Worth Another Listen - The Alarm

Back in the day [as the kids say], I wanted nothing more than to rock out with some sanitation-challenged Brits. Yes, a dirty Brit-boy with a guitar made me stop in my tracks. A group of those would be The Alarm, with lead singer Mike Peters. They played flat out stadium Rock, anthems for the ages. These days, I feel like it might be more 'anthems for the aged.'



Yes, back in the days of big hair and a bigger selection of products, I wanted nothing more than to follow those bands, and work my hair up into a frenzy. Gels, mousse, and Spritz sprays, you name it, it was in my bathroom. And they rocked the music as hard as they rocked the hair. I loved The Alarm. When I saw the video for 68 Guns and for The Stand, I loved them. When I saw Strength, I knew I was in love. My own hair, cut at the Astor Place Barbers, did some wild things.



Last fall, The Alarm put out a new CD, Guerilla Tactics. Old habits die hard, so I had to buy it. I like it, and the boys can still rock it out. I will say when I saw pictures of Mike Peters, I was sorta depressed. He is just a year older than me, and he looked old. Damn the passage of time! Anyway, for the release of the CD, Peters showed up at Times Square in NYC with an acoustic guitar and a videocam, and played some of the songs. I happen to like Love, Hope and Understanding.

Cartoon of the day

By Bixyl Shuftan
Click for full size image

Facts not 'smoke' about Australian 'Ban'

Poppy Zabelin, Chair of the International Relations Committee of Relay for Life of Second Life, writes:

Like many others we’ve been concerned about the rumors out there that Second Life is being banned in Australia.
Relay for Life of Second Life is INTERNATIONAL and we would have grave concerns about Second Lifers in any country being excluded from Relay, not to mention the wider ramifications.
The source of the confusion appears to be a story published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Basically, selected ISP's are trialling a scheme to block access to adult content games.
An internet critic is quoted as saying 'the move to extend the filtering to computer games would place a cloud over online-only games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life, which aren't classified in Australia due to their online nature.
' Now, a ‘cloud’ is NOT the same as an outright ban, although some sources are now saying it IS. The Metaverse Journal responded on June 25 in an open letter to Senator Conroy objecting to the ban, and the Australian Christian Today wrote on Monday June 29 that ‘It was confirmed by Australian Minister for Censorship that online games such as Second Life is banned in the country.
These have been picked up by hundreds of blogs and forums around the world.
There is nothing like checking the facts first.
So Ember Farina, Australian ‘Ambassador’ for RFL of SL and Team Captain of the Friends Fighting Cancer RFL of SL team, who in real life is an Australian firefighter, contacted the office of the Senator in question and spoke with an associate there, and says:
‘It appears to be something related to GAME ratings. SL is not classified as a game at this stage. IF there was a complaint received in the future to the Gaming Commission then it would be addressed but his associate seemed fairly comfortable that it's not an issue in this circumstance.’
Ember went on to say:
‘I asked the Senator's associate if there was anything in writing to support this but there wasn't. As far as the Senator's associate was concerned this only came to light because a newspaper article jumped on it - SL was never mentioned nor targetted by the Senator.’

Linden Labs have yet to comment officially, but the whole thing seems to be a misinterpretation of the Australian government’s ongoing censorship/filtering scheme trying to block extreme violence games and child pornography.

Editors note: Since writing this and sending to us Ms Zabelin has heard from Linden Lab;

From:Peter Gray (Pete Linden)
Hi Poppy,

As far as an official Linden Lab statement on the issue, we can currently confirm that: We have received no indication from the Australian government that it intends to block Second Life.

I hope this is useful.

Best,
Peter

Talking it over with an Australian friend this morning she expressed surprise at the idea since she did not consider secondlife a 'game' and also told me that the government is considered fairly progressive.
To me it comes across as chinese whispers that have got way out of hand without due cause and of course without all the facts.
Irresponsible reporting can cause a lot of damage and this story could actually cause the senator to look more closely at secondlife now the media storm has started.
Many thanks to Poppy Zabelin for getting the facts on this story and allowing us to publish it here.

Dana Vanmoer

Sources:

Poppy's Blog: http://poppyzabelin.blogspot.com/2009/06/lots-of-smoke-but-no-fire.html

Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/web-filters-to-censor-video-games-20090625-cxrx.html

http://au.christiantoday.com/article/second-life-banned-in-australia/6526.htm

http://www.metaversejournal.com/2009/06/25/an-open-letter-on-virtual-worlds-for-senator-conroy/

Relay for Life of Second Life is international!

PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed to Monday, June 29, 2009

Have you ever seen an invitation to a Relay for Life of Second Life event and shrugged, and walked away, thinking ... ‘Oh, it’s an AMERICAN event’?

Have you ever passed by a fundraising kiosk thinking ‘Why should I donate my Lindens to an AMERICAN cause’?

Well, you’d be wrong, on both counts.

In 2009, local volunteers all over the real world are organizing overnight Relay for Life events to support cancer organizations in: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom - as well as in the United States of America.

Relay for Life goes by many names – as ‘Revezando pela vida’ in Brazil, ‘Arrangør af Stafet For Livet’ in Denmark, ‘Relais Pour La Vie’ in france and Luxembourg, ‘Lauf ins Leben’ in Germany, ‘Relevo por la vida’ in Honduras, ‘Samenloop voor Hoop’ in the Netherlands, and as ‘Um Dia Pela Vida’ in Portugal. But all with the same message: Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back.

And the same holds true for Relay for Life of Second Life. The theme of this year’s event, chaired by Fayandria Foley, is ‘One World, One Hope’. At the latest count, there will be avatars from at least 20 different real world countries walking the track on July 18-19. And, according to Stingray9798 Raymaker, the American Cancer Society’s representative in Second Life, ‘Around 12-15% of all monies raised for Relay for Life of Second Life go towards INTERNATIONAL causes’.

The International Relations Committee of Relay for Life of Second Life is a team of ambassadors from the UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Norway who are reaching out to the international communities in Second Life to inform them about Relay for Life and invite them to participate. The committee is translating key documents into foreign languages and placing them at international community sims, and there will be an international area and information point at Relay.

If you would like to help, or if you would like to learn more about the international work of Relay for Life of Second Life, please contact: Poppy Zabelin (International Relations Chair) or Rob Chandrayaan (International Relations Co-Chair and Public Relations Co-Chair).

Continued in the RFL section

Second Life Musicians Plan Montreal Music Mixer

By Nazz Lane

I’d found out about the mixer on a recent evening while at my usual haunt, the Tranquil Café. A poster and note card giver had been a recent addition I noted as I spun my camera view around checking out the lively crowd assembled. Brianna Beresford, owner of the café told me that she’d just gotten the kiosk and had set it out that evening. I clicked to get a note and read it as soon as it rezzed, noting the date for the mixer as July 25^th and the location as Montreal, Quebec. Scanning down I saw that contacts for those interested in learning more about the event could contact, Montian Gilruth, Mimi Carpenter, Maximillion Kleene, or Bree Birke. The organizers have billed the event as “A musical gathering for the lovers of live music in SecondLife in the west end of Montreal.” They are planning an all day event to play tunes, hang out, stream short sets into SL and perform an evening show which will be open to the public at large. And … the note also said … “If there is enough interest we may be able to have a mixer at a local bar /restaurant the evening of July 24^th”.

Here’s the tentative schedule for Saturday, July 25^th from event organizers.

12:00 Opening

1:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

2:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

3:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

4:00 Streaming of Scheduled SL shows from the main stage

5:00 Dinner Break BBQ

6:00 Dinner Break BBQ

7:00 Preparation for concert

8:00 Public Concert begins as well as SL streaming

9:00 Public Concert

10:00 Public concert

11:00 Concert ends and participants move to location in the village TBA

Finished reading it, I closed it and scanned around the café again, where I’d noticed one of the organizers had just arrived, Max Kleene. I sent him an IM and we chatted briefly as he was there on a stopover on his way to perform a gig soon at another venue.

Nazz: It looks to be a great event, how'd the idea come about?

Max: Well Mimi was going to visit Montian this summer, and then she asked if I’d tag along. It was after then that Montian thought about the hall and inviting lots of listeners out. At first it seemed ambitious ... but it's getting a great response, and now it's shaping up to be a great time.

Nazz: It sounds like it will be. Is this the first time you all have planned for a mixed reality event of this size?

Max: I’m not sure … first one I’ve been involved with. I've met and jammed with other SL musicians a few times, but this is the first time we'll do a "show" kind of thing.

Nazz: Have the locations in SL been finalized?

Max: No not yet.

Nazz: How many SL venues will there be do you think?

Max: Well, one plan was to let any venue host the stream, and do an event for 5000L to help with the costs. I think that's fair and with all proceeds going to a local charity.

Nazz: That's most generous ... what has been the response so far with venues approached?

Max: Well, we aren't doing much approaching venues … none at all actually … just whoever is interested can sign up.

Nazz: Is there a web site with information?

Max: No website ... but I think Bree Birke has information on her site.

It was a day later that I caught up with Ms Birke who had this to say about the mixer. “Having been to the Montreal venue for much a smaller get together a couple of times, I'm really excited about this one. A lot of us have known each other for a long time in SL. Some of us have met but not on this scale. This is primarily a social event … we've been brought together by the music though, from the start."

Spotlight On...Etherian Kamaboko

Etherian Kamaboko performed on 17 June at Tobacco Road in Sorens. An INCREDIBLE talent, Eth weaves his magic using 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, electric guitar with harmonica, Resonator slide guitar, and keyboards. He's been entertaining crowds in SL for nearly three years now and has been performing live in RL since the tender age of 11 when he joined his first band.

His genre includes blues, Americana, classic rock, folk and foo grass, and his repertoire showcases covers by Dylan, Traveling Wilburys, Warren Zevon, Rolling Stones, John Prine, Billy Joe and The Cars to name a few.

Making the world his oyster, Etherian has lived and traveled in NYC, New England, Guam, Hawaii, SE Asia, Africa and Europe. His tavels began at age 10 and before long he was pulled into the music scene and remains hooked for life.

His show as very well attended, including Blues great CharlesEBristol Xi, and a very large dancing zebra! (can you say LAAGGG? lol).

Contact Etherian Kamaboko or Blondee Stardust for bookings, visit his SL Google Calendar is at http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=robyroberts%40charter.net; www.myspace.com/etherianexpress
Shellie Sands

Music Video - Better by Boyzone

Sure, one of the things we can thank the British for is boybands, and one of the big ones that never made the trip across the ocean was Boyzone. The Irish boys were wildly successful for a few years before breaking up in a bit of turmoil. Prior to the bust up, Stephan Gately came out just prior to being outed in the tabloids. After they broke up, singer Ronan Keating went on to success in a solo career, as well as helping to direct the careers of others in British music, including Westlife, a favorite of mine. Stephen Gately had some minor success, especially with the theme song from the movie, Billy Elliott.



A few years ago, there was some interest from the British music industry and fans for a Boyzone reunion. The boys patched up old differences, and come back together, releasing a couple of new singles for a Greatest Hits collection. One of those was Better, a sweet love song with a really good video that created some waves with the depiction of a romantic gay male couple. I can't imagine that happening in the US, even if it were the Backstreet Boys or N'SYNK [yes, that means you, Lance Bass]. Way to support, boys! Credit should also go to the record label for not shying away from controversy.



You can get more information on the Boyzone reunion at their website.

New Video - Gene Dante & The Future Starlets

Gene Dante and the Future Starlets are set to release their first CD, The Romantic Lead. The band came together in 2007, formed around the talents of lead singer Gene Dante. He is not only the nucleus of the band, but also the songwriter behind the endeavor. Lyrically, the song is smart and real.

The music is definitely current, but presented with a definite nod to the past. On the first single, A Madness to his Method, Dante's vocals harken to those of David Bowie, circa Thin White Duke era, crooning in that over-the-top style, but they are layered over music that is very now. His performance style seems an homage to Freddie Mercury, an in your face confidence which exudes, unlike the Thin White Duke's aloof coolness. He is no reluctant frontman, that is for sure.




A Madness To His Method, the first video release, is an anthem for the ages, the outcast giving the finger to the world. 'There is nothing in this brave new world wrong with me,' the chorus tells us, while be watch a young man apply makeup to his flawless skin. Dante himself is singing in the video in a tuxedo and full warpaint, eyes well painted and his lips a deep red, even while his bow tie dangles and the collar lays open. He's not diseased, not broken, just different. 'I am gorgeous, I am finally free,' he tells us, not letting society hold him down.



There is also C Star, which starts with a scorching guitar lick reminiscent of the pop rock of the 80s and Pat Benatar, only followed with the voice of Bowie and the phrasing of Lou Reed. This song would be toying with an 'X' rating, but the intelligence and humor might deliver the 'R.' The video, however, is not safe for most office situations, but well worth a look once you get home. Click HERE to see it.

The Young Starlets are comprised of drummer Tamora Gooding, bassist Jim Collins, and guitarist Scott Patalano. You can find out more about Gene Dante and the Future Starlets at their website.

Great Music - Jay Brannan

I have been a big fan of Jay Brannnan for a bit now. His voice is just beautiful and his songs are smart and often funny. Who could ask for more? Oh, yeah, he is also a handsome man. Jay is a singer/songwriter/actor based out of NYC, and has made a name for himself by taking his music to the people, performing his own music in YouTube videos and garnering a fanbase. His music is unlike anyone else I listen to, so I have no comparisons to make. Jay is about to release a new CD next month, In Living Cover, a followup to the fantastic Goddamned CD. He also released the EP Unmastered. He currently has The Freshman out on iTunes, where it debutted at #2 on the Folk charts, behind the seemingly unstoppable Tracy Chapman.



He is currently touring, and will be appearing in Philly at the World Cafe Live! on July 10th, and I am hoping to make it there. There is also a show in Annapolis on the 9th that is a possibility. I had seen Jay in Philly last year, and he was brilliant. He has sold out shows all across the globe, including recent trips to Australia, Europe and the Middle East. He has been known to learn a new language or a song, singing a lovely Molly Malone in Ireland, Housewife became Femme Au Foyer in Paris, and so on.



Jay has appeared in the movies Shortbus and Holding Trevor. Much like his music, his characters have been smart and amusing. In Shortbus, he sang the charming Soda Shop, which can be seen here.



You can find out more about Jay at his website. Go there and buy his music, or get it from iTunes or Amazon. It will be worth it. There are also some fun t-shirts to purchase.

Fly me to the moon.....................

What happens when you get Azul, Chloe, Indyra Originals, Nardcotix and Phoenix Riseing together all on one runway teamed up with Arai Agency Models?
Fly me to the moon is the theme for todays fashion show @ DC District Style Mall june 28 2pm SLT

Click the poster to Teleport

Memorials to Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Thursday June 25 saw the deaths of two famous performers in the US, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. In real life, people expressed their sorrow for their departures. And in Second Life, people did so by erecting memorials to them.

Of the memorials to Michael Jackson, probably the best one was in the Paradise Plantation sim. It had a pagoda, a number of pictures, notably of the singer throughout his career, and numerous flowers and candles. Above it was a circle of pictures that had flowers emitting from it a short distance.

Talking to one of the people at the sim, the large memorial had small beginnings, “... tried to find a memorial, and couldn’t the night he, passed. So we cleared the beach, and put a rose on the stand. Um, and that, *points* happened.” Others had added their own items to that lone stop-animation rose until it had grown to what we saw. People were still placing items there. He went on to say, “Here in Colorado, when a tragedy happens, everyone joins together and makes a big memorial.” When someone thanked him for building the memorial, he answered, “No, YOU did.”

The memorial is at (25, 243, 21) in the Paradise Plantation sim. I was told the sim was being used as a nude beach, though those not wearing much were some distance away and when walking near the memorial usually put their pants back on.

Farrah Fawcett’s passing after a long struggle with cancer did not make the news as big as Michael Jackson’s sudden heart attack. This may be why there were fewer memorials. I was told about one by a friend in the “caLLiefornia” sim, and it was at (165, 156, 25 ). There were a few pictures of the 70’s actress, and a number of candles. People can still put flowers, candles, and other items there. The sim has another memorial, one to Michael Jackson, not far away.

Rest in Peace

Bixyl Shuftan

Source: Cait's Finds in Second Life

Hellen Keller Day in Second Life

What if there were interesting places that everyone could go to, interesting activities that everyone could participate in . . . everyone but you? How would you feel?

People with disabilities find interesting ways to do things to overcome obstacles just getting through every day. You may not be aware of it, but if you’re active in Second Life (SL), chances are you interact with someone with a disability:

People with disabilities make up approximately 20 percent of the SL population. For many people with disabilities, SL is about as “barrier-free” an environment as it gets - People who cannot walk in real life can fly and teleport here in SL. Some, however, are not as fortunate: Deaf and hearing impaired people can be unwittingly excluded from voice chats, and people who are blind or visually impaired still face massive challenges in being able to use the highly visual 3D environment at all – Which is why Helen Keller Day is coming to Second Life, Saturday, June 27th. It’s a day that is set aside for 24 solid hours of information, education, exploration of employment opportunities, arts and entertainment, and social engagement, at the four The Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire islands. There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and mainly… fun.

Throughout all that, Helen Keller Day is about consciousness raising. It’s a movement in the 60s tradition, in a sense - It’s about raising our level of awareness for our brothers and sisters who have disabilities. It’s about learning that everyone can participate, and it’s about becoming knowledgeable about how to do a small but important kindness by being sensitive, and knowing how to include everyone in activities and interactions.
At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make everyone feel welcome, is an important social skill, and sometimes can be just that small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from.

You’ll hear great speakers, including Helen Keller’s great grandniece, Keller Johnson Thompson, and Linden Labs Education and Healthcare Developer, Pathfinder Linden. There will be panels on virtual education programs, accessible virtual teaching, and employment in virtual worlds, information about online degrees in digital media... even a goldmine!

The 24-hour event PDT will be held all day Saturday, June 27 at the four The Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire sims. (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faire/20/222/38)

Linden Lab is collaborating with and assisting Virtual Helping Hands and a coalition of community volunteers who are proud to announce Helen Keller Day in Second Life. Helen Keller Day is a community-event exploring how and why to employ, educate, entertain, and engage everyone through virtual worlds.

Helen Keller Day is a day that is set aside for information acquisition, education, exploration of employment opportunities, social engagement, and enjoyment of arts and entertainment… There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and pure, unbridled fun.

It’s a day dedicated to raising our level of awareness for our fellow Second Life residents who cope with disabilities. At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make them feel welcome, is an important social skill, and a small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from and feel good about.

Participants will meet people learn things, get freebies, and be entertained for their efforts.

You will hear keynote speakers Keller Johnson Thompson, the great grandniece of Helen herself and Linden Labs Education and Healthcare Developer, John Lester, aka Pathfinder Linden. You will hear from experts in the fields of virtual education, employment, social engagement and entertainment. There will be building contests featuring skilled builders doing accessible builds before our virtual eyes. There will be a world premier “movie” featuring “Max,” the virtual guide dog developed in Second Life for SL users who are blind or sight impaired. Also featured will be an exhibition of Max's abilities, a fashion show, chess, a Braille chat display, dancing, singing quests and storytelling... even a virtual goldmine!

There will be experiences designed to spark the imagination and “see” and “hear” the world with all the senses in new and thought provoking ways. Join the pioneers in virtual worlds who are inspired by the spirit of Helen Keller to explore ways in which everyone can participate…and create a world that richer for all.

Please come and learn, connect, explore, be entertained, and pick up freebies while sharing this positive and uplifting experience with us.

The weekend ahead.............

Wow what a lot of great events going on this weekend, if you look through the FASHION section or the EXTRA EXTRA section you will see what I mean;
'SL Top Girls' looks exciting at 12pm SLT put on by Edo Tone of Styles of edo and Kay Fairey, then a little later 'Over the Rainbow' by My Precious at Phat cat's - Agnes Finney makes the most beautiful gowns and I can't wait to see what she has unleashed.
There is also the rest of SL6B to explore I think I have only managed about a quarter of it so far - there is just so much to explore and some amazing builds, and yes too many to name! Whether you like music, discussions, exploration or Art there is something for everyone and events happening all the time - check them out HERE.
But if you need more we have news of some different events in the extra extra section; art exhibits, immersive art and story telling for your inner child at TLE.
Throughout this month RFL teams are active and events are happening all over the grid find out more HERE. RFL is less than a month away and information is starting to come through about the main event - if you want to be involved keep an eye on our RFL section for news as we get it.
A busy weekend, have fun!!
Dana Vanmoer

Demonstration in Second Life Supporting Iranian Protesters

On Thursday June 25th, a number of people in Second Life in support of the protesters in Iran, whom have been speaking out against rigged elections despite the violent crackdown resulting in arrests and deaths. At 2 PM and 7 PM SL time, people gathered at the Palais Orleans Art Studio in the Roissy sim, many from the “Support Iran” group. A few held signs with raised fists on one side, and a picture of Neda, whom has become a symbol of the protests, on the other. The signs could be picked up in the Studio, along with memorial candles. The studio displayed pictured of Neda and the protests, and the people also passed around a green armband with a broken heart symbol. There were also “I am Neda” shirts.

One person at the first demonstration thought thirty to forty people showed up, some arriving a little late and some needing to go early, “We had a good turnout.” The second was smaller in number, but no less determined to make a point. There was also a security guard from the Justice League to keep any possible griefers away.

People were invited to make comments and give news they might have heard. Rene Grigorovich used voice instead of typing to make his point, “All these people are asking is for a free and honest election as is guaranteed by the constitution. .. the regime is absolutely bestial in how they treat the opposition. ... I would ask you all to keep these people in your prayers. ... thank you.”

There was one Iranian among the people in the second gathering, “I’m Iranian,” Melody Rosca told everyone. She was living outside the country. When asked how well Iranians could use the net, she answered, “I know that Internet connections have been next to nothing for the past day. I know that cell phones are shut off after 5 PM.” When asked if any SL resident in Iran could still get on, she answered, “All I know is that those I know are having lots of difficulty getting online and transferring information.” At another point, she spoke, “... it is extremely important for us, all of us, to remain aware. Knowledge is always power, and it’s no different in this turmoil.”

Thursday 25th was also the day singer Michael Jackson passed away, leaving some to wonder if the media coverage might distract the attention of the American public. Melody commented, “I’m afraid that just because there wasn’t as much news today, or perhaps tomorrow, or even a week from now, everyone will forget and just assume it’s over.“

The group talked about the role of Internet blogs and Twitter in helping the protesters get images and information outside the country. However, some described the theocracy as making it harder for the people to communicate with the outside world. Melody told, “... information is being filtered much more drastically than a week ago.” Someone else mentioned satellite dishes were being confiscated.

One man had a story to tell, “I have a personal stake in the protests. I’m in love with an Iranian woman. I don’t know if she’s alive or dead. ... I have not spoken to her since last October, when she told me she asked her father for permission to marry me. ... She and I had many low-level arguments concerning her government. At first, she thought I believed all Iranians were fanatics. Then when she realized I made the distinction between her government and the people, she still insisted that I was wrong, that is was not like that in Iran. She honestly believed Iran was a free country, and that her government would not actively harm her. It took her several years to begin seeing the truth.”

“When she told her father that we wanted to marry, he confirmed all that I had said to her and more. She broke off contact after one final conversation. We talked on the phone for hours that last night. ... If a pro-government militia ever found out she was in love with me, the girl whom got ******ed to death with a baseball bat would have been luckier. ... They’re chopping down protesters with axes and shooting them in the streets. What do you think they’ll do to a woman who’s in live with Iran’s proclaimed ‘Great Satan.’ ... My desert rose is much stronger than she thought she was. My greatest fear is she took to the streets. I decided within a few days of the election that if she called me, I’d be forced to say things I did not mean in order to convince any officials tapping her phone line that she no longer had any ties to America.”

Some were concerned, wondering at one point the possibility Iranian government agents were conducting searches in SL. Still, there was optimism, “It might take a generation ... but the Iranian people are seeing what their government is capable of now. The Iranian people overthrew the Shah and they will eventually overthrow the current butchers.”

Eventually, the vigil came to an end. People wished each other well, some vowing to continue. We were told the Art studio would keep the pictures of demonstrations and candles and signs, “for the foreseeable future.” Palais Orleans Art Studio and Designs is at the Roissy sim at (31, 58. 24).

“Freedom is worth dying for but dying is easy ask your selves is it worth losing everything for and possibly being tortured to death for? this is the question the brave freedom fighters of Iran have asked themselves. They said yes, and for that courage I stand with them.”

Bixy Shuftan

June 27, 1967 - Stonewall Riots

Lucian K. Truscott IV offers up his first-hand account of what went on the night of the Stonewall Riots. The writer was on his way to the Lion's Head, a hangout for journalists just a few doors down from the Stonewall Inn. You can read his account from the Thursday New York Times. There is also a copy of the article he wrote in the Village Voice from 1969.



Post adapted from 365Gay.

SL6B Meet and Greet tonight 2pm SLT

Come and meet the crew at SL6B TONIGHT
JamesT and Dana will be giving out freebies and answering your questions and hopefully having some fun with your company.
Take the automated tour of newspapers past, present and future and zip around the exhibit.
We hope to see you there
Dana and JamesT

Gobs of Fun!!!!

Well, it is open! The SL6B is under way.
I have visited several times now, crashing hard the first time. It is filled with so many builds close together. It will take more than a few visits to see them all.
Last year at the SL5B one of the exhibits I enjoyed the most was the SL Children’s project so I decided to look in on them. My friend, Myrtil Igaly, told me of several sites done by the sl kids or related to them so off I went.
Great builds, as usual with a display of why kids want to be kids in sl and how to go about it all.
Then a tp off to the display that Loki Eliot has set up with pictures of so hundreds of the sl children. It was so delightful. I came across some of the children standing on their own pictures enjoying the moment, “Here I am!!” was the shout with pride.
As I stood there I noticed a large box with writing on it and went to investigate. I found a transmogrifier machine.
Wow! Get in it said!!
Do you want to be a child… follow your inner self??
OK I thought. I can do that… for a while, after all what is sl all about anyway: the inner self.
In the machine you will experience the sounds of hammers and saws, smoke and shaking but what fun!
I chose to be a little girl, dragged the folder to myself and popped out!!
Wow, and I was a little kid..
Looking closely I could see myself in there, but as a child. I have no idea what I will do with my avatars but it was great fun!
I went back at night to check it out again and was invited by one of the creators of the exhibit, Marianne Mccann to a reading of a short story by Sokmonkey Rutabaga.
After teleporting out of the globe where the reading took place I found the listeners playing on the toys set below in a playground and joined the fun.
I always find it refreshing to look in at the kids places. They have an inner sweetness that draws me back to see what is going on in their world.
Just to clarify, these are all adults who have chosen to be kids in sl as I wrote in my previous article. They are serious about being kids!
Many were involved in the creation of the exhibit and you will find their names on a note card at the location.
Be sure that when you get to the SL6B at the Cloning station to look for the sl kids places. You may find yourself wishing for that earlier time of your life!! Try it !
A good place to start is Cryo 30, 100, 22 or Cryo 196, 242, 22 . Enjoy!!!!

Gemma Cleanslate

Great Music - Adrianne

OK, I have to be honest here - I haven't purchased You Me Lonely yet, but I do have two previous releases, 10,000 Stones and Sweet Mistake. She has an amazing voice, and a wicked musicality and phrasing. So I will be purchasing it soon and will be able to speak about it. In the meanwhile, I will share a video from an earlier CD, the song is Burn Me Up. This hot and spicy lesbian Latina can knock you out with her music.



You can find out more about Adrianne on her MySpace page.

A King Remembered - Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Michael Jackson was an incredible talent, and his talent as a singer, dancer and writer will live on for generations. While he is the antithesis of what I am covering here, the King of Pop versus the indie folk/pop/rock singers. But I have heard many of them covering his music live, and can hear their respect for his gift.

One of my favorite covers has been Chris Cornell's version of Billie Jean. It is the performances of Jackson's music by others that will prove to be his true legacy, the celebration of his talent by others.



Updated:
Jay Brannan put out a tribute via his YouTube channel just now. It is wonderful.

Man In The Mirror



Christopher Dallman - Human Nature

Chapter 2

Ah, the Rolands. What a lovely family. The whole neighborhood secretly wishes they'd move out of town. Too bad they'll be staying put for the next ten generations.

At the end of the last chapter I put up an heir poll. Did you remember to vote in it? It looks like most people did. For those who have checked the poll lately, you probably already know Lyla has the most votes and thus is this generations heiress! She won with 70% of the vote, which tells me most of you really like her :) I almost wish I would have waited to put the poll up until Trevor became a young adult because he's got an interesting 5th trait.
For once, it seemed like there would be a nice and quiet afternoon in the Roland household. Constance was buried deep in a new book, Trevor was knee deep in homework and neither Eddie or Lyla were home.
A couple hours even passed before the silence was broken when Eddie arrived home.
Constance: "Eddie, I have great news!"
Eddie: "What?"
Constance: "Lyla will stay in our home and continue the family line once we're gone."
Eddie: "Oh. What is so exciting about that?"
Constance: "Grandbabies!?!"
Eddie: "Augh...woman, I can't stand children. Lets not talk about more babies for me to deal with."
Constance: "Oh, fine. Whatever!"
Eddie: "What is Trevor going to do?"
Constance: "It's up to him, I guess. He can move out and start a family of his own or he can stay here with Lyla."
Eddie: "If he's smart he'll get his own place and stay away from all the crazies in this town!"
Constance: "Do you realize this is the first time we're having a conversation that doesn't involve yelling in like years?"
Eddie: "Yes, and it's very nice. I really shouldn't be so hard on you. It's not like I don't care about you, even if you do drive me mad most of the time."
Constance: "Gee, thanks. I guess I deserved that though. I did trick you into having two kids."
Eddie: "Uh-huh. So, what else can we talk about calmly?"
Constance: "I've started writing a new book."
Eddie: "Not that again! Woman, I have no interest in your books."
Constance: "Ugh! Why do I bother? You suck, always have and always will."
Eddie: "I'm sorry. That was totally uncalled for. You were just trying to make conversation. I shouldn't be so harsh."
Constance: "Forget it. I never should have let my guard down around you anyways. You'll just end up hurting me all over again."
With that Constance walked away. To soothe her nerves she went to make sure the faucet in the bathroom wasn't leaking. She instantly felt better once she knew it was fine.
My, oh my. Who is Lyla talking to? He looks awfully cute.
Dexter: "I saw you last night on stage. You sounded great."
Lyla: "Really? You actually saw me. I was way in the back."
Dexter: "It's hard not to notice someone as beautiful as you."
Lyla: "Are you hitting on me?"
Dexter: "Is it working?"
Lyla: "Maybe."
Dexter: '"Then, yes."
They stood there talking for hours until Lyla needed to head off to work. She gave him her phone number and was about to run off when he suddenly pulled her in for a hug. Dexter quietly whispered that he'd call her first thing tomorrow morning. That night Lyla was in such a great mood she was promoted to lead guitarist!
Not again! These two don't ever stop arguing. They don't have a negative relationship but they don't have a positive one either. It's definitely middle of the road. Occasionally, one of them will have the wish to woohoo but I just laugh and ignore it. These two will never be that close again!
Whoa, Constance is talking about books again and it doesn't look like Eddie's flipping out yet. Perhaps, there is hope for these two afterall.
I would say guess what Lyla is painting but I doubt anyone would ever guess. This is actually a portrait of Eddie. It looks horrible, doesn't it? I was expecting the portrait to look perfect like it always did in TS2. I guess that is no longer the case, which is more realistic but still it looks terrible.
Unfortunately, Constance and Eddie won't have enough time to make amends. They could probably have an eternity together though, and still not be happy with each other. The whole family gathered around to mourn his death. They all loved him in their own, unique ways.
It seemed even in the afterlife, Eddie couldn't bare to be near his family for long. His spirit quickly snuck outside, away from the sobbing his family was doing. Grimmy followed him outside and took him away.

Ah, Eddie. He was such a great founder. *cough* He had commitment issues, disliked children, and was a mean spirited, inappropriate loser. He died in his 80's and never achieved his lifetime want nor did he accumulate over 100,000 lifetime happiness points. I actually blame his loser trait for those two failures. I doubt it's that normal for an ordinary sim to get arrest 5 times in the criminal career. Perhaps, I'm wrong though. Had he achieved his LTW he would have reached 100,000 lifetime happiness points. Oh well. Eddie brought lots of character to this legacy and that's what I was going for anyways.
As if by design, a few minutes after Eddie past away, a robber showed up in the middle of the day to take back some of the goods Eddie had "acquired" at work. Nobody at the house knew what to do. They all started freaking out. Thank goodness I installed a burglar alarm.
It wasn't long before a cop showed up to take down the thief. Constance and Trevor stood their in disbelief over what was happening. Eddie had just died and now this. What else could happen?
Lady Cop: '"Ma'am, I'm really sorry about your stolen items. I've been trying really hard to build up my muscles. I guess I'm not quite where I should be yet."

Sadly, the thief got away with the stolen goods. I think she only made off with one of the statues. The family had enough to replace it though.

"What's wrong, Constance?"
Constance: "Eddie died before I had the chance to throw coffee in his face and move out."
"What?"
Constance: "You heard me. I had finally had enough and was planning my escape. I was going to take Trevor with me too."
"Oh. Well, aren't you glad you can stay here and not have to worry about finding your own place now?"
Constance: "That's a good point, but I still would have loved to seen Eddie suffer."

I believe I took this close up of Constance to show her wrinkles. I really like how in TS3 the sims grow wrinkles as they age. It seems so life like. I know in TS2 you could have added wrinkles to your sims through the face paint option once they became elders but I never remembered to do that.
Dexter: "Thanks for meeting me! I've been looking forward to it. So, anything exciting been happening?"
Lyla: "That's an understatement if I ever heard it. The last few days have actually been a bit tough. My father past away and then a robber came to steal items he had earned at work."
Dexter: "I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Are you okay? We don't have to hang out if you're not in the mood."
Lyla: "Nah, I'm fine. My dad and I had an interesting relationship. I know on some level he loved me but we were never very close."
Lyla: "Enough about my troubled past few days, how are you doing? I must admit I'm so happy to be here with you right now. I know you'll be able to cheer me up."
Dexter: "I haven't done much lately, but think about you and our first meeting."
Lyla: "Don't make me blush."
Dexter: "It's true. You have no idea how amazing you are."
Lyla: "Are you trying to butter me up?"
Dexter: "Only if it's working."
Lyla: "Hey, I know we barely know each other but I'm an old fashion girl and would like to make sure while we're dating I'm the only one you're seeing. Can you make me that promise?"
Dexter: "We're dating now? I thought we were just hanging out."
Lyla: "Oh, well..."
Dexter: "I'm teasing. Yes, of course, I will only date you."
And with that Lyla jumped into Dexter's arms. She had no idea she could be so vulnerable with a guy. Perhaps, it had something to do with her parents relationship and wanting so much more then they had.
Meanwhile, Trevor was starting to spend more time with his friend, Jackie.
What had once been a mere friendship was blossoming into much more.
It's not that Constance didn't like Jackie, but she also didn't know her too well. Trevor was Constance's baby and she wanted to protect him the best she could. After Constance caught Trevor and Jackie kissing, she had a little talk with Jackie to see if she was properly suited for her son.
I'm guessing she must have past, because I'm not sure I'd leave my sons teenage girlfriend take a nap on my bed unless I really liked her.
"You can't honestly be proud of that."
Lyla: "Who's there?"
"Your dad or mom ever mentioned me? I'm like this neighborhood's goddess and I'm here to help your family make it to ten generations."
Lyla: "Nope, they never told me about you. So, can I see you?"
"I'm invisible."
Lyla: "Ooooooookay, then."
"Ask your mom about me. I'm sure she'll have at least one or two good things to say about me."
Lyla: "So, can I summon you when I want something?"
"Um, yeah, but I can't promise I'll meet your request."
Lyla: "Never hurts to ask."
Dexter's and Lyla's relationship is growing quickly. They get along well and really like each other.
Lyla felt confident that Dexter was the one for her and decided not to waste any time. She had scoped out the other options in the neighborhood but didn't find anyone as intriguing as she found Dexter. Luckily, Lyla's leap of faith paid off and Dexter agreed to marry her.
They were both so excited!
In fact, they were so excited they didn't bother wasting anytime tying the knot.
I tried doing this at a park downtown but Dexter didn't show up. The guests were upset they didn't get to see a wedding so the party was a bust.
It looks like a private ceremony worked really well for these two. Maybe Dexter's kind of shy and didn't want any guests at their nuptials.
Everyone, lets welcome Dexter to the family. Immediately after getting married, Dexter jumped on this bike, road to an empty lot, and then went back to his new home. It was like he was getting all his belongings and moving them into his new home. Odd, huh?

Dexter has the following traits: natural cook, perfectionist, hot headed, schmoozer, angler. His lifetime want is to have 13 different species of perfect fish in fishbowls. My goal is to find spouses that have at least one negative trait. In Dexter's case that is being hot headed.

"Geez, Lyla, how many painting skills do you have? Constance's portait looks so fuzzy!"
Lyla: "Hey, don't be dissing my work! I don't have to talk to you, ya know?"
"Right, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be so rude. I just can't get over the quality of portraits now. I'm sure it has nothing to do with your skills."
Lyla: "Excuse me? What is that suppose to mean?"
"You know what, I'll just leave you alone for now."
Lyla: "Good, get away!"

"Not quite perfect, huh?"
Dexter: "Are you her? The goddess of this neighborhood?"
"I guess you could call me that."
Dexter: "Did you do something magical to prevent my needs from dropping?"
"No, it's kind of weird though. I've noticed you're needs are always pretty much full too."
Dexter: "I'm not really complaining but I feel like I'm breaking the rules or something."
"I kind of feel the same but it's nobody's fault so you may as well live it up."
I have seriously neglected Trevor in this chapter and for that I apologize. He's now an adult and for his fifth trait he was randomly given evil, hence the pajama pants. I was kind of bummed when he rolled that trait and I hadn't waited until afterwards to put the heir poll up. Oh, well. I really do like Lyla a lot. Trevor's lifetime want is the same as his father's was: Become the Emperor of Evil. Hopefully, he has better luck then his dad did.
Oh, Lyla's pregnant. That's why she's leaving work early. Well, they certainly didn't waste anytime.
I couldn't help but snap a picture of this. It's been at least a full day since Dexter and her got married (I know I didn't have them try for baby until after that were married) and she's still fascinated by were ring. Again, another real life characteristic that TS3 creators added to the game. I *heart* it!
Eddie's first visit in the after life and he's napping. He wandered the house a bit before he settled into his old spot in bed. Constance never even knew he was there. He was gone long before she woke up.
Lyla finally finished the masterpieces of her parents. They look awful! At least, she was able to finish them in time though.
Dexter and Lyla are enjoying the exciting moments most expected parents experience. They were talking about what to eat for dinner when Lyla felt the baby kicked. She quickly directed Dexter to the area and he held his hand their anxiously waiting to feel the baby. It won't be long now before the baby shows its face to the world.
As I briefly mentioned earlier, Dexter is glitched. His needs never decrease so he has lots of time to spend fishing to acheive his LTW. I like this octupus but it's not perfect so he'll use it as bait for another fish or selling it to the supermarket.
"Whoa, where are you going?"
Lyla: "Baby's coming. I need to get to the hospital."
"Why didn't you call a cab? I'm not sure riding your bike right now is a good idea."
Lyla: "It would have taken too long for a cab to get to my place."
"Really? I thought they showed up right away."
Lyla: "Are you really going to argue with a pregnant woman about to give birth?"
"I guess not, especially when they're a Roland."
Lyla: "Smart woman."
After a few short hours, baby Fawn was born. She was randomly assigned the loner and clumsy trait. It looks like she got her mother's skin tone but I can't be sure about the rest just yet.
It looks like Dexter has caught his first perfect fish. He better take good care of it so it doesn't die.
Wow! Dexter has purple eyes. That's kind of cool. I wonder if Fawn will get them.
I can't tell for sure but it looks like her eyes are a darker shade then Dexter's. I think Lyla has brown eyes so Fawn probably got her eye color. It's so nice to have three grown ups to take care of one baby. I can completely forget Fawn even exists but someone in the house will make sure she's taken care of.
Just for Constance, I created a little reading area upstairs away from the rest of the house. I've found her there enjoying her latest book a few times. I'm glad she finally has her own place in the house. She totally deserves it after deal with Eddie for so long.
Dexter's collection of perfect fish is quickly expanding. Three down another ten to go. He's off to a great start so far!

That's all for now, folks! What will happen next time with the Rolands? How many children will Dexter and Lyla have? How long will Constance live (she's already in her 90's)?