Gemma and the Mermaid

In Extra Extra, our Gemma Cleanslate describes an encounter with one of the merfolk she and DJ Quark had. Did she put it behind her, or give in to the siren song of fashionable aquatic avatars?

To read the story, go to Extra Extra.

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day is often thought of in the United States as the unofficial start of summer. A day off to relax, maybe fire up the grill for a barbecue.

Not what the real reason the day is for: a day to honor those who lost their lives defending the country. And Second Life has it's share of places where memorials to fallen have been placed.

Probably the best known of these memorials is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Second Life, sometimes known as "The Wall." Opened in November 2007, it is still up and continues to draw many visitors.

"The Wall" sim has it's own website at http://www.thewallsl.com.

To get to the Vietnam Wall, Click Here for the SURL at The Wall (39, 32, 25).



Other memorials in Second Life are less well known. Among these is the TLE Memorial in the Raziel sim. The TLE (The Learning Experience) area is more noted for it's building classes and classroom lectures. But one building was set aside as a memorial, where for a donation one can have a stone set up to honor someone. Not just Americans are represented here, but Canadians, British, and others.

Jacob Barton, one of the soldiers dedicated in this picture (second down on the right row), was Lothi Aeon in Second Life, whom lost his life trying to save a comrade one year ago.

The TLE War Memorial is at Raziel (59,61,22).

* * * Addition added later in the day * * *

There are also numerous smaller memorials. Memorials set up as simple reminders for those who gave their all. Among them is the one set up at the Southern Colorado sim by Daaneth Kivioq.

“I have had for a long time a small memorial located on my sim. I invite you to come here for a few moments to reflect on the gift those brave men and women have given us.”

The memorial isn’t much compared to The Wall, a flowerbed and a couple flags. And a plaque reading:

“My Angel, his name is Freedom - Choose him to be your king;
He shall cut pathways east and west, And fend you with his wing.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dedicated to all those who have given life or limb
in the service of the Angel named Freedom

The Southern Colorado memorial is at (129, 41, 25).

"A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a 'Blank Check' made Payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to And including my life.' Veterans didn't have the luxury to choose Where, When, How, or even IF they will 'make that payment'. They merely do their duty day in and day out knowing that they've written that check that some day may be 'Cashed!' That is Honor." - Author Unknown.

Bixyl Shuftan

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The Wounded Warrior Memorial Celebration

On Sunday May 30th, from 5 to 9 PM SL time, the US Military Veterans Group in SL held a live music event to help the Wounded Warrior project, a program to assist hurt soldiers. The event took place at the Veterans’ Center in the Patriot Island sim, with the crowd in front of the stage numbering over a few dozen residents.

Fingerstyle guitarist Frets Nirvana, US Military Veterans Group of SL, and Symbiotic Productions announced the fourth in the series of benefit concerts for the Wounded Warriors project. ... All proceeds collected ... will be paid out directly to Wounded Warrior Project, (WWP). WWP provides services and programs to the more than 30,000 troops that have been injured in recent conflicts to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to civilian life.

About Wounded Warriors: Wounded Warrior Project began when several individuals took small, inspired actions to help others in need. The resulting objective was to provide tangible support for the severely wounded and help them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally. What had been initially viewed as a small contribution (compared with what the warriors had sacrificed while serving our country) has become WWP’s signature program: “WWP backpacks delivered beside to wounded warriors.”

Wounded Warriors program has developed significantly over the last several years to include advocacy, benefits counseling, caregivers retreats, coping/family services, peer mentoring, warriors to work and many other programs for the benefit of United States wounded veterans.

Despite being a bit gray from lag, those attending the event enjoyed themselves and the music. Frets Nivarna was the third musician playing, from 7 to 8 PM SL time. There were some schedule changes, and von Johin took over to sing last, “playing live from Nashville Tenn for you.” He noticed not everyone in the audience was from the US, “probably not Memorial Day for you in London, but thank you for participating.” He went on to play past the hour he was scheduled to, going not to 9 PM SL time but two, to 10 PM.

