Update: "The Corsean Encounter" Now on Paperback

 

 

It was a few days ago that yours truly announced his novel "The Corsean Encounter" was finally published and up on Kindle. The paperback wasn't available then. But as of a couple days ago, it now is. So now you can get the sci-fi tale done by the editor of the Newser on both Kindle and paperback on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRT58H37/ 

So what's next? Yours truly has been working on a sequel: "The Corsean Encounter: Prelude to War." I've also been working on a fantasy tale, "Tales of a Metamorph." 

But writing those won't stop me from doing stories for the Newser, and as always will continue to write about the people, places, and events of this virtual world.

Bixyl Shuftan

"The Corsean Encounter" Up On Kindle

 

 

I don't normally post about my activities outside Second Life, but this has been a project decades in the making, and is finally up.

 

Those who know me well recall that besides having a longtime interest in current events, I've also been reading science-fiction and history. Most science-fiction stories involve aliens with either advanced or tribal technology. Technology in a Medieval or Colonial Age state? Not so much. 

So introducing my first published story: The Corsean Encounter.

Theadore Smith, sentenced to a Soviet gulag, gets a second chance when the train he's on has a wreck in Central Asia. Making his way south with his companion Leonid Kakanov, they're ambushed by Muslim tribesmen, and have to seek shelter in a cave they stumble upon. Finding a strange machine, it teleports them to another cave. They emerge not on Earth, but another world. Running into some of its not quite human inhabitants, whom live under Medieval conditions, the initially friendly encounter turns hostile when they're captured by a local lord, whom turns them over to his superior.

After a period of time in which Theadore learns the local language, the overlord takes the two humans to his Emperor as a gift. At the Imperial Palace, they learn more about the land and it's people. They get attention from some people who see value in their knowledge. They also run into the ambassador of a nearby land which is somewhat more advanced and not an empire but a republic, Gideon. But some consider the humans little more than monsters, whose lives are of no real value. Can Theadore and Leonid convince enough people of importance that they deserve more than a lifetime in a dungeon, or worse? And what can they do for the Gideon Republic, which many in the Empire want to settle old scores with?

For now, the story is available only on the kindle version, though kindle apps can be used on computers, tablets, and some smartphones. The paperback version will be available soon. 

You can find the story on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRDZSTHC

And stay tuned for the sequel: "Prelude to War."

Update: "The Corsean Encounter" is now available on both Kindle and paperback.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Sci-Fi Con: "Altered States"

 

While the Relay for Life is getting ready for the Relay Weekend, there is another fundraiser event going on. This would be the Sci-Fi con. Raising money for Team Fox, this event is taking place over nine sims covering various themes of science fiction to June 4. Gemma Cleanslate went there to check it out.

 

Read Gemma's article in Events.  

Correction: The con goes on to June 4, sorry about the error.

SL Fandom Con Starts Today

 

It's a busy weekend here in Second Life with a number of events going on. Besides the Wootstock, there is the SL Fandom Con, which is described as being for "all comic lovers and fans from our Trekkies, Whovians, Bronies, True Believers, the Warsies, and Ghostheads, Moonies, and everyone in between."

 

The event takes place over eight sims, with numerous exhibits, booths, stores, and stages for music events.

 

 

On day one, there was a music event with sixty avatars present. So expect lag.

The SL Fandom con is "a mega-event for the Relay for Life," raising money for the American Cancer Society. It runs from today, Friday July 21 to Monday July 31.

 

For more information, check out the website at  https://sl-fandom-con.org/

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society2/127/220/66

Bixyl Shuftan

Nova

 

Gemma Cleanslate was recently at the latest location created by rαvєn вαnríσn (RavenStarr Resident) and her Spark group, "Nova." Wanting to create a science-fiction area that was different from numbers of dark ones she'd known, she came up with something that "definitely pushed my skills." So what did Gemma find?

 

Read Gemma's article in Places. 

Scenes From The Sci-Fi Con

 

 

 The Sci-Fi Con is going on in Second Life, and yours truly has been at a few events. On Saturday April 1, there was a "debate" between people roleplaying as Na'vi of planet Pandora, and the humans on the world. There were also a number of tiny protestors, "Humans go home!" One of the Na'vi commented this was "a rather strange ritual," but at least most there appeared to be on there side.

Monday April 3 had a "Dunk A Linden" event. But it should have been called "Slime A Linden" as they were in booths that when they target was dinged by a baseball, down would come a shower of green slime. Madori, Sequoia, Wendi, and Izzy got more of the ooze poured on them than the kids in "You Can't Do That On Television." Near the end, Wendi, who was in a black suit and sunglasses, pulled out what looked like a penlight. Too bad those don't work on furries, or cameras.

 

 And there were music events, with various DJs playing for the crowd with a Relay kiosk next to them instead of a tip jar. Among them was at 8PM DJ Snowbuns (Skylark Lefavre) who was in a Star Trek uniform that had a TNG top, but what looked much like an Original Series miniskirt. Some Trekkers might consider that the best of both series. Snowy would later tell me she raised several thousand that night thanks to a few friends coming by.

Snowy was still recovering from an injury that sent her to the hospital that weekend, but was determined to help out. This would be one of two events at least one member of Team Sunbeamers was at that evening, the other being the "Monday With The Roos" Bring Your Own Kiosk event. 

There was a laser-tag with the Lindens on Tuesday, but yours truly didn't find out until it was too late to go.

 

There are a number of events at the 'con today, which is celebrating April 5 2063 as "First Contact Day." There's another "Dunk A Linden" scheduled from 3 to 5PM SL time.

May the force be with you, and live long and prosper

Bixyl Shuftan

Sci-Fi Expo Opens

 

 On Friday October 14, the Sci-Fi Expo officially started. This event supporting Making Strides Against Breast Cancer had it's opening ceremony at 10 AM SL time. Benjamin Brougham, the Lead Cordinator, greeted the crowd that was a mix of humans, furs, tinies, robots, and other avatars.

"Greetings everyone, and welcome to the 2022 SciFi Expo! I’d like to firstly thank our entire team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly, and constantly to make sure that we give you the best event we can each and every year. ... a massive thank you to all of our sponsors, without them the event would simply not be able to be put on at the same level, so thank you for your support. ...

"We are all here to fight back against cancer, specifically Breast Cancer. All of the proceeds raised during the Expo will continue to go to funding Breast Cancer treatment and research. Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, it has likely had an impact on nearly every person alive. Whether it be you, a parent, a sibling, a child, a neighbor, a co-worker, cancer has no bounds, and it won’t stop until we are able to stop it. 

 

"This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed, and over 600,000 thousand cancer related deaths in the United States alone. This is why we fight, why we celebrate all those who have survived, honor those who have sadly lost theirs, and continue to fight back against this faceless killer. If you are interested in learning more about the services the American Cancer Society has to offer, there is an information center along with the Memory crystal garden in Aperture with posters with information and links to resources. We are also connected directly to the American Cancer Society region, which has additional resources and contacts on hand.

"Are you or a loved one battling cancer? Find out how many ways the American Cancer Society is there to help. Visit cancer.org or call (US) 800-ACS-2345. 

"Before we officially declare the 2022 SciFi Expo open, I would please ask that everyone join me in taking a brief moment of silence so that we may honor all those we may know who have survived, or sadly lost their battles.

"Thank you, I truly hope that you all will enjoy this year’s Expo. Without any further ado, I do hereby officially declare the 2022 SciFi Expo open!"

The event goes on to Sunday October 23. There will be music events, movie showings, shopping, discussion of things sci-fi, and the quest.

For more information on the Expo, check out the blog at: https://scifiexpo.org/

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Nexus/158/98/4001

 

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: SL Sci-Fi Expo: Voyage Through The Stars

 

From October 14 to October 23, the Second Life Sci-Fi Expo will be taking place in Second Life. This event to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will have numerous music and dance parties, discussions, exhibits by various sci-fi & fantasy roleplay and fan groups and others, and more. 

The SciFi Expo is an event in Second Life held to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a campaign sponsored by the American Cancer Society. SciFi Expo’s mission is to help unite the residents and community together against a common cause. This great cause is to help bring awareness and donations to support finding a cure for Breast Cancer. The mission also strives to help the American Cancer Society fund breakthrough research about breast cancer, provide free information and to support people in reducing the risk of breast cancer and finding methods early to prevent complicated treatments.
 
For more information, check : https://scifiexpo.org/
 

Cartoon of The Day: Shooting First

 

 

 Taken at Club Cutlass's sci-fi party. In the original series of Star Trek, lower-ranked men and women in Security, noted for their red shirts, ended up getting killed a number of times to the point it became a trope. Thinking about it, their weapons were smaller than those in a certain other science-fiction tale. Looks like this one 'shirt isn't taking chances on her next away-team mission. 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement: This Monday at The Science Circle - "Discussion - Science / Sci Fi Movies and Books"

 

"Discussion - Science / Sci Fi Movies and Books"

Monday December 6

10 AM SL time

Matt Burr

Fireside - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/104/125/1114
 

Sci-fi Actor Yee Jee Tso Interview At Spooky Strides

 

Last month's Spooky Strides event had a number of events. Among them was an interview with a movie and TV actor whom had come onto Second Life. This was Yee Jee Tso. He answered a number of questions concerning his career. And he had a question of his own, about how to donate to the nearby kiosk.
 
Read the interview in People.
 

A Look At The Sci-Fi Expo

 

October may be best known for Halloween, but there is much more that's been going on this month. Among the larger events was the Sci-fi Expo, the sister event of the Sci-fi Con that takes place in Spring. Besides raising money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, it was a celebration of things sci-fi. Yours truly was there for a few events, and to play it's quest. 

Read more in Events.
 

Sci-Fi Expo Starts Today

The Sci-Fi Expo, a twice a year event that raises money for the Relay for Life's "Making Strides", officially starts today. The opening ceremonies take place at 12 Noon SL time at the Main Stage in SE3 Utopia (192/192/75). The theme this year is "To Boldly Go!"

Now more than ever is the time to be bringing people together, and so we are thrilled to announce that the 2020 SciFi Expo will be taking place from October 14th to October 28th, 2020. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic it is important for people to come together to share their common love of a genre that has brought so many beloved franchises which has allowed us to create and expand on them in ways that are truly unique.

This year we’ve decided to go bigger than ever before and are bringing 5 regions in the shape of a medical cross in celebration of those who are currently or have worked throughout the medical industry, and anybody who has been affected by Cancer or the COVID-19 virus. We hope that this event can help to bring people together who may have been affected and give them a place to let their imaginations roam free.

Our main theme this year is “To Boldly Go” paying tribute to the ideals that SciFi brings to us about being able to go out and explore the unknown. Our four exhibit sims have the themes of The Void, Cloud City, Manaan, and Gallifrey while our hub sim will be based on a Utopian colony world.

The SciFi Expo will be open to the public from October 14th to October 28th. The SLurl to the expo will be available on our website on opening day. We hope you will come and join us on this new adventure!

There will be plenty to do and see, with events such as DJ parties, numerous exhibits by various stores and roleplaying groups, plenty of cool stuff, to get, and more.

 

There was also this promotion video.

For more information, check of the Sci-fi Expo blog: https://www.slscifiexpo.com/ .

Nydia Tungsten Announces Publishing of New Novel

 It was more than two years ago that Nydia Tungsten published her first novel, "Switched Destinies." Since then, she has continued to write. On Thursday October 1, she announced that her first story's sequel, "Switched Destinies: Kevin's Return," was now published and up for purchase.

It has been two years since you first met Kevin Baron, well he is back with the release of the second book in the "Switched Destinies" series "Kevin's' Return" We will also be celebrating Dusk's RL Birthday. The Lady Nydia will be the DJ for you today spinning the hits from the 80's, it will start a bit early today at 3pm SLT as well as a different location ...

For those who haven't read the first story yet, Nydia explained some about it in an interview.  As for the sequel, there's the book's description:

 

Four years ago, Kevin Baron was an engineer whose experiments resulted in him changing places with his counterpart in a parallel universe. He ended up in a world much like Earth, but with many differences. The people here resembled the animals of his homeworld. Instead of technology, people relied on magic. With the help of his newfound magical abilities and new friends, he ended up the head of a house that was among the most powerful in the land.

