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Monday, February 28, 2022

Protest Against Russian Invasion of Ukraine in Moscow Island, And Other Support For Ukraine in Second Life

 
On Wednesday February 23, Russia launched a full scale invasion against it's neighbor of Ukraine. The result has been protests across the world against the unprovoked act of aggression ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and in support of the Ukrainians. But for those trying to protest within Russia, the results have been the demonstrations broken up by police and the protestors arrested.

Within Second Life, there have been some protests against the invasion as well. On Friday February 25, I got a tip of one. It was appropriately enough at the Moscow Island sim, which is known for having a build of the Kremlin and one of Lennin's tomb. Near the tomb, I saw several avatars. One was flying a sizeable Ukrainian flag. Another looked bloodied and was wearing a blue and yellow dress, the colors of the Ukraine's flag. And there was one girl wearing a Putin mask, AnuAmun (AnuAmun Alchemi). "Путин должен уйти!" The girl shouted, "Putin needs to GO!"

Going over to her, I asked if there were more people here earlier. "People do come and go," Anu told me, "Some of us are gonna keep avatars here for as long as possible. There's no sim for Ukraine that I know of. And this is the only one related to Russia that looks official enough, since the actual Red Square has been closed in real life. There should be more people here. Getting the word out may help."

The protestor went on, "I have friends - in Russia, that fear going out in the street because of the repercussions. For some the responsibility, even though not directly theirs, weighs them down strongly. And internationally no one is placing blame with the Russian people. They are all prisoners to a criminal organization ran in part by Vladimir Putin. The economical sanctions imposed by the west are going to hurt the spectrum of the population in Russia that already hurts economically. It's the sons and daughters of Russia that are loosing their lives for the personal financial growth of Putin and the ones around him. And 60,000 Ukrainians have crossed the border into Poland and Romania in the past day. 

"For Ukraine this is an existential crisis. People remember how the 'liberating army' forgot to leave after the end of WW2. No one diminishes the importance of Russia and it's sacrifice in WW2. But this is 2022. Ukraine is an independent nation that should and must choose it's own future. On a personal level - I am just of the opinion that Putin does not actually care about the lives Russia will loose, or the lives or Ukrainians or even Ukrainian-Russian ethnics in the east. His interests are in the control of however much territory he can get at the negotiating table - including the gas fields in eastern Ukraine and Odessa. And it's a bit hypocritical criticizing America or the UK for being imperialistic and then turning around and actually doing it. Little men with big egos throughout history have shaped and reshaped maps on the bodies and with the blood of the innocent and the young - this is no different. We're better than this!"

When I mentioned I was going to keep the anonymity of the protestors in the article aside from those who gave their okay, Anu told me in her case it was fine, "I am ok - in the West.  Also I am not Russian or Ukrainian , by birth I am Romanian. I do have countless friends in both countries. We're neighbors after all. And neighbors help each other, they don't invade each other.

Dropping by the next day, I noticed the protest had been moved to a corner of the sim away from Lenin's Tomb, and was smaller in number. I got a message from Anu, "We were removed from the sim! I filed a report, mass removal for protesting." So it appears the sim owner was no fan of the protests.

Later on, someone passed me a notecard, written by a Stephen Yuvensky, calling on people to support a number of Second Life stores owned by Ukrainians, "Ukrainian owners of the SL stores likely won't be able to create new releases in the nearest future. So I suggest supporting them by visiting their MPs and inworld stores ..." The notecard had a list of store links on Google Docs (link here). "Please note that none of the following owners asked for this list. It's fully a desire and idea of community to show our support! If you know any other designers who are in Ukraine please let me know for them to be added." More on the notecard can be read in a New World Notes article

I would also be told about a set of Ukrainian flags (flagpole, wall mounted, desk, etc) that was being given away by Lupinia Studios, owned by Natasha Petrichor (earlier, we wrote about her Frolicking Deer Cay). You can get the flag set/fatpack for free at Marketplace (link) or inworld or practically free at 1L at Braunworth (127/245/179) and Tofte (173/120/146). Someone would also pass me a free and shareable flag.

There's quite a bit of support for Ukraine in Second Life. So we may have more on the subject soon.

For more information on the invasion of the Ukraine, one can check these links at Fox News, CNN, and the BBC.

Sources: Wikipedia, Reuters

Hat tip : CLEOPATRA Xigalia

Bixyl Shuftan
 

A Busy Weekend

 


Quite a bit happened this past weekend. The Relay for Life's Home and Garden Expo officially started. New Toulouse had it's "Sami Gras" parade on Saturday. Roma had it's Equirria and Lupercalia events. Caledon had it's 16th Anniversary Ball (above). There was a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Moscow Island. Veterans Island had their annual fundraiser concert. And more.

More on some of these events later.
 

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

 

THIS WEEK: Returning to a chilling Sci-Fi tale, Haroun’s adventures continue, and  more great stories. Join us for fun and adventure, this week.

Check out the stories and the storytellers! 

All events at Nowhereville (203/43/26) , unless otherwise noted.

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

 --------->> COMING THIS WEEK

**MONDAY, Feburary 28th: Larry Nivens's A WORLD OUT OF TIME Resumes with Gyro Muggins.
    
**TUESDAY, March 1st:

   ~  at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live in The Glen  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21
   
   ~  at 7pm: Salman Rushdie's HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORES continues with Caledonia Skytower.
 
**THURSDAY, March 3rd, at 7pm: SCIENCE FICTION THURSDAY presented by Finn Zeddmore.

***


Press Release: Fashion Fair 2022, Relay For Life of SL Event

 ______________________________

February 19 thru March 6, 2022

Presented By:

Seekers of Hope Relay For Life Team

Sponsored By:

Fire Within

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SkyBeam%20Stowaway/36/219/751
______________________________

The Seekers of Hope RFL team invite everyone to Fashion Fair, a two week fashion-centered shopping event to benefit Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

The event will feature items donated by more than 20 Second Life designers. Items on sale will range from men’s to women’s to children’s.

In addition to the shopping, there will be special raffles for gift cards and experiences.

Rounding out the event will be select entertainment provided by some of Second Life’s talented live performers on Friday, March 4.

Entertainment schedule for March 4:
11am Inkaku Capalini
12pm Hedy Patrucci
1pm Holly Giles

All proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Fashion Fair FB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372130976454717
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/seekersofhoperflteam
Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/groups/seekersofhoperfl/
Website - https://seekersofhope.wordpress.com
 

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Cartoon of The Day: Coffee Addiction

 


Picture from Levi Heartsdale, taken in Wafflevile, in Home and Garden Discord chat, "I found this to be a much easier source of coffee."

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Saturday, February 26, 2022

SL Video: "The Wolf"

 

(Click Here if the video does not play)

By Nydia Tungsten on February 22, "WOW, we had a full crew on this one! We had a lot of fun shooting it and a lot of just dancing! "
 

Friday, February 25, 2022

Memorial Service for Jimmy Branagh

 

Saying goodbye to a friend for the last time is never easy. And earlier this month, the residents of the Steamlands and a few other places did just that. Jimmy Branagh, known best as a child avatar or "urchin" in the Steamlands, had been declared missing after evidence came to light he had most likely passed away. At the Babbage Town Hall on Saturday February 12, a memorial service was held for him. Various residents gave touching words about him in what was almost certainly the final farewell to him.

Read the story in People.

Some Events and Places at Bellisseria

 

Following the anniversary of the Bellisseria Bureau of Bureacracy, Gemma has continued to find noteworthy events, and places, around the Linden Home continent. A fan of the SS Galaxy when it was in private hands with a crew, she was plesantly surprised to see a wedding there. She also found the BBB had moved to a new location. For those whom are homeless while waiting for a Linden Home, there's a homeless shelter. But not all the fun was on the continent. With Mardi Gras soon, she went elsewhere to check out a parade.

Read Gemma's story in Places.
 

RFL H&G Sneak Peek: "Under Construction"

 


With the Relay season underway, the first of the 'macro events' is tomorrow, the "RFL Home and Garden Expo." But taking a look at the grounds, east of the American Cancer Society sim, things are still under under construction. The team shops, the Sunbeamers included, are only halfway built.

There will be plenty to do at the Home and Garden from music events, contests, auctions, and of course shopping. Stay tuned for updates.
 

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Ten Years Ago: Linden Lab Puts More Rules on Third-Party Viewers

 
It was about ten years ago on Friday February 24 2012 that Linden Lab annoyed a number of fans of Phoenix (the predecessor to Firestorm) and other third-party viewers by announcing changes on their Third-Party Viewer Policy. Before the change, viewers were free to make innovations that allowed different feature from the Linden Viewer, such as Phoenix showing what viewer others were using by displaying the name over their avatar names. 

The reason the Lab gave for the change was to protect the residents' "users’ privacy and security." It was also stated elsewhere they thought the users of their viewer were being bullied by some of Phoenix's users, pressured to stop using the Linden Viewer and run Phoenix instead. While some residents thought the Lab was being reasonable, seeing the move as applying standardization, others thought the new rules were out of jealousy for Phoenix being much more popular than the Linden Viewer, and that the move might stiffle third-party viewer development. 

Despite the concerns, Phoenix and other third-party viewer teams went with the new regulations. On Tuesday Feb 28 2012, Phoenix's Jessica Lyon would appear in a public meeting to explain what was going on. 

While there was much complaining, life, or in this case virtual life, went on. But there would soon be other topics for the residents to discuss.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Press Release: RFL Home And Garden Expo - Feb 26 to March 20

 

The Home and Garden Expo is the largest and longest running event of its kind in Second Life. Its main goal is supporting Relay For Life through its fundraising efforts. We strive to educate, entertain and help the people of Second Life to give to an amazing cause. Home and Garden Expo prides itself on championing not only Relay For Life but the visitors, exhibitors, performers and volunteers who make this event so successful.

HG Expo supports Relay For Life through fundraising in various forms throughout the event. Funds are raised through sponsorships, exhibitor fees, donation items, Great entertainment offerings, The Wall of Hope, Decorating Contest, Finale Auction and much more.

The Expo also encourages many real-life artists who sell their work here in Second Life to have a store at the H&G so that people get to see their art. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Cartoon of The Day: The New Gecko?

 


Taken at the Happy Vixen. A certain insurance company is known for having a little lizard push their insurance. But might management sack "The Gecko," if they thought something cuter would get the audience's attention more?
 
By Bixyl Shuftan
 

360° Snapshot At Firestorm Viewer

 

Last September, Linden Lab rolled out Project 360, a feature available on a preview viewer that allowed users to take screenshots that covered "360 degrees in all three dimensions, allowing you to see everything both above and below your avatar as well, as though the image is projected on the inside of a sphere." In January, it became an option in the official Linden Viewer. Now, Firestorm is working to make use of the feature. Marcel Mosswood took a look at the feature in a Firestorm preview viewer. So what did she think?
 
Read Marcel's review in Design.
 

RFL Team Sunbeamers Start At Platinum

 

Some Relay teams are starting off the season with only a few Lindens in their totals after a few days. In the case of Team Sunbeamers, the team of the Sunweaver community in Second Life, they've been setting money aside since soon after the last season ended. Over the months, they'd collected over 400,000 Lindens in collection jars. So the team is starting off at Platinum level fundraising rank, and as of now, number four out of over 100 teams in terms of total money raised, and number two counting only inworld fundraising. 

Number three is River of Life, second is "TAP - The Adult Partnership," and first is One More Light.

The "Little team that could" is off to a promising start.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!
 

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

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

Club Cutlass: Best in "G", Sock Hop, Cartoon Time

Happy Vixen: Black and Blue, Barely There, Horns and Hooves, Big Boobs and Butts, Madkatt Mashup, Winter Wrap-Up, Cute and Cuddly, Games and Anime

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Beach Party

Xanadu: DJ Christine, DJ Jesse

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Fantasy, Purple, Angels & Demons, Food, Late Night, Hybrids

Deathlands Fallout Shelter:  DJ Wolfy, DJ Nafrini

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.
 

RFL Announcement: Weekly Sunbeamer Moon Dance Each Thurs To June 9

 


A benefit for the American Cancer Society! The dance starts at 6PM SLT goes to 8PM SLT every Thursday starting Feb 24th and runs through June 9th. You arrive at Sunbeamer Headquarters Landing strip  and grab a seat in the Columbiad Moon Cannon to be shot to the moon. There once you land on the lunar surface you may plant a kiosk in your team's name or ask that one be planted and then dance a celebration of your moon landing with other teams. Tunes provided by an old goat of a DJ who is not taking tips! Wants you to tip the kiosk instead.  Come rep your team.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Bay/106/171/41

*(Bring Your Own Kiosk) but don't worry we'll put it out for you
 

Monday, February 21, 2022

Call of War

 

Some of you may have seen advertisements for a comnat game called "Call of War." It is a World War Two themed stragegy game played on one's browser. Players assume control over one of a number of countries on the map, build units and structures to make the units, and launch attacks and defend against them. Yours truly took a look at it. So is it a good game?

Read the review in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.
 

Relay Season Begins

 


Saturday February 19 was the official start of the Relay for Life in Second Life's 2022 fundraising season. The sim the Kickoff took place in, American Cancer Society2, was filled for most of the two hours the event was scheduled to take place in. People from numerous teams took part, in addition to the Committee and others. 

There will be pictures to see later. For now, to listen to a recording of the radio stream during Kickoff, Click Here: https://archive.org/details/2022-slrfl-opening-ceremony
 

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

 

THIS WEEK: A new series about a fantastical adventure, music in The Glen, and more science fiction. Join us for fun and adventure, this week.

Check out the stories and the storytellers! 

All events at Nowhereville (203/43/26) , unless otherwise noted.

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

--------->> COMING THIS WEEK

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


**MONDAY, February 21st: Kody Boye's WHEN THEY CAME Book #1 of a Trilogy continues with Gyro Muggins.
    
**TUESDAY, February 22nd:

   ~  at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live in The Glen  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21
   
   ~  at 7pm: Salman Rushdie's HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORES begins with Caledonia Skytower.
 
**THURSDAY, February 24th, at 7pm: SCIENCE FICTION THURSDAY presented by Finn Zeddmore.
 

RFL Announcement: Relay Rockers' CRFB DJ Competition and Team Bid Me Bald Announced

 
The Relay Rockers, announced their 2022 schedule for its signature fundraising events in support of the American Cancer Society.

The team will once again host the Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back (CRFB) Top DJ Competition, Bid Me Bald Team Challenge, Bid The Lindens Bald and the popular multi-team RelayStock.  The Rockers are also planning Voices of Hope, Blues for Life, Hard Cure for the Cure and other events.

The CRFB DJ Competition is a fundraising challenge and begins March 26th, with preliminary rounds through April 23rd.  The competition is open to Club DJs and Radio Presenters who are challenged to raise funds for the Relay For Life during one hour sets.  The Top 4 competitors move on to the April 30th & May 1st semifinals rounds with the 2 remaining DJs performing in the Finals at RelayStock on Sunday May 15th. The event, which has been held since 2012, has raised nearly L$50 million in support of the ACS.  Entry forms will be available at the team website: RelayRockers.org beginning on Feb 20th and is limited to the first 20 DJs to sign up.

The Bid Me Bald Team Challenge will be held April 15th through the 24th and is open to all Registered RFL of SL Teams.  Teams fund raise to “Keep Their Hair” with the last place team pledging to go bald until RFL 2021 Weekend, June 12 & 13. Teams share kiosks with the Relay Rockers during the event. Teams can begin signing up at RelayRockers.org March 19th through April 6th.

Bid The Lindens Bald will be held during the Rockers annual multi-team RelayStock weekend, May 13 to 15.  Teams of Lindens and Moles compete to outraise each other and again the last place group pledges to ‘shave’ their heads until Relay weekend 2021.

Anyone interested in participating can visit https://relayrockers.org/ for more information, sign ups and landmarks, when available.
 

Sunday, February 20, 2022

Cartoon of The Day: Anime Cowgirl

 

Taken at the Isle of View

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Saturday, February 19, 2022

RFL Kickoff Today

 

10:00am  RFL 2022 Kickoff
12:00pm  Fashion Fair 2022 starts
12:00pm  Paint the River Purple

 

Relay Radio schedule

8am Tailgate Party with Trader
10am RFLof SL 2022 Kickoff
11am  Melina Firehawk
1 pm PureLife Magnifico
3pm Dredd Rockatansky
5pm Madelyn Majestic
7pm Anni Braveheart
 

Friday, February 18, 2022

Relay Kickoff Tomorrow

 


"Saturday, February 19th at 10am SLT... the 4th largest Relay in the United States... Relay For Life of Second Life... will kickoff their 2022 Relay Season... Heroes of Hope... work has been underway to build another amazing region... almost 100 Relay teams have registered... mark your calendars... see you there..."

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/127/240/24
 
Image Credit: Bayliner Bob
 

"Hug a Linden" And Other Valentine's Day Happenings

 

Plenty happened On Valentine's Day weekend, as well as V-Day as well. The Newser couldn't be everywhere, but we could attend several events. So I went to the Hug A Linden event, and a number of others.
 
See the pictures in Extra.

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
    Saturday, February 19
    
    At 10 AM PST

    14th Anniversary SC, History & Future
    By Dr. Phil Youngblood
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/14th-anniversary-sc/

    ~*~
    
    At 9 PM PST
    
    Trivia
    By Jes Stannard
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/sc-trivia/
      
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═══╝
 

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Cartoon of The Day: Fainted Skunk

 


Taken at the Happy Vixen. This skunk used a fainting gesture. So what would get a skunk to faint? I could think of one reason.

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Memorial Service For Indea Vaher

 

Sadly death is a part of life. People we know in real life pass away, and that is the case in Second Life as well. JardenAlexis contacted Gemma Cleaslate about the passing of her SL sister, Indea Vaher. Indea was known in Second Life and real life as an artist, and here she had many friends and family. Gemma went to Indea's memorial services, and there were many people whom had her in their hearts.
 
Read Gemma's article in People.
 

Scenes From the Belliseeria Valentine's Cruise

 

Last Saturday was the "Valentine's Day Love Boat  Cruise" in the Linden Home continent area of Bellisseria. Instead of taking place on an ocean liner, residents were invited to appear at a certain place, rezz their own boat, and sail down a course to the Bellisseria Fairgrounds. Among those taking part was yours truly (in a Cupid look for the occasion). So how did the cruise go?
 
See the pictures in Events.
 

SL Video: "Love Made in Second Life Special - Valentine's Destinations"

 


From Linden Lab on Feb 14, "Love is in the air! Take a tour of six love-themed destinations and get a glimpse of the love story between a couple who met on Help Island in Second Life and have been married for over a decade! Their episode will be released on May 3rd!"

From "Love Made in Second Life" on the Linden blog.
 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

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

Club Cutlass: Best in "E" & "F", Hot Shorts, Warriors

Happy Vixen: Forest Critters, Bottomless, Magic vs Tech, Candy Colors, Madkatt Mashup, TBA, Fishnet, Best in Blue

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Tribal

Xanadu: DJ Christine, DJ Jesse

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Sexy, Bunnies, Pink vs Red, Cute, Avatar Release Party, Late Night, Wings

Deathlands Fallout Shelter:  DJ Wolfy, DJ Nafrini

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.
 

A Busy Weekend (And Valentines Day)

 


Quite a bit happened over the course of the weekend, and Valentines Day. Saturday had the Love Boat Cruise on Bellisseria, and the party afterwards at Bellisseria Fairgrounds. Frolic Mills had the "Where Is My Damn Valentine" show. There was also a memorial service for Jimmy Branagh of the Steamlands. Monday, Valentines Day, had the "Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden" (picture above) event by the Lab, and the One Billion Rising demonstration for women's rights. There were also numerous Valentine's Day parties at Club Cutlass, the Safe Waters Foundation, and more.

More about these events later.
 

Monday, February 14, 2022

Two Events Today: "Hug/Dunk A Linden" And "One Billion Rising"

 


Today is Valentines Day. And that means the "Hug a Linden/Dunk a Linden" event at the Isle of View. To get there, head to Portal Park (102/157/54), and head to the Isle of View Portal.

The event lasts from 1 to 3PM SL time. There, one can hug various Lindens and Moles in hugging booths, or take a shot at one of the volunteers in the dunking booths. Before and after the event, one could pick up flowers or a teddy bear for a sweetheart. 

For scenes from the 2019 event, Click Here

Also going on is the "One Billion Rising" event, part of a global demonstration in support of women's rights across the world. Throughout the day at the four sim area, there are music and dance parties and other events across the grounds. And there are numerous displays of art along the paths. Gemma Cleanslate did a behind the scenes article yesterday, which can be read here.

Aldo yesterday evening, there was a special edition of Lab Gab about the event (click here if the video does not show).

To get to the event, head to OBR Rise (180/167/24).
 

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

 

THIS WEEK: A guest presenter, an epic cinematic love story, and an alien space cat that just won't seem to go away. Join us for fun and adventure, this week.

Check out the stories and the storytellers! 

All events at Nowhereville (203/43/26) , unless otherwise noted.

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

--------->> COMING THIS WEEK

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


**MONDAY, Feburary 14th: Kody Boye's WHEN THEY CAME Book #1 of a Trilogy begins with Gyro Muggins.
    
**TUESDAY, February 15th:

   ~  at Noon: RUSSELL EPONYM, Live in The Glen  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/194/131/21
   
   ~  at 7pm: KLAWDE: Evil Alien Warlord Cat concludes - we REALLY mean it this time! - with Caledonia Skytower.

**WEDNESDAY, February 16th, at 7pm: Neal Stephenson's THE GREAT SIMOLEON CAPER, with guest Mike Lorrey.
 
**THURSDAY, February 17th, at 7pm: WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? - a novelization of the epic cinematic love story, presented by Shandon Loring.

***

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Cartoon of The Day: Slick Party

 

Taken at the Happy Vixen

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

One Billion Rising

 

For the tenth year in a row, One Billion Rising is taking place in Second Life. Part of a global demonstration in support of women's rights, "men and women in Second Life will join activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities, and people across the world to Rise, Resist and Unite as a show of unity, individual strength, and the need for change." As one of the volunteers, Gemma Cleanslate has been getting a look behind the scenes of this huge event that takes place tomorrow, Monday February 14 (Valentine's Day).

Read Gemma's story in Extra.
 

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Memorial Service for Jimmy Branagh Today, 1PM

 
From Edward Pearse:

In light of recent news, I am holding a memorial service for Jimmy Branagh, and others who we think have gone but have been unable to confirm. Those "Lost at Sea"

Please join me at the Babbage Town Hall on Saturday 12th of Feb at 1:00pm SLT.

If you'd like to share a story about Jimmy or someone please let me know and I will try and sort out an order.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Square/157/179/111
 

SL Video: "Perfect"

 

(Click here if the video does not play)

From Furrex on January 2019, "Song: Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Julius Dreisig Remix)"
 

Friday, February 11, 2022

The Winter Burn 2022

 

On the last weekend of January, the Winter Burn took place. A spinoff event of Burn2, the art and music festival had much to see and hear. With the theme of Gingerbread Houses, some of the exhibits looked a little like leftover Christmas decorations. But it was still quite an original event. Yours truly was there, and took some photos.
 
See the pictures in Design.
 

"The First Nickel" - First Textured Object Twenty Years Old

 


Late last month was the 20th anniversary of the rezzing of Second Life's oldest prim. But as we all know, building doesn't stop with prims as they need to be shaped and textured. And it was twenty years ago today, February 11 2002, that the first known finished object, known as "The First Nickel," came to be.


There are two copies of the nickle known to the Newser, both owned by Marianne McCann, who got it from James Linden. One is at the grounds of the Ivory Tower of Prims in Natoma at (233/159/26). The other is at the Bay City Community Center in Daley Bay at (225/51/25). 

"Avi was kind enough to allow me to share it there, which I deeply appreciate," Marianne told the Newser, "The Bay City location was one I always have considered 'temporary,' but then it's been temporary for a couple years now. (smile).

"I had approached Avi (Arrow) about displaying it in Natoma a couple years back, figuring it may be a good, neutral and public location for such an artifact, given some of the other items in the region (the Man, the Ivory Tower), but we could not agree to a location. She had suggesting putting it on Philip's Hill right next to the Man, but I didn't want to diminish the importance of the Man! She eventually offered the spot under the Arch d Linden Grande, with a number of other displays, and that seemed both visible, but not overwhelming the importance of other objects."
 
Happy anniversary

Bixyl Shuftan
 

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
    Saturday, February 12 DARWIN DAY
 
    At 10 AM PST
    
    Darwin Day, Heroes of Evolution: E. O. Wilson
    By Dr. Stephen L. Gasior
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/darwin-day-heroes-e-o-wilson/
    
    ~*~
    
    At 9 PM PST
    
    Darwin Day Lecture at the H.M.S. Beagle
    By Jes Stannard
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/darwin-day-lecture/
      
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Registration required, IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═══╝
 

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Jimmy Branagh of Steamlands Declared Missing

 
Seldom does the Newser report on unconfirmed stories. But in this case, there's enough evidence to say there's a solid chance a noted personality in the Steamlands is gone. 

Jimmy Branagh, while in a number of groups such as the Goonies and one Trek roleplay was usually seen around the Steamlands in his child avatar. In Steelhead, he managed to become the new sheriff. Sadly, his adventures are likely at an end. Fuzzball Ortega posted details in the Steelhead groups on Facebook and Discord.

Recently found out that the person behind Jimmy Branagh's avatar had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma last year. I sent out a group notice with a notecard from Tenk regarding it. He recently found an obituary from last month that fit with certain things Tenk was aware of. Jimmy's last log in was December 23rd. Jimmy was VERY careful in keeping his First Life and Second Life separate. It has yet to be confirmed, so New Babbage, and Steelhead, considers him "Lost At Sea".

Again, I must stress, it hasn't been confirmed. I'm going to be one of many that's hoping to see Jimmy log in, with a "Hoy, Boss" and rolling a bottle of his home brewed alcohol. For now, "Lost at sea". Edward Pearse is planning something for this weekend, I believe. Tenk has an area set up in New Babbage for people to place Messages in bottles, paper boats, and such. Tenk wants to stay away from the usual New Babbage ceremony when someone passes away. I think the candles I placed in Steelhead are enough for now. His lot will stay as is.

As Fuzzball stated, it can't be truly confirmed that Jimmy has passed on. But Tenk had little hope that he was still alive. It certainly looks like Steelhead and New Babbage have lost a good friend. 

Image credit: Fuzzball Ortega
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

SL Video: "Break The Chain | Tena Clark - One Billion Rising 2022 by Guerilla Burlesque"

 


(Click here if the video does not play)

By Tristan Lyonesse on February 9, "A Second Life Dance Video for One Billion Rising 2022 , 'Break the Chain' | Tena Clark and Tim Heintz "
 

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Mole Day

 

We see them occasionally, the "other blue dots" on the minimap, the workers of Linden Lab without the powers of the Lindens: the Moles. Hired from the Residents of Second Life, these builders and scriptors don't always get the respect they deserve. And before the building of the Linden Home continent, this was even moreso. So years ago, Bay City started an annual event on the weekend after Groundhog Day: Mole Day. This would be a day to celebrate these tireless workers of the Lab. Gemma Cleanslate was at this year's Mole Day celebrations, the 12th, and reported on the festivities.
 
Read Gemma's article in Events.
 

DJ Fritter has Died

 

Some sad news for fans of KVXN Radio. It was announced yesterday that one of it's DJs, DJ Fritter had passed away. JB Raccoon, the co-owner of the station, gave details on the station's Discord channel yesterday afternoon. She was also known as DJ Applebloom and Hakura the Pup.

For those that may not know, it had been relayed to us that we recently lost DJ Fritter AKA Hakura the Pup. Details are still limited outside her having that nasty car accident last year that kept her off air here so she would be able to heal. Sadly, her health kept her from being able to return to the things she loved. I received word that the accident, while not having taken her life at the time, ultimately was the cause of her passing by taking away the very things she enjoyed most. She was not ever going to be able to walk again, which meant no more entertaining folks of all ages in that giant oven of a fursuit, or sharing her love of music like she had before.

 Her death is believed to have been last week, from injuries suffered in a car accident last year.

In August 2020, DJ Fritter was interviewed by the Newser. She had been DJing in Second Life for some years, at places such as "Hoof Beatz" and "Dragons and Roses" before coming across JB's show, then doing so under KVXN.

Addition: The car accident was on April 15, 2021. Her real-life name was Dawn Holland.

Bixyl Shuftan

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, The Fallout Shelter, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

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

Club Cutlass: Best in "D," Stripes, Valentines Day

Happy Vixen: Silks, Frosts and Sweets, Wings, Best in Purple, Valentines Day, TBA, Sheer and Sexy, Red and White

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: Tribal

Xanadu: DJ Christine, DJ Jesse

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Horror, Under The Sea, Pink vs Red, Cute, Wasteland, Late Night, Horns N Hooves

Deathlands Fallout Shelter:  DJ Wolfy, DJ Nafrini

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

EOTB: Valentine's Love Boat Cruise This Saturday

 
This Saturday, February 12, there's a special event going on at Bellisseria. It's the Valentine's Day Love Boat  Cruise. The cruise starts at 10 AM, and should go on for slightly less than an hour. This will be followed by a four hour party at Bellisseria Fairgrounds.

On Saturday, February 12 starting at 10am SLT, join us for a romantic cruise and after party, featuring a live performer and DJ’s! 

The cruise will begin at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Campwich Forest/181/104/22

Collect your map of the route and the urls to the music streams from one of the kiosks placed out in-world. The actual cruise should last approximately 50 minutes. 


After the cruise, celebrate with everyone at the Bellisseria Fairgrounds. The party will last for approximately 4 hours (until 2PM SLT) and everyone is invited to party and dance. Come and join us in a celebration of love!

If you do not wish to sail you can either spectate along the sailing route, or head over to the event area at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria Fairgrounds/172/244/24

Live DJing will begin at the start of the event in the Fairgrounds region. You can listen to the stream as you sail or go directly to the fairgrounds.

There's a live performer, of who the name hasn't been disclosed yet as of the writing of this article. The Lab states while smaller boats may follow the cruise ship (large ones that may block waterways are unwelcome), any decorations have to be in theme with Valentine's Day with no political messages. 

For the original blog post, Click Here.