The Little Dove RFL Steamclub Opens

The Southern Colorado sim is noted for being a location for Relay for Life events, notably Hope Gardens. It now has a new place to hold events. On Monday March 5th at 4PM SL time, Club Little Dove held it’s Grand Opening.

Club Little Dove’s creation is due to one lady: Nydia Tungsten. She constructed the club in four levels, with the top level originally a pilothouse, but later changed to a landing field. The place was designed with a Steampunk look (for those unfamiliar with the term, think H.G. Wells and Jules Verne). There were features such as the main dance floor showing turning gears underneath, 19th century dials and huge lightbulbs making up much of the equipment, carved wood and stained glass making up much of the walls and furnishings, the occasional steam-age gadget or vehicle, a few hookahs around the place (the Victorian-Era had a libertarian view on drugs, and in some ways encouraged their use), and others.


The official name of the club is Her Majesty’s Airship Little Dove, or HMAS Little Dove. Club Little Dove is named after a former resident in Second Life, who sadly passed away last year. She was the real-life partner of a close friend of Nydia's, “she was devastated.” Nydia saw the naming of the club in her honor as, “just the right thing to do.” Nydia is part of the "Passionate Redheads" Relay group, but says the club is open to all RFL groups.

On Monday, the club was up and ready for it’s opening event,Relay for Life’s Daaneth Kivioq sending out an invite, “Commodore Tungsten invites you aboard the HMAS Little Dove, now flying high above Hope Gardens in the beautiful Colorado Sim! We will be celebrating the Grand Opening of this new venue with a Steampunk Ball. Music will be provided by two of SL's finest DJ's - Dusk Griswold from 4PM to 6PM, and the Commodore herself, Nydia Tungsten from 6PM to 8PM. All Proceeds from this event will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. Please join the Passionate Redheads as we launch the HMAS on her maiden flight!”

And so after 4PM SL time, the dance floor was soon full of men and women, both normal human and furred avatars, dancing away. There were no tip jars out. There was only the Relay for Life kiosk, which people chipped into. Although the theme of the party was Steampunk, which called for Victorian fashion, the music as thoroughly modern with a variety of music from the 70’s to today. “Rocky Mountain High” got a few chuckles, “Appropriate that we play this song, as we’re in the Southern Colorado sim.”

And of course, “I Run For Life” played as well. It played twice, the second time near the end, with Nydia calling out, “I run for life ! I run for Little Dove! I run for Fimi! I run for my Stepfather! Run for them all, and remember them all!”

Club LIttle Dove is in the Southern Colorado sim at (187, 37, 1002). During it’s construction, it’s location changed from where it began.

Bixyl Shuftan

“The Great Panda Heist”

Among the shopping hunts out there in Second Life, there’s one in particular for nature lovers, and those whom simply like fuzzy critters, “The Great Panda Heist.”

Spooky Mistwallow is the organizer of the hunt. In real life, she is a finance analyst, whom writes novels as a hobby. In Second Life, she is a part of Pandas International. In setting up the hunt, she has had the help of Kat2 Kit, whom has been making a name for himself in his tiny panda avatar for his work with Pooky Amsterdam’s “The 1st Question” and other media.

“(The hunt) was Spooky’s idea,” Kat told SL Newspaper at his panda center in Silver Bog, “I was looking for a traveling fundraiser, and this is both fun and traveling.” He brought to attention the Wolong Panda Center, which was severely damaged during the earthquake in China in May 2008. A number of workers and pandas at the center died. Among them, one named Mao Mao, whom was memorialized outside the Pandas International hut in a sculpted statue.

Of how Kat got interested, “I originally had a miniature panda av. ... As I started to talk around, Ling Ling passed. So Cheen Pitney made me a sculpture. The one out here. Little did Cheen know I would wear him. I did a series of photos around the grid. And people started tipping me. Then after the earthquake, Elnora Newel made me a sculpty Ma Mao and baby, this one here. And now for this hunt, Bald made the greater panda up front.” “Baldtraveller,” Spooky corrected, mentioning Baldtraveller Shan.

“I have worked with Kat many times doing fundraisers for Pandas International in the past,” Spooky told, “and I have organized gridwide hunts in my store, so I thought why not combine the two. In this hunt, while every store hides a small panda with a gift inside. Most also have a donation box in the store as well. Even if donations aren’t received from every hunter, they are definitely made aware that pandas are in need, and the existence of this organization.”

Asked about what kinds of stores are in the hunt and what kinds of goods can people expect to find, “Well, I know most of the stores have panda-themed gifts made special for the hunt. Others, include bamboo or are Asian in nature. The items will range from furniture, jewelry, clothing, and anything else you can think of. The stores we hand-picked and are almost all good merchants with whom we have worked with in the past. Again, from every level of merchandise.”

“For example, we are giving out this lovely panda-framed image to visitors here,” Kat spoke as he pointed to a picture.” Spooky continued, “Kastle Rock Couture, my store, for example, is giving out a special color of my fundraiser panda gown, a panda necklace, and an Asian-themed table. I have seen some panda art, a bamboo leaf dress, and a set of ginger jars. There are a few sample pictures on the official hunt blog as well.”

