tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62405302015917364732024-03-06T00:31:45.557-05:00SL Newser - PeoplePeople and Personal Experiences in Second LifeBixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.comBlogger517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-65030551188525394172024-03-04T12:00:00.045-05:002024-03-05T22:37:27.059-05:00Interview With Jarden Alexis on The PBC Cultural Arts Center And The Black History Month Exhibit<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Dancerina Starlight, <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Second Life Newser focuses on capturing Second Life news that would be of great interest to the community. This article captures the establishment of the Premier Business Center Cultural Arts Center by Jarden Alexis. It's an interview developed by SLN's reporting team. It is located on the northeast side of sim; surrounded by greenery and cascading lights of many colors. The edifice has two-levels with historical categories, space for adequate entertainment, lounging, and of course, walk-throughs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBg700mJtXg9EHVpUVcnjeBEqodYNaoAditNaqdNxCvqX06xv7MSGho2uHQou4FKkY4TjwOFB14iMSnLhquQzEFzzsEXzCFAK0kYxpryFRvm_JHEMK1u8f-yLnHiQoFayTz2xs9fXixheXMDQMyAYL8eIhyphenhyphenICJQ3B319OTzVQwtNOzGe4GwvdrG2vqdo/s1550/dancerina_jarden09.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1550" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBg700mJtXg9EHVpUVcnjeBEqodYNaoAditNaqdNxCvqX06xv7MSGho2uHQou4FKkY4TjwOFB14iMSnLhquQzEFzzsEXzCFAK0kYxpryFRvm_JHEMK1u8f-yLnHiQoFayTz2xs9fXixheXMDQMyAYL8eIhyphenhyphenICJQ3B319OTzVQwtNOzGe4GwvdrG2vqdo/w400-h179/dancerina_jarden09.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Jarden, I am humbled, yet honored, to have been asked by Second Life Newser (SLN) to interview you and capture the work you have done to establish the PBC Cultural Arts Center (PBC CAC) to share with Second Life (SL) residents. I realize that the PBC CAC is just one part of what you do here at the Premiere Business Center (PBC). Thus, it will be very difficult for me to only focus on this aspect of your overall work so I will try not to use my peripheral vision to avoid getting impressively distracted by your surrounding projects.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPac5VDoMx2Rbrlk3nwbgsMKzjCYeegLLQpF5tPiVFVpCgAuoA3xgJ8wYgsSvAa9NiYLPCiZqB7-skpU-SJWjcSxNFlAJDTqSnwKTTI_Ao9jer9KZxHUtHkVWZTiqtkDtj8TeVvkBoejg2unQps8wxafH_Y6BHjDeeuRJhyQKiU0HrWYUyTgackXFe3w/s1024/Dancerina_JardenAlexis%20Bio%202022%20photo(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPac5VDoMx2Rbrlk3nwbgsMKzjCYeegLLQpF5tPiVFVpCgAuoA3xgJ8wYgsSvAa9NiYLPCiZqB7-skpU-SJWjcSxNFlAJDTqSnwKTTI_Ao9jer9KZxHUtHkVWZTiqtkDtj8TeVvkBoejg2unQps8wxafH_Y6BHjDeeuRJhyQKiU0HrWYUyTgackXFe3w/w400-h400/Dancerina_JardenAlexis%20Bio%202022%20photo(1).png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I will need you to keep me on task with the PBC CAC so I won't get drawn to the other surrounding projects. I remember writing an article about PBC about a year ago and also remember last year you had a similar expose event. I remember having plans to write about that and then real (RL) happened. This time SLN is ensuring we capture PBC CAC by extending awareness through journalism.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A61FMUFcxVe51iXgcGShT7hzlmaj8AOMFZihXyJDJshqN7TsHxb1h3UsMP3VT7bVScBeKgbVYDZR9_YwyIUA55R9DJjKgKg5lP77vlZ3lzCmnR5HMjPpPhAURgYNmqcD5I-wQ0SamvBVDtTwCyANS8UgWd9LSrArPtl3S9A8b5l_VsjpsBIbdk6oKw8/s546/dancerina_jarden10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="374" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A61FMUFcxVe51iXgcGShT7hzlmaj8AOMFZihXyJDJshqN7TsHxb1h3UsMP3VT7bVScBeKgbVYDZR9_YwyIUA55R9DJjKgKg5lP77vlZ3lzCmnR5HMjPpPhAURgYNmqcD5I-wQ0SamvBVDtTwCyANS8UgWd9LSrArPtl3S9A8b5l_VsjpsBIbdk6oKw8/w274-h400/dancerina_jarden10.png" width="274" /></a></div><br />With that, thank you for agreeing to sit with SLN to discuss your current project, PBC CAC. <br /><br />SLN 1: How was the PBC CAC established and what is its purpose?<br /><br />J1: February is Black History Month in the United States and the PBC Cultural Arts Center was established in 2021 as a month-long Black History project. The idea for the PBC Cultural Arts Center originated several months prior while I was planning and setting up for an Art show to promote the works of my SL sister Indea Vaher prior to her passing away on January 31, 2022. At some point during planning and set up Indea decided that she didn't want to display a lot of her real life work in Second Life so we ended up halting plans for the art show.<br /><br />With the month of February approaching I wanted to do something of substance on the PBC sim for Black History Month that would integrate the PBC mission. Since I had already started set-up for the art show, somehow a thought came to mind that I could use the setup for black history month as a means of educating, motivating and inspiring others through exhibits that would detail African American contributions that impacted the world! I began online research and before long the bottom floor of the venue was filled with Black History exhibits that included black history facts, black leaders and activists, pioneers, innovators and more!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz6LnABX0QgxeszmSPLT3ibPhhunAVe15HpaR4KTOU1DQR2ZO8rVcMn3c8C29RFiciATe90W15fCvNtXuKfKJnfqbTrueFJzCJJqa7chZz_OaKqgKZ-5G_58-7_il5rSqBWG_oDLTAGniZRnPoayU_L_R4B3GVJDkOiB8uwJLwHBH462D3nYyeadhLyo/s597/dancerina_jarden11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="597" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz6LnABX0QgxeszmSPLT3ibPhhunAVe15HpaR4KTOU1DQR2ZO8rVcMn3c8C29RFiciATe90W15fCvNtXuKfKJnfqbTrueFJzCJJqa7chZz_OaKqgKZ-5G_58-7_il5rSqBWG_oDLTAGniZRnPoayU_L_R4B3GVJDkOiB8uwJLwHBH462D3nYyeadhLyo/w400-h296/dancerina_jarden11.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />SLN: Fascinating beginning, Jarden.<br /><br />SLN 2: What types of resources does the PBC CAC recognize?<br /><br />J2: Currently the exhibits stem from past achievements and contributions that have major impacts on society made by African Americans as pioneers, inventors, or innovators. There is also information about the Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter movements, as well as bits and pieces of the arts which include or will include exhibits in the categories of performing arts, literary arts, and visual arts. As time permits I will work to incorporate more information and modern contributions by black people including black children. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXwhA6wVIyRtJ4dpN4BJJx7R6Gmt7-pkMKrW2NnAICCsXy8kfsCw2evopZvuM_xdGmvIMAvdhIrf9J8Ni4F4wVPfN26gKT2UqQLaATpAVM3MtEiV9XRo_oisazklG1cEQ1SOyZflMXYTRbzZPunpJlkufgBjaMpWPDBx2c4Vec2bCuT3FPSQ7F9yH_R8/s1744/dancerina_jarden12.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1744" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXwhA6wVIyRtJ4dpN4BJJx7R6Gmt7-pkMKrW2NnAICCsXy8kfsCw2evopZvuM_xdGmvIMAvdhIrf9J8Ni4F4wVPfN26gKT2UqQLaATpAVM3MtEiV9XRo_oisazklG1cEQ1SOyZflMXYTRbzZPunpJlkufgBjaMpWPDBx2c4Vec2bCuT3FPSQ7F9yH_R8/w400-h133/dancerina_jarden12.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />SLN: You seem to really have a vision for expansion and capacity. Wonderful!<br /><br />SLN 3: Specifically and categorically, how do you identify who and what will be displayed in the museum?<br /><br />J3: With the month of February designated as Black History Month in the United States, each year there is a RL Black History Month Theme which I attempt to incorporate into the exhibits while staying true to my PBC mission and the initial reason for establishing the PBC Cultural Arts Center, which is to display educational, motivational, and inspirational information from past to present pioneers which include, but is not limited to inventions, innovations, and critical contributions. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiX_S1Ybizt2SWbprsuPQ_PMjwflSXyEZDYXVv-jm_J1BNMR9kKR0Jq6DQQYSZyiqQpj9hVf84YkGX1Yy0Fb0rTlqtSSXzGtvf9m9jhA593Q5ENfO68EQZLKIvyE9LkzfvnfLUM4eNQYjd3hTvfzL9g0hObV8bCyfs4cKx8R5MPjMcy5DWWQReS6tq5s/s1184/dancerina_jarden13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1184" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiX_S1Ybizt2SWbprsuPQ_PMjwflSXyEZDYXVv-jm_J1BNMR9kKR0Jq6DQQYSZyiqQpj9hVf84YkGX1Yy0Fb0rTlqtSSXzGtvf9m9jhA593Q5ENfO68EQZLKIvyE9LkzfvnfLUM4eNQYjd3hTvfzL9g0hObV8bCyfs4cKx8R5MPjMcy5DWWQReS6tq5s/w400-h194/dancerina_jarden13.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />SLN: I see, Jarden.<br /><br />SLN 4: What are the criteria for inclusion in the PBC CAC?<br /><br />J4: Exhibits will display milestones and achievements of Black people past and present including children who have done extraordinary things, or made sacrifices, and world wide contributions, that have a significant impact or could impact on a global scale.<br /><br />SLN: So, what I hear you say is that your focus is vast and extend beyond the conventional United States approach to Black History Month, but will include the continuum of historical implications across the world. Great!<br /><br />SLN 5: What are some named individually, whether past and present?<br /><br />J5: Let's begin with Barack Obama, the first African American elected as president of the United States in 2008 and Kamala Harris who is the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African-American vice president. There are also Pioneers and innovators whose inventions and ideas or improvements have greatly impacted the world. You will find information on The Civil Rights Timeline, The Black Lives Matter Movement, and so much more. It is a lot to name and a lot more to add. As time permits I will update information with modern contributions and provide information on black children who have made major contributions as well.<br /><br />SLN: Very well. You have started at a good place and with recognizable names. Thank you.<br /><br />SLN 6: How are resources added to the PBC CAC?<br /><br />J6: Through online research and resources as well as suggestions that are researched and added as an exhibit based on their contributions.<br /><br />SLN: I would imagine with the vastness and variety you have on the sim altogether that perhaps your sim is opened to the SL public. With that--<br /><br />SLN 7: What does your traffic on the sim resemble and what do you hope for the future direction of the PBC CAC?<br /><br />J7: I don't monitor traffic much unless there is a PBC event. PBC is a global multicultural sim, it is open daily and everyone is welcomed! I am happy and appreciative to see people as they explore the sim and all that PBC has to offer. I am tremendously grateful for those that visit and or attend the PBC events. I believe that collectively we make PBC and PBC events a success!<br /><br />As far as the future of PBC I hope to provide more events that demonstrate the PBC mission with hopes that someone is impacted positively by something that they have done or seen on the PBC sim whether exploring or attending a PBC event.<br /><br />SLN: We are in SL. The reality is that just as in real (RL), SL has people from all over the world. Often times we can all wrap our arms around what is familiar to us; often forgetting that there are people from all over the world around us in SL.<br /><br />SLN 8: What are the benefits of bringing awareness through this historical and artistic format in SL?<br /><br />J8: PBC is a Global MultiCultural sim with a mission to motivate, educate, and inspire. Second Life is a platform with a global multicultural audience therefore it is a great place to share information and spread knowledge and awareness about the many past and present contributions of African Americans and black people.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_KzCVBEp51nOvmcG7-e3autAZoaUA0sUrnfklTu2L4tm4ntcMPwJQvPv1fm4SoONK9W9MOs6J3HeAMbs7Q7J_SZRx0wmWai9U9EbyRqgUssrI1q85WzWDWVJjXi5CcuYq_d0hzTLPlbJEsyH7J3HqTIph1SJysXDf5_LaSuqDKb8KI1ChMDByrMs9ts/s1287/dancerina_jarden14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1287" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_KzCVBEp51nOvmcG7-e3autAZoaUA0sUrnfklTu2L4tm4ntcMPwJQvPv1fm4SoONK9W9MOs6J3HeAMbs7Q7J_SZRx0wmWai9U9EbyRqgUssrI1q85WzWDWVJjXi5CcuYq_d0hzTLPlbJEsyH7J3HqTIph1SJysXDf5_LaSuqDKb8KI1ChMDByrMs9ts/w400-h239/dancerina_jarden14.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />SLN 9: What is your inspiration? What do you hope to gain from your work?<br /><br />J9: My Inspiration comes from the encouraging words and support of those around me as well as my passion for the things that I do in SL. I believe that if I am going to spend a lot of time in SL, I want to do something more than play "a game." I want to do something constructive and impacting with hopes that I can encourage or inspire others to do the same. There is satisfaction in the thought of bringing awareness and increasing knowledge to a large audience and making a difference that could potentially impact real life relationships through the knowledge gained from visiting PBC or a PBC event!<br /><br />SLN: That is inspiring.<br /><br />SLN: Let's take a look back at 2023.<br /><br />SLN 10: You had an event in 2023 commemorating some notable African Americans/Black, etc. Who were some of those people highlighted in the cultural center last year? Are they still factored into the museum?<br /><br />J10: The PBC Cultural Arts Center was recently moved from its original location to where it stands now. Prior to the move there were a lot more exhibits which included people like Dr Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, Harriet Tubman, Carter G. Woodson, Maya Angelou, Benjamin Banneker,Jesse Eugene Russell, Tony D. Hansberry, II and so many more. Those exhibits were removed during the move, but will be added back as time permits. Last year the exhibits consisted mostly of the Civil Rights Movement time-line and that exhibit still remains as part of the PBC Cultural Arts Center today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa0Pnk80Oxa7W80gv8ahX2QoYW2Yx76M4po6hLVJKWSFm-Nb7wr8DHNsi3HqNoq1nFnBe3PHi56vV2kImajiMXd3B4V_1SIKWorSpIDphDFQ7l-heLvUul6_3EB4sPt7CY6JvQU-ar7zxhUKMU-G0GdOwtP9oBPmGaDBhl9Zd7cU4KZ17iu_OzlYBJm8/s1880/dancerina_jarden15.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="1880" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa0Pnk80Oxa7W80gv8ahX2QoYW2Yx76M4po6hLVJKWSFm-Nb7wr8DHNsi3HqNoq1nFnBe3PHi56vV2kImajiMXd3B4V_1SIKWorSpIDphDFQ7l-heLvUul6_3EB4sPt7CY6JvQU-ar7zxhUKMU-G0GdOwtP9oBPmGaDBhl9Zd7cU4KZ17iu_OzlYBJm8/w400-h119/dancerina_jarden15.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />SLN: You have really invested quality time in your establishment of the CAC.<br /><br />SLN 11: What is the difference between last year and this year?<br /><br />J11: Last year the exhibits were based on The Civil Rights Movement Time-line. This year the museum still includes the Civil Rights Movement Time-line, but in addition to the Civil Rights Movement, you will find information about the Black Lives Matters Movement and many other categories such as inventors, innovators, the , science, musicians, choreographers, and more.<br /><br />SLN: Isn't it amazing how a vision can unfold in a way that fills in the blanks or gaps of the outcome? Wonderful.<br /><br />SLN 12: What do you hope residents in SL would gain from such an enriched edifice with historical knowledge?<br /><br />I would hope that the museum and its content will increase knowledge and awareness of SL residents and ultimately lead to people realizing that contributions of Black People are critical to the world, and without the efforts of these pioneers, inventors, innovators, doctors, scientists and so many more along with their groundbreaking contributions where would this world be!<br /><br />I want people to realize that Black History is not just American History! Black History is EVERYONE's history! BLACK HISTORY IS WORLD HISTORY!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDB_J_-KdiHMaHoRzKXf7KU3DqD4O3xba81pLIxapNBaNoqcb8CwWNVeU4uiKHkANosxoNYjDEoSz-PyVy7EhuQW92Jr0EMqAx6SAfNIjt1o0ETU3WlRtX8ZAnRLXN83Pu7BDCc_BGP7REch8Ot5fGOnOoAnjcVoDca_DTsKrTVKjDp9csCRiya_JUY8/s1574/dancerina_jarden16.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1574" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDB_J_-KdiHMaHoRzKXf7KU3DqD4O3xba81pLIxapNBaNoqcb8CwWNVeU4uiKHkANosxoNYjDEoSz-PyVy7EhuQW92Jr0EMqAx6SAfNIjt1o0ETU3WlRtX8ZAnRLXN83Pu7BDCc_BGP7REch8Ot5fGOnOoAnjcVoDca_DTsKrTVKjDp9csCRiya_JUY8/w400-h206/dancerina_jarden16.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />SLN: WOW! On that note, Jarden, this interview has been so enlightening and enjoyable. It is always a pleasure to sit with you and learn of your work in the SL community. Before you provide any final remark, I understand there might be congratulations in order?<br /><br />SLN: Do you care to talk about it? Well, if you don't know what I am talking about--Does "Destination" sound familiar? Yes, someone has let the "cat out the bag" and shared that PBC is now a Destination local. <br /><br />Please conclude this interview with your elaboration on that aspect and any other final remarks you might have.<br /><br />J: *Laughs* I can say this much, this was not something that I had even thought of nor expected! I was extremely shocked to get an IM from Strawberry Linden while busy still setting up exhibits and unaware that she was standing outside in front of the PBC Cultural Arts Center! I was honored to give her a tour and I was very happy, and more than grateful to hear her say that she was going to add the PBC Cultural Arts Center to the Destination guide under three categories: social awareness, museums, and galleries! I am hoping that she will eventually return to explore more of the PBC sim along with other Lindens who might enjoy all that PBC has to offer! PBC is open to the Public and ALL LINDENS!!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qL4IY7vA7GWIkkvMMuxD9WFAek6bqXHGNTIPWYZTBDRyEnJGOZMuAu4dSHxRlzAS9YQfbtJBOGSMAAVkFlcszrBaSn6J6I1GNYW_rsQFl0Or38j_bnSsRUEJTvaCWYXKZGwrSSnJvYEDycJ9e99L4IqQjWuImTEKcIVMkIL-tFhaxbwPSEWy5JRZGdU/s458/dancerina_jarden17.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="458" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qL4IY7vA7GWIkkvMMuxD9WFAek6bqXHGNTIPWYZTBDRyEnJGOZMuAu4dSHxRlzAS9YQfbtJBOGSMAAVkFlcszrBaSn6J6I1GNYW_rsQFl0Or38j_bnSsRUEJTvaCWYXKZGwrSSnJvYEDycJ9e99L4IqQjWuImTEKcIVMkIL-tFhaxbwPSEWy5JRZGdU/w400-h199/dancerina_jarden17.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JardenAlexis and Strawberry Linden</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Dancerina, I am more than grateful to you, Gemma, and Bixyl as well as for the rest of the SL Newser for your excellent coverage of PBC events in times past and for this interview today! Not only has each one of you helped to bring exposure to PBC, but you have also attended and supported PBC events. Through all of you, I am inspired, and fueled by your presence, your support and every PBC event that you attend!<br /><br />You have provided the SL community with an excellent introduction to PBC, The PBC Cultural Arts Center, the PBC Mission, and all that PBC has to offer. I am extremely grateful for your time and this amazing opportunity to sit and chat with you! Thank you so much for all that you do, not just for PBC but for the entire SL community! Your work does not go unnoticed and you all are tremendously appreciated!<br /><br />SLN: What a way to conclude this interview! Congratulations to you and PBC for having earned a space in the Destination Guide! Jarden, thank you very much. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Premier Business Center has a social media presence at:<br /><br />SECOND LIFE:<br /><br /><a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/117/90/3001">http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/117/90/3001</a><br /><br />FACEBOOK:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jarden.alexis">https://www.facebook.com/jarden.alexis</a><br /><br />Again, thank you for your time, Jarden.<br /><br />Submitted by: Dancerina Starlight and the Second Life Newser Team <br /></div><br />Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-49852356480690129682023-11-27T06:00:00.003-05:002023-11-27T06:00:00.139-05:00Letter To The Editor, And Response: The Borrower<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Dear Newser<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lm_ZgbksiiJa0Odske4qqxlAjg0gdXmzzFsP2jPLjaMAsDbwHuw6t6OhZ1zwOkz8WJSH3qaWjmuEZOvgWORvJCt9BKunI8exJwFDTRI_uFVeZ11dzrvVf_ONSdU96VHzS6F1bDbhIid3iUwcNcuAK-N-mvcHA2mp11Od1xCHC80nCvfkc7z1M9qZEA8/s708/moneyimage2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="708" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lm_ZgbksiiJa0Odske4qqxlAjg0gdXmzzFsP2jPLjaMAsDbwHuw6t6OhZ1zwOkz8WJSH3qaWjmuEZOvgWORvJCt9BKunI8exJwFDTRI_uFVeZ11dzrvVf_ONSdU96VHzS6F1bDbhIid3iUwcNcuAK-N-mvcHA2mp11Od1xCHC80nCvfkc7z1M9qZEA8/s320/moneyimage2.png" width="320" /></a></div>I've been in Second Life for a while, and know a number of people. Some are cool, some not so cool. Among the not so cool is this one guy who's always hitting me up for money. Sometimes it's for Lindens to rent out a place. Sometimes it's for real money for real life, saying he needs a new pair of pants or a new music player. He eventually got himself banned from one club I hang out at for pestering people with his "Can you give me some money?" But instead of getting the hint, he keeps it up.<br /><br />Just what is up with this guy? Why won't he stop? And is he really as hard-up as he says, or is he lying?<br /><br />Annoyed and Irritated</i><br /><br />Dear Annoyed,<br /><br />To start off with, some people really are short on money. In real-life, my late Father once had a co-worker named Tate. Tate was a hard enough worker. But he had a problem. After he got his once a month paycheck, after paying his bills he would spend all his money on things like a new hunting rifle, a new fish-finder, etc. And by the time the fourth week came around, he was so short on cash he was quite literally picking up roadkill to cook, which got him the nickname "Buzzard." He once asked my Dad how he managed to save money, and Dad tried to tell him. But Tate never did. "Buzzard" Tate would end his days a poor man with little in his bank account. <br /><br />Why don't he and others save their money to avoid trouble down the road? Some feel these people just aren't very smart, at least when it comes to money. Others wonder if life hands them problem after problem that doesn't allow them to build up their savings, they conclude that once they get some money they might as well enjoy it then and there before something comes along to take it away.<br /><br />Unfortunately, there was one such person I came across in Second Life. And while Tate prided himself on being self-sufficient, this person was not.<br /><br />This person, who I'll call Frank, was someone I ran into through some friends of mine who told me he had been the one-time owner of a sim before he had to turn it over to others due to financial difficulty. We had known one another for a while, and one day he told me he needed a few bucks for cab fare so he could make a trip he needed to otherwise he'd be in trouble. I was in a generous mood, so gave him the few dollars. Well, he was someone on my Facebook list at the time, and I soon saw a picture of him showing off a new clock! Infuriated, I told him I didn't appreciate being lied to, and defriended and blocked him. <br /><br />It would be some time before I ran into Frank again. I had decided enough time had passed, so unblocked him as a courtesy. He had told me he had come across some more money at the time, so was able to make the trip and get the clock. He seemed like a decent enough guy at the time, and he would end up meeting up with another friend of mine who was in therapy for emotional problems and since he seemed to be helping her out my impression of him improved. But not all of my friends liked him. One considered him a thief, telling me he was once arrested for shoplifting. When I would later question Frank about that, his response was it was true but he had ran out of prescribed meds for mental illness. <br /><br />Time went on, and Frank was soon asking me for money again. The first time it was a large amount of cash to get an item of his out of the pawn shop. I told him I couldn't afford to pay that much but eventually gave him a few dollars. Eventually I heard he was asking/bugging other people for cash. He got in trouble at clubs for doing so, warned not to do it again and banned when he did so anyway. He was also asking me for money for other things, and I began having less and less patience with him.<br /><br />Then my friend with emotional problems contacted me, frustrated. She told me she had given Frank over two hundred dollars with his promise he would pay it back in a few days, but he didn't. Infuriated that he had taken advantage of a woman's troubled condition, I kept at him to get him to repay her the money. He was upset at me for doing so, saying he would soon pay the money he "borrowed." Others found out and were doing the same. Finally one day he angrily told me he was sending her the money, leaving me with a bitter message accusing me of being unfair and selfish. My friend would confirm the story. But I would never see this account of Frank's again. Either he had deleted it soon after, or someone's AR report had gotten him banned from SL.<br /><br />Since then, I've heard of a few other stories. One was of one generous soul who ended up giving one friend hundreds of dollars before real-life financial difficulties forced him to stop, and the "friend" continued to beg despite being told hard times had befallen the giver. I'd also heard about someone else who when times were good would spend his money on fancy things like computer equipment, but when times were bad he had little savings and would beg friends for cash so he wouldn't have to pawn his toys for a fraction of what he paid for. And when times were good again, instead of saving for another rainy day, he went back to spending this money on fancy toys. He was caught in a vicious cycle that ensured he'd continue be short on money much of his life.<br /><br />How should one handle a borrower? If you don't know them and you don't have a lot of Lindens, the answer is pretty obvious. If you've come to know them for a while and you think they're being sincere, it gets trickier. You may need to tell them that you will give them one good-sized amount of Lindens, to keep as long as they need it, but there will be no more until they pay it all back. How you handle it is up to you, and will likely depend on how much money you have to spend in real life. If you're making a lot of money in real life with few expenses, you can afford to be a little more generous. But if you're looking for work, and/or have a wife and kids to worry about, then you're not going to have much to spare. And if they keep asking you for cash again and again, there may come a day in which you need to block them to keep your peace of mind, as well as those around you who may notice something is bothering you.<br /><br />And for any borrowers reading this, I ask you to take a long hard look at your situation. Yes, life sucks and we need to treat ourselves once in a while. But we need to do what we can to prepare for inevitable rainy days ahead, which will come. And our friends who seem better off may not seem as prosperous as they appear, and even if they are will not be happy to be repeatedly asked for cash to help you out, especially if they think you've done little to prepare for trouble. Continuing to ask those around you to support you is a sure way to end up with few friends, perhaps none at all. <br /><br />And if you're a scammer, someone whose attitude is "A fool and his money are soon parted, and I'm going to fleece those sentimental fools for all they're worth," then I hope one day karma catches up to you, with interest, at loan shark rates. <br /><br />Just my two Lindens on the issue. Have a great Second Life.<br /><br />Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-45034451931082640542023-09-04T06:00:00.011-04:002023-09-04T13:23:03.747-04:00Reader Submitted: Is There Really That Much Hate On Furries?<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> From Zada Bury</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Lately I was read the article <a href="https://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2023/08/commentary-is-furry-discrimination.html#comment-form">about the hate against Furries</a>. Then there was also <a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2023/08/reader-submitted-furry-pride-flag-at.html">the readers submit with the fla</a>g. Soft (Linden) was also post something on Twi- I mean X.<br /><br />I was see while doing a Drive a picture on the wall - Furries are everywhere, in a way. And most time it seems to work smooth. And then telling people about the hate again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUJiOxEgJhouOlme0ZNGwjuUe06m0I_7bvCyu1gXSAQLkwUDcfQjB8kVRU7Vnzleq2lj76er5JMXwSQEhvRrtzpK6hNrEV0QOIMSGCbc3qyfXYmuwRjj4DDpWGPz_j78tDCe8dLal6ENAa2OoiD9GihlvUImIzBe2sqyttz83dvNSsqlzny1WcOdaVpM/s5120/zada_hawaiibunny.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUJiOxEgJhouOlme0ZNGwjuUe06m0I_7bvCyu1gXSAQLkwUDcfQjB8kVRU7Vnzleq2lj76er5JMXwSQEhvRrtzpK6hNrEV0QOIMSGCbc3qyfXYmuwRjj4DDpWGPz_j78tDCe8dLal6ENAa2OoiD9GihlvUImIzBe2sqyttz83dvNSsqlzny1WcOdaVpM/w400-h225/zada_hawaiibunny.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />But is it such big thing? Somebody was commenting it would take getting around in a not that well known avatar to get the experience. I would say, I am not really known in SL. And I am 90% of the time in a furry-avatar (sometimes also a Neko and rarely a human).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF2vwZpYp6ixfHgtIKSlWf1p7lcZrvsi4cIBFQ7e9V7CQ_AARNsaAitiv0P_Jkic4P7nAzdY8zV_3Vom_-OIJ-n6Ixa9hMuTOwlsnQbg7LxhJneLXnHbAV5khswSUNmRTZs-Z91wm_CPRAgX7LbZ-mtUlI7hCLMhRqlae7kcwETxJ-0GvAnpxcJx5xKA/s5120/zada_foxsign.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF2vwZpYp6ixfHgtIKSlWf1p7lcZrvsi4cIBFQ7e9V7CQ_AARNsaAitiv0P_Jkic4P7nAzdY8zV_3Vom_-OIJ-n6Ixa9hMuTOwlsnQbg7LxhJneLXnHbAV5khswSUNmRTZs-Z91wm_CPRAgX7LbZ-mtUlI7hCLMhRqlae7kcwETxJ-0GvAnpxcJx5xKA/w400-h225/zada_foxsign.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Maybe people insult me on voice ... but I can read and write English and Typonese - understanding spoken English, special in different loudness and in a flood other noises might go wrong (special if then also the TV or radio is on or I check YouTube or edit videos) ... so voice is off ... and "Is an insult an insult, if the addressed one not get it?"<br /><br />It is (for luck) rare, my club becomes griefed ... and the most (and less) trolls we bore out. But is that "Furry specific", as my club is for all species (as long them match an adult appearance, fit trough the door and aren't e.g. war-robots)?<br /><br />Now you can maybe claim, I don't interact much. Usual you find me in my club. That one is for all species, even the most are Furries (actual Party: 26 participants, 4 human, 22 furs, all having fun). No problems.<br /><br />Then I am around shopping. Maybe I am in some shops not long enough in a shop to rezz, in others for sure. I was experience before years once an issue, a mall was eject me about "to high ARC". My rant to the owner of the crappy security-system, you can imagine, the excuse was lame. Also the shop-owner got my complaint, and guess, which mall was have in a couple of weeks a store open for rent, as the shop moved?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />But anyway: No specific hate against furs.<br /><br />Also you find me on Linden-events. Them are anyway open for all kind of avatars. As also a lot of the Lindens use non-human avatars, it would be anyway very weird.<br /><br />You know me also from the "Drivers of SL Grid Drives", where I am since around two years active. This group is open for all kind of people and the drivers are often even more diverse, than the people in my club.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Also no problem,. or not? Once there was a place (group of private Sims), which was hosting the drive in a part, sponsor it also a little, but demanded on "human avatars only." There the Drivers was enforcing their own rules: "Swallow your pride ... or we wont come." You can guess, who was preferring more to have traffic and promote themselves (even the lag was more of a "stay away from here!" sign).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjCwTv4to3AS3PqCJcZd-T95_ChBjtbKb0q3zMnT89tfzU1JAbKJZKaATZX-iWr81OH9Rqjq02Hn8eXCRJ1JvQTMs4br3zDIE_Su_Wp8YzEmnipUeFYDhxf8QquWDDWd4wR-yakSIApmSYGiz5mJ8ywUybN_x3vmwimoHuQmgR_mNCZfAudRwQQjOqkY/s1440/zada_nohumans.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjCwTv4to3AS3PqCJcZd-T95_ChBjtbKb0q3zMnT89tfzU1JAbKJZKaATZX-iWr81OH9Rqjq02Hn8eXCRJ1JvQTMs4br3zDIE_Su_Wp8YzEmnipUeFYDhxf8QquWDDWd4wR-yakSIApmSYGiz5mJ8ywUybN_x3vmwimoHuQmgR_mNCZfAudRwQQjOqkY/w400-h400/zada_nohumans.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I can understand, if a place say "Here only Human avatars" (or "only furries") , about their concept (even that is stupid). And I can easy accept it, if the place isn't exclusive. For example: If 1-of-100 hangouts make these limitations, it's stupid, but "okay, that I can handle." If it would be 1-of-5 spots for "The new Unobtanium-Game" (nothing real), or "the only store which sells ZYXXYZ-walking houses," it is "not okay."<br /><br />But that I don't see as hate against Furries.<br /><br />Maybe somebody else can write about negative experiences, them was made, and how it was come to happen?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetwyS4ygWNgO6VKC3W8pkzR8bZx9PHX85KD3S6iQWTWOxWdb4c50be26wSdxVQQCWDzb2PTxtK-15IhZaBFswKVXtijsqrYC8sGPsqsbWRpJfMi-XoWKO1Eiz76nmr_u-AcXqvPhrr3k9EvVjj8ObbwqBobBPdO5UM2MOZZ8ACkQxkXWXcp12Rob0vwk/s1440/zada_nohumans2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetwyS4ygWNgO6VKC3W8pkzR8bZx9PHX85KD3S6iQWTWOxWdb4c50be26wSdxVQQCWDzb2PTxtK-15IhZaBFswKVXtijsqrYC8sGPsqsbWRpJfMi-XoWKO1Eiz76nmr_u-AcXqvPhrr3k9EvVjj8ObbwqBobBPdO5UM2MOZZ8ACkQxkXWXcp12Rob0vwk/w400-h400/zada_nohumans2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Zada Bury</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-904737484012311542023-08-21T16:00:00.001-04:002023-08-23T19:33:21.909-04:00Commentary: Is Furry Discrimination Widespread? Probably Not<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Bixyl Shuftan<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m0zUtr18NjRjC_p1HFnD9yYV8UT9E2JZqw7vCE39yV4x8vBt2qK8vitu_jHv3njXjZjYB7UcQJSox5rq5WfMResNqcfdb7LKfRUZVOHP6fkHSM-6FERcweZTowUC1tpLjwvIFlQqck09DFIdjJMpxroVWyqC5P0fLFVES8orHiZkmmRnvmpzWVDSqvk/s294/bixylnofurry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="294" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m0zUtr18NjRjC_p1HFnD9yYV8UT9E2JZqw7vCE39yV4x8vBt2qK8vitu_jHv3njXjZjYB7UcQJSox5rq5WfMResNqcfdb7LKfRUZVOHP6fkHSM-6FERcweZTowUC1tpLjwvIFlQqck09DFIdjJMpxroVWyqC5P0fLFVES8orHiZkmmRnvmpzWVDSqvk/s1600/bixylnofurry1.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>You're enjoying a place in Second Life. Maybe it's a club you heard about. Maybe you're exploring around, and going through someone's land. You're minding your own business and behaving yourself when you're stopped by someone in charge and told you have to change your avatar or leave, the one that you see as the real you in Second Life and into one that you see as unlike at all what you consider yourself to be here. Naturally, you don't like the idea, and you either ignore the person, or tell him or her that you don't understand what the fuss is all about. The next thing you know, there's a flash, and then you realize you've been booted from the place. Or maybe the person was a lot nastier, calling your appearance sick and perverted, and demanding you either change to what they consider acceptable or else, or just simply kick you out. <br /><br />Naturally, you'd be a little resentful, especially if it was the later. And if you hear about this happening to friends a lot, it may make you a little more cautious about going around new places inworld. <br /><br />Unfortunately, this is how some furry residents feel about Second Life. I've heard of tales of this kind of harassment from some, and some even if they haven't gone through it themselves, the stories about it happening to others make them hesitant about visiting unfamiliar places inworld. The problem was recently brought to light <a href="http://www.slenquirer.com/2023/08/discrimination-truth-about-second-life.html">in an article written by Samuel Roberts for the SL Enquirer</a>.