But while Kevin's determination to do what is right has made him many admirers and allies, it has also made him enemies who do not appreciate having the old ways questioned or him getting in their way. Foes and opportunists can strike just about any time. While some strike without bothering to prepare, one carefully plans something to remove him and destroy what he has accomplished. It will take a powerful new ally, and the love of his family, to keep Kevin from losing almost everything.

The party took place at Mouse Hole Manor in Pacific Waters. People were quickly showing up, Nydia herself in her "Mix" avatar based on a character in the story. It wasn't long before the sim's capacity of 20 was reached. And the party moved to the Happy Vixen's Halloween Haunt area, where more people joined. About thirty people in total came by.

"Switched Destinies: Kevin's Return" is available on Amazon. One can get the paperback for $11.00 USD or the Kindle version for $4.

Bixyl Shuftan

Last Weekend For The Scifi Con

After having been up for about a week, the Scifi Con in Second Life is almost over. Today and tomorrow, Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24 are the last days people will get the check out the sims near the American Cancer Society island, and the events there.

Feel free to check out the exhibits and music parties. On Monday, the sims will close, and the area around the ACS sim will be changed into the Relay Weekend track, made up of a few dozen sims.

For more on the Scifi Con, click here: https://scificonventionsl.wordpress.com/

Relaystock This Weekend, Scifi Con Begins

On Friday May 15, the Relaystock started in the Relaystock2020 sim, north of the American Cancer Society sim. Many teams, including the Sunbeamers, have camps there. There are also numerous DJs having events on stage, plus two live musicians.

Saturday May 16th

12:00 - 1:30pm slt  - DJ Angel Blossom - Seekers Of Hope
1:30 - 3:00pm slt   -  DJ Gem Sunkiller - Team Shadow
3:00 - 4:00pm slt   -  Max Kleene - Live Singer - Relay Rockers
4:00 - 5:00pm slt   -  Todd Rumsford - Life Singer - Cure Chasers
5:00 - 6:30pm slt   -   DJ Scott - Harmony Of Hope
6:30 - 8:00pm slt  -    The A Team - Friends For A Cure

Sunday May 17th

9:00 - 10:30am - Tommy James and The Shondells - Tribute Band - Rocking Sands
10:30am - 12:00pm - DJ Holocluck Henley - Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps
12:00 - 1:00pm slt - Turner Harborough - Live Singer - Relay Rockers
1:00 - 2:00pm  slt - DJ Nuala Maracas - Relay Rockers
2:00 - 3:00pm  slt - CRFB Top DJ Finalist - DJ Baggie
3:00 - 4:00pm  slt - CRFB Top DJ Finalist - DJ Kayla
4:00 - 5:00pm  slt - DJ's Nikki, Sting, MamaP, Trader - Cancer Gets Stung
5:00 - 7:30pm  slt - DJ Trader Whiplash - The Time Machine Show - Relay Rockers
7:30 - 9:00pm  slt - DJ Kayla - Roos With A Dream

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RelayStock2020/128/10/24

The Relaystock isn't the only Relay event going on right now. A few sims away is the 2020 Scifi Con.

With eight sims of science-fiction fun, from tributes to campy shows of the past, roleplay group exhibits, music events, and more, there's plenty to see.

To learn more, check the event website: https://scificonventionsl.wordpress.com/

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RelayStock2020/128/10/24

Reader Submitted: Star Trek Anniversary Party

On September 8, 1966. Star Trek debuted on NBC. In honor of that groundbreaking show Andrea Jones held a dance in the Sci-Fi Station Tuesday night starting at 6 PM for two hours of science fiction themed music and dancing. The DJ was DJPiper Steampunk playing many Sci-fy related tunes, themes, and funny tunes. There was many a familiar costume and some weird ones too.

The Sci-fi station has 3 levels. The top level was the dance floor with an elevator shaft in the middle that carrier you to the lower levels. The middle level sported a small diner called the "Asteroid Diner". The lowest level had a comic version of a space tourist trap. The Exciting History of Asteroid Mining! Even with a souvenirs shop.

Many came and went as with most space stations but for as long as one was on board there was great entertainment.

