And The Winner Is ...

 

 At 9AM SL time today, the twenty-three winners of Linden Lab's Golden Ticket Giveaway were on stage at the Orpheum Theater. In the middle were twenty three boxes, with twenty-two containing 10,000 Linden dollar prizes, and one that had a million Linden dollar prize. About 180 residents crowded themselves in with many more watching via the Youtube feed. 

 

One by one, starting with the winners of the earliest tickets, the contestants, most of whom who got up and walked to the show host, Ninja, on stage, a few having to remain seated due to lag, chose one of the boxes. They all gave a small shower of sparks, and the host would say they were 10k prizes. Finally with nine boxes left, Carmelle James (Missnicety1 Resident), chose box 19. And this would be the one that would win one million Linden dollars. 

 

Carmelle had remained in her seat and messaged her choice to Brett Linden who messaged the show host, so it's likely she had to deal with lag worse than most others. I didn't notice any further response from her, and only got up from her chair some time after the event ended. 

 

One of the 22 secondary winners did respond. Se7en Zen had chosen to donate her 10,000 Linden dollar prize to the Relay for Life's Second Life Cheerleading Squad. "RFL is an important cause, and it's a privilege to be able to support it," she would tell me."

 

At the end, Ninja had a special announcement.  Linden Lab was matching the grand prize with giving another one million Linden dollars to four charities: Virtual Ability, Team Fox (diabetes research), Spoonful of Sugar (Doctors Without Borders), and the Relay for Life in Second Life. 

 

"That 250k donation pledge from the Lindens was an exciting announcement," Se7en added, "I want to add that the cheer community in SL supports RFL with our whole hearts. This is  cause that touches us all, and RFL is a way to share hope."

While this would be the last official event of the SL23B, the Birthday goes on Sunday July 19, to Midnight SL time. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Announcement: Virtual Ability's 15th Annual Mental Health Symposium, Thursday June 25

 

You are invited to attend Virtual Ability's 15th annual Mental Health Symposium on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The theme of this year’s Symposium is “PAIN.” This theme applies to everyone, not just to persons with disabilities. The broad topic allows our presenters and panelists from China, Canada, the UK, Belgium and the US to explore a variety of intersections between pain and mental health. Presenters will also offer various strategies for addressing these common issues.

Every year in the spring, our community hosts an international professional conference on topics related to mental health. Not only is this an opportunity for our community members to learn more about important subjects from experts they probably would not have a chance to meet otherwise, it allows the general public to attend a professional conference at no cost. 

The conference will take place in Virtual Ability’s Sojourner Auditorium, on Virtual Ability island. The SLURL for the auditorium is http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23

You can view the conference schedule here: https://virtualability.org/mental-health-symposium-2026/

The livestream will be here: https://www.youtube.com/@VirtualAbilityInc/live

All are welcome. We hope you can attend!

PS- All of the educational poster sets in Healthinfo Island this month are on the topic of pain. You are welcome to visit them as well. 

 

ETOB: Spotlight On Locations For Mental Health

 

Second Life has many locations in which people can just relax and chill. But some were made with the mental health of visitors in mind. Plus there are also some groups dedicated to healing of mental conditions.  In this week's "Highlights From The Destination Guide," Linden Lab is putting the spotlight on several locations in which are good for mental wellness. 

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Second Life is home to communities and destinations that offer support, connection, and space to reset. You'll find peaceful meditation gardens, mindfulness centers, peer support groups, veteran communities, wellness retreats, and educational health resources designed to encourage human connection, care, and healing.
 

They would go on to list several locations. Among them,  Circle Mental Health at Nautilus Anath (79/124/3001),  Fearless Nation at Fearless Nation (73/154/30), which the Newser would write about in 2020, Echo Group Band of Brothers, which we wrote about in 2022, Virtual Ability at Virtual Ability (128/128/23), which the Newser has written about numerous times, and more. 

 

To suggest a place for the Destinations Guide, fill out the form (here).  

