Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Cartoon of The Day: "Axe For It"

 

 Taken at Bellisseria Fairgrounds. At a party, among the ladies dancing were these two, one with a hatchet. So how did she get it? I could think of one way.
 
By Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Copperfield Heights Bridge

 

 In late February, Linden Lab introduced the Copperfield Heights Linden Homes, which were connected to the rest of Bellisseria by just one (mostly) water sim, Copperfield Crossing. Now, there's a bridge crossing it, and the adjacent All Hours sim, which is water and beach shore. 
 

 This isn't a simple design, but a suspension bridge which rises high above the water in the middle, so the owners of larger boats won't panic when they approach.
 
 
 
 
Bixyl Shuftan 

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Mr. E, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - Roman Holiday

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 
 
Montecito Bay:  DJ Moni, DJ Cookie, DJ Chucklepuppy, DJ Moff
 
Furry Fashion: All That Glitters/Sparkles, TBA, Ferals
 
Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma
 
Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'
 

In Brief: Alpha Health Alliance

 

Some readers may remember Wesley Regenbogen, who used to write for the Newser. He is still active in Second Life, and showed me a place he's been involved with lately: Alpha Health Alliance, an organization that supports people affected by rare diseases. 
 
We'll likely write a larger article on the place later. For now, here's the SURL and website.  
 
 
 

Monday, August 24, 2026

Commentary: Of RFL's Team Sunbeamer's Folding

 
"All good things must come to an end" so goes an old saying. And late last month, following the death of it's captain Rita Mariner, it was announced that the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers, after thirteen years of fun and fundraising, would be retired. Obviously the end of it's leader was the big reason. But there were others that led to this decision.
 
Read the commentary in Extra.  

Technical Difficulties Keep Some Offline, Interfere With Support And Money Transactions

 
 Yesterday, Sunday August 23, some residents had trouble logging on, and if they were on weren't always able to make or see announcements. 


We are currently investigating the outage of our Support services. At this time residents may experience issues accessing their dashboard on Second Life, logging inworld, and the ability to access Live Chat or to submit a Support case. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience. Please follow this blog for any further updates.

Chat did continue to happen to a smaller degree, some residents noticing fewer people than expected showing up at events, and money transactions not going through. 
 
Finally at 2:57 PM SL time, almost three hours after the problem had been announced, Linden Lab stated the situation has been resolved. 
 
Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Reader Submitted AI Artwork

 

 From Lilybeth Patterson. Brandi Streusel and Zee are trying to get into a speakeasy for a party, but have forgotten the password so the bouncer won't let them in. Fortunately, a certain reporter fox provides a distraction so they can slip by. 
 
 

Cartoon of The Day: Abnor Mole's Car

 

 From the Ttans-Sansara Causeway. There was one single car on the yet to be completed bridge, from Abnor Mole. It had the slogan "Mo Homes" on the side. Since he works in expanding Bellisseria and it's Linden Homes, it seems that's what he enjoys doing, and maybe a strong hint of what's to come in the future. 
 
By Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Saturday, August 22, 2026

SL Video: "Drivers of SL Grid Drive 2026-06-13 - Drive (short) and Flight & RFL"

 

 
 From Zada Bury on August 19, "So far a simple drive, but there was a lot stressing me out and the sim-crossings was ... 'difficult'. After the main-part of the drive, was then also a visit of the RFL-event. The RFL event is pretty awesome made, but I am pretty overloaded with work at this time, so I have not enough time to appreciate it right. I try my best and give best wishes. Don't be fooled by my 'fast trough'."
 
At 4:18, she runs into a certain someone. 
 

Friday, August 21, 2026

Renee Riva of RFL Relay Rockers Passes Away

 
Last night, Thursday August 20, Trader1 Whiplash announced the passing of Renee Riva.
 
With broken hearts and profound sadness the Relay Rockers learned today of the passing of our dear friend, original teammate and pillar of strength Renee Riva.

Renee who was partnered with DJRipster Riva for 11 years was a 3-time cancer survivor and  living proof that resilience and hope can carry a person, and everyone around them, through the hardest of battles.

