Author Archives: ZoHa Islands

MadPea’s Lost Mine Hunt ~ Part 3

by

After collecting all the crystals, I returned to the mine entrance, and as I clicked on it, it swung open, inviting me inside. I thought to myself, “Ahh this must be the end. Now I’ll be collecting my goodies!” Alas, once again I was very pleasantly surprised!

Here’s what the mine entrance looked like as the crystals activated it:
Mine entrance with crystals cropped

As I strode forward, it automatically TP’d me to deep inside the mine, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. The crystals glowed blue, and I gazed around in awe.

Lost Mine Crystals cropped

My HUD had changed once again, I smiled gleefully to myself, realizing that I was not yet done with this hunt, and it had just gotten interesting! My little pink helper had gone silent, so I knew that this third part I was on my own. I rubbed my hands gleefully and proceeded forward. Looking at my HUD, I knew I was going to have to collect seven gems, without my helper, and a rabbit’s warren of tunnels to explore. This was going to be challenging and fun! I was not disappointed.

I had to wander the tunnels, to find seven of these signs, which upon clicking would collect a gem, and when my collection was complete, I would be able to find the treasure.
Inside mine collection point cropped

When I was finished, my HUD looked like this:
Final look of hud cropped

Meanwhile, I had to hunt for and collect all seven gems. This third part of the Lost Mine Hunt is truly one of MadPea’s very best yet! It is a masterpiece of illusion, games, and puzzles. The textures were amazing, and the ambiance was haunting, as the mine whistled with eerie wind. You would occasionally hear the flap of some creature’s wings (bats, perhaps??) and the dripping of water echoing. That, combined with the half darkness of the tunnels made you feel like you were truly inside a cave.

inside mine more tunnels_001

As you wandered the tunnels, there were roadblocks in the form of puzzles. One was a door, and I had to rotate the pieces of the puzzle until they aligned, and the door opened into this, where I had to search for one of the gem signs:
Winter Wonderland in Mine cropped

At another point, I fell through the floor and landed in this cave, where I had to solve this laser puzzle, so the laser went through the mirror and opened the door. Don’t worry this isn’t a spoiler; this is definitely not the solution! You have to turn the pieces so the laser pierces the mirror.
inside mine laser maze cropped

At one point, I had to hop onto floating rocks as I searched for the gems. Several times, I got turned around, and ended up clicking on the map, which teleported me back to the mine entrance, and I began from the beginning, until I finally found that final elusive gem. For me, the hardest one to find was the silver gem.

Once my gem collection was complete, I headed for the final destination, which was blocked until I solved a water puzzle, where two tanks of water could be filled and emptied until you were able to get the right balance. The gate opened, and I ended up in this room, where I grabbed a mine car, and it rode me through the mine until it dumped me out in the treasure room, where I collected all 21 of my prizes.

Mine cart ride to the treasure cropped

I won’t show you the treasure room; you’re going to have to see it for yourself! 🙂 The prizes were wonderful and so much fun to go home and unpack.

This was my favorite MadPea hunt ever! I loved it, especially the end. Don’t miss this one; you will be disappointed if you do! I’m already looking forward to the next one! Great job, MadPea! Thanks for making our SL so much fun!

I remain respectfully yours,
~ Suzanne Piers
ZI Social Media Manager

Heartbleed SSL Vulernability and SL

by

Please read this important post by Linden Labs about the Heartbleed vulnerability and Second Life:

by Community Manager Linden Lab on ‎04-10-2014 02:45 PM

“Many of you may have read about the Heartbleed SSL vulnerability that is still affecting many Internet sites.

You do not need to take extra action to secure your Second Life password if you have not used the same password on other websites. Your Second Life password was not visible via Heartbleed server memory exposure. No secondlife.com site that accepts passwords had the vulnerable SSL heartbeat feature enabled.

If you used the same password for Second Life that you used on a third-party site, and if that third-party site may have been affected by the vulnerability, you should change your password.

Supporting sites such as Second Life profiles are hosted on cloud hosting services. Some of these sites were previously vulnerable to Heartbleed, which may have exposed one of these servers’ certificates. As an extra precaution, we are in the process of replacing our SSL certificates across the board. This change will be fully automatic in standard web browsers.

Thank you for your interest in keeping Second Life safe!”

