AVIE POLL: Catching Avies off Guard – Glossom Resident Reporting

What If a stranger contacted you to ask you something that makes no sense? Would you ignore it, reply nonsense back or would you try to understand?  Are second lifers humorous or grumpy? To which side the scale weighs more?

The SLE’s PE (SL Enquirer’s Private Eye) took action on finding the answer to those questions and went around asking avatars some very off tilt questions to see if and how they would respond. The result was simply hilarious.

With a stained reputation and a big label on my forehead saying “Crazy”, I have a feeling of mission accomplished. Today avatars will login to a more confused and hopefully humorous Second Life.

Given the nature of this mission, we will keep the participants names anonymous. Sit back, enjoy and try not to laugh. I challenge you!

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Spotlight on Partners FG: Estate Sales & Rentals Services – Glossom Resident Reporting...

“Set Home to Here” is the motto used by Partners FG, a team of specialists in serving SL residents with the best deals in the Real Estate market. Their offer:  SL living at its best, in a comfortable and familiar atmosphere where one can start a virtual life project and raise a family. To facilitate one’s choice, Partners FG added three new full regions to their existing portfolio, Super Paradise, Yakynthos and Ios Island, now providing diverse housing solutions on beautifully designed Islands.

It is with the knowledge of all this responsibility that Partners FG team has put their creativity and know-how, anticipating SL residents’ needs, in designing unique residential parcels that combine charm and sophistication, integrating them in amazing and vast landscapes where one breathes tranquility and harmony and enjoys the blue ocean view, the smell of salt air and the relaxing sounds of nature.

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Spotlight on Castle RidgeTale: A Place of Entertainment – Glossom Resident Reporting…

Somewhere in the middle Age something majestic rose in the sky. Like a king in his throne, Castle RidgeTale sits high above in a stunning forest surrounded by beautiful and grand mountains.

To not let down the legendary title of a place of entertainment, the Castle and surroundings feature essential attractions such as the Events Hall, a place dedicated to music events in an acoustic environment, parties and special celebrations like Royal weddings, birthdays, among others. In a place that appeals to history and tradition, one can revive the medieval times and have magical and fascinating experiences that transport us to a very distant past.

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New Year Resolutions: Happy 2014 – Glossom Resident Reporting…

"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold." -- Anonymous

New Year, New Life! To not jinx the new year and being true to tradition, every end of the year we strictly follow a ritual at the stroke of midnight to enter the New Year on the right foot: wearing something white or blue or wearing something new, jumping on the chair, eating raisins or lentils, jumping from a bridge or swimming on cold waters to wash away the evil, just to name a few. These rituals are part of cultural and religious beliefs, to each country their own.

What would you like 2014 to bring you? The arrival of a new year brings high hopes and prospects of a better life and of new opportunities. It is time to reflect on ones actions and behaviors in the past year and to make promises of positive changes in one’s life.  Without further ado, let’s get a sheet of paper and pen and wisely note down this year’s resolutions, hopefully achievable ones. With a little luck we will not fall into old habits.

SLE went around Second Life asking residents what are their New Year resolutions? 

Thank you all for participating.

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Stalkers in Second Life: Welcome to the Dark Side – Glossom Resident reporting…

A few years ago we incredulously witnessed the news of a SL romance ending in real life stalking, attempt kidnapping and crime of virtual passion. Cases like this are increasingly recurrent.

In Second Life stalkers see their art made easier with more ways to torment people and with more amenities to hide behind the screen, a supposedly safe and consequence-free place to impetuously pour out their frustrations on others, therefore, exacerbating their actions.

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A Virtual Christmas Tale – Glossom Resident Reporting…

Once upon a time, in a virtual virtual world, and on a cold and snowy winter day there was a young Nicolas who, driven by sadness to observe such poverty around him, threw a bag of gold and silver through an open window to feed and to warm up the poorest ones’ bones. The streets were filled with laughter and happiness as Nicolas shouted “It is in giving that we receive”, in perfect synchrony with the sound of coins rattling on the streets.

For spreading good fortune and joy, Nicolas came to be known as Saint Nick. With a lump of coal for the price of gold and a nice piece of the finest meat (turkey) unreachable before, inhabitants gathered together around a warm fire for supper and fed their poor stomachs in celebration to the generosity of a young man. It was an unforgettable day whose story and joyful spirit passed on from generation to generation, the day of the masses, gatherings of the dear ones and the day of giving.

