Ten Years Ago: Ice Bucket Challenge

 

 It was about ten years ago an unusual fundraiser for a disease, turned social phenomena, had reached Second Life: the Ice Bucket Challenge. Originating as "the Cold Water Challenge" in early 2014 for various charities, such as hospice centers, by summer it had changed to the Ice Bucket Challenge with the focus becoming ALS, also known as Lou Gerigh's Disease, and quickly growing in popularity. There were numerous people dumping a bucket of ice cold water on their heads, naming several people to either do the same or donate to the ALS Association or other ALS related charities. Celebrities and politicians such as Weird Al Yankovic, Justin Beiber, LeBron James, and former President Bush would take part. Even Kermit the Frog took the challenge (video).

Like so many social phenomena, the Ice Bucket Challenge would eventually reach Second Life. Eventually people began creating scripted ice buckets, then douse themselves challenging friends to donate or do the same. While it might not be as inconvenient, or as freezing, as the real thing to those getting iced, it could be just as entertaining to those watching. A number of people would record their challenge on video, such as Kara Trapdoor, and Josie Anderton. Many would get dunked at a bucket set up at a wrestling association building, raising thousands of Lindens there alone.

And yes, yours truly would end up taking the challenge as well. 

It's unclear how many thousands of Lindens were raised in Second Life Ice Bucket Challenges. But the total amount raised worldwide was over 114 million dollars. In the words of the ALS association, it almost tripled the money raised for the charity and "dramatically accelerated" the fight against the disease.

Could a similar challenge come about ten years later for ALS in Second Life? Considering all of the "Bid Me Bald" events going on, one could. 

Have an ice day,

Bixyl Shuftan

Bat Masters Retiring From Live Singing

 

 

 Last night, November 30 at Nat's Jazz Club, live singer Bat Masters gave one of his final performances in Second Life, if not the last. He was retiring from performing music due to declining health.

Bat Masters has performed inworld for over a decade, at a variety of venues such as the Lavender Field. He was among the singers who performed over a decade ago in an event to support fellow musician Beth Odets when she was having surgery for brain cancer. For years he played the guitar. But with his nerve disorders, his profile stated that he had Primary Lateral Sclerosis that I was told had advanced to ALS.

There were over 70 people at the venue when I arrived. Linda Sautereau, who owns the club, told me at one point she saw 75, "He's one of the special ones in here. ... he is one of the nicest, kindest and most talented people I've met in SL and I've been here since 2007."

Bat's voice was somewhat rough, but he sang well, the last song being Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

At the event, there were many cheers and well-wishes. "We love you Bat!!" "Bat you are one Class Act." "I'm not crying, shut up!" "The entertaining won't cease entirely, but it is an honor to recognize your contributions as you experience a transition of phases most of us can only find unimaginable. Big love to you, Bat." Bat smiled, saying before leaving, "good night dear friends." Over the stream, he would say to his supporters, "Thank you for all you've done over the years."

Wherever Bat goes next, we wish him well,

 

Hat tip: JardenAlexis

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: Virtual Ability Presents Tucker Stilley Art Exhibit

 

Virtual Ability announces the opening of an exhibit by Tucker Stilley in the Cape Able Art Gallery on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, from noon to 2pm SLT.

Tucker is an artist in four genres: music, film, lifestyle and painting. This gallery show displays 20 of his works. Tucker has ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) which has resulted in progressive paralysis of his body as it leaves his mind and creativity intact. He has come to a deep understanding of the frailty of the human condition over the past 15 years.

Tucker has had a Second Life account since about 2005. Over the years, as his disease progressed, he has used a variety of assistive technology, not only to access Second Life, but also to create his art. Most recently he has used eye gaze technology.

However, now that he can no longer reliably control even his eyelids, he will not be able to attend the opening event. His sister Kate Stilley Steiner, a documentary filmmaker, will be available to respond to questions. Music for dancing will be provided by DJ Suln Heartsong.

