Cartoon of the Day: Turtle Head

Picture from Cynthia Farshore. Someone on stage with DJ Matt at the Ten Days of Relay had their head ducked down between their shoulders. So how and why could this happen? Yours truly had one idea.

By Bixyl Shuftan

News In Brief

There's a lot going on in Second Life. But between the Relay, the SLB, and our upcoming anniversary, so little time to write about it. Here's a brief mention of a few things going on.


In an article in Vice magazine, Linden Lab's CEO Ebbe Altberg stated Second Life's monthly usership was close to 900,000 thousand. Ryan Schultz would point out this was a 50% increase from the days before the Coronavirus Pandemic.


There's a new Firestorm viewer out, Update 6.3.9.58205, "this one comes with a LOT of changes, bug fixes and improvements."


A few days ago, Linden Lab would announce all further US dollar transactions, not just those for cashing out Lindens to real world currency, would be handled via it's Tilia service, "to stay compliant with regulations across a number of U.S. states." Also a few days ago, the Lab announced it would be adding the Value Added Tax to transactions involving residents of Norway and Australia.


Earlier this month, Daniel Voyager reported that the Second Life app, powered by Android, was still in an "internal alpha" stage of development, "This is a communications only app, for now." There's no date as to when a public beta will be out, Ebbe Linden recommending for now the web-based Speedlight.


Yours truly was also given a tour of the CDS Catacombs, located at Colonia Nova (78,108,22). Mermaid Celene (CeleneHighwater Resident) of the Radegast Viewer group met up with me to discuss "Silver Economy," which blind SL users can take part in. After a tip from a friend about "a free downloadable board game ... based around making fun of the toilet paper shortages," I had a talk with the maker, Wanders Nowhere.


We'll have more on some of these when time permits.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: "Mental Health Mini Film Festival"

Mental Health Mini Film Festival
May 31-June 8
Blue Orchid Cabana Classroom, Virtual Ability island


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/40/114/23

We will view each film together, commenting throughout in text chat. Then we will discuss when we are all done viewing. Each film is Closed Captioned.
This is the final activity for Virtual Ability's 2020 Mental Health Un-Conference.

Sunday, May 31, 7am SLT
"Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated" is a personal look at the star's life including her experience with an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, and addiction.

Monday, June 1, 2pm SLT
"Bedlam: The history of Bethlem Hospital" documents the infamous psychiatric facility through archaeology and the research of psychiatric historians.

Thursday, June 4, noon SLT
"Overpill" examines the effects of Big Pharma and its interests in treating (but not curing) mental illness.

Monday, June 8, 11:30am SLT
"A Brilliant Madness: John Nash" follows the life of this exceptional mathematician who won the Nobel Prize in Economics for his work despite having severe mental illness. You may recall his story from the movie "A Beautiful Mind."

Please join us to view and discuss these fascinating documentaries and learn more about mental illness.

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

THIS WEEK: So Many Stories!  Which Shall We Choose?
Join us this week for stories, presented LIVE in Second Life, and on Seanchai Library's properties in Kitely.

All events at Holly Kai Estates (215/44/27) , unless otherwise noted.

All stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT

 * * * * *

 *SUNDAY, May 31st,at 6:30pm: MAGICLAND STORYTIME: Caledonia Skytower shares tales of adventure and delight from the stage of the Golden Horseshoe in honor of its recent renovation, live on stream. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bracket/181/57/30

*MONDAY, June 1st, at 7pm:  Diana Duane's SPOCK'S WORLD begins with Gyro Muggins.

*TUESDAY, June 2nd:

   ~ at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live in the Glen with music and poetry in Ceiluradh Glen as guest of Seanchai Library http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/220/60/2966

 ~  a 7pm:  Dorothy Gilman's A NUN IN THE CLOSET, *REALLY* concludes with Caledonia Skytower, live on stream, plus some bonus story, time permitting.

*WEDNESDAY, June 3rd, at 7pm: Kerry Greenwood's  THE PHRYNE FISHER MYSTERIES, begins with Corwyn Allen, live on stream.

*THURSDAY, June 4th:

   ~ at 7pm: STINGERS & STRANGERS - Weird Westerns with Shandon Loring & Caledonia Skytower. (Also in Kitely!  Find teleport from the main Seanchai World grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI)

   ~ at 9pm: SEANCHAI LATE NIGHT - Contemporary Sci-Fi-Fantasy with Finn Zeddmore, featuring stories from Escape Pod, Light Speed, and Clarkesworld Magazines as well as other source.

****

We Honor our friend VT TORVALAR, who now continues to share his gifts as a storyteller and actor beyond this mortal veil. He was a valued member of the extended Seanchai family of storytellers; a gifted contributor to our community who will be missed.

