Preparations For Influx of Refugees

"As residents of SecondLife, we must prepare ourselves for an influx of refugees from First Life due to the constraints on living conditions and mobility brought on by the raging pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. The new arrivals must be taken care of, housed, fed and clothed, and be made to feel welcome amongst us. However, we should also be aware they may have been living in difficult circumstances and may suffer from some post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Suitable security measures are therefore advisable.", says The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm etc., etc., who has already set aside the building named "The Aviary" on his large estate

 as temporary housing for some of the refugees. (See picture above). 

When the blog was visiting, all - or at least fourscore - little princes and princesses in his realm were busy cleaning, furnishing and putting the place in excellent order. Fresh linen on 14 beds, and lots of flowers and candle lights. 

Although the building has no privy of its own some will be prepared in an adjacent outhouse. The building is located between a large lake and the sea, which can be used for hygenic purposes.

Ars in Memoriam 2020

Joseph Douglas Wilson Jr., in SecondLife known as Ars Northmead.

★ April 21, 1953 (First life)
★ October 25, 2006 (SecondLife)

† March 12, 2010

Ars Forever, Forever Ars!

Meet Bilbo

This is Bilbo, who - if all goes well - hopefully, will be my companion and flatmate in first life from September 21, 2019.

Bilbo in the hands of my brother-in-law

Bilbo was born on July 27, 2019, and is a feisty little French Bulldog puppy. We are already the best of friends and I hope it will continue that way.

Love Made in SecondLife

Draxtor Despres and SecondLife have a series of documentaries (five so far, but more to come) running on YouTube about how people meet and fall in love in SecondLife and carry that love over into first life.

Imagine being 71 y.o. living comfortably in the USA and then packing everything up to move to the UK after meeting the love of your life in SecondLife. Well, they had known each other for over ten years in SecondLife so it wasn't as if they were strangers.

You can find the YouTube playlist here: Love Made in SecondLife (url) (As always like, comment and share!)

Draxtor has told me that he is still looking for couples who want to share their stories with us. If you feel like it, you should drop a notecard on his profile in-world or better yet send him an email: drax@draxtor.com. 

The Chair's Opening Speech at Second Pride Festival

Lee McKay's, the Chair of Second Pride, speech at the opening of the Second Pride Festival yesterday.

The Second Pride board, Lee McKay, Bock McMillan & Tootsie Nootan
(missing in the picture is i0n, who is currently on sick-leave.)
Photo by JJ Goodman

"I promise I won’t interrupt the party for long! I want to thank everyone for coming out today for the opening of Second Pride 2019, and the debut of our newly redesigned Second Pride region. We hope you’re ready to have some fun and celebrate Pride!

We’re doing something different this year in that we now consider our region to be a permanent build that will remain in place for the foreseeable future. We are also a Second Life Gateway region and will soon have new people entering Second Life right through our own Gateway in the northeast corner of the region. I hope you’ll go check out the progress on that. It will be opening in the near future. 

If you’re curious about how this build came to be, I was watching a video of Diana Ross performing in Central Park in 1983, and the shots of the park and the buildings in the background just looked and felt inspiring. I showed a really simple mockup of the idea to Bock and to his husband, Tomais, and within days, the building started, spurred on by a very generous donation of all these buildings in the Old NYC collection from Schultz Bros. We thank them for their generosity! This is a build that we want you to explore and enjoy. There are all sort of places to wander, stroll, sit, watch, meditate, reminisce, play, and just be. It’s a walking space, a place to take photos, bring friends, hang out, play games, and more. We will no longer be one or two events per year. We expect to have parties on a regular basis, starting soon.

This year, we are celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, considered to be the catalyzing moment in the push for Gay Rights. With the current political climate and with our rights being slowly but methodically eroded from us once again, there is no better time for us to reflect on the events of that night and the nights that followed, and to consider the battles fought then, and the battles that are to come, because they are coming. We need to draw from the strength of the heroes of that night…Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Storme DeLarverie (Stormy Delahveay), Danny Garvin, and so many others. We honor them for the stand they took that night, and we pledge to continue their fight.

Ars In Memoriam 2019

Joseph Douglas Wilson Jr., in SecondLife known as Ars Northmead.

★ April 21, 1953 (First life)
★ October 25, 2006 (SecondLife)

† March 12, 2010

Ars Forever, Forever Ars!

When the Laird Was Snubbed by Catherine the Great

Yesterday The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls, Sovereign Ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment with the Region of Monfort l'Amaury (self-governing) and Outer Territories, UN-appointed Protector of the Mount Whitney Region in SecondLife and, finally, pretender to the throne of Macedonia in first life, chose to attend a concert and ball at his dear cousins Ophiel's and Nathanael's palace to enjoy a Russian role play.

The laird much appreciated his cousin's having informed the doorman about his full titulature so he was correctly announced when entering the ballroom. He did however not appreciate the Tsarina did not, as would have been seemly, greet him at the door when he arrived.

The foolish woman remained seated on the balcony of the ballroom, displaying her total ignorance to the world.

It does happen from time to time that even those who should know better do not recognize the Lairds exalted status within the royal and noble ranks. The Laird could indeed have had the little tsarina stripped, flogged and thrown prostrate at his feet, but he was in a benevolent mood and as always patient.

Instead, the laird enjoyed the concert that had been arranged and danced the whole night afterward with the charming and witty Mademoiselle Florentine Rau-Offcourse.

SP Board Meeting 02/16/2019 - Minutes Posted

To assist my dear sexy friend Cay (cayson.triellis) and my adorable husband Tomais, the minutes from the board meeting they attended and found bewildering, confusing or downright objectionable are now posted at the Second Pride website (url) under "Documents". This (url) is the direct link to the aforementioned document for the lazy buggers.

The minutes contain a lot of great news, here I will only mention a few select ones.

• Second Pride is applying to become an LGBT+ Gateway to SecondLife. If approved by Linden Lab the organization would save USD249 per month in tier and can reduce its costs - thereby being able to donate more to charitable LGBT+ causes in first life.
• Changes in the mission statement of the Bylaws accepted by the board, to be voted on by the Membership.
• Members are - as has been mentioned in a previous post - invited to contribute with their ideas on an updated logo for Second Pride, a theme for the Festival in June, and additional services they would like from Second Pride.
• The 15^th annual Second Pride Festival will take place between June 14^th and 23^rd, 2019.
• New and improved donation kiosks are now available.

Read all about it and more at greater length in the minutes!

P.S. The Build Director also promised Cay to consider reintroducing floats parade in the festival.

Are Centaurs Extinct? (Updated Landmark to New Store)

The answer to the question in the title is, of course, a resounding "Hell no!".

Despite what you may have been taught, centaurs are not creatures of fable or mythology. Neither did the race die out entirely when their mares left them to wander off and die lonely deaths on the plains of Central Asia.

The story of how the species was saved and survived to this day through heroic efforts by the first laird and his wife is a living legend within clan McMillan.

The first laird Callum and his spouse the goddess-witch Minerva came across the last three living centaurs during their travels in Asia Minor. They were in a pitiful state after a long life of ribaldry, whoring and worse.

With the skilled ministrations of Minerva, the centaurs were brought back to health and were offered a safe haven in the laird's clan, who at the time lived in the Scottish Highlands. 

Over time there was intermarriage between the species and the McMillan clan became the renowned shapeshifters they are today. (Clan McMillan and their distant relations the Ashdene family are among the last remaining shapeshifters still among us.) To this day they choose at will in which manner they wish to present themselves.

Notes:

Centaur body (Bento) and skin from Jinx. https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/52351 (right now only sold at We ♥ Roleplay (SLurl)) UPDATE: Landmark to the New Jinx Store (SLurl)

The armor is my Valentine's Day gift from my husband Tomais.

New Header & New Temporary Name

It's time for a change! The gloves are off, hence the new temporary name. 

My sincere and deep gratitude goes to my dear friend, the amazing photographer, Wayne Allan for allowing me the use of his fabulous picture as a header for a while.

"Christmas Eve Late Shopping" by Wayne Allan

I have never belonged to a "clique", neither in first life nor in SecondLife. I most definitely haven't ever been the leader of a clique. 

However, I have been fortunate enough to have met a group of men with amazing personalities, great charm and dazzling talents that allow me to hang out with them, despite my own shortcomings in all three departments. We do not hang out together as often as some seem to believe and we gladly allow others to join us.

P.S. Anyone wishing to verify "information" they have received about me from The Four Bitter Liars is welcome to contact me anytime.

The HOLIDAZE Event, 12PM-12AM on 21, 22 & 23 and 28, 29 & 30 December!

Ugh, I've been too busy in first life, but finally here is the announcement!

 

"The snow is falling, the bells are jingling, and the Second Pride sim is decked out for Holidaze, our Winter event! Come take a stroll (or skate…they’re free!) along the icy walkways and check out our vendor’s shops. Maybe bring some friends and take a photo or two, and look (or climb) up to the hillside to see the magical Arctic Express taking flight!"

As the Treasurer of Second Pride, I recommend warmly that you bring your biggest wallet along!

Your sleigh for Holidaze at Second Pride (SLurl) awaits!

"This Is My Fight Song"

There is too little fighting spirit in first life and SecondLife.

Get out there, fight for your rights and the rights of your brother and sisters all around the world.

If you feel complacent and comfortable, raise your head and look further than your nose. There are people still suffering in the world who are denied the rights you take for granted. Then think of the rights you have today, which may not be there tomorrow. Do you feel the winds changing and how it's getting colder again?

"I still got a lot of violence in me!"

Rude Fashion Designers

We all know that some fashion designers in first life aren't known for being civil or courteous. Stefano Gabbana called Selena Gomez "ugly", Karl Lagerfeld said Adele was "a little too fat" and let's not go near John Galliano's abusive racist and antisemitic comments.

Did you know that fashion designers in SecondLife are just as bad?

I have a friend who has his own brand of clothing and he asked me if I would try out some of his new pants the other evening. As the always charming and agreeable man that I am, I agreed to do it.

When I pointed out two small, but ever so irritating, problems, a glitch in the "autohide body"-script and the fact that the ass of the pants seemed to be made for Kim Kardashian, the designer came over at once, took a look and then proceeded to tell me the problem was not with the pants he made but my body.

"You have childbearing hips", he told me, "and no ass. My pants are designed for men." (His emphasis, not mine.)

How rude is that, I ask you?

I most certainly was not rendered speechless by this blatant rudeness, but instead graciously informed my dear friend, that as we were speaking, songs and odes were being written about the wonders of my exquisite body, my slender manly hips, and my voluptuous, perky and peachy derriere. There was nothing at all wrong with my body, it was his "autohide body"-script that was faulty and he had made the ass enormous.

(P.S. Ughhh I don't know what is going on with my left wrist...)

PLEASE NOTE: I have been told that people don't always understand my jokes (or even when I am joking). To be on the safe side, let me tell you that Petr and I were both joking and having fun.

sirhc DeSantis: "My Friend Stopped Running Today"

Lucien Maven, in first life a.k.a. Jeffrey Miller

When I came home from work and opened my email, at the very top there was a group notice sent out by my Sergeant in Arms and friend sirhc DeSantis McMillan titled "My friend stopped running today".

The sad title of sirhc's message was explained in another group message sent out just a few minutes earlier by his spouse Mrs. Vampi Twine McMillan McMillan (honorary) where she informed us that they had received the bad news that Lucien Maven had lost his battle against cancer and passed away today.

Lucien was a wonderful, warm, sweet and kindhearted man and a stunning DJ. He will truly be missed. I was very sorry to hear of his passing.

My warm condolences to his families and close friends in both his first and Second Life. 

Your battles are now over, dearest Lucien, rest in peace with the universe. We will remember you and celebrate you.

---
P.S. Later today I learned that sirhc was quoting from the British author Richard Adams' novel "Watership Down" (1972), where the character Hazel says, "My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today."

It's A Party...And You're All Welcome!

Please join us in celebrating Life, Love and the grand opening of Static Frenzy's exhibition at the Northmead Gallery, Southern Charm, SecondLife on Saturday, October 20th, 2018, at 12 PM (noon) SLT.

Music will be provided by the amazing Lee McKay. (By special dispensation, music by ABBA will be permitted - for the first and only time ever - on Southern Charm.)

SecondLife photographer Static Frenzy, as many already know, is renowned and loved for his vision of what it means to be an LGBT-man in a virtual reality with scenes from his everyday life, budding romances, and hot sexual encounters.

The Northmead Gallery also has its permanent galleries showing the works of JJ Goodman, Wayne Allan, and Tomais Ashdene besides parts of the Laird of Southern Charm's vast collection of  SecondLife artwork.

Wear whatever you feel like, but wear something. (The only one permitted to be completely nude is Mr. Apmel Goosson Esq., should he wish to attend.)

Remember, all the best parties should have at least one sim crash.

Here is your limousine waiting to transport you to The Northmead Gallery at Southern Charm (SLurl).

A Message From The Chairman of SP

This message has been posted on the Second Pride website (url) today.

"Dear Second Pride Members,

You may or may not have heard about a very upsetting Board meeting today [October 6, 2018]. As everyone is aware there was a snafu with the original voting process. This, as I have stated already publicly, was my fault. I owned my mistake and the Board took measures to correct that error. Which I supported 100%. It was Bock McMillan that pointed out to me that the IT Director was to be the Election Chairman, according to the Bylaws in place. He was again 100% correct. The system that was originally used was not vetted by the Election Chair, Lee McKay. Therefore, it could not be used in the state it was in. Additionally, the security was just not there. That was a serious concern to all the Board and should have been with the candidates and members-at-large. 

A new voting system was created specifically for Second Pride Elections. It took longer to create then initially anticipated. Anyone who has looked at an SL script knows how complex they can be. We all wanted a secure way for everyone to vote. That way there could be no questions as to the legitimacy of the vote. 

That’s the background. So what happened? 

Today during the Second Pride new Board Member seating the newly elected Marketing Director called into question the integrity of the Election Chair and myself. Also called into question was the legitimacy of the voting process. Mind you he WON, by a large margin.

After some back and forth with others on the Board, the Marketing Director began making derogatory statements and accusations against the Second Pride Board. Pointing out how unfair the election process had been and how it was suspicious how everything happened and how it was handled. Stating that he was not pointing fingers, but calling out the positions of the Board that he had issue with. Well, since there is only one person in any given Board position, it was easy to see how he was actually accusing that positions, inherent occupier. He went on further to degrade the members-at-large, stating “I know that during the second process, the overall feeling was very subdued, people felt angry, disgusted and resigned.” As Chairman, I did not get that sense. During the process, Jimmy was constantly asking for updates on the number of votes being cast. He was told no that was inappropriate. It only incensed him. He stated that in real life you could see how the vote was going and how many people voted. So, I am going out on a limb here, but we in the USA don’t know how many votes were cast until after they are all counted. I am not sure about Jimmy’s country. Perhaps it is different? However, we ran the election process and will continue doing so, according to the rules in the USA.

Jimmy went on to infer that the only reason the original election was deemed null and void, was to get Mr. McKay’s “friend” more votes. Let me assure you of one thing, I am not the smartest guy on the block, but I DO know Lee McKay is not the type of person to do something like that. Nor would he have anyone else do it for him. That is slander and a baseless allegation. Jimmy Augustus-Gracemount needs to apologize to Lee McKay for that. 

As Chairman of the Board, I lost my temper and yelled at Jimmy during the meeting. I apologize for letting my emotions get the better of myself at that moment. Lee and I both motioned to have Jimmy removed from the Board. It was seconded and passed 5-2 in favor of removing him. 

Personally, I like Jimmy. He really is a fine fellow. I am not sure why, after winning the vote, he couldn’t just be happy with that and let it go. The outcome was the same.
I am truly sorry that it had to come down to this. I was ready to resign since it was *MY* fault the original vote was canceled. Bock was correct to point out the problem to me. Lee McKay was ready to resign. For the betterment of Second Pride as an organization, Jimmy had to go. The Marketing Directors position will be absorbed, as the Bylaws are written, by the Events and Community Relations Directors to split the duties as they see fit. 

It is with great hope that the future of Second Pride be as bright as it has been in the past. As we move forward into the future, let’s try not to forget why we are here. It’s not fame and glory. It’s not for recognition. It is to do good work and to reach out to our fellow LGBTQ community and bring it together in a spirit that uplifts us all! That is why I ran for Chairman in the first place. It’s why I will continue to the very best of my ability. 

Sincerely,
ReZ Vale-Starfall
Chairman of the Board"

A Suitable Headstone

Yesterday I got an email from Dejerrity's first life family where they shared this picture of his headstone with me.

I believe my brother would have loved it! It's a loving and fitting celebration to his geekish interests, sci-fi/fantasy, and SecondLife. 

The Memorial of NakedCarl Paneer

"Let anyone who says anything negative about Second Life be answered with "Yes, but you did not know NakedCarl Paneer." And may all of us hope that all virtual world's in the future be fortunate enough to have their own NakedCarl to let sunlight shine in all parts of the electronic universe." (Ryce Skytower at NakedCarl's memorial service, 9/22/2018)

HerrDirektor & Kharissa Indigo

Ezzie Mirabella

Evan Greymyst

Late arrival with initials S.H.

Ryce Skytower, who - shockingly - came
out as being an alt of Eddi Haskell

Markarius Viper

King Brian of Volkort

The fittingly naked dance at the
celebration of life party after the service 

Carl Gee, in SecondLife a.k.a. NakedCarl Paneer

★ February, 1935 (First life)

★ September 16, 2010 (SecondLife)

† September 16, 2018 (both lives)

More Sad News

I hadn't been on Facebook for a couple of days and when I logged in today there were two sad messages waiting, from Asta and Ezzie, both informing me that Carl Paneer - in SecondLife better known as NakedCarl - had passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

"NakedCarl" by Carl Paneer himself

In first life, Carl leaves behind a big family with a daughter, four sons and tons of grandchildren. By his side was also his best friend, the mother of his children.

Carl was a friend of mine and a fellow blogger. We used to join forces during the Second Pride festival each year. He was always more ambitious than I and tried his best to cover every event, I was more laid-back and covered the events I wanted to visit.

We were not close friends, but we had a good friendly relationship. Carl was a sweet soul who - although a bit quiet - always seemed to overflow with kindness and good humor towards everyone who came in contact with him.

I will always remember Carl with great fondness, and I will miss him very much.

Rest in the peace of the Universe, Carl.

Meeting Nikolai Again

Yesterday I met with Nikolai W. Starstorm (nee Warden) again for the first time in ages.

We had a good and long talk about life (both the first and second), love and the art of motorcycle maintenance. (Well, to be honest, not so much of the last, but who cares.) We also tried out his new abuse-HUD. 

I had my balls kicked, my balls grabbed, my face slapped etc. Finally, we also tried out some reggae dances.

Snapshots by yours truly.