Friday, September 22, 2023

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
 
Saturday, September 23

 
    ~*~
    
    At 10 AM PST   

     Fly Me To The Moon
    By The Moon Base Group
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/fly-me-to-the-moon/
 
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
      
    ~*~
 
    At 9 PM PST   

    AI in Medical Diagnosis
    Karthik P.
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/ai-in-medical-diagnosis/
    
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
 
 
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

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

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Whole Brain Health Opens New Underwater Sim

 
 
On Sunday September 17, there was the opening of a new underwater sim. Inspiration Bay, also known as Wild Fairy Pond, was open to visitors, and there was a live music event to celebrate. The area is part of Whole Brain Health's land, and the event announced by Wisdomseeker (Lissena Resident).

Come celebrate the opening of our new sim with its massive underwater environment, designed and developed by landscaper Luna Bliss!  Includes a special performance by Aubryn Melody at our underwater stage!  We hope to see you there!
 
Dropping by, the place was well-designed with plenty of underwater plants, rocks, fish, and occasional stone structures. It was all quite colorful. And it wasn't just one small area in the sim, but walking around I found much to explore. There was a place were one could get a snorkel if they wanted. In others, one could get a swimmer's AO.

In a notecard, the place was described as a collaboration with the Safe Waters Foundation. It would also say of builder Luna Bliss, "Luna has supported our classes in the past, generously donating her creations for students to build their projects, and we invited her to develop Inspiration Bay." The notecard also described the smaller surface area, "We have horses to ride the trail, rowboats, sailboats, canoes to tour the surface. You can spot the very fun Riverboat at Southwest corner, which also has a high-dive!"
 
I missed the tour that was offered, but did see the start of the live music event. Aubryn Melody was on stage, singing while playing her guitar, while the various people in the audience, merfolk and human, danced away. This included Luna, who was among the mers with her tail.
 
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

In The Hole

 
 
 Remember the video of the Alcatraz sim we showed a few days ago? Well, I decided to give the location a visit to see if it was still around. While the sim was still there, it was under a new owner. And TPing over sent me to a small corner, with ban lines keeping me from going elsewhere, plummeting down into a small hole. With flight disabled, the only way out was to tp away. So this exploring had come to a dead end. 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

A Few Halloween Shopping Places

 
It may still be September. But already some places are getting ready for the spooky season that is Halloween. While there are haunted houses to see, others get into the spirit of things and decorate their places to make it spooky. Gemma Cleanslate decided to check out a few places where one can "scare up" some scary decor.
 
Read Gemma's story in Places.
 

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day

 
 
The fox has been busy, and almost forgot it was "Talk Like A Pirate Day" yesterday. Here's an old picture from 2013. 
 
For a few more chuckles, check our 2013 article on pirate lingo

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

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

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

Club Cutlass: Silver and Gold, Fire and Ice, Purple and Blue

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Geerkil, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Frost, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks
 
Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Monochrome, Celtic Green, Pink VS Purple, CAYA

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 
 

SL Video: "Alcatraz - The Rock"

 
 

From Bleem Belargio on Sept 2021, "Video shot at the Alacatraz sim The Rock in Second Life." Sadly, the build is now gone, though this record of it remains.
 

Monday, September 18, 2023

Frets Nirvana Performs at Veterans Isle HFOT Benefit

 
 
 At Veterans Isle yesterday, September 17 at 2PM SL time, a noted performer came out of his hiatus. Frets Nirvana, known best for his help in organizing fundraisers for Homes For Our Troops, was once again picking up his guitar and singing after a break from performing. 

It has been quite a while but I am happy to inform you that inspiration has hit and I will once again climb the stage in Second Life today September 17 @ 2 PM.  I will be performing at the Veterans Isle hangar and all tips/donations are going to our efforts for HFOT in Second Life.  You can expect a new repertoire of tunes and hopefully my music has gotten better with age.  Rest assured that it has still been a big part of my life even though I have not been performing it in SL for quite a while.  My intention is to once again inspire you and put a smile on your day with music.  I hope to see you today at Veterans Isle.  We will see where life’s musical adventure takes us after this!  David Steel has been kind enough to offer his DJ talents at 1 PM prior to my performance so come on out early and have a great Sunday afternoon.


 Frets performed for a moderate though enthusiastic crowd, which dropped money into two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. Bri McMahon, who was assisting, would thank them, "tysm for your generous donations to HFOTS! ... tp in your friends, don't let them miss out on Mr Frets being back for a special concert, or miss out on helping us Build Homes and Rebuild Lives along with Homes for  Our Troops!" She would continue to say more, "365 homes built, 74 current projects going, and 90 cents on the dollar goes directly to the program. ... Homes for Our Troops is a BBB Accredited Top Rated Military and Veteran Charity that will never cold call you asking for donations. ... Their mission: To build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.... Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. ..."

There was also some musing during the event, "Sorry xxxxxxx, didn't mean to kick ya like a can can girl." "I can't feel my avi butt." There was someone using the  "LEEROYYYYY JENKINS!!!!!" gesture. And there was someone with an unusual name, "Welcome, ThisPainsme."

At the end of the event, a total of 40,000 Linden dollars had been raised. Frets kept his promise, and donated an additional 40,000 L, bringing the total to 80,000 Linden dollars.

Fundraising events at Veterans Isle are usually on the first Wednesday of every month. But there have been occasional additional ones. For more information on Homes For Our Troops, click here: https://www.hfotusa.org/.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Press Release: Haunted Nawlins Howloween 2023

 
 
 "HOWLOWEEN" means all things spooky, monstrous, dark, and haunted (not gory).  Our celebration is grand, fun, wild... and interspersed with Dark Humor, Magick, and the (un)Dead.  We include Dia de los Muertos!
 
Celebrate the scary season in Haunted Nawlins (New Orleans).  Trick or treating for ALL ages, not just kids.  (Due to mature & spooky content, underage players should have adult supervision).

Lots of games, free unisex gifts, tons of food both creepy and Cajun!  Explore the French Quarter, dodge the zombies, barrel through the Bayou!  Another fantastic Festival in Flox.

The Sponsor for this event is ~Lantian/Flox~.  Participating merchants include: Chimeric Arts & Fashions, Indecision, +Inner Mantra+, Junk Food, Kaerri, Lorin's Sound Effects Station, LOVE, LozMac Designs, The Mustard Seed, Porta Portraits, Tea Lane, A Touch of Magic, and many more!  The full list is available here: https://hauntednawlins.blogspot.com/p/participating.html.
 
These merchants offer a wide range of top-quality decor, clothing, jewelry, furniture, and full perm items for your shopping therapy.  Even better, each of them has a free gift waiting for you!

Important: We encourage all to grab a FREE or Deluxe "Trick or Treat HUD" at the arrival building.  Wearing that, you can collect points by clicking doors, playing games, and interacting with certain animesh characters.  You can then trade those points for exclusive, high-quality prizes at the French Market!
 
     * 30 September - 5 November 2023
    
    * Also, the Haunted Nawlins build is permanent, and will be reused for future events.

    * At the Flox sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Flox/128/128/28
 
* BLOG: https://hauntednawlins.blogspot.com/

* Flickr Group: https://www.flickr.com/groups/nawlins/
 
 

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Classic SLN Cartoons: Dancing on A Dalek

 
 
 Originally posted on June 2, 2010. The picture was taken at Club Zero Gravity sometime before, showing a kitty dancing on a Dalec. The ones on "Dr. Who" wouldn't have tolerated such behavior at them at all, but this one was bearing it. Or considering the girl had no clothes, "baring" it.
 
This would be the last cartoon published in the Second Life Newspaper, as it would close a few days later. 

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Saturday, September 16, 2023

SL Video: "When We Stand Together in Second Life"

 
 

From Bleem on September 15, "Music video of When We Stand Together shot in Second Life."
 

Friday, September 15, 2023

Writers' Meeting At Caledon

 
 
 Yesterday, I dropped in at the Writers' Meeting in the Caledon Night Readings Room. This is a place for people to talk about what they've been writing, listen in on others talking about what they've been writing, get a little help and inspiration on writing, and more.
 
Meeting for writers to talk about writing. Sit near the virtual fireplace and discuss about what one is writing, planning to write and maybe tell about their writing process. ... And somewhat random writings prompts are provided later, in case they might give inspiration. Use them whatever way you wish.  There is no demand to write anything based on the prompt for the next meeting. Come talk about writing or bring your questions about writing, editing, and publishing in a friendly atmosphere.
 
