Top Stories of The 2010s, Part Four

The 2010s are over. But as we say goodbye to the decade, there's some looking back at what happened. The Newser has covered much in the past ten years, and we're looking at some of the top stories that made the news and got more attention than most.

Read the fourth part of the series in Extra.

Reader Submitted: American Cancer Society Holds Open House and Ribbon Cutting

While the fundraising season for the Relay for Life isn't for a few more weeks, things are still happening in the meantime. On Sunday January 26, there was an Open House event at the American Cancer Society sim. The area had recently been renovated, and there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a special session of Relay Rap. Cynthia Farshore was there, and would write about the event.

Read Cynthia's story in Events.

Note: Missing parts of the article added at 1:30PM SL time

Lab Gab Today, 10 AM

The Lab Gab show takes a trip to the kitchen as Strawberry Linden interviews Meela Vanderbuilt.

Join our host, Strawberry Linden, as she bakes a peach pie with Resident, MeelaVanderbuilt. Meela is a prolific Second Life blogger and vlogger as well as an entrepreneur, with several Second Life venues under her belt! 

Check it out here : https://youtu.be/mwakB93Hm8M

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Wuhan Coronavirus"

"Wuhan Coronavirus"

Saturday February 1

7 to 8 AM SL time

A new contagious CORONAVIRUS has emerged from a large food market in Wuhan, China that has fish, birds and live animals. This virus is transmissible person to person and has caused the death of at least 17 and sickened 540  people in China as of 22.January 2020. Furthermore, it has quickly spread across borders in Asia and now been reported in the United States.

This talk will review prominent medical and public health features of this new virus that may become a pandemic.

For more information, Click Here

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

My Expirences As A Hostess

Maybe you've been going to a club for a while that's really cool, and you feel like becoming part of it's staff but can't DJ. One position clubs often have a need for is that of host/hostess, someone who greets people as they come in, and other duties. Our new writer Angel Fencer (Ender Leven) recently got a job as one at a club. So what is it like and how did she end up there?

Read Angel's story in People.

Press Release: Mole Day This Sunday

MOLE DAY COMING TO BAY CITY THIS FEBRUARY

Annual Event Honors the objects of the Linden Department of Public Works

BAY CITY, SL (27th January, 2020) - Every year, Second Life Residents meet to salute Second Life's favorite mammal, the Moles of the Linden Department of Public Works, and celebrate well over a decade of amazing projects built by these hardy Resident contractors.

Mole Day was initially honored in 2010 by Residents of Bay City, but happily welcomes all who appreciate the work the Moles have done to make the Second Life™ Grid better.

Held on the same day as Groundhog Day, this year’s annual Mole Day will again take place at the Bay City Fairgrounds February 2nd commencing at 11:00 a.m. SLT. The event will feature DJ GoSpeed of KONA stream followed by Wolfie Starfire performing live at 12:00 p.m. SLT.

"Moles" are members of The Linden Department of Public Works (LDPW). The LDPW is a program focused on improvements related to the experience of living on, or visiting the Linden Mainland. The LDPW organizes teams of Resident builders, artists, and scripters (the Moles!) to create new content on Linden Lab's behalf and to the benefit of all. These Residents have the last name “Mole.”

Moles essentially build all of the grid’s infrastructure: the public roads and railways, items in our coastal waterways and protected lands, and even larger scale projects like the Linden Homes regions, premium content and experiences, and much more.

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.

it is likely that Moles, as well as Lindens who work with them, will be in attendance. It is, of course, the belief that if a Mole sees their shadow at Mole Day, then they happen to have advanced light as well as shadows enabled in their viewer.

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

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the Happy Vixen. Yes, "Disco Duck" is a song.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Wedding at Bellisseria

A number of events have happened at the new continent from car shows to boat races, and of course music and dance parties. But what about weddings? Gemma Cleanslate came across the ceremony of Red Daidig and Ravyen Woodward, a couple that had taken their relationship to real life, and were marrying in Second Life as well. Patch Linden was also there, not as a guest but as the one leading the ceremony.

Read Gemma's article in Events.

Benefit At Veterans Isle Raises Over 110,000 Lindens

On Sunday January 26, Veterans Isle was the scene of a fundraiser concert for the Homes For Our Troops charity. The event, which was organized in part by guitarist Frets Nirvana, ran from 4PM SL time to about 9PM SL time (Midnight EST) with one DJ and several live performers.

It's the start of  new year and and a new decade for our efforts for extremely wounded veterans through Homes For Our Troops.  And Waya will be kicking off this year's effort like no other DJ can!  Look at the lineup for a great night of music for those who sacrifice all for our freedom.

DJ Waya Snowpaw started things up at 4PM. At 5PM, Dudecansing got up on stage. At 6PM, it was Bella's turn to entertain the crowd. Nina Setner began singing away at 7 PM. And last but not least was Donne Sevore at 8PM. As they performed, the audience donated to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage.

By the end of the concert, a total of 111,100 Linden dollars had been raised.

