Nydia Tungsten on the "Anti-Christmas Party"

By Bixyl Shuftan

Nydia Tungsten is a vixen of many talents, video producer, sim manager, estate owner, and club owner. But before all those, she made a name for herself as DJ "Naughty Nydia," with a list of tunes from mild to wild. This Thursday, Nydia Tungsten will be DJing for her "Anti-Christmas" Party. Earlier this week, she asked to have a few words with the Newser to address some concerns she was hearing about the event. So I met up with her at her home at Mouse Hold Manor.

 "Some accusations have come up that I feel need to be put to rest," Nydia explained. I asked what was wrong, and she continued, "Some say my Anti-Christmas DJ set that I do every year is because I hate Christmas and what it stands for, (that) I hate God and everything to do with Him and/or her or whatever they believe. That simply is NOT true. I respect what everyone believes as long as they don't try and force it on others. And as for Christmas, I LOVE IT, it is the one time of the year most people around the world think of others more than themselves. I have no problem with what any one believes."

"What my set does is simply lighten the mood, since corporations have been slamming us with ads since before Halloween. I love Christmas but HATE the commercialization event it has become. Let's face it ....it is BAD. Most of the world celebrates Christmas, and they sit back and laugh at the U.S. because of the riots shopping has become, 'Black Friday is when all the idiots go out and knock little kids over for a ferkin rice cooker. People like myself just want to scream in frustration over the stupid few. My 'naughty' songs are just a way to release that, not take anything away from anyones beliefs.

"If your beliefs are easily offended by others poking fun at it all in good humor, please don't come. But don't say I hate Christmas or what people believe. There is a statement in my profile that I really believe, 'Religion is like a penis. It's fine if you have one; it's fine if you're proud of it, but don't go waving it about in public. And for God's sake, don't try to shove it down children's throats.' I was religious at one time, and I loved the jokes those brave enough to tell me would share with me."

I asked, "How do you think this misunderstanding got started?" Nydia answered, "The name I gave it I think. I call it my 'Anti-Christmas Special.' Bad idea on my part I guess. But it isn't anti-Christmas, just anti-sickening sweet ads on the TV and radio that start in October. It is all in good fun and I don't bash on anyones beliefs. The songs on the other hand... well thats another story. You know I love filk, all kinds, and I pull out all the stops for this time of the year. You know most of them yourself (Bixyl). would you say any of them bash on religion?" To her question, I answered "No" as I had never known her to do so. "They are downright raunchy," she went on, "but all in good fun."

She continued, "When I started this, there were no other shows like it in Second Life. I was kinda proud of that, the idea I was the first, for at least four years now I have been doing this. A few days ago I found out there is a club hosting it's own version of it. I am thrilled. So please, before you judge, come see for yourself. That is my invitation from me to you."

I told her, "A few of them I've heard on public radio during working hours, 'Twelve Pains of Christmas,' 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.' and one or two others. I recall one of the parodies was done by a Second Life resident, our own Shockwave Yareach." Nydia responded, "Yes, my favorite to be honest, 'Grandma got knocked up by a reindeer.' some are just... well... one of the mid-range songs I play is 'Frosty the Pervert.' And some just... well... you will have to hear to believe." "Sounds like a few would make even a sailor blush," I commented. "I even found a few more for this years event," Nydia informed.

She went on, "To be honest, my first year doing this, I just called it 'A Filky Christmas.' Well, a few who like my DJ style showed up not knowing that filk equals parodies, and left soon after. This set isn't for everyone, and I try and make sure everyone KNOWS this isn't a 'touching, heart warming Christmas special.' these songs get down right NASTY! But they're funny and I like them. And if at anytime you don't feel this event for you, please leave, I am not saying that to be a bitch. I am saying it because I won't be offended if my friends pull out because it is too much for them or they don't agree with it, I understand, truly I do, and it will not hurt my feelings at all. I want those attending, to enjoy themselves."

"BUT.... If you come and start to spot religious views that you feel we need to observe because your 'Offended' or it isn't 'PC,' prepare to be mocked. We all have our own beliefs, I won't force mine on you and ask that I am treated the same. We are all here to enjoy ourselves. If we want to be told how we are all going to burn in hell, we can go to church. I personally believe religious views should only be shared if asked."

