Today, we’re updating Second Life’s default avatar options with 24 brand new mesh avatars. You may have spotted a sneak peek at a few of these as Lindens tried them out recently, and starting today, you can start using them yourself!

These avatars are designed to give new users a more appealing set of choices as they start their time in Second Life. Based on the most popular avatars picked at registration, these new options are much better-looking and take advantage of technology incorporated into Second Life over the past year (like fitted mesh and materials) for a more modern feel.

If you want to check out the new default avatars, just open up the Avatar Selector in the Viewer. Under the People tab, you’ll see a great variety of male and female mesh avatars to pick from. Under the Vampire tab, you’ll see those infamous creatures of the night along with some other monsters like zombies, werewolves, and winged beasts. (Tip: Make sure you’re running the latest Second Life Official Viewer for the optimal experience with these avatars.)

Under the classic tab of the Avatar Selector, you will find many of the most popular classic default avatars. Although not all of the old options will be available in the Avatar Selector, you can still access them all in your inventory library under Library/Clothing/Older Outfits - so if you were partial to one of them, don’t worry.

Login to your Second Life account and meet the new mesh avatars, today!

Note: These are just a few of the new avatars you'll find in the Avatar Selector. Login to see them all.

Now that April’s showers made way for May’s flowers, come see what new and exciting places and events sprouted in the Destination Guide. Much like last time, we’ve scoured submissions to bring you dark urban roleplay, steampunk art galleries and walks, futuristic sci-fi, and a whole lot more. So what are you waiting for, come visit!

Don’t forget to share your creations. We love seeing what you come up with next!

Hollow Woods

Hollow Woods is a modern supernatural-horror experience that caters towards creative, paragraph-style roleplay. The game is based within the small island town of Hollow Woods, where unexplained events and a shady government-funded corporation are at the forefront of all those bumps in the night. Explore Hollow Woods and the rest of the island as it unfolds with real time events.

Visit in Second Life

Extension Centennial Celebration

Cooperative Extension represents universities in all 50 states improving lives by bringing applied research to help farms, homes, and communities. Cooperative Extension observes its 100th birthday this month with celebrations around the USA and also in Second Life, where it began creating virtual learning environments in 2007. Come and wish Extension a happy birthday!

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The Steampunk Gallery Opening Party

Come see the Steampunk exhibit in the Skywalk Gallery opening party in the Station. The Station is a highly detailed, fun-filled sim featuring ten well-known bloggers and artists. DJ Kate will spin the tunes while everyone dances and strolls the gallery halls enjoying steampunk sites, sounds, and activities.

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Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a unique multi-genere Sci-Fi roleplaying sim. With a unique, inclusive backstory and lore, this sim is friendly to many different types of Sci-Fi roleplayers. With no meter requirement and flexible play styles, the staff work to make everyone feel welcome, new or seasoned. Rental and space available.

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Raglan Shire Art Walk 2014

The Raglan Shire's 2014 ArtWalk opens Sunday May 4th, and displays the works of over 100 artists on four enormous outdoor sims. Artists grid-wide converge to exhibit their photography, art and sculpture in this annual arts festival, hosted by the Raglan Shire through May 25th.

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Punto de Encuentro

Punto de Encuentro es un lugar de reunion, para hablar, jugar a juegos de mesa, escuchar musica y todo lo que se nos ocurra, !bienvenido a nuestra familia!.

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Today we’re promoting a much-anticipated Viewer update called Project Interesting. Previously, available only in limited release, Project Interesting is now available gridwide as part of the default Second Life Viewer!

This update reduces the load and time it takes to draw objects in regions, meaning scenes appear more quickly and smoothly as you move throughout Second Life. To learn more, check out the

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A Viewer update that includes Project Interesting is now available. To start taking advantage of these performance improvements today, just download the latest Second Life Viewer (or allow your Viewer to update).

Project Interesting is one part of the ongoing and much larger Project Shining initiative, which brings a number of performance improvements to the Second Life experience. Today’s promotion of Project Interesting to the default Viewer means that two of the three bundled initiatives under Project Shining are now complete. The third and final project in this initiative (Sunshine) is in the home stretch, and we hope to promote it to the default Viewer soon - keep an eye on this blog for updates

The magic of the Fantasy Faire, 2014 has enchanted the Second Life Community. This event benefits Relay for Life which supports the American Cancer Society.

For more information about the event, sponsor, organizations, and creators you can visit the Fantasy Faire website.

There is sure to be plenty of wondrous things to peruse and delight the senses, but be sure to marvel in the painstakingly crafted details of each unique area. All of them were clearly made with a love for emersion, beauty and atmosphere. On the website, you can read about each region. Here is a small quote from DRD designer and Dwarfins contributor, Jaimy Hancroft about her design.

“Hope’s Horizon was born in Tolkien’s mind.  The sim is inspired by the great city of Minas Tirith and I am dedicating this build to my dad, who passed away a couple years ago of cancer. He was a major Lord of the Rings fan and this was my chance to do something great to make him proud."

It's only here until May 11th, so don't miss out on your chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and shop for a great cause.

The portals are open - teleport there now!

Fantasy Faire 2014

Celebrating its sixth year, the Fantasy Faire is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world. From May 1st through the 11th, treat yourself to eleven days of shopping, live music concerts, auctions, hunts and roleplaying. Come join thousands of Second Life residents and creators as they bring their visions together in support of the American Cancer Society.

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Draxtor Despres put together

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Join Draxtor Despres and Julia Tiraxibar for an inside look at another type of virtual chemistry - in the Chemistry Lab! Tiraxibar teaches Chemistry at Texas A&M University. She teaches with students who use Second Life in the Lab to conduct experiments and study the properties of matter in a 3D environment.

Find out more about how a National Science Foundation educational grant is helping students learn in Second Life by watching the latest episode of the Drax Files here<link>, or below in the embedded

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Looking to scratch that Drax Files itch? Find all the previous episodes at Draxtor’s Website or below.

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 16: Feed a Smile

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 17: Zachh Barkley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 18: Paradise Lost

We’ve got a few tempting destinations to brighten up your weekend and you won’t even need to check the weather to enjoy them. Feed your body and soul with tea, art, philosophy, a little shopping, and a full-blown holiday thematic egg-stravaganza at these lovingly crafted regions. We'd love to see you share your adventures on the Official Second Life Flickr Page.

Rico's Tea House

Rico's Tea house is a place to meet new people, socialize with friends or just relax, all in gorgeously stylish surroundings. Rico's Tea House welcomes you!

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The Kollective

The Kollective is a monthly shopping event that unites the creativity of designers and bloggers to bring exclusive and intricate designs to the during the event. This collaboratiion between designers and bloggers is well worth your time.

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The Philosopher's Stone

What happens when 15 artists interpret 15 philosophers? The Philosopher's Stone, a delightful mix of original thought-provoking and immersive artworks. Come see the wondrous floating islands above a sim filled interactive discoveries. Throw on your favorite toga and and get your philosophy on at The Philosopher's Stone on LEA-17.

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Outdoor Roman Technology Museum

The ORTEM Project is a Second Life outdoor museum of ancient Roman technology, conceived, developed and built by Alexia Carnell with the cooperation of Fern Leissa and Linteus Dench. The museum highlights both the military and civil technology used from the late republic to the height of the Roman Empire in 117 AD.

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2014 Easter Town

Welcome to the 4th annual 2014 Easter Town. You can do everything from race marshmallow peeps, drive carrot cars, dance the bunny hop, ride egg boats, hunt for Easter eggs, enjoy hot air balloon tours and even take pictures with the Easter Bunny. There is also an egg decorating contest with L$6,500 in prize money. Lots of fun activities and shopping await you at Easter Town 2014.

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If you have an incredible build you want to share that isn’t already in our Destination Guide, be sure to submit it.

Here's another edition of Destination Guide Highlights, bringng you a variety of some standout spots we found and wanted to share. From the Paradise Lost build featured in the last Drax Files, to some goold ol' fashioned Rock 'n Roll bowling - there's sure to be something you'll enjoy exploring this weeked.

Don't forget to snapshot your experience and share those pics with the Second Life Official Flickr Pool for a chance at being featured in the Pic of the Day program.

Global Surf Treaty

Island Sea Dreams & Ellimatta Banyandah are a surfing community. Global Surf Treaty runs surf lessons and events for anyone wanting to surf in Second Life. Find your smooth transition over the waves.

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2014 Easter Town

Welcome to the 4th annual 2014 Easter Town. You can do everything from race marshmallow peeps, drive carrot cars, dance the bunny hop, ride egg boats, hunt for Easter eggs, enjoy hot air balloon tours and even take pictures with the Easter Bunny. There is also an egg decorating contest with L$6,500 in prize money. Lots of fun activities and shopping await you at Easter Town 2014.

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Gehenna Crossing

Gehenna Crossing is an immersive, emotive roleplay sim set in 1888 Wyoming. Brought to you by the storytellers who had made the legendary Deadwood sim, this build typists to re-live the real life-range wars where ranchers, farmers, railroad interests and townies battled for control in the time of Billy the Kid and Cattle Kate. There's saloons, brothels, ranches, respectable businesses and more.

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Sauce

Fancy a bit of Seaside Sauce? Slap on your wig and flash those knobbly knees because this time, it’s personal. Test your Sauce Factor, try your luck at the Modern Love Bureau, get sparky in the Saucy Science Lab and dive headlong into a bountiful sea of fish and chips. Come visit this interactive art installation from Maya Paris.

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Rock'n Bowl Bowling Center

Travel back to the 1980s and enjoy a night of bowling at Rock'n Bowl. Enjoy the greatest hits from the decade while you bowl the night away with family and friends. Rock'n Bowl is the perfect place to relax with friends, snacks and free shirts!

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Paradise Lost

Set to the 14 movements of Mozart’s Requiem, the Basilique Performing Arts Co. performs its weekly production of Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” Join in this immersive theatre production and experience the mind blowing show show everybody's talking about. For tickets, be sure to visit http://bit.ly/mpbpac.

Visit in Second Life

 If you have an incredible build you want to share that isn’t already in our Destination Guide, be sure to submit it.

Since launching the beta of SL Go about a month ago, OnLive reports they’ve seen a very positive response to the Second Life® Viewer for Android™ that allows users to access Second Life over wifi or 4G LTE on tablets and laptops.

Today, OnLive has updated the SL Go beta with new pricing:

• Monthly unlimited-use subscription for $9.95 (USD) / £6.95 (GBP). No contract and no commitment.

• Reduced hourly rate: $1 / £0.70 per hour.

The previously available offer of a 20-minute free trial still stands.

Additionally, OnLive is expanding the regions where SLGo is available. The service is now supported in 36 countries - you can find the full list, along with more details over on OnLive’s blog here.

Do you enjoy classic stories, pageantry and wonder? Ever taken the time to enjoy truly immersive theater? In the newest episode of The Drax Files, Draxtor Despres interviews the creators of the epic Paradise Lost, an intricate production based on the works of Milton. Join them as they talk about the joys and freedoms of online production, the masks we use to reveal ourselves and more.

Click the link to see the

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Looking to scratch that Drax Files itch? Find all the previous episodes at Draxtor’s Website or below.

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 16: Feed a Smile

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 17: Zachh Barkley

In late 2013, we released a new way to share photos, status updates, and check-ins from Second Life to Facebook: SLShare. That project is now receiving an awesome update: SLShare will include Twitter and Flickr support!

This SLShare update will allow you to share your Second Life experiences beyond Facebook. Twitter and Flickr sharing is just as quick and easy, complete with specific options relevant to each social network.

For Flickr, you will be able to name and add a description to your image. We have tagging capabilities so you can ensure other users can find the images you want to share. Maturity settings are a requirement for Flickr, so we’ve made it easy for you to set this right from the Viewer.

The Twitter integration is also designed to be very intuitive, so it will be easy share what’s happening in Second Life with your Twitter followers. You’ll also be able to add photos and your location when you share to Twitter, and by default, SLShare tweets include the hashtag #secondlife, so it will be easy to see what others are sharing with this feature.

This update will also introduce a set of post-processing filters that you can run your pictures through to create cool one-of-a-kind images! The new filters were inspired by the images posted to Flickr by Second Life Residents. With more than a million uploads, most of them enhanced by some post-processing, we thought it would be great to include this feature right in SLShare. These filters will work regardless of which social network you choose to share your Second Life pictures to.

But it doesn’t stop there. For those more technically savvy, we designed this feature to be modifiable by our users. If you’d like to create your own filters, check out the wiki page on this for more information.

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As we’ve previously blogged, we recently integrated the Oculus Rift with the Second Life Viewer; users with the development headset can try out the beta now and experience Second Life in a uniquely immersive way. Today, we’re happy to announce another exciting new way to experience Second Life: anaglyph 3D mode.

We think this will appeal to literally dozens of Second Life users nostalgic for the kind of 3D experiences provided by comic books, cereal boxes, and B-movies.

As with the Oculus Rift integration, you will need a specialty headset to take advantage of this new Viewer mode. Fortunately, the consumer edition of the hardware has been in production for many years and is readily available around the world. Though not quite as immersive as using the Oculus Rift with Second Life, the hardware required to use this mode is certainly cheaper, very comfortable even with prolonged use, and less prone to inducing nausea for first-time users.

A key immersion feature of the Oculus Rift is the ability to look around the world by moving your head. This works with the anaglyph 3D mode as well. Simply attach the monitor to your head and coordinate your camera controls with your head movements.

Anaglyph Glasses by Snaily is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States license.

To start using anaglyph 3D mode today, download the project Viewer, then from the ‘Me’ menu, toggle Anaglyph Mode or press CTRL+3+D.

While we look forward to bringing Second Life into the future with exciting new technologies like VR headsets, we also think it’s important to balance cutting-edge innovation with tried-and-true last-century technology - at least on April 1st.

The weekend has landed and it's time for another edition of Destination Guide Highlights! From a club at the top of a castle to relaxing and tranquil outdoor adventures or beach living at its best - there's something for everyone.

Don't forget to snapshot your experience and share those pics with the Second Life Official Flickr Pool for a chance at being featured in the Pic of the Day program.

Aspen Fell

Aspen Fell is a great place to relax and get away from it all. This artfully-darkened location is open to the public for all to enjoy, so set to estate/region settings and make sure you have your music turned on. Come get lost in perfection.

Visit in Second Life

Southern California

Welcome to Southern California! This themed sim is dedicated to Southern California beaches. Hang out, soak up some sun and enjoy the famous SoCal skateboarding at their local skate park. Be part of the SoCal community and live the Southern California dream.

Visit in Second Life

Blue Lotus Okiya

The Blue Lotus Okiya has been a place of tradition and artistry since 2007. A place for women of culture, intelligence and distinction, geisha with honor, grace and beauty. This is an environment rich with traditional values combined with sisterhood and support. Stroll in the lush gardens to the ochaya (tea house) for an afternoon engagement. Or seek to rest your head at the local ryokan (inn) for the evening.

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Aloha Beach

Aloha! Aloha Beach has spacious sandy beaches, big waves and the best surfing features. Come to this welcoming place for good sun, great water, dancing, live music and more. 広々とした砂浜、波乗りにもっとも適した大きな波が特徴のビーチです。サーフィンするもよし、日光浴をするもよし、散策はいつでもどなたでも歓迎します！ダンス、ミュージックライブ、DJクラブイベントなども楽しめます。

Visit in Second Life

If you have an incredible build you want to share that isn’t already in our Destination Guide, be sure to submit it.

We were recently contacted by Back2back Productions, a production company in the UK, about a documentary series they’re working on, one episode of which will feature stories of couples that first met online.

For the episode, they are currently looking to speak with UK-based Second Life users “who have solid relationships/marriages as a result of meeting in these online communities, but also couples who are together online but not yet in real life.”

They describe the planned piece as “an entirely positive exploration of these relationships and plans to overturn people’s misconceptions through honest storytelling – it’s very much about ‘love conquering all.’”  

They’re seeking couples of all kinds, but at least one person in the couple should be UK-based.

