Game Review: League of Legends

Nydia Tungsten is back with another game review. This time she looks at "League of Legends," by RIOT games. Recommended to her by a friend, she saw a few trailers of the game while waiting for it to load, and was looking forward to playing it even more than ever. But did RIOT spend as much effort on their game as they did the trailer videos?

Read Nydia's review in Other Grids and MMOs.

News and Commentary: Blizzard Cancels Titan, Will Linden Lab Follow With SL 2.0?

By Bixyl Shuftan

For about a decade, Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft has dominated the Multiplayer Online Game market. Although no longer getting twelve million players, it's still the top of it's class. But back in the prime of it's prize product in 2007, it was revealed that Blizzard was working on another MMO unofficially known as Titan. So when will this game be released? Apparently the answer is "never," as last week Blizzard stated the project was shelved.

There are a few reasons for Titan's cancellation. One was that those in Blizzard assigned to the game's development "didn't find the passion" for it. The success of it's recent smaller game "Hearthstone" was another factor, evidence that not everything by Blizzard has to be "colossal summer blockbuster-type products." Then there's the obvious: if the Titan MMO was a success, would it not be taking players from it's current hit World of Warcraft?

So Blizzard has made the decision to stick with what works, at least for now.

But does this mean that Linden Lab will soon be following up by scrapping its development of it's next generation virtual world, known as SL2.0?

Ciaran Laval wrote an article suggesting that Blizzard's move was a "warning bell" the Lab shouldn't ignore. Ciaran quoted Blizzard's cofounder, "We had created World of Warcraft, and we felt really confidnent that we knew how to make MMOs. So we set out to make the most ambitious thing that you could possibly imagine. And it didn't come together." A VP was quoted of their decision, "We were losing perspective and getting lost in the weeds a little. We had to allow ourselves to take that step back and reassess why the hell we were doing that thing in the first place."Ciaran suggested that Linden Lab needed "to ensure they don't find themselves in this position with their future virtual world, that they don't find themselves making something that isn't fun, that isn't really progressing how they would like it to, and that it might not be worth their time at the end of the day."

In a sense, the Lab has more to loose as Blizzard's big product's revenue model is millions of users paying $15 a month, while it relies on several thousand users paying $300 a month per sim and content creators whose wares get the masses of users to buy virtual currency to purchase them. One reader responding to Hamlet Au's article commented, "a content creator needs several years to get respect, establish their brand and gather a customer base. ... This takes a lot of time and effort. Once that gets destroyed, the creator will get burned. That creator did work at a very low hourly rate for years to get to the point where they were now. Telling that creator the place where he does business will get shut (down), but he can come and rebuild it all over again on new tech, you can be sure about 70 to 80% will say thanks but no thanks."

Ciaran concluded, "Linden Lab, with a combination of luck and judgement, struck gold with Second Life. The new virtual world has for more ambitious aims, but Linden Lab need(s) to ensure that don't tie themselves in knots trying to make it happen. Second Life is still there, and many people will be happy to engage with (it) for many a year yet."

Hopefully the Lab will take heed of Blizzard's decision, and concentrate on making it's customers happier with it's current product instead of developing a product that given the transition from it's classic viewer to Viewer 2.0 is likely to be neither fun for them or it's customers.

Sources:  PC Gamer, Polygon, New World Notes, Ciaran Laval

Bixyl Shuftan

Tales from Podex: Pirate Pratfalls

 By Bixyl Shuftan

It started off as more or less any other day at the Podex Exchange. One of the tellers talked about going to the "Clockwork Spiral" charity event later on. Someone else talked about taking a look at the "Vinyl Museum" and "Happy Vixen" clubs in HV Community and Sunny Beach respectively. Then someone remembered what day it was, "Arrrrr! It be September 19th., maties. It be 'Talk Like a Pirate Day,' lan'lubbers! Arrr!" And after a few chuckles, other tellers were doing it too, "Avast there!" "Shiver me timbers!" "Arrrr!"

