Announcement: "Stand With Ukraine" by Theatre on The Hill

 

We all know what happened on February 24, 2022. The Russian Federation invaded Ukraine and war has been raging in that country ever since. After 12 months of suffering, this country bravely stands up to the aggressor and defends the values that we understand as freedom and democracy. On this anniversary, "Theatre on the Hill" would like to present a special solidarity show with very beautiful Ukrainian and international songs in honor of the Ukrainian people.

There is also an opportunity to donate L$ to the benefit of suffering people during the show.

The show takes place on 02/24/2023 at 01:00pm SLT.

And here is the cab:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/TheaterOn%20The%20Hill/194/39/21

 

People of The Year Runner-Up: Supporters of Ukraine

 

When Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ordered his country's forces to invade the Ukraine on February 23 2022, the result was an international outcry. Thousands across the world protested in various ways. 

 

In Second Life, there were protests against the invasion in the Moscow sim, plus calls to support Ukrainian merchants. People would also start raising or waving Ukrainian flags, and flagmakers would respond by making the blue and gold banners available for free.  

 

There would also be at least one fundraiser to raise money for the country. The fate of one Ukrainian content creator who ended up in occupied territory was also of concern. Linden Lab itself would come to make a statement in support of Ukraine. The Newser office itself would sport a blue and gold flag. And then there were the numerous people wearing blue and gold clothes, or sticking a blue and gold cloth in their belt or some other wearing of the colors of the Ukraine.  

 

Not as many wear or show the blue and gold today. But there are still some places that do, such as one venue yours truly stopped at last week. 

There are those who call this support of "Nazism," referring to Russian dictator Putin's claims that the invasion was carried out to "denazify" the country. The sources of their information are Russian news websites that have no choice but to state propaganda to support the invasion or the few in the West who for some reason have come to believe this misinformation. But most in America and Europe aren't buying it.

So the Newser collectively gives "Persons of The Year - Runner-Up" to those who in some way showed their support for the country of Ukraine as it continues to resist Putin's invasion.

 

Also nominated were Lisa Buttmonkey (Cottonheaded Ninnymuggins) and Ian Witt (Brian Ninnymuggins) of "The Dirty Grid" which recently closed after over a decade, the Relay for Life in Second Life volunteers, and the Moles. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Editor

SL Newser

The Russian Veteran Newcomer, Update on Hanna

 

 

 The Russia-Ukraine War remains in the daily news, the recent headlines being drone attacks on the capital city of Kiev (Kyiv). In Second Life, while the initial massive show of support has somewhat ebbed, some people still fly Ukrainian flags or have blue and gold displays up as a show of support. Last weekend, I'd gotten another reminder when someone in a veterans community, Soldier Waverider, announced in group chat he'd come across a Russian solider who'd just joined up with Second Life, and invited people to talk to him. As I was trying to calm down a friend who had a stressful day, I sent my alt Rezzdarnnit over. 

The soldier, whose name will not be mentioned in the Newser, had escaped Russia with his immediate family, and was now in Sweden. He had left partly out of not wanting to be part of the invasion again, and partially that he was about to be sent back despite post-traumatic stress disorder. He disagreed with Putin, and found no fault at all with the Ukrainians. 

Most of our conversation was in voice, and the man in question spoke in English with a strong accent. When he had first arrived, most greeted him with suspicion, some wondering if he was a troll. But then he ran into Waverider, and after some conversation the American veteran was convinced his story was genuine.

 

There's also an update on an Ukrainian resident of Second Life. Hanna Linberg (gabby11196), the owner of Osmia, was last reported hiding out in a city under Russian occupation, her situation complicated by pregnancy. Late last week, Hamlet Au would report that she escaped with her family and went to a free part of the country where she would give birth to her baby. While the war is still far from won, this one story has a happy update.

 

Addition: Third paragraph was added several hours after this story first went up. Sorry for those details being late.

Source: New World Notes.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "People Help The People"

 

(Click here if the video does not play)

 

By Charlotte Eden on April 26, "This video isn't just another video for me. I really wanted to do an emotional dance video with meaning. With everything happening in Ukraine right now, my heart is filled with so much pain for those effected by the war. We all know someone within SL that's effected and you don't even realize it. I will never even come close to knowing the hurt and tragedy. What I do want to say is I STAND WITH YOU. "
 

Further Reactions To Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

 *

It's been about a month since we last discussed how the Russian invasion of the Ukraine was being reflected in Second Life. Since then, there continue to be fundraisers to help out the Ukrainians, such as the one at Union Passage posted here a few days ago. The Marketplace has dozens of Ukraine-related items. And people are continuing to dress in blue and gold, or wearing blue and gold items, such as this back pocket cloth seen at a Relay for Life event (left).

Of the protests in the Moscow Island sim in which the demonstrators found themselves restricted to one tiny out of the way corner, returning to the place, there was one large sign asking people to please stop.

Our island does not belong to any country, it is a private territory. We are not a political organization, this iz just a historical sim, so please do not gather here whit political slogans! Thanks

One question that I've heard is what happens to Russian residents in Second Life? I've had people tell me that friends from the country are being IMed with insults. While the invasion has been marked with atrocities by Russian soldiers against Ukrainian civilians, it's also seen other soldiers sabotage equipment, thousands of Russians being arrested for demonstrating against the war, leaving the country, and Russians taking up arms in support of Ukraine against the invasion. 

With Paypal stopping business in Russia, as well as other means to trade Rubles for Lindens and vice-versa, Russian residents are increasingly unable to buy Lindens or cash in on any Second Life businesses. Hamlet Au recently interviewed one, whom had taken part since the start in helping out Ukrainian residents, and stated he was seriously considering leaving the country as his business was so successful compared to real-life job prospects. But some others who don't have that option may end up having to close their places down due to inability to pay, or possibly leave Second Life for a while if not being able to access money from a Second Life business leads to economic hardship.

The gaming industry has also seen a number of reactions, such as Blizzard and Epic Games halting sales in Russia. It should be noted that Wargaming, best known for "World of Tanks" and "World of Warships," got it's start in Belarus in the 1990s, but since moved its headquarters out of the country. Following the invasion, it fired one of the staff whom made some comments in support of the war. And a few days ago, it announced it was withdrawing completely from Belarus and Russia. The following was posted on it's Discord channel:

Over the past weeks, Wargaming has been conducting a strategic review of business operations worldwide. The company has decided it will not own or operate any businesses in Russia and Belarus and will leave both countries.

Effective March 31 2022, the company started the process of closing its studio in Minsk, Belarus and transferred its live games business in Russia and Belarus to local management of Lesta Studio that is no longer affiliated with Wargaming. The company will not profit from this process either today or going forward. Much to the contrary, we expect to suffer substantial losses as a direct result of this decision.

Going forward, in all other countries Wargaming will continue to operate World of Warships as before. The game servers will be operating as usual, and players' accounts, as well as their in-game property accumulated through purchase or any other means, will remain unchanged.

No doubt there will be more developments in this ongoing story.
 
Sources: BBC, New World Notes, Time , Reuters, PC Gamer, Wargaming 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Announcement: "Help Me Help Ukraine"

 

After earning, cashing in and donating the first L$5000, I am up to L$2443 in the second round!

Help me get there!  Come to my Fanci's Deep Mer Mall booth:
 Union Passage (243,171,3)
and BUY SOME STUFF for your mer self, legged self, and friends!

100% OF SALES will be donated to the Global Giving Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. 

Thanks!
Dana Enyo
 

Interview With Ina Garnier, Producer at The Déjà vu Ballet Troupe

 

When it comes to what people can do in Second Life, ballet usually isn't the first thing that comes to most people's minds. But there have been dance performances here in the virtual world for many years. Our newest reporter, Michael (Bubblesort Triskaidekaphobia), recently interviewed Ina Garnier, the producer The Déjà vu Ballet Troupe. Ina talked about some of the challenges of doing a ballet show here in Second Life, including what they've done in response to events in Ukraine, where one of the dancers is from.
 
Read Michael's interview in Design.
 

More Reactions By Residents To The Invasion of The Ukraine

 
It's been over two weeks into the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, which has turned into a slow but bloody advance with two million (as of now) women and children fleeing the country as refugees. There has been plenty of reaction to it from around the world, as well as within Second Life. Earlier, the Newser reported on a demonstration, as well as flagmakers giving away Ukrainian flags.  The latter has certainly encouraged the country's blue and gold banner being seen across various places inworld. Linden Lab itself has also stepped in, saying Second Life residents from the Ukraine would get a break from paying tier and premium accounts for at least 30 days (which will likely be extended unless the war ends soon).

There have also been efforts beyond symbolic support. On Saturday March 5, there was a "Peace Rally in Support of the People of Ukraine" at Exposure Park in Lono Ku. From 2 to 11 PM SL time, eight DJs performed for the crowd. "Ukraine facepaint" was available at a booth at one side of the concert area. Donations were made to a kiosk showing the schedule and had a picture of a child waving the blue and gold flag, stepping on toy tanks. I was invited over by Nance Clowes, whom was encouraging the people to donate, "We wanna send (DJ) Rapa home with a happy 500k smile. ... So much Love pouring in for Ukrainians who have lost it all. YOU are giving them Hope back." "Not just for the childs," the DJ spoke, "for all Ukraine. All is suffer, child, woman, men, pets, all."

In the end, they more than met the half million goal. A total of 533,972 Linden dollars was raised. "You did great, and keep it going!!! Peace for Ukraine!" After the event, I had a few words with organizer, MrZogs Resident, who told me the donations were planned to be split between the Red Cross and UNICIF. "What a journey," he told me, "from a idea on Sunday morning to this. Only one artist said no and we had many wanting to get scheduled in."

They also encouraged people to donate off Second Life, pointing out the UNICEF USA and Red Cross websites.

At the Relay for Life's Home and Garden Expo, there was a shop for Ukranian artist Tara Aers at  Hope 8 (166,55,23). There was one noteworthy discussion in Home and Garden chat that I overheard. Some wondered if there should be an official statement of support. Others weren't so sure, wanting to keep international conflicts and politics out and concentrate on fighting cancer. But there was a general agreement that individuals could show support in small ways. I've seen various people wearing blue and gold shirts and other clothes and items, such as ribbons and cloth. One of the shops at "The Guild" shopping event is also Ukrainian owned.

For one Ukrainian resident, however, the situation has become truly serious. New World Notes reported that Hana, the owner of Osmia, lives in one of the cities that came under attack, then occupation by Russian forces. She had gone from posting pictures of Second Life fashion on her Flickr to pictures and video of her hometown under attack and of the shelter she's taken refuge in to keep from getting killed from shelling and bombs, "The contrast is surreal and wrenching." To complicate matters, she's also six months pregnant. 

She would tell Hamlet Au, "Honestly, I don't know what to write to you. Children, families die, people disappear (they are found shot in their cars)... my city is surrounded. Now I don't know what this will lead to." Later, she would write, "my city is occupied. There are a lot of soldiers and equipment on the streets. We don’t go out because they can kill." Her access to Second Life has been cut off, and her Internet connection is sporadic." With her access to Linden dollars cut off, she suggested another way to help would be to donate to the National Bank of Ukraine to help fund it's armed forces.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Sources: Wikipedia, Associated Press, New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan
 

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
    Saturday, March 12

    At 9 AM PST   

    A Political Geographer’s Perspective on Ukrainians and Their Territory
    Merrill Johnson/Meryl McBride, Ph.D.
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/perspective-on-ukraine/

    ~*~
    
    At 10 AM PST   

    What’s In Our Water: The Science of Water Quality and Testing
    Dr. Phil Youngblood
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/whats-in-our-water/

    ~*~
    
    At 9 PM PST
    
    How has freedom of speech or press, helped or hampered science?
    Discussion led by Jes Stannard
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/freedom-of-speech/
      
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝
 

Press Release: Fundraising Performance in Support of Ukraine

 

To you my friend...in  reality as well as in virtuality

I take the liberty, as the war in Ukraine is ongoing with mutilation and death to many of its people,  and while million of refugees right at this moment  flee the country trying to save their lives, to tell you about the upcoming  show on Saturday 12 of March 12 pm SL time at the Ambient 1o1 sim

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ambient%20101/196/238/23

WE are all here  to support the people of Ukraine in their attempt to liberate  their land from the Russian aggressors.

So please share your Light of Love and support the Lives of the Ukrainian people.

From the following performers:
Cypress Rosewood, Wytchwhisper, Cylindrian Rutabaga, Doczith, Sky Fire and stage builder Carl Landfall and The ChangHigh Trinity  Sisters of Light, Life & Love : Nikira Naimarc,Sklavin Randt, & Yman juran
We hope to see you on Saturday 12 of March 12 pm SL time or just please donate.

War in Europe, millions on the run, they need your help, no matter amount.

Money goes to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

 Дякую  -Thank You - Gracias - Merci - Danke - תודה  - ありがとうございます  - Takk skal du ha  - Dziękuję Ci  - obrigada  - Tack - teşekkür ederim - shukran

Cypress Rosewood
 

Reader Submitted: Forbiden Topic, or Not?

 

On Sunday, I started a thread, about Putin, and the invasion  of Ukraine. The thread got removed.  So I filed a ticket. Here is the ticket, and the reply.
====================

 On Sunday, I started a thread, and it was closed. I titled the thread "Is Putin insane?' I posted the thread in the general area. There was no trolling in the thread. It was about Putin, and about him calling up nuclear forces.
I see lots of topics that are not about SL. Here are a couple.
What makes you laugh?
What music are you listening to?
Does LL allow topics that are about current events. Like the war going on in Ukraine? I did ask in my post, if there was anybody in the Ukraine, that could still play SL. I know that they do have internet, but I don't know at what speed right now.
It would be great if LL were to  put in a mention, on the SL blog, about the war going on in Ukraine.
One more point. Does LL still collect taxes from players that live in Russia? If so, I suggest that you hold those taxes, until the war is over.
===========
Volo Linden
said 1 day ago
Hello Frankie Antonioni,

Thank you for contacting Second Life, and for your patience. We appreciate you reaching out to seek additional clarification regarding your forum post. While we often allow off-topic posts on the forums, we have the responsibility to ensure that the forums are a welcome place for all of our Residents in Second Life. In our experience, threads of a political matter often escalate in nature, and we made the decision to intervene before it got to that point. As the original post was closed, I would advise against posting another of a similar nature.

In regards to your feedback about a blog and taxes, this isn't something that Support decides, but we appreciate you taking the time to express your concerns. I'll be passing your feedback along to my supervisor as well.

If there's anything further we could do to assist you, please let us know.

Kind Regards,

Volo Linden
Account Specialist
Linden Lab
=======
Yesterday LL made an announcement, regarding Russia invading Ukraine.This was just a few hours after Volo replied to me.

Frankie Antonioni
 

Ukrainian Flags Flying Over Second Life

 

Since we last wrote about the reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by various residents, much more has happened. Far more than can be described in a brief article. But we can show examples of one simple way of showing support, erecting flags. At Milmerana on the mainland, I saw this replica of the Eiffel Tower sporting Ukrainian flags.

I would continue to see more of the gold and blue as I drove on. 

Checking out the new Linden Homes, one of the new homeowners was showing his support as well.

And the Newser is also showing it's support. Gemma Cleanslate found this banner, which now hangs on the side of the building.

Stay tuned for more news about the reaction of Second Life's residents to the attack on Ukraine.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

EOTB: "Linden Lab's Statement on Ukraine"

 
Today, Fruday March 4, Linden Lab issued a statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has turned into a war with civilians often in desperate situations and over a million refugees having fled the country. It encouraged readers to donate to organizations helping out the Ukrainians, and free speech in Russia. They would also be suspending land tier and premium account charges to Ukrainian residents for at least thirty days (possibly in response to a thread in the forums).

*  *  *  *  *

Linden Lab strives to make positive change in the world by helping people connect, discover themselves, and grow both personally and financially. Ultimately, we build and support communities. Therefore, it is especially shocking to see the actions in Ukraine, to see the unwarranted attacks on people – on communities. We are heartbroken and horrified by the situation in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis it has perpetuated. We are a proudly diverse team, and many of us have ties to these events - historically, emotionally, professionally, and socially. Our products reach worldwide, and many of our partners and customers are directly affected by this crisis. 

As a leadership team, this crisis has challenged us to better define and embrace what we believe to be the core principles at Linden Lab – our TAO so to speak.

Specifically, our TAO says:

MAKE CHANGE ON A GLOBAL SCALE

Our work brings people together, builds communities. Our work helps people understand who they are, helps them be better. Our work brings empathy, helps people see the world through others’ eyes. Settle for nothing less than changing the world for the better.

We intend to live up to this principle, and while there is much work to be done, we are starting with: 

• Providing financial support for humanitarian crisis aid through a donation to the Red Cross Ukraine and HIAS
• Supporting independent journalism in Ukraine through a donation to Keep Ukraine’s Media Going
• Supporting free speech in Russia through a donation to Meduza and OVD-INFO 

Effective Monday, we will be further supporting our eligible Ukrainian-based community members by granting them a temporary 30-day moratorium on recurring account fees such as Premium Membership and Land Maintenance fees.  We will review this again after 30 days and assess what we can do as next steps where necessary. We invite any of our Ukraine-based community members to contact support with any specific questions they may have.

Finally, we encourage our community to look at ways that they can help show their support. It is heartening to see the Second Life community come together to support each other with numerous inworld events and helpful initiatives that bring us together as a force for good in both the physical and virtual worlds.

 

Protest Against Russian Invasion of Ukraine in Moscow Island, And Other Support For Ukraine in Second Life

 
On Wednesday February 23, Russia launched a full scale invasion against it's neighbor of Ukraine. The result has been protests across the world against the unprovoked act of aggression ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and in support of the Ukrainians. But for those trying to protest within Russia, the results have been the demonstrations broken up by police and the protestors arrested.

Within Second Life, there have been some protests against the invasion as well. On Friday February 25, I got a tip of one. It was appropriately enough at the Moscow Island sim, which is known for having a build of the Kremlin and one of Lennin's tomb. Near the tomb, I saw several avatars. One was flying a sizeable Ukrainian flag. Another looked bloodied and was wearing a blue and yellow dress, the colors of the Ukraine's flag. And there was one girl wearing a Putin mask, AnuAmun (AnuAmun Alchemi). "Путин должен уйти!" The girl shouted, "Putin needs to GO!"

Going over to her, I asked if there were more people here earlier. "People do come and go," Anu told me, "Some of us are gonna keep avatars here for as long as possible. There's no sim for Ukraine that I know of. And this is the only one related to Russia that looks official enough, since the actual Red Square has been closed in real life. There should be more people here. Getting the word out may help."

The protestor went on, "I have friends - in Russia, that fear going out in the street because of the repercussions. For some the responsibility, even though not directly theirs, weighs them down strongly. And internationally no one is placing blame with the Russian people. They are all prisoners to a criminal organization ran in part by Vladimir Putin. The economical sanctions imposed by the west are going to hurt the spectrum of the population in Russia that already hurts economically. It's the sons and daughters of Russia that are loosing their lives for the personal financial growth of Putin and the ones around him. And 60,000 Ukrainians have crossed the border into Poland and Romania in the past day. 

"For Ukraine this is an existential crisis. People remember how the 'liberating army' forgot to leave after the end of WW2. No one diminishes the importance of Russia and it's sacrifice in WW2. But this is 2022. Ukraine is an independent nation that should and must choose it's own future. On a personal level - I am just of the opinion that Putin does not actually care about the lives Russia will loose, or the lives or Ukrainians or even Ukrainian-Russian ethnics in the east. His interests are in the control of however much territory he can get at the negotiating table - including the gas fields in eastern Ukraine and Odessa. And it's a bit hypocritical criticizing America or the UK for being imperialistic and then turning around and actually doing it. Little men with big egos throughout history have shaped and reshaped maps on the bodies and with the blood of the innocent and the young - this is no different. We're better than this!"

When I mentioned I was going to keep the anonymity of the protestors in the article aside from those who gave their okay, Anu told me in her case it was fine, "I am ok - in the West.  Also I am not Russian or Ukrainian , by birth I am Romanian. I do have countless friends in both countries. We're neighbors after all. And neighbors help each other, they don't invade each other.

Dropping by the next day, I noticed the protest had been moved to a corner of the sim away from Lenin's Tomb, and was smaller in number. I got a message from Anu, "We were removed from the sim! I filed a report, mass removal for protesting." So it appears the sim owner was no fan of the protests.

Later on, someone passed me a notecard, written by a Stephen Yuvensky, calling on people to support a number of Second Life stores owned by Ukrainians, "Ukrainian owners of the SL stores likely won't be able to create new releases in the nearest future. So I suggest supporting them by visiting their MPs and inworld stores ..." The notecard had a list of store links on Google Docs (link here). "Please note that none of the following owners asked for this list. It's fully a desire and idea of community to show our support! If you know any other designers who are in Ukraine please let me know for them to be added." More on the notecard can be read in a New World Notes article. 

I would also be told about a set of Ukrainian flags (flagpole, wall mounted, desk, etc) that was being given away by Lupinia Studios, owned by Natasha Petrichor (earlier, we wrote about her Frolicking Deer Cay). You can get the flag set/fatpack for free at Marketplace (link) or inworld or practically free at 1L at Braunworth (127/245/179) and Tofte (173/120/146). Someone would also pass me a free and shareable flag.

There's quite a bit of support for Ukraine in Second Life. So we may have more on the subject soon.

For more information on the invasion of the Ukraine, one can check these links at Fox News, CNN, and the BBC.

Sources: Wikipedia, Reuters

Hat tip : CLEOPATRA Xigalia

Bixyl Shuftan
 

A Tribute to The Airliner Tragedy

Last week, Flight MH17 of Malaysia Airlines crashed in the eastern Ukraine, has been the scene of conflict between the country's armed forces, and pro-Russian separatist rebels trying to break the region away from the country and unite with Russia.  The cause of the plane's demise was quickly found to be an anti aircraft missile. Although the Russians and rebels claim the Ukrainian government shot down the plane, there is evidence that the separatists, using Russian equipment were the cause of the disaster. Of the 298 people killed, the majority were Dutch citizens, resulting the country being in mourning. The airline, already in trouble from another of it's planes vanishing somewhere in the Indian Ocean earlier this year, may not survive a second disaster.

While on the Relay track, I came across this tribute to those who perished on the plane, showing the nationalities of those who were killed.