When Worlds Collide: Dandilyon Jinx Reports on Balticon 2021

For the second year in a row, Balticon Station hosted the virtual platform for Balticon, the Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention presented by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Owned by Melita and her partner, the creation of Balticon Station was in response to the pandemic situation in 2020.

“Last year with the pandemic raging and people afraid or unable to attend conventions in person, we requested and received non-profit pricing from Linden lab,” said Melita. “Balticon and the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS) are non-profit, educational organizations.”

For many of the attendees, Second Life was a new experience. Last year the Balticon website presented the concept to members as “...a huge, diverse, and extremely eclectic virtual world that was inspired by the Metaverse as described in Neal Stephenson’s novel Snow Crash.” The response was enthusiastic and BSFS members and more had the chance to explore role play in the content-rich environment SL residents have become familiar with.

After Balticon was over last year, it was decided to keep the sim open in case other conventions wanted to use the space. The amenities are built to provide a memorable experience for seasoned and new residents alike. “There are half a dozen or so amazing spaces here,” said Melita. “The underwater science lab, the space station, the elven forest and caves, and the art show.  There's a place where you can ‘borrow’ a horse and go for a trail ride, or you can jump from a sky platform using your newly acquired parachute.”  Keeping to the speculative fiction theme, visitors can also fly a UFO or shuttle-bot or just dance the night away in the Space Bar. “Balticon Station was designed to show the depth of Second Life to those who are new to the platform and to show that Science Fiction and Fantasy transcend Real Life,” says Melita.

The timing couldn’t be better. During the event, this reporter overheard quite a few compliments about the virtual platform. With 2021 still uncertain in some areas, many people are seeing virtual worlds as a viable option for business and entertainment. Melita agrees.

“When I started in 2005, people were saying ‘if you are spending your free time in a virtual world, you need psychological help.’  Since the pandemic, some are admitting that it is keeping people sane.”

Melita sees her work at Balticon Station as a way to bring people together, especially at a time when many are still unable to meet up in person. But it doesn’t take a pandemic to find the benefits to a virtual world. “Second Life has been a way for me to remain in contact with friends and family, meeting "’ face-to-face’ with them in a real and comforting way,” says Melita. “What I love about Second Life is the way it slices through barriers.  I know people from all over the world. Race and color don't matter; physical abilities don't matter; age doesn't matter.  What matters is how each person treats each other, and it's truly amazing.”

While first-time visitors may initially be intimidated by the steep learning curve, once they get familiar with the basics they have access to a new world of possibility. “You can create, build, write and publish; you can see and hear live performances; you can conduct business; plan a building; conduct classes ... the limit is your imagination,” says Melita. 

She is an excellent example of how to make use of this alternate reality. “Personally, in Second Life I am a photographer, graphic artist, gallery owner, writer, editor, layout specialist, and magazine publisher, and I teach basic building skills. I am far more fulfilled than I ever was in RL where I am encumbered by time, distance, and physical ability.”

While real-world events prompted the surge of interest in Second Life, some of the new residents will invariably stay and become a permanent part of the community, adding their own experiences to the mix. 

“I hope Second Life continues for a long time,” says Melita. “I know there's a new venture out there that Linden Lab is working on, but I am too involved here to be looking for the next big ‘thing.’”

At the moment, virtual Balticon seems to be a big enough thing all on its own. This reporter was happy to have experienced it. While the convention itself is over until next year, Balticon Station remains open for exploration.

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Balticon%20Station/205/128/21

URL: https://www.balticon.org/wp55/

URL: https://www.balticon.org/wp54/platforms-2/second-life/

Group: Balticon and BFSF secondlife:///app/group/f0bc49e1-b3d6-59bb-8da8-cc5b104217b0/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalticonConvention

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Balticon

Preferred contact: Melita (taylor.schroeder)

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GRAND RE-OPENING OF COOPER'S COFFEEHOUSE AFTER 20,000$L IN RENOVATIONS

 

Cooper's Coffeehouse has just completed an extensive renovation, spending more than three weeks and 20,000$L to totally revamp the building, interior decor, and even the logo and menu of food and beverages.
 
To celebrate their reopening, they are giving away a 100$L cash prize for filling out a suggestion/comment  card until November 1st. Additionally, there is a 250$L cash raffle that is free to enter, that drawing takes place on October 15th.
 
The coffeehouse is a non-profit non-commercial establishment that seeks to brighten up the day to day lives of Second Life residents with a realistic café environment and welcoming atmosphere. This is a welcome change of pace for many from the various clubs and adult areas on Second Life. The café  boasts a "safe space" policy - welcoming all avatars including families and non-humans.
 
Immediately upon entering the coffeehouse you are greeted by inviting and comfortable looking furniture surrounding a warm crackling fireplace. There are floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the patio and on to the stunning lake outside. The café counter features more than twenty featured drinks, both for drinking inside in a mug or to take it with you in a “to go” style travel cup. If you don't see your drink on the menu, put a note in the suggestion box and they will make it for you! There are also dozens of food items. All of this is provided free of charge.
 
