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Strawberry Linden

Craggy Island.jpg
Pictured: Craggy Island

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide!

 

The official Titmouse event space will be open for a limited time, until the end of May, so make sure to visit soon with your friends and enjoy the 90-minute production which consists of dozens of edgy short animations produced by the talented Titmouse team. Learn more about it in our blog post from the other day, and watch the CEO of Titmouse on Second Life's Lab Gab from earlier today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

Linden Lab

5Secday_Banner_1920x1080-3.jpg

Are you missing nights out at the movies with your friends? In Second Life, you can now watch and enjoy films together in an all-new virtual cinema featuring short cartoons from independent animation studio Titmouse.

For the next month, you can watch an exclusive showing of its annual “5 Second Animation” shorts program within a massive cinema space in Second Life. The 90-minute production consists of dozens of edgy short animations produced by the talented Titmouse team.

titmouse-party-1.gif

Titmouse is known as the Emmy Award-winning maker of many of today’s most popular animated shows available across a wide number of cable and streaming outlets including “Big Mouth” on Netflix, “Star Trek: Lower Decks” on Paramount +, Adult Swim’s “Metalocalypse,” and  “Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures” on DisneyXD.

Several Hollywood industry insiders attended an April 23rd premiere screening of the show, which will continue to screen to the general public through May 24. 

Check it out for a limited time in Second Life!

titmouse-party-2.gif

...and there’s more!

Fans of Titmouse and independent animation won’t want to miss our exclusive Q&A with Titmouse CEO Chris Prynoski, held this Friday, April 30 at 9am SLT on “Lab Gab”! Here’s your chance to ask questions and interact with the Titmouse co-founder during this special live event.

 

Check it out today!

Linden Lab

Second Life Destinations: Anime


Second Life Destinations

This week we are taking a look at several anime themed regions that are bursting with fun and colorful odes to Japanese culture.

Anime, a Japanese style of animation, has become popular throughout the world. It can be found in graphic novels, film, television, and of course, Second Life! There has been a massive following of anime devotees inworld for years, and there is now an anime category in the Destination Guide.

Taikou, created by Hiro Hamada, is a small Japanese town with a market and arcade. Hiro tells us, “I'm deeply inspired by Japanese architecture and culture, so I enjoy creating builds, backdrops, decor, and even food. Whenever I'm back in Japan I take a bunch of photos of the scenery so I have references of what to make in SL. I want everyone to be able to feel the joy of Japan. I've made a lot of great friends in SL that I never would have been able to meet anywhere else.” Hiro’s travels add a great degree of authenticity to this region, which shows the unlimited possibilities when elements of the physical world and imagination collide in the virtual realm.

For those who would like an anime style avatar, Waifu Factory cannot be missed. Here you can find many brands: UTILIZATOR, ABC apparel, Wretch, Ayashi, MelonBunny, Pirocius, and more. From bodies to eyes and even animations, the detail that many Residents put into their avatars is breathtaking.

SU-SHI City is great for photos, with rows of cherry blossoms that are characteristic of Japan. Owner Marcus BlueSky says, “We began with just an ancient town, but then wanted to add more details and now we can finally present an ancient village, a town, and a modern city. Visitors use the place for their blogs, product pictures, and even want to live and run shops here.”

Other visually stunning anime regions include Tonarino, which includes Nekomachi Street. This urban cat city feels like a whimsical daydream and is sure to make anyone smile. Additionally, Hikari and UMIMOTO Marina offer relaxing spaces with impressive attention to detail.

These regions are open to everyone and feel like a museum, cartoon, and vacation all in one. Teleport over today and discover your inner anime character.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Strawberry Linden

Totem Beach.jpg
Pictured: Totem Beach

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

 

Linden Lab

Second Life Destinations: After The Fall


Second Life Destinations

After The Fall is a mysterious urban wreckage great for group roleplay or a solo adventure.

Creator Tigerlily Hyun opened this region in 2013, so considerable evolution has taken place. For example, Tigerlily says that “while I started the sim with roleplay in mind, that has really fallen by the wayside, and it's more for exploring and hanging out now.”

The derelict storefronts and broken roads tell the narrative of a strange and catastrophic event. The amount of detail provided by the environment provides the opportunity for Residents to have a common starting point and then create their own story with the space. What happened here, and is there anyone left?

Tigerlily tells us “I decided to add solo quests to ATF, so even if you didn't have a group or were just exploring SL, you could come here and have a bit of gaming fun yourself.” The versatility of After The Fall makes it a great spot to check out any time of the day.

Tigerlily, having been inspired by the story potential of After The Fall, has actually created a digital graphic novel available on YouTube. Additionally, Tigerlily is developing a sci-fi novel series: “The story follows the perspectives of six characters from various walks of life as they struggle to overcome fear, separation, and loss during the aftermath of a meteor storm and subsequent alien invasion.”

Fun Fact: The green bug eyed monster avatar depicted in the video was custom made by request of Sci-Fi writer legend Joe Haldeman as seen on the Second Life Book Club. The avatar is available from The Silas Merlin Gallery on Marketplace.

Visit After The Fall today or plan a group outing. Don't forget to bring a flashlight!

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

 

Tara Linden

Seth Regan MM.jpg

This week we are featuring Mankind Tracer, a.k.a. Seth Regan, who has been playing rock music in SL since 2006. He is a prolific performer inworld as well as IRL and has made several albums over the years.

For more information, please check out his official website.

Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
A: I was surfing Yahoo in 2006 from my apartment in New York and saw an ad come up. Of course I had to check out this new thing called a ‘Virtual World’!

Q: How old were you when you started playing music, and what prompted your interest?
A: I originally started piano lessons at about nine years old after my parents saw I was able to play songs by ear. I took lessons for a few years, but made the move to guitar after hearing Pink Floyd and other cool rock tunes I was exposed to at a young age by my five older brothers.

Q: Tell us about some musicians who have been important/influential to you.
A: I have a lot of favorites, so many songs by so many phenomenal artists and bands are crammed in my head. I’d probably say Pink Floyd and other progressive rock bands, some classical tunes as well, and I’m also a big Billy Joel fan. I love so much music from so many different periods and decades. 

Q: Have you been making new music during the quarantine? If not, how have you managed your relationship to music/creativity during a time when it can be hard to feel motivated?
A: I released my last album Covers - Part I in 2020 during Covid. It’s a double album that contains 25 cover tunes that I recorded as acoustic covers and some that I did more full studio productions on. During this unprecedented time, I’ve turned to music, as I always have. It’s my home. It’s my soul, my breath and my guiding light when I just need to regroup.

Q: You've been active in SL for what, about 14 years now? How has the music scene changed, and how has your approach to performing inworld evolved?
A: It seems to be in a constant state of flux, just like it does in RL. Of course with the unfortunate start of Covid last year, many artists were no longer able to play their RL gigs, so they migrated to other online platforms, SL included. My approach to performing in SL hasn’t changed at all. I have always recognized that these are people from all over the world behind the avatars. 
 
I’d also like to add that when a venue, or any business for that matter, is kind enough to book me, I put my name and my all behind the event, including creating promotional graphics and marketing to about 400K+ SL’ers within my networks. I think it’s very important that as the musicians, besides our performances, we do what we can to help promote those who are hiring us to perform for their audience(s).

Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
A: I would have to say diversity. There are so many wonderful, talented artists from all over the globe. This as well as the inherent property of SL itself… the platform. When I first started, I noticed there were some sending a DJ signal into SL. I thought, well if they can send a signal off a board, why can’t I send a live signal. Then I very quickly started my live shows, not before seeing other live musicians were in on it too. It’s an amazing tool we musicians have with SL. I use(d) it to springboard my RL career. I chose to mix SL and RL. Some don’t and that’s perfectly fine. We have that choice. For me personally, I managed to leverage my SL career to gain more exposure for both Mankind and Seth. I am forever grateful.

Follow his socials for the latest news on his music: 
Facebook (fan)
Facebook (personal)
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube

Thank you, Mankind Tracer! If you or someone you know would like to submit content for Music Mondays, please fill out this form.

Strawberry Linden

Summer of 42.jpg
Pictured: Summer of 42

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

Linden Lab

It’s been a busy and exciting 2021 for Second Life with several significant improvements, most notably our recent transition to Amazon’s cloud servers. Our team is excited to continue to bring better performance and ongoing enhancements to make Second Life even better.

Our goal is simple: enhance the enjoyment of current Residents by making things faster, smoother, and more interesting. We are seeing an increase in activity in-world, so we are hoping these investments are starting to pay off for you. At present we are:

  • Investing in our infrastructure to further improve speed and cadence of updates 
  • Overhauling the onboarding experience for the newest Residents
  • UI cleanup 
  • Developing new marketing initiatives and entertainment partnerships to fuel growth
  • Preparing for SL18B 
  • Less glamorous but no less crucial is our ongoing and growing work to ensure compliance with multiple regulatory requirements

We’ve spent time looking at ways to manage these costs in a way that minimizes the overall burden on our Residents. We decided to absorb many of the costs and to distribute some by making a change to Linden Dollar "buy fees." 

Effective April 22, the current flat buy fee rate of $1.49 will be replaced by a 7.5% buy fee (capped at $9.99) applied to the total amount of Linden Dollars purchased in each transaction. The $1.49 minimum still applies.

This impacts the least number of transactions and still allows us to offset some of the costs for upgrades to our world.  

Please see the FAQ below for more information and context about this change. For further questions, please join the conversation in our community forums.

BUY FEE FAQ

Q: How will this impact the cost of my Linden Dollar purchases?

A: It depends on the size of your Linden Dollar purchase in each transaction. We worked to ensure that most casual purchases will see no change at all.

For example, smaller Linden Dollar purchases (roughly equivalent to about $20 USD or less*) will see no change in cost as the new $1.49 minimum charge is equivalent to the cost of the existing flat fee. 

As another example, a $40 USD purchase of approximately L$10,000*  would be charged a $3 “buy fee” (equal to 7.5% of $40). 

For larger Linden Dollar purchases (approximately $139 or higher*), the 7.5% fee will cap out at $9.99 maximum in a single transaction.

Q: How will I know the exact transaction fee that I’m charged before I make the purchase?

A: The transaction fee will be clearly visible at the point of sale on the Buy L$ page on the Secondlife.com website. The image below shows you an example of where to see the transaction fee before the purchase transaction is completed:

new point of sale2.PNG

You will see the 7.5% transaction fee auto-calculate as you increase or decrease the amount of Linden Dollars you wish to purchase.

Q: Will the fee show up clearly on my transaction log or invoice?

A: Yes! You will see a dedicated line on both your invoice and transaction log for your “LindeX Buy Fee.”

Here is how it will look on your transaction log:

new transaction log1.png

Here is how it will look on your invoice:

new invoice1.png

Q: When does the new buy fee rate take effect?

A: The new buy fee rate is effective April 22.

Q: Does this fee apply to selling Linden Dollars, too?

A: No. This change only applies to Linden Dollar purchase transactions -- there are no changes or new charges added to other Second Life transactions (such as selling Linden Dollars).

* Disclaimer: The actual dollar value may vary depending on the LindeX exchange rate, which automatically matches your order with the market rate at the time of the transaction. These estimates are accurate at the time of this blog post but are subject to change.

Linden Lab

Second Life Destinations: Sylvania Square


Second Life Destinations

This week we are spotlighting Sylvania Square, a furry neighborhood inspired by the rainbow palette of the RL village of Boystown.

Safe spaces can mean many things; safety from violence is of course vital for all communities to grow. However, the ability to express one’s true self without judgment and connect with others who have similar interests and perspectives is also something to be treasured. Mayor Celeste Étoile is keenly aware of this, describing Sylvania Square as “a place to surround yourself with people who understand and accept you as you are. A comfort, a sanctuary, a home to those who need one. This place was created to help LGBT+ people find themselves, find friends, make memories, find love, and explore their identities in a safe environment.”

During the isolation of the COVID pandemic, Celeste says that "finding somewhere in a virtual world like this can be a lifesaver. Finding people who understand you can be life-changing."

Vice Mayor Aine Bunny also places immense value on finding community for marginalized people, adding "there's a strong sense of euphoria that comes about when you're able to breathe life into a dream like Sylvania's - one that is incredibly important to the target demographic which we can heavily relate to, especially given our current real-world circumstances... We want to make sure those who need a sense of respite, a place to call home, a change of pace, a spark of inspiration, kindred spirits to commune with, etc., have as much of it as we can provide."

RL neighborhoods by and for the LGBTQ+ community have popped up in countless cities around the world. You may recognize names like The Castro, Chelsea, and Zona Rosa. Second Life is home to many queer friendly regions, and all are encouraged to explore.

Celeste says of SL, "Second Life was a place that I could create myself how I wanted to be perceived and a place where I could find friends who understood sides of me [which] in real life [some people] may not have been able to grasp. There has always been something incredibly life changing about being in SL. It's a place that brought me closer to my partners, my friends, and myself, in ways I can never say thank you enough for."

Sylvania Square is free to enter and welcomes everyone, even non furries, although to enter Residents must have a payment method on file as a formality. Visit Sylvania Square today to breathe easily and let loose in a judgment free zone.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

 

Strawberry Linden

Black Kite.jpg
Pictured: Black Kite

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide!

