SL Newser - Events: February 2011

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Events this Week in Second Life from Feb 22 to Feb 28

Tuesday February 22

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
The club of the most active romance-themed sim in Second Life

Theme: "Tuxes & Tiarras" (formal attire) DJ: Cameron, Host: Cavell
($L500 one board)
10 AM to 12 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Leather & Lace, DJ: Blacktulp, Host: Eva
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

5PM "Passionate Redheads" Relay for Life Meeting

Back in the fall we had a series of very productive meetings to share ideas about how to make this year's RFL the best ever. Now, with just 5 weeks to go before we start the 2011 season, lets have a few more. Let us get together in the Spirit of Relay and share our ideas. Whether you are an old Relay hand, or are new to us, your ideas and input are most welcome! Please join us Tuesday at 5pm - thank you! GO RELAY!! GO REDHEADS!!

Southern Colorado, (163, 42, 26)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
"A party among the stars" in a featured space club

Theme: Best Tail, DJ: Timber, Host: Miyuki
$L500 Contest
6 to 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday February 23

11 AM. SLT. - The Writer's Support Group

Eppie Shoreman's informal & informative Writer's Chat Support Group. Readers and Artists are especially welcome :-) We never know what we'll be talking about and even the seemingly random chatter is interesting :-)

11 AM - 12 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: Heroes and Villians, DJ Juliana, Hosts: Prince
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Live Music, Musician: Maxx Sabretooth
4 to 5 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6 PM Cutlass Club Party
"Best open air club on SL. Always live-music, best dancers to entertain you. 125m above Sunweaver Air. Open wed, Fri, Sat nights 6pm SL, Sun 1pm SL time. Come enjoy and dance your cares away."

Theme & DJ to be announced
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

6PM Club Little Dove
"Dance as you sail away above the majestic Colorado mountains in the airship Little Dove"

Theme: "Best in Yellow", DJ: Alexandra, Host: Skylark
$L250 Contest
6-8 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)

7PM The Odd Ball

"Hello Tunaverse! I am Tuna Oddfellow and this is my partner Shava. We are your hosts on this wild ride. Do not attempt to adjust your monitors we are controling transmission!"

11AM to 1PM Research Center (123, 135, 652)

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday February 24

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: "Fantasy" (elves, dragons, fae, princes/princesses etc...), DJ Cameron, Hosts: Cavell
(L$500 one board)
10AM to 12PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Colors of Love (Red, Pink & White), DJ: Blacktulip, Host: Pint
12 PM to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

2 PM Sandor Zabelin's Live Readings from Sena Quaren's & Alexander M Zoltai's "Notes From An Alien."

The tale of a civilization's rise from devastating war to enduring peace. Always a lively discussion after the readings :-) Also, those attending can claim a Special Listing in the published book ! The authors will reserve space to list all those who have helped, in many different ways, to bring the book to its final state... The listing includes your name (or, alias), a 2-line Bio, and Web Address :-)

Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6 PM Virtually Speaking

“A weekly news review and counterpoint to the network opinion shows. Each week, two well regarded bloggers discuss the events of the week, with an emphasis on U.S. politics and policy. “
Jay Ackroyd hosts.
6-7 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
"A party among the stars" in a featured space club

Theme: "Ok, this is gonna be really funny, DJ Sadie Aloix, the amazing girl who is not really a big fun of clothes and the shy and obssess with clothes Yulia V will be presenting you 'Best in Topless.' "
DJ: Sadie, Host: Yulia,
500L Contest
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Friday February 25

1 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: Live Music, Artist: Zorch Boomhauer, Host: Micha
1 PM to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Live Music, Artist:Lexie Luan, Host: Micah
2 PM to 3 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme & DJ to be announced
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

* * * * * * * * * *

Saturday February 26

10AM Netera's Coffee Lounge
Welcome to Netera's Coffee Lounge. Hope you enjoy our informative chat in our new jazzy set. In this venue you'll participate in interviews with real life writers, singers and artists

10 AM singer-musician: ZooZz Magic
Terric (43, 137, 28)

11 AM singer-musician: Christopher Walmer
Terric (43, 137, 28)

2 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: "Pure Romance" - Best Dressed Contest, DJ: Tom Denimore
2 PM to 4 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
Theme: "Alice in Wonderland," DJ: Daniella, Host: Miyuki, 250L
"Last party of the week, almost saying bye bye february...Dj Daniella Looming rocking our worlds again and Miyuki Naidoo hosting 'Alice in Wonderland' for you, were you can have 250L just for wearing a cutie dress, being a white rabbit or an evil queen."
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme and DJ to be announced
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

7:30 PM Saint Quentin Ballroom
DJ Lewt and his lovely wife Janna hosting dancing and music at the Saint Quentin Ballroom, music from all eras.
NOTE: The ballroom is set in the middle of a roleplay sim. The dance area is neutral ground, but guests are asked not to disturb players outside it.
7:30 - 9:39 PM Saint Quentin (64, 90, 32)

