The latest episode of the Drax Files: World Makers focuses on actress MadameThespain Underhill, who directs the virtual reality theater troupe - Avatar Repertory Theater in Second Life.

A.R.T has been performing live theatre in Second Life since 2008,  with a cast of actors from multiple generations that span several locations all over the world.

MadameThespian - a seasoned Chicago-based actor who also performs and directs for her local Shakespeare company - feels that the virtual theater affords opportunities to those who could otherwise “age out” of many roles in live theater.  "Second Life levels the playing field when we interact with each other," she says.

This leads to the unique combination of professional TV and stage actors working  with dedicated hobbyists and community theater buffs to perform drama, comedy, musical and improvisational theatre to the global audience of Second Life.

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In addition to the creative possibilities that a digital universe such as Second Life holds, MadameThespian is enthusiastic about its social aspects as well.

"The value for older people is wonderful because of the ability to interact with other people from all over the world of other ages,” she says. “You are being judged by what you say - the pure essence of who you are!"

Be sure to watch for the latest shows and performances from the Avatar Repertory Theater who are performing scenes from some of Shakespeare’s plays tonight at 5 PM SLT/PT  - details are available on their Facebook page.

Want to see more personal Second Life stories? Find all the previous episodes at Draxtor’s Website or below:

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 16: Feed a Smile

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 17: Zachh Barkley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 18: Paradise Lost

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 19: Virtual Chemistry at Texas A&M

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 20: Flockers

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 21: Editorial Clarity

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 22: Virtual Health Adventures

Running short of fun ideas for the weekend? Check out what’s new at the Second Life Destination Guide. You’re sure to find something interesting to enjoy.

The Linden Department of Public Works are an amazing group of creators constantly working to make the grid a more vibrant, amazing place. Their home, Meauxle Bureaux, is an amazingly whimsical place where the LDPW hang their collective hat.

 

Meauxle Bureaux

Meauxle Bureaux is the home of the Linden Department of Public Works, a program focused on improvements related to the experience of living in and visiting the Linden Mainland. This intricate build was lovingly crafted by resident experts for all to enjoy, so come see the ultimate in shared creative spaces!

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A Second Life institution for more than five years, everyone should visit the freshly-remodeled Pixel Bean Coffeehouse. In addition to the enormous attention to detail, the wonderful design choices and incredibly realistic decor, it’s an almost perfectly relaxing place to spend an afternoon.

 

The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse

Established in 2009, this cafe has been a well known part of the Second Life community for many years. Come stop by a charming old island home transformed into a unique cafe and bar. A great sense of community, wonderful people, and casual conversation await you, as well as countless events involving music, poetry, discussion, art, and more. Anyone and everyone welcome!

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No matter what level of nerditude you embrace, the Freaks and Dorks Rock Club welcomes you with open arms. With a great staff, multiple rooms, and a huge dance floor, everyone will find something they enjoy here.

 

Freaks & Dorks Rock Club

Feeling a bit dorky or freaky? Freaks & Dorks Rock Club is a place for you! Join all sorts of outsiders as they come together to enjoy great music. They play anything under the genres rock, metal, alternative, indie and trip hop. Come to relax or get crazy, you won't constantly be bugged for tips!

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If you’re looking to add some magic (or just a little more oomph) to avatars or creations, be sure to visit M2D Magic Land. Few stores offer the interactive depth and variety of particle effects you’ll find here.

 

M2D Magic Land

M2D Magic Land is an interactive particle store. Visit the platforms to use huds and create beautiful scenes for photos, or just play around. One of the best store designs around, every particle can be rezzed and looked at. There's even a group-member party area and freebie store. Embrace creativity at M2D Magic Land!

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Lastly, do you seek the rush of combat? Separating the quick from the dead, the wolves from the jackals? The 2142nd Regiment’s looking for a few good recruits, if you think you’ve got what it takes.

 

2142nd Regiment

The 2142nd is a British-themed military group founded in February of 2007 that participates within the Second Life Military Community. SLMC is a collection of groups who use the Linden Lab Combat System or LLCS. Visit http://2142sl.info and join the 2142nd today. Weapons and uniform provided free of charge. Meet lots of new people and experience combat in Second Life like never before!

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Interested in how your fellow residents enjoy their grid-based adventures? Take a peek at the official Second Life Flickr Page. Have you created something cool you’d like to share? Share it with the grid and show it off on the Second Life Destination guide!

OnLive's SL Go allows you to access Second Life on mobile devices - including recently added iPad support - and Draxtor Despres has produced a fun video ad for the service that you can watch below or on YouTube 

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As the ad shows, SL Go allows  you to enjoy Second Life even when you're away from your main computer. Where will you take it?  

For more info about SL Go, including regional availability, pricing options, and to get started with a free trial, visit the OnLive website for Sl Go and get playing outside.

For those who crave year-round chills and thrills of the last month - the Haunted category remains open with spooky attractions that have not packed away their Halloween decorations. For those inclined to fall into the crunchy leaves of November, we encourage you to grab a steaming mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee or hot mulled wine, and check out what’s new this autumn in the Second Life Destination Guide.

This week, we have a range of diverse activities for you to choose from - from a risque murder mystery from the folks at MadPea to a German electronic club and much more in between.