Homes For Our Troops is an organization that helps disabled veterans by building and modifying homes for them. To learn more about them, check out https://www.hfotusa.org .

Bixyl Shuftan 

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge

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

Club Cutlass: Best in 'I' and 'J', Pretty Purple, Sci-fi Night

Happy Vixen: Red White and Blue, Western, TBA, Magic, Star Trek, Toga Party, Mix and Match, Hoof-It, Denim

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: CAYA, Science Fiction, Neon, Nocturnals, Gothic, Red, Anime, Late Night, Cartoon

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Press Release: Burn2 Winter Burn 2020

Winter Burn 2020: Magic!  

Opening 5:00pm SLT, Friday 31 January 2020  BURN2, Deep Hole

Hear ye, hear ye! We welcome our magical friends,  for every being who entereth herein shall be seen as magic!  There are no bystanders, no mere observers!  Ye shall be part of the spectacle on the playa.
About Magic! Normally, Deep Hole consists of a lonely, desolate little desert town, an echo of Gerlach, Nevada, with a road that leads to the playa. This playa is a replication of a long ago dried up lake bed, with mountains surrounding. The environment is hostile, barren and dry, supporting little animal or plant life. However...

At times, there is a kind of desert magic that comes over the playa. A sudden unexpected rainstorm causes a flash flood, followed by a sudden carpeting of brilliantly coloured blooms. Almost as quickly, insects and birds, other desert wildlife arrive to take advantage of the available water before it all disappears.

Likewise, this virtual playa has its own magic and we've invited the hidden peoples of SL, from magical communities of all corners of the grid. The air has changed, and strangely fanciful flora - and some fauna - have taken hold on the dust. You'll see coloured lights glowing in the mist, beckoning to you to come closer and see the wondrous creations of magic folk. You are meant to explore, learn about, interact, and even play on these creations you’ll discover.

Some creative Burner souls set up a welcome area, a transition from the dusty lonely little town into a richly coloured and ethereal world, a new dimension of the playa, ready to welcome and embrace those who came to build, share music, and explore this world of wonder, follow pathways and pause to sit and ponder in lighted waystops. The art and music and celebration of wondrous realms will fill this place for a weekend, only to disappear into the mists soon after, then evaporate, chased away by barren emptiness of the desert once again.

So, while it exists - in the days of 31 January through 2 February - come and experience the shared magic of this Winter Burn!

This event is a unique collaboration, with Burn2 and members of magical communities from across the grid. We are deeply honoured and excited to say that Elven Forest, Faery Crossing, the Merfolk of Uhre, Safe Waters Foundation and Sylvhara are among the communities represented at the event as artists and

performers, and what they bring only adds to the delightful ambiance you will see, hear and feel around the playa. The Lamplighters​ will help to open the event with a walk-on from the Welcome Area to the main stage. Artists and builders​ have been hard at work creating their concepts of the theme.  A full schedule of performers​ - live singers, group acts and DJs will be playing, from opening on Friday all the way through to after the final Burn on Sunday evening. We always appreciate performers who may not have signed up but are interested in being “on standby.” Oh, yes… There will be a Burn!  Mark Your Calendar and SHARE the News! We look forward to welcoming Home Burners and community, to explore the builds and enjoy the music that will fill the air over the playa.

You can find the full performance schedule on the ​BURN2 Calendar​, with more information about the event here: ​https://www.burn2.org/magic-2020/​.  <

Reader Submitted: My Story at Virsino

Today's reader submission was sent by Angel Fencer (Ender Leven). In her story, she describes her experience at a gaming hall, Virsino. Although she found the experience rewarding, both entertainment and financial-wise, she cautioned residents about just going up and gambling. This goes double in real life in which the risks are much greater.

ReadAngel's story in Extra.

Club Furzona

Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich) recently checked out a new club in Second Life, Club Furzona. Owned by Game Wylder, this is a reboot of the club with the same name that operated from 2010 to 2015, with much of the same staff. So what does the club have to offer?

Read Cyfir's story in Design.

Xiola Linden's Farewell Address

Xiola Linden left Linden Lab on January 3. But not without some final words. In New World Notes, Hamlet Au wrote about asking her if she had any "last message" for the residents of Second Life. Xiola stated the following:

Be open to change, but never stop questioning it. Constructive criticism is always going to be received more enthusiastically than attacks. It is very easy to get emotional about something that means so much to us. I know, from my own experiences with Second Life, that it's sometimes difficult to keep calm and Second Life on -- but I also witnessed that sort of emotional response grow into a lot of misinformation and unnecessary panic. So, it's a balance. But it is important and key, I think.

We live in a world where it can be difficult to not get jaded and overwhelmed, but Second Life is a world that we can control, and I have always felt very strongly about the positives of how it impacts people. How it impacts me. That is what makes it so strong. It should be the playground and sandbox that it is so great at being. A place where we can feel welcome and empowered. 

So, my suggestion is that everyone try to be more welcoming, and also empower one another. I know that may sound idealistic, but it's a very simple concept when you think about it. That is what builds an incredible community. That is the principle that I always strive to bring to my work with any community, and one I think that everyone can benefit from practicing from time to time. 

Xiola reminded that she wouldn't be really gone, but still had her standard account and will be coming back, "Sometimes it might be just 5 to 15 minutes, others it will be for an hour or more for things like live music or just hanging out ... I'd like to get back into making stuff if I can find the time because I love clothes in SL so much, but sometimes have a hard time finding my style. I like to change outfits right before I log off, so it's like a surprise when I log in next, because I forget what I changed into."

So if your place in Second Life welcomes residents from all around, one of them someday soon just might be Xiola.

The picture was one of two Xiola sent to Hamlet, "The cheese one is closest to my heart because it's cheesy."

A Busy Weekend

Quite a bit happened this weekend. The American Cancer Society sim had an "open house" event with the unveiling of their new look, followed by "Relay Rap" (above). Caledon had a party to raise a little money for their newcomer orientation, Veterans Isle had a charity concert to raise money for Homes For Our Troops, and more.

Stay tuned for more information.

Cartoon of the Day: Bunny Swordsman

Taken at the Happy Vixen. At a "Tooned In" event, someone went as Miyamoto Usagi from "Usagi Yojimbo." While the event was light-hearted, there was no series of "hare-raising" puns.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

SECRETS, MYSTERIES, AND A RETURN TO EARTHSEA - This Week!

Some great series continuing, a debut presenter (Welcome Willow Moonlight!), and some important information on an imminent trip down the Nile.  Join us on an adventure this week.

Check out the stories and the storytellers at www.seanchailibrary.com

All stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT

*SUNDAY, January 26th:
   
 ~ at 1:30pm:  TEA TIME at The Night Circus. Caledonia Skytower and Kayden Oconnell, live on stream, with selections from Erin Morgenstern's 2011 debut novel.
  
~ at 6:30pm:  MAGICLAND STORYTIME: "The Secret Garden" Continues. Caledonia Skytower, live on stream at The Golden Horseshoe at Magicland Park.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bracket/181/57/30

*MONDAY, January 27th, at 7pm:  INTEGRAL TREES by Larry Niven, continues with Gyro Muggins.

*TUESDAY, January 28th, at 7pm: Ursula LeGuin's THE DAUGHTER OF ODREN - Part 1 (of 2) with Willow Moonlight, live on stream.

*WEDNESDAY, January 29th at 7pm: Erin Morgenstern's THE STARLESS SEA. Caledonia continues, live on stream.

*THURSDAY, January 30th:

   ~ at 7pm: THE FURIES - Part 2, Myths and Legends with Shandon Loring. (Also in Kitely!  Find teleport from the main Seanchai World grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI)

   ~ at 9pm: SEANCHAI LATE NIGHT, Contemporary Sci-Fi-Fantasy from online sources such as Light Speed, Escape Pod, and Clarkesworld presented by Finn  Zeddmore.

** COMING FEBRUARY 2nd!  Agatha Christie's DEATH ON THE NILE
READ AHEAD: We recommend you check out some background information on the story and Seanchai Library's presentation series of it at https://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/p/tea-time-death-on-nile-background.html 

All sessions held at the Seanchai Library in Second Life unless otherwise indicated. Schedule subject to change.     
 

SL Video: "U2 – Even Better Than The Real Thing"

(Click here if the video does not play)

From Calaval on May 2015, "A Second Life movie and tribute to U2. The video is partially inspired by George Michael’s video Too Funky, even better than the real thing!"

The Bob Hope Theater and Flight 93 9/11 Memorial

Paul Woodrunner owns the Empire Room, which today is holding a fundraiser event to help with the fires in Australia. But this is not all that he runs. He along with his partner Morganna1Wulfsong Resident also run the Bob Hope Theater, which does events in honor of US veterans several times a year. He also built the Flight 93 Sept. 11 Memorial here in Second Life. Paul recently contacted the Newser, and had a few things to say about the places.

Read more in Places.

Announcement: Australia Wildfire Fundraiser Tonight, 6PM

Australia is on fire.

As of 14 January 2020, fires this season have burnt an estimated 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres; 186,000 square kilometres; 72,000 square miles), destroyed over 5,900 buildings (including approximately 2,683 homes) and killed at least 30 people. An estimated one billion animals were also killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction.

This Friday, January 24th starting at 6pm SLT, Elysium Cabaret will perform an Australia Day show, with acts themed in celebration of Australia. Due to the horrific bushfires that continue to rage out of control in the Land Down Under, we have decided to donate all tips that we receive this week to Wild Life Victoria, who have called out in appeal for bushfire aid, as they, along with so many others, are inundated with unfathomable need in treating animals affected by the fires.

If you would like to help aid the Australian wildlife that is struggling to survive this crisis, this is something you can do. Give a few lindens. We will convert it to real life money, withdraw it and donate it entirely to Wild Life Victoria. You may also donate to them directly here:
https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/

There are other bushfire appeals that you may choose to donate to if you’d rather, just do a Google search. We chose this particular one because they have missed out on a lot of donations that have been made, and their need is overwhelming, so we want to help them through this catastrophic event. It all aids bushfire victims, no matter who you donate to. Please give what you can, and remember, every little bit helps. No donation is too small. We love, we care, we give what we can. And together, it all adds up to rescue and rehabilitation.

Here is your ride to our show:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/74/64/2754

Announcement: TRIFECTA (aka Tokyo Nights 2020)

Friday, January 24, 2-4pm slt

What's up?

music, dancing, celebrations

come
and
and
find out
--------

We are celebrating the rezdays of 3 of our "ancient ones."
Come for great music. pixel food and drink and an enjoyable event!

Somewhere in the Confederation of Democratic Simulators

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Marking Time" and "Modern Extinctions"

"Marking Time: Consciousness, Cosmos, and Calendars"

Saturday January 25
6 AM to 7AM SL time

A public presentation and consultation of members for a joint educational journey.

Facilitated by Phil Youngblood / SL: Vic Michalak

Abstract
Time is an inescapable reality in our personal and social lives.
We mark it, celebrate it, take it, stretch it, slow it, waste it, and curse it.
Our mind and bodies count on its regularity, but the reality is it is not regular.
We are almost constantly aware of it, but conceive of it differently if awake or asleep.
Happy New Year? Leap Year? New Decade? Yes or No?

Religious calendars, secular calendars, fixed and movable holidays.
The perfection of the cosmos and imperfection of the sun, moon, planet, and stars.
Let us take time together to explore the physical reality and the abstract concept of time.

For more information, Click Here

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

*  *  *  *  *

"Modern Extinctions"

Saturday January 25
10 AM to 11:30 AM

Extinction is the death of all members of a species of plants, animals, or other organisms. Smithsonian
Latest: The Chinese Paddlefish

Panel participants:

1. Alex Hastings
2. Mike Shaw
3. Phil Youngblood

Host scientific debates: Matthew Burr

For more information, Click Here

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

Gamer Gets Help For Friend Having Seizure 5000 Miles Away

To those who say online friends aren't real friends, the parents of a 17 year old gamer, Adian Jackson, would disagree. They were watching TV in their home in Widnes, Great Britian, while their son was playing games on his computer upstairs. They had no idea anything was amiss until two police cars with lights flashing drove over. The three officers told them they'd gotten a call that something was wrong with the boy. Going upstairs, the boy was found "severely disoriented and not fully conscious of his surroundings." He still had his headset on, and a gamer friend, the one whom had made the call, was still online trying to talk to him.

The other gamer was Dia Lathora of Texas, 5000 miles away. While they were both gaming online, he suddenly stopped talking Dia was able to guess he was having a seizure. She had his address, but not his phone number, so she tried to reach an emergency number. While she couldn't find it, she was able to talk to someone, and though that person was able to explain what was happening.

"We always say to the kids, be careful who you speak to online," Caroline Jackson stated, "but in this case, it was invaluable."

Sources: BBC News, Liverpool Echo

Press Release: ACS Sim's Grand Reopening

American Cancer Society in Second Life Campus Ribbon-Cutting and Open House  Sunday January 26th 12 - 5pm

The American Cancer Society and its volunteers invite the residents of Second Life to visit the newly redesigned virtual office on Sunday January 26th from noon until five in the evening. Volunteers and staff will be available to greet visitors, explain about programs and services in world and in real and help visitors learn how they can join support and fundraising groups in Second Life.

The new open concept island features a resource area where residents can learn about cancer, the Society and its programs and services.  Survivors and Caregivers can visit Hope Haven to access the services offered by the American Cancer Society worldwide, and to join support groups within Second Life.

Relay For Life, The Society’s signature fundraiser is headquartered at the campus, as is Strides, our breast cancer fundraising platform. Residents can find out how to take part in fundraising events, join teams, or hold events in their support.  Also represented at the new region are the annual Mega Events: Fantasy Faire (supporting the Society’s global outreach programs), The SL Christmas Expo (which supports pediatric cancer efforts), the Home and Garden Expo, and The SciFiCon.

Also located at American Cancer Society island are the ACS Museum, displaying mementos from the 17-year presence of the Society in Second Life and the Catt Gable Memorial Garden.

Curators and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors to these areas as well.

The event will conclude with a live broadcast of T1Radio’s Relay Rap featuring members of the ACS leadership within Second Life. The show will stream live, locally, from the roof of Hope Haven beginning at 3.30pm.

All residents are welcome to visit and learn how the American Cancer Society is Here To Help 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. 

The American Cancer Society is the world’s leader in the Fight Against Cancer
Need help with cancer? Needs answers or information? Visit the American Cancer Society region in Second Life®, call 800-227-2345, or www.cancer.org.

For More Information Contact

Stingray9798 Raymaker (jeffrey.montegut@cancer.org)

Cartoon of the Day: Technically Topless

Taken at the Happy Vixen. When there was a Topless Party at the Happy Vixen, one girl did so with an alpha layer looking like she quite literally was without a top.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Top Stories of the 2010s, Part Three

The 2010s are over. But as we say goodbye to the decade, there's some looking back at what happened. The Newser has covered much in the past ten years, and we're looking at some of the top stories that made the news and got more attention than most.


Read the third part of the series in Extra.

SL Video: "Love Made in Second Life Casting Call"

(Click here if the video does not play)

From Draxtor Despress on January 14, whom is looking for Second Life to real life relationship stories for the second season of "Love Made in Second Life."

Did you fall in love in Second Life? Couples that met in SL, please reach out to Draxtor at madeinsl@draxtor.com to be featured in our Love Made in SL series. We want to hear your story!

Invisiprim Scammer Trick Story Going Around

In real life, many of us check ATM machines for "skimmers" before using them. To those of you who don't know, these are false fronts attached over an ATM's card slot by hackers, which scan the cards as they're going in and read account and PIN numbers. With this in mind, it was probably inevitable someone would find a way to scam Second Life shoppers. Yesterday, this was posted in one group I'm in, and saw something similar in the Second Life Friends Facebook group.

I have read in some groups that scammers are now going to events and stores. They place large invisible prims over the vendors, so when you pay the vendor for an item you want to purchase, you are actually paying money to the scammer and you will not receive the item you payed for. ALWAYS check and double check that you are paying the correct person.

One trick would be to 'Highlight Transparent' to see if there is anything transparent over the vendor. If you use Firestorm, go to the 'Advanced' menu ---> Highlighting and Visibility ---> Highlight Transparent (or 'Ctrl + Alt + T' on your keyboard). If you see a red semi-transparent prim hanging over the vendor you might want to cam in behind it to the actual vendor or not buy it until the prim has been removed.

You may also want to alert the real vendor.

So if anything seems amiss with the vendors while shopping, check them over.

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge

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

Club Cutlass: Best in 'H', Light Colors, Doctor and Nurse

Happy Vixen: Celtic, Topless, Fox in the Hen House, Japan, Tooned In, Best in Black, Black and Gray, Flight, Animals, TBA

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: CAYA, Fantasy, Pokemon, Canines vs Felines, Angels and Demons, Cyber, Horror, Late Night, Blue

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Reader Submitted: Voyager Anniversary Party

From Cynthia Farshore. On Saturday January 28, the Relay team, Team Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps, held a Star Trek Voyager 25th Anniversary Celebration party. The event was in Realm of Rosehaven.

** 6pm SLT ** DJ Holocluck Henly will be hosting 90 minutes of Trekkish Spacey Wacey tunes in celebration of STAR TREK VOYAGER'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY.  The party will be on Voyager, which has moved into high orbit above Rosehaven.  See you soon!

"Voyager" was the third Star Trek series taking place in the "Next Generation" universe, airing for seven seasons from 1995 to 2001.

Glitches on The Grid

On Friday January 17, Club Cutlass in Sunweaver Bay was having it's "Military" party when all of a sudden, everyone's viewer crashed. As people came back online, they saw the sim was down. It took several minutes, but eventually the area was back online and the party resumed.

But this wasn't the only glitch this weekend. On Sunday afternoon, January 19, people were saying in SL and Discord they were having a hard time logging on.  Checking the Grid Status Report, the Lab confirmed there were login issues that day, as well as trouble on the 17th.

We are aware that some Residents may be experiencing problems trying to log into and/or stay connected to Second Life. Our engineers are actively trying to alleviate the issue.

It took a few hours, but eventually the Lindens "banging on things" had some results, and people were able to login and log off without worry. At least most of us weren't worried. One friend of mine whom was both at Cutlass on Friday and had login trouble Sunday half-seriously wondered if somehow the Lindens were out to get her. They weren't of course, though it certainly felt like it.

Bixyl Shuftan

Business Around Bellisseria

The new continent of Bellisseria has become the home to many residents thanks to the highly popular Linden Homes. But what is there to do around there? Actually, quite a bit. Gemma Cleanslate looked around, finding a library, a radio station, a HUD game, and more.

Read Gemma's story in Places.

Ertina Loopen Passes Away

On Saturday January 18, there was a sad announcement in the Relay Volunteers group.  Ertina Loopen of the Relay Rockers team had died.

It is with deep  sadness that I must inform the group of Ertina Loopen's passing tonight of breast cancer. Tina has been a long-time Relay Rockers team member and will be missed by members of the many groups she was a part of. She is survived by her RL husband, son and brothers who were with her at the time of her passing.  Our hearts are sad, we will truly miss Ertina.

There were numerous comments about her afterwords expressing sadness for her loss. Among them was her teammate Arizona Ballinger, "Every year, she was the 1st one to jump up and say - Bid Me Bald, even before she was part of the team. And this year she was there for EVERY CRFB DJ Competition, either hosting or cheering the djs on. She never missed one.  And she tried her best to be at every other team event over the grid. If there was an event.. there was Tina and Journey.  I couldn't keep up to her."

Rest in peace Tina.

Interview With Bixyl Shuftan

Penny (Deaflegacy Resident) recently interviewed the Newser's editor and head reporter, Bixyl Shuftan. Done not long after his rezzday in December 2019, Bixyl talked a little about his twelve years of writing about news stories across Second Life, nine with the Newser. He also talked a little about his time with the Relay and Team Sunbeamers, and another writing project of his.

Read Penny's interview in People.

Ice Floes off Bellisseria

 The SS Galaxy isn't the only new sight in the Bellisseria costal areas. On the center east in the Moonia sim, I spotted these four ice floes on the map. Heading over, one had a small fishing shelter.

But that wasn't all. There was a sign, "Hunt starts here. Touch for LM." So it could be there will soon be a gift hunt for Second Life residents. Stay tuned for details.

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

*THE CIRCUS, AND OTHER LEGENDS - This Week! *

We are fully back on course after our post-December "pause", and we have plenty of stories this week, and many more in the works. Join us on an adventure this week.

Check out the stories and the storytellers at www.seanchailibrary.com

All stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT

*MONDAY, January 20th, at 7pm:  INTEGRAL TREES by Larry Niven.  Gyro Muggins continues his newest series

*TUESDAY, January 21st, at 7pm: Sharon Lee & Steve Miller's THE SPACE AT TINSORI LIGHT - More from Liaden Universe with Ktadhn Vesuvino, live on stream.

*WEDNESDAY, January 22nd, at 7pm: Erin Morgenstern's THE STARLESS SEA. Caledonia continues, live on stream.

*THURSDAY, January 23rd, at 7pm: THE FURIES - Part 1, Myths and Legends with Shandon Loring. (Also in Kitely!  Find teleport from the main Seanchai World grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI)

All sessions held at the Seanchai Library in Second Life unless otherwise indicated. Schedule subject to change.   

Cartoon of the Day

From "Cartoon Night" at Club Cutlass. Woody Woodpecker is well known for his turning anything wooden into resembling Swiss cheese. But what does he do with the pieces once he's done with them?

By Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Dance Fox"

(Click here if the video does not play)

From Kawaii Cat on Dec 22, 2019

Press Release: HFOT Donations 2019 - $14,000 USD!

Happy New Year folks!  And thank you all for the great work in 2019  regarding our efforts for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life.

We sent  $14000 to HFOT in 2019.  This was only possible because of the kindness of each and every one of you this past year. 

Our family of supporters is growing …and it is showing up in the total support for HFOT.

First of all let’s give that round of applause to all of our musician and DJ performers as well as their management for their help in 2019.  We could not have done it without you!  Just look at this list of devoted talent… we truly have the support of the best of the best of Second Life!

Waya Snowpaw DJ
Naughty
A-R-R-A
Abby
Agatha Nowles
All the great folks at Keys Management
Anek Fuchs
Anek Fuchs
Anj Gustafason
Austin Moores
Bad Setner and all the folks at Bad Management
Bella
Bill Tigerpaw
Chillee Hernandoz
Corina Canning
Cryptic Harmony
Djembe Dragonfire
Donn Devore
DudecanSing
Erika Ordinary
Erin and Satin
Essence Bilasimo
Franklee Anatra
Gary Johnstone
Hogan Bailey
J Lively
Jbird Melodie
Kat Vargas
Lark Bowen
Laurie C,  Taj Nishi and all the folks at Keys Management
Maali Beck
Mavenn
Max Kleene
Melenda Baptiste
Mimi Carpenter
Neomaximus Brandenburg
Nina Bing
Nina Setner
Paul Nowles
Quartz and his manager Duplicat
Raven Zenoria
Ry Anne
Ryanne
Sassy Nitely
Savannah Coronet.
Savannah Rain
Singergirl Mode
Sophie Brumati
Sultry Sonata
Thunder Lovencraft
Toxie Darkmatter
Troy Nelson, Elsbeth Squishy Pruitt and all the folks at Music Speaks management
Wayne Rhodell
Wolfie Starfire
Zak Claxton

And our family of regular supporters continues to grow.   It is a family we can proud to be a part of.  Thank you:

Dahlea Milena and Veteran’s Isle
Gjackie Winkler
Waya Snowpaw
Eastbay47
Bri Mcmahon
Alexandria Vale
All the folks at Club Mojo
Altarraum Resident and Sabctuary of Rock at Serena Nightingale
Annie Raymaker (Smokey Valley
Aphris Magic
Ashley Steele and Saddles Canyon Country Retreat
BellamyLeggett Resident at La Bella Bonaire
Biker Sharkfin and Sacred Ground
Bixyl Shuftan and all the folks at Purrfection estates
BlissRainCloud Resident and The White Bunneh
Bobby Chivers and all the folks at The Orangery Nest
Boo Chant
Cayleen Linette and everyone at Cay's at Woodland Lake
Country Mojo and all the great folks there
Creed Bimbogami and POW 1% MC at Revival
Dirk Danger and the All Breedable Market
EastbayRay and the Legion of Vets MC
EdgeSteel Resident and all the folks at Shadow Shore
Eythel Popstar and E’s Oasis and resort
Faydrah Faerye at Netherwood
Fire Bonfire and everyone at Boots and Lace Country Rock Club
Grizzly Nightfire and all the folks at  Eternal Knights MC
Hale Compton (The Peak)
Hayanah  and all the folks at The City of Fina
JacksonTrig Resident and the Jacksonville Concert Series
Jay Sparrowtree and all the folks with Whip Radio
Jaztone Resident
Joi Shepherd and all the folks at Runaround Sues
JulesA Flow, Salonios Koolhoven and DOOWOPS FOREVER at Gigli Isles
Kinley017 Resident
KyleWForrester Resident at Crystal Cove
LeAnn Clawtooth and ROCK CREEK RIDING SIM; HAVOK ENTERTAINMENT; HEADBANGER'S MC and BAD BUNNIES BIKE BUILDERS
MaggieErinRose Resident and all the folks at The Original Sin club
Marson2014 Resident (Nina Isle)
Pagan Texas and Bootleggers
Psykobella Resident (Spirit Hills)
Ravencrisler Resident (Partners in crime)
Rayn Bautista and all the folks at Rebel’s Edge Rock Club
RGHangnLo and all the folks at RG’s hangout
Snuppelure Resident at Xanadu Isle
Snupz and all the folks at Waterhole Country Rock Club
Sw33tSugar Resident and HILLBILLY HILL HELL at Touch N Go
The Perfect Rayn Storm and the folks at Slow Burn Saloon
The Whiskey Junction
Vizigoth Resident (Retirement)
Wyckdrayn Resident (Ashur)
Zack221 Friller
Vicktoreeia and all the folks at Legion of Vets

Our extremely veterans needs are lifetime folks.  Let’s make 2020 another year of recognizing this by keeping up the good fight for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life.  Let’s beat 2019’s totals in 2020! 

It is an honor to work with all of you.

Frets Nirvana

Fearless Nation PTSD Support Virtual Community

Second Life can help people in many ways. One way it can is allowing people to reach out to a person or persons for help. For those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, one group they can contact is Fearless Nation. The Newser recently met up with it's director Anya Iborm who had much to say about the group. She also had a request, volunteers for a study on PTSD,

Read the story in People.

World of Warcraft Update 8.3 "Visions of N'zoth" Live

After weeks of anticipation, the MMO World of Warcraft's major update 8.3, "Visions of N'zoth," is now live and running. The main point of "Visions" is one of the old gods is out to wreck havoc on Azeroth with visions of madness (above video link), and once again it's up to the heroes of the Alliance and Horde to save the day.

But this isn't all. Two new "allied races," or races available as player-characters once you finish certain achievements, are now available. The Alliance have the Mechagnomes, and the Horde have the foxlike Vulpera. The latter have gotten the attention of many of my friends to the point one managed to do the required achievements to be able to make one (intro video link).

Nobble87 did a video checking out their character creation, mount, emotes, and one special ability (link), of which there were a number of comments, "I wish I never saw the /sleep emote. 15 years of Alliance loyalty down the tubes." "How are we going to PVP them? I will be feeling like I am going to be kicking a puppy."

So will Azeroth see a population explosion of Vulpera? Will the Alliance find themselves outfoxed? Feel free to leave comments below, or send in  your own stories about Azeroth's new foxy heroes and heroines.

Sources: World of Warcraft, MMO Champion

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Saturday at The Science Circle - "Natural Forcings And Natural Climate Cycles"

"Natural Forcings And Natural Climate Cycles"

Saturday January 18
10 AM to 11 AM SL time

Natural Forcings and Natural Climate Cycles – Just not what we are seeing today

In order to understand how human-caused climate change differs from natural cycles, it helps to have a basic understanding of natural cycles. In that context, this talk will address orbital forcing, solar variation, and natural carbon dioxide emission and removal.

By Keith Eric Grant

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32

 To read more, Click Here.

Former Xiola Linden Joins Mixed Reality Startup

It's been about two weeks since Xiola Linden departed Linden Lab. According to New World Notes, already she's been hired. She's now at Ubiquity6, a startup tech company focusing on mixed reality.

Xiola told Hamlet Au she saw similarities between Linden Lab and the new startup,  "'Fun, energized, whip-smart, kind, thoughtful, and very diverse. That is something that was so important to me in my previous role, and I did not expect to find that kind of culture anywhere else -- I got lucky to have lightning strike twice in that regard. It's exciting to make new friends who are so enthusiastic about the incredible possibilities and potential of really compelling projects."

