Commentary: Of RFL's Team Sunbeamer's Folding

 

"All good things must come to an end" so goes an old saying. And late last month, following the death of it's captain Rita Mariner, it was announced that the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers, after thirteen years of fun and fundraising, would be retired. Obviously the end of it's leader was the big reason. But there were others that led to this decision.

 

Read the commentary in Extra.  

Technical Difficulties Keep Some Offline, Interfere With Support And Money Transactions

 

 Yesterday, Sunday August 23, some residents had trouble logging on, and if they were on weren't always able to make or see announcements. 

We are currently investigating the outage of our Support services. At this time residents may experience issues accessing their dashboard on Second Life, logging inworld, and the ability to access Live Chat or to submit a Support case. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience. Please follow this blog for any further updates.

Chat did continue to happen to a smaller degree, some residents noticing fewer people than expected showing up at events, and money transactions not going through. 

 

Finally at 2:57 PM SL time, almost three hours after the problem had been announced, Linden Lab stated the situation has been resolved. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted AI Artwork

 

 From Lilybeth Patterson. Brandi Streusel and Zee are trying to get into a speakeasy for a party, but have forgotten the password so the bouncer won't let them in. Fortunately, a certain reporter fox provides a distraction so they can slip by. 

 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Abnor Mole's Car

 

 From the Ttans-Sansara Causeway. There was one single car on the yet to be completed bridge, from Abnor Mole. It had the slogan "Mo Homes" on the side. Since he works in expanding Bellisseria and it's Linden Homes, it seems that's what he enjoys doing, and maybe a strong hint of what's to come in the future. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Drivers of SL Grid Drive 2026-06-13 - Drive (short) and Flight & RFL"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Zada Bury on August 19, "So far a simple drive, but there was a lot stressing me out and the sim-crossings was ... 'difficult'. After the main-part of the drive, was then also a visit of the RFL-event. The RFL event is pretty awesome made, but I am pretty overloaded with work at this time, so I have not enough time to appreciate it right. I try my best and give best wishes. Don't be fooled by my 'fast trough'."

 

At 4:18, she runs into a certain someone. 

 

Renee Riva of RFL Relay Rockers Passes Away

 

Last night, Thursday August 20, Trader1 Whiplash announced the passing of Renee Riva.

 

With broken hearts and profound sadness the Relay Rockers learned today of the passing of our dear friend, original teammate and pillar of strength Renee Riva.

Renee who was partnered with DJRipster Riva for 11 years was a 3-time cancer survivor and  living proof that resilience and hope can carry a person, and everyone around them, through the hardest of battles.

Renee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011 and then a few years later suffered a metastatic brain tumor. As a result of the multiple treatments she developed leukemia and in the past year suffered Kidney failure and had been in assisted living as she underwent dialysis.

Renee passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning. 

A Memorial Service is being planned for for early September.
 

The announcement was followed by a number of messages of surprise and condolences in Relay chat. "Prayers for all who knew her." "So sad to hear of her passing. she was a lovely lady and we've missed her these past few months. condolences to her family and friends." "Hugs, Trader, Rip, the Rockers and her friends & family. Renee will be greatly missed, she was a true inspiration." "So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers to DJRipster , friends and SL family and also to real life family and friends."

 

The Relay Rockers team for the Relay for Life was folded at the end of this year's Relay season in June after about twenty years, with the advancing age and declining health of it's remaining founding members being a factor. 

 

Rest in peace Renee 

 

Image Credit: DJ ripster435riva (ripster435 Resident) 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update - Three New Sims, New Bridge Length

 

There's been some more progress on the Trans-Sansara Causeway project. To begin with, the unfinished bridge on the southern border of Pomponio and Albion has been cleared away. There's no trace left of the 2021 structure, and it appears a number of other builds and items have been moved as well. The construction sign has been removed as well. Were they going to use the bridge and change their mind, or was the sign a heads up the build would be gone? 

 

 

But while one bridge is gone, a new one is up. Just southeast of the five new sims that were reported on in August 10, there are now an additional three newer ones: Cleone, Falk, and Tunitas.  Just north of the sim border between Mavericks and Cleone, there's a new bridge. Currently, a gate closes it to vehicle traffic, and there's a construction sign there from the Linden Department of Public works. 

 

This new bridge is longer and more detailed than the one it replaced. Instead of just piers, the bridge is also build on rocky islands with some vegetation on them. They're also built a bit wavy and curvy. No way someone would get "highway hypnosis" on this road. A nice scenic structure to walk on, or drive on once finished. Well, one guy was driving. Abnor Mole left his car behind, with the words "Mo homes" on the side. 

 

The bridge is not yet finished, the last length resting on a bare rocky isle in the middle of the Swanton sim, within sight of the island at Tomales next door to the west. Presumable that's where further construction will be. 

 

Back in the Luna sim, where the other end of the causeway starts, further work has connected the tunnel to the road, and the construction cones have been removed. One can now drive their vehicles from the street and into it, though they will have to stop and turn around as construction at Thetis' island has not progressed. 

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Saber Teeth Troubles

 

 

 Taken at one of DJ Tantari's parties. One guy had a Sabertooth avatar, with the teeth. And well, it had the usual problem of "clipping," making him looking at times like he stabbed himself. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Flying Purple Thing Over Sansara

 

 In what looked like a scene from an eldritch horror story, while checking out an area of construction for the Trans-Sansara Causway in Pomponio, I noticed something floating to the north. Upon further inspection, it was some kind of weird floating thing with a single, disturbing-looking eye.

 

Maybe he was part of a "Flying Purple People Eater" video.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Walk Around the Grid: The Willows Cartoon Night

 

In her latest "Walk Around The Grid" article, Netera Landar writes about, and shows some pictures from, when a favorite club of hers, Willows, threw a party that no doubt brought back some happy childhood memories among many: Cartoon Night. She and others danced along classic cartoon characters, and some more recent stars. 

 

Read Netera's story in Events. 

 

Mystery Circle of Alts Near Bay City

 

Second Life can have no shortage of weirdness. While checking out the new construction on the Trans-Sansara Causway, looking around, I noticed a curious circle of avatars in the Hiltrude sim near Bay City. Heading over, they were underwater, and all had similar names, each with"Pitblado" as part of them, and created all on the same day, April 3, 2026. They all had blank profiles and were invisible, minus their tags.

 

And then suddenly vanished. Not one by one, but every single one teleported away, all at once. 

 

Checking the map, I saw they'd gone to Shannavay several sims away. So I headed there and got a better look.  What they were doing, no idea. It's possible they were bots trying to get information on nearby sims. But they don't need to be in groups for this purpose or stay very long. 

 

Oh, and no, you can't teleport into The Cornfield near Hiltrude.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Mr. E, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - School Outfits

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  DJ Moni, DJ Cookie, DJ Chucklepuppy, DJ Moff

 

Furry Fashion: TBA

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

Reader Submitted Picture: On A Bridge To, Somewhere

 

 From Mystery Mellon, a picture of her with Rezzdammit on the unfinished bridge at the southeast corner of the Swanton sim. 

 

Open Mike At Book Island

 

Book Island has several events a week, mostly oriented for those who like to read, write, and both, though there are occasional dance shows and other happenings. Soon after 1PM Sunday, dropped by for some of it's Open Mike event, hosted by Selina Green

 

1pm Open Mic on Book Island - come share your writing (fiction, non fiction, poetry, essays - anything!) or the writing of your favourite author. You can read yourself or have someone else read for you or just come to listen. Try your luck at winning our L300 doorprize too! 

 

By all means this isn't the only event to go to. Join the "Book Island Events And Discussions" to find out more (link). The location also has a small office for the Newser at (221/118/36). 

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/187/131/36

 

Bixyl Shuftan