A New Newspaper Vendor

Second Life Newser recently received a gift from Tolsen Decycla: a new newspaper vendor. Feel free to ask one of the Newser staff for one. Or if you run into Tolsen at Icewater Vilage while fishing, be sure to say hello.

Cartoon of the Day

By Bixyl Shuftan

Kelly Yap's Art Show

Grease Coakes was recently invited to play the music for an art show event by Kelly Yap. Before the party, he got a good look at the exhibitions, with works from Second Life artists such as Trill Zapatero and Tani Thor. There was quite a bit to see, including one of the artists coming by.

Read Grease's story in Design.

Press Release: Burnal Equinox at the Virtual Playa

On Burnal Equinox, the mid-time of our burning year, we propose a celebration of the transition of seasons. Come home to the playa. Choose the season and the reason, as we are in a time of shifting and of metamorphosis.

BURN2 opens this annual event at noon SLT on Friday, March 22, with the Lamplighters procession leading the BurningMan 2.0 community around the Playa and on to Center Camp. Three days of celebration will culminate in a special BURN of a PIRATE SHIP! We’ve also got a great lineup of DJs to get your feet on FIYAH!

The Playa will OPEN to the public at NOON on FRIDAY, March 22nd, at the following location:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/67/47/24

It will be a joyful, music-filled, passionately flaming weekend – come HOME and CELEBRATE the transitions of life in true Burning spirit! Join the rest of the virtual Burning Man community, join the processions, parades and parties, view some AMAZING artist builds and drum and sing and DANCE!
http://burn2.org/

QuickTips: "Meeting and Making Friends"

The next in the series of "QuickTips" videos from Linden Lab about Second Life, "Meeting and Making Friends."

Second Life is a fun and social space, so meeting and making friends is easier when you understand the basic controls and options for chat. Learn about the text and voice chat features that can help you meet and make friends in Second Life in our latest QuickTips video tutorial.

Events This Week in Second Life March 19 to March 24

It's a week full of events in Second Life. There are a number of Relay events this Week, such as the Relay Rockers "Bid Me Bald" and the "Cross-Country Giant Snail Race." Also going on is the "Buddy Walk" for Down Syndrome. For religious groups, this Sunday is Palm Sunday. And of course there are the regularly scheduled DJ and live music events, book and poetry readings, talk shows, and discussions.

Read more in Events this Week.

Press Release: Sixth Annual Relay Rockers "Bid Me Bald"

Its Back Again - For the SIXTH Year!

Bid Me Bald - The Relay Rockers Signature Fundraising event in support of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Second Life, returns for a 6th year!   The event which pairs Relay Volunteers with a Barber Chair and a Pair of Scissors has been a mainstay event for the Rockers since 2007 and has been used by other teams across Relay For Life of Second Life.

In 2007 when Relay Rocker's co-founder Trader Whiplash was undergoing Chemotherapy for leukemia the Rockers offered to shave their heads in SL in support of him.  Instead the team decided to make it a fundraiser and to support and honor EVERY survivor who has borne the side effects of cancer treatments.  Volunteers make an appointment with the Rockers Barbershop and place a special kiosk out.  For each L$5000 raises they agree to go bald for 1 full day. Totals are rounded up and the average donation is about L$25,000. 

As always the first haircut of the season goes to Trader and he will be placing his kiosk out at Arinulta Beach this wednesday, March 20 and has an appointment for March 27th!

( http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Arinultra%20Cay/182/26/24 )


Please join the Rockers as we Celebrate survivorship and honor all survivors and participate in Bid Me Bald!
                     ******************************************
Bid Me Bald Dedication:

Bid Me Bald recognizes, with honor and respect,  those for whom the choice was made, not by themselves, but by Chemo and other cancer treatments. 

We have the choice and we choose to sacrifice our hair to honor these Survivors and to help the American Cancer Society find ways to fight cancer, support survivors and their caregivers and help us all celebrate more birthdays.

   Thank you!
  
   On Behalf of the Relay Rockers
   -  Nuala Maracas, Capt.
   -  Trader Whiplash, Capt
   -  Ariel Goldrozen, Co-Capt
   -  Arizona Ballinger, Co-Capt
  
For More Information or to become a Bid Me Bald participant contact
Melodie Jigsaw,  Bid Me Bald Coordinator

SL Video: "Relay For Life of Second Life - What If?"

From Relay leader Stingray Raymaker, "What if there was a virtual world that you could use to make a difference in the real world? relayforlife.org/secondlife"

Happy Birthday Kryxia

Kryxia Silverfall is a tall, mild-mannered vixen whom can be seen at the Happy Vixen on weekends and occasionally at Club Zero Gravity. Besides DJing, she's been helping out a little behind the scenes at the FCA club alliance. Sunday marked her birthday, and friends of hers arranged for a surprise party with an underlying St. Patrick's theme at Nydia Tungsten's "Angel One" station. DJ Megatheron provided the tunes.

