"The A List"

               Within the vastness of Second Life there is a great deal to explore and any person, unless guided by a friend or knowing where to search or what to look for, can easily get overwhelmed. There’s so many clubs and places to hang out at, it’s easy to get lost.

When I was a noob in SL almost 5 years ago (My rez date is 6/12/2007), and didn’t really know anyone as I aimlessly wandered around looking to make new friends and see where the hot spots were. When I first started SL I didn’t know I had to be in a sandbox to open a furry avatar box. Luckily one of the people I ran into was a lady named Raftwet Jewell at a club named TJ Icey’s, which is now dance Island. Raftwet is Xavier’s wife as Xavier Thiebaud is the founder of the group you may have heard about from hearsay called the “The A List.”

Now there’s good news for someone wondering where the best of the best resides in SL and where their digital self needs to go. “The A List” compiles all of the best events into one group. It’s pretty handy when lots of clubs ask for a group to become a VIP to get the heads up on their events. At 42 groups max that would take up lots of space getting a VIP at every club you liked. Plus there’s non club groups you may like. Even worse is when you only had 25 groups a few years ago. The A List solves that one problem.

            In the words of Xavier Thiebaud the founder of the SL “The A List,” “It seemed as if there was a need to be filled. Raftwet and I collectively travelled the grid and invited those who had excellence. Before that everyone was segregated and very cliquey. It was not easy but we successfully tied many people from many walks of life and interest into our group.”

Xavier and his longtime wife Raftwet worked hard around SL nurturing their A List making it grow. For the past four years since its birth Xavier and Raftwet looked in every nook and cranny of the digital realm of Second Life looking for the best to add to their list.

One great thing as I got answers back from Xavier and Raft is that anyone would find something of interest from the A List. For example my buddy Qwark Allen when I logged on SL happened to DJing 80’s music and pop music along with some house. The only way I knew he was DJing by checking the A List under notices. I quickly ported over and had a great time.

Xavier told me that everything from Opera to Country music is on “The A List.” Art gallery openings to opera to grand ballrooms to dance with that special someone. Opera or art not your cup of tea? There are also notices about DJs playing electronic music like Trance, house, techno or psytrance from a popular DJ like Healer Ladybird or Qwark Allen. You’re not into a techno beat? There are live rock performers on the A List as well to warp to and listen in and have a good time. Not really in a music mood but you would rather laugh? The A List has comedy acts too!

Any Joe or Jane resident is allowed to join the A List after being in SL for one year sorry for those who just started SL a month ago or so. However if you just started SL you could still follow them on Facebook under the A List. Some A list members have the ability to send notices to promote their clubs or live performers to promote their live music act.

For example if a live performer or DJ wanted to promote him or herself they have to talk to Xavier and or Raft to be able to send notices.  This helps keeps the group spam free keeps up the high quality of the A List’s musicians and artists etc. Nobody wants to see a notice about to keep their teeth clean in Second Life either. Also not being a drama Llama helps and Xavier doesn’t want any D listers however in Xavier’s words

Xavier Thiebaud, "We look for people who are at least a year old, so most of the time it means they are established on the grid."

Xavier hinted there was celebrities within the A list that you could see with the tag “A List Celebrity”  around SL. Xavier told me that as of now there’s a little over 400 people within the A List.

Xavier says to join the A List as a year or older avatar you have to pay a one-time fee of 2,500 Linden UNLESS you happen to know a friend to refer you. The good news is I Grease Coakes am a member of the A list so if I know you I could refer you to the A List if you’re a buddy of mine.

So if you want the very best of SL and you have been around a year at least look into the A List by searching under groups “THE A LIST!” Xavier and Raftwet are always looking for fresh pixelated avatars to expand their A List and as I trade off you can tell your friends and family you’re a grade A avatar as a furry, human, robot or whatever.

Grease Coakes

DJ "Naughty" Nydia's Day at the Relay

Sunday April 15th was a pretty active day for the Relay for Life. There was live musician ax Kleene performing for charity, and a Relay Road Rash party and racing event that I stopped at briefly. Among the events was an afternoon of DJs playing not just for the audience but also in a competition for the "Best DJ in SL" from 1 to 4 SL time.  It wasn't just for the day. Those who came out on top would be competing later in semifinals.

Among the teams there were the Passionate Redheads. And whom better to compete for the Redheads than the head of the FCA club alliance, the owner of Club Zero Gravity, and experience from numerous clubs around Second Life: the Redheads' own DJ "Naughty" Nydia Tungsten.


TP on down and bring your friends- at The Legends Classic Rock Club - party is on the beach - jump on down! Nydia is getting ready - vote her best DJ in SL by donating to the kiosk while she plays!


The event was just outside the club, right beside the boardwalk and onto the beach, people dancing away on the sand as the DJ spun the tunes while dancing behind the stand. Madonna Milena was the DJ before Nydia, whom looked a bit naughty herself with her green latex outfit. But soon it was Nydia's turn, and friends of the "Vixen of Steel" human and furred alike ported in to both enjoy her music and support her in the competition. Nydia has a reputation for playing entertaining but occasionally raunchy fare. But she kept her selection somewhat tame for the Relay. Still, there were a few tunes that reminded people why her KVXN Radio's slogan is "where the random tunes are … random." Among them were, "He Had it Coming," "God is a Girl," and "Sexy Naughty Bitchy Me."


I pick all my skirts to be a little too, sexy,
Just like all of my thoughts, they always get a bit, naughty,
When I'm out with my girls, I always play a bit, bitchy,
Can't change the way I am,
sexy, naughty, bitchy me.


Throughout the hour, the crowd danced to Nydia's music and chipped in at the kiosk, a mix of avatar types and members of various Relay teams, as well as people outside the Relay coming for the music. Finally, the hour was up. Trader1 Whiplash thanked her, "Thank You Nydia. … Your Total was $L7,281." This put Nydia third among the DJs at the event in raising money, and at the end of the event, she was still in third.

Talking to Trader later on, he told me there would be two more weekends for the DJ contest, round two this weekend, round three next weekend. On May 5th, the top four of the DJs of all three weekends will compete in the semi-finals. The next day on May 6th, the top two face off at the May Day main stage.

The Passionate Redheads will be involved in another DJ event in a few days. On Tuesday April 24th, Dusk Griswold will be playing at the "Dual Decades" event at Club Cutlass.

Later on, Nydia and the Redheads headed to "Le Palais Du Soleil" in Southern Colorado (98, 170, 51). The purpose: to give out a motorcycle as the prize for a raffle. At locations, there was a special RFL kiosk, one with a purple crescent, and a picture of the prize motorcycle. But this wasn't just any motorcycle. This was a Special Edition MLCC Majestic with the RFL logo painted on.


