The Relay for Life Season Kickoff

This weekend, the Relay Season "United We Relay" finally got started. The Kickoff took place at the appropriately named RFL Kickoff 1 and 2 sims. The Newser was there, and took a few pictures of the scenes.

Read the story in Events.

Reader Submitted: "A Peculiar Morning in Second Life"

I logged into SL with my admin avatar this morning as I usually do, when I need to get something done.

I landed on the Welcome Island, sat down on a comfy bench and proceeded to make some payments, when a newbie approached me and asked for help.

"How do I change my clothes?" He asked...

To make a long story short, I ended up giving him a two hour crash course on SL.

My admin avi is a female because it was made by Sikiu Torres (Shinya Tandino) and my new friend commented what a beautiful girl I was...

He then told me he was from the Middle East and told me not to worry because he was an atheist...

Lastly, he made it clear that it was ok for me to talk dirty to him.

I logged off.

Frolic Mills (Juan Delago)

"The Real Life Danger of Virtual Worlds" by Frolic Mills

Frolic Mills, the former editor of "The Best of Second Life" magazine, known as Juan Delgado in real life, recently posted a thoughtful commentary on Facebook on the subject of virtual reality addiction. Contacting him, he gave his okay for it's republication here.

* * * * *

Having lived my real life successfully out of virtual worlds for the past 10 years or so, I think qualifies me to write this essay about the potential dangers of virtual worlds. I always hear "expert" psychologists and other specialists (who have probably never even played an online game) say that it produces addiction, anti-social characteristics, withdrawal from family and friends and even, that it even encourages criminal behavior. I don't doubt for one bit that there is always going to be a minority percentage who will prove all of these studies right. Just like there is always a drug addict, an alcoholic, and a pill junkie we all know, I am sure there are people who surrender to the fascinations of virtual worlds to the point they have no desire to entertain the idea of the real world any longer, and even modify their real life behaviors accordingly. I get it, but I don't think it's the majority.

Most of us, virtual users, lead well balanced lives. We love our families, we go out when we want to, we participate in the real world just like the guy next door. But yes, and I admit it, if you want to be on top in any virtual world, you must put in a LOT of hours. No question about that. But the difference between wasted time and real life pleasure is always purpose, and here is where it gets confusing for the non virtual user "specialists". It is not the same that you spent 1000 hours killing virtual hookers with a car, than socializing to meet friends or even your real life spouse from a virtual world. It is not the same if you admired someone else's creation and spent a lot of money making your avatar beautiful, than being the creator of beautiful things and making a fortune thanks to your virtual artistic skills. It's not the same at all; However, all of these examples, have two things in common, for all virtual users. The first and foremost is entertainment value, and secondly, and the most dangerous one, is the idea that real life can be totally fulfilled from the comfort of your computer, just a few meters away. Again the difference between insanity and survival will always be measured by your purpose and the amount of time spent on it. It is crazy to spend sleepless nights killing mobs to the point you don't go to school next day; it is survival to spend sleepless nights creating a better virtual world, which in return aids to your real life economy or any other heart felt purpose, like love, helping victims or charity events. There are thousands of other examples of effect/cause in virtual worlds, but I will let each person reading this essay, decide where their cards fall.

So what is my point? Well, there is a danger that I have never heard anyone speak about, and that, in my opinion, is the underlying reason to all "virtual world behavior studies" and that is, the fear of loss of creative freedom.

Of course I know, virtual worlds give a false sense of accomplishment, I also know people sometimes get lost in their virtual fantasies, but this is not what I am talking about, these are not the people I am referring to. I am talking about really talented artists who were able to create amazing real life survival with their virtual creations. There is nothing comparable to the joy of successfully sharing one's own universe or viewpoint with millions, from the comfort of your bedroom. I am afraid that once this has been achieved and it is over; the real world, or any other world, will never be as interesting anymore. Very dangerous indeed!

Please keep in mind that even Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and other very successful virtual creators still have to leave their homes in order to get to work. It also seems like the world is fascinated with examples of how people started their great businesses from their garages or basements. Well how about this? Thousands of people I know made plentiful real life livings and even millions of dollars with their laptops by their side, while sipping coffee in their own beds, and all this, without the headaches of running a Forbes top 100 company. Fascinating - Isn't it?

Yes! But if you are in the top 1% who actually made it big in virtual worlds, and then lost this privilege for whatever reason, the world may never be the same for you.

What do you guys think?

Juan Delgado / Frolic Mills

Japanese Dance at the Fashion For Life

There's more going on at the "Fashion for Life" Relay event than just fashion shows. On Saturday March 21, there was a troupe performing a number of Japanese dances.

Among the dances was, " 'Soran Bushi'-a traditional Japanese dance from the northern most. It is fisherman's dance, representing the process of catching herring. This powerful dance uses one's entire body to express hard work."

"Fashion for Life" goes on until Sunday, March 29. The event is coordinated by Frolic Mills.

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Frolic Mills

For several years, the inworld magazine "Best of Second Life" entertained it's readers with it's pictures of ladies in fashionable dresses and stories about culture, society, and other subjects about the Grid. All this time, it was under the direction of the same owner: Frolic Mills. Less than a month ago, Frolic announced his decision to retire, and now the magazine is in new hands. In an interview with Bixyl Shuftan, Frolic had a few things to say about his time at the magazine, and why he felt it was time to move on.

Read the interview in People.

Casablanca Hotel

Grey Lupindo recently made a visit to the Casablanca Suites & Hotel Beach Resort, at the Casablanca Hotel sim. This luxury hotel is well detailed, where one can have a romantic dinner with a partner, rent a hall for a wedding, or rent a suite or penthouse and live in this one of a kind place.

Read Grey's article in Places.