Saturday, December 31, 2016

More New Year's Eve Parties


New Years Eve Rocket Launching Party!

Join the International Spaceflight Museum to welcome in the New Year with a bang! 
Time:  The model rocket launch is at 0000 hours GMT (4:00 pm SLT/Pacific Time) Saturday, Dec 31, but we will gather 30-60 minutes early to set up and start the festivities. 
Place:  Between the landing point and the ISM Planetarium, on the seashore, at about (20, 67, 22).
Music courtesy of Ari Vita.
Goodie bags, free food & drinks, and fun for all!  Please join us.
Happy New Year from all of us at ISM!!

International Spaceflight Museum, Spaceport Alpha (50, 79, 24)

*  *  *  *  *

Ring in 2017 at Second Life's Longest Running New Years Eve Tradition
~ T1Radio's 12th Rockin' New Years Eve ~

     Dec 31, 2016     7pm until...
Ball Drop Countdowns From Atlantic to Pacific
Fireworks Party Favors and More
Music by T1's Trader, Nuala and Friends
Arinultra Pier
Formal Attire Preferred

T1Radio's LEGENDS Classic Rock Club (Established 2005), Arinultra Cay (198, 41, 27)

*  *  *  *  *

Furry Fashion Lounge's New Years Eve -

DJ: Moff (MoffettMephit), Host Len and Em

9-12PM

Furry (159, 200, 113)

SL Video: "Second Life's North Pole Sleigh Ride Adventure"




(Click here if the video fails to play)

By Eddi Haskel on Dec 2011, "The North Pole Sleigh Ride Adventure is a destination in the virtual world of Second Life."

Friday, December 30, 2016

Volunteers of The Year



Second Life had it's share of movers and shakers in 2016. A number of people made headline news in the past year, many for the better, a few for the worst, and some quietly working behind the scenes. For a century, the American Cancer Society has worked to combat the disease of cancer. It's most successful and signature fundraiser is the Relay for Life. A community-based charity, soon after Second Life came to be the Relay came here, and grew. Today, the Relay for Life of Second Life ranks as the Relay's 19th largest team worldwide.

From March to August every year, with spinnoff events in the Fall and winter, the Relayers hold events to raise money to fund research to help find treatments and cures for cancer. While the disease is serious, the Relayers make the events a social occasion and have fun doing it. In a little over a decade, it has raised over a million dollars.

As mentioned before, this is one of the largest Relay groups worldwide. With people across many regions and communities, across Second Life of all kinds of avatars, and across nationalities and languages. The high point of the Relay season, the Relay Weekend, which has hundreds of avatars walking around a forty-plus sim track with exhibits around it, is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, yearly event in Second Life. Among the people whom are a part of it are the neighbors of the Second Life Newser, the Sunweavers, who take part through it's own  team, the Sunbeamers.

Not everything about the Relay has been happy. As the group's numbers include people with cancer and family history's of, inevitably some people every year pass away from the disease. This year, they included Catt Gable, Zaphara Cazalet, and Shady Fox. Nikoli Redmayne, whom was aboard an airline with a bomb, met his end at the hands of a different enemy. With occasional charlatans making news with fake charities, some people have come to mistrust every single one, even one with a good record such as the Relay. And in an era of fake news, there are the occasional charges of global conspiracies. But despite the setbacks, the Relay continues on, helping to fund treatments and cures, and bringing closer the day all cancers have safe and economical cures.

For it's continued successes in aiding real-life medicine, and for involving many hundreds of Second Life residents. the Second Life Newser has named the Relay for Life in Second Life as Second Life's Persons of the Year in 2016. In a year that in real life has been the end of the lives of so many public personalities, it is appropriate the title goes to a group of people helping to save lives.