Votslac Hax was among those who helped organize the event, “This is the fourth concert. And I believe the sims been here for quite some time.” He explained in the three previous concerts, there were notable musicians such as Craig Lyons, Maximillion Kleene, “This was the largest longest event (we held). It was designed to celebrate Memorial Day worldwide.”

Approximately 31,000 Lindens were raised for the WWP that night. During normal times, the Patriot Island sim welcomes veterans of all branches to come by and relax, to enjoy activities such as skydiving, helicopter flights, boating, games, and shopping.

To learn more about the Wounded Warriors Project, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

BobbiJo Jonson, “The Responsibility to remember is ours. And a way each of us can do this is to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Thank you all. A most glorious day of remembering.”

Bixyl Shuftan

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Cartoon of the Day

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MushROOM and Lunamaruna

Artist Scottius Polke creates some unique, cartoony art. More recently, he has given his style of art a third dimension by creating two unique places in Second Life based on his artistic style.

To read the story, Click Here to go to Community.

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Tell the World "Why You Relay"

Relay Week is fast approaching. And this year, The Relay For Life organization here in Second Life, and Editorial Clarity, Want to do something different.

We Want to know Why you Relay? What is your inspiration? What do you hope to achieve by Relaying? And what kind of Relaying are you doing, to support the American Cancer Society?

Over the Next Few weeks, Ed is going to be looking for some Relay Teams, to volunteer to be on Camera in Second Life, and Tell us Why you Relay. These will only be short videos, however a different video will be done for each Relay Team. The final Products will be shown on a Big Screen at the 'Why I Relay' Area at the Relay Sims on The Weekend of July 17th-18th.

If you as an individual, or a Team, would Like to be part of this, Please Contact Editorial Clarity In-world (Notecard Would be best) or by Email (editorialclarity@yahoo.com) - And a schedule will be made for a time that suits you and Ed to get it filmed.

Thanks and Appreciation

'Why I Relay'

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"It's A Wonderful Second Life"

This detailed machinima was found on Second Life's page on Facebook. It was created by a Sam Lowry, or Denis Chevalier in real life. For some reason, trying to look up his profile resulted in a dead end search. But the sims he gives as examples of what to look for in Second Life are anything but, and Sam shows them at their best.

"Our World, Your Imagination." The old slogan that some people still take to heart.

Sources: Facebook: Second Life, New World Notes

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Artistic Fimicoloud Memorial Dance

It has been two years since Second Life resident Artistic Fimicoloud, Fimi as she became affectionately known, passed away from cancer. In real life, she was Stephanie Koslow, an artist whom did a number of pictures whose work can be seen in the Metaverse to this day, in both an art gallery and private homes. Battling the illness for years, the woman behind the pink fox avatar kept up to the end. She was 49. A member of the Sunweavers and Passionate Redheads, she remains fondly remembered by both.

A year ago, the anniversary of her passing was marked with a candlelight service. Recently, a number of people in both the Sunweavers and Passionate Redheads have had family members pass away. So instead of a solemn service, it was decided to hold a memorial dance in her honor. The event was held in the Southern Colorado sim near what is now known as Fimi Falls, land owner and Passionate Redhead organizer Daaneth Kivioq explained, “I only met Fimi a few times, but I was abel to show her this place, and she fell in love with it - so I dedicated the falls to her memory.”

Come join us on Wednesday, May 26th at 6PM for a wonderful live music event
Celebrating the Life & Art of Artistic Fimicoloud. The event will be held by Fimi Falls
in the beautiful Southern Colorado Sim. There will be Music, Dancing and Fireworks!

At the beginning of the event, there was a snag when the musician for the first hour was unable to show op. So Shockwave Yarearch took over, offering a mix of songs, including “Smurfer Girl” and a few other parodies, “Fimi loved my little silly songs.” No formal wear was required. “Come as you are,” Daaneth told people, normal human and furred, dropping in, “I’m wearing T-shirt and jeans.” One lady dropping in had been absent from Second Life for months, her computer busted and then busy with college.

