Wednesday, December 6, 2023

The Belli Office Opening Party

 
 
 On Saturday December 2 at 1PM, the Newser officially opened it's Bellisseria office. To mark the occasion, we threw a party. DJ Charlee was spinning the tunes, and a number of residents from Belliseria and elsewhere came by. Besides music, there was pizza, and of course coffee.
 
Gemma had done much of the decorating of the place, "Nice to have an office on Belli." Dancerina helped greet people coming by. Charlee played a number of tunes news related, or somewhat news related, such as "I Read The News" by Peter Frampton , "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Photograph," "Huey Lewis And The News," " Working For The Weekend," Pete Seeger's "Newspapermen," "Taking Care of Business," and others, which got cheers from the listeners, "Great music selection!" "Wow! I have not heard this in decades!"

A number of personalities showed up, such as noted resident Prokofy Neva, Nydia Tungsten, Ranchan Weidman, the builder of the main SL Newser office, and one of the Lindens, Steeltoe Linden. Someone mused if he got the name from kicking griefers out of SL. Steeltoe never did answer that. Prokofy would say of the paper, "SL Newser is critical when it needs to be and not gratuitously."

Talk ranged from the fountain down the road and a neighbor or two, "I see a house down the road behind us that is VERY colorful! ... With lots of snow (chuckle)." Some articles were mentioned such as my commentary on the gatcha ban and one article on women's wrestling "Fight Like A Girl," which got jokes about hamster wrestling, DJ Snowy's seasonal reindeer look, and more. 

 
Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: Gem Sunkiller at The Christmas Expo Today, 5PM

 
 
 Wednesday December 6, 2023
The Electric Reindeer (SL Christmas Expo)
5-7 PM SL time

Gem will be playing songs of the season as the backdrop for celebrating HOPE for children with cancer.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 
Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Seeing Stars, Sleepwear, Best in Blue

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Char, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks
 
Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge: Warm and Fuzzy and Fluffy, Disney, Insects Vs Arachnids, Katurday CAYA, White

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 

Burn2 Schedule For 2024 Released.

 
 WINTER BURN (January 26-28)
"Dreamcatchers in the Snow"
Native American dream catchers from the Ojibwe tribe were traditionally used as talismans. Their purpose was to protect sleepers, especially children, from bad dreams, nightmares and evil spirits. Native Americans believed that at night the air was filled with dreams, both good and bad. The theme involves bringing dreams to life. In the builds, the theme of dreams, and keeping the bad dreams away. Inspirational builds that blur the line between dreams and waking life.

BURNAL EQUINOX (March 22-24)
"Hope Springs Eternal"
As the Winter comes to an end, Spring brings the hope of renewal and rebirth. Includes flowers blooming, and the dance of life.

CONCEPTION (July 26-28)
"Whimsy"
(wÉŞmzi ) also whimsey. uncountable noun. Whimsy is behavior that is unusual, playful, and unpredictable, rather than having any serious reason or purpose behind it.
Tap into the absolutely wonderful chaos that is Whimsy...

Burn2 Octoburn (October 18-27) "Curiouser & Curiouser"
  With SKIN BURN (November 9)
We "echo" Burning Man's TTITD every year including the theme, read about it here: https://journal.burningman.org/2023/10/philosophical-center/the-theme/2024-curiouser-curiouser/

Currently seeking volunteers for the Winter Burn event!! Interested? Stop by at our next meetings either Sunday 9am SLT or Thursday 9pm SLT. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/230/28/24
 

Monday, December 4, 2023

PBR Officially Launched For Linden Viewers

 
 Last month, Linden Lab stated that it's PBR Materials update (Physical Based Rendering) would soon be coming to the Grid. Last week on the official blog, it stated the update had arrived, and was available through the latest version of the official Linden Viewer, which was released the same day.

Today is the official release of the literal new shiny in Second Life, PBR Materials! With our weekly grid update, all of Second Life will now be capable of using PBR Materials in the Second Life viewer.

The goals behind the PBR Materials project are increased visual realism, keeping with industry standards, and bringing GLTF content into Second Life with expected results. One method of enhancing realism is to create scenes with real reflections which mimic how our eyes have learned to identify that a surface is metal, plastic, or some other material. Whether you create objects in Second Life or simply enjoy seeing and wearing them, PBR Materials will provide a big step up in the appearance of the Second Life world.


