Memorial Service For Rita Mariner

 

 

On Saturday evening August 1, it was time for the Sunweaver community to say goodbye to a special friend: it's founder Rita Mariner. A number of people gathered to give their farewells, sometimes saying a few words about her. Complicating things were technical glitches which prevented some people from being there, so ways had to be found to work around them. But the event would proceed, with much spoken. 

 

Read the story in People.

 

In Brief: Heart of Gold

 

 

In 2013, Grease wrote about the Heart of Gold space club, a club based on the ship in "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy." For fans who lost track and might be wondering what happened, it's still around. It's currently in the Cinnamaldehyde sim, with Skeppy Manicwillow (MinkBlueleaf Fyrewik) helping to run it. 

 

After Grease Coakes wrote about it, the club was almost lost after the sim it was on when offline. It was rebuilt partially out of items from the rebuilder's inventory and partially from items in the Beta Grid. 

 

As of when I talked to her, the place has events seven days a week, 6-8PM SL time with 8-10PM Tues and Thurs. I had planned to do a longer article. But yours truly has been busy in real life. So it will have to wait. For now, head over and see for yourself. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cinnamaldehyde/46/63/2002 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update

 

 Very little has changed on the island on the sims Aptos and Tomales set to be the focus on further construction on the Trans-Sansara Causway since last Friday, About the only difference I saw there was a little more equipment being added, such as this surveying equipment. 

 

 But a glance of the map showed something interesting. Some distance to the southwest were four sims, named Whatever 1 to 4, that were shaped like Thetis, Aptos, Tomales, and Swanton. They showed what looked like a bridge crossing from Thetis to Aptos, and lines from the west end of the middle island the wooden color of untextured prims extending to the completed section of bridge on the eastern island. These sims could not be TPed into. 

 

This is likely the roads being build before being moved into place into the real sims.  But there was extra workings on Whatever 2, the duplicate of Aptos. Is there anything besides bridgework being planed? Time will tell. 

 

Stay tuned for further information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Any Good In A Fight?

 

 Taken at Montecito Bay. This ottergirl was in a witch's outfit, but carrying a crystal ball. With magic users ending up in fights, it occurred to me that something designed for getting glimpses of the future wouldn't seem to be any good in a quick fight. But glass made into a solid heavy ball has one obvious use in a brawl.

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Club Tributes To Dolly Parton

 

 On Tuesday August 25, noted singer and actress Dolly Parton died following a short battle with cancer. Earlier, we reported on a memorial to her. But also, numerous DJs were touched by this sad news. I would come across a few musical tributes for her. One was at Montecito Bay on Wednesday August 26.

 

Yesterday was a sad day for everyone around the world, we lost an icon. Today, DJ Cookie is choosing to honor her legacy by playing a full set of Dolly (with other guest artists too). Please join us for a tribute to one of the biggest and kindest stars in the world. 

 

DJ Cookie would play two hours of her songs, such as "What's Up," "Home Sweet Home," and "Love Is Like A Butterfly."

 

On the same day, Club Zero Gravity would have it's "Roman Holidays" party, which was planned in advance. But with the recent news, DJ Rose was playing just music sung by Dolly Parton, or at least connected to her.  Rose would play songs such as "Starting over Again," "All I Can Do," "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," "Touch Your Woman," "Heartbreak Express," and the popular "Jolene" and "Nine To Five."

 

 At the Happy Vixen on Thursday August 27, the party had no set theme. But DJ Charlee would play mostly Dolly Parton music for her set as well.

 

Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Girls"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From "The Rythms of [SL]ife" on March 2018

 

Bellisseria Oasis Water Park

 

On Sunday August 23, I heard about a water park at Bellesseria Fairgrounds, the "Big Splash Adventure Oasis Water Park." It had just opened, and there was a party to celebrate. 

 

The party, in front of a small stage on the beach sand, had over a dozen present, including the DJ and the two "Bell Hammies." Besides the music, there was much joking to be had, and one of the hammies getting into a little trouble, "You're lucky you're cute." 

 

After the party came checking out the pool and slides. There were chairs you could just sit and relax on. But the real fun was with the water slides. Just click on the ring over the exit, and be teleported to the top. There, just sit on the innertube, and enjoy the ride. It's best viewed in mouselook.

