Month: June 2025

SL22B – Alluring, Daring, Euphoric, and Irresistible

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment

The last four resident exhibit regions to explore make up the western third of the adult SLB continent. (The center third house Odin’s Bar & Grill, the adult main stage, while the eastern third are the four shopping regions of the adult themed Shop n’ Hop.)

Alluring

Having changed back into something less comfortable, the better to blend into the adult region goers 😏, I’m about to continue my clockwise perambulation of the exhibit regions. I’m fighting the road layout slightly here. Instead of a zig-zag through each region, the main thoroughfares in the adult continent make a single zig and one zag through all four regions. I’ll be sneaking through some back gardens I think.

Staring right off at HFI’s Zombie Outbreak Response Team, this is nearly a carbon copy of their general exhibit only with zombies instead of aliens.

In the large parcel to the south is another underwater exhibit, And Mermaids Too! Dive in for a swim through a technicolor seascape. There’s an undersea dancefloor down there too.

Then there’s the Medusa’s Lair. Follow the path into the grotto and there indeed is the medusa. I think she’s gotten a bad rap. She doesn’t look that scary to me. Though, if the curious stone statues of heroes used to be flesh and blood, maybe she just doesn’t like swordsmen.

The next mid-sized parcel over is another display by Praga. This one is more photo panels of his work along the sides with some small installations in the rest of the space. There’s a gift available off to the left.

The first small parcel is where I come across what I’d say is actual adult content. (Thus far, the exhibits have been quite tame and could likely have been in the general area.) At the Temple of the Ladyboys (enter from the east) you can pick up a jeweled red handbag. You can then follow “one man’s dream to become a ladyboy.”

To the north side again, After the Love is “A Journey Through Grief, Healing and Becoming Whole Again.” Walk into the walled garden which is filled with mist and rain. Hanging in the air around are some thoughts on grief and loss.

Just to the south is Female Force. I feel like I just visited this exhibit at Sci-fi Con 17.

Convicted Gauntlet is a little adventure game you can play after donning the HUD (which you can get at the start). Follow the path to miniature puzzles where wrong guesses will cost you time.

In the north-east corner is another medieval fantasy build featuring an archery competition, a tarot reader’s tent, and even a sword in a stone!

There is Drivers of SL, so who can be surprised that there’s a Nude Drivers of Zindra. Anyway, they have an exhibit here. But, I don’t see an awful lot about driving truth to tell. Oh!, you have to work your way through to the back where you’ll find photo panels of the group’s activities.

In the large parcel in the south-east corner, we return to the mythic with Bacchanalia. Follow the path around through the sylvan scene. There are benches, statues, even a mini Mt. Olympus with a not-quite Olympic sized pool.

Keeping with the classical style, Mediterranean Mythology – Garden of the Gods is just up the street. Here Poseidon holds court from a small pool.

At VIR Studios – SX Awards you can get a gift of a director’s chair, find a link to their awards web site, and browse panels illustrating some award winners. Best Photographer, Best Adult Blogger, and so on.

Playdolls Magazine has an exhibit again this year. A number of standing stones and flowering trees fill the foreground while in the background, a large display cycles through some of their covers. (They could use a more dynamic display!)

The last large parcel, in the south-west corner of SLB Alluring, shows us The Ferryman’s Journey On the Styx. An elaborate fantasy build with nothing to blush about.

Daring

The first stop is The Deathlands. This is a post-apocalyptic landscape crowded with broken down industrial architecture.

Across the way is Crossroads, a VTM/WOD roleplay experience. Except, I’m not sure what that means and there’s not much information around that I can find. From the architecture, the setting is late 19th, maybe early 20th century central Europe?

ATG Productions gives us The Grid Carpet Experience. ATG are a media group that appear to be into everything from Grid Sports, Grid Drives, machinima, Grid News etc. Browse the constantly changing information screens for more.

Hearts Romantech provides a rotating, literally, collection of pictures from Legendary Romantic Places in SL.

Once again, it looks like the adult community didn’t step up. There are three vacant parcels on the north-east section that are below the water and unused.

OK, here’s an exhibit title I did not expect in this section, Tribal Scholars Doing Science. Make your way up to the campsite and click on the first book. It will instruct you that you need to find several more lore books throughout the exhibit. Good luck!

After hacking my way out the back of Tribal Scholars, I find my route to Gorean University. Walk down the avenue of kneeling women to the rotunda where information about the group may be found. With an informative museum like exhibit in the general regions, this exhibit, and one more on the Gorean Archives, Gor have quite a presence this SLB.

Ponyplay gets some representation this year from Wild Pony Girls. Look around the grounds for information about and history of WPG. According to one signboard, they started in 2008, so they must be one of the longest running such groups in SL.

Across the street again to the north is an elemental themed myths and legends display. Have a stroll around it and read the panels for what it’s all about.

Oost West is a gay men’s lifestyle estate. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, walk around and check out some example architecture and activities.

Irresistible

Experience is Real presented by SSCRPG. You can take a ten minute “ride” around the exhibit. There’s also a small shed with a group joiner and basic information about getting set up to role play in Second Life.

Misfits Parade Presents Myths & Legends is another colonnaded gallery in the classic style. Here there’s also a modern PA system. I imagine there will be dancing here at some point.

Next along the road is Fairy World. Lots of adorable fairies, toadstools, pose blocks aplenty if you want to take selfies.

In another large parcel, The Freedom Continent presents RLV: Past, Present, and Future. This is probably a good exhibit for a lot of people to browse. Look through the presentations to learn about RLV/RLVa, a surprisingly complex and astonishingly versatile viewer modification for Second Life. It’s not just for BDSM anymore.

To the south is WHIP Radio‘s display. WHIP is a Gorean focused radio station. (Would a radio in Gor be seriously invalid?) On either side of a dancefloor looked over by Dionisius are a campfire area and mermaid pool.

Occupying a pair of adjacent parcels in the south-east corner are the Paigeli Photography and Mumfuzz Gallery. Bring waders. There has been some flooding. In amongst some decidedly adult images is an interesting collection of colourist panels.

In the south-east corner, Open Collar have a large parcel. An Open Collar is certainly one of the more universal Second Life accessories. Look over the panels outside for the quick version and then head into the little building in the back corner for a detailed history and examples of what OC can do.

The Feline Conspiracy has brought us Into The Woods this year. Climb the stairs to see a bare bear rider in a grotto, what looks like the end of a which trial by a swan lake, some despondent dwarves holding vigil over an underclad sleeping beauty in a crystal coffin, and finally, a semi-ultimate chapter of Cinderella that I’m almost certain was not in the original story.

In the remaining small exhibit parcel for this region, we have The Legend of Lucia. Touch the signboard at the entrance for a notecard explaining the display. A sequence of images around the exhibit illustrate what could be described as one avatar’s journey to freedom through submission.

Avalon’s Veil by Passion Bay Gateway, their mission is to provide all users with the tools for an “excellent adult experience.” Head to the back corner for more information.

Finally, for SLB Irresistible, The Biker Community of SL has a display. Lots of pictures of biker activities in SL, a campfire social area, group joiner, and of course examples of bikes. If you’ve wanted to be a biker but find it impractical in RL, have a look around this exhibit.

Euphoric

SLB Euphoric is the last resident exhibit region I have left to visit. In the final home stretch!

The first parcel I come to is Noxia. Here, what appear to be a pair of astral beings dance while holding up a globe. I don’t know that we need to read anything more into it than that.

Across the street, Child Care. This appears to be a combination fertility clinic and child care facility? Hmm, two things I go to SL to forget. Still, SL pregnancy and children are things and this looks like a resource if that’s the sort of role play you’re looking for.

Castle Turing, AI backed bots hold medieval plays at 43 minutes after the hour. We’ll see if I can swing back by when it’s time.

Next along the way, walk under the arch labeled “Are You Ready” and accept the experience to be teleported to the top of VIR Toys XXX Department. This is for those dreaming of a career in SL porn. I wasn’t really, but if you are, here’s your place.

The Steamy Seductress Gallery is filled with pictures by the exhibitor and her friends. Most are certainly not safe for work. Landmark to the main gallery near the door.

Amazon River in SL has a large parcel in the north-west corner. I do see a lot of avatars with Amazon River in their picks, however, I don’t think I’ve ever been there. You can get a notecard with information about the group from a sign just inside the jungle.

She Who Will Not Bow, Lilith, often the patron saint of female domination groups. Here we have a temple/gathering place dedicated in her honour. Group joiner in the corner. Information about the upcoming MELD event in the other corner.

In the south-west corner is Les Enfants D’Hathor, multilingual vampire/therian roleplay. Head into the temple, read the panels and click around for more information.

Supernatural Roleplay, this group is about roleplay in a number of avatar forms, aquatic (think merpeople), human, witches, wolves, vocatis, vampires, revenants, and fae. There’s a display listing all the factions in the group. Up front, web link, information (lore), and a joiner.

In the center-south is The Legendary Naked Ice Skating Rink. Um, OK. But wouldn’t that be kinda cold? Maybe I’m overthinking this.

Darkwood Castle is a BDSM roleplay location. Information available from the black box. Displays show the various roles you can adopt there.

Tucked in the back, down a lane is Unknown Knowns, an immersive art exhibit. Walk into the opened door. You will be teleported from one part of the exhibit to the next via an experience. Though I think the process got sorta stuck near the end.

Lastly, we have The Gorean Archive, a repository of articles, documents & resources for roleplaying in the Gor universe, in English and French. This is an offshoot of Gorean University. Inside, a number of large panels hold the answers to such common questions as “What’s Gor?”, “Gorean or Not?”, and “What’s Gor Sci-fi?”

And with that, I have completed my traverse of all the SLB lands and visited every resident exhibit! Time for a break before compiling a list of those exhibits I need to revisit in more detail.

SL22B – Spectacular, Stupendous, Beguile, and Blissful

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment
Nighttime on the shore of the SLB Inland Sea

SLB Spectacular

The great pyramid is the home of Beloved Star by the Library of Unfinished Dreams. According to the notes “This installation is a meditation on the silent language of the stars.” Drawing from the Sumerian legends of Inanna and Dumuzi. “Here, within stone and shadow, vine and verse, we invite you to wander. Not through history, but through the residue of longing.” And if you need to unwind afterwards, there’s a water garden out back.

At Future King, we come back to medieval high fantasy and, what could be more mythic or legendary, The Round Table.

Next, at the smaller parcel across the way, The Spence Wilder Art Walk contains a number of panels depicting robots making art. In one case, working on a wind-up, not electric, sheep. A meditation on the increasing role, and its problematic aspects, of AI in art?

In the next corner we have Photo Salon Classes. Here is an above ground, brightly coloured seascape that, with its mermaid and swimming poses could act as the backdrop for innumerable selfies. Information up front about classes, some of which are held at Caledon Oxbridge.

And we have another undersea exhibit, With A Little Help From My Friends. Wave to the big cute octopus, stroll down the pier and jump into the water. After a moment you’ll land in, wait for it, the octopus’s garden.

Warehouse 22B – Legend Storage looks like where “top men” store their SL memorabilia. Crate after crate contains artifacts from the history of Second Life. From Linden World Sounds, to The Man statue (one of the oldest known remaining artifacts in SL, to primatar, an amazing array of Second Life past is stored inside. For information, well, click the information symbols.

Buddha has been showing up a lot this SLB. In this instance, we have Buddha Center: Spiritual Legends. Entering off to the right (?!), one can follow The Middle Path to Liberation. Along the way, you can pick up a bit of information about the Buddha’s journey. Back up front, you can gather information about Buddha Center, “SL’s Oldest Buddhist Spiritual Community (Sangha) Since 2008.”

At the west end, SL Coast Guard (SLCG) has a large display set up. Cross the docks to the middle for information, how to join, and a free personal floatation device.

To the north-west is Resiliency & Triumph: Charge Syndrome & The Paper Bag Princess. This presentation illustrates myths and legends about children who suffer from a rare genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome. Group joiner and landmark for Power Up for CHARGE Foundation off to the left.

In quite a contrast, the next parcel is The Grand Federation: A Second Life Military Combat Group. A combat role play group, their combat system has integrated some of the recent improvements Linden Lab have made to the Second Life combat model.

You Are the Legend is a library which contains the “Let’s Talk About… Legend” series. E.g., “Let’s Talk About Second Life as a Living Myth” and “Let’s Talk About the Magic We Make Here.” “These aren’t stories from the past. They’re pages from your own unfolding.” Step into the library and browse the stacks. Gifts near the door. If you’re very good, the helpful bunny might give you a cupcake! Meditation garden out back.

At World Fairy Tales, a number of panels surround a central temple like structure. Each panel is titled with a fairy tale from some place in the world. Click on the teleporter below each panel to be taken to a platform with a sequence of images illustrating it.

Bright, saturated, solid colours dominate at Masters of the Singularity – The Sacred Octahedron. (And here I just thought of it as an eight-sided die.) I’m not sure if there’s a purpose to this build other than to just be, which is fine by the way. There is indeed a large octahedron floating in the middle.

ECHO Group Band of Brothers is the place for RL veterans. This space is part monument, part veterans’ information resource. Lots of things to learn here besides just how to join the group. Along the edges of the parcel are signboards with information on topics like “VA Dental Care”, “Disability Claims/Appeals”, Homelessness, Registering for VA Healthcare, and The New Pact Act to note just a few.

By Cool, I Mean Totally Sweet appears to be dedicated to ninja, just not in the classic sense. There are ninja cats, ninjas with guitars and, given there are two hanging on the wall, one presumes ninjas with basses.

Ten Centuries in Darkness, enter from the north, is an intricately built dark medieval fantasy build. Follow the glowing directions to the “Editorial” in the south-east. Get and wear a HUD and choose a language. The story of the ten centuries will be read to you. Continue to the other areas and repeat with their HUDs.

SLB Stupendous

Step into the large structure that looks like it’s been distantly inspired by the Coliseum in Rome, and From Shadow into Light will change your perspective! Extensive use of materials and projectors create a shifting light and picture show inside, all watched over by a trained porpoise? There are a few pose disks around it that will also alter your view of things.

Across the street to the south, The American Cancer Society in SL has a woodsy exhibit that appears to have attracted a bigfoot. ACS in SL is huge! They sponsor some of the biggest charitable events in SL every year such as RFL weekend and Fantasy Faire. If you’re not already familiar with them, information and resources are available by the road on the east side.

At Primfection is just next door, a large tableau of what looks like an overwhelmed little alien watching another, much large one, break loose.

A number of disused shipping containers have been converted into an art gallery at Art by Norell (Norell Nightwish). There are quite a few works which appear to be a mix of inworld and real life photographs, all retouched in some way. Landmark for the home gallery near the front.

The next large parcel is Myths & Legends @eClipse. Presented by the eClipse Clube & Resort, this is a “Fantasy World of Tropical Beauty.” You’ll find a pirate encampment, a pirate ship (those seem to be very popular this year), a secluded little boat to snuggle (or snog) in, a tower, and an underwater scene. Information and landmark at the gate.

Bears Gone Wild returns with its tower filled with bears and photographs of their exploits throughout the grid.

Jackass Junction brings us Legends of the High Desert. Another western themed setting. See the general store for more information about the exhibitors.

In what looks like a repeat of last year’s exhibit, HFI brings us the Non Human Investigation Unit. The diorama here suggests that they have a few aliens and a bigfoot to manage.

Dead Pirates Cove by Pocket Park Kingdom is a surf washed mangrove swamp inhabited by what I can only assume are former pirates; they’re all skeletal. Landmark available at the entrance.

Aha! Another wrestling group. I knew they’d start turning up. Premier Wrestling has the parcel in the north-west corner.

Roleplay in Second Life celebrates all roleplay inworld. Panels provide some basic information on what roleplay is and what it means. Specific information about three roleplay worlds is presented at the back: Oulbury, Columtreal University, and The 305.

Cirridwen’s Brew looks like a compact elven temple of some kind. Group joiner, landmark, and social media links at the entrance. More I cannot say with any certainty. Gifts of crystals in a bottle, and a shimmering shroom available up front.

Back across the street, it looks like we’re back to sci-fi roleplay with Weltenville. The title indicates roleplay with Setites Clan, Biker Parties, and GTFO. That’s quite the mix of activities. Gifts and information at the little shop in the south-east corner.

At Profile Box, there’s a profile… in a box. Walk into one of the teleporters and you’ll be TPed up into the exhibit box. (You’ll need to accept an experience.) An empty profile floats there. What does it mean? That’s up to you. “This work doesn’t explain. It invites presence, pause, and wondering.”

Back to the north, Sitearm’s Virtual Entrepreneurship gives us another tremendous dump of information. This year, the theme is teaching virtual entrepreneurship to college students through hands-on activity. Around the perimeter of the exhibit is an amazing array of materials to browse. This is another exhibit I don’t have time to do proper justice to on my first pass. I will be coming back later.

Closing out Stupendous is MadPea Games showpiece, a miniature golf course in their very own style. Looks fun. Another parcel I must return to later.

SLB Beguile

KismaKSR – ‘Tis the Faerie Way is a carefully manicured faerie garden with its own, startling, sky and a curious fantasy aesthetic. There’s a selfie spot and a number of small builds to explore.

In a not exactly similar, but maybe distantly related art, Patrick Moya‘s bright primary colours are back in another heavily saturated, full bright exhibit.

The Instituto Espanol SL gives us the Sacred Tree Fountain of Eternal Youth this year. I always love this group’s exhibits. I find them very informative. This may be smaller than those they’ve done in the past, but take a short walk up the steps and read about the legends of Ponce de Leon and Wilson Voight, the Instituto’s own legend.

Virtual Community Radio (VCR) has a comparatively modest exhibit this year as well. A tall transmitter mast rises out of a modest brick house. Inside you can find lots of information about VCR and its programming. Upstairs is a small, think tiny desk, studio with a number of instruments. (No bass I’m sorry to say. That’s OK, I brought my own.)

In a large exhibit parcel back to the west, The Morgantown mainland roleplay community’s theme is Mainland Revival. Hear hear! In a compact cityscape that runs from airport to park to streets to police and fire stations, they illustrate the possibilities of roleplay on the mainland. Information at the airport terminal as well as from information panels in the park.

The KitCats! cheer team are back again this year. I happened to drop by why they were practicing and the tole me they’ll be here every night, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM SLT until the 20th. I will have to do that. This year, I might even join in.

Antiquity is the exhibit by Antiquity Estates, a trade and combat roleplay group. Looks like 17th, maybe 18th century roleplay? Information available in the hall. Oh, and if you take up a brush and paint for three minutes, you get some free paintings.

The Burn2 exhibit has gone all in with the myth part of this year’s theme. Look for the row of banners featuring mythical beasts. The Afanc, Igopogo, Hodag, Chupacabra, Jackalope, Dingbat, Kraken, and Frogbat all are represented. Climb up the hill path to learn about Burning Man in RL and Burning Life/Burn2 in SL.

Once Thought to be Lost is an art installation where giant hands reach up through the ground to grasp at complex shapes and objects. There is a card near the entrance that goes some way to explaining the intent. Midnight environment settings are advised.

Fantasy Isle is a statuary garden with lots of bird song and a bench in a pleasant location to enjoy the view. Must push on though.

The last parcel, in my direction of travel, in Beguile is a double large exhibit space, SL Environmental Corps & Liberty Fire Dept. At the north end are displays and information (see inside the house) for the SLEC. To the south is where the fire department have setup shop.

SLB Blissful

The final general SLB exhibitor region, SLB Blissful, is another twelve exhibit region. I haven’t kept count, but it feels like about an even split between the twelve and sixteen parcel regions. With fifteen resident exhibits in the general SLB continent, that’s roughly 210 displays to visit!

This morning I’m starting out with Once Upon a Myth. This display is its own explanation. A pair of stone dragons (and a topiary sea serpent) guard a jeweled dragon’s egg. A harper serenades unicorns. A collection of KittyCats guard the entrance to a fairytale palace. And, in a subdued grove surrounded by tall trilithons, another KittyCat informs a visiting alien that cats already run earth and that they’re too late.

Next is The Abyss of Whispers by Faith Fairelander. Ariwen greats you at the entrance asking that you “Step into the maze and listen well. Whispers linger in the shadows, revealing fragments of lost wisdom.” This parcel has its own environment settings and stream. Be sure to activate them to get the full effect.

As you wind your way through the maze, don’t worry, there are signs if you get turned around, you’ll encounter many little displays where you can ponder bits of wisdom or questions, collect guardian guides, or sit and think for a bit. There’s a lot going on inside this labyrinth! It’s very cleverly laid out and you’ll be amazed at how extensive it is. Finally, make your way into the heart of the maze and hear what Aeris has to say.

Astrium is the first of the small parcels in Blissful. Here we have more medieval roleplay. Click the sign at the entrance for a notecard and landmark. Placed around a fountain are many pictures of Astrium roleplay. Having a quick look, this appears to be fantasy medieval roleplay. Click the pictures for captions.

The next small parcel over is Little Big Designs miniature garden railroad. A small scale quaint little village with steam railroad is laid out to be admired. It reminds me of the “model villages” sometimes seen just outside of small English towns.

Back to the west, LUXE Paris gives us We Are The World. This is a two-level gallery. In the lower part is a large round with photos of diverse, very fashionably dressed avatars. (You can pickup a men’s or women’s T-shirt at the entrance.) Captions tell where each outfit is from. If you really like some of the looks, clicking on the photo will give you a stylecard. Nice! Upstairs you walk inside a stylized, inside out globe with photos of people from the relevant regions, mostly in indigenous dress, superimposed on the landscape.

Next up, Non Profit Commons. A collective of not for profit groups in Second Life, NPC has been a regular exhibiter for years and usually create beautiful builds. This year’s butterfly themed display is no exception. See the north-east corner for information about NPC.

Yggdrasil by Hayabusa Design is what it is. An epic tree soars over a landscape of giant grasses and flowers. It’s enough to make avatars even of Amazonian height feel small.

Gnomes Garden is exactly that. The gnomes have taken over the garden and are scattered about enjoying it in their own ways. Step in and explore the several scenes around the garden.

Builder’s Brewery have been supporting, and getting started, Second Life creators for years now. Inside their exhibit you’ll find more information and some building basics. It looks like they’re set up to hold classes in the exhibit with a seating area in the middle.

The Legend of Elephant Rock Falls is a small but still immersive stylized African landscape. The creatures are very colourful, and apparently quite tame. Sit on the innertube below the falls for some relaxation time.

In the last of the small exhibit parcels is Hero Castle and the Forces of Legend. Here you can explore a dark side of myths and legends. Throughout the play castle are placed classic looking action figures, comics, and pictures of merchandise targeted at children. The theme is the pervasive misogyny embodied in these commercial myths that have been, and are being peddled to youth.

How do you make bureaucracy mythic? Move it to Mt. Olympus! My guess is Mercury’s little known side hustle is as notary to the gods. At The Olympian Bureau of Divine Bureaucracy, the Bellisserian Bureau of Bureaucracy has gone full classical. The staff have done a fab job on proper Olympian avatars. You can visit the realm of the gods or cross the river Styx. See the Temple of the Sacred BBB out back for more information about the organization, another passport stamp, and a look at all the special event stamps for SL22B.

SLB’s Inland Sea

Fourteen regions, surrounded by the stages, welcome area, and exhibit regions, form an inland sea within the general SLB continent. Made up of SLB Flame, Ember, Blaze, Wave, Puddle, Sprinkle, Elements, Community, Forest, Boulder, Meadow, Wind, Breeze, and Gale, the inland sea’s main job is to host the islands that spell out SL22B across it.

There are no event spaces or exhibits in these regions. They are mostly decoration and landscaping. However, like last year, there are steerable balloons scattered about the shore. Look for the spits of land jutting into the sea. There will often be a balloon ready to ride near the end.

There are a couple surprises to be found around the inner regions. In particular, have a careful look around SLB Wind. There’s an odd water feature to be found there with some unexpected behaviour. There are some curious artifacts on the islands as well.

That’s all for the general SL22B regions. To complete my SL22B exploration, it’s off to the adult regions next. Follow along (or not) with my next post.

SL22B – Marvelous, Outgoing, Sparkle

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment

This evening I’m finishing up the south-west corner of the SLB lands beginning with SLB Marvelous along the south coast.

SLB Marvelous

Starting out at Treve De by Artsy, which is a bit oddly placed, you’ll want to sneak down the north edge of the parcel to get to the entry way. There are custom environment settings and a stream. Use shared environment and activate the stream to get the proper effect. The parcel settings make all the elements of the build shine. Within the crystal pyramid are some gifts and elegant seating. (See banner image above.)

The Medieval Games Alliance have an impressive castle nearby. It looks really fab at night with all the torches around the perimeter and interior. Information about MGA’s sponsors, a tournament schedule, and information about participating groups (see the rows of shields inside) available by clicking.

At the Ravenwood Cemetery, a very Gothic scene is presented. Somebody’s all ready for Halloween!

The next small parcel is occupied by Temps Abstracta 1965 to 1988, an exhibit by a Catalan abstract painter. A number of panels repeatedly explore an abstract theme in detail.

Another castle, this time Castillo de La Calahorra. Enter the parcel and you’ll receive a prompt to give gift or notecard. The castle here is a replica of a 16th century castle in eastern Granada. It’s here to represent the theme of the Songs of the Seven Realms role play region. Have a look around inside. It’s a very elaborately furnished exhibit.

Nance Clowes has been doing SLB exhibits for a while now. This year she’s given us The Myth of Phillip Linden & UBER Making SL. Just have a seat before the screen and the exhibit will take care of the rest! (It’s an amusement park style ride.) Spoiler alert, it all begins with a cube.

Coming up on the first turn, it’s Pirate Destiny. There’s a free ship available at the shack. You can also get exhibit and other information there.

The Dragon’s Lair ride. This is a nice amusement park style ride where a dragon takes you on an excursion through vast caverns, over a rocky mountain and a distant castle. I think it worked best in mouselook but, you’ll be doing a lot of rolls and steep turns. If that makes you woozy, you may want to just admire the exhibit from outside.

Caverns must be the local theme, next is The Cave of Lost Souls. The greeter bot warns this place can play tricks on your mind. She may not be kidding. Inside is a sort of crystal cavern of mirrors. Interesting build. And yes, it’s very easy to get yourself turned around in there!

The next large build is Drama Libre’s Fractured Fairytales. (I can almost hear Edward Everett Horton narrating.) Here we have Snow White Laundry, Sleeping Beatty’s Sleep Clinic, Jack Spriggin’s Bean Farm, Queens of Clean Housekeeping Services, Rapunzel Salon & Spa, and Pan & Piper Pest Control.

Mandroid the Musical Robot is in the last of the small exhibit parcels. “Click the prim to listen to the Mandroid’s new song.”

Lastly is SeeKin. Click the ‘?’ signs and follow the instructions. “The ZEN METAL SeeKin friend finder starts here. First round of recruiters right here, right now! Stay on your true path (out of the two) to find your true LEGENDS of friends!” Wear the HUD and click the tiles. You’ll get a series of questions and be directed which objects to touch to, presumably, find your peeps.

SLB Outgoing

Finishing the south coast of the SL22B continent with SLB Outgoing. I can see the ISM Museum and a Trek RP group already, maybe space is the theme here?

Well, first up is the Kaleido Pavilion. Peacocks wander around a rotunda with a beautiful mosaic floor.

Artemis 3 by the International Spaceflight Museum. Step into the hanger right by the entrance for a display illustrating the planned Artemis 3 mission from launch, to moon landing, to return to [a flat!] earth. There are other exhibits to view, information kiosks to poke, and a pair of full sized models of Starship and SLS. Ride the gantry elevator to the top for the view. There’s café style seating and a gift up there too! You can wait for an elevator or click for a parachute to head back down.

Across the street is Legends of Space by the National Space Society in SL. There is group information from the sign at the entrance. Also look for the gift alien package nearby. Further in you can find more information about the history of humans in space (and maybe get to know some friendly aliens).

The space theme continues back to the east with United Federation Starfleet at SL22B. I see this group at nearly every big SL event I attend. If sci-fi role play is your thing, step in to find information on what looks like an active RP community. I have also noticed this exhibit being manned by members from time to time. I’m sure they’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Over to the west again there’s a bit of a surprise, the Yeongno. According to the sign, this mythical creature has its origin in Korean dance theater. It is said to devour the wealthy and consume the corrupt. If it noms 100 such, it gets into heaven. Somebody being topical perhaps?

The Neon Grove does not have its own environment settings but the entry sign advises midnight. Right at the entrance, there are L$0 vendors for a meditation cushion and a Japanese low table set. Head on in to explore what feels something like a Buddhist mediation garden from an off-world colony. Interact with the objects to make the experience more participatory. I think this is another location I’ll be coming back to later.

Next comes The Minotaur Labyrinth. It’s reputation has preceded my arriving at it. I’m pretty sure I don’t have time to plumb its secrets right now. Maybe at some later date. Note, you’ll need accept an experience to, well, experience it properly.

Around the corner we come to Echoes of Time Immortal (Peaceful Moments). Through the gate is a large garden surrounded by flowering trees. “Immerse yourself in the magic of Echoes of Time Immortal. Step into her world where faith, fantasy, and transformation intertwine across time’s eternal embrace.” It provides a place for us to “pause and reflect on your second life journey.” At the top of the bridge, we’re informed “SL bends time – minutes become hours, friendships form, creativity thrives. More than a game, it evolves.” Leave from the south and you’ll walk directly into…

Beachglass Gardens, a quiet rainy spot under a perpetual early morning light. Another place to pause and consider things.

In another of the smaller exhibits, is a very specialized display on the Anime “The Roses of Versailles“. You can sit in an 18th century French style salon theater and learn much about this particular example of the Anime art form.

The remaining small parcel in Outgoing is Shadow Legends. “Welcome to the universe of the paranormal, the mythical, and legends. Although this world is not ready yet, we will be waiting for you soon, where supernatural will flow and mysteries will come to life.” Touch the book, follow the arrows and interact with the objects.

Last up in SLB Outgoing is Get The Freight Out!‘s display. Since everybody already knows all about GTFO… what? You haven’t heard? GTFO is a grid wide cargo transport and logistics game. Many people across the mainland have GTFO operations on their parcels and many many do pickups and deliveries. No, really, inworld logistics really is a big thing, trust me. Head over to the GTFO Import Export building for a GTFO Operator trial set up and have a look at the current active jobs board.

SLB Sparkle

I’ve turned the corner and am heading up the western coast of the SLB continent.

The Mirror With Memory is the first exhibit I arrive at after strolling around The Tapestry of Time and crossing into SLB Sparkle. This is a very rich display that explores the art of photography and how it has changed our perceptions and opened new worlds to us. In addition to the presentations you see at street level, follow the ramp down beneath the water for even more exhibits.

In the woods back to the south is Gold’s, a fashion exhibition. Follow the winding path through the woods to the stairs that will take you to the pavilion entrance. Inside are some fashion photos and sculptures.

Next door is Greek Revival by Johannes Huntsman. Here, set before Zeus himself, you’ll find four watercolour panels of classic heroic Greek architecture.

The Garden of Ruth (enter from the west side) is a small, nicely designed garden with a rocky path and relaxing water feature that honours SL’s Eve: Ruth. Pick up free hydrangeas near the entrance. There are several spots to sit scattered around the garden.

For the Lovecraft fans, next we have The Myth of Cthulhu. (Or at least we all sincerely hope it’s a myth!) “Come under the water to visit the Cthulhu temple, celebrating the underwater areas of Second Life.” Sure enough, down below in sickly green in an otherwise vibrant seascape is a temple to the big guy of the elder gods himself.

On a more serious note, the small parcel that’s next is an exhibit about KiKa Against Childhood Cancer. This is a Dutch charity that raises funds for cures and better quality of life for childhood cancer patients. Touch the cubes and signs for more information.

At ToxxNews – Media Evolution in SL, the theme is the evolution of avatars over time in SL. Click the signboards for a weblink to a page about just that. Climb up the exhibit for a free shirt for guys. There’s a theater at the top with a screen that doesn’t appear to be showing anything at the moment. Maybe there are scheduled presentations?

In another large aquatic display (you really have to dive in) Safe Waters Foundation, Haven of Rogues and others have assembled lots of information about the ocean, photos of and information about SL underwater locations and activities. There are even a couple portals that can use to pop over to a pair of such locations and back when you’ve had a look around.

Finishing up the southern edge of the region, I follow the brightly coloured boardwalk into The Legendary Merchant. Along the way are eight stops with nicely designed tableaus describing various steps in the journey of just about all SL merchants. Most have comic backgrounds summarizing the merchant’s life-cycle stage along with a plaque providing honest commentary on the process. Well done all ’round!

Rounding into Sparkle’s home stretch, it’s Fearless Lovers Retreat & Bonded Adventures. OK, this sounds different. Touch the box at the entrance for some free flowers (and a give-all-inventory script, seriously, can nobody write and ‘if’ expression in LSL to not hand out the script along with the gifts?) After talking briefly with the chatbot of very little brain loafing nearby, I wander into what appears to be a somewhat kaleidoscopic meditation garden. There’re other bots I can chat with. The point appears to be adventure tourism role play in SL. If that sounds interesting, here’s your place!

The Legend of Hawt Mafiosa Grid Wide Celebrations has a big, brightly coloured dance stage in a rocky pool of water. Hawt Mafiosa is an invitation only party group. Maybe they’ll have an open event at their exhibit during SL22B?

The Odin’s Bubbles (Vikingefantasi) is a giant sculpture constructed around a hand pointing up at a rotating globe. Walk into the door to be teleported up to Valhalla (the top of the globe). I rather thought there would be more to Valhalla than this. But, we’re getting a bit short of heroes you know. (<- The over twenty-fives will get it 😏)

The Sky Temple is an open rotunda with four abstract art panels. Touch the floaty spinny cube out front for gifts.

The naval aircraft I’ve been seeing for a while belong to Visit the USN Kitty Hawk Aircraft Carrier. Touch just about any part of the exhibit for a couple of notecards; an application and role play information.

Just across the way is Honor [sic] Pro Wrestling‘s display. (I was wondering when something like this would show up. I’ve seen two boxing groups but this is the first wrestling exhibit. There were half a dozen at Sci-fi con!) It looks like they have a practice set up in the ring and a sort of hall of fame down front.

Finally, for Sparkle, there’s one more semi-aquatic exhibit. I say semi because it looks like the underwater installation is more for the effect than to provide an actual underwater experience. In Underwater Cranes, you’ll find a gorgeous art installation below the surface. “A kimono dances slowly through the currents, offering a ritual not to be heard, but felt. Follow the cranes and the delicate ripples of memory, until you rise toward the shimmer above.”

SL22B – Fabulous, Glamorous, Incredible

On By altathiemenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I’m starting my walk along the south coast of the SLB continent today, five more regions of residents’ creativity!

SLB Fabulous

Physical Machines is an amazing display of machines that work as a consequence of SL’s physics model. The idea is to make things in SL that do things in much the same way as RL machines do. A most amazing example, hard to miss at almost 40m tall, near the back is “The Dancing Bear”, a gravity clock with escapement that’s been running for days, keeping more or less accurate time, and doesn’t use any scripts, except to ‘rewind’ every ten minutes. Had a nice chat with Emi, the exhibitor about the displays. Click the small sprockets at each exhibit for an explanation and a copy.

New Gods for Old is an exhibit of sculptures, pictures, paintings, and words that explores how we have replaced ancient deities with modern analogues. Though our modern “gods” may seem nothing like their classic forebears, similar themes run through their stories and they play familiar roles in our lives.

At the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium Welcome HUB you learn about VWEC and their efforts to grow education in virtual spaces. The exhibit illustrates the resources they make available and the ways they are trying to connect educators in order to share experiences of what works across various virtual platforms.

The Legend of the Mole, apparently they are very hard to catch, but are potential granters of whish if you can catch one. There’s a, very large, official mole hole where I suppose you can try your luck!

At the Ayuda Virtual Community Gateway exhibit you can get a bestiary HUD and then take a tour through collecting creatures as you go. The HUD will prompt for English or Spanish when you wear it. If you collect ’em all, you get a prize. I’ll have to come back to this. I usually love these guys’ exhibits but it looks like there are more critters than I have time to gather just this moment.

The Virtual Museum Team, which looks like it includes The Bay City Moleseum, The Museum of Computing History, The Museum of Telecommunications, The LGBTQ History Museum, and Brevin Cat Island to name a few, has an exhibit here at SL22B. There are mini versions of the Computing, Telecommunications, and LGBT History as well as the Moleseum. Also, an information hub in the center.

Off in the north-east corner, The League of Extraordinary Victorian Role-Players is back, as are the Martians. (Martians just can’t resist invading Victorian societies. It’s a thing with them, however poorly it always works out.) Step into the, rather tense, square and take in the tableau. Information and gifts from the signboard out front.

In the next corner, JC Creations have given us a nice little beach scene, though for what reason is not clear. It’s lovely anyway.

Back across the street, in one of the smaller parcels is JoinMeJoinUs Obstacle Course. The group’s vision? “We are globally connected using the power of the Internet to be one voice for social good.” Information and media links just inside the door. The course looks a bit like the canyon crossing scene from “Jumanji: The Next Level”, which probably means its beyond my abilities!

To the west again we find something completely different, a large build titled Eire’s Enchanted Echos: A Journey into Ireland’s Past. Carved standing stones provide directions. There’s lots to explore here. Find the book in the grotto to read about “The Wooing of Etiane”. Head over the stream to a well where you can drop a note.

An amusing little exhibit comes next, Heroes in Hats. Images of hat wearing heroes from Indiana Jones to Liza Minelli (in Cabaret) and even Paddington! The hat maketh the hero?

Last stop in Fabulous is the Cassandra City Exhibition. They’ve assembled an impressive Jazz Age Deco city square, complete with a dirigible docked to the soaring streamlined office tower. Information available from the sign in the center.

SLB Glamorous

Tracks in Second Life is for all the auto, truck, and motorcycle racing enthusiasts of SL, or those who might like to be. A demonstration track winds up into the sky with several example vehicles parked along the lower turns. (Sadly, they all seem to be locked.) Click the sign for a landmark to the Serenity Key Track.

At The Sun God’s 7 Horses Chariot we learn that the sun god travels in a green pumpkin shaped carriage drawn by seven palominos. You can see them just beyond a misty archway surrounded by a contemplative space. Local sounds contribute to the meditative mood.

Partying in the Next Dimension presents a different, and very positive view of what lies beyond. When our friends and loved ones “log off from their RLs, they continue to party”.

Perpetuating a theme, right next door to Tracks in Second Life is The Myths and Legends of Motorsports in SL. Browse the circular wall for years of SL motorsports history and to see period examples of SL racing vehicles.

The Willow Scouts of Second Life are back with a play/campground. Click the signboards for information about Willow Scouts, scouting in general, and their badges.

A little ways up the road is The Noah’s Ark Experience. It looks we’re focusing on the loading the arc, living on the arc, and landing on Mt. Ararat part of the experience, not the drowning neighbours and their children pounding in desperation on the doors part. Along the front part of the exhibit is some math about how many animals were on board and how they were housed. (I guess beetles are a largely postdiluvian innovation.) On the back side are some curious numerological musings.

Back to the west is Isabel Soderstrom’s Fluffy Madagascar. Walk the paths that run from the broad unpaved, baobab tree lined main thoroughfare around the edges of the exhibit to see lots of RL photos of Madagascar and it’s creatures. (I’d advise not straying from the path!)

Around to the north-west corner is Couvel Gardens. Constructed in a unique style, these gardens have an almost Minecraftian feel to them. It’s fascinating to wander the build and note how the simple forms paint an image of a carefully maintained garden in our minds.

Next is an exhibit by the Young Dreamer’s Dance Troupe on one of the smaller central parcels. Click on the signs for more information. The shells are dances you can try out.

July Foxglove has a surrealist build which offers a taste of “Malice in Wonderland”. As you step into the exhibit, a greeter will give you some information about it.

In a small rotunda back across the street is The Museum of Immersivism. Immersivism is apparently an art movement in response to virtual spaces. Around the museum are a number of visual works in the genre. In the center you can find information and resources about it.

To close out SLB Glamorous, we have another installation by Marea2007 Praga, Goddess and Woman in a Surrealist Key. There’s a free dress and surreal flowers by the entrance. After that, we walk into the achromatic world of discordant props and symbols that we’ve come to expect from Praga over the years. Always worth a bit of careful examination and thought, I’ll most likely be back to take a more attentive visit.

SLB Incredible

Occupying the center of the south coast of the general SLB lands, SLB Incredible is a little different. This is not a collection of resident exhibits, but a large mole build of a pirate hideaway, complete with a ghost ship, several other boats, hundreds of feet of piers, a fortress, tavern, campsite, and many other little hangouts. You can walk or, if time presses, travel by cannon. There are several about that will launch you to distant locations.

SL22B – Delightful, Electrify, Enchant

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment

Welcome to my 200th post! I’ve been puttering with this blog for years and only just now reaching 200? Jeez I’m slow!

Today I’m exploring down the eastern edge of the general SL22B continent. Getting right to it, we begin with…

SLB Delightful

Right off the bat, I come upon an exhibit about one of those gems that only surface in Second Life. The Our Lady of Perpetual Silence exhibit tells the amazing story of the silent avatar that appeared one day, sitting cross-legged next to the exhibitor’s parcel. Read the panel for the tale. You can also pick up a gift box with elements of the exhibit.

Nearby is a large display about the myth of hurricane Katrina. While in living memory for many, it’s a myth/legend to those too young to remember.

With Crystalibur: Quest of the Chosen the Crystal Craze folks have delivered another game in keeping with the year’s theme. Last year’s was quite fun. I must keep exploring now, but I will be back to perform the quest at a later date! I have until July 20th at least.

Denise Unicorn’s Tribute to Small Colorful Equines is a tribute to just what it says. A number of stalls are occupied by brightly coloured, floating crystals that relate to a specific animal. Freebies and information near the statue of a pint sized horse.

The Happy Hippo Building School has set up a nice diorama peopled with hippo versions of Lindens and Moles. Climb up the steps to see some more of the build and head into the cave for words of hippo wisdom and to visit the buddha like hippo statue in the inner grotto.

Back across the street is i-Dentity ourselves our heroes. The creators appear to be associated with The Nature Collective. The exhibit references Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” and is focused on how we become ourselves. “Walk the stairs. Witness the people. A story resides in each image. A hero’s story.”

The Legend of Eiyohl: Tears of Light tells about a mystical bird born from the tears of a dying star. Walk through and read the elements of the legend, but the moral is that even in darkness, there is a ray of hope. (Really elaborate, well constructed exhibit!)

The SL Public Land Preserve exhibit is an eclectic landscape to bring attention to the Public Land Preserve. “More than 100,000 m2 at 60 locations to explore and have fun!” Touch the sign for a notecard.

At Reef 13 by Opal Velvet, you’ll want to enter from the south. There’s a sort of pier maze you can follow, but really, all the action here is underwater. Bring a swimsuit!

The Shropshire Rolling Hills Viking Camp looks like a place for the outdoorsy type: “Equestrian Rentals, Fishing Classes, Camping.” Gather runestones for a gift.

Bagheera Kristan’s Respite for Heroes and others is a small art gallery off to the south-west corner of the region. Studies of elephants and other animals can be seen along with a couple human figures.

Mystical Creatures Powered by Amaretto! (What? The liqueur?) Lots of dragons here, though not too big and intimidating. Click the box for a Dragon Nobility Companion. Might be just the thing if you accidentally wander into a Game of Thrones RP region.

Across the street to the south is a large build by Levi Ewing to honour the builders of Second Life. His own goal is to “reach for the heavens and meet Zeus in person!” Modesty is always a becoming trait 😉

Together in Love, shaping a world of peace. This is a nice quiet spot, with bunnies!

Next is an enchanted forest, brought to you by the elves of Second Life and Fountain of Youth. Another nice place to step aside for a little while and enjoy some peace.

Finally, Amigo U.F.O. Creations have brought us another adventure game for SL22B. In years past, I’ve never found time to try them out. We’ll see if this year is any different.

SLB Electrify

Leeward Cruising Club, with a nod to Flyward Flying Club out back, brings us Woof Island this year. A sequence of info panels tells the story of the LCC: “No One Left on the Dock – Leeward Cruising Club: The Story of a Second Life Sailing Legend.” Pictures of club activities abound. A group joiner available off to the west side.

Prehistorica, The Dawn Kingdoms (I think I have a diplodocus avatar from these guys) have a Cretaceous build looming up on the north side of the street. Climb the path and touch the stone figures to learn the story behind it. You’ll want to time your move between the arguing T-Rexes carefully. (See banner image above.)

Next up, Virtual Artworks have an exhibit. Hmm, this one looks remarkably familiar. They can’t all be astonishing new super builds 😏

The transparent pyramid across the street is Fantasy Island Entertainment‘s entry for this year. Have a look inside to take in their vibe. Click the floating cube for more information.

Stroll under the melting clock (how appropriate given the RL weather today!) to visit RadioSpiral.net‘s exhibit. Look inside the gazebo for information about the station and its DJs. (If it’s night, you’ll want to turn on mid-day settings so you can read the signs.) Outside are more signs that give some of the station’s history. There’s even a naughty corner?!

The tall rocky mountain across the way is the Caverns of Fate. For some reason, I’m powerfully reminded of the old Matterhorn ride at Disneyland. My mind does things like that. The fundamental source here is ritual sites of ancient Europe, but you’ll find all kinds of themes expressed as you climb through the caverns to the surprisingly futuristic top. Touch the entry pillars for a notecard.

Men in Motion is an exhibit that appears to be focused on mens’ health; both mental and physical. Among the eclectic decorations are some panels of male dance legends. Hey! Where’s Bob Fosse? OK, maybe not the best exemplar if you want to focus on health.

Next door is the Changhigh Sisters Virtual Circus Workshow. Elephants, a camel, a high-ish wire, all things circus.

This next one is super cute! At the Sugar Shark Park come wander among the hungry sharks devouring incredibly sweet confections. Pick up some free shark balloons. Dive in and enjoy a spin on a shark floaty if you feel like a dip. I’m sure its safe. The sharks are well fed. Don’t forget to look under the water too!

Off in the south-west corner, in a large parcel, CKEY Poses give us THOR – Thunder, Strength, and Protection. It doesn’t get any more mythic or more legendary than this. This is a nicely atmospheric build.

The cancer fighting group I Pink I Can has resurfaced one of the rogue trains from earlier SLBs. (They were in every other build a year or two ago. However, in this case, the very excited train completely makes sense.) Look around the exhibit to see how they are making strides against cancer.

The SLRandom Art Crew is back this year with The Life Cycle of the Phoenix. Step into the parcel and dive under the water to see the exhibit. Overlooked by phoenixes perched on giant eggs, art panels show the cycle of phoenix life from egg to ash and back again.

Next down, if Elder Scrolls based military roleplay sounds like your thing, look into the Ashgard exhibit. Peek in the office to the right to pick up an information and landmark folder.

An exhibit inspired by John Norman’s Gor (is there another Gor?) is next across the avenue. (This isn’t in the adult area?! I suppose you can clean Gor up for general consumption. They did it for two “movies” back in the 80s if I recall right.) Look around for all sorts of information on Gor life style role play in SL. In the building in the back, it looks like several Gorean locations have their own information available. Tattoos and Gorean clothes can be had there as well.

Wrapping up Electrify, we have All About AllFurRadio and the Flying Pickles. I admit I didn’t see this one coming. There are indeed flying pickles and one of them will tell you about the history of AllFurRadio in a series of panels as you make your way back to the station out back.

SLB Enchant

Entering Enchant along the eastern coast, the first thing one sees is the striking Fluxora by BEBEL. There is no obvious way to enter this huge sculpture/building, but there’s a giant computer mouse shaped object inside that you can pay L$1 for.

To the south is the Colossus Monument. Little remains but his giant helmet. Climb the ruins to the observation deck. See the signboards for hat and ax gifts.

Back to the north, two things I can’t resist, Robots & Flowers. Touch the cute robots for information about the Sci-fi Alliance. Donuts are available at the north end of the parcel as well as a bench were you can sit and eat them. (Don’t wake the sleeping weeping angel.)

Nearby, Virtual Ability (a long time exhibitor) presents Legends With Disabilities. Climb the hillside path to read about how Frida Kahlo, Andrea Bocelli, Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, and Marlee Matlin have all achieved great things while working with disabilities. More information available from the exhibit signs.

Back to the north again, The Sea of Fables InfoHub has lots of information about this classic Second Life geographic feature. (It’s definitely a part of SL myth and legend.) A tour boat leaves from the dock every few minutes if you want the guided experience. You can also take the stairway down below. (I really should have worn a bikini instead of this gown.)

The Power of Kindness by Ivanova Shostakovich is a contemplative little plaza by the roadside surrounded by signboards with kindness inspiring messages.

Under the giant statue of Atlas, Ethereal: The Seven Stories in Music is found. Make sure sounds (not music, but sounds) are turned up as that’s the technology used by the prims in this exhibit to convey the experience. Touch one of the red markers to teleport up into Atlas’s globe to get started.

The Buzz About Bees is back. Climb aboard Buzzy for a fun ride through the exhibit. She’ll take you up to a hive were you can learn more about bees. Stroll along the boardwalk at ground level where you’ll find tons more things to learn about bees.

Walking south through Atlas’s giant shadow, at least that’s where it was when I went by, I come to Brightest Day Productions, providers of “Authentic Tribute Band Concerts.” I’m going to have to look into just what an authentic tribute band is. Anyway, they have quite the dance floor.

Next is a presentation from Meroe Museum: The Archetypes That Unite Us. Spread across several buildings is information about the universality of stories of mothers, warriors, and tricksters. Further back is information about museum exhibits.

Along the way is Gemeinde Baunata. Many information boards placed among all sorts of props tell you about the multi-region role play community. It looks like they do not lack for a variety of activities!

Back across the street to Black Purrl Travel & Adventure. They provide innovative ways to travel the grid. (I recall they provided the dirigible transport at Sci-fi Con 17.)

Next stop, the Mythmaker Brewery. (And why are there so few distilleries in SL?)

Bay City have a fairly modest, in comparison to the block sized buildings they’ve placed in years past, build presenting “Tall Tales of Bay City.” Downstairs is the expected information about Bay City. Upstairs is a fun little gallery with unexpectedly dynamic posters illustrating some of the legends that have grown up around Bay City over the years.

The last exhibit, in the direction I’m walking, is The Great Pyramids. Here you’ll find side-by-side dioramas of Giza today and how it looked back when everything was new. Loads more information on the stone tablets that line the east side.

Now it’s late, and I have RL work stuffs in the morning. See you at SL22B tomorrow!

SL22B – Breathtaking, Captivate, Celebrate

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment
Three models of ringed planets with outer halos sit in a row on a starry background. They are, from left to right, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Between the green and yellow stands a woman with black hair wearing a long green gown.

Now that I’ve finished exploring the stages and other great common areas of SL22B, perhaps I should be relaxing and listening to the DJs and live musicians? Nah, I have hundreds of resident exhibits to explore first. Starting just east of the welcome area, I’ll be working my way clockwise around the SLB lands starting with…

SLB Breathtaking

The region contains a dozen exhibit parcels, only four of which are on the small side. I expect some exhibits of scale! (And if you’re hunting for lost dragon eggs, this is the region for you!)

In a generally sepia toned image, a woman in a long green dress stands near to and looks closely at a female figure in a short skirt over whom a number of tentacle like objects drape from something like a giant showerhead over her. The background is filled on the right with oddly stacked chairs, most of them on their sides, and on the left by abstract shapes in stone.

In The Beast of Bodmin Moor, Sheala Olivieri gives us a diorama of a rainy moor. Click on one of the entry signs for a video reading of “The Beast of Bodmin” with scenes from the RL location. Wonderful! So glad to have that pointed out to me.

Prominent near where the avenue enters Breathtaking is the Main Pod Tour Station. This one’s self explanatory. But! We have Viking ship pods this year!

Across the street is Holocluck Henly’s exhibit about the Bunny Cult; a look at the pervasiveness of “bunnyness” in SL. “Everybody knows some[bunny].” Very cute, particularly the little bunnies.

And of course, what would SL22B be without a KittyCats exhibit? In this year’s build, striped bee like kitties are showing intense interest in giant flower blossoms. As usual, you can pickup an SLB kitty.

The Painted Fable is back across the street. The exhibit’s story is carved on stone tablets. It looks like each one can be purchased for L$0 as mementos of the experience. Must say, they’ve packed a lot into a small exhibit space. A tight little fantasy build complete with caves and rocky hill to climb.

Just north is the Wild Kajeara exhibit. Here we can explore the mystical ancestry of the noble tiger.

Next is an installation by Bryn Oh (and I’m still on the first straight! I haven’t even turned a corner yet! What fabulous collection of exhibits in this one region!) It looks like elements from several of Bryn’s recent-ish works have been gathered here and assembled into something new. The information sign out front lists some of her works, likely sources of some of materials used in the exhibit.

On the east side, the first thing I come to is The Faery Crossing. Walk into the faery ring. The environment changes and evening forest sounds surround you. A twisted henge. A gypsy encampment. A sign admonishing not to piss off the faeries. A nice little diversion from the exhibit walk.

Next, Passengers of SL and Drivers of SL have created a space for Urban Vehicle Myths, in keeping with the “Myths and Legends” theme of SL22B.

Giant Snail Races have created a small hedge maze. (Don’t be intimidated, only tinies can’t see over the hedges. You can’t get lost. A usual, a special edition L$0 snail can be had at the center of the maze.

The next small build is Tindallia Soothsayer’s Mythical Castle Park. Nothing heavy here, just a place to stop and contemplate our relationship with the mythical.

Finally, we have The Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS) exhibit. Enter the temple and follow the arrows for a look at some of the darker myths. Climb the street to the left for more information about CDS.

SLB Captivate

Captivate has another twelve exhibit parcels in the same arrangement as Breathtaking. One difference I notice this year is that the main roads are no longer laid out primarily in a grid pattern. While there are cut throughs and side streets, the main avenue winds through each region touching every exhibit parcel on at least one side. Navigation is much simpler this way, assuming your goal is to visit all the exhibits!

Start out with Cryptid boxing in a striking looking building. Information, videos, and an example ring inside. Wonder if they will be running live demonstrations.

Erik Mondiran has his 3D topographic maps of several Second Life continents on display in a large exhibit. Hey! What about Satori? Huh?!

Across the way, The LGBTQ+ Integration Center has an instructive exhibit. Lots of information here, about the LGBTQ+ Integration Center, LGBTQ+ Myths and Legends, media links etc.

Just north is a compact version of The Museum of Modern Art. The parcel immediately sets the mood with its own environment settings and audio stream. Look inside for a small collection of inworld art and a beautiful rooftop place to sit. (This may become my writing spot.) There’s also a BBB passport stamp kiosk, if you’re collecting.

Legends of the West is next. They’ve set out a small 19th century western American town. Each item has an information board with lots of details.

Fire burns all around in a classical building of tan stone. In the foreground, a couple pillars have toppled. In the center middle distance, a man in Arab dress and a woman in a long green gown stand, apparently oblivious to the destruction around them.

At the corner is The Virtual Center for Archives and Records Administration. The exhibit focuses on the issues of libraries, disinformation, banned books, and other topics related to the freedom of ideas. The tone of the exhibit is not hopeful about the current state of affairs.

At the outside corner is a large exhibit by AmandaT Tamatuzui, a prolific SL artist out of New Zealand. The exhibit has lots of echoes of The Land of Sleeping Giants, a collection of New Zealand themed regions where one of AmandaT’s galleries may be found.

In the north-east corner is another boxing group, Fightality. Their display gives of a very Tron like vibe.

Down the block, Travelers Station once again has lots of landmarks for those who wish to see Second Life first!

Next, Claireana Munro has set up a display to tell us the legend of Johnny Appleseed (a.k.a., John Chapman). Naturally, you can get a free apple inside.

The long running Second Life educational resource, Caledon Oxbridge University has a small installation as usual. Inside the hyper modern structure (surprising as Caledon Oxbridge usually leans toward steampunk/Victorian) are some boards containing fables and discussions of teaching stories, word tales, and their cultural importance.

Finally, for SLB Captivate, Huntress Catteneo has set out cryptic creatures invite you in to a little creativity. Walk through the question mark and Matrix like scrolling screen to visit the inner garden and give things a little thought.

SLB Celebrate

Celebrate follows the pattern of the previous two, twelve exhibit areas; four small and eight large.

Cat’s Eye, an exhibit based on a Frank Lloyd Wright design. Grab a notecard for the full details of the RL work on which it is based. This group has been doing Wright themed exhibits for several years now, and doing them very well. They provide a good resource to learn about a uniquely American architectural movement.

Bear Castle is back, with lots of bears of course. The presentation this year is the myth of the legendary battle of the bears vs. the lag monster. I think the jury is still out on who won.

The Woodsfolk Community, here be centaurs. This is a support group for woodland creatures. They encourage roleplay, though they are not associated with any one specific RP region. Step inside for lots of information about the various creatures they support, a landmark giver, discord joiner, etc. The exhibit well creatured when I visited. If timer permits, I will try to drop back in and learn more about their community.

Progeny, a large exhibit around one of the more elaborate SL vampire systems.

Nearby is an Unnamed garden parcel. Very pretty.

The Adventure of a Lifetime, “The myth and legend of the fictional Kaelyra Solenne, the astronomer, who discovered the Neon Void.” Wander through the Solace Observatory and let the tale unfold (some of it on panels you can read). It will take an unexpected turn.

At the north center is an homage to Dan Linden in the form of a large building. Inside there are many items giving a glimpse back into SL history.

In the north-east corner we have another hedge maze, this one full sized. The Forgotten Labyrinth contains a gift inside. Grab a torch and walk through the maze with the parcel environment settings. (Note, the cat is supposed to approve all visitors, but does not look up to the task at the moment.)

Next come Scriven Treasures, inworld photography and commentary about locations, activities, and feelings in Second Life.

A multi-coloured mist hangs over a landscape of grass and moss covered stones. In the foreground, a woman wearing a long green gown stands in the center, looking away from the viewer. To the right, a unicorn lies between some twisted roots and some giant mushrooms. In the middle distance, a rock wall rises ten or so feet. On top of it grows a windswept tree. Higher rock pinnacles rise behind it. A stone arch vaults over a gap in the wall on the right. Brightly painted landscape panels can be seen at intervals, place by the wall, stairs, tree, etc.

Along the east side is Dreams: Fortune Teller Land. Inside is a colourful world with art panels and portraits scattered around a fantasy landscape.

Neumagdeburg the City, “Our city grows with every fantasy that takes root there.” A city that celebrates its diversity. There’s a wall of photos which you can click for the story behind it.

The Siren’s Pearl by Delain Canucci & Bonny Greenwood: Something has come up from the deep. “The Siren’s Pearl lies hidden among the Aether Pearls, deep below the ocean’s surface, rare treasures scattered across coral gardens deep in Nepturos. It sings with an enchanting melody, said to be the voice of a forgotten sea goddess. Those who hear its song may be blessed with divine insight—or lured into the depths beyond return. Dive deep into the ocean if you dare to seek the siren’s pearls for they contain secret treasures & stories untold.” Below, if you’re brave, are more pearls with more to say.

Having wandered three exhibit regions and looked over thirty-six exhibits, I must complement the exhibitors this year. They’ve really upped their game. All the builds have been quite good! Looking forward to picking back up tomorrow.

SL22B – Astral Athenaeum, Odin’s Bar & Grill, Tapestry of Time

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment
The head and upper body of a woman with black, glossy hair tied in pigtails are in the center foreground of the wide image. She has of white horns emerging from her head and shoulders. She is wearing a black bikini like top with gold piping with gold chain ties to an emerald studded collar. A long emerald pendant hangs from the collar. Her left hand is raised in what might be a greeting. Behind her to her right are out of focus trees. On the other side, a standing stone trilithon can be seen.

The Astral Athenaeum – SLB Amaze, SLB Imagination, SLB Astonish, SLB Astound

With The Astral Athenaeum, SL22B’s stage design takes the last step from myth to legend. The build that encompasses The Observatory and The Astral Athenaeum floats on clouds and is reached by a long dark causeway itself born up by clouds and mist. But where The Observatory, with its museum halls, books, wood paneled walls, and castellated walls, has ties to a world with which we’re all familiar, The Astral Athenaeum is altogether otherworldly.

A great blue, watery planet fill half the sky in the right background. The rest of the sky is starlit blackness. Great purple and blue clouds in strange drawn-out formations fill the horizon. In the near distance, tall translucent crystals in blue, purple and white rise, widely spaced, to border a broad flat area where human figures dance. In the middle distance, beneath two rough stone arches, a DJ works his deck.

You come to the Athenaeum through either of the long galleries to the sides of The Observatory stage. An almost Asgardian crystal bridge of some frozen substance arches around to the stage area open to the cosmos that surrounds it. Definitely an awe inspiring scene; it brings a whole new meaning to ‘dancing beneath the stars.’

Odin’s Bar & Grill – SLB Steamy, SLB Feisty, SLB Spicy, SLB Smoldering

The last of the main stage areas is on the adult SL22B continent, set apart from the general area. This is the second year one of the big four entertainment venues has been located in the adult regions. After a quick change of outfit so as not to look too prudish in adult land (see banner image above), it’s off to Odin’s Bar & Grill. (I’m going out on a limb and guessing this is not a vegan establishment.)

A dozen or so people are dancing in a great, dark wooden hall. In the immediate center foreground, a woman with long light brown hair operates a DJ deck. Further out, something over a dozen humanoid figures can be seen dancing. Some are brightly coloured, a couple have angel's wings, one is dancing in a circle of fire. Beyond the dancers, a wide, tall tented entry way leads, via an opened drawbridge, to a pine forest.

Odin’s Bar & Grill operates inside a dark castle. While the castle itself has an early medieval look to it, it is surrounded by a mix of elements. A circle of ancient standing stones guards the way from the front. Off to the east is a small bay filled with Viking ships. A misty swamp surrounds the north and west sides of the castle.

Inside, the hall is paneled in heavy, dark wood. The central stage area provides plenty of room to dance and, being built on the now traditional four-region-corner design, there’s room for lots of avatars to attend.

Should you need a break from music and dancing, trails leading off to the east will take you to the adult Shop n’ Hop area. Turning the opposite direction – according to the signposts, toward “The Village” – will lead you to the adult exhibit regions.

The Tapestry of Time & Gift Area – SLB Impressive

A view down a great conical shaft form from six twisting walls. A dozen or more circular platforms jut in from the walls at varying heights. A spiral of blue light emerges from the bottom center and fills the view.

The new-ish Tapestry of Time tower is in its third incarnation after the retirement of the huge old round hall. After a certain number of birthdays, the Moles just had to start building up instead of out. I haven’t yet made my annual march through time where I spend an absurd amount of time revisiting every year. That’s usually at the end of my SLB journey.

I did, however, drop in to verify that things are much the same as they have been for the last couple SLBs. The tower has a platform for each year of Second Life’s life on which information about what SL was like at the time can be found. On the inner platforms, SLB time capsules are there for years where one is known to exist.

The Gift Area

SLB Impressive is one of the more popular regions in the SLB lands. It’s not just for SL history buffs. On the second level of the Tapestry of Time tower is The Gift Area. Spread around this level is a dizzying array of gifts from exhibitors at SL22B. There’s no doubt lots of great stuff to be had there.

With that, my exploration of SL22B’s great common areas is complete and it’s time to start on what it’s all about, the resident exhibits!

SL22B – Welcome Area, The Royal Keep, and The Observatory

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment
In the left foreground of a wide image, a woman with black hair tied into two buns and wearing a long green gown stands before the edge of a gigantic opened book. Just behind her and to the right, half a dozen gaming dice, each at least a meter tall, rest on the surface of another huge, closed book.

Another SLB, another stunning collection of Mole builds to explore. Naturally enough, I’ll begin with…

The Welcome Area – SLB Awesome and SLB Magnificent

Where the last couple years’ welcome areas have been large, abstract structures, the SL22B landing spot has a much more natural theme. In keeping with the “Myths & Legends” theme, we arrive in a sylvan glade sheltered by an amazingly large and ancient tree.

Surrounding the lawn is the usual collection of kiosks we’ve come to expect at SLB: SL22B visitor gifts giver, Second Life Birthday group joiner, a cake giver (the cake’s not a lie, I promise 😉), and teleport boards. For getting around, there are also four portals that have shimmered into existence on either side of the great tree. These will take you to the stages and Tapestry of Time. The carved monoliths by each one tell you where the other end comes out.

There are also two hunt HUD givers, one for the Swaginator Hunt and another for the Lost Dragon’s Egg Hunt. The former should be familiar to long time SLB goers with its hints leading the hunter to five gifts scattered throughout the SLB lands. The Lost Dragon Egg hunt is similar to last year’s elements hunt. Dragon eggs will appear from time to time along the exhibit area avenues. Encounter them wearing the HUD to accumulate points. Gift tiers are 25, 50, and 100 eggs.

There’s more to explore in SLB Awesome. If you follow some less obvious paths, you’ll see that the landscape around the great tree is far from ordinary. There’s also a special edition Ancient Mole bear to be found with a little hunting.

A grassy hill is covered by a collection of giant sized books, snapshots, art supplies, pencils, cookies, and a half eaten sandwich. An opened book is perched on top. Enormous dandelions grow between books in the lower left.

Across the avenue at the foot of the path from the landing spot – where it appears resident snapshots will be appearing – is an arrangement of Brobdingnagian items from a giant’s desktop. Huge books, snapshots, art supplies, cookies, and a half eaten sandwich cover a grassy hill.

The Royal Keep Stage – SLB Mesmerize, SLB Pizzazz, SLB Spellbound, SLB Stunning

Four regions at the extreme south-east of the general SLB continent form The Royal Keep Stage. This was the setting for yesterday’s opening ceremony and it will be the place for music and other performances through the 29th.

A medieval courtyard surrounded by a castle keep on the far-right side and curtain wall on the others, is strewn with bunting and colourful market stalls. A stage covered by a bright gold marquee can be seen against the far wall.

Staying well within the “Myths & Legends” theme, The Royal Keep is high medieval fantasy in style. As I mentioned in my last post, I half expect to see Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland step out together from behind one of the market stalls at any moment.

The four regions meet at the center of the courtyard and stages are positioned around its edges. All of the SL22B stages will be seeing heavy use through Sunday the 29th. For a full schedule of events, see the SL22B event calendar.

If you need a little quiet time, you can stroll down the gardens outside the curtain wall on either side of the castle. (It needn’t bee that quiet, you’ll still have the same audio stream as the avatars around the stages.

The Observatory – SLB Astound, SLB Wonderous, SLB Exhilarate, SLB Fascinate

The Observatory and Astral Athenaeum stages have overlapping builds covering seven regions. If you approach from the exhibit regions, across the causeway through the clouds that runs through SLB Fascinate, The Observatory is the first you’ll come to. (I’d recommend taking this walk at least once. It’s an amazing view.)

A great blue planet rises over an enormous circular stage area surrounded by high, castellated walls. The inside walls are richly carved wood. The floor pattern is concentric circles of wood and stone with a stage at the center. Small figures can be seen surrounding the stage, dancing.

At The Observatory, the style is pushing the limits of “Myths & Legends”. Still with echoes of medieval style; it has a stone façade and castellated walls. The stage area is a vast circle open to a dark sky in which a great blue watery planet sets (or rises). The walls surrounding the stage and throughout the galleries are richly carved wood.

Cele was giving a live singing performance while I was exploring, so I stopped to listen and dance for a bit. (If you find yourself at one of these events, do tip the performer and thank the stage crew. They all work very hard and they’re all volunteers.)

To either side of the stage are long galleries with curious, gigantic exhibits in book lined halls. A huge telescope, giant orrery, lengthy skeleton of… something. A bit of a museum obscura. There’s also a nice seating area that would make a great meetup location as well as come very curious views out from some balconies.

And now it’s back to SL22B! Well, it would be, but the cats are gently suggesting I pay attention to them instead.

SL22B – A Month of Celebration in Second Life

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment
Under a medieval style marquee in front of a castle gate, a modern lectern stands on a square of red carpet. Behind the podium is a red haired man with mouse ears speaking into a microphone.

Second Life turns 22 on the 23rd of June, just a couple more days. SL22B is a month of inworld celebration for the event. It opened yesterday a little before noon SLT and runs until July 20th.

The opening ceremony kicked off the celebrations yesterday at noon. Path Linden gave a brief speech thanking the residents and all for creating the world and community that make up Second Life. He then turned everybody loose on the festivities.

There was no big reveal in this year’s opening event. No new Linden Homes theme, no announcement of big birthday sweepstakes. (It’s worth recalling that there were some big giveaways associated with the mobile viewer challenges not so long ago.)

The Welcome Area

A huge tree with a thick, twisted trunk rises over a flat, circular lawn. At the base of the tree can be seen several small human figures. Behind them are four signs or kiosks, each about two meters tall. Smaller trees flank the large one in the backgrouns.

The main entry point for SL22B, The Welcome Area, is located in SLB Awesome. Here, the “Myths & Legends” theme of SL22B is immediately apparent. The landing spot is an open lawn over which an epic tree towers. It is surrounded by mysterious portals that lead to other parts of the SLB lands.

Kiosks and object givers surround the landing area. Here you can get the visitor’s pack of freebies, HUDs for the Swaginator and Lost Dragon Eggs hunts, as well as a slice of cake! There are also teleport kiosks aside from the portals that will take you to other sections of SL22B.

Another kiosk is a group joiner for the Second Life Birthday group. Join this group to get announcements about what’s going on at the various stages throughout the event. There’s also, in addition to the general chatter, occasional cries for help with the hunts and even some useful answers from time to time.

SL22B Overview

A small scale map of 44 square sections arranged in a roughly rectangular shape. Land forms in the center sections spell out "SL22B".

Including stages, common areas, exhibit and shopping spaces, SL22B covers 76 regions! That’s nearly 5 square kilometers or 2 square miles, near as makes no difference, of virtual territory to explore.

There are eleven regions devoted to three main stages in the general area as well as four more that make up the adult area stage. For the next nine days, these stages will be almost constantly in use by DJs, live musicians, and other performers.

With twenty shopping regions in the main Shop n’ Hop augmented by four more in the adult section, SL22B goers have some 480 or so shops to visit, most with gifts.

The rest of the space is filled with resident exhibits which, to me, are the heart of SLB. These are created by ordinary residents and groups. They illustrate the incredible variety of creation and activity in Second Life.

The Stages and Performances

A composite of four very different stages. From left to right, a medieval castle, an extraterrestrial planetscape, a huge circular gallery open to the sky, a dark castle surrounded by stone age monoliths.

There are four main stages in the SLB lands. In the south-east corner is The Royal Keep. Built in a medieval high fantasy theme, The Royal Keep is a castle and courtyard that could have dropped out of “The Princess Bride” or “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (The Errol Flynn one, not that other guy from the baseball movies.) The performance stages are within the curtain wall surrounding the courtyard.

At the opposite corner of the general regions is a combined build that makes up seven regions and contains both The Observatory and The Astral Athenaeum. The setting for these two stages takes “myths & legends” up a few notches. They are built in an around a fantastical castle within which are huge galleries containing gigantic exhibits. The stages themselves are open to the stars while the whole construct orbits a black hole.

Finally, in the adult regions, there is Odin’s Barr & Grill. Build in a mix of medieval dark and early pagan fantasy, the four regions of this stage provide the entertainment venue for the adult SLB regions.

All of these stages will see heavy use by DJs, live musicians, and other performers from now through Sunday, June 29th. A Google calendar with all the events and times can be found here.

Meet the Lindens

Image Credit: Linden Lab

Each day, Monday through Friday next week, there will be a Meet the Lindens session at The Astral Athenaeum. These events are usually both very entertaining and very informative. I plan on attending all of them. You can find the complete schedule here.

If the regions fill up or, as is increasingly the case for my old box, your computer just can’t take all those avatars at once, these sessions will be live streamed on YouTube. See that same page for the links.

Hunts

Glittering red, green, blue, and purple eggs, each at least a foot high, sit scattered along a smooth stone road. Giant wildflowers loom over the roadside.

Like last year, there are two SL22B hunts, both originating at The Welcome Area. The Swaginator hunt that we’ve gotten used to for many SLBs now is back with five more gifts scattered across the SLB lands. Grab the hunt HUD at The Welcome Area and follow the clues. Remember, they gifts must be found in order.

There is also The Lost Dragon Eggs hunt. This is structured just like the elements hunt from last year. Wear the HUD and head down to the SLB lands avenues to collide with dragon eggs that will appear from time to time. Accumulate eggs to collect gifts. There are three at thresholds of 25, 50, and 100 eggs.

Exhibits

The bulk of the SLB lands is made up of the resident exhibit areas. These cover nineteen regions this year. It’s an amazing amount to cover. You can start by browsing the Exhibitor Showcase to see what’s where. Alternatively, or in addition, you can take a Yava Pod tour to get an overview before you start detailed exploration.

I’ll be writing about the resident exhibits in many posts over the next week.

Tapestry of Time

The top of a futuristic tower of smooth, white material rises half way into the image. It is formed of twisting curved panels that flare up to form a widening cone shape. Circular platforms just out at various levels and angles. Each has a long cylindrical projection below it. Behind, a bright sun with prominent halo sets in a purple sky.

As always, there is The Tapestry of Time, where you can look back on twenty-two years of Second Life history. I’m a sucker for this sort of thing and usually spend several hours there, usually late in my exploration of the SLB lands.

Another attraction at this location is the gift area. At the gallery level right above the entrance are many gifts from all manner of exhibitors. Please gather responsibly and be kind to your inventory!

Shopping

Of course, there is shopping. There are twenty regions of shops in the general Shop n’ Hop area and four more regions in the adult Shop n’ Hop section. There are usually twenty shops per region. Occasionally two or more shops will double up on a spot. So, that’s at least 480 shops to visit, most of which have free gifts.

A complete list of shops can be found here.

And with that, I’m off to get back to exploring the SLB lands. Hope to see you there!

Key SLURLs

SL22B Is Nearly Upon Us!

On By altathiemenIn Second Life, SL EventsLeave a comment

SL22B, Second Life’s celebration of its own 22nd birthday, begins in just hours; 11 AM SLT Friday June 20th. For the next month (the planned closing date is July 20th, that has often been extended in the past), the Lindens, Moles, and residents will throw a party covering 19 special-purpose regions, not counting the shop n’ hop ones. It’s one of the biggest SL events of the year and one I’m always looking forward to.

Shop & Hop

Image credit: Linden Lab & Panda Banana

The Shop & Hop is already open for early access. (Members of the Second Life Birthday group are allowed in a day early.)

There are twenty regions of shops in the main Shop & Hop continent. That’s about 400 shops to visit and an inventory full of gifts. And once again, for the third year I believe, there are four more adult themed Shop & Hop regions which are part of the SL22B adult continent. As such, they will not open until the celebration itself starts.

See the community post for a full list of shops.

Meet the Lindens

The schedule for the Meet the Lindens events has been published. There will be five sessions over the course of next week.

  • Monday, Jun 23rd at 1:00 PM SLT – Product Operations Team
    Patch Linden, Keira Linden, and Izzy Linden will be in attendance
  • Tuesday, Jun 24th at 1:00 PM SLT – Product and Engineering Teams
    Grumpity Linden and Kali Linden will be there
  • Wednesday, Jun 25th at 1:00 PM SLT – Meet the Founder
    Phillip Linden will take the stage!
  • Thursday, Jun 26th at 1:00 PM SLT – Marketing Team
    A pre-recorded session, Brett Linden and Strawberry Linden will attend.
  • Friday, Jun 27th at 1:00 PM SLT – Meet the Moles
    A (if the past is any guide, large) number of SLDPW Moles will be on the stage to take your questions

All of these events will take place at the Astral Athenaeum. Landmarks:

These events will also be simulcast live on the YouTube channel.

The Big Kickoff

SL22B regions will open at 11:00 AM SLT tomorrow, June 20th. The opening ceremony is to be held at noon on the opening day at the Royal Keep. Landmark: secondlife://SLB%20Pizzazz/22/6/76

Image Credit: Linden Lab

As we’ve become used to, following that, there will be nearly two weeks of almost constant, 24 hour DJs, live music, and performances on the various stages that anchor the SL22B lands. There will also be the resident exhibits. A full list of these is available in the Exhibitor Showcase. Each year I try to see every one of them.