There are plenty of other activities at Cooper’s Coffeehouse: a game area with board games and playable pool, a “werk” space featuring a conference area and computers, and a small reading nook filled with both RL and SL literature. Stepping outside on to the giant deck, there is plenty of gorgeous seating, a 7Seas fishing area, a cozy outdoor stage, and to wrap it all up a warm crackling bonfire with Adirondack chairs spaced around it right on the water – perfect for those crisp fall nights with friends or loved ones.
 
The coffeehouse hosts a variety of activities including live music, bingo, a weekly $L cash raffle, and more! They even allow you to host events here – free of charge. Yup, even weddings.
 
All in all, Cooper’s Coffeehouse is an amazing and gorgeous space to bring your family, have a date night,  meet up with friends, or make some new ones! You won't regret visiting!
 


SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lionheart%20Nala/53/179/29
SL Group: secondlife:///app/group/1376cda3-e960-1c7a-6b3d-1c1f0e33117f/about

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GRAND RE-OPENING of Care and Hope Center July 20, 2016

The Care and Hope Center is a not-for-profit info hub that was created in the Winter of 2014 by Morgan Whitfield-Mickalobe. The purpose of the Center is to provide and hopefully instill awareness on the horrors of domestic violence and violence against women.  Monthly free classes are offered on various topics such as Warning Signs of a Domestic Abusive Relationship, Emotional Abuse, Avatar Safety, Love Addiction, etc.   With the approval of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV.org), NoMore.org and LoveisRespect.org. 

Care and Hope Center LM:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Madhupak/35/239/100

manager/educator:  mmorganwhitfield

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Fundraising Kiosks Now Available For Team Diabetes of Second Life & Upcoming Fundraising Events! October 1st-20th

Website: www.teamdiabetesofsl.org

In World Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Plush%20Nonprofit%20Commons/228/35/26/

Fundraising kiosks are now available for Team Diabetes of Second Life! You can obtain a fundraising kiosk by visiting our headquarters at The NonProfit Commons! 100% donations goes to The American Diabetes Association!

We also have the following upcoming events:

Fall 2015 Showcase: October 1 to October 15:
October 1, 2015 kiosks off the very first off season fundraising event for Team Diabetes-The Fall 2015 Showcase! This event, which will alternate with the seasons, currently features 15 creators in Second Life, who have generously agreed to have one item in one of our official vendors! The generous creators and brands participating are: BattleBeast Breedables, Park Place Home Décor, Aphrodite Shop, Hearthaven Photography, & Creations, Feyline Fashions, Meshopotamia, Tres Beau, Potomac Signature Homes, Moonstar, JOH, Windlight Magazine, Epic Chromatic, and Pink Ice Boutique. 100% proceeds from the sale of these items will also go to The American Diabetes Association. You can find out more about the Fall 2015 Showcase by visiting the following link: http://teamdiabetesofsl.org/events/fall-showcase-2015/

Art in Hats 2015: November 4 to November 14, 2015:
Registration is still open for artists, designers, creators, bloggers, and photographers for Art in Hats 2015! Entertainers and performers are also needed! For more information: www.artinhats.com

Red and…Hunt presented by Nirvana Projects: November 1 to November 30, 2015:
Registration is open for the Nirvana Projects sponsored Red and…Hunt! This hunt will feature red items with all hunt items for the low price of 2 lindens! 100% proceeds will also go to The American Diabetes Association! To register: https://4stores2behunted.wordpress.com/be-hunted/application-2/

Of course we encourage individuals, organizations, and businesses to hold their own fundraisers in support of Team Diabetes of Second Life! Please contact Johannes1977 Resident for more information or visit our website: www.teamdiabetesofsl.org

About Team Diabetes of Second Life:
Team Diabetes of Second Life was founded by Jessii2009 Warrhol and Johannes1977 Resident. The organization will function in the form of an advisory board, with a coordinator leading the Team Diabetes of Second Life effort. The 2015 Team Diabetes of Second Life Coordinator is Jessii2009 Warrhol and the 2015 Team Diabetes of Second Life Advisory Board Members are: Johannes1977 Resident, Emma Portilo, Veruca Tammas, Sandie Loxingly, Rob Fenwitch, and

About The American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The American Diabetes Association leads the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fights for those affected by diabetes by funding research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association delivers services to hundreds of communities and provides objective and credible information and resources about diabetes.

Free resources are available in English and Spanish at http://www.diabetes.org and 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

The American Diabetes Association is currently celebrating its 75th year in existence! For the 75th anniversary, the American Diabetes Association is honoring decades of progress in diabetes treatment, management and quality of life, and our role in these advancements.

– See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/about-us/75th-anniversary

For More Information:
www.teamdiabetesofsl.org
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=11304578&pg=personal&fr_id=10000 (Official Team Diabetes of SL American Diabetes Association Online Page)
http://www.idf.org/membership/meet-our-members (website to find international assistance with diabetes research, prevention, and general information)
www.diabetes.org
www.artinhats.com
https://4stores2behunted.wordpress.com/be-hunted/application-2/

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