The address to the station is Caledon Oxbridge Village (118,32,610)

Cynthia Farshore

Ster Trek USS Enterprise Bridge Over Caledon

Caledon is a noted steampunk / Victorian themed community and location. But Caledonian Andrea Jones set up something a little more interstellar in a skybox far above: a build of the USS Enterprise's bridge area. She had placed the build to help people celebrate the fifty-third anniversary of the airing of the first episode of Star Trek's original series on September 8, 1966.

A place to visit for this weekends Star Treks Anniversary

In deference to the Anniversery of Star Treks TV debut.
I have placed a recreation of the bridge of the Enterprise  NCC1701 . Feel free to pop in and enjoy it and have the local sounds turned up.

 Role play is welcome to any one who wants to use it.

The bridge is very detailed, with some buttons making sounds when pressed. The most notable example is the captain's chair, which can play various sound-effects from the show such as the alert siren. The buttons at the helm area can control what the screen shows, such as traveling through space, other spaceships, or being in orbit. The build is a total of 132 prims.

"Star Trek" was originally aired from 1966 to 1969. It was a trailblazer in science-fiction, and achieved a loyal fanbase that remains active to this day. NBC cancelled the show for supposedly poor ratings, a decision that TV Guide would call one of the top ten blunders in television history. But the show would do very well in syndication. When the network finally realized it's mistake a few years later, there was talk of doing more seasons. But when they looked for the sets, props, costumes, and other equipment in their warehouses, they found the items had been "scrapped, given away, or simply stolen." So they did two seasons of The Animated Series. The franchise would go on to make a number of movies and TV series.

Hat Tip: Cynthia Farshore

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/38/72/2561

Bixyl Shuftan

Linden Lab Still In Talks With Djehan Kidd Over Hangars Liquides

Last Friday, the Newser reported on the five region Hangars Liquides urban sci-fi sims in danger of being shut down at the end of the month. This weekend, I had a few words with the builder and owner Djehan Kidd about the area, and it's situation.

Djehan told me it's looking unlikely Linden Lab will allow Hangars to rent out apartments and still remain a nonprofit. She felt it's not because they don't want to, but in her opinion they're "monitored" by the US Government more today than in the past. She's also gotten numerous offers of help to keep the sims afloat. But she feels their best chance lies with the Lab's sim preservation program, "So far I didn't get a no or a yes. All I know is that a commitee will visit (the sims) and decide."

Meanwhile, others are spreading the word about the sims. A concerned resident created a thread on the official forums about Hangars Liquides, and it quickly grew to numerous pages, some people posting pictures of the area. There were numerous pleas for the sims to be given a break and allowed to stay on. One commented, "I don't think I have been there before or if I had I didn't spend long there because the scale of it whilst immersive is also bewildering. Spent 30 minutes exploring it again and it is undoubtedly a work of art. Despite all its complexity it is well optimised, I had none of my usual problems with textures and objects not bothering to load. It is a fine example of what is possible to do here."

There's also a Flickr page full of screenshots of the sims (caution, not all safe for work).

The full interview with Djehan will appear later this week in the Newser.

Image Credit: Lawrence Celestalis

Bixyl Shuftan

Hangars Liquides Cyberpunk City Set To Close Soon

Some sad news for fans of sci-fi themed sims. According to New World Notes, the "Hangars Liquides" sims will be closing at the end of the month.



The area, now consisting of five sims of tall buildings high in the sky with a gritty, run-down theme, what owner and creator Djehan Kidd called "Cyberpunk City, Technopunk, Dystopian Noir," has been in Second Life since 2007. In 2014, it was featured in a video in The Guardian. But unfortunately, a change in the Terms of Service mean that as a nonprofit, the sim can't rent spaces to help pay for it's upkeep. “As a cultural nonprofit organization,” Djehan explained to Hamlet Au, “Second Life has become unsustainable for me. Several months ago, I was told that the new Terms of Service for nonprofits did not permit us to offer rentals anymore; as a result, the city couldn't pay for itself any more.”

According to Hamlet, Djehan has been in contact with Linden Lab, and there is talk about making Hangars Liquides an exception to their new rules. But as of now, there's nothing agreed upon. Unless something changes, the city will close at the end of the month.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hangars%20Liquides/136/138/2226

Source: New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan