Mm063009_v1

Happy Fourth of July!

The

Metaverse Messenger A real newspaper for a virtual world

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A Publication of Rose from Ash Media

Free

SL 6th birthday winds down By SHARON KEATS Staff writer

THE SL BIRTHDAY CAKE, seen here, was not a central attraction this year, as it was set up on a sim adjacent to the main stage. - Photo by KATT KONGO.

So the curtain falls on the sixth anniversary of Second Life, an anniversary celebrated by looking into the crystal ball and predicting where SL might be in five years. The party opened with a keynote speech from Linden Lab Chairman and Founder Philip Linden. Unfortunately Tweet.tv, despite apparently trying to have some form of scalability with their feed, found their bandwidth swamped. It seemed strange to make the speech a video only feed, and this might have been part of the problem. Video implicitly uses more bandwidth than Audio. Perhaps a mix would be a good idea for next year. Audio to the birthday sims, as they can watch live, and video to people unable to attend. Unlike previous years, this year’s party was themed. Exhibitors were asked to do two things. First, look into the future, what would Second Life be like in Five years time? Second, the exhibits were asked to consider the surroundings. Plants had to go into biospheres, glow and light was very much in evidence, and the builds really had to stand out from a black canvas. Some builds failed to do this and a black/dark unlit build really was hard to spot. Other exhibits such as Tweet’s, the M2’s or the exhibit created

by Mia Linden were very bright and easy to spot from a distance. One surprise was the cake. In previous years, it was very central to the whole exhibit area and visible from anywhere on the birthday sims. This year, however, it was quite a low build, about half the height of last year, and was tucked away in a corner sim. Many residents, when asked, didn’t even know there was a cake. Others found it by mistake or only after being told of its existence. Kat Montpark said, “I was actually surprised how hidden away the cake was. I actually found it by accident while chasing down the aliens in the Paradox sim. The cake itself was a masterpiece, though.” Slim Warrior was not aware that there was a cake until the subject came up during an interview. She said, “Cake should ALWAYS be in the middle.” She also added a problem this year was lag. The birthday was pretty popular, according to Philip Linden, who noted that 17712 residents had visited for 23662 hours at the time of his closing speech. This has meant full sims with a fair amount of lag. This also might not have been helped by exhibits maybe being a little more cramped than previous years. Navigation around the sims has also been an issue as the pathways where all ‘sculptress’

and didn’t appear to have a ‘shadow’ alpha prim. This made it impossible to walk from the land onto the pathways. While the birthday would appear to have been a success, the theme had mixed reaction, and it certainly challenged the builders. There was the issue, however, that the theme didn’t always fit in with a sim’s theme. For example, a medieval roleplay sim would have a hard time with a futistic theme. Montpark said, “I like some people’s interpretations of the theme, but I can see how it wouldn’t work with some sims. If the Lindens continue with themed birthdays, I think the theme should be something allinclusive and birthday-ish like “What do you want to celebrate?” or “Second Life New Year!” “ This year, an effort was made by a dedicated publicity team to use as many avenues as possible to publicise the event (though none was sent to the M2). There efforts were hampered by a number of things including time, but some innovative ideas sprang up, including a poster that eventually was placed in 800 or more places around the grid. These ideas ought to be able to be used again in the future, and it would hopefully d improve communication to residents who rarely look at the blog. Trinity Coulter did, howSee SL6B, Page 4

WTF, Mate? Will the Australian government ban SL? By KATT KONGO Staff writer Many Second Life residents were aghast as Duncan Riley of The Inquisitr, an Australian based news’ source, wrote that the Australian government would ban Second Life. [ In a June 25 post, Riley wrote, The Australian Minister for Censorship has today confirmed what I’ve been reporting for nearly two years: online adult games including Second Life will be banned in Australia.” To be clear here, the Australian government has not signed into law anything that bans Second Life or similar games, nor has Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broad-

Inside

Sim of the Week - Page 10

band, Communications and the Digital Economy (BCDE) stated any intention of doing so. Riley’s “Chicken Little” writings come in the wake of an announcement that the Australian government will block websites hosting and selling video games that are not suitable for 15 year olds, including downloadable games, flash-based web games and sites which sell physical copies of games which do not meet certain age standards. In the United States, games that are suitable for teen-agers are marked with a “T”. Other countries have similar rating systems. However, Australia is currently without an R18+ classification for games, meaning any titles that do not meet the MA15+ standard - such as those with excessive violence or sexual content - are simply banned from sale by the Classification Board, unless they are modified to remove the offending content.

See BAN, Page 14

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE is just one of many Australian-based entities found on the Second Life grid. - Photo by KATT KONGO.

Latest

INDEX

The 2009 Second Life Community Convention is scheduled for August 13-16 in San Francisco, Ca. A variety of registration packages are available according to date of registration, and more information on pricing and the hotel is available at www .slconvention.com.

SL News . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Perspectives . . . . . . .Page 5 The Line . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 ROTW . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Comics .. . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Entertainment. . . . . . Page 8 Photo Contest . . . . . .Page 9 Community . . . . . . Page 16 Sports . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18

Inside

Resi of the Week - Page 8

About Us Volume 4 No.24 Second Life The Metaverse Messenger

Page 2 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

 General staff writers  Executive assistant  Fashion reporter  Business reporter  Entertainment reporter  Columnists  Cartoonists  Photographers  Group news  Event listings  Club news  Engagement announcements  Business news  Classified ads  Display ads  Wedding announcements  Photographs

E-mail [email protected] for details on applying for a job, getting your items published or buying advertising space.

SL News June 30, 2009



The Metaverse Messenger Dublin (23, 75, 26)



Page 3

YNOT FENUA, seen here, is the owner/manager Avatar Images Studio/Gallery, which opened July 27 with a party on top of the gallery. - Photo by SHERRIE SHEPHERD.

Gallery opening celebrated; ew artists welcomed By SHERRIE SHEPHERD Staff writer The Grand Opening of Avatar Images Studio, http://slurl .com/secondlife/Hypolazy/10/208/21,was celebrated on June 27 with a party atop the gallery in a beautiful tropical setting. Ynot Fenua, owner and manager of Avatar Images, welcomed friends and clients alike to first view the gallery and then join the festivities. DJ RJ Schwade kept the party going, honoring the requests of all in attendance. ChatBrat Pippita assisted with keeping the crowd engaged and the dancing went on until the wee hours of the morning. Fenua explained, “Avatar Images has expanded in recent months, taking on two new

members of staff. It was about time that we had a space where all the employees could show off their talents. We also wanted to provide a free space where undiscovered artists could showcase their own artistry so we created our ‘Guest Artist’ scheme.” The two new members of the staff are Ironlotus Quan and Lelka Milland, who each currently have work exhibited. The current guest artist, Layne Jewell, will have an exhibit through the end of August. Affordable photography is foremost for Fenua. He emphasized, “We specialize in affordable photography - primarily for the residents who want a profile picture or maybe a few images to display in their house. “We deliberately keep our prices low so as to be accessible to all, and the customer is always

right. We will do our best to ensure that the customer gets the picture they want, not the picture we want to give them,” he added. In addition, he says that they pride themselves in being creative, flexible and competitive. He said, “We look for ways to create new looks to benefit our clients. We listen to our clients and understand what they want, and our prices are still some of the best out there.” A Second Life photographer since March of 2008, after a friend inspired him, Fenua had his first paying customer that very month. He encourages SL residents to, “come to the gallery and look at the best of our work - or look at flickr photostream : http://www.flickr.com/groups/av atar_images/, which has additional work.”

WANT TO WRITE? The Metaverse Messenger

accepts signed letters to the editor/publisher from our readers. Letters must include avatar name for verification. Send letters to [email protected].

Page 4 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

THIS HARLEY-STYLED chopper is up for auction at the West of Ireland gallery. - Photo by KATT KONGO

Chopper auction to benefit children The Second Life charity estate West of Ireland (WOI) recently announced the generous donation of a custom Harleysyled motorcycle by Second Life motorcycle designer Trigger Mubble, creator of the “Spirit” motorcycle line. One custom Harley-styled motorcycle will go up for auction July 2 and continue through the weekend, with bidding concluding on July 5 with a celebration at Nancy Blake’s. This “Spirit” Harley-styled motorcycle is limited in numbers. It is a fully ridable HUDdriven, chopper motorcycle with a detailed V-twin engine, real Harley sounds, turn signals and even a special locking feature. Riders of the bike can rev it, shift it through the gears and even sound the horn. The custom Harley-styled motorcycle being offered in this charity auction will be on display on the stage of the West of Ireland Gallery’s patio, in a preview already on display. Bidding will commence July 2 at 5 PM SLT with a special announcement at Nancy Blake’s Pub, by West of Ireland’s CEO Sioban McMahon, and will continue through the weekend. A special celebration will

SL6B ever, sound a note of caution. She highlighted design issues with the poster that would need to be considered in order to improve accessibility. Coulter said, “I was reading some website about there being a HUD for SL6B, but I couldn’t find it anywhere.” The HUD was part of the package delivered by the poster system. However, the poster, who’s legibility Coulter also questioned, didn’t state what was in the pack. So residents missed out on a potentially useful tool. Sitearm Madonna said, “The SL6B advance notice and online schedule information were excellent.” As in previous years, the majority of the work was done by a team of dedicated and hard working residents. They spent many days putting together some

begin on July 5 at 5 PM SLT, featuring the spinning of tunes by West of Ireland’s DJ Extraordinaire, Conall McGinnis and a special announcement by McMahon. All proceeds from this auction will benefit Project Children. Project Children is an international organization that takes children from Northern Ireland on summer trips to stay with host families in the United States. Catholic and Protestant children are brought together in a calm and multi-cultural environment in an effort to overcome the stronghold of prejudices that have burdened Northern Ireland for so long. The South Texas Celtic Music Association (STCMA) raises funds for Project Children at its annual Celtic Music Festival and through the Second Life West of Ireland charity estate to pay the transportation costs for children participating in Project Children. For continuing performance schedules and event information for WOI, visit http://www.irelandsl.org/about/events-livemusic/. For information on Project Children, surf to http://www.projectchildren.org/.

