Commentary: Is Furry Discrimination Widespread? Probably Not

 

Recently in the SL Enquirer, there was an article about the discrimination those who prefer furry avatars face, going as far as to call them "the most hated community" in Second Life. There have been tales of discrimination against furs in SL for years. But how much could most expect to encounter? My own personal experience suggests: maybe not too often. So in response, a commentary of my own.

Read the story in People.

 

SL Enquirer Editor Involved in "Karen" Incident

 

 Note: Comedy article, it didn't really happen.

 Lanai Jarrico, the editor of the Second Life Enquirer, can't seem to enjoy a simple coffee in peace these days.

The editor of the publication had supposedly gone into a Starbucks when she was harassed by a "Karen Smithstofferson" who proceeded to accuse her of shoving her and began verbally badgering her, calling her a bad journalist, making a 911 call and complaining to the police she'd been assaulted. Lanai got her coffee and left, but the indignant woman continued to hassle her. Finally the editor whacked her with a rolled up newspaper (presumably hers), fed up with her personal space getting constantly invaded. The verbal assaulter fell onto the sidewalk, dazed. 

 

Police arrived finding Lanai and a third woman giving first aid to Karen, who then proceeded to accuse the editor of assaulting her with a baseball bat. After talking to other witnesses, the policeman told Karen he was letting Lanai go with a warning, then proceeded to arrest the whacked woman for dialing 911 for a non-emergency. Then Enquirer would report someone at Starbucks would give Lanai a lifetime supply of virtual coffee for doing something about "the rash of Karenism spreading like wildfire across various Starbucks, Walmarts, Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walgreens, Taco Bells, Hobby Lobby, and numerous Hair and Nails Salons."

 

To read the story in the SL Enquirer, Click Here.  

The preceding was a fictional story intended as humor and entertainment. 

Musician Paul Nowles Has Died

Second Life musician Paul Nowles has passed away. The news was announced by the Second Life Enquirer yesterday that he had died Thursday July 7. Paul had been an active live musician on the grid for a number of years, performing at places such as Veterans Isle, Raglan Shire, Patriot Island, Club Lion, The Firestorm Gateway, and others. This included numerous charity events, as well as for memorial tributes.

The Second Life Enquirer would say of him, "Paul was a beautiful soul who shared his talent with fans across the grid. Not only was he a great entertainer, but he was also kind and a dear friend to not only us but to many. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. He will be missed by many."

The Enquirer would reprint a September 2020 interview, which can be read (here).
 

SL Enquirer: "Get The Freight Out"

There's a new game in Second Life that people on the Newser team have seen people play: "GTFO" or "Get The Freight Out." In this game, the player takes a truck, plane, or boat (limited to certain brands) and transports goods. Seersha Heart of the SL Enquirer wrote an article about the game, and why she finds it interesting.

Read Seersha's article in the SL Enquirer.

Commentary: Support Open Internet Rules: Net Neutrality and What It Means

By Lanai Jarrico

On April 26^th, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a plan to undo the 2015 rules that implemented net neutrality by reclassify internet service providers as common carriers and reversing Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 in favor of paid prioritizing.  

This plan will be voted on by the FCC - May 18^, 2017.

What is Title II & Net Neutrality?

 

Net Neutrality is essentially the pipeline via the internet, meaning your cable internet, LTE wireless (phone) internet or however you are receiving information via the internet. 

 

Internet providers are not allowed to arbitrarily choose favorites in terms of the content that you consume.  For example, if you like to use a particular search engine and your roommate or family members’ likes to use others competing search engines.  A search engine they use could have the power to pay your internet service provider to choose what you use.

 

Internet companies should not have the right to pay your internet provider to slow down their competitor search engines and choose which ones run faster.

Title II net neutrality prevents Internet Service providers (ISPs) from limiting or manipulating the choices you make online. It also creates a level playing field so that larger companies cannot undermine small companies before they can grow and expand.

 What does it mean for internet users like you if internet neutrality is not enforced?

It means that you basically will have no control over your internet due to your provider choosing favorites because they are getting paid more by one competitor over another. For example in terms of a virtual world resident, if you like gaming on your favorite platform *coughs* Second Life *cough* and another virtual platform that may not offer the same options you like pays your provider more. It will slow down (LAG) your choice and give faster service via an internet fast lanes on the other competing platform. *GASPS*

If it matters to you to have open internet freedom, the FCC is taking public comments and will write rules to either reinstate open internet or damage our internet freedom.

  Go to www.gofccyourself.com and be part of restoring internet freedom and the unfair targeting of small starts ups. It is a direct link to the FCC proceedings page. Under 17-108 “Restoring Internet Freedom”, select express and fill out the form.  

 

Comment directly to Ajit Pai, the chairman of the FCC that you specifically support strong net neutrality backed by Title II oversight of Internet service providers.

