Democracy Defenders

 

In real-life news, political debate in America has gotten more intense over the past decade/ This has particularly been the case over the past year as the President has gone on an ambitious and aggressive agenda that his critics have branded as unconstitutional, authoritarian, even fascist. Netera Landar recently talked to one of the people behind Democracy Defenders, a "grassroots activist group" dedicated to protecting what it sees as America's core values. So how did the conversation go?

 

Read Netera's article in People. 

 

More Mystery Rocks on Second Life Mainland

 

Since finding the mystery rock at the Bay City Airport, yours truly has come across two more.  Running into Melissa Æther (Mistaether Resident) of the Drivers of SL group, she told me she had an idea where there were others. And so we did a short road trip, and in the Dangun sim, near the road, there was another strange rock with the same strange symbol. Next to it was another note from Dahlia Linden, identical to the one at Bay City.

 

But that wasn't all we found.  There was also a camp there, one with a Bay City flag erected. It had been set up by T.J. Hooker, a Bay City resident. I couldn't find any papers out in the open there, and I wasn't going to break into locked containers. So we could only guess this was to study this strange rock, and perhaps lay a claim of some kind on it. 

 

We then headed to the other rock, which was in the Plenodyes sim, also near the road. It was like the previous two, with the same glowing blue symbol, and the same note by Dahlia Linden. The only difference it was lying on it's side. And like the second stone, there was another camp with a Bay City flag, also set up by T.J. Hooker. This one was a little larger with more equipment. But we would find no papers out in the open or any other record of findings. 

 

We thought we saw a couple people nearby, but one remained unrezzed the whole time, and the other just rotated in place as if dizzy, dressed in 18th Century wear, a bot of some kind. We had a short chuckle, and with on with our discussions, having a short snack Melisa had on her before we left, "At least they (the Bay City explorers) could have left behind some sandwiches."

 

So far, still no clue on what the nature of the three strange stones are, no clue who Dahlia Linden is, what the Bay City team (unless T.J. Hooker was acting alone) found, or just what this "shift" Dahlia wrote that will happen on on February 16, today, is.

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

*Addition* T.J. Hooker answered my message, and had a few things to say, which will be part of the next update.  

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

A Busy Valentines Weekend

 

 Things were busy this weekend with the back to back Valentines Day events organized by Linden Lab, the "Love Train" and the "Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden." There were also a few other V-Day events the Newser was able to catch. 

 

 There were a few shenanigans going on, which we'll get into once there's a little more time to write down what was seen. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Spark of Attraction?

 

 

Taken at Veterans Isle. Not sure why the girl was sparkling, but my imagination thought what it could lead to.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted: Happy Valentines Day

 

 

DeniseUnicorn Toonie sent over this picture of herself as a pink cupid. 

 

Guess she gets her "point" across.

 

HFOT Veterans Concert Raises Over 170,000 Lindens

 

On Saturday February 7, Veterans Isle hosted it's monthly benefit concert. The event, organized in part by Frets Nirvana, was to raise money for Hopes For Our Troops. It went from 12 Noon to about 5PM SL time. 

 

DJ Kyle started things off at Noon. At 1PM, it was DJ Texas Starchild's turn on stage. At 2PM came the first live music performance with the popular Austin Moores. Last but not least, at 4PM  Grace Loudon took to the stage. As the performers did their music, people donated to two house-shaped kiosks on either side. 

 

Dropping in on Austin's set, Sandy Hauster called out, "You know why we're here today...we want to repay the sacrifices our Military Troops have made to ensure our safety and way of life.  Let's honor them with your gifts to Home For Our Troops.  They've given us so much.  Kiosks are at the front of the stage." 

 

Over the course of the event, Frets would ooccasionally ffer to add to the donation total once a certain mark had been reached, "Only 2250 to 30k .... when we hit 30k ...I will put in another 2500."

 

For the last some of his event, Austin would step off the stage and sing amongst the crowd. When he was done, Grace Loudon got onto the stage where Austin's stage set had been replaced with her piano, "Grace isn't accepting tips today, we're here supporting Homes For Our Troops, such a desperately needed cause.  Please, send those lovings to the donation boxes to either side of stage."

 

"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 429 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS."

By the end of the event, a total of 178,315 Lindens had been raised in both kiosks. 

To learn more about Homes for Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org 

 

*Correction* The Newser was informed that DJ Kyle performed for two hours, Noon to 2 PM, and not one.  

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Mystery Rock At Bay City Airport

 

I overheard some chatter in a Second Life group about a mystery rock located at Bay City, near it's airport. So I headed over to Hau Koda (98/9/31), where it lay on a hill, with some signs warning about an "anomaly" ahead.

 

 The rock had some odd blue symbol on it, colored bright blue.

 

 Next to it was a note, with the owner being a "Dahlia Linden."

 

It’s been a long journey, but I’ve finally arrived on the continent safely, and can start my research in full! 

A once in a lifetime opportunity has presented itself! My extensive study into anomalies has shown that this land is revealing energetic shifts in not only its core, but even within its structure as well. How curious. 

The readings I have been seeing have led me to this spot, where strange rocks have suddenly risen up from the earth’s surface! It’s as if they are stirring from a long deep slumber. Not just here either, but I am showing there are a few more of these strange rocks that have manifested on the continent as well. 

But why? And this sigil on the surface. What could it be?

According to my research, it seems as though there is going to be some sort of “shift”, or change in the future at these locations. What changes exactly? I am unsure.

Now, with my current notes and readings, it appears these rocks, or stones, rather, will have yet another change in approximately 30 days from today. The 16th of February. 

I will be sure to return around this time to see what further developments have been made. I will be sure to document every detail that I possibly can.

Until the next change,

Dahlia

 

Dahlia Linden's profile was almost empty, showing only her account age, 59 days. So what's going on, and what will be happening on February 16? It seems there's a mystery afoot.

 

Stay tuned for more updates,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Sunday Best"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From PinkPazuru on April 2020, 

 

Reminder: Special Love Train & Isle of View Linden Events Today, Tomorrow

 

Just a reminder. Linden Lab's Lindens and Moles will be hosting Valentine's Day themed events today and tomorrow. 

 

Today, Friday Feb 13

 

Love Train "To Death Do Us Part" - 11:30AM  to 12:30 PM SL time

 

WelcomeHubLindenHomes (88/53/26) 

 

Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden "To Death Do Us Part"  - 1 to 3 PM SL time

 

Isle of View 2 (84/79/107) 

 

Saturday, February 14

 

Love Train  - 11:30AM  to 12:30 PM SL time

 

WelcomeHubLindenHomes (88/53/26) 

 

Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden  - 1 to 3 PM SL time

 

Isle of View 2 (84/79/107) 

 

Valentine’s Day Events

 

By Netera Landar

You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with any of these scheduled events. Earlier parties and adult events are not included. Please dress appropriately; some parties may be formal. Remember to save a landmark so you can find your way back to the venue. You can also enjoy a virtual movie screening, dance in the clouds, and savor a virtual meal.

At the Savoy – Saturday, Feb. 14 – Rooftop Gallery Hearts on Fire: 

Rhapsody – 7 to 7:15 PM

Cher – 7:15 to 7:30 PM

Tristan – 7:30 to 7:45 PM

TommyC – 7:45 to 8 PM

Bronco Rumrunner – 8 to 8:15 PM

Cudzoo – 8:15 to 8:30 PM

Lady Q – 8:30 to 8:45 PM

 

