Technical Difficulties

 

If you can read this, then somehow I lost my connection to the Internet (or was too sleepy to reset the "deadman's switch").

Hopefully it'll be fixed, soon.

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement - THE DICKENS PROJECT: The 2023 Edition, Coming Soon

 

 December 7 - January 7

In a nutshell, The Dickens Project is:a themed experience featuring Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and the world of the story:
   ~ Two scenic regions to explore and enjoy.
   ~ Live music, DJ sets, spoken word, dance events and performances.
   ~ Dozens of performers, presenters.
   ~ Both Invitational and Open Art Shows
   ~ Educational and interpretive content featuring different aspects of Victorian life.
   ~ Horse rambler tour, a hot air balloon ride, and more entertainments.
   
Learn more at www.seanchailibrary.com
https://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/p/the-dickens-project-sl.html

NOTE: this landmark will not work until December 7th

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Dickens%20Project/129/128/1401

Cartoon of The Day: Bird Riding Trouble

 

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

Avatar Release Party at Avagora Mall

 

 

Shukuavli Release Party

December 01 at 7PM SL time, 9PM SL time

 

Three Avatar Raffles

 

Live DJ, Sponsored Mods

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Montecito%20Bay/92/139/702

 

Announcement: Bay City's Annual Tree Lighting 2023

 

A HOLIDAY TRADITION: BAY CITY’S TREE LIGHTING, CONCERT, AND FUNDRAISER

Annual event Returns on 3rd of December

BAY CITY, SL (11 November, 2023) - The Bay City Alliance will once again host its annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, 3rd December 2021 from 1-4 pm SLT at the Bay City Fairgrounds, in North Channel ( http://slurl.com/secondlife/North%20Channel/128/128/24/). The event will feature DJ GoSpeed of KONA Stream and live performances by Wolfie Starfire and Essence Bilasimo. There will be much mirth to be had, as well as ice-skating, dancing, refreshments and a whole lot of fun for all!

As part of the event, a silent auction supporting Child's Play Charity (www.childsplaycharity.org) will be held. At our 2022 event, we raised L$151576, and intend to break that in 2023.

As of this date, several creators, artists, and brand have offered items for the auction, including Madpea, the Genus Project:, Javatar Mocha, Buzzbox Munro, Junk Food, Cica Ghost, Shippe & Saille, Plato Novo, Caly Applewhyte, ChristiSart, Dutch Mainsail, and Vicious Hollow.

Second Life® creators and artists who wish to participate by providing fun, interesting, unique, or other transferrable items (or a no-copy object that the auction winner can give to you to redeem their prize, if the item(s) have to be no transfer) may contact ThomasHooker Resident to participate.

Auction will end at the conclusion of the event. All proceeds from the silent auction and from donation bins at the venue will go to Child's Play Charity. 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.

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, or to participate in the event, please contact Marianne McCann. 

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Green and White, Red and White, Yellow and Orange

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Char, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: Leather and/or Latex

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge: Sexy, Wings, Spots and Stripes, Katurday CAYA, Blue

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

The Newser Bellisseria Satellite Office Opening Party

 

Since it first appeared on the map several years ago, the continent of Bellisseria has been the source of many news stories. Finally, it's been decided to set up a small satellite office there. This Saturday, we're throwing a party to celebrate it's official opening. And the party is open to all residents and visitors, and of course the Lindens and Moles.

The party is at Saturday December 2 at 1PM SL time. DJ Charlee will be playing the music. Be there or miss out on the great tunes, as well as the free food and coffee.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wallingford/128/40/32

 

Note: This is a satellite office. The main office will remain in HV Community.

Do YOU Have A Story?

 

On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

 

This is where you the readers come in.  On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you. We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

SL-Newser reserves the right to post in the appropriate section, edit,  and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyone's name or picture that's clearly someone or use an alias for them).

 

Letter To The Editor, And Response: The Borrower

 

Recently the Newser got a reader submitted article in which the writer was looking for advice. Among the people he knows is someone who is seemingly always asking for Lindens and real-life money, saying he needs it for his SL & real-life, and wonders just what is with this guy. Editor Bixyl Shuftan had a few things to say on the matter.

Read more in People.

 

Sim Total Number Growth, Slight Decline In Private Estates, Continues

 

The current number of sims is 27,735 according to the Second Life Grid Survey. That's more than the number there were at the start of the year according to an article by Daniel Voyager, 27,659. But there is one small detail with the statistics: the number of private sims.

 

As most residents know, some sims are outright owned by Linden Lab while the majority are run by private residents. At the start of the year, January 1, 2023, there were 18,370 private sims and 9289 Linden-owned sims. By July 2, the number of private sims had dipped to 18,330 and the number of Linden owned once had rose to 9360. As of the last report in November 19, the number of Linden run sims had once again risen, to 9542. But once again, the amount of private sims dropped slightly, to 18,193. 

 

So there are 177 fewer private sims and 253 more Linden-run sims than at the beginning of the year. This trend isn't necessarily a bad thing for Linden Lab. While private sims do bring in a lot of money, $210 USD a month, the Linden Home sims on Bellisseria can hold plenty of Linden Homes, and plenty of Premium residents, who pay $12 each a month. And then there's the money they spend, of which the easiest way to get is to buy Linden dollars. On the other hand, private sims can be used to create great and interesting builds, which can attract curious people to Second Life by word of mouth.

So will these trends continue? Time will tell.

Sources: Daniel Voyager's Blog, Second Life Grid Survey

Bixyl Shuftan

Black Friday

 

 

 "We interrupt this Second Life to bring to you the shopping season."

November 24 was "Black Friday." In real life, it's the busiest day for many stores in real life. And here in Second Life, many stores marked off the prices of their goods to attract shoppers eager to scoop up some bargains, getting gifts for friends and loved ones, or just wanted to be part of the shopping experience. It's good news for Linden Lab as it means more people buying up Linden dollars.

Some of the sales, maybe most, go on to today. So feel free to keep on checking for bargains. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of The Day: Shell Yeah

 

 

 Taken from the Second Life inworld map. A number of the Bellisserian sims have funny names. Naturally a cartoon about this one was in order. 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

SL Video: "Scrooge - A SL Christmas Carol - Part One"

 

(Click here if the video does not play)

From AVTV on December 2022, "SCROOGE - A Second Life Christmas Carol AVTV proudly presents ... the Greatest Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol - Second Life Version. Tribute to Second Life in its 20th Anniversary Year. Filmed @ Second Life virtual world."

Linden Lab Spotlight on Nature Collective

 

Last year, the Newser wrote about the Nature Collective, which promotes nature in real life and natural scenery in Second Life. Earlier this week, Linden Lab promoted them on their Second Life Spotlight.

I was inspired to create the Nature Collective after exploring so many beautiful places in my early days of SL. It was obvious that there were so many talented nature creators here and I wanted to find a way to help showcase these areas, make it easier for people to find these locations and get people out exploring them. I also wanted to inspire people to stop and look at the world around them, virtual and real, and maybe get inspired to help with local, national and international nature-related causes.

At its core, The Nature Collective is a group, or a collective if you will, of nature-based sims and locations in Second Life – but we are so much more than that. We encourage exploration of our member locations through our various group events. Many of our locations are focused on real environmental issues and are working to educate people and make an impact. Whether we are nature creators, nature explorers, or both, we care about nature in all its forms and are doing what we can to make a difference and help people connect with nature both in Second Life and in our day-to-day lives.

I feel like The Nature Collective has helped inspire people to create more nature spaces in SL. People get excited about creating and sharing their spaces. It’s also helped people connect. Our little community now has over 2100 members and is continually growing. TNC offers group events aimed at getting people out exploring in SL while meeting new people. We’ve seen friendships blossom over common interests in nature. It’s been truly heartwarming to see our little group into this beautiful community.

The blogpost in it's entirety can be read here. 

Rez Zones For Boats in Bellisseria

 

Among the various activities in Second Life one can do is boating, whether it's a small sailboat or a big yacht. But finding a place to place one from your inventory isn't always easy. Fortunately, the other day in Bellisseria group chat, Abnor Mole offered a list of locations.

