Anna is Murdering People in Second Life

Anna's Many Murders (moderate)

Let's be honest.  Anna, to use the psychologists' technical term, has issues. Anna is a girl who "watches everyone around her slowly add app's and gadgets to themselves until they cease to be human".  You or I might bemoan the state of civilization or thrill to the adventure inherent in using technology to augment the human race.  Anna chooses homicide.

Anna's Many Murders (moderate)

Anna tired of body apps
that people used
to fill their gaps.
So with a touch
of profound sadness,
Anna embraced
what we'd call madness.

Pity the Mailman and the Chef and anybody else who comes within her murderous range.  Bryn Oh has documented Anna's career as a serial killer so that you and I can bear witness to her deranged activities.

Anna's Many Murders (moderate)

When you arrive at the site of her attempt to decimate the population - what was once I'm sure a quaint and peaceful rural area - you will find the means to adjust your windlight settings.  This will allow you to share the same atmosphere as both Anna and her victims do.  I suggest you do this because you really really don't want to piss Anna off!

As you journey through the countryside and corn fields you will encounter strangely mutated wildlife and insects.  Seriously, Winnipeg can no long lay claim to having the largest and most vicious mosquitoes on earth.  There is something truly unnatural about the bugs here.  Perhaps feeding on Anna has resulted in changes to their DNA.

Anna's Many Murders (moderate)

I'm afraid that Anna has slipped past the point where she can be helped.  To use another technical term, she's bonkers!  There is even evidence that she has begun to hoard.

You must go visit the scene of Anna's Many Murders.  There is a slim chance that Anna will be brought to account for her actions but her victims deserve our acknowledgment.  However, I should in all fairness point out that there is some danger involved.  Anna is still on the loose and you have to be very careful.

I don't know what I did to deserve my fate.  I've always liked horses.  Somehow I never thought I'd wind up in the belly of one because a psycho teenager with an evil giggle added me to her list. sigh

Anna's Many Murders (moderate)

Art & Anarchy in Second Life

The Artiste Pontificates

If you're looking for the type of travelogue you've come to expect it's been preempted today.  I'd like to report on a discussion being carried out both in world and in the various social networks we use.  Discussion probably isn't the correct term.  First of all it's mostly one sided and second it involves lots of self important histrionics.  So just skip this post if you don't want to know.  :)

I love that art is such a big part of Second Life.  I love that so many things are possible and that so many talented individuals take advantage of that fact and create magical things that they share with the rest of us.  I also feel privileged to have met many artists and have a number of them on my friends list.  I believe that the health and vibrancy of any Community is in large part due to the artists who work and reside there.  The corollary to that is the requirement for a Community to support the arts to ensure its own continued existence.

All of that being true, I watched the following encounter with interest.  A young Artiste had seen an empty stage and took advantage of the opportunity to express her views.

Artiste: I am going to show you what Second Life really should be.  I don't need permission and I have no fear. I will decide what does and doesn't have value and do what I like.

Suddenly there was a large cloud of blue smoke and a thump.  Somebody else appeared on the stage.

The Cranky Fairy GodMother

Artiste:  Who the hell are you?  This is my stage.  Get off!

Fairy GodMother:  Don't like sharing the spotlight eh?  I'm your Fairy GodMother little one and we're going to have a long overdue chat. 

Artiste:  You're my what?

Fairy GodMother: You heard me.  You were expecting maybe Angela Lansbury?  Too bad.

Artiste:  Well what do you want?  I'm busy here.

Fairy GodMother:  I told you we're going to have a little chat.  I don't remember what fairy tale we raised you with but apparently you decided there are no rules that apply to you.

Artiste:  I'm an artist.  That means I can do whatever I want whenever I want.  Rules don't apply to art. Creative anarchy FTW!   Why are you laughing?

Fairy GodMother:  Where do I begin?  First of all "anarchy" doesn't mean there are no rules.  It means there are no rules imposed from above - all rules are established by a community of equals.  Think of it as a consensus driven society where authority is vested in everyone and everybody has to take responsibility for exercising it.

Artiste: Pffft to that.  I will do whatever I want.  I make my own rules.

Fairy GodMother: And do you give the same right to everyone else?

Artiste:  Maybe just the artists.  Only the ones I like though.

The Artiste Protests

Fairy GodMother: /me sighs  What set you off today?

Artiste: The Lindens said they were supporting the arts but they've imposed all these rules. Support is supposed to be altruistic and  for art's sake.  They're commercializing it - they want to use our work as free advertising.

Artiste: Ow!  Why'd you hit me?

Fairy GodMother: Just knocking that chip off your shoulder.  I heard what was said and it was a compliment.  You should learn to take them.  Of course machinima is good advertising for Second Life.  It shows the outside world not only the talent here on the grid but what is possible.  I suppose you could try and avoid doing any of that by making sure nobody sees your work but then what is the point?

Artiste:  But they're using us!

Fairy GodMother: Yeah well patrons and supporters get something back for their investment in art.  How do you think the Sistine Chapel was built?  If you just want money with no strings then go look for charity instead.

Artiste: But they want to tell us what we can and can't do!

Fairy GodMother: Patrons and supporters set the rules.  I'm pretty sure the Pope would not have permitted "God is dead" to be painted on the ceiling of that Chapel.  Even those wonderful people who donate sims and prims to artists inworld will expect that the TofS won't be violated. If you can't live with the TofS you shouldn't have agreed to them and if you need nipples then show them on a sim that allows them.  What's the big deal?

The Fairy GodMother Gets Nowhere

Artiste: But I want to show nipples and violence here!

Fairy GodMother: Hang on to your bloody body parts til the adult art sim is opened then go crazy.

Artiste: Hmmmph.  They promised us 70 sims!  I see only 4 or 5.

Fairy GodMother: /me chuckles   "They" promised you?  Or one man who left almost a year ago did?  Shit happens, change happens.  I would think an "artiste" could adapt.

Artiste: Art should have no boundaries or constraints.  I insist on the freedom to do whatever I want.  Period.

Fairy GodMother:  Fine.  Go win a lottery, buy an island in the south Pacific and do what you like.  Until that happens get your head out of your ass and face reality.  If you stop substituting your ego for your brain I think you'd be better off.

We all live with boundaries and constraints.  At least in Second Life nobody is forcing you to pay for food or supplies.  There are unlimited opportunities for you to create as long as you recognize that  the rest of us expect a modicum of respect as well.  If you can't live with the TofS then you should go find somewhere else.  If you stick around recognize that others have rights too and many of them have power and authority.  Both of the latter will be exercised when needed.

Artiste:  That's not fair!  Artists are special!

Fairy GodMother: Artists are special and this is not a perfect world.  But nobody promised you it would be.

I left them at that point.  Somehow I doubt that argument will ever end but I for one don't have enough patience for this.

The Artiste Remains Unmoved

Big Hearts & Tiny Avatars in Second Life

Raglan Shire (general)

One of,  if not the most cohesive Communities in Second Life is Raglan Shire. Filled with joy and warmth and laughter (at least on my part, these are some of the funniest people you will ever meet) and Tiny residents who are talented, friendly and very active.

I hadn't visited the Shire in a long time but yesterday I ran into Chaffro Schoonmaker at the Month of Machinima event and I thought it was time to go back.  It's a good thing I did because I was reminded that their Artwalk begins this Sunday - a great time for you to see the works of talented artists and get to know this fabulous place.  They're already setting up for the event which is why all those green hedge rows appear in the photographs.  Well organized events are one of the hallmarks of this Community!

Raglan Shire (general)

I had assumed one of the tiny versions of myself when I arrived (if you'd like to do the same try starting at Extrovirtual, you'll find something you just have to have)  and decided to start by taking the paper airplane tour that lifts off from the Welcome Centre.  I'm sure you'll manage to fit even if you're over 6 feet tall but keep your elbows tucked in!

One of the first things you understand shortly after starting your visit is that life happens on more than one level in the Shire - don't just stay on the ground.  There is a whole world in the trees and, although they sway, those suspended walkways are safe.

Part way through the tour my airplane was hijacked by Chaffro.  Not only did this adorable rabbit agree to stand still for a photograph, he sent out a call to others innocently carrying out their everyday activities in the region.

Chaffro Schoonmaker & friends

Within minutes I had 11 Tinies arrayed before me in their Silicon Cubicle (other parts of the grid have sandboxes) happily willing to be photographed.  The problem of course is that I'm terrible at portraits and certainly don't have the skills to capture the magic of these wonderful avatars.  They were patient with me but it is now my mission to figure out a way to do a series of individual portraits that actually represent them well.

My sincere thanks go out to (in no particular order):

• Chaffro Schoonmaker
• Bananarama Republic
• Fred Flintstone (see?  I remembered!)
• Professor Tail
• Druscilla Warhole
• Supergirl1970 Carver
• Stormy Dahlstrom
• Shady Fox
• Felix Greyhound
• Bloodsong Termagant
• Bear Silvershade

I know I didn't get you all and I know that these pictures don't capture your charm or the fantastic details in your outfits.  At some point in the future I will do a Tiny Avatar Portrait project and I swear to make you proud!

A gorgeous group of Tinies!

I don't want you to get the impression that the Shire is all trees and cuteness.  Some of the most innovative and advanced scripting and building I've seen came from this Community.  The level of detail and thought that goes into the design and building of everything they do is inspiring. 

To give you some idea of the diversity in this location, (there are I think 8 sims in the group that comprise the Shire)  I went to visit one of the islands I hadn't seen before - Raglan Galaxy. Land on the island and then use the teleporter to arrive at the future of the Tiny Universe.  This build deserves an entire blog post all its own - the complex is superb with all sorts of surprises and delights.

Raglan Galaxy (general)

One of the many things Chaffro is involved in is Machinima.  He and  Pyewacket Bellman have started a review blog for the art form.  In addition, they both make inworld videos.  The one below is from two years ago but gives you a good introduction to the Community's zany cuteness and you can see more on Chaffro's YouTube Channel. 

I love this Community and I adore the Avatars and the people who use them to inhabit their world.  Tiny bodies, big personalities and even bigger hearts.  If you want to smile go visit the Raglan Shire.

The Month of Machinima Launches in Second Life

Crap Mariner, known gridwide for his/her sunny disposition

Picture a giant, oddly shaped, metallic geodesic dome on a small island in the middle of the ocean.  Inside there is a dissolute robot standing on a stage surrounded by comfortable seating for hundreds. This was my first glimpse of the Linden Endowment for the Arts (LEA) machinima theatre built by Werner Kurosawa.

Ignoring the rusty robot for the moment, this place is cool and it is the home base for the first Month of Machinima (MoM) event starting today.  The talented SL film artists now have a central inworld location to be viewed and appreciated.  I don't think I was supposed to be there when one of the organizers was testing the functionality and I'm certain I wasn't supposed to click on things.  But I was, and I did, and it worked and I am impressed.

LEA Theatre (moderate)

The films are available to view in the theatre and all viewers will be able to see the video. Let me repeat that before the whining about V2 starts up, all viewers can see the videos.  New machinima will be launched on the first wednesday of every month and then also available on the MoM YouTube Channel which is being activated today. Go to the MoM Wiki page to learn how to submit your own entries.

The is the first project of the LEA Committee and they have obviously been working very hard to not only organize this event but also to create a multi sim destination that highlights and celebrates art in Second Life.  Construction isn't complete yet  but there will be more to see than I had expected.  This includes 3 sims hosting exhibitions by SL Artists and the application process for those exhibits will be announced shortly.  There will also be Bryn Oh's wild new Avatar Games which should launch next month.

LEA Sandbox Under Construction

The LEA Committee members are:

• Bryn Oh
• Chantal Harvey
• Dancoyote Antonelli 
• Dekka Raymaker
• Dizzy Banjo
• Jayjay Zifanwe 
• L1Aura Loire
• Rez Menoptra 
• Sasun Steinbeck 
• Werner Kurosawa
• Courtney Linden

According to Sasun Steinbeck "Our plans for the future include some great things - a welcome center with information about the arts in SL and educational materials for aspiring artists, a full region for Architectural arts, another full region dedicated full-time to Machinima, the Art Sandbox to help build community and encourage creativity and collaboration, and we will be starting an Artist in Residence program for some deserving artists with plenty of land to experiment on. We also plan to build an education center, perfect for hosting lectures, classes, and discussions related to SL art. We also have one region allocated to adult art, so the good stuff won't be left out! :)"

You need to bookmark their blog so that you can keep up with what's happening!

Bryn Oh's Rusted Orrey

The launch of MoM this morning was very successful and honestly had the funkiest audience I've ever seen at an inworld event.  We were entertained by a distinguished monkey playing the accordian and all spent time ducking the tiny ghost with a bloody chainsaw.  Then we had some speeches and viewed 13 wildly diverse but fabulous films. There were a few little glitches but nothing that spoiled it for anybody (but the one Tiny who pointed out the lack of appropriate seating for avatars his size, I hope somebody is fixing that).  You should go visit the theatre and check out both the machinima and the unique technology being used. 

Oh yes, that rusty piece of scrap metal in the photo at the top?  I don't know exactly what the Committee was smoking when they deliberated but, the very first machinima shown in the new theatre was..... you guessed it .....Crap's.  I think s/he's finally forced to wear the title "artist" although I suspect the word "grumpy" will find its way in there somehow.  You can watch his film here but do go check out the rest on the MoM Youtube Channel.

This is not your Mother's Mexico in Second Life

Ciudad de Mexico (moderate)

I don't know what images spring to mind for you when you hear Ciudad de Mexico but, unless you've already visited, they won't be anything like what the creators have built in Second Life.  I was somewhat prepared because Caliburn Susanto had linked to a set of photographs he took.  They were so good and so intriguing I had to go explore.  I owe him big time!

The City is bright, compex and a great mixture of the future and past.  There are streets to walk, shops to spend all your Lindens and gorgeous buildings.  But this Ciudad has a secret.

Ciudad de Mexico Underground (moderate)

There is a second City beneath it.  A huge, cavernous space where the "old" is not only preserved it is as alive and vibrant in its own way as the metal and glass metropolis above.

To get some idea just how large this underground space is you have to look for the pale grey dot in the centre of the photo above.  That's me appreciating the monument in the main square.

Ciudad de Mexico Underground (moderate)

The entire build covers two sims.  There are a seemingly endless number of doorways and tunnels and ramps that take you to new wonders and unexpected corners of both Cities. 

Cal became convinced there was some type of role play going on and there well may be.  It's certainly a great location for it.  But I couldn't find any of the usual backstories or rules and suspect that it's intended to give us a glimpse of the creator's vision of both the past and the future of someplace he or she loves.  Whatever the intent this is a fabulous destination.

Mexico Distrito Federal Underground (moderate)

For those looking for a new romantic location you must go visit the underground of Mexico Distrito Federal.  There is a palace of sorts with a lush garden that was being enjoyed by multiple couples while I was there.  To add to the intrigue of the whole thing there are many futuristic touches in this underground eden - don't expect anything to be simple or straightforward.  It's as if aliens saw photographs of Mexico and recreated it with their own touches.

I've been back a few times in the past two days and noticed some additions this morning.  I think they're getting ready for Cinqo de Mayo.  This is a perfect time for you to go celebrate the magical possibilities of the grid.  Get out of your sky box, take some time away from that hunt and go explore these two marvelous visions.  I'm in awe.

Ciudad de Mexico Underground (moderate)

Finding Eternity in Second Life

Eternity Castle (moderate)

I spent some time this morning trying to figure out why I keep winding up in role playing communities.  The answer, I think, is in part because there are so many of them and in part because they have great builds.  If you combine a passion for creating with a community purpose the result can be amazing.

So imagine, if you will, 18 medieval sims collectively known as Eternity with a population "drawn from 10 races including Humans, Vampire, Drow, Demons, Shapeshifters, Lycan, Fae, Elves, Mermaids and Dragons. There is also a band of pirates set base on the land. These groups are supported in their role play by guilds such as the Mage and Cleric Guilds. Community groups such as the Queen's Gallery, the Bards and the land's Nobility further strengthen RP activities."

Eternity (moderate)

I began my tour on Tir na Latis -which seems as good a place to start as any.  All of my links but one will lead you there - I'm doing that because there is an extensive information package that you really should read through before starting to explore.

The romance of medieval times (without the hassle of poor hygiene, plagues or an over abundance of rodents) is well presented on these islands.  The population mix adds an edge that keeps it from being cliched or bland.

Eternity (moderate)

This is a seriously evolved and involved community.  There are lots of castles, villages, farms, forests, pathways and harbours.  This group also has some truly wonderful fantasy/medieval shopping available.

For those with a penchant for violence grin  you'll find all sorts of sword play, jousting, magical combat and tournaments galore.

Eternity (moderate)

One of the things I loved about visiting Eternity is that I didn't feel intimidated or threatened.  Nobody tried to kill me (which always earns points in my book) and it feels like a friendly environment - if you want to try role playing and you like medieval then I suggest you go to Eternity.

One last note.  The Ruins is an OOC (out of character) location which hosts concerts etc.  Open every day after 6:00 pm this might be a good destination if you just want to talk to local residents and get a feel for the place.  Or go merely to enjoy the music. :)

Eternity (moderate)

Art & Grieving for Japan in Second Life

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

Photographer Sayoko Moonwall and Illustrator Yoyo Quartz are Japanese artists taking advantage of Second Life to express their grieving for the recent events and current recovery of their country and fellow citizens.  Their installation "Strength & Prayer" opened yesterday and I think it will touch you as it did me.

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

Yoyo's illustration of "Strength" becomes a 3d rotating Carp with floating banners and fading shadows when built inworld.  Sayoko's photographs representing "Prayer" and surrounded by burning candles (displayed primarily in the black room) appear and disappear reminding us how fragile our world and life really is.

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

I spent some time chatting with Sayoko and, in spite of the confusion caused by 3 translators simultaneously getting it wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and learning about their friendship and collaboration.

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

I was sufficiently intrigued that I went to visit their Gallery Sayopiyo on Kyoto Bakumatsu.  This is a gorgeous sim and deserves some exploration on its own.  Do go see their new exhibit and then check out their gallery.  Two very talented artists are sharing the results of a successful partnership with us and I, for one, am very grateful.

Gallery Sayopiyo (moderate)