While SL embraces PBR in an attempt to embrace greater 'realism' using the increasingly creaky old technology we’re all familiar with there is a backlash among Generation Z and other younger demographics towards cutting edge gaming with hypereal graphics and an embracing of older, less graphically real aesthetics. Some of this may be down to the fashionable adoption of retro, as in the numbers buying things like typewriters and traditional film cameras, but is some of it also likely a backlash against the increasing trend for hyperrealism where it’s no longer really easy to spot something real from recorded game action.

I am not a gamer, hence there have been a few times when I’ve been watching videos purporting to be actions in the current Russo-Ukrainian war where the game graphics have been so good that they appear to be real, it’s only when one looks more intently that it becomes subtly obvious that it’s recorded game action and not footage of an actual battlfield encounter.

I’m aware of arguments that the graphics of SL/OS are ‘poor’ but I have never agreed as this is a very subjective area depending on so many different factors, such as the comparisons being made. Relative to Minecraft and Active Worlds the graphics of SL and Opensim are fantastic, but compared to a photograph or the hypereal renderings of high end computer graphics, very poor indeed. Personally I rather like the aesthetic of SL/Opensim and would argue that the aesthetics are neither good nor bad, but exactly what they are. I’m not arguing against hyperrealism for those who want it, but rather agruing that the current graphics are regarded as fine by the vast majority if those who use Opensim and SL.

This article in today’s Guardian prompted me to write the above after last week I read something about the implementation of PBR in Second Life. Sometimes maybe, less is more, and if the aesthetics of retro games are appealing to Generation Z and other demographics younger than the average found in Opensim, then maybe there is hope yet that our hobby will endure. After all, Active Worlds is now nearly in its 30th year, has a very faithful and dedicated community together with graphics that make Minecraft look good!

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/02/why-are-yo...

Ihr dürft euch wieder auf einen Abend mit tollen Leuten , toller Musik und guter Atmosphäre freuen.
Also rein in eure Party-Outfits und auf ins Tosca 20:00 Uhr gehts los

Wir freuen uns auf euch

You can look forward to an evening with great people, great music and a good atmosphere.
So get into your party outfits and come to Tosca. Party starts 11:00 SLT

We look forward to seeing you

Will it be the beginning of the end?

What will the investigations of the federal police or the authorities responsible for oversight find?

Will Linden Lab's partners distance themselves if the platform's structural issues regarding minor avatars and sex are confirmed?

If Amazon were to revoke their server access due to such violations?

Will Second Life survive with limited funds and few users (those psychologically subservient)?

In Europe, if the matter is taken seriously (and it is a serious matter), will we still be allowed to access Second Life?

If specific regulations are applied in Europe and worldwide to control this type of metaverse (SL-Like), will it spell the end for many Opensimulator grids?

But above all, will Opensimulator suffer?

https://community.secondlife.com/blogs/entry/15229-officia...

Hi folks - if someone hasn't tried @valerieluv0 's rental system, please do. Amazing stuff... and she is super supportive.
Small details that show that the person who designed it knows about he process (like, being able to set the picture for the main office in each box, so you can take it and drop it as you rezz them!)
Here:
hop://hg.osgrid.org:80/ValLands/1180/812/52
www.vallands.ca

Liebe Freunde und Gäste,
wir freuen uns, euch zur feierlichen Einweihung von Cafe Käse einzuladen!
Kommt und feiert mit uns den Beginn einer neuen kulinarischen MusikReise mit Nast Bakerly
Heute Abend beginnen wir mit einer
Romantischen Nacht

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point on the European continent, located at the tip of the Serra de Sintra, and is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic places in Portugal.

With a 22m tall lighthouse dating back to 1722, shrouded in fog or bathed in splendid sunshine, this inspiring scene has been part of the "Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossoms" program dedicated to peace since 1989.

It is also reproduced on the grounds of the GavezDois Art Gallery, in yet another magnificent reproduction by Ernest Moncrieff.

Easy jet: hg.osgrid.org:80:GavezDois

We sat a while watching the sunset and hugged warmly before he left.

