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) 

Applications Open For Halloween Shop and Hop (Last Day Sunday)

 

It's not even September, and already Linden Lab is getting ready for the spooky season in shopping. Pm Friday August 14, the Lab announced they were accepting applications from merchants interested in taking part in the Halloween Shop and Hop. 

 

The Halloween season is creeping up on us once again, and so is one of Second Life’s biggest shopping events! If you’re a Content Creator, now’s your chance to conjure up your best items and reach thousands of shoppers across multiple regions.

 

Those interested need to fill out a Google doc form (here).  As with previous Shop and Hop events, 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 (No nude succubi or other clearly adult Halloween-themed monsters and items). Nothing political is permitted, and stores cannot be used to promote items at other events. 

 

As the poster above states, The event runs from Friday October 2 to Sunday November 1. The merchants have three days from September 25 to 28 to set up their shops. 

 

The deadline for store owners to apply is Sunday August 23.

 

To read the blog post in full, Click Here. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon Of The Day: "HowYaBenn?"

 

 Taken at a party at Abnormality. How this guy really chose his name, who knows. But it doesn't take much to imagine it could have been something like this. 

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "If I Tremble"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From The Rhythms Of [SL]ife on June 2016, "This is my first work."

 

Linden Lab Updates Marketplace Policy In Regards To Inactive Merchants

 

 

On Wednesday August 12, Linden Lab announced on it's blog that it had updated it's Marketplace policies. This was in regards to inactive merchants and items that are not selling.

There is now a "Product Unlisting Policy"

If a Merchant has not logged in for one year AND a specific product has not generated a sale in one year, that individual product listing will be automatically unlisted from Marketplace.

This policy applies only when both conditions are met.

If a Merchant has not logged in for one year AND a specific product has not sold in one year, that product will be automatically unlisted.

The Lab would add unlisting by itself "does not delete the product, the listing data, or the merchant account. The product is simply disabled from appearing for sale on Marketplace unless reactivated later by the merchant."

 

 There is also a "Store Disabling Policy"

If a Merchant has not logged in for two years AND their store has not sold anything in one year, the entire store will be automatically disabled.

The Lab would add this disabling of a Marketplace store, "does not delete the merchant account, products, or store data. The store is simply removed from active Marketplace visibility unless later reactivated by the merchant."

The policy enforcement will be aided by "a new automated monthly review process that identifies inactive products and stores based on account activity and sales history."

To keep products actve, the Lab encouraged merchants to "Review older or lower-performing listings periodically," and "Refresh product listings, images, descriptions, or pricing to help improve visibility and sales activity." They added, "Active merchants and actively maintained products will not be affected by these changes. Accounts will not be affected by these changes."

To read the announcement in full, Click Here. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update

 

Checking again around Aptos and Tomales, the two-sim island that's one end of the "Trans-Sansara Causeway" project, there was one small change. There was a barge with a crane, put there by Wendi Linden. Perhaps a sign of construction here very soon.

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Owner of JIAN Pets Closes Shop, Announces Leaving Second Life For Roblox

 

Sad news for fans of JIAN pets.  A few days ago, the owner, Kalia Pawtato (formerly Kalia Firelyte), announced on the store blog she was closing her store and departing Second Life. 

 

I also wanted to offer a fond, long time coming farewell as I step away from Second Life and Jian to take new chances, make new mistakes and make fun messes in new places.

Second Life has for the past 20+ years been a major part of my real life. Professionally, it's where I got my start all those years ago and continued to iterate in what I did ... I'm grateful for all the people I've met who also all carried lessons I'll take with me into the future. 

 

Her inworld store at Pounamu Island is mostly closed.  All that's left is an inworld redelivery terminal for resending any past purchases made. Although at (64/153/22), it seems trying to teleport anywhere near it will result in you appearing over a thousand meters above the sim, plummeting downward. Her Marketplace page is still up and running: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/170150 . She would also have a blog page, Bearpuppy, at https://www.bearpuppy.gg/ .

 

Where she is going may surprise some residents, Roblox.

 

For the past four years I've been working on Roblox and a couple other platforms both for myself and others. My life has changed over the years and so have my interests. It is a natural evolution of my professional trajectory to move to new places where I hope to develop new, fun things.

 

A thread about her departure was started on the Linden Forums by Prokofy Neva, "this is sad news, for those of us in SL that bought and enjoyed these pets." One poster remarked, "Pets and breedables in SL are laggy and obnoxious! They don't belong here, because SL can't handle it. People who make them should go to another platform, where their creations will perform better, and annoy the rest of us less." Others expressed sadness, "Sad to hear another talented creator is departing."

 

One would say, "Jian is one of the contributors that has made my SL infinitely better. ... I will miss Jian. It has been a part of my many weekend jaunts inworld for so long, I cannot recall when it was not. I have the cutest worn pets that I have grown attached to. And I am incredibly grateful they are leaving a redelivery terminal available. And for all they have contributed here and to my inworld experience, I wish Jian great happiness and fun wherever they are!" 

 

Nobody on the Newser staff has a Roblox account, nor do I personally know much about it. While it has a much larger user base, as it's mainly children and teens, it hasn't been thought of as competition for Second Life like VRChat has. 

 

In any event, the Grid has one less longtime talented content creator. 

 

Hat Tip:  Linn Darkwatch

 

Image Credit:  Kyrie Deka

 

Bisyl Shuftan 

 

More News Later

 

 

Yours truly has been busy, and wasn't able to finish writing something before real-life or the need for sleep took over (or maybe was busy to the point he couldn't start). 

 

We'll have something up soon once we have a chance to pick up our pens and finish. 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Looks Like A Human, But ...

 

 From the Bellisseria Citizens Group HQ. I did a cartoon like this years ago, a furry mouse playing with a pet kitty, but couldn't find it. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Interview With Veo Voom

 

In Netera Landar's latest article, she interviews the musician Veo Voom. When first seen, he was an unusual sight, covered in tattoos, wearing a raccoon t-shirt, and playing a guitar resembling a pizza. “I think I’ve always been unapologetically myself," he would say.  A longtime musician in real life, once he found out about Second Life, "I dove down the beautiful rabbit hole of live music." He would talk about this, and more. 

 

 Read Netera's interview in People.

 

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, TBA, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - TBA

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

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

 

Furry Fashion: CAYA, TBA, Farm Animals/Barnyard

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Update on the Sunweaver Estates

 

 Talking to people yesterday, there's reason to hope that not just one or two, but up to four of the sims might be saved. Things are still very iffy for the homestead sims, and one sim could be moved away from the others. Nothing is in writing yet though, and things could take an unexpected turn for the complicated. So still keeping an ear out.

 

Stay tuned for more information,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

More On The "Trans-Sansara Causeway" Project

 

 Marianne McCann messaged me yesterday, telling me there was something going on in the Luna sim related to the "Trans-Sansara Causeway" Project I wrote about yesterday. So I headed to Luna (137/122/22), and found the entrance of an underground tunnel. 

 

 The tunnel went through a few sims underwater, Luna East, Luna Brink, Kolos and Krios.

 

 The tunnel came to an end at the southern edge of the Krios sim, clear there was still more work to be done in the future. 

 

 

 From there, it would be just a few sims to the new ones to the southeast, and where the other end of the construction is at Aptos.

 

More information to come when available.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

"Trans-Sansara Causeway" Project In Development

 

According to Daniel Voyager, there's a new Mainland project in development. 

 

There is a new construction project in Second Life known as the “Trans-Sansara Causeway” which will connect Bay City to Sansara’s existing road network. It’s expected there will be a new road route which will connect the southern Bay City region (not yet confirmed) to the Mavericks and Pomponio regions.

 

 Daniel's article stated four sims just to the south west of Abbot's Areodrome, and several sims south of Luskwood and southeast of Bay City, Ceto, Thetis, Aptos, Tomales and Swanton, are new and "currently under development and new construction work will start very soon."

 

This planned roadway may be part of the "renewed focus for Mainland" Linden Lab was talking about during their announcement several days ago when they canceled their earlier plan to dissolve the small Gaeta 1 continent. 

 

It should be noted there's a nine sim sandbox to the south, the SLua Sandbox. This probably doesn't have anything to do with the construction plans, but it is another build by the Linden Department of Public Works. 

 

Sansara is the largest of the Mainland continents, with the Second Life wiki listing it as having almost a thousand sims. The western end has Bay City and several "Old World" areas such as Luskwood, Abotts Areodrome, the Natoma Sandbox, and others.

 

More information when it becomes available.  

 

Hat tip: Daniel Voyager  

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Coast Guard Birthday Cruise Today

 

 

It's last day of the Second Life Coast Guard's 21st birthday celebrations. And they're having a cruise today.

 

⛵ Welcome to the SLCG's 21st Birthday Cruise ⛵
⛵  Brought to you by the SLCG Sail Training Center ⛵

We're delighted to have you along for our birthday celebration cruise.  Please read through the following information so that you know what to expect and do contact us if you have any questions.

ℹ CRUISE DETAILS ℹ

Date: 09th August 2026
Cast Off Time: 09.00 SLT (17.00 BST / 18.00 CEST)
Rez Here: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Abbotts/108/22/21
Docking Here: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hikuelo/108/234/22

The STC Weather Gremlin predicts that winds will be coming from the South (180°) at 15-18 knots, but you're welcome to set your own winds.

New Bellisseria Citizens Group HQ Location

 

 The Bellisseria Citizens Group has a new headquarters. At Fiddlehead Marsh, one of the Linden homes was converted by Teresa Firelight and Dreamer Pixelmaid into a headquarters for the group. The majority of the decorating seems to have been done by Teresa. 

 

The HQ was actually opened on Monday July 20. When announced in the group a few people headed over to take a look. A few weeks later, one can still go there to relax, maybe nibble on some of the snacks placed at the back porch, or have a cup of coffee inside. The most recent addition, one added by Dreamer, was two "therapy cats," two Kittycats that were on the second floor for anyone to pet. 

 

 

Teresa would say, "Dreamer and I are very excited about our new HQ location. We got extremely lucky and landed a very beautiful spot for all of us to enjoy. And Bellisseria Citizens, we want you to know... this HQ is your space!! It belongs to all of us, and you should always feel welcome to come here and enjoy it."

 

As a reminder, the Bellisseria Cituzens Group is a separate group from the BBB, the Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy, and neither is affiliated with Linden Lab and the LDPW, though you will see an occasional Linden or Mole speak out in Citizens group chat.

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fiddlehead%20Marsh/219/85/28

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: The Interplanetary Liberation Front Live - July 24

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

From the Interplanetary Liberation Front music band, streamed live on July 24.  

 

Walk Around The Grid: Jason and the Argonauts

 

In her latest "Walk Around The Grid" article, Netera Landar checks out an event by Drama Libre. The club took on a Hellenistic look as the party theme was "Jason and The Argonauts." Things took on an interesting look with Ancient Greek hoplites mixing it up with mythical creatures. 

 

Read Netera's article in Design.  

Looking Back: The Sunbeamers At Relaystock (2024)

 

It's been a sad time for those in the Sunweaver community. With the passing of Rita Mariner, we naturally look back at happier times, including yours truly. One of the things we took pride in was our efforts to raise money for the Relay for Life in Second Life as Team Sunbeamers. And one of the activities we did every year was taking part in the Relaystock. Sadly, both the Relay Rockers, the team that organized the Relaystock, and Team Sunbeamers, are gone. But we can look back on the memories. A couple years ago, I would write an in-depth article of just went on while the girls danced on stage for an hour, while one guy would live up to a couple bets with mildly embarrassing but funny results. 

 

Read the 2024 story in Events.

Reader Submitted Picture: SL Newser Exhibit

 

 From DrFran Babcock, a screenshot of the SL Newser exhibit at the SL23B.

 

HV Community Roads Removed Due To Remodeling

 

Among the latest developments in the Sunweaver lands following the passing of it's leader Rita Mariner, there's been a change at HV Community. At the one sim in the land that's not in any danger (while Purfecction is owned by one resident, it hasn't usually been counted as Sunny land), the roads and rail track have been removed. This includes the length in front of the Newser office. 

 Cynthia Farshore, whom had laid down the roads and track, told me due to people moving to HV Community because of the uncertainty of the future of the sims, the roads had been removed so Nydia Tungsten and Ranchan Weidman can remodel and move things around as needed. 

 

Stay tuned for further updates.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted Pictures

 

 

 From Marusame Ari. The first one shows Rita Mariner playing with one of her pet Meroos.

 

 From 2011, Rita dancing with Marusame and another friend.