Happy Birthday Kryxia.

Book Island Discussion

Grease Coakes recently took a trip to Book Island. Book Island is a sim about writing and writers. Over there, there were two discussions that day about fiction and writing. So what does on at these discussions? Grease had a few observations.

Read Grease's story in Events.

Eye on the Blog - "Advertising on Second Life Web Properties"

Lately there's been something new on the secondlife.com page, advertisements. Linden Labs has been tacking ad banners to the top and right margins. While one is a  banner for it's new "Versu" interactive fiction player, others have nothing to do with Linden Lab, such as websites to check for felony records. The Lab states they're "taking care" to make sure no banners from porn or similarly objectionable websites come up.

What might get the attention of Second Life users is that the Lab plans to add banners for Second LIfe goods from inworld sellers.


These ads are a great opportunity for advertisers to reach the large, global audience that visits the Second Life web properties every day, and we want to extend that opportunity to Second Life merchants as soon as we can. For Merchants, advertising on the Second Life web properties will be a new way to get their offerings in front of potential customers, while at the same time making the ads extremely relevant to every Second Life user who sees them. We have some work to do before we can make the ads purchasable by Second Life business owners, and it’s too soon to say precisely when we’ll be able to, but we wanted to let you all in on this plan early on.




Such a move would be a win-win situation for Linden Labs as not only do they have an additional source of revenue, but merchants using the ad space stand to gain as well from the advertising. And of course ads for SL content are probably going to be less pestering than bail bond services.

For the blog post, Click Here.

Press Release: 5th Annual SL Buddy Walk Charity Fair and Expo - March 17-31, 2013

The SL Buddy Walk was created to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day in Second Life. Many of your favorite SL entertainers and store brands will be taking part to promote and raise money for Down Syndrome awareness. The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Please see our website for more information!


Relaxation(133, 104, 28 )

The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. It is also the world's most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. Last year in RL there were over 295 Buddy Walks world wide.

The Second Life Buddy Walk is done in conjunction with the NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) and takes place around World Down Syndrome Day.

Contact Lilly Juno for more information.

Source: SL Enquirer

Happy St. Patricks Day

By Bixyl Shuftan

QuickTips - "Getting Help"

The next in Linden Lab's "QuickTips" videos, how to get help for bugs and similar issues.

Second Life is fun — but sometimes you might encounter a problem inworld.

Need help with your land? Have a billing question? We want to help you make the most of your Second Life. This week’s QuickTips video tutorial walks you through the many support options available to both basic and premium Second Life users.

Learn more about our Knowledge Base and Support Portal, as well as Abuse Report options and more.

"Pie Day" at the Happy Vixen

On March 14, some people showed up a little early at the Happy Vixen beach club. So with no party yet, and considering the date was 3.14 or "Pi(e) Day," pastries were ordered. And it wasn't long before someone tossed one at another, and then the deserts started flying.

With the water nearby to wash anyone, it was a fun day for all except possibly for the janitor.

"Happy Pie Day."

SL Video: "Grease Coakes at the Heart of Gold"

While DJing at the Heart of Gold, Grease made this video of the music event, getting a good view of the space phoenix club.

Tribute City

Gemma Cleanslate recently took a look at a relatively new place in Second Life, Tribute City. Located in WW2 Tribute, the sim in the past was the location of the Flying Tigers and air combat. Today, the Tigers have moved on. But the sim has taken on new life in the form of fishing spots, four clubs for partying, newcomer freebie and help, and much more.

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Ask DrFran: Lonely; Not Alone

In her column today, DrFran get's a letter from a reader with a problem. He and his girl were busy doing things together on the Grid. Now with her having gotten a job inworld, he's feeling a bit alone and unsure what to do when she's not around. What to do? DrFran has a few answers.

Read DrFran's column in People.

Holiday Decor at the Corner

 Here come two holidays in a row. Saint Patrick ‘s day on March 17 and Easter on March 31. If you need decorations it is time to get over to the Corner of Revolving Time. In the yard you will find some great decorations all for free as usual. 
There are flowers in vases, Flower arches, tables, cakes and gifts, teddy bears and flags. 

Pink and Zain have also put out some swings and picnic benches for you to grab. I also found some nice spring trees and flowers for the roof. I also noticed a cute new beach area where you can hang out next to the water slide. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ophelia/34/218/22 . 

Don’t waste time before you go over. St Pat’s day is almost here and you will want the pot at the end of the rainbow and the huge shamrock hat for that day. All these items are at the best price you can find in SL, FREE.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ophelia/193/192/22

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Breaking News: Linden Lab Offering 50% Discounts to Limited Number of Nonprofit Groups To Renew Expired Sims.