* * * * * * * * * *

Sunday February 20

10 AM The Fitzgerald Nightclub & Lounge
Sunday Morning Poetry Readings
10 AM Unsung Village (54, 91, 22)

11AM The Odd Ball

11AM to 1PM, Research Center (123, 135, 652)

1 PM "Open Mike Event" Book Island
Join Imarad Breen & Sandor Zabelin for our Open Mic In The Sky in the gorgeous Scottish Panorama. Bring your own writings (fiction, non-fiction, poetry...) or the writings of one of your favorite authors. You can read on Voice Chat or one of our regulars can read for you. And, we sure won't kick you out if all you want to do is listen :-)

1 PM Book Island (227, 211, 868)

1 PM Cutlass Club

"Euro Party" 1-3 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

4:30 "The 1st Question"

Live viewing of "The Quiz Show to the Stars! If you have an answer, we have a question."
4:30-5 PM Spinthrift (70, 241, 700)

5 PM Virtually Speaking
5-6 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

5:30PM The East Coast Conservative Podcast
"The East Coast Conservative Podcast is a weekly news & commetary podcast hosted by Hatton Humphrey (aka Hatton Hunghi in SL) and Ken Johnston (who barely has time for a real life). Our take on the world is generally conservative with a lot of humor and enough bad jokes to make a clown cry. Okay, the bad jokes are normally from Hatton, but whaddya do?"
5:30 PM Grand Old Party (166, 130, 23)

6 PM Tonight Live

Live viewing of the Tonight Live SL TV show by Paisley Beebe
6-7 PM Lewis Rock (20, 232, 3501)

8PM Cypress Rosewood

The "Best Ambient Artist in SL" performs at the Space Music Theater
Spinthrift (156, 81, 98)

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday February 21

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: To be Announced
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

2:30 PM Marney Wolfhunter

Marney Wolfhunter presents readings of her works as well as others' from her publishing house.
There are changes afoot for this creative woman and we'll hear all about it soon...
She also leaves time for a bit of Open Mic...

2:30-3:30 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6PM Club Little Dove

Theme and DJ to be announced
6 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Stop Epilepsy Our SL Way

Second Life raised L$ 166,628 for National Epilepsy Foundation with 25 hours of live music in one weekend. Lead organizer VanMorrison Mint cheered our donations upwards, as she, her friends and loved ones: Krrick Moonites, Keeba Tammas, Patch, and many others... organized a wonderful musical fundraiser for medical research in Second Life (SL).

In picture 2, Clairede Dirval literally rocks us out with her fearless brand of singing, songwriting, and guitars. Joining her onstage in this miracle weekend, numerous live musicians, including: Quinton Whitman, Bones Writer, Bart and Whirligig, Annan Dreamscape, Paul Nowles, Grateful Stryker, Evamoon Ember, Strum Diesel, Keeba Tammas, Lehman Shinn, BellaDonna Lemondrop, PMANN Sands, ReggieSunset Rookswood, Onehempcat Oldrich, Caoilte Skytower, Mack Humbridge, Clairede Dirval, EricSteffensen Mistwalker, Gregg Huet, KevinMThomas Carpool, LaidBack Celt, Phemie Alcott and Vincent Merrick. All in order of appearance! Imagine that!

In Second Life, we all help each other and pitch in for a good cause. Organizers and live musicians donate their valuable talents and time to charity. Audience members send invites to their friends, fill the house, and have a rockin good time, whilst going wild for our new favoriate charity. Events like this, while impossible to attract this fabulous talent in RL, can be readily pulled together in a fortnight or two. See the story's end for my free event training.

Epilepsy affects 50,000,000 people worldwide; almost 90% of those are in 3rd world developing countries. It is a neurological disorder that can be genetic or trauma induced, e.g. head injuries. Epilepsy is treatable, but hard to diagnose, with very personalized symptoms. Like many other conditions, patients go through numerous physicians until they find treatment that works for their case. It's frustrating at best. Epilepsy can be life threatening, as SL friends discovered, in stories past: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-372726

For more information about Epilepsy:

http://www.outoftheshadows.com/index.cfm
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/

At the fundraiser, I met SL citizen Epileptic Dreddmore, who said: "I have been trying to create awareness for Epilepsy in SL since September." Diagnosed with the disease at a young age, Epileptic has since, "I have joined SL I have met more people touched by Epilepsy or who have it than I have in my entire life."

SL is a great platform for networking and raising awareness, and I hope to see many more events like this live music marathon raising Epilepsy awareness!

Isn't Second Life grand... there I am with a bunch of good friends, GREAT LIVE MUSIC, and sync dancing with new friend Mette Jarvinen, and many wonderful friends (Picture 3), having the best times of our lives, for a good cause, for charity. IMHO, this is what Second Life is all about.

If you are interested in organizing great SL events like this one, but don't feel experienced enough, please join us at New Citizens Inc for free event organizer training, Sundays at 6:30am and Wednesdays at 9am SL time (US Pacific). Instant message me in SL (any1 Gynoid) for more information.

(Originaly printed in CNN)

Any1 Gynoid

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Events this Week in Second Life from Feb 15 to Feb 21

Tuesday February 15

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
The club of the most active romance-themed sim in Second Life

Theme: "Flower Power" (60's & 70's) DJ: Cameron, Host: Cavell
($L500 one board)
10 AM to 12 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Angels & Devils, DJ: Blacktulp, Host: Eva
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

5PM "Passionate Redheads" Relay for Life Meeting

Back in the fall we had a series of very productive meetings to share ideas about how to make this year's RFL the best ever. Now, with just 5 weeks to go before we start the 2011 season, lets have a few more. Let us get together in the Spirit of Relay and share our ideas. Whether you are an old Relay hand, or are new to us, your ideas and input are most welcome! Please join us Tuesday at 5pm - thank you! GO RELAY!! GO REDHEADS!!

Southern Colorado, (163, 42, 26)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
"A party among the stars" in a featured space club

Theme: Best in Glasses/Sunglasses, DJ: Timber, Host: Miyuki
$L500 Contest
6 to 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday February 16

11 AM. SLT. - The Writer's Support Group

Eppie Shoreman's informal & informative Writer's Chat Support Group. Readers and Artists are especially welcome :-) We never know what we'll be talking about and even the seemingly random chatter is interesting :-)

11 AM - 12 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: Wings, DJ Juliana, Hosts: Prince & Micha
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6 PM Cutlass Club Party
"Best open air club on SL. Always live-music, best dancers to entertain you. 125m above Sunweaver Air. Open wed, Fri, Sat nights 6pm SL, Sun 1pm SL time. Come enjoy and dance your cares away."

Species Week
Theme: "Cats versus Canines"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

6PM Club Little Dove
"Dance as you sail away above the majestic Colorado mountains in the airship Little Dove"

Theme: "Best in Violet", DJ: Alexandra, Host: Skylark
$L250 Contest
6-8 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)

7PM The Odd Ball

"Hello Tunaverse! I am Tuna Oddfellow and this is my partner Shava. We are your hosts on this wild ride. Do not attempt to adjust your monitors we are controling transmission!"

11AM to 1PM Research Center (123, 135, 652)

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday February 17

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: "Beetlemania," DJ Cameron, Hosts: Cavell
(L$500 one board)
10AM to 12PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Animals and Animal Prints, DJ: Blacktulip, Host: Pint
12 PM to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

2 PM Sandor Zabelin's Live Readings from Sena Quaren's & Alexander M Zoltai's "Notes From An Alien."

The tale of a civilization's rise from devastating war to enduring peace. Always a lively discussion after the readings :-) Also, those attending can claim a Special Listing in the published book ! The authors will reserve space to list all those who have helped, in many different ways, to bring the book to its final state... The listing includes your name (or, alias), a 2-line Bio, and Web Address :-)

Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6 PM Virtually Speaking

“A weekly news review and counterpoint to the network opinion shows. Each week, two well regarded bloggers discuss the events of the week, with an emphasis on U.S. politics and policy. “
Jay Ackroyd hosts.
6-7 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
"A party among the stars" in a featured space club

Theme: "Best in Black and White," DJ: Sadie, Host: Yulia,
500L Contest
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Friday February 18

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme: Skunks
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

* * * * * * * * * *

Saturday February 19

10AM Netera's Coffee Lounge
Welcome to Netera's Coffee Lounge. Hope you enjoy our informative chat in our new jazzy set. In this venue you'll participate in interviews with real life writers, singers and artists

10 AM singer-musician: Jesika Wirefly
Terric (43, 137, 28)

11 AM singer-musician: Cyndi Burnstein
Terric (43, 137, 28)

2 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: "Pure Romance" - Best Dressed Contest, DJ: Tom Denimore, Host: Savannah
2 PM to 4 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
Theme: "Worst Shoes," DJ: Daniella, Host: Miyuki
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme: "Foxy"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

7:30 PM Saint Quentin Ballroom
DJ Lewt and his lovely wife Janna hosting dancing and music at the Saint Quentin Ballroom, music from all eras.
NOTE: The ballroom is set in the middle of a roleplay sim. The dance area is neutral ground, but guests are asked not to disturb players outside it.
7:30 - 9:39 PM Saint Quentin (64, 90, 32)

* * * * * * * * * *

Sunday February 20

10 AM The Fitzgerald Nightclub & Lounge
Sunday Morning Poetry Readings
10 AM Unsung Village (54, 91, 22)

11AM The Odd Ball

11AM to 1PM, Research Center (123, 135, 652)