 

[11:58] Abnor Mole: If you're looking for a place to rez a big boat... here are a few: 

 

[11:58] Abnor Mole: SSPShell Yeah (118,116,26)

Sloop John B (58,91,26)
 

Buffalo Springs (155,94,26) 

 

Running Bear (221,105,26)
 
SSPRum Tug (106,74,26)
 
Treeowatoor (33,28,26)
 
Bridle Path (208,38,26)
 
Itsa Fluke (124,162,26)
 
BelliHub (167,168,26)
 
Pegleg Channel (193,114,26)
 

Merrymount (33,54,26)
 
Salmon Eddy (154,129,26)
 
Eyrie (131,227,26)
 
Oukranos (126,124,26)
 
Port Cullis (124,129,26)
 

Baxby Gulf (255,53,26)

[11:58] Abnor Mole: Coral Waters (132,93,26)
 
Norse Auk (151,93,26)
 
Whiskey Bay (171,22,26) - next to Fairgrounds
 
Light of Aurelia (194,125,26)
 
Sunrise Pines (227,156,26)

Maiden Rock (81,170,26)

[12:01] Abnor Mole: Rez zones for large boats

Checking one out, I found one happened to be right over the water, and I fell in. So be prepared for a possible bath on heading over. Other residents reccomended slightly different locations, such as Freddie Harrington (Freddie Venus) "We just rezzed a big yacht here also SSPRum Tug (106,87,22)."

 

It should be noted that notecards of boat, car, and airplane rezzing places around the Linden Home continent are occasionally posted in the Bellisseria group. 

Happy boating

Bixyl

Do YOU Have A Story?

 

On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you, the readers.

Have you seen a particularly well-detailed sim? Went to a great event? Found yourself in a hilarious "only in SL" predicament? We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

 

This is where you the readers come in.  On occasion, Second Life Newser will print an article or picture submitted to us by one of you. We're very interested in what you the readers have to say. Send us a story or funny picture, and if we like it, we'll post it as a Reader Submitted. For pictures, jpg format is preferred.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

SL-Newser reserves the right to post in the appropriate section, edit,  and to investigate any names used in submitted stories (please ask permission before using anyone's name or picture that's clearly someone or use an alias for them).

 

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 

  Saturday November 25

    ~*~

    

    At 10 AM PST   

    A Brief History of Genetic Modification in Agriculture

    By Stephen L. Gasior

    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/genetic-modification/

 

    The Science Circle (72,129,30)

      

    ~*~

 

    At 9 PM PST   

    Do Not Try This At Home

    Dr. Michael J. Shaw

    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/do-not-try-this-at-home/

    

    The Science Circle (72,129,30)

 

 

    ~*~

    

    NOTE: Non-members required to register once

    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

 Happy Thanksgiving from the Second Life Newser.

Cartoon of The Day: Possessed Game Board

 

 

 Skipee is a Second Life game similar to Uno, though a bit different. In this match, the three piles of cards all turned up with a six on top at one point. For those who don't know, 666 is supposed to be the Devil's number. It would seem the devil is in the details. 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

The Thanksgiving Parade And Some Xmas Shopping Places

 

The Thanksgiving Parade is back! DJ Franny Dean’s friends were determined to keep her project going, and they succeeded. Gemma Cleanslate went to take a look, but also checked out some places to do some early Christmas shopping. So where did she go?

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Angels Beach Land Rentals

 

At the Angels Beach Land Rental Agency, you can find a great new home in Second Life. With many sims to choose from, in the Sunweaver Estates, Hidden Valley, and Purrfection, you can choose from a variety of environments.

We offer places with friendly and interesting neighbors. Some places have a tropical island look, others more temperate. Some of the sims have access to enough water to boat around in. And there are plans later on for an open water sim for even more water activities. The sims are home to a number of quality clubs, such as Cutlass, Zero Gravity, Xanadu, the BBBC, and the Happy Vixen Beach Club. In one sim alone there are two quality clubs that work together so there is no lag from them. There are also some small shopping areas available.

The sims range from Mature to Adult, but the purpose of the adult rating is for a relaxed atmosphere in which couples can relax. The places do not allow for harassment, and while there are vendors that cater to mature tastes they are discreet about it. Spaces available range from small plots to a full homestead that will rent out for only $30,000L's per month. Most of the sims break the parcels down into 512 Sqm parcels and and most have a sliding rent scale, so the more you rent the cheaper it gets. Our prices are VERY competitive here in Second Life.

 

And if you bring a friend to an Angels Beach area, you get more than just a good neighbor. Anyone that refers a renter to us and they rent land, they will receive 10% of the first months rent. And if someone you know needs help renting out land on his/her sim, bring them to us. Renters who bring in a sim owner needing administration, we will give 10% of our first check.

To learn more, please contact Nydia Tungsten, Brandi Streusel, Jasmine Dawn (Jasmine Knickers), or Matoazma Kazyanenko.

"We pride ourselves on on not just renting land but renting our customers the land you want. We listen to what you tell us on what you are looking for." 

Laura X Is Out

 

After months in development, Laura X has been released.

 

It was August in which it was announced that Maitreya announced they were coming up with a new mesh body, the Laura X. Several days ago, there was an announcement in the group they were "coming ever closer to release," and that already clothing for the new body was out "we work with the creator community to make this release the best it can be for everyone." 

 

Finally on late Monday night, there was talk in a few groups about the body finally being available. On Tuesday, Gemma Cleanslate would confirm it was finally available at the Maitreya store. She managed to get to the sim, also named Maitreya, which was packed, "prepare for lag." Someone would comment, "It's not an update, which is why I'm being careful to not say update .. it's redeliver your purchase which now contains a new body as well. ... You don't buy if you already own, just get your previous purchase redelivered."

Ryan Schultz would message the Newser, "Everybody who has Lara can just click on the Redeliver button (under the Misc tab) on the HUD to get a redelivery, which includes both LaraX and Lara 5.3. ... I'd say that the biggest differences are in the shoulder, armpit, and upper arm area, and the hips and thighs. A lot of mid-sleeve and short-sleeve items are not going to work with LaraX, as well as bathing suits, panties or any other skimpy clothing. Full sleeve length or sleeveless outfits should work, though. Full-length pants and non-skintight skirts of any length should also work, as you can still alpha out what pokes through relatively easily." He stated the body included some underwear, and felt about half of one's outfits wouldn't work well with it, "And they finally fixed the too-high armpits."

 

So Maitreya fans now have their new body just in time for the Christmas shopping season.

Bixyl Shuftan and Gemma Cleanslate

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: TBA, TBA, TBA

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Char, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: Leather and/or Latex

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge: Pajama Party, Hooves and Horns, All That Glitters/Sparkles, Katurday CAYA, Fall Colours

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

 

DJ Franny Dean’s Thanksgiving Parade Returns

 

For some time, FrannyDj Dean had been doing parades in Second Life, notably her Thanksgiving Day one. But in February 2023, she passed away. But for her fans, there is good news. DJ Franny's parade is still on! Gemma Cleanslate will have some more information tomorrow. But for those who can't wait, head to the Amazing World sim.

 

 

Mieville's Frendsgiving

 

 Last week on Wednesday November 15, the Mieville community had a Thanksgiving-themed event: Frendsgiving. "We will have plenty of food, good conversation, board games, and even a few picnic blankets in case anyone needs to lie down and take a nap. AND you may certainly drop by both sessions, or even stay all day long! All are welcome - hope to see you there!"

 

Friendsgiving evening dinner is under way.   Come on over for social hour and Thanksgiving dinner, hosted by Farzaneh.   Mieville Twain (103,193,752)

 

The event took place twice that day, at Noon for European residents, and at 9PM for American ones. According to the community blog, it started in 2018 with the blessing of founder Perryn Peterson. In the short time I was there, there was no shortage of conversation and (virtual) food. And yes that included the turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

WelcomeHub Cinema Shows Fantasy Faire Inspired Show by Saffia Widdershins

 

 

Last week on Thursday November 15 at Noon SL time, there was a premier film short screening at the Cinema in the WelcomeHub area. The featured show was the Episode One of "Harland Quinn and the Omega Hex." The machinima takes place in the Fairelands of the yearly Fantasy Faire event. and was directed by Saffia Widdershins. It was mentioned in the Fantasy Faire and Linden blogs.

Calling all Second Life film buffs and machinima mavens! Get ready to be enthralled by the cinematic magic of "Harland Quinn and the Omega Hex Ep 1," directed by the talented Saffia Widdershins. 

Join us on Wednesday, November 15th, at 12pm PT at the Second Life Cinema for this exciting movie screening. Immerse yourself in the world of Harland Quinn, where fantasy and adventure intertwine, leaving you at the edge of your seat. The screening concludes with an exclusive promotional commentary on the Fantasy Faire in Second Life, offering a glimpse into another spectacular event within our virtual world.

I dropped in a little late, but the video started from the start for those just walking in. Saffia was there, as well as Strawberry Linden. It started off with a reporter asking one of the Fairelands officials about a supposed major threat called the Omega Hex, and the official playing down the threat as overblown. The scene then changes to a man going about a town in a desert in native garb who "ended up here because of a good run of bad choices" as he says to himself in his narration, and instead of magic would rather rely on his pistol. While going about, he's approached by an old adversary who offers a certain proposal.

The audience applauded at the film's end, "Bravo!" "That was amazing!" "It was a wonderful episode, congratulations to the entire team!" "This is so well done." And there was thanks for the theater, "Huge thanks to Linden Lab for letting us open this spectacular venue." Saffia was appreciative, "Thank you so much for watching!" She would also announce, "and in a few minutes ... there a PARTY!"

 

The party itself was in a skybox high above in the Garden of Dreams sim.  Over two dozen went there, and danced to the music.

Saffia would mention several people who helped with the film, "Terra Volitant created the special effects. Bain Finch did those fantastic tracking shots. Aisling Sinclair created the avatars. Ketsui was the assistant director. And Julala and Lil Cinnamon organized the fantastic market in the desert!"

Episode One, "With Friends Like These," is still showing at the WelcomeHub Cinema until the end of the month. Episodes Two and Three can be seen on the Fairelands media website.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/WelcomeHubCinema/52/128/23

Bixyl Shuftan

Sunweaver Christmas Sneak Peek

 

 

 Something Christmasy is on it's way to being built in the Sunweaver community. Exactly what it is, well, it wasn't quite finished when I last saw it. For now, here's a sneak peek.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Press Release: 2023 Christmas Expo

 

Christmas Around The World
The 13th Annual Second Life Christmas Expo Opens December 1st

Second Life’s Premier Christmas shopping and entertainment event, the Second Life Christmas Expo, returns for the thirteenth year, bringing more than 125 merchants, Breedables, Auctions and Raffles, Special Events and more than 150 hours of entertainment at 2 venues. The event, which benefits the mission of the American Cancer Society to End Pediatric Cancers, covers 11 regions each, of which represents the holiday tradition of a different country.  Its “Christmas Around TheWorld” from December 1st through the 10th and also features the Lights Of Hope home decoration competition, will conclude as always with the Annual Holidays of Hope Gala Ball and the incredible Christmas Expo Live Auction!

Linden Lab returns to the Expo once again with special events, valuable auction and raffle prizes (including memberships and regions), Photo Ops and one of kind collectibles, including a Santa Patch Linden bear.

BUT WAIT!  STOP THE PRESSES!  This Year the Expo is proud to introduce the newest and hottest Linden collectible ever!   The Boopie! A  Boopie is not just your av-er-age bear Boo-Boo! Boopies come in special packaging, which itself is expected to become a treasured collectible. They feature sounds, effects and for the Expo the Lindens have created a very special One of a Kind Boopie Penguin which will only be available in Expo Vendors during the event.

In addition to the Boopies you can also join Santa Patch and the Mole-Elves for a special photo opportunity, bid on special Linden Packages and vote for your favorite Holiday Decorated Linden Homes at the Linden Lights of Hope! Be sure to mark your calendar for the 1st Linden & Mole Neighborhood Christmas Party on Wednesday December 6 from 1 to 3 pm on the Linden Lights Of Hope region featuring T1Radio’s award winning host Trader Whiplash.

Holiday entertainment has always been a hallmark of the Expo and 2023 will not disappoint!  The Holly Jolly Café make sits annual return with 10 days of live entertainment featuring nearly 100 of Second Life’s most talented and popular singers and musicians.  If you prefer the club scene, we have that too!  The Electric Reindeer DJ Dance Club makes its Expo debut, offering nightly dancing to some of the best spinners on the grid!  

Still want more?  There’s Sleigh Rides, a Christmas Tree Lot, a Snowman Competition and of course, photos with Santa and Christmas Stories with Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas Expo supports the American Cancer Society and all proceeds are dedicated to Giving The Gift of Hope to children with cancer.  Find out more at SLChristmas Expo.com

The American Cancer Society is the world’s leader in the fight against cancer, with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. If you or someone you know has questions about cancer, a cancer diagnosis, prevention and screening guideline visit the Society website at cancer.org or call 800-227-2345. Need support in world visit the American Cancer Society region, where you will find caregiver and survivor support and a direct chat link to an ACS Cancer Information specialist. 

Cartoon of The Day: Emergency Food Supply

 

 

 Taken on a shopping trip. This lady had her pet pig with her. Potbelly pigs do have a small following in real life. But most still see them as food. 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Music Video Maker Furrex Banned From Second Life

 

Over the years, the Newser has posted on Saturdays a number of music videos done in Second Life. Some of them were from a resident known on Youtube as Furrex, or Furry Alex in the past. But it looks like there will be no more. A few days ago, he released a video stating he had been banned from the virtual world. It included a picture of the email from Linden Lab stating they had "terminated" his access "due to severe or repeated violations of the Second Life Terms of Service or Community Standards."

Furrex stated in the comments (in Russian) that it was no secret he had been doing photoshoots or videos for payment, "... this has allowed me to improve the content of the channel. ...  As far as I know, the platform rules do not prohibit doing this." He went on to state that he couldn't buy Linden dollars himself "due to restrictions in my country. Therefore, I used what seemed to me a legal method." Two days earlier, he had done a deal for a video for 30,000 Lindens "and within an hour I received an automatic ban."

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

He would state at first he thought he broke something, and went to technical support. It was then he was informed of the ban, and asked what was his relationship with the resident who had given him the Linden dollars, "but it seems to me that the support didn’t even read what I wrote about, they simply ignored my words." He filed another appeal, and was told "that I also used some programs. I have no idea what programs can be used for SecondLife. I apologize for using Fraps and Sony Vegas 19." Fraps is a video program, and Vegas 19 is a video editor.

I will probably never be unblocked again. Also, I still have no idea why I got banned. I am not going to somehow bypass the blocking, register new accounts or use my second empty account, because I have always been an honest user and remain one to this day. ... Unfortunately, I can’t somehow influence this situation, I had a lot of new content prepared for you, ideas, avatars, animations, while I’m writing this, my soul is just crying ... It was something.

I just want to say thank you to all of you, you are the best and most positive thing that has happened in my life. It has been my absolute pleasure to create content for you. Each of my videos is a piece of my soul, this is what I felt at that moment, these were my thoughts, my mood, what I wanted to show. ... Thank you for the gift of emotions and the opportunity to express yourself. Over these 9 years, the content has grown very much in terms of quality and my individual experience, it would seem that now there would be something unreal, but, alas, it happens. Life doesn't always happen the way we want.

As Linden Lab doesn't go into why it bans people with others, we have only Furrex's explanation. Beyond that, we can only speculate. Over the years, the Newser has written about a number of people who were banned. Some such as zFire Xue the creator of Redzone clearly deserved it. There were others in which while a ban was understandable there could have been a warning instead such as when one young businesswoman used her mother's credit card to get Linden dollars. And then there were times such as when one hacked resident instead of having her account returned found it was banned and making another to rejoin her friends found that banned as well. A few years ago, the owner of Rainworx was banned for having a claw machine at her place. But after word got around, Linden Lab did a rare reversal and lifted the ban.

In any case, it looks like this is the end for Furrex's videos. He has some more we haven't shown, notably a few new ones, but he will be making no more, at least not in Second Life. 

*Addition* I've heard some speculation that the reason for Furrex's ban was because of the sanctions on his country due to it's dictator's invasion of it's neighbor. It's also been speculated that the person who he did business with had gotten the money through less than legal means and somehow the music maker got caught up in it. What is known is that he crossed out "last video" in the Youtube's title and is continuing to make music videos. So it seems we'll continuing to hear more from Furrex.

 

Bixyl Shuftan  

Merrymount And Cesa Gallery

 

Gemma Cleanslate was recently at two noteable places on the Grid. For one, she went on a BBB-led tour to the Bellissarian sim of Merrymount, one of its community areas. There people can play games, chat with others, or just relax. She also went to the opening of a new art gallery at Cesa, featuring art by Stevie Basavi.