By Bixyl Shuftan

According to an article by Hamlet Au, Linden Lab spokesman Peter Gray has confirmed that the company has been "quietly contacting a select number of non-profit and educational" groups who have let their sims in Second Life expire in the past few years, offering 50% off land payments if they renew.

Before October 2010, it was standard practice for Linden Lab to offer half tier for nonprofit and educational sims. Then the discount was stopped. Gray's announcement means a partial reversal of this decision.

Gray wouldn't say how many groups would be given the offer, only "that we've extended this special offer to a targeted number." There is no process for nonprofit and educational groups, whether they still have their land or not, to ask for the 50% reduction, "There isn't currently a way to apply for this; it's a special offer … as part of our customer win-back efforts."

Hamlet called this development exciting news, as it could mean the return of some popular places that faded away due in part to the end of the discount. His enthusiasm wasn't shared by those commenting on his article. At best, people called it "a step in the right direction." Some however had some bitter comments, "will Linden Lab also (pay) for our teeth they kicked out, the surgery required to remove the knife from our back, and the trip to the eye doctor for the dirt they kicked in our face?" A thread started in the SL Universe forums, but as of the publishing on this article, there were just a few entries.

So what do you the readers have to say? Please enter comments below.

Source: New World Notes


Bixyl Shuftan

New Sim Available at Sunweaver Estates

Looking for a place to call home?  Looking for a place to setup shop?  Sunweaver Bay is new and open for business.  You can either setup residence, stores, or both. Come take a look and pick out your lots.  Just pay the rental boxes on the lots you want.

Contact Nydia Tungsten or Rita Mariner.

The Steelhead Salmons' Kickoff Party

By Jasmine Dawn Shuftan

 Well folks, the Steelhead Salmon's are at it again. They're taking no prisoners this time. Not even the Sheriff Fuzzball Ortega is safe. I hear through the grapevine that he's been locked up, and what do I find when I come to check it out? Why I see ole Fuzz locked up and a 4x4x6 cell. With bail set at 5000 Linden, and him still in his tiny little cell put on public display for all to laugh at, even throwing tomato's was authorized. I thought to offer a pair of scissors to help his "colorful" hairdo. Was digging them out till he started the Gangnam Style dance. Lucky for him, during the event here at Club Gearz, the locals all pitched together, raised the 5000L needed for his release.

Upon his release I asked if there was anything he wanted to say and his reply was that this year, the Steelhead Salmons is more about FUNraising than FUNDraising. Also that it's good to be free.

Within a few short minutes of the Sheriff's release another poor soul, Annechen Lowey, was locked up over slander, and accusations of bad fashion sense. Cost of release: another 5000L. This reporter beginning to fear that she might soon get locked up and unfairly accused of a bogus crime decided to flee the scene and town before these random lock-up's got out of hand. I was later informed that the lock-up event was running till well into the night (9 pm SLT).

Jasmine Dawn Shuftan

For Bixyl Shuftan's article, head to People. 

Reader Submitted: Relay For Life - "First Skunked Victim"

A reader submitted  picture from Bain Finch at a Relay Rap, when he took a picture of this guy in a skunk avatar. With the "Stinky the Skunk" jokes, Bain jokingly called him the "First Skunked Victim."

Cartoon of the Day

Taken in March 2008 at Luskwood.

By Bixyl Shuftan

News and Commentary: Relay For Life – Fashion For Life

DrFran Babcock took a look at the first big event in the Relay For Life following the Kickoff, the Fashion For Life. DrFran found much to like and admire, such as the detail of the builds of the Seven Wonders of the World. Unfortunately, there was also much to dislike, notably that in this charity event not everything was being sold with the proceeds going to the Relay.

Read DrFran's editorial in Events.

VMA Spring Build-Off Winners Announced

Grey Lupindo stopped by the Builders Brewery to check up on the Virtual Museum of Architecture's latest competition: the Spring Build-Off. This event was different than most other VMA competitions, and was concluded with an awards party.

Read Grey's story in Design.

Press Release: The SL Buddy Walk

PRESENTER: JL Zinner
WEDNESDAY March 13, 6pm SLT
The Sojourner Auditorium, Virtual Ability Island
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Last year there were 295 RL Buddy Walks. There’s also an SL Buddy Walk!

There is an Expo, March 17-30, to raise awareness. And on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, a live music festival. This presentation will give additional information about this year’s event.

PRESENTER BIO:
JL Zinner has been involved in the SL Buddy Walk since it started in 2008. She is also involved in the real life Chicagoland Buddy Walk for the past 10 years and serves on the Buddy Walk advisory board. Her main inspiration comes from her son who is 11 and has Down syndrome.