I was up early and went to wake up my younger sister Christina.

... "good morning Little Lion did you sleep well"

- I am Christina and I am 19+.

- Don't call me Little Lion please.

She yawned sleepily and turned away from me.

And I knew.

"I have to go out and repair some buildings" I said.

Tears filled my eyes when I walked down the stairs.

Also in real they did.

My Little Lion had woken up to the adult world.

I prayed that the OS world would show a kind face to a young adult teen.

I have seen so much.

Like all Mamas I worried.

When I went back I found her dressed.

- Jeanne I love you, she said.

- I will always be here with you.

- I will never leave you and Caribou alone.

"I love you too my Little Lion. "

“More than you will ever know” I thought.

We walked away in the sun, the three of us.

Hoped Andron would have been with us.

Yanny and the younger ones were still sleeping.

What a wonderful Little Lion I have.

( Updated slightly and edited for logic 17.3.2023 )

---

18+ AVs from all Grids welcome, large or small. Ask Jeanne.

Shemales Ladyboys 18+ M and F Adult Males Females Fairies All.

Safe for all 18+ - LGBTQAI Adult Region.

Best Free Shops. Hard to find Athena, Petite, Reborn, Legacy... GRIMM.

All Free

No groups needed as 18+. Shop Love Live Play among 18+

Homes, Islands, Hideaways. Ask Jeanne.

Create a caribougrid AV:

http://www.caribougrid.com

RANDOM THOUGHT ON AN ARCANE TEXTURE, CREEPY NEIGHBORS, CREATIVITY and INTEGRITY PART II TWO (ELECTRIC BOOGALOO)

RANDOM THOUGHT ON AN ARCANE TEXTURE, CREEPY NEIGHBORS, CREATIVITY and INTEGRITY

When we last left my meandering rant, i mentioned that my landlord and (Undecel Masala at Masala Estates!) regarding two regions that had popped up right next to mine. I was "Avedon Park" and they were Avedon Forest and another name. When I explained that I had no relation at all to the owners of those regions, my landlord and HERO was kind enough to lift my region up and move it elsewhere. Apparently, they were just trying to copy as much of my whole damn region as they could. And soon enough, a region pops up using the same naming concept as me. (Avedon Park, How about Avedon's Peak? Mark's Park? or Avedon Place? Oh well. As so many like to argue, this is how we roll in OS and it "happens all the time". The saddest part is that these are people I associate with and consider friends!

Jump ahead only a month or so later that I started releasing the history or "lore" I have created and posting it here for people to enjoy. It is an overall narrative that applies not only to the region in OS but is also being used as part of a graphic novel, artwork, and music. It was less than a week that a similar "history' with just a minor change or two popped up at the previously mentioned region.
Anyone who says copying is the best form of flattery should be stripped naked, tied to the back of a truck, and drug down a main street.) Again, you can make endless arguments about how "everyone does it" "that is how OS works" and "no laws are being broken" (though I am learning fast that is questionable!). The point is that it shows a complete lack of INTEGRITY. It is such a shitty thing to do, especially in OS, where you are not likely to make any sort of financial gain from it, you are just doing it for "likes" and laziness.

But enough whinging. What can you really do about any of this? Well, after some research, I probably more than you think, especially if you live in the US.

First, say something! Even if you end up being wrong, it is important to publicly express your feelings on the issue and explain your work.

Second, Copywrites and protection through the DMCA are fairly easy and cheap (ie Free) to acquire. You can file for protection yourself for free, OR you can find someone who is already protected and simply absorb your content into their protection. And in the US you often don't have to file ANYTHING to be protected if your idea has been completed and made public, you can seek DMCA protections.

Now, and here we go back to just needing some integrity.

Idea vs. Expression:
Ideas themselves cannot be copyrighted. This means that the core concept or plot of your project cannot be exclusively protected by copyright.
However, the expression of that idea—how you write it down, how you present it, and certain details or traits—can be protected. (This is the future path I am walking but you should choose what works for you)

Also, OSGrid and other grids need to do more to police themselves. Know the difference between BOB Q Guy buying an item in SL or Kitely, copying it and bringing into Open Sim, and handing it out, as compared to someone just taking a person's work without payment or permission, and then claiming it as their own idea or concept. And don't assist them by allowing them to use your website and tools to promote a hijacked concept.