1 PM "Open Mike Event" Book Island
Join Imarad Breen & Sandor Zabelin for our Open Mic In The Sky in the gorgeous Scottish Panorama. Bring your own writings (fiction, non-fiction, poetry...) or the writings of one of your favorite authors. You can read on Voice Chat or one of our regulars can read for you. And, we sure won't kick you out if all you want to do is listen :-)

1 PM Book Island (227, 211, 868)

1 PM Cutlass Club

"Euro Party" 1-3 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

4:30 "The 1st Question"

Live viewing of "The Quiz Show to the Stars! If you have an answer, we have a question."
4:30-5 PM Spinthrift (70, 241, 700)

5 PM Virtually Speaking
5-6 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

5:30PM The East Coast Conservative Podcast
"The East Coast Conservative Podcast is a weekly news & commetary podcast hosted by Hatton Humphrey (aka Hatton Hunghi in SL) and Ken Johnston (who barely has time for a real life). Our take on the world is generally conservative with a lot of humor and enough bad jokes to make a clown cry. Okay, the bad jokes are normally from Hatton, but whaddya do?"
5:30 PM Grand Old Party (166, 130, 23)

6 PM Tonight Live

Live viewing of the Tonight Live SL TV show by Paisley Beebe
6-7 PM Lewis Rock (20, 232, 3501)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Egypt Sim: Protests Turn to Celebration at News of Egyptian Leader’s Stepping Down

As the protests went on in Egypt, so did the demonstrations at the Egypt sim in Second Life. On Thursday February 10th, it was announced Egypt’s strongman Mubarak would be giving a speech. People speculated that he was finally giving in and resigning. But instead, Mubarak announced he was transferring some powers to his Vice-President, saying he would stay until the planned elections in September.

At the Egypt sim, the mostly anti-Mubarak crowd expressed their disappointment, “(This is) the same s**t as the last time he was on TV.” “He is staying until September.” “It looks like the news agencies jumped the gun in reporting that he was stepping down.” “I think riots now.” “I am afraid of that.” “Oh God save us all!” “He gives a good impression of a mad rambling megalomaniac.” “(Many) are demonstrating at Tahrir Square now and (many) all over streets, they wont let him stay.” “He is trying to brainwash them, but they are not stupid.” “MUBARAK GO NOW!”

Various people displayed links to the Al Jazeera website where live footage was broadcasts. Others watched CNN. Voice was active in the sim, and people began using their microphones to sound out the news station’s broadcasts of the sounds of the angry crowd, “All People in Tahrir Square saying Mubarak Go, Down Down Mubarak.” “He can kiss my a**!” “He is deaf and blind, ignoring people.” “Just resign Mubarak!!! get out!!!!!” “What a stubborn old man.” “Leave, leave, leave, Mubarak.” “Get out Mubarak!!!” Someone called out, “Listen to the square.” And people began chanting in type what they heard, “Leave, leave, leave, Mubarak.” “LEAVE LEAVE MUBARAK!” “Leave leave leave leave Mubarak!”

Not everyone at the sim was so quick to demand Mubarak leave. Some commented there would have to be procedures for a peaceful transition. But they were outnumbered as the chants continued, “Leave leave leave leave Mubarak!”

The following day, there were reports of Mubarak leaving the capital, taking a vacation at a resort town. Then came reports that the military had finally stepped in and ordered him out. In effect, there was a military coup. But it was a coup the protesters welcomed. When the news hit Tahrir Square, the people erupted in cheers. After thirty years, longer than many of the demonstrators had been alive, Mubarak’s reign was finally over.

Logging into Second Life, the atmosphere reflected real life. Gone were the protest signs. Instead, people were waving flags around, cheering, as firecrackers went off on the ground, “Egypt! Egypt! Egypt!” people chanted in chat again and again. The sim had been changed a little to resemble Tahir Square, complete with the tanks. A few women were dressed in Arabic women’s wear in the colors of the Egyptian flag. Someone was chanting anti-Isreali slogans, “Free Palestine!” in addition to rezzing a couple anti-Israeli cartoons, but most ignored them. The event was all about Egypt. At one point, comedian Lauren Weyland dropped in. She thought this was an exciting day, and wished the Egyptians well.

Besides the Egypt sim, I heard of a display in the Terra Egyptian sim. Porting over, there were Al Jazeera broadcasts plus a number of anti-Mubarak cartoons. One panel had his picture “X”ed out, “Bye-Bye Mubarak!”

In real life, newsmen have been endlessly discussing the situation. As of now, there isn’t much of a political process as the Mubarak regime stamped out any dissent. The Islamic Brotherhood has gotten some talk, people worried about the possibility of “another Iran.” Israel in particular is watching nervously, worried that an anti-Israeli regime would mean a return to the days when they lived under the everyday threat of war and bombardment. Others look at the situation more optimistically, calling the outbreak of demonstrations all over the Middle East their “1989,” comparing it to the fall of the Iron Curtain.

For now, the Egyptians are taking the moment to celebrate this unique moment in history, in Second Life as well as real-life.

Bixyl Shuftan

(Note: when preparing this article, I found most of my pictures were nowhere to be found, so I used what I had)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Events this Week in Second Life from Feb 8 to Feb 14

Tuesday February 8

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
The club of a noted romance-themed sim

Theme: "Tinsel Town," DJ: Cameron, Host: Cavell
($L500 one board)
10 AM to 12 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Pirates, DJ: Blacktulp, Host: Eva
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

5PM "Passionate Redheads" Relay for Life Meeting

Back in the fall we had a series of very productive meetings to share ideas about how to make this year's RFL the best ever. Now, with just 5 weeks to go before we start the 2011 season, lets have a few more. Let us get together in the Spirit of Relay and share our ideas. Whether you are an old Relay hand, or are new to us, your ideas and input are most welcome! Please join us Tuesday at 5pm - thank you! GO RELAY!! GO REDHEADS!!

Southern Colorado, (163, 42, 26)

* * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday February 9

11 AM. SLT. - The Writer's Support Group

The Writer's Support Group is an informal supportive group where writers can talk about projects they are working on, bounce ideas around and talk about what is going on with their writing and the writing world in general. On Wednesdays at 11am SLT, we invite all writers -experienced or beginners -to join us. Eppie Shoreman will be moderating. If you are interested in moderating any future sessions of the writer's support group please let her know.

11 AM - 12 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: Love in the 80's, DJ Juliana, Hosts: Savannah and Prince
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Live Music, Artist: Maxx Sabretooth
4PM to 5PM (New regular time)

6 PM Cutlass Club Party
"Best open air club on SL. Always live-music, best dancers to entertain you. 125m above Sunweaver Air. Open wed, Fri, Sat nights 6pm SL, Sun 1pm SL time. Come enjoy and dance your cares away."

Theme: "Hot Legs" - Jenni
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

6PM Club Little Dove
"Dance as you sail away above the majestic Colorado mountains in the airship Little Dove"

Theme: "Best Ears and Tail", DJ: Lex, Host: Skylark
$L250 Contest
6-8 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)

7PM The Odd Ball

"Hello Tunaverse! I am Tuna Oddfellow and this is my partner Shava. We are your hosts on this wild ride. Do not attempt to adjust your monitors we are controling transmission!"
Guest musician: Cypress Rosewood
11AM to 1PM Research Center (123, 135, 652)

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday February 10

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: Doctors and Nurses - TBC, DJ Cameron, Hosts: Cavell
(L$500 one board)
10AM to 12PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: "Best in Black," DJ: Blacktulip, Host: Pint
12 PM to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Live Reading of Sena Quaren's & Alexander M Zoltai's "Notes From An Alien." 2 PM

This is a tale of the exciting and dangerous journey from heart-wrenching war to enduring peace. Those attending receive a free copy of the book; plus, if they wish, their name (or, alias) in a special listing in the book - plus the opportunity to have a 2-line Bio & Web address with their listing.

Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6 PM Virtually Speaking, “A weekly news review and counterpoint to the network opinion shows. Each week, two well regarded bloggers discuss the events of the week, with an emphasis on U.S. politics and policy. “ Jay Ackroyd hosts.
6-7 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
"A party among the stars" in a featured space club

Theme: "Careless Outfit," DJ: Sadie, Host:Yulia, "Time for NOT caring about clothes"
500L Contest
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Friday February 11

1 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: Live Music, Artist: Zorch Boomhauer, Host: Micha
1 PM to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Live Music, Artist:Lexie Luan, Host: Micah
2 PM to 3 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme: "Goth Dance"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

* * * * * * * * * *

Saturday February 12

10AM Cape Serenity Library Grand Opening

The Cape Serenity Library is a specialty collection that features works by authors who have disabilities. Between these events, please feel free to browse the collection.

10AM Story Telling by Ronin1 Shippe
11AM Live music by the group ~DRUM~
1PM Poetry led by Mable Hyun and Tank Thibedeau
2PM Dance to the music of DJ RockandRoll Michigan
Cape Serenity (89, 116, 22)

10AM Netera's Coffee Lounge
Welcome to Netera's Coffee Lounge. Hope you enjoy our informative chat in our new jazzy set. In this venue you'll participate in interviews with real life writers, singers and artists

10 AM singer-musician: Colton Cadell
Terric (43, 137, 28)

2 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: "Pure Romance" - Best Dressed Contest, DJ: Tom Denimore, Host: Savannah
2 PM to 4 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity
Theme: "Best Furry," DJ: Rotative, Host: Miyuki
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme: "Pirates"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

* * * * * * * * * *

Sunday February 13

10 AM The Fitzgerald Nightclub & Lounge
Sunday Morning Poetry Readings
10 AM Unsung Village (54, 91, 22)

11AM The Odd Ball

11AM to 1PM, Research Center (123, 135, 652)

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: Live Music, Artist: Debi Late
12 PM to , Mystery (79, 89, 23)

1 PM "Open Mike Event" Book Island
Bring poetry, short stories or even read your novel. We would love to hear your work or your favorite poet or author read by you. We would love to have you here as part of the audience, if you want to listen to the voiced readings of others. Facilitated by Imarad Breen and Sandor Zabelin

1 PM Book Island (164, 39, 22)

1 PM Cutlass Club

"Euro Party" 1-3 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

4:30 "The 1st Question"

Live viewing of "The Quiz Show to the Stars! If you have an answer, we have a question."
4:30-5 PM Spinthrift (70, 241, 700)

5 PM Virtually Speaking
5-6 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

5:30PM The East Coast Conservative Podcast
"The East Coast Conservative Podcast is a weekly news & commetary podcast hosted by Hatton Humphrey (aka Hatton Hunghi in SL) and Ken Johnston (who barely has time for a real life). Our take on the world is generally conservative with a lot of humor and enough bad jokes to make a clown cry. Okay, the bad jokes are normally from Hatton, but whaddya do?"
5:30 PM Grand Old Party (166, 130, 23)

6 PM Tonight Live

Live viewing of the Tonight Live SL TV show by Paisley Beebe
6-7 PM Lewis Rock (20, 232, 3501)

8 PM "Virtual Tonight with Sam Nightfire."

"Virtual Tonight with Sam Nightfire, is an entertainment, variety talk show with an array of topics ranging from current events and cultural trends to politics, comedy and more, all while bringing viewers closer to their favorite celebrities and notable public figures with revealing, compelling interviews."
8 PM Virtual World Network (49, 58, 1010)

8PM Cypress Rosewood

The "Best Ambient Artist in SL" performs at the Space Music Theater
Spinthrift (156, 81, 98)

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday February 14, Valentines Day

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: To be Announced
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

2:30 PM Marney Wolfhunter

Marney Wolfhunter is a publisher (Dragon International Independent Arts), and writer. She will be reading live on Mondays between 2:30pm and 3:30pm from her own work and presenting some of the authors she publishes. M.M. Bennetts is one of her authors.

2:30-3:30 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6PM Club Little Dove

Theme and DJ to be announced
6 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Demonstrating at the Egypt Sim

In recent days, Egypt has been the location of some major political demonstrations every day. Sparked by similar demonstrations in Tunisia that eventually forced the dictator there to step down, the Egyptian mass protests have the goal of forcing their leader of thirty years to step down as well. Mubarak has taken moves to try and hinder the protests, such as calling out the police and cutting off Internet and cell phone service, but these have had no real effect on the demonstrations.

In Second Life, there is an Egypt sim. The group owning it appears to be an Arabic one. I heard there was a number of Egyptians from outside the country meeting up there trading stories while waiting to hear from friends and loved ones back home. So I decided to give the place a look.

Dropping by Monday evening, there was a small group of people there. There were a few Egyptians, some from other Arabic countries, and some Westerners dropping by. When I arrived, one Arab was singing over voice, getting complements from a Western lady. Symbols of the protest were all over, avatars with Egyptian flags in their hands and shirts with the flag of Egypt printed on them.

One man identified himself as Tunisian and one lady Palestinian, wearing a shirt with both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags. They did tell me of a little trouble from a griefer named “Jewboy,” but didn’t consider him Jewish, “He's just there for attention ... playing on Muslim - Jew tensions.” Someone held a sign with Arabic script, I was told it read, “Peace be upon Egypt and the world. Freedom for all people. We are all siblings and I support freedom and love for everyone. I pray that heaven and earth smiles on Egypt.”

Some of the clothes a few avies wear was not what one would expect in an Arabic sim, one man bare chested with tattoos and one girl in a skimpy top. The people told me a little about the place, saying in normal times people dropped by to chat and play the games there, “The Arabs laugh out loud when they hear the parchesi game is called ‘cheesy.’ “

Stopping by the next day, the crowd was much larger with a different makeup. There were about 40 people in the sim, and someone told me it had been larger just minutes before I had logged in. Egyptian leader Mubarak had just concluded a speech in which he stated he would not be running in the next elections, several months away. And as the avatars began to take shape in front of me, that’s what the crowd was discussing, “This is my hope: Either continue protests until Mubarak steps down personally, or accept his remaining months of his idea of order and reform.”

