The "Love Train" And "Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden/Spank A Linden"

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

February 14 was Valentines Day, an unofficial holiday for love and romance. Many places such as clubs had Valentine-themed events. Linden Lab would have two that day, the "Love Train" and "Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden."

On Tuesday, February 14 starting at 12pm SLT, join us on the Love Train!  

 

The Moles will be running trolleys all along the Eastern Loop of the Bellisseria Railway. The primary departure point is Muehlenbach Station, but residents can hop on from any station as the trolleys go by. The trolleys will run in both directions along the route, stopping in Allrutti Station just outside of Newbank for residents to disembark.

On Tuesday, February 14 starting at 12pm SLT, join us on the Love Train!  

 

The Moles will be running trolleys all along the Eastern Loop of the Bellisseria Railway. The primary departure point is Muehlenbach Station, but residents can hop on from any station as the trolleys go by. The trolleys will run in both directions along the route, stopping in Allrutti Station just outside of Newbank for residents to disembark.

 

So on February 14 at just before Noon, I tried hopping over. But there was a slight snag. The region was full. Me and a few others were looking at the station from the outside.

With so many residents, many took a while to fully rezz, "Am I the only one who sees everyone on the train station as naked?""Half of em are nakey for me." "Well, they are sort of half rezzed, half transparent and generally a mess. Not a pretty sight, despite them being naked." "So you're saying I could get naked, and people wouldn't know if I was being debauched or just not rezzing properly?"

Being a Linden or Mole didn't always help you be seen.

But as time went on, people started to rezz, including Zady Bury, noted for her "Drivers of SL" videos.

Kristen Linden was looking a little "metal."

Eventually, a trolley showed up, and people started getting on.

Someone else rezzed a small locomotive and flat railcar.

A friend called me over to check something, and coming back I was able to get in the sim.

And onto the train station. Adora Mole would tell people, "... hop on. This is the last train of the day."

One guy chuckled, "You guys should totally come put a train on my sim (laugh) This is cool."

I got a seat next to Wendi Linden.

But as the train went through a sim crossing, well, not even Lindens are immune to hiccups, and Wendi got knocked off.

So did Adora Mole.

Others got knocked off as well. Somehow, I stayed on. Those knocked off soon got back on.

I would end up sitting between Lulabell Linden and Adora, the rodentlike tiny Mole sporting a chainsaw. Watch out! Adora Mole just yanked the starter on her chainsaw. I asked what was with that, "Too many 'the lag is so thick, you can cut it' jokes?" Someone saw it only when I pointed it out, "I had to get out of mouselook to check out the chainsaw, hahahah!"

Adora would then change seats, onto the one next to the brake, and putting her woodcutter/weapon from hell away, "I put it away.. I can't drive and hold on to it. Want me to try? ... Soooo.. you all want this to be a Love Train or a Love train of TERROR??!!" She got her chainsaw out again. My response was to muse, " I recall cows used to be a problem blocking trains. Is that what the saw is for? Getting rid of cows on the tracks and free beef?" "Yes... and hamburgers served afterward."

Sparkling Mole ended up on top of the train.

One guy had wrestler's championship belt and a boquet of roses. I figured he was either someone was going to his sweetheart after a match, or got something off Marketplace to look impressive. He would later say he was a wrestler at at Vitality arena.

The train continued on.

At one point, Adora had some trouble, "I can't figure out how to NOT sit on Kris' lap! (laugh) Stopping the train for a moment... going to try to get  off the passenger's lap (grin)."

Our trip took us through a tunnel. With our trip taking us below water level, Adora mused, "just make sure you return all towels and snorkels at the end of the ride."

And out.

We passed an area where the Linden Homes were still in development.

Going through a marshy area.

And finally, the trip was over, with everyone getting off. Grumpity Linden was there, "So sad, it ditched me at the station!" Adora would comment, "I didn't have to cut anyone up with my chainsaw!! It's a good day! ... Hope everyone enjoyed the ride!"

Next, it was onto the Isle of View, for "Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden."

Gemma Cleanslate was there.

So was Serenity Kitty.

And so was the mouse mole Squeaky Mole.

Zada Bury was here as well, along with many Lindens and Moles.

 

 Including Patch Linden.

Someone was wondering why Cupid Linden wasn't getting hugs. So I gave her one.

Besides hugging Lindens and Moles, one could dunk them.

Adora Mole was among voulentering to take a bath.

"Nuuuuuuuuuuu....."

Someone appeared as a chocobo from "Final Fantasy 7."

Grumpy Mole was there.

 

Patch was more than happy to chat with the residents.

Then at one point, I heard a *SMACK* noise. Looking around, I saw Patch on the ground, but only for a couple seconds. He'd been talked into putting on a spanker, and someone swatted him.

Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long before it happened again. Others were slapping him in the behind as well. Even one of the Moles got into the act.

I eventually had the chance to try out the dunking booth, when Abnor Mole was seated there.

Grumpity Linden also took a try.

 

 And got her bath.

Cosmic Mole was there too.

And joined the ranks of the damp.

Ran into Pantera Polnocy there as well.

It was a fun "Hug and Dunk A Linden." Though thanks to Patch's going "above and beyond the call of duty," it became known as "Hug, Dunk, and Spank A Linden."

Zada Bury would do a video of the two events, including Patch Linden's deriere getting a smacking.

Happy Valentines Day

 

Bixyl Shuftan

Rare Disease Day

 

By Serenity Kitty

Rare Disease Day is coming up soon and the Community Virtual Library on the Cookie sim is holding a special event to highlight some of the people living with a rare disease.

Having a rare disease myself, this event is close to my heart.

The event organizer, Pi Illios, has invited me to the event to speak about my disease, the effects the disease has had on my life, and my 15-year journey from symptom intensification to diagnosis.

Celebrated worldwide, Rare Disease Day is held on the last day of February, which allows for this day to fall on the rarest day of the year every four years, leap day. In 2023, as this year isn’t a leap year, the worldwide event will occur on February 28th.

The purpose of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness for rare diseases and to advocate for equity in social, healthcare, and diagnosis opportunities for persons affected by rare diseases.

In the United States, rare disease (commonly referred to as orphan disease) is classified as having less than 200,000 Americans affected by it. Some rare diseases affect less than 100 people. As orphan diseases are typically overlooked by pharmaceutical companies, very little research is usually done to formulate treatment options.

Globally, there are over 7,000 rare diseases, with more than 300 million people being affected by one or more rare diseases. In the US, more than 25 million Americans are currently living with a rare disease.

Community Virtual Library’s Rare Disease Day event will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 12pm SLT.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cookie/35/62/21

Serenity

"Goodbye Jasmine" - DJ Jazzy's Last Performance (For Now)

 

 

On Sunday January 29 at 5 PM, the Happy Vixen gave a farewell party to one of it's DJs: Jasmime Dawn/ DJ Jazzy. Jasmine has been DJing on and off at the Happy Vixen since it opened over ten years ago. Almost two years ago she was able to do so again on a regular basis. Standing out in a place of foxes, felines, and bunnies in her equine avatar, later on a giraffe, the real-life veteran played a number of country, rock, and pop music tunes at her sets. But she had recently been hired by a company who would pay her more per hour, but she'd have to work more hours. So she was stepping down. But not without one last show at her Sunday slot.

This evening, in Second Life at The Happy Vixen will be my last event. I'm retiring from the stage and moving on to bigger and better things in my life and asking you all to come join me there this evening from 5pm to 7pm SLT     Will be a fishbowl event with a drawing for 3 lucky winners.  Simply come as you are. ALL are welcome to enter  and those 3 lucky 3 will walk away with at least 1000 linden lovings each.  Bring a friend and help me fill the place up yeah?  Help me say goodbye once last time.

 

 

 A few decorations went up for the occasion.

 

 

 There were quite a few party poppers going off: KABOOM!

Someone partied a little too hearty.

 

 But was soon back into action.

 

The theme was Come As You Are. And instead of voting on the board the prize was given at random to three people via "the fishbowl." Initially 3000 L, it rose to 9000, then 9500 L.

The last couple songs were "Take This Job And Shove It" and "The Parting Glass," the former probably chosen out of humor, and the latter for poetics.

The contest was won by three lucky winners, DeniseUnicorn Toonie, Halaliel Zenith, and Kit Shiriki MoonDust (Kit UwU). who split the 9500L prize.

Eventually the set ended and it was time for DJ Squeaks/Brandi Streussel to play the tunes, so Jasmine hung up her headphones for the last time, at least for now. It's probable she'll occasionally DJ on special events, such as Halloween. But DJing on a regular basis, and possibly the Halloween Haunts that have appeared annually for a while, won't be for at least a few more years, "There will always be a place here for you."

The Sunday 5PM slot is expected to be filled in by DJ Frost (assuming all goes as planned).

Thank you again Jazzy, and best of luck.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

The Newser's New Year's Party

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

On Saturday January 7, it was the day for the Newser's New Year's Party.

The Newser usually organizes two parties a year for it's staff and fans. Usually they're at a club. But by request they were on top of the paper's office at the HV Community sim. As the picture shows, at one point there were 24 in the sim, most at the party. 

 

 

When the time approached for the party, I headed over in my rocket, passing some homes in the Sunweaver community.

 

And soon got to the top of the office.

Rita Mariner was first there. Although at the hospital at the time, for a few days, she had occasional access to Second Life through her laptop.

DJ Snowbuns / Snowy HunniBunni Lefavre (Skylark Lefavre) played the tunes for the first hour.

 

Dancerina, one of the writers. was there fairly early, around the time the party started at 12 Noon.

Roving reporter Gemma Cleanslate arrived after a little while.

So did Jarden Alexis, head of the Premier Business Center, was also there.

Eventually, Gemma had to put a temporary cover over the opening for the stairs so no one would drio down by accident.

A serpentine girl who commented she was nicknamed "The neon noodle."

Ranchan Weidman on the left, the builder of the SL Newser office.

At 1 PM, DJ Grease Coakes took over the stream, dressed up in the Victorian outfit he wore at the SL19B.

Putting the Viewer at Midnight, the nron lighting was more visible.

DeniseUnicorn Toonie's horn was quite visible.

It was quite the party, and a little fun for the Newser team. For those who missed the party, don't worry too much. We're planning an anniversary bash in June.

Happy 2023

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Events

Abnor Mole's Trolley Ride

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

On Wednesday December 28, I noticed Abnor Mole ask a question in Bellisseria chat, "How many people can fit on a trolley?" Someone responded, "No. But you can always call over people and find out." Abnor then sent a link to a location in Chippewa Junction. I sent an alt over, and a number of residents were already over, joining Abnor and Moonstruck Mole. "Make sure you turn your AO off and sit on an empty seat." "Click on a seat, not just the train." But there was soon little to no room on the seats, "Looks like the roof is a good place to sit too."

 

About twenty were about to get on the trolley, including myself and the two moles. We then headed down the track, going around the "boot" of the older part of western Bellisseria. Moonstruck commented, "Abnor and I weren't just looking for excuses to ride around today, nope. Not us." Of the one guy on the roof, there were some jokes, "Sit down you will be loosing your head when we come across a tunnel." He just chuckled, "Nice time for my face to be frozen in a terrified grin ...."

Our trip took us through some scenery, "Hey, we just passed my cafe!" We went through the campground area, "The only thing missing is the cables, and the eerie electrical noise they make at times." It would also take us through some rough but picturesque terrain. Someone got knocked off, but got back on, "Omg, I saw myself in the air!!!" The guy on the roof stayed on, though, "Good thing we don't want you to loose your head." "(chuckle) Thanks ... I don't either. Expensive head (chuckle)." Eventually though, we passed under a bar, "Careful of your head! Eep!" "Marius, did you keep your head?" "Marius is dead now." But the guy smiled, "I am reborn!"

Talk about the seating arrangement continued, "Try to seat on an empty seat." "Trying to sit but it says nothing available. Oh wait, I'm on it now." "I tried a seat and ended up on the levers. The train decides!" "Yes sitting backwards like I'm going to fall off. *evily laughs*" The guy on the roof commented, "It does decide as it keeps putting me up here." "... f sat properly we should get a menu upon seating and be able to change place if there is at least one left free." "I think we're out of seats... it's just attaching us to door frames and stuff." "I think the trolley needs seating poses that have us hanging from the poles like in real-life (grin)."

Still, the trip went on, "This tram is made especially for Bellisseria, so its perfect for here... and for riding with friends (smile)." "It is a good looking trolley." "Yes, I love the look." "The rail system is one of the most exciting things happening these days.  It's so cool to witness it being worked on." Moonstruck would say, "They do have a bunch of diff ones." 

Then the trail seemed to be getting off the tracks. "Derailing!" "Trolley!! NO!! You can do it!! We believe in you!" "Calls Squeaky.... we need help!!" Then the car got back on the rails, "Oh .... ok again *phew*" "Poor trolley," Moonstruck commented, "didnt want to go home yet." "Think it feels abused" someone asked. Moonstruck didn't think so, "It likes you all I think." "Gonna need loads of maint soon, haha." Abnor admitted, "The script errors are getting very graphic."

Eventually, the trip ended back where it had started, Chippewa Junction. "Home again, Home again jiggity jig," Moonstruck mused. We got off, thanked Abnor for the ride, "Thanks for the fun ride." "Thank you too for inviting us." "Thanks for the ride!... and the fun!!" "That was so fun! Thank you for the invitation!" " Have a wonderful day, everyone! Thanks for the fun times." Abnor thanked us back, "Thank you everyone for the successful pile on test." "Thank you all so much for taking a ride with us!" Moonstruck told everyone, then mused, "Make sure to pick Abnors pocket before you go!"

 

It was a fun little trolley ride with two of the Linden Moles.

Bixyl Shuftan