While the tellers were joking and laughing, someone walked into the bank. Seeing him, a teller turned, "Good day Sir, what can - " the teller's sentence cut off when two things were clear. One, the visitor was dressed up in pirate garb, which included a sword. Two, his bushy banded tail and natural mask marked him as a familiar character: "Clumsy Cooper." Clumsy had repeatedly tried to rob Podex, and always failed.

"Avast ye scurvy dogs!" Clumsy took hold of a cutlass by the grip and drew it out of it's sheath, "This be a plunderin.'

“Avast yerself, lan’lubber!” One of the tellers called back, “Ye got some chum showin yerself here ye drunken bilge rat!”

“Don’ ye ‘landlubber’ me! Now gather up all ye booty an’ be quick abou’ it!”

“Ye pardon me if we not be so smartly ‘bout yer demands, youn’ pup. But ye try ta raid our poopdeck many times before, an’ every time ye end up keelhaulin’ yerself.”

“That be rotten luck. Now, do I need to wack a few of yer addin’ machines with me cutlass to git yer attention?” He pointed his sword forward.

“My attention be on yer cutlass. Five peices o’ eight that be nuthin’ but a cheap peice o’ plastic.”

“Arrrr! That be fightin’ words!” Clumsy then began swinging the sword around, “I’ll make ye all walk th’ plank!” Then in the middle of his ranting, he slammed the blade of the sword onto the floor, and it snapped in two.

Clumsy looked at the broken blade wide-eyed, then looked at the tellers, “Um, perhaps I be a bit hasty.” He gave a nervous smile, “I be in a good mood. Ye can keep yer booty.”

“Get him!” The teller yelled, pointing at him, “Throw that sack o’ shark bait in th’ busted head!”

Clumsy then turned tail and ran back out the bank. He ran across the field, then the road, and found an airplane on what looked like to him like some kind of launcher he then climbed aboard and started the engine. The plane sputtered and coughed, but it's motor was just not going. Clumsy banged on the pannel in frustration, but that only got the plane to creak as it tipped to the side, and fell down, one door against the ground, the other held shut by a broken wing. Clumsy count only wait as the SLPD arrived and got him out. They then immediately placed him in handcuffs, charged with attempted griefing.

But even if Cooper's scheme had worked, there was no way he could have gotten away with any ill-gotten gains. “All our exchanges are done through electronic transfer,” a teller later explained to the SLPD, “He wouldn’t have walked away with a single Linden.”

The Podex Exchange has a record of being one of the safest Linden exchange services in Second Life, the data processing done outside the exchange, and has a record of thousands of satisfied customers. Transactions can be done at their website, or their location inworld at the Coda sim at (45, 218, 61).

Note: The preceding is a fictional story, written for the dual purpose of advertisement and entertainment.

The Scoutlounge Beach Club

Wesley Regenbogen is again back on the club scene. This time he takes a look at Scoutlouge. Reopened in 2011, the club has been showcased in Linden Lab's Destination Guide, and plays music not just at the club but on a stream on the Internet.

Read Wesley's article in Places.

What's New at the LEA

As many art lovers know, Linden Lab sets aside some sims for artistic builds, the Linden Endowment for the arts. These exhibits are not permanent, normally up for only three months at a time. So there is quite a bit of turnover. Gemma Cleanslate visited the area recently, visiting a number of exhibitions, and found a few that stood out.

Read Gemma's article in Design.

Angels Calendar Auction

Guys, how'd you like a chance to pose next to a cute, shapely girl for a calendar pic? Girls, want a chance to get on a calendar next to a hunky guy? Well, now's the chance for both with Nydia Tungsten's "Angels Calendar Auction." Just head on over to the "Happy Vixen" beach club at the Sunny Beach sim. Volunteers like Jessicabelle Dayafter, Skylark LeFavre, and Pagan Sunfire, are up for bids. And Nydia herself has made herself available to pose with as well.

Nydia says the contest is going on for just two more days, with Wednesday being the final day for bidding. But she hasn't given what time the bids will be closed. So if you want to pose with a calendar girl (or guy), get those bids in!

Sunny Beach (180/52/27)

Want to Work For the Newser?

Since the beginning, the Second Life Newser has been open to new talent coming in. We have had a few people who've asked us if we could be a little more clear about it. We thought we were, but we've gone ahead and added a page about contacting us for employment. Click the link at the top, or (Click Here).

Wesley Regenbogen made a contribution to the page, which you can see (here).

Cartoon of the Day

Someone combined this "Hogwarts" outfit with a chimp avatar. It didn't take long for me to come up with the punchline.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Wedding Bells

Congrats to Kazumi (third from the right) and Furrygirl (third from the left) whom were partnered together Friday night, Sept 26. The ceremony was conducted by Becky "Sha" Shamen. The witnesses attending were from left to right Brandi Streusel, Nydia Tungsten, Kiwi, and myself.

 Once the ceremony was done, we headed off to the reception, held at Sunny Beach. We were joined there by by Skylark Lefavre, who'd been held up by events in real life, and Kazumi's SL daughter Angel.

Congrats to the lucky couple (last picture from Skylark).

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: Making Strides' "Ready, Set, Snail"

 

The Strides committee "Ready, Set Snail" Giant Snail Race will be held on September 27, 2014 at 10:30 am SL time!  Linden prizes to the top 7 winners!! FREE giant pink snails are available, you can grab yours at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Devon%20Dream/165/110/777

You will need a pink scarf to be in the race, these are only 500Ls with 100% proceeds going to Making Strides! TP to the location and pay the kiosk and the scarf will be sent to you.

Press Release: Roman Festival Schedule

Saturday, 27th September

10am -  Ludi Romani Jupiter Ritual and God Feast
This month's festival begins with a ritual for Jupiter in the Forum Temple, honouring Him as King of the Gods and spiritual father of the Roman Pantheon. Our ritual will then be followed by a special feast with dancing and activities in the nearby Basilica. Since at the ancient feast, statues of the gods attended, at our feast you are asked to come in costume as an ancient deity. (Any entity humans have worshipped as a god is acceptable as a costume.) A prize of L$1000 will be given to the best male and the best female deity costume as decided by vote.
ROMA (22, 208, 79)


11am - Ludi Romani Chariot Races
The Ludi Romani were a time for athletics, games, and sport, and a traditional part of the ancient Ludi Romani were chariot races - for our celebration, we have our own! Come race against other Citizens for prizes (anyone can sign up to race), or come watch the spectacle and cheer on the racers as you drink wine and nibble snacks. There will be 3 races of 5 laps each, and 1st place in each race wins a $L1000 prize purse!
ROMA (249, 113, 43)


12:30pm - Jovian Nymph & Faun Chase
One of the favourite pastimes of the Gods was chasing beautiful nymphs (much to the Goddesses chagrin), and Jupiter was no exception. For our Ludi Romani, you'll get to chase our ROMA nymphs & fauns. Chase them around Transtiberim and try to tag them - the one who tags the most nymphs or fauns will receive a prize!
ROMA Transtiberim (58, 34, 45)


****************************************************

Sunday, 28th September

10am - Ludi Romani Fishing Contest
Come try your luck in the Ludi Romani Fishing Contest - using the 7Seas
Fishing system. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will get a cash prize, and there will be a chance to catch some ROMA-exclusive custom fish!
Transtiberim (122, 154, 28)


12pm - Ludi Romani Grand Feast
Our festivals wind down with the Grand Feast in honour of Jupiter - with live music - the sweet tunes of Max Kleene! There will be dancing, feasting, and good company - some please join us in bidding farewell to the Ludi Romani until next year!
ROMA Transtiberim (181, 103, 21)


1pm - Vinovium Walls Race
The guards on the towers of our Vinovium Fort are always on watch and try to not miss any strange happenings. For this they need your help. In this game, you are one of the guards, who patrol along the wall -- you have to collect information from the soldiers on the towers, and bring that information as fast as you can to the Officer on duty. Can you get the info to the Officer the fastest and win? Top 3 fastest time with the least penalties will win cash prizes.
ROMA Vinovium (228, 166, 46) -

SL Video: "Hula"

(Click here if the video fails to load)

Nydia Tungsten's back at the videos. Here she is with Brandi Streusel doing a hula dance, "Nydia Tungsten and Brandi Streusel show us their moves on a tropical Island with a Hula in Second Life."

Basilique Town and Performing Arts Company

Some longtime residents may remember the Shakespeare Theater, where plays were done within Second Life. Sadly it was closed a few years ago, but that did not mean the end of theater in the virtual world. Canary Beck, with help from Henry Crabsitcks recreated an Italian small town in Second Life last year, Basilique Town. While it has many attractions, the biggest one is the Basilique Performing Arts Company, which has attracted much attention with grand performances such as "Paradise Lost," which was featured on an episode of the Drax Files.

Read more in Places.

Trotsdale's Third Birthday Celebration With Musicians Jaycatt and Frogg

Last weekend was one of celebration in the pony community. Trotsdale was now three years old, and the locals and their friends at Luskwood threw an anniversary party. The main event (or mane event this being an equine place) was when live musicians Jaycatt and Frogg took the stage. It was a fun event for four-legged and two legged residents like.

Read more in Events.

Eye on the Blog: Introduction to Second Life for Educators - a Course in Spanish Part 2

In the Linden Blog, what's being highlighed is a course inworld aimed at teachers from Spanish language areas to help them make use of Second Life to help teach.

Back in April we blogged about the University of San Martin de Porres Perú is offering a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) called "Introduction to Second Life for Educators" that was specifically designed to help Spanish speaking educators leverage Second Life for educational purposes. Since then the course has been improved and updated, and a new session is set to start on September 29th at Second Life Para Docentes.

About the course:

The Virtual Worlds Project of The University of San Martin de Porres from Perú starts this September 29th the second edition of the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) entitled "Introduction to Second Life for Educators 2nd. Ed.". The course is free and is designed to train Spanish speaking educators on the use of the virtual world Second Life, and to provide knowledge that allows educators to benefit from its potential, especially in the education field.

 If you or someone you know might benefit from a course like this, you can watch an introductory video (in Spanish) and register at their website. Start Day: Sep 29th.

 The post, along with Spanish translation, can be found Here.

Prehistorica: The Dawn Kingdoms

Earlier this year, Second Life Newser went to the dinosuar-themed Prehistoria area. Several months later, Xymbers Slade found an LM and decided to give his own report on the place. Xymbers own report focuses less on the land and more on the avatars. So what did he have to say about them?

Read Xymber's article in Design.

Press Release: "I Feel You Feel Hunt"

Earth Nirvana’s Be Hunted Group and the 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Second Life Committee are pleased to announce the start of the "I Feel, You Feel Hunt" in support of Making Strides!
TP to the first hunt location, the American Cancer Society, to get the first hunt gift and a copy of the landmarks and hints! All hunt items are 2Ls and there are over 50 stores participating with a variety of male, female, and unisex gifts.

100% proceeds goes to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. You can also find info and hints online: http://tinyurl.com/mo7o4tc

American Cancer Society Island Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/122/47/22

About Making Strides Against Breast Cancer:

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or MSABC is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting more than 300 communities to finish the fight. Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and race money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information, services, and access to mammograms for women who need them.
About Be Hunted:

BE HUNTED {BH} is a group for store owners to promote their businesses through specially low priced or free prize hunts. {BH} is also a group for hunters to receive information on current and upcoming hunts. There is NO COST to participate. Please contact Earth Nirvana if you are interested in participating.
www.makingstridessl.org

http://4stores2behunted.wordpress.com/2-hunts/i-feel-you-feel-hunt/

Please contact Earth Nirvana in Second Life, if you have any questions or comments about the hunt.

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the "Comic Con" event on Sunday Sept 21 by the Second Life Cheerleading Squad

by Bixyl Shuftan

News and Commentary: Avajean Westland's Virtually News, and Doing Broadcast News About Second Life

About a week and a half ago, Avajean Westland, a lady with both Second Life and real life acting experience, showed off in front of an inworld audience the debut of her "Virtually News" news parody show. While funny, and not the first spoof news program in Second Life, it got me and a friend wondering. Could a show about actual Second Life news be done?

Read more in Extra.

Third Annual Hot Bay City Nights a Roaring Success

Last month, Bay City held their annual "Hot Bay City Nights" event, which offers car designers to show off their classic models and a chance to raise some cash for the Childs Play charity. Celene Highwater was there to take in the sights, and had a chance to speak with Bay City's Marianne McCann about what goes on with this look back at America's classic cars.

Read Celene's article in Events.

Trinity "Bubbles" Ermintrood Wins "Second Life's Got Talent" Contest

On Sunday September 21st,the winner of the "Second Life's Got Talent" contest was announced. Starting with 11 contestants on round one on September 4, five had made it to the final day of the event taking place at the Nile Lotus Ballroom. The five finalists sand two songs each, "one song acapella and the second song with chosen musical backup.  The judges listened and scored each performer."

The winner of the contest was Trinity "Bubbles" Ermintrood, with Luvofmusic Resident coming second, and Nazirah Avor taking third place.

For more information, check the SL Enquirer, or the SL's Got Talent website.

"Talk Like a Pirate Day" Parties in Second Life

"Arrrrrr!", "Shiver me timbers!", "I'll have ye keelhauled!", and other piratey phrases abounded last Friday on "International Talk Like a Pirate Day," both in real life and Second Life. But in Second Life, it was much easier to put on a buccaneer's outfit. And in places like Steelhead and the Sunweaver's Club Cutlass, there was some Jolly Roger fun as both places held a couple great pirate parties.

See more in Events.

Press Release: PI Games Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue Event

Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue, Inc charity event!

--This will cost you nothing,  just show up with a tail and click the board!
--For every avatar that clicks the board PI Games will donate $L3000 up to a total of $L500,000 (we fully expect to meet this goal).
--Tail Tuesday will also feature 2 additional Top Score winner boards $L500-5000 and $L 20-200.
--This is all funded by PI Games, we have not removed any of our 0.5% for months so we are giving it to the players and to charity!

Fish Bowl (219, 129, 21)

Interview with Winston Ackland

One singer whom has been performing in Second Life for several years is Winston Ackland. Interviewed by Second Life Newspaper several years ago, Second Life Newser heard about him, and sent Fritter Enzyme over for an interview. Winston had a few things to talk about, including why he ends his performances with a certain song, whom his song "Post-Fact" refers to, and his new Blender art.

Read more in People.

The Home and Garden Expo

A few days ago on September 16, the 2014 Home and Garden Expo opened in Second Life. Described as having "the finest in Second Life home and garden design product and creator tools," the event takes place over nine sims.Home Epo 1 to 8 and Home Expo P.


Checking the place out, there were many homes up for sale, as well as many yard accessories such as gazebos, hammocks, treehouses, swings, walkways, flowers, trees, and more. There's even tall grass lawns up for sale. The event is a fundraiser for the Relay for Life, the cash raised considered part of it's 2015 season total, and either part or all of the sales of each of the products go to the American Cancer Socoety. Each exhibitor is required to have at least two new products with 100% of sales going to the ACS.

The event, the seventh of it's kind, has nine "Platinum" sponsors, including SL magazine Prim Perfect, and eight "Gold" level ones. Besides Just regular shopping, there are other ways one can shop here. There are hunts where one can search for free items with the help of clues. There are gachas where one can get items for good deals, such as an 11 animation chair for 35L, with the color you get one of several possible ones plus the chance that you might get a limited edition item. There is also a silent auction and a raffle.

Besides shopping, hunting, and the raffle, there are also building classes one can take. They are held at Home Expo P (119/53/24) with the schedule (here). Then there are the 2014 Rezzie Awards, "The Rezzie Awards are specifically designed to honor the designers, creators, coders, and builders who make Second Life so visually stunning and interactive, who inspire roleplay, photography. machinima, and so much more." Votes are being taken in for the finalists, and the winners will be announced on the final day of the Expo.

The Home and Garden Expo will go on until September 28. For more information, check out it's website at http://slhomeandgardenexpo.com/, and it's Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/groups/homeandgardenexpo2014/ . Someone also did a list of items at http://eloquencesl.com/2014/09/16/home-garden-expo/ .

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference on Oct 3-4

You're invited to the Oct. 3-4, 2014 International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference (IDRAC), sponsored by Virtual Ability®,Inc. This international conference will be held in Second Life®.

The theme for 2014 is "Technically, we're accessible... right?" Exploring True Inclusion in the Digital World.

Join colleagues, friends, and community members for presentations on web accessibility, advances in assistive technology, creating an accessible user experience, accessible gaming, emerging standards for technology, and more! Presenters from Spain, U.K., U.S., and Australia will join us at The Sojourner Auditorium on Virtual Ability Island within Second Life.

Why don’t you join us, too?

Questions?
Contact sister@virtualability.org or Sister Abeyante
Keep your eyes on Virtual Ability's blog for more information as we get closer to this exciting event!

http://blog.virtualability.org/

Cartoon of the Day: Talk Like a Pirate Day

Taken at Steelhead's Pirate and Oktoberfest party Friday night, Kara's costume looks like the superheroine's X-Ray vision somehow reversed. But she continued to do the "boneshaker" or whatever dance she was doing as Fuzzball Ortega did his pirate tunes.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Two Anniversary Events, The CDS and Avatar Social Network

Two anniversaries are taking place this weekend. One is the tenth anniversary of the Confederation of Democratic sims, or CDS. The CDS forums (link) List several events there today and one tomorrow.

September 20th, 10:00 AM—Mike Carnell, in Concert.

Mike is a German gentleman, he sings authentic German songs and he sings them well. What a great way to begin any festivity that is to have a German flair, with an authentic German singer. Be there. It’s a little early, but then again we are going to party all day so we have to start early!

September 20th, 11:00 AM—Opening Oktoberfest Ceremony.

Come in your lederhosen as we salute the CDS flag and honor our Germanic history. The opening ceremony will then continue with German Polka music. Dance! Life throws a lot of mayhem our way, even our second life. And we all have the chance to hide from it, to sit it out or we could even dance through it. We hope you dance!

There will be a May Pole there and dance balls for you. Bring your sweetie or come alone. The beer is on CDS.

September 20th, 2:00 PM—In the Amphitheater, Live and in Concert, QUEEN!

Second Life's hottest tribute band company, Thunder Rock Productions once again brings their show to the stages of CDS. This astounding production company was voted the #1 entertainment act in Second Life for the year 2013. They kicked off the SL 11th birthday celebrations awhile back and they were the talk of CDS for awhile after that stage production.

Wayne, Pibbs, Crossfire Ricochet and their crew will be putting on a special performance just for us. This event will showcase the original Queen with Freddie himself. This production will feature an astounding laser light show and will be chock full of effects just for you. If you have to miss any of these fabulous events and performances, QUEEN in Concert is not the one!

September 20th, 4:00 PM—Bandit Eddingham Live From Baveria.

Yes, Bandit will be streaming a concert to us live from Germany.

Bandit is good! He is into American Country music. And just a little research shows he is not unknown in this genre in RL. He is inspired by many country singers that performed in the country music capital, Nashville, TN, USA. He has performed in many famous places himself, such as a performance at the one place all country music professionals seek as their ultimate career goal, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Yes, Bandit is a pro in RL! Enjoy this level of talent presented just for our residents of CDS.

September 21st, 2:00 PM—Religious History Of CDS-Theology Tour and Lecture With Your Host, Gaius Tiberius Curio.

This event will fascinate you, as if you are not into our community theology, it will surprise you at the diversity of religions that exists in our community. We have Baptists, Pagans, Pentecostals, Wiccans, Moslems, Humanists, Buddists and Atheists practicing their faiths or lack thereof right here in our small community. And we all get along famously!

Join Gaius Tiberius Curio as he lectures on world religions and hosts a tour of our Shrines, Churches, Temples and religious icons and teaches the finer theological aspects exhibited in humanity. It will be interesting if you are an intellectual, and if you are a CDSer, you is one.

*Addition* Cleopatra Xigalia informed the Newser September 20 is officially the CDS' birthday. So the reason it's quite a busy day for them.

Neufreistadt (158, 183, 172)

*  *  *  *  *

Earlier SL Newser Posted that the Avatar Social Network, which we reported on last month, was holding an event within Second Life to celebrate it's first anniversary. The Enquirer recently reported that the event will be from 9AM to 11PM at Prim (128/147/412).

SL Video: "Falling In Love Again"

(Click Here if the video fails to play)

From "Furry Andy." Nydia commented, "Very well done, you keep raising the bar on me."

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!

 "Arrrrr, tis be 'International Talk Like a Pirate Day.'So ye best be gettin yer lingo o' th' Brootherhood (2013 article), git yer swabbie outfits on, an' head out t' sea in places like Morgan Straits. What say ye? Ya don' 'ave a ship? Well shiver me timbers, ya landlubbers, tis be yer lucky day. Th' Black Hole Shipyard be havin' some fine boats fer the low price o' completely free!"

"Tis 'Privateer Minerva' an' three other vessels (the difference between a privateer and o' run o' the mill pirate me hearties tis be privateers be gettin' paid ta be pirates) made by Dagger Ulrik be up fer grabs. An' these ships naught be jess fer show. These beauties can fight, either one on one, or in pitched battles. Ye can steer them, an' ye can shoot th' cannons. Ye kinn do both by yerself, or git a first made as th' gunner. So head t' th' Marketplace and get ye choice o' vessels."

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/138717

"Be quick about it! No tellin' how long these ships be up fer grabs fer nowt."

Hat tip: Becky Shamen

Bixyl Shuftan

The Vinyl Museum: The Club for Lovers of Classic Rock

Among the Sunweavers, Club Cutlass is their main club. But for those in the mood for a little music on Tuesday and Thursday nights, there's The Vinyl Museum. Built by RECoyote Mines and DJ Perri Prinz (who also does Sci-fi/Fantasy fiction), the place has the look of the place in the movie "Xanadu," and is well decorated with the look of a 70's classic rock club. Wesley Regenbogen stopped by to take a look at the location and have a few words with one of the co-owners.

Read more in Design.

Prim Perfect Relauch Party

Congratulation to Prim Perfect, the magazine of prim addicts as they call themselves. September 18 was the relaunch of the magazine and it was celebrated with a party held in the Castle at the Home Expo 5, sponsored by Prim Perfect. This is an event in support of the Relay for Life. 

Elrik Merlin, Editor and Camera, supplied the music for the event. Saffia Widdershins, Publisher and Editor, greeted everyone as she danced. Many stopped over to congratulate the staff on the relaunch. There was also an announcement that the  magazine has migrated to its own website,   www.primperfect.net. There is an intro to the relaunch issue with the promise, “There’s a whole new look, and new features (as well as some old favorites).  You’ll get even more gorgeous eye candy from our photographers – and great articles from our writers!” After looking at Issue 52  I have to agree. The older issues can also  be found on the website.

Prim Perfect is only one of their many ventures which include Prim Perfect and The Primgraph Magazines, Designing Worlds. Happy Hunting! and The Blackened Mirror television shows (all on treet.tv, slartist.com and aview.tv) and The Quest for the Golden Prim web comic.  Subscribers to the blog will be migrated over to the new site so you will not miss any news.

Prim Perfect Publications and its staff is to be lauded for its involvement in events of Second Life in the past years, present and in the future. The SL Newser congratulates and wishes them well.  

Gemma Cleanslate

Press Release: Sereph Club

Once a part of the now gone Seraph City, the Seraph club will officially reopen tomorrow at 6PM SL time.

Among the attractions will be a special live performance by Phil Mayo.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Old%20Time%20Prims/222/79/1007

SL Video: "The Drax Files - Avatars for Net Neutrality!"

(Click Here if the video fails to load)

Lately the issue of net neutrality has been heating up again, with the idea of access to the Internet as a level playing field at stake. Draxtor Despress did this Second Life video on the subject, "While we might not be able to get rid of all lag in Second Life we most certainly should raise our voice in the battle for the net. So: residents [also the ones outside of the US] please visit http://www.battleforthenet.com and fight the good fight!"

Pirate Night at The Vinyl Museum

Among the places having pirate events in Second Life as "Pirate Day" approaches is the Sunweavers' Vinyl Museum, tonight at 6PM.

Tomorrow tis be "International Talk Like a Pirate Day." So tanight at th' Vinyl, it be a night of debauchery and revelry as we be hav'in our Pirate Night. Get yer cutlasses, yer peg-legs, yer shoulder parrots, yer swabbie outfits, and of course ye better be bringin' yer lingo o' th' brotherhood. So don' be late or ye be walkin' the plank. Get yer lilly-livered hides over!

6-8 PM, 500L on the board (must be in theme to enter)

DJ Cynthia will spin a mix of pirate tunnage.

HV Community (67, 207, 4051)

Eye on the Blog - "A Clockwork Spiral - Steampunk Event to Benefit National Kidney Foundation"

Yesterday on the Linden blog, a charity event benefiting the National Kidney Foundation was highlighted, the steampunk themed "A Clockwork Spiral," by Sonya Rothmanay.

If you love steampunk be sure to stop by A Clockwork Spiral - a shopping event that benefits the National Kidney Foundation and happens to be set on a dark Victorian setting complete with gears, planes, and all things steampunk. Designers have set out themed items marked with either 50% or 100% so you know how much of your purchase will be donated to the organization. Take in the sights and sounds and delve into an atmosphere of a world filled with steam-powered machinery and mechanical majesty.

The Destination Guide entry promises "music events and gifts," and gives the lankmark of Cursed (78/128/1001). The event lasts from now to October 1st.

Press Release: Avatar Social Network 1st Birthday Party on September 20th

"We will celebrate the first year of Avatar Social Network on September 20th in Second Life. It will start at 10AM and go until 11PM SLT with fantastic performers, entertainers and DJs and lot of gifts. If you wish to participate, help out with hosting or offering a gift of your design please contact Arkad Baxton or La Freese or post on the forum here. Thank you!"

Cartoony Response to Microsoft Buying up Minecraft

There's been numerous responses and comments to Microsoft acquiring Minecraft through buying up it's company Majong. But this is one of the funnier ones.

Hat Tip:  Nydia Tungsten

Do You Have a Story?

On occasion, Second Life Newspaper will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers. And at the moment, we could use some as some of the staff are currently having some real life difficulties that are cutting into their schedules.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

SL-Newser reserves the right to post in the appropriate section and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyones name or picture or use an alias for them).

Relay Wizards' Post-Relay Party

Last Saturday on Saturday September 13, the Relay Wizards RFL team held a "Post-Relay" party to celebrate what they and other teams of the Relay for Life had accomplished.

 The party was scheduled for 6:30 to 9:30 PM SL time, but people were invited to come by early, as well as dancing as long as they wanted to.

The music was provided by DJ "Benny the Boozehound." There were quite a number of team members and friends there, such as Explorer Dastardly, Shawna Montgomery, Blue Mikado, and more.

The theme of the party was Fantasy, but someone tried to liven up things with a "Ghostbuster" uniform and trap. Someone talked about getting a "Stay Puft" avatar out, but the 'buster left before  he could be stepped on by a marshmallow foot.

A good time was had by all

Bixyl Shuftan