RFL Announcement: Royal Ascot

 

 Among the last events in the Relay Season is the Royal Ascot, a Victorian-themed horseracing event. 

This year is a bit different as it's taking place on the Relay track itself, on a couple sims in the southwest corner.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Screening/130/117/24 

 

Shropshire

 

Gemma Cleanslate was recently at a place in Second Life based on a real one: Shropshire. Based on a small community in England founded in Viking times, there's plenty of horse-related activities, as well as roleplay, homes one can live in, and more. Gemma had a chat with it's owners, Jenni Jones (Pixie8615) and Stefan Jones (Skilledavatar), as well as having a good look around. 

 

Read Gemma's story in Places.

 

Commentary: ABC Downfall Leaves Many Unhappy Customers, May Cloud Future of Breedables

 

 Breedables have been a fun and interesting part of Second Life's history. The pets bring activity to someone's otherwise static parcel. People can come up with interesting coat patterns when breeding them. And then there's the events with some such as auctions and with horses racing. 

But trouble seems to follow them. With the first breedable to make it big, the Sion chicken, if they ever got returned to your inventory, they could up and die. Ozimals would sue Amereto, claiming the horse breedables company copied some of their code. People with any breedable could occasionally be harassed by neighbors who claimed the scripts caused lag. 

And there was the chance that the company could up and close. Most notably was when Ozimals did in 2017. And there was also Biobreeds in 2022. But when both companies closed, there were efforts to preserve the virtual critters they made and sold over the years. 

 

But in the latest controversy, at Awesome Breed Creations, the horse owners have been left high and dry with broken critters. 

Why?

Malkavyn Eldritch and Ozzie Drucker and their teammates could have just walked away. But they didn't. They had a love of what they created, which they shared with their customers, and made an effort to make sure their creations would live on. As of the writing of this article, there has been no such effort from ABC's owner Stephanie Merrienboer, or so much as a word. And from what I've heard, this person hasn't either paid or spoken to her team as well. 

This leads to a couple bad possibilities, either something happened to the owner so she's unable to do anything, or she "took the money and ran."

Of the scriptor Sentire Bravin, there was one notable detail. In his farewell message, he mentioned "I am actively working toward establishing my own company to continue delivering the quality and reliability you have come to expect from me and my team within the breedable horse community." But breaking the products on your way out the door of the place you used to work at isn't exactly the best way to endear yourself to one's most likely future customers. 

If nothing gets done at all, this will likely have repercussions down the road. Before, the previous two closings gave the impression that if the worst happened, your pets might not be able to breed any more but they'd still be functional. The shutting down of ABC is giving the impression of "let the buyer beware." People inclined to get breedables would get fewer, that is if they were inclined at all. I have heard of people passing up breedable pets to get lasting ones at companies such as Teegle. While they don't reproduce, they don't get hungry or get sick, or glitch out if something happens to the company. These businesses will likely benefit from the ABC mess. 

What is known is there are many, perhaps many hundreds of ABC horse owners, frustrated, saddened, and likely some heartbroken as all the time and effort they've invested and in the end ending up with broken pets with no prospect for a fix.

Bixyl Shuftan.

Trouble With ABC Breedables

Breedable virtual pets have been a part of Second Life for most of it's history. And over time there have been a number of companies who have made them. But sometimes they run into trouble. One of the first to make it big was Ozimals. But in 2017, the company folded due to an internal dispute. Thankfully it's last act was to save the pet bunnies it's customers had. But those of another company may not be so fortunate. 

For some years, Awesome Breed Creations has been in the business of selling breedable horses and the feed for them, as well as medicine and accessories. People would breed them for desired traits, as well as auction them and hold races. But a few days ago came some trouble that may spell the end of the business. The person in charge of the scripts that brought the horses to life, Sentire Bravin, had resigned. 

I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my role as a software and content developer, effective immediately. This decision was not made lightly, and I deeply regret having to take this step.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for the staff and developers I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. Their dedication, talent, and passion for creating one of the finest breedable experiences in Second Life have been both inspiring and enriching. It has been an honor to collaborate with such a talented and exceptional team.

But, he stated he hadn't been paid in over a year. As a result, he was quitting, and had turned the scripts off.

As a result of the prolonged lack of payment, I have removed all of my code and data from ABC servers. Additionally, I have formally notified the owner of ABC to cease and desist from any unauthorized use of my code. I understand this will impact the functionality of ABC products, but this is a matter that Stephanie (the owner of ABC) must address. ...

Unfortunately, the results of the code and data removal was that the horses became frozen, the stats display above them showing red. They were now little more than props, static, not able to walk around, breed, be ridden, or anything else. Kitacelia, an ABC breeder for a number of years told me the "Pasture" where horses can be stored was inoperable and nothing could be taken back from there. The ABC website was also down. 

"I lost 1000's of dollars worth of pets," Kitacelia told me, "... not be able to turn on accessories/horns/wings on them or movement/sound ... I can't even get my remaining pets out of pasture ...  can't turn movement on or off or add accessories to the ones in inventory or inworld." Checking Penny Shuftan's horses in the Sunweaver community where the Newser office is, they were glitched as well.

Besides Sentire, there was also an announcement of two others on the team resigning, Saphear Saunders and Krystal Silverweb

After an incredible 10+ years as the artists behind Awesome Breed Creations, it’s with a heavy heart that we share the news of our departure from the development team. This decision has not been made lightly, but unfortunately, we’ve reached a point where it’s no longer financially sustainable for us to continue under the current circumstances.

Since August of this year, our development team has not been paid, and despite numerous attempts to contact Stephanie Merrienboer (the owner and CEO of ABC), we’ve been met with silence. We’ve received no explanation or reasoning as to why this has happened. We are aware that Stephanie has internet access and has been in touch with others, so there’s no reason why she couldn’t have spoken to us or even laid us off respectfully if the company was experiencing financial hardships (which, to our knowledge, it wasn’t). We’ve poured countless hours, effort, and love into ABC over the years, and we feel deeply disrespected to be treated in this manner. It isn’t right.

As a result, we’ve had to find other work and make the difficult decision to halt the development of any new horses or content for ABC.

Nikki Detritus, the Racing Commissioner, would also comment. 

I need you all to know that the RA and myself are all saddened by what has happened. I am still trying to hold out with some hope but that is hard to hold on to when you have no clue what has happened. None of us.. Not the RA, the VSRs, the auctioneers, the managers knew about this. The only ones who knew are obviously the ones not getting paid. BUT even THEY held on for so long because the loved ABC.  I know people are angry and emotions are high and rightly so.. But please lets stick together as family and treat each other nice as it is none of our faults and we are all sick over this. Jockeys and Owners.. I need you to know ONE thing..  I NEVER wanted to be the Commissioner.. I have worked as an RA member for close to 10 years now and I never wanted that position BUT I am so glad that I did take it. I learned a lot and I got to know all of you.  It was some of the BEST times of my SL life!  I care about each and everyone of you and will always cherish the memories of the great times!

While at the ABC store, I ran into a couple people, one who was quite upset, "I spent 30000 Linden ...  I had 150 horses cost me in food almost $ 150 a month. ... There are breeders who have 500 horses ... we have all been scammed!" He mentioned the Auction House had been closed for a month.

As of the writing of this article, there has been no comment from ABC's owner. What we do know is the horses are broken, and there are many upset and sad owners. 

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video : "Old Town Road"

 

 

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 From PinkPazuru on June 2019, "Cover by Nyanners. Join two cowgirls on the adventure of a lifetime."

Scenes At The SLB: Pony Play

 

 

I had a spare five minutes the other day, so I decided to check out the SL Birthday. I noticed a large group of dots on the map in the exhibit area, so curious I TPed over. Once the red clouds, most of them, cleared away, what I saw was a herd of ponies running around. I noticed something else; they were rolling what looked like a large egg around. The third thing I noticed, there was someone inside. 

 

I'd seen this group of ponies before at the Fantasy Faire running around, and now here they were at the SLB, having found something to roll around.  They went past me, and headed down some road.

As for the lady in the egg, SarahKB7 Koskinen, she's been in the paper a few times, such as wanting to be the first to sail between two newly connected continents. 

One random scene at the Second Life Birthday.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Royal Ascot of Second Life for Relay For Life "

 

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

By Loz Weymann on November 4, "Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps RFL of SL Team presents the annual Royal Ascot Week and Races...10 years running strong! Join us June 17-23rd 2024 for another glorious week of shops, entertainment, and of course...races! Join Team ACTS on Discord for more information and how to join us inworld!"

Interview With Kitacelia on Raising Horses

 

Penny Shuftan String (Deaflegacy) took a break from her hiatus to write an article about a subject in Second Life that interested her: raising breedable horses. So she interviewed someone who breeds them: Kἶէმƈεlἶმ Lմἶղƈօɾἶმlօէε Kεlνმɾl (Kitacelia). Kitacelia had plenty to say about the subject. 

 

Read Penny's article in People. 

RFL Announcement: Royal Ascot

 

 

 Event Schedule for Royal Ascot 2023

June 19th  Shops Stalls Open  over 35 shops!  Bid to name a horse at the stables!