And finally, when it happens just speak out. you will take hell for it and you might even be WRONG, but speak up and let people know this hurts you.

and wow, did I just ramble on or what?? Sorry about that, but I do think there is a possible "integrity deficit" in our house and it would be up to us each to change that. I now climb off my teeny tiny soapbox and just wish you ALL a happy weekend. Feel free to come by Avedon Park and visit. We welcome everyone.
S.

I've finally managed to add some contributions to this year's Cornflakes Week.

I've retextured Clutterfly cuddle lunge chairs, beach towels and bean bag chairs with a Cornflakes theme, all of them with SFposer, of course.

You can pick them up from my shelves in the DropBox.
https://opensimworld.com/hop/91293
Secondary pick-up location: Kaufrausch Mega-Store, Santiago.
https://opensimworld.com/hop/78061

And here's to hoping that the textures won't go blank again anytime soon...

+ osGiveLinkInventory
+ osGetInventoryNames
+ osGetLinkInventoryNames
+ osGetInventoryKeys
+ osGetLinkInventoryKeys
+ osGetLinkInventoryKey
+ osGetLinkInventoryDesc
+ osGetLinkInventoryName

Eight new OSSL functions, and maybe two more.

This rocks.

If you have a loved one you would like memorialized in the Haven of Memories, just message me. Whether the loved one be human or pet I will do my best to give them a beautiful memorial that you can cherish. Everyone gets a copy of the memorial before it goes out in the Haven of Memories. There is no charge for this service but donations are gratefully accepted. Blessings and much love, Lavia.

Tonight, Wednesday, January 31st, the extraordinary voice of Nikita will enchant us in a live concert at the charming Ariston Theater. Join us for this special evening, immerse yourself in the magic of music and live performance. The event starts at 21:30 PM Italian time, 12:30 PM SLT, and it will undoubtedly be an experience not to be missed. Let's share this unique moment together. Don't miss out! Event Details:
Artist: Nikita Location: Ariston Theater (Sanremo - NewLifeItaly) Date: Wednesday, January 31st Time: 9:30 PM (Italian time) / 12:30 PM SLT Thank you very much, and I hope to see you there!
:::TAXI::: newlifeitaly.net:8002:SanRemo

New Video of our HG Safari visit to SOA Bikerworld, and awesome build by SOA Bad and Siwas.
The track goes on and on and on... This is a small part of it and what we experienced.
Like and subscribe! It helps me a lot
and it is free! Thanks for watching this video.
https://youtu.be/cb6FssVp-nM?si=Qj8KYNRxOTQ_NPQw

Just added Star Lounge to Skyrealm, at the heart of the lounge is a small bar, where skilled bartenders craft artisanal cocktails inspired by the wonders of the universe. Sip on a "Stardust Spritz" or a "Galactic Gazer" as you gaze upon the ethereal beauty of the Skyrealm Observatory. Visit anytime. three.hills.grid.outworldz.net:8002:SkyRealm

Welcome to the magnificent tribute to the Sanremo Festival! Four unforgettable evenings immersed in the magic of Italian music, where we will celebrate the gems of the Italian Song Festival from the '80s to 2023. Here's a preview of what awaits you:

First Evening: "Contemporary Hits" with DJ Tombeur
The opening night, led by the charismatic DJ Tombeur, will take you on an exciting journey through the most engaging hits from 2011 to 2023. An evening dedicated to modern melodies and extraordinary voices that have characterized the recent decades of Italian music.

Second Evening: "The Charm of the 2001-2010 Years" with DJ Adry
The second night is a special tribute to the masterpieces that marked the decade from 2001 to 2010. DJ Adry will guide us through an extraordinary experience, recreating the unique atmosphere that made that phase of the Sanremo Festival unforgettable.

Third Evening: "The Musical Renaissance from the '90s to the 2000s" with DJ Angel Dark
The third night will be hosted by DJ Angel Dark, a journey into the golden age of Italian music. From the '90s to the 2000s, we will relive the emotions and unforgettable successes that defined an entire generation.
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Sanremo, situata sulla Riviera italiana, è una affascinante cittadina costiera famosa per la sua combinazione di storia, cultura e bellezza naturale. Incastonata tra il Mar Mediterraneo e le Alpi Marittime, Sanremo è celebre per ospitare ogni anno il Festival di Sanremo, uno degli eventi musicali più iconici dell'Italia.

Conosciuta come la "Città dei Fiori" per i suoi rigogliosi giardini e le esposizioni floreali, Sanremo offre ai visitatori un ambiente pittoresco con vivaci viali, architettura storica e splendide viste sul mare. Il clima mite della città l'ha resa una meta apprezzata per il relax e il tempo libero.

Il Festival di Sanremo, istituito nel 1951, è un evento prestigioso che ha svolto un ruolo significativo nella formazione della scena musicale italiana. Esso presenta una vasta gamma di talenti musicali e ha introdotto nel mondo numerose canzoni e artisti senza tempo. L'influenza del festival si estende oltre l'Italia, rendendolo un appuntamento imperdibile per gli appassionati di musica e un'esperienza culturale che cattura l'essenza dell'intrattenimento italiano.

Oltre al festival, Sanremo invita i visitatori a esplorare il suo affascinante centro storico, passeggiare lungo il lungomare e gustare la cucina locale in pittoreschi caffè e ristoranti. Non dimenticate di visitare il celebre Teatro dell'Ariston, cuore pulsante del Festival di Sanremo, dove si svolgono spettacoli e concerti di risonanza nazionale ed internazionale. Con la sua atmosfera avvolgente e la sua importanza culturale, Sanremo è una destinazione incantevole che offre un assaggio dell'antica eredità e dello spirito artistico italiano. Vi aspettiamo per condividere questa esperienza unica!

The best radio station in Second Life is now available across the entire metaverse and the pirate DJ's at Black Cat Radio have landed at Avedon Park!
Black Cat Radio is an online radio station that is totally listener-supported based on the classic pirate radio stations that popped up off the coasts of the UK and in the deserts of the US in the 60's and 70's. It features a hand curated music library of over 1600 tracks (no repeats!) and is never too soft or too loud. What really makes Black Cat Radio cool is that you can go to their website and make a request or dedicate a song and it is played almost instantly! You can plop the land URL onto your land in Open Sim like we do at Avedon Park (http://usa19.fastcast4u.com/blackcat) or you can listen online. You can listen on your PC, play it on your buds or listen in your car!
You can visit the in-world radio station at Avedon Park. We've set them up on their own little island right next to "Nervous Charlie's" fireworks and liquor Store. Visit the station, hang out on the beach or, if you are brave, check out their grotto. We try to make them clean up after themselves, but it only goes so far.

Learn more at www.blackcatradio.rocks

Have you already visited the fantastic 'Black White Castle' region made by Bink Draconia?
It's really worth it...

https://opensimworld.com/hop/91814

Or copy and paste this adress in your viewer's map:
pangeagrid.de:8002:Black White Castle

Chapter 7 - Insomnium from my book Eos Renascent is now on Wattpad. You can read it here: https://www.wattpad.com/story/176823549-eos-renascent

"Maeia jerked awake, choking and disoriented, and found herself on her hands and knees with hot, broken stone beneath her. Caustic, black smoke billowed in the air, burning her throat as she tried to breathe. The light from great fires raged in the distance, silhouetting shattered buildings and soaring structures and casting everything around her in an ethereal orange glow.

Feeling excruciating pain, she looked down at her arms to see red, bleeding skin and blackened blisters from severe burns. Lying on the ground nearby was the red sword she recognized from the sarcophagus. It had a faint red glow, as if it were red hot, especially around the handle grip.

What is happening to me?"