While you’re out making new memories and exploring, be sure to share the memories on the official Second Life Flickr Page. You might even get a last minute entry to the snapshot contest - you’ve got until 5 PM on November 8th, PST.

If there is something cool you’ve come across in Second life that you don’t see listed in our Destination Guide, be sure to share.

Blood Letters

Become the lead character in an erotic thriller and assume the role of a private investigator specializing in infidelity investigations. You've caught the attention of an infamous serial killer and it’s clear that you're going to be the next victim. Will you catch the killer before you’re dead? This immersive and interactive grid-wide adventure is strictly for adults.

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The Dirty Turkey Hunt 5.0

The Dirty Turkey Hunt 5.0 runs from November 1st through the 30th, marking Depraved Events' fifth year on the grid! Over 100 stores are offering new, exclusive and free gifts to hunters who find the hidden hunt objects. Each store provides helpful hints and a full gallery will be listed on the website when the hunt opens. Make sure you join the Depraved Events group for helpful hints and chatter along the way.

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Eupalinos Ugajin's Taxy to the Zircus

Eupalinos Ugajin is an artist who highlights the surrealism in his work, while enriching it with interactivity and humour. Come see his newest work, Taxy! to the Zircus, from November 1st through December 31st. Don't miss it!

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Unique Breedables

Unique Breedables is a company dedicated to creating breedables that are fun and unique, with a fresh approach to how the breeding in Second Life works. They listen to their customers and welcome input on how to improve the overall experience of breeding animals. Their goal is to innovate and improve upon the breeding and the community in order to foster a more enjoyable environment for all.

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Sound Pirate

SoundPirate ist ein einzigartiger Club! Hier treffen sich nette Leute zum feiern, plaudern und vieles mehr! Kommt vorbei und genießt die ganz andere Atomsphäre Ihr seit Spasskanonen wollt einfach nur FUN und gute Musik? Dann seid Ihr hier genau richtig! Wir freuen und auf Dich.

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Tonight is the night when weeks or months of planning costumes, makeup and hair comes to its glorious fruition. Or, perhaps you prefer to masterfully throw something together last minute that looks like you spent months on it. Either way, there’s no denying that Halloween is one of Second Life’s biggest holidays and one that Residents enjoy to the fullest.

What are your Second Life Halloween plans? Are you looking to scare yourself silly, explore fantastical locales or party the night away? Check out these great destinations from the Second Life Destination Guide!

We’ve scared up just a few of the many great places you can wander this Hallow’s Eve. Explore an exciting look at el Dia de los Muertos, or wander through an abandoned steampunk island town. Enjoy not one, but two exciting Halloween hunts before stopping by a beloved clothing designer celebrating a full ten years on the grid. Lastly, be sure you visit the Haunted Halloween Tour before it vanishes. Just be sure you’re ready for quite a fright!

Happy Halloween to all!

Smithsonian Dia De Los Muertos Festival

The Smithsonian Latino Center in collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso are proud to present a Day of the Dead 3D experience, Oct 29 through Nov 2, 2014. Join them in celebrating Latino cultural heritage through this holiday for honoring both the dead and the cycle of life and death. There'll be a Halloween dance party, dead poets reading, ofrendas, a meso-ballgame tournament, costume contests, music, art and more!

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Little Town by Cica Ghost

The inhabitants of Cica Ghost's Little Town have all disappeared for the day, are they just hiding? Take this chance to to explore their quirky, curious, humorously delightful island.

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Terror-iffic

Terror-iffic is a annual quality L$5 Halloween Hunt, bringing together the love of all things Halloween to stores across the grid each October. 100% original content creators bring back the spooky, fun and cute to celebrate the love of all things Halloween, tricks and treat hunting. Come celebrate Halloween like never before, be sure to make it Terror-iffic!

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Second Pride Halloween 2014

Come to Second Pride's 2014 Halloween festival October 25th through November 1st for live performances all week leading up to Halloween. Voodoo is open 24/7 for your haunted exploration. Be sure to check out the haunted mansion, the fun house, the pumpkin hunt and more. Check out the performance schedule at http://bit.ly/1tarW2g.

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DE Designs

Offers original clothing for men and women including formal wear, casual attire, shoes, lingerie, dresses, and themed items.

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Haunted Halloween Tour

What will you do this Halloween? Help children with a sugar fix? Buy overpriced masks from big-box stores? Do something different, something frightening and fun. Linden Lab is proud to present the Haunted Halloween Tour. Strap in and prepare to experience haunts, ghouls, death, scares, and a descent through madness itself. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart!

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If you know some great spots missing from our Destination Guide, please drop us a line to let us know about them.

11.07.2014 - For a technical update on specific performance metrics since the launch of our performance improvements, please check out this blog in Tools and Technology.

Has Second Life seemed a bit faster for you lately? Improving performance for all Second Life users has been an important focus for us at Linden Lab, and we’ve recently seen some great results from several projects that should make your Second Life experiences faster, smoother, and more reliable.

Speeding Up the Marketplace
If you visit the Marketplace today, you should be seeing a much snappier experience than in the past. We recently deployed infrastructure upgrades for the Marketplace, and the site has since shown some of the best performance we’ve ever seen from it. Even during peak usage periods over the weekend, when in the past performance would degrade, we’re seeing response times that average 70% faster and page load times that are 30% faster than before the changes.

Improving Group Chat
Last week, we also deployed new group chat server configurations. Our internal metrics are showing dramatic improvements in group chat performance, and we hope that you’re seeing that in your own experience as well. We are still seeing some cases in which performance for some groups degrades for shorter periods of time than before, and we are continuing to investigate and make changes; the project isn't finished, but we've made a lot of progress.

Faster Texture & Mesh Loading
The entire grid is now using a CDN service for textures and meshes. This change means that textures and meshes should load more quickly, particularly for those who login to Second Life from places that are far from our US data centers. Our testing showed dramatic improvements: average download times for textures and meshes have been reduced by more than 50% on average, and the improvement is even more dramatic outside of North America.

Quicker Viewer-Server Communications
Another way we’re enhancing Second Life performance is through our HTTP project, which improves the way your Viewer communicates with grid services. With the HTTP Project Viewer out now, the faster content download times you’ll see thanks to the CDN change get even better - we’re talking 80% faster!

As you look for these improvements, please bear in mind this important note from Oz Linden:

So, How’s Second Life Performing for You?

Performance improvements are generally behind-the-scenes work, and we know it’s not always as exciting as rolling out a new feature, but these changes directly impact all our Second Life experiences and our daily lives inworld. We hope you’re starting to notice the effects of these improvements - if you are, please let us know in the Forums, on Twitter, or however you prefer.

Don't forget to grab the latest Official Viewer to experience the improvements. 

We interrupt this month’s bevy of doom and gloom Halloween themed destinations for some bright and light destinations - but don’t get scared - we’ll return with more delightfully dark treats next week. So stay tuned!

This week, the Second Life Destination Guide Highlights leads off with an inworld stroll to help raise Breast Cancer awareness. The event starts Sunday morning, at 9 AM PST - so set your clocks.

There’s also an intimate and atmospheric art gallery, some wild music venues, and a chance for you to party your way through Burn2 on the open pixel-playa!

And for those of you (like us!) who just can’t get enough trick or treat fun, peruse a shop filled with Halloween and autumn decorations or traverse an island spawned from darkest nightmare. We couldn’t help but include a little seasonal fun.

Hoping to get your cool spot in the Destination Guide? Share it.

See what other people are up to on the Official Second Life Flickr Page.

Making Strides Walk

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the official breast cancer charity of the American Cancer Society. The Making Strides Walk is an annual event in honor of breast cancer awareness and fundraising. Join the very first Strides Walk on October 26th as everyone makes strides to promote awareness, honor caregivers and survivors and remember those lost. For more information, visit www.makingstridessl.org.

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Petit Chat Art Gallery

Underneath a southern French garden soothed by a concert of cicadas stands a dark and peaceful art gallery. The artist, Trinity Yazimoto, gives an ode to the beauty of Second Life. Come see her she gives her whimsical view of both Second Life and life in general. After the visit, why not follow the ladder to a superb garden landscaped by Trixxie Nitely?

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Burn2

A festival of fire, art and community in Second Life, Burn2 is the virtual world version of the real life Burning Man community festival. Burn2 is a unique culture which seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising.

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SoulForge Electronica

SoulForge Electronica was built by and for lovers of electronic music to present artists from all areas of the genre. Their artist-created mixes are unmistakable and helped to shape the world of sound in Second Life. It is also place for new DJ’s to achieve in private parties and open stages. Come explore the 10 clubs and three open stages of SoulForge.

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Halloween at Snuggles

Come to Halloween at Snuggles to find everything, from spooky Halloween stuff to cute Autumn decorations. With over two sims to wander through, your sure to find just what your looking for.

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Mystic Haunted Island

Enter if you dare! Ghost, ghouls, zombies, spiders, pirates and more await in Mystic Haunted Island, hidden amongst mist and tombstones. Float a boat along the river, be sure to set your environment to region default to see the blood river at its best and bloodiest. Wander through and enjoy, if you think you'll survive...

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This Sunday, October 26th, at 9 AM PST you can be a part of Second Life history by attending the 1st Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Second Life.

Make strides to promote awareness, support caregivers and survivors, and honor those who have passed.

The event takes place at the Making Strides Walk location here.

Lace up your most comfortable virtual shoes and show your support by showing up.

For specifics about the event, how it works and who it benefits, you can visit the official Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Across Second Life blog.

This time of the year ( and well, all year, really!), residents take pride in pushing dressing up to a whole new level - but as the rollicking extravaganza that is Halloween tears through, leaving ghosts and candy in its wake, the spirit of costuming is off the charts! So embrace the fun, Second Life-style, and partake in some fiendishly fun outfits before exploring yet more of Second Life’s most frightful and delightful offerings!

Go on a journey into the mouth of madness at the Haunted Halloween Tour - a treat from the mad scientists at the Linden Lab for everyone. If you survive that ride, wander an outdoor haunting with scenes guaranteed to chill even the bravest of viewers, or find the perfect makeup and costumes at some seasonally festive shopping events. After all that, you may want to take a moment to reacquaint yourself with the earthly realms and visit a charity festival in support of breast cancer research.

Don’t forget to share those ghoulish discoveries on the official Second Life Flickr Page and enter them to the 2014 Second Life Fab-OO-lous Snapshot Contest for a chance to win some L$s.

Do you prefer your Halloweens dark and gritty or bright and candy-filled? Let us know and show us your Halloween spirit!

Haunted Halloween Tour

What will you do this Halloween? Help children with a sugar fix? Buy overpriced masks from big-box stores? Do something different, something frightening and fun. Linden Lab is proud to present the Haunted Halloween Tour. Strap in and prepare to experience haunts, ghouls, death, scares, and a descent through madness itself. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart!

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Damned Divine Haunted House

Come visit the Damned Divine sim-wide haunted house experience! Will you survive the many and varied intricately-terrifying horror zones?

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The Cosmetics Fair Halloween Edition

Running from through October 31st, the Cosmetics Fair Halloween Edition is a great place for all your makeup, henna, freckles, blushes... Know what? Come here for all of it.

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Bloody Horror Fair

Running from October 15th through November 5th, the Bloody Horror Fair is a place of dark deals and delightfully grim fashion. Come see a host of vendors offering everything your dark heart desires in this darkly atmospheric locale.

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Cure Con Festival 2014

Cure Con is a nerdy/geeky/gamer-themed event with a heavy focus on pink, breast cancer awareness, costuming and cosplay. Come see amazing items from some of Second Life's nerdiest designers! For more information, be sure to visit http://bit.ly/1w43EJA.

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Limited Time Only! 50% off Premium Membership & Premium Perks
For a limited time, you can get a Premium Second Life Membership for 50 percent off*! Upgrade now at half-off and enjoy premium perks, including brand new premium gifts.

Perks for Premium subscribers include a a L$1000 sign-up bonus, exclusive access to Premium Sandboxes (special areas inworld where you can build objects, rez purchased items and meet other creative users), a weekly L$ stipend to spend on whatever you like, your own home, and special free gifts.

Limited Edition Premium Gifts
Just in time for Halloween, we have some new gifts for Premium subscribers - the bag of treats includes jack o'lanterns, witches’ brooms and more - including a bone-shaking skeleton avatar to haunt your favorite spooky spots in. Go Premium, then pick up your gifts at the inworld Gift Kiosks.

Haunted Halloween Tour for Everyone - Oculus Rift or Regular Experiences Available
There’s also a special treat for everyone! Come visit the Haunted Halloween Tour and ride through a terrifying gauntlet of thrills and chills! For those who dare, step through the Halloween path from the Portal Park. If you have an Oculus Rift, you can check out the tour’s VR option - just grab the latest Project Viewer to get started.

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Second Life Fab-OO-lous Snapshot Contest

Last, but certainly not least - we know how much you love to dress up and show off your seasonal side this time of year - so why not join us on the forums for Second Life’s Fa-BOO-lous Snapshot Contest. Your frightful and delightful snapshots could win you L$10,000, L$5,000, L$3,000, or L$1,000!

Happy Halloween!

*TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR 50% DISCOUNT
This limited-time discount offer is available only for memberships on the Quarterly billing plan. Discount will be applied to the first quarterly billing cycle only, and all future charges will be at the regular Premium price; price will return to USD 22.50, excluding VAT where applicable. To qualify, Second Life members must have an active Basic account or create a new Second Life account. Discount offer begins on Wednesday the 15th of October at 08:00 am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) and expires on Monday the 3rd of November 2014 at 08:00 am Pacific Standard Time (PST).

In March, OnLive introduced SL Go - a service that brings the Second Life Viewer to mobile devices. The service had previously been available for Android devices, but today brings an exciting expansion: SL Go is now available for the iPad!

With SL Go, you can now access Second Life on your iPad using Wi-Fi or 4G LTE and enjoy a high-fidelity experience with great graphics quality, full shaders, shadows, and full motion capability. SL Go gives you access to the full Second Life Viewer interface, including edit menus, inventory, preference settings and chat management, adding intuitive touch controls.

To use SL Go on your iPad, you’ll need an OnLive account to launch the app, and then you’ll log into Second Life with the same credentials you’ve always used. To learn more about SL Go, including pricing and regional availability, and to get started with a free trial, visit https://games.onlive.com/landing/slgo

A few months ago, we released a Project Viewer that made it possible to use the first generation Oculus Rift development kit (DK1) anywhere in Second Life.

Since then, Oculus Rift has released a second generation development kit, DK2. The new hardware offers an even more immersive experience when used with Second Life - there’s less likelihood of feeling motion sick thanks to the motion-tracking features, and less of the “screen-door effect” on the visuals, thanks to higher resolution and brighter display.

We’ve integrated the DK2 with Second Life, and today are releasing a new Project Viewer so that virtual reality enthusiasts with the DK2 can use it anywhere in Second Life, just as DK1 users can.

Unfortunately, though, there are still some bugs impacting the experience, which we won’t be able to fix until we receive the next SDK from Oculus Rift. Because Second Life uses OpenGL in its browser, we cannot support direct mode in the Rift until Oculus releases a version of the SDK that supports that.

In addition, juddering is an issue (as it is with most DK2 demos).This can be significantly improved on Windows by turning off Aero, which allows the Rift to use its full refresh rate rather than being limited to the refresh rate of the primary monitor. This refresh rate is a major factor in the judder and turning off Aero can significantly improve your experience.

We’ll continue to fix bugs and improve the experience as quickly as we can once we get the next SDK, but in the meantime, we wanted to get this Project Viewer out into testers’ hands. If you have an Oculus Rift development kit, you can download the new Project Viewer here.

Here again is our video to help you get started using the Oculus Rift with Second Life.

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You’ve fared well thus far, traveler, and survived last week’s itinerary of terror with body and mind mostly intact. Perhaps you’re up for some more frightening scares? We double dog dare you to test your bravery against this next round of Halloween fun courtesy of the Second Life Destination Guide.

Start your voyage in a techni-colored Halloween village with a frighteningly fun tour before fending off the ravenous dead in a sweltering bayou. Lose yourself in a dank cavern system and wander through a dark neighborhood perfect for some trick-or-treating. Will you escape two uniquely haunted forest parks?

Think you’ve got something scarier, or just a cool spot in general? Share it with us! Snapshot those scary moments and submit them to the  official Second Life Flickr Page - you could end up being a featured Pic of the Day!

2014 Halloween Town

Halloween Town is full of shops for all of your Halloween needs, from party food to costumes. Go from spectator to participant at the haunted house as you pay tribute to the greatest horror movies of all time.

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Zombie Bayou

Welcome to the bayou, come join in a small hunt for Halloween! Zombie Bayou's a fun place to hang out, enjoy each other's company, do some trick or treating, watch a movie, maybe even shop a little. Most of all, have fun. Just... You know... Beware of the zombies.

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Caverns of Doom

Marcy Mansion is not your typical haunted house. Below the mansion are the infamous Caverns of Doom, spanning three full sims. Will you find the entrances, explore the labyrinthine tunnels, fight off zombies and the hellhounds, take a ride with the Ferryman and find the Aztec ruins? There are hidden doors to a secret laboratories and old cemeteries. Explore if you dare, but beware the danger that lurks around every corner...

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Havenhollow Returns

Holiday Appreciation Association presents Havenhollow Returns, an interactive neighborhood featuring a door to door trick-or-treating experience. Trick or be treated, leave no stone unturned or corner unexplored. This town is packed with fun, mystery, and excitement for you and your friends to experience together. Many surprises await in fog-lit Havenhollow Returns. Discover them soon.

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Masoma County Haunted Halloween Sim

Masoma County welcomes you to 2014's Haunted Halloween Sim. Feeling the itch for a bit of suspense and frightful sights? Follow the foggy path and hope you make it out alive. Wander around, searching all of the hidden destinations, but he sure to watch your back. Who knows what could be following you. Do you dare to take cover in the Haunted or Horror house?

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Nightmare at the Park

That eerie feeling crossing a darkened bridge in the night, where trees howl and ghosts wail... Walk dark foggy paths, chased by unseen presences. Will you find out what lurks in the shadows of the night? Or will you delve into the hilltop house of fright? Grab a flashlight, you'll need it. The perfect Halloween is the one you never forget. No matter how hard you want to.

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A chill wind howls through moonlit trees. Pumpkins smile fiery grins as children cackle through masks with candy-breath. This can only mean one thing - Halloween approaches.

Allow the Destination Guide to be your host during this magical and uncertain holiday. So step into the boat, pay your two coins and let the river boat take you where it will. Don’t mind those clocked figures at the helm - they’ve made this trip millions of times.

Your first stop is a cheery spot filled with friendly ghosts and cute Jack-o-lanterns. If you think you’re ready for it, the next stop is a lantern-lit tour through gore-clotted and dangerous locales. Survivors might even let their guard down for live music as a popular hangout succumbs to the enchanting spell of Halloween. All rides end at the aptly-named Screaming Woods.

Join the fun and terrify us with a new creation, and share your survival shots on the Official Second Life Flickr Page.

Haunted Forest

Come visit the Haunted Forest this Halloween. Find scavenger hunts, ghosts, skeletons and more!

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Return of the Nightmare Walkthrough

Satisfy your hunger for terror with the Return of the Nightmare Walkthrough. Celebrate Halloween with a fresh house of horrors and a free hunt for prizes. Face your fears, hunt for pumpkins, and get lost in the maze of terrors in this October-only event!

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Halloween Rock and Shock 2014

Celebrities Hangout presents Halloween Rock and Shock 2014, a journey into your darkest nightmares! Visit the haunted island, take the canoe ride to the psycho village and see if you can survive the madness. They've got live trick or treats, concerts and rock parties.

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Screaming Woods

Welcome to Screaming Woods. Not feeling well? You are in luck, the doctors will be ever so delighted to see you! Right before they check you into the asylum. So come, join the spookily haunted Screaming Woods, where there are lots of fun things to see. Most of the props are interactive, so be sure to take lots of pictures and tell your friends. At Screaming Woods, the name says it all.

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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Second Life has kicked off their fundraising initiatives and activies inworld and will be hosting lots of great events for you to check out.

Inara Pey has outlined some of this week's events in her blog here, including contests, hunts, ways to virtually participate in events that help raise awareness and funds, and other activities to show your pink pride.

You can pick up a fundraising kit with event submission instructions if you are interesting it throwing your own Think Pink event. Just review the fundraising guidelines, and drop by the MSABC kiosk where you can pick up free goodies, make a donation, and find more information about the events and contributors to the event!

On September 1, 2014, the updated Skill Gaming Policy for Second Life went into effect. As a reminder, this policy allows for skill gaming activity in Second Life, but establishes that only approved Creators may make skill games with L$ payouts, only approved Operators may run them, and they may only be run on designated Skill Gaming Regions, where access is restricted to those who meet certain qualifications.

As our FAQs explained, applicants to the program who submitted their applications prior to the September 1 deadline have been permitted to continue their skill gaming activity while their applications are reviewed.

Beginning November 1, 2014, the enforcement of our Policy will apply to all Residents, including those with pending Skill Gaming applications that await Linden Lab review and approval. As of that date, any objects or regions found in violation of our Policy will be taken down.We strongly encourage all applicants to submit any outstanding materials for our review as soon as possible so that their applications may be processed before the deadline.

From the start, we’ve seen strong interest from Residents seeking to become approved skill gaming Creators and Operators. You can find the current list of approved participants here, and we’ll continue to review applications as quickly as possible to expand that list. If you would like to apply to become an approved skill gaming Creator or Operator, you can do so here.

Pumpkin spiced everything seems to be everywhere - you can practically smell the cinnamon even in Second Life! For this week's Destination Guide Highlights, we've frothed up some tasty places to explore if you're looking to sample a seasoned variety of themes.

Start your adventures roleplaying at scenic Innsmouth, where there are absolutely no half-human cults hell bent on summoning mind-shattering elder gods to devour the earth.*

Regain sanity in a cute multiplayer medieval battle arena, or stock up on your horror movie survival supplies at the Level Up event.

Before it ends - stop by the steampunk Clockwork Spiral - where designers have turned to dark-Victorian inspiration to help raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation.

Creative types might enjoy the retrospective look at one of Second Life's prolific artists - Bryn Oh.

Lastly, be sure to curl up with a good story in a fantastically imaginative library.

Head on over to the Second Life Destination Guide for more spots to enjoy.

If you've created something you think is missing from the Destination Guide, let us know about it, and share your adventures on the Official Second Life Flickr Page.

*Should a half-human cult book a stay and summon such elder earth hungry  gods, we advise packing for any occasion.

Innsmouth

Why was this New England coastal town abandoned in the 1930s? Perhaps the giant sea-monster emerging from the south ocean might be the answer. Nevertheless, Innsmouth remains a dark, damp place with perpetual rain and ruined buildings well worth exploring.

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It's a Block

It's a Block is a free-to-play multiplayer game. Play to earn store credits, bring your friends for extra fun. Jump in, choose a free demo character and join a match!

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Level Up Hunt

Come join the second round of Level Up, launching September 18th. Titled Zombies Eat Flesh, this hunt takes bloody inspiration from horror and survival-themed video games. So choose your weapons, grab your flashlights and start hunting!

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A Clockwork Spiral

Welcome to the Clockwork Spiral! This benefit aims to help the National Kidney Foundation, so prepare yourself for sixteen days chock full of steam, diesel and dark Victoriana. Everything opens September 15th at 6:00pm. With music, events and gifts, this is a benefit you won't want to miss.

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The Chamber Library

The Chamber Library is one-of-a-kind, bringing together art and literature in a never-before-seen way. Relax and read an ever-increasing number of articles and stories amidst an absorbing display of environmental art. They welcome writing submissions from Secondlife residents for inclusion in the library. The Chamber Library is a simply stunning space to loose yourself in.

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Bryn Oh Retrospective

Come see a retrospective of the virtual artworks of Bryn Oh from 2007-2014. This hybrid event occurs simultaneously with at the Art & Algorithms digital festival in Titusville, Florida. For more information, visit http://artandalgorithms.com/.

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Back in April we blogged about the University of San Martin de Porres Perú is offering a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) called "Introduction to Second Life for Educators" that was specifically designed to help Spanish speaking educators leverage Second Life for educational purposes. Since then the course has been improved and updated, and a new session is set to start on September 29th at Second Life Para Docentes.

About the course:

The Virtual Worlds Project of The University of San Martin de Porres from Perú starts this September 29th the second edition of the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) entitled "Introduction to Second Life for Educators 2nd. Ed.". The course is free and is designed to train Spanish speaking educators on the use of the virtual world Second Life, and to provide knowledge that allows educators to benefit from its potential, especially in the education field.

 If you or someone you know might benefit from a course like this, you can watch an

You can also visit the headquarters of the course within the virtual world from our Destination Guide entry.

En español:
El Proyecto en Mundos Virtuales de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres de Perú, inicia este 29 de setiembre la segunda edición del curso en la modalidad MOOC (Curso Masivo Abierto En línea) titulado "Introducción a Second Life para Educadores 2da. Ed.". El curso es gratuito y está diseñado para capacitar a educadores y público en general de habla hispana en el uso del mundo virtual Second Life, a fin de ofrecer conocimiento que permita desempeñarse en este entorno y aprovechar su potencial, especialmente en el ámbito educativo.