Renee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011 and then a few years later suffered a metastatic brain tumor. As a result of the multiple treatments she developed leukemia and in the past year suffered Kidney failure and had been in assisted living as she underwent dialysis.

Renee passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning. 

A Memorial Service is being planned for for early September.

 
The announcement was followed by a number of messages of surprise and condolences in Relay chat. "Prayers for all who knew her." "So sad to hear of her passing. she was a lovely lady and we've missed her these past few months. condolences to her family and friends." "Hugs, Trader, Rip, the Rockers and her friends & family. Renee will be greatly missed, she was a true inspiration." "So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers to DJRipster , friends and SL family and also to real life family and friends."
 
The Relay Rockers team for the Relay for Life was folded at the end of this year's Relay season in June after about twenty years, with the advancing age and declining health of it's remaining founding members being a factor. 
 
Rest in peace Renee 
 
Image Credit: DJ ripster435riva (ripster435 Resident) 
 
Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update - Three New Sims, New Bridge Length

 
There's been some more progress on the Trans-Sansara Causeway project. To begin with, the unfinished bridge on the southern border of Pomponio and Albion has been cleared away. There's no trace left of the 2021 structure, and it appears a number of other builds and items have been moved as well. The construction sign has been removed as well. Were they going to use the bridge and change their mind, or was the sign a heads up the build would be gone? 
 

 
But while one bridge is gone, a new one is up. Just southeast of the five new sims that were reported on in August 10, there are now an additional three newer ones: Cleone, Falk, and Tunitas.  Just north of the sim border between Mavericks and Cleone, there's a new bridge. Currently, a gate closes it to vehicle traffic, and there's a construction sign there from the Linden Department of Public works. 
 
This new bridge is longer and more detailed than the one it replaced. Instead of just piers, the bridge is also build on rocky islands with some vegetation on them. They're also built a bit wavy and curvy. No way someone would get "highway hypnosis" on this road. A nice scenic structure to walk on, or drive on once finished. Well, one guy was driving. Abnor Mole left his car behind, with the words "Mo homes" on the side. 
 
The bridge is not yet finished, the last length resting on a bare rocky isle in the middle of the Swanton sim, within sight of the island at Tomales next door to the west. Presumable that's where further construction will be. 
 
Back in the Luna sim, where the other end of the causeway starts, further work has connected the tunnel to the road, and the construction cones have been removed. One can now drive their vehicles from the street and into it, though they will have to stop and turn around as construction at Thetis' island has not progressed. 
 
Stay tuned for more information.
 
Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Cartoon of The Day: Saber Teeth Troubles

 
 

 Taken at one of DJ Tantari's parties. One guy had a Sabertooth avatar, with the teeth. And well, it had the usual problem of "clipping," making him looking at times like he stabbed himself. 
 
By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Flying Purple Thing Over Sansara

 

 In what looked like a scene from an eldritch horror story, while checking out an area of construction for the Trans-Sansara Causway in Pomponio, I noticed something floating to the north. Upon further inspection, it was some kind of weird floating thing with a single, disturbing-looking eye.
 
Maybe he was part of a "Flying Purple People Eater" video.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Walk Around the Grid: The Willows Cartoon Night

 
In her latest "Walk Around The Grid" article, Netera Landar writes about, and shows some pictures from, when a favorite club of hers, Willows, threw a party that no doubt brought back some happy childhood memories among many: Cartoon Night. She and others danced along classic cartoon characters, and some more recent stars. 
 
Read Netera's story in Events
 

Mystery Circle of Alts Near Bay City

 

Second Life can have no shortage of weirdness. While checking out the new construction on the Trans-Sansara Causway, looking around, I noticed a curious circle of avatars in the Hiltrude sim near Bay City. Heading over, they were underwater, and all had similar names, each with"Pitblado" as part of them, and created all on the same day, April 3, 2026. They all had blank profiles and were invisible, minus their tags.
 
And then suddenly vanished. Not one by one, but every single one teleported away, all at once. 
 
Checking the map, I saw they'd gone to Shannavay several sims away. So I headed there and got a better look.  What they were doing, no idea. It's possible they were bots trying to get information on nearby sims. But they don't need to be in groups for this purpose or stay very long. 
 
Oh, and no, you can't teleport into The Cornfield near Hiltrude.
 
Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

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

Club Cutlass: Temporarily Closed

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Mr. E, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Rose - School Outfits

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 
 
Montecito Bay:  DJ Moni, DJ Cookie, DJ Chucklepuppy, DJ Moff
 
Furry Fashion: TBA
 
Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma
 
Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

Reader Submitted Picture: On A Bridge To, Somewhere

 

 From Mystery Mellon, a picture of her with Rezzdammit on the unfinished bridge at the southeast corner of the Swanton sim. 
 

Open Mike At Book Island

 

Book Island has several events a week, mostly oriented for those who like to read, write, and both, though there are occasional dance shows and other happenings. Soon after 1PM Sunday, dropped by for some of it's Open Mike event, hosted by Selina Green
 
1pm Open Mic on Book Island - come share your writing (fiction, non fiction, poetry, essays - anything!) or the writing of your favourite author. You can read yourself or have someone else read for you or just come to listen. Try your luck at winning our L300 doorprize too! 
 
By all means this isn't the only event to go to. Join the "Book Island Events And Discussions" to find out more (link). The location also has a small office for the Newser at (221/118/36). 
 
 
Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Monday, August 17, 2026

Trans-Sansara Causeway Update : Bridge Tunnel Island At Thetis

 

Work on the Trans-Sansara Causeway continues. Last Tuesday, we reported on a tunnel going from Luna down underwater and an unfinished end at Krios. Taking a look this weekend. there's a new island at the Thetis sim, at (115/88/21). And work on the tunnel has continued, extending it from Krios to this island. 
 
Presumably, this is going to be a bridge-tunnel island, not unlike those for the real-life Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel that connects Virginia's part of the Delmarva Peninsula to the rest of the state.  
 
The probable course of further construction is likely to be a bridge connecting it to the larger island to the east at Aptos and Tomales.  Where will it go from there? One possibility is  connecting it to the end of the highway in Noyo, of which the Yavascript pods going through travel off and go into the water nearby, changing into boats. 
 
But there's also an unfinished bridge, connecting from the highway near the sim border of Mavericks and Pomponio, at Pomponio (130/10/47). This is much more likely as it has a construction sign there. It was built in 2021, and extents to just past the sim border of Albion and Swanton before it comes to an abrupt end over the water. 
 
There is a bridge in Fortuna and Bethel not far from the tunnel. But it was built in 2009, and is unlikely to be involved in the Causeway construction.  
 
More information to come. 
 
 
Bixyl Shuftan (with help from Rezzdammit) 

Applications Open For Halloween Shop and Hop (Last Day Sunday)

 
It's not even September, and already Linden Lab is getting ready for the spooky season in shopping. Pm Friday August 14, the Lab announced they were accepting applications from merchants interested in taking part in the Halloween Shop and Hop. 
 

The Halloween season is creeping up on us once again, and so is one of Second Life’s biggest shopping events! If you’re a Content Creator, now’s your chance to conjure up your best items and reach thousands of shoppers across multiple regions.
 
Those interested need to fill out a Google doc form (here).  As with previous Shop and Hop events, participating sellers need to offer a 20% discount on all items on sale, plus offer a free gift to any shopper regardless if they're in the store group or not. It either must be a new product, or a gift card worth at least 300 Linden dollars. All products, and store decoration, must be rated moderate (No nude succubi or other clearly adult Halloween-themed monsters and items). Nothing political is permitted, and stores cannot be used to promote items at other events. 
 
As the poster above states, The event runs from Friday October 2 to Sunday November 1. The merchants have three days from September 25 to 28 to set up their shops. 
 
The deadline for store owners to apply is Sunday August 23.
 
To read the blog post in full, Click Here
 
Bixyl Shuftan