Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver, the Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.
 
Club Cutlass: Best in 'T', Blue Night, Earth Colors

Happy Vixen: St. Patrick's Day, Next to Naked, TBA, Raccoons and Wah, Africa, Pool Party, Oddities,

Club Zero Gravity: TBA,

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Celtic/Green, Ferals, Fantasy, Memes, Rainbows vs Gold, Avians, Late Night, Canines

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Reader Submitted: Happy St. Patrick's Day

From LS Raccoon, whom is all dressed up, and dyed up, for the holiday of "th' wearin' o' th' green."

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

It's Saint Patrick's Day, the day that celebrates everything Irish. And there are a few Irish-themed places in Second Life.

One such place is Castle Blarney. It's where the Blarney Stone is located. Just head to the top, lay on the floor where the stone is, and kiss it. Will you receive the gift of gab (or be "full of Blarney")? Who knows.

Castle Blarney is in the Wilde sim at (150, 110, 33).

Another appropriate location is the Castle Blarney Pub in the Dublin sim. This location has been in Second Life for years, and always draws a crowd this time of year. So be prepared for lag. "Come visit the lively, always-exciting Blarney Stone Irish Bar in Second Life. Social events and live DJ music occur daily. Live music concerts are also held three times a week."

Dublin (82/82/25).

A favorite among shoppers this time of year is St. Patrick's Town. It's in Laura Liberty's Townies sim. There are shops you can get green outfits, as well as props such as rainbows and pots of gold. There's also a rainibow slide you can zip down, into a pile of gold coins. There's also a beer dunking booth, and a gold mine where you can find gold bars with gifts inside.

Townies (127/27/25)

 In the Celtic Mist sim is Finian's Dream. The Destination Guide describes it, "A mystical and beautiful land, based on old Celtic Ireland. Come discover the secrets of the forest as you explore the misty woods, stop by the tavern, see the countryside, and visit a castle. The region was designed by Noralie78. "

Celtic Mist (97/45/28)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

International Women's Day at The CDS

A little more than a week ago, the Confederation of Democratic Simulators had an event celebrating International Women's Day. There was a "Making Waves" exhibit showing the progress made with women's rights over the years. But there were also performances, such as DJing, and live music.

Read more in Events.

SL17B Applications For Exhibitors Open

On Friday March 13, Linden Lab announced that it was accepting applications for exhibitors for the Second Life Seventeenth Birthday celebrations.

In Second Life, you can explore the (virtual) world from the safety and comfort of your own home -- and that’s why we’ve selected  “vacations and road trips”  as this year’s SL17B theme. Whether you teleport directly or travel to your favorite SL destinations by plane, train or automobile, we hope to see a wide variety of community exhibits and experiences that celebrate the spirit of Second Life escapism and travel.

Residents interested in setting up an exhibit need to fill out an application form and send it. Those interested should read the SL17B Exhibitor Policies set up by the Lab. While the exhibits won't be required to hold to the theme as strictly as previous years. there are still plenty of rules to follow, such as needing to be a new build not seen in previous years, limited to 468 prims, limited to a 32x32 parcel (may have tree branches over sidewalk that do not hinder movement), under 75 meters (can request permission for higher), should not sell items, and others. The deadline to submit an application is May 22.

The announcement also reminded residents that applications for musicians interested in taking part in auditions for the Music Fest were being accepted. The deadline for this is May 18.

The SL17B is scheduled to take place from Thursday June 19 to Friday July 10.

To read the blog post in full, Click Here.

Linden Lab Responds to Coronavirus Crisis: Cuts Prices For Nonprofit And Eductional Sims

In real life news, the number one story is the global Coronavirus epidemic. A few months ago, it was limited to China. But in a matter of weeks it has spread around the world. The result has been no shortage of panic and confusion. Travel bans are being set up, and major events are being postponed or canceled. "Social distancing," or avoiding large groups of people, is the best way to avoid catching and spreading the virus. But this means that schools are being closed, as well as charity events. So people are asking how do you educate people and raise money for charity if you can't meet up?

It's a question that those familiar with Second Life have long answered: take it online. And on Friday March 13, Linden Lab announced that it would "Expand Support and Reduce Prices for Education and Nonprofits."

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about how Second Life can help organizations, events, and conferences continue to safely and efficiently operate during the coronavirus outbreak.  

Many individuals and organizations are being affected by this unprecedented public health crisis, and we recognize that Second Life can provide an important and valuable way for people to stay in touch with their friends and co-workers amidst new social distancing protocols, mandated remote work requirements, and other precautionary measures.

The Lab has cut the tier for sims that qualify for education and nonprofit discounts down to "a flat $99/month." This "limited-time" offer is effective immediately as of last Friday.

The Lab is also letting businesses, colleges and universities, and charities know that, "We’re also here to assist you if your organization is exploring options in Second Life for new remote solutions for conferences, events or classes. Our support team is standing by to answer questions about how to get quickly started with a new private or public meeting or event space in Second Life. "

The Lab has set up a new webpage, or "micro-site" as it calls the page, "Remote Work and Event Solutions."

Second Life is the Internet's leading user-created virtual world that's been enjoyed by millions of people and organizations across the globe. For the past 17 years, major companies and education institutions have used Second Life for remote meetings, conferences and collaborations.

There would be a link to a page of videos of "case studies," such as Draxtor Despress' video of Istanbul University.

To view the blogpost in full, Click Here.

Sources: BBC News, USA Today  

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: CDS St. Patrick's Day 2020

Please join us on Tuesday, 17 March at 1200 SLT at Lilith's Irish Pub on the Platz to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with CDS.  Lyubov will DJ your Irish music requests.  Wear green and bring your dancing shoes!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Neufreistadt/135/155/173

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at Club Cutlass. For those who don't know, March 2020 was full of news about the Corona virus. It was also full of news about panicky people reacting in funny ways, such as refusing to drink Corona brand beer.

By Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Team Sunbeamers Pass 200,000 Lindens

Sometime on Saturday, March 14, the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers passed a milestone. The fundraising total reached the 200,000 Linden Dollar mark. As of the writing of this brief, the team total for this season is 217,002. This is over 50,000 raised in a little less than a month.

Just 33,000 Linden dollars remain before the team reaches Platinum.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Announcement: RFL Team Fundrasing Totals, Week Four

This list is for the first four weeks with totals as of Monday 03/09/2020.

Congrats to everyone who has hit a Fundraising Club Level!!!! We are definitely saying "Game On, Cancer!"


Ariel Goldrozen

* * * * *

Bronze

Spirit of the DragonRFL, Supernaturals For A Cure, Seekers of Hope, Nightfall RFL, Mieville Steampunks, Team Bobbi Sue, Cancer Gets Stung, Relay for Christ, MC - Legends MC, Purpose SL Homes, MC - Thunder Demons MC, United Artists of SL, Team Sol Existence, MC - Highway to Rock, Southern Nights Country Club, SOUL SISTERS n FaMiLy, Sisters in SL, MC - DARK ANGEL REBELS, GridPlay, Steelhead Salmons, RFL Evenstarr's, We are Dragon's, Team Live Wire, Feed Your Soul, Find A Cure, Inspired Dreamwalkers, UFS Metamorphosis, The Red Door, Harshlands, Team Core Charities, Bluzsters For Life, The Krazy Korner Team

Silver

Attention on Cancer, MC - Relay Goes MC, Esalinus, Roos With A Dream, Stormy's Stars, Friends For A Cure, Relay Rockers, MC - Cobras MC World, Second Life Cheerleading Squad, MC - HeadHunters, Meli's Maniacs, MC - Outlaws KY MC, Burners Without Borders in SL, Sanctuary Rockers, SHB Gems, B - Bellis Blues and Djs

Gold

Team Shadow, Gull's Wing Sailing Club, SUNBEAMERS, RGF Estates for RFL, Free Spirit Hippie Brigade, Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps, BlueWaters Plaza, Goreans in Relay For Life, MC - SISTERS OF MAYHEM

Platinum

The Grove Country Club Estates RFL Team, MC - The River of Life, Cure Chasers, Bellisseria for RFL

Sapphire

Camping for a Cure

Ruby

Harmony of Hope

SL Video: "The Invisible Man"

(Click here if the video does not play)

By Ume Sib in May 2012 (Japanese), "The new Virtual Decay Mainstore is built on its own island. Resembling a secret government research facility."