Skyrilla Starsider, a woman from Russia, was the demonstrator who talked to me the most on Wednesday. She and others carried signs, “Yesterday we were all Tunisians. Today we are all Egyptians. Tomorrow we will all be free.” Discussing the issue with others, she was overall hopeful, but concerned about people getting hurt, “We Russians are fiery in spirit, but I can't help but fear a little.” She told me she had been showing up at the Egypt sim for a couple days, “I am here in the name of the people, for the people, because a raging fire and shout-out for democracy in one nation is a call for equality and liberty for the rest of the world. ... It's been almost 24 hours ago that there has been a steady flow of people here, it's only been increasing, the vast amount of national differences is inspiring indeed.”

Asking her how other Russians felt, “So far, Russians abroad and even those wishing to stay within Egypt have expressed sympathy and support, they understand that change is necessary and that enough is simply enough. These are uncertain times, as Egypt is the industrial heart of the Arabic world and a heart has many arteries, the Egyptian people must act wisely or risk severe bleeding.”

I didn’t see names I recognized from the night before, but there were a small number of Arabs around, one proudly saying he was from Tunisia.

When people were asked what message they would give the demonstrators, there were a number of replies, "We are all here in support of your people and we pray for your freedom. We know that you will be free because of the strength of your people and from all over the world, our peoples wish you well." “Yay, bless the Egyptian people and your courageous struggle!” “All the best to you in your fight for freedom.” “Freedom is earned, not given. I wish the people of Egypt success in their struggle. Know that there are many around the World that have you in our thoughts at this time, people of all religions and from all walks of life.”

Not everyone was here for well wishes. One wag held up not a protest sign, but “Will work for beer.” There was also a heckler whom upon hearing there was an American present blurted, “Down with the USA!” There were other obvious trolls, and one man came by with a sign asking for a workers revolution in Egypt in the name of Socialism.

People here were listening to the English Al-Jazeera web broadcast, and at one point there were gasps of, “Oh no!” Reports were coming in of fights in Cairo between the demonstrators and pro-Mubarak mobs, with the sounds of gunfire. It sounded like the Egyptian army had fired into the crowd, but when CNN talked about the incident an hour later, they stated the army had fired in the air, and there were no casualties.

When I dropped by a few hours later though, there were signs of friction between the people at the sim. “This is not just something in the news!” one Palestinian told others, “My best friend has not been heard from in days! When did you cry (name)? Do you watch TV, looking for friends’ faces? Each report, I look for my friends!” Those she was talking to didn't understand what her point was. The argument might have been going on a while before I appeared. With a big crowd and most of the people here now non-Arabic, those here from the Middle East may have felt they were losing their voice.

The following day on Thursday, there were more reports of violence between pro and anti-Mubarak groups. Logging in, the sim had a few more controls up this time. Voice was disabled, as were scripts. I saw more signs up, and curiously a picture of Mubarak. There were a few more Arab residents than the same time the previous day. And there were more signs of discord between people here, “(Name), you were never hungry, were you? ”Sure, I was without child support and on my own for years, I raised a son.” “You live in the USA, you don’t know want.” One stressed over and over again the conflict was an Egyptian one, “Egypt belongs to the Egyptians!!! ... Muslim or not they are Egyptians!!! ... Let Egypt choose!” There were accusations of paranoia of a Islamist conspiracy, one woman accusing Americans of desiring “USA control of the universe.”

Then a group of Socialists came in, and began chanting slogans, “LEAVE THE BOURGEOISIE!!!!!” “BOURGEOISIE MUST WORKING!!!!!!!!!” “bourgeois Earn your bread!!!!!!” “bourgeois dogs go to work!!!!!!” and others. This was frustrating for the Arabs, “Do any of you care about the Egyptian people, or just your own personal agendas?” But the chants continued.

As of the writing of this article, more reports are coming in from Egypt of fighting between pro and anti-Mubarak groups, with serious injuries and deaths. The US State Department has asked all Americans there to leave the country.

Bixyl Shuftan

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Events this Week in Second Life from Feb 1 to Feb 7

Tuesday February 1

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
The club of a noted romance-themed sim

Theme: Formal, DJ: Cameron, Host: Cavell
($L500 one board)
10 AM to 12 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: Asian Flair, DJ: Blacktulp, Host: Eva
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

7 PM Club Zero Gravity
"A party among the stars" in a featured space club

Theme: Best in Black, DJ: Timber, Host: Miyuki
$L500 Contest
7 to 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday February 2

11 AM. SLT. - The Writer's Support Group

The Writer's Support Group is an informal supportive group where writers can talk about projects they are working on, bounce ideas around and talk about what is going on with their writing and the writing world in general. On Wednesdays at 11am SLT, we invite all writers -experienced or beginners -to join us. Eppie Shoreman will be moderating. If you are interested in moderating any future sessions of the writer's support group please let her know.

11 AM - 12 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: Ears & Tails (Groundhog Day), DJ Juliana, Hosts: Savannah and Prince
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

6 PM Cutlass Club Party
"Best open air club on SL. Always live-music, best dancers to entertain you. 125m above Sunweaver Air. Open wed, Fri, Sat nights 6pm SL, Sun 1pm SL time. Come enjoy and dance your cares away."

Theme: "Video Games" - Get your "Pac Man Fever"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

6PM Club Little Dove
"Dance as you sail away above the majestic Colorado mountains in the airship Little Dove"

Theme: "Most Strange Skin", DJ: Yulia, Host: Skylark
$L250 Contest
6-8 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday February 3

10 AM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: "Romance in Blue," DJ Cameron, Host: Cavell
(L$500 one board)
10 AM to 12 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Theme: "Cowboys and Indians," DJ: Blacktulip, Host: Pint
12 PM to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

Live Reading of Sena Quaren's & Alexander M Zoltai's "Notes From An Alien." 2 PM

This is a tale of the exciting and dangerous journey from heart-wrenching war to enduring peace. Those attending receive a free copy of the book; plus, if they wish, their name (or, alias) in a special listing in the book - plus the opportunity to have a 2-line Bio & Web address with their listing.

Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6 PM Virtually Speaking, “A weekly news review and counterpoint to the network opinion shows. Each week, two well regarded bloggers discuss the events of the week, with an emphasis on U.S. politics and policy. “ Jay Ackroyd hosts.
6-7 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity

Theme: "Naughtiest Outfit," DJ: Kiliguana, Host YuliaV
500L Contest
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Friday February 4

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme: "Purple and Pink"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

6 PM Club Zero Gravity

"Bringing all the fun with a super cute contest for 500L, ' Best Skirt, ' and MUST be boys and girls!" DJ: Sadie, Host: YuliaV
6 - 8 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

* * * * * * * * * *

Saturday February 5

11AM Netera's Coffee Lounge
Welcome to Netera's Coffee Lounge. Hope you enjoy our informative chat in our new jazzy set. In this venue you'll participate in interviews with real life writers, singers and artists

10 AM Guest - Colton Cadell
Terric (43, 137, 28)
11 AM Writer's Realm - Theater: Phorkyad Acropolis
Terric (43, 137, 28)

2 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club

Theme: "Pure Romance" - Best Dressed Contest, DJ: Tom Denimore, Host: Savannah
2 PM to 4 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

4 PM Club Zero Gravity

Theme: "Best T-shirt," DJ: Seiferous, Host Miyuki
$L250 Contest
4 to 6 PM Purrfection Estates (229, 11, 3365)

6PM Cutlass Club Party

Theme: "Stuporbowl"
6-8 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

* * * * * * * * * *

Sunday February 6

10 AM The Fitzgerald Nightclub & Lounge
Sunday Morning Poetry Readings
10 AM Unsung Village (54, 91, 22)

1 PM "Open Mike Event" Book Island
Bring poetry, short stories or even read your novel. We would love to hear your work or your favorite poet or author read by you. We would love to have you here as part of the audience, if you want to listen to the voiced readings of others. Facilitated by Imarad Breen and Sandor Zabelin

1 PM Book Island (164, 39, 22)

1 PM Cutlass Club

"Euro Party" 1-3 PM Sunweaver Air (62, 119, 133)

4:30 "The 1st Question"

Live viewing of "The Quiz Show to the Stars! If you have an answer, we have a question."
4:30-5 PM Spinthrift (70, 241, 700)

5 PM Virtually Speaking
5-6 PM Virtually Speaking (164, 111, 25)

6 PM Tonight Live

Live viewing of the Tonight Live SL TV show by Paisley Beebe
6-7 PM Lewis Rock (20, 232, 3501)

8 PM "Virtual Tonight with Sam Nightfire."

"Virtual Tonight with Sam Nightfire, is an entertainment, variety talk show with an array of topics ranging from current events and cultural trends to politics, comedy and more, all while bringing viewers closer to their favorite celebrities and notable public figures with revealing, compelling interviews."
8 PM Virtual World Network (49, 58, 1010)

8PM Cypress Rosewood

The "Best Ambient Artist in SL" performs at the Space Music Theater
Spinthrift (156, 81, 98)

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday February 7

12 PM Queen of Hearts Riverboat Club
Theme: To be Announced
12 to 2 PM, Mystery (79, 89, 23)

2:30 PM Marney Wolfhunter

Marney Wolfhunter is a publisher (Dragon International Independent Arts), and writer. She will be reading live on Mondays between 2:30pm and 3:30pm from her own work and presenting some of the authors she publishes. M.M. Bennetts is one of her authors.

2:30-3:30 PM Book Island (198, 52, 25)

6PM Club Little Dove

Theme and DJ to be announced
6 PM Southern Colorado (110, 35, 105)