Presented in text and voice simultaneously.

Events This Week in Second Life March 12 to March 18

This mid-March means lots of events here on the Grid. There's the Fashion For Life south of the American Cancer Society sim, there's celebrations in the London sims, and of course it's St Patricks Day, with celebrations in several places. And of course there's our reguarly scheduled DJ and live music events, book & poetry readings, talk shows, church services, and races.

Read more in Events this Week.

A Day in Second Life

Grease Coakes had a chat with someone about a suggestion, and got the idea of putting the adventures he had in one day in Second Life down in an article. He picked Saturday in which he hopped around a few places, DJed at a couple clubs, and took part in a tail sale. It was one busy day for him.

Read Grease's story in Extra. 

The Relay For Life 2013 Kickoff

By Bixyl Shuftan

On Saturday morning at 10AM SL time, the Relay For Life in Second Life began their 2013 fundraising season. In the four sim area north of the American Cancer Society sim, many avatars gathered in the intersection. Attendance was over 180 in the four combined at times. For those who couldn't get on, the event was broadcasted live on T1 Radio. Much of the Committee was seated on stage, with maps of previous Relay tracks on the wall behind them.

 The Relay Committee addressed the enthusiastic crowd. They talked about their past success in the several years the Relay For Life has run in Second Life, mentioning that the total amount of cash raised was over a million and a half dollars, and expected the two million dollar mark to be reached this year. At one point one of the Committee talked about how some people expressed fear and suspicion about having friendships with people online, talking about "the stereotype of online romances," and how they were poked fun at in ways such as a movie where the producers claimed to expose "the truth." In the end, he thanked the crowd for their effort, "from a digital construct in a magical land, thank you for all you do."

Then came a cancer survivor, Lovencia,  giving her story. With her diagnosis came a hysterectomy, ending her hopes of becoming a mother. She hadn't heard of Second Life until six months afterwards, "I wish I had the friends then that I have here."

With all the avatars, performance on my viewer was less than idea. Only a small number of the avatars rezzed completely during the event. And a number of times the viewer froze, followed sometimes by the "thunk" noise that announced my disconnection. But this reporter persisted, and so did the Relayers. There were a number there that I recognized, the black unicorn Avariel Falcon, six inch avatar Lomgren Smalls whom was now leading his own team "Micro Madness," latex-dressed DJ Madonna Milena, Bain Finch in his cowboy hat, Vic Morrington in his satyr avatar, Dwen Dooley whom was the subject of a few "Dooley noted" jokes, Trader Whiplash, and others.

Besides the lag, there was one minor disruption in the form of a couple protesters who shouted against the idea of a "Fashion For Life" event. No one seemed to pay attention to them.

Near the close, the speaker told the crowd, "Thank you for being the determined foe of cancer that your are ... we hand this relay over to our teams." Then came a surprise. MamaP Beerbaum whom was known for her hard work in the past was inducted by the Committee into the Relay for Life "Hall of Honor." A number of people in the crowd responded with "We love Mama" gestures that had been passed around, and T1 Radio played a song in her honor, "When you're good to Mama, Mama's good to you." MamaP was at a loss for words, "My goodness. I am not an easy one to pull a surprise on. … I don't know what to say but thank you very much."

Staff planner Stingray Raymaker then read the names of the Relay teams, one at a time. One though had the name "Aliens Love Ta-Tas Too," of which he commented in chat, "Can you believe they made me say that?" Of which the crowd responded with a number of snickers. The Steelhead Salmons of the Steelhead Estates were number 18. Micro Madness and Sunbeamers, the teams to replace the Passionate Redheads, were 60 and 6 respectively. Following the list of teams, came songs such as "Go the Distance," "We Are the Champions," "We Are Family," and "We are the World."



With the Kickoff coming to an end, some people headed south to the Fashion For Life sims. Others went to the nearby "Cafe Du Kickoff" and the street area that went around the outer area of the four sims. Of the latter, Bain Finch commented, "OK I have to ask. How many of you notice these kick off sims has a road that looks like a Relay Track? And how many of you HAVE already made a few  laps already?" Some teams such as the "Cure Chasers" and "Dr. Who Fans" in Second Life had claimed a few of the buildings as shops.

And others continued to hand around and party, dance around to the music. This reporter had to leave after a while, but upon returning late that night at around 9PM found a small party going on courtesy of DJ Madonna. And the following day in Relay chat came an announcement from Bain Finch, "Guess what folks, RFL of SL just broke through the $100,000 mark." The response was a number of cheers, Madonna commenting, "Wow! Nice kickoff weekend. I never thought I'd see anything like this." "Amazing weekend, and another major page in the RFL of SL history books."

And so, the 2013 "100 Years of Hope" season of the Relay for Life in Second Life had begun. There was a big event to go to, the Fashion For Life. And teams were launching smaller events, such as the Steelhead Salmons' kickoff. The Relayers were hopeful for another successful year.

For those interested, a recording of the Kickoff can be found here: https://archive.org/details/2013_SL_Relay_for_Life_Opening_Ceremony. More pictures can be found on Flickr Here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=RFL%202013%20Kickoff.

Bixyl Shuftan

Pictures from DrFran Babcock

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the Relay For Life Kickoff

By Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Kickoff Today

At 10AM today, March 9th, the Relay For Life Kickoff event takes place. After months of preperation, the 2013 season begins with a huge celebration. This opening event takes place in a four-sim area, RFL Kickoff 1, RFL Kickoff 2, RFL Kickoff 3, and RFL Kickoff 4. This area is just north of the American Cancer Society sim (188, 252, 21).

Following the Kickoff, the Fashion For Life begins. This event takes place in several sims to the south. There are a number of interesting builds there, based on the Seven Wonders of the World.

SL Video: "ZeroG SkyDancers - 2nd Generation 2007"

Remember DrFran's article on the ZeroG Skydancers last month? Here's a video by Gary Hazlitt of a 2007 performance by them.

Press Release: Uberverse - A Real-Life/SL Crossover Event

Uberverse is a Second Life/Real Life crossover exhibition . . . being shown in both worlds simultaneously 8-30 March 2013.

The show features artists Morgana Nagorski, Kato Salyut and Sledge Roffo.

Morgana has been working with the gallery owner for some time putting this show together.

The opening event is 9:00PM - midnight SLT on Friday 8 March @ b1 sky gallery, purpose built for the event.

A link to the RL gallery http://www.ballaratart.com/index.php?pageID=1

The opening event will be streamed onto a big screen in the RL gallery . . . so dress in your most glamorous or most weird and wonderful and come and join us and strut your stuff so there is something impressive to be seen on that RL screen.

Even better . . .blog about it.

Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prism%20Lila/216/82/603

Bible Study at the "House of Prayer" Church

With Easter later this month, churches are more active than usual this time of year. And this includes churches in Second Life. Grease Coakes stopped by one, the "House of Prayer" church during its Bible study hour. There was singing, and much discussion as the group talked about God.

Read Grease's story in Places.

Ask DrFran: "A Friend in Need"

DrFran's latest column deals with two friends, a guy and a girl. With the girl already partnered, the two still have clean fun together on the Grid. But when her partner goes away, he's at a loss to help her out, and offering to date her doesn't seem to be an option. So what can he do? DrFran has a few answers.

Read DrFran's column in People.

QuickTips: "Getting a Home in Second Life"

The latest "QuickTips" video from Linden Lab shows off the pluses of owning a virtual home in Second Life, plus how to get one for "free" from the Lab - have a pay account. It does mention even if you're not a Premium, you can still have a home in Second Life.

Second Life Newser is sponsored by a few fine communities where one can get a home, Steelhead, Sunweaver Estates, and Angel Estates (the home of KVXN Radio).

SL Video: "Relay for Life 2013 / American Cancer Society"

From "TerminalEm," "Relay For Life, American Cancer Society - 100 Years of Hope" 

EOTB: Linden Labs "Update on Recent Improvements"

At the close of February, Linden Labs posted on their blog a list of improvements they felt they made on the Grid recently, "We have recently released fixes that improve the user experience and performance. Here's a quick progress update on some of the projects we've been working on."

First on their list was the CHUI Beta Viewer, or Communications Hub User Interface. This project had several goals, such as bringing "all communication functions and conversation text into a single window," keeping IMs from being lost, and being able to view chat transcripts.

For more  information, DrFran Babcock reviewed the CHUI Viewer, and her article can be read here. There's also a thread available in the official forums.

Also on the list was Region Crossing, "We have made several improvements to region crossing that allow a smoother transition between regions, instead of the jerky transition some users experienced in the past." The Lab stated this feature was installed on the Grid on Jan 25, and claims "the number of reported teleport failures has dropped by 91%."

An announcement by RacerX Gullwing about this month's upcoming Cross-Sim Giant Snail Race mentioned the region crossing improvements. RacerX stated when an avatar is on a sim, information comes in not just about the region it's on but also the four adjacent ones. So when one enters a new sim, the information's already partially downloaded. RacerX felt this feature would save quite a few headaches for the cross-sim races.

Also, there was "a new version of Marketplace" released on Feb 5, "which adds new emails and provides the ability to opt out of each type of email. This will allow Merchants and Shoppers to be better informed about Marketplace activity," in addition to improving the reliability of email deliveries. Finally, an improvement aimed at Macintosh users: the Cocoa Project Viewer. It now has updates "to streamline development and improve viewer performance." It is available for download in the SL Wiki "Alternate Viewers" page. This viewer is not available for PCs.