<br /><br />As a Second Life fur, I'm happy to hear those in human avatars are addressing that the problem exists. But just how bad is it really? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonOM6WsvFkg3mMgR8HqKhUgl0fPT6wISvc0hNCtZRRMaF5qTzwgtg7wcoLaFRPauY4jk0qyhtcHujpG_vivUthiNKSzs2RFqAJ4_nLeHUEQgqAevyntiGCLAqzmwj635pAiRNzhIbLhjOb8vcOMmqHvdB4OuiQEwis0Feb232a8wQ1Vp6LFGsIOGGhXg/s1336/bixylnofurry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1336" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonOM6WsvFkg3mMgR8HqKhUgl0fPT6wISvc0hNCtZRRMaF5qTzwgtg7wcoLaFRPauY4jk0qyhtcHujpG_vivUthiNKSzs2RFqAJ4_nLeHUEQgqAevyntiGCLAqzmwj635pAiRNzhIbLhjOb8vcOMmqHvdB4OuiQEwis0Feb232a8wQ1Vp6LFGsIOGGhXg/s320/bixylnofurry2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I first wrote about the issue <a href="http://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2014/06/commentary-we-dont-allow-your-kind-here.html">in March 2009 following an incident some furry friends were barred from a beach</a>. After more than two years in Second Life, I'd only personally been asked to leave just because of the furry avatar once, and a week later had bee invited to a fancy event that only asked that I wear a suit. The article drew a number of responses, most siding those who wanted freedom from harassment. After that, I'd only been clearly told twice to leave because of having a furry avatar, and one of them was likely the place in the first article. There was one place in which a bot whispered to me that nonhuman avatars weren't welcome, but no further action was taken. There was one political place who threw out an alt of mine for being furry, but not me when I showed up later, or the one other furry that was there. One place I was invited to a few years ago, I tipped the DJ and hostess after some good music was played out of courtesy. The hostess messaged me that they usually didn't allow furry avatars, but they couldn't in good conscious boot someone who tipped the staff. Also a few years ago, JB Raccoon would ask me to write about <a href="https://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2020/02/slife-and-times-two-sides-of-banned-for.html">one incident in which he was booted from a club after being there for an hour</a>. <br /><br />Grease Coakes would also write about two incidents he was involved in, <a href="http://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2013/06/avatar-discrimination-club-gives-furs.html">here</a> and <a href="http://slnewserextra.blogspot.com/2017/03/furry-discrimination.html">here</a>, which happened a few years apart. His earlier article got a few noteworthy comments. One commentator remarked he found it hard to sympathize as the club in his real-life town wouldn't allow you in unless your shoes looked expensive. Another commented that while she'd been harrased, the hostess seemed to be reacting less out of furry hate but instead thinking all furry avs were script-heavy. Someone else brought up another issue: feral avatars. One commentator had visited a club in a feral horse avatar that claimed to welcome everyone, but were booted, the person saying they kept bumping into people and the commentator was saying she'd been trying to avoid that. <br /><br />And it's not all humans against furs, but occasionally the other way around. In my early days in Second Life, one friend in a human avatar once came to me in tears, saying she'd been thrown out of a furry area because of her avatar "I had no idea furries could be so cruel!" She would never visit a furry area again. And then there was an incident I personally witnessed about a decade ago. At one furry club, a human DJing was performing and the party went smoothly with people having fun until all of the sudden one of the foxes went ballistic, ranting and raving and calling the DJ a "hairless ape." The vixen owner, who had personally hired the DJ, saw this, and in a fit of rage booted out the offender, then offered the DJ her apologies. But the damage was done, her leaving soon after and saying she'd never play at another furry club. And discrimination can backfire in unexpected ways. I heard about one SL church in which furries were welcomed with open arms for some years, then when it's first pastor retired the new one insisted parishioners "keep it real" and told the furries if they wanted to keep coming, they had to change to human avatars. Well, as a result, not only did the furs leave, but so did many of the humans who didn't like their furry friends given the cold shoulder. The church folded soon after. The club that JB had gotten the boot from would also fold soon after. <br /><br />There were two other details that come to mind. One was luck. Some people just seem to avoid trouble while others seem to run into problem after problem. So sadly with the law of averages, some furries would see more problems than others. And then there's that bad situations weigh more heavily on most peoples' minds than good ones. In grade school, I read a poem by a black man who had gone to an amusement park as a child, which had plenty of roller coasters, food stands, and games. But years later, his only vivid memory of the event was being called the N-word. <br /><br />It should be noted most of the incidents I've heard of happened years ago. But how are things today? Talking to one furry neighbor, it was her opinion while the problem still existed, it wasn't as bad as it used to be. Much of the reason she felt was that attitudes among many of those who prefer human avatars were changing, such as being willing to go furry on occasion themselves. She'd seen a number of furs in recent years of who if you looked at their profile had a human picture. <br /><br />Just after I started writing this, someone messaged me and complained about a supposed incident, not human against furry, but furry against furry. She claimed because she was a tiny mouse avatar, at a small furry club she was pressured to engage in strange roleplay, and thrown out when she refused (in a included notecard with a conversation with one of the staff, the person denied any wrongdoing). <br /><br />So in conclusion, yes, discrimination against furries is a problem. But it most likely isn't as bad as some make it out to be, and probably isn't as bad as it was in the past. And it isn't just furs getting the boot, but humans and others can and do experience it as well. But it is appreciated that people like Samuel are trying to do something about it. <br /><br />In the meantime, most places don't care what you look like as long as you behave. And in the case of music venues, just about all appreciate someone who tips. So don't let the stories about a few clowns ruin your plans to explore all of what Second Life has to offer. <br /><br />Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-78237931391037305542023-08-14T09:00:00.002-04:002023-08-14T21:54:19.389-04:00Drivers of SL<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdFLg1QNUqTAjBiDcVEzpvXCVxP_aATYkFZ1D5wRHYazXDijr5arE3yWQ4ZwiSTgoNZJ_BZDNjISJuCsXiytgeVj3d4QSctIH9CcCHYnPCm8VM55m0zk0OBAcM8JGnN9EqxleEVm1ITf-3GgufUDviomcBnaFIGIBakDhdhaQbQZUEKsxEhlK1Q5-a9Q/s1608/august12'23_065.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1608" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdFLg1QNUqTAjBiDcVEzpvXCVxP_aATYkFZ1D5wRHYazXDijr5arE3yWQ4ZwiSTgoNZJ_BZDNjISJuCsXiytgeVj3d4QSctIH9CcCHYnPCm8VM55m0zk0OBAcM8JGnN9EqxleEVm1ITf-3GgufUDviomcBnaFIGIBakDhdhaQbQZUEKsxEhlK1Q5-a9Q/s320/august12'23_065.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In a virtual world in which you can get from place to place by teleporting and flying, people in Second Life don't really need a car. But many of us have one or more and use them anyway. Sometimes people will use them to race. There's also cargo delivery games in which cars and trucks are an option. But sometimes people will go ahead and take them out for a leisurely drive with no particular destination. Or perhaps there is a destination, but you're not in a particular hurry to get there, and the real fun is cruising and watching the scenery go by. As <a href="https://youtu.be/lkTwT-2CRAQ">one particular Chuck Berry song put it</a>: <br /><br /><i>Riding along in my automobile<br />My baby beside me at the wheel<br />I stole a kiss at the turn of a mile<br />My curiosity runnin' wild<br />Cruisin' and playin' the radio<br />With no particular place to go.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnCtbZAyl4TqeicWHdPAyK6irBXqLbVu1VElg-qbnluO3wojEutsqDZzMiG-pYoNl2R0wGraGVZmNy3BYPeosNpgetqHcHxV7uuaBB0rmcH9zGhpESz7IQp07D0P0VW9pYyvU3L4hyWBmU87IRHu-J1LYJnqO1JXtwuXmN6WfeUUGasbV9YmRqS9ZgqY/s788/zada_profile.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="785" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnCtbZAyl4TqeicWHdPAyK6irBXqLbVu1VElg-qbnluO3wojEutsqDZzMiG-pYoNl2R0wGraGVZmNy3BYPeosNpgetqHcHxV7uuaBB0rmcH9zGhpESz7IQp07D0P0VW9pYyvU3L4hyWBmU87IRHu-J1LYJnqO1JXtwuXmN6WfeUUGasbV9YmRqS9ZgqY/w199-h200/zada_profile.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>For those who like driving for it's own sake, there's a group in Second Life for them: Drivers of SL. I heard of this group thanks in part to the videos posted by Zady Bury. Talking to her about the group, she had a few things to say. She stated the drives aren't designed by just one person, but "there are multiple people checking them, before (they) become released. ... because every driver, every computer, or connection reacts different. So the programmer might have no problems (but) the normal drivers might have ... trouble," going onto say the group has over five thousand members. None of the drives are outright races in which there's a declared winner, "Some of the drives are also 'cooperations' with e.g. 'Grid Haul' or 'GTFO'. And some drives work together with the sponsors ... others just finish, and then TP to the location/store of the sponsor. <br /><br />The drives vary a lot. Zada brought up one announcement of a drive not long before we talked: <br /><i><br />"Capital Motors Grid Drive in One Hour --- There's more than one way to complete the four, unnecessarily and increasingly difficult challenges you'll travel to on this weekend's drive, but it is not likely that most will complete more than 1 or 2 of them, so don't get frustrated, because either way you'll get an awesome reward from Capital Motors upon finishing this trip!<br /><br />"VEHICLES NEEDED: Road Vehicle (any), Watercraft (any), Aircraft (any plane recommended, but helis will work too)<br /><br />"First drive 11.30a Or Midnight"</i><br /><br />So what were the rewards for doing a run? Zada would tell me they were " 'different in their quality.' At 'Surplus Motors,' we got the regular vehicles. ... Average vehicle shops (also air, ship, etc.) sponsor the drives. But it can be anything. Once we got weapons, other time (period) clothes, gadgets, etc.) To be honest, yes, a great reward makes fun. But it can also just be 'something' (simple), as the most fun in the driving."<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJW-oTddhBBvw9LPWk256b0hl5EfLOWsJxBIvU-JyKhf_BgqgHC0CCe5Pkk_Al3nQJ5tTbf5TRks4P8PbcQQHLp9yfiYHc3Tn7fK7pigNTR7ooDuLQAqQIwzL25XCxkpklhTmI9c9QwxU7iCSCT_3p_a2-D5WjS75hjxcLOUq5wy3dazlHEiuVvjMlKU/s761/2023-08-14%20at%2011-51-20%20Zada%20Bury%20@%20Drivers%20of%20SL%20Grid%20Drive%202022-12-24%20-%20late%20X-mess%20Deliveries%20to%20do%20-%20Second%20Life%204Kd.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="761" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJW-oTddhBBvw9LPWk256b0hl5EfLOWsJxBIvU-JyKhf_BgqgHC0CCe5Pkk_Al3nQJ5tTbf5TRks4P8PbcQQHLp9yfiYHc3Tn7fK7pigNTR7ooDuLQAqQIwzL25XCxkpklhTmI9c9QwxU7iCSCT_3p_a2-D5WjS75hjxcLOUq5wy3dazlHEiuVvjMlKU/s320/2023-08-14%20at%2011-51-20%20Zada%20Bury%20@%20Drivers%20of%20SL%20Grid%20Drive%202022-12-24%20-%20late%20X-mess%20Deliveries%20to%20do%20-%20Second%20Life%204Kd.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Zada Bury's Youtube</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Of who leads the group, Zada told me with a smirk, "Well, the 'head' or face of the DoSL is Christi Charron. But the drives and so are teamworks. Meaning they are most times for each week 'programmed' individually,. so you need an idea, checking the possible ways, and so on. I could also (try) programming a drive, but I struggle with the tool for it. It is pretty powerful. Christi seems to manage it all, or showing the directions." She would go on to say she never saw her scolding anyone or telling them to make changes, "I think she is a 'networking central.'"<br /><br />She went on to say that with the large number of people in the group, there were some who wanted longer drives than others, "a usual discussion is the length of a drive, which depends on a lot factors. Some are faster around, others slower ... works the sim-crossings or makes SL trouble,. and all of that. There are the people (who feel) '2-3 hours are enough,' and (those who) want '5 hours and more!' It is like 'you can't make it right for all.' Lately after the normal drives, (there is) also a 'bonus leg' added, which seems to be a good solution for me. So, you do the normal drive, get the reward, and (whose who) have time (or the urge), doing also the 'bonus leg.'" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Zada would say some places were easier to drive through than others, "(A) nice to drive is Bellisseria, about the road network and rezz-zones, and more friendly (and enforced) community standards about ban-lines and security-orbs. Zindra is often complaints about the lag and so, well, the lands are 'full', lot various textures, or lag, than sims with (a) lot abandoned lands on the 'normal' mainland. Also the Zindra-roadnetwork is, a shame. Private islands are difficult, as them are not connected, but the NavHUD can Teleport. Mainland works best. Some roads are or were made in the past 'unlucky', crossings over 4 sim-edges, for example, but most drivers can handle it."<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNVZBK_fQJvorlumyhnka87MJ6tLpUpM8Tm683PnTe-7XkZtxTG1bJ0elOfIH9xK29ZHLGEIuBE2FGQ-jEO4j8SeoMBI-GMjT4hItGR5_rhvo-IDOpdpwt11wQPZoj4fw0lSQDu7hmXPMxzAOjasVdqNPrplX8zrlGs01TxH2yhboH_1IasSPA_1j6hM/s761/2023-08-12%20at%2005-19-30%20Zada's%20Adventures.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="761" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNVZBK_fQJvorlumyhnka87MJ6tLpUpM8Tm683PnTe-7XkZtxTG1bJ0elOfIH9xK29ZHLGEIuBE2FGQ-jEO4j8SeoMBI-GMjT4hItGR5_rhvo-IDOpdpwt11wQPZoj4fw0lSQDu7hmXPMxzAOjasVdqNPrplX8zrlGs01TxH2yhboH_1IasSPA_1j6hM/s320/2023-08-12%20at%2005-19-30%20Zada's%20Adventures.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>from Zada Bury's Youtube</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The group had people with all kinds of avatars, "Everything is ok, human (for sure), furry, anime, feral, dinkies, some also toddlers . The Japanese drivers ("Inaka-Team") is often also around in pretty strange avis. Also it does not matter, if mesh or classic." This wasn't usually a problem, but there could occasionally be complications. Child avatars could get in trouble in some places in Zindra. And when going through private areas, "if they make limitations, (the drivers) can decide to 'swallow it or no visit.' One land made (among) their rules no furries for example. There are such things, where we enforce own rules. at other areas. One example is the National Forest, no motor vehicles, for example." While some could switch to bikes or horses, "<a href="https://youtu.be/o8m2X6hIO2Q?list=PL0Vzk1yd9q_OkYJ4xbxhlfieYDsWyScE_&t=173">I use a feral vixen</a> *smiles* The "National Forest" parcel had a huge, VERY huge cave system."<br /><br />Zada went on, "The drives bring you to or along interesting places, you maybe would never (have) seen or visited before. Oh, and the people, you find there people you never would have expected." Zada told me she met one from an old comic project, as well as community people in Zindra and other places, "and building up some 'other'relationships."<br /><br />Of the navigation HUD, "the programming takes work, nothing to do automatic. If you have a long straight road, easy. But even if it just have a curve , you need to set the waypoints along it, even the NavHUD might not need to give orders, like turn in x meters left/right' and walking is even more detailed."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CdzZfdRGaA8R7ddvKzYtQNoHfsKL0DCwWhUF77mSEjwQtzPv27yf4vBq7s1fpePTc9UyfdqgO78cAXj_lcer6pmwBMGe2UlwAnKK25Xnz4_YlyWHAZsKBNidDWLUVecm_ZaMP2K4w9osSWSEKyIU3CCbghsFbYEQ8Z_7g69xGob7xVnmDcgTRHHZ4BI/s1476/jan08'23_008.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CdzZfdRGaA8R7ddvKzYtQNoHfsKL0DCwWhUF77mSEjwQtzPv27yf4vBq7s1fpePTc9UyfdqgO78cAXj_lcer6pmwBMGe2UlwAnKK25Xnz4_YlyWHAZsKBNidDWLUVecm_ZaMP2K4w9osSWSEKyIU3CCbghsFbYEQ8Z_7g69xGob7xVnmDcgTRHHZ4BI/s320/jan08'23_008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another of the Drivers of SL group I talked to was Jazzimus Maxwell. He maintains the three Drivers of SL headquarters, and we met at the first one. The group had over 5000 members. Jazzimus felt it had a few hundred when it started. The group drives every Saturday at Noon and Midnight SL time. Jazzimus guessed on any one drive, between twenty and eighty take part. "We also have events each year ... usually summer and winter camping events, boating and driving while camping. We get a land sponsor and you get a space to camp, with limited prims of course. It's very popular. Oh, and we do a space camp too. We work together with GTFO! as well. That's another thing as thats a whole other 'game' within a game. And we do a GTFO drive each month, meaning we incorporate GTFO on the grid drive. ... You collect XP points for delivering goods to and from GTFO hubs on the roads, or on water or in space. They do not equate to any physical rewards, just points."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmY0egqnaIRtV57vi2Xwqq9PMdFF2WGU2Ly1_CMRG-38lndZDzojU8V5nLn5UmyA8R7CNWBIX6ICBs1c9IzZHrgLyznuqb4RZKHj8PrlBEDb3qqcBpe8-enisTtj47kEg3nu6EDVGAV0hUVhdWUgbkJMuiFpVnbrZjeccSmsUh67FOYthZpXpkuivglE/s1476/jan08'23_058.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmY0egqnaIRtV57vi2Xwqq9PMdFF2WGU2Ly1_CMRG-38lndZDzojU8V5nLn5UmyA8R7CNWBIX6ICBs1c9IzZHrgLyznuqb4RZKHj8PrlBEDb3qqcBpe8-enisTtj47kEg3nu6EDVGAV0hUVhdWUgbkJMuiFpVnbrZjeccSmsUh67FOYthZpXpkuivglE/w320-h200/jan08'23_058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"The neat thing about Drivers of SL," Jazzimus went on, "is it's a way to socialize and have fun. A lot of people need friendship ... and this is a great way to start. We also work with the Roadway Cruiser Group at the end of each month, we usually do s sim track drive on those." He would mention they were somewhat linked to the Leeward Cruising Club and the Skyward Flying Club, "driving, flying, boating, they have events each week as well, and they provided a HUD for each event. Not as complex mind you as our NaviHUD, but more of a locator HUD. They also socialize at the end of each event with a dance party. We only works (with) the Roadway Club officially, but a lot of our members are in all three groups as well."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">He would also say the group had a Flickr page, a blog, and several drivers who posted on Youtube, including Zada Bury.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGteeEn85FVRNdmkP5F2faXw-i3IKlo3G3iVRGdpKI51RiwZRXy0F57ka7Uyfz2pHIbb5rvd6_vxLRbUaJtE6rztmZemZR3y_z5FDLk9zbrqBqo_-0se29q_iBDo7C2JjuaWdpWMhiKp_ToZPk3gVN8BZQVT9ETTFPD6OK8VhQ3fWEAFiMGETKxVRa3wc/s1476/jan08'23_083.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGteeEn85FVRNdmkP5F2faXw-i3IKlo3G3iVRGdpKI51RiwZRXy0F57ka7Uyfz2pHIbb5rvd6_vxLRbUaJtE6rztmZemZR3y_z5FDLk9zbrqBqo_-0se29q_iBDo7C2JjuaWdpWMhiKp_ToZPk3gVN8BZQVT9ETTFPD6OK8VhQ3fWEAFiMGETKxVRa3wc/w320-h200/jan08'23_083.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jazzimus would then take me out for a drive in a Tide racecar, leading to a joke or two about "making a clean getaway." We drove around on the mainland for a while, crossing a bridge or two and at one point going offroad. After riding around in a while, we went on a plane for a while, going over the water, passing some ships and islands, eventually landing on a small aircraft carrier. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would also have a few words with the group's founder Christi Charron. Christi is also known for being in the Second Life Cheerleading Squad. Talking to her, she told me the HUD used by Drivers in SL had it's orgin in the SLCS, "Originally the Nav HUD we use was created for the Second Life Cheerleading Squad, and was used for friends to find our weekly friday 'Destination Unknown' party. where you HAD to follow the navigation HUD to find it, after having being given the starting point. Patty Croquet, a SLCS Cheerleader and super geniun, created the NAV HUD for us, and still improves on it today. The Nav HUD is what makes it all possible. <br /><br />"We stopped having the parties and after a few years I dusted off the HUD to go for a drive, and sent a group notice in a few vehicle groups asking if anyone wanted to join. When I showed up for the drive, there were 30 or so people there, and I was expecting one or none. So that was a clue that others enjoyed this, and we just began having them weekly from then on, and the Nav HUD has vastly improved during that time, as it can now track what we're doing inworld as well as point us where to go."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21OcDfFei8yPgVy-VD2vhkEcvbtQ2GkbqT-pjhT4edvEp3aAhDbKVzjlSmQSYXR9qbnW1nGb_udWFguhLPbW4T-4ybXmSxjAcAmnQismuzaGTM9CBz9BQzgc07cJRefiPmOb2jbuFG7j5y2_r6DoSNFe2ZJ9IrQRm8nH4m_PyDahbts8lBLaaETegXtU/s1608/august12'23_069.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1608" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21OcDfFei8yPgVy-VD2vhkEcvbtQ2GkbqT-pjhT4edvEp3aAhDbKVzjlSmQSYXR9qbnW1nGb_udWFguhLPbW4T-4ybXmSxjAcAmnQismuzaGTM9CBz9BQzgc07cJRefiPmOb2jbuFG7j5y2_r6DoSNFe2ZJ9IrQRm8nH4m_PyDahbts8lBLaaETegXtU/s320/august12'23_069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She would tell me the events became weekly in September 2017, and the group, "increases at an average rate of 100 new members per month or so. We've done one every week, sometimes two or three for our periodic weekend camping events. So around 60 per year for over five years now. Each drive is like a simple video game mission. Some are more complex than others." I asked her how complex can they get and what was the most complex one. Her answer, "A simple 'go here go there' drive takes about 16 hours to create, the average drive takes about 30 hours to create. Some can take as much as 80 hours of work or so. The most complex drive we had I think was within a storyline resembling 'Back to The Future,' where they went forward in time and have to go into space to steal plutonium from a satellite to have fuel to return back to their own timeline. Some have had helicopters chasing them like a James Bond movie. and some have had a string of 30+ (drone) police cars chasing them across an entire continent.<br /><br />"The one that gets the most comments is likely 'A Christmas Drive' we (typically) do annually, it is a mix of 'Its a Wonderful Life' and 'A Christmas Carol,' where the person doing the drive is cast as the role of a combination of Scrooge and George Baily. It shows them 'what SL would be like if its closing' due to people not getting premium accounts or spending money. It kinda shows them that someday this could and will likely have an ending, one I saw similarly in another online game Ii played as a teen."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WvIiEF-0jWx2v8TwFQIiF1XbxXAz8-bumkTo-___44YZbHiRbNrN-OPOZ_EZbhlhfyYUEEqi3mDRh6nzJyG7acUMU8JE9Mhgu2FR34W2JIsFVzBOi1wg2dl8YOjNrlNnXuFUmj2TivtmIMNjGapHkerZjMSLdYGwj4oTGUGN_EPUQJIxUBmlnJV5JbI/s1476/jan08'23_044.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WvIiEF-0jWx2v8TwFQIiF1XbxXAz8-bumkTo-___44YZbHiRbNrN-OPOZ_EZbhlhfyYUEEqi3mDRh6nzJyG7acUMU8JE9Mhgu2FR34W2JIsFVzBOi1wg2dl8YOjNrlNnXuFUmj2TivtmIMNjGapHkerZjMSLdYGwj4oTGUGN_EPUQJIxUBmlnJV5JbI/s320/jan08'23_044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of the game's sponsors, "Every drive has a 'sponsor.' The sponsor of that drive has their name associated with that drive, ie : 'Capital Motors Grid Drive.' Each sponsor supplies a reward to be given to every person who completes the drive within its two week time-frame. After two weeks, the drive reward may no longer be available, Drive rewards are almost exclusively cars, but can be boats or planes. almost always its a vehicle. If the reward isn't a vehicle, they're usually given one elsewhere in the drive. Each drive ends AT the sponsors store, where they're shown their car demos if any, and vendors, and are directed to join their VIP group if they want, and even visit their MP store. It improves the sponsor's sales and get them some exposure that can otherwise take many months or more. We typically have sponsors scheduled Three months in advance, so its very popular with vehicle sellers. Sometimes an airport or some other location will sponsor a drive, and find a reward to give us."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And what was the most unusual reward? " We have gotten some crazy ones. most of the super unusual ones come in the form of 'Easter eggs.' They may be hidden in a crate they're delivering for someone else as part of the drive, and would only be seen if they look in the box out of curiosity. Some have been some really unusual 'walkers' that have you sitting on what amounts to a bug with 6-8 articulated, animated legs, that actually move like legs, and push the vehicle forward. They can even climb up walls (laughter)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked with the builder of the HUD being with a Relay group, have there ever been any fundraising Drives? Christi answered, "Most dont realize that The Drivers of SL is owned by The Second Life Cheerleaders, but that connection is being made more evident more and more over time. We have had fundraising drives and have one yearly that both ends at, and tours the annual RFL walk, the nav hud continues to direct them around the track after their initial drive, and points out interesting locations, as well as encouraging them to donate to RFL. We don't do as many charity drives as we should, though many end at the monthly SLCS Funday Charity Events for RFL purposely for that reason. I typically embed things like that within drives, vs. making them entirely charity focused, as I fear that might give some the impression we have an agenda other than just having fun each week. This group is more focused on helping each other and treating each other well than most i think and hope. It's more of a giant group of friends than it is a random touring group. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAWHEY_Ouxo1uAwAD82DExjY3rlOzId-6HH6UqxWXXYSAWmgQiH4JIs-2SEfiLiV-mLZ1Ym5bUCqjMj0BfFQPEXykSVZge4QGJQPPSMAo2FeD9lI-kB5nHC7FLYgBr4KOo8egaI_TfG4QHoRawZzOLMJDZhhDK9PBd918u1hywgqEXLbIBtJTXy18sfo/s761/2023-08-14%20at%2011-56-35%20Zada%20Bury%20@%20Drivers%20of%20SL%20Grid%20Drive%202022-12-24%20-%20late%20X-mess%20Deliveries%20to%20do%20-%20Second%20Life%204Ke.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="761" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAWHEY_Ouxo1uAwAD82DExjY3rlOzId-6HH6UqxWXXYSAWmgQiH4JIs-2SEfiLiV-mLZ1Ym5bUCqjMj0BfFQPEXykSVZge4QGJQPPSMAo2FeD9lI-kB5nHC7FLYgBr4KOo8egaI_TfG4QHoRawZzOLMJDZhhDK9PBd918u1hywgqEXLbIBtJTXy18sfo/s320/2023-08-14%20at%2011-56-35%20Zada%20Bury%20@%20Drivers%20of%20SL%20Grid%20Drive%202022-12-24%20-%20late%20X-mess%20Deliveries%20to%20do%20-%20Second%20Life%204Ke.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Zada Bury's Youtube</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>"We try to make sure everyone is included, and even try to translate most drives into Japanese for our growing population of friends from there. Typically 350 complete each drive with the two week timeframe. over the years to come, another 200 or so will do the drives from the archives. Pyo Igaly (who is a Japanese female) assists with the Japanese translation, and works hard to help with that as well as tst the drive. LukeFlywalker Fittinger also tests the drives weekly and broadcasts a weekly radio show for the drivers. Eowyn Southmoore and Camanula Aeon help host the two drive times we have weekly, as I'm very absent minded and will forget to send the notices out otherwise (laughter). and Jules Catlyn does a great job in helping to moderate group chat and to spread an infectious, nice temperment within the group." <br /><br />Bringing up the Japanese drivers, I asked if the group was getting the most interest from Japanese users besides American ones. Christi answered, "I believe there as many or more Europeans/British and Russians doing the drive collectively as folks from the US. The Midnight Drive each week has the most attendance, and is made up of mostly non US participants."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuIDr9O6bQphBVCAPQPvtqjfyK46VLdzYB85ckiThRE4tEbuxdufLimCmi8TgHfmSNooxhhW5FRjvD2HlBqshZILH_38sdm7HHofSOFB2mWThGYfcU24ZAXFy0BNSYRFm3fuT0aeZ8A_6chBJAJe6xFQF7oezb4XfgMZuXZ8sy7o8jBwxKprfddDhGbI/s1476/jan08'23_030.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuIDr9O6bQphBVCAPQPvtqjfyK46VLdzYB85ckiThRE4tEbuxdufLimCmi8TgHfmSNooxhhW5FRjvD2HlBqshZILH_38sdm7HHofSOFB2mWThGYfcU24ZAXFy0BNSYRFm3fuT0aeZ8A_6chBJAJe6xFQF7oezb4XfgMZuXZ8sy7o8jBwxKprfddDhGbI/s320/jan08'23_030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I asked about some of the more interesting personalities in the group. Christi's respons was, "Oh My God, a grid drive start can be like a Mardi Gras parade. Some drive conventional vehicles, but some are crazy and may have a restaurant on the back of a truck or otherwise resemble parade floats (laughter). People who attend drives become friends quickly and the , particularly midnight drivers, are really a varied sampling of avatar and personality types from SL. Some may be furries or goth avs, some may be more 'kawaii', some very military. But we all know each other well and get along well as a fun group of friends that has sort of a 'misfit' feel to it, in a good way.<br /><br />"Nadnerb is a pony av for instance. Beylana wear black always and makes sex toys. I do SLCS stuff, but were all very good friends who may not have otherwise met. Its an interesting and funny (combination) in person. One avatar who is Bender from Futurama, makes us all laugh constantly with his quick wit. As a group we take our time, and typically take about 5 hours to complete a drive that takes a single person around an hour. Most don't do the drive as a group. About half or more do the drive alone, or with their small group of friends. If we have challenges during the drive, completing them is a never a requirement for completing the drive and getting the reward. One can always skip those portions is we have them in a drive. some take a helicopter down the road where they're instructed to use a car, and may even ask in group if this is okay, and it is, pretty much anything goes and one should have fun on a drive in the manner they see fit, in their own vehicles of their choosing, usually ones they've customized, or even made entirely on their own."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQaSrmQL6q7gtDxOzusbypE2JIHv5gNVecKpgoxrgRxDdAMwa06lJ7nCxga3ptcMqNg4lmn-49NVsztDGnbnC4qKyKtPHoqGT3KD2MMitiv8lSmemy9PpHqugm_BVZFDt_RM4NiQfBN_OsMBuWhMHy2JAbqCB34HERQ1sPIRuRKB1LGVT35E7ThohuZg/s396/zada_navhud.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="396" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQaSrmQL6q7gtDxOzusbypE2JIHv5gNVecKpgoxrgRxDdAMwa06lJ7nCxga3ptcMqNg4lmn-49NVsztDGnbnC4qKyKtPHoqGT3KD2MMitiv8lSmemy9PpHqugm_BVZFDt_RM4NiQfBN_OsMBuWhMHy2JAbqCB34HERQ1sPIRuRKB1LGVT35E7ThohuZg/s320/zada_navhud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Zada Bury's Youtube</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Going over the HUD, she would say, "The Nav HUD is pretty specific about where they go, and even for how long sometimes, we try to give them as much slack as we can but have things like banlines and peoples private parcels we have to worry about keeping them from invading. It has a simple arrow that points in the 12:00 position if headed the right way. If they need to veer right some, the arrow would be more in the 2:00 position or so. As an example, many drivers stream their grid drives weekly, or make videos of them afterwards. And they're interesting to watch, particularly for me, as I can see how they're reacting to the hud instructions as well as a vehicle I may have created. Some are Japanese, I can see how they're reacting to the translated version as well. <br /><br />"Each week I try to do something someone usually doesnt know or expect that a hud can do. Zada Bury creates short videos of her drive that show the highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBUHLI7h9EE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBUHLI7h9EE</a> this one is her doing the Christmas drive where they have to deliver presents to Drivers' homeowners across Bellisseria, for a person they assume is Santa. In this particular drive, Santa's truck has a surprise in that it allows them to walk, while still seated on the truck, and the nav hud tells the truck when to do this (so they can deliver presents to Drivers homeowners in Bellisseria without their vehicle being returned). The nav hud can teleport them, fade their screen in and out, tell where an object is, or if the avatar is sitting, and if so on what, and can make them sit for so long, or get a drink or other attachment and detect it, or even make them fly the entire course on autopilot, and at high speeds, up to 300 mph. A typical avatar driving speed is around 25 mph otherwise. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_IPhqJKGftCrijoCiywTd6bpMkw0jfgnRUp345aQn5N-AJP4LC725gxVO_MCbYQk4ZAiAzLI-vYc-qZbf5boVnV2hsx2oYut_QhL7n41REV4eFHL0qEMAxl8x-SIoUcLTUUt9kECFxowihm-L0XfU8C293DC_NoGW8qBPQ3ieqhJxmDbDH_ynXjQMxc/s761/2023-08-14%20at%2011-42-27%20Zada%20Bury%20@%20Drivers%20of%20SL%20Grid%20Drive%202022-12-24%20-%20late%20X-mess%20Deliveries%20to%20do%20-%20Second%20Life%204Kc.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="761" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_IPhqJKGftCrijoCiywTd6bpMkw0jfgnRUp345aQn5N-AJP4LC725gxVO_MCbYQk4ZAiAzLI-vYc-qZbf5boVnV2hsx2oYut_QhL7n41REV4eFHL0qEMAxl8x-SIoUcLTUUt9kECFxowihm-L0XfU8C293DC_NoGW8qBPQ3ieqhJxmDbDH_ynXjQMxc/s320/2023-08-14%20at%2011-42-27%20Zada%20Bury%20@%20Drivers%20of%20SL%20Grid%20Drive%202022-12-24%20-%20late%20X-mess%20Deliveries%20to%20do%20-%20Second%20Life%204Kc.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Zada Bury's Youtube</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>"We also use planes, boats spaceships, and even have camping events 2-3 times a year where we camp n the snow, space, or even on boats for the entire weekend. One has to drive to the event to find the campground, which is part of the experience, similar to the original SLCS 'desintation unknown' parties originally intended for use with the nav hud. The camping events are really popular and have around 200 people or so camping in their vehicles all weekend, or sitting around the bonfire playing games or dancing. <br /><br />"While we promote businesses and patronize peoples parcels and builds each week, and give them traffic theyre likely imagined when building their place, we have a not so well known agenda in promoting spending money on SL in general, whether through premium accounts, or buying merchandise or rent, in a small effort to try and help extend the longevity and viability of SL for Linden Labs."