 

 Third image by Penny Shuftan (Deaflegacy)

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Tiny Carolers At Virtual Ability

 

On Monday December 8 at 1PM SL time, Virtual Ability got a Christmas treat. The "Tiny Carolers" from Raglan Shire dropped by for a performance. The Newser was there, and took a few pictures and heard some of the "Wootmas" tunes. 

 

Read the story in Events. 

 

Announcement: Virtual Ability's 14th Annual International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference

 

You are invited to attend Virtual Ability's 14th annual International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Every year in the fall, our community hosts an international professional conference on topics related to disability rights. Not only is this an opportunity for our community members to learn more about important subjects from experts they probably would not have a chance to meet otherwise, it allows the general public to attend a professional conference at no cost. 

The theme of this year’s Conference is “No Health Without Peace.” This theme applies to everyone, not just to persons with disabilities. The broad topic allows our presenters and panelists from Canada, the UK, and the US to explore a variety of meanings of health and of peace. Presenters will also offer various strategies for achieving healthful peace.

The conference will take place in Virtual Ability’s Sojourner Auditorium, on Virtual Ability island. The SLURL for the auditorium is Virtual Ability (54/170/23)

You can view the conference schedule here: https://virtualability.org/idrac-2025/

The livestream will be here: https://www.youtube.com/@VirtualAbilityInc/live

All are welcome. We hope you can attend! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23
 

Virtial Ability "Supernatural" Track Build

 

Today, Gemma Cleanslate reports on an event to help raise funds for Virtual Ability, a motorbike race in The Continental 2 sim. The fifth event of it's kind, this year the theme is "Supernatural." From last Friday to this upcoming Saturday, there will be music events, showcases to vote on the most stylish bike, items up for sale, and at last some racing. Gemma had a good look around. So what did she see?

 

Read Gemma's article in Events. 

 

Supernatural/Virtual Ability Island Bike Rally Schedule

 

Saturday Sept 20
Noon Dj Vanguard (Cobras Pit Part @ the Rally!)
2:00 pm Queen Tribute by Phoenix Productions!)
7:00 pm LIVE singer S.H.E.Y.Z

Sunday Sept 21
Noon  LIVE singer HOGAN BAILY

Wednesday  Sept 24
Noon ~ Cobras Booked Rideout
4:00 pm HIGHWAY TO HELL Race with Aly

Thursday Sept 25

Friday Sept 26
8:00 pm  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE STARTS!
9:00 pm  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
10:00 pm  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
11:00 pm  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE

Saturday Sept 27
Midnight 12:00 pm  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE Continues
1:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
2:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
3:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
4:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
5:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
6:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
7:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
8:00 am  12 HOUR SILLY RIDE
Everyone participating will get a silly ride patch..
Anyone finishing all 13 rides will get a trophy
12:00 pm NOON Dj Vanguard
2:00 pm   Concert ~ LIVE Singer Frank a Sinatra (Get your requests in now..
2:30 PM Listing of all winners

 

Virtual Ability Rally sim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Continental%202/94/220/502
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Continental%202/144/77/502 

Mental Health Month At Health Island, Virtual Ability (Event Thursday May 15)

 

May is Mental Health Month. While mental illness is often feared, persistent fear and anxiety count as mental health issues. And these days they seem quite common among friends or ourselves. Gemma Cleanslate checked out the exhibit on Mental Health at Health island, and learned there's an all day event at Virtual Ability, their Mental Health Symposium, on Thursday May 15.

 

Read Gemma's article in Events. 

 

Announcement: Art in a Cup- Opening May 3, 4-6pm SLT

 

 You've never seen anything like this! Fabulous Latté Foam Etchings! Meet the artist Saturday, May 3, 4-6pm. The exhibit will be up at the Cape Able Art Gallery for a month in case you miss the opening. 

 

Cape Able (128,125,23)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cape%20Able/128/125/23

Virtual Ability Town Hall

 

A few days ago, Virtual Ability had it's annual Town Hall meeting.  Gentle Heron and others in it's committee discussed to the crowd about what the group and it's location does and answered some questions near the end. Gemma Cleanslate was there, and took note of what was going on.

