SL Video: "Party With a Purpose, Sunbeamers Anthem"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

From EmpressLuna Starchild on January 27

 

[Intro]
Alright Sunbeamers - listen up!
We don’t just show up…

[Verse 1]
We’re the loud ones, the real ones, never sitting still,
Top ten strong cause we bring that will,
Not here for the fame, not here for the crown,
We show up smiling when life knocks down

Inside jokes, wild nights,
Turning heavy moments into light,
When it gets hard, we lean in closer,
This team don’t fracture - it gets stronger

[Pre-Chorus]
We don’t wait for a reason to care,
We already do - we’re already there

[Chorus]
We party with a purpose, feel it in the room,
Laughing loud while we fight the gloom,
For the ones we love, for the ones we lost,
We raise it up no matter the cost

Relay for the defeat of cancer,
Every form, every name, every answer,
We don’t do sorrow, we do resolve,
Turn love into action - get involved!

[Verse 2]
Some of us fighting, some remember pain,
Some still waiting on good news again,
Families shaken, hearts on the line,
So we celebrate life while we still have time

No pity looks, no whispered fear,
Just open arms and people here,
We honor the past by living loud,
That’s how this team makes them proud

[Pre-Chorus]
Every moment counts, every voice matters,
We build joy where the world shatters

[Chorus]
We party with a purpose, feel it in the room,
Music loud, let the silence lose,
For the fighters strong and the memories near,
We choose joy over fear

Relay for the defeat of cancer,
Together loud, together unanswerable,
We don’t step back, we don’t pretend,
We stand as one until the end
We stand as one until the end

[Bridge]
This isn’t denial - it’s defiance,
Smiles with meaning, noise with science,
Hope with rhythm, love with teeth,
We fight by living - that’s belief

[Breakdown / Chant]
One team!
One fight!
One reason!
Do it right!

Say it loud!
Say it clear!
Sunbeamers are still here!

[Final Chorus]
Party with a purpose, heart on display,
Celebrate life in the boldest way,
For every member, every family name,
We turn love into fuel for the flame

Relay for the defeat of cancer,
Not someday - now, together, faster,
We live, we love, we don’t waste time,
Sunbeamers forever - THIS is our shine. 

 

EOTB: New Linden Home Theme: Ridgewood Conclave

 

 At the Second Life Birthday in June, Patch Linden would announce the next Linden Home theme would be soon, and called "The Ridgewood Conclave." Yesterday on September 11, the Lab announced the first sims with these homes were now open. 

A brand new Linden Homes theme has arrived, bringing a fresh sense of style and calm living to Bellisseria.

Ridgewood Enclave blends contemporary design with lush landscaping, offering Premium Plus Residents a neighborhood that feels both modern and connected to nature. Set among palm trees and winding sidewalks, this community balances clean architectural lines with soft greenery, creating a warm and breezy retreat.

Patch Linden would announce the news in the forums:

A new Linden Homes theme has arrived, bringing clean lines, modern living, and a peaceful suburban feel.

Ridgewood Enclave is now open to Premium Plus Residents. This warm and breezy neighborhood blends contemporary design with soft landscaping, giving each street a fresh and refined look. Set among palm trees, curving sidewalks, and layered greenery, it feels connected to nature without losing its sense of structure and style.

There are six varieties of Ridgewave homes: Brackenrock, Crestline, Claystone, Duskieedge, Shadowline, and Vellstone. These are made to look like they're built with brick or stone walls. Most are two stories, some with a small tower. Two models had car garage areas. The neighborhood was full of subtropical greenery, much like what one could find in Florida. 

As of the writing of this article, some of the homes were already claimed, but some looked like they were still available, at least for now. 

 

The 22 sims are in a group just off the southwest corner of Bellisseria. As of now, there is no direct connection to the rest of the Linden Home continent, but given the history of Linden Home development this will almost certainly change. 

 

For more information, check the Linden Blog.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

2026 Relay For Life Theme And Logo Announced: "Wild For A Cure"

 

We're thrilled to reveal the theme logo for the 2026 Relay For Life of Second Life - Wild For A Cure

This vibrant design and theme celebrates the untamed dedication of our community and our fierce determination needed to end cancer.

“The stunning logo artwork was brought to life by the talented Sass Winchester, whose creative vision perfectly captures the raw energy and passion our Relay community brings to the fight against cancer," explains Stingray9798 Raymaker, Director of the American Cancer Society in Second Life. “The tropical elements and bold styling represent the wild enthusiasm our participants show year after year."

The "Wild For A Cure" theme encourages teams to channel their inner strength and creativity. Whether interpreting this as jungle adventures, outdoor exploration, animal representation, or simply embracing your wildest fundraising ideas, the theme offers endless creative possibilities for team builds and events.

The logo's lush greens and warm earth tones reflect growth, life, and renewal - powerful symbols in our ongoing mission to create a world without cancer. Its organic design elements remind us that healing and hope can flourish even in the most challenging environments.

Beginning now, teams can access the official 2026 theme logo at the Relay Building on the American Cancer Society Island in Second Life. Get ready to go wild for a cure!

https://www.acsinsl.org/news 

 

Patch Linden Announced Upcoming Linden Home Theme, Ridgewave Conclave, "Foray Into Commercial" in Belliseria In The Future

 

(click here if the video does not play)

 

On Monday June 23, the first of the Meet The Lindens events took place. Missy Mole, in a tiny avatar with a top hat, welcomed the audience and introduced a few of the Products Operations team, Patch Linden, Kira Linden, and Izzy Linden. 

Missy would say that residents had sent in over a hundred questions. When asked about what the plans for Linden Homes were (4:42), Patch answered, "There's a lot of stuff in the works. ,,, we just recently released Aspen Ridge, and we also released updates to the log homes by adding some additional floor plans." He went on to say they've been in the process of updating Linden Homes in Bellisseria over time, calling it "a challenge because of how big everything is now." 

Patch would then say the next Linden Home theme "is right around the corner. ,,, it will be called Ridgewave Conclave." It will be for Premium-Plus residents. Patch would give no further details, "let you imagine what that might be."

Patch would also mention "our foray into commercial," saying there would soon be commercial parcels on Bellisseria "with this theme rolling out.... it will be separate and kind of it's own thing. It will take advantage of using your land allotment where you can split it between home and commercial." There would be more information, "as we get closer to launch." But the Linden Homes would have a priority over the commercial areas. 

Patch would go on to say further into the year, there would be more updates, including a "big" Linden Home theme "at the end of the year," saying it was "a mix of both" Premium and Premium Plus and promised "exciting features baked into it as well." 

 

More on the "Meet the Lindens" later.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Relay Weekend Schedule

 

THEME HOUR SCHEDULE    THEME TITLE    EXAMPLES/DETAILS        

 

Saturday June 7                        
                                            
10 AM ~ Opening Ceremony                                            
                                            
11 AM ~ Survivor/Caregiver Lap    CELEBRATE: Cancer Suvivors & Caregivers lead the way                                        
                                            
NOON - 12:30 ~  Survivor/Caregiver Lap    CELEBRATE cont.                                        
                                            
12.30pm - 1 PM ~  Teams Lap    PARADE OF TEAMS  -  Team shirt and flags                                    
1PM  ~ Teams Lap    PARADE OF TEAMS cont.                                        
                                            
* 2PM ~    Wizards Unite    Its the wizarding hour! Lets see those robes and hats                                    
                                            
*3PM ~    Magicians and Bunnies    Magic wands.. Bunnies and Top hats!                                    
                                            
*4PM ~    Xanadu ONJ    Olivia Newton John love hour.  Skate for hope!    Olivia Newwton John                                
                                            
*5PM ~    Unicorns and Other Fantasy Animals     Any magical,  fantasy avatar or pet                                    
                                            
*6PM ~    The Magic of Music    Favorite band/musician attire or musical instrument! Rock the track!                                                                     
*7PM ~    Everything Dragons!!    Be one..wear one...hug a winged one!                                    
                                            
*8PM ~    Hope Floats Beach Party    Swimsuits and floaties time! Slip slop slap! Dont forget your duck float! (In the weekend box)                                  
                                            
9PM ~ Luminaria Ceremony    REMEMBER: Everything stops for the Luminaria Ceremony    ACS Island                                                                          
*10 PM ~    Colors of the rainbow in lights     Lets light up the track in colors you wear and lights to carry!                                                                             
*11 PM ~    Magic of Movies    Dress as your favorite Actor/Actress in your favorite movie                                    

Sunday June 8
                                            
*MIDNIGHT ~    Superheros    Up up and away...or everyday! Rep them all!                                    
                                            
*1 AM ~    Magic Carpet Ride!!    Take a ride on yours around the track!                                    
                                            
*2 AM ~    In The Darkness There Is HOPE!    Walk with a candle around the track..lighting the way for others.                                                                             
*3 AM ~    Magic School Bus    70s hour                                    
                                            
*4 AM ~    Who Gives You HOPE? (Carry a sign and show everyone!)    Take or make a sign (in track box) of who/what gives you hope                                    
                                            
*5 AM ~    Donuts and Juice! Ok Coffee too!    Time to grab that 2nd...3rd....4th wind!                                    
                                            
6 AM ~    Fight Back    Commit...Focus...FIGHT BACK!                                    
                                            
*7 AM ~    DANCE PARTY!    Put your dances on and take to the track                                    
                                            
*8 AM ~    Purple Power    Lets see the Purple PRIDE                                    
                                            
*9 AM ~    Show your ACS Pride!     ACS shirts from any year!                                    
                                            
10 AM ~ CLOSING ceremony    CLOSING CEREMONY                                        
                                            
11 AM ~ VICTORY LAP ~    TURTLE POWER ACTIVATE    Get your turtle/rabbit/cheetah look on and lets party!                                    
                                             

 

Breaking News: Theme For SL22B Announced

 

 

 This just in. A few hours ago, the theme for this year's Second Life Birthday celebrations, the SL22B, was announced. This year's theme is "Myths And Legends."

 

 This year’s Birthday theme is Myths and Legends. It reflects the Second Life experience because we are all the heroes of our own adventures! The emphasis is on the characters and stories people create in SL both personally and within their communities. 

 

The event starts on June 23.

 

More to come. 

Hat tip: DeniseUnicorn Toonie

 

Delay Of Announcement of New Linden Home Theme

 

Last week, Linden Lab announced they were doing their last of three polls for the new Linden Home theme. The choices were "Millionare Homes," "Mid-Century Modern," "Alpine Style Theme," "Craftsman Style Homes," and "Tiki Water Theme." The winner was supposed to be announced on Monday. But it wasn't. As of the writing of this article, the theme has not yet been announced. 

 

It was also brought up in the forums that the date for the second Community Roundtable, which was supposed to be at the SL21B but delayed, hasn't been announced either. Nor have there been any new updates in the Lab's "Featured News" for over a month. 

Stay tuned for more information,

Bixyl Shuftan

Club Scorn Sponsors Relay Weekend Lap

 

At the Relay Weekend track, sims are usually sponsored by someone, usually a team or a team's own sponsor. But theme laps can be sponsored too. This Relay Weekend, the club behind a first-year team, Club Scorn, sponsored the "Rainbow of Ribbons" hour at 1 AM SL time.  

Read more in SL Clubbin'.

SL21B Theme Chosen, Lab Announces Applications For Exhibitors Being Accepted

 

 

 Yesterday, Thursday April 4, Linden Lab announced both the theme of the upcoming Second Life Twenty-First Birthday Celebrations, and that applications were being accepted from those wishing to be exhibitors for the event. The theme this year is "Elements."

This year’s Birthday theme is Elements. This theme invites us to explore the fundamental components that make up our vast virtual landscape and the diverse communities within it. From the fiery passion of creators and artists to the fluid adaptability of our social environments, from the solid bonds within our communities to the fresh breezes of innovation that propel us forward, "Elements" is a celebration of the core forces that shape our experiences in Second Life.

As in the past few SLB events, exhibits are not required to be in theme. There will also be a separate adult-themed exhibition area apart from the main general-audience rated area. In the application form exhibitors need to fill out, it was stated exhibits cannot be commercial, "this is a party, not a mall or sales fair," gifts were okay, tip jars are not, bots are not allowed, political themes and what the Lab considered "hate material" are not allowed, and more. 

Applications need to be turned in by Sunday May 12. The event itself lasts from June 21st to July 21st, a full month of "fun-filled days of live music, performances, shopping, and amazing community exhibits!"

Stay tuned for more details.

Bixyl Shuftan

New Linden Home Theme: The Mediterranean

 

 

 On Friday December 8 at the Christmas Expo, Linden Lab revealed their upcoming style of Linden Homes: The  Mediterranean.

 

These homes come in seven varieties. Two are one story, the Bella Rosa and Bella Vista. Five are two story, the Gran Palma, the Grande Vista, the Felicita, the Primavera, the Favola, and the Precioso. The homes were brick structures with terracotta-style roofs and arched doorways, in yards with dry grass. Some had outdoor stairs. Some had the entrance in a turret-like structure. As with the Ranch homes about six months ago, these Linden Homes are for Premium-Plus residents only.