Treasure Ballinger, curator of the Gallery, said, "As estate manager for Cape Able, and a member of the Virtual Ability Executive Team, I'm honored to facilitate the exhibit by Tucker Stilley.  His love of art is apparent, as well as his obvious determination to 'get it done'.  Welcome to Excellence!"

The general public is reminded that if you are unable to attend the gallery opening on Tuesday between noon and 2pm SLT, you can visit the sim at any time during January to see this impressive exhibition.

The SLURL to the Cape Able Art Gallery is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cape%20Able/115/121/23

For more information about Tucker Stilley and views of other collections of his artwork, please see his website: http://www.tuckerstilley.com/About-the-artist.cfm

For information about amyotropic lateral sclerosis: https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als

Virtual Ability promotes the Ability of persons with DISability by showcasing artwork by artists with disabilities. For more information about Virtual Ability, please see our website: https://virtualability.org

 

Gentle Heron

A Busy Weekend

It was quite a weekend in Second Life. The Roman community held it's Lupercalia festival, several events over two days. The Science Circle had a couple discussions. Second Life artist Bryn Oh put up a work of hers for auction at an ALS benefit (pictured above). A new theater opened to show a classic play. These and more happened this weekend. We'll get to some of them in detail when we have a moment to write about them.

Bryn Oh's "Music And Art Event For ALS" Today

Bryn Oh is offering one of her artwork creations up for auction to raise money for a charity for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's Disease). She explained the details in her blog, giving a personal account of her father's mobility gradually taken by the disease, "like this bird.  Flying, making song and forever on the move until suddenly a string catches its foot.  It gets more and more trapped until eventually all is taken from it."

"The work is simply called "To Dad, Love Bryn" and all proceeds from its auction go to  AISLA Onlus.  If you wish to donate, listen to music or bid on this work then here is the slurl.  The event begins tomorrow at 2pm SLT with Lisa Brune performing and will have various musicians and DJs until February 28th when the auction and event closes.  There are three other wonderful artists involved with original artwork you can bid on as well, Mistero Hifeng, Solkide Auer and Kicca Igaly."

The event, at 2PM, takes place at: Sandstorm (133/141/3906) .

Still More Ice Bucket Challenge Pictures

There's been fewer Ice Bucket Challenge videos coming out on Facebook and Second Life chat, so it seems the fundraiser for ALS funding turned social phenomena may be finally running it's course. So here's a few more pictures which just might be our last ones.

C-Wing, who'd I'd known to come by Club Zero Gravity sometimes, decided to take up the challenge if I took a picture. So I did. Unfortunately, there was a catch. Among the three people he nominated was me, which I did, though there was a twist.

Someone else C-Wing would nominate was a pony avatar with a number instead of a name. He reffered to him as "forty-eight."

And the result was one shivering pony.

And finally came this picture of my neighbor from the now gone Woodlin community, Ekedo Phang. Being in a microfox avatar, his options for the Ice Bucket Challenge were somewhat limited. He sent this picture over, saying for him the challenge was not a dunking, but a freezing-cold bath.

And so goodbye to the Ice Bucket Challenge, at least we think this is the last of the pictures and videos. You're provided many entertaining moments, albeit at the expense of a little dignity, and provided millions in money for ALS research.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Willow Leafstorm ALS Ice Bucket Challenge "

(Click here if the video fails to load)

From Willow Leafstorm, "Willow Leafstorm takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in Second Life on the stage of The Green Fairy Cabaret."

Cartoon of the Day: The Ice Bucket Challenge

Well, after showing a number of videos of people taking the "Ice Bucket Challenge" in Second Life, it wasn't long before I was nominated myself by C-Wing, an occasional visitor to Club Zero Gravity. Well, as stated before, I just don't simply do something. And after a little thought, I came up with the cartoon idea above.

So I finally took the plunge, but not as a fox but as a feline. So here's your shivering ice cold wet kitty picture.

I haven't seen as many challenge videos in the past few days as last week, so it's possible the Ice Bucket Challenge may finally be starting to lose steam. It hasn't been without criticism, notably people wondering why do we need gimmicks to raise awareness and money for a disease. But the result has been millions more raised for ALS. Gimmicky or not, the results speak for themselves.