Thank you VT, for all you gave, and for sharing the journey for just a little while with us.

SL Video : "Restless"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Exy Lemmon on Nov. 2010.

Reader Submitted: Memorial for Cerdwin Flanagan

It was a week and a half ago in which word began going around that Cerdwin Flanagan, a supporter of the Fantasy Faire, had passed away in real life. Several days later on Saturday May 23, a memorial service was held for her. Among those there was Cynthia Farshore, whom would write an article about the event.

Read Cynthia's article in Events.

Book Island Reading

On Wednesday May 27 at 2PM, there was a reading at Book Island. Selina Grene had been reading George Orwell's "Animal Farm" for some weeks, and this was the reading of the last part.

2pm Book Island - Selina Greene reads the final part of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Next week we will begin another dystopian classic... Do join us.

For those who don't know, the story was a cautionary tale by George Orwell about how revolutions can all too easily end up the same old oppression under a new set of masters. In the story, a farm is run by a farmer uncaring of his animals, and the creatures rise up to throw him out. But the animals are betrayed by their leaders, the pigs, whom end up using the revolution for their own selfish ends.

To keep up with  the readings at Book Island, check out the group here.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/211/214/38

RFL Track Sneak Peek

Yours truly finally got access to the Relay Track. While it was no questions asked, there is a general understanding that I won't be showing too much too soon, at least outside of the "Ten Days of Relay" areas. So here I am at the campsite of Team Sunbeamers, next to the sign and the Fimi statue. The camp is still under construction, with Cynthia Farshore, Shockwave Yareach, Rita Mariner, Skylark Lefavre, and others building it up.

Speaking of Sunbeamers, it's DJ Matt will be playing at the "Ten Days of Relay" today. So be sure to drop by to see her, and other, musicians.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Avatar Psychology"

"Avatar Psychology"

Saturday May 30
10 to 11 AM SL time

People experience a 3D virtual world through an avatar representation of their real world self. A virtual world avatar can be distinguished from a static social media thumbnail or handle in that a VW avatar is dynamic and 3-dimensional. Typically, the VW avatar form is either chosen from a menu of premade forms or is assembled from a library of components. In either case, the avatar can be customized with an almost limitless array of elements. The choices made in creating an avatar, the way others react to your avatar, and how you respond to other avatars is psychologically revealing and challenging. An avatar need not resemble the real person at all. It can be a non-human form or human but look different from the person’s “real life.” Indeed, an avatar can be a powerful modality to test a new identity such as transgender in a fully social virtual environment. This causes a distinct shift in one’s body awareness. How a person adapts to this shift has strong psychological implications.

Some people find the avatar experience so foreign that they either are very uncomfortable or decline the opportunity entirely, perhaps due to reduced visual cues inherent in in-person interaction or to how closely participants identify with their avatars and how much they recognize the people behind other avatars. This is a psychological clue about how deeply our perception of self is connected to the emotional investment we make in our avatar.

During the pandemic, educators and students alike have been introduced rather abruptly to the virtual environment. While grappling with how to teach and learn, they may not be aware of the impact of how they present themselves has on the way they interact with each other. Some educators and students adapt well to the virtual environment while others find it uncomfortable. Understanding these aspects of the virtual environment is a critical element in the success of online education. 


Panel participants:

Dominique Meldau
Deepthinker Oh
Phil Youngblood

 To read  more, Click Here.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

Reader Submitted: "Forecast - Isolated Thunderstorms"

From Stingray (Stingray9798 Raymaker), whom posted this on the Relay for Life's Discord channel, "I don't know who did this, but I've got my eye on Alison Flow and Sienna Thor."

Relay Weekend Track Sims Up

With the Scifi Con now over, the sims are going up for the next and biggest event in the Relay season, the Relay Weekend.

The American Cancer Society has become one of 49 sims (and what looks like a yet unnamed water sims) that will make up the Relay track. This will be the longest track for the Relay Weekend in several years.

As of now, there are a few sims that have been built on. But as the map shows, there's a great deal of empty space. Among those getting the most building on are those for the "Ten Days of Relay" event for a number of motorcycle club teams, as well as the Bellisserians and Goreans.

For the Sunbeamers, work will soon start on their camp, if it hasn't already. Not being a builder, I can't get to there. But I'll soon have some pictures of other places.

The Relay Weekend will take place over a 24 hour period from Saturday June 6 to Sunday June 7.