8 AM - Valentine’s Day at Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic

8:30 AM - Love & Camouflage Shopping & Treasure Hunt Event at Long Beach

9 AM - DJ Dazz Presents Valentine’s Swing, Spark & Champagne at Love & Harmony

10 AM  - Valentine’s Day Gala – The Phantom of the Opera at Love & Harmony

10 AM - Valentine’s specialist DJ Mike Devalleyfield at Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic

10 AM - Valentine’s Day at The Wallace Arms

11 AM - Aminius Writer, Live at the Valentine’s Market

11 AM - Love Dance Venue Event

12 PM - Valentine’s Ball Enchanted Dreams at Midnight Mustang

12 PM - Traffic Light Dance Party Valentine’s Event x2 12-4PM 2000L

12 PM - Valentine’s Dance and Visual Effects with Soul Man - TRF Ministries

12 PM - Royal Orchestra Love Celebration – Dream On Society

12 PM - Outdoor Garden – Valentine’s Day at Rockin Robin

12 PM - Morgenstern Tribute Band – Bruce Springsteen at the Feed a Smile Love Festival – The Lavender Field 

12 PM Vic – Live Performance at Antiquity’s Valentine Masquerade Ball – lle St.-Vincent

1 PM – Merfolk by the Shore: A Valentine’s Tide – The Anchor – Home of Anchorbury

1 PM – Special Event Valentine’s Day – 3 live singers on stage – Ballroom Etoile

1 PM – Mascia Live at Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic venue

1 PM – Jo Big Live – Valentine’s Day at Snooky’s Seaside Resort

1 PM – Lost in You – Valentine’s Day

1 PM – Tally – Live Performance at Antiquity’s Valentine Masquerade Ball – lle St. Vincent

1 PM – Romantic Valentine Evening – Gilt Nightclub and Ballroom

2 PM – Djane Rebecca Dembo – Valentine’s Day Bash – Tumbleweed Junction Country Club

2 PM – Dj Efe @ Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic

2 PM – Valentine’s Special With Djembe – The Vibe Venue

2 PM – Valentine Speed Dating Event at The Little Pawprints Cat Café

2 PM – The Revelers Valentine’s Show at the Roaring 1920s Eldorado

2 PM – Club D-Block Presents Twizted Alice Valentine’s Event

3 PM – Echoes Valentine’s Day Event with Austin Moores

3 PM – Today @ Love Venue Club – Lovers Dream – Love – Dance and Romance Venue

3 PM – Valentine’s Special with Aleykat – The Vibe Venue

3 PM – Valentine’s Day at Vivid – Live Music

4 PM – Michael Buble Valentine’s Concert – Franks Elite Jazz Club – Elegant Romance

4 PM – DJ Rebecca Valentine’s Day Bash @Tumbleweed Junction Country Club

4 PM – Love is in the Air @ Club Daemonum Castle

4 PM – St. Valentine’s – Live DJs – Lovense – Text Dancers – Divine Desires

4 PM – Valentine’s Day is also Pantha Day – DJ Pantha - The Water’s Edge

4 PM – DJ Alexander at Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic

4 PM – KOI’s Valentine’s Special – All You Need is Love – Koi Jazz Bar & Lounge

4 PM – Save a Heart Anti-Vday – Planet 13

4 PM – Valentine’s Day Cocktail Party and Semi-Formal – Crossroads Blues

4 PM – Saturday Night Valentine’s at Velvet Impression – Vibe City District

4 PM – Lover’s Saturday @ KOI with DJ Wei – Koi Jazz Bar & Lounge

4 PM – Valentine’s Day Champagne and Roses Event in the Clouds with DJ Mandi

4 PM – The Crimson Waltz: A Valentine in the Masquerade – The Masquerade

4 PM – Lisa Brune Live at Lutz City of Templemore’s Valentine’s Event 

4 PM – Valentine’s Formal @ Heaven’s Edge

5 PM – Valentine’s Formal @ Canadian Club Lodge

5PM – Bits Boop Performs A Corn Bred Valentine Live at Rocking Country Roads

5 PM – Valentine’s Day @ The Club – Wackadoodle Cove Boat Club, Island & Coral Reef Sanctuary

5 PM - Stephanniyah Sinatra Live at Lutz City of Templemore’s Valentine’s Event

6 PM – Valentine’s Day @ Foxxies 

6 PM – DJ Slim V Day Bash @ Tumbleweed Junction Country Club

6 PM – Valentine’s Day Party at The Pharmacy Speakeasy

6 PM – KastleRock Presents – 2^nd Annual Valentine’s Day Masquerade Massacre Ball – KastleRock Medieval Rock and Metal Dance Sim & Club