The challenge is still available to be taken at Alpha Centauri (164/173/28), and possibly other areas.

Bixyl Shuftan

Second Life Ice Bucket Challenge: Sassy Vixen

(Click here if the video fails to load)

From Sassy Vixen, "My SL version of the ALS ice bucket challenge. I nominate: Jenny Kinsella, Foxie Dinzeo, Rainy Foxtrot, Summer Amaranth."

Second Life Ice Bucket Challenge: Josie Anderton

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Josie Anderton, "I was nominated on my Flickr account to do the Ice Bucket Challenge.... so I did.
Don't for get this is all in aid of ALS so please check out their web site http://www.alsa.org/

"And if you are in the UK you can donate TEXT: ICED55, followed by the amount to: 70070."

Second Life Ice Bucket Challenge: Ayane

(Click here if the video fails to play)

Filmed by Lyra Phoenix

Second Life Ice Bucket Challenge: Deesire Rage

(Click here if the video fails to play)

Filmed by Lyra Phoenix

Curt Bombastic Speaks About The Ice Bucket Challenge

As the "Ice Bucket Challenge" has gone from an offbeat charity event to pop culture, it has made it's way into Second Life. One place where one can take it here in virtual reality is the SL Wrestling Community HQ building, where one can find a bucket, animation, and one of the personel to make a recording. Second Life Newser talked to one of the wrestlers there, Curt Bombastic, whom was more than happy to talk about how the challenge was providing some good publicity, as well as being for a good cause.

Read more in People.

Second Life Ice Bucket Challenge: Kara Trapdoor

(Click Here if the video fails to play)

From Kara Trapdoor, "http://www.alsa.org/news/archive/als-ice-bucket-challenge.html So I couldn't resist trying this in SL.  It's for a good cause, so I figured I'd do a shout out to SL and see if anyone is interested in doing a photo, gif, video or stop-motion like I did here, list the sim too so we all get to see some favorite sims in the process. I tagged a few people at the end who I know like to explore and might be up for the challenge.  I'm sure everyone can do a better one than this one I did late at night... let's see them!!"

Hat tip Daniel Voyager's Blog

Second Life Ice Bucket Challenge: Tahisha Fairplay

(Click Here if the video fails to play)


By Frewpy McNasty, "Tahisha Fairplay Stopped by to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in Second Life. She wants to challenge Emily Shiva, Kyle Wolf, and Debb Cammarata."

SL Video: The "Ice Bucket Challenge" Comes to Second Life

By now, most of you have probably heard of the "Ice Bucket Challenge," people dumping buckets of ice water over their heads while recording it on video as a way to promote awareness of the disease ALS and donating money to research of it. Having gone viral, numerous personalities have taken the challenge, including Bill Gates, former President George W. Bush, Hulk Hogan, and Kermit the Frog. For ALS research, the challenge has been a great success with many times their normal total coming in.

It was probably only a matter of time before the challenge reached Second Life.



(Click here if the video fails to load)

Tadeu Gartner's video is in Brazilian Portuguese, but the message is clear.

Do any of you the readers want to follow suit? Come up with your own "Ice Bucket Challenge" video, and if we like it, we'll show it here. And if you do a real-life one, please include your avatar name. Oh, and if you're from California, you might want to do an SL video only as the authorities are not too happy about anyone there doing the challenge in the middle of a drought.

Mankind Tracer to Perform at 60 Sim Concert

This Sunday, noted Second Life musician Mandkind Tracer will be making music across the Grid in what is billed as a sixty-sim concert.

"Acclaimed SL musician Mankind Tracer will be playing 60 sims simultaneously on Nov. 6 in what is billed as "the largest ever multi-sim live concert event in Second Life's history." Fifty percent of proceeds at the event, held noon-2 p.m. (Pacific), will be donated to help research for Lou Gehrig's Disease. More info: http://on.fb.me/ru7YM9 "

The Destination Guide lists the main venue at Good Day Sunshine (145, 57, 21)