Memorial Day: In Flanders Fields

 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.  

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

 

Weekend in Brief

 
There were a number of happenings this weekend. This included Relay events such as the "Meow, Bark, Growl, and Howl Festival" (above) and the Dandy Pianoman live music event at Meli's Maniac's Club Amaranth. Behind the scenes, builders on the teams were working on their builds for the Relay Weekend sims, of which the camps will soon be open to them. There was also a "Feed a Smile" event organized by students from Cag University, a "Geekspeak" event to talk about recent reports of UFO sightings, and a discussion of a just-published book by Max E. Stone at JardenAlexis' Business Center. And with Memorial Day coming up, there were some holiday-themed events.
  

Cartoon of The Day: Social Distancing

Taken at Veterans Isle. For those reading the archives at a later date "social distancing" was the name for keeping apart during the Coronavirus Pandemic, a minimum of six feet apart. Looks like this guy felt a guide was needed.

By Bixyl Shuftan

   

DJ Tantari Wins DJ Competition

 Last Saturday, May 22, DJ Tantari was part of a DJ competition at the Spotted Kitty Club. It was her versus seven other DJs. At 5PM, it was her turn to turn up the tunage, in the way only she could. She would make it to the finals, and won. She got 3000 Lindens from the club, and a homemade large cookie from real-life family, for her win.

DJ Tantari's been a friend of the Newser, in the past giving her take on it with her "True Facts" and a music set she named in it's honor. 

Bixyl Shuftan
  

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

  

THIS WEEK: Special celebrations, new series, and honoring a friend. Join us for stories all week long, presented LIVE in Second Life, on Seanchai Library's properties in Second Life.

All events at Nowhereville (203/43/26) , unless otherwise noted.

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

* * * * *

**SUNDAY, May 30th at 1:30pm: TEATIME with L. Frank Baum continues in the Fireside room with Corwyn, Rik, Kayden, Glori, and Cale.


**MONDAY, May 31st

    ~ at 2pm: 100 Word Podcast 16th Anniversary with R. Dismantled, and Virtual Community Radio in Ceiluradh Glen, live on VCRadio and on Stream.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21

    ~ at 7pm: Robert L. Forward's SATURN RUHK concludes with Gyro Muggins.
    

**TUESDAY, June 1st

   ~ at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live! with music, and poetry in Ceiluradh Glen, live on stream.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21
    
   ~ at 7pm: Ben Aaronovitch's WHAT ABIGAIL DID THAT SUMMER begins with Corwyn Allen
   

**WEDNESDAY, June 2nd at 7pm: Carl Hiaasen's SKINK continues with Kayden Oconnell.


**THURSDAY, June 3rd

   ~ at 7pm: H. Beam Piper's LITTLE FUZZY, continues with Ktadhn Vesuvino, in Ceiluradh Glen, live on stream.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21

   ~ at 9pm: SEANCHAI LATE NIGHT - contemporary Sci-Fi-Fantasy with Finn Zeddmore.
   
   
**FRIDAY, June 4th at 2:30pm: Terry Pratchett's UNSEEN ACADEMICALS begins with Caledonia Skytower at the Seanchai lanai-firecircle (90 minutes).

****
 

Feed A Smile Events Today

 
There will be a fundraiser event for Feed A Smile in Second Life this coming Saturday, May 29th. Feed a Smile is a non-profit organization that raises money for food, health and education needs of children living in the slums of Kenya. There will be two concerts one with DennyMac at 11 am and with Fly Kugin (FlyQueeen) at 1 pm. At noon is a Fashion Show with a DJ performance and an auction.

Feed A Smile is a real life project, a part of the Learn and Live in Kenya (LLK). The Learn to Live in Kenya (NGO) is based in Selb, Germany. The offspring is Learn to Live in Kenya International is based in Kenya. The purpose of LLK is to provide donations for food and building classrooms with materials and uniforms for impoverished children so they can escape the poverty to live better lives. Provided are links to make donations as well as to read the efforts that are made:

Learn to Live in Kenya website: https://llk-selb.de/?lang=en

Building schools: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/live-and-learn-in-kenya-school-classroom-construction/

Food donation: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/lets-keep-food-on-480-needy-childrens-plates/

Sponsorship for LLK International: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/live-and-learn-in-kenya-intl-sponsorship-program/

In Second Life, there are sites setup to visit. In the slum area, the families live in tin shacks where large number of people live under one roof. Children are out playing among the animals or doing chores in the street. In the school construction area, workers are shown using bricks to build schools. Donated money for schools will go to books, uniforms and materials.

