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

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.

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.

Sneak peak at the RFL clothing fair 'cities'

CENTER SIM

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The Lupercalia Festival at Roma

Many holidays today have old roots, some replacing a similar holiday. Valentine’s Day is among them, tracing it’s origins to a holiday of Roman times, the Lupercalia.

I heard about a Lupercalia festival at the Roma area in Second Life, and headed over on Sunday February 21. It was a bit late in the celebration, but arrived just in time to see the big party: the Lupercalia Grand Feast. There was a table full of foods from the era, such as the stuffed quail, the oysters as an aphrodisiac food, and more. But the real action was on the dance floor. Some were dressed in togas. Others were in costumed for the party theme: famous couples. One couple tried both, going as Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. For those who couldn’t find a date, the contest rules allowed people to “enter as one half of a couple.”

The dancers were a mix of human, furred and a couple tinies, with a couple robot guards in armor overlooking the event. Although some were dressed to the period, the music was very much modern. There was also a trivia contest, with more modern themes than one would expect. And between the trivia a few jokes cracked, notably when one normal human made the mistake of clicking on the tiny dance ball, scrunching himself up.

The festival had other events earlier and the previous day. On Saturday February 20th was a love poetry reading, a wolf hunt with a 1000 Linden prize, and the main event. The start of the festival was marked by the recreation of the Roman ritual for Faunua Lupercus, the Roman god of wild things, and Lupa, the female wolf that according to legend nursed Rome’s founding fathers, Romulas and Remus. After the ritual was the Running of the Luperci “half-naked youths who bless the young ladies of the city” by flogging them (lightly) with goatskins soaked in milk, in the belief the women would be blessed with fertility in both body and spirit.

Sunday the 21st had the Equirria Legion receiving it’s blessing from Venus, whom then went to the Baths of Caracalla to hold court “for those who seek council about matters of love and romance.” Following that, Cupid hosted an archery contest, with prizes given to the top three archers.

“It's gone very well.” Torin Golding, the Prefect of Roma told SL Newspaper, ”Lupercalia is one of our most popular festivals. We hold a weekend of festival events every month. Angelia Rees and the ROMA Collegium of Priests in ROMA organize all of the festivals. Usually they're either the second or third weekend of the month.”

Torin commented Roma was not really a roleplay sim, although some roleplaying does take place there, “We're mainly a social sim. ROMA has a great Citizenry. Both of people who rent land here in our residential land, and others who are regulars. We have a lot of social groups people join. And the festivals like this one give us all an excuse to come together and socialize around the events.” According to Torin, Roma has been doing the Lupercalia since 2007. Their other big holidays, are, “Saturnalia definitely, (in) December, and the festivals around October, which (has) both our anniversary festivals (we opened ROMA in October 2006) and Halloween.”

Melanippe Karas also had a few words, “I'm (the) unofficial calendar minder for festivals. ... The archery went well, even if we didn't seem to have anybody outside Roma this time. The wolf hunt went well too ... ” She also mentioned Roma had military drills every Friday at 1 PM.

The Grand Feast went on for a few hours, and the winning couple walked away with 1000 Lindens. Everyone soon parted ways, the citizens of Roma looking forward to the next festival.

Bixyl Shuftan

World AIDS Day - 1 December 2009

Muse Isle

A flurry of activity took place around the globe on World AIDS Day.   Statements were issued by the US, South Africa, the UN, China, Australia, the UK, Afghanistan, Zambia and the District of Columbia, all about new policies, new treatments and new programs focused on the reduction, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS globally.

Second Life played its own role, once again, in bringing attention and awareness to this tragic, life threatening virus.  This was done at various events at multiple venues across the grid. 

Muse Isle presented a day of music and readings.  Once again, the SL music community came together to volunteer their support for this important cause, as we have seen so often in the past.  All proceeds from the day's event  were going to the Bailey Boushay House in Seattle, Washington, USA.  The Bailey Boushay House is "known for its professional and compasionate care of people who are patients afflicted in the final stages of AIDS. The BBH also cares for terminally ill patients of other disease processes. Another important factor is thier day program that offers resources to people that are HIV positive. Assisting in nutrition, medication, assistance in housing. The 2009 legislature of Washington State allocated funding which was narrowly missed."

The musical portion began at 6 am . The lineup for the day included Russell Eponym, Avatar Quinzet, nadidi Aeon, Jon Bazar, Bones Writer, Skye Galaxy, Clairede Dirval, FaecelessAPe Mefusla, davecorbett Darwin, The Sue McCullough Bagpipe Band, EvaMoon Ember, Wren Hartunian, Arimo Teixerira, srv4u Conacher, Edward Kyomoon, Noma Falta, EricSteffenson Mistwalker, Cellandra and her light show, with readings occuring simultaneously beginning at noon,  and ending with a candlelight vigil at midnight.

"Bad Bones" Bones Writer , an accomplished pianist, performed at 10 am.  All instrumental, he went from guitar to piano, playing jazzy and dreamy tunes and classical style music.  He played a  "warbled" rock 'n roll old style jazz piano tune, written by Wayne Shorter, a well know sax player who played with Miles Davis.  Following Bones was Mr. Skye Galaxy, also an accomplished pianist (my lucky day).  Skye has a voice like none other, both emotional and sincere. He performed songs with a dreamy quality and meaningful lyrics.  I will definitely see Skye again, a new talent to me. 

I left the music at noon to head over to the place where the readings were happening.  This event was hosted by Ms. LoriVonne Lustre and Jenaia Morane. The space was graciously donated by Panacea Luminos.  Lori gave an intro speech and offered special thanks to all involved, as well as to Judi Newall for those unable to. 

"...thank you to our authors for sharing their stories with us here today.  Some of the stories you will hear today are about loss, some are about remembrance, and all are from the heart.  Events like this show the power of virtual worlds."

" World AIDS Day was started on this day 21 years ago.   This is a day to raise awareness, fight prejudice, improve education, and remember our friends and family members who are living with AIDS or have lost the battle.  Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue  to be infected with HIV every year. "

"World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met."

The readers I heard included the following:  Ludo Merit, Marty Snowpaw, Saxet Uralia, Franchella Milena, Raevn Rhiadra, millay Freschi , Bill Whiteberry, Elegia Underwood, Lizzie Gudkov and fellow reporter, Nazz Lane.   All read poems, letters and short stories of heart wrenching journeys through loss of loved ones, the grieving, followed slowly by acceptance and, ultimately, the healing.   It was more moving than I can describe and I soon found tears streaming down my face...I took a break and got ready to head back to the music.

Back at the music venue, I was able to catch one of my best friends, davecorbett Darwin, performing his usual amusing songs with subtle messages and emotional undertones.  Dave is a recorded accoustic guitar musician hailing from the UK.   Dave can often be found supporting charitable events like this, and does so on his own in RL, as well.  Following Dave was the Sue McCullogh Bagpipe Band.  What a treat!  I had never heard anything like this in SL before.   Dressed in matching kilts, they played traditional celtic melodies, as well as much more modern popular music.  A very interesting thing to hear bagpipes doing other than celtic songs.  I completely enjoyed them and joined some of the crowd in doing a jig. 

These are just a few of the many musicians lending their support and readings that took place brnging awareness and, yes, the human side of the reality of HIV/AIDS

By Shellie Sands

Second Life Veterans Tribute

Veterans Day/Remembrance Day may have come to a close, but the money one group of volunteers raised will be helping soldiers for some time to come. They also built a sim full of detailed memorials in tribute for the week-long event in honor of US Veterans, and those from other countries.

Read the article in Community.

Gone!!!

The last day of the Burning Life when the artists took their builds, or burned them, many gathered at the Yokohama Burning Marching Band in Washoe for a farewell presentation. 

Then they burned the stage. Several burning parties took place on several sims ,but during the burning the builders were already talking of their ideas for the next display . Not only that place but the whole burning life. There were tears there to see it all go. It was quite a year for builds, shows, music ,parties, art , and fun! The burning of the Man and then the Temple was wonderful. The camaraderie on the playa was enjoyed by all, builders, visitors , presenters , rangers, the lindens. Oh, yes, there was also some grumbling during the week , but for the most part all the hard work  was appreciated. Griefers seemed to be  harmless and most disappeared. A great deal of work had been done long before the event opened. The teams that prepared the event deserve a lot of credit for their management skills. Many builders and other participants said it was the best one ever. 

The planning for 2010 is under way already! Dusty Linden is already hard at work with her team members. I have a feeling the next will be the best ever, again! One item that will not completely disappear is porta potties! The creations of many decorators who placed them around the playa will not be lost. They will be placed in a special spot to be admired. I will let you know when and where. 

Gemma Cleanslate

Spectacle of Fire

He stood tall and proud with arms uplifted to the sky, drummers and dancers at his feet. Spectators flooded into the sims around him. In a director’s chair sat Debbie Trilling, one of the creators, ready to torch the man. There was a strong feeling of expectation in the air. Hoots and Hollers filled the air along with the constant drum beat. Some flew up, some sat on the ground, under the starlit sky as we all waited.


Finally, some bursts of orange surrounded us and then slowly the man began to burn from the bottom up. The applause began and the dancing increased as the burn made its way to the top. What a sight. Timbers flew off through the air and settled on the ground. Finally there was a heap of smoldering ashes. People began to collect the logs that had settled and added them to the fire to keep it going. Some dancers became inflamed themselves to continue the moment. Finally, the week of art and music and display was coming to an end.


But not yet! The Temple will burn Sunday. The sites will remain until November 1, in case there is anyone who could not get to the Burning Life. You must try to get there to witness all the amazing work that was done to make this past week an adventure in art. Search Burning Life on the map and choose a sim and TP in. Don’t miss it

Gemma Cleanslate

Wondrous Sights on the Playa!

Every time I tour the playa I see more and more amazing sites. The builds are lovely and the interactive ones are wonderful to play with. Parties are taking place all over the region, on the stages and also in local parcels built for that purpose. I saw the sl children having a party in Loki Eliot’s  “Waiting for Pippin”. I wandered into a Man Versus Woman parcel where you may listen to quotes from men and women by standing on mats in front of their names. I listened to Zsa Zsa Gabor’s words, “: I want a man who is kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask of a millionaire?” and Henry Kissinger, in one of his dry witty periods, “: Nobody will ever win the Battle of the Sexes. There's just too much fraternizing with the enemy.” You can find many at
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life-Leadville/46/24/24.
Last night there was a magnificent dragon flying by the Man that was almost as big as the Man! I think she had four heads. She said she could only come when the playa was mostly empty because she took up so many resources in the sim. It was a wonderful sight to see! I was on the playa the other night when the Lamp Burners made their procession with drums and dancing all the way to the Temple lighting the lamps along the road as they passed. It is a marvelous experience to walk along with them as they traverse the long way to the most northern sim and watch the dancing before the ethereal Temple.
If you have not been there yet I wonder why? 

The Man burns on Saturday in many time zones for your comfort and the Temple burns on Sunday. 

There is a page on the web where you can check the Events taking place. I hope to see you at one of them. http://burninglife.secondlife.com/eventsbrowse   

Gemma Cleanslate

The Burn Begins ! Burn!!

The big day has arrived ! At 12:00 noon sl the gates for Burning life opened. The playa blossomed with avatars fighting against the winds of lag to visit the magnificent art exhibits and interact with the playful builds. There was such a mad rush the entrances were mobbed. Dusty Linden was swamped with messages ..Watching the map fill with green dots was fantastic. Certain sims were full, some empty, but the playa became alive for the first time with  those who wanted to party, view and enjoy every aspect of Burning Life. 

The builders were there too to witness it all. The Rangers were out there enjoying it all as the visitors came. They were called into duty quickly in some places. Some avatars love to have fun as griefers and come to throw the balance and love out of sync. They are missing so much by not joining in the fun of the playa and instead trying to disrupt it. 

The parties started right away at the major sites. 

We saw the Center Stage with a wonderful live musical event. Avatars flew by seeking new sights. Porto potties were opened for fun at the sights inside.. There is no way to express the fascinating sights to you. You must come!! You still have lots of time til the burning. Ah, I have seen two tests of the burning so far. 

The team who made the burning MAN are amazing. 

Get yourself into the burn!!! 

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life-%20Deep%20Hole/2/13/24 

By Gemma Cleanslate

Find more from Gemma about being a ranger in the COMMUNITY section

Evolving Builds

You are watching my articles about Burning Life aren’t you? I wish I could share with you the wonders I am seeing on the Playa. They will amaze and delight your senses. I would love to show you some photos but, not yet. I have been talking to some of the builders and they are so thrilled with their progress. Some of the new builders are still sorting out what they are doing and why. Many have put some wonderful gifts in the green tent for you and at other places around the sims.

 Nish Mip has an exciting wonderful build that you will want to see and experience for sure. It knocked me dead. I spent some time there yesterday meditating on what she has shown about evolution and its consequences.  She says she is finished but I wonder. I think she may tinker a little more.
I will be working as a Ranger .. A mediator, a helper,  as soon as I get training. I hope I pass lol. I met some rangers last year, some of whom have been to Burning Man in real life and carry their expertise to sl. I see many calls “May I have a Ranger here please..” So far I have not answered because I cannot help them. I am so thrilled to be able to visit the Playa and fly around to see the spectacular art that is there .. I hope I am enticing you to keep watching for the opening on the 17th of October. It will be here sooner than some builders want and much later than visitors want. And then you will have only one week to see it all! You have no idea how long it will take. Put it on your calendar 

Gemma Cleanslate reporting

“Step Up!” to Content Theft

In the wake of the wholesale theft of sims and content over the weekend, like many people we wanted to do something about it – and also about all the other content theft that we have been fighting for so long – in the Content Creators Association and in magazines and on TV shows.

Since then we’ve talked – and have come up with the idea of the Step UP! campaign, a campaign centred on a special day of action that everyone can become involved with, and that can empower and inform people.

We are aiming for a day that draws together action, education and celebration. We want a focus that empowers people – and rather than dictates to people, allows them to express their own creativity in a variety of ways. It also draws attention to the strength of feeling that there is here on the grid.

2) We need to make people feel empowered by what they do. And, because we are hardly the most time-free people on the grid – we need something that they can largely organise themselves!

So these are our thoughts:

We are nominating a day as Step UP! Day – which will be November 5th – Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night in the UK.

Action:
a) On this day – no-one uploads textures to the grid. This should show the economic power of people acting together, without harming content creators. We want Linden Lab to see the power of the feeling about the problem of content theft – and to discuss urgently strategies for tackling it.

b) As many people as possible wear an orange ribbon as a sign of support for creators. And creators can design these – they can be lapel ribbons, they can be arm bands, they can be tee-shirts … the idea is to make the orange ribbon the theme of the day. And everyone who gets a free orange ribbon gets an information sheet – explaining what content theft is, what they can do about it etc. And they also get an information pack that they can give to their friends (which also contains an orange ribbon for their friends).

Why orange? It’s been used before, but has no overwhelming association (unlike pink or red ribbons). It’s a bright, noticeable colour. It suggests explosions and colour …

And it’s an opportunity for stores and content creators to become involved too.

Celebration:
The day ends with parties. Bonfire parties. That means that all around the grid, people have parties.

We’re not going to be trying to stage Big Events that maybe only 60 or 70 people can cram into. Instead we encourage every club to hold a Step Up! party. We encourage every musician to play Step UP! events. Everyone on the grid has a part to play. Everyone can take part.

Education:
This is going to come in several forms.

1) Info pack
These will be given out with orange ribbons in stores and at parties.

2) Media
Audio and Visual service ads. The Press. The Blogsphere – everyone can play there part in getting out the message that we have had enough, and we have chosen to Step UP! against content theft.

3) Video
Short informational films – tutorials about content theft.

On the Designing Worlds shows we’ve talked again and again about the need for a social shift – so that people see content theft as socially and morally unacceptable. So … let’s go for it!

Watch this space for more details on how you can become involved, and how you can share with us your plans for Step UP! Day.

The concept originates with a small group – Angie Mornington, Gabrielle Riel, Gwen Carillon and Saffia Widdershins. But more and more people are now becoming involved. And you can too.


From the “Step Up!” website at http://stepupsl.wordpress.com/

Hellen Keller Day in Second Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Second Life Community Event Health Care Organizing Kickoff Meeting

By Nazz Lane

A gathering of twenty plus avatars assembled at the Cedar Island SIM on Saturday afternoon, the 6^th of June for a Health Care Organizing Kickoff Meeting. The event had been organized by SL resident Siri Vita, who had presided over a similar meeting several months earlier. Ms Vita, is active on many fronts in SL and is known for her work with several nonprofit organizations in Second Life, most notably Peace Train where she is one of several organizers planning for this year’s Peace Festival. The organizing meetings are a component in the strategy of “Organizing for America”, which is part of the Democratic National Committee and was formed after the campaign to support the President Obama’s agenda for change. Prior to the meeting, Ms Vita had sent out invitations that included information on health care reform, frequently asked questions, her presentation and an announcement to attendees that included the following:

“We will be reviewing a new video recorded by President Obama addressing everyone attending these kick-off meetings, this Saturday. These meetings will be taking place all over the US. Our in-world meeting is not only a chance for you to actively participate in your government, but also a way of demonstrating the power of SL to bring us together as a positive force for change.”

Continues in EXTRA EXTRA