June 20th  Horus Cedrus  2-4pm slt

June 21st   ChangHigh Sisters 12noon slt
                     80’s Hour with DJ Mer 2pm slt

June 22nd  Russell Eponym 11:30am – 12:30pm slt
                      Premier Wrestling Matches and Circus 1-3pm slt
                      Edward Pearse 80's Electro Party 5pm slt-7pm slt

June 23rd   DJ Primi 11am slt-12:30pm slt
                      Prince’s Cup Races 3pm slt and After Party with DJ    Tamlorn

June 24th   Royal Ascot Races 1-3pm slt  and After Party with DJ Mavro

June 25th   Horses Auction 10am slt
                      Concluding Party 1:30pm slt with Gabrielle Morningstar

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Borderlands/110/58/2207

 

RFL Announcement: Royal Ascot This Saturday, Jun 19

 
8th Annual Royal Ascot, a whole week of fun.

Once again, Royal Ascot for RFL will present Shops Week (June 14 to 19), stalls galore in the center heath for your shopping fix.

There will be musical presentations for some dancing fun as well:

June 15 - Special concert from Russel Eponym: 2PM SL time

June 16 - Special music presentation by Megda Kamenanev: 4-6PM SL time

June 17 - Special music performance  by Tamlorn: 2-3:30PM SL time

For horse racing fans, we have added an additional race day! Friday June 18 from 4-6PM SL time. Please join us for the Count's Cup Race Day.

And of course, Royal Ascot Day takes place Saturday June 19, 1-3PM SL time

Shopping! Music! Horses! A week of fun for all!

It's all happening at Ascot, see you there!

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Borderlands/122/53/23

A teleporter in the gazebo at the landing point will take you up to Ascot, right click and TP up.

Royal Box tickets and VIP sponsorships are available at the landing point for purchase donation.
 

SL Video: "Horse Sport"

 From W.L.F./MsYogurt on May 2016

 

Announcement: Special Exhibition of British Sporting Art

To coincide with the 7th Annual Royal Ascot of SL benefiting RFL/ACTS, the Ravenheart Museum of Arts, Culture and Curious Things will host an in-depth exhibit of British Sporting Art, curated by Duchess Liz Wilner and Lady Oriella Charik.  Beginning in around 1700 and spanning more than 200 years, the enduring appeal and beauty of English country life is reflected in more than 40 paintings, including a special section devoted to the incomparable work of famed horse and animal painter George Stubbs (1724-1806). 

Often featuring specific portraits of beloved horses, dogs, and their owners, the exhibit provides an in-depth immersion into the sporting and daily pursuits of the British countryside.  The exhibit also touches on larger themes related to Enlightenment era scientific inquiry, class structure, industrialization, and the development of roadways and transportation.

This incredibly special exhibit runs from June 1st through June 30th.

Ravenheart Museum of Arts, Culture and Curious Things

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Laudanum/135/154/22

Royal Ascot Horse Race For RFL Team ACTS at Roshaven Reyerie, Saturday June 22

DRESS CODE

Royal Ascot is a very special occasion for those lucky enough to be there. It has always been a traditional British event and that is reflected in the dress code throughout the week of races.  Below are the three areas for viewing.  We hope you enjoy your day at the races!

Royal Enclosure:

Ladies are required to wear formal day clothing whilst within the Royal Enclosure as described:
• Dresses and skirts of a length just below the knee or longer
• Dresses and tops with straps of one inch or more
• If a jacket is worn, the dress or top must still comply with the above standard
• Trouser suits of full length and same colour are welcome
• Hats should be worn; alternatively a head piece with a 4 inch base or more is acceptable
Please note the following:
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Enclosure
• Midriffs must be covered

Gentlemen are required to wear either a black or grey morning suit which must include:
• A waistcoat
• A tie or cravat
• A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes
A gentlemen’s top hat may be removed within the refreshment tent, private box or private club.

Grandstand:

Ladies with admission to the grandstand are encouraged to dress as if attending a formal occasion. Please take note of the following:
• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that follows the above guideline.
• Jackets maybe worn, however the dress or top it covers should adhere to the above guideline.
• Midriffs must be covered
• Shorts are not permitted

Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.

Silver Ring and Heath Enclosure:

Although no formal dress code applies in the Silver Ring Enclosure and Heath Enclosure, race goers are encouraged to wear smart clothes.

PLEASE NOTE THAT BARE CHESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Reverie/54/222/2502

Second Life Destinations: "Horse Riding and Enthusiast Communities"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

Even though motor vehicles have long been the dominant form of transportation for about a century, there's something about riding horses. In this week's Second Life Destinations, Linden Lab puts the spotlight on places and groups related to horses, or "Horse Riding and Enthusiast Communities."

