Eye on the Blog: Second Life is Expanding to Steam

A few days ago, Linden Lab Lab made two announcements on their blog. One was about team behind the Exodus Viewer having worked on a project to improve graphics. But the one that's gotten more talk was about making Second Life accessible to users of the Steam gaming platform.


As some sharp-eyed developers have speculated, we’re going to make Second Life available on Steam in the next month or so.

Many of us have friends who are avid Steam gamers, but if you’re not familiar, Steam is a very popular online game platform that offers a wide range of titles (and will soon also offer other software as well).

What does this news mean for Second Life? You’ll still be able to access Second Life just as you can today; there won’t be any change to that. But, the more than 40 million people who use Steam will also be able to get Second Life as easily as they can get games like Portal.

We’ll make an announcement on the blog when Second Life is actually available on Steam, but in the meantime, if you have friends who are Steam gamers, let ‘em know it’s coming!


I couldn't find a thread of comments in the official forums about Steam, though there was one in the SL Universe forums. The residents there had mixed feelings about it, many feeling it would bring in easily bored teenagers whom were expecting a top performing system with little patience for the lag. A few thought the only ones whom would stick around would do so only for virtual porn and sex. Hamlet Au whom also talked about the Steam access, had among the most optimistic feelings about it, though the majority of those commenting were less cheerful.

There are a number of places and communities in Second Life that would appeal to gamers, such as Aria Clash, New Bastogne, WW2 Tribute, MadPea, and the Warbugs. Not being a top-end gaming system, the Grid would take some getting used to for them. Those looking strictly for "pawnage" may be hard to retain.

So what advantage does Second Life have? Unlike many other games made by multimillion dollar companies, those here are created by what amount to small businesses at most and teams of hobbyists at least. These are not made up of wealthy men (and women), but working stiffs whom are also amateur historians, sci-fi geeks, and programmers whom are more accessible and reachable to any questions and complaints.

There is one more advantage. Some gamers have more imagination than others. Seeing that the games in Second Life were created inworld not by Linden Labs but by other users, some may start getting ideas. Maybe a better-looking uniform, an idea for a new weapon, or perhaps a new villain/boss. In the historical combat RPs, players can work their way up the ranks. In both cases, talented gamers can not just play games, but become part of a team that develops them.

This, in my opinion, is what is most likely to keep any gamers Steam may draw in Second Life.



Of the "New Open Source Project to Improve Graphics Rendering Performance," the "normal and specular maps" for textures may not be the benefit for gaming on the Grid people like Hamlet Au and the Lindens are hoping for, but content creators should find these new tools useful.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

Skylark LeFavre demonstrates a sci-fi firearm. We'd just been talking about griefers and ponies. Maybe this is why griefers have been going after them as other targets of theirs, such as "furries," have opposable thumbs, and weaponry.

By Bixyl Shuftan

All In A Day’s World

A figure ran past me the other day while I was in my shop on Book Island.
I was in the middle of a phone conversation and he escaped before I greeted him.
But not wanting to be rude, especially in front of my own booth.
I IM’d him with an apology.
What followed was a long conversation with someone from the Ukraine.
He spoke little English, I spoke no Ukrainian whatsoever.
But we discussed literature at length, mentioned a few authors.
These were Russian authors, one I had never heard of.
Unfortunately, I didn’t give him a list of American authors like he asked for.
I was too eager to find out what was big in the Ukraine.
But there will undoubtedly be future conversations.
That I will squeeze between those I have with people from China.
Or those from England, living in China for several years
Or my good friend from Australia,
Well, you get the point.
Book Island is a focusing point for worldwide culture.
One of many throughout the Internet.
They foster Worldwide communication.
Which can only stimulate Worldwide Peace
Personally, I’m waiting peacefully for the next international connection…..

Contributed by Sandor Zabelin to Book Island Events & Discussion Group

Press Release: Relay for Life Wrap-Up Party

It's time for the 2012 Relay For Life Wrap-Up Party!

When?: August 18 , 2012 @ 4pm SLT

Where?: the Main Location is here:

RFL Wrap Up (13, 133, 21)

and if you can't get in, you can try next door at the ACS Isle Amphitheater where the festivities will also be streamed.


Agenda:
* Broadcasting and Musical Entertainment provided by T1 Radio!
* 2012 Relay For Life Wrap-Up Celebration
* 2012 Relay For Life final Awards and updated Fundraising Club Awards
* 2013 Relay For Life Theme Announcement
* 2013 Relay For Life Kick-Off Date Announcement
* Off-season kiosk distribution
and more!!

You do NOT want to miss it!
Hope to C U There!

~ Until theres a Cure, we Relay! ~

SL Video: "Philip Rosedale at Virtual Ability "

From Mal Burns, "Gentle Heron talks to SecondLife creator Philip Rosedale as part of the diability conference at Virtual Ability. The theme of the discussion is' Virtual Communities.' The event took place on Friday 3rd August 2012. This edit has been trimmed to remove some disturbance in our original broadcast."

For those unfamiliar with Philip Lindens' look, check here for when he updated.

