Cartoon of The Day: Call The Doctor

 

 Taken at Club Cutlass. Someone was in a Cyberman avie, one of the antagonists in "Doctor Who." They might not react well if someone calls for a doctor.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

 

Valentine Shop and Hop Going On

 

 

For those looking to get something for their sweetheart, get some gear for a romantic-themed party, or just like shopping in general, some good news. The Valentine Shop and Hop is taking place. 

 

Having started on  Friday January 30, the event has over 280 stores across 14 sims. Each of the sims has decorations from teddy bears to candy hearts, and more. 

 

 

Each shop has it's goods discounted by 20 percent, or more. And each has either a gift available for everyone regardless if they're in the store's group or not, or a gift certificate 

 

For those wanting to post, or view, pictures, there's a Shop & Hop Flickr Group: https://www.flickr.com/groups/slshophop ..

 

For a list of the sims, check here on the Destinations Guide.  For a list of the store SURLs, check here on the Linden Blog (more on other VDay happenings later). Or if you just want to hop right in, head to Lavendar (129/126/54). 

 

Happy Shopping 

 

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: Hippies, Trains, The British Invasion

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

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - Sleepwear

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  DJ Rose - Uniforms

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Club Scorn: Th 8-12, Sat 2-12

 

Furry Fashion: Fur V Scales, Wings, CAYA

 

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

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

Honoring Cassie Fairelander

 

On Sunday, it was announced that Cassie Fairlander, the real-life and SL partner of Oldesoul Eldemar, had passed away. That night, there was a memorial dance for her at Junkyard Blues. 

 

 People were invited to wear wings in Cassie's memory. Bard Wasp was the one playing the music. Among the people coming in were performers such as Ichie Kamichi and Merryjest Starchild

 

 

On Monday, it was announced there was a memorial table for people to leave a message of condolence at the Chapel in Wooburn. There was also a black armband to pick up. 

 

 If anyone would like to write a condolence note to Olde...please come to the St. Barnabus Chapel in Wooburn.  Drop a nc into the table inside the chapel...light a candle...and bless Cassie on her next journey...we were all privileged to have known her  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wooburn/101/133/42

 

 When I dropped by, there were several people there, reminiscing about Cassie and how to remember her this Relay season.

 

Rest in Peace, Cassie,

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

RFL Press Release: Relay Season Kickoff This Saturday, February 7, 10 AM

 

Wild for a Cure

Some journeys feel like stepping into the unknown.

The path twists. The terrain gets rough. The nights feel long.

For anyone touched by cancer, the journey can feel like pushing through a dense jungle with only hope as a compass.

That’s why our 2026 Relay For Life of Second Life theme is “Wild for a Cure.”
Because this fight takes courage. Because it takes heart. Because it takes a community brave enough to venture forward together. 

On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10am SLT at the American Cancer Society Island (ACS2 & ACS3), we invite you to join us for our Kickoff Celebration, where we officially begin another season of fundraising, remembrance, survival, and determination in support of the American Cancer Society.

This is where our expedition begins.

A Wild Celebration of Life, Strength, and Hope

Our kickoff will burst to life, featuring dynamic dance performances by the Playdolls and the Dreamstars, bringing rhythm, color, and electric energy to the heart of our celebration. A poem written and performed by Sugar (Vibrat0) will inspire us to press on. And we’ll hear an incredible story of survival from Nicole Malady & Hellraiser. 

The kickoff celebration is more than entertainment. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of hardship, there is movement. There is joy. There is life worth celebrating.

Why We Gather

We gather for the survivors who kept going when the trail seemed impossible.

We gather for the caregivers who carried hope when others felt too tired to stand.

We gather to honor those we’ve lost, whose stories continue to guide our way.

And we gather for a future where fewer families have to walk this path.

Every step we take through Relay For Life of Second Life helps the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking research, provide patient support, improve prevention, and offer guidance to people facing cancer at every stage of their journey.

This kickoff is where our collective mission takes shape.

Where teams form.

Where goals are set.

Where hearts align around a single purpose: a world without cancer.

What Awaits You at the Kickoff

• Powerful stories of survival, remembrance, and resilience

• A preview of our 2026 Relay season and what resources are available to volunteers

• Opportunities to join a team or start your own

• Community moments to honor loved ones and celebrate life

• Music, performances, and an atmosphere charged with wild, unstoppable hope

Join the Adventure. Join the Fight.

You don’t need to be fearless.

You just need to be willing to take the next step.

Whether you’re a longtime Relay supporter or new to the cause, this kickoff is your invitation to step into the wild with us. To run toward hope. To stand with fighters. To help carve a trail toward cures.

Bring your heart.

Bring your memories.

Bring your courage.

Let’s go Wild for a Cure, together.

 

Cassie Fairelander Has Passed Away

 

Oldesoul has given us the sad honor to communicate news that we would have never wanted to share.

It is with infinite sadness that we have to announce the sudden passing of Cassie Fairelander (Eldemar), Olde’s lifetime companion both in real life and second life, on January 31st 2026.

We all know of her infinite talent and creativity, as well as kindness and devotion to charitable causes.

But for many, Cassie was a friend, a gentle soul with whom it was nice to chat and spend time.

Her passing creates an abyss in many lives, and she will be missed deeply.

Oldesoul has asked that all condolences and inquiries be directed to either Liz Wilner or Wildstar Beaumont at this time, and until the private RL funeral for Cassie has occurred. 

Our love to Oldesoul.

Information on how to honor Cassie will be shared in the next few days

Liz Wilner and Wildstar Beaumont

 

From the Relay for Life Volunteers Group
 

Hopeby Village

 

Netera Landar was recently at a roleplay community depicting life in a small British town, Hopeby Village. Founded by Chard and Stevie Hope, a number of others have moved into this cozy area, taking on various roles, and it is still open for more. Netera would look around and have a few words with one of the founders. 

 

Read Netera's article in Places.

 

Announcement: “The Missing Torso Mystery Game”

 

If you love art, writing, and mysteries, participate in Kondor Art Center’s “The Missing Torso” game. It focuses on Zia Branner's missing masterpiece. It vanished when the crew closed the center for the night. Security cameras were turned off because no one knows who took it. If you’re ready to investigate, these are the steps you can take to solve the mystery.

Start your investigation at the Main Gallery. Look for 14 hidden fragments such as colors, shadows, or seams of gold scattered across the gardens, galleries, and the Kondor Café.

Click each fragment to receive clues leading to the next location.

Find the missing Torso hidden in one of the landmark installations. They offer a hint: Look up! The architecture is part of the mystery.

Provide evidence. Take a photo of the Torso exactly where you found it.

Write Your Theory. Compose a story (150–900 words) explaining the disappearance. Use a pseudonym to keep the mystery alive!

Submit your investigation. Drop your story and photo at the Kondor Café submission box before Sunday, March 29. That’s when the game ends.

The Rewards:  8,000L Prize Pool and Certificates & Distinctions. Winners will be announced at the Grand Gala on Thursday, April 9.

“THE MISSING TORSO”  — Mystery Game Contest Rules

1. Description of the Contest

“The Missing Torso” is a cultural mystery game set in the Kondor Art Center, combining art, storytelling, and investigation. Participants must explore the Kondor Art Center's exhibition venues, find fragments and clues, identify the missing artwork, and submit their own written theory on the disappearance.

2. Objective

The objective of the contest is to collect all fragments of the missing torso artwork and, based on the clues discovered, to produce a compelling narrative theory explaining how and why the disappearance occurred.

3. Participation

Participation is open to all visitors of the Kondor Art Center. There is no entry fee. Participants may join the game at any time between the contest's opening and closing dates.

4. Contest Duration

The mystery game and contest will run from:

Opening: January 29, 2026

Closing: March 29, 2026

All final submissions must be received before 23:59 SLT on March 29, 2026.

5. How to Play

Participants must:

    1.    Visit the Kondor Art Center and its venues.

    2.    Find the hidden fragments and clues distributed across the different locations.

    3.    Assemble the information gathered in order to find the missing artwork.

Clues are partial fragments of the missing artwork with an important written message inside, that lead to the next place, where the next hint is hidden. To get it, just click on the fragment found.

    4.    After finding the missing artwork hidden in one of the important places of the Kondor Art Center, take a photo of it in its location.

    5.     After finding it, write a narrative theory about its disappearance, and include the photo taken in the location you found it. This is the most important part of the game

6. Final Submission Requirements

Final submissions must:

    •    be written in English

    •    be signed by the participant with a pseudonym

    •    be between 150 and 900 words

    •    present a theory explaining the disappearance of the torso

    •    be original and written specifically for this contest

    •    include a notecard with the participant’s SL avatar name

The tone and style are free: poetic, noir, humorous, academic, detective, surreal, philosophical, documentary, etc.

7. Jury and Evaluation Criteria

The jury will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

    1.    Narrative quality (clarity, coherence, imagination)

    2.    Engagement with the clues

    3.    Elegance of language and tone

    4.    Cultural sensitivity and sophistication

    5.    Originality of theory

    6.    Overall enjoyment

Bonus appreciation may be given to theories that:

    •    link multiple venues

    •    reflect Kondor’s cultural atmosphere

    •    show literary ambition

    •    demonstrate a personal style

8. Plagiarism & AI Clause

We love creativity — not copy/paste.

AI tools may be used as assistants (e.g., brainstorming, editing, translation), but the theory itself must be written by you.

If your submission reads like ChatGPT dictation or an encyclopedia entry, we will politely close the case and disqualify it.

9. Prizes

Total prize pool: 8,000 $L

Additional gift cards may be awarded.

Prizes will be distributed as follows:

    •    1st Place: Main Prize + certificate

    •    2nd Place: Runner-up Prize + certificate

    •    3rd Place: Honorable Mention + certificate

There will be prize money awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes   

Additional distinctions may be awarded at the jury’s discretion.

10. Jury Decisions

The jury's decisions are final. The jury may declare a tie, award shared prizes, or withhold prizes if submissions do not meet the minimum criteria.

11. Rights and Attribution

Participants retain the rights to their written texts. By submitting, participants grant Kondor Art Center permission to:

    •    display the texts in-world

    •    publish them for exhibition purposes

    •    include them in salons, catalogues, or machinima

    •    archive them in Kondor’s cultural collection

Attribution will always be respected.

12. Disqualification

Texts may be disqualified if they:

    •    are plagiarized

    •    contain hateful or discriminatory content

    •    include personal attacks

    •    violate general community norms

Erotica is allowed if tasteful and culturally meaningful.

13. Results and Closing Ceremony

The winners will be announced and prizes delivered during a special gala on April 9, 2026.

14. Questions

Questions and clarifications may be addressed in-world or via notecard to Hermes Kondor.

Sponsors include: BBX Design - Yachts & Buildings, Cats Claw Designs, Dench Designs, Kunglers Jewelry, NanoGunk - Cigar Yachts, and Sunwheel Studio. 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Why The Blocks

 

 Taken at the Winter Burn. Of this couple dancing, the girl was much shorter than the guy, and was wearing wooden blocks under her shoes. 

 

Hopefully it helps with conversations in which they're trying to see each other's viewpoints.  

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Winter Storms Hitting Middle Atlantic States

 

 It was just a week ago that a huge winter storm slammed into the Midwest and South of the USA, knocking out power for almost a million. Now another storm is bringing harsh weather to Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and parts of neighboring states. 

 

Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for parts of the Southeast. In general, the worst weather will be where blizzard warnings or winter storm warnings are in effect on the map ...

Significant snowfall is likely in some of these areas this weekend. Travel is expected to become dangerous and power outages and closures are likely, some of which could last multiple days. Wind gusts closer to the North Carolina and southeast Virginia coast could drop visibility significantly.

 Yours truly is in the path of the storm, and there is the possibility of lost power. So we'll see how bad the conditions get.

 

Source: weather.com 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Video: "Party With a Purpose, Sunbeamers Anthem"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

From EmpressLuna Starchild on January 27

 

[Intro]
Alright Sunbeamers - listen up!
We don’t just show up…

[Verse 1]
We’re the loud ones, the real ones, never sitting still,
Top ten strong cause we bring that will,
Not here for the fame, not here for the crown,
We show up smiling when life knocks down

Inside jokes, wild nights,
Turning heavy moments into light,
When it gets hard, we lean in closer,
This team don’t fracture - it gets stronger

[Pre-Chorus]
We don’t wait for a reason to care,
We already do - we’re already there

[Chorus]
We party with a purpose, feel it in the room,
Laughing loud while we fight the gloom,
For the ones we love, for the ones we lost,
We raise it up no matter the cost

Relay for the defeat of cancer,
Every form, every name, every answer,
We don’t do sorrow, we do resolve,
Turn love into action - get involved!

[Verse 2]
Some of us fighting, some remember pain,
Some still waiting on good news again,
Families shaken, hearts on the line,
So we celebrate life while we still have time

No pity looks, no whispered fear,
Just open arms and people here,
We honor the past by living loud,
That’s how this team makes them proud

[Pre-Chorus]
Every moment counts, every voice matters,
We build joy where the world shatters

[Chorus]
We party with a purpose, feel it in the room,
Music loud, let the silence lose,
For the fighters strong and the memories near,
We choose joy over fear

Relay for the defeat of cancer,
Together loud, together unanswerable,
We don’t step back, we don’t pretend,
We stand as one until the end
We stand as one until the end

[Bridge]
This isn’t denial - it’s defiance,
Smiles with meaning, noise with science,
Hope with rhythm, love with teeth,
We fight by living - that’s belief

[Breakdown / Chant]
One team!
One fight!
One reason!
Do it right!

Say it loud!
Say it clear!
Sunbeamers are still here!

[Final Chorus]
Party with a purpose, heart on display,
Celebrate life in the boldest way,
For every member, every family name,
We turn love into fuel for the flame

Relay for the defeat of cancer,
Not someday - now, together, faster,
We live, we love, we don’t waste time,
Sunbeamers forever - THIS is our shine. 

 

TikTok Deal Finalized, Complaints About New TOS & Posts Being Censored

 

For fans of TikTok in America who have been somewhat worried about the lingering threat of a potential ban in the United States, they no longer have to worry about that as a deal was made with American investors that satisfied the demands of the current administration. But, it may have come with a price that some users are not willing to bear.

More on the story in Extra. 

 

(finally up, sorry about the delay). 

SL Video (Science Circle): "Steven R Van Hook, Writing for Low Watt Brains"

 

 

(click here if the video does not play)

 

 From The Science Circle in March 2017, "Presentation by Steven R. Van Hook"

 

More News Later

 

Yours truly has been busy, and wasn't able to finish writing something before the need for sleep took over (or maybe was busy to the point he couldn't start). 

 

We'll have something up soon once we have a chance to pick up our pens and finish. 

 

 

Writers' Meeting in Caledon

 

I was busy with things today, but last week, I was able to attend the Writer's Meeting, a weekly event that takes place in Caledon, every Thursday at 11 AM. 

 

 Join the Writers' Meeting in Caledon January 22nd 2026, 11:00 AM SLT. in Caledon Nights reading room in front of a huge fireplace. Talking in public chat about writing. Elfbiter and Silver Moon Unicorn. 

We talked about a few things, such as stories we've finished and stories we're currently writing on.

 

Once again the Writer's Meeting is every Thursday at 11 AM.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/223/189/4002

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Press Release: Mole Day 2026, Sunday Feb 1, 11 AM to 1 PM

 

“MOLE DAY’ ONCE AGAIN RETURNS TO BAY CITY

Annual event Honor Members of Linden Department of Public Works for their works throughout the years.

BAY CITY, SL -  As in years past, Bay City will once again come together to honor the Moles of the Linden Department of Public Works with a party at the Bay City Fairgrounds.

Initially held in 2010 by the residents of Bay City, Mole Day serves as an occasion to show appreciation for the Moles and their many contributions to Bay City and the broader Second Life® Grid. Residents from all Second Life communities are welcome to attend and share in appreciation for the LDPW’s moles. 

Mole Day event will begin with a DJed set by GoSpeed of KONA Stream at 11:00 a.m. SLT. This will be followed by a performance by Agatha Nowles at noon.

“Moles” are members of The Linden Department of Public Works (LDPW). The LDPW is a program dedicated to enhancing the quality of life experienced by residents and visitors on the Linden Mainland. The LDPW comprises a team of Resident builders, scriptwriters, and other professionals who collaborate to create new content on behalf of Linden Lab and the benefit of all users. Notably, all members of the LDPW have Second Life accounts with the surname “Mole.”

The Moles are responsible for constructing the infrastructure of Second Life, including public roads and railways, coastal waterways and protected lands, and larger-scale projects such as the Linden Homes regions, premium content, and experiences.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest group for Residents of Bay City.

For more information, or to participate in the event, please contact Marianne McCann.