Find Fun and Adventure at LilBirdy - Sheri (sheristrawberri) Reporting

 "I would say it's an outdoor adventure destination," said Mackenzie Aura Starlight (mackenzie aura) of the two sims she is helping to run. The original LilBirdy is a full sim island and their new land, on the mainland, will be an extension.

The original LilBirdy isn't really that old, and while it is open to the public it will have its technical grand opening in early August.

Mackenzie and her partner Kit "Marikit" Starlight (elida starlight) established the island sim to be "a breathtaking, family friendly destination in Second Life where dreams dance on the breeze and adventure awaits around every corner," according to Marikit.

While the island is technically private, the pair have opened it up to the public to explore and enjoy. The island is filled with lush forests perfect for exploring and camping. It also has plenty of locations set aside for cuddles.

There are also ways to get around the sim.

"As you can see we have a horse rezzer a bike rezzer and an ATV rezzer here," said Mackenzie.

With an emphasis on nature, Mackenzie said that she would like to find ways to educate those who want to learn more about nature.

"We are debating if we want to offer a nature school or just do a nature center that way people can learn at their own pace. I would love for them to earn badges by learning about plants they see in SL and how it can help them in RL. That's my dream but it will take a while," said Mackenzie.

"Our goal was to make it like a state or federal park, realistic... but have some magical aspects to it like the light on the trees. We also are utilizing a special effect for the environment," said Mackenzie, encouraging people to use the shared environment.

In fact, the shared environment is set to cycle through a full day in four hours.

"That way you can role play a day out with family in any time zone," said Mackenzie.

 There are a lot of park type features on the island sim. There are group campfires where visitors can enjoy all types of camping treats such as marshmallows.

 The pair is planning to have an outdoor outfitter mall for those who realize they didn't pack all of their camping essentials.

 In addition to lots of camping, there is also a large swimming hole as well as a raft or tubing ride. There are also plans for a large, custom splash pad.

 The island is also set up for changing weather. While it will randomly rain on visitors, the flora will change with the seasons so people can experience their favorite times of the year.

 There is a large flower garden which can be set up for any type of celebration, including weddings and birthday parties.

Much of what exists on the island sim either already exists or will on their newly purchased piece of the mainland.

 "Mainland is more focused on Get the Freight Out and it's an extension," said Mackenzie, pointing out that there are multiple modes of transportation available.  

 "We bought more land on the mainland and we have been adding on as part of LiBirdy. The GTFO Hub now has an airport, harbor, space station, and parking lot which allows others to use the vehicles that are open and GTFO ready, and our helicopter pad, and a lot of little nooks.  I will also have little LilBirdy stores that are relevant to either forest, or harbors, and or space themed LilBirdy.  We are also working on rebranding the vehicles to LiBirdy with customization.  I know we are considering adding a zip line to the mainland LilBirdy also," said Mackenzie.

 When they bought this new land the previous owners allowed them to keep the Get the Freight Out hub.

 "The previous owner sold it as a hub.  We decided it sounded like a lot of fun! All we had to do was re-register it and we decided to buy surrounding land to add to it," said Mackenzie.

"Like we have limited boating options from the sim, but you can utilize the waters on SL from here," she added, or you can fly in from another airport to this location which is really cool!"

 There is also skiing available. People can get free skis and tubes to enjoy the slopes in the snowy portion of the sim.

 This mainland extension is set up like a state park, according to Mackenzie, with dirt roads and paths instead of them being paved. The pair are even providing cars that people can drive around the sim. They want to make opportunities available for everyone.

 This extension has everything from shops and faces to a marina and even a submarine to explore their underwater area.

 There is a lot to explore both on the island and the mainland but the two are constantly adding to and changing both locations.

 "Nothing is guaranteed to stay the same. It will be constantly changing," said Mackenzie with a smile.

"My ultimate goal is to have fun! We like the private sim because it can be for private events, but this public sim gets more traffic as of now and we have been meeting lots of new people through this hub. It will allow us to use experiences also to create 'arrival' type of experiences for coming to LilBirdy that are unique," said Mackenzie. 

• Main Sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LilBirdy/211/129/54
• Mainland Sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Clear/56/167/108
• Group: secondlife:///app/group/8cf63673-c292-d51c-3db6-2779647727b5/about
• Preferred Contact: Mackenzie Aura Starlight (mackenzie aura)

 

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CONTINUING THE LEGACY - SL ENQUIRER OPEN MIC WINNER ℭORVUS ℬLESSED FOLLOWS IN DAD’S MUSICAL FOOTSTEPS: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

The SL Enquirer continues the tradition of giving new musicians an opportunity to ply their craft  as contestants in the monthly SL Enquirer Open Mic Singer-Songwriters Contest.  Last month’s winner was Raven Roxley.  I caught up with Raven and learned he had recently “rebranded himself” as Corvus Blessed.   The more I learned about this man, the more fascinating his story became, and he graciously consented for me to share the results of our chat with SL Enquirer readers.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     First off, let me congratulate you on your outstanding performance in the SL Enquirer Open Mike Songwriters Contest.  And thanks for agreeing to talk to our SL Enquirer readers about your experience.  So, tell me, Corvus, how did you get started as a musician, and when?

(Raven Roxley) ℭorvus  ℬlessed (revan.cham) (CB):     Shocking as it may seem, I started as a 5 year old kid in a kitchen singing with my sis while doing chores. She was always looking to improve her singing so we would duet some of our favorite r&b songs from time to time.

JB:     So tell us please. Where are you from and how did you discover and get involved in the SecondLife music scene?

CB:     So, Originally, I'm from Burbank California, but Currently reside in Baltimore, MD. I discovered Second life's music scene when I learned there were djs in world and so right around that time about 10 years ago DJ Judge was born haha. When it came to singing it was when I found out about Karaoke I absolutely loved it My favorite place to go for a while was The O Lounge. Then after a 3-year hiatus from SL, I went to Robintune Karaoke and Adagio Karaoke as my staples.

JB:     What was the inspiration for the songs you performed at the contest, and why did you choose those particular pieces?

CB:     So, the song I decided to perform was ghostbusters If I remember correctly and I chose; 1 because I don't know very many classic 80s tunes; and 2 It was one of my favorite movies growing up in the 90s

JB:     What is your preferred musical genre’ and what type of guest would most enjoy your sets?

CB:     Country, Definitely Country, it’s the one I started with and then I slowly branched out to blues, then alternative, then classic rock. I'd say people who are fans of country would most enjoy my sets because country is still one of the main genres I perform.

JB:     To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How would you describe the brand that you now represent, and how do you define your music style?

CB:     I suppose for me the special thing I bring to the table about my performances would be how approachable I am. I Love singing and that's really all I'm here to do if I can chill and make friends along the way I welcome it. I've always submitted to a more chill and lounge style of music because when you listen to music it’s all about de-stressing. You shouldn't have to worry about something while you're listening to good music.

JB:     You sound like a professional. Do you perform in RL as well, or are you exclusively entertaining the SL community?

CB:     Right now, I'm only singing in SL. However, my father in real life has expressed that he would like me to perform at some Texas venues that he performed at in his youth. So, yeah, If in the next months or years you find yourself in Corpus Christi or Converse or even Houston Look me up.

JB:     Who do you look up to in the music world, and who has been your inspiration for this venture?

CB:     Both, are my father. My dad has been a musician longer than I've been alive and that's a long damn time almost 40 years. He plays the guitar he plays piano and he learned how to do this around my age and its funny because I'm learning the same instruments that he learned when he was my age. But my dad, even though he hasn't always been present, even though he and my mother didn't work out, he's always been someone I look up to because against all odds he did something incredible - some would say Impossible. He made a career out of music.

JB:     Do you post your schedule of events, and how might someone interested in hearing you learn where you are performing next?