Uniquity6 has one product available: display.land , which it calls "a new digital canvas for creativity and shared experiences." How much we'll be hearing from them  in the future, hard to say. But Xiola's presence can only help them.

Source: New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan

Linden Lab Calls For Merchants For Valentines Day "Shop and Hop"

Earlier this week, Linden Lab announced it would soon be having a shopping event for Valentines Day, and was looking for merchants to take part in it. The event runs from February 3 to 17.

Linden Lab is winding up for a Valentine’s Day inworld shopping event - and we’re now looking for Merchants who would like to participate.  

The Valentine’s Day edition of Shop and Hop will open on February 3rd and will run through February 17th. This is your opportunity to bring a ton of new customers to your brand, by offering some of your best items. We are looking for Merchants willing to offer a discount on some of their items and provide a small non-exclusive gift to shoppers.

Those interested are asked to fill out a form (link) by the end of Monday January 20. Those accepted will be contacted "soon after."

To read the blog post in full, Click Here.

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the Happy Vixen

By Bixyl Shuftan

SS Galaxy Relocated to Bellisseria Coast

Yesterday evening, word began to spread about a sight just off the west coast of the new continent of Bellisseria. It was the SS Galaxy, Second Life's largest ship, three sims in length.

A vacation cruise liner, from 2007 to 2015 it was an active area, it's owner and staff renting out rooms and organizing events. Then following it's worst griefing attack ever in which the particular Linden that answered to their call for help responded poorly, the decision was made to close the ship. But Linden Lab decided to bring the ship back, and several months later it was back on the Grid.

But, there was no staff to welcome people, organize events, or arrange for people to have a cabin for a while. Occasionally people from outside would organize an event. Still, it wasn't the same ship those who saw it in earlier days knew. On those occasions I went there, I was either alone or there was just one or two others.

After hearing from a couple friends, I decided to check things out for myself. While the ship's old location on the map showed it there, a closer look showed nothing but water and the sims were inaccessible. While where the Galaxy really was, it wasn't showing on the map nor were the sim names. Nor could anyone TP there. One could only head over from the adjacent Hibiki, Bazby Gulf, and Belby Depths sims.

Getting there, the ship was the same one I remembered, and I ran into people from the continent whom were happily looking the ship over and inviting over friends. If Linden Lab wanted to revive interest in the ship, it's done so for the short term. The Newser was told that someone from the Lab would be making an announcement soon. So stay tuned for further details.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hibiki/89/130/23

Hat Tip: Oldesoul Eldemar, Ed Connect

Bixyl Shuftan

"Panda Jenn's Pad" Over Bellesseria Island

In just a matter of months, the new continent of Bellesseria and it's surrounding islands have become home to quite a community of residents. A new club just opened there, "Panda Jenn's Pad."

Panda Jenn (PandaJenn0 Resident) was the lady who set up the club, "It's a hang out for furs and such," she told me, "It's a small place, but it's meant to be a cozy hang out area." The place itself is mainly a dance floor, with some of Panda's artwork on the wall. The radio stream plays All Fur Radio twenty-four hours a day, so people can come any time to listen to music. There's also a pool table for a game.

We still have some things to add and move around. For the most part, it's ready to go." Panda doesn't own the land itself, "My friend Logan has property there. The Pad is just above it."

Panda is somewhat new to Second Life, though she's been an artist for some time. She has an online comic, "Simply Panda Jenn," that updates about twice a month. She also has artwork on Fur Affinity and Deviant Art.

Panda Jenn's Pad is at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Parlouf/70/54/2494

Bixyl Shuftan

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs and Furry Fashion Lounge

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

Club Cutlass: Best in 'G' ?, Military, Toon Time

Happy Vixen: Foxes and Felines, Geeks and Nerds, TBA, Aliens, Fairy Tales, Barely There, Cyberpunk, Strips vs Spots, Sock Hop, TBA

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: CAYA, Rock, Retro, Plaid, Horror, Formal, Food, LNL, Royalty

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

"Bunny is Back" Rita Mariner Back Online

Good news for the Sunweaver community. After a few days of being locked out of Second Life with her main account, Rita Mariner announced yesterday she was able to get back on once more, "I was able to log in as of 2:30 CST (12:30 SLT)."

Rita's banning has raised more than a few eyebrows, at least one estate owner asking if something like this could happen to her as well, having her account frozen because she was sent a form that got lost in the mail or email. It was also brought up that the original Steelhead community closed down partially because the Lab had locked out the estate owner's main account (the bigger reason was numerous real-life difficulties). One person commented, "That's disturbing, and rather draconian. Something like this only reinforces the fact that FinCEN completely controls the Linden Dollar. What the hell happened to Linden Lab's spine?" Another responded, "US government regulations is what happened and LL is not going to go against it."

In any event the bunny is back, and life in the Sunweaver/Angel community can get back to clubbing and preparing for the Relay. Some though are glancing over their shoulders.

Bixyl Shuftan