Press Release: Homes For Our Troops Fundraiser Concert At Veterains Isle Sunday August 3

 

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 2025 Homes for Our Troops benefit in Second Life.   The benefit will be held on August 3  from 5-8 PM SLT.

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 have 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 416 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.” 


This HFOT benefit concert will feature the following DJ’s and artists from 5 PM- 8 PM on August 3:

DJ Zack 5 PM
Wolfie Starfire 6 PM
AcousticEnergy Nitely 7 PM


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: Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini

 

 Taken at the Bouncing Bunny Beach Club. A girl finally wore one. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Commentary: The SL22B At A Glance

 

It was a Birthday remarkably free of surprises. 

The Lindens often take the occasion to tout something new. Last year, it was the PBR or "Mirror Update," that finally allowed working mirror reflections. For the SL20B, it was new Linden Homes exclusive for Premium residents, as well as new starter avatars (the Senra, which were never very popular). For the SL19B, it was the new Premium Plus account option. For the SL16B, it was that the Lab was fully in charge of the Birthday celebrations. 

But sometimes the Birthday events have a cloud overhead that helps darken the mood. Last year it was the then recent (and unsubstantiated) rumors concerning some of the Lindens and Moles, as well as people complaining the PBR update was causing more lag and crashes. The SL18B was overshadowed by the recent death of Linden Lab CEO Ebbie Altberg. The SL16B had a few people missing some things that marked the resident-run birthdays, namely the Cake Stage, and there were some grumbles about recent price hikes by the Lab. 

This year, there wasn't much in major announcements. There was Patch Linden announcing a new Linden Home theme for the future and a "foray into the commercial," but no date was given, meaning it will likely be weeks away. And there were no dark clouds over the celebrations, aside from people at the end being a little sad the party was over. 

So it was basically a Birthday in which we had chances to listen to the Lindens, dance to some good performers, and see how the exhibitors worked with the theme, Myths and Legends. Silvia Ametza's build for the Newser, the Pyramids of Giza, had some interesting facts about the surviving Ancient Wonder of The World, as well as a cautionary tale that applies to the present. There was a little confusion as somehow the Newser sign vanished. This shouldn't be a problem next year. 

So after "double deuce" what's next? What the SL23N will be like can only be imagined right now. As we mentioned sometimes the event is somewhat overshadowed by other events, sometimes not. But there's always good fun to be had. 

Happy 22nd birthday Second Life, and many more.

Bixyl Shuftan
SL Newser

RFL Announcement: SL Living Expo Welcomes SL Fandom Con and SL Renaissance Festival into Expanded 2026 Event

 

The SL Living Expo, one of Second Life’s mega-events supporting Relay For Life of Second Life and the American Cancer Society, is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion for its 2026 edition. Two beloved community events, SL Fandom Con and the SL Renaissance Festival, will be merging into the SL Living Expo, creating a vibrant, unified celebration of creativity, community, and hope.

“Second Life is a place where people bring their passions to life — and that’s exactly what this expanded event is all about,” said Stingray Raymaker, Director of the American Cancer Society in Second Life. “By uniting the creativity of SL Fandom Con and SL Renaissance Festival with the mission of Relay For Life of Second Life, we’re not only building a bigger event — we’re building a stronger community, one that fights cancer together.”

This bold new direction will allow SL Living Expo to offer an even more immersive and diverse experience — welcoming fans of sci-fi, cosplay, medieval history, pop culture, and everything in between. From dragons to droids, knights to superheroes, attendees will find themed regions designed to honor the unique spirit of both Fandom Con and the Renaissance Festival — seamlessly blended into the overall mission of supporting cancer research and survivor support.

“By bringing these incredible events together under one banner, we’re celebrating what makes Second Life so magical — the power of imagination, the strength of community, and the passion to make a difference,” said Cody and Roxy Chronotis, Leads for the SL Living Expo.

Expect returning favorites from each event, along with brand-new themed regions like magical forests, star-ports, royal courts, multiverse markets, and more — all curated to welcome a broader range of vendors, performers, creators, and roleplay communities.

The expanded SL Living Expo will take place in January 2026, with applications for designers, entertainers, and volunteers opening soon. Stay tuned for announcements on how you can get involved in this mega-event that promises to be our most magical yet — where hope takes center stage.

 

From the Relay for Life Volunteers group

 

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: Get A Job, Pink and White, TBA

Happy Vixen: DJ Arooo, DJ Scratch, DJ Malit, TBA, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Snowy  - Fairy Tales

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  DJ Snowy - Sharknado

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Club Scorn: W 4-6, Th 4-6, 7-11, Sat 2-12

 

Furry Fashion: Fantasy, Black and Purple, Space/Aliens

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

Store Owner Evicted, Landlord Upset Over "Gang of Homos"

 

Bella Epoque is a store some who were at the Fantasy Faire may remember as the one who supplied the outfit for the Fairlands Quest this year (and earlier). It's got a huge amount of items, over 5600 listed on it's Marketplace page. But the store's inworld location has recently changed after it's landlord suddenly demaned they leave. 

It's owner, Jani La Belle (Janire Coba), explained the situation on her Flickr.

BELLE EPOQUE MOVING!

Hello all. Due to homophobic reasons from Lighthouse (landland.ansar) the owner of the sim, I had to find a new home for belle Epoque. I already have one, i am just rezzing all my stuff again. Please be patient for a couple of days while it's under construction! Love you all!

She posted a picture of a message from the landlord, "Please do me a favor and I don't want even on my sim you rent from me as well dont want to see you face you and your f**ken s**t friends. gang of homo." 

 

I contacted Jani, and she stated the move was going well, "I got a new land and started rezzing everything, ans today store was open. And I got massive support from the SL community." She stated she hadn't had any trouble from the landlord before, "Not at all. My store has been there for 10 years. I asked him for a little land for a fundraising event, he said yes, and when he saw my friends are lesbians, went all sexist homophobic, disrespected them, banned them, asked me to move the charity event out of his land, and then banned me from my sim and returned my store. 

 

"Yes, he called us GANG OF HOMO, and yes we proudly are (smiles)."

 

I asked how long would it take for the store to be in full operation.  She answered, "I did my best and worked my a** off. In a couple of days the store will be ready 100% And the landscaper will go decorate when she has time, it'll look great."

 

Of the previous landlord, Landland Ansar, "His profile is, something. ... you can read his profile to have an idea of his, ideas." For years, there was no trouble with him at all, "I just paid regularly and never talked to him, and he never talked to me." Then last year, things started to change, "I had a little issue with him last year when he started asking me for items for his parties and complained they we're not clothing. Then (he) started giving me tips for my business, about making clothes for men etc. He was pesting me so i asked him not to tell me how to run my business." Of his profile, "10 years ago his profile was empty, only picks to his rental office."

 

She wasn't letting the incident get her down. In fact, she was taking the phrase and quite literally wearing it as a badge of honor, issuing tee shirts with the words "Gang of Homos."

Belle Epoque GIFT

So, as most of you probably know by now, I had to move Belle Epoque because of some good ol’ homophobia. But instead of letting it get me down, I’ve decided to flip the script and have some fun with it.

Introducing -  the GANG OF HOMO CHALLENGE!

Put on your Gang of Homo tee, snap a pic, send it to the one who dropped the oh-so-charming comment, and send me a screenshot so we can laugh our homo little a**es off together!  Let’s turn shade into sparkle, babes! 

 

Many have responded to Jani, offering her well wishes and expressing shock and surprise at the situation. "Wow! That is absolutely appalling behavior." "Oh, it's disgusting!" "...I'm very sorry for this unpleasant and disgusting situation and I'm glad you're working on a solution!" "So sorry Jani. You are a very talented artist, and will find a sim worth your creativity." Yours truly found out through a Fantasy Faire fan on a Discord channel. 

 

Of her work in the Fantasy Faire, "I am a world builder, region sponsor and sim designer, and I design the quest outfits too."

 

Jani would say, "I want to add that I won't tolerate any kind of intolerance, there'll ALWAYS be a response to any kind of violence against a vulnerable community. And we're a proud GANG OF HOMOS. And please thank the sl community and the support i've received inworld and in social media."

 

The Newser reached out to Landland for comment. But as of the writing of this article, there has been no response yet. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

At The Bouncing Bunny Beach Club

 

 

Yesterday, I had a little time, and dropped by the Sunweaver's smaller beach club, the Bouncing Bunny Beach Club. Skylark Lefavre, aka DJ Snowy, played the tunes. The theme was "Desert," so most of us had avatars, or clothes, that matched the theme. 

 

The BBBC has events every Sunday from 3 to 5PM and is at SunWaterThree (75/56/25). 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Cartoon of The Day: No Sharks

 

 Taken at the SLB. This place was a beach area, in pinks and pastels. Guess they didn't want landwalker sharks wacking them with pool noodles.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Video: "Bunny Dance The SIDH Iridium"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

From Nydia Tungsten on July 21, featuring Perri Prinz, Rita Mariner, Skylark Lefavre, and herself, "Bouncing Bunny Beach Club, Perri's XanadU, Club Cutlass, The Happy Vixen."

Montecito Bay's New Community Pool

 

It's summertime, and in real life many of us take some time to relax in a pool. Second Life has it's share of pools, which can be the scene of pool parties. But Becky Nosferatu wanted to make one that was more than just a hole in the ground with water. For weeks she worked on a pool ride, and several days ago, it was up and ready at Montecito Bay and the community threw a party. 

 

Read the story in Places.  

 

Reader Submitted Picture: Bull At A China Shop

 

 Taken by Alden Cortes at the SLB's League of Extraordinary Victorian Roleplayers exhibit. What this minotaur is doing looking into a china shop for, he didn't say. But it's just a thin layer of glass keeping that bull from going in. 

 

 

SLB Last Pictures: Now It's Over

 

 And so, it's truly over. Yesterday, Thursday July 24, was the last day the sims were up. After 9AM SL time, they were closed to everyone but the Lindens and Moles entering (exhibitors who logged off while in could still log in and walk around a little).

 

Missy Mole had one last message:

 

Thank you everyone for being a part of SL22B! The exhibits were amazing! Great job to all involved! We will be closing down general access to the regions by 9am SLT Monday, July 21. If you want to save anything from your exhibit, please pick it up by 9am SLT on Thursday, July 24. After that the regions will be going down for the season. Don't worry though, we will be celebrating SL23B before you know it! Time to start planning next year's exhibit <3

Have a great summer!

 And so, the sun sets on another great SLB, with some great exhibits. We'll likely have at least one more article on the exhibits and scenes that we didn't have time to post earlier. As it's the end of our "busy season," we'll likely be doing articles on topics we didn't have time for earlier. But for now, a word of thanks to the exhibitors and assistants, as well as the Moles, for their great builds, and especially to Silvia Ametza for the Newser's (yes, ours didn't have a sign, we were in a bit of a hurry).

 

See you at next year's SLB, and the next big thing in SL,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

 

 

This Saturday at The Science Circle: 6AM Event

 

 

Saturday July 25

 

    ~*~

 

    At 6 AM PST   

Biology 3.0 Is Coming - Discussion Series

https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/biology-3-0-4/

by Stephen Gasior 

 

    ~*~

 

    NOTE: Non-members required to register once

    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝  

 

Burn2 Summer Event: Circus of Fire And Fun

 

After recovering from a hand injury and taking time as a SLB volunteer, Gemma Cleanslate is back writing articles. Here, she writes about Burn2's summer burn event. Themed "Circus of Fire and Fun," with the Burners,  you'll find both. 

 

Read Gemma's story in Events.

 

Shark Attack In Montecito Bay

 

 Actually, it's Becky Nosferatu and Emorald having some fun with pool noodles at a pool party on Saturday the 19th to celebrate the opening of Becky's new water ride. More on the story later. 

 

Reader Submitted Picture: Lots of Lion

 

 From Huanita Wunderlich, whom after finding out the cartoon the Newser recently did about Club Lion's art exhibit opening party, sent is this picture of a scene in which more people were wearing the mask.

  

 

 

New Last Names Available

 

 About a month after Linden Lab offered some new options for last names in theme with the Second Life Birthday, a few days, they delivered a "New batch of (the) most wanted last names."

Thank you again to everyone who continues to submit ideas through our Last Name Suggestion Form. For this update, we once again gave extra attention to the names that have been requested most frequently. If you’ve shared your favorite last name with us, there’s a good chance it’s now available!

Several older options have been removed, and we’ve added the following highly requested new ones:

The new last names are Belmonte, Rascal, Baby, Sakura, Lit, Bly, Neon, Goat, Bubbles, and Aurora.

 

Sakura is a Japanese name, meaning "cherry blossom." While "goat" has meant a farm animal that gives small amounts of milk, to call someone "the goat," is to say they're the best they're is at what they do, the "greatest of all time."

 

As a reminder, changing last names is not free, but costs from $49.99 to $14.99 USD, depending on the resident's account. Check the FAQ page for more information. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SLB Exhibit Takedown Begins

 

 With the SLB over, the only ones around on the sims are Linden Lab's employees and the exhibitors. So some have been picked up right away. 

 

Others are being left around for a few more days, for other exhibitors and the Lindens and Moles (and maybe one busy fox reporter) to see.

 

More on the SLB when time permits,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: Sun Or Rain, Blue and White, Disney Tunes

Happy Vixen: TBA, DJ Arooo, DJ Scratch, DJ Malit, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Snowy  - Desert

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  DJ Snowy - Long Tails and Short Ears

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Club Scorn: W 4-6, Th 4-6, 7-11, Sat 2-12

 

Furry Fashion: CAYA, Robots Androids, and Cyborgs

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Gemma To Resume Writing Soon

 

For those who have been wondering, Gemma took a leave of absence after her hand was injured, taking a break from the break to complete an almost finished article with her other hand. She also spent time at the Second Life Birthday as a greeter, again using her good hand. 

 

Talking to her, she says her hand is better, and she should be good to write something in a few days. 

 

Stay tuned. 

 

 

 

SL22B Officially Ends

 

 And, it's over. 

 

Last night at about Midnight SL time, the Second Life Birthday event finally ended with the closing of the sims. Unless you're an exhibitor or a Linden or Mole, there's no getting on the sims now. 

 

It's unclear if there were any last minute impromptu parties, but there were a number of people going about the exhibits on the final day for one last look.

 

The Newser will have a few more articles on the exhibits over the next several days. We also welcome pictures and articles from you the readers. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted Picture: On Thor's Hammer At The SL22B

 

From Zada Bury. She and I were going around SL, and on a "2" shaped island found what looked like a giant weapon, "I will need a minute to pull that thing from the ground."

 

SL22B: One Last Look Before The Close

 

 Just hours are left before the Second Life Birthday sims close to all but exhibitors. So for those who are dropping in at the last minute, here's a few sights of what awaits you.

 

Bay City's exhibit by Marianne McCann is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Enchant/172/74/21

 

 There were plenty of posters from events over the years, but that wasn't all. There were reminders of certain events such as some mystery fires set on April 1 and the shenanigans with Caledon that left much speculation unanswered, "What's a city without a few legends?" 

 

Sheeba Metaluna's exhibit for All Fur Radio is located at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB Electrify/212/70/21

 

 Sheba and her "Flying Pickle" act can be a really big "dill" around some venues. 

 

At http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fabulous/182/64/21 , there was Physical Machines by Emilin Nakamori.

 

Making this one was described as "a wrenching experience."

 

I would write about her in 2008, and she's continued to experiment with what one can do with machines in Second Life since.  

 

Heroes in Hats for VWEC (Education Consortium) at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB Fabulous/93/93/21

 

Virtual Museum Team at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fabulous/159/196/21

 

 And by all means, don't miss the Newser's Pyramids of Giza exhibit by the talented Silvia Ametza, at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Enchant/213/74/21 .

 

That's it for now. Our next article about the SLB will be after it's close. Hopefully if you're reading this, you can still get in

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Watermellon Girl

 

 Taken at Club Cutlass. Gil Otaared was sporting a watermelon look. I was thinking Torley Linden. But that wasn't the only joke I heard that night.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Last Day For The SLB

 

  For those who put off checking out the Second Life Birthday sims, this is the last day to so. One is about a Second Life myth, "Our Lady of Perpetual Silence." It's at SLB Delightful (212/184/21).

 

But there's more than just the exhibits. Zady Bury invited me to eheck out what's in the water. 

 

 And there was much to see off the beaten path. The Moles did some great work.

 

 Be sure to check it out.

 

Sadly, unless there's time to do one more update, this will be the last article showing the exhibits as anything other than a memory. After Midnight tonight, the SLB sims will close.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Announcement: Black Purrl Airshow

 

 What: Black Purrl Airshow
Where: LM Provided/Fiji Island Airport
When: July 19th 11AM SLT - 1:30PM SLT

Come see dazzling aerial displays as the pilots of Black Purrl Airlines and Heavy Metal Aviation take to the skies over Fiji Island Airport.  Peruse the aviation exhibits, watch the amazing aerial maneuvers, and top it off with a Pink Floyd The Wall Tribute concert with full wall and effects to end the show at The Purrl Nightclub. A good time is guaranteed for all.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bancs%20Providence/37/98/29

 11:00 AM Grand Opening and Flyover by Miss Karlie, 
 11:10 Exhibitions and Meet & Greet with our staff,  
 11:20 Stunt exhibition over Fiji Isle by Admiral Kitty, 
 11:30 Wing Dancing Display, 
 11:35 Experience Flights 
 12-1:30 PM  CLOSING PARTY FULL PERFORMANCE of Pink Floyd's The Wall, complete with collapsing wall, lasers,  light show, and live action throughout! Billed best Live Show in 2015 Second Life,  Black Purrl is bringing ML back  to the stage to close our show at Haven Woods

To Air Show Concert Venue: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Haven%20Woods/169/7/21

 

SL Video: "Dire Straits - Money For Nothing"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Tiara Ashley on July 5. a tribute on a classic music video from the early 80s with early computer animation, made in Second Life. 

 

R&N Photography And Art Gallery

 

The staff of Club Lion recently opened an art gallery on their sim. On Thursday July 10, they held a party to officially open it, as well as celebrate the birthday of one of the staff. Bixyl Shuftan was there, and took a few pictures.

 

Read and see more in Design.

 

SL22B Ending This Weekend

 

It's been quite a show at the Second Life 22nd Birthday, or SL22B. But sadly the event will soon be coming to a close. Sunday July 20 is the last day the exhibits will be up. So if you haven't spent much time there, or want to see that one special exhibit again, hurry up and head over.

 

So head on over to the main entrance at SLB Awesome (123/103/103) , or go directly to Silvia Ametza's exhibit for the Newser at SLB Enchant (213/74/21). 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

This Saturday at The Science Circle: 6AM Event

 

 

Saturday July 19

 

    ~*~

 

    At 6 AM PST   

Biology 3.0 Is Coming - Discussion Series

https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/biology-3-0-3/

by Stephen Gasior 

 

    ~*~

 

    NOTE: Non-members required to register once

    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝  

 

Two SL22B Exhibits

 

Sadly, time is running out for the SL22B , with just a few days left to explore. If you haven't been there, you're missing out some cool and interesting exhibits. Two at SLB Captivate are a Wild West Town.

There were a number of buildings, and a medicine show wagon.

 

 Each of them had a sign with some information. Reality was sometimes a bit different than what you see in the Westerns in these places in which the myths and legends of continue to shape America today.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Captivate/75/140/21

 

Close by was  Erik Mondrian's Pyramid Map exhibit.

 

 Erik's three-dimensional topographical map provides a new look at Second Life's continents that the regular map doesn't provide. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Captivate/73/37/21

 

There's much more to see, so by all means see these places, but don't stop there. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Cartoon of The Day: Feeling Spacey

 

 Taken at Club Zero Gravity. Someone showed up with planets, stars, and a cookie orbiting his head. Some, substances, can do that to your head. But feeling light-headed after eating too many sweets can have the same effect too.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan