be for hanging on a wall. It will serve a purpose. It will raise funds for those who need assistance..human and animal.” There is a lovely piece called "All My Children,“ and if you buy that, half of the proceeds go to the poor.

You can visit the exhibit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gemini%20Elysia/214/228/42

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