From Page 1 highly impressive builds. Madonna said, “”Kudos to the organization teams, including Dusty Linden and volunteers like Katier Reitveld.“ She added an interesting twist that Linden Lab could consider next year. “Why didn’t we go CyberMedieval,” she said. “It would actually resonate well with the new AO mainland etc. “Have an Adult Only segment of SLxB following the same standards and access restrictions as the AO continent (regions marked correctly; age verified avatar access only).” And the question must be asked, “Why not?” Adult Only content is certainly a huge area of SL, so the question to fire at the Linden’s for next year is “Why not have a, say nine sim, Adult only birthday area separate to the main area?”

The M2 is now hiring! E-mail [email protected] for more information.

Perspectives June 30, 2009



The Metaverse Messenger Dublin (23, 75, 26)

Healing power of SL By KATT KONGO Staff writer When I started the M2, I had a cat named Bonita. She was a favored pet, for many reasons, but mainly because of her fighting spirit. Bonita was the runt of her litter, and I was always preparing myself for the possibility of her death. She was always so thin, and looked so sickly. She had a tremendous amount of personality though, and even more love to share. She eventually put on weight and seemed to be in great health. She would lay by my feet under my desk as I worked or played in Second Life. One day, I looked down to speak to her, and she didn’t move. I nudged her with my foot, and she still didn’t move. She had curled up in her favorite spot, next to me, and died. Of course I was devastated. I buried her on my parents’ property, under a shady tree. I came home and just felt so sad. At that time, I had land in the sim Roxy, enough land where I had prims to spare. Since I had no place in First Life to memorialize for Bonita, I did so in SL. I sat there often, thinking about my cat, and laughing at the funny things she used to do. And I healed. I’m reminded of this because of two events this week. One event was the death of Michael Jackson. I am not one to be crazy over celebrities. I pretty much

figure that celebrities are only normal people, whose talent happens to put them in the spotlight. Growing up, while other girls would tear pictures of teen boys out of Tiger Beat to place on their walls, I always felt that I was above that. Except with Michael Jackson. I became a fan after the release of Off the Wall, the first album I ever bought on my own. I cut out pictures of Michael, and I fantasized about him. Even then, I had my writer’s wild imagination, and I would fantasize that shy, poor rich boy Michael would come to visit me, we would ride horses while talking, and I would change his life as much as he changed mine. I remember running over to a friend’s house, wild with excitement, when the Thriller video was about to debut, and how we burst out in conversation as soon as the video finished. I remember how that video was all that anyone could talk about at school for the next few days. And it was the same way when Michael stunned the world with his moonwalk. I kept all of my feelings to myself. I never wore a red jacket or a single white glove. I never told anyone of my crush on him. I never told anyone my hypothesis for why he had so much plastic surgery, why he surrounded himself with children and aniSee POWER, Page 15

Columnist wanted. For details, E-mail [email protected]

The Metaverse Messenger E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.metaversemessenger.com

Publisher: Kristan Hall (Katt Kongo in SL) Associate Publisher: Katt Kongo Composition: Katt Kongo Account Executive: Katt Kongo Office Manager: George

Backbite Distribution: Join the M2 fan group Associate Editor: Dagmar Kojishi News Editor: Katier Reitveld For a complete list of staff writers, visit the M2 website.

The Metaverse Messenger is published once each week on Tuesday for $L0 per year in Second Life. Subscribers should an instant message to distribution. Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation, which may occur in the columns of The Metaverse Messenger, will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher(s). The publisher is not responsible for copy ommissions or typographical errors which may occur other than to correct them in the nearest issue after it is brought to the publisher’s attention and in no case does the publisher hold him/herself liable for damages further than the amount received by him for actual space covering the error. Copyright © 2008.The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by The Metaverse Messenger and the Rose from Ash Publishing Company. No material may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher.



Page 5

A personal perspective on SL6B By KATIER REITVELD Staff writer

Second Life’s birthday celebrations are over for another year. Overall, it can be considered they were a success, and lessons learned last year certainly were taken on board. I once again helped out as a volunteer, this time working on the publicity of the event. It turns out this area will need improvement. I know this because of the lack of roleplay sims. To me, roleplay sims are a vital part of Second Life. They exhibit the utter inventive and imaginative souls of the residents, probably better any other part of Second Life. They also often push the boundaries of the scripting engine, especially when it comes down

to real time reactions such as those needed in combat. Roleplay sims also take up a notable percentage of the grid. I don’t have many figures but typing ‘roleplay’ into the search engine brings back over 1100 hits, most of which will represent whole sims. That’s a lot of sim space, yet we had next to no representatives of that community at SL’s sixth birthday celebration. DCS, one of the biggest communities, was missing totally, and Midian city was also not there. No Gorean were represented either. It turned out the lack of Toxian and DCS was due to First Life issues, and a decision SeePERSONAL, Page 12

Page 6 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

norinnrichard.blogspot.com A Broken Record Some thoughts just make you feel old. They are often the ones when you think about what you have done, or how long you have done something. A recent conversation with took me down that particular “I’m Old” road. My friend was asking about my writing here at The Messenger. She loves to read my columns and wanted to suggest some ideas for topics I could cover in the future. All of her ideas were good ones. Unfortunately, she has only known me for about a year now. She has not read many of my early columns. In fact, every suggestions she had was a topic I have covered in the past. My column here started as a bit of an accident. I had approached Katt Kongo with the idea of a piece that focused on a different random sim every week, what is now Sim of the Week. She liked it, and for reasons that I still fail to understand hired me to write it on the spot. My writing experience at that point was very limited, so I started preparing some short essays as practice. I gave them to Katt for her to look over and suggest improvements on. Much to my surprise, she published them too. That collection of essays has continued to pile up, and soon

became The Line. That was over three years ago. Since then I have written about life, death, and yes, even taxes. In between, we have covered just about everything else I can think of as well. When we first made this a regular feature, I was very concerned that I would run out of topics in just a few weeks. Katt was not as worried as I was, and she proved right. After all, I am still here more than a hundred issues later. Despite that long run, I think I am finally starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel. My conversation with my friend really drove home to me how much I have covered. There seem to be far more topics that I have already taken care of then there can be original pieces left for me to write. No well is bottomless, and I have been drinking from this one for a long time. I came away from that conversation with something else though. As I thought about most of those early prices, and many of the more recent ones, I was struck by how much my opinion of them has changed. Our views are shaped by our experiences, and the years I have spent here have contained a good many other experiences. I have been divorced, remarSee LINE, Page 15

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 7

INCREASE TRAFFIC TO YOUR MERCHANT SITE BY SPONSORING THIS SECTION.

Entertainment Page 8



The Metaverse Messenger Dublin (23, 75, 26)

R e s i d e n t o f t h e We e k : Mrs. Wetherby NAME: Mrs. Wetherby (aka Rosa Wetherby or Alejandra Jumanya) OCCUPATION IN SL: Creative Director and Owner of Wetherby’s , http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vux/36/128/22 DATE JOINED SL: Sept. 19, 2008 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A RESIDENT OF SL? Second Life allows us to get very angry and abusive with people who can’t punch us in the nose at that very minute. That is bound to be a dangerous situation, especially for scrawny, tiny (yet sexy) girls like myself. I never hesitate to question someone’s parentage or offer obscene dining suggestions on SL. I cleverly calculate the precise amount of insult that will make someone THINK about tracking me down and beating me up, but not mad enough to actually do it. The trouble is, it’s a fine line between being almost hunted down and actually hunted down. That’s why I never tell anyone where in the world I live, I keep it vague. I sleep in a skybox 8000 meters up in the air and leave a dummy in my bed (I don’t call him dummy to his face. I mumble so it sounds like “honey”). When it comes to physical toughness, there are two types of people: There are people like

See ROTW, Page 20



June 30, 2009

Upcoming events FOURTH OF JULY TREASURE HUNT: July 4 from 4 to 7 PM SLT in Minus (203,199,21). Sandy's Mall & Naughty Desire's Club is Having a 4TH OF JULY TREASURE HUNT. There are 25 Flags hidden all over Slick's Corner, the stores and the Club. When you find one, right click and buy for 0L4. Each flag is stuffed full of great gifts, men's and womens. So come on down and help us celebrate our country begining. Also we are starting a photo contest to find the sexiest avatar; both men and women can enter. The contest runs for one month, and the winner gets L$5000. Plus Sandy has redone her stores, and there is also prizes chairs and Midnight Mania boards!!! BACKYARD BBQ: July 4 from 8 to 11 PM SLT in Port Jefferson (156,182,23). The host is CatAngel Nightfire. We are celebrating the 4th of July with a Backyard BBQ. Grab your friend and come join us for some awesome tunes with lots of friendly people ready to party. CONTINUOUS FIREWORKS: July 4 10 PM to 1 AM SLT at Designs (119,127,22). The host is Shasta Laval. Continuous fireworks now through the 4th of July at ShazWren Photo Gallery. Dance, relax and have fun. Bring your friends. Fireworks are running continuously behind the gallery, next to our intan equipped dance floor.