 

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

Sixteen Years of Writing Second Life News

 

It was sixteen years ago this month in which my Second Life as I knew it started. I had only recently started logging on regularly, was wanting to find out more about this virtual world, and began reading forums, blogs, and newsletters. This included the Second Life Newspaper, which had a number of writers who wrote about the people, places, and events across the Grid. Eventually, they posted an invitation to the readers to submit articles or pictures, and so I did. The owner was happy, and asked for more. And eventually, I was asked over for an interview, and got a job here as a virtual journalist, Second Life's "Fox Reporter."

It's been quite a journey writing the news, the first few years of which are a story unto themselves, after which my role changed from one of Second Life Newspaper's reporters to Second Life Newser's leader, once again the first few years of this getting their own story. But I was, and still am, still writing about the people, places, and events big and small across the virtual world. 

 

Much has changed from the early days. Many sims and a few communities have closed. People have left. But other places have opened and more people have come in. The place has gone from the darling of the tech media with a few major real-life corporations here to a place online that occasionally makes real-life news. Linden Lab's role has also changed somewhat, taking a more active role, taking part in more events and directly running one of the continents. Early on, I'd report on the occasional Linden blunder. But over the years, such blunders have gotten fewer and farther between, though still happen.

And I've changed a little as well after all these years. In real life, I've gotten grayer, gone through a career change, and sadly lost some friends and family. But I've also gotten some friends over the years as well, and dear Charlee. And of course I'm still a writer at heart, and will be continuing to report the news here in Second Life with my team for some time to come. 

"And that's the way it is." Good day from the Second Life Newser

Bixyl Shuftan

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: "A Night Out"

 

 From Traci Quandry-Marabana (Traci Quandry), who posted this Flickr image of her and her raccoon minions at the Chalet region hangout "The Drunken Mouse," "A Night Out" on Bellisseria chat, "Last time I take them anywhere." We'll see if that's the case with her band of raccoons, who can be just as cute and persuasive as they are mischievous.

 

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 

  Saturday November 18

    ~*~

    

    At 10 AM PST   

    Human Migration: What Can It Tell Us About Our Past And Future

    By Linday Kelley and Merrill Johnson

    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/human-migration/

 

    The Science Circle (72,129,30)

      

    ~*~

 

    At 9 PM PST   

    World Television Day

    Jes Stannard

    https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/world-television-day/

    

    The Science Circle (72,129,30)

 

 

    ~*~

    

    NOTE: Non-members required to register once

    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝

 

Reader Submitted: Club Cutlass Annual Veteran’s Day Honor Dance

 

 On Saturday November, 11th the Sunweaver community held its regular Saturday night dance, however this one was different as it was a special dance to honor Real life Veteran’s. It was requested that vets wear uniforms of their service if they had one and others who had not served to reframe from wearing such. Cynthia Farshore, who herself is a Navy Veteran, was the DJ for the evening. The music played was songs from the different eras of conflict starting with the American Revolution and progressing up to today's.

At the end of the dance the veterans were asked to form up under the service flags to be recognized and photos. This time there were only four.

Left to right, Zorro Wuramunga, Rita Mariner, Shockwave Yareach, Cynthia Farshore.

 

Cynthia Farshore 

Advertisement: Tarot Lessons by Grease Coakes

 

 

 Every Saturday at Noon SL time

Free reading to a lucky winner every class

Voice required  (to hear) for classes.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tantra/229/234/3333

 

Cartoon of The Day: Clogged Sink

 

 

 Picture from NightFurson Lightworker, who won second place in Furry Fashion's Halloween picture contest. In the screenshot, a slimegirl is trying to unclog a sink in which she may or may not have done the clogging. While some fantasy fans would be curious and try to make a friend, others more familiar with movie monsters than anime "monster girls" would quickly scram. 

By Bixyl Shuftan

SL Newser Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

 

 

 With Veterans Day behind us, the next holiday on the horizon is Thanksgiving. So Gemma Cleanslate has been busy decorating our office in HV Community a little, with Pilgrims, pumpkins, and a turkey.

Stay tuned for a Thanksgiving-themed article or two.