Longtime Country Westen Sim of Salt Creek Due to Close

What may be the oldest sim in Second Life with a country western theme, after seven years Salt Creek, home to the Coyote Country Saloon, is up for sale. Jorie Teichmann is the current owner, "I have run it for the past four years. It was up and running for three years before that. … It is the passing of an era unless I get a country western fan to run it."

Jorie gave me a brief tour of the place, on a mule-pulled wagon, "The design was unique and classic, copied by many … Fiddlers was the main competitor. The people who started it were originally co-owners here. We outlasted them by two years." We went in the Coyote Country Saloon, "Very classic design. This was a one of a kid build by one of the original owners, Jewel. Very talented lady. She got sick in real life. She sold it to me four and a half years ago. I lost contact with her too." He pointed upstairs, which had a number of cuddle spots and a dance area, "Always find lovers up there late at night."

Not far away was the Black Bart bull ride. Another popular spot, Jorie pointed out, was the chapel, complete with pews and altar, "Lots of folks come here." And another spot people went to was the beach. Jorie also mentioned special events, such as a memorial service to the 10th anniversary of 9-11, "twenty four hours continuous music, all life. All the performers donated their services. We donated proceeds to the 9-11 First Responders Fund."

Another event they held was "Dancing with the AvaStars," in which eight couples competed over four weeks. Every Christmas, they would have decorations up, as well as visits from Santa. And at Halloween, the Headless Horseman would ride through.

We came across one other regular, Dearstluv Writer, "A lot of devotion here. It's been quality, not quantity. If you were to move your dreams from real life to SL, it was here. It's just tat the pocketbook wasn't quite as generous." "I just can't afford it any more," Jorie explained, "I wish I could think of more, just a great place."

To get to the sim, head to Salt Creek (190, 148, 21). The tier date is Aug 24, so it maybe gone after that. For those interested in buying, contact Jorie Teichmann, whom is offering to sell the sim, build, and group for 1,300 dollars, or 400 for just the sim without the builds, tier being $295.00 a month

Among the regulars here was Any1 Gynoid, whom had come across the place on his first day, and ket coming over.

Bixyl Shuftan

ABC Island Media Sim to Close

Some sad news for Australians in Second Life. According to the Metaverse Tribune, ABC Island (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) will be closing it's doors in about a month, on September 22, 2012.

"The Island has been a staple of the Australian Second Life scene since March 2007," the Journal reported, stating the sim had undergone a number of changes over the years, "Given the relatively small number of Australian visitors compared to it's heyday, it's not a shock that the ABC are redirecting the funds. That doesn't make it easier for the small and dedicated bunch of volunteer admins of the sim."

Daniel Voyager had this to say, "ABC Island in Second Life is a dynamic and distinctively Australian destination providing visitors with opportunities to design, create, and showcase objects, discover a hidden underground music club, listen to indigenous stories, wander round an environmentally friendly eco house, experience ABC audio and video in a social environment and attend live screening and concerts."

According to Wikipedia, ABC is Australia's national public broadcasting service, providing radio, television, and more recently online services across Australia and overseas. It is government funded and owned. (http://www.abc.net.au/)

ABC Island (213, 209, 22)

Sources: Metaverse Tribune, Daniel Voyager's Blog, Wikipedia

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

Another picture from the July Warbug air show. Medals were given out to those participating in the air combat. Due to some of the flyers being "tinies," the size could be adjusted. The intent was for a better fit for the smaller avatars, but as the picture shows, one wag took it the other way. Wonder if those would fit a "Colossus" av?

By Bixyl Shuftan

Politics in Second Life

Four years ago in 2008, it wasn't too hard to find reflections of the US Presidential Election in Second Life. During the Presidential Primaries, a number of places on the Grid were set up for candidates by supporters. At Capitol Hill, showings of the debates, as well as election night's returns, were shown and moderated. And of course there were the Republican and Democrat hangouts, notably the Straight Talk Cafe and Cafe Wellstone.

Today in 2012, this year's election doesn't seem to have quite the same impact here. Part of it may have to do with the real-life media spotlight largely off of Second Life. Also the Capitol Hill sim is gone, and with it the most noted spot of neutral ground debates had. And then there's the theme to the election itself. Four years ago, we had a crusty old war hero against a promising up and coming young candidate. Today, the President's once shiny promises have long been replaced by gritty realities, challenged by a candidate whom while competent seems more than a little bland. And of course there's the deepening partisan divide. Drama-shy residents may be more than a little reluctant to get involved in discussions they fear may quickly become heated.

For those interested in participating in political discussion, there are still some places one can go to. For Democrats/liberals and progressives, there is Cafe Wellstone in the mainland Pini sim (56, 78, 45), next to the highway. For Republicans/conservatives, with the closing of the GOP Cafe (formerly the Straight Talk Cafe), their place with the most traffic seems to be The Republican Party of SL Headquarters in the Sunset River sim (180, 198, 23). Second Life Newser does not yet have weekly schedules of either location.

Do you the readers have any stories of political debate in Second Life, or know of another location where it takes place regularly? By all means let us know.