Send event details to [email protected]

GOGOMODO TRIVIA SCORES For the week of June 29

INDIVIDUALS If you can make it here... But how? By Teddi Shamrock Staff writer

In August of 2008, The Metaverse Messenger reported an historical first. Second Life blues musician Von Johin had been signed to a First Life recording contract as a result of his inworld performances. Since then, I’ve wondered what it takes to get started in the SL music scene, because I work with several talented artists who perform at my Irish pub in my First Life. Shortly thereafter, I noted an advertisement that caught my eye, also in The Metaverse Messenger. Because I own an Irish pub, it wasn’t just the green and orange, or the spray of shamrocks that grabbed my attention. In bold print, the word Failte (pronounced FAL-chay), which means “welcome” in Gaelic, called to me. In the ad, Dublin was billed as a “world gathering place in SL,” with features such as The Blarney Stone Irish Pub and live music showcases After several months of this notion percolating in my brain, I finally reached out to Katt

Kongo, publisher of the paper, and asked her for a contact at Dublin. Katt said she had two names—one she worked with most frequently (ad contact), and Emmie (I will be using first names only, as I don’t want to overwhelm the folks that have been helping me). It turns out that Emmie is the Operations Manager for the Dublin sim, so she pointed me to Cher, who books all the music for the Dublin pub. Lesson number one, dear reader: It may take

you a few tries to get to the decision maker, but don’t give up. Great ideas are just that—ideas. They can’t manifest into something more until you take action. I might already be writing about another First Life recording contract, if I had taken immediate action on my earliest inclination. I will follow up with Emmie later to get an insider’s view on why Dublin wants live music as part of their sim offerings, what they are hoping to achieve and more. Emmie warned me up

front that Cher would need to hear a song, or see the band play. I completely understood this expectation as I employ the same screening when assessing a potential gig. I’m not just looking to see if they are talented. I also want to be sure there is a fit between the prospective artist and my venue. While I love heavy metal, that just wouldn’t be a fit for the pub. My customers ultimately make the decisions about what kind of music I book for their listening pleasure. I finally had the name of the person that books music at Dublin, an Irish sim, and me with a great Irish band. Opening up my Instant Messenger box, and excitedly typed in my introduction. Not sure how many requests of this kind she gets each day, I wanted to be “bright and brief,” as one of my former bosses used to say. “Hi, Cher. I’ve chatted briefly with Emmie about a band I would like to get up and active in SL. I own a RL pub, have recorded a live CD with this band as well as some YouTube videos. Also FYI, I’m writing a story for the M2 on my experiences on what it takes to make music real in SL, and

See BITES, Page 18

freya Morgath MyFatherSmelledOf Alderbury Georgia Caerndow Elder Lubitsch Fiona DuCasse Nicolina Cale Chaddington Boomhauer Giselle Eberhart Karlo Antonelli Elise Philipp Samohung Johin Doc Jishnu Beach Beebe Starhawk Starostin Chinouk Bluebird

8184 2372 1903 1851 1690 1462 1199 1151 1096 919 894 782 756 734 694

TEAMS Fantasy Isles Cafe Trivia Monty Python's Flying Circussss Zoo Bar cuppycake gumdrop eBid ZeroFee Auction Sunflower Trivia Black Wolf's Bar & Grill The Cats Lair Sunset Solace kajun The Queendom of Gaia Artemis Tavern Sharon's Diner Tranquil Falls Visit http://www.gogomodotrivia.com for more scores and trivia locations.

14129 9860 2424 2227 2024 1867 1692 1615 1395 1394 1121 1017 823 562 491

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 9

So Insightful Advice from Acuminous Watanabe Acu, I have recently left a longterm relationship that started in SL, but ended in RL. In SL, our relationship was wonderful. Our connection was completely unexpected. I entered SL to explore virtual real estate opportunities and he to explore ways to bring his RL business into SL. We enjoyed spending time together exploring and pose ball hopping (wink). Within a few months, we were collaborating on more than just a business partnership, but a real life commitment. We started chatting via Messenger, then webcamming and calls via Skype. We partnered in SL and held a beautiful wedding ceremony. After 10 months of a wonderfully romantic online union, we decided to move in together RL. He moved from the UK to my apartment on the East Coast. He could not work initially due to immigration issues, but we were making a decent income with our SL businesses. So I was comfortable with supporting us via income from my RL work. After 3 months, however, the stress of work and supporting the household began to take its toll, I think. He was uncomfortable with not being able to sup-

port himself and needing to come to me for money. I also felt frustrated with constantly having to console his feelings of inadequacy, which he seemed to be managing by degrading me constantly. My feelings of self worth began to suffer, as a result and after six months, the relationship had really broken down. On our last night together, a heated argument became physical. I knew that the relationship had become unhealthy, and I needed to get out. Now over a year later, my relationship is gone, my SL businesses dissolved, and I feel like I have nothing left. To make matters worse, I really miss him and what we shared. We still correspond from time to time, and he agrees that we need some space between us now, but it hurts so badly, Acu, that I wonder if my life will ever be the same without him. I am beginning to realize that a romantic relationship is not right for us, but am wondering if we could ever really be friends? Can I ever go back to the second life I once knew before him? 1st and 2nd Lifeless Lifeless, My sincere condolences as you grieve this devastating loss. I respect that you acknowledge it See ADVICE, Page 19

WIN L$1,000 in the M2’S Eagle Eye Photo ID Contest! If you think you know where this picture was taken, e-mail your answer to [email protected] along with your avatar’s name. The deadline for this week’s contest is July 6. No one correctly identified the photo in the last issue as Error Product of ROT Dev. For a complete list of rules for the contest, visit the M2 office in Dublin.

Page 10 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

IN THE SIM MAGIC OF OZ, Dorothy’s Kansas house sits partially submerged just off of Munchkinland. Also found in the sim, a flight of flying monkeys cover the entrance while rivers of slime overflow their banks on the way to the Witch’s Castle on Magic of Oz. - Photos by the SOTW TEAM.

Sim of the Week: Magic of Oz By VIOLETTA HEART Staff writer Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Follow the .. Follow the … Follow the Yellow Brick Road. WeeeeeeEEEEE’RReeee Off to see the Wizard. (Norinn! Watch out for the flying monkeys! You don’t know where they’ve been!) This week our intrepid Sim of the Week staff has landed in Oz, the sim Magic of Oz to be exact. This sim is a detailed recreation of the Oz adventures complete with Munchkin Village, Emerald City and Witch’s Castle. Magic of Oz is group owned by MOO Development. Candy Cerveau is the reigning Queen of Oz, with Risusipo Jun as the Flying Monkey Master, Malkavyn Eldritch as the Moovelous Magician, and Saint Barracuda, Magic Scribe, Jenne Dibou, and Dove Swanson as officers and VIP Ozmites. “We really wanted to capture the spirit of the books, but have our own personalities represented as well,” says Cerveu, who is also the designer and owner of .::eyecandy::, Fine Jewelry.

Residents will enter the sim at a crossroads. The Yellow Brick Road stretches off in four different directions. Signs nailed to a tree point to the various locals. We chose to head for Munchkin Land first. Munchkin Land is a confection of curved walls, transparent textures, and stunning details. The buildings are shops with such big names as SilentSparrow, owned by hyasynth Tiramisu. Tiramisu’s full range of clothing is not on sale here, but the selection is nicely varied and in keeping with the Oz theme. KatatOnik, owned by KatatOnik Pidgeon, is also present. Pidgeon creates high quality child avatar clothing. Want to play Dorothy in Oz? Pidgeon has a perfect dress for you to wear right inside the door. Other venders include: Loulou and CO by Lolly Carlberg, Kess Creations by Kesserat Steeplechase, Rebel Extravaganza by Rouge Darcy, Laughing Academy by Tabitha Ninetails, Alchemy by Constanza Volare, Crie Style by Grazioso Alekse, Penguin Village and Aqua shop, both owned by Gonbe Shan. Vendors also include Prettiful, owned by Mialissa Masala, Wasabi Pills by

See SOTW, Page 20

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 11

When a demigod dies: Pop culture icons and mortality hospital where physicians worked to revive Jackson, to no avail. When the confirmation came, a groan swept through the crowd, an audible response as the worst fears Lightning strike of the mass of Michael Jackson fans gathered there were The unexpected death of pop superstar Michael realized. Jackson on June 25 sent shockwaves around the globe like the impact of a comet striking the earth. Social net- It is appointed to all men once to die… working sites such as Twitter and Facebook were overNo one is immortal; all human beings must eventuwhelmed with inquiries. For a time, Google ally leave this world, though some are able to linger for responded to queries on Michael Jackson with an a century or more, while otherror message reading “We’re sorry, but your query looks similar to automated requests from a computer virus or spyware application. To protect our users, we can’t process your request right now.” Cable news channels such as CNN and Fox News largely shifted their focus from the earlier tragedy du jour — the death of 70s sex symbol Farrah Fawcett, whose losing battle with cancer had been well documented and whose passing had not been completely unexpected — to a nearly fanatic examination of Jackson’s life and career as the news initially came in reporting the 911 call that Jackson had collapsed, then that he had been rushed to the hospital, that he had suffered cardiac arrest, that he was comatose, and finally, late in the afternoon, that he was gone. The story even overshadowed the continuing struggle of the Iranian people against the apparently fraudulent election of weeks past. e r s The news of Jackson’s passing seemed to come out have their lives cut short, some as of left field, shocking everyone. Many seemed to feel infants or young children, some as teens or young adults, that it must be a hoax; how could that lithe young man some in the prime of life, whether through disaster, disthat sang and danced his way into our lives as a child star ease or accidents. It is said that about 153,000 people die each day be dead, for Christ’s sake? For that matter, how could he even be 50 years old? around the world. Most are mourned by their friends and Some pointed to the allegations of child molestation families, while others who are celebrities of various that had dogged Jackson for years, with more than a few stripes are more widely recognized, but once in a while, people openly stating that they would “shed no tears for a death catches the attention of virtually everyone. a pedophile.” Many more, however, were overcome with The death of Michael Jackson is a prime example of grief, displaying their sorrow in displays reminiscent of the sort of event that captivates society in this way. It was the rallies that followed the deaths of Elvis Presley or shocking in its suddenness, outshining the day’s other John Lennon. celebrity loss like the glare of a supernova suddenly obA massive crowd gathered outside the Los Angeles scuring the dimming light of a nearby fading star. By PHOENIX PSALTERY Special correspondent

Farrah Fawcett’s illness had been public knowledge for an extended period of time, and her death was no surprise. It was expected, in fact — it’s certain that media around the world had her obituary prepared, with the only thing lacking being the exact date of death. Oh, and don’t forget about… The same was true of another recent celebrity death — isn’t it certain that some gossip columnist will eventually start referring to these as “celedeaths?” — that of the venerable Ed McMahon, beloved by millions for his decades of service as sidekick to the late Johnny Carson as well as his many seasons as the host of American Idol’s grandpappy, Star Search. While his death at the age of 86 was certainly not a shock, the fact that it was relegated to near-footnote status (“Oh, god! Did you hear that Michael Jackson died? And so did Farrah! And oh, yeah, that one guy that used to be on Johnny Carson died the other day, too”) served as a sad reminder of how fleeting fame can be. Dying in plain sight There have been other shocking celedeaths in the past, of course. In 1977, the world was slapped in the face with the reality that Elvis Presley, who wiggled and hiccupped his way to stardom in the late 1950s, became a B-movie screen star in the early 1960s and morphed into a tasseled Vegas act in the 1970s, had died at the young age of 42. Stars meet their fates in a bewildering variety of ways. Air crashes took the lives of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson (1959), Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd (1977), and Stevie Ray Vaughn (1990). The almost clichéd drug overdose took both Keith Moon and John Entwistle of The Who, the Sex Pistols’ Sid Vicious, Gram Parsons of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Janis Joplin, Dee Dee Ramone, guitar god Jimi Hendrix and Hollywood sex kitten Marilyn Monroe. See DEMIGOD, Page 23

Page 12 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

The M2 is now hiring!

PERSONAL made by someone to cut down on the size of the exhibits. One thing I had noticed was the cramped nature of the exhibits, and I didn’t feel quite so ‘roomy’ in the general space as last year. I didn’t understand why until I had a conversation with Miss Wright from DCS and Toxian. Wright said, “ I can understand logic behind wanting them smaller, possibly because people could get to each exhibit easier, but I do not think it is fair to an artist or builder, because you can’t be as creative.” “For instance, I took my build last year and started to reduce it; it went from 1400 prims, to 400, and the exhibit looked kind of crappy, took me almost a week to get it down that way, and I still had to redo all the signage,” she said. She explained further, “I just gave up. I didn’t want to put out something so mediocre, and I still had the DCS exhibit to help with, and it would have had the same effect, kind of lame. “Maybe if I would have had more time, I could have really make something out of those 400 prims I was allotted, but it still would have been lacking a great

From Page 5

deal. I do not feel that if compacting the exhibits to make it easier to view was the reason for reducing the lots that much was worth it at all. I am sure I am not the only person that ended up declining.” I do find myself agreeing. The larger plots gave the whole thing a greater feeling of space. However, the issue still stands that roleplay sims were under represented this year. To that end, I think next year the people who look after getting the word out could do with working out groups to target in order to spread the word. Many people don’t read the blogs, and the welcome message, good as it is, is often missed. As a result, a lot of SL6B exhibitors will have joined through word of mouth. Examples of targeting would be the developers of roleplay sim metering systems. Support groups, the official Linden groups (mentors, media etc. ) and similar groups could all be targeted to help get the word around. This in my opinion would help get a wider variety of residents exhibiting, which can only be a good thing.

The Metaverse Messenger

Fashion June 30, 2009



The Metaverse Messenger - Dublin (23, 75, 26)

Future Frocks: Second Life has them By JESSIKA JENIEVE Staff writer

Trapped in First Life, I was looking at an Italian Vogue the other day and noting how Italian style references the future, with lots of Perspex shoes, strange hats and generally all a bit Barbarella. Then my mind went off at a tangent – a place I often find myself – to think about all the technology we carry about these days, not just in our handbags, but in our back pockets and hanging around our necks. I wondered just how fashion is dealing with the changes needed for all this hardware. On Second Life, the avatars don’t carry the technology, unless you are like my friend, SacramenT who wears his like fabulous jewels. It’s all there in the inventory or on our desktop, we just point and amazing things happen. The thing I really love best is picking up my house and moving it around, while wear a red evening gown and stilettos – Power!!! My first idea of what we would wear in the future is a dim memory of the Star Trek communications officer, Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols. She had a really short skirt and, in spite of the early Bluetooth device in her ear, it was pretty clear that her role on the Starship Enterprise was to provide eye candy for the viewer. The male producers of the day hadn’t quite caught on to what the women in the real world were about to do. Enter next my all-time favourite woman, Eileen Collins. Eileen was the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle Discovery and was subsequently commander of later missions. She looked good in her uniform, if a sort of puffy orange jumpsuit is what you fancy. Women and technology were leaping ahead together, but mine was still all in the bottom of the handbag. I remember a scientist in 1998 who inserted a microchip

into his arm to see what would happen if we all had a chip under the skin connected directly to the nervous system. The chip would power the technology, and no doubt make life easier for airport security. A bit desperate that, and a nasty scar probably resulted. This famous piece of research was undertaken by Professor Kevin Warwick, who had a chip implanted into his arm, with the aim of “becoming a cyborg.” By means of the implant, Professor Warwick’s nervous system was connected onto the internet, and he was able to control a robot arm and to obtain feedback from sensors in his finger tips. He also tried a similar experiment on his wife. There is no record of what either was wearing at the time, but if he had been my husband, he would now be wearing a selection of kitchen implements. A Mexican company has since launched a service to implant microchips in children as an anti-kidnapping device – now that is horrible! So if technology will probably not be within us just yet – then it must be on us, but where? None of the women portrayed in film, TV or real life really give us a definitive clue what the future frocks might look like. There have been a lot of changes in fabric, but often this results in nasty, slimy cheap clothes that wash and wear and would make it to the moon, but really do show up those awful lumpy bits. And there is still nowhere to put the technology. One small development is the pocket in your handbag for a phone. Well, that’s a start. On Second Life, we have a much clearer idea of what future clothes will look like. Here we are free to change and adapt as and when we please – I love changing clothes mid dance, and I’m always changing my shoes if my partner is a bit on the small side. On the web, there are a lot of clothes called urban wear. These clothes have nice little pockets

for my iphone; loops for the cable and some even have integrated controls built into the fabric interface. And you can wash them. But here’s the catch – I don’t wear the same clothes every day – don’t even want to! So the nice orange techno shirt really is not going to deal with the phone, the ipod, the gaming console, the extra camera, my wallet and keys on a daily basis. I still need a handbag, and I’m back to groping in the bottom to find things and getting tied up to the bus seat by the ipod cable. SL frees us from all that, and I actually find a world without a handbag is really fun. Not far into the future, some tiny invisible fibers will be woven into every garment we buy and, from a Bluetooth earpiece, we will be able to access the computer in our home or office. Our commands will be by voice recognition, and we can choose how the information will be relayed back to us, music and phone calls to the earpiece, and text to a separate device, which links via our mobile broadband. Just think – every garment, every style, every day. Now this is getting close to our SL experience at last. So for now here’s my solution for meatspace — fashion companies take note: you saw it here first (all royalties to me please) — the Inventory Scarf. It’s a sort of SL inventory for the real world. Think about it: the scarf with pockets, one for the iphone, one for the netbook and a channel in the fabric for the cable, which pops out exactly at the right point to plug into your ear. You can build in a wallet and a place for the keys, if you want. And all in a fabulous colour, and fabric of your choice (black cashmere for winter and a cool heavy silk for summer). Then we can all go on wearing just what we like as often as we want and we won’t be the one tangled up in the bus door. Will someone get the teleport sorted for First Life, please?



Page 13

Page 14 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

THE AUSTRALIAN COMPANY of BigPond might not be very happy with a ban on Second Life, as they have 16 sims in the virtual world. - Photo by KATT KONGO.

BAN So far, this ban has only extended to physical sales of such games, but a spokesperson for the BCDE stated that the ban will soon be extended to downloadable games, flash-based web games and sites which sell physical copies of games that do not meet the MA15+ standard. But again, Second Life has not been specifically named, and the ban has yet to be signed into law. Politicians may have some difficulty in accomplishing such an act; banning Second Life would negatively affect several corporations and universities which are a part of the grid.

From Page 1

Australian telecommunications giant Big Pond has a huge presence in SL, spanning across at least 16 sims. Educational institutions such as University of Western Australia, Curtin University of Technology and The University of Newcastle are also in Second Life. Another obstacle to this ban is the fact that elections in Australia are imminent, and, according to the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia, the average age of game players is 30, all of whom are compelled by law to vote. Nevertheless, Australian cit-

izens who are SL residents are already formulating plans. As one resident, who wished to remain anonymous stated, “We can totally circumvent this ban with a third party DNS server instead of the ones provided by ISP. It is possible to force a specific DNS server onto you, but few networks currently do this. The dodgy DNS to avoid the internet censor thing has been going on in Denmark for some time now.” As of press time, the BCDE Minister has no comment. Contact information for Stephen Conroy is at http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/.

Advertising

works! To learn more about advertising in the M2, visit www.metaversemessenger.com

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 15

LINE

ried, moved cross country, changed jobs twice, and changed religions during those same three years. All of those are events that could change a person’s outlook, so many of my views are quite different then they once were. Those that have not changed much almost certainly have new things supporting them. So, starting with next week’s column, I am going to begin going back and intentionally revisiting my very early work. I will probably start at the first column I wrote, and work my way forward, but do not hold me to that. Anything that there is nothing new to say on, I will skip. If topics interrelate, I will skip around. The well of ideas is not dry either, so you will still see an

From Page 6 original idea here now and then. What you will not see is a rehash of my past work. The goal here is not to sound like a broken record, just repeating myself from the past. I could do that easily enough without announcing it. (If Katt would let me get away with it is another question entirely.) I would also like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you as my reader as well. My view is by no means the only one out there. As I touch base on each of these topics, if you feel inspired to write your views on them, please do so. I have had several others write their views on The Line in this space. If you would like your ideas to see print, please let me know.

SL PHOTOGRAPHER EDDI HASKELL, astride his horse and wearing his Candadian Royal Mountie uniform, hosted a Canada Day Party at the Tiger's Eye Club, Tiger's Isle, Arizona Ocean (160, 93, 21). - Photo by SHERRIE SHEPHERD.

POWER

mals, why he never seemed to have romantic entanglements with women. I never told anyone why I was so certain that Michael Jackson had never molested any child. And when the news that he had died was posted to a forum I frequent, I argued with the ones who posted the news. There was absolutely no way that Michael Jackson had died. The world could not continue without the presence of Michael Jackson. And when the news finally sunk in that the King of Pop really was gone, I logged into Second Life, to find fellow Jackson fans, and then I told them all that I had previously kept to myself. I mourned with my fellow SL residents, but we celebrated the man and his music as well. And the second event that I referred to is yesterday’s death of my dog. She had been ill for several days, and I grew more and more worried about her. When she tried to walk last night and

From Page 5 couldn’t without weaving and stumbling, I called the vet and took her in. After a very thorough examination and several tests, the vet came back in with the bad news: my dog was in renal failure. She could recover, but the cost would be several thousand dollars, and that was no guarantee. In the meantime, she was suffering horribly, in a tremendous amount of pain. So I made the heart wrenching decision to have her put to sleep. Last night, my family helped me to bury her on my own property, land I was able to acquire because of my work in Second Life. As my children hugged me tightly, I made plans for the memorial I would build for my little dog, for Poochie, in the real life that Second Life has helped me to build. And once I build that, I will log into SL to begin the healing process, by telling my friends about this dog with the beautiful spirit.

Be Virtually Visible!

Community Page 16



The Metaverse Messenger - Dublin (23, 75, 26)

Support for Healing Weekly Meetings:

Sunday 08:00 AM SLT Tong Ren Energy Sharing Hosted by TongRen Writer at Catherine House Peer-to-peer distant healing modality for physical and psychological issues.

Monday 04:00 PM SLT

Depression Support Group Hosted by Industria Dowler at the Meeting Circle

Tuesday 06:00 PM SLT Tong Ren Energy Sharing Hosted by TongRen Writer at the Meeting Circle 07:00 PM SLT Loss for Life Hosted by Jenna Tapioca and Lavendermist McTeague at Catherine House This is a weight loss support group.

Thursday 08:00 PM SLT Anxiety Support Circle



June 30, 2009

Hosted by Glenn Oud and Reverie TimTam at Catherine House

Friday 07:00 PM SLT Loss for Life Hosted by Jenna Tapioca and Lavendermist McTeague at the Meeting Circle Monthly Meetings:

Saturday, Jan. 5 11:00 AM SLT GLBT Group Hosted by Industria Dowler at the Meeting Circle Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender issues. PFLAG and heterosexuals welcome!

Saturday, Jan. 19 11:00 AM SLT Fundraising Meeting Hosted by Industria Dowler at Catherine House Come help SFH's fundraising projects come to fruition! Impromptu Meetings:

*Random days 2:00 PM SLT

Buddhist Listening and Discussion Group Hosted by Jonno Zond at Catherine House Check events or contact Jonno for more info.

COMMUNITY NOT FOR PROFIT This spot is for you.

E-mail [email protected] learn how you can use it

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 17

Weekly events scheduled at SL Libraries

In support of Helen Keller Day on June 27 in the virtual world of Second Life and the increasing number of visually impaired individuals using virtual worlds, Alliance Library System and Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center are pleased to announce “Second Sight,” a new island and initiative in the Info Island Archipelago. “Second Sight will have resources and events for the visually impaired and their families on vision loss, healthy eye care, and other issues related to vision,” stated Kitty Pope, ALS Executive Director. “There are some very innovative and exciting initiatives and amazing community development happening in virtual worlds for people with disabilities. In these economically challenging times, this is just the type of innovation that will meet the needs of an expanding community of visually impaired in the social networking environment of Second Life.” Alliance Library System partnered with Virtual Ability to build the awardwinning Virtual Ability orientation center for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions and has spear headed library initiatives in Second Life. ALS will work with other libraries and organizations on creating a resource center, community, and library services for the visually impaired in Second Life. “3D virtual worlds such as Second Life provide unimaginable opportunities for people with disabilities. The Helen Keller event is tangible evidence that even highly visual platforms such as 3D virtual worlds can be made accessible for people with visual impairments. As an educator and researcher in this field, I commend the work of Alliance Library System and am excited by their latest initiative in establishing Second Sight as a specialist resource for people with visual impairments,” said Denise Wood, PhD, Program Director and researcher, University of South Australia. Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center is a sub regional library for the print impaired located at Alliance Library System serving readers in 60 counties of central and northern Illinois. Alliance Library System is one of nine regional library systems located in East Peoria, Illinois, providing services to 260 libraries of all types including consulting, shared computer system, continuing education, grant assistance and more. For more information, contact Lori Bell at [email protected] Alexandrian Free Library: (Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead, New Toulouse, New Babbage, Amatsu Shima, West of Ireland, Steeltopia, Deadwood, Al Andalus & Constantinople) Library Events for July 01 - 07 2009 Continuing Exhibits: Caledon Library: Speak to Us! - Victorian Spiritualism Exhibit, curated by Mica Braun May 1st to July 17th, 2009 The Jack and Elaine Whitehorn Memorial Library, Caledon Victoria City http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/59/196/23 West of Ireland Library: Leprechauns!, curated by Derry McMahon June 10 to August 29

West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29 Caledon Library: From Oxcarts to Gondolas: the travel albums of Isabella Stewart Gardner June 14 to January 3, 2010 HG Wells Memorial Library, Caledon Wellsian, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Wellsian/225/236/23

WOI- “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” continues with Lilia Quinnell Monday, 6 July, 2009 7:00pm - 8:00pm SLT West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29 Join us for the conclusion of our journey with Dorothy and her companions to meet the Wizard of Oz. Is it true that there is no place like home? Caledon Library Folklore lecture by Afsaneh Metaluna Transformations and Enchanted Spouses Tuesday, July 7, 2009 4:30pm - 5:30pm SLT Where: Tinyville Library, Caledon Tanglewood, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tanglewood/23/214/23/ Folklorist Afsenah Metaluna will guide us in a new exploration each month; with illustrative stories and her own commentary she’ll expose to our understanding some facet of the rich and varied folklore of the British Isles. Her lectures and tales feature brave heroics and wonder tales from the Celtic regions, Welsh lore including the tales of Arthur and Merlin, stories of the wise and the uncanny from Scotland, and folklore from England comprised of local legends that combine references to beliefs and customs and aspects of daily life, particularly rural life (as well as the English ballads and broadsides, which have a strong tradition of their own.) This month, she’ll tell us tales of transformations and enchanted spouses. Join us to hear stories that turn princes into swans and wives into seals, as well as legends of lovers who come and go in the dark, and all manner of supernatural sweethearts. WOI-“The Skills of Xanadu” with Gyro Muggins Tuesday, 7 July, 2009 7:00pm - 8:00 pm SLT West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29 “The Skills of Xanadu” by Theodore Sturgeon (found in The Worlds of Theodore Sturgeon). Brill, a spy from the powerful and technologically advanced world of Kit Carson, seems to have all the advantages over the pacific natives of Xanadu. So why is Brill’s espionage confounded at every turn?

THOUGH THE EVENTS to celebrate Second Life’s sixth birthday have wrapped up, the SL6B sims will be opened until July 6. The celebration was a success overall, with just a few glitches. Read the complete story on page 1. - Photos by KATT KONGO.

Page 18 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

BITES why a band might want to.” I then came completely clean and told her I was a complete noob in the SL space when it came to music. And then to the nut of it, “Do you have a submittal packet or anything like that to get me started on getting you what you need to consider my Irish rock band?” To my great pleasure, Cher responded immediately, “What would you like to do in SL, have your rock band stream live from your RL pub or home into SL?” It wasn’t quite Greek, but I realized I had no idea what might be preferable, or for that matter which would be more straight forward from a technology perspective. I shared with her my naïve thought that I would like to have the band perform on stage in SL, with music streaming from my pub. I also shared with her my pub’s website (ExchangeTavern.com) and the band’s website (BigPaddyIrishMusic.com). For any band, job one is to develop a following. My idea was to grow the band’s following here in SL. Could I help initiate this same kind of awareness and following in Second Life? Could some of that overflow following have First Life positive impact on my pub too? Over the last two years, I’d had several conversations with the band on helping book them into larger venues around town, and to be part of their team. I genuinely care about them personally, and they are tremendously talented. I also had a discussion with them about SL. That was probably the hardest part of initiating this contact. How do you explain SL to someone who has never been here? Yes, there were looks, but when I told them about the First Life recording contract, they pushed through that skepticism! Cher told me they had just done something similar with a venue in San Diego, as well as a pub in Belford, England. She shared a flyer for a recent event with the notation “New URL Streaming 128 kbps.” While I realized at that moment, there

From Page 8

was going to be a lot to learn here, the conversation was electric, all the more so when she played Big Paddy’s audio clips. I had a very narrow focus when reaching out to Cher: Irish sim; Irish band. Cher saw possibilities in the fact that I had live music at my pub several times per month, and while I had another fantastic Irish band, we host other kinds of music too. Turns out Cher also runs SL Live Radio with over 200 artists. The station has played previously recorded tracks, but Cher explained she was more into live music of late. In sales parlance, it was time to make the ask, or close the deal: “So where do we go from here, Cher? We are both interested. How do we make it happen?” She pointed me to Tone to learn how to set up the audio, and she was going to make contact with Ham, the owner of the Dublin sim. I dutifully crafted an email and fired it off to Tone. In my brief note, I explained I had absolutely no idea what is necessary to make this come together, but mentioned that Cher pointed me to him to learn what it takes to set up audio in SL from a technical perspective—an introduction like that is very often useful, and helps establish credibility. Dear reader, I’m not expecting Tone to do this for me, but hoping he will tell me what I need, or where to go for more information. In my experience, folks are willing to help you, as long as you put in as much or more effort to help yourself. Let me take this opportunity to thank Katt Kongo, Emmie and Cher for helping get this idea started! Next week I hope to update you on my conversations with Tone, and on the technical odyssey that awaits. I would also like to hear from you on questions or comments you might have on music in SL, whether you are an audience member, a purveyor or a performer. Please drop me a notecard in-world, or email me at [email protected], and thank you.

Neo-Realms Fishing Camp Results from the week of April 13 2009-06-23 - OPEN ROD TOURNEY First Place: erree Amat Second Place: Jaki Sismondi Third Place: SabreWulf Banshee Best Catch: Carol1313 Greenwood

2009-06-24 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: Sal Salubrius Second Place: Coug Sleeper Third Place: Hateinside Blackheart Best Catch: Jadd Jacobus

2009-06-23 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: Tazzthespazz1262 Bookmite Second Place: KaliCat Kennedy Third Place: Teri Cave Best Catch: KaliCat Kennedy

2009-06-24 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: Mieken Rexen Second Place: Teri Cave Third Place: Coug Sleeper Best Catch: Dagmar Heideman

2009-06-23 - OPEN ROD TOURNEY First Place: James1971 Silvercloud Second Place: SabreWulf Banshee Third Place: Tazzthespazz1262 Bookmite Best Catch: Callum Finesmith

2009-06-24 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: KaliCat Kennedy Second Place: Nancy Carpool Third Place: Trina Yates Best Catch: KaliCat Kennedy

2009-06-23 - OPEN ROD TOURNEY First Place: metta Botanical Second Place: Jaki Sismondi Third Place: xanita Zessinthal Best Catch: xanita Zessinthal

2009-06-24 - OPEN ROD TOURNEY First Place: Callum Finesmith Second Place: Mica Mertel Third Place: James1971 Silvercloud Best Catch: xanita Zessinthal

2009-06-23 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: xanita Zessinthal Second Place: Carol1313 Greenwood Third Place: Teri Cave Best Catch: LadyBug Bashly

2009-06-24 - OPEN ROD TOURNEY First Place: GoldQueen Dezno Second Place: Trina Yates Third Place: Miikkey Magic Best Catch: Tigger Roffo

2009-06-23 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: James1971 Silvercloud Second Place: Hateinside Blackheart Third Place: francois Uba Best Catch: Mica Mertel

2009-06-24 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: GoldQueen Dezno Second Place: Sal Salubrius Third Place: Richie Marenwolf Best Catch: Tiersel Dollinger

2009-06-24 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: Mystique Suavage Second Place: Trina Yates Third Place: Tazzthespazz1262 Bookmite Best Catch: Devi Nightfire

2009-06-25 - EVENT ROD TOURNEY First Place: Tiersel Dollinger Second Place: Gia Sautereau Third Place: Krystal Wrigglesworth Best Catch: Hateinside Blackheart

TOP 5 2007 TOUR Name KaliCat Kennedy Carol1313 Greenwood Lacey Latrell mikelz Ember Jaki Sismondi

Points 715 523 515 439 429

First Second Third Best Catch 72 67 65 41 50 51 44 45 48 50 43 34 44 36 35 28 44 36 30 19

Hearts Enchanted (203, 192, 24) Samarai Tokyo (161, 96, 24) Alston (41, 87, 22) For a complete tournament schedule, visit fish.neorealms.com

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 19

KELLER JOHNSON THOMPSON (Keller Sight in SL), the great grandniece of Helen Keller spoke at the recent Helen Keller Day. - Photo by KATT KONGO

ADVICE was not only the relationship that you lost, but also your Second Life, which had become a part of you. The pain you feel is natural and is something we all experience as part of the grieving process. A confounding issue, however, is that there is often a feeling of isolation when grieving SL experiences and events, because people who are not connected to the online social community the way SL residents (and M/MORP gamers) have, have a hard time understanding this journey and are unsure how to help. I am glad that you are seeking answers as you work toward finding closure and evolution to this path you have chosen. There are resources within SL (such as our discussion group, professional counselors and support communities) should you decide to explore this more fully with others in-world. There are also Internet resources (web sites, blogs and mental health professionals with online clinics) if you feel it is healthier for you to explore your feelings outside of the grid. In my experience, people rarely leave SL permanently; however, some restructure their SL time in a way that demonstrates their healthy evolution with the experience of being immersed here. In the same way, your relationship with your SL/RL partner is becoming redefined. If the two of you are able to interact with one another in a way that is

From Page 9

healthy and promotes your emotional growth, you certainly should be friends. The challenge immediately following a breakup, however, is that interactions usually continue in much the same way they did when you were romantically involved. Prior to the break up, the two of you were more than partners. You were confidants. You shared the daily joys and disappointments with one another as a routine part of living together online and in RL. Once the relationship ends, you lose that source of daily support, and it is often that emptiness of turning to the screen or pillow and realizing the person is not there to share with that feels so heavy. It’s important that you first began to establish a new routine of support, someone (or ones) you call or visit to share with so that you don’t feel so alone. In time, a new pattern is established, and at that point, it may feel less weighty to introduce a friendship with the ex into the relationship. It is the essence of what “space” should mean. Establishing alternate sources of support creates a relational bridge that should allow you to interact with him in a healthier and more fulfilling way. Acknowledging the struggle with redefining your Second Life is a good starting point and suggests you are on the right track to making a decision that is right for you. With love, peace and blessings, Acu

Have news you’d like published in The Metaverse Messenger? Send press releases to [email protected]

Page 20 The Metaverse Messenger June 30, 2009

ROTW

IN OZ, THE YELLOW Brick Road leads up to the gates of the Emerald City. - Photo by THE SOTW TEAM.

SOTW MissAllSunday Lemon, Evie’s Closet by Evangeline Miles, Mechanical Toy Factory by Jenne Dibou, Risusipo Shop by Risusipo Jun, and MnM Designs by Utano Schell. In this marketplace, visitors will find everything from brightly colored candy necklaces to pirate chipmunk avatars. The Munchkin Village comes complete with Dorothy’s Kansas house. At the enterance of the village, the Tin Woodsman stands guard. This wonderful prim work statue can be clicked on, which changes his position. Off down the road, we take a right and follow the bricks to a corn field. There you can hang out – literally – with the Scarecrow. Click on the stack to his left and you can hang out and shoot the breeze with him for a while. Off once again down that yellow paved highroad, and another right takes us to the Emerald City. The path runs through a field of poppies, but if you hurry you will not fall asleep. The emerald City stands atop a tall mountain, shining in the sunlight. This is the home of .::eyecandy::. Fine Jewelry, owned by Cerveu. Cerveu, a former designer of First Life jewelry herself, has a stunning back drop for her work. The City looks like a Bavarian Village done in whites and emerald green. Be sure to visit the throne room and climb into the Wizard’s Throne. Cerveu uses First Life as inspiration for her designs in SL. “I have a sketchbook, and when I see an interesting shape or design out in the world, I sketch it out and then try to use [it] in a jewelry piece,” she says. “I’m especially inspired by my local state park, I go there a lot.” Heading back down the Road, we cross into the dark realm of the Witch’s Castle. Here the way is full of danger with the flying monkeys circling over head, and the pathway growing narrow and slippery with slime. The Castle is home to Malcontent, owned by Malkavyn Eldritch, who makes hand drawn eyes and textiles. It is also home

From Page 10

to a market featuring various gothic and steampunk venders, such as Schadenfreude by Allegory Malaprop, Vellas by Ignor Vella, The Stringer Mausoleum and Shrine, owned by Helena Stringer. “We started (building) in August of last year, and we opened in early October - so from start to finish less than two months. Jenne (Dibou) is a very fast and efficient builder,” says Cerveu. “I love all three areas - but for sheer impact I think the Witch’s castle is the most impressive. It really captures a creepy vibe, and the steampunk elements really give it that unique twist.” Right now, the Oz team is working on an expansion and hope to have it done by their one year anniversary in October. “We are actually working on an expansion right now on the neighboring sim, Road to Oz. We are working on a range of collectible pets with AI called Ozimals. “Their mainstore will be there as well as another part of Oz that will be revealed in the next few months. There are many books in the Oz series and so many magical lands represented that were are still debating on which one to bring to SL next.” When asked what advice she would like to give to newbies to SL, Cerveu says, “Well, it’s so different now from when I started in 2005, but I think that I would remind them that Second Life is a huge vibrant world, and it is easy to find one part of it and stick close, but be sure to explore. There are some amazing things here that will take your breath away; don’t miss out on them.” “I think our biggest goal with Magic of Oz was to create a place where people could go and be taken out of the realm of the ordinary; I think we achieved that. I have people tell me every day how thrilled they are to find Oz in Second Life, and how much they loved the books and the movie as a child. “I’m just so happy we could create a place that gives people joy like that,” says Cerveu.

me, and then there are people who can beat the crap out of people like me. Until now. SL allows us to lash out at the people we consider stupid while leaving plenty of time to run away if things get out of hand. Also, if I can rant a bit more, you know how there are people in RL you would rather see in milk cartons? Well, in SL you can just use (what I like to call) a bozo filter and mute/ban/eject the idiots from your land and add them into the list of people who are forever banned from your electronic kingdom..LOL. I mean no disrespect to Bozo the Clown when I say this. I would enjoy meeting the real Bozo in SL, and maybe talking to him and having a laugh. You expect a famous clown to be able to send funny IMs, unless he just doesn’t care anymore. I wish LL would have an automatic bozo filter, say like... when someone IMs you, they would get an automatic message, like this: Bozo filter: You are talking to Mrs. Wetherby’s bozo filter. Please answer yes or no. Will your next few lines benefit Mrs. Wetherby in any way? Newbie: Um... yes. Yes it will. Bozo filter: Liar *bans* ONE THING IN YOUR INVENTORY THAT YOU WOULD BE THE MOST DEVASTATED TO LOSE? I don’t keep booze, drugs, loud music and/or men in my inventory. So there’s nothing I would be devastated to lose. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCATION IN SL? My office at my store. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE

From Page 8

THE OUTSIDE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT SL? That there are two types of people in the world: the bright, attractive, innovative people like yourself who come on SL and shop at Wetherby’s, and the six billion idiots who don’t have a SL and get in our way. WHAT ONE THING ABOUT SECOND LIFE WOULD YOU CHANGE IF YOU COULD? Uhmm... LAG? LOL… I’m pretty sure there are a few out there who agree with me. *shakes a fist up in the air*One day you will hear from me, Linden Lab! DO YOU HAVE AN SL PARTNER? IF SO, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT HIM/HER. I do NOT have a partner in SL. I repeat, I do not have a partner in SL, neither a boyfriend or any ties whatsoever to anyone. However, I do know a few guys who will get upset when they read this... LOL! WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SEE IN FUTURE SL UPGRADES? Despite the fact that the future in SL will be filled with an ever-growing number of newbies in free skins, the type that sends annoying loud gestures every two seconds... I remain optimistic. I’m not crazy... HONESTLY! For once, I see an invisible force field in our future. I will be using it all the time, especially around newbies, or those who get too close to my personal space. I wouldn’t need a big shield like they use on combat zones, maybe just a sculpted belt-clip HUD for personal use.

I could insult dangerous people (like odd looking wierdos, who go around with wings, half naked and loaded with guns) without fear of retribution. Whatever crumbs of personality I now have would be completely unnecessary in the future. On the plus side, it would make shopping much more fun. Shopping with Shields up: Me: Hey, you, newbie! You’re an unpleasant cretin in cheap hair and ugly free shoes! Newbie: I oughta slug you! Me: Try it. My shield is up Newbie: Damn! Me: There’s nothing you can do to harm me. Newbie: Hey! You think you can lend me a few lindens? Me: Nice try.... WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PERSON (NON-PARTNER) IN SL, AND WHY? I couldn’t possibly name just one person. There’s my SL family – Fai, my sister; daughters Chrissy and Mimi; nieces Selena, Roary, Lilly and Isa; as well as the wonderful staff at Wetherby’s! I couldn’t be happier with their work; my landlord Junkyarddog, who is very supportive; Jazzman Corriea, who is my favorite SL musician; my friends Keith, Dave, Dis, Karin, Africa, John, Karen, Charlotte, April. I have been blessed with such wonderful friends on SL, and I’m very grateful for that. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE LINDEN? IF SO, WHO AND WHY? The only Linden I like is the kind you can buy shoes with. PIE OR CHEESE, AND WHY?

I beg your pardon? Both?

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 21

Second Penguins:

Banana Phone 3.0

By DRAKE BACON M2 columnist I’m okay now. Just a bit stiff after getting out of the cage, but thankfully I was sprung before Apple had their iPhone 3.0 prerelease announcement, followed by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8. IE first, because... HEY! HEY YOU! YEAH YOU! THE ONE RUNNING IE 6! UPGRADE NOW! RIGHT NOW! GET YOUR VIRUS INFESTED PC UPGRADED NOW. Seriously, my day job has IE6 on their basic system, and I’m constantly beating my head against the wall as I build websites for it. Firefox doesn’t have these problems, IE 7 is nicely sane, but I have to strip things down so it can work in IE 6... tears my hair out. Run IE 7 at least. Get rid of IE 6. You’ll be less buggy, and a lot happier, for it. Many others (including myself) are very happy over Apple’s iPhone 3.0 announcement. Granted, they did go through some of the programming side, but there’s a lot that will make things easier for application developers. First is that Apple will support a “demo” or “episode” model for each application. For instance, Keenspot Entertainment’s iPhone comic book apps called “Marry Me”. Instead of having multiple versions clog up the store, it can now be one application. Each episode will be bought from inside the application, with ether a subscription or pick-a-episode method. Apple will take care of delivery, and free apps can not charge for addon content. Other API features include streaming audio and video done natively by the iPhone (no manual handling of it), access to any accessories via Bluetooth or the dock connector, Nintendo DSlike peer-to-peer connectivity via Bluetooth, the ability to tie into the native Mail app, and access to the iPod library. Those wanting their iPhone to be like a TomTom or GPS navigator device will have a way to tie in the geolocation features in all iPhones to a map (but it has to be your own map, not Google’s – licensing is the problem). Also, Apple finally got their

push notification out – and you can blame Disney’s ESPN channel for that. ESPN, a 24-7 multichannel sports cable TV network, has been known to send out 50 million SMS alerts per month. 50 Million, per month! That caused Apple to have bad flashbacks of their MobileMe service and say “Let’s rework this so it scales up that much, if not massive more.” Of course, this means no background processes that keep the phone up all night and drain your battery; however, if the streaming audio is handled by Apple, it may not be much of a hit now. For us unwashed masses, we’re getting back to the level of all cell phones, and then some. We’re finally getting cut/copy/paste. You can now double-tap a word, adjust the selection, and hit Copy in the poped-up bubble. Switch apps, double-tap empty space, and paste. Made a mistake? Shake the iPhone to undo. Easy, and now in all applications. For iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2nd Gen users, you’re getting Bluetooth stereo and MMS messaging in a new Messaging app that replaces the SMS Text app. So you can finally send those cool pics of the concert to your friends on non-Apple phones. iPod Touch users will unlock the Bluetooth chip, but I believe it’s only the 2nd Gen iPod Touches, not the 1st Gen that I have. Existing apps do get enhanced, now offering landscape keyboards through a lot of them. You’ll be able to search through not only your mail, but everything with new Spotlight integrated. You’ll be able to send multiple photos via email; Calendar now supports Exchange; Safari now has anti-phishing and login credential storage. The YouTube app will let you log into your YouTube account, and you’ll also get the iPod Nano’s Shake to Shuffle. Also, the Voice Memo app will come on board. Of course, there’s a few caveats. Teathering is up to the provider, but can be hacked open, and is through USB or Bluetooth. iPod Touch users need to shell out $10 due to how Apple is required to account for them. And NOBODY HAS PORTED SECOND LIFE TO THE IPHONE!

Can’t afford a display ad? The Metaverse Messenger also accepts

CLASSIFIED ADS.

Lifestyles June 30, 2009

 The Metaverse Messenger Dublin (23,75,26) 

Page 22

Variety is the spice of (RP ) Life By KATIER REITVELD

Staff writer

Variety is certainly the spice of Second Life role-playing. Even so, most roleplay sims can be reduced to a fairly small number of genres. These genres include postapocalyptic worlds, medieval, fantasy and science fiction worlds. Another fairly popular genre is the sim that is based on a work of fiction, with Star Wars, Star Trek and Gorean worlds being good examples. It seems like post-apocalyptic and the apparently closely related ‘dark RP’ worlds are the most popular. This theme is usually set in the near future or present day. Usually there has been some kind of natural or man made disaster that has caused government to breakdown. This typically allows the plot line to develop into anarchy. Sometimes such sims will have a police force attempting to give law and order, but invariably they will be corrupt and ineffective. Therefore, roleplay often sees gangs forming that fight for control of resources or run the local brothels or other services. Most of the time such genres stick to largely human characters; however, the “disaster” part of the storyline often allows some forms of mutation. Thus Vampires and ‘Nekos’ are often seen alongside more conventional humans. Nekos are a seemingly very popular human/cat hybrid where humans have sprouted feline ears and tail. Alexxx23 Ferraris is one roleplayer who enjoys this genre citing the atmosphere as one reason he enjoys it. Ferraris said, “The dark scene just seems more bad ass. I suppose its more action packed when you want it to be, and it’s chill when you want to. Plus, the gang scene is appealing to me personally.” Science fiction is probably the most flexible genre available. Perhaps surprisingly it’s a genre that usually relies on other works of fiction, such as Star Wars, for it’s storyline. It is, however, a genre that opens a huge range of choices, with a lot more variety of species, locations and storyline available when compared to the dark RP worlds. For example, the location could be a space station, a planet and a space station or on a planet. It could involve alien species, space combat and trading between areas. Oni Horan runs one very successful and popular science fiction sim.

Horan said, “The choice [in going with science fiction] has many reasons. The most obvious one is that I am seriously tired of fantasy throughout the media, and I was annoyed that here in SL fantasy, be it more medieval, or more Gothic was offered in high variety, while Sci-Fi was a complete niche concept, only available in a selected few places. “Later I realized it was also a choice on a very personal level, many design ideas and story concepts I take from thinking processes I have assembled ever since my childhood,” he added. Horan went on to emphasise the huge variety and flexibility open to him with this genre.Horan said, “The Sci-Fi genre is, in my eyes, the most interesting here in SL, because unlike most other genres that are all about replicating something that already exists. “Sci-Fi is and has always been about developing novel concepts that reflect the current times to a certain extent, while giving people an idea of where things may develop from there.” The other main genre is the fantasy genre; this is usually set in a medieval style setting often with a Tolkeinesque twist. The fantasy genre allows the use of nonhuman species. Alongside the classic Tolkein humanoids, other species that Many Genres of Roleplay can be found in secondlife from are common include fairies and nekos in a Post apocolyptic world to Humans enjoying romantic merpeople. moment in an elven circle - Photos by KATIER REITVELD Mineckar Althouse roleplays in such an environment and said that this variety in species was main reason she likes it. Althouse said, “[I am attracted by ] the different types of races you can be from satyr to gnome to Drow to Mermaid, [and] the way its like a story book. Fantasy has more twists and turns [than other genres, especially purely medieval], and you never know who you will bump into.” Another popular genre is historical such as being based on Medieval, Victorian or Roman times. Victorian role-play often includes the steam punk variation with all manner of steam powered devices from aircraft to submarines. Overall, it can be said that there are a large variety of genres of roleplay available, all of which provide roleplayers with a rich and varied range of environments to take advantage of. Note: This article corners the majority of roleplay genres. However, if a reader feels that they know of a genre that is particularly unique or interesting, inform me by e-mailing [email protected] .

June 30, 2009 The Metaverse Messenger Page 23

Alcoholism has taken its fair share; Led Zeppelin’s John “Bonzo” Bonham and AC/DC’s Bon Scott fall into this category, while Keith Relf of The Yardbirds managed to electrocute himself by playing his electric guitar in the bathtub; perhaps not the wisest move. Some went intentionally to their graves through suicide, such as Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, guitar master Roy Buchanan and The Band’s Richard Manuel, while others met the Grim Reaper in motor vehicle accidents, including Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of TLC, film star bad boy James Dean, Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys, T. Rex’s Marc Bolan, Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band and Britain’s Princess Diana. Disease and other medical conditions took their fair share as well, usually at a much younger age than you would normally anticipate. This was the case with excitable boy Warren Zevon, who lost his battle with mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer) at 56; Barry White, who succumbed to kidney failure at the age of 58; Freddie Mercury of Queen, who died of AIDS-related pneumonia at 45; and Joey and Johnny Ramone of New York punk pinheads The Ramones, who died of lymphoma at 49 and prostate cancer at 56, respectively. Then there were the cases that made people raise an eyebrow in puzzlement. Lizard King Jim Morrison’s death in Paris in 1971 was variously reported as being due to a heart attack, a heroin overdose, a heart attack due to a drug overdose — or as a total fabrication. There are those to this day that claim that Mr. Mojo Risin is still alive and well and living under an assumed name. The deaths of INXS’s Michael Hutchence and Kung Fu star David Carradine were both listed as due to accidental strangulation as a result of autoerotic asphyxiation — they each died while masturbating with a rope around their necks. Finally, there are those who went to the next life as murder victims, often after being shot by individuals who were supposed fans. Tejano star Selena was shot to death at the age of 23 by the president of her fan club. Metal guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott became the first rocker murdered onstage when a deranged fan who claimed that he had written much of Abbott’s material shot him to death during a performance in Columbus, Ohio. Reggae artist Peter Tosh was murdered by a gang of men during a robbery at his home in Jamaica. Soul icon Marvin “Let’s Get It On” Gaye was shot to death, not by a fan, but by his own father. Finally, in perhaps the most memorable outpouring of public reaction since the death of Elvis, former Beatle John Lennon was gunned down in 1980 by a fan who claimed that he was John Lennon.

DEMIGOD

From Page 11

Long Live The Dead Most celedeaths rate a paragraph or two in local papers, and a brief story in music and fan magazines. There have been instances, however, where attention was focused on the story for days or even weeks, and where the devotion of the fans has lasted for years. The deaths of Elvis, John Lennon, Princess Di and now Michael Jackson seem to be the events that set the bar for measuring the public’s acclaim for fallen stars. One star whose death reached mythic status among a subset of society is Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, whose 1995 death from heart failure sent a wave of sorrow through the ranks of Deadheads everywhere. Despite the changes that Garcia’s death produced in the group (they disbanded for a time, with the principal members later regrouping under the name The Other Ones, which was rechristened The Dead in 2003), Dead fans largely are still and will always be Jerry fans, speaking of him with the reverence one might associate with the way a nun might speak of the Christ Child. He has the rather unique distinction of having a popular ice cream flavor named for him; in 1987, Ben & Jerry’s introduced Cherry Garcia, which includes cherry ice cream with cherries and fudge flakes. (For a period of one month after his death, Cherry Garcia was made with black cherries as a symbol of mourning.) While society in general may not have focused on Garcia’s life and legacy with the intensity that it did those of Elvis, John or Michael, for Deadheads everywhere (and you know who you are, man) Jerry Garcia remains the ultimate rock and roll prophet.

It even happens to Jesus Freaks Speaking of prophets, even the world of gospel music has its martyrs. The 1982 death of singer-songwriter Keith Green in a plane crash left behind a legacy of five albums plus a slew of posthumous releases which to this day elicit bittersweet smiles and loving comments from fans. Green’s musical interpretations of Bible passages such as the story of “The Prodigal Son” or the separation of “The Sheep and the Goats” reveal both Green’s knowledge of the Scriptures and his tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, with one of the “goats” who’s being cast into hell objecting that he didn’t know the hungry homeless guy he’d shunned was actually Christ himself (“One of the angels wanna go out and get the Lord a hamburger and a coke? Oh, you’re not hungry...? Yeah, I lostmy appetite too...”) Green, who also is a member of Club 27, has become something of a legend in Christian music circles, 28IF with much speculation of the “think of what he’d have The “Club 27” list — rock stars who died at the age done if he had lived” variety that is common among fans of 27 — is a long one. It began when the triumvirate of of Holly and Hendrix. the club — Hendrix, Joplin and Morrison — died within months of each other. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, What’s up with that? whose death by drowning in his swimming pool was ofI asked a group of friends to give their opinion on ficially attributed to “death by misadventure,” was a de why society reacts so strongly to the death of certain facto member as well, having died just a few months be- celebrities. Why did we see such a public outpouring of fore. It may have actually begun in 1938, when legendary emotion over the deaths of people like Elvis, Diana, John blues guitarist Robert Johnson (“Sweet Home Chicago,” Lennon and Michael, when the passing of many others “Cross Road Blues,” “Love in Vain”) died, reportedly at has caused a much milder reaction? the same age. Deanna: “Farrah’s passing hit me harder than MJ... I Since then, the club’s membership roster has grown think the public’s reaction has to do with the magnitude to include members of Canned Heat, Stone the Crows, of the media’s love of them.” the Grateful Dead, the Stooges, Badfinger, Uriah Heep, Madame: “I think that there may be a sense of vulneraTriumvirat, Big Star, the Minutemen, Echo & the Bunny- bility about them that folks identify with.” men, Hole, Manic Street Preachers and more. Reflecting on that, there may be some truth to the idea.

ONSTER MERLIN, the winner of Second Life Idol, recently performed at Club Atlantic. - Photo by KATT KONGO.

For years, stories circulated about both Elvis and Michael intimating that each of these superstars led isolated lives, dependent on others who dealt with the routines of life until they became utterly out of touch with the realities of day-to-day existence. Not only did their lives seem to mirror each other, but in the end, so did the manner of their deaths. “I think the next one to hit me hard will be Walter Cronkite,” Deanna added, saying that she doesn’t feel an emotional reaction to the deaths of most celebrities. “[They] didn’t sadden me, to be brutally honest… it was the media that put them up there and made them [stars]. [The media] are the ones making sure they still profit from them, even in death.” Sarah: “Even when non-celebs die, though, you will find a lot of people jumping on the grief bandwagon. There’s always someone at the funeral who you think, ‘Why the fuck are they here? They hated so and so,’ or ‘They haven’t talked inyears.’” Mourna: “Celebrities are elevated to a godlike status these days, and it’s like watching a god die. It doesn’t count unless everyone is watching.” Sally: “Everybody dies eventually, so why the fuss?” Dan: “[It’s] because we’re not a smart species. Seriously. People dying in Iran, over 4400 dead U.S. servicemen in Iraq, tons of shit going on… and Michael Jackson gets the fucking front page.” Shared grief Outside of the world of entertainment, the only comparable reaction to an individual death in recent memory is probably the national state of shock that the nation experienced following the assassination of its young, vibrant president on November 22, 1963. Then there are the mass casualties that capture the public’s attention — the deaths of 168 people, including nineteen children, in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 brought a national outpouring of sorrow and anger; to this day, many who lived in the area report overwhelming emotional reactions each year when the anniversary rolls around and television news rebroadcasts the footage of the aftermath. I am one of them; sitting in my office 20 miles from the Murrah building, I felt the shock wave of the blast and thought a gas main had exploded a few blocks away, only to discover the awful truth shortly thereafter as news reports began to come in. The ultimate in shared grief, however, must be found in the events of September 11, 2001. The world watched in shock and disbelief as the second of two airliners plowed into the World Trade Center. (Many heard about the first incident and believed it to be a tragic accident; most of those viewers were subsequently watching, as I was, when the second plane zoomed in unexpectedly and struck the towers live on morning television.) Between the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 that went down in a Pennsylvania field after the passengers overpowered the hijackers, nearly 3,000 people died on 9/11, and it has an emotional effect, even on people who were not directly involved, to this very day. Yet it is the fans of celebrities, surely, who set the record for longsuffering, almost religious faithfulness to their fallen heroes. Fans of Elvis, Diana and John Lennon are well known for their devotion to the objects of their worship; now it appears that Michael Jackson fans are queuing up to be added to the roster of those who will never forget their fallen stars.

ANGELICA SVENSKA, guitarist, songwriter and singer, recently performed at Guthries Folk Club. - Photo by KATT KONGO.