Hot City Nights 2015 – the best in vintage and classic cars, 1940-1965, and all in support of Child’s Play
Marianne McCann brings word of the 4th annual Hot Bay City Nights event which will take place at the Bay City Fairgrounds, North Channel, from Saturday, September 12th through until Sunday, September 20th 2015.
Celebrating Bay City’s mid-Twentieth Century theme, as well as the city’s extensive road network, Hot Bay City Nights focuses on top Second Life vintage and classic car makers, showcasing vehicles representing the era between 1940 and 1965.
First held in August 2012, the event was an instant success with Bay City residents and auto makers alike. This year, as with previous years, the week is aimed at raising funds to support Child’s Play, a charity providing toys and games for children in hospitals around the world. Alongside the auto show there will be various other activities taking place, including charity car washes and the crowning of Miss Bay City 2015 on Sunday, September 20th. So make sure you get along to Bay City during the week and join in the fun!
About Bay City
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 Bay city group, and home to most Residents of Bay City.
Saturday, September 12th marks the start of the 2015 Stand up 2 Cancer (SU2C) campaign in Second Life, and the venue schedules are shaping up nicely. I previewed this year’s campaign, at the end of August, so feel to treat this as a small update / teaser.
This year builds on the 2014 début event, which saw L$ 1.5 million raised over 4 days, and will see more than 150 performers, DJs and tribute bands perform at around 40 venues across Second Life in two weeks of music and fund-raising to assist the ground-breaking work of Stand Up 2 Cancer. Activities commence on Saturday, September 12th and run through until Sunday, September 27th, all brought together through the leadership of Still Braveheart, who pioneered the 2014 inaugural weekend.
The Dirty Grind over Jasmine’s Hollow will host multiple events across the 2 weeks of SU2C fund-raising
As I noted last time around, the focus this year is not only on a much broader time span for fund-raising, but it is also looking to support far more of SU2C’s work by splitting donations between SU2C’s activities in Canada, the UK and the USA. In addition, people will be able to donate directly to SU2C’s work in through three countries by following the special donation links available at all participating venues if they’d prefer to pay direct, rather than via in-world L$ donations.
Obviously, with so many performers and venues participating, listing them in a blog like this is impossible – so do please keep a track of the SU2C in SL event schedule on Google, and via Stills’ own blog, which will have daily events, times and LMs to venues as things get under-way, as well as all the very latest news. However, to help whet appetites, here is a small sampling of what is to come (note schedules subject to possible last minute change).
So, do please keep an eye on Still’s blog for the full schedule of events, together with the Google calendar, and who knows – we might bump into one another at one of the venues! If so, do please say hello.
About Stand Up 2 Cancer
SU2C takes an innovative approach to ending cancer by focusing on forming “dream teams” of doctors and researchers who are directly involved in leading-edge cancer research and treatment, and then undertaking aggressive research programmes. 100% of all donations made through SU2C goes directly into funding cancer research and treatment and paying for these teams; none is lost to “administrative costs” or put aside for CEO or executive salaries, etc.
Such is the success of this approach that as of 2014, and in the USA alone, SU2C has raised over $261 million in seven years. This money has all be used in directly supporting 141 clinical trials of possible cancer treatments, involving 750 scientists and 5,000 cancer patients, and which have spanned 112 US institutions.
It’s time to kick-off another week of fabulous story-telling in voice, brought to our virtual lives by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library. As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s Second Life home at Bradley University, unless otherwise indicated.
Sunday, September 6th 19:00: a Trio of Irish Tales II
“A Trio of Irish Tales is by far my best-selling collection, ever,” Caledonia Skytower says of her 2013 title. “Finally, the much promised second volume of stories is well on its way to completion.
“More stories, more adventure, history, romance and mythology. Three modern tales steeped in the lore of an ancient land. A Trio of Irish Tales II will call to your Celtic soul, even if you never thought you had one.”
Join Cale as she reads from The Fairy Tree reuniting with young Liam Killough last seen in The Shadow by the Gate. He and his family have settled into life in rural County Wicklow, but Liam is at continual odds with farm manager Rose McLane. The tension has been mounting and explodes with unexpected results, leaving young Liam desperate to set things to rights again.
Monday September 7th, 19:00: Solis
Gyro Muggins continues reading of Alfred Angelo Attanasio’s 1994 thought-provoking novel Solis.
What happens when you gamble your own future on the far future, and opt to have your head and brain frozen in the hope that one day, perhaps centuries to come, it – you can be revived?
That’s exactly what Charles Otis decided to do – only things don’t turn out so well. Found discarded but still in a cryonic state, his brain is purchased sans head and installed in a deep space ore carrier as its primary processor.
Until, that is, he is discovered and rescued by those sympathetic to his plight. And so the story takes a turn to matters of the legal status of a disembodied brain, restored for a specific purpose and of unknown origin; paid for, and – at least they would have it – owned by the corporation that purchased the brain, and which has little interest in any past identity the brain might have had.
Tuesday September 8th,19:00 Not That It Matters
AA Milne by Howard Coster, 1926
Corwyn Allen continues to read AA Milne’s 1919 collection of humorous essays. Best known for his tales of Wnnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and the 100 acre Wood, Milne in fact wrote widely in bother fiction and non-fiction.
Here he passes observation on wide range of topics, starting with a reflection upon his own writing, “Sometimes when the printer is waiting for an article which really should have been sent to him the day before, I sit at my desk and wonder if there is any possible subject in the whole world upon which I can possibly find anything to say.”
With considerations ranging from why a gentleman’s collar might squeak, or the fact that Isaiah most certainly didn’t carry a notebook, with assorted thoughts on goldfish and daffodils along the way, this is a book of essays wide-range in topic and content. Some of it may, nigh-on a century since the essays first appeared in this book, appear dated and as solidly dated and trapped forever in the opening decades of the 20th century. Other are perhaps as relevant today in their insights and commentary as they were when freshly written. All of them come with Milne’s familiar humour and jovial observations.
Wednesday September 9th 19:00: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
Caledonia Skytower opens the pages of Jeanne Birdsall’s 2014 volume about the Penderwick family, the second in the series.
When the four Penderwick sisters learn that, encouraged by his sister-in-law and the wishes of their late mother, their father is going to start meeting other women, they fear the worst, and so enact the Save Daddy Plan. They set their Dad up with dates he won’t get on with, while he, also not overly convinced of things, goes out on pretend dates.
However, things start to change as the sisters meet and get to know Ben from next door, and his mum, Iantha. Added to the mix the adventures and challenges each of the four sisters face, and it turns out to be quite a series of events and changes for the Penderwicks – one of them very much turning out for the best.
Thursday, September 10th: The End – Visions of the Apocalypse
With Shandon Loring.
Saturday, September 12th: Star Wars Saturday at Seanchai Kitely
“So, where were you in 1977? Do you remember the first time you saw the first film? The first 25 times you saw the first film? Maybe you have never seen it at all.”
Join Caledonia and Shandon at Seanchai Kitely’s space world as they inform you, “these are the stories you’ve been looking for,” while opening a volume penned by the grand master Jedi himself, George Lucas.
(grid.kitely.com:8002/Spaceworld)
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Please check with the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates and for additions or changes to the week’s schedule. The featured charity for August / September is Water for People, “When one person or one family has clean, accessible water, their lives are changed. But when entire regions and countries have water, the world is changed.”
Join the celebrations at Escapades Island on September 5th-6th, 2015
Loki Eliot’s Escapades Island is celebrating five years of activities in Second Life this weekend, and the gates are being thrown wide to all, with an open invitation for people hop over and join in the fun.
Things actually got under-way on Friday, September 4th – but there is still plenty of time and lots of opportunities for people to share in the festivities.
Loki describes the celebrations as, “a weekend of events celebrating 5 years of Escapades Island, as a way to thank all those who have supported the island by helping pay the expensive tier costs and playing the silly games.”
For those unfamiliar with the Digital Mischief Maker, Loki is the developer and creator of a wide range of mesh clothing, accessories, avatars, buildings and complete packaged games, including his brilliant Battle Balloons, in which players can take to the air in steampunk inspired balloons / airships and engage in air-to-air battles – see my review for more. He’s also extremely generous of his time with others (he once created and made available an entire starship battles game simply because he wanted to give his friend Billy, a Star Trek fan, “something epic”).
Escapades Island is Loki’s in-world outlet (so to speak) for his creative flair, offering a rich diversity of activities, some of them using the very latest from the Lab – such as the relatively new Experiences capabilities, while also showcasing his own creations and offering friends and newcomers alike entertainment fun.
Escapades Island offers a host of activities, games and adventures open to anyone to enjoy
For the weekend, Loki has a whole range of activities planned, the schedules set out as follows (all times SLT):
Saturday, September 5th
12:00 noon
Battle Balloon Brawl Trophy competition – round 1: players are invited to take to the air in the Battle Balloons to fight it out and be the last one flying
13:00
Pirate Party with host Gemini Enfield – possible tavern brawls and a treasure hunt!
15:00
Pufferfish Panic! – A race around the island
16:00
Battle Balloon Brawl Trophy competition – round 2: players are invited to take to the air in the Battle Balloons to fight it out and be the last one flying
Experience Loki’s Balloon Battles first hand at the Escapades 5th anniversary celebrations
Sunday, September 6th
12:00 noon
Goonies Beach Party
13:00
Rocket Hoovers Race
14:00
Epic Battle Brawl – location to be discovered!
15:00
Beach Fire Chillout – just kick-back and relax
So, if you’re looking for something fun and different to do this weekend, why not drop in on the fun? And if you haven’t previously visited Escapades Island, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to do so.
Which just leaves me to wish a happy anniversary to Escapades – and pass warmest congratulations to Loki!
A short notice announcement of a get-together aboard the SS Galaxy marks her official return to Second Life
The invitation was somewhat low-key, and the date subsequently changed from the scheduled September 1st, for Reasons Unknown (well, at least to me!), but the message did get through:
Join us in-world at the newly re-opened SS Galaxy and explore the decks of this historic Second Life cruise ship! We’re meeting up near the pool, and will be taking pics and enjoying a little casual relaxation time! See you there!
I would actually have been none the wiser of the event, had it not been for Vick Forcella whispering in my ear via IM – he is ever the gentleman! But, as the message was received, and despite the need to be in several places at once (Happy anniversary, Firestorm! Sorry I missed it!), I hopped over the Galaxy to sea what was going on (see what I did there?).
I’d been fortunate enough to cover the return of the SS Galaxy to Second Life waters ahead of any official opening after Frost Mole kindly pinged me about the ongoing work aboard the ship and invited me for a look around as she sits at her new location, just off the Honah Lee estate south of Blake Sea. However, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to mark her “official” return to our waters.
Given this was the first time a crowd had been aboard the Galaxy since the commencement of her refit, Vick and I took it upon ourselves, and purely in the interests of our fellow passengers’ safety – to test the poolside bar as Frost and Xiola arrived
On arrival, I found Vick to already be there and – where else? – at the poolside bar. Climbing the steps, I demanded that as he was the barman, he pour me a drink – only to discover I was actually standing behind the bar and so should rightfully be serving *coughs*. Following an embarrassed silence broken only by my attempted soft shoe shuffle (you try being quiet when in heels on a wooden deck) to a bar stools, Vick graciously handed me a drink without commenting on my faux pas. (see, I said he was a gentleman).
Abnor Mole takes in the sun while Frost Mole enjoys people enjoying the fruits of her labour
Fortunately, folk quickly began to arrive, including several Lindens – Patch, Keira, Dee, Guy, Xiola, Shaman, together with moles, and a celebratory mood quickly ensued – helped, no doubt by the hourly firework display going off as well. In short order, people were enjoying the pool (some fully clothed!), wandering the decks, admiring the view or … propping up the bar.
The conversation was soon full and flowing, Shaman took over bar duties, Keira found a sun lounger and Abnor Mole followed suit, Patch dodged cameras and Xiola and I talked chocolate. Then the buffalo arrived.
“What on earth are buffalo doing on board a cruise ship?” you might well ask. I know I did. Problem was, I was too distracted by the sudden onset of a fish shower and then being struck in the small of the back by a large, speeding train…
No, we weren’t hit by a griefing attack; merely a mole (in the form of Michael Linden) with a wand (and a fit of the giggles). Not just any wand, mark you, but a Starax wand. What’s more, it transpired that Shaman had been slipping him cocktails – a mix of (and I quote) “scotch, scotch, scotch… and, oh, scotch!”
Thus the pandemonium rolled on, amidst further gleeful (and high-pitched) giggles of a furry variety. At least until the word “water!” was uttered by said wand wielder …
“Water!” a certain wand-wielder proclaimed. Then rather wished he hadn’t, having forgotten to scamper out-of-the-way as the giant faucet, in full flow, materialised over him…
After that, things quieted down (well, a little!) as Michael was handed a towel, and the conversation resumed a little more placidly (no, I’m not going to mention the shark. Or the dolphin, OK?).
Joking aside, this was a very pleasant get-together, smaller in size than previous events of this nature, and that may well have contributed to the amount of fun being had. I’ve no idea if this low-key approach will be used at times for future get-togethers, but I do hope that this one is merely the first of many and varied events we’ll see staged at the SS Galaxy in the future.
My one suggestion would be – to echo a comment left on my last piece on the ship – that some of the helipads are returned to their former use (and made short-term rezzing areas?) as it would be fun to be able to fly to the ship for an event and then return home the same way afterwards 🙂 .
It’s time to kick-off another week of fabulous story-telling in voice, brought to our virtual lives by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library. As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s Second Life home at Bradley University, unless otherwise indicated.
Sunday, August 30th 15:30: The Cold Shot Players
The Cold Shot Players return to Seanchai Library once more for another of their dramatic presentations focused on the delights and drama of classic radio shows. This month, they present an early start in the run-up to the Halloween season with Ghostly Horrors on the Highway to Nowhere, original Halloween tale about a 1940s radio ensemble and their brush with the macabre, directed by Bhelanna Blaze.
Monday August 31st, 19:00: Solis
Gyro Muggins commences a reading of Alfred Angelo Attanasio’s 1994 thought-provoking novel Solis.
What happens when you gamble your own future on the far future, and opt to have your head and brain frozen in the hope that one day, perhaps centuries to come, it – you can be revived?
That’s exactly what Charles Otis decided to do – only things don’t turn out so well. Found discarded but still in a cryonic state, his brain is purchased sans head and installed in a deep space ore carrier as its primary processor.
Until, that is, he is discovered and rescued by those sympathetic to his plight. And so the story takes a turn to matters of the legal status of a disembodied brain, restored for a specific purpose and of unknown origin; paid for, and – at least they would have it – owned by the corporation that purchased the brain, and which has little interest in any past identity the brain might have had.
Tuesday September 1st,19:00 Not That It Matters
AA Milne by Howard Coster, 1926
Corwyn Allen continues to read AA Milne’s 1919 collection of humorous essays. Best known for his tales of Wnnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and the 100 acre Wood, Milne in fact wrote widely in bother fiction and non-fiction.
Here he passes observation on wide range of topics, starting with a reflection upon his own writing, “Sometimes when the printer is waiting for an article which really should have been sent to him the day before, I sit at my desk and wonder if there is any possible subject in the whole world upon which I can possibly find anything to say.”
With considerations ranging from why a gentleman’s collar might squeak, or the fact that Isaiah most certainly didn’t carry a notebook, with assorted thoughts on goldfish and daffodils along the way, this is a book of essays wide-range in topic and content. Some of it may, nigh-on a century since the essays first appeared in this book, appear dated and as solidly dated and trapped forever in the opening decades of the 20th century. Other are perhaps as relevant today in their insights and commentary as they were when freshly written. All of them come with Milne’s familiar humour and jovial observations.
Wednesday September 2nd, 19:00: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
Caledonia Skytower opens the pages of Jeanne Birdsall’s 2014 volume about the Penderwick family, the second in the series.
When the four Penderwick sisters learn that, encouraged by his sister-in-law and the wishes of their late mother, their father is going to start meeting other women, they fear the worst, and so enact the Save Daddy Plan. They set their Dad up with dates he won’t get on with, while he, also not overly convinced of things, goes out on pretend dates.
However, things start to change as the sisters meet and get to know Ben from next door, and his mum, Iantha. Added to the mix the adventures and challenges each of the four sisters face, and it turns out to be quite a series of events and changes for the Penderwicks – one of them very much turning out for the best.
Thursday, September 3rd
19:00, The Sage of Theare
Shandon Loring reads Diana Wynne Jones’ short story, which has been published in a number of collections of her works, including Mixed Magics: Four Tales of Chrestomanci, linking the characters and events in the stories with her Chrestomanci series of novels.
Within the city of Theare, neatly ordered and overseen by its pantheon of gods, is a prophecy. That prophecy states that one day a sage shall be born within the city, who will question everything, and in doing so, ruin the order of the Heavens and cast the gods into turmoil and disorder. Obviously, the gods cannot let this happen, and so the stage is set, awaiting only the sage to arrive, for conflict to ensue.
21:00: Seanchai Late Night
With Finn Zeddmore.
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Please check with the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates and for additions or changes to the week’s schedule. The featured charity for August / September is Water for People, “When one person or one family has clean, accessible water, their lives are changed. But when entire regions and countries have water, the world is changed.”
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 