Bixyl Shuftan

Events This Week in Second Life from August 14 to August 20

It's a week full of events on the Grid. There are a number of art shows on Second Life, such as Synesthesia and "Exit/Enter." And we have our regularly scheduled events from book and poetry readers, to talk shows, to church services, and music DJ events.

See the list in Events This Week.

Press Release: Burn2 - Notes from the Town Hall: Parcels, Pricing, and the Theme!

For those of you who weren't able to make it to the Town Hall meeting on the 11th of August, here's the skinny!

This year our event -- the only Burning Man Regional Event that is allowed to burn the man -- will be held from the 20th to 28th of October.

Expect to see all the events you've come accustomed to, building on the playa before the event, and even BURN2 only activities like the Skin Burn! We'll even be having some great workshops leading up to the event, including a porta potty building workshop on Sunday, the 19th of August at 5:00 p.m. SLT!

This years theme? After much discussion, we're proud to announce that the community sought to remain aligned with the theme of the big burn in Black Rock City. Out theme is Fertility!

For 2012, we are offering four regions, with 61 camp parcels for sale and an additional 34 parcels to be given away. We're also inviting four artists to the event: watch for more information on the artists we've invited soon.

We have eight art parcels we'll be giving away specifically for juried art: three 2048m parcels and five 1024m parcels. Additionally, five 1024m juried theme camps are being offered. If you want to apply for one of these, please visit the juried art and theme camp submission form at http://burn2.org/art_camp_submissions

We're very excited about parcel pricing this year. We applied over US$2,400.00 in donations to help reduce the cost of parcels. The prices for this year's Burn2 parcels is as follows:

4096m camps (with 936 prims) are L$14,000
2048m camps (with 468 prims) are L$7,000
1024m camps (with 234 prims) are L$3,500

Parcels are available RIGHT NOW in Burning Man- Deep Hole.

There is also a lottery for 17 512m camp plots. Donate L$10 to enter the lottery. Only one entry per person, please, and these parcels can not be transferred nor sold.

Finally, as always, we're always blessed with your time. If you wish to volunteer as a greeter, a guide, a translator, or other needs, Check in at the volunteer signup form at http://www.burn2.org/volunteer-signup. If you're a DJ or a live performer who is interested in performing at the event, please contact Buttermilk Panacek!


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BURN2 is an extension of the Burning Man festival and community into the world of Second Life. It is an officially sanctioned Burning Man regional event, and the only virtual world event out of more than 100 real world Regional groups.

The BURN2 Team operates events year around, culminating in an annual major festival of community, art and fire in the fall - a virtual echo of Burning Man itself.

We'd like to encourage you to use the following labels and hashtags when you write about the event: Burn2, #burn2 . We will promote those tags to make it easier for people to find your content

Want more information? Check out these resources
Website: http://burn2.org
, Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/burn2/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BURN_two
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burn2/

Contact: Emcee Widget
emceewidget@gmail.com
www.burn2.org

A Titanic Misunderstanding

A few years ago, Bixyl Shuftan wrote a much commented-on article about people getting banned from places because of their avatar's appearance. Recently, he was alerted about a protest at the Titanic sim, the protestors saying they were banning furry avatars even though they were following the dress code. But a closer look suggested a somewhat different story.

Read more in People.

Pathfinding and Problems

Any1 Gynoid recently pointed out the latest entry on the Phoenix blog by Jessica Lyon. She explained that Pathfinding, the new tools for smarter non-player characters in Second Life, were going to be rolled out on August 7 which "may have an impact on the performance of your regions, as well as introduce some new bugs." Pathfinding would be running on the sims as soon as they were updated.

Jessica wrote that the Lindens assured her that the impact on the sims would be small. But Region owners and mangers could disable it (or re-enable) if they wanted. Or they could optimize it, which could be done by downloading the official Beta Viewer from Linden Lab. Unfortunetly, "along with Pathfinding come changes to the Havok Physics engine, which have introduced some new bugs … including issues with some vehicles, physics, phantom, and sculpts." She had sent a list of questions to the Lab, and got a few answers in response.

Jessica's entry got a number of comments, mostly complaints about Linden Lab. In the official blog, a thread on the subject was started, which was more balanced. One woman there felt the update had gone so smoothly, Jessica hadn't the need to post about it. Others felt there were a few complications.

Sources: Phoenix Blog, Linden Blog

Cartoon of the Day: "Alas Poor Tommy"

Nydia Tungsten shows off a "skull" typing animation, which led to a few "Alas poor Eric" and "Hamlet" jokes, and of course this cartoon.

One of my regular readers of the cartoons happens to be named Thomas. So here you go Tommy, every week, dozens will admire you on stage for decades to come. There's just one little detail ...

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Dusty Streets of Dodge City

Gemma Cleanslate recently went to an active recreation of a Wild West community: Dodge City. In this roleplay area, the residents reenact life in the American West in the 1870s. From Cheyenne braves, to soldiers in Fort Hawker, to outlaws, and of course the townsfolk trying to make a living, the place has many kinds of people, and is still looking for more.

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Press Release: Burn2 Town Hall Meeting

Town Hall Meeting, August 11

Theme to be announced, parcels will go on sale


Brushing away fresh prim shavings, plans were rezzed across the work table in the twinkie, a dusty quonset hut surrounded by desert. Out spilled notecards full of ideas and textures of wonderful things yet to be. It was time to tell everyone what was to come.


Come one and all to a very special town hall meeting at Center Camp on Burning Man- Deep Hole on the 11th of August at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. SLT/PDT.

• Want to know how much parcels will cost? We'll tell you!

• Looking for apply for a theme camp or a juried art plot? Be here and learn how!

• Dying to know which artists we've invited? This is the place to find out!

• Just want to know the theme so you can get busy? Come on down!

You'll even find plot sales and donation kiosks out at the event, and even Burningman 2.0 group joiners. There will even be some fun to be had. Who doesn't love fun? Head to Deep Hole!


DeepHole, 224, 92, 24

)<>( )<>( )<>( )<>( )<>( )<>(

BURN2 is an extension of the Burning Man festival and community into the world of Second Life. It is an officially sanctioned Burning Man regional event, and the only virtual world event out of more than 100 real world Regional groups.

The BURN2 Team operates events year around, culminating in an annual major festival of community, art and fire in the fall - a virtual echo of Burning Man itself.

We'd like to encourage you to use the following labels and hashtags when you write about the event: Burn2, #burn2 . We will promote those tags to make it easier for people to find your content

Want more information? Check out these resources

Website: http://burn2.org
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/burn2/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BURN_two
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burn2/

SL Newser Staff Meeting

A picture from the Second life Newser meeting last weekend. Pictured are Grey Lupindo, Gemma Cleanslate, Grease Coakes, Bixyl Shuftan, and newcomer: Zyker Finesmith.

SL Video: Jamm for Genes at Laceys Place

A video taken of OhMy Kidd's performance at the Jamm For Genes 2012 at Lacey's Place last weekend.

By "RPBizzle"

Game Review: Diablo 3

Grease Coakes recently took a look at Diablo 3, a recently released game by Blizzard, the makers of World of Warcraft. The game gets it's name from the main bad guy, Diablo the Lord of Hell. Before facing him, one has to build up one's character. So just how is the gameplay? Read inside to find more.

Read Grease's review in Extra.

The Angels Beach/Sunweavers Make a Place in Minecraft

So what have my neighbors in Second Life been up to when not on Second Life? Two years ago, many were going about in World of Warcraft under their own guild, also called "Sunweavers." Today, I haven't been seeing as much activity there lately. So where have they been going? The answer is Minecraft.

Xymbers Slade first looked at the game in April. Myself, it wasn't until more recently when Nydia Tungsten invited me to take a look. She and others from the Sunweaver and Angels Estates had been working away, and eventually I joined up to see for myself what was going on.

As it turned out, Nydia and the others had built a walled village, named Angels Village, in a private server. Small houses were set up for members who had joined, the beds being where characters would re-rez if they croaked in the game. Crops had been planted to harvest food from, such as pumpkins and sugar cane. And one surprise were the tamed wolves, which helped keep out the monsters that come out at night in the game.

Besides Nydia, Lomgren Smalls helped me out a bit. He was one of the main builders here, working on something when I arrived. Asking if he had gotten used to being the same size as everyone else, Nydia chuckled, "Oh, with the size of the spiders, he jokes we've shrunk down to his level." Both Nydia and Lom had gotten customized skins from http://www.minecraftskins.com/ . I would later get a fox appearance.

Nydia and Lom showed me around a little, such as a mine complex dug beneath the village, and some of the surrounding land. Some useful info was bits like "Do not dig directly below you or above as you never know what might lie beneath or above." There are caverns in the game, and one could fall to one's end. Also, monsters do not always go away at sunup, but zombies can take refuge in the shade of a forest. And while they spawn in darkness, the infamous creepers and walk anywhere.

Nydia recommended a few links, such as "How to Survive Your First Night in Minecraft." Another useful link was a page on the Minecraft Wiki for crafting.

Besides the Sunweavers/Angels, other communities in Second Life have been making their mark in Minecraft. Xymbers Slade told me he was exploring around in the Caledon server. And earlier this year, New World Notes did an article earlier this year about one estate owner who found his community's Minecraft server was bringing in new renters.

So far, have spent just a little time at Angels Village, or in Single Player mode to try my luck on my own. Haven't croaked yet, though haven't found any mother lodes of ores either. A real Minecraft adventure will have to wait for a future article. But here is an example of how a community in Second Life made a place in another Grid.

*Correction* Nydia later told me her skin didn't come from a website, but L'sai Aeon made it.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: Trains on Parade

From Stryker Jenkins, "This video shows the News report about the RAIL-BOT 2012 event held on August 4th 2012, organized by the SLRR RAIL GROUP in Second Life.
"A parade of trains went along the Second Life Railroad (SLRR) Main Line from Bhaga to Neumoegen and the West Atoll Railroad (WARR) to the station in Loepa.
"The Virtual Railway Consortium consists of members that enjoy the diverse railway and other transportation resources in Second life."