I asked where and when the event would be. Nydia told me, "I will be doing it this Thursday at "The Primal Passion Club" from 4 to 6PM. Sadly, this will be one of it's last events. I have learned this from my SL daughter Rayven. She really did a great job setting it up. I was hoping this club would do better. I love the build and style of it."

"So please come and enjoy a twisted Christmas with us. ... I think I may go back to (calling it) that, just to keep misunderstandings like this from happening."

Nydia and I would chat a little longer, and eventually head our separate ways for the day.

So for Thursday December 17, be sure to head to Castle Primal Passions at 4PM SL time to enjoy the "Anti-Christmas" Xmas parodies event by DJ "Naughty Nydia" Tungsten.

Sunweaver Bay (170, 215, 25)

Bixyl Shuftan

A Special SL Kid: Marianne Mccann's Rezzday

By Gemma Cleanslate

 Saturday February 22 was a special day in Second Life because it was the rezz day of a special person: Marianne Mccann who was "born" in 2006. Here is a SL kid who has accomplished a lot in Second Life during her life. She has always been true to her SL inner child, but has been involved in so many things.  Marianne first entered Second Life as an adult, but became a three year old child soon after, Now she is an 8 year old, but is resting at that age. 

I went over to "The Pen" in Bay City, where she has properties, for her birthday party. Lots of kids and grown up friends were present for the festivities. Marianne herself did the DJing for the dances. People dropped by to congratulate her. I have known Mari since 2009. I believe I met here at my first visit to SLB at the kids build. Later I asked her to write an article for the SL Newser as part of a whole group of SL kids articles. You can read about Mari here  http://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2010/08/so-why-am-i-kid-avatar.html . I think she was SL kids age 3 then. 

I have been at many events where Mari was involved in one way or another.  One of the most exquisite things I think she ever did was the history build for the SL10B . It was a complete look at the past years in a wonderful setting. I kept going back to it over and over so I did not miss anything. It should be preserved somewhere in Second Life for posterity.  Right now Mari is getting ready for the first Second Life Winter Games which will be held at Chamonix City in mid-March. I have always admired Mari and wish her so many more years of achievement in SL. 

Drfran Babcock did an interview with her after the SL10B .
http://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2013/06/sl10b-interview-marianne-mccann.html

Gemma Cleanslate

Relay For Life: After the Walk

By Bixyl Shuftan

Following the Relay For Life Weekend, in which the Relayers walk the track, the sims remain open for some days afterward. This is to allow those who missed the walk to see the exhibits, but it also allows those whom had lag troubles to see the camps and builds without trouble. And yours truly was among those taking some time to sightsee.

Most people walked. But I saw a few people in vehicles, even Sageway two-wheelers. Once I saw some pedal-powered contraption manned by several residents from Loligagger Lane. Getting on it however, I was knocked off as soon as it hit a sim crossing.

Much of the time, inspired by the "Stinky the Skunk" cheers and jokes, I went down the track in my skunk avatar. This included one time at a water build in which the stinker got a dolphin ride.

I wasn't the only one, though. Stopping by the "Bog of Eternal Stench," there was the Relayer whom was playing the part of "Stinky." Who was it? Well, I never heard him admit it, so keeping Stinky's secret identity a secret, for now.

And while going down the track, people would sometimes meet up to talk, or have impromptu parties. Listening to the Relay chatter on Monday July 15, Fuzzball had a challenge to live up to. Since a fundraising goal had been met, he had to go bald, purple, and dress in modern wear. And so he appeared that way on the track, looking like something from "Blue Man Group," but purplish. "Lavender was too girly," his partner Genie spoke amusingly.

As a few more dropped in, a dance animator called "PSY Gentleman" was passed around. And then we were soon having our own little dance party. This included one dancer in an "ent," or tree spirit avatar. She had some "tree"mendous moves.