There are donation areas throughout the sim. It is encouraging to see that people from all over the world are interested in donated to LLK and the Feed a Smile project.

Feed A Smile in SL is located at the Lavender Fields (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Feed%20A%20Smile/35/147/22)

Also visit the Facebook page and see the progress that LLK is making to recover children from their poverty. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FeedaSmile/ 
 
Kayly Iali 
 

SL Video: Zabava

From Furry Andy on Dec 2015
   

Bay City's Anniversary Event

 

A week and a half ago, one of Second Life's notable areas celebrated it's anniversary, it's 13th: Bay City. One of the first creations of Linden Lab's Department of Public Works, this largest urban area in Second Life has seen much and hosted many events. Part of it's annual celebration is it's parade, which remains the largest annual one held inworld. And then came the music event that involved a noted DJ and a few live musicians, and of course the conga line. The Newser was there, and took a few pictures.

See more in Events.
 

Red Rocket Cola

 

In real life, temperatures are rising in much of the world as the late spring arrives and summer is around the corner. And in many places nothing quenches the thirst quite like a good ice-cold soda. In Second Life, avatars don't exactly get thirsty, but it can look better if you get something to drink. While there's a few venting machines inworld, they're often just props or have limited interactivity or are "spammy." Recently at Montecito Bay, a new one was introduced made by someone who thought they could be much better: "Red Rocket Cola." It was a fun party with lots of music, plenty of games and prizes, and lots of virtual soda. The Newser was there, and had a word with Eliwood407 Resident, the maker of the dispenser.

Read the story in Design. 
 

Veterans Benefit Raises over 120,000 Lindens

 

On Sunday May 23, Veterans Island held it's montly benefit concert. From 10 AM to 3PM, various musicians, one DJ and several singers, performed for the crowd. The event, organized in part by guitarist Frets Nirvana was to raise money for the Homes For Our Troops charity

We are getting our Memorial week kicked off today …..with our May benefit for Homes For Our Troops.  And what a lineup we have!  Check this out:

Waya Snowpaw 10 AM (Now!)
Elvera Lerner th English Rose 11 AM
Seli Blackmore 12 PM
SS Gasser and Harmonia Trefoil 1 PM
Agatha Nowles 2 PM

Come on out and help us celebrate Memorail week the right way …supporting those who have made a great sacrifice for our freedom.

As the musicians played on stage, the crowd donated to two home-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. Occasionally, someone would challenge the crowd to match a donation they made.

Normally the events are held on the last Sunday of each month. But as that would be on Memorial Day Weekend this month, it was held earlier.

By the end of the event, a total of 122,500 Linden dollars had been raised in both kiosks.

To for information about Homes for Our Troops, check https://www.hfotusa.org .

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Panel: Medicinal Psychedelics"

  

"Panel: Medicinal Psychedelics"

Saturday May 29

10 AM to 11 AM SL time

In recent years there have been reports of the therapeutic clinical use of psychedelic substances to treat mental health ailments such as PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder, depression, and end of life palliative care.  Please join us in the Science Circle to discuss the potential of psychedelics as medicine with therapeutic applications.

 By Mathew Burr

For more information, Click Here.

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

RFL Relay Weekend Track Sims On The Map

While the Moles have been working on the Second Life Birthday area, the setting up of another place for a big event is starting. Checking the American Cancer Society sim, a look at the map show the land for the track for the Relay Weekend has been set up. Counting ACS, there are a total of 36 sims. While some of the land will be exhibition areas, most of it will be camps for the various Relay teams.

As of now, only a handful are allowed on the Relay Track, including those on the Newser staff whom are part of Relay teams. So there's only so much we can show, and we have no plans to show anything but teasers of the camps until the "Hopefest" events begin (builders don't usually like pictures taken of unfinished exhibits). But until then, various builders are working on the campsite exhibits (including those of the Sunbeamers).

The Hopefest begins on Wednesday June 9, and the Relay Weekend takes place Saturday June 12 and Sunday June 13.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Announcement: "Feed A Smile" Event At The Lavender Field

 

Currently we are planning an event at Second Life with an organization called “Feed a Smile”.

Feed a Smile is a non-profit organization that raises money for food, health and education needs of children living in the slums of Kenya. The goal of our event is also to help these children in the same area with the raised money from our event.

Our event consists of two concerts, a fashion show with a DJ performance and an auction. The event is going to start at 11 am with a DennyMac concert, at 12 am the Fashion Show will take place together with the DJ performance, after that there will be  an auction and finally between 1-2 pm there is going to be a Fly Kugin (FlyQueeen) concert.

The event will take place in Feed a Smile’s Lavender Field. It will be on 29th of May at 11 am in SL time. We hope to see you at our event so that we all together can help many children with their education, health and nutritional needs.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Feed%20A%20Smile/42/149/22
 

Cartoon of the Day: A Name "JustinCase"

 

Taken at the Relaystock. So why this particular name? One's imagination can think of some possibilities.

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

A Personal Change: Updating My Avatar

  

For years, my everyday appearance in Second Life was identifiable by two things. One was my fedora and overcoat. The other was my Luskwood red fox avatar. For over thirteen years despite numerous changes in Second Life, while I would occasionally change briefly for themed parties and holidays, I continued to use it as my main look. More than a few kept asking me to change, and I kept answering not until I found a look that looked right. But a few months ago, I finally found one that just might work.
 
Read more in Design.
 

Second Life Homepage Gets A Video

 

Last month, Linden Lab updated their homepage. At the top of the page was an image of a blue elflike female that looked like the blue girl in a "behind the scenes" Youtube in the making of a video for a commercial about Second Life. At the time, the result was much chatter on the Second Life forums about if this was a smart decision of Linden Lab's. A few days ago, the website was updated again. This time, sometimes when going to the Second Life website at www.secondlife.com , a video can be seen. This is no doubt the now-finished video that was being worked on. The completed video showed both real life models (in make up and computer enhanced), and Second Life avatars made to look like them. So in a sense, the actors had become their avatars in the video.

That is, if the video could be seen. Bringing it up didn't always play the video. I had to log off, log back on, log off again, and refresh the screen before I could see it. So not everyone will see it. Some people on the Second Life forums also stated they had trouble seeing it. Of of those who did, the comments about the video were overall positive on the quality, "Now that I seen the whole video instead of just the picture of the person dressed like an elf, it's soo much better." "It looks professional, well made and inviting. It shows that you can dream your world once inside. A good first impression, in my humble opinion. And that's why it is made I guess." There were a few complaints, including that not enough was spoken about what could be done inworld such as creating content and making money as well as making friends.

Isabelle Cheren would take the slightly more than one minute footage, and make it part of a four minute video. The additional time was all various Second Life footage showing various scenes. Several people have seen it and left favorable comments, including Draxtor Despres who stated, "Some fantastic visuals especially at the brush art sim from Fiona!"

Will the Linden Lab video be part of a Youtube commercial, or perhaps a television commercial? Time will tell.

Source: New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan
 

SL18B Update

The SLB is open to some of the exhibitors. The Lab has started contacting them one by one and assigning them a spot. The Newser hasn't been assigned one yet, though it will most likely be soon.

Several of the SLB sims, Astonish, Captivate, Incredible, Sparkle, Electrify, Pizzazz, and Sparkle, have been separated from the others. Presumably these are the sims the exhibits will be on (the Newser's exhibit last year was on Stunning, and the one at the SL16B was in Sparkle). This is similar to when the sims were separated in two groups last year in the days before the event opened. But this time the sims in question have been further split in four separate groups. 

More to come.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and Furry Fashion Lounge

  

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Best in 'Q and R,' GTA Night, Armed Forces

Happy Vixen: Classy and Sassy, 60s, Bunnies and Red Pandas and Feathers, Underwear, Swimwear, Scalies, Silks, Memorial Day

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Creepy vs Cute, Sci-fi

Montecito Bay: CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Anime, CAYA, Pokemon, Sci-fi, Nature VS Tech, Late Night, Fursonas

Deathlands Fallout Shelter: DJ Shapes, DJ Wolfy

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.  
  

EOTB: Casting Call For FOX Network's "Alter Ego"

 

Some of you may have heard of the "Masked Singer" in which celebrities perform on stage in costume. It seems the network will soon be showing another show: "Alter Ego." In this show, the contestants won't be performing in real life, but as avatars. A few days ago, Linden Lab posted about it on the official Second Life blog.

Attention, Second Life musicians! Do you have an incredible yet unexpected singing voice? FOX TV is now casting amazing U.S.-based singers for the new nex-gen talent competition “Alter Ego,” which is scheduled to air Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. on FOX TV immediately following “The Masked Singer” this fall.

“Alter Ego” is an all-new original singing competition where lost dreams and second chances are reignited when singers from all walks of life become the stars they’ve always wanted to be. However, these contestants won’t perform as themselves. Rather, they’ll be given the chance to show how they’ve always wanted to be seen, creating their dream avatar to reinvent themselves and perform like never before.

For anyone interested in applying click on this link: https://uniquevoice.castingcrane.com/ ; People will have to enter information such as name and address, but also "social media handles" such as Second Life account names. There are also questions such as, "What personal struggles have you had to overcome?" and are asked to submit a one minute video of themselves singing "to an instrumental track."  

So if you have a good singing voice and able to design avatars, this just might be the show for you. *
 
Source: Linden Blog 
 

Do You Have a Story?

  

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. And on occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers. 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). 
  

Sunbeamers Reach Sapphire Rank

 Once again, the Relay for Life in Second Life's Team Sunbeamers reached another milestone. Near the end of the Medieval Fun fest this past weekend, a number of donations brought the total amount of Linden dollars to over the 750,000 mark. This brought the team officially into Sapphire rank among the Relay teams. 

The Sunbeamers and the Roos With A Dream thank all who came to the fair and helped. the Sunbeamers Medieval Fun Fair 2 day total is L$73,375 added to it the L$44,000 the Roos brought in with their show for a grand total of L$117,375 and Sapphire. Go Relay!! 
 
With the Medieval Fun Fest over, the Sunbeamers still have over two and a half weeks to raise money at events, such as their weekly Moon Dances every Thursday night at 6PM in Sunlight Bay. Then comes the Relay weekend which offers one last push. Will the team make it to one million Lindens and Emerald level? They're certainly going to try.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Correction: The Moon Dance is on Thursdays, not Tuesdays as originally written, sorry about the error.
 

Oldesoul's Jail and Bail Events

One of the events that go on with the Relay for Life are "Jail and Bail" events. While the more high-profile ones involve the Lindens and Moles at the Fantasy Faire, any team can pull one off any time during the Relay Season. As part of the Fantasy Faire "Pawlice" as a tiny, Oldesoul Eldemar has been behind a few. But this past weekend, Olde found himself inside the cage for a change, twice.
 
Read the story in Extra.
  

Reader Submitted: At Bid The Lindens Bald

 

From Ren Fload. She was at the "Bid the Lindens Bald" event, and took a few overhead pictures.

There were quite a few Lindens around.
 

There was a lot of fun at the Relaystock and "Bid the Lindens Bald," with more to be had next year.
 

SL18B Update: Map Names Changed, Newser Officially In As Exhibitor

In our last update about the Second Life Birthday sims, they were back up, but still having their SL17B names.  Checking again after a tip, the "17" was gone, and some water sims at the edges were added. 

Yesterday, the Newser was contacted by Linden Lab, informing us that we were once again welcome as an exhibitor. This marks the tenth year we've been doing so. In the Second Life Exhibitor's group, it was stated, "We had 275 applications for 175 spots." So competition for the spots was fierce. 

The announcement also stated the sims should be open to exhibitors sometime today, May 24. Unfortunately, one thing they won't be open to is published photographs of the area, even teasers of placeholders and closeups of Linden builds that reveal next to nothing about the whole thing. Which is unfortunate as teasers we've done in the past such as the bathroom with the three sea shells stirred up interest without revealing much of anything.

Hat tip: Daniel Voyager 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Weekend at A Glance

Quite a bit happened this weekend. There were a number of events for the Relay for Life, notably the Sunbeamer and Roos With A Dream's Medieval Fun Festival. Also taking place was the monthly benefit concert for Homes For Our Troops at Veterans Isle. Montecito Bay had a release party for Red Rocket Cola. The Newser was contacted by Linden Lab in regards to the Second Life 18th Birthday Celebration. And more. 
 
More on these events later.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Press Release: RelayStock & Bid The Lindens Bald Raise L$ 2Million for RFL

 

 
RELAYSTOCK AND BID THE LINDENS BALD CONCLUDE
Combined Events Raised More Than L$2,000,000 For Relay For Life

The 2021 RelayStock event concluded Wednesday, May 19, with the 5th Annual Bid The Lindens Bald Day.  RelayStock , hosted by the Relay Rockers team, supports the Relay For Life of Second Life and the American Cancer Society.

Since it began in 2014, RelayStock is a gathering of RFL of SL teams for 3 days of music and camaraderie set in a 1960s style festival region reminiscent of Woodstock.  Nearly 40 teams assembled across a landscape dotted with tie-dyed tents and old VW campers, raising their banners and flags, and placing their RFL Kiosks and Vendors around their sites. The Main Stage hosts musical acts sponsored by each team as part of their fundraising efforts.  DJs were joined by live performers such as Max Kleene, Keeba Tammas and The Tiny Maniacs and Todd Rumsford, and was the scene of the final round for the Celebrate Remember Fight Back (CRFB) Top DJ Fundraising Competition. The weekend set a record for combined fundraising with a total of L$1,290,669 raised for RFL, while several teams reached new Fundraising Club levels and met their season goals.

The CRFB Top DJ Competition saw DJ Stormy Dench, of the SHB Gems team,  take home the first place trophy by raising L$502,000 during her 90 minute set. Coming in second was DJ Baggie who raised more than L$400,000 during the competition.

Running in conjunction with RelayStock, the 5th Annual Bid The Lindens Bald team challenge concluded the event, with 6 Teams of Lindens and Moles competing to see who would raise the most donations for the American Cancer Society and earn the honor of shaving the head of the last place team. More than 40 Lindens and Moles participated.  The voting heated up as the 1:45 deadline approached.  More than 100 residents were entertained by MrMikie String as they donated to the various kiosks, amid promises (Vote for us for a year without Lag) and playful threats (Bald Moles Make Sink Holes). Voters could either purchase a limited edition animesh Linden Bear or donate directly to a kiosk for each team. In the end the team made up of Darcy, Grumpity, Kristin, Patch, Spots, Vix Linden prevailed with a total of L$296,336 raised and had the honor of shaving the heads of the team consisting of Dakota, Evie, Kreide, Obi, Simon, Vanessa Linden. The losing team will appear in SL without hair until the SL18B celebration in June. All together the event raised L$ 840,369, including the sale of 309 Linden Bears.

“We really appreciate the Relay Rockers team for putting in so much work on this and inviting us to participate. The event was a great success, lots of fun, and we're already looking forward to next year!" said Patch Linden, VP of Product Operations, Linden Lab. RelayStock was organized by Arizona Ballinger of the RelayRockers. Bid The Lindens Bald was coordinated by Trader Whiplash for the Rockers and Derrick Linden on behalf of Linden Lab.

The 2021 Relay For Life season in Second Life concludes on June 12 & 13th with the annual 24 hour walk. Current fundraising totals stand at $350,000, once again placing the virtual Relay among the largest Relay events in the world.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, wish to learn more about cancer screening. survivor and cancer services or want information about cancer,  the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life please visit cancer.org, relayforlife.org/secondlife, call 800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society region in Second Life.
 

Cartoon of the Day: High Team Member

Taken at Team Sunbeamer's camp at the Relaystock. Shockwave Yareach is a "High Sunbeamer" on the team, among the higher ranked ones below team captain Rita Mariner. He took a seat on a balloon, making his title literal. This being a 60s-themed event, though, "high" could mean something else.

By Bixyl Shuftan

  

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

 

THIS WEEK: May series continue, with "Skink" joining the line-up with Teatime, great Sci-Fi, and Russian Tales. Join us for stories all week long, presented LIVE in Second Life, on Seanchai Library's properties in Second Life.

All events at Nowhereville (203/43/26) , unless otherwise noted.

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

* * * * *

**SUNDAY, May 23rd at 1:30pm: TEATIME with L. Frank Baum continues in the Fireside room with Corwyn, Rik, Glori, and Cale.

**MONDAY, May 24th at 7pm: Robert L. Forward's SATURN RUHK continues with Gyro Muggins.

**TUESDAY, May 25th:
    Both sessions in The Glen http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21
    
     ~ at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live! with music, and poetry in Ceiluradh Glen, live on stream.

     ~ at 7pm: Arthur Ransome's OLD PETER'S RUSSIAN TALES with Willow Moonfire

**WEDNESDAY, May 26th at 7pm: Carl Hiaasen's SKINK begins with Kayden Oconnell.

**THURSDAY, May May 27th at 7pm: H. Beam Piper's LITTLE FUZZY, continues with Ktadhn Vesuvino, in Ceiluradh Glen, live on stream. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21
  

SL Video: Giant Snail Race Through Rosehaven

By RacerX Gullwing on May 17, "In second life, the good players from various corners of the globe band together and run across the second life world to raise money for cancer. This week our RFL event was held in Rosehaven, Gullwing Shire wish to thank Order of the Twilight Rose for letting us in hosting their event! Our races are always 10:30AM SL. Next week we will be racing back at Gullwing Shire with the Giant Snails, So Enjoy! Thank you residents of Rosehaven.

"Finish order: Oodlemi Noodle 1, Alden Cortes 2, Dorie Bernstein 3, Cinders Vale 4, Soaphia Resident 5, whispy Darkstone 6, Nyree Rain 7, Mia Quinote 9. 

"Some of our music we use during the race is by my good friend ,Alazarin Mobius.

"Thank you for your donations." 
  

SL Video: "Sensation White 2021 Tribute Aftermovie"

  

(Click here if the video does not play)

By Club Furzona on May 15, "Thank you once again for joining us in our tribute to one of the best festivals on the planet ... This event was strictly fan-made in respect to the actual festival, we only hope we've done justice in capturing the essence of Sensation.."

Among those taking part was DJ Tantari, whose set can be heard here.
   

JAPA's Class of 2021

  

A little over a week ago, the Journey Academy of Performing Arts or JAPA held the graduation ceremony for this year's class. It was an event that involved both faculty and students. The Newser's Dancerina Starlight was there. She talked to some of the graduates, as well as the two teachers and one of the other academy staff.
 
Read Dancerina's story in People.
  

Sunbeamers At The Relaystock

 
The Relaystock was good news to many teams. It's organizers the Relay Rockers hit Purple level, and many others went up a fundraising level, such as Meli's Maniacs, Seekers of Hope, Team Invictus, Roos With a Dream, and others. While the Sunbeamers didn't get step up from their current level, Jade, they did make some good progress on it.

DJ Cynthia's event at the Relaystock stage was Saturday May 15 from 5:30 to 7PM. She shared the stage with several other "beamers" such as Shockwave and team captain Rita Mariner. She ended up raising almost 40,000 Lindens in the two kiosks on the stage. The following evening, Sunday May 16, DJ Matt was the closing act at 7:30 PM. Her event would raise several thousand at the stage kiosk. But people would donated at other Sunbeamer kiosks that night, and after the event continue to donate. By Monday, the Sunbeamer's total had gone up to over 640,000 Lindens. 

The awards for the CRFB DJ competition were also given out that night. DJ Mattie would get the fourth place trophy for when she took part in on April 13, raising over 110,000 Lindens for the Relay Rockers.

As of the writing of this article the team has raised a total of over  678,000 Linden dollars. With the Sunbeamer Medieval Festival this weekend, the total promises to go higher.