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It should be noted that the conversations I had with Zada, Jazzimus, and Christi took place a few months ago. Since then, their main headquarters had moved to the Hugues sim, and "the other at the airport got a massive makeover and so it moved." I would also be told the number of people in the group had gone up to over 6100.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The drives are continuing, with the drivers having fun. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Main HQ is at <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hugues/19/218/43">http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hugues/19/218/43</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the blog, check out <a href="https://www.driversofsecondlife.info/">https://www.driversofsecondlife.info/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One can follow Zada Bury's videos on her Youtube channel here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@zadabury">https://www.youtube.com/@zadabury</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the Flickr page, https://www.flickr.com/groups/driversofsl/ (some pictures iffy for work)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-51991208252568191292023-08-07T06:00:00.011-04:002023-08-07T12:36:56.272-04:00The Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Gemma Cleanslate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsDHbpvW-KjtluT2epLfJUacOLhp3OMazv1tGL5S7r3eTaYH3EFOjicaGHNCM6YUs5geczMru67CT0Q1npxEl7xF1yR92F7vqGOyZIkv4sZBd5watW6LOVRWLkTGaxDUODa3xlTf3sF6V_FUMN_zM4o98rv0LXk3u7VR3jpaXUZy5SqpcUYrydaUXBRo/s3112/gemma_slbd%20anlaik_012(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="3112" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsDHbpvW-KjtluT2epLfJUacOLhp3OMazv1tGL5S7r3eTaYH3EFOjicaGHNCM6YUs5geczMru67CT0Q1npxEl7xF1yR92F7vqGOyZIkv4sZBd5watW6LOVRWLkTGaxDUODa3xlTf3sF6V_FUMN_zM4o98rv0LXk3u7VR3jpaXUZy5SqpcUYrydaUXBRo/w400-h217/gemma_slbd%20anlaik_012(1).png" width="400" /></a></div><br />During the SL20B event many visitors saw Lindens and Moles walking around with “tablets” in their hands and avatars swarming around them chattering about STAMPS. In the birthday group chat people were stating where those Moles might be sighted and a gaggle of avatars would descend on the locations immediately. Here are Strawberry , Patch, and Misssy with theirs in hand, I thought I would explain to those who are not in the know what it was all about and invite you to get involved.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkHiR4ayNdbhWaUT0WadmhN7u7v9bcd27uwRDRrqu0aCJXaXtiGoSRmG2YFbQWVwyKCRatHtf9vMPgzh_BawoBY0e9OjCOo1oUC4kGCjeFDyIcliS8HGc0JxMXnYKFwIVcjhjDHgYA_jTYKTWK4OBjLC98wdGeV9d_bqBqd3tAreABGEsw6BHdeiEfrU/s3096/gemma_Boo_005.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="3096" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkHiR4ayNdbhWaUT0WadmhN7u7v9bcd27uwRDRrqu0aCJXaXtiGoSRmG2YFbQWVwyKCRatHtf9vMPgzh_BawoBY0e9OjCOo1oUC4kGCjeFDyIcliS8HGc0JxMXnYKFwIVcjhjDHgYA_jTYKTWK4OBjLC98wdGeV9d_bqBqd3tAreABGEsw6BHdeiEfrU/w400-h219/gemma_Boo_005.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Back in 2020 BÓÒ (Boo Rojyo) envisioned the need for bureaucracy on Bellisseria and the Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy, (the BBB) to help people leave their homes and explore the grid. He invented the passport. The headquarters was set up where applicants could apply for a one. The passport was good all over the entire grid at all sorts of places, clubs, nature centers, yacht clubs, gas stations, restaurants and so many more. The owners of the sites maintain a passport terminal at their locations. With help from several friends they also began issuing a driver’s license, plate for vehicles. The idea grew and so did the staff all of whom had a role.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7_GR7CwozvI1mWlytPnn7UCO1lOAB3b5asQZmfXEmvCqHXr9OKSMRRl9fn7rRcnxukWEhf63tHxkr0PflXHbJbYshr_7NKxp0zQgNoP3zrtAU7Q2xgYFONhnDq6TiwHgUqjK53Pbk5FgrKcdG8-Vnxj-XPuihWXLHykYedJ1VhwALnDlQnyiROrczrU/s3096/gemma_slb2_016.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="3096" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7_GR7CwozvI1mWlytPnn7UCO1lOAB3b5asQZmfXEmvCqHXr9OKSMRRl9fn7rRcnxukWEhf63tHxkr0PflXHbJbYshr_7NKxp0zQgNoP3zrtAU7Q2xgYFONhnDq6TiwHgUqjK53Pbk5FgrKcdG8-Vnxj-XPuihWXLHykYedJ1VhwALnDlQnyiROrczrU/w400-h219/gemma_slb2_016.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The personal tablets carried came as a later idea. This Ancient Mole’s .<br /><br />When a holder carries (wears) their passport they may click the terminal and receive a stamp on their<br /><br />own passport. It is great fun. Sometimes there are special stamps for events such parties at the fairgrounds or the Relay or birthdays. They are available for that time and then retired. A list of all the past stamps are on the web provided by Robert Rhodan. At first it was just for Bellisserian residents. Every Saturday The Gazette is published and a list of new locations with terminals is listed. I take advantage of that and go get them immediately.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFdlckJuqpZmWpGGjmzMMzxaEx973kOdCbLhrQlQpOUJ9udFg3AlqQ-njgiW2UlCpolxcCyb-HnKRMvyUAv2KLwr2X63cJG4LDyOt3y3rZLYN3QeYnWm_8w3Ak7Z1T729W29mcycLiSjNtKceB02jJB9jjq13WH_uk83s4pEoUP6nDSCsnGJHAjtPDhI/s3096/gemma_inspection_004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="3096" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFdlckJuqpZmWpGGjmzMMzxaEx973kOdCbLhrQlQpOUJ9udFg3AlqQ-njgiW2UlCpolxcCyb-HnKRMvyUAv2KLwr2X63cJG4LDyOt3y3rZLYN3QeYnWm_8w3Ak7Z1T729W29mcycLiSjNtKceB02jJB9jjq13WH_uk83s4pEoUP6nDSCsnGJHAjtPDhI/w400-h219/gemma_inspection_004.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Over the years the opportunity has grown so much. This is a statement by Boo explaining the new opportunity for all to collect stamps . Each continent can now carry a passport the reflects their own continent and for those off the mainland a generic one. He told me,<br /><br />“Why and how did the BBB make passports available to everyone in SL ?<br /><br />It's something we'd always planned to do. However we had a rather manual process for producing passports and were afraid we just couldn’t cope with the workload that might occur if we suddenly opened the passports to all.<br /><br />However North Crannock did some great work creating a more 'self build' passport. This coincided with the creation of the Bellisseria embassies throughout mainland. This allowed us to make the stamps, and the passports freely available to anyone on SL, land owner, premium, or neither who wanted to collect and explore. Since I stepped down as CEO of the BBB the team has continued to perfect and improve the stamp and passport process enormously. Special mention to Robert, Amanda, Laurel, and also Dave for all the publicity. And of course to Bel for taking over leading the ship so ably.”<br /><br />Boo has now become an ambassador at the Embassy on Heterocera. The embassies are maintained by the BBB.There is a Board of directors that works together to ensure everything keeps up to date and has other ideas in mind. To see all the previous stamps that are available or retired you can go to<br /><a href="https://robertrhodan.de/index-aTAU.html">https://robertrhodan.de/index-aTAU.html</a> and begin to collect the older ones listed.<br /><br />To apply for an intercontinental passport on line you can visit<br /><br /><a href="https://robertrhodan.de/ICBelliPP-AutoAppForm.html">https://robertrhodan.de/ICBelliPP-AutoAppForm.html</a><br /><br />or you can stop in at anyone of the Embassies to get a folder containing loads of information to help you. This is the Corsica Embassy. A passport is already in the folder with directions.<br /><br /><a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Timescape/198/81/68">http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Timescape/198/81/68</a><br /><br /><br />These are the people who are involved in the workings of the BBB . I hope I got them all!<br /><br />Founder and Ambassador to Heterocera -- Boo Rojyo<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPQScuK2zMPGn2ZVciAiw1ex7ndXzKYJUJaj_v7ZJzG0FSDhHQ0iEYNtzmtKkil3gHPkLST689dxN10Lls7HUtL8K_NJVbl2WMsXprTDcVFcEAfkeNTvQnHYYU8xGM2pF36ezfGesuWguxvGGQpmIBqqFpDEKddbfK1SOkAT1kuTD7dzEQiH1Deh-qAE/s3096/Gemma_Boo_003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="3096" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPQScuK2zMPGn2ZVciAiw1ex7ndXzKYJUJaj_v7ZJzG0FSDhHQ0iEYNtzmtKkil3gHPkLST689dxN10Lls7HUtL8K_NJVbl2WMsXprTDcVFcEAfkeNTvQnHYYU8xGM2pF36ezfGesuWguxvGGQpmIBqqFpDEKddbfK1SOkAT1kuTD7dzEQiH1Deh-qAE/w400-h219/Gemma_Boo_003.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />CEO -Bel (Jezebel Bailey)<br /><br />Board Members -, Dave (Lord Junibalya), AmandaT Tamatzui. Teresa Firelight<br /><br />Scriptors -North (North Crannock), Robert Rhodan (RobertRhodan)<br /><br />and Sandy Burgess<br /><br />POH editor and Linden/Mole Liaison -- Teresa<br /><br />Party Planner - Amanda<br /><br />Stamp Designers - Amanda, Robert<br /><br />BBB Passports, Licenses, License Plates -Laurel (Laurelrose Anthony) (Bel backup)<br /><br />Discord Geek and backup scripter - Coal Edge<br /><br />Editor in Chief - Dave<br /><br />Scout - Gemma Cleanslate<br /><br /><br />Ambassadors --<br /><br />Heterocera - Boo Rojyo<br /><br />Nautilaus -Freddie Harrington (Freddie Venus)<br /><br />Gaeta - SᴏɴDᴇᴇ Bᴀᴛɪsᴛᴀ-LᴇFᴇᴠʀᴇ (SonsarayDeJonay)<br /><br />CDS - Sandy Burgess<br /><br />Corsica - Dulcinea Andretti<br /><br />Zindra -Rascal Starlight<br /><br />Jeogeot - Coughran Mayo<br /><br />Sansara - OPEN<br /><br />Satori – OPEN<br /><br /><br />There is a search on for a new ambassador for the two open continents in case you are interested.<br /><br />“Builders of all things possible - Everyone has their own specialty! Mine is stand and point!” said Bel , and she does a wonderful job of pointing and directing traffic!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwFQZ7qGPEzj3SXpl_ixiMXgrUsCXsgnpOVaUVMQVnfk49yO8ZnMA8u_OJcEX9F8P6IQDBbbfm5RmrP1eLiJ_sB5axQYT5tfjAvIYMqK-_obf0lrEhXtQVRrRH6gBA04tkTm3NDVdRJdO69rPq6J-EeUqPp24FwkvTVcB1h1uUUvOusK_EJg-HNgKyBk/s3096/gemma_bbb%20hq_001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="3096" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwFQZ7qGPEzj3SXpl_ixiMXgrUsCXsgnpOVaUVMQVnfk49yO8ZnMA8u_OJcEX9F8P6IQDBbbfm5RmrP1eLiJ_sB5axQYT5tfjAvIYMqK-_obf0lrEhXtQVRrRH6gBA04tkTm3NDVdRJdO69rPq6J-EeUqPp24FwkvTVcB1h1uUUvOusK_EJg-HNgKyBk/w400-h219/gemma_bbb%20hq_001.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The BBB headquarters is a fun place to visit .<br /><a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swordfish/208/50/33">http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swordfish/208/50/33</a><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Take a walk around and see the buildings and the back yard. Relax in the new Zen Garden. On the wall inside are posters for each of the type of Passport available. upstairs is a room with all the Embassies on the wall.<br /><br /><i><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Gemma Cleanslate</span></b></i><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-26872901345615845412023-08-02T06:00:00.032-04:002023-08-02T06:00:00.145-04:00Photos From The Fandom Fashion Show<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Pictures by Gemma Cleanslate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbxOUu4dVwnonL7uAuQmhlX6SaUV8qWirRE-eewWRNvVvNA7oxAwDoRtPRVzwuO15DKReJ1uPp5E9YRBCJvpfQPwD7B_4TWK13xbHs2PwBIr_QP8tnRP8j2t_A2N94rIwAdzPIy1YtQGEVwHQ1QzDMWIgkL5o5dvfEJ6I4_clcQf2MdaDkYNqrZwkCq0/s512/gemma_fandomalotta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbxOUu4dVwnonL7uAuQmhlX6SaUV8qWirRE-eewWRNvVvNA7oxAwDoRtPRVzwuO15DKReJ1uPp5E9YRBCJvpfQPwD7B_4TWK13xbHs2PwBIr_QP8tnRP8j2t_A2N94rIwAdzPIy1YtQGEVwHQ1QzDMWIgkL5o5dvfEJ6I4_clcQf2MdaDkYNqrZwkCq0/w502-h320/gemma_fandomalotta.png" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last week, Gemma Cleanslate dropped by the Fandom Fashion Show, and finding a number of Moles and Lindens took some pictures. This included Alotta Mole.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdC8iuse-HxTTsGAZ_ejF5gjlVYAzfdgD_Mndm4JqJ4EBoMgqFY2XS7-moAckZt8CI9nFSPNSv5DjfO-V9qkSIilVVNlHCJqUyHjIJXhNrReXJ0_w4DZKyoaHxAYRwjXTod_CfhNsG93L46EBBX2jWQqPMKkuGaHQMMvk6Yv0zNXHpWc1f2K4b3pcbos/s512/gemma_fandomWendi%20Linden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdC8iuse-HxTTsGAZ_ejF5gjlVYAzfdgD_Mndm4JqJ4EBoMgqFY2XS7-moAckZt8CI9nFSPNSv5DjfO-V9qkSIilVVNlHCJqUyHjIJXhNrReXJ0_w4DZKyoaHxAYRwjXTod_CfhNsG93L46EBBX2jWQqPMKkuGaHQMMvk6Yv0zNXHpWc1f2K4b3pcbos/w499-h320/gemma_fandomWendi%20Linden.png" width="499" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There was Wendi Linden. No word from Gemma on if anyone was saying "Bettlejuice" three times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCqtuB0cYz-mqPh72Cn-UpPSPwYISvVpcTemJv8HLjpbtlQ6dPgOL759zknJ7O19ZL_1IFvcCvz3uubbf5IuoCIYiUeE-saTaWOWamSvXkjPCF42tbzW3bT9eZGfCJqBN94rrGC3xi0bwvR_thfqGwGRF8nyCLSPU0fHbK8F4m8nbf6kMhqjz7RzRnnY/s512/gemma_fandomPatch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCqtuB0cYz-mqPh72Cn-UpPSPwYISvVpcTemJv8HLjpbtlQ6dPgOL759zknJ7O19ZL_1IFvcCvz3uubbf5IuoCIYiUeE-saTaWOWamSvXkjPCF42tbzW3bT9eZGfCJqBN94rrGC3xi0bwvR_thfqGwGRF8nyCLSPU0fHbK8F4m8nbf6kMhqjz7RzRnnY/w509-h320/gemma_fandomPatch.png" width="509" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And there was Patch Linden, in a pink-stripped outfit.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kEApqkJp5EfQstHQMyXNkCRgk84IuB4ExKqBB9n5QvTSP9HXeHmNhlFasKMzIJ-SJbY3XYZF0ZjcXyLIEIJSFspxCwtjRMqlcDvceO0zlZPE0IY-juIiksKhShroTiatQO79bvxNMDSbQZvgw2rSuVADsiGvX3Z5U5rEkOzmBAy3UAZtvbA3LpnBJGY/s512/gemma_fandomMini%20Mole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kEApqkJp5EfQstHQMyXNkCRgk84IuB4ExKqBB9n5QvTSP9HXeHmNhlFasKMzIJ-SJbY3XYZF0ZjcXyLIEIJSFspxCwtjRMqlcDvceO0zlZPE0IY-juIiksKhShroTiatQO79bvxNMDSbQZvgw2rSuVADsiGvX3Z5U5rEkOzmBAy3UAZtvbA3LpnBJGY/w506-h320/gemma_fandomMini%20Mole.png" width="506" /></a></div><br />There was Mini Mole in a sailor suit. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTbxsmbdvSYHim5yB7maYG30iqIMNANGcehcZbyehLm6Vj2csE5_KkcbIN6QFu9wFJki9VF-2SdlcQdy9mlz3prwtYLVPAhLkSZtRPZ8illgxv0-dV_FybaPxaStf9ncbbuC70lQoJyO0y96RgRtF_Q1ebUnXDpKDiIkA-6EipKbSKyaEOQdVUy_WH9Y/s512/gemma_fandomAncient%20mole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTbxsmbdvSYHim5yB7maYG30iqIMNANGcehcZbyehLm6Vj2csE5_KkcbIN6QFu9wFJki9VF-2SdlcQdy9mlz3prwtYLVPAhLkSZtRPZ8illgxv0-dV_FybaPxaStf9ncbbuC70lQoJyO0y96RgRtF_Q1ebUnXDpKDiIkA-6EipKbSKyaEOQdVUy_WH9Y/w512-h400/gemma_fandomAncient%20mole.png" width="512" /></a></div><br />Ancient Mole looked a bit like a Murlock from "Warcraft" on a broom.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8uTDMXJzyN86ENAg2UsTS3BAPD_wy-nlfg8Wkt8GFXhhVVhxlodTfT0kwY1IJuOdBYxTtcv72Jrx_dBUI3DsfWueJHf_cxgG5DmFSFvC6ytvD6wrwuhiu7GWJW3n2ACiQNjeUUlX_uVTcrWrV53QCqzjmXotpwKDm3QMuudYSENfSH6tZcaAHq0xVs8/s512/gemma_fandomJester%20Mole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8uTDMXJzyN86ENAg2UsTS3BAPD_wy-nlfg8Wkt8GFXhhVVhxlodTfT0kwY1IJuOdBYxTtcv72Jrx_dBUI3DsfWueJHf_cxgG5DmFSFvC6ytvD6wrwuhiu7GWJW3n2ACiQNjeUUlX_uVTcrWrV53QCqzjmXotpwKDm3QMuudYSENfSH6tZcaAHq0xVs8/w511-h320/gemma_fandomJester%20Mole.png" width="511" /></a></div><br />It wasn't clear what Jester Linden was trying to be. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcnQk2gjSE5fJ2cm0gIpcyEmYJO3OPyPBmxMIdkpPHnUsLKHM_HC8TXfZdjkb-7izTJLpRfWukLI-C6k3_eYiiLtnWy7hAPRWDcxIiSSdSccm1faXqWIv9MPdvcFQAyyMQ1slw0uEqPqCYnpREN3AzQp8uTZ6LA12c4psfRbfNLI3xiz3jtbr3ns4mAo/s512/gemma_fandomAdor%20Mole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcnQk2gjSE5fJ2cm0gIpcyEmYJO3OPyPBmxMIdkpPHnUsLKHM_HC8TXfZdjkb-7izTJLpRfWukLI-C6k3_eYiiLtnWy7hAPRWDcxIiSSdSccm1faXqWIv9MPdvcFQAyyMQ1slw0uEqPqCYnpREN3AzQp8uTZ6LA12c4psfRbfNLI3xiz3jtbr3ns4mAo/w520-h400/gemma_fandomAdor%20Mole.png" width="520" /></a></div><br />Ador Mole was looking a little cheesy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDRXmXFeKSHyJ_i7pm9vnd0nj8JLSE4bbCGnEPzs4CSW8CqylZKc-y0Tv99js9CjbutG7p978-0ah0YHmKW2JcNlVglzOeYKqu619NGC1Xq4TXsRAPvsFBtLyvkX4YhX1ZJ-i5YmCoLF1kVXvBAxg5Su7-9IIIGJPrHQn55JufaGoodYM45gzz1iYwPQ/s512/Gemma_fandom03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDRXmXFeKSHyJ_i7pm9vnd0nj8JLSE4bbCGnEPzs4CSW8CqylZKc-y0Tv99js9CjbutG7p978-0ah0YHmKW2JcNlVglzOeYKqu619NGC1Xq4TXsRAPvsFBtLyvkX4YhX1ZJ-i5YmCoLF1kVXvBAxg5Su7-9IIIGJPrHQn55JufaGoodYM45gzz1iYwPQ/w533-h400/Gemma_fandom03.png" width="533" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">They and others were having fun, dancing away at a pad. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKasaU9i_Bx9FV8jmZI1VJvA72QaDj99heUrZ6r_D2X3782xDkKUcrzYD0FhjNNiZVf5hdUtsWNIl-XtJuHKW3Yrl0ru8KzfVITEbLpLlnf9wUNJ_m7UeAPqcAs09BUNcsLBc88bbhEHuEm16_hJEnxopiOkW6WWWuD0Si6nbRGRc0iM_2KwnRGBoMMo/s512/gemma_fandom_Intruder%20on%20the%20stage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKasaU9i_Bx9FV8jmZI1VJvA72QaDj99heUrZ6r_D2X3782xDkKUcrzYD0FhjNNiZVf5hdUtsWNIl-XtJuHKW3Yrl0ru8KzfVITEbLpLlnf9wUNJ_m7UeAPqcAs09BUNcsLBc88bbhEHuEm16_hJEnxopiOkW6WWWuD0Si6nbRGRc0iM_2KwnRGBoMMo/w551-h400/gemma_fandom_Intruder%20on%20the%20stage.png" width="551" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">At one point there was an "intruder on stage." If this guy was out to cause trouble, no doubt with all the blue tags around, he was taken care of in a hurry.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gemma may have more on the con later. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan & Gemma Cleanslate</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-44562535551647032482023-07-10T06:00:00.075-04:002023-07-10T06:00:00.137-04:00Interview With Kitacelia on Raising Horses<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Penny Shuftan (Deaflegacy)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello, everyone. I was lucky to be able to have a very good interview with Kἶէმƈεlἶმ Lմἶղƈօɾἶმlօէε Kεlνმɾl (Kitacelia). I have been buying horses and ponies from her for some time now. She really does have remarkable horses and ponies. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmNGamOdGJ36Cr2qef1ZpL4qxNHoGJRznR5rYoGmamb6ZMBtcZO3y8x70u7jlMq8gTaVTFTS1lb9BKU0tnL30vQZbpan0lFCFCIFbhQ6BZC55d6tP3wk_VOLxX5fzouypyV5viZz-pu8r8UcseJHIVBs2rafZ0PVwfDEte1u3hkzzaplY7NDkDiZauQs/s1314/kitacelia_profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1314" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmNGamOdGJ36Cr2qef1ZpL4qxNHoGJRznR5rYoGmamb6ZMBtcZO3y8x70u7jlMq8gTaVTFTS1lb9BKU0tnL30vQZbpan0lFCFCIFbhQ6BZC55d6tP3wk_VOLxX5fzouypyV5viZz-pu8r8UcseJHIVBs2rafZ0PVwfDEte1u3hkzzaplY7NDkDiZauQs/s320/kitacelia_profile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After the interview started, my first question to her was, "What inspired you to go into horse breeding?" Kitacelia answered, "Well, since I was a little girl, I have always loved horses. When I was a kid, I was lucky enough to have a few horse riding lessons, and I was in a show. I always wanted to have horses in real life, but my health and finances prevented it." After a moment's thought, she added, "I should say disabilities and finances. And it's exciting to see what different coats, breeds, and vanities (are available).<br /><br />"Breeding animals in general is (interesting) in SL, though I prefer fantasy ones, horses and cats (that's mane and tail you can get." <br /><br />My next question was, "What's your favorite horse?" Kitacelia replied, "It's too hard to choose just one. I don't breed much other than horses anymore as it can become expensive, and the market for them is sometimes pretty low."<br /><br />I gave her a compliment in saying that she did pretty good at breeding horses. "I don't really breed Amaretto anymore but I liked the crystal features some had so I bred a few," she told me, "Thank you. Foxtrot are nice because they don't require food. Just bundle to breed. Sadly, they are not as detailed and do not move."<br /><br />I then wondered which horse is the best breed. "Depends on what you wanted to do," she told me, "If you want something that is inexpensive and safe, foxtrot. If you wanted something realistic with a lot of options, ABC (Awesome Breed Creations) horses."<br /><br />The conversation shifted to what to tell someone who is interested in breeding horses. Kitacelia answered, "I would tell them to not expect to make money from it or if they do, not much, especially not at first. If they want to do it because they enjoy it and are able to take time and have the money to do it, they should."<br /><br />I then asked her about how she's doing in the horses business. Kitacelia answered, "Well, I sell a few here and there. You are by far my best customer." I confessed to constantly falling in love with her horses because they're the inspiring type. She told me, "Most people who buy horses either get them to breed them, or they get them for horse shows, which means they want matching manes and tails and feet and rare coats and eyes. The other reason is for racing which requires very specific short vanities and high racing stats and training. I do not breed horses for racing. Once in a while, I will by chance get one suitable for it. But I mostly breed show horses."<br /><br />I told Kitacelia that she's doing pretty good with the amazing show horses, especially with the Pegasus horses. "I am glad." she said. I added that I had one more question. If I continue to buy horses from her, will she continue to breed horses? "Of course," she answered. I thanked her because I was so glad that she would continue breeding horses as long as I continue to buy horses from her.<br /><br />That was it. I thanked her for the interview. I am forever glad that I can continue to buy horses from her. Kἶէმƈεlἶმ Lմἶղƈօɾἶმlօէε Kεlνმɾl (kitacelia) really does breed remarkable horses. If anyone is interested in a show horse, I recommend Kitacelia. She is truly the best in the horses business.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Penny<br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-50519136224776548422023-05-27T06:00:00.002-04:002023-05-27T06:00:00.143-04:00Beverly Montgomery's Memorial Service<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Bixyl Shufta </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgPlUpKSEG5uEwpr8QTxE1gZSbeR9k7OZcJWR0Up7VwgKugJlKX9h21PfBLffr0TZhr65QIwa7xo03xEYZxhXKVpvKF_UhgXzGlan7uQ_qyK4fUNZpDjzDEx77Pqd6jeCA45GoeBmi-jYgsLY-yJSV2ZDrPG85w1pEbeyQd2OWz79f7SsaUMpDuTB/s767/beverlymontgomery_profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="764" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgPlUpKSEG5uEwpr8QTxE1gZSbeR9k7OZcJWR0Up7VwgKugJlKX9h21PfBLffr0TZhr65QIwa7xo03xEYZxhXKVpvKF_UhgXzGlan7uQ_qyK4fUNZpDjzDEx77Pqd6jeCA45GoeBmi-jYgsLY-yJSV2ZDrPG85w1pEbeyQd2OWz79f7SsaUMpDuTB/w199-h200/beverlymontgomery_profile.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>On Sunday May 21, a memorial service was held for Beverly Montgomery. She was one of the staff at <a href="http://slnewserplaces.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-citizens-incorporated-kuula.html">NCI Kuula - New Citizens Incorporated</a>, a newcomer help location in Second Life. She had been suffering from an illness and had passed away on April 25. She was 67 years old.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The service was at 11 AM. The sim was filled to capacity, but there was an overflow area where BLVK JVCK (Drilldo Drillon) was relaying the chatter. Among those there was Marious Bishop, "I'm Bev's son, and a very old member of NCI." Rowan Carroll would say, "You all know me. Marious is Bev's son and my RL friend and Loralie is Marious's wife and my RL friend." Someone offered extra seats for those having trouble finding one. Rowan would add, "... this is not gonna be formal. So no big speeches or anything. We are celebrating Bev, and Bev was <i>anything</i> but formal!" Someone commented, "True (laughter) and I think she liked it that way." It was also commented her real-life name was a mystery, at least to most, "Well, it was true, nobody knew her real name, or rather, very few did."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IGbFtTMV-HDReiVklkli1NDutG4sRwOYkzNrKu_VEr_5V0EMvuUrY0IGnu2ZYbcjZAdEJxoCgiYbwJpqZN1xlnIjuoesD8EKnAuRdM0y1ZmXZ82_Pnz71B4PdGDYbdp0coMPZwv5wt0lwrOb4QQbSt1fcr2XzHcUT6pRJyj6KzKj08i0YPw5gV23/s1250/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1250" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IGbFtTMV-HDReiVklkli1NDutG4sRwOYkzNrKu_VEr_5V0EMvuUrY0IGnu2ZYbcjZAdEJxoCgiYbwJpqZN1xlnIjuoesD8EKnAuRdM0y1ZmXZ82_Pnz71B4PdGDYbdp0coMPZwv5wt0lwrOb4QQbSt1fcr2XzHcUT6pRJyj6KzKj08i0YPw5gV23/s320/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Paj Quan (pajobra.zessinthal) would say, "I took over beach parties when
she got sick. I plan to continue them for her. I do miss her bugging me
on Facebook though and all the giraffe pics she would post on my page"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Loralie Fairywren would say, " ... But I really want to express to everyone here how very much you all meant to mom. She loved doing the beach parties, and being part of NCI. She would talk about your community all the time. It was the weirdest conversation to have to have with the Nursing home staff. If any cards or flowers arrive for a Beverly Montgomery, that's for mom, she has an online community that might be sending things but they may not know her real name. The nurse looked at me like I had lost my mind." Someone responded, "You would think this day in age they would get it." Loralie added, "I thought it made perfect sense, but you would have though I was asking them to gaslight her."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS-RtQ4oH26tGm7H9t-4mOLg2c4tyWuk9egCFGvaWuMdbMekuia0P8PN2G_59T1FHbebF1laxhZLNZOvSQ1ewhJixOMSYQ3uxLXImfC-0M8a7SDtBKwx1wHlZxd-UOt-Lz9CFZaWB0_8V2sYtQ39lWULY1b579jehGaw9SG4Agl_m-Cp0cNPf_hm3/s1250/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_006%20-%20varian%20altney%20and%20wyn%20nitely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1250" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS-RtQ4oH26tGm7H9t-4mOLg2c4tyWuk9egCFGvaWuMdbMekuia0P8PN2G_59T1FHbebF1laxhZLNZOvSQ1ewhJixOMSYQ3uxLXImfC-0M8a7SDtBKwx1wHlZxd-UOt-Lz9CFZaWB0_8V2sYtQ39lWULY1b579jehGaw9SG4Agl_m-Cp0cNPf_hm3/s320/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_006%20-%20varian%20altney%20and%20wyn%20nitely.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Marious then made the following statement:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Beverly Montgomery<br />11/24/55 - 4/25/23<br /><br />"Beverly Montgomery, mother to Three Children, passed away on April 25th. She had been ill and needed surgery in February and due to complications. Her health deteriorated over the following weeks. She kept high spirits through it all and her sense of humor. While we wish she could still be here to tell all the same stories to us again. We hope she is now telling them to those we, and she had lost. She is gone but that also means she is no longer in pain. Something she lived with daily. <br /><br />"Known for her giving heart, Beverly Montgomery will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Beverly Montgomery family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, Not the sadness of her passing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvbuaWGxFWDajOPBgNZN1c_w6WkKiURILHtToYkVWQPl3TRvnpBMimWrgaLP0bkDHjWD7MiV9q7M0MK2pcgFvncrfvKO3FwlTKhDDMI32_dyyG0_x8DRQSmv6SasVAfhhI7kSrWEzIcrCQ8pPwVWToNS9nGFbbgLKpt4TsjQXTGaoHsC02eP8d9j_/s1250/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1250" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvbuaWGxFWDajOPBgNZN1c_w6WkKiURILHtToYkVWQPl3TRvnpBMimWrgaLP0bkDHjWD7MiV9q7M0MK2pcgFvncrfvKO3FwlTKhDDMI32_dyyG0_x8DRQSmv6SasVAfhhI7kSrWEzIcrCQ8pPwVWToNS9nGFbbgLKpt4TsjQXTGaoHsC02eP8d9j_/s320/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"In her early years mom loved activities. She spent years learning how to tap dance, Even going so far as to perform her final recital on roller skates painted gold, another pastime she loved. She was an avid roller skater and would get out and show off when she was younger at skate parties with her kids. She loved to sing and instilled a love of music into her kids. She was a homebody for much of her life though she did work for a time as a waitress at Friendlys; and would tell you all about it if you would listen. She always loved to see people having fun. She enjoyed being the place for people to come and hang out. Hosting parties for her kids, friends so she knew they were being safe even if they were being bad. She was happy to be the home away from home for everyone. She treated everyone as her family. Even taking in people that needed a place to crash if they were without a safe place for a while. She always had a fascination and love for computers and video games. Mastering many of the early nintendo games and ruining the chance for anyone else to get a higher score. Adventure and racing games always caught her attention. Donne had a love for the Zelda series and Ridge Racer stealing her attention for many years. And later in life she used that love to explore the internet and make many friends on several platforms including Facebook and Second life where she hosted events and helped new people join the community through the New citizens Incorporated Group. A place she loved and cherished. Every one in the NCI family was a member of her family. I would get weekly updates on all the things going on. All the Drama. New people, new gadgets and events. She was hard core about being home for her events. And worked hard to not miss them. Everyone here was important to her. And she loved to make people feel important. If it was remembering a Rez day or just showing off someone's pictures. <br /><br />"Let today not be a day of mourning. Not a day to be sad at what was lost or how she will be missed. Let today be a day of celebration of a woman that was everyone's mother. Everyone's friend. A vibrant point of light in a dull gray world. That tried to shine as brightly as she could no matter how dreary the day was. She will be missed. But she will be remembered."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFNAkllWTJ-V9Rhn822hd_d_BlusfQhou20TnqCyAJCb0aqzWtdugKVuV98hc922s3QR0_PQFXZIN71E3qnasWacJO2jDiFCpLwc578tek1k08oHUWxlEZSbpTgIVZyCLkk95qylHRjSPfKC4a7iulrnEd1C7Z354M5PpMueB_JU0XdPzq01qO4MM/s1250/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1250" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFNAkllWTJ-V9Rhn822hd_d_BlusfQhou20TnqCyAJCb0aqzWtdugKVuV98hc922s3QR0_PQFXZIN71E3qnasWacJO2jDiFCpLwc578tek1k08oHUWxlEZSbpTgIVZyCLkk95qylHRjSPfKC4a7iulrnEd1C7Z354M5PpMueB_JU0XdPzq01qO4MM/s320/linndarkwatch_beverly%20montgomery's%20memorial_006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The people applauded, "Oh that is beautiful Marious." "Indeed." Rowan would add, "Loralie wrote it.. she's a published author!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Corcosman Voom would say, "I'll say something. Bev and I are close in real-life age and we shared some sensibilities. In Second Life, I imitated the way she treated new Residents. She called people by and name and added, welcome. My hope now is that Bev has received as she gave, that she has been called by name and welcomed." Sophiekittycat Chemistry (sophiekittycat) commented, "At Wednesday parties , Bev always was getting her hug from me, she was always rising the ball dance for us that Chrissy feet not be in the ground." Krystal Devonshire spoke, "She would bug me so hard for the Beach Party theme, if I wasn't on she would message my partners to find me." Mortis (HarumiMichi Resident) commented, "I only come around very little now, the last time I spoke (to her) she broke the news to me about Gramma passing. I hope her and Gramma are goofin' off and tube racin' right now." Alia Fairbrooke (Patchouli Woollahra) remarked, "They probably are, and she's probably still cheating at the last bend." "A lovely thought, hahaha!"<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Loralie mused over one happening, "It was a while ago now, but I'm pretty sure I made her log onto Second Life at my house. Teleported her over, handed her the lindens and was like BUY the Maitreya body NOW."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rowan would then say, "I saw her the Sat before she passed, and after we talked a little while, she leaned over to me and asked if everyone at NCI was ok. So she cared for ALL of you."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually, the chatter went to other subjects and people started to go their separate ways, including me who's attention was needed elsewhere and logged off my alt. But no doubt Beverly will continue to be remembered</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pictures from Linn Darkwatch</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-9805412305766189502023-05-12T06:00:00.026-04:002023-05-12T06:00:00.145-04:00Reader Submitted: Remembering Allian Blackwell<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> From Jaun Boucher</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQb-rE0MmnSqPCSsy7hYxwTVyQ73vBznuaKVrssuzV12JSHgWYUD2DRzLHPPEwm6abVyEzDyfKuQhzraRLYqUghhyPO9rtiigsC4D1_5ywPBDh33lAYKvqCDt7qPWsqCriUNvLu16gwb6g3QnFJ4s4p6s5dti1n1Vy786trImTo9qVZN5Pfbw8oYe/s512/SunaSunato_Admiral%20Blackwell%20Full%20Perm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQb-rE0MmnSqPCSsy7hYxwTVyQ73vBznuaKVrssuzV12JSHgWYUD2DRzLHPPEwm6abVyEzDyfKuQhzraRLYqUghhyPO9rtiigsC4D1_5ywPBDh33lAYKvqCDt7qPWsqCriUNvLu16gwb6g3QnFJ4s4p6s5dti1n1Vy786trImTo9qVZN5Pfbw8oYe/s320/SunaSunato_Admiral%20Blackwell%20Full%20Perm.png" width="320" /></a></div>On 8 May 2023 - SL Coast Guard was devastated by receiving the news that their beloved Commandant Allian Blackwell has lost her battle to Cancer.<br /><br />As Commandant of SL Coast Guard - she will be remembered with her dedication she gave to the Group and also to her Co SLCG members. "I love you all"....it was her final words after most of her speeches. To be the Commandant of such an active group - to always have new ideas open, is not an easy task, but the Commandant did her part in an excellent manner, and SL Coast Guard definitely has one empty spot right now, not only in the group, but also in our hearts.<br /><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtcF4N1bF43Dua7GPpuco-fy1tB5ORtAxpX-l--xbkWf1LvsCd73h1TNJ8HMWiQq72uGGbNj3bGIPBgOMixtBD76xism9HvrhOsbx0heEoYhG-FXmLBgRMTlOM8jgC6gQ0tS-dtVWiuSxNgcBCu-0yjg_DQ8XZ-MXkp0E9T6Ef6tE5sYV1ogBnNtJ/s512/Tosh%20and%20Allie%20..always.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtcF4N1bF43Dua7GPpuco-fy1tB5ORtAxpX-l--xbkWf1LvsCd73h1TNJ8HMWiQq72uGGbNj3bGIPBgOMixtBD76xism9HvrhOsbx0heEoYhG-FXmLBgRMTlOM8jgC6gQ0tS-dtVWiuSxNgcBCu-0yjg_DQ8XZ-MXkp0E9T6Ef6tE5sYV1ogBnNtJ/s320/Tosh%20and%20Allie%20..always.png" width="320" /></a></div>Apart from SL Coast Guard, Allian also had a SL partner Tosh Morpork (RADM in SLCG), and a life beyond SLCG - CPO Jaun
Boucher had the privilege to asked him a few questions about them, and
it is such a lovely story - that anyone who is in a SL Partnership will
