A Special Moon Dance, And My Emerald Level Avatar Challenge

 

 

Last night on the evening of Thursday April 16, Team Sunbeamers had their weekly Moon Dance from 6 to 8PM SL time. But the usual happy atmosphere had a somber tone. 

 

 Ren Flow had died suddenly soon after logging off last Thursday. Last week's Moon Dance had been the final event in Second Life she would ever attend. Cynthia felt saddened as she and Ren had been good friends. So this dance was dedicated to her and had a number of songs of remembrance. 

 

 When the fireworks were about to go off, Cynthia told everyone they might be smaller as Ren had been helping her out with them.

 

 And then, there was this. I have this yearly tradition of taking on a female look when the Sunnies reach a huge amount of money that started several years ago. For the past few years, it's been the one million Linden mark. It's usually been a Rita clone. But this year, wanted to do something a little different. So I went as a duplicate of our team's top builder and event organizer, Cynthia Farshore. Cynthia herself has felt flattered by it, making a joke or two to Liska, who did much the same a few times. 

 

So until next Thursday, unless there's an interview or a special news event, out in the open I'll be a bit on the horny side. 

 

And I'm sure Ren would have loved it.

 

Go Relay!

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

 

*Addition* Will be briefly back into my Fox look at the Monday Town Hall. 

 

Sunbeamers Make Emerald: Part Two

It was a triumphant Relay Weekend for the Sunbeamers. After eight years, the team had finally raised a total of a million Linden dollars for this season, and getting Emerald rank for the second time (the first time it took not as much). Getting together for the group picture, one member rezzed a chunk of virtual emerald crystal. This included our star builders Cynthia Farshore and Shockwave Yareach, star DJs Snowy (Skylark Lefavre) and Mattie Carlton (Cynthia's also a great DJ), our newest member Omni-One Kenobi, team captain Rita Mariner, and one wiseguy reporter whom was sporting an unusual look.

Yours truly has a team tradition of doing "Platinum Avatar Challenges." So what would I do for one million? Earlier I was saying if we made that amount, I'd do "something crazy," bring back the "Rita clone" that I wore for a week in an earlier such challenge. Well, someone must have been listening as in the few days leading up to the Relay Weekend and on Saturday, we got over 200,000 Lindens. And so the "Killer Rabbit" is back, for another week.

Personally, it was a roller-coaster of a weekend, partially because of some sad news I'd gotten of a friend in real life. But the fight against cancer is an important one that brings me together with my friends online. And taking the victory lap, I would hear congratulations from a number of people for the Sunbeamers' achievement, as well as a few comments about "the million Linden dollar avatar."
 
Already, we're coming up with some ideas for next year. One was "Bid Me ..." well, we'll tell you in 2022.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan
 

RFL Team Sunbeamers Hit Platinum At Start

 

 The Relay season is on! The Kickoff was on Saturday (more on that later), and among the teams is the Sunbeamers. The team of the Sunweaver community, the "beamers have been a top-performing team, last year making the top ten teams in terms of Lindens raised. And this season, they hit the ground running. As the team has been raising money since the end of last season, they started out at 255,050 Linden dollars in their kiosks. And so, right off the bat, the Sunbeamers were at Platinum fundraising level. And as a picture provided to the Newser showed, started out in the lead. 

As the weekend went on, Grove Country Club Estates also reached Platinum and took the lead. A look at team totals shows most teams are still at Bronze level or below. This includes some yearly heavy-hitters, such as the Relay Rockers and Team ACTS. But the number of teams in Silver and beyond will quickly grow as the teams hold various events. Those holding events include the Sunbeamers with their first Moon Dance later this week.

Those wishing to donate to the Sunbeamers can use the kiosk at Club Cutlass at Sunweaver Bay (114/117/757).

And for yours truly, the season started having to own up on a certain promise right away. Five years ago, I challenged the team that if they ever reached Platinum Level fundraising, I'd go pony for a week. Since then, I've gone about in an odd look for a week when it happened. For a time, it was one I never went about in public before, the most remembered of these being the "Rita clone." But as time has gone on, I've been running low on options I've never done before, such as going pink and pantsless. So this year, I'll be a tiny Dinkie fox for a week.

The Dinkie Fox isn't sold as is, but is a mod of the Dinkie cat made by Missy (terris Graves). As I haven't installed this kind of mod before, I needed a little help from Missy herself. But as you can see, the job was done. And unlike my other tiny fox, this one can wear a jacket and pants. As before, my "out" is when obviously on Newser duty such as doing interviews. And finally on Saturday the 27th, I'll be back at my usual height.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Middle image credit: Spooked Dreamscape

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Sunbeamers: Keeping Up Appearances

Lately, a few of Team Sunbeamers have had different looks than usual. It was last Friday May 8 that the team reached Jade level fundraising. Yours truly had been in a rabbit look for weeks after "Bid Me Bunny." But I'd promised to go green for a week if we reached the half million mark. So since the team did, I did.

Readers also remembered that for Shockwave Yareach's and Cynthia Farshore's recent "Bid Me" events, the results were a rare vote to keep them as before. To make sure those whom voted for a change weren't too disappointed, they went ahead and appeared as the most requested change for the Wednesday night dance at Club Cutlass, Shockwave being a buck goat and Cynthia as a vixen.

For the couple, it was just one day, and for yours truly, it's back to normal today.

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Team Sunbeamers Reach Jade

Although the Relay Weekend was two weeks ago, the last really big event of the Relay season, it wasn't the end of the fundraising season. For Team Sunbeamers, the last couple weeks have been a somewhat anxious question of would they reach Jade level, 500,000 Linden dollars this year, or not. The Relay Weekend resulted in enough donations to get them to 400,000 L. One person sent a donation by check to the Relay for Life in the name of the team on June 8 that would have covered the remaining cash to get to the next level. But the person needed to cash it in and give the Sunbeamer's credit was on vacation. So other people from in and out of the team began donating amounts large and small, including one at least 20,000 L. Finally at 6PM SL time, it was revealed the 500,000 Linden mark, and Jade level, was reached.

For the Sunbeamers, it was one of two crowning achievements, the other being it's campsite award, for 2019. Once again, "the little team that could," despite real life throwing two of it's key members curb balls, had come out with what can only be called a successful year. For yours truly, it was owning up to a challenge. I'd told everyone if we reached Jade, I'd be green for a week. And on that night, I was in the green bilby avatar a friend had christened "Bix Bilby," after "Incredible Hulk" actor Bill Bixby.

So what happens next year? Well, we'll see.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

The "Platinum Avatar Challenge"

On Monday, Team Sunbeamers of the Relay for Life in Second Life finally reached Platinum Level fundraising, 250,000 Linden dollars or about $1000 USD. And so came what's become a tradition among the Sunbeamers and their friends: The Platinum Avatar Challenge.

For yours truly, for the third time I would be something I haven't been before. This time it was a pink avatar. *But*, I didn't say what kind it would be. So in a slight twist of the challenge two years ago, I appeared as a pink "Rita clone." I revealed the new look at 4PM At the Happy Vixen yesterday. It got a few chuckles, thought not as many the first time I pulled it off. Rita herself, whom doesn't think much of being a pink bunny didn't have much of a comment this time. My own "bubblegum crisis" will be for a week, baring those occasions when I'm obviously doing something for the Newser, such as interviews and covering the Fantasy Faire.

This time, I was joined by others in the challenge. Nydia Tungsten had offered to go purple for a week. And so yesterday the normally white vixen was sporting a shade of amethyst  But it was DJ Geerkil and his Dragon Crew teammates LS Raccoon and JB Raccoon that made the biggest change: going as Yinglet avatars. Geers had read up on the lore of the usually amusing small beings from the "Out of Placers" online comic, and found the creatures interesting. For someone used to huge avatars though, shrinking to being just a few feet high took some getting used to. On the other hand, fitting behind the DJ booth and dancing with others on the dance floor was now no trouble. The three stated they'll be staying in these appearances for three months. Definitely "above and beyond the call of duty." We'll keep them well-stocked with clams and oysters.

But the Relay goes on. The Sunbeamers are planning another "Bid Me" event this week, and there will be other chances this month to raise some funds, such as the Relaystock. With Platinum having been achieved, next the Sunbeamers are after Jade level fundraising, which is 500,000, a half million, Linden dollars. A daunting task, but we've done it before. And yes, I'll wear the "Bix Bilby" avatar again.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

Sunbeamers Hit Platinum!

Once again, "The Little Team That Could" has done it. For the fourth year in a row, the team has gone beyond Gold level fundraising to Platinum. After reaching 200,000 Linden dollars a few days ago, there were some sizable donations, including team captain Rita Mariner. And so on late afternoon April 29, the amount raised for this year reached 250,000 Linden dollars.