Honorable mentions recommended to the Newser by it's readers are Sue Peregrine for her continued work in keeping the d'Alliez community together, Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith for their continued work in maintaining the Calas Galadhon Park sims, JP Laszlo the former leader of the Trump Organization in Second Life for the attention (and controversy) he brought Second Life to those outside it, and Dane Zander for Linden Labs bringing back his Lost Gardens of Apollo after years in the virtual nether. Others whom deserve an honorable mention include the late Ladyslipper Constantine, whose volunteering for many events in Second Life sadly came to an end with her passing this year, the Insilico roleplay community for surviving setbacks that almost meant their demise and ending the year safe and sound (and the person or persons who are providing the money), and the Linden Moles for their continued work in Second Life, such as the Horizons homes and sims and bringing back Mont Saint Michel and the Lost Gardens of Apollo to the grid after having vanished.

Annoucement: Party Hearty at the Sunweaver's Goblin Cave New Years Eve



You're invited to party in the New Year at the Goblin Cave Saturday 8PM SLT to...whenever. There will be 3 levels of dancing, games, and chatting in a Jacuzzi. Games include Slopoly (SL version of Monopoly), Cards Against Humanity and a playable pool table. Music will be provided by Farshore Radio with some live play. For a more lonely spot with your partner climb up in the fairy mountain where several comfortable places from mats to a pool are for your use.

Pacific Waters (185, 178, 31)

This And That: WoT's "Tankmas" and Swedish Tanks, War Thunder's Official Release, Rust Junks XP System, WarFrame, and Astroneer


So what has yours truly and his Second Life neighbors been playing when not in Second Life? A few things. There's been a few developments in a few of the MMO games we've been playing, World of Tanks, War Thunder, and Rust. There's also a couple we've recently started playing: Warframe and Astroneer.

Read more in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.

A Look at Lorena Chung Estates



I recently decided to take a look at the Lorena Chung Estate sim. For those who don't know, the location is a subsidiary of Anshe Chung Sims. Anshe Chung is considered to be the first person to make over a million dollars through any virtual world, and Anshe Chung Studios, Ltd has been incorporated in real life in China. To this day, she continues to offer land to those looking for a home in Second Life for economical prices, offering starter land for as low as 29L a day.*


The Lorena Chung Estate's history dates back to Second Life's first and most successful estate Dreamland, est. 2004. Today you can find many different types of residential, commercial and unzoned land parcels in this sim and whole sim rentals. As in all Anshe Chung Sims estates you receive 24/7 live support, free access to all items of the Anshe Chung Content Library and full access to our community facilities.


 Looking around, much of the place was done with a Japanese style in mind. The center island had a dragon winding around it. I found a bird hunt and fishing game. There was also a small crowd gathered in front of a safe game, which reset to a new letter every five minutes. one could also pick up a folder with a few sports cars and monster trucks at (127,230, 24).

To check things for yourself, and possible get a home for yourself, head to:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lorena%20Chung%20Estates/128/41/23

*promotional price, some restrictions may apply

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Press Release: Bay City New Year's Prim Drop


THE "PRIM DROP" IS UPON US

Bay City's New Year's event set for 31st December

BAY CITY, SL (26th December, 2015) - Citizens of Bay City, Second Life's® city by the bay, will be marking the end of the year in fine fashion, attending the annual "Prim Drop" in the Bay city Fairgrounds in North Channel on the evening of the 31st of December. The party will include an hour-long set of DJed tunes presented by Marianne McCann, as well as fireworks and other festive fun. Food and drink will also be provided for all attendees.

The event is presented as an outdoor, high-class, wintertime soirée, and black tie attire and/or full dress is requested. All Second Life® Residents are welcome to attend and ring in the New Year with the Bay City community.

This will also be the last event within Bay City this year for donating to Child's Play Charity (www.childsplaycharity.org) .  Child's Play is a 501c3 non profit organization offers online communities such as ours an opportunity to help seriously ill children around the globe during their hospital stays with the purchase of games and gaming equipment.

As of the 24th of December, Bay City has raised L$151,408 for Child's Play Charity through their annual silent auction and tree lighting concert, as well as other local events.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest group for Residents of Bay City.

For more information,  please contact Marianne McCann.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Cartoon of the Day: Snow Job



From the Cutlass Christmas party. Cynthia Farshore had arranged for this little decoration.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Marianne McCann


Deaflegacy recently interviewed Marianne McCann. Best known for helping to organize the activities in Bay City, Marianne has also been involved in major events across the grid such as the Second Life Birthday and Burn2. Deaflegacy had a number of questions for the noted child avatar.

Read Deaflegacy's interview in People.

Adventures in Tyria, A Look at Guild Wars 2 And Legendary Weapons


Besides Second Life, Grease Coakes has also been spending some time in Guild Wars 2. This MMO game has gotten some attention over time, such as the creativity involved with it's races including one of plant people. Grease has gotten quite good at the game, proud of his "Cat Mage" character. Lately he's made an accomplishment that he's made him a little more proud, acquiring Rodgort the Legendary Torch. So what's Rodgort and how does one go about getting a legendary wepaon? Grease had a few things to say.

Read Grease's story in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.

Players in Star Wars MMO Hold Tributes to Carrie Fisher



Yesterday on December 27, Carrie Fisher, the actress whom played the role of Princess Leia in "Star Wars," passed away after having suffered a heart attack. Facebook and Twitter were full of messages of condolences. But there were also other places online people expressed their sadness. In the multiplayer online game "Star Wars: The Old Republic," players have been gathering to hold vigils in honor of her at the planet Alderaan. This includes Castle Organa.


(click here if the video fails to play)

"We stood together, Imperial and Republic alike, despite the champion NPCs present and attacking when one of us got too close, as you'll see in the video. A friend told me that earlier people had come in large groups and stood there for a long time then broke away. Moments such as these should forever stand as testament to our respect and adoration of Carrie Fisher,"

First hitting the theaters in 1977, "Star Wars" has had an appeal that has remained strong for almost 40 years, crossing generations, nationalities and political ideologies alike. As this actress of a key role in the story has passed on, the fans are remembering her.

Sources: Imgur,

Bixyl Shuftan

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs


It's time to say goodbye to 2016, and welcome in a new year, and the Sunweaver and Angel clubs and the Furry Fashion Lounge have the events to do it.

Club Cutlass: Best in "W," New Year's, Closed

Happy Vixen: Trucking, Foxes, The Old West, Rockin' New Year, TBA

The Gathering Oak: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Pirates, Sweets, Presents, Tooth and Claw, 7 Deadly Sins, CAYA, New Year's Eve, 1917, Disney

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Updated 6PM SL time

“Apocalypse Canceled," Insilico Roleplay Sims Saved By Last-Minute


Good news for fans of the sci-fi Insilico roleplay area. The sims have been saved, and it appears money is no longer an issue, at least for the forseeable future.

The region and roleplay community, founded in 2008, has had a rough year, with the sims being taken offline after it's owner, Skills Hak, was banned from Second Life. But thanks to some negotiations behind the scenes, Linden Lab was willing to transfer the sims to administrator Abeus Madruga. But unfortunately it was proving more and more difficult for the community to keep their sims financed. And it October, it was announced that the region would soon be closing. As time went on, the roleplay began to prepare for the end, but still hoping for a last-minute reprieve.

And in what can only be called a Second Life Christmas miracle, one arrived. Abeus wrote the following in the community blog:

I had planned to make this announcement through some rousing “Apocalypse Canceled” type of post, but that would certainly be anticlimactic at this point.  Anyhoo, yeah…SURPRISE and Merry Giftmas! INSILICO is here to stay (again)! It just took a while to get all these ducks lined up. Suffice to say though, it’s pretty much official. We live on.  

So what does this mean to you, as players? Well, it simply means that you and your characters get to live on too! This world won’t be ripped out from under your feet, and there won’t be any major shakeups/downs/outs. The Southeast AI arc was put in place as a potential catalyst for the city’s evacuation if it came to that, however we also intentionally left it open ended. It will now continue on however it naturally will ...

Although Abeus didn't mention all the details, what he stated next means it looks like whoever sent the cash will be continuing to do so, and enough so they they don't have to worry about raising money.

The biggest change coming through is that we can now strive be nearly 100% RP focused. Without the need to continually generate revenue from rentals/sales/donations, we have been freed to divert our energies into more important things. Traditional rentals will be replaced with residential/RP locations made available to active players...BUT more on that later as we actually work out those details.

For the players of Insilico, this is certainly good news. Exactly the nature of the help was speculated about by Hamlet Au, who thought it could have been someone donating the cash no questions asked, or possibly an investor hoping to get money from the roleplayers through playing fees.

While the last word has yet to be revealed, it looks like this noted roleplay and region, once considered among the top ten places in Second Life to photograph, will be sticking around for it's tenth year. And for those keeping up with gridwide news, it looks like 2016 will be ending on a high note.

Hat Tip: New World Notes.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Week At The Seanchai Libraries


"We bring stories of all kinds to life, in VIRTUAL WORLDS."

--------->> COMING THIS WEEK:
All stories told in open voice. All times SL/PT


**MONDAY, December 26th, at 7 pm:  Elleston Trevor's FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX  continues with Gyro Muggins

**TUESDAY, December 27th, at 7 pm:   Cressida Cowell's HOW TO TRIN YOUR DRAGON #3: HOW TO SPEAK DRAGONESE begins with Caledonia Skytower

**WEDNESDAY, December 28th at 7 pm :  FAERIE & GINA TAKE OFF!  Stories for the season to uplift you with Faerie

Maven-Pralou & Gina Pralou-Maven
  
**THURSDAY, December 29th:
   ~ at 7pm: TOTAL RECALL. Shandon Loring with Philip K. Dick's "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale"
   ~ at 9pm: SEANCHAI LATE NIGHT Finn Zeddmore shares some more great contemporary Sci-Fi

**FRIDAY, December 30th at 3pm: NEW YEAR'S ON Maeve Binchy's CHESTNUT STREET. Caledonia with "a Cure for Sleeplessness" and "One Night a Year."

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BRIGHT NEW YEAR WISHES TO ALL!
from Seanchai Library

-----------

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/100/209/28

www.seanchailibrary.com

"Like" and "Friend" us on facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/SeanchaiLib
You can also find us in Google+

Monday, December 26, 2016

A Cry For Help From Venezuela


A year ago, the Newser interviewed Alejandra Jumanya, also known inworld as Miss W. A skilled content creator with a line of women's fashion, she had also attracted attention as her Second Life income had increasingly been making a difference in her real life as in her home country of Venezuela the economy was deteriorating. A couple nights ago, we once again spoke with her. The situation of her and her daughter had gone from bad to worse and was in need of help.

Read more in People.

Scenes From The "Jolly Holiday Crawl" And The Linden Snowball Fight


A week ago, on Monday December 19, the "Jolly Holiday Crawl" took place across several locations across Second Life. Organized by Linden Lab, the venue crawl turned out to be a hit with the residents. But one could do more than just talk to the Lindens. At the "Snowball Showdown," better known to the residents as the Linden Snowball Fight, the frozen missiles flew.

Read the story in Events.

SL Video: "Second Life Christmas Video 2016"




(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Suzi Anderton on December 14, filmed at Aero Pines Park and Telrunya Winter sim, "Thank you to Filipa Thespian for allowing us to rez on her beautiful winter sim and ღ .Ɲєssα Ƭєlrúηүα. ღ (noralie78) for allowing InWorld Films to film her sensational winter sim. You girls rock."

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas



Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the staff of the Second Life Newser

Cartoon of the Day: Have Yourself A Batty Little Christmas



Taken at Ranchan Weidman's Moon Base in HV Community. Looks like this bat is doing tree duty. And don't worry, he's not sitting where it looks like.

By Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Second Life "Mega" Feliz Natal 2016 - Brasil 2016"




(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Megagay Beck on December 2, "Move by Mega Show, Second Life Brasil, A Merry Christmas to all of you, my beloved friends, and may the New Year arrive bringing many happiness and accomplishments for all of us. Happy Holidays!"

Twelve Day of Christmas Second Life Style


On the 12th day of Christmas, Linden Labs gave to me,

12 times a-crashing!
11 missing meshes,
10 graphic glitches
9 thousand lost lindens,
8 login errors,
7 hard crashes,
6 corrupted scripts,
Fiveeeee rolling restarts,
4 folders missing,
3 broken land marks,
2 broken bundles
and the main SL Grid going down!!!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

From Barbie Alchemi

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Christmas at Devon Dream


The Newser has covered a number of places given a winter look for Christmas. Among them is Devon Dream, owned by Safra Nitely. Bixyl Shuftan took a look around, and found a number of sights and a few activities.

Read the story in Places.

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way - Chapter Five"


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments. Here, Tantari concludes her guide with some ways seasoned DJs can improve, and some closing thoughts.

Read the seventh, and final, part of Tantari's guide in Extra

SL Video: "The Spirit of Christmas - Second Life, Christmas 2016" (Dr. Who)




(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Kat Kassner Television on November 20, A Dr. Who-themed Christmas story, "Due to a lack of maintenance, The Judge must finally repair his TARDIS before it dies. Only the Spirit of Christmas can save the day. My video for Christmas 2016 in Second Life."

Friday, December 23, 2016

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way - Chapter Four"


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments. Here, Tantari goes into details beyond the mechanics and becoming a full time DJ in Second Life.

Read the sixth part of Tantari's guide in Extra

Santa is Missing: Part 2


In the second part of Mylie Foxclaw's Christmas tale, she is continuing to search for the missing Santa Claus. Finding little sign of his whereabouts, she decides a change of tactics is in order to learn more. Eventually, she gets a lucky break.

Read the rest of the story in Extra.

Calas at Christmas


Gemma's explorations of Christmas-themed areas took her to one she has always enjoyed visiting in the winter: Calas. Owned and designed by Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith, the place is always different every winter with new things to see. So what was there this Christmas?

Read Gemma's story in Places

Announcement: SonicBlu Darkfold's Marketplace Shop


SonicBlu Darkfold, noted for his "Time Machine" radio performances inworld and his work on the "Pawpets" show outside Second Life, has been selling a few goods in Second Life Marketplace. Many of the items are just a few Lindens, such as the t-shirts. Others cost a little more, such as his record players which have various recordings such as his "Welcome to McDonalds," a parody of "Welcome to the Jungle." Some items such as an "applause" box and "exit" sign are meant for clubs and hangouts.

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/38417

Announcement:Club United's Christmas and New Year's Party


IT'S A PARTY! And YOU are invited!

Please join us at Club United on Wednesday December 28th, from 5 to 9 pm SLT, for the first annual Christian Christmas Party. Everyone is welcome whether you are a member of one of the sponsoring groups or not.

Theme is "Red & Green".
There will be contests every hour.

Formal attire preferred but not required.

Get ready to have some fun, meet new people, and generally have a great time!

And maybe have a surprise or 2. :)

PS: Club United is located on the G-rated Eternal Life sim. Please dress appropriately. Thanks!

Eternal Life (122, 225, 1001)

"One the  friendliest clubs in Second Life, well established, and sponsored by Full Vision Ministries in Myrtle Beach SC. This is Christmas party with different Christian groups coming together. but you don't have to be a Christian to join the party, just be respectful of Christian beliefs."

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Benefit At Veterans Isle Raises Over 120,000 Lindens



On Sunday December 18 at 4PM SL time, Veterans Isle held it's monthly benefit for the Homes For Our Troops Charity. Waya Snowpaw started things off with a DJ session. Franklee Anatra played from 5 to 6 PM. DirtyDee Sweetwater had the stage from 6-7 PM. Frets Nirvana, who helped organize the event, performed for the crowd from 7-8. The last hour was covered by Hogan Baily and his three dancing girls.

People in the crowd either stood or danced as they enjoyed the music, donating cash to two home-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. Frets would occasionally add a little of his own after certain levels had been reached. 70,000 Lindens had been raised by the end of his hour, and he rose it to 75K. "Your wife is going to take your credit card, Frets," someone mused.

By 8:45, the total had grown to 91,355 Lindens. Finally at a new minutes to 9PM SL time, the 100,000 mark had been crossed. Then someone or a few someones added more, bringing the total to 125,645 Linden dollars, over $500 USD.

Talking to Frets after the event, he was happy but tired, "Yeah ... (laughter) ...I am worn out again ! But ....yeah ...looks like with our effort for HFOT. So far over $11500 for HFOT this year ...and the totals are not in for December." Frets still had one more charity event later, probably at Club Vet.

The benefits take place every month at Veterans Isle, with GJackie Winkler helping to host the events. Usually they take place on the last Sunday of the month, but as Christmas falls on a Sunday this month, it was moved up a week. The next event should be on January 29, 2017. More information on Homes For Our Troops can be read at https://www.hfotusa.org.

And with a successful year behind them, Veterans Isle and Frets Nirvana can have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Bixyl Shuftan

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way - Chapter Three"


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments.

Read the fifth part of Tantari's guide in Extra

Still Asking For Suggestions For "Man (or Woman) of The Year"


Earlier this month, the Second Life Newser announced that we would be giving someone (or perhaps a group of someones) the title of "Man of the Year." While we've gotten a few suggestions, we could still use more, and are open as to whom should get the title of whom made the most impact on Second Life's headline news this year.

So please give us your ideas. Who should be our "Man (or Woman) of the Year?"

Angels Calendar For 2017 Now On Sale


To help keep the rentals of the sims under her direction a little lower, Nydia Tungsten has published the Angels Calendar every year for several years. The calendar for 2017 has just been released. Each month features a girl in a pose.

The calendar will eventually be available at the Sunweaver Mall, but can currently be found at the Happy Vixen beach club at Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24) . 

SL Video: "Christmas In Second Life - The Struggle Is Real! "




(Click here to see the video)

By Caitlin Tobias on December 11

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way - Chapter Two Part Two"


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments.

Read the fourth part of Tantari's guide in Extra

Cartoon of the Day




Taken at Roma's festival last weekend. Looks like this dragon is having one of those days.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Rebel Yell Concerts And The Linden Chalet


Gemma Cleanslate's travels across winter areas recently took her to two certain areas. One was Rebel Yell Concerts, which she called "jam packed with beautiful scenery, activities, and venues to check out." The other was the Linden Chalet, which offered some great skiing.

Read Gemma's story in Places.

Ten Years Later



It was a few days and ten years ago that yours truly first came to Second Life. Ten years ... that's a total of 3653 days, and a lot of people and places seen. But all of that lay in the future when I first came to this virtual world. With only a few screenshots and a few paragraphs of description from a friend, I made an account and logged in with little idea what to expect. For those curious about my first days here, a year ago I wrote a story about them.

My tenth rezzday went much like any other, going about looking for stories around the virtual world, and spending a little time with friends. Baring some unexpected disaster, there's not much chance of this changing anytime soon. I've found personal success here in writing about the news here, and have every intention of keeping on going. Yes, there's always the chance of a Linden blunder that will finally send Second Life fading to black, but they've kept things going for over thirteen years. The place will most likely continue on for quite some time, and chances are so will I.

Bixyl Shuftan.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way - Chapter Two Part One"


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments.

Read the third part of Tantari's guide in Extra

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Furry Fashion Clubs


It's Christmas week, and time for some Christmas-themed events at the Sunweaver and Angel clubs and the Furry Fashion Lounge

Club Cutlass: Best in "U and V," Christmas, (Closed Sat)

Happy Vixen: Red and Green, Christmas Party, Nightmare Before Christmas, Angels and Demons, TBA

The Gathering Oak: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree, White Christmas, Blue and White, Anti-Christmas, Tim Burton, Jazzy Christmas, Christmas Event

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.

Updated 3PM SL time

"Twisted Christmas" Party At The Happy Vixen



Sunday 12PM SL time was the "Twisted Christmas" at the Happy Vixen. As the crowd danced away, Nydia Tungsten took up her mantle of "DJ Naughty Nydia" to spin a series of Christmas comedy and parody tunes from mild to wild to "what the heck?"



Are you tired of all the sickeningly sappy Christmas commercials that started in OCTOBER!?!?! and the Christmas specials on TV with 10 min of show and 15 min of over run TV ads? so much in fact you just want to SCREAM!! Well rather than risking a stay in the local looney bin come join us today at "The Happy Vixen" at noon.

Some were familiar ones such as "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," and "The Twelve Pains of Christmas." Others were more than a little cheeky, such as "I Want a Boob Job For Christmas."And some we can't say the titles here. Some of what the crowd wore was laid back, such as a couple ladies wearing classy gowns. Other chose to get a little wild, such as one deergirl who put mistletoe on her antlers.

The party lasted for three hours, and the 2000L contest was jointly won by Jasmine Dawn and Skylark Lefavre.

Bixyl Shuftan

Monday, December 19, 2016

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way - Chapter One Part Two


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments.

Read the second part of Tantari's guide in Extra

Eye On the Blog: Winter Wonderland Open, "Go Premium For Less"


Xiola Linden made a couple announcements on the official Second Life blog a few days ago. She stated that Linden Lab's "Winter Wonderland" area was once again open.

Winter Wonderland is once again alive with the sights and sounds of holiday delights and snowball fights! To get there, stop by one of the portal parks, follow the trail to the Winter Wonderland teleport portal, and tumble into an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty.

 At the Winter Wonderland area one can find a winter snow track, an ice skate arena, a ferris wheel, an ice shack with presents for Premium members, and the snowball arena, where later today at Noon SL time, the "Snowball Showdown," previously called the Linden Snowball Fight will be taking place following the "Holiday Crawl."

One can access the Winter Wonderland at Portal Park 1 (175/118/52).

Also, Linden Lab was offering a 50 percent discount for residents upgrading their account to Premium, but only for the first quarter year. New Premium accounts would get a 1000 Linden dollar bonus, along with being able to join more groups, access to Premium-only sandboxes, and a "Premium Badge" that allowed them access to more at the Winter Wonderland area.

If you’re not a Premium member yet, now happens to be a great time to upgrade - for a limited time only, save 50% on your first quarter’s payment for a Premium Second Life Membership subscription.*  As a Premium member, you’ll enjoy rewards like exclusive gifts, access to special Premium Sandboxes, a L$1000 sign-up bonus, more group slots, and weekly L$ rewards to spend on the things that make your time in Second Life most enjoyable. Land is better than ever for Premium members and also includes your own inworld home (which just got a 49% prim upgrade), and access to acquire Mainland Regions which were recently upgraded to higher Land Impact limits

For the full details, including the terns and conditions of the 50 percent off discount, check the post in full here.


Cartoon of the Day



Taken at the Happy Vixen. The already winterized beach club gets hit with a blizzard. Now just what would trigger it?

By Bixyl Shuftan

A Busy Weekend



Quite a bit happened this weekend. There was the two-day Saturnalia festival in the Roman community (pictured above). The "Twisted Christmas" party at the Happy Vixen, the Hollywood Christmas event hosted by the SL Enquirer, the Homes for Our Troops Benefit, and more.

We'll get to describing some of them in detail later when we have some time.

SL Video: "The Drax Files: World Makers - Episode 42: Death Row Designs"




(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Draxtor Despres on December 16, "Jaimy Hancroft makes a living creating 3D content in the virtual world of Second Life. Yes, this still seems an esoteric concept for some: bills and vacations paid for by assembling pixels? Well, it has been 10 years since Jaimy created her digital alter ego in the metaverse and judging by the ubiquity of her creations around the SL grid it seems that the post apocalyptic/dystopian architecture, fashion and accessories industry is firmly dominated by the creative force of her brand Death Row Designs.

"Helping to churn out massive amounts of product - everything from gigantic grungy theme parks to cute Disney-esque castles - is her 3D modeler sister Eowyn Swords who lives close by in a small Belgian mining town. We hope this inspiring story of creative empowerment, where a young, self-taught woman loses a father after he shows her a world full of opportunity and life, will connect and inspire! While friends and family may shake their heads at the phenomenon of the economic viability of a virtual goods based business, Jaimy and her mom are already planning their next vacation in a sunnier spot than their native Flandern, all thanks to the mighty Linden Dollar."

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Reader Submitted: "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way"


Tantari Kim has gotten quite a reputation for being a high-energy DJ. The energetic blue vixen has made her mark at the Happy Vixen and a number of other clubs in Second Life. For anyone with the interest, equipment, and time, for DJing in the virtual world, she has written a guide, "How To DJ The DJ Tantari Way." She contacted the Newser, and submitted the guide to be published in several segments.

Read the first part of Tantari's guide in Extra

Press Release: Homes For Our Troops Bennefit Tonight At Veterans Isle


Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announces the twelfth 2016 benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life! 

Frets Nirvana, the premier guitar artist in the virtual world Second Life and the US Military Veterans Group announce a benefit on December 18, 2016 in Second Life for the Veterans Support Organization for Home For Our Troops . 

Frets Nirvana states:  “HFOT is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed defending ours, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, over 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. ”

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The concert on December 18, 2016 is scheduled from 4-9 PM PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, Franklee Anatra, Toxie Darkmatter, Frets Nirvana and Hogan Baily.

ABOUT HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS  - HFOT builds homes as a departure point for Veterans to rebuild their lives, and once again become highly productive members of society. Despite their life-altering injuries, many Veterans have embarked on new careers, completed their college degrees, or started families. Empowered by the freedom a mortgage-free and specially adapted home brings, these Veterans can now focus on their recovery and return to their life’s work of serving others. Many have embraced their roles as motivational speakers, sharing their messages of persevering through tragedy with groups and classrooms around the country; others take to a national platform to promote awareness of veteran suicide, homelessness and PTSD. Their incredible stories are the driving force for the work for HFOT. To learn more about the Homes For Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org

Saturday, December 17, 2016

"Twisted Christmas" Party Tomorrow At The Happy Vixen


Christmas is a great time of year, but sometimes it can wear a little thin. The crowded stores, the over-commercialization, the same darn sappy song on the radio over and over again, and more. It's enough to make one more than a little jaded. Heck, it's enough to drive some of us to punch out the next mall Santa we see.

Well it's time to push back with what's become an annual tradition at the Sunweaver/Angel community: Nydia Tungsten's "Twisted Christmas" Party. She has a collection of funny songs and parodies that are sure to leave you in stitches. They range from the mild such as "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," and "Christmas at Ground Zero," to edgier fare from Andrew Dice Clay and others of which we can't mention the titles.

The event takes place at Sunday December 18 at12 Noon at the Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24)