Grand Opening at Bandit's Hideout

Tonight is the Grand Opening of the Bandit's Hideout Pub. Owned by Bandit Starrwolf (banditwolf100) the Hideout is an Irish-themed club in the Drakon sim that promises to be a place of music, fun, and revelry. "I have a traditional Irish pub setting with all the refinements of larger establishments." Bandit told me, "I don't know about other places, but we are here to have fun."

The opening event will have lots of cash prizes. Bandit told me  there will be "500L being given away every 30 minutes in random drawings." Plus there will be a 500L Best in Irish contest. But there's also something that yours truly has never heard of before as part of a grand opening event: a barroom brawl. Bandit will be handing out seven HUDs for the event for seven brawlers, "I will use the name randomizer if I have a lot of brawlers and hooligans show up," plus take part himself. 1000 Lindens goes to the last one standing.

Dropping by the place, there were certainly plenty of the trappings of an Irish pub, with lots of barstools around a central bar. But there was also a dance floor, as well as some couches with optional cuddle poses for couples. A peek upstairs revealed there was more to do between parties besides chat. There were three games: Russian Roulette, "Cards Against Humanity," and "Greedy," in addition to a pool table. So there were quite a few ways to keep a crowd entertained.

While there, I ran into the barkeep, Provokescene, "I bartend for this place." As it turns out, the bar has already been open unofficially for a week, "We've played Russian Roulette and have locked bandit in the bathroom and party hard." Asking about details of the bathroom incident, "We were all having a good time on voice and laughing while he went afk and we moved him in there. (laughter) He came back scared and got all jokey while everyone was laughing hard."

Asking him about the planned barroom brawl, Provokescene felt it came about, "Because the people here like to be spontaneous and have fun and Bandit came up with the idea ... it's really fun here and you can be yourself here."

The Grand Opening is tonight at 8PM at Drakon (110/35/22)

Bixyl Shuftan

Fabulous Flags

Syndra has been getting ready for the Fourth of July a little early. Or rather, scouting around for those who want to be prepared. She's found a few examples of red white and blue women's swimwear, and most people would agree, with all the politicians wrapping themselves in the flag these days, it looks a lot more appealing when on a cute girl.

Read Syndra's review in Fashion.

Team Sunbeamer Relay For Life Updates

Team Sunbeamer, the team for the Sunweaver/Angels community for the Relay for Life, is going to have another fundraising event soon. This time it's a race at the Pacific Waters sim around Farshore Field.

Speaking with Cynthia Farshore, she told me she was roughly about halfway finished with the track, which will include a corkscrew turn, obstacles that have a way of appearing just after a driver clears a turn, and a wandering turtle that can cause a bike to jump in the air as riders zoom over it's shell.

In the past, there was a motorbike-themed Relay team that held racing events regularly. This time, there hasn't been one. So the event is likely to get more attention from racing fans.

The Sunbeamer Road Rally is scheduled for June 27. Cynthia acknowledges this puts the event during the Second Life Birthday megaevent, but raising funds for cancer takes priority.

* * * * *

On another note, the Relay Committee approved the Sunbeamer's request for a campsite, but there was an interesting twist, which Rita Mariner explained in brief in an announcement.

Sunnies/Beamers; Our RFL Team has been approved for a Large Campsite, ON the Water Sim?!?  If that means underwater, We are all going to DROWN!  LOL, I think we can adapt!

So this means some changes of plans for Team Sunbeamer's Relay Weekend exhibit. But when I overheard Shockwave Yareach chatting about it at a Club Cutlass event, he was confident it wouldn't be much trouble.

* * * * *

As of the writing of this article, Team Sunbeamers has raised about 205,000 Lindens, sixth place among the Silver ranked teams. So to help things along, yours truly is throwing down a couple "avatar challenges," in the spirit of the traditional "Bid Me Bald" events. When Team Sunbeamers reaches Gold Level, about 250,000, yours truly will wear a purple otter avatar for a week when in public.

Should the Sunbeamers reach Platinum rank, 500,000 Lindens, well that calls for a more substantial challenge. Yours truly will take the form of a MLP pony avatar, which I've never (and I mean never) worn, and keep that for about a week as well in public.

So if you want to make me "horse around," you'll have to "pony up" some Lindens to Team Sunbeamer. And one "otter" know I'll do it.

Bixyl Shuftan

Pod Accident At Newser Exhibit

A couple days ago, when I was seting up the crew pictures at the Newser's SL12B exhibit, I heard someone shout "Runaway pod!!" Then someone wiped out right on our plot. It was Catboy Qunhua, one of the volunteers.

Fortunately her avatar didn't have any broken bones. Only her pride had a few bruises as she got up and dusted herself off a couple moments after this picture was taken.

As of now, the exhibits are closed for inspection, to be reopened on Friday for minor tweaks and any recommendations by the inspectors.Press Day is Saturday, and finally on Sunday the sims are open to all with the opening of The Birthday.

Press Release: Leather and Lace at Cafe Horizons

The Second Life Coast Guard RFL Team is returning for another musical event Thursday, June 18 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM SLT or later if needed. We'll be doing a mix of music this time and I will be spinning the tunes. Please dress civilian or come in theme which is Leather and Lace. We will be holding this event at Cafe Horizons Music and Dance Club. Please come and help us support our SLCG Relay for Life Team and New Horizons. Hope to see you!


Connie Mistwalker

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Allalinhorn/191/236/37

SL Video: "What Second Life Means To Me, with Gentle Heron "

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Gentle Heron, on Jun 16, 2015, "Second Life is more than an app, a game, or social media platform. This video includes an interview with Gentle Heron, Executive Director of Virtual Ability, Inc., describing what Linden Lab's Second Life means to her and to members of the Virtual Ability community."

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at "The Happy Vixen" beach club in Purrfection

By Bixyl Shuftan

Feed a Smile at The Lavender Field

This time of year in Second Life is known for it's events for the Relay for Life. But it is not the only charity going on in Second Life. BloodyKitty dropped by an event for "Feed A Smile" this Sunday. Taking place in the sim of the same name in "The Lavender Field," the event raises funds to feed children in Kenya.

Read BloodyKitty's article in Events.

Eye on the Blog: "The 'What Second Life Means to Me' Video Share Project"

Following Linden Lab's announcement that they are ordering third-party Linden exchangers to close by August, Xiola Linden posted on the Linden blog about a "video share project," inviting the residents to take part in a promotion of Second Life for it's anniversary.

We’ve been having a lot of fun with no end in sight to the good times - but you can’t turn 12 without a little pride and reflection. Second Life has been going strong for a dozen wonderful years and there’s a ton of things happening to celebrate. You’ll see more to come here in the Featured News Blog - but we wanted to stop and ask - “What is the meaning of Second Life?” To you - that is! This question may sound daunting - but the truth is, tapping into what makes “SL” so special to us as individuals and communities is a really amazing exercise in retrospection and self-discovery. This is your world - so what does it mean to you? Whether you just got started, have been onboard for the full dozen years, or fall somewhere in between - we’d love to see a glimpse of your story in the “What Second Life Means to Me” video project.

For those without a video program, Xiola suggested Fraps, which has a free version, and Camtastia, which has a trial version, She also stated the videos don't have to be strictly inworld, " because we understand that Second Life impacts our offline lives as well."

Xiola started things off with her own video:



(Click Here if the video fails to play)

Stay tuned for more videos

To see the blog entry in it's entirety, Click Here.

SL Newser At The SL12B : Sneak Peek Part Two

And what might this contraption be? This is Ranchan Weidman's contribution to the SL Newser exhibit for the Second Life Twelfth Birthday celebrations, or SL12B. Or rather, this is how it looked when she was about halfway finished. Since then, she's completed the structure and resized it.

So what does it look like now? You'll see for yourself in a few days when the SL12B opens.

Breaking News: Linden Lab Orders Third-Party Linden Exchangers To Close By August

In a reversal of it's deal with third-party Linden exchange services wanting to stay in business two years ago, Linden Lab announced in it's blog that it was "Concluding the Authorized L$ Reseller Pilot Program."

In 2013, we introduced a pilot program for Authorized Linden Dollar (L$) Resellers. This pilot program was designed to give Second Life Residents additional options for purchasing Linden Dollars, particularly for those based outside the US.

Since then, we have expanded the payment options for Second Life users, and today, you can easily purchase L$ in more countries than ever before, using a credit card, PayPal, or Skrill, which supports a wide range of payment methods. We’ve found that these options support the vast majority of Second Life users, and we have therefore made the business decision to close the Authorized Linden Dollar Reseller pilot program.

We are contacting program participants directly to detail the next steps for them, and they will have approximately six weeks to sell off their L$ inventory.

As of August 1, 2015, the Authorized L$ Reseller pilot program will be closed, and the LindeX will be the only authorized place to purchase L$.

Among the Linden Exchangers is Podex, a long-term sponsor of Second Life Newser.

More details to come later on this stunning news development.

To view the announcement in full, Click Here.

Events This Week at the Sunweaver Clubs

It's a fun week at the Sunweaver Clubs.  At the Vinyl on Tuesday, it's time to dig up from the stories of creatures of old with "Mythologicals," then tan your hide and tap the rubber tree with "Leather and Latex." On Thursday, get out your collars, ears, and tails for the "Dog Days of Summer." At Cutlass, it's "Best in K" and others.

See details in Events This Week.