Everyone who has a following such as a blog, social media outlet or any other way to spread the word should get involved in this movement and share this post!!

May 18^th is fast approaching!

To everyone who believes in and participates in net neutrality, thank you for supporting open internet freedom.

Lanai Jarrico
Title II: Communications Act of 1934 http://transition.fcc.gov/Reports/1934new.pdf

 

Reprinted with permission from the Second Life Enquirer

Second Life Enquirer Turns 12

A couple days ago on May 9, The publication Second Life Enquirer celebrated their twelfth anniversary. It was also the rezzday of it's founder and owner Lanai Jarrico. Having gotten her start in the now closed "The Sims Online" virtual world, she came to Second Life to write about goings on here. In a 2015 interview, she described her paper as being more entertainment-oriented while the Newser was more news-focused.

Rather than being the arch-rivals the SL Herald and the SL Newspaper were, the two publications have more or less cooperated, such as when Lanai requested that yours truly take a picture of her at a 2014 jail and bail and let me make a cartoon out of it, and today's article on Net Neutrality being on the line.

No doubt she and her writers will be continuing for a while.

Happy Anniversary SL Enquirer

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: "A Hollywood Media Christmas"

A Hollywood Media Christmas Presented by The Hollywood Bowl and The SL Enquirer
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH 2016 5:30 PM SLT

Origen’s Hollywood Ballroom and The SL Enquirer have come together for a Spectacular Christmas Event.  Avies from across the grid are cordially invited to attend the most lavish party of the year! Mark you calendar for Sunday December 18th from 5-8pm SLT.


Guests will arrive in SLebrity-style with the flashing lights of the paparazzi as they document the formal suits and gowns walking the red carpet. Help yourself to the endless flow of champagne and decadent treats displayed in the open spaced outdoor gala.


Mix and Mingle with Second Life’s elite and network! There will be some jaw dropping prize giveaways. Entertainment, a special award show never seen before and lots of fun to be had by all as we celebrate Christmas in Second Life together.

BLACK TIE EVENT.

Featuring
Misfits Dance Production
Funtastics
Urban Harvy Live!

Sponsored By
BBX DESIGNS
Gizza Creations
KiX
Lastat Productions
Kor/Meshworx
Suicide Dollz
Bensinton Investments
Some B's Creations/SkitzoFreniks Designs
Petit Chat


Your Limo Awaits:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/63/123/4003

Announcement: 2016 Christian Music Festival

On Jan 24th at 2pm SLT, The Bowl at Origen's Hollywood Venues will be hosting its first annual Christian Music Festival. And it couldn't start out with a more distinguished line up of performers.

Earlier this month, both The Pink Vampire and Luciano Lionheart were name two of the top three vocalists in the 2015 Live Music Awards. They will be presenting both traditional and contemporary Christian music for a time of reflection and praise.

Christopher Quan and David Csiszer are well known around the grid for their ability to remind people who God is and what he has done for them through Jesus. Their music that always touches the heart and mind.

Please join us for this special event two-hour event with Second Life’s top vocalists.

 
The 2016 Christian Music Festival.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/63/119/4003

For more information, check "The Hollywood Ballroom and Theater" group or contact: Origen Resident

Source: SL Enquirer

SL Enquirer: Interview with Rocky Hillburton of Toys For Tots

It's that time of year again when the giving spirit is in full swing. Right now in Second Life avatars are working hard to get ready for the Holidays. One particular place in Second Life is focused on making sure children in need gets toys for Christmas. Please meet Rocky Hillburton. For the past 6 years Rocky and his team have been dedicating their time and efforts to raise donations for Toys 4 Tots. In the past 6 years Toys 4 Tots in Second Life with the support of  residents raised over $110,000 USD with 100% of funds raised going to the Toys 4 Tots Foundation in Virginia.

Read the rest of Lanai Jarrico's interview in the SL Enquirer. 

Interview with Lanai Jarrico, Editor of the SL Enquirer

Those who keep up with the news in Second Life, particularly the entertainment side, are familiar with the Second Life Enquirer and it's editor and owner, Lanai Jarrico. Both recently celebrated being inworld for ten years. Bixyl Shuftan recently met up with Lanai for an interview, asking her a few questions such as how she came about to be a writer of virtual news.

Read the interview in People.

SL Enquirer, Lanai Jarrico, Celebrate Ten Years

Saturday May 9 was the day of a party held to celebrate both the anniversary of the Second Life Enquirer, and the rezzday of it's editor and owner: Lanai Jerrico. Both have been in Second Life for ten years now. The event was held aboard Lanai's yacht in the Mont Fleuri Isle sim.

Anek Fuchs provided live music on a small stage set up in the back. Later on, the music was provided by DJ Zephyr and DJ Mack.

