Announcement: Thank You From Virtual Ability

The Virtual Ability Executive Team is sad to share with you that our dear friend and highly valued, long time volunteer, Ladyslipper Constantine, has passed away in real life. 

We are planning a memorial service for her soon, and will keep you updated on that process. 

As Ladyslipper’s long time real life friend, I’d like to personally thank those of you who made an effort to show your love for her, and be present during her illness, via her CaringBridge site that her real-life family set up.   And for those of you who could not, but loved her, all the same.

Thank you for the love; she felt it.  She sent me an email a couple weeks ago, the last one I got; she said she loved me.  That was all.  It was enough.  She also loved all of you, Virtual Ability, Second Life and all the other groups here that she was such a vital part of.   Thank you for loving her back. 

Treasure Ballinger
Virtual Ability,® Inc.  Executive Team

* * * * *

UPDATE: There was a message shared inworld, sent from Virtual Ability, inviting residents in SL who knew and loved LS.

There will be a Celebration of Life hosted by Virtual Ability for Ladyslipper Constantine on Saturday, Oct 1 at 11am SLT, on the northeast lawn of Virtual Ability island.

The celebration will begin with some of her friends offering memories in text+voice, because LS was part of the deaf community in SL.

A slideshow will display photos of the many events LS participated in. If you have SL images, please send them to iSkye Silverweb for inclusion. There will also be music and dancing. LS loved a good party!

Celebrate Ladyslipper’s life with us. For more information, please contact Gentle Heron, Eme Capalini, or Treasure Ballinger in world.

 Source: Daniel Voyager

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the Green Fairy's Pirate Party. If you don't get the joke, chances are, you'd rather not know.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Gaming Island

It's been years since Linden Lab's gambling ban, but one can still find games that offer the look and feel of such games. These are called "skill games" because the makers of them say at least some measure of skill can help a player's chances of winning. Recently Linden Lab opened up a place, Gaming Island, saying the location will help educate residents about skill games. So how does the place do so?

Read more in Design.

"Thanks Again To Everyone" "Sabrina Online" Internet Comic Ends After Twenty Years

For many of us, comics are a favorite part of the newspaper. So when the Internet and World Wide Web was coming of age in the 1990s, some artists began drawing and publishing comic strips on a regular basis. Most would last only a few years before the cartoonist either ran out of ideas or real life made it too difficult to keep up his/her schedule. But others would keep going. Among one of these first online comics to gain a following was "Sabrina Online" by Eric Schwartz. Starting off with a girl connecting to the Internet, the strip went through a number of plots and tales of Sabrina and her friends.

On September 15, twenty years to the month after the comics first went up, Schwartz uploaded the last of the strips, Sabrina marrying her boyfriend, followed by a message.

'Sabrina Online' first appeared on the web on September 15, 1996. It seemed fitting to bring the strip to a close twenty years to the day later, ending with a bang (of sorts) rather than keeping the strip plodding along month to month indefinitely without any focus or goal. I want to thank all of Sabrina's readers and fans out there, whether you've been there from the start or discovered the strip more recently. You all are the power that helped me keep the comic rolling as long as it has. While all good things must end, Sabrina, R.C., Zig Zag, Amy, and everyone else are not gone. It's only the regular monthly strip that is completed, but new stories and works from the Sabrina-verse will pop up from time to time. Just drop by for news and info, whether on this site, Furaffinity, or elsewhere. Thanks again to everyone. I can only hope you enjoyed the two-decade ride anywhere near as much as I did.

Over the years, the strip has gotten Schwartz a number of fans, inspiring a great deal of fanart and some fanfiction, and been translated into several languages. Some fans led by Cindy "Zig Zag" Babii, built in Second Life a "Double Z Studios," also called "ZZ Studios," named after the place where the title character of the comic ended up with a job as the webmaster. The place is still around today at Sheridan (64, 145, 2500).

 The comic itself can be found at sabrina-online.com. Be aware that the strip rates a PG-13 as while there's almost no profanity and no real nudity, it does touch on adult topics. That the strip got a bit edgy without going past a certain boundary (much), was likely part of it's appeal, along with the quality of the art and characters.

It should be noted Schwartz stated while this is the conclusion of "Sabrina Online," he will be doing more tales later on of the characters "from time to time." So fans should be hearing more about the Amiga and Transformer loving skunkgirl soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

Nominations Sought For Last Avi Choice Awards

The Avi Choice Awards, who brand themselves as "the premier annual awards presentation recognizing the people and talent of SL’s™ amazing creations, chosen and voted on by SL™ residents," are once again accepting submissions. However, this will be the final time the awards will be done, at least in their current form.