6 PM – Come Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Paul at Etta’s

6 PM – Valentine’s LOVE at Heaven’s Edge

6:30 PM - Foxxies Valentine’s Ball – Foxxies Romantic Ballroom

7 PM - DJ Zin Lane – Valentine’s Day Ball with Songs of the Heart

7 PM – Valentine’s Day Party in Chicago – The Cooper Club 

7 PM – “Follow Your Heart” to the Willows Valentine Formal with DJ TinaMarie Beck

7 PM – Amberle Live at Lutz City of Templemore’s Valentine’s Event

7 PM – A Motown Valentine’s Day w/MSREALITY@Blossum Beach

8 PM – Valentine’s Day Lovers & Friends Ball – Tiki Palms, Hot Shots

8 PM – Kona Beach Valentine’s Day Party – Kona Beach and Surfing

8 PM – DJ RickBlood Keeps the Valentine’s Love Going – Heaven’s Edge Rock Club

 

Netera Landar 

RFL Announcement: Cardboard Cutout Relayers

 

 Event Name: CARDBOARD CUTOUT RELAYERS

When: Monday FEBRUARY 16, 5-6pm

Brief Description of Event:
Relayers of all volumes and weights are invited to meet some of the flattest Relayers on the grid as they dance around the issues of how cancer may relate to any part of the full life-cycle of paper industry products---ranging from tree planting and logging, to manufacturing, sustainability, recycling, ecology, and other things. Afterall, WHO MAKES those corrugated cardboard insides anyway? Music provided by deejay Gail might just answer ALL of your burning questions about such matters!

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/214/37/25

TEAMS: Multiple team BYOK

The Science Circle Is Back (Saturday At 10 AM)

 

In December, the Newser reported that The Science Circle,  a group dedicated to weekly discussions about various scientific topics in Second Life, had closed. But it seems the shutdown didn't last long. There was an announcement the group came back in January, and apparently has continued to have Saturday discussions. Their website is still down, but descriptions of events are on a LinkedIn page. 

 

For this Saturday 10 AM SL time: 

 

Join us in Second Life this Saturday for a presentation on
CHEMISTRY IN THE 20TH CENTURY AS SEEN IN THE 23RD AND 24TH CENTURIES: “THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE…”

by Natalie Foster, Ph.D.  

The auditorium (where the event may or may not be located) is located at: 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/23/139/23

 

DJ Shockwave At The "Battle of The DJs" By RFL Sugar Skols

 

Sunday evening was one of the first events of the Relay season, the "Battle of The DJs," hosted by team Sugar Skols in the Bohemian Rhapsody sim. The event was well-attended by a good crowd.

Among those taking part was DJ Shockwave (Shockwave Yareach) of the Sunbeamers. The event host, Rafe Odinson (Rafe Grumpypants) would say, "This is Shockwaves second battle with us and we are honored to have the Sunbeamers on our stage again this year! ... I am so happy Shockwave agreed to battle with us again this year!!!! He was at the top of my list!" Speaking on his stream before playing his music, he would say he was DJ at the event "because I am sick of friends of mine dying." But he soon returned to his more jovial self by playing songs such as "Code Monkey." Someone would comment, "This had shock written all over it - hahaha!"

 

Rafe also pledged to match every Linden donated, "Every single linden you spend tonight WILL BE MATCHED!!! How does that work? Well, Nae and I will be matching every total at the end of the night to the home team of that DJ! Tonight that means The Sugar Skols, Sunbeamers, Hope Floaters and yes we will be donating to Belle Ame in Sal's honor as well!"

 

Shockwave would get third place, and his total alone was over 50,000 Lindens. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

RFL Press Release: Sunbeamer Moon Dance BYOK Opening for New Season

 

Team Sunbeamers have dusted off things on the moon cleaned and charged the luanch cannons for another relay season to benefit the American Cancer Society! We are pleased to announce that flights to Sunbeamer Base on the moon resume Feb. 12, 2026. Dances will be at the usual times of 6 PM to 8PM SLT. Operations will continue every Thursday until June 11, 2026 

You arrive at Sunweaver Space and grab a seat in the Columbiad Moon Cannon to be shot to the moon. There once you land on the lunar surface you ask for a kiosk in your team's name if you don’t see one already. It will be planted and dance a celebration of your moon landing with other teams. Tunes provided by a Live DJ who is not taking tips! Wants you to tip the kiosk instead.  Come rep your team and if your not on a team then just pick a team and help them.

*(Bring Your Own Kiosk) but don't worry we'll put it out for you
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Space/108/113/50

 

Cynthia Farshore 

RFL Announcement: Wild Tiger Race

 

Event Name: WILD TIGER RACE

When: Friday FEBRUARY 13, Noon
thru
Sunday FEBRUARY 22, Noon

Brief Description of Event:
Avatars both large and small can race a "wild tiger" hover craft through a tropical environment to compete for the fastest times. Go as many times as you want during the 9-day contest to improve your times. Top three fastest racers during the event will win trophies and cash donations to their team kiosks. End of race period will be followed by 1 hour of music, dance and award-giving to the winners. 

 

1st place = $L3000; 2nd place = $L2000; 3rd place = $L1000.
 

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kangean/128/207/2805

TEAMS: Ertina Loopen Memorial Foundation, SHB Gems, 

 

Cartoon of The Day: When Kitties Attack

 

 Taken at Club Scorn. I was dropping by a friend's set when someone used an unusual gesture on me, covering me with mewing kitties. They soon vanished as fast as they appeared. But that did lead to some chuckles. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

The Relay Kickoff

 

 

On Saturday February 7, the Relay for Life had it's Kickoff event, the official start of it's fundraising season. It started at 10 AM. The event took place in American Cancer Society2 and 3, with over 170 avatars in the two sims combined. This year's theme is "Wild For A Cure."

 

Partly because of the lag, the event would be televised live on Youtube. The video is here for those who need a recap.

There were many avatars there of all kinds. Because of the lag, yours truly could only take pictures of some (you can see more in the video). There were also some drums for people to bang on. Some would also hold banners or flags of their own team, including the Sunbeamers, the home team of the community where the Newser office makes it's home. 

 

After about two hours, the event ended, and everyone began going their separate ways. Some would check out the builds on American Cancer Society2 and 3. Some would head to or get ready for smaller Relay events that day.

 

This would also be the start of fundraising, and those who did some off-season fundraising had an early lead.  For Day One, the top team would be the Sunbeamers, whose 650,000 Linden dollars put them at Jade level, with the Sugar Skols at second with 440,000 L and Platinum rank, and Fly For Life at third with 212,000 L and Gold rank. 

 

But the numbers would soon change. The Sugar Skols would be boosted by their "Battle of The DJs" and soar to 921,000L at Sapphire rank, or over $3,600 USD. The Sunbeamers would raise some more money, though not as much with a total of 719,000, $2,800 USD, and still at Jade rank. Harmony of Hope would rise to third place at 448,000 L, almost $1,800 USD, and Platinum rank.

 

More info on Relay events as they happen (and we have time to write).
 

To get the current totals, Click Here: https://sasun.info/rfl_teams?s=total_desc

 

Go Relay! 

Bixyl Shuftan

EOTB: New Valentine-Themed Last Names

 

Several days ago, Linden Lab would announce on the official Second Life blog a list of new options for account last names. With the month being February, they were Valentines Day themed.

 

 ... we have just released new last names for the season! The following Valentine-themed names are only available for a limited time:

 

 The list of names are as follows: Tender, Velvetpaw, Lovebug, Pookie, Lust, Amorous, Heartsy, Cuddleclaw, Latido, Luvmore, Sweetums, Snacc, Huggles, and Cherub. 

Dropping in some personal comments, "Latido" I had to look up, and it's Spanish for "beat" or "regular beat." It might be alluding to a heartbeat. "Cuddleclaw" and "Velvetpaw" sound like something for a female furry or dragon. Having "Snacc" for a surname, one might want to be careful around larger dragon avatars.

 

The Lab would say the names are "seasonal and may return around this time next year." It would also invite people to make suggestions for new surnames (on this Google doc). 

 

As a reminder, changing your account name is not free, but costs from $49.99 to $14.99 USD (FAQ).

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: Good or Bad, Planes, Valentine's Day

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, TBA, TBA, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: Snowy - "Fluffy Ears and/or Tails"

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  DJ Snowy - "Red, White, and/or Pink" 

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Club Scorn: Th 8-12, Sat 2-12

 

Furry Fashion: Creepy vs Cute, Cats & Rabbits, Pajama Party

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Juana, DJ Charlee, DJ Whiskey, DJ Vantox

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'