 Go Snowbeamers! Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan
 

RFL Announcement: Medieval Fun Faire At Caledon Downs This Weekend

Sunbeamer's and Roos with A Dream invite you to the Sunbeamer's RFL Medieval Fun Faire 2021

May 22 and 23, 2021 10am till 4pm

DJ Kayle and the Roos will be performing on Saturday May 22 only, time will be 11am to 1pm

For any donations to the American Cancer Society kiosk there will be Horse Jumping race, Archery Contest and Axe Throwing Contest open the entire faire the winner determined at the close of the fair on the 23rd. Winners of each contest shall receive prizes.

Jousting takes place at 2pm both days. Signing up takes place from 10am till 1:30pm which at that point you place a donation and names are place in the bracket. You need nothing the system rezzes a horse and lance for you to use. Prizes awarded to the winner on each day.
Contact Her Grace Cynthia Farshore, Duchess of Caledon Downs to registrar.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Downs/104/89/32

All donation go to American Cancer Society
  

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Understanding Science: How Computers Work"

  

Saturday May 22

10 to 11 AM

The last two presentations in this series explored particle physics, the world of the very small, and our solar system, the much larger space that surrounds our more familiar world.   In this episode we will explore one area of how science is applied to create technology by examining how the very small, and relatively simple, world of computer electronics is employed to create the more familiar and complex worlds we represent on devices we can carry around with us.

First, we will briefly look at how transistors, the components that create the ‘1s and 0s’ used to store and transmit everything, are made so small that billions can fit into the chips that form the ‘brains’ and ‘memory’ of every computer.

Then we will step through how transistors and other circuitry work together to create the logic of an electronic calculator.

Finally, we will step through how the processor, the ‘brain’ behind operations, works with memory and peripheral units to process a computer program (commonly called an application or app) that instructs your computer to do all the wondrous things we do with them these days.

Presentation by Dr. Phil Youngblood
 
For more information, Click Here. 

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

"Bid the Lindens Bald" Results

Yesterday in the Relaystock 2021 sim was the "Bid the Lindens Bald" party. For a couple hours, Lindens and Relayers mixed it up in the crowded northeast corner of the sim with over fifty avatars. Six teams each made up of a group of Lindens (or Moles) and one of the Relay teams competed for donations with the promise that the one coming up with the least amount would get shaved.

There were various over-the-top promises, "Team 4 promises to make all bills disappear if they win!" "ave The Moles!!!  No Lag for a Year!   Donate to Team 6."

The Newser wasn't able to be there at the time the final totals, and who got the haircuts, were announced. But we did get the results from Trader Whiplash.

Team 1    165,272 L (Seekers of Hope)
Team 2      99,150 L (The Original Sinners)
Team 3      53,101 L (Team Invictus)
Team 4    296,336 L (Roos With A Dream, Patch and Grumpity Linden)
Team 5    118,040 L (Cure Chasers)
Team 6    108,470 L  (SHB Gems, Mole team)

The combined total was 840,369 L or $3,461 US Dollars. There were also 77,250 L worth of Linden bears sold, "The first ever animesh Linden Bear." Three teams also moved up a fundraising rank, "Seekers, Roos, Invictus all moved up one level."

So it seems Vanessa, Evie, Obi, Simon, Dakota, and Kreide Linden ended up with a shave. With the two furry Lindens, no word yet on how much the barber decided to take off.

Go Relay!

Top picture from Trader Whiplash

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Second Life Destinations: Hammifari

 

This week we are taking a field trip to Hammifari, an African safari themed zoo event that runs until May 21st. Don’t miss out! 

Hammifari is the latest creation of the Bellisseria Hammies, a couple/building team that oversee the Bellisseria Animal Sanctuary. They go by Hammie (Jessycajayne) and Varistentia Varriale. 

Hammifari has an open-plan setup, with the animals roaming freely. You can get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, elephants, and more. There is also an elevated wooden walkway that lines the perimeter of the exhibit. It’s a great vantage point to enjoy the waterfall, trees, and surrounding nature.

This event takes place on the Bellisseria Fairgrounds, a space the Hammies are quite familiar with. They tell us they have done many events here, such as “Zoo-Palooza 1, {and} a winter fantasy land we called Hamnia - a play on Narnia. And we also did a summer-long Water Park last summer, which will be returning for its second year this coming July.”