“(There) was an unspoken theme,” Kat informed, “everything had to be cute to ‘ holy s*** that’s cute!’ “ He then rezzed a panda bot, a small cub holding a balloon that began floating around, making grunting cries those around found adorable, Spooky commenting, “that has to be the cutest thing I’ve seen besides Kat. (laughter). .... It’s cute like a baby.”

Spooky has been involved in other charity hunts, “My store participated as a vendor in the AIDS hunt and also provided donation items for Breast Cancer. I also sell year-round three special gowns and give the pandas fifty percent.” Spooky herself was sporting a panda necklace and a panda tattoo, “the tattoo I’m wearing is a hunt gift one of the vendors sent to me. It’s from Suzy Martinek of Love Tattoos. It’s so cute."

Spooky talked about doing a “Party for Pandas” event in the future, “what we do is schedule time at one club after another, an hour usually. We rezz donation boxes that give information about pandas and why they need support. Last time how much did we raise, Kat?”

“Over 20,000 L," Kat answered, "We were verrrry happy. I take the Lindens, cash them out to Paypal, and then make the donation to Pandas International.”

The website for the Panda Heist is at http://greatpandahunt.blogspot.com . A video Kat thought was important was Pennies for Pandas . For a takeoff on the “Roaming Gnome," here is "Ling Ling around the Grid."

Pandas International accepts donations at P.O. Box 620335 Littleton, CO, 80123. It’s website is located at http://pandasinternational.org . They also have a Facebook page.

"The Great Panda Heist” lasts from March 21 to April 30th.

“I am very excited and thankful for all this support. I an starting to find one of the keys to social media, is volunteerism.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Autism Awareness Raises over 200,000L

Late Saturday night on January 9th at the Tiatopia sim, after a week or poetry readings, art contests, live music events, and a lot of fun, the “Autism Awareness Project” came to a close. With a climatic performance, singer Ichie Kamachi wowed the crowd and brought donations over the top. The final total, not counting last-minute donations, was a total of 226,290 Lindens raised, or $874 US dollars.

“We started with a goal of 65,000,” sim owner Tia Macbain explained, “Then when we saw we made that in the first day, I was like ‘Okay, so let’s go bigger.’ And so we pushed it to 100K in each (of the two) pillars here." Added to that were the amounts from the art contest, the art auction, wedding certificate purchases, "a big chunk of stuff.”

Story continued in Community

Some Favorite Communities in Second Life

Second Life is full of interesting places and fascinating people, but when the two come together in a community: that's when the real fun of SL comes to life. I was invited to write about an incredible community in SL called Chilbo. Chilbo Public Library is one of SL's most famous libraries. And the community itself is very intriguing. Chilbo comprises multiple sims which are inhabited by artists, musicians, poets, writers, and many other creatives. One current project is Poetry Benches. Chilbo is inviting poets gridwide to participate. You sit for a spell on a Poetry Bench and a poem appears! Cool! In the picture, I am having an SL brunch with Chilbo resident artist Kristine Kristan and our friend Kelp Parkin. Behind us is the Cat Cage, Kristen's very arty SL house. Check out the community website and blogs at Chilbo.org; which are quite impressive resources about SL culture (great links on the side navibars!).

Kelp Parkin and I met through another great SL community, New Citizens Inc (NCI). I've been teaching free classes at NCI for 2 years, and we just started a new course on Photography & SL Journalism. Kelp is an NCI Helper, one of our many volunteers and students. NCI hosts social events and build contests, as well as free classes on just about everything to know about SL.

I've invested quite a bit of time in 2 other SL communities... one I'd describe as inherently activist, and the other are RL professionals working for social benefits organizations.

Four Bridges Project sim is a collaboration of Amnesty International-E, PeaceTrain, and many other activist groups (a few logos are pictured). Four Bridges groups have organized numerous gridwide events, week-long Woodstock-like affairs, like Peace Fest, Earth Week SL, SL Human Rights Festival, Second Pride Festival, and Imagine Festival. These folks are very spontaneous and thoroughly knowledgeable about RL activist issues and how to utilize SL for action and creating awareness! You can meet a lot of high powered activists through their community and get involved in world rocking projects. The Four Bridges team works effectively across group lines gridwide to bring together terrific art, music, talent, ideas, and energy.

Nonprofit Commons has achieved cross-group collaboration in the real world of charities and social benefit organizations and brought them all into Second Life. They have gathered together over 100 RL groups and concentrated them on several sims such as Aloft NonProfit Commons (pictured). Groups like Kiva.org for RL microlending and The Jason Project for RL missing children, and OpenCafe.org.za which teaches South African youth about open source technologies. I've done the music promotion for a few of their sim launches and it's clear that everyone wants to work with them (easiest gigs I’ve ever done!). They are great do-gooders one and all. Check out their meetings on 8:30am on Fridays in SL at Plush Nonprofit Commons. You'll meet dozens of RL nonprofit organizers, sharing their best ideas. Now that's SL community!

By Any1 Gynoid

Science Fiction Convention Returning to Second Life

Get your lightsabers and Vulcan ears. The SecondLife Science Fiction Convention 2 is coming to the Metaverse this weekend. And it will be raising Lindens for the American Cancer Society. So get ready to “beam” on over.

For more, go to Community.

Autism Awareness at Tiaopia Island

From January 3rd to the 9th, the Tiaopia sim will host the Autism Awareness Project. The week-long event has poetry readings, art auctions, storytelling, and over 40 live music artists to help raise funds, and attention to those with the illness. Each day will have a different theme, from romance to Madi-Gras. The dedicated team has the goal of raising a record amount of cash, and have plenty of fun for themselves and everyone else.

Continued in Community

Art For A Cause

There is a wonderful exhibit of special acrylic and mixed media paintings at the Born Museum of Fine Arts in Towar, Born that will be there until the end of November. 

Trill Zapatero presents a number of her paintings completed in India when she lived there. To describe them is difficult because of the intricate imagery that is subtly hidden in each piece of art. A first glance offers a burst of color and swirls with points of light but as you look closer each piece is filled with animals, flowers, jewels all blended together. 

"Now you must stop to really see what you were intended to see.  

The images suggest stories of heroic adventures or waking dreams. The imagery is influenced by the local landscapes and visual cultures of India.“ the artist said.

The paintings are for sale with all the proceeds going to the Central Asian Institute, a nonprofit group that sponsors education especially for girls in the remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their hope and belief is that with education of the future women of the area the standard of living will be raised to the benefit of the societies there. 

You can read about their mission at https://www.ikat.org/. 

Trill Zapatero is using this exhibit to benefit the cause . There are also some lovely Afghan dresses you can pick up as a gift for visiting the exhibit along with note cards with detailed descriptions of the Artist, her vision, her techniques and places to see more of her entrancing art. 

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Born/85/12/39

By Gemma Cleanslate

WHAT’S YOUR HANDICAP?

Do you fancy playing an 18 hole round of golf and giving to charity at the same time? AND risk winning L$1000?  I think I’ll have a go. I can’t even play golf in RL let alone SL, but it’s an excuse to get out in the virtual countryside and help real people at the same time.

Find out more in the Community section

Kim Trefusis

Second Life Zombiefest

Eating brains sounds like an odd way to help the Red Cross. But that’s exactly what’s happening, thanks to some residents in the Exodus sim. This weekend, Zombiefest is being held, with all Lindens raised going to charity.

Looking around, the place was like the setting of a horror movie, with people in undead avatars stumbling about, with tags like “Zombyonce,” “Will **** For Brains,” and other examples of “dead-pan” humor. There was a pale girl behind a kissing booth, “Kisses, $100L! Get your kisses here, by the help booth! A hundred Lindens to lick my rotten lips.” One lady gave out tarrot card readings from a gypsy wagon. There were also some vendors selling zombie AOs, and other goulish goods, as well as a few freebies available. At a funky-looking dance floor, complete with a danceball that looked like a round brain, a Rob Zombie band played to a packed audience of dancing corpses.

The idea for the event “originally started off as a zombie themed fashion show,” Putrid Gloom told me. He talked with Gattina Dumpling, “One of us, I don't remember who, found out that the 9th (of October) was International World Zombie Day. And so we formulated the idea to do something for charity that celebrated that.” Horrid Twine and Stein Shilova also helped to organize the event, “but we also have a group called Hot For Zombies, a zombie RP group. A lot of people came on board from that group and helped us. ... Also to be mentioned is that the good folk of NoR have donated this sim for the duration.”

Asked about the sim being filled to capacity, “We have had a fantastic response, bigger than we ever expected. It's been full from the get-go. When we talked Friday night, they had already raised a lot of cash, “So far we have just hit the 100,000L$ mark. We expect to make around 3 to 4 thousand (US dollars). Fingers crossed.” They were already making plans for the future, “Zombiefest 2010 is already being planned. ... We will probably do something around Christmas, but we haven't got any details for you I'm afraid.”

Saturday events had among them a Zombie Auction. Events Sunday include a Zombie dance party, complete with DJs, and a Burlesque show.

So for some Halloweenish fun a little early in the month, and giving to the Red Cross in the process, head over to the Exodus sim before the party comes to a close Sunday night.

“It’s to die for.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Artists 4 Mercy

By Nazz Lane

An instant message awaited my arrival in-world and when I replied with a brief “hey” she sent a TP request rather than a text acknowledgement. I accepted the request, and arrived at Ravenhart SIM where the Fierce Tibetan Gods were performing. A large crowd was on hand and the band sounded great. I sent her an instant message thanking her for the ride over and asked what time had it started to which she replied that it was nearly over.

“It’s a benefit fundraiser; it would be a good story for you to cover Nazz.” She said and then added, “Money is flowing in … just had one for 10K and one for 15K. The money is going to Artists 4 Mercy.”

I was about to ask her who I could speak to about the event when I spotted Anu Papp, who wore a group name tag “Artists4Mercy”. So I thanked Robin for the lead and clicked on Ms Papp’s name, opened an IM window and introduced myself. We had a brief exchange; she was rather busy at the moment wrapping up the event activities and thanking the band and crowd for their generosity. She suggested that I come back the following day and she would be happy to talk about the Artists 4 Mercy and give me a tour of Ravenhart.

She’d also sent me a link to the organizations web site where I discovered that Artists 4 Mercy is a subsidiary of the Gaia's Lap Foundation Inc., a non-profit charitable organization founded by Anu (aka Lori Anu Lesch) where she serves as executive director. The foundation’s primary purpose “is to provide assistance to orphanages globally based upon a thorough assessment of their immediate needs for wellness”. The subsidiary is an all volunteer program that provides artistic and non artistic members an opportunity “to connect to each other through arts”, increasing awareness and providing assistance to the “needs of children in orphanages”.

I arrived at Ravenhart where Anu and I exchanged greetings. We stood just outside of the foundation’s headquarters, while I waited for the site to come into view. We then walked up the few steps through a wide opening and onto a black and white checkered floor in the foyer. On the right was an open area with desk and chair along with information on the foundation and several of Ms Papp’s other activities. I turned my view slightly to the left, noted a staircase leading up and a video room adjacent to the stairway.

“When we met yesterday, I knew your name sounded familiar and I think I’ve seen you perform.” I commented.

“I’m a musician in real life and have released three albums … the last one in 2002. I perform live, me and my piano … just not as often. We also have a radio station, its commercial free for Indie artist’s … at its height we had over 35000 listeners in 100 countries ... it’s not a public station now. It can be heard at the Lost Garden of Apollo. We make it available to SIM owners for $50 USD per month.” She said.

“This is a nice build Anu. By the way how did yesterday’s fundraiser go?” I asked.

“The concert bought in $200 USD and we have another concert set for next Sunday. Come upstairs, there are some things I’d like to show you.” She replied.

On the way towards the stairway I commented about the placard on the wall with the Gaia’s Lap Foundations mission and vision. I asked her. “When did the foundation start?”

“The foundation started in 2003, its non religious and a nonprofit. It is about helping the kids out and keeping the arts alive … it’s not about money.” She replied then added, “I’ve owned Ravenhart for a year now. I’m passionate about what I do and pay for the SIM out of my own pocket. The SIM consists of artists who donate their time and their work. There are a lot of people who have their hands in it. They've all contributed to making it what it is. Here’s a list of those who are involved.”

She passed me a note card with the following information on who is involved and what they do:

Barton Dowd, Video and Sound Engineer

Ulysses Cabaret, Artist and Creator

bark Aabye, Photographer

Trasgo Beaumont, Clothing Designer

Jenne Dibou, Builder of the Taj Mahal

Eleynora Wisent, Furniture Creator

Gaius Luminos, Fierce Tibetan Gods

Raielien Ackland, Clothing Designer and Builder

We then toured the second floor, which contained both a small gallery and a room where she makes cards, using the affirmations that she’d written. Having gone back down to the first floor and on the way to our next stop, I asked her how Artists 4 Mercy had started.

“Well it’s an artist’s network and it developed out on the internet. The arts can inspire and heal … we want it to be an important part of children’s lives … enhance their minds and spirit. It’s all volunteers and we’ve connected to each other … to make music and arts a more significant part of their lives.” She replied.

Having made our way across a stone walkway that sat alongside a canal the Indian Palace came into full view and it was an impressive structure. The pale colored stone texture took on a pinkish hue when I set the environment to sunset. We entered the building and made our way to the top floor where one could view the surrounding structures that included a coffeehouse and the events area where Sunday’s performance had been held.

“I understand from an article you’d given me that you’re planning a trip to Uganda. Is that one of the foundations projects? ” I asked.

“Yes, the Mercy Home of Children Orphanage in Kampala, Uganda. Our process begins with a needs assessment ... to look at and make sure that the basic needs are taken care of before doing anything else. We may end up procuring a school bus so they can travel safely. The arts will be a component of the trip as well.” She replied and then added, “We’ve worked here locally as well … a community center in a traditional Navajo dwelling … using it for art and then there’s the recording of songs performed by the students. The foundation provided finance for the project and equipment along with providing expertise.” She replied.

Our last stop on the tour was up and into the Linden sky, to visit the location of the Royal Family of the Court de Boheme. It is an elaborate complex of buildings that included; a grand ballroom which was reminiscent of one I had visited in Vienna, a palace with bedrooms for the royal family members and replete with a throne room for formal receptions, a small but highly detailed church and a courtyard where the changing of the guard ceremony is performed. She explained to me that in the role play she is Anna Jagellonica, Reine de Bohème and Hungary, and that her role is based on a real life persona, who had been born in 1503. It is the longest running role play court in second life.

Cancer Fundraiser Held

Claudia is the RL darling 3 year old little daughter of resident Daemon Quandry.
In May of this year, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The fact the she is a girl under 5 is very much in her favour, and the doctors have suggested as high as 90% survival rate if she tolerates/responds well to treatment.

She already has a central line, which she will have for a minimum of 2 years and her first intrathecal (in her spine) i.v. and intramuscular chemo treatments.
If all goes well she will not need a bone marrow transplant. She will, however, lose her beautiful blond curls and will be severely immunocompromised for at least the next 6 months.
She will go every Friday for chemotherapy treatments, which take a tremendous toll on her and her family.

A Fundraiser was held to help her family here in sl.

Out of seven different Venues a little over 1 million in lindens was earned for this darling little girl.
I had the great pleasure on the 29th of August to be at the last venue, My partner owns the island and in that 11 hour day Thorvan Druart scheduled 11 different artists. Some did cancel and Thor found other artists to take their spot. I'd like to give special thanks to Hydra Space station (owners) and to all the staff of The Light Tower Social Club for all the help, also the Artists who gave up their time and also gave donations.

I'd like to thank each and every one who donated to this sweet little girl and this is what it's all about, people coming together in sl to make things better for someone who really needs our help.

Thank you everyone so much!!

Glitter Xeltentat

Virtual Ability Celebrates Americans with Disabilities Act

Virtual Ability, Inc. is pleased to announce the first annual celebration of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event will be held at Virtual Ability Island, from 11AM SLT until 8:30 PM SLT, this Monday, July, 27th.

Please join us to enjoy dancing to the music of award-winning musician HatHead Rickenbacker (6 PM - 7PM SLT) and DJ Ricken Flow; as well as discourses by speakers Dusan Writer (11 AM SLT), ICU nurse and author, Kaznats Oh (1:30 PM SLT), educator JeniAnn Ametza (3 PM SLT), Virtual Ability President Gentle Heron (3:30 PM SLT), nurse KlewTBucklew Glendevon (5 PM SLT), and attorney Geri Kuhn (8 PM SLT). The speakers will be transcribed, and there will be time set aside for discussion.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), first signed into law in 1990, represents an important milestone in securing the rights of millions of people with disabilities living in the United States.

Please join us in the commemoration and celebration of this important legislation. Thank you.

For further information, please contact Gentle Heron via IM or at gentle@VirtualAbility.org

2009 SCHEDULE

Saturday, July 28, 2009 (All times are SLT)

Noon -
Opening Ceremonies

1pm - Survivor/Caregiver Lap

2pm - Team Spirit Lap - Team Shirts & Banners

3pm - One World - International Outfits Lap

4pm - One Hope - Rainbos Lap - The Hope of a New Day...The Promise
of Calm after the Storm. Wear all the colors of the rainbow and celebrate
One HOPE


5pm - Flower Power Hour Lap - 60's outfits

6pm - Tackle It - football, rugby or any sports clothing. Let's
tackle cancer together - united, we can beat this.

7pm - Western Theme Lap

8pm - Bald is Beautiful Lap (Fay, this one's for you)

9pm - Luminaria Ceremony (please no events during this time)


10pm - Magic Lap - Wizzards, Magicians, Fairies, etc.

11pm - Tacky Tourist Lap

Sunday, July 19, 2009

12am - Midnight Masquerade

1am - Health Matters - Maybe you are a banana, or an orange,
or a carrot. Live a healthy life - we can all make a small change that
improves our life.

2am - Crazy Shoes Lap


3am - Meet a New Friend Lap

4am - Silly Hats Lap

5am - Tinies, Furries, Tails & Wings

6am - Fight Back Ceremony


7am - Caring & Curing Lap - Dr., Nurse, Scientist - Working
together to beat cancer

8am - Coffee Curlers, Slippers & PJ's

9am - Here Comes the Sun - Dress for a day at the beach. Always
remember to protect yourself from the sun on land and sea, even on a
cloudy day.

10am - Formal Wear Lap


11am - Closing Ceremonies (Teams Lap to follow)

2009 Event Activities

Below are listed the Activities available

for your enjoyment during the 24 hours of the 2009 Relay For Life event.
This is your opportunity to relax after 4 months of hard work in your
teams to raise the critically needed funds to support the American Cancer
Society this year as we continue to care for cancer victims, educate
society about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, and support
the many families and caregivers of those with these diseases.

Theme Laps!

First and most importantly, walk, jog, skate, or otherwise traverse
the track as it wanders through the many sims that make up this year’s
Relay. Each lap from the starting lap for Survivors and Caregivers to
the Teams Lap at the end has a designated Theme. The theme changes each
hour. Check this website as well as the signs along the track to know
the theme for each hour. This year’s Theme Laps Coordinator is Arizona
Ballinger!

Scavenger Hunt!