There were more details in the blog entry for those interested in building things with PBR, such as material features and future features. The Lab would also say "we’re going to reduce the download cost of objects by 15%, across the board, without any additional charges, which will create more available Land Impact for everyone." 

It should be noted that the update only applies to the minority of residents who use the official viewer. For those who use Firestorm and other third-party viewers, they will have to wait until the viewer updates to include PBR. 

Source: Linden Blog

Bixyl Shuftan

The Christmas Expo

 

 December has started, and so has the Christmas Expo. On Friday December 1, this winter holiday-themed ten day event for the Relay for Life officially opened to the public.
 

 Ho Ho Ho... we have ourselves an Expo
 
Shopping, Entertainment, Limited Editions, OOAK Auctions, The Linden Boopie, LIghts Of Hope and much much more

There's a lot going on at the various sims. There are the dance and music parties with DJs. There's getting pictures with Santa. There's browsing the scenery. There are the auctions. There's the ball near the end of the Expo, and there's lots of shopping. 
 
 

Press Release December 2023 HFOT Bennefit

 

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the December 2023 benefit for the Veterans Support Organization Home For Our Troops at Veteran’s Isle .

Frets Nirvana states:  “HFOT is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 370 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.”

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle. The December 6, 2023 concert is scheduled from 4-8 pm PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Zack Friller and performers Agatha Martin, Camme Carver, Marqs Desade and Acoustic Energy.

Sponsored by Frets Nirvana and the U.S. Military Veteran’s Group of Second Life.  To learn more about Homes for Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Nice List Surprise

 

 Taken at Club Cutlass. Surprisingly, Valkyrie Ice, the resident sucubus, ended up on the "Nice" list. That might not sit well with all 'cubi, though.

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Saturday, December 2, 2023

SL Video: "Scrooge - A SL Christmas Carol - Part Two"

 
 

From AVTV on December 2022, "SCROOGE - A Second Life Christmas Carol AVTV proudly presents ... the Greatest Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol - Second Life Version. Tribute to Second Life in its 20th Anniversary Year. Filmed @ Second Life virtual world."
 
 

Friday, December 1, 2023

Upcoming Premium Linden Homes Announced, Sneak Peek at Christmas Expo on Dec. 7

 

Earlier today, it was announced in the Second Life forums there will be a new theme of Linden Homes available in the future. And for those wanting a speak peak, there will be sample homes available for viewing at the Christmas Expo. 

Get ready for a magical moment this holiday season as we unveil the theme for the next wave of Linden Homes at the Christmas Expo event! As with our last theme, Ranch, this theme will be available exclusively to Premium Plus users. 

Join us on December 7, 2023, at 7:00am SLT, for an exclusive sneak peek into the enchanting theme we've crafted just for you. 
 
The homes will be at Expo 1 (104/128/23)
 
Source: Linden blog. 
 

The Christmas "Shop And Hop" Starts Today

 
 
For those who enjoy Christmas shopping (and are having withdrawls from Black Friday and Cyber Monday), good news. The Linden-organized Holiday Shop and Hop officially starts today.

And if you're an avid shopper, there's 16 sims with 320 merchants taking part. So you won't run out of stores soon. Each store has at least a 20% discount, sometimes more, and either a free gift for all shoppers regardless of if you're in the store's group or not, or a free gift certificate worth at least 300 Linden dillars.

The event lasts until Monday January 1. For a list of stores and their SURLs, Click Here.
 

Internet Trouble

 
For some reason, been having some trouble staying connected to the Internet, loosing my connection twice in two nights and having to spent time with technical support. Things seem fine for the moment as the connection is back once again (as I write this), but things can still go wrong.

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
 
  Saturday December 2

    ~*~
    
    At 10 AM PST   

    Field Trip: Celebrating Nature
    Organizer: Chantal Jager
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/field-trip/
 
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
      
    ~*~
 
    At 9 PM PST   

    Fieldtrip Roulette
    Jes Stannard
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/fieldtrip-roulette/
    
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
 
 
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Technical Difficulties

 
If you can read this, then somehow I lost my connection to the Internet (or was too sleepy to reset the "deadman's switch").

Hopefully it'll be fixed, soon.

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement - THE DICKENS PROJECT: The 2023 Edition, Coming Soon

 
 December 7 - January 7

In a nutshell, The Dickens Project is:a themed experience featuring Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and the world of the story:
   ~ Two scenic regions to explore and enjoy.
   ~ Live music, DJ sets, spoken word, dance events and performances.
   ~ Dozens of performers, presenters.
   ~ Both Invitational and Open Art Shows
   ~ Educational and interpretive content featuring different aspects of Victorian life.
   ~ Horse rambler tour, a hot air balloon ride, and more entertainments.
   
Learn more at www.seanchailibrary.com
https://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/p/the-dickens-project-sl.html

NOTE: this landmark will not work until December 7th

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Dickens%20Project/129/128/1401

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Bird Riding Trouble

 
 
 By Bixyl Shuftan

Avatar Release Party at Avagora Mall

 
 
Shukuavli Release Party

December 01 at 7PM SL time, 9PM SL time
 
Three Avatar Raffles
 
Live DJ, Sponsored Mods

 

Announcement: Bay City's Annual Tree Lighting 2023

 

A HOLIDAY TRADITION: BAY CITY’S TREE LIGHTING, CONCERT, AND FUNDRAISER

Annual event Returns on 3rd of December

BAY CITY, SL (11 November, 2023) - The Bay City Alliance will once again host its annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, 3rd December 2021 from 1-4 pm SLT at the Bay City Fairgrounds, in North Channel ( http://slurl.com/secondlife/North%20Channel/128/128/24/). The event will feature DJ GoSpeed of KONA Stream and live performances by Wolfie Starfire and Essence Bilasimo. There will be much mirth to be had, as well as ice-skating, dancing, refreshments and a whole lot of fun for all!

As part of the event, a silent auction supporting Child's Play Charity (www.childsplaycharity.org) will be held. At our 2022 event, we raised L$151576, and intend to break that in 2023.

As of this date, several creators, artists, and brand have offered items for the auction, including Madpea, the Genus Project:, Javatar Mocha, Buzzbox Munro, Junk Food, Cica Ghost, Shippe & Saille, Plato Novo, Caly Applewhyte, ChristiSart, Dutch Mainsail, and Vicious Hollow.

Second Life® creators and artists who wish to participate by providing fun, interesting, unique, or other transferrable items (or a no-copy object that the auction winner can give to you to redeem their prize, if the item(s) have to be no transfer) may contact ThomasHooker Resident to participate.

Auction will end at the conclusion of the event. All proceeds from the silent auction and from donation bins at the venue will go to Child's Play Charity. Child's Play is a 501c3 non profit organization offers online communities such as ours an opportunity to help seriously ill children around the globe during their hospital stays with the purchase of games and gaming equipment.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest group for Residents of Bay City.

For more information, or to participate in the event, please contact Marianne McCann. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 
Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Green and White, Red and White, Yellow and Orange

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Char, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: Leather and/or Latex

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks
 
Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge: Sexy, Wings, Spots and Stripes, Katurday CAYA, Blue

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 

The Newser Bellisseria Satellite Office Opening Party

 

Since it first appeared on the map several years ago, the continent of Bellisseria has been the source of many news stories. Finally, it's been decided to set up a small satellite office there. This Saturday, we're throwing a party to celebrate it's official opening. And the party is open to all residents and visitors, and of course the Lindens and Moles.

The party is at Saturday December 2 at 1PM SL time. DJ Charlee will be playing the music. Be there or miss out on the great tunes, as well as the free food and coffee.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wallingford/128/40/32
 
Note: This is a satellite office. The main office will remain in HV Community.

Do YOU Have A Story?

 

On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.
 
This is where you the readers come in.  On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you. We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

SL-Newser reserves the right to post in the appropriate section, edit,  and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyone's name or picture that's clearly someone or use an alias for them).
 

Monday, November 27, 2023

Letter To The Editor, And Response: The Borrower

 
Recently the Newser got a reader submitted article in which the writer was looking for advice. Among the people he knows is someone who is seemingly always asking for Lindens and real-life money, saying he needs it for his SL & real-life, and wonders just what is with this guy. Editor Bixyl Shuftan had a few things to say on the matter.

Read more in People.
 

Sim Total Number Growth, Slight Decline In Private Estates, Continues

 
The current number of sims is 27,735 according to the Second Life Grid Survey. That's more than the number there were at the start of the year according to an article by Daniel Voyager, 27,659. But there is one small detail with the statistics: the number of private sims.
 

As most residents know, some sims are outright owned by Linden Lab while the majority are run by private residents. At the start of the year, January 1, 2023, there were 18,370 private sims and 9289 Linden-owned sims. By July 2, the number of private sims had dipped to 18,330 and the number of Linden owned once had rose to 9360. As of the last report in November 19, the number of Linden run sims had once again risen, to 9542. But once again, the amount of private sims dropped slightly, to 18,193. 
 
So there are 177 fewer private sims and 253 more Linden-run sims than at the beginning of the year. This trend isn't necessarily a bad thing for Linden Lab. While private sims do bring in a lot of money, $210 USD a month, the Linden Home sims on Bellisseria can hold plenty of Linden Homes, and plenty of Premium residents, who pay $12 each a month. And then there's the money they spend, of which the easiest way to get is to buy Linden dollars. On the other hand, private sims can be used to create great and interesting builds, which can attract curious people to Second Life by word of mouth.

So will these trends continue? Time will tell.

Sources: Daniel Voyager's Blog, Second Life Grid Survey

Bixyl Shuftan

Black Friday

 
 
 "We interrupt this Second Life to bring to you the shopping season."

November 24 was "Black Friday." In real life, it's the busiest day for many stores in real life. And here in Second Life, many stores marked off the prices of their goods to attract shoppers eager to scoop up some bargains, getting gifts for friends and loved ones, or just wanted to be part of the shopping experience. It's good news for Linden Lab as it means more people buying up Linden dollars.

Some of the sales, maybe most, go on to today. So feel free to keep on checking for bargains. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Shell Yeah

 
 
 Taken from the Second Life inworld map. A number of the Bellisserian sims have funny names. Naturally a cartoon about this one was in order. 

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Saturday, November 25, 2023

SL Video: "Scrooge - A SL Christmas Carol - Part One"

 


From AVTV on December 2022, "SCROOGE - A Second Life Christmas Carol AVTV proudly presents ... the Greatest Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol - Second Life Version. Tribute to Second Life in its 20th Anniversary Year. Filmed @ Second Life virtual world."

Friday, November 24, 2023

Linden Lab Spotlight on Nature Collective

 
Last year, the Newser wrote about the Nature Collective, which promotes nature in real life and natural scenery in Second Life. Earlier this week, Linden Lab promoted them on their Second Life Spotlight.

I was inspired to create the Nature Collective after exploring so many beautiful places in my early days of SL. It was obvious that there were so many talented nature creators here and I wanted to find a way to help showcase these areas, make it easier for people to find these locations and get people out exploring them. I also wanted to inspire people to stop and look at the world around them, virtual and real, and maybe get inspired to help with local, national and international nature-related causes.

At its core, The Nature Collective is a group, or a collective if you will, of nature-based sims and locations in Second Life – but we are so much more than that. We encourage exploration of our member locations through our various group events. Many of our locations are focused on real environmental issues and are working to educate people and make an impact. Whether we are nature creators, nature explorers, or both, we care about nature in all its forms and are doing what we can to make a difference and help people connect with nature both in Second Life and in our day-to-day lives.

I feel like The Nature Collective has helped inspire people to create more nature spaces in SL. People get excited about creating and sharing their spaces. It’s also helped people connect. Our little community now has over 2100 members and is continually growing. TNC offers group events aimed at getting people out exploring in SL while meeting new people. We’ve seen friendships blossom over common interests in nature. It’s been truly heartwarming to see our little group into this beautiful community.

The blogpost in it's entirety can be read here. 

Rez Zones For Boats in Bellisseria

 
Among the various activities in Second Life one can do is boating, whether it's a small sailboat or a big yacht. But finding a place to place one from your inventory isn't always easy. Fortunately, the other day in Bellisseria group chat, Abnor Mole offered a list of locations.
 
[11:58] Abnor Mole: If you're looking for a place to rez a big boat... here are a few: 
 
[11:58] Abnor Mole: SSPShell Yeah (118,116,26)

Sloop John B (58,91,26)
 
Buffalo Springs (155,94,26) 
 
Running Bear (221,105,26)
 
SSPRum Tug (106,74,26)
 
Treeowatoor (33,28,26)
 
Bridle Path (208,38,26)
 
Itsa Fluke (124,162,26)
 
BelliHub (167,168,26)
 
Pegleg Channel (193,114,26)
 
Merrymount (33,54,26)
 
Salmon Eddy (154,129,26)
 
Eyrie (131,227,26)
 
Oukranos (126,124,26)
 
Port Cullis (124,129,26)
 
Baxby Gulf (255,53,26)

[11:58] Abnor Mole: Coral Waters (132,93,26)
 
Norse Auk (151,93,26)
 
Whiskey Bay (171,22,26) - next to Fairgrounds
 
Light of Aurelia (194,125,26)
 
Sunrise Pines (227,156,26)

Maiden Rock (81,170,26)

[12:01] Abnor Mole: Rez zones for large boats

Checking one out, I found one happened to be right over the water, and I fell in. So be prepared for a possible bath on heading over. Other residents reccomended slightly different locations, such as Freddie Harrington (Freddie Venus) "We just rezzed a big yacht here also SSPRum Tug (106,87,22)."
 
It should be noted that notecards of boat, car, and airplane rezzing places around the Linden Home continent are occasionally posted in the Bellisseria group. 

Happy boating

Bixyl

Do YOU Have A Story?

 

On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.
 
This is where you the readers come in.  On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you. We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

SL-Newser reserves the right to post in the appropriate section, edit,  and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyone's name or picture that's clearly someone or use an alias for them).
 

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 
  Saturday November 25

    ~*~
    
    At 10 AM PST   

    A Brief History of Genetic Modification in Agriculture
    By Stephen L. Gasior
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/genetic-modification/
 
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
      
    ~*~
 
    At 9 PM PST   

    Do Not Try This At Home
    Dr. Michael J. Shaw
    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/do-not-try-this-at-home/
    
    The Science Circle (72,129,30)
 
 
    ~*~
    
    NOTE: Non-members required to register once
    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝
 

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving

 
 
 Happy Thanksgiving from the Second Life Newser.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Possessed Game Board

 
 
 Skipee is a Second Life game similar to Uno, though a bit different. In this match, the three piles of cards all turned up with a six on top at one point. For those who don't know, 666 is supposed to be the Devil's number. It would seem the devil is in the details. 

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

The Thanksgiving Parade And Some Xmas Shopping Places

 
The Thanksgiving Parade is back! DJ Franny Dean’s friends were determined to keep her project going, and they succeeded. Gemma Cleanslate went to take a look, but also checked out some places to do some early Christmas shopping. So where did she go?

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Angels Beach Land Rentals

 
At the Angels Beach Land Rental Agency, you can find a great new home in Second Life. With many sims to choose from, in the Sunweaver Estates, Hidden Valley, and Purrfection, you can choose from a variety of environments.

We offer places with friendly and interesting neighbors. Some places have a tropical island look, others more temperate. Some of the sims have access to enough water to boat around in. And there are plans later on for an open water sim for even more water activities. The sims are home to a number of quality clubs, such as Cutlass, Zero Gravity, Xanadu, the BBBC, and the Happy Vixen Beach Club. In one sim alone there are two quality clubs that work together so there is no lag from them. There are also some small shopping areas available.

The sims range from Mature to Adult, but the purpose of the adult rating is for a relaxed atmosphere in which couples can relax. The places do not allow for harassment, and while there are vendors that cater to mature tastes they are discreet about it. Spaces available range from small plots to a full homestead that will rent out for only $30,000L's per month. Most of the sims break the parcels down into 512 Sqm parcels and and most have a sliding rent scale, so the more you rent the cheaper it gets. Our prices are VERY competitive here in Second Life.
 
And if you bring a friend to an Angels Beach area, you get more than just a good neighbor. Anyone that refers a renter to us and they rent land, they will receive 10% of the first months rent. And if someone you know needs help renting out land on his/her sim, bring them to us. Renters who bring in a sim owner needing administration, we will give 10% of our first check.

To learn more, please contact Nydia Tungsten, Brandi Streusel, Jasmine Dawn (Jasmine Knickers), or Matoazma Kazyanenko.

"We pride ourselves on on not just renting land but renting our customers the land you want. We listen to what you tell us on what you are looking for." 

Laura X Is Out

 
After months in development, Laura X has been released.
 
It was August in which it was announced that Maitreya announced they were coming up with a new mesh body, the Laura X. Several days ago, there was an announcement in the group they were "coming ever closer to release," and that already clothing for the new body was out "we work with the creator community to make this release the best it can be for everyone." 
 
Finally on late Monday night, there was talk in a few groups about the body finally being available. On Tuesday, Gemma Cleanslate would confirm it was finally available at the Maitreya store. She managed to get to the sim, also named Maitreya, which was packed, "prepare for lag." Someone would comment, "It's not an update, which is why I'm being careful to not say update .. it's redeliver your purchase which now contains a new body as well. ... You don't buy if you already own, just get your previous purchase redelivered."

Ryan Schultz would message the Newser, "Everybody who has Lara can just click on the Redeliver button (under the Misc tab) on the HUD to get a redelivery, which includes both LaraX and Lara 5.3. ... I'd say that the biggest differences are in the shoulder, armpit, and upper arm area, and the hips and thighs. A lot of mid-sleeve and short-sleeve items are not going to work with LaraX, as well as bathing suits, panties or any other skimpy clothing. Full sleeve length or sleeveless outfits should work, though. Full-length pants and non-skintight skirts of any length should also work, as you can still alpha out what pokes through relatively easily." He stated the body included some underwear, and felt about half of one's outfits wouldn't work well with it, "And they finally fixed the too-high armpits."
 
So Maitreya fans now have their new body just in time for the Christmas shopping season.

Bixyl Shuftan and Gemma Cleanslate

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 
Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: TBA, TBA, TBA

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Char, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: Leather and/or Latex

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks
 
Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge: Pajama Party, Hooves and Horns, All That Glitters/Sparkles, Katurday CAYA, Fall Colours

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 
 

DJ Franny Dean’s Thanksgiving Parade Returns

 
For some time, FrannyDj Dean had been doing parades in Second Life, notably her Thanksgiving Day one. But in February 2023, she passed away. But for her fans, there is good news. DJ Franny's parade is still on! Gemma Cleanslate will have some more information tomorrow. But for those who can't wait, head to the Amazing World sim.
 
 

Mieville's Frendsgiving

 

 Last week on Wednesday November 15, the Mieville community had a Thanksgiving-themed event: Frendsgiving. "We will have plenty of food, good conversation, board games, and even a few picnic blankets in case anyone needs to lie down and take a nap. AND you may certainly drop by both sessions, or even stay all day long! All are welcome - hope to see you there!"
 
Friendsgiving evening dinner is under way.   Come on over for social hour and Thanksgiving dinner, hosted by Farzaneh.   Mieville Twain (103,193,752)
 
The event took place twice that day, at Noon for European residents, and at 9PM for American ones. According to the community blog, it started in 2018 with the blessing of founder Perryn Peterson. In the short time I was there, there was no shortage of conversation and (virtual) food. And yes that included the turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Bixyl Shuftan

 
 

Monday, November 20, 2023

WelcomeHub Cinema Shows Fantasy Faire Inspired Show by Saffia Widdershins

 
 
Last week on Thursday November 15 at Noon SL time, there was a premier film short screening at the Cinema in the WelcomeHub area. The featured show was the Episode One of "Harland Quinn and the Omega Hex." The machinima takes place in the Fairelands of the yearly Fantasy Faire event. and was directed by Saffia Widdershins. It was mentioned in the Fantasy Faire and Linden blogs.

Calling all Second Life film buffs and machinima mavens! Get ready to be enthralled by the cinematic magic of "Harland Quinn and the Omega Hex Ep 1," directed by the talented Saffia Widdershins. 

Join us on Wednesday, November 15th, at 12pm PT at the Second Life Cinema for this exciting movie screening. Immerse yourself in the world of Harland Quinn, where fantasy and adventure intertwine, leaving you at the edge of your seat. The screening concludes with an exclusive promotional commentary on the Fantasy Faire in Second Life, offering a glimpse into another spectacular event within our virtual world.

I dropped in a little late, but the video started from the start for those just walking in. Saffia was there, as well as Strawberry Linden. It started off with a reporter asking one of the Fairelands officials about a supposed major threat called the Omega Hex, and the official playing down the threat as overblown. The scene then changes to a man going about a town in a desert in native garb who "ended up here because of a good run of bad choices" as he says to himself in his narration, and instead of magic would rather rely on his pistol. While going about, he's approached by an old adversary who offers a certain proposal.

The audience applauded at the film's end, "Bravo!" "That was amazing!" "It was a wonderful episode, congratulations to the entire team!" "This is so well done." And there was thanks for the theater, "Huge thanks to Linden Lab for letting us open this spectacular venue." Saffia was appreciative, "Thank you so much for watching!" She would also announce, "and in a few minutes ... there a PARTY!"
 
The party itself was in a skybox high above in the Garden of Dreams sim.  Over two dozen went there, and danced to the music.

Saffia would mention several people who helped with the film, "Terra Volitant created the special effects. Bain Finch did those fantastic tracking shots. Aisling Sinclair created the avatars. Ketsui was the assistant director. And Julala and Lil Cinnamon organized the fantastic market in the desert!"

Episode One, "With Friends Like These," is still showing at the WelcomeHub Cinema until the end of the month. Episodes Two and Three can be seen on the Fairelands media website.
 

Bixyl Shuftan

Sunweaver Christmas Sneak Peek

 
 
 Something Christmasy is on it's way to being built in the Sunweaver community. Exactly what it is, well, it wasn't quite finished when I last saw it. For now, here's a sneak peek.
 
Bixyl Shuftan 

Press Release: 2023 Christmas Expo

 

Christmas Around The World
The 13th Annual Second Life Christmas Expo Opens December 1st

Second Life’s Premier Christmas shopping and entertainment event, the Second Life Christmas Expo, returns for the thirteenth year, bringing more than 125 merchants, Breedables, Auctions and Raffles, Special Events and more than 150 hours of entertainment at 2 venues. The event, which benefits the mission of the American Cancer Society to End Pediatric Cancers, covers 11 regions each, of which represents the holiday tradition of a different country.  Its “Christmas Around TheWorld” from December 1st through the 10th and also features the Lights Of Hope home decoration competition, will conclude as always with the Annual Holidays of Hope Gala Ball and the incredible Christmas Expo Live Auction!

Linden Lab returns to the Expo once again with special events, valuable auction and raffle prizes (including memberships and regions), Photo Ops and one of kind collectibles, including a Santa Patch Linden bear.

BUT WAIT!  STOP THE PRESSES!  This Year the Expo is proud to introduce the newest and hottest Linden collectible ever!   The Boopie! A  Boopie is not just your av-er-age bear Boo-Boo! Boopies come in special packaging, which itself is expected to become a treasured collectible. They feature sounds, effects and for the Expo the Lindens have created a very special One of a Kind Boopie Penguin which will only be available in Expo Vendors during the event.

In addition to the Boopies you can also join Santa Patch and the Mole-Elves for a special photo opportunity, bid on special Linden Packages and vote for your favorite Holiday Decorated Linden Homes at the Linden Lights of Hope! Be sure to mark your calendar for the 1st Linden & Mole Neighborhood Christmas Party on Wednesday December 6 from 1 to 3 pm on the Linden Lights Of Hope region featuring T1Radio’s award winning host Trader Whiplash.

Holiday entertainment has always been a hallmark of the Expo and 2023 will not disappoint!  The Holly Jolly CafĂ© make sits annual return with 10 days of live entertainment featuring nearly 100 of Second Life’s most talented and popular singers and musicians.  If you prefer the club scene, we have that too!  The Electric Reindeer DJ Dance Club makes its Expo debut, offering nightly dancing to some of the best spinners on the grid!  

Still want more?  There’s Sleigh Rides, a Christmas Tree Lot, a Snowman Competition and of course, photos with Santa and Christmas Stories with Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas Expo supports the American Cancer Society and all proceeds are dedicated to Giving The Gift of Hope to children with cancer.  Find out more at SLChristmas Expo.com

The American Cancer Society is the world’s leader in the fight against cancer, with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. If you or someone you know has questions about cancer, a cancer diagnosis, prevention and screening guideline visit the Society website at cancer.org or call 800-227-2345. Need support in world visit the American Cancer Society region, where you will find caregiver and survivor support and a direct chat link to an ACS Cancer Information specialist. 

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Cartoon of The Day: Emergency Food Supply

 
 
 Taken on a shopping trip. This lady had her pet pig with her. Potbelly pigs do have a small following in real life. But most still see them as food. 

By Bixyl Shuftan