April 15 one of the most hated days in the U.S.A. due to the fact it is the deadline to pay all TAXES, so why not give someone a great day by giving away the MLCC Majestic RFL special edition motorcycle  back where it all started the Le Palais du Soliel from 4 to 6 dress ready to ride , the tunes will be provided by DJ Naughty Nydia, so come ready to have a good time.


In contrast to the DJ contest, the dress at the raffle was more formal due to the settling. Attendence for the event was light at first, the raffle taking place at the same time as a number of other Relay events. But numbers soon picked up. For almost two hours, everyone danced to more of Nydia's tunes. Then it was time to choose a winner.

Nydia Tungsten: okay lets see who the winner is
RFL of SL 2012 Official Central Networked Raffle Vendor shouts: Whoo!  Well done to Skylark Lefavre You have won the raffle!
Nydia Tungsten: Heh, Skylark won!

Skylark "Strawberry Sweetkins" Lefavre, one of the Passionate Redheads team, had won the bike raffle. The raffle had brought in 4200 Lindens, bringing the total raised by the Redheads to over 40,000 Lindens. Nydia expressed her wish that the raffle had brought in more, but everyone else was pleased with the results.

As of the writing of this article, the Passionate Redheads have raised a total of 44,300 Lindens. This despite several key members being absent due to various real life problems. There are more events in store, including Dusk Griswold's DJ at Cutlass, and even a "Bid Me Human" event in the works.

Bixyl Shuftan

The New Life Church

Second Life reflects real life in a number of ways. Among them, people coming to church here on the Grid. Among them is the New Life Church, led by Sixgin Ares (Pastor Dan) and Lynne Applewhyte.

Sixgin is a pastor in real life, and has been in Second Life for a few years. In 2008 when interviewed by Second Life Newspaper, he was in charge of the Church of the Living God in the COTLG sim.

Lynne had gotten her start in another Grid, the Opensim New World. There, she learned how to build, and eventually owned two sims there. Forming the "New Life Church," others could join up and get a home there if they asked. The group went from a beginning number of five to 380. Trouble was, she found the place rather unstable.

She had first found out about Second Life in 2006, hearing about it on "Good Morning America." Giving it a try, however, "Everything was gray." A few years later, she had a new computer and was willing to give it another try. She began preaching there as well, finding it more stable. She continued to expand her ministries. She still does some work on Opensim, though is no longer expanding there.

Lynne first met up with Sixgin in 2011, him still preaching at his own church. Soon, he began holding services at hers. "He's pretty handy to have around," Lyne told me, then grinned, "So I married him. Actually, we met in real life. We married in December."

New Life Church in Second Life has several events a week. The Saturday service is at 11:45AM with Sixgin. The Sunday services are 11:45AM with Sixgen and 4:45 PM with Lynne. Tuesday has another sermon by Lynne at 4:45 PM. On Thursday at 4PM is a prayer group. On Friday, there is a Bible study group at 5PM.

There are dances at the nearby club every Saturday evening, and a small freebie store close by. There is a movie theater, which can show a total of 11 movies. There's also a 7Seas fishing area.

When asked how many attended services, they answered 14-16 was a frequent number, but it was growing over time. Anyone is welcome to join their church, and those with artistic talents are especially welcome. They sometimes preach at other places and groups in Second Life, such as Sarafina Flow's River of Life Ministries. They also do skits, recordings of some which can be found on youtube. They also have a group in Facebook: New Life Christian Center in Second Life.

Of those coming by their church on the Grid, "We find people come and go fairly quickly." Of the five founding members, "only we and Carpenter are left." They were introduced to Inworldz, but didn't find it as "cost effective" to establish a church as in Second Life, "there was a nice church … but few showed up."

Last Easter, a number of pastors came to New Life Church. Sixgin built a special stage, and the visiting preachers had up to a half an hour each to give a sermon. Their Christmas session had a candlelight service.

Lynne mentioned, "I was ordained a minister in real life. The ceremony was also done in Second Life." She mentioned one of the men from the board that approved her came to Second Life to see the church for himself. He observed things for a couple weeks. The inworld ceremony was about an hour. Sixgin and Lynn also redid their marriage ceremony in Second Life.

They described church services as "Biblical … rather than preach the law, we preach the love of Christ." The chichi is non-denominational, "we have all kinds come here."

Drama is of course not tolerated. So far, there have been no grieving incidents. Sixgen commented, "I feel when we preach the word here and preach in truth … God protects us." They've talked to an occasional troubled soul, once in a while suggesting to the person they go for professional help. Lynn told of a student asking her to pray she did well in college. She told her she would, but told her she still had to study, "We try to give practical advice in addition to praying to God." They brought up the mana from Heaven described in Exodus, reminding although God answered the Hebrews' prayer for food, they still had to go out and gather it, "A lot of people think God's going to do it all for them. … you have to earn it."

Although New Life Church is in a virtual world, Sixgin and Lynn say it's still a real ministry. Their plans for this Easter, during the interview in mid-March they felt they would have a revival. At the time, there was still a little landscaping being done, the current building being a recent one. Their tier was currently being covered by a friend.

Sixgin and Lynn mentioned one tale involving a visiting minister. A writer, he decided to do the pictures in Second Life for one story he was working on, "When he had a scene, he would pull his alt and act out the scene." He later published his story on Kindel. On his website, he included a picture of the New Life Church.

The New Life Church is in the Shelton sim. Porting to (179, 226, 52) will take one just outside the chapel.

Bixyl Shuftan

An Interview with Hatton Hunghi (Hatton Humphrey), Talk Show/Podcast Host

Talk shows are something people think of being on the radio rather than on the Internet or Second Life. But they can be found here on the Grid. One such show is "East Coast Conservative," hosted by Hatton Humphrey and Ken Johnson, which besides podcasted on the Internet and the Red State Radio Network and on several locations in Second Life. Hatton Humphrey is also known in Second Life by his avatar, Hatton Hunghi, and has a place for the show at the mainland Pop sim. Recently, he contacted me, and we soon agreed to an interview.

When I arrived at his location, Hatton Hunghi greeted me, "Well, this is my new 'home' in Second Life. Let me give you the tour. The first was a prefab that I shoehorned stuff into." The room we were in looked like a cozy den with a couple chairs and an American flag on the wall. He called this his basement.

Hatton paused momentarily, " One of the things that happened recently was a bit of a change in the presence of the GOP in Second Life. Much like what happened in 2007 between the pro and anti McCain folks, there are once again two different GOP groups with individual locations and events. Understand, i've been streaming the recording sessions for my podcast into SL since 2007; I've seen a lot change in the groups and support."

Hatton pointed to a wall, which had six signs on it, "This wall is something I've put up to provide 'equal access,' three groups and three landmarks. Though any group or location that wants to be on the board and fits the description can get a spot or three." With just six in the upper left corner, the wall looked a bit bare, "I'd love to see this thing filled up. But we'll talk about that more later, on with the tour!"