There were a few little incentives for people to donate. Nydia Tungsten volunteered to be purple for a short time. DJ Geerkil Ziskey and two others on the "Epic Failure" team will be switching to Yinglet avatars for a while. And then there's the matter of a certain fox who offered to switch to a pink avatar, at least for club and smaller Relay events, for a week (everywhere else such as the Fantasy Faire, I can go back to red fox). Like the first two times this "Platinum Avatar Challenge" was done, it's something I've never done before. The big reveal is today at the Happy Vixen club at 4PM. 

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Team Sunbeamers Hit 200,000 Lindens Raised

Since the joint Sunbeamer/Meli's Maniacs RFL team event at the Happy Vixen last Saturday, donations have been continuing to come in. On Thursday April 25, the team finally reached the 200,000 Linden dollar mark.

We're getting higher and higher. Just 50K more until Platinum.

I've also made a little promise to the team, this year's "Platinum Avatar Challenge." Once again I'll be something that I haven't been before, at least at neighborhood club and smaller Relay events: pink. Everywhere else, back to normal as I still need to see what's going on for the paper. It'll be for one week.

Trader Whiplash of the Relay Rockers has made an offering of his own. If the Subeamers hit one million Linden dollars, the amount needed to get to Emerald level fundraising, he'll stay in a dinky avatar for a week. So hopefully the 'beamers can make him live up to his promise.

Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: RFL Music Marathon at Club Happy Vixen, Tomorrow Noon to 6PM

Team Sunbeamers and Team Meli's Maniacs are getting together for a six-hour music extravaganza with three great DJs. Join us at the recently renovated Happy Vixen Beach club as DJ Geerkil, DJ Snowbuns, and DJ Tech spin their tunage for a great cause. The theme is "Best in Purple," and near the end of each of the three sets we'll have a vote to see who's best in theme.

As this is a charity event, the tip jars for the DJs, hostesses, and dancers will be inactive. All tips go to the Relay for Life in Second Life.

To keep things fair, the winner of the first contest will have to sit out from entering the contest board on the second.

To make things interesting, two of the Sunbeamer team, club owner Nydia Tungsten, and Bixyl Shuftan, have offers for a "Platinum Avatar Challenge." If Team Sunbeamers reaches Platinum fundraising level, 250,000 Linden dollars before the end of the event, Bixyl is offering to go pink for a week (something he *never* does) whenever appearing at club events or Relay events outside of the Fantasy Faire (everywhere else he can go back to normal). Nydia says if Platinum rank is reached, she will go Purple for a week.

The event will be Saturday April 20, from Noon to 6PM SL time.

Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24)   

Press Release: "Bid Me Bald" vs "Grayson's Challenge"

Its the Bid Me Bald 2018 Grayson Challenge.. with a twist!

Each Year Yasmine and Polaris Grayson, compete to shave the other bald, This year's gonna be its different!

After 14 years on the grid, Polaris is the Last Surviving 2004 Noobie System Avatar on The Grid!  He has agreed change to a MESH Body and Hair versus the hair of Yasamine Grayson,  the loveliest 14yr old in Second Life.

The Graysons came to Second Life together, from There, on May 24, 2004. Since that time Polaris has worn only system clothes and hair.  Yasamine thinks its time for him to adapt to a more contemporary avatar and is willing to put her long blonde locks on the line against him.

Here is your chance to take part in history in the making!  Beginning May 27th there will be 2 Relay For Life kiosks, one labeled MESH the other BALD, placed at the pier in Arinultra Cay.   Vote for your choice and on June 10th @ 530pm we will total the Kiosks to see if we Bid Polaris MESH or Yasamine BALD.

"Its about time," Yasamine stated. "I do look good bald, but Polaris really needs an update!"  Polaris replied, "What about historic preservation?  How else can we measure progress if we don't preserve our relics?" 

The choice is yours, its up to YOU! 

Bid Polaris Mesh or Bid Yasamine Bald!

The Original Bid Me Bald and the Grayson Challenge are held by the Relay Rockers in support of the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Second Life.  All proceeds support the Society's mission to Save Lives, Celebrate Lives and Lead the Fight for A World Without Cancer!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Arinultra%20Cay/198/34/28

It's an event that Trader Whiplash called "Second Life history in the making."

RFL Team Sunbeamers Reaches Jade Level

On May 23, Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers finally achieved a goal it never had before in it's history. The team had reached Jade level fundraising, which takes 375,000 Lindens (or $1,500 USD). Team captain Rita Mariner announced the news.

Beamers:  I would have never believe it, but we are JADE!  Good going team!  Bixyl goes GREEN!  Go Relay!  Go Sunbeamers!

I had earlier stated if the Sunnies made Jade level, I'd go green for a week. So yours truly had to own up, and on top of the earlier "Bid Me Pantsless." At the suggestion of Skylark Lefavre, I went with a green anthro bilby avatar. Why a bilby? Skylark thought it was a playful pun at the actor who played Bruce Banner on "The Incredible Hulk" TV show, calling my new look "Bix Bilby" after actor Bill Bixby.

The previous level, Platinum, was reached by the Sunbeamers on April 18.  Next level is Sapphire, which is 500.000 Lindens (or $2000 USD). We already have one avatar challenge by Nydia Tungsten who says she'll go purple for a week if this level is reached. There's still several weeks until the Relay Weekend, and a few events ahead for us such as the upcoming air show. So we stand a good chance of reaching this new goal.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers Reach Platinum Rank

The Relay for Life's Sunbeamer Team has never known when to quit. Born from the ashes of the Passionate Redheads after the longtime successful Relay team folded, the "beamers" have strove to continue their success. While they had something of a bumpy start as a team in their first year, 2013, they did manage to reach Silver level in fundraising. In every year after that, the team would strike gold. At the beginning of this season, the team would have a slow start due to the economic troubles of some members and personal problems of a few, reaching only 50,000 Lindens by May. But by the end of the month, it had reached Silver rank, and by mid-June, it had reached Gold.

But the team still kept making fundraising efforts, members such as Skylark Lefavre and Cynthia Farshore appearing at multiteam events and setting up a kiosk. While the Relay Weekend means the end to the fundraising efforts of many teams, the leaders of the Sunbeamers saw a chance to make one more rank: Platinum. While the Passionate Redheads had reached the level a number of times, this would be a first for the "beamers."

Beamers:  We have a chance to reach Platinum, by AUG 14th, Cynthia and I are willing to kick in a major amount of cash to get there, but we would like help from the team and others to help us out.  We need $345 worth on Lindens to make Platinum.  So please give what you can into the kiosks, ASAP. Cynthia and I will make up the balance.

On Saturday July 30th, the day of the Sunbeamer's Road Rally, donations came in throughout the day and night, and not just at the racetrack. After the event, donations continued to come in, 15,500 Lindens were dropped in by Oriana Sun alone at the party in Club Cutlass that night. At 8:22PM SL time, Cynthia Farshore announced, "SUNBEAMERS JUST HIT PLATINUM!!!"

Finally, the team had achieved what it's members hadn't seen since the days of the Redheads. If Gold meant proof we were among the big leagues, Platinum was confirmation. As of the writing of this article, the team has raised a total of 571,160 Lindens, or $2,285 US dollars. This makes them the 19th highest ranking team, having raised almost as much as one of the major events: the Relay's Science Fiction Convention.

But, I did have to make good on an avatar challenge I had set up if we reached this level.

Beamers thanks to generosity of Cynthia, Oriana, Dusk and your bunny boss, along with what we made at the Road Rally and Pool Party.  The Sunbeamers are now officially PLATINUM!  Bixyl get that pony ready!  LOL

My friend Skylark Lefavre is a "My Little Pony" fan, and has kept asking me to wear one of the MLP avatars in Second Life. This was the one type I had never worn. Finally last year, I told her if the team ever reached Platinum rank, I'd wear one for a week. And since Skylark "ponied up" so much time, and Rita "ponied up" so many bucks, I went ahead and went through my end of the bargain. I can still change out of it briefly for interviews and similar circumstances. But when just going about, it's on horseshoes, at least until Saturday.

So far, there's been a number of reactions. Among them, Liška Bystrouška (liska.fuchs). "Poor Bix is gonna be saddled with equine puns." Oh well, reporters always have to deal with the occasional "neigh"sayer.

Bixyl Shuftan

Madonna's "Cancer's Worst Nightmare"

So what would you do for the Relay? There have been no shortage of things that have been done to raise money from the "Bid Me Bald," to wearing a different type of avatar for a while, to being a color you told everyone you loathed. But Madonna Daehlie's "Bid a Nightmare to End a Nightmare" took things to a whole new level. Inspired by a scene from a horror movie, the DJ noted for her rubber suit was sporting a look that no doubt will "bug" her fans.

Read the story in Events.