SLCS and Blue Angel Airport Funday, Sunday August 30

 

While the Relay For Life's official season is over, and spinnoff events such as I Pink I can won't be happening for a few weeks, that isn't stopping a few Relayers from doing off-season fundraisers. On Sunday August 30, the Second Life Cheerleading Squad had their "SLCS and Blue Angel Funday."

 

The Second Life Blue Angels soar across the virtual skies with precision, discipline, and showmanship that echo the spirit of their real‑world counterparts. Their pilots execute tight formations, daring maneuvers, and high‑energy demonstrations that bring authentic aviation excitement into the digital world. Each performance blends technical mastery with immersive visual flair, creating an experience that feels both familiar and uniquely Second Life.  

 

The event was an all day one, going from 8 AM SL time to about 9PM (Midnight EST).  It took place at the Quigley sim at (104,195,1001). For those who made a donation of 100L or more, they got to go up in one of the Blue Angels jets. There were a number of live performers such as Eric Steffensen (EricSteffensen Mistwalker), Mimi Carpenter, and Harmonia Trefoil.

 

It should be noted many Relayers (probably most) need long breaks due to real life, how much energy they throw of themselves into their events, or both. So these kinds of events aren't for everyone. But cancer never stops. And there's always someone planning a Relay event, even for the offseason.  

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL20B Starts Tomorrow

 

 

 Taking a ride on a balloon over the grounds of the SL20B. We can't show any pictures of the ground just yet. So you'll have to wait until the event starts tomorrow, Thursday June 22 at 10 AM SL time. At 12 PM is Patch Linden's Opening Speech at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Astound/118/135/23

 

 

 

AiR Club and Resort

I was recently at an island getaway vacation spot in Second Life, the AiR Club and Resort. Created and owned by Roxanne (Hiddeyn Resident), she invited me over to have a look. Dropping over, the place's default time had been set to dawn, resulting in a picturesque sunrise to the east. "I honestly wanted to create somewhere really peaceful that felt like a vacation," Roxanne told me, " I really wanted to create a place similar to my real-life vacations." She told me the location of the real-life location the sim was based on was in the Seychelles Islands hundreds of miles off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. "And (I) was sick of skybox clubs," she added, "not enough places with fresh pixel 'AiR,'" hence the sim's name. At the entry location, I noticed meteors streaking across the still dark sky. "They were here from Christmas," Roxanne told me with a smile, " and I decided to keep them. And also the twinkly lights. I'm a big fan of twinkly lights."

The place was fairly quiet at the time, "You've caught us on a Saturday where we don't have an event. Not usual, but we had so many people off sick and on vacation, we decided to have a quiet Saturday." She offered to show me around.

We first went to an open-air club. "This is the AiR Chill lounge ," Roxanne told me, "It's parcelled off from the main club - we have small accoustic sets and poetry readings here. Also people chill by the pool and play greedy, sometimes Dj's will do ad hoc sets, etc. We have various areas around the sim for people to hang out - I really want to encourage people to think of it as their second home, or at least their Second Life vacation home. Im certainly not in this for the money (laughter). ... That part is slower than I would like. I have spent the last few months getting the live music side running and its very successful. We had 92 here here the other night. ... most of the artists and DJ's love the open aspect."

It was about then that AiR's co-owner Spence Corwin appeared. Roxanne told me, "Spence has joined me at AiR recently - hes very experienced and has brought a great energy." When I asked how long AiR had been running, Roxanne told me, "We celebrate our six month  'anniversary' on 29th January.  That's a lifetime in SL for venues, well feels like it (smile). ... It took a while, and on my old avatar I had some experience - slow and steady wins the race."

We began walking around further, Roxanne fast on her feet ahead of me and Spence, "Sorry ... I need to find a slower AO." We soon approached a small harbor with a large yacht, which she quickly put away, "Sorry. just realized I had left a big boat. We have a marina for guests to party on the boats - the water isn't sailable (smile). We are going to have our sixth month party on the yacht - I just need to place it better (smile)." Before long, the man would have to log off. "Spence is also unwell," Roxanne told me, "he came online to say hi."

We walked around down a path in the rain forest, "The place has lots of little vistas and hang out areas. The club is a small part." We soon came across a bridge over a stream, which was hanging so low, the middle part went under the surface of the water. "That water is splashable," Roxanne told me, and walked across it herself to demonstrate, "It's embarrassing how much time I walk over that bridge (smile). Easily amused I am."

One of the more memorable events in the island's history took place in late October, "At Halloween we were visited by ten pirate ships. All ghostly of course. Well, they took a few souls, but it didn't hurt traffic too much (grins)." When I asked if the place had a shoe shop or fish market for the occasion, she giggled in response. She would later say in December, "At Christmas we had sandmen, instead of snowmen, who gave out random gifts." There was also an elven-themed wedding here.

We continued on. Roxanne told me of the island, "it's been designed in that hopefully you will find a new place each time you visit." Eventually, the path took us to a large pond with some sandy shore and rocky cliff and jungle around it. There were stepping stones allowing people to walk across it, and a waterfall going down one cliff. "This is one of my favorite parts of the island," Roxanne told me, "with the exception of the sunsets." She told me she planned to add to the underwater, "this area will eventually have mermaid/man items underwater, a few bits under the water here and also in the marina area. For now - we have to stick to the stones." She headed to the waterfall, going inside, and following her there was a hidden cavern inside, "Another cuddle area and I just love this cave (smile)."

Besides the cuddle spots, couples could also enjoy the rental cottages, "We have four vacation rentals here, designed for only one to two nights, max seven. (They've) been really popular for those getting married in SL or proposals." She showed me one after turning off it's security system, which was to help ensure the privacy of any renters, "We have four, all slightly different. ...  I think more people in SL should take vacations (smile)." She did say there were gift certificates for rentals to give out as presents for friends.

We ended the tour at a pier area, in the southeast corner of the island, "this is where you'll usually find me at sunset, and where a lot of people come to chill out. (There is a) few more games and cuddle places down the way as well. ... I missed out the forest and some bits that also have cuddle areas, but thought I'd not bombard you with places." She had made sure there was plenty of places to see on the sim, "It's just one island but I've not tired of it yet."

Roxanne went onto say that the place had a policy of welcoming all types of avatars, saying one of the regulars was a full-sized dragon avatar, and she herself has a microfox. For those in the VIP group, "we try and give a different VIP gift every few months." One example of one was a chair made to look like half a boat. She told me there are currently about 350 in the group.

For more information, check the website at http://www.air-sl.club/ or the Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/groups/4138957@N21/pool/ .

AiR Island (56, 186, 22)

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: Lawn Chair Larry Grid Flight July 2nd, 2017

It is with great excitement that I host another Lawn Chair Larry Memorial Grid Flight. Our flight will take off from the Flying Burrito Brothers Airport and fly east to the Blake Sea. We will fly over Second Norway and head south and then west. Our flight will end at Komatsu Airport. Please see attached map for flight plan. We will have a free chair available to all participants. There is also an inexpensive one available on Marketplace. Just search Flying Lawn Chair. This is a Fly for Life Event. We are asking that participants make a donation to Relay for Life of Second Life. Donations are optional but much appreciated.

What: Lawn Chair Larry Grid Flight

Where: Start - Flying Burrito Brothers Airport

When: 12:00 PM Sunday July 2rd

Who: All are welcome

Flight Plan Map

Start : Flying Burrito Brothers - Unity Airport elev 53, Westbury (183, 18, 53)

Half Way: Second Norway Lufthavn [ SNO / SLSN ] - Airport, Airport SNO (155, 143, 31)

Finish: Komatsu Regional Airport, St Diabloux (124, 130, 54)



Historical Information

On July 2nd 1982 Larry Walters tied 42 weathers balloons to a lawn chair and took an epic 2 hour flight soaring up to an altitude of over 16,000 feet and flying into the air space above Los Angeles and Long Beach Airports.  Larry landed safely but was immediately arrested. He was not charged immediately because the FFA had to figure out what laws Larry Actually broke.  Larry passed away in 1993 but his legend lived on with many untrue details being added to it. With the advent of the Internet Lawn Chair Larry became an urban legend.
Mark Berry an aviator and owner of “InMotion Simulation, became interested in Larry’s story in 1995. He did some research and found the story to be true. He posted his findings on a website in 1999. He received emails from all over the world and many people did not believe the Lawn Chair flight to be true. So Mark went right to the source and interviewed Larry’s family and friends visited the crash sight and obtained the audio recording of Larry’s flight as he talked on his CB radio to the local REACT team.  

Here is an excerpt of the story from Mark Berry’s Website.
On July 2nd, 1982, Larry tied 42 helium-filled balloons to a Sears lawn chair in the backyard of his girlfriend's house in San Pedro, California. With the help of his ground crew, Larry then secured himself into the lawn chair which was anchored to the bumper of a friend's car by two nylon tethers. He took with him many supplies, including a BB gun to shoot out the balloons when he was ready to descend. His goal was to sail across the desert and hopefully make it to the Rocky Mountains in a few days. But things didn't quite work out for Larry. After his crew purposely cut the first tether, the second one also snapped which shot Larry into the LA sky at over 1,000 feet per minute. So fast was his ascent that he lost his glasses. He then climbed to over 16,000 feet. For several hours he drifted in the cold air near the LA and Long Beach airports. A TWA pilot first spotted Larry and radioed the tower that he was passing a guy in a lawn chair at 16,000! Larry started shooting out a few balloons to start his descent but had accidentally dropped the gun. He eventually landed in a Long Beach neighborhood. Although he was entangled in some power lines, he was uninjured.

Scenes From The Steampunk Land and Sky Race

Last weekend on Sunday June 25, the Sunbeamer team, the RFL team of the Newser office neighbors the Sunweaver community, held an ambitious event for the Relay. They held a steampunk-themed racing event taking place not just on the ground but in the air. Team Meli's Maniacs also took part, and a number of people came for the races and the music and dance party that took place afterwards. It was a fun event with lots to do and see. It was also the most successful event Team Sunbeamers ever had, getting over 154,000 Linden dollars for them and bringing the team into Platinum Level.

See the pictures in Events.

Press Release: Steampunk Land and Sky Race For A Cure

Join the Sunbeamers , Swashbucklers For Life and Mel's Maniacs for dual races of both land and sky on Sunday June 25th from 8AM to 4PM SLT. Then enjoy an after races steam punk dance in the Goblin Cave next to the air field from 4PM to 6PM SLT.

Even though the theme is steam punk the land races will not be limited to such as we want everyone to come and enjoy the challenge of the track. There will be three classes Car/trucks; Motorcycles; What is THAT?s. In case not clear What is THATs are the oddball things like mechanical horse or bagel car.

The airship races are not just airships but turn of the century planes including WWI biplanes making the two classes. This is also a fly-in so display your craft and enjoy the clear bright Sunweaver skies.

To enter the races you must make a contribution of any amount to a kiosk provided which then allows you 5 laps on the ground or 3 laps in the air. The fastest time by the close of the races at 4PM SLT wins and you need not be present your prize will be sent to you.

The prizes? For the fastest time in each class you will receive L$1000 , BUT remember this is for the American Cancer Society they should get the biggest prize, your donation!

Pacific Waters (89/140/31)

Phoenix Squadron

Among the first things a newcomer resident to Second Life learns is pressing the "Fly" button to get around faster. But what about truly flying like one can in real life? The Newser had a chance to meet one group of Second Life pilots: Phoenix Squadron. The group performs for charities, air shows with friends, or just simply flies for fun.

Read the story in People.

"Air" at LEA 27

Gemma Cleanslate was recently at the new exhibition at the Linden Endowment of the Arts area at LEA27. Here, artist FreeWee Ling, describing herself as a "kid in God's Legoland," has a number of her creations in a series of exhibits with themes such as Ancient Greece. So what did Gemma think?

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Hotter Than Air: The Burn2 "Burnal Equinox"

Time has  passing so quickly. Notice of the Burnal Equinox was released about two months ago... seems like last week! Next weekend the Burnal Equinox of Burn2 will be open .

 I have been in the region, lost in the noxious green toxic waste that covers the ground in Deep Hole. But above you will find marvelous builds to investigate hovering in the clean air supported only by their own gaseous  inventions.  The center camp has be also been raised out of the goo and hovers in the air  held in place by balloon power. Parties will be taking place inside where I saw a great dj stage and a lovely piano waiting musicians.

I had a talk with the Event Coordinator, Leroy Horton (Demonstrating the gas mask) who told me that greeters will be handing out protective gas masks and directing all to transport balloons to access the Center Camp and to other balloons that  tour the entire area.  The event will be open to the public Friday, March 28 at 12PM SLT.The lamp lighters procession will open the festivities.  The event will be open through March 31 when it will close at 1am slt.  so you will have plenty of time to visit more than once. Put it on your calendar for next weekend.

Check out the video (below article) and keep the event list below. 
http://www.burn2.org/calendar .

Gemma Cleanslate

(Click Here if the video fails to load )

Ceremony at New Bastogne

Earlier this week, the pilots of the German air group in the New Bastogne WW2 combat area, JG-52, held a ceremony to reward pilots shown to have performed well in recent flying. While the place hasn't been entirely free of problems, the pilots continue to scrap in the air, and have fun.

Read more in Events.

The Warbug Air Show at Madpea

Last weekend, Second Life Newser's Bixyl Shuftan attended an air show at Madpea. The group doing the show were the Warbugs, the flyers of a brand of funny little aircraft. The show offered a look at the pilots, whom could be a wacky bunch. It was an event with laughs, thrills, and a few spills.

Read more in Events.

The SL Ninety-Nines

While at the SL9B, Grey Lupindo heard about a group of women virtual pilots in Second Life: the 99s. Based on a real-life aviation group, they encourage women to take to the skies. Grey reports on the group, and describes her first experiences in the pilots seat.

Read Grey's story in People.

Press Release: Flying Tigers' May 2012 Events

SL FLYING TIGER'S MAY 2012 EVENTS

THEME: REMEMBRANCE MONTH

DESCRIPTION: We choose Remembrance as our theme of events for May, due to the fact that VE (Victory in Europe) Day is on May 8, 2012 in RL and that Memorial Day falls on, Monday, May 28, 2012.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

May 4-8, 2012 - VE Day Celebrations in the London Sims (Join the Flying Tigers, THI Industries, and the London Sims for 4 days of remembrance for VE Day! Events include a replica of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which will occur over the London Sims, WW2 Plane Exhibits, and a Remembrance book at the London Sims Tower Hill War Memorial. A complete schedule of events will be posted on www.theslflfyingtigers.info and thelondonsims.blogspot.com .

May 19-20, 2012- WW2 Conference at the Flying Tiger's Sims. The First Annual Virtual WW2 Conference is looking for presenters who can present on various related subjects about WW2. The Flying Tigers' Group and Sims will allow you to participate in the conference as an attendee or a presenter from your home, school, work-without unnecessary travel or expenses. Conference presenters will be able to present virtually using a 3D avatar. Presentations will be in Second Life, but topics can be on any WW2 specific themes. Presentations can be from individuals, businesses, non profits, education institutions, or educational support business or industry. The Virtual Pioneers, an ISTE SL group, is our official educational partner with the conference. http://ww2conference.blogspot.com/

May 20, 2012 - Flying Tiger's Flyover at the 4th Annual Bay City Anniversary! This will take place at 130pm slt over the Bay City Fairgrounds. The Bay City Municipal Airport, the only Linden Labs owned airport, was a recent exhibitor at the SL Airport Expo.

Bay City Fairgrounds, North Channel (103, 134, 28)

May 25-May 28 - Memorial Day Weekend Events. During this weekened there will also be a military merchant's fair for content creators, as well as 3 days of live djs, contests, and events in the Flying Tiger's Sims.

June 1-3-Vintage Fashion Weekend. This event will feature vintage fashions and accessories for 3 days of fashion shows! A preview of modern fashions will also occur. It is an event where fashion meets aviation, with the Flying Tiger's providing the backdrop to the shows. The show is being staffed by Ava Jhamin, who is CEO of L'Amour Productions and Management.

For all events listed please feel free to im me with more details or specific dates and times or check our website for updated information.

Thanks,

Jessi,
Jessii2009 Warrhol

The JessicaBelle Aeronautic Projects Airbase

JessicaBelle Dayafter, whom has made a name for herself in the WW2 combat areas with her aircraft, now has an airbase. Heading there, one can practice dive-bombing and rocketing, dogfighting, or just chill out at the pilot's lounge. And of course her planes are there.

Read more about the airbase in Design.

March Military Expo Week Begins Today

Today, the March Military Expo in the WW2 Tribute sim officially opens.

-10am slt Kick Off Party
-10AM SLT- Golden Tigers Flyover (Air Event)
-12pm slt Aerosmith Tribute Band Concert
-2PM SLT - 23rd Fighter Wing Event (Air Event)
-4pm slt Club Capital event

Further events can be found in the expo schedule Here. For more information, check out the blog: http://slflyingtigers.blogspot.com .

The LM is at WW2 Tribute (57, 97, 25)

SL Newser Blimp

SL Newser got a present from one of our readers, Jasmine Dawn, a mini-Zepplin.

Maybe someday soon, I can cover a "Cross-Country Snail Race" in this. ;-)

Abbots Areodrome Saved From Closing by New Owner

Recently, SL Newser heard about Abbots Aerodrome being saved from vanishing from the Grid. To begin with, Abbots is thought to be the second oldest airport in Second Life. It was founded in January 2004, and has gone through several reconstructions and expansions, spreading out, and upwards. The current aerodrome has four levels and takes up the majority of the sim.

Earlier this month, the owner Cubey Terra announced on the SL Universe forum that the place would be closing on September 1st. After seven and a half years, he was a “old and tired avatar” whom wanted to retire. The news was greeted with sadness on the forum and elsewhere. Even those with little interest in air activities didn’t like hearing about a place enjoyed by so many for so long coming down.

Fortunately, Cubey was willing to sell the place. And a few days ago a Cheshyr Pontchartrain announced he was making arrangements to buy the place, “The airport name and vendors will change, per Cubey’s request, but the airport will remain open to the public, and give new airplane makers a chance to spread their wings.”

Dropping by the place, it truly was a sight. On the ground level, I could see an automated airliner go down the runway and climb into the air. An elevator took me to the top floor where there was a small social area for anyone taking a rest, plus a shopping area that included transforming plane/robots and flying battlesuits, and even suit helmets for furry avatars. The top floor had four smaller platforms in each direction, two for skydiving, and two for blimps. There was a blimp for sale, but it was available for demo rides up in the sky where one could fly at a slow, leisurely pace.

And that’s just one floor, obviously there’s much more, and a must-see for pilots and anyone else whom loves flying, parachuting, and other aireal activities. When Daniel Voyager did a “Top Ten Airports” in Second Life, Abbot’s Aerodrome was near the top.

One catch is that all names owned by Cubey Terra are to be removed from the airport, including “Abbots Aerodrome,” once the place changes hands. Cheshyr is still open to ideas for a new name, “I’m thinking something involving Costello’s. (grin)”

Daniel Voyager and New World Notes also have articles about Abbots Areodrome. One can find more information on the Second Life Wikia entry too. Cuby Terra's post on the potential closure showed the airport throughout the years.

The entrance to Abbots Areodrome is at Abbots (163, 147, 71).

Bixyl Shuftan

Xymbers Slade: Second Life Fortune Teller and Online Writer

Xymber Slade, whose Medieval-looking Dragon's Lair is near the Second Life Newser office, has an unusual occupation here: fortune telling. He offered yours truly a reading, and talked a little about both his work online, and a collection of stories he was working on.

Read the story in People.

Interview with WW2 RP JG 2 Commander Vickster “Baroness” Kuhn

Among the people in the WW2 RP is Vickster Kuhn, the commander of the German JG 2 flight group, also known as the "Richthofens." As work was being done on an article for the combat sims, she agreed to an interview, to tell her side of what goes on with the combat roleplay, and some of how it came to be.

For the interview, go to People.

Cartoon of the Day: WW2 RP Area

By Bixyl Shuftan