Burning Barrel Race, Saturday November 7

 

New Babbage Burning Barrel Race 2026

Saturday November 7

4 to 6PM SL time

New Babbage Academy of Industry (Somewhere in the community of New Babbage, SURL unknown)

 

 (from the 2025 Burning Barrel Race)

 

Cartoon of The Day: "Manwich"

 

 Taken at Caledon's Halloween Party. Yep, that's what he called his costume. 

 

Thinking later on, I realized I missed an opportunity for a response.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

"Annual Cleanup Week"

 

 My Firestorm Viewer mentioned a Second Life tradition that may or may not be widely followed still, "Annual Cleanup Week." In fandom.com, it's described as "Sometime during the first week in November, take 10 minutes to an hour cleaning up your inventory. Make sure that you purge that trash and put things in nice lil' folders!"

 

For a newcomer, it shouldn't take long. For some "oldbies," they could take a few minutes here and a few minutes there adding up to over a few hours, and just barely make a dent. Oh well, progress is progress.

 

Bixyl Shuftan  

 

Announcement: Election Day, And Night, At The PBC

 

The Premier Business Center is having an Election Day event, for people to watch returns streamed live as they come in.  The event has been organized by Jarden Alexis. 

 

HAPPENING NOW: LIVE ELECTION COVERAGE STREAMING AT PBC

SLURL: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/189/65/1150

TODAY: MIDTERM ELECTIONS IN THE USA TUE, NOV 3, 2026!

The midterm election determines which political party controls Congress. It's our chance to shape the direction of our country, state, and local neighborhoods.YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE!
To check registration status and find local polling locations go to: [https://vote.org Vote.Org]  or  [https://CanIVote.org CanIVote.org] 

To Preview Ballots and read unbiased information go to:[https://Vote411.org Vote411.org]  or [https://Ballotpedia.org Ballotpedia.org] 

TAKE A MOMENT TO VOTE! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

*************************

WHAT ARE MIDTERM ELECTIONS
The midterm election determines which political party controls Congress. The elections include Senate races, but not all of the senators are up for election at the same time. The senators serve a six-year term, so only about one-third of the one hundred seats for U.S. Senate are included on the ballot during midterm elections. 

HERE IS WHAT YOU ARE VOTING FOR AT THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS:
AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL: You are deciding who controls Congress. Every single seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and about one-third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. These are the leaders who write national laws, manage the federal budget, and decide the big-picture future of our nation.

AT THE STATE LEVEL: You are choosing the leaders who make decisions closest to your home. Depending on where you live, you will be voting for Governor, your state legislators, and key positions like Attorney General and Secretary of State. They make the rules on state taxes, education funding, and reproductive rights.

AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: This is where your vote has the most immediate impact on your daily life. You are electing your city mayor, city council members, county commissioners, local sheriffs, and judges. These individuals run your local schools, manage public safety, and maintain your roads.

BALLOT MEASURES: You will vote "yes" or "no" on specific local laws, state constitutional amendments, and bonds that fund things like public parks, school renovations, and infrastructure.

Your vote is your power. It is your say in how your hard-earned tax dollars are spent and what rules your community lives by. 

YOU MATTER AND YOUR VOTE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Don't sit this one out! Be the difference. CAST YOUR VOTE!  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/189/65/1150

  

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

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

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - TBA

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

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

 

Furry Fashion:  Creepy vs Cute, TBA, Halloween

 

Cafe Lilardo: TBA 

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Busy Time

 

Yours truly has been busy, and while I wanted something about the Mole questions, as well as some Halloween parties, up by now, they will have to wait as I deal with real life while not quite having recovered from the weekend yet, and rest afterwards. But don't fret too much, I should have something up soon.

 

"The Belfry" Internet Comic Archive Is Down

 

Around mid-October, the Internet comic archive known as "The Belfry" (https://new.belfrycomics.net/) went offline, clicks on the link showing only a blank page. There was no panic at first as it's gone down for a few days before.  Then people in a few comic forums began commenting it wasn't coming back, some wondering if it was related to a widespread incident online in which AI bots exposed weaknesses in a great many websites. 

The Belfry had been around since the later 1990s, and had links to hundreds of online comics, including inactive ones.  It was one of the largest online comic lists, if not the largest. 

 

The internet archive has a record of it you can access (here). 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Cartoon of The Day: "Tree-Mendous Legs"

 

 Taken at the Mole Protest at Governor Linden's manor  on Friday. Why this lady's leg included a branch, I didn't ask. But I had a few ideas.

 

By Bisyl Shuftan

 

 

Announcement: Embers of Hope Fundriaser, Today 12 to 8 PM

 

Embers of Hope — Dragons in the Fight Against Cancer is a monthly charity event at Dragon’s Nexus @ Xanadu Love Boat, bringing together the diverse Second Life community for eight hours of spectacular music, entertainment, friendship and fundraising in support of the American Cancer Society. 🎗️💖 Through the combined spirit of dragons, mermaids, centaurs, humans and other residents, this celebration transforms music and community unity into a powerful symbol of compassion, courage and hope in the fight against cancer.

Where: Dragon's Nexus @ Xanadu Love Boat
Date:    Sunday (Nov-1) | 12 pm to 8 pm (SLT)
Events: 12 - 2 pm: Iron & Thunder - DJ DragonPoet & Host Mystique
             2 - 4 pm: Dragon Wings of Hope - DJ Geerkil & Hosts Lord Equis & Bianca Krampus
             4 - 6 pm: Empire of Rock - DJ Travis & Host Tsukae
             6 - 8 pm: The Dragons Rave - DJ Windragon & Host Afrogitana    

Teleport:  Winward Islands (167,92,2251) (Adult) 

 

 

 

Announcement: Wooburn's Halloween Party

 

 

 October 31st!  Come get your spooky on...for the Halloween Party!

1pm slt
Music by: DJ Mariska

All Welcome!

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wooburn/103/174/1502

 

Firestorm Celebrating Halloween

 

 Today, the Firestorm team changed the login image for Halloween, giving the phoenix a spooky look with red eyes, and the words "Happy Halloween." 

 

What's Going On With The Moles?

 

 There's been a lot of chatter about the Linden Moles in the past few days. About the only thing yours truly really knows is some have changed their names. So what else is going on? I'll have more soon.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Cartoon of The Day: Furry Ghostbuster

 

 Taken at a Merryjest Starchild Halloween event. Nothing wrong with a furry being a Ghostbuster, though it would invite puns.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: "Ghouls and Grooves Party"

 

Saturday November 1

 

Host and DJ Lily Cairparavel

 

Co-Host Friederich Valerian 

 

Lily's Cafe 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Toulouse/167/122/23

 

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: "Evil Enough"

 

 At one point in Bellisseria chat, the subject of evil masterminds as a costume came up, and if a white kitty was a mandatory par tof the look. Rosina Evergarden would show this picture, "I don't need a cat, I look evil enough iin SL without a white cat (big grin)."

 

SL Video: "Raglan Shire at it's Scary Best! 2026 Second Life Halloween Tour!"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Linda Doune Joanne Silvey SL Videos on October 30, "Prepare to be scared! A video tour of the 2026 Raglan Shire lands, not just events, but the entire spooky realm across the many locations, in Second Life during our annual display of Shocktober related events. Known wide for the quality of the Tinies, Dinkies and other talented peoples in their displays, sit down, try to relax, and hold onto your waffles! 13 rooms with their own unique vision and touch as to what is scary, fun and very creative! Enjoy the creativity in being scared waffle-less! Be skeered. Be very skeered! Visit when you can as we konw Turkey Day is coming soon!, so hurry down so you can experience it yourself! All are invited -- human, furry, dragons, tinies, dinkies, bring your friends and be skeered with them!"

 

"The Clockmaker's Curse" And "Salem 1692"

 

It's been a busy late October, but we at the Newser have a couple stories about two Halloween places, or rather a ride and a place: "The Clockmaker's Curse" and "Salem 1992. So what can you expect from them?

 

Read the reviews in Places.  

 

Announcement: Caledon Downs Halloween Dance Saturday 9 to 11 PM

 

All are invited to the annual Caledon Downs Halloween Dance Oct 31st 9pm to 11pm SLT. This is the closing of the Halloween fun on the region and the announcing of the winners of the Ghost Hunt.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Downs/104/36/41

 

Announcement: PBC Halloween K-Pop Fright Fest

 

YOU'RE INVITED TO: PBC 2026 HALLOWEEN KPOP FRIGHT FEST 
SATURDAY, OCT 31ST @ 11:00 AM SLT 
SUNDAY, NOV 1ST @ 11:00 AM SLT!

ATTIRE: COSTUMES OR CASUAL  

BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY FOR TWO FULL DAYS OF PBC FAMILY FUN AND KPOP ENTERTAINMENT!

YOUR RIDE TO PBC 2026 KPOP FRIGHT FEST: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/84/86/3547
􀀁
􀀀

PBC 2026 HALLOWEEN KPOP SPOOKTACULAR EVENT DETAILS:

*OPEN DAILY/ 24 HOURS OF EXPLORING AND FUN!
*ESCAPE ROOMS: THE CABIN* THE BUNKER* HAUNTED MANSION
*PHOTO BOOTHS: INSIDE THE MAIN MANSION
*GAMES: PUMPKIN SMASH, GHOST BLASTER  
 
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE FULL TWO DAYS OF EERIE KPOP CONCERTS, EXCITEMENT, AND CHILLING CELEBRATIONS!  

COME AND ENJOY HOURS OF FAMILY FUN, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, ESCAPE ROOMS, HAUNTED HOUSE, PHOTO PROPS, & SO MUCH MORE!               

PBC CREWSADERS (GREETER'S): JASI-O*LITTLESTREAM*AMBER*RHYME*JARDENALEXIS

PBC ENTERTAINERS:                                                           
SATURDAY, 31ST OCTOBER, 11:00 AM SLT
11AM-12PM: SUNMI  
12-1PM: P1H
1-2PM: TFT
2-3PM: STRAY-K
3-4PM: ENHA
4-5PM:  BLVCKPINK
5-6PM: XQuad
6-7PM: X7

SUNDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER 11:00 AM SLT
11- 12PM: L5SERA
12-1PM: ATZ  
1-2PM: LALISA & JENNIE
2-3PM: OaO
3-4PM: 5HINee
4-5PM: XG

YOUR MISSION: EXPLORE*SOLVE MYSTERIES*ESCAPE*MINGLE*DANCE*AND HAVE FUN!  
    
DON'T MISS OUT!

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/84/86/3547

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: "Maybe I'm Paranoid ..."

 

 During a discussion about Halloween in Bellisseria chat, raci Quandry-Marabana (Traci Quandry) posted this picture, "Maybe I'm paranoid but I think I'm being watched."

 

Not sure if it's related to the thing I saw in August at Sansara at Pomponio, or was it Palomarian?  

 

Announcement : This Saturday At The Science Circle

 

Heat Index: History, Basis in Empirical Mathematical Physics and Usage in Modern Meteorology

 

10 am SLT Saturday Oct 31

 

Heat Index: History, Basis in Empirical Mathematical Physics and Usage in Modern Meteorology By Tagline Since the 1950s, meteorologists have sought to quantify the combined biophysical effects of temperature and humidity on exposed humans and animals. Thus, some measure of “apparent heat” for weather reporting can be critically important for the agricultural industry and ecological-environmental management, as well as human comfort and safety. By the late 1970s, a mathematical model based on atmospheric physics and human thermoregulation became available. In the United States, the National Weather Service uses a single, simplified 4th degree polynomial of two variables: temperature and relative humidity. We will examine how initial psycho-perceptual concerns transformed into a rigorous biophysical mathematical model based on atmospheric physics and human thermoregulation, by which a measure called HEAT INDEX can be calculated. We will also survey other systems used across the globe.

By Tagline

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/131/30 

 

Bellisseria Candy Bucket Prize

 

 Remember the Bellisseria Trick or Treat? The Newser's candy bucket reached over a hundred people who collected from it, and we got the prize, a magical sweeping broom. 

 

It's at the Newser office at HV Community, helping to keep things clean. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: Halloween Picture

 

 At one point in Bellisseria chat when Halloween came up, Rosina Evergarden would post this, "Finally got my Halloween picture for this year. I think it's perfect."

 

Announcement: "Rave In The Grave" at Cafe Lilardo

 

 

"Rave In The Grave" at Cafe Lilardo

 

Friday October 30

 

Starting 3PM SL time

 

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Crest/11/228/4008

 

Coming Soon: "The Clockmaker's Curse" And "Salem 1692"

 

Yours truly has been busy, but I should have a Halloween attraction review soon. It features the ride "The Clockmaker's Curse" and the area "Salem 1992." It should be up tomorrow or Friday (longer if real life won't stop biting my behind).

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Cartoon of The Day: Darth Vader Down

 

 Taken at one of DJ Pilot's Halloween costume parties. In "Star Wars," few can take on Darth Vader. But Emperor Paptline/Darth Sidious can easily bring him to his knees. And well, evil men often have a twisted sense of humor.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

The Bradbury Project: "The Halloween Tree"

 

 In the "better late than never" category, I recently found out about this Halloween's Bradbury Project. Organized in part by the Seanchai Library, and taking place in the Bradbury Project sim, it is about "celebrating the work of American author Ray Bradbury, and featuring the novella "The Halloween Tree" from his canon of stories set in fictional Green Town, Illinois." It started on October 3, and is continuing to November 3.

 

 The sim itself offers, "Bradbury's Green Town, Illinois circa the 1950s to explore, interactive Experience-Based Map to aid in your exploration, (the) "Searching for Pipkin" Quest, information on the author at Bradbury House and Library, plenty of photo ops and things to explore (clickie!), interactive "Mr Moundshroud" and "La Catriona" - ask them your questions in local chat about Halloween, Ray Bradbury, and Dia de los Muertos, (and) plenty of photo ops and things to explore (clickie!)."

 

And then there are the events. Over the course of the month, there have been a number of reading and dance events. There are still some left. Tonight is a "story tour: of the area starting about 7PM SL time and should take 60 to 90 minutes. 

There would be a video on Youtube as well about the event by Linden Lab. 

For more information, check out : https://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/p/the-bradbury-project-sl.html

 

SURL: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradbury%20Project/197/32/41

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: Candy Bucket Guards

 

 

 

 From Traci Quandry-Marabana (Traci Quandry), "This is a Public Service Announcement from the Minions Defense Force  or the MDF, warning (candy) buckets  are being defended by strange beings."

 

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

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

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - TBA

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

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

 

Furry Fashion:  Creepy vs Cute, TBA, Halloween

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Updated Tuesday evening 

 

"New Griefing Technique Warning" Mentioned Inworld

 

There was the following announcement in the Antiquity group, though the topic was discussed in Bellisseria chat as well.

 

There is a new griefing technique where people are creating conference calls, and spams them with links that was reported in the Second Life Birthday chat.  Apparently this is happening ot the Linden Labs staff as well, and they are looking into how to block the links form happening.

To prevent this, though,  you can go into your Preferences, Chat, Chat Windows, and click "Automatically ignore and leave all conference (ad-hoc_ chats).

 

Of the discussion about it in the Bellisseria group,  some liked the idea, others not so much, "if you are a mentor it kind of defeats a purpose of helping people." Others felt it wasn't truly necessary, "It's annoying, but since I know why it's happening I can easily ignore and close."

 

Credit: FlowerTower Resident and  Sean Starling

  

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Burn2 Concludes

 

Saturday October 24 was the main event of the Burn2 art and music festival, the "Burning of The Man." At at 12 Noon SL time, a crowd gathered to see it go up in flames.  And before too long, it was completely aflame.

 

After some time, it collapsed into embers and burnt glowing pieces of wood. For those who missed the first, there would be a second Man Burn at 6PM SL time.  

 

 On Sunday, there would be the Temple Burn. Originally scheduled at 12 Noon SL time, it actually started about fifteen minutes early. I would hear the censer burner finished reading the prayers early, so the flames fired up early.

 

The events would go on to Midnight and on, and that night would mark the official end to the art and music festival. For those who want to see more, most of the exhibits should be up a few more days  It's also likely a few DJs will play impromptu unscheduled events.

 

Burn on.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Press Relese: Outshop Cancer's Final Week

 

Out Shop Cancer Enters Its Final Week with Shopping, Art, Entertainment and Special Events Across Second Life
 

The final week of *Out Shop Cancer 2026: Luck Be a Cure Tonight!* is underway, and there's still time for residents across Second Life to shop for a cause, discover original artwork, hunt for treasures, win exciting raffle prizes, and enjoy a spectacular lineup of community entertainment.

Running through October 31, Out Shop Cancer brings together merchants, artists, bloggers, performers, and residents in support of the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Inspired by the lights and glamour of Las Vegas, this year's event offers two regions filled with shopping, creativity, entertainment, and opportunities to make a difference.

## Shop, Hunt and Discover Something Special

The Out Shop Cancer Main Store and Marketplace Shopping Event continues alongside the popular Gridwide Hunt, giving shoppers opportunities to discover unique creations while supporting the fight against breast cancer. Hunt participants can find clues and hints on the event website and explore participating locations throughout the grid.

Visitors can also explore the **Gallery Royale Art Walk**, featuring original works by talented Second Life artists. The exhibition celebrates the creativity of the virtual world while bringing the community together for a meaningful cause. Residents can learn more about the participating artists and discover the people behind the artwork through the event website.

Raffles offer another opportunity to participate, with prizes donated in support of the fundraising mission. **Raffle participation ends Saturday, October 31, at 12 PM SLT**, so residents are encouraged to take part before the deadline.

## Tiny Gloves, Big Entertainment: Dinkie Day Arrives October 25

Sunday, October 25, brings a special celebration featuring some of Second Life's smallest personalities and plenty of entertainment for the whole community.

The **Dinkie Boxing Expo** invites residents to cheer on tiny contenders as they step into the ring for a playful showdown. The fun continues with musical performances by **The Tiny Maniacs** and **The Waffle House Wonders**, bringing a distinctive Dinkie flavor to the Luck Be a Cure Tonight entertainment lineup.

Throughout the event, visitors can also enjoy a rotating lineup of DJs, live singers, and special performances. From energetic music and live entertainment to unique community activities, there's something for a wide range of tastes.

## Dress to Impress: The Out Shop Cancer Closing Gala

The celebration continues into the final weekend with the **Out Shop Cancer Closing Gala on Friday, October 30, from 5–8 PM SLT**.

Residents are invited to dress for the occasion in **cocktail or formal attire** and join fellow supporters for an evening of entertainment, community, and reflection as the month-long event approaches its conclusion.

The Gala provides an opportunity to celebrate the creativity and generosity of the Second Life community, recognize the people who helped make Out Shop Cancer possible, and keep the focus on the mission that brings everyone together.

## A Community Effort for a Meaningful Cause

Out Shop Cancer is more than a shopping event. It is a community-wide effort involving merchants, artists, bloggers, sponsors, hosts, DJs, singers, and volunteers who contribute their time and talents to support the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The event's website features the full calendar of activities, Gridwide Hunt hints, the Gallery Royale artist directory, and the participating blogger team. Residents are encouraged to explore these resources, share the event with friends, and join the remaining activities before October closes.

**Event Information**

- **Event:** Out Shop Cancer 2026 — Luck Be a Cure Tonight!
- **Dates:** October 1–31, 2026
- **Location:** Second Life
- **Benefiting:** American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
- **Event Calendar:** https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/event-calendar/
- **Hunt Hints:** https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/hunt-hints/
- **Meet the Artists:** https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/art-walk/
- **Meet the Bloggers:** https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/bloggers/
- **Website:** https://www.outshopcancersecondlife.com/

With the final days approaching, residents are encouraged to shop, explore, participate, and celebrate alongside a community united by creativity, generosity, and hope.

**Come for the shopping. Stay for the entertainment. Join us in making a difference.**

*Out Shop Cancer 2026 — Luck Be a Cure Tonight!*
*Roll the dice. Light the fire. Tonight, luck burns pink.*

For more information, please contact Sandie Loxingly.