Virtual Unreality

Gemma Cleanslate recently was invited to another interactive art showing. This time it was in LEA23, called "Virtual Unreality." There, she, and the other artists present, had a little fun with the exhibitions, becoming part of the art.

See the pictures in Design.

Next World of Warcraft Expansion To Be Released Sept 25

Some MMO gaming news. As was suspected earlier, "Star Wars The Old Republic" will soon be going "free to play." The news comes as it was revealed subscriptions have dropped below a million, but still "well above " a half million. It remains to be seen whether this move can stop the slide.

But the big news is about the champion of multiplayer online games. World of Warcraft's next expansion, "Mists of Pandaria," had it's release date announced to the public: September 25, 2012.

It's hard to say how big it will be once it's available. Two years ago when Cataclysm was released, there was some buzz about it in Second Life as it's release date got closer. My own home estate had it's own WoW guild. Currently, I haven't been hearing many talk about World of Warcraft, and my neighbors seem to have had mostly left it, with some heading to Minecraft instead (more on that later). Perhaps things will change as the date gets closer.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

Miyuki shows off her metal bikini. One gaming cliche that never seems to end despite all the jokes, is just how skimpy female armor is compared to the guys. In a fight even remotely realistic, it would be close to useless, especially to protecting vitals. Probably the only place I could imagine it's use would be for the female guards of a pervy villain's lair, one whom was more concerned with his desires than keeping out adventurers.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Of Ponies and Furries

Today marks the debut of our latest writer, Zyker Finesmith. What was on his mind was certain rumors of trouble between some "Furry" fans and some of the more diehard of the pony/MLP fans or "bronies." In this article, he gives his two cents on the issue.

Read more in People.

Eye on the Blog: Linden Lab Announces First Set of Advanced Creator Tools Launched

Torley Linden narrates this video of the first of the "advanced creator tools" from Linden Lab for Second Life: teleport agents and temporary attachments. The video seems to be aimed at store owners and gaming area makers, though the blog post also suggested the teleport agents would be useful for scavenger hunts.

To read the Linden blog post, Click Here.

To read the thread on the Linden forums, Click Here.

This Week in Second Life from August 7 to August 13

It's a week of summer fun in Second Life. The Olympics continue, and so they're reflected on the Grid with events in the London sims and in the Flying Tigers' Sports Festival. Check out the artistic events in the Linden Endowment of the Arts sims. And of course there are our regularly scheduled book and poetry readings, DJ and live music parties, church services, and talk shows.

See the list of goings-on in Events this Week.

"Jamm for Genes" Raises Over 300,000 Lindens

This weekend, the "Jamm for Genes" event raised over 300,000 Lindens. From 10PM Thursday to close to Midnight on Sunday evening, live musicians performed for the Australian charity at three different clubs, one at a time. On late Thursday, "Lacy's Place" in the Sasha sim started the action. Just as the events there began to wind down 22 hours later, at 8PM the musicians at "The Pocket" at Cassandra began playing.

Once owned by Second Life media personality Delinda Dyrssen, the Aussie club "The Pocket" is the most well known of the three clubs. After Delinda's passing, Cellandra Zon took up the reins of running this popular music spot, which normally runs Friday nights and very early Saturday morning.

Getting to the Pocket at around 9AM SL time, the dance floor was packed with about two dozen, including musicians such as Beth Odets and OhMy Kidd. Bundy Xue of B&B was also there. On stage was singer Mash Rhode. The off-duty musicians and others in the audience cheered him on, and donations continued to be dropped into the kiosks.

At one point, he was singing a song that got a few chuckles from the audience, "I'm an apeman, I'm an ape apeman, ooh I'm an apeman." One girl sang along, "You be my Tarzan, I'll be your Jane.
I'll keep you sane and you'll keep me warm. And we'll sit in the trees and eat bananas all."

Others singing at The Pocket included GuitarHero Dougall, Freestar Tammas, NeoMaximus Brandenburg, and more.

After The Pocket's 24 hours were up, the action went to B&B in Utopia and EnGedi at Midnight Saturday night. The tunes continued throughout Sunday morning and afternoon. Getting there Sunday evening just after 7PM, the party was still very much going with Kat Rose playing her guitar. After her was Bo Carter.

With the musician cheered, there was also some joking around, with suggestions that one guy get on the dance pole, and more funnery.

Latte Dagostino, "It's ok to perv for the cause!" Cellandra Zon, "(laughter) Not me!" Bixyl Shuftan, " 'Perv for the cause?' Heh, can I quote you on that for SL Newser? (grin)" Latte Dagostino, "Sure (laughter)." Cellandra Zon, "Nooooo! (laughter) Bixyl, you brat!"

As of just after 9PM SL time, the total amount raised was over 308,000 Lindens. No doubt more was raised in the next few hours, OhMy Kidd scheduled to be the closing act at 11PM SL time. SL Newser had yet to be informed of the final total. But the Jamm for Genes event in Second Life was an undeniable success.

*Correction* Cellandra later told me The Pocket is actually run by OhMy Kidd and Saraine, "I'm just the Events Manager."

Bixyl Shuftan

Waiting for "Curiosity" at Explorer Island

Before logging out for the night on Sunday, August 5, I decided to head to Explorer Island, of which an SURL had been posted at (126, 99, 38). There, I ran into a number of people, including Ariel Loonie (upper left in the stands), and RacerX Gullwing. They were awaiting the landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars, which took place at 10:32 SL time. Unfortunetly, I was too tired to stick around, so snapped this picture.

Curiosity is the largest rover ever sent to Mars, weighing about a ton in Earth gravity. It's landing was a combination of a parachute descent and being lowered onto the ground by a "skycrane." Unlike other rovers, it's descent was caught on camera from orbit. The rover is essentially a mobile lab, which will analyze soil samples for signs of Martian microbial life, some of which may be a billion years old. It's mission is planned to last for two years, though it may last longer. Spirit and Opportunity, two rovers that landed on the planet in 2004, were on a mission planned to last for only three months. Spirit lasted until March 2011, over six years. Opportunity is still moving and analyzing.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Agapeo Roleplay Sim

Second Life Newser was informed by Mama Allpa's YT Recreant about a dark-themed adult roleplay area: the Agapeo Roleplay sim.
Grease Coakes took a look at this unusual place, in which male hunters go after women, but the girls are often far from helpless and can fight back. He also had a few words with the owner, Agenor Resident.

Read Grease's article in Extra.

Press Release: Burn2 Parcels Up for Sale

Welcome Home to Burn2

Parcels for the October burn go on sale August 11th

Trailing a cloud of particle-based dust, a weather worn pickup truck adorned with spray paint and stick on mirrors comes to a skidding halt. Slowly, the driver emerge... a gaunt figure wearing a cowboy hat, goggles, t-shirt, a Utilikilt, and lizard skin cowboy boots. In the face of a warm sun floating high in the WindLight sky, the driver kneels, one hand caressing the dry, pixelated desert floor. This place is inviting, familiar. The driver smiles as a single, unbidden phrase comes to mind: Welcome Home!

Time to break out your camping gear, all you desert denizens! Burn2 is fast approaching, coming to the digital playa this year from the 20th through the 28th of October, 2012! With our initial four-region layout, you'll find plenty of room to party and play!

Parcel sales will begin with a kick-off town hall event on August 11th. You'll find a new and lower price structure in place this year along with over a dozen small (512 sq. m.) parcels to be given away via lottery!

Come join us once again at Burn2 -- an officially-sanctioned Burning Man Regional event!

)<>( )<>( )<>( )<>( )<>( )<>(

BURN2 is an extension of the Burning Man festival and community into the world of Second Life. It is an officially sanctioned Burning Man regional event, and the only virtual world event out of more than 100 real world Regional groups.

The BURN2 Team operates events year around, culminating in an annual major festival of community, art and fire in the fall - a virtual echo of Burning Man itself.

We'd like to encourage you to use the following labels and hashtags when you write about the event: Burn2, #burn2 . We will promote those tags to make it easier for people to find your content

Want more information? Check out these resources

Website: http://burn2.org
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/burn2/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BURN_two
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burn2/

Contact: Emcee Widget
emceewidget@gmail.com
www.burn2.org

Cartoon of the Day: Warbug Wackiness

At the Warbug Air Show last weekend, their creator Arduenn Schwartzman had a little trouble, and crashed into the stands. This probably wasn't his exact quote, but he was saying something alone this line. I didn't say anything, but the cartoon shows what I was thinking. ;-)

Bixyl Shuftan

"Halloween in July at Zero-G"

Tuesday Night, July 31st at 6PM, was "Halloween in July" at Club Zero Gravity. Almost two dozen people showed up in our creature feature, as skeletons, zombies, vampires, witches, and more. Shockwave Yareach "boned up" on spooky music before DJing for the event.

Club owner Nydia Tugsten was there, this time looking more scary than sexy, blood dripping from her muzzle, like some griefer had messed with his last sim.

The contest for best costume was won by Sachi Mint. our panda pumpkin girl.

It was a night of frightful fun for Club Zero Gravity. Events are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8PM SL time, Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

Bixyl Shuftan

Axis vs. Allies Infantry Tournament: Tonight 6PM

Old soldiers never die!
Not fade away, they live in us!

Join us, Sunday, August 5th, at 6PM SLT for the New Bastogne Axis vs. Allies Tournament!
More than 20K L$ Prize Aircraft from E.G. Aircraft and Milestone Aircraft!
More Fabulous WW2 prizes from Sera Otoro, Sunshine Juneberry, Patrick Pasplund, Chris Kaylor, and Tank Kwaszes! And the prize list is still growing!

SCG, SMG, & SSG bullet class weapons only are eligible for the prizes.

Contest Prizes:
Most Kills 1st Place-
Axis: $1000L
Allied: $1000L

2nd Most Kills:
Axis: $500L
Allied $500L

There will also be an additional $1000L in cash prizes to be handed out at random for most deaths, best kill/death ratio etc.

Sim rules apply, admins have full right to request you use a different weapon as they see fit for this event. And have fun!!!!

See You There!!

WW II Role Play & VICE Combat - New Bastogne (111, 148, 35)
Show your mettle!

SL Video: "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines."

Pixie Rain, the "official Warbug correspondent," did this little machinima out of footage from the Warbug Air Show at Madpea last weekend. Whether or not yours truly is a "magnificent man" is best left to others to decide. ;-)

"Jamm for Genes" Night at "The Pocket"

Tonight is "Jamm for Genes" at The Pocket. For 24 hours, live musicians will perform to raise money for childhood genetic disease research.

"The Pocket is a venue for music, fun and good times. Our motto is 'few rules just fun,' so please relax and have a good time. ... Our regular show is Friday Night at The Pocket from 8 PM 'til late on Fridays featuring an ever changing program of the best live music in Second Life. "


8PM, Fendahl, (242, 82, 31)

Bob Komin (BK Linden) Leaves Linden Lab

Both Hamlet Au and Tateru Nino are confirming that Linden Lab's Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer Bob Komin, known in Second Life as BK Linden, has left the company. Spokesman Peter Gray was quoted as saying "Bob Komin has moved on to pursue a new opportunity," stating the Lab planned to employ a new CFO, "Linden Lab is thankful for his contributions to the company, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavor."

BK Linden's legacy is a mixed one to many. He's credited to making Second Life much more profitable to Linden Lab, but it was partially done by laying off about a third of the staff. He also made the corporate management of the company a more traditional hierarchy, which from the point of view of many, "diminished the democratic 'Tao of Linden' spirit Philip Rosedale instituted." He was the acting CEO between Philip Linden's departure as Interim and the hiring of Rod Humble.

Hamlet Au had a few things to say about BK's legacy. The way he say it, "Bob Komin has helped prepare Linden Lab for a post-Second Life era, in which SL is less and less central to the company's strategy and plans." He had helped create the "very large" cash reserve to finance projects, such as games. "much of Linden Lab's management … likely see Second Life as a legacy MMO which has run its course. With the launch of new development tools, followed soon by a steady withdrawal of company resources, the future of Second Life will soon be almost completely in the hands of it's users."

In another post, Hamlet had a few bits of advice on how Second Life residents could help save the Grid after such a departure, notably multiplayer games inside Second Life, and third party viewers that could be tailored to support such games. However, to those who keep asking the Lab to lower tier, he felt Linden Lab was unlikely to do so without "substantial growth of active users. Maybe several hundred thousand." Hamlet doesn't seem to be a fan of what economists call "dynamic analysis" or "dynamic scoring."

Not many Lindens have had as much impact as Bob Komin. It should be interesting to see whom replaces him.

Image source: Second Life Universe

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: "Hot Bay City Nights" Car Show

BAY CITY, SL - Celebrating Bay City's mid-century theme as well as its large network of roads, "Hot Bay City Nights" will showcase vehicle makers who create automobiles from the Bay City "era," stretching from 1940 to 1965. Hot Bay City Nights in a first of its kind event, borrowing a page or two from the city's successful "Bay City Fashion Week' last April.

Established vintage automobile designers will be found in the Bay City Fairgrounds, in the North Channel region, from August 18-25 to present the best in vintage and retro vehicles for all Second Life™ avatars.

Additional events will provide plenty for all to do, including DJ and live music events, a bikini contest, and a charity car wash. The event will raise funds for Child's Play, a charity that provides toys and games for children in hospitals around the world.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab™ and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life™ and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest Bay city group, and home to most Residents of Bay City.

For more information, contact:
Marianne McCann
Bay City Alliance
marianne.mccann@gmail.com

The Warbug Air Show at Madpea

Last weekend, Second Life Newser's Bixyl Shuftan attended an air show at Madpea. The group doing the show were the Warbugs, the flyers of a brand of funny little aircraft. The show offered a look at the pilots, whom could be a wacky bunch. It was an event with laughs, thrills, and a few spills.

Read more in Events.

International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference at Virtual Ability on

Gentle Heron called me to say that this weekend, Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4, there will be a Conference at the Sojourner Auditorium on Virtual Ability Island. It is the Virtual Ability’s International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference. There will be numerous presentations by international experts on subjects of interest regarding The idea of “community.” You are all invited to attend. You can find information on the subjects and presenters at http://blog.virtualability.org. and the full schedule is found at http://www.virtualability.org/idrac2012 .

One personalilty who will be there and do an interview with Alice Krueger, President of Virtual Ability, Inc is Philip Rosedale (Philip Linden), founder of Linden Lab. He will be discussing how the virtual world infrastructure facilitates community development. Of the Conference, Alice Krueger stated, “I am looking forward to learning more about the various communities people with disabilities are involved in. Being included in community affairs is a basic human right, too often denied to those of us with disabling conditions or chronic illnesses. Following up on last year’s IDRAC conference which focused on legal protections for these populations, this conference will highlight some of the ways people have used those protections to attain full community membership.”

