Will The Last Elves Emigrate?

I leave SecondLife for real life a few days and it seems like all hell breaks loose.

The big story is of course the decision of ElvenMyst, presumably the last Elf clan in SecondLife with over 2 000 members, to leave for a lesser virtual world.

I was really sorry to read that news. I have never had any dealings with the elves of SecondLife - not that I know of - but my Ars always spoke with great admiration of their talent, creativity and skillfulness. As I understand it there were many elves in the earliest days of SecondLife, but they had for some reason or other moved on to other worlds in the course of time.

This last emigration seems to have been brought on by a hiccup in the Linden Lab billing system, which started when one of the Eldars of The ElvenMyst clan got an automatic e-mail from the billing system about being late in paying tier, which he then actually tried to do several times but the system did not accept the payments. The Eldar then filed a ticket with customer support, when it did not get an immediate response or solution the four Eldars decided to pull up stakes and move to InWorldz (of all ghastly places).

Although they have now, according to the clans blog, - a day after the ticket was filed and after direct involvement by Rod Humble (the cute new CEO of Linden Lab, a k a Rodvik Linden) - already been given an both an excuse and a very generous offer of compensation although the Eldars want more.

As I understand it the Eldars are now in communication with the membership to find out what they wish to do in the present situation.

I must say I would be very sad to see the last elves leave, but I cannot help thinking that the decision to leave was an overreaction which was too hastily made. We cannot presume that the people working at customer service know who we are and our standing in-world. Most of those working there probably only visit in-world for work purposes and are not involved in any of the communities.

In my own experience the people at Linden Labs customer service are mostly benevolent and helpful, even if they are not always able to solve your problem fast but then again neither technical nor legal problems can usually be solved by snapping one´s fingers, no matter how huge the customers business is.

I am hoping the elves choose to stay in heaven!

Manly Art

Well now, isn't this a wonderful idea! A thermochromic urinal like this should get every mans creative juices flowing.

I must add that I am thoroughly disappointed by the unimaginative work created by these two models/artists. Any man with self respect could - and indeed would - do better. Perhaps the presence of the photographer made them shy?

...but this one is totally off-putting.

I was lead to both these creative urinals by links on copyranter (from an awful "wall of vaginas" that made me go totally limp but it may thrill some of my "homosexually challenged" readers)

Baby Boom

Every female avatar in SecondLife - except Millimina and Diana - seem to be expecting at the moment if we choose to believe certain Swedish blogs.

What´s even more amazing is that the grapevine is now going haywire with rumors alleging that the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, is also "in the family way". It is not yet known who the father is if the rumors are true.

Asked for a comment on the rumors Mr. Wild Zepp, the McMillan household spokesman, merely responded with; "Pffffffffft!".

"Anything is possible in SecondLife" as the official slogan goes. Our paparazzi´s are on the job to secure evidence.

Finally

This morning I was woken by a telephone call from my mother, "It´s time to wake up, Bock", she said insistently and without catching her breathe she continued, "Did you hear the news yet? Osama bin Laden is dead, he was killed tonight by the Americans. Finally!"

"Finally" was my first thought also when I heard this news and my thoughts drifted back to that terrible day in September 2001 when Osama´s name and al-Qaeda became known to the whole world. I also thought of the close to 3 000 people who died as a result of that spectacularly heinous attack on the World Trade Center in New York.

During the day I have thought about my immediate reaction to the news again and again. The event has been the main subject of conversation at work.

Osama was of course only a symbol, his death is also symbolic. Terrorism unfortunately did not die with Osama.

I believe that wars should be avoided at almost any cost, except when our fundamental human rights and liberties are at risk. The terrorists however do hold a gun to the heads of all democracies therefore I do believe that the "war on terror" is legitimate, although I do not always agree with the methods.

In wars the leaders and generals of the enemy are legitimate tactical targets as their passing can reduce or destroy the enemy's ability to sustain combat operations. Even if I personally would have preferred if Osama had been brought to justice, I can understand and sympathize with the necessity of killing him.

Still I have an inner conflict about this, as a person who does not believe the death penalty has any redeeming excuses in a democracy or civilized society. I know I am rationalizing, but I still stick to my initial reaction to the news. "Finally!" 

My thoughts go to the families of the victims at World Trade Center.

Happy Rezday Diana!

My dear friend - and the personal attorney of the McMillan household -  Diana "Legs" G celebrates her first rezday in SecondLife today.

Legs is a warm, brilliant and amazing woman, I am fortunate to count her among my friends.

Have a wonderful rezday and hope to see you at the auction, Legs! Don´t forget we have a bidding war planned!

A Very Special Art Auction

As I have told you all earlier, today Sunday May 1st 12 PM (noon) there will be a very special art auction at Ventura Arte & Jardin.

My sweet and wonderful friend Mariposa Upshaw, owner and curator of the gallery, for the fourth consecutive year hosts this event in SecondLife in support of Virtual Ability Inc. and The Dream Sims (organizations working with autism in SecondLife).

Artwork has been donated by these generous SecondLife artists:
 
 Sculpture:
Alizarin Goldflake
Blue Tsuki - a special work to be donated to Dreams
Bryn Oh
Blue Tsuki - piece to be donated to Dreams
elros Tuominen
Fuschia NIghtfire - 2 works
Gleman Jun - 3 works
Glyph Graves
Gore Suntzu - one of a kind/exclusive to  auction
Jon Haskell - 2 works
Kicca Igaly
Miso Susanowa
Neeks Karu
nessuno myoo
Pumpkin Tripsa
Rag Randt - 2 works
RebelMum Slade - exclusive to auction
soror Nishi
Treacle Darlandes - exclusive to auction
Ub Yifu

Paint & 2d works:
Eliza Wierwight - exclusive to auction
Fiona Leitner - 4 works
Gracie Kendal - 2 works
Milly Sharple - 2 works
Sheba Blitz
sledge roffo
Trill Zapatero

Photography:
Cala Rossini * signed work
Carlotta Ceawlin - 2
Dom JInx - 2
Eves Rodenberger - 2
Jocgart Larsen
La Baroque - 2
Lookatmy Back -2
morgana nagorski
WickedV Carver

"Art can change the world :)
Thank you for your interest in supporting residents on the autism spectrum, and promoting awareness, support and understanding thru art and music."

Mariposa Upshaw
owner/Curator Ventura Arte & Jardin

So meet me there today or be totally square, this is a worthy cause people! Enjoy the art, the music and the banter in local chat... And if you are so inclined make hefty bids for the artwork.

Limousine to the gallery

The Bock McMillan Art Foundation (a part of the BMcM Corporation) encourages everyone to visit this event although it does not have the formal or financial support of the foundation.

May Day

Art by Stina Sunesson

The celebration of May Day has a long pagan history in northern Europe. The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times, with the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. 

In Sweden we still celebrate Walpurgis Night on the last night of April by lighting bonfires all over the country to break the grip of winter. May Day is then celebrated as the first day of spring.

Poster for the May Day demonstration 2009 by Stina Wollter

The 1st day of May has also been an important part of Swedish 19th century history since it was declared as the International Workers Day in 1890 by the Second International. 

The day has been celebrated by the Swedish Social Democratic Party, other left wing parties and the trade unions since 1890 by demonstrations in every town with any pride in the country. It was made a public holiday in Sweden in 1938. 

The May Day demonstrations are still an important part of Swedish politics and the leaders of the social democratic and left-wing parties use the May Day to discuss their politics.