“Relay for Life in Second Life
Celebrate
Remember
Fight Back!
GO RELAY”

Throughout the event, people talked about Fimi, her art, and her life. A Relay for Life kiosk collected donations as they came in. At 7 PM, Shockwave stepped down and Vaughan Michalak stepped in with live music. At one point, Daaneth handed the crowd a challenge, “Fimi spent many years fighting cancer before she lost her battle - as a result, she often hid pink cancer awareness ribbons in her paintings - now a few of you know where it is already - but there is one hidden near here too - can you find it?” Several people spotted the hidden ribbon.

At 8 PM SL time, DJ Nydia Tungsten began spinning her mix of tunes. During this time, there was a fireworks show, the sparkle of lights exploding all around. One sparkle of lights didn’t fade, but kept going, changing color, occasionally appearing as pink as Fimi. Eventually, the end of the event approached, and Nydia put on her last son, “I Run For Life.”

As the event closed, Daaneth thanked Nydia and everyone who came, “You are all my heroes! thank you for being here tonight! ... FOR FIMI!! Thank you Nydia! And thank all of you for your support and generosity!”

Over 34,000 Lindens had been raised during the event for Relay for Life.


I run for hope, I run to feel,
I run for the truth for all that is real.
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife.
I run for you and me my friend, I run for life.

Bixyl Shuftan

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Garden Of Healthy Aging

Gentle Heron has done more than provide a place where new residents with disabilities and illnesses are welcome, but also were anyone can pick up useful information about these conditions. Gemma Cleanslate goes to the Fatimas Cherished sim to get a closer look.

To read the story, Click Here to go to Community.

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Debi Latte Closes Mystery Anniversary Week in Fun-Filled Event

On Sunday at Noon, May 23rd, the 4rth Anniversary week of events at Mystery was all set to close as it began: with Debi Latte singing live aboard the Queen of Hearts riverboat club. Her velvet voice would be what was needed for a memorable finish.

It didn't quite turn out as planned.

The event was almost finished before it started with Debi crashing. And then an odd thing happened. Debi was able to log back in, but her avatar didn’t appear. It was like a disembodied voice speaking from nowhere.

With no Debi on the stage, Tygeria put something else on the stage: “newbie Linden” mannequins. After a few minutes, she put other things on the stage. For a corny but slightly macabre touch, three singing skulls rezzed over the stage, along with another blowing into a saxophone, and another on bongo drums. Then came a dancing leprechaun, smiling, which would occasionally stop for a sip of dark beer.

Eventually, Debi reappeared, flying back onto the deck. She had gone away some distance from the crowd to try to rezz. But having no luck, she had to dig out a newbie skin. She poked fun at her own predicament, then saw what Tygeria put on the stage, and laughed. Mystery staff member Ayjay Carpenter commented, “Who said variety was dead. Ventriloquism, a chorus line, great singing, a vanishing act. ... all in the first 25 minutes!” With all the crashes, Ajay was wearing a helmet. Someone else remarked, “Only in Second Life can your back up group be skeletons - some newbies - and a drunk leprechaun.”

And so, the event continued, with Debi occasionally chuckling about the menagerie on her stage, which soon included a rustbucket robot that later fell to pieces, and otherwise looking at the good side of things, “What a terrific day.” Tygeria put back a few of the newbie mannequins, but left some up. Debi sang her music like only she could, songs such as “Daydreaming,” “I Will Be Here Waiting For You,” and the club’s trademark song, “Queen of Hearts.” Someone in the audience muttered an emote: “D-E-B-I SL DIVA GODDESS.”

Debi sang for an hour, then the event came to a close. Despite the technical glitches and having to use a newbie avatar, she enjoyed herself that day. Tygeria’s sense of humor helped. She would later describe the event on Facebook, “Seems that SL wanted to be crazy today and not let my avatar back in after a crash.... but... the show went on.... my amazing audience stayed til I got in with a freebie avatar... and we had fun aboard the Queen of Hearts in spite of the technology!!!!”

Just in case this does happen again, someone passed her a package of freebie “Wingless” furred avatars. So perhaps next time, Debi really will be a “foxy girl.”

“You've been talking to Tygeria toooooooo much. LMAO!”

Bixyl Shuftan

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Interview with Tuna Oddfellow and Shava Suntzu

For quite some time, Tuna Oddfellow, “Fish the Magish” in real life, has run the Odd ball with his partner Shava Suntzu. They’ve entertained many crowds, as well as helping others through occasional fundraisers. Now, Tuna and Shava are in need of help themselves. Recently, Second Life Newspaper conducted an interview with them.

For the interview, Click Here to go to Community.

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Do You Have a Story?

On occasion, Second Life Newspaper will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of the readers. But it's been some time since we've gotten one.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to both danavanmoer(at)gmail.com and bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.


PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

sl-newspaper.com reserves the right to post in the appropriate section and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyones name or picture or use an alias for them).

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Cartoon of the Day

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Arts Poetica

Space stations are not the first thing one thinks of when it comes to poetry. But reporter Grey Lupindo found the Orb Space Station hosting the works of fifty poets for the Author Convention and Exhibition. Those interested in hearing some poetry readings will find them here this weekend.

To read the story, Click Here to Community.

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“Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” on Facebook

Thursday May 20 was unofficially “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” on Facebook. On a page with the same name, a number of cartoons and pictures supposedly of the prophet of Islam were posted. Some were simple pictures, others were of a more humorous or mocking nature.

The page and event began as a protest. When Comedy Central censored a show due to a death threat against it’s creators, people complained that the network had surrendered to intimidation. A cartoonist then posted a drawing on April 20th, suggesting everyone draw a cartoon of Mohammed on May 20th as a form of protests against those who would try to limit freedom of speech by threats of violence.

“In light of the recent veiled (ha!) threats aimed at the creators of the television show South Park ... by bloggers on Revolution Muslim's website, we hereby deem May 20, 2010 as the first annual 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!' Do your part to both water down the pool of targets and, oh yeah, defend a little something our country is famous for (but maybe not for long? Comedy Central cooperated with terrorists and pulled the episode) the first amendment.—Molly Norris (April 20, 2010)”

Word of Norris’ protest quickly spread, and within a week had been taken up by numerous bloggers. It was around this time the “Everyone Draw Mohammed Day” page was created on Facebook. It quickly had thousands of guests. At this time, Norris began to have second thoughts about her protest, saying she had never intended for it to grow so big so fast, saying she had “struck a gigantic nerve, something I was totally unprepared for.” And she soon began to distance herself from it. The creator of the Facebook page soon withdrew as well, citing some were posting clearly insulting images aimed at Islam in general rather than the fanatics. Others helped lead the protest, “If we cannot or will not defend that principle ... then we deserve to choke on whatever jihadists of all stripes can force down our throats."

The protest did not go unchallenged. An “AGAINST Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” page sprung up on Facebook, plus other pages protesting the protest. In Pakistan, the government ordered Facebook blocked from access by it’s public for May 20th, as well as Youtube.

Late in the evening of May 20th, the “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” page on Facebook was unavailable. Someone then created another, “Facebook seems to have deleted the original,” and accused them of censoring his cause while leaving the counter-protest site “filled with anti-semitism, Jesus bashing, gay-bashing, atheist bashing.”

“Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” has come to an end, but the debate over censorship, as well as a number of cartoons on the Internet, remain.

Bixyl Shuftan


Source: Wikipedia

Cartoons from michellemalkin.com and www.examiner.com

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White Mouse Power

At one party a friend was hosting, someone’s AO muttered something so crude, it shocked everyone into silence. What did we do in response? Find a way to diffuse it with humor.

For the story, go to Extra Extra.

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Cartoon of the Day

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Mystery Celebrates Four Years in Second Life

It was four years ago this week that the Mystery sim was founded. And to celebrate, Tygeria Mirabeau and her staff are throwing a week of special events. They started out with a bang with Debi Latte singing live from the Queen of Hearts riverboat club. But Mystery has much more to celebrate besides the parties. There are new attractions, and even a sister sim appearing.

To read the story, go to Community.

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30K Linden Contest at Bosphrous

Virtual Bosphorus announces a new contest to win 30K Lindens just by shopping at our mall!

Bosphorus/203/127/22, May 15, 2010 - Virtual Bosphorus & FC Inter is offering all those who shop at our mall a chance to win 30K Lindens. It’s easy, just shop and get a chance to win! Send your purchase receipt from your transaction history showing your purchase was from Bosphorus in a notecard with your full name to John Zelnik, and you will be placed in the drawing!

EXAMPLE: 05/13/2010 15:04:52 c394eae4 Source: Eve1209 Quintessa Region: Bosphorus

The more you purchase, the more times your name will be entered into the drawing, so make sure to send each receipt in a separate notecard.

The winner will be announced on June 28, 2010, with plenty of supplementary prizes and gifts if you don’t win the 30K. So start shopping today!

The Virtual Bosphorus Sim offers virtual soccer to SL residents, boasting a state of the art soccer arena. Partnering with F.C. Inter SL, Bosphorus offers residents a soccer academy to teach virtual soccer, as well as soccer leagues and championship matches that are sanctioned by real life clubs. Additionally, the Bosphorus sim offers world class shopping, with over 50 stores, including such well known designers as UK Couture, Myth and Bliss just to name a few.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bosphorus/203/127/22

Contact:
Eve1209 Quintessa
Marketing Manager
Virtual Bosphorus
email: evequintessa@yahoo.com

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"The Pocket" Raises over 106K Lindens in Flood Relief Benefit.

Last week, “The Pocket” hosted a benefit fundraiser (Link) for Cypress Rosewood, whose house and office suffered flood damage, which his insurance did not cover. A number of noted musicians, plus Tony Dyson (Azar Shelman) took part.

Delinda Dyrssen, who manages the Pocket, later announced that the event at her club had raised a total of 106,660 Lindens. While not enough by itself to pay for the damage, it helped. Cypress was able to find an apartment to move into until his family could find a house.

Cypress thanked those whom spent time and Lindens, “The generosity of ... Second Life friends was amazing. ... The compassion, help, and generosity is as over the top as the water was.”

Bixyl Shuftan

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Cartoon of the Day

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Mystery to Begin Four Year Anniversary With Debi Latte

It was four years ago next week that the Mystery sim was founded. And to celebrate, they plan on holding a week of events. The fun starts tomorrow, Sunday May 16th when at Noon, Debi Latte comes to the riverboat club to sing live. Tygeria Mirabeau and Amythe Midnight, the sim owner and sim manager, had praise for Debi, saying she had always made time for Mystery and it’s people.

Amy and Tygeria told SL Newspaper that they plan to do more than just hold events. They have been working on a sister sim, the Isle of Conundrum, which will open durring the celebration. The sim will offer sailing, romantic cuddle spots for couples, and retail space for stores. They also have new attractions on Mystery for visitors and regulars alike to enjoy.

“You never know what to expect at Mystery.”

Bixyl Shuftan

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Fifth Annual Artwalk at Raglan Shire

Raglan Shire is noted for being a “tiny” community. But this month, it’s hosting an art show for residents of all sizes. So art lovers big and small are invited over to see “art on the hedge.”


To read the article, Click Here to go to Community.