Press Release: The Decades Festival and Ball

The Decades Festival and Ball is set for June 27, 2015 starting at 12:01 AM SLT

We conceived The Decades Festival when it became clear that money needed to be raised to support Historical RP and education in SL through The Historical Communities and Royal Courts website, http://royalcourts.ning.com/.   We wanted to help with the expense of running this site that supports all of us in sharing live history in the metaverse.  What started out as a simple request for donations drew all of our attention to the need to support one another in all we do in Second Life and elsewhere on the net to promote historical education and RP.  A little discussion led to a lot of planning and, voila! a Festival was born. 

We chose the sunflower as the symbol for the DECADES Festival because their open faces that symbolize the sun speak to what historical communities and builds represent: warmth, happiness, admiration—and  with your help and support, longevity, as well. Look for sunflowers throughout the sim, and if you can please be generous in your donations to support historical and education builds.

June 27, The Decades Festival Site on Vahalla Island in SL will be host to nine HUGE history exhibits and 15 live and/or interactive events, which run the gamut from Renaissance music to coffee house RP.  There will be balloon rides and pony rides, even a zip line.  There is a historical ship to explore and a space museum that will knock your socks off.  You won't believe the attention to historical detail and accuracy in all of the exhibits, no matter what their subject, from hats to fine art to tarot to houses. 

The festival was dreamed up by Freda Frostbite and her cohort in many things virtual, SisterButta.  Lots and lots of people have contributed their time and talent to building this big event and they have done it in less than a month!  Please compliment all of them on the amazing work they have done creating The Decades Festival and Ball.  Questions and Concerns may be directed to Freda and Sister.  We do hope you'll spend at least part of June 27 with us at The Decades Festival and Ball.  Below are the events schedule and descriptions of the many exhibits. 

Please help to make the Decades Festival a huge success!

SL Video: "SL12B Sneak Peek: 'And So It begins' "

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Inara Pey on Jun 9, 2015, "This year, Second Life marks its 12th anniversary, and once again there will be a week long celebration in-world featuring the rich creative and artistic diversity present in this virtual world. On offer will be live entertainment, DJs, talks and presentations, incredible builds by users; games, and more. All at the SL 12th Birthday Community Celebration.

"Come join the fun 21st- through 28th June, 2015. "

Event blog: http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/

Mauve

Second Life has plenty of places where there's parties going on, places to shop, and lots of flashy effects. But what if you want to go somewhere and just take it easy. One such place you can go to is Mauve. It's out of the way, but not too far away from some popular places. Not too many people come here, so it's good for those who like a little solitude.

Read the article from our newest writer, BloodyKitty, in Places.

The Indulgence Fair

Syndra's search for deals in fashion took her on the wilder side of Second Life recently. Her destination, the Indulgence Fair. There, she found deals from designers such as "Pervette" that are financial temptations, as well as sensual ones.

Read Syndra's review in Fashion.

The SL12B Approaches

It's just six more days to go until the Second Life Twelfth Birthday opens on Sunday June 21st. After a couple weeks of building time the exhibits across the fifteen sims are taking shape. For the exhibitors, only a few days are left until the buildings are put on hold for inspection, so it's crunch time.

The SL Newser Exhibit is in the northeast corner of SL12B Wonderous. Here's a sneak peak at what's there.

For more information, check out the SL12B website (here). Daniel Voyager also posted a few maps showing the progress of the builds (here).

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "The Drax Files World Makers Episode 30 - Maylee Oh "

(Click here if the video fails to play)

Published on Jun 12, 2015, "Paris, France based Maylee Oh makes a living by designing female apparel for avatars who live in the virtual world of Second Life. 'I can run my own business the way I like in terms of product and customer service!' says the 28-year old who worked for the better part of 8 years to establish her brand 'The Secret Store.' She is using a mix of creative tools such as Blender and Photoshop to arrive at a a unique and simple style that is quite popular among the millions of avatars from all around the world roaming the vast digital universe.

"And even being a freelance designer does not mean being lonely in front of a computer because Maylee's international collaborators share a virtual workspace in Second Life, they work indeed side by side and can productively socialize as if they were together in the physical realm. The concept of virtual goods and services as a means of income may still be esoteric for many says Maylee but she adds: '…when skeptical friends say it is a waste to spend money on dressing up an avatar I usually reply that they are buying my time, my idea of style that they can make their own. It is not a waste. A lot of thought and work went into this. Everyone including me wants to make their avatar look good, because clothing is personal expression! What is wrong with that?'

"Quite so!"

For more information about Maylee check out http://www.thesecretstoresl.com/

"Big thanks to Marianne McCann and all the great extra actors who participated in making this episode. Special thanks to Maylee's office colleagues - sorry to keep you from working during this production!

"Secret Store commercial & 'My Mom' sequence by Maylee Oh."

Cartoon of the Day

From Bay City's Anniversary party. Kenny Luckless, in a tiny skunk avatar, seems to have a problem with a tailgater. Let's hope he backs off, or the situation will really stink.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Classic SLN Cartoons

From June 2009

By Bixyl Shuftan