We stepped outside, the adjacent Second Life Highway clearly visible with an occasional bus driving down it, and walked the stairs to the top, where there was a semicircle seating stand: the theater, "It's custom built by a couple of GOP members, my building skills are about as good as my graphics. I constantly say me and graphics equals stick figures. People think I'm joking until I point out the show's logo is an example of my graphics skills … I'm a technologist and programmer by trade, graphics has never been my strong suit."

"There is some hidden technology running behind the scenes here," he pointed to the talk show's sign, "the easel with the show notes is actually part of a networked notecard giver that runs grid-wide, and there is an intercom system that will relay local chat to any other box. There are similar, though not same shaped, intercom devices in each of the other GOP locations as well as easels. What this allows me to do is host the show from here but get SL input from any place that has the easel and the intercom. The system that we use to record the podcast generates an MP3 steam that can be loaded into the audio section to Second Life. I'll spare you the sausage factory on how it works (grin). In each place it's 'hidden,' here it's the (sign) frame. … that's a programming reference - nobody wants to know what goes on in the sausage factory just like nobody wants to know the technical details of how something works. Right now all the other intercoms are probably turned off. Notice how the frame changed to full bright? That means it's on. I'm checking to see if one of the others can turn on their end."

Looking back at the audience area, "nyway, seating was a concern and the risers are all sittable. At this point I'm not sure what full capacity is." He then walked a bit to a teleporter, "Okay, the last part of the spot is at the other end of the teleporter … This is something that I just started working on." We took the teleporter to a skybox, which he called a future showcase for conservatives, "It's bare at the moment, but plans are to put links and info about famous conservatives, links to writings by the founding fathers, information about what I call "Civics 101", videos produced by another SL member, things like that."

We then headed back to the show location's "basement. " Asking him what gave him the idea to do the show, Hatton informed this was his second talk show, "he first one was a drive-rant recording called the 'Nifty Things' report to go with the domain I owned, ithinkitsnifty.com - it was a play on a blog I used to read that was ithinkitsucks.com. Podcasting allows gives you the ability to put emphasis on words and ideas that writing does not."

"The East Coast Conservative podcast actually came out of a blog site as well. I served in the Navy with Ken Johnston, my co-host on the podcast. We started off with a blog site called the 'Three-Legged Dog,' an homage to Ken's real-life rescue dog Rocky. After some time we realized we were talking more about things on the phone than we were posting on the site and the idea of the podcast came about. … We recorded our first two episodes using Skype in 2007. However because of hardware problems only the first episode was published. We 're-launched' the podcast in November 2007."

The size of East Coast's Conservative's audience can vary "wildly," at least those whom listen through podcast downloads from the Internet, "During the 2008 elections we were as high as 350-375 downloads per week. In slow times it's been as low as 65-75 per week." With the 2012 Presidential election season, ratings have picked up again, "the long run of the primaries has helped." Besides the podcasts downloads and listening in through the website and Second Life, "we have additional distribution channels. Stitcher.com carries the show as does the Red State Talk Radio network. … it's more exposure for the show, though tracking can be a bit tedious. Between feedburner, talkshoe stats, google analytics, stitcher stats and monthly reports from the radio station, keeping track of the numbers can get your eyes crossed."

Hatton first began running the show from Second Life in 2008. The sim "was the home of the 'Republican Party in SL.' They were recording a podcast of their own, Conservative Matters with Ron Skytower, and I offered to bring my show in-world as well. That was in June of 2008, episode 32, and unless there's been technical issues, we've been doing it every week since then, except for the odd Christmas, Thanksgiving or other vacation."

Of the show's topics, "We open our podcast with a funny/odd/human interest story. Over the years those have been the most fun. For example, when there were shark attacks in Egypt on the Red Sea resorts, there was an article accusing the Israelis of planting the shark near those shores. Then a couple of weeks later we opened with an article about a Romanian that was on holiday at one of those resorts, got plastered, and jumped off a pier and landed directly on a shark, killing it. So those were each opening articles. But for me the interesting articles are those that make me appreciate some kind of positive in the world, which, due to the nature of our podcast, we don't get to talk about as often as I'd like."

When asked how rough the political talk can get, "It can, absolutely, and not always in ways you might be able to directly infer. Since we depend on news articles and the occasional blog entry for our content, a slow news week can be a bit of a challenge when it comes time to put together the program. And then there are times when there are tons of things going on and I have 40-50 articles to pick 7-9 out of for the content. Generally, though, the attitude and flow that Ken and I have established over the years lends itself to more comfortable conversation. We have regular listeners from many different political areas, including liberals, moderates, conservative democrats and libertarians."

For a time, the show was at the GOP sim, "I've always wanted 'my own place' for the podcast, and had planned to make the investment when Keen closed down. The owner of Sagamore (later renamed Grand Old Party) offered me free space. I'd been toying with the idea more and more over the last 6 months or so. Then there were some changes that happened within the support structure of the groups behind that sim and the decision was made to close it. That kinda sealed the concept for me. This spot is the podcast's second true 'home.' The Cafe and the Theater on Keen before it were broadcast points. We had built a 'radio station' on GOP and I was able to put things but there was a disconnection between the information and the recording location. Here that's not the case."

Asked about visitors of different persuasions coming by, "we do get some visitors. Being so new on the mainland I'm still building up a search presence for this location. On GOP or Keen I saw so many people go by, but they were there for that sim, not always my podcast. … if they came in as griefers they probably didn't stay for very long. Griefers were not tolerated on Keen or Sagamore. Sometimes we do get comments or contact from folks that don't agree with something we're saying. If the comments are worth mentioning then I'll address them in the recording. If they're just there to be an ass, that's a different story. But that goes back to the concept that I have about debate and conversation. If one has no other response than a rude one, they're not worth making my blood pressure medication work harder and SL has this nifty 'mute' button. A freedom of speech does not translate to a freedom to be heard (grin). That's one of the joys of modern media." When asked about the "Occupy" movement, "I've had interactions with Occupy folks on other podcasts but none directly on mine. And no, nobody's occupied Pop yet."

For now, there is nothing special planned for the nomination conventions or Election Night, "Right now we are sticking with the regular schedule. … Ken and I may opt for something different as time draws nearer, however for other dates I tend to join in with a round-table of other Republican/conservative podcast hosts for a special event."

For the moment, Hatton isn't doing much else in Second Life, "In the past I was involved in various religious debates but those got a bit heated at times. I've got a lot of different real-life things going on, between band (I'm a tuba player), church, work, kids and studying for a MBA. … I've come across some interesting places in SL but none that have ever made me consider sticking around. I am a little active in the US Military Veteran group, mainly when they need someone to confirm a Navy vet in the time frame that I served. It's been interesting to watch Second Life grow over the years. It's a very fluid environment and continues to surprise me in what folks can do with it. Politics in SL is also very fluid. SL provides a microcosm in which the whole spectrum of though can be found and, when amiable, shared."

