Honorary Citizenship Bestowed

The Serenity Wish of Southern Charm

"Serenity" by dobee on DeviantArt 

May the laird grant me the serenity
                                to accept the things I cannot change,
                                                     the courage

                                                                    to change the things I can,
                                                                                                     and the wisdom 

                                                                                                            to know the difference.

---

Today my Tomais and I went out sailing for the first time in a long while. It was just a short trip, because I was late home from work and Tomais had to leave for his work, but it was still good. There is something to be said for just being alone with the one you love on a boat at sea.

Google Celebrates Lairds First Life Birthday

My dear friends over at Google surprised me with a cute doodle today on my first life birthday. When I scroll over it it says "Happy Birthday, Bock!"

Thank you Google, that was very sweet of you!

Incommunicado

The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls etc. etc. will be unreachable this afternoon and evening. The official reason given is an alleged summit meeting among the world leaders concerning ramifications on International security by the election of Mr. Donald J. Trump as president of the United States.

The unofficial - and more truthful reason - is that the laird yesterday received the full DVD-collection of Game of Thrones, season 6, and will spend the Friday evening kicking back and frolicking in frisky murder and mayhem with the characters of that wondrous production.

If the Mountain Won't Come to Muhammad...

"If the mountain won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain" is a phrase coined by Francis Bacon, probably based on a Turkish proverb.

Well, the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm and prince of Cascade Falls etc., etc., has for some time been pressured by his old friend Francis to come visit him in Rome. 

The laird has made up one ridiculous excuse after another for not going, the truth is possibly that he is a bit overwhelmed that his old pal, the seminar student Jorge has suddenly become a sovereign like himself since being elected Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of the Vatican City. (The man may actually, however hard it may be to believe, hold more titles than the laird.)

Anyway, Jorge wasn't having any more evasions so he saw to it that he could travel to the lairds first life home in style. Ostensibly he will be in Lund from the 31st of October to the1st of November to commemorate the 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with other church leaders. However, the two of them know the true reason. They are to hang out, drink some beer and/or wine, eat pasta and talk about bygone days. 

It seems, that the laird - once he got over his exasperation and surprise - is looking forward to the reunion.

The New Barn at SC

All landowners feel the need to improve their real estate properties from time to time. This is also true for the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls etc., etc.

The laird and his consort have entertained themselves with a project at the parcel in North Western corner of the Southern Charm sim, the barn.

The agreed upon goals before the project started was to beautify, modernize and - hopefully - cut down the LI ("land impact", i.e. in the old days "prims").

The old barn was replaced with a new one in mesh, some of the old stuff with nostalgic connotations were kept and reused, while others were removed and in some cases returned to their owners as the rights to move them had been lost.

One particular benefit of the new barn is that the new barn has a proper attic, which has been insulated for comfort both in hot and cold weather and has central heating and cooling installed. The lairds blogging office can now be used all year and not only in spring and fall.

Storing memorabilia

Who Dat Man?

"Who dat man?", I hear strangers whispering as I float past them with my newly strengthened self esteem and the buzz of winning convincingly still coursing through my veins.

"Why, that is The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm etc., etc.. The laird just returned from a tournament of mahjong, where he resoundedly beat the crap out of his friends, while still maintaining a humble and benign appearance.", they tell their friends.

"He has today actually taken on the new title of 'The Most Gracious Emperor of China', believe it or not!"

A Match Made In the SL-Heavens

Oh my, have I got news for you all! It is so exciting I can hardly contain myself, filled with jubilation and excitement as I am.

At the editorial meeting today I met with The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm etc, etc, at his mansion (a.k.a. "Gossip Central" due to the always well informed laird's highly dependable sources).

The laird had a particular bit of thrilling information to impart today, "directly from the two involved horses mouths" as he chose to phrase it.

Please sit down and breathe deeply three times before reading any further. This blog cannot be held accountable for any damages you may incur while reading this post!

OK, here goes!

His lairdship informed us that my Philip (a.k.a. Philip Linden in SecondLife or Philip Rosedale in first life) and my Ebbe (a.k.a. Ebbe Linden in SecondLife and Ebbe Altberg in first life) are romantically involved. So what we all thought was merely a bromance between our wonderful dreamer/creator and the best damned C.E.O. of Linden Labs we've ever had has evolved into a deep love between the two.

The guys have decided to move in together with both of their first life families as well. For that purpose a large mansion (sixteen bedrooms with ensuite baths) has been bought outside San Francisco for them and their families.

It is reported that both the wives and the families on either side get along famously with each other and are all for this somewhat unusual arrangement.

This is a marvelous - albeit unforeseen - development for SecondLife and all it's residents. Let us rejoice with the happy couple and their families!

"Republicans May Vote For Bock", Laird Says

If you ever needed final proof that The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm etc. etc, is a softy, you got it today when the Laird's Household released the following statement. 

"My heart goes out to my Republican friends in the United States of America as they must choose a presidential candidate  among the bigoted, neo-fascist and despicable losers that have offered their names for consideration. They face the choice between pestilence and cholera, and there is no lesser evil among them.

After much contemplation and soul searching I have come to the firmly held belief that I must act to give the G.O.P. a reasonable and sane candidate at the upcoming convention. 

Although I do not share the usual Republican belief that economical issues and taxes are more important than human rights, I still feel they need to offer ya'll a better lineup to choose from.

Here are my positions on a couple of the issues in this year's political conversation. 

I am for

• equal rights and opportunities for all human beings

• a separation of state and church (incl. the removal of references to God on money)

• a woman's right to choose anything that concerns her body

• universal and comprehensive health care and expanding the ACA further

• very strict gun control

• same-sex marriage and adoptions

• a photo ID being required to vote

• continued government funding of Planned Parenthood

• health control providers being required to offer free birth control 

• requiring that businesses have both women and men on their board of directors

• the military allowing both women and men to serve in combat roles 

• legalization of marijuana

• raising the debt ceiling

• raising the minimum wage

• businesses being required to provide paid maternity leave for full-time employees

• trade unions

• affirmative actions

• increased government environmental regulations to prevent global warming

• the U.S. remaining in the United Nations

• declaring war on ISIS

• increased foreign aid spending

• government funding of stem cell research

I am against

• the death penalty

• secular business being able to deny service due to their religious beliefs

• states displaying the racist Confederate flag on government property

• cuts in public spending to reduce national debt

• juveniles being sent to prison and the use of solitary confinement for them

I believe in 

• the theory of evolution

---

To avoid any "birther issues", please let me refer you to Second Life, who can attest to the fact that Bock McMillan was born on March 11th, 1997, on a server placed in California, U.S.A. I am therefore a "natural born citizen" of the United States of America. 

I offer my name with pride and confidence that you will do that right thing! Now the ball is in your court. It's easy peasy, just write me in next time you vote!

Yours always,

Bock McMillan

Laird of Southern Charm etc. etc. 

Buns Galore!

This weekend the sailors and officers of the Southern Charm Imperial Navy enjoyed some well earned R&R at Gay Cove Hold as personal guests to the duke of Erat and his loving spouse, the Much Honored laird of Southern Charm.

As those of you who are well informed know, Gay Cove Hold is one of the few sims in Second Life that enjoy the phenomenon of two suns, hence the double shadows.

The sim was closed of to the public to allow the valiant sailors to let everything hang loose and fully enjoy themselves. (From left to right in the picture, Rear Admiral T. Ashdene, Fleet Admiral B. McMillan, Lieutenant Commander A. Jiminy and Vice Admiral J. J. Goodman.

---

Actually the truth is the four of us were modeling for one of J.J.'s pictures. You can see the PG-rated picture here (SKPFB*) and the X-rated picture here (NSFW).

*) Safe for Kids, Prudes and Facebook

Ahoy Sailor!

There has been a large influx of sailors to Southern Charm lately. They all seem to be assembling in the ports of the sim, making eyes and pouting their lips at all men who are passing by.

"Do you think they could be, you know, uhmm.... professionals?", the Duke of Erat whispered to his consort the laird when they passed by one of them on their morning walk.
"Whaddaya mean by professionals? Speak out, man, use your words.", the laird replied irritably. He never appreciated mincing words or riddles.
"Well, you know..." the duke waved vaguely.
"No, I don't, or I wouldn't have asked, sweetums. Now speak clearly or shut up!"
"Do you think that they could - maybe, possibly - be whores?", the duke tried again with a deep red blush on his handsome face.
"Oh that! Well, of course they are! They know there are a lot of single gay men living here and some of them spending an inordinate time on hook-up apps and collecting all the gay porn produced in the world, not excluding the worst gay porn ever produced (i.e. "The Centurians of Rome"). So of course they come here to do business... Although, my security tells me, they seem mostly to be doing each other because the sim dwellers aren't showing much interest."

Model: Bock McMillan
Outfit: Sailor from boyberry (recommended to the laird by his newest personal shopper Tien Kai Dayn)
Pose: The Sniffer by Vice Poses (Finn Millar)
Photographer: Bock McMillan
Lighting Assistant: Tomais Ashdene
Shot on location at the Southern Charm sim.

Royal Pardon

On this day, commonly known as Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A., the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls, Sovereign Ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment and Outer Territories, UN appointed Protector of the Mount Whitney sim in SecondLife and pretender to the throne of Macedonia and dependent territories, decided to take action against the barbaric and ghastly tradition of eating millions of turkeys to celebrate the holiday.

The laird pardoned all turkeys within his realm or his protection and those who have sought sanctuary there or at the nation's embassies in the world. 

The reason given for this universal amnesty of turkeys was "not - as some may assume - out of pity for the ugly, smelly and bad tasting creatures but more for the sake of the poor people who would otherwise stuff themselves with their vile and poisonous meat." (The laird has a well known phobia against any and all poultry meat.)

Showing Today at the Southern Charm Drive-In

Todays film is, Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

Movie starts at 9AM SLT at the Southern Charm drive-in movie theater. Please be there in time, the screening waits for no one, except for the laird, i.e. me, naturally.

------------

This event was cancelled due to me forgetting about the "Fall Back" in Europe, I arrived 45 minutes late and no one was around anymore. My apologies to everyone who may have been there.

Boo Yah!

After more than three months of trepidation and with some lingering fears about everything that could possibly go wrong today The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls, Sovereign Ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment and Outer Territories, UN appointed Protector of the Mount Whitney sim in SecondLife and pretender to the throne of Macedonia and dependent territories, finally decided to undertake the task of installing a router.

Contrary to his usual habits when dealing with technical products the laird decided to read the instructions carefully - three times. It is not certain if this change of regular behavior perhaps was the key to the success - but that aside - the process of installing the device and managing the settings went miraculously smoothly.

In honor of his amazing achievements the laird declared the day to be a National Holiday and sent all the princesses and princes home - except a mere 50 of them to serve his personal needs. He also awarded himself the Imperial Star, 1st class with Emerald in honor of his technological brilliance and wizardry.

Twitter Support

I am appalled that The Laird of Southern Charm has not been invited to the Royal Wedding in Sweden @BockMcMillan @TomaisAshdene @Dejerrity

— Petr Vanbeeck (@Petr_V) May 31, 2015

TONIGHT: Z at The Aviary at Southern Charm

The renowned SecondLife singer Z Sorbet (formerly known as ZDiva) is out on her 2015 tour "Miss Me Bitches?!?" during the month of May.

This evening Saturday May 16, 2015, 6 PM SLT, Z will - by special invitation from the laird - be performing at The Aviary at Southern Charm (SLurl). Clear your calendars everyone and don't miss this wonderful event. (Casual attire)

If I manage to stay awake (it's 3 AM my local time) I will be there too!

If you aren't able to make it to this event you have another chance to listen to Z on Saturday, May 23, 6PM SLT @ The Summerlands for a beach party kick off... (Clothed but skimpy works, too!)

Poster by Nikolai Warden

"We Claim Macedonia", Laird Says

"Inconclusive? Inconclusive!?! Have you gone out of your minds? This was not at all the result I was expecting from you! How effing dare you!!! And you call yourselves my loyal and loving citizens?"

All the little princesses and princes and every other denizen of Southern Charm were startled by the outbreak of anger from the mansion, which disturbed the habitual peace and serenity of the sim. They all recognized the voice of the man who was otherwise known to be the most patient and gentle man in SecondLife and none of them had ever heard him this angry before.

Inside the great mansion on the hilltop a small congregation had assembled, consisting of the Prince Consort Tomais, The Royal Gardner Butch Diavolo-Ğrăçємσûηт, renowned geneticist, the twin-princes Angus Maldor-McMillan and Duncan Aycliffe-McMillan, both well known historians, and lastly - but not least - the cause of all the raucous, the laird himself.

The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls, Sovereign Ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment Region and Outer Territories and finally UN appointed Protector of the Mount Whitney sim in SecondLife, was now seated again after his outburst. His face was dark red and he had an annoyed frown on his face.

Tomais had moved in behind the laird and was slowly massaging his neck and shoulders, once in a while lovingly stroking the head, to calm the laird down. Tomais was seemingly unperturbed by the commotion but small beads of sweat could be seen on his beautiful forehead. The effects of Tomais labors were soon noticed as the laird's face got more relaxed and his body less tense, although he was still apparently displeased.

The other three in the room, stood scowling and scraping with their feet before their beloved laird, clearly apologetic for causing him such discomfort but still adamant in their conclusions.

A month earlier the laird had appointed the three of them to a secret committee with the purpose "to investigate whether or not the laird is a direct descendant of king Alexander III of Macedonia, a.k.a. Alexander the Great, and therefore can rightfully claim the crown of Macedonia". Although the laird had not said it, they had all three understood that the "or not" was merely inserted for pseudo-objective and decorative reasons. However, too much time had passed since Alexanders death in 323 BC and records of the lineage had not been kept, or had been lost, neither was there any known source from which DNA from the great king could be taken to securely establish a claim. Although there were certain DNA-markers and other fragmentary historical facts to support the lairds wishes the evidence was still too complex and inadequate for them to determine a direct and indisputable link between the two great men.

Suddenly everyone in the room could sense that the laird had calmed down and had reached a conclusion. "No matter", he said with a radiant smile, "this is politics, and politics is not about facts or evidence. Politics is about our desires, our wishes and what we want from the future!"

The laird rose from his seat with a loving and grateful smile to his consort and said, "To hell with Greece and that ridiculous country calling itself F.Y.R.O.M., let it be known that from this day we claim the crown of Macedonia. We will henceforth add to our titles 'pretender to the throne of Macedonia and dependent territories' "

Early Notice: Z Sorbet @ Southern Charm

The renowned SecondLife singer Z Sorbet (formerly known as ZDiva) is out on her 2015 tour "Miss Me Bitches?!?" during the month of May.

On Saturday May 16th, 2015, 6PM SLT, Z will - by special invitation from the laird himself - be performing at The Aviary at Southern Charm. Clear your calendars everyone and don't miss this wonderful event. (Casual attire)

If you aren't able to make it to this event you have another chance to listen to Z on Saturday, May 23rd, 6PM SLT @ The Summerlands for a beach party kick off... (Clothed but skimpy works, too!)

Poster by Nikolai Warden

The Lairds Challenge for Vehicle Builders

Today the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls, Sovereign Ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment Region and Outer Territories and finally UN appointed Protector of the Mount Whitney sim in SecondLife, was sitting and talking with the Prince Consort and the Royal Gardener of Southern Charm.

During the conversation the Prince Consort Tomais suddenly screamed out loud with excitement and shouted: "Ooooooooooo I want this!", whereupon he sent us the link to a picture on the Internet, see below.

As some of you may know, the Prince Consort Tomais is a geek, a nerd and a collector of every conceivable vehicle that has ever been created in SecondLife.

I now challenge all vehicle builders in SecondLife to build this contraption, as I want to give it to my lovely hubby.

The builder that sends me the best looking and fully functional vehicle will win a prize of L$25,000.

The jury to decide the contest will consist of the laird himself, his consort Tomais Ashdene and the Royal Gardener Butch Diavolo.

Good luck everyone and may the best person win.

To the Queen of Our Hearts

Today we celebrate the rezday of Hare Majesteit Koningin BM, the absolute and undisputed ruler of The Netherlands in SecondLife, and the much, much, younger and much more beautiful dear cousin of the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm etc., etc.

One should never discuss the age of a lady, they are always timeless and ageless once they have passed there 18th birthday, this rule is even stricter when it comes to our nobility and royalty. Nonetheless they do have rezdays, even though they do not celebrate them.

Besides being the supreme ruler of The Netherlands in SecondLife, this spectacular woman is also the Queen of four - at least (unknown lovers are untold) - men's hearts.

The four of us join in congratulating our sweet, charming and amazingly patient Queen and wishing Hare Majesteit a happy and relaxing rezday!

With much love,
Kahvy & Garrett Smith
Tomais Ashdene & Bock McMillan