Linden Lab Release New Viewer

'Unveiling An Improved New Resident ExperienceOne of the things we've been working hard on here at Linden Lab, as M pointed out in his  New Year post, is the new Resident experience in Second Life.Today, we're proud to announce an important step forward as we continue to improve the welcome experience for new Residents; it's a more streamlined introduction to our online world, one that is simple, linear, and integrated with Viewer 2.  Our primary goal is to make Second Life more welcoming for new Residents, because more new Residents means more opportunity for merchants, landowners, creators--and for the whole ecosystem that is Second Life. However, Viewer 2 isn't just for new Residents. It also delivers a better, more intuitive user experience for all of us and gives everyone in Second Life the capability to integrate web-based media seamlessly into Second Life--a huge leap forward. And, what may not be immediately apparent--but equally  important--it provides us a robust and flexible platform to build on; we have much more goodness planned to roll out in 2010 and beyond.Key points:Second Life Welcome Island and Second Life Discovery IslandNew Starter AvatarsUpdated Terms of ServiceUpdated Maturity RatingsSecond Life Viewer 2 in Registration Flow'Read the full post HEREReading through the entire post it seems aimed more at new residents and the Lindens actually point out that many testers experienced in SL have had difficulties adapting and basically completely relearning how to use Secondlife.So looks like the long suffering residents will have to wait that little bit longer for all the bug fixes and better search etc that we have all been asking for for so long, of course we can expect bug fixes for the new viewer will take priority over little things like that as of course the new residents have no idea how Linden lab works and will expect the best service.Luckily for now the update IS optional ;)Dana

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Cartoon of the Day

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Passover Service in Second Life

On Palm Sunday, March 28 at 6 PM SL time, the Eternal Creations sim hosted a Passover service in Second Life. It was held by You Are Loved Ministries.The sim was packed with many dozens, almost all in the building, 80 counted by SL Newspaper, and another visitor saying there were 86 at one point. To help reduce the effects of lag somewhat, the building was over 2000 m in the air. Those entering were asked to take a seat, and upon doing so were given a “seder plate” and asked to “wear” it. When rezzed, a meal of several dishes, a couple bowls of water, and a goblet of wine appeared on the table in front of the person seated.Judah Sorbet and Rivakah Sorbet headed the service, with the help of some such as Eve Clarity. One of the guests named by Judah was from Sri Lanka. Judah then began talking about the story of Passover in Exodus. The Old Testament explains ten plagues were sent by God against Egypt before Pharaoh would finally release the Israelite slaves. Before the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, Moses ordered all Israelite households to take an unblemished lamb, and on the night of the plague slaughter it, avoiding breaking any of its bones in the process, and put it’s blood on the doorframe. This way, the plague “passed over” the Israelite homes.Why celebrate Passover as Christians? Judah explained there were several reasons, notably the connection of the slaughtered lamb to Christ’s crucifixion, hence Christ is refereed to as “the Lamb of God.” So some Christians hold Passover services, this one in Second Life including the “seder” ritual feast normally associated with Jewish tradition.Judah went over the order in which a Passover seder meal is eaten, then showed a film to those attending, depicting the Israelites under brutal slavery, then Moses bringing about the ten plagues, the scene of the plague of frogs particularly amusing with Pharaoh waking up finding himself covered in them. The film ended with the Israelites freedom.Judah also pointed out there was a notecard giver in the corner for the history of the Easter Bunny (http://www.answers.com/topic/the-easter-bunny) and Easter eggs (http://www.answers.com/topic/easter-egg).It was then time to begin the seder. Step by step, Judah and Rivakah explained to the attendees where to click on the seder plate, and what that part of the meal symbolized in detail. For instance, to the side of the plate was a package of three pieces of flat matzah bread. Following the washing hands and the appetizer, the dipping of vegetables in salt water, people were asked to click on the matzah bread. Doing so, the middle piece appeared on top. Clicking on it again, the piece was broken in half. The larger half was called the “afikoman,” and clicking on the package again, it would appear to be wrapped up in cloth and put aside for later.Later in the meal, one would click on the matzo bread and the “maror,” horseradish for this particular seder, and on top of the matzo package a sandwich made up of the two would appear, which would take a few clicks of the mouse for it to be virtually eaten.Some people had better luck in getting the virtual seder plate to work than others. With so many present, lag inevitably froze many at some point. Still, there were a number of complementary remarks from the audience. One spoke out he was planning to use this to help explain Christianity to others. Others saw it as more of looking at the history behind practices.Once the seder was complete, everyone was asked to get up and walk back to the entrance. With many dozens in the room, most lagged a bit, but eventually everyone gathered there. People were offered a free gift by clicking on a gift bag, then asked to head into the next room. Inside was a depiction of Ancient Egypt, with sand and the pyramids. Everyone was asked to walk up to the edge of the Red Sea. Once everyone was there, it parted (the water gray with lag), and everyone then crossed.At the end, Judah Sorbet invited those who turned away from church to come back, “maybe this is the first time you’ve ever heard this message.” He began a prayer, and invited all to join in. Following that, a helper named Sonic Ring played some guitar music, singing Christian songs.An interesting look at a religious ritual, as only Second Life can show it.Bixyl Shuftan

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A Meeting at the Straight Talk Cafe

News in America has had more political talk and debate lately, notably concerning some proposed major changes to health care regulation. In Second Life, a group of people got together at the conservative Straight Talk Cafe to discuss this, and more.Continued in Extra-Extra

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Looking for places to explore?

Grey Lupindo takes us on a trip to Amsterdam in the community section while Gemma looks at 

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Magical Beginnings

The fascination with the steam punk era is alive and well in SL as it still exists in RL. While doing a hunt which took me to many steam punk sites I joined a hunt group to keep up with hints. Last week I read a notice that intrigued me : the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco. Classes will be offered in Deportment, Etiquette, Dancing, the Arcane Arts, Drama, History, English and a host of other academic and cultural courses. There is an impressive list of professors for the school which offers boarding or day school facilities for children avatars. I went to tour the school and found a delightful setting with interesting living and  instructional areas. When the notice came for the first class I dressed in my finest steam punk gown and went to observe. About twelve eager participants sat before a stage while the Mayor of Mieville, and a professor at the new school, Perryn Peterson welcomed us all to the inaugural presentation. He concentrated on stagecraft, introducing elements of the theatre stage to everyone and  inviting participation from the students. The future classes look very interesting and the professor is very patient and thorough.I asked him how this idea came about and he said “There are no boarding or day schools that we know of which provide an education for the child avatars in SL interested in the Victorian Steampunk culture.  We sought to fill that need.  We have 14 students so far and a Head Boy for the Lower School.  We have begun classes and so far have had a nice turnout.” The students appeared eager to learn and it looked like an auspicious beginning. Looking around at the various venues it looks as if  there will be magic potions involved in future classes for sure! The school is open to all  so if you are interested be sure to visit and contact the headmistress, Jezzie Warden or the Deputy Headmistress Vian Magic for more information.Take a look at Doyle 60, 199, 31 .That will put you right in the area of the new school.Gemma Cleanslate

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Cartoon of the Day

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Imperial Russia RP in Second Life

I recently heard about a region in Second Life made for a historical roleplay: The Romanov Imperial Court of Russia.The RP takes place in 1776. Russia is ruled by Ekaterina II, better known as Catherine the Great, as well as the Russian nobility. In St. Petersburg, court intrigue abounds. In the southern part of the Empire, a rebellion is brewing. Between them and the capital, the army marches to meet them. And everywhere, the peasants somehow manage to eke out a living despite everything against them.The RP covers 11 sims. SL Newspaper came in contact with one of the players, ThomasK Andel, whom told us that the group had over 200 members, of whom about a hundred were active participants in the roleplay. Players could take on multiple characters, the Thomas saying he himself played both a nobleman and one of the rebels. Court intrigue takes up much of the roleplaying, but there was plenty of action with the Empire having to deal with a rebellion, as well as people going about their lives. There were also a number of players playing the roles of doctors and their aides.The region was described as having it’s own economy, with it’s own RP currency technically apart from the Linden, players able to buy period clothing and personal weapons at shops. But some effort (and presumably Lindens) are needed to maintain one’s rank in the RP.One has to join the RP group to move onto the place freely. For those who don’t, there are red barriers around places, including around the main entrance, though some can be gotten around. Near a ship are a few free peasant outfits, one for men, two for women.There is no official roleplaying going on for now. The region is still under construction. Some places are largely finished, others are still being worked on. Thomas explained among those working on the builds were Second Life residents living in Russian in real life. He went on to say there would be some activity soon.The official entrance to the region is at the Peterhof sim at (167, 65, 28).“God Save the Tsaritsa”Bixyl Shuftan

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Spring Fling on the Playa

The excitement has been building for weeks. Live shows will be at the sites in place and the do’s arranged for a whole weekend of fun on the playa! It is Burning Life’s After Burn Spring Fling!I took a look at the stages and the surrounding areas. I came across a meeting of the staff getting ready.There is a wonderful display of all the Porta Potties that builders decorated for the Burning Life, White Lebed  collected quite a few and placed them in one area so you can walk by and admire them all at one time. The committee has worked so hard to give everyone a good time. Be sure to visit the venues and take in the sights and sounds. Doctor Gascoigne and his crew have worked hard to fill the party hours with music you will enjoy. I would highly recommend that you get yourself there to enjoy it all!! Take  this limo to get to the area of the porta potties and you can fly off from here  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life-%20Deep%20Hole/73/81/24Gemma Cleanslate

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“The Great Panda Heist”

Among the shopping hunts out there in Second Life, there’s one in particular for nature lovers, and those whom simply like fuzzy critters, “The Great Panda Heist.”Spooky Mistwallow is the organizer of the hunt. In real life, she is a finance analyst, whom writes novels as a hobby. In Second Life, she is a part of Pandas International. In setting up the hunt, she has had the help of Kat2 Kit, whom has been making a name for himself in his tiny panda avatar for his work with Pooky Amsterdam’s “The 1st Question” and other media.“(The hunt) was Spooky’s idea,” Kat told SL Newspaper at his panda center in Silver Bog, “I was looking for a traveling fundraiser, and this is both fun and traveling.” He brought to attention the Wolong Panda Center, which was severely damaged during the earthquake in China in May 2008. A number of workers and pandas at the center died. Among them, one named Mao Mao, whom was memorialized outside the Pandas International hut in a sculpted statue.Of how Kat got interested, “I originally had a miniature panda av. ... As I started to talk around, Ling Ling passed. So Cheen Pitney made me a sculpture. The one out here. Little did Cheen know I would wear him. I did a series of photos around the grid. And people started tipping me. Then after the earthquake, Elnora Newel made me a sculpty Ma Mao and baby, this one here. And now for this hunt, Bald made the greater panda up front.” “Baldtraveller,” Spooky corrected, mentioning Baldtraveller Shan.“I have worked with Kat many times doing fundraisers for Pandas International in the past,” Spooky told, “and I have organized gridwide hunts in my store, so I thought why not combine the two. In this hunt, while every store hides a small panda with a gift inside. Most also have a donation box in the store as well. Even if donations aren’t received from every hunter, they are definitely made aware that pandas are in need, and the existence of this organization.”Asked about what kinds of stores are in the hunt and what kinds of goods can people expect to find, “Well, I know most of the stores have panda-themed gifts made special for the hunt. Others, include bamboo or are Asian in nature. The items will range from furniture, jewelry, clothing, and anything else you can think of. The stores we hand-picked and are almost all good merchants with whom we have worked with in the past. Again, from every level of merchandise.”“For example, we are giving out this lovely panda-framed image to visitors here,” Kat spoke as he pointed to a picture.” Spooky continued, “Kastle Rock Couture, my store, for example, is giving out a special color of my fundraiser panda gown, a panda necklace, and an Asian-themed table. I have seen some panda art, a bamboo leaf dress, and a set of ginger jars. There are a few sample pictures on the official hunt blog as well.”“(There) was an unspoken theme,” Kat informed, “everything had to be cute to ‘ holy s*** that’s cute!’ “ He then rezzed a panda bot, a small cub holding a balloon that began floating around, making grunting cries those around found adorable, Spooky commenting, “that has to be the cutest thing I’ve seen besides Kat. (laughter). .... It’s cute like a baby.”Spooky has been involved in other charity hunts, “My store participated as a vendor in the AIDS hunt and also provided donation items for Breast Cancer. I also sell year-round three special gowns and give the pandas fifty percent.” Spooky herself was sporting a panda necklace and a panda tattoo, “the tattoo I’m wearing is a hunt gift one of the vendors sent to me. It’s from Suzy Martinek of Love Tattoos. It’s so cute."Spooky talked about doing a “Party for Pandas” event in the future, “what we do is schedule time at one club after another, an hour usually. We rezz donation boxes that give information about pandas and why they need support. Last time how much did we raise, Kat?”“Over 20,000 L," Kat answered, "We were verrrry happy. I take the Lindens, cash them out to Paypal, and then make the donation to Pandas International.”The website for the Panda Heist is at http://greatpandahunt.blogspot.com . A video Kat thought was important was Pennies for Pandas . For a takeoff on the “Roaming Gnome," here is "Ling Ling around the Grid."Pandas International accepts donations at P.O. Box 620335 Littleton, CO, 80123. It’s website is located at http://pandasinternational.org . They also have a Facebook page."The Great Panda Heist” lasts from March 21 to April 30th.“I am very excited and thankful for all this support. I an starting to find one of the keys to social media, is volunteerism.”Bixyl Shuftan

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Tellaq Avatar Creations

One complaint about Second Life that occasionally comes up is the lack of ethnic avatars. Quality ones seem especially hard to find. One man here started up a skin store to do something about it: Tellaq Avatar Creations.The store is two buildings, one for male skins, one for female. The mens’ area had the larger selection (for now), and had mostly black skins. But there were several white ones as well, in addition to an Asian look. Both buildings had a lucky chair, giving people a chance to win one of the skins.Tellaq Avatar Creations is owned by Tellaq Guardian. “I am a graphics designer in my First Life,” he explained, “Seven months after I got into Second Life I tried (making) my first skin. First reason for making the Afro skin, I couldn’t find any good black skins for myself. As you can see in the store, there are many Afro skins.”Tellaq remarked that his choice of his name in Second Life was a joke, “ ‘Tellaq’ means a cleaner guy in a Turkish bath. He cleans the customers inside (grin), helping them to clean their shoulders and (places on) their back where they can’t reach.”Tellaq has a total od 48 avatars in his store, but only for the moment, “I am working on forty Afro women now.” He plans for a total of ninety avatars in the near future, “It will be done in two months.”Among the avatars, his favorite is “Derrick,” which he created first and still wears most of the time. He also feels especially proud of his work on “Kid,” “Francis,” and “Vincent.” Comments by others about his skins encouraged him to make more, “Their comments made me do better things. They said I was number one (smile), and (had) the most beautiful Afro skins when they saw this. ... They gave me the fire to do (more).”Tellaq had not been planning on making a store when he started, intending to make just a few skins, but the complements by others spurred him to make more, “I wasn’t planning to do it. I was just having fun in Second Life.”Tellaq had no plans to sell anything but skins, “Except skins and shapes, I don’t really plan to do anything else.”Tellaq Avatar Creations is at the Tropical Breeze sim at (49, 62, 23)Bixyl Shuftan

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Cartoon of the Day

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The RFL Luskwood Bennefit Concert and RFL Cross-Country Race

The Clothing Fair was not the only event for Relay for Life on Saturday, March 20th. There were others, among them a concert and a race. That afternoon, there was a benefit concert in Luskwood, and there was a cross-sim snail race.At 12 Noon SL time, Luskwood held a concert for charity, to take in donations for the Relay. The event was held at the stage near the Great Tree.From noon to 2:00 PM, come join us to listen to the awesome musical stylings of Frogg Marlowe and Jaycatt Nico for an hour, followed by the excellent voice of Alessandra Eberlain and her wide variety of songs for another hour. And, of course, don't forget to donate!For the first hour, Jaycatt & Frogg performed for the audience. Jaycatt played the piano, while Frogg sang and strummed his guitar. At 1 PM, Alessandra took to the stage, her voice filling the airwaves. Lomgren Smalls and Daaneth Kivioq, whom helped organize the event were there, as was one of the Luskwood founders, Michi Lumnin.“Thank you Daaneth, Lomgren, for putting this all together. ... My Grandfather died of lung cancer.” “Lom did all the work.” “Please help us fight against Evil! Please donate to the Kiosk in front of the stage! CANCER CAN BE BEATEN!!!”At 2 PM SL time was the start of the Relay for Life Giant Racing Snail Cross-Country Race. The giant snail races are held regularly in Second Life every week by RacerX Gullwing. Usually, the snails are decorated to whatever the rider wants, and are held on a course. This time, the shells had to have large RFL signs on the sides, and the race would be held though a long stretch of road on the mainland, through over forty sims.Thirty-six racers took part in the race. It took only a few minutes for lag to break up the line of snails, and the track went through towns, forrest, went over bridges, looked at by more then a few curious onlookers, went by places such as the Berlin’s Museum of Art, and more. After about forty minutes, Tindallia Soothsayer was the first to reach the end of the course, “thanks to lag and the last turn.” She had somehow avoided a bout of lag that slowed everyone else, and beat the next snail by over a minute. Following the race, a replay was shown in another sim for the racers and others.The next RFL snail race will take part through sixty sims.Bixyl Shuftan

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Svarga Back in Second Life

On Sunday afternoon, March 21, just after logging on I heard some great news. The Svarga sim was back! II looked it up on the map, and there it was, so I ported over.And there was a sight I hadn’t seen in many months. What some people called one of the Seven Wonders of Second Life was back.Svarga was started early, around 2004. By 2006, it was complete and further construction ceased. It’s creator, Laukosargas Svarog, created a grand island of waterfalls, mountains, rivers, stone temples, and the artificial life experiments, the “Eco System” project, gave the sim it’s own cycle of life, with clouds raining on the plants, bees pollinating, and occasionally eaten by a flytrap lilly, and other aspects. It was considered one of the most ingeniously built places in the Metaverse. More can be read in our April 2007 article .In December 2008, Laukosargas made her decision to look for a buyer for Svarga. Running the sim was just too expensive for her, she felt, and Second Life seemed no better to her than when she first went about on it.Some months later, the sim vanished from the map. It seemed that this wonder of the Metaverse had vanished into the virtual nether forever, much to the sadness of many who had seen the area and marveled at it’s details. Until now, that is.Checking Laukosargas’s profile, she says the sim has a new owner, even though Svarga still lists her as in charge. She also asked not to be contacted, saying she plans to return to Second Life only sparingly, once in a few months.As time goes on, someone will figure out exactly what happened and what we can expect. But for now, we can take heart that once again, this gem of a sim is once again open for visits, and not just a memory.The entry point for Svarga is at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Svarga/5/124/22 .Bixyl Shuftan.

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Last Day of the Greatest Clothing Fair

Eilidh McCullough CF committee, dana Vanmoer CF Organizer, Amethyst Starostin CF Organizer Nevar Lobo CF Organizer Countless DJ Loadsof volunteers have made this outstanding 7 days a never to be forgotten pleasure. We have been entertained to the utmost and we are all smiling and want to thank all of you who so graciously donated with deep pockets a group of dedicated souls to fight the monster Cancer We will Win

Visit Clothing Fair 2010 (30, 20, 34)

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RFL Clothing fair how and why, part 7 ....................

Raven Pennyfeather has this year sponsored the Paris sim tell us why she is involved as a long term supporter of RFL and the RFL Clothing fairI have been involved with the RFL Clothing Fair since its inception and have had the good fortune of working alongside the amazing people responsible for its development over the years. SL has one of the highest concentration of creatives/artisans that I have ever encountered.    My art is a reflection of all that I am, and I continue to strive for improvement with each texture I make and design I craft.  It is my hope that we all continue in a spirit of tolerance and support to protect the rare environment this truly isCancer has touched far too many lives including those in my family as my father was diagnosed with a rare form of male breast cancer in December, 2008.  He has recently finished his rounds of treatments and is gaining strength each day.  My father has always been a formidable force.  He is a man of great courage, intellect  and strength.  To watch him battle this illness has shown me how he is a true warrior for he has had to call on all those aspects of himself and more.  I adore him, admire him and seek to honor him with this event.Kindest Regards,Raven Pennyfeather,CEO House of RFyre

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RFL Clothing fair how and why, part 6 ....................

Nyre Gray with her partner  Aurelius Draken of Caliber Sponsor the London Sim, her Nyre tells Breezes of her involvement and hopes for the fair and SecondLife:Please tell our readers how you became involved in the sponsorship.My inspiration comes from Nevar, and Ame. Although I have been involved before, their passion and insight into RFL is so inspiring I had no choice but to follow their lead. You can give... and then.. you can really give...They have taught myself, and others how truly selfless charity is.What are your goals for the future.To slide into Modern Fashion, laugh, and enjoy Second Life. Life is too short.Please tell us how you got started with your designs and such creative textures, and delightful stories on releases. I came to Second Life because of a friend.. he thought I might enjoy it here. At first it seemed very daunting, and then class after class... sim after sim.. that I visited I found I couldnt see enough, experience enough. I started to work in Adventure, fantasy, victorian eras..I remember learning how to first work with prims.. and literally deleting them every five minutes.. and wanting to throw them across the room.. but.. in the end.. they finally started to listen to me those prims!The build of your shop and the exquistite textures that make us want to enter the realm of  your worldIs there a special wish you have for the the world of Second LifeAbsolutely... Find your passion, share it with others, and never allow yourself to stand alone. People are here for you, and you them.. our greatest value is not how we remember, but how we are remembered.

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Cartoon of the Day

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RFL Clothing fair how and why, part 5 ....................

Breezes talks to Seri Writer, sponsor and one of the  builders of the Tokyo sim, through a translator:HELLO SERI  WE WISH TO THANK YOU FOR BEING A PROUD SPONSOR FOR THE CANCER SOCIETYPlease tell us why you are so involved with this wonderful project to help eradicate Cancer from the world.How did you become interest in second Life and tell us how cancer has personally entered your life .What are your goals for the future?We want to present your story and wish you the greatest success in the event for this year. It is sure to be outstanding and  we cant wait to see you dsigns  thanks againせりさん、こんにちわ。ガン協会のスポンサーになってくださった事を感謝いたします。Q.世界からガンを撲滅させるためのこの素晴らしいプロジェクトにあなたが何故関わったのか教えてください。A.去年のFantasyFairの際に、EmberやNevarと知り合いました。そしてFantasyFairのお手伝いをしました。お手伝いは、コンサートの開催や、日本の優れたお店の紹介、そして、スポンサードでした。そして、FantasyFairが終わった後、RFL2010を手伝うようにと誘われました。私にとってそれはとても光栄な申し出だったので、お受けしました。日本のアンバサダーとしての労働のお手伝いと、スポンサーとしてのお手伝い、両方出来ることは私にとってとても喜ばしいことです。私は服飾デザイナーではありません。また、何らかの製作や販売を行いません。私のSLでの仕事は、SIMの管理と運営です。􀀀私の仕事の上での喜びは、日本人で海外と交流したいと思っている、でもそのチャンスをもてない、優れているけど引っ込み思案な多くのクリエイターを海外に紹介することです。彼らクリエイターが、日本以外の人々との交流を持てるようになり、また、日本以外の国の方々が、日本の文化やクリエイティングセンスに興味を持って下されば、それは私の至上の喜びです。そして、このフェアがそれにとても適した場所であることを知っています。このフェアでは、私のおすすめするいくつかの店舗をCF TOKYO SIMに出店させました。スポンサーショップにはKWZをおきます。彼らのエキサイティングな作品を是非楽しんでください。I became deeply involved in this wonderful project by meeting Ember and Nevar at the FantasyFair last year. As a sponsor, I helped them by introducing Japanese talented designers to the world and also organized a concert during the fair.After the FantasyFair, I was asked to help them again for RFL2010 and it was indeed an honor for me to receive such a offer so I accepted it.I'm grateful to be in a position to contribute not only as a Japan ambassador but also a sponsor.I'm not a fashion designer so I can't make or sell anything. My work in SL is to manage and operate my SIM.One of my pleasure is to introduce wonderful talented Japanese creators to the world. Maybe this is the characteristics of Japanese people but they are very shy when it comes to interacting with foreigners. I make chances for them to have the opportunity to work with foreigners.I would be very delighted if they can interact with people besides Japan and at the same time people outside of Japan become interested in our culture and understands our creative sense.And I know this is the perfect place for it!At this fair, I've selected few recommended shops and exhibited them in the CF TOKYO SIM.  I've selected KWZ for the sponsor shop. Come and enjoy their exciting designs!!Q.どのようにしてSLに興味を持ち、そしてどのようにしてガンがあなたの人生に直接関わってきたのか？A.多くの日本人がそうであるように、わたしとSLの出会いはビジネス的なものでした。当時、働いていた会社でセカンドライフを調査するように命じられたのです。2007年の日本では、「セカンドライフで新しいビジネスが出来る」と報道され、私以外にも沢山のビジネスマンが、セカンドライフを調査していました。しかし多くのビジネスマンが「自分たちの望む収益を上げられない」と感じSLを去る中、私はこの世界に魅了されました。私にとってSLは、異なるタイムゾーン、異なる世界の人間がひとつのクリエイトを共同で作り上げることができる、エキサイティングなツールだったのです。ガンと私の戦いは、現在も続いています。私の子宮はかって何度か腫瘍に冒されました。幸い、それらはすべて良性でしたので、簡単な手術で治療することが出来ました。しかし、その手術の痛みや薬の副作用、今も続く後遺症の貧血は、その後の私の人生に大きく影響しました。私の貧血は今では腫瘍そのものよりも深刻な問題です。わたしは普通の人のようにオフィスに通って働くことが出来なくなりました。現在の私は在宅でWeb製作や、Webマーケティング、コンサルティングを仕事にしています。会議などで短時間の外出は出来ますが、私の心臓は度重なる貧血により痛められ、長時間の外出は出来ません。良性腫瘍を克服した私でさえ、このように人生の軌道修正を必要とするのです。癌と今現在、闘っているファイターとケアギバーに私は尊敬を禁じ得ません。Like many Japanese residents, I became to know SL through business. At that time, I was told to do a research on SL from my company.In 2007, Second life was widely reported in the media as "New business" in Japan so many company started to look into Second life.While many left SL not making any profits, I still was drawn to this world.For me Second life was a exciting tool where different time zone, different people from all over the world can collectively work together to make one creation.Cancer entered my life as being cancer myself.My battle still continues today.My uterus got affected by a tumor several times. Fortunately, it was benign tumor so I was able to remove it by a surgery.However, pain from the surgery, side-effect of medication and anemia which is postoperative sequela changed my life completely.Now my anemia have become a serious problem rather than the tumor itself.I can no longer go to the office and work like others. Now I'm working from home making websites, web marketing and consulting.For limited time, I'm can leave to have meetings outside but repeated anemia have put a strain on my heart so I can't be out for long hours.Even after I overcome my benign tumor, I needed to change my life plan. So for those who are currently fighting with cancer, I can't help respecting the fighters and caregivers. Q.あなたの将来の目標はなんですか？ A.セカンドライフの目標は二つ。セカンドライフを通じ、日本のクリエイティブを海外の方に知っていただくこと。もうひとつは、セカンドライフを通じ、あらゆる世界中の無理解、誤解をなくすことです。RLの目標は、あと3年以内に仕事を安定してこなせるようになり、虐待や貧困に苦しむ子供を2人以上養子にもらうことです。この春、セカンドライフで出会ったすばらしい友人たちと一緒に、RLで起業します。LSL,ビルド、テクスチャ、服,WebSiteヤプログラミング、サーバー管理など、あらゆる分野のスペシャリストが集まりました。翻訳家もいます。是非、私達にRLやSLで仕事をください（笑）Lemme briefly explain my future goal. Actually I have two goals. One is to let the world know about Japanese creative works through Second life.Another is to dispel all the uncomprehensions and misconceptions around the world through Second Life.Also my real life goal is to get my business on tract within 3years and then adopt two or more children whose been abused or suffer from poverty. This spring, I've made a big decision to start my own company in RL with the wonderful friends that I met through Second Life. We have people from every profession and every walk of life. For example, LSL, builder, texture, clothes, website, programmer,server administrator and translator.Please give us jobs in RL and SL! LOL  あなたのお話を紹介させていただき、今年のイベントでの貴方の大成功を祈っております。間違いなくすばらしいもになり、貴方のデザインを見るのがたのしみです＾＾。どうもありがとう。

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Holocaust Survivor Speaking Out in Second Life Makes Real-Life News

About a year ago, Second Life Newspaper did a report on Fanny Starr ( Link ). She would speak at lectures through her daughter’s avatar, Explorer Dastardly (Helen Starr in real life). She would talk about her experiences and answer any questions from the audience.Not only is Fanny Starr still giving her talks, such as in this video by Pooky Amsterdam, a glance at New World Notes showed she had made the attention of real-life news. A local TV station, KUSA-TV, did a story on her, and her lectures in Second Life.Fanny Starr explained that live talks were necessary to explain her story, “You cannot ask a book a question. You cannot feel the pain of a survivors voice by reading her words.”She hopes to educate people so the tragedy does not happen again, to Jewish people or anyone else, such as in recent tragedies in Africa.Bixyl Shuftan

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RFL Clothing fair how and why, part 4 ....................

Breezes Babii talks to Aradhana Voight sponsor of the New Delhi sim at the clothing fair:Bree: Please tell our readers how you became involved in the sponsorship.Aradhana: Being an participant at earlier versions of relay for life i stayed in contact with Nevar. I sympathize with his cause and offer my help when needed.When Nevar was mentioning this years theme for the Relay for Life i was more than excited to be part of his idea this year to represent the Indian themed sim New Delhi. i was happy to hear that he wanted to include Indian fashion into Relay for LifeBree: What are your goals for the future.Aradhana: One of my goals off course is to participate in the next Relay for Life.My main goal is to be the starting point for shoppers that are looking for Indian or Indian-inspired designs. I like to broaden my scope and dress avatars from head to toe. That is one of the reasons why I started my skin line, another reason is that i like the challenge to use new skills for designing items for SL.Bree: We all strive to make this the very best Clothing Fair and want to show your designs to the fullest possible extent. Please tell us how you got started with your designs and such creative textures, and delightful stories on releases.Aradhana: Mashooka means female lover or muse in Hindi. I choose this word to describe the feeling i wanted for my clothing. Something sensual beautiful and elegant. I started because i was looking for fashionable Indian clothing which were not available in 2006. I had a very clear idea about the look i wanted to have in SL. I made my avi’s shape and was reaching a specific style. So i decided to give myself an unique look and started to learn about designing. After my SL friends convinced me to sell these Indian clothes. Thats’s how Mashooka Designs started.I get my inspiration for textures from what i see in RL, when i shop or watch an Indian movie. When I think of a name for a design, i imagine how and where someone would wear my design. That get the story started which i sometimes publish on my blog (www.mashookadesigns.com) or in the store.Bree: The build of your shop and the exquistite textures that make us want to enter the realm of  your worldIs there a special wish you have for the the world of Second LifeAradhana: I wish that SL will stay the platform for virtual worlds. I makes a great meeting point for people all over the world, and i like the idea that you can use this medium to make new friends for life.And what i find special about SL is that people also bring the SL into RL by support each other in RL too, like Nevar.

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Today in SL Newspaper

In Main News, we have a few word from fashion designer Luna Barak, whom is behind the Milan sim at the RFL Clothing Fair. In Design, we look at the M Fashion Spring Collection. And in Extra Extra, Gemma Cleanslate and Bixyl Shuftan report on the kickoff of Relay for Life.

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RFL Clothing fair how and why, part 3 ....................

Luna Not only sponsored a sim but also Built the Milan sim with her representation of the Galleria, one of the most striking builds at the RFL clothing fair this year, here Luna tells us how she got involved:My involvment with the Clothing Fair comes after the one with Relay For Life. In my first days in Second Life I discovered by chance about this organization  through clothes I bought, and I just loved the idea to have the opportunity to give my little contribute to the Cancer research, and in general to use a gaming tool, like SL, for something so important for all the human beings.Then when I started designing clothes it came natural to keep this connection hosting RFL vendors in my shop.On october 2009 I eventually have realized the project to build my sim, Fantavatar, and during the inauguration of it I have met two wonderful people: Nevar Lobo and Amethyst Starostin. A while after we first met they contacted me and asked if I would have been willing to collaborate to the Clothing Fair, building the Milan sim, I did accept enthusiastically this opportunity to actively participate in a great event as it is.The Clothing Fair is a great event under many aspects, it gives chance to clothes designers to promote their works and their skills, to meet other designers and exchange creative ideas, gives chance to people loving the fashion field to be updated in what is going on at the moment, gives chance to socialize through the many related events that will happen during the Fair - but most of all, again, gives the chance to all of us to contribute to something so vital for everyone like the Cancer Research.I have been so lucky to never been directly involved in this diseases in real life, but  it doesnt need to be under an hurricane to know hurricanes are better to be avoided, and if it there is a chance that it can be done - avoiding it - then it is a good idea to support those that are trying to find a cure, and help those that are trying to fight it back every day. The Clothing Fair will be a great fun event aimed to a good cause, my hopes is that these kind of events aswell as the number of people supporting them in anyway - from organizing, building or just attending - will grow exponentially in Second Life, and I am just glad to be one of them. Luna Barak

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the crew at Second Life NewspaperDon't forget to check out places like Dublin to have some holiday-themed fun.

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RFL Clothing fair how and why, part 2 ....................

The RFL Clothing fair is a big event in any SL calender and, getting involved more and more each year, I see how much hard work and dedication go into this event.Much is accomplished by builders, organisers, designers, models and many many more BUT none of it would be possible without the help of the people who sponsor this event and each day I would like to give each of them the opportunity to tell us why they feel the way they do about this event in particular, what motivates them and what they hope to achieve.Breezes asked each to answer a few of those questions and the replies are varied and interesting I hope they inspire you as much as they do me. DanaConstanza Amsterdam From Slapt.me sponsors of the Rio Sim:My wishes for the Fair are to raise even more awerness then we did last year and that everyone involved has a great week.In February 2008 i lost a very close friend to me to cancer in SL after having to fight hard against it and also in RL in my family we are fighting against this horrible disease. Then via a friend in SL (Nyte Vargas) i found out about the clothing fair and as i am also a designer i decided to join in last years event (2009).This experience was awesome and it kinda makes you addicted to the Clothing Fair as a designer to get and stay involved as you fight together to help raise awarness for this cause all over the world.I joined SL in nov 2006 after reading about it in a PC Magazine here in The Netherlands. Together with a close friend ( who started SL a week after me) i started a club and soon we both started designin clothing and we split ways. In 2007 i met my SL/RL Husband and we decided together to quit SL for a year and in 2008 we came back and i picked up my designin again under the name i had in 2006: Eye-Catcher. In 2009 right after the Clothing Fair my husband, me and 2 close friends started with http://slapt.me/market/index.php which is an alternative to XstreetSL and after the message from Nevar we decided to become a sim sponsor with slapt.me for the RFL Clothing Fair as this is a really good way to show how important this is to me, but also to the other owners (Lord Sullivan, Kosta Cela, Bykoff Sontze and me) of slapt.meslapt.me is now the fastest growing independent marketplace where SL merchants and shoppers have the freedom to shop, chat on the forum, have fun and keep up to date with SL trends and info, and has an ever growing community who've discovered the delights of being slapt!And so are both JariCat Fashions ( the new store name since 2010) and http://slapt.me involved in the RFL Clothing Fair 2010.Constanza Amsterdam

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The Wearers

Gemma Cleanslate interviews Marmaduke Arado and Kikas Babenco, whom have come up with a unique show. They don’t set any of their props on the ground. What one would think would have to be set down is all worn by the actors.For more, go to Community.

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An Interview with UWA Machinima Challenge Winner Cisko Vandeverre

Early in February at a much anticipated and well attended award ceremony, the winner of the University of Western Australia Machinima Challenge was announced. The machinima challenge began in December, and with a top award prize of $65,000 Lindens it had over sixty entries. Contest requirements for submitted machinima were that they “capture the four main elements that make up the heart of the University of Western Australia SIMS”. The elements specified in the contest rules were, “real life architecture, the teaching, the research and the arts.” The twelve member panel of judges, led by Professor Alan Robson (Real Name) Vice Chancellor of the University of Western Australia, awarded the top prize to Mr. Vandeverre. The winning entry was titled, “Seek” and had a sci-fi theme. A UWA blog post had this to say about the winner, “The judges thought that this was an absolute firecracker of a Machinima with a brilliant and very different approach” and that it “had wonderful humor, amazing visual effects, great quality of editing and remarkable camera control”.

Cisko Vandeverre is the head of his own production company, “The DO Group” and resides in Berlin, Germany. His production company “creates films using content from virtual worlds. “Seek” and his portfolio of Machinima can be viewed on their web site. I was introduced to Mr. Vandeverre by White Lebed, one of the judges of the challenge. Cisko and I met in Skype for this conversation. 

Nazz: You've been in second life since 2006, what brought you in and why did you stay?

Cisko: I saw the kind of business opportunities here. I always have been in future related techniques and it was clear that virtual worlds would be the next step from 2D web to 3D. Once here, it took awhile to find the focus.  I had a client in 2007, so it was easier for me to get deeper into second life. I had the project to fulfill ... it was focusing for me. I had the client for the year and had a few SIMs. The work we did covered the costs. I started doing machinima to film the event we had there. I've been in computer animation for 20 years. It’s a long process … I did trailers and short sequences. With machinima the set design is easier and the possibilities in post production ... it’s pretty fast to get results.

Nazz: Has there been any particular challenges for your business?

Cisko: Working with corporate users ... I did a machinima for a product introduction. The understanding of second life and some of its limitations weren't there. The ad agency people would ask, "Why is that happening?" … any way the company that was willing to pay decided to go to a traditional method.

Nazz: How much influence has Second Life had on your machinima since you've been here?

Cisko: It’s easy to build my sets … handle texturing, lighting. I can do some scripting, but there are people who do it better. Some ideas from computer animation have implemented themselves in Second Life … when you have the back ground it’s easier to handle then when people have to start from scratch.

Nazz: I went out to your web site to see some of your portfolio. I found the Pirate story compelling and enjoyed the sword fight scene … it had a realistic feel to it especially with the clanging of steel. Can you tell me a little about that series?

Cisko: Most machinima don’t have a story … only ten to 20 percent do. It was to have been a full feature video. I had met with a producer in Paris for half a day to develop the idea. It was freelance work and it was hard to schedule time to produce.

Nazz: Has there been anyone in Second Life that has influenced your work?

Cisko: Influences … there are a few whose techniques I like and what I've seen them do in post production … very intense and I've been amazed at how arty. I bookmark them and track to see what they're doing … how their work is evolving. I'm a moderator for a few machinima sites … it is very interesting to watch and see how they've grown.

Nazz: Where do you see your work headed in the next year or less?

Cisko: In six months to a year out … sitting on a formula for virtual TV and doing machinima and hoping for a better platform. There is a gap between machinima and computer animation and I can see that it will close one day. Voice and video is becoming more important … facial expression is limited. Puppeteer tools … head mesh will be a bridge.

Nazz: What advice would you give to aspiring machinima makers?

Cisko: My advice for those starting out … Doing it … start it, capture it and edit it … and don't forget audio. Determine what it is you want to do … for example a video of a SIM or event. You have to have an idea and then handle the techniques … once you learn them, know them … then you can focus on ideas.

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