CB:     So yes, I do have a google calendar and have been thinking about importing to my facebook page. However, I haven't quite learned that system.  Soon they'll be able to just look at my fan page and find my schedule. But for now, they can just go to my linktree. Which I'm guessing segways into the next question.

JB:     Do you have any Social Media Sites you would care to share?  FaceBook, TicTok, Discord, Websites, etc?

CB:     Yes so as I said before. My linktree has all of the relevant information on me, where I'm performing and which large events I'm doing. Including my soundcloud as well as my flickr.

You can find all that at this link right here http://linktr.ee/CorvusBlessedSL

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to say to our SL enquirer readers?

CB:     I never thought I'd be a singer on Second Life. I never thought I'd be a singer period. It took the encouragement of one person in my life to make me take the leap. And that was my mom, Wicked. So, if you're on the fence. Let me encourage you. You don't have some fancy-pants singer with a voice like Cheryl Crow or Josh Groban. All you have to do is take the leap. It may start out slow at first and honestly discouraging after your first show. My first show literally had no one in the crowd, absolutely no one. But don't let that stop you. Here I am a year later I just completed the viral voice season 6 as the 2nd runner-up and even with asthma that has plagued for my entire life I'm still pushing forward. That's all you have to do is Push FORWARD.

So, there you have it, Folks.   This is one vocalist you are sure to hear a lot from in the coming months, and you read it here first, Folks.  I urge you to check out his Linktree link above and find out his next performance.  And make it a point to attend.  I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed.  And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

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LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR BRAVO to Danity, Jenny, Laycie, Lorez, Peki and Aoife!

The LOOK of the YEAR jury has chosen the ultimate group of semi-finalists for the 2025 edition. Congratulations to Danity Mynx, Jenny Starling, Laycie Pearl, Lorez Aichi, Peki Baxton, and Aoife!

These five women and one man make up the fourth and final selection of semi-finalists for the LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR competition. The die is now cast! We have 24 semi-finalists, from whom our jury will elect 12 finalists, again based on the submitted photos. 

As a reminder, LUXE Paris is looking for an ambassador, a woman or man of style who will represent the brand with elegance, originality, and charisma.

The Grand Finale 

The twelve elected finalists will have to participate in two challenges: the Judges' Brunch, during which they will have to give a short speech explaining why they would make good ambassadors, and the grand finale fashion show for which they will have to create a LUXE Paris look on one of the two imposed themes: Parisian Nights or Parisian Icons Reimagined.

The Judges' Brunch will be a private event, but the Grand Finale runway show on July 27 at 9 AM SLT will be open to the public. A teleport installed at the main store will transport you there.

You can follow all the stages of the final here in the SL Enquirer, in the Spanish magazine Confidencial, and on the LUXE Paris website at

 LUXE Paris Fashion House

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EROTIQUE BURLESQUE: Friday June 13th Event

 

EROTIQUE BURLESQUE: A trip around the world is like unwrapping a giant, exciting gift of new cultures, flavors, and adventures! Friday JUNE 13/2025 @ 7:15pm slt. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/French%20Soleil/117/135/28

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Opening of the art installation by CK (Ceakay Ballyhoo) MONTH OF JUNE

 . 

A landscape made out of coffee textures* is the background for songs, poems and SL stories that have had an impact on CK. 

In the middle of the installation is a big stage where DJ Riff will feast our ears with tunes you might know and tunes you are happy to be introduced to. It will be a unique experience!

*the textures have been made by plain coffee, dried/thick coffee sludge and coffee grounds. Sometimes a little watercolour paint is added to the plain coffee for a bit more variation.

The installation will exist for the month of June only. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Terrapin/136/22/27

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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MASQUE KOHIME - Saturday, June 7th, 6 pm SLT

On Saturday, June 7th at 6 pm SLT, our community will come together to celebrate the life of and comfort one another in the untimely passing of Masque Kohime, a beloved DJ and personality in Second Life.

We will join together in music and love to commemorate the life of a man who touched so many in his presence and who has stirred such vast emotions in his absence.

Though his Earthly presence will no longer be felt, his spirit will live within each of us who knew him evermore.  

If you knew Masque and would like to speak at his memorial this Saturday, please message, ღ亗Dяєѕι ℓιgαтι亗ღ (dresella.joubert).  Please follow it with a notecard, in case messages get capped.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Solstice%20Isle/32/215/1502

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SPOTLIGHT ON THEMMAC- Multi Media Arts Center - Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

The MMAC aka Multi Media Arts Center, was established in 2007 and has continued to entertain the Second Life community with live music, nightclubs, gallery events, Cinema, Comedy, Film, poetry, and much more! The man behind this very successful and staple of SL Entertainment is none other than Dash Renoir. His presence in Second Life over the past 18 years is impressive, to say the least. He is a bona fide virtual world renaissance man. I met up with Dash to get an update on TheMMAC and see what's new.

Interview with Dash Renoir

Lanai: Hi Dash, it is a pleasure to sit with you. For nearly two

decades, you have contributed so much to the entertainment community in

Second Life.  Can you share with our readers how you discovered Second

Life and what inspired The MMAC?

Dash: Summer 2006 I heard stories on NPR's "Marketplace" and on MSNBC

about Second Life. Spent a couple weeks exploring, checking out live

events, clubs and corporate sites with a forgotten avi. Rejoined as Dash

Renoir in January 2007 to showcase my band "Suburban Dog". Spent late

nights in sandboxes learning to build, in particular modeling the RL

theater space I purchased to open the Multi Media Arts Center, New

Jersey USA, in 2008. TheMMAC in SL was build as an extension of TheMMAC

1st Life. ( www.TheMMAC.com )

Lanai: The Multi Media Arts Center can only be described as an

all-in-one place where all sorts of entertainment happen. Just like it

takes a village to raise a child, it has to take an extraordinary team

to keep The MMAC continuous for so many years. Who makes up TheMMAC team?

Dash: LOL just me. All me.  All depending on my RL workload.  To

clarify, 2008-2012 activities were driven by RL MMAC. After its closing

2012-2014 were probably the busiest for in world-originated stuff.  But

busy RL film production work limited my time to just doing late night DJ

sets "Funk Fridays" and "Slow Jams For A Saturday Night" to keep tier

and memberships paid through the decade. Following a major hack in the summer

Of 2024, where my build was wiped/sold, lindens stolen, etc, along with a

slow down in RL work I am spending time to rebuild, revive, restore ...

reboot TheMMAC!

Lanai: That’s Impressive. I can’t even imagine how busy you are doing this alone! I’m sorry to hear that happened but I am glad to see your resilience and rebuilding this iconic SL landmark. Can you share a little bit about each venue that is part of TheMMAC?

Dash:  Briefly...

Performance spaces ..

WORLD STAGE:  a Concert Theater built over the corner of 4 Sims,

Originally, the extension of TheMMAC RL stages

CABARET CARLOTTA:  more intimate Showcase Stage

THE JAZZ LINK:  Lounge

OPEN AIR THEATRE:  Amphitheater

THE COMEDY LINK:  Laugh Club

Moving Images ..

THE FILM LINK CINEMA  & FLY-IN DRIVE-IN MOVIES  :  Short Films, Videos,

Animation, Machinima, etc. On Demand

Visual Arts ..

MMAC GALLERY  &  TERRACE SCULPTURE GARDEN

UNDERGROUND Disco

TOP OF TheMMAC Penthouse Ballroom: for milestone events

Lanai: You have a lot going on!  Between Funk Fridays and Slow Jams at Nightclub events, Gallery showcases, The Comedy Link, Monthly Midweek Movie Mingle, The Film Link, Poetry, radio, and more, what is your favorite form of entertainment that you host in Second Life and why?  

Dash: Live entertainment, probably. I'm an impresario by temperament, I

enjoy putting talent/performers together with an attentive audience.

Lanai:  I can relate. There is something magical about bringing people together with creativity and media. Are you currently hiring for positions within The MMAC? If so, which positions are available, and how can one apply?

Dash:  I have not hired anyone yet... probably should ... in particular

maybe promoters or subcontractors to help maximize the utilization of

the spaces.

Lanai: Make sure you send me a press release when you are ready to hire. I’m sure some people would love to be a part of all the events TheMMAC has to offer. So, what group can residents join to keep up with all the actions at

TheMMAC?

Dash:

"MMAC Guests" is the open group, kiosk in lobby.

"MMAC Patrons" is the invitation only/largest group

"MMAC Members" is the feed premium group with perks

Lanai: Do you have a calendar of events? If so, can you drop the link?

Dash:  https://themmacsl.com/events.html

Lanai: This year you celebrated 18th years in Second Life with the 

 FETE event. Can you tell our readers about that?

Dash:  It was a very successful event, well supported by performers and

patrons, which ran one day, Sunday, April 6th, celebrating the April 7th

2007 opening of TheMMAC inSL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm9knW10N0Y

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jiKH65p7/

Lanai: What events do you have coming up, and do you have anything new in

the works that you’d like to share exclusively with The SL Enquirer?

Dash: Nothing of note at this time... plans in the works for a 'paid' concert series and more comedy events.

Additional Information

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Somerset/216/216/66

Website: https://www.TheMMACsl.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMMACsl

https://www.facebook.com/dash.renoir/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMMACsl

MMACradio Network: https://www.MMACradio.net

Other:

Preferred contact: Dash Renoir

info@TheMMACsl.com

Director@TheMMACsl.com

Multi Media Arts Center in Second Life

www.TheMMACsl.com

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Blimp and Helicopter Tours of Sci-Fi Con 17 to be offered by Black Purrl Airlines and Travel & Adventure

 

The 17th Annual Second Life Science Fiction Convention will be taking place from Friday, May 23 through Wednesday, June 4, 2025.  The convention is a fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation which funds research for Parkinson's disease.  

Sci-FI Con 17 will take place on a mini-continent made of nine interconnected sims and will have a number of interesting events and things to see and do.  The convention also features some must-see builds. 

 In order to help people see some of the amazing things at Sci-Fi Con 17, Black Purrl Airlines and the Travel & Adventure group will be offering fun blimp and helicopter rides over the regions to give them a bird's eye view of the fascinating architecture and displays.  So be sure to check out Sci-Fi Con 17 and stop by the Blimp and Helicopter tour location at Obliviax (35, 179, 24) to take a fun and relaxing flight over the amazing sights. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Obliviax/35/179/24

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Honoring the Mission: How to Truly Support Veterans and Service Members Beyond Memorial Day- Hannah SImpson reporting...

Image via Pexels

Each year, Memorial Day invites reflection, gratitude, and mourning for the fallen heroes of the United States military. While the barbecues, parades, and flag-lined streets are all part of a long-standing tradition, what truly honors the legacy of the fallen—and the resilience of the living—is a deeper, more sustained commitment. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families carry burdens long after the uniform comes off or deployment ends. If you're looking to do more than just say “thank you for your service,” there are practical, lasting ways to support those who’ve sacrificed so much. Whether you’re an employer, neighbor, donor, or just someone who cares, your actions can become the bridge between ceremonial appreciation and real-world impact.

Start-Up Support: Helping Veterans Launch Their Own Businesses

For many veterans, returning to civilian life can feel like being dropped into unfamiliar terrain. Entrepreneurship offers a way to regain agency, channel discipline, and carve out a new mission. If you know a veteran with a good idea, help them sketch out a business plan, connect with mentors, or identify funding opportunities like grants from the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. You can even introduce them to local incubators or co-working spaces that offer veteran-focused resources. Veterans bring leadership, adaptability, and resilience to the table—exactly the traits startups need to survive and thrive.

Degrees That Open Doors: Helping Veterans Join College and Career Programs

Higher education offers veterans a clear path toward career advancement, especially when tailored to their new civilian goals. You can help by researching military-friendly colleges, assisting with FAFSA or GI Bill paperwork, and even connecting them with veteran liaisons at local campuses. Online degree programs offer flexible scheduling that respects family and work commitments while delivering accredited education. This could be useful for veterans balancing transition with continued employment. Earning an IT degree with a focus on cybersecurity, for example, allows veterans to use their existing operational mindset to learn about protecting computers and network systems—a growing field with high demand and purpose.

Employment Pipelines: Opening Doors to Fulfilling Jobs

Veterans often leave service with a skillset that’s both broad and specific—logistics, tech, medical training—but struggle to translate it into civilian job listings. As someone who wants to help, consider referring a veteran to job boards that cater to former service members like Hire Heroes USA or RecruitMilitary. If you're a hiring manager, reevaluate your job descriptions to make them more inclusive of military experience. Sometimes, all it takes is a referral or internal recommendation to make a difference. Better yet, offer resume assistance or mock interviews to help veterans present their experience in language employers understand.

Skills That Stick: Helping Vets Improve Their Civilian Toolkit

Transitioning from the military doesn’t mean leaving growth behind—it means learning how to grow differently. Encourage or sponsor veterans to join skill-building workshops in areas like coding, digital marketing, or advanced manufacturing. Programs such as Microsoft’s Software and Systems Academy are out there, but awareness is often low. If you’ve benefited from a particular course or platform, recommend it and help them navigate the application process. Lifelong learning is not just a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

Homes with Dignity: Modifying or Finding Veteran-Friendly Housing

A stable home can be the anchor a veteran needs, especially for those facing physical injuries or PTSD. Volunteer your time or resources with organizations like Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build, or Homes For Our Troops, which specializes in adaptive housing. Even something as simple as helping with yard work, minor home repairs, or transportation can dramatically reduce the burden on families. And if you work in real estate, educate yourself on VA loans and homebuyer benefits to better guide veteran clients. A home isn’t just a shelter—it’s a symbol of stability and control.

Canine Companions: Guiding Veterans to Service Dogs

Service dogs are more than pets; they’re trained professionals who can detect oncoming panic attacks, retrieve medication, and bring grounding support. But the process to get one is often long and expensive. You can assist by donating to nonprofits like K9s for Warriors or volunteering at service dog training facilities. If a veteran in your life is struggling with mobility or mental health challenges, suggest this option and offer to help with the application or waitlist navigation. For many, a service dog becomes an irreplaceable part of their recovery and reintegration.

Connections That Count: Bridging the Distance for Active-Duty Loved Ones

Deployments can leave families fractured by distance and uncertainty. You can help by sending care packages through programs like Operation Gratitude or organizing video call events for military families. If a neighbor has a spouse overseas, offer babysitting, meal prep, or just a listening ear. These small acts reinforce community and offer real relief to those carrying both emotional and logistical weight. Connection isn’t just about proximity—it’s about presence.

Body and Mind: Navigating Medical and Counseling Access

Accessing VA healthcare can be complex, especially for those who’ve relocated or recently left the service. Offer to help schedule appointments, navigate benefits portals, or simply be present during difficult checkups. Additionally, nonprofits like Give an Hour or the Cohen Veterans Network provide mental health care specifically for veterans and their families. If someone you know is resistant, gently share stories or testimonials that might lower their guard. Mental health is personal, but no one should have to battle trauma alone.

It’s easy to wave flags and post hashtags once a year. It’s harder—and far more meaningful—to integrate veteran support into your daily life. The needs of veterans and active-duty service members don’t fade when the parades end. They’re ongoing, diverse, and human. By committing to small but intentional acts of support, you become part of the solution—and honor the spirit of Memorial Day not with gestures, but with action.

Discover the latest insights and stories in the virtual world by visiting the SL Enquirer today!

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