As announced during last year’s Avi Choice Fashion Awards, we are retiring the Awards, as we know them.  We are talking about continuing our mission forward in some way ...  But for now.. we have an announcement to make! On December 4th, 2016 we will host one more Avi Choice Awards!  The GRAND FINALE!  This one will take us back to the early days of our Awards when we had one program a year celebrating as many recipients in all three genre’s as we could.

 There will be some special mentions and moments as we all say our goodbyes to what has become an amazing part of Second Life history.  This program will be the conclusion of the Avi Choice Awards, as we know them.  It’s been a good run and we could not have done it without support and cooperation and input from the amazing virtual community known as Second Life.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Awards are in three categories: Fashion, The Arts, and SLife.

Among the categories for Fashion are clothing, avatar, avatar accessories, and jewelry stores and makers.

The categories of The Arts include "Favorite Magazine, Newspaper, or Periodical," Favorite Radio Station, Favorite Male DJ, Favorite Female DJ, Favorite Streamed Music Club, Favorite Machinima Artist, and more.

For SLife, which has the most selections, categorizes include Favorite Furniture Maker, Favorite Sim to Explore, Favorite Place to Take a Date, Favorite Shopping Region, Favorite Roleplay Sim, Favorite Second Life Blog or Website, and Favorite Second Life Blogger.

Residents have until Wednesday October 12 to cast their votes. Going through the guidelines, there doesn't seem to be any rules against voting for someone or something in multiple categories.

The Second Life Newser fits the "Favorite Magazine, Newspaper, or Periodical" in "The Arts."  But the several sections qualify for "Favorite Second Life Blog or Website" in "SL Life." Bixyl Shuftan and Becly "Sha" Shamen qualify for votes in "Favorite Second Life Blogger," also in SL Life. The Newser has been nominated twice in the Avi Choice Awards, but has yet to win first place in getting an award.

So the Second Life Newser asks you the readers for your support for the Awards.

Bixyl Shuftan

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs

It's another week of events at the Sunweaver clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Best in "E," School Daze, Turning Purple

Happy Vixen: Pirates, Skunked, Mice, Horse and Pony

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Commentary: "Drawing Board"

Becky Shamen's latest article is not about a specific person, place, or event in Second Life, but a commentary. Second Life, she feels, could be much more than a virtual location for people to meet up. But the good that people do here could very well succeed in bringing about what idealists in the 60s and 70s aspired to: a true "Age of Aquarius."

Read Becky's commentary in Extra.

LadySlipper Constantine Passes Away

For a number of years in Second Life, LadySlipper Constantine has been active in One Billion Rising, Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education, and Second Life Birthday events, but has been best known for her role as a member of Burn2 and it's DRUM group. On Saturday September 17, she passed away from cancer. The news was announced on "The Lamplighters" blog the following day.

With a heavy heart we share news about a much-loved Elder, Lamplighter, Fire Dancer and longtime Burner, Ladyslipper Constantine. Yesterday the 17th of September, after a valiant fight against cancer, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. She will be dreadfully missed, but we shall treasure our memories of this deeply passionate Burner. She takes a bit of our Lamplighter fire with her into the next life.
 

On Sunday morning as word got around, there was an impromptu gathering of residents at the Cape Serenity Library in Virtual Ability. Gentle Heron and Any1 Gynoid were among those there. "It is times like these that the most articulate among us struggle for words to explain our feelings," Gentle spoke, "But sitting together, we share those feelings even without words."
 
"She had lots of animals," Îsabel (alysabelle) spoke of LadySlipper, "she loved the critters, and she would make the sim seasonal when it was time. ... I felt she was like a virtual mom to me. She gave me courage. ... I have taken all I learn here and applied to my own real life."

"I also worked DRUM with her," Dream Wrexan told, "We were part of a Wednesday/Sunday circle together. She was my building and performance mentor. She loved to build as others were saying.
The breadth of her influence is amazing."

The Library can be reached at Cape Serenity (77/108/23). iSkye Silverweb, LadySlipper's friend, is collecting screenshots of her for a memorial service later this week.

In February this year, the Newser interviewed LadySlipper. The interview can be read at: 
http://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2016/02/interview-with-ladyslipper-constantine.html 


Bixyl Shuftan


* * * * *

LadySlipper Constantine and I first became friends when we were both Burning Life Members. We were Rangers together for several years for the event. She was a wonderful person, kind but firm, and loads of fun. LS, as she came to be called in recent years worked with me also in the Second Life Birthday events where again we shared many good times and laughs. Her main passion in Second Life was The Drum, a  percussion group made up of deaf people that performs at many events. It is with great sorrow to many and to me to hear that she passed away after a short illness . She will be sorely missed . My heart goes out to her real-life family. Bixyl did an interview with her last year at my request. To me she is and will always be Lady. Our last conversation in June when she was already ill.  

[2016/06/11 08:19] LS (Ladyslipper Constantine): Ok, I need to go, and bring in my VAI alt to pay the sim's tiers to VAI

[2016/06/11 08:19] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): o bye for now good to see and talk

[2016/06/11 08:19] LS (Ladyslipper Constantine): as always good to vent and chat with you

[2016/06/11 08:19] LS (Ladyslipper Constantine): hugsss

[2016/06/11 08:19] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): thanks

Gemma Cleanslate

Press Release: Halloween Writing Contest in Trotsdale

It is time once again for a writing contest with the Intersim Library Network. This is open to everyone within Second Life. If you are coming to us via the forum or website first, then please join Second Life in order to be able to receive your prize if you are chosen as a winner.

Suggested Theme: Halloween, Spooky, Harvest, or anything appropriate to this time of year.

Suggested Length: 2,000 word maximum

What: Poetry or short story

Deadline: Oct 31, 2016

Examples: www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/boo-scared-you#.qeP8K3WVv

Number of submissions: up to 3 per person!

How to submit:
1. Via notecard at one of the following locations in the dropbox

Library, Trotsdale Heights (22, 156, 24)
Derpyland Giftshop, Derpyland (54, 224, 21)
Astral Coalition, Computer (29, 185, 21)

or
2. In a reply on this thread after you have made sure your entry is ready to post.
http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net/thread/23/halloween-2016-writing-contest

What we are looking for:
Please no one liners. We will be judging on structure, recognizable characters, dialog, setting, tone, style, and point of view. It is suggested that you also have proof read and edited your submission(s) before turning them in. All submissions must be suitable for PG 13.

Prize:
Starting pool: 615$L
The amount of $Lindens to be distributed will depend on what is in the prize pool. Hanaarashi Resident will be the holder of the funds. To contribute to the prize pool you can send $L to Hanaarashi Resident, or tip the jar at the dropsites by the submission boxes. If you'd like to donate an item prize (ex: shop gift card) for this or future contests then please send a note to me on this forum, or to Amehana Ishtari (Amehana Arashi) on Second Life. There were 115$L build up in the account from percentages of sales I send there (this way I make sure I donate bit by bit on top of other donations) and I dropped another 500$L in to start the pool well.

Number of winners: Up to two!
Judge's Choice winner
Popular Choice winner

Judging:
People's Choice Award - After the close of the submission period Amehana will make sure that all entries (both via forum and SL notecard) are posted in this thread. A poll will then be set up to allow the People to choose their favorite entry.

Judge's Choice Award - After the close of the submission period Amehana will ensure that all chosen fellow judges have access to all the stories. Judging deadline is yet to be set. Judges will then give their vote as to who they feel the winner should be.

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the Happy Vixen. Sometimes, you never know who might be listening in.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: "The Future of the Metaverse: Blueprints for the Evolution of Virtual Worlds"

CRL-VWIG Meeting for Sunday, September 18, 2016

Noon - 2pm SLT - joint session with ALA Virtual Communities in Libraries MIG:
CVL Auditorium: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/26/140/24

Speaker:  William Gerard Burns III, Vice-Chair IEEE Virtual World Standards Group

Program:  The Future of the Metaverse: Blueprints for the Evolution of Virtual Worlds

This presentation will provide an overview of the history of virtual worlds and phases of development. Defining the "Metaverse" and a glimpse into the future of virtual worlds will include interoperability and other key elements of design.

Join librarians, educators, and anyone interested in virtual worlds and the future of immersive learning.  The session is jointly sponsored with the ALA Virtual Communities in Libraries

Member Initiative Group.

SL Video: "PSY Gentleman Dance"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Schiheih Gong on June 2013, "CyberLink PowerDirector 10 Output File." Looks like there's a few anime fans in this dance line-up, including three with "Attack on Titan" weaponry.

Discussing September 11 at Virtual Ability

September 11 had many stories. But what about those of those whom were disabled whom were caught up in it. On the fifteenth anniversary of the attack, there was a discussion at Virtual Ability. Shyla (KriJon Resident) might have shown up in a comical-looking gecko avatar, but her message was a serious one. Many times someone whom was disabled was referred to as "the man in the wheelchair" or some other phrase that left out the identity. But there was something else she found more troubling. The evacuation plans of many places fail to take into account the disabled. Deaflegacy was there, and reported about the discussion.

Read Deaflegacy's article in Events. 

"My Father's Place" at Aero Pines

In Aero Pines Park, there's a new music venue one can go to: "My Father's Place." The location is a  tribute to it's real-life counterpart which hosted a few thousand musicians over the 70s and early to mid 80s, including some famous ones. Here, you can  read up about the real location, do trivia, and attend "live mixed-reality shows" broadcasted from New York.

Read more in Places.

"Conflict Resolution"

It's been stated before that the biggest source of troubles for people is, other people. No matter how much you try to get along, it seems that sooner or later you run afoul of someone. In her newest article, MajikVixen talks about how to deal with the other parties in disputes and a few tips in resolving them.

Read MajikVixen's article in People.

Fantasy Dreams At Theater On The Hill

Dance show group***Fantasy Dreams**

Magical and beautiful stories.

The romance and beauty of music.

Director&Choreography: Ness (donotgivemyself)

Director designer: Urfin (Valtum)

Producer: Laura Jierdon.

I was able to get over to see the performance of the wonderful Fantasy Dreams dance group at the Theater on the Hill (TOTH) on Saturday. It was filled with wonderful scenery by Urfin and great choreography by Ness (donotgiveofmyself). I have seen their shows before so always enjoy seeing a new one. It was an eclectic collection of scenes from a sensuous dance to a barnyard western dance and then to startling light filled spectors making figures in the air as they twisted and twirled. The settings are always amazing as are the costumes each different and fitting the setting. It is a wonderful group of dancers and I look forward to seeing them again soon. 

Fantasy World is the name of the show.  I also wait notices from the TOTH as they always have great shows there and I love the grounds.  http://slnewserdesign.blogspot.com/2016/04/theater-on-hill.html , an article I did in April about the Theater and the grounds.

Ness told me they will be performing the show again on the 17 and 24^th of September at the Club "NOVUS " and Theatre "Fantasy Dreams" at 11am slt  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Oceanica/153/180/3509

Gemma Cleanslate

Announcement: "UoH - Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds"

University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy Presents:
"Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds"

By: Dr. J.D. Armstrong
Friday, Sept 16th at 9:30 PM PDT
Institute for Astronomy - U. Hawaii Astronomy Amphitheater: 

Alliance, Chaminade University (49, 205, 4002)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/CUH%20Alliance/49/205/4002

And on the web: http://tinyurl.com/ifamaui

Scientists have discovered thousands of “exoplanets” - planets orbiting other stars. These new worlds could harbor new life and new civilizations. But when we look at stars with even the most powerful telescopes we see only a point of light. Somewhere in that point of light is the planets that scientists claim to detect. How can we tell from just a point of light that there are planets, their size and mass? If these planets exist, what does it tell us about the possibility of any cosmic neighbors?

Picture of the Day: Remembering September 11

Taken at the Stagg Island 9/11 Memorial on Sunday, Sept 11. A man in a Captain America avatar looks at the waterfall symbolizing one of the two twin towers of the World Trade Center.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Memorial Service at Stagg Island

Sunday was the 15th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people. In Second Life, there was a service held at the Stagg Island 9/11 memorial. Among those there was Newser reporter Deaflegacy.

Read Deaflegacy's article in Events.

Art by Nature to Close

 The "Art by Nature" art gallery will soon be closing down. Anibrm Jung, the owner, recently released a statement about his decision.

With pain in my heart if have to let you know that I will close Art by Nature. It has been here for a long time now. Having no visitors, so no income, made me decide to close it. It really took me a long time to decide this and still now I write you this with tears in my eyes. If you want to have a last look, please do so.

Taking a look around, there were a number of pictures around on two floors, as well as a sculpture. There was also a notecard with some information about the artist.

Anibrm Jung is a RL award-winning photographer for her sensitive and vibrant portraits of nature's works of art. Using only natural light and her Nikon D60 digital camera she captures the intimate detail of the life bursting forth in her garden. Framing at the viewfinder, Ani uses no cropping or image manipulation, allowing us to see exactly as she sees and to feel the closeness to nature that is her joy. Ani, 42, is from the Netherlands and has been active in SL since December, 2006 as an artist.

Art by Nature is located at Pueulla (240, 45, 21)