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Announcement: The Ten Days of Relay

Festivities on these regions begin 8 days BEFORE the weekend kicks off and ends on Friday (May 29th thru June 5th).  Ten Days of Relay includes 8 days of celebration leading right up to the 2 day Relay Weekend to make it 10 AMAZING, UPLIFTING AND EMOTIONAL Days of Relay! We are so excited that the MC community has returned to support the American Cancer Society and help us move towards a world without cancer.  Joining the MC Community this year is two more communities, Bellisseria and the Goreans.

Every L$ raised during the 10 Days of Relay goes directly to The American Cancer Society. Festivities include SL's largest bike rally, auctions, raffles, shopping, live and DJ'd music, theater and much more!

Even though the 10 Days festivities end on Friday, the regions stay in place all weekend long as our communities relay throughout the event's duration.

Celebrating the 10 Days - Bellisseria Community
Design Crew:  Grant & Dianna Wade, Alec Walsh, Roxy Raven, North Crannock
Entertainment and Fundraising Crew:  Adam and Ari Anatine, JameeLynn Clary, Gem Sunkiller, PrudenceAnton, Stephanie Gardner, Beth Haroldsen, Holly Giles and the wonderful residents of Bellisseria, the Monarchs led by Royal and Diiar Vader Shippe
ELT Mentor: Nikki Mathieson

=====SCHEDULE OF EVENTS =====

THU MAY 28
2pm: Mankind Tracer

FRI MAY 29 (OPENING DAY)
11-12:30pm:  DJ Matt Carlton
12:30-2pm: DJ Stephanie
2-400pm:  DJ Stytchwytch (Rora)
5pm: Wolfie Starfire
6pm: Holly Giles
7pm: Turner Harbrough
8pm: Hogan Baily
9pm:  Fireworks

SAT MAY 30
GAME DAY!  Game Tables, Mechanical Bull, Beach Volleyball, Fishing, Bumper Boats, Racing and MORE !
10am:  The Monarchs presents: SUPER HEROES ~ the RFL Edition!
1-3pm: DJ Raymond65 Docherty
3pm: The Monarchs presents: SUPER HEROES ~ the RFL Edition!
3-5pm: DJ Laura Larsen
JAIL N BAIL 5-9PM
5pm: Chillee Hernandoz
6pm: Jesie Janick
7pm: Marqs DeSade
8pm: Sophie Brumati
9pm:  Fireworks

SUN MAY 31
11am: Maximillion Kleene
NOON: Annette Seranade
1pm: 10am:  The Monarchs presents: SUPER HEROES ~ the RFL Edition!
1pm: Shayne Dezno
2pm: Suzen Juel
3pm: TBA
4pm: TBA
5pm: TBA
6pm: The Monarchs presents: SUPER HEROES ~ the RFL Edition!

MON JUNE 1
GAME DAY!  Game Tables, Mechanical Bull, Beach Volleyball, Fishing, Bumper Boats, Racing and MORE !
4pm: Relay Chat with Saffia - Home & Garden Expo
5-6pm: The A-Team
6-8pm: DJ Gem Sunkiller

TUES JUNE 2
GAME DAY!  Game Tables, Mechanical Bull, Beach Volleyball, Fishing, Bumper Boats, Racing and MORE !
4pm: Relay Chat with Saffia - Fantasy Faire
5pm:  Ravenswood Dance Theatre

WED JUNE 3
2pm: Relay Chat with Saffia - Bellisseria
3pm: Toxic Darkmatter
4pm: Kris Composer
5pm: Abby Jaidov
6pm: Djembe Dragonfire
7pm: Samuel James
8pm: StayawayJoe

THURS JUNE 4
2pm: Relay Chat with Saffia - the ELT
4pm: Agatha Martin
5pm: NeoMaximus Brandenburg
6pm: Naughty
7pm: AMFORTE Clarity
9pm: The Monarchs presents: SUPER HEROES ~ the RFL Edition!

FRI JUNE 5
1pm: Family Feud - ELT vs LINDENS/MOLES REMATCH!
2pm: Relay Chat with Saffia - Linden Day
4pm: Zorch Boomhauer
5pm: Luciano Lionheart
6pm: Emma Ness
7pm: DJ Gem Sunkiller
8pm: Fireworks Finale

SAT JUNE 6
10am: RELAY WEEKEND! Opening Ceremony
11am: Survivor & Caregiver Lap - CELEBRATE
9pm: Luminaria Ceremony - REMEMBER

SUN JUNE 7
6am: Fight Back Lap - FIGHT BACK
10am: Closing Ceremony

Announcement: Special Exhibition of British Sporting Art

To coincide with the 7th Annual Royal Ascot of SL benefiting RFL/ACTS, the Ravenheart Museum of Arts, Culture and Curious Things will host an in-depth exhibit of British Sporting Art, curated by Duchess Liz Wilner and Lady Oriella Charik.  Beginning in around 1700 and spanning more than 200 years, the enduring appeal and beauty of English country life is reflected in more than 40 paintings, including a special section devoted to the incomparable work of famed horse and animal painter George Stubbs (1724-1806). 

Often featuring specific portraits of beloved horses, dogs, and their owners, the exhibit provides an in-depth immersion into the sporting and daily pursuits of the British countryside.  The exhibit also touches on larger themes related to Enlightenment era scientific inquiry, class structure, industrialization, and the development of roadways and transportation.

This incredibly special exhibit runs from June 1st through June 30th.

Ravenheart Museum of Arts, Culture and Curious Things

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Laudanum/135/154/22

Group Notices Date And Time Glitch Finally Fixed

Some good news for those whom have struggled with group notice glitches  that gave each notice the same date and time down to the second. Yesterday, Linden Lab finally fixed the problem.

The issue has now been resolved. Thank you for your patience!

Posted May 26, 2020 - 13:08 PDT 

It was about fifteen days ago that the Lab recognized the problem and announced they were working on it. With each notice in groups given exactly the same time, they didn't appear in chronological order. So for a time, residents would struggle to try and find past notices, especially in larger groups such as the Relay for Life which get many each day. One partial solution was for posters to place the date on notices to make them easier to find. But locating them could still take a while.

It is unclear why it took the Lab two weeks to fix the problem. But finally it is solved.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at Cape Heron

By Bixyl Shuftan

SLPonyCon

With the Coronavirus Crisis shutting down conventions in real life, those whom had plans to go don't have to just wait until next year. They can have one in Second Life. Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich) recently had the chance to talk to two people Pop Princess Sakairi (Sakairi Melodious) and Braniac -Piper- (rosetheunicorn) whom were organizing one here, the SLPonyCon 2020. They had a number of things to say about it from the challenges to what to expect.

Read Cyfir's story in People. 

SL17B Update

Just a couple days ago, the Newser was notified that it's exhibit for this year's Second Life Birthday had finally been approved. It will be in SL17B Stunning.

Hello and welcome to Second Life’s 17th birthday celebrations! We are thrilled to have you joining us this year! It is hard to believe that 17 years have passed since Linden Lab first opened the doors to this wonderful adventure we call Second Life. We are excited to have you bringing your building skills and creative vision to the party. This year the theme of SL17B is Vacations, Roadtrips and Travel. This year our goal for exhibitors is for you to take us on a trip around Second Life to visit all your passion projects. Show us your personal creations, introduce us to your organizations and welcome us to the communities you are involved in. We want to experience all there is to do and see in this wonderful world we have created together in this second life we all out virtual home.

In previous years, the notification was done via email. What happened this time was that after a chat with exhibit builder Silvia Ametza, I messaged Mischievious Mole, one of the people for exhibitors to talk to, and it was she who told yours truly where we were to set up the build.

There are a total of 21 sims in the SL17B grounds. At the moment, they seem to be split in two groups. They'll probably be merged sometime in the next few weeks as "The Birthday" grounds have always been in one single group.

One thing we'd like to show are more "sneak peek" pictures. Talking to Mischievious, however, she doubted the "no pictures, period, no matter how unrevealing," policy that was in effect last year had changed. Hopefully this isn't the case and we can go back to a few teasers (none of resident builds without an okay). Until then, the only pictures will be of the map.

Addition: I tried teleporting to the larger group of sims. It was off limits to me, and presumably other exhibitors.  The reason for dividing the sims into two groups may be to help ensure secrecy of Linden builds until just before the event starts.

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: HFOT Benefit Dance

Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce 2020’s May benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life! 

Frets Nirvana, the premier guitar artist in the virtual world Second Life and the US Military Veterans Group announce the 2020 May benefit in Second Life for the Veterans Support Organization Home For Our Troops. 

Frets Nirvana states:  “HFOT is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Since its inception in 2004, over 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT OVER 295 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR WOUNDED VETERANS.”

In 2019 the community in Second Life sent  $14,000 to Homes For Our Troops, thanks to many kind hearts and great Second Life performers.  HFOT built 19 homes for extremely wounded veterans in 2018 and purchased the land to build 21 more. 

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The May concert on May 31, 2020 is scheduled from 4 PM to 9 Pm PM PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, Quartz, Sassy Nitely, The Vinnie Show and Neomaximus Brandenberg.

Sponsored by Frets Nirvana and the U.S. Military Veteran’s Group of Second Life.  To learn more about Homes for Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org .

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver, the Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.
 
Club Cutlass: Best in "F", TBA, TBA

Happy Vixen: Scalies, TBA, Raccoons and Wah, Circus, Disco, Club Wear, Angels and Demons, Lace, TBA

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Xanadu: TBA

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Wings, Retro, Monochrome, CAYA, Masquerade, Around the World, Late Night, Insects

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Two Memorial Day Events

On Memorial Day weekend, no doubt there were a number of salutes to the US military. Among them was a USO tribute show held by the Relay for Life's Second Life Cheerleading Squad. It was held at the Agrippa sim, starting at 9AM SL time, and went on for hours with performers such as Lyric Serendipity and Ronnie Artano. The event raised thousands of Linden dollars for the Relay team.

On Memorial Day itself, Club Cutlass would have it's own Memorial Day event, intended as a tribute to fallen veterans. Cynthia Farshore, a veteran herself, played a number of military songs, as well as some pop music associated with war movies and TV shows. People were encouraged to either dress in uniform, or in red, white, and blue, with a prizes of 1000L for the best male and female. The place was also decked out with a few national flags.

Liska Fuchs won the prize for the ladies with her red, white, and blue dress. The male prize was won by Zorro Wuramunga.

Veteran's Isle's monthly fundraising concert was not held this Sunday, but will happen on Sunday May  31.

Bixyl Shuftan

Do You Have a Story?

A lot has been going on lately in Second Life, from more people coming here due to the Coronavirus Crisis to the Fantasy Faire, the Relay for Life, the upcoming Second Life Birthday, and more. And of course there are the everyday places, events, and new builds that have always been going on. While we cover a lot, we can't be everywhere.

This is where you the readers come in.  On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you. From a particularly well-detailed sim you've seen, to a great event, to 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, edit,  and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyones name or picture or use an alias for them).

Discussion On Alcoholism In The Coronavirus Crisis

The Coronavirus Crisis has affected just about everyone in modern society. But how has it affected those suffering from Alcoholism? Having to deal with so much stress from will they get sick to where are they going to get the money to pay for things to where are they going to find toilet paper before the horders get it, some may decide to take any comfort where they can find it, even if it means going back to one that caused so much problems in the past. Earlier this month, the topic was discussed at Virtual Ability.

Read more in Events.

Memorial Day

Have an honored Memorial Day from the crew of the Second Life Newser.

Taken at Veterans Isle

Linden Lab Changes Second Life Logo Color

Over the weekend, Linden Lab announced it's symbol for the virtual world was getting a slight change. While the shape of the familiar eye in hand logo would remain, it would change from bluish-green to blue. Less noticeable was a change in the lettering.

The old logo has served us well but no longer projects our vision for SL as we move into this next decade. The new logo uses clearer, bolder type to communicate our optimism and confidence in what the future holds for SL. We retired the soft green color in favor of bright blue to reflect the boundless energy of our residents, who create amazing content and experiences. When it comes to what you can do with SL, the (blue) sky’s the limit! 

The Lab stated it might be some time before the original logo is completely taken down from all of it's many web pages, "We don’t want to distract our teams from the important projects our community knows we’re working hard on. So you will see a mix of new and old logos for a while as teams find time to make updates."

Not much of a change, though it is the first one made since Second Life's launch seventeen years ago in 2003. So what do the residents think? As of the writing of this article, there were eight pages of comments on the thread in the official forums, and a few on the Virtualverse thread. Some like the new look. Others preferred the old one. And still others felt Linden Lab should have spent the time and effort here on fixing the bugs and glitches the virtual world still has.

For more information, check the Linden blog.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

THIS WEEK: Bidding "Farewell" to Stories and a Storyteller
Join us this week for stories, presented LIVE in Second Life, and on Seanchai Library's properties in Kitely.

All events at Holly Kai Estates (215/44/27) , unless otherwise noted.

All stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT

 * * * * *

*MONDAY, May 25th, at 7pm:  Richard Bach's ILLUSIONS concludes with Gyro Muggins.

*TUESDAY, May 26th:

   ~ at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live in the Glen with music and poetry in Ceiluradh Glen as guest of Seanchai Library
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Holly%20Kai%20Estates/220/60/2966

 ~  a 7pm: More from Ursula K. Le Guin's THE WIND'S TWELVE QUARTERS with Willow Moonfire, live on stream.

*WEDNESDAY, May 27th, at 7pm: Dorothy Gilman's A NUN IN THE CLOSET, concludes with Caledonia Skytower, live on stream.

*THURSDAY, May 28th, at 7pm: SOLO: A Star Wars Story concludes with Shandon Loring & Caledonia Skytower. (Also in Kitely!  Find teleport from the main Seanchai World grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI)

****

We Honor our friend VT TORVALAR, who now continues to share his gifts as a storyteller and actor beyond this mortal veil. He was a valued member of the extended Seanchai family of storytellers; a gifted contributor to our community who will be missed.