 

Announcement: Mieville Historical Hunts & Events "A Seaside Christmas"

 

Event Description:
Visit a quaint seaside market in Mieville Dickens and the Christmas retreat in Mieville Shelley for Mieville Historical Hunts & Events "A Seaside Christmas"! Enjoy a sunny seaside holiday while you shop and explore, play the game, and join in the dances and social gatherings. Join us for the fun!

> Merchants can apply now for a free spot:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc50gSkhFNxc9rsNaRUlzManmJbpTndGiP8Kxp9GEA1TaRkzA/viewform     

Event Start Date:
December 1, 2023

Event End Date:
December 31, 2023

Event Location SLURL:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mieville%20Doyle/203/225/22

Event Website:
https://mievillehistoricalhunts.blogspot.com/

Contact Person: Una (UnaLunaqat Resident)

Events This Week at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay Clubs, and Furry Fashion Lounge

 

Here's what's going on at the Sunweaver and Montecito Bay clubs, and the Furry Fashion Lounge.

Club Cutlass: Black, Sci-Fi, Rainbow

Happy Vixen: DJ Maliit, DJ Arooo, DJ Char, DJ Snowy, DJ Mattie, DJ Squeaks, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: Foxes

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club: DJ Snowy

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

Club Squeaks: DJ Squeaks

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

Furry Fashion Lounge:  Monochrome, Rainbow, Cyberpunk, CAYA

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Phishing Scam Viewer Worries Get Linden Lab's Attention

 

It's a sad fact that the Internet is full of scammers. And unfortunately some have come to Second Life.  There's been some news going around recently about one particular phishing scam: a viewer that will supposedly give you unlimited Lindens, and allow you to build anywhere.

Hello,

Are you tired of spending your hard-earned Linden Dollars? We've got an exciting solution just for you! Introducing our SecondLive Viewer, where everything is not only free but also open for endless possibilities.

• Unlock unlimited Linden Dollars (L$) for all your virtual adventures.
• Fly to unlimited heights.
• Build on any land of your choice, all for free.

But that's just the beginning.

Link: <Some URL, typically a tinyurl link>

We're sincerely thankful to everyone who joins us in our mission to make SecondLife completely free. Don't miss this incredible opportunity.

Best Regards.

Most residents would recognize right away these claims are bogus. Viewers can't create Linden dollars, only Linden Lab's computers can do that. One would have to hack into them, and keep hacking to get the virtual money, which would not only be extremely difficult, but easily discovered and traced. Nor can your viewer determine which land you can build on - the permissions of who can and can't are stored in the servers.

Firestorm would express worries of copybot viewers last month before I personally started hearing about the forementioned scam. The scam itself I first heard about when a few people passed me a link to a post made by FelixWolf on GitHub, who would be identified by Inara Pey of Modem World as Chaser Zaks of Team Firestorm who "risked taking a look under the covers of the code that is supplied."

What the viewer actually does is run a program called builddata.bat on your computer, which installs a number of remote administrative toolkits (or RATs). Once your machine is infested with these RATs, the scammer can:

Steal your Linden dollars and go through your inventory

Steal your password and hijack your account, and whatever they do, people (and Linden Lab) will think it's you.

Go into your computer and steal/delete your files.

 

Steal your banking and credit card information, and steal your real-world money, and possibly ruin your credit.

 

Discover real-life information on you, such as your city and street address. 

 

Activate your camera and take pictures of you and the contents of your room. If they get your real-life location, they may know where to find valuable items to steal. 

Last Thursday, Linden Lab would feel the need to remind it's residents of the dangers of phishing scams in general, "Ensuring A Secure Second Life Experience." It brought up this particular viewer, "

It is important to remember that downloading software from unknown sources has a very real risk associated with it. You could unintentionally allow someone to monitor your keystrokes or even gain complete control over your computer. It has the potential to expose not just your Second Life password, but all other important information you have on your computer. ... Be wary of suspicious links or attachments sent by other users. These may be attempts to compromise your account or computer. ... Only download and install the official Second Life viewer, or an approved Third-Party viewer directly from the links provided by our site."

 

So once again, a reminder that one needs to be a little wary when going about Second Life (and the Internet in general), and don't let yourself get a RAT infestation. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan