US Army to Use Second Life to Aid Amputee Veterans

The US Army is making plans to purchase space in Second Life for the purpose of helping veteran amputees back into society. Named the Amputee Virtual Environment Support Space project, the virtual space is to be used by the wounded soldiers after they leave treatment centers.“The avatar will be able to interact with other registered avatar beings – fellow amputees, caregivers, even friends and loved ones – in a virtual world that's unencumbered by the restrictions of time, distance or disability.” One program manager noted amputee soldiers once out of treatment faculties found themselves alone. The virtual world would help provide them with a group of peers for support.“As AVESS develops, users also may be able to check in with their professional caregivers, asking questions, getting information updates, and even seeing online demonstrations of the best way to do a physical therapy exercise or adjust a prosthetic device.”The contract was awarded in fall 2009 to ADL Co, "We tasked them with coming up with a roadmap, letting us know what was possible in developing a virtual world for amputee veterans, and letting us know what issues there are in terms of privacy, access, authenticating who was coming into the environment, all those types of issues," program manager Ashley Fisher explained.The first phase involved a normal Second Life region, to see what they could do there. Their experiences also led to the conclusion they needed a secure area from unauthorized avatars, especially griefers whom would harass the wounded veterans."We wanted to avoid that, because we really did want the veterans to be able to go in and express the issues they are having with the people they know are going through the same thing," Fisher detailed, "And also, we needed it to be secure, because we want to try to bring families, and possibly even children, into the world, and we can't really do that on the regular Second Life platform." The area is being set up in a private, and secure, space in Second Life Enterprise , a region for private spaces marketed to corporations.Fisher made comparisons to the movie “Avatar,” in which a former marine who lost his legs is able to go about in a new body through the use of a machine. She explained she saw “tremendous therapeutic value” in the amputees’ ability to “define their avatars as they choose, and to immerse themselves in those characteristics as they interact with other avatars.”Fisher expected some to depict their amputations on their avatars with prosthetic limbs, though a number would do so only as they became more at ease with the virtual environment and the others in it. The “transformation” where they would come to “accept themselves and their new appearance” was hard enough when surrounded by their peers in a hospital, but harder when trying to fit back into society."For individuals with disabilities, virtual worlds are a powerful way to connect with others, to access peer support and to participate in activities that might not otherwise be possible," Fisher explained. "This project will establish the best way to adopt this technology for the unique needs of the military amputee community."Source: The Official Website of the National GuardBixyl Shuftan

moreless

StarZ Art Sidewalk Sale

Today, our reporter Gemma Cleanslate takes a look at a sidewalk art sale at StarZ Art. Here, one can find a variety of paintings and other examples of decor to please the eye.For the full story, go to Community.

moreless

Virtual Bosphorus

In geography, the Bosphorus bridges Europe and Asia via the country of Turkey. In Second Life, the Bosphorus is where new Turkish residents come to Second Life.“We started off by being a Linden Lab community gateway sim, for Turkish Orientation.” John Zelnik, whom owns the sim, explained to SL Newspaper. This was in April 2007. The sim at one time had a replica of the Bosphorus Bridge, but later took on a different look, “We have teamed up with the football club Inter SL. It is actually authorized by the real club to use the naming rights, etc, in SL. We have been working with them for about a year now. But they have been around since 2007. We decided to bring forward virtual soccer and make it our sim's main attraction.““The Inter players take this very seriously,” John continued, “It's no different to real soccer for them. They train every single day, a few hours every day. They use special huds to actually play the games. We also have a Football academy which we teach residents to play virtual football. It’s a bit of a change from the club scene. We are getting more and more females who are interested in playing as well.”John explained over time a total of “a few hundred” players entered Second Life’s soccer league through Bosphorus, “It is not widely known within SL apart from certain cultures who have teams. There are national teams which we conduct national championships. We have one due in June.” John explained Argentina won last year’s tournament, “There are a few teams in Second Life created by residents. However as we are the official inter-team, there are not many like us, with authorization from the actual club itself.John went on, “This is only one of the real life/Second Life interactions we have. We have also now made an arrangement with one of Turkey's most famous artists to have her gallery here in Second Life also. Hulya Kupcuoglu who has had many showings in Europe and Turkey, we will show case her art work here at Virtual Bosphorus. Another real-life group we work with is “Remove the Barriers.” It is a Turkish movement which we are the official sl representatives of, an organization for raising awareness for people with disabilities. Their aim is not to collect donations, but it is purely to raise awareness and change simple living conditions in Turkey for those who are living with disabilities who can not get around due to the infrastructure, etc.”Eve1209 Qunitessa, whom helps John out, commented, “Don't forget to tell him about our live concerts too, John.” John smiled, “Yes, we do have live concerts here every week.” Eve added, “The soccer field actually converts to a concert stage” John offered to show, and heading to the soccer field, a large white stage appeared, bluish lights shining down, and covered with a half-dome in the pattern of a soccer ball.Eve brought up, “Oh, also the shopping: we have some of the best designers in Second Life here. No freebie stores. ... We have some big names like UK Couture and Myth.”“We are not a sim with 75,000 traffic with bots,” John commented, “I have a allergy to things like that. ... I prefer to keep things real. I'd love to see this place buzzing one day, because we have put in a lot of effort, time and money. We aren’t funded by bigwigs, nor am I one. I’m just a little man trying to make a difference, with the great people around me.”Eve pointed out, “If you zoom up, and look at the soccer stadium, it's shaped like a heart. John does this sim with his wife.” John smiled, “Ahh yes, my one and only Second Life wife, who is also my fiance in real-life. ... I don't look at things here as just a game. Real people, real projects, real goals.” Eve, “That’s what makes working with John and Princess (Dikes) so special to me. Just like this heart shaped stadium - they've both put their hearts into this place.” John answered, “Thanks Eve. The way we see it this is not just our sim ... This is the sim of everyone who comes here whether it is the store owners, the visitors, the players, the newbies. We have faced a lot of challenges to keep this sim up and running, both financially and emotionally. But our dream remains the same, to share this place with Second Life residents.”Bosphorus was recently remodeled, with a grand reopening ceremony on April 1, John saying, “Yes we changed the entire sim, renovated, and what you see now opened on the 1st. But this sim itself has been around for over two years.”The sim has it’s own website (still being worked on) at http://www.virtualbosphorus.com , and also it’s own Facebook page.“Virtual Bosphorus & F.C Inter SL welcomes all visitors to come and experience soccer in Second Life. They have provided an atmosphere to please people from all walks of life. Whether it is playing soccer in their fully functional stadium, shopping from SL's biggest and best brands or listening to live music from SL's most amazing live vocalists, Virtual Bosphorus & F.C Inter SL aims at providing a great experience for all.”The entry point for Bosphorus is at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bosphorus/194/125/22Bixyl Shuftan

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

moreless

Farmville and other Facebook Games

Lately, Facebook and the games one can play on there, such as Farmville, have been getting some attention. So what exactly are these little games that are (usually) free to play? Here, we take a look at the craze that’s hit the Internet.For the story, go to Extra Extra.

moreless

Second Life Viewers and the Third-Party Viewer Directory

We at Linden Lab have optimized this viewer to help you have a safe, stable, and enjoyable experience in Second Life supported by our Customer Relations team.The Snowglobe ViewerWe also support the Snowglobe viewer, which typically has new features not yet available in the official Second Life viewer. Developed jointly by Linden Lab and the open source community, this viewer may be somewhat less stable than the official Second Life viewer.For a More Experimental Experience with a Third-Party ViewerYou may connect to Second Life using software released by a third-party developer. We have a Policy on Third-Party Viewers to help promote a positive and predictable experience for all Second Life Residents. However, because third-party viewers are not our viewers, we cannot guarantee that they will follow our rules. You are responsible for evaluating whether you want to use and share information with them.The Third-Party Viewer DirectoryTo be listed in the Viewer Directory, a software developer must self-certify that it complies with Linden Lab policies. Beware of third-party viewers that are not in the Viewer Directory – they have either declined to self-certify or been refused for noncompliance with our policies.The Third-Party Viewer DirectoryViewer Name - Developer NameEmerald Viewer - Modular SystemsKirstens Viewer - KirstenLee CinquettiMETAbolt - Legolas LukeMobile Grid Client - Kurz Sockeomvviewer project - Robin CorneliusPocket Metaverse - Pocket MetaverseSparkle IM - Genkii KKFor Developers: How To Apply for the Viewer Directory1. Your Second Life accounts must be in good standing, must not be suspended, and must not have been permanently banned or terminated.2. You must have valid payment information on file with us or have been age verified by us.3. Review our Policy on Third-Party Viewers and the Second Life Terms of Service.4. Make sure you and your third-party viewer are in compliance with our policies.5. Complete the application form and certify your compliance.Disclaimer: Linden Lab makes no representations or warranties regarding any of the listed viewers or developers. These third-party viewers are not affiliated with or overseen by Linden Lab. Please take reasonable precautions, including virus scanning, before installing and using any of the listed viewers.To view the blog page: Click Here, page from a link at the bottom of the Download page.

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

moreless

Return to Book Island

As reported in early 2010,  Book Island was undergoing a revitalization.  During the first quarter, the Island has flourished and now the community of writers and publishers is even more vibrant and alive. The new area  is full! Nearly all of the Island's homes and shops have been rented. Each home has  an upstairs patio, 2 bedrooms, private jetty, some with sunset and waterfront location. An individual  texturing service is also available for both. Many exciting events are now scheduled weekly on the Island, including readings.  Often held in the Beach area is a monthly salon hosted by RL romance writers, Melissa Mahue (FaeWritr Brookmite) and Elaine Laveine (Vinnie Mimistrobell).  The have hosted RL literary figures.The Podcasters group was organized by Emz Mazie, Insight Zadark and Imarad Breen.  In addition to podcasting the live readings,  frequent tapings of the Horrow Addicts podcast are held in front of a live audience.  This group also promotes Marketing and has fairly regular office hours if you want to go to learn and get advice about it.  As well,  Emz Mazie holds regular meetings at Quills, her shop on the island, where the audience can witness an actual podcast being made and broadcast. Recently, Imarad Breen, author of the novel, "The Fox,"  made a podcast of her short story, "The Nibblers."A New Community Centre  provides a popular hang out on the first floor, while classes are held on the second floor.  The second floor is also available for RL writers' groups to meet, eliminating the need to commute.  Assistance is available for any newcomers who would like to use this area for their group.Resident psychotherapist, Micca Hedrick, leads a free weekly  Relationship Support Group. This group discusses RL relationship issues.   The Book Island Beach area continues to host many classes, some of which include/have included:

• Building with 10 Goosson (co-owner M&M Creations).  This was a 5-week building course which has now concluded. 
• SL Photography with Elsbeth Writer.  This was also a one-time course offering, but is another great example of what is being done and planned on Book Island.

Future planned events include:

• Sandor Zabelin's poetry readings read by Persephone Phoenix from Blue Angel Poets Dive, scheduled for 29 April at 7 pm
• Neal Herriat reading from his book "The Thistle"
• The very popular Sabreman Carter reading his poetry
• Jay B. Cox Harvey Lurra) reading his book, "Memoir of a Mind Toy" (Doesn't THAT sound interesting!)
• Nightmare Scribe and Magaere Swansong's  free lecture series and paid course: Henry and Hollie Snider, founders of the award-winning Colorado Springs Fiction Writers' Group will be offering lectures and classes on the writing process and covering aspects ranging from characterization and mechanics to scene development and storyline.

It is evident that Selina Greene and her crew have done some remarkable things on the Island to bring it back to life.  The place is alive with interesting and exciting things!  If you are a writer, want to be a writer, or just an avid lover of reading and books, this is the place to go!  Join the Book Island Events and Discussion Group to receive notices of their weekly and other special events.By Shellie Sands

moreless

Nemo

Those with a fascination for Steampunk, fans of the classic novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” or even just a simple interest in either, may want to head to a certain place in Second Life: Nemo.The entry point is a metal platform, with a walkway leading to a metal tube poking up through the surface, a doorway open and leading to an elevator. One can take the elevator down, and find oneself in the middle of an undersea city. The structure is done in the style of the Victorian era, but with strange machines mixed in. Near the entrance is a model of the complex, which can help in seeing where one can go while down there. There is also music in the background, which was a bit haunting at times when I was there.The underwater complex is well detailed. Some rooms are simple living quarters in which one can sit on a couch by an amp and read the books of the day. There is also an occasional portrait of a notable person, appropriate to the setting, at the time, such as scientist Nikola Telsa. There is also an organ in oneIn other places in the structure, one can look at electrical and plasma-filled equipment fit for a mad scientist’s lab. There are robots in the place, resembling sea creatures, in various stages of assembly, as well as sketches of the contraptions on the wall. If one looks outside, an occasional working model can be seen moving through the water. There are also other machines for use outside the lab, such as a fortune-telling machine. The machines are done in good detailed, sometimes with moving gears and other parts.Nemo was built by Sextant Shepard, a French journalist in real life. In the Linden Blogs, he stated he was working on another area, the Oruchalcum Mine. Nemo itself is still a “work in progress,” evidenced by a closed door with a sign at one point.A fascinating sim that anyone who’s read the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells will enjoy.Nemo is at the FRANCE3D futuna sim at (91/148/21).Someone also did a Youtube of the area, which one can see: Link.Bixyl Shuftan

moreless

M Linden Appears on “The 1st Question” Game Show

About a year ago, Second Life Newspaper took a look at Pooky Amsterdam’s “The 1st Question," a game show in Second Life shown on treet.tv someone called “a cross between having lunch with Albert Einstein and ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ “ Since then, the show has continued to appear every Tuesday at 7 PM SL time, always drawing a packed audience, and having among it’s contestants a number of noted residents, some well known, some important, and a few whom were both.On Tuesday April 20, the contestants included one of the more well known residents of the metaverse: M Linden, aka Linden Lab CEO Mark Kingdon.The other contestants were Sydney Caramel (real-life journalist Boonsri Dickinson), FutureGuru Haiku, and Professor Springflower. But all eyes were on M Linden. The center of the room had been circled with “M”s as well. So the question on our minds was, would the CEO come out on top, or end up getting his tail kicked? A couple people in the audience joked that a Linden loss would result in the sim suddenly disappearing.The sim was packed more than usual, with 66 residents in the place at one point. This caused lag and other complications. Some residents crashed and were unable to get back in, including Sydney Caramel. Co-host Hydra Shaftoe later commented he should have capped the avatar limit at fifty or fifty-five. So it was up to two other contestants to stand up to the head Linden.But with the first few questions, it was becoming clear M Linden was holding his own, able to answer tricky puzzles. Although the others were ahead in points at the start, M soon took the lead and held onto it, eventually winning the show. It is unclear what prizes M Linden won from his victory on the game show.The archived episodes of “The 1st Question” can be seen Here , with the April 20th show most likely appearing on their within a few days.Bixyl Shuftan