Thank you VT, for all you gave, and for sharing the journey for just a little while with us.

Cartoon of The Day : Skating Goat

Taken at the Club Cutlass on August 2018. Even with a roller stating party, maybe this buck should have stuck with hooves.

By Bixyl Shuftan

CDS Innaguration This Monday, May 25

The Oath of Office Ceremony for the incoming 33rd Representative Assembly and Chancellor is scheduled for Monday 25 May at 1200 SLT. The event will take place in the Praetorium in Colonia Nova. All are welcome to attend.

Scientific Council Dean, Lilith Ivory, will officiate and administer the Oath of Office to the Chancellor and then the individual member of the Representative Assembly. The Dean will then call for an election for the Leader of the Representative Assembly.

Colonia Nova (18,158,41)

Team Firestorm and KittyCatS Offering Free CareKitty

So much of real life these days in 2020 has been defined by the Coronavirus Crisis. Among the things people have been doing in real life has been getting pets for company while having to live through lockdowns, and finding ways to pay tribute to medical workers whom have been the equivalent of front line soldiers of this crisis. Team Firestorm, whom are the people behind the most popular viewer used by Second Life residents, and KittyCatS, whom make a popular breedable pet, got together to make a free pet cat available to anyone who wants one: the KittyCatS CareKitty. Both Firestorm and KittyCatS would write about it.

During this time when our entire world is going through something we’ve never been through, we are more connected than we ever realized. Our hearts and thoughts are continually with our world wide family, most of all to those who are suffering in some way. We as a company have wondered if there is something we could do to help lighten the load. And one day, in March, the idea of creating a “CareKitty” came to mind. After carefully thinking through, we decided it was something we wanted to create for our beloved SL community. Our friends at Firestorm jumped on board immediately to help us bring these little cats to you! We put our heart and a lot of love into these little cats and hope they bring some happiness to your Second life. With all the uncertainty, fears and instability, we hope that the CareKitty will provide some support, friendship, love and a sense of togetherness. After all, we are all in this together.

The free cat is available at both the Firestorm area at Firestorm Dow Forest (228/244/3902), or at the KittyCatS store. Just touch one of the large cat builds, and you'll get a "KittyCats CareKitty Package." Rezz it on the ground at your home or a sandbox, and you'll get two things, the box for the CareKitty, and a coupon. Rezzing it onto the ground will begin the process of it being born, which will take several minutes. Once the time is up, the box vanishes and a kitten takes it's place. This one will be wearing the scrubs outfit of a medical worker, blue for males, pink for females.

Unlike regular KittyCatS, this kitten won't need store-bought food, so it is completely free to keep. It will take about a week to reach full size. Like the Firekitty from it's fourth anniversary party years ago, You'll be able to keep it indefinitely.

Should you want a breedable cat that will have kittens of it's own, you'll need to use the coupons that came with the CareKitty and be able to feed it and keep it fed. But the CareKitty itself, as mentioned before, is completely free

The CareKitty will only be available for a limited time. So be sure to get one soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Announcement: Team Harmony For Hope Club Crawl

We are thrilled to announce our 3rd Annual Club Crawl Competition sponsored by Harmony of Hope. We have great clubs involved in this Relay For Life competition.  Clubs will have RFL events at the times listed below.  Events are held Saturday, May 23 12 pm - Sunday, May 24 8 pm. At 8 pm, Sunday, the club with the highest amount of donations to The American Cancer Society in their kiosk will be announced the 2020 Club Crawl Champ.  The winning Club will receive a trophy for display at their club as well as social media announcement.  Please join us and support these clubs as they volunteer their staff and time to support Relay!


                    Participating Club Landmarks
Rocking Sands Club    http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dragovar%20Dynasty%20Estates/214/55/22
Happy Vixen : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Purrfection%20Estates/180/250/22
The Club    http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yes/67/79/23
Infused Raindrop Beach    http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tiger%20Land/104/185/21
Pacifique    http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pacifique/38/40/23
Club Anatine http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mythical%20Serenity/53/208/2803
Club Cutlass http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Bay/114/117/757
Club Zero Gravity https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Space/129/249/3597
                    
                     Schedule of Events
Saturday:
12:00 Noon - 10 pm   Rocking Sands Club
3-6pm    Happy Vixen
4-10pm    The Club
6-8pm    Infused Raindrop Beach
6-7pm    Club Anatine
6-8pm    Club Cutlass
8-10pm  Club Zero Gravity

SUNDAY
3-6pm    Happy Vixen
4-8pm    The Club
5-7pm    Pacifique
6-8pm    Club Cutlass*
7-8pm    Happy Vixen

Harmony of Hope team members will be hopping throughout the weekend...JOIN US!
Questions contact Cathy10 Longoria and/or Random Padar

Last Weekend For The Scifi Con

After having been up for about a week, the Scifi Con in Second Life is almost over. Today and tomorrow, Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24 are the last days people will get the check out the sims near the American Cancer Society island, and the events there.

Feel free to check out the exhibits and music parties. On Monday, the sims will close, and the area around the ACS sim will be changed into the Relay Weekend track, made up of a few dozen sims.

For more on the Scifi Con, click here: https://scificonventionsl.wordpress.com/

SL Video: "Second Life Memorial Day 2009"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Cartmantal in May 2009, filmed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Second Life and Patriot Island.

EOTB: Applications Now Open For SLB "Shop and Hop"

The Second Life Birthday is getting closer. And on the official blog a couple days ago, Linden Lab made a call for merchants to sign up for the shopping event, the "Shop and Hop."

Our annual multi-region inworld birthday shopping event is coming back this summer -- and we’ve just opened up the new application form for merchants who want to participate!  

The SL17B Shop & Hop event, to be held June 19 through July 12, is the official multi-region shopping event of the 17th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL17B). This event brings together many of the top merchants across SL for exclusive items and discounts on some of the best creations in Second Life. 

Are you a merchant or creator that wants to participate? If so, then please fill out this form before Monday, June 8th, 2020. We will be filling in stores as we receive applications so please apply sooner rather than later.

As stated, sellers wishing to take part need to fill out this application form and send it in, the deadline being Monday June 8. Those taking part will be required to have a twenty percent discount on all items at the event, no clearly adult items are permitted, and stores should not be completely full of gacha items. Participants are also "strongly encouraged" to have a new item exclusive to the event that will no longer be available after the conclusion. Gacha reselling will not be permitted at any of the stores.

Merchants will have from June 10 to 15 to set up their stores at the designated area.

The announcement also had a "last call" for those wishing to take part for exhibitors, which originally had until May 18 to apply. So it seems there's still some exhibitor plots available.

The Second Life Birthday starts on Friday June 19

Source: Linden Blog

Bixyl Shuftan

Sunbeamer Moon Dance Raises Over 32,000 Linden Dollars

 On Tuesday May 19, the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers held it's "Moon Dance" event. Taking place high above the Sunlight Bay sim, the landmark people were given led to a moon cannon that fired people high into the sky, and onto a lunar surface where the party took place. Many came in space suits, some realistic, some from sci-fi

Cynthia Farshore, whom owned the sim, DJed for the fundraiser. Instead of tips, people were asked to donate to the Relay kiosks. Besides the Sunbeamers, four other teams were represented: Team ACTS, Meli's Maniacs, Mievile Steampunks, and Roos With a Dream. The later had some of their members in uniform show up, dancing away.

Cynthia played a number of Moon-themed tunes, such as the theme to the movie "Moonraker," "It's Only A Paper Moon," "Teenage Moon, "etc. And there were a few sci-fi tunes such as the theme to "Red Dwarf," "Star Trekkin," "Star Wars Cantina," "The Piccard Song," "Seven Drunken Nights in Space," and more. There was much chuckling among the people parting.

There would be a few more attending than these pictures suggest (yours truly was having fun and it slipped my mind to take more at the most packed moments). At one point, Cynthia reminded, "It was Trader I think who made a bet the if we hit USD$250k, he would put on a purple dress. Well, I have a tune for that!" She then played "Start Wearing Purple."

Start wearing purple, wearing purple 
Start wearing purple for me now 
All your sanity and wits, they will all vanish, I promise 
It's just a matter of time

The Moon Dance would raise a total of 32,570 Linden dollars, over 8,500 L going to the Sunbeamers. Cynthia was happy with the attendance from other teams, and stated she plans to have another Moon Dance later in the season. There will certainly be another next season.

Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Weather Models, Climate Models, Observations, and Parallel Earths"

Weather Models, Climate Models, Observations, and Parallel Earths

Saturday, May 23
10 AM PDT

By Dr. Keith E. Grant
   
Weather models and climate models share some core algorithms. They also share algorithms with the models used to obtain properties of the atmosphere and surface from satellite observations. There are differences also, largely a reflection of different spans of time. All three depend on local observations but in different ways.

Satellite observations can be effectively instantaneous, many acquired within a single day. Climate model runs span years, requiring inclusion of seasonal changes and feedbacks of surface and ocean. Weather models are only able to predict the weather up to about two-weeks into the future before the actual weather and the model weather diverge. This does not mean that the weather the model creates is unrealistic. A person on a parallel Earth with the model’s weather wouldn’t be able to tell from the weather alone that they weren’t on our Earth. That’s a bridge between weather modeling and climate modeling.

To read  more, Click Here.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

Glitch in Group Notices Still Around

It was a little more than a week ago when the Newser reported that there was a glitch in group notices that gave every one the same day and time down to the second. As of the writing of this article, the issue is still unresolved, which has making keeping track of what's going on in some larger and more active groups more difficult.

Why Linden Lab hasn't fixed this problem yet is unclear. As to how various groups are getting around the glitch, they seem to vary from more use of group instant-messages or chat programs such as Discord. Still, the glitch has complicated things when it comes to keeping tract of some events (and for the Newser, potential stories).

Hopefully the issue will be fixed soon.

Cartoon of the Day: The Exercise Fox Strikes Again

From the Happy Vixen in Sept 2018.

By Bixyl Shuftan

SL17B Sneak Peek

The Second Life Birthday is coming, and like many others, the Newser has signed up for an exhibit. Like most other times, we've turned to the creative and friendly builder Silvia Ametza to construct the build. So what is it? Well, we're not going to say exactly what it is, yet. But what we can do is provide a small hint. Here's a piece of it while still at Silvia's building area. Have fun imagining just what it is.

See you at The Birthday

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: CDS Homecoming Party

Sunday May 24, 2020, 11 am - 2 pm slt

We wish to provide a good time to wish many happy returns,.and to thank each of you for supporting CDS, and to welcome our many new and returning Citizens and friends. 

11am - Joaquin Gustav, a noted performer in SL, will present his Argentinian flavor of smooth jazz and guitar.

12pm - 2pm
our own dj Calli will provide more jazz and cool elegance.

We invite everyone to join us for a relaxed celebration of our sim and good times,  past and future.


http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Locus%20Amoenus/53/215/24

Cheers,
Emilia Dagostino, retiring Chancellor

Remembering Cerdwin Flanagan

Fans of the Fantasy Faire, which took place just days ago, got some shocking news. Cerdwin Flanagan, a host of the event whom featured the festival prominently in her profile, has died. Word began getting around a couple days ago.

On the Fantasy Faire group, there were a number of comments expressing surprise and sadness. one,Sweecahcahche Ah, had a tribute for her.

Morning everyone, I would just like to pass on my Love and best wishes to everyone who knew Cer (Cerdwin Flanagan) who passed away too soon from this life. She will be sadly missed by many of us and I for one only met her at this years events but immediately was made welcome and had some fun times fooling around during the Coffee (Covfefe) Mornings hosted by cer. I have a link to my Tribute to cer on Flickr with pictures of many of you in it, please feel free to tag yourselves and leave comments. keep safe Love Titchy SweePea https://www.flickr.com/photos/89231395@N04/49915584092

You left us without warning Cer
Not even a goodbye
And I can't seem to stop
Asking the question Why?
We met one Fantasy Faire morning
For coffee and some fun
But when you left to Heaven
You took from us the sun.
Your coffee could brighten anyone's day
No matter what they were going through
But this world became much brighter
For having just met you...

For those wishing to pay there respects, a memorial has been set up at Acres (74/18/24). People can check out her screenshots on her Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/cerdwin/ .

SL Video: What's The Deal With Second Life?! - Better Than VR Chat?

(Click here if the video does not play)

At 1PM SL time (4EST) today, Wednesday May 20, Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich) will show his video in which he compares Second Life to a more recent virtual world, VR Chat, "In this video I take a look at Second Life and compare it to VR Chat."

Raglan Shire's Artwalk 2020

Raglan Shire, the most noted community of tinies, is having its most popular event which brings over people of all avatars from across Second Life. They are having their annual Artwalk art festival, their 15th.

The Raglan Shire ArtWalk will be once again opening it’s Hedge to thousands of pieces of real life and virtual art in just a week! We have close to 200 artists signed up and there’s always time for more to get involved! 

With tons of different styles and types of art and creativity not to mention interactive events and live musical performances, the ArtWalk has become a staple of what can be done in virtual spaces when so many come together to exhibit their work and provide an atmosphere of fun and creativity which, incidentally is what Raglan Shire was founded on.

There are numerous examples of paintings and sculpture up on display, as well as a few SL screenshots and real-life photography. The quality ranges from beginner to experienced. One group of artwork that got my attention were the 3D Chinese paintings by Fiona Fei. One example of 3D artwork was to be walked about from inside. With seven exhibition areas in four sims, there is much to see for both art fanciers and those just looking for something nice to put on their wall.

The event began Sunday May 17, and goes on to June 21st.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raglan%20Shire/37/219/77

Bixyl Shuftan