There are many that I have met within Second Life that have disabilities, challenges, and chronic health problems that have a place to live and develop skills that would not be possible in real life. We have formed many communities with them. Learn about the concepts behind “community” and its importance.

The Auditorium can be accessed here http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/53/172/23 .

Gemma Cleanslate

Cartoon of the Day: Those Zany Steelhead Salmons

Taken at the teardown of the Steelhead RFL build, one of the team demonstrates her salmon rezzer.

Saying there was something fishy going on would be too obvious a pun. ;-)

by Bixyl Shuftan

Imerse Yourself in the Art Box

Gemma Cleanslate recently came across a place known as the "Art Box." It allows one to become part of a piece of art to photograph. Gemma had some fun with some of the sets, and sent the results to the Newser.

See more in Design.

Wounded Warrior Event Raises 143,000 Lindens

On the evening of Sunday July 29th, Patriot Island held their monthly Wounded Warrior benefit, hosted by Frets Nirvana. After a few hours of live performances by musicians, a total of 143,000 Lindens had been raised.

"The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) works to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs."

"Thank you all who supported ... thanks everyone, and all the performers."

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Tales from Podex: Olympic Flaming

It was a typical day for the Podex bank in late July. The month had been an eventful time for the Podex Exchange. With the Relay for Life earlier in the month, people had bought Lindens to give to the American Cancer Society through their teams. Now with the end of the month nearing, things were more or less back to normal, people coming in to get Lindens for swimsuits and other summer gear. There was a little talk about the upcoming Olympics, and between visits from customers, one teller was talking to the others about going to one of the London areas for the events there.

The talk was soon interrupted by a visitor. He wasn't dressed in much, just shorts and a white shirt with the Olympic Games logo and "London 2012." In his hand, there was a torch that burned brightly. But the one wearing them was clearly recognizable.

"Clumsy Cooper!" One of the tellers called out, "You got some nerve showing up. And while you're worn some lame disguises before, this doesn't even begin to hide you."

"Who said anything about hiding?" Clumsy asked, "I'm just helping to spread the Olympic spirit, on my way to the London sim." He walked further inside the building.

"Yeah, right! Now you just turn around before we call the cops on you!"

"How about this?" He put the lit end of the torch next to some plants, "Hand over your Lindens, and I won't set fire the place."

The tellers just looked at him for a moment before one spoke again, "I'll have to hand it to you, I never heard of a bank being held up with a torch before."

"Fine. Now just show me the money!"

"I think we shall not."

"I told you, I'll make this place burn!" He had the torch almost touching the leaves of the foilage.

"Go ahead and try. Knowing you, that torch is a freebie that can't light a thing"

"I'll show you!" The bandit then tried igniting the plant. But nothing happened. He then tried the dried leaves under it, still nothing.

"You never learn, do you?"

"Grrrr …" Irritated, the thief swung it at a nearby machine to try to ignite it. But living up to his name, Clumsy didn't have a firm enough grip on the torch, and it slipped out of his hands. It fell to the ground, and broke in two, the flame fading away. Clumsy looked at the sight in disbelief, "Um … "

"Get him!"

Hearing those words, the masked intruder then bolted from the building, running down the stairs, and down the beach. He ran to some nearby homes and vanished from view. Currently, Clumsy Cooper is wanted by the SLPD on charges of attempted griefing.

The Podex Exchange has a record of being one of the safest Linden exchange services in Second Life, the data processing done outside the exchange, and has a record of thousands of satisfied customers. Transactions can be done at their website, or their location inworld at Moonberry (26, 223, 34).

Note: The preceding is a fictional story, written for the dual purpose of advertisement and entertainment.

Bixyl Shuftan

Events This Week in Second Life from July 31 to August 6

The Olympics are here! And not just in real life, or for most of us the boob tube. The London areas have a number of Olympic themed events. Plus the Flying Tigers have their Sports Festival. If the Olympics isn't your thing, "Jamm for Genes" is this weekend, in which numerous musicians perform live for charity. And of course there's our regularly scheduled lineup of book & poetry readings, club DJ events, talk shows, and church services.

See the list of happenings in Events this Week.

Duran Duran Olympic Performance with Second Life Avatars

Remember the video JJ Coronet made in Second Life for use by Duran Duran at the Olympics? Well, while performing at Hyde Park in front of a live audience estimated to be 70,000, the band used parts of the footage (appears at about 3:20 in the video). While not part of the main performances at the opening ceremonies, "it likely showed up in lots of news coverage around the world."

"The greatest gig ever Hyde Park in the VIP guest area Playing my video on screen in front of 70,000 people woohooo, Had a really great time big thanks to Chrissey and Gary for making it happen."

According to Hamlet Au, Coronet stated that some of the video will be in the Duran Duran CD "Diamonds in the Mind." He also told that while nothing's been confirmed yet, to expect more from the group involving Second Life content soon.

Source: New World Notes 

A Tuscan Summer

Grey Lupindo has been exploring once again in Second Life. She returned to Cap Estel, and found a picturesque Italian countryside. Created by Maurice Messmer, the place is masterfully done. It looks so real, one would think you could smell the vinyards.

Read more in Places.