If this sounds interesting to you and you have a story to share, you can reach the production company directly at jamie.stratton [at] back2back.tv. All initial conversations will be strictly confidential.

It’s time for another edition of Second Life’s Destination Guide Highlights - just in time for the weekend. If you’re looking for some interesting places to explore, here are just a few spots that have surfaced recently.

We’ve got everything from art galleries to Mardi Gras celebrations for those of you that missed the holiday or simply want to relive the madness virtually. Take a look - snap some inworld pics of your adventures and share them on the Official Second Life Flickr Page

Havendale Village

Visit Havendale Village to enjoy a fun and magical fantasy-themed sim with homes, games, hangouts, and shopping. Havendale is family friendly and welcomes role-players to live their magical lifestyles. Play with your friends, stroll through town with your family, join in one of the events, but make sure to make Havendale Village your home.

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Grimmerfell, Land of the Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil, the great world tree, branches through the nine worlds. Grimmerfell is home to deep forests and rowdy longhalls. Come, traveler, and listen to the songs and hails of many from the amazing world of Norse mythology. A blend of authentic history & Scandinavian/German folklore, Grimmerfell's living mythology combines Viking history with forest kin, dwarves and the children of frost giants. Come by ship, by dream or antlered crown.

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HHVET Victoriana

HHVET Victoriana is a beautifully constructed Victorian light role play community. Set in the glorious age of the horse and buggy, they feature a mall area for vendors and consumers, several interactive areas, even carriage services with real horse avatars. They also offer carriage driving and horseback lessons along with residential estate rentals.

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Venezia City Showcase

Take a break and visit this intricate recreation of Venice, sure to dazzle the senses. Gondolas, masks, gondolas and more await in the Queen of the Adriatic, Venice City Showcase.

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Isla Okiddo

Isla Okiddo is an unusual art expo at an exotic location. The island is immersive and lush, the art a tribute to Second Life photography. Come see a different approach from what you've seen before.

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Little Village by Cica Ghost

The quirky homes in Cica Ghost's Little Village stand tilted on little hillocks, some single, some in little clusters, their shapes silhouetted against the sepia sky. It is a village for people, or only for the cats peeking out from the windows? Come enjoy Little Village's humorous and photogenic appeal.

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2014 Mardi Gras Town

The vibrant sounds of authentic, New Orleans jazz will fill your ears the moment you land on the cobble stoned streets of Mardi Gras Town. A holiday venue with incredible colors, ambiance and a festive spirit. Mardi Gras Town is the destination to let the good times roll.

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If you have an incredible build you want to share that isn’t already in our Destination Guide, be sure to submit it.

OnLive, the leader in cloud gaming, today released an exciting new service for Second Life users. SL Go, now in open beta, is a mobile Second Life viewer for Android that delivers a fully immersive desktop-like experience on tablets.

With SL Go, you can experience Second Life from anywhere you have Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity, with ultra high-quality graphics, full shaders, shadows, and the Advanced Lightning Model on Android devices. Not only can you get high-quality graphics on a low-powered device, but you also don’t have to sacrifice frame rate or draw distance for high fidelity inworld explorations. Thanks to super-fast gigabit connections with OnLive’s high-performance gaming servers, objects and textures rez quickly when logging in and teleporting. OnLive has clocked the SL Go viewer at upwards of 200 fps set to Ultra with Maximum Render Distance, allowing people to participate in events, engage in combat games, and generally enjoy immersion in Second Life at a level never before possible on a mobile device.

With SL Go, OnLive has brought touchscreen interaction to the Second Life experience, but if you prefer keyboard and mouse, you can opt to connect these devices and interact with your friends in the same way you always have. SL Go gives you access to edit menus, inventory, preference settings and chat management just like the Second Life Viewer on your home computer.

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You’ll need an OnLive account to launch the app, and then you’ll log into Second Life with the same credentials you’ve always used. To learn more, register, and get started with a free trial now, visit slgo.onlive.com.

 For the time being, SL Go is available to users logging in from the US, Canada and the UK. OnLive plans to expand the service to other locales in the future, so if you are interested in having SL Go in your region, sign up here. The company is also pursuing an iOS version of the app. You can sign up here to be notified when it is released.

Merlin, Gandalf, Raistlin, Dresden… Ever wanted your name on that list? Of course you have. But while most of us while away our hours dreaming of controlling the energies that bind us, Zachh Barkley made it a virtual reality. In this episode of The Drax Files, Drax interviews Zachh, one of the biggest magic producers in Second Life. It’s a great conversation about entrepreneurship, work/life balance and take a glimpse into the amazing mystery of where inspiration can come from. There’s also fireballs, broomsticks and eldritch lightning to keep you on your feet!

Click the link to conjure up the

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Interested in more Drax Files? Catch up with previous episodes below or at Draxtor’s Website.

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 16: Feed a Smile

As Linden Lab’s new CEO, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to you all - I’m Ebbe Altberg, aka Ebbe Linden in Second Life (although I’ve been advised by many of you to use an alt when cruising around). You can find my official bio on LindenLab.com, and there’s a nice piece with a bit more about my background and experience over on Inara Pey’s blog, Living in a Modem World (I offered a few clarifications in this comment there).

Why did I choose to take this on? I did it because I love the idea behind our products, what you can do with them, and the potential for what we can become. I studied fine arts and computer science, and I find creating digital products and services a creative blend that I absolutely love. For me then, the creative and empowering technologies and marketplaces Linden Lab are creating are just incredible materials to work with. I have a huge belief that we can do great things together. Great for you, for Linden Lab, and for our investors. Linden has learned a ton that few companies have ever had the opportunity to learn when it comes to empowering people to contribute in creative ways and collaborate with a global online community. It’s unique.

I don’t really consider myself a ‘gamer,’ but I also don’t think that ‘game’ would describe Second Life either, and I’ve found Second Life intriguing for a long time. In addition to having personally explored the virtual world a bit back when it first started (of course I’m diving in more now), my son was a very active Resident as a teenager, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the incredible things the Second Life community creates. I’m proud to be joining the team that enables this level of creativity, and as I said in our press release, I’m committed to supporting our customers to help you become even more successful.  

Many of you have been very kind in welcoming me via Twitter (I’m @ebbealtberg there), and I’ve read quite a few thoughtful blog posts and forum threads offering advice and raising some issues to my attention - thank you for that! I’ll continue to read all that I can (although I won’t always be able to respond to everything), and I’m looking forward to getting more familiar with Second Life and its communities through both personal experience inworld and communication with you and my colleagues.  

There are big opportunities ahead as we further improve and grow Second Life, and I’m looking forward to our future together.

See you inworld!

Ebbe Linden

If you’re looking for somewhere to take your special someone, the challenge and thrill of a hunt, or even just a cool new spot to explore for pictures or enjoyment - Second Life has the perfect spot for you! As we head into Valentine’s Day weekend - treat yourself to an assortment of guilt-free, sugar-free, free-free destination delights.

Gather with the masses against Injustice at the One Billion Rising event - which opens tomorrow! Spend your Valentine’s Day with music, dancing, art, and be a part of something big. Don’t forget to head on over there on Friday, February 14th.

One Billion Rising for Justice

Everyone's invited to One Billion Rising for Justice, this Valentine's Day in Second Life. For 24 hours on Valentine's Day, One Billion Rising brings residents and activists around for a spectacular event full of music, dance, art installations, poetry events and information sharing. Come be a part of this amazing event.

Visit in Second Life

When you’re ready to break off from the crowd, drop by some of these hand-picked forget-me-not spots and hunts to make this weekend unforgettable.

The Surreal Complex

Visit The Surreal Complex in February for an unforgettably surreal experience. Admire works of art in the museum, wander through fairy tale forests (try not to get eaten or poisoned by the plants), even fly through cloudy dreams. The Surreal Complex is a shopping event and a creative exhibit to show off what creators in Second Life are capable of. Bring your friends and prepare to take lots of pictures.

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A Tell Tale Heart

To create great works, one needs a touch of insanity. Where better to find it than at Mieville Midway's A Tell Tale Heart? Wander the streets and see what madness lies in wait. New gachas, stores and more from some of the virtual world's great designers all await you from the through February 22nd. Come... Join the madness but mind where you step. The floorboards are thumping.

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The Stupid Cupid Hunt 2

That Cupid, he's so stupid! Flying around, shooting arrows, trailing little hearts wherever he goes. He's trying to make love matches all across the grid! He has no clue what he's doing, he's making a bit of mess of the place, shooting anything he sees. Find Find Cupid's missing arrows to reach Cupid's love nest and lovingly bask in over 20 sponsor prizes.

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Love Me, Love Me Not Hunt

Cupid left his bow and arrows, and... things got a little wild. Help find the hearts before Cupid gets back! Find the hearts to get gifts like Love Me Bears, Love Me Not Bears or variously-sized gift cards.

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With Love Fair

There's no better way to say you love someone than giving a gift chosen with love. The idea behing the With Love Fair is to bring all the most wonderful brands together to provide a pleasant and beautiful environment for Valentine's day shopping. The event runs through February 21st, don't miss it!

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Isle of View

Looking for something romantic this Valentine's Day? The Isle of View brings together everything the discerning romantic requires of their romantic festivities: boat rides, fireworks, kissing booths, forested walks, tasteful fountains, and free gifts. So bring that special someone to the Isle of View and tell them how you really feel.

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Mingle

Are you ready to Mingle? Holiday Appreciation Association presents their newest event: Mingle, an interactive hud-based experience to explore, meet, and greet. Prizes will be generously offered by some of the most beloved brands on the grid. The best prize of all will be the friendships you're bound to make. Date auctions, transferable item gift shop, and more await anyone ready to Mingle. Runs from February 1st through the 28th, hurry!

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The I Effing Love You Cart Sale

Come to beautiful BuenaVista from February 7th through February 14th for the I Effing Love You Valentine Cart Sale. Love is in the air as you explore 55 carts filled with amazing wares from designers across the grid. Each cart featuring a special $10 Linden item. Whether you are shopping for yourself or for your Valentine, this sale is sure to have what you are looking for.

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P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today, we're happy to announce that Fitted Mesh is available in the main Second Life Viewer! As we've previously blogged, Fitted Mesh gives Second Life content creators the power to craft mesh garments that make avatars look their absolute best. We’d like to thank the vibrant community of creators for their thoughtful feedback and help testing this feature.

For more information, check out the

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“Will you be my Valentine?” It’s the phrase we heralded with joy as children, possibly angst as a teen, and a slight sense of suspicion as adults - but there is no denying Valentine’s Day is an emotional mashup for many.

Are you a romantic or a cynic when it comes to love? Pick your poison from the diverse and delightful assortment of options to explore in Destination Guide’s Romance Category. Find your sweet spot and take a date or friends - old and new - on a thematic adventure inworld.

If you’re looking for a place to take a romantic date, why not stop by the Isle of View? We’ve dusted off, spruced up, and revamped a blast from the past with a Swan Boat Ride and some free treats for you and your special someone. Valentine Bears, candied hearts, kissing boothsm and a skyline of fireworks are sure to send the mood for love.

For those who have a less candy-coated view of the holiday - you can grab a group of like-minded individuals and partake in the the Tainted Love Hunt - a no-holds-barred look at the darker side of love - with hunt items from many of Second Life’s strange and unusual designers and creators.

Before you dive in, stop by the Marketplace Gift Shop to get something for your Valentine or to treat yourself!

After you visit these scenic spots - share your snapshot in the Share the Sweetness Snapshot Gallery

Isle of View

Looking for something romantic this Valentine's Day? The Isle of View brings together everything the discerning romantic requires of their romantic festivities: boat rides, fireworks, kissing booths, forested walks, tasteful fountains, and free gifts. So bring that special someone to the Isle of View and tell them how you really feel.

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Valentine at Winter Ice Rock Festival

Romance is the mission at this Valentine's celebration. Bring that special someone to one of the many romantic spots. Restaurants, theaters, concerts, and all your favorite winter activities await in this immersive Valentine winter experience.

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Fotoscope Island

Fotoscope Island is dedicated to photography, fun, friendship and romance! Ride the Freefall and enjoy eight minutes of a space ride packed with animations and audio-visual special effects. Fotoscope also has quite a few of other interactive experiences. Dance and cuddle in a wide variety of beautiful spots and hidden locations. Just be sure to take lots of photos, huh?

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2014 Valentine Town

Valentine Town is a visual panorama of all the things that denote love and affection. From chocolate waterfalls to the sugary delight of giant gum balls, expect an endless feast for all the senses, with remarkable vistas and colors bathing visitors with affectionate delight.

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The Tainted Love Hunt

The Tainted Love Hunt is a grid-wide treasure hunt about anything but that saccharine-sweet Valentine's Day romance. Tainted Love celebrates; obsessional love, love of pain, loving someone to death, even the love of the suicide pact... Featuring great prizes from some of most troubled, twisted, and talented designers and builders in Second Life, it will run from February 1st to the 28th.

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Ever wondered how you could help someone in need? Enjoy concerts? The latest episode of The Drax Files: World Makers showcases Brique Topaz’s Feed a Smile, a wonderful way for Residents to provide meals and education to children in Kenya. Feed a Smile hosts a variety of in-world concerts, with proceeds going directly to those who need them most. So watch this episode of The Drax Files: World Makers and learn how you can help make the world a better place.

Click the link for the

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Interested in more Drax Files? Catch up with previous episodes below or at Draxtor’s Website.

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 1: Kriss Lehmann

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 2: Jo Yardley

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 3: Eshi Otawara

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 4: Fantasy Faire / RFL

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 5: Engrama

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 7: Rod Humble

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 8: MadPea Games

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 9: Elie Spot

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 10: Robin Sojourner

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode11: Dwarfins

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 12: Ole Etzel

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 13: Creations for Parkinson's

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 14: Rose Borchovski

The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 15: Scottius Polke

February is just around the corner - and it’s never too soon to start planning for Valentine’s Day. For most of us the holiday is a blend of bitter weather and sweet romance, and at the Destination Guide we aren’t immune to Cupid’s arrows, so here’s a few places to share with that special someone.  

Since romance means many things to many people, we figured we’d give you selections from our Romantic Spots category. Look below for secluded love nests, forested venues, waterfalls, boat rides and more. And if you’re feeling the pangs of an unrequited love, we’ve even got a dating game just for you.

Your creative vision really lights our fire, so come on and share those labors of love.

Here are a few spots to spark your Valentine's Day planning.

Jasmine's Hollow

Jasmine's Hollow is an Adirondack steampunk haven that's great for friends, romance, photography or just relaxing. Secluded cabins are tucked along the forest and waterfall-fed lake. Why not row and cuddle in a romantic boat while you look for the hidden cave? Or discover the crash site below the Dirty Grind. Discover all of this venue's many surprises!

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Disembark from the nearby ship and immerse yourself in this romantic, secluded spot hidden deep on the grid of Second Life. Could this be Eden?

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Whispering Winds

Welcome to the retreat called Whispering Winds. Home to three performance venues, a redwood forest, caves to explore, and many romantic spots. Use the provided teleport posts or explore on your own!

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Dream Scene

Dream Scene lets you and a loved one design a special fantasy evening. Choose from one of the many romantic themes — there's everything from a Roman bath to a space cave — then, sit back and let the floating bubble whisk you off on a magical getaway.

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Date My Avi

Date My Avi is the hottest singles service (and the only grid-wide system) in and out of Second Life with a fully functional theater, club and more. So come enjoy in-world or at DateMyAvi.com!

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As followers of this blog will know, a number of the projects we’ve been working on to improve Second Life (like Project Sunshine) have been focused on making the virtual world work better and faster for everyone.

One of these initiatives has been to improve the infrastructure to speed up HTTP communications between the Viewer and grid services. By reducing demands on the network, this improves performance - and we’re already seeing good results. For example, 75% fewer connections are now needed when the Viewer downloads meshes! We've also built in better error reporting, which gives us more data to help troubleshoot issues when they arise.

If you’d like to delve into the details, check out this new post on the Tools and Technology blog: Raising the Roof: The HTTP Project.