Goodbye and thank you

I thought long and hard about whether to write any last thoughts here or to leave it as it was, BUT I have a feeling others will make things up or read more into our closure than there actually is......


My reasons for closing the newspaper are simple - Real Life is more important!
Yes there are others who would willingly take over and, in fact, Bixyl has done an amazing job over the last few months BUT sl-newspaper was one mans' dream and one I was happy to be a part of and with his departure and our real lives taking over then its time for SLN to close down.


Over the last 4 years we have had the honour of working with some amazing people and seen so many changes in SL my wish is that people do not give up on the good that can be achieved within these virtual worlds (just look at RFL and all the good it does).


One thing I would hope for the future of SL is that the Lindens go back and realise what they are destroying with their policies. The sheer creativity, communication and international impact somewhere like Secondlife can be is being eaten away by the Lindens stupidly ignoring the content creators with their ill thought out policies which help no-one except their own pockets. 


I would personally like to thank certain people who have helped and supported us through everything, people like Bixyl, Gemma and Shellie who have continued to work hard for SLN even without guidance, and the many reporters who have written for us in the past plus the many sponsors over the years.
Skybeam and its amazing community has been a home away from home and one place I can always visit and feel welcome.
Nevar and Ame the best friends a person could hope for.
10 Goosson of M&M is another I shall keep in touch with and hope all the best for her future with M&M sculpts and her new home.
To be honest there are just too many to name and those friends I have not named will know I will forever hold you in my heart.
Breezes and Glitter my SL family, I will always be there for you and I am so glad I brought you to SL and a new way of finding your dreams.


One man, James T Juno, brought SL-Newspaper to life and made it one of the widest known and read newspapers in virtual worlds but more than that he made dreams come true, mine in particular, and would like the thank him for that.


"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."


Dana Vanmoer

All Good Things ...

When I first arrived at SL Newspaper, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It was only weeks before in which I had shed the newbie avatar, and made some real friends and a couple hangouts in the metaverse. I was fairly confident I’d be able to do an article a week on something, along with at least one funny picture, but I was still the junior guy. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

In October 2007, it had been just weeks before I truly considered my newcomer status over. I’d shed the old-style ringtail I’d stepped into the Metaverse with and took on the red Luskwood fox as my appearance, found a couple hangouts, and made some good friends. Wanting to know more about Second Life, I searched the ‘net for websites about it. That’s how I found out about Second Life Newspaper. I enjoyed reading it every day, and peeking into the archives. Then I saw an article asking for reader submissions for articles and funny pictures. After sending a few in, Owner JamesT Juno and Editor Dana Vanmoer asked me to the office to talk about a position in the staff.

And the rest they say, is history. 

It’s been a lot of work. I like to write, but I aim to do it well. And whenever writers block set in, it could be a struggle. But I kept up doing at least one article and cartoon a week, and usually did more. My search for things to write about took me all over the grid, and sometimes I didn’t have to look far at all for something. Quite a variety too, from art galleries to sports fields, from churches to adult entertainment, from monuments to roleplays, from politics to science, from clubs to game shows, from “SLeberties” to people noted in real life dropping in on the Metaverse, I can say I’ve written pretty much about all kinds of subjects. And the journey has brought me a few friends as well, people I continue to keep in touch with. And it’s allowed me to give a few talented friends some deserved exposure. 

Been through a bit of Second Life history as well, from the Banking Crisis, to the SL5 celebration, to the VAT rules, to the Openspace mess, to the Presidential 2008 election, to the Adult Verification debate, to the Relay for Life walks, the Burning Life events, and many other events. 

And in the process, learning a little more about being a journalist. 

“What a strange, long, trip it’s been.”

I had a terrific team to work with: Gemma Cleanslate, Breezes Babii, Grey Lupindo, and Shellie Sands. In the past, there was more: Nazz Lane, Alesia Schumann, Delinda Dyrssen, Penance Sautereau, Dashwood Dayafter, Dixie Barbosa, Neuron Bandit, Baron DeSantis,Any1 Gynoid, and many others.

And of course JamesT Juno and Dana Vanmoer, who made it possible.

Sadly, for Second Life Newspaper, the journey is over. It was a great newspaper that both informed and entertained the residents of the Metaverse, and a few non-residents curious about the place. We the staff will very much miss it.

We at the staff have thought about what to do. We could easily find other jobs in Second Life. But I personally have been reporting too long to simply just give it up.

So, I’m prepared to start again.

I’ve created a news blog page at http://slnewser.blogspot.com/  -  “Second Life News.” A small start, but with effort, it can grow to be something big. Chatting with the crew, some have expressed interest in joining up. And once we get sponsors, we truly will be an online newspaper.

There will be a few rough spots along the way in running this new bird. Dana is leaving some big shoes to fill. But being a newser at heart, nothing to do but step forward. If Second Life has showed me anything, it’s that this is a land of possibilities. 

And so, hello to the new newspaper, and goodbye to the retired one. She served us well.

“And that’s the way it is.” Good night from Second Life Newspaper.

Bixyl Shuftan

My Farewell to SLN

Shortly after I came to SL three years ago my friend Breezes introduced me to her sl daughter Dana Vanmoer. I began to read the SL-Newspaper, of which Dana was the editor at the time. 
As I visited the many wonderful sites in SL and had so many thrilling experiences I thought to myself, perhaps I could write about some of these places. I talked to Dana and she invited me to be a freelance journalist and submit articles to the paper. It had been a while since I had written but I began and as more articles were published I gained confidence and wrote more.. James T Juno, the founder of the newspaper, interviewed me and my role was enlarged to regular reporter.  I loved doing it and eventually became a frequent contributor.
 I am eternally grateful to Dana and James for allowing me to join the crew and have so much fun. I found the Newspaper to be very professionally run and up on the latest issues that affected sl inhabitants. It will be a great loss to the daily readers. It will be a greater loss to the members of the newspaper family. I will miss the work, the meetings, sharing of ideas. 
 I would also like to thank Bixyl Shuftan for his advice, and support .
 Thank you Dana and James and good life to each of you!

Greetings Dear Designer.....

      I am one of the Mall Managers for Bejambled Mall.  We are an very well established mall that is now under new management.  We are here to invite you to join some of our current vendors such as Alienbrear's Designs, Donna Flora, Aidoru, Bennelong Designs, SpiritWeaver Jewelers, Twinkleberry, as well as BastChild's Evocative Fine Jewelry as we present an opportunity/idea to bring together 60 of Second Life's finest, high-couture designers at one location.  Our idea is to bring QUALITY not QUANTITY so the above-average shopper has just one place to come for high-quality merchandise from head to toe.   In addition to clothing, we want to showcase jewelry, shoes, artwork, skins as well as host exclusive events to guarantee consumer traffic.

     As an exclusive introductory package, with 2-weeks paid tiers on any of our stores, you will receive 2 weeks free tiers.  Additional prims and/or additional store space will also be available upon request.

Vendor Store Rental Rates:
100 prims/Tiers of 350L a week
150 prims/ Tiers of 550L a week
200 prims/ Tiers of 700L a week

Vendor Kiosk Rental Rate:
35 prims/ Tiers of $125L a week

     We invite you to tour the establishment or to contact any of our Bejambled Management Staff for a tour and or additional information about the vision we plan to create which will be know as Bejambled Mall.

You will notice on your tour the unique design and build of the mall as QUALITY is our number one priority.

We look forward to your visit as well as the opportunity to welcome you into our Bejambled Mall exclusive list of vendors.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Reublin/192/96/41

The Bejambled Mall Management Staff
Maira Pinelli, Bejambled Manager
CognacLady Boxen, Bejambled Manager
Ebonny Rae, Bejambled Manager
Adonis Action, Bejambled Mall Owner

M&M Creations: New Look, Same Commitment to Quality

Second Life Newspaper recently met up with 10 Goosson of M&M Creations about what has been happening at her store. “M&M Creations just keeps steady and growing as usual,” 10 explained, “We’ve lots to talk about and show Second Life residents. I’ll make it a short list.”


* The scenery screens have been deleted. After three years of selling those, the interest and needs were gone.

* Part of the main mall has been taken by the tree shop with all trees repacked with a temporary rez. So click, see and buy, or leave. Easy and much better than walking over the entire island and not being able to find what you are looking for.

* The flowershop, same story. The flowers have all been repacked, and some new shapes (sepals) have been added, with temporary rez as well. I dusted all flowers this way and was surprised about what I've created last three years.

* The landscaping shop has had a small transformation as well. It's filled, again a fast and easy way to see all builds rezzed, by using the good TP-system to visit the object you want to see.

* Marcthur is still releasing the Antique builder-packs. Those seem to be very popular.

* M&M Fashion will get more time and attention. Full Permission outfits with all materials used are very new in Second Life. Especially because all creators are so anxious about their goods being copied or stolen. We ignore the fear and keep making new things Full Permission to help designers of any level with good stuff to create great objects/outfits.

* It was time to create a new Tutorial: Fit & Wear Fashion Sculpts. A lot of questions about it and it isn't easy. So this tutorial is almost finished.

* In the line of this new tutorial, I will give the other three (and the new one of course) in-world and will schedule these. So there will be a long running event in June: Tutorials. So, classes, classes and classes (this time on our islands platform with the possibility to rez, all people who will participate, can build right at the spot)

* I changed the island that much, only a few parts are recognizable as they were.


- The fairyland is more wetlands and has a huge cave with colorful scenes, all fantasy-flowers, fairy-like landscaping items, etc., are rezzed. I'm still amazed I built this all myself and I wonder around at midnight. The stage is wide and open next to the seaside with some quiet, hidden, corners to relax.

- We embraced Annika Designs with her low-prim builds (caves, waterfalls) so she has a part to rez a few of her great builds.

* Marc is also renewing the oldies. The cherubs have lighting shades and a very special copper texture. They look amazing.

* New fashion sculpts are made of course. Some of those oldies are renewed, because they needed the newest skills of the creator (grin).


10 only had a little time to chat, so she was soon on her way, heading to one of her classes to offer free lessons.

Always evolving, M&M continues to offer shoppers high quality sculpted outdoor products, and 10 Goosson is still personally helping those new to building to become better at it.

M&M is at the Double MM sim: Click Here for the SLURL.

Bixyl Shuftan

Today in SL Newspaper

In Community, after being shut down for months, Club Zero Gravity was back in business, Nydia Tungsten reopening the space club to a happy crowd. In Extra Extra, we have a little poetry from Shellie Sands, "The Fury of the Storm."

Watch this space.........

We have some HUGE news for our readers 

Come and join us on Saturday at Skybeam to find out what it is!

Watch this space for Teleport on the day

Dana

Cartoon of the Day

Quit Facebook Day

Most people thought of Monday May 31st as Memorial Day and nothing else. But it was also designated by some as “Quit Facebook Day.”

Lately, the widely popular social networking site has come under fire for its policies concerning privacy, that it’ discloses information about users without their consent, and that it makes efforts to block such disclosures very difficult. Comments earlier in the year by Facebook’s creator Mark Zuckerman that “some aspects of privacy are a thing of the past,” did not help matters. In the past, it changed it’s terms of service to appear that once a user shared content on it, it had total control over it. But when faced with a formal complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission, it backed down. But only months later it was once again getting accusations.

So it was probably inevitable that some people would respond by pulling the plug on Facebook. But two people, Joseph Dee and Matthew Milan, took it a step further by asking people to do so all at once on one single day, May 31.

“Sick of Facebook’s lack of respect for your data?” the site www.quitfacebookday.com/ asked viewers, “Add your name and commit to quit! Why are we quitting? For us it comes down to two things: fair choices and best intentions. In our view, Facebook doesn't do a good job in either department. Facebook gives you choices about how to manage your data, but they aren't fair choices, and while the onus is on the individual to manage these choices, Facebook makes it damn difficult for the average user to understand or manage this. We also don't think Facebook has much respect for you or your data, especially in the context of the future.”

It was brought up that for those quitting to preserve their privacy, it might already be too late. They would still have peoples’ information, and mine it. And there were those who thought the website was a waste of time to begin with , and people should get off privacy issues or no. Ironically enough, some “Quit Facebook” pages sprang up on the social networking site itself. The main one was tagged by several thousand users. A few pro-Facebook pages sprang up, but they were outnumbered and heavily outmanned.

Response to the call to quit was small. A poll taken on the day showed only about 11 percent of the users surveyed had even heard of “Quit Facebook Day,” and only two percent committed themselves to quitting. One user commented that he couldn't quit because his job depended on use of the site.

Despite it’s problems, Facebook was listed by Google as the world’s most popular site. But it still faces trouble. With the legal questions continuing to dog it, a survey made by an IT security firm suggested 60% of users polled had considered quitting.

Sources: PC Magazine, PC World, Facebook

Bixyl Shuftan

Gemma and the Mermaid

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

To read the story, go to Extra Extra.

Memorial Day

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bixyl Shuftan

The Wounded Warrior Memorial Celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

MushROOM and Lunamaruna

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

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

Tell the World "Why You Relay"

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

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

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

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

Thanks and Appreciation

'Why I Relay'

"It's A Wonderful Second Life"

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

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

Sources: Facebook: Second Life, New World Notes

Artistic Fimicoloud Memorial Dance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Bixyl Shuftan

Garden Of Healthy Aging

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

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

Debi Latte Closes Mystery Anniversary Week in Fun-Filled Event

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

It didn't quite turn out as planned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview with Tuna Oddfellow and Shava Suntzu

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

For the interview, Click Here to go to Community.

Do You Have a Story?

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

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

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


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

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

Cartoon of the Day

Arts Poetica

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

To read the story, Click Here to Community.

“Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” on Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bixyl Shuftan


Source: Wikipedia

Cartoons from michellemalkin.com and www.examiner.com

White Mouse Power

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

For the story, go to Extra Extra.

Cartoon of the Day

Mystery Celebrates Four Years in Second Life

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

To read the story, go to Community.

30K Linden Contest at Bosphrous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

Mystery to Begin Four Year Anniversary With Debi Latte

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

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

“You never know what to expect at Mystery.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Fifth Annual Artwalk at Raglan Shire

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


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

Zindra Expo

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

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

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

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

Cartoon of the Day

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