The Lab promised further improvements soon, including a viewer made for content creators in mind.

Cartoon of the Day

By Bixyl Shuftan

One Billion Still Rising

Last weekend, Gemma Cleanslate attended a discussion about last month's One Billion Rising event at Virtual Ability Island, where Saffia Widdershins talked to an audience. Gemma looks back at both the discussion and the event, and what she felt was accomplished.

Read Gemma's article in People.

The Heart of Gold Club

Grease Coakes has been a bit busy these days. Besides at the Green Meadows club, he's also been spinning the tunes at a place called the "Heart of Gold." So just what is this club and the people behind it? Grease has a few things to say about it.

Read Grease's article in Extra.

Press Release: "World Read Aloud Day" Refurbishment

Folks, as a result of the impending celebration of "World Read Aloud Day" hosted by SilverMoon and JacksonArthur, in SilverMoon's shop on March 6th, 12:30pm SLT, a beautification project will be undertaken on the immediate area. Trees will be planted, sidewalks paved and new signage erected in the area.

Further enquiries about the day's activities should be made to the organizers (see below). A competition for the renaming of the cul-de-sac will be held on the day. First prize $1000L, judged purely on merit, by Arton. No correspondence entered into. You must be present at the World Read Aloud event to enter.

 At the time of press, there is just one shop available to rent in this soon to be revamped prestigious area. Inspection invited :-)

Yours Arton :-)


==============

World Read Aloud Day
March 6, 2013 12:30 pm slt

Hosted by Silver Moon Unicorn and Jackson Arthur. We will be reading via voice chat or text chat and sharing the joy of reading. This event is on Book Island at Silver Moon's shop is in conjunction with LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day. Everyone is welcome to attend.


The Moon Publishing and Printing on Book Island
Book Island, (125, 208, 37)

http://litworld.org/worldreadaloudday/

Read It Forward on World Read Aloud Day:

Celebrate by reading aloud, giving away a book, or taking action in any way you can to Read It Forward on behalf of the 793 million people who cannot read.

Events This Week in Second Life March 5 to March 11

It's an eventful week on the Grid. Book Island has their "World Read Aloud Day" event. London City has their Spring Festival. The Relay For Life Kickoff takes place near ACS Island. And numerous other events take place across Second Life. And of course there are our regularly scheduled live and DJ music events, book and poetry readings, races, talk shows and discussions, and church services.

Read the list of happenings in "Events this Week"

Press Release: Relay For Life of Second Life Kickoff

The 2013 Relay For Life of Second Life season is ready to launch.  On Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 10am SLT, the Relay For Life Kickoff Celebration will be held on 4 special “kickoff” regions bordering the American Cancer Society Island.

More than 107 teams have pre-registered to participate in this year’s Relay For Life fundraising season in Second Life, but there is plenty of room for more.  Anyone who has registered, or is interested in registering a team is encouraged to attend the Kickoff Celebration to learn more about this year’s Relay For Life season.  If you are interested in learning more, contact Gem Sunkiller inworld, or you can join the Relay For Life Volunteers Group, or you can visit http://www.RelayForLife.org/secondlife.

The 2013 Relay For Life of Second Life theme matches that of the American Cancer Society’s 2013 campaign: Celebrating 100 Years of Hope.  

“2013 marks the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society.  Our teams voted last year to use this as an opportunity to align with the organization to celebrate the many successes that we’ve had over the last 100 years of fighting cancer...and to re-commit ourselves to doing as much as we can to finish the fight,” says Stingray Raymaker, American Cancer Society Manager of Digital Platforms.

The 2013 Relay For Life of Second Life Planning Committee is led by Chairperson, Nikki Mathieson and her two Co-Chairs, Dwen Dooley and Serina Juran.  To view the entire committee, visit http://www.RelayForLife.org/secondlife.

Relay For Life of Second Life Volunteers have raised more than $1.5 million USD since we began relaying in 2005.  

“We come together each March determined to make a difference.  Each July we line 40 sims of virtual track and celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost and re-commit to finish the fight.  Over the past 8 years we have walked more than 8000 miles of virtual track together.  It is the largest, most amazing event in Second Life, bar none,” says Nikki Mathieson.  “We welcome new Relayers, we need you!  We are friends, we are family, we are caregivers, we are survivors.. we are supporters. Come relay with us!  You can do that by forming a team, joining an existing team, becoming a 2013 Sponsor and by joining our group.  Visit our RFL warehouse by tping in to the American Cancer Society sim; check out our website for more info. Join with hundreds of incredible Second Life Relay volunteers, all united in this important mission that truly affects us all.  Prepare to be amazed at the awesome work being done right here in SL.  You'll never forget it!”

