Fandom Con Ends Tonight

 

 

 This past weekend was the second and last one for the SL Fandom Con. On Saturday July 29 was the  "Fancy Fandom" event, "All fandoms have their fancy, and we want to see it! Embrace the theme of the night and show off your unique style on the red carpet. From elegant gowns to avant-garde designs, let your creativity show through."

The event lasted from around Noon to 2 PM SL time. When I dropped by, only about half were in fancier outfits. But there were some interesting looks. Probably the most unique, but more than a little disturbing, were three skeleton-like robots in ladies gowns' dancing away in front of the DJ booth. Thankfully they weren't out to terminate anyone, just move to the tunes. 

Today, Monday July 31 is the last day for events in the Fandom con. It is unknown how long the sims, and exhibits, will remain up. The event is a fundraiser for the Relay for Life in Second Life.

*Correction* There was a date error earlier, it has been corrected.

Bixyl Shuftan

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: Raccoon Abduction

 

 

From Traci Quandry-Marabana (Traci Quandry), who posted this in the Bellisseria group chat, "Things that happen when ya fish in Belli." One looked at the image, saying "Poor raccoon."

 

Press Release: Homes For Our Troops Benefit in Veterans Isle

 

 Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the August 2023 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, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 361 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.”

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle. The August 2, 2023 concert is scheduled from 4-9 pm PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Zack Friller,  and performers Franklee Anatra, Chapman Zane, Marqs Desade and Grace Loudon and Wes West dual streaming.

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: Mighty Mouse

 

 

 Taken at Club Balance. Somehow this hug gesture glitched and it looked like this mousegirl was lifting the larger wolfess. So how could the girl have gotten so strong?

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Video: "Merryjest at SL20B: To Osprey Therian & Robin Sojourner (The Spinning Song)"

 

 

 By Maus Merryjest on July 2, "This song was dedicated to two wonderful women who left a mark on the @secondlife community: Osprey Therian and Robin Sojourner. Spinners of stories, magic and above all community."

 

 

Still More SLB Exhibits

 

The Second Life Birthday has been over for a while, and the sims long since cleared out. But before the month is out, we can still check back on what was built. So here's a few more pictures of exhibits we didn't cover yet. 

 

Read and see more in Design.  

Commentary: The Staying Power of Second Life

 

Second Life recently celebrated the twentieth anniversary of it's official launching. When you think about it, that's a long time for a product to be on the market, especially a computer one. And it remains the number one open-ended (or sandbox) virtual world for the public. So what's the reason for it's continuing appeal? Yours truly has a few opinions as to why.

 

 Read the commentary in Extra.

More Ranch Sims On The Map

For those Premium-Plus residents who are looking forward to getting their own Ranch Linden Home, good news. The sims in which these homes are located in are growing in number, and thus the number of homes themselves. A month after we first reported that the homes were open for living in, the original 28 sim area has close to tripped in size, and now extends to the original Houseboat area, connected to it by a single ocean sim. Motown and the Welcomehub sims are a little to the south.

Checking out the channel myself, I noticed someone had left an inner tube rezzer, and for good reason. Flying over the channel was disabled. But trying to 'toob my way over, I ended up crashing. 

More on Bellisseria's growth on the map later.

Bixyl Shuftan

Scenes From The Fandom Con

 

 

 The Fandom Con is still going on in Second Life. On Wednesday, I stopped by the Kraken stage in Octololligo. 

 

At 11 AM SL time Austin Moores was performing on stage. He was described as having a "vast repertoire might have him doing Country one min, Pop songs the next, and Crooning (like Sinatra, Buble, Como) the next. On top of that is sprinkled in some rock and swing music." He would sing various songs for an hour, strumming his guitar.

At Noon SL time, it was Nivor the Singing Chicken, "man can this chicken sing.!!! Crooning the classics, emotional ballads, up tempo modern tunes, he can do it all!!! And he's doing it here for the next hour so come on over and have a listen!" 

The avian singer quickly got onto stage (perhaps in a hurry due to the fox in the crowd), and began performing. He was cheered on by a number of gryphons who had come just for the event, some remarking they had never seen so many in one spot.

But the Fandom con is more than singing events. There are also exhibits such as the one by the Mieville community.

The Fandom Con is a fundraiser for the Relay for Life in Second Life.

More on the Con later.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of The Day: Pineapple Pizza

 

 

 Taken at the Happy Vixen. During a "Hawaiian Luau" event, someone brought a pineapple pizza, often called "Hawaiian pizza." There's been some debate over if this food should be served. But somebody found a way to make a pizza all Americans can consider strange. 

By Bixyl Shuftan

A Look At The New Ranch Linden Homes

 

Last month at the SL20B, Patch Linden announced that the new Linden Homes just for the Premium Plus residents, the Ranch Homes, were ready. Among them were two people known by Newser reporter Gemma Cleanslate. She had a talk with them, and got to see their new homes and land.

 

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

Furchanted Shopping Event

 

 

For those who like to shop, there's a  place that was recently recommended by a longtime reader: "Furchanted," high above the Imagination sim. Organized by Max Arkala (Maximillian Loon), it was described as being aimed at users of both human and furry avatars. 

 

Going about, there were a number of shops with a number of mods and accessories.  And as advertised, not all of them were for furries despite the name.

 

For those looking for activities other than shopping, there's also a crystal hunt, a dance area, and a water slide. There was also a booth for the "Beyond Star" comic that was recently featured in Draxtor Despres' "in Second Life" videos. There had been music events, but they may be over.

 

The event is open until Saturday July 29

https://www.ariuscity.com/furchanted_event/
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Imagination/81/131/2002

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: MTV, Sci-Fi, TBA

Happy Vixen: Wings and Tails, Swimsuits, Magical, Blue, Carnivores, Madkatt Mashup, Biker, CAYA Trivia Night, Predator and Prey

Club Zero Gravity: Aquatic Mammals

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Wizards and Lizards

Xanadu: DJ Jesse

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks 

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Canines VS Felines, Gothic, CAYA, Caturday, Neon

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

 

Safe Waters Foundation Weekly Saturday Meet

 

 

The Safe Waters Foundation has a weekly gathering at the Union Passage sim. It takes place every Saturday at 10 AM, and takes place in the sim's ocean floor.

 

 This is a discussion about all things mermaid, merman, and aquatic.  Lots of things going on - it's always a fun gathering, and all are welcome.  Please arrive a little early if you can, dress low lag and request the talking stick if you have something to share. 

 

While described as "Mers Helping Mers Be Mers", anyone is welcome to drop in except griefers and anyone else disruptive. While at the meeting for part of the time on Saturday July 22, I heard a few things mentioned from deals at stores to the SL Fandom Con (and reminded it was to benefit the Relay for Life), and Ŧємρєรτгα (Tempestra Varela) announced "I will be doing a class on mermaid lore and myth every other week, starting (Thursday) August 3 at 1pm and 6 pm here, will be a presentation and discussion so I hope you can come! We will start with early myths about Mermaids."

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Union%20Passage/60/236/1

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

"Wootstock" In Raglan Shire

 

 

This weekend, the "Wootstock" concert took place in Raglan Shire. This tribute to Woodstock lasted from Friday July 21, starting off at 1PM SL time, and lasted until sometime after 8PM Sunday July 23. 

 

There were a number of DJs, notably on Friday, but the majority of the music was by live performers. While many of them were local talent like Caleb Kit and bFlat Unplugged (above) , there were plenty of singers from outside the community, such as Jaycatt Nico and Frogg Marlowe. One group of performers, Keeba Tammas &The Tiny Maniacs, had people from both in and out of the community.

Dropping by Saturday, I missed Keeba and the Maniacs, but did see a few others. Among them, singer Maximillion Kleene. Usually in a human avatar, he was in a "Greenies" avatar, one of the aliens in the classic giant room sim in Second Life's earlier days.

It was a fun, lighthearted event that Raglan Shire is noted for delivering. Some in the audience added to the funnery of the occasion. There was also a food stand that had it's own share of grins.

