CNN has been experimenting with ‘citizen journalism’ with their  iReport project - tapping into user generated content by allowing anyone to submit RL news stories. Now you can try out your virtual journalism skills by filing iReports from Second Life, too.

Hop on over to iReport Island, pick up a notecard and some virtual press credentials (a hat, mic, and press pass card), and start spreading the word about what you think is important and interesting in Second Life.

You can also check out what others have to say by visiting the SL section of the iReport page. This is an interesting way for CNN to begin experimenting with virtual worlds, and it’s always great to see some positive press on the mainstream media.

An example of a recent SL iReport

Looking for something wonderful to see in SL? Check out Lem Skall’s photostream on Fickr. Not only does he find some really fabulous builds, he captures them with lush, rich colors and a great eye for composition. He usually includes the SURL so you can go see the site in person, too. Really beautiful work.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

If you ever hear from a friend, “The graphics in Second Life are so ugly.”, just point them at Lem’s photos and they will have no choice but to change their mind.

It’s atmospheric. It’s evocative. It’s enigmatic. It’s steampunky. It’s 20 gallons of awesome in a rusty, 5 gallon bucket. It’s Immersiva. Go there now.

While you’re there make sure that you poke around and look for hidden content, scattered poems, music boxes and other little surprises. Bryn has also provided a notecard that you can use to configure your Windlight settings for an extra bit of atmospheric goodness.

Here’s a great example of a RL nonprofit that is using Second Life to assist in educating, organizing, and networking.  FasterCures is working to accelerate the research and development of new therapies for the treatment of deadly and debilitating diseases and SL is an important part of their efforts.

“You can help people find a doctor, you can help people find patients if they are doctors or hositals. You can have whole sections explaining why, when you have a biopsy, should you donate some of the tumor to medical research. What does it mean? What are the ethical issues? What are the medical issues? “

Check out FasterCures now to find out how you can get involved. They’re located in the Nonprofit Commons - an SL collective dedicated to all sorts of interesting, pro-active, informative orginizations.

Dusan Writer points us to Hublog where Alf Eaton has posted some high resolution maps of the entire SL grid. Very spiffy.