GeekSpeak – Should we merge Science and Sports? Join the discussion on Saturday September 14th at 12PM SLT

Sports tend to become more and more extreme and a lot of science is involved so that people can achieve new records.  Is it time to merge sports and science?  Science will make new sports possible and the team of scientists will also get prizes.  How about skydiving from 20 km up or deep diving, 10 km down?  Would people be interested in such a merger?  Do you think, as science progresses and we think of more and more strange new sports, it is inevitable that it will happen?

How will the alliance between sports and science look when we move out into the solar system?  Rocket races?  Football on the moon?  Skydiving in low gravity?  Hang-gliding on Jupiter?  The sky is not the limit.  

Watch this film for a few ideas: Wanderers - a short film by Erik Wernquist [Official Version]

Join us in our exploration of future extreme sports/science events.  Bring a parachute.

IM Vulcan Viper if you have ideas for new subjects.

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Never-ending Summer At Surfer’s Bay VIP

Are you already missing summer? Feeling nostalgic about those long, lazy days on the beach? Teleport over to Surfer’s Bay VIP and relive the magic of those long, hot days at this three sim beach estate that’s famous for its surfing - and wild parties!

With over 7,000 group members, its easy to see why Surfer’s Bay is SL’s premier beach location for adults. With a sim design influenced by the real-life island of Bali, the sims are perfect for relaxing, meeting new people in a friendly environment, surfing and photography. Members can rezz items anywhere and even set the sims as home.

Surfer’s Bay VIP hosts parties and DJ sets plus live music. There are also special events like spectacular light shows, tribute concerts and performances by the famous ‘Strokerz Girlz’. And if you like shopping, be sure to check out the range of shops that are alongside the main beach!

Every month, one male and one female member are chosen to be Bay Guy and Girl and are awarded a cash prizes and a photo shoot with our expert team of photographers. Come and relax at Surfer’s Bay VIP Estates and meet new friends from across the world at these popular and photogenic sims.

Take time out of your busy life and explore the Surfer’s Bay VIP sim alone or with friends. Our visitors can walk around the entire island and enjoy peace and quiet in the many secluded areas or snuggle up with a loved one on the adult furniture that is dotted around all three sims. Come and relax at Surfer’s Bay VIP Estates and meet new friends from across the world at these popular and photogenic sims.

Find out more at: www.surfersbaysl.com

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9/11 – EIGHTEEN YEARS LATER: SL TRIBUTE TO RL SLAIN- JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Between 8:46 am and 10:10 am, four airliners were crashed into North and South towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. The attacks killed 2,996 people, including citizens of 78 countries, injured over 6,000 others, and caused at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. Additional people died of 9/11-related cancer and respiratory diseases in the months and years following the attacks.

 “Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.” —former President Barack Obama

This catastrophic attack that occurred almost two decades ago is memorialized this anniversary in SecondLife. Paul Woodrunner built the 9/11 Memorial Plaza SL, modeled after the RL memorial plaza in New York City. He also owns the Bob Hope Theater and he directs the Outsiders Dance Troupe. Paul teamed up with Performing Choreographer Ally (allyson.solo) to present their Tribute performance on Wednesday, 11 September at 6:00 PM SLT

I recently had the privilege of chatting with both Paul and Ally, and we discussed their involvement in this Memorial and Tribute performance.

Josh (thomas1.bellic): Paul, please share with our readers what inspired you to build a memorial to the attack on 9/11?

Paul Woodrunner: Well it's sort of a long line of things that have been strung together for years. Going back to the Vietnam War. I grew up during that war and as a kid i remember all the torn up young men on TVv during the World News shows. I grew up thinking if this war continues i could be in it. I missed the war by two years but the visions of that war the memories stuck with me forever. After I joined SecondLife, I thought of USO shows as a way to give back to the vets the soldiers the people who gave their all to defend this country. Eventually, the owner of one of the groups I belonged to gave me a shot at having a show on Memorial Day. Over the last decade a long line of good people that have given me chances at the right time to help me get where I am today. I love my country and all the folks who have fought for its freedom. I’m a patriot and i will never forget all the people who helped me grow in second life with the Bob Hope Theater and The Outsiders. The 9-11 Memorial is a way to make sure others do not EVER FORGET

JB: What does this 9/11 Memorial mean to you?

PW: I love my country. I love the people here and when we were attacked out of the blue...well...all the folks in the planes in the buildings...everyone one who died...and yes, all the folks like the firemen and police They were doing what came natural to an American they ran to the fire and they were HELPING others. It means that everyone who died there that day and all the lives that were affected will never be forgotten. It was one of the worst days in America’s history and we saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history.

JB: You have some amazingly powerful statues in various locations around the plaza. When did you build the memorial, and have had much traffic?

PW: I had planed on an Outsider show for 9-11. I looked out at a quarter sim from Bob Hope Theater. I wanted to do something big and it brought to mind the 9-11 Memorial Fountain. The Memorial itself is brand new and only about a dozen people have actually seen it.

JB: Tell me about the Outsiders? Who are they and what do they do?

PW: The Outsiders is a dance troupe made up of several people I’ve worked with through the years. We mainly started as a group during a LEA Lindens Endowment for the Arts project. We do patriotic shows USO type shows to bring about awareness of those who have fought and or died to protect freedom around the world Mainly as a support to vets.

JB: And what about the Bob Hope Theater? How many can it seat?

PW: Bob Hope Theater is a 70-seat venue focusing on patriotic holidays and events. We have USO-type shows mainly and its a tribute in itself to Bob Hope who brought laughter to so many soldiers around the world in places like Vietnam.

JB: And now we turn to you and you, Ally. Tell me about how you became a SL choreographer.

Ally (allyson.solo): When I joined SL I became a model and I had a lot of success, but just posing for photos was kind of boring! I partnered a guy who was part of a dance troupe that was unique and fun, and I was totally taken with the idea of dancing. I was already a fan of tribute band shows too. I started going to shows and at one I ran into Paul Woodrunner, who was in a tribute band I followed. He told me about a dance troupe called the Elysium Dancers and their show. They were a new group, and when I started going to shows and I asked to be a dancer, they let me join! I didn't know much about putting together dances but I knew how to ask questions and I made a pest of myself!

JB: Can you describe your current project - "Phone Call from a Tower" – for us please?

AS: At 9/11 I've always thought of those who were lost, of course, but also about so many others whose lives were changed forever when they lost a loved one there. In this performance I put together actual audio from one of the helicopters above the scene, a reading of a poem by Tom Bedlam called "If Tomorrow Starts Without Me", and laid it over Enya's "May It Be". I want to show the anguish of a young wife whose life has just been shattered when her husband died in the towers.

JB: Why did you do this? What is it about this particular show that makes it different from the others you have done?

AS: My dad was a Navy pilot, and he died in an accident when I was four. I guess because of that I've always had a patriotic streak and tried to honor our military and especially those who gave their lives. I guess 9/11 felt like war to me, and so it fits naturally.

So there you have it folks. If you only attend one event this year, make it the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Show. The Memorial Performance is Wednesday 11-Sept-2019, starting at 6 PM SLT at the BOB HOPE THEATER at Copperhead Road. Ally asks that you please come early to enjoy the whole show. It’s not unusual for the place to be full 20 minutes before the curtain goes up, so be early for a great seat.

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” —former President George W. Bush

"When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12."—Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You

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GeekSpeak – how do we stop the paperclip maximizer? Join the discussion Saturday September 7th at 12pm SLT

The paperclip maximizer is an AI that makes paperclips and never stops making them.  Its existence, or possible existence, presents us with the problem of how to talk to an AI.  For example, if we say “AI, make me a lot of paperclips” will the AI then start to convert the entire solar system into paperclips.  Can we stop such a runaway AI?  Or will it eventually kill itself? 

If the paperclip maximizer spreads across the universe, will different versions of it form different opinions as to what a paperclip is?  Will the different AI factions start a war with each other?

What should we do to prevent any of this from ever happening?  How should we talk to an AI?  Or are we all doomed to be turned into paperclips?

Come and discuss our future as AI feedstock.  To get warmed up, watch this video: The Paperclip Maximizer 

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SL CHRISTMAS EXPO TEAMS UP WITH LINDEN LAB TO HELP THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PROVIDE VR HEADSETS TO PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS

The American Cancer Society and SL Christmas Expo announced today that all donations to the “Believe in The Magic of Christmas”, the 9^th Annual Christmas Expo, in support of the Expo’s mission to Fight Childhood Cancer, will be dedicated to help provide funding for VR Headsets for childhood cancer patients. Along with Linden Lab, their partner in the fight against cancer, and our sponsors and participants, the Expo will be working to reach the Goal of $20,000 to help fund the Society’s VR Headset program for pediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment.

WHY VR?

The American Cancer Society and Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA) have partnered to provide virtual reality (VR) headsets for pediatric cancer patients to use while undergoing various cancer treatments within the hospital.

• For over 100 years, the American Cancer Society has provided patient services to improve the lives of cancer patients. The virtual reality pediatric program uses innovative technology to further expand the services offered to pediatric cancer patients in an extremely impactful and relevant way.
• Research suggests that ideal distraction tasks consume some portion of attentional resources so that less cognitive capacity remains available for processing pain. 
• Distraction is a pain management technique that has been shown to successfully reduce pain and behavioral distress in children during invasive medical procedures. VR distraction is a promising intervention for children undergoing painful medical procedures and is an ideal distractor for procedure-related pain because it competes for attention resources in multiple sensory domains and provides visual and auditory sensory blocking of external stimuli.^..
• 19 studies across nearly 1,000 articles have explored the effects of VR interventions with cancer patients. These studies found:
• VR improved patients’ emotional well-being
• A reduction in patients’ distress in terms of cancer-related psychological symptoms.
• A significant decrease in anxiety, distress, and fatigue immediately after chemotherapy sessions with VR

With more than 100 Merchants, Raffles, Breedables & One Of A Kind Auctions, Gotchas Hunts and Entertainment, games, contests and fun, the 10 day Expo, which runs from Dec 5^ththrough 15^th, is the Premier Holiday Experience in Second Life.  This year’s Expo will also feature the reveal of the long awaited 4^th Edition Linden Homes and special content provided by our partner, Linden Lab. The Lights of Hope House Decorating Contest will also return for a 2^nd year. The Expo will conclude with the 11^th Annual Holidays of Hope Ball.

Do not miss out on Believe in The Magic of Christmas, the 2019 Second Life Christmas Expo, December 5th through the 15th, in support of the American Cancer Society.

Give The Gift of Hope and Fight Childhood Cancer!

Registration is underway and going fast! Sign up now for a store, shop or booth, and join some of Second Life’s premier merchants as a sponsor! For More Information or to reserve your store visit: https://slchristmasexpo.com or contact Nuala Maracas in world.

P R E S S   R E L E A SEFor Immediate Release

September 4, 2019
Contact Nuala Maracas   nuala.maracas@gmail.com

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The Ultimate Fall Checklist for Your Home

As fall is just around the corner, it is a wise idea to start prepping both your interior and exterior for the colorful yet chillier season. As the weather is set to become cooler, it’s likely you will soon be spending more time inside your home and less time caring for your garden.

For this reason, you must overhaul your property to ensure it is ready for the blustery season. Check out this ultimate fall checklist for your home.

Tend to Your Garden

Don’t make the mistake of neglecting your yard this fall or you could come to regret it once spring and summer roll back around. 

To ensure your garden remains both beautiful and tidy when temperatures start to drop, you should use this time wisely to:

• Plant bulbs for spring flowers
• Cover your pool
• Rake away old leaves
• Fertilize and seed your lawn
• Trim your overgrown landscaping
• Both clean and cover your patio furniture
• Remove dying or dead limbs from your trees

It will ensure your garden appears gorgeous and healthy once the colder seasons have come to an end.

You also must take the time to seal any exterior air leaks with caulk, which can prevent unwanted cold air and moisture from entering your property. For example, you should seal crack surrounding the trim and siding, as well as your windows, doors and where wires and pipes enter your property.

Create a Warm and Cozy Home

Temperatures will start to plummet once the fall season arrives, and you will likely want to escape into the warmth and comfort of your home if the weather becomes a little windy. 

To create a cozy, inviting space, you must:

• Pull cozy bed linen and thick blankets out of storage
• Stock up on firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace
• Change your air filter in your HVAC system
• Create a dedicated area for coats, umbrellas and muddy shoes

You should even aim to contact one of the best local plumbers to ensure that your exposed water pipes don’t freeze over and are still working correctly, which will help to create an inviting, organized and warm space throughout both fall and winter in your home. So, you will have no reason to want to venture outside into the blustery, rainy weather.

Weatherproof Your Property

While the sun is still shining, you should utilize this time to weatherproof your property in time for both fall and winter. By following the below tips, you can ensure you will not experience an unwanted draft or structural damage to your property during tougher climates.

So, you should:

• Clean both your gutters and downspouts of debris
• Replace or repair any loose shingles or holes in your roof
• Trim branches hovering over your roof
• Check the weather stripping on your windows and doors – replace if needed
• Repaint exterior paint if it is peeling to prevent further weather damage
• Fill any cracks in either your driveway or patio

Test Your Detectors

As you will be more likely to crank up your heating or fireplace during fall and winter, it is wise to check your detectors at the start of the chillier seasons. For example, you should test both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. It might also be a wise idea to replace their batteries, even if they seem to be working fine. It will provide peace of mind that your family will be protected within the home.

Bleed Your Hot Water Radiators

Trapped air can block a hot water radiator, which can prevent heat from circulating across your home while forcing your heating system to work harder to increase your home’s temperature.

For this reason, you must bleed all radiators before fall arrives. To do so, you should:

1. Use a radiator key or screwdriver and turn the valve counter-clockwise
2. Allow water to drip into a cup or bowl and release any trapped air
3. Replace the valve
4. Repeat the process on your other radiators

By doing so, you can quickly warm up your home once fall arrives, so you will not long for spring and summer to return.

All good things must come to an end, and while the sun is unlikely to be shining brightly throughout fall, the above actions can ensure your home is both warm and inviting, and your yard is tidy and attractive throughout the season. 

So, don’t delay in transforming your interior and exterior before the blustery temperatures officially arrive, which can protect your property and family from the chillier elements.

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LUXURY IN YOUR SECONDLIFE – SPOTLIGHT ON LUXORY AND WILLOWDALE ESTATES- JOSH BELLIC REPORTING

“If you’re gonna live twice, why not live your Second Life in Luxury?”

And what better place to live that luxury than Luxory Estates and Willowdale Estates

The dictionary defines Luxury as: the state of great comfort and extravagant living.  This aptly captures the look and feel of life at “Luxory and Willowdale Estates” properties.

Two of SecondLife’s best and brightest minds, Imagin Illyar of Willowdale Estates, and Vanity Bonetto of Luxory Estates have teamed up to provide the quintessential land purchasing experience, unmatched anywhere on the entire grid.  

Immediately after landing at the sales pavilion, I was greeted by Andrea DeLauren, one of their courteous and highly professional staff.  This was no “sales bot”, but was an honest to goodness sales associate who knows the business and the details about their properties inside and out.  In fact, I was to learn that Luxory and Willowdale have a crew of eight such sales associates, providing an available agent 24/7.

I learned that Willowdale offers high-end professionally landscaped homesteads as well as full prim parcel land, and their newest product – the full homesteads.  Being a novice to the world of land purchasing, I asked Andrea, just what IS a “homestead”, and how does it differ from other properties? She told me that In SL there are two different types of sims.... "Homesteads" and "Full Prim".  Homesteads are sims with 5k prims capacity and Full Prim sims have 20k or 30K prims in total. In homestead sims you find bigger plots, usually more private... but with less prims... In Full Prim sims you get more neighbors, smaller parcels but much more prims for the price.  

Despite being one of the busiest women in SecondLife, I was able to catch up with Imagin Illyar and ask her a few questions about the Luxory and Willowdale Estates partnership.

Josh Bellic: So tell me, Imagin, what was it that turned you onto the idea of managing properties in SecondLife?

Imagin Illyar:  I bought my first sim 3 months after first joining Second Life back in 2008.  I knew as soon as I realized there was such a thing as an estate that I wanted to run one.  I enjoyed virtual landscaping from the very beginning. Making beautiful spaces is my passion and after 11 years of it I still feel as though I can't get enough.

JB: Do you, personally, own a home in Luxory Estates or Willowdale Estates and what is the difference between the two groups?  

II:  Luxory and Willowdale started out as separate estates but we merged them in December 2017.  I had known Vanity Bonetto, the owner, for many years and by joining our estates Willowdale has been able to grow and expand far beyond what I was able to do on my own.  56 sims have been added to Willowdale since merging with Luxory. It was a smart move, and yes, I make my home at Willowdale :)

JB:  What is it that makes Luxory Estates - Willowdale Estates. different from all the rest?

II:  The first thing people will notice is the landscaping.  Our tenants can also switch landscaping styles upon request. I have developed a system that allows me to do a switch in 10 minutes so you don't have to actually move to get a fresh new look for your homestead. Our sims are far above and beyond what is typical in SL, but it's the dedicated 24/7 customer service that really makes us stand out.  I know anyone can say that but our occupancy rate is usually around 95% and it's because we treat our tenants very well.

JB:  Tell me about the partnership between Luxory Estates and Willowdale  Estates? Has there been a real synergy when you decided to come together?  

II:  I ran Willowdale myself for 11 years and partnered with Vanity Bonetto of Luxory Estate in December of 2017. Since then 56 new sims have been added for a current total of 86 - and we are planning even more significant growth for the next year.  Vanity and I are a great team - I do the creative work and she runs the business end. Her highly-trained sales staff are the best in the business. We have both benefited greatly from the partnership. Vanity Bonetto and I are a perfect team.  I'm a creative type and she's the most talented business person I've ever met.  As I mentioned, we knew each other for many years before actually joining the estates.  In retrospect we should have done it from the beginning.  We've both benefited greatly from the merger.

JB:  Do you have plans for expansion?  Maybe create common use areas, like a community pool or clubhouses for use by fellow property owners?

II:  Absolutely!  Full homesteads are a new product for Willowdale and the reception has been overwhelming.  It has become difficult to keep them in stock! I very much enjoy creating new layouts for them and I hope that this growth momentum will continue for many years.  We have 4 different styles available so far and I hope to add the 5th any day now. The homestead styles I create are very unique from anything you will find elsewhere on the grid.

I've created many different common areas for tenants in the past they didn't work out.  I find that people in SL think they want common areas on estates but once provided they just don't get used.  There are a great many places that offer entertaining things for people to do in Second Life, what I provide is a peaceful and private place to come home to when you're done with that.  I've decided to just focus on doing what I do best and it's been working very well.

So, there you have it Folks.  Something for everyone. Land ownership just doesn't get any better than this!

SLURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LUXORY/131/131/25

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