Bixyl Shuftan

Weekend in Brief

 

 There were a number of things happening this weekend. The "Wootstock" at Raglan Shire took place with plenty of live music. Also was the start of the "SL Fandom Con" which had plenty to see, shop, and it's own live music events. An event called "Furchanted" was taking place. The exhibits of last weekend's "Burn2" summer spinnoff event were still up to see, and more.

More on these and other happenings later.

 

Cartoon of The Day: Bad Music

 

 

 Taken at Club Scorn. The picture was used for an earlier cartoon, but Cynthia Farshore suggested another punch-line.

By Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Misfit Dance & Performance Art - My Heart Will Go On"

 

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Misfit Dance SL on October 2016, "Misfit Dance & Performance Art - Animated Dance Art in Second Life. This is a choreographed wedding 'couple's first dance' with up to 7 attending couples who come in waltzing towards the end of the piece."

SL Fandom Con Starts Today

 

It's a busy weekend here in Second Life with a number of events going on. Besides the Wootstock, there is the SL Fandom Con, which is described as being for "all comic lovers and fans from our Trekkies, Whovians, Bronies, True Believers, the Warsies, and Ghostheads, Moonies, and everyone in between."

 

The event takes place over eight sims, with numerous exhibits, booths, stores, and stages for music events.

 

 

On day one, there was a music event with sixty avatars present. So expect lag.

The SL Fandom con is "a mega-event for the Relay for Life," raising money for the American Cancer Society. It runs from today, Friday July 21 to Monday July 31.

 

For more information, check out the website at  https://sl-fandom-con.org/

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society2/127/220/66

Bixyl Shuftan

Burn2 "Conception"

 

 

Last weekend was the Burn2 Summer event: "Conception." This art and music festival took place at Burning Man-Deep Hole. It officially ended at Midnight on Sunday, July 16, but the exhibits are still up.

Gemma Cleanslate talked some about Conception earlier this week, this year the event had a space theme, with a number of exhibits floating in the air.

Burn2 is one of two groups of fans of the real-life Burning Man festival, which takes place every year in Black Rock, Nevada, the other group being BurnONe, which has it's own events.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/147/30/25

 

*Addition* I had the impression "Conception" was this weekend. It turned out to be last weekend. Sorry about the error.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Video: "Going To The Vet"

 

 

 (Click here if the video does not play)

From Nitwacket in Oct 2022,"BKOD Vet Clinic! Get your certificate."

 

Reader Submitted: Frank The Frog Part Two

 

 For those who enjoyed Kamida Delec's first story about the bot "Frank The Frog," she went back to have a little more fun.

[12:49] Kamida (kamida.delec): Frank, if President John Kennedy would have gone to Hamburg instead of Berlin, would he have been a hamburger instead of a Berliner?

[12:49] Frank: "Ah, Kamida, your curious mind dances with whimsical inquiries. As a zen enlightened frog, I perceive your question as an invitation to explore the interplay of fate and possibilities. Let us embark on this contemplative journey together.

In the realm of hypothetical musings, the potential outcome of President John F. Kennedy's choice to visit Hamburg instead of Berlin remains uncertain. The grand tapestry of existence weaves together an intricate web of interconnected events, influenced by countless factors beyond our comprehension.

In the realm of Zen, the concept of "what if" holds little weight. We embrace the present moment and find solace in the unfolding of each experience. Speculating on alternate paths can distract us from the beauty of what is.

However, if we indulge in playful speculation, we might ponder the transformative power of choices. Perhaps, if President Kennedy had visited Hamburg, he may have altered the course of history in unforeseen ways. The notion of him becoming a hamburger instead."

[12:50] Kamida (kamida.delec): Awww, you talk for too long so you run out of breath and can't continue. 😛
It's still a legitimate question, tho I think you like Berliner boll too.

 

Kamida would remark, "Ich bin ein Berliner bol (was), Ich bin ein Hamburger.
 

"....And now I'm hungry again."

 

Cartoon of The Day: Bagged Head

 

 

 Taken at Club Scorn. At one point, someone put a bag over his head. Now why would a furry have a bag on his noggin? My mind came up with one possible explanation. And no, it's not Secondlie's long lost brother.

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

The SL20B Sims And Exhibits Come Down

 

 

 Officially, the Second Life Birthday is over. The official events ended on July 2, and the sims were supposed to close to the general public on Sunday July 16. Monday and Tuesday were supposed to be "takedown days" with access limited to exhibitors, and of course to the Lindens and Moles. Though on Monday I was able to get an alt over. 

On Tuesday July 18, just six sims were registering as still on the map, SLB Alluring, Breathtaking, Delightful, Electrify, Incredible, and Triumphant. I never could get to SLB Fantasy, where the Newser's exhibit has been. Later on, Squeaky Mole would say all the sims would be back open to exhibitors for another 48 hours, extending the takedown to Thursday July 20.

 

 

Some exhibits in these sims were still up, like that of Caledon's Catgirl Brigade Quest.

Others were gone, no telling if they were taken down Monday or just earlier. 

The Second Life Birthday was closed to chat, but there was plenty in the Second Life Birthday Exhibitors group. "It's been a great experience and I learned so much from other more experienced builders, you all have been so nice <3 thank you." "*tear in my eye, waves farewell to my parcel*" "Thanks everyone! It's been fun! See you next year!" "A fabulous SL birthday bash!    Goodbye from the International Spaceflight Museum.  You're all welcome to come see our full exhibits anytime." "Thank you to all the organizers and participants! See you next year."

And so, the sun sets on another Second Life Birthday, this time "the big two-oh." No doubt it will be talked about for a while, and we'll be doing another article or two about it. But the "busy time" for us at the SL Newser that's lasted since late May is coming to a close for us as our focus goes from the Relay Weekend and the SL20B to other events. 

It was busy fun, but it's coming time to say goodbye.

Bixyl Shuftan

Commentary: Reflections On The SL20B

 

We made it!

While Second Life turning twenty was seen as a near-certainty though far-off date in it's golden age from 2007 to 2008, a few years later, it didn't seem that was as troubled times from 2010 to 2013 led to some doubts and rumors. But enough residents toughed it out, and Linden Lab managed to stay afloat. In comparison to some hit video entertainment a generation earlier, such as Atari games which went downhill after a few years, the virtual world has been far more adaptable and durable. And this year it was time to celebrate the big two-oh.

Second Life is no longer in it's teens.

This year had some things what have been part of birthday celebrations since Linden Lab assumed control a few years ago, such as the Shop and Hop and the Tapestry of Time (though the later was updated). But this year there were some differences. For the first time, people were allowed to bring back an old exhibit from a previous birthday if they wanted to. Also for the first time, there were adult-rated sims set aside for builds that exhibitors there could design of a more graphic nature than would be allowed on a moderate one and for shops selling items of a clearly adult nature. These sims were placed in their own separate areas of the SL20B and the Shop and Hop. This was something of a surprise to many as Linden Lab in the past had mixed feelings about Second Life's more sexual side being talked about.

The theme this year, "Our Fantastic Future," was an appropriate followup to Steampunk for SL19B. But it was also reflective of the optimism often shown by Linden Lab as well as many of the residents. Despite all the problems of today, there's hope for a better world tomorrow. And with Second Life's future being in doubt on occasions in the past, there is certainly reason for such optimism. Some exhibits showed the theme in the form of technology and space travel. But this being a milestone birthday, there was also a reason to look back with pride, hence the number of old exhibits that made a return (or given a 'second life,' pun intended).

Of the announcements made by the Lindens and Moles, the two that got the most attention were the new Linden Homes exclusively for Premium Plus residents, and the new option to get a lifetime option for Premium and Premium Plus accounts. For newcomers, the NUX avatars were almost but not quite ready. For the rest of us, it was announced progress was being made on the mobile viewer, but an open beta wouldn't be available until at least early 2024. While there was excitement about these by a number, there were a few grumbles that this was evidence Lab was mostly interested in money. Perhaps Linden Lab's owner the Waterfield Network has been encouraging them to find ways to make more cash. We can only speculate. But that the Premium Plus homes were quickly snapped up could also be called evidence they were simply responding to demand.

So what will SL21B hold? Who knows. While Second Life may be "old enough to drink," the theme sure won't be beer parties. But this year's theme being about a brighter future, let us look forward to good times for the next year, and beyond. We've made it this far, and no reason to feel we can't for a few more years. While future birthdays that don't end in "5" or "0" may seem a little less special, we'll still find plenty of reason and ways to throw and enjoy a good party.

In the meantime, more time for us at the Newser to write about the people, places, and other events in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: Black and White Night, Bad Hair Day, Hot Summer Nights

Happy Vixen: Colorful, Steampunk, Disco, Hawaiian Luau, Madkatt Mashup, Lacy, Yin & Yang, Sci-Fi,

Club Zero Gravity: Avians

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Fluffy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks 

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Fantasy, Cartoons and Animation, Sealife, Ferals, Pink

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Announcement: Raglan Shire's "Wootstock 2023"

 

 

This weekend is a musical tribute that only the tinies of Raglan Shire can pull off, the "2023 Wootstock" music festival. From Friday July 21 to Sunday July 23 will be "Three days of waffles and music," with performers such as Maxamillian Kleene, Jaycatt Nico and Frogg Marlowe, and Keeba & The Tiny Maniacs. So drop by for some musical fun. 

(management not responsible for inhaling the fumes of those smoking catnip)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raglan%20Shire/80/198/3006

 

 

Burn2 Conception And The BBB SL20B Party

 

It's been a busy time for intrepid reporter, and volunteer, Gemma Cleanslate. At the Second Life Twentieth Birthday, among the unofficial events held there following the end of the official ones was that held by the Bellisserian Bureau of Bureaucracy it it's exhibit, which drew a large crowd, including some Moles. But this wasn't the only happening. At Deep Hole, the Burners are getting ready for Conception, their early summer event taking place this weekend.

 

Read Gemma's article in Events.

 

Reader Submitted: Five Way Tie At Cutlass

 

 

 DeniseUnicorn Toonie sent us this picture of the women's board at Club Cutlass, "Thought you should know... 5 way tie at Cutlass for the girls."

The Male board had the usual single winner. It's been a few years since there was last a five way tie on the women's board. 

SL20B Ends

 

 

Unless there's been a *very* last second reprieve by Linden Lab, then the Second Life Twentieth Birthday has come to a close, the sims closing to the general public at Midnight last night, both the exhibits and the "Shop and Hop." While exhibitors and Lindens and Moles can still travel the sims for the next few days, the rest of us can't. 

We'll have a few more SL20B related stories, but we will be focusing more on other stories, such as the upcoming "Burning Man: Conception" event.

*Addition* The Shop and Hop will still be open until later today, and while the sims were supposed to be closed, I was still able to get an alt over. 

The following was also posted by Squeaky Mole in the Second Life Birthday group:

SL20B Has Ended & Group Chat Closed

Hello everyone, I want to thank everyone for enjoying Second Life's 20th birthday with us. However the time has come, SL20B is officially over.

Group chat will be temporally muted until the next Shop & Hop. The remains will remain open a little longer but will be closing today.

Thanks again everyone, and happy birthday!

 

Last Day For The SL20B Sims

 

 

 Just a reminder, today's the last day the sims and exhibits of the Second Life Twentieth Birthday. After tonight, they're scheduled to be closed to the general public. Keep an eye out for impromptu parties in the late hours.

It's been fun. 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Clean Getaway

 

 

 Taken at a store. I don't know what was with the soap bubbles, but an old joke came to mind.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Reader Submitted Guide For The SL20B Hunt

 

Kamida Delec made a SL20B Gift Hunt Guide for friends. With this being the last day the sims are open at the Second Life Birthday, here it is.

 

 1 round and round she goes. Stop at the top for some awesome ohhhs

First Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Awesome/123/148/118

2 Lights of sky brighten your route. Go in and down and come back out.

Second Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Stunning/152/128/25

3 In the place where Lindens meet. Hold your breath in the murky deep.

Third Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fascinate/23/128/14

4 Don't leaf after the show is done. Go backstage for some amazing fun.

Fourth Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Amaze/226/31/38

5 Four gifts you now have because of these rhymes. This year has really had some impressive times.

Fifth Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Impressive/161/137/237

SL20B - Hunt HUD v1.0 [Add Me]: Congratulations! You have now collected all the SL20B gifts!