Sandie Loxingly
secondlife:///app/agent/98932850-957c-49de-af85-fd19738ced21/about
Email:  sandie.loxingly@gmail.com
Discord: sandieloxingly
 

Press Release: Spooky Strides Returns To Second LIfe For Halloween

 

Five Scary Days And Nights of Halloween Magic, Shopping, and Charitable Giving

After a hiatus, Spooky Strides is back! From October 26-31, 2026, Second Life residents are invited to enjoy a Halloween celebration featuring live entertainment, haunted attractions, shopping, gachas, and fundraising for BlessOne and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Organized by Bless1Org.Inc, Spooky Strides returns through the efforts of Venus Amore, the BlessOne Board, and dedicated volunteers, performers, and musicians who have contributed their time and talents to bring this Halloween celebration to life.

The entertainment lineup will start Monday morning with Maximillion Kleene, each day will be filled with both events and performances by live musicians, Gandalf, Paul, MacDavE, Maribol Insahn, Rosedrop Rust, Chris Darkstone, Fil Rowane, Zelator Baphoment, Wytchwhisper, Pianoman1, and Mason Thorne. Live DJ Performances DJ Cee, DJ Xeno, DJ Anjie Rain, DJ Noce Sakiagake, and more. Special performances include Minsky's Burlesque Show, Rocky Horror Pixel Show, Lighting Strikes Production, Crixus Carnival of Carnage, Maribol's Halloween Venues, and Stories by Nelle Bly and Rosedrop Rust.

Halloween goodies and more await visitors at participating shops, including Sensations, Flecha Creations, Stix, Vortech, and additional Second Life merchants. Visitors can also collect ribbon Gachas and other special gachas for donations to benefit ACS or BlessOne.

Spooky Strides supports BlessOne's mission to eradicate homelessness and the American Cancer Society's mission to end cancer for everyone. Donors can donate to either or both organizations.

Bless1 Org, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017, has maintained presence in Second Life for years, including it's sponsored public sandbox, operating since 2019. The return of Spooky Strides opens October 26 at 10AM Second Life time (SLT). Come explore, shop, enjoy the performances, and celebrate Halloween while making a difference!

Be sure to check out our calendar of events on the website, and join us for some Halloween fun at: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BlessOne/118/129/23 while supporting ACS and BlessOne in their efforts to make a difference and change the world!

Event Website: https://www.spookystride.org

Second Life Location: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BlessOne/118/129/23

Contact Info:

Bless 1 Org. Inc
donate@blessone.org
https://www.blessone.org

Venus Amore (Second Life laison for Bless 1 Org. Inc.)
venusamoresl@gmail.com

 

Cartoon Of The Day: This Really Burns My Butt

 

 Taken at the "Burning of The Man." Somehow, someone ended up "bottoms up" with a glowing red timber over their backside. That would certainly hurt, and inspire some comments.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: Remembrance Event For LoneWolf Genesis, Sunday October 25 at 2PM

 

 A talented musician, a kind soul and a valued friend, LoneWolf Genesis was a classical guitarist and worked at the Rockin' Roost Roadhouse for many years.

Thank you for your service.

Gathering at Sunday, October 25, 2026
At 2PM
To honor Lone's memory
Chapman Zane to sing a few songs

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Waterton/239/217/24 

 

SL Video: "Halloween"

 

 By ElviraDeMonica on October 2017

 

Gaming News: "Power To The Players" Act

 

 There's always something going on in gaming news. Recently Steam changed how it's games are displayed. There's also been talk about AI-generated games, games in which developers let AI do all the work in designing games from graphics, combat systems, story plotline, etc. But there have been other developments that caused a little more buzz than usual. 

 

Lately there's been a rather unwelcome message from many gaming companies: "You don't really own the games you pay for, only rent for the privilege of playing for a while. And we can cancel it any time we want." One example is NBA 2K25 , "The game, which retailed for $69.99 for the standard edition and $99.99 for the All-Star Edition, will be delisted from digital storefronts on October 30 and will have its online servers shut down on December 31, only two years after its initial release." 

 

US Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York City cited this particular game in his "Power To The Players Act," which he introduced a few days ago, "When you pay for a game, you should own it. Consumers must have the right to own, the right to play, and the right to transfer the games they buy. A game that can be taken away the moment a company pulls the plug is not a purchase. It is a rental disguised as a sale. Families in the Bronx and across the country save up to buy these games, and they deserve better than a license that can vanish at any time. The Power To The Players Act ensures consumers own what they buy and can keep playing long after a company moves on.”
 

Should the bill become law, the US Federal Trade Commission will enact regulations to protect ownership of games. But it's not a done deal as the majority of bills in Congress die in Committee. Vice suggested the gaming industry would complain offline modes were too expensive to build. The Verge would state last month in Pennsylvania, legislation was introduced that if made into law would require companies selling games in the state to offer an offline mode or offer a 25% refund if the game is killed.

 

Sources: PC Gamer,  House.Gov, Vice, The Verge

 

Bixyl SHuftan 

 

Announcement: SL Christmas Expo Registration Now Open

 

It isn't just Linden Lab getting ready for the Christmas season a little early. So are the people behind the Second Life Christmas Expo. Earlier this month, they announced registration was open for bot special event sponsorship and merchant registration. 

 

This year's theme is "A Nutcracker Christmas." The event itself, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, runs from Friday November 27 to Sunday December 6. 

 

Announcement : This Saturday At The Science Circle

 

10 am SLT Saturday Oct 24
Geography as Destiny: A Look at Hormuz and Other Choke Points 

 

A relatively lightweight military power, Iran, has throttled the world economy by capitalizing on its geography, the Strait of Hormuz. Is geography destiny? The answer is “no,” we should not take “destiny” too seriously; but at the same time, we tend not to take geographical influences seriously enough. In this talk I examine the meaning of geography as destiny in terms of Hormuz and various maritime choke points. 

 

By Meryl McBride

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/66/129/30 

 

Scenes From Burn2, Continued

 

 

The Burn2 art and music festival continues. Yesterday we featured "The Man." What gets less attention but is still important is the festival Temple. This year, it's located in the center-north sim. People put prayers, tributes, and other short comments in the burner in the middle, and during the Temple Burn they are spoken (or rather texted) aloud. The Temple Burn is on Sunday October 25. 

 

 And of course there's the art exhibits.

 

 And the art and music events. Some unscheduled ones take place after Midnight.

 

Burn2 takes place for three more days after today.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Two-Tu Tuesday?

 

Taken at Burn2. He has a skirt on, and when asked he was saying it was really a tutu, and it was Tuesday so why not "Tutu Tuesday?"

 

But looking at the design of the garment, there was one more pun.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted: "Dinner Is Served"

 

 From Zada Burry, titled "Dinner Is Served." Was there a takeout place across the road? Or with those bat wings and sharp teeth, someone's about to get a hickey that will take a while to heal?

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Burn2: "The Man" Is Up

 

It took a little time, but "The Man" for this year's Burn2 art and music festival is up. I went by yesterday evening, and it was no longer in pieces on the ground, but it and it's base were built and upright.

I had a few words with Zoren Manray, the primary builder of "The Man." He told me because of real-life he had been delayed in construction, but had it "mostly up" by Tuesday night. Like other years, this one is based on it's counterpart at the real-life Burning Man, "every year an approximation of the real-life Man is made." But there are small differences, "the RL one had more trusses instead of solid parts and more artwork inside. Overall the shape and design is the same though. This year the design was interesting since the base was quite tall. Usually there is only one deck, but this has three. This also meant that in RL they had to limit the number of people on it to 40 or so.. to keep it from being overloaded."

"Also since they had to make the base so strong it lead to an interesting burn. It just did not want to collapse." Zoren did say they would at least try to make the burn last a little longer. 

 

At night, neon tubes inside The Man make it more visible. And like what could be done with the real one, one can climb up it. Zoren did say there were a last few touches on it.

 

The "Burning of The Man" will take place on Saturday October 24. 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

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

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - TBA

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

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

 

Furry Fashion:  Forest Creatures, TBA, Cyberpunk

 

Urban Furry :  Closed

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

  

Nothing New On The Sunny Estates

 For those wondering about the Sunweaver Estates, there have been no new developments about their future. The sims are still up, despite their owner Rita Mariner having passed away a few months ago. When I last talked to Shockwave Yareach, he told me there's been no word from Linden Lab about them. The most likely is there's still money in Rita's account, and as long as money goes from there to Linden Lab, there's no issue. But there's no telling how long it will last. 

 

In the meantime, life, or in this case virtual life, has gone on, with Club Xanadu having taken the Wednesday at 6PM time that the now inactive Club Cutlass had and a few more people going to it's Saturday at 8PM party. The Happy Vixen has also seen more people drop by, especially with it's Halloween Haunt set up.  

 

When there's more news about the future of the Sunweaver sims, we'll let you the readers know.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

EOTB: Applications Being Accepted For Christmas Shop And Hop

 

It's still mid-October, and Halloween isn't for almost two weeks. But already Linden Lab is getting ready for the Christmas season. On Friday in the official Second Life blog, the Lab announced they were accepting applications for stores in this year's Holiday Shop and Hop.

 

Halloween may still be spookily lingering, but we’re already brewing up plans for the festive season! We’re excited to announce the return of our highly anticipated Holiday Shop & Hop event. Mark your calendars for a spectacular shopping extravaganza ...

 

Those interested in taking part need to fill out a Google doc form (here).  As with Shop and Hop events in the past, participating sellers need to offer a 20% discount on all items on sale, plus offer a free gift to any shopper regardless if they're in the store group or not. It either must be a new product, or a gift card worth at least 300 Linden dollars. All products, and store decoration, must be rated moderate. Nor is anything political permitted. And stores cannot be used to promote items at other events. 

 

Those interested in taking part have until Sunday October 25 to send in their applications. The Holiday Shop and Hop will take place from Friday December 4 to Sunday January 3, 2027. 

 

To read more about the Shop and Hop, Click Here.  

 

 Bixyl Shuftan

 

"The End of The Road" For OSgrid, Second Largest OpenSim Virtual World To Close After 19 Years of Operation

 

With virtual worlds being dominated by Second Life and VRChat, OpenSim gets only a relatively small amount of users these days, about 164,000 monthly users compared to about 600,000 to 750,000 of SL. With over three hundred OS worlds, it doesn't usually make much news when one closes. But a few days ago, OSgrid, the second largest one, announced that after nineteen years it was finally "The end of the road."

 

 For 19 years, OSgrid has been more than just a server or a platform. It was a digital frontier built on a radical premise: that an open, decentralized metaverse could thrive entirely on community, trust, and shared architecture. Today, it is with a profound sense of loss that the OSgrid board must announce the end of this journey. We are officially calling it a day.

It wasn't lack of usership that was the problem, the grid remains the second-most OpenSim world used. It wasn't from a lack of staff keeping it up, according to them the team remained dedicated. The reason the nineteen year old virtual world was deemed beyond worth saving was because of one single hacker who took advantage of the grid's open code framework to flood it's infrastructure with huge amounts of junk data  "Our inventory items table exploded from 3 GB to a crippling 139 GB, turning routine 10-minute database backups into 12-hour ordeals. Our assets are effectively poisoned." 

 

The damage wasn't from one single attack, but repeated ones that were not stopping. when the staff discussed how to stop them, the only way to do so was to abandon their philosophy of an open grid and change to a closed one, "to truly end the attacks, we would simply have to permanently lock down the grid. We refuse to compromise the very soul & model of OSgrid just to keep the lights on. Spending 11 hours a day in shifts—blocking attacks and cleaning up poisoned data—is no longer sustainable as a volunteer effort. We have survived and combatted many forms of attacks over the decades, but Entropy has finally won."

 

Hypergird Business stated twice in the past two years, OSgrid was down for a month, once in March 2025 to clear it's database of corrupted information, and June this year, blamed on "metadata size limits."  

No more registrations to the grid are being accepted, and the final membership meeting was yesterday, Sunday October 18. The grid will close at Midnight, December 31. 

 

Sources: Hypergrid Business, OSgrid

 

Hat tip: Fluffyfoxy364

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

More Burn2 Scenes

 

Burn2 continues, with it's exhibits and music events. 

Besides the DJ events, the Lamplighters have some shows of their own.

 

 Like other Burning Man events, they made decorating porto-potties an art form.

 

 Last time there was no sign of "The Man," just a construction site in the general vicinity of where it should be. And it looks like I guessed right. Yesterday I saw the effigy lying down. Maybe it will be up by tomorrow. 

 

All for now,

 

Bixyl Shuftan