I dropped in a bit late on this particular meeting, which had one dracanic-looking avatar among the human ones. An earlier meeting I was at had a mix of humans, furries and tinies. One was talking about elves in his story universe, saying they had originally left the land the story takes place on, but were being forced to return, and most weren't able to use magic. One of those present commented that appealed to him, "more interesting when they have to use the grey matter between their ears."

The Writers' Meeting takes place every Thursday at 11 AM. The discussion is in chat and not voice.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Press Release: Burn2 "Animalia"

 

Burn2: ANIMALIA

Opening 6:00 pm SLT / Pacific, Friday October 6th, 2023

Ending Midnight PDT/SLT, Sunday, October 15th, 2023
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/174/32/25

Burn With Us!
BURN2 is an extension of the Burning Man culture and community into the world of Second Life. It is an official Burning Man Regional, the only virtual world Regional out of more than 100 Regional groups worldwide, and the only Regional to burn the Man! This unique virtual Regional spreads the culture and 10 Principles of Burning Man year-round in the world of Second Life hosting several official and Burner organised events each year, culminating in an annual major celebration of community, art and fire in October – a virtual echo of Black Rock City.

As always, we look forward to welcoming home Burners from all over the world ( Are you new to SL/Burn2? How to Come to BURN2 ). You’ll enter the playa through the Gate, where friendly Greeters will welcome you, walk on processions with the Lamplighters; visit the Rangers, and check out our effigies. Wander, explore, climb, interact. Visit Center Camp and the art and sound camps, where DJs and musicians bring music to soothe, inspire, excite and incite to dance. Wander through and explore the art camps, where artists, storytellers and others will have art, stories and engaging things to share. Pause at the Temple to meditate.

You will be surrounded by art, music, fire and welcoming Burners! See the (continuously updated) BURN2 Calendar at https://www.burn2.org/event-calendar/ for the event’s schedule.

Burn2 ANIMALIA: October 6-15th, 2023
As is our tradition, our event’s theme is the same as Burning Man’s, which is ANIMALIA, an exploration of the animal worlds both real and imagined, and humanity’s place in it.
 
Every year, artists and creatives are invited to get their plots to create homes and art installations in our virtual temporary city. For 2023, we will have a total of 12 regions of our virtual playa - plenty of space for seasoned and new Burners to build their art, theme camps, and even camp villages. Collect some friends, create a HUBS cluster or a village, and join together to make your scene on BURN2’s virtual playa in 2023! Yes - you are encouraged to group build and make a great camp, a HUBS cluster or village, a sound camp, or art installation come alive.

We’ll help Burners bring their 3D builds into Second Life, encourage participants to decompress on our Playa, and there will be some supplies that you can use to decorate and make your place your own. Take your virtual theme camp to another level by creating events or gatherings in your space - you will be able to post your activities on our website in the soon-to-be-populated WHO::WHAT::WHERE Guide. We have a large Burner community at BURN2 eager to burn with you and we are excited to see what you will bring out to the virtual Playa and share with us! Check out more at www.burn2.org. Welcome Home!

Something New at Burn2…
At Burning Man, when you wander through the area, you’ll see all kinds of camps. Some gift food, others drink, and still others places to chill. Some invite fellow Burners to come in and visit, experience and interact with art and with each other. This has been the case for many years.

You’ll also find there are sound camps of different sizes in various places. Groups of people come together to construct their stages, play their tunes, dance, perform, read poetry, tell stories, and all manner of music to tickle your eardrums. In an effort to further echo Black Rock City we will not have a Main Stage or BOB Stage at our Octoburn event - although Center Camp will still host a small stage as has been the case in the past. We encourage the musically inclined and the prim slingers and mesh makers to come together and create shared stages in clusters of camps, much like the Burners at Burning Man. Sharing resources in similar, virtual, ways echoes Burning Man’s HUBS (Humans United for Better Sustainability) initiative.

B2TV’s roaming camera crew will live stream in various places, showing performances and awesome art all around the playa! If you can't log in, you can stay connected to the event through B2TV's Live Video Webcast to Mixcloud, which will be featured on the front page of Burn2’s website..Every participant puts into practice many of the 10 Principles in being a part of the event, most especially Communal Effort. We’ve had a number of sound camps in the past and we’re happy to see you come back each year! Let’s see some MOAR sound camps of all sizes! MOAR art camps! MOAR ART of all kinds!

Yes! The Plot Sale!
Our annual Octoburn plot sale is underway and will be open through Sunday, October 1st. Note that the build period closes at 11pm on Tuesday the 3rd of October. Burn2’s plot sale is equivalent to buying a ticket to camp at BRC. This helps to defray the cost of renting the extra regions we use in Second Life®. Where to go to get your plot? The plot sale kiosks are in a grotto in Burn2’s own virtual Gerlach. Check them out here: Burn2 Plot

Sale Landing Point.
So Now…What to Do? Get Your Plot Today!
First, get your plot! Decide how big a plot and what you want to do on your plot - art, music, join a sound or art village, or just have a camp. Then get your ticket for your plot! And while you wait for the regions to arrive, plan your build, form a village with other friends who get their own plots, get your ideas going so you’ll be ready when you get your placement in early September.

More Opportunities to Participate - Coming Soon

There will be more opportunities to participate in Burn2’s Octoburn event. Watch the main ANIMALIA
page as more information becomes available.

Gift Your Talents in Tunes and Dance Burn2 will have one stage for performers: Center Camp, ideal for more relaxed and intimate shows. Visit our website for more information about the event and how you can join the event as a DJ, live mixer, live musician or singer at Center Camp or one of the many independent sound camps. The Center Camp bookings are first come, first served.

Did you know… that plot owners can create their own stages and host performers if they wish? YES, they can! - you can do your thing inside your sound camp space - and invite others to join you, of course. Want to read, interview someone, have poetry readings? You can do that with a live stream or in local voice chat. You’ll be able to give us some information via the plot owner questionnaire after you get your plot and we’ll assist you with  good placement - and we’ll be helping to connect sound camps with performers!

Create an Art Display
Big art sounds intimidating? We are inviting Burners to contribute smaller scale art that will be displayed in various places at ANIMALIA. Put on your art beret, fire up the sketchbook or mesh build apps, sling some prims and add your bit of creativity to this event. The ANIMALIA Invited Artists committee is now accepting applications from 2D and 3D artists! Be sure to read the Invited Artists Guidelines before applying.

Plot Lottery
The application for the plot lottery (aka Plottery) will also be opening soon. These plots will be 512 square meters, with 156 LI max and height limit at 16m, in various locations around the expanded playa. They are intended for those who cannot afford the cost of a plot but want to have a spot on the playa to call home, create art, have some great fun.The Plottery application is now open!

And, last but not least…there will be Burns! You can come and watch the burns! The Man WILL Burn on Saturday, 14th October (noon and 6pm SLT), then the Temple will burn on Sunday the 15th (noon and 6pm SLT). Be sure to visit the beautiful Temple, and leave a message or two in the Censer. Those messages will be publicly read out before the Temple burns. We hope you find that the virtual Temple is a sacred space that can evoke a similar experience to what you would encounter at the Temple on a physically dusty Playa.

Tell Your Friends! Come and Participate!

We look forward to welcoming Home Burners and our community when the event opens on the 6th of October!

Then, you can walk through the gate, and if you are a virgin Burner, ring the bell! Follow the Lamplighters on their twice-daily processions; visit the Rangers, view the Man and meditate in the Temple. Dress your avatar in your Playa finest. Visit the many performance and art camps with music to soothe,  inspire, excite and incite to dance with your avatar. Dance along with your avatar in the comfort of your own home (nobody has to know!).

You will be surrounded by art, music, fire and welcoming Burners!

Want to stay informed through group notices? Join the BurningMan 2.0 group in Second Life. Log in, do a search on groups or pull up the profile of any BURN2 staff member, open the group properties, and click the Join button.

As always, the 10 Principles serve as our framework for how we want to live and do things together.

About Burning Man Project
The nonprofit Burning Man Project produces the annual Burning Man event in Black Rock City, and works year-round to provide support, education, and grants to a global ecosystem of artists, makers and community leaders. In doing so, the organization functions as the cultural heart of the global Burning Man  community, facilitating and extending the culture from the Burning Man event into the larger world.

SHARE the News about Burn2’s ANIMALIA Event!

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
 
Saturday, September 16

 
    ~*~
    
    At 10 AM PST   

    Maternity Hospital: A Metaphor For Human Fertilization
    By Phil Youngblood PHD
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/maternity-hospital/
 
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
      
    ~*~
 
    At 9 PM PST   

    International Equal Pay Day
    By Jes Stannard
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/international-equal-pay-day/
    
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
 
 
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

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

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Caledon's Governor Desmond Shang To Retire

 
September 12th 2023 became a red letter day in Caledon history. Desmond Shang, Governor of the Independent State of Caledon since 2006, has announced that he will be stepping down. The position, fondly called by its citizens “Guvnah” will be assumed by NeoBokrug Elytis. It is understood that Caledon is not sold just placed into the hands of a new Governor. Desmond has known NeoBokrug for nearly 20 years and NeoBokrug is owner of The Wastelands which itself is 16 years old, thus clearly Caledon’s new Governor is well chosen. 
 
This does not mean that Desmond is leaving; it is only a retirement. He will still be a citizen of Caledon and will be present it is just that real life is even more demanding and can’t allow him to give Caledon the attention it needs. A Town Hall meeting is scheduled for September 16 at 2pm SLT at the Governor’s Mansion for the formal change of office and public introduction. Later within the week NeoBokrug will be sending out inaugural invitations so more information will be coming. 

Cynthia Farshore
Duchess of Caledon Downs
 

Crew Meeting: Monster Bush

 
 
 Last weekend, the SL Newser had it's monthly crew meeting at it's office in HV Community. At one point, Gemma Cleanslate rezzed what at first looked like an ordinary bush. But after a moment, something was peeking out.

Something that "Frank"ly would be appropriate for Halloween.

Bixyl Shuftan

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Snail Mail

 
 
 Taken at Learning VirtualÄ“. In the age of the Internet and e-mail, traditional mail isn't as popular as it used to be, sometimes getting called "snail mail." The designer of this mailbox decided have a little fun with it.
 
By Bixyl Shuftan 

Walk of Art

 
While on a tour, Newser reporter Gemma Cleanslate happened to visit an art instillation by Treacle Darlandes and her team. It is named "The Walk of Art."As the title suggests, there is much walking, including up stairs. The exhibits also offer words of encouragement to visitors. So what did Gemma think?
 
 Read Gemma's story in Design.

Angels Beach Land Rentals

 
At the Angels Beach Land Rental Agency, you can find a great new home in Second Life. With many sims to choose from, in the Sunweaver Estates, Hidden Valley, and Purrfection, you can choose from a variety of environments.

We offer places with friendly and interesting neighbors. Some places have a tropical island look, others more temperate. Some of the sims have access to enough water to boat around in. And there are plans later on for an open water sim for even more water activities. The sims are home to a number of quality clubs, such as Cutlass, Zero Gravity, Xanadu, the BBBC, and the Happy Vixen Beach Club. In one sim alone there are two quality clubs that work together so there is no lag from them. There are also some small shopping areas available.

The sims range from Mature to Adult, but the purpose of the adult rating is for a relaxed atmosphere in which couples can relax. The places do not allow for harassment, and while there are vendors that cater to mature tastes they are discreet about it. Spaces available range from small plots to a full homestead that will rent out for only $30,000L's per month. Most of the sims break the parcels down into 512 Sqm parcels and and most have a sliding rent scale, so the more you rent the cheaper it gets. Our prices are VERY competitive here in Second Life.

And if you bring a friend to an Angels Beach area, you get more than just a good neighbor. Anyone that refers a renter to us and they rent land, they will receive 10% of the first months rent. And if someone you know needs help renting out land on his/her sim, bring them to us. Renters who bring in a sim owner needing administration, we will give 10% of our first check.

To learn more, please contact Nydia Tungsten, Brandi Streusel, Jasmine Dawn (Jasmine Knickers), or Matoazma Kazyanenko.

"We pride ourselves on on not just renting land but renting our customers the land you want. We listen to what you tell us on what you are looking for." 
 