This week we're featuring beautiful nature-themed regions, role-playing destinations, and artistic events! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about the Tucker Stilley art exhibit at the Cape Able Art Gallery in our blog post from earlier this week.

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

Linden Lab

SL18B Applications are Now Open for Performers!


Second Life Birthday

SL18B_Logo_2-Planets_5x3.png

Calling all performers! Second Life is seeking talent for our upcoming 18th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL18B) held from June 17th to July 1st, 2021. Get ready for fun-filled weeks of live music, performances, shopping, and amazing community exhibits! 

One of the things that makes Second Life so vibrant and exciting is the wide range of Performers who share their talent with our Residents. Are you a DJ who can spin up a great party set? You might be one of the grid’s amazing Dance companies, or perhaps you’re a Particle Performer! Whatever your medium, we would love to hear from you. 

Fill out the official performer application form by May 28th (this date has now changed to May 10th) and tell us a little about how you roll, and one of our Event Staff Leaders will contact you soon.

CURRENT APPLICATIONS FOR SL18B:

Over the next few months, keep an eye on our blog for more opportunities to participate in the SL18B celebrations!

Linden Lab

Cape Able Art Gallery - Tucker Stilley.jpg

On Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00pm SLT throughout April and May, there will be guided tours of the Tucker Stilley exhibit on Virtual Ability’s Cape Able Island.

Tucker Stilley is a multimedia artist who was diagnosed with ALS/MND (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) 20 years ago. Now fully paralyzed, he uses his eyes to control his computer and create art at a dizzying pace. Creativity runs in the family; his sister, Kate Stilley Steiner, is a documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Citizen Film. Kate and Tucker created a non-profit called the Cohort of Disembodied Artists as a way to help other artists who use assistive technologies to build a community to support their artwork.

The sibling duo has teamed up with Virtual Ability, an institution of the Second Life community, to present a virtual exhibit of Tucker’s work. Virtual Ability was founded by Gentle Heron in 2007 and has grown into a huge and vibrant community. They describe their vision as “to be the leading provider of services and information for people with disabilities in online virtual worlds.”

Tucker’s bio, available in full at the exhibit, describes him as “born in Santa Ana, California in 1961, and educated in an eclectic patchwork stretching across North America – Stilley is a child of the Space Age – with all the bizarre baggage that entails.” As a ‘distinguished alumni’ of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, he has worked as a media artist, sound designer and film editor over the years as technology has impacted the way we create and experience art. His work has received numerous accolades, with the LA Times describing it as “breathtaking images of the frailty and strength of the human condition.”

Sign up today to attend a guided tour of ‘Palimpsessed,’ Tucker’s new exhibit, curated by Treasure Ballinger. It is available to the public and is sure to give all who attend a bit of much needed inspiration.

 

Linden Lab

Second Life Destinations: The Outer Garden


Second Life Destinations

This week we are being whisked away to The Outer Garden, a resplendent winter garden that appears to be frozen in time.

Creator Bisou Dexler, a professional photographer from Japan, says that “Second Life is the one and only place where I can visualize and share the fantastic drawings overflowing from my brain and feel the beauty born from it.” (Check out their Flickr group for inspiration!)

The Outer Garden’s design, like countless other things, was influenced by the profound emotional impact that COVID had on all of our lives. Bisou, in a moment that is relatable to many, was struck by constant grief in the news and headlines. Bisou describes one particularly striking story: “A documentary was broadcast in which a young man, who was unable to go inside the hospital to see his mother, climbed up to the window of the mother's room on the second floor to look at her. I have never felt love and prayer so heartily, and that's when I found hope in my Second Life build…”

The Outer Garden feels like a sacred place conducive to experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions. It welcomes those who wish for a temporary escape as well as those seeking a cathartic reckoning. Bisou tells us that “my inspirations come from the beautiful creations made by my partner aki69, conversations with SL friends, and my emotions, which respond to happiness and sadness in my real life. Being able to express my imagination in Second Life, which is difficult to do in the real world, has had a profound healing effect on me!”

Everybody feels and expresses things in different ways. The virtual world of Second Life can be a great place to process emotions in a safe space. Bisou says “beauty comforts people, so does sharing sadness. I was healed by creating gardens in order to express myself in this virtual world. I hope my gardens also become a place to alleviate the visitors' sorrow.” 

Visit The Outer Garden today to experience your own unique interpretation of this surreal daydream.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

 

 

Tara Linden

al hofmann MM.jpg

This week's featured musician is Al Hofmann, whose one-man band has treated us to a fusion of rock, jazz, and electronic elements for 14 years. With over 3,000 inworld shows under his belt, his style has no doubt evolved time and time again and each performance brings fresh interpretations.

Please check out his official website and YouTube channel to experience his music for yourself!

Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
A: I heard about Second Life in the summer of 2006 on a local tv program about new conceptual art tendencies.
 
Q: What instruments do you play, and at what age did you pick them up?
A: I play the guitar: electric, acoustic, classical and midi guitar. With the midi guitar, you can play any instrument sound with it. MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It's a way to connect devices that make and control sounds (such as synthesizers, samplers, and computers) so that they can communicate with each other using MIDI messages. {I also play} bass guitar, percussion and charango, an ancient South American {stringed instrument}, kind of mandolin. I started to play the guitar at the age of 5.
 
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: The style I play is being defined as fusion. A mix of different styles, mainly jazz and rock.
 
Q: Tell us about some of the musicians who have been the most influential to you.
A: John Mclaughlin, Jeff Beck, Chick Corea, John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Weather Report, etc.
 
Q: How has your relationship to music and creativity been affected by the pandemic, and what would you say to inspire other artists during this time?
A: The positive side of the pandemic is that you have time to fully embrace what you do. Whatever that might be, you can improve what you love to do the most. A wonderful opportunity to even discover the purpose of your life. I strongly believe there is art in every individual. Life and humans are an act of art.
 
Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
A: The most meaningful aspect of the SL music community is planetary conscience. No more borders, languages, political implications, time frames. One love: Art on the planet. SL has given us all a terrific chance to connect with artists and people around the world.

 

Thank you, Al!

If you or somebody you know would like to submit content to be featured in Music Mondays, please fill out this form.

Strawberry Linden

The Hollow.jpg
Pictured: The Hollow

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide!

Today we're sharing 5 photogenic locations and 5 fun events to explore in Second Life this weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

Linden Lab

All marginalized communities who face oppression, harassment and violence have the support and solidarity of Linden Lab.  We stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and against hate, and condemn the violent and deadly acts occurring in our country. 
 
While the AAPI community has historically faced unique challenges such as microaggressions rooted in harmful stereotypes and the experience of being othered, over the last year they have been targeted by an unprecedented surge of harassment, intimidation, and attacks. The irresponsible language about COVID-19 used by public figures, online conspiracies, and a deep-seated bigotry towards Asian Americans have all contributed to what has been referred to as “pandemic racism.” Nearly 4,000 reports of anti-Asian discrimination in 47 states have been reported by Stop AAPI Hate

We acknowledge the added fear and anxiety in our AAPI communities, and the trauma of our colleagues, friends, neighbors and fellow residents. All of us deserve a safe space; a safe community free from fear. Although the amount of Anti-Asian crimes has risen the most in major cities like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Seattle, we all can do our part to make our communities a place where every human being is treated with dignity and kindness.

Our mission at Second Life has always been to help build a better world, and in support of the AAPI community, we will be donating $10,000 to the Asian Women’s Shelter

How can you help?

Be An Ally: In the context of social justice and equality, being an ally involves using your privilege to advocate for someone who does not hold the same privilege. Allyship is an integral part of how we will dismantle systemic racism, sexism, and prejudice in general.

  • Educate Yourself - While many people may not intentionally say or do things that are deemed offensive, lack of intent is no excuse when dealing with racial insensitivity and/or microaggressions. Check out this list of common racial microaggressions and consider your own actions in how you interact with colleagues.The APA also has published an insightful academic article that further explores “Racial microaggressions and the Asian American experience.”
  • Get Involved - Over the past weekend, many communities held National Day of Action and #StopAsianHate vigils and/or rallies to offer support and raise awareness for those impacted by recent events. Many future events are anticipated and you can stay involved by following news and event announcements from the AAJC website and Facebook page, as well as the #StopAsianHate microsite from the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). Many people are also taking a public pledge to help end bullying and harassment and signing a petition to call on President Biden to provide emergency safety and relief for Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.

We are, all of us, living through a turbulent time. We are a year into a worldwide pandemic. Hateful rhetoric in politics, online and in the media. Let’s join together to show a commitment to #StopAsianHate, honor the victims of anti-Asian violence, and push back against racism, sexism, and anti-Asian violence.
 

secondlife_stopasianhate_2.png

Linden Lab

FurryLastNames - 4x3.png

In appreciation of our Anthro/Furry community in Second Life, we are releasing two new limited edition last names today, only available until April 8th: 
UwU
OwO

We will continue to make additional updates to the available last name pool, so if these options aren’t for you, stay tuned for future updates. 

For more information about the costs and how-tos involved in name changes, read the Changing your username FAQ. Click to change your name now!
 

Linden Lab

Second Life Destinations: Cravone City


Second Life Destinations

This week we are visiting the stunning metropolis of Cravone City, inspired by the real life urban jungles of New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Creator Bhad Craven has been an active Resident for several years, “making quirky home decor and accessories, detailed building components, and the occasional strange/unique/urban outfit under the Bad Unicorn brand.” 

Bhad joined SL when he was an art student and found that the platform was the perfect canvas for his burgeoning creative output. He tells us, “I eventually met Capone MacMoragh, who became a mentor to me after he discovered I was creating original 3D meshes for Bad Unicorn. He took me under his wing by giving me tips and tricks for learning 3D. I believe after many years of creating a wide range of items for Bad Unicorn, my photoshop and Maya skills have grown tremendously since I first joined SL. I have been lucky enough to work as a 3D artist in the real world as well as being able to fully support myself as a Second Life designer.”

Like Bad Unicorn, Capone’s brand, Scotch, is also informed by a modern, urban style. The two designers both found inspiration in the cultural megacenters of NYC, LA, and Toronto. In fact, Bhad came up with the idea for Cravone City in 2015. Given the enormity of his vision, “master builder Paradox Ivory was commissioned to design the place. Known for her work at The Apartments, Ms. Ivory breathed life into this unique city atmosphere that never skips a beat.”

Just like the real life places that inspired it, Cravone City is bustling with activity. Bhad says “whether users are looking for a new tattoo, a trip to the local bodega, a place to hang out, or just a ride on the subway, Cravone offers them a chance to flourish in this familiar, nostalgic virtual space -- a perfect backdrop for most.” Not to mention the shopping district: with stores like HEVO, Animosity Poses, Rossi, Shybird, and Radix, Cravone City has everything you need for a great adventure that you’ll be talking about for days.

Take a subway ride in Cravone City today and see the gorgeous city skyline for yourself!

 

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

 

Linden Lab

SL18B Applications are Now Open for Volunteers!


Second Life Birthday

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Do you love Second Life? Do you love to party? Do you love to help? Join the SL18B Volunteer staff and you can do all three! 

We’re looking for volunteers to help people celebrate at the upcoming 18th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL18B), held June 17th to July 1st, 2021. We are seeking Residents with great people skills and a love and excitement for Second Life to help us make SL18B a huge success! If you like the idea of promoting Second Life in a positive way to thousands of people in a celebratory atmosphere, we welcome you to apply today! The application will remain open through May 28th.

CURRENT APPLICATIONS FOR SL18B:

Over the next few months, keep an eye on our blog for more opportunities to participate in the SL18B celebrations as a Performer, Merchant, and more!

Tara Linden

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This week's featured musician is Joel Eilde (Joel Tamas irl), who plays rock interspersed with little doses of jazz, country, and blues both inworld and with his band Red Heaven. He has played over 3,000 shows in SL over the last decade and encourages newcomers to join the unique virtual music scene.

Please check out the official Red Heaven website.

 

Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
A: Back in early 2007, I was working as a tech journalist and I was doing a week-long series about Second Life, which I had only just heard of at that point. So I made an account to jump in and try it out and… I stayed. Simple as that. 

Q: What instruments do you play, and what made you pick them up?
A: I sing, I play guitar, and I play bass. Like a lot of young adolescent males with unrealistic dreams of stardom, I picked up bass as a young teen and got more into guitar later on. I didn’t get singing for real until I started performing in Second Life in 2011. I had dabbled before, but never felt confident about my voice until I was in my 40s. Now I actually think of myself as a singer first, so things have really changed.

Q: Tell us the origin story of your band Red Heaven.
A: Red Heaven is, unequivocally, a Second Life success story. I started performing in Second Life because I wanted an option to play music without going to bars and all that malarkey. And doing so built up my skills really fast: singing, playing, songwriting, all of it. I really credit Second Life for being the woodshed that got me to the point where I could really make Red Heaven a proper real-life band. I honestly couldn’t have gotten to this point with the albums and real world live shows if I hadn’t been grinding in Second Life for so many years. 

Q: Are your bandmates also SL Residents?
A: Only one: Olga Zoubkova, whose SL name is Loreen Aldrin. She lives in Russia so she’s not part of my performing band, but she’s all over every single Red Heaven album. The others, I don’t think they have any idea what Second Life is. :)

Q: How has your relationship to creativity been affected by the last year?
A: Well, since January 2020 I’ve released two albums (with another to come this summer), started streaming live Facebook shows, did the biggest livestreamed full-band show of my life, and have been pounding out Second Life shows on the regular. So I guess I’d say it’s been pretty good, but I’m also one of those very lucky people who’s had tons of free time during the pandemic so far, and therefore it’s been easy for me to put it to good use doing what I love.

Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
A: What I love more than anything and with all my heart is the absence of “stardom.” An ordinary person can just turn on their mic for an hour and play their acoustic guitar and sing, and they can get a legit following and even make a little money. That’s a beautiful thing to me; the way Second Life audiences embrace amateur music without celebrity. I don’t know any other audience that’s so open to and supportive of amateur music. And I honestly wish the world was more like Second Life in that way.

 

Thank you, Joel!

If you or somebody you know would like to submit content for Music Mondays, please fill out this form.
 

Strawberry Linden

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Pictured: Bella's Glade at Shara

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide!

April is around the corner and spring is in the air! We hope these nature-themed locations and innovative art galleries boost your creativity and sense of calm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | Tumblr | Plurk | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

Linden Lab

Football Made in Second Life


Second Life Destinations

This week Cyke Troglodite talks to us about the Global Football League, a fun and interactive way for fans of American Football to engage in virtual sports.

A longtime Resident, GFL owner Cyke Troglodite tells us he has "spent much of his 13 years in SL on the football field,” while in the physical world he is volunteering every Friday in his local Little League. 

For those curious about the mechanics of virtual sports, Cyke describes it as follows: “The experience is super realistic with football animations (throwing, catching, tackling, blocking), score-keeping, authentic field and outfits  that make the experience that much more realistic. The only significant difference is that nine players are used per team rather than 11 as in RL.”

GFL is currently in the middle of season two with four teams. If you’d like to join, please check out the GFL Offices & Welcome Center, as recruitment is active for more teams as the league grows.

GFL games stream live on YouTube, so feel free to check out some previous footage while it’s still up. Cyke assures us that the matches in SL can be played virtually without lag due to “descripting of all players beforehand. A viewing party for each game happens at a separate inworld location." Cyke and the GFL organizers are dedicated to making this a fun experience for both participants and spectators. 

There are even halftime parties and cheerleaders, so if you are missing the rush of a crowd going wild over fumbles and fakeouts, head over to catch a GFL game soon! Virtual sports are a great way for people of varying ages, physical abilities, and skill levels to get involved and play the game.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

 

 

Tara Linden

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Photo taken at The Magic Happens Here

This week's featured artist is Randal Prater, a multi-instrumentalist who plays dreamy and cinematic indie pop in both RL and SL. You may also know him as Linus Radford, his original SL persona, as he's been a Resident for about 14 years! He just released a new album called Solo Seasons, so please check out his music on Spotify and YouTube.

 

Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
A: This would have been January of 2007. I had just finished being the frontman for The Pagan States, and before that, Creeping Myrtle. I was just starting to record my first solo album, 'Falling to Pisces.' I didn't want to fall into the rut of losing my live chops and get rusty while in the recording studio. So, I was looking for a way to play solo acoustic shows while also making progress on my new album since it would be the first time I'd be playing all the instruments myself instead of relying on bandmates.

My wife discovered an article about a virtual world where you could be yourself and be seen by only your pixels (an avatar). She saw that musicians were playing shows in there and that I should have a look. So, once I dove in and did my own research, I discovered that there were lots of singer-songwriters out there in the exact boat I was in, or at least in the same proverbial harbor. Juel Resistance (Suzen Juel) was the first artist I discovered and then it snowballed from there. My second album (Second Tuesday of Never) actually features a lot of other Second Life artists, including Suzen. Anyway, I started playing shows in SL and did so until 2010 when it became too painful to play guitar anymore. So, I reinvented myself as a part-time piano player just so I could keep writing and recording songs.

Q: What instruments do you play, and how did music come into your life?
A: Back when I had fewer physical limitations, I'd play whatever instrument in the studio that needed playing. I don't think I got proficient at any of them since I'm completely self-taught. But, I did a passable job on most things I tried. That said, it is quite painful to my ears and ego whenever I listen back to myself on drums or harmonica.

My origin story starts in the womb when my mom played nonstop early Beatles records for nine months. It was a foregone conclusion that I'd end up being some kind of musician or artist. When I was a little kid, I wanted to be George Harrison. Then once I got to high school, I wanted to be John Lennon. Unfortunately for myself and the whole world, that's when he was cruelly taken away from us. But, if there's one singer-songwriter that ever existed that sums up most of what I'm trying to say through my own songs, it's definitely John.

Q: How do you decide what visuals to go for in music videos, and how does the music inform it?
A: I love that question and already feel like my answer will fall short. But, here goes... This was the first album where I decided I wanted a video for every song and not just one or two. I did the videos by following the track order. So, track one was done first and the final track was done last. I think I got better at video editing by the end. Anyway, the one thread that tied the videos together was that each one had a cameo by one or more crows. Sometimes, it only lasts for a split second, so the viewer has to pay attention. I remember Alfred Hitchcock always made a similar cameo in his old films, and he had a film called The Birds. So, that's likely where I got my idea to tie it all together that way. Of course, it also helps that the final track is called 'Full Crow Moon.'

Q: Who are some cool musicians that you've discovered over the last year?
A: If you'd said the past decade, that would be much easier. I tend to stick with a songwriter for a while. So, if they come out with an album one year that speaks to me, chances are good that I'll also be interested in their fifth album. Since nothing I've discovered in the past twelve months rivals what I've discovered in the past five to ten years, I'll say that my favorite current singer-songwriter is Angus Stone, who mostly records and performs with his sister Julia. My favorite band is Doves. Their album The Universal Want is hands down my favorite from 2020. Since Wolf Alice is finally putting out a new album in 2021, I predict that will be my favorite for this year. Stay tuned. I'd be remiss in leaving out my dear friend, and sometime collaborator, Bruce Lash. He's got albums in both years and they're fab.
 
Q: Describe the creation of your album Solo Seasons and your creative vision for your music in general.
A: Thank you for specifically mentioning my latest album. It was my first one in six years, and the first one that I played all the parts myself, since the first solo record. This time everything was played on keys, even the drum parts, so it was easy to just write and record the whole thing by myself in the crypt (my basement studio). As with every solo album, the theme was dictated by the number. This was the fourth record, so ‘four seasons' seemed like a decent theme. That meant two songs for every season, eight in total. I just mapped it out like that. So, the first two songs on the album are about springtime and the final two tracks are about winter. I'm very methodical when it comes to details and making sure everything is in its proper place (even when usually I'm the only one who will notice).

Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
A: While it's admittedly been a minute since I was playing shows myself, I'll say from a fan's perspective that it's a great world to be a part of. Especially during this era where most of us are spending even more time in the house than before, it's my current way of providing some semblance of normalcy to my weirdly wired brain. I can just walk around in SL and catch a show and be shoulder to shoulder with other concertgoers without wearing a mask or worrying about anything other than which show I am going to see when there are at least three good ones going during any given hour. So, it's easy to be grateful to the virtual world of Second Life and all the tireless work and creation of the music community, and all artists in general.

 

Thank you, Randal! If you or somebody you know would like to submit content for Music Mondays, please fill out this form.

Strawberry Linden

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Pictured: The Outer Garden

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Destination Guide!

This week we have a number of fun, educational, and interesting events, along with some very scenic destinations. 

 

 

Watch today's Lab Gab with Faust Saenz speaking about the International Day of Happiness event and the Positivite Change Circle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form.

Connect with Second Life on Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | Tumblr | Plurk | TikTok | Reddit | LinkedIn

Linden Lab

SL18B Applications are Now Open for Exhibitors!


Second Life Birthday

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Save the date! This June, Second Life will be turning 18! The 18th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL18B) will be held from June 17th to July 1st. Get ready for fun-filled weeks of live music, performances, shopping, and amazing community exhibits!

This year’s theme for SL18B is Hidden Worlds, but don’t think that limits you! Just like last year, your exhibit does not need to stay in theme. If you are inspired by the thought of the hidden worlds around you, show us! Or, share your Second Life passions with us. Your interests. Your communities. Your worlds! Every year we celebrate because of you, the amazing and creative Residents, who have chosen to call Second Life home. What has drawn you into this world and what keeps you here? This year at the eighteenth annual Second Life Birthday, show us what fuels your Second Life and inspires you. Let's go exploring!

If you want to participate as an exhibitor with a presence at SL18B then please join us by filling out the exhibitor form no later than May 28th (this date has now changed to May 10th). Please note that the rules for exhibitors have been updated this year, so it is important to read them even if you have participated in SLB before. The rules can be found at the top of the application form.


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Photo by Junie

As a reminder, we are also still seeking Live Musicians. We previously announced a call for audition signups for the SL18B Music Fest - and those applications remain open through March 28th.

Over the next few months, keep an eye on our blog for more opportunities to participate in the SL18B celebrations as a Performer, Volunteer, Merchant, and more!
 

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