understand the daily struggles we are going through:<br /><br />How did you first meet Allian?<br /><br />Tosh : In 2014 she came for an interview to join SL Coast Guard and I was the one who interviewed her.<br /><br />Was it love at first sight?<br />Tosh : (Laughs) - Yes, and no...we rubbed shoulders for many months but just said "hello" I had a nick name for her - The Ice maden<br /><br />Why that Nickname?<br />Nothing sinister about the name, but, when you see someone you really like but can't seem to find the words, and the other person feel the same way, it's a Mexican stand off. So when the ice finally were broken, we never parted, we moved in and that was that. We became partners in 2015.<br /><br />Did you ever met in RL?<br />Ali was a big part of my life in SL and RL....although we did not had the opportunity to meet in RL as life had other plans, we did plan on meeting......<br /><br />Tosh's final words to Jaun was - We have lost a guiding light.....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh128boFY-xCbVEVlnMkQo5-n17xsXaIV8D1SNW_UF1GvmKtZmDn5x9yXmtYZfoMcvh5olT4lmE_mhQ-oGGGXsTgIYt9UzEVpUGfhqE_G36f1qSiDPJfFJNgblU-uOYY1PfTr0br0oFwFzUJq6hQSwywzCvQtZUws5F9dK5l2gTmFk35LfOh_4tpKp1/s1024/SLCG%20Rescue%20K9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh128boFY-xCbVEVlnMkQo5-n17xsXaIV8D1SNW_UF1GvmKtZmDn5x9yXmtYZfoMcvh5olT4lmE_mhQ-oGGGXsTgIYt9UzEVpUGfhqE_G36f1qSiDPJfFJNgblU-uOYY1PfTr0br0oFwFzUJq6hQSwywzCvQtZUws5F9dK5l2gTmFk35LfOh_4tpKp1/s320/SLCG%20Rescue%20K9.png" width="160" /></a></div>Apart from Tosh, Allian also had a love for the K9 program which SLCG have - her K9 Partner - Ella. During the Vigil stand off, you could feel the sadness in the lost of her human being... SLCG will make sure, that the Commandant's K9 will be taken cared of. Although Allian love and attention for Ella cannot be replaced ever... <br /><br />RADM Allian Blackwell - you were a true inspiration to all of us in SLCG. Your strength, your courage, your positiveness, and your love - will be missed, but we will let your flame keep on burning for you.<br /><br />Allian was also a huge supporter for Relay For Life (RFL) - and SLCG will continue raising funds for RFL in Second Life.<br /><br />RIP our dearest Comrade..Condolences to all her loved ones in SL, and also in Real Life.<br /><br />Her memorial will be held on 14 May 2023 @12PM SLT- space will be limited, but invitations will be send out to relevant groups.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMn0bT1y0vY" width="409" youtube-src-id="AMn0bT1y0vY"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Feel free to watch the small Video Tribute which were made about Allian - her full memorial also will be captured by Video. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMn0bT1y0vY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMn0bT1y0vY</a><br /><br />Jaun Boucher</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-58510844113990961612023-04-07T14:00:00.002-04:002023-04-07T17:00:45.008-04:00Interview With Journey Texan and Deanna Lancaster-Texan<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">At Relay events this season, among those appearing at multiple events are one particular couple: Journey Texan and Deanna Lancaster-Texan. Journey in particular is noted for his unique, and comical, avatar at most of the events. I recently met up with them for an interview, the three of us at the American Cancer Society sim. They gave me a copy of a popcorn-munching chair, "Nothing like a little casual snack while we chat." Denna laughed, "Glad the Roos are always passing these chairs out."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDEakccGlvj5ovoBwb6V9W5xzm7MXK39HsdP2J0fEezKVyUhThSGmAXVCMaY9F0pllMsGMwH_X4mxaiY34HZtM_4CGes3iHkAmrrV-C3rGpq4ZLyZYbciXaEg3qQSMIRrH00kE7SmfKFkzJCDmcwIpMsEr2AxBZSkRZ3L8sag63moieve-S4auf8j/s1346/march29'23_009b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1346" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDEakccGlvj5ovoBwb6V9W5xzm7MXK39HsdP2J0fEezKVyUhThSGmAXVCMaY9F0pllMsGMwH_X4mxaiY34HZtM_4CGes3iHkAmrrV-C3rGpq4ZLyZYbciXaEg3qQSMIRrH00kE7SmfKFkzJCDmcwIpMsEr2AxBZSkRZ3L8sag63moieve-S4auf8j/s320/march29'23_009b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My first question was "what brought you to Relay For Life, and how you contribute to the mission of the American Cancer Society?" Journey invited Denna to go first, who answered, "I started to Relay when I was in high school with our Rotary Interact Club. When I was older, my mom somehow got tied up in a neighborhood event closer to my home. I got a call voluntelling me that I would be coming home to run the computer because she and her friend were the Luminaria chairs for this new event.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Eventually I became the co-chair of that event and went to an event at the state level. There they mentioned Relay for Life here in Second Life. Being the tech geek that I am I wanted to check it out. My first foray into SL was shall we say, eye opening. That avatar is lost to Linden Labs along with my email address for where I was living at the time. A few years later I tried again and actually made it to some events and the Relay. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4U9HERca8vLGcuPfM7LxN46T5X_Q-i0FimRvlSs7mp25CjcdTLytIdm1RlWmOqjRbSBaZn71dhPzyMq5FENKjvpa2Bxx3uNNtcbDoTlPZ30DibF1x4CpQFpJukM95N_dZabyYJLM1gy-b90qZtGQNRD0bizLGw9WJMnXBc29pHaDtW8ZkmPhOxKX/s1580/march29'23_012.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1580" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4U9HERca8vLGcuPfM7LxN46T5X_Q-i0FimRvlSs7mp25CjcdTLytIdm1RlWmOqjRbSBaZn71dhPzyMq5FENKjvpa2Bxx3uNNtcbDoTlPZ30DibF1x4CpQFpJukM95N_dZabyYJLM1gy-b90qZtGQNRD0bizLGw9WJMnXBc29pHaDtW8ZkmPhOxKX/s320/march29'23_012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"At that point in time I had only known people who were survivors and had lost my grandmother to cancer. Eventually, in 2013 I heard those words everyone fears, that there had been cancer living in my body. I relay to celebrate those of us who have beaten our beasts, remember those we've lost and fight back for those who are still fighting and so others don't have to receive the same diagnosis we have received or so their treatments will be nothing more than the common cold.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"For me, I am a thyroid cancer survivor, so I bring to Relay my personal experience of having gone through that diagnosis and treatment. As for how I contribute to the relay mission, I am the Host Manager for the SL Christmas Expo and Renaissance Festival. I am a Producer for Relay Rap. I served as the Luminaria Chair in 2017. I am a member of Stars and Shadows but help out several smaller teams when I can. I've been in and out of world throughout the years but when I am in, I do make Relay one of my priorities."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Journey would say, "I began Relaying in 2018 with my then-partner, Ertina Loopen. I was curious to see how Relay events were organized behind the scene, so I went with her to one of her team meetings to witness that, then later joined them as a member. After Tina passed away from breast cancer in 2020, I founded the Ertina Loopen Memorial Foundation as my own Relay team in tribute to Tina. Each August, the Foundation hosts a long walk in tribute to her to encourage people to walk with or in memory of someone who they care about. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZC4nh55ZizTAARFwSdLNRDMDQ95Y6zDEg1znzNplPDm7U5-rTGvOnqbd7Mw3vDxwAPKqk3nnEGH340vNPDZLffAjvDPPnluqgC1gY66Gv_NN1MtgArFB4L4PKw-czXTKCw9XsPv04h1RmCQroAjF0AXDHRm0SMy3dGmgKH4DlNJK30l9hd9zyT2l/s1580/march29'23_011.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1580" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZC4nh55ZizTAARFwSdLNRDMDQ95Y6zDEg1znzNplPDm7U5-rTGvOnqbd7Mw3vDxwAPKqk3nnEGH340vNPDZLffAjvDPPnluqgC1gY66Gv_NN1MtgArFB4L4PKw-czXTKCw9XsPv04h1RmCQroAjF0AXDHRm0SMy3dGmgKH4DlNJK30l9hd9zyT2l/s320/march29'23_011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"This year, I’m even dabbling in DFS and TFF farming systems to see if I can contribute the proceeds of all my sales from 'Journey’s Farm' to the ACS during both the Relay and general fund seasons. Separate from my own team, I have also assisted with the October Strides events since 2020, the SL Renaissance Festival, and the SL Christmas Expo, primarily as a merchant liaison for those last two mega events. I also like to attend or participate in other team’s events to show support for them."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of how they both met, Denna would say, "I think the first time we met was at an event that the then Shadows had. It was a multi-team event where teams could 'buy' a food truck and sell whatever there to raise money for their team. It was animal themed. Journey came with his tiny food truck and signs and all sorts of craziness." Journey smiled, "That’s right. And she held some team events featuring live singers of Broadway musicals and there were a couple of other events as well. I loved them to bits." Denna stated, "We also worked together on Out Shop, the Renaissance Festival and Expo." Journey grinned, "Yes! First time really got to sit near her to check her out."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Denna went on, "He piqued my interest, but I shied away because I didn't think he was moved on past Tina. We attended each other's events as we both liked to support the 'One Team' efforts, something we both believe in. And eventually, this past Ren Fest, he asked me to save him a dance at the Gala. The rest, as they say, is history." "Basically, she was just coming to scope me out," Journey commented, chuckling. That got a swat from Denna, "Because he was doing NOOOO scoping of his own." Journey laughed, " Okay, Guilty as charged! (chuckles and blushes). I’m pretty sure I was 'outed' by her turning on the SL viewer cross hairs to see where I was looking." Deena snickered, "Nah, that takes the fun out of the chase. So yeah, we finally told each other how we felt about each other while dancing at that Gala, in two parts. I needed a nap desperately after all those late hours and he had a memorial in real-life to head to, but neither of us took a long break because we were too excited to see where things were going to lead."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5E_5M9Q2KkGiHnIk5Sq78mHhkRY0ERrX8krYOBp7BWpKNP9JBe_d9CjjTOTj77Tqxtjxb1Dm9ruWeWz9HjRrIf8WONeU_H1-aYqq4hU5kfbcNSnA1cLtCL6n3R4yBNVOt-RORZo2yVLG-FmVJIxFUv34aFBGQ7lXR8jf6NM00wXb5FXM3xbs7134/s1580/april03'23rezz_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1580" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5E_5M9Q2KkGiHnIk5Sq78mHhkRY0ERrX8krYOBp7BWpKNP9JBe_d9CjjTOTj77Tqxtjxb1Dm9ruWeWz9HjRrIf8WONeU_H1-aYqq4hU5kfbcNSnA1cLtCL6n3R4yBNVOt-RORZo2yVLG-FmVJIxFUv34aFBGQ7lXR8jf6NM00wXb5FXM3xbs7134/s320/april03'23rezz_012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a moment to make sure they spoke what they wanted, I brought up, "To bring up some chuckles, Journey, you're here in your human avie. Often you're seen in a Yoda avatar with Groucho glasses, which I think you call your 'Joda.' How did that get started?" Journey answered, "Yes, that's true. My Yoda-looking character was originally meant to be a Christmas elf who would assist Santa Claus at the 2020 SL Christmas Expo. I volunteered to work as Santa, but during shifts when I wasn’t Santa, I still wanted to help other Santas, so I created an 'elf' starting with the original Star Wars character. But from there, I dressed him up with a Groucho Marx nose and glasses to look a little less like and to have a funny look and personality of his own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"But now that I’m participating more with Deanna, having a human form helps with things like dancing together and just being a couple in general. I would be hugely remiss if I didn’t give Deanna a ton of credit for putting up with Joda and sharing time with him. (smiles warmly and pats Deanna affectionately on the arm). She's a good sport." Deanna chuckled, "Joda is an excellent gardener and baby-sitter/uncle, so I give him a bit of a break."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked Deanna if she had a humorous avatar. She answered, "I do have a cat that travels with JoCat from time to time and there is an elf that appears at the Expo." "JoCat is my Dinky self, "Journey informed. Deanna continued, "Though because of my role, I have to stay myself and I have an alt that helps with some things Expo related that is Joda's elf friend." Journey grinned, "Yes. She's HOT!" <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked about the responses to Joda. Journey told me, "He ended up being so well recognized by people and popular that I brought him back again the next year, and to other events. Eventually, people got to know and recognize 'Joda' as I call him—a name combination of 'Journey' and 'Yoda'—more than they recognized me in my human form. So Joda really took on a life of his own as he began appearing at more events." Deanna added, "I know there are some people who look forward to getting selfies with him on the Relay Track and at events. He's kind of like a little mascot in some ways." Journey brought up, "I think somebody blurted out to Deanna one day that they spotted Joda on the track and got to take a selfie with them. it was like the highlight of their day." He grinned, "Well, maybe hour."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Deanna commented, "Last year Journey tried to hit as many events as he could and was Joda at most of them, plus he's a friendly guy, so yeah, people look for him." "Mostly friendly," Journey mused, "I cast a wary eye on anyone who is over on the 'dark side' however. They might think resistance is futile. But they will learn in the end." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP4VekdcyDIgXoh0Zsai4hHapLxDWqH0nbhqiuerBQwiswqPcDiboNnhNArLP8nBBkfVEJhtGCpuj7UvmMs9K-DSREBA2L9OvDvNS8n0CI12ifLNc5jBBKTmfpxuMM2QZzMGqdRfMyzjPoVLibz4ZLl2aBJoMHTSt2KfSRPLhgvk3viancwXdqDxQ/s1580/march29'23_015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1580" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP4VekdcyDIgXoh0Zsai4hHapLxDWqH0nbhqiuerBQwiswqPcDiboNnhNArLP8nBBkfVEJhtGCpuj7UvmMs9K-DSREBA2L9OvDvNS8n0CI12ifLNc5jBBKTmfpxuMM2QZzMGqdRfMyzjPoVLibz4ZLl2aBJoMHTSt2KfSRPLhgvk3viancwXdqDxQ/s320/march29'23_015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of what teams they're on, Deanna stated, "If you look on the dashboard, I am a member of Stars and Shadows, but I help out where I can." Journey would say, "For me, starting the Ertina Loopen Memorial Foundation team was highly personal. It was borne out of a relationship I had with Tina and is dedicated to the memory of her as a single, specific person. I wouldn’t expect anyone else to be a part of that kind of team, so I’ve been going it alone. But in the broader sense, and the 'one team' ethos, we are, as we strive to participate and help with the other multi-team and mega events." </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked them if the thought of starting their own team ever came up. Journey commented, "You know, if Joda had his own account, I can think of a couple of other teams he might have been on. But since he doesn't, he's stuck with me." " It really hasn't," Deanna told me, "He has Tina's team and I've told him I'd help him however he needed." "No, I don't think we've ever discussed that." "We've tossed events around but never a new team." "I can't foresee leaving my team, especially since I founded it and am the only person in it. It means a lot to me to keep it and I don't expect others to join. Which is why there's the beauty of still being a 'freelancer' if you will, so I can help others out too."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked if they found larger teams or smaller ones easier to work with. Journey answered, "Both have their advantages and disadvantages. It just depends on the specific work that I’m tasked with doing. For work on bigger events, I can focus on one or a couple of micro-areas of a much larger process done in collaboration with others. For my own smaller team events, I get to—have to—do everything, just at a much smaller scale." Deanna responded, "It seems the smaller teams are the ones who work together more often on multi-team events. I would say that a lot depends on the type of event, the people you are working with, and there's an aspect of how the funds are going to be split or raised." Journey added, "That's true. I would say that, for me, joining with other small teams can be a very satisfying challenge. I particularly like threesomes because it is a small enough team to be more easily organized and managed during the time we work together." </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Deanna went on, "There's also the fact that there are several teams that we've already developed a working rapport with, smaller teams, and it's easy to go into new planning experiences with them. We already have some ideas about what works and what doesn't work, what's been tried, what hasn't been tried, what we may have wanted to try before and ran out of time for and might want to try again, etc." Journey commented, "That's very true too. Some of the larger teams really have made it their mission to help elevate the smaller teams. I know I have really appreciated that for myself and my team." Deanna went, "Yes. We're all here for a common goal, so whenever we can get together and build team, spread the word, and make money, we should take those opportunities and run." "So true," Journey responded, "Working with other teams helps to extend our capabilities and reach. We may not have endless bags of cash to throw at Relay coffers ourselves, but we don’t mind helping to get lots of other people to throw their bags at other team kiosks. Because we’re all “one team” after all. Right?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvBMOLFsxEI_SzD9dZzzXd1pVXk1FUPkVYngGjmTNTq3SQGdvjZzF5iT4hjFJJQjttgjA-liIF2YVEukghL_UZMK7XysvuaN-0tQfUPMhg81g5xxxWIDNfrMThIyUaVP5egCjyBko34VJuS9OyLuvELHHICsIYcV84bnnyic-3VlxfIwtAOYUn3Sy/s1580/march29'23_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1580" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvBMOLFsxEI_SzD9dZzzXd1pVXk1FUPkVYngGjmTNTq3SQGdvjZzF5iT4hjFJJQjttgjA-liIF2YVEukghL_UZMK7XysvuaN-0tQfUPMhg81g5xxxWIDNfrMThIyUaVP5egCjyBko34VJuS9OyLuvELHHICsIYcV84bnnyic-3VlxfIwtAOYUn3Sy/s320/march29'23_016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Thinking of "Baby Yoda" from "The Maladorian," I asked if they were planning anything in the near future like a "Baby Joda?" Deanna laughed, "Well, we have a Baby Lily at home and a baby A and baby B coming in about two and a half weeks." *rubs my large belly hidden behind the popcorn bowl* Journey was surprised, "Where did THAT come from?" Deanna laughed, "If you don't know, we have a little, well, big problem." After some more chuckles, Journey told me, "By the way, Deanna makes Zooby things, you know. Who knows, there might be Zooby RFL clothes next year."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked what else they did when not Relaying. Deanna told me, "I enjoy listening to live music. Journey is a farmer." "Yes," Journey told me, "This year, I’m dabbling in DFS and TFF farming systems to see if I can contribute the proceeds of all my sales from 'Journey’s Farm' to the ACS during both the Relay and general fund seasons. But I am in no way an accomplished farmer. That much I can tell you!" When I asked if a DFS-related event was possible in the future, Journey told me, "Well they DO have a Relay team. And TFF even started one a few weeks back also." Deanna told me, "I still think we had something with the tractor racing and other activities we had discussed." "We did," Journey responded, "Some silly events. ... I like events that are atypical from the norm of constantly music and dancing. I know they sometimes draw a good crowd and donations, but they are a dime a dozen and get tiring. I like to explore and try new things, so some of the other, lets say 'more imaginative' events really suit me better. Sorry. No offense to the DJs and live singers. But I can play my radio at home. The tribute bands are a fun change to the music experience, however. I do enjoy the laser light shows and pyrotechnics along with the performance."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After that was a couple minutes of chatter, then we decided it was time to head out, "Thank you for all you do, and for you time." "Thank you, Bixyl. I know you're very busy with Relay too. Thanks for all YOU do too!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9yfYe6ft76wnWo9XnRNLjiahDfSbAD6sSBjeg8Fe1lH-HzR5nEZecv41ZRk2KOr-hVIakIKo3vYnjY34BEdX0jJGGD49rW65-zIL0okCEXIXvyW72GqQ1Bp4J53kETSRCSkdRmTuKhYwPwayFnVyDua4HwJy_XsIetDyS_3_VLxzM-HKY9iWzcoO/s1580/april06'23_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1580" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9yfYe6ft76wnWo9XnRNLjiahDfSbAD6sSBjeg8Fe1lH-HzR5nEZecv41ZRk2KOr-hVIakIKo3vYnjY34BEdX0jJGGD49rW65-zIL0okCEXIXvyW72GqQ1Bp4J53kETSRCSkdRmTuKhYwPwayFnVyDua4HwJy_XsIetDyS_3_VLxzM-HKY9iWzcoO/w200-h117/april06'23_009.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Journey and Deanna can continue to be seen at various Relay events. At the Moon Dance on April 6, he was in a Xenomorph (Alien) avatar cracking jokes about his acidic saliva and willing to walk with anyone wanting to explore. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Go Relay!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-72368579448802838772023-03-27T06:00:00.009-04:002023-03-27T06:00:00.351-04:00Xzavia Yifu's Memorial Service<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2mlqYBC62KKT2NuCpsmqd_L69zCKpzK-3hrPKxOi3odTfAuQksw68DaOUhT7b6yhPjXnQ8Cfs5cgXknJ7iqv6QvSENtV75hW_OXNIjMRUTbdJlZ0k5EXpkkuIg9mnoMh6LgyTuLFc45wBx8SiknPs_Q0-KbX9TahtIoDPxEluf62NcngsczBkz9Y/s512/Xzavia%20&%20Wyvvy%20at%20Eagle's%20Memorial.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2mlqYBC62KKT2NuCpsmqd_L69zCKpzK-3hrPKxOi3odTfAuQksw68DaOUhT7b6yhPjXnQ8Cfs5cgXknJ7iqv6QvSENtV75hW_OXNIjMRUTbdJlZ0k5EXpkkuIg9mnoMh6LgyTuLFc45wBx8SiknPs_Q0-KbX9TahtIoDPxEluf62NcngsczBkz9Y/w400-h400/Xzavia%20&%20Wyvvy%20at%20Eagle's%20Memorial.png" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday March 11, people gathered to pay last respects to Xzavia Yifu. Most noted for being a content creator, trading her wares under the brand Timeless Textures, she had passed away on February 1 due to complications from Covid, which she had been hospitalized for around Christmas 2022 and did not recover from. She is survived by at least one son.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gT_xCDzyPjcK-LmSVzuSXpMc4vHznkEaz5mODI99018W-WZULdxYYRKWIOkk8JwQ8OPSqqOpHB8JMglFymOEgrQm4_bHzVpDxwoYXTIliwReA9dabob-nPuz-iYHBp8oHmAcwT5qwq7nW2bBvtS7DBVdlhSnbFLOWh_ZmBNsDC1KBfNWNNVgMVjH/s1580/march11'23_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gT_xCDzyPjcK-LmSVzuSXpMc4vHznkEaz5mODI99018W-WZULdxYYRKWIOkk8JwQ8OPSqqOpHB8JMglFymOEgrQm4_bHzVpDxwoYXTIliwReA9dabob-nPuz-iYHBp8oHmAcwT5qwq7nW2bBvtS7DBVdlhSnbFLOWh_ZmBNsDC1KBfNWNNVgMVjH/w200-h117/march11'23_022.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A "Celebration of Life" service was soon planned, and as 1PM approached people began gathering high above the Suri sim at Eagle's Memorial. The event was held in a chapel area with numerous seats. As more people came in, additional seats were placed just outside the opening. Leading the service were Wyv the FloxMonster™ (Wyvern Dryke) (sometimes still called Wyvvy) and Kitkow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wyv would greet everyone, "Welcome, everyone, and thank you all for coming out today. I am so glad to see you all. I want to give a special thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen. I won't try to list you, because there are several, and my brain has been mush for the past several weeks. You know who you are, thank you. ♥ (I know if I try to list you, I'll forget someone) Thank you all for coming today. I am deeply honored to deliver this eulogy for our dearest Xzavia. . . . Seeing you all here now, I suspect that if Xza -were- here, she would blush furiously and demand what all this fuss is about. She was as humble as she was talented, and never wanted the spotlight for herself. Yet here we are, to remember and love her. So let's begin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCZV1k9fQ6QLCLDVxULZIP4nEmgFuaW9qQRua4VVR-evz0UwpeTGi-7vXaQ95m-rsrRvNDMm9FRAWL2hBLl24jcFZVqYau4gWzYJz7eg9y1Mf3TG2LfQL0e9rO3HzQkN5n2KcHmXVQ8fZKE_XZfj7M7NaXko76L3r7JJ4eT94PO8-wUTNFaplXCgH/s1580/march11'23_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCZV1k9fQ6QLCLDVxULZIP4nEmgFuaW9qQRua4VVR-evz0UwpeTGi-7vXaQ95m-rsrRvNDMm9FRAWL2hBLl24jcFZVqYau4gWzYJz7eg9y1Mf3TG2LfQL0e9rO3HzQkN5n2KcHmXVQ8fZKE_XZfj7M7NaXko76L3r7JJ4eT94PO8-wUTNFaplXCgH/w200-h116/march11'23_013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>"Xzavia was a remarkable person, who touched many lives with her kindness, creativity, and generosity. She had a unique talent for creating beauty that nearly everyone could appreciate, right away. Her textures are varied and colorful, bright and dark, lively, somber, and everything in between. Most people knew Xzavia for her art, but I was privileged to know a more hidden side. For one thing, she was a fierce and determined provider for her child. Like many of us here, Xzavia had ongoing health issues, and that meant her SL store provided much of her income. It was an endless battle. There was never a thing such as 'time off.' However, that experience made her a competent and talented entrepreneur. She taught me many things over the years, and for that I am so deeply grateful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Another thing most people might not know is, Xzavia had a tremendous sense of humor. She did not always show it in public, but it bubbled always under the surface.So many times I recall, while we might be talking seriously in group chat, she and I would be giggling like kids in private IMs. She brought me so much joy, so much laughter and happiness. I miss that terribly, but I am so, so grateful to have known it while she was here. Thank you, Xzavia. I miss you, sweetie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I want to talk about remembering her, before I go. Xzavia's great skill with textures has inspired and enabled others to create new things. In that way, she spread new beauty and joy throughout Second Life. That effect continues even today. Although we may be devastated now by her loss, we can honor Xzavia's memory in many ways. For one, we can carry on her spirit of giving and creating. Remember Xzavia's generous soul. She gave freely of both gifts and assistance. Furthermore, Xzavia taught us to create beauty and joy--not just through art, but through our friendship and camaraderie. So as we say goodbye to Xzavia, let us remember her legacy and the impact she had on our lives. More importantly, let us carry forward her spirit of generosity and creativity, by using our own talents to make this world a better place. Go forth! Create, give, and love. Thank you. ♥"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kitkow would comment, "To add to what Wyv said, Vel (velcon.ethaniel) created the dress I and others are wearing today using Xzavia's textures. That's how far and wide her reach hit."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5HeMm1AuzuTyigGENeqZW3bEjLuQEf6OIn3vqaxXjRXdkamGyBm4nTwZdYHegUVCDOui-zWKlu9JIro7j5RERlmzRxF53FnOuaFWxYLZFdwCXAkT28UFpwrPTOPkO84jfjpb09-GbCEQpSvuDF1KkgwaakDkM_yRkMYIfby35NrtIC6UJec9OGoB/s1579/march11'23_015b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1579" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5HeMm1AuzuTyigGENeqZW3bEjLuQEf6OIn3vqaxXjRXdkamGyBm4nTwZdYHegUVCDOui-zWKlu9JIro7j5RERlmzRxF53FnOuaFWxYLZFdwCXAkT28UFpwrPTOPkO84jfjpb09-GbCEQpSvuDF1KkgwaakDkM_yRkMYIfby35NrtIC6UJec9OGoB/w200-h108/march11'23_015b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Others were invited to make comments. AutumnVenus would say, "I didn't know her personally, but I love her textures, you can tell she put a lot of hard work into them I think I speak for all of us when I say 'Xavia you will be missed, rest in peace.'"<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGF_FdMDzzHakMOj1Yn31X_-OOrwUx4lVqiNYoZUkdaQw_lEAgDtSkouQcuoz9A-xYYfYM5sg5yg8K7KSOl_3flmo1TBX54FxeyPcDakeJ88W-25_y_w2Xr-rIMgBv8848D5-POp3Ra7VeuArtpUhQAbRsdpK44RM_IMBz0ooKVHVfz0QAX_PgNlG/s1580/march11'23_031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGF_FdMDzzHakMOj1Yn31X_-OOrwUx4lVqiNYoZUkdaQw_lEAgDtSkouQcuoz9A-xYYfYM5sg5yg8K7KSOl_3flmo1TBX54FxeyPcDakeJ88W-25_y_w2Xr-rIMgBv8848D5-POp3Ra7VeuArtpUhQAbRsdpK44RM_IMBz0ooKVHVfz0QAX_PgNlG/w320-h186/march11'23_031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Star (astarrynite Resident) commented, "I was in a Post Apocalyptic world for a few years, and I asked Xzavia if she had anymore post-apoc textures, and boy did she make a lot of 'em. A ton over the next few years. She always was so eager to help. Eagle too." She would later add, , "Did anyone ever cheat in
Xzavia's store for the Twisted Hunt? Derender the walls? I did one
time and wow! Talk about Wicked." Elixia commented, "Only one time,
star? You have self control!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XqjVAAzpvEoTnjLH1JAVx1-UIFFoY2wH1A_5M6bwm1ao76y3tBBNVX-PCDoK13-8cTQkIElpZQ4copgoRq3cnIAB_0-nt2F7ZF0dXPSwXvz_3-UTPfnE4cQDmtNFoWbS5GPmF9S5XchZDmgsPUICtTBmh6IgTwUBcN0FT1rXsng0jdHPgPunJDiW/s1580/march11'23_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XqjVAAzpvEoTnjLH1JAVx1-UIFFoY2wH1A_5M6bwm1ao76y3tBBNVX-PCDoK13-8cTQkIElpZQ4copgoRq3cnIAB_0-nt2F7ZF0dXPSwXvz_3-UTPfnE4cQDmtNFoWbS5GPmF9S5XchZDmgsPUICtTBmh6IgTwUBcN0FT1rXsng0jdHPgPunJDiW/w320-h186/march11'23_026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Roshy Aura spoke, "I can still picture in my head her very old store way back on 2010. She used to have two huge cubes near the front center just next to the group gifties and MM board. She always sat on top of one of them, so cute, and never ever refused a casual and friendly chats with us the visitors to her place - anyone remember that? It will always be the way I see her."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">She would later add, "Her amazing textures are all over the world here and will always be, she is still with us. And speaking of this I just realized the other day that the house I am working right now (my last project) has her textures all over the floors. And I did not do this intentionally.. They were just the best set for this project."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_lckODyWBR_B16MlRV-gIU4Ck5wr1Jx-htfD_04dh6lykFylwI1NaJKBU8mzcn-bSGrh37pCDjjVdNhWn_r5T1tKXybkFH0ePGCXVQ4hRo0DRKr8zTpi-8vJaMsvewkxnlJ2Mkjnn9YNgsLGEJtWo3Ytl7BRZGU1iqOY7kgr_7vylG1SI1jP6jt2/s1580/march11'23_028b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1580" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_lckODyWBR_B16MlRV-gIU4Ck5wr1Jx-htfD_04dh6lykFylwI1NaJKBU8mzcn-bSGrh37pCDjjVdNhWn_r5T1tKXybkFH0ePGCXVQ4hRo0DRKr8zTpi-8vJaMsvewkxnlJ2Mkjnn9YNgsLGEJtWo3Ytl7BRZGU1iqOY7kgr_7vylG1SI1jP6jt2/s320/march11'23_028b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>'Kins (Olliekins McAndrews) would say, "I've known Xzavia for over a decade, first meeting her in one of her shop locations as many of you may have done. A casual conversation here and there in passing led to longer chats about everything from pumpkin pie recipes to the ups and downs of our lives over the years. Like Wyv, we joked in IM while chatting in group or working. I've moved through various shop locations for both of us over the years, laughing as we set things up and tore them down again later. I've been pretty reclusive the last couple of years, trying to find my footing in both worlds again. Xzavia was always an anchor here, and I'm sad to lose both that solid connection and the typist behind the pixels. She will be sorely missed."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW1mEI1PaKjxA3nRvmIqexyKxWouDHeIQh7LDNMWWw0nJuRyRyU3M2X2uj8DYZugAAE6cyiW4Of2gS1SjeBkKN4bB-j_4nADu4z9tk5ks57gVRU7HiQ7UKXe1xT7Rqco9_sXuYotDLcphEEQL5DI9WBpbk6FxxW2rYTev_iQvlXFwU2ACK1O_ux7D/s1580/march11'23_030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW1mEI1PaKjxA3nRvmIqexyKxWouDHeIQh7LDNMWWw0nJuRyRyU3M2X2uj8DYZugAAE6cyiW4Of2gS1SjeBkKN4bB-j_4nADu4z9tk5ks57gVRU7HiQ7UKXe1xT7Rqco9_sXuYotDLcphEEQL5DI9WBpbk6FxxW2rYTev_iQvlXFwU2ACK1O_ux7D/w200-h116/march11'23_030.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Elixia Writer spoke, "There have been others who have mentioned laughing in IM with her along chats. Even in the face of her great creativity, generosity, and other many strengths. I, for one, will miss her positively WICKED sense of humor. It's what I will remember most about her aside from her unselfish love for others, particularly those she considered part of her pride."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCT_9hi0jTiG_vCbfCLZlPusRN6TzRDIXz402I6CPOquuyuzr4Y8qJ0CRU06zyEDWakEtDGc-zdyQUf3j65_faIjJevshknx8qtrPUd7YqCB2t0yUjkf2gaOm2oQDVOceD2z8Pi83Cgji_1H5fMTc1pY78K-ZqpbE4-8pTE_x2_gppDlLHqGgYDKa/s1580/march11'23_047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCT_9hi0jTiG_vCbfCLZlPusRN6TzRDIXz402I6CPOquuyuzr4Y8qJ0CRU06zyEDWakEtDGc-zdyQUf3j65_faIjJevshknx8qtrPUd7YqCB2t0yUjkf2gaOm2oQDVOceD2z8Pi83Cgji_1H5fMTc1pY78K-ZqpbE4-8pTE_x2_gppDlLHqGgYDKa/s320/march11'23_047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Penny Dreadful (Gothicmuse Resident) spoke, "X was a very good friend. Like her, I have severe depression, and and I could always count on her to understand and be supportive. I will miss our hours-long chats about our kids, men in our lives, and everything else under the sun. She was a wonderful and kind person, and while I will miss her always, I'm very grateful for the time I got to spend with her. Thank you for listening. Miss you, X! (heart)"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Kitkow would read a notecard from ShellyAnn Jun Lefavre (mshellyann), "Xzavis was my auntie in this world for over 16 year. We had a very loving and private relationship. I feel blessed to have been able to talk to her the day before she passed. I i will miss her beyound words. Your words and presence here today have touched my heart. Thank you for being here and honoring her today. Please keep her memory in your heart as you play her kindness forward. Shelly."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Beth Ghostraven commented, "I'm wearing a dress that I made from one of her textures, to honor her memory."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Larree Quixote would say, "More important than her amazing work, was her kindness. She will be missed. Her huge heart will be missed."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZsophE-N3hWMb0ZcOxpxq_jV3ZMHEQ0XB8TsJXGQMz4z6IXjBpYIch0APxbZ3Lpz8FolEdbgs1Tr-jIqZ2lSzUUsS-burv35oOvneRYRFkMlAr68CTeLWtV6NfrZTcOMiesr7dGHkcmtwAgp_n43v5BMA_RW7oQK_griQhB3eHJ_Ka4KFYcbd6Yv/s1580/march11'23_040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZsophE-N3hWMb0ZcOxpxq_jV3ZMHEQ0XB8TsJXGQMz4z6IXjBpYIch0APxbZ3Lpz8FolEdbgs1Tr-jIqZ2lSzUUsS-burv35oOvneRYRFkMlAr68CTeLWtV6NfrZTcOMiesr7dGHkcmtwAgp_n43v5BMA_RW7oQK_griQhB3eHJ_Ka4KFYcbd6Yv/s320/march11'23_040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pieni Resident spoke, "X was one of those people who I feel I should have been close with. The ones here who are in Second Life for a lot of hours and have been for a long time, know, how SL is, we come and go. (It) does not mean we do not care. I was so close with Eagle, that he became one of my Uncles. I spent years in his store and so saw X around, too. She always made people welcome. Not just ones who were like her, but everyone. Seeing her textures in every possible hunt and charity thing made me feel better. Me and Eagle were not as close (in) the last years. Not for lack for caring, again, but just different paths. But we sent real-life cards and were always family. I have to tell you how good it felt, when X was so kind to me in his memorial and how she honored him. I was surprised, that she went so quickly after that. I do think they are in peace now. And I thank you X for all you did for the community here, for the outcast and the insiders, and for me. Thank you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"We heard lot about Eagle here, but I think for good reason, I'm so happy he had a friend like X (heart)" <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-825YN5zXlfA3blhUQD5W_MobGCBGeszZ192gvCUmaCfJrMp0V-4qeHysQmVD9votj2CIYlcoDEuTkRD1if8326pOg8KmqpAwgZCtmAAiTyaaaXOsLNv83fvrDWa5NTVYURxBcVNshbxA3sdLS5FBGauLl1UdOZThB0mATEX36gmcn5XxdEhJjyK/s1580/march11'23_037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1580" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-825YN5zXlfA3blhUQD5W_MobGCBGeszZ192gvCUmaCfJrMp0V-4qeHysQmVD9votj2CIYlcoDEuTkRD1if8326pOg8KmqpAwgZCtmAAiTyaaaXOsLNv83fvrDWa5NTVYURxBcVNshbxA3sdLS5FBGauLl1UdOZThB0mATEX36gmcn5XxdEhJjyK/s320/march11'23_037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The last sizable comment would be from Kitkow, who had been saving it for last, "I met Xzavia shortly after I was 'born' in 2011. It was during a hunt that I found her store. Her store was being hosted on Eagle Wilder's (USC Textures) region. I got to talking to both, but really got personal with Xzavia. When Eagle passed, I told X anything you need and I will make it happen to my best ability. I promised her before that that anything in regards to her or her store I have her back. We became friends on Discord and I joined the TT group on there. I chatted her a few days before her passing (on Feb 1), but found out she was gone on Valentine's Day. I was the first person who learned of this because her son went on her Discord account and I was up at 2:30-3:00am. I passed the news to one person, and she created a chain reaction that got the message over to Wyv. Wyv and I were able to talk and coordinate with the other fine folks here. I miss her so so much. I would also like to say thank you to Leslea Aldrin in helping to find our Videographer."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Thank you to MaKenna for providing the venue and beautiful decorations, and to Wyv for being so helpful with all this. ...Thank you Jackson Redstar for being our Videographer. And thank you Wendi Linden for helping with crowd control"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJXq5YJ6NmX7QvMYk73jBdjIxFtHEPgwyoOBccCgMRTWBjp7N_QwCqEJZpcy-GW3MhmHQ52LTpadQxt6o8T_p_G7AO6MyjHWpsPjVfrWLDxLm1u9Kk4KunLxOBJkgEvQgDBK_2WyhjMcKxoTiHpsUh_37zaRtzZU8Og3GoryOQXNB7IbbeYPjJRni/s1579/march11'23_035b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1579" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJXq5YJ6NmX7QvMYk73jBdjIxFtHEPgwyoOBccCgMRTWBjp7N_QwCqEJZpcy-GW3MhmHQ52LTpadQxt6o8T_p_G7AO6MyjHWpsPjVfrWLDxLm1u9Kk4KunLxOBJkgEvQgDBK_2WyhjMcKxoTiHpsUh_37zaRtzZU8Og3GoryOQXNB7IbbeYPjJRni/s320/march11'23_035b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There would be other smaller comments. Elixia Writer would say, "Thank you to Kit for spending hours working on notecards to update us all on those we've lost." Fyre (fyreflower Resident), who was lightly dressed, would say, "Xza wouldn't have minded that I'm not appropriately dressed for a memorial, she used to joke that she at least asked bits be covered if possible. ... for me just seeing her staring at her walls changing things out, talking real talk and love, will be my memories to live on, just like every place I ever eagerly bought and used, and will continue y=to use her artwork." Wendi Linden was there, but would say nothing, other than her wearing of a black dress as a sign of respect. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">After a few more chances at last comments, the tinies in the audience would do a riverdance, with Wvy and a few of the "biggies" joining in. Soon after, people began to go their separate ways, "it was a beautiful ceremony." "Thank you all, this was lovely,"<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">People<br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-25214834276989587402023-02-21T06:00:00.003-05:002023-02-21T13:43:11.677-05:00Reader Submitted: It's Only A Pixel Moon (My Time With Areal Loonie)<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By DrFran Babcock </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>It's Only A Paper Moon by Billy Rose, Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />Say, it's only a paper moon </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Sailing over a cardboard sea </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>But it wouldn't be make-believe </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>If you believed in me</i></div><p>INTRODUCTION <br /><br /> Second Life has a reputation of being a sex-crazed and wild place. What is so peculiar about this is the fact that, while there is a plethora of every kind of kink that exists in this world, when you get to know people in Second Life, what you find is that it really is the place of deep and meaningful relationships. Touch, taste and smell are removed from the equation, and sight is based on how one chooses to represent. Thus, most people who go on to communicate in relationships find that the reliance on talking or typing leads to deeper connections than in meat space. Here’s a story about all that. <br /><br />SHOW & TELL <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xC0t7Dw4vk_LIsJ8r6azv9VX6gw1NHEcp3PiMh0oFSqfnsEGbxvVpAiIcvzl-e4p1uOp9l9DI9Fztptiym7cca8I4Fwtu2t6a_CB_f0iIWppyAp_6ugOCIiwIdpHgK01vYXdAZbZiEiHF77FWSaoOD2c32p__xzrVWgyBqVOTcynkRR-W5Q5Iy2A/s1432/DrFran_First%20Show%20and%20Tell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1432" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xC0t7Dw4vk_LIsJ8r6azv9VX6gw1NHEcp3PiMh0oFSqfnsEGbxvVpAiIcvzl-e4p1uOp9l9DI9Fztptiym7cca8I4Fwtu2t6a_CB_f0iIWppyAp_6ugOCIiwIdpHgK01vYXdAZbZiEiHF77FWSaoOD2c32p__xzrVWgyBqVOTcynkRR-W5Q5Iy2A/s320/DrFran_First%20Show%20and%20Tell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Show and Tell was one of my favorite events in Second Life. Each week Barney Boomslang and florenze Kerensky hosted residents in SL who wanted to demonstrate wild and inventive things they had built. After everyone had their time on the stage, the audience voted for the best item, and the winner got some Linden dollars. The crowd was as sharp and funny as the hosts and presenters. <br /><br /> In the second half of 2008, the weekly Show & Tell moved from the sim of Lummerland to Avaria (Home of Grendel’s). Change is always hard, usually negative, but the diehard Show & Tell enthusiasts moved to the new sim. There were the usual grumbles; “It’s not like it used to be!” However, most of the people moved with the move, and the Show & Tell continued. <br /><br /> I used to go to the event with Tiny HIckman (a giant dragon), Kumi Kuhr (not around much now), and other avatars who are gone or deceased. One day, in 2008, I was startled by the bell of an IM, and it was from a person I did not know. Areal Loonie is a funny but awful name, especially because I am a mental health professional, but their comment was intriguing. My profile, at that time, spoke about my love of canals, and Areal was asking me why I was interested in canals. We chatted about that during the show, and I thought nothing of it. Of course I cammed over to see that his avatar was a black bat, and that was interesting and different. <br /><br /> I started to realize that he—it turned out he was a he—had been coming to Show & Tell for way longer than I had, and we continued to chat. I told him about my secret build of a canal and lock that was based on the Paris Canal St. Martin. He got very excited and one thing led to another, and he visited. In the meantime, Lomgren Smalls, a teeny tiny cat from The Relay for Life Redheads team, was graciously adapting the Second Life Railroad script so it could be used for the canal. <br /><br />BUILDING SIMS, BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuzMUqRA4k3sFu0XLmdyPGv-ewwaV9PTGSx8OL2Z46SLHE_tXtOmDCdz8mAS6UMed2k-_U7F846U_w8KtjgWL5ddeHFgCmM7gIyldunEvoShpwXHBiX8DDc2bVU-xcIndCz2wysvneyZtY9j4wOI6rXglrZriCAweuIqFAWEhlUGgRDwEcgdW4aC0/s1636/DrFran_August%202010%20Planning%20Purple%20build.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1636" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuzMUqRA4k3sFu0XLmdyPGv-ewwaV9PTGSx8OL2Z46SLHE_tXtOmDCdz8mAS6UMed2k-_U7F846U_w8KtjgWL5ddeHFgCmM7gIyldunEvoShpwXHBiX8DDc2bVU-xcIndCz2wysvneyZtY9j4wOI6rXglrZriCAweuIqFAWEhlUGgRDwEcgdW4aC0/s320/DrFran_August%202010%20Planning%20Purple%20build.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over time Areal and I chatted more and more and began to share experiences in Second Life and just talking on Skype. From 2008 to 2014 we collaborated on three sim builds, all of them with canals on the sims of Purple, Lakeville and Campello (see photos). <br /><br />We fought a lot. We had a lot of very similar ideas about what we wanted to build, but we also disagreed on a lot of things. I was much more social than Areal, and ended up having to go to a lot of events without him, but we always ended up chatting together in the end. We also fought over jealousies and other relationships. Looking back, from 2023, this was all so stupid, and we laughed at how silly we had been. <br /><br />HIGH FIDELITY <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMD7I0FmyVtQ6qJIR8csKRAtxcU-ylFm5IVtazdnAqOfOCarKVsVMDKM3Jyl94HbTJLOpyycjt9MJMKZyCBp35HrIfWnp6RKX4gjkv-um1IEBe3LfXWgw8U_M8gQflAYBYJAZG0rq98VMGHDcCgT5WpuDbcnZOvrAlrHQfWAf3PLk5giJbPQWYphG/s670/DrFran_LAKEViLLE%20CANAL(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="670" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMD7I0FmyVtQ6qJIR8csKRAtxcU-ylFm5IVtazdnAqOfOCarKVsVMDKM3Jyl94HbTJLOpyycjt9MJMKZyCBp35HrIfWnp6RKX4gjkv-um1IEBe3LfXWgw8U_M8gQflAYBYJAZG0rq98VMGHDcCgT5WpuDbcnZOvrAlrHQfWAf3PLk5giJbPQWYphG/s320/DrFran_LAKEViLLE%20CANAL(1).png" width="320" /></a></div>In 2014, Philip Rosedale started High Fidelity, another Virtual World that relied on VR technology, and had a blockchain financial system. Philip is always ahead of his time, and Areal and I jumped from Second Life to High Fidelity and spent a number of years there until it eventually closed in 2018. In May of 2016 High Fidelity held a Hackathon in San Francisco, and Areal and I met for the first time in first life. We had a wonderful time, and actually took a side trip to Palo Alto. I returned to San Francisco, and we spent days together. <br /><br />While in High Fidelity we continued to build together and to learn about Physically Based Rendering (PBR) of objects that allowed them to respond to light like objects in the real world. <br /><br />Surprisingly, PBR is coming to Second Life eventually! <br /><br />TO THE PRESENT <br /><br />After High Fidelity died we went to Vircadia and Overte, and TivoliVR, three open source virtual worlds based on the High Fidelity code, but neither of these was very enticing. <br /><br />I became super angry with Areal when he refused to join Discord, so that we could communicate. Very few of the people we knew in virtual worlds were using Skype any more and his stubborness about joining Discord irked me to the point I broke off communication with him. For an entire year we did not speak to each other at all. I would see him in Overte and Vircadia, but we did not chat. The whole time this was going on I missed him so much and felt so sad. <br /><br />RECONCILIATION <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG-fK-OqMCur9lNPX_05iOClfjr6no7cyIyAmqSULWekEwIHI53xAYJcF4uKobG7X0Z5fx6Lt55k-2Rmt3Sdyzsz6dg_uD0ron9H3S-eaXv0Dknx8yy8YN-m7_IqQUU-C9hUwlxra9WErLFBF9_JWzVwluGwNG_mv-Qumq_QjiRFF5zbWOMns_O6V/s2076/DrFran_Areals%20silly%20money%20build.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2076" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG-fK-OqMCur9lNPX_05iOClfjr6no7cyIyAmqSULWekEwIHI53xAYJcF4uKobG7X0Z5fx6Lt55k-2Rmt3Sdyzsz6dg_uD0ron9H3S-eaXv0Dknx8yy8YN-m7_IqQUU-C9hUwlxra9WErLFBF9_JWzVwluGwNG_mv-Qumq_QjiRFF5zbWOMns_O6V/s320/DrFran_Areals%20silly%20money%20build.png" width="320" /></a></div>After about a year he spoke directly to me in voice in Overte and I answered him. I found out he was now on Discord, and he DMed me and friended me. We began to chat again and began building again in Overte. It was as if we had never stopped talking with each other. We went back to Second Life from time to time and went to Overte and VIrcadia (TivoliVR had closed). We started to collaborate on a build Areal (by this time calling himself Twa in virtual worlds) had started of downtown Paris and the subway system. I had my own build of a canal, of course, and we collaborated on that. In addition to virtual worlds we often played a sandbox zombie survival game: Seven Days to Die. <br /><br />We planned to get together again, but then COVID had other plans. However, we spoke every single day from two to six hours a day, depending on our schedules. <br /><br />THE END <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO8M1PuQN6cDvRrNziRRfklDCUkUAb3HbsOu9iC_lGBlcnOcqVM151qwduY2ooU8ChQBncECy74Voy_7XNShGt0_aH-fATLu69AzBnQXu239KSoSrj9kR2Pep9N6MqYCaG5LYEL8wfA9CpWhwhdsxdngpxtJMmq5FXk7iDcMVTdI646O-xPfZNcVP/s500/DrFran_November%201%202009%20MM%20Tai%20Chi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO8M1PuQN6cDvRrNziRRfklDCUkUAb3HbsOu9iC_lGBlcnOcqVM151qwduY2ooU8ChQBncECy74Voy_7XNShGt0_aH-fATLu69AzBnQXu239KSoSrj9kR2Pep9N6MqYCaG5LYEL8wfA9CpWhwhdsxdngpxtJMmq5FXk7iDcMVTdI646O-xPfZNcVP/s320/DrFran_November%201%202009%20MM%20Tai%20Chi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>About six months ago Areal, a heavy smoker, went for a full-body scan and they found a mass in his lungs. By February 2nd of 2023 he had died of complications following lung surgery. Luckily, I had contact with some of his family memebers, so I was able to know of his condition. Throughout his recovery we “spoke” on FaceTime, although he had to write on a pad, because the ventilator prevented him from speaking. It was as if we had come full circle, relying on chat again. <br /><br />We had just begun to make plans to live together finally. I had retired from my job, and he was already retired. We talked about the details of merging our four cats and about me, a lifelong New Yorker, living in California. I was happy about this. Old age had softened our rough edges and we were very companiable. <br /><br />We met in Second Life and together we built a good life. Our story is not dissimilar from many others in the Metaverse. It continues to demonstrate the great power of connection between humans despite the way in which it manifests. <br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Rest in Peace, Areal Loonie. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">DrFran</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-41959001516832013162023-01-11T06:00:00.203-05:002023-01-11T06:00:00.219-05:00Interview With Gem Sunkiller<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFaY2-X9zEGfXtc2hs7IDB5L08205aW0WftFKD9rrEyFw6iqGbTNREiuidyjeBmh30OihlP3-tsVDMt2-aSWoGoeo0mwrVVjSzdFtHE3SfIZg4NcAe2_zEF_H2SXmukkCBkv-ov4TRC18M7xJJCUPRi1mgAM_pXvTcQNPRDE5ZKciiB3-l3KmfdzJ/s1476/jan0623_010.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFaY2-X9zEGfXtc2hs7IDB5L08205aW0WftFKD9rrEyFw6iqGbTNREiuidyjeBmh30OihlP3-tsVDMt2-aSWoGoeo0mwrVVjSzdFtHE3SfIZg4NcAe2_zEF_H2SXmukkCBkv-ov4TRC18M7xJJCUPRi1mgAM_pXvTcQNPRDE5ZKciiB3-l3KmfdzJ/s320/jan0623_010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Gem Sunkiller is a longtime member of the Relay for Life in Second Life and is the Team Lead for 2023. She was also the Newser's Woman of the Year for 2022. Recently I had a chance to interview her, and we met at a building in the American Cancer Society sim.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked Gem how did she first find out about Second Life. She answered, "Well, I had been role playing on a text based platform, one of my best
friends in real-life and on the digital platforms had come to see Second Life
with her husband. She called me and said 'You have got to see this!' I made an avatar, I've forgotten that name long ago, and joined her on Second Life. You probably know her, Sasha Fairywren. This was in March of 2010, so you can imagine the learning curve. I didn't care for the place I landed in first, so Gem was born."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">"So your first days were a bit rough?" I asked her. "Yes," she answered, "but I mastered those skills, explored Second Life, and landed with a dance troupe, Unity Productions. We performed, in spite of the lag, all over the grid." "How long were you with the troupe?" I asked. She answered, "Roughly a year, at the time I was helping to care for my mother, along with working a full time job, and trying to give my husband the time he deserved. Practices just did not fit in with my RL schedule, and as we all know, real life comes first. So, I dropped out of the troupe, but maintained many friendships.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoIQbTswQyBnIVc8RiH8PlPXrgkpFBNT9SzBFtqVWYhrUfziuYvRn36qpVbop2ciplVNyQnitUB0JxqbfqFXrN5p9pKLutfs9AX0A8dU9UDyARWcSeEa8sZi1mYqVWaXCOMbg5Fvb8OBtJAycYwTP-6V9tNAqFoJZheg31gYRNvUmN25DfEX4loFG/s1476/jan06'23_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoIQbTswQyBnIVc8RiH8PlPXrgkpFBNT9SzBFtqVWYhrUfziuYvRn36qpVbop2ciplVNyQnitUB0JxqbfqFXrN5p9pKLutfs9AX0A8dU9UDyARWcSeEa8sZi1mYqVWaXCOMbg5Fvb8OBtJAycYwTP-6V9tNAqFoJZheg31gYRNvUmN25DfEX4loFG/s320/jan06'23_006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"That brings us roughly to mid 2011. I lost my Mother in February of 2011, and basically came to Second Life to listen to music, and talk with friends. One of my friends from Unity asked me to come to a set he was playing, Relay Weekend 2011. I did, and after his set I decided to do a lap around the track, remembering my Mother. As I walked around the track, a woman came along side of me and asked my Relay story. I didn't really know at that point what a Relay story was, but I told her about losing my mother. She assured me that what I was feeling was normal and that things would get better, then shared all about Relay with me. That person has become a very dear friend to this day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"That was a defining moment in my Second Life. When registration opened in 2012, I registered Team Shadow, and we blundered our way through our first season. "Blundered?" I asked, "Sounds like some interesting stories there." "Oh yes," Gem answered, "from registration forward. We did not have our first event until late April, but soon fell into a rhythm of weekly dance parties. What we lacked in knowledge we made up for with enthusiasm, and attended as many other team events as possible.: It was a good year!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd7ZxMPCwAb3-60SVBDs5RBSnJIH5a1ECduRryKutVOazLiZ-2k4YD0Y-aB6xWwuaO-t5TunHW8PN09vrTOQeMPgcnOnumimqkO8GxtHg0EqYZQNFc3AzNxuDnthMUvRBb-ZE0gdxBBtFnOwCZH3RWYkx9mmEylBkhCInz8wofuAYnJ_Z8JGBct3o/s1592/teamshadow_june03'17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1592" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd7ZxMPCwAb3-60SVBDs5RBSnJIH5a1ECduRryKutVOazLiZ-2k4YD0Y-aB6xWwuaO-t5TunHW8PN09vrTOQeMPgcnOnumimqkO8GxtHg0EqYZQNFc3AzNxuDnthMUvRBb-ZE0gdxBBtFnOwCZH3RWYkx9mmEylBkhCInz8wofuAYnJ_Z8JGBct3o/s320/teamshadow_june03'17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I asked Gem if any particular events stood out. She though about it, then responded, "We had a carnival, complete with rides, a jail and bail, and of course music and dancing. There may have even been a dunk tank. Over the course of years we had some bigger, multi team events, like Country For A Cure, and our Blues For Life. We also learned to use our dashboards to fundraise from people we knew in our everyday lives. Thank goodness for people like Dwen Dooley, MamaP, Trader Whiplash, and many others who taught us how to Relay the right way, for the right reasons."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1bolTp-9JBUAtpX5duY7Ien90D2pEDh4SV3ijl9IlKlFYXfsWEHQdpf4Ukvad1Nrqv90tQS5qAUotg8LZ3Jxe_iGrBrsHF_iKG58sh1IzZr-jRB2v0DAM1YmPO_qjkMgDchgFjGIUqB20oVF1o4h1RQ4SricHhQcSiqR_YwirKkWTxJ28ftT7mD1/s1397/gemsunkiller_june16'13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1397" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1bolTp-9JBUAtpX5duY7Ien90D2pEDh4SV3ijl9IlKlFYXfsWEHQdpf4Ukvad1Nrqv90tQS5qAUotg8LZ3Jxe_iGrBrsHF_iKG58sh1IzZr-jRB2v0DAM1YmPO_qjkMgDchgFjGIUqB20oVF1o4h1RQ4SricHhQcSiqR_YwirKkWTxJ28ftT7mD1/s320/gemsunkiller_june16'13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I asked if things were less unpredictable the following year. Gem's answer was, "You could say that, I advised Sasha and Syl who took over the leadership of Team Shadow, however I answered yes when asked to serve as Outreach Chair in 2013." She smiled, "Together, we built Relay over the course of the season, adding new communities and Relayers, I'd say it went well. That's in retrospect however, when in the midst of the season, it was quite the quality growth experience. I had many people who came along beside me to teach me, encourage me, and spur me on, also people who were not afraid to cut to the chase. We all need that. If you remember, at the closing ceremony 2013, Relay refused to let the ceremony start until we had pushed over the 2 Million USD mark since our beginnings. I still get goose bumps remembering that morning.<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"And our community has had many more goose bump experiences since. I'm sure everyone has their own favorite. For me the best part is that we made each of those moments happen together. United as we worked with a single purpose. I'm sure there are so many stories in my memory banks. Most Relayers have a store house of memories they can share. Our heritage as a community is rich!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I then asked, "I take it some of the teams you've worked with had some interesting results, such as the Steelheads with 'The Hair?'" Gem smiled, "Oh yes, Fuzz and his 'The Hair.' It's not a season without seeing 'The Hair' at least once. The Rockers with Relaystock, which has become a yearly multi-team event. I remember playing in the mud that first year, while listening to DJ's from everywhere. Your own Sunbeamers, with your Airshow. I hope I haven't crashed too many of your planes over the years. (we both chuckled) ... "We have a host of new teams, who are learning their way around Relay. Some are poised to have some very memorable events this season. Who knows, with a theme like 'Hope Floats.' Perhaps we will have a giant swim meet! Swimming is a great way to help yourself stay healthy."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I then asked if the theme, "is going to be boat-themed, or swimming as you wondered?" She answered, "Our theme is very much in line with the national Relay For Life theme of 'Every Step Brings Hope.'<br />So, we are not locked into boats, hot air balloons, or water sports. But all the ways that we can give lift, wings as it were, to hope for our survivors and caregivers. If I may quote Stingray Raymaker, who summed it up beautifully. ... "Hope is the reason why our community has remained one of Second Life’s
largest and most impactful since 2005. Hope floats above everything that
we do. Hope guides our decisions. Hope inspires us to keep going, even
when things feel impossible."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Recalling some ship battle games in the past, I asked Gem if we might see some of those. She told me, "... I am sure there will be pirate ships and battles that happen. We have lots of fun with our FUNdraising, which is wonderful. But at the heart of everything we do, is the mission to finish the fight against cancer. The first step for our Teams will be Team Registration, January 15th, 2023. As with past years we will register through our <a href="http://www.relayforlife.org/secondlife">www.relayforlife.org/secondlife</a> . Selene Jashan and myself will be happy to help anyone who needs assistance.<br /><br />"I am very excited to see our 2023 Relay For Life of Second Life season get underway, Kickoff is February 18th at 10am SLT. ..." We would end up talking about the Sunbeamers a little, then she continued, "When we join together, there is nothing to big for us to accomplish. Even very ambitious goals!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I then brought up the involvement of the Lindens, "as Patch Linden's barbecue in the "Days of Relay" a few days before the weekend walk." Gem responded, "Indeed, the Lindens lend their support to many events, including HopeFest. We have Bid the Lindens Bald, which is always well attended. Patch answers the call for many of our Mega events, most recently Christmas Expo, where he served as Santa with his 'elves.'" I brought up the Making Strides Rennisance Festival, "How many would you say relish the chance to joust a Linden, or toss a tomato at one of the Lab's finest?" Gem chuckled, "Countless numbers! Relay Weekend Midori Linden assists us to help keep our regions running at top performance. So, many at the Lab contribute their time to help further our cause."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked Gem what does she do when not Relaying. She told me, "I dabble with photography when I have a chance, and enjoy bringing my real-life
work into SL after playing around in Photoshop. As your know, I am a
DJ, and while I don't do as many sets as I used to, I love spinning up a
party. I wouldn't say I am a builder, but I do like banging prim together, and oh, then there is shopping! My daughter Jade and I sometimes explore photographic regions together." I asked if she had any favorites. She answered, "Frogmore is always one of my favorite destinations. There are so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore, and by
experimenting with windlight settings each shot of the same view looks
entirely different. The Estate I live on, also has many interesting photogenic locations. Why leave home if you don't have to? Calas Galadon is also a good place to wander and take pics. There are so many (smile).</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRw5e--aHrG_aK7CeCG8Cb30OwAijTJFvjnzj-EyVWpjEoz1nY3590RHkDuVPfo0Nl6ovT3Zlg0_rNOGaJVUcEfvrMjo75INXasK8bVGJc9v4X0dFrHyqIQ_WM9c5Fg1m7eWQAQSwDaWH6EUg488jEqvAvjQ-dHN1CS-gyY91-3OhcA_lNRRrCddS/s1476/jan06'23_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRw5e--aHrG_aK7CeCG8Cb30OwAijTJFvjnzj-EyVWpjEoz1nY3590RHkDuVPfo0Nl6ovT3Zlg0_rNOGaJVUcEfvrMjo75INXasK8bVGJc9v4X0dFrHyqIQ_WM9c5Fg1m7eWQAQSwDaWH6EUg488jEqvAvjQ-dHN1CS-gyY91-3OhcA_lNRRrCddS/s320/jan06'23_011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"But even in the off season, Relay is always in the back of my mind. You might say I am obsessed. 'm looking forward to meeting as many Relayers as possible this season,
one of my favorite things is to attend team events, and encourage them
onward."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Gem would go on to say, "I would like to thank the SL Newser for their Woman of the Year award for 2022. You humble me. Thank you, also, for keeping our Relay For Life community in the news, and increasing awareness of our mission around the grid."</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"In closing, I want to welcome anyone who would like to join our community in the fight against cancer to come be a part of our awesome movement. Just contact Selene Jashan or myself and we will help you get started. To all of our returning Teams, WELCOME BACK. One last thing----GO RELAY!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After that, we shared a few more words, then went our separate ways.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the upcoming Relay season, team registration starts on January 15, and the Kickoff on Sunday February 19.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-72673311828046155072022-12-26T11:30:00.011-05:002023-03-11T19:24:44.873-05:00Here's To You Jessicabelle Dayafter<div style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> By Bixyl Shuftan<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6niRsq5IoJOBnDnxLGk1k19L3jSuvSLN9oG0IztdRxq2-rw-YcVF9xwZqYYeWfn60nYdtFlWTDGjUGbFrKs95OJd1dXdsRCFfecU4mrZ_kjh8xoJlqynTYJQ-umRPkWb-1htiK-PPTH-p9LRRAN4DB6U95-vpp_lSkv66_kGa-A1EBD88qe94OnuIRA/s1024/jessicabelle2009.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1024" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6niRsq5IoJOBnDnxLGk1k19L3jSuvSLN9oG0IztdRxq2-rw-YcVF9xwZqYYeWfn60nYdtFlWTDGjUGbFrKs95OJd1dXdsRCFfecU4mrZ_kjh8xoJlqynTYJQ-umRPkWb-1htiK-PPTH-p9LRRAN4DB6U95-vpp_lSkv66_kGa-A1EBD88qe94OnuIRA/w200-h139/jessicabelle2009.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When
I began hanging out at the Woodlin community in Summer 2008, among
those I ran into was Jessicabelle Dayafter. A number of the people there
stood out in their own way. Jessicabelle as a skunkgirl naturally did
so with her distinctive black and white pattern, though for the first
few years I knew her, her coat was the reverse of what one would usually
see on a skunk. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Jessicabelle
was normally quieter than the other skunk in Woodlin: community leader,
Dax Loon who could be manic-happy (and sadly, depressed at times) and
was one of the DJs there. But she had a love for military history and
firepower, and occasionally a "boom" could be heard as she fired off the
cannon at her place. Once she and her friend Megatheron went around
blasting their bazookas. They were harmless as this wasn't a combat sim,
but they made for a lot of fireworks. I called them the "boom-boom
girls" for a while after that. At the time, she was partnered with Salem
De White (Selene Spellhunter), who was part of the Giant Snail Races. <br /><br />Sadly
these good times did not last forever, and Woodlin fell apart in late
Winter/early Spring 2010. At the time Jessicabelle was taking a break,
following paying for her spot six months in advance, and was shocked to
return to a random area and finding her LM home no longer worked, "What
the hell happened?" I think she got a place at the Foxworth community
where many of us went, but also spent much time away from the quiet
community, <a href="http://slnewserdesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/jessicabelle-aeronautic-projects.html">either flying or somewhere at a place she could fire her guns</a>. Jessica's happy times with her partner would also end, the two parting ways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrMUttmSiupxlq-5_DDhgOma49s4ubjwbhsWigzTaL87FaVXJeFHSOSguIcd3t95YOL4sfSbv8onnONQX65-vN3AtWhfRA8Wd6Am2YMdQWAI8IYBKQ0MdqeQh-dfMnUBpooLg4HxLvwlO3Hgg6LBMb0dOBXnfZDcUULOAM0R5GBEgJ2R_sCdBci-6MA/s895/jessicabelle_jan14'13_004.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="856" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrMUttmSiupxlq-5_DDhgOma49s4ubjwbhsWigzTaL87FaVXJeFHSOSguIcd3t95YOL4sfSbv8onnONQX65-vN3AtWhfRA8Wd6Am2YMdQWAI8IYBKQ0MdqeQh-dfMnUBpooLg4HxLvwlO3Hgg6LBMb0dOBXnfZDcUULOAM0R5GBEgJ2R_sCdBci-6MA/w191-h200/jessicabelle_jan14'13_004.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>In Fall 2010, she would show me the <a href="http://slnewserplaces.blogspot.com/2010/09/ww2-combat-roleplay.html">New Bastogne WW2 Combat Roleplay area</a>, and invite me to take part. Some of
the groups didn't allow furry avatars, or would restrict them to
lower-level positions. But the German Air Group, led by Vickster Kuhn,
didn't mind if you had a tail or not as long as you could fit into the
cockpit. So for a little while I was her wingman in the Luftwaffe. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">To
those who might raise an eyebrow at this, I recalled pilots in "Top Gun"
playing the part of Soviet planes as the OpFor (opposition force) in
training exercises. Plus in my Star Wars roleplaying campaigns, one of
my friends would occasionally play the part of an Imperial, the
extraordinary circumstances in which the players met giving her reason
to play nice with "Rebel scum." As one video game character in Wreck-It-Ralph" would put it, "Just because you're the bad guy doesn't mean you're a, bad guy,"<br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38rt2vKGqL2fljJvlRbiwAWCqvbQ-5lTPd0RCf64oem28Ugcr2mJaeso82sBh56aXIvpth2yb6N6mXKARVS_H4Zdm6Xn2C8RoTPYdEmRU47j9xujZpyEnDVXUIqvPt3-dZPYD_L5WHkaWQHZoCASjLwteZNa2xL2nmWvsbkTBjggNOVcsUWM7vLbDKA/s1600/Anzac100th_jessicabelle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38rt2vKGqL2fljJvlRbiwAWCqvbQ-5lTPd0RCf64oem28Ugcr2mJaeso82sBh56aXIvpth2yb6N6mXKARVS_H4Zdm6Xn2C8RoTPYdEmRU47j9xujZpyEnDVXUIqvPt3-dZPYD_L5WHkaWQHZoCASjLwteZNa2xL2nmWvsbkTBjggNOVcsUWM7vLbDKA/w200-h125/Anzac100th_jessicabelle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Jessicabelle wasn't always wearing a gray uniform, though. She would sometimes be in other uniforms, such as <a href="http://slnewserevents.blogspot.com/2015/05/anzac-day-100th-anniversary-rememberance.html">the 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day</a> in which she was in a British pilot's outfit.<br /><br />Eventually
I would leave the combat RP as a regular, but would occasionally drop
by to support Jessicabelle, sometimes as the gunner in her dive bomber. I
would also cover events such as the tank race and the "World of Tanks"
tribute. But these were not all happy times. The Waffen SS group had
given me bad vibes, and eventually these feelings were confirmed when
one tried to arrest one of the furs in the Luftwaffe for being "out of
uniform" - her having on a necklace from a close friend. Jessicabelle,
who was there, angrily told him to leave. Eventually Vickster would get
involved, and the guy trying to make the arrest was disciplined by being
knocked down a rank, vindicating Jessicabelle. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhef0GFJoo2IJISN87oIRsaVyJ0vz8kVjiN5UQaDihA--gGeTrtU9yeF9htqGPD7bjyLDn1ec-gMf5R6hMY3oLklai_Ox9VRr7Qv0lqQnff2qWxJdlquyO0VJUh6Kosu2NPGO-t950I7cXk9x8TnwOtv6Ox4irIcQ6B6yofPuwsV5l6963SEnYpo46hw/s1452/puddlejumperpodex_004.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1452" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhef0GFJoo2IJISN87oIRsaVyJ0vz8kVjiN5UQaDihA--gGeTrtU9yeF9htqGPD7bjyLDn1ec-gMf5R6hMY3oLklai_Ox9VRr7Qv0lqQnff2qWxJdlquyO0VJUh6Kosu2NPGO-t950I7cXk9x8TnwOtv6Ox4irIcQ6B6yofPuwsV5l6963SEnYpo46hw/w200-h133/puddlejumperpodex_004.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Eventually
Vickster would step down as head of the Germain air team, and appoint
Jessicabelle as the new commander. She would lead it for two years. She
would also go on to develop her own line of combat aircraft, such as <a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2011/09/jessicabelle-aeronautic-projects.html">a Stuka made to fight tanks</a>,
which were lighter in prims and scripts then some others. They were
criticized by some in the combat RP as unrealistic, "UFOs" they were
called. But I found them easy to fly and less prone to lag. There would
also be a "Dayfter Areonautics" plane rezzer at Farshore field for a
while. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0IJvVVRpqKxLCNNMGb8-oEMJ31vbFsRaUb7CihYfQLEMzEQkP9lGCbyqqbG_Uq4bVpwvEjRZnOncRA3ksXPSxxfdKW0gewnAJ-k6HaOEm_leGzLD3P6iBKFY0_4o8x2m2WVNoQZft_oQPKfH2ABPbRkFIzGuBTZnyyvQorOjveLOpk9z7gzdfQGvlw/s1445/jessicabellestvalentines.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1445" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0IJvVVRpqKxLCNNMGb8-oEMJ31vbFsRaUb7CihYfQLEMzEQkP9lGCbyqqbG_Uq4bVpwvEjRZnOncRA3ksXPSxxfdKW0gewnAJ-k6HaOEm_leGzLD3P6iBKFY0_4o8x2m2WVNoQZft_oQPKfH2ABPbRkFIzGuBTZnyyvQorOjveLOpk9z7gzdfQGvlw/w200-h132/jessicabellestvalentines.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Through
me she met up with Nydia, and they quickly became friends, Jessica
becoming one of Nydia's Angels. She would help Nydia by appearing in
calendars and videos. Although a lesbian, she didn't mind showing off
for guys, and would post some pictures and art of herself on her
Furaffinity page, both well-dressed and revealing. Probably the video
she was best known for was Nydia's tribute to Jessica Rabbit's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8CsVLdiDbs">Why Don't You Do Right</a>." We would also have numerous fun times such as <a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2017/08/happy-rezzday-to-jessicabelle-dayafter.html">one rezzday party we threw for her</a>. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a8CsVLdiDbs" width="417" youtube-src-id="a8CsVLdiDbs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bsD9xW40k-IxCDkuMLiNcUoveq0pDAl5y7vk2lYfxupJtZo9GubIR7U2TZZRneNqYQlY6fE-EWXVJjqWxS6aKNUdWwRp1VOK9rr2K2uwiH4aU3alHulOK6zoXsRmKxS4gbdCsjZHKWB6U_xhvhO65o-yoCchoLoPwtEFhxDYbApEEYI-I2hhJ46ZTw/s1280/jessicabelle_lingerie3-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bsD9xW40k-IxCDkuMLiNcUoveq0pDAl5y7vk2lYfxupJtZo9GubIR7U2TZZRneNqYQlY6fE-EWXVJjqWxS6aKNUdWwRp1VOK9rr2K2uwiH4aU3alHulOK6zoXsRmKxS4gbdCsjZHKWB6U_xhvhO65o-yoCchoLoPwtEFhxDYbApEEYI-I2hhJ46ZTw/w200-h131/jessicabelle_lingerie3-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I
saw her somewhat less as time when on, but we never did lose touch.
There were times she was feeling down, but she would always bounce back.