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

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

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

Club Cutlass: Lil Bit O' Soul, Animation Characters, Back to School

Happy Vixen: DJ Charr, DJ Arooo, DJ Geerkil, DJ Snowy, DJ Char, DJ Frost, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks
 
Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Paws VS Hooves , Cats vs Bunnies, Cyberpunk, CAYA, Ears and Tails

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: Carrot Caper By Boat

 
 
Another funny picture from Traci Quandry-Marabana (Traci Quandry). This one shows her raccoon minions loading her boat with carrots, one having fallen into the drink, and a couple are hauling someone to the boat as well, suggesting the veggies weren't exactly obtained via a purchase. 
 
She commented, "Well  just did one  with a boat. I call this 'Stop leave the cop, take the carrots.'" She would later say something about wondering if anyone got "the semi-movie reference." Exactly how the raccoons immobilized the policeman is unknown.
 

Monday, September 11, 2023

September 11 Memorials

 
 
 Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, in which four airliners were hijacked by Islamofacists intent on suicide missions. Two would crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, sending the Twin Towers crashing down after the fires weakened the steel supports. One slammed into the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The fourth plane ended up crashing in Shanksville Pennsylvania when the passengers found out what was going on through their cell phones and tried to take control of the plane back. Almost 3000 were killed as a result of the attacks, the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in it's history. 

Over time, there have been a number of memorials to the fallen here in Second Life. In 2009, Alliez Mysterio had a well-designed memorial people could leave flowers and other momentos at. The Stairclimb Tribute to the firefighters by Cindy Bolero at Aero Pines was another. Fazio Magic made a detailed memorial at Stagg Island, which was there until his passing and was moved to Yellow River for a few years. Sadly, these memorials are gone, but there are others up today.

from Gemma Cleanslate

One memorial that's been around for several years is the one in the Gold Haven sim. Called "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001," it was made by Bryston Vanvleck. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343 .
 
 

 High over Copperfield Road is the Flight 93 Memorial, the virtual version of the real-life one. Set up by Paul Woodrunner, it can be found at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995.


On the Mainland, there is this unnamed Twin Towers Memorial. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25


Also on the Mainland is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World. By Prokofy Neva, while this memorial isn't specific to September 11, the attacks are mentioned here. The location is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21 .

Twenty-two years later, we still remember.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

 
 

 When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames may race,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: A Flattering Eye Chart

 
 
 Taken while shopping at a mall. "You look mahvelous," was a catch phrase from 1980s "Saturday Night Live." But since it was looking like an eye chart, I was thinking about how a few male eye doctors might like to flirt with some female clients.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Saturday, September 9, 2023

SL Video: "June Golf Tournament"

 
 

 From MarkTwain White on Sept 2008, "Video covering the June golf tournament at the Holly Kai Golf Club in Second Life. For additional videos covering the other holes of the Holly Kai Golf Club see the Golf Playlist here at MarkTwain White's YouTube site."
 

Friday, September 8, 2023

Real-Life News: Burning Man 2023 A Muddy Mess

 

 For fans of Burning Man, this was a year that will be remembered not so much for the art, music, and the Burning of The Man, but for the mud.

Last weekend was the high point of the Burning Man art and music festival in Black Rock Nevada, which normally has the high point of the event, the Burning of The Man, a huge wooden effigy, on Saturday night. But then the normally dry desert ended up getting heavy rains. The result was ground turning into a muddy mess. People ended up covering their shoes in plastic bags so they wouldn't get stuck in the thick muck. With people unable to leave, or order fresh supplies, people were asked to conserve food and water. Some grumbled at their festival quite literally dampened. Others just took things it stride. There was also a death at the event when a man was discovered having died for reasons still unknown. The Burning of The Man ended up postponed until Monday so things could dry out. But by then, many had taken advantage of the roads finally being driveable again, and there was a jam of people trying to leave.

For Second Life, Burning Man has had a long-lasting connection. In the late 1990s, many of the original staff of Linden Lab, including it's founder and first CEO Philip Rosedale, would attend and be impressed by the temporary city of attendees having been so quickly created out of nothing, which helped inspire the creation of Second Life. Second Life would have reflections of the Burning Man festival almost since the beginning, taking place in October. They would be sponsored by Linden Lab until 2010, called Burning Life. In 2010, Linden Lab would cut off it's support, and the Burners would run the event on their own, renaming it Burn2. Eventually there would be spinoff events at other times of the year. In 2022, a split among Burning Man fans in real life would be reflected in Second Life with a "Renegade" Burn being held in the virtual world, as well as real life.
 
 Image credit: BBC

Sources: BBC, AP News

Bixyl Shuftan

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
 
Saturday, September 9

 
    ~*~
    
    At 10 AM PST   

    BB: Generative AI - Promise or Peril
    By Matt Burr
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/beragons-bistro-6/
 
    The Science Circle (225,230,28)
      
    ~*~
 
    At 9 PM PST   

    World Suicide Prevention Day
    By Jes Stannard
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/world-suicide-prevention-day/
    
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
 
 
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

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

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Press Release: Making Strides' "Outshop Cancer"

 

The 6th annual Out Shop Cancer event supporting Making Strides and the American Cancer Society is almost here.

Out Shop Cancer is a main store and marketplace shopping event and a signature Strides Campaign in Second Life in support of the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs and research.

The 2023 Out Shop Cancer event includes main store and marketplace shopping, a grid-wide hunt, an Out Shop Cancer Pop-up Market, and a special Gala event. Along with the many shopping opportunities, there will be several special raffles during the month, including raffles for eBody Reborn bodies, Belleza bodies, LeLutka heads, skin packs and much more.

In addition to the shopping, hunt and raffles, there will be an art walk and photo contest this year. The Easthaven Art Walk will also run Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 and feature the creative work of artists and photographers with proceeds benefiting Strides. A photo contest with the theme, "Season of Hope" will be held at Easthaven and open to everyone to join in the fun!

With more than 70 stores participating ranging from clothes to decor to breedables, there is something for everyone. Sandie Slate, founder of Out Shop Cancer, says “The response from designers this year has been tremendous and the amount of support for the event has exceeded expectations. With the inclusion of the Pop-Up Market and the Gala event, this year’s event is jam-packed with shopping and much more.”

Slate continued: "By hosting events throughout the month, there's plenty to see and do -- all while helping to raise funds for a great cause."

The Out Shop Cancer event runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Shoppers will be able to pick up a shopping hud inworld at the Out Shop Cancer office. A list of contributing merchants with a shopping directory and the official bloggers can be found on the Out Shop Cancer website at https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/. Information about the Hunt, Pop-Up Market and Gala event will be available on the website as well.

All proceeds from this event go directly to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs and services.
 
Once again, for more information, check out the website at outshopcancersecondlife.com 
 
About Making Strides

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or MSABC is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting more than 300 communities to finish the fight. Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information, services, and access to mammograms for women who need them.
 

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: Troll Bridge

 
 
 From Traci Quandry-Marabana (Traci Quandry), who posted this picture in the Bellisseria group chat after saying, "Oh need to warn all, that long bridge from the belli welcome hub. Well its under (a) new owner." The picture showed a toll bridge gate, "Pay the lady or she will release the minions," with a couple of her raccoons peeking out from behind it.
 

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Sharing Coffee

 
 
 Another look at the coffee cup picture taken at Club Scorn last month. After seeing the picture, two people I talked to commented they imagined another type of punchline.

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

The Spoonful of Sugar Festival

 
 
 The "Spoonful of Sugar Festival" is back in Second Life. This is a fundraiser event to raise money for the Doctors Without Borders charity. Based in Switzerland, the group helps the sick and injured in over 70 countries, notably where conflict and natural disaster have struck.
 
While we do not "earmark" our funds raised for MSF for any specific aspect of what they do, at the Spoonful Of Sugar, we do
like to choose an area of their work for our focus and education. While in Tahiti we are looking more at environmental issues and impacts MSF/Doctors Without Borders faces. Please join us at destinations around our planet - which are not only astoundingly beautiful and wealthy, but at the same time devastatingly vulnerable and poor. Lets all learn and understand this connection between environmental imbalance and the illness, safety and resource insecurity facing so many on our planet.

 
The event area covers ten sims. Most are full of  shopping areas with items up for sale with all or part of the money going to the charity. This includes at least one limited edition item on sale only at the Festival. There's also the "Get Crabby Hunt." There are also occasional music parties with DJs (the one I saw was in the southernmost sim). There are also auctions and raffles for giftcards,
 
The scenery was picturesque, with many of the stores set up as island huts. There were also groups of script-controlled islanders dancing and playing music, as if welcoming the attendees. For shoppers, there is a variety of items to get from pets, to furniture, to Halloween goods, to farming game supplies, and more.
 