This week, we shine a spotlight on the many virtual horse communities in Second Life. ... there is renewed interest in equestrian experiences across the Grid. Horse lovers need places to saddle up and ride...and there’s no shortage of destinations that cater to horse enthusiasts ...  Check out the Pets & Animals category in the Destination Guide for even more options.

The number of horse groups, breedable horse companies, and horseback riding locations are too numerous to mention. Last month, we interviewed Kitacelia about the challenges of raising breedable horses. If one wants to get a horse from her, she has a few at Dark Moon Rising at Helmsgarde (14/20/22).

Kitacelia and Raising Horses

Before automobiles, people got around either on foot or by horse. Even today when many people go weeks or months without seeing one, horses are still a big part of our culture such as engines measured in "horsepower," expressions such as "never look a gift horse in the mouth," and of course our stories such as cowboys always being near their horses. So it was probably inevitable people would bring horses to Second Life. Several years ago, breedable pet horses came about. And it became possible to raise them here. Deaflegacy, who owns a few horses, recently interviewed one horse breeder, Kitacelia. She had a few questions about raising horses here in the virtual world.

Read Deaflegacy's story in People.

My Horses on Second Life

Besides her writing, Deaflegacy has a love of horses. Besides her pony avatar, lately she's been getting some pet horses for her place in Cape Heron. So what is it like having a small herd of horses in Second Life? She writes some about her experiences.

Read Deaflegacy's article in Extra.

The Skybeam Fox Hunt (Nov 2009)

In late 2009, Second Life Newser's predecessor, Second Life Newspaper, moved to the Skybeam Estates. There would soon be a chance to write about the location, with it's third anniversary celebration. Among it's events, a "fox hunt." Covering it would be SL Newspaper's own "fox reporter." The result was a thrilling chase and pursuit, with more than a little funnery. The article was originally published Nov 17, 2009.

Read more in Events. 

Press Release: Kentucky Derby at Aero Pines, Saturday

      Get Your Hat Groove on and Join us for Mint Juleps!

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                  Its the 141st  KENTUCKY DERBY!  
    Experience "The Run for the Roses" Live Coverage & Race
             from Churchill Downs at Aero Pines Park
   

 Saturday May 2
         
 Watch, Relax, and Party! in our Churchill Downs Grandstand Clubhouse                        

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SCHEDULE:

       Pre-Derby Coverage - Celebrity Red Carpet
                       9am-1pmSLT

       LIVE Coverage of the 141st Kentucky Derby
*** 1pm-4pmSLT      ***   POST TIME 3:24pm SLT ***
                                
    Plenty of Mint Juleps & Kentucky Whiskey at the Clubhouse
   
     
******  THIS IS A LIVE STREAMING VIDEO EVENT - Be Media Ready!  ******
Have latest Quicktime Player on your computer - http://apple.com/quicktime
To view video, go to your viewer preferences and activate media controls
YOU DO NOT NEED V2 to watch our video streams - ANY viewer can see video here
****************************************************************


Suggested Attire:  Derby fashion!  1870'S To Present
Special trackside section for horse avatars!

 
PLEASE AVOID WEARING UNNECESSARY SCRIPTS! (we monitor)
We do our best to provide low lag regions - Do your part too!
For more info contact:  AeroPinesParkRanger or Cindy Bolero


           Visit Aero Pines Park Equestrian Mall    (Since 2006!)
     Featuring Amaretto, Lone Star, Crimson Phoenix Ruby Racers Western Wear, English Riding Apparel, Saddlery, & Ranch Accessories


Aero Pines Park, Equus (88, 238, 29)

The Hope Driftwood and Dreamscape Ranches

Recently Wesley Regenbogen wrote about the Full Circle Club, which sadly closed. Since then however, two of the club owners have gone on to something else, raising horses. Building a couple ranches, they invited Wesley over, and showed him around. So what did Wesley think of the horsing around?

Read Wesley's article in Places.

SL Video: "Rosie and Dalila's Revenge - Second Life - Western - Role Play"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

A thirteen minute Western of two women getting revenge on some horse thieves, by ChanAndMe, "Here's a short Western video Story Filmed in Second Life. Thank you to all the collaborators, We had a great time filming it, and was cool to edited. Enjoy and comment !! hehe !! "

"Filmed in Second Life in the following Western Role Play Sims : TX Texas South State (street scene), Mexico Chihuahua (desert, Indians, horses scene), New Orleans Coast, Louisiana N O (forest scene), Louisiana, Lac des Allemands (forest scene)."