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Social Anxiety Disorder: How Does Second Life Help Overcome This Anxiety? – Glossom Resident Reporting…

Shyness, anxiety, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, blushing, trembling hands, dry mouth, panic attacks, difficulty to speak and stuttering are very familiar symptoms to the worldwide community that suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as Social Phobia. The intensity of the symptoms varies from individual to individual with varying degrees of anxiety.

Social Anxiety is triggered by past traumatizing experiences of any nature, to name a few, bullying at school, aggression suffered in childhood and adolescence, prolonged illness or even as a consequence of  an economical crisis that generates unemployment thus leading to depressive states and social isolation, among others.

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Spotlight on Myconos Island – Your Home Away from Home – Glossom Resident Reporting…

Welcome to Myconos Island. An amazing place that seems to be the work of gods is delivered to us by Edemon Gausman and ArtemisGreece Resident, fruit of this team’s commitment and passion. The reasons to visit and live in Myconos Island are immense.

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AVIE POLL: How Would You Define Happiness? Does SL Fulfill Your Needs? - Glossom Resident Reporting…

“Happiness depends upon ourselves”- Aristotle

For many, Second Life often serves the purpose as the search engine for happiness, being the common thread between RL and SL in the realization of dreams. 

Making new friends, finding romance, filling emotional gaps, accomplishing personal and material achievements. The reasons are endless.

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Thanksgiving Observed in Second Life – Glossom Resident Reporting…

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” - Cicero

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. In the United States it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and in Canada is in the second Monday of October. It is also observed in Liberia, Puerto Rico, Norfolk Island and …in Second Life. This year the big day is November 28^th.

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A Thousand And One Ways to Roast a Turkey: How do you Cook Yours? – Glossom Resident reporting…

Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays characterized by a gastronomic abundance and by a wealth of culinary traditions. It not only reflects the unique history of each cook, but also the rich diversity of America and beyond.

While the typical meal of the day consists of Thanksgiving nibbles such as turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, pies made from seasonal fruits and vegetables, among others, how these foods are interpreted depends largely on who's cooking. Different family traditions and regional flavors make the Thanksgiving meal unique.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, so it's time to get organized. Whip up your favorite recipes and get to work. But if you have not decided which Turkey recipe to use, we went around Second Life and asked some residents to share their own. Here are some mouth watering ways of cooking turkey to get you inspired. We would like to thank all who have shared their culinary secrets.

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Amazing Graces in Second Life: For a Better Real Life – Glossom Resident reporting…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zZt4jHvnk

We could mention many success cases of residents who have become real millionaires thanks to Second life. Or even of successful virtual relationships which changed the lives of real people in a very positive way. However, today we will go further and we will be addressing amazing uses of Second Life that have great impact in Real Life.

This virtual platform is very effective when it comes to creating campaigns to help people plagued by natural disasters or to raising funds for the underprivileged to ensure their basic needs. In this global platform it becomes easier to reach new targets and appeal to the hearts of residents and involve them in noble causes. Either as an act of altruism or selfishness, the truth is that the volunteer also benefits from a fantastic feeling that he/she is doing a good deed.

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AVIE POLL: Is Dating in SL Considered Cheating on a RL Significant Other? - Glossom Resident Reporting…

In a world designed for socialization and interaction, it is easy to find people with whom we identify and with whom we create relationships of various kinds. 

The line between fidelity and betrayal is very tenuous. However well intentioned someone is and regardless of our vowed allegiances in RL, the allure of the unknown draws us and our romantic spirits seeks new adventures that can result in parallel relationships between two worlds.

Therefore, when embarking on a virtual relationship are you cheating on your RL significant other? 

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Spotlight on Bonaire Estates: Paradise awaits you – Glossom Resident Reporting

 Bonaire Estates emphasizes comfort, tranquility, nature, harmony and hospitality. Standing out for its credibility and professionalism, Bonaire Estates accumulates 5 years of experience in the Estate market and owns the expertise to guide residents through the right choice. More than an Estate Agency it is a gateway to the realization of our dreams.

Master in designing and landscaping, Bonaire Estates consolidates a wide variety of settings that serve all tastes and excels in unique residential and commercial plots, homesteads and full regions with extraordinary natural landscapes and naturally inspired getaways at the heart of an unparalleled multi-regional Venue.

