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Thursday, April 29, 2010
US Army to Use Second Life to Aid Amputee Veterans
“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 Guard
Bixyl Shuftan
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
StarZ Art Sidewalk Sale

For the full story, go to Community.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Virtual Bosphorus

“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.”

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/194/125/22
Bixyl Shuftan
Monday, April 26, 2010
Farmville and other Facebook Games

For the story, go to Extra Extra.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Second Life Viewers and the Third-Party Viewer Directory
The Official Second Life Viewer
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.

We 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 Viewer
You 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 Directory
To 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 Directory
Viewer Name - Developer Name
Emerald Viewer - Modular Systems
Kirstens Viewer - KirstenLee Cinquetti
METAbolt - Legolas Luke
Mobile Grid Client - Kurz Socke
omvviewer project - Robin Cornelius
Pocket Metaverse - Pocket Metaverse
Sparkle IM - Genkii KK
For Developers: How To Apply for the Viewer Directory
1. 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.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
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.

- 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.
By Shellie Sands
Thursday, April 22, 2010
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.

In 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.

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
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
M Linden Appears on “The 1st Question” Game Show

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.

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
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Live in Sunweaver Islands: A Bargain Home in Second Life
How about a place in Second Life where you pay not a thousand Lindens per week, but per month?

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.
Monday, April 19, 2010
TRP360 Up and Away at Sialimonus

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 at the entrance you will find a teleport that will bring you to other magical sites. Enter and enjoy!!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sialimonus/156/168/210
Gemma Cleanslate
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Relay for Life’s “Fantasy Faire”
Proudly brought to you by
Friends 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).

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 SL
or email us at FantasyFaireSL@gmail.com
The official FFC Fantasy Faire 2010 website - http://www.fantasyfaire2010.wordpress.com
is 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/secondlife
LIfe On Line’s show on the 2009 Fantasy Faire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf30Bpm_-_M
Biosphere

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.

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
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Particle-Parachute Jump at “The Pocket” for RFL

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 Blog
Bixyl Shuftan
Friday, April 16, 2010
Pixel Labs and the “Book”

For more, go to Extra Extra
Calling All Fishers!!



http://slurl.com/secondlife/
Gemma Cleanslate
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tyrehl Byk’s Particle Art at Diablous

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 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
Today in SL Newspaper

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Debi Latte Sings Live at Mystery

For the story, go to Community.
Correction: Linden Lab Makes the BBB’s Grade After All
For the story, go to Extra Extra.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Linden Lab Gets “F” From BBB, But ...

For the story, go to Extra Extra.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A Conversation with SpaceJunky Lead Singer Shakti Cianci
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Ghost Ship Crashes Live Music Party at Mystery

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.

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.

* * * * * * * * * *
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
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Creative Fiction: Second Life’s TV Commercial
To read the story, go to Extra-Extra.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Sunweaver Easter Alien Egg Hunt

To see the rest of the story, click on Community.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Little Dove RFL Steamclub Opens

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.

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 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