 

Read Gemma's article in Events. 

 

Announcement: Virtual Ability Presents The International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference (IDRAC) on Friday, Nov 15

 

Virtual Ability, Inc.® presents the 13th Annual International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference (IDRAC) on Friday, Nov 15, 2024.

This annual professional conference will be held online, and is free and open to the public.

The conference will take place in Second Life® at The Sojourner Auditorium on Virtual Ability Island.Virtual Ability (54/170/23) 

The conference will also be Live Streamed on YouTube.

Our theme this year is “Disability & Health: Where will AI take us?” Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an area of current research interest and regulatory concern. It holds both promise and peril for people with disabilities and healthcare in general. The utility and problems of AI differ for people with different types of disabilities. This conference offers a quick look at this broad topic. We expect lively discussions and information sharing among presenters and our very interested and interactive audience.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

The events start at 7 AM SL time and end soon before 12 Noon. 

 

To see the schedule, Click Here. 

 

Press Release: Virtial Ability's Mental Health Symposium- May 17

 

 

 Virtual Ability Presents Our 13th Annual Mental Health Symposium- May 17

This free international professional conference will take place in Virtual Ability’s Sojourner Auditorium, on Virtual Ability island in Second Life, on Friday, May 17, 2024.

The theme of this year’s Conference is “Our Youth, Our Elders.” Children and the elderly face unique mental health challenges that are not well understood and often not adequately addressed. Our presenters will share information from a variety of perspectives related to the conference theme.

Our eight presenters come from all over the world: Australia, Canada, Nigeria, the UK and the US. Some are academic researchers, others are practitioners. Their interpretations of the conference theme are as varied as their geographic origins. We will learn about immigrant children and church-going elders, hear about intergenerational activities that combat loneliness in older adults, and discuss peer support for elders and their caregivers as well as social relationships with AI.

We encourage you to attend live in Second Life, so you can interact with our presenters. However, if you would prefer, you can watch the sessions on Virtual Ability’s YouTube channel. The sessions will be archived in both text and video format on Virtual Ability’s website shortly after the conference.

You can view the conference schedule here:
https://virtualability.org/mental-health-symposium-2024/

All conference times are in Pacific Daylight time (also known as SLT). Please check the conference webpage for updates as we get closer to May 17.

We hope to see you at the conference!

The SLURL is here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23

 

 

The Circle Mental Health

 

After being sidelined briefly due to real life, Gemma Cleanslate is back to writing for the Newser. Her article for today is about an event in Bellisseria: The Circle Mental Health. Done in cooperation with Virtual Ability, this event is taking place from today May 10 to Sunday May 12 for Mental Health Awareness Weekend. She took a look at the event area, and there was much information to pick up even before the conferences.

Read Gemma's story in Extra. 

HealthInfo Island

 

Second Life is a fun place to have music events and chatting with friends. But it can also be a source of information as there are a number of museums and other educational places. Gemma Cleanslate recently returned to one to write about it: HealthInfo Island. It is not static, but some displays are changed to inform about new topics, such as disease, mental health, and conditions. It's often to reflect occasions, such as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day later this month. So what did Gemma have to say about the location today?

 

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

 

Second Life Rings In 2024

 

 

Sunday December 31 was New Year's Eve. In real-life, there were parties large and small around the world. And here in Second Life, there were a number. At Burning Man Deep Hole, the Burners and friends threw a party.

Some people were in paper airplanes, for some reason. Good for traveling from one party to the next maybe. 

 

Virtual Ability had a small party, hosted by Gentle Heron.

 

 

Complete with a view of Times Square, the scene of America's largest New Year's celebration.

 

Bellisseria Fairgrounds had a large event with many people. 

Some were wearing "DeadMaus" hats. What the reason was, no one spoke a thing while I was there. 

Goodbye 2023, and hello 2024. It'll be a year full of events. And the Newser will cover a number of them.

Happy New Year

Bixyl Shuftan

Virtual Ability's Annual International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference

 

You are cordially invited to attend Virtual Ability's annual International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference. This year it will be held on Friday, November 10. It is in Sojourner Auditorium on Virtual Ability island.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23

This year's theme is "Do, Create, Live." We're looking at what people with disabilities can do, create, and live when their rights are respected.

Here is the schedule (subject to change, and in SLT, of course).

7-7:30am - Joseph English will talk about how setting up QuadRebuild to help others changed his new life as a quadriplegic

7:30-8:30am - Erin Willis and Daniel Garza will explain their research on patient influencers who do direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical marketing

8:30-9:30am - Emily Wright, who survived multiple concussions, explains how she rebalanced her mind

9:30-10:30am - John Cronin, who has Down syndrome, describes his Crazy Socks store and how he runs it with his father Mark Cronin

10:30am-11am - a panel discusses what "Do, Create, Live" means in education

11:00-11:30am - BREAK!

11:30am-noon - Keri Gray tells about the National Alliance of Melanin Disabled Advocates (the NAMED Advocates).

noon-12:30pm - a panel discusses what "Do, Create, Live" means in the arts

12:30-1:30pm - Judy Mittag explains how advocates got federal legislation passed to require insurance coverage for lymphedema supplies

1:30-2:30pm - Heather Markham, author, shares how we can each choose a title for our own stories

You can learn more about the speakers here: https://virtualability.org/idrac-2023/

We hope you can attend our conference.

Questions? Ask Gentle Heron.

Announcement: Oktoberfest Party At Virtual Ability, 1-3PM

 

Sunday October 8th, 2023 from 1 to 3 PM SLT, we will celebrate Oktoberfest.  It will be a time to listen to music, dance and chat with friends.  This event is open to reasonably well behaved people including residents of the three Capes, Virtual Ability members and friends.  Come when you can and leave when you must.  

Hosted by Stepin and Demelza
 

Sunday at 1 PM

 SLurl:
    Heron's Nest: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cape%20Heron/85/130/34

Virtual Ability Tours With Andee

 

Virtual Ability is known for a number of events and activities. One such activity are the weekly tours, run by Andee Coope. In her article today, Gemma Cleanslate describes one tour done recently, which looked at The Lost Unicorn and Big Sur. So what did she see?

 

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

A Fun Busy Weekend

 

Gemma Cleaslate did quite a few things this weekend. Besides a fishing event, she went to the Bay City Anniversary Party.  Then a party at Virtual Ability followed by the Cultural Diversity party. And then came some sky jumping at Yosemite High Sierra. She had quite a bit to write about.

 

Read Gemma's story in Extra.

Announcement: Virtual Ability's 12th Annual Mental Health Symposium

 

Virtual Ability Presents
the 12th Annual Mental Health Symposium
“Self-Identity and Mental Health”
Friday, May 12, 2023
Sojourner Auditorium,
Virtual Ability Island
In Second Life

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/53/172/23

The 12th annual Mental Health Symposium will take place in Virtual Ability’s Sojourner Auditorium, on Virtual Ability island on Friday, May 12, 2023. There is no charge to attend.

The theme of this year’s Conference is “Self-Identity and Mental Health.” We believe that personal identification can have a major impact on mental health, and we want to stress the importance of a healthy sense of personal identity to good mental health.

The Symposium will take place in the virtual world of Second Life, at the Sojourner Auditorium on Virtual Ability island. The SLURL for the auditorium is: Sojourner Auditorium, Virtual Ability Island. (You can create a free Second Life account through Virtual Ability’s Sign-Up Portal, entering at the beginning of our New Resident Orientation Course. You can then post the auditorium’s SLURL into Nearby Chat, click the green underlined link, and teleport to the auditorium.)

Virtual Ability hosts this annual Symposium to share information about mental health and mental disabilities with the general population. Within our cross-disability community we have members who deal with a variety of mental health issues. Not only is this an opportunity for our community members to learn more about topics related to mental health from experts they probably would not have a chance to meet otherwise, it allows the general public to attend a professional conference at no cost.

 For a full schedule of the conference, Click Here: https://virtualability.org/mental-health-symposia/mental-health-symposium-2023/