Dirk Talamasca, Noted Second Life Mentor, Dies

It was reported on his Facebook page by his real life brother that Dirk Talamasca, an early land baron whom came to be a noted mentor, had passed away in real life. Saffia Widdershins described Dirk as "one of the strongest proponents Second Life had. He was an early Land Baron, a Second Life Mentor, a supporter of artists in the virtual realm, and a wise and witty friend to so many." He passed away on Sunday March 30, 2014. Numerous people posted on the Facebook page and other places their condolences. Stoker Serpentine commented, "For anyone who has ever had the honor of meeting Dirk in person or SL, you are instantly swept up in his razor-sharp wit and gregarious humor. He radiates charm with a tempered humility that makes you immediately gravitate to him as if you have known him your entire life. He can be the life of the party or a concerned listener. He has been a neighbor of mine in SL for many years and has always..ALWAYS..been one of Second Life's biggest cheerleaders."

Dirk Talamasca's SL Wiki Page

Dirk Talamasca's Facebook Page

SL Universe thread on Dirk Talamasca's declining health and end.

Cartoon of the Day

The punch line is "land shark" meaning a speculator in real estate, and not the character from "Saturday Night Live."

by Bixyl Shuftan

Omega Properties’ Owner Vanishes, Renters Lose Homes and Deposits

While on the trail of another story, I ran into a former renter of Omega Properties. After he'd been living there for a year and a half, he found himself suddenly evicted even though he had paid his teir in advance. Others had been evicted too, one woman losing nearly a quarter-million Lindens. Calling the staff for help, he found the owner of the company, Chaos Ametza, was nowhere to be found.

More on the story in Extra.