The RFL Fourth Annual Farshore Field Air Show

Last weekend on Saturday May 20, the Sunweaver community held their yearly air show, the Fourth Annual Team Sunbeamer Farshore Field Air Show and Fly-In. The event raised some money for the community's Relay for Life team, but the point was to have fun, whether flying around, going about an airborne obstacle course in a blimp, or parachuting after being shot out of a cannon.

See the pictures in Events.

More On Ozimals: Akimeta Responds, Speculation of Consequences For Second Life

Since we last wrote on the closing of Ozimals last week, much has been spoken on the subject, and more information has come out. To begin with, the person ordering Ozimals to "cease and desist" has finally given his side of the story.

Aki Shichiroji, also known as Edward Distelhurst of Akimeta Ltd., came out with a statement defending his actions and accusing Ozomal of  "having omitted facts and made false claims." He gave a tale of "fighting Ozimals and it's owners in the courts" to get due compensation for his work. "They were sanctioned over 8 times for disobeying the courts," he wrote, "it is my opinion that throughout this case Ozimals has avoided producing discovery in an effort to hide their money and assets from me, and to delay and prevent me from collecting upon them." He stated legally he was the owner of Ozimals as "they were in breach of the last settlement agreement ... and the full owner of the copyright," and that he had recently learned that in September Ozimals filed to legally dissolve and transfer "the game" to a new owner, "It is my opinion that the events and facts that lead up to our Cease and Desist were entirely preventable by Ozimals and their owners plenty of times in the course of the past 7 years."

We wish things could have gone another way, but as we have outlined in detail with this document, since Ozimals LLC/Inc. is no longer an operating entity, Cameron Holt does not possess the rights to the Intellectual Properties. Yet, he continued to operate and profit from the business even though it has allegedly been dissolved 9 months ago.

We are genuinely upset that the actions undertaken by Ozimals LLC/Inc , Cameron Holt and Candace Sargent have led them to the abrupt discontinuation of their game and we regret that in doing so, all members of their community have been so adversely affected.

Reaction from the people in the "For The Love Of Oz" group, at least that I was observed, was skepticism. Some called Aki's claims outright lies. Others felt both sides needed to be listened to. In the SL Universe forum, the comments ranged from dark humor to blaming one side or the other to suggestions that the founders of Ozimals may simply have been incompetent, at least in understanding the legal side of a business.The Second Life Enquirer interviewed several distraught pet owners.

One other detail of Ozimals closing was that it was making the news not just in Second Life blogs and newsletters, but also in gaming ezines, such as PC Gamer and Kotaku, and even mainstream news sites such as BBC News. To Second Life residents whom would otherwise not have cared much about the pet bunnies, this was mixed news at best. While they had wanted more mention of the virtual world in the news, this wasn't what they had in mind. Hamlet Au called it a PR problem, "the implication is that user-created virtual content is frequently in danger of real world legal disputes." He also wondered if Linden Lab itself could take a financial hit as dispirited bunny owners could abandon their land, and therefore stop making the payments for it. On the other hand, the increasing discussion of Second Life was leading to a surge upward of Google searches of the name, which could lead to more people signing up. If there was enough money being made to sue over, perhaps some people were curious how they could make some.

So what can Linden Lab do about this mess? Hamlet had one idea for a possible solution. If a brand of virtual pet, or any other user-made content, becomes "massively successful," the Lab should purchase the rights to it, "and make that content an official part of Second Life." But those commenting were skeptical, feeling there would be consequences, "Why would anyone want to create in a world where their content was going to be acquired or have their efforts duplicated by the company?" Or feeling it shouldn't. Suppose Linden Lab did acquire Ozimals, only to make bunny food available to Premium accounts only? Another felt considering Linden Lab's record of handling even Premium support issues, he wouldn't want the the Lab "handling the level of support pets require."

Another option: instead of taking over virtual pet companies, Linden Lab could just make plans for their going out of business. They could make backups of the code for the food and anything else needed to keep them alive, and should the company go out of business or somehow find itself having to suspend operations due to legal trouble, it could step in to keep the pets alive. To avoid possible legal trouble, they would probably have to communicate with the legal owner of the company. Linden Lab would be balancing the interests of it's customers whom are owners of the virtual pets in question against the small but real possibility of having to go to court with an irate virtual company owner. This may be a issue the Lab would rather not deal with, even if it means taking a hit to it's bottom line.

There is a possible real-world parallel, at least for the future. As genetic engineering becomes more sophisticated, it will be possible to resurrect extinct species or create new complex ones. Many would love the chance to have a pet dinosaur, at least a small one, if they had the means to care for it. But the plants and/or animals the critter ate in it's time would not have been around for millions of years, so the company would have to make food it could eat as well, and likely put a copyright on that to maximize it's profits. Should the company go out of business, the pets could be in real trouble.

Someone commented "in a few weeks, this will all be forgotten." Probably not, as in a few weeks is Second Life's fourteen anniversary. While both Linden Lab and the residents celebrate the virtual world's birthday, there's little doubt that the mess over the bunnies will be on the back's of peoples' minds. A chance to tout the joys and fun of being in a virtual world can easily be challenged by skeptics, "but what about those who spend months to years caring for virtual pets, only to see them croak because the maker got served in court?"

One person I talked to called the case evidence that if a resident had a great idea, do it him or herself. Trouble is, the more complex a product, the more difficult it is for one person to handle, in the case of virtual pets, the coding, the design, the marketing, the financial paperwork, organizing events around the product, and more. Most people, especially those with real life jobs and family, would have to get help for such a project, or their idea will never see the light of day. And unless they can get all the needed people from within their circle of friends, that means looking for a business partner. One side effect of the Ozimals trouble may be some aspiring content creators shelving their ideas out of fear of legal trouble should the business partnership dissolve.

In the meantime, virtual life for the bunny owners, at least those who used the timepieces, goes on, continuing to trade and sell nests in the "For The Love of Oz" group. But no more will be created. A number of them have thanked the Newser and others for helping to spread the word about the timepieces and other tools used to keep the virtual pets active. We at the Newser appreciate their kind and heartfelt words, and wish them the best of luck with their pets.



Sources: New World Notes, BBC News

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: Cross-Sim Giant Snail Race This Saturday

On May 27th, 2017, Giant Snail Racing is having a Relay for Life Cross Country Giant Snail Race across the Rosehaven sims.

The theme for this race is Medieval and you may decorate your snail accordingly. Though encouraged, decorating your snail is not required to be able to participate in the race.

This race is open to anyone wishing to race, it is not limited to just those that normally participate in the weekly Giant Snail race.

The start time for the race is 11:00AM SLT, though it is advisable to get there by 10:30AM SLT.

This is a charity fund raiser for the American Cancer Society.

Any donation is acceptable to be able to participate in the race. The Giant Snail Relay for Life kiosk will be out near the starting line or you can come to the Gullwing Coast http://maps.secondlife.com/…/Gullwing%20Coast%20…/151/99/777 and donate early if you would like. 500L is the suggested donation, but whatever amount you can donate is fine.

Announcement: This Week at the Science Circle

“And then you're dead” By Paul Doherty, USA
                           
Saturday, May 27th at 10 AM PDT
Patio Plasma gives a talk on her latest book about the science behind the worlds most interesting ways to die. What happens if your airplane window blows out? Can a magnet kill you? What happens if you get hit in the head by a particle accelerator beam? How much of your brain do you really need? Explore the science and actual experiences suggesting answers to these questions and more.
                                             
More information about Patio's presentation at  https://sciencecircle.org/upcoming-presentation/

The Science Circle (61/126/32)

H.G. Wells' Exhibit at Netera's Coffee Lounge

Besides running her "Netera's Coffee Lounge" in Second Life, Netera Landar is also a writer of fantasy and science fiction stories published in real life. It's notable the latest exhibit at the Lounge is of a famous science-fiction writer who continues to inspire more than a century after his most famous works were done: H.G. Wells. While the exhibit is somewhat small, it is a tribute fans of the writer will find worth visiting.

Read the story in Places.

Press Release: Relay For Life Home And Garden Expo

GET THE LATEST IN DECOR FOR YOUR SL LIFE AT THE HOME & GARDEN SHOW!

Nine sims of shopping, auctions and events await you through June 4th at the annual Home & Garden Expo benefiting Relay For Life.

This Expo features the great creators of Second Life’s Home and; Garden products. The first Expo was held in the summer of 2008.  Joining in with the Home and Garden Expo this year is the RFL Breedables Faire. 

For the sixth year the Breedables are back, intermingled with the Home and Garden shops and holding auctions galore!

Check out the blog for a complete list of events and landmarks during this exciting and fun event: https://slhomeandgardenexpo.wordpress.com/

The Home and Garden Expo raises money for Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL). Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, and RFL of SL is one of its virtual counterparts.

Look for more Relay For Life fun events across the grid leading up to Relay Weekend
on July 15 and 16.


About Relay For Life of Second Life

Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and has been active, and continually growing in Second Life for 13 years. In 2005, the first Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) was attended by a few hundred avatars and raised almost $5,000 US dollars for the American Cancer Society. As of July 2014 RFL of SL ranked number 17th in donations received among more than 5,600 relay events held worldwide. As of January, 2017 RFL of SL celebrated raising 3 million US dollars to support the mission of the Society to 'Save Lives, Celebrate Lives and Lead The Fight for A World Without Cancer!

About the American Cancer Society

For more than 100 years, the American Cancer Society has been working to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays and is the world leader in the fight to end cancer. Together with our global partners and millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society carries out its mission to Save Lives, Celebrate Lives, and Lead the Fight for a World Without Cancer.

For More Information:

www.relayforlifeofsecondlife.org

www.cancer.org/involved/participate/relayforlife/second-life

The Bay City Anniversary Celebration

A number of activities take place at Bay City every year. One of the most attended is the annual Bay City Anniversary Celebration. Since the first anniversary of the largest urban area in Second Life, the residents there have held a parade down "Route 66" followed by a party at the Fairgrounds. This year marked the ninth such event in Second Life history. Gemma Cleanslate was there, and took a few pictures.

See the pictures in Events.

Editor's note: Flickr albums and youtube added. 

Haley Salomon's Memorial Service

Earlier this month, there was a memorial service for Haley Saloman. Haley got a little attention earlier in Second Life's history, but for the past several years did not draw the attention of headline news. But she was a friend of many longtime personalities. Her service done in both voice and text, taking place at the Second Life Synagogue.

Read the story in People.

Press Release: Benefit Concert at Veterans Isle

Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce the 2017 Memorial Weekend benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life! 

Frets Nirvana, the premier guitar artist in the virtual world Second Life and the US Military Veterans Group announce the 2017 Memorial Weekend benefit on May 28, 2017 in Second Life for the Veterans Support Organization  Home For Our Troops . 

Frets Nirvana states:  “HFOT is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  As of January 2017 they have built 229 homes for severly wounded Veterans and have another 85 projects underway.  Since its inception in 2004, over 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. ”

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The concert on May 28, 2017 is scheduled from 4-9 PM PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, Agatha Nowles, ReggieSunset Rookswood, Zachh Cale and Amforte Clarity .

ABOUT HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS  - HFOT builds homes as a departure point for Veterans to rebuild their lives, and once again become highly productive members of society. Despite their life-altering injuries, many Veterans have embarked on new careers, completed their college degrees, or started families. Empowered by the freedom a mortgage-free and specially adapted home brings, these Veterans can now focus on their recovery and return to their life’s work of serving others. Many have embraced their roles as motivational speakers, sharing their messages of persevering through tragedy with groups and classrooms around the country; others take to a national platform to promote awareness of veteran suicide, homelessness and PTSD. Their incredible stories are the driving force for the work for HFOT. To learn more about the Homes For Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs

It's a week full of events at the Sunweaver and Angel clubs and the Furry Fashion Lounge. This week, Club Cutlass and the Furry Fashion Lounge are doing tributes to the late Artistic Fimicloud. The Happy Vixen is also expanding it's schedule to include two events on Sundays.

Club Cutlass: Best In 'U' and 'V', Roller Skates, Memorial Day

Happy Vixen: Royal Ball, Pink Fox/Artistic Fimicloud Tribute, Hybrids and Oddities, Good vs Evil, Fishnets, Lingerie, CAYA

Xanadu: TBA, TBA, TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Fantasy, Pirates, Punk, Purple, Steampunk, Demos, Swing, Romance, Sci-fi

See the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Updated 10AM

Reader Submitted: D.R.U.M. – Celebration and Remembrance

Any1 Gynoid, who describes herself as a "reader contributor" to the Second Life Newser has sent us another submission. She writes about a recent event at Creations for Parkinson's. They hosted an event by the Divine Rhythms of Universal Music, better known as D.R.U.M., of the Burn2 group. DRUM has been around. Part art and part musical performance, they certainly stand out.

Read Any1's article in Events.

SL14B Update: Map Art, More Openings For Applications

RaineBow Rose (RaineBowRose Resident) recently sent the Newser this map, showing what's been build so far in the sims of the region of the SL14B celebration, with a slight artistic touch.

Also there are a few more openings for performers and Auditorium speakers.

We have opened up the Performance and Auditorium applications as a few slots have opened up. If you missed your chance, now’s the time. Hit it here and here.

Applicants to be exhibitors of the event will be notified via email starting tomorrow May 24. June 10 is when emails are sent to accepted performers.

Return to Yosemite

Almost a year ago, Gemma Cleanslate wrote about Yosemite, a park area owned and built by Jadyn Firehawk with some artistic structures among the trees and trails. Since then, there have been a few changes at the place. She went back and had a look at them. So what are these changes?

Read Gemma's article in Places.

A Busy Weekend

Quite a lot happened this weekend in Second Life. Sunday May 21 was the Ninth Annual Bay City Anniversary Celebration with it's parade (above) and party. Among the other events going on, the Relay for Life Fourth Annual Farshore Field Air Show took place in Pacific Waters on Saturday May 20, the RFL Home and Garden Expo opened on Friday May 19, and more.

We'll report more on these and other happenings later, but we at the Newser need to rest a little first.

Press Release: Sixth Annual Mental Health Symposium

The Virtual Ability community in Second Life invites you to join us for our sixth annual Mental Health Symposium. It will be held on Saturday, May 27, beginning at 6am Pacific (9am Eastern), and continuing through 5:30pm Pacific (8:30pm Eastern). There is no charge to attend.

The theme of this year’s Symposium is “I can relate to that.” Our international group of presenters offers a wide interpretation of the theme, based on their interests and academic backgrounds. Attendees will learn ways to promote mental health for themselves and their families, how diet affects mental health, and how first responders and medical clinicians can improve their own mental health.

The Symposium takes place in Virtual Ability’s Sojourner Auditorium, on Virtual Ability island. The SLURL for the auditorium is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/54/170/23

The Virtual Ability community hosts this annual Symposium to share information about mental health and mental disabilities with the general population. Within our cross-disability community we have members who deal with a variety of mental health issues. Not only is this an opportunity for our community members to learn more about topics related to mental health from experts they probably would not have a chance to meet otherwise, it is allows the general public to attend a professional conference for free.

The 2017 Mental Health Symposium schedule is as follows:

6am SLT         Tracy Burrows “Diet, Nutrition and Food Addiction”
7:30am SLT        Sarah Henderson and Kristin Klimley “First Responder Mental Health: The Importance of Training and Intervention”
9am SLT        Joel Edman “Nutritional and Holistic Approaches to Stomach and Intestinal Disorders: Practical guidelines that can also be helpful for chronic and/or complex health issues”
10:30am SLT        selection of tours of SL sites related to mental health in Second Life
noon SLT        Ian Colman “Mental health promotion - What can you do for you and your loved ones?”
1:30pm SLT        Karen Davison “Bridging the Divide: Exploring research in nutrition, mental health and food security”
3pm SLT        Diana Anderson “Virtual Windows: Design solutions to improve the mental health of clinical staff”
4:30pm SLT        Namaara MacMoragh "Mental Health Following Brain Injury"

Please contact info@virtualability.org for additional information.

Lantern Release Ceremony At The RFL Home And Garden Expo

The Home and Garden Expo is taking place in Second Life. Among the events there is the Lantern Release Ceremony. It takes place every day at 4PM at the Hope 5 sim. At the start of the event virtual replicas of Asian lanterns are released into the air, in remembrance of friends and loved ones whom have been lost.

Saffia Widdershins, who invited me to the event, told me, "These lanterns were created especially for the Home and Garden Expo about seven years ago, by Alchemy Immortalis. We started the tradition of releasing them then, and ever since, every day at Expo, we have the lantern release ceremony."

The ceremony ends with a sunrise, a reminder that tomorrow is another day, and of new beginnings.

For more on the ceremony, check the RFL Home and Expo blog. To head to the Expo, head to http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hope%201/128/123/23 .

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: May's Aether Salon - Royal Ascot

Liz Wilmer and Oriella Charik join the Salonistas again to share the history and customs of England's most renowned horse race and social event, the Royal Ascot.  (You may fancy dressing appropriately to help set the mood.) 2 pm, Sunday, 21 May at the Aether Salon building.

New Babbage - Academy of Industry (0, 64, 106)

SL Video: "For Keira - May 2017 "

(Click here if the video fails to play)

By Caitlin Tobias on May 5