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LEA 19: The Portuguese Way – Glossom Resident Reporting…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4ZRKot_uKg

Winter Wardhani, Chagal Campestre, Flor Campestre, Janjii Rugani and Wan Laryukov are not just random names. These are five people who, by fate or by chance, have met in Second Life and have teamed up by a common interest: Art! Their joint forces and ideals resulted in the birth of LEA 19 - The Portuguese Way.

LEA is an acronym for Linden Endowment for the Arts, a Linden Lab initiative that aims at promoting and embracing art in Second Life by providing the necessary infrastructures (land and prims) for artists to develop their skills. For more info: http://lea-sl.org/about

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Jonesford's Bakery New Release: Realistic Thanksgiving Buffet – 50% Release Sale for Group Members

The all-new Realistic Thanksgiving Buffet offers a truly awe-inspiring dining experience filled with goodies from homemade recipes and a warm atmosphere.

Realistic effect: hold the empty plate in your hand and choose what you really want to eat from the buffet. Only the chosen food will appear in your plate. Unlimited refills. Visit the bakery and try the buffet on display.

Jonesford’s Bakery strives to make your holiday special, from our festive buffet selections, to our Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner tables or even our specialty baked products.

Join Jonesford's Bakery Group for this sale!

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bay%20City%20-%20Mashpee/49/164/26

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Loss and Grief in Second Life: In Memoriam of all the John and Jane Does' who have Lost their Souls – Glossom Resident Reporting…

Life is made of gains, starting with the birth itself, and losses like death. 
There is no escape for the many events that afflict our souls, not even in Second Life. We create bonds of affection with other residents: friendships, relationships in love and in business, family. Yet, no one conceives that those same people who have crossed our path to give us a piece of them may not be there one day.

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Avie Poll: What does your name mean? – Glossom Resident Reporting…

Can you imagine what would it be like to have no name?

It would be a complete chaos and would change the way of communicating as we know it today. While in real life we are limited to the name given at birth, in Second Life we have the freedom to choose a name as an indicator of anonymity and yet, as our personal and in-transmissible identification card to the virtual world.

The fact that we can choose our name makes it very special, whether because it has a symbolic character, because it’s funny, meaningful or simply because we identify with it. But our task of choosing may not be that simple in our first steps before entering the doors of Second Life, especially if we want that very specific name and we face with the message “name already in use” during the registration process. Second Life’s new feature to have a display name offers us a second chance to choose it right.

While most times others can read our names beyond the written characters; our gender, your nationality, a first impression of our role in SL, sometimes we find people with names we cannot even pronounce if we try. Who never had to copy the name of a friend or a stranger in his/her profile before starting a conversation?

The SLE wandered the streets of Second Life searching for unusual names and asking people: What does your name mean? We would like to thank all the participants.

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Avie Poll: Regrets in SL: Regrets in Second Life - Is there anything you wish you never did in SL? – Glossom Resident Reporting…

In our favor or against us, at some times in our lives a sense of regret takes hold of us. 

Regret is one of those feelings that seem to trouble everyone's life, even our virtual ones.  If socializing in a multicultural virtual world means sharing cultures, experiences and ways of living, it also means dealing with opposing ideas, actions and moral and ethical values which may lead to incompatibilities.

What makes us unique individuals, our own way of thinking and acting is present in everything we do and when interacting with other people.  A less friendly or misjudged behavior or attitude, a word placed in the wrong moment, a thoughtless action or any other decisions can trigger negative reactions and a whirlwind of negative feelings that may result in broken ties, lost friendships or any other consequences to the various degrees of seriousness.

Dealing with the consequences of our actions is not easy but living with regret is painful. Sadness, self-punishment, concert are words that best describe how you feel after hurting somebody or even yourself.  So how can you cope with regret?

We traveled the streets of Second Life and the SL Forums asking residents the question: Regrets in Second Life - Is there anything you wish you never did in SL? The SLE would like to thank those who have promptly agreed to participate.

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Avie Poll: Is Second Life just a Game or is it an Extension of your Real Life? – Glossom Resident Reporting…

It is common knowledge that Second Life is a three-dimensional virtual environment where users can socialize, simulate real life events or give wings to their imagination and dreams.

The debate on its definition is endless, yet it’s up to each resident to define this virtual world for the posture we assume when we login. Quoting Linden Lab’s slogan “Your world, your imagination”, the truth is that Second Life is what we make of it. A Game? An extension of real Life? You call the shots.

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