I would last hear from her in August 2021 when she posted in Nydia's
channel that she had tested positive for Covid. I and others were
optimistic for her recovery. Sadly that was not to be. Nydia was
contacted by someone who told us she knew Jessicabelle in real-life, and
<a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2021/09/jessicabelle-dayafter-has-died.html">she had passed away</a>, and the funeral had already taken place. She had joined the hundreds of thousands who died in the Pandemic.<br /><br />No more airplane flights, no more builds, no more posing for pictures and video shoots. Jessicabelle Dayafter was gone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwBGKrPrG3ZHRtyB71gJfqm25Oty2zJd2EUQrYB9AcrqTS8t2d7ewkKWjI6zHwf5SRj_qSgOqaQkvAwxaCkdNVP4rNSP8pPlWV6f0ijIjs6foRS6XzzAT_xQ4axWoPSbVQmhIlOxq1YOiq5srxi1UQ_oEWey6ux8rGbyFkgO2CryHHW_WONIkatpV4Q/s1480/jessica_coffin.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1480" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwBGKrPrG3ZHRtyB71gJfqm25Oty2zJd2EUQrYB9AcrqTS8t2d7ewkKWjI6zHwf5SRj_qSgOqaQkvAwxaCkdNVP4rNSP8pPlWV6f0ijIjs6foRS6XzzAT_xQ4axWoPSbVQmhIlOxq1YOiq5srxi1UQ_oEWey6ux8rGbyFkgO2CryHHW_WONIkatpV4Q/w200-h121/jessica_coffin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Not long after, <a href="https://slnewserevents.blogspot.com/2021/10/jessicabelle-dayafters-memorial-service.html">Jessicabelle would have a memorial service in her honor at New Bastogne</a>.
Vickster called her a team player who was always respectful for others.
Nydia described her as a passionate model and actress, "In a world
where so many try to blend in, it's people like Jessica that choses to
stand out, and by that action alone she will be remembered in all she
did, Fair skies my high flying Angel, until we meet again."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsQpS28k7WX8wwhg7cnuSKcSo-vGo0jeHyDKH6-qC80wq2ez_xLKAoub5NLPrqJKTcxKseDSRoawkEyRXRn1Rn2VgbiChohURDr1d0-cb59yk2xLCS0kBr97TrCZI25aVhbozlVJ1BBHT1kiacwTlKHMfbYH5XBovUvul5O4wZ6InwwlCquYlyqJPCA/s1480/jessica_memorial.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1480" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsQpS28k7WX8wwhg7cnuSKcSo-vGo0jeHyDKH6-qC80wq2ez_xLKAoub5NLPrqJKTcxKseDSRoawkEyRXRn1Rn2VgbiChohURDr1d0-cb59yk2xLCS0kBr97TrCZI25aVhbozlVJ1BBHT1kiacwTlKHMfbYH5XBovUvul5O4wZ6InwwlCquYlyqJPCA/w200-h121/jessica_memorial.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Jessicabelle
would get a lasting memorial at the Sunweaver Memorial Garden, a flame
burining constantly in her memory. It will be there for as long as the
community lands are.<br /><br /><a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Eclipse/66/248/21">http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Eclipse/66/248/21</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO19sMRO5KfyHq845MzDBUw87eQS-OU9rIqyonUG_oYd8Mu0X32SyxgqbiduQkM9bCo2AC_ZeerprHti3SQcg8LM4Z_lCbk9aMELjm6QaXj6StOVO4CDsQtjACsFVYEBlwxB-JPQfoBqcPnLmq_JvqUk5PG-5HNapFbs573qliJWxHKho18Xl06oMrVg/s505/jessicabelleprofile.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="505" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO19sMRO5KfyHq845MzDBUw87eQS-OU9rIqyonUG_oYd8Mu0X32SyxgqbiduQkM9bCo2AC_ZeerprHti3SQcg8LM4Z_lCbk9aMELjm6QaXj6StOVO4CDsQtjACsFVYEBlwxB-JPQfoBqcPnLmq_JvqUk5PG-5HNapFbs573qliJWxHKho18Xl06oMrVg/w200-h179/jessicabelleprofile.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Jessicabelle
was many things in the time I knew her, model, video actress, combat RP
pilot, builder, and most of all, friend. She was anything but boring,
and perhaps others will see her as an example one can be more than just a
pretty face in this virtual world. You can be pretty and skillful, and make friends along the way who will remember you always. <br /><br />Here's to you, Jessicabelle Dayafter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image source: Jessicabelle's Furaffinity page</i></span><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-31938097880934008162022-12-09T06:00:00.071-05:002022-12-09T07:07:32.481-05:00Interview With Talia Sunsong<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently the Newser wrote about an art exhibit by Talia Sunsong. Not long after, I had a chance to interview her. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBb0ddwax4s875NFxZZV9nNauwlVe7jw4lBR0hd_LiNx_l9lTcrTIsSIcZLxvGXXX93_OUT4X7ASN6mmcq8WnwDV7qUCEQiLXSPTaoDtMirzkrjrYaP-qLshrI5hZFdbE-mCUygX43e5ct87Q46gW-s8FrpK4XdbKiEXCpdDMNuJclZZf_NmUOTIw/s1476/dec03'22_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBb0ddwax4s875NFxZZV9nNauwlVe7jw4lBR0hd_LiNx_l9lTcrTIsSIcZLxvGXXX93_OUT4X7ASN6mmcq8WnwDV7qUCEQiLXSPTaoDtMirzkrjrYaP-qLshrI5hZFdbE-mCUygX43e5ct87Q46gW-s8FrpK4XdbKiEXCpdDMNuJclZZf_NmUOTIw/s320/dec03'22_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Dropping by, I noted the gallery, and Talia smiled, "Netty (Netera Landar) did a great job creating this gallery. We had a grand opening with Helena singing live. Sandy made a stage out of one of my paintings. Sandy liked the colorful stream painting and picked that for the stage. I titled the exhibit "Fire and Water" because it's about that sea of brilliant color at sunset or sunrise, or the flash of lightning in the sky. I wanted to make paintings that you can almost hear the sizzle as the sun descends into the water." I asked if sunrises and sunsets are a frequent theme with her, and she told me, "Yes, I love to play with color. Color is like a vitamin. It gives you a burst of energy."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rYj1H_f2xgbkXSTfJLGRr42v7m9zPQjjR3A0OgShNuEWy31YluFSnG_mX3JcU-tFZmQh7By_wTvB0zw1EaKIgVF6m8NFKRi_pHvtbGirEsB5yu6nukwxKEkcQd7toCCdaQSA7MxtMOMJJRA-1LVS6NxGJVOG4ySufvXW6kz_dVUc55eheJq21kkL/s1469/dec03'22_002b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1469" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rYj1H_f2xgbkXSTfJLGRr42v7m9zPQjjR3A0OgShNuEWy31YluFSnG_mX3JcU-tFZmQh7By_wTvB0zw1EaKIgVF6m8NFKRi_pHvtbGirEsB5yu6nukwxKEkcQd7toCCdaQSA7MxtMOMJJRA-1LVS6NxGJVOG4ySufvXW6kz_dVUc55eheJq21kkL/s320/dec03'22_002b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She went on, "Years ago, I lost everything in a firestorm, including a hundred of my paintings. I didn't paint for years after that. Then I decided to paint at least one painting a day. I did that for over a year. I take photographs to help me with my painting, and I keep hundreds of ideas on a spreadsheet." I asked how long she had been painting and taking photographs. Talia answered, "I won a drawing contest as a teenager, and tried my hand at painting then. I could control drawing more easily than painting, and it was years later before I felt more satisfied with my painting, enough to show to the public. I did photography later on, and did some serious reporter photography, including ending up in court testifying in a police brutality case." Asking what happened there, she answered, "The man who was injured did not win in court."<br /><br />I asked Talia what where her favorite subjects to draw and paint. She told me, "I like to paint nature, including animals, like birds, whales and dolphins. I also like to do landscapes and seascapes. Sometimes I play around with painting mermaids. I am passionate about creating a mood or telling a story in my creations, including painting, drawing, writing, 3D computer models or immersive virtual worlds. I have also worked in filmmaking and was a crew member for two Sundance Film Festival picks. I hope my artwork uplifts and brings smiles to people's faces."<br /><br />I noted she had created her account in 2011 and asked Talia how she found out about Second Life. She answered, "I had heard on and off about Second Life on the web for about 2 years. I wanted to visit. When I came, I found out about all the classes offered. I loved taking classes in Second life. I also was welcomed into a fun roleplaying group, when I played an Elf that could shapeshift into a dragon. In those classes I learned about free resources, like GiMP (2D graphics program) and Blender (3D graphics program). I still use those programs today. I'm also learning about creating vector art in Inkscape, which is good for digital art. I have looked into some AI (Artificial intelligence) art programs.<br /><br />"These paintings here in the exhibit are hand-painted in real life. I put my artwork onto RedBubble, a print on demand site for physical, real life paintings, t-shirts, mugs, bags, stickers, cell phone covers, and more. I named my store Aryxaba: <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/Aryxaba/shop">https://www.redbubble.com/people/Aryxaba/shop</a> ." I asked where the name came from. Talia answered, " I wanted a name that no one else had, so I made the name "Aryxaba" up, starting with the word "Oryx" which is a big antelope. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBtVttodeFbk3MNEYsfZhVz5fn3haXXVhYBwNE7BlFecfqIpoN_vLUw7bGLt5IJAXKEtRo3fbgnk8GuVdLe8AVgqnYOqF8FO3-dzOSZy5hPePJrWMFQg31TuwRa-8NwNEOiqtS808ylfJIt9Yo1mVvpe5cue-hIl_ZX5csefyHVWrd0NqMmqHq12N/s1476/dec03'22_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBtVttodeFbk3MNEYsfZhVz5fn3haXXVhYBwNE7BlFecfqIpoN_vLUw7bGLt5IJAXKEtRo3fbgnk8GuVdLe8AVgqnYOqF8FO3-dzOSZy5hPePJrWMFQg31TuwRa-8NwNEOiqtS808ylfJIt9Yo1mVvpe5cue-hIl_ZX5csefyHVWrd0NqMmqHq12N/s320/dec03'22_009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"I have a mug from my RedBubble store with the 'Ship in a Storm' painting. That is probably my most popular painting." She walked over to one, "This one." I asked what inspired that particular painting. Talia answered, "There's something about the energy, the lightning, the wind in the sails, the choppy water, yet I know that ship will safely weather the storm. I like energy, a mood, or a story in a painting. Each thing is almost a character in itself, the lightning is a character, the ship is a character, even the water is a character. They interact to create a plot." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked Talia about her more memorable exhibits in the past. She told me, "Myself, along with others, did a 3D exhibit for the University of Australia. It was picked to be photographed and put into a real life book. The exhibit was of a woman with wings, escaping a confining home, by going into virtual worlds like Second Life. I think people really understand that feeling, after the quarantines." I asked if she meant about virtual worlds being a way to figuratively get out of the house during those time. "Yes, exactly," she answered, "Free to fly around in virtual space, meet friends, dance, take a class, explore, play golf and more."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q1EHdNfN9Jubu0g5LRSlgrd9EVoWRfEagB-cYDRJ28SK26niEYyQORCr6qMIqGclEK5ijYMXLMkKFwj2blIDaomijOtnc_WLG_jlKbBYhEmCFakWHhwHwSjIvyQlcGnasbMLnrQNvzrzivp5QJ-a4Iu7gcIGwYYv7Y_P8lCKI6y6ESFciS1Kdemk/s1476/dec03'22_014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q1EHdNfN9Jubu0g5LRSlgrd9EVoWRfEagB-cYDRJ28SK26niEYyQORCr6qMIqGclEK5ijYMXLMkKFwj2blIDaomijOtnc_WLG_jlKbBYhEmCFakWHhwHwSjIvyQlcGnasbMLnrQNvzrzivp5QJ-a4Iu7gcIGwYYv7Y_P8lCKI6y6ESFciS1Kdemk/s320/dec03'22_014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I noted the location of the exhibit, next to Netera's Coffee Lounge, and asked how this came about. Talia answered, "Netera and I both work with a live singer, Austin Moores for about 5 years now. We go onstage with him during his shows. It's a lot of fun and I really enjoy hearing him sing. Netera and I like to write also. She set up the coffeehouse for a peaceful place to write and to exhibit art."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked Talia what stories she wrote about. She answered, "I wrote a time travel fantasy novel, about ancient Egypt and Crete called '<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O2IIO18/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i5">The Missing Princes of Egypt</a>.' I also wrote a comedic fantasy novel of magic gone wrong, '<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0A6YC0/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2">Risky Magic</a>.' ... Writing humor does lighten my day. Sometimes if I'm tired, I write humor. It makes me smile. I've been writing humorous slogans for t-shirts that I will eventually put into my RedBubble store." I asked for an example, and she told me, "I made up one yesterday for the holidays 'On the Naughty List, And Had Fun Doing It.'"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked about the exhibit opening's singer. Talia answered, "We had this wonderful live singer, Helena Navarita. Austin Moores had to cancel at the last moment and Helena stepped in to sing. I was so lucky that Netera could get her at short notice." I pointed out to Talia that with her on stage, some might have have mistaken her for the singer. She laughed, "I would not be able to sing as well as Helena."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrl0G5KtQuIhrJQX8YfsjJRPe2J9nuoBkf0HKY_20AVPQNKCClra0qYxni-W80EisFyDVKMDj6A-pJcXFOCUuTct_x2rovj1oeAU0gS8KOkrh20XHFIJKdvzng513yc3UEsWYpwPrmkPleVOGTaGlq5626Hk0-CY62uFsorES-bYdNJtmHZsLIJJm/s1476/dec03'22_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrl0G5KtQuIhrJQX8YfsjJRPe2J9nuoBkf0HKY_20AVPQNKCClra0qYxni-W80EisFyDVKMDj6A-pJcXFOCUuTct_x2rovj1oeAU0gS8KOkrh20XHFIJKdvzng513yc3UEsWYpwPrmkPleVOGTaGlq5626Hk0-CY62uFsorES-bYdNJtmHZsLIJJm/s320/dec03'22_008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So what does Talia have planned for her next exhibition? Her answer was, "Good question, I might go with an animal theme, either birds, or sea creatures, perhaps swimming in beautiful blue waters. Maybe a mermaid will join them." Pointing out the shoulder pet dragon on her shoulder, I asked if any pictures to be done soon will include dragons. She told me, "I want to refine my dragon drawings more before going public with them. I took a short class with a woman who was known for her dragon illustrations at Renaissance Fair. I liked the fluidity of her dragons, and have experimented with that in my work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The artist's last words in the interview were, "I wanted to thank the people that helped me on my way in this art exhibit, Netera Landar for the exhibit space, Helena Navarita for the singing at the opening, Sandy Hauster for the stage, all the people that come to see the exhibit and you Bixyl for this interview."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Talia's "Fire and Water" exhibit is at Snug Harbor (<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snug%20Harbor/115/94/25">115/94/25</a>) and will run until December 23.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-76154479487465681812022-11-28T06:00:00.023-05:002022-11-28T15:34:24.104-05:00Interview With Melly Callidora (MelainaGodness)<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>y Bixyl Shuftan<br /><br />In August 2014, Wesley Regenbogen interviewed Hope Dreamscape (hope4ever43), one of two co-owners of a club <a href="http://slnewserpeople.blogspot.com/2014/08/interview-with-hope-dreamscape-and.html">that had recently held a cancer fundraiser</a>. A few months later, <a href="http://slnewserplaces.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-hope-driftwood-and-dreamscape.html">he did a followup</a>, of her owning a horse ranch. We last heard from her as Hope Driftwood <a href="http://slnewserextra.blogspot.com/2014/12/virtual-horseback-riding.html">teaching the reporter who interviewed her how to ride a horse</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG9h_YS7KIWxQmPtfRleZT4YKCYxoEukZiZxOgSVThjL-yr67xV5vjWO3TNYmAACfbJBpsQCLgWb9mV1Gii1a-3QtKqYRiqLTVJyl4Jvk-9WpvA3ms-G_w_8mEpS78qxppziLwHdrQYyFWsLjmijT-Tby1hw4iHGA8n-QOsjm5kD4i0C9LJGBT1tm/s1056/nov2322_005b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1056" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG9h_YS7KIWxQmPtfRleZT4YKCYxoEukZiZxOgSVThjL-yr67xV5vjWO3TNYmAACfbJBpsQCLgWb9mV1Gii1a-3QtKqYRiqLTVJyl4Jvk-9WpvA3ms-G_w_8mEpS78qxppziLwHdrQYyFWsLjmijT-Tby1hw4iHGA8n-QOsjm5kD4i0C9LJGBT1tm/s320/nov2322_005b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Recently, the Newser was contacted by her once more, asking for a followup on what's been happening to her. The most obvious change was she had started anew with a new account: <a href="https://my.secondlife.com/melainagodness/">MelainaGodness</a>, known as Melly Callidora. She requested to do her part of the interview in voice as typing a lot had gotten uncomfortable: her physical health had taken a turn for the worse in the past few years. At 51 years old, she had carpal tunnel, two herniated disks, metal screws in her neck that made it hard to turn her head, migraines, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and worst of all: Cancer. She explained it was uterine/cervical cancer, occurring where the two body parts meet, and also had lymphoma. She described herself as being in constant pain, and needed a cane to get around, or a wheelchair if it was for a long distance. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_icNbHmuZificOiRe8u9B5FhSUekg5jQZIBmw0VO6O08tb5xxXFXoXn5QH81cOT8SKHenC8_w1wZgYbNV7nUlkxpEImnZgMcYjsYrGmjguUef8Rj63j_xRwJSpGatRxEeCKgR1sr3h4_Scwu_GwDag4HguHo-BuzWLO7yE9cUuEk4dZsCADHLgY2/s1476/nov2322_007.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_icNbHmuZificOiRe8u9B5FhSUekg5jQZIBmw0VO6O08tb5xxXFXoXn5QH81cOT8SKHenC8_w1wZgYbNV7nUlkxpEImnZgMcYjsYrGmjguUef8Rj63j_xRwJSpGatRxEeCKgR1sr3h4_Scwu_GwDag4HguHo-BuzWLO7yE9cUuEk4dZsCADHLgY2/s320/nov2322_007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In Second Life, things were better. She had met up with a Benji Darkfury, and eventually the two were married inworld. Sadly, Benji would fall ill and pass away. Melly told me she had been building lighthouses wherever she lived in the virtual world since, so his spirit could "find his way home." She talked more about him, saying they met up in real life, him being from Connecticut and "I'm from New York." She told me one of his real-life family had gone inworld, and together they were able to help him have virtually what he couldn't in reality. "I took it very hard when he died," she told me, "I stopped playing Second Life for a time." It took her some time to return, but eventually she did. She had been transferred ownership of Benji's avatar. <br /><br />"I have a forever son." Melly told me, "People say he's my favorite, but I have a lot of children." One, Oakan Callidora Corvinus (oakan.corvinus) or "Oakie" went to see her in real life, "It was the best experience I ever had." She also mentioned having an SL daughter, "I have a twin brother ... I have an older brother, Ren. But Niyethan is the twin. ... I have another brother, Joey." She also mentioned, "I have a real-life friend, Paul, who plays Second Life." She would later say he lived about 45 minutes away. I have a lot of brother's and sisters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eR6momlF5Ovbme-ajvjvaj4nVnqmuY4Ck9YOQmM0KORpVIHZdRm-hAPiW5RRbMIcKyYqBQ4mJa3Cwpld0zEizG7Uvlp830Dlw4pFFRZJiIDDEmfXBtEUH3zog0MCfUJXLiziTRRxVFv0yq1mTGWz_Hh1wJf3ZmWPYM6Vs8SiKbUows097r66uLpI/s1476/nov2322_010.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eR6momlF5Ovbme-ajvjvaj4nVnqmuY4Ck9YOQmM0KORpVIHZdRm-hAPiW5RRbMIcKyYqBQ4mJa3Cwpld0zEizG7Uvlp830Dlw4pFFRZJiIDDEmfXBtEUH3zog0MCfUJXLiziTRRxVFv0yq1mTGWz_Hh1wJf3ZmWPYM6Vs8SiKbUows097r66uLpI/s320/nov2322_010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Melly called herself the leading lady of a Bloodlines clan, Clan Darkness Family , "I am the Matriarch, the Queen of the clan." Oakan was the head of it. She described her family's land as having a number of animals, notably horses. She showed me the castle, where family dinners were held sometimes. She showed me Darkfurry Hall, where there was a plaque in honor of Benji, "Benji is honored in every way we can." She would show me her manor. When not held at the castle, dinners were held here every Saturday night, either inside in the dining room or outside in the patio area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHLz47cjS-GpYqKEU4TkwPjxeMAfoQi6rmS_fG59Uy2OB_l2yGVjrxTKe8RsJpcFH6HyG-tw7O83bEC0KPfCLEogyaMCqEyLeUZ6TYcbCqBX9ziml4X8Om-p5feVtOC9YkWfUetx4UMK55wUlZPDUBet-xnavGwGLcxNlJuhUDtEd_yeLARgJWIo9/s1476/nov2322_021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHLz47cjS-GpYqKEU4TkwPjxeMAfoQi6rmS_fG59Uy2OB_l2yGVjrxTKe8RsJpcFH6HyG-tw7O83bEC0KPfCLEogyaMCqEyLeUZ6TYcbCqBX9ziml4X8Om-p5feVtOC9YkWfUetx4UMK55wUlZPDUBet-xnavGwGLcxNlJuhUDtEd_yeLARgJWIo9/s320/nov2322_021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She would show me the Callidora Ranch, where she raised horses. These were Amaretto horses, the oldest brand of breedable horses in Second Life. She would breed them, and sell some of the colts to raise some money, "just had two born." She would put those to be sold in a barrel, then taken to her daughter-in-law's store. She also raised something called Chimeras, and breedable cats known as Kitticats. She would also show me a group of breedable fairies. Melly would show me the family logo, an image of a vampire woman smelling (or perhaps about to taste) a rose. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeF44_hr6m8Mb8K-LaXbnj89BsSr6mx3vVwxHOB421WWnUJb661tfFGg7K_iGrvWEHRGna2Eys8qBijaE-A6gfxQg_HMIZn-a4sOqFD0rsLKHxijHvv5B61l3floGTMGc4QFlO2hHFR-n8PGcMeE9rrY58m7NTNhlMby5Y2FvisX0PS1eM3JLfA4x/s1024/THE%20CALLIDORA%20FAMILY%20LOGO.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeF44_hr6m8Mb8K-LaXbnj89BsSr6mx3vVwxHOB421WWnUJb661tfFGg7K_iGrvWEHRGna2Eys8qBijaE-A6gfxQg_HMIZn-a4sOqFD0rsLKHxijHvv5B61l3floGTMGc4QFlO2hHFR-n8PGcMeE9rrY58m7NTNhlMby5Y2FvisX0PS1eM3JLfA4x/s320/THE%20CALLIDORA%20FAMILY%20LOGO.png" width="320" /></a></div>She told me her real life had become a struggle, but her SL family had made all the difference. She had created the Callidora family in 2016, and she talked about how "amazing" it was that her inworld family has "been there for me." Due to her worsening health, she had to give up her real-life job of 20 years, being a teacher of handicaped students. Her inworld family provided plenty of support, "I don't like to have them take care of me. ... I had to learn to step aside and let Oakie take over." She stated she had a lot of SL children, "but I don't put up with drama."<br /><br />Of her health, doctors were finding themselves with less and less options for what could be done long-term, "There is nothing more they can do for me." She had been told she has about a year left, maybe a little more, "Some days I don't get out of bed," saying there were times she was just in too much pain, "But I always try to do Saturday, and holidays." Her eyesight has become not that good. She had used to DJ in the past, but had to give it up. With her carpal tunnel getting worse, it was just becoming too difficult. She also told me she was starting to have memory troubles, in part due to her medications, and had to rely on her Alexa at times to remember things. She takes a total of 21 pills a day, plus uses an inhaler. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubqSX2NmqERcPlCVHjQn7q07o2bqwjKKGSf_3HSV7XgD-0VckqYuLC42E234Ile1GqnkCh5bn3UcTY_NvDM4zXiP9Eueu8tlAzhwRLqtfF4VtV538wMBhuG_m7XRPS7QvZHH-dQccyAbhoce4tiZdC6XWXccz3U7p6qtnHj-fsQnmxW5IyZkfUp2i/s1476/nov2322_035.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubqSX2NmqERcPlCVHjQn7q07o2bqwjKKGSf_3HSV7XgD-0VckqYuLC42E234Ile1GqnkCh5bn3UcTY_NvDM4zXiP9Eueu8tlAzhwRLqtfF4VtV538wMBhuG_m7XRPS7QvZHH-dQccyAbhoce4tiZdC6XWXccz3U7p6qtnHj-fsQnmxW5IyZkfUp2i/s320/nov2322_035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Despite the short time the doctors gave her, she wasn't truly going by what they were saying. All things considered, she felt, "I've been doing pretty good. ... If it's my time to go, it's my time to go." She mentioned she had a high white-cell blood count for years. She would go on to say her father had been a Vietnam veteran, who during his tour was exposed to Agent Orange, both by inhaling it and cutting his hands on barbed wire covered by it. She felt she was likely exposed to it was well through him, affecting her period and affecting her chances of having kids. She had been married three times in real life. She had one other family member who was having health problems, a niece who came down with polio, and stated she was just now was showing signs of cerebral palsy. Of her immediate family, a sister and four brothers, one of her brothers has passed on. <br /><br />She once again described her SL family as being very supportive, more than her real-life one. She described a moment at one of her real-life brothers being surprised at how much medication she had to take, "Who does this?" <br /><br />Melly had a Flickr account, and I asked about it. She told me most of the pictures had been taken by Joey (Chronisz). While there where other photographers in the family, she tries to promote Joey as much as she can. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_QLjP1-yF_x-UO5gnUwtjiYwneEOtzSYgKfGMsrarQPUB4JB-lsVollQA1HyPDwGrfOEIxodaheVwzJoNS6VmOp7tjQ8F7mycbwRKVy8uswY-8C69DsEcwVN-Cy5QEeyfG1SvIjsXCKAGV1qpJQy_sU3eYF-dtBu-BqnJtSgOEAjeNkYYw0uoH1T/s1476/nov2322_033.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1476" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_QLjP1-yF_x-UO5gnUwtjiYwneEOtzSYgKfGMsrarQPUB4JB-lsVollQA1HyPDwGrfOEIxodaheVwzJoNS6VmOp7tjQ8F7mycbwRKVy8uswY-8C69DsEcwVN-Cy5QEeyfG1SvIjsXCKAGV1qpJQy_sU3eYF-dtBu-BqnJtSgOEAjeNkYYw0uoH1T/s320/nov2322_033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Near the end of the interview, Paul would appear, in a furry anthro fox avatar. We chatted for a while. At one point, he amusingly spoke of Melly, "She used to have an infatuation with black olives." "Shut up Paul!" she responded, then chuckled.<br /><br />Above everything else, despite her real-life difficulties, Melly was grateful for the support her SL family had given her, and was allowing her to live a life with happy moments, "I live my live and enjoy it the best I can."</p><p><b><i>Addition:</i></b> Melly would later tell me I missed one detail, "My alt Riley Darkfury is Benji's wife."<br /><br />Bixyl Shuftan</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-85127571182672847972022-11-12T18:05:00.002-05:002022-11-12T22:35:14.588-05:00Waya Snowpaw's Second Memorial Service<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9LF6tDzhK9Sm3BC2-hFKs6VFDyCysFqcLBvC1QsffqrpYODRVeliU9sWmxBeylSxwlK0AKdoJu0LnhCj6klT8LallQccyg3lZ3OnahrxkOUPv2PZMeRNzQvSO_AXcSRl2pYLpdfD_5LSQ-kJeimtDglgl8OTKk0lPiOZFvdzYDUW6Cm4t5jMn4_T/s1592/wayasnowpawdec20'20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1592" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9LF6tDzhK9Sm3BC2-hFKs6VFDyCysFqcLBvC1QsffqrpYODRVeliU9sWmxBeylSxwlK0AKdoJu0LnhCj6klT8LallQccyg3lZ3OnahrxkOUPv2PZMeRNzQvSO_AXcSRl2pYLpdfD_5LSQ-kJeimtDglgl8OTKk0lPiOZFvdzYDUW6Cm4t5jMn4_T/s320/wayasnowpawdec20'20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On September 27, Waya Snowpaw had passed away. He had been the DJ who did the opening hour for Veterans Isle's monthly benefit concerts for over a decade. He appeared as an anthro canine in an Army uniform, usually (though not always) the one furry in the otherwise all human avatar group of volunteers who raised money for the Homes For Our Troops charity organization. In real life, he was a disabled American veteran, an American Indian, and a longtime DJ in real life for about 40 years. He passed away in his 60s.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyxDZCYy-OoRe3iQSiLar-wSypXFBQ7GtYHI2t_AEnO955qqJfkFg5EOVSd_Unc72sWS5Xgg2Dsv4gIvYhlYXcOWip9-cG_TVcnQCumKXbcci2Wh2iMofuH1ThWRmuaoe8yVbbVqHueP3KCC-a2FELLsaFmXDSsQjGsBFvbvOSuZEbBhsRMEUXseY/s1472/nov05'22_108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1472" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyxDZCYy-OoRe3iQSiLar-wSypXFBQ7GtYHI2t_AEnO955qqJfkFg5EOVSd_Unc72sWS5Xgg2Dsv4gIvYhlYXcOWip9-cG_TVcnQCumKXbcci2Wh2iMofuH1ThWRmuaoe8yVbbVqHueP3KCC-a2FELLsaFmXDSsQjGsBFvbvOSuZEbBhsRMEUXseY/s320/nov05'22_108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>News of Waya's passing was not announced <a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2022/10/waya-snowpaw-veterans-isle-dj-has-died.html">until October 15</a>. On Saturday October 22, he was given <a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2022/10/memorial-for-waya-snowpaw.html">an inworld military memorial service</a>. But not all of his friends could attend. It was decided to give him a second, less formal one later on. It would happen two weeks later. On Saturday November 5, people would gather once more to remember him. The event would take place high above the Water Edge Estates sim. This included friends, SL family, and at least one of his real-life family having come to Second Life. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was a bit late for the event. Thankfully Lady Mom (Backupmom) had taken notes. Near the start, she hat this to say, "We honor Waya's Cherokee heritage. The American flag and the soldiers cross represent Waya's Military Service which Waya was quite proud of. He was a wounded warrior. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUS3CcSHTeuGciigG-BnUVBrMg_ddv8P6DPK3CGOfOIAzS8cyPQzchgTyt6BYeNN6LYTLo3j1BIY9qwWAtdpdlhLXps-lYfggA7NVRnfl4xiy5nNpuRhF_P8mtwzRWiUY-fksIJ-xlyE48NCtpnHUbRkf7WQEuvNSqd8vMW1P517AOdL1kjEytZg4/s819/nov05'22_088b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="819" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUS3CcSHTeuGciigG-BnUVBrMg_ddv8P6DPK3CGOfOIAzS8cyPQzchgTyt6BYeNN6LYTLo3j1BIY9qwWAtdpdlhLXps-lYfggA7NVRnfl4xiy5nNpuRhF_P8mtwzRWiUY-fksIJ-xlyE48NCtpnHUbRkf7WQEuvNSqd8vMW1P517AOdL1kjEytZg4/s320/nov05'22_088b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"I speak today to honor Waya Snowpaw. Second life has way of creating family. Waya was my SL brother. My little big brother. Taller than me but younger. We became family in real-life too. Two hour phone calls were the norm between us. Waya even got to know my real-life spouse. The three of us would talk often. We talked about our lives, we talked about our families. We had similar views and shared concerns. We had a deeply spiritual connection. And we had powerful conversations regarding our spiritual paths. We talked about indigenous medicines. The would want to insert their opinions into our conversations. Waya loved his dogs, they were good service dogs and very devoted to Waya. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Waya was a curmudgeon sometimes, but he had a big heart. Homes For Our Troops was an important cause for him. Waya was also a badass. He had an entanglement with a four-foot Water Moccasin that had invited itself into Waya's chambers. Waya wasn't having it. Needless to say the snake lost. Waya and I were very protective of one another. Waya loved banana pudding in real-life as well as SL.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Waya was a great DJ with quite a following. He did very impressive bead work in real-life. Waya was in ill health, he was in pain and tired. The people of the Light took mercy on this sweet soul and called him home.. The people of the Light didn't consult me, because I would have asked them to wait. May The Great Spirit bestow eternal joy to Waya and comfort to his real-life family, SL family and all assembled here. <br /><br />"Please know that Mom loves you all so dearly. We are here to lift one another up in times of grief and hardships. We are here to celebrate the gifts we have in each day. <br /><br />"I will miss that loveable wolf that loved ear scratches. I miss my SL brother, most importantly I miss my real-life friend."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL10QuETZAtUYBrsU3U7KL8j-EYtCQVQvZdE9vj1u0wWRK2L6eublyirxngbev_AkbNturXX66Rx-UYFfzqaS6MQYmoUgcwKVwEl3lzPzUxSPXEm848KxN2vgQ5AXgweB16NH-VrZvbTX0_0BoiO6BjULQdq1HFwG4tozLVDD5wrBfFyuh-hXTrpH/s484/nov05'22_092b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL10QuETZAtUYBrsU3U7KL8j-EYtCQVQvZdE9vj1u0wWRK2L6eublyirxngbev_AkbNturXX66Rx-UYFfzqaS6MQYmoUgcwKVwEl3lzPzUxSPXEm848KxN2vgQ5AXgweB16NH-VrZvbTX0_0BoiO6BjULQdq1HFwG4tozLVDD5wrBfFyuh-hXTrpH/s320/nov05'22_092b.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>Lady would text three tributes from others, "Tribute from Fyre:'Waya, Waya, must say first, I Love You, so many hours talking about sooo many things. But our dogs were always talked about. Those talks will be forever missed. I hope and pray you have Niko and Kala beside you again. How you love them. None of you are in pain now. Thank You for being in my life. Thank You for being the amazing Waya. Hugs and Love You always. Rest easy, soar high. Never will you be forgotten.'</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Waya was Fyre's SL Uncle.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Words from Riley: 'Waya was one of my first friends here on SL, and, no doubts, the first who was welcoming me with a warm and honest embrace.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"It's funny, because I'm sure that we have met on another virtual server before, but back then I haven't realize, nor notice him - except for that mysterious guy playing some awesome music - until I came to SL. We just have talked about it once, and I'm sure, that's where I've met him years ago already.<br />But, there's been so much we had in common... and I miss those conversations we had - some times for hours long. I remember the day we went to an event and they had this huge carousel there. I can't even say how long we were sitting there, just looking at it and listening to him talking about his childhood. It was such a magical moment, seeing him all excited about these wonderful memories. I miss that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFWP6Npb5lvv0QOr2KyyUgVF11-QrD1TSqxuOeYIdGpee6co9LF6PmdfIfjFkQFWSa8HqXpElPL62l_DORD88uW4NJMvJNYkCGYBn68QDMUOA1pxvKfsGP6NknE4hQMjqJ-o7wLwn2cPgvDcBjB48PJ9iO8Klj9PNy7vmNLGt37EFRavOsME2cv13/s734/nov05'22_096b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFWP6Npb5lvv0QOr2KyyUgVF11-QrD1TSqxuOeYIdGpee6co9LF6PmdfIfjFkQFWSa8HqXpElPL62l_DORD88uW4NJMvJNYkCGYBn68QDMUOA1pxvKfsGP6NknE4hQMjqJ-o7wLwn2cPgvDcBjB48PJ9iO8Klj9PNy7vmNLGt37EFRavOsME2cv13/s320/nov05'22_096b.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>"The music has brought us together and we both were sharing that passion. So I'd like to share a text from a German band we used to love - translated into English:<br /><br /><i>Tell me what to mourn<br />Was my life so gray and dreary?<br />If I think about it, one thing is certain<br />You shouldn't mourn<br />What are days of farewell anyway<br />Against years we get<br />Cut the tears, enough of that<br />You shouldn't mourn about me<br />You should dance, dance, forever<br />You should dance, dance, to the end of your time<br />You should dance as if I were among you<br />As if I were among you...</i><br /><br />"Knowing Waya for such a long time, I'm just about sure, that this is something he would tell us: <br />Don't mourn, even if it's hard, but dance and laugh as we used to do, as if he was among us...<br /><br />"I won't call this a 'farewell,' but a 'goodbye for now,' because one day we will meet again - and then we will dance together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"I love you Waya. Thank you for everything. And I'll never forget you ~ you'll always be in my heart.'"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVODPtxIAd8EtOkntWzs6N6RFtaU6aeK-wbhkbGTA9QoObTamkUjQXeetyZel5kWb5l3oi4cdsHD-EPrsCnXlHSoj2uo5BEa-aNBHCNm3YUOLLGKA3MVyE1PTegSL3HOs3l9mCpEG-5KgTFWdpOzEzQaRfQItBkUOzZSO5tyX6WuluCTTnIBuCaXw/s715/mayomingzi).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVODPtxIAd8EtOkntWzs6N6RFtaU6aeK-wbhkbGTA9QoObTamkUjQXeetyZel5kWb5l3oi4cdsHD-EPrsCnXlHSoj2uo5BEa-aNBHCNm3YUOLLGKA3MVyE1PTegSL3HOs3l9mCpEG-5KgTFWdpOzEzQaRfQItBkUOzZSO5tyX6WuluCTTnIBuCaXw/s320/mayomingzi).jpg" width="317" /></a></div>Then May O. Mingzi (mayomingzi) spoke up, "I don't do voice, but I can type a few things. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I don't really remember how Waya and I met; I think it was at the Smooth Jazz Club where he used to DJ. But I know that one of the first things I asked him to do for us as a DJ was a memorial service for another friend, more than 10 years ago. That's how long I knew Waya. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"He said that, unfortunately he had a lot of experience doing such things, and would be honored. We stayed in touch throughout the years. He disappeared for a long time, after he had a stroke, and I feared he had died. But as you know, he didn't. It was like a second chance. And when he recovered, he would joke about how he would sneak out to the nurse's station to get on the computer and stay in touch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"He got a new machine when he got home, and resumed DJing again. I never knew what type of music he'd play, and he often didn't either. He often would wake up in the morning and ask Alexa what special occasion was going on that day, and build a set from that. It could be something normal, like Mardi Gras - that was his favorite holiday, I think. Or it could be something like, 'Peanut Butter Day,' and we'd end up with a set about food. He loved Weird Al. He had a set of props he'd hand around that referred to things from Weird Al songs, like a duck for 'I Want a New Duck,' and a Velvet Elvis for that song. I have a copy of that folder, if anyone wants. It includes a 'Mennonite hat' Waya made." Several people would ask for it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"In later years, we exchanged phone numbers, so we could text each other. He would let me know sometimes if he were going into the hospital. Eventually I also managed to persuade him to give me his address so I could set him care packages. He hated asking for help from anyone. He was always the one giving help to others. Whether it was sitting with a soldier in need in real-life, or chatting with someone having a love crisis, or filling in for a DJ, he was always the one giving to others. He also taught me a lot about being a DJ. He shared his amazing knowledge of and love for music. I watched how he interacted with the audience and put songs together. He was a great teacher and a great friend. I will always remember him."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZhsJvhhPP45jIvNY5BBLMh8AE7KGRMII8bM2-B--y-HObifaj46HrHW0WRA8ZC5_tSABSzCMN-FuB5joIUZvF_Ch8tOb_ws14j-tdLKABCz9K5ALMVyUPdt-KHUgwWY276VatV4vfmgLydnN3AWT-nz2YGpAVCJhJqTqBTVJHoIjzJcWtJerhpOX/s1472/nov05'22_083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1472" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZhsJvhhPP45jIvNY5BBLMh8AE7KGRMII8bM2-B--y-HObifaj46HrHW0WRA8ZC5_tSABSzCMN-FuB5joIUZvF_Ch8tOb_ws14j-tdLKABCz9K5ALMVyUPdt-KHUgwWY276VatV4vfmgLydnN3AWT-nz2YGpAVCJhJqTqBTVJHoIjzJcWtJerhpOX/s320/nov05'22_083.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>May would then pass around Waya's set of "Weird Al Survival Kit" props. There was then a dance in Waya's honor, with DJ Snowbuns (Skylark Lefavre) as the DJ. People continued to talk some more, such as how Waya would have loved the service and the music. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, this wolf DJ was gone. But he wouldn't be forgotten.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rest in peace,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-42167892818147292792022-11-09T06:00:00.002-05:002022-11-09T06:00:00.205-05:00Fiftteen Years of Writing Second Life News<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Where to begin ...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By late summer 2007, I was just starting to find my way in Second Life. Although my journey here started in December 2006, shortly after I got high-speed Internet, for months I didn't log on much as the lady who invited me over was suddenly given more responsibility. Then in July 2007 she told me about the Relay Weekend and suggested I check out the area. So I did, and my interest in the virtual world was rekindled. I began dropping by more often, eventually finding Luskwood and making some friends there, and getting my first paid-for avatar, the red Luskwood fox. I girl I met at Luskwood told me about another place, the STA, and there I met more friends and found another hangout. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OlwgVYtZSjPbEwWXIwTDHt_uAmMBUPtYvQowxDmBQIFRXEJTsja2UDmLeITGX97Kn7XsMs3tmDcB0U0rJojQJ1qog4U2FsEF4Sxm55NV0gH0gYrwgXnXvFshpTLC5JoXHGD5SwgGnqblskhQltJ98HQpAJfK4Aw-XZ0i2rL9RDWJV7TVMTU-lW5q/s1308/SLNnov2007a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1308" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OlwgVYtZSjPbEwWXIwTDHt_uAmMBUPtYvQowxDmBQIFRXEJTsja2UDmLeITGX97Kn7XsMs3tmDcB0U0rJojQJ1qog4U2FsEF4Sxm55NV0gH0gYrwgXnXvFshpTLC5JoXHGD5SwgGnqblskhQltJ98HQpAJfK4Aw-XZ0i2rL9RDWJV7TVMTU-lW5q/s320/SLNnov2007a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I wanted to find out still more about Second Life, what events were going on and what interesting places were around. So I started checking out blogs and newsletters about this virtual world. Among them was the "Herald," which stared off as a Sims Online newsletter, which while occasionally informative was basically a tabloid. There was "New World Notes," a newsblog by Hamlet Au. Informative, but as Linden Lab's "embedded reporter," he was obviously limited in his ability to criticize them. And then there was the Second Life Newspaper, owned by JamesT Juno with Dana Vanmoer as the editor. It had a number of reporters and several sections, reporting on various people, places, and events around the virtual world, plus the latest on what the Lab was up to. Something else that got my attention, they occasionally called for submitted articles and pictures from the readers. So I decided to send in a few pictures plus a couple personal stories of mine at the time. I guess I impressed them, as James and Dana invited me in for a job interview. After some talk, they told me I had the job, and offered me the use of one of the office spaces.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66X4bXRyy9iFx8I1s_UGQ3E4hf96R7DcB0ob6p0a-wOE3YBTnK4GWGc1esT5zf-LwWUTeoost34-uBP9GML2MOnjYhrFM6rH1ZtXKPieWb3HOzszI6Y8bwB9HkiTuxj2GRJiJtHzWWSa08V6ePMPa86bLtXBj_M4qY72P-ToRqq4YfaRAOcusPbiT/s640/bixylavatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="640" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66X4bXRyy9iFx8I1s_UGQ3E4hf96R7DcB0ob6p0a-wOE3YBTnK4GWGc1esT5zf-LwWUTeoost34-uBP9GML2MOnjYhrFM6rH1ZtXKPieWb3HOzszI6Y8bwB9HkiTuxj2GRJiJtHzWWSa08V6ePMPa86bLtXBj_M4qY72P-ToRqq4YfaRAOcusPbiT/s320/bixylavatar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In real life, I had been keeping up with the news on a daily basis since I was a teenager after hearing about a mob taking over our embassy in a foreign country and the government there siding with the hostage takers. And now, I had the chance to be a news reporter myself. I would use the payment for my first official article to get a fedora and leather overcoat, the classic reporter's look. Along with my fox avatar, it became my trademark appearance, one that continued as my main look with only minor alterations for over a decade. And of course there was the "Fox News" pun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did feel a bit of uncertainly in the first few weeks. I was the "new guy" and finding my footing. But I soon got the hang of things and was writing about various people, places, and events in this virtual world. With my sense of humor, I also ended up becoming the main source of the SL Newspaper's cartoons. Sometimes I would write about larger events, such as the Second Life Birthday and the Relay for Life and more noteable sims. Other times, I would describe more out of the way places and smaller events, such as of the STA, Woodlin Community, and Bahama Beach Club that I was a part of. After some prodding by James, I would also do one article about one of the more adult places and it's manager: ZZ Studios and it's owner Cindy "Zig-Zag" Babi. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, not all of the articles were happy ones. I would end up writing about the closing of the STA just a few months after I joined the paper, and later on the sunset of Woodlin and the BBC. And the paper itself would soon run into some trouble in fall 2009 with the high-profile bankruptcy of our sponsor BNT, and James having to step away due to real life. I was made the office manager of SL Newspaper, which meant updating things when Dana couldn't. And in 2010, this was happening more and more. Finally in April 2010, Dana told the staff due to real-life she would have to step away from running the paper, and as she didn't have the authority to turn over the paper to anyone made the decision to close. So I talked to Gemma Cleanslate and two others, and as the Second Life Newspaper closed in June 2010, a new newsletter began, the Second Life Newser. And my role changed from just another reporter to the head of a team. We hit the ground running as
our first big story was a week after our start, Linden Lab laying off a
third of it's staff. It was a very interesting year newswise, and we were there to cover it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXA1kU8QRtXx3_DFGp1JSSNfTtmIpdQPZhwiCEdhGegNVNyyOnUNxfkeVrpt70llbdgKPL99LHUjdU3ZQ6Yb9o68bRz63bJbPDF5nHpT-C26-DXx5LnNIyl9TbOjgEk7PitoULo9DhMn8rE9KhQ-K705m-hIamx--7HKt9wpTOo-0TILnVfXUciUe/s1464/bixyl_april18'21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1464" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXA1kU8QRtXx3_DFGp1JSSNfTtmIpdQPZhwiCEdhGegNVNyyOnUNxfkeVrpt70llbdgKPL99LHUjdU3ZQ6Yb9o68bRz63bJbPDF5nHpT-C26-DXx5LnNIyl9TbOjgEk7PitoULo9DhMn8rE9KhQ-K705m-hIamx--7HKt9wpTOo-0TILnVfXUciUe/s320/bixyl_april18'21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So week after week, month after month, year after year, I've been continuing to write about this virtual world and what it has to offer. There have been numerous stories about how this world helps people, such as fundraisers like the Relay for Life and Veterans Isle concerts, and help groups such as the Survivors of Suicide. I have written about controversy on occasion, but it's never been for it's own sake. Occasionally I've written about Linden Lab's goofing up, which was more common early in our history. Perhaps I've gotten a softer edge over time, but there's been less spectacular goof-ups over time such as the closing of the SS Galaxy due to a Linden telling a longtime owner of the sims he wouldn't get any more rollbacks due to damage by griefers. An incident like that hasn't happened in a long time. More recently are the stories of Linden Lab getting new owners and it's place in the Waterfield Network. And as always the occasional story of my home area: the Sunweaver community. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes real life gets reflected into Second Life. One example is politics. In 2008, there were numerous political groups and locations for the candidates and discussion. But as time went on, the groups and locations became less common as political discussion in real life got more and more toxic and confrontational. One talk show held here would be canceled as the host felt no desire to keep repeating what had become an "echo chamber." Another would be the Coronovirus Pandemic that hit in 2020 and with people in quarantine were spending more time online, and here. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly among the things I've had to report on are the closings of some well done sims. Even sadder, I've had to report on the passing of a number of residents. Last year, this would include two friends of mine who were noteable members of the community I became part of. They would join the ranks of those who made great content for others, and then there would be no more. While it was an honor to write about them, these were some of the saddest articles I've had to write.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqxrMHya0io1ogiHA5Id36i4J5UX5iAp6Brr_GAAfhV0zM5aHI3Uf9Gcpd3AJdc_p-yJZruMyn2FR5W0seI7Y4Sp5DHe3Mk8VGCdQZitkhBkcxp4olMyA7FAYPRR_ivUlTWQ9TZv10cR0H24aM9tduE2LYNDfJpvQyJ7raKN9voAkxqxpnvc8tn8p/s900/corseanencounter_firstcontact_jc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="900" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqxrMHya0io1ogiHA5Id36i4J5UX5iAp6Brr_GAAfhV0zM5aHI3Uf9Gcpd3AJdc_p-yJZruMyn2FR5W0seI7Y4Sp5DHe3Mk8VGCdQZitkhBkcxp4olMyA7FAYPRR_ivUlTWQ9TZv10cR0H24aM9tduE2LYNDfJpvQyJ7raKN9voAkxqxpnvc8tn8p/s320/corseanencounter_firstcontact_jc.png" width="320" /></a></div>So what does the future hold? Over time there's been no shortage of "the end is near" comments about Second Life. With the virtual world currently in healthy shape, unless there's some kind of global calamity, it's a safe bet it will be around for several more years at least. For yours truly, I've also been doing some writing other than news stories. I have been doing a novel on the side, "The Corsean Encounter." It's mostly finished, just needing some editing, then I need to figure out how to publish it on Amazon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While there may be occasional disruptions, as long as there's a team to back me up, I'll be writing about the people, places, and events of Second Life for some time to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"And that's the way it is." Good day from Second Life Newser.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-48740922127891722992022-10-03T06:00:00.017-04:002022-10-03T16:35:45.498-04:00Interview with Fop (KingForri), Giant of Natoma<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk2K_sVI9UdbSf5_5Yq3do0KWHCT3MJVMsRYGc9N9HvTs6tzSNAiK_nfctePXQ-RS87wa_AHXfbLaOKS3uhCJAxtA8Iz2cE4GQbI4fRmh6rLj5chmcKMl0Rhgr-8PpTcHNB14tVsMT5FUScD_tSVKx7EjzPBTwx8IdB254VAuQ5lvwflHycN9DFwZ/s1454/sept05'22rezz_009b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1454" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk2K_sVI9UdbSf5_5Yq3do0KWHCT3MJVMsRYGc9N9HvTs6tzSNAiK_nfctePXQ-RS87wa_AHXfbLaOKS3uhCJAxtA8Iz2cE4GQbI4fRmh6rLj5chmcKMl0Rhgr-8PpTcHNB14tVsMT5FUScD_tSVKx7EjzPBTwx8IdB254VAuQ5lvwflHycN9DFwZ/s320/sept05'22rezz_009b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Being tall in Second Life is quite common. It was probably moreso in the past when people joked about the stereotypical seven foot blonde. It doesn't take too long to find avatars that are eight or nine feet high. Truly giant avatars are less common. At the Fantasy Faire, you may see a <a href="http://slnewserdesign.blogspot.com/2012/05/stepping-large-in-second-life.html">fifty foot woman</a> on occasion. But not long ago at the Ivory Tower in Natoma, <a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2022/09/giant-avatar-at-ivory-tower.html">I saw an avatar that was *truly* massive</a>, hundreds of feet high. His name was Fop (KingForri). Eventually, I managed to contact him, and a meeting for an interview was arranged.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"It sounded like you wanted to message me before I took off!" He greeted, then mused, "Perhaps a thought on the line of 'get out of the bloody way you're blocking the sun!;" After some chuckles, I asked him where he got the idea for such a large avatar. "That's kind of a long story. When I joined Second Life, I had envisioned what I wanted an avatar to look like, but on a much larger scale. My goal was to make a game character that I wouldn't ever have played. Prior to Second Life, I preferred small characters. My avatar started off as a bit of a joke, but as time went on he kinda evolved into something I got attached to, and I saw some of the large avatars other people made and it inspired me. I realized pretty quickly how difficult the whole thing was, and I'm the kind of guy who absolutely loves challenges, so I kept trying to push it further and further to see how far I could go. Every step of the way I'd have to make new scripts or think of some workaround to get around the limitations of SL, with the mentality that 'it has to be fully usable, and it has to be fun for everyone else.'</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yKLWhTm1hfGXIJIKl3cieGNLdIq3B2elJOgHs1UfPCaGb4TYhKjNPmcMsZkdsDQmgHxr9lo2x0OUcrLDpiimDzg85lOdpOnMgwSsQVolIEq78ZZp_5gbPXEqwmZKHNZ5gv6sbRq22RMnY9dCZPmjK9s1eGMK9XyNjIrCOP3Gl0qp61jXuoG2kgVa/s1460/sept07'22rezz_034.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yKLWhTm1hfGXIJIKl3cieGNLdIq3B2elJOgHs1UfPCaGb4TYhKjNPmcMsZkdsDQmgHxr9lo2x0OUcrLDpiimDzg85lOdpOnMgwSsQVolIEq78ZZp_5gbPXEqwmZKHNZ5gv6sbRq22RMnY9dCZPmjK9s1eGMK9XyNjIrCOP3Gl0qp61jXuoG2kgVa/s320/sept07'22rezz_034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"So I developed some techniques to be able to do common stuff regular avatars can do, such as using RLV to switch between skeletons to reposition myself whether I was sitting or standing, or even sitting at a table. At one point I even figured out a goofy fake way to have a friend ride my nose using animesh and some clever tag positioning. One of the big walls was being able to upload a skeleton beyond 3m in the mesh uploader. Most people would just move the pelvis bone down which would cause their avatars to sway all over if they fidgetted in one place, or sat down or whatever. From what I can tell, I might be one of the first to figure out how to break that limit and upload models at a higher offset than three."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked how long it took to make his avatar, and asked about earlier avatars. He responded, "It's been an ongoing thing since I started, like, gosh, eight years ago. Of course I'm not constantly working on it, but every once in a while I'll think 'hmm, I wonder if I could push this even further?' and my mind will start going again. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"There are some other really big avatars too. Some absolutely enormous, and far bigger than the Fop you saw the other day. However, they tend to have the problems I discussed earlier: they sway around, or an even worse problem: hard coded draw distance for mesh models. I suppose to save on processing time, the client creators have a hard draw distance limit for mesh avatars, so if you ever see any other mesh giants at for example, the Fantasy Faire, you'll notice if you zoom out too far their entire bodies just pop out of existence even if your draw distance is set to 1024m, leaving just their hair and some attachments visible. Being not so artistically and unable to really do 3D meshing work was kind of a blessing in disguise as ironically, it allows Fop to be seen the entire 1024 max distance. It's mostly the draw distance that limits most people.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4hnHlyPVcYdMtpo8AB3bMNJvV9xRtlikL14c3_zvgcFqMbf7RouNJ2-e0aP3WyzluCUx2ufxeW8j7L6wTNMu9q3RIQqJ0fP9tuPHXWiShBoo4EOhCe1mCxdqi0Uh4Hz3NpANGhxEZKIP8M5rqVBk9P3xDop4TF6dIV5cJ1QwWmzWmqB0lGwltaLa/s1460/sept07'22rezz_037.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4hnHlyPVcYdMtpo8AB3bMNJvV9xRtlikL14c3_zvgcFqMbf7RouNJ2-e0aP3WyzluCUx2ufxeW8j7L6wTNMu9q3RIQqJ0fP9tuPHXWiShBoo4EOhCe1mCxdqi0Uh4Hz3NpANGhxEZKIP8M5rqVBk9P3xDop4TF6dIV5cJ1QwWmzWmqB0lGwltaLa/s320/sept07'22rezz_037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"The one you saw was, I think around 300 meters (984 feet)? I've larger versions but I try to be considerate of others." After I asked how tall the biggest ones were, "Gosh, do you really wanna know? Let's just say you can't see the entire avatar with the draw distance maxed out. I've figured out how to walk around the outside of sims. It's, really difficult to use at that point. Haha! Over 2km, for sure. I measured with some blocks. A single foot covers around 6 to 8 sims. It's a fun novelty but at that point it's nothing more than a party trick! ... I know you did mention something in your article about how giant avatars aren't really practical, and you'd be absolutely right. However, through the challenges, I discovered something I would have never thought I'd enjoy, and at the end of the day, I'm having fun with my avatar. Second Life is a social game, and it's not like my avatar is any better or worse than any of the other ones. I'm still just some guy behind a screen having fun with friends, even if maybe I take up a bit more screen estate. (grin) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"And maybe I'd like to just say for anyone else, try something out of your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJyv_Yy_eSWZFYCPEfJQs_IUJoWzBfuKfARNSGS8COZmmJy5LllE44lav9ChkPNFyCUx0-MQhdhTNxHp6lJXivV2lni23TqiLSagDK4WSy9ZAFaROpUY5j7-94jUL9wt3SUNVxGsH3Gwzpyy-uzg3g4_SJ9NiivLSiD7rHIAhSusNjScbMNRWW-nt/s1472/sept21'22rezz_001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1472" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJyv_Yy_eSWZFYCPEfJQs_IUJoWzBfuKfARNSGS8COZmmJy5LllE44lav9ChkPNFyCUx0-MQhdhTNxHp6lJXivV2lni23TqiLSagDK4WSy9ZAFaROpUY5j7-94jUL9wt3SUNVxGsH3Gwzpyy-uzg3g4_SJ9NiivLSiD7rHIAhSusNjScbMNRWW-nt/s320/sept21'22rezz_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I then asked if there were smaller versions of the avatar. "Of course," he answered, "I started off with a much smaller version. Began around the 12 feet mark, worked up to 60 feet. Used that regularly for years, it's still kind of what I default back to. I haven't really worked on any other avatars. If I do it tends to be a joke. Though unlike Fop, none of those jokes jumped out at me in the same way."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And what have been peoples' reactions? Fop responded, "It really depends on the crowd. In the general places, initially I'd get the usual "WHOAH THATS A BIG AVATAR!" But then I'll change the topic and it becomes whatever. In places made for giants, I'll get "YOU'RE TOO BIG FOR THIS SIM" and get shoo'd away. Kinda backwards eh?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Of course any place that has a size limit will have the boot ready for me unless I change quickly. Sometimes people are hostile, but I find as a whole people tend to be a lot more accepting than I anticipated. ^^. That, or they're just being polite. You can never be sure!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I think the initial shock factor is kind of predictable though. Everyone once in a while, the more critical will tell me my avatar is jank looking. Sorry, I did my best!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And what does Fop do when not going about "Living large?" He answered, "Well, I don't really stop to be honest, but as far as other things I like to do on here, I enjoy writing scripts for friends. I also really enjoy teaching people how to make stuff. I've left a lot of comments in the stuff I wrote for my pals who knew nothing about scripting, and they later thanked me as it laid the foundation for them to learn how to do it themselves, which was a really good feeling to be honest. I've considered applying to teach at the Builder's Brewery, or start my own classes. I think SL needs more people trying to create things. It's really the perfect platform for expression and sharing ideas.<br /><br />"Obviously I'm reaching the limits of what I can do with my one gimmick, but I've also always wanted to make games, inside and outside of Second Life. I started on a couple projects years ago, but it's something I've been wanting to revisit. That, and making cool vehicles.<br /><br />"Oh, and I like to terrorize, er, hang out with my friends at Natoma. I'm planning on taking some mainland-wide tours to meet (and maybe surprise) some people while handing out pizzas. Who wants some? (I don't knock on properties with security orbs tho. You're missin' out on free pizza!)"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fop went on, "Years ago I got encouraged when I read an interview with Ceri Quixote on their giant avatar, and if I could inspire even one person to just try to do a thing and discover something new, I think that would be pretty nifty! Also shoutouts to Samantha Shadowcry. They're also a pretty big friend, and we bounce off each other with ideas and encouragement. I just wanna say I'm not alone in this journey! It's been a lot more fun with someone to actually share knowledge with and grow. Figuratively and literally (smile). ... Big avatars don't have to be statues. I wanna show that they can be fun too!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And where did the name "Fop" come from? He answered, "I originally picked Jake. It was a generic name, but then one of my friends commented on my attire by saying I looked foppish. It stuck. That was within' the first year of being on SL.Really the avatar was more-or-less a big accident. It was formed by the time I spent on here and the people I met, ultimately. ... I don't bite and people are more than welcomed to ask me questions!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"OOOH! I remembered a big point! Unfortunately my progress almost came to a screeching halt a few years ago, when I started to encounter people who just could not see my avatar. Like, at all. It really puzzled me as to why, but in about 2019ish (I forget exactly what year) Firestorm implemented a hardcoded derenderer that used your avatar's Texture Area. Even though Fop is made of the same primitives used to build in world, Firestorm would see the avatar and immediately derender Fop for being over 1000m² in texture area. When you consider that most people around that time used Firestorm, it meant unless people cranked their settings to automatically render avatars regardless of complexity, or Fop was forced to be rendered, I was invisible to most people I'd encounter. I'd then have to manually instruct everyone on how to see me, and of course a lot of people wouldn't bother. It was incredibly discouraging after working on my avatar after five years, finally getting it to a point I was satisfied with only to have all my work completely for nothing. I almost left SL for good right then and there. Even in my own "About Me" section of my profile are instructions on how to make me appear and it's sad I even have to include that. No other main client has implemented that feature by default.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"The problem still exists but with other viewers slowly taking the popularity vote, it's given me a sigh of relief."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And what was the model of Fop's avatar? "It's a modified example skeleton I found off some wiki, with the bones moved around. The head was from a freebie wolf avatar made in the early days of SL (I added eyebrows, hair, new ears, nose, and a fabulous tooth), the hair is just system hair with a front piece from some freebie pony avatar, the arms, legs, main body and tail were all created by myself, and the hands from some cat avatar in the library that comes with every account. The feet were heavily modified from that same wolf avatar I mentioned earlier. I haven't spent a single cent of my own real world money on this game, using only the Lindens I got from scripting for people for skeleton and texture uploads. All the scripts except for my AO I wrote myself, and even the AO I modified to match the walking speed increase of the longer legs. I don't think you'll find another avatar on SL like mine!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"You really don't need to spend money to make something you can be happy with though. It takes a lot of work but it's a lot more satisfying in the end. It feels more like it's your own."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1xf1aXoFIubawWXU0I4rHny735PlNzwLEOL8Fxwfke_gik__xLFE8QfmoFO4YOtoZKPuMPzMUUWn_4YYBo6PoO6Z5ue7pecmGFu3pZeo9ieuVBjGzwEN7MQXPMzq4WskuW69kzwPxy0gJ7cDAiOm0n4Qj5mTCiTvAx9d38wn8tFL425s5zZOPN3w/s1200/fop_versuschicken.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1200" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1xf1aXoFIubawWXU0I4rHny735PlNzwLEOL8Fxwfke_gik__xLFE8QfmoFO4YOtoZKPuMPzMUUWn_4YYBo6PoO6Z5ue7pecmGFu3pZeo9ieuVBjGzwEN7MQXPMzq4WskuW69kzwPxy0gJ7cDAiOm0n4Qj5mTCiTvAx9d38wn8tFL425s5zZOPN3w/s320/fop_versuschicken.png" width="320" /></a></div>Fop would do a dance for a few pictures, and send me one of his: "Heroic dog saves cows from thug chicken." But he would later message me again, "Unfortunately, it seems as though the fun might eventually come to an end. Due to recent changes in certain viewers, things have been looking grim for giant avatars in general. In the pursuit of performance, certain viewers have implemented a feature that introduces a hard limit on texture area that an avatar can have before being derendered, even if their parts are flat shaded. Should an avatar's texture area exceed 1000m², the avatar is derendered regardless of what the complexity setting is set in the preferences (unless set to 'No Limit'), or unless you force render the avatar manually.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Firestorm and LL viewer are the two I know of that have implemented this, which are unfortunately the two most popular viewers. So even if Fop's complexity while super-mega-large is lower than a lot of normal sized avatars due to his simplicity, he just pops out of existance for the majority of SL users who are using default settings. (For reference, a 1km tall Fop only hits 202k complexity. He also doesn't impact the framerate as much as one might expect) I've encountered a handful of people who even experienced the same problem with their giant mesh avatars. I've had to explain to people so many times now on how to render me that I ended up just putting instructions in my profile. It's gotten pretty annoying to be honest and completely sours the experience. My dreams of just surprising people and handing out pizzas while touring the mainlands are kind of dead as a result. The kicker is that Fop, being mostly prim and sculpties, can be rezzed in world and the viewers won't care and will render all the parts anyway. But worn? That's taboo. Doesn't really make sense in my opinion.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Sadly it discouraged me greatly, and I've even considered leaving SL altogether. The change, as a knee-jerk reaction to griefers, ended up stiffling the creativity of legitimate users. I even created a couple prim avatars for a couple friends, but they can't enjoy them for the same reasons. I hope one day they'll reverse the implementation, or at least add a non-default option in the preferences to set the texture area limit. I'm sure if a griefer really wanted to cause trouble they'll exploit some other oversight, and then another thing will get nerfed, and then another, and then another, and eventually we'll downspiral to a point where nobody will be able to be creative anymore. If anyone in charge is reading this, please reconsider!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since this interview though, I would see Fop one more time at Natoma. For now, Fop is still presumably going about as usual, making big impressions with his big avatar.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-72414202059599623322022-09-23T06:00:00.002-04:002022-09-23T06:00:00.206-04:00Echovets: Band of Brothers<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_iyDo6GmPeEyOqODUncD8sIoh43ZP6JIeJ3HS425Js5wk6VOSBDnJFUH8SJ17qSII-WlIWqLvLdb8_-5e1j_guUhZxz6JQ5Q7klavLpq3bRFDk8-E6fkCwpR4KLXnPiQ1_oi8wMKIxyA02lXtzGWkd3OQDq5EpXqaWn8WdwVD-g7hC6Tar8waG0K/s1460/sept02'22_008.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_iyDo6GmPeEyOqODUncD8sIoh43ZP6JIeJ3HS425Js5wk6VOSBDnJFUH8SJ17qSII-WlIWqLvLdb8_-5e1j_guUhZxz6JQ5Q7klavLpq3bRFDk8-E6fkCwpR4KLXnPiQ1_oi8wMKIxyA02lXtzGWkd3OQDq5EpXqaWn8WdwVD-g7hC6Tar8waG0K/s320/sept02'22_008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There's a new sim and group in Second Life for veterans: EchoVets - Band of Brothers</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>A place for Veterans by Veterans. Newcomer friendly, VA Information, PTSD, Suicide Awareness, education, dance, free, gardens, fountain, games. Camaraderie with those that speak your language. ALL are welcome, Brothers and Sisters.</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was told a little beforehand about the lady who ran it, Stacy Maracas. She has been in Second Life since Oct 2004, almost 18 years, and in real life works at a veterans center, her profile stating "ANYTHING a Veteran may have a question about, I am your resource, and if I do not know the answer, I assure you I will get it."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I contacted Stacy, and a meeting was soon arranged, "Been working my butt off," she commented when we met up, "I love busy. If I didn't I'd be screwed, I wear too many hats to not like it." I mentioned that she had been a longtime resident, and asked how she got here. "I was apart of Second Life through friends in 2003," she told me, "I borrowed a friend's alternate, and came here as a lady named Kiwi." She chuckled, "I fell in love with it here, so first of October 2004 I created me. I like my name better. So next month, 18 years," she smiled, "I'm almost officially an adult in Second Life!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"There was no islands or anything then, only mainland, very small very cool. Also no skin, prim hair, and really bad clothing. But we ll thought we were the hottest things ever. HAH!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O2nig0D7lmXXq0PwE7__rOEvZOn_iaAGVI70N4c49VbRwAr2BFFXFfUYmaRklO6Wrks9tkvGue-11rSPMXwokbWhKBB0ggr_xSy8bfZC_bLvvUy1wed2zYnAthzbjILrkpJkEQO4-86vNKYvFTMlMW8UdAxuCBgJhTglRng1u2Gz-iUQkmOr_ukU/s1339/sept02'22_002b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1339" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O2nig0D7lmXXq0PwE7__rOEvZOn_iaAGVI70N4c49VbRwAr2BFFXFfUYmaRklO6Wrks9tkvGue-11rSPMXwokbWhKBB0ggr_xSy8bfZC_bLvvUy1wed2zYnAthzbjILrkpJkEQO4-86vNKYvFTMlMW8UdAxuCBgJhTglRng1u2Gz-iUQkmOr_ukU/s320/sept02'22_002b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I asked her how things went after her entrance. She answered, "It was well, a learning curve. I was a Mafia Godmother here, roleplay etc. It was a lot of fun to be honest, but the longer I was here I could see potential in just being myself here. I have always been myself, but I mean no roleplaying etc, just good 'ol Stacy which is my real-life name as well. I have been much happier since making the decision, have met some amazing friends here, and many that I came here with 18 yrs ago. I am still very close too and stay in touch here and in real-life. That is what kept me coming back, now that. And this sim is what will keep me here for a long time to come."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked her what gave her the idea for the Band of Brothers sim. Stacy told me, "In my real world job, I work for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at a place called The Vet Center in Lake Havasu, Arizona. My proper job title is Veteran's Outreach Program Specialist or VOPS. MY job everyday is to help Veterans. I am a female combat Veteran myself (Desert Storm), so this is my passion and who I am. I had reached out to the Lindens to ask them to put me on the destination guide and the itty-bitty land I had. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Madori Linden reached out to me and asked me to have a meeting with her, and she is very passionate about Veterans, and suggested this sim, as a non--profit. The non-profit I am President of in real-life is EchoVets.org Band of Brothers. I got our EIN (the letter of proof from the IRS that the organization is a legitimate and registered Non-profit 501 3C) from our President to show off to Linden Labs of our legitimacy as a non-profit, the President wrote them a letter approving me to work on behalf of our group, I was given the price for a non-profit sim, and here we are. Idea in full and now a reality. so to speak. Ha!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stacy went on, "There is a kiosk near the gigantic photo album that tells you about our real-life organization. Also behind me is the kiosk of my military story, I remain transparent for trust purposes, as many Veterans in SL (including myself) have had their trust broken by others, and I refuse to be that person to them as I am here to help everyone. ... With Veterans, we have trust issues to begin with especially after combat or MST, so Second Life can be a very rough place at time when not everyone is honest. However its also very healing on the other end of the spectrum as for many of our Veterans this is the only socialization they get."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v6AK8AAuBCyYgaUoo6EhX4mnatRBkDF_oJn9pMavwZaTP6f4HYEj2T21sagGv4-fOM8Dyq2j6SebbiIOZc9sG63QzU4Ymq_InwGWpl8IQTemVGOnvyh9lpryV9vRmYy2IKS_9SoAAIkcCvsWkfnQmEpej35GIpsCR0ARjHU3SSVxGH3RYn1sYNNk/s1472/sept22'22rezz_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1472" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v6AK8AAuBCyYgaUoo6EhX4mnatRBkDF_oJn9pMavwZaTP6f4HYEj2T21sagGv4-fOM8Dyq2j6SebbiIOZc9sG63QzU4Ymq_InwGWpl8IQTemVGOnvyh9lpryV9vRmYy2IKS_9SoAAIkcCvsWkfnQmEpej35GIpsCR0ARjHU3SSVxGH3RYn1sYNNk/s320/sept22'22rezz_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of the sim, getting a wide-shot of the whole place took a little time so things could rezz, but it was soon done. She stated she "wanted it to be a nice place, not only for education but to hang out as well." She did note one corner didn't have much on it for the time being, "and as you can see, one small area I'm waiting for items for to finish."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I pointed out the large building near us, which was close to the landmark location I was given. Stacy smiled, "This is the grand hall. Inside we will hold classes, Q & A's, Suicidal Awareness training for Veterans and people who work with Vets, PTSD classes, and a plethora of other things to aide in helping our Veterans AND their families and friends. (We will) have guest speakers, some from the VA, the President of the organiztion will come, and other guest speakers."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqQ6WsSCyz1GFRXltbG70AJ-VcwBCynqfu1-hYbjLEZFQQ0SBri27H415EnrHjYabn0iuNLsTSYdq7Z8YzUSDRar3YSpadojKudm5z_2V8CnTSPddplTKUvpXMtSF0RYWvQC9dgRS2VK1PjWfKlHntZcHLA29FrWbzmgLI8BltTeKhOCpggXZXnn2/s1460/sept02'22_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqQ6WsSCyz1GFRXltbG70AJ-VcwBCynqfu1-hYbjLEZFQQ0SBri27H415EnrHjYabn0iuNLsTSYdq7Z8YzUSDRar3YSpadojKudm5z_2V8CnTSPddplTKUvpXMtSF0RYWvQC9dgRS2VK1PjWfKlHntZcHLA29FrWbzmgLI8BltTeKhOCpggXZXnn2/s320/sept02'22_013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She pointed out the kiosks around the area, "Each of these kiosks out here have notecard information in them, we will actually have classes on each of them as well, with room for Q & A, etc."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At one point, Stacy had to take a break in the interview to take a phone call. She came back, and I brought up other places on the sim. "A club too, some small homes," she told me, "all of it to make it feel comfortable and a fun place to hang out/ We will do some club type events etc as well, but definitely not our focus. Our focus is socialization, education and helping one another."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaUuwib5RVTFBuD3cR4QvzHmIs1GNUvgD2-gNaLRJNNZBd8QHkWgszL46Xncu82lWVcr24eXgs6G-QsYxoW_XXkvs3LNLlIGEneUlqc0H8pDoFA4Ymp-fCK9XIlZKos6C9IQgv8QURvEDYxGHeIC_eyaE8VwpJgjwNbYR3to_vXhf9fOjJkCYBLWI/s1460/sept02'22_014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaUuwib5RVTFBuD3cR4QvzHmIs1GNUvgD2-gNaLRJNNZBd8QHkWgszL46Xncu82lWVcr24eXgs6G-QsYxoW_XXkvs3LNLlIGEneUlqc0H8pDoFA4Ymp-fCK9XIlZKos6C9IQgv8QURvEDYxGHeIC_eyaE8VwpJgjwNbYR3to_vXhf9fOjJkCYBLWI/s320/sept02'22_014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I noticed a Vet Center. "Yes it is the main center," she told me, "set up as a familiar place to Veterans, and for future of what is to come, possible one on one counseling from our employees and simply being available in either world." She pointed out other places, "There is also a very large soldiers memorial fountain. I tried to have nice spots throughout to see and check out." Of the one corner that didn't have so much, "The last open spot net to the fountain will have some military vehicles displayed ... prior to the grand opening, just waiting for delivery."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWjESA5xLHm5Gq53qUlFE8gI9Wo-aMPD7NY_tID21C5rP5q3PFuU6EjNWzaZorRBqxOZvxnOtbu4zD5rG4044o2gsVjM1yOJC3-zu0totE_RyHS8idJ-Vx5Yu7DWWNF6JLIJ_NpSQbEwrzn4cYMI79fCwv-j5pGrESTQRcmtxY_UIKLMLLzfzC4zK/s1460/sept02'22_021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWjESA5xLHm5Gq53qUlFE8gI9Wo-aMPD7NY_tID21C5rP5q3PFuU6EjNWzaZorRBqxOZvxnOtbu4zD5rG4044o2gsVjM1yOJC3-zu0totE_RyHS8idJ-Vx5Yu7DWWNF6JLIJ_NpSQbEwrzn4cYMI79fCwv-j5pGrESTQRcmtxY_UIKLMLLzfzC4zK/s320/sept02'22_021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I asked if anything inspired the particular designs of some of the places on the sim. Stacy answered, "When I found the hall it reminded me of the large place we would have our military training in, in Europe. So I had to have it and decided that would be used for the classes. I wanted the Vet Center building to be professional yet welcoming as the Vet Center is in real-life and found that building it was perfect, the rest honestly no. I wanted memorial to my fallen brothers and sisters, hence the fountains. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Small items will be added here and there, but for the most part, the rest of the design was just what was in my head and what I know Veterans will want as a place to come and hang out. ... that is all that matters, and of course, breaking down some walls and making my brothers and sisters get off their butts and come socialize, and come seek help even if they don't know they need it."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Near the end, Stacy would say, "We all have two most important days of our lives. One is the day we are born, and second is the day we figure out why. This is my why. I had REASONS to not take my own life, my children needed me, etc, but I had never found my WHY. EchoVets.org Band of Brothers is my why, having the 'six' of my brothers and sisters and helping them thru their journeys so no Veteran ever has to be in a dark place again." She thanked me for taking the time to ask about the sim and reporting on it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a final note, while Stacy and I were talking, one of the Vet Centers counselors came by and noticed the computer screen. Seeing what was going on, she asked if "Fox News' had arrived.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sim is located at: <a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/EchoVets%20BandofBrothers/166/212/23">http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/EchoVets%20BandofBrothers/166/212/23</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-21410323219525658572022-08-31T13:00:00.001-04:002022-08-31T17:01:09.130-04:00Interview with Goddess (ShandyLand Resident)<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReU2cGB653fYMj_0Lut9ZxOG9mvqnKANZUrX-SftycJ-YVYB24xcOirIAyy_yMioPR8xRW_ZV3_BPwrrolD5q0qYHQlSOYE6M27G4RXQAIY7rC1IFjbmvqPfKwsvSR3QmWx6Twe9Kjmj_NC56rqG0XPpYX1e5w7OacdcUiE4UJDPp4ZJCb6uiMUGi/s1460/aug18'22_012.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReU2cGB653fYMj_0Lut9ZxOG9mvqnKANZUrX-SftycJ-YVYB24xcOirIAyy_yMioPR8xRW_ZV3_BPwrrolD5q0qYHQlSOYE6M27G4RXQAIY7rC1IFjbmvqPfKwsvSR3QmWx6Twe9Kjmj_NC56rqG0XPpYX1e5w7OacdcUiE4UJDPp4ZJCb6uiMUGi/s320/aug18'22_012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Goddess (ShandyLand Resident) is a builder whom has made both locations and numerous items for sale, and the owner of Goddess Creations. She's also the owner of Familiar Felines, and the new Club Go. I recently met up with her for an interview.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I dropped by just outside her club in her Lover's Beach sim. After some friendly greetings, I asked, "How did you find out about Second Life?" Goddess answered, "I was a home health aide in realife, my client's daughter (hee-hee). She showed me the place and I was mesmerized (smile). This was seven years ago. I found out few years after my health was bad, (and) took me from real-life work, and I
was always a hard worker. So Second Life was my way to work and be creative, and
escape real-life pain (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked, "How did your first days go, and how did Second Life become your way to be creative?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">She answered, "(My) first days were easy for me really as I had help (smile). Someone could show
me stuff (in) real life. I felt welcomed though for sure. I realized after (my) health
problems and not working (in) real life I could not afford to pay for things I
wanted here anymore (laughter). So I started creating gachas and stuff to pay
for all the fun shopping I love to do here hahaha (big grin). I am an artist (in real life,
so was also a way to get away from the bad stuffs the real-life pain and things
were bringing (smile), an outlet. I met great friends here too that have helped me through a lot (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked about her more successful gachas, "And interesting about being an artist, what do you create in real life?" Goddess answered, "Oh my High Times and Pot Spot by far hahaha pot heads unite!" She chuckled, "I draw, paint, sculpt among others things I like to dabble in anything creative really (smile). Creating places here too is one of my fave things here to do (smile)." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvKmeNeOuEkrTSPfAa3Sagsq98Ayy9RNbD_x1vn-2-v_LvTqZjLVRvZVCHC8jn8JwRikG2ZBP6MLpqi4mOS3E5-_fRFUjfrjBu3SjFo7bymW4FHjel2OV276Rig5UQVpwyU7Tfie3ULkqMFEZ_vpVcu29EFOMqvWTI_pIdH4aMdtCcXGv284dNQrQ/s1460/aug18'22_011.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvKmeNeOuEkrTSPfAa3Sagsq98Ayy9RNbD_x1vn-2-v_LvTqZjLVRvZVCHC8jn8JwRikG2ZBP6MLpqi4mOS3E5-_fRFUjfrjBu3SjFo7bymW4FHjel2OV276Rig5UQVpwyU7Tfie3ULkqMFEZ_vpVcu29EFOMqvWTI_pIdH4aMdtCcXGv284dNQrQ/s320/aug18'22_011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I then asked, "Nice, I take it this club is among your creations?" She smiled, "Yes. I put this whole sim together. I did not create <i>all</i> (of) the stuff, just put together (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My next question was related to her being a club owner, "So how did you get into music?" Goddess answered, "I have always been a lover of music (smile). I grew up (in) real life around rock, Dad was
a biker Mom was a Hippie (smile), hehehe. So (I) grew up around great rock and
disco music, fell in love as well with oldies (smile). Music is a life form and
very essential to my being (smile). I love a lot of types of music, (and) open to
a lot of new stuff too and always willing to hear something out (smile). I wanted clubs here in Second Life as I seen how
fun (it) was to bring friends together and share that passion of music (smile). Music is always fun to bond over (big grin)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then asked, "Which DJs do you get along with best?" She answered, "Well my best friend is a DJ here, so that's a given (laughter), Dj Nafrini. She also DJs for Deathlands (smile)." I asked, "Did you ever give DJing a try yourself?" She gave a big grin, "I am in the process of getting ready to do so. I am excited about it (smile)." So I asked, "When might your first events be?" Goddess answered, "Not too sure on that yet have lots going on," she laughed, "but I am really hoping to be up and running before Halloween (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FSNVmhKPu3GeIpBV69f-2JliQe_CMK1pLhWwm91Ncct3PXZru7ev3mN3633RBkVKnyu-LbrqJ7Rmo9sR5MkoXlhIeuH7fiWfEw6obKVoGPN31iNh57p6u29hNS7njplhxRo8ztsoJvd6-tPzehewTBAmvYhkho-8cOImFtstJcHaQhdgqJXV1jH9/s1460/aug18'22_017.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FSNVmhKPu3GeIpBV69f-2JliQe_CMK1pLhWwm91Ncct3PXZru7ev3mN3633RBkVKnyu-LbrqJ7Rmo9sR5MkoXlhIeuH7fiWfEw6obKVoGPN31iNh57p6u29hNS7njplhxRo8ztsoJvd6-tPzehewTBAmvYhkho-8cOImFtstJcHaQhdgqJXV1jH9/s320/aug18'22_017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Before I go further," I then brought up, "what inspired your current look?" She answered, "I seen this outfit on Marketplace (smile). That's it (laughter). I said 'that's cute' and thought (I) need pigtails (smile), sneakers and done (big grin)." I then mentioned her rings and jewelry, such as her necklace with "Bestie" on it. Goddess answered, "I love jewelry (smile), and yep it my half of me and Nafrinis 'Best Friends Forever' necklaces (big grin), We are real deal besties (laughter)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then brought up the Deathlands and Rebel Wolf. Goddess smiled, "I love him and Deathlands (big grin) heehee. Truly though, Rebel Wolf is a true friend and genuine guy. Deathlands is
amazing and the work done there is truly impressive. I work with Rebel
to help bring people there too as I myself am a Deathlander (smile). We are
family."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XyaGRC5A52JCZLQ23zzwKFv6jC_zK83FyxXOdCRV4UnM8iNm0cZQxjELN7mDcneUsV69WXhkoS97VBnfr-dyVCpMirrm--bh-8I7WtBT6UeXkWPxlvBI9BW71IDN1D6FF_cezyh4QGhx3SyEOe6CScLeZGF2VPxKKGcxOWXi5srXq3HQUZTMkBLd/s1460/aug18'22_021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XyaGRC5A52JCZLQ23zzwKFv6jC_zK83FyxXOdCRV4UnM8iNm0cZQxjELN7mDcneUsV69WXhkoS97VBnfr-dyVCpMirrm--bh-8I7WtBT6UeXkWPxlvBI9BW71IDN1D6FF_cezyh4QGhx3SyEOe6CScLeZGF2VPxKKGcxOWXi5srXq3HQUZTMkBLd/s320/aug18'22_021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She went on, "I am working on a Deathlands-inspired gacha that will even
have the SL Newser be present." I asked about it, and she offered so show me. We walked a short distance to an open area. Then she rezzed a section of old brick wall with the "rad" symbol seen often at the Deadlands painted on. There was also grafitti painted on it, such as "Baron Wolf was here - Aroooooooo!" And on one side, Goddess had put "Bixyl was here." She grinned, "Look Bixyl, you were here." There was also some newspaper on the ground, one piece with a very familiar title. She told me it wasn't finished, "(It) will have animations, (and) other items like this to complete a gacha set. (It) will be an an event on opening. Very excited to do it. Half (of) all sales go to Wolf too. Family sticks together (smile). It will be a fun gacha." Although called a gacha, her items are sold in a way to get around the "<a href="https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2021/08/gachas-to-be-banned-in-second-life.html">Gacha Ban</a>" by Linden Lab a year ago. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeMrbWucIfEsK2KMdIp9xG318GuC0Nce_bHNGOfKsuL8p5XjqQ2xOydMIZn0wAJIHn26M_CNXwrSHMPYpUR621E8T2o2CU6NqCdQWzqm5Az6_MO6LaHdg7BYgvctNf9UMIYjCgE6WX4PPC3Of6loKKyaDq-2vRuEoFbVMqJC_hWr_cx0EkX2Lw0pX/s1460/aug18'22_013.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeMrbWucIfEsK2KMdIp9xG318GuC0Nce_bHNGOfKsuL8p5XjqQ2xOydMIZn0wAJIHn26M_CNXwrSHMPYpUR621E8T2o2CU6NqCdQWzqm5Az6_MO6LaHdg7BYgvctNf9UMIYjCgE6WX4PPC3Of6loKKyaDq-2vRuEoFbVMqJC_hWr_cx0EkX2Lw0pX/s320/aug18'22_013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She then offered to show me around, "Of course this is club GO (smile). We have skate rink and game room here, 80's inspired." We went through some underground rooms with a Fantasy-themed look to them with the carved stone, and then into an underground club, also Fantasy themed, "This is GO Enchanted, (smile) club for more meditative and odd music (laughter). Over there is Nuvo's cave (smile). He is a real-life musician from Australia, play's here (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLfKNDTKxu7KxapDqMClEon5ko6PDBbV9Dp1QWOo8GYCxREqkb91Qac5Pks7dPOTmMwvZH-jiF35j-C3YgojUeyERlwzFaKy2Kr-GaZJmxyj3otMGjOjwFDgwllqP-hABE0RWbRhBBHfU2pxTVZPmQJIfaOydG6fQjn5gALweCFmNq2LIc5tXnyyu/s1460/aug18'22_029.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLfKNDTKxu7KxapDqMClEon5ko6PDBbV9Dp1QWOo8GYCxREqkb91Qac5Pks7dPOTmMwvZH-jiF35j-C3YgojUeyERlwzFaKy2Kr-GaZJmxyj3otMGjOjwFDgwllqP-hABE0RWbRhBBHfU2pxTVZPmQJIfaOydG6fQjn5gALweCFmNq2LIc5tXnyyu/s320/aug18'22_029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Goddess called GO Enchanted, "Our cave tavern (smile)." I asked what that meant, and she smiled, "We will have open mic nights and live poetry reads. Hahaha yes!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She then took me through a shopping area, with numerous small stores. "Goddess Gacha Garden," she told me it was called, "has been resell place (for) over three years (smile). Many looks and locations through (the) years (laughter), always small."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTrZ4Php16pSRqUuYuX-6QvLsndkevOdpeSTIMu9faIyM3y1fyj4f1d1C8o7NTkJKeQlB0WDuhuEQU_nqymflSD-Uf6T2jgJNNy1yKJezD_B7_eb1M34EannysEY_WFCRdBTLcPR54_A3cdzNjqEkasJH0ASli_y3u0L6xG_-JRlPa92k6BwXkuXe/s1460/aug18'22_034.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTrZ4Php16pSRqUuYuX-6QvLsndkevOdpeSTIMu9faIyM3y1fyj4f1d1C8o7NTkJKeQlB0WDuhuEQU_nqymflSD-Uf6T2jgJNNy1yKJezD_B7_eb1M34EannysEY_WFCRdBTLcPR54_A3cdzNjqEkasJH0ASli_y3u0L6xG_-JRlPa92k6BwXkuXe/s320/aug18'22_034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I asked her how the Gacha Ban by the Lab a year ago affected her sales. "Very bad," Goddess told me, "My sales are half what they were."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Going to one of the larger stores, we were greeted by a message, "Welcome to Familiar Felines, a magical place to buy and sell KittyCatS Breedables." She told me, "You can get to my store through the teleport over there and will be others as well coming soon (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYlUhKxiYAsuBRKaH6zwJ8Zz3pUsz3g8_ZSRteb4oOuuFkrCiy3H6L0Ua9BOlSqzlcUQ_lFsEd53bwPjzOF9tNuewjSxsnyT56GhuRhbyENMSD8gkVLuEmisyQR3JuahXcP76EzN40R_9ABBFuUbwlDCy1aNl5Burl8mPviJEwkRYbA0RxSgqou14/s1460/aug18'22_042.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYlUhKxiYAsuBRKaH6zwJ8Zz3pUsz3g8_ZSRteb4oOuuFkrCiy3H6L0Ua9BOlSqzlcUQ_lFsEd53bwPjzOF9tNuewjSxsnyT56GhuRhbyENMSD8gkVLuEmisyQR3JuahXcP76EzN40R_9ABBFuUbwlDCy1aNl5Burl8mPviJEwkRYbA0RxSgqou14/s320/aug18'22_042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We moved on, and eventually into an opening in the ground, going down some stairs, "Down here is Squirrel's Cave," she smiled, "will be belly dance events here." She then pointed to a fountain and smiled, "This fountain I made, one of (my) new items." We walked over an area using a bridge, which had two of what looked like magic portals, "Ports down there will work soon," she smiled then gave a big grin, "I am working on a VIP bunker."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS9-4dsIoUdOSaunG56yeFOzsrFW-HRsO3c2D-AKy2kQYf7tCMcNUFuMBZNWIrR7gMGxIN7fEIa2cxdxoT86dKG6GpSql0gZFxGy-HOQilLJfPouZiMEIW2uUk0-Zx5Ev2wauA2Nluz-iiYKYLEdRxK1b_5GonHJd7qUMv-0vA9M60g6j-il4J_ZC/s1460/aug18'22_046.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS9-4dsIoUdOSaunG56yeFOzsrFW-HRsO3c2D-AKy2kQYf7tCMcNUFuMBZNWIrR7gMGxIN7fEIa2cxdxoT86dKG6GpSql0gZFxGy-HOQilLJfPouZiMEIW2uUk0-Zx5Ev2wauA2Nluz-iiYKYLEdRxK1b_5GonHJd7qUMv-0vA9M60g6j-il4J_ZC/s320/aug18'22_046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She then showed me another large store, which was where she sold her own items, "Gachas," she smiled, "I have one not out yet (laughter), will show you one think you might like for x-mas (laughter), is fox set (big grin)." I asked about it, and she TPed me to a secret spot on her sim whose location will not be revealed. There was a Christmas tree, and a full set of fox items, from a fox painting to a fox carpet, a plush fox doll, a fox lying on a cushion, and more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EKsc6kYjrhU_rba0A3Gxfk40bC7IMz3XiJhAERuDYhjmAzAD59O415ohuzByTiWpVDQdT7486lMUi5dOsrGbk_YEIy-62iA4vJLKkXuaDOypgxATPwk2VW-Z1cu7oc-GYN22lnRxuePmJUEusvBHVAkwwbwcFKoLObsJjIXz0nOvGJNT-0cpkpZ8/s1460/aug18'22_050.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1460" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EKsc6kYjrhU_rba0A3Gxfk40bC7IMz3XiJhAERuDYhjmAzAD59O415ohuzByTiWpVDQdT7486lMUi5dOsrGbk_YEIy-62iA4vJLKkXuaDOypgxATPwk2VW-Z1cu7oc-GYN22lnRxuePmJUEusvBHVAkwwbwcFKoLObsJjIXz0nOvGJNT-0cpkpZ8/s320/aug18'22_050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"That's all my stuffs for now," Goddess smiled, "(I) will have my dragon store and vip coming soon." I asked her if there was anything else she wanted to mention. She told me, "We have really one mission here and that is to spread love and kindness (smile). All are welcome here, no dress code no judgment (smile). Only children are
not aloud in clubs; all else welcome with open arms (smile)."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">After a little more chat, we had to go our separate ways. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Goddess' Club GO is at Lovers Beach (<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lovers%20Beach/6/40/2004">6/40/2004</a>). Goddess Creations is at Lovers Beach (<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lovers%20Beach/152/187/21">152/187/21</a>). The Gacha Garden is at Lovers Beach (<a href="http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lovers%20Beach/163/131/2002">163/131/2002</a>).<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-72136775023684193072022-08-26T06:00:00.015-04:002022-08-26T12:48:35.049-04:00It Came From Bellisseria Chat: UFO Sighting<div style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: left;">By Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTJK1bUOiqZandIgpe0jCBtp82afJnuixJwfecFxmOxOB8ovd8iYX3XsNpBbqETBbxiVsXphgH3OnAzuROYtkIH_NlEGiQPyQmNrGdjmVffrCnz-vD5bVUmtU9FJt4YocNhjkwGpDx1AcbqV3L4DLUk_WloN5jWGTovdwba-5oP5x-XjBpnG8CJAYTw/s791/teresa_ufo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="791" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTJK1bUOiqZandIgpe0jCBtp82afJnuixJwfecFxmOxOB8ovd8iYX3XsNpBbqETBbxiVsXphgH3OnAzuROYtkIH_NlEGiQPyQmNrGdjmVffrCnz-vD5bVUmtU9FJt4YocNhjkwGpDx1AcbqV3L4DLUk_WloN5jWGTovdwba-5oP5x-XjBpnG8CJAYTw/w400-h266/teresa_ufo.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Chats
in the Bellisseria group are often interesting. You might hear a joke
from a Linden or Mole. You might hear some useful information,
especially if you're after a Linden home. Often, there's a lot of joking
around. Like on the afternoon of Thursday August 25 when one resident
reported a spacecraft sighting, with photo evidence. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">[17:55]
Teresa Firelight: I was standing on the deck of my stilt home when this
thing suddenly appeared 10 M above me... not sure... think this is a
bit too invasive into my space? (image above)</div><div style="text-align: left;">[17:55] Marius Darkheart: aliens are here<br />[17:55] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): shoot it down<br />[17:55] AlexBrandon Resident: if its above your parcel ...yes<br />[17:56] AlexBrandon Resident: unless someone is building and had to move something<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It had been hanging around for a few minutes <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmRNk0KlQCKHRfFeNHLcCUZ5Y4oUQbfVCy8cNOJGO-rG5JeJOX25XA_v09cgvKfABkIGgOB5zFfR3dzusIXUQWPz0QnG394IkMt_uEdT8-snn7dYNstFinqRVi8YMpZvplRypIz6699oXhMr5ysssG5r9-YbXtsy5_6sa1MfWU-qN8tb11Mr3Bvi11Q/s782/teresa_ufo2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="782" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmRNk0KlQCKHRfFeNHLcCUZ5Y4oUQbfVCy8cNOJGO-rG5JeJOX25XA_v09cgvKfABkIGgOB5zFfR3dzusIXUQWPz0QnG394IkMt_uEdT8-snn7dYNstFinqRVi8YMpZvplRypIz6699oXhMr5ysssG5r9-YbXtsy5_6sa1MfWU-qN8tb11Mr3Bvi11Q/w320-h286/teresa_ufo2.png" width="320" /></a></div>[17:56] Teresa Firelight: yea.. still there several minutes later.. here is view form another angle:? <br />[17:56] Trish Philbin: YIKES !<br />[17:56] Marius Darkheart: Definitely aliens<br />[17:56]
Teresa Firelight: there is a rez zone next to my place.. pretty sure
it is there cuz of rez zone, but would be nice if they moved on<br />[17:57] AlexBrandon Resident: definatly against the rules if it stays there<br />[17:57] Snowlord Resident: for sure it's pretty big. maybe they are trying to fly<br />[17:57] Trish Philbin: can you click on it and see if it has an owner name on it?<br />[17:57]
Teresa Firelight: now it has lowered to my deck level and is smashing
through my house.. maybe they are having trouble steering it?<br />[17:57] Marius Darkheart: Set phasers to stun.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Talk soon turned to just what this thing was. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[17:57] Snowlord Resident: it looks like a void ship, and if so, it's massive and meant more for a region. is someone there?<br />[17:57] AlexBrandon Resident: that's circa 2004 ...<br />[17:58] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): yes sometimes vehicles are bigger than the rezzone, but that thing is huge ... He ll most likely loose it on some full parcel on his trip<br />[17:58] AlexBrandon Resident: Just yell about how bad the build is<br />[17:58] Snowlord Resident: oh yes, could have lost part for sure<br />[17:58] ͞C:ノフCtrlFaultyDelete ͞ (TonyBowlin Resident): Sadly switches phaser back from kill...<br />[17:58] Marius Darkheart: 2004 called and they want their UFO back<br />[17:58] Snowlord Resident: it's an amazing build if it's what I think it is. But yes its a bit much there<br />[17:58] AlexBrandon Resident: Just make sure its not Torley Linden driving it<br />[17:59] AlexBrandon Resident: Opppsss did I say that ?<br />[17:59] Marius Darkheart: lol<br />[17:59] Trish Philbin: lol<br />[17:59] Mel (MelpomeneThalia Atheria): It looks like a giant bot fly to me<br />[17:59] Snowlord Resident: i'd say IM the owner and see if they lost part of it</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And then, just as soon as it appeared, it vanished.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[17:59] Teresa Firelight: wow that was a close encounter of the undesirable dimensio,. finally gone ... but pilot fying back to rez zone<br />[18:00] AlexBrandon Resident: lol<br />[18:00] ͞C:ノフCtrlFaultyDelete ͞ (TonyBowlin Resident): Its just a d*ldo from one of those kinky vore sims.<br />[18:00] Snowlord Resident: is it by void Teresa? just curious<br />[18:00] AlexBrandon Resident: lol<br />[18:01] Atheas Zenovka: I think it's the Vogons mapping out the new expressway<br />[18:01] Teresa Firelight: Yes snow it is<br />[18:01] ͞C:ノフCtrlFaultyDelete ͞ (TonyBowlin Resident): Run<br />[18:02] Teresa Firelight: There is a rez zone on the side of my house then a void<br />[18:02] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): towels...I sell towels...you need a towel<br />[18:02] Teresa Firelight: lol<br />[18:03] Snowlord Resident: ah okay. yes that ship is massive!!<br />[18:03] Teresa Firelight: looks like they finally decided to try and rez it somewhere else<br />[18:03] Snowlord Resident: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvQa7tH16YI<br />[18:04] Snowlord Resident: it's literally meant for a full region lol<br />[18:04] Teresa Firelight: yea it looked some thing like that<br />[18:04] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): more of a art thing also<br />[18:05] Teresa Firelight: I think they were intending to fly it over the ocean regions<br />[18:05] Snowlord Resident: it's too big to be a daily traveler for sure. but i love voids creations. they are amazing!!<br />[18:05] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): looks smaller than Spykers ships tough<br />[18:05] Snowlord Resident: just unboxing one of their items is an experience in itself<br />[18:07] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E3fwQFo-UM<br />[18:07] Snowlord Resident: omg I tried to cam out on the youtube<br />[18:08] Snowlord Resident: that looks pretty nifty so far!!<br />[18:09] Marius Darkheart: Yeah.. wow.<br />[18:09] POMF (Denise Foxtrot): that one I linked is pre mesh and simsized ...but can flay and cross sims lol</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chat soon changed to other subjects. But no doubt this close encounter will be remembered for a while.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if anyone asks, no, there was no sighting of Elvis (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYodBo1aNM8">or Ray Stevens</a>) in the area. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image from Teresa Firelight</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-56718113649826456532022-08-15T06:00:00.019-04:002022-08-15T20:35:30.262-04:00Miss Suzanne Super Sweet Speaks About Burn2<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> By Bixyl Shuftan </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Burn 2 is Second Life's longest lasting and largest annual art and music festival. Based on the real-life Burning Man festival that also tales place every year and attracts tens of thousands, it has attracted many fans and a number of spinoff events. It has been a party to look forward to every year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHxG00zNmM1VVqgi3t0A5h96da92EGBcq2OxhXZD5wA2BYKrWW3BNZmJ2syZkBec5sG08KyjJrfZ7cc0MU4L86aEv7JYYwmFnAO8Vvs6CzaS0u8fnQw8AoK48yQP_mRetScBe9C9vW7CzC9zygohwNZR-_-HKJCkan-ftXv2ciePJMU4INw92_PJm/s929/Suzaneprofile.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="929" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHxG00zNmM1VVqgi3t0A5h96da92EGBcq2OxhXZD5wA2BYKrWW3BNZmJ2syZkBec5sG08KyjJrfZ7cc0MU4L86aEv7JYYwmFnAO8Vvs6CzaS0u8fnQw8AoK48yQP_mRetScBe9C9vW7CzC9zygohwNZR-_-HKJCkan-ftXv2ciePJMU4INw92_PJm/s320/Suzaneprofile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unfortunately, this year there has been trouble behind the scenes. A number of the Burners have resigned, and there have been accusations from some of them against the group's leadership. The Newser contacted one of the Burn2 Rangers, Miss Suzanne Super Sweet (SuperSuz Resident), and asked for an explanation of what's going on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * *<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bd40d489-7fff-df1f-d209-72ae85be42ba" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question: Who is the owner of the sim and what part does that person play in oversight?</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bd40d489-7fff-df1f-d209-72ae85be42ba" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Answer:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Burn2 sim is owned by</span><a href="https://burningman.org/about/about-us/people/board-of-directors/#MichaelMikelakaDangerRanger" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Michael Mikel (M2 Burner)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and is funded by the Burning Man Project, a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Burning Man Project produces the annual Burning Man event in Black Rock City, and provides year-round support, connection, education, and grants to Burning Man communities in more than 40 US States and 35 countries under its Regionals Program. M2 sponsors the Burn2 sim under the </span><a href="https://regionals.burningman.org" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Burning Man Regionals Program</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and is ultimately responsible for Burning Man intellectual property used on the Burn2 sim.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Burn2 Burning Man Regional Contacts are 3V and myself, Miss Suzanne Super Sweet. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1a1a1a; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M2 Burner is not involved in any planning of events, building or attending planning meetings. He does, however, remain a part of the committee that is consulted for restrictions such as banning or even removing someone from leadership</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. M2 has faith in the current Burn2 Leadership and expects us to deal with our problems internally whenever possible. For more information about the early history of BURN2, we have that on our website </span><a href="https://www.burn2.org/about/burn2-history/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here. </span></a></span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question: Why was Deep Hole access restricted for two months?</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Answer:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We stated the reasoning for the closure of Deep Hole, here: </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.burn2.org/important-message-conception-deep-hole-closed/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.burn2.org/important-message-conception-deep-hole-closed/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel a need to clarify some things. At the time, it seemed the appropriate step to take, to pause and cool things down, and let the Burn2 leadership, in conjunction with Burning Man Network leadership, work on the issues that had arisen.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For the Burn2 leadership, this was just as unexpected as it was for the community. I explained that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deep Hole was closed as an intervention to calm down the conflict which had escalated between some individuals. The plan was to provide a cooling off period and also work with our leadership, where much of the escalation was occurring. This cooling off time for leadership and intervention included blocking access to Deep Hole and canceling the next event for the purpose of providing more time to look closely at our processes and policies. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the cooling down period and going forward, the leads worked together on specific goals. We still have a lot of work to do and we will be asking others to help us move forward. Eventually, we will be looking at our structure, improving Burn2’s culture, and strengthening the teams that help to organize events. Volunteers will have opportunities to join the teams that match their interests. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deep Hole was reopened on the 31st of July. On reopening day, there were several people there who had resigned from their volunteer roles in protest. I issued an apology for the decision to shut down Deep Hole and how that negatively affected the community. I explained the reasons for the cooling off period and attendees shared their frustrations. The main reason given was that during the months leading up to the cooldown period, there were particular incidents that happened between individuals that continued to escalate due to offensive behaviors between those individuals. This led to many people reporting high physical and mental stress.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question: Why were some people dismissed and/or banned?</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Answer: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The reasons for dismissals and bans are kept confidential, out of consideration and respect for the privacy and dignity of the individuals involved. Decisions about dismissals or bans are not taken lightly and are, for the most part, made by a committee of experienced people who have been deemed by Burning Man management as capable and with the qualities needed to make the least restrictive and most inclusive choices possible and reasonable. The committee takes care in reviewing the cases. They try to understand and deliberate before making these decisions. I am a member of this committee.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Burn2 is guided by a liberal ethos along with the </span><a href="https://burningman.org/about/10-principles/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10 Principles of Burning Man</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Determining the line of inclusion is a constant challenge. We strive to be inclusive and supportive of volunteers in Burn2. We also hold those in leadership to higher expectations as custodians of responsibility in Burn2. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will refer you to </span><a href="https://www.burn2.org/who-is-burn2/we-are-volunteers/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this page</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which talks about the rights and responsibilities of volunteers. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #434343; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question: What happens now?</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #434343; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #434343; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Answer: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #434343; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been working with leadership during the cooling down and know that there have been many hours committed to improving policies. This includes policies governing the leadership. Several policies were developed or are being developed, such as, the Code of Conduct Policy for Leadership. We created additional policies for the Burn2 community: the Burn2 Code of Ethics, meetings policy and groups/chat policies. These are designed to foster a more positive and communal spirit in our interactions with each other. We seek constructive feedback focused on creating procedures, policies and decisions with the aim of improving the regional culture. We want to end the practice of public finger-pointing, personal accusations and allegations targeted at individuals, by defining a private complaint process. Planning for this year’s Octoburn event is getting underway, at the weekly planning meetings on Sundays at 9am SLT and Thursdays at 9pm SLT. In addition, there is going to be separate meeting time that leadership is setting up with the Burn2 community to give even more opportunity to talk about the shutdown and the work that was done with the leads in conjunction with Burning Man management during that period. I hope that we continue to take the feedback and make changes. Not all will be implemented but all will be considered. I know that not everyone is going to be content with this.. I am staying open to ideas on what to do about our problems by focusing on the suggestions, ideas and solutions that are about policy and processes that leadership and others use to operate. I look forward to that because we can always get better and improve on what we have collectively created and what we have been given to creatively express art together. This is my personal goal. </span></span></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * *</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The upcoming Burn2 event or "Octoburn" will take place from Friday October 7 to Sunday October 16. Of the Burners who left the group, some have been active in the Burn ONe area and having events of their own. What happens as time goes on remains to be seen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Correction:</b></i> The header that lead to the article stated that Burn2 had been going on since the start of Second Life. We were counting the time period of Burning Life, which was the virtual version of Burning Man until Linden Lab ceased it's sponsorship after several years. After that, there were a number of changes, including the name which was changed to Burn2. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bixyl Shuftan<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240530201591736473.post-75569247712202354972022-06-29T06:00:00.002-04:002022-06-29T06:00:00.238-04:00Wesley Regenbogen And Cobras MC<p> *<br />By Penny Shuftan</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo3-ez9RzuTOIlDdqO7tWfH9TCE_wc00TiN4fD6HH0nwVPqabdxRmsSg_H32pG9_sjg3-aHhCmweP0oFpQx5FDJen_4GpRRSv-S-AZGH4l1uorFyXFqLR54wt0yXbX7jb4wiROy5IXsjCEaQ7GM1NIpe4wp1JrJaEvInITpxOBMX93WeNnjcf6-zB/s738/wesleyprofilepic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo3-ez9RzuTOIlDdqO7tWfH9TCE_wc00TiN4fD6HH0nwVPqabdxRmsSg_H32pG9_sjg3-aHhCmweP0oFpQx5FDJen_4GpRRSv-S-AZGH4l1uorFyXFqLR54wt0yXbX7jb4wiROy5IXsjCEaQ7GM1NIpe4wp1JrJaEvInITpxOBMX93WeNnjcf6-zB/s320/wesleyprofilepic.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>Recently, Wesley Regenbogen became a five year member of the Cobras MC, the motorcycle club on Second Life that he joined five years ago. I asked him how he found out about Cobras MC. "Well, I was contacting a real life organization called 'Be The Match' at that time and I was looking to see if someone already did a fundraiser for that organization here in Second Life." said Wesley, "I ended up talking to MIghtbe Shelter here in Second Life and she invited me over to see the Cobras MC here in Second Life. She showed me around and we talked a bit about what I wanted to do here in Second Life as a fundraiser and how I wanted to do it. She told me that they did do a fundrasier here in Second Life for Be The Match here in SL. But after a while, she told me that the organization didn't want to do anything anymore in Second Life So, I kept on searching on the web and for the other real life organizations."<br /><br />According to Wesley, there are a few steps to joining the Cobras MC. The first step would be that the new person would become a "hangaround" which means that you join the rides for a while, and get to know the Cobras MC members a bit more. <br /><br />The second step is that after "hanging around" with the Cobras MC, you are asked if you wanted to become a prospect. If you accept, then your prospect period begins. Depending on how well you do it can take up to about a month or something like that.<br /><br />The third step is that after your prospect period, they will vote for you at Church (weekly meeting at the Cobras MC). If you get enough votes. you are "patched in," which means you become a full member and get a vest for your avatar. <br /><br />After becoming a full member, every ride you do counts to reach rides patch. You will get them on your vest when you reach them. Also you reach "year patches," so every year you are a member, you will get a new year patch on your vest. Wesley had reached his five years patch recently, and also got his "1K" rides patch, that is 1000 rides.<br /><br />I was wondering if Wesley is planning on staying with Cobras MC for a long time. "Yes, of course," he answered, "I will stay a Cobras MC member for as long as possible. That is my plan." <br /><br />My next question is if Cobras MC has any fundraisers. "No." Wesley told me, "But they sometimes participate in fundraisers and do rides and stuff for them. after a few years I finally found an organization called EURORDIS that helps people with rare diseases and I hoped that they wanted to support me on this in Second Life, fundraising, I mean, but sadly that didn't turn out that well. But I'm in contact with an organization called " Rare Diseases International" and I will have a video call with them in August. We will see how that goes."<br /><br />I was just wondering if Cobras MC has any events planned, and Wesley answered that he doesn't know yet. But he's going to first try to convince a new organization to join him in Second Life and try to build something up in terms of fundraising for them here in Second Life. He wants to have a real life organization backing him up on fundraising here in Second Life, like the Relay for Life does here in Second Life. <br /><br />As for plans, Wesley doesn't know what Cobras MC's plans are. As for himself, "I guess keeping on riding on the tracks on Second Life," he told me with a grin.<br /><br />That was it for the interview as I thanked Wesley for the interview. This had been a fantastic interview. There's always something to learn when it comes to Second Life, that's for sure.<p></p><p>Penny Shuftan <br /> </p>Bixyl Shuftanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409792769906782556noreply@blogger.com0