One of the Relay traditions is the "flood party." It began one year when the water level in one sim was raised before the camps were cleared, and everyone had such a great time, people kept on doing it. This year, it took place Wednesday July 17. There was no need for life preservers this time, though. There was only a foot of water covering the path and much of the ground at RFL Spirit where the flood took place.

At RFL Reflections, a yacht had been parked at the docks, with a skunk figurehead. Aboard were dancing a number of Relayers, with Aryon Dagger acting as DJ behind a booth and spinning tunes. She was soon followed by DJ Madonna as clouds formed overhead, and rained on the people and land down below. Later on, Stingray would show up in pirate regalia and a couple ships with Gorean flags appeared. People laughed rather than shivered, though, and a few were donning pirate outfits of their own. This might have been the last of the big parties, and people were taking advantage of the chance to have fun.

By Thursday July 18, there were a few empty camp areas as their builders had for whatever reason to pack up early. But most of the exhibits were still up, and people explored. In RFL Give, there was one gathering of human and furred avatars, some of both in Steampunk outfits. We enjoyed the music, dancing a little, and swapped a few jokes.

As usual, people were joking around in the Relay Volunteer Group chat, but there were also expressions of sadness. The empty spaces were the sign that the sims would soon be gone, "I'm going to miss the Relay." One woman commented there would be an emptiness in her heart filled only by the planning for next year.

Friday is probably the last chance to see the sims with some number of exhibits. You may also get a chance to see a "demolition party," as the build goes out as part of an event. In two or three days, the sims will fade back into the virtual nether, and The Walk will be over for another year.

Bixyl Shuftan

Relay For Life "Skunk Aid"

By Bixyl Shuftan

On Sunday March 17th, there were a number of Relay For Life events. There was the Fashion For Life, for one. But another event was the "Skunk Aid" party. The event was held for  the Relay Rockers, led by Captain Nuala Maracas, which had been targeted by someone in the Relay's "Stinky the Skunk" campaign. The "Moonstar Mavericks," led by Amanda Darbyshire, were also involved. The event was from 5 to 7PM at Arinultra Cay.

 OK You Allllll...  You Skunked the Rockers, so now its time to celebrate with the first EVER Skunk Aid..  its a Black and White 60s Party   coming up at 5pm in Arinultra Cay.   Music by Yours Truly.  Come let Stinky know we love him, but Just Like Cancer.. its time to Move On!


No reporter was there at the scene, though details could be read in Relay chat, "STINKY!!!!!! … Moonstar Mavericks also got a visit from Stinky. … Stinky is a cute skunk, too." "I'm a doctor, not a skunk herder." "STINKY!! He's not visiting the Rockers. He LIVES with you." "As  a Noob this year, Im wondering who Relay Rockers tiffed off to have us Skunked so many Times!!?? "Well, you know what they say. Old homes are sturdy homes. And, Stinky decided he wanted to move into the sturdiest home in Relay." "Hahahaa, I first read that as 'old homes are stinky homes.'" "Hell I don't know, all I know is we have been skunked until Summer!!!" "I think they wanted him...maybe even paid him to stay…*winks* " The Relay Rockers had been given more than the standard five day skunking.

Trader commented, "Yep!  When Life gives you Lemons you make Lemonade.When Relay Gives you Skunks you make .... T-shirts and hold a Skunk Aid Party! … Rockers and Mavericks  come get your shirts and hats!  Cancer Stinks!!!" For a 50L donation, one would get a  "Cancer Stinks" T-shirt. There were also skunk caps one could get for free just for showing up.

The comments continued, "The two team captains are dressed as skunks....lol.. too funny!" "Yep.. Stinky Maracas. And Stinky Darbyshire." Trader sent me a few pictures which showed some of the funnery. Nuala had donned a fursuit over her avatar. Amanda had changed from human to furry with a Luskwood skunkgirl avatar, sporting green hair as it was St. Patricks Day.

Later on, I chatted with Trader about the event. "(We) raised about 8g and got Amanda unskunked," he told me, "We are using nothing but skunk kiosks. We had a good time (laughter). … We had people popping in and out. Lots of teams were represented.  It was a cooperative event between Relay's oldest and of its newest teams to rid ourselves of Stinky.  It showed true One Team spirit!"

"The jokes were bad," he added, "the usual road kill jokes, 'what color does SkunkAde come in?: Purple of Course.' (laughter) And I played 60s songs like 'White Rabbit,' 'Black Is Black,' 'Whiter Shade of Pale,' 'Paint it Black,' (and) wrapped with 'Ebony & Ivory.'" Trader commented he might have added songs like "That Smell," "but it was a 60s show." So what was the craziest moment? "Well, Nuala Maracas in a Skunk gut doing 'Gangnam Style' was interesting (laughter). I am glad no one took a picture of me in my Family tartan kilt , a grey 'Cancer Stinks' Shirt, and a Stinky Baseball cap."

"It was a fun event. It shows the special quality of Relay For Life of Second Life...  Regardless of your team, regardless of where on the globe we are all one team, sharing the same dream: a world without cancer! Stinky is a fun addition to Relay! Now that doesn't mean we want him to be a permanent tenant at Arinultra Cay, we don't mind him staying for a visit!"

Checking the Relay Rockers team page, someone had put up more cash to have the team skunked until April 5th. But more donations came, so by the time of this article's publishing the date had been moved back to March 30th. The fundraising boosts have raised the Relay Rockers' total to over $139,000 Lindens raised, or over $550 US dollars. The Moonstar Mavericks aren't far behind with over $129,000 L raised. Both are Silver-ranked teams. At over 51,000 Lindens raised, the Steelhead Salmons are halfway to Silver.

There were other events that day, such as a bumper car rally. One of the leading teams, Harmony of Hope, was issued a challenge when one fox resident offered to go pink if the 200,000 Linden mark was crossed. It was, and he did. 

For more information, check the RFL in SL website. 

"Cancer Stinks!"

Bixyl Shuftan

Pictures from Trader1 Whiplash

Passionate Redheads Hold Opening Event for RFL 2012

On Sunday March 11th, the Relay for Life team Passionate Redheads held their first event for 2012. This was on the opening weekend for the Relay for Life fundraising season, and like other teams they wanted to bring in a good amount of donations. Daaneth Kivioq invited all to the dance at the Southern Colorado sim.


The Passionate Redheads of RFL of SL invite you to a formal event at Palais with DJ Daaneth Kivioq on March 11, 2012 at 5pmSLT . Ladies please wear formal gowns and gentlemen please wear tuxedos to this event at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Southern%20Colorado/98/170/51

Please use the transporter to Le Palais.



The event took place at "Le Palais Du Soleil," or "The Palace of the Sun," set on a floating island well above the Enchanted Forrest. Daaneth told those attending that he and his partner Sabine McGettin and built the dance hall. He told they had been inspired by several European ballrooms, but mainly the Russian Winter Palace.

The dance party began at 5 SL time, and it was a success with over two dozen attending, though some had to leave early and some appeared late. Among those outside the Redheads attending were Fuzzball Ortega of the Steelhead Salmons, as well as Dolleyes Barbosa, Panza Eilde, and Trader Whiplash. Those attending were asked to donate to the RFL kiosk, and the donations came in.

Daaneth played the music for the party that night. Some of the songs were slower dance tunes, but others were more lively, and some were favorites of the Relayers. Among the first played was John Denver's "Calypso," followed by "Run for Life."

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

"This song always makes me cry. …." Daan mentioned a few people he did the Relay in honor for, his sister, his partner Sabine, "and most of all, all of you. Pray you never hear those words 'You have cancer.' " He sniffled, then apologized to the audience. He switched to more upbeat songs, such as "I Love Rock & Roll" which he described as being played once at a USO show in Afghanistan by Joan Jett and the "Blackhearts." Daaneth reminded the crowd he had a stroke last year, but mostly recovered, giving most of the credit to Sabine. Sabine herself was not at the party due to real-life commitments.

The event was also a chance to show off some items. Dusk Griswold showed off a Pony avatar she had made for sale for the Relay. Fuzzball soon had a response, "Hey, look what'll be in a Steelhead vendor: (The) Double Nut Purple Squirrel Gun." He then showed off a pistol with a board on top with two purplish rodents, "And the single shooter." The first pistol changed to a slimmer one-rodent model. The attendees chuckled away at the nutty weaponry.

During the party, Nydia Tungsten excused herself, then returned with another party of the party. She rode a motorcycle across the ballroom floor to the kiosk, announcing there would be a raffle, and this limited edition motorcycle made for the Relay was the prize, "this Bike is one of MLCC's finest Cruisers with a custom RFL paint job. It will be going to a few of the events to give everyone a chance to get some tickets."

The party went on for a few hours, and eventually people had to go. Daaneth told SL Newser 7742 Lindens were raised that night, or $31 US Dollars.

This was only the first of the events the Passionate Redheads have planned. There are plans in the works for a biker rally and a "Bid me Furry."

Bixyl Shuftan

Scenes of Halloween Weekend

The Aussie club "The Pocket," at Freestar Bay, having a Halloween Party late Friday Night.

Cellandra Zon, who runs The Pocket. Talk about going topless.

Saturday Night, the Cutlass Club at Sunweaver Air had it's Halloween Party.

And the fog when seen at "midnight" was pretty spooky.

Luskwood's Halloween party was Sunday, and the LM to get there led to this spot on the ground at the Perry sim.

And it led to a treehouse hundreds of meters in the air, which looked cool when viewed at "Midnight."

There was music by DJ, a few trivia contest questions with cash prizes, and a new avatar released. It's among the first with Mesh features.

On Monday, Halloween Day, the Queen of Hearts club at Mystery had afternoon and evening costume parties.

Later that evening, after the "treaters" had gone home on the East Coast, and still going house to house in the west, "The Happy Vixen" at the Purrfection Estates had a Halloween party to celebrate.

Happy Halloween Everyone.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Relay for Life 2011 Wrap-Up Party

The Relay for Life Walk was a month ago, but the official end of this year’s RFL fundraising season wasn’t until last weekend. Saturday August 20th, 2011, members of various Relay teams got together for the last event of “Seasons of Hope.” It was time for the Wrap-Up Party.

Before the party’s start at 3PM, people began gathering at the Florida Keys sim. Once the hour started, live music was provided by singer Damian Carbenell. And it wasn’t long before the sim was packed. 57 avatars were counted in the sim at one point. With so many around, people were gathering away from the stage where Damian was performing. A variety of avatars from numerous teams of all sizes from large to small gathered around. at 4PM, the T-1 Radio DJ took over

Durring the party, a few few things happened things happened. One was the RFL kiosks scattered across the grid which had been taking in donations began to self-destruct. The fundraising for the season was over, and their purpose was done. Ember Farina was reluctant to let go, “I still have a few” *is holding on tight* Fuzzball Ortega joked, “no, let go Ember, or you’ll go poof too.” Some commented that at least one Relayer wouldn’t know and think they were deliberately removed, PrettyKitty Gumbo saying, “I wonder if someone will ask what happened to their vendor?” Dwen Dooley responded, “I personally guarantee that an angry email will find it's way to me, because ‘they weren't warned.’ " Fuzzball Ortega, quiped, “Didn't even get a poof of purchase (yea, I know, bad pun).” Later, Fuzzball commented, “Ok, I need a drink now. Yes, Bixyl you may quote me.”

Another thing that happened was that the much-anticipated theme of next year’s relay was made public. The 2012 Relay for Life will have the theme of “Time for a Cure.” The announcement was greeted with much applause.

And, there were the awards given out begining at 4:30. Many of these were basicaly given out for fun, such as Fuzzball Ortega being awarded the “Big Hair” award for the enormous hairdo he sported at times. Others were more serious, such as the “Spirit of Relay” Individual Award, announced by last year’s winner Ember Farina.

“For the last six years this year’s recipient has been Relaying in SL. Regardless of Team affliation, anyone who has needed assistance with Kiosks, Vendors, or building has found a helping hand. This year, just as Relay was kicking into high gear, he suffered a debilitating stroke. His motivation for a fast recovery was actually Relay for Life! He worried so much about his team that he came back inworld before he could even read or type; they all used voice to communicate with him to ensure that the team would keep moving forward. He’s determined, and despite all odds, always involved in anything that has to do with Relay, from planning to end, always there to help others regardless of other affiliations.

“I’m pleased to announce the 2011 individual Spirit of Relay – Daaneth Kivioq.”

Daaneth, whom was there with several others from his “Passionate Redheads” team, was clearly surprised by the announcement, which was greeted with cheers from many. He thanked everyone, and was a bit quiet for the rest of the time he was at the Wrap-Up event. But later on, he and the Redheads would soon do a little celebrating of their own.



Spirit of relay award - I am stunned. I want to thank EVERYONE who nominated me. I have now words to express my gratitude. Except .. > PARTY! NOW! HOPE GARDENS! NYDIA IS THE DJ!! FIREWORKS! And one OTHER very important number: L$ 726,001 -$ 2,904 - how much money you raised this relay season. Please come party with me!


And a number did. Not just the Redheads, but Fuzzball Ortega dropped by as well, showing off “The Hair” that had gotten so much attention this year. DJ Nydia Tungsten cranked up the tunes, and Daaneth set off some fireworks, lighting up the night sky over Southern Colorado.

It was a great end to a great season.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Wrap Up Party, I hope you all had fun. Thank you to Trader and Nuala and T1 Radio, Damian Carbenell, the awards committee, Sting, Mama and Dwen. Also, thank you to Bo Hera for allowing us to use his sim and Samara Barzane for facilitating that! Finally, thank you to my build team Bianca Bender and Elise Capalini for creating such a magical space! *hugs* See you in 2012! Bailey Dazy, Special Events Chair 2011


To hear the audio of the event, one can go to an archived recording Here.

For more pictures, Ishtars Kiss has some on her Flickr page. And for a list of the award winners, check the post on the Relay for Life in Second Life Blog.

Bixyl Shuftan

Are You an Internet Addict? Comment!

If you are reading this, you are a likely Second Life (SL) addict. Take this quick SL addiction quiz (based upon netaddiction.com)

Q1) Do you think about SL when offline?
Q2) Have you tried to cut back or quit SL? Many times?
Q3) Do you often use SL longer than expected?
Q4) Has SL affected your job or Real Life (RL) relationships?
Q5) Do you become irritated when someone RL interrupts your SL?
Q6) Are you addicted to nicotine, drugs, alcohol, or cybersex?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you really should take the Internet addiction self test at: http://netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm

How big is this problem? According to NetAddiction.com and Google statistics, 39,000,000 Americans are Internet addicts, about 1 in 8. And over 400,000,000 Internet addicts in China, Korea, and Taiwan combined, about 3 in 10 people. Woah! That's a lot! And more than half suffer from other addictions!

Experts say Internet addicts "use the fantasy world of the Internet to psychologically escape..." That's a dead ringer for Second Life! OMG!

This Canadian documentary shows the lives of two Second Life addicts. One lady destroys her family life because she is always online, and the other moved in with her Second Life biker BF. Bikers are more fun! lol http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/2008-2009/strangers_in_paradise/

Personally, I know of several divorces and other RL problems of SL addicted users. These problems are obviously more widespread than we can know. What are your experiences? Please Comment!

On yet another addictive night of fun in SL... Pictures= 1 shows a super-fun party at Dumplings country music club in SL http://slurl.com/secondlife/Esterhal/79/110/38

Picture 2 is incredible SL comedian Lauren Weyland shown onstage with the lovely Wytchwhisper, the co-host of The Weekly Look and one of the stars of YAYCats! Catch Lauren's shows 4:30pm slt most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Lauren's Place http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cookie/128/237/22

Story originally published on CNN.

Any1 Gnoid

White Mouse Power

King Kong vs Mega-Macro Lomgren

Following The Walk for Relay for Life, for a few days until the teardown people continued to have fun at the various sims around the track. People explored around, collected freebie souvenirs, or just got together for a party. The various Relay groups would hold one, and anyone else was free to drop in.

On Monday July 19th, the Relay Rockers group were holding a bash at their camp, which looked like it was set up for a celebration, with it’s picnic tables, balloons, stuffed animals, cupcakes and cakes. Standing above it all, one giant multilayer cake, with pink icing, candles, and a slice cut out. People were partying across the camp, including a few on the giant cake.

I dropped in along with a few others from the Passionate Redheads. Among them. one of the two main builders of the Redhead camp, Lomgren Smalls. Lomgren is unique among Second Life residents as the “tiny kitty” avatar he uses almost all the time is just six inches in height. A skilled builder, a few years ago he tried pushing the limits of Second Life’s physics by seeing just how small he could make an avatar that could move more or less normally, being able to do most common actions except dance. It’s certainly been a conversation-breaker, and in a job fair in Second Life even helped him get his current real-life job.

We enjoyed the party, dancing to the music when we heard, “Big ape.” And looking up, what came into view was a big mass of muscle and hair: a macro gorilla avatar, probably King Kong size. It danced alongside the rest of us for a little while, then I saw one girl appear in it’s huge hand, as if doing one of Fae Wray's scenes, “EEEEEEEEE!! It’s got me!! Help! Heeeellllppppp!!”

Someone decided to help in his own way. “I’m going to put that gorilla in his place,” Lomgren commented, then zipped away. A minute later, something appeared, towering over the gorilla. It was Lomgren, but in a much, much, larger avatar: a mega-macro. He had also decided to try to take avatar building in the other direction, building a huge feline that put most macros to shame. I didn’t get a measure of just how tall it is, but it was probably over 100m in height.

Lomgren stuck around for some minutes. One guy teleporting in found himself between the huge avatar’s toes. The girl held by the ape soon dropped from it’s hand, and soon the gorilla was gone from the party, not wanting to look like an organ-grinder monkey next to the mega-macro. After the hairy primate was gone, Lomgren disappeared again, then came back as his usual six-inch high self, “I prefer being this height.”

The master builder had his chance to stand tall literally as well as figuratively.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Fire & Rescue Dept. Holds Fireman’s Ball in NYC Sim

On June 10th at 5 PM SL time, The Second Life Fire and Rescue Department held a Firemans’ Ball in the NYC sim at the fire department building. Keira Colclough was the DJ at the party in the Second Life version of the Big Apple. It was held across the street from the fire station, with it’s trucks on display, looking detailed and shiny.

“We decided to host a firemans’ ball and invite other fire and rescue departments from SL,” SLFRD chief JayFizzle McGinnis told Second Life Newser, “We actually opened SLFRD on the grid in 2008, spent time on other sims up until about January this year when we moved SLFRD here to NYC. We provide fire and rescue for the city, and plan to move in to EMS and soon possibly a police dept. here.” He went on to explain the group was a “fire and rescue roleplay.”

So were there any fires the group felt were extra memorable? “The time I lit the station on fire,” SLFRD member Tyler Molinaxil answered, then laughed, “Cooking fire, (we) left to go on a false alarm, and came back, and there was fire coming from the roof.” “Yeah,” SLFRD member Francisdom Weder laughed, “the whole place lit up.” JayFizzle added, “But we handled the incident, rebuilt the station, and have new policies in place to prevent it from happening again.”

How did the idea for the ball start? JayFizzle answered, “We are low staffed at the moment, and tried to think of a way to get people here to the sim and recruit. So we decided to have a firefighters ball and tout our department a bit to them and hopefully get a few firefighter candidates. ... we are always looking for new hires to start the training process.” JayFizzle thought there were 49 at the event at one point.

The party did have a change of plans early on, “We were supposed to have a live fire demo at 5. However the chief officer in charge of that, like most of us, is a RL firefighter, and had a guy he knows get seriously injured on the job today. And we decided to go without the demos. It happens as the job itself is a dangerous one. Here at SLFD, we are unique in SL for the fact we pride ourselves on real firefighting tactics, and ninety percent of my staff and mainly all my officers are real fire fighters. Frankie for a fact,” he pointed at Francisdom, “that man is amazing.”

Between answering questions, there was much joking around between the firefighters, and laughs shared by all.

The NYC sim is owned by Cheri Bing, a native New Yorker. The sim was featured on the CNN website due to it's 9-11 memorial.

Bixyl Shuftan