Getting involved in Relay is easy, says Serina Juran.

“Grab some of your friends and form a team,” she says. “You’ll meet a lot of fun, hardworking people and also get the satisfaction from helping a worthy cause. Teams can work together to raise funds and often do.”

Throughout the season, there are multi-team events to participate in that draw people from across the grid for exciting fun.

The Kickoff Celebration will showcase improvements made to the fundraising technology, some changes to the season activities, and an opportunity to learn about the American Cancer Society’s mission over the last 100 years.  

Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society.  Money raised in Second Life is automatically routed through our volunteers’ accounts and deposited directly into the Relay For Life’s holding account. “This ensures donation integrity while allowing our teams to receive recognition for their fundraising efforts,” says Stingray Raymaker.

Sponsors for the 2013 Relay For Life of Second Life include: Amaretto Ranch Breedables & Touched By Angels.

Reflection Island

Grey Lupindo recently had to temporarily move from her home community of Syzygy while renovations were being made. So she rented a place at Reflection Island. While there, she looked around, and found much to see and experience.

Read Grey's article in Places.

1.1 Million Linden Contest Announced by the UVA

On Friday March 1st, the University of Western Australia announced their "6th Machinima Challenge." For this contest ending on June 30th, there's a substantial prize.

We are happy to announce the 6th Machinima Challenge put forth by the University of Western Australia (UWA). The theme is 'Reflections'. Sponsored by the Parramatta City Council, MetaHarpers (Arhenn Oberlander), AviewTV, Freemason Magic & UWA the prize pool sits at L$1,100,000 (approx USD 4,500). We hope you are inspired by this to create many wondrous works as you have been through the years!

More details can be found on the UVA blog: http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/ .

The New CHUI – Chat Hub User Interface

By DrFran Babcock

Oh boy! I just happened to be in world when the notification for Maestro Linden’s Office Hours was announced in one of my group chats. Luckily, I remembered that they take place on the Beta Grid, so I logged in there, and ran to the meeting place. I hopped on a treadmill that was left there conveniently and settled in to see what was new in the Second Life Server. In all honesty, I rarely understand half of what the brainy folks there are talking about, but it is the place to be if you want to learn about new features that are being rolled out in the upcoming viewers.

 I had heard the term CHUI on some Second Life blogs, but didn’t know what it was, beyond thinking maybe it was something to eat (bad joke). However, Maestro, and in turn, Monty Linden explained that the Chat Hube User Interface was being unveiled in the Beta Viewer, and would become Prime Time if it checked out without too many bugs. I was excited to hear this news. The communications has always been a bit wonky on the viewer, and I was hoping that it would fix things up. Gone are the little “chiclets” on the top right that I was just getting used to. Instead, there is an all-in-one-place center for communication tasks and needs. Three areas have been affected by this change: The chat (Conversation Window), Friends List, and your Preferences.

Everything related to interacting in Second Life is now found in this window. It is so much easier to see when a group or individual chat is going on because the name flashes in a bright orange. (see the picture) What’s really nice is that everything is logged, and you can easily see what you have missed. All member of each group appear on a drop down underneath each group. You can resize the window, and hide or show the members, and conversations. Even cooler, you can look at complete chat transcripts within the viewer without going to your desktop.
I can’t tell you how many IMs and Group Messages I have lost since the viewer changed from Viewer 1. I think it’s nice that Linden Lab is listening to feedback from users.

In addition, local chat is docked in this window, and those of you who prefer local chat in a different spot on your screen can quickly detach it and move it away, or pop it back in there by clicking on Bring it Back in the window!

PREFERENCES

Perhaps the biggest change here is that instead of busy, there is now a Do Not Disturb option. You will not lose anything, because once you leave Do Not Busy you will receive all IMs, notices, and inventory that was held while you were busy.
You can determine the level of importance of IMs and messages in the Chat Section of Preferences, too.

FRIENDS LIST

The buttons are now moved to the top for easier access. A block button is conveniently located for those pesky griefers. You can also access the chat logs of people on your friends list from the list itself. Quite a handy feature when you want to remember the name of a store or find a landmark given to you by a friend.

If you want to try the new features, go to the Second Life Webpage and download the Beta Viewer. When I was at the Office Hours most folks were saying that they didn’t like the new CHUI. I do like it so far, and I am of the opinion that some people just don’t like change. Change for the better is always good change. Each person has their own beliefs about what’s good and bad, but I have to try for myself to know. I hope you will try it as well, and let me know what you think.