Next, while walking, jogging, or otherwise doing your laps, participate
in the SCAVENGER HUNT. Hidden in each sim along the track is a clue
with a question related to Cancer. Find the clue, answer the question
correctly, and get a prize! You may even learn a few things you didn’t
know about various cancers along the way. Each question has 4 responses
and you get 4 tries to answer it correctly, so keep trying till you
get it right. You will then receive clues about the location of the
next hidden question along the way. Scavenger Hunt Coordinators are
Empress May Rosebud and Dr Ren Stonecutter!

Sailing!

Last year’s winner of the most inventive campsite award, the vibrant
Sailing Community of Second Life invites you to come and sail with us.
Join us for a Marathon Sail for Life. Skippers needed, crew needed,
come make a difference on the water. All skill levels needed. Want to
learn to sail? Sailors will be there to help. Already an experienced
skipper? Hot Laps (awards in all classes of boats) are for you. A massive
Charity Auction will feature all things nautical , including one-of-a-kind
items. Don’t miss it! Coordinator and Team Captain for Sailing is
Nber Medici!

Fishing!

You know a diet healthy in fish is good for preventing cancer, so come
catch your virtual dinner. Design has set up a beautiful area for fishing
in our Water Sailing and Fishing sim. Visit the vendor on the dock,
buy the supplies you need and fish! You may even amaze yourself with
what you catch and the stories are good for a year about the one that
got away! All proceeds go towards the Relay total, and it’s FUN too!
This year’s Master Fisherman and activity coordinator is Sweegy Manilow!

Medieval Myths and Mysteries!

Journey back in time to the Middle Ages and to a world of Myth and Legend.
Visit the RFL Activities Sim dedicated to the largest Fantasy Group
in SL, the Communities of the Elves! Visit a grassy grove surrounded
by age-old trees with a healing circle and fire in the center. Hear
the sounds of Nature or contribute your own sound to the mystical beat
of the Elven drums, or just sit quietly and meditate on the healing
power of the Universe. Participate in a Medieval archery tournament
and put an arrow into your favorite tumor! Prizes from the Empress Herself
for winners! Coordinators are Duchess Bee Blessed and Empress May Rosebud.

The American Frontier!

Visit the other half of the RFL Activities Sim and step back into America’s
past. Attend a Native American PowWow as you hear the music and see
the dance for healing from our Native American Brethren and Sisters
in SL! Attend an old-fashioned Rodeo and participate in a barrel race
or ride Black Bart the Bull (if you dare)! Make a donation to RFL at
the vendor and buy a horse that you can use in the barrel race or the
sod-bustin Horse Race for a neat prize to the winner! Check back with
this website for times of the races! Coordinators and a doctor to patch
you up are Bryan Damask and Dr Ren Stonecutter.

Tour-de-France in SL!

A NEW Activity this year, this bicycle tour will take you through an
entire RFL Activities Sim built to re-create the rolling French countryside,
a picturesque town, and a mountain road like those made famous by 7-time
international cyclist winner and CANCER SURVIVOR Lance Armstrong! Be
part of the Spirit of Relay and ride your way to Victory over Cancer!
Coordinators are the entire Activities Committee for RFLSL 2009!

Art Exhibit!

Another NEW Activity for this year, this exhibit features some of the
incredible art and artists who are creating unique pieces to honor and
memorialize the survivors, the caregivers, the victims, and the fight
against cancer itself. It is our intent to have these pieces scattered
in various sims along the track and in the campsites of those teams
that wish to participate in the exhibit. Coordinator for the Exhibit
and for the Memorial to Our Friends who lost their fight to this disease
is Mike Burleigh!

Mammography Demonstration!

For the first time ever in RFLSL we have a virtual mammography site
available for avatars to receive virtual mammograms from a real physician
in SL using equipment donated by the Ann Myers Medical Center. Come
see how it works and learn how simple, safe, and important it is to
have this test done regularly in real! Ride the roller coasters and
learn more about breast cancer too! Coordinator is Dr Vera Zhaoying.

Silent Auction!

Many wonderful items will be auctioned on Relay Day. View them and submit
your bids! If you have something you would like to see auctioned, contact
one of the coordinators or any member of the Activities Committee. Remember
that all proceeds go to this year’s Relay for Life! Coordinators are
Webgoddess Mars and Glenna Lane.

2009 MUSIC

http://slurl.com/secondlife/RFL%20Courage/23/129/26 Western

http://slurl.com/secondlife/RFL%20The%20Shire/195/194/30 Blues Jazz and Classical

http://slurl.com/secondlife/RFL%20Bay%20Fest/60/113/21 Contemporary

http://slurl.com/secondlife/RFL%20Village%20Gate/147/118/27 DJ

Time Western
Blues
Contemporary
DJ

Sat July 18

2 pm slt
Quinton Whitman
Johnny99 Gumshoe Nad Gough
Miranda Milestone

3 pm

Maxx Sabretooth
Phoe Nix Didier Soyuz
Otawan Fouquet

4 pm slt

ELiz Watanabe
L0riZ Whitfield Charles Coleman
Shayla Juran

5 pm slt

Scarlettla Roux
Grateful Stryker Greg Colossus Dusk Griswold

6 pm slt

Shannon Oherlihy Tone Uriza
Damian Carbenell Dena McMahon

7 pm slt

Vincent Merricks Kim
Seifert
Steely Decosta
Danton Thirroul

8 pm slt

BartAlan Barbasz Buckley Moonwall
Love Kawaguichi

10 pm slt

Summer Deadlight

11 pm slt

Splash Kidd

Sun July 19

Time Western
Blues
Contemporary

DJ

5 am slt

Lizabeth Demonia

7 am slt

Dominick Manatiso
Dann Numbers
Remington Thursday

8 am slt
Tommy Cult Vlad Dyszel
Soundcircel Flanagan Maximus Blankes

9 am slt

Mike00 Carnell
Wren Hartunian
Pilgrim75 Swashbuckle Xanthia Lisle

10 am slt

Mason Thorne
Taunter Goodnight Zachariah Loon Andre Tolsen

2009 THEME LAPS

Saturday, July 18,
2009 (All times are SLT)

Noon - Opening Ceremonies

1pm - Survivor / Caregiver Lap (pre-registration recommended)

2pm - Team Spirit Lap - Team Shirts & Banners

3pm - One World - International Outfits Lap

4pm - One Hope - Rainbow Lap

- The Hope of a New Day.. The Promise of Calm after the Storm. Wear
all the Colors of the Rainbow and Celebrate One Hope

5pm - Power Hour Lap - 60's outfits

6pm - Tackle It - football, rugby
or any sports clothing. Let's tackle cancer together - united
we can beat this.

7pm - Western Theme Lap

8pm - Bald Is Beautiful Lap

9pm - Luminaria Ceremony
(done in silence; sims are darkened for reflection and remembrance of those and their loved ones who have lost their battles to cancer or are still battling it; all are invited to participate)
10pm - Magic Lap - Wizzards, Magicians,

Fairies - Make A Wish and Day we will beat cancer.

11pm - Tacky Tourist Lap
Sunday, July 19, 2009

12pm - Midnight Masquerade

1am - Heatlh Matters -

Maybe you are a banana, or an orange, or a carrot. Live
A healthy life - we can all make a small change that improves our life.

2am - Crazy Shoes Lap

3am - Meet A New Friend Lap

4am - Silly Hats Lap

5am - Tinies, Furies, Tails & Wings

6am -Fight Back Ceremony

7am - Caring & Curing Lap - Dr, Nurse, Scientist - Working together
to beat cancer.

8am - Coffee Curlers, Slipers & PJ's

9am - Here Comes The Sun - Dress
for a day at the beach. Always remember to protect yourself from
the sun on land and sea even on a cloudy day

10am - Formal Wear Lap

11am - Closing Ceremonies (Teams Lap to follow)

Hair Fair 2009

On Sunday July 5, I heard about an event in Second Life that was just coming to a close: Hair Fair 2009. It’s a charity to raise cash for “Locks of Love,” an organization that gives free kid-sized wigs to children who have lost their hair to cancer and other illnesses, whose families cannot afford hairpieces to help the youths cope. It had been scheduled from June 20 to July 4th, but the buildings were still up some days after.

The fair covered four sims, the whole place looking like a candyland, which was the theme for the year. The landscape was dotted with both images of candies and chocolates, as well as having numerous prim ones around, with lollipops, cupcakes, and candycanes. Individual stores looked like gingerbread houses, pie slices, ice cream sundaes, etc. Sponsor Beta Technologies’ website stated more than 15,000 attended the charity over the two weeks it was officially open, visitors were kept track of by a metrics system, and had the goal of raising $12,000. Washu Zebrastripe and Mikayla Kohl were in charge of the fair with Sasy Scarborough as charity coordinator and Kia Goodliffe as designer liaison.

There was a wide variety of hairpieces, in various colors and styles, from simple long blonde hair to neon-pink mohawks to huge buns that would be impossible to wear in real life, and almost as difficult to describe. But there was more than just hair. There were also some other items, such as top hats.

A worthy cause with some sweet results.

For more info on Locks of Love, go Here.


Bixyl Shuftan

Changing Shape for RFL

People have done all sorts of things for Relay for Life fundraising. But how about wearing an avatar you’re not quite accustomed to for a while?

To see two examples of funnery about talking a walk in the feet of the "other side" and raising cash from it, Click Here.

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.

Relay for Life Avatars

Planning on giving some Lindens to Relay for Life, but you’ve been thinking of getting a new avie? Well, why not do both? Some builders have put items up for sale for charity, with all proceeds going to Relay for Life. Among these are some avatars made by various creators.

Click HERE to continue.

RFL Star Trek Party for Charity

By Bixyl Shuftan

On Sunday May 24 at 11 AM SL time, a Star Trek themed party was held for charity. The event was held by the Relay for Life group Relay Wizards, with all Lindens raised going to cancer research. Around the place were various things to do. One could watch a movie (“Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home”). One could grab a free uniform and Klingon translator. Trek uniforms were not requested attire, but the majority wore them anyway.

One could look at an exhibit of an “original series” starship bridge, with some various Trek foods on a counter. One could dance to the music provided by DJs, Natasiaa Nightfire from 11 AM to 1:30 PM SL time, and Jameslarken Supply after 1:30 PM.

But the most visible attraction, and the most fun for the majority of visitors, were the kissing booths. They were manned by various Second Life celebrities, getting the name “SLeberty Kissing Booths.”

Among the noted people at the booths were Hamlet Au, Pooky Amsterdam, and SecondLie Scribe. And numerous people, human and otherwise, went up to give the brave redshirts and science officers smooches for charity. One booth had a Klingon guy, “Can you human females survive a kiss from a Klingon?” And there was no shortage of ladies trying, even if he did forget to gargle with mouthwash after his lunch of raw meat.

And yes, a certain reporter got into the act. Guess the ladies just love a “foxy guy.” ;-)

The party was organized by Amber DeCuir, Haley Saloman, and Shawna Montgomery., and was held at the Chatrez sim at (96, 31, 24) in the Tiny Empires Kingdom of Avalon.

Bixyl Shuftan

Bid4aCure Team Launches Diabetes Fund Raising Campaign in Second Life

By Nazz Lane

The campaign is an annual fund raising event in support of a cure for diabetes and it launches in second life in June. The 2009 campaign is sponsored by the Bid4aCure team and they’ve planned for several fund raising events during the month. This will be the third year that the team will conduct its fund raising activities in second life. Last year, they were responsible for raising over 1,000,000 Lindens that were donated to both the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK . In this year’s campaign, they’ve raised their target knowing that the difficult economic times will require more work on their part. They remain committed to topping the amount raised in 2008.

I had an opportunity to meet with the three members of the planning team. I arrived at the teams work space and was greeted by Adrian Harbinger, who had initiated contact with my editor at the SL Newspaper and had arranged for the interview.

“Welcome Nazz ... Nazz, this is Jocelyn, Argus, and MacKenzie. I am going to defer to them for this interview since they are the ones spear heading the effort. Thank you again for giving Bid4aCure coverage” He said. We exchanged pleasantries and he then teleported away to his next appointment.

Having fully rezzed into the site, I shifted my camera view to the three ladies who had also greeted my arrival. “It’s very nice to meet each of you. I'm assuming each of you is involved given the group name tags you are wearing. Who is the spokesperson going to be?” I asked

Both MacKenzie and Argus replied, “Jocelyn!”

“Can you tell me how the team is organized?

“I started Bid4aCure and we're on our third year of fund raising. Argus and her RL husband and SL partner Farrokh Vavoom helped me my first year and were the date auctioneers. Mackenzie joined us last year and she worked extremely hard to help us round up the live music community. Mack and Argus have worked so hard and helped so much that I invited them to help me run it this year.” Ms Sands replied, and then she added, “We have a team of people that are working with us. Mack, Argus and I have known each other for two years now.”

“We're a pretty closely knit group … we support each other all the time.” Ms Rasmuson added.

“Is there a group people can join?” I asked

“Yes, we have a Bid4aCure group for the people who are working on the team and involved in events, reporting, and sponsorship … and we have a new website this year... the bid4acure site is still a little under construction.” She replied.

“What were the reasons why you'd started the fundraising activity Jocelyn?

“It was because two of my closest friends at the time have diabetes, Tracy Stardust and Judristen Ames.” She replied.

“I became involved because my brother has it.” Ms Rasmuson commented.

“The formal launch is scheduled for when?”

“Our kickoff will be on Sunday, the 7^th of June at Nightclub Echo Echo. The start time is 5 pm SL time and we have several other events scheduled as well. On June 14^th we’re having a goods and services auction at both 11 am and at 2 pm SL time. We’re looking for a location for that event. Then on June 27^th, there’s an all day benefit concert at the G.O.A.T., beginning at noon. The last is a date auction on June 28^th. We’re looking for a location for that one to, but we are planning to start at 2 pm SL time.“ She said and then added. “It’s our signature event … the date auction and the event that raises the most money.”

“The date auction is great.” Ms Collingwood said.

“Have you set a target for the fundraising?” I asked

“We want to try to double last year, but with the economy the way it is ... we’re being cautious.” Jocelyn replied.

“We simply want to better last year’s goal.” Miss Collingwood said.

“Last year you’d given the funds raised to the both the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK, will you do so again this year?”

“I personally am in touch with both organizations each year. I speak with the Bridgewater, New Jersey office of the American Diabetes Association and also I call the Diabetes UK organization … so both are advised that it's that time again.” Ms Sands said.

“Do you have any closing thoughts? I asked.

“Yes, one for your readers ... we realize that the economy is bad ... diabetes is a serious illness, affecting millions world-wide, every little bit helps and we really appreciate any and all donations.” Ms Sands said.

Help People Australia Aid Charity Event

On Wednesday March 11, a 24-hour charity music concert was held at Help People Island. The event was to raise funds for victims in Australia’s brushfires. The music played from one minute after Mdnight in the morning to Midnight the next evening.

Continued in EVENTS.