 For more information, check the event blog at https://www.thesosfestival.com/ (note, for some reason, a few of the pages have warnings on some browsers as of the writing of this article)


Bixyl Shuftan

Echovets Gateway For Veteran Newcomers Now Open

 
 
 Last month, the Newser reported that Echovets had been granted a gateway sim by Linden Lab, the first and so far the only one to be aimed at newcomers who are military veterans. But it had been an empty sim that needed to be built on. A few days ago, Echovets' leader, Stacy Lee (Stacy Maracas), informed me the gateway was now open for newcomers, the construction of it's buildings completed. 

"Here at Echo Group Band of Brothers Gateway, we know how overwhelming Second Life can be when you first rezz in.  We went out of our way to ensure our uniformed service residents, their families and supporters, not only receive the knowledge of being a new resident, but also interactive everything for hands on learning as well.  We feel that it will make new residents want to stay in Second Life and keep learning more."

Stacy described herself as exhausted, but proud of what the sim had become and now had to offer. There was a newcomer orientation area where one could learn the basics on how to get about Second Life. But there was more. There was a mall area. There was a golf course. There was a bumper boats pool. There was a sandbox. There was a picturesque garden. There was a firepit welcome area. And more. 
 
One place Stacy was particularly proud of was the Echovets Bike Track. Located over the sim, it offered a long track that would take some time for motorcycles, or perhaps cars or horses, to make their way up to the end. It offered occasional signs and other scenery along the track, sometimes funny, sometimes serious.

A valuable asset for military veterans new to Second Life.


Bixyl Shuftan
 

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

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

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

Club Cutlass: Leather and Lace, Pink White and Blue, Disco

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Geerkil, DJ Snowy, DJ Char, DJ Frost, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks
 
Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Nature, Wings, CAYA, Pool Party, Retro

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 

Just From Home

 
 
 Penny Shuftan took a few pictures this week, but going through them didn't think most would be good for the paper. So she sent this one over from her inside her SL home in Sunweaver Space.

Monday, September 4, 2023

Reader Submitted: Is There Really That Much Hate On Furries?

 
Recently, the Newser published a commentary about the question of how much discrimination there was against those who prefer furry avatars. We would get a few responses. Among them was a reader-submitted article by Zada Bury, best known for her Drivers in SL videos. She would have a few things to say about the issue.
 
Read Zada's reader submission in People

A Busy Weekend: Linden Motown Trivia, Firestorm Anniversary Party

 
 
 This past weekend was a busy one in Second Life. Saturday Sept 2 was the Motown Trivia Party, at 12 Noon SL time. Madori Linden would ask various trivia questions.

Madori Linden: 4. What is the address of the original Motown recording studio?
a. 2648 West Grand Boulevard
b. 7365 Woodrow Wilson St.
c. 7373 Churchill St.
d. 6245 Avery St.
 
The place was a bit crowded, and laggy, but people braved the slow rezzing to answer trivia, or just for the music and dance, or to be at a Linden event. Some would get Madori Linden bears.  The event was scheduled to last until 2PM SL time.
 

 Sunday Sept 3 would have another big event. It was the day of Team Firestorm's Thirteenth Anniversary Party, taking place on a stage at the intersection of four sims. It started at 10 AM with Maxamillian Kleene singing some tunes. At 11 AM, it was Bell Tabak's (PrettyBelle72) turn on stage. In the four sims, the number of people attending was over a hundred. 

Jessica Lyon, the head of Team Firestorm, had always made it to previous anniversary parties. But unfortunately it would not be the case this time as a close family member was in the hospital someone quoting her, "cousin and I are sharing 12 hour shifts, ... and no Internet." During the event, someone shouted, "Jess asked me to several times during the party send her Thanks and Love to our Firestorm User Community. You guys are the best!!! Without you we wouldn't be celebrating today!!!"
 
 While the event is over, people can continue to drop by and grab a couple free gifts. Head to Fiewstorm Dow Forest at (219/229/3901). "Happy Anniversary Firestorm!"

There were other events going on, such as the Spoonful of Sugar charity event which started over the weekend. There will be more on that later. For those interested in checking it out now, head to SOS Uber Island (173/92/25).

 Bixyl Shuftan