 

The ride may not be up for too long, though. With the traditional end of Summer vacation season a little more than a week away, it's possible the park may close just afterwards. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/169/161/23 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update

 

Construction at the Trans-Sansara Causeway has been quiet for the past several days. There has been no work on the bridge itself. But I did notice Wendi Linden had placed some equipment in the Aptos side of the two-sim island in the area. This included a porto-potty with half of a German magazine inside. Maybe the bidet stopped working?

 

Stay tuned for further updates.  

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Last Day At Abnormality Shopping Event

 

One of the larger seasonal shopping events is almost over. Abnormality's summer event, which started on August 7th, has it's last day today, August 28. This month's theme is "Jungle Jam." And the place has been made to look like a village in the middle of one, with the ground looking marshy outside the foot paths, and the shops made to look like huts with walls of sticks and thatch huts. On August 15, there had been a fifth anniversary party. 

 

Going over, there was quite an assortment of avatars, clothes, and accessories. But I noticed one place had a tag, "Human Made."  It appears some are concerned about items designed by AI.

 

Abnormality has events four times a year, advertising itself towards nonhuman avatars, "serving all human-adjacent and fantasy styles, furries, elves, and aliens alike."

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Abnormality/128/128/18 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Honoring Dolly Parton And Tim Curry

 

 

 

 This has been a sad week for some people. A couple days ago on August 25, singer and actress Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80. She had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Later it was revealed actor Tim Curry died that same day, also at 80. While no cause of death was given, he had been suffering from a number of health issues since a stroke several years. ago.

 

As it turns out, there are a couple of places in Second Life honoring them. One is the "Dolly Woods Memorial Swimming Hole." It is located next to a Mainland highway at Varean (217/186/89). The area is a mix of a backwoodsy campsite, perhaps a reference to Parton being brought up in a dirt poor Appalachian family, and a star and musical instruments, as well as a couple of pictures of the singer. 

 

The other is the "RIP Frankenfurter Memorial Tim Curry," located at Granville (98/88/82). While Curry had many noted roles over his career, one of his most memorable characters is Dr. Frankenfurter from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." It has become a cult classic that a core group of fans dress up to watch it at repeated showings at theaters, usually around Halloween. The build has a few references to the movie, such as the rainfall and the spaceship, and has a media stream playing music from the film. 

 

 Both builds were made by a Rockin Ƶ㊉Mßae (LunahBella Resident). In her profile, she had the line, "'I will always love you' Dolly."

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Varean/217/186/89

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Granville/98/88/82

 

 Bixyl Shuftan

 

Cartoon of The Day: "Axe For It"

 

 Taken at Bellisseria Fairgrounds. At a party, among the ladies dancing were these two, one with a hatchet. So how did she get it? I could think of one way.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Copperfield Heights Bridge

 

 In late February, Linden Lab introduced the Copperfield Heights Linden Homes, which were connected to the rest of Bellisseria by just one (mostly) water sim, Copperfield Crossing. Now, there's a bridge crossing it, and the adjacent All Hours sim, which is water and beach shore. 

 

 This isn't a simple design, but a suspension bridge which rises high above the water in the middle, so the owners of larger boats won't panic when they approach.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/All%20Hours/165/170/23

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperfield%20Crossing/42/170/29

 

Hat Tip: Traveler's Station

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Mr. E, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - Roman Holiday

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  DJ Moni, DJ Cookie, DJ Chucklepuppy, DJ Moff

 

Furry Fashion: All That Glitters/Sparkles, TBA, Ferals

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

In Brief: Alpha Health Alliance

 

Some readers may remember Wesley Regenbogen, who used to write for the Newser. He is still active in Second Life, and showed me a place he's been involved with lately: Alpha Health Alliance, an organization that supports people affected by rare diseases. 

 

We'll likely write a larger article on the place later. For now, here's the SURL and website.  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alpha%20Health%20Alliance/239/136/23 

 

https://alphahealthalliance.org

 

Commentary: Of RFL's Team Sunbeamer's Folding

 

"All good things must come to an end" so goes an old saying. And late last month, following the death of it's captain Rita Mariner, it was announced that the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers, after thirteen years of fun and fundraising, would be retired. Obviously the end of it's leader was the big reason. But there were others that led to this decision.

 

Read the commentary in Extra.  

Technical Difficulties Keep Some Offline, Interfere With Support And Money Transactions

 

 Yesterday, Sunday August 23, some residents had trouble logging on, and if they were on weren't always able to make or see announcements. 

We are currently investigating the outage of our Support services. At this time residents may experience issues accessing their dashboard on Second Life, logging inworld, and the ability to access Live Chat or to submit a Support case. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience. Please follow this blog for any further updates.

Chat did continue to happen to a smaller degree, some residents noticing fewer people than expected showing up at events, and money transactions not going through. 

 

Finally at 2:57 PM SL time, almost three hours after the problem had been announced, Linden Lab stated the situation has been resolved. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted AI Artwork

 

 From Lilybeth Patterson. Brandi Streusel and Zee are trying to get into a speakeasy for a party, but have forgotten the password so the bouncer won't let them in. Fortunately, a certain reporter fox provides a distraction so they can slip by. 

 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Abnor Mole's Car

 

 From the Ttans-Sansara Causeway. There was one single car on the yet to be completed bridge, from Abnor Mole. It had the slogan "Mo Homes" on the side. Since he works in expanding Bellisseria and it's Linden Homes, it seems that's what he enjoys doing, and maybe a strong hint of what's to come in the future. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Drivers of SL Grid Drive 2026-06-13 - Drive (short) and Flight & RFL"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Zada Bury on August 19, "So far a simple drive, but there was a lot stressing me out and the sim-crossings was ... 'difficult'. After the main-part of the drive, was then also a visit of the RFL-event. The RFL event is pretty awesome made, but I am pretty overloaded with work at this time, so I have not enough time to appreciate it right. I try my best and give best wishes. Don't be fooled by my 'fast trough'."

 

At 4:18, she runs into a certain someone. 

 

Renee Riva of RFL Relay Rockers Passes Away

 

Last night, Thursday August 20, Trader1 Whiplash announced the passing of Renee Riva.

 

With broken hearts and profound sadness the Relay Rockers learned today of the passing of our dear friend, original teammate and pillar of strength Renee Riva.

Renee who was partnered with DJRipster Riva for 11 years was a 3-time cancer survivor and  living proof that resilience and hope can carry a person, and everyone around them, through the hardest of battles.

Renee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011 and then a few years later suffered a metastatic brain tumor. As a result of the multiple treatments she developed leukemia and in the past year suffered Kidney failure and had been in assisted living as she underwent dialysis.

Renee passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning. 

A Memorial Service is being planned for for early September.
 

The announcement was followed by a number of messages of surprise and condolences in Relay chat. "Prayers for all who knew her." "So sad to hear of her passing. she was a lovely lady and we've missed her these past few months. condolences to her family and friends." "Hugs, Trader, Rip, the Rockers and her friends & family. Renee will be greatly missed, she was a true inspiration." "So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers to DJRipster , friends and SL family and also to real life family and friends."

 

The Relay Rockers team for the Relay for Life was folded at the end of this year's Relay season in June after about twenty years, with the advancing age and declining health of it's remaining founding members being a factor. 

 

Rest in peace Renee 

 

Image Credit: DJ ripster435riva (ripster435 Resident) 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update - Three New Sims, New Bridge Length

 

There's been some more progress on the Trans-Sansara Causeway project. To begin with, the unfinished bridge on the southern border of Pomponio and Albion has been cleared away. There's no trace left of the 2021 structure, and it appears a number of other builds and items have been moved as well. The construction sign has been removed as well. Were they going to use the bridge and change their mind, or was the sign a heads up the build would be gone? 

 

 

But while one bridge is gone, a new one is up. Just southeast of the five new sims that were reported on in August 10, there are now an additional three newer ones: Cleone, Falk, and Tunitas.  Just north of the sim border between Mavericks and Cleone, there's a new bridge. Currently, a gate closes it to vehicle traffic, and there's a construction sign there from the Linden Department of Public works. 

 

This new bridge is longer and more detailed than the one it replaced. Instead of just piers, the bridge is also build on rocky islands with some vegetation on them. They're also built a bit wavy and curvy. No way someone would get "highway hypnosis" on this road. A nice scenic structure to walk on, or drive on once finished. Well, one guy was driving. Abnor Mole left his car behind, with the words "Mo homes" on the side. 

 

The bridge is not yet finished, the last length resting on a bare rocky isle in the middle of the Swanton sim, within sight of the island at Tomales next door to the west. Presumable that's where further construction will be. 

 

Back in the Luna sim, where the other end of the causeway starts, further work has connected the tunnel to the road, and the construction cones have been removed. One can now drive their vehicles from the street and into it, though they will have to stop and turn around as construction at Thetis' island has not progressed. 

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Saber Teeth Troubles

 

 

 Taken at one of DJ Tantari's parties. One guy had a Sabertooth avatar, with the teeth. And well, it had the usual problem of "clipping," making him looking at times like he stabbed himself. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Flying Purple Thing Over Sansara

 

 In what looked like a scene from an eldritch horror story, while checking out an area of construction for the Trans-Sansara Causway in Pomponio, I noticed something floating to the north. Upon further inspection, it was some kind of weird floating thing with a single, disturbing-looking eye.

 

Maybe he was part of a "Flying Purple People Eater" video.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Walk Around the Grid: The Willows Cartoon Night

 

In her latest "Walk Around The Grid" article, Netera Landar writes about, and shows some pictures from, when a favorite club of hers, Willows, threw a party that no doubt brought back some happy childhood memories among many: Cartoon Night. She and others danced along classic cartoon characters, and some more recent stars. 

 

Read Netera's story in Events. 

 

Mystery Circle of Alts Near Bay City

 

Second Life can have no shortage of weirdness. While checking out the new construction on the Trans-Sansara Causway, looking around, I noticed a curious circle of avatars in the Hiltrude sim near Bay City. Heading over, they were underwater, and all had similar names, each with"Pitblado" as part of them, and created all on the same day, April 3, 2026. They all had blank profiles and were invisible, minus their tags.

 

And then suddenly vanished. Not one by one, but every single one teleported away, all at once. 

 

Checking the map, I saw they'd gone to Shannavay several sims away. So I headed there and got a better look.  What they were doing, no idea. It's possible they were bots trying to get information on nearby sims. But they don't need to be in groups for this purpose or stay very long. 

 

Oh, and no, you can't teleport into The Cornfield near Hiltrude.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Mr. E, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - School Outfits

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  DJ Moni, DJ Cookie, DJ Chucklepuppy, DJ Moff

 

Furry Fashion: TBA

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

Reader Submitted Picture: On A Bridge To, Somewhere

 

 From Mystery Mellon, a picture of her with Rezzdammit on the unfinished bridge at the southeast corner of the Swanton sim. 

 

Open Mike At Book Island

 

Book Island has several events a week, mostly oriented for those who like to read, write, and both, though there are occasional dance shows and other happenings. Soon after 1PM Sunday, dropped by for some of it's Open Mike event, hosted by Selina Green

 

1pm Open Mic on Book Island - come share your writing (fiction, non fiction, poetry, essays - anything!) or the writing of your favourite author. You can read yourself or have someone else read for you or just come to listen. Try your luck at winning our L300 doorprize too! 

 

By all means this isn't the only event to go to. Join the "Book Island Events And Discussions" to find out more (link). The location also has a small office for the Newser at (221/118/36). 

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/187/131/36

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update : Bridge Tunnel Island At Thetis

 

Work on the Trans-Sansara Causeway continues. Last Tuesday, we reported on a tunnel going from Luna down underwater and an unfinished end at Krios. Taking a look this weekend. there's a new island at the Thetis sim, at (115/88/21). And work on the tunnel has continued, extending it from Krios to this island. 

 

Presumably, this is going to be a bridge-tunnel island, not unlike those for the real-life Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel that connects Virginia's part of the Delmarva Peninsula to the rest of the state.  

 

The probable course of further construction is likely to be a bridge connecting it to the larger island to the east at Aptos and Tomales.  Where will it go from there? One possibility is  connecting it to the end of the highway in Noyo, of which the Yavascript pods going through travel off and go into the water nearby, changing into boats. 

 

But there's also an unfinished bridge, connecting from the highway near the sim border of Mavericks and Pomponio, at Pomponio (130/10/47). This is much more likely as it has a construction sign there. It was built in 2021, and extents to just past the sim border of Albion and Swanton before it comes to an abrupt end over the water. 

 

There is a bridge in Fortuna and Bethel not far from the tunnel. But it was built in 2009, and is unlikely to be involved in the Causeway construction.  

 

More information to come. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Thetis/115/88/21 

 

Bixyl Shuftan (with help from Rezzdammit)