"I'm working to provide a place where folks can learn about conservatism, talk about politics in a friendly manner and relax a bit. Though to be honest that last part is the least represented in what I've put together so far. This place will continue to grow. Being a land owner is a new experience and I'm sure I've only scratched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what can and will be done here."

Second Life's East Coast Conservative location can be found at the Pop sim at (158, 21, 68), next to the Inter-sim Highway. The website for the show is at: http://www.eastcoastconservative.com .

Bixyl Shuftan

The "Buddy Walk" Downs Syndrome Bennefit

On March 21st at the Palladium and Platinum sims, a fundraiser was held to raise donations for Downs Syndrome research: the 4rth Annual SL Buddy Walk. Throughout the period, nine musicians performed at the stage at Platinum, beginning with Mankind Tracer at 2 Pm SL time:


Mankind will be performing live today at "Buddy Walk" to benefit Down Syndrome! All live! All Acoustic! All ROCK! Bring out your friends and let's help raise some awareness and maybe some money!



Showing up at the landmark just after 5PM, I saw that the dance floor went across two sims, one third of it and the stage over the sim crossing from the other two thirds. Maximillion Kleene was performing at the time to an enthusiastic audience, and just after 5:30PM the total raised hit 50,000 Lindens.

People could donate to various kiosks set up around the place, "Donations collected from this event are given to NDSS! you can find the kiosks at the landing point, both sides of the venue entrance and both sides of the stage." Most Lindens donated went to the unit next to the stage which also gave the total amount.

Both the volunteers and the dancers cheered each other on as the total went up, "We are so happy to see everyone today at the 4th Annual SL Buddy Walk," with occasional announcements going up.


SL Buddy Walk Announcement shouts: ++++++++ March 21, 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and for the first time in 2012 this day will be officially observed by the United Nations. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows l

SL Buddy Walk Announcement shouts: ++++++++ There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

SL Buddy Walk Announcement shouts: ++++++++ Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development an …


Checking in again just after 10 PM SL time, Edward Kyomoon was performing for the final hour. Volunteer JL Zinner shouted "We are at $136,673 raised..... our goal is to beat last year which was $156,000L. Just an hour left to do that!!" Taking a look at the main kiosk, the total was actually 139,674 Lindens. The final total, listed in the event's blog, was 143,283 Lindens, with 506 residents visiting that day. The stage was not a permanent set, and was gone the next day.

The volunteers suggested three links on the Internet for people to check out, www.ndss.org , www.buddywalk.org , and www.worlddownsyndromeday.org .

For pictures of the 2011 event, check the Flickr.

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Kickoff Snapshots

I took many more shots than could be shown for the Kickoff article. This one that I took just a few minutes after porting over, most everyone looked grey or clouded. The whole place spelled L-A-G.

RacerX Gullwing was soon identifiable, him being a "unique bunny."

Breezes Babi, a longtime friend and Relayer, was also there.

And here's three from the Steelhead Salmons, from left to right Softpaw Summer, Fuzzball Ortega, and Eugenia Burton.

And after the Kickoff officially ended, some left, others hung around a little to chat.

IshtarAngel Micheline, the official Relay Photographer on the other side of the lens.

Looking further away from the center auditorium, three of the four sims had crashed. All that was open to me was RFL Past. Not far away was this dinosaur.

There was also this Egyptian maze. I ended up going back out the entrance.

A few things to see.

And as time went on, I dropped in on a few of the events that weekend. Here's the Road Rash Relayers group having a small bash.

The Pure Heart team held a larger Adel live concert. I ran into Breezes again.



Then I got a message from Fuzzball, "Message from 'The Hair:' Join me at Steelhead's RFL Kick Off Party. Starting.....Now."

And yep, Fuzzball had the infamous "The Hair," from a RFL bet last year.


Gimme head with hair,
long beautiful hair,
shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen,
Gimme down to there, hair,
shoulder length or longer,
here baby, there mama,
everywhere daddy daddy,
Hair, Hair!
Hair, Hair!
Hair, Hair!
Hair, Hair!



At the Heroes for Life stage, singer Wytchshisper Sadofsky gave a performance.

"Called a torch singer by some and a freaky fairy by others I have a jazzy, alternative, oldies, demented, pop, rock, happy in the pants sound! I love requests ~ please remember you are a huge important part of my show that way. All proceeds to benefit RFL of SL!"

It was a big start to the "Time for a Cure" season. More events have happened since, such as the Passionate Redheads kickoff at the Palace of the Sun. And many exciting things will happen, culminating to the Relay Weekend in June with The Walk.

*Edit* For a recording of the Kickoff, Go Here.

Bixyl Shuftan

Passionate Redheads Hold Opening Event for RFL 2012

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


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

Please use the transporter to Le Palais.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bixyl Shuftan

Pinewood Derby at Camp Kawabata

What great fun! Christian Welles, sent me a notice that there would be a Pinewood Derby at Camp Kawabata, the Scout Camp. It was held in what looked like an old warehouse near the camp grounds on Saturday the 18th of February. The scouts each built their own cars before the race began, choosing their shapes and paint. The sound of hammering was evident as they all worked.


Then the first round: the girl scouts’ cars raced down the ramp. Little Angala resident was the 1st winner, with a time of 16.70. Then the boys went down the ramps, and the first winner there was Ragged Resident and his time was 17.70. The races went on for several rounds with the winners changing places more than once as they did the rounds.

For those who do not know the Pinewood Derby has a long time place in scouting in real-life. Cub master Don Murphy created it in 1953 as a tool for bonding between dads and sons to build a miniature racing car together and is an official function of the Boy Scouts of America. It has been adopted by other scouting groups and so into Second Life. To read more about the history visit http://www.pinewoodpro.com/pinewood-derby-history.htm.

Christian Welles, Webelos Den Leader, and Billybob Farshore, Patrol Leader, both oversaw the event in Second Life. At the end Angala resident was the top winner with her 16.70 time and received a trophy along with Clymene ( 17.50) and Hunter -Lynn (17.90) who took second and third place respectively. It was fun to watch and listen to. This was the first time the event was held, but not the last I am sure. There should be another one perhaps in the spring.

Gemma Cleanslate

Return to Bronytown

So a while back I reported on Bronyville falling apart as breaking news. Twinkie got banned as a "ban evasion alt", although with the fact that it is -waaaaaaaaaay- too easy to just make another alt and come back on. I wouldn't be surprised if he came back and was around but kept his former life completely secret. I did a little bit of searching and found that not only was Bronyville back (as BronyTown), but that it is THRIVING, with about six sims. I do not know if the sims are all owned by the same person, but the fact that the place is about three times larger than it was as Bronyville shows how interested people are in the fandom of My Little Pony.