moreless

Live in Sunweaver Islands: A Bargain Home in Second Life

Finding a place to live in Second Life for an affordable price can be a challenge. Sign up for Premium Membership to get a “free” Linden home, one will be paying $9.95 US dollars a month. One can rent land, allowing one to stay a free resident and skip the fee, but the prices for rental land and homes can be high, a thousand Lindens a week or more.How about a place in Second Life where you pay not a thousand Lindens per week, but per month?At the Sunweaver Islands, 1000L will get you for four weeks, a rate of 250L a week, a 512 square meter plot, 16m x 32m in size, with a 117 prim limit. One can rent as many lots as are available, and the staff will join them into a larger lot if possible, so one can build the house of one’s dreams.The Sunweaver Islands have both public islands and private islands available:Public Islands allow one the flexibility of having either a house, store or both. As the name suggests, they are fully open to the public.Private Islands allow one greater privacy, but are restricted to residents of Sunweaver Islands only. One is allowed to build stuff for sale, but no selling is allowed here. Control over who gets on the islands and behavior is enforced.For more information on rental space in the Sunweaver Islands, please contact one of the rental managers: Nydia Tungsten, Wensleydale Dinkins, Shockwave Yareach, and Rita Mariner.Also ask what move-in specials are available. As of now, the first month is half-off the normal price for new renters.

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

moreless

TRP360 Up and Away at Sialimonus

It is always wonderful to go exploring and find a new astonishing site I have never seen before. I arrived at the entrance of an ethereal Stonehenge. The view is of an airy gossamer Stonehenge with the universe circling. “Turn around “ I was instructed and touch everything. So I did.Off I went into space with my first tap, following a meteor ‘s trail around and around. I found a lineup of the planets, and sat on a few that again sent me off into space in various dances and poses. It is great fun to walk - run in space Asteroids bumbled through the air, barely missing the site.Back on the ground, I spied a teleport to the “Fun House." Hah! I cannot tell you much about that journey, not wanting to spoil the experience, but get ready for an escapade that will take you through mazes that really amaze!!! Make sure you have time to enjoy, or you will need to revisit this experience again and again , trying to solve the way through. Look for a happy face to guide you. You will smile back.Back at the entrance you will find a teleport that will bring you to other magical sites. Enter and enjoy!!http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sialimonus/156/168/210Gemma Cleanslate

moreless

Relay for Life’s “Fantasy Faire”

* * Fantasy Faire 2010, April 19 - 25th * *Proudly brought to you byFriends Fighting Cancer.Strong together!Making wishes come true!

From Monday April 19th to Sunday 25th 2010, thousands of Second Life residents and creators are coming together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer. Friends Fighting Cancer (FFC) have transformed nine sims of Second Life into a fantasy wonderland: the Fantasy Faire 2010 to benefit Relay for Life of Second Life (RFL of SL).The Fantasy Faire 2010 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers, and performers in the virtual world. A week of commerce, special events, live musical concerts, exclusive items auctions, RFL ribbon hunts, and fundraising to benefit Relay for Life and the fight against cancer. Avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, goodies and exclusive items are available from top SL fantasy creators, including Fantavatar and Moonstruck, Evie’s Closet, Fallen Gods, Mer Betta, Sassy Kitty, and many many more!This nine sim event is bringing together such fantasy genres as fairy, elven, magic, mermaid, goth, demon, vamp, neko, tiny, sci-fi, and more! FCC’s goal in 2010 is to raise $15,000 US dollars for RFL of SL. The Fantasy Faire 2010 will also offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate the survivors of cancer, remember and honor loved ones lost, and to fight back with the American Cancer Society.Check out our amazing Sponsor and Creator list!You can view some of last year’s beautiful sims on Youtube, featuring our great environments and creators from Fantasy Faire 2009, shot by the talented kypta Spitteler and also a fantastic interview of Zander Greene our creative director, showing scenes from across all the sims as he is interviewed to Life On Line and discusses the background to the Faire.To join us this year, just search for “Fantasy Faire Central” on the map - open to the public 19th-25th April, 2010.As with all events this size, there will be lag. We have done our best to keep it as low as we can, but we’ll also need your help. Be considerate of your fellow shopkeepers and keep prims and bling in your pocket and turn off your AOs and other scripted HUDs and you will find the going easier for yourself. Low prim clothes are available at each teleport point so that you can show your support for The Relay for Life and help everything run smoother. *Plus* our secret Fairy Godmother will be dropping *fabulous* prizes on people with really low avatar render cost and scripts for doing such a great job at keeping the lag down.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Fantasy Faire 2010 is produced by Friends Fighting Cancer, one of the Featured Designer Teams at last year’s Relay for Life of Second Life. FFC is an international team of people who have been involved with the RFL of SL for the past three years and is committed to helping the American Cancer Society reach this year’s goal of $300,000 US dollars.Since its inception in 2005, the RFL of SL has grown in both attendance and fundraising. With almost $275,000 US dollars raised last year RFL of SL has become the largest fundraising event in the virtual world.The Fantasy Faire 2010 is made possible by the generous support of Sim and Event Sponsors Fondazione Connell Project, Evie's Closet, Fairy Unique Designs (FUD), Fallen Gods Inc., Mer Betta, Moonstruck, Sassi Kitty Designs, The Arcanum and Media Sponsor, Treet TV.For more information please contact:Captain Ember Farina or Co-Captain Zander Greene in SLor email us at FantasyFaireSL@gmail.comThe official FFC Fantasy Faire 2010 website - http://www.fantasyfaire2010.wordpress.comis updated regularly with news of the Fantasy Faire Sponsors, Featured Creators, limited availability auction items, competition & event details.The Fantasy Faire in SL Flickr group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/1159331@N22/will soon be showing limited release items available in the Fantasy Faire vendors or auction and also giving details of great competitions.Are you or a loved one battling cancer? Find out how many ways the American Cancer Society is there to help. Visit cancer.org or call (US) 800-ACS-2345.www.relayforlife.org/secondlifeLIfe On Line’s show on the 2009 Fantasy Faire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf30Bpm_-_M

moreless

Biosphere

Biosphere is a whimsical and environmentally beautiful spot to visit. The small area is a treat for the senses-- tall green grass, a bright blue pond, and the pleasant sounds of singing birds.

When you arrive, you will find yourself on an island. Before you cross the swinging bridge, be sure to look for the turtle swimming in the pond. Across the bridge is Mocha, a shop filled with country inspired clothes, accessories, and furniture. Watch out for the animals as you approach! The whimsical Gmoks will talk, or at least grunt, if you touch them. A pair of llamas, which are rare in SL, graze contentedly nearby.

But the real treats are inside Mocha. On the first floor are sweaters, shoes, and lots of quaint clothes. One unusual feature is the demo mode that lets you see exactly how the shoes will look and fit before you buy. No more wasted Lindens buying the wrong shade or the wrong heel height!

I also liked Mochás rings, which sell for only $10L. There are 3 designs in 16 different patterns available. The fun part is that the ring you get will be a surprise–they are given out randomly. You may not get your favorite the first time, but at this low price you can afford to try again.

On the second floor there are country style textures, carpeting, wallpaper, and tile for sale. It even looked like the farm house could be purchased. The back room has a small selection of country furniture, too.

If you have additional time, there are two smaller outbuildings next to Mocha. One of them sells butterfly tattoos. Enjoy Spring and wear it, too!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Biosphere/78/215/28

Grey Lupindo

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

moreless

Particle-Parachute Jump at “The Pocket” for RFL

Particle artist Tyrehl Byk has recently gotten together with Musician Maximillion Kleene and the staff at “The Pocket” club. The people have planned a unique event in Second Life, one that makes the use of their noted talents. They’ve given it a somewhat long name: the “Maximillion/Tyrehl Phantasmagora Particle Parachute Jump/Show/Stunt for Relay for Life.”Delinda Dyressen, whom is among the staff at The Pocket, promises it will be “the biggest ever mass particle jump in Second Life history!”At the location at 8 PM SL time, Tyrehl will perform the particle show that he’s gotten raves for. After the show, free “particle parachutes” will be passed around. Then the participants will jump and drop down “in a glorious mass of particle-ized parachutes,” and after pulling the ripcords float down to the dance club (which has had a bulls-eye whimsically painted onto the deck), where Maximillion Kleene will be playing. Relay for Life Kiosks will be set up around the place.Delinda suggests that those interested try to show up a little early, “The Pocket and Freestar Bay Island are not responsible for anyone who forgets to pull the cord. On the other hand, Max and Tyrehl ... well you can talk to their lawyers.”The SURL given for the event is Here at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Freestar%20Bay%20Isle/194/89/316 .Source: Delinda Dyressen’s BlogBixyl Shuftan

moreless

Pixel Labs and the “Book”

Imagine a device that would make reading a book within Second Life quicker, or perform Google searches and other things from the Internet within SL? A new virtual tablet called the "book" allows you to do these and more. We take a look at this handy tool and the people behind them: Pixel Labs.For more, go to Extra Extra

moreless

Calling All Fishers!!

Fishiversary 2010 is here ! To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of 7SEAS FISHING, Seven Shikami has taken three sims where fishers can fish to their hearts content for the many exciting custom rods, fish and other delightful items for 3 days .There will be entertainment and contests around the sims during the weekend. Go to the central island to begin and pickup the gifts there. You will be able to rezz a boat for your travels . Each island is unique and may have some goodies for sale, and you will want to see them all. Keep fishing for custom fish as you go.You have until Monday at 8:00 SL to see it all !http://slurl.com/secondlife/Osmium/148/145/22Gemma Cleanslate

moreless

Tyrehl Byk’s Particle Art at Diablous

In February, SL Newspaper did an article on Tyrehl Byk’s Event Horizon Particle Show, sometimes called the “Particle Phantasmagoria.” It’s gotten a number of rave reviews for his unique display of particle art, including an appearance on the “Tonight Live” talk show.Tyrehl has not been resting on his laurels, but has still been at work. Besides his regularly scheduled show, he recently built an exhibit one can visit any time at the Benvolio sim, at Diablous Art Space.The show is on a platform over 3000m in the air. After the scenery rezzes, one will see a domed building with a sign next to it. The sign asks for people to reset their viewer controls in order to see the particle show at it’s best. It shows what to set graphic settings in “Preferences,” including setting the draw distance low, near 100m, and maxing out the particle count. Then on the Advanced settings on the toolbar, one makes a couple other changes. Following resetting, one clicks on the door, then enters.Right away, one gets a hint of what is to come, with the plasma-like light surrounding the passageway that leads into the dome. Once inside, one sees a number of platforms circling the edge of the building. Each has a number of buttons. By pressing them, a group of particles can be made to appear or disappear. Pressing a number of them, the results can be a quite detailed and visually striking display of brilliant colors. One button allows for the option of a half-dome to appear on the platform, but this is not necessary. One can cam into the cloud of particles, or walk in and see from inside via mouselook.The platforms are not the only displays of particle art. There was another show of particles that occasionally appeared above, closer to the top of the dome’s interior. It would occasionally appear, sparkle in a show of color, and then slowly fade.Once again, Tyrehl continues to shine with his particle light art.The Diablous Particle Art Show is at the Benvolio sim at (130, 122, 3090).Bixyl Shuftan

moreless

Today in SL Newspaper

In Extra Extra, Gemma takes a look at the Pinot Gris Garden 4 art gallery at Palais Orleans. In Community, we have a schedule of events for Relay for Life from today the 15th to the 25th. And in Main News we have our Cartoon of the Day.

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

"I went to Kali Birman's rezday party, and all I got was this lousy title"

moreless

Debi Latte Sings Live at Mystery

At the Mystery sim on Sunday April 11, regulars to the riverboat club got a real treat. Debi Latte came to the ship at Noon to sing at the live music event, her graceful voice being quite memorable. Also memorable was an example of the sim owner’s mischief.For the story, go to Community.

moreless

Correction: Linden Lab Makes the BBB’s Grade After All

On Monday April the 12th, we did a story about the Better Business Bureau giving an “F” rating to Linden Lab. We got a little reader feedback on the matter. And as it turned out, things had changed since we had last looked at the BBB website.For the story, go to Extra Extra.

moreless

Linden Lab Gets “F” From BBB, But ...

“Linden Labs: F .” That’s the rating the Better Business Bureau gives the company behind Second Life. So is this a stinging confirmation of the repeated stories about the Lindens’ dismal service to the residents of the Metaverse? Maybe not.For the story, go to Extra Extra.

moreless

A Conversation with SpaceJunky Lead Singer Shakti Cianci

By Nazz Lane

I had recently become acquainted with the publicist of SpaceJunky and had been invited by her to one of the band concerts on their island in Second Life. Impressed with the sound, the lighting, staging and the overall performance I asked if she could arrange for me to meet lead singer Shakti Cianci. A few days later, an instant message invitation and teleport request arrived from Bella Dutton which took me to directly to Ms Cianci’s residence. We had a short visit where we exchanged pleasantries and arranged for a date and time for an interview. In the time in between, I read through a press package along with a visit to the band’s web site (www.spacejunky.com) where I was able to listen to a selection of their recordings. Besides having been featured in CNN and in the Sony Acid Remix Contest, there have been many articles written about the band. Both the web site and press package told me that Shakti is also starting her very own TV show called Virtual Life and that the band is working on a soon to be released music video, “Star Tribe”.

On the appointed day and time, the teleport request arrived, as did I after I clicked on accept. Ms Cianci first came into view and we chatted while the site rezzed for me.

"Good to see you again." I said and added a smile.

"Hi Nazz … you to … Would you like to do the interview here, it’s nice and relaxing. Nazz this is Izzy." She said.

"Sure ... where ever you're the most comfortable." I said and then turned slightly to my right and added; "Hey Izzy, nice to meet you."

“Hey Nazz … .good to meet you." Izzy replied.

"Izzy is our photographer ... let’s go over here." She gracefully moved her avatar across an open space of water, toward several cushions. Both Izzy and I waited until she selected a cushion before we pointed, clicked and sat. The cushions contained meditation animations and we each begin to move according to the scripted pattern.

I'd moved my camera view to check out the immediate area and liked what I saw. "This is a nice area ... your build?"

"Yes this is part of SpaceJunky Island ... this is the healing area." She replied

"Meditation as a spiritual healing process?" I asked

"Yes … we have meditations here. I am a light worker in real life too, I do energy work and I am a hypnotherapist … spiritual healing." She answered and then added a smile.

"By the way I really enjoyed your playing on the song 'Chrystal Silence'. I listened to it several times yesterday morning on the web site." I commented as my avatar cycled into the next iteration of the animation.

"I had just come back from Tibet and was researching an ancient Tibetan symbol that came to me in a vision while I was working on the CD that Crystal Silence is from." She said.

“What was it that brought you into second life?” I asked her.

“It’s all inspired by my trip to Tibet and I kept coming across this blog called the flying monks with a picture that looked like a cartoon monastery and one day after discarding it on several searches, I decided to have a look and found it was a group in second life that were creating Tibetan monastery's that had been destroyed in the cultural revolution. I found it fascinating and so I came into second life to see what they were doing and then decided to bring my band in here to promote our CD.” She said in reply

“Can you tell me about why you chose the name ‘Shakti’?

“Shakti is divine feminine creative power. I wanted to be creative here and it felt right … plus it is a very spiritual sacred name … I am very spiritual … Shakti is responsible for creation.” She replied.

“Is it a Tibetan name?” I asked her.

“An Indian name … but a Dakini in Tibet is a form of energy which is also Shakti.” She replied.

 “Since being in second life has that influenced any changes to your music?”

“Not really … just allowed us to expand our vision and what the music is actually about … bring it to life. A Spacejunky is one who searches for cosmic truth and seeks to lengthen the space between thoughts … so we have created a community here for our fans based on that concept.” She said.

“Bringing it to life … is that a visualization of the music?” I asked her.

“Yes it’s allowed us to create the world that I live in my mind.” She answered.

“How long has the band been together?”

“Hmmm … I first started working on the project in 1993. It was a solo project then … and then later brought in the other two members.

“What do you see as the differences in performing live in real life as compared to a second life live performance?

“Well in some way not much difference ... both are performances just the delivery is different … one of the great things about second life is that you can interact with people here live in a way you can't in a real life concert. So that's very interesting … to have that real time connection.” She said in reply.

“I've spoken to performers and musicians who've said they miss the energy of a live crowd while on the second life stage, but enjoy that real time connection.” I commented.

 “Well most of the musicians here perform differently than us, they are playing and singing. We perform a ‘virtual concert’ using our CD so we are concentrating on providing a visual experience here along with the music we have already recorded. So we approach it differently. So in that way I don't miss the real time crowd because we are not trying to emulate a live performance … here it is more like performance art to us … so again a different approach. Second life is great for that lets you use your music in different ways.” Shakti commented.

“The TV show ‘Virtual Life’, how did that come about?” I asked.

“Stretch Mayo is a friend and had asked me some time ago about doing a TV show … so we talked about it and we share a similar vision … so we did a pilot episode.” She replied.

“Has Spacejunky performed in any other virtual worlds?”

“No ... this one keeps us too busy.” She said in reply and then added; “But we have been broadcast out of second life to the web in real time.”

“After the video ‘Star Tribe, what comes next for Spacejunky?”

“I’m thinking about doing a grid wide tour … we need to get out amongst the people again ... spread our wings a little. The island has been great but it has kept us a little insulated. Also, I work with a Tibetan real life foundation and I am going to India soon, we are building a school there. So I’d like to do something to help raise some money for it.” She said in reply and then added; “I need to talk to them about having their blessing to do something in second life as I work with a real Tibetan Lama.”

“How soon do you think the grid wide tour will begin?” I asked.

“I will start work on it in April after I go to India … we will begin planning.”

“Do you have any closing thoughts or comments you'd like to share with my readers?”

“I’d just like to say that Second Life is an amazing place and congratulate the people who create beauty here sometimes in spite of challenging situations.” She responded.

We chatted for a few minutes longer before I departed and I wished her good night as it was the end of her day in Australia while only the beginning of mine in the US. Several days after the meeting, I received a link from Bella with pictures taken during the interview (picasaweb.google.com/izzyatthecreek) by photographer Izzy Cole.

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

moreless

Ghost Ship Crashes Live Music Party at Mystery

On Friday afternoon, the Heart of Mystery Riverboat Club at the Mystery sim held one of it’s live music events. At 1 PM SL time was Zorch Boomer, whom provided blues and pop music to the crowd. At 2 PM came Lexie Luan, “The great music continues on the top deck of the Queen of Hearts as Lexie Luan takes the stage at 2pm!! Come hear this wonderful singer today!! Hope to see you here!” Sim owner Tygeria Mirabeau and sim manager Amythe Midnight were there. Micah Giha was the host.With the sim at nightfall, the graceful Lexi wowed the crowd as she sang while strumming her neon-pink guitar. The audience responded with applause, “Woo-hoo”s, and comments like “Over the fookin’ edge.” A couple times, fireworks shot over the club, providing a little flash and color to the show.Later in the show, the party got a visitor of a more supernatural and aquatic note. A roar like an ocean wave could be heard, but there was no sign of a big wave below. Then the audience saw the wooden bow of an old-time sailing frigate plowing through, but it harmlessly passed through everyone it touched. A ghost ship!In just a few moments, the vessel had slid across the deck of the riverboat club, the stern leaving a little water in it’s wake, which vanished as the ship sailed on. The ghost ship sailed on for a little longer, and soon faded into the night from whence it came. The audience paused for a few moments before Tygeria called for the party to resume.Lexi left the riverboat at 3PM, but before doing so revealed a little surprise for Tygeria with the help of Amy. Even though the musician left, some of the crowd stuck around for a little longer to continue the party.* * * * * * * * * *On another note, Mystery is currently hiring additional hosts for it’s events. For “Themed DJ Events, the base pay is 150 L for two hours. For live music events, base pay is 150 L. The pay is in addition to tips given to the host by those attending, which can exceed what Mystery pays. Those interested are asked to contact Micah Giha or Amythe Moonlight by notecard (IMs tend to get capped). They are asked to follow rules for a PG sim.Bixyl Shuftan

moreless

Creative Fiction: Second Life’s TV Commercial

Suppose the management at Linden Labs had a TV commercial done for Second Life. What would it look like? Would it appeal to a niche market? Would it say they offer something for everyone? Or would it take a different tack? Here's a story showing a possible scenario.To read the story, go to Extra-Extra.

moreless

The Sunweaver Easter Alien Egg Hunt

Are egg hunts becoming a little too boring? Do you feel like hunts need some element of danger? Well, now's your chance. Shockwave Yareach has designed an egg hunt to remember as the eggs, and what hatches out of them, will hunt you back.To see the rest of the story, click on Community.

moreless

Cartoon of the Day

moreless

The Little Dove RFL Steamclub Opens

The Southern Colorado sim is noted for being a location for Relay for Life events, notably Hope Gardens. It now has a new place to hold events. On Monday March 5th at 4PM SL time, Club Little Dove held it’s Grand Opening.Club Little Dove’s creation is due to one lady: Nydia Tungsten. She constructed the club in four levels, with the top level originally a pilothouse, but later changed to a landing field. The place was designed with a Steampunk look (for those unfamiliar with the term, think H.G. Wells and Jules Verne). There were features such as the main dance floor showing turning gears underneath, 19th century dials and huge lightbulbs making up much of the equipment, carved wood and stained glass making up much of the walls and furnishings, the occasional steam-age gadget or vehicle, a few hookahs around the place (the Victorian-Era had a libertarian view on drugs, and in some ways encouraged their use), and others.The official name of the club is Her Majesty’s Airship Little Dove, or HMAS Little Dove. Club Little Dove is named after a former resident in Second Life, who sadly passed away last year. She was the real-life partner of a close friend of Nydia's, “she was devastated.” Nydia saw the naming of the club in her honor as, “just the right thing to do.” Nydia is part of the "Passionate Redheads" Relay group, but says the club is open to all RFL groups.On Monday, the club was up and ready for it’s opening event,Relay for Life’s Daaneth Kivioq sending out an invite, “Commodore Tungsten invites you aboard the HMAS Little Dove, now flying high above Hope Gardens in the beautiful Colorado Sim! We will be celebrating the Grand Opening of this new venue with a Steampunk Ball. Music will be provided by two of SL's finest DJ's - Dusk Griswold from 4PM to 6PM, and the Commodore herself, Nydia Tungsten from 6PM to 8PM. All Proceeds from this event will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. Please join the Passionate Redheads as we launch the HMAS on her maiden flight!”And so after 4PM SL time, the dance floor was soon full of men and women, both normal human and furred avatars, dancing away. There were no tip jars out. There was only the Relay for Life kiosk, which people chipped into. Although the theme of the party was Steampunk, which called for Victorian fashion, the music as thoroughly modern with a variety of music from the 70’s to today. “Rocky Mountain High” got a few chuckles, “Appropriate that we play this song, as we’re in the Southern Colorado sim.”And of course, “I Run For Life” played as well. It played twice, the second time near the end, with Nydia calling out, “I run for life ! I run for Little Dove! I run for Fimi! I run for my Stepfather! Run for them all, and remember them all!”Club LIttle Dove is in the Southern Colorado sim at (187, 37, 1002). During it’s construction, it’s location changed from where it began.Bixyl Shuftan

moreless