I remain respectfully yours,
~ Suzanne Piers,
ZI Social Media Manager

MadPea’s Lost Mine Hunt ~ Part 2

by

Lost Mine Part 2 Start cropped Where was I…. Oh yes! I’d just teleported from the dark and rainy urban grunge (landing point here) to a gorgeous, forest area, with tiny little Dwarfins running around (most of them were bots; as I discovered when I accidentally stepped on one, and apologized to it. Imagine my embarrassment when a Dwarfin avi nearby wanted to know if I was talking to him. When I told him I’d apologized to the other gentleman for stepping on him, he chuckled and told me it was a bot. I was quite embarrassed).

Lost Mine Part 2 drawfins cropped.jpgAs soon as you step out into the beautiful forested sim, I discover that my map has now changed, as you can see in these pictures, to include a thing that looks like a funny shaped cribbage board. I am next to a mine entrance, and I cannot open the door. Local chat tells me that I must collect these items and come back when I’ve found them all, in order to gain entrance to the mine.

As I step out onto the sim, my faithful assistant starts telling me that there are no dirt piles nearby. I am to look for dirt piles and sift through them for these crystal-like items. As I wander the sim, my assistant tells me when I’m nearby a dirt pile, and I collect these items exactly like the map pieces, while wandering around this beautifully detailed Dwarfin sim. And, just like the map pieces, other people nearby can collect the dirt piles right from underneath you! (Quite frankly, the dirt piles looked more like cow pies, but I digress!)

Lost Mine part 2 dwarfin sword croppedThis was a lot of fun, as the dirt piles were hidden but not so hidden that you grew frustrated trying to find them, although I do have to admit that there were a couple of places that my assistant told me “OOOOH! You’re soooo close! It should be right nearby you (less than 5m)” but there were no dirt piles in sight. None. Absolutely none. I looked over and over. One was by the bridge; another by the koi pond. There was a third place, in the dining room, that was quite challenging to find. But the one by the bridge and the one by the pond did not exist.

No matter, because I found others and continued to find dirt piles until I’d filled in the cribbage board-like thing on my map. I didn’t have to worry about picking up other dirt piles I’d found before. I had to log out a couple of times during this part, and when I came back, I could find the same dirt piles, collect them and add the item to my pegboard. It was really amazing to see the detail in this Dwarfin land.

When I’d filled in my pegboard, I found my way back to the mine entrance, and since I’d completed part 2, I clicked on the door and it invited me in….

Stay tuned; Part 3 of MadPea’s Lost Mine Hunt is coming up — and this was the most convoluted part of all!

I remain respectfully yours,
~ Suzanne Piers
ZI Social Media Manager

MadPea’s Lost Mine Hunt ~ Part 1

by

MadPea Productions croppedI am not normally a huge fan of hunts, because they are simply a gratuitous attempt to get people to come into stores. It’s a great advertising gimmick, but I find the hunts frustrating as people crowd into a sim, pushing and shoving to try to get the prize. It reminds me of the basement sales at Macy’s and crazy women grabbing the same sweater and fighting over it. Not that I’ve ever done that. *Ahem*

However, one of the organizations in SL that takes hunts to the next level and is consistently and unfailingly over the top is MadPea Productions. I first stumbled across MadPea Productions a few years ago when I was between relationships and bored in SL and trying to find something to do. These diabolical and intricately woven, highly detailed games are way more than just a simple hunt. The point of these hunts is to showcase products by the game’s sponsors; of course. But the game is what the players come for. The rewards at the end are just icing on the cake.

MadPea Productions spends months on their productions. And productions is certainly what they are. They carefully craft a back story, and create the convoluted and fascinating journey through whatever trails led by the clues you collect along the way. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on it, it takes a twist and you are not quite through! I always feel a sense of exhilaration when I finish, along with a sense of disappointment that it’s over, because it is so exciting and intellectually challenging.

Lost Mine 2 entrance croppedThe Lost Mine Hunt is no exception, and it did not disappoint. At first, however, I was a bit concerned that it was not going to live up to previously held high expectations. Then, as I got deeper into the game, I realized that it was much more than the deceptively simple beginning.

Lost Mine 3 croppedThe game is divided into three parts. When you first land at the landing point, you are required to invest $150L in the HUD. The hours of entertainment you will derive from this investment is well worth the $150L, believe me. This time, you also can opt in to purchase the collecting pouch (more for show than anything) and new to this game, was an “assistant”, which, they readily admit, allows you a “huge advantage” in the game. This “assistant” (a cute round ball with arms and legs and big eyes — mine was pink) susses out where the clues are and tells you in local chat (that only you can see, so you don’t spoil it for others on the hunt who don’t want to do it with a cheat) when you’re getting close.

Lost Mine 7 helper cropped

Here I am with my faithful assistant by my side:
Lost mine 8 hud before cropped

The instructions you are given is that you are to find pieces of the map to the mine, which have been torn up, crumpled, and scattered throughout the town. Normally, I wouldn’t use a “cheat” such as the assistant in the hunt, but I was low on time as I had a blog deadline to keep, so I attached my assistant and off we went. At first, with the assistant telling me “No objects close by within 20 meters” every few seconds, I wandered the sim, waiting for my assistant to sound the alarm, which she did and I could zero in on the object with her instructions until she finally said “OOOH! You’re sooo close! It should be right next to you! (less than 5m).” At which point I would look around nearby until I found the crumpled paper. When I clicked on the pieces, my avi would bend down, swoop up the piece of paper and stuff it in her pouch. And a piece of the map would fill in on my HUD.

Lost Mine 6 rainy street croppedSounds simple, right? Especially with the assistant telling you where to zero in on. But no, not with MadPea. First of all, the sim is dark and rainy (don’t cheat and change your windlight settings!). Secondly, other people are out hunting nearby, and if they swoop in and pick up the piece of paper you just found before you do, then you’re out of luck! It disappears. My recommendation is try to go when fewer people are there, and if there are other hunters nearby, find a different area and hunt by yourself. I found myself frustrated over and over again as others picked up papers I’d just zeroed in on. (But don’t worry; come back in a few minutes and it will have reappeared).

When I picked up all the map pieces, my map transformed into a solid map, and I thought to myself, “Ahh then I must be done. The map will take me to the treasure, where I’ll pick up my prizes from the sponsors. Hmm kind of short and disappointing, but still fun,” I thought to myself.

But alas! I was hardly done. In fact, I’d just finished just part one, and little did I know that Part 2 and Part 3 were coming! When the map was finished, it said in local chat to click on the map and it would teleport me. I clicked on it, expecting to come to the end, and instead I stepped out into this beautiful forest setting, where Dwarfins live.

Stay tuned — Part 2 of 3 of MadPea’s Lost Mine Hunt!

I remain respectfully yours,

~ Suzanne Piers, ZI Social Media Manager

4th Annual Autism Awareness ~ Lighting the Way 2014

by

Lighting the way 2014People come into Second Life for many reasons. Some to find companionship, some to find relief from a difficult and stressful RL, some to start a business and make money, and some for the gratuitous sex! Often, people who are residents of SL discover that the virtual world is a wonderful platform to support causes in their lives that are personal and meaningful to them and to others.

SouthernComfort Magic is one of those people who has turned her passion for autism awareness into a cause that she successfully promotes in Second Life. She is excited to bring to SL the 4th Annual Autism Awareness events! You can see more on her website here.

What is Autism?

According to the Autism Speaks website,  autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

The website goes on to give these statistics about autism: “Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.”

In RL, I (Suzanne) work for a nonprofit organization that provides rehabilitative and vocational services to adults with developmental disabilities. We have over 230 staff and serve over 600 consumers in our various programs. Years ago, the most common diagnosis that consumers came into program with was Down Syndrome. Now, with today’s advanced medicine allowing parents to make difficult decisions regarding whether or not to proceed with a pregnancy that has an early diagnosis of Down’s, there are fewer Down’s clients. In recent years, we have seen a significant uptick in the number of people with an autism diagnosis coming into program; so much so that our Director of Client Services has had to get a special certification in order to best serve those with the autism diagnosis.

Autism is a very personal cause for SouthernComfort, as both her children have been diagnosed with autism. SouthernComfort shares what drives her passion:

“My drive behind this was simple, my children. In May 2006, my youngest son (he is 8yrs old now) was diagnosed as having Severe Autism. At the time he was only 21 months old. Not really knowing much about it at the time, I spent hours upon hours researching this. Watching my son having to do through struggles in everyday life, I was at a loss of words. My son can’t talk, he doesn’t play, social skills are non-existent, he has no idea what a holiday is or even his own birthday, to him it’s just another day. He has many behavioral issues such as hitting his head on the ground when upset, screaming at the top of his lungs, hitting himself on the arms and legs. He has also been diagnosed as having PICA (which is basically eating things that are non food) and eats things such as wood, crayons, mulch, paper. He also has been diagnosed as having ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). My son is full of life though. He smiles, he laughs, he loves to be tickled and play peek-a-boo, he LOVES Adele and country music. All around he’s a little squirt.

“My daughter who is 9yrs old, just this past November was diagnosed as having Asperger’s [Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum. Those with Asperger syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development.] She has some challenges ahead in her life, but with the therapy and help that they have now for children with Asperger’s, she should be okay. She has some social issues (has a hard time making friends), she has some speech delay, has a very hard time understanding when others are joking around and when they are serious. She has some very similar things that her younger brother has as far as symptoms of being on the spectrum, her’s just aren’t as severe as his, but they are present. However, she is full of life, she LOVES to smile and laugh, she loves playing with her new computer which she received this Christmas from someone she truly adores.”

Having been in-world since 2008 and heavily involved in MCs (motorcycle clubs), she had an opportunity in 2010 to work with Scott Sommer, who was organizing an event called “Rockers For Autism”.  SouthernComfort says, “After inquiring about the event, I had gotten with a good friend of mine Tristain Savon and asked if he would be willing to DJ this event with me at Sixx Pack. Together, he and I rocked for 4 hours raising awareness and during that 4 hour period, we had raised $153, 944L (Total was approximately $600 USD). I was completely taken back at the amount of support that I had seen in my family and friends that came out that night.”

Since that time, the event has grown. In 2012, SouthernComfort decided to try doing the event on her own, and she teamed up with Champion Horses to hold the Autism Event. Since horse therapy is very therapeutic for anybody on the spectrum, it seemed like a natural fit. They had a Nickelback concert, and Tristain DJ’d once again. They had a live performer and an auction. After many many hours of planning and after an extremely long day, they raised L$466, 868, or $1,701.60 USD during the month of April.  She was amazed! SouthernComfort works directly with the Autism Society in Bethesda, MD. She has a contact there, and after she cashed out, she was thrilled to make that amazing donation. She was beside herself at the amount of support from so many wonderful people.

In 2013, they decided to make the Autism Awareness event for two days rather than just one.  They had two concerts, Halestorm and Nickelback, with Tristan Savon Dj’ing once again. They had the IT Girlz and Fellaz doing a dance routine.  Nan Ember DJ’d for both days, and Madison Pizzaro was a DJ, as well, Blazer Bowenford did an amazing Blues set. There were a number of Motorcycle clubs involved as well such as the Black Knights, Damnation, Outlaws just to name a few.

In 2014, the Autism Awareness ~ Lighting the Way event has grown by leaps and bounds. The events are on two sims, and runs from throughout the month of April, which is Autism Awareness Month. She has nearly 50 sponsors, including ZoHa Islands, who is donating a full prim sim for this event. Over 20 MCs are involved. Entertainment includes 10 DJs and several live performers.  You can check out the Second Life Autism Awareness ~ Lighting the Way website for dates and details.

In closing I leave you with SouthernComfort’s own words from her website:

“When my son was diagnosed with Severe Autism at the age of 2, Autism affected 1 out of 150 children. Today it affects 1 out of 88. Over the course of 6 years, I have watched my son go through changes that I would never wish upon anyone. However, he is the most lovable child that I have ever known, he is truly an angel from heaven. He has taught me more about life & the person that I want to be more than I ever thought possible.

“So the next time you are at a restaurant or at a mall & you happen to see a child throwing themselves down on the floor, screaming and/or shaking things, stop & think before you judge. Not all disabilities are easily seen.  Sometimes all one might see is the symptoms & without knowing the full situation. Don’t judge someone incorrectly & unfairly.”

Please join us in supporting this very worthy cause. Come to the events, enjoy the performances, and give generously. Anything we can do to support and promote research into autism and it’s causes brings us closer to a way to prevent its occurrence.  In this way, we can “light the way” for their lives and by doing so, by having these events for them, we can raise awareness to help with research and therapy for them.

I remain respectfully yours,

~Suzanne Piers, ZI Social Media Manager