Besides the music, there was also a Chipendales routine, of which Lanai got a close-up view. There was also a raffle held.

Later on, Yours truly would interview Lanai Jerrico (like she interviewed me a year ago) about how she came to Second Life and founded her newspaper. It will be up soon.

Congrats SL Enquirer and Lanai Jarrico.

Bixyl Suftan

SL Enquirer: An Educational Tour of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Last week on April 15 was Holocaust Remembrance Day, seven decades since the mass murder of millions of European civilians by the Nazis. Most of them were Jewish. In Second Life,  there is a museum that takes a look at the events of Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass) in November 1938. SL Enquirer reporter Nena Dreadlow recently took a look at the museum and it's exhibits.

Read Nena's article here.

SL Enquirer: "New to Second Life?" Several Newcomer Helping Places.

So what if you want to invite a friend to Second Life, but won't always be around to help him or her out? Or perhaps you haven't yet gone to Second Life but are interested, and came across this article while looking for information. Well, one place for help is "The Shelter" at Isabel  (26, 249, 86), which was created to help out newcomers. But this isn't the only location where newbies can get help. Second Life Enquirer's Ladylovedr Resident did a look around and found several, such as NCI, Virtual Ability, and more.

Read Ladylovedr's article (here).

Trinity "Bubbles" Ermintrood Wins "Second Life's Got Talent" Contest

On Sunday September 21st,the winner of the "Second Life's Got Talent" contest was announced. Starting with 11 contestants on round one on September 4, five had made it to the final day of the event taking place at the Nile Lotus Ballroom. The five finalists sand two songs each, "one song acapella and the second song with chosen musical backup.  The judges listened and scored each performer."

The winner of the contest was Trinity "Bubbles" Ermintrood, with Luvofmusic Resident coming second, and Nazirah Avor taking third place.

For more information, check the SL Enquirer, or the SL's Got Talent website.

Reader Submitted: Lanai Jarrico's Rezzday

From Hal Jordon (Greenlantern Excelsior), whom was acting as security for Second Life Enquirer editor Lanai Jarrico's ninth rezzday party. Yours truly was there, but Hal caught a scene that I failed to: the Chippendale dancers doing a "we're not worthy" pose.

Happy Rezzday Lanai.

Cartoon of the Day: Unhappy Easter for the SL Enquirer

Taken at a RFL Jail & Bail at "The Strip," and done in cooperation with Lanai Jarrico, the owner and editor of the Second Life Enquirer, which we have a link exchange with. This cartoon goes hand in hand with her SL Easter story. So how did Lanai end up in this predicament? Check her paper to find out.

SL Enquirer: Stalkers in Second Life - Welcome to the Dark Side

A few years ago we incredulously witnessed the news of a SL romance ending in real life stalking, attempt kidnapping and crime of virtual passion. Cases like this are increasingly recurrent.

In Second Life stalkers see their art made easier with more ways to torment people and with more amenities to hide behind the screen, a supposedly safe and consequence-free place to impetuously pour out their frustrations on others, therefore, exacerbating their actions.

Read the rest of Glossom Resident's story in the SL Enquirer (Here).

SL Enquirer: The Abyss Earth Sciences and Marine Life Observatory

Imagine you were intrigued by a documentary in your youth and seeked a career that would allow you to advance a field of science similar to what was presented in that favorite show you saw years ago.

Yan Lauria has been able to do just that, having seen the Jean-Jacques Cousteau ocean exploration documentaries in his childhood. He is now working as a project manager at JAMSTEC, “Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology”. He is also the main force behind Abyss Observatory, the oceanographic earth science sim on Second Life © (SL). Stareyes Galaxy had the opportunity to interview him and take a tour of the sim.

Read more of Stareyes' Article (Here).

SL Enquirer: What Is Second Life All About?

Earlier this week, reader Nydia Tungsten had a few opinions about what Second Life truly was. A few days later, Stareyes Galaxy had an article of her own about the subject. She took the question to a number of residents from across the world, from Egypt, Mexico, Scotland, Norway, and the United States. Each had their own point of view on the question: "What is Second Life All About?"

Read Stareye's article (here).

SL Enquirer: Observing 9/11 in Second Life

September 11th is the 252nd day of the year (253rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 113 days remaining until the end of the year. But there were some who did not get to see them.

Remembering :

The September 9/11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Four passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 terrorists so they could be flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed with debris and the resulting fires causing partial or complete collapse of all other buildings in the WTC complex, as well as major damage to ten other large surrounding structures. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense), leading to a partial collapse in its western side. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was targeted at Washington, D.C.,^[2] but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers. In total, almost 3,000 people died in the attacks, including the 227 civilians and 19 hijackers aboard the four planes. It also was the deadliest incident for firefighters in the history of the United States.

Read more of Orchids Zenovka's article (here).