Relay Event at Bellisseria Fairgrounds This Weekend

This weekend, there will be a number of Relay events. One of the more noteable ones is taking place at the Bellisseria Fairgrounds. Gemma was on the scene, and found quite a lot. Among the things you can do there are dance to the music DJs play at parties, listen to live music, take hot air balloon rides, take boat tours, do some shopping, play some games including bungie jumping, and more. Just watch out for Slenderman.

Read Gemma's article in Events.

The Other Dating Game

Some older residents may remember "The Dating Game" show from US TV in the 1970s. Recently in Bellisseria, some Relayers decided to hold events based loosely on it, "The Other Dating Game." Gemma Cleanslate was there last weekend to see that particular show. The results were quite funny, as well as a success for the Relay team totals.

Read Gemma's story in People.

Happy Friday the Thirteenth

Today is Friday the 13th, a day associated with bad luck. With this in mind, be careful of any black cats around.

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Physics And Arts"

"Physics And Arts"

Saturday March 14

10 AM to 11 AM SL time

By Professor Giuseppe Longo

The talk will try to demonstrate, with many examples, that science and arts are much more entangled than what is commonly understood. Not only because arts make use of the most recent technological developments to create new forms of expressions, but also at a much deeper level. Both Sciences and Arts are in fact different ways to systematise and organize the perception of the world  and therefore reflect what in a given epoch can be called the “cultural paradigm”. Every time deep changes take place in this paradigm, equally deep changes take place in both Arts and Sciences. In some cases arts anticipates science and in others science anticipate Arts.
To read more, Click Here.

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/114/206/30 (Auditorium)

Bellisseria Update

The new continent of Bellisseria recently saw another expansion of it's land size. Over a dozen more sims were recently added to the area west of it's midsection, or what in development was called the "boot" by the Moles.

In the southernmost sims of the new land, already new Linden Homes are being set up, though not yet ready for use.

Of some of the nearby sims, names such as "Fraid Not," "Effing Parade," and "Oh Cay" seem to be examples of the humor of whomever is naming the sims.

In the meantime, more activities are occurring on the new continent. Stay tuned for an article on another of one of it's events.

Press Release: HFOT Donations for February 2020

Happy March folks.  I am happy to state that in the month of February 2020 we sent $770 to Homes For Our Troops.  This brings our total up to $1420 for 2020.  We do have a long way to go to beat 2019’s total of $14000 and I know all of us will give it our all to beat that figure.  Thank you’s for February's effort go out to many people.

First of all let’s recognize our excellent musician/performers:

Waya Snowpaw
Abby Jaidov
Dimivann Ludwig
Wolfie Starfire and
ReggieSunset Rookswood

Then as always we have some folks that put together special efforts for this cause in February. Thank you:

EastbayRay and the Legion of Vets MC
JulesA Flow, Salonios Koolhoven and DOOWOPS FOREVER at Gigli Isles
RGHangnLo and all the folks at RG’s hangout
Cayleen Linette and everyone at Cay's at Woodland Lake

Ane then there are those that keep up the good fight every month with an excellent steady effort.  Thank you:
Creed Bimbogami at Revival and POW 1% MC
Hayanah Resident at Aether Woods and Musician of Gor and the Tor-Tu-Gor Caravan.
Fire Bonfire and everyone at Boots and Lace Country Rock Club
Joi Shepherd and all the folks at Runaround Sues
Sw33tSugar Resident and HILLBILLY HILL HELL at Touch N Go

And lastly thank you to everyone else who has gone to the trouble of putting a donation kiosk out to try and help this effort.