Of their inspiration for Hammifari, the Hammies say “our main message to folks that come to see Hammifari or any other builds that we do, is a universal message to be kind to animals. To learn more about them and their needs, habitats etc. And to just generally help create a fun environment where families and anyone who also has an appreciation for wildlife can explore.”

The event is only up for a few more days, so teleport over soon before it disappears!

From the Linden Blog  
  

Announcement: Homes For Our Troops Benefit at Veterans Isle, Sunday May 23

 

 
Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce 2021’s Memorial Week benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life for May 23, 2021!  

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the 2021 Memorial Week benefit for the Veterans Support Organization Home For Our Troops at Veteran’s Isle .  

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 313 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.”

In 2020 the community in Second Life sent  $15,750 to Homes For Our Troops, thanks to many kind hearts and great Second Life performers. THIS PUT SECOND LIFE’S DONATIONS EFFORTS IN THE TOP TEN OF HOME FOR OUR TROOPS DONORS IN 2020!  

23 Veterans and their families received the keys to their forever homes in 2021 and the donations received in Second Life were part of that effort.  Currently HFOT has 62 projects underway for extremely wounded veterans.

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The May 23 concert for 2021 is scheduled from 10 AM to 3PM PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, Elvera Lerner the "English Rose", Seli Blackmore,  SS Gasser and Harmonia Trefoil and Agatha Nowles.

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 . 
   

Cartoon of the Day: Epic Blah

From the Fantasy Faire. I've come across a few friends whom when asked how they're doing just say they're feeling "meh" or "blah." For this guy, guess he wasn't just simply "blah," but blah in an epic way.

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

"Bid The Lindens Bald" Party Today

The Relaystock is over. But there's still one more event at Yasgur's Farm before it closes for another year: the "Bid the Lindens Bald" party. This event that is scheduled to run from Noon to 2PM SL time will be the last chance for residents to bid on the event. 

Six Relay teams are putting their virtual hair on the line:  Seekers of Hope, The Original Sinners, Team Invictus, Roos With A Dream, Cure Chasers, and SHB Gems. There are also a number of Lindens, whom are divided into five teams, and several Moles whom make up team six, whom have been paired up with the Relay teams (Linden team one with Seekers of Hope, Linden team two with The Original Sinners, etc.) The Relay and Linden (or Mole) team that raises the least ends up on the barber chair at the party.

So if you want to see a large number of Relayers and Lindens in one place, be sure to drop by.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RelayStock%202021/222/132/23

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Fantasy Faire Pictures at Gallery Atheria

 

The Fantasy Faire is gone for another year. But the event has no shortage of fans whom look back at each one with fond memories. For those who want a reminder of the one this year, one place they can head to is Gallery Atheria at Refugio. And the pictures are free. The gallery is owned by Mel (Meliai Atheria).

Dropping by, there were a number of pictures on the wall. All were scenes from this year's Fantasy Faire, Featherfall, Tempest Bay, Valhalla, and more locations. All could be "bought" for the price of zero Lindens. All that was asked was that people were requested to make a donation to a Relay kiosk on the wall. Also on the wall was a square labeled "Info." When clicked, I got the following notecard:

Welcome to my little pop up gallery celebrating the amazing time we had a Fantasy Faire.  It will be available for almost a full month, closing sometime in the second week of June for my next set of SL photos.  Due to the charity focus of Faire all photos are FREE this month.  All tips will go toward recouping upload costs and any further tips will go to ACS.  Please enjoy holding on to a last little bit of Faire and the amazing things that happened there.  

I managed to get in touch with Mel. "I just like to explore so much might as well take some photos," she explained, "I appreciate so much all the SL creators have to offer and there are so many inspirational places to visit. So many hidden treasures that I want to be able to share for others that like to explore as well. ... I ... just really threw this place together last minute after experiencing all the atmosphere of the Faire."

She would go on to say, "I'll be featuring different locations in the future and donating proceeds to each place."

You can find more pictures by Mel on her Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/192947445@N03/albums/72157719118181024

"All photos from my Faire Flickr gallery may be uploaded to SL for personal use only.  Future albums do not come with these rights, just faire because it should be free to everyone."

The gallery is at Refugio near some other shops, including one owned by noted SL personality Prokofy Neva.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Refugio/101/140/69

Bixyl Shuftan