Patch Linden didn't give a date on when these Linden homes would be available. But there were a number of new sims that just appeared on the map north of the Ranch home area. This is likely to be the future location of the Mediterranean Linden Homes. So they will likely be available early in 2024. 

There is a thread in the official forums about the new homes (here). So far, response has been positive.

 

 Bixyl Shuftan

Theme And Logo For Relay for Life 2024 Season Announced

 

 

Yesterday, Saturday September 30 in the Relay for Life in Second Life Volunteers group chat, it was announced that the theme, as well as the logo, for next year's official fundraising season had been announced. The theme: "Decades of Hope."

The Second Life ACS Information blog describes the theme as standing for "the 110 years of the American Cancer Society, as well as twenty years since volunteers began fundraising in Second Life." Of the logo, Stingray Rainmaker would say, “Dancing and music are a large part of Second Life culture, which is why we included the dancers through the decades on the theme logo." 

MamaP Beerbaum, Executive Leadership Team member, added, “The logo is elegantly simple and conveys a powerful message without overwhelming the senses.” The colors represent the various programs of the American Cancer Society while capturing the culture of Second Life in a way that presents our Relay with dignity while winking at our community’s vibrant personality.

For those who can't wait for 2024, the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" season is going on, with the recently completed Renaissance Festival as well as Outshop Cancer and other fundraisers. In December will be the Christmas Expo.

 

Go Relay!

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Breaking News: SL20B Theme Revealed: "Our Fantastic Future"

 

 

 For those who have been wondering what the theme for the upcoming Second Life Birthday, the virtual world's anniversary, celebrations, will be, the wait is finally over. In the blogpost about the upcoming Music Fest (more on that later), Linden Lab would include the logo (above) and mention the theme.

This year we wanted a theme that not only reflects on where we have been but embraces where we are going. We are celebrating twenty years of Second Life. That is an amazing realization. Who could have imagined in 2003 the vibrant, engaging, and creative community we are in 2023? We are living the future that was only a dream twenty years ago. Now we are projecting the future we hope to see as we move ahead another twenty years as both a community and a world. 

We are pleased to announce our Birthday theme for this year: Our Fantastic Future. The cornerstone of this idea is what we would define as eco-futurism including sustainability, a focus on our environment, and the next generation of our world. Some might call this science fiction, but what is science fiction except a dream for a possible future? In Second Life we build worlds. Our worlds, our way. For SL20B, we invite you to show us your worlds of the future! 

The event will be held from Thursday June 22 to Tuesday July 11.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

More on The New Linden Homes

 

On Monday December 6, Linden Lab revealed their latest style of homes to be offered to Premium residents: the Newbrooke. They were in a temporary sim, "Linden Reveal," in the northeast corner of the Christmas Expo grounds, just north of Calling Birds. But the sim went offline the following day, and did not reopen until Thursday. The houses, which were all gray, were now in several more colors, brown, sand/light-brown, red, white, and bluish-green.

Compared to the previous several designs, Fantasy, Chalet, beach houses (aka stilt houses), Victorian, log cabin, and trailers, my first impressions of this design were, ordinary. They looked pretty much like what one would expect in a typical North American suburb. As Panthera Polnocy put it, "We got box homes." Some didn't like them: "Looks pretty plain to me, I'll stay with my Victorian Home." "Looks like cheap garbage from 2017." " ... the houses themselves are dare I say it? UGLY." Others could see themselves in such homes, "The more I look at them the more I think I will enjoy trying my hand at decorating one.  It seems to be a completely blank slate with the minimal landscaping used in the demo area."

Looking around, I would find eight styles of the new Linden Homes.

The Aldridge was a two story home, with a front porch, and a small patio area to the back and side.

The Bradbury was one story with large front and back patio areas, with a large left wing.

The Coniston was one story, with a small front porch and back patio, with a larger middle room with two side sections.

The Denver was one story, with a front porch and a large covered patio area to the side.

The Ender was two story, with a small front porch, with a small patio deck in front of one room on the second story,

The Faraday was one story, and symetrical in shape, with left and right wings with two small rooms each that bordered the main one.

The Gatewood was two story with a front porch, but the second story was smaller, with a patio deck.

The Heaton was a two story home with a smaller second story, with the smaller part of the first floor connected to the rest by a hallway.

Of the surroundings, the houses had concrete fences, with trees and rocks between them in places. There were a few community areas, one a water area with concrete blocks, another with chairs.

Probably the biggest advantage the homes have to offer is that their simplicity would allow more prim space available to decorate. This would make them attractive to many whom want to put up lots of items. But that this design is so plain compared to other themes will limit their popularity with many.

As of now, there is no word on when these houses will be available to live in. Probably not for some months, in Spring 2022.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

New Linden Home Theme: Newbrooke

 

The new theme of Linden Homes has been announced. This time, the theme is "Newbrooke."

Stay tuned for more information.
 

New Linden Home Theme to be Announced Monday, December 6

 

It's been rumored for a few days, sparked in part by a picture by Patch Linden on Flickr, that a new theme of Linden Homes will soon be announced. Earlier today on the official blog, tucked away in the Holiday announcements (more about that later) was an announcement that there will indeed be one, on Monday December 6.

New theme of Linden Homes will be revealed on Monday, December 6th! Watch this space - to be published on Monday!

"This space" is the Destinations Guide. But two sims likely to be the location are Lights of Hope and Lights of Hope Linden, at the southwest corner of the Relay for Life Christmas Expo grounds. But officially, the Lindens aren't saying where it will be yet.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Image Credit: Patch Linden
 

"How Does Your Club Choose Its Themes?"

 

While my main job in Second Life is running the Newser, some time ago my friends in the Sunweaver/Angel community asked me to give them a hand in helping to run their beach club, the Happy Vixen. Since I was going there anyway, as numerous cartoons from screenshots I've taken there show, I agreed. Among the things manager Snowy Lefavre (Skylark Lefavre) and I go over are the event themes each week. So how does our little beach club choose it's themes?  Well, it's a process.
 
Read the story in Extra.
 

Relay 2022 Season Theme Chosen: Heroes of Hope

 

Yesterday on Thursday July 29, Stingray Rainmaker announced that the theme for the 2022 Relay for Life fundraising season had been chosen. After counting the 259 votes made, "Heroes of Hope" came out on top with over 38% of the tally. 

Over the last two weeks, the ACS community in Second Life have cast their votes for the theme of the 2022 Relay For Life of Second Life.

259 votes were cast, making this the largest community decision on a theme in our event’s history. This is a good indicator for how excited everyone is about reaching our $500,000 USD goal.

Each year, our theme guides our motivation, inspires our creativity, and gives each season a unique identity. Considering the fact that our goal for next year is the highest we’ve ever set, we know that it will take a “super-heroic” effort from everyone in the ACS community.

This theme can be interpreted in so many ways, all of which are going to make for an unforgettable Relay season and event. The theme that received the most votes is the perfect description for each member of our community. We can’t wait to see how each team embraces our 2022 Relay For Life of Second Life theme: HEROES OF HOPE.

Among the other choices, "Hope Floats" came in second with 27% of the vote. Third was "Decades of Hope" with 12.7%. "Toon Out Cancer" was fourth with 11.3%. And fifth was "Lights, Camera, Hope" with 10.8%.

Chatting with a few in RFL team Sunbeamer chat, there was a little surprise about the choice made, but general agreement that there was plenty of room with the theme to work with. As to why "Lights Camera Hope" came out last, more than one commented perhaps this was a reflection of peoples' opinions of Hollywood and movies in recent years.

Source: Second Life ACS Information

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Announcement: Vote For The 2022 Relay Season Theme

 

It is time to vote for our 2022 Relay For Life Theme!

We asked for suggestions the last 2 years and this year we are using some of the ones that were previously submitted.

There were plenty of good ones to choose from:

1     Heroes of Hope (Superheroes, first responders, personal heroes, great people in history, survivors, etc.)

2     Lights, Camera, Hope (movies/series/hollywood)

3    Hope Floats (oceans, rivers, swamps, rain, waterfalls, bridges, ice, water, etc.)

4    Decades of Hope (1920s, 30s, 40s, etc.)

5    Toon Out Cancer (cartoons, animation, etc.)

Here is the link to vote!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiz3LTuaUzpqS1xP5o82Y_L1cks-qSQYjBnbtx9Z4duZEs6w/viewform
 

SL18B Theme Announced: "Hidden Worlds"

Earlier today, Linden Lab announced the theme for the upcoming Second Life Birthday celebration: "Hidden Worlds."

Stay tuned for more information.

Vote Open For 2021 Relay For Life Season Theme

For those wondering what the theme will be for next year's Relay Season, the answer has been put up to a vote. A choice of four themes is up:

Cure For A Happy Ending (Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes)

Heroes of Hope (Superheroes)

Lights, Camera, Cure (Hollywood)

Toon Out Cancer (Cartoons)

To vote, Click Here and make your choice.