There's an underground cave with a bunch of small shops, several areas where one can go and watch the episodes, a sandbox for building, and many many freebie pony-related things, such as cutie marks and basic avatars. The two avatars most often used seem to be a freebie (which is well done) and one you pay for (about 450 $L, which is slightly smaller but more fluid moving than the freebie one).

I saw that there was a small little roleplaying area, decked out as Ponyville. Complete with places like Rarity's Boutique and Sugarcube Corner, it was enough to get me to set up a separate alt ("harmonylongbow resident", AKA Ampersand the Pony) and I took part in one or two RPs myself for a couple of days. After having a bit of fun as Ampersand, I decided it would be nice to track down some of the "official Mane 6" roleplayers for a bit of an interview for the Newser. I tracked down Annabelle Baar (AKA Rarity) and Okami Brokken (Applejack) in Rarity's Boutique.



Ampersand: Ok, let's start with the basics... the first question on my list is how long have you been RPing in Bronytown? What made you decide to take on the role of Rarity and Applejack?

Rarity: Hmm. Perhaps a month in BronyTown and a month as Rarity. I didn't really start RPing here until I had Rarity.

Applejack: Well I've been roleplaying MLP in SL for about 9 months now. The original roleplay started in Bronyville and was organized by myself. I was drawn towards Applejack, because I was born and raised in the country and could just relate to the character closely. She has a lot of wisdom to her that I don't think alot of people give her credit for and its very appealing to me.

Rarity: Rarity is my favorite of the Mane Six, I started looking on the sims to specifically play her. When I saw the canon list here and Rarity was the only Mane not taken, it seemed perfect.

Ampersand: Bah! Derpy and Applejack are best ponies. (chuckle) What do you think is the toughest thing for RPs these days? Have you run into a lot of "god moders" or other "difficulties"?

Rarity: The toughest thing is probably people who don't speak English very well. And I don't run into godmodders as much as I run into people who use one liners when posting. The problem with that is it doesn't give the other RPers much to go off of, and makes the whole session lacking.

Applejack: Well thats a difficult question to answer. Honestly recently it has been about getting people involved. Often times people come to the sim for roleplay, but want to be dragged into a RP in progress by standing in the background and hoping someone takes notice of them even if they say nothing in IC and the characters involved are heavily distracted by events taking place. We have run into our fair share of god modders and difficulties. We are often considered uptight for an RP group because we have a set of rules that tries to keep characters and events feasible in the Equestrian universe.

We want players to have the ability to create their own unique character, but not everyone can be an Alicorn. We have turned a lot of applications down due to character wanting to play crossover characters that don't mesh well with the Equestrian universe in our opinion ( Green lantern, Dragon ball Z, Sonic, Animes, ect. ) but also because everyone wishes to be special but goes about it in unusual, canon breaking ways. Such as many many alicorns, Celestia's personal assassin, etc. Things we can't rule as being -impossible- in a canon sense, but it just makes things difficult from an RP standpoint.

Ampersand: That's what we get for having such a famous fandom, as it were, but it could be worse, everyone could be Pinkie Pie. Are there mini-RPs if not enough people show up to a featured "event," or does the group have backup players of the Mane 6 if say, you can't make it?

Rarity: There are mini RPs all the time! If there are ponies on, there are RPs happening. The events are just RPs that incorperate everyone on, and sometimes use NPC ponies, like Princess Luna in the latest event.

Applejack: Well, we encourage more player created interaction then anything else. We do host the events in an effort to provide RP to those who are timid or would just like to RP larger scale things. Though due to our resources those large events can only happen maybe 2 times a week, so we really depend on players to make their own story. That is what role-playing is all about after all. We do have alternates of our main cast, but have almost never needed to use them. Our mane 6 is carefully selected on their RP ability, avatar appearance, and attendance. Many players come just wanting to interact with the canon characters, so it is very important to us to maintain these players be available AND accurate to the role.

Ampersand: Have the storylines gone in totally weird directions that no one was expecting (both event and regular RP)?

Rarity: Yes! The great thing about the event is that only certain points are planned, and the ponies participating will determine how it ends. There were five possible endings for the last event.

Applejack: Of course storylines have taken weird turns! Completely scripting events can be dramatic, but often is a less fun experience for everyone but the scripter. We prefer that the characters direct the roleplays based on what their character; and their own imaginations can come up with.We have a staff of coordinators to referee a lot of RPs so that god modding and completely RP breaking events do not take place.

Ampersand: Do you know if anyone is planning on Discord making an appearance?

Rarity: I do not know. As far as I know there is no new story planned right now. Though I'm technically not a Mod, despite me being a Mane character, so they don't need to tell me. Haha.

Applejack: Well I can't rule it out, but we did have a Discord RP back when the second season started. All of our mane 6 recolored their avies to be corrupted and everything. We may bring Discord back to Ponyville one day, but for now we our creating our own villains so that the players can write a whole new chapter to the MLP storyline here in SL.

Ampersand: If someone's got an idea for a storyline, who do they contact?

Rarity: Nessia Fizzle or Niles Cournoyer.

Ampersand: And finally, what do you expect for Bronytown's RP in the future? Besides hopefully more ponies :)

Rarity: More ponies would be wonderful. I'd also like to see ponies participating in the events, they're there so ponies can have fun! It's also a great way to meet the Mane cast, and spark future RPs with them that aren't events.

Applejack: Well we would like to expand the parcel to include at least an entire sim containing all of the shows key areas. The real benefit of role playing in SL over a forum or through standard text is the eye candy. Whole RP is based almost entirely off of a players imagination it is nice to be able to see the town of Ponyville and its surrounding areas AND being able to interact with them. Honestly I feel the actual RP here is pretty firm. We get a good amount of casual character interaction as well as the more intense and emotional events. Both allow characters to grow. Getting new ponies interested and keeping them here is the our primary goal right now.

Ampersand: The more the merrier. As long as they're not Pinkie Pie clones. One of her is *enough.* (grin)

Rarity: Agreed.


Xymbers Slade

Depression Support Group in Second Life

Every Sunday at Noon SL time, a depression support group meets inworld to help visitors with any problems. Titled “Survivors of Suicide,” the group in fact takes care of a variety of mental health issues depending on the needs of those at the group.

Dropping over one Sunday, the group's building had a few games around, in addition to a campire area where all were gathered. Fidelius "Fid" Dollinger was the group member leading the chat that day. There were a few others there, at least one other whom had also just found the group. Fidelius had this to say about the meeting, "a short explain of this group here, we are here for talking out what bothers us or also to share nice moments. All what you want to talk (about), you may. You aren´t forced to say something. The important (thing) is that nobody needs to have the feeling ' I am alone.' That is why we are here."

Of the subject of depression, "We are a handful of staff here, and we try always our best to help. And we, the staff, know also very well what is going on by depressive moods, because we are dealing with it too, or have dealt with it a long time." Fidelius admitted that he had a history of depression since he was a teenager, "but I have started a journey for myself and it still continues, and I work all out my feelings and fears … since then I feel much better."

Others there had comments and questions, "What happens when you aren't strong enough? When you are sick of fighting every day?" "This is why there are places like this, so you can meet people that can help you along." "I have to fight evey day in real life, a fight where I never will win. BUT, shall I let this stop me from letting me feel good? No." "Some days you just want to curl up in a little ball and never wake up. Somedays you say 'why am I even here,' yet somehow I still am here, but I grow weary of the fight ..."

People discussed how to best deal with problems, "Very important to let the past in the past …" "That's easy to say, but not so easy to do." "Well, SL can be helpful to find a way out of the blues." "Learn lessons and try not to repeat the same mistakes." "I'm sick of people telling me to simply forgive and let go when you don't know what's in my head …" "I know to find the right moment … isn't often. … you have to catch the right time." "I'm guessing when people say 'just get over it,' it makes you feel as if there almost dismissing how you feel?"

Fidelius offered suggestions time to time, including a reference to a kids' cartoon from years ago, "Do you know of 'Puff the Magic Dragon?' He is my absolute favorite, and I think we all have a 'Puff' inside us. … He is a dragon, a cation from I think the '70s. He was shown a small boy, Jacky Paper, who hadn't a self-assurance, that he was thinking he too hadn't self-assurance deep inside him. … He showed the boy that he had a self-assurance deep inside."

Later I met Krissy Sinclair, the founder of the group. She called Fidelius, "my angle for running the support groups." She was happy to see me, "I get so excited when new people find us." Besides the support meetings, "We also post daily healthy living articles to the group, and host a candlelight memorial in a skybox above us."

Krissy explained in real life, she has a Masters Degree in social work, "that is what made me start this project in Second Life. … Three years ago, we have been around a long time by SL terms." I asked her if there was a particular event that sparked its founding. She answered, "I am an artist in real life, and I brought my art into SL. Then I sis an exhibit called 'Life/Death.' I found people were drawn to the Life portion of the exhibit and they liked to hang out there. People told me their story and many had depression. I also used to run a depression support group in real life. So those combined made me think of doing it here."

"At first, my friends said 'don't do it.' I did it anyway, and we are now almost 300 members strong. … I was thinking if I got 25 members, that would be good (laughter). … It is very rewarding, and the grow helps me as much as I help them. The group members all learn to help each other. We use the chat feature as 24/7 support as well."

"We do not charge any fees. We also don't do counseling as I feel that needs to be done in real life. We offer support. … I often get thank you notes from people who say this group has helped them."

The group is more than happy to accept help. Recently, Nydia Tungsten offered the SoS group a backup meeting place on her land. The group's regular meeting location is at the San Jose East sim at (98, 140, 23)

Before parting ways, I took a look at Fidelius' profile. Among the information were a few words of wisdom.

"Learn from the past, live in the present, and have trust in the future."

Bixyl Shuftan

*note* the red areas in the pictures are from my viewer, which was getting buggy at the time.

Herman Bergson : Artist

Most of you know of Herman Bergson as the philosophy professor about whom I have written many times. He has taught a weekly two-session class in Second Life at his classroom in Wainscot for over four years. Philosophy is his first love and and life long hobby.

In real life, Herman was a graphics arts teacher for years, and has taken that art to new realms in SL. If you read the article about Mistyowl’s Petit Galerie and went there, you saw some of his art. After the love of Philosophy, Herman’s love is for the Women of Second Life, especially the beautiful ones. There is proof of this at his own museum in Nederlands.

Of his art he says, “Somewhere in this sim I ran into a sign with a question, the Thotica Question it said: What is it we can do or know with SL that we can not do or know without it? My pictures may be a way to show an answer to that question. They are the visualizations of the tension I feel between Real Life and Second Life. You will see me often in a doorway or window or just watching from a distance. This 'Me' is the representative of Real Life. The remainder of the picture tells the Second Life story.”

You will find a notecard that will tell you more about his work. In both museums you can experience how he has incorporated his thoughts and yearnings into each photograph that he has taken. You can study his thoughts and try to interpret what is going on in his mind as he incorporates himself into the story of the view. Sometimes he is watching himself watching, and sometimes he is perhaps dreaming of the past, present, or future of the story depicted. It is hard to tell but fun to contemplate. He has met and known many SL women, as you will see.

When you visit the Nederlands Museum, and after you have perused the many photographs, be sure to take a walk over to his build that is an exquisite replica of a real-life church. Spend sometime inside looking at the hundreds of textures which are all pictures that he took himself and then placed carefully into his build. This church is part of an extensive group of buildings that used to stand in SL. He is multi talented as you can see as a creative master builder and photographer and knows how to use his photography to create art that all can enjoy.

Don’t miss it. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nederland/5/249/22

Gemma Cleanslate

Sabine McGettigan and her Passionate Redheads

I have been in Second life a long time, over four and half years, and every day I learn or see something new within the digital universe that we all inhabit.

A few days ago I spoke with Sabine McGettigan and her SL Partner Daaneth. They told me why they have red hair and what they are passionate about. Sabine herself has had breast cancer from 14 years ago, and Daaneth lost his sister to pancreatic cancer years ago. I shared with them both that I myself lost my mother to ovarian cancer many years ago. So this is certainly something I can get passionate about as well.

I had commented that cancer is never fair as it threatens your life or someone that you care about. With that in mind Sabine and Daaneth aren’t super heroes like you about in comics, but heroes who dedicate themselves to doing all they can to fight cancer.

Sabine and Daaneth head the Passionate Redheads, a Relay for Life group existing within the SL universe. Just like the real life version, the Relay for Life sponsors runners or walkers to raise funds for the American cancer society (Or ACS). Just like in real life the walkers have to walk a great distance, as they said 34 sims long. Daaneth admitted to staying up for 30 hours during the SL version Relay for Life and crashing afterwards. Volunteers like Shockwave and Lomgren built the Relay camp for the Passionate Redheads. The whole Relay is 24 hours, but the walkers take turns so not everyone walks the whole 24 hours.

Sabine and Daaneth told me they have to prepare six months ahead of time starting around St. Patrick’s Day. Right now that’s not very far away. The whole event stops in the middle of July. All their extra effort pays off though. Altogether the lindens that the Passionate Redheads have raised in the last 5 years equals $30,800 in US dollars. Divide that by 5 and that’s $6,160 per year. On top of that Sabine and her team have won various awards for their hard work and passion. Sabine and her Passionate Redheads won Spirit of Relay Award and Golden Team Award two years in a row.

Sabine’s Passionate Redheads may only equal 100 people or so compared to other teams (yes the Passionate Redheads is not the only team in SL), however ...

Sabine McGettigan: “We're always in the top ten."

One of the unique ways where the Passionate Redheads raised funds that two people who are furry like me changed to human avatars. As a furry I can say that is a huge sacrifice as I feel awkward if I’m not a fox or griffin. Rita herself raised 80,000 Linden in the "Bid me Human" event from the bunny avatar she has. Bixyl himself was a cowboy human to also raise Linden for their cause.

Sabine McGettigan: Daaneth had a stroke 3 weeks into the Relay Season.
Sabine McGettigan: He came back and could not type, so he used voice to help lead the team.

I myself remember hearing Daaneth over voice chat at a Sunweavers event encouraging people to raise money for the ACS. His real life voice did sound broken, but still vigorous as he wanted his team to continue fighting. The Sunweavers is a furry group which holds various events on Rita’s sim. Many of the Sunweavers have joined up with the Passionate Redheads. For Daaneth’s amazing attitude and refusal to give up after his stroke he was given an award.

Sabine McGettigan: Then last year Daaneth won the most special of all: The Spirit of Relay Individual Award.

Cancer is something that devastates or has devastated people in their life and their families and friends. For myself I lost my mother and Sabine it threatened her life. For Daaneth it took his sister’s life.

It’s not the kind of monster you can just swing an axe at or shoot at like in a video game. It’s something that the Passionate Redheads want to slay with passion and refusing to give up. If you happen to see a passionate redhead or any other Relay team help them out. It doesn’t matter which team you support it’s all for the same cause:

To cure cancer.

Grease Coakes

Interview with DJ Aurora Avila

Anyone who has been in Second Life a while knows that most music clubs are filled with DJs playing house, trance or drum and bass or rock genres ranging from the 80’s to current music trends. In genres of dance music everyone can see a DJ that stands out that puts in the extra effort or extra vibe to push into the music files that these performers blend into when they mesh songs together moving into the next song.

Then there’s DJ Aurora. She doesn’t play 80’s music, she doesn’t play trance on Saturdays, she doesn’t wear pants.

This is my first article for SL Newser, so I picked DJ Aurora Aliva who I’m been shaking my tail to for a while now. You won’t see her in a human club because she doesn’t DJ at one. Aurora plays video games remixes straight from Mega-Man Metroid and Final Fantasy games. You have to travel to the distant furry club of AX, aka AnthroXtacy, as she plays there. I asked her a few questions and here’s what she told me.

Grease Coakes: I wrote up some questions for that interview whenever you're ready. (smile)

Aurora Avila: Cool.

Grease Coakes: What made you want to be a DJ in SL and play the music that you play at your sets?

Aurora Avila: Well, I first started DJ'ing at a club I already frequented. It just seemed like a fun way to be a little more active in the get-togethers! As for the specific music I play... That actually started out of necessity, and just became my gimmick. Video game remixes all around! Because that's just what I had ready.

Grease Coakes: oh? So you had plenty of game music already? And you liked DJing to hangout more with your ax friends?

Aurora Avila: Well, back then, I hadn't even heard of AX. There was a place called Ari-Sen that I was attached to.

Grease Coakes: Ari-sen, is that a 1/2 human 1/2 furry club? That sounds familiar.

Aurora Avila: It was phoenix-themed. And in a gigantic tree, which was kind of cool.

Grease Coakes: Oh wow, that sounds fun! The big tree sounds cool, like something out of a fantasy book or video game.

Grease Coakes: So you started at Ari-sen not AX?

Aurora Avila: Yep! First DJ job was out there. It's funny how it started because one of the owners was all 'We're looking for DJ's...' I joked that I would try, but my selection sucks, and he said that there are specialty DJ's all over the place, so... I figured why not?

Grease Coakes: Yeah, you are a specialty DJ if you walk into any human clubs, and most furry DJs play dance music.

Grease Coakes: So I would say and most other people who come to your set your music is very special and outside the norm.

Grease Coakes: DJ Qwark and Healer for example play psytrance, and Amariel plays 80's music, so your genre fits in its own box.

Aurora Avila: I'll be honest; I get intimidated by human-majority clubs. I'm aware of my demographics’ reputation, and it's hard not to feel self-conscious sometimes... But as for the music, I'm just glad so many people like it! I'll admit I mostly just rip OCR right the heck off, though, so it's not like the listeners can't legally grab the majority of my playlist for themselves if they like it.

Aurora Avila: Which, I guess, is a pro AND a con!

Grease Coakes: OCR I guess that's where you get your video game music what does OCR stand for?

Grease Coakes: Just curious why do human clubs freak you out?

Aurora Avila: Well, OCR's a great resource if you like video game remixes. Gigantic site with categorized music. Overclocked Remix (www.ocremix.org). Totally free for download, even! And, well, human clubs sort of freak me out because I tend to really stand out. Most humans, by necessity, are not penguins!

Grease Coakes: Oh I see, so you just download your music from that website? Cool. And you're right, not many humans see penguins or foxes.

Grease Coakes: If someone was curious about your DJ set what times would they stop to see you play?

Aurora Avila: Not all of my music is OCR! I've got a lot of remix albums from Japan, and a few independent albums as well. But I won't lie, OCR's kind of a huge chunk. Anyway, at AX, I go for morning slots. 6:00 - 9:00 AM, SL time, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I also do two-hour sets from noon to two (SL time again) on Monday and Wednesday. It's all the same kind of music, though. I'm kind of a one-trick pony. Or, uh... penguin.

Aurora Avila: The latter mention is at Blue Bear, which... sort of fits me a little more, thematically, being all icy and such.

Grease Coakes: That's not exactly a bad thing. DJs in the club scene just mix on genres of music, say for example Charles Feelgood. All he plays is house music but he DJs around the world. Or Akira, she plays club music too and does a great job.

Grease Coakes: Yeah I’ve been to the blue bear too it's a cool place to be.

Grease Coakes: Because your music is based on mostly video games along with the Japanese music what are your fave games?

Aurora Avila: Oh, Lord. I actually tend to look at the ambience of games a lot. I'm all about Mega Man, Metroid, and games like Star Ocean and Xenosaga because I'm kind of a massive sci-fi nerd and I really like the worlds those different series depict. If I had to pick a genre, though, it'd be somewhere between platformers and RPG's.

Grease Coakes: So sci-fi is something that interests you? I guess a mega man or Metroid RPG would be heaven to you.

Grease Coakes: Just one last question, as a furry what are your fave furry avatars?

Aurora Avila: They actually made a Mega Man X RPG. Not bad, but not really game-of-the-year quality, either. And, honestly, I think of myself as Trans-humanistic, but anthropomorphic animals are just too cute not to have predominance! But I like birds. Always have! If I had to have a favorite, I'd have to say it's my AX penguin. It just represents me the best, I guess.

Grease Coakes: Oh cool. So birds in general are your fave furry avatar, including the penguin. I have a 1/2 bird avatar as a griffin so I guess that makes me 1/2 bird like Aurora? Haha.

Aurora Avila giggles.

Grease Coakes: I grew up playing those same games as kid, Mega-Man, Metroid, etc. Maybe that's why your music sets are popular because everyone has played or at least seen video games it's a part of popular culture.

Grease Coakes: Thanks aurora for your time. I'll work this into an article and talk to Bixyl or Gemma about it.

Aurora Avila: Well, in that case, it'd be good to know I'm not a COMPLETE pop-culture Martian! I never watched cartoons or movies as a kid.

Aurora Avila: And cool. Thanks for the interview!


Just a FYI to the reader AX is an adult club/sim. Aurora does have her own fan group “Aurora’s squeebity army.” You can catch her djing at club ax at Tuesdays/Thursdays and Saturday at 6-9am SL time at AX. Saturday is also naked penguin Saturday. She also plays at another furry club called the blue bear Mondays and Wedsdays 12noon to 2pm also SL time.

Grease Coakes

An Interview with Owly Indigo of Indigo Aviary

Recently I found an unexpected treat--Indigo Aviary. Located at Ctrl Shift H (213, 97, 22), Indigo Aviary is a lovely park owned by resident Owly Indigo. A wide variety of SL birds can be seen here, from hooting owls and strutting peacocks to the authentically reproduced Yellowhammer and Indigo Bunting. A few, like the huge Turmit, a Gorean fantasy bird, are only found in Second Life.

At the landing point you walk through a blue rose arch, created by Uni Ninetails, to go into the Aviary. Visitors are greeted by hoots, chirps, and squawks. Note cards are available at the sign, and anyone who wants to help support Owly’s pixel birds will find a donation box nearby.

A few days ago Owly Indigo and I talked about her fascination with birds. In real-life she is a serious, amateur birder. She keeps binoculars and a bird ID card in her car, and instead of a gingerbread house, she and her family made a birdseed house for the holidays .

Grey Lupindo: Thanks for meeting with me. This is a lovely park.

Owly Indigo: Thank you! (smile) It was fun to put together.

Grey Lupindo: What gave you the idea to focus on birds?

Owly Indigo: Well ... I used to have a blog that focused on birds in SL. Kind of like a birder's journal ... “I spotted this bird here, and that bird there.” I wrote about birds like the ones here, bird avatars, bird costumes, bird jewelry, furniture ... pretty much anything with a bird. That blog was active for 3 years. I haven't done anything with it in a few months ... but in the meantime, I was collecting all these pixel birds!

Grey Lupindo: Your note card says you have over 100. Is that a current number?

Owly Indigo: I would have to count again ... but yes, more than 100 here on this side of the hill, and a few more on the other side where my house is.

Grey Lupindo: Can you tell me about your first SL bird?

Owly Indigo: Oh, yes. It's in here. This Great Horned Owl from Animania.

Grey Lupindo: He's beautiful.

Owly Indigo: I had named myself Owly because I love owls ... and when I first got some land in SL, I wanted two things: an owl and an olive tree. And here he is. (grin) It exploded from there.

Grey Lupindo: He looks very realistic.

Owly Indigo: Most of the birds here are realistic, but I enjoy the cartoon ones too.

Grey Lupindo: Is he your favorite here in SL?

Owly Indigo: Oh dear ... hard to have a favorite. (Owly Indigo looks around.) Can I say all of them?

Owly was quick to tell me that she has not created any of the SL birds found at Indigo Aviary. The same disclaimer is written on the notecard that is provided to visitors. Owly’s honesty is refreshing since content creators often have to worry about others claiming credit for their work. I asked Owly if she had a favorite creator.

Owly Indigo: Several-- Animania, Sculpty Creations, SHD (Spiky Haired Dragon), 2Xtreme. They really are the best ... there is a reason you see their birds all the time!

Grey Lupindo: What do you look for in a SL bird?

Owly Indigo: I want it to look pretty close to real ... natural. It's great if it has different animation features - like flying or perching or what have you. And if it has sound, that is another bonus. There is a dark-eyed junco here. I asked Mosley Sperber to make one, and he DID ask for suggestions. It took him a while because he was trying to find the right sound file!

Grey Lupindo: He's great, isn't he?

Owly Indigo: Oh my God, I am his creepy fangirl - but he doesn't know it.

Grey Lupindo: He might if he reads SL Newser.

Owly Indigo: I was so impressed that he took the time to find the right sound for the bird, you know? He didn't do it halfway.

Grey Lupindo: Yes, I know what you mean.

Owly Indigo: Something I've learned in SL is that the goreans LOVE their birds. There are gor-specific birds like tarns and vulos and turmits, but they also have chickens and geese and gulls.

Grey Lupindo: Looks like you have swimmers, fliers, a little of everything.

Owly Indigo: That's what I've tried for ... a smattering of things. And I have more in inventory ... just not the prims to set them all out.

Grey Lupindo: How long have you been at this location?

Owly Indigo: More than a year, but I didn't really consider the aviary "finished" until August 2011. The aviary was in the destination guide Sept 2011. I did a small version of the aviary for SL7B, and I had it in a different form when I lived on another sim.

Grey Lupindo: Do you have any expansion plans?

Owly Indigo: My dream is to have a homestead sim all to myself so I can REZ ALL THE BIRDSSSSSSSSS! But no immediate plans to do that. (laughter) Actually, I'm planning to downsize my house to make room for birds that have yet to be made .

Grey Lupindo: You are dedicated.

Owly Indigo: I love having them all out.

Grey Lupindo: Do you have an idea of how much you have invested in them? Or would you rather that I not ask that for publication?

Owly Indigo: I don't mind that you asked ... but I actually don't know ... and I think I would probably be horrified if I did know the actual number!

Owly said she has met a lot of great people in SL, including Cicadetta Stillwater, who resides in Italy in real life and researches birds. Others are amateur birders or bird-owners. Anyastasia Szaberwick, who has a pet cockatiel in real-life, gave Owly a gift of a cockatiel because there wasn’t one at Indigo Aviary and Szaberwick loves them.

While we chatted Owly rummaged through her inventory and found two bird avs, a Magpie and her namesake, an owl. She changed into them and danced around, looking adorable. Though not a content creator, Owly has created a place that brings her real-life passion into Second Life, and she generously shares this special place with the rest of us.

Grey Lupindo