 Si tú o alguien que tú conoces pueden beneficiarse de un curso como éste, pueden acceder al

Además se puede visitar la sede del curso dentro del mundo virtual desde nuestra Guía de Destinos.

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When was the last time you went on a journey or experienced something that changed the way you saw things? As with past editions, this week's installment of the Second Life Destination Guide Highlights may show you something you've never seen before.

Relive Homer’s Odyssey through sculpture or stop ponder the thoughts and philosophies of a famed medicine man. Take a stroll through a quaint Japanese store, or explore the mysteries of a fae island. For you action lovers out there, visit a dark city where mythical creatures vie for dominance under a mysterious dome.

Wherever your path takes you, share the experience on the Official Second Life Flickr Page. And for you creators out there, join the fun and share something amazing

The Mad Flight

Giovanna Cerise presents a Lost Town "Il folle volo" (The mad flight), a work loosely based on the figure of Odysseus, the inspiration of Homer, Dante and Joyce. Become Ulysses, discover the history, meet Polyphemus, the Sirens, Circe, and even be transported by the vortex in a madly historical flight.

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Black Elk

The installation draws on the life and writings of Black Elk, a medicine man of the Oglala Lakota, born in 1863 and author of The Sacred Pipe and Black Elk Speaks. Come see this thought-provoking piece, beautifully executed and well worth visiting.

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Miyabi

Welcome to Miyabi, founded in 2007. Miyabi is a wonderful store to find both casual and formal attire and accessories in traditional Japanese patterns. Please try to touch the lovely and beautiful Japan.

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The City of Spiritus Sancti

Welcome to the dome-enclosed Spritus Sancti, a UCE-metered post apocalyptic dark combat/roleplay sim. Deviants and marauders roam the streets. Periodically the Dome attacks, creating inexplicable and often deadly phenomenon. The locals neither like nor trust outsiders, so beware, for nothing is as it seems!

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Twisted Hunt

Welcome to the beginning of a new Twisted Era, welcome to the 12th bi-annual Twisted Hunt. Rewind the clock to see their true colors, scarlet veins to verdigris skies. This is your one and only chance to use all past Twisted colors and use past Twisted themes as your palette. Have fun, make history, and enjoy the hunt!

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Isle of Myrth

The veil between faerie grows thin on the Isle of Myrth. Through the cracks in the veil, bits of faerieland have escaped. Visit these floating islands and castles nestled among a fairy forest packed with hidden places. Visit this enchanted isle and see some of the best fantasy creators on the grid in an immersive fantasy market and monthly street vendor fair. Or peruse the hangout spots and games to while away time with friends.

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“A Clockwork Spiral” by Sonya Rothmanay

If you love steampunk be sure to stop by A Clockwork Spiral - a shopping event that benefits the National Kidney Foundation and happens to be set on a dark Victorian setting complete with gears, planes, and all things steampunk. Designers have set out themed items marked with either 50% or 100% so you know how much of your purchase will be donated to the organization.

Take in the sights and sounds and delve into an atmosphere of a world filled with steam-powered machinery and mechanical majesty.  A few have already shared their clockwork adventures on our Official Flickr page - why not share yours?

The event only lasts until October 1st, so plan to visit before it’s gone!

“Steampowered Broomsticks” by Gia Nikai Juliesse

We're saddened to share the news that former Linden Lab executive Joe Miller recently passed away. Joe was our VP of Platform and Technology Development from 2006 to 2010, and long-time Second Life Residents may fondly remember encountering his avatar, Joe Linden, as a friendly robot inworld.

Joe Miller (via LinkedIn) and his Second Life avatar, Joe Linden (via Gianna Borgnine’s Flickr)

Joe's work in his time at Linden Lab helped to dramatically improve Second Life and contributed to making the virtual world what it is today. Among his many contributions, Joe played a major role in the introduction of 3D voice to Second Life in 2007 - an incredibly powerful advancement that revolutionized how we can communicate inworld.

Those of us who had the good fortune to work with Joe during his time at Linden Lab remember his wonderful combination of fierce intelligence, tremendous warmth, and great caring for his fellow Lindens, for Second Life, and for its Residents.

We will miss him, and our thoughts and condolences are with Joe's family and friends in this time of great loss.

Second Life is home to all sorts of wild and fun entertainment. Role-playing, zombie survival, night clubs, and more are all waiting just the other side of the login screen. The Second Life Destination Guide is always happy to show you some of the best places to spend your virtual time, and this time, it’s all about dancing your worries away at some of Second Life’s music clubs.

The look and mood of a club can be as distinct as an artist’s sound - and there are plenty of places to get your musical kicks inworld. There’s an intimate blues experience, loud tunes in the great wide open, an island retro amphitheater, and a gothic underground cathedral. To top it off, in this installment of the Destination Guide Highlights, we have clubs built in a futuristic glass pyramid, a chic chrome island, and a good ol’ fashion main street nightclub.

Go on and get dancing, then show off those moves on the Official Second Life Flickr Page. If none of these places whet your obscure musical tastes,  and you know some you think we should check out, be sure to share it for consideration in the Destination Guide.

Let’s dance!

Toby's Juke Joint Blues Club

Toby’s Juke Joint, one of the oldest clubs in SL, offers a wide range of musical styles for all blues lovers. Modeled after an authentic bayou juke joint, the warm, friendly environment is a great place to dance, chat and meet friends old and new. The great mix of knowledgeable DJ's and live shows keep the blues alive 24-hours a day.

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Alabama Jack's

Alabama Jack's is a place for all to meet old friends and make new ones. They've got dancing, DJ's, live performers and scenic views of Key Largo. Their lobster is the best on the grid, and their large assortment of beers leave little to be desired. Everyone is welcome in this friendly atmosphere, open 24/7.

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Club 108 Main Street

This plush city venue redefines entertainment within the SecondLife club scene. Status and prestige await those that cross the velvet rope at Club 108 Main Street. A glamorous escape from traditional nightlife, Club 108 features large platforms for dancing, trendy décor and world class DJ's bringing pulse-pounding sounds. Come see the most dynamic nightlife destination around.

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Club End of Days

Enter the world of the dark angels, if you dare! Hidden in a dark corner of cyberspace is a secret club where vampires and other nocturnal creatures party the nights away. Join live DJ's as they play various music from old-school goth to the latest cyber goth genres. Welcome to Club End of Days.

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GOL the 9th

Famed across the grid as the top club for house music, the GOL series of clubs launches its most stylish venue so far. GOL the 9th is the place to go for cool clubbing and hot sounds. GOL is brought to you by the best DJ’s from across the world, so dress to impress and get ready to experience the most realistic club anywhere

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Dance Island

Find live DJ performances and non-stop action at Dance Island.

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Club Retro

Come hang out with the cool people at Club Retro, where live deejays play classic rock, hard rock, metal, punk and much more.

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Stand Up 2 Cancer is a non-profit organization established to raise funds for cancer research and to help fund groundbreaking new treatment development. Inara Pey has written a very informative blog post about the organization and the event.

While the entertainment industry plans to help raise awareness and funds by hosting a prime time event, Second Life musicians, venues, and artists are planning an inworld festival of music and fundraising in support of Stand Up 2 Cancer.

SL Music Race for a Cure (an official Stand Up 2 Cancer fundraising team) kicks off today, and a full list of venues, performers and information is available at The Shore.

Enjoy some live music and dancing, and contribute to a great cause.

“Second Life is the perfect place for amputees to overcome emotional trauma by sharing stories and realizing they are not alone!” says Sandra L. Winkler, assistant professor at NOVA University in Florida, teaching occupational therapy.

Sandra and her Virtual Health Adventures project are the subject of the latest episode of

While the study is still in an early state, Sandra believes results show that virtual worlds offer a valuable platform to help facilitate a peer-network and offer emotional support to friends and families who are dealing with physical and emotional transitions.

This study is just one example of how Second Life and virtual worlds can create a mutually positive exchange between people who may otherwise be unable to meet.

Watch the video

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Want to see more personal Second Life stories? Find all the previous episodes at Draxtor’s Website or below.

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 16: Feed a Smile

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 17: Zachh Barkley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 18: Paradise Lost

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 19: Virtual Chemistry at Texas A&M

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 20: Flockers

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 21: Editorial Clarity

What are your plans now that summer is winding down? Taking in the pumpkin spiced smell of everything as Fall beckons? Why not spend some time enjoying all the seasons that Second Life has to offer? Without further ado, come see some of the exciting new locations in the Second Life Destination Guide!

Start by purifying yourself at a soothing cathedral, before diving into a dark and gloomy haunted carnival. Peruse a sunny auto show or make a splash at an enormous waterslide. If you meet anyone along the way, or just want to relax after all the sightseeing, drop in at an exclusively romantic ballroom. Whatever you do and create, be sure to share it with the rest of the grid, on the Destination Guide or the Official Second Life Flickr Page

Lorena Monastery

Lorena Monastery is a a monastery and church for those who seek a moment of peace and silence in a crazy life. Though built as a Catholic monastery, people from any religion seeking contemplation are welcome here. Light a candle at the Mary shrine.

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Halloween Drop It

When you hear the banshee's cry, a person, high-bone, will die. A murder, quite often, is what fills the coffin. Then under the turf the bones will lie.

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Hot Bay City Nights

Now in its third year, Hot Bay City Nights has hot roads and cool cars. Come see established vintage automobile designers in the Bay City Fairgrounds from August 23-30 as they present the best in vintage and retro vehicles for all avatars. Additional events provide plenty for all to do, including the crowning of 2014’s Miss Bay City and a number of charity car washes. The event will raise funds for Child’s Play, a charity that provides toys and games for children in hospitals around the world.

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Marathon Caye Lookout Point & Waterslide

Welcome to the highest point at Marathon Caye. From here you can take in the breathtaking vistas or plunge down the 90-meter-tall custom-made water slide. Experience something truly unique and fun at Marathon Caye!

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Oceana Romantic Ballroom

Come relax and dance your cares away in Oceana Romantic Ballroom. Oceana is a perfect getaway for lovers, with its formal ballroom and romantic spots. They've even got a mall to help you find that perfect gift.

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