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Zindra Expo

The Zindra Community, dedicated to adult activities in Second Life, and Linden Lab, are proud to announce that the first Zindra Expo, a showcase of adult content, lifestyles and role play, begins (May 7) and runs through May 14th. Come visit ... anytime during the week to catch live performances, participate in contests, walk around the merchant displays, take classes, or listen to panel discussions. Celebrity guests include Abramelin Wolfe, an SL Business Innovator; Mistriss Vought, Femdom Author; and Kyra Roxan, Artist and Sculptor. For more information on the conference, visit the Zindra Community webpage.

The Zindra Community isn't the only Zindra-focused group in Second Life. Just last week, the Zindra Alliance hosted a similar event called 'Zindra Unzipped.' Join these communities, on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events and activities from both Zindra groups!

To access adult rated land, your account needs to be 18+ verified and your maturity settings will need to be set at Adult.

To read the Linden blog post, go Here. *Caution* not all the links there are work-safe.

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Cartoon of the Day

"Second Life - Can I crash at your place?"
T-shirt by Nydia Tungsten

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Noted Journalist to Speak About Bin Laden's Legacy at University Sim

Steve Coll, a Pulitzer-winning journalist, is President of the New America Foundation, and a staff writer at The New Yorker magazine. Previously, he spent 20 years as a foreign correspondent and senior editor at The Washington Post. Coll is the Author of six books, including two about Bin Laden. This talk is part of the Global Agenda 2010 Speaker Series, and is hosted by Ralph Begleiter, Rosenberg Professor of Communication and Distinguished Journalist in Residence at the University of Delaware.

The discussion is at 4:30PM SL time, and is in the University of Delaware sim at (56/152/26): Click here for the SURL.

Source: New World Notes

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The Chilbo Community

It began as a dream among a few people, a place where people could live not just as virtual neighbors, but a community. Since then, Chilbo has grown not just in area and numbers, but has attracted and continued to attract a number of artists and musicians, while continuing to help newcomers to Second Life. Today, Second Life takes a look at the Chilbo region and community.

To read the story, go to Community.

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R2D2 Creator Makes Appearance at Flood Relief Benefit

On Saturday May 8 from 4 PM SL time to Midnight, “The Pocket” hosted a benefit concert. Their goal was to raise cash for Cypress Rosewood after his home and office in Nashville were hit by the flooding the previous week. Numerous personalities from the SL music industry such as CraigLyons Writer and OhMy Kidd were there to perform.

At 7:45 PM, a special guest appeared. He wasn’t a musician, but someone known for what he did for the motion picture industry in real life: Azar Shelman. In real life, he is Tony Dyson, a noted special effects artist, his most famed accomplishment being the designing of the droid R2D2 in “Star Wars.”

Azar took questions from the audience, which were IMed to an aide of his first. He did not use the sim’s radio to speak, but the voice function. Some couldn’t hear him, and some others had trouble doing so.

Azar was asked a number of questions, the majority concerning R2D2. Asked where did the idea for the droid come from, he answered that George Lucas wanted a robot that in contrast to the classic mechanical man of science fiction didn’t look human at all, so he designed something “turned into a practical object.” Asked how many robots were used in “Star Wars,” he answered there were “eight different R2s in a set,” each designed to perform different moves. He was asked if he had any movies in Second Life under development, and when they would be out. Azar responded, “Good question,” saying it was still “hard to say” what date his project would be ready.

At the event was an R2D2 unit anyone could pick up a copy of. There was also an unique R2D2 which was “signed by Tony Dyson.” The bidding continued for an hour until a winner was declared. Sanne Brune placed the winning bid of 12,500 Lindens.

Eventually, Azar bid farewell to everyone, and took his leave, and the benefit continued on with the next few musicians.

“Second Life ... this is the future.”

Bixyl Shuftan

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Cartoon of the Day

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Flood Relief Benefit for Cypress Rosewood

Cypress Rosewood (Tony Gerber in real life) was on his way home in Nashville Tennessee after a real-life music performance when trouble struck. Nashville was hit hard by terrible flooding, Cypress hearing it called a “five-hundred year flood.” He was unable to get to his home. Fortunately his wife and daughter were able to get out, but his home and shop were flooded and when talking to Progressive Insurance he was told his policy had an “exclusion clause ... for water damage.”

As a result, friends of Cypress have been organizing to raise cash. One such benefit will be this Saturday May 8 at “The Pocket.” Beginning at 4 PM SL time, various musicians will be performing until Midnight. The musicians include OhMy Kidd, Keiko Takamura, and CraigLyons Writer. Also there will be Azar Shelman, whom in real life is Tony Dyson, the man who designed and built R2D2 for the “Star Wars” movies. He will be taking a few minutes to answer questions and pass out a few gifts.

Another event was held Friday at 2:30 PM at the French Quarter sim. Cypress’ “Twitter” has the words, “Everyone making donations, thanks so, so much. We are blessed and we are humbled.”

Earlier this year, Cypress Rosewood was the subject of real-life trouble when a burglar broke into his home while he was performing. Not unlike now, friends raised cash to help make up for the loss of valuable equipment stolen.

The Pocket is located in the Freestar Bay sim at: 216/32/24.

Bixyl Shuftan

Sources: Delinda Dyrssen’s Blog

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Criss MCA Anniversary Celebration

Today, we examine the Criss Museum of Contemporary Art. The MCA will be celebrating one year of being in Second Life. Reporter Gemma Cleanslate describes what the museum will be planning throughout the month of May.

For the story, go to Community.

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Star Trek Museum to Close

I am sorry to announce that unless things drastically change (like my winning the lottery) I will be closing the Star Trek Museum as of July 31, and will be giving up these islands. Its been a great nearly 4-year run, but it is time to move on. I hope you will continue to visit until then.

For a long time our house sales and donations have been inadequate to pay the huge Linden Labs bills. On top of that, Linden Labs has made it more difficult to attract people to the museum. We cannot be in the Showcase because we use copyrighted material. Our events, which brought hundreds of new visitors a week, and donations, have been disallowed, while yard sales, nude beaches, penis stores and fake contests are allowed to flourish) and it is especially difficult to sell homes with all the limitations and expense of advertising.

Without visitor donations and house sales, it is impossible to pay the bills. I have hung on as long as possible to try to save the museum, all the hard work by the staff and volunteers, and all the homes.

Besides the monetary cost of running this place, taking care of the museum, fixing and finding things, helping visitors and residents, advertising, bookkeeping, all require a huge amount of time and energy, and I cannot afford the expense or the many hours per day any longer. To be honest, I am really looking forward to having more time for my real life ;-)

To all of you who have been helpful around the museum, supported the museum with your tiers and rents, and generous with donations, you know who you are and how appreciative I am. I sincerely thank you again. To others, my only advice is to donate to the places you love in SL, or they may disappear too, as so many have.

With our home-world gone, Tsora and I will most likely be retiring to our little corner of the universe, the Vulcan colony in Eridani, and do look forward to your visits.

P.S. Although the museum per se is not for sale (we could not bear to see it taken over and changed by others), if anyone knows somebody looking to purchase a used island, either empty or including the homes, scuba, and non-museum things, please give them my name. I will pay 10% finders fee on sale of a sim. Tsora Enoch indicates she will entertain offers regarding her creations. I would just like to recoup a little of my investment.

Live Long and Prosper!
Wabisabi Matahari

The Star Trek Museum is at the TovaDok sim at (24, 212, 34)

"Second star to the right and straight on till morning..."

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Cartoon of the Day

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Friends in Need

With the stories about the negative side of Second Life going around, such as griefers, sometimes the Metaverse can seem like a two-fisted place. And sometimes, one wonders. Would these people whom you call friends in virtual reality actually lift a finger if you were in trouble in reality? Recently, there were a couple examples of cases where the answer was yes.

Read the story in Communnity.

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Eye on the Blog: Enforcing the New Third-Party Viewer Policy

On March 31, 2010, M Linden announced an updated Second Life Terms of Service (TOS) that becomes effective on Friday, April 30th. We have incorporated our new Policy on Third-Party Viewers into the updated TOS. This Policy governs access to Second Life and our technical platform that supports Second Life by any third-party viewer, by which we mean any third-party software client, regardless of its source code, that logs into our servers. This includes software for viewing Second Life, any chat clients, utilities, bots, and proxies as well as applications that may not be listed in our Third-Party Viewer Directory. This policy does not place any restriction on modification or use of our viewer source code that we make available under the GPL. Rather, the policy sets out requirements for connecting to the Second Life service using a Third-Party Viewer, regardless of the viewer source code used, and for participating in our Third-Party Viewer Directory.

On Friday, we will begin enforcing the new Policy on Third Party Viewers. The steps we will take may include blocking viewers that do not comply with the new conditions for access to Second Life. We know that there are many compliant viewers in use -- beyond the seven that are currently listed on the Third-Party Viewer Directory -- and we will not interrupt their access to Second Life. The Third-Party Viewer Directory is the best place to find out whether the developer of the viewer that you are using has self-certified that the software complies with the new Policy.

We hope that this step will provide a safer and more secure Second Life environment for all Residents.

And, if you haven't yet tried Second Life Viewer 2, the official Second Life Viewer, then we encourage you to try it, now updated with additional performance and stability enhancements.

To view the blog post, Click Here.

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Cartoon of the Day

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Relay for Life's 30 Concerts in 30 Days at Bosphorus

Virtual Bosphorus/F.C. Inter SL has been chosen as the site for Relay for Life’s 30 Concerts in 30 Days.

Bosphorus/203/127/22, April 30, 2010 – Virtual Bosphorus & F.C. Inter SL announce a series of live concerts starting in May, benefiting SL’s Relay for Life.
30 Days of Music, sponsored by Relay Raiders, a Relay for Life Team, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will kick off the first concert on Bosphorus on Saturday,
May 1, 2010 at 4:00pm slt with Juel Resistance. The schedule for the first half of the month is as follows:

Saturday, May 1 4:00 PM SL time - Juel Resistance
Sunday, May 2 6:00 PM SL time - Etherian Kamaboko
Monday, May 3 5:00 PM SL time - DimiVan Ludwig
Tuesday, May 4 6:00 PM SL time - Ictus Belford
Wednesday, May 5 6:00 PM SL time - Sojourn Rossini
Thursday, May 6 6:00 PM SL time - Nonge Shipman
Friday, May 7 6:00 PM SL time - Rapture Damone
Saturday, May 8 6:00 PM SL time - Mack Humbridge
Sunday, May 9 6:00 PM SL time - RoseDrop Rust
Monday, May 10 6:00 PM SL time - SweetLilly Pinelli
Tuesday, May 11 5:00 PM SL time - Kitzie Lane
Wednesday, May 12 6:00 PM SL time - Louis Volare
Thursday, May 13 4:00 PM SL time - Kiaranne Flanagan
Friday, May 14 6:00 PM SL time - srv4u Conacher

The Virtual Bosphorus Sim offers virtual soccer to SL residents, boasting a state of the art soccer arena. Partnering with F.C. Inter SL, Bosphorus offers residents a soccer academy to teach virtual soccer, as well as soccer leagues and championship matches that are sanctioned by real life clubs. Additionally, the Bosphorus sim offers world class shopping, with many stores, including such well known designers as UK Couture, Myth and Bliss just to name a few.

John Zelnik and Princess Dikes are the owners of Virtual Bosphorus. Brujita Saiman is the owner of F.C. Inter SL. You can visit the Bosphorus Sim at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bosphorus/203/127/22
Contact:
Eve1209 Quintessa
Marketing Manager
Virtual Bosphorus
email: evequintessa@yahoo.com

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