The Sci-Fi Con: "Altered States"

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

When the Sci-fi con opened I made a dash over to check it out. There are 9 regions filled with different themes. This time it is called Altered States. 

 

When I first landed I took a walk around to see the interesting exhibits. I stopped to look at a an exhibit and was greeted with Welcome by roxybaby777 Resident who invited me to come in and grab some freebies from Star Trek from the Wrath of Khan era and I did.

I moved along and stopped at Solaris where again there was a whole gaggle of avatars greeting. First I thought they were bots since there are lots around but no, they were all real. Caelie Anne Turbo (CaelieTurbo Resident) assured me there were all there and a few others talked with me also. The exhibitors also invited me to join if I was interested. No time! Nice uniforms though. I teleported to different regions just to check out the various themes.

Near by I came across some cuties selling thingies for great poofers. I love those so did buy some. Sαrα нღят-νση ѠσﾚŦ (S7 Luminos) and jιηgιє нღят-νση ѠσﾚŦ (Jingie Resident) also had come cute outfits for cuties like them. I forgot to ask them where in the universe they lived or what year it was .

I wandered through some dark woods and came across more characters from outer space and stopped to visit. Star Trek and Star Wars are everywhere.

In one I came across some wonderful Wookies inviting me into their bar. I am not familiar with a lot of the sci-fi characters but did recognize them. There are so many artifacts from around the universe and in the distant future times for sale everywhere Everything will benefit The Michael J Fox Foundation which does wonderful work in research and help for Parkinson’s Disease. This is the 16th year for this wonderful entertaining event that reaches beyond our earth. It will be open until June 4 and there are many events during this time. Here is a list of events.

https://vonwolfalphas.wixsite.com/sci-fi-con-and-commu/eventlist

When you land at the entrance stop into the Team Fox office. Creations Park is the permanent Team Fox site in SL. You can find out about it in the office and learn more about Parkinson’s disease and what to see at Creations Park.

Get there and have some fun seeing what is in the future and contribute to the cause. The entrance it here. RLYEH (186/99/74) However if you are a sci-fi fan and looking for a particular exhibitor here you go.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mb_j_SBJWVFuidPSqN6bwzC6jK7HEf1KNqsxO_xdC5s/edit#gid=0

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Correction: The con goes on to June 4, not July 7 

A Look At The Sci-Fi Expo

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

From Friday October 8 to Sunday October 17, 2021, the Sci-Fi Expo took place in Second Life. Subtitled "A Journey to New Eden," it was a celebration of science-fiction (and to some extent fantasy), it also had the purpose of raising money for Making Strides for Breast Cancer. 

The event took place in six temporary sims near the permanent American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society 2 sims. They were Aperture, New Eden, Arecibo II, The Remnant, Genisis Spire, and The Old Dam. For those not familiar with the "Portal" game, "Aperture" was the name of the corporation. The "IPink ICan" sim was host to the "I Pink I Can" event that took place at the same time. 

One minor complaint I've heard from a few Relayers is that some of the Sci-Fi Cons and Expos seemed a little plain in how they were made, compared to events like the Relay Weekend. 

This wasn't so much the case this time. The sims appeared to me to be much better done.

Lately, my schedule can be occasionally unpredictable. While I wasn't at the opening day of the Expo, I was able to be at several events the following day on Saturday the 9th. From 10 AM to Noon SL time at the main stage in Aperture, "DJ Kayla and the Roos," members of the Roos team of the Relay for Life, were playing onstage to a crowd.

 "Who you gonna call?" The Roos in this case.

From 1 to 4PM, there were the "Combat Bumper Boats ... Grab your friends and your water wings for some fun on the high seas!  Rez a bumper boat and challenge your friends to see who will remain dry, and who will be all wet behind the ears.  This is definitely a fun time you don't want to miss!"

The rules were fairly straightforward. Click on the boat rezzer, sit on the boat, select a color, then go at it in a free-for-all with no score. 