Let’s keep this going folks and beat 2019’s $14000 total!

Frets Nirvana

Cartoon of the Day: Getting Wonder Woman's Goat

Taken at Club Jor-El. At a superheroes-themed party, DJ Cynthia had a Wonder Woman costume. In one cartoon, Mxyzptlk, the reality-bending imp whom is always pranking/tormenting Superman, changed her into an anthro lioness in one of his games inspired by "The Wizard of Oz." Which leads one to wonder, just what would inspire him to change the super-heroine into an anthro goat?

By Bixyl Shuftan

How To Second Life : A Guide For Those Who Are New - Part One

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." That can describe day one of a Second Life resident who's been around for a while. But while Second Life is extremely open-ended with lots around to do, it can be confusing for a newcomer whom will find it a lot different than a quest-oriented MMO. To help out new residents overcome these seemingly daunting challenges, Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich Resident) came up with an article with tips and advice that those more experienced with the virtual world can pass to friends interested in joining, or to newcomers they come across.

Read Cyfir's article in Extra.

News and Commentary : Looking Back at Torley Linden

Torley is gone.

If you were a resident in Second Life from 2007 to 2010, Torley was one of the Lindens you heard about the most, if not the Linden you knew about the most. He was the Linden who did various videos for Second Life residents, both tutorials with basic information and tips for more experienced residents. They often started with the cheerful opener "friendly greetings," which became an unofficial trademark of his. So was his going about in bright green and pink avatars, his "watermelon" look.




When interviewed by Saffia Widdershins in 2016, Torley stated he joined Second Life in 2004, "I was in a really hard place in my first life, and I discovered Second Life through various sources ... and I was reading a lot of cyberpunk and transhumanist literature at the time, thinking about a brighter future for my whole life. And I soon found myself – well, there’s no nicer way to put it than I was utterly obsessed with being here every day." After several months, "I basically sent this crazy,  rambling note card to Char linden at the time." She and a few other Lindens "gave me the opportunity to apply. So I went through that. Guess it turned out OK."

Torley would say of his time in Second Life, "I’ve mostly been a nomad explorer. I have had homes, and I have had full regions. I still do in fact. But I think the prime thing that always drives me is really the force of discovery, and to share those discoveries, and I really get curious, and I love asking people 'where did you get your avatar?' or 'did you make these parts of your avatar?' or comment on a cool build they’re making. And finding the connections. I love introducing wonderful creative minds in Second Life to each other, and we’ve had so many over time."



Torley would make his Tips and Tricks videos from 2006 to 2009. They can still be found on his Youtube channel. In February 2010, he would announce there would be new Second Life tutorial videos on their own channel. He would do a few of these newer tutorials, which were not as numerous as the ones he did before. He would explain in the 2016 interview there had been a "shift in focus" at the Lab for him to promote newer features and his time was more limited, "I wish I could clone myself." He did feel that numerous bloggers had helped fill the role he had earlier.

Despite no more of his "friendly greetings" videos, Torely was still around. He would appear at events such as Burn2 and the Linden Snowball fights, either as a Linden or in a "civilian" avatar. And he would appear at the Second Life Birthday as well. Although obviously male in real life, his avatars were often female. He would also post thousands of screenshots on his Flickr page.

In 2017, he would be among the Lindens moved to the Sansar team. There he would remain until last month February 2020, about the time of the layoffs in which the next generation virtual world's staff was reduced to a skeleton crew.

Exactly why Torley was apparently let go, one can only speculate. His old position on the Second Life staff had long been filled by others, but he could have been given a position in public relations, which the also popular Xiola Linden left after stepping down from in January with her leaving Linden Lab. Perhaps he wasn't dismissed, but like Xiola decided it was time to move on. But this is all speculation. Linden Lab isn't talking and neither, at least for now, is Torley.

In any event, the "watermelon man" will remain a part of Second Life history. Whereever he goes, we at the Newser wish him well.

Source: Modem World

Bixyl Shuftan