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18 Years and counting...Got SL News? Get it Published! Contact Lanai Jarrico at lanaijarrico@gmail.com

Friday, November 20, 2015

ZengMusic: Back on the unforgettable Guthrie's Music Venue



Guthrie’s is a simple, uncomplicated venue that has graced Second Life since late 2008. It provides the best of folk, blues, country, rock ballads, Celtic, pop, classic rock, and singer songwriters. There are no DJs, backing tracks, or karaoke. It’s just 100% live music all the time. 

Read More

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Top 5 places in Second Life for Great Photography Backdrops– Camury Reporting


Photography is a hobby appreciated by many SL residents. With a little effort and patience it is possible to enjoy all the SL graphic resources available, and get quality photos with a variety of lightning, colors, shadows and textures.
If you’re willing to become an SL photographer you should take a little time to configure your SL viewer, to obtain clear photos and graphic quality. Also, you may need some knowledge on photo editing to improve the quality. Take a look at your viewer’s tools, some of them are really helpful.
The Firestorm Viewer, for example, has some really interesting tools. Here’s a few tips to use with that viewer.  
You should remember that the final result will depend also on your computer capacity. Yes, processor, RAM memory and your video board may interfere. With good hardware configuration comes great SL photography.
But let’s face it. Some of us just want to have some fun and take some pics. So just choose a great view and go ahead! Explore the artistic beauty of the architectural wonders created by mankind… SL mankind.
There are great destinations to visit in Second Life for photography backdrops. Here are a few:
The Alirium Secret Gardens are amazing, they explore all the four seasons. At each area you will find perfect places for photography. Take your time to meditate and relax. It will inspire you for great photos.
Your taxi to this destination:
If you like Sci-fi, InSilico is your place. High-tech skyscrapers and mysterious elements make it a great place for photos. You’ll understand it better when you visit it.
Your taxi to this destination:

Loch Noble is simply spectacular. This sim provides a ton of urban landscapes and some rural ones. There is this little city on the top, and on the other side of the river where you can appreciate a beautiful farm, surrounded by lakes and forests. It resembles the Scottish summer. Also a lot of details and the colors are impressive components for taking great pictures.
Your taxi to this destination:

If you like urban settings for  photography you should try Saint Pete City. You can feel the vintage atmosphere, walk through the streets and alleys, and appreciate the realism of the place. Go visit the stores, always shiny and with vibrating colors. Have fun at the playground and the squares. A fantastic trip inside SL.
Your taxi to this destination:

And if you like the sweetness of the bucolic scenery, Kilu is an excellent place, ideal for photography lovers. The gardens are perfect for dreamers and life admirers.
Your taxi to this destination:

Well, the rest is up to you. Go explore beautiful places. Practice your photo skills. Enjoy your own imagination and have fun with your friends!

Additional Information:

Translated from Portuguese into English

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Avie Poll: The Best Bargain for Land Prices- Debby Sharma Reporting...

Photograph Credits: The Torch SL Guide.com (now called as: The Torch Entertainment Guide)

It’s the holiday season already, can you believe it?
Halloween just passed and Christmas is due after Thanksgiving. It is happening all so fast! In this merry time, we are all looking for good deals not only in real life but also in SL. From clothing stores and accessories to gadgets and avatar components-If we know where to look, many stores are offering good deals but the land barons are not far behind as well.


Victoria Chung is offering a 1024 sqm of 230 prims for just L$203/week. One such offer, I was quick to bag. (P.S. Thanks to Lanai for this assignment or I wouldn’t have looked around for such bargains) There are others who are offering L$1 for 1 prim. Even though, I own a piece of land, my habit of looking for bargain deals have been there since noob days. I am sure there are people like me who are still up for bargains. Anyways, I started asking a few of my friends what their take was on this issue.

Photography Credits: Google


To make it simple, I asked the following questions:
·         What is the reason you need  land ? For a shop, home or other reasons?
·         Do you prefer an inland parcel or a sea facing one?
·         Are you renting from anyone at the moment?
·         May I know the name of your Estate Owner?
·         Do you usually look for cheap land rentals in http://search.secondlife.com?
·         If you are given Bonus prims, do such deals attract you?
·         What do you think the prices should be for a Full sim?

The replies are as follows:

Photography Credits: Iyath


Iyath: I would to have land for home and an entertainment area. A sea-facing is preferable because am planning for an entertainment, I would be routing the sea. Yes, my partner and I are renting from Jessica Chung. I took 2048 sqm and got close to 600 prims which i find quite sufficient. I search land based on service providers. I look for reliability rather than cheap. I will rather look at a parcel which is there for some time, though it’s expensive than going to a newbie who started it lately and selling it for less price. I would go GAGA when i get extra prims. I have no idea about the price of Full region. My dreams are not that big. For the land I use; considering I use it for commercial purpose and traffic i would get i will love to pay 650$ per week.


Photography Credits: Kammie2

Kammie2: I would have a home facing the sea. I am renting for D'Alliez. I was referred and had the location I was looking for. No, I don’t look for cheap deals. I would consider a deal with Bonus prims, 1/4th sim away from people.  According to me, the right price for a full sim would be 3K per week.


Photography Credits: Leala Spire

Leala Spire: I would have land for a home facing the sea. I'm an estate manager for a friend so rent free. SheaJane Carami but she has been out of SL for a year. I'm taking care of land for her. Yes, I look for cheap land deals in search. I like looking for good deals on homesteads or full regions. Bonus prim deals are interesting yes but not something that would weigh in a decision to buy. I look for price and prim count. I would love to see the prices come down a bit. Right now they are running 19K to 17K a week. I would move to have my own if the prices drop down to 14K or 15K a week.


Photography Credits: Lysa Clarence

Lysa Clarence: I want empty place, mature and look around nice. I mean not big walls no big building. If it is for shop I like that land with streets. Well i don’t rely on known names. I used to rent a lot and when i say a lot means from many estates, other than mainland, I don’t like at all. I used to rent the most cheaply where I have to stay the most time usually from Chung family. But in all the places I stayed, this place where I`m staying now, I like the most. I like the name of the land and the place; it is on a corner with a bonus prim package with a reasonable price. I have rented for Hum4ever Magic of Chahit Estates; a South East corner parcel, Indian Paradise. People search cheap lands for many prims, although, I like a good price with good prims.



Photography Credits: Trinity Yazimoto

Trinity Yazimoto: If I had no land, I would have one for my store and my home. I don’t like beaches and sea in RL, so i don’t like in SL, my preference would be somewhere in mounts, but i don’t mind. My land has a view on the sea on one side. It opens the view; so i don’t hate it, well, let's say i don’t mind inland or sea facing, it’s equal for me. I have almost a 1/4 sim on a private estate from New found land estates. I don’t look for cheap deals. I have never thought to it. I am COO of an event that is quarterly. So, we look for a land each for 4 months. And I didn’t ever think to look there, I will next time. (Laughs) I look for at least 3500 prims, higher is better but then the price is a limit too. I never understood what is a Bonus prim. I have a bonus factor of 1.07 here where i am but I don’t know what it means. So well, to answer your question, as I never understood what it was, it never made a difference. The price of Full sim could be, well really less than what it is. I would say $200 USD max, which is a dream.


Irrespective of the size of the land, the prims offered, the price; there is a universal opinion that the Land prices are a bit higher. But considering the space is occupies on servers and giving the freedom to an individual, the price and prim count is still worth it.  People decide on the basis of their requirement. I also believe that the next step is the deal that is best at any point of time. The reason I rent a land is for workshop and office. Sandboxes don’t help me build with a auto-return factor. If you ask, is it worth it to rent a workshop, yes because it is my place to plunge into creativity. I usually prefer the inland to live because I like to see what my neighbors did to their place too; in short, it makes me feel that I belong to a community. I am renting from Victoria Chung, 2 estates on 2 different regions. I am always on the lookout for parcels/homes/skyboxes with cheap deals for both unfurnished and furnished. It is a habit that I have since my noob days; just like I keep an eye for the deals on outfits, gadgets, décor etc. I do not like Bonus prims, it is not a factor when I buy a land. If the factor is not right, it might cause lag for the Full Sim, including your neighbors. So, it is a no. As for the price of the Full sim, in my opinion I am willing to accept it, as I am aware of the maintenance cost for the server preserving my creations my dream even when I am sleeping.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Happocalypse Studios Announces Their First Inworld Store Opening on Dreamworld Star.





  Happocalypse Studios Features very inexpensive original fitted mesh avatars and clothing by VNArtist Group

Eve Avatar Designer fashions by VardaSilver Spearsong, Furries and other mesh avatars by Cloak Farigoule, Scripting doo-dads for role play or home by Eric's Epic Creations. We also offer Lucky Chairs, Midnight Mania Boards, and Free prezzies! 

Come check us out! We take requests for custom mesh, sculpties as well as scripts!

Contact VardaSilver Spearsong for mesh or sculpt  or PakennyUSAChieng for Scripting 

"SCARE ME TO DEATH” - Dean Lawson Reporting...

 "The Horror" by Andressa DePrims


A review of Playmates Magazine’s Halloween themed photo contest.

Playmates Magazine recently held a Halloween theme photo contest. According to Tazzy Jenkins, the owner, founder and editor-in-chief of Playmates Magazine, "... the concept for the Scare Me To Death photo contest was to have a contest that was based on merit and not friends votes."

"Most photo contests are basically a popularity contest and some of the most amazing talent is over-looked.” Tazzy explained. "We wanted a fair photo contest to give some true artists a chance. The title describes what kind of photo's we were looking for. Not cute or sexy but images that truly sent a chill down our spines. Anyone could enter the contest held at Playmates Magazine Headquarters from Oct 3rd - Oct 31st.  Excluding Playmates models, their friends and family and Playmates staff members. Photo's had to be original and shot in SL, however, moderate photo editing was permitted."

According to Tazzy, photo's were judged by the Playmates models and staff and votes were tallied to find the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

"Photo's were judged on originality and technique (lighting, shading,windlight and use of photography tools) ...” Tazzy elaborated. “… but mainly we were looking for that creepy, disturbing and insanely awesome photo!” 

 
 "Lovin it now" by JackMicheals Resident

1st place winner of $1000L went to yaboos Resident for “Dentata”. 2nd place winner of $500L went to Andressa DePrims for "The Horror”. 3rd place winner of $250 went to JackMicheals Resident for "Lovin it now?"


I asked Tazzy if there will be future contests.

"Yes we will be holding these contests every other month with a variety of themes.” Tazzy replied. "The next contest will be in January and the theme will be 'Celebration'."

When writing about the work of other artists I subscribe to the belief that art is subjective and try to refrain from inserting too much of my own opinion, however after reviewing the snapshots “Dentata” , “The Horror” , and “Lovin it now?” I must say these are indeed chilling images that include a psychotic Ronald MacDonald clown, a severed head and a severed … well, let’s just say a picture speaks a thousand screams.
 
 “Dentata” by yaboos Resident



Monday, November 16, 2015

TOYS 4 TOTS in Second Life- Interview with Rocky Hillburton- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…



It’s that time of year again when the giving spirit is in full swing. Right now in Second Life avatars are working hard to get ready for the Holidays. One particular place in Second Life is focused on making sure children in need gets toys for Christmas. Please meet Rocky Hillburton. For the past 6 years Rocky and his team have been dedicating their time and efforts to raise donations for Toys 4 Tots. In the past 6 years Toys 4 Tots in Second Life with the support of  residents raised over $110,000 USD with 100% of funds raised going to the Toys 4 Tots Foundation in Virginia.


This year will mark Toys 4 Tots Sixth Annual Breedable Expo and Fair beginning on November 21st until November 29th. This event will cover two Christmas themed sims dedicated to Breedables as well as an assortment of non-breedable vendors and retailers. Events will include live performances, raffles and a very special auction.  

The SL Enquirer caught up with Rocky to learn more about Toys 4 Tots and why it has been such a passion for him.


Interview with Rocky Hillburton

Hi Rocky, let me start of by saying thank you on behalf of the SL Enquirer for being such a proactive member of this community. Second Life needs more people like you with such a big heart and passion for helping others in need, particularly children who depend on us for their needs.  How did you get involved with Toys 4 Tots?

Rocky: Originally a man named Pat Wunderland of SL’s Wunderland Records started the Toys 4 Tots in SL campaign. I immediately got involved when I joined SL and opened my club. I was asked by Pat and his team to fill some entertainer spots they needed filled. I filled those spots within the hour for him, twelve in all. He was called away due to real life commitments and asked if I would be interested in taking over the campaign. I have been the head for the past 5 years.

Who are the people that make up your Toys 4 Tots Team?

Rocky: Currently besides myself, there is Shannon Dubatt and Marissa Goodliffe that make up our team.

With this  being your 6th year raising donations for T4T, can you share with our readers how much money you have collectively raised so far for children?

Rocky: Prior to my taking the lead we had raised 25,000.00 USD with the help of the SL entertainment industry through the sales of CDs and musical events sponsored by the SL performers. Since my taking the helm we have ventured into the breedable and non-breedable side of things and started the expos. This will be our third expo. With this addition we have raised another 90,000.00 USD that has gone 100% to the real life Toys 4 Tots foundation in Virginia.

WOW, That is impressive! In the real world, people usually donate toys at various drop off boxes at department stores and other places that accept toys donations. That obviously cannot happen in SL. Can you share with us the how you convert Linden donations into a check for Toys 4 Tots?

Rocky: All donations or items sold are through either a donation kiosk or a sales/gacha kiosk that is specifically made and given by the SL Toys 4 Tots foundation. Those funds, either from sales or donated, go directly to a Toys 4 Tots alt. The kiosks and vendors talk to a website to reflect the monies raised. That amount is withdrawn from SL via several alts, because of limitations from LL, and a screenshot is taken of the Lindens taken out and what they were converted to. This screenshot is posted on the website alongside a screenshot of the actual receipt from the real world Toys 4 Tots foundation to show that both match. No funds are ever expended from the monies raised for any purchases of items in SL, sims for the expo and so on.

Thank you for sharing how transparent Toys 4 Tots in SL is about ensuring donated Lindens are going to the foundation.

In Second Life you have a whole sim dedicated to Toys 4 Tots which includes a beautifully decorated Christmas Wonderland themed , Santa’s Workshop, T4T information office, donation kiosks and shop space for vendors. How can retailers get involved in Toys for Tots and rent shop space?


Rocky: We have a main headquarters in SL with a LM available which will take you to a central board that is made to represent the two actual sims. The mock board is laid out identical to the actual sims so people know what and where they are renting the spot. We have three different spots available, bronze, gold and platinum, and the price structure is 2500L, 5000L or 10000L depending on the spot size you wish to rent. All builders and breedable associations are welcome. We have a NC with our TOS of building guidelines and pricing structures as well for anyone interested.


That sounds simple enough. What kind of products do your current retailers offer?


Rocky: We currently have many of the major breedables involved or their auction houses, knick knack shops, building designers and kids clothing and furniture. We are willing to entertain any builders as long as it is not adult in nature.

The 6th Annual Toys for Tots Breedables Expo and Fair is approaching, what can people expect to see at this event?

Rocky: A variety of amazing displays where they can find out more information on each builder, purchase a one of a kind Toys 4 Tots item as well as the builders other items. There will be a giant auction on the final Saturday of the expo and many music events scheduled every day for their entertainment as they browse, shop, play or donate. The music from each performer will be able to be heard from any parcel on either sim.

Sounds like a lot of fun! Can you give us a little teaser about some of the live performers who will be at the event and some of the prizes?

Rocky: We have a huge line up of some of the best performers in SL and would hate to name only a few but know they will have plenty to choose from with all types of music. They are scheduled from the opening day to the final day with a minimum of three shows per day. We have several folks that will be donating some outstanding breedable items that will go in as prizes with spotlight prizes given out at random.

Sponsors and volunteers are a vital part of organizing fundraisers and events in Second Life. How can people get involved in this Toys 4 Tots event and help make this year the best one yet?

Rocky: They can contact Marissa Goodliffe, Shannon Dubratt or myself. Marissa really heads up the contact section for me and is very well equipped to handle any and all questions. We have available donation kiosks that are copy/trans that can be set out at their shops, whether on the expo sims or not, and handed out to their friends to set out as well. This also goes for the vendors (sales/gacha) that can be used anywhere on the grid.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about Toys 4 Tots in SL?

Rocky: The biggest thing I would like to mention is that for all the hard work that is done with Toys 4 Tots, 100% of all monies raised in SL goes to the real world foundation and 98% of that money is used for toys for the kids. If you compare that with other charitable organizations that is an outstanding percentage. No other charitable organization can make that type of claim. We have all fallen on a hard time at one time or another and wished we could have relied on something like this to show our kids something. I believe that a belief in something starts at a young age and if a child cannot believe in Santa then his belief system has already started breaking down.


Very well said Rocky. Thank you so much for taking the time to share what you do with our readers and again for all that you did and still do for many children around the world who have received gifts because of you and the efforts of everyone who has donated to Toys 4 Tots.

Additional Information
Group: Annual T4T Christmas Benefit (SL)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/slt4t/


The Official SL Toys 4 Tots info center.




Preferred Contact: Rocky Hillburton, Shannon Dubratt, Marissa Goodliffe

Disabilities, and How SL Helps People blend in with Society, Lilly Lacewing Reporting.


Disabilities, and Second Life, a match made in accessible heaven!

Second Life doesn’t just blur the lines of discrimination when it comes to the disabled, it can completely eliminate the lines altogether. I know this from firsthand experience, which is why I chose to do this long ‘overdue’ assignment.

In RL, I suffer from a rare, genetic connective tissue disorder, which to sum things up (otherwise this would BE the article,) it results in joints that don’t like to stay in place, pain, muscle spasms, and a host of myriad secondary systemic disorders. As a result, there are a lot of things I cannot do anymore in Real Life, but in Second Life? The possibilities are endless! I can ride horses again, climb hills and mountains, ‘walk’ through beautiful and serene landscapes without having to worry about my left hip staying in the socket.
That being said, I’ve experienced people run for the hills when they approach me and strike up conversation, but you’ll be happy to know that those are the exceptions, not the rule. Most people are happy to talk to me, sick or not, because in SL what does it really matter? The beauty of the anonymity of places like Second Life afford those who get stared at in RL grocery stores, to go hiking with their best friends in a totally immersive way. Want to FEEL like you’re actually doing that hike? Go into first person view, and BAM! You’re there, hiking up the side of a pyramid!

I took to the ‘streets’ in SL to see how others with disabilities have fared here in Second Life, and was lucky enough to come in contact with Brenda Brodie, a lady who finds joy in Second Life while dealing with Parkinson’s Disease in Real Life. She is heavily involved with Fran Seranade who, with her daughter Barbie Alchemi, created Creations Park*, to support Team Fox and raise awareness for Parkinson’s.  Here’s what she had to say.


Brenda: I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 30 years ago, at age 37.  I do very well considering the amount of time I have lived with PD.   I live alone, drive a car, locally only.  I cook, clean, etc. It takes me maybe 2 or 3 times longer than others to accomplish a chore, but I get it done and get it done right. (smiling)  Of course, there are days when I cannot do much but I concentrate on the good days. I am told that I do as well as I do because I have a positive attitude and follow my doctor's recommendations for medication schedule.  I also believe that the support from family and my acceptance of whatever comes to me in life helps me.  I started writing poetry after being diagnosed with PD.  Below you will find a sample which is from the heart.


I am member of the SL Creations for Parkinson's Support Group which was started by Barbie Alchemi. We meet every Friday, in SL, to discuss how we are dealing with the disease, our day to day living, emotional support, learning what is going on in research, etc. I hope to find a Speech Recognition program that is compatible with SL.  The one that came with my laptop does not work in SL.  With that in mind, there is a group called Virtual Ability that helps people with all disabilities. I am also a member of the SL Parkinson's support group.  It is comprised with a group of compassionate, caring and loving people.(*See below article for more information about their upcoming events to benefit Team Fox in Second Life!) 

 Brenda used to be a big fan of dancing, and riding her bike through the beauty of nature. When her body took that away from her, Second Life gave it back. She says she’s not personally experienced any actual discrimination, though people who didn’t know her have thought she was ‘drunk, because of all the typos and the slowness’ with which she types.
 At 87, she hasn’t let Parkinson’s win, and continues to fight it tooth and nail with happiness, positivity, and the help of her medications. I’m honored to have been able to meet Brenda, and to have her speak with me about Second Life, and how it can really be a benefit to those of us users who are disabled. People can’t discriminate against something they don’t even know is there, and I’ve found in SL, even when you tell them it’s there, most people don’t change. Only once have I personally experienced anyone walking away, and honestly, I’m glad for it. It was the type of person who hits on you when you have “I love my husband!!” smeared all over my profile, so it was no great loss. All in all, Second Life is a fantastic place for those with disabilities, for the freedom, socialization, and exploration it offers, not to mention all the artistic possibilities. I say, dive in! You won’t be disappointed!!


Creations Park

Poem by Brenda:
I WALKED ALONE THRU THE YEARS
IN A PLACE CALLED SECOND LIFE
A PLACE WHERE I MADE LOTS OF FRIENDS
YET I HAVE ALWAYS FELT ALONE
THE PEOPLE I HAVE MET OVER THE YEARS
ARE WONDERFUL INDEED
BUT I SOMETIMES FEEL SEPARATED FROM ALL OF THEM
BECAUSE THEY FIND IT HARD TO UNDERSTAND MY NEED
YOU SEE I HAVE PARKINSON'S
AND NEED TO FEEL SAFE FROM THIS DISEASE
AND NOW I HAVE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE…

..
***SEE OUR BOG CALENDAR FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS***  https://creationspark.wordpress.com

NOTE: The Festival area on Creations Park will be left up for you enjoyment through December 31st.

♥ ♥ ♥Here at CREATIONS PARK everything we do comes from the love in our hearts. This event is about people sharing their talents to create something positive in our world   。◕‿◕。VIDEO Please be sure to watch our award winning video about the benefits of SL for our 88 "years young" RL Mom who has Parkinson's. This will touch your heart! Ebbe Linden (CEO of Linden Labs) has called this the most important video ever made about Second Life! 

The Drax File: World Makers- Episode 13 Creations for Parkinson's  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyiiWxNguGo&feature=youtu.be

Our RL family felt a desire to give meaning and purpose to the hours we spent in-world. Our dad died with Parkinson's and our mother, Fran Seranade, has it now. To quote her "I may have Parkinson's, but it does not have me." At 88 years young, she is active in Second Life and is thrilled to see herself running, and dancing again. Those of us in Second Life can have fun while knowing we are making a difference in the real world. 

DONATIONS
100% of all donations go to Team Fox for The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. We believe it is important for you to know how your donations are being spent. Our family covers all tier and expenses so that all donations are given to research.

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL 6 UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL LEVELS on CREATIONS PARK
ღღღ Loving Hugs from our Creations Family
Barbie Alchemi - Founder of Creations for Parkinson's
Fran Seranade - Our loving RL Mom

AlmostThere Inventor - RL brother

 
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