See Torley’s Video on the new tools: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8IUxCMyElU&feature=player_embedded

 

 

 

DrFran Babcock

SL Video: "The Drax Files: World Makers [Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann]"

Noted for his machinimas with Pooky Amsterdam, Draxtor Despress is moving on from his "Flufee" videos to his own show about Second Life: "The Drax Files." In his first episode, Draxtor interviews Kriss Lehmann, a builder specializing in botanical builds (trees) whose work eventually won the heart of a girl who became his partner.

Cartoon of the Day

This scene happened about six years ago in 2007, when some friends were messing around at a sandbox area, and one whom was a bit depressed at the time put this up in a bit of self-depreciating humor.

Ah those lazy days of earlier in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Furlem Shake"

From Turriaiheisia, "Yet another Harlem Shake video... or is it?" It probably reflects what a few people think of this Internet video craze.

Also seen on New World Notes, of which Hamlet Au wrote, "If you watch only one more Harlem Shake in SL video ..."

Farewell to Gracie Kendel's "Ce n'est pas une peinture"

Earlier this week, Gracie Kendel's "Ce n'est pas une peinture" was closed down. But a few days before the curtain closed, the artist held a party to celebrate it's success. So what is the creator of this and the "1000 Avatar Project" up to next?

Read more in Design.

SL Video: "Can't Stop Tutorial"

From Rifkin Habsburg, "Learn to play one of Sid Sackson's most popular games in Second Life." It's a "press your luck" style game in which you can roll as often as you like, but if you make a bad roll you loose all your progress that round.

SL Enquirer: "Extending an Emerald Hand Beyond the Virtual World"

We see movies about superheroes and wish the world had these costumed champions.  We look for good amongst all the challenges in real life.  Now, in a time when uncertainty seems to run so rampant; it’s good to know people are still at their best.  Just like that, a call for help is answered.  The popular sim Second Life continues to be a popular medium for virtual interaction.  Once again, The Green Lantern Core of Second Life (SL) has set their sights on another charity project.  This time their specific focus is for Community Outreach Programs. 

Read more Here.

News And Commentary: MTV's "Catfish" Looking For Second Life Couples

By Bixyl Shuftan

It was several weeks ago when the term "Catfish," meaning to create a fake Internet identity and trick someone into believing the identity is real, made the national news when a rising football star was exposed as being in an Internet relationship with a pretender. While many felt sympathy for the athlete, others expressed confusion, or ridicule. Of the latter, some posted pictures online of themselves sitting next to an empty seat at an event, or sitting at a diner table and raising a glass to an empty chair, saying they were on a date with their Internet friend.

With this only recently having faded from national headlines, I was surprised to come across the following announcement in the Linden blog.


MTV's "Catfish: The TV Show" brings together couples that have online relationships to meet online for the first time, often with surprising results as the differences between online personas and offline lives are revealed.

MTV is now casting the show's second season, and they're interested in hearing from Second Life users who have fallen in love inworld, and would now like to meet their love in person. If you're interested in being on the show, you can apply online here.

I couldn't help but wonder just what Linden Lab was thinking with this "Catfish." I hadn't seen the show, but I could certainly imagine it. And what I thought was something worthy of the worst of canned reality TV. I felt given how Second Life is often portrayed in real life media, I imagined producers with zero interest in the well-being of hopeful couples, and more interested in getting carwrecks for ratings, and smearing the Grid in the process.

In the Linden And SL Universe forums, there were threads on the matter. Most expressed skepticism, "I wouldn't touch these guys with a ten foot barge pole. … stations like MTV: they are not interested in proper reporting. They look for the seedy icky stuff … if necessary, they will invent and script stories to pad out the show." Blogger Botgirl Questi took it upon herself to actually see episodes of the first season before making a conclusion, and what she saw was different than expected.

I expected it to be an exploitive Jerry Springerish freak show. What I found was a thoughtful series with a well-intentioned host who helps messmate positive resolution for both parties. The show takes situations that conform outwardly to the sensationalized stories we hate, and respectfully reveals the underlying humanity.

With this kind of review, perhaps the Lab wasn't being as dumb as I initially thought.

Something not unlike this happened a couple years ago when Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network did a documentary on Second Life, Life 2.0, which included an inworld couple who decided to meet in real life. Most expected a positive review, though Oprah's good reputation may have helped in creating higher expectations. Many were satisfied with the results, though some were less than happy with what they saw. But the show didn't result in much change in people signing in, nor did other mainstream media pay any more attention than before either.

So perhaps "Catfish's" interest in Second Life isn't worth so much of our worry. Then again, I can't help but wonder if one episode that shows a freak show will once again result in the kinds of mockery displayed by those poking fun at Manti Te'o, only this time aimed at the residents of Second Life.

Hopefully nothing goes wrong, but I'm not holding my breath.

Bixyl Shuftan