The boats when rezzed all started with 100 points of health. When they hit the shore, they lost a little health. When hitting another boat, they would lose more health. If there was a method to make another boat lose more health than you, I never did find it. Occasionally, there was a cartoon "smash," "zoing," "boing," or some other animated effect floating in the air.

There was also a water gun one could squirt at other players. I wasn't sure if it did a tiny amount of damage, or none at all. But we were using them anyway.

From 6 to 9PM that night was the superhero-themed "Bat Dance." As the narrator put it, "Don your super suit and enter the depths of the Batcave for a party that will even put a smile on the face of the Dark Knight!  It's a super night of dancing that will be absolutely heroic!" 

We ended up having a, super, time.

 On Tuesday at 8PM, it was DJ Mattie's turn on stage.

 "It's time for another event at the Sci-Fi Expo Main Stage. Performing at 8PM is the talented DJ Mattie. 'Shi was raised on country music, blues, bluegrass and classic rock. Shi still has a great passion for these genres, country being hir favorite. Music has always gotten hir though some of the worst times in hir life, and now shi love to share some of these wonderful tunes with folks here on SL' Come on over as we kick cancer's behind and have a fun time doing it."

 Someone passed around a few hula hoops. 

And there was quite a diverse audience.

I also decided to give the Sci-fi Expo quest a try. 

The plot of the quest involves Earth trying to broker a peace between the various factions of the colony world of New Eden. But the global communication network is down, and one of the research assistants from Earth has gone missing with a data crystal with information the delegation needs to get things going.

But as anyone whom has done these kinds of quests before, it wasn't that easy. Even when you find the research assistant, your quest has only just begun. She plugged an ancient computer into the communication network. 

In trying to find out what's going on, you discover a powerful artificial intelligence in the alien computer, which doesn't necessarily put Humanity's interests as priority.

You also run into the Greslok, the planet's native race.

 Much of their home area is littered with starship debris, which the human government has promise to clean up, eventually.

As it turns out, the Greslok live simply now, but long ago were more advanced and created a powerful artificial intelligence they ended up going to war with one another resulting in the destruction of technology, including the AI.

With the AI now seemingly reactivated, you go to turn off the main source of it's power.

You don't succeed in turning off the power. But you do get the artificial superinteligence to think about it's situation. In the end, a truce is agreed to, and it agrees to share some teraforming technology.

That's pretty much what I saw at the Sci-fi Expo. I did hear on Discord that on the day before it's close, it had raised more than 1,750,000 Lindens, or $7000 US dollars.

 There was more of course. Wildstar Beaumont would take a number of pictures and post them on his Flickr. And one can check out more on the blog (here). 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

SciFi Convention 2019, An Interview With Merky (Richmerk)

by Marcel Mosswood

So I’m ready for the SciFi Con 2019 that is held on May 17-26, 2019! I’m wearing my Star Trek costumes which I made for my Dinkie avatar months ago specifically to present the SciFi Convention 2019. I’ve done with my booth so today my agenda is to meet Merky (richmerk), the Coordinator of the committee for my interview about the SciFi Cons 2019. Here is the interview:

Merky (richmerk), The Coordinator of The Committee

Marcel: Hi Merky, let me introduce myself, I’m Marcel Mosswood, I would like to interview you for the SL Newser. I see that the Scifi Convention is very well prepared by your team. The landscape and the concept of the buildings are very attractive and professional. How long have all these preparations been made from the start?

Merky: Actually, because of real life issues, we got much less warning this year that we needed to build a convention, so everything you see here was created in just a few weeks.

The SciFi Con Sims

Marcel: Wow, that’s a really fast preparation for such a great event! I’ve read from the website that the event is held annually. Can you tell us the beginning of the idea of making this sci-fi event an annual event? Who are the avatars involved at the initial event?

Merky: The Scifi Cons go way back to the early days of SL. I don’t know the exact year because that was before I joined. Back in those days, it was a different group of people. I think originally a Real-Life group called the ‘International Federation of Trekkers’ was the force behind the conventions. When they caught the notice of the RFL, the Cons became more regular and larger.

Marcel: So, why do you associate Scifi Con with raising funds for RFL? Are there special reasons?

Merky: The Scifi Con has been with RFL since I joined the team. It’s a wonderful and worthwhile cause. They’ve always supported us, and because of their encouragement and advice, the Con is more successful now than it has ever been!

Marcel: I can say that is a good collaboration. What is your fundraising target for this year? And besides the fundraising, is there another goal that you would like to achieve?

Merky: In past years, I think the Cons have made around 1 million lindens. Last year we were a little smaller and only got 750k. This year though, Our goal is at least 2 million! There are a lot of generous people out there, the Con team is working overtime, and we have a lot more experienced help this year, so I’m sure we’ll reach it.

Marcel: About your great team, who are your team members? And how do you manage your teamwork to achieve your goals?

Merky: Myself and Debbydo are blessed this year with some great new helpers. We have a dedicated event manager this year, VєηυŞ (shayna.paine), who has worked tirelessly for weeks now to put together a solid lineup of shows and entertainments. The immense central domed building was constructed by Beth Delaunay (isilmeriel). The sims were built by Benjamin Brougham, StarWolff, and Varahi Lusch and Minions. Wolferein Foxdale’s job is basically to fix and make better all the stuff that I build, and mesh things. Kendra Mollsen (koreeah) is the troubleshooter and customer service girl. There are a bunch of other people also that were invaluable helpers both before and during the Con. We keep everything organized through Google Docs and Discord servers. Constant good communication is the key.

Marcel: Wonderful! I can see your work through the appearance of the Con. The last question but this may be inspiring others: Would you like to say something to our readers, maybe some quotes, which always motivates you during this fundraising activity? 

Merky: One of the things we did before the Con this year is come up with a theme song that reflects our core philosophy and what we try to accomplish in Second LIfe. Paul McCartney’s Hope for the Future (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=163_C5UVU-I).

Visit here to enjoy the sci-fi world, shop and donate for the Relay For Life: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SFC%20Atlantis/127/128/34

Marcel Mosswood

GeekSpeak Science Discussion: Leaving Earth

On Saturday January 20, I attended the "Geekspeak" science chat and discussion event. For those who don't know, the event takes place about every few weeks on a Saturday at 12 PM SL time, and is hosted by Erik Goff. The event takes place at Danmu (143/127/51).

Usually the topic is a science related one. Among them, how will the development of artificial intelligence affect humanity and society in the next ten to twenty years? Could tapping the large "pool" of magma just under Yellowstone help stave off a massive eruption while at the same time give the United States a large source of energy? What would factories on the moon be like? For last Saturday, the topic was a subject that's been the plot of a number of science-fiction stories, and the preliminary story of a few world-builder computer games: the emergency evacuation of Earth due to an impending disaster.

Let’s suppose we need to leave Earth in a hurry in a few (20? 100?) years’ time.  Maybe because of a nuclear winter, maybe because of an asteroid strike or maybe because the sun is about to explode.  How would we go about it?  Who will we select to go?  Could we, should we, turn anyone away?  If we have to travel for several generations who will be kept in stasis and who will be woken up on arrival?  Who will run the ship?  What animals and seeds will we bring with us?  How will we know what will be needed when we arrive?  Will we bring some animals and plants just because we like them? How will we organise life on the ship so as to keep social structure intact?  And when we arrive at a habitable planet will we dare leave our comfortable ship?  Maybe we will decide that life on an endlessly traveling ship is better. Come and talk with us about our future because, one day, we may need to pack. 

Someone asked about the possibility that politicians might try to keep such a disaster under wraps so only they and a few select friends would be saved. Erik responded, "You would think that, ... but you know, the Internet, everyone, including scientists, are vloggers now. Such a disaster could not be contained ..." Someone else commented, "I'm thinking that an asteroid scenario would be like 'When Worlds Collide.'  We'll send our best in a space arc, and the rabble will try to destroy it at launch, out of envy." And whom would be the colonists? Someone suggested perhaps only women would be selected to double the number of people able to give birth, relying on a sperm bank to have children.

It's a fair guess that if humanity had to pull off such a thing in the near future, it could barely be done and with close to the minimal number of people able to continue the survival of the species. "Could we do it?" Erik asked, "would we be able to build arks in 20 years?" "If we put our minds to it, sure," he was answered by one, "I would say that a concerted effort would do in in six months, tops." "In 6 months we could have a generation ship," someone else suggested. Another was a little skeptical, asking if space travel wasn't such a huge undertaking, why didn't we have men on Mars yet. I suggested that the reason was there had been no large deposits of gold or any other valuable minerals found.

 Reasons for an immediate evacuation wouldn't necessarily be due to nature, but by fellow beings. I recalled a friend's science-fiction story in which the alien race humanity first runs into are in two factions. Over much of the history of their homeworld, there are two major civilizations. One was driven by science and democratic rule. The other was driven by a religion that compelled them to try to conquer the other. The first could beat the second in warfare, but never could convince them to change their ways. Finally once faster-than-light travel was perfected, after the next war the first civilization ordered the people of the second off the planet, many millions ordered into cramped spaceships and shipped to another world.

Erik brought up one interesting possibility. Living in a space ark wouldn't be a comfortable existence. But once people were used to it, would they prefer it to settling on a world? As Erik put it, "would they *want* to live on a planet will all kinds of weird diseases?" Someone commented, "There was 'Orphans of the Sky' by Heinlein, where, at first, when they *finally* arrived at Far Centaurus, they had acrophobia, but it was so much better than the ship, they adjusted. Or at least we are left with that impression, as the story ends with arrival." I brought up in some stories, the colony ship was often the first structure of the colony, and remained the largest one for some time.

And would it be necessary to leave the solar system? Someone suggested a space ark (or a fleet of them) might just hang around until Earth was habitable again. Once you could build a large enough ship that could house a population indefinitely, would finding a colony be such a big priority, "Maybe once you go to the trouble to build a large generational ship that can have a seriously large population, a planet doesn't buy you much." I wondered if someone would bring up the idea of tunneling deep underground and wall-up against any disaster and spend generations in a self-sufficient underground area. But that less romantic idea wasn't discussed. There was one idea I didn't expect that was: what if a colony ship arrived at it's destination, but there was no one to colonize the planet as they had all committed suicide, "speculating on the overwhelming depression that generations of people in a generation ship may feel."

Someone did bring up one topic that I haven't seen in too many sci-fi tales, the idea of large numbers of humans moving to an alien civilization to live. That was a concept I had seen in some stories about the Chakats and their homeworld. But the Chakats did not evolve there; they were a genetically-engineered race created on Earth. The humans were going to a world where the natives spoke a dialect of English.

There were other topics discussed, such as the Metric system and why it wasn't adopted by those stubborn Americans. Eventually, the hour was up, and it was time for me to go.

Bixyl Shuftan

Sci-fi Convention in Second Life

By Grease Coakes

Most people in second life know that Relay For Life is a huge force in the grid as many teams compete to raise lindens to turn into real money to fight against cancer in the real world. Second in itself is a virtual experience with a sci-fi theme. Log in into a world where anything is possible from creating a fantasy or sci-fi environment. Also you can meet people from around the globe whether in your own country or somewhere else in the globe. So Second Life is an excellent medium to present a sci-fi convention which is subtitled passport to Hope.

The 2017 Sci-Fi Convention is held at Forty Two (103/124/23) and you learn about it here https://slscificonvention.wordpress.com/. From March 24th until April 2nd this year you can stop by and have a galaxy of fun with vendors, DJs, and events. I was surprised to find a Klingon city that was empty (I guess the Klingons killed everyone and went back to Kronos). And also I was surprised when I found  Jadziyah Resident’s shop which had rockets from Tintin the European comic. I couldn’t help it but to buy the rocket where Tintin flew to the moon in one  of his adventures.

The sim was spilt up into earth,fire,water,air,life, and equilibrium as themes. All throughout the convention I saw lots of exciting things such as a RP area based on Star Trek. Also a theater which had real life photos of actors and a special actress that passed away recently. It showed actors such as Alan Rickman who played Snape in the Harry Potter movies. Also Carrie Fisher who was princess Leia in the Star Wars movies. Inside was a stargate from the Stargate movie and a huge Doctor who display.

At 3pm SLT I found a theater play called “The Lucid Journey.” Where a woman’s husband named Lewis Liddell is presumed dead. His wife still alive to take a journey in a dreamscape and beyond to find him. The character’s dialogue was in green text as the avatars were on stage. It was great to watch. There’s also scheduled events and a dj here and there. I saw lots of vendors selling Star Trek goodies and a few Star Wars vendors selling lite sabers.

I grabbed Ariadne Fall, who was one of the people in charge of the convention, and asked her what her thoughts were about the sci-fi convention and she had this to say, "It's wacky and fun, exhibitors form all over the grid, and events every single day....  it's proof of what pixel people can do when they believe in something. We love sci-fi and we hate cancer.  It's that simple."

I asked her, "What's your fave sci-fi movie, book series, whatever?"

Ariadne told me, "Ooohhhhh, good question!  'Biting The Sun' by Tanith Lee for favorite sci-for book. ...and favorite movie is a choice I cannot possibly make... if 'Earth Girls Are Easy,' 'Evolution,' 'Demolition Man' are on, I watch!"

One of the things people hope for in the future is that the human race destroys cancer. We always look for a future such as star trek where racism is a thing of the past and equality for all is what people strive for. The sci-fi convention here in second life is one cosmic leap in that direction.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Forty%20Two/103/124/23

Grease Coakes

Gia Smith And The Sci-Fi Music Festival

By DeafLegacy DarkBloom

While the Sci Fi Music Fest was quiet when I arrived, it grew into a good number of people.  Unfortunately, there was a problem that came up. A bug in the Relay kiosk kept people from directly donating. Fortunately, ways were found around it, and before long the glitch was fixed. So the event was able to go on normally.

While there, I ran into the deejay for the Relay for Life event, Gia Smith (gialovely12345).  She had been working with the RFL for four years.  Gia would say that after being to all the events, the Relay is an inspiration.  She plans to continue working with the fundraiser for the American Cancer society in future years. Gia also explained that the Sci-Fi Music Festival is about music fromshows like "Dr. Who" and movies like "Star Wars."  Of the total raised, the last she checked, 200 dollars had been collected.

Gia Smith states on her profile she is a member of Team Shadows, and among the groups she is in is Sail for Life. These two gold-ranked teams have raised a total of over 700,000 Lindens.

When it comes to dealing with cancer, it is a never ending fight.  We have people like Gia willing to take this fight all the way to see that people with this dreaded illness will get the help that they need.  We do need people like her, after all.  That's why Relay for Life is an inspiration, not just to Gia, but to many people all over the world.  As it turns out, the way to do it is with another love; love for music and love for science fiction.

DeafLegacy DarkBloom

Star Wars Tribute Events at Luskwood and the SLCS

By Bixyl Shuftan

Unless you've been on a deserted island, you've heard about the new "Star Wars" movie, "Episode Seven: The Force Awakens," having recently hit the theaters in December 18. It was descended upon by it's highly enthusiastical core fandom, and casual fans alike, giving it the biggest box office opening weekend of movie history.

Second Life had a few tribute events to celebrate the movie fans have been waiting years for. On Saturday December 19 at 6PM, Luskwood had a tribute event somewhere in space high above the Perry sim.

The place took on the look of an Imperial station's hangar, with it's dim lights and TIE fighters,"Oh we're in an imperial bay?" But there was no shortage of people dropping in.

DJ Dash (Shurikenangel) played the tunes for the event, "Let me know if you have any requests! Does not have to be just Star Wars!" Many were from the movies, such as the music from Jabba's den, "I dunno what George Lucas was smoking when he thought up this song." "This is a pretty nice wretched hive of scum and villainy, though." When it turned out that the music had been given the name "Jizz," it brought no shortage of snickers, "Pfffft!" "Unfortunate name." "Let's fill the room with jizz!" "Jizz Music... Damn you, George Lucas. (grin)"

But there were other tunes played, such as the theme to Mel Brooks sci-fi parody "Spaceballs." And when that started playing, so did the jokes, "I have a Mr Coffee/Mr Radar I can rez." "Y'know I work on security systems fairly often, and it's amazing how frequently the pin "1234" works (grin)." "Prepare ship for Ludicrous Speed! 

There was no shortage of Star Wars themed avatars, as well as outfits, such as this BB-8 droid avatar and Mandalorian armor.

Behind the DJ booth, Satch Flan had rezzed a few freebie Star Wars avatar and outfit vendors. Disney's owning of the trademark means no one else can legally make money off it without their okay, though fan-made items given out for free are another matter, "I always upvote protective gear."

One of the avatars was an "Imperial Critter," a mesh furry avatar in an Imperial uniform.  One vendor was for Stormtrooper armor, the folder in one's inventory simply called "Armor." A third was for a larger mesh furry avatar in modified Stormtrooper armor made for a digitgrade, the folder simply named "Trooper."

In the novels, the Empire was described as having a policy against non-humans due to the Emperor's prejudices. Though that didn't necessarily stop other races from serving in it's ranks, especially in lesser-known space, "Live long the Empire!"

Michi Lumin, pictured here, told everyone as the movie had just come out, anyone giving out spoilers would be booted out of the party, "Spoilers will get you kicked. I'm not joking." She did allow one Stat Wars spoiler to be shown, though. Satch joked, "Only thing I want to know, is Jar jar in the movie? And is he the Sith Lord (grin)."

A few came as Jedi with their trusty lightsabers, though since they couldn't actually cut anything here, "I guess I do have this goofy lightsabre glowstick."

Unlike some other sci-fi at it's start, "Star Wars" aliens were not just "humans with bumps." That's me in the center left as a Zehethbran smuggler, some interpretations of this race's appearance being skunklike. So the story universe fit quite nicely in mostly furred Luskwood. 

But the near humans weren't absent either, such as this T'welik lady.

With Trotsdale's close relationship with Luskwood, there were several ponies who showed up. One wondered how feasible it would be to make Stormtrooper armor for them. Someone joked they could always put white lacquer on a horse coat.

The next day on Sunday December 20, there was another Star Wars tribute event. This one was for the Relay for Life, organized by the Second Life Cheerleading Squad.

Jedis, Sith, Droids, Smugglers, and Bounty Hunters rejoice Star Wars is back. To honor this great occasion The SLCS Cheerleaders are having a Star Wars Party today to honor the opening of the Force Awakens. It will be a 12 hour concert with all sorts of Cantina Band Singers\ With a stellar presence, her voice sultry and smooth, Starrfish Ohmai is pure sweetness with a touch of fun.

The place high in space over the Cheertopia sim resembled a space station with a YT-1300 Correllian light freighter parked just outside. Though some cheerleaders joked to people dropping in, "Welcome to the Death Star."

The event would go on for several hours, with a number of DJs and live performers. The Newser has yet to find out how much has been raised, as I was at the event only briefly, but it was certainly in the thousands.

To core and casual Star Wars fans alike, "May the Force be with you."

Bixyl Shuftan

*Addition